Natural Skin Care

Yogurt is one of the most loved dairy products, generated from milk through certain process of bacterial fermentation. By this method, lactose produces lactic acid that is responsible in nurturing the body.

Lactic acid naturally found in yogurt is a hydrating substance that works in helping the skin retain the needed amount of water from the body processes.

Skin experts recently formulated a good strategy using yogurt that would help rejuvenate the lost nutrients of the skin by removing the very reason for which the skin is dull and saggy.

Since yogurt is a nutritious food naturally rich in protein, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 with unique health benefits, a body mask created using it as the main ingredient will transfer these ingredients on the skin.

Yogurt body mask, now a widely used was proven to effectively work as a moisturizer. It provides hydration and at the same time soothes the skin.

Yogurt body mask is an excellent option that helps with skin exfoliation in a very mild and delicate way. Lactic acid found in yogurt is a good source of antibacterial agents and also acts as an astringent that aids in relieving skin irritations caused by fungal infections.

Researchers have discovered that lactic acid helps in stimulating collagen production that is vital in repairing skin damages and results in revealing a younger-looking skin. Because of the intense hydrating properties of lactic acid found in yogurt, the repairing of skin’s minor flaws is made simple and easy in just a short period of time.

Dermatologists use lactic acid to treat acne, oily skin breakouts, photo-aging, sun-damaged skin and other problems.

A yogurt body mask is tested and proven to make the skin glow as it removes skin impurities caused by free radicals and leaves it with the wonderful feeling of soft, smooth and relaxed texture.

Leading a busy lifestyle takes more of a person’s time making other necessary activities often neglected. With this scenario, visits to beauty salons, spas and other body pampering therapies becomes seldom and that is why a yogurt body mask is exactly what the skin needs.

Yogurt body mask can be very simple to make and anybody can find or create a homemade recipe to make a special yogurt body mask. The feel of soft, satin-smooth and firm skin is the result easily noticed after using the yogurt body mask.

The yogurt body mask is ideal for everyone because of its healing properties and with regular applications it helps enhancing the condition of the skin. It is advisable to use it once every 7 days as it gradually rejuvenates the skin and keeps it young and healthy.

Skin is the largest organ in the human body playing a vital role as the first line of protection, securing the most delicate organs in the body.

Ways in nurturing the skin is considered essential for a person’s total wellness.

Skin aging is a very usual problem a person encounters with the years.

There are two types of aging categorized as intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging. The intrinsic aging is the natural aging process brought by the genes one has inherited.

The extrinsic skin aging is caused by environmental factors like sun exposure and unhealthy lifestyle.

To treat skin aging, one should know the reasons of this problem and find possible means to address this issue.

Extrinsic skin aging is caused by several external factors that go together with the normal aging process that results to premature aging.

Here are 5 top tips to prevent the skin from premature aging.

A person who is exposed in the sun without putting any skin protection is prone to develop skin problems that later contribute to skin aging. Uneven and rough skin, freckles, age spots, loose skin, facial spider veins, blotchy complexion and skin cancer can be traced to serious unprotected sun exposure.

Dermatologists recommend that a person should apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher 20 minutes before sun exposure. The higher the SPF it has, the more protection it offers against ultra-violet radiation.

Another prevalent cause is cigarette smoking which initiates biochemical changes in the body accelerating skin aging. People who smoke for several years are found to develop a complexion with unhealthy yellowish hue, a significant sign of skin deterioration. Deeply wrinkled and leathery skin is noticeable among smokers compared to those who are non-smokers.

But these signs can be reduced when a person decides to avoid and even completely stop the habit. Individuals who decide to quit smoking show less facial wrinkling and improved skin tones are becoming visible upon breaking off the cigarette smoking.

Also, a daily intake of retinol which is a fat soluble vitamin can help in preventing rapid skin aging. One of the most usable forms of Vitamin A, retinol is important in vision, normal bone & tooth development, reproduction and maintaining a healthy skin.

Another pointer to delay signs of aging is exfoliation. A regular session of exfoliating helps a person to have a glowing skin as it removes the first layer of dead skin that may cause blackheads, whiteheads and worst, acne. It gently removes the visible fine lines caused by excessive dirt, oil and dead skin cells.

Finally, one is encouraged to invest in antioxidants that help in repairing damages allowing rejuvenation in the damaged areas of the skin. There are many natural skin care products that contain antioxidants which help in fighting free radicals. Fruits and vegetables are also good sources of antioxidants.

If you are one of those unfortunate souls who have been plagued by oily skin, then chances are you are looking for some concrete and lasting solutions to looking like a grease bowl!

You may then also be one of those people who are wary about moisturizing their skin, being under the impression that if you have oily skin you don’t need to moisturize!

Well for those laboring under that misapprehension may we draw your attention to the fact that moisture and oil are two different things! Your skin may be oily, but quite paradoxically, it may still need moisture! Remember, one is about oil the other about water!

So even if you do have excessively oily skin, it may still be under-nourished, and consequently your skin is not looking as good as it could. So follow these simple steps for moisturizing oily skin:

• Use an oil free, water (aqua) based moisturizer, preferably one that has been formulated for oily skin.
• Moisturize skin after proper cleansing and toning
• Apply the moisturizer at the coolest time of the day (say at night) when the skin is least likely to sweat and produce more sebum and when the moisture will be best absorbed into the skin

Most women want to preserve their youthful skin and look to use the appropriate cosmetic product that will give them the best results to this end.

However with the plethora of cosmetics out there which promise to give you miraculously younger looking skin in a matter of days, it is difficult to understand what to choose and how!

So when choosing an anti aging or anti wrinkle product, look for the following ingredients, which offer, the best chance at efficacy:

Sun Screen

Pick a product with sun screen having a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. This is one of the basic tips to protect your skin from aging.

The sun’s rays are most responsible for signs of aging on your skin. So pick an anti aging cream which includes an SPF or you can use a sun screen separately.

Retinol

This is a vitamin A compound and an antioxidant, which helps in lessening the harmful effects of free radicals. Retinol, in its various formulations, has been known to stimulate the renewal of skin cells and reduce dark spots.

Hydroxy Acids

You probably see written on many of the anti aging products: AHA’s and BHA’s. These are Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids which actually help in exfoliating the top layer of skin removing dead cells.

This exfoliation and renewal capacity of AHA fruit acids helps to dissolve the intracellular “glue” that holds the dead cells together on the skin.

Using this on a regular basis gradually enhances the exfoliation of the epidermis and stimulates the production of fresh skin cells to compensate for the missing ones.

Since most creams that use AHAs use a moisturizing base, this means that your skin receives moisture and nourishment, meaning a lighter complexion, fewer pigmentation spots and less marked wrinkles.

If using a product with AHA’s, remember that this exposes the lower layer of skin even more to sun damage, so they should always be used in conjunction with sunscreens.

Coenzyme  Q10

This is said to protect skin against sun damage and regulate energy production in cells.

Copper Peptides

These have been seen to stimulate the production of collagen in the skin and to assist in skin healing.

Kinetin

This is known to smooth wrinkles and remove uneven pigmentation.

Green, Black, Oolong Tea extracts

The Camellia sinensis plant, which is what all tea comes from, is well known for having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, when drunk and also when applied topically.

So remember to look for these active ingredients rather than just reaching for the most expensive jar, thinking if it’s more expensive it must be better, which is a fallacy!

I know what you’re thinking… a facial peel sounds kind of painful, as though someone was going to peel a layer of skin right off your face!

But fear not; it isn’t as grim as it sounds and reportedly chemical facial peels are the fastest growing non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the US.

Simply put, facial peels are a form of exfoliation of the skin using certain chemicals.

A facial peel is said to have many advantages. From reducing fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging, they also have a beneficial effect on acne scars, sun spots and freckles and other skin defects.

Depending on an individual’s requirement, the appropriate peel is recommended, from light to medium to deep chemical peels.

While there are facial peels that are conducted by trained and certified personnel, there are also available over the counter peel treatments which usually contain chemicals and alpha hydroxy acids that remove dead skin cells, exposing layers of fresh skin that can look better and more even in tone.

Typically the product is required to be applied to the face and left for several minutes and then scrubbed or rinsed off with water.

Some formulations come equipped with a dermabrasion implement with which the facial peel can be worked into the skin, sloughing off dead skin cells in the process.

According to recent research, nearly a third of women under age of 25 are regularly using anti-aging products, which they actually don’t need.

Some experts say that young women are not only wasting money on products which they don’t need, but also damaging their skin permanently.

Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at London’s Cadogan Clinic, explains that anti aging creams designed for older skins can be heavy for younger skin and causes damage to skin.

Eczema patients who use anti aging creams that are too greasy often suffer from occlusive folliculitis, a skin condition that prevents sweat to escape from clogged pores and causes itchy red bumps.

Source: DailyMail

Many experts believe that sweating is the body’s way of ridding itself of toxins, waste matter and other impurities.

This view is borne out by the fact that in ancient times Turkish baths and now steam and sauna baths are designed in a way that makes you sweat, in an effort to cleanse and purify not just your body but also your skin.

You may have noticed how after some vigorous activity of a workout, the skin flushes becomes warmer and seems to glow.

This is due to increased circulation and increased flow of blood to the extremities and the surface of the skin. It is this increased blood circulation that makes your skin acquire an attractive natural glow.

Sweating can also clear the pores of the skin and free them from sebum, which is excessive oil produced by the skin which can clog the pores and cause blackheads  and even acne [blackhead removal]. This is the reason that many people find that their skin is brighter and clearer during summer when sweating is more common.

So in a variety of ways, sweating is good for the skin as long as you clean the skin soon after and do not allow the sweat to dry and cake upon the skin.

Everyone wishes for a deep golden tan during the summer months. However, a golden tan comes with distinct dangers for your skin.

While you may enjoy the look and feel of a golden tan, the long term effects can be fatal.

Recent studies show that over one million people in the United Sates are diagnosed with skin cancer every year.

Of those one million people, 4% are diagnosed with melanoma the deadliest form of cancer.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your skin during the hot summer months, and prevent skin cancer later in life.

Skip the Tanning Bed and Go Artificial

If you absolutely must have a radiant glow, there are things you can do other than tanning. Try a sunless tanning lotion, or a sprayed on tan, for a safe alternative. Lotions and spray tans do not expose your skin to the harmful UVA and UVB rays that the sun releases.

While you will find that many tanning beds now claim to eliminate harmful rays, this is simply not true. It is impossible to eliminate all UVA rays and still tan your skin.

However, when you use a sunless tanning cream that contains DHA you can enjoy a safe bronze glow. DHA is a type of sugar that reacts to dead skin cells and causes your skin to change colors.

Hats Are Your First Defense from the Sun

The main location for skin cancer development is the face and head. However, by wearing a hat you can protect the top of your head, and your face, from harmful sun rays.

Hats should be worn during the summer and early fall months to protect your skin. Even on cloudy days your skin is still at risk for sun exposure. Therefore, a hat should be worn anytime you will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

Don’t Forget the SPF

Using SPF on a daily basis is recommended by all dermatologists. Luckily, finding an easy to apply SPF is very simple. Many lotions, makeups, and skin creams contain SPF today. However, you should ensure that the product you choose has an SPF rating of at least 30. [natural sunscreen]

For those who have risk factors such as light skin, or a family history of skin cancer, a higher rated SPF may be required. You will also want to choose products that are water and sweat proof, if you plan to be in the sun for long periods.

Common Sense Is Your Best Defense

While there are many things you can do to protect your skin from the sun, common sense is your best defense. If you feel your skin starting to burn, go inside. Don’t expose your skin to the sun for long periods, and wear clothes that cover your skin.

While it may not be fun to wear long sleeves in the summer, avoiding the sun is best if you want to keep your skin safe. Think smart and protect your body. You are the first defense when trying to prevent skin cancer from developing in your body.

Making the right choices when it comes to skincare can help you preserve the freshness and attractiveness of your complexion

Winter comes, and with it the period when your skin probably needs the most attention.

Why is this so? It is quite simple. The cold, the wind, the sun, added up together, cause an unwanted effect on your skin.

The cold makes your skin glands to work a lot less, especially those on your face, and therefore your skin becomes dryer than in any other season of the year.

The wind and the sun, together, take off what is left of the moisture in your skin, making tiny wrinkles all over your face, and before you know it, all the radiance and beauty of your face are gone.

But making the right choices when it comes to skincare during wintertime can prevent all of this from happening. It will help you preserve the freshness and attractiveness of your complexion.

The first thing to do is to get rid of the soap. Stop using it. It only makes your skin dryer. Instead, use a lotion, body milk or your favorite tonic to clean your face. Occasional peeling would also do you good.

Washing your face only with hot water will benefit your skin with a little extra moisture in the morning or before going to bed.

A hot bath will open up the pores all over your body, otherwise closed because of the cold, and that way you will be able to clean all the dead skin cells that are lying in there and make your skin look old.

If you have the time, every now and then, you should use it to apply a facial mask or a facial massage. A homemade cucumber mask will hydrate your skin and it will make it a lot softer.

A facial massage or a whole body one, will help you moisturize your skin and will ease up all the tension that you might be feeling. Try using coconut or olive oil for it. Do this routine 15 minutes before you take your hot bath and you will have a glowing, soft skin.

Don’t forget to put on a smile when you are going out. A fresh complexion and a smile will make you look very appealing. Match your make up with your skin tone. Choosing the right colors for your outfit will help you pass the winter looking like it is spring time for you.

The tan is in fact the superficial pigmentation of the skin, inevitably exfoliating daily. The skin exfoliation is a natural process through which the dead skin cells are eliminated.

It is good to know that a dry skin exfoliates faster than a hydrated one and the base rule for keeping the natural, shinning tan is the intensive hydration of the skin.

A stretched skin nuanced in an amazing chocolate like color, shining of beauty is the mark of a sunny vacation.

There is no news that tanned persons are more confident about their looks so since the tan is something not quite easy to come by, we should reward our patience of spending hours in the sun with a few tips and tricks meant to keep our tan for as long as possible.

Intense hydration

The daily hydration is mandatory especially after sunbathing, and it is a must to continue it after returning home from vacation. The intensive use of body milk helps keeping the color for a longer time.

Light body scrub

After coming back from vacation it is wise to use only a light body scrub. It is preferable the use of natural oils because while the abrasive particles from the scrub lotion remove the dead skin cells exposing a new skin, the oils will prevent the dehydration of the skin.

No more long baths

Everyone enjoys a long bubble bath, reading the favorite magazine, but such a pleasant activity, however relaxing will cause the fading of the tan. Hot water is an important factor for skin exfoliation so showering with merely warm water instead of hot is a very good idea for keeping the tan longer.

Beta carotene

The dry breeze air, the wind, the sea salt and pool chlorine are all slightly damaging the skin.

Keeping up the tan is up not only to the care and attention we give it but also to a self tanning substance our body receives which we are taking from the food we ingest, called beta carotene.

This substance produces inside the skin a natural pigment called melanin. The beta carotene can be found in abundance in carrots, tomatoes, spinach, peaches, apricots, melon and berries. The C and E vitamins are also a great help in getting a chocolate like skin.

Self tan lotions

When the natural tan starts wearing off, you can cheat a bit replacing the usual body lotion with one with self tanning properties. This will keep the skin nuance longer and closer to the one obtained through natural bronze.  The operation can be repeated once a week and it is a very good chance the skin will look tanned all through the winter.