Thursday, April 19, 2007

Your Skin Care and Looking Good


Caring for your skin and looking good involves three very important processes.

The processes we are talking about are; cleaning your skin properly, applying a moisturizer to it, and ensuring its protection.

Everything begins with cleanliness of course, for without it, all other processes would not be as effective or even work at all.

There are numerous skin care cleansers on sale, ranging from cheap to those which are exorbitantly priced. But you do not necessarily have to have those expensive items to achieve the results you desire.

To begin, first dissolve your makeup with an oil-based cream. This is a necessary step in the process to prepare your face prior to the application of the cleanser. When that's done, any residue clogging up the skin pores will be removed when you apply the cleanser.

Make sure all traces of makeup are removed before going to bed. Makeup, left overnight, clogs up your pores and eventually causes all kinds of skin problems. There's a saying, a night with your makeup on ages you by four; definitely something to avoid when on a "looking good" routine.

After washing, apply a good moisturizer. Remember, washing removes natural oils from your face whereas the moisturizer replaces it, and helps to keep your skin moist and soft.

Moisturize your face each day, and that includes the skin around your eyes and throat.

It's also well known, if left unprotected against the elements, your skin will age fast. It goes without saying; you need to protect your skin against them too.

No doubt, when you were at school, you had been taught that sunlight is good for the skin. But too much of it, especially during this day and age, will cause damage to your skin, and it may prove irreversible.

Being exposed to the sun is particularly destructive, because UV rays penetrate tissues and are detrimental to the underlying collagen that supports the skin. 70% of skin aging has been attributed directly to the sun.

To help protect your skin against sun damage, choose day moisturizers that have suitable SPF sun protection factors. This is important when you intend to be out in the sun for some prolonged period.

And yes, have your moisturizers on too when driving on sunny days.

It doesn't stop there. Apply balms, i.e moisturizers, to your lips to prevent them parching out and becoming chapped.

Put on sunglasses and apply eye creams to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes. There are creams especially designed to reduce aging signs around the eye area, typically the incidence of fine lines. You can get rid of puffiness, dark circles, and smoothen the delicate area around your eyes when such creams are applied daily.

Why emphasize on skin care? You want to look good and have all the benefits that come with it; confidence, success, respect... and more. Your skin is the largest and most observable organ of your body; protect it with the care it deserves. Think about it, isn't it great to have a good looking skin? Sure it is, because it's right there on your face... for all to see.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

How to identify the best skin care lotion for you


Lotion is a beauty product made from water and oil mixture that is being applied to skin to keep it soft and younger looking. Lotions available in the market today are being used as antiseptics, antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-acne agents. In addition, they are also being used as protective or soothing agents and commonly use to aid body massage.

Lotions are enriched with essential oils and/or botanicals to care for the skin. They are specially formulated to leave skin feeling soft and silky smooth. In addition, they beautify, improve tone, and hydrate all sensitive and delicate skin types.

When people buy lotion, they must consider their skin type first to get the most appropriate one. Here are some tips when buying skin care lotions:

1. Normal skin.

People who are lucky enough to have normal skin can use any type of lotion. These people do not have noticeable blemishes or acne. Their skin is soft and supple. Also, their skin has beautiful texture and pigment and does not have oily sheen. These people can get any lotion available in the market today and won't have problems keeping their skin looking brilliant and attractive. However, dermatologists recommend lotions that contains Vitamin E, A, and C to keep the skin smooth and soft.

2. Oily skin.

Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous gland. People who have oily skin have wet sheen around the chin, nose, and forehead. They also have visible pimples and blackheads all over the face and sometimes on some other part of the body. These people usually have large pores on the face that have greasy feel. To dry out the oily skin, these people must choose a lotion that is specially formulated to regulate the sebaceous gland. These lotions are often expensive compare to other lotion in the market but they usually work. The good thing about having an oily skin is it is not prone to wrinkles.

3. Dry Skin.

Dry skin can be a result of cold weather, genetics, excessive bathing, or allergic reaction. It is commonly rough, scaly, and itchy if not remedied. People who have dry skin are sensitive to cold and heat, they also have flakes on the cheeks, although they are unlikely to develop acne. The secret in soothing dry skin is regular use of moisturizers and thicker lotions. Lotions that are specifically designed for dry skin contain Alpha hydroxyl acids that is being used to exfoliate the top layer of the skin to get rid of dryness. Dermatologists recommend regular use of moisturizer and lotions to achieve soft and supple skin.

Skin condition must also be taken into consideration when buying lotion. People who are suffering from Eczema for example must use especially formulated lotion recommended by their dermatologists.

Knowing the skin type is very important when getting a lotion that would match the need of the skin. This is a sure fire way in attaining attractive and soft skin.

Most skin care lotions in the market today are generally safe and do not have side effects. They can be applied directly to the body as directed. However, if irritation, itching, or redness occurs immediately seek medical attention. Also, do not forget to inform the dermatologist right away about allergic reaction to some substances and skin disorder/infections before trying out new lotions.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Natural Aging Skin Care Products


It is said that �beauty' is skin deep and as such the skin care assumes much significance in today's beauty conscious world. One may wonder whether any special care is needed for skin alone for a normal person. The answers may vary but the truth remains that, all are not normal skinned, and people with not so normal skin need give the desired care for their skin to look natural and feel good.

The natural ageing process, exposure to sun light, regular smoking etc. may contribute for the lesser production of collagen and elastin, two fibers that hold the skin together and make the skin look young and smooth.

Skin care products that contain Argireline derived from Amino acids helps relax facial tension. Extract obtained from edelweiss is another substance that acts as an anti oxidant and prevents the ultra violet light penetrating into the skin besides cleaning up of the free radicals getting damaged by metabolism and pollutants. Yet another natural product is shea butter a natural moisturizer that prevents dryness of the skin.

The face is the first and the best part of the body that gets attention from others. Naturally one would like to present a good facial appearance for that first impression. There is no dearth for skin care or rather facial care products in today' s market, with each product claiming to be better than that of the other. However the fact remains that, the best skin care product varies from individual to individual depending upon the type of skin one possess, the region where one lives, the food habits one follow among many other relevant factors.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice regarding skin care treatments. Prior to beginning any treatment regimen, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor or dermatologist for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

Monday, April 16, 2007

A Natural Herbal Remedy Could Be Your Answer


Natural herbal remedies are drawing the attention of many traditional medical practitioners to rapidly recognize the ability of the hundreds of thousands of known herbs that have the ability to treat and prevent various human and animal illnesses, as well as properties that can enhance mental attitude, appearance, and performance.

Many centuries of experimentation by many cultures, for example Indian herbal medicine(Ayurvedic), Chinese herbal medicine, and western herbal medicine have created many uses for plants either singularly or in compounds, and sometimes animal by products to prevent and treat various conditions and illnesses.

A natural remedy can be anything from tea, to complex preparations of herbal compounds used in hospitals and clinics. These formulas come in many forms such as capsules, pills,ointments, and gels.

You may be using some of the common herbs as a food in your home such as:

* Garlic--natural antibiotic and helps reduce cholesterol

* Cinnamon--lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides

* Ginger--prevents motion sickness and lowers risk of blood clots

* Chamomile Tea--calms nerves and help relieve digestive problems

* Peppermint--Treats many digestion and gastrointestinal problems

These common herbs may be mixed with other proven natural products to achieve a particular result.

Traditional medicine is very useful for diagnosis, emergencies, trauma and surgery, but often does not cut it for preventing disease from occurring.

The time and wait needed to visit a doctor to get a prescription, and the ever growing cost of medicine is allowing an opportunity for many people to try to get help from natural products.

Many traditional medicines are showing many adverse side effects. Natural, is not necessarily safe, and may have unwanted side effects just as with conventional medicines, however a large ever growing number of the population has been using herbals, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for many years with very favorable results and no adverse effects.

Natural herbal products are now available for use by adults, children, and pets to remedy countless conditions from Angina and Arthritis, to skin care remedies, thyroid treatment, urinary tract infection and an unlimited number of other disorders.

Many new products have been compounded to remedy conditions other then disease, such as smoking cessation, removing unwanted hair, eliminating wrinkles and many
other conditions.

One of the many natural herbal remedies could be your answer.

For quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency. http://www.aa1info.com

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Au Naturel, Au Contraire


With all the skin care products on the market today, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your skin. As consumers tend to be increasingly interested in the ingredients of the products they are using, it is only natural for companies to promote products based upon those ingredients. The problem with this is that not all companies are completely honest about the ingredients they use. There are many companies that claim to use all-natural ingredients, when they are not. The same can be said for so-called organic ingredients.

There are many benefits to using truly natural skin care products. For instance, the skin care benefits of almonds have been well researched and documented. Almonds have a high concentration of vitamin E, which is absolutely wonderful for treating dry or sensitive skin. You can create your own facial mask using almonds and honey. Simply mix two tablespoons of crushed almonds with a single tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture to your face, and wash it off with cold water after five minutes.

The benefits of Avocado on the skin are plentiful. It is regularly used in high quality spa products, as it is rich in vitamin A, B, D and E. Unbeknownst to most, an Avocado actually has more potassium in it that a Banana. Avocado is an excellent remedy for eczema, red skin, aging skin, and skin sensitivity. You can also use Avocado as a facial mask. Whenever I use Avocado, I just mash it in a bowl and spear it all over my face. Sometimes, I will put in my hair and on my hands and feet. It is so good for your skin.

The best way to include all natural ingredients in your skin care regimen is to stop relying on consumer goods. In my humble opinion, the best skin care products can be found in your kitchen. Oatmeal, apricots, egg whites, and many other everyday products are better for your skin than most consumer skin care products. I am not saying you should stop using the products you use, but to consider supplementing them with some of the truly natural elements noted above. Your body will thank you for it!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Severe Acne Treatments � Does any of these works?


Acne at its mildest is a constant form of irritation and social embarrassment. Who wouldn't want to have a clear smooth complexion? I know I do.
Some of us have it tougher than others when we are stricken by severe acne conditions. So what exactly causes acne? A lot of it has to do with a loss of balance in the rate that our skin discards the old skis and regenerates new ones. Some of these old skins get stuck under oily pores (another contributing factor) which lead to an accumulation of oil and bacterial fodder, a nirvana for those nasty bacteria to breed and infect.
So you end up with severe acne which causes extreme irritation, resulting in open wounds, puss-filled pores, and unsightly scarring. Severe acne is nothing to write home about; it's also not a condition to take lightly and must be brought to the attention of your dermatologist.

We talked earlier about balance which leads to acne in the first place. Balance? In What? We're talking about environmental as well as genetic factors which contribute to an acne prone skin condition and worse, aggravate it. Prevention and treatment are the best ways to deal with such cases. Seldom does an extreme acne sufferer's skin clear up naturally, but in most instances, it actually worsens.
Prevention is not something which can be taken for granted. We could do our best in influencing the environment surrounding us, making them less acne friendly. Good personal hygiene coupled with a good skin care regiment can increase your odds tremendously. A few popular types of acne prevention regimes commercially available are Murad Acne Comples as well as Pro Active Acne Treatment, however you are advised to consult a qualified dermatologist before commencing on a regime.

Usually a dermatologist will also recommend a combination of both topical cream and oral drugs. Several types available include different antibiotics, benzyl peroxides, Tretinoin, Adapalen and the strong, yet effective Azelaic Acid to tackle the source of inflammation-the bacteria lining the follicle.

A form of vitamin A, Tretinoin, stops the development of comedones, or inflamed hair follicles. Although non-antibacterial, this is a natural way of unplugging clogged pores that cause inflammation and lesions, thereby allowing the use of topical antibiotic cream to work deeply within the skin.

Dermatologist will routinely ask you which form of medication you'd prefer. Creams are good for those with extra sensitive skin, while gels and other solutions tend to make the skin become more dry and irritated. He or she may recommend one or the other based on gender and/or whether you live in a hot and humid climate.

At first, your skin may look and feel worse with the use of such strong medications. If the pain becomes unbearable or if you develop a rash or extreme redness of any kind, be sure to stop using the product and immediately talk to your doctor and dermatologist. Any improvement will take up to 8 weeks to show up.

Discover useful advice and information about the causes and prevention of acne. Website contains useful articles and updated information on this nasty skin condition. http://www.acne-treatment-options.info/

Friday, April 13, 2007

Conquering Your Acne - Some Helpful Tips


There are several forms of medication, some preventive and others curative. Preventive medication stresses on keeping the skin squeaky clean to prevent the incidence of clogged pores. Antiseptic liquid cleansers like Cetaphil cleanse the skin without causing any irritation. In fact, these should form an integral part of your daily skin care regime.

The actual cause of acne is still not really understood. Some believe it lies in genetics. Others believe it is a combination of factors such as androgens, allergies, stress, or the use of certain mediations. Natural practitioners tend to believe it is a result of nutritional deficiencies, and toxins in the body that can cause the liver to dysfunction.

Try applying essential oils directly to the acne. Oils to try are Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosewood Oil. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to dilute the oil with grape seed oil to avoid irritation. Apply the oil before going to bed and then wash it away, using pure soap and clean water, in the morning. Give it about a month to see if it is working. This is one of the least expensive acne solutions that have proven to be effective for many people.

Should you take birth control pills to relieve your acne? Make your decision very carefully taking into account the risk factors which include heart attack, cancer of the breast, blood clots, fluid retention, dark skin patches, and bleeding in the vagina, just to name a few.

Chances are that many of the same acne treatments that work on your face will work on your back and body, but they may not be quite as potent on the thicker skin of your back. Reading the reviews for some acne skincare products may help you learn which one is right for you. However, if you really want to prevent acne from forming, you need to prevent your oil glands from over-producing. Internalacne treatments are the best choice for this, as they are the only treatments that can really prevent acne, and it's also just easier to take a pill rather than trying to apply a cream in a place such as your back. There are a few vitamin supplements that can help with acne prevention.

You can look for different kinds of treatments once you know in what category your acne falls. Always remember that if a certain treatment didn't work for your acne, you can always try some other treatments. The technology nowadays, has given rise to new treatments. Researchers are now developing some new treatments that might be the one you are waiting for and might give you the clear skin you are longing for. Another treatment which may be more effective is to avoid grain products such as bread, corn, cereals and pastries. But still, these methods may not work for you.