| The skin on your face loves being cleansed, | | | | radicals (unstable and highly reactive atoms). |
| exfoliated, freshened (toned), moisturized and | | | | (Sad but true: "free radicals" always reminds me |
| protected. Why? You're helping skin's natural | | | | of Janeane Garofalo's character's cosmetics |
| processes. Your reward is smoother, clearer, | | | | counter experience in the movie, "The Truth |
| even younger-looking skin (we love that!) and | | | | About Cats & Dogs"). |
| prevention of annoying skin conditions. | | | | Moisturizing - Moisturizing restores moisture that is |
| Basically, your skin regenerates itself continually in | | | | stripped away during the cleansing and exfoliating |
| a four-week cycle. New cells are created near the | | | | process; prevents loss of further moisture; |
| base of the epidermis (the outer main layer of | | | | provides a barrier against the effects of dry heat, |
| skin) and then mature and die as they move up | | | | wind and cold; and softens skin and improves its |
| to the surface. The cells which provide skin's color | | | | resilience and elasticity. Many moisturizers contain |
| or pigment are also found in the epidermis. | | | | humectants which retain moisture and, as a result, |
| Below the epidermis is the thicker, inner main | | | | plump up the skin. |
| layer of skin, the dermis. It's composed of | | | | Protecting - Protecting the skin is an important |
| collagen and elastin fibers and contains blood | | | | morning step. One way is to put on a sunscreen |
| vessels and sweat glands, among other things. | | | | or sun block to minimize exposure to UVA and |
| Cleansing - Cleansing removes the impurities that | | | | UVB rays. Another way is to apply foundation. In |
| have accumulated on the skin's surface. These | | | | addition to evening out skin tone, foundation helps |
| may consist of dust and chemicals from the | | | | shield the skin against the impact of the |
| environment, makeup, and sweat and sebum (a | | | | environment. |
| secretion) which have migrated from the dermis | | | | For the best results, choose the cleansing, |
| through the pores. | | | | exfoliating, freshening and moisturizing products |
| Exfoliating - Exfoliating is simply removing the | | | | that are made specifically for your skin type: dry, |
| dead cells on the surface of the skin. On a daily | | | | normal, combination, oily, sensitive. The ingredients |
| basis, it's best done very lightly and gently. | | | | in each product work to balance, control and |
| Depending upon skin type and sensitivities, there | | | | restore your individual skin conditions and |
| are chemical exfoliants (such as retinoids [Vitamin | | | | needs.Anti-aging ingredients - Since signs of aging |
| A derivatives], alpha-hydroxy acids [AHAs], | | | | start to appear during our twenties (very subtly), |
| beta-hydroxy acids [BHAs]) and mechanical | | | | anti-aging ingredients are in high demand and an |
| exfoliants (microdermabrasion) which can be used | | | | important component of many skin care lines. |
| on a regular basis for more dramatic results. | | | | It takes w-a-y more time to read about caring |
| (Please read "Personal Care, Exfoliants" for more | | | | for your skin than it does to go through the |
| details.) | | | | steps. With the right products for your skin type, |
| Cleansing and exfoliating assist the skin by allowing | | | | caring for your face can take only a minute or |
| moisturizers to penetrate and work more | | | | two twice a day and give you clearer, smoother, |
| effectively. | | | | younger-looking skin! |
| Freshening - Depending upon the skin type for | | | | Source: Mary Kay Inc. |
| which it's intended, a freshener or toner serves a | | | | © Copyright 2006. Charlotte Maddox. All |
| number of purposes. A freshener may condition | | | | rights reserved. |
| and re-hydrate skin, balance pH, remove residue | | | | Charlotte is an experienced independent beauty |
| and refine pores. It can also scavenge free | | | | consultant with Mary Kay Inc. |