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Skin typically falls into one of three different types. Read and review
the following categories to best determine the skin you are in
TYPE 1- Sensitive, Fragile or Dry. Your skin may fit
into this category because of light coloring with little natural sun
protection. It also may have skin sensitivies or allergies. Certain
medications can push you into this category also. Gentle products, no
harsh acids or alcohol and added moisture are needed.
TYPE 2- Balanced Not too oily, not to dry and no extreme
challenges. Primary goal is to keep healthy condition and promote protection
and preventative lifestyle.
TYPE 3- Oily or Acne Prone. Usually thicker skin with
less wrinkling. Excess oil may need control. Acne lesions may need treatment.
BASIC CARE
The basic steps of skin care are: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Protect. The key
here is to find the product type that works best for your skin type.
Choosing the wrong products can be worse than doing nothing at all,
and with the myriad of choices on the market, confusion can reign. Here
are a few tips for your skin type:
TYPE 1
Cleanse
Generally does best with non-soap cleanser, which may be in a bar or
creamy form. Gentle is the key, so look for non-abrasive textures. New
ways to cleanse include fruit sugars (beta fructans)and hydrating ingredients.
Aloe, cucumber and hyaluronates are in the “safe bets” category.
Exfoliate
Mild exfoliation will remove dead skin cells without irritation and
allow moisture and special care products to work more efficiently. Exfoliation
can be achieved manually, by simply using a wash cloth. Make a compress
with cloth soaked in warm water and place on skin for a few minutes.
Then use cloth in gentle, circular motion across skin. Enzymes also
work well. Choose a gentle enzyme mask meant for sensitive skin. The
enzyme acts as a “proteolytic” to ingest dead cells. Gently
remove the sticky residue with warm water and a wash cloth. Exfoliate
the skin twice weekly for best results. Stay away from strong acids
(glycolic, salicylic) typically used in skin care, buffing granules
and clay type masks.
Protection
The goal is to create an environmental barrier while adding some protective
moisture and strengthening the somewhat weak lipid (oil)barrier of the
skin. Choose products that have chemical free sunscreen protection and
moisture enhancing ingredients. Sensitive skins usually do best with
fewer additives, although some calming essential oils and botanicals
may help. Calendula, lavender and vitamin E are favorite additives.
TYPE 2
Cleanse
Your skin type has more flexibility in choices. Cleansing bars, gel
or creamy cleansers may all work for you. Mild alphahydroxy acids formulated
into the cleanser can make a nice addition for smoother, fresher skin
(look for lactic, glycolic and fruit acid complexes). Allow cleanser
to remain on skin for one to two minutes to loosen debris before rinsing.
Stay away from traditional soap bars, which may leave a film (like soap
scum) or act harshly and overdry normal skins.
Exfoliate
As we age, our skin metabolism slows, causing the shedding function
to be less efficient. By removing surface layers, we stimulate new cell
growth to help maintain a healthy, viable dermis (the functioning layer).
This will discourage lines and loss of elasticity, while keeping skin
looking smooth. Light strengths of alphahydroxy acids in a gel base
or an astringent form work well. Look for strengths not greater than
10% combined for your routine maintenance. Layer on after cleansing
or at night.
Protection
Light moisture is best for daytime or under sunscreen/makeup. Use a
multi- functional product that has sunscreen as well. Tinted moisture
products are an excellent choice for this category for both male and
female.