Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Dry Skin Care

As we age, our skin has a tendency to get drier and drier as the years go by. When we are young we take our soft skin for granted, but as the years add up, we think more and more about dry skin care. There are a few ways to help alleviate the problem of dry skin, and it will be up to you to decide what is right for your skin care needs. Budget and time will both decide what you can and cannot do.

One great way tool in dry skin care is to drink plenty of water each day. Our bodies are composed mostly of water, and it goes without saying that we should make sure we get as much as we need each day. Drinking enough water each day will not only help with dry skin care, it also helps all the other systems of your body to work efficiently.

There are many lotions on the market that are made especially for dry skin care. These range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. Your budget will decide what you can afford to buy, but rest assured that you do not have to spend a fortune to keep your skin soft and supple. Higher priced lotions will work very well, but you may be surprised that a bottle of lotion that costs a mere two dollars can leave your skin healthy and glowing, and it may become your favorite tool for dry skin care.

There are other things you can do for dry skin care that won’t cost you a penny. If you live in an area that has cold, dry winters, you need to learn how to baby your skin during those months. A hot shower may feel wonderful on your skin, but it is drying it out at the same time. Opt for warm showers, and use your lotion directly after that shower while your skin is still wet. Watch out for harsh detergents, as they may irritate your skin and dry it out.

Don’t forget about environmental issues when it comes to dry skin care. Smoking will have an effect on your skin, and will make it dry. You will also develop wrinkles at a younger age if you smoke. Smog and other irritants in the air can have an adverse affect on your skin, though many times there is nothing you can do about this. Lastly, don’t forget about the sun. Dry skin care may be as simple as remembering to put on sunscreen before you walk out into the sun at any time. Sun damage will affect the amounts of moisture your skin can hold as well.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Elysee Skin Care

Elysee skin care may not be a very familiar phrase to many of us but this line of products has boasts about 80 years’ worth of research and experience. This experience and research has led to a vast array of products that are ideal for helping you look your best. Elysee skin care products offer the perfect combination of traditional work ethic and cutting edge developments in skincare.

You can expect nothing but the best from this time honored organization. Some consider the Elysee skin care line to be a well-kept secret among savvy ladies who usually get more than their share of compliments. There is no secret as to how the skincare products work.

The manufacturer uses the ever-so-popular antioxidant ingredients that help fight the signs of aging. Antioxidants are effective combatants against environmental toxins that have aging side effects. Elysee skin care includes items of the highest quality that offer the best in cutting edge anti-aging research.

If I had to choose just one item from the Elysee skin care line, it would have t be The Gift Wrinkle-Control Eye Gelee. This product is ideal for any woman who is battling fine lines, dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. However, this product is also ideal for women who suffer from acne breakouts as well.

Gels do not clog the pores like regular creams do. This is wonderful news for anyone who needs moisture without clogging pores, which are, as we know, a major factor in acne breakouts. Elysee skin care’s eye gel is the ideal product for healthy, well moisturized skin around the eyes.

Those who don’t worry about breakouts may want to adopt another Elysee skin care product. The Gift Wrinkle-Control Eyel Cream is a knock-out. This very effective eye cream works wonders for anyone who has lost firmness around the eye area. This Elysee skin care cream also takes care of wrinkles and puffiness and it even gives the area a little lift.

There are plenty of other items available from this reputable company. Elysee skin care includes a plethora of products that help restore the look of young skin. The company offers wonderful packages that combine the best of the best in the line of beauty supplies.

The 80-year history behind this company has benefited consumers for many years and the organization’s dedication is paying off. It’s about time that Elysee skin care becomes a household name.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Is your skin starting to sag? Facial exercises and diet for firming skin

When it comes to firm, youthful looking skin, time is the inevitable enemy. The sheer force of gravity takes its toll, on both men and women. Women are more sensitive to these natural changes than men, perhaps because men are thought to gain a more 'mature' look that is attractive to women, while women with sagging skin are viewed to be 'mature' in a less complimentary way, that is, in the sense of that 'over the hill' appearance. Nonetheless, both men and women want to retain good looking skin. Sagging skin, particularly around the eyes and throat get both genders in a tizzy at some point in time. That's when we all start casting about for ways of firming skin. Here, we take a look at some simple, natural steps you can put to work today, firming skin where it's needed to help you look your best.

We all know that exercise is beneficial to many areas of overall health, including good circulation, a healthy heart, weight control and good looking and trim muscles. Did you know that exercise also promotes a nice, youthful complexion? These are all good reasons to engage in daily exercise. However, facial exercises, along with a good diet, rich in nutrients, are often ignored as a remedy for sagging skin on your face and neck.

Just as when you exercise to trim your waistline or trim thighs, facial exercises are an essential first step in firming skin. Just a few minutes of stretching your neck and throat muscles on a daily basis firms up skin wondrously, eliminating jowls and the 'turkey neck' syndrome. Begin in a sitting position, dropping your head forward and relaxing. Bounce your neck down ten times, giving a moment between each repetition. Relax again for a moment, then rotate your head slowly in a circular motion. This exercise serves to stretch and tone all of those muscles. Of course, results won't be immediate. Give it a month and you'll see a difference.

Another exercise which helps in firming skin is a gentle, daily massage of your face. Gravity is ever reaching downward, so when you massage your face, always use a gentle, circular stroke with your fingers in the opposite direction of our enemy, gravity. For example, when massaging your cheeks, use strokes that work from your ears towards your nose. When massaging the delicate skin around the eyes, use a one-way stroke, from the outer edges of each eye, working towards the bridge of your nose. Do not apply too much pressure here, as too much stretching can result in sagging and wrinkles. How about firming skin on the forehead? Begin at your eyebrows, gently pushing the skin upwards, including the skin at the bridge of your nose, working towards your hairline. Then follow up with a brisk, but gentle massage across your forehead, using short, circular strokes.

As for diet, be sure you get adequate amounts of vitamins A, the B-complex, C and E, as well as the trace mineral zinc. Each of these nutrients promote younger looking skin. These nutrients are best obtained through natural sources, but you may want to have your nutrient levels tested, especially as you get older. Your doctor may suggest supplements if your tests reveal deficiencies.

Other elements of your firming skin program should include proper cleansing and moisturizing. Glycerine soaps are hypoallergenic and non drying. Use warm water, applying the soap with the face massaging method described above. Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry – don't rub!

After cleansing, follow up with a natural exfoliant, once or twice a week, depending on your skin condition. Botanical exfoliants remove dead skin cells and allow new skin cells to regenerate, promotes absorption of nutrients and makes the most of your firming skin massages.

Besides these techniques, egg white, a fresh strawberry mask and witch hazel help reduce enlarged pores and tighten your skin. Employing these methods just once a week does the trick.

Use the moisturizer of your choice, again applying in circular, upward motions.

When firming skin is your goal, regular physical exercise, daily facial exercises and massage techniques will get you where you want to go. To your beautiful firm skin!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

What you should know about Baby Acne

Baby acne also known as Acne neonatorum is a skin condition that causes pimples breakout on baby’s cheeks, forehead, chin and sometimes on the back. The condition affects 20 percent of babies, mostly male. There are two types of Baby acne. One of the conditions is referred to as Popules and is characterized by small solid rounded red bumps or pimples. The other one is known as Pustules and is characterized by small whiteheads which contain pus. Baby Acne is caused by maternal hormones passed from the mother to the baby during childbirth. The hormones stimulate the baby’s sebaceous glands triggering secretion of oil which mixes with acne causing bacteria. The condition can be aggravated and becomes more pronounced when the baby is hot or is running a fever, when upset, and when the skin comes into contact with saliva or spit up milk or fabrics washed in strong detergents. Baby acne can also be sparked by medications that a nursing mother may take. Babies who are on medication also stand a high chance of acne infections.

Baby acne has no defined treatment and clears after a period of between four weeks and three months. Failure for it to clear within this period will call for a physician’s intervention. The best way to handle the condition is by washing the affected areas gently with plain water and/or with mild baby soap. It is important to note that dirt does not cause baby acne and therefore scrubbing of the skin is highly prohibited. Lotions, creams and moisturizers should be avoided as they only worsen the condition. In severe cases, benzoyl Peroxide and topical tetnoins, for example retinoids and other keratolytic agents may be recommended.

Baby Acne is most often confused with other conditions that affect the baby’s skin. These include Milia which is a condition caused by heat from warm clothing, excessive incubator warmth or fever. It is characterized by white bumps that develop during the first week of birth and it is rarely present at birth. The other condition is known as Infantile Acne. This condition is more severe than baby acne and develops 3 months or later after the baby is born. It is characterized by yellow pimples on the baby’s face, cheeks and nose. It is caused by lingering maternal hormones and disappears after twelve months but in some cases might persist until after three years depending on the baby’s genetic composition, that is, level of testerone hormones. This condition may recur during teenage years.

Acne Treatments - Prevention is the Best Cure

If you suffer from the mildest forms of acne you probably already know that the only real danger involved with the condition is in the embarrassment it can cause when its arrival coincides with an important event - a date, wedding, or other social encounter. In most cases, there's no reason to panic over a small blemish and spend a lot of money on complex acne treatments.

The best cure for acne, of course, is to prevent its occurrence in the first place. Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to prevent or even treat the condition, despite the constant hawking of "miracle cures" that we so often see in the media. Your skin problems are unique to you, and can't always be solved by just any product that you try.

The real problem with acne treatment is that there seems to be almost too much information available on the subject. The volume of data is immense, both in terms of what causes acne and what it takes to cure it. Much of this information is contradictory, which can lead to all sorts of confusion as to which type of acne treatments are the best for your particular skin and acne problems.

That is why prevention is the best course when it comes to acne treatments, regardless of whether you have already suffered from the skin condition or just want to get rid of pimples and keep any potential blemishes at bay.

The first step in any prevention program is to determine your skin type. Do you have oily skin in excess of that which is required to maintain your healthy complexion? People with oily skin caused by hormones often experience higher incidences of acne - particularly in the region around the nose. The key to managing oily skin is to ensure that pores are kept clear by washing the face several times a day and avoiding lotions and make-up that contain high concentrations of oil. It is also a good idea to use an astringent to remove oils that are left over after you have cleaned your face.

When simple skin cleansing treatments do not work, you may need to acquire some pharmaceutical assistance. Any benzyl peroxide based product can help to clean your pores by killing bacteria and removing dead skin cells that often clog them.

For stubborn acne blemishes, the benzyl peroxide often takes some time to work, so be prepared for the treatment to last for several weeks - although acne can clear up in as little as a few days. If a month or more goes by without improvement, you may want to consult with your doctor or see a dermatologist. They will often prescribe more powerful medications.

If acne runs in your family - and you often will not know unless you discuss it with older family members - you may want to use another type of treatment: do what they did! Since skin types are a matter of genetics, your parents, grandparents, or even aunts and uncles may have some wisdom to impart as to which acne treatments options have helped them get rid of pimples in the past. By not asking them, you may just be missing out on a family remedy that could be just the tool you need to solve your acne problem!

Riley Andrews is the Chief Editor of Get-Rid-Of-Pimples-Now.Net an information rich site that discusses the latest Acne Treatments and shows you How to Get Rid of Pimples Now!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Acne

Acne won’t get you any dates, that’s for sure. Teenagers abhor it, and adults sufferers don’t embrace it either. As most teenage girls will attest, pimples arise at the most inopportune moments, which can be anytime on any given day for them. Acne affects self esteem, self worth, and self identity, and can turn a once outgoing person into a recluse.

There are different types of acne that occur on the body, and not just on the face, which is the most common. Acne, commonly known as pimples, zits, whiteheads, or blackheads, start to form in hair follicles or pores when the oil or sebum is trapped beneath the skin surface causing bacteria to form. Acne can be mild or severe, which is called acne vulgaris, and can cause disfiguration and severe scarring. It’s important to keep hands off, and if you must, wash the area and your hands first. If you are successful in expelling any of the gooey ingredients, be careful not to spread it to surrounding areas where it can cause another eruption.

To pop or not to pop? It is tempting, because you just want it to go away. Popping it will not always cause scarring, but only pop if it’s ripe and ready! Otherwise, the skin can become more irritated if you continue to pick at it, then a scab will form and more bacteria has been spread as well, leaving you with a bigger mess than you had to begin with! If you must pop, you should wash your face with warm water and cleanser and remove all makeup, and of course, wash your hands too! Try to avoid using your fingernails because dirt can be trapped beneath which will be introduced to the open skin when popping and spread germs. Use a tissue to apply pressure or a tool specifically designed for this purpose (available at most cosmetic supply retailers). Stop after pus has been expelled and if nothing comes out, this will just create further irritation.

There are many different acne treatments available, some work and some don’t. If acne is severe it would be wise to consult a dermatologist, who can prescribe a treatment plan to lessen the number of outbreaks, and subsequent scarring. The most common ingredient in most acne treatments is 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which can be very effective for mild to moderate acne in combination with regular gentle cleansing of the skin. There are also many websites dedicated to various acne treatments that provide a wealth of information for the acne sufferer. For those who have severe cases, antibiotics or Retin-A may also be added to the treatment regimen. Whatever type of acne you suffer from, no matter if it is mild or severe, it is possible to have clean skin. Start now and send acne on its way, forever!

Acne Scar Treatments

We’ve all probably had it at one time or another – acne. Unfortunately, even after the breakouts stop the remnants remain. Thanks to research and technology, there are quite a few acne scar treatment options available to diminish and even erase acne scars away. Treating acne scars can be quite pricey depending on what type of acne scar treatment is recommended for you by your dermatologist. For old acne scars that resulted from a more severe case of acne, several acne scar treatments or a combination thereof, may be required to get the desired results. A professional dermatologist is the most knowledgeable about what types of acne scar treatments are best, and can make recommendations on how to get rid of those acne scars forever!

Most acne scar treatments require clear skin before treatment begins, so this is the first issue that must be addressed. If you haven’t done it already, make an appointment with your dermatologist to get started. Every person must be evaluated individually and treated on a case by case basis, and what works for one may not work for another. Antibiotics and acne crèmes are most commonly prescribed first to clear the skin and prevent further breakouts. Once skin has healed acne scar treatment can begin. Some common acne scar treatments are lazar removal and dermabrasion, which are quite effective for removal of shallow scars. For mild cases a chemical peel may be all that is needed. Deeper acne scars may require punch techniques first, and then laser treatments. Most cases will require one or more treatments, or a combination of treatments to achieve the desired results. Most acne scar treatments can be performed quickly and with minimal discomfort right in the office.

Most acne scar treatments are not covered by health insurance plans, and can be quite costly if more than a couple of treatments are needed, which is the case in more instances than not. Less expensive acne scar treatments can always be tried first, especially if the scars are not too severe. Check with your dermatologist’s office for prices of various procedures recommended, and also check online for more in depth information on acne scar treatments. Visit www.acne.org for a description of various procedures, and visit chat forums for discussion on experiences of others that have undergone various types of acne scar treatments as well. This is a good place to start, and make an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss what is the best treatment option for you.

Dermalogica-Skin-Care-Products

The quest for a flawless complexion may end with Dermalogica skin care products. This line of products includes everything from cleansers to sunscreens, each designed with specific skin types in mind. You can discover which items in the Dermalogica skin care products are right for you.

The best way to discover what you really need to maintain a perfect complexion or to correct problem areas is to consult a professional. Dermalogica skin care products are represented by diligent consultants who can help you on your way to finding the items that suit your needs.

A skin therapist can give you a “skin mapping” outline that separates your face into 14 different areas. Each area is approached as a unique space with specific needs. Ordinary approaches involve treating all of the skin on your face the same. More advanced approaches will sometimes acknowledge a T-zone but little more than that.

The benefit of using the in-depth approach is that the Dermalogica skin care products can be selected to meet the needs of each of the 14 segments. The complexion expert can easily find the items that will help meet your needs. There is no guessing involved.

Finding a consultant for a meeting like this is not always convenient for most of us. Some of us are lucky that we find the time to wash our faces in a 24 hour period. The idea of making a special trip to see a therapist is out of the question. There are other options for people who want to try Dermalogica skin care products but don’t have time to organize a meeting.

You can choose to fill out your information right from the comfort of your own personal computer. An online analysis is a great way to help pinpoint your needs and it also very easy to use. All you do is click on the different zones outlined on the model and describe your complexion concerns.

The results of your analysis will be sent to your email address in a few moments after you complete the test. The only drawback to using the online system is you may not recognize some skin problems that a therapist would. However, the average consumer can easily use the online analysis to find the right Dermalogica skin care products.

Whether your complaint is dry, oily or combination skin there are Dermalogica skin care products that will keep your complexion healthy and radiant.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Natural Skin Care: The Why And The How’s

This is exactly the age when skin products, which unfortunately can be hardly distinguishable from one another, are being introduced here and there. And they can really be confusing. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the myriad of products that essentially promise nothing but the old story, here’s the good news. Having a perfect skin does not primarily depend on these skin products, because, in this going-for-green phase of human history, natural skin care beats them all.

Going natural is still the best way to having a youthful and radiant skin. Not only is it healthy, it is also cheap. Not only does it benefit your skin, it is also advantageous to your entire body. And not only is it momentary, it can work for a longer duration. After hitching into the hype about skin care products, now is the time to bend your view about skin care a little bit, and getting a few suggestions on natural skin care is a good way to jumpstart.

1. Watch your diet. Remember the adage, “You are what you eat?” This speaks volume about skin care. Keep in mind that a good and healthy diet translates to an equally healthy skin. If you are troubled with unusual breakouts, dryness, and rough skin, ask yourself what you have been eating. Maybe you need to make a few changes in your diet. A good diet consists of foods rich in fiber; such as grains, legumes, and beans; and healthy fats; like flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and omega-3 fish. It also has fruits and vegetables high in vitamins such as vitamins A, B, B2, and E; fiber; calcium; iodine; and protein. Less sugar should also be included in the diet, as excess sugar is linked to premature aging. It is generally understood that changing diet is not an easy task, but take baby steps first. If you’ve gotten the hang of it, things will be a lot easier.

2. Hydrate. Drinking lots of water, preferably six to eight glasses, replenishes the body and helps wash out waste and toxins. It also prevents skin dryness. The common observation from people with acne, psoriasis, and other skin problems is that they also suffer from constipation, a telltale sign of low water intake.

3. Have a regular exercise. If you spend most of the day sitting or with few body activities, you are likely to subject yourself to skin problems such as acne and cellulite. Of course, this is not so appealing. So if you can, enroll in a gym. Or if time and money are an issue, allot at least five minutes of exercise or stretching before going to work. Get a quick office break and do some walking. Bottom line is, do anything you can to get your body moving. You don’t want simple inactivity to ruin your skin, do you?

4. Make your own skin care products. Whip up your own facial mask, cleanser, toner, or any other skin essential from the comforts of your own kitchen. Doing so can save you some amount from buying skin products, and, at the same time, give you your share of peace by knowing what goes into that thing you put on your face. This is natural skin care in the literal sense of the term.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Recipes For Homemade Skin Care Treatments

Enough of that stress, of those bad habits, of that anxiety, as all these show up on your face. Give your skin a little pampering. Don’t worry; it won’t be too costly. Just take a good look inside your ref, take out some stuff, prep your kitchen utensils, whip up some mixtures, and you’re good to go! Don’t worry about how to do it either. Here are recipes for homemade skin care treatments. It would be fun. Enjoy!

Cucumber Lotion
Best as skin whitener, cucumber lotion is applied on the face and neck. Let it stand for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

You Need:
1 tablespoon of cucumber juice
1 tablespoon of milk
a few drops of rosewater

Procedure:
Crush one piece of peeled cucumber to get a tablespoon of juice. Then, mix the cucumber juice with 1 tablespoon of milk. Add a few drops of rosewater. Mix until the ingredients blend together.

Tomato Lotion
This lotion will tighten big pores. Gently massage on the face, then wash off after 15 minutes.

You Need:
1 tablespoon of tomato juice
a few drops of lime juice

Procedure:
Crush one tomato to extract 1 tablespoon of juice. Add a few drops of lime juice. Mix the ingredients well.

Cabbage Mask
This will prevent wrinkles and make your skin supple and fresh-looking. Pat over the face and neck. After 15 minutes, remove with wet cotton wool.

You Need:
cabbage leaves
1 teaspoon honey
¼ teaspoon yeast

Procedure:
Extract cabbage juice by grinding the leaves. Then, add the cabbage juice to the mixture of 1 teaspoon honey and dissolved ¼ teaspoon of yeast. Mix the ingredients well.

Peach Mask
Works to tighten pores, peach mask should be gently applied on the face. After 30 minutes, rinse off with cool water.

You Need:
1 ripe peach
1 egg white

The peach must be first peeled and pitted. Then, drop it into a blender with the egg white. Process the ingredients until smooth.

Honey Facial
This facial refreshes the face and leaves it radiant-looking. Best to leave on the face for 15 minutes before rinsing off.

You Need:
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 egg yoke

Procedure:
Beat the egg yoke, then add olive oil. As soon as the two ingredients blend well, pour the honey. Stir the ingredients thoroughly.

Lime Juice Facial
This mixture works well in preventing pimples. Best to apply every night, lime juice facial leaves the skin young and beautiful. It can also work to soften hands and feet.

You Need:
one lime
a glass of whole milk
1 teaspoon of glycerin

Procedure:
Boil the milk, then add lime extract and 1 teaspoon of glycerin. Mix the ingredients well. Leave the mixture for 30 minutes, then apply on the face.

Apple Tonic
Works for oily skin, apple tonic must be patted over the face and neck. Let it sit for 20 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.

You Need:
1 tablespoon apple juice
¼ teaspoon lime juice

Chop an apple and grind to extract 1 tablespoon of juice. Then, mix the apple juice with ¼ teaspoon of lime juice. Stir until the ingredients blend together.

Note: If you are allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned above, please discontinue use. Remember, these homemade skin care treatments are meant to improve your skin, not the opposite.