Care of your Skin

  You might like to print this section and read it at your leisure. It's just a friendly, personal sharing of things you might like to know about you and your skin. Many ladies have found this advice helpful in some way.

   Rule number one:   
 • Always treat your skin as gently as possible. This applies to all skin types.
 • Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise are magic words we hear often, but I include 'Exfoliate' and 'sunscreen' in there as well.  It is necessary to exfoliate at least once a week.  Don't overdo it, especially if you have oily skin.

 *  Sunscreen protection:  This is essential and can be applied over your moisturiser if you are going out in the sun.  Choose one designed for the face.  You really need spf 30+ for true protection.  Watch you cover neck and shoulders that might be exposed.
 
 • Cleansing:  After cleansing your face, it should feel comfortable. If it feels tight and dry so that you can't wait to moisturise, then your cleanser is not right for you.  This will especially apply if you use soap of any kind.  This tightness occurs because the cleanser is stripping the natural precious oils and moisture from your skin. I have found that many women are using too heavy a moisturiser because their cleanser is drying them out too much.  If necessary, change your cleanser.

 *  Cleansing Instructions:   First, remove eye makeup with a good eye makeup remover.  Take 2 cotton pads.  You will use one for each eye as eye infection is easily transferred.  Slightly dampen both with clean water and then apply the remover on to each.  Gently place one over an eye and hold for 5 -10 seconds.  Pressing gently, wipe down over the eye area and sweep out to one side.  Remove any excess - especially over the lashes.  Dampen a cotton bud as above and use to sweep up the top lashes and slide gently under the lower lashes.  Make sure all mascara is removed.  Now do the other eye using the second pad and another bud as necessary.
Now take a small amount of Cleanser product (about a teaspoon is plenty, say 4 - 5 mls).  Spread and gently massage over the face and all areas where makeup was used.  If you are wearing foundation, I suggest you remove as much as possible using a soft cloth or tissues.  Rinse off thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.  Finally, use a toner without alcohol and you will notice a huge difference in the way your skin feels.  This cleansing care will pay big dividends in a smooth and healthy complexion.  To make your toner go further, apply on to cotton pads dampened with clean water before applying.
 
 • Toner:  In my younger days, I found a toner the most difficult product to understand in terms of benefits. Therefore I didn't use it much. Now, I wouldn't be without it. Look at it as a second cleanse, or like a conditioner. We shampoo and condition our hair, don't we? Our household water supply today is full of added properties, some very irritating to your skin. A toner will calm and re-balance your skin, preparing it for your moisturiser. Always choose an alcohol- free brand, even if you are quite oily.
 
 • Dehydration: This is a loss of moisture from the skin. You can be oily and still be dehydrated. Moisture loss occurs because of stress, atmospheric conditions, air conditioning, central heating in our work areas, not being well or due to medication. The natural tendency is to drink more water. I have found with clients in my clinic that simply drinking water does not always work completely. I've discovered that by taking a supplement like flax oil you can improve the condition greatly. I take a tablespoon every morning. It certainly helps my skin - on both face and body. Don't like taking oil?  Capsules are available or mix it with your cereal or orange juice. Oil works a little faster to achieve proper hydration.
 
 • Evening Primrose oil: This can help the skin internally, particularly for women with hormonal breakouts around the chin area. Start on a lower dosage as it can have a small side effect of nausea in some people.
 
 • Exfoliation: This is very important, but only 1 to 2 times a week. Again, be gentle. Don't scrub. Use lovely soft circular movements, paying attention to the T-zone area. Finest granulated exfoliants are best. Go carefully on broken capillaries or if you have high colour on your cheeks. Be careful also on oily skin. Too much harsh or frequent exfoliation will dry the skin, then the sebaceous glands will produce more oil to compensate. A vicious cycle will have begun. Exfoliation leaves your skin cleaner, brighter, smoother and glowing. Moisturisers can really penetrate better and be more effective. Makeup looks great if the basic skin surface is well toned.
 
 • Eye care:  Only use eye cremes or gel around the eye area. Apply small amounts, using the ring finger to gently pat product around the eye but never on the eyelids. This is a very delicate area of the finest skin on the face. Don't drag, pull or rub. Any eye crème should be applied at least an hour before you go to sleep. Applying it just before you retire can cause puffy eyes in the morning.
 
 • Silk or Satin Pillowcases:  For the ladies who wake in the morning with more lines than they went to bed with, try to sleep on your back. If you sleep on your side or your tummy, try a satin or silk pillow case as it will definitely be kinder to your face. Truly, the smoothness of these fabrics, compared to cotton, won't crease your skin and create lines as much.
 
 • Why Facials?  There are two main factors in a facial that benefit you. First, there is the benefit to the skin. The second is to your whole wellbeing. A good facial should provide a deeply relaxing experience. In today's busy world, the pace of life has escalated to unhealthy proportions for our physical wellbeing. Stress and tension have together become public enemy number one of healthy looking skin (and your appearance). It's been said that what goes on inside shows on the outside. Facial massage improves circulation, muscle tone and softens facial lines. The end result of your facial is a radiant glowing skin, but most importantly, you should feel amazingly and totally relaxed. Regular facials every 4 to 6 weeks are very anti-ageing. They really keep your skin in top condition.

.  Practise Relaxation.  Learn simple techniques that help to relieve stress.  Sitting in a chair with your wrists crossed, palms upwards in your lap, give yourself 10 minutes of quiet meditation with your eyes closed.  Concentrate on thoughts and ideas that really appeal to you. Perhaps you might recall a special event you treasure, or picture a field of flowers, or some other happy thoughts.  Breathe deeply and slowly, feel yourself relaxing.  Practise this at least once every day. 
Another method is to choose a quiet time, at least 10 minutes but longer if possible, and turn on suitable peaceful music.  Lie on the floor using only a low pillow,  and just listen to the music.  Allow yourself to forget all else and concentrate on letting all parts of your body relax totally.  Practise every day.
 
 • In General:  Your lifestyle, diet, sleeping habits, exercise, stress levels and water intake all make a difference to your appearance. Choose wisely how you live, what you eat and what you do on a daily basis.  Research the benefits of immune-building supplements - especially the 'Clinicians' range which helped me through my cancer treatments.
 
 • Sunscreens:  These are little tips I would like to share with you. Always apply sunscreen to the back of your hands, especially before driving. The same applies to the sides of your neck, whether driving or a passenger. Hot summer rays will beam into your car and play havoc with those parts of your skin.

* Cancer:    I humbly acknowledge the wonderful support my clients and friends gave me through 2005.  I am keen to help Whangarei supporters who are dealing with cancer patients and have decided to make regular donations to the Cancer Society from the clinic.  Most ladies who have come through this experience do a great deal to support others facing the same challenges.  I am also now part of the "Look Good, Feel Better" team servicing Whangarei and Paihia.  Patients are referred to us by Hospitals for this wonderful supportive treatment - a day out with makeup and free gifts designed to help our friends over the great hurdle that is cancer.  Should you be in need of a chat - someone to talk to and unload part of your hurt, please phone me.

 • More ideas later. Let's know what you think? Any special experiences to share? I would also appreciate any feedback you can give me on this website.  I am keen to continually improve information.  Please email me at diane@swissbeauty.co.nz