Facial massage is a popular method, which has been used from time immemorial to improve the quality of facial skin. It has been touted by the beauticians as a panacea for all ills of the face (a total exaggeration!). The cream massage increases the blood supply of the facial skin. This is the thought to keep the skin supple and prevent premature aging of the skin. However, the greatest benefit of the massage is that it relaxes you and this effect is enhanced by adding aromatic oils.

Following the massage, the face may or may not be steamed. This is done using a hot towel or a steaming gadget and though the beautician may tell you that it open the pores of the skin, steaming actually enhances the relaxation of the face and gives a feeling of warmth. The present vogue of applying face packs has been attributed to a combination of the psycho logic and cleansing effects of the face pack. The warmth and tightening resulting from the application produces a sensation of rejuvenation of the facial skin, whilst the colloidal and adsorptive clays and earths present in some of the packs adsorb skin debris, grease and dirt.

Problems After Facial Massage:

Facial beauty treatments are soothing and relaxing procedures, but can definitely result in some problems like an eruption quite like acne can occur 4-6 weeks after a facial massage. In this, large pimples develop on the cheek and these heal after a long time leaving behind dark scars. Sometimes, exotic ingredients of the creams can cause allergic reactions.

Basically all face masks have some sort of a cleansing action. Various ingredients are used in the masks, depending on the skin type and to some extent on the availability of materials. Clays form an important constituent of many face masks as they are excellent adsorbing agents. Gums and polymers are added to lend sticking properties to the clays. They help to remove dirt, sebum, and dead skin so that the skin looks clean, soft and youthful. Fuller’s earth is a special kind of clay often used in face packs. It contains aluminum silicate.

As it dries on the skin, it absorbs the superficial dead cells and blots up any excessive oil on the skin. It is therefore excellent for an oily skin but should not be used on a dry skin. Kaolin also fine clay which has long been used for tummy upsets because it absorbs toxins from the system. When used on the skin it removes grime, oils and dead cells. Kaolin is again ideally suited for oily skins and best avoided on skins and best avoided on dry skins. Another ingredient of some of the masks is the peeling or the exfoliating agent these removes the top layer of dead cells from the skin, leaving behind fresh youthful skin. They are usually well tolerated and brighten up a dull complexion. Oatmeal and bran are the commonly used for peelers.

Oat meal is obtained from oats. It is rich in vitamin B and vitamin E. for the last named content; it has been attributed with anti-aging qualities. However, it is quite unlikely that the contact for a short time, as during the application of the face pack, would benefit the skin. The rather youthful appearance of the skin after use of oatmeal containing masks is due to the removal of the superficial dead skin and the appearance of the younger skin on the surface. This effect is similar to the effect of epidermabrasion, a technique which we have already discussed.

Although cosmetics are formulated from the same basic ingredients, the manufacturer does sometimes make a few additions and alterations – oils, for example, may be obtained from very inexpensive sources or may have terrifically esoteric origins. This single factor can rocket the price of the cosmetic, although there is no proof to suggest that the expensive oils are in any way superior in performance to the cheaper ones. Perfumes can also dramatically affect the cost of the product.

Expensive perfumes will inflate the price of a cosmetic, without really improving its performance in any way. As a matter of fact, perfumes are a frequent cause of allergic reactions. The addition of some other exotic substances can also hike up the price. Packaging and advertising greatly influence the cost of the product. The amount of scientific and technical expertise that has gone behind the product can greatly escalate the price. Finally, the brand name greatly influences the amount of money you are going to pay for the product. Dressing up is not just the art of applying makeup.

It is much more than that. It is truly a blend of art and science, requiring a spirit of adventure, the courage to some amount of perseverance, and the desire to look good. But since all these are present in you, just read on – follow the steps and you are sure to emerge a winner. First of all, you must select your cosmetics the color and form of the makeup are both very important. Then you must prepare yourself for applying the makeup. Only then should you venture to apply make-up.

Facial make-up or foundations are pigmented products intended for application on the face and the neck. They color the skin evenly and hide facial imperfections such as scars, depressions and dark and light colored areas. Foundations come in several forms like emulsions, creams, liquids, gels, cakes and powders – these different forms contain the same basic ingredients, but differ in texture and finish, because the components are present in different proportions. The basic formulation of the foundation is based on coloring agents (usually derived from iron oxide or titanium oxide), a wax (which gives an even flow and smooth finish), some form of cellulose (to make the foundation thick and adherent), an emulsifier, preservatives, and usually a perfume. Several forms of foundations are available. You must choose your foundation correctly and for this you need to know the effect of each of the forms.

Emulsions:

These are packaged in tubes and are formulated for a variety of skin types – for dry skins, oily skins and normal skins. They give less sheen than cream or liquid foundations, but cover blemishes very well.

Creams:

These are packaged in jars. As they contain a high proportion of oils, they are particularly suitable for dry skins. They also provide a heavy cover, but give a glossy finish.

Liquids:

These are packaged in bottles and can be formulated for all skin types – so look at the label before you purchase! Along with the cake variety, they are the commonest type of foundation used. They give a light sheen cover but are too light to cover any blemishes and scars.

Gels:

These are packaged in squeeze tubes. They give a light, natural look and are the variety you should use if you have a blemish free normal skin.

Cakes or sticks:

These are the solid forms of foundation. Since they have a drying effect, use them on an oily skin. They give a dense matt cover and are good for covering blemishes and scars.

The answers is a definition no. as a matter of fact, they are really good for the skin: they act as a barrier for the skin protecting it against dirt, wind and environmental pollutants; they also act as sun-screens guarding the skin against the ill-effects of the sun. Since foundations also contain moisturizing agents, they balance the moisture levels of the skin. At the same time, they also act as an all-day blotting agent controlling the facial oiliness. Some foundations may even contain medication to dry up pimples. Psychologically, the effects of foundation are dramatic too! They help in improving your looks: they even out tones, improve skin color and texture, and disguise blemishes – all true morale boosters, working wonders for your confidence.

The idea that foundation may be harmful for the skin is based on the wrong notion that it blocks the skin pores (where sweat glands and sebaceous glands open); as a result it is thought that the skin cannot breathe and perspire. This concept is absolutely ridiculous, because make-up is not airtight, so it definitely cannot occlude the skin pores and so does not affect the functioning of the skin glands at all. However, if you use a foundation which does not suit your skin type, you might develop problems: for instance, if you have an oily skin and you use a foundation formulated for dry skin (containing more oil), you could develop pimples. This can easily be remedied by changing over to a suitable preparation. However you may develop an allergy to the foundation, in which case you should either stop using foundation or change over to somewhat safer hypo –allergic products.