journal I issue II
Hello Friends, today I wanted to talk about Skin Care, these are just things I have learnt over the past ten months of really getting into skin care and taking care of the health of my skin. I am in no way claiming to be an expect of Skin Care, I’ve just really done some deep research to the health of my skin.
AHAs & BHAs
Products that have AHAs and BHAs are good at maintaining the production of ache. What AHAs and BHAs are types of chemical exfoliates. Which is a gentle exfoliation that breaks down the old skin cells; to resurface the skin. If you used this type of product it’s best not to use any other rough exfoliator on your skin.
Types of AHAs & BHAs
There are a few types of these chemical exfoliates, which can include salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is the most common chemical in most acne products. It’s an ingredient that really kills the bacteria you get from the production of acne. Beware that benzoyl peroxide is a pretty strong ingredient.
pH Levels on our Face
Maintaining the proper pH levels is very important to keep our faces healthy. Our natural level of pH balance of our face is around the 5.5 scale (on the pH scale).
Do not mix Vitamin C products and AHAs, BHAs products together on your skin. It damages your skin due to the pH balance of your skin. Vitamin C products are around the 3 pH (acid on the pH scale), and mixing the products together is deactivating the effectiveness of the Vitamin C products.
Things that include Vitamin C:
- Kiwifruit
- Orange, Lemons, Grapefruit
- Strawberries
- Honeydew
- Guava, Papaya, Mangoes
- Aloe vera
Should I make a foods you should eat for healthy skin? Let me know!
Vitamin E
What does Vitamin E mean in a product?
Essentially Vitamin E is a fat-soluble, essential nutrients that produces antioxidants. That products your cells from damage. It helps to quicken the heal time of a wound and helps fight acne. Vitamin E may be beneficial at reducing UV damage to your skin.
Things that include Vitamin E
- Sunflower Seeds/ Sunflower Oil
- Avocado
- Palm Oil, Olive Oil
- Mango
- Sweet Potato
The Importance of Using Sunscreen
It’s is also important to always use sunscreen, everyday; no matter what type of weather or season it is. UVA is the most common UV ray we are exposed too; UVA hits the skin deeper than UVB. However they are presented with equal intensity during all daylight hours, throughout the entire year, and can be visible through clouds and glass so indoors as well. And UVB is the cause of the skin reddening, sunburns, and tends to damage the epidermal layers of the skin. UVB can also damage your skin year-around as well with reflective surfaces such as snow and ice, but they do not significantly penetrate glass.
However without using a sunscreen, UV light and sun exposure reduce the vitamin E levels in the skin. Vitamin E levels also decrease with age. Vitamin E easily absorbs into the skin; and topical use, like creams or other products may increase the amount of vitamin E stored within the sebaceous glands.
Products that contain both vitamin E and vitamin C may be less likely to dissipate quickly if exposed to UV light.
You can either use a physical or chemical sunscreen. But however remember to always re-apply as directed by the product you use.
With physical sunscreens you need to wait fifteen minutes before fully going out in the sunlight, and with chemical sunscreens you are allowed to go into the sunlight right away without waiting. Usually chemical sunscreens other only have one protector in it, so opt for a physical sunscreen rather than a chemical sunscreen when you can.
Order of application of products you should be aware of:
- Lightest to heaviest products
- Watery toners
- Essence
- Serums
- Creams
- Oils
Generally products with watery consistency have smaller cells. Those cells will sink deeper into your skin.
The Importance of Good Hydration
You should alway keep your skin hydrated, it most important just like everything else is. Drinking water throughout the day is really good for your skin, and lips.
Another way you can keep your skin hydrated is by using sheet masks, every evening or once or twice a week if you’re on a budget. Or try finding a multi-pack of sheet masks that will actually last you a month.
Hyaluronic Acid is good for all skin types and has the ability to hold a thousand times in weight in water; so it actually helps to draw in moisture to your skin.
Until next time; Take care of your skin, friends - Kate
