We don't always feel beautiful. There are days when I feel downright ugly, usually when I am feeling excessively stressed and worried. On days like this I have found that if I take some action, no matter how small, toward working on something I consider worthy, a project, a goal, learning something new, or doing some activity in line with my values - before long I'm feeling beautiful again. When I am feeling beautiful I am sending sweet bounty out into the world.

Overall health is a good goal for feeling and looking beautiful. When we take time to treat our bodies well, whether by exercising, eating well, grooming and taking care of our skin, or simply taking the time to get a good night's rest - we shine.

Environmental factors are the skin's worse enemy along with stress. Our skin is exposed to the heat of the sun, drying winds and the pollution of dust, grime and cigarette smoke. Perspiration and oil secreted from the sebaceous glands clog pores and make the skin appear greasy. Because of this it has become important for us to use a cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen every day. Knowing your skin type will help you select products that are right for your skin. With the right products you will see the results you are looking for.

Skin falls into four basic types:

1.Normal

2.Combination

3.Oily

4.Dry

Facts You Should Know

The largest organ of the body is the skin. When skin is healthy it is moist, smooth, soft and to some extent acidic. Our most fragile skin is on the eye lids. Our skin serves as a waterproof defensive structure to protect our bodies from outside elements.

Our Skin's Functions

1.Protect us form injury

2.Excrete perspiration

3.Regulate heat

4.Sense touch

5.Produce sebum and oil to lubricate skin and hair

6.'Breathe' - absorb oxygen and get rid of CO2

Skin Types

Normal

Normal skin is actually a rare skin type. The majority of people do not have normal skin. Normal skin looks healthy and unblemished. The oil /water balance in this skin type is good and the skin has a refined texture.

Home Care Aim: Support moisture balance with regular use of good cleanser and moisturizer.

Combination

Most women have combination skin type. The skin on the face dry areas and some oilier areas. The T-zone - forehead, nose and chin is generally oilier than the cheeks and outer areas of the face.

Home Care Aim: Control oil in the T-zone area. Keep Dry areas hydrated. Use exfoliating scrub twice /week to diminish blemishes. Use mask once /week to refine large pores.

Oily

You can tell oily skin by a fast build up of oil shortly after washing. Oily skin has large pores and needs to be cleansed and exfoliated more often than other skin types. Take care not to over cleanse or exfoliate too aggressively. Over cleansing and aggressive scrubbing will irritate the skin. When oily skin becomes irritated the sebaceous glands try to protect the skin by producing more oil. Oily skin routinely has blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes. Teens and darker skinned women are more likely to have oily skin.

Home Care Aim: Control oil by using water based product formulated for this skin type. Exfoliate regularly but not too aggressively as to irritate the skin. For oily skin with sever acne - consult a dermatologist.

Dry

Dry skin is generally associated with mature skin. In dry skin conditions insufficient oil is produced by the skin. The pores are very small and the skin has no lubrication to protect it from the elements.

Home Care Aim: Combat dryness and dehydration. Drink extra fluids and moisturize the skin regularly. Use gentle a cleanser formulated for this skin type.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin becomes red and irritated easily. Sensitivity is regarded more as a skin condition than a skin type. There are now products on the market formulated for sensitive skin.

Home Care Aim: Calming down and soothing the skin.

These are the basic skin types. It is important to remember that skin changes over time and skin care requirements change along with it. This means your skin type may change and you will need to re-evaluate products that you are using. It is important to know your skin type as products are formulated for different types of skin.

As company's knowledge of the skin and how it works has grown they are able to produce products that better serve our home care needs. Though packaging is nice to look at it is ingredients that are important. It's good to be aware of the ingredients in in your home care products and how these ingredients work on your skin. Always buy a brand you trust and feel comfortable using.

©2007