Skin Care, Anti-Aging and Health Tips and Advice
Skin Care for Oily, Dry, or Combination Skin
October 2004
MONTHLY SKIN CARE TIP
One of the questions most of our clients ask concerns whether or not skin on the fact ages faster than the skin on the rest of the body. While there is no scientific evidence to support the answer, the preponderance of evidence appears to be that whatever skin we have most exposed to the sun ages quickest. In fact, it's not actually the aging process but what we expose our skin to and how we treat our skin is the basis for the rate at which it ages.
Dermatologists explain it like this. Aging occurs two ways, intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic is a rate of aging that occurs as time passes, while external or extrinsic is a formula calculated by intrinsic aging plus external factors - sun exposure, pollution, rough treatment, the cosmetics we use, the diseases of life, and various inflammations that are caused by harsh detergents.
To visually see for yourself the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic, look at the skin on your face vs. skin on you inner arm. Collagen, which is a protein, is one of the substances that gives our skin its youthful feel and appearance. Wrinkles are actually created as little scars that are formed when the collagen is damaged by all of the various items described in the above paragraph. Critical to our long-term skin care health is understanding whether we have naturally dry, oily, or combination skin and caring for it accordingly.
The following primer on basic skin care for the 3 major types is brought to you by IH Distribution LLC, a world-wide marketer of premier anti-aging skin care products. We sincerely hope the article has been beneficial to you and recommend you pass it on to friends, relatives, or neighbors. Please visit our website at www.ihdistribution.com and our affiliated site, www.realprogesterone.com, for up-to-the-minute information on the raging controversy between hormone replacement therapy and natural progesterone creams.
TREAT YOUR "DRY" SKIN RIGHT
The five main causes of tight, parched skin care:
- The effects of aging
- Using a cleanser that's too harsh
- Using a moisturizer that's not rich enough
- Using cosmetics that are not oil based
- Not having enough sun protection
- Supple, radiant skin will be the reward for making a gentle skin care routine a daily habit.
Cleansing
Gentle cleansing is a must for dry skin. Fortunately, there are plenty to try. The three primary categories of cleansers for dry skin are:
- "Superfatted" soaps, often called "beauty bars". They contain special emollients such as olive oil or lanolin.
- Milky liquid cleansers, gently applied then rinsed off with warm water.
- Cleansing creams that are applied with fingertips then tissued off.
Moisturizing
Hydrating ingredients are very necessary in moisturizers for people prone to dry skin. The product should be formulated with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or dimethicone. These ingredients slow down moisture loss during the day, preventing further dehydration of the skin. If you don't have acne pure olive oil can be used as a moisturizer before bed. Of course, olive oil has no sun protectant properties, so sunscreen during the day is a must.
Cosmetics
Foundation, blusher, and powder should all be oil-based. They will have such terminology as, "hydrating", "nourishing", and "moisturizing" in their names. A cream or cream-powder blusher will make your skin look dewy, as opposed to powder blushers, which will emphasize lines and wrinkles.
Protection From The Sun
Less oil is produced by dry skin than by the other skin types, so it's more vulnerable to inflammation. An SPF-15 sunscreen should be used year-round or a moisturizer with added sunscreen and antioxidants can be used. Use plenty of this protectant on the face, neck, and chest.
In Summary
- DO use a mild, soap-free liquid/creamy cleanser or "superfatted" cleansing bar to wash your face at night. Just splash warm water on your fact in the morning.
- DO use a moisturizer that is formulated with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or dimethicone. These prevent further dryness by inhibiting moisture loss.
- DO lock in moisture by applying moisturizer to skin that is still damp.
- DO use an oil-based foundation.
- DO use a cream or cream-powder blusher.
- DON'T ever use a harsh soap to cleanse facial and neck skin.
- DON'T use buffing pads or grainy/gritty cleaning products.
- DON'T leave the house without a sun protection of at least SPF 15. Face, neck, and chest should be protected every day, year-round.
TREAT YOUR "OILY" SKIN RIGHT
People with oily skin may not appreciate the shiny nose/forehead and greasy cheeks, but the fact is that the oil is a built-in lubricant that will slow down the effects of aging.
Cleansing
In an attempt to dry-up the abundant oil that many people experience, they frequently sue harsh, detergent-based soaps and astringents that are alcohol-based. These products can damage the skin over time, and may actually encourage oil glands to product more oil. Cleansers that are specially formulated for oily skin includes oil-binding liquids or gel cleansers. Cleansing cream, lanolin, and cocoa butter should be avoided. The most effective oil control cleanser we have found is "Delicate Face Cleanser" found at www.ihdistribution.com. It's an extra mild pH-balanced cleanser with antioxidant and nutritive vitamins and botanicals that leave your skin feeling cleansed and refreshed.
Moisturizing
It is possible that by not using harsh cleansers, there is no need for a moisturizer. But if you feel you COULD use a moisturizer, be sure to find one that contains humectants (ingredients that attract and hold water), such as glycerin and sodium pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid (PCA). This combination of ingredients trap water in your skin without producing a greasy shine. Also, use a moisturizing lotion rather than cream, because they are lighter and contain less oil, so they won't clog the pores.
Cosmetics
Oil-free and water-based foundations are preferred because they won't add extra oil to the skin. Some products actually soak-up excess oil. They are termed oil-blotting foundations and powders. Blusher should be a powder rather than a cream.
Protection From The Sun
All skin types need to be protected from the damaging rays of the sun, but people with oily skin may want to opt for oil-free sunscreen. There is no added oil, which may cause breakouts.
In Summary
- DO use a specially formulated cleansing gel or oil-binding liquid cleanser
- DO use lotions, rather than creams, to cleanse the skin
- DO protect your face/neck/chest form the sun by using oil-free sunscreens
- DON'T attempt to counteract the skin's oil by using a harsh cleanser or astringent
- DON'T use oil-based make-up
TREAT YOUR "COMBINATION" SKIN RIGHT
Combination skin can be a little challenging to care for, because the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oily, while the cheeks and neck are generally dry.
Cleansing
Combination skin is so common that many cleansing products are available for that skin type. The label will describe the product as appropriate for normal/combination skin. It is possible that you will want to use an astringent in the T-zone, but only use it once a day.
Moisturizing
Not all parts of your face will need a moisturizing product, so don't hesitate to avoid areas where you are prone to oiliness. Special care should be used beneath the eyes. The preservatives found in eye creams keep them sterile and prevent eye infections.
Cosmetics
Moisturizer will be on the drier areas of the face and a water-based foundation may be the perfect formula for you, but it your T-zone is extremely oily, an oil-free foundation may be preferred.
Protection From The Sun
An oil-free SPF-15 sunscreen or an oil-free SPF-15 moisturizer should be used at all times.
In Summary
- DO moisturizer only where necessary, including the tender area beneath the eyes
- DO use water-based or oil-free foundation
- DO use an oil-free SPF-15 sunscreen every day
- DON'T use an astringent on dry areas
- DON'T use an astringent more than once a day
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