THE importance of stitching up an open abdomen after surgery is as important and sensitive as cutting it open and going through the actual operation. Quite similar is the case with beauty. A woman preparing herself for an evening and getting a makeover done, needs to get back to her original state after the engagement is over. This not just helps maintain the skin in its proper health and texture, it also lets the face breathe after a long day and regain its natural moisture balance.
It can be heartening to buy different colours and shades stacked up in glamorous boutiques and even applying them to look gorgeous after an hour of sheer torture of the face. Why not, if it can bring her praises and appreciative glances from people around her! Given the transformation it brings about in a woman's appearance after an hour-long makeover session, not many would stop to think about what to do later. And if it comes packaged with a good hairstyle and an outstanding dress, its just makes someone's day! But the buck does not stop here. In fact, it just starts here. It is like loving to have a party at home and entertaining guests, but hating to wash the utensils thereafter. The skin may not stink, but it surely would show signs of fatigue. So, to make up for the repeated rubbing and brush strokes that torture the facial skin, it is highly advisable that an "undo" process is also carried out at the end of the day, removing all traces of artificial agents contained in eye colours, foundations, concealers, highlighters and the likes.
A proper skin care regime may be followed in a few simple steps, which do not necessarily work together at all times. While some are specifically meant to remove makeup from the skin, some are basic therapeutic maintenance methods which can be practised less frequently.
Cleanser: A Cleanser helps in removing makeup and dirt from the face.
Toner: A toner is responsible for the maintenance of restoring the ph balance of the skin, tightening the pores after cleansing, leaving it refreshed.
Moisturizer: A moisturizer softens the skin texture and helps the facial muscles relax.
These may be the very basic constituents in daily skin care, but most women often ignore them and complain when they face minor problems, resulting from exposure to sunlight, excessive humidity or even uncleanliness.
Sunburn often leaves dark patches or brings about discoloration of complexion. A sun block or a sunscreen is recommended to minimise if not avoid this problem. In fact, there are moisturizers, toners and cleansers specially made for sun-damaged and discoloured skin.
Vitamin C has been scientifically proved to be "photo-protective" agent and can reverse the immediate effects of ultra-violet-A or ultra-violet-B exposure. It also helps in restoring uneven skin tone and promotes collagen synthesis.
Scrubs:If you don’t include a facial scrub in your skin care regime according to your skin type then you have been missing out on a lot.Technically speaking, a scrub, also known as exfoliator, simply removes the dead skin cell from the surface, revealing the younger layers underneath. Once the dead skin cells and black heads are removed, the skin acquires a healthier, brighter and a smoother complexion. For sensitive skin, it is advisable to go for mild exfoliation to prevent further irritation and breakout.
Masks:It is that skin care item that can work immediately for a great awakening.
Moisturizing mask: Recommended for dry and dehydrated skin to boost its moisture level, reduce flakiness and fine lines, leaving the skin pure, fresh and balanced.
Clay and mud masks: Advisable for all skin types as it helps in absorbing the excess oil from the skin and removes the grease impurities of clogged pores, leaving the skin cleaner and fresher.
Peel off masks: Available for all skin types, this fun to use gel-textured mask in fruity flavours dries up on your skin as you relax for 15 minutes, sparing you the labour of washing or rinsing your face. As the peel comes off, the skin wears a youthful complexion with a radiant glow.
Separate gel masks are available for sensitive skin that have a soothing and cooling effect. Depending on seasonal conditions, masks should be carefully chosen for best results.
If we continue to apply makeup for different occasions without considering the amount of torture we give to our skin, we run the risk of developing brown patches. These patches are dirt that gather on the skin in patchy form and make the skin look lifeless and dead. That's where a scrub or exfoliator comes in handy.
But what is never to be forgotten is the importance of vitamins in good skin health. Vitamin A helps reduce the discoloration and causes cellular turnover, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines. Vitamin E is anti-inflammatory which is an excellent ingredient for problematic skin.
People having generic skin problems cannot completely solve it but minimize it to a great extent by planning a proper and planned usage of creams, masks and moisturisers. Of course, when short cuts don't work, one should always consult a dermatologist for further guidance.
(Farheen M. Sheikh
is a UK-qualified professional makeup artist)
For a refreshing sleep, drink a mug of hot milk with a spoon of honey in it before going to bed.