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