Save Your Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It is composed of cells which keep dying and being renewed every day. The skin is that part of body that most easily exhibits the effects of abuse and neglect. It is the.mirror of your health, both physical and mental, therefore it is a perfect meter by which you can judge the state of a person's health.

The skin consists of two layers. The top layer is called epidermis and beneath this we have dermis which is a jelly-like substance supported by bundles of collagen fibers and below this there is a layer of fat. As you grow older the circulation of blood to the skin decreases and it loses its youthful appearance, its colour changes and wrinkles begin to oppear on its surface. The speed of ageing starts at 25. It is slow between 30 to 35, fast between 35 to 50 and very quick between 50 to 65. But you can cheat the calendar and preserve your youth by giving your skin regular care and attention from within and without.

Lack of proper circulation of blood to the skin is mostly due to lack of proteins, vitamins D and C Protein foods supply all the amino-acids essential for keeping your skin youthful. If the proteins are inadequate in the body the tissues begin to sag causing wrinkles to appear. Like proteins, vitamins are important for rebuilding of the tissues and muscles of the face and body and prevention of wrinkles. Between the cells of the skin is a cementing substance know as collagen which depends upon vitamin C for its elasticity. Always remember that your facial muscles are living elastic tissues and that they can be nourished and built up from inside only with a good and healthy diet, and regular care of the skin. More often it is the commercially sold beauty products which are loaded with chemicals which make the complexion burn, itch, sting and turn swollen and red. Worse still we should learn to know our skin type and give it a tailor­made regime which suits our skin type rather by following blindly what is followed by our friends, by film stars or what is shown on. TV. An easy way to discover what type of skin you have is to wipe your face with a dry tissue when you get up from bed in the morning. If there is oil on the tissue then you have a greasy skin, if there is grease only in the central panel then you have a combination skin, and if there is no grease on the tissue then you have a dry skin. To check a dry face wash it with soap and water, if your skin feels stretched or too tight then you have a dry skin and if your skin feels smooth and supple then you have a normal skin.

The first step towards maintaining a good skin is cleansing. Clean your face both morning and night with a good cleansing cream.

After cleansing comes toning. Toning removes greasiness, closes pores, refines the skin and it gives the skin a smooth, clean texture which can hold make-up for long hours. For a dry skin, skin toner is used and for a greasy skin astringent is used. Take a small piece of cotton, dip it in cold water, squeeze it between your fingers and then pour toner or astringent on it and apply it on your face, this way the cotton will absorb less lotion.

After toning comes nourishment. Every type of skin needs a moisturizer. Apply moisturizer after cleaning and toning the skin. Moisturizer rejuvenates the skin by making it more supple and beautiful.