Skin Care Products & their Benefits
There are about 5 main skin care categories. They are:
Cleansers Toners
Exfoliants Masks
Moisturizers & treatment creams
Cleansers – there are face washes, lotions and creams. They should be used twice daily, morning and evening. A face wash is for people with oily or acne skin. It foams up and leaves that ‘squeaky clean’ feeling sometimes leaving skin a little tight. Use with caution seeing these cleansers can lead to over dry skin which causes an over production of oil and can accelerate acne. A cleansing lotion is a water-based cleanser and is best for normal and combination skin. For dry skin a milky based cleanser is recommended. It can be applied with a soft damp cloth or cotton pad and wiped off with a cloth or pad. A cleansing cream is an oil-based emulsion used mostly to dissolve dirt and make-up. This is for a more mature skin or very dry skin. It can be applied and removed the same as a cream but should be followed by a Toner or a different cleanser to make sure all residue is wiped off.
Toners – can also be called fresheners or astringents. They are applied to the face by a cotton pad or by a spray mist. They are used after your cleanser to restore the ph balance of your skin. Tonic lotions vary in strength and alcohol content. Fresheners have an alcohol content of 0-4% and are great for mature, dry or sensitive skin. Toners have an alcohol content of 4-15% and are best suited to tighten or tone the skin. Astringents alcohol content is about 35% and is used for oily or acneic skin types. They can do more harm than good if used incorrectly.
Exfoliants – an exfoliant is an ingredient that sloughs off dead skin. There are many different forms of exfoliating. Dry brushing, enzyme peels, AHA’s, gentle scrubs and creams. They are either mechanical or chemical.
Masks – masks is one of the most liked beauty treatment. People have been applying beauty masks for thousands of years and enjoying there benefits. There are two main types of masks, setting and non-setting. Setting masks are designed with ingredients such as clay, paraffin wax or alginate and provide a complete barrier over the skin. A clay based mask draws things out of the skin and are best for oily or acneic skin. Non-setting masks stay hydrated and are best for dry skin. They have bases made up of aloe or cucumber. They calm, nourish, hydrate, soothe and rejuvenate the skin.
Serums and Eye Creams – are made with vitamins, lipids and antioxidants and are usually thin liquids. They are made with smaller molecules so they can penetrate further into the skin. They are applied under moisturizers.
Moisturizers – are used after cleansing to protect and nourish the skin. Water-based moisturizers absorb quickly and leave no residue and are good for daily use. Oil-based moisturizers contain emollients that are heavier and protect the surface of the skin by trapping water under the skin. It is important to use moisturizer to balance the water/oil content of your skin.
Day/night Weekly
leansers Exfoliation
Toner Masks
Serums/Eye creams
Moisturizers
