Skin Care-Causes of dry skin

Some causes of dry skin are:

Cold weather and low humidity

Central heating can make air dry which can cause dry skin.

Aging - Lower estrogen levels, thinning skin, and the fact that our skin can not produce enough oils are some of the reasons our skin is more prone to dryness as we age.

Dry skin affects people who have skin type I or II more frequently.

In some cases dehydration, malnutrition, diabetes, eczema or low thyroid hormones can cause dry skin.

Treating dry skin:

When you shower use lukewarm water and don't take long showers or baths.

Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp to seal in moisture.

Use mild soap and avoid perfumed soaps.

Use a humidifier at home.

Avoid skin care products that contain alcohol.

Don't wash your face too frequently.

Use moisturizers which contain emollients. Emollients, such as urea and mineral oils, soften skin and provide a barrier to keep moisture in and harmful agents out. Your moisturizer should also have lipids (fat or waxes) such as cholesterol, lecithin or glycerol.

Dry skin can cause flaky and rough skin. To get rid of the layer of dead skin use a gentle exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid.

Wear sunscreen.

Apply moisturizer frequently.

What to do about dark spots on your skin?

Dark spots (hyperpigmentation) are caused due to past sun damage from your childhood and your teens that shows up in your 20's and 30's . Try a 2 percent hydroquinone cream and see if they fade. It should take a couple of months for you to see results. If you don't see results you can get your dermatologist to prescribe a 4 percent cream. Please note that hydroquinone is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.

What is the difference between a moisturizer and a serum?

They are two different products and serve different purposes. A moisturizer hydrates the skin with humectants and prevents water loss.

A serum contains high concentrations of specific ingredients like antioxidants that helps maximize absorption. Serums aren't designed to be moisturizing although some contain a humectant like glycerin so check the ingredients on your serum. Otherwise you will need both - the serum first and then the moisturizer.

The Essential Skin Care Routine

It doesn't need to be elaborate but these 3 steps are essential? You can add additional laying steps such as applying a toners or an exfoliant as your skin demands but these 3 are the essential steps.

1. Cleanse: Wash your skin thoroughly on a daily basis to remove the dirt, debris, pollutants, and perspiration that accumulates on a daily basis. If you have dry or sensitive skin, use only warm water to wash your skin and use a mild natural cleanser every few days. If you have normal or oily skin, be sure to wash with a gentle cleanser on a daily basis.

2. Moisturize: Unless your skin is very oily, you will want to use a moisturizer everyday to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Your skin needs moisturizer all year long as both the indoor winter heat, and summer sun can be equally damaging to your skin.

3. Protect: Use a sunscreen when possible, regardless of whether or not you plan on spending much time in the sun. The sun's rays are very damaging and if you get in the habit of applying sunscreen.

Things you do daily for your skin.

Aside from the sunscreen and the water consumption, exercise, rest, and good nutrition lay the foundation for beautiful, healthy skin. A proper diet is not only good for your overall health, it also helps to ensure that your skin will receive all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that it needs to maintain and repair cells.

Ways to combat the dry skin that comes with age.

Older skin has fewer sweat and oil glands than younger skin. Dry skin may be caused by frequent baths, certain cosmetics or medications. Avoid using harsh soaps when bathing, and if possible, cut back on the number of baths or showers each week. A sponge bath with warm water may help to clean and revive skin without stripping the skin of its valuable moisturizers. When you do use soap, try using a natural very mild soap that does not contain any dyes, parabens or perfumes. Follow up the bath with a moisturizing lotion concentrating on problem dry areas. A good all natural moisturizer is one of the foundations for a healthy skin care regimen. Continue moisturizing throughout the day to keep skin healthy. Your hands and face are particularly susceptible to daily damage, and may need to be moisturized several times.

How do I know what kind of foundation I should buy - a liquid, stick, cream, powder or mousse?

It really depends on the condition of your skin and what kind of coverage your want.

The advantages of a liquid foundation? A liquid foundation tends to blend easily and offers a wide range of coverage from sheer to full coverage. If you have oily skin remember to use an oil free liquid and an illuminating one if you have dull or dry skin. If you need to cover breakout you should use a highly pigmented foundation.

The advantages of a stick foundation? Stick foundation is excellent for spot coverage on the chin or around your nose

The advantages of a cream foundation? If you are looking for more coverage and a longer lasting foundation use a cream foundation. You can keep if from looking too heavy by using a foundation brush to apply it which will spread it lightly.

The advantages of powder and mousse foundations? Both will give you lighter coverage and look best on clear and evenly pigmented skin.

How do I find the perfect shade of foundation? Go to the department store and try a few swipes of different shades on your jaw line and go outside with a pocket mirror and see which one blends seamlessly into your skin.

How does a chemical peel work?

A combination of acids are applied to the face in varying strengths. The acid solution peels away layers of skin. Superficial peels increase cell turn over and are used to improve skin texture. It is unlikely you will experience significant wrinkle reduction.

A medium or a deeper chemical peel also encourage collagen production and are more effective for treating wrinkles. The deeper the peel the more painful and the longer the recovery time. Most people experience redness and flakey skin for at least a couple of weeks.

Tips for using the highlighter pen

Try dotting highlighter on the inner and outer corners of the eyes to brighten them and around the nose if it is pink there.

If you wear foundation apply the highlighter on top of that and powder goes on last.

Some highlighters have a rosy tone, dot and blend a little above your eyebrows and on top of your cheekbones.

Skin care advice for every age

Skin care tips when you are in your 20's

Your skin is at its peak of beauty in your twenties, however nurture its beauty and always use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen. This habit should continue the rest of your life.

Avoid oily makeup and coverups. Use an oil free moisturizer every day. This is also a good time to begin using an eye cream under the eye area at night.

Try using products that contain green tea which have shown to help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Skin care tips when you are in your 30's

Your 30's is when your skin is beginning to become a bit drier and sun damage may begin to appear. It's time to start using thicker moisturizing creams so as to lock in high contents of moisture. Continue with eye creams at night and use your sunscreen religiously. Also, skin bleaching products may need to be used to diminish dark spots from sun damage.

Beauty Tip: Put your moisturizer on over damp skin. This helps lock in more moisture.

Skin care tips when you are in your 40's

It's time to kick it up another notch. Your forties is when your skin loses much of it tightness. It may begin to look dull and your pores may become larger. Blotches, freckles, age spots, discoloration, and changes in skin color may become much more visible. Retinoids, anti-oxidants and alpha hydroxy acids can improve the look of your skin and your 40's would be a good time to begin using them. Of course it's essential that you continue using a thick moisturizer and eye serums on a daily basis.

Home microdermabrasion kits are also an option that can result in a smoother more even appearing skin texture and tone while rejuvenating your skin's texture and color.

Skin care tips when you are in your 50's

Changes in your skin have reached high gear. Menopause has assisted in the loss of Estrogen which is what has given your skin its elasticity and kept it hydrated, however since those estrogen levels have diminished, you will begin seeing wrinkles form around your eyes, drooping eyelids and expression lines around the mouth and forehead.

Begin using anti-aging or wrinkle reducing formulas such as vitamin A (Retinol) or Glycolic acid products. Retin A has proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture, skin tone and color, as well as your skin's hydration levels.

Glycolic acid will trigger new formation of collagen to plump cells and reduce wrinkles on the skin's surface. Postmenopausal women can also use a cream containing progesterone that may improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Skincare tips for in your 60's

By age 60 all types of collagen are significantly below their youthful levels. There are, however wonderful hydrating creams that contain Alpha Hydroxy acids (Glycolic acids), soy, green tea and retinol (vitamin A) which your skin will need now that it is drier and showing major signs of age. The alpha Hydroxy acids will help reduce droopy skin and the retinol will reduce your fine lines.

Skin care tips for over 60

Your skin's texture will become visibly less smooth and you will most likely begin to see age spots. You'll appreciate the early care you've given to your skin because the signs of aging will be minimal, however, if you haven't started early you'll clearly notice the effects of neglect.

While it's never too late to take care of your skin the damage you already have will be difficult to reduce without special medical treatments such as botox or perhaps surgical procedures. All the above should continue to be applied but it is wise to consult your physician on advanced treatments.

If you're haven't yet reached 60, the best skin care advice is to follow a good skin care regimen at an early age. It's an easy habit to get into and best of all, you'll thank