Maintaining Healthy Skin - Cosmetics Unmasked

The condition of your skin depends on many factors. poor diet, illness, and age cal all contribute to the loss of collagen from your skin, reducing its elasticity and forming fine lines and wrinkles. This process is accelerated by smoking and by the dehydrating effects of alcohol and of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and sunbeds. 

A healthy diet containing fresh fruit and vegetables should provide an adequate intake of proteins, minerals, and vitamins A, B, and C - all of which are essential for healthy skin. Rapid dieting can rob your skin of these essential nutrients and an inadequate intake of liquid (i.e., water) can dehydrate your skin.

Lack of exercise will lead to deterioration in muscle condition, directly affecting the tone and firmness of your skin. stress, tension, and tiredness caused by inadequate sleep, will all take their toll on your skin.

Old Wives' tales - Herbal Skin Care
Comfrey leaves, feverfew, mint, nettle, and rose petal infusion (rose water) are all said to be good for the skin. Borage leaves, camomile, elder, fennel leaf infusion, marigold leaves, and marshmallow are all claimed to soften and smooth rough skin. Elder, lovage, and parsley are said to lighten the colour of skin, and remove freckles and minor skin blemishes.

There is no evidence that these herbal treatments work, but then again, there is no evidence that they don't either! Try them but be careful - parsley and camomile can both cause contact allergies and dermatitis. The active ingredient in camomile is Bisabolol, which is often added to cosmetics. It also causes contact allergies and dermatitis.

Hormone changes probably have the most instantly noticeable effect on the skin . We all remember the appearance of adolescent spots, zits, and greasy skin during puberty, and changes in the skin condition often accompany menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and, sometimes, the use of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or the contraceptive pill.

It is important to look after your skin by keeping it clean and, and if you have dry skin that becomes cracked or sore, by using a suitable moisturizer. A large majority of women use moisturizers regularly and often seek out the more prestigious brands that claim to be hypoallergenic or to keep your skin looking firm and young.

It must be said, however, that too much reliance is placed on the wild claims made by cosmetics' manufacturers, and a vast amount of money is wasted on expensive gimmicks containing liposomes, vitamins, and collagen. Many of these products are no better than basic moisturizing creams or lotions that contain just oils and water.

Whatever you use, it is important you find one that suits your skin and that you avoid anything that causes even minor irritation. "No pain, no gain" is utter nonsense when it comes to looking after your skin.

Some skin-care products contain keratolytic chemicals that dissolve the outer, horny layer, and sometimes the deeper layers. manufacturers claim that this revitalizes your skin, or reveals fresher, younger skin - dissolving away fine lines and wrinkles.

These chemicals can cause severe skin irritation and can encourage your skin to thicken, locking you into a cycle of using these skin-peeling cosmetics. Hair removal creams and lotions also contain corrosive chemicals that can leave the skin irritated and sore, and they have even been reported to cause deep burns, leaving permanent scars.

Reference: Cosmetics Unmasked: Dr Stephen & Gina Antczak