Exposure
In temperature regions of the world, where much of the skin is covered
by clothing, these harmful influences mostly affect the exposed areas of
the face and hands. Skin care applies equally to men and women. Fresh air,
regular exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep all help people
to look and feel their best.
For external care of the skin , regular washing with soap remains
a first principle . Soap removes grease so that it can be washed off with
water. Soap and water also removes dirt, dead skin scales, and some of
the bacteria which normally live on the skin. The skin ususally replaces
the removed grease within hours.
Which soap is best?
All soap contain alkalis which break up the horny top layer of skin,
allowing water to penetrate more---as well as to escape. Although normal
skin renews the horny layer, repeated use of soap may weaken the repair
process. This can cause extreme scaling and dryness known as chapping.
Perfume added to soap makes it much more fragnant to use, but has no other
virtue.
The safest soap to use is the simplest sort without added disinfectant,
and containing no purfume. Detergents, which are synthetic chemical compounds,
will remove grease from the skin more effectively than soap. But their
actions are too harsh for regular use and they easily cause chapping.
Creams for dry skin
When the skin is dry and scaly, it can be eased by applying a cream.
Because of their water content, all creams moisture the skin slightly.
People who need to wash their hands very frequently because of their jobs,
are particularly susceptible to chapping and irritation. The risk can be
lessened by applying a barrier cream at the start of the day.
People with very dry skin may not be able to tolerate soap and water
at all. If so they should use an emulsifying cream when washing.
Cosmetics and allergies
Many facial cosmetics have a greasy or oily base. Women usually
use them to improve their appearance and not for any protection they may
give to the skin. There are also many cleansing and solvent agents available.
Most cosmetics are perfectly harmless. But some contain chemicals which,
when applied to the skin, can occasionally cause irritation or set up an
allergy. The first sign of such an allergy is itching, and later redness
occurs where the cosmetic has been applied.
Ageing and alcohol
Ageing of the skin whether or not accelerated by prolonged sunlight
exposure is irreversible. The skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner
and dry. Creases and wrinkles becomes deeper and more numerous, and the
slightest injury may cause bruising. The clever use of make-up may disguise
the condition.
Bags under the skin
Bags under the eyes---which runs in families---are again not related
to heavy drinking, or to late nights. They occur in people who have loose
skin around the eyelids.
Acne snf young skin
In adolescence the skin produces much more grease than any other
times, mostly on the face and upper trunk. In many young people this is
so excessive that it leads to blocking of the pores.
