Beautiful Skin At Any Age

 

Beautiful skin can be marred by acne which affects about 85% of teenagers and can be seen in 60% of adults as well. It is most likely to be seen during periods of hormonal changes such as puberty and menopause (or in women starting or stopping birth control pills)

Elevated hormone levels can cause the sebaceous (oil producing) glands to form greater amounts of sebum (oil). These glands are attached, under the skin, to the sides of each hair shaft, and together form a unit called a follicle. The opening of the skin is referred to as a pore. The oil produced is necessary to lubricate the hair and skin. Most of the time the oil glands produce the right amount of sebum, and the pores are fine. When excess oil production is triggered, the pores can get clogged and bacteria begin to multiply, which leads to acne. Sometimes the pore is so blocked that it ruptures the skin and spills the contents into the surroundings. This causes inflammation, irritation and results in the deep "underground" pimple we know as an acne nodule or cyst.

Recent studies have shown that the typical Western diet contributes greatly to the incidence and severity of acne. Our diets are rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars. This triggers our bodies to produce a surge in insulin. It also causes an excess of male hormones which encourage the skin to excrete more oil and subsequent abundant growth of bacteria. Studies have shown that populations not fed on a Western diet are virtually acne-free. Yet when they move to cities and change their diet, they begin to experience acne for the first time ever.

Tips for Clear, Beautiful Skin

Cleanse twice daily. It is not necessary to wash your face every hour, as this can strip off too much oil from your skin and trigger over-production to compensate.

• Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Eat organic whenever possible. Your body does not need the extra hormones and antibiotics found in typical meats, chicken or even farm-raised fish.
• Refrain from touching the area.
• Take care to keep hair sprays and gels on your hair but off your face.
• Use a moisturizer if you need one. You don't have to dry out your skin to treat acne.
• Try an over-the-counter homeopathic remedy.
• Some dermatologists offer a new laser treatment (Smooth Beam) which can help to clear acne in a few monthly sessions.

Beautiful skin is pleasurable to behold. Following these steps you can help create and maintain beautiful skin throughout your life.

Skin Care Tips for the winter Months

Harsh winter weather and indulgence over the holiday season are two good reasons to reassess your skin care routine. when the temperature drops and the heat gets turned up indoors your skin is exposed to low humidity both indoors and out, causing "winter itch." It affects people of all ages, with or without other skin problems. Rubbing and scratching these itchy areas can produce rough skin that can crack, especially on the hands and feet. It can even lead to dermatitis, when the skin becomes red and inflamed in addition to being dry and scaly.

The Department of Dermatology at the University of Iowa Hospital describes healthy skin as "a multi-layer cake covered by a single sheet of clear plastic food wrap to keep it fresh. The plastic food wrap prevents the frosting and underlying layers of the cake from drying out by preventing loss (evaporation) of the water from the cake into the air. It is the moisture in the cake that gives it its freshness. The outermost layer of the skin, which acts like the plastic food wrap and is about the same thickness, is called the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum consists of dead skin cells embedded in a mixture of natural oils (lipids) that are made by underlying living skin cells. These natural skin oils keep the water inside our body from escaping into the air and also keep irritating substances and germs from entering the body. Both the skin oils and 421 Sensation the dead skin cells hold a certain amount of water in the stratum corneum and it is this stratum corneum water that helps keep the skin soft, pliable and smooth."

Now imagine that cake was a cheesecake and someone poked holes in the clear wrap protecting it. Very soon it would become dried out and stale. Left for a few days it would begin to crack. That's exactly what happens to your skin. When this protective layer of the skin is damaged you lose your natural moisture and your protective layer can't function properly. Winter weather and indoor heat can damage your protective layer. Too much soapy water, exposure to harsh chemicals and environmental toxins can also affect it. When it is compromised small cracks occur exposing your underlying cells to irritating substances and germs in the environment.

Until recently the only choice you had to treat dry skin was conventional moisturizers, but research into how healthy skin functions led to the development of a new skin care treatment: shielding lotions that mimic this protective layer and help your skin heal naturally.

Ten Winter Skin Care Tips

1. Avoid long soaks in hot, soapy water. Relaxing in a hot bath sounds wonderful when you're cold, but hot, soapy water can remove the protective oils from your skin

2. Use a mild bath product or one that is pH balanced. Look for natural ingredients

3. Pat your skin to dry it don't rub

4. Apply a shielding lotion right after the bath or shower to help the skin's protective layer stay intact

5. Reapply every four to six hours to maintain the integrity of the layer all day

6. Look at the ingredients on any product you buy to treat severe itching. Stay away from those with chemicals that could make the condition worse

7. Moisturize from the inside out. What you eat affects the condition of your skin. Add walnuts, Canola Oil and ground flaxseeds to your diet

8. Eat foods rich in Vitamin E - green leafy vegetables and wheat germ flakes

9. Drink at least eight glasses of liquid - preferably good water. Stay away from sodas or drinks with caffeine, which dry the skin

10. Use a humidifier to increase the level of marsh winter weather and indulgence over the holiday season are two good reasons to reassess your skin care routine. When the temperature drops and the heat gets turned up indoors your skin is exposed to low humidity both indoors and out, causing "winter itch." It affects people of all ages, with or without other skin problems. Rubbing and scratching these itchy areas can produce rough skin that can crack, especially on the hands and feet. It can even lead to dermatitis, when the skin becomes red and inflamed in addition to being dry and scaly.

Treat your skin right in the winter months and you'll have healthy glowing skin to put on show once summer arrives.

NO MAKEUP LOOK

Winter 2011 makeup trends seem to be characterized by two main key elements: Smokey eyes & stunning colored lips. However, besides these two trends, there is another one that proves to be timeless & able to reinvent itself every season: nude makeup. Take a look to some tips on how to use winter 2011 nude-makeup trend in order to enhance your natural beauty.

This season, makeup trends have the main purpose of exuding femininity & naturalness. Whether we are talking about Smokey eyes, bold red lips, or nude makeup, it should reflect one's personality & lifestyle. Yet hide flaws & emphasize qualities. Even if it might seem easy to make, getting a flawless nude look can become a real challenge. In order to obtain the perfect result you must pay a lot of attention to many details that can totally make the difference. However, nude- makeup will seem the easiest trend with these next simple tips. Nude-makeup could be increasingly spotted on the catwalks.

It is more than obvious that if you want to get the flawless nude look, your skin should be adequately taken care of this rule is applied not only when it comes to nude makeup, but for every makeup you choose. It is one of the essential steps in all the makeup process & it consists in using a moisturizing cream appropriate for your skin type. If you want the cream to be better absorbed, try to apply it on damp skin. Then, wait for about 10 minutes before starting the makeup process.

Well, less is more is totally true when it comes to foundation. Remember that the foundation you use has to make your skin complexion look even & not to cover it completely. If you apply it in a thick layer all on the entire face, you might end looking rather ridiculous, just like you were wearing a mask. Therefore, it is enough if you apply foundation on the T-zone & lighter on the sides & of course, on the neck. If you have an oily skin, choose a foundation one shade lighter than the color of your skin, as due to the fact that the sebum comes in contact with the foundation its color might become darker. This way, you'll only make your problems become even more visible.

Use a concealer in order to hide dark circles under the eyes. The concealer is considered as a part of the foundation & therefore it should be with maximum one shade lighter than the skin. When applying it, you need to make sure that you don't draw the attention on the flaw you want to hide. You can use concealer before or after the foundation. Start by applying a small amount of concealer on the finger & gently blend the concealer in. Make sure you choose the right concealer color & try the shade on the wrist.

As for the powder, this is that special product that offers a matte/flawless appearance to your skin & sets the whole makeup. However, remember to apply it in a light, even, thin layer in order to avoid a rather unaesthetic look.

A blush can totally change your facial features. Therefore, it is very important to pay a lot of attention when using it on your cheekbones. If you want a fresh-looking face, smile & apply blush in a circular motion on rounded cheeks going up towards the temples. Complete the aspect of your cheekbones using a bronzing tone applied at the base of the cheek.

A no makeup look requires a natural eye shadow in tones of pink with slight shades of brown, light peaches, & even light blue or gray can look natural on certain types of skin. In order to avoid that the eye- shadow to settle into the creases, you can use a special product for fixing.

Black can be considered as being too much for a nude makeup. Therefore, brown mascara is the best choice. For the lower lashes you can u e transparent mascara in order to elongate the eyelashes. When applying mascara, be careful not to use it in excess & try to apply it more on the ends & not on the base.

For a perfect, flawless look & smooth lips, exfoliating is a must. For a nude, fresh & light makeup, lipstick is not necessary - a lip balm would work great too. However, if you want to use a lipstick, go for sandy shades that can offer luminosity & complete the look in an amazing natural way. You can also choose a lip gloss especially if you want to make your lips look fuller.

Skin Caring Tips

 

Maybe you're in your 20s or early 30s & you think you can't possibly have aging skin yet. Well, you're wrong. Your skin starts acting old, losing collagen, glow & elasticity. Lines will develop & pores can seem more pronounced. It's easier to prevent damage than to repair it but the good news is you CAN reverse skin damage. To slow down/reverse the aging process & leave your skin glowing at any age:

 

Don't take too many showers:

Yes you're working up a sweat, but taking multiple showers throughout the day can wreak havoc with your skin. Though you might think it's hydrating, topically, water can have a drying effect on your epidermis. To avoid looking like a prune, douse in small doses & always moisturize immediately after showering.

 

Do drink plenty of water:

While topically water can hinder your skin, drinking 1.8 litre of water daily is essential for a healthy complexion because it flushes out toxins & keeps your insides running efficiently. It doesn't matter whether you drink bottled, filtered, tap water or eat fruits/veggies.

 

Don't go overboard with rich moisturizers:
While you want to keep your skin supple during summer, you can afford to lighten up - especially since thick doesn't necessarily equal better.

 

Do use a nighttime face lotion:

There's evidence that skin-cell regeneration is slightly faster at night than during the day, so take advantage of your skin's receptiveness & don't skimp on overnight hydration.

 

Don't drink too much coffee:

Do lavish your face & body with coffee topically. Numerous studies point to coffee-derived caffeine's skin-tightening & redness-soothing properties, making it the perfect antidote to under-eye pouches & rosacea.

 

Don't use harsh scrubs or scrub too often:

A void crushed nuts that are jagged. They can cause tiny lacerations in the skin, making the skin vulnerable. While the general rule is to exfoliate twice a week, your skin type plays a factor. Oily skin can handle exfoliation sessions up to four times a week, whereas dry or sensitive skin should stick to once or twice-a-week scrubs.

 

Do exfoliate with natural fruit enzymes:

Fruit acids from pumpkin, papaya & pineapple, for example, dissolve dead skin cells gently yet effectively. Pump up your scrub by squirting a little lemon juice into it for instant brightening & buffing action.

 

Don't over massage the skin or touch your face too much:

A facial massage can help relieve stress, improve elasticity, & provide a healthy glow, but stimulating the skin too much can also irritate sensitive skin & worsen acne, psoriasis, or eczema. Also, try not to touch your skin during the day when your fingers might not be clean..

 

Do use the zipper technique when applying anti-aging creams & serums to fine lines & wrinkles:

This will create a crevice-free surface so that the cream/serum can effectively penetrate. Here's how to do it - Using your index finger & middle finger, gently push the skin on either side of the line outward. Keeping fingers spread, use a finger from your other hand to zip up the smoothed-out area in between with product.

 

Don't rely on commercial beauty drinks for glowing skin:

They can provide a hydrating boost, but there aren't enough vitamins & antioxidants in them to make a visible difference in your skin.

Do take anti-inflammatory supplements:
Omega-3s, B vitamins & querecitin help prevent acne flare-ups, encourage moisture absorption/retention & improve blood circulation. If you're handy with a juicer, you might even try making your own at-home beauty drinks. Natural juices are enriched with vitamins as well as antioxidants, which increase blood flow, reduce collagen breakdown, improve collagen deposition, production & help with increasing the overall cell turnover rate of your skin, mixing leafy green vegetables like spinach.

 

Do stop smoking:

Ever notice the skin of a lifelong smoker? It can appear wrinkly like a squashed paper bag. The fact is, smoking is the 2nd biggest cause of skin damage after sun exposure. Why? nicotine constricts blood vessels & decreases the flow of oxygen to the skin.

Do use an AHA or BHA (also known as retinols) every day:
A daily application of a one percent prescription retinoid lotion (such as Retin-A or even better, Tazorac) can erase years from your face. AHAs used properly not only take off lots of dead skin, but can seem to take 10 years off as well by reducing fine lines. (Keep in mind these products do OT shrink pores. Your pore size is completely hereditary, so don't believe promises of permanent reduction).

Extra tip:
You must stay out of the sun if you use retinoids- You are extra-susceptible to sunburns.

Do exfoliate once a week:
Choose a formulation that's best for your skin type. Chemical exfoliators (glycolic or salicylic acid) are best for oily or combo skin, while scrubs found in micro-dermabrasives work best for sensitive skin.

Do use rye & neck cream daily:
Eyes are one of the first places to show aging. The skin around the eyes is extra thin so you'll want to protect it from the sun with eye cream with SPF 30.

Do invest & ingest antioxidants:
Antioxidants is a huge word in aging prevention. A huge proponent of antioxidants (found in green teas & beta carotene) Q 10.

Don't pull & rub your skin:
Aging skin has been under attack by UV rays, stress & carbon monoxide so don't stress it more by pulling on it.

Don't forget to moisturize:
While it's a myth that wrinkles are caused by dry skin, moisturizing can improve the appearance of lines by temporarily plumping them up.

Don't ignore your neck & chest:
The neck & chest are first to show the signs of aging (they have fewer oil glands than the rest of your body), yet most of us ignore them. Look for moisturizers that have age- fighting ingredients like vitamin A (retinols), kinetin, copper or vitamin C.

Don't forget the sunscreen:
You've had it ingrained in your head since youth, but seriously, even in winter it can take just 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to damage the skin. One word of warning: Once you start an anti-aging regimen, you have to keep it up. The effects of acid peels, AHAs, moisturizers - all the anti-aging products that remove dead skin cells & make skin look plumper - won 't last forever. You will have to maintain them.

Shrinking Large Pores

Pores are essential to your skin's health by providing oil to keep skin soft & hydrated. However, you don't necessarily want to be reminded of their existence every time you look in the mirror.Pores are more prominent when they are dilated, infected, or clogged with oil, making them appear larger than they really are. While it isn't possible to permanently shrink large pores, there are a number of ways to make them less noticeable.

There are two main factors that contribute to large pores,  genetics & age. People who have skin that is naturally thick & oily tend to have larger pores. As people get older, too, sun damage & decreased skin elasticity can cause pores to dilate. The skin thickens, causing tiny cells to collect around the edge of the pores & make them look larger. Blackheads are also a big contributor to large pores. When the pore becomes clogged by dirt & bacteria, oil within the pore begins to accumulate, causing the pore's diameter to expand.

Unfortunately, there is no way to permanently shrink large pores. The good news is that the appearance of large pores can be greatly reduced in a number of ways. For example, cleansing the pores of debris, excess oil & bacteria will significantly reduce their prominence. This can be achieved by using a low- strength topical medication or face wash containing retinol or vitamin C. These antioxidants help the   skin increase collagen & Elset in production while simultaneously loosening dirt & oil from the pores.

Exfoliation is also key to minimizing the appearance of large pores. This can be accomplished using an  at-home facial scrub or by visiting a spa or dermatologist for a  microderma-brasion treatment special   type of facial that gently scrubs off the dead surface layer of the skin, revealing softer, healthier skin  beneath).

Never underestimate the power of cosmetics to minimize even the most prominent of facial flaws. Try reducing the appearance of large pores by using the following technique:

• Start with a pre-foundation skin primer, which will help even out your skin tone & keep foundation from soaking into your pores.

• Let the primer dry & then apply your foundation using a makeup sponge. Use a cream or cream-to-powder foundation, which is more likely to conceal large pores than liquid foundation.

• Finally, dust your face with a loose translucent powder. Large pores will be less visible & your skin   tone will appear more even.

Although large pores may be bothersome early in life, they can actually present some benefits as the skin begins to age. People with large pores tend to have oily skin, which can help counteract the drying & wrinkling of the skin that occurs with age. Although conscientious skin care is important for people of all ages & skin types, those with large pores can embrace the fact that their skin will likely retain its natural moisture well into their later years.

Natural Skin Glow

Exercise is great for your health & can also help improve the look of your skin. Regular physical activity & sweating out the toxins can boost skin health & add a natural glow.

 

Skin Health

You know how great you feel after a tough workout - a long run, bike, exercise machines, or a good game of tennis. Though you're sweaty & exhausted, you notice the exhilaration shows in your glowing skin. Your skin is flushed from more than that healthy sweat you just worked up - exercise can really improve your overall skin health & quality. Exercise offers a number of benefits for your skin & should be considered an important part of any skin care regimen. So add a vibrant complexion to good health & a toned body when reviewing your reasons for getting in a daily workout.

 

Beyond heart health & bone building, exercise has a positive effect on your skin's appearance, too. Here's why:

 

 

Sweat Purges Body Toxins

 

Sweat purges your body of toxins that can clog pores & plague your skin with pimples & blemishes. The body only has so many mechanisms to rid itself of toxins - the kidneys, the liver & the skin. Exercise increases blood flow to the skin, increases neuronal stimulation & allows the sweat glands to increase their functions & rid the toxins. Once you sweat out those toxins, it's important to wash them off - you don't want to leave them sitting on your skin. Always shower after a workout to prevent bacterial or fungal infections that may occur from dirt clogging up your pores.

 

The more toned you are beneath your skin, the healthier your skin will look & feel. The stronger/firmer your muscles are the more support your skin will have & the more firm & elastic it will appear. Toning your muscles may also help to minimize the appearance of cellulite, the dimply fat that often strikes thighs & buttocks. You can't exercise cellulite away, but you can help it look better.

 

Exercise Boosts Blood Flow

 

Studies have shown that regular exercise boosts blood flow enough in type 2 diabetics to help reduce the risk of skin problems that lead to amputation. Exercise gets the blood flowing & that increased blood flow carries more oxygen to the skin. The boost in blood flow & oxygen to the skin cells also carries nutrients that improve skin health, supporting all the effort you make with moisturizers other skin care products on the skin surface.

 

 

Exercise Relieve Stress

 

Exercise has long been known as a great way to relieve stress. Those mind-body benefits may extend to your complexion. Though studies are small, some show that stress may worsen, if not actually trigger, acne. Stress may also trigger flare-ups of psoriasis. It's known to boost hormone production & suppress the body's ability to heal, but regular workouts can keep stress & possibly hard-to-manage skin conditions under control. When you're feeling tense, let exercise keep any frown lines at bay, too.

 

Exercise Gives Your Skin Natural Glow

 

Exercise gives your complexion a beautiful, natural glow. When you exercise, your skin begins to produce more of its natural oils that help skin look supple & healthy. While that can naturally moisturize skin, remember to cleanse your face gently as part of your skin care routine when you shower to prevent any breakouts.