Beautiful Skin Blog

Skin benefits of avocado

August 16th, 2010

Nourishing, hydrating, regenerating. Beauty care has just found a reliable ally in avocado – suitable for all skin types but especially aging skin, this precious fruit is full of beneficial ingredients that pamper your skin.

Avocado has a very high content of monosaturated fat than most other fruit. Avocado oil is pressed from the fruit of avocado and it is used as a key ingredient in many skincare products – mainly moisturizers. Rich in vitamins A, D, E, lecithin, and fatty acids, it is packed with benefits that address many skincare concerns.

TIP: Give your skin an energy boost by applying a mask made of mashed avocado mixed with a few drops of lemon juice. Vitamins A and C help improve the appearance of tired skin.

Precious compounds of avocados also include Sterolins (plant steroids) which soften the skin and provide moisture. Avocado oil is beneficial for skin regeneration and rejuvenation, widely used as a natural solution for aging, dry or very mature skin; it helps increase skin’s collagen production which normally decreases with age, and helps maintain skin elasticity and its barrier function. Great for eczema sufferers, it is also a well tolerated by sensitive skin types and alleviates itching and irritation.

TIP: For a moisture-infusing treatment for dry skin, add mashed avocado to a bit of honey and one egg yolk, then prepare a mask and apply on your face for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Avocado oil has healing properties on damaged skin – sun damage and age spots can be significantly corrected with avocado oil in various cosmetic preparations. With its regenerating properties, it helps heal sun burns, scars and other skin disorders associated with UV damage. And don’t overlook its precious hydration qualities: avocado could be your top choice in maintaining sufficient hydration at cellular level.

TIP: Use avocado slices to diminish under eye puffiness. Slice and apply around the orbital bone for 15 minutes.

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Essential Fatty Acids and health

July 30th, 2010
essential fatty acids Diet plays an important role in your overall health and well being: you need vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber… One of the very important nutrients is what we call “good fat” or Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). It is vital to acquire EFAs through diet because these can’t be synthesized by our body. Generically named Vitamin F when they have been discovered, Essential Fatty Acids are necessary nutrients for our body’s biological processes.

There are two groups of EFAs: alpha linolenic acid (Omega-3) and linoleic acid (Omega-6). Omega-9 can also be considered Essential Fatty Acids but they can be synthesized by the human body.
Numerous studies have shown the importance of these fatty acids for health and immunity, and their deficiency in nutrition has been linked with serious conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis or depression.

We need a sufficient intake of fatty acids (both Omega-3 and Omega-6) in order to keep all processes balanced in our bodies. EFAs repair cell membranes and maintain their proper function; this is also reflected into skin health. It is well-known how Essential Fatty Acids help improve skin health and elasticity.

There are no exact RDAs for fatty acids suggested by nutritionists. Most recommendations average 1 to 6 grams a day. Make sure you add extra healthy fats to your diet, like flaxseed oil, olive oil, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and cold-water fish to attract water to dehydrated cells and prevent future water loss. Tuna, salmon and sardines are some of the recommended types of fish to provide maximum amounts of EFAs. Eat fish at least three times a week.

According to Dr. Murad and his innovative discovery called Cellular Water PrincipleTM, you need to “eat your water” in order to strengthen your cell walls to retain essential moisture. Dr. Murad believes “water loss is at the heart of all modern health problems” and age-related ailments and encourages a whole-body health strategy through cellular hydration. This doesn’t mean you need to drink more water – first you need to eat the right nutrients that will help keep water into the cells, strengthen the membrane and keep optimum hydration levels inside.

What to eat? For optimum intake of Omega-3s, choose flaxseed oil, canola oil, and fish oil. Cooking and high heat destroy the quality of the EFAs so avoid it as much as possible. For Omega-6 it is recommended that you have seeds, nuts, flaxseed or olive oil, evening primrose oil etc. Extra virgin olive oil or grape-seed oil are best to use for cooking as they are the most suitable for high-heat frying.

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Fruit that’s good for your skin

July 26th, 2010
It’s recommended that you have 3 or more servifruitngs of fruit a day (e.g. 3 medium apples). Fruits have the fiber, vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy but they are also an important component of internal skincare. Here are a few beauty fruits you should include in your daily diet for healthy skin – pick your favorite!

Pomegranate – well known source of antioxidants that will boost skin’s defenses; eating it will increase the power of your sunscreen as well.

Pomelo – an ancestor of the grapefruit, its skin healing properties derive from the high content of antioxidants and B vitamins.

Grapefruit – rich in Vitamin C, it supports the collagen production, skin regeneration and with its depurative powers, it combats fluid retention in your tissues.

Durian – a super-fruit with great anti-aging qualities, because of its contents of Vitamin C, proteins and fats it is highly nourishing and protecting for skin.

Pineapple - loaded with minerals and vitamins, this fruit has great anti-inflammatory properties and supports the health of connective tissue; an efficient diuretic, it relieves water retention from your tissues and improves the look of your skin.

Papaya – rich in Vitamin A which is essential for skin youthfulness and cell renewal, and has anti-aging properties. With the healing properties of its high Vitamin E content, it helps improve skin conditions like acne and scarring.

Kiwi - Vitamins C, E and Alpha-Linolenic Acid are beneficial for skin‘s elasticity, hydration and regeneration.

Apricots –a few dried apricots a day will improve your skin tone thanks to the high content of iron.

Berries – strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are rich in antioxidants that will increase your body’s ability to fight free radicals and will help your skin stay clear and youthful.
 

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How skincare savvy are you?

July 23rd, 2010

skin structure

Take the following quiz to see how much you know about skincare.

1. If you apply layers of moisturizer with SPF 15 and then makeup with SPF30, you will get a total SPF of:
a. 45
b. 15
c. 30

2. Comedogenic means …
a. Greasy and very thick
b. It clogs pores and leads to breakouts
c. Suitable for aging skin

3. Hormonal aging is:
a. Aging specifically associated with the natural change in hormone levels
b. Aging caused by the lack of certain hormones in the body
c. Skin aging caused by sun exposure

4. What is Retinol?
a. A professional treatment
b. A natural form of vitamin A used in skincare products
c. A plant extract used for its anti-aging properties

5. What causes acne?
a. Moisturizers and sweat
b. Hormones and genetic makeup
c. Sebum and dead skin cells

6. Parabens are:
a. Synthetic preservatives found in some cosmetic products
b. Vitamin derivatives used in skincare products
c. Fragrance used in makeup products

7. The safest way to tan is:
a. Sunbathing in the morning
b. Tanning beds
c. Self tanning lotions

8. Best way to hydrate skin and prevent wrinkles is:
a. Using moisturizers
b. Drinking water
c. A combination of healthy diet, plenty of water and daily use of moisturizers

Answers:
1 – C
2 – B
3 – A
4 – B
5 – B, C
6 – A
7 – C
8 – C
 

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How to get the best out of your moisturizer

July 5th, 2010

They all promise you the best for your skin, they all fix multiple skin problems and transform your skin into something you haven’t had since you were a baby. While an educated consumer knows how to evaluate the real benefits of a moisturizer from a label, it is everyone’s responsibility to know how to properly use the product and maximize its benefits on the skin. So how do we get the best out of a moisturizer? Here are a few tips:

- Exfoliate: exfoliating the dead skin cells will allow the active ingredients of the moisturizer to penetrate the skin layers much easier. Also, it will prevent pore-clogging, bumps and breakouts and will make your skin feel soft. Daily exfoliation allows a rapid cell renewal and therefore a faster healing of current concerns.

- Cleanse correctly. Morning and evening, cleanse your skin with a suitable cleanser for your skin type. Use warm water and don’t rub your skin. Make sure you rinse off the product completely. Pat dry and apply the moisturizer on the clean skin immediately. To benefit of maximum moisture, try applying the moisturizer while your skin is still damp (not wet!) – this will lock in the extra moisture.

- Use a toner to seal in moisture and replenish the skin after cleansing; this would prepare the skin for receiving moisture and absorbing it even better.

- Don’t use heavy makeup on top of your moisturizer, it can clog the pores. After applying moisturizer, allow skin to absorb it completely before applying the rest of your makeup.

- Moisturizers restore the barrier function of the skin. Make sure you use two different types of moisturizers for summer or winter. Winter’s low humidity, cold air and harsh wind dry out the skin and the barrier function becomes a priority during this season. Summer time requires light lotions and less use of heavy night creams.

- A little goes a long way – using too much moisturizer won’t increase the effectiveness of a formula on your skin. Stick to a dime size – that should be enough for the entire face.

- Use SPF moisturizer during the day but a SPF-free formula at night.

- If you break out, consider changing your moisturizer. Look for comedogenic ingredients and make sure it’s a light formula.

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Things you didn’t know about sunscreen

June 18th, 2010
SPF sunSun protection is crucial for your skin. You’re probably using sunscreen every day, but do you know how to use it?

Higher SPF doesn’t mean better protection – it means longer protection. SPF of 15 filters up to 95% of the UVs while SPF50 up to 98%. But the higher the SPF number, the longer you can stay in the sun without burning. In theory, SPF of 15 means you can safely be in the sun up to 15 times longer than you could without using sunscreen. This is only a guideline and it is 100% valid only if you’re using the sunscreen correctly and reapplying as indicated.

Less is NOT more. Apply generous amounts of sunscreen lotion– and make sure you reapply as needed. You can lose protection even when you sweat or rub your skin.

UV-Bs are the ultraviolet rays that burn your skin - but not the only ones to cause damage! While UV-As only cause sun burns in large doses, they are still associated with aging and other detrimental changes to the skin because of their action on the collagen and elastin fibrils. UV-As are milder, but they are still not safe. So make sure you choose a sunscreen that guards skin from both UV-As and UV-Bs.

The SPF number only measures the amount of UV-B protection you get. It doesn’t measure the amount of UV-A protection, which is given by another number. When purchasing a product, try to find out the UV-A protection factor. If this is not available, a broad-spectrum sunscreen which protects against both A and B rays will suffice.

Clothes are not an efficient barrier against sun damage. Wear sunscreen on your entire body under your clothes when you spend lots of time outdoors. Clothes only have a SPF of 4 up to 7, not enough to protect during longer sun exposure.

Tan is the skin’s defense reaction to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. It eventually acts as a filter for ultraviolet rays (partially) but this doesn’t recommend using your newly achieved tan as SPF. The beginning stage of tanning is essentially skin inflammation and the tan itself is just damaged skin which can be seriously affected when overexposed to sun.

Layering sunscreen lotions will not multiply the SPF protection. If you apply a lotion with SPF 15 and then makeup with SPF 20, the total SPF you’re benefiting from is 20; the SPF you end up with is the highest one you have applied.

Sunscreen will not prevent body from producing the necessary amount of Vitamin D. Your skin needs UV-B rays to make vitamin D. While these can be filtered out by sunscreen, you only need approximately 10 minutes of sun a day for producing vitamin D – which you are likely to get considering people almost never apply sunscreen correctly and just a little time outdoors is enough. Be careful though: your skin stops producing Vitamin D a few minutes after sun exposure. Sunbathing for hours will not increase your vitamin D levels.

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Probiotics for clear skin?

June 11th, 2010
probioticProbiotics are live good bacteria or yeasts that are beneficial for our health. This is a nutritional fact that many know already, but did you know that probiotics can actually clear your skin? We need friendly bacteria in our body in order to remain healthy: probiotics are involved in vitamin synthesis, detoxification and metabolism of toxic substances, stimulation of immune system and protection from bad bacteria. Toxic substances in your body can influence and trigger acne and support the inflammatory process – so combating them with probiotics can be the easiest and healthiest way to significantly improve the appearance of your skin.

The most common probiotics are lactic acid bacteria called Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Certain fermented foods with active live cultures contain probiotics: yogurt, cheese, pickles, soy sauce, and buttermilk etc. Incomplete digestion, some medicines like antibiotics, high sugar diets, chemicals or alcohol, they can all upset your natural intestinal flora and cause harmful bacteria to thrive. That’s why probiotics are necessary to balance the internal environment.

Probiotics also neutralize the acne-causing toxins and help clear the skin from the inside-out. Research from the Center of Medical Cosmetology in Moscow revealed that the majority of the patients with inflammatory acne had alterations in the bacteria that make up the intestinal microflora. A related research published in the Russian journal ‘Klinicheskaia Meditsina’ (2001) concludes that by adding probitotics to a standard acne treatment can lead to significant improvements and a more rapid resolution of acne lesions compared to standard treatment alone.

This is probably why one of the latest innovations in topical acne products is based on probiotics. While the microenvironment of the skin differs from that of the gut, “good” bacteria also inhabit the skin and have an important role in preventing the outgrow of harmful bacteria. According to research, using probiotics both topically and internally can contribute to skin’s health.

What to eat? If dairy products cause you to breakout, avoid them. You can still try soy yogurt instead or opt for probiotic supplements. Improving your overall diet can also work wonders; the concept of clear skin from the inside-out is still standing and promises to help you get rid of blemishes in a healthy, natural way. Apart from maintaining a balanced diet with probiotic components, occasional cleansing and toxin-removing diets purify the body and clear a few of the factors which cause acne.
 

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Cellulite Solution Recipe: Veggie Sandwich on Whole Wheat Pita

May 27th, 2010


Here’s a delicious way to get that smooth, cellulite-free skin you’ve always wanted for summer! Making healthier food choices can increase your chances of burning fat and provides your skin with nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy.

What you need:
Tomatoes, ½-inch diced
Red onions, ½-inch diced
Black olives, chopped
Whole wheat pita, cut in half to form two pockets
2 lettuce leaves
¼ cup Hummus

1. Mix together the tomato, onion, and olives

2. Place a lettuce leaf in each pocket. Stuff the pockets with the vegetables and Hummus.

Makes 1 serving. You can add 3 ounces of cooked, cubed chicken breast or cooked, cubed salmon to the sandwich.

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Travel tips for beautiful skin

May 25th, 2010
travel skincareTake these skincare tips with you on your travels and enjoy clear skin on the go:

- Don’t eat salty foods the day before your trip – this can trigger water retention in your tissues and cause puffiness
- Hydrate your skin! Before and during your trip, especially on a long flight, a light, oil-free moisturizer is a must-have in your hand bag. Also carry a lip balm to soothe dry lips.
- A no-mistake hydration tool: facial mist. Spray on your face whenever you feel your skin needs it. Dry air in the plane cabin can take its toll on your skin.
- On a long trip, a wash bag with travel size essentials can save your skin. Have a bit of cleanser, antibacterial wipes, toner and a moisturizer with you wherever you go. For acne-prone skin, always keep a spot treatment handy – to stop the blemish before it becomes the focus of your vacation.
- Your best friend on any summer getaway is the SPF lotion. Get your sunscreen and use it daily – ideally re-applying every two hours. If you intend to sunbathe, use a higher SPF - proportional with the time you intend to spend under direct sunlight.
- Sleep – there‘s no better way of repairing stressed skin and maintaining a healthy glow. A well rested face will also look better in your vacation photos!

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Ingredient spotlight: Licorice extract

April 30th, 2010

Licorice root has long been used for medicinal purposes. Its natural sweetness and flavor are well known… but maybe less than the plant’s benefits for skincare. Some skincare products that contain licorice extract are designed to treat problems like acne, rosacea or dark spots. The truth: licorice has wonderful healing powers because of a compound named glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid). It’s not a very common ingredient but in the right formula, it promotes skin health.

An excellent anti-inflammatory agent, it has also been proven to have antimicrobial properties. Studies have indicated that licorice root extract works well combined with commonly prescribed ingredients for rosacea and significantly contributes to reducing its signs.

Licorice root also helps treat acne because it reduces redness and swelling. For acne sufferers, it contributes to calming inflamed skin and killing bacteria.

Some products available on the market use liquiritin, which is derived from licorice, to treat melasma (dark pigmentation of the face that appears mostly in women). Applied topically, it helps lighten the dark spots on the face.

You can also use licorice to manage your acne breakouts from the inside! As a good general tonic, it also helps your skin. Natural licorice helps cleanse your digestive system, supports the adrenal glands and balances the sugar levels in the blood, all known to influence acne breakouts. Before taking licorice supplements you should consult the prospect and be aware that large amounts are not safe for your health.

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