Skin is the largest organ of the human body, weighing approximately 10 pounds and covering an area of about 16 square feet. Our skin is responsible for protecting our internal organs from the toxic external world. Skin protects us from heat, cold, and physical injuries. It also provides us with sensory information about the nature of the external world. We generally take skin for granted and tend not to take very good care of it.

Skin Types.
Skin types are put into four categories; dry, oily, normal, and combination:

Dry skin
Dry skin is caused by under or inactive oil glands that do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin naturally lubricated. It usually has a dull appearance, feels dry and itchy and is sometimes sensitive. After washing your face, the skin may feel tight. There will be premature signs of fine lines appearing around the eyes, mouth and neck area. Dry skin is normally pale in colour and has a tendency to broken capillaries and sensitivity. Dry skin must be hydrated regularly from the inside (with fresh water) and outside with (mists), as well as moisturized with rich hydrating creams or lotions.

Beneficial Ingredients to look for in products for dry skin: allantoin, alpha hydroxy, amino acids, ascorbic acids, sodium PCA, palm oil, fennel oil, retinal palmitate, castor oil, cholesterol, glycerin, ,jojoba oil, collagen, egg oil just to name a few
Ingredients to avoid in dry skin products: adenosine triphosphate, algae extract, amniotic fluid, animal thymus extract, neural lipid extract, serum albumin, serum protein, herb extracts, infusions of any kind

Oily Skin
Oily skin is caused by glands that produce too much sebum, resulting in skin that has a greasy slippery texture, appears shiny and is frequently has large, clogged pores. Oily skin types are prone to develop acne, a condition resulting from sebum trapped inside the skin and causing pus-filled lesions known as comdones. The pores are open and larger, particularly around the centre of the face. Despite these drawbacks, oily skin generally remains younger looking and more supple over time than other skin types.

Beneficial Ingredients to look for in products for oily skin: allantoin, alpha hydroxy, amino acids, ascorbic acids, sodium PCA, palm oil, fennel oil, retinal palmitate, castor oil, cholesterol, glycerin, ,jojoba oil, collagen, egg oil, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol
Ingredients to avoid in oily skin products: adenosine triphosphate, algae extract, amniotic fluid, animal thymus extract, neural lipid extract, serum albumin, serum protein, herb extracts, infusions of any kind

Normal Skin
Normal skin is more likely found in a younger person. In normal skin, the oil glands produce sebum at a moderate rate, resulting in a balanced state, not too oily and not too dry. Normal skin looks consistently plump, moist, and vibrant. The skin is normally clear of blemishes and will often have no surface shine. There will be a higher degree of elasticity. It benefits from regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

Combination Skin
Most people have at least two different types of facial skin at any given time. Many people from the age of 15 onwards, will show some kind of characteristics of having combination skin. The combination of skin is frequently characterized by an oily "T-zone" area, which covers the forehead, nose and chin. While the skin around the cheeks, eyes and mouth is normal or dry. These different types of skin call for different treatments, so people with combination skin should assess their skin regularly and use different products on different areas of the face.

Beneficial Ingredients to look for in products for combination skin: allantoin, alpha hydroxy, amino acids, ascorbic acids, sodium PCA, palm oil, fennel oil, retinal palmitate, castor oil, cholesterol, glycerin, ,jojoba oil, collagen, egg oil, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, kaolin, sodium lauroyl just to name a few
Ingredients to avoid in combination skin products: adenosine triphosphate, algae extract, amniotic fluid, animal thymus extract, neural lipid extract, serum albumin, serum protein

Skin Care Basis.

Most skin care experts recommend performing three steps (cleanse, tone, moisturize) , once or twice daily, to maintain healthy, glowing skin. If you have not established good skin care habits it may appear to be a burden at first but try to follow it as much as you can. Once you see the improvements in your skins appearance you will be more inclined to follow this skin care regimen as a normal part of your daily routine just like brushing your teeth.

Cleanse
Cleansings removes makeup, dirt, and grease from the surface of the skin and is necessary for all skin types. A cleanser can be anything from mild soap, a gentle exfoliate, rich cleansing cream or foaming cleanser. Apply it to the skin with the pads of the fingers (not fingernails), using small circular motions, gently spread the cleanser over the surface of the skin. Cleanse your skin with a natural facial care product and make sure the product matches your skin type.

Tone
After cleansing the skin, apply a toner. A toner is a product designed to remove leftover makeup or oil residues and to tone and prepare the skin for a moisturizer. Toners also prepare your skin for your moisturizer. Avoid toners that contain alcohol; these can cause skin to become too dry and irritated.

Moisturize
Moisturizing the skin is the final basic step. Use a product containing moisturizing oils, distillates, anti-oxidants, nutrients and essential oils to prevent moisture loss. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and one that has as many, if not all, natural ingredients as possible. Remember your skin absorbs everything put on it even if it's not natural. Apply a light moisturizer in the mornings with perhaps a sunscreen to protect your skin for the day. Sun block protection should be an ingredient in your daily moisturizer. At night, use a light or rich cream depending on your skin type. Your nighttime moisturizer should be capable of repairing and nourishing your skin while you sleep. Be careful not to apply an excessive amount of moisturizer at night; the skin needs to breath during sleep.

Other Steps That are Useful for Skin Care.

Eye Cream
Eye Creams do two main things: tighten under-eye skin to reduce puffiness, and lighten dark circles. Firming ingredients: These include caffeine, alcohol, retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids, copper, and vitamin C. Darkness-inhibiting ingredients: These include vitamin K, kojic acid, and hydroquinone. When applying a moisturizing product to the delicate area under the eye, be especially careful not to pull or drag the skin. Using the ring finger of the hand you do not write with (this will ensure that the pressure is not too heavy), apply the product under the eye from the outside corner to the bridge of the nose in a smooth stroke. The eye area will show signs of aging before any other area on your face so remember to moisturize and protect this delicate area.

Exfoliate
Once a week use an exfoliating cream or scrub to slough off dead skin cells and unclog your pores. This is often the most over looked part of a skin care regimen but I feel it is one of the most important. You must get rid of the dead skin on your face and keep your pores clean.

Mask
A few times a month, treat yourself to a face and neck mask to balance and invigorate the skin and stimulate circulation. Before using a mask, pull back your hair from your face and apply a smooth layer of the mask to your freshly cleaned and damp face and neck, avoiding the mouth and eye areas. Rest for 10-15 minutes while the mask is drying, try not to talk during this time. Rinse well with warm water, and pat dry, follow with a good toner and moisturizer for your skin type.

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