Editing Cosmetics (section)

=== Skincare ===

Cleansing is a standard step in skin care routines. Skin cleansing includes some or all of these steps or cosmetics:
* Cleansers or foaming washes are used to remove excess dirt, oil, and makeup left on the skin.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=Soaps and cleansers |url=https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/soaps-and-cleansers/|access-date=2021-03-31|publisher=dermnetnz.org|archive-date=2021-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411001846/https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/soaps-and-cleansers|url-status=live}}</ref> Different cleansing products are aimed at various types of skin, such as sulfate-free cleansers and spin brushes.<ref name="auto"/>
** Cleansing oil, or oil cleanser, is an oil-based solution that gently emulsifies the skin's natural oils and removes makeup. Cleansing oils are typically used as part of a two-step cleansing process. After the skin has been cleansed with an oil cleanser, a second cleanse is done using a mild gel, milk or cream cleanser to ensure any traces of the oil cleanser and makeup are removed.
* Toners are used after cleansing to remove any remaining traces of cleanser and restore the pH of the skin. They may also add some hydration. They are usually applied to a cotton pad and wiped over the skin, but they can be sprayed onto the skin from a spray bottle or poured onto the hand and patted directly onto the skin. Toners usually contain water, [[citric acid]], herbal extracts, and other ingredients. Witch hazel is still commonly used in toners to tighten the pores and refresh the skin. Alcohol is used less often as it is drying and can be irritating to the skin. It may still be found in toners, especially for those with oily skin. Some toners contain active ingredients and target particular skin types, such as tea tree oil, [[salicylic acid]], or [[glycolic acid]].
* Hyperpigmentation treatment: Kojic acid soap, cream, or powder, and Arbutin (a b-D-glucopyranoside derivative of [[hydroquinone]]) serum or cream help get rid of hyperpigmentation spots of the skin.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Sarkar|first1=Rashmi|last2=Arora|first2=Pooja|last3=Garg|first3=K Vijay|date=2013|title=Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available?|journal=Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery|volume=6|issue=1|pages=4–11|doi=10.4103/0974-2077.110089|issn=0974-2077|pmc=3663177|pmid=23723597 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
* [[Facial mask]]s are treatments applied to the skin and then removed. Typically, they are applied to a dry, cleansed face, avoiding the eyes and lips.
** Clay-based masks use kaolin clay or fuller's earth to transport essential oils and chemicals to the skin and are typically left on until completely dry. As the clay dries, it absorbs excess oil and dirt from the surface of the skin and may help to clear blocked pores or draw comedones to the surface. Because of their drying actions, clay-based masks should only be used on oily skins.
** Peel masks are typically gel-like in consistency and contain acids or exfoliating agents to help exfoliate the skin, along with other ingredients to hydrate, discourage wrinkles, or treat uneven skin tone. They are left on to dry and then gently peeled off. They should be avoided by people with dry or sensitive skin because this type of skin tends to be very drying.
** Sheet masks are a relatively new product that is becoming extremely popular in Asia. Sheet masks consist of a thin cotton or fiber sheet with holes cut out for the eyes and lips and cut to fit the contours of the face, onto which serums and skin treatments are brushed in a thin layer; the sheets may be soaked in the treatment. Masks are available to suit almost all skin types and skin complaints. Sheet masks are quicker, less messy, and require no specialized knowledge or equipment for their use compared to other types of face masks, but they may be difficult to find and purchase outside Asia.
** [[Exfoliation (cosmetology)|Exfoliants]] are products that help slough off dead skin cells from the topmost layer of the skin to improve the appearance of the skin. This is achieved either by using mild acids or other chemicals to loosen old skin cells or lightly abrasive substances to physically remove them. Exfoliation can also help even out patches of rough skin, improve cell turnover, clear blocked pores to discourage acne, and improve the appearance and healing of scars.
** Chemical exfoliants include azelaic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, [[malic acid]], mandelic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, papain, and bromelain. They may be found in cleansers, scrubs, and peels, but also leave-on products such as toners, serums, and moisturisers. Chemical exfoliants mainly fall into the categories of AHAs, BHAs, PHAs or enzymes.
** Abrasive exfoliants include gels, creams or lotions, as well as physical objects.
* [[Moisturizer]]s are creams or lotions that hydrate the skin and help it to retain moisture.  Typical components are [[polyol]]s such as [[glycerol]] and [[sorbitol]] as well as partially hydrolyzed proteins.<ref name="Ullmann"/> Tinted moisturizers contain a small amount of foundation, which can provide light coverage for minor blemishes or to even out skin tones. They are usually applied with the fingertips or a cotton pad. 
* Eyes require a different kind of moisturizer compared with the rest of the face. The skin around the eyes is extremely thin and sensitive, and it is often the first area to show signs of aging. Eye creams are typically very light lotions or gels and are usually very gentle; some may contain ingredients such as caffeine or [[Vitamin K]] to reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Eye creams or gels should be applied over the entire eye area with a finger, using a patting motion. Finding a moisturizer with [[Sun Protection Factor|SPF]] is beneficial to prevent aging and wrinkles.
* [[Sunscreen]]s are creams, lotions, sprays, gels, sticks, or other topical projects that protect the skin from the sun. They contain organic or inorganic filters that act to absorb or reflect harmful UV radiation.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|title=British Association of Dermatologists – Sunscreen Fact Sheet|url=https://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet#how-do-sunscreens-work|access-date=2021-03-31|publisher=bad.org.uk|archive-date=2021-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411093845/https://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet#how-do-sunscreens-work|url-status=live}}</ref> Sunscreens are marked with 'spf', which means 'sun protection factor.' This shows that a product provides protection against UVB.<ref name="auto2"/> UVA ratings on sunscreens can be denoted by the number of stars or plus symbols varying among countries.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|title=British Association of Dermatologists – Sunscreen Fact Sheet|url=https://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet#how-do-sunscreens-work|access-date=2021-04-06|publisher=bad.org.uk|archive-date=2021-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411093845/https://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet#how-do-sunscreens-work|url-status=live}}</ref> UVA ratings do not specifically depict the amount of UVA protection a sunscreen is providing but rather the ratio of equal UVA and UVB protection.<ref name="auto3"/> The recommended 'gold standard' of a sunscreen should be at least SPF 30 and at least 4 stars or plus symbols.<ref name="auto3"/> Daily sunscreen application is very important, but use of shade, clothing, and hats are as important and more effective for sun protection.
* Serums are light, easily absorbed liquids that one spreads on their skin. The main purpose of the product is to be applied before moisturizer, and the serum provides a high concentration of any specific ingredient on the face. The benefits of serum are skin firmness, smoothness of the face, and reduction of the fine lines and wrinkles on one's face.