Skin Care Tips

It seems that there is a new product entering the skin care world everyday. It can be overwhelming to feel like you have to sort through these products with out any real guidance. Frustration seems inevitable after looking at dozens of products none of which you are sure are actually healthy for your skin. This list is designed to reduce that frustration by giving you some guiding points and advice.

- Look for hypoallergenic cleansers that are non-soap. The standing rule with soap is that it should be only be used on your body from the neck down. It is harsh and very drying particularly on the face.

- When it comes to your moisturizer also look for hypoallergenic but also unscented. The fragrances in moisturizers can actually be harsh on your facial skin.

- Use a moisturizer that has SPF of 15 that way you know you have some daily protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Protection from the sun is one of the top things you can do to keep your skin looking younger.

- Learn your skin type (Oily, Dry, Normal, or Combination) and then try and find a cleanser or moisturizer that will fit your skin type.

- Some times we want to keep our face clean so that acne never has a chance to form, so we wash several times a day. The truth is that is actually harder on your skin because it is also washing out the moisture that is so vital to your skin. So only wash your face once a day.

- Moisturizer is a good thing for your skin but just like everything else too much is actually harmful. Apply it in moderation, here is a good indicator that you are using too much: If your sheets are stained in the morning then you are applying too much moisturizer.

Wrinkles are something we earn in this life so wrinkles really can be a reflection of our lives. But still there is always an effort to hide or reduce them. So here are some tips.

Use sunscreen.... everyday. Most of us will admit that before we go and jump into the ski boat or go on a hike we need to apply sunscreen. The fact is protection from the sun is the number one way to avoid wrinkles. So find a moisturizer that has a SPF of 15 and apply it everyday.

Get plenty of sleep.... We often squint and rub our eyes and furrow our brow for long periods of time when we are fighting sleep. Sleeping not only improves your mood and productivity but it improves how your skin looks and will look.

Don't Smoke.... Wrinkles are one more side effect of that addictive habit. Its hard to quit but the health benefits are amazing and one of those is strong more resilient skin.

Moisture is a must.... Moisturize your skin everyday, it can immediately reduce the appearance of fine lines. Over dryness takes the glow away from your skin.

Use a wrinkle reducing product at nights. There are variety on the market and it can be frustrating to find one you even want to try. Here is a list of some professional brands that would be a good resources.

Murad skin care Products

Dermalogica Products

Obagi Products

iS Clinical skin care Products

Knowing your skin type will help you know how to better take care of it. This is a simple test that only takes a few minutes to perform but the results will help you care for your skin the future.

1- Wash Your Face with a non-moisturizing soap (like Neutrogena)

2- Pat your Face dry

3-Take a few pieces of rice paper and press them to different spots on your face

The Results:
Oily: The paper will stick, pick up oily spots are turn translucent.

Dry: The paper won't stick and it will be clear of oily spots.

Normal or Combination: The paper will stick in the T-Zone (which means the forehead, chin, and nose) but it won't stick on the cheek area. (about 70% of women are normal or combination)

Your Skin type can vary as you reach different ages in your life so be sure to re-check it every so often. Now that you know your skin type you can look at a variety of products that are tailored specifically to your skin. Here are a couple more lens on specific brands that offer these tailored products.

• La Roch Posay
  
• M.D. Forte
  
• Obaji
  
• Murad

Papule-
Something that is raised above the surface of your skin, like a small mound, and it must be less than a quarter of an inch high (i.e. benign moles)



Nodule-
A larger version of a Papule, where some of the substance of the lesion is felt to be in the second layer of the skin, the dermis.

Erosion-
A moist, red shiny area in which the top layer of skin has come off. (i.e. Abrasion, or scrape)

Macule-
A flat lesion that is describable and distinguishable because of its color. Its color will be different from its surroundings (i.e. a Freckle)


Ulcer-
A deep erosion

A Crust-
A dried covering over a wound that is adherent and rough, typically known as a scab.

Epidermis-
The Top layer (the stratum corneum) is actually 8 to 15 layers thick. Deep in the heart of the epidermis, farthest down in the basal layer, new skin cells are born from the ingredients carried through the bloodstream.



Dermis-
The dermis provides the skin's support structure with two types of connective tissue: collagen, which gives skin its strength, and elastin, whch gives the skin elasticity and snap. Oil travels up the hair follicle to the skin's surface, where it forms a protective coating.

Subcutaneous Layer-
The deepest layer is made of fat celss and strands of connective tissue. It functions as a kind of pillow, cushioning the internal organs holding in body heat and giving contour to the skin.

Here are just a few random tips that are always good to have in your stash of knowledge:

1- Apply a thin coat of moisturizer before applying your makeup it plumps your skin up keeping your face looking taut and dry.

2- In the warm summer months store your lotions and creams in the refridgerator. The chill from the lotion will be a nice break from the heat but it will also help your skin look firmer

3- In cold weather warm lotion up in your hands before applying it, it will help your skin absorb it faster.

4- Don't over moisturize it will lead to clogged pores causing blackheads and zits.

5- To get a subtle but noticeable glow on your cheeks use about a peppercorn of Vaseline on your cheekbones

6- Keep your makeup utensils as clean as possible. Use a baby shampoo to clean them regularly avoiding applying unnecessary and wanted dirt and grime.

7- Always use a Lip Balm of SPF 15 of greater

8- When applying cream under your eye use your fourth finger to avoid damage because it is your weakest and the skin right under your eye is the most delicate.

9- The Tape Test: Two hours after you apply moisturizer to your face put a piece of Scotch tape on your lower cheek, near the jaw bone. then pull it off if the tape is coated with scaly shards of skin then you are not using the right moisturizer for your skin and you should get a new one.

10- Don't allow hair products to stray onto your face, some of their ingredients will aggravate your skin.

11- The biggest skin care tip you can observe and see results from is to protect your skin from the sun. The sun will influence your skin but there are efforts you can make to reduce its effects.

12- Don't use testers in stores, the preservatives don't have time to kill the bacteria after each use. If you must test something do it on the back of your hand or on your fingertips and use a fresh applicator like a cotton ball or Q-tip.

-Take a lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal

-Rest in a cool room, heat will aggravate the burn

-Take aspirin (adults only) or ib profen to control the pain

-Drink lots of water to help keep your skin hydrated

-Apply hydrocortisone cream 1% (over the counter) 2 to 3 times a day

-Apply moisturizers liberally and often (make sure to avoid moisturizer containing alcohol)

-Make the goal to be more careful next time

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