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Skin care regime to follow for blemish free skin>
SKIN CARE REGIME to maintain healthy, glowing skin:
You are what you eat. Drink plenty of fresh water, eat a balanced diet, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Get enough rest with a good night sleep and you have a fantastic start to a glowing complexion. Enhance your own body’s efforts at achieving your own goals by following the well-known three-step regimen of Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing.
CLEANSING (and exfoliating)
The process of cleansing removes
Dirt
Bacteria
Dead skin cells
Sebum
Sweat
Make up off the skin.
CLEANSERS and FACIAL WASHES
These products are usually based on soaps or substances called Surfactants.They are often medicated BUT if you consider that they are on your skin surface for only a few seconds,these medications are hardly going to make any difference.If you are going to use a medicated cleanser then you should gently massage it into the skin and leave it on the skin for at least 3 minutes for the medication to do its job.
Cleansers for OILY SKIN should be oil free and should foam or froth a lot to aid removal of the oily film on the skin. The best washes are Gel based.
BODY and FACIAL EXFOLIATING SCRUBS
These products are made up of a mixture of a cleansing agent/soap or surfactant material with abrasive particles suspended as the exfoliating agent.These abrasive agents come in various grades,from the very harsh sand type to the more gentler "microbead" type.This type of product is used to mechanically remove the top dead layer of skin(the horny layer).These scrubs are an effective way of whisking away dead skin cells and dirt/grime off the skin to leave the skin clean and smooth.They give a wonderful glow,BUT if you scrub too vigorously,or if the scrub itself is too harsh for your skin type,you will end up making your skin over sensitive and get broken blood capillaries.Some of these products exfoliate by scratching and can leave the skin quite sore.These scrubs are best reserved for use on less tender parts of the body.(Back and Shoulders).
The abrasive agents used in these products are usually ground particles of Apricot nut shells,Walnut shells,Almond nut shells,Ground nut kernels,Polystyrene microbeads and pumice granules.back to top
How to use a face and body scrub:
1.Splash your face/body with warm water.
2.Massage in the scrub gently over the entire face or body area(neck,shoulders,back).AVOID EYES and MOUTH area.
3.Leave in place for half to one minute and then wash off with warm water.
4.Use 2 to 3 times a week.
Face and body scrubs contain abrasive particles that literally scratch away at the horny,dead layer of your skin mechanically in order to exfoliate.The soap/cleanser in the scrub removes oilyness and the dead skin cells.The scratching action of the abrasive agent unfortunately is not very selective and can easily harm the deeper layers of your skin.It all depends on how vigorously you massage the scrub into your skin.The particles can scratch the live skin layer and leave your skin feeling quite sore.For this reason,scrubs containing harsh abrasive particles are not suitable for inflamed,acne prone skin.back to top
TONING
Toners and Freshners remove the final traces of dirt and any residue left over from the cleansing step (eg: soap)
Temporarily reduces pore size by tightening the tubule and makes the skin appear smoother
Makes the skin feel refreshed and invigorated.
Skin toners are often called by other names.
Freshners
Clarifying lotions
Tonics
Astringents
Toners are available in various forms:
Liquids are the most common form
Skin toning Gels
Creams
Skin toning Lotions
Combination Toner and moisturizer lotions
Toners are usually applied to the skin using a cotton wool pad and this will lead to the removal of the final traces of grime, residues from the cleanser used and leftover dead skin cells.
Toners leave the skin feeling clean, fresh, cool and invigorated.
A toner will leave the skin smooth due to the fact that it tightens the pores and temporarily leaves them smaller.
Toners leave the skin well prepared for moisturize before application of make up or foundation.
The most important ingredient in the toner is an ASTRINGENT.
An astringent has the property of
Tightening the skin
Causing any hair to be erected
Skin pores are reduced in size temporarily, leading to the skin appearing smoother
Removing and reducing oiliness on the skin surface
Skin healing
Materials that are often used as toners include:
Alcohols eg: Ethanol and Isopropyl alcohol
Organic acids, usually Lactic acid and citric acid, Malic acid
Some metal salts, including Aluminium sulphate and Zinc sulphate
Plant extracts that contain Tanins.eg: Witch hazel, Allantoin, Avena Sativa, Aloe vera, Peppermint oil, Eucalyptus oil, Menthol, Chamomile extracts, Camphor, Cucumber extracts, Rosemary oil, Extracts of certain mushrooms, Extracts of the Saw palmetto plant
A typical TONER will contain an ASTRINGENT, water, moisturizer and preservative
Toners for oily, acne prone skin have a strong astringent action and may contain a high concentration of alcohol. These toners are very useful in the control of oily and acne prone skin.
Acne prone skin will benefit from a toner that contains a low concentration of Salicylic acid.
Toners and freshners are suitable for ALL skin types and there is a formulation for your skin type out there.
Toners for dry skin, sensitive skin and normal skin have a much lower concentration of alcohol and are also available without any alcohol at all, the astringent property being obtained from natural plant extracts and essential oils or menthol. Cream based, alcohol free TONERS are best for this skin type. Essential oils are very good for toning dry skin.
Ice-cold water and application of Ice on the skin has a TONING effect and people with sensitive skin often prefer to use this method of toning. The only disadvantage is that it is a very temporary effect.back to top
MOISTURIZE
Within the horny layer (Stratum corneum) of the skin there is a reservoir of a substance called the NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTOR (NMF). This substance is made up of amino acids, lactic acid, urea, mineral salts, organic acids, sugars and urocanic acid. It attracts water into the horny layer and acts as a moisture reservoir to keep the skin soft and elastic. Moisturization of the skin usually takes place from within the skins deeper live layers where the tiny blood capillaries bring water into the skin and any water loss from this NMF is replaced to keep the horny layer smooth, soft and pliable. You can tell your skin is getting dehydrated when it starts to loose its elasticity and looks sallow and parched. By maintaining the quality of the NMF by replenishing the water content, you keep the protective, moisturizing effect alive.
SEBUM on the surface of the skin helps to keep the skin soft and supple, but is not essential. It is the constant replenishing of the pool of moisture in the NMF with water from within the deeper layer of your skin that the skin is kept moisturized. This means that an improved blood circulation within the skin will enhance this replenishing action by bringing nutrients, oxygen and water into the skin via the blood capillaries.
The ability of a product to increase the water content of the horny layer of the skin makes it a moisturizer.
Application of moisturizers also helps the skin to maintain the moisture content by preventing loss of moisture from the surface of the skin. This will keep the horny layer (the stratum corneum) smooth and supple. This type of action will help to keep the Natural moisturizing factor replenished with moisture at all times from within the skin as well as from the surface of the skin.
Applications on the skin in addition to preventing loss of moisture will also form a protective base on the skin surface and prepare the skin for application of make up. The skin scales become transparent as a result of moisture absorption and so less visible giving the appearance of dramatic improvement.
Moisturizing is essential for ALL SKIN TYPES.The fact that you have oily or normal skin does not mean your skin does not need water. Replenishing the NMF with water helps maintain the state of your skin.
Moisturizers containing UV filters are all the rage at the moment. They are claimed to protect against the harmful rays of the sun and so reduce ageing of the skin. However you must remember that your skin produces Vitamin D and other cancer fighting immune system boosting chemicals on exposure to the skin. Exposure to the sun is essential, especially as we increasingly spend most of our time indoors and inside large buildings shielded from the sun.
Moisturizers for OILY or ACNE PRONE skin should ideally be OIL FREE.
LOTIONS, LIQUIDS or GEL forms that contain Aloe vera or Calendula make very good moisturizers. You should try and choose a product that is not highly perfumed.
Normal skin moisturizers can be water based lotions or creams.
Dry skin needs a water-based cream for moisturization.back to top
FACE AND BODY MASKS
Face masks are really very simple mixtures of Chemicals and natural materials that can often be made at home using easily available materials that are safe and quite effective.
Most people know of and understand the straightforward skincare regime of cleanse, tone and moisturize,but some of you may question the need for the addition of another product type to their skin care regime.
A face and body mask treatment is one of the best kept beauty secrets.They form an important part of the beauty regime because they provide almost instant visible results and leave the skin smooth,soft and radiant.In addition,they can be very relaxing and de-stressing.
This type of product is often known as a beauty pack or face pack and is called a MASK because it is applied on the ENTIRE face,neck area and often the throat region.
Most face masks or packs are left on for 15 to 20 minutes on the skin surface BUT some peel-off masks that may be fortified with medcation or nutrients(skin food) may have to be left on for longer in order to allow enough time for these active ingredients to penetrate into the skin and work away.
Masks usually work on the outer,dead skin layer of your skin and result in mild exfoliation of this layer.
The ingredients are usually mixed together to make a paste which is applied in TWO LAYERS onto the entire face(plus neck and throat region) excluding the eye and mouth area.
The beneficial properties of Masks can be one or all of these:
Deep cleansing
Stimulating
Toning
Astringent
Moisturizing
Nourishing
Anti-bacterial
Two of the most widely available mask types are:
1.Setting masks (wash off masks)
2.Peel-off masks
Setting masks are widely available and generally used for a quick result.They are usually washed off after 15 to 20 minutes on the skin.They provide a fast visible improvement in the complexion.
Peel-off masks are more exfoliating and deep cleansing and are often enriched with medicaments or skin nourishing materials.They usually take slightly longer to set on the skin and are expected to be kept on for longer in order to allow the medication or nutrients to enter the deeper layers of your skin and for the occlusive film to take shape so that it is strong enough to peel off without breaking up.
The wash off or setting masks are usually made up with occlusive materials like KAOLIN and ALLANTOIN which provide a FILM FORMING property to encourage re-hydrating or moisturization of the skin from within the deeper layers of your skin.The film like and gelatinous property will also allow the mask to attach itself onto the skin surface after application.These masks are often fortified with “active” ingredients including Tea tree oil,Fruit,vegetable and herbal extracts and Vitamins.However these ingredients do not really get much time to work their way into the skin in the time they are left onto the skin.Some of the ingredients such as the fruit acids may help in the mild exfoliating process by lifting off dead skin cells from the skin surface.
You will find that these mask types are often targeted as suitable for particular skin types.
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OILY AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN types usually contain ingredients such as KAOLIN which will help excessive oil from the skin surface.It may help tighten the skin and improve circulation to the skin.This type of mask is supposed to DRY OUT when left on and is then washed off after the prescribed time.It is the drying action that provides the skin tightening property and of improving blood circulation in the skin.The tightening action also helps to temporarily reduce the size of large skin PORES,leading to a glowing,smooth and refreshed complexion.
These types often contain Talc,Kaolin,Seaweed,Herbal extracts,Fruit and vegetable extracts,Oat flour,Clay and Oatmeal.Essential oils (which are not really OILS in the real sense of the word) are often added to aid moisturization of the skin.They are generally free of other oil based products such as liquid paraffin which is widely used in cosmetic products.
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DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN types are meant to condition, moisturize the skin and remove any flakes of dead skin on the surface.These come in a CREAMY consistency and usually remain SOFT and MOIST throughout the time they are left on the skin.They are often enriched with conditioning agents such as Vitamin E,natural essential oils,essential fatty acids,starflower oil,Avocado oil or evening primrose oil.
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MATURE,DULL SKIN and THIN SKIN types help to tighten the skin and provide a glow to the complexion.Masks for this skin type are formulated to stimulate blood circulation to the skin and gently exfoliate to provide a glow to the skin.They resemble those for dry skin in their consistency(CREAMY or GEL type).They do not usually dry out when left on and can be washed off after 15 to 20 minutes.Those containing essential oils are best for this skin type. back to top
Setting masks
Setting masks are based on clay or earth ingredients which are mixed
with a liquid to form the pasty base.Into this base are added other nourishing,exfoliating,conditioning and antiseptic materials to impart an additional beneficial property.These may include essential oils(Tea tree),herb extracts(Witch Hazel),fruit extracts to take advantage of their mild fruit acids(blueberry, strawberry, papaya, mango, apple, orange, peach, pineapple, cucumber, craneberry, kiwi, avocodo and Aloe vera)back to top
Recipies for face masks and some information on the ingredients used:
1.KAOLIN, which is a white to pale cream powder (also known as China clay) has absorbant and adsorbant properties and is particularly suitable for OILY SKIN and ACNE PRONE skin.
2.FULLERS EARTH POWDER is a grey green powder,similar to KAOLIN,but with slightly stronger absorbent properties.It is also deep cleansing.
3.BENTONITE is a grey to white clay and is used mainly for its THICKENING and ABSORBANT properties.
4.MAGNESIUM CARBONATE is a very light,fluffy white powder.It has a ABSORBANT and TONING effect on the skin and is suitable for masks for NORMAL to DRY SKIN types.
5.SULPHUR is a fine yellow powder and is often used with FULLERS EARTH POWDER for masks intended for OILY SKIN.Sulphur has a mind KERATOLYTIC action and is therefore suitable for ACNE PRONE SKIN.
6.CALAMINE is a pink powder based mainly on Zinc Carbonate and Zinc oxide.It has a SOOTHING action on the skin and is suitable for masks intended for SENSITIVE,MATURE,DELICATE and INFLAMED skin.
7.OATMEAL is obtained from Oats and is excellent for its CLEANSING and CALMING properties.It may be used for masks intended for all skin types.
The above mentioned POWDERS are usually mixed with a LIQUID to obtain the paste.This can be water but is more usually one of the following:
1.ROSEWATER - This is a water made from extract of rose petals and has a soothing and toning action.It is suitable for masks meant for DRY and SENSITIVE skins.
2.WITCH HAZEL has an ASTRINGENT and TONING action on the skin.It is very good for OILY and ACNE PRONE skin.
3.GLYCEROL or GLYCERINE is a substance with “HUMECTANT” properties.This type of material encourages retention of moisture and is used in masks for DRY and MATURE skins to aid MOISTURIZATION.
4.ALMOND OIL and AVOCADO OIL are often used to obtain the creamy,nourishing and soothing consistency necessary for DRY and MATURE skin types.
Simple formulas/recipes to prepare the base for different skin types:
NORMAL SKIN
Kaolin+Rosewater or Witch hazel
DRY SKIN
Oatmeal+Calamine +water or Rosewater
OILY SKIN
Fullers earth powder+Kaolin+Witch hazel
SENSITIVE SKIN
Calamine+Rosewater
ACNE PRONE SKIN
Kaolin+Fullers earth powder+Witch hazel+Essential oils
To this BASE you can add nourishing,exfoliating or anti-bacterial agents to enhance the beneficial properties of the mask.
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HOW TO APPLY A SETTING (WASH OFF) MASK:
Spread the mask paste evenly over the entire face, forehead and neck region(excluding Eyes and mouth). Apply another layer and leave to dry.As the paste dries,the mask will harden and contract.This contracting action action stimulates the blood circulation in the skin and leads to its nourishing and purification.It provides a glowing freshness to the complexion.Masks that have a creamy consistency and meant for dry,mature skin will remain soft.After 15 to 20 minutes on the skin,the mask is washed off and at this stage you may use your fingertips to gently rub the paste on the skin to gently exfoliate and cleanse the skin.back to top
PEEL-OFF MASKS
These masks can be Gel based,Latex masks or Wax masks.They are usually deep cleansing,exfoliating and often medicated with essential oils and are suitable for use on all skin types and may be used on the face,neck,forehead,neck,throat,chest,back and shoulders.
These type of mask is usually based on two main ingredients,one to provide the FILM forming property and the other to impart the STICKYNESS factor.This forms the base for the mask and other agents are added to enhance the properties as in setting masks.
Agents such as TRAGACANTH POWDER,ACACIA POWDER(vegetable gums),plastic resins such as PVP(Polyvinylpyrrolidone),Gelatin,Casein and Cellulose is often used for the stickyness value.PVA(Polyvinyl alcohol)is a resin often used for its FILM forming property so that an easy to peel product is obtained.
The final product base is a GEL consistency and is applied to the ENTIRE face (excluding the eye and mouth area) even though the treatment area may be only around the nose or chin.The gel is applied in TWO coats and allowed to dry. Drying may take from 15 minutes to one hour depending on the formulation and properties of the mask and its constituents.Peel-off masks that are fortified with medication and skin nourishing agents may have to be left on for longer in order to allow time for absorption of the active ingredients into the skin and do their intended job(eg:kill off any bacteria on the skin) and also for a strong,peelable film to form on the skin surface.
The water content of the mask evaporates over time and allows the formation of a thin film over the skin surface. This film shrinks and tightens as it dries. This type of mask is suitable for ALL skin types, including sensitive, dehydrated and mature skin.
Devina`s Choice peel-off face and body mask through its occlusive properties and fortification with suitable essential oils,Witch Hazel and conditioning Vitamin E oil works as a wonderful moisturizing agent as nature intended. It causes the hydration of the skin from WITHIN the deeper layers of the skin by helping to improve the blood circulation in the skin, which leads to the delivery of essential nutrients, oxygen and water to the stratum corneum (the horny layer). For this reason, the mask is suitable for ALL SKIN TYPES. All you need to do is drink plenty of water and let it work from the inside. The moisture will be delivered to the skin from within your body as happens naturally.
In addition to the physical actions of the mask in binding with the dead skin cells,plugs in pores and blackheads, the mask is a unique delivery vehicle for the essential oils with which it is fortified.The mask is designed to deliver its active ingredients(Witch Hazel,Vitamin E, Tea tree oil and other essential oils). As the gel dries,it releases the active essential oils in to the skin. These penetrate into the skin with relative ease at an effective and safe concentration for the required period of time to aid the eradication of skin bacteria,condition and moisturize the skin and reduce any redness within the pores.The plastic film that forms as the mask dries forms an occlusive layer over the skin and enhances the penetration of the essential oils to the site of action for a much better performance than would be achieved by just applying the oils on to the skin.back to top
Add Devina`s choice to your skin care regime
Acne is best treated and prevented by addressing ALL the factors that lead to the formation of lesions. Therefore it is logical to combine treatment with products that address different causative factors(sebum, bacteria, dead skin). The action of each preparation will be ADDITIVE and lead to a more effective and faster result than can be achieved by a single product alone. It is usual to apply one product in the morning and a different one in the evening. However there are also products available that contain TWO of the active agents in the one application. All sufferers want instant results. You can help yourself by using this technique.
Complement, augment and enhance your existing acne treatment by taking advantage of the fact that by adding a product that addresses a different causative factor to your regime will enhance the existing treatment synergistically (An additive action) by producing FASTER and more EFFECTIVE results. Add DEVINA`S CHOICE peel-off face and body mask to your existing medical treatment for acne to enhance its effects. back to top |
