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‘Serious skin care’ is about maintaining a healthy and glowing skin all through your life. As you grow older, your body’s natural skin care mechanisms become weaker. So, ’serious skin care’ is about responding to the changing needs of your skin. Thus, ’serious skin care’ is about constantly evaluating, analyzing and changing your skincare routines. Your skincare routine should change based on the environmental conditions, your age and changes in your skin type.

‘Serious skin care’ is also about awareness. With the technological advancements and research, more and more facts are being brought to light everyday. Also, the composition and nature of skincare products seems to be changing with time. So trying out the new products is also a part of serious skin care. However, ’serious skin care’ advises using a new product over a small patch of skin (not facial skin) first, just to see how your skin reacts to it.

‘Serious skin care’ also means knowing how to use your skincare products. Good practices include things like applying the moisturizers while the skin is damp, using upward strokes for better penetration of natural skin care products, removing the make up before going to bed, cleansing before moisturizing or applying make up, using the correct amount of skin care products, etc. Thus, increasing the effectiveness of your skincare products is another focus area of serious skin care.

Some precautions, like avoiding contact with detergents, are also part of serious skin care. ‘Serious skin care’ means being gentle with your skin. Things like over-exfoliation, use of low quality products, and application of strong-chemical based products, are all harmful to your skin. Some people have a wrong notion about serious skincare. For them serious skincare is – using large quantities of products as often as possible. However, this really isn’t serious skincare (and that’s why awareness is so important).

‘Serious skin care’ is also about visiting your dermatologist for treatment of skin disorders. Ignoring the skin disorders can be fatal for your skin and might lead to permanent damage. So, if the things don’t improve with over the counter medication, you should immediately visit a dermatologist. Self-surgery e. g. squeezing of acne/pimples is a big no (it can lead to permanent damage of your skin).

So, seriously serious skincare is more about precautions and preventive measures (than treatment). Serious skin care is about being proactive as well as reactive. In fact, we can say that ’serious skin care’ is about being proactive about the needs of your skin so that the need for being reactive is reduced to a minimum.

We all know the importance of personal natural skin care. The opinion on how-to (for personal skin care) differs from person to person. Some people believe that going to beauty parlors every other day is personal natural skin care. Others believe that personal natural skin care is just a matter of applying some cream or lotion on your skin, every now and then. Then there are people who think that individual skincare is an event that happens once a month or once a year. Still others busy themselves with ‘personal skin care’ all the time. However, individual natural skin care is not that complicated and neither is it that expensive (considering how beneficial it is). Individual skincare is following a routine or a procedure for attending to the needs of your skin.

Even before you start with a routine, you need to determine your skin-type (oily, dry, sensitive, normal etc) and select the individual skincare products suitable for it (you might have to experiment with a few individual skin care products). Here is a routine that should work for most people with normal skin.

The first thing on individual skin care routine is ‘Cleansing’. The three main ingredients of a cleanser are oil, water and surfactants (wetting agents). Oil and surfactants extract dirt and oil from your skin and water then flushes it out, thus making your skin clean. You might have to try a couple of cleansers before you find the one that suits you the best. However, you should always use soap-free cleansers. Also, you should use Luke warm water for cleansing (hot and cold water, both, cause damage to your skin). Take care that you don’t over-cleanse your skin and end up damaging your skin in the process.

The second thing on the personal skin care routine is exfoliation. Skin follows a natural maintenance process wherein it removes the dead cells and replaces them with new skin cells. Exfoliation is just a way to facilitate the skin in this process. Dead skin cells are not capable of responding to individual skincare products but still consume these products, hence preventing them from reaching the new skin cells. Thus removing dead skin cells is important in order to increase the effectiveness of all personal natural skin care products. Generally, exfoliation takes it place just after cleansing. As with any individual skin care procedure, it’s important that you understand how much exfoliation you need. Exfoliate 4-5 times per week for oily/normal skin and 1-2 times per week for dry/sensitive skin. Exfoliate a couple of times more in hot and humid weather.

Next thing on personal skin care routine is moisturizers. This is one of the most important things in individual skin care. Even people with oily skin need moisturizers. Moisturizers not only seal the moisture in your skin cells, but also attract moisture (from air) whenever needed. Use of too much moisturizer can however clog skin pores and end up harming your skin. The amount of moisturizer needed by your skin will become apparent to you within one week of you using the moisturizer. Also, applying the moisturizer is best when your skin is still damp.

The last thing on personal skincare routine is sunscreen. A lot of moisturizers (day-time creams/moisturizers) come with UV protection – so you can get double benefits from them. Such moisturizers are recommended for all days (irrespective of whether it is sunny or cloudy).

Again, experiment with various personal skin care products and also with the amount you need to apply. What gives you best results is the best personal natural skin care recipe for you. However, if you have some kind of skin dilemma, it is best to consult your dermatologist before you actually start using any personal natural skin care products.

When we talk about skin problems guys skin care would seem like a foreign topic to some men.   It would have been even more foreign a few years back.   However, more and more men are finding out the importance of skin care(notice the explosion of men skin care products in stores now). Male skin is very different from that of female skin however men’s skin care is very similar to skin care of women.

Men skin care starts with cleansing too.   Cleansing, remove the dirt, grease and pollutants from the skin and helps in preventing clogging or pores.   Cleansing is also a good way to stop acne.   The oily nature of male skin makes cleansing an important part of the skin care procedure.   Cleansing should be done at least once every day, even better if it is done twice a day.

Men’s skin care revolves a lot around shaving.   Shaving foam/gel/cream and after shave lotion are one of the most important men skin care products.   Men’s skin care requires a proper selection of shaving products and related equipment.   One of the considerations in choosing the right shaving product should be the skin type since the degree of oiliness differs from person to person as with women.   Proper skin care also mandates the use of good quality razors.   Swivel-head razors are recommended since they are known to reduce cuts. Besides these products and equipment, it is also necessary that you use them properly. Be gentle when using your razor. Do not scratch it against your skin; use a soft and smooth action (after all it’s a matter of removing hair, not the skin itself).

Men’s skin is usually generally thicker and oilier.   Also men have larger pores and more active sebaceous glands.   Due to regular shaving men’s skin can get dehydrated quite easily.   Moisturizers can be an integral part of men’s skin care. Moisturizing gel or cream should be applied after shaving. In fact, some shaving foams/ gel have an in-built moisturizing effect too. Moisturizers should be patted gently over the face and massaged gently using upward strokes.

Another good option for men’s skin care is to use skin care products that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera, sea salt and coconut. Naturally antiseptic oils like lavender, tea tree etc also provide good means for men’s skin care.

Men’s skin care is not as difficult as a lot of men may think.   It just requires a few minutes, which will help you get healthy  smooth acne free skin.   If men take care of their skin then in turn their skin will take care of them and women love a guy with good skin.   Women care about a man’s skin just as much as they do themselves.

Do you want to start taking better care of your skin, but you are too scared to ask? Well, then, this article will help you. This piece has a few good simple to employ skin care techniques which you are able to effect right now. We also want to explain that it is just as vital for men to take proper care of their skin as it is for women. It is difficult for a man to know how to take care of his skin because the majority of the products on the market are targeted for women. Here are some helpful ideas for you to use as you develop your skin care regimen.

Do not fail to attend to the other parts of your body! While it is true that most skin care routines focus on the face, it is important that you take care of the rest of your skin as well. Practicing proper hygiene is important. Some men think that showering daily is optional, so they go for a day or two without cleaning their bodies. The truth is that if your skin is not clean, you are more susceptible to bacteria and illness. So you must ensure that you are cleaning the whole of your skin each and every day. Obtaining a reliable body wash is the most efficient means to make certain that your skin stays as clean as possible. An exfoliating body wash that has a moisturizer is a good choice. Believe it or not, this is a great way to maintain whole body health.

Exercising regularly and drinking plenty of water will also help your skin. You already know that your body needs water to stay healthy. Water is good for both inside your body to keep you healthy and outside your body to keep your skin healthy. People don’t realize that water moisturizes your skin from the inside and allows your skin to function properly, so remember to drink enough water each day for your health and your skin. Water helps your skin fight the bacteria, toxins and other things that clog your pores by flushing the skin. Keeping your body strong and healthy with exercise also keeps your skin strong and healthy.

It additionally boost the quantity of sweat which you have. Sweat is good because it pushes the toxins out of your body and helps keep your body temperature regulated. And, sweat can moisturize your skin from the outside!

Knowing your skin type helps you figure out which products to purchase. There are three types of skin: oily, dry, combination. It’s usually easy to determine which skin type you have. If you still aren’t sure which skin type you have, there are professionals who can help you. Many women know how to determine which type of skin you have, and your female friends and family will probably be happy to help you. If you are too embarrassed to ask them, ask one of the professionals where you are buying your skin care products – but be ready to hear a huge sales pitch! Determining what skin type you have will help you pick out what type of skin care products you need to purchase. If you have dry skin and buy product for oily skin, you could make your skin even drier.

When it comes to proper skin care, there is not right way or wrong way. Just washing daily is better than not washing at all. Don’t fall for the myth that “skin care is for girls,” because men need to properly care for their skin, too. There are a variety of ways to properly care for your skin. By actively searching through the options, you can find the skin care products that are right for you.

One of the key differences between conventional skin care and natural or organic skin care is not the “active” ingredients such as green tea or vitamin c, which excluding water may make up to about 5% of any product, rather it lies with the base ingredients. In natural skin care, the base ingredients are often a mix of vegetable oils and butters or waxes in contrast to the synthetic ingredients often found in conventional skin care. The use of base oils has enormous benefit for the skin. Instead of being an inert (non-active) synthetic carrier for the active ingredients, base oils contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that support and nourish the skin. I would go so far as to count base oils as active ingredients in skin care. So, in fact, in natural products up to 95% of any product has a supportive “active” effect on the skin. In comparison, the synthetic base ingredients in conventional skin care by enlarge, lack significant therapeutic benefit.

There are many factors that affect the absorption of topical ingredients into the skin and in reality, many topical creams just sit on the surface of the skin, effectively plumping the superficial skin cells but rarely having any effect on deeper layers. The skin is designed to be selectively absorbent, being relatively permeable to fat soluble substances and relatively impermeable to water and water soluble substances. Fat soluble ingredients such as oils are absorbed more effectively and have greater effect on the cell membrane and skin matrix, supporting skin nourishment. As carriers, oils can also transport essential oils, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals into the skin where they are most effective, rather than just having a “surface” effect. In addition, oils also help prevent skin dehydration by providing an effective water loss barrier which in turn leads to plumper, more hydrated skin.

Oil absorption is influenced by the viscosity or thickness of the individual carrier oil with thicker oils tending to be absorbed more slowly through the skin. Generally fine light oils are preferable for use on the face as they absorb quickly, easily penetrating the surface layer of skin without leaving a greasy feel. Heavier oils are suitable for dry facial skin, skin on the body, as bath oils and massage oils. The degree of unsaturation will also impact on oil absorption. In general, the more polyunsaturated fat content of the oil, the better the absorption. For example Rose Hip oil is high in polyunsaturates and has quite low viscosity, making it ideal for use in face serums and creams as it absorbs quickly into the skin.

It is worth noting that cold-pressed oils tend to have a greater degree of unsaturates than heat-extracted oils and for this reason are preferable. The process of cold-pressing involves the nut or seed being placed in an “expeller” which squeezes the oil out. There is some heat created by friction however, it causes little damage to the oil or its constituents. Heat-extraction uses temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius which dramatically increases the yield of oil, making it far more cost effective but at the same time damaging the nutrient content of the oil. Unsaturated fatty acids are easily damaged by high temperatures and so heat-extracted oils will have significantly lower levels. While these oils are commonly used as cooking oils, they should be avoided for use in skin care and aromatherapy as they lack the therapeutic benefits of the cold-pressed versions.

A common misconception when it comes to the use of oils is that applying them to the skin will only worsen oily skin and further create congestion. Heavier oils may sit on the surface of the skin longer before absorption, which is not ideal for already oily skin. However, the lighter, less viscous oils will be absorbed quite quickly and in many cases help to balance skin oiliness rather than contribute to it.

Oils are effectively absorbed into the skin rather than sitting on the surface layer and therefore they are unlikely to cause or worsen congestion. However, many natural skin care products rely on waxes and butters as base ingredients. While enormously beneficial for the skin, they are more likely to sit on the surface and therefore have a greater likelihood of contributing if congestion is already an issue. They are unlikely to cause congestion that wasn’t previously present and the skin response really does depend on individual skin type. The percentage of waxes to butters to oils will vary in different products for different skin types. If you are unsure about what product to use for your skin type, it is worth asking the manufacturer or supplier which of their particular products will be most beneficial for your skin type.

There a quite a number of nourishing carrier oils used in both skin moisturizers and serums and the range of natural products available that using nutritional base oils is ever increasing. Different oils are suitable for different skin types so knowing some basic facts about base oils will help you find the most suitable product for your skin.

Sweet Almond Oil – A common used oil in skin care, it is rich in nutrition including vitamin E, unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids. It has a softening action on the skin and is useful for lubrication in massage because while not a heavy oil, it is not absorbed rapidly.

Olive Oil – A heavier oil, rich in monounsaturates including oleic acid. Extra virgin olive oil come from the first pressing of the olives and is dark green in color indicating the presence of antioxidant polyphenol. It is suitable for use with dry skin as it helps stabilize the cell membrane increasing the skins ability to hold onto moisture. Olive oil also contains squalene, a hydrating and anti-inflammatory agent, ideal for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Tamanu Oil – Tamanu oil has powerful healing properties in its unique ability to promote the formation of new skin tissue. Traditionally used by the Polynesians as first aid for the skin and mucous membranes, the oil can assist with scars, burns, skin cracks, cuts, dry skin and wounds. Used cosmetically, Tamanu has healing, mild antibiotic and anti-inflammatory activity 2. For these reasons it is used in both protective and regenerative products aimed at restoring skin appearance.

Evening Primrose Oil – Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is a valuable source of gamma linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid with potent anti-inflammatory effects. Useful for dry, damaged, sensitive skin EPO helps to maintain the skin’s normal barrier functions. It is also useful topically for eczema and psoriasis.

Rosehip Oil – With up to 80% essential fatty acid content, Rosehip oil is very fine and quite easily absorbed by the skin. Rosehip encourages regeneration and repair of the skin and is renowned for its skin benefits, particularly in the treatment of scars and burns. It is also known for its rehydrating effect as well as improving dry, aged and wrinkled skin.

Jojoba Oil – Actually a fine wax rather than an oil, Jojoba oil is very fine in consistency and readily absorbed by the skin. It is light and non-greasy and for this reason it is ideal in face serums and creams. Jojoba closely resembles the sebum of the skin and so is beneficial for skin and scalp problems such as psoriasis and eczema. With excellent emollient properties it is moisturizing, healing and suitable for all skin types.

Coconut Oil – One of the heaviest and most stable oils, coconut is ideal for hair and body application. With moisturizing and softening properties it is ideal for dry and rough skin. Coconut oil also has cooling properties and so is useful for after sun care products 1.

Avocado Oil – Strong in color and dour, avocado oil is not to everyone’s liking for skin care. However, in its unrefined form it is rich in lecithin, vitamin D, E and A which offer useful sun protection and skin nutrition. Avocado oil is beneficial to drier skins.

Sea Buckthorn Oil – Bright orange in color, Sea Buckthorn oil is rich in beta carotene and second only to Rose Hip in vitamin C content. It is also very rich in essential fatty acids. This rich combination of nutrients mean it is extremely beneficial as a base oil in skin care. With moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and restorative properties, it is easily absorbed and useful for all skin types.