17, October 2014: Being the largest and most noticeable organ in the body, there are certain things to do in order to take care of the skin. One of these is changing one’s lifestyle. Eating the proper kinds of foods, taking vitamins, eliminating vices, and using products that are essential for the skin are just some of the ways to have a youthful glowing skin.

The skin types

Before choosing the right products for one’s skin, he should be aware first about the different skin types and be able to categorize what type of skin he has. These types depend on the water content, the oil or lipid content, and the sensitivity level.

• Normal skin type – this type is constituted by skins which are not too dry or too oily. They possess few imperfections, visible pores, radiant complexion and no severe sensitivity.

• Combination skin type – these are skins that can be dry in some areas but oily in others like in the chin, forehead, and nose. Skins have overly dilated pores, shiny skin, and blackheads.

• Dry skin type – this type possess invisible pores, less elasticity, dull and rough complexion, red patches, and visible limes. They may peel, crack, and become itchy, rough, scaly, inflamed, or irritated.

• Oily skin type – these are skins with dull, shiny, and thick complexion. They have enlarged pores, pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes.

• Sensitive skin type – the skins under this are characterized by itching, redness, burning, and dryness.

Types of skin care products

All of the products for the skin can be divided into three large categories: cleaners, moisturizers, and exfoliates.

• Cleaners – they are designed to attract dirt and debris away from the skin while making them looking refreshed, healthy and beautiful. Example of this is a facial wash which can either be in a form of a solid or liquid soap; this is lathered up with water in order to clean the body particularly the face. They are times that this facial wash decreases the moisture of the skin that’s why some people prefer cleansing gels. They are best recommended for oily type of skin since they can also prevent pimples and blackheads while maintaining the moisture of the skin. For dry skins, a person is suggested to use cream cleansers; they are characterized by very light fluid consistency which will then dissolve the dirt in the skin’s surface. After cleansing, a person can also apply toners. They easily evaporate and leave a refreshing and cooling sensation in the skin. Toners that are alcohol-based are offered for oily type of skin.

• Moisturizers – like a paste, they are directly applied to the skin making them soft, smooth, supple, and firm. As the name implies, they aid in maintaining the moisture of the skin. They are also accompanied by additional vitamins and minerals which will eventually penetrate the skin to make it more healthy and hydrated. These moisturizers are usually combined with face serums and are suggested for all skin types. Eye creams are also very popular at present since they plump out fine line while keeping the skin within the eye area soft plus reducing puffiness and darkness to conceal the signs of ageing. There are also day and night creams which provide the skin an added boost while working in the morning as well as when sleeping at night.

• Exfoliates – they remove the dead skin cells from the surface which will lead to cell regeneration, avoidance of emerging acne, and glowing skin. They are very essential because without them, dead skin cells will wreak and clog skin pores.

Ingredients used in making products for skin care

• Alpha-Hydroxy Acids – the common forms of AHAs are lactic, glycolic, tartaric, and citric acids. Creams and lotions containing any of these AHAs are believed to be very effective in removing fine lines, irregular pigmentation, and even age spots. On the contrary, these AHAs can give side effects like mild irritation as well as sun sensitivity.

• Beta-Hydroxy Acids – this is commonly known as salicylic acid. Salicylic acid can exfoliate the skin which will then improve its color and texture. Compared with products containing AHAs, products with salicylic acid are less irritating but provide similar result. Its side effects include allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. Products containing salicylic acid are also prohibited to pregnant women.

• Hyalutonic Acid – this acid is often combined with Vitamin C and is usually found in the young skin, joint fluid, and other tissues of both man and animals. As a great lubricant, this acid is now used to treat a wrinkled skin.

• Hydroquinone – bleaching creams as well as lightening agents are the ones utilizing this particular ingredient in order to lighten hyperpigmentation.

• Kojic Acid – developed in 1989, this type of acid made from fungus is also used to treat age spots and pigment problems. This works like hydroquinone but in a lighter sense.

• Retinol - this active ingredient came from vitamin A. They also improve mottled pigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, skin texture, color, and tone. Though effective, it’s also prohibited to pregnant women.

• Vitamin C – being the only antioxidant that boosts collagen production, vitamin C also helps in minimizing scars, wrinkles, and fine lines.

• Copper Peptide – once included in a beauty product, this ingredient will aid in the skin’s production of collagen and elastin.

Caring for the skin naturally

Natural skin care is also prominent nowadays for it offers a more healthy way of caring for the skin. They are called as such for they are made out of botanically sourced ingredients like roots, herbs, flowers, and essential oils. They are free from synthetic chemicals which are known to be very harmful for the skin and the body as a whole. The good thing about these natural products for caring the skin is that they can be made outside factories and even at the comfort of one’s home. In reality, many spas and salons are now utilizing these products over the synthetic ones.

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