Facial care

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Woman getting a facial treatment Facial mask.jpg
Woman getting a facial treatment

Facial care is a comprehensive process that involves a variety of products and routines aimed at maintaining the health, appearance, and radiance of the skin. The effectiveness of a facial care regimen depends on various factors such as skin type, sensitivity, age, hyperpigmentation, and acne. To achieve the best results, it is crucial to choose products that are suitable for your specific skin type and address any particular skin concerns you may have. There are many different forms of skin care treatments and practices, each offering unique benefits for the skin. Some popular forms of facial care include facial steaming, facial massage, and the use of masks. These treatments can help to cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it looking and feeling refreshed.

Contents

Cleansing

Cleansing is the process of removing dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin. Lathering cleansers, a common type of facial cleanser, generate lather when used, thanks to a surfactant level greater than the CMC (critical micelle concentration). These cleansers contain surfactants with short hydrophobic chains, enabling faster and higher levels of lather. Most lathering cleansers on the market use synthetic surfactants designed to be mild to the skin, reducing skin damage compared to naturally derived surfactants. However, they may be less effective at removing oil-soluble makeup. Liquid lathering cleansers clean through the chemical process of emulsification, suspending or emulsifying dirt and oils, thus allowing them to be removed from the skin during the rinse process.

The Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser, for example, is used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin twice per day, in the morning and evening. To use, one pump of the cleanser is massaged in the palm of the hand before applying it to the face, neck, and décolletage. The potent enzymes in the cleanser must be allowed to work for a 2-minute period before rinsing off the cleanser with water and gently patting the skin dry with a clean towel. This cleanser provides immediate and gentle exfoliation in a pH-friendly formulation for gentle but effective cleansing.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing is a crucial aspect of skincare, particularly for areas prone to dryness and impaired barrier function such as the hands and feet. Due to their unique functional roles, these areas are more susceptible to heightened irritant sensitivity and the development of dermatoses. Protective and regenerative moisturizing skincare forms the foundation for preventing and treating dry skin-associated skin diseases and disorders.

The term "moisturization" holds different meanings depending on its intended purpose and how it is applied. Essentially, moisturizers are used to hydrate dry skin, repair and prevent rough, cracked skin, restore the natural feel of the skin to make it soft, silky, and smooth, or alleviate skin conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis, or rosacea. In essence, most people use moisturizers to ensure their skin feels and looks nice without any discomfort.

Sun protection

Sunscreen is a crucial skincare product designed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of chronic exposure to UV radiation. UV radiation can lead to various harmful effects such as skin thickening, wrinkle formation, inflammation, and even carcinogenesis. These effects occur due to the continuous oxidative stress state induced by excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from UV irradiation. This oxidative stress ultimately leads to cell apoptosis events and breakdown of collagen, resulting in the undesired morphologic changes in the skin. Therefore, sunscreen helps prevent these harmful effects by providing a protective barrier against UV radiation, reducing the risk of skin damage and associated skin conditions.

Exfoliating

Exfoliating is a skincare process that involves the removal of dead skin cells from the skin's surface, promoting skin renewal and rejuvenation. Chemical exfoliating agents, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, cause controlled destruction of the epidermis, leading to subsequent repair and rejuvenation of the skin. Chemical peels are a form of targeted skin exfoliation, with different depths of peels inducing varying degrees of injury to the skin. Superficial peels, for example, reduce epidermal melanin and are used in the treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Additionally, exfoliation can be achieved through physical scrubbing using additives such as oats or coffee grounds. Regular exfoliation helps maintain healthy, vibrant skin by promoting cell turnover and improving skin texture and appearance.

Woman steaming her face. Woman steaming her face in Mochudi.jpg
Woman steaming her face.

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Cosmetics are composed of mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either natural sources or synthetically created ones. Cosmetics have various purposes. Those designed for personal care and skin care can be used to cleanse or protect the body and skin. Cosmetics designed to enhance or alter one's appearance (makeup) can be used to conceal blemishes, enhance one's natural features, add color to a person's face, or change the appearance of the face entirely to resemble a different person, creature or object. Cosmetics can also be designed to add fragrance to the body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Facial</span> Procedure involving a variety of skin treatments on the human face

A facial is a family of skin care treatments for the face, including steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massage. They are normally performed in beauty salons, but are also a common spa treatment. They are used for general skin health as well as for specific skin conditions. Types of facials include European facial, LED light therapy facials, hydrafacials and mini-facials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hair conditioner</span> Hair care product

Hair conditioner is a hair care cosmetic product used to improve the feel, texture, appearance and manageability of hair. Its main purpose is to reduce friction between strands of hair to allow smoother brushing or combing, which might otherwise cause damage to the scalp. Various other benefits are often advertised, such as hair repair, strengthening, or a reduction in split ends.

The term cleanser refers to a product that cleans or removes dirt or other substances. A cleanser could be a detergent, and there are many types of cleansers that are produced with a specific objective or focus. For instance, a degreaser or carburetor cleanser used in automotive mechanics for cleaning certain engine and car parts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moisturizer</span> Type of cosmetics

A moisturizer, or emollient, is a cosmetic preparation used for protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin. These functions are normally performed by sebum produced by healthy skin. The word "emollient" is derived from the Latin verb mollire, to soften.

Dermabrasion is a type of surgical skin planing, generally with the goal of removing acne, scarring and other skin or tissue irregularities, typically performed in a professional medical setting by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon trained specifically in this procedure. Dermabrasion has been practiced for many years and involves the controlled deeper abrasion of the upper to mid layers of the skin with any variety of strong abrasive devices including a wire brush, diamond wheel or fraise, sterilized sandpaper, salt crystals or other mechanical means.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Proactiv</span> Acne focused skincare products

Proactiv is an American brand of skin-care products developed by two American dermatologists, Katie Rodan and Kathy A. Fields, and launched in 1995 by Guthy-Renker, a California-based direct marketing company, that was endorsed by famous celebrities The range includes moisturizers, body washes and treatment products, but the brand is known for its three-step anti-acne Solutions 3-step routine consisting of a BPO cleanser, glycolic toner and treatment lotion. Proactiv+, a reformulation of the three-step kit, was introduced in 2013, and in 2017, ProactivMD launches powered by Adapalene.

Natural skin care uses topical creams and lotions made of ingredients available in nature. Much of the recent literature reviews plant-derived ingredients, which may include herbs, roots, flowers and essential oils, but natural substances in skin care products include animal-derived products such as beeswax, and minerals. These substances may be combined with various carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stabilizer (chemistry)</span> Chemical used to prevent degradation

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Exfoliation (cosmetology)</span> Removal of dead skin cells from the epidermis

In cosmetology, exfoliation is the removal of the surface skin cells and built-up dirt from the skin's surface. The term comes from the Latin word exfoliare. This is a regular practice within the cosmetic industry, both for its outcome of promoting skin regeneration as well as providing a deep cleanse of the skin barrier. Being used in facials, this process can be achieved by mechanical or chemical means, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels. Exfoliants are advertised as treatments that enhance beauty and promote a youthful and healthy appearance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lotion</span> Skin treatment preparation

Lotion is a low-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to the skin. By contrast, creams and gels have higher viscosity, typically due to lower water content. Lotions are applied to external skin with bare hands, a brush, a clean cloth, or cotton wool.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skin care</span> Range of practices that support skin integrity

Skin care or skincare is a range of practices that support skin integrity, enhance its appearance, and relieve skin conditions. They can include nutrition, avoidance of excessive sun exposure, and appropriate use of emollients. Practices that enhance appearance include the use of cosmetics, botulinum, exfoliation, fillers, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, peels, retinol therapy, and ultrasonic skin treatment. Skin care is a routine daily procedure in many settings, such as skin that is either too dry or too moist, and prevention of dermatitis and prevention of skin injuries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clean & Clear</span>

Clean & Clear is an American brand of dermatology products owned by Kenvue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Facial mask</span> Pasted mask for facial cosmetic treatment

A facial mask is a creamy or thick pasted mask applied to the face for cleansing or skin-smoothing purposes. Facial masks often contain minerals, vitamins, and fruit extracts, such as cactus and cucumber. A sheet mask is a piece of paper, cellulose or fabric used to apply a facial mask.

Personal care products are consumer products which are applied on various external parts of the body such as skin, hair, nails, lips, external genital and anal areas, as well as teeth and mucous membrane of the oral cavity, in order to make them clean, protect them from harmful germs and keep them in good condition. They promote personal hygiene and overall health, well-being and appearance of those body parts. Toiletries form a narrower category of personal care products which are used for basic hygiene and cleanliness as a part of a daily routine. Cosmetic products, in contrast, are used for personal grooming and beautification. Pharmaceutical products are not considered personal care products.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ahava</span> Israeli cosmetics company

Ahava Dead Sea Laboratories, Limited is an Israeli cosmetics company with headquarters in Lod that manufactures skin care products made of mud and mineral-based compounds from the Dead Sea. The company has flagship stores in Israel, Germany, Hungary, South Korea, the Philippines and Singapore. As of 2015, Ahava income was more than US$150 million a year. In 2015, the Chinese conglomerate Fosun International agreed to purchase a controlling share of the company, which has been valuated to ca. NIS 300 million.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shampoo</span> Hair care product

Shampoo is a hair care product, typically in the form of a viscous liquid, that is used for cleaning hair. Less commonly, shampoo is available in solid bar format. Shampoo is used by applying it to wet hair, massaging the product into the scalp, and then rinsing it out. Some users may follow a shampooing with the use of hair conditioner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunburn</span> Burning of the skin by the suns radiation

Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that affects living tissue, such as skin, that results from an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the Sun. Common symptoms in humans and other animals include red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch or painful, general fatigue, and mild dizziness. Other symptoms include blistering, peeling skin, swelling, itching, and nausea. Excessive UV radiation is the leading cause of (primarily) non-malignant skin tumors, which in extreme cases can be life-threatening. Sunburn is an inflammatory response in the tissue triggered by direct DNA damage by UV radiation. When the cells' DNA is overly damaged by UV radiation, type I cell-death is triggered and the tissue is replaced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vbeauté</span>

vbeauté was founded by Julie Macklowe to provide women with Swiss made anti-age skincare products. vbeauté is a skin care line based on advanced botanical technology using plant stem cell complexes. Macklowe launched vbeauté on November 1, 2011. vbeauté's range of products include: peptide-based anti-aging face and eye serums, moisturizers, eye cream, sunscreen, and a face cleanser and exfoliator. vbeauté’s key ingredient in all of their products is Swiss Alpine Rose, a cold-resistant plant from the Swiss Alps. Together, along with several other botanical ingredients, these plant extracts combine to form a complex compound which has anti-aging and protective properties. All vbeauté products are formulated in Switzerland, free of fragrance and parabens, and dermatologist and allergy tested.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K-Beauty</span> Umbrella term for skin-care products that derive from South Korea

K-Beauty is an umbrella term for skincare products that are derived from South Korea. The fad gained popularity worldwide, especially in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Western world, and focuses on health, hydration, and an emphasis on brightening effects.

References

    Davies, Catherine, and Richard John Miron. PRF in Facial Esthetics. Batavia, IL : International Quintessence Publishing Group. 2020, 2020.

    Sachdev, Mukta, and Niti Khunger. Essentials for Aesthetic Dermatology in Ethnic Skin. CRC Press, 29 May 2023.

    Zoe Kececioglu Draelos. Cosmetic Dermatology : Products and Procedures. Chichester, West Sussex ; Hoboken, Nj, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2016.

    Wilfried Rähse, and Wiley-Vch. Cosmetic Creams : Development, Manufacture and Marketing of Effective Skin Care Products. Weinheim Wiley-Vch, 2020.