Skin care tips - there is good information to help you feel and look healthy. Do you have recurring acne or eczema, pimples, blackheads or cold sores? Did you inherit sensitive, oily or dry skin? Perhaps you are simply looking for tips in finding a greaseless moisturizer or how to get rid of wrinkles.

First determine your skin type

Oily:

most common in teenagers because of hormone shifts in adolescence

prone to acne, blackheads, whiteheads and pimples

Tips:

use oil-free moisturizers to maintain a shine-free complexion

keep skin very clean

needs special cleansing with hot water and cleanser to prevent pores becoming clogged

avoid harsh products that strip natural oils

Dry:

tight, rough feel and dull appearance

problems caused by wind, extremes temperatures and air-conditioning

ages more slowly

Tips:

wash face with a cleanser once a day - preferably in the evening

rinse thoroughly

pat dry with a soft towel - rubbing can irritate

in the morning just splash cool water or apply a moisturizer

baths and showers - every other day or less

avoid using products that contain alcohol which can cause irritation

There are cleansers available which help reduce bacteria on the skin. There are alcohol-free toners that protect against environmental elements that can further dry the skin.

Combination

Most of us have this type, an oily area or T-zone across the forehead, nose, and chin with dryness on the cheeks. Ideally, one product for each of the areas would work but this is expensive and unnecessary. A simpler way is to use a cleanser for the central oily panel and dilute it with water for the drier areas. You may want to experiment a bit as the dry areas may not need as frequent moisturizing.

Tips

control oiliness in problem zones to prevent breakouts

keep cheeks well moisturized

Find good cleansing gels with a fusion of botanical extracts of aloe vera, sage, chamomile, vitamin A & E and essential oils. This is a product that will nourish and leave the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

Sensitive

thin or fine-textured and prone to allergic reactions

reacts quickly to both heat and cold

sunburns and windburns easily

irritated often by temperature changes, some detergents, cosmetics and alcohol used on the skin

may be red and blotchy, with visible surface veins

Tips

Use mild baby soap on the face, rinsing thoroughly and pat dry using a soft towel. Dont use makeup or perfume in case of a reaction without first trying it on the inside of the wrist.

Tips for Care of Normal Skin

Keep it clean using a products that may be fortified with effective antioxidants. The combination of vitamins A, C, and E and green and white tea makes this a perfect addition to any anti-aging routine.

Mature skin

becomes rougher

develops lesions such as benign tumors

becomes slack (loss of the elastic tissue causes the skin to hang loosely)

becomes more transparent with age (thinning of the surface layer of the skin)

becomes more fragile with age (caused by a flattening of the area where the epidermis and dermis (layer of skin under the epidermis) come together

becomes more easily bruised (due to thinner blood vessel walls)

Tips

use a moisturising cream both day and night

drink a lot of water every day

avoid sun damage

a short walk daily is good for circulation and encourages the transport of oxygen to all cells of the body

There are products that cater to the older person. Enjoy a good cleansing skin care regimen which contains UV filters that improve the skins defences against the elements. Complement this with an antiaging product developed to fight wrinkles and other fine lines.

Antiaging Tips

Products containing Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or Olyhydroxy acid (PHA) can help remove the outer layers of dead skin. This leaves your face looking fresher and younger in appearance. AHA and PHA are especially beneficial for wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, the two areas where women most like to see improvement.

The most important thing in preventing early aging is to protect yourself from the sun. Use a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. This will provide a shield against harmful UV rays. And make certain that the products do not contain anything that would cause potential allergies such as fragrance or PABA sunscreens.

It is wise to avoid smoking. The smoke and tar deprive the skin of the nutrients and oxygen it needs leaving it looking dull. Harmful free radicals form and weaken the collagen and elastin fibres, resulting in prematurely wrinkling.

Forget about Greasy Products

There are greaseless moisturizers on the market. Some contain hydrating oils and emollients with a pleasant scent. Find a non-greasy product that softens the skin and provides a defence against any weather. Some can be used as a foundation or without makeup and can be layered over other moisturizers.

Other formulations provide a non greasy and non-clogging product or the advantage of a non-staining moisturizer that can be used day and night.

Men - Tips for Good Care

Shaving should not be the limit of your daily care. Your skin is approximately 20% thicker than a woman's. Because of the sebaceous glands being more active, your skin tends to be much oilier. Proper skin care is essential to good health so that problems such as sun-damage, age lines or acne can be checked before they begin.

Gel for shaving is a much better option than shaving cream, which has air pockets that can lead to nicks. Apply clear since lathering produces the same effect as a cream and can be drying to the face. A swivel-head razor will decrease nicks, as opposed to a disposable razor.

Find a clear, non-foaming aloe vera based shave gel that makes it easy to maintain sideburns and other facial hair.

Choose the Right Product

Using a skin care product safely means being informed about the ingredients it contains. Stress, sun, wrong skin care and seasonal changes are some of the most common dilemmas. Get serious about identifying the problem so you can properly care for your skin.