Anti-Aging Treatments with Proteins

Anti aging treatments are becoming more and more popular these days. There are many people across the board, both men and women alike who are looking for anti- aging treatments that can help reverse the effects of aging. One of the best ways you can begin to help your self when it comes to antiaging is by the use of various proteins. There have been numerous studies done that show certain proteins are able to help make your skin look firmer, help you to avoid sagging skin, and help to prevent wrinkles. You must understand the reason why skin stays looking young and youthful in the first place.

You have something in your skin called collagen. Collagen is very important as it concerns antiaging and its related effects. It is a very potent structural protein that is designed to hold her skin together and make it look firm. Another skin protein you need to be aware of is a lasting. Elastin is a protein based tissue; this is the protein which is most responsible for helping your skin staying firm and snapping back into shape after being stretched. Just think of all the elderly people you see who have sagging skin, these people are probably suffering from low levels of elastin and collagen.

Elastin and collagen are known to decrease as a person grows older; if you are younger individual your collagen and elastin levels are probably higher than those who are elderly. But elastin and collagen are simple chemicals that one can maintain over time if they know how. Let’s get in to the subject of elastin a little more as it concerns antiaging. Elastin is composed of various amino acids. They are made by connective tissue cells refer to as fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are responsible for many functions as it concerns antiaging; they are responsible for helping you to form strong durable resilience elastic fibers.

If you want to give yourself a simple test on how much elastin your skin may contain right now, then all you have to do is pull your skin up and see how long it takes to go back to being firm and smooth. The best place to try this is either on your arm or the back of your hand. If you’re younger person your skin should go back into place very quickly, if you are older person your skin may take longer to go back into place. Even if you are a healthier individual who has high levels of elastin and collagen the quality of these two chemicals in your body may be inferior.

It is a well-known fact that the qualities of these chemicals are at its highest when an individual is in adolescents or a late teenager. After an individual has reached maturity collagen and elastin levels begin to decline. When you are at the age of maturity the chemicals known as fibroblasts in your skin begin to have a reduced ability to make new elastin, which is the reason why your skin begins to sag or become wrinkled. Antiaging products and other treatments are designed to reverse the effects of collagen and elastin deficiency.

Also there have been many studies done that show specific changes in a person can also happen because of a change in the biochemical structure of a person skin. Strong changes in about chemical environments of a person skin decreases elastin levels. Antiaging products for the most part are designed to restore elastin and collagen levels to a level they once were when a person was much younger.

Rejuvenating Face Lifts for Aging Skin

A Face Lift is a procedure that most people can benefit from. This may sound too radical but most people feel a need and desire to look their best. When skin creams and lotions, Botox, lasers, chemical peels and fillers fail - face lift may offer the solution that is difficult to resist. Of course, many people are afraid of having surgery and having a “surgical look” but fortunately face lifting techniques have evolved considerably to offer patients less invasive methods that even the most sophisticated patient can find attractive.

How The Technique Is Performed:

Face lift remains one of the most effective rejuvenating methods for the aging face. Its technique varies from simple skin excision to complex procedure including the repositioning of muscles, fat and skin. Recent trends in patients desires of having effective facial improvement while minimizing down-time have led to the development of newer, less traumatic, short scar, less recovery methods. Full understanding of the face and neck anatomy as well as the changes associated with aging process is required by the physician prior to undertaking any face lift procedure.

Two key subcutaneous structures are at the core of face-lift surgery - superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and platysma. SMAS is a fibrous interlocking, sometimes ill-defined, structure/sheath deep to the skin fat. It extends from platysma muscle (a thin, fan-like muscle that extends from both collar bones to the jaw line) and reaches cheekbones as well as temple and scalp components. These two structures are utilized and modified in most face lift procedures.

As we age, several facial components undergo significant changes. The skin becomes less elastic that is associated with decrease in collagen support. Furthermore, there is modification of the facial fat with respect to its amount and position. In addition, there is remodeling of facial bones that in combination with fat and skin changes lead to aged facial appearance.

Most of the surgical face lifts procedures today are a variation of two-plane face lift - use of the epidermal-dermal component (full thickness skin) as well as the SMAS-platysma component. Optimal results require modification of SMAS-platysma component through resection, placation and/or suspension. It is this modification that is at the core of most face-lifts. These adjusted deep supporting structures provide durable framework over which skin can be safely re-draped. It is imperative to realize that stretching skin alone will not result in any sustained improvement and can lead to skin death, appearance of “surgical look” as well as significant facial distortion and scarring.

The Latest Techniques:

Latest face lift techniques utilize shorter skin incisions and are primarily designed for patients with mild to moderate jowls and neck laxity. With the recent advancements in local anesthetic and, in particular, the development of tumescent anesthesia, most face lift procedures can be safely and comfortably accomplished without the need for the traditional general anesthesia. These modified procedures have accomplished several things. Shorter incisions and local anesthetic make the recovery from modern face lifts much easier than in the past. In addition, the shorter scar and resulting less significant distortion of hairline make these methods much more appealing for modern men and women.

What Every Patient Needs To Do

As with any aesthetic procedure, pre-operative consultation is an optimal time for defining patient’s motivation for aesthetic improvement and developing plan of action. It is at this time that patient’s desires and fears can be explored. It is important for the patient to ask pertinent questions regarding the expected degree of sustained facial rejuvenation, the length of the scar as well as modification of the temporal and post-auricular hairline. With proper patient selection and optimization of desired procedure, most patients can achieve rewarding sustained results that can benefit most if not all of us at some point in our life.

Anti-Aging Tips and Treatments

Natural anti-aging skin treatment products such as supplements and those facial masks that contain a blend of ingredients extracted from different plants are also well-known method of anti-aging application. Many of these target wrinkles, lines, scars, and mars, which usually set on your skin starting at the early 30’s. You should be able to know how to spot which natural product will work best on your skin and which will not. There are also great natural tips you can incorporate to reduce the signs of aging. Keep reading!

Skin aging is inevitably a process that seems to speed up because of the many elements of toxins produced by the modern age. These toxins are like poisons that attack our body and cause the skin to develop nasty acne and inflammations, which can be very tough to reduce of if not properly treated. If you are not careful of your daily lifestyle, a bad skin condition can worsen and speed up the development of skin aging, resulting in drying, sagging, and skin wrinkling.

The good news is there are many ways to treat skin aging problems today. Anti-aging treatments and creams are encapsulated to contain many vitamins and nutrients known to be very beneficial to the skin. With the help of these products, it is possible to alleviate skin problems as well as avoid undergoing delicate and sometimes complex dermatological procedures such as botox, dermabrasion or laser treatments.

Dermabrasion is one of the widely acknowledged anti-aging treatment and is used to speed up removal of wrinkles, lines and abrasions. Microdermabrasion is another kind of anti-aging treatment which uses fine crystal mists to work on sagging, wrinkling skin. Hydroderm also makes it possible to delay the aging process by removing skin lines associated with aging. All these treatments can be easily acquired nowadays and are known to be effective and safe for almost every skin type and color.

But before you resort to these harsher anti-aging treatment procedures, that there are simpler things you can do to delay the appearance of wrinkles.  The first step is to implement a regular skincare routine as early as possible. A good daily routine and a healthy lifestyle can always hide your true age and never let them guess how old, or young, you are.

• Follow these three regular routine: cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face skin. On your body skin, follow the same and use a good moisturizing lotion. Applying sun screen or sun block will also help prevent those outside toxins from ruining your skin. Weekly facial mask treatments (depending on your skin type) are also an excellent way to keep your skin fresh and revitalized.

• The appearance of the skin on your neck shows your age. Therefore, be sure to not only pay attention to your face but on your neck when moisturizing or using a face mask.

• Avoid applying heavy make up on your face. It only shows how frustrated you are with the process of your skin aging, not to mention it can be tough on your skin too. Choose cream based blush cheek color or foundation rather than a fine powdered one that can accentuate wrinkles.

• Topping dusty or caramel pinks with gloss will make your lips appear much younger. Avoiding deep brown mauves and matte reds will also help the same. You will also get benefits of looking younger if you avoid black eyeliners. Use instead brown or grey eyeliners.

• You will appear younger if you use colored plastic eyeglasses than metal framed ones.

• Having well-shaped and arched eyebrows might not sound significant,  but it is if you want to take years off your face. Medium thick eyebrows are always a good choice if possible.

• When getting a new haircut, always opt for one that will frame your face well. Bangs (or fringe) are a great way to reduce the number of years as well as looking cute and fun!

• And most importantly, quit smoking. We all know tt is one of the great contributors of aging. Try for a healthier diet and lifestyle and you will worry less over wrinkles and lines attacking too soon.

No-Cost Techniques to Prevent Aging

By Van Le | Skin care has come a long way in recent years, and the numbers say it all.  Current estimates assert the skincare industry generates over $2 billion annually.  That’s not to say our mothers and grandmothers never took care of their complexion.  Many of the tips our mothers taught us still ring true today — in fact,  some of the most effective remedies for healthy skin have been passed down from generation to generation.  The following are easy, no-cost techniques to prevent premature skin aging.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking causes so much damage to the skin that the term “smokers’ face” was coined to describe the shallow lines and wrinkles caused by cigarettes.  Even more shocking, a study published in the British Medical Journal featured a doctor who could distinguish a non-smoker from someone who has been smoking for ten years or more based on their facial features alone.  A single cigarette contains thousands of toxins that seep into the bloodstream and affect the appearance of skin.   In addition, scientists have calculated that every cigarette takes ten minutes off your life.

Wear Sunglasses

Long before they became fashion statements, sunglasses served a humble purpose: to protect the eyes from the sun.  Skin near the eyes is extremely delicate, and since we can’t apply sunscreen to these areas, we need the UV protection provided by sunglasses.  Not wearing sunglasses can also cause you to squint, which can lead to wrinkles over time.

Get Adequate Sleep

While  we sleep, our body generates new skin cells, repairs damaged ones and strengthens collagen.  Doctors recommend seven to eight hours of sleep each night for maximum performance during the day.  In addition to under-eye bags - the tell-all sign that you’ve been up all night - lack of sleep can cause skin to appear dull, puffy and wrinkled.

Sleep on your back

In a perfect world, we would get our beauty sleep every night.  However, in today’s fast-paced world, eight hours of sleep each night, every night is not always possible, therefore, it’s important to make the best of the time we do have to rest.  We are up and about at least 12 hours a day, and gravity can take its toll.  Sleeping on your back instead of stomach promotes circulation, and reduces wrinkles since your face is not buried in a pillow.

Limit Your Stress Level

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but not all stress is bad.  There are two kinds of stress: eustress and distress.  Eustress keeps us energized about life and stems from exciting events such as starting a new job, getting married or simply getting on a roller coaster ride.  Unfortunately, most of us are more familiar with distress (negative stress) which can weaken our immune system and cause hormonal changes that result in pimple breakouts.  Participating in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, spending time in nature and yoga is key in balancing eustress and distress.

Doing your best to implement these tips to prevent skin aging and overall health will keep you looking your best for years to come.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare and anti-aging, you can also link to http://naturalantiagingproducts.net/

Daily Skin Regime For An Ageless Complexion

By Van Le | Beauty may only be skin deep, but having a great complexion makes life a lot more pleasant. The key to having great skin is finding a skin care regimen that tailors to your skin’s individual needs, and following this regimen daily. It does not have to be complex and complicated—in fact, simpler is better since you will need to follow the same steps twice a day .

The first step is to do your homework. Determine what your skin type is, and find a product line that works well for you. There are many resources you can use either online or through your local library to help you determine your skin type. Look for published works by dermatologists or skincare experts who have created their own skin typing quizzes or online calculators such as this one: http://www.biobalance4women.com/skin_type.html. There are even sunscreen and UV calculators to help you find the best sun protection for your skin type. A product that works perfectly for your friend or sister may not produce the same results for you. Luckily, most products now specify which skin type it works best for. Also, there are several herbal skin care lines on the market whose products contain all-natural ingredients that work well with most skin types. When experimenting with new products, keep track of those that are effective and more importantly, those that irritate your skin so you can stay away from other products that contain similar ingredients. Ultimately, creating and maintaining a great complexion comes down to three simple steps: cleanse, tone, moisturize.

Cleanse

Finding a cleanser that works well for your skin is the foundation of having great skin. Some prefer to use a heavier cream cleanser during the winter months and a lighter cleanser through the summer, while others use the same product year-round. Wash your face twice a day, massaging the cleanser in a circular motion to remove dirt and excess oil, which can clog your pores. Proper cleansing at night also removes all traces of makeup and allows your skin to breath freely. Remember to change your pillow cover regularly, since the dirt and pollutants can transfer to your face while you are sleeping.

Tone

Even after washing your face with a cleanser, some traces of dirt and stubborn makeup may remain on your skin. A toner will completely remove any leftover dirt or residue left by the cleanser, reducing the chances of infections. Some cleansers may change the skin’s pH, and a toner will help bring the skin back to the proper level. Toners are also excellent in prepping the skin for the next step, moisturizing. Dip a cotton ball into your favorite toner and apply across the surface of the face, being careful not to get too close to the eyes.

Moisturize

Moisturizing daily will help the skin stay hydrated and produce a healthy glow. Lack of moisture can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and can produce premature signs of aging. A moisturizer will restore the skin of all the natural oil stripped throughout the day and during the cleansing and toning process. The right moisturizer depends on your individual skin type, and will help your skin produce a natural glow.

Weekly, bi-weekly and monthly skin care products and processes such as masks, peels and facials are great to help revamp and rejuvenate your skin; however, a great complexion starts and ends with a proper daily skincare regimen.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare you can also link to http://naturalfacialskincare.net

Natural Healing with Aloe Vera

By: Van Le
The healing power of Aloe vera has been known for decades, dating back to the Egyptian era when it is believed that Cleopatra used it as a skincare remedy, and found in Greek history when it is believed that Alexander the Great used it to care for his army after battles.  Today, Aloe vera is widely used in many cosmetic products, anti-inflammatory creams, and some grocery store shelves even boast Aloe vera juice.

Aloe vera is a member of the succulent (water-retaining) plant family, and is also known as “lily of the desert” since researchers believe it originated in Africa.  There are over 250 known species of Aloe vera, and are relatively easy to care for, therefore increasing its popularity.  The spokes of Aloe vera plants are filled with a gel-like substance that is filled with a combination of enzymes, vitamins and minerals.  Dermatologists and cosmetic companies often extract the gel for use in their products.   Aloe vera is also considered an alternative treatment for high blood pressure and intestinal problems.

Aloe vera is a popular choice for the treatment of sunburn, since it contains a variety of enzymes and amino acids that are anti-inflammatory and speed up the skin’s healing process.  Many after-sun moisturizing creams contain Aloe, and for those who have access to actual Aloe plants, the gel can be applied directly on the affected area.

Aloe vera is a common ingredient in many cosmetic products, particularly anti-aging and anti-acne products due to its ability to generate healthier skin.  The combination of enzymes, vitamins and minerals in Aloe vera products increases oxygen flow, which toughens the skin tissues and provides protection from pollutants and dirt.  It also moisturizes the skin and increases its elasticity, which reduces wrinkles and signs of aging.  Used in conjunction with exfoliating products, Aloe vera can help control acne by helping shed dead skin cells and reduce redness.
Once Alternative, Now Mainstream

Not so long ago, herbal products or foods deemed “natural” were considered less than desirable by the mainstream public.  The Industrial Revolution not only changed the face of production and how we worked, it changed what we ate and used for our health.  Mass-produced, new chemical compounds in fancy packaging quickly replaced the ‘old-fashioned’ herbal remedies used by our grandmothers.

While Aloe vera never completely fell out of favor, by the 1970’s and 80’s use of medical plants and herbs to treat ailments and skin conditions was considered unconventional and provided mostly by naturalists and alternative therapists. In the new millennium, science and technology have not proven to be the miracle we were expecting.  Today, modern science is re-discovering what our already ancestors knew.  Aloe vera and similar natural treatments provide vital healing, nourishing and regenerative qualities that no chemical lab can re-create.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestfacemask.com

Keep Your Hair Looking Great

Having a bad hair day again? Dandruff? Excess hair? That doesn’t have to happen. Here are some easy tips for you and your family to follow to have great looking hair.

Too Much Breakage?

Does your hair break easily? Chemical treatments like perms, straighteners or dyes can weaken the hair shaft and cause it to break. Specially formulated shampoos and conditioners for chemically treated hair may help.

Are You Pregnant and Have Thinning Hair?

During pregnancy, your waistline is not the only thing getting thicker. Your hair will too. However, it’s not permanent - many women find that they lose a significant amount of hair a few months after delivery.

How much time will it take to grow in that bad hair cut?

Growing out your hair? Be patient. Each hair on your head grows for two to six years at a rate of only about 1.5 centimeters a month.

What causes dandruff?

An elevated amount of certain yeasts on the skin can lead to dandruff. Stress is also a factor, as are certain drugs and alcohol consumption. Dandruff isn’t infectious, so it can’t be spread from person to person.

Itchy and flaky scalp?

There are a number of medicated shampoos on the market that can help you control your dandruff. Look for shampoos containing selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid or coal tar. Used two or three times a week, these shampoos will usually keep the itching and dandruff under control.

Can I Use My Dandruff Shampoo on my Face?

If you have red scaly skin on your eyebrows or the side of your nose, you may want to try a medicated shampoo. Shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole inhibit the yeast that causes dandruff - a skin condition that can also show up on the face. This is called seborrheic dermatitis and is a kind of inflamed dandruff.

Unwanted hair?

Many women have unwanted hair on the upper lip, face, or elsewhere on the body. Often caused by overproduction or over sensitivity of the hormones called androgen, this excessive hair growth (hirsutism) can be treated in a variety of ways. There are treatments available (i.e. Vaniqa) so see your doctor for more information.

For more tips on healthy and beautiful skin, visit www.dermatologycare.ca.

Tone up, Clean up, Get Moisturized!

With the chilly winds already bidding adieu it’s time to take out those sporty shorts and T-shirts for a stroll on the beach or a run in the park You’ve done the push-ups and the crunches in anticipation for the skin-revealing days ahead. You want to look your best, and taking good care of your skin is a part of that. So you spent most of the winter indoors, watching too much TV or gaming? Say goodbye to those baggy eye circles and dull skin by treating yourself to a detoxifying skin mask or a facial scrub and gear up for summer!

Men’s skin care products have always been available, but you may not know much about them yourself. Everyone from late night television hosts to media publications bring up skin care topics and recent dermatological advances have made the skincare market even larger and more complicated. Sorry guys, just when you were comfortable with cologne, now you have to exfoliate! With busy lives and building stress, it may be difficult for today’s modern men to retain the facial charm of their younger days.

Keeping that youthful appearance

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and requires special care. As the saying goes, “A healthy mind in a healthy body’” which means paying attention to your skin is essential to overall health. While it’s expected for women to buy skin care products, men are more laid back and seldom pay attention to facial skincare beyond daily shaving or grooming. Factors like pollution, stress, UV- rays and sun burns can cause severe damage to the inner pores which in the long term results in wrinkling, clogging and drying of the skin. As men reach their 30s and 40s, the skin gets dulled due to the daily process of shaving, excessive time outdoors and exposing the skin to different elements that can lead to blotching, which ultimately takes its toll on overall appearance of the face.

If you desire to protect your skin from further damage, right use of skin care products is essential to retain youthfulness. Once you become familiar with the basics; cleansing, toning, moisturizing - it’s not difficult at all, it’s all about setting up a routine.

Facial skin care

Proper skin care depends on the type of skin you have. Our skin can be categorized into many segments such as oily, dry, sun damaged, and sensitive. With the markets offering an ample pool of products to choose from, it’s always a struggle for men to see what suits them best. It’s always good to go organic. Try natural products when possible as the chances of side effects are less and the natural balance of the skin is retained. Before we plunge on to using these products here’s some basic things we can do to keep the aging process delayed.
Regular light exercising, thirty-minute cardio, brisk walks, yoga and other meditation techniques will calm down the adrenaline levels, keeping your skin blemish-free. Eight to ten glasses of water a day aids metabolism and helps your body flush toxins. In a nutshell, an exercise routine is the first step to fight off the signs of aging.

How to Cleanse your Face

I’ve got one thing to say - stop using soap on your face. Many advanced cleansers out there improve your complexion and don’t strip the natural moisture away. Begin with warm water; wash the face with pore refining cleansers that break down the accumulated grits and dirt without drying the skin. Morning is the best time for cleansing, to remove the dead skin and uneven patches that accumulated overnight. Shaving after you shower will reduce rashes, and makes the outer skin layer soft and gives you a smooth finish.

Using Facial Masks

If you have oily or acne prone skin, mud or clay-based masks are great for balancing out your skin. Dry skin will benefit from hydrating masks made from glycerin, honey and oils. Green tea masks are great for soothing skin.

Hydrating and moisturizing

The next most common facial masks are those that either hydrate or moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling silky, smooth and nourished. They will restore the suppleness of your skin by replenishing the water content. Hydrating and moisturizing masks can be used two or three times a week, depending on the dryness of your skin. For those will oilier skin, try a gel based, non-oil mask.

There are no miracle quick-fix homemade solutions. It’s all patience, gracefulness and the right attitude that gets you the results! Reminds me of that comedy ‘The Wedding Crasher’…It all starts with a shave! So, if you want to turn heads with your spiffy new looks this summer – treat your face to the right products.

Ravi Thiagarajan is a freelance writer and intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. He has published numerous articles for the leading newspaper The Times of India, local affiliate Anand Plus.

For more information and latest findings on natural skincare link to  ANTIACNEMASK.COM or ORGANICSKINCAREINFO.NET

Light-Activated Therapy and Aging Skin

A study in the October issue of the Archives of Dermatology, supports that Photodynamic therapy appears to cause molecular-level changes in aging skin that increase collagen production and improve skin appearance, a U.S. study finds. Meaning, light-activated therapy seems to rejuvenate aging skin.

In photodynamic therapy, a light-activated medication is exposed to a light source. Photodynamic therapy for aesthetic treatments typically involves application of a topical medication, such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA).

In this study, Dr. Jeffrey S. Orringer and colleagues at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, used photodynamic therapy to treat 25 people, aged 54 to 83, with sun-damaged skin on their forearms.

Prior to treatment, the patients’ degree of skin damage was rated, and tissue samples were taken from their forearms. A solution containing 5-ALA was applied to the damaged skin and left on for three hours. The skin was then cleaned and treated with a pulsed-dye laser. The patients were re-examined four to five times over the following six months.

Tissue samples showed that treatment resulted in a fivefold increase in levels of a protein called Ki67, believed to play an important role in the growth and development of new skin cells. In addition, there was a 1.4-fold increase in the thickness of the skin’s outer layer (epidermis) and higher levels of enzymes and other compounds associated with the production of collagen, the main structural protein in skin.

“Photodynamic therapy with the specific treatment regimen employed produces statistically significant quantitative cutaneous molecular changes [e.g., production of types I and III collagen] that are associated with improved appearance of the skin,” the researchers wrote.

The findings suggest that use of a photosensitive compound such as 5-ALA in combination with pulsed-dye laser therapy prompts more beneficial changes in skin than laser therapy alone.

“Although our molecular measurements cannot yet precisely predict clinical outcomes for a single given patient, taken together they are very much in keeping with the bulk of the clinical literature and thus lend substantial support to the conclusions reached by other researchers who have published purely clinically oriented work in this field,” the study authors concluded.

“We believe that the quantitative amount of dermal repair and regeneration induced by a specific therapeutic intervention very likely underlies the degree of clinical rejuvenation produced.” they wrote. “Thus, it is our hope that, with further development, our working molecular model may one day be used to predict the clinical value of new technologies in aesthetic dermatology.”

Combination Skin

Combination skin is characterized by a mixture of oiliness and dryness. Typically, the oily areas tend to be the T-zone, consisting of the forehead, nose and chin. The cheeks are normal to dry. The degrees of oiliness and dryness can vary. Pores may be larger in the oily areas - with pimples, blackheads and breakouts sometimes occurring - and dry areas may feel rough and irritated. The “tissue test” can help you determine if you have combination skin. Take a tissue and hold/press it against your face. If there’s oil on the tissue where it touched your T-zone, but no oil where the tissue touched your cheeks, you most likely have combination skin.

Causes
Many factors can cause combination skin, including hormones, age, genetics, the way in which lipids are organized in our skin and even the weather. Hormonal changes can lead to changes in skin’s oiliness or dryness. Teens and young adults tend to have oilier skin, especially in the T-zone, but with age, hormones change and the oil production may decrease (but unfortunately, acne is still an issue for many adults). Also, hormones change due to menstruation and the birth control pill, which can make skin oilier in certain areas. Lipids also play a role in combination skin: These proteins affect skin’s softness and feel. When lipids aren’t evenly spread throughout the skin, certain areas will feel drier and rougher, while other areas may feel soft but oily or greasy. The organization of lipids in skin is due to genetics and hormones. Finally, weather can exacerbate combination skin. Dry cold weather can cause skin to dry out and become irritated. Conversely, hot humid weather can increase oil production. This can affect your T-zone as well as your cheeks.

Care Plan
Combination skin requires special care to balance the oily and dry areas of the face. Proper cleansing, treatment, moisturizing and sun protection are all necessary.
•    Cleansing: People with combination skin often have difficulty finding a cleanser that works for their unique skin needs. Formulas designed for oily skin may leave combination skin too dry, especially in the cheeks, while formulas designed for dry skin may leave combination skin greasy, especially in the T-zone. It’s best to avoid products that are either too drying or too rich. Instead, use a foaming or gel cleanser to get rid of dirt and oil without causing irritation or dryness. A cleanser to try is one that removes excess oil and impurities while still being gentle and not drying out skin.
You should also exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dry, dead, rough skin cells. These cells may be particularly prominent on your cheeks. They can flake off and block pores, causing blemishes and blackheads. Try a product that might include papaya and pineapple juice, olive derivatives and Ginkgo Biloba

Treatments: Treatment products are another important skincare component, helping to balance your skin. One treatment to try is one which moisturizes dry areas but prevents excess oil, especially in the T-zone. This product also contains antioxidants to prevent aging. Another type of treatment is a mask, and you’ll find an array of products for every skin type. Some experts advise using a hydrating/moisturizing mask on dry areas (cheeks) and a deep-cleaning clay mask on oily areas (T-zone). While using two different masks is certainly an option, you can also use a mask specifically designed for combination skin. If you suffer from breakouts, which may occur around the T-zone, use acne treatment products with salicylic acid. For problem skin, try a blemish serum or a spot treatment.

•    Moisturize: Combination skin needs balance, and part of that balance means moisturizing your skin. Moisturizing is especially important for drier areas of the face, but your entire face needs moisture. Some experts suggest using separate moisturizers - a lightweight one for the T-zone and a deeper one for cheeks. You may choose to use separate moisturizers, but you can also use a single moisturizer designed for combination skin. Try a lotion which balances skin with witch hazel and aloe extract to help skin stay soft. Pay careful attention to dry areas, as they may require more frequent moisturizing than oily areas. Generally, experts recommend moisturizing dry areas twice a day and moisturizing oily areas once a day. Keep in mind that your individual skin has unique needs, so you might want to adjust your moisturizer - how often you use it, where you need it and how much you need.
•    Sun Protection: Like all other skin types, combination skin needs protection from the sun. UVA and UVB rays can damage skin, so use oil-free sunblock all over your face daily (and on any other exposed areas). Try an oil-free sunlotion or sunblock because it protects your skin from UV rays and won’t make skin greasy.
Natural Treatments
Natural treatments such as aromatherapy oils, home-made exfoliants and masks may help treat your combination skin. For example, try mixing essential oils like chamomile, lavender and ylang ylang (just a few drops) together with your oil-free moisturizer. These ingredients have antibacterial properties and may help to rid skin of dirt or bacteria. However, if your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, or if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use these essential oils.
Exfoliating treatments can be made at home by mixing and grinding nuts, seeds or oatmeal along with water. These will slough off dead, dry skin cells - especially common around the cheeks. You can add citrus peels from fruit - like orange or grapefruit - to the mix and apply it to the oily T-zone.
To make a mask for dry areas, use ingredients like yogurt, mashed bananas or avocados to moisturize. On oilier areas, try pureed strawberries and apples.

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