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Deciphering the scientific terms for makeup ingredients can be the first step toward a more effective skin-care regimen.Do you ever feel like a Ph.D. is required to even begin to read the label on your revitalizing eye cream? Is the back of your tube of hydrating facial mask lined with multi-syllable words that sound intimidating? How can the ingredients in something as simple as a clay mask or a moisturizer be so hard to understand? Well, get ready for a crash course on skin care ingredients.Know the skin you’re inThe best way to start taking better care of your skin is to begin understanding how your skin works. The skin is a remarkable system that acts as our first line of defense against the outside environment. The condition and appearance of the skin depend on temperature, hydration, and many other factors; in turn, these factors affect the skin’s ability to absorb topical treatments. By understanding your skin, you can help increase the effectiveness of the skin-care products you are using.Skin is 70 percent water, and needs moisture both inside and out to keep its healthy glow. Drinking plenty of water not only makes you feel better but will help your skin look great, too. Help protect skin from external dehydration by using an oil-free daily moisturizer. Look for one with an SPF (sun protection factor) ingredient as well to prevent sun damage.Always start with clean skin. Makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizers can all reduce the effectiveness of your skin-care products by simply getting in the way. The best time to apply skin-care products is after a warm — but not hot — shower. Most active ingredients can penetrate better when they are dissolved. For this reason, don’t wipe skin totally dry; if skin is too wet, pat skin gently with a towel. Warm skin also absorbs ingredients better. Even a few minutes wrapped in a warm towel can make a big difference.When cleansing, remember that most soaps and body washes are not formulated for the sensitive skin on your face. Facial soaps are specially designed not to over-dry sensitive skin and rinse clean so there is no residue. They usually don't have fragrance added since your face can be hypersensitive to scents.The uppermost layer of skin is made up mostly of dead cells. When this layer becomes too thick, skin not only takes on a dull, unhealthy appearance, but skin-care ingredients may not penetrate deep enough to have an effect. There are several ways to prevent this. One is by using a chemical exfoliant (definition below) such as an alpha hydroxy acid. Another way is to use a gentle exfoliating scrub such as Vita-C+ Apricot Citrus Scrub. Exfoliating is very beneficial, but keep in mind that overdoing it can be harmful. Exfoliants should not be used more than four times a week. |
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Learn those label definitionsNow that you have a basic strategy for enhancing your skin, here are some of the scientific words found on product labels that are worth coming to terms with.Antioxidants: Antioxidants are a type of preservative, to prevent color fading or to prevent odor (smell) changes.Emulsifiers: Emulsion is a smooth blend of oil and water. Since most skin care products include both water and oil soluble ingredients, emulsions are a great way to deliver the active ingredients. The only downfall is that emulsions quickly separate; therefore, they usually include an Emulsifier that prevents separation.Emollients: Emollients are substances that smooth and soften the skin. There are a wide variety of emollients on the market.Exfoliants: An agent that causes exfoliation or the removal of the top layer of dead skin cells. Two common types of exfoliants are acids (alpha-hydroxy acids, for example) and abrasives (salt, sand, ground seeds, silica beads, etc.)Humectants: Humectants are substances that can attract water, usually by pulling it out of the air. Humectants are basically moisturizers.Preservatives: Preservatives are extremely important when it comes to skin care products. While some preservatives may occasionally irritate the skin, the consequences of using a product spoiled by bacteria are far worse. Some antioxidants and stabilizers are also referred to as preservatives because they inhibit a breakdown of the product.Solvents: Solvents are substances that dissolve other ingredients. The most common are alcohol and water.Surfactants: A surfactant is a wetting agent that is capable of reducing the surface tension of the liquid. In skin care, surfactants enable a product to easily glide across the skin.Armed with these facts, you can now engage in the process of skin care more knowledgeably. From shopping and choosing product to the actual exfoliating and moisturizing, you will soon be revitalizing with confidence!Ernie McCraw is director of beauty education for Sally Beauty Company, the world’s largest distributor of professional beauty products. A licensed cosmetologist for more than 30 years, he is a frequent contributor to fashion and beauty publications nationwide. |
Additional Makeup ArticlesRead More Makeup TipsMakeup: how to, step by step, cool makeup, modern makeup application, prom makeup, fashion makeup.Summer 2016 From long sunny days to warm summer nights, a light and fresh makeup palette will help you put your best face forward this season. By Shelby Sullivan
Spring 2016 Hit the red carpet in elegant stride with this one of a kind smoky cat eye that will set you apart from the rest of the crowd. By Yulia Konstantinova-Riebman
Winter 2015 There’s a crucial difference between cold and cool when it comes to your winter makeup look, and knowing it can help you own your atmosphere. By Andrea Loper
Fall 2015 This fall season, emphasize your most beautiful accessories, your eyes, not only for how they look but for how they see. By Yulia Konstantinova-Riebman
Summer 2015 Creating a sun-kissed, glowing look is the perfect way to give the illusion of tanned and dewy skin for the summer. By Gozde Arisoy
Spring 2015 Achieving the perfect natural spring look can take some work, but once you’ve done it, you’ll be set for almost any occasion. By Yulia Konstantinova-Riebman
Winter 2014 Be bold, be yourself and be sure to stretch your wings this winter season. By Jules Beecher
Fall 2014 Turn heads and catch eyes with this seductive- yet-fun makeup style that is perfect for any event that you’ll be attending in the fall. By Sommer Isdale
Summer 2014 The popular look that blends colors into a spectacular display is back in style for everything from clothes to makeup. By Sommer Isdale
Spring 2014 Color is your greatest ally in your springtime quest for the perfect makeup look. By Sommer Isdale
Winter 2013 Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire Take your personal glamour to a new level with the “Smoldering Eye” look that can be perfect for your beautiful evening gown or a night on the town. By Sommer Isdale
Fall 2013 By using a wider range of colors, including orange and gold, this season’s makeup styles can make a fast and smooth transition from day to night.
Summer 2013 This summer’s biggest makeup styles are all about standing out by keeping your colors and accents basic.
Spring 2013 Some of the best makeup looks for spring will involve combining popular looks from the past, present and even the future.
Winter 2012 By accentuating either your lips or your eyes, you can create a simple, lasting look that will blow people away at any occasion. By Shantell Tavarez
Fall 2012 Your days and nights are both set this fall when you take advantage of the alluring looks of dark, intense colors. By Yahaira Rosario
Summer 2012 Skin tones can be kept basic this summer by simply sticking to a familiar rosey foundation. By Yahaira Rosario
Spring 2012 Glitter is this season’s key to giving your eye lashes a look that will make everything about you sparkle. By Yahaira Rosario
Winter 2011 The winter season can seem bleak and colorless, but simple tones and styles can be your eyes’ best friends.
Fall 2011 Pulling it off If you think this season’s makeup styles won’t fit your look, there’s only one way to find out—just try it.
Summer 2011 Chic Chic BoomBy focusing on your face’s more subtle features, you can really add an impact to your eyes this season. By Summer Posey
Spring 2011 Check your HeadTurn your day makeup into a sophisticated, dramatic night look by following a simple list of helpful tips. By Myriam Fux
Winter 2010 Evening Things OutThe right color combinations can give you an enhanced dramatic look to master your formal evening affairs. By Myriam Fux Fall 2010 Be so DramaticBy recognizing your skin’s undertone, you can choose the right colors to give your face an electric charge this fall. By Myriam Fux Summer 2010This summer's ideal look is about creating a golden tan palette to display your light makeup style for any occasion. By Myriam Fux
Spring 2010 Taking advantage of your own unique facial features allows your makeup style to set you apart from everyone else. By Myriam Fux Even if your eyes aren't your best feature, choosing a successful makeup style only works if all of your features are in sync. By Myriam Fux
Winter 2009 Using the right angles, your favorite colors and subtle shading, you can turn your eyes into an artistic canvas to display your fun side.By Myriam FuxFall 2009Watch Your ToneBy recognizing your skin's undertone, you can choose the right color makeup to give your face an electric charge this fall.By Myriam FuxSummer 2009Becoming a Golden GoddessPucker up, because beach season is coming and you're about to be kissed by the sun.By Myriam FuxSpring 2009Prom Night Makeup MagicThe greatest trick you can perform is making it look like you're not wearing any makeup at all.By Myriam FuxWinter 2008Backstage BeautySoft feminine is the style for the new year, and we've got the inside scoop on how you can achieve it easily.By Christina KaneFall 2008Purple and PolishedHow the right colors can give you the hottest face in this cool season.By Christina KaneSummer 2008Beating the HeatYou don't have to sacrifice your perfect look just because the summer sun is sizzling.By Christina KaneSpring 2008The Pampering Touches5+5= A Perfect 10! These 5 foundation steps + 5 skin color choices add up to big improvements.By Christina KaneWinter 2007What's My Celebrity Makeup Style?What's My Style? That is the question.By Christina KaneFall 2007Your Fall-Back Position.Get ready for football season and add a clean, crisp look to your cosmetics playbook by using classic accent colors.By Ernie McCrawSummer 2007Putting the SUN Back in Your FUNUV rays are bad for you—bad for your skin, your hair, and even your manicure. Chill out with these simple summer tips.By Ernie McCrawSpring 2007The Pampering TouchThese manicure and pedicure guidelines will turn your prom look from normal to knockout. For added glow, try the home spa treatment, too.By Ernie McCrawWinter 2006Makeup 101Anatomy of Timeless ClassicsBy Ernie McCrawFall 2006Makeup: Beautiful SkinBeauty IS Skin Deep.By Ernie McCrawSummer 20065 Summer LifesaversThe balmy season promises a good time to those who know how to avoid a makeup meltdown.By Ernie McCrawSpring 2006Perfecting Your Prom LookTips for glamourizing and smoothing your look for prom--the biggest night of your life.By Ernie McCrawWinter 2005Brushes To Satisfy The Artist In youJust as you wouldn't expect to paint a masterpiece with a box of crayons, you can't achieve cosmetics perfection without the proper tools. This guide can help you make all the right strokes.By Ernie MccrawFall 2005What Cosmetics Labels Are All AboutDeciphering the scientific terms for makeup ingredients can be the first step toward a more effective skin-care regimen.By Ernie McCrawSummer 2005Let the G-Forces Be With YouWe're talking glistening, glowing, glossy, glimmery, glamorous, and gorgeous... from the face to the fingernails.By Ernie McCrawSpring 2005Turning Day Into Nighttime DynamiteTo achieve a dazzling makeover for evening, start with your usual polished look, then add some drama.Winter 2004Smoldering Shades of AwesomeFall 2004SunlessTanning: Easy as 1-2-3Summer 2004Nails Like a ProSpring 2004Freshen Up Your Makeup |
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