Everybody longs for a beautiful and glowing skin. Radiant skin is a sign of a healthy body and mind. Many youngsters hit either a beauty salon or a spa to get that perfect skin. They may succeed in getting a good-looking skin, but only after paying a huge price. Before you go splurging your money on the latest cosmetics, it is good to know more about your skin and what type it is.
Skin happens to be the largest organ of our body and it is mainly composed of water, proteins, lipids, and different minerals and chemicals. Skin acts as a protective shield against dirt, microorganisms, UV rays, and other foreign objects. Apart from that, skin helps in regulating body temperature and body fluids.
The Layers of the Skin
Skin consists of three layers. They are:
- Epidermis: This is the tough outermost layer of the skin that gives protection to the body and takes on all the external wear and tear. Epidermis consists of flat, dead cells that keep shedding.
- Dermis: This is the middle layer of the skin that has a latticework of dense connective tissue into which blood capillaries and nerve endings are woven. It is interspersed with sweat glands and oil glands. Dermis is made up of two proteins; elastin and collagen, which provides the skin with the strength and flexibility.
- Subcutaneous Tissue: Underneath the dermis lies the thinnest layer of the skin, the subcutaneous tissue. This provides the body with the required heat and protects it from injuries. It is made up of blood vessels, sweat glands, and connective tissues as well as the fat stores.
Know Your Skin
The first and foremost step towards a glowing skin is the knowledge about your skin type. There are five major types of skin, they are:
- Normal Skin: This skin type has the right balance of oil and moisture content, and hence the skin looks healthy. The skin looks smooth, clear, and toned without spots or blemishes.
- Oily Skin: This skin may look shiny, but it is hard in texture and has large pores. Oily skin has a tendency to get pimples, blackheads, and white heads, easily.
- Dry Skin: The skin looks tight and flaky, and this can be attributed to the inadequate secretions of the sebaceous gland.
- Combination Skin: The combination skin normally tends to have a split personality with certain regions being dry while others staying oily. The areas that are oily usually fall in a T-shape, where the forehead, nose, and chin are oily and the cheeks and areas around the eyes are dry (thus the term T-zone is used while referring to a combination skin type).
- Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skins are more allergy-prone and one needs to be cautious while stepping out in the sun or windy climate. Getting overexposed to sun or new cosmetics may result in rashes or a burning sensation.
Beauty Regimes for Different Skin Types
Taking into account the difference in characteristics of the different skin types, it is essential to follow the skin care routine most suitable for your skin type.
- Normal Skin: For a normal skin type, start with a gentle foaming face wash. Be sure to massage your skin to achieve a pink complexion. Follow it up with a refreshing toner to cool down your skin.
- Oily Skin: Begin with a foaming face wash to remove the oil and dirt, while letting the moisture stay. Now, wipe your skin with a cotton wool soaked in a gentle astringent lotion. Although the skin is oily, it does need a moisturizer, but take care to use a water-based moisturizer. After a while, remove the excess moisturizer with a tissue.
- Dry Skin: First cleanse your skin with a creamy cleanser and leave it on for some time before refreshing your skin with a splash of cold water. Then gently apply a creamy moisturizer and let your skin absorb as much moisture as possible.
- Combination Skin: This type of skin requires a combination treatment. In the morning, use a foaming face wash which will clean out the oily areas and keep blackheads at bay. In the evenings, use a creamy cleanser, especially over the dry areas. This is necessary to achieve a balance between dryness and oiliness. You need to use both a strong astringent (for the oily areas) and a mild skin freshener (for the dry areas). Use a moisturizer for your entire face, but your dry areas require extra pampering.
- Sensitive Skin: Avoid soaps or face washes; instead opt for hypoallergenic cleansing lotions. Use an un-perfumed moisturizer. This will provide a barrier against irritants without irritating your skin at the same time strengthening it.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Glowing Skin
- To protect your skin from harsh sun rays and the onslaught of wind, try wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats while venturing out.
- A sunscreen lotion is a must-have when going out in the sun. Apply before going and carry some with you and reapply after 5 to 6 hours.
- If you can help it, avoid going out in the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, as the sun rays are the harshest during this period.
- Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.
- Chuck the junk (oily and greasy foodstuff). Acquire a taste for balanced and healthy diet.
- Stop smoking to prevent premature aging of the skin.
- Although is quite calming and soothing for the body, long and hot showers strip away the essential oils from your skin. Avoid these.
- Pat your skin dry after bath to retain the moisture.
- People with sensitive skin should avoid dyes and perfumes.
- Exercise regularly to enable good blood circulation and healthy skin.
- Always remove your make up before hitting the bed.
- Consult a physician if you encounter any skin problems without delay.
Spas and salons give you very good treatment and beauty advises, but at a price. If you have money and time by your side, go ahead and have a good time. Otherwise, healthy-looking skin can be yours by knowing your skin type and following these beauty regimes according to your skin type. Try it and feel the difference!
