For that Youthful skin look

The skin has a tremendous capacity for self-regeneration if properly cared for and it’s never too late to start

The skin that has been properly cared for stays youthful for a longer time. It is also true that neglected skin develops symptoms of ageing prematurely. So, it is important to understand the individual needs of your skin.

It is also essential to know the dangers and hazards that can hasten the appearance of ageing signs on the skin. You must know the skin’s worst enemies and learn how to protect yourself. With the skin, you have one major advantage…it will respond to the right kind of care.

Sun Protection
The skin’s worst enemy is the sun. If you avoid excessive sun exposure, you can actually help in prolonging the youth of the skin. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays also causes oxidation damage and this is said to be the foremost cause of skin ageing because it affects the supportive layers of the skin. Apply a sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure. Damage from the sun’s rays is heightened near water bodies and snow because they are reflective surfaces. So, when you are swimming or holidaying at sea and hill resorts, don’t forget your sunscreen.

Moisturising
Moisture is life, as far as the skin is concerned. This holds true for people with normal to dry skins. Keep the skin well moisturised, especially if you are also exposed to constant air-conditioning or heating. Exposure to air-conditioners and heaters for long periods can deprive the skin of moisture and dehydrate the skin. The skin becomes fragile and prone to lines and wrinkles.

Cleansing
Most of us love soap and water washing, but most soaps are alkaline by nature. They not only disrupt the normal acid-alkaline balance of the skin but also cause moisture depletion.

Therefore, the cleansing methods that we adopt should cleanse without disturbing the normal acid-alkaline balance. If the skin is very dry, it is better to avoid soap and use a cleansing gel.

Actually, cleansing gels or lotions help to dissolve dirt and pollutants and remove them from the skin surface. Make-up cosmetics are also drying and are best removed with a cleanser, rather than soap.

For oily skins, a cleansing lotion or a face wash can be used. The skin should be cleansed twice a day. Nighttime cleansing is of utmost importance, to get rid of the pollutants that have settled on the skin during the day.

Exfoliation & Masks
The shedding of dead skin cells and the formation of new ones is a constant process. The youth of the skin depends on the regeneration of healthy new cells. That is why exfoliation is an integral part of skin care. Scrubs and cleansing grains help to remove dead cells, remove cellular buildup and improve the process of cell renewal.

Masks also help in the removal of dead cells, apart from other benefits too, like improving blood circulation to the skin surface, tightening the skin and keeping it soft, smooth and youthful. The ingredients of the mask may be such that have specific age-control benefits, like aloe vera, yoghurt, honey, wheatgerm oil, etc.

Nourishing
Nourishing is a way of supplying emollients to the skin so that it can hold moisture better. In dry skins, nourishing should be part of the daily night care routine. Again, the ingredients of the nourishing cream help to increase its benefits.

For example, it can contain antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes, which help to keep the skin healthy and youthful. The nourishing cream should be massaged into the skin with outward and slightly upward movements. Then wipe off with moist cotton wool.

Particular Areas
During your skin care routine, pay attention to particular areas of the skin, which begin to show ageing signs earlier than other parts of the face or body. These are the neck, the area around the eyes and the hands. The skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate. It can get easily pulled or stretched. So, very gentle care is needed while removing makeup and creams.

Apply a cleansing gel around the eyes and wipe off with moist cotton wool. Then apply an outer-eye cream and leave it on only for ten minutes. Wipe off with moist cotton wool. Masks should not be applied around the eyes. However, we have formulated a seaweed mask for the delicate skin around the eyes. It is of a watery consistency. It is applied and then washed off when it dries.

Include the neck in your daily routine. Apply cream and massage it on the skin, starting from the chin and going downwards. Use both the hands, one hand following the other. The pressure should be applied while going down and not while bringing hands back to the chin.

The hands begin to show age earlier than most other parts of the body. Protect them by wearing rubber gloves when you perform your washing chores. Include the hands in your daily care routine by massaging a cream into the skin after your bath, or after household chores.