LITMIR.BIZ

      “Look for formulations that contain a sunscreen, as well as antioxidants to prevent premature ageing, and sufficient hydration to suit your skin type.”

      BEYOND THE BASICS

      Cleansing, moisturizing and sun screening may be the mainstay of good skin care but cosmetic counters are filled to capacity with all sorts of other skin-care products – from masks and exfoliators to serums and eye creams. So how do these products fit into a sound beauty routine?

      Masks

      Face masks are considered more of a luxury than a necessity, but they infuse the skin with beneficial ingredients and offer a quick, albeit termporary, way to exfoliate, moisturize, cleanse or soothe.

      Choose a mask formulated for your skin type. A clay mask can dry out and further irritate dry skin, while a moisturizing mask could aggravate acne-prone skin. If a mask stings, remove it immediately, unless you are using an AHA or BHA product where a mild tingling is not unusual.

      Exfoliators

      Exfoliators are essential for sloughing off dead skin cells. Use once a week to boost circulation. Dead cells and dirt sit on the surface, clogging pores, and make your complexion look dull.

      However, moderation is the key. The top layer of the stratum corneum defends the skin, so you don’t want to strip it. Avoid physical exfoliators like sponges, brushes, and loofahs – they are generally too abrasive and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Also avoid cream-based exfoliators that are abrasive; the formulations should feel gentle on the skin.

      Chemical exfoliators don’t require rubbing and rinsing. For example, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) dissolve the protein bonds that bind dead skin cells together, allowing you to shed the cells easily. If your skin tolerates AHAs, this is the best way to control the level of exfoliation. When it comes to exfoliating, more is not better! If you notice pink or raw patches on your skin, you know you’ve overdone it.

      Eye creams

      Eye creams are usually lighter in texture than most facial moisturizers and specially formulated not to harm the eye’s delicate tissue. However fragrance, emulsifiers, and emollients are not uncommon and may cause sensitivity in the ultra-sensitive eye area.

      For daywear choose a formula enriched with UV protectors and antioxidants. Gently pat into the skin under the eyes and along the orbital and brow bones. The skin’s warmth helps to deliver it where it’s needed. Avoid applying the product too close to the eyes. If it enters the tear duct it can aggravate the mucous membranes and cause puffiness.

      Serums

      Today’s serums are usually a cocktail of potent but lightweight, anti-ageing ingredients. Some are designed to be used every day, others when your skin needs to generate new cells or deliver a burst of radiance. They are usually worn underneath your moisturizer, and many brands have cult followings.

      SKIN PROBLEMS

      Decode your skin’s SOS signals. Here’s how to rescue skin in distress:

      Skin changes to take to a doctor

      While you can learn to read and respond to certain skin signals on your own, the following demand a doctor’s attention:

      ▪ Sore or bleeding bumps that don’t heal within a month

      ▪ Moles that change colour, size or shape

      ▪ Inexplicable blisters that itch or burn

      ▪ Any sudden, persistent or unexplained swelling.

      Sensitive skin

      • This troublesome condition affects every type of skin in the form of redness, scaling, swelling and irritation. Skin can react to skin-care products and detergents just as it can to the sun, wind and pollution.

      Do

      • Use a sunscreen containing titanium dioxide

      • Wash your face with lukewarm, not hot, water

      • Use a fragrance-free moisturizer

      • Try products that contain anti-inflammatories like camomile

      • Use a liquid

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