WHAT IS SKIN?
What is skin? What types of skin are there? Why does age make a difference in the way skin looks? What does the sun do to our skin? There are several factors affecting our skin. We each react to these influences in different ways, which makes each one's skin uniquely different from someone else's.

AGE - As the body ages, the sebaceous glands usually become less active and produce less oil. Poorly lubricated skin may not retain water as easily and, as a result, the facial surface may dry out. Skin also becomes less elastic with age. Due to sun exposure and the natural process of aging, a breakdown in the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis causes the skin to lose its firm texture. Generally, more frequent moisturizing is needed.

HORMONAL INFLUENCE - Hormone levels can contribute to the amount of sebum (oil) the sebaceous glands produce. Our hormone levels may fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Birth control pills can also cause hormonal changes which may influence skin functions.

ENVIRONMENT - This category includes many elements that have an impact on the skin:

• Hot and humid - Generally, the skin becomes oilier and may need to be cleansed more frequently to counteract the excess sebum produced.
• Hot and dry - Skin tends to dry out at a faster rate than natural sebum can be produced, so extra moisturizing is often needed.
• Cold - Tends to dry the skin; moisturizing more frequently or switching to a stronger moisturizer may be necessary to keep the skin moist and protected.

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION - The element of sunlight that most seriously affects the skin, UV radiation, can cause permanent damage when it penetrates your skin. Ultraviolet rays cause the skin to lose its elasticity, speed up the wrinkling process and cause premature aging of the skin. Ultraviolet radiation is made up of three types of rays, two of which reach the earth's surface and are capable of causing damage to the skin.

IDENTIFYING SKIN TYPES
DRY SKIN is characterized by small pores and a matte or dull finish with little or no superficial oil or shine. Expression lines are quick to form on dry skin, especially around the eyes and mouth. Dry skin is most common in women over 50 and those who live in either hot or cold, low-humidity climates. Dry skin can develop among women who don't protect their skin from outdoor elements. Such skin becomes rough and may flake or crack.

COMBINATION OILY / NORMAL is healthy-looking skin with a smooth texture and some oiliness in the T-zone area -- the area forming a T across the forehead and down the nose and chin. When properly cared for, lines and wrinkles seldom form on this type of skin until late in life.

OILY SKIN results when the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, giving skin a shiny appearance and sometimes a greasy or sticky feel that is present several hours after cleansing. It is also characterized by larger pores than other skin types and is more prone to breakouts, clogged pores and blemishes. Pore size is determined by closely looking at a clean face to see if the pores can somewhat be seen, can be seen or can easily be seen around the nose and out toward the cheeks. Your observation determines small, medium or large pores respectively. Oily skin tends to wrinkle less readily than drier skin types. The large amount of oil on the skin's surface helps the upper layers retain water and protect the skin from environmental causes of dryness. In any case, the benefits of the stabilized Aloe Vera preserved in Deborah's Collection can balance your natural pH while revitalizing and rejuvenating any type of skin, creating a natural, healthy glow.

SENSITIVE SKIN
The problem of sensitive skin can certainly be a problem for some individuals. We understand how worrisome this condition can be and realize these individuals are searching desperately for a solution. First, let's say, there has never been a substance, whether natural or synthetic, that does not provoke an allergic reaction on someone...somewhere. However, Deborah's Collection has worked diligently to provide you with a product least likely to create sensitivity. Deborah's Collection products are not only created from the healing properties of stabilized Aloe Vera, but are pH balanced eliminating irritating possibilities. This means all ingredients and preservatives have been carefully screened to exclude any substances that are known to be irritating to the skin. As a precaution, we recommend that someone with sensitive skin try one product at a time, allowing four to five days before adding another product. We recognize that your rewards may come slower; however, we feel the end results will give greater satisfaction and lasting benefits.

ACNE OR PROBLEM SKIN?
Acne, like mumps, measles, or chicken pox, is a disease; but unlike these diseases, the cause is not fully understood. In the treatment of acne, dermatologists sometimes recommend a complete program of topical skin care, hair and scalp care, dietary control, general health measures, and oral antibiotics. The skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands) play a major role in creating acne. These glands are found all over the body except the palms and the soles and tops of the feet. The largest and most numerous glands are on the scalp, forehead, and cheeks, where they may number as many as 5,800 per square inch. They are also found in significant size and numbers on the back, neck, shoulders, and chest. Each oil gland is attached to a hair follicle (the cavity at the base of the hair) and has the main function of producing "sebum," an oily substance which helps keep the skin soft and smooth. When these oil glands become over-active, as they frequently do when a person reaches puberty, too much oil is produced, and the result is clogged pores, which may then become infected. Anyone can acquire the disease of acne, but because the body's oil glands are the most active during the teen years, persons from the age of 11 to 20 are the most likely prospects. The most common forms of acne are:

• Blackheads: oil which has clogged the pores, hardened, and become discolored by exposure to the air.
• Whiteheads: clogged pores which are covered by a thin layer of skin.
• Pimples: clogged pores which have become inflamed or infected and filled with pus. Cysts and nodules are more severe forms of acne. All of these can leave disfiguring scars unless the skin is properly cared for with regularity and consistency. Although Deborah's acne skin care program cannot "cure" the cause of acne, it has effectively improved the symptoms in hundreds of cases. In many cases, the program has aided in reducing topical infections and in preventing permanent scarring. Be aware of the fact that what you see on your face is the end result of what's happening underneath. Because of this, your condition may worsen before improvement begins. The products recommended in our acne skin-care program have been especially formulated with the problem skin in mind. They are the highest quality products we know, and Stabilized Aloe Vera Jelly has been utilized to its best advantage in the formulations.

THE MALES ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Virtually every procedure in the acne skin-care program is recommended for both males and females. Fortunately males of all ages may benefit from a complete program of skin care.

THE DO'S IN THE CARE OF ACNE:

1. Do get plenty of sleep. The general health of the body can have an effect on acne.
2. Do get plenty of exercise. Make sure the body is functioning regularly.
3. Do maintain a well-balanced diet. Omit foods that seem to aggravate acne. (Orange juice and citrus fruits should be omitted.)
4. Do avoid tension and stress. This, again, seems to aggravate acne.
5. Do keep hair and scalp, along with hairbrushes and combs, sparkling clean at all times.
6. Do follow your skin-care procedures thoroughly and regularly to remove as much oil and bacteria as possible
7. Do be consistent with your acne program. Healthier-looking skin is the reward of diligence.

1. Don't squeeze or touch acne blemishes. This pushes the infection deep into the skin where it can spread.
2. Don't add to your problem by transferring the bacteria from your hands to your face.
3. Don't re-use a wet face cloth. Bacteria thrive and multiply in a wet environment.
4. Don't wear heavy or compressed make-up. It clogs the pores.
5. Don't use oil-based make-up preparations.
6. Don't worry about your condition. Stress and anxiety can aggravate acne.
7. Don't give up. Consistent use of our acne skin-care program will produce recognizable results.