3. Answer the questions.

1. What has put extreme pressure on regular individuals, men and women, to pay more attention to there appearance?

2. Why are companies continually developing better, more effective and more natural products?

3. What are the main areas of skin care products?

4. What forms do usually cleansers, toners and moisturizers come in?

5. What are cleansers applied for?

6. How do the toners act?

7. What are scrubs and peel masks applied for?

8. What famous skin care product brand names do you know?

9. What do the companies use in there advertisement campaign?

10. What skin care product brand is your favourite?

Text b. Skin Care Treatments

1. Read and translate the text.

Skin care treatments differ from regular skin care products because they target areas or problems of particular significance, which need a resolution. They tend to be a cure and prevention rather than just a protection. Skin care treatment can target every day problems for example blemishes and blackheads to more serious complaints for example the effects of the menopause (pre, during and post), over solar exposure, ageing and acne.

Firstly, blemishes are due to a number of reasons and can be a result of any of the above causes. They are commonly known as spots but could also be scars or burns. Treatments available for blemishes are usually cream based which firstly covers the area and gives it a protective shield to keep out bacteria.

Secondly, blackheads are caused by a build up of dirt in the pores causing the area to turn black. They are usually found around the nose area and treatment is fairly simple. The blackheads must be removed at the source, therefore the most common method of treatment available today are removal strips. The strips are moistened, fixed firmly to the nose then removed. The blackheads are uprooted in the process.

The menopause can bring a number of complaints, skin being just one of them. It is however of utmost importance to take care of the skin throughout the process to retain a confident image. Treatments available include creams to dry up excess oil produced and rehydration cream to moisten the skin, preventing irritation.

Over exposure of the sun can prematurely age the skin, therefore it is important to use treatments containing vitamin C which increases the production of collagen which firms the area.

Ageing of the skin is an unfortunate natural process; however treatments which moisturize, revitalize and as previously mentioned increases the production of collagen can protect the skin from the worst effects. These treatments usually contain anti-oxidants, which assist in the removal of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin an appearance which is healthier and younger.

Finally, acne is a common skin problem, which is usually noticeable around the face and neck area of the body, where blemishes occur. These blemishes are caused by a comedo in the skin, which is a large hair follicle overloaded with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. This comedo nestles under the skin waiting for the ideal conditions to become inflamed. This is where more oil gathers and causes the area to swell, and as the white blood cells come to fight the swelling the comedo becomes inflamed. Treatments available include a cream, which contains sulphur and clay. This combination absorbs the oil and dirt from the pores, reducing the risk of overload.

Most of the above treatments are available in stores and pharmacies and are produced by a number of companies.

to target – зд. предназначаться

blemish – изъян, покраснение кожи

be due – быть следствием

to uproot – удалять с корнем

occur – появляться

to inflame - воспаляться