Makeup for acne-prone skin
April 23rd, 2010
Many people dealing with acne and blemishes avoid makeup because of the myth that it causes acne. The truth is only ‘bad’ makeup causes acne flare-ups. With light, improved formulas, acne shouldn’t be a concern. Besides, you can still continue applying treatment under makeup, or even better, use acne medicated makeup formulas.Here are a few tips to help you choose the most suitable makeup if you have acne prone complexion:
Face
Foundation: Chose non-comedogenic, oil-free foundations. Be careful though -If they’re just oil-free, it doesn’t mean they are non-comedogenic at the same time. Comedogenic ingredients are diverse - some binders and emulsifiers can make a formula comedogenic. If you have oily skin, chose a suitable foundation “for oily skin” that will control the excess sebum production and help you achieve a matte finish. Stay away from very thick formulas that promise full coverage. First of all it would look very unnatural and secondly it might be a burden for your blemished skin.
Powder: Powders can absorb excess oil - but pay attention to what they’re made of. Light, pure mineral powder or formulas with few ingredients are more suitable for blemished skin. To keep a natural look and slightly smooth out imperfections you can always choose an invisible powder that mattifies and refines skin texture (they come in universal shades). Avoid heavy and creamy powders.
Concealer: Your best friend if you have occasional breakouts: it hides imperfections on-the-spot and evens out your complexion. Stay away from super-creamy concealers if you have acne. Non-comedogenicity is very important for such a product so test on a small skin area first. Beware, some concealers are meant to be used all over the face while others only around the eyes. If you have breakouts, your best bet is a medicated acne-concealer that treats while hiding the blemish
Blush: it’s recommended that you avoid blush products if you have acne. Cream ones can worsen acne symptoms with their heavy texture while powder colors may contain D&C dyes which are known to be highly comedogenic. If blush is your favorite, try using a second powder (mineral, acne-medicated) – opt for one that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone and apply on your cheeks.
Eyes
Surely, using any kind of makeup around the eye area won’t cause acne. However make sure eye shadow doesn’t drop on your cheeks because it can clog pores. Also, be careful when applying eye cream and don’t go beyond the orbital area. Eye creams are generally heavy formulas with hydrating oils that are specially designed for the delicate, sebum-free eye area. They are not suitable for the entire face.
Mascaras, eyeliners and pencils don’t influence acne if used correctly in the eye area only.
Lips
Lipstick and gloss do no harm unless they spread around the lip line. Small bumps (comedones) can form around the mouth so make sure you prevent inflammation and future acne flare-ups by using the lip products correctly.
Note: For severe acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist before using any skincare or makeup products.
The ABC of skin health
April 20th, 2010In various forms, vitamins contribute to the health and youthfulness of skin. It is recommended to get these essentials from your daily meals but topical formulas offer extra benefits by incorporating some of the necessary vitamins. Here’s how:
Vitamin A – stimulates the renewal of new skin cells and tissue and it helps treat sun burns, acne, wounds, wrinkles and various aging signs. In skincare it is mostly used as retinol.
Vitamin B – has conditioning and moisturizing properties on skin. It is a complex of vitamins with great benefits for the entire body. The most common forms in skincare are labeled as biotin (vitamin B7) and panthenol (provitamin B5)
Vitamin C – essential for health, it is in fact an antioxidant that helps skin maintain elasticity and youthfulness by stimulating collagen production. On a label, you find it under names like L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate etc.
Vitamin D – also an antioxidant that is essential to life. Helps cell turnover and supports the functions of other vitamins.
Vitamin E – very important in skincare, this vitamin contributes to the UV protection, wound healing and skin hydration. It is effective when used in significant concentrations. Labeled as tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl linoleate.
Vitamin F – an essential fatty acid which is beneficial in skincare, it is a lipid that contributes to skin ‘s health. Found in linoleic acid, omega-3, evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil.
Vitamin K – rarely found in skincare products because it is an expensive ingredient, it only becomes effective in high percentages. It contributes to healing bruises and under-eye dark circles.
Another form of exfoliation: loofahs
April 12th, 2010Loofahs are natural sponges obtained from the ripe, dried fruit of the tropical plant named luffa (the gourd family). They have a dry, straw-like consistency but soften when soaked in water. The coarse texture of the loofah sponge is ideal for scrubbing, therefore helps with skin polishing and exfoliation during bathing. Best of all, it
is an inexpensive and 100% natural help in skincare.
Lately, loofahs have become quite popular and often used in skincare rituals. But are they a good way to exfoliate and remove the dead skin cells from our skin? Most of the times, yes they are. However, because they are abrasive, these sponges can be too harsh for the skin, especially for the sensitive type. For these people with skin sensitivity, it is best to limit the use of loofahs only to the coarse areas of the skin.
There are several body exfoliating “tools” that work the same way: body brushes, massage gloves, sponges – they are all abrasive and polish the skin mechanically by sloughing the outer layer of dead skin cells. Used in tandem with a body wash or creamy soap, they help clean the skin efficiently. Body exfoliation is recommended for maintaining supple, healthy skin and also for enhancing the efficacy of body creams and treatments, which penetrate the skin layers easily. Exfoliation also increases the cell turnover and this can improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Scrubbing your skin with loofahs does have its side effects. Over-dryness happens sometimes so it’s recommended to use a good moisturizer after showering. After exfoliation, you’ll get the full benefits of your hydrator by allowing the moisture to absorb easily.
Another issue to consider is that loofahs exfoliate unevenly, and may not reach all places equally. Some areas get over- scratched and the skin can get inflamed. A way to exfoliate uniformly is by using AHAs or BHAs peels on the entire body.
Maintaining the loofah is not totally worry-free. Cleaning should ideally happen once a week because once it’s used, bacteria builds-up. Easy and efficient cleaning options include the washing machine while you do your laundry or by soaking up the loofah in hot water with a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar.
Cellulite Solution Smoothie
April 8th, 2010
From “The Cellulite Solution” book by Dr. Howard Murad
½ cup pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
½ cup soy milk
½ cup blueberries (fresh or unsweetened frozen)
1 tablespoon lecithin granules
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
2 tablespoons dried goji berries
3 to 4 ice cubes or crushed ice (optional)
Splenda (sucralose) or Stevia extract (optional)
Hot ingredients to melt stubborn cellulite
March 15th, 2010
How about a new -and hopefully final- battle with cellulite before summer kicks off? Over the winter, fat deposits are likely to form under the skin on the thighs, arms and abdomen. There’s no easy way to a perfect, cellulite-free skin, but here’s something that will speed up the process: 3 “hot” ingredients to burn the stubborn fat!
With topical treatments, a balanced diet and regular exercise to tone the muscles, the look of your skin should improve within weeks.Topical treatments alone can’t remove cellulite but contribute to draining the fluids and the fat accumulated in the skin tissue. Some ingredients help regenerate the damaged skin, some help firm and tone, some improve blood circulation to the skin.
Let’s focus on those ingredients that draw heat to the surface of the skin and stimulate the blood flow, contributing to the melting of the accumulated fat.
Cayenne pepper is great for your health and great for your skin. It combats inflammation, improves circulation, combats dry and flaky skin and improves oxygenation. The key is capsaicin, active ingredient frequently used as a pain reliever, but also quite beneficial for the whole body. While many home remedies recommend raw seeds in treating cellulite (usually in mixtures with coffee grind and organic oils), cayenne can irritate the skin and that’s why it’s safer as part of a topical treatment. Alternatively, opt for hot peppers in your meals every day (if you like them!) – this contributes to weight loss as it boosts your metabolism.
Black pepper is not so popular but it’s on our hot list for cellulite control. It has almost the same fat-burning properties as cayenne and it’s definitely an ingredient to consider in your cellulite treatments. Tonic and antitoxic, black pepper essential oil from your body cream can improve skin’s condition, regenerate supportive tissue and fight the fatty deposits with its “warming” action.
Peppermint stimulates the skin and has the same “warming” effect. As a great anti-inflammatory and restorative ingredient, it is used in skincare especially in acne and cellulite treatments. It soothes the skin and relaxes the area, contributing to the penetration of other active ingredients. Peppermint oil is frequently used for cellulite massage.
Olive oil – skincare facts
March 11th, 2010- This is one of the most precious ingredients in our daily diet and in skincare too.
- A little part of the Mediterranean lifestyle - praised for being one of the healthiest foods in the world; the beneficial topical effects of olive oil have been acknowledged for centuries.
- Rich in polyphenols (antioxidants), omega-9 fatty acids (good fats), vitamins A and E
- Excellent help for skin irritation and inflammation, fungal infections, severe sun burns and after UV damage – it helps repair skin.
- Great as a body moisturizer, especially for cracked, chronically dry skin, it helps heal a few skin diseases by nourishing and contributing to the regeneration of the skin. Apply it a few minutes before bathing or right after that, when skin is still damp.
- Recommended in anti-aging treatments, makes skin firmer and look healthier. Use a regular non scented moisturizer and mix in a few drops of olive oil then apply on the skin. Great on its own as well!
- Valuable in everyday care for most skin types, olive oil is generally non comedogenic and hypoallergenic. As a measure of precaution, avoid using if you have acne-prone skin.
- Efficient makeup remover for those moments when you run out of your regular makeup removing lotion. It melts and removes makeup gently and softens the skin.
- If you like using olive oil, it is a better option to use organic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
Biggest Skincare Mistakes
March 9th, 2010
As the saying goes: “to make a mistake is human”. But to make a skincare mistake can leave permanent marks on your skin. Before learning from your mistakes, try to learn how prevent them. Here’s a list of common skincare mistakes you shouldn’t make:
1. Overcleaning, using regular soap or alcohol-based toners
The dry cleanliness feeling of a face wash might be what you’re looking for, but in reality you’re stripping your skin of natural lipids which maintain and protect the dermal layer.
Your complexion becomes prone to acne, irritations, wrinkles and lacks a natural glow.
2. Picking/squeezing blemishes
It could seem the only helping solution before “the” big night, but you’re causing damage that will heal slower and even spread the infection under skin. On long term, it could result in permanent scars.
3. Tanning
In the summer sun or in a tanning bed, the “healthy’ tan you see you on your skin is in fact damage. The tan is the transformation of the skin under the direct action of the UV rays. A small amount of UVs from the sun is actually beneficial for health and skincare too, but the moment the skin becomes darker, that’s a clear sign it has been affected. And remember that every extra minute of sun exposure adds up and effects can’t be reversed.
4. Not using sunscreen.
It’s not just about the prevention of tanning, but also about preventing other unpleasant effects like burns, irritations, inflammations, sensitising, etc. Sunscreen protects skin from harmful UVs. Wear it every day, because the UVs can penetrate clouds, fog, even clothing. Short exposure times won’t save your skin – even spending a few minutes outdoors on your way to the store will still matter enough, on a summer day. Wear a minimum SPF15 every day and reapply regularly – one application won’t protect you all day long!
5. Not removing your makeup
Not removing makeup every day or sleeping with makeup on will aggravate skin conditions you might have. It can clog pores and inflame the skin. In time, because it can’t breathe or regenerate properly, skin becomes lacklustre and ages faster. Remove makeup with non drying agents.
6. Not hydrating your body well enough.
It’s not about water only, any source of hydration adds up. Fruit, vegetables, soups, teas, juices, milk, all are sources of hydration besides water. Make sure you hydrate your body properly and eat foods with hydration-supporting nutrients– loosing water at cellular level is what causes body aging.
7. Not getting enough sleep and rest
Insufficient hours of rest will eventually show on your skin. There is a reason why they call it beauty sleep –it encourages cell regeneration so that your whole body can look and function properly. Depriving your body of rest can have permanent effects not only on your skin but also on your health.
8. Not having a good, steady skincare program.
It is hard to find the perfect regimen for your type of skin, but many find it hard to stick to a skincare regimen even when it works! The temptation of trying new products all the time is huge but this can take its toll on the look of your skin because of the many ingredients it has to put up with. More is not better in skincare.
9. Buying expensive skincare products
Resist the urge to buy a product just because it is trendy, or just because it has a great looking package and smells good. Also, expensive is not necessarily the equivalent of “good”. It often means it has more ingredients… some of them harmful to some types of skin.
10. Using too many skincare products per day
Up to 5 products a day should be enough for your skin. Have a cleanser, a toner, a moisturizer, sun screen and night cream or treatment lotion if you need any. Stick to one or two brands and make sure their ingredients don’t interact or have adverse effects when applied on skin. Using too many products can cause dryness, irritation, dark spots and sensitizing.
Tips on how to clear body acne
February 26th, 2010
Acne can develop anywhere on the body, except areas that don’t have any sebaceous glands, like the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. Sebaceous glands are most abundant on the face and the scalp but they are also distributed throughout the entire body. Although sebum naturally acts to protect the skin, it can also cause a few disorders like acne. When the follicle is clogged, it leads to inflammations and breakouts – and they occur wherever these sebaceous follicles exist.
Body acne usually forms on the back, chest, neck, shoulders and arms. It is triggered by the same factors as facial acne and generally it can be treated with the same acne solutions used on the face. However, body skin is different and has larger pores than the face, so there are some different things to consider:
1. Clothing: Don’t wear tight clothes and synthetic fibers; this will help avoid irritation and keep skin clear. Natural fibers and soft materials are the most suitable for problem skin. It is important to change your clothes if you sweat and have the showers right after each workout session. Whatever you’re wearing, make sure you let your skin breathe. Scarves can collect dirt so make sure you wash them frequently to avoid chest acne. When washing your clothes, don’t use fabric softener: the fragrance and the residue it leaves on the fibers can exacerbate the inflammation of your blemishes.
2. Backpacks: These are the enemy of back acne. Wear your backpack as little as possible until your back acne heals; wear it on one shoulder if possible and avoid big sized backpacks.
3. Cleansing: Choose gentle cleansers and not regular soap bars that dry out the skin and irritate breakouts even more. Special acne body washes are your best choice. Avoid long, hot showers. Warm baths prove helpful because warm water loosens dead skin cells and helps keep your pores clear.
4. Exfoliating: It is important to exfoliate the skin of these parts of the body as well. You can use the facial AHA/BHA exfoliators like Glycolic acid, Lactic acid or Salicylic acid.
5. Bathing accessories: do not use irritating material like body brushes, abrasive washing gloves, loofahs and granulated scrubs. Choose soft materials and make sure you clean the body cloth really well after each use. It is best if you wash the problem areas only with your hands.
6. Treating: You can apply topical acne creams on your body. Benzoyl Peroxide, Salycylic Acid and Sulfur can speed up healing. All natural remedies for facial acne can work for body as well. Aloe, vitamin E or zinc applied topically or taken internally can improve this condition.
7. Moisturizing: Don’t forget to moisturize! Blemished skin needs optimum hydration to regenerate. Don’t use your traditional body creams which often have comedogenic ingrediens and fragrance; instead opt for a non comedogenic, light moisturizer – the one you’re using on your face or one specially designed for body acne problems.
8. Nutrition: your body needs optimal hydration and the essential nutrients for the skin. Poor nutrition and dehydration can worsen any type of acne.
9. If your body acne is severe, talk to a doctor. Only a specialist can investigate and prescribe the best treatment for severe cases of acne.
There can be many factors that irritate your body skin. If you notice you’re breaking out on your body at certain times or after wearing a certain sweater, try to make the necessary changes whenever possible. The most important rule is to avoid irritation and keep skin clean and hydrated.
Beauty Alert: Vitamins for longer lashes
February 15th, 2010
“The eyes are the mirror of the soul” and the beauty of the eyes is surely of high importance to each of us. The eye area requires a different treatment than the rest of your skin. Not just the lids and the brow bone, but the lashes as well. Long, full and beautiful lashes contribute to the fresh look of your eyes; natural or enhanced by makeup, lashes contour the eye and add intensity to your look.We have a few tips for those who need longer, fuller lashes and for all those who want to know how to care for the area around their eyes.
1. Vitamins. Vitamin treatments are helpful in stimulating the growth of lashes, treating the skin around the lid and the lash line. You can apply Vitamin E oil, known for its positive effects on hair growth, at the root of the lashes; apply with a Q-tip or clean mascara brush and avoid contact with eyes. If pure Vitamin E is not on hand, use Olive Oil. Lashes will grow stronger and shinier.
2. Castor Oil. This is also a great source of nutrients that promote hair growth and regeneration. Avoid eye contact and apply Castor oil with a special brush every night before going to bed. You can use it on your eye brows as well.
3. Avoid eye irritations, which can significantly stop the lash growth. If irritation occurs, make sure you treat it and soothe the itch. Chamomile infusions and cold compresses or eye drops can help with minor irritations. Avoid allergens. Make sure you remove makeup efficiently and don’t rub your eyes, an accumulation of mascara and impurities at the root of the lashes can cause irritations.
4. Remove makeup every night before going to bed. Perfect cleansing makes perfect lashes and your lashes need to be clean in order to regenerate at night. Remove any trace of makeup, mascara and cleanse with special products. Apply vitamin or oil treatment after makeup removal.
5. Avoid chemical treatments or synthetic eye creams. These can damage your lashes.
Ingredient spotlight: Evening Primrose Oil
February 12th, 2010On many labels, Evening Primrose Oil is just one of the many ingredients you don’t notice. In fact, this plant gets a lot of praise for its benefits in skincare. Acne problems? Dry skin? This is one ingredient you should be looking for!
First of all, don’t miss the chance to hydrate and nourish your skin with prime-quality fatty acids derived from this beautiful flower. The Evening Primrose flower seeds are the very source of the oil extract used in skincare, a natural oil with great components such as ~10% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and minerals like magnesium and zinc. As a herbal supplement, this flower has been used for hundreds of years to treat asthma, wounds, or infertility. Taken internally, it improves blood circulation and prevents hair loss.
Acne is just one of the skin conditions Evening Primrose Oil treats, both internally and topically. With great anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, this ingredient can be taken as a supplement (capsules) or applied directly on the affected area (oil, ointments). Topical application reduces blackheads and breakouts by dissolving pore-clogging sebum. It will also help with excessive dryness caused by other harsh acne treatments and will balance acne-prone skin to help skin regenerate faster.
On dry skin, it works wonders. Emollient and softening, Evening Primrose revives dull, sagging skin. With efficient moisturizing properties, it soothes dry and sensitive skin. Because of the rich content of linoleic acid this oil is also beneficial for chronic conditions like eczema or dermatitis.