|
|
| Information |
|
|
Skin Care and the Physiology of the Skin
The largest organ of the human body is the skin. It protects our bodies from the environment, maintains body temperature, excretes waste matter, gives sensory information to the brain and regulates body moisture. We think about our skin more than any other part of our bodies, and we manifest that attention by investing our emotions and about 6 to 20 % of our disposable income into our skin (Lappe, 1996). It is worthy to consider, then, how cosmetic products affect our skin. In this article the psycho-social impact of cosmetics will be examined as well as why cosmetics are deemed necessary. The physiology of skin, how cosmetics affect skin function and the effects of synthetic and natural cosmetic ingredients on the skin will also be considered. The Psycho-Social Impact of Cosmetics Our society is preoccupied with the "culture of beauty" (Lappe, 1996) which includes the notion that our skin must always look young and appear free from blemish. Our psychological well-being is often closely enmeshed with perceptions of how our skin appears to ourselves and others. We define our self-image to include the visible representation of our skin to others, so as a result, it has become the "primary canvas on which our cultural and personal identity is drawn" (Lappe, 1996). Cosmetic companies set aside concepts of natural beauty so that flaws such as large pores, fine lines and wrinkles are brought to the fore, influencing our spending habits in pursuit of flawless skin. In the animal kingdom, most male species are endowed with colourful physical attributes so that a less colourful, but wisely camouflaged female mate will be attracted to it. Humans do not have equivalent ornamentation, so women use cosmetics, specifically make-up, to decorate their faces to attract prospective mates. The Need for Cosmetics A cosmetic is any substance which, when applied, results in a temporary, superficial change (Anctzak, 2001). We use a myriad of cosmetics on our skin, from moisturizers to lipstick. Make-up alters our visual appearance by enhancing our facial features through the artistic application of colour. It can beautify the face and be used to express our sense of self to others. Make-up can hide blemishes, scars, under-eye circles or even out our skin tone. It can boost self-esteem, make us feel more attractive and increase our social acceptability in some social situations. Using make-up can contribute to a well-groomed image, which positively influences our confidence, self-esteem, health and morale. Skin care cosmetics treat the surface layer of the skin by providing better protection against the environment than skin left untreated. Creams treat the skin's surface by imparting moisture to the skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin. It also forms a thin barrier which traps moisture underneath, thereby preventing the evaporation of water from the skin's surface. Creams also accelerate the hydration of skin cells on the outer layer, giving the skin a temporarily smooth, plump appearance. Exfoliants improve the appearance of the skin by sloughing away flaky skin, blackheads and some dead skin cells. Astringents improve skin tone and texture by swelling the pore walls so dirt and debris do not collect within. Soaps loosen particles of dirt and grime by dissolving the greasy residue left on the skin from natural skin oils, creams and make-up. The Physiology of the Skin and How Cosmetics Affect Skin Function Skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The epidermis is the only layer we can see with our eyes and as we age, remarkable changes occur which are hidden from our view. For instance, the skin gradually thins over time, especially around the eyes. Some cosmeceuticals can minimally re-thicken the skin, but the process of thinning is inevitable. Elastin and collagen, located in the dermis keep the skin resilient and moist, but with ageing these fibres break down to create lines and wrinkles. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation accelerates this process, and since few cosmetics can actually reach the dermis, the idea that a cosmetic can reverse this process is unfounded. The best way to prevent fine lines and wrinkles is to limit our exposure to the sun and ultraviolet radiation. The skin is a highly complex, dynamic tissue system. One square inch of the skin is composed of 19 million cells, 625 sweat glands, 90 oil glands, 65 hair follicles, 19 000 sensory cells and 4 metres of blood vessels (Lappe, 1996). The outermost layer of the epidermis is called the cornified layer, and is made of sheets of keratin, a protein, and squames, dead, flat skin cells. It is our barrier against dehydration from the environment. It receives its primary supply of moisture from the underlying tissue, since constant contact from the external environment tends to dry out the skin's surface. When the skin is exposed to dry conditions, the cornified layer can become dry, brittle, firm and if untreated, it can crack and lead to infection. Creams create a waxy barrier to prevent dehydration and keep the skin moist and supple. Underneath the cornified layer lie six more layers of the epidermis responsible for cell generation. The life cycle of skin cells within this layer takes approximately 28 days, so it may take three to four weeks to observe any changes at the skin's surface from using a new cosmetic. The skin surface is also home to millions of healthy micro-organisms which increase our immunity to pathogenic, or disease-causing bacteria. Thus, our desire to sterilize the skin also destroys beneficial bacteria, such as streptococcus mutans, and micrococcus luteus . Toners, for instance, are beneficial in keeping bacterial populations down, thus reducing acne flare-ups resulting from microbes which invade and proliferate in the pores. Overuse of anti-microbial agents can produce harmful results when too many beneficial bacteria are destroyed, allowing pathogenic bacteria to multiply unchecked on the skin. The skin also produces antimicrobial proteins, two of which are called defensins and cathelicidins, which increase when the skin is damaged. Perspiration, necessary for the maintenance of internal body temperature, also excretes a germicidal protein called dermicidin to combat bacteria producing body odour. Deodorants also assist in keeping the bacterial population down, thus decreasing the odours produced as they feed on the waste matter excreted by the sweat glands. Research has shown that people who wash excessively are more prone to infection and eczema as a result of 'washing" away natural bacteria and germicides too frequently (Awake!, 2004). The Effect of Natural and Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients on the Skin A natural substance is any plant or animal extract, rock or mineral which is obtained from the earth (Antczak, 2001). An artificial or synthetic substance is a substance which has been modified through chemical reactions in an industrial process (Antczak, 2001). We use a myriad of cosmetics on our skin, but before we use these beauty aids, three essential questions should be asked: - What is the composition of the cosmetic? - Why is each ingredient used? - Do the ingredients have positive or negative effects on the skin and body? (See glossary at www.organicmakeup.ca) Many products claim to be safe or even may appear to be safe, but beyond the short-term benefits of using the cosmetic, are there any long term effects from daily absorption of its use? Skin used to be considered an impermeable barrier, but transdermal drugs have proven that the opposite is true; the skin allows many substances to pass through its layers into the bloodstream. Several factors affect the rate with which the skin will absorb various cosmetic ingredients. The condition of the skin, such as whether it is dry or damaged will increase absorption. Cuts, acne or abrasions also increase absorption. Other ways to absorb cosmetic ingredients is to inhale them, such as with hairspray or talcum powder, or through the mucous membranes. Moist substances are most readily absorbed and powders are absorbed the least by the skin. Many products claim to address a skin issue, such as acne or dry skin, but contain ingredients which exacerbate these problems. For instance, acne treatments may contain comedogenic, or pore-clogging ingredients. Creams that are supposed to treat dry skin may actually strip the skin of its natural oils which are useful in preventing dryness. Some contain chemicals which seep through the skin and dissolve skin oils and defat the skin (Lappe, 1996). A growing trend is chemical sensitivity, which can develop at any time, even after long term use of the same product. The ingredients in many cosmetics cause 20% of the population (U.S. data, Erickson, 2002) to develop the symptoms of chemical sensitivity. Natural cosmetics emphasize more traditional skin treatments with few of these harsh effects, acknowledging that short term beauty does not balance with long term hazards to health. The health of the skin is dependent on sound nutritional practices, healthy living and effective, safe protection on its surface. The organic make-up co. can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin by offering a complete line of cosmetics and makeup composed of all natural ingredients, with no animal, synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients. Our products are made fresh for you once we receive your order, and contain preservatives such as d-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and other plant oils with anti-microbial properties. We invite you to give our natural products a try. Our cosmetics and make-up are developed on the basis of sound, scientific principles and the physiology of the skin. Our products will convince you on their own merit, since they are natural, vegan, and an excellent alternative to conventional make-up and cosmetics. Please contact us at http://www.organicmakeup.ca for further information. References: - Anctzak, Gina & Stephen, Dr., (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collin, London. - Erickson, Kim, (2002). Drop Dead Gorgeous, Contemporary Books, USA. - Lappe, Marc Dr., (1996). The Body's Edge, Henry Holt & Co., New York. - Purvis, Debbie, (1989). The Business of Beauty, Wall & Thompson, Toronto. - Awake! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Canada, February 8 2004. - http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences. You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.
Latest News:Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for news Myanmar's Suu Kyi to get family letters, news mags (Reuters via Yahoo! News) Detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has managed to wring small concessions from the ruling generals in the form of letters from her family and some international news magazines, her lawyer said on Friday. JCDecaux in talks for News Outdoor Group in Russia (AP via Yahoo! News) French outdoor advertising firm JCDecaux SA said Thursday it is negotiating to buy Russian rival News Outdoor Group from global media company News Corp. News Corp tightens grip on Premiere with new CEO (Reuters via Yahoo! News) Rupert Murdoch tightened his grip on German pay-TV broadcaster Premiere by appointing News Corp executive Mark Williams as CEO in a move to get the company back on track. SEC Looks Into UAL Stock Scare; Implications For Online News? (CBS News) A ton of digits have been devoted to this in other spots but the SEC's decision to investigate takes it to another level. The backstory: a six-year-old news story about UAL declaring bankruptcy made it into the Tribune-owned Sun-Sentinel 's current news flow, was picked up by a Google (NSDQ: GOOG) News bot and, via a reporter for a newsletter, made it onto Bloomberg News. After a lot of buck ... JCDecaux and News Corp. in talks to combine outdoor ad groups (International Herald Tribune) The News Corp. chief executive, Rupert Murdoch, has recently expressed nervousness about investments in Russia, where News Outdoor generated the bulk of its revenue last year. SEC Looks Into UAL Stock Scare; Implications For Online News? (paidContent.org via Yahoo! Finance) A ton of digits have been devoted to this in other spots but the SEC's decision to investigate takes it to another level. The backstory: a six-year-old news story about UAL declaring bankruptcy made it into the Tribune-owned Sun-Sentinel's current news flow, was picked up by a Google News bot and, via a reporter for a newsletter, made it onto Bloomberg News. JCDecaux in talks to buy News Corp. billboard unit (AP via Yahoo! Finance) In a deal that would create the world's largest outdoor advertising company, French conglomerate JCDecaux SA said Thursday that it is in talks to buy Russian rival News Outdoor Group from global media company News Corp. Phila. mayor to announce grim budget news (The Philadelphia Inquirer) The Nutter administration is expected to announce grim budget news today, which is all but certain to lead to significant spending cuts - perhaps as high as 10 percent - in some city departments, according to three sources familiar with the budget. News Corp says Mark Williams interim Premiere CEO (Reuters via Yahoo! News) News Corp. executive Mark Williams has taken over as chief executive of German pay-TV broadcaster Premiere in an interim capacity, News Corp. said after the move led to renewed takeover speculation. DIVA TALK: Chatting with In the Heights ' Mandy Gonzalez Plus News of Fraser, Testa and Bundy (Playbill) News, views and reviews about the multi-talented women of the musical theatre and the concert/cabaret stage. Site: news - Google News Palm Shares Soar As New Smartphone Wins Wall Street Praise - CNNMoney.com
MORE RESOURCES: Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for beauty Documentary on beauty hits Napa; local couple get their message out (Napa Valley Register) Is America obsessed with beauty? It?s a question a Napa couple have helped answer in a highly-decorated documentary film about to play in Napa. Fashion Beauty Music (Scoop.co.nz) Drawing only the best crowds, providing a party atmosphere like no otherand always raising the bar, FASHION BEAUTY MUSIC has established itself asa premium high profile event with a reputation of quality. First Beauty Contest for Hybrid Falcons to be Held in Capital (Khaleej Times) abu dhabi ? The International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition ? Abu Dhabi 2008 ? will host the first beauty contest for hybrid falcons, organisers of the event said on Thursday. Beauty from the inside out, outside in (Midland Daily News) They were already, all of them, beautiful young women. But on the stage at Coleman High School early Saturday afternoon, they positively glowed with a new awareness of the unique beauty each possessed. From the audience, cheers, whistles and applause confirmed their newly heightened confidence. FALLING FOR FALL BEAUTY TRENDS (Las Vegas Review-Journal) The fall runways were good to the beauty industry. Rather than send out looks that let the clothes do all the talking, designers collaborated with beauty artists to capture a complete vision. Audience members didn't know which to glue their eyes to, the garments or the hair and makeup. Flaming Gorge: Beauty and variety (The Salt Lake Tribune) Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area - A guy like Emmett Heath, who has spent much of his adult life hanging around Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the Green River, might be excused if he took the area's beauty and wildlife for granted. Real beauty at Palace (Redditch Standard) HIGHLY acclaimed European Ballet presents classic and enchanting ballet Sleeping Beauty at Redditch's Palace Theatre this Sunday (September 14, 5.30pm). Robber strikes beauty supply store in Merced (Merced Sun-Star) Merced police are on the lookout for a man who committed a robbery at Sally's Beauty Supply store on Tuesday. Beauty Therapist (Maternity cover) (World Leisure News) Nuffield Proactive Health has a great opportunity for a Beauty Therapist to work within one of Europe?s largest corporate Wellness facilities in Canary Wharf. This Corporate Club of the Year 2005 is 41,000 sq. ft in size and has a team of 24 members of staff. Delgado's late run a thing of beauty (MLB.com) Delgado's late run a thing of beauty Site: beauty - Google News OQO OLED Notebook Is A Luminous Beauty - Wired News
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Hair Extensions Who gets hair extensions? What are hair extensions, methods, etc.? When can you get hair extensions? Where do you get hair extensions? Why would you get hair extensions? And perhaps the biggest question?. Look Younger Now!: While we have made significant progress in our understanding of the human body and of life, still we find that the vital health and youthfulness we're looking for is somewhat elusive. What we scientists ultimately come to recognize is that the "Fountain of Youth" lies "naturally" within each of us. Learn How To Tan Safely Finally summer has arrived, the sun is warm and inviting and we can ditch that heavy clothing. It's the season to enjoy the outdoors and enjoy that sun. Do You Want To Look Ten Years Younger? Do you want to look ten years younger?Here are twelve beauty tips that are guaranteed to work, if you follow them *all*. There's no point eating fresh fruit and vegetables, and then smoking like a chimney!1. Fragrance and Fun Fight Dry Skin If you are a baby boomer, you might be experiencing dry skin seasonally or everyday. It can be a constant challenge to keep the skin moist and supple; especially when menopause approaches or you live in the cold north or dry desert. Aging is All About Self Esteem Many of you probably think that aging is something that is just part of the normal life cycle. If your concept of the life cycle is then something like "you're born, you age and then you die" then it's not surprizing that this is where you are headed. Soft Hair And Skin Au Naturelle Just picture this, your walking down the beach front, its a warm sunny day, a light breeze in from the sea is gently blowing through your hair gives it more waves than the ocean. People look at you, men admire your hair and the women are jealous, some ask how come your hair is so soft and shiny. How to Use Avocado as Your Hair Care Product Let's role on?life must go on and the life of your natural hair is in your hand. Take care of your hair with avocado and don't let it look dull due of incorrect caring. Foundation Top Picks! Hi, I'm the Fashion & Beauty Consultant for Estate Jewelry International where we don't just sell jewelry but "pamper" the whole you!It's always tough finding the "perfect" foundation for your skin type, color, and texture. Some products are heavy,some don't cover so well, others don't blend well. Eczema: Tips On How To Care For Your Skin Eczema can best be described as a non-contagious skin condition, which is characterized by hot dry itchy skin, with symptoms that often fluctuate seasonally and even over the course of the day. Eczema typically begins in early childhood. Color Contact Lenses - Change Your Eye Color in the Blink of an Eye Did you ever wish that you had a different eye color? Or maybe you just want to do something a bit crazy and have different color eyes for each party? Color contacts can do wonders for your appearance, but only if you select the right type and color. Learn how to get the best out of your color lenses, what your options are and what to consider when selecting color contacts. Achieve Great Beauty Naturally And Win The Fight Against Aging I usually smile with gratitude when friends (and even strangers) sincerely guess my age to be 15 years younger.When they learn the truth about my fight against aging, they take notes and become converts. Sunless Tanning Information & Methods Tanning products, both sunless and sun, go to work on the epidermis, or the outside layer of your skin, and not the dermis or inner layer. However, the layer of epidermis that is affected by sunless versus the layer affected by sun tanning products differs. Splitting Hairs - What Can You Do About Split Ends Isn't it a shame when you have to worry about coveringsplit ends (or trichoptlosis)-the bane of every self-respecting woman's life! They happen when the protectivecuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hairfibers. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry orbrittle hair, and typical causes of damage includeexcessive dying or vigorous brushing. How to Remove Dye From Hair How to remove dye from hair which is designed to .. Looking For A Tanning Bed For Cheap? If you want a tanning bed for cheap there are different ways to go about the project. A tanning bed for cheap may not be as difficult as you think. Rosacea Treatment & Rosacea Skin Care - Can You Cure Rosacea? There is a Solution.... Rosacea is a fairly common skin disorder that primarily affects fair skinned people in their 30's and over. While it's exact cause is difficult to pinpoint, the symptoms of Rosacea are obvious in their manifestation on the facial skin. Cleanse and Stimulate Your Scalp with the Right Shampoo! Shampoo contributes to good hair care. In our quest for the perfect makeup, the vital importance of good hair care is mostly ignored. Effective Make-up and Beauty Tips: Dos and Donts, Avoid These Most Common Mistakes! With the amount of importance given to make-up these days, many women just tend to do a bit too much. Getting the right make-up for the particular occasion is the call of the entire womanhood. Should I Lease A Tanning Bed? You can lease a tanning bed or beds for your salon and it may be the best way to go. There are advantages when you lease a tanning bed or beds.
|
| Home | Site Map | Resource Links |
