Balanced Skin

This skin type is rare, and is characterized by:

• a creamy colour
• thickness
• smoothness
• firmness
• few irregularities or blemishes
• an even distribution of the skin's natural oil
• dryness with age

Balanced skin is worsened by many of the same factors which can afflict other skin types. Any skin care product offered by The Organic Make-up Co. will benefit this type of skin.

Combination Skin

Most people have combination skin, with oily areas focused around the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Other areas of the face can at the same time be very dry. All of the products offered by The Organic Make-up Co. are gentle and effective enough to treat combination skin, but if you have problems with acne, follow the recommendations for oily skin.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is not a skin type, but rather a skin condition which has developed from a skin type. Anyone can develop sensitive skin, often due to hormonal changes caused by menopause or pregnancy. This condition can also develop from allergies to cosmetic ingredients, foods or environmental factors. Many ingredients made from animal products, petroleum or synthetics are known allergens for the skin.

The characteristics of this skin condition are:

• blotchy, reddened skin
• broken capillaries
• high cheek colour
• itchy, easily irritated skin
• chaps and burns easily
• prone to break-outs and rashes

This condition is worsened by ordinary soap, synthetic, animal or petroleum-derived ingredients, astringents, harsh exfoliants or drying masks, extreme temperatures and climate changes. Use only mild, soothing formulations on sensitive skin. If an adverse reaction occurs to any product, such as a burning feeling, discontinue its use immediately. The Organic Make-up Co. has found that the following products have given those with sensitive skin relief and effective skin care: oatmeal soap, calendula or jojoba moisturizer, hand lotion in calendula and balanced facial oils for night-time.

Climate Change and Skin Care

Healthy skin is slightly acidic, due to the acid mantle which covers it. The acid mantle is a combination of sebum and perspiration designed to protect the skin from the environment. Each day we lose 850 ml of water through perspiration, so drinking water is helpful to replace this lost fluid. During the summer, water loss is more rapid, and humid conditions accelerate water loss through the skin as the body attempts to cool itself. As a result, sebum production increases, collecting on the skin and clogging pores. For many, this process results in breakouts, so regular cleansing with a mild soap is recommended.

A good skin care regimen during the summer months is the following:

• Cleansing with a natural, vegetable soap such as chamomile & calendula or lavender.
• Exfoliate with the dual action gentle exfoliant system.
• Hydrate your skin with acne-prone toner or floral toner, depending on skin type.
• Moisturize with sweet almond or grapeseed moisturizer, regular formulation.
• Massage any face oil offered by The Organic Make-up Co. at night.
• Keep lips protected and moisturized with sunblocker lip balm, lip gloss in natural crimson or lip colour palette in strawberry jam or brick red.
• Cover up to reduce the amount of exposure to the sun with a wide brimmed hat, long and loose fitting clothing. Ninety percent of skin cancers are due to sun damage.

Skin is exposed to very dry environments during the winter months. Heated homes and offices, wind and extreme temperatures increase the amount of moisture lost through the skin. Dry, chapped and flaky skin and lips are not uncommon during this season and are symptoms of unprotected skin. During the winter months skin needs more protection and lubrication to inhibit moisture loss. In addition to regular cleansing and toning, moisturize the hands, face and neck during the day with a richer cream, such as The Organic Make-up Co.'s avocado or carrot tissue in rich formulation face cream. At night, gently massage geranium or avocado face oil. Keep lips protected with any lip product from The Organic Make-up Company.

Any skin care discourse which does not include a discussion of nutrition is lacking a fundamental principle of healthy skin care. Good health and beauty are synonymous. For instance, a clogged and spotty complexion can be linked to a diet high in saturated fats and sugar. Sensitive skin may become worsened by poor digestion or inadequate absorption of nutrients. Dry flaky skin may reflect a diet low in fatty acids or vitamin E. Skin that does not heal quickly may be low in vitamins A, B6, C or zinc.

A healthy, varied diet helps the skin defend itself against infection, cell damage and premature aging. Increasing your daily intake of fresh, raw vegetables and fruit adds vitamins, antioxidants and water to your diet, all essential elements for healthy, glowing skin.

Beautiful, radiant skin is within everyone's reach. Knowledge of your skin type and how to care for your skin all year round, using all natural cosmetics, combined with a diet rich in fresh, wholesome foods will help you achieve the skin you have always wanted.

Visit our website at http://www.organicmakeupcompany.com for a full range of natural skin are and make-up cosmetics. Our products are made fresh for you once we receive your order. We do not use any animal, petroleum or synthetic ingredients in our cosmetics. They are simply fresh, natural and beautiful.

About the Author

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food family and textile sciences.

For related information, see . . .
Winter Skin Care - Help for Dry Cold Weather Skin
Oily Skin Care -Dealing With Oily Skin
Sensitive Skin Care - Tips About Special Care Needed
Chapped Lips - Cures and Treatments
Dry Skin Care - Consider Effects of Dehydration