Our skin is a complex structure covering our whole body. It has an outer layer- the Epidermis and the inner layer-the Dermis. The epidermis is made of several layers of living cells covered with a layer of dead cells. These dead cells get shed and replaced continuously by new cells from lower layers. The dermis supports the epidermis and is formed of tough but flexible, connective tissue- the collagen and the elastin. The collagen and the elastin are protein fibers that give the skin elasticity and resilience. When these fibers degenerate, the skin begins to develop wrinkles, fine lines and various other imperfections. The dermis also contains the sweat and sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, an oily, acidic film which lubricates the skin. This film form a protective cover on the skin surface. When the pH level of the skin changes, problems occur.
Skin may be categorized on the following three primary types:
Normal skin is balanced skin. It is soft, with a smooth texture with a healthy glow. This is ideal skin.
Dry skin lacks oil and moisture. It is fragile and flakes easily with changes in external temperature and humidity. This kind of skin is prone to developing early wrinkles and fine lines. In this skin type, the sebaceous glands are less active than normal and the balance is disturbed.
Oily skin has a oily/greasy/slimy shine and feel. The skin texture is coarse and the sebaceous glands are hyperactive creating more oil than necessary, destroying the pH balance of the skin. This skin type will normally suffer from blackheads, pimples, acne and clogged pores.
The Combination Skin as the name suggests will have skin areas which will be oily and some skin areas which will be dry. Parts of skin covering the forehead, nose, chin will be greasy and the rest of the skin will be dry. Cheeks and the areas around the eyes will be dry. This combination skin is the most popular skin type. This skin type will have problems associated with both dry and oily skin types. There will be acne/blackheads and or clogged pores in the oily part, while the dry part of the skin may be flaky and fragile.
Face Masks are an ideal way to remove dead cells on the surface of the epidermis and let the younger cells how. A good face mask should rejuvenate the skin by restoring the pH values, removing excessive oil content, waste and providing a balancing effect to dry skin. Masks should also stimulate blood circulation in the facial area giving the facial skin a healthy glow and a younger looking skin. As the face masks remove dead skin, clean pores, they help in removal of blackheads, reduce acne formation, revitalize the skin and balance the pH value of the film covering the skin. Regular usage of these masks will normally help maintain vigor, reduce wrinkle formation and leave younger looking skin.
The Face Mask you choose will depend upon your Skin Type.
Cleansing mask are suited to oily skin type. They draw out excess oil in the skin and remove waste. These cleansing masks open up the blocked pores and remove dead skin. They also help in reducing blackhead formation and improve texture of skin.
Moisturizing Masks will benefit dry skin types. Dry skin types lack enough oil and these face masks will hydrate the skin and prevent wrinkle formation. Normally such masks would be reinforced with honey, wheat germ, balsam and other plant extracts which provide much needed nourishment top the skin.
Stimulating Masks are normally peel off masks. They help in improving blood circulation to the skin surface, and revitalize the skin. These kind of masks are suitable for all skin types as they deep cleanse the skin, tighten pores, help in treating scars , hyper pigmentation and help prevent sun damage.
Home Made Natural Face Masks:
Home made face mask for dry skin can be created by mixing 10 ml honey with the yolk of an egg and 5 grams of dried milk powder. The yolk of an egg will provide nourishment for the skin while the honey will help restore the pH balance. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and apply to the face using a flat wide brush. Avoid the eye and lip areas. Clean off with water after 15-20 minutes to find more supple skin which will be hydrated and look much younger.
Oily skins can be treated by mixing 10 ml honey with one egg white and 5 ml of lemon juice and 5 grams brewer’s yeast powder.. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and apply to the face as directed above. The honey will help in restoring the pH balance, the lemon juice will dry up the skin and tighten it and the egg white will help in soaking up the excess oil and provide deep cleansing action. Remove after 15-20 minutes with water.
Many people suffer from black heads because of oily skin and blocked pores. Given below are some Black Head control and removal tips.
Use the home face mask or any commercial face mask for oily skin, once every week to help remove excess oil from the skin.
Use a good quality astringent after cleaning your face. You may alternatively dab your face with rose water which will be a natural substitute.
Avoid soaps on your face, that may irritate the skin or any oily creams.
Use a gentle scrub to remove dead skins from your face daily.
Always avoid harsh squeezing or scraping of the back heads.
A warm compress of water applied to the area of the black head followed by a very gentle pressure will help clear the clog from the pore.
Commercial ‘black head’ strips available in the market can also help remove black heads. One has to use caution before using these strips to avoid damage to the skin.
It is best to find a long term solution to the black head problem by keeping the oily skin properly balanced, using face masks and gentle scrubs regularly. As the say, prevention is better than cure. In this case, prevention will lead to better facial skin, which will glow and look much younger.
