Skin Care 101
Having a good skin care routine is paramount in keeping skin looking refreshed, healthy and vibrant. It will also go a long way towards prevention of premature aging and wrinkles. Now that winter is fast approaching, the weather conditions are harsh on our skin. This makes it all the more important to follow a good skin care routine as repeated sun exposure during the summer, and the sub-zero temperatures of the winter hastens the onset of skin damage.
Role of Skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body and accounts for about 16% of a person’s weight. It serves as a protective barrier between the external environment and our bodies. Its many functions include being a barrier, regulating internal body temperature, preventing harmful bacteria from entering the body, allowing us to feel our environment, as well as acting as a shock absorber for more sensitive tissues underneath the skin.
In modern society, the appearance of the skin plays an important role. Medical skin conditions can affect an individual’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, social interaction with others, lifestyle as well as occupation. Some of the consequences of skin ailments such as rashes and itching may be bothersome while others, such as cystic acne or hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin) can have an adverse role on an individual’s self esteem and confidence.
Layers of the Skin
Epidermis
This is the outermost layer. In most parts of the body the epidermis is about 0.1 mm thick. On the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands it can be 1mm thick or more. The main skin cell that makes up the epidermis is called the keratinocyte, thus named because it produces a tough protein called keratin. Layers of keratinocytes form the surface new skin. Keratin is also the protein from which nails and hair are formed. It provides resistance to physical wear and tear and makes skin waterproof.
Keratinocytes arise in the deepest level of the epidermis where new cells are continually being produced. As this happens the older cells migrate up to the surface of the skin and eventually slough off. On average it takes about 60 days for a new layer of skin cells (keratinocytes) to migrate to the surface. In fact, the surface of your skin generally has about 40 layers of dead cells. Essentially, our skin regenerates itself approximately every 60 days. As new layers of skin are formed, older layers are sloughed off.
Dermis
The dermis lies immediately underneath the epidermis and is about four times thicker. It contains numerous specialized supporting tissues as well as blood vessels, nerves, hair roots and sweat glands.
Throughout the dermis other types of protein, notably collagen and elastin, give it strength and flexibility. A reduction in these proteins with age is normal and contributes to the more fragile skin of elderly people. It is the dermis therefore, that provides the skin with all the nutrients it needs. In order to have younger, healthier looking skin, it is important to keep the dermis enriched, and full of nutrients.
So how do I take care of my skin?
Looking after the skin is similar to any other maintenance program. Basic steps to a maintenance program include:
Cleansing & Toning
The first means of fighting the aging process is to cleanse the skin carefully as your skin is often exposed to harmful elements in the environment. Cleanse morning and evening with Zahrah’s Vital Skin Wash, Resurface Wash, or Daily Defending Wash, depending on your skin type. If you find that cleansing twice a day is too much for your skin, then eliminate the morning cleanse and simply splash the face with water.
Exfoliation
People generally lose one gram of skin a day. A basic exfoliation program will help the skin to lose the dead cells effectively. Exfoliation can be obtained by using cleansers, facial masques or products containing Glycolic Acid. Use Zahrah’s Resurface Wash, Vibrancy Peel kit, among many other products.
Nourishment
After exfoliation, it is important to nourish the dermis. Vitamins B & C are necessary for the dermis to function, and stay healthy. Products such as Zahrah’s Vital Hydrator or Vibrancy Creme will help the dermis to function, increase collagen synthesis and reduce the signs or aging.
Protection
As previously mentioned repeated sun exposure hastens the onset of skin damage. Sunscreen will prevent the onset of fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation. You should be wearing a sunscreen, which has at least an SPF30, after moisturizer and before makeup. Sunscreen should be worn on a daily basis, regardless of whether the sun is “out” or of the season. Be sure your sunscreen protects against UVB and UVA rays. Sunscreen in your moisturizer or make up is not sufficient protection and only protects you for 20 minutes after application.
Antioxidants
Vitamin A is an excellent anti-oxidant for the skin. A product such as Alpha A Repair will provide support for the skin, especially when applied every other night. The use of these products may initially cause redness of the skin, but this will settle in short course, and continued use will result in reversing the effects of aging. Vitamin-A does have side effects so it is best to consult with Dr. Gandhi before using this, but when used properly, the benefits are significant.
How long will it take to notice a difference?
As with everything else, individual results will vary. However in general a regular, consistent, well thought out skin care program will result in healthier looking skin within 4-6 weeks. Commitment to an effective skin care routine will provide benefits for years to come.
Basic Routine Recap
Morning
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Daytime Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Makeup
Evening
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Night time Moisturizer
- Night time Eye Cream
