Clear Solutions Skin Care

Normal Skin

Normal skin is the most common of the skin types. It is the skin type we all wish we had! It is usually soft and plump with small to medium size pores. Normal skin has good elasticity and is smooth and firm to the touch. It is balanced and already neutralized, but it is still important, however, to deliver proper nutrients and moisture to ensure that keeps its dewiness. For Normal Skin, we suggest that you consider the following from our product line:

Combination Skin

Combination skin is when one part of the face may be dry while another is oily. The term "T-Zone" refers to combination skin types where the forehead, nose and chin are oily, but the cheeks and the area around the eyes is either normal or dry. This fits the majority of combination skin types except for a small percentage who may have symptoms such as a pimply forehead or cheeks that are dry where all else is normal. In some cases, the skin could be normal everywhere outside the T-Zone. This is still considered combination skin.

Many people with combination skin react to the weather and different climates. For instance, in warmer weather, the skin may be much oilier and does need to moisturized as much. However, in colder weather and at higher altitudes, moisturizer may be all that is needed. Also, elasticity may vary on the face. Collagen-promoting supplement can help when added to your skincare regime. For Combination Skin, we suggest that you consider the following from our product line:

Balancing Facial Wash
Medicated Pumice Wash/Scrub
5% BPO Medication - for minor breakouts
2.5% Salicylic Acid Solution
Glycolic Acid Gel
5% BPO Medication with Sulfur Masque - for minor breakouts
Eye Repair Cream
Moisture Balancing Cream - if you are oily
Moisture Renewal Cream - if you need more Hydration
Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 with UVA/UVB - if you are oily
Anti-Aging Sun Barrier SPF 30 with UVA/UVB

Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterized by tightness, fine lines and flakiness. Too much sun, wind, dehydration and certain types of indoor environmental conditions all exacerbate the dry skin condition. It can also be caused by soaps which tend to drying, in general. Most of time, however, it is genetically determined and hormonally triggered. It can be a natural consequence of the aging process as oil production slows down. It is important to use moisturizer, but be careful. Many tend to "overload" the skin, using too much moisturizer and clogging their pores. Using the right moisturizer that is noncomedegenic will properly balance the skin while leaving the pores clear. Exfoliation is another key to proper dry skin care. Sloughing off dry, dead skin is essential for the health of the skin a swell as a more youthful complexion. Gentle exfoliation should be a part of daily skin care. For Dry Skin, we suggest that you consider the following from our product line:

Mild Facial Wash
Medicated Pumice Wash/Scrub-to slough off flaky skin
Glycolic Acid Gel-to slough off dry and ashy skin
2.5% Salicylic Acid Solution--if Salicylic is not tolerated
Eye Repair Cream
Moisture Renewal Cream--if you need less Hydration
Day and Night Repair Cream
Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 with UVA/UVB
Anti-Aging Sun Barrier SPF 30 with UVA/UVB

Oily Skin

Oily skin happens when there is an overproduction of oil or sebum on the face. It is characterized with a greasy or shiny appearance and usually has large pores. These pores are usually more visible and, due to excess oil, are more prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. One of the problems with oily skin is it special hydration needs. Many times it can become too dry due to the harsh chemicals that usually go into ordinary acne treatment products. In an attempt to dry out the skin from excess oil, the products zap the skin of the hydration balance needed to maintain soft skin.

The result is actually more oil production which leads to surface grease, making the problem worse. Oily skin requires hydration that is light weight, non greasy and noncomedegenic. Exfoliation is a must as well as a deep cleansing cleanser and clay-based sulfur masques. These will help with the bacteria associated with acne as well as minimizing large pores. For Oily Skin, we suggest that you consider the following from our product line:

** For mature skin that tends to be oily:

Environmentally Damaged Skin

This is the newest skin type to be recognized by dermatologists worldwide. Because our environment, specifically the sun, is changing due to global warming, pollution and other environmental factors, doctors are seeing skin damage that effects both young and aging skin. Rough texture, uneven skin tone, broken capillaries, brown spots and premature aging are all symptoms of stress caused by the elements. In addition, it dries and thickens skin exacerbating and deepening superficial lines and wrinkles. It also slows skin cell renewal causing skin to look dull and lifeless.

This damage is most visible on the face, neck and chest, but it can also be seen on the hands and arms. Exfoliation is a must, as well as Vitamin C treatments, and of course, sunscreen is imperative. It is important to treat the symptoms and repair the damage that goes deep into the skin. For Environmentally Damaged Skin, we suggest that you consider the following from our product line:

These products have been specially formulated to combat environmental damage. The serums and gel work deep into the molecular structure of the skin repairing as they penetrate. The Sun Barrier, when used daily, will guard against skin discolorations and brown spots, helping to minimize those already present. Moisturizing both the face and eye area helps prevent new lines from forming while softening those already there. And of course, a good, mild facial wash will help to lift the impurities from pollution and regular everyday grime giving a clean and healthy radiance.

Aging Skin

Aging and environmentally damaged skin types differ in the source from which they come. Aging skin is a natural process of life and is primarily genetically and hormonally triggered but is also exacerbated by the environment and lifestyle. Environmental damage is primarily man-made pollutants that surround us in the atmosphere we experience daily. Complicating matters is the ever-increasing hot sun that shamelessly beats upon us. This is not a natural, internal process, thus effecting all of us young and old. Aging skin is characterized by dehydration, wrinkles, dullness, uneven pigment, loss of elasticity and thinning skin. It is the result of a gradual decrease of estrogen as a woman ages. Genetics also play a big role in the way the skin ages. If your mother has beautiful skin, chances are good that you will have beautiful skin, as well.

Treating the symptoms of aging skin as well as repairing the damage from excessive sun exposure is imperative for youthful looking skin. But it is also important to treat aging skin from the inside, as well. Eating right is a necessity in addition to a good multi-vitamin as well as Vitamins E, A and C. They are essential for not only good nutrition but for beautiful skin. "You are what you eat" most certainly applies to the condition of our skin as we age. For Aging Skin, we suggest that you consider the following from our product line:

For a complete menu of our Anti-Aging skin care products, please click here.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is skin that is easily irritated by environmental factors, cosmetics or perfumes. The skin burns more easily, and rashes and burning sensations are common. Overexposure to the sun, wind and extreme shifts in temperature are problematic, and certain dyes and perfumed lotions and creams wreak havoc. If you have sensitive skin, the key is to "take it slowly". You really will have to do skin tests on most products to see which ones you do not react to. It is important to read all labels, making sure you choose products that are fragrance-free, color-free and preservative-free.

If you have acne, be careful not to over-do your treatment; spot treat instead. At the first sign of irritation, discontinue use at least until your skin has a chance to heal. With Sensitive skin, it is important to deliver moisture and nutrients without irritation. For Sensitive Skin, we suggest that you consider the following from our product line:

5% BPO Medication with Sulfur Masque is good for the spot treatment of acne. Do not put this all over the face, however, and remember to do a test on the inside of your lower arm to be certain this is non-irritating.

Acne Prone Skin

Acne prone skin is characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, redness and inflammation. Though is not "curable", it is highly treatable and with excellent results. Acne is genetically determined and hormonally triggered, but it doesn't just happen to teens. Many adults suffer from acne due to hormonal fluctuations as well as stress. Those pimples you get on your jar line, during adulthood, are most likely due to your level of stress. There are many women in their 40s and 50s who have acne.

One of the goals for treating acne is to treat existing lesions and prevent new breakouts from forming. Controlling the secretion of oil from oil glands is necessary in the prevention of future acne lesions. Daily deep cleansing as well as daily exfoliation are imperative for keeping pores clear and bacteria under control. For Acne Prone Skin, we suggest that you consider the following from our product line:

What's My Skin Type?