Hello all!
Today I will share with you some general
information on masks, tonic lotions, and moisturizers, as I am often receiving
questions about them from my clients.
MASKS
We all know the wonderful feeling of just
relaxing with our face covered in a face mask that will make us look younger,
tighten our pores and nourish our skin.
All we have to do is sit back and let the face mask work its magic.
The question I am often asked is “what
happens if I leave the mask on for too long?” The answer is that it depends on
the type of mask. Let me explain. For most masks (hydration, nourishing type of
masks), leaving them on longer than the recommended time – usually 20 to 30
minutes – will not result in any damage to your skin, but at the same time it
will not really provide any additional benefits. The problem is with masks that contain
chemicals such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. Leaving these types of face masks on for
longer than the recommended time, can and will result in skin irritation, which
can range from moderate to severe. This is more so of course for sensitive
skins.
Therefore, to always be on the safe side,
follow the manufacturer’s recommended time frames when using your mask.
WHY USE TONERS?
Another great question I am asked very
often is in regards to the use of toners. “What does a toner do for the skin, and is it
necessary that I use it?” Well, the
short and sweet answer is YES, you need to use toners.
We usually hear that using a toner will
close up the pores of the skin that were opened during the cleaning process. Well…the main purpose of using a toner is to
re-establish the natural pH levels of the skin since cleansing usually
interrupts the chemical balance of the skin, which in turn affect its ability
to absorb moisturizers and other products. As an added benefit using a toner after
cleansing will pick up any impurities or dirt that remain after using the
cleanser. You only need to be aware to
use toners that do not contain alcohol as they tend to remove the natural oils
from the skin.
Therefore using a toner should be an
essential step in the skin care routine you follow.
MOISTURIZERS
Moisturizers are not just for the summer.
This is a fairly common misconception. Since it is raining, it is cold, the sun
is not in full force and it is not hot outside, the skin does not need
hydration. Wrong! Think about central heating, cold winds, hot
showers and the constant change in temperatures – going from a warm room
outside and vice versa. All these
factors contribute to dry skin during the cold and wet winter months.
A good moisturizer that is suitable to your
skin needs is essential year round.
If your skin feels dry, tight, or
itchy, then it is a clear sign that you need to immediately start using a
moisturizer. You may also choose to
supplement your daily care by using a moisturizing serum before applying your
day cream. It will do wonders in keeping
your skin hydrated and keep it radiant and healthy looking.
There is also the possibility that the
moisturizer you are currently using is not adequate for your skin needs. To find out try the following: Apply your regular moisturizer and wait for an
hour. If your skin feels dry, then it is time to change to a moisturizer
that contains stronger agents such as hyaluronic acid.
A good practice is to apply your
moisturizer within 2-3 minutes after getting out from the shower, and your skin
is still damp. This makes it much easier
to absorb the moisture.
Finally, remember that moisturizers are not
just for the face , neck, and décolleté.
The skin on the rest of your body also need to be hydrated and
moisturized. Choose a good moisturizer lotion or cream that you can apply to
your body. I prefer body lotions that
combine rich moisturizing as well as anti-aging agents such as Matrixyl.
Please do send me your questions regarding skin care. I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time....Be Beautiful
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