Facial skin care articles

During a conversation, the interlocutor sees the face in close-up; when meeting, 99% of people pay attention to the facial features and the overall attractiveness of the image. A beautiful, well-groomed face creates a pleasant impression of a person, even with untidiness in clothes or inappropriate makeup. For women, skin condition is an important criterion of beauty. But a well-groomed man with a healthy complexion is perceived better than in the opposite situation.

Proper cleansing and moisturizing should begin as early as possible, then the skin on the face will remain young and elastic much longer. Unpleasant manifestations that appear without proper care:

1. Small expression wrinkles can still be corrected with cosmetics, but deep ones can only be corrected with plastic surgery;
2. Redness and inflammation appear when pores are clogged or pathogens enter the surface of the skin;
3. Pimples, acne, rashes, acne - to varying degrees, are inherent in any skin type and bother almost 90% of people;
4. Dryness and flaking can appear even on oily skin with improper care;
5. Black spots on the wings of the nose and the “T” zone are the result of clogged pores with sebum, dust and bacteria;
6. Flabbiness and inelasticity of the skin in the initial stages can be stopped with cosmetics;
7. Pits and uneven skin resulting from damage to the inner layer can be significantly smoothed out with proper daily care.

The process of the appearance of such defects begins in adolescence and continues throughout life. Therefore, taking proper care of your skin is as important as brushing your teeth every day, taking a shower, and keeping your body healthy. The sooner you start preventative and restorative measures, the fewer unpleasant consequences you will get at the end.

The quality of cosmetics undoubtedly plays a huge role in the effectiveness of procedures. But another important point is the consistency and regularity of care. It is not enough to cleanse your skin only after applying makeup once a week; you need to do it daily. You need to moisturize your face not when you feel discomfort and dryness, but every morning and evening with appropriate creams. The intensity and frequency of additional procedures is determined by each woman independently, but the basic set should remain unchanged:

1. Cleanses the skin of impurities and makeup residues;
2. Applying a toner appropriate to your skin type;
3. Moisturizing with creams selected taking into account all individual characteristics.

To the main manipulations, you can add many other auxiliary ones, for example, massage, scrubbing, masks, lotions, cosmetic procedures in a beauty salon, hardware influences.

Before selecting cosmetics and the necessary daily manipulations, you need to determine how your skin will react to various substances in each area. There are situations when one cream is used for the eyelids and under the eyes, another for the “T” zone, and a third for the rest of the surface. Almost 80% of women of all ages have varying degrees of combination skin. And in order to understand how to choose cosmetics and how to apply them for maximum effect, you need to know your skin type.

With age, the skin type in a certain area may change, for example, under the eyes, after 30, the skin becomes thinner and drier, and requires more intensive moisturizing and careful treatment. It is best to know all the main types and be able to recognize them. To do this, carefully study the signs of each of them. If we do not take into account the subtypes, then we can distinguish 3 main types of skin:

In its pure form, each type is rare; most often the skin is combination and each area has characteristics and differences. What are their differences?

Oily skin. Problems for people of this type begin in adolescence or even earlier. The sebaceous glands secrete too much substance, so the face always has a shine. The surface of oily skin is loose and prone to the formation of acne, blackheads, and pimples if not properly cared for.

Normal skin. It is found less frequently than others, especially in its pure form. Thanks to sufficient nutrition from the inside and protection from external influences from the outside, this type of skin is less susceptible to peeling and wrinkles, like dry skin, and inflammation, like oily skin. The pores are of normal size and are not noticeable at close range.

Dry skin. The main sign of this type is considered to be a tendency to peeling and transparency. The sebaceous glands and the surface nutrition system do not sufficiently supply the cells with fluid, and natural conditions, poor ecology and water aggravate the situation. Causes of dry skin: genetics and predisposition, hormonal imbalances, age over 35, living in a big city, frequent walks under the scorching sun and strong winds, systematic lack of fluid in the body, lack of sleep, stress, poor diet, insufficient care. Often, such problems are solved by introducing clean water into the diet in the amount of 2-3 liters per day.

Girls and women need knowledge about the characteristics of facial skin in order to choose the right cosmetics. There are 2 fundamentally different methods: independent or with the help of a specialist. The second option is clear and simple - you go to a cosmetologist, he tests the skin with instruments and gives a laboratory-confirmed result.

A less expensive, but also less accurate method is to do everything yourself. The main tool is eyes, auxiliary materials are a paper napkin, water and a mirror. We choose good lighting and carefully examine all areas of the face, noting the main markers of each skin type:

1. Enlarged pores, areas of inflammation, oily shine at any time of the day, black spots on the nose or chin, density and looseness of the surface indicate oily skin;
2. If you apply a paper napkin to your forehead, nose and cheeks, oily skin will leave marks;
3. Excessive tension, premature wrinkles, bright venous patterns, a feeling of tightness, a tendency to peel, discomfort on the street and under the sun indicate dry skin;
4. Dryness can be detected with water - when washing, insufficiently moisturized skin will experience discomfort;
5. If you do not find any of the listed signs on your face, and your skin color is healthy with a blush, the skin feels soft but elastic to the touch, you can talk about a normal type.

You can determine the type of each area of ​​facial skin and take into account the features when selecting cosmetics and a set of manipulations.

Separately, you can highlight problem skin; it can be oily in areas where acne and redness occur. It can be dry and, damaged by external influences, become inflamed and covered with tubercles and cracks. It may initially be normal, but if not properly cared for, the skin becomes “sick” and requires special care.

Regardless of the degree of damage and the volume of problems, questions about cosmetic or hardware procedures must be resolved by a specially trained person - a cosmetologist.

In some cases, it is enough to change your lifestyle, balance your diet, add vitamins and proper cleansing, and the skin becomes close to normal. Sometimes even surgery and medication are required when the problems are caused by germs or fungus.

Adolescence and hormonal imbalances can greatly blur the picture, making it impossible to determine your skin type. Here it is also better to contact a specialist and follow the recommendations. Self-medication will lead to even greater problems.

Problems with the sebaceous glands require more thorough cleansing, so the steps for caring for oily skin will be as follows:

1. Washing with tap, mineral or micellar water using milk, soap or any cleanser;
2. Additional cleansing with lotion containing alcohol or salicylic acid - they dry out the skin;
3. Facial tonic promotes better access of cream particles to skin cells;

1. Moisturizing the skin is necessary, even if the sebaceous glands are overworked, but you should choose a product with a lighter texture without wax.

Features of caring for oily skin include the ability to wash even with soap. The same applies to combination skin - areas prone to similar problems are additionally treated with alcohol-containing lotion or tonic. Try not to overdry it, you can get the opposite effect - the glands, in response to excessive cleansing, will increase the release of sebum.

Masks for oily skin should include substances that tighten pores and relieve inflammation. They can be used together with scrubs 2-3 times a week.

The pillowcase and pillow cover must be cleaned regularly; particles of skin, cream and sebaceous gland secretions remain on the fabric, and this environment is ideal for any kind of bacteria. The less often you wash, the greater the chances of getting unpleasant neighbors.

The main motto when caring for this type of skin is regular moisturizing. She cannot fully receive nutrition and fluid from the inside, so you need to choose the right basic cosmetics. It is highly not recommended to wash your face with soap and water; choose rich milk; the lotion or tonic should not be alcohol-based. Choose intensively nourishing creams; day cream should additionally protect from wind and sun, night cream should nourish and restore.

Dry skin is prone to damage, so scrubs should be replaced with more gentle cleansing, and nourishing masks should be used at least 2 times a week. But deep cleansing is not possible in all situations. Damaged or acne-prone skin excludes the mechanical impact of scrub particles. Here you need a softer and more gentle product.

The most common situation: areas of excessive shine in the “T” zone, dry areas under the eyes, the rest of the skin is close to normal. All that is required is a tonic, used only on areas with overactive sebaceous glands, and additional nutrition on thin areas.

The rest of the products should be taken “For normal skin”, separately cleanse the “T” zone with tonic after washing, cover the area under the eyes with a nourishing cream. The main thing is not to use these 2 products on other areas, as you can upset the natural balance.

Experts offer thousands of methods and regimens for skin care of any type, but you can only choose the product that is ideal for you through experience. For some, a basic essential oil is enough to moisturize, while others use a system of creams. But there are basic manipulations offered by all cosmetologists without exception:

1. The skin needs to be thoroughly cleansed at least once a day, it is better to do this in the evening, washing away harmful dust and dirt, and remnants of makeup. You need to choose a cleanser based on your skin type.
2. For deeper penetration of the cream into the skin, use a tonic. It will also cleanse the skin more thoroughly.

1. Nourishment and hydration are required for any skin type, for dry skin - a more intense option, for oily skin - with an anti-inflammatory effect.
2. Nutrition and the amount of clean water in the diet directly affects the elasticity of the skin and its appearance. You need to drink at least 2 liters per day, and food must contain all the necessary microelements, vitamins and antioxidants.
3. Healthy sleep, lack of stress, and regular exercise speed up metabolism, improve mood and overall skin condition.

Walking in the fresh air is good for the skin, take into account only its type and weather and protect your face from cold wind, frost and direct sunlight.
A beautiful woman is a happy woman and vice versa! Take care of your health and it will definitely bring you a lot of joy and pleasure.

Everyone and everything, from midnight talk shows to the tabloids, publishes their ratings. This list invites you to familiarize yourself with 30 myths about skin care. He will question generally accepted concepts and long-standing traditions.

Of course, the list is incomplete. However, it contains facts and explanations and will give you the opportunity to question many claims about skin care products, their ingredients and other “scientific” facts.

Facial muscle exercises make us younger

The face is the only part of the body where the muscles are attached directly to the skin. Constant exercise and stretching will lead to even more wrinkles. They are usually called mimic.

Vitamin E reduces scars

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and is involved in the structure of skin cells. However, nothing is known about its effectiveness in the fight against scars. Moreover, some studies, on the contrary, confirm the opposite.

Cucumbers can reduce bags under the eyes

Cucumbers are 90% water, which binds inert fibers together. In theory, cucumbers can soothe and moisturize the skin. The same effect can be achieved using a cold compress.

Pores on the skin open and close

The pores open, allowing sebum to pass through to the surface. If the pores are constantly enlarged, this is a sign of poor heredity, a thick stratum corneum of the skin, or a consequence of frequent squeezing of pimples.

The higher the SPF value, the better

The SPF level refers to protection against UVB radiation only. A person needs a sunscreen with chemical and physical sun blocking elements, as well as antioxidants. A high SPF level gives a false sense of security. Moreover, SPF 50 is only nominally better than SPF 15, SPF 30 is only 2% more effective than SPF 15, and SPF 40 is 1% more effective than SPF 30. And one more thing - sunscreens need to be reapplied every 1.5-2 hours.

Applying several SPF products enhances protection

In this case, only a product with the highest protection factor works. An SPF 10 foundation, an SPF 15 moisturizer, and an SPF 10 sunscreen will not add up to SPF 45 protection.

Collagen injections can be replaced with cream

There is no reliable or practical evidence to support the ability of collagen or elastin to penetrate the skin, even with the help of nanotechnology. They can provide hydration, but absolute effectiveness is only possible when administered by injection.

Mineral oils are harmful to the skin

Modern cosmetic mineral oils are not at all what they used to be. They are very effective in removing excess oil from the skin. Fat attracts fat, and modern mineral oils have a different molecular weight, so they do not harm the skin or clog pores. Combined with kaolin, a natural adhesive, mineral oil helps control sebum production.

Mineral oils cause acne

Cosmetic mineral oils are non-comedogenic. It is a myth that cosmetic and industrial oils and lubricants are the same thing. The so-called white medicinal oil is subject to the strictest controls. To remove fat plugs from the skin, you need an oil-based substance.

Preservatives in skincare products are bad

Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that can not only reduce the effectiveness of the product or even ruin it, but also directly harm the skin. There is some confusion about parabens: research is unclear on whether applying them to the skin leads to the formation of harmful deposits. However, parabens are found in many fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries.

Packaging doesn't matter

In fact, packaging is very important - not for aesthetic reasons, but to maintain the effectiveness of the products. Bottles with wide necks, transparent jars, and any packaging that allows air to pass through are a threat to the safety of the active ingredients.

Chocolate and fatty foods cause acne

Chocolate itself does not cause acne. Hormonal fluctuations and bacteria are the causes of problem skin, and stress can make it worse. In addition, food allergies may well cause inflammation.

Natural and organic products are always better

Carefully! Many products are only called organic and natural. In addition, any ingredients undergo synthetic processing to become bioactive and effective. Synthetic ingredients can be identical to natural ones, and sometimes even more effective. And choosing a product based on the predominant natural or artificial elements is wrong. Not all chemicals are harmful, just as not all natural elements are beneficial.

The more you use, the better

Less is better. A pea-sized amount of cream is enough. An excess of cosmetics is a threat to your skin and wallet.

Acne is a consequence of improper skin cleansing

Acne appears due to clogged pores, and overuse of exfoliation can cause irritation. Blackheads are dirt, sebum and dead cells that need to be removed promptly. Therefore, it is better to use products that remove the stratum corneum of the skin.

You can get rid of problematic and oily skin by drying it

In fact, it's the other way around. When the skin becomes dry, it begins to produce even more oil. Use drying products sparingly and try to hydrate oily skin. It is important to maintain its balance.

To avoid getting sunburned at sea, you need a “preparatory” tan

Tanning of any kind is damaging to the skin and is never safe or healthy. To achieve the desired skin color, it is better to use a self-tanner.

All skin problems occur before the age of 18

The sun affects your skin throughout your life. However, a little less than 50% of skin damage occurs before the age of 18. It is never too late to use protective equipment.

Tanning in a solarium is safe

The information that solarium does not cause skin mutations is a complete lie. UVA radiation, which provides artificial tanning, penetrates deeper and is much more damaging to the skin. And it is not necessary to get burns that harm your skin.

Antioxidants reduce wrinkles

Antioxidants fight the formation of free radicals and prevent skin damage, but they cannot remove wrinkles.

Skin damage and signs of aging can be quickly eliminated

If the packaging of the product claims this, then rest assured, it is a lie. Today's skin condition is not the result of just one day. Prepare to wait at least three cycles (the skin renewal cycle is 21-40 days) to see visible results.

Alcohol in skin products is bad

Some components of alcohol can act as a soothing agent and prevent moisture loss. Cetyl alcohol, benzyl and oleic alcohol are useful substances.

The sun will help get rid of acne

The sun may temporarily hide skin inflammation, but it can damage it, causing pigmentation, dryness and increased sebum production.

Alcohol abuse can cause your nose to become swollen and red.

Drinking alcohol can temporarily dilate blood vessels and make the face red. But usually a large, inflamed, burgundy nose is a consequence of red acne.

Skin recovers only at night

Good sleep is definitely good for the skin. Her nutrition is a separate process. Lack of sleep can cause stress, swelling and reduce collagen production.

Skin products can last three years or more

Contrary to many claims, most skin products lose their properties after 12 months. It is better to use a jar of cream before this period expires, because preservatives do not last forever, and bacteria may appear.

Rough scrubs, soaps and exfoliators are good for the skin

Overuse of scrubs or other abrasives removes the protective layer of sebum, leaves micro-cuts, causes aging and irritation. Less is more: a gentle cleanser and a light moisturizer are the perfect combination.

Vitamin A thins the skin

In fact, it's the other way around. The skin can become thin if there is a lack of vitamin A, as it is involved in the formation of new healthy cells. Vitamin A is perhaps the most important element of skin care, and perhaps one of the few whose effectiveness has been proven time after time for over 50 years.

The only effective form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid

L-ascorbic acid remains active only for a short time. Now there are new forms of vitamin C that are not water-based. This means that they will penetrate the skin more easily and remain effective for a longer time.

There is one, the best antioxidant

Every year new antioxidants appear that are claimed to be better than the previous ones. However, a combination of several of these elements is much more effective. Therefore, choose foods that contain plenty of antioxidants.

Prepared materials Elena Ushakova

Looking healthy and well-groomed means not only to please others, but also to feel strong, confident and accomplished.

Experts in the field of cosmetology note that not all representatives of the fair sex know how to care for their facial skin. Many women incorrectly use cosmetics and carry out various procedures without having accurate information about their real effects, which does not have the best effect on their appearance, and sometimes on their well-being. Dispelling myths about facial skin care is the purpose of this article.

You need to start fighting the signs of aging at an early age

Claims of this kind benefit manufacturers and sellers of high-value cosmetic products. In an effort to increase the number of consumers by any means, unscrupulous advertising creators mislead young women.

In fact, the use of creams with an anti-aging effect for girls is more harmful than beneficial. Their skin itself produces the required amount of hyaluronic acid, collagen and other substances that maintain its tone and healthy appearance. A decrease in the intensity of this process usually begins after 30 years. And if a young girl starts using “anti-aging” products, the natural functions of the skin fade faster and signs of aging appear earlier.

It does not follow from this that there is no need to take care of your facial skin when you are young. You just need to select cosmetics according to your age and needs (for example, creams for sensitive, problematic, oily or dry skin).

Skin care products need to be changed from time to time

There is an opinion that it is harmful for the skin to get used to certain cosmetic products. Allegedly, with prolonged use of a cream of a certain composition, the effect of its active components weakens.

This is wrong. Finding cosmetics that perfectly suit the needs of the skin in each specific case is quite difficult. If the problem has been solved, the selected cream should be used as long as it keeps the face in optimal condition. Otherwise, a woman risks harming her health and appearance and spending a lot of money looking for a replacement that is completely unnecessary at the moment.

Refusal from the usual cream causes withdrawal syndrome

This is also a marketing ploy by manufacturers and sellers trying to force customers to purchase expensive cosmetics for future use.

In fact, creams, lotions, foams, gels and other products intended for facial care do not contain ingredients strong enough to cause addiction or a painful withdrawal response. If, when you give up certain cosmetic products, your facial skin begins to look worse, most likely the cause is inappropriate products used to replace the discontinued ones.

The most effective cosmetics with hormones

Some women firmly believe that certain “hormonal” creams will return their skin to the state it was 10 or even 20 years ago. An equally widespread assertion is that stopping such drugs within a few days turns a young beauty into an old woman.

Both are not true. The Russian market does not offer any cosmetic creams containing hormones. This name usually refers to products containing phytoestrogens (substances of plant origin with hormone-like activity). They do not create miracles of rejuvenation and are not particularly effective - this is just a myth supported by advertising. But the abolition of such funds does not lead to catastrophic consequences for appearance.

You can combine cosmetics from different manufacturers without harming your skin.

The safety of combining products from different manufacturers is largely a matter of luck. There is always a chance that the resulting mixture of ingredients will lead to allergies.

It is not without reason that large companies that value their reputation create sets of cosmetics intended for a certain age or solving certain problems. The drugs included in this line include the same active ingredients and combine well with each other.

There are creams “for any skin”

This is a myth specifically aimed at women who want to save time and money when choosing cosmetics. There is no cream suitable for skin of any type and age.

It is quite difficult to determine what substances the skin needs at the moment. Sometimes a woman simply cannot do this on her own, and the selection of cosmetics must be entrusted to a specialist.

Night cream should be used immediately before bed

Night creams are usually thick, rich in active ingredients. When applied right before going to bed, this product either smears onto the pillow without having time to be absorbed, or clogs the pores, making it impossible for the skin to breathe.

For the cream to work correctly, it must be applied 2-3 hours before bedtime, and after 30-40 minutes, blot your face with a soft cloth. If this is not possible, it is better to avoid applying cream at night.

Fat cream must be applied to the skin before going out into the cold.

During the cold season, a nourishing or protective cream is applied to the face at least an hour before going outside. If you do not allow the product to absorb, it will harden in the cold and turn into a crust that can injure the skin.

Moisturizer in winter can only be used in cases where a woman does not intend to leave the heated room in the next few hours.

It is better to use cosmetics that do not contain preservatives

Most industrially produced cosmetic products contain preservatives that prevent the proliferation of pathogenic microflora and extend the shelf life of products. You can do without preservatives only if the cosmetics are not intended to be stored for more than a few days.

However, not all preservatives are harmful (just as not all natural ingredients are safe). To avoid troubles, it makes sense to choose products from well-known manufacturers and purchase them at specialized retail outlets.

Foundation and powder ruin your skin

Many people believe that powder and foundation do not allow the skin to breathe and dry it out, creating conditions for the appearance of early wrinkles. This information is very outdated. Cosmetics of the latest generations do not clog pores and do not interfere with the flow of oxygen into them. In addition, modern powders and foundations often contain substances that protect the face from ultraviolet radiation, temperature fluctuations and other aggressive environmental factors.

Facial care is necessary, but difficult. It is important to have reliable information about the condition of your skin, as well as about the properties of cosmetic products designed to preserve its youth and health. If it is not possible to understand these issues on your own, it is worth visiting a cosmetologist and using his recommendations.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".

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