The skin, covering the human body, is a marvelous mechanism. It is the largest and one of the most intriguing organs of the body, accounting for 16 percent of the body weight. Proper skin care is vital at any age. When one is young, it helps to prevent common teenage problems like greasy skin and acne. As one grows older, it is important to counteract the increasing dryness of the skin. One can have a beautiful skin at any age if one knows hoe to care of your skin.
Skin care usually refers to the face because this area, more than any other, needs care and attention. The face is constantly exposed to the elements, even in severe winter when the rest of the body is well wrapped. That is why the face is one of the first parts to show signs of ageing.
Functions of the skin – The skin performs many important functions. It forms a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and infections. Besides, it is a means of eliminating waste matter from the body in the form of excess water, toxins and carbon dioxide. The skin also, as a sense organ, helps in regulating the body temperature, in respiration, and in the metabolic processes of the body.
The skin has three layers. These are the inner most layer known as lower dermis, the middle layer called the dermis, and the outer layer known as the epidermis. It is from the innermost layer that the various glands, including the oil and sweat glands, penetrate to the surface to eliminate waste matter, this inner layer is based on the fatty tissue of the lower dermis. It also acts as a cushion for the rest of the skin. It contains the finely distributed muscles of the skin which regulate body temperature.
The most important function of the middle layer of the skin is respiration. The countless tiny blood vessels or capillaries end here in finely-drawn networks, from where they feed the outer skin layer. The tone of the skin is determined by the dermis.
The epidermis range in thickness from 1/20th of an inch on the palms and soles, to 1/200th of an inch on the face. It consists of several layers of cells. The outer layers of these cells are constantly shed as new layers replace them. This skin layer contains the nerve endings. The oil and sweat glands open in the epidermis.
Types of skin – the types of skin fall into four major categories: Normal skin, Oily skin, Dry skin and Combination skin.
An easy way to discover what type of skin you have is to wipe the face with a dry tissue upon awakening in the morning. If there is oil in the tissue, the skin is greasy type. If there is grease on the center panel only, then it is a combination skin. If there is no grease on the tissue at all, it is either a dry skin or normal skin. If the skin is left feeling stretched or too tight, shiny and parched, it is dry. If the skin feels smooth, supple and elastic, it is normal.
Normal skin – This type of skin is soft, smooth, finely-textured and unblemished. There may be occasional pimples just before menstruation due to increased hormonal activity, which makes the sebaceous glands overactive. Acne is, however, never a problem for people with normal skin. This type of skin is neither oily, nor dry. It is beautiful, but it needs care if it is to last. Neglect can lead to signs of ageing and wrinkling. It should be cleaned daily with soap and water, and toned with something mild, like rose water.
Oily skin – this type of skin is shiny, thick and dull colored. 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.
Oily skin needs special cleansing with plenty of hot water and soap to prevent the pores from being clogged. 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.
Dry skin – This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones and is often flaky. It lacks both sebum and moisture. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the corners of the mouth. In this type of skin, the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin which becomes dehydrated. Washing dry skin with soap and water not only removes grime but also natural oil protecting the skin.
Dry skin needs plenty of thorough but gentle cleansing, regular stimulation with massage and generous quantities of oil and moisture. It also needs extra careful protection. A moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and gives it a soft, moist look.
Combination skin – This type of skin has a greasy area, while the rest is dry or normal. The center panel-forehead, nose and chin may be greasy and the cheeks dry. This type of skin is very common, and it should be treated as if it were two different types of skin, the dry part to be gently cleansed and regularly lubricated and the oily part deeply cleansed and tones. However, both the dry and greasy areas need moisturizing.
Skin care usually refers to the face because this area, more than any other, needs care and attention. The face is constantly exposed to the elements, even in severe winter when the rest of the body is well wrapped. That is why the face is one of the first parts to show signs of ageing.
Functions of the skin – The skin performs many important functions. It forms a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and infections. Besides, it is a means of eliminating waste matter from the body in the form of excess water, toxins and carbon dioxide. The skin also, as a sense organ, helps in regulating the body temperature, in respiration, and in the metabolic processes of the body.
The skin has three layers. These are the inner most layer known as lower dermis, the middle layer called the dermis, and the outer layer known as the epidermis. It is from the innermost layer that the various glands, including the oil and sweat glands, penetrate to the surface to eliminate waste matter, this inner layer is based on the fatty tissue of the lower dermis. It also acts as a cushion for the rest of the skin. It contains the finely distributed muscles of the skin which regulate body temperature.
The most important function of the middle layer of the skin is respiration. The countless tiny blood vessels or capillaries end here in finely-drawn networks, from where they feed the outer skin layer. The tone of the skin is determined by the dermis.
The epidermis range in thickness from 1/20th of an inch on the palms and soles, to 1/200th of an inch on the face. It consists of several layers of cells. The outer layers of these cells are constantly shed as new layers replace them. This skin layer contains the nerve endings. The oil and sweat glands open in the epidermis.
Types of skin – the types of skin fall into four major categories: Normal skin, Oily skin, Dry skin and Combination skin.
An easy way to discover what type of skin you have is to wipe the face with a dry tissue upon awakening in the morning. If there is oil in the tissue, the skin is greasy type. If there is grease on the center panel only, then it is a combination skin. If there is no grease on the tissue at all, it is either a dry skin or normal skin. If the skin is left feeling stretched or too tight, shiny and parched, it is dry. If the skin feels smooth, supple and elastic, it is normal.
Normal skin – This type of skin is soft, smooth, finely-textured and unblemished. There may be occasional pimples just before menstruation due to increased hormonal activity, which makes the sebaceous glands overactive. Acne is, however, never a problem for people with normal skin. This type of skin is neither oily, nor dry. It is beautiful, but it needs care if it is to last. Neglect can lead to signs of ageing and wrinkling. It should be cleaned daily with soap and water, and toned with something mild, like rose water.
Oily skin – this type of skin is shiny, thick and dull colored. 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.
Oily skin needs special cleansing with plenty of hot water and soap to prevent the pores from being clogged. 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.
Dry skin – This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones and is often flaky. It lacks both sebum and moisture. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the corners of the mouth. In this type of skin, the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin which becomes dehydrated. Washing dry skin with soap and water not only removes grime but also natural oil protecting the skin.
Dry skin needs plenty of thorough but gentle cleansing, regular stimulation with massage and generous quantities of oil and moisture. It also needs extra careful protection. A moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and gives it a soft, moist look.
Combination skin – This type of skin has a greasy area, while the rest is dry or normal. The center panel-forehead, nose and chin may be greasy and the cheeks dry. This type of skin is very common, and it should be treated as if it were two different types of skin, the dry part to be gently cleansed and regularly lubricated and the oily part deeply cleansed and tones. However, both the dry and greasy areas need moisturizing.
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