The Importance of Skincare During the Winter

Skincare experts are showing increasing concern about the effects that the winter elements can have because regardless of how visible the sunshine is, UV light can cause the production of unstable molecules inside our skin called 'free radicals' to increase, and overtime they will progressively damage our skin tissues and obstruct the body's natural release of collagen, thereby modifying our skin's DNA. This results in many harmful effects, as skin will be left dehydrated and unhealthy which will not only lead to blemishes such as wrinkles, but may even lead to forms of skin cancer being developed too.

The winter weather can also exasperate existing skin problems like rashes, acne and sores. Those who suffer from allergies are also more prone to skin outbreaks during the winter and unhealthy skin is more vulnerable to diseases and infections. Skin will also be more likely to become scarred if an injury is sustained due to the damaging effects that results from the sudden transition into a colder climate after the warmer summer months. One way of helping to avoid these effects is to keep our skin hydrated at all times by consistently drinking water throughout our everyday lives. Eating a balanced diet containing vitamins and minerals is also an effective method of keeping skin healthy by flushing out the harmful toxins that our bodies can pick up.

Although there is no definitive answer to how much sunlight will damage our skin due to the fact that different people tolerate different levels of sunlight due to the pigment and colourisation of their skin, there universally recognised ways of ensuring that skin will remain as healthy as possible under UV rays during the winter months.

The most effective way to maintain healthy skin from a cosmetic viewpoint is to regularly cleanse and moisturise our skin because since skin exists in a constant state of growth with old cells dying and new ones developing, it is vital to wash away the top layer of dead skin cells. This will not only result in fresher cells being produced but will also increase circulatory blood flow to help create a regular release of healthy cells.

How to Decide Which Cosmetics Effectively Control Oily Skin

Oily skin is one of the most common skin problems faced by teenagers and adults alike. The cosmetics industry has given rise to thousands of different skin care products over the past few decades to address this issue. Some have proven to be incredibly effective, while many have not. An important fact to remember is that while everyone's skin is unique, the underlying problems that cause oily skin are not. By identifying what is causing oily skin it is easier to choose the right cosmetics to effectively solve the problem.

The reason skin troubles are most often associated with teenagers and young adults is because it is often caused by an increase in testosterone production. Testosterone is a male hormone however it is present men and women alike to varying degrees. The amount of testosterone in the bloodstream is a primary factor which causes excessive sebum production and secretion. It is important to note that other environmental and physical factors affect sebum production and secretion as well.

Controlling sebum production and secretion is the key to controlling oily skin. Excessive sebum secretion creates an oily film on the skin. Not only does this physically make the skin feel oily but it also increases the retention of dead skin cells. It is the retention of dead skin cells which are the leading cause of common skin conditions including pimples, acne, clogged pores, enlarged pores, and rough skin.

To decide which cosmetics will effectively control oily skin, it is important to focus on their underlying approach. The first thing effective cosmetics need to do is control the excessive sebum and dead skin cell accumulation. It is impossible to completely stop this process but it can be effectively limited.

Additionally, effective cosmetics must provide additional nourishment and relaxation to promote healthy skin growth. Unhealthy skin is at an increased risk of bacterial growth and the formation of free fatty acids. This is what causes the inflammation commonly associated with unhealthy skin and acne.

To control oily skin it is also important to utilize a moisturizer that creates a protective layer on the skin. This promotes healthy skin because it prevents the release of elastase and the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are associated with a variety of skin conditions. Finally, an effective cosmetic must thoroughly cleanse the pores. Clean pores not only lead to healthier looking skin but provide an additional defense against inflammation and the release of elastase and free radicals.

When choosing the right cosmetics, it is important to ensure they will control oily skin by combatting all of the problems associated with poor skin health. Some cosmetic companies package multiple products together when each product is designed to combat a specific factor which leads to oily skin. Other companies utilize an all-in-one approach. Neither option is inherently superior as both have proven effective. The key is trying multiple cosmetics to determine which one is the most effective for each person's unique skin type.