INTRODUCING YOUR SKIN

INTRODUCING YOUR SKIN

Skin is your biggest organ, it regularly gets scratched, bruised and burnt. Its one of your main erogenous zones, yet much of the time its not given any thought. Perhaps it's time to change that, after all, how good you look depends on how well you take care of it. Skin constantly regenerates and renews itself. The outer layer, called the epidermis, is as thin as a pencil line. It consists of a protective layer of skin cells that continually shed and give way to new cells. Below the epidermis are the dermis and hypodermic, two layers that produce the oil, collagen and elastin that give your skin support, elasticity and shine.


WHAT IS YOUR SKIN TYPE?

There are 4 BASIC skin types: Oily, Dry, Combination and Normal

Be aware that your skin type will change from time to time and you will have different needs depending on the time of year, if you are under stress, or as you age.

DRY SKIN

Skin is tight feeling, drawn, flaky with a dull complexion. Dry skin can lack elasticity and be extremely sensitive to the sun, wind, and cold temperatures.
Dry skin occurs when the dermis does not secrete enough oil or sebum. Often people with dry skin change frequently from normal to dry and then back again.

CAUSES OF DRY SKIN

* The skin has become dehydrated because oil glands are not supplying enough lubrication to the skin.

* Skin has been exposed to the elements, particularly in Winter.

* A genetic condition.

* Nutritional deficiencies, lack of vitamin A and the B vitamins can contribute.

*Conditions such as Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis or Seborrhoea

* Reaction to a product you have put on your skin.

SOLUTIONS TO A DRY SKIN

* Wear a sunscreen: sun damage makes skin less and less able to hold moisture or feel smooth.

* Moisturise: good moisturisers should have antioxidants, water binding agents and anti inflammatory ingredients

* Keep applying moisturiser: If your skin is really dry you cant use too much! Whenever your skin starts feeling dry, put more on.

* Avoid products that are drying: Do not use soap, or any product that leaves a dry feeling on your skin. Avoid products containing alcohol. Do not over scrub the skin.

* Avoid taking long showers: Too much water is bad for the skin, it breaks down the skins protective covering.

OILY SKIN

Oily skin can change from day to day, depending on the elements. This type of skin appears as, thick, or slightly waxy, often oily skin has coarse pores, and other blemishes. Congestion is common with blackheads whiteheads and pimples. In this type of skin, the oil producing sebaceous glands are over active and produce excess oil and lipids than is needed. The oil gives the skin a greasy shin, the pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look.


SOLUTIONS FOR OILY SKIN

* Keep your skin as clean as possible, cleansing 2 or even 3 times daily.

* Exfoliate 3 or 4 times a week to help with congested pores.

* Avoid using products that over dry your skin as this will encourage your skin to produce even more oil than usual.

* Wash in tepid water, hot water can strip your skin of needed moisture, while cold water can shock your skin.

* Use noncomedogenic moisturisers and sunscreens, they are oil and won't clog pores.

* Use a clay mask once a week. This will help drain excess oil and clear build up from clogged pores.

COMBINATION SKIN

This can be a mixture of all types, usually the differences are in the T-zone that crosses the forehead and down the nose and chin.

TREATMENT FOR COMBINATION SKIN

* Look for products that normalise your skin.

* Try different products for different areas and follow the tips above in the areas they are needed

NORMAL SKIN

Normal skin is the ideal state for your skin to be in. To keep it this way:

* Cleanse twice a day.
* Moisturise twice a day

* Exfoliate 1 - 2 times a week

* Use a mask to give your skin a lift when needed
* Use a sunscreen to stop harmful UV rays ageing your skin

Urban Male recommends Vitaman skin care for men