Pure Safe and Beneficial Tips for Skin and Health

What type of skin do you have? A simple test can help you determine just that:

1. Wash your face - do not apply moisturizer or toner
2. Wait one hour and then apply strips of transparent (scotch) tape in different spots of your face - i.e. forehead, chin, cheeks.
3. Remove the strips and note what the sticky side looks like -

• Flaky means your skin is dry
• Greasy print indicates oily skin
• Take a closer look at your face - are there pimples? It may be a mild case of acne, Do you often have irritation or red areas on your face? Your skin may have sensitivities.

Now - Take Action!!

Find a good, botanical skin care product line that doesn't contain artificial fragrance, dyes etc.

• Cleanse faithfully - use a cleanser that is made for your skin type such as normal to dry or oily-combination. Acne skin should use one specifically suited for acne. Soap and water will strip the skin and in the desert southwest, most water is very alkaline.
• Moisturize regularly - A good moisturizer should penetrate into the skin and not sit on top. It will act as a protection against the environment to keep your skin at its best. Dry skin needs a moisturizer that contains humectants which will draw moisture from the air to your skin. AVOID petroleum based products, especially those with mineral oil. These ingredients offer no benefit to the skin and actually can increase the speed of aging the skin.
• The Eyes Have It - The skin around the eyes can be our biggest problem area with puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. Circles can indicate lack of sleep or illness or can be due to heredity. Peptides are a must for a good eye cream. Kojic Acid also is a natural lightener coming from the mushroom. DON'T apply the eye cream to the soft tissue under the eye or on the eyelid. Follow the orbital bone around the eye socket. The tissue will take in what it needs. Too much moisture can cause puffiness all by itself.
• Exfoliation is a Must - As we leave the baby stage of our lives, our skin cells don't turn over as quickly as they once did. It is important to use a good exfoliant to help rid the skin of it's "old", dry cells. I always recommend using an enzyme exfoliant which isn't harsh and irritating. Don't buy into the high levels of glycolic acid as it can thin the surface of the skin making it more susceptible to burns from the sun.
• Forget the Sun Worshipping - Melanoma cases are increasing, especially in those with fair skin who have had severe burns during their childhood. Skin must be protected with a good spf - 15-20 is good for daytime use. SPF is a chemical so avoid the high, high concentrations such as spf 45-50. You actually can get a chemical burn. Ever had the thought that your sunscreen didn't work? It may have been a chemical burn. Children should be protected too - but beware - don't over-protect. We all, especially children, need a good dose of the vitamin D that comes from the sun. Fifteen to twenty minutes daily can make a huge difference in overall health.
• Last but not least - Put your "Best Face Forward" by keeping the tone of your skin even. Hyperpigmentation can be minimized by a good product that works with the melanin in the skin. I wouldn't use a lightener product. These dark spots and patches are often caused by sun damage, hormonal problems etc. Then be sure to use a foundation that isn't a "mask". You want a good one that doesn't run off and that gives you an overall smooth appearance.

REMEMBER - your skin is your best accessory!!

For information on products I recommend, please contact me at lfriff@q.com

Labels: dry and aging skin, oily or sensitive skin, Solutions for acne