Most women are naturally vain about their looks. As a matter of fact, the cosmetic industry has become a billion-dollar business due to vanity or over-emphasized value attached to physical beauty. This business is all about how to enhance, modify, and improve a woman's appearance. Beauty products of all shapes and sizes, to be used from head to toe, are sold to meet the demands of an aesthetically-conscious female market.

Of all the body parts of a woman, it is perhaps the skin that receives the most attention --- by the person and the companies that produce the products specifically to beautify that body part. The skin is actually the largest organ of the human body. Women pay particular attention to their skin, perhaps as much care as they put into their hair, because it is the most visible part of their body.

A unblemished complexion, made more attractive and alluring by fancy dresses, jewelry and make-up, leads a woman to many doors and windows of opportunity. In a world obsessed with beauty and fashion, an attractive woman is expected to go a very long, long way in terms of her relationships, career and social life.

But women's obsession over skin beauty should not only be for aesthetic purposes. The skin is the body's outer covering and functions as a protection from heat, infection, injury, and harmful ultraviolet rays. The skin also regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D.

The skin has two main layers, namely:

1. Outer Epidermis - the outer layer of the skin mostly made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. The deepest part of the epidermis contains melanocytes and these cells produce
melanin that gives the skin its color.

2. Inner Dermis - this inner layer of the skin contains blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles, and glands. The glands produce sweat as part of regulating body temperature. It also produces serum, which is an oily substance that keeps the skin from drying out. When the sweat and serum reach the skin's surface through tiny openings called pores. When these pores are blocked, congested with dirt, or become infected, skin breakouts occur. Skin breakouts may come in the form of acne, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, congested pores, and cysts.

Preventing or controlling oily skin is a must for every woman, or person for that matter. Excess oil can block the skin pores and result in more breakouts. Skin care experts may opt to prescribe certain medications like oral or injected steroids, iodides and bromides to control excessive oil production. Certain jobs, usually those that involve working in the field or in hot environments, also contribute to skin problems. The unsanitary work environment prevents a person from maintaining skin cleanliness.

SKIN CARE SOLUTIONS

Some of the more common skin care solutions include the use of the following products:

l Cleanser
l Exfoliator
l Moisturizer
l Sunblock
l Toner

The use of these products help promote elasticity and good complexion. Proper skin maintenance takes more than just having a face-washing regimen. The use of these products is necessary to have a blemish-free skin.

SKIN CARE TREATMENT

1. Vitamin C Antioxidant Concentrate - is proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen,it helps keep a youthful glow and delays the aging process of the skin.

2. 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Oil-Control Gel - is a mattifying gel base which dissolves excess surface oil. This treatment is highly recommend for oily skin types.

A thorough skin care routine is important to keep our largest organ in tip-top shape. Other skin care tips that one should consider include having regular visits to a dermatologist; drinking plenty of water; eating a balanced diet; and getting enough sleep. To prevent skin allergies, it is important to be aware about the ingredients of every skin care product you use.