Facial Scrubs. Do You Really Need Them?
Author: Janice Weebr
Source: articledashboard.combr
br
In the past, washing your face simply meant taking a wash cloth and scrubbing your face with soap and water and rinsing it off.
These days, washing your face means applying a cleanser, massaging it in, tissuing it off or rinsing it off with water.
Then you soak a cotton ball with a toner to remove all traces of the cleanser and tone your skin.
At least once a week, a facial scrub might be applied before the toner, in which a grainy cream or wash is massaged onto skin to get rid of dirt and slough off dead skin cells to keep skin clear.
Is all that necessary?
Do you really need facial scrubs?
Actually, the old fashioned way of using a wash cloth to scrub your skin is akin to what the facial scrubs do. If you simply cleanse and rinse your skin without sloughing off the dead skin cells, chances are, the skin might get flaky leading to dry looking skin that is dehydrated beneath.
Another possibilitiy is that the debris left behind might clog the pores, giving bacteria the perfect breeding ground which can well lead to acne.
Hence regular scrubs are necessary.
So why buy a scrub when a wash cloth will do?
Personally, Id rather not use a wash cloth. The thought of bacteria or mould breeding on that wash cloth is enough for me to turn to the first off-the-shelf facial scrub I can find. Sure, use a wash cloth if you intend to send it to the laundry every day and use a fresh wash cloth each day.
Imagine scrubbing your face with the wash cloth. The bacteria and dirt from the skin gets left behind on the cloth. Rinsing it with water wouldnt get rid of all the bacteria and soap. As you leave the washcloth in the bathroom, which I assume, doubles up as the toilet, the bacteria from doing business floats in the air. Bacteria from the air happily breeds on the moist washcloth which you then use to scrub your face at night.
Okay, I sound like a germ phobe and if your skin is fine with that, a wash cloth should do.
Alternatively, you could make your own scrub. I tried that. A tiny jar of powdered almonds makes a good scrub. Dip your fingers into it, add water, mix and you have got a scrub. The problem is the almond powder left in the damp bathroom, mould and bacteria thrive. If you do not take care, the moisture in the scrub introduced by wet fingers encourage mould and bacteria to thrive which can lead to disastrous results if you use it on your skin, since that home made scrub does not contain anything that would kill the mould or bacteria.
Another popular facial scrub is plain old sugar. My skin didnt like it as it was rough. Akin to rubbing sandpaper on your face. Thats not all. Ants decided to colonize the bathroom, or rather, my sugar scrub./pbr
br
br
br
Cure Your Wrinkles Because Nobody Wants A New Wrinkle
Author: Ryan Cotebr
Source: isnare.combr
br
To coin an old phrase in an updated way, nobody wants a new wrinkle when it comes to their skin.
Aging skin and wrinkles occur because of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are internal, hereditary and passed on through your genes. Further, once you turn thirty, your skins connective fibers, elastin and collagen, begin to breakdown and signs of aging occur naturally. Extrinsic factors are external, environmental elements that can affect the condition of your skin. Examples of extrinsic factors that can cause wrinkles include pollution, smoking, sun exposure, poor diet and tanning.
There are several ways to control extrinsic factors to improve the appearance of your skin, cure wrinkles and slow the aging process:
- Use a sunscreen and avoid staying out in the sun too long. Also, remember to use a sunscreen during all four seasons.
- Avoid tanning salons because the UV rays are detrimental to your skin.
- Make sure to user a cleanser and toner twice a day to remove all traces of pollution and makeup.
- Using a mask once a week deep cleans pores to remove excess dirt and oils, revealing a healthier complexion.
- Use warm water, not hot, when cleansing your skin. Hot water can rob your skin of essential natural oils.
- Apply a moisturizer after cleansing your skin twice a day. Select a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. A moisturizer with antioxidant ingredients, such as aloe, helps to keep your skin even more youthful.
- Try using a humidifier to keep your skin hydrated all day long.
- Quit smoking because is is terrible for your skin and your health.
- Drink six to eight glasses of water each day to hydrate yourself from the inside out.
- Exercise for at least a half hour three times a week to improve circulation. Increasing the blood flow to your tissues will improve the elasticity of your skin.
- Eat well-balanced meals and take a multivitamin supplement to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients needed for maximum health.
A few simple lifestyle changes can prevent and cure wrinkles and improve your skin along with your everyday health.br
br
br
br
What Everyone Should Know About Their Skin
Author: Suzie A Bellbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
br
Skin Types
There are four basic skin types; these are Normal, Dry, Oily and Sensitive. You can also get a combination skin type which can be a variety of two or more of the four basic types.
NORMAL SKIN
If you have a normal skin type your skin will have an even color and smooth texture. Generally your skin will look and feel healthy. Your pores will be of average size and you will produce the correct amount of oil. Despite having healthy skin you should adopt a basic routine of cleansing the skin with a facial wash, toning with a gentle toner and moisturising with a medium weight moisturizer. It is also important to remember that the key to maintaining a healthy skin is to always wear sun protection.
DRY SKIN
A dry skin type will look slightly dull and will have a rough or grainy texture to it. You will have small pores and your skin will not produce enough oil causing it to feel tight at times. For a dry skin you should use a creamy cleanser and once again use a gentle toner followed by a heavier moisturizing cream. A dry skin type will age much quicker and sun protection is therefore vital as the sun will increase the speed at which collagen will breakdown.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin can sometimes have a sallow appearance and you will often notice a shine on the
T-zone. You will have larger pores and may be prone to congestion and breakouts. You should cleanse your skin with an anti bacterial wash or a clay based cleanser to help absorb excess oil, dont be tempted to use an alcohol based toner as this could potentially strip your skin and cause dehydration, thus causing your skin to produce more oil as it will try to treat the dehydration itself. You should use a light moisturizer and an oil free sun block to protect your skin during the day.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin will have a tendency to redness, will burn easily in the sun and will often feel irritated and sore at times. It may react quickly to products. A sensitive skin needs to be treated very carefully. You should be using a gentle and calming cleanser that can be removed either with water of cotton pads, toning should be done with a soothing toner that will help your skin form a protective barrier. Try moisturizing your skin with a highly specialized moisturizer that will not irritate and always use a chemical free sun block for daytime protection.
Acne is also regarded as a skin type but is extremely difficult to treat. If you have acne regardless of whether you are taking medication or not you should certainly obtain guidance from a skin therapist.
try they will also tell you the types of products you should be buying for your skin. Visiting a professional is the only way to get a personally prescribed home care routine and this is essential if you want your skin to function at its optimum health.
The sun is responsible for a litany of skin issues, and more importantly skin cancer. Scientific studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet exposure breaks down collagen, impairs the skins ability to repair itself, and attacks our elastin. In fact, 90% of premature aging is caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun. The damage caused by these damaging rays can be seen through deep wrinkles, age spots (hyper pigmentation), spider veins, a rough, blotchy complexion and the dreaded leathery look!
Lack of sleep / stress
Skin is the first place to be effected by lack of sleep - the immediate effects of exhaustion are represented through dark circles under the eyes and sagging skin.
Stress is inevitable - just like aging! But it also contributes to premature aging. Often when we are stressed we furrow our brow, place our hands on our faces and pull it in every which way and direction and twist our faces around, performing repetitive movements that impart permanent damage.
Exposure to the elements
Cold winds and low temperatures can dry out skin, depriving it of balanced levels of sebum (oil) that keeps skin lubricated. Without these oils, skin becomes dry, and is more prone to premature aging because of the lack of protective oils. This goes for forced air heating as well such as air conditioning. Warm and dry air acts like a giant sponge, soaking up moisture from everything it touches, including your skin.
Lack of exercise / poor diet
Lack of exercise can contribute to prematurely aging skin, as exercise keeps muscles toned and stimulates blood flow. A poor diet leads to a lack of nutrition for the cells and possible exposure to chemicals and preservatives. Fried and burnt food can also cause oxidation (free radicals from vitamins help counteract oxidation), leading to weaker cell structure.
Smoking
Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop wrinkled, leathery skin, as well as a yellowish hue in their complexions. And even if you are not a smoker, being around a smoker can still cause damage to your skin.
Ways to improve your skin ...now!
Exfoliation
Exfoliation will help to remove dulling skin cells from the skins surface while improving penetration of beneficial ingredients. There are many different types of exfoliant available but the most effective form for reducing the appearance of the signs of aging is an alpha hydroxy acid based exfoliant. With this type of exfoliant you apply it as you would a masque, leave it on your skin for approximately 10 minutes and then remove. An alpha hydroxy acid based exfoliant will dissolve the inter-cellular glue that holds your skin cells together, thus loosening dead skin cells and removing them. Using this type of exfoliant reduces the amount of stimulation on your skin, as you dont need to rub it over your skin as you would if you were to use a scrub based exfoliant.
Topically-applied vitamins
It has been scientifically proven that topically-applied vitamins do improve the health of the skin. Vitamin A helps inhibit collagen breakdown while stimulating collagen production, vitamin B aids in wound healing, vitamin C is an antioxidant that inhibits melanin, and vitamin E is an antioxidant that provides a barrier protection while smoothing the skin. An excellent product to try is Dermalogicas Multivitamin Power Concentrate, which will give you a daily dose of all the vitamins that your skin needs.
Professional Products
The majority of professional products can only be bought from qualified beauty or skin therapists, and are usually only sold in spas, salons or skin care centers. These products contain up to 75% active ingredients, significantly more than the other two categories. These products may also be less well known than branded products despite being much more effective. The reason for this is that they rely on word of mouth and media attention for their advertising. Professional products are results orientated and their reputation rests on this. Dermalogica products are examples of professional products.
Finally...
It is also imperative to recognize that the success of your skin treatments will be heavily influenced by your professionally prescribed at-home regimen and the wearing of sunscreen anytime the skin is exposed to daylight. Also important is proper home care skin products and techniques. Do not use hot water when cleansing, dont use excessive or abrasive movements (instead, go for gentle, upward circles), keep your surrounding temperature as moderate as possible, and stay away from products that contain artificial fragrances or colours. In addition, ask your skin therapist about products containing peptides. Peptides act as cellular messengers that regulate cell repair while stimulating collagen production. Peptides also help improve skin elasticity and tone while fighting the appearance of fine lines.
With the correct home care routine and small lifestyle changes you certainly can make a huge difference to premature aging, dryness or any other skin concern you may have and it is never too late to start making changes. If you require more information, or to receive a full and personally prescribed home care routine dont hesitate to speak to your skin care therapist.
br
br
pAny further question on your skin can be answered via our online therapist/ppHere you will find expert knowledge on dermalogica products (leading professional skin care brand) and an online form whereby you can find out your skin type and what dermalogica products can be prescribed for you. You will also find great savings and free initial order dermalogica gifts to help start you dermalogica homecare routine, and then you will be well on your way to optimum functioning skin./ppa target=_new href=http://www.senses-skincare.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.senses-skincare.com/a for expert skin knowledge and information about starting your intelligent investment into your future skin with dermalogica products/pbr
br
Taking Care of Acne Prone Skin
Author: Robert Kokoska
Source: isnare.com
Taking extra special care of your skin is one of the downsides of having acne. As you most probably already know, there are several factors that have made your skin different from those with normal skin. Experts recommend that you should treat your skin with a little more caution and care if you suffer from acne. Here are a few useful tips you can use to gently help treat your breakouts to prevent them from getting worse.
If you want more vibrant and healthier looking skin there are several habits that you will need to develop. Here are just a few of them you can start using right now:
1. Wash your skin very gently with natural skin-care products.
There are many gentle facial cleansers and soaps that are mild and can cleanse your skin gently. You should not use normal soaps or cleansers as they are generally much harsher and can leave your skin dry or irritate your acne condition. Toners are not recommend as they usually have active ingredients that can worsen or irritate your zits. If you really need to use a skin toner or other cleanser, make sure your dermatologist approves of it for you skin, otherwise you might regret it the morning after.
Other facial cleansing products you should stay away from are skin scrubs as they can do harm to your skin. If you scrub too hard you can permanently scar your skin or make some of your spots start to bleed. They will then just take longer to heal and you will be more tempted to touch your face with your fingers that are covered in bacteria and can make things worse.
2. Men need to shave very carefully.
For men, who need to shave off the hairs on their face, it is advisable to shave very carefully and cautiously and to use shaving cream or soap that is mild and created for sensitive skin. These products will help to make the hair softer and cut easier. Be sure to choose the best shaver you can that will provide the least amount of irritation to your skin.
Shaving is necessary for most people and can't be avoided by some people. It is however, a good hygiene routine but see to it that you do it slowly and carefully without cutting or damaging your skin.
3. Carefully choose cosmetics.
Your cosmetics need to be chosen just are carefully as your other skin-care products. And again, you should get your dermatologists approval before you use any that you are unsure about or even ask for their recommendation. Choose cosmetics that are oil free and noncomedogenic. There are some acne conditions where the use of cosmetics is a bad idea. It is wise to just leave your skin the way it is if this is the case.
These are just a few of the many different things you will need to consider if you have acne. The right information and care will give you the best results in the end.
For most people, their cause of acne is internal due to hormones and other factors. Author Chris Gibson has created a unique treatment program that targets these internal causes that has seen as much as a 90% success rate on people who try it. If you suffer from acne you should definitely give it a try. It's called Acne Free in 3 Days and you can read more about the program by clicking on this link: Acne Free in 3 Days