Friday, September 4, 2009

ARTISTRY-Skin Care1

Understanding Your Skin Structure

The skin is made up of 3 layers. Each layer plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin.

The bottom or deepest layer of the skin is the hypodermis. It is made up of fatty tissue that cushions and supports the two layers of skin above it.

The middle layer of skin is called the dermis. It contains collagen and elastin which give the skin its form, shape and elasticity. The collagen and elastin in young, healthy skin are constantly renewed. That's why children's skin bounces back into shape without getting any fine lines. Older skin tends to sag and wrinkle because the collagen and elastin are damaged and not renewed as often.

The dermis is also where the blood capillaries, hair follicles, sweat and oil glands are found. As we age, oil glands become less active, causing skin to become drier and more prone to the formation of fine lines.

The top layer or epidermis, is where the critical function of cell renewal takes place.

New skin cells are born at the base of the epidermis and slowly move upward, losing moisture and flattening out as they rise until they form a paper thin barrier at the top of the epidermis. This indispensable new barrier guards against moisture loss and environmental damage. The cells in younger skin are replaced about every 15 -30 days. As we age, this process takes twice as long.

Exposure to the sun and pollution also take a toll on the skin.

Sun exposure and pollution damage the moisture barrier in the epidermis and the elastin and collagen in the dermis. This causes the skin to lose elasticity. As a result fine lines and wrinkles will form. In addition, sun exposure can cause the skin to produce excess melanin, which leads to the formation of dark spots on the skin.

A skin care routine that includes cleansing, toning and moisturising will minimize the effects of aging, sun exposure and pollution.

Cleansing with a gentle cleanser removes dirt, pollutants and excess oil from the skin while preserving the skin's critical moisture barrier. Without proper cleansing, pores will get clogged, the skin will be more prone to breakouts, and can appear dull.

Toning helps control surface oils and hydrates the skin. Toners also remove any remaining traces of dirt, makeup, or cleanser from your skin and prepare it for the third step of a daily skin care routine.

Moisturising protects the skin from environmental stressors. Moisturiser protects your skin's natural moisture barrier, which holds moisture in your skin and keeps it soft and supple. ARTISTRY™ moisturisers also contain a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin against incidental UVA & UVB radiation which can cause premature aging of skin.


SKIN CARE BASICS

The Four Steps to Sensational Skin

The ARTISTRY™ strategy for a radiant complexion is simple. All it takes is four basic steps, twice a day, when you wake up and before you go to bed:

cleanse . tone . treat . moisturise/protect .

Why is this ARTISTRY system so effective? Because every product in the ARTISTRY Skin Care collection contains high quality ingredients, combined into formulas based on advanced, state-of-the-art research and development. Our products work hard for your skin and the difference is dramatic. You'll face the future with a healthier looking complexion than you ever dreamed possible. (That's probably why the ARTISTRY brand has consistently ranked among the top selling prestige brands of facial skin care and colour cosmetics in the world!)

Simple Step #1 Cleanse

Washing your face twice a day, with a gentle cleansing formula and warm water, banishes dirt, makeup, build-up and oil. But all cleansers are not created equal. The best formula is one that is suited specifically to your skin, designed to gently remove debris, without stripping away vital moisture. After cleansing, your face should feel fresh, not tight!

Simple Step #2 Tone

Immediately after cleansing, tone your skin to help restore healthy balance. A soothing toning formula will remove any remaining traces of dirt, makeup or cleanser, hydrate, and return your skin to its natural pH level. Depending on your skin type, toners should be free of oil or alcohol. Look for natural ingredients like coneflower, chamomile or bitter orange peel that will treat your complexion gently and naturally.

Step #3 Treat

Now it's time to zero in on your skin's special needs. In this repair phase, you'll address fine lines, sun damage, discolouration, blemishes or uneven skin tone. Brighten, soothe, smooth, refine. Anything's possible with advanced ARTISTRY ingredients like alpha hydroxy and salicylic acids, green tea extracts, Vitamins A, C and E and our unique Hydrolipid Matrix.

Step #4 Moisturise/Protect

Your body requires water to thrive, and your skin is no exception. Complete your twice-daily routine with an infusion of refreshing moisture. The right formula will plump up thirsty cells, making skin glow with radiance. It will also form an invisible barrier, preventing vital moisture from escaping and keeping damaging environmental stressors from penetrating. Day and night, the ARTISTRY range has the right replenishing and protective products for your specific, skin needs.


Importance of Routine

Consistent Habits Lead to Consistent Results

Routines are important.

From the time we're infants, knowing what to expect and when makes us feel comfortable and secure. As adults, routines continue to anchor our lives. That first cup of tea in the morning, or a brisk walk after work helps us transition from one aspect of our day to the next.

When it comes to skin care, routine is also important. Using the right ARTISTRY™ products, regularly and consistently, is the best way to get the very best results. That's because our formulas are designed to have a cumulative effect on your skin. Regular use insures top performance. Simply incorporate your customized skin care regimen into your regular grooming routine-twice a day, every day. Taking a little bit of time out for your skin each morning and evening will guarantee that it will look its best for a very long time to come!

Order of Use

Skin Care in Sequence

Which comes first, the toner or the moisturiser? And when do I apply my eye crème?

All good questions. The right sequence is important because each step thoroughly prepares your skin for what comes next. If you follow the recommended sequence, every formula in your twice-daily regiment will perform optimally, providing you with the healthy looking, glowing complexion you deserve.

Here's the ARTISTRY™ approach to great skin

Daily, Morning and Night:

1. Cleanse your face and neck, twice, with your ARTISTRY cleanser.

Why? Double cleansing insures that you whisk away every trace of dirt and makeup, leaving your skin fresh and free of debris.

2. Tone your face and neck with a cotton pad that has been saturated with your selected toning formula.

Why? This step removes all remaining traces of cleanser. It also restores your skin to a normal and balanced pH level, making it receptive to the next important step.

3. Treat your skin with the products selected for your particular needs. Target fine lines, discolouration, loss of elasticity, blemishes or uneven skin tone in this all-important step.

Why? Light-as-a-feather ARTISTRY products are best absorbed by clean, balanced skin. Apply them sparingly to face and neck; they won't feel heavy or greasy.

4. Pamper the eyes. Using the tip of your ring finger, dab eye crème under each eye and around the outer corners.

Why? The delicate skin in this area requires a richer moisturizing formula than the rest of the face, and a very gentle touch.

5. Final step. moisturise and protect your skin with a moisturiser containing sun protection to halt moisture loss and damage from dry external conditions and UV rays.

Why? ARTISTRY moisturisers are designed to provide just the right amount of hydration whether your skin is dry or oily. Many contain specially-formulated complexes which enhance the effects of ARTISTRY products and have all been tested on sensitive skin. However, if sensitivities still exist, a formula without SPF is offered.

Once or twice a week:

Indulge yourself with a relaxing facial masque. Remove your makeup, cleanse your skin, slather on one of the technologically-advanced ARTISTRY masques and put your feet up. You'll benefit from an extra boost of skin-enhancing action, whether you need deep cleansing or super moisturizing. After 20 minutes, remove the masque, cleanse once more, and proceed to tone, treat and moisturise.

Life Stages

Your skin is probably the most accurate barometer of what's going on inside of you. That means that unless all of your systems are "go," your complexion will not look its very best! The good news is, if you take good care of yourself, physically and emotionally, your skin will look as robust and healthy as you feel.

Nothing stays the same and your skin is no exception. The face you see in the mirror today will probably be different from the face you see in 10 years. But it doesn't matter how many candles are on your birthday cake. With simple and sensible health and skin care strategies, you can look great at any age!

Here's a decade-by-decade guide to help you make the most of today...and tomorrow

Your Teens

Right now, your skin is at the peak of its powers...it's firm, resilient and even. However, many teens find that oiliness and blemishes present a challenge. But the good news is that wrinkles remain in your distant future! Now is the time to learn about your specific skin type and discover the solutions that work best for you. Save for the future. Although it won't be apparent for many years, the damage that occurs today is what will be evident when you get older. So if you take good care of your skin right now, it will stay younger-looking longer.

Tips

  • Rule number one? Avoid UV exposure. Sun affects your skin long before you actually see the damage...and when you do, it's irreversible. Use your sun smarts and always wear sunscreen.
  • Get into the skin care habit. It's never too early to start a twice-daily skin care regimen. That includes cleansing, toning and moisturizing, morning and evening. Choose products that are designed to treat your skin right. If you have special concerns, like oiliness or blemishes, add customized treatments and products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to your routine.
  • Study nutrition. Learning the basics about healthy eating will help you form a lifetime of good habits. In general, try to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Limit your consumption of sugary snacks, sodas and high-fat fast foods. Drink lots of water (aim for eight glasses a day). Don't skip meals.
  • Get moving. Turn off the TV. Log off of the computer. Try to spend at least 30 minutes a day working up a good sweat. It will help your body stay strong and healthy by burning off the bad stuff and quickly restoring the good. The payoff? Shiny hair and glowing skin!

Your 20s

Looking good! In your 20s, your skin cells regenerate at top speed, leading to a complexion that's generally smooth and radiant. Plus, collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its resiliency, are firm and plentiful. Prevention is your primary job when it comes to skin care-because you want to maintain this youthful glow for as long as possible.

Tips

  • Review your regimen. If you're still using the oil and acne control products you favored as a teenager, take a fresh look at your skin. By this time, sebum production begins to slow in many young adults and it's possible that the formulas that served you well at 16 may be too drying for your complexion today.
  • Moisturise. If you haven't yet found a good moisturiser, now's the time. The right formula will keep your skin smooth and supple. If you remain challenged by excessive oil or acne, (as many young adults are) look for an oil-free formula. Regardless of what you choose to use, it should contain an SPF 15.
  • Rethink the junk food. Your on-the-go lifestyle probably combines lots of school or work and socializing, which means that cooking is low on your list or priorities. But too much sugar and fat can actually speed up the aging process. Exchanging a few burgers for salads each week will help you look and feel younger for a very long time.
  • Exercise for fun. Fitness is for life, so make sure you're mixing it up when it comes to your workout. If you're stuck in your gym routine, consider joining a volleyball team or signing up for salsa classes to keep your interest level high. If you equate fitness with fun, sticking with it will never be a chore.

Your 30s

The times are changing and your skin is no exception. Aging, the stress of a career, pregnancy-all lead to some significant changes in your complexion. These may include a few fine lines around your eyes and mouth, some loss of skin tone and even adult acne.

Tips

  • Exfoliate. The 30s is the decade when cell turnover begins to slow, leading to dullness and uneven skin tone. To counter this slowdown, upgrade your skin care regimen with regular exfoliation. A moisturizing treatment containing alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHAs) will even out skin tone and even diminish the appearance of fine lines.
  • Spot check. Pregnancy often causes hormonal upsets. One result is a condition called melasma, also called "mask of pregnancy" which appears as dark patches on the skin. Exfoliation and gentle brightening products containing natural ingredients like Vitamin C and licorice extract can help diminish this discoloration. (The good news is it generally disappears after the baby is born!)
  • Take your vitamins. Studies indicate that the recommended daily allowance of key vitamins like B6, B12, D and E will help fight disease. A single multivitamin provides most people with the vitamins and minerals they need. Many doctors also recommend calcium supplements to maintain bone density loss in the years to come.
  • Lift weights. In addition to calcium, weight-bearing exercise builds muscle mass, which in turn supports the skeletal system. If you haven't already added weight training to your fitness program, now is the time to begin.

Your 40s

Deeper wrinkles and less elasticity and firmness are the most common conditions of skin in this decade. They're caused by two main things-years of UV exposure and a declining amount of estrogen. Together, these factors erode the skin's underlying support structure and inhibit its ability to retain moisture.

Tips

  • Accelerate your skin care. Look for cleansers and toners with more moisturizing capabilities; rich crèmes that soothe and protect. Increase the frequency of your exfoliation treatments to compensate for slower cell renewal.
  • Zero in. The skin around your eyes is thinner, so lines will be more evident here. Target this area with special formulas created specifically for your needs, from discolouration to puffiness to fine lines.
  • Adjust your makeup. As time goes on, less is more. If you're in a makeup rut, take time to reassess your colours and formulas. Many modern cosmetics gently treat as they tint, which makes them perfect for this stage of life.
  • Watch your weight. Studies have proven that extra weight steals years from a woman's lifespan. Maintain a healthy weight and you'll decrease the risk of a variety of diseases including diabetes and hypertension.

Your 50s and Beyond

With today's healthy lifestyles and longer life expectancies, at 50 you're just getting started! As far as your skin is concerned, you can expect several changes. At this stage of your life, underlying cells begin to flatten, causing it to become thinner. Lower levels of collagen and elastin combined with changes in how they interact with the lower layers of your skin can cause sagging. And many women in their 50s and beyond begin to experience increasingly drier skin.

Tips

  • Lighten up. Often dark spots become prominent as a result of the hormonal shifts of menopause and/or sun damage. Regular treatments with lightening products will diminish these areas and produce clear, even skin.
  • Sleep on it. Nighttime is the right time for products that combat wrinkles and loss of tone and moisture. As you sleep, your skin works diligently to renew itself. A good night crème supports skin's after-dark efforts. So after cleansing and toning each evening, apply a rich formula designed for your specific needs.
  • Hair removal. Another post-menopausal side effect for some women is increased facial hair. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective solutions, both permanent (electrolysis and laser treatments) and temporary (tweezing, waxing, depilatories and bleaches), so removal or camouflage can be simple.
  • Challenge yourself. Stay out of emotional ruts by remaining open to new experiences, ideas and activities. Whatever it is that you've always wanted to try...why not do it now? An attitude of curiosity and wonder will nourish your spirit and keep you young no matter what the calendar says!
SKIN HEALTH FACTORS

Life Style

Do's and Don'ts for Healthy-Looking Skin

Do:

  • Avoid the sun. Nothing is more damaging to your skin than UV exposure. It sets off a chain of adverse and cumulative reactions that lead to wrinkles, discoloration, loss of tone, and dehydration. Whenever you're outdoors, even if you're just running errands or strolling through the park, use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.

  • Drink plenty of water. Proper hydration is essential for flushing out impurities, fostering the development of new cells and enhancing circulation. Try to drink six-to-eight glasses a day.

  • Sleep well. Nighttime is the right time for skin. That's when cells get busy renewing themselves and repairing the day's damage. A minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep each night is ideal. Any less and your skin will wear the signs of fatigue.

  • Eat right. You truly are what you eat, so it stands to reason that the better your diet, the better your skin will look. A healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish and complex carbohydrates is recommended for most people. Check with your doctor to determine if you should make special dietary adjustments, or take vitamin or mineral supplements.

  • Stay fit. Regular exercise keeps your heart and your muscles fit. It also keeps your skin in shape by revving up your circulation, which eliminates toxins and promotes a healthy glow. Experts recommend a minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic exercise each day to maintain your current weight and fitness levels; 30 minutes or more to lose weight and improve your conditioning. Walking, running, biking, swimming and dancing are all excellent aerobic activities.

Don't:

  • Smoke. Smoking destroys the underlying structure of the skin, which quickly leads to premature aging. It creates wrinkles and destroys elasticity. The repetitive physical action of smoking creates lines around the mouth. Over time, smoking causes skin to thicken and discolor.

  • Drink too much alcohol or caffeine. Moderation is everything when it comes to caffeine and alcohol. For example, a glass of wine is relaxing, but too much wine dehydrates your system, robs you of vital nutrients and may interrupt healthy sleep patterns. Caffeine actually functions as a diuretic and may prevent you from getting enough rest.

  • Stress out. Even if you try to appear calm, cool and collected, stress has a way of making its presence known. Anxiety leads to a number of surface manifestations, including blemishes, hives, impaired circulation, itching, irritation and under-eye circles. So relax! Adopt sensible time management strategies, take up stress-busting activities like jogging, yoga or meditation, stay connected to friends and family and see your doctor or a counselor if your stress is getting the upper hand.