I'll drink to that

It is said that 50% – 70% of the human body is composed of water, where muscle tissue holds more water than fat tissue.

 Water is needed for many bodily functions including, to:

-Digest food and dissolve nutrients
- Send electrical messages between cells e.g. to move muscles
- Move waste out of the body
- Provide a place where metabolic reactions can occur 
- Regulate body temperature
- Lubricate moving parts like knees and elbows

Thirst is the first signal our body gives us that we are dehydrated, caused by the loss of water from the cells in our gums, tongue and cheeks. Usually by the time we feel thirsty it’s too late, and our body is already dehydrated. 

The second signal is reduced urination. Urine becomes very concentrated, and shows a dark, yellow colour. Here, the brain recognizes that the blood needs more water and secretes a hormone, ADH, that helps the body conserve the water.

Water is lost through everyday activities/ processes such as through perspiration, breathing and via body waste. It can also be lost:
- During an illness
- Through exercising
- Working in a hot environment
- In an environment with forced heat
- If you are on a high protein diet
- By consuming diuretics, compounds such as coffee and alcohol that cause body to lose water

Therefore it is important to replace water lost during these activities.

In addition to drinking water foods such as fruit and vegetables also contain water, some up to 95%. Juice and soups contain water, but also contain high sugar and salt content respectively.

There is a variety of water available – Still, Sparkling, Mineral. However, lately lots of other types have popped up on the market like flavored and vitamin water… Really?

As can be seen on the labels of these gourmet waters, most of these types of waters carry a high sugar content. Might as well down pop or suck on sugar tablets. How about popping a multivitamin every morning and getting ‘flavour’ from food?

Of course there are the artificial sweeteners that are marketed. Ingest all the sweet you want with no calorie consequence. Hmmm… last time I checked there are very few things in this life that go without some sort of aftermath. It seems odd that artificially sweeting natural water is acceptable marketing.

Aspartame has been around for a minute and we only now understand that is has been shown to penetrate the blood brain barrier, meaning it can enter the brain and create toxins that can literally damage the brain. Okay…

Dieters have now turned to the newer product Splenda, but we have yet to understand the long terms effect of ingesting it. There are some things we do know though; We know that it is a chemical substance and not a naturally occurring sugar product. That alone should raise at least a polka-dotted flag. It is now suggested that ingesting natural sugar is better than ingesting artificial sweeteners. Splenda Info

In terms of something as simple as quenching thirst, is all this ambiguity regarding a sweetener really worth it?

It is estimated that between 1 ml and 1.5 ml of water is needed for every calorie consumed. That roughly calculates to:

6 – 9 cups of water for 1,500 calorie diet
10 – 15 cups of water for a 2,000 calorie diet
12 – 18 cups of water for a 3,000 calorie diet

That’s a lot of sugar/ chemicals to be having daily, don’t you think?

 How about going back to basics and drinking plain ole’ water as a calorie free way to quench your thirst?

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid)

Sometimes simple is better. I’ll drink to that!

Supernova

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Q/A: Which type of foundation is for me?

Much like having different shoes, most people need two to three shades of foundation to get through the changes that may occur in skin from season to season. Caucasian skin has the smallest variation in skin tones while darker skin tones (Asian, Hispanic, Black) have the greatest.

On darker skin tones it is not unusual to find different tones on one skin. Therefore it is usually necessary to either blend different colours of foundations to achieve the right look or to look for product lines that offer greater choices for skin of colour. You can also apply foundation only to areas that require it rather than to the entire face. 

Regardless, blending is key to achieving a smooth, even, and natural look. 

Foundations may be matte or shiny. Matte foundations work better on uneven skin types as they work well at camouflaging skin imperfections. They also work well on oilier skin types. Shiny formulas are very reflective and are better suited for younger skins or even skin types. Using these formulas on uneven skin types will only highlight imperfections in skin. 

There are various types of foundations including tinted moisturizers, liquids, creams, liquid/ cream dual blends as well as mineral powder and each serves a different purpose. 

Tinted moisturizers
These function both as a moisturizer and as a foundation. Its moisturizing properties hydrate the skin; whereas the foundation properties provide colour. These products do not contain as much pigment as normal foundations and provide just a slight tint to the skin. They can easily be worn during the day, can vary in texture – from fluid to creamy texture and may contain sunscreen. These products are applied just like a moisturizer; dispense on fingertips and apply to face.

These types of foundations only come in a limited number of shades, and although they only impart very little colour, people with darker skin tones may find great difficulty in finding one that compliments their skin tones. In this case it will be better to use a moisturizer followed by loose powder in your skin tone.

Liquid foundations 
These are most popular and may be used by both combination/ oily and dry skin types. Liquid foundations come in both oil-free and oil based (respectfully) formulations and may be layered on skin for a thin or thicker coverage to even skin texture as well as to cover slight scarring.

Creams
When maximum coverage is desired cream formulations are often chosen. These foundations have the best covering ability, and offer heavy coverage and lasting ability when set with powder. Because of the amount of coverage these foundations impart, they are most often used in film and photography. They do contain a high content of oils so will work better for dry skins rather than oily skin types for extended wear. 

 

Dual Cream/ Powder
This provides the coverage of a cream with the ease of application of a powder.When applied wet with a dry or moist sponge, this formulation gives a matte look. When dusted on with a dry brush it provides a shiny look. Alternatively it may be applied with a dry or moist sponge and then followed with a dry brush to build more coverage.However, this type comes in a limited range of colours and may prove to be comedogenic (clog pores) for some skin types, especially oily skin.

 

Mineral Powder 
This formulation also comes in a wide range of colours and hides general imperfections. These formulations come either pressed (compact) or loose and may be applied either with a dry brush or cosmetic sponge depending on desired look. Cosmetic sponges deposit more product than do the larger dry brushes. 

 

For more drastic pigmentation issues there are specific makeup brands that offer 10 times or more the pigment content that normal foundations contain. This means that they offer superior coverage and can cover skin imperfections. Cover FX and Dermablend are just two examples of  makeup brands that offer foundations which can be used for camouflage acne, melasma, rosacea, sun damage, scars, tattoos and vitiligo for example.

For more on selecting correct foundation tone and formulation see here.

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Works consulted:
Milady’s Standard Comprehensive Training for Estheticians 

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Frump to Fab in 10 steps

Cleanse, tone and moisturize skin.
’10 steps’ sounded much sexier than ’11 steps’ so this step was kept separate. Do understand that without this cleanse, tone and moisturize step the process will not work. I guarantee you that the end result will be more frumpy than the starting point. Blot skin using tissue to remove excess moisturizer and get ready to go.

For tips on choosing the right moisturizer for your skin-type see here.  

This is an advanced class, for simple everyday, minimalista-chic makeup tips click here for daytime and here for nighttime tips.

Mhmm… I hear you. If the process were this easy then some of us wouldn’t be wandering around frump-nation style.

This post is a work in progress as we plan to go through each step in detail and would update this post with links on both general and specific application techniques on each point. 
Get your glam on with the following 10 steps.

1.  Apply foundation

Selecting the right foundation 

Q/A: What type of foundation is right for me?

Laying the foundation

Minimalista Makeup Tip: Foundation

2. Apply concealer

Holy Concealer Batman!

3. Apply loose powder

Shake it off: Loose Powder

4. Apply eye shadow

Makeup | Eyeshadow 101 

Makeup Tip | Choosing Eyeshadows 

Eye Seduction | The Basic Smokey Eye

5. Apply eye liner

Drama Glamour: Liquid Liner

6. Apply mascara

7. Apply blush

Product Spotlight: Blush 

8. Apply lip liner

9. Fill in lips with lipstick

Lady in Bold

10. Apply lip gloss

Keep ‘posted’!

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Ingredient Spotlight: Hyaluronic Acid

‘Hyaluronic acid’ (HA) is the new buzz word in cosmetics. It is a substance that is said to hold over 1,000 times it’s weight in water and, as such, is readily finding it’s way in moisturizers, serums and various other cosmetics to hydrate and keep skin soft, supple and firm. In gel form, hyaluronic acid binds to water and provides volume to easily fill larger folds of skin around the mouth and cheeks. 

Skin Care
There exists water-based HA products for normal – combination/ oily skin types and lipid (oil) based products for dry skin, both of which provide intense moisture to the skin for hours at a time. Sodium PCA is another humectant that naturally occurs in the skin, and both names can be found listed directly on the product packaging. These products have been deemed safe for use in cosmetic formulations on the basis of animal and clinical testing.

The Consumer Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients defines hyaluronic acid as a sugar compound that is present in all connective tissue in vertebrates. In humans, it is found in high concentrations in the skin, cartilage, in the umbilical cord, testes, and in synovial fluid. It is the jelly-like substance that surrounds the eye, and contains proteins and amino acids and appears to have glue-like properties. 

As such it is no surprise that it is also widely used in anti-aging/ anti-wrinkle cosmeceuticals and procedures in various chemical forms. While it may be of some benefit to your skin, there are no substantiated clinical studies to back the claims that it actually works as an “anti-aging” formula.

Cosmetic Fillers
non-animal forms of Hyaluronic acid can be found in cosmetic fillers like Restylane and Juvederm, which have been deemed safe for human use. This form of HA is injected into the skin, primarily on the face, to fill out wrinkles and fine lines as well as to plum lips. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the use of HA in this manner can result in the following temporary conditions to the treated area: bruising, redness and swelling. Additionally, this treatment is not permanent and will have to be repeated frequently within a year for sustained results.The Mayo Clinic: Wrinkles
 

Supplements
The oral intake of HA is increasing daily. In the human body HA provides the mechanism of transport to the essential nutrients from the bloodstream to the living skin cells; hydrates the skin by holding water and acts as a cushioning as well as lubricating agent against mechanical and chemical damage, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties. It aids in the body’s water maintenance, and provides essential moisture for all the body processes and for molecular transport. Superior Coral

Factors that contribute to the degradation of HA in the body include aging,  smoking, improper diet, and excessive sun exposure. 

Hyaluronic acid supplements are derived from rooster comb or chicken sternum cartilage, and not from glucosamine and chondroitin (popular sources of joint lubricant suppliments). However, one common side effect of oral hyaluronic acid is high blood pressure. Experts recommend patients to drink excessive water after taking oral hyaluronic acid. Plasmetic.com

(Needless to say, be sure to consult your doctor before starting HA supplements, por favor)

Natural sources of hyaluronic acid are fresh vegetables, low-iron foods,  fermented soy products. Any kind of meat that has skin and large amounts of connective tissue will be high in hyaluronic acid. Cuts of meat that are from areas that the animal uses to support itself (such as the legs, chest and rump) are high in collagen and connective tissue. There is also evidence that sweet and other starchy roots contain high levels of HA. Ehow.com

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Q/A: Cracked!

It’s that time again peoples, cracked heel season.

Cracked skin is generally distressing, however cracked heels can up the torment ante. Cracked heels can vary from being unsightly to being cracked so badly that the heels bleed and cause pain. Not to mention, for all the stockings/ tights wearers cracked soles can also put a run in your hosiery,  and that is just not cool.

The question was asked “How do I deal with cracked heels?”

A few of my tips:

- Exfoliate 
Invest in a simple foot file and exfoliate heels (and balls of the feet if necessary) regularly, at least twice a week. Build up of dead skin cells can result in  hardening of skin around heels, so exfoliate to reveal softer newer skin.
Side note – Wearing certain shoes can result in callus buildup on feet. Calluses are formed to provide extra cushioning to feet and is readily associated with wearing certain shoes for extended periods of time. You know which shoes I’m talking about

Caution: Do not over exfoliate. Overly exfoliating the sole of the foot is painful. It can also result in bleeding. It will take your foot a few days to a few of weeks to regenerate enough skin cells to cushion the pain associated with over exfoliation.

Pay attention to the state of your heels during exfoliation, and do not exfoliate vigorously with the brittle side of the foot file, in cases where there are two grit levels on foot file. If this is your first time exfoliating your feet, start with the less coarse surface (smaller grit size) of the foot file and exfoliate daily for a week or so until you have cleared the hard, calloused dead skin cells. This would prevent from from over-exfoliation.

- Moisturize heels with thick cream (as opposed to a lotion) just after showering

If you are anything like I am and cream/ lotion/ anything on the heels or palms results in a sweat fest, applying night time or before bed will be best.

- Wear closed shoes
As far as possible wear closed heeled shoes instead of flip flops or sandals to avoid moisture loss from feet, particularly heels. Women, can still go for peep toe shoes/ flats to allow their toes to breathe.

- Custom contraption
This suggestion may sound silly, but it works. If you have a problem with cracked heels and have tried everything above, you may want to give this a shot.

- After showering, lotion soles with a heavy, ultra moisturizing cream. There are foot creams specifically designed for this purpose. (Applying plain old petroleum jelly over normal lotion can also work, whichever works works for you.)
- Wrap feet in plastic wrap. You can leave your toes exposed, especially if you are tending to a nail infection or otherwise
- Place lotioned, plastic-wrapped feet in ankle socks overnight

Feet can feel a lot slushy when walking around in this contraption so you can do it just before bed/ after the freaky freaky.

- Hydrate
Ensure that you are drinking more than enough water during the day.  

Tights/stocking wearing glamazons, can wear matching coloured ‘footsies’ before wearing stockings/tights when wearing boots/ booties to prevent the tights/ stockings from shearing. Is that what they are called ‘footsies’? Those ballet shoe looking socks that cover just the toes and heels. 

Hope this helps. If you have any other tips that work for you feel free to share them.

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Ingredient Spotlight: Mineral Oil

Mineral Oil (the main ingredient in baby oil) and Petrolatum (the main ingredient in petroleum jelly) come from petroleum sources, derived from the earth.

These two ingredients have stood the test of time and are often used in products to guard against dehydration by creaing a barrier layer on the skin, thereby sealing water in the skin as well as preventing skin irritation from contact with certain substancees. These two ingredients are considered to be of the best protective skin barriers as well as the safest as they do not react with other chemicals that are associated with normal bodily function. They do not require the use of other preservatives because they do not naturally harbor bacteria or any other type of micro-organisms. 

It is a common suggestion to slather mineral oil (baby oil) on damp skin after a shower in the winter months to seal in moisture on the skin. Because of this same moisture sealing action, it is not recommended to use mineral oil or petrolatum on burns or open wounds as the area will not be able to breathe and as a result heal properly.

For many years mineral oil and petrolatum have been said to be comodegenic, meaning they can clog the skin’s pores and cause blackheads. However research has not proven this to be true. Other mildly comedogenic oils include sunflower oil, avocado oil. Jojoba Oil, like water is considered to be non-comedogenic and will not clog pores and cause blackheads.

Still, moisturizers and serums containing Mineral Oil or Petrolatum may not be ideal for oily, combination skin types or acneic skin conditions because it may impart too much oil to the skin.

Do check the ingredient listing on your products if you have these skin types/ conditions as using products that contain these ingredients may result in making your skin more oily than it naturally is, or needs to be.  Instead, products which list “Water/ Agua” as its first ingredient are better suited to these skin types.

 

 

Supernova

 

HELP! My skin is schizo

Ever think that your skin is playing tricks on you? You’ve finally gotten your breakouts under control and then ‘HELLO’ a congregation of zits greet you in the morning. Or perhaps one day your skin feels ‘oily’ and the other day it feels ‘dry’. STEUPS!

Several factors can affect the condition of our skins including:

~ Climate/ Seasonal changes
~ Environmental pollution
~ Diet
~ Stress level
~ Medication
~ Smoking
~ Ultraviolet Rays (UVRs), largely from the sun.

Lets look at these more closely:

1. Seasonal changes 

It is typical that skin feels ‘drier’ during cooler months and ‘oilier’ during warmer months. Just like you would not wear shorts and sandals during the winter months, it is wise to change your skin care products to adapt to the changing weather.

For example the harsh outdoor wind chill combined with the forced heat indoors create havoc on our skin. Usually we tend to purchase a thicker, more moisturizing body lotion and likewise we should do the same for our faces. This is especially important for people who have a more dry skin type. You may want to consider a cream cleanser (not sudsy, but rather a creamy texture) combined with a moisturizing lotion (contains a moisturizing ingredient like Vitamin E, Cocoa Butter or Shea butter for example as it’s first ingredient).

Likewise, our skins may feel oilier in the summer months. Persons with an oily skin type may find it useful to use an acne-fighting cleanser to help control breakouts, combined with a hydrating moisturizer (contains water or similar ingredient like Hyaluronic Acid as its first ingredient).

Tropical island inhabiters may not have these issues. 

2. Environmental pollution
From coming into contact with chemicals to inhaling toxic fumes, pollution can cause increased sensitivity in skin leaving it red, much like as in an allergic reaction. If you live in a metropolitan area, unfortunately there is not much you can do to avoid coming into contact with these fumes. It is therefore important that these pollutants are removed from you skin at night before bed. If not during sleep all the dirt and pollutants that were collected on your face during the day is further pressed into your pores while you sleep at night. 

3. Diet
So the jury is still out on whether chocolates give you pimples. Maybe this was started by someone who was anti-Valentines day or by someone who was allergic to chocolate, either way chocolate in your diet is the least of your worries. There are larger diet issues to worry about such as:

~ Foods with a high sugar content
Excess calories. Sugar, and not fat, is the bigger enemy my friends. Diabetes is standing right outside your door with this one.

~ Heavily fried and seasoned foods

~ High alcohol/ caffeine intake 
Dehydrates the skin. For every two cups of coffee two cups of water are needed to put your body back in balance.

4. Stress level
We’ve all heard that ‘stress can kill you’. It can also result in breakouts. There are only 24 hours in a day for a reason. Prioritize and deal with critical items one at a time.

~ Medication
Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you are on any medication ask your doctor about the possible effects of the medication on your skin.

5. Smoking
Accelerates aging of skin and aids in the development of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth area.

6. Ultraviolet Rays (UVRs)
Contributes to the destruction of skin cells which accelerates aging. See Sunkissed Beauty

 

Hmmm!

Act like you know.

 

Supernova

 

 

Q/A: Skin type vs. Skin condition

“Is there a difference between skin type and skin condition?”

Yes there is; the terms are not interchangeable.

Skin type is genetically determined and cannot be changed.
However, each skin type can be managed through proper skin care, balanced nutrition and physical activity for example.

There are 4 skin types:

1. Normal skin
It is neither dry, nor oily and has no underlying skin conditions. Very very rare especially with changing climatic conditions (see below). 

2. Dry skin – skin lacks oil
Dry skin (lacking oil) is not to be confused with dehydrated skin which lacks water (see below).

Some characteristics of dry skin type are:
~ skin pores are very small, sometimes not visible to the eye
~ skin feels tight shortly after cleansing, and sometimes even after moisturizing (in this event opt for a thicker moisturizing cream)
~ you avoid smiling in the event your skin splits

3. Oily skin – skin lacks water
This skin type feels oily after shortly after cleansing. Some characteristics of this skin type are:
~ Visible skin pores
~ prone to acne
~ comedones (whiteheads and/or blackheads) present
~ by midday your face feels like it’s sliding off

4. Combination/ Oily
This skin type is most common. Common characteristics include:
~ Oily in the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin areas) and dry in the cheeks. 
~ Blackheads in T-Zone
~ Some days you don’t want to risk smiling and some days your face feels like it’s slipping off.

Each skin type may be affected by various underlying skin conditions. A skin condition is really the skin’s reaction to external elements and may change from day to day, season to season, or with aging,  Some common skin conditions are:

~ Acne
~ Dehydration (lacking water)
~ Roeacea
~ Hyper-pigmentation (dark spots)
~ Hypo-pigmentation (white spots)
~ Aging 
~ Sensitive 

 Several factors can affect the condition of our skins including:

~ Climate/ Seasonal changes
~ Environmental pollution
~ Diet
~ Stress level
~ Medication
~ Smoking
~ Ultraviolet Rays (UVRs), largely from the sun.

Any skin type can be affected by various skin conditions. It is therefore possible to have dry skin that is sensitive, or oily skin that is dehydrated.

N.B - It is a common misconception that dry skin needs more water and oily skin needs less oil, a huge reason why people with oily skins choose not to moisturize.

However, dry skin needs more OIL and oily skin needs more WATER.
For tips on choosing the right moisturizer for your skin see article here >  Should I moisturize?

Skin consultations by qualified estheticians are usually as a complementary service, so be sure to check around and see if you can get your skin analyzed in the event that you are unsure of your skin condition.

Toodles!

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10 Top Skin-Care Faux Pas

 

Male or female, we can all do a little more to help our side on the skin-care front. Here are some of the top foolish skin-care mistakes that we all make, heed where applicable.

1. Not having a skin-care regime
“Cleanse, tone, moisturize.” Let that be your mantra. It’s one of the most basic ways to help maintain your skin, keep it healthy and get it glowing. If you wear makeup, it is critical that you remove your makeup at night before bed as not doing so can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to blackheads among other things.

2. Not knowing your skin type
Because if you use the wrong type of skin-care products on your skin you can exacerbate skin condition(s) you may have. Get products that are suited for your skin type. A qualified esthetician can help you determine your skin type through a skin care consultation, which is normally complimentary.

3. Not moisturizing
As we age our skin loses moisture, gets drier and needs to be hydrated from both the inside and the outside. Replenishing the moisture that our skin craves, through the use of a moisturizer, will help skin maintain it’s vibrancy and elasticity.

4. Not drinking enough water
Our bodies and our skin need water to perform the processes required to detoxify itself. Coffee is a diuretic, meaning it causes increased passing of urine. It is recommended that you drink two (2) glasses of water for every one cup of coffee ingested. Additionally, cut down on your daily intake of soda and fruit juices (save the calories for dessert!) and replace with water.

5. Not re-applying sunscreen
Sunscreen, when applied, does not last forever, especially if you sweat or get wet. Do reapply. The sun’s ultraviolet rays only speed up the aging process by damaging skin cells. Protect your skin. For more the damaging effects of the sun see article here)

6. Yo-Yo dieting
This confuses your skin. “Am I only getting only protein today, or am I only getting only cayenne pepper?”. The skin needs nutrients: vitamins, minerals and various antioxidants to maintain itself and repair against environmental damage. Protein diets do not offer all the nutrients the body needs so do get off the fad dieting and start a healthy balanced lifestyle, one that encourages you to start moving and to stuff your face with green and leafy veges.

7. Drinking excessively
Apart from obvious health and cognitive issues, high alcohol consumption can severely dehydrate the skin. Moderation is key.

8. Smoking
Really a one-way first-class ticket to accelerated aging of the skin. Also your breath smells and your teeth get yellow. It also takes a huge toll on the health of your lungs. Generally not considered ‘sexy-aging’ in 2009.

9.  Popping zits and picking pimples
This is a big ‘NO NO’. Popping zits or picking pimples with finger nails on an uncleansed face increases the risk of a bacterial infection on site.  It also increases the risk of hyper-pigmentation on skins at are prone to discoloration or darkening, especially on darker skin tones. Instead, reach for of for a cleanser and spot treatment that specifically targets acne. Product ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulphur specifically target acne. Do avoid using harsh alcohols directly on the skin. 

Do consider monthly professional facials to keep problem skin in check.

**If you cannot resist the urge to pop, do wash both hands AND face, and wrap each index finger in a sheet of tissue paper before you make your best go at it. Do not force the issue if the pimple is stubborn, it will come out eventually, maybe tomorrow. Over-squeezing will only break the outer layer of your skin causing damage, which can lead to hyper-pigmentation (darkening) and/ or scarring.**

10. Not getting enough sleep
The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School states that sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions. Most of us do not get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep every night. With respect to the skin, sleep deprivation can result in dull skin tone, under eye puffiness, dark circles and bagginess. 

11. Stressing unnecessarily
I know I said ’10′, but this is just too important to leave out. Elevated stress levels can have an adverse effect on the condition of our skin and can potentially lead to break outs. Relax. If you can’t fix it today, leave it for tomorrow.

A little TLC goes a long way. 

Let us take better care of ourselves.

 

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Should I moisturize?

 

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I am asked this question often, usually by men and women with oily skin so I thought that I would address it here for the benefit of everyone.

“Should I moisturize my face?”

The answer is yes, everyone should moisturize.

Men and women’s skin differ in many ways because of the facial hair in men and hormone levels in women which can affect the skin. However, on a very basic level, human skin needs to be cleansed, toned, and moisturized twice a day – first thing in the morning and before going to bed at night.  

Moisturizers work in many ways, but they primarily:

1. Hydrate the skin

2. Replenish the natural oils lost from the skin after cleansing

The type of moisturizer you choose would depend on your skin type and skin condition.

A quick guide for choosing a moisturizer:

Normal -Dry skin: Moisturizers for this skin type are usually called ‘creams’. They are of a thick consistency (do not flow) and are better suited for dry skin as they contain the oils that dry skins lack.

Normal – Oily skin: Moisturizers for this skin type are usually referred to as ‘lotions’ or ‘fluids’. They are water based and have a fluid consistency. These products indicate ‘Water/ Agua’ as the first ingredient on the list of ingredients on their label. This means that, by volume, the product contains mostly water. These products are ideal for oily skin (skin that lacks water)

Combination skin: It is not uncommon for combination skin to feel drier during some parts of the year (ex. winter) and oilier during other parts (ex. summer). Generally lotions or fluid type moisturizers work well for combination skin, however during there are times when cream moisturizers would be better suited.

If you are unsure of what your skin type is, a qualified esthetician can assist you through performing a skin consultation, which is normally offered as a complimentary service.

 

Hope this helps!

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