Effective Ways To Skin Care

The largest organ of the body is right out there for all to see, the skin. Yes, it is an organ with definite functions. One main function of the skin is to help remove toxins and waste from the body through the process of sweating. If the toxins are trapped in clogged pores they can badly result in symptoms like acne. If the skin can not breathe properly, it can not properly cleanse itself.

When thinking about skin care, people must remember that their skin is a gateway, not a barrier. Oxygen and other chemicals used to move through the skin, going in and out of the body. Americans spend millions of dollars each month on skin care products, but the matter is whether they are getting the right ones or not. People must know what their skin needs to stay vibrant and healthy and therefore good-looking. The first place to start is to determine the type of skin one have. People can then move on to discovering what regimen will help them to maintain its health.

There are three basic skin types - oily, dry and combination skin. Probably people will find the skin is some mixture of these types, as they are quite broad. Oily skin tends to be shiny and typically prone to blackheads and acne. This type needs no moisturizing, particularly during young age. Containing an excess of sebum, the material that keeps the skin from drying out, oily skin tends to attract and catch dirt and whatnot in the pores. People may benefit from plain, mild soap and plain water. Washing with warm water help to open the pores and loosen the dirt and rinse with cold to help the pores close back up. A toner or astringent, which are drying agents, may be applied just after cleansing. People must avoid alcohol-based products, as these kill the skin cells and do not apply any oily substances. If the label says the product contains mineral alcohol or oil, then people should choose another.

Dry skin looks dull and can be flaky. There is a lack of sebum, which creates this dryness and the skin can be easily chapped and cracked. In very hot or cold weather, dry skin reacts by tightening up, people can feel the tightness if they have it. Mild, alcohol-free cleansers and make-up are important to combat the dry flakiness and people should moisturize the skin daily. Most of the people, of course have some combination of dry and oily areas. Commonly there is an oily area around the forehead, chin and nose called the "T" zone, with drier skin elsewhere. Unless these differences are severe, people should not need two products, but should use a mild cleanser and arm water. There are several cleansers designed for combination skin and people might want to experiment with these. They could also experiment with moisturizing the dry areas.

An important point, which should be clear from the above, is that any product containing oils should be avoided, regardless of any skin type. The old theory was that the oils would trap moisture inside the skin and therefore always keep it hydrated and young. This has been proven to be a very poor approach to skin care because, as mentioned, the skin is a membrane through which gases and liquids must pass. Sealing it up with oil merely traps dirt in the skin and prevents the necessary sloughing off of normal skin cells. Further, when sealed this way the moisturizer cannot get into the skin where it is needed. People must choose their skin care plan carefully, drink plenty of water and they can maintain youthful skin for many decades.

• John Palsson
• 19/12/2008, 4:59 AM
• 0 Comments