Our skin is the largest organ in the body - beyond being the protective envelope for internal organs, it's alive, breathing, nourished from inside out, and vice versa, requiring proper care and nourishment. Pola Blick shares the most important tips for "organizing" facial skin, not just at home:
Let's start with the existing skin types - there are 5 main types:
1. Normal Facial Skin - Healthy-looking skin, moderate pores, no dry or oily areas, smooth texture.
2. Oily Facial Skin - (may also suffer from acne) - Skin with a shiny appearance with open pores, a bumpy texture, prone to blackheads.
3. Dry Facial Skin - Tight skin texture with redness, tendency to develop flakes, facial tone can become dull or pale.
4. Sensitive Facial Skin - Thin and sensitive skin, easily reacts to sunlight, prone to redness and spots, with sensitive pores.
5. Combination Facial Skin - Healthy-looking skin, no particularly dry or oily areas, with a smooth texture. This is the most common skin type in Israel; the T-zone (nose area) tends to be oily, while the periphery is dry, with no extreme reactions and sensitivity to the environment and medium-sized pores.
1. Each person has a unique skin type, even within genetic siblings, due to both parental genetics and new mutations. Therefore, it's important for everyone to know their skin type and, more importantly, understand its sensitivities. (For example, those with underactive thyroid, even when balanced by pills, might exhibit more fatigue and dryness.) Treatment: in this case, suitable alcohol-free cream, serum, soap, along with internal intake of vitamin E and spirulina (supplements) are recommended.
2. In Israeli society, there is a tendency to borrow facial products from a friend or family member, saying "you have some cream I forgot to apply." This is a mistake, even if done once, as the skin receives unsuitable substances that can result in pimples, dryness, or irritation the next day. Remember: your friend's or family member's skin is different from yours, and you should also know how long the product has been open and under what conditions.
3. Soap - Facial cleansing is crucial, and it's preferable for the soap to be antibacterial, alcohol-free, without parabens, and artificial colors. Cleansing our face from daily pollutants is very important! The amount of pollutants from unclean surfaces and air requires thorough daily cleansing.
5. In recent years, serum has become a staple for most of us, but there are things to know about using it. Serum has very small molecules, allowing it to penetrate deep into the skin layers. It stimulates skin repair and vitality, so it's crucial to use it before applying sunscreen and/or makeup.
Important to know: Serum can be natural, made from essential oils, vitamins, and minerals, and may contain active ingredients. Also, serum may contain hormones, so it's important to tailor it to each age group. At 20, you wouldn't use a serum for 40-year-olds; in youth, it's preferable to use a natural serum specific to each skin problem. At 35-45, use a combined serum that balances hormonal skin, and as you age, opt for more active serums.
6. We live in the year 2024, and ear piercing and blue light are significant supplements to the scorching sun, even in winter. Therefore, sunscreen is a must at any age, and it's important to tailor it to each age and skin type. Children should only use sunscreen intended for them, teenagers with hormonal changes should use sunscreen tailored to their skin type, and never apply body sunscreen on the face, just as we wouldn't apply body lotion on the face. Facial creams contain milder ingredients suitable for the face and eye area.
7. Nowadays, almost everyone has their personal makeup kit, but here too there are caveats: "You have blush, you have lipstick, bring me some mascara," not to mention those who use makeup testers in stores, applying them with shared brushes. No! Makeup is the main cause of bacterial outbreaks and acne; unclean makeup brushes will transfer many bacteria. It's critical for everyone to have their own brushes and to clean them thoroughly after use, replacing makeup brushes every few months.
8. In this era of abundance, we have various makeup removers - soaps, wipes, facial milk, micellar water, gel, balm. They also need to be used correctly. Eye makeup remover is intended only for makeup, preferably gentle, made from natural ingredients, and alcohol-free. The rest of the makeup, I recommend washing with water and soap. Regarding facial milk, micellar water, and the rest - it's fine if it's your habit, but always rinse thoroughly after use. For wipes, it's advisable to use only when there's no water available, or for lipstick removal.
10. Our body also needs occasional changes in nutrition; therefore, a system reboot is necessary, whether through a detox process, juice fasting, or various existing methods, of course, subject to consultation with a doctor before any such procedure.
Remember - just like a home, skin will be better off cleaned and organized. Happy holidays, and healthy skin to all!