Special Facial Care - Facial Moisturizers - Face masking Tips - Eye Care - Steaming and Astringents

In addition to a good cleansing routine, there are other products and techniques that can help you to care for your skin. Some, such as moisturizers, need to be used every day. Others- a face mask or a steam bath, for example- serve to give your skin an occasional boost.

Facial Moisturizers

Moisturizing plays a large part in keeping your skin looking young. It is as important as cleansing, and choosing the correct moisturizer can make a big difference. The primary function of a moisturizer is to form a barrier on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture from being lost. This helps to make the skin look and feel softer and smoother. Some moisturizers contain ingredients designed to minimize the appearance of fine lines, to protect the skin from environmental hazards, such as pollution, and to exfoliate the dead cells from the top layer of the skin. Many moisturizers are hypo allergenic to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, and some contain sunscreens to help protect your skin from the sun's rays without having to use two separate products.

Moisturizing Tips

  • Choose a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. The drier your skin, the richer your moisturizer should be.

  • If you have combination skin, use a lighter moisturizer in the oily areas than you use on the cheeks.

Face Masks

Masks are an occasional facial treatment that can help to exfoliate the skin by removing dry and dead skin cells, thereby making the skin look smoother. Some are said to have a moisturizing effect, or even to reduce high color. Masks may provide these benefits temporarily, but the effects are not long­lasting. There are masks that you apply and rinse off, and others that you peel or wipe off. Some masks contain harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin, so test a little on your arm before applying the mask to your face.

Face Mask Tips

Masks are probably most useful to people with oily skin. Use them once or twice a week to help to reduce surface oil and improve the texture of the skin.

  • Those with dry skin should use masks less frequently.

  • Do not apply masks on the area around the eyes.

Astringents

There is still much debate about the benefits and drawbacks of astringents- also known as toners or fresheners. Some dermatologists and beauty therapists recommend using an astringent, while others say the products are unnecessary except for very oily skin. Whether you use one is a matter of personal preference. Astringents are designed for the oily areas of the face. They usually contain alcohol, witch hazel, or aluminum. They are intended to remove any residual dirt or grime left on the skin after cleansing and to tighten the skin surface, improving the appearance of enlarged pores.

Toner Tips

  • If you have enlarged pores, use a toner to make them appear smaller.

  • If you have dry skin but like the cooling feel of a toner after cleansing, choose one that does not contain alcohol.

Eye Creams

The skin around your eyes is fragile, with few sebaceous glands. And because it is not very elastic, it is usually where the first signs of aging, such as fine lines and crow's feet, appear. Products for the eye area usually come in cream or gel form, which makes them easy to apply. They can help to moisturize the area, plump out fine lines, and reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles around the eyes .

Steaming

This is an effective, inexpensive way to cleanse your skin. It is reputed to help the circulation in the skin tissues, which makes the skin look brighter. If you have a professional facial, steaming is often included before a mask is applied. Steaming is best for oily or acne-prone skins. It is not recommended for dry or sensitive skin that has high color or broken veins. People with normal to oily skins can steam once or twice a week. Those with dry skins should not steam more than once a week.

  • To steam your face at home, cleanse your face as you normally would. Then pour about 2 pints of boiled and slightly cooled water into a bowl.

  • Lean over the bowl, keeping your face at least 8 inch (20 cm) away from the hot water. Drape a towel over your head and the bowl to enclose the rising steam. Stay like this for a maximum of five minutes .

  • Rinse your face with warm water, then dry it gently. Apply a face mask or your usual moisturizer.

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