Skincare is essential, Makeup is a choice!

Skin is the largest organ of the body and it is generally soft, flexible and is responsible for protection, regulation and sensation.

Since it is the outermost covering it is constantly under the abuse of UV rays, pollution, chemicals etc. If you look into the mirror, what is the first thing you notice? 80% of the people said, Skin.

Our skin reflects our internal health. A healthy person usually has a very radiant and smooth skin whereas inflammation, puffiness, acne, blemishes etc indicate that attention is required immediately.

Like we take care of our health and generally try to follow a routine to keep our system going, we should not forget a skincare regime which is easy to follow.

First of all, remember, skincare is for all(men and women) just like a healthy body. It is a range of practices which support skin integrity, enhances its appearance and relieves skin conditions.

Skincare may involve the use of cosmetic products as well as dermatological procedures.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines cosmetics as products intended to cleanse or beautify (for instance, shampoos and lipstick).

A separate category exists for medications, which are intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease, or to affect the structure or function of the body (for instance, sunscreens and acne creams), although some products, such as moisturizing sunscreens and anti-dandruff shampoos, are regulated within both categories.

Skincare regime will always be different depending on the age i.e infants, teens, elderly.

Let's discuss about the factors which are responsible for changes in skin:

1) Sun Exposure

2) Dry and cold climate

3)Hot and humid climate

4)Cosmetics, which are not of correct pH

5)Chemicals around us

6)Water

7)Nutrition

8)Medications

9)Age

10)Hormones

11)lifestyle choices like sleep, stress, exercise etc.

There are too many options available in the market which may confuse you and also do more harm, if we keep experimenting with the choices.

Skin worship can actually start at home with minimum products once we know the correct skin type.

There are basically five different skin types:

1) Normal - fine pores, good blood circulation, no blemishes, soft and good texture.

2)Dry - mild to moderate roughness, scaling, looks prematurely aged, tight, less hydrated.

3)Oily- visible pores, glossy, thick, may have mild acne, black and white heads(comedones).

4)Combination- oily T-Zone, enlarged pores, dry cheeks, black and white heads.

5)Sensitive- Easily irritated, more reactive than normal skin and may have rashes, itchiness etc.

An aging skin will have different requirements compared to a teenage skin. It may appear drier, saggy and dull.

Complexion depends on sun, pigmentation, irritation but basically distribution of melanin.

Generally, climate and pollution, medication, stress, hereditary factors that influence the levels of sebum, sweat and natural moisturising factors that your skin produces as well as the products that you use and the skincare choices that you make.

Let's try to chalk out a regime which is easy, less time consuming and effective.

Daily: Cleanse-> Tone-> Moisturise( twice, morning and evening).

Weekly: Cleanse -> Exfoliate(Scrub) -> Massage-> Mask -> Tone-> Moisturise (twice a week)

*Cleanser Vs.Face wash - Cleansers are non-foaming and deeply cleanses whereas Face wash is foaming superficially cleans.

*Toner- prepares your skin by normalising the pH and pore size.

*Moisturiser- prevents dehydration of skin and maintains texture.

*Exfoliation- removal of dead cells.

*Mask-improve appearance of texture and pores.

**Never forget your sunscreen before stepping out!!

Note: Skincare products that have active ingredients are more suitable for oily skins to prevent breakouts. But they may overdry and irritate dry skin, this may make the skin appear and feel worse. Dehydrated skin may require a creamy lotion-type cleanser. These are normally too gentle to be effective on oily or even normal skin, but dry skin requires much less cleansing power. It may be a good idea to select a cleanser that is alcohol-free for use on dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin.

Some cleansers may incorporate fragrance or essential oils. However, for some people, these cleansers may irritate the skin and often provoke allergic responses. People with such sensitivity should find cleansers that are pH-balanced cosmetic balanced, contain fewer irritants, suit many variating skin types, and do not make the skin feel dehydrated directly after cleansing.

Therefore, read the labels carefully and get a fair idea about the type of skin you have before experimenting with products.

Having a zero problem skin gives you more confidence and you feel better about yourself.

Apart from skincare products, personal hygiene like clean towels, handkerchiefs, pillow cases, not picking on a pimple etc help a lot!

A healthy, glowing skin is the best foundation anyone can wear!

Also, smile more often :)