Is your skin type dry, normal/combination, sensitive or oily? Whenever I ask this question and a woman answers I dont know, then she typically has normal/combination skin. Believe me, those who have dry, oily or sensitive skin know who they are.

Normal/combination skin is the ideal and it’s not unusual to feel a little dryer or a little oilier a short while after cleansing. If you produce a little more or less oil than you need, you’re still within the normal range. You’ll have dry cheeks with a normal T zone when your skin is Normal to Dry. And, you’ll have normal cheeks with an oily T zone when your skin is Normal to Oily.

When your skin is Dry, you know that it doesn’t produce enough facial oil. That “less than enough” oil production means that your skin will feel dry and tight within seconds after cleansing. Generally, this type has very tight pores and spots of dry, flaky skin.

Really shiny skin is what you can expect within a couple hours of cleansing when you have Oily skin. If this sounds like you, you probably know that your oil glands produce too much oil. This skin type is usually oily all over, is prone to acne or pimples and may have enlarged pores.

Average products may cause redness and/or itching for Sensitive skin. Most cosmetic lines carry a group of products with no known allergens. These are designed to be mild and very gentle to sensitive-type facial skin; which may be combined with any of the above types, dry-sensitive, oily-sensitive, etc.

All skin types will have some kind of unfavorable reaction if you’re not using the right skin care products. You can expect extreme problems if you have very dry or very oily or sensitive skin. Dry skin may flake, peel, or even crack open; with prolonged improper care, dry skin will wrinkle 10 to 20 years ahead of the other skin types. That’s why dry skin needs to begin appropriate (pH balanced) skin care as early as possible to prevent those serious, costly problems.

Oily skin will have more severe, longer lasting problems if your skin care products contain oil. There will be clogged pores, and there may be facial infections that develop into cysts due to bacteria and overgrown skin cells that stop natural follicular growth. The long lasting effects could be permanent, dark pimple spots or uneven facial surface and extremely large pores.

A few of the more sever reactions that sensitive skin might expect are extreme dryness, burning and itching. 1st degree burns that look like eczema and possible scarring. Products designed for sensitive skin will leave your face feeling normal; not too dry, oily or itchy. Before using a new product, test a little behind an ear and give it 24 hours to see if you’ll have a negative reaction.

The average of normal/combination skin type doesn’t suffer with problem skin, but a lot of other people do. Products for your skin type will leave your skin feeling fine, normal, not too dry, itchy or oily. Knowing what type skin you have and only using appropriate products means you’ll minimize or eliminate those severe problems and eventually the cost of a dermatologist.

O.K., you’ve moisturized your eye area, but if you’re thinking what can I do about those dark circles under my eyes, you probably need to conceal or camouflage them. Concealors are used to cover small areas of discoloration, primarily dark under eye color.

Most companies offer more than one type of concealor; their consistency can be thick or thin, water proof or not. They can also be found in a variety of skin tones, as well as several different methods of application. The most commonly used is the concealor stick, which is in a tube like a lipstick. The other types are: creams in little pots; a thinner type which comes in a squeeze tube or with a sponge or brush tipped applicator wand, or the fat, soft, creamy little pencil. If you have slight under eye discoloration, a thin concealor will do.

For those with pale discolorations, a thin concealor will be fine. However, those with darker under eye color will need a thicker product with more intense color (heavier pigment), which should be water resistant, for best results. Unfortunately, the average woman uses concealors that are too thin or too light for them. If your outcome is a lighter version of what you’re trying to conceal, check the thickness or color of your product then take a second look at your how it’s applied.

What do they do?

They conceal or cover discolorations. Concealors, like foundations are designed to even out skin tone, but concealors are more color (pigment) intense than a foundation and a camouflager has more pigment than a concealor. The product is thicker if the amount of pigment is heavier.

How do I use concealors?

To use, place a dot of concealor on your finger or small brush, tap and spread the concealor, thinning as you go beyond the under eye. Blend out toward your hairline, in toward your nose and down over the top of your cheekbone. Then, apply a thin layer of your foundation or use a clean eye shadow brush to apply a thin layer of loose powder; a small brush will hold and deposit less product.

The stick or tube type of concealor is best applied from the tube onto a finger or brush, then tapped onto the skin. The types that come with their own applicator will dictate how it’s applied, otherwise a small brush or your pinky works fine. I wait to apply concealor after any eye and facial makeup, then if there are any mishaps, I don’t have to remove and reapply the concealor, foundation and powder.

What is a camouflager?

A camouflager is a more color intensive version of a concealor. They are used for larger areas like covering shoulder or foot sun tan lines, birthmarks, varicose veins or for covering large, lighter or darker colored areas on the face or body. When properly applied and matched to your skin color, this product will make almost any discoloration disappear.

How do I use a camouflager?

There are two ways that you can use a camouflager under your eyes, you can use it alone as you would use a concealor or if you don’t need the color density, it can be diluted with a little moisturizer or foundation. Thoroughly blend on the back of your hand and tap on the area and blend to erase any streaks or lines. For best finishing results, dust with a very small amount of flesh colored, or translucent loose powder.

Some cosmetic companies label their under eye concealor a camouflager, it sounds confusing, but that’s because their product has more pigment than the typical concealor. Sample both types to determine which will work best for you. If after sampling both, you still find that your dark circles have not been covered to your liking – then you will probably benefit from a color corrector. Check out www.andibradshaw.com for age specific books “Foundations, Powders & Blushes” for more information.

O.K., you’ve moisturized your eye area, but if you’re thinking what can I do about those dark circles under my eyes, you probably need to conceal or camouflage them. Concealors are used to cover small areas of discoloration, primarily dark under eye color.

Most companies offer more than one type of concealor; their consistency can be thick or thin, water proof or not. They can also be found in a variety of skin tones, as well as several different methods of application. The most commonly used is the concealor stick, which is in a tube like a lipstick. The other types are: creams in little pots; a thinner type which comes in a squeeze tube or with a sponge or brush tipped applicator wand, or the fat, soft, creamy little pencil. If you have slight under eye discoloration, a thin concealor will do.

A thin concealor will work if you have slight discoloration under your eyes. A thicker concealor with more pigment (intense color), and should be waterproof will work best for darker under eye color. Most women mistakenly use concealors that are either too light or too thin to be effective. The result is a lighter shade of blu-ish, purple discoloration. If your dark circles or concealor are visible, then either your thickness or color is not right for you or your application was faulty.

What do they do?

They conceal or cover discolorations. Concealors, like foundations are designed to even out skin tone, but concealors are more color (pigment) intense than a foundation and a camouflager has more pigment than a concealor. The product is thicker if the amount of pigment is heavier.

How do I use concealors?

To use, place a dot of concealor on your finger or small brush, tap and spread the concealor, thinning as you go beyond the under eye. Blend out toward your hairline, in toward your nose and down over the top of your cheekbone. Then, apply a thin layer of your foundation or use a clean eye shadow brush to apply a thin layer of loose powder; a small brush will hold and deposit less product.

The stick or tube type of concealor is best applied from the tube onto a finger or brush, then tapped onto the skin. The types that come with their own applicator will dictate how it’s applied, otherwise a small brush or your pinky works fine. I wait to apply concealor after any eye and facial makeup, then if there are any mishaps, I don’t have to remove and reapply the concealor, foundation and powder.

What is a camouflager?

A camouflager is a thicker version of a concealor. The general use is to cover large area like varicose veins, birthmarks, tan lines and facial or body discolorations that may be lighter or darker than usual. When applied properly, with the right texture and color, almost any discoloration can be covered with a camouflager.

How do I use a camouflager?

There are two ways that you can use a camouflager under your eyes, you can use it alone as you would use a concealor or if you don’t need the color density, it can be diluted with a little moisturizer or foundation. Thoroughly blend on the back of your hand and tap on the area and blend to erase any streaks or lines. For best finishing results, dust with a very small amount of flesh colored, or translucent loose powder.

Some cosmetic companies label their under eye concealor a camouflager, it sounds confusing, but that’s because their product has more pigment than the typical concealor. Sample both types to determine which will work best for you. If after sampling both, you still find that your dark circles have not been covered to your liking – then you will probably benefit from a color corrector. Check out www.andibradshaw.com for age specific books “Foundations, Powders & Blushes” for more information.

Now that you’ve used your under eye moisturizer, you may still be anxious about that under eye darkness. The right concealor will cover them as well as other small discolorations. To see and feel the different consistencies, go to your favorite beauty counter and ask to see what’s available; first find the right color, then concentrate on the thickness.

The average cosmetic company offers several different concealors, some will be thick, others are thin and either may be water resistant or not. Each type comes in several different skin shades as well as a variety of ways to apply it. The best known type of application is the stick concealor, which resembles a tube of lipstick. This has evolved into a creamy little fat pencil, other types are: little pots of creamy concealor; squeeze tubes; or rigid tubes with a self applicator that has a sponge or brush tip.

For deeper more intense under eye color, a more intense concealor (a high pigment content that is usually waterproof) will be best. In an effort to cover dark circles, most women make the mistake of using an under eye concealor whose color is too light for them. Then they look like they have light purple-ish blue under eye circles. If you can see the under eye discoloration or the concealor, then either its not the right color or thickness or it was not applied properly.

What do they do?

Concealors are used to do just that; conceal or cover up. They are like foundations but a concealor has more pigment (intense color); and is often thicker than a foundation, and a camouflager has more pigment and is thicker than a concealor. The extra pigment is why the product is thicker.

How do I use Concealors?

To use, place a dot of concealor on your finger or small brush, tap and spread the concealor, thinning as you go beyond the under eye. Blend out toward your hairline, in toward your nose and down over the top of your cheekbone. Then, apply a thin layer of your foundation or use a clean eye shadow brush to apply a thin layer of loose powder; a small brush will hold and deposit less product.

The stick or tube type of concealor is best applied from the tube onto a finger or brush, then tapped onto the skin. The types that come with their own applicator will dictate how it’s applied, otherwise a small brush or your pinky works fine. I wait to apply concealor after any eye and facial makeup, then if there are any mishaps, I don’t have to remove and reapply the concealor, foundation and powder.

What is a camouflager?

Camouflagers are a thicker type of concealor. They are designed to be used for covering large areas like birthmarks, varicose veins, tan lines or darker or lighter discolorations on the body or face. With the right color, texture and application, camouflagers can cover nearly any discoloration.

How do I use camouflagers?

There are two ways that you can use a camouflager under your eyes, you can use it alone as you would use a concealor or if you don’t need the color density, it can be diluted with a little moisturizer or foundation. Thoroughly blend on the back of your hand and tap on the area and blend to erase any streaks or lines. For best finishing results, dust with a very small amount of flesh colored, or translucent loose powder.

Some cosmetic companies label their under eye concealor a camouflager, it sounds confusing, but that’s because their product has more pigment than the typical concealor. Sample both types to determine which will work best for you. If after sampling both, you still find that your dark circles have not been covered to your liking – then you will probably benefit from a color corrector. Check out www.andibradshaw.com for age specific books “Foundations, Powders & Blushes” for more information.

Is your skin type Dry, Normal/Combination, Sensitive or Oily? Whenever I ask this question and a woman answers I don’t know, then she typically has normal/combination skin. Believe me, those who have dry, oily or sensitive skin, know who they are.

Normal/Combination skin is the ideal and may feel slightly dry or slightly oily within 2 hours after cleansing. If your body produces oil that may be a little more or a little less than you need, you’re still within the normal range. Normal to Dry combination skin has dry cheeks and a normal T zone. Normal to Oily combination skin has normal cheeks and an oily T zone.

When your skin is Dry, you know that it doesn’t produce enough facial oil. That “less than enough” oil production means that your skin will feel dry and tight within seconds after cleansing. Generally, this type has very tight pores and spots of dry, flaky skin.

If your skin is really shiny or very oily within 2 hours after cleansing, then you have Oily skin. This person knows that her body has over active sebaceous (oil) glands, and her face produces too much oil. This type has enlarged pores, is generally oily all over, and is prone to outbreaks or acne.

Women with Sensitive skin know their skin type because their reactions may be itching, splotchiness or swelling. Today, almost all popular cosmetic companies have developed a group of products that are hyper-allergenic. Designed to work for dry sensitive or oily sensitive skin, these products are specially formulated to be very mild and gentle.

When your skin care products are not made for your skin type, you can expect some type of negative reaction. You can depend on dry skin flaking, peeling or even cracking open; many years of using the wrong products will result in skin that wrinkles 10 to 20 years earlier than it should. That explains the importance of using proper (pH balanced) facial skin care items as early and consistently as possible.

Oily skin can expect more severe and longer lasting problems if their cleanser contains too much oil. Those problems may be facial acne that becomes infected as bacteria attaches itself to oily skin or where hair folicles that are unable to grow past the surface level (because of overgrown skin cells), and may develop into infected cysts. The lasting problems may be permanent dark pimple discolorations or extremely enlarged pores that equal an uneven skin surface.

Sensitive skin may develop allergic reactions that resemble eczema with the accompanying blotchiness and itching. Another reaction may be first degree burns and scarring from products that are too strong for your skin type. This type needs to test new products, by using it behind an ear and waiting 24 hours to see if there will be a reaction before full facial use.

The average of normal/combination skin type doesn’t suffer with problem skin, but a lot of other people do. Products for your skin type will leave your skin feeling fine, normal, not too dry, itchy or oily. Knowing what type skin you have and only using appropriate products means you’ll minimize or eliminate those severe problems and eventually the cost of a dermatologist.

If you’ve used a toner and don’t think it did anything, trust me it did. The right toner for your skin type assures a positive result by changing your facial pH. Witch hazel and astringents are often mistaken for a toner, but astringents generally contain alcohol and witch hazel usually contains oil.

Any product that you use on your face should be designed for your skin type, and toners are no exception. Dry or combination/dry skin toners are usually creamy or they may contain as much as 5% cosmetic oil; this skin type should avoid alcohol based items. Oily or combination/oily skin toners should be fruit acid based, such as pineapple, lemon or grapefruit or they may contain powders that absorb oil in their product; this type should avoid oil or alcohol based products. The toners for sensitive skin are hypo-allergenic and are designed to be irritant free for this skin type.

What do they do?

Toners return your skin to its normal pH, while they calm and cool the skin and temporarily close your pores. When applied with a cotton applicator, toner helps to remove dirt, facial oils, dead cells and any residue left by your cleanser or makeup that was not washed or rinsed away with your cleansing routine.

Your facial cleanser changes the pH of your skin based on the amount of alkaline or acid it contains. Your skin must then work to restore its’ natural pH levels and depending on the product, it might take an hour or more. However, your skin immediately returns to its normal pH after using a toner.

How do I use a toner?

Toner can be applied in three ways; cotton application, bare hands or sprayed over the face and neck. It is designed to be used after your cleanser and before your treatment and/or moisturizer. It is especially beneficial for oily skin, because no other skin type has the probability of developing enlarged pores.

Liquids are best applied with any type of cotton, i.e. cotton balls or flat rounds or squares. Avoid using tissues with liquid toners, your tissue will soak up more than you use. Allow your cotton to absorb a quarter size amount of the liquid and apply it to you face and neck with upward strokes.

Gel toner is usually oil free and has the lightest texture. This type is generally made for oily skin and often contains anti-bacterial additives like rose water, citric acid or lavender. Look for a toner with salicylic acid (to remove dead skin cells and help prevent pimples) if you are very oily. Use the directions for cream toner to answer application questions.

Gel toner is very light in texture and is generally oil free. Designed with oily skin in mind, this type may contain anti-bacterial ingredients like citric acids, or lavender or rose water. If you have really oily skin, look for salicylic acid (which aids in preventing pimples by removing dead skin cells) in the toner. For use, follow directions for cream toner.

Spray toners are self explainatory, but don’t forget to close your eyes and mouth before spritzing your face and neck area. Toners may also be used by both women and men. The main job of an after shave is to close pores, so toners work for men too and, unless a toner contains alcohol they won’t sting like after shave.

Men should also moisturize after using a toner. The companies that make men’s skin products have named their moisturizers a hydrator or a facial lotion, to make men feel like their products are different from female skin care products. However, except for the scent, the ingredients are nearly always the same.

Even though masks and exfoliators are generally made of natural items, exfoliators have a mildly abrasive texture while masks are smooth. Additionally, they can be made of distinct ingredients like plant, citrus, fruit or clay based goods and the always popular mud mask. It is because the consistency of masks is so concentrated that you’ll notice the results immediately.

What do they do?

With an exfoliator you must gently “work” the product, while the mask allows you to relax and the product does the work says the author, Andi of www.andibradshaw.com. In addition, they produce a healthy, polished, more vibrant outcome that allows your skin care products to smooth on and penetrate more easily. Although masks can calm or stimulate the skin, if you have issues with rosacia or acne, only use masks for sensitive skin, they are more gentle to any type of skin.

-Dry skin needs a mask that moisturizes and hydrates (adds oil and water), to relieve that really dry, flaky and tight feeling that you may have after cleansing. This type mask may contain amino acids, oils, lanolin, milk proteins and/or buttermilk. This extra oil conveys an intense mixture that is designed to rehydrate those extra dry skin cells. Those plumped up or re-hydrated cells minimize the appearance of any fine lines, or shallow wrinkles.

-Normal/Combination skin needs a mask that addresses dull, tired skin that lacks that vibrant, healthy look. For this type, masks usually contain ingredients like eucalyptus, menthol, or peppermint which stimulates the skin, while sloughing off the dead skin cells and dirt. Often peel-off or hardening masks contain the stimulating effects of the above ingredients. These produce a pleasant tingling that revives and invigorates the skin, leaving it healthier looking.

-Oily skin requires a clay, deep cleansing or mud mask. These types all draw out or absorb the excess oils, dirt and impurities from facial skin. Clay masks open pores and encourage the skin to perspire. Perspiration rids the pores of dirt and impurities, while the clay absorbs the excess oil. The deep cleansing and mud masks remove imbedded dirt and oils while temporarily tightening the pores. The anti-bacterial ingredients in these type masks will leave the skin clean and diminish the increase of bacteria.

– Sensitive skin requires gentle, soothing, mild type masks. Look for ingredients like chamomile, honey, aloe and caffeine; they will be comforting to your skin. Chamomile is soothing to the skin, honey aids with moisture retention, aloe will reduce inflammation while caffeine minimizes puffiness and redness. This type mask is developed to leave sensitive skin that may be dry and splotchy, feeling softer and looking smoother and healthier.

How do I use Masks?

On clean skin, masks can be generously applied all over your face with clean hands or brush (avoiding the mouth and eye areas). Follow directions for time; recline, elevate your feet, close your eyes and relax. Masks that are a creamy or gel consistency and can be tissued or rinsed off. The peel-away gels should dry to a mask, and be removed by pealing off in a downward motion because that’s the direction that your skin cells grow on your face. Masks for oily or acne prone skin, may be crusty or pasty when dry, hold a wet cloth to soften and remove product, rinse thoroughly and blot with clean cloth to dry. End with your moisturizing regimine.

Anyone who wants great looking skin needs it, because prevention works so much better than correction. As an esthetician, I find that most women realize the importance of daily moisturizing, but most do not consistently exfoliate and use facial masks. These give you the visual benefit while moisturizing gives you the beneath the surface benefit. .

It’s true that when you’re in your TEENS AND TWENTIES, unless you’re an extreme sun worshipper most people don’t see serious signs of aging. However, your skin will begin to accumulate dead skin cells which will produce an uneven skin texture and you’ll begin to lose that natural, youthful, healthy radiance. Try to spend 3 minutes – twice daily on your skin; it only takes 21 days to establish a routine, and you’ll never be sorry.

In your Thirties in addition to the dull, tired looking skin, the skin around your eyes and mouth will begin to show those dreaded fine lines or if your skin is oily, you’ll get enlarged pores. Oily skin will need 100% oil free moisturizers with pore minimizers, while dry skin needs creams with extra hydration and combination skin will need lotions with anti-oxidants to keep your neck and face healthy and youthful looking. Everyone should also be using a twice daily eye cream for dry or combination skin and an eye gel for oily skin.

When you’re Forty-ish, you’ll experience a reduction of collagen and elastin in your skins cells; which holds the moisture that helps to keep skin firm. The lack of firmness results in a deepening of the fine lines you saw in your thirties and they’ll become wrinkles. To help combat that effect, you should include anti-aging or lifting and firming treatments (collagen and elastin) to your twice daily moisturizer.

When you get to your FIFTIES, no matter what type skin you have, you can count it becoming dryer, especially in cold weather. That loss of moisture means you can add the look and feel of relaxed neck and facial skin to your list of aging symptoms, particularly along your jaw line, and your wrinkles become creases. Therefore, your face and neck will need moisturizers with more hydration and vitamins, along with those anti-aging and firming ingredients.

Sixty year old skin will show severe loss of strength, which equals sagging skin. Dark spots will appear on your face, neck and the backs of your hands. Furrows will appear where you used to have creases; like those above your nose, your forehead and laugh lines. Your moisturizing routine will need to include age spot reducers as well as the industries most powerful lifting and firming components.

The above descriptions are what each age group can expect, without the use of skin care products. This information should help with using what you need, when it’s needed for your age group and skin type. Ultimately, using your full twice a day, skin care regimen will pay off with your skin always looking firmer and younger than you actually are.

At any age, a woman wants her skin to look as good as possible. Exfoliators and masks help your skin do just that. They are both necessary because they do two different things. Exfoliators scrub and invigorate, while facial masks calm and soothe the skin.

The earlier you consistently include these items in your skin care routine, the more effective your moisturizer will be. This translates to your skin looking healthier and smoother as well as looking younger than you actually are. If you’re fifteen, that may not be such an encouraging thought, but if you’re thirty, forty or fifty

Why Do I Need An Exfoliator?

Many people are not aware of the fact that their skin renews itself every 25 days and that ashy, flaky feeling skin is just dead skin cells that haven’t been removed. The body is able to withstand larger particles and although they’re not designed to be abrasive or scratch the skin, if exfoliators are used with excessive pressure – they will.

It’s not common knowledge that skin renews itself every 25 days or that flaky or ashy skin is just dry skin that needs to be removed. Men’s faces need exfoliating too and the bottom half receives that through shaving. The top halfcould use a weekly scrub to keep the face evenly smooth.

What do they do?

Exfoliators polish and remove the dead cells that prevent your natural oils (that the skin produces) from coming to the surface. With proper use, facial exfoliators also polish the skin which, along with your natural oil, is needed for keeping the skin smooth and soft. Facial exfoliators are purposely designed to clean out pores without enlarging or irritating them.

How do I use Facial Exfoliators?

If you have dry skin, you can use the oil based scrubs and oily skin should use the gel based products. Combination skin can use the lotion types and sensitive skin should use the mildest or baking soda based scrubs. After cleansing and while your skin is still wet, apply about a teaspoon of your exfoliator to a clean, wet wash cloth.

Gently scrub in a circular motion; all over your face and throat for about 30 seconds. Rinse your cloth thoroughly, and use it to rinse/wipe away the exfoliating grains. Use a clean towel to pat your face dry and then complete with the application of your toner, eye treatment and your moisturizers.

Those new to exfoliators often believe that using the product more often or longer will give better results. Wrong! These products have been tested by their developers to determine how to get the best results. You don’t want your outcome to be extremely dry skin, so use twice weekly, follow directions for time and you’ll get the best results from your home facial treatment.