Skin Care

" Glowing skin is a result of proper skin care. Invest in your skin it's going to represent you for a long time."We should know about our shape of our face and understand our skin types so as it will be easy for us to give more care and attention. Skin is basically the soft outer covering and is one of the largest organ of the body. As we wear raincoat to protect us against rain, we have skin that protect us from all the particles present in an environment. So let us discuss more about it.

Different types of face shapes:

Skin Layers

EPIDERMIS

Protects and regulates outer layer of the skin makes tougher, protective overcoat to survive.It helps to regulate the body temperature.Make new skin cells.

DERMIS

The Dermis consist of hair follicles, sweat glands, blood vessels, capillaries connective tissues.Provides sense of touch and heat.Provides nourishment and waste removal from its own cells.Bringing blood to your skin.

HYPODERMIS

Contains fat and water.

Acne

Acne, medically known as Acne Vulgaris is a skin disease that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. It commonly occurs during the puberty when the sebaceous (oil) glands come to life. The glands are stimulated by male hormones produced by the adrenal glands of both male and female. In human pimples tend to appear on face, back, chest, shoulder and neck.

What causes Acne ??

Hormone changes - active in teens.GeneticBacteria- plug of skin cells, dead cell and excessive oil in glands can easily get infected with bacteria and develops pimples.PubertyMenstrual periods.MedicationStressGreasy or oil cosmetics & hair products.High level of humidity & sweating.

How to reduce Acne ??

No pick, squeeze, scratch or rub - it causes scar.Regular shampooBalance dietAvoid junkWater, liquid diet.Avoid touching your face.Wash your face daily twice.Don't scrub.

Do's and Don'ts for skin :

• 8 glass of water every day.

• Intake of fruits, vegetables, salads, soups & fruit juice.

• Balanced diet.

• Regular exercise.

• Good Sleep.

• Take in plenty of air.

• Use mild soap & cleanses.

• Follow good hygiene.

• Go make-up free to bed.

• Use regular sun screen & right skin type moisturizer.

• Do not smoke.

• Do not indulge in alcohol and junk food.

• Avoid hot showers and Vigorous scrubbing.

Skin Types

We should be aware of our skin type. Skin types includes norm al, oily, dry and combination. Some people also have a combination of skin types in different areas of their skin. Your skin types vary depending upon factors, such as water content, which affects your skin's comfort and elasticity. Oil(lipid) content, which affects your skin's softness and sensitivity level.

Normal Skin

Has an even tone, soft and a smooth texture.No visible pores or blemishes, and no greasy patches or flaky areas.Normal skin is not too dry and not to oily. ows with an inner hIt glows with inner health which stems from good blood circulation and excellent health.It is beautiful, but it needs care, if neglect can lead to signs of aging and wrinkling.

Skin care for normal skin

The only care this skin requires is cleaning it twice a day with a mild baby soap and water and toned with rose water.At night to keep your skin normal moisture balance apply a thin film of homemade moisturizer.Always use a mild oil base moisturizer under make-up to help retain surface moisture.Guard against the drying, aging effects of the sun by using make up products that contains a sunscreen.Once in every two weeks, stimulate the circulation and smooth the surface of the skin by using a non drying mask.

Dry Skin

Dry and flaky skin is a common complaint in the winter time. cold, dry winter air sucks the life out of silky, smooth skin. Other factors that contribute to dry skin include aging, nutritional deficiencies, and a genetic predisposition.Dehydrated, parched- Mature

Dry skin can produce:

Almost invisible pores Dull, rough complexion Red patches Less elasticity More visible lines Thin Skin

What causes dry skin?

Dry skin causes can be classified as external and internal.

External factors include:

Cold temperaturesLow humidity

Internal factors include

Overall health, age, genetics, family history and medical conditionsHarsh soaps and cosmetics.Dry skin condition may be caused by taking some medicine as well. e.g., are drugs for high blood pressure, cholesterol, allergies etc.

What are the signs and symptoms of dry skin?

ItchingRough dry skinRed patchesThin SkinDull complexionLess elasticityMore visible LinesAlmost invisible pores

Most common areas

The lower legsHandsForearms

How can dry skin be prevented?

Avoid strong soaps.Don't scrub while bathing and drying.Avoid wool clothing.Use cotton and natural fiber clothing.Take shorter showers and baths.Apply a rich moisturiser after bathing.Need to have fiber salads and fruits.Fluids- soups and juicePlenty of waterProtein rich diet- soya, meat, milk, milk products, egg white, almonds and pulse.

Oily skin

Oily skin suffers the most during their puberty and even in later years, this kind of skin is sure to trap dirt due to the oil content and leads to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples.The accumulation of excess oil on the outer skin layer often leads to whiteheads, blackheads, blind d pimples and other skin irritations.Oily skin tends to age better and develop fewer wrinkles than dry and normal skin.The excess oil results from the sebaceous glands in the skin producing excess sebum. Those who have this conditions usually will have large pores.StressHormonal imbalanceWomen also are more prone to oily skin during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.

Combination Skin

Combination skin occurs when two or more different types occur on your face at the same time. Typically, combination skin is when some parts of your face are dry or flaky, while the center part of your face, nose, chin and forehead(called the T-zone) is oily. Combination skin can also describe conditions where wrinkles and dry skin are present at the same time.

What causes Combination skin?

Genetic

Generally, the areas around the nose, chin, and forehead have more active oil glands than other parts of the face. Some people have dry skin and others have blemish-prone, flaky, inflamed skin. Another common cause of combination skin can be a result of the very skin care products you are using. For example, if you are using products that contain irritating ingredients, they can stimulate oil production in the T- zone are at the same time create more dry skin and redness on the rest of the face.Wash your face twice a day. Cleansing, toning and Moisturising is to be done daily. Exfoliate once a week removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, leaving your face looking fresh and radiant. It can really help to give a healthy glow to your skin.

Do's and Don'ts to get glow on the skin

Drinking plenty of water serves several purpose, including the good health of your skin.Eat fresh fruits and drink juices.Eat healthy.Do not use too much makeup as it can harm your skin.whatever you are applying on your skin, test it on your hands first, and avoid using it if you feel stingy.Before going to bed, don't forget to remove your makeup.Take at least 8 hours of sleep.Don't smoke.Drink green tea.Do exercise or yoga." SELF CARE IS THE DIVINE RESPONSIBILITY "_Prepared byLakshmi MadhuCenter-in-ChargeKairos Institute, Thodupuzha