Your Skin Has You Covered

Did you know that your skin is your body's largest organ and accounts for about 15 percent of your total body mass? In addition, it weighs more than any single, internal organ and provides protection for the organs and muscles that it covers.

Unclean skin can promote the development of life forms, called pathogenic organisms that cause human disease. Dead skin cells mix with sweat and dust on the skin and create an unclean layer on its surface. If it is not washed away, it is decomposed by your body's system of bacteria and produces a foul smell. Now you know where the odor comes from signaling it's time to hit the shower! And being dirty affects the skin's functions; making it more prone to infections. Keeping your skin clean can play an important role in keeping it healthy.

Although most people associate clean skin with soap and water, the health of your skin is dependent on how you clean it. How you cleanse your skin should be based on your skin type. What is good for one skin type is not necessarily healthy for another.

For those lucky enough to wear it, normal skin has a smooth texture and is evenly toned with tiny pores. It has an even balance of oil and water and a natural glow. This skin type should be cleansed with a mild soap and water followed by a good moisturizer. Keep in mind that just because you have normal skin now, doesn't mean your skin type won't change if you don't replenish the moisture that helps your skin keep its natural balance.

Oily skin is caused by over-active glands that produce sebum, a natural skin lubricant. Oily skin is commonly shiny in appearance and has blemishes. This skin type requires more cleansing than any other. The pores are enlarged making it prone to blackheads, pimples and acne. Your body has organic compounds that act as energy reserves called lipids. When treating oily skin you don't want to remove the skin's lipids while removing excess surface sebum. Cleansing should be done with a mild non-alkaline soap followed by an application of toning lotion to help unclog and tighten the pores. After toning, apply a light moisturizer to help with any drying effects of the cleanser. For treating blemishes or pimples, the use of onions, garlic, vegetables juices, yeast, sulfur, curd, camphor and herbs can produce good results through consumption and the use of poultices. Although having and caring for oily skin can be time consuming and sometimes frustrating, one advantage of having this type of skin is that it's less inclined to wrinkle and show other signs of aging. This is because oily skin keeps moisture locked into the outermost layer. At least there is an upside after all the prevention, treatment and maintenance!

Dry skin has low moisture as well as little sebum. It has a fine texture and is patchy and transparent. This skin type chafes easily and has a tendency to flake. Soap can increase the dryness, so cleansing creams are highly recommended to prevent further skin damage. Cleansing should be followed by a generous amount of liquid or cream moisturizers. Those containing vitamin E are especially helpful. In addition, natural ingredients can be added to creams for a softer skin. Honey, milk, yogurt, avocados, eggs and aloe are good choices.

Combination skin is probably the most common. This skin type requires separate cleansing methods for areas that are dry and areas that are oily. Carefully clean and heavily moisturize the dry patches while thoroughly cleaning and toning the oily areas and being careful not to over moisturize them. Although this sounds straight forward, it is not an easy task, so do your best!

Sensitive skin can be any skin type with the additional characteristic of reacting to cleansers, cosmetics and the environment. It tends to be itchy and blotchy and sometimes has a red or flushed appearance. Consulting a dermatologist may be necessary in helping you determine the most appropriate cleansers and best practices for your skin care if you are currently not getting favorable results.

Steaming is also good for all types of skin as it helps to cleanse, stimulate circulation, and unblock pores.

Although different skin types require various methods for proper care and cleansing, the common goal is to develop a balance between oil and moisture for healthy skin with a natural glow. Your commitment to a daily skin care routine designed specifically for your skin will help you maintain a healthy cover.