Part 2, Understanding Skin Types

Dry skin is usually also sensitive, so we will discuss them together. Most of the time dry skin is very thin unless the dry layers have been allowed to build up into thick scales which can crack and become infected. Usually light exfoliation once a week is sufficient, but with scales it is best to remove them with a combination of moistutizers and Retinol or Exfozyme. It is important to remember that you must be very gentle when cleansing or applying anything to sensitive skin. That is why Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser was developed. It is made to be applied with the finger tips or a cotton ball and removed by wiping gently without rubbing.

Since fragrances and preservatives cause many allergies and skin reactions none of these products contain them. The entire line of Toleriane products was developed for sensitive skin, so we recommend Toleriane Facial Cream especially formulated to hydrate, soothe and protect very sensitive, intolerant, easily irritated skin as the moisturizer of choice.

Eczema and rosacea are two skin problems that usually fall under sensitive skin. A superb moisturizer-hydrator for them is Toleriane Facial Fluid which is also used for oily and combination skin. As with all skin types we should end with the application of a good sunscreen.

All of the sunscreens found on our site are fine for all skin types. You just need to decide if you want it combined with a moisturizer, such as, Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream with Sunscreen or if you prefer a higher SPF for a special outing, you may choose Antheliose 60. What ever you choose remember to use it every day to keep your skin protected and looking as good as is possible. Sunscreen is one of the best antiaging products available.

Next time we will continue with, part 3 of Understanding Skin Types.

See U next week.

Understanding Skin Types

We were all born with certain skin qualities that we tend to put into a classification of skin type. We may have oily skin, combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin or what we call normal skin. We tend to try to do things to our skin to make it follow the course of what we call normal skin.

It is important to carry out a specific plan for your skin care. Oily and combination skins tend to have breakouts or acne, especially during the teenage years.

Cleansing is the single most important thing you should do for your skin. It should be done twice daily, preferably with a cleanser rather than soap, because soap can, for a short time, dry the skin and cause it to crack and allow bacteria to enter.

Cleansers, such as, Biomedic LHA Cleansing Gel or Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream are especially good for removing the surface debris and also, for unplugging the skin pores of thick oil and dead cells that block the normal flow of oil and sweat from those orifices.

Preventing infection is another very important part of caring for oily and combination skin. It is necessary that you don't damage the skin in the process of rendering care, such as, using a harsh soap or using a coarse substance, like ground pits for exfoliation.

Salicylic acid is important to prevent inflammation around congested pores which can lead to infection if not controlled. Both of the previously mentioned cleansers contain salicylic acid, as does Effaclar AI Targeted Breakout Corrector.  Effaclar AI, a spot treatment, also contains benzoyl peroxide to control inflammation. 

It is sometimes difficult to keep makeup in place, it tends to run down your face, if you have excessively oily skin. Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel was made for that problem; it contains microspores that absorb oil and keep it under control. Your makeup can be applied over it and the problem is solved.

Oily skin can benefit from vitamin A products, such as, Retinol.  Biomedic Retinol cream comes in 3 strengths, 15, 30 and 60 and is a great benefit in keeping the pores free from dead cells and providing a strong antioxidant to keep the skin healthy. A sunburn can be disasterous, because if you already have a breakout the infection can spread to all burned areas, but if you don't have an acne breakout you may precipitate one. Next time we will continue with, part 2 about understanding skin types.

See U next week.

Antioxidants and Your Skin

To understand the role of antioxidants we need to understand why we need them. Oxidation is the process of destroying most things in nature. We all see what happens when iron rusts or when we cut an apple and see that it turns brown and eventually rots with exposure to air (oxygen). We know that iron can be kept from rusting by covering it with a coat of paint, or that the apple can be kept from turning brown by using lemon juice or the commercial preparation called “Stay Fresh”; both of which contain high levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a known antioxidant.
When our body receives damage such as too much sun exposure, pollution or cigarette smoke the body cells are damaged. Some of these cells are missing a molecule and are called “free-radicals”. These free-radicals, in an attempt to regain their missing molecule, go on a rampage and damage other cells, sometimes changing the DNA. If the DNA is changed several things can happen, such as; the aging process may be increased ( the apple rots or the skin looks old and wrinkled), or cells may change into tumor cells or cancers. Free-radicals are normally kept under control by antioxidants like vitamin C. Vitamin C is not stored in the body and must be resupplied on a daily basis.
To protect our skin from the damage of living in the modern world with smoke, pollution and daily sun damage, La Roche Posay/Biomedic has provided us with a highly potent antioxidant called “Biomedic Potent C Concentrate”. Potent C contains 10.5 percent active Vitamin C ( L-ascorbic asid); Glycerin, an oil that retains water, and Propylene Glycol, a humectant that is hydroscopic, thus, pulls in water and holds on to it. Vitamin C is more readily absorbed into the skin if the dead cells are kept exfoliated by using a product, such as, Conditioning Gel Plus or the combination of Exfozyme and Micro Exfoliating Scrub. Also available are other beneficial antioxidants, such as, Active C for dry or Active C for normal skin, Active C Eyes, Biomedic Collagenist Powder, C-Recovery Treatment, and Biomedic Retinol 15,30, and 60 (Vitamin A). We feel it is important to maximize prevention and repair of skin damage before it becomes severe.
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