Skin Care Tips
Three Different Skin Types:
TYPE 1- Sensitive, Fragile or Dry.
- light coloring with little natural sun protection.
- may have skin sensitivies or allergies.
- 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
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 best 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.
