WHAT IS SKIN ?
You can't compare the skin which wraps our bodies to, say, the pretty paper on a parcel. Skin is complex. The outer layer which we see, called the Stratum Corneum, is in fact dead cells, but important ones. It protects the inside of our bodies from the penetration of detrimental factors: sun, rain, wind, smoke, pollution. If it did not exist, or was broken down, we would be susceptible to all these things. Underneath this outer layer lies moisture, trapped in the skin by the Stratum Corneum. Moisture gives it that smooth, plump texture. It's true to say that skin enjoys a humid atmosphere and if you live in a dry climate you must pay attention to your skin's needs.

If you live in a lush, tropical atmosphere your skin will enjoy the climate and flourish as much as the tropical plants there. The substance which binds the water in the skin is called Urea. It's not fool proof however and is often broken down by acid, harsh soaps, detergents. This leaves a condition called “de-fatted” skin.

For every possible skin condition there is a treatment which will result in improvement. Acne is no longer an insurmountable problem. That awful “you'll grow out of it” advice is about as comforting as the acne itself. New treatments for acne combine the use of tetrocyclines (anti-biotics) with Vitamin A acid, called Retionoic Acid. The Vitamin A lotion is used daily as part of a skin care programme. This should begin each morning with a face wash using a gentle soap applied to the skin in a circular motion on a slightly abrasive surface. A de-greasing lotion follows washing, to control the oil in the skin. Skin may be washed again in the middle of the day, always followed by a lotion to remove any traces of oil left on the skin.

Acne sufferers may insist that their skins do not need a moisturizer, but a moisturizer will seal in the skin's own moisture, not add to whatever is already there. On the other hand dry skins need special care to seal in the little moisture they do produce. Dry skin is more than just a facial problem. It usually pertains to the whole body. For this reason special attention must be paid to the entire skin area. This type of skin is rapidly aggravated by sun, wind, extreme temperature and often synthetic clothing. All skins improve with the use of masks.

In time everyone's skin accumulates excessive oil in the form of miniature oil plugs, rough surface cells and a general build-up of grime. What a mask does is slough off this build-up and leave the skin feeling fresh and new. Choosing the correct mask is crucial. For an oily skin choose one that blots away oil and is rinsed off with water (clay masks and scrubs are good). Dry skin needs a creamy mask, smoothed on thickly, then left to penetrate (it's a good idea to put a warm steamy towel over the face to assist penetration). These masks are usually taken off with a spatula, or wiped off. Normal skins (they are the minority) should tend to use masks for dry skin but occasionally use a peel-off mask. Peel-off masks act by epidermabrasion (peeling off dead cells).

Cancer statistics can be interpreted as meaning women's skins are ageing faster. Everyone knows the dangers of the sun. Of all the environmental factors, it stands alone as the most harmful. The sunburn you had when you were 20 can result in skin cancer at 40. Women in their over-40s are more prone to skin irritants. As we get older, the skin slows down its production of oil. This, plus constant contact with ammonia, detergents, acids, even vegetables like onions and garlic, will tear off protective outer cells, leaving the skin in a de-fatted state. It occurs more frequently on the hands and lower legs because there is an even lower production of oil in these areas. At this age it becomes more important to look upon your skin as probably dry and treat it as such.

Overeating, high blood pressure, high cholesterol can mean your body may be biologically up to 10 years older than your true age. Your skin will reflect the internal state of your body. How you sleep can relate to eye puffiness. Don't sleep completely flat, but use a pillow. If you do have puffy eyes, an ancient remedy is probably the best - grate up new potatoes, place a portion on a pad of cotton wool and put the pad on the eyes for 10 minutes.

The greatest boon to good skin is free: water. Drink it every day (at least eight glasses), starting from the moment you wake up.

You will benefit even more from a glass of warm water first thing in the morning. It dilates the blood vessels and the blood flows more easily and quickly around the body.

Skin needs twice daily care: cleansing (usually no more than a splash of warm water for dry skins, a soap for oily skins) followed by a freshening tonic plus your protective moisturizer (with a sun-screener).

At night the real cleansing takes over. Not a smear of cream but, deep thorough creamy cleansing, plus an oil to remove eye make-up. After this some skins (oily) need washing, others (skin over 25) just the tonic and moisturizer or night cream.