Skin Care Products

Before you can talk about skin care products, you have to talk about skin types and conditions. There is a large percentage of people who use the wrong product for their skin type!

First we'll talk about skin types. The basic skin types are normal, oily and dry. Some educators classify sensitive as a "skin type", while other educators classify sensitive as a condition. I fall in the second group.

Your skin type is something you're born with. It doesn't change. It's based on pore size, tone and texture. This is important to know when choosing skin care products.

The condition of your skin is changeable. Many people have sensitized their skin by using harsh products, over exfoliation, or having a condition that changes.

Now that you understand what the difference is between skin types and skin conditions, you'll need to determine your skin type.

If you're not sure which skin type you have, go to a skin care specialist (esthetician) or a dermatologist, and have them tell you your proper skin type. This way you'll know which type of skin care products are the best for your skin type.

One last note to explain a type and a condition. Dry skin is a skin type. It means your skin lacks oil or sebum. Dehydrated skin is a condition, meaning a lack of water. Many people confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin. Some people have both dry and dehydrated skin.

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As a point of reference, I am a licensed Skin Care Specialist. The picture is of my book. You can find my book at SkinCareStudent.com.

When you're discussing skin care products and cleanses, there are different types of cleansers. There are cleansing gels, cleansing milks and foaming cleansers. When you choose your cleanser, you choose it based on your skin type.

Cleansers work by removing the debris on your skin, by breaking up the surface tension.

Cleansing gel is a cleanser that can be for multiple skin types, based on the ingredients.

Cleansing milk is emolient. It's good for dry skin, as well as dehydrated skin. It's creamy texture is also good for sensitized skin or mature skin.

Foaming cleansers foams or lathers when you use it. Cleansers do not have to foam to work.

Toners are used to remove the residual from the cleansers. Some help adjust the ph of the skin after cleansing, but they are not a necessary step. This is a personal choice.

When buying skin care products, sometimes people forget this vital step. When you exfoliate the skin, you're removing the dead layer of skin cells. This helps you keep a smooth surface for better make-up application. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. It is an excellent way to gently remove that top layer, to allow for your newer skin to glow.

Exfoliant comes in scrub form and enzyme form.

Scrubs work by physically moving it around the skin, which sloughs off the dead skin cells.

Enzymes are a chemical exfoliant. They work by breaking down the surface of the dead skin cells. Enzymes are a gentle way to exfoliate your skin.

Deeper peels need to be done with a professional. The pH level of a product determines how it will react with your skin. A dermatologist's office will have stronger and deeper peels than a spa will.

In case you're interested in another form of a physical exfoliant that you don't see as often, there is something called a gommage. You apply it, let it dry, and then slowly roll it off the skin.

Next time you're purchasing skin care products, don't forget to get exfoliant.

Facial masks are a great way to replenish and hydrate your skin, or remove excess sebum (oil) based on your needs! When you buy skin care products, it's good to know what you want to accomplish.

You base the mask on your skin type, and the immediate need such as dehydration, or excess oil.

Clay masks are a great example of a product that absorbs excess sebum.

Hydrating masks are excellent for mature skin, as well as other skin conditions.

This is an excellent time for ingredient rich products. Many people use anti-aging skin care products with peptides in them, and antioxidants in them.

Moisturizers come in both cream and lotion forms. Creams are thicker and heavier then lotions. Moisturizers can be used by everyone. People who are acne prone will want to use an oil-free lotion, and one that is non-comedogenic.

Creams are water in oil, while lotion is oil in water. Because creams are water in oil, it means they contain more oil than water, and vice versa for lotion.

Sunblock...YES, you need it! Look for a broad spectrum sun block that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreen and Summer Protection skin care

If you've ever thought about being an Esthetician and working at a spa or doctor's office, then consider Esthetician School. At The Esthetician Channel, you can find a large resource section with links to schools, resources, products, books, esthetician magazines and more. It's the Esthetician's ultimate resource guide.