UNDERSTANDING THE ART OF MAKEUP 2

Here is a brief break down of what can be achieved by cleansing, toning, moisturizing and Exfoliating. The TLC for your skin:

CLEANSING – Whether you are using a foaming wash, gel, cream, facial bar, make-up remover or facial wipes they are all designed to accomplish the same purpose; removing dirt, excess facial oils and makeup from the skin’s surface. Cleansing prevents build up of same from blocking the pores.

TONING/REFRESHING/ASTRINGENT – They are all designed to restore the skin’s pH balance, remove any traces or residue left behind from your cleanser, tighten or unclogg pores.

Some contain special ingredients that are beneficial to the skin, for example salicylic acid removes dead skin cells which aid in unclogging your pores it also works with your skin to renew itself, by draining the sebum and other bacteria that causes the build up.  This ingredient depending upon it’s percentage and how often it is used prevents acne from even forming. You’ll also find salicylic acid in makeup remover.   Others contain alpha hydroxy acids which aid in cell renewal. 

 The difference between astringents and the toners/refreshers is in its alcohol content, the percentage of alcohol in astrigents is usually higher.

MOISTURIZING – I know this is a pet peeve for most especially to those of you who think you have oily skin, so you opt out of using a moisturizer but in spite of what you think rest assured there are lots of benefits to having oily skin. Women with oily skin age more gracefully, nothing will ever top this.  Moisturizers were created for protection, it keeps the skin firm, soft and supple, prevents premature wrinkles and aging spots.  It is the perfect base to apply before foundation your makeup sits well and last longer.

EXFOLIATING – Regular scrubbing of the skin helps to remove the build of dead skin cells revealing  healthy, youthful looking skin.

Ladies SMOKING is the number one contributor to premature aging; it contributes to wrinkles around the mouth from consistently pursing your lips and premature wrinkles around the eyes caused from squinting. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin which decreases blood flow, resulting in a depletion of oxygen and nutrients to the skin for example vitamin A; it also does damage to the collagen and elastin fibers these give your skin its elasticity and strength.

A healthy diet, drinking lots of water, exercise and getting sufficient rest also contributes to healthy, glowing skin.