Skin Care; Not a Problem Now

Welcome back people. Hope your life and health is going great. Well, this time I would like to talk about skin care. Skin care has been a major concern for all women since generations. But for perfect skin care, it is very necessary to first know your skin type. So first I’ll make you familiar with all the skin types.

NORMAL SKIN TYPE: Normal skin is not dry or oily and pores are visible but not large or clogged. It generally feels comfortable after a wash. Normal skin type’s care should be started with a gentle foaming facial wash. Massaging it into your face will give you a rosy complexion. Then, cool your skin with a refreshing toner. End the process with a moisturizer and massage it with your fingers in light
upward strokes.

DRY SKIN TYPE: Dry skin has a thin and papery touch and its pores are very fine. It feels tight after a wash and by mid day flaky patches appear. A creamy cleanser must be used for dry skin melt away dirt. It should be left on the skin for a while before sweeping it away with cotton wool. Then splash cold water on your face to clean and refresh your skin. Most importantly, use a thick cream moisturiser to ensure as much moisture as possible for the skin.

OILY SKIN TYPE: Oily skin always feels greasy and it’s texture is often very thick and coarse. The pores are also large and visible. Start its process with a gentle, foaming facial wash which will help remove dirt and oil without stripping away moisture. Then, soak cotton wool in a gentle astringent lotion and wipe it over your skin to refresh and cool it. Moisturizer is a must even for oily skin but chose a light, watery fluid. Allow the moisturiser to sink in and then absorb the excess with a tissue to prevent shine.

SENSITIVE SKIN TYPE: this type can be easily irritated. Typical reactions are itching, burning, chafing and stinging. It feels dry and itchy after a wash with flaky patches and redness by mid day. Facial washes or soaps should not be used for this skin type. A light, hypoallergenic cleansing lotion must be used. Also, use a moisturiser to strengthen your skin and provide a barrier against irritants. But the moisturiser should be unperfumed to avoid any irritation.

Now, let me give you some general quick tips for proper skin cleansing. And remember, skin cleansing is the most important aspect of skin care.

• Always wash your hands to make them clean first. This will prevent the transfer of bacteria to your face.
• Start with your hairline first, as hairstyling products attract dirt and then sweep cleanser over face and lips and down the neck to beyond where you apply foundation.
• After applying it, gently massage it in with the balls of your fingers and leave it on for a minute or so to allow make-up to melt away. Then use a soft cotton ball to wipe away dirt, pollution, and cosmetic build-up without tugging at the skin.
• Then wash face clean with water and a good quality face wash so that all traces of dirt is gone and skin becomes perfectly clean.

Now after going through the above points, it is also important to consider the ones as follows. Another important factor next to cleansing is SKIN TONING. Toning is necessary for all skin types and should be made a part of daily skin care routine. Toning is refreshing, improves blood circulation and adds a healthy glow to the skin. I would suggest, if you really want to take good care of your skin, then cleansing is not enough, go through the process of skin toning also.

• First, soak cotton wool pads in skin tonic and wipe face in outward and upward strokes.
• Each movement should end at the temples. Apply gentle pressure at the temples.
• While applying toner on the forehead, start from the centre and go outward on either side, again ending at the temples.
• Apply toner on chin in circular motions.
• Tone the neck too, stroking downwards from the chin.
• Tone around the eyes, but very lightly.

You can also prepare skin tonic at home. All what is required is rosewater and witch-hazel. Rosewater is one of the best-known skin tonics and is easily available. Witch-hazel is available at a chemist or homeopathy shop. Toners vary according to skin types:

For normal skin

Mix ¾ cup rosewater with ¼ cup witch-hazel and store in a jar.

For very greasy skin

Mix equal quantities of rosewater and witch-hazel and store in a jar.

For dry skin

Mix ¾ cup rosewater, ¼ cup witch-hazel and ½ teaspoon glycerin or honey and store in a jar.

You can also use foaming bath which is good for skin. Bathing foams with plant extracts like mint and rosemary are ideal for maintaining your skin’s firmness. They tone the skin by providing nutrients and improving blood circulation. And finally remember that toning foam baths are also great energy boosters.

So, now I sign off wishing you the best skin. I will keep you updated with more skin care tips, till then keep sending your queries at health@livepunjab.com.