Determining Your Hair Type

he type of hair dictates the kind of care and style it needs. The testure of hair is genetically determined. Each individual hair may be coarse, fine, thick or curly. Your hair's type and texture will affect its care and condition and also determine the styles that will suit you best.

Hair texture

Hair may be coarse, fine, frizzy or thick. You may have a lot of hair follicles on your head, giving you a thick head of hair, or you may have fewer, giving you fine, flyaway hair. The thickness of the individual hairs also varies from person to person; these factors will determine your hair care routine.

The amount of natural cural in a hair depends on the shape of the hair follicles. Straight hair grows from a follicle that is more or less round, and the hair itself is round in cross section. Wavy hair is kidney-shaped in cross section, and the amount of wave in the hair depends on the degree of curve in the follicle. Curly hair grows from a very curved hair follicle.

Hair condition

Although no two people have the same hair, most people's hair falls into one of three categories; dry, normal, or oily. these categories are determined by the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands, which are located at the top of each hair follicle close to the scalp surface. This oil is necessary to healthy hair, as it coats the hair in a fine layer, providing sheen and elasticity.

Dry Hair

Dry hair occurs when the sebaceous glands produce too little oil to keep the surface of the hair supple and shiny. Dry hair looks dull and brittle, and often feels rough to the touch; it often splits easilt and loses elasticity.

Dry hair may be caused artifically, from overprocesing and overheating, from too much sunlight, too much perming and bleaching, or overfrequent washing. Dry hair has little natural protection and regular conditioning is essential. A weekly deep moisturizing treatment is recommended to keep dry hair in good condition, and ends need regular trimming to avoid splitting.

Oily Hair

Oily hair generally goes hand in hand with oily skin. It is due to overproduction from the sebaceous glands, which coats the hair with excess oil and makes it lank and lifeless within a day or so of washing. The grease attracts dust, so oily hair needs frequent washing. Use a mild shampoo if you wash your hair daily, as the hair requires a certain amount of natural oil if it is to stay healthy and elastic. Hair may become more oily during times of illness or stress. Only comb or brush it when necessary, and do not play with the hair or rub the scalp, since this only stimulates the sebaceous glands.

Normal Hair

Normal hair is as much the result of good luck as is is careful treatment. It has a natural gloss and shine and feels soft and smooth to the touch. Always use mild shampoos and conditioners, and at the first sign of any problems, take the necessary steps to protect your hair.

Combination Hair

This type of hair is oily at the scalp and dry at the ends. It occurs more in oily long hair that has damaged ends. It can also occur to people with dandruff as the oil soaks into the dry flakes on the scalp instead of travelling along the hair shaft. Use a mild shampoo and condition the ends of the hair only, leaving the scalp free from this type of treatment.

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Hair Shampooing

Hair grows from a follicle that is located below the surface of the skin. The hair shaft, which is the only part we see, is composed mainly of keratin and is entirely dead.

Each hair has a spong inner core, the medulla, which is surrounded by a stronger layer called the cortex. The cortex is reponsible for the strength, thickness, and flexibility of the hair. It also contains melanin, the pigment that determine hair colour. Any product designed to bring about permanent change, such as bleaches, tints and perms, must penetrate the cortex to restructure a hair's characterstics. The cortex is protected by the cuticle, which is a transparent layer of tiny, overlapping scales of keratin. When the hair is in good condition the keratin scales will be shiny and lie flat; if your hair is tangled, dry or damaged the scales will be ruffled, which will give your hair a dull appearance and a rough texture.

Hair Growth

The hair root is the fastest growing organ in the body; hair on the scalp grows at the rate of about one half inch a month. Hair does not grow at a constant rate. It grows faster in summer than in winter, and grows at different rates over the head. The growth rate for each person varies. The cycle, which is the time between the first growth of hair and its final shedding, generally lasts for between three to five years, but may go on much longer. When the cycle is over, the follicle shrinks and goes into a resting phase that lasts for a few months. The old hair stops getting longer and simply remains in the follicle until a new hair forms underneath and pushes it out.

The average person sheds about 100 hairs each day. Fortunately, the growth and resting cycles are not synchronized in adjacent follicles and you do not notice any obvious patches of hair loss. Some people find it difficult to grow their hair long, while others find it very easy. This is the result of your particular combination of growth rate and hair life span - only if your hair has a fast growth rate and a long life span can you quickly and successfully grow your hair long.

There are between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs growing on the head at any one time. Redheads have the least amount of strands but the thickest hair, while blondes have the most amount but the finest hair. This total number decreases as you get older, as some follicles wear out and are not replaced. The rate at which you lose hair is genetically determined an cannot be halted.

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How to Condition your Hair

The main purpose of any conditioner is to restore the electrical balance of the hair. Conditioners also smooth the scales of the cuticle, making the hair less liable to tangle, and give hair a better sheen when dry. Conditioners can bring bounce, body, shine, and manageability back to hair that would otherwise be dull. They can also help to seal each hair, guarding against water evaporation, which is the major cause of dryness.

There are conditioners in different stregths for every type of hair. The instant conditioners are massaged in and then immediately rinsed off while others are left on the hair for a longer period of time and work in conjunction with heat to provide extra help. Conditioners only provide temporary relief from dryness as the hair cannot be permanantly mended once it has grown out of the scalp, but they are a vital part of the hair care routine and should be used regularly.

Instant Conditioners

The instant conditioners, or cream rinses as they were once called, are intended to be used after every shampoo. They coat each hair with a thin film that corrects dryness and superficially mends any damage. Once the hair has been washed the conditioner is massaged in, left on for a few minutes, then rinsed off thoroughly.

Only a small amount of conditioner is needed. If you use too much conditioner or fail to rinse the hair well you may find your hair has become sticky and greasy. Don't overcondition your hair or it may become too soft and impossible to curl. If your hair is particularly dry at the ends, apply conditioner to those areas only and leave the naturally healthy hair at the roots alone.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

In addition to instant conditioners, there are deep penetrating conditioners that are meant for occasional use. These deep conditioners are especially useful for dry or processed hair or hair that has been damaged by too much time spent in the sun.

Creamy deep conditioning treatments are massaged into the hair and left on the hair from anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes; follow the manufacturer's instructions. When you are massaging the conditioner in, pay particular attention to the drier areas. To gain maximum benefit from this treatment, leave the cream on the hair after massaging, wrap the head in foil to retain heat and the treatment continue. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water to remove all of the conditioner.

Hot oil treatments are just as efficient, and are especially good for dry hair. You can buy small tubes of oil treatment or just use almond oil. Warm the oil, then apply it to the hair. Massage it in well and wrap the head in plastic wrap or foil. Cover the head with a warm towel and leave for half an hour; the heat from the towel helps the oil to penetrate. Then shampoo the hair and rinse thoroughly. For an even better treatment, leave the oil on overnight. Then wash it out with two applications of shampoo and condition as usual. If your hair is dry or damaged, use a hot oil treatment once a week. For normal or oily hair once or twice a month should be sufficient.

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The Structure of Hair

Hair grows from a follicle that is located below the surface of the skin. The hair shaft, which is the only part we see, is composed mainly of keratin and is entirely dead.

Each hair has a spong inner core, the medulla, which is surrounded by a stronger layer called the cortex. The cortex is reponsible for the strength, thickness, and flexibility of the hair. It also contains melanin, the pigment that determine hair colour. Any product designed to bring about permanent change, such as bleaches, tints and perms, must penetrate the cortex to restructure a hair's characterstics. The cortex is protected by the cuticle, which is a transparent layer of tiny, overlapping scales of keratin. When the hair is in good condition the keratin scales will be shiny and lie flat; if your hair is tangled, dry or damaged the scales will be ruffled, which will give your hair a dull appearance and a rough texture.

Hair Growth

The hair root is the fastest growing organ in the body; hair on the scalp grows at the rate of about one half inch a month. Hair does not grow at a constant rate. It grows faster in summer than in winter, and grows at different rates over the head. The growth rate for each person varies. The cycle, which is the time between the first growth of hair and its final shedding, generally lasts for between three to five years, but may go on much longer. When the cycle is over, the follicle shrinks and goes into a resting phase that lasts for a few months. The old hair stops getting longer and simply remains in the follicle until a new hair forms underneath and pushes it out.

The average person sheds about 100 hairs each day. Fortunately, the growth and resting cycles are not synchronized in adjacent follicles and you do not notice any obvious patches of hair loss. Some people find it difficult to grow their hair long, while others find it very easy. This is the result of your particular combination of growth rate and hair life span - only if your hair has a fast growth rate and a long life span can you quickly and successfully grow your hair long.

There are between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs growing on the head at any one time. Redheads have the least amount of strands but the thickest hair, while blondes have the most amount but the finest hair. This total number decreases as you get older, as some follicles wear out and are not replaced. The rate at which you lose hair is genetically determined an cannot be halted.

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Skin Toning

Toners, often called skin tonics and freshners, are the second step in a skin care routine. Their job is to remove any remaining grease, dirt or makeup left after cleansing. Proper toning will also refresh your skin, making it feel cool and clean.

All toners are liquid, but there are various formulations, depending on the amount of alcohol they contain, available for all types of skin. Some are particularly good for dry skin, being alcohol free , while others have astringent properties that are particularly good for greasy skin and help to remove excess oil. To use a toner, just apply it to a cotton wool ball or pad and wipe over the face, avoiding the eye area and lips.

Personal Skin Care Plan

Toner for Oily Skin - Choose a toner containing alcohol; use it twice a day.

Toner for Combination skin - Choose a gentle low-alcohol toner; use it twice a day.

Toner for Dry and Mature Skin - Choose an extra mild alcohol-free toner; use it once a day.

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Skin Exfoliation

Regular cleansing helps to remove some of the dead skin cells from the face, but some always remain which can give the face a dull, lifeless appearance. Exfoliation is the process of sloughing off the dead skin cells, which are then replaced by fresh cells underneath. If this is done regularly, it will speed up the turnover and replacement of cells, which helps to open blocked pores. Exfoliation makes the skin feel smoother and softer, it improves the texture, and make the skin look fresh and clean.

Using a complexion brush when cleansing your face is one method of exfoliation, as it is the exfoliating face mask. Best of all are the special cleansing grains and facial scrubs that are designed to gently slough off dead skin. Most of these contain tiny particles of natural ingredients and feel slightly rough to touch. The grains and particle create gentle friction that scrubs away the dead skin cells, and can be used on all types of skin, although they should be used less frequently on dry or sensitive skin.

Using Exfoliants

Exfoliants leave the skin feeling very smooth, but they may stimulate the sebaceous glands and leave the skin oilier than before. Most are intended to be used once a week - they should not be used daily. Exfoliation should always be done after cleansing the face. Most exfoliants are applied to slightly dampened skin; follow the manufacturer's instructions for this. Apply a thin layer of exfoliant on the skin, avoiding the eye and lip area. Rub gently, using circular motions, then tissue away or rinse off the excess. Always apply moisturizer after exfoliation.

Personal Skin Care Plan

Exfoliant for Oily Skin - Use an oil-absorbing scrub every other day; do not exfoliate acne.

Exfoliant for Combination Skin - Use a gentle scrub mask two or three times a week.

Exfoliant for Dry Skin - Use a cream based mild scrub once a week.

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Skin Moisturizing

Every day skin loses some of its natural moisture. This process, called dehydration, is made worse by extreme temperatures, central heating and air conditioning. A moisturizer is probably the most important skin care product you can use, as it helps to slow down the normal dehydration process by creating a fine film on the skin's surface to prevent moisture from escaping. Moisturizers are what help to keep the skin smooth, soft and elastic, and gives it a fresh youthful look.

The majority of moisturizers are emulsions of oil and water. The oil in water moisturizers have a higher water content and are lighter and less heavy; these are good for use during the day when makeup will be applied over it, or for women with oily skin. The water in oil types consist of more oil than water, and are usually used at night when it is important to slow down the dehydration process or for women with very dry skin. As with all skin cae products, choose a moisturizer for your skin type. Ask the salesperson at the cosmetics counter to recommend the appropriate moisturizer.

A moisturizer should be applied after cleansing and toning. Don't apply it heavily, as only a light film is needed, and don't apply moisturizer around the eye area as it can cause the delicate skin in this area to retain fluid and become puffy. don't forget to use it on your neck and throat, which can become dry and dehydrated just like the skin on your face. Always wait a few minutes after applying moisturizer before putting on your makeup; this allows time for it to dry and form a smooth base for your foundation.

Personal Skin Care Plan

Moisturizer for Oily Skin - Use a light, water-based moisturizer once a day; twice a day in winter.

Moisturizer for Combination Skin - Use a light, hydrating formula twice a day.

Moisturizer for Dry Skin - Use a rich hydrating formula containing oil two or three times a day.

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Skin Cleansing

This is the first step in your routine. Morning and evening are usually the best times for cleansing, although if you are going out in the evening and reapplying makeup, always cleanse your face first. There is such a wide range of facial cleansers on the market today, formulated for various types of skin, that you will soon discover the one that suits you best. The decision as to which type of cleanser you choose is a personal one, but it is important that you select a product that is right for your skin.

Women used to believe that soap and water should be used to clean the face, but soap is drying and defatting, and should not be used on the face unless your skin is very oily. Special soapless cleansing bars are perfect if you love the feel of soap and water. These are degined to be gentle on the skin, particularly dry skin. Other cleansers that foam up when combined with water are available - these are ideal if you dislike the feeling of cream. But don't forget that hard water alone is defatting and dries out the skin.



There is a wide variety of cleansing creams and lotions available. These are probably the best way to clean, as they are gentle on the skin and contain none of the harsh ingredients that some of the other forms of cleansers have. Most cleansing lotions are intended to be applied to the skin and then wiped off with clean cotton wool pads or tissues; others are rinsed off with water and a flannel.



After cleansing, make sure that any residue of cleanser is thoroughly removed. With facial bars or soaps, rinse your face repeatedly to remove any film that might adhered to the skin. If your face still feels sticky, wipe over it again with dampened cotton wool pads - if it doesn't come away clean, rinse again. If using a cream or lotion, wipe the face with a dampened cotton wool pad to make sure that all the cream is removed.


Personal Skin Care Plan

Cleanser for Oily Skin - Choose an oil-free soap or a water-soluble lotion. Cleanse at least twice a day.



Cleanser for Combination Skin - Choose a creamy lotion with a light oil agent or a soapless cleansing bar. Cleanse twice a day.



Cleanser for Dry and Mature Skin - Choose a creamy lotion or a soapless cleansing bar. Cleanse once or twice a day.

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SENSITIVE SKIN

This type of skin reacts externally and internally to changes in life. Can be both oily and dry, it can be easily disturbed by skin-care products and cosmetics. It tends to go blotchy and have broken veins at the same time, it might show a flushed or reddened look or might even itch.

You might need to consult a Dermatologist in serious cases, in other instances proper care and attention can help you to survive with this kind of skin type.

Apart from these major skin types, there might be other exaggerated versions of major skin types, like dehydrated skin, acne-blemished skin, ageing and hydrated skin.

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Combination Skin Care

Most women have combination skin, which has areas of both dryness and oiliness. The greasy patches are usually down the centre of the face, forming a T shape, while the remainder of the skin on the face is drier, finer in texture, and in need of more moisturizing. If the difference between the two areas is great they should be treated with separate skin care products.

Cleansing

To prevent spots and blackheads, which often appear in oily areas, cleanse twice a day with a soap-free or oil based cleanser. Oil based cleansers work well on oily areas of skin as they dissolve the skin's own sebum and gently remove any excess. It's not essential to use a toner but may help to reduce the number of large pores.

Moisturizing

After cleansing, apply moisturizer twice daily all over the face, not just on the dry areas, as the dehydration that leads to wrinkling is not caused by oil on the skin but by a lack of water in the top layers. The sebum on your skin serves to trap the moisture below this layer.

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Dry and Mature Skin

DRY SKIN ANALYSIS

Pores: fine – almost invisible
Texture: appears taut, fine and even translucent; susceptible to premature ageing due to insufficient sebum and moisture; skin can feel tight and even rough due to dryness
Sebaceous Activity: lacking sebum (oil production)
Visual Analysis: looks generally healthy; creamy makeup goes on easily, powders can look patchy. Tendency to dry patches and some roughness in dry areas, relating to seasonal changes in temperature and humidity.

MATURE SKIN ANALYSIS

Pores: skin goes through significant changes during 30's, and pores tend to become more visible around nose, chin and apples of cheeks, even though skin is dry in appearance
Texture: fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable, becoming more deeper, generally dry to extremely dry, prone to red blotchiness and uneven pigmentation
Sebaceous Activity: insufficient production of sebum, combined with patches of dehydrated on cheeks and forehead
Visual Analysis: complexion can look dull and dehydrated, and has a tendency for broken capillaries under eyes, around nose and cheeks; skin can appear loose – esp. under eyes and along jawline.

Dry and mature skins need to replenish low moisture reserves to address the signs of visible ageing. Replenishing the loss of sebum on the skins surface with equalising ingredients will aid hydration, supplementing dryness. Combined with regular massage, aromatherapy massage will keep your skin in tip top shape.

The skin's self renewal mechanisms and sebum production have slowed, so your selection of oils for Dry + Mature skin remedies need to replenish moisture and regulate sebum content. Drinking enough filtered water daily keeps the skin cleansed and well-hydrated from the inside.
The list of revivifying aromatherapy ingredients is comprehensive, so choose your fav essential oils and mix away:

Sandalwood - skin

Geranium - reduce inflammation

Rosewood – calming oil

Rose – powerful regenerative oil

Jasmine – a very soothing and strengthening oil, contains antiseptic properties to help control bacteria, is excellent for acne, and works to reduce excessive sebum production

Neroli – powerful antibacterial and antiseptic, good for acne conditions

Frankincense– helps balance sebum secretion and is good for toning excessively oily skin.

A blended base oil is most effective when it comes to rejuvenating ageing and dry skin.

Start with apricot kernel oil and wheatgerm oil, mix in some rich, creamy avocado oil, and for the ultimate skin serum, add a touch of EPO. Vitamin A laden apricot kernel oil mixed with the natural anti-oxidant Vitamin E from the wheatgerm oil, makes a very potent blend for reducing the signs of dry and mature skin.

Avocado oil, added to the equation, is rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids, and dry and mature skins respond to this lush oil as it penetrates deeply and softens skin.

Evening Primrose Oil is an excellent addition to your base oil for mature, ageing skin. It's rich moisturising properties make it outstanding for dry skin, as it is rich in GLA, vitamins and minerals. Break 1-2 capsules into your base oil for a skin boost!

*To minimise irritation when using aromatherapy in your skincare, it is recommended that a maximum of 50 drops of essential oil is added to 100ml of carrier oil. Some oils like tea tree and lemongrass need only 1 – 2% concentration if skin is sensitive.

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Oily Skin

Oily skin is shiny, thick and dull colored. Often a chronically oily skin has coarse pores and pimples and other embarrassing blemishes. It is prone to blackheads. In this type of skin, the oil producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is needed. The oil oozes and gives the skin a greasy shine. The pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look.

Causes of Oily Skin

• Heredity

• Diet
• Hormone levels
• Pregnancy
• Birth control pills
• Cosmetics you use
• Humidity and hot weather

Because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age. In general, skin tends to become dryer with age. The flow of sebum or oil increases during adolescence and starts decreasing with age. During pregnancy and menopause, hormonal imbalances can also upset the oil balance and increase the activity of sebaceous glands. 

Many people have skin that is oily only in certain areas and dry or normal in others, a condition known as combination skin.

Skin Care for Oily Skin

The great advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types. 

Oily skin needs special cleansing with plenty of hot water and soap to prevent the pores from being clogged. Avoid harsh products that strip your skin of oil and encourage flakiness. They can cause a reaction known as reactive seborrhoea, where the oil glands work overtime to compensate for the loss of natural oils.

Avoid skincare products that leave your skin feeling taut and dehydrated. They cause the upper layers of the skin to shrink. This restricts oil flow through the pores leading to blockages and breakouts. 

To cleanse oily skin, use oil-based products as they dissolve sebum effectively. Opt for oil-free moisturizers to maintain a shine-free complexion.

Keep your skin very clean. Limit washing your face to two or three times a day. Too much washing will stimulate your skin to produce more oil.

Choose your cleanser with care. Avoid heavy cleansing creams. Avoid the use of harsh soaps or cleansers. Use a pure soap with no artificial additives. Try an antibacterial cleansing lotion or a lightly medicated soap, and use it in combination with a water rich in minerals, not tap water. Do not use cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol. After cleansing, apply a natural oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin supple.

Use hot water when washing your face. Hot water dissolves skin oil better than lukewarm or cold water.

If your skin is extremely oily, three or four daily cleansings may be in order and little or no moisturizing necessary before you are 30 years old. After that point, the skin around your eyes and mouth and on your throat may benefit from a nightly moisturizing, plus a mere touch of moisturizer in the morning. 

When cleansing, massage your face well with your fingertips, using an upward and outward motion. Be careful not to rub soap into the skin; it can clog pores.

If your oily skin is scaly, you can often correct the problem by using a deep-cleaning exfoliant on alternate nights, and following the treatment with a light coating of moisturizer.

Try using a clay or mud mask. If you have sensitive skin, use white or rose-colored clays.

Use a light antiseptic night cream from time to time if you wish, and apply a clarifying mask one or two times a week.

Choose cosmetic and facial care products specifically designed for oily skin.

Before applying makeup, use an antiseptic day cream with active ingredients that diminish sebaceous secretions. Look for benzyl peroxide in the list of active ingredients.

Use a light antiseptic night cream from time to time if you wish, and apply a clarifying mask one or two times a week. 

Natural Skincare

Half an hour before taking your bath apply on your face half teaspoon each of lime and cucumber juice mixed together. 

If your skin is excessively oily, mix in a few drops of eau de cologne. This not only helps keep oiliness away but also helps in refining the pores of the skin by acting as astringent, thereby preventing acne. 

To prevent the problem of your makeup becoming patchy either on the forehead, chin or nose due to excessive oiliness in these areas, apply a little cucumber juice on the excessively oily parts of your face, dry thoroughly and then apply your makeup. 

If your whole face turns patchy after makeup is applied on it, then apply equal parts of lime juice and witch-hazel. Dry well before putting on your makeup.

Choose an astringent that contains acetone, which is known for dissolving oil. Strong astringents will do more harm than good, stimulating an overproduction of oil. 

To clear away excess oil, use a clay or mud mask. Blend together well 1 teaspoon green clay powder and 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse well with lukewarm water. Do this at least three times a week--or more.

Once or twice daily, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water together. Pat mixture on your face and allow it to dry, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a cool-water rinse.

Diet for Oily Skin

Take a diet rich in proteins but restricted in sugar, fluids and salt.

Take plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits.

Have your blood brought up to par by the suitable administration of necessary vitamins, iron and similar substances.

Even a slight deficiency in vitamin B2 can cause oily skin. Nutritional yeast, wheat germ and organ meats provide both vitamin B5 and vitamin B2. Other good sources of vitamin B2 are whole grains, beans, nuts, and royal jelly. Buckwheat, black beans and whole rice are excellent to supply the body with iron and rejuvenate pate skin.

Drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.

Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Avoid pork and fried and highly seasoned foods. Consume no animal fats, or heat-processed vegetable oils. 

Do not cook with oil. Do not eat any oils that have been subjected to heat, whether in processing or cooking. If a little oil is necessary, such as in salad dressing, use cold-pressed canola or olive oil only.

Do not drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Avoid sugar, chocolate, and junk food.

Essential Oils For Oily Skin

Bergamot 

Cedarwood 

Cypress 

Frankincense 

Geranium 

Juniper 

Lavender 

Lemon 

Sage

Herbs for Oily Skin

Aloe vera has excellent healing properties. Apply aloe vera gel topically, as needed.

Burdock root, chamomile, horsetail, oat straw, and thyme nourish the skin.

Lavender is very good for oily skin. Mist your skin with lavender water several times daily. 

A facial sauna using lemongrass, licorice root, and rosebuds is good for oily skin. Two or three times a week, simmer a total of 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water. When the pot is steaming, place it on top of a trivet or thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at a comfortable distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the steam if you wish. After fifteen minutes, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to air dry or pat it dry with a towel. After the sauna, you can allow the herbal water to cool and save it for use as a toning lotion to be dabbed on your face with a cot- ton ball after cleansing.

Witch hazel applied to the skin is excellent for absorbing oil.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy considers skin problems to be a general bodily imbalance. Hence treatment is constitutional. Consult an experienced homeopath if the condition does not improve.

Take one of the following in the 6c strength every twelve hours for up to one month.

Take Mercurius for an oily face that smells unpleasant, with trembling, sticky perspiration and overproduction of saliva. Oiliness is worse in cold and hot weather.

Natrum mur is useful for a person with an oily, shiny face that is worse on hairy parts, and who is constipated.

Common Sense Recommendations

Do not smoke. Smoking promotes enlargement of the pores and impairs the overall health of the skin.

Rub oily skin areas with apple cider vinegar for a neutralizing effect.

Regularly brushing and massage of the whole body stimulates circulation and rejuvenates the skin.

Evening primrose oil supplements are beneficial for skin. They contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid reputed to strengthen skin cells and boost their moisture content.

Get sufficient sleep as the skin's cellular repair activity is at its optimum during this resting phase.

Exercise benefits skin as it boosts circulation and encourages blood flow. Regular exercise will nourish and cleanse your skin from within.

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Basic skin care routine

Most experts recommend consistently following a daily skin care routine. Such a routine does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be performed by itself or as groundwork for more advanced skin care treatments.

Typical steps

A typical skin care routine would include the following steps: washing/cleansing, toning (optional depending on skin type), moisturizing and sun protection. (See our articles on each of these steps in this section).

For most people, performing the routine twice daily is optimal. Some people with dry and/or sensitive skin may do better with once a day washing/cleansing while moisturizing two or more times a day. Some experts feel that exfoliation should also be part of a basic routine. However, daily exfoliation may be excessive and may lead to chronic irritation in some people. Exfoliation once or twice a week is usually sufficient. People with fast natural epidermal turnover may need less or none at all.

Protection from ultraviolet light (both UVA and UVB) is critical for any skin care routine. At a minimum, make sure you follow basic sun protection guidelines. A good UNA+UVB sunscreen should be applied on top of your moisturizer or other treatments as a final step of your routine whenever sun exposure is expected. Some people use skin care products or cosmetics with added UV blockers. It is definitely better than no sun protection at all and a time saver too. However, using a separate, specially formulated sunscreen appears to be more effective.

Optimize for your skin type

The steps of the basic routine should be adjusted to fit your skin type. You should keep in mind that your skin type may change with the season, diet and age. In particular, the skin tends to be oilier in the summer and drier in the winter. Menopause often brings about a change from oily or normal to dry skin. Conversely, a shift from a low-fat diet to that rich in certain fats (particularly essential fatty acids) may turn dry skin to normal. Skin pigmentation affects the degree to which you need sun protection. While sun damages any skin, the damage is far less in dark-skinned people. Conversely, fair skinned people need to be particularly meticulous about sun protection, i.e. minimizing sun exposure, choosing an effective sunscreen and applying it frequently and consistently.

You should determine your skin type before you settle on a routine. As time goes by, adjust your routine if your skin type changes. (See our articles on skin-type specific care in this section).

Applying advanced/active treatments

For maximum skin care benefits, the basic routine is usually insufficient, especially for people over thirty. Adding a well-selected product or two with wisely chosen, scientifically proven active ingredients can further improve your results. However, the benefits of advanced skin care products partly depend on whether you properly integrate them with your basic routine. In particular, if you apply products to the skin that has not been cleansed, the penetration of active ingredients is reduced. If you cleanse, moisturize and then apply advanced products, the penetration of active ingredients may still be reduced because the moisturizer has occluded some the entryways.

The best time to apply active products is right after you washed/cleansed, rinsed and slightly patted your skin with a towel, i.e. when your skin is clean, warm and still slightly moist. Since many of the active products have moisturizing ingredients, you can usually forego a separate moisturizer whenever you apply such a product. If you feel that you need additional moisturizing, wait a few minutes for the active product to absorb, and then apply your favorite moisturizer over it.

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Skin Type

Before you start a skincare program, it is important to identify the type of skin you have. Bear in mind that the condition of the skin changes week by week and month by month and can alter dramatically over the course of a lifetime, so be prepared to vary your routine to match your current complexion. For instance, the skin produces more sebum at certain times of the month, and this will affect the oiliness of the skin.

Test to determine your skin type

Before you wash your face in the morning, press a large open tissue against your face, holding it in place for a few moments. Now hold the tissue up to the light. If it is completely clean, your skin is dry and possibly sensitive. If there is a trace of sebum, your skin is normal. If there is a clear T-shaped imprint of sebum from the nose and forehead you have combination skin. A complete print of your face is a sign of oily skin.

 

Each person's skin is individual but tends to fall into one of four main types; dry skin, oily skin, combination skin or sensitive skin, depending on the level of activity of the sebaceous glands. Your skin type will determine the texture of your skin and what kind of skin care routine you need.

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Guide 4 Beauty

Beauty is a blessing that gives pleasure to the senses of the admirer. It makes its way through the eyes to the hearts of many. Women have longed for beauty since the time immemorial but in the present world it has become an important asset that not only women but men should posses. The desire to look beautiful and stay beautiful is common not only among teens but among women of all ages. As beautiful things please us so do the beautiful faces, they leave an unforgetable impression on the minds too. Thus the magic of beauty captivates both heart and mind of the beholder. A beautiful person undoubtedly has a boost of confidence in him with which he gets an egde over the other lot. Its easier to face the present competitive world if you know that you are gorgeous enough to impress others.

Before you speak a word in your favour your beauty grabs the attention. A few of us are blessed with perfect beauty while most need to work upon it. Make-up is an art that help us to hide the flaws and bring forth our beauty. Also we are fortunate enough to have plenty of tips and tricks for eveyone and cure for every skin problem. We at aim to spread beauty and make you ready to rule the world.


Don't get jealous of beautifully made-up screen idols. Just hone your skills br perusing some expert tips:

Make-up made easy

1. Buy the proper foundation. An off-colour base will make every other cosmetic you apply look not quite right.

2. Prime your lids. Before you apply shadow or liner, prime lids with a special base for lids, or with a light swipe of foundation followed by powder. Not only this will even the tone of your eyelids, it will also make your shadows go on more smoothly and last longer.

3. Avoid contouring with blush. For a more classic, attractive look, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks in a circular motion, and avoid swiping the blush out toward your hairline.

4. Set makeup with loose powder. Loose powder is easier to control and more versatile than its pressed cousin. Pick a loose powder with a yellow undertone to ensure it works with your skin tone, and apply with a fluffy powder brush

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