Moisturizing

The purpose of moisturizing is to return to the skin the moisture (not necessarily the oil) it loses naturally during the day and to protect it from the environment. Moisturizers do this quickly and effectively with almost immediate results. If you have never used one, try it and after two days you are sure to see a remarkable difference. A moisturizer is a supplement to your skin (like putting a fertilizer in your garden), which needs moisture to grow.


Some people think that all you have to do with your skin is moisturize, moisturize and moisturize some more. That's just not true; all that cream could be clogging up your pores. First you need to wage a campaign against dryness and dehydration from the inside.


One way to do this is to drink eight glasses of water a day. This may sound difficult but is easier than you might think.


I rink a glass of water when I wake up in the morning and a glass before each meal. This gives me an easy four glasses a day. It also helps fill my stomach before I eat, so I eat a little less. I also drink water or diluted iced teach meal to quench thirst and add another three glasses. Then, if I drink anything at all between meals I've gotten my eight glasses of liquid.


Moisturizing the skin on your body should be done after a shower or a bath (not in the shower or bathtub because you'll either slip or leave a slippery film for the next person). I use baby oil or a body cream made for this purpose, and rub it in all over. I then blot off the excess with a towel, and I'm done. Easy all you have to do is do it.


CHOOSING A MOISTURIZER


Moisturizing your face takes a little more thought. First you have to choose a moisturizer that complements the kind of skin you have. Very oily skin may not need to be moisturized at all, if you have truly dehydrated skin, use a heavier moisturizer (you may also want to use a night cream for additional moisturizing while you sleep). For the rest of us, moisturizing is also a necessity, not a luxury.

There are many moisturizers on the market that include collagen. Try to use these they can only help your skin.


HOW TO MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN


After some practice you will get to know your skin well, and you will know when to moisturize differently at different times. When your skin is dry on your cheeks but is particularly oily in your "T" zone, you should moisturize only the dry areas and leave the "T" zone alone (or you can put some astringent on the "T" zone to get rid of the excess oil). If at other times your skin seems even in its condition and texture, use your light moisturizer all over your face.


The only rule is: moisturize. For most people, moisturizing in the evening and in the morning is the best idea. Do remember after some education and practice, the best judge of how to treat your own skin is you.


Before applying your moisturizer, clean your hands and face and then use an astringent if that is part of your program. Now moisten your face and your neck with some tepid water (or with spray from an atomizer) because applying moisturizer on damp skin seals in the water. Now put a small amount of moisturizer on your fingertips and gently pat it at various spots on your face. Don't pull or stretch the skin smooth on the moisturizer softly and carefully.


Now you are ready to put on your foundation or to go out and face the world as you are. Your skin is clean, moisturized and protected from the elements. An added note if you don't wear any makeup, try to at least brush some translucent powder on your face after you have applied the moisturizer. This will give you added protection from the air.

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