Facing the New Year :: Beauty :: Skin Care

Facing the New Year
by author Ann Harmer

What’s this? A miner’s headlamp on your forehead? You’ve just awakened to find a giant pimple there, and you know your skin was clear the night before. And it would appear on the same day as the big dinner/dance. Emergency action is called for, but don’t panic.

First of all, relax. Stress may have contributed to this zit in the first place, and getting yourself in a twist can’t help. Even though this blemish appears massive to you, other people probably won’t even notice it.

Damage Control

Start by looking at your natural health store for products made specifically for acne-prone skin. One type of foundation contains light-reflecting pigments that make blemishes appear less noticeable. Use a light touch when applying foundation to keep your skin looking natural.

Then choose a liquid or stick concealer–one with yellow tints will help mask the redness of the pimple. Apply it with a cotton-tipped applicator or a small sponge as warmth from your fingers will dilute the product and reduce its effectiveness. Dot on a small amount and blend in the edges.

Now it’s time for a dusting of powder to set your makeup. Again, look for products that reduce shine. You’ll want to keep the powder clean, so wash your puffs and brushes frequently; don’t leave them in the powder, and replace them often.

At this point, if your zit still seems obvious, lightly dot on a bit more concealer. Then leave it alone and focus on adding drama to your face with smoky eyeshadow, subtle blush, or a great shade for your lips.

While you may want to wear your hair in a style that conceals blemishes, this doesn’t help in the long run. Your skin will stay cleaner if you keep your hair off your face.

Deterrence Strategies

Make a point of keeping your hands away from your face, not resting your chin on your hands, and definitely not picking at blemishes. Make a habit of washing your face first thing in the morning. Use a gentle water-soluble cleanser and tepid water, but don’t scrub hard, as that will only irritate the skin. Also, wash your face at bedtime–going to bed with a day’s accumulated grime on your skin invites oily spots.

Drink two glasses of water each day before breakfast, and make sure you get at least six more throughout the day. Health professionals advise us to take in plenty of clear fluids that flush out toxins and keep our bodies hydrated.

Think of other ways to keep oil and bacteria from accumulating on your skin: If you’re on the phone a great deal, clean the receiver regularly or consider using a headset. Change your pillowcase every two or three days. Use a clean washcloth each time you wash your face. When freshening up your makeup, clean your face and start again, rather than applying new makeup over old.

Your face is ready for the party, and you’re ready with a plan for cleaner and clearer skin. Now go out and have fun–let your inner radiance shine through, and you can forget all about that headlamp.

Ann Harmer is a freelance writer and editor and lives in Garden Bay on BCâ€™s Sunshine Coast.

Source: alive #279, January 2006

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