| The skin continually
regenerates itself during life, though the process becomes slower as
we grow older. The fine surface scales being repeatedly shed, give the
skin a new surface each day and, in ordinary circumstances make it
almost impervious to the elements. So, the skin can take care of
itself in most situations. However, we should protect normal skin from
such things as sunburn and chemical irritants.
Exposure
In temperature regions of the world, where much of the skin is covered
by clothing, these harmful influences mostly affect the exposed areas
of the face and hands. Skin care applies equally to men and women.
Fresh air, regular exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep all
help people to look and feel their best.
For external care of the skin ,
regular washing with soap remains a first principle . Soap removes
grease so that it can be washed off with water. Soap and water also
removes dirt, dead skin scales, and some of the bacteria which
normally live on the skin. The skin usually replaces the removed
grease within hours.
Which soap is best?
All soap contain alkalis which break up the horny top layer of skin,
allowing water to penetrate more---as well as to escape. Although
normal skin renews the horny layer, repeated use of soap may weaken
the repair process. This can cause extreme scaling and dryness known
as chapping. Perfume added to soap makes it much more fragrant to use,
but has no other virtue.
The safest soap to use is the
simplest sort without added disinfectant, and containing no perfume.
Detergents, which are synthetic chemical compounds, will remove grease
from the skin more effectively than soap. But their actions are too
harsh for regular use and they easily cause chapping.
Creams for dry skin
When the skin is dry and scaly, it can be eased by applying a cream.
Because of their water content, all creams moisture the skin slightly.
People who need to wash their hands very frequently because of their
jobs, are particularly susceptible to chapping and irritation. The
risk can be lessened by applying a barrier cream at the start of the
day.
People with very dry skin may not be
able to tolerate soap and water at all. If so they should use an
emulsifying cream when washing.
Cosmetics and allergies
Many facial cosmetics have a greasy or oily base. Women usually use
them to improve their appearance and not for any protection they may
give to the skin. There are also many cleansing and solvent agents
available. Most cosmetics are perfectly harmless. But some contain
chemicals which, when applied to the skin, can occasionally cause
irritation or set up an allergy. The first sign of such an allergy is
itching, and later redness occurs where the cosmetic has been applied.
Ageing and alcohol
Ageing of the skin whether or not accelerated by prolonged sunlight
exposure is irreversible. The skin loses its elasticity and becomes
thinner and dry. Creases and wrinkles becomes deeper and more
numerous, and the slightest injury may cause bruising. The clever use
of make-up may disguise the condition.
Bags under the skin
Bags under the eyes---which runs in families---are again not related
to heavy drinking, or to late nights. They occur in people who have
loose skin around the eyelids.
Acne snf young skin
In adolescence the skin produces much more grease than any other
times, mostly on the face and upper trunk. In many young people this
is so excessive that it leads to blocking of the pores.
A routine for face care
1. Cleansing
Women who wear make-up should carry out a routine of cleansing, toning
and moisturing each evening, as well as washing the face in the
morning. Cleansing will remove old make-up and the grime and grease
that have been accumulated during the day.
- Remove mascara with a cotton bud
dipped in eye-dipped in eye-cleansing lotion. To make the job easier
keep your hair off your face.
- Remove the eye shadow by gently
wiping it off with a pad of clean cotton wool moistened with
eye-cleansing lotion.
- Pour a little face cleansing cream
into the palm of one hand and dab it generously over the nose, chin,
forehead and cheeks---using two fingers of the other hand.
- Massage the cream into the skin,
starting under the throat, using a gentle upward motion.
- Continue massaging the cream up to
the forehead, using the fingertips.
- Gently massage the cream from the
eyes to the nose.
- Massage cream back over the chin,
which is particularly prone to blackheads. Use the index finger.
- Remove the cream from the face
with tissue pads in each hand. Start under the chin and work over
the cheeks and on to the forehead
2. Toning
Toners remove all traces of dirt, make-up or cleanser that remain
after cleansing.
- Immediately after cleansing apply
toner to the forehead and cheeks on a pad of corron wool
- Apply the toner to the crevices
around the nose.
- Apply the toner to the crevices
around the chin.
3. Moisturing
Without moisture, the skin will not remain smooth and supple. The face
is exposed to the drying effect of the weather, so moisturisers
----which form a film over the skin ----contain and augment the
natural moisture.
- Using the tips of the fingers, dot
moisturising cream lightly all over the face.
- Press the fingers of both hands
into the center of the forehead and work the cream slowly outwards.
Pat the cream gently around the eyes.
- Work the cream around the jaw
line, chin and mouth with the middle fingers of both hands.
- Massage the cream over the throat
with alternating hands, using upward strokes from collar-bone to
chin
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