Archive for the ‘Skin care’ Category
Maintaining beautiful hands is important for maintaining a youthful look at any age. Your hands get the most exposure and show your age the most, so care of them is care for your age. Knowing how to maintain your hands as you age is the best way to make sure they look your best and that you, in turn, look your youngest and best.
As you enter your 20’s, your hands look young and healthy for the most part. These are your skin’s glory years as they are likely yours as well. This is the best time to start preventing the effects of aging, because you don’t yet have to worry about treating the effects that are already there.
Premature aging is most often caused by exposure to the sun. In your 20’s is the best time to begin protecting your hands. At least twice a day, use a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. If you are going to be outdoors in the sun for long periods of time, apply a sunscreen with a UVA blocking agent in it. UVA rays are what cause brown spots and wrinkles.
About once a week, exfoliate the skin on your hands by using a facial scrub. Removing old dead skin will help the daily moisturizer you are applying to penetrate deeper into your skin. Finally, apply an over the counter lightening skin ream nightly to your hands. This will fade minor brown spots and discoloration that may already be infiltrating the skin on your hands. Beware, though, if you are not using your sunscreen, the spots will reappear.
As you enter your 30’s, your estrogen levels will begin to drop. This drop will cause more dryness in your hands than you experienced in your 20’s. In addition, this is the time when the first signs of photo aging may occur (loss of tone in your skin or blotchiness). There are still steps you can take.
Each morning, when you get up, apply a moisturizing cream with a sloughing agent (lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid). This will help to keep dead cells from accumulating on your skin’s surface. After you moisturize you will need to layer on the sunscreen. Again, the sunscreen should have an SPC of at least 15 and contain either transparent zinc oxide or Parasol 1789. You will also tend to lose moisture during the night. To prevent this, apply an emollient serum to the backs of your hands about a half an hour before you go to bed. Lastly, to fade out any brown spots that have begun to show, apply a prescription bleaching cream (see your dermatologist) in the morning and then some sort of vitamin A derivative in the evening.
As you reach your 40’s you skin will begin to thin out, which is a normal part of aging due to a loss of collagen in the skin. You will begin to notice more veins, wrinkles, and sun spots on your hands (if any of them look strange or change shape or color, see a dermatologist).
In your 40’s you will want to change to a hand cream that contains whey protein, which has been shown to help the production of collagen. Also as always, don’t forget to put on a layer of UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen. In an effort to help produce collagen as you sleep, apply a nonprescription retinol cream or Renovo.
If serious wrinkles and spots continue to appear on your hands, you may have to resort to in-office dermatological procedures. Consult your doctor before making any decision about serious treatments. Many of these procedures can help reverse some of the effects of aging that all the measures discussed simply cannot prevent.
It is your face that probably gets noticed first, but your hands get the most exposure: the most exposure to people, the sun and the elements. Because of that exposure, your hands are what are going to display your age. By taking proper care of your hands you will be able to look your best, and maybe even look younger than you thought you could. So take care of your hands, no matter what your age, and enjoy the benefits.
Summer time means dragging out your bathing suit and showing some skin. It also means it is time to focus more on your bikini area when you shave. The bikini area is the most sensitive area when it comes to shaving. Some people prefer to get the area waxed, however most women would rather take care of it with shaving. Although it may seem easy to maintain your bikini area, there is nothing worse than getting bikini burn from shaving. Most of the time bikini burn occurs when important shaving steps are skipped. To get a smooth and pain free shave, try these great tips when shaving your bikini area.
Prepping your skin for shaving is one of the most valuable things you can do for your skin. If you prefer to shave in the mornings, try lathering the bikini area with a deep moisturizing lotion the night before. This will help soften the hairs while you sleep. When you wake in the morning, the hairs will be much easier to shave.
Once you get into the shower or bath, don’t let shaving be the first task on your list. Go ahead and wash your body and hair before picking up the razor. If you allow the bikini area hair to soften with the water and heat, then you will get better results. If you are in a hurry and cannot wait to shave, consider putting hair conditioner on the area for at least two minutes before you begin shaving. This will give the area a bit of moisture which is better than none.
Choosing the proper razor is the key to a good shave. Most women prefer the do-it-yourself method as opposed to an electric razor for the area. It is a good idea to go over the area with trimmers however if it has been a while since you shaved it. This will allow you to get a smoother shave. Make sure your razor is clean and sharp. You will most likely get bikini burn if you shave with a dull razor. Razor companies are now making small disposable razors made specifically for the bikini area, so pick up a few to try.
When you are ready to shave, make sure you have a shaving agent on hand. Don’t use soap when shaving your bikini area, as it will dry the area out and leave you with a rash. Try using sensitive skin shaving gel or cream for bikini area shaving. If you are curious about which type to get, try using your man’s cream. It contains basically the same ingredients a female shaving cream would contain, although it may offer a manly scent. Female versions tend to offer a clean scent, while many male shaving creams offer a musk scent. There are also specific products you can use for the bikini area. They specify their specific use on the bottle and are made for sensitive areas. These sensitive shaving agents are a perfect way to prevent bikini burn.
What you do to your skin after shaving your bikini area is extremely important. Immediately after getting out of the shower or bath, you must moisturize the area. If you have sensitive skin, try an unscented lotion. You can also use baby powder or baby oil if you tend to break out from using lotions on shaved areas. Try not to go into a pool or the ocean for a few hours after you shave. This will allow the area to heal before you expose it to salty water or chemicals. If you must go in the water, be sure to moisturize after you get out.
If you already have bikini burn then you know how annoying it can get. There is not much you can do for bikini burn. You really must simply let it heal on its own. Do not shave the area however until the rash is gone. You can also buy over-the-counter chafing lotions that will help heal the area. Wear loose clothing and avoid the ocean or pool until it heals.
If you shave your bikini area every day, the area will become less sensitive to the shaving process and you will be less likely to get bikini burn. Don’t ever shave more than once a day, but try to shave at least every other day. You can skip shaving your bikini area in the winter months if you like, but be sure to start back again before bathing suit weather so you can get any initial irritation out of the way.
Related articles by Zemanta
- Keep Razors Sharp with Mineral Oil [Shaving] (lifehacker.com)
Shaving is one task that most women hate to deal with. It is something that takes a significant amount of time and with today’s woman being as busy as ever, there is simply not enough time in the day! Even though it is annoying, there are few women who can comfortably live with hairy legs, at least for more than a week or two. Therefore, you should learn what you can do to make shaving your legs not as bothersome.
Although some women never think twice about how far to shave, there are many women who are in constant wonder about whether they should shave more than an inch above their knees. Most young women rarely worry about shaving above their knees unless they have dark hair growth. Adult women however rarely leave any part of their leg unshaved.
It is really a personal preference decision. If you are comfortable leaving your upper leg a bit fuzzy, then by all means, you have the right to do so. Once you do begin shaving the upper area however, you may find that you are only comfortable when your entire leg is hair-free.
Many women determine how much of their legs they shave by the weather. If they are planning on wearing a short skirt, bathing suit, or shorts, they will shave their entire leg. However, in the winter season they may forgo shaving altogether. Single women who date are much more likely to shave their entire legs every day. Married women are more likely to skip a day or only shave the parts of their legs that are visible to the general public.
After deciding exactly what you are going to shave and what you will leave for later, there are a few things that you should do to make sure shaving is a comfortable experience. The most important thing you can do is to use a fresh razor. Razors can be used more than once, obviously, however you should certainly change your razor at least once a week. Disposable razors are different and should be tossed daily.
With a fresh razor in hand, you should lather up with a good shaving agent. You can use a shaving gel, cream, or lotion. Try the female versions of shaving products, as they are usually a bit more sensitive. However, in a pinch, you can certainly reach for your man’s cream. Another great item to use to help you in shaving is hair conditioner. It works just like shaving lotion and can help moisturize your legs during and after you shave. Try not to use soap as this will only dry out your legs and makes shaving uncomfortable.
Even though you are likely rushed to get in and out of the shower, be sure to take your time when you shave. The more time and effort you take, the better your shave will be. You will have a smoother shave with less nicks and rashes if you shave slowly. So, try to slow it down a bit. Saving your shaving routine for last when in the shower is also a good idea. By allowing your hair to soften from washing and the heat of the water, you will find shaving to be more soothing than stressful.
What you do to your legs after exiting the shower is almost as important as what you do when you are in the shower. Never leave shaved legs dry and without moisture. Most women can lather on body lotion right after shaving, but some may find this irritating to their legs. If you find yourself in an irritating situation, consider skipping your shaving routine for a few days. After your irritation heals, try using baby oil right on your legs after shaving. Almost everyone can use this without irritation. It is a bit messier, but it will provide everything you need for a comfortable shave.
Getting a clean and non-irritating leg shave can mean putting a little more effort into the routine then you may expect. However, these tips are not so time consuming that you will notice a big difference in your morning schedule. They are mostly things that you can start making habits, which will ultimately take no more time for you to accomplish than your normal routine. So, start shaving smart today and you will see the results in no time!
If you are looking for a great way to unwind at the spa and loose a few inches at the same time, then consider a seaweed wrap. Seaweed wraps are becoming more popular than ever and after you experience one, you will understand why. Most seaweed wraps are conducted at spas and massage centers, however you can also try one at home. Whether you venture to the spa for your wrap or choose to enjoy it in your own home, your results will be fantastic.
If you are curious about why seaweed is used for a wrap procedure, then you might want to get the facts on seaweed. Seaweeds actually provide more than half of the Earth’s oxygen. They are one of the most primary life sources. The interesting thing about seaweed is that it absorbs all of the great things from the ocean. Through osmosis, it absorbs copper, iron, potassium, zinc, and iodine. It also absorbs many vitamins.
It is small wonder then that seaweed can do so much for our bodies, as our own plasma is extremely similar in composition to seawater. With our bodies being made of mostly water, seaweed is a welcoming product for our skin. Most wraps use seaweed algae from the Brittany Coast of France. Spas will order the substance from France to use in their centers. Companies who sell seaweed used for wraps are able to maintain the natural elements of the seaweed. These elements help the wrap do its job.
Most women try seaweed wraps for their relaxation aspects. Seaweed wraps are much more useful than simply for relaxation however. A wrap can stimulate your circulation, making your blood flow better. It can also increase your metabolism, allowing you to have more energy and to lose weight more easily. One of the main things a seaweed wrap does for your body is that it gets rid of toxins. It is a gentle form of detoxification for your skin and your body. It will help with cellulite, sagging skin, stretch marks, and water weight loss.
You can think of a seaweed wrap as a total body cleanser. It cleanses both inside and out. The wrap works by absorbing the vitamins and minerals that the seaweed contains naturally. The minerals absorbed are taken in by the skin and help break up fatty deposits in your body. It will make your skin look and feel supple and smooth.
You may want to know what to expect when going in for a seaweed wrap. Most spas will lead you to a private room. The lights may be dimmed and soft music may be playing. The lighting and music will help you relax and enjoy your treatment. Your wrap specialist will ask you to either remove your clothing, or put on a disposable bikini. After you undress, the specialist will smooth seaweed paste all over the treated area. When the paste is applied, the specialist will then wrap the area with warm thermal sheets. These sheets are very relaxing. You will then relax for up to 45 minutes. The specialist will remove the sheets and you will rinse the seaweed off of the treated area.
After receiving seaweed wrap at a spa or after doing it yourself at home, there are a few things you should remember. Since the wrap is removing toxins from your skin, you should be sure to drink extra water for 24 hours after your wrap. Drinking water is a great way for your body to replace the toxins with something useful and healthy. Be sure to drink about 4-6 extra glasses to get your body back on track. Not only will drinking more hydrate your body, but it will also allow your skin to stay smooth and supple longer.
If you would rather not try a seaweed wrap on your entire body, you can try localized treatments. If you are only concerned with your legs, you can get a seaweed wrap for your legs alone. You can also do a seaweed face wrap. Any part of your body can be used in the treatment process. These treatments will improve the firmness in your skin as well as help you with other problems. For the best results, salon specialists suggest getting a seaweed wrap once a week for at least six to eight weeks. This can be a bit costly, but after all, beauty is not cheap!
You know the importance of having great looking skin. Now, why not take that to the next level by considering organic make up products. The better department stores are now getting more requests for these products and there is a reason for it. Organic products do not contain products or materials that have harmful toxins, pesticides or other non natural elements in them. In short, they are better for your skin and they are better for the environment.
Many products are now available in organic form. The more products you use that are organic, the better off you will be. Some products you are likely to find that are organic include the following items:
• Concealer and foundation products: perhaps the most important of the bunch
• Lipsticks in all shades, qualities and styles
• Blush: No limit to the colors or types either
• Eye liner: you wouldn’t believe the stuff you were putting so close to your eyes
• Lotions ad topical items: these are important. Anything that you put onto your skin will get right into your pores and that ends up in your blood stream.
• Soaps and Shampoos: These are becoming more readily available by top manufacturers as organic products.
Many of the top manufacturers are providing more organic products each year. They understand the importance of this quality and they know there is a growing request for such products.
When purchasing products that are labeled organic, what should you expect? First, you should expect that the product is made up of only natural products. This means that no dyes or perfumes are used.
This also means the product does not have any preservatives in them and no colorants. They do not necessarily have to be limited in color and style, though. Many products are just as vibrant and beautiful as ever. In addition, most of these products still apply in the same format and they have a design to be high quality make up products.
When you head out to purchase the next batch of make up for yourself, why not consider purchasing products that are better for you? Choose all organic products. If you are not too sure if you will like them, purchase an organic foundation (if you use foundation.) What you are likely to find is that these products are just as high in quality, if not more so, and they go on well. You get all the same benefits without the carbon footprint.
The foundation of your beauty comes from the skin. If your skin is dry, cracked or otherwise injured, chances are good that it will show in your skin no matter how much make up you put on. One way to improve the quality and look of your skin is to use a quality product designed to do so. The other way, which may be best, is to eat foods that can do much of the work for you. The food you eat is a direct reflection of what your skin looks like. The question is, then, which foods should you be eating to have great looking skin?
First, choose foods that are full of antioxidants. You want to ensure that these foods are in your diet because they keep skin looking healthy. They even work very well at aiding in improving the quality of your skin as you age. Choose foods that can do this for you. For example, to get Vitamin A, eat dairy. For Vitamin B, look to bananas, red meat and wheat germ. For Vitamin C, look to peppers, kiwi fruit, tomatoes and oranges. For Zinc, choose foods like seafood, eggs, cheese and mushrooms. Iron is also important. You can get this from red meats and seafood.
Next, consider the moisture level in your skin. If your skin is dry, you may need more essential fatty acids. Don’t worry. These are not products that have a lot of grease in them. Rather, they have natural, necessary fatty oils that your body needs. You can get Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils from foods like salmon, tuna, and nuts.
Work to eat more of the deeper colors of fruits and vegetables in your diet. This makes it much easier for you to get the antioxidants you need without having to count grams. Also, keep in mind that a diet that is rich in these nutrients may feel hard to come by. When this is the case, don’t be worried about using supplements. A number of supplement combinations are on the market containing all of the nutrients listed above. They can aid you in improving the quality of your skin.
When it comes to having fantastic looking skin, don’t forget these very important products. You definitely need foods to be part of your health regimen for improving your skin. Otherwise, no product you add will do enough to give your skin the youth you are hoping for.
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.
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.