Archive for August, 2009
It does not matter if you are 40 and hoping to get back into the habit of wearing makeup or if you are 13and just starting out. The key is to have great looking skin and features. To help you to do so, keep in mind a few of the most important beauty secrets when it comes to all aspects of beautification of your body. Each person is different and your tastes are important too. Keep in mind that you want to be proud of the way you look.
#1: Choose Quality Products
You do not have to purchase the most expensive beauty products on the market and you most definitely do not need to invest in over priced items that will help your face look younger. Instead, choose quality, middle of the road products that are within your budget. If you are unsure what type of products to buy, have a professional aid you. Have them help you to choose the best make up products for your face.
#2: Less Is More
When it comes to make up, today’s biggest trend is less is more. You still need make up but you just might need less. People expect you to look natural and the skin will only look as good as the makeup you apply to it. Keep your make up less caking and more powder and soft. You want to create a natural beauty, not a makeup beauty.
#3: Take Care of It All
Your make up, your nail polish and your pedicures all matter. In order to have that complete look where you stand out as the next beauty queen, you really do need to pay attention to all aspects of your body. If you plan to wear sandals or other open toe shoes, get a pedicure. If you have not had a manicure in the last dozen years, now is the right time. Go and have your eye brows professionally done. Doing all of these things may seem like a lot of work, but really, it just adds to the overall quality of your look. When you take the time to apply these tips, your beauty will skyrocket. Individuals will be impressed with the quality of your look and overall, you could find yourself more confident and happy about your overall look too. Don’t overdo it. Moreover, most importantly, seek out help if you need it.
Most individuals spend a decent amount of money on hair care products each month. If you are spending a great deal on these products, you may be shocked to learn that you can get many of the same quality products for less. Plus, you also have to take into consideration what you actually need to use. Finally, keep in mind that using too many products can really damage your hair. So, what I the solution to all of these problems and still allows you to have great hair?
One option to consider is simply purchasing only what you need and working towards having healthier hair. For example, you may think you need mousse, gels and other hair styling products, but in fact healthy hair may not require nearly a much product. A good example of this is products that add nothing much shine to the hair. You can add them to your hair, or instead, you can simply ensure that your hair is well cared. Do not over wash and get great resets that way.
In addition to this consideration, keep in mind what you are actually putting on your hair. Adding toxic chemicals and sprays to your hair is made worse when you spend hours a month blow drying it. The best result here is to simply reduce the amount of chemicals added. You may even want to consider finding a few organic products. These work well and do not hurt your hair in the process.
Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:
• Don’t wash your hair every day. You do not need to and it strips many of the nutrients from your hair you need.
• Use minimal amounts of any product that you do use. Follow the directions on the product. Chances are good that you need far less than you are using.
• Switch out conditioners and shampoos every few months. These are often leaving their own residue in your hair and after a while it can build up. Switching to another brand product every few months will help you get a great clean feeling.
Minimize the use of your hair dryer, too. This too aids in the breakdown of your hair. Most importantly, take care of it. Don’t keep it up in a pony tail and be sure that you are spending some time having it professionally cut. All of these small things add up to very impressive hair.
Natural beauty is the best type of beauty. It is recognized by many to be the most amazing and pleasing form. Plus, when you are beautiful, you have a better self image and you have a better outlook on life. The key is being able to do this. For those who want to have a natural beauty, it is always best to make wise decisions about their beauty region. The following are some of the most important things to do hen looking for beautiful, natural skin and overall beauty.
1. Care for you face with love: use only those products for your face and skin that are all natural. Organic products are even better. Doing this will aid you in having amazing looking skin for the long term.
2. Keep your skin hydrated. To do this, you will need to consume a least eight full glasses of water each day. You may want to drink juices too as they often have natural nutrients in them. Yet, water is the key to health.
3. Make sure each meal has a wide range of colorful vegetables and fruits in it. You need the antioxidants to improve the quality of skin and to flush out the debris and plague from your arteries and skin cells.
4. Choose concealers based on the ingredient they have in them. You will want to choose products that provide the most natural base since these items are so close to the skin.
5. Always use UV protection make up. Or apply a layer of UV sunscreen under your make up and regularly apply again throughout the course of the day. Even in the winter time, you need to protect your skin from the harm that the sun can cause. Up to 80 percent of skin damage comes from the sun.
6. Apply less make up overall to cover your face. You will want to keep your make up fresh ad light in color. Use naturally based colors for the best overall results.
7. Keep your eye on trends, but go with what you love. Make up color trends change often. New products hit the market each season. Your job is to choose those that give you the best look. When you incorporate these tips into your overall beauty regimen, you will see marked improvement in your overall skin quality and your look. Keep it up and you will be fighting aging too.
Combination skin is a separate category of skin type. It’s neither 100% dry or normal or oily. It’s instead a combination that’s characterized as normal and oily skin, or skin that’s oily and dry. In other words, like the song, combination skin is ‘a little bit of this, and a little bit of that’.
The common denominator in either type of combination skin is the presence of oily areas so care must be taken not to further aggravate these areas. Usually, it’s the areas with the highest concentration of oil-producing glands – the face, chest, shoulders and the back – that are oily. Other body parts have fewer oil glands which is why they’re either normal or have characteristics of dryness.
The cause of combination skin really has to do with oil-producing glands that produce more oil than normal. Dryness is primarily caused by the environment, age and the breakdown of the intracellular matrix.
Most people know whether they have combination skin just by looking at it. The areas that appear shiny likely will have some amount of pimples and/or blackheads. Makeup and other cosmetics usually won’t last through an entire day without re-application. Dry areas flake and appear dull and may feel irritated.
Skin care for combination skin
Proper skin care for combination skin is best described as a delicate balancing act. You don’t want to over-moisturize the oily areas, which mainly include the ‘T-zone’ or you risk waking up with an explosion of blemishes dotting your face. And likewise, you don’t want to apply products formulated for oily skin to the areas that aren’t oily or you risk waking up with skin that feels taut and scaly, especially around the eyes and mouth. So what’s the proper way to care for combination skin?
Cleansing twice daily with warm water and a gentle gel cleanser is most important. This helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt and excess oil so they don’t block pore openings. Follow with a toner that’s either water-based or glycerin-based after cleansing to help remove remaining residue. Periodic exfoliating is recommended to remove any remaining dead cells so new skin can take its place. It helps keep skin looking fresh and radiant. Be sure to look for skin care products that aim to balance the different skin types.
For oily-normal skin, you want to keep skin hydrated, but dry in the areas prone to excessive oil. Choose moisturizers that are water-based rather than oil-based, making sure to apply sparingly to oil-prone areas. Spot-treat blemishes as necessary. Benzoyl peroxide products are very effective. Apply cosmetics designed to absorb oils, like powders or dab with oil-absorbing tissues as necessary.
For oily-dry skin, moisturizing dry areas with emollient-based products is important to keep skin feeling fresh. The eyes may need an even heavier moisturizer and if so, just be sure to keep it away from the T-zone.
And never forget the importance of applying sunscreen. Fortunately, many foundations and powders now do double-duty as both make-up and sunscreen!
Dry skin can be a blessing but more often it is troublesome. Those with dry skin generally need not worry about blemishes except for the occasional stray that appears from hormonal changes or stress. But dry skin looks dull and flaky. And worse, it can emphasize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Age and the environment are two factors that contribute to this skin type. Over time, the sebaceous glands within the dermis layer slow their production of sebum, the body’s natural moisturizer. The skin’s ability to retain moisture also lessens as we grow older. This is caused by the breakdown of the intracellular matrix, the collagen and elastin layer that helps hold skin tissue together. When this layer begins to break apart, it becomes more difficult for skin to hold in moisture. As moisture escapes, skin becomes drier.
Other causes of dry skin include climates that are arid, windy and dry. Use of harsh soaps and detergents and too much unprotected exposure to the sun’s damaging rays can also negatively influence skin. Genetics plays a role as well.
How do I know I have dry skin?
First consider where you live. Windy areas and areas with low humidity cause dryness by stripping skin of its natural oils. Living in areas where winters are cold causes skin trouble as well. Even if you don’t spend much time outdoors, interior heaters as well as air conditioning units in hot, dry climates can sap the air of moisture and cause dry skin.
Visible indicators of dry skin include skin that flakes easily. Plus, dry skin often looks tight and taut because pore openings are very tiny. If you don’t yet see these tell-tale signs of dry skin but you’re at or approaching mid-life, it’s time to start looking.
Caring for dry skin
If you have dry skin, proper care involves retaining as much moisture as possible. One way is to avoid using products containing alcohol because alcohol dries. Recommended ingredients for dry skin include alpha hydroxy, lactic acids, petroleum, lanolin and glycerin so take time to read product labels.
Dry skin won’t always feel like it needs to be cleansed, but it does, twice daily, morning and night. Using a gentle cleanser made especially for skin that’s dry, cleanse using warm, not hot water. Finish off with a cool rinse. It’s never a good idea to use hot water to clean any type of skin or to soak in a tub because doing so will only strip skin of its natural oils.
After washing your skin, pat it dry using a soft towel. Then apply a light moisturizer. Those containing Vitamin E are excellent choices. If you wear make-up choose foundations that contain the moisturizing ingredients mentioned above.
Help keep skin hydrated by drinking water and increasing your consumption of high water content foods such as cucumbers and watermelon. Most fruits and vegetables are excellent hydrating foods plus they’re excellent sources of important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Antioxidants are crucial in helping maintain the skin’s intracellular matrix.
Of all the skin types, oily skin is often the most challenging. Oil production is completely natural and is the result of the sebaceous glands located in the dermis or middle layer of skin. These natural oils help keep skin moist and supple. But for some, the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, leading to the most dreaded of the skin types – oily skin.
How do I know I have oily skin?
Most teen-agers have oily skin because this is the time when hormone production is in full swing. But if you’ve passed your teen years, there are other ways of determining whether or not you have oily skin. It’s fairly easy to detect, so start by looking in the mirror. Do you notice a sheen on your skin, especially in your ‘T-Zone?’ The T-Zone starts at the point between your eyes and extends vertically down along your nose all the way to your chin. The zone also runs horizontally across the bridge of your nose, starting and ending at the center point below each eye.
You may or may not notice the sheen during the day, so check again first thing after waking. If there’s a sheen, chances are good you have oily skin. While you’re standing at the mirror, take a look at your hair. If it’s oily, it’s another indication you likely have oily skin. If you wear make-up, specifically foundation, and you find it fades or wears off after a couple of hours, that’s yet another indication of oily skin. If you’re constantly patting your face with powder or even a handkerchief it’s probably because of oily skin.
The presence of blemishes is another good indication although stress, hormones and other factors can all cause outbreaks. And remember that oily skin isn’t found only on the face. The back, neck, chest, shoulders and arms can all be oily.
How to care for oily skin?
If you do have oily skin, you probably feel that the best way to combat it is to strip away those pore-clogging, sheen-producing oils. Don’t! Although they cause trouble for your complexion, oils produced by the sebaceous glands are important because they act as the skin’s natural moisturizer. And oily skin is sometimes sensitive. Rather than completely remove oil, you need to keep it under control.
Another reason not to use harsh soaps that strip away oil is that doing so may cause the sebaceous glands to increase their oil production. They’ll instinctively want to replenish the lost oils and you may end up with a bigger problem.
You’ve got to keep oily skin clean so that pores openings remain clear. Otherwise, dead cells, dirt and other bacteria will clog pores and cause pimples. Skin is delicate so always use a gentle cleanser and warm, not hot water. Exfoliate weekly with a non-abrasive product to help remove any pore-clogging material or use a toner that does not list alcohol as an ingredient.
Use products that moisturize in moderation and according to directions. Make sure the cosmetics and sun protection you use are oil-free. Look for skin care products with the words ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘non-acnegenic’ on the labels.
Sun protection isn’t just for sissies. Protection from the sun’s damaging rays is important for anyone who wants to grow old gracefully. It’s also an absolute must for anyone who wants to limit his or her risk of developing skin cancer.
People are finally beginning to realize that although sunshine is an important component of most outdoor activities and a great mood enhancer, excessive exposure can lead to much unpleasantness. A painful sunburn is the most immediate consequence of excess exposure. Long term, excess exposure can damage the skin making it prone to wrinkling and worse, the development of skin cancer.
When do you need sun protection?
Doctors will tell you that sun protection is needed all the time and they’re right. Realistically however it’s important anytime you’ll be outdoors between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, when the sun is at its highest.
People don’t realize that they can still burn even though the sun isn’t shining. Overcast days are some of the worst times for being in the sun unprotected. And because ultraviolet rays can reflect off certain surfaces, people need protection from the sun when snow covers the ground and also when in the water, when lying or playing on the sand and even when on a cement or grass surface.
Understanding UV rays
Ultraviolet rays are the different wavelengths of energy that are produced by the sun. Even though harmful, the sun’s energy is necessary to all human life. Fortunately, as life on earth has evolved so has the capacity to tolerate UV rays. The most important protection against the damaging ultraviolet rays is the ozone layer – a layer in the stratosphere that absorbs most of the various types of UV rays before they reach the earth’s surface.
Most of this radiation or energy from the sun is invisible to the naked eye. The fact that the radiation is mostly invisible is likely the reason why the sun can be so harmful. It’s hard to convince a person to protect against something that can’t be seen. Of the ultraviolet rays, the two that are responsible for skin damage are UVA and UVB rays. The sun also generates UVC rays, but fortunately these extremely damaging rays cannot penetrate the ozone layer and therefore pose no threat to humans.
The longer and more prevalent of the two, UVA rays are responsible for long-term skin damage because they absorb deep into the skin. Their strength remains uniform regardless of the time of day or time of year. UVB rays are shorter and are what causes skin to tan or sunburns. Our bodies need UVB rays to produce Vitamin D, an important vitamin. Their strength varies based on time of day, time of year, altitude and also distance from the equator.
The UV Index is a scale measuring from 0 – 11 (low to extreme) and it’s used to determine the intensity of the sun’s radiation, particularly the likelihood that skin will or will not redden when exposed to the sun for various periods of time.
Individuals who have great looking hands are more likely to have hands that people want to hold. Perhaps your wedding is coming up. There is no telling the number of people who will want to see your ring and in turn get to see your hands. On the other hand, you may find that your hands are the focus of pictures. You will need to take steps to ensure that your hands look great. Even if it is not your wedding, you want to take a bit of time to take care of your hands.
What about Them?
You may be wondering, what elements of your hands should you e concerned with? When it comes to beauty tips, people often do not think about their hands, but if you have ever shaken the hand of someone who has bad skin or otherwise poor hands, you likely have remembered it. Here are some tips to help you to improve the quality of your skin on your hands specifically.
• Wash hands properly and often. When it comes to keeping your hands healthy, one of the first steps is t keep them clean. Use a nail brush under your nails and on top of them. Use a quality, but not harsh soap when washing your hands.
• Limit the amount of alcohol used on your hands. There are a wide range of products that, with one squirt, are able to kill all the germs on your hands. Many are alcohol based and while a good choice, can dry out your hands. Use these limitedly.
• Do use lotions and moisturizer. The hands are continuously exposed and need a layer of moisturizer to protect the hands from the harsh elements it meets.
• Tackle skin problems. If you have any type of skin problem, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to get them taken care of by your dermatologist. Since the hands are so exposed, this is very important.
When it comes to your hands, do take care of them. This will make a considerable difference in the quality of your skin overall too and it can prevent you from illnesses since nail beds are one of the worst places for bacteria and pathogens to lurk. Take time to consider your hands: they do matter in terms of what your first impression is with individuals you are just meeting.