Navigation: | Home | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 |
 

Beautiful Skin 101


Most women shy away from being called 'too sensitive.' But when the subject is kin, they're all too willing to wear the scarlet S. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, at least 40% of women believe they have sensitive skin, although most dermatologists report that only a fraction really do. Sensitivity "defined as skin that's prone to irritation from products, weather, or stress" is a real (albeit misunderstood) condition. It's not the same as an allergy. It means you have a lower tolerance for irritating ingredients, such as fragrances and dyes. The evil twist here is that the more skin reacts, the more sensitive it becomes. Imagine normal skin having a natural barrier like Saran Wrap. People with sensitive skin have a disrupted barrier all the time. But by identifying what disrupts that barrier and protecting it with the right moisturizer, you can develop a thicker skin.

Read Labels: Before applying creams, lotions, or makeup, read the ingredients list. The fewer ingredients on the label, the better. All products and formulas should be free of fragrance, dye, and isopropyl alcohol (commonly known as rubbing alcohol). And beware of botanical ingredients and oils. Test each new product on the side of your neck for a few days before using it on your face.

Cleanse: Wash you face with a milky, non-foaming liquid cleanser or a soap-free bar. Do not use a washcloth or any rough scrubber, which can be too abrasive for sensitive skin. Rinse face well by splashing with lukewarm water and pat with a soft towel, leaving skin slightly damp. There is no need to use a toner, which generally contains drying and irritating isopropyl alcohol.

Moisturize: Dab moisturizer onto damp skin in the morning and night. Look for one that contains ceramides, fatty acids, or cholesterol, all of which help form a protective barrier against irritation. In the morning, when the moisturizer is absorbed, apply a sunscreen (with an SPF 15 or higher). It should also contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are least likely to cause reactions. Cheat Sheet

Choose the right products. 'Allergy-tested' means it doesn't have ingredients that cause common reactions. 'Noncomedogenic' means it won't clog pores.

Read labels. Not everyone with sensitive skin is troubled by the same thing, but the most common irritants, in order, include fragrance, isopropyl alcohol, dyes, PABA, lanolin, sorbic acid, formaldehyde, and benzoic acid. Don't assume that natural products are safe. Some botanicals (rosemary, sandalwood, arnica) and essential oils (jojoba, tea tree, lavender) may irritate.

Test samples on the neck for several days. If they don't irritate you, they'll probably be fine for your face. Don't try an arsenal of new products at once. Similarly, if skin breaks out, stop using everything, and reintroduce products one by one.

Be as gentle as possible. Use a creamy, liquid cleanser or a soap-free bar and rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid Buf-Pufs and washcloths. Pat with a towel and leave skin slightly damp.

Moisturize with a product for sensitive skin, or one that contains fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides. Every day, be sure to apply a PABA-free sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Daily Basics

Wash with a milky, non-foaming liquid.
Use a soap-free formula with oatmeal that calms dry and itchy skin.
For day, use a fragrance-free moisturizer containing a non-irritating sunscreen. At night, smooth on a noncomedogenic formula that helps fortify the skin's barrier while you sleep.
Dermatologists say that sensitive-skin sufferers are more likely to avoid using sunscreens, associating them with past reactions to PABA. Choose one that won't aggravate skin.
It's not just what you put on your face. Hair spray can cause breakouts along the hairline. Use an allergy-tested and keep the hair off the face whenever possible.

Extra Help

To soothe redness, dermatologists recommend using a fragrance-free treatment. A dime-size dab of an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream also relieves itching.
For dryness on the body, increase resistance to the environment with a product containing lipids, which is safe for sensitive types.
To treat blemishes, start with an irritant-free face lotion that minimizes blotches with vitamin A. Follow with a concealer that won't aggravate acne, which does double duty by helping clear and conceal blemishes.
Dermatologists like products that get their color from iron oxides, which are less likely to cause reactions. They're also talc-free, which means they won't rob skin of the moisture it needs.

Tricks of the Trade

Don't' shower or bathe for more than 20 minutes, or you'll dry out your skin. Use lukewarm water.
Don't start any aggressive treatments during the winter, when skin is dryer and more sensitive because of low humidity and indoor heating. A humidifier helps skin from becoming parched.
Grainy or chemical exfoliants can cause breakouts. Excessive daily scrubbing rubs the sebaceous glands, which can clog pores. Use a clay or mud mask to slough off dead cells instead.
Facials are trouble unless they're simple, steam-free, and employ fragrance-free products.
Avoid chemical peels and laser treatments if you're sensitive to exfoliants and skin-lightening creams.
If acne medications irritate your skin, ask your doctor about taking oral antibiotics or birth-control pills, which can help minimize blemishes.
Keep Retin-A treatments to only once a week. Dilute the strength by mixing it with your moisturizer.
For skin that seems provoked by anything and everything, ask you dermatologist about cleansers and moisturizers that are normally prescribed for hypersensitive postsurgery and postpeel patients.

This article is brought to you by IH Distribution, LLC.

Bringing you health, anti-aging and skin care products from around the world. Shop online: www.ihdistribution.com & www.ihd.myarbonne.com or contact us: sales@ihdistribution.com

Please share the content of these articles with your friends, family and colleagues. Reprint rights granted. All reprints, must include a link to www.ihdistribution.com. Content may not be altered and articles must be used as distributed by IH Distribution, LLC

Copyright © IH Distribution LLC 2004


MORE RESOURCES:

05/02/2024
Hair straightening - a guide to flat irons
Flatten those waves for the look you want

more info


05/02/2024
Hair curling - a guide
Your hair curling options from bobby pins to hair rollers

more info


05/02/2024
Makeup for mature women
Products and principles to make older skin look great

more info


05/02/2024
Facial taping for wrinkles
A new beauty trend to fight the signs of age

more info


05/02/2024
Acne products - how do they work?
A quick survey of acne treatments

more info


05/02/2024
Extend your summer look through winter
Look hot and sexy when it's cold and dark

more info


05/02/2024
Improve your confidence with a smile makeover
Options for a stunning smile

more info


05/02/2024
Weight loss products - do any really work?
Weight loss products - do any really work?

more info


05/02/2024
Vitamin supplements - your secret beauty product
How extra vitamins can make for beautiful skin and hair

more info


05/02/2024
How to cleanse skin properly
Look after your skin and it will look after you

more info


05/02/2024
Newest trends in facelifts
Facelifts are getting cheaper and quicker

more info


05/02/2024
Cleaning hair without shampoo
What to do when shampoo does more harm than good

more info


05/02/2024
Would you consider post-break-up Botox?
Women are turning to cosmetic surgery to deal with emotional pain

more info


05/02/2024
Improving your teeth and your smile
Options for better teeth

more info


05/02/2024
What to do about hair loss
Hair today, gone tomorrow?

more info


05/02/2024
Foam hair colors - do they work?
Find out if foam hair colors are worth the extra money

more info


05/02/2024
Workout guidelines for any woman, any age
How to find and stick to an exercise regime that works for you

more info


05/02/2024
Handbag basics – the different styles
Accordions, buckets, hobos and more - all you need to know

more info


05/02/2024
Fragrance FAQ - what to buy and how to apply
A guide to choosing the right perfume and wearing it correctly

more info


05/02/2024
Breast augmentation - saline versus silicone implants
The key differences between saline and silicone explained

more info


05/02/2024
Anti-aging skin care products - a guide
When to start and what they're made of

more info


05/02/2024
Keep your eyelashes looking great
Eyelash loss - how to stop it and how to heal the damage

more info


05/02/2024
Finding the perfect makeup brush
Navigate through the makeup brush maze

more info


05/02/2024
Ten tips for a natural immune system boost
Natural diet supplements that will strengthen your immune system

more info


05/02/2024
Review: Revlon ColorStay Overtime LipColor
For beautiful-looking lips you'll find the ColorStay Overtime LipColor hard to beat

more info


05/02/2024
Beauty through the ages - the funky Seventies
A time of angel wing hair, paisley and the micro-mini

more info


05/02/2024
Fur or no fur, that is the question
Campaigners protest against Burberry's use of fur on the catwalk

more info


05/02/2024
Laser, light and heat hair removal methods
A look at alternatives to electrolysis and waxing

more info


05/02/2024
Review: Garnier Vital Restore Daily Beauty Serum
A beautiful moisturiser that claims to reduce age spots

more info


05/02/2024
Finding the right foundation garment
Hide your body flaws and look great in clothes with a foundation garment

more info



home | site map |