Skin Skin Skin

By Andrea York
Licensed Cosmetologist
© 1995 Andrea York and Transgender Forum

I am very pleased to be able to share with you the first of a series of how-to articles for the Transgender Forum. I will be sharing advice and tips on how you may always look your best. I plan to be discussing a wide range of topics, from skin care and foundation coverage to undertones, application and corrective make-up. I look forward to both your input and your questions, and I will do the very best I can to respond to everyone.

The most important aspect of looking good is taking good care of your skin. That simply means a daily simple skin care routine, including sun protection. Remember... if you keep your skin soft, supple and lovely, your foundation application will be much easier and your coverage will look much better.

First you must establish for yourself which skin type you have and whether you have small, medium or large pores. Answer the following question: how does your face feel five hours after you wash it? Dry, tight, oily or soft?

(1) If your face is dry and tight, you have dry skin and probably small or medium pores.

(2) If your face feels soft and supple, you most likely have normal skin and small or medium pores.

(3) If your face is beaming with oil, you have (hello!) oily skin, and you probably have large pores.

(4) If the t-zone area (nose, forehead, chin) is oily and the rest of your face is dry or normal, you have combination skin, and you must treat each area of your face in accordance with the condition of that area.

Once you have established your skin type, it will be easy for you to start your regimen. Here is an excellent place to make a very important point. Once you have established the routine for you, YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW IT! Otherwise (surprise surprise), it will not work!

You may or may not also be aware that your skin type may change with the seasons. During the colds months, your skin may get excessively dry from the weather. In the hot days of summer, you may become extremely oily. Don't insist on giving your skin a permanent label. Instead, treat each area appropriately for the season.

Some Helpful Guidelines for Skin Care

An important point before we start.... NO SOAP! Soap only makes your skin dry. Use it for your feet... not your face.

FOR DRY SKIN...
Cleanse with a milky cleanser
Tone with a skin toner
Moisturize with a hydrating creme

FOR NORMAL SKIN...
Cleanse with a milky cleanser
Tone with a skin toner
Moisturize with Retextur Creme

FOR OILY SKIN...
Cleanse with a foaming facial wash
Tone with an astringent
Moisturize with... nothing!

FOR COMBINATION SKIN...
Cleanse with a milky cleanser on dry/normal areas; a foaming facial wash on oily areas
Tone with a skin toner on dry/normal areas; an astringent on oily areas
Moisturize depending on the area

Eye Balm

Everyone should use an eye cream under the eyes to keep that area hydrated. This is where the thinnest skin on the body is, and no matter what skin type you have, this area will dry up and wrinkle, if not properly cared for.

At Night

After you have had make-up on, you must make sure that you have removed all of your make-up before cleansing your skin.

This should have provided you with a basic set of skin treatment guidelines. Next time, I will be discussing face contouring. Working with light and dark to accent the positives and minimize the negatives. Remember: LOOKING GOOD CAN BE LEARNED, and I will be here to help you look your best!

Andrea York is a well-known Licensed Cosmetologist and Make-Up Artist in New York City. She is highly respected, having made both men and women look superb for over twelve years. Andrea launched her own cosmetics line in 1986, after having found that high quality, reasonably priced products were scarce. She has helped many transgender clients achieve the exact look which they had sought but found unattainable without her expertise. You may contact her at york@interport.net with questions.

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