Easy Tips for Beautiful Skin

Your face is probably the first thing people notice about you.  It is the way we all imprint and record new people to
memory. Since it is the most noticible thing about you, it is very important to take good care of your facial skin. The skin on your face should be properly cleansed, hydrated and moisturized. The skin around your eyes need special attention too as it is very thin and most of the times people suffer from bags, wrinkles and dark circles underneath their eyes. The best facial skin care is what you need to take care of all the different needs of your skin.

Below are some basic tips to help you put your best face forward:

Wear Sunscreen - Protect your skin from the sun. Use at least as SPF 15 sunscreen, and avoid direct sunlight between the hours of 10pm and 3pm.

Drink Water - Water is one of the best things you can put into your body…and it’s calorie free! The more you drink
the better your skin will look!

Catch some Z’s - Poor sleep is a disaster for your skin. Try to get at least 6-8 hours sleep each night.

When in Doubt, Toss It - Replace old sponges in your compact every 3 months or so. Replace the whole compact if not used within 6 months. The average shelf life for make-up is 6 to 12 months.

Oily Skin Tip - To reduce the appearance of oily skin, cut a lemon into wedges. Rub some all over your face. Leave
it for about 15 minutes, rinse with cold water.

Pimples Be Gone - Crush a clove of garlic apply the juice to your daily> It is said to reduce pimples.

Naked Skin is Best - Forget make-up. Go natural as often as possible. After all, make-up is one of the leading
causes of clogged pores. And, we all know that clogged pores leads to pimply skin!

Don’t Forget the Hands - Make sure that you put sunblock on those hands. Your hands really reveal your age. Make sure to moisturize them daily, and do weekly hand treatments (alpha hydroxy works good).

Wash - Be sure and wash your face twice a day. And NEVER go to bed with your make-up on. For every day that you sleep in your make-up, you have aged your skin FOUR! Also, be sure to exfoliate your skin at least every other day.

Moisturize - After you wash that beautiful skin, moisturize it. Use night cream before bed, and face cream during the day. Make sure you take care of your eyes as well. When you do wear make-up, be sure and put a good moisturizer underneath.

Applying these simple skin care tips are sure to help you have beautiful skin!

Natural Anti-Aging Skin Treatment Products

Natural anti-aging skin treatment products such as supplements and those facial masks that contain a blend of ingredients extracted from different plants are also well-known method of anti-aging application. Many of these target wrinkles, lines, scars, and mars, which usually set on your skin starting at the early 30’s. You should be able to know how to spot which natural product will work best on your skin and which will not. There are also great natural tips you can incorporate to reduce the signs of aging. Keep reading!

Skin aging is inevitably a process that seems to speed up because of the many elements of toxins produced by the modern age. These toxins are like poisons that attack our body and cause the skin to develop nasty acne and inflammations, which can be very tough to reduce of if not properly treated. If you are not careful of your daily lifestyle, a bad skin condition can worsen and speed up the development of skin aging, resulting in drying, sagging, and skin wrinkling.

The good news is there are many ways to treat skin aging problems today. Anti-aging treatments and creams are encapsulated to contain many vitamins and nutrients known to be very beneficial to the skin. With the help of these products, it is possible to alleviate skin problems as well as avoid undergoing delicate and sometimes complex dermatological procedures such as botox, dermabrasion or laser treatments.

Dermabrasion is one of the widely acknowledged anti-aging treatment and is used to speed up removal of wrinkles, lines and abrasions. Microdermabrasion is another kind of anti-aging treatment which uses fine crystal mists to work on sagging, wrinkling skin. Hydroderm also makes it possible to delay the aging process by removing skin lines associated with aging. All these treatments can be easily acquired nowadays and are known to be effective and safe for almost every skin type and color.

But before you resort to these harsher anti-aging treatment procedures, that there are simpler things you can do to delay the appearance of wrinkles.  The first step is to implement a regular skincare routine as early as possible. A good daily routine and a healthy lifestyle can always hide your true age and never let them guess how old, or young, you are.

• Follow these three regular routine: cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face skin. On your body skin, follow the same and use a good moisturizing lotion. Applying sun screen or sun block will also help prevent those outside toxins from ruining your skin. Weekly facial mask treatments (depending on your skin type) are also an excellent way to keep your skin fresh and revitalized.

• The appearance of the skin on your neck shows your age. Therefore, be sure to not only pay attention to your face but on your neck when moisturizing or using a face mask.

• Avoid applying heavy make up on your face. It only shows how frustrated you are with the process of your skin aging, not to mention it can be tough on your skin too. Choose cream based blush cheek color or foundation rather than a fine powdered one that can accentuate wrinkles.

• Topping dusty or caramel pinks with gloss will make your lips appear much younger. Avoiding deep brown mauves and matte reds will also help the same. You will also get benefits of looking younger if you avoid black eyeliners. Use instead brown or grey eyeliners.

• You will appear younger if you use colored plastic eyeglasses than metal framed ones.

• Having well-shaped and arched eyebrows might not sound significant,  but it is if you want to take years off your face. Medium thick eyebrows are always a good choice if possible.

• When getting a new haircut, always opt for one that will frame your face well. Bangs (or fringe) are a great way to reduce the number of years as well as looking cute and fun!

• And most importantly, quit smoking. We all know it is one of the great contributors of aging. Try for a healthier diet and lifestyle and you will worry less over wrinkles and lines attacking too soon.

Natural Skincare Products and Benefical Herbs

Natural skin care healing is the preferred way of restoring health back to the skin. The human body is enveloped by the largest organ of the body. Our skin provides protection for our skeletal system, internal organs and muscles. Additionally, it is the first line of defense against infections. The skin is also a complex system that allows for perspiration which in turn evaporates. This evaporation process maintains the body’s temperature.

In addition, our skin has the capability of absorbing substances that are good for us as well as those substances that are detrimental to our health. Some skin care products that we utilize contain harmful additives and unnatural ingredients that can cause adverse side affects and damage the structure of the skin. Also, with the capability of the skin to absorb, these toxins enter into the bloodstream and affect other organs of the body.

In the light of this knowledge, it is important that we lavish our skin with those natural skin care healing ingredients and products that serve to replenish and nurture our skin.  Therefore, it is important to understand what your current health care product contains and what you should look for in a natural skin care healing product.

What Do You Use For Your Current Skin Care Product?

When purchasing your skin care product it is advisable to review what the mixture is blended with. Most skin care products begin with the ingredient of mineral oil.  Unfortunately, the texture of mineral oil is thick. This consistency is counter productive as it clogs the pores of the skin. Mineral oil can also cause the skin to be irritated allowing the product to be more harmful than productive.

On the other hand natural skin care healing products, containing natural ingredients such as oils from natural herbs or flowers, are beneficial. Natural skin care healing products, made from this lighter oil, allows the skin to absorb the wholesome nutrients.

Some Common Herbs And Their Natural Healing Benefits

Some common herbs contained in natural skin care healing products include the aloe vera.  This herb will refresh skin that has been damaged by direct exposure to the sun, inhibit scarring and wrinkling and encourage cell reproduction.

Another beneficial herb found in a natural skin care healing product is chamomile. Not only used as blend for tea, but outwardly, when applied, will stimulate the natural healing process, decrease redness and puffiness and will make the skin soft.

Lavender is also a healing herb that is blended into a natural skin care healing item.  Lavender stimulates healing of the skin especially in cases where the skin has imperfections. Additionally, lavender brings a soothing effect upon burned areas of the skin.

One additional herb, out of many, is the rose. This herb, found in a natural skin care healing, mixture provides a soothing effect upon the skin. Also the rose herb purifies and cleanses the skin as well as providing moisture.

If you can incorporate these healthy, vitamin rich foods into your daily diet, you can be assured of gorgeous, radiant, beautiful skin.

Organic Home Skincare Treatments

Homemade Orange Scrub
Orange away your dryness today!

Experience a soothing and natural treatment for dry skin on heels, knees, and elbows by using a fresh and fragrant orange.

Ingredients:
1 organic orange (any type of orange will work)
½ cup of raw organic sugar
½ cup of grape seed oil (for normal to oily skin) or olive oil (for dryer skin)

1. Start by getting 1 organic orange (any type of orange will work). Cut the orange in half and gently squeeze one half into a bowl to release its juices.

2. Add ½ cup of raw organic sugar and ½ cup of grape seed oil (for normal to oily skin) or olive oil (for dryer skin) with orange juices and stir to combine.

3. Using the other half of the orange, gently scrub the exposed side over any dry spots on the body including knees, elbows, and feet. Follow with the orange scrub to remove dead skin.

4. Rinse with warm water

Lemon Lift
Need A Pick-Me-Up? Try Sour Stimulation!

Wonderfully refresh your skin while stimulating your circulatory system. And guess what
stimulating your circulatory system is good for? Cellulite!

Ingredients:
5 drops of lemon essential oil
6 fresh lemon slices
Warm water

Add five drops of lemon essential oil and six fresh lemon slices to a small bowl of warm water. Soak a washcloth in the bowl for two minutes, and then swirl it over the oil droplets floating on the top of the water. Wring it out and set it aside.  After a warm shower, take the washcloth and, starting at your feet and moving upward, scrub toward your heart to stimulate your circulatory system.

DIY Green-Papaya Brightening Mask

Enrich and beatify your skin with honey, yogurt,and papaya.  Sounds like a yummy snack-right?  Well, this is a snack to feed your skin the beauty it needs with a unique combination that  can be made right at home.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon raw honey
Tools:
1 large glass or ceramic bowl
1 bath towel
1 small spray bottle

1. You will need ½ cup of unripe, diced papaya. This contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of
papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells.

2. 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt. The yogurt adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy) and gives the mask a creamy texture.

3. 1 teaspoon of raw honey helps the skin to retain moisture.

4. Blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Apply to clean skin using fingers; leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. When left on, the mask should tingle slightly. If you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation, use ripe papaya, which has less papain. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. Finish by applying a gentle moisturizer.

Homemade Protective Hair Treatment
News Flash! Sun Can Help Nourish Your Hair!

What? How can that be? Go to the beach and relax while your hair receives the nourishment it needs.

Ingredients:
Several tablespoons natural oil like Jojoba, olive or camellia oil
Natural shampoo
Sun!

1. At home or right at the beach apply several tablespoons of natural oil to dry hair, working from the ends towards the roots. Jojoba oil makes a good choice because it closely resembles the scalp’s natural oil. You can also try olive or camellia oil.

2. Comb through your hair to distribute the oil

3. Braid or wrap your hair in a secure bun for the  rest of the day and relax in the sun while your hair receives a nourishing treatment.  When you return home, apply a natural shampoo before wetting your hair to wash out the oil. This allows the shampoo to break down the oil more effectively and keeps water from sliding off slick hair.

Easy Free Skincare to Prevent Aging

By Van Le | Skin care has come a long way in recent years, and the numbers say it all.  Current estimates assert the skincare industry generates over $2 billion annually.  That’s not to say our mothers and grandmothers never took care of their complexion.  Many of the tips our mothers taught us still ring true today — in fact,  some of the most effective remedies for healthy skin have been passed down from generation to generation.  The following are easy, no-cost techniques to prevent premature skin aging.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking causes so much damage to the skin that the term “smokers’ face” was coined to describe the shallow lines and wrinkles caused by cigarettes.  Even more shocking, a study published in the British Medical Journal featured a doctor who could distinguish a non-smoker from someone who has been smoking for ten years or more based on their facial features alone.  A single cigarette contains thousands of toxins that seep into the bloodstream and affect the appearance of skin.   In addition, scientists have calculated that every cigarette takes ten minutes off your life.

Wear Sunglasses

Long before they became fashion statements, sunglasses served a humble purpose: to protect the eyes from the sun.  Skin near the eyes is extremely delicate, and since we can’t apply sunscreen to these areas, we need the UV protection provided by sunglasses.  Not wearing sunglasses can also cause you to squint, which can lead to wrinkles over time.

Get Adequate Sleep

While  we sleep, our body generates new skin cells, repairs damaged ones and strengthens collagen.  Doctors recommend seven to eight hours of sleep each night for maximum performance during the day.  In addition to under-eye bags - the tell-all sign that you’ve been up all night - lack of sleep can cause skin to appear dull, puffy and wrinkled.

Sleep on your back

In a perfect world, we would get our beauty sleep every night.  However, in today’s fast-paced world, eight hours of sleep each night, every night is not always possible, therefore, it’s important to make the best of the time we do have to rest.  We are up and about at least 12 hours a day, and gravity can take its toll.  Sleeping on your back instead of stomach promotes circulation, and reduces wrinkles since your face is not buried in a pillow.

Limit Your Stress Level

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but not all stress is bad.  There are two kinds of stress: eustress and distress.  Eustress keeps us energized about life and stems from exciting events such as starting a new job, getting married or simply getting on a roller coaster ride.  Unfortunately, most of us are more familiar with distress (negative stress) which can weaken our immune system and cause hormonal changes that result in pimple breakouts.  Participating in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, spending time in nature and yoga is key in balancing eustress and distress.

Doing your best to implement these tips to prevent skin aging and overall health will keep you looking your best for years to come.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare and anti-aging, you can also link to http://naturalantiagingproducts.net/

Skin Needling Treatment Reduces Acne and Wrinkles

What is Skin Needling?

Skin Needling or “derma rolling” has become quite popular in the last few months. Indeed, one Google search on “dermarollers” returned hundreds of links.

I was unfamiliar with this new anti-aging tool, so, I decided to research it further. At a recent beauty expo, the cosmetic representatives I spoke to claim these new facial rollers could increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles.

The process of skin needling uses a very small rolling device that contains 192 micro points made of surgical steel. Studies show that when this device is rolled over the skin, it creates small puncture wounds that cause the body to produce collagen in an attempt to heal the skin. Our collagen production falls dramatically after about age 35 or so.

This puncturing will then cause a type of wound-healing reaction for the dermal layer to begin production of collagen fibers, elastin, and other skin cells that helps to fill in lines, wrinkles, remove stretch marks and fill in deep pitted scars – also allowing the derma roller to be a great acne scar treatment. In addition, the derma roller allows for optimum absorption of any anti-aging cream you may use afterwards.

While it goes by different names, ‘skin needling,’ ‘dermaroller,’ or ‘meso roller,’ among many others, it appears to be a simple and natural method that promises to prevent skin aging, restore collagen, smooth out scars, pitted skin, and stretch marks - or your money back in some cases.

Research on Skin Needling

The skin needling device is used along with your normal skincare routine to remove acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines. Representatives say it can even help with big pores, black heads, and white heads. This micro needling or skin needling anti-aging technique is also used to perform collagen induction therapy (CIT). Skin rejuvenating results with skin needling are similar to laser treatment, dermabrasion or chemical peels but much less expensive, less invasive, does not damage the skin, and can be done at home for pennies.

Celebrity Endorsements

More than a few sites claimed famous celebrities used derma rollers or a type of skin needling technique to keep their skin look young and healthy and reduce acne scars. The London Daily Mail Online, reported, “ It looks like an implement of torture, but this spiky roller is thought to be the secret to Angelina Jolie’s plump, glowing skin.”

The Rachael Ray show hosted a segment titled ‘The Human Lab,’ where Rachael selected members of her audience to test several anti-aging creams and devices and report a few weeks later on their results. See the You Tube clip here.

The Studies

Study results by plastic surgeons and dermatologists claim in that addition to reducing the appearance of sun damage and wrinkles such as crows feet, skin needling can help lessen or remove stretch marks, cellulite, acne scars, surgical scars and smooth out pitted skin and dimpling.

Dr. Philippe Simonin, a Swiss Dermatologist, performed a study on 600 people divided into two groups — the skin aging group and the scar reduction group. Published results found that - in the skin aging group there was a 40% significant improvement and an impressive 60% improvement in scar reduction group. And this was only after 5 to 6 treatments!

See the link here: http://www.scar-reduction.com/needling.html

Another doctor, Dr. Andre Camirand, a plastic surgeon from Canada, found that skin needling improved the texture and depression of scars and also improved over-all skin color and texture. The best part is this remodeling process can go on up to 12 months from each treatment.

Other benefits of the skin needling are:

• Dramatically increases the effectiveness of your hair & skin products through increased penetration.

• Stimulates blood flow through directly massaging the scalp, face and body.

• Gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells accumulating in the hair follicles, face and body.

• The process is not painful (a tickling sensation).

• Medical grade stainless steel makes the needles non-allergenic to human tissue.

• Cost effective compared to expensive commercial treatments

• It can be used on all areas of the scalp, face, neck and body. Can be used on all skin types.

• It can be used anytime at your own convenience (no restrictive treatment session times).

• Removes old collagen fibers and rapidly stimulates new collagen growth.

• Clears blocked pores and stimulates blood flow.

• Natural process requiring no lasers or chemical peels.

• Does not induce sun sensitivity.

• Does not damage the skin.

• No risk of hypo– or hyper– pigmentation.

• Short healing time.

There are many skin rollers on the market with different needle lengths, so do your research if you do decide to purchase one of these new tools.

Skin needling devices range in price from $25-$200 depending on where you purchase them and the type of device you choose.

Professional sites advise using a skin needle length at 0.5mm for use on the face, a 1.0mm for most of the body and a 1.5mm for very fleshy areas such as the stomach, thighs and backside.

Each brand is slightly different. Certain features make different derma roller brands suitable for different needs. The more expensive brands benefit from superior build quality, narrower needles and a better overall look and feel. As with any product though, the results you achieve are not necessarily dependant on choosing the most expensive model.

~ R Dupree