Monday, November 2, 2009

DRYSKIN CARE



Dry skin care is important as damaged and dry skin needs to receive the proper treatment. Dry skin lotions can help, but there are lots of other things people can do to minimize dry skin and the damage that it does. Here are some effective tips for caring for dry skin.

What Is Dry Skin and How Is It Caused?
Dry skin (or xerosis) has a low level of sebum, which is the skin’s natural lubricant. As it does not have enough sebum, it dries out easily and is unable to retain the right amount of moisture needed for healthy skin.
A number of factors may cause dry skin. It is more common in winter when the cold outside and the heat inside contribute in drying up the skin. It can also be caused by hot water or harsh soaps. Poor diet or smoking can also cause or aggravate the problem. Dry skin may also be a symptom of other conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, ichthyoids, psoriasis, an under active thyroid and diabetes. Dry skin becomes more common as people age.


Problems Faced by People with Dry Skin
People with dry skin may find their skin cracks and peels or becomes flaky. Dry skin may look parched and feel tight after washing. It can also become red, irritated and inflamed. Dry itchy skin is a common problem for people with dry skin. In extreme cases, there may be deep fissures that bleed.
Dry skin ages more quickly than other types of skin. Wrinkles and fine lines can often become a problem.


Techniques for Dealing with Dry Skin
There are a number of things you can do for effective dry skin care. Baths and showers should be taken in warm, instead of hot, water, and should be kept as short as possible. Soap should be used sparingly. Mild cleansers and pure soaps are better. When drying your skin, use patting motions and avoid rubbing the skin too much. Try massaging your skin to increase the flow of natural oils.
Because cold and heat exacerbate the problems of dry skin, people with dry skin should protect their face and skin when going out into the wind or sun, and they should always wear a sunscreen.
Exercise, a good diet and enough sleep will all help keep your skin healthy.


NATURAL TECHNIQUES
Instead of using a commercial cleanser, use a vegetable oil like olive oil or almond oil.
Aloe Vera is very good for dry skin and it has healing and soothing properties.
Calendula and comfrey soften the skin. They may be used in a facial sauna.
Cold compresses can help alleviate dry itchy skin. Add a few drops of essential oil.
Milk baths are very effective in the treatment of dry skin on the body. Add powdered milk and almond oil to a warm (not hot) bath.
Herbal teas like chamomile, dandelion, peppermint, borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula help improve the skin.
A good home remedy for dry skin is to make your own beauty mask. Combine an egg, honey, olive oil and rosewater. Apply onto your skin and leave it there for fifteen minutes before washing off.
Another home remedy for dry skin is to mash some avocado and apply onto your face. Mashed banana also works well.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

OILY SKIN


If you have oily skin then the good news is this skin type is generally slower to show fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration.

The downside can be more frequent breakouts, large pores and a greasy appearance.

you can minimize oil by doing these

1. The experts suggest cleansing your face two or three times daily with good old soap and water. Pack a premoistened cleansing pad if you won't be around a water basin throughout the day.


2. Understand that dermatologists and aestheticians often disagree on which types of soaps or cleansers to use'but all agree that once you find a product that works well for your skin, you should continue using it.


3. Follow the recommendations of dermatologists and shower or bathe in tepid rather than steaming-hot water. Hot water can strip your skin of needed moisture, while cold water can shock your skin.

4. Avoid using cleansers that tend to overdry skin. This paradoxically causes your skin to produce even more oil than usual.


5. Use only noncomedogenic moisturizers and sunscreen products'this means they're oil-free and won't clog pores.


6. Add a clay or mud mask once a week to your skincare routine to temporarily absorb oil.


7. Choose makeup that’s specifically formulated for oily skin; shine-control water-based cosmetics are made to absorb and cover oiliness so your skin doesn't look as greasy.


8. Consider Pure.Makeup, which is formulated with 50% water instead of pore-clogging oils, which can cause breakouts.


9. For a fresh-yet-matte finish, an oil-control powder like Pure.


10. Powderor Shine Free Powder worn alone or over your foundation can absorb oils. Gently sweep the powder puff (or your Expert Tools Face Brush) over areas of your face that are prone to shine (especially your T-zone).

Monday, October 5, 2009

UN-EVEN COMPLEXION



Foundation can be the best fix for uneven-looking skin tone caused by blotchiness, freckles and spot scars.


First apply your makeup along your jaw line to ensure the shade is right for you. Then blend it into the rest of your face using your fingertips or a sponge for a flawless, even look.


Mousse or cream formulas glide on easily and provide the medium-to-full coverage that is perfect for correcting the look of an uneven complexion.


Use Dream Matte Mousse Foundation for smooth coverage that blends effortlessly. Apply a yellow-toned concealer or spot apply foundation only on needed areas.


If you have hyperpigmented skin (dark spots and patches), apply a full coverage concealer, such as Cover Stick Corrector Concealer, then blend on a foundation in a shade lighter than your skin but darker than the concealed spot.


Some Hispanic and African-American women have lighter skin toward the center of the face and darker skin around the edge of the face down to the neck. To even out skin tone, you’ll need two foundations: a lighter foundation that matches the lighter part of your face and a darker foundation that matches the darker part of your face. Mix the two foundations, then apply the mixture over your entire face until you get an even-toned complexion.

WRM UP A WASHED OUT COMPLEXION


If your complexion is looking dull or tired, it’s time to reenergize your skin!


1. Start warming up that light complexion by taking a look at your strands. Is your hair color lighter (or as light as) your face? If so, go for some warmer low-lights, especially on strands that frame your face.

2. Swipe a light bronzing dust across cheeks and the tip of the nose. Believe it or not, bronzer really can be used on light skin. Tap the brush off first, and apply a shade that is just a few tones darker than your own (think sun-kissed, not tanning bed-fried).

3. Apply a pink lip gloss. Pink is a believable color on the lips of a light skinned woman, and it doesn't overpower the face when used with bronzer. Stick with glosses rather than matte finishes to keep the focus on great skin.

4. Go for grey or brown eye liner. Black liner can be a bit too harsh when the goal is to warm a washed out complexion, but some definition is key to keeping the eyes bright. Select grey or brown instead.

5. Apply a single coat of lengthening black mascara to make eyes pop against a freshly warmed, light canvas.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

LOOK YOUNGER WITH MAKEUP


We all know how versatile makeup can be - makeup can someone appear younger or even older. In order to look more youthful with makeup you need to know how to apply makeup properly and opt for a more natural look.
Tips to look younger with make up

Clean your face and moisturize using products especially designed for your skin type
exfoliate regulally and moisturize well before you apply makeup
use facials regularly to improve your skin and promote better blood circulation
use as little makeup as possible - don't overload your face with layers and layers of makeup because you will only get the opposite effect
use concealer to cover up blemishes and apply a foundation that matches your skin tone. apply loose powder to set the foundation, but sparingly and apply only to T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
use a soft shade eye pencil instead of a liquid eyeliner because it will create a softer look
use a white eyeliner pencil to the waterline to make the eyes appear bigger and brighter
apply eyeshadow in warm tones like peach, lavender, etc
use a little bit of shimmer on your cheekbones to make the skin look dewy do not use dark matte lipstick use a clear lip gloss instead .
always keep your hair in good condition because it will complete your youthful appearance

It is very important to take care of your skin in order to prevent and combat wrinkles and fine lines.

Use eye creams and moisturizers every day.

Eat healthy because your skin will look healthy too if it gets all the nutrients and vitamins it needs.

Exercise and drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin. Remember that smoking and unhealthy foods can have a negative effect over your skin, speeding up aging.

So get rid of all the bad habits in your life and embark in a new healthy lifestyle to maintain your youthful appearance.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Skin Care Tips for Teens




In order to avoid developing skin problems teenagers should start early when it comes to skin care. Here are some skin care tips for teens to prevent breakouts and the drama!
When it comes to skin care it's never too early to start. Teenagers should start taking care of their skin to avoid breakouts and skin problems. During the teenage years the skin is usually prone to acne and breakouts due to hormonal changes, so it is important to take good care of the skin in order to prevent other skin problems from developing or becoming worst.Usually teen skin is either normal or oily. Regardless of what type of skin you might have it is a good idea to take proper care of it.


Tips for normal skin

Normal skin isn't prone to breakouts but that doesn't mean that you don't have to care for your skin. A mild facial cleanser should be used for cleansing the face.
Use moisturizer in order to prevent over-drying and protect your skin with sunscreen whenever you are outdoors. You can use a face cream that already has SPF protection. Exfoliate your skin once a week to eliminate dead skin cells and prevent pores from clogging.

Tips for oily skin

Oily skin is prone to breakouts so it is very important to take care of it properly.Cleanse using a mild facial cleanser. For acne type skin use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide based cleansers. Do not use toners that are alcohol based because they will strip away the sebum making your sebaceous glands to produce even more sebum. Exfoliate your skin once a week to remove the dead skin cells and moisturize the skin using an oil free moisturizer cream. Use sunscreen protection when outdoors or purchase a facial cream which already contains SPF protection.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

5 steps to perfect skin





Step 1: Cleanse
Cleanse your face with a gentle, creamy liquid cleanser. "Bar soap is not only drying, but it's not hygienic," The dirt that comes off your hands ends up on your face. Put your liquid cleanser on a ball of cotton and then apply it to your skin. (Your hands just aren't clean enough.) Make sure you rinse with normal water because hot water can aggravate the skin and inflame capillaries.








Step 2: Tone
In the old days, toner was analogous to harsh. But there are a multitude of toners on the market today that are gentle and formulated to balance the skin. Dermatologists recommend using a gentle toner over your face and neck after you have rinsed thoroughly. This removes the last traces of your cleanser and restores the pH balance of the skin so it won't over-secrete or under-secrete oil. For oily or combination skin, you can use a toner that is more astringent. For oily skin, look for ingredients like witch hazel. It's true they are drying, but oily complexions may need this drying effect.










Step 3: Exfoliate
The purpose of gently exfoliating the skin is to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that causes breakouts. Also, you want to smooth the skin's surface so your treatment products can be absorbed more evenly. But don't use exfoliators that are too harsh. Look for very fine abrasives. Scrubs that contain ground-nut shells or apricot pits may irritate the skin because the edges are uneven and can cause microscopic tears. Never use loofahs and buff puffs on your face, Your face is not a floor and should not be scrubbed like one. Over-exfoliating will only result in removing healthy new skin.









Step 4 : Revitalize
Facial masks are used to revitalize and tighten the skin. For those with oily skin, clay- based masks are best. Hydrating gel masks or cream masks should be used by those with dry or sensitive skin. If you have combination skin, apply a mud mask only over the T-zone, which is the center of the forehead, nose and chin and the center of cheeks. For a real at-home "spa experience," soak two cotton balls in rosewater and then apply to eyelids while the mask is drying. Dermatologists recommend doing a "patch test" on your leg before applying a new type of mask to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction to it.
















Step 5: Moisturize
Regularly moisturizing your skin is critical to maintaining young and healthy looking skin. Another very important reason to wear a daily moisturizer is for protection against the sun's damaging rays. Moisturizers should be used every morning and every night for maximum results. (Even oily complexions need some sort of moisturizer. Just make sure you find one that's non-comedogenic and formulated not to block pores.) Nighttime is the best time to apply repairing treatments such as anti-aging or anti-wrinkle creams. During the day, make sure you use a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15. v