Ruddy skin-that is, a preplexion-has much in common with fair skin. Both tend to be dry, sensitive and prone to sun damage. And like fair skinned folks, people with ruddy skin are more likely to develop rosacea, a chronic but treatable condition that commonly affects the skin of people of Northern European descent.
It’s possible to have a ruddy complexion without developing rosacea. But whether you have plain ruddy skin or rosacea, a gentle skin care routine will help keep your complexion calm.
These tips can help jeep your complexion at its loveliest.
Use a gentle soap. If your skin isn’t excessively dry, choose a soap without added emollients. You may also try a foaming face wash. If your skin is very dry, opt for a soap with added emollients.
Above all, avoid antibacterial and deodorant soaps, as they can irritate your skin.
The right way to wash. If you have ruddy skin, avoid abrasive facial pads or washcloths-they’re tough on your complexion. Rather, massage your cleanser into your skin with your fingertips, then rinse well with plenty of lukewarm water. Cleanser residue can cause irritation. Then gently blot your face dry with a thick cotton towel.
Nix alcohol-based products. If your ruddy skin is normal or dry, avoid toners or astringents. But if you have oily skin or combination skin, with an oily forehead, nose and chin (the T-zone), and feel you must use one of these products, opt for an alcohol-free toner.
Moisturize if you must. The perception is that people of Northern European descent have drier skin. But ruddy skin can be oily or dry. Your T-zone may produce enough oil that you don’t need to use a moisturizer in this area. But with ruddy skin, it’s often necessary to moisturize the cheeks.
Some Do’s and Don’ts for Ruddy Skin
Do…
Use a mild cleanser.
Wear shades of makeup that can help downplay ruddiness.
Camouflage extreme ruddiness by using a green underbase.
Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or above every day.
See a dermatologist if you suspect rosacea.
Don’t…
Cleanse skin with abrasive products.
Use astringents and toners. If you feel you must use these products, opt for an alcohol-free toner.
Moisturize your T-zone if it’s oily.
Forget to use sunscreen every time you go outdoors.

Sun-Damaged Skin
When you were a child, did you get at least one bad sunburn? Were you a sun worshiper as a teenager or young adult. Often baking in the sun bathed in a generous coating of baby oil? Did you regularly play tennis or golf, sail, garden or power-walk in the park without first slathering on a strong sunscreen?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it’s likely that your skin has suffered some degree of sun damage (called photoaging)-even if you don’t use see it yet. That’s because sun damage sneaks up on you like a thief, eventually robbing unprotected skin of its youthful appearance and turning it leathery, yellowed, blotchy and wrinkled.
Happily, it’s never too late to start protecting your skin from the sun or repair even decades of sun damage. And since photoaging is every woman’s concern, it’s wise to add some elements of this sun-damaged home-repair kit to your primary skin-care routine, regardless of your complexion, skin type or age.
Avoiding the sun and using a strong sunscreen every day are the cornerstones of this at-home program. But a dermatologist can offer further treatment options if you need them, or even help you prevent sun damage before it shows up on your skin, says specialists.
The majority of sun damage occurs before your 18th birthday, according to a leading plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Sun damage occurs within the skin very early in life, but you may not see it in the mirror for decades.
What’s more, it doesn’t take much sun to harm your skin. Even two bad sunburns can start the ball rolling. And as appealing as it may look, a suntan is just a slower type of sun damage. Even if you always had a glorious tan, all those golden moments will add up to prematurely aged skin.
Worst of all, sun damage is cumulative. Every minute you’re out in the sun without sunscreen-biking through the park, driving in your car, even walking to and from the corner store-can age your skin. So anyone who’s serious about maintaining youthful-looking skin needs to stop soaking in the sun and start avoiding it. The benefits: a smoother, more lustrous complexion that out-glows any suntan.
If your like many people, you know wearing sunscreen protects your skin-but you keep forgetting to use it. Or you don’t want to add another step to your skin-care routine. Or you just can’t give up that sun-kissed glow. No more excuses: It’s easier then ever to shield your skin from sun damage or give up your complexion the sun-kissed glow you crave.
Simplify your sun protection. Don’t want to use sunscreen, moisturizer and foundation? Streamline your beauty routine by using a moisturizer or foundation with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. These products offer you a convenient way to get your daily dose of sunscreen-and you’ll never forget to apply it.
Use a ‘screen’, fake a tan. You don’t have to be a “paleface” to protect your skin: One of the many self-tanners on the market can give you the sun-bronzed look you crave. But self-tanners are absolutely not a substitute for sunscreen. So don’t neglect to slather on the SPF 15 whenever you step outdoors.

Healthier, More Vibrant Looking Skin,

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Dear Friend and Fellow Skin Care Enthusiast,

I’d like to take just a few minutes and introduce myself. My name is Kim Hartley, and I am a skin care specialist. I have been researching skin care for several years, and have gained a lot of helpful information and can provide expert advice on skin and hair related issues. My aim is to share with you all that I’ve learned, so you can also have younger, healthier, more vibrant looking skin, free to you, with my compliments.

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As you can see, sensitive skin can be hard to pin down. But there’s lots you can do to help keep temperamental skin calm and clear.

For years, most dermatologists didn’t take sensitive skin too seriously. But that’s changing. Sensitive skin is common and is finally receiving serious attention.

There’s no hard and fast definition of sensitive skin. That’s why you’re the best judge of whether you have it. “Anytime I put something on my skin, I break out!”, is an often heard complaint of people with sensitive skin.

According to some dermatologists, sensitive skin has certain characteristics: It’s easily irritated by environmental factors like dust and eczema and reacts to certain cosmetic ingredients with irritation or allergy. Sensitive skin is likely to be even more sensitive if it’s affected by another skin condition like seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea.

Winter cold, summer heat, dry air and dust can all provoke sensitive skin. So try to calm your hide by adjusting your environment.

Come in from the cold. Your skin feels more sensitive during the winter because it gets dry and dehydrated. If cold weather aggravates your skin, follow a routine for dry skin. You might also use a humidifier to help keep the air-and your skin-moist.

Beat the heat. Your own perspiration can irritate your skin, so try to keep your environment cool. But don’t park yourself too close to a fan or air conditioner. High-airflow environment can have a terribly drying effect on skin.

Also, consider skipping foundation in hot weather. Face makeup can block your pores, prevent your perspiration from evaporating and possibly trigger a breakout.

Keep your guard up. House dust, molds, grasses, mildew and pet dander can make sensitive skin go haywire. So keep an eye out for potential trigger factors.

Soften your water. Use a water softener if you live in a hard water area. Removing excess minerals from the water may improve its rinsability, washing away cleaner residue that-if left on your face-can rile sensitive skin.

Softer water can also help in the laundry room. Using towels that contain detergent residue can irritate your skin.

The most common reasons for dry skin are most likely caused by repeated use of certain chemicals found in soapy cleansers, use of non-mineral cosmetics, and of course our environment, cold weather and wind can cause havoc on our skin. At this point a need to hydrate your skin is essential.

During menopause our hormones are changing and depleting, therefore bringing more problems for our skin. The use of a good shielding moisturizer on a daily basis is vitally important.

As we age and start menopause, we loose lipids, our levels of certain hormones can become unbalanced and even depleted. The skin is affected and starts to thin out and loose its “rebound” so to speak. At this point it is important to take a step back and make some changes to your daily skin care regime.

Below are just a few helpful tips to start to combat your menopausal dry skin.

* Start to introduce healthy oils in your diet, such as omega 3 found in certain fish, like salmon. You can also take this in through supplements.

* When using a sunscreen, (even in the winter months) take special care to find a natural sunblock to protect your skin from UV rays.

*Getting your required sleep is a must. Although this can be difficult when going through menopause because of possible hot flashes and night sweats.

* Commit to an exercise program of at least 20 minutes a day. Walking or light aerobics will do just fine. Along with the cardio aspect, incorporate some toning of the muscles as well. As your body needs the exercise, your face can benefit from facial exercises as well.

* When using products for your basic skin care, it is best to start with a non-soapy cleanser

. Then use a shielding moisturizer, toner, and a gentle exfoliater 2-3 times a week to get rid of the dead skin cells.

* Try changing your liquid foundation to a mineral based, natural foundation, as they are actually healthy and not drying to your skin.

Growing older can be a good thing. You have life experiences that make you wiser and more knowledgeable, and have accomplished many great things. Keep your body and mind fit and take care to hydrate your skin. Go out there and enjoy life!

Kim Hartley is a skin care specialist. She has helped hundreds of people improve the look and feel of their skin, reverse hair loss and get rid of cellulite for good. Make sure you read my article on Galvanic Spa