skin basic facts|skin care

Can you give me a brief idea about the composition of skin?

The skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and the sub-dermis. The epidermis is the visible surface layer with no blood vessels. It is in fact, made up of dead cells. The second layer is the dermis, made of collagen fibres, which lends elasticity

to the skin. This layer has sebaceous glands, which secrete oil, awhich regulate the body temperature. This layer acts as a cushion between the surface skin and the musnd sweat glands, cles below.

The glands the skin is a tissue which covers the whole body.It functions through pores, which are the exit channels, and if the skin is not cleaned properly they become clogged and form whiteheads or blackheads. It is the sebaceous glands, which cause oily, dry or normal skin.

The sub-dermis is the bottom most layer of the skin. It has fat cells, which make the skin supple.

Most women are worried about the skin being oily or dry. It is the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for the oiliness or dryness of the skin.

What are the different types of skin and how can I identify my skin type?

There are three types of skin: the oily, normal and dry skin. To know your skin type, perform this test. Place a dry tissue on your face and press it against your face when you get up early in the morning. If the tissue is stained you have an oily skin, if there is a T-shaped stain in the centre panel, then yours is a combination skin. And if there is no oily patch you have a dry skin.

What are the attributes of a normal skin?

You are a very lucky person if you have a normal skin. It is a healthy skin, which has no blemishes. Since the sebaceous glands are working at the optimum level, there is not secretion of excess or less sebum. It remains velvety, smooth and supple. There are no enlarged pores or flaky dead cells. There is a healthy glow and soft texture to it.

How does one care for a normal skin?

A normal skin hardly needs any care. Remember the key words are cleansing, nourishing and toning. The skin needs to be cleansed twice daily, in the morning and before going to bed. For nourishment, any cream can be used and for toning you can use an astringent or skin tonic. Don’t forget to use a Skin Moisturisng during the day to retain the Skin Moisturisng of the skin.

I feel I have a dry type of skin. How can I look after it?

A dry skin is flaky and dull in appearance, especially around the eyes and the cheeks. Fine lines appear very soon when the skin is dry. It also has a tendency towards, flakiness, dry patches and sore skin in cold weather. A dry skin needs a lot of care. The oil glands of a dry skin do not supply enough lubricants to the skin so the skin becomes dehydrated. For a dry skin, it is imperative that you use a lot of nourishment and moisturize it adequately. It is best not to use too much of soap on the face as that will compound the problem. At night, use a rich-nourishing cream before retiring to bed. And keep the skin scrupulously clean with a mild cleansing cream or lotion.

What are the main identification traits of an oily skin? What is the proper method of caring for such skin-how to makeover oily skin?

how to makeover oily skin, skin toning An oily skin looks shiny, thick and dull. The sebaceous glands of an oily skin produce more oil than required. The pores are enlarged and the oily skin is more prone to problems like acne and blackheads. One needs to keep it very clean so that excess oil is not formed. Use a mild toner for toning. skin toning will improve the circulation and the texture of the skin. Keep away from greasy creams and Skin Moisturisng There many specially formulated lotions and non-greasy moisturizers, available for the oily skin.

I have heard about the combination skin. What exactly is a combination skin?

Actually, most of us have a combination type of skin. It usually has a T-shaped panel of oiliness down the forehead, skin basic facts nose and chin. The rest of the face is dry.

How does one care for the combination skin?

Skin cleansing, A combination skin requires special care since you will have to combine two different types of care for the two different zones. One for the oily T-zone and another for the dry areas. Cleanse the oily part with an astringent or a strong skin tonic and the cheeks should be treated as you would treat a dry skin. Lubricating and nourishing are the main requirements of the dry zone. Apply a good moisturizer during the day time and a rich nourishing cream during the night. The oily T-zone should not be put under the heavy creams, as that will only aggravate the oiliness. For that area, just a mild, oil free moisturizer is fine.

In the recent years I have heard a lot about the pH factor. How can I get to know the pH level of my skin?

The degree of acidity of your skin is known as the pH factor. To determine pH is to ascertain the hydrogen potentials. Skin cleansing The hydrogen particle, when in excess, causes alkalinity. When the hydrogen particle is deficient, it causes acidity. The pH factor is neutral when at 7. When the figure is under 7 then it is acidic and when it is above 7 it is alkaline.

To find out whether your skin is acidic or alkaline, take a litmus paper and apply it to the face (an hour after it has been washed). Keep it there for a few minutes and then remove it. If the paper has remained blue, you lack acidity and your skin is a breeding ground for infection. If the paper has turned to a rose-lilac, the acidity level is satisfactory. If the paper has become pink-red, your skin is too acidic and it is delicate, sensitive as well as likely to age prematurely.

What are the general types of skin problems that one faces?

Skin cleansing, The general types of skin problems are acne, blackheads, pigmentation, freckles, dark circles under the eyes and enlarged pores. Of these acne troubles most young people and the dark circles are common among the middle aged.