Face-Washing: The Core Of A Good Skincare Regimen

The act of washing one’s face is one of the fundamental steps that a person can take in the realm of skincare, such that its place as the cornerstone of a skincare regimen is hardly arguable. This is a basic act, one that does not require too much effort or time to be expended in doing it, and really just asks that the person have a reasonable level of manual dexterity and access to a supply of clean water. Washing your face also happens to be one of the very few things that dermatologists are not going to dispute each other over, simply because it works the way it should. Granted, it is advisable that it not be the only part of a skincare regimen, but it does form an integral component.

People should take care to make sure that their hands are clean prior to washing their face, if only because it would be the logical thing to do. Since people are going to be using their hands to wash their face, it would be sensible to make sure that the hands are as clean as possible, to avoid doing damage when the action is supposed to be preventing damage. Aside from the prerequisite water, rinsing the hands with soap can help clean off any visible dirt and acts as a preliminary measure for getting rid of bacteria that might be on there.

Hot water is not advisable for washing your face with. This is a common mistake, particularly because it is a simple matter to confuse hot water with warm water. In reality, warm water is best used because it opens up the pores, allowing the water to flow in and wash things out. Hot water can do this as well, but has the potential to cause damage to the skin, especially if the skin is sensitive. Some people also advocate the use of cold water to close the pores afterwards. The use of cold water for rinsing closes the pores and prevents dirt and other irritants from entering the skin again.

Applying skin cleanser is advisable in between the warm and cold treatments, giving it the chance to seep into the pores and do its job. Applying such topical treatments on closed pores reduces their potency, so rinsing the skin with warm water is advisable. Small amounts are also best, particularly if the skin is sensitive. Cleansers and other topical treatments are best used from the forehead down, unless the instructions specify otherwise. Sensitivity to the cleanser should also be noted, because not all of them follow the same potencies and strengths. In some cases, using smaller amounts helps, but for others, switching to another product completely is the better option.

Lotion vs. Skin Care Creams

There is no dearth of skin care creams and lotions in the market. Name an ailment, and you will find hundreds of skin care creams, lotions and other products for it. As a result of ongoing research and due to ever increasing demand, the number of skin care products seems to be on the increase. Skin care lotions and skin care creams are the most popular forms in which these products are available, and there always seems to be a debate on which form is better?

Well, there is no definitive answer to this. It seems more like a matter of personal choice. However, greasy creams are surely less popular as compared to the non-greasy (or less greasy) ones. Since the application of skin care creams is easier, they seem to be preferred (over lotions) in cases where the skin care product is not to be removed immediately after application. So, skin care creams seem more popular as moisturisers than as cleansers or toners. For toners, lotions seem to be preferred over skin care creams. There are some skin care creams that acts as toners too, but generally the toners are available in liquid form only. For cleansing, lotions and skin care creams are equally popular; however, the tilt seems more towards lotions.

Creams are known to be most effective in keeping skin moist; hence, the most popular form of skin care creams is moisturisers. Due to the same reason, a lot of people tend to associate skin care creams with dry and sensitive skin. Though it is true to a certain extent, skin care creams are not used only for dry skin, they are also used for making products for oily skin e.g. vitamin A creams and sulphur creams that help reduce the rate of sebum production.

Skin care creams are also used for products that cater to skin disorders especially for disorders that require the application of product over a small localised area. This is again due to the fact that skin care creams are easier to apply (without wastage) on the affected area. However, in cases where skin needs to be washed using a medicine/product, lotion is a better choice. Mostly, the manufacturers too realize this fact, making it easier for you to choose between a lotion and a skin care cream

Eye-creams and anti-ageing creams are other examples where skin care cream is preferred over its lotion counterpart.

Whatever your choice be (cream or lotion), knowing how to use it effectively, is more important than anything else.

Skin Care For Men

The manufacturers of beauty care products have blatantly ignored men while persistently pursuing women. Decade ago beauty regime, cosmetics, etc were considered a female’s prerogative. So what’s new? There is a clear blurring of gender lines in today’s world. Eyebrow plucking, facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, hair removal and hair colours, which were regaled to women only, now find a mention in men’s list for beauty.

Men have shown interest in taking better care of their skin. Simple daily ritual of cleansing and moisturizing is the key to healthy beautiful skin. Men’s skin care products include moisturizing creams, cleansers, face and body wash, scrubs, exfoliant and night renewal cream with a variety of natural ingredients for example sea salt, coconut, Aloe Vera and even beer.

Men’s skin is 20% thicker than woman’s skin because it’s richer in collagen and elastin. The active sebaceous glands make the skin much oilier. No matter what is your skin type, you have to clean your face daily. Deep cleansing keeps the pores clear, skin healthy and good looking. Just like women’s skin, men’s skin is also prone to dehydration, sun damage, changes in the environment like air pollution, climate etc. Basic cleansing, protection and moisturizing after shaving is an effective skin care routine.

- Daily face washing will unclog the pores and help in prevention of variety of skin conditions such pimples, acne, ingrown hair, etc.

- Daily shaving of their face makes the skin prone to dehydration. Use shaving creams or foams designed for specific skin type.

- If your skin is prone to imperfections such nicks, pimples, etc after shaving; soothe the skin with moisturizer or after-shave lotion.

- Sunscreens are not only for women. Men’s skin should also be protected against the sun. Buy sunscreen or moisturizers with SPF of 15 or above.

- Steam your face before shaving. It opens up hair follicles. Splash cold water on your face after shaving to close the pores on the skin. Aloe Vera is a wonderful post shave moisturizer.

- The use of the correct oils for oily and acne prone skins can be very helpful. Essential oils like lavender, sage, mint and tea tree are naturally antiseptic, active and help heal the skin.

- Eat a balanced diet and stay active. Up your intake of fruits and vegetables and avoid greasy fried foods. Exercising clears your pores and increases your metabolism and sweating cleanses your inner body.

- Drink plenty of water daily to keep your skin hydrated. If consume liqueur, beverages or soft drinks, increase your water intake to keep your self from being dehydrated.

Skin care for men is akin to women’s skin care regime. Clean your skin every day and moisturize your skin for healthy beautiful looking skin.

Skin Care Made Easy

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. The skin constantly protects the human body from infections and other sickness. Yet at the same time, the skin is the most vulnerable organ in the body because it is exposed to pollution like cigarette smoke, specifically to the carbon monoxide emitted by cars. The skin may also be exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. In the long run, these factors may lead to skin degeneration and the clogging of pores. In addition to these factors, environmental poisons like toxins and chemicals may set off chemical reactions that produce free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that may damage skin membranes, proteins, and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). These harmful molecules are primary reasons of deterioration of the skin cells. Because of these threats to the skin, skin care has become a major health issue nowadays.

Other factors that may contribute to poor skin conditions may include the following:

Antibiotics and alcohol lead the way in reducing good bacteria in the digestive tract. The liver and most of the immune system is in the digestive tract;
Poor diet, or faulty digestion restricts the absorption of nutrients that are important to skin’s health;
Sluggish liver cannot store skin-nourishing vitamins such as Vitamin A;
Smoking subtracts years from your health and makes the skin lose vitality and color; and
Lack of exercise reduces blood circulation. This means that fewer nutrients and oxygen make it to the skin.
Taking care of the skin does not have to be expensive and complicated, simple adjustments in one’s lifestyle may spell the difference between healthy and impaired skin. One simple way of taking care of one’s skin is to keep it clean, especially the hands because the hands can spread germs and bacteria to the skin and other parts of the body. Individuals with dry and flaky skin can use moisturizing soap, lotion, cream, and other skin care products. The use of gentle skin care products are encouraged by many health professionals. To lessen the development of pimples, non-comedogenic (won’t cause pimples) products should be used.

In addition to proper hygiene, a proper diet should be followed in order to maintain healthy skin. It is important one’s appearance is directly related to what people eat or drink. A balanced diet composed of carbohydrates, protein, fats, essential fatty acids, and necessary vitamins and minerals is essential in maintaining the health of the skin. Fruits and vegetables are also important for skin care because they contain plenty of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that may help protect skin cells from damages that might be brought by free radicals especially the ones that are caused by environmental exposure.

Drinking enough water throughout the day may guarantee proper hydration of the body and help reduce skin dryness. However, it is advised to drink the right amounts of water because too much or too little may bring unwanted effects. Ask health professionals to know more about proper diet and hydration.

Skin care these days is an essential part of a healthy regimen because of the abundance of environmental pollution, global warming, and the thinning of the ozone layer. Without taking care of the skin, individuals may heighten the risks of developing skin ailments like psoriasis, skin cancer, and other skin conditions. Understanding proper diets, hygiene, and hydration are essential in maintaining healthy skin.

Sun Exposure and Skin Care

A little sunshine is essential in achieving optimum overall health and well-being. Medical studies show that as much as 15 minutes of sun exposure a day may help the body produce vitamin D which is important in the prevention of osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer, and other autoimmune diseases. Vitamins D is a fat soluble vitamin that is found in some foods but is produced in body with the aid of ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. This kind of vitamin is essential in maintaining the proper level of phosphorus and calcium in the blood. Vitamin D, combines with other vitamins, minerals, hormones, and other substances to maintain strong and healthy bones that will not easily break or become brittle.

However, extended exposure may cause many skin problems like early-wrinkling and skin cancer. Other factors like pollution and the thinning of the ozone layer have posed additional health risks for the skin. Too much exposure to the sun may damage the texture and weaken the elastic attributes of the skin. The outer layer of the skin called the epidermis may become rough and wrinkled as a result to over-exposure. Sun-induced skin damage may cause wrinkles, furrows, easy bruising, or brown spots. In the long run overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays may lead to cancer. But because this skin condition is cumulative, it is never too late to make adjustments to protect one’s self from the sun’s harmful effects.

The advent of various skin care products like sunscreens are designed to help protect against the sun’s harmful effects. Many kinds of sunscreens are out in the market that contain many ingredients that work by scattering, redirecting, or properly absorbing the sun’s rays. Sunscreens are available as lotions, creams, sprays, lip balms, and many more. These products can be bought over-the-counter and without a doctor’s approval. In addition to these products, foods rich in selenium, beta-carotene, Vitamins A, C, and E may alleviate the harmful effects of the sun.

Like other forms of medication, side-effects may be developed with the use of skin care products. Here are some of the side-effects that can be developed with sunscreen use.

acne
burning, itching, or stinging of the skin
redness or swelling of the skin
rash, with or without blisters that ooze and become crusted
pain in hairy parts of body
pus in hair follicles
Individuals who decide to use sunscreens and other skin care products should seek the approval of health professionals. Even though most of these products are can be bought over-the-counter. They may still carry health risks. A doctor’s approval is necessary to clarify side-effects and interactions that may be developed while using sunscreen products.

Skin care these days is an essential part of a healthy regimen because of the abundance of environmental pollution, global warming, and the thinning of the ozone layer. Without taking care of the skin, individuals may heighten the risks of developing skin ailments like psoriasis, skin cancer, and other skin conditions. Understanding proper use of skin care products and maintaining appropriate sun exposure is essential in maintaining healthy skin.