Skin Care Basics - Singapore's Online Community

**HUIXIAN** · 01-10-2006, 08:53 PM

If you're like many women you are confused about how to choose the proper skin care. Or maybe you have some knowledge of what is available but you are not sure what is a good choice for you. Cosmetics come in many forms and deciding which is good for you is often a matter of personal taste. However, in order to make a good decision here is some basic information that you should know.

Cleansers: Are used to cleanse the skin of impurities and restore it to its natural oil balance.

Types of Cleansers:
Soap: Almost everyone uses it. If you have dry or oily skin be sure your soap is helping correct the problem. Medicated soaps are meant for acne and problem skin, hypoallergenic soaps are meant for sensitive skin and there are drying soaps for oily skin and oily soaps for dry skin. If you have problem skin it is best to see a dermatologist.
Liquid Cleansers: Are made for all types of skin. A good cleanser goes deep into the pores to loosen and lift excess oil and makeup.
Creams: Are used for dry skin
Pad Cleansers: Are a thick wad of absorbent material and are good for touch ups throughout the day.
Grains: Are coarse cleansers that are used for oily skin

Refreshers: Are used to complete the cleansing process. They help tone; sooth and rehydrate the skin and keep complexions clear and clean.
Types of Refreshers:
Astringents: Are meant for oily and normal skin types. They usually have alcohol as an ingredient that will stimulate the complexion and close the pores. This is not a product to use on dry skin.
Toners: Are mild refreshers and are meant for normal and dry skin.
Fresheners: Are recommended for dry, sensitive or problem skin.

Moisturizers: Replenishes moisture and nourishes the skin.

Types of Moisturizers:
Moisturizers for normal skin: Helps maintain the moisture in normal skin.
Moisturizers for dry skin: Helps restore skin's natural moisture balance.
Oil Control Moisturizers: Help control excess oil and prevent blemishes.
Emollients: Are rich creams suited for extra dry skin that replenishes the natural supply of the skin's oil. This moisturizing cream forms a protective shield that minimizes moisture evaporation and allows increased hydration of dry areas.

Masks: Exfoliates dead surface cells as it hydrates and moisturizes the skin. Types of Masks:
Facial Masks for normal to dry skin: Help relax facial muscles and remove dry flaky skin.
Facial Masks for oily skin: Refines skin's texture and deep cleans to help control surface sebum.
Pore Packs: Are designed to eliminate blackheads and reduce blemishes. Mostly used for oily skin.

Foundation Protection: Foundation protects the skin by keeping moisture in and dirt out with the added benefit of a flawless finish. This is a step that some women skip because they don't quite know how to use foundation and are not getting the right look. A couple of suggestions: make sure you have foundation that is compatible with your skin, test the color on your jaw line making sure it is the same color as your complexion and exfoliate (if not the foundation will show up as flaky).

Types of Foundation:
Full Coverage: used for normal to dry skin for extra hydration.
Medium Coverage: used for normal to oily skin.

Whatever your skin type take care of it by keeping it clean. Cleanse, tone and moisturize every morning and every night. Irregular or improper cleansing causes skin problems and makeup that is left on the skin, will dull the skin's surface; while oil and dead skin cells will clog the pores and cause blackheads.

funnysnow · 02-10-2006, 01:42 PM

o.O seems so troublesome. But I do take care of my skins.

**cAiwEi** · 02-10-2006, 04:06 PM

hahas.. so troublesome de !!! woo xiongxing.. means u're having a verryy smooootth complextion la~

funnysnow · 02-10-2006, 06:36 PM

wahahas.. okok la.. ant still can climb up, not that smooth.. LOL!

**Wenzi** · 02-10-2006, 08:31 PM

hmp.. hmp... i seldom wash my face..
but guess i m born wif flawless skin!
hahahahahaha.. i'm juz boasting on purpose..
dun hate me!

**HUIXIAN** · 03-10-2006, 12:07 AM

i don hate u.
im jealous of u (;

funnysnow · 03-10-2006, 01:11 AM

haha.. you making everyone envy you..

**HUIXIAN** · 03-10-2006, 11:25 PM

im uberly jealous ;[

*tears

**fuyumi** · 16-10-2006, 01:50 AM

I think proper cleansing is the first step to basic skin care. Not to mention the toner and moisturisers that follow.

**jerbelle** · 16-10-2006, 08:39 PM

ya, cleansing is very important and makes you look more radiant and clean as well.

**restless** · 16-10-2006, 08:56 PM

i noe cleansing is important, but toning is for wat? moisturizing no nid liao..my face always produce 2 much natural oil

**fuyumi** · 16-10-2006, 10:22 PM

Toning is to encourage renewal of skin cells and minimising pores. You will still need moisturiser even though u have oily skin. It is exactly because of dry skin conditions and cause your pores to produce more sebum.