Healthy For The Skin

Using the Croc 2 Flat Iron

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:57:00 +0000

Using the Croc 2 Flat Iron

Author: Adair Sawyer

The Croc 2 flat iron has now evolved as one of the most popular hair curling irons that are used in the recent times. While there are many useful features of this croc infrared iron, the temperature needs to be controlled and well considered before use. If your hair is wispy or thin, you must always use lowest heat or temperature setting to prevent hair damage. However, if you have thick and coarse hair, you would have to use higher temperature setting till the time you are able to find anything else that would work effectively for your hair. If you are using some styling gel along with croc infrared, it can give you amazing results.
Before you start using the croc 2 flat iron, you would have to remove the tangles that have developed in your hair. It you hair is not untangled properly you might develop messy and ugly looking curls.
The next step is to use the thermal styling protecting spray over hair for preventing breaking and splitting. You must then isolate your hair strands into different sections, 1/8 inch each. Just like the croc 2 flat iron is used for straightening the hair, you need to clamp it down closer to the scalp, pull it down further and reach the point from where you would want your curls to start. Now gently twist the wrist and see the formation. In this way beautiful curls will develop gradually with as the croc infrared flat iron. You many also choose to have curled from the scalp or just halfway down your hair length.
It is very easy to learn how to use the croc 2 flat iron or croc infrared iron, and you may also try to experiment and get some new styles that you like. In case if you want some well defined curls, you can use a similar technique that has been mentioned in this article. However, while you are twisting the croc 2 flat iron little higher, you must move slowly so that the curls don't loosen up.
In order to ensure that you are getting the best result from the croc 2 flat iron, you must also make sure that you are using smaller hair sections, once the curls have been ready, just run your fingers gently through them, and it will finally give you an enviable style. It is very important to treat the curls well and should be brushed gently. Also, expert's advice that is better to comb curled hair than brushing to ensure long-lasting curls.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-articles/using-the-croc-2-flat-iron-4539679.html
About the Author

Croc infrared iron is the hottest and the trendiest hair styling tool available today. Choose your type of croc 2 flat iron and wear a trendy look today.

Anti-Aging Recipe! - Organic Top Skin Care Products And Super Foods!

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:41:00 +0000

Anti-Aging Recipe! - Organic Top Skin Care Products And Super Foods!

Author: Kristin Jensen

"Happy girls are the prettiest" ~ Audrey Hepburn
Top skin care products and happiness!
No matter how many quotes we read about beauty coming from inside, we have to face that most woman do spend a lot of time and money trying to look younger and more beautiful. It just makes us feel better, and when we feel better we are happier. And feeling happy is our ultimate goal.
So, if we need products to make us look younger, prettier and feel happier we might as well pick natural skin and body care products that are free from deadly chemicals and safe for our health. You will love organic top skin care products when you realize how much chemicals you'll find in cosmetics and body care products that are not certified organic. Not to forget all you can do to your skin by eating the right foods.
Chemicals in cosmetics and body care products
Did you know that your daily beauty and body care products could well damage your kidneys, affect your nervous system, and even cause cancer – in worst cases they may kill you? See links to articles about chemicals in cosmetics and body care products at the bottom of this article.

A healthy lifestyle combined with natural organic top skin care products is the best choice for your total health and your skin.
What should we require of a top skin care product?

It should rebuild skin structure and create more collagen
Reverse damage from stress and exposure to daily pollution
Minimizes stress lines, wrinkles and imperfections
Rebuilds younger-looking, firmer skin
Diminishes wrinkles with daily use
Repairs cellular DNA, increase metabolism for clear, ageless skin

What ingredients should we look for in anti aging top skin care products?
Aloe Vera - The Aloe Vera plant (also called Aloe barbadensis) is unique among plants for its importance in natural skin care. Aloe Vera contains burn healing effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and scar reducing properties. Aloe Vera is also acting as a storehouse for vital enzymes, vitamins, proteins and minerals that support skin functions. Aloe Vera is also very effective at toning and firming the skin.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein - Is a film-forming agent which retains water, promotes healing processes and tightens skin. It's a pure, botanical ingredient that creates a flexible strengthening network on the skin's surface which produces an instant and long-lasting tightening effect. This protein produces skin that looks and feels younger and revitalized.
Arnica Extract - Antiseptic, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, circulation stimulating, healing, and stimulating to the deep cellular levels of skin that can help to counteract the effects of aging at a deep synthesis level.
Barley Extract - is an excellent source of antioxidant. It also increases micro-circulation and drainage.
Some other important anti aging ingredients in skin and body care products:
Lecithin, Olive-leaves, Sweet almond, Argan oil, Passion fruit seed oil, Rice Bran oil, Acai pulp oil, Babassu seed oil, Sea buckthorn berry oil, Lonicera, Honeysuckle flower extract, Cocoa butter, Panthenol, vitamin B-5, vitamin C, Jojoba oil (natural vitamin E), extract from orange, Bergamot flowers and Jasmine flowers. Rose and Geranium oil, Reserveratol, Astaxanthin, Q10
No top skin care products have all these ingredients but they should have a few of them.
The best anti-aging foods:
It is important to remember that your diet also has a big impact on how your skin retains moisture, handles irritation, and ages? A skin cell lives about a month. So each and every day, your body is busy making new cells to replace those that have died off, and how healthy those new cells are is directly determined by how well you've been eating. I will only list a few here, actually most organic raw fruits and vegetables are good for you so attempt to vary.

Carrots - This crunchy snack is loaded with vitamin A, which helps balance the pH of your skin's surface, making it just acidic enough to fend off harmful bacteria. Use both raw and cooked.
Berries- High-antioxidant content of blackberries, blueberries and strawberries yield countless healthy-skin benefits.
Artichokes, beans, prunes and pecans - These are also high in antioxidants and good for your skin
Salmon, Walnuts, and Flax Seed - The common healthy-skin ingredients in these foods are essential fatty acids. They block harmful irritants and act as the passageway for nutrients coming in and out and for waste products to get in and out of the cell. The stronger that barrier is, the better your skin cells hold moisture.
Healthy Oils - Flax seed, Hemp, Olive Oil, Evening Primrose oil. They should be cold pressed, extra virgin. These oils Keep skin lubricated and looking and feeling healthier. Avocado is also a very good source of essential oils.
Whole Wheat Brazil Nuts and dates - are rich in the mineral selenium, which plays a key role in the health of skin cells. In fact, studies show that even skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high. Amaranth, Barley, Brazil Nuts, Buckwheat, Cashews, Coconut, Rye, Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, French Beans and dates are other good sources of selenium.
Green Tea - The skin-health assets in this drink are matchless. It has anti-inflammatory properties, protects the cell membrane, and may even reduce the risk of some cancers.
Almonds, Avocado and Sunflower Seeds - These seeds are a natural source of vitamin E. No antioxidants are better at slowing down the aging of skin cells. Avocado also contains glutathione, copper, beta-sisterol and other compounds involved in the natural detoxification process.
Black Grapes - contains reserveratrol that is a very strong antioxidant. Red wine is a good source of reserveratrol but as alcohol is bad for your skin and health it's better to eat grapes.
Watermelon - Packed with detox nutrients and water, watermelon is also very rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that boost your skin resistance to sun damage.
Red bell peppers - the unique combination of vitamins A, C and E, three of the most potent skin protecting vitamins, makes red bell peppers and ideal food for a healthy glow. Also very important to the natural detoxification process.

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle using organic top skin care products and a healthy diet are amazing. All the foods mentioned above are not only good for your skin, they are also good for your total health - preventing diseases and helping you stay healthier and younger.
My best advice in a few words when it comes to reversing the aging process is:

Avoid stress,
Get enough "beauty" sleep - great for your overall health and a necessity to stay young.
Change to a whole-food, plant based diet (organic healthy fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds beans, legumes and oils.
Drink water - good hydration is key to a healthy looking skin, and there's nothing better than pure, clean water to quench your body's thirst.
Stay out in fresh air but protect your skin against the sun.
Use only certified organic top skin care products (chemicals not only damage your skin but are also a danger for your health).
Limit or reduce the use of refined sugar and alcohol as it is bad for your skin and your health.

Treat your skin with natural top skin care products, body care products and feed your body with the best nutrition. It is YOUR guarantee for beautiful, younger-looking skin and a healthy body.
I have done some research and found the best top skin care products for you so please feel free to visit Happy Natural Life to check it out.
Be yourself and be happy, never stop dreaming!
Kristin

Related articles:
Danger! Chemicals In Cosmetics May Kill You!
The Pure Facts in This Article Will Make You Love Organic Top Skin Care Products!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/anti-aging-recipe-organic-top-skin-care-products-and-super-foods-4534654.html
About the Author

Mona Kristin Jensen is the owner of Happy Natural Life. She wants her Web page to be a place where you can find inspiration and information to live a happier and healthier lifestyle, more in harmony with yourself and Mother Nature. Her motto is "Be Yourself and Be Happy - Never Stop Dreaming!" "Be Yourself and Be Happy"

Men skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:37:00 +0000

Men skin care

‘Man skin care’ would seem like an alien topic to some men. It would have been even more alien a few years back. However, more and more men are now realizing the importance of man skin care (and hence you see markets flush with man skin care products too). Even though the male skin is very different from that of a female, ‘man skin care’ is very similar to the skin care for women.

‘Man skin care’ too starts with cleansing. Water soluble cleansers are preferred. Cleansing helps remove the dirt, grease and pollutants from the skin and helps in preventing pore clogging. The inherent oily nature of male skin makes cleansing an important part of man skin care procedure. Cleansing should be done at least once every day, even better if it is done twice a day. Using soap on the face is discouraged.

‘Man skin care’ revolves a lot around shaving. Shaving foam/gel/cream and after shave lotion are one of the most important man skin care products. Serious ‘man skin care’ requires a proper selection of shaving related equipment and products. One of the main considerations in choosing shaving products should be the skin type (since the degree of oiliness differs from person to person). Alcohol-based aftershaves should be avoided. Proper ‘man skin care’ also mandates the use of good quality razors. Here, swivel-head razors are preferred since they are known to reduce cuts. Besides these products and equipment, it is also necessary that you use them properly. Be gentle when using your razor. Do not scratch it against your skin; use a soft and smooth action (after all it’s a matter of removing hair, not the skin itself).

Male skin is generally thicker and oilier, owing to larger pores and more active sebaceous glands. However, due to regular shaving, the skin can get dehydrated quite easily. Hence moisturisers too form an integral part of man skin care. Moisturising gel or cream should be applied after shaving. In fact, some shaving foams/ gel have an in-built moisturising effect too. Moisturisers should be patted gently over the face and massaged gently using upward strokes.

Though a man’s skin is less susceptible to skin cancer caused by UV radiation, using a sunscreen is also an important man skin care measure. You can use a moisturiser that combines sunscreen with the moisturising effect.

Another good option for ‘man skin care’ is to use man skin care products which have natural ingredients like aloe vera, sea salt and coconut etc. Naturally antiseptic oils e.g. lavender, tea tree etc also provide good means for man skin care.

Man skin care is not as difficult as a lot of men think. It just asks for a few minutes every day, in order to give you a healthy skin for present and for future.

Organic skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:38:00 +0000

Organic skin care

“If it can be done naturally, why go for artificial means” - this is the basic premise on which ‘organic skin care’ works. Organic skin care is the most natural way of ‘skin care’. In fact, ‘organic skin care’ was probably the first one to be used by man when it first woke-up to the needs of his skin. ‘Organic skin care’ is not only friendlier to skin, but also inexpensive. If exercised in the right way, organic skin care can prevent the occurrence of a lot of skin disorders and can help keep your skin healthy and young-looking for a much longer time.

Organic fruits and vegetables are the most popular things on organic skin care routines e.g. cucumber is very common in organic skin care routines. Turmeric, apple, papaya, ginger are others that find a wide use in organic skin care routines. These organic materials have a very refreshing and vitalizing effect on your skin. Almost every skin care book/guide has section on organic skin care (including the actions of various fruits and vegetables on skin). So choose the ones that are more suitable for your skin type and start experimenting with them until you finally select the ones that are most suitable for inclusion in your organic skin care routine. It’s important that you use fresh organic fruits/vegetables. Don’t try to utilise the rotten ones for your skin, their only place is the garbage bin.

Milk is known to posses good cleansing properties; in fact, the name of some skin care products contains the word ‘milk’ in them. A combination of milk with ground oatmeal acts as wonderful cleanser.

Ground oatmeal is especially good for oily skins and is a popular ingredient in organic skin care regimen. It is used in various combinations e.g. with egg, honey, milk and fruits, for preparation of organic facial packs.

Wheat germ is another ingredient in organic skin care procedures. It is rich in vitamin E and is known for its exfoliation as well as moisturising properties. Wheat germ, in various combinations with other organic materials, is used to prepare facial masks for normal and dry skin types. Wheat germ oil is another way in which wheat germ is used for organic skin care.

Yogurt and sour cream are other organic materials that are popular for their exfoliation and moisturising properties.

Use of organic honey is also popular in organic skin care procedures. It helps in retention of moisture and helps impart a glowing look to skin.

Rose water takes its place as a toner in organic skin care routines. Lavender water is popular too.

‘Organic skin care’ use combination's of various organic materials that complement each other and enhance each other effectiveness. Moreover, these combination's are also helpful in over-riding the harmful effects (if any) of various organic materials that form them.

Organic skin care is really an art that, once perfected, can give wonderful results in a very cost effective manner.

Herbal skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:34:00 +0000

Herbal skin care

Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things – our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialization of skin care. Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.

So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?

Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.

Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.

Choosing a facial skin care product

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:30:00 +0000

Choosing a facial skin care product

Talking about skin care, ‘facial skin care’ seems to top the chart. There are loads of facial skin care products available in the market. The most common facial skin care products are the ones that are used as part of daily routine. These include things like cleansers and moisturizers. Toners and exfoliation ones are well known too but not many people use them as such.

The general classification of facial skin care products is based on the following:

* Gender (so there are facial skin care products for men and there are facial skin care products for women)
* Skin type (facial skin products for oily skin, facial skin care products for dry skin, facial skin care products for normal skin and facial skin care products for sensitive skin)
* Age (facial skin care products for old and facial skin care products for young)
* Skin disorder (i.e. facial skin care products for treatment of various skin orders like eczema, acne etc)

So that is your starting point for choosing a facial skin care product that suits you. A good way to start is by determining your skin type first. Also note that the skin type changes with age, so the facial skin product that suits you today, might not suit you forever and hence you need to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of your facial skin care product.

The facial skin care products are available in various forms i.e. creams, lotions, gels, masks etc, and a lot of people try to pit one against the other in their discussion on which form is best. However, one can’t really rate one form as better than another form. What suits you (and whatever you are comfortable with) is the best form of facial skin care product for you, really.

However, it’s important to note that these products work differently for different people. So the best thing is to try the facial skin care product on a small patch of skin (e.g. ear lobes) before actually going ahead and using it.

Another important consideration is the state of your skin. If you are suffering from a skin disorder of any kind, it is best to seek the advice of a dermatologist before you actually make your selection and start using a facial skin care product.

Once you have selected the facial skin care product for yourself, you also need to ensure that you use the facial skin care product in the right way i.e. follow correct procedures for application, use the correct quantity and make the facial product a part of your skin care routine.

Are Natural skin care products the answer to all problems?

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:29:00 +0000

Are Natural skin care products the answer to all problems?

When it comes to skin care products, you will find that a lot of people are very particular about using only natural skin care products. They treat all the synthetic products as harmful to the skin.

So, are natural skin care products the answer to all of our problems? What if a natural skin care product is not available for the treatment of a particular skin disorder? Are the synthetic skin care products so harmful that they should be banned?

Different people have different answers to these questions. However, the reality is that due to presence of synthetic preservatives, it’s really tough to find a natural skin care product that is 100% natural. There are natural skin care products that have natural preservatives, but their cost might be detrimental. Moreover, such natural skin products have a shorter shelf life and hence are not preferred by the manufacturers of natural skin care products.

Some people carry a wrong notion that since natural skin care products are natural, they cannot cause any harm to the skin. The suitability of a skin care product is not based on whether it is synthetic or natural. An unsuitable natural skin care product can harm you in almost the same way as a synthetic one. So, use natural skin care products, but be open to synthetic ones too (you might need them when a natural solution is not available)

Your selection of a natural skin care product should be based on 3 factors:

* The skin type (dry, oily, normal, sensitive) of the person who will use that natural skin care product
* The climatic conditions in which it will be used e.g. hot and humid condition would warranty the use of oil-free natural skin care products.
* The process for application/use of the natural skin care product. A good natural skin care product (in fact any product) can seem useless if not used in the proper way.

You can also make natural skin care products by yourself, by using the recipes that are readily available on the internet and in the books at book stores.

Use of organic fruits and vegetables is also popular as a natural skin care procedure. Some essential oils, herbal oils, are useful too and are known for their moisturising and antiseptic properties

However, using a natural skin care product does not mean that you can exercise carelessness with other aspects of skin care. Natural skin care products should be used like supplements to the following ‘essential’ recommendations: healthy eating habits (avoiding oily food), regular exercise, drinking a lot of water (8 glasses everyday), and cleanliness. This will then form a perfect and completely natural skin care routine that will help maintain a healthy beautiful skin for longer time.

Antiaging skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:28:00 +0000

Antiaging skin care

‘Antiaging skin care’ is a very poplar concept in today’s world. Today everyone wants to hide their age using antiaging skin care procedures (and a number of people are successful too). However antiaging skin care is not achieved by any magic potion. ‘Antiaging skin care’ is about discipline. It is about being proactive. Antiaging skin care is retarding the ageing process. Here are a few tips for proactive antiaging skin care:

1. Maintain healthy eating habits: A well balanced diet is the key to maintaining a proper body metabolism. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables (raw), they are the best source of fibre and have a very refreshing effect on your body. Avoid oily and fatty food; not only do they lack in essential nutrients but also cause obesity and other diseases which aid the aging process

2. Beat stress: This is probably the most important antiaging skin care measure. Stress disturbs the body metabolism and accelerates the aging process. Sleep, exercise and a relaxing bath, are all good ways of beating stress. Aroma-therapy is also known to bust stress.

3. Drink a lot of water: Antiaging skin care can’t be any simpler than this. Water helps in flushing out the toxins from the body, hence keeping it clean and making it less prone to disease. Around 8 glasses of water (per day) is recommended by all doctors.

4. Regular exercise is a wonderful antiaging skin care procedure. Besides toning your muscles, it also helps in cleaning the skin by flushing out the toxins in the form of sweat. Exercise should be followed by a warm shower in order to completely remove the toxins.

5. Avoid the use of strong, chemical based products on your skin. Natural skin care products are a good option. Use of organic skin care products (home made or commercial) can be a very effective antiaging skin care measure.

6. Do not overuse skin care products. Excessive and harsh application, both are harmful.

7. Do not ignore skin disorders; it can lead to permanent skin damage. Try over the counter medication and if that doesn’t help, immediately visit your dermatologist and seek his/her advice.

8. Vitamin C based skin care products are very popular means of antiaging skin care. However, these seem to oxidise very quickly (which makes them harmful for the skin). So store them properly. If the product turns Yellowish brown, it means that vitamin c has oxidised and the prodct is no longer suitable for use.

9. Protect your skin against UV radiation ; UV rays are known to speed up the aging process. So, a good sunscreen lotion should be a part of your antiaging skin care routine.

Anti aging skin care products

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:25:00 +0000

Anti aging skin care products

Anti aging skin care products remind me of the song ’18 till I die’. Indeed, anti aging skin care products are very popular today; and why not, who doesn’t want to look young for ever?

Talking of anti aging skin care products, the first thing that comes to mind is vitamin C based anti aging skin care products. These products work by enabling the synthesis of collagen (a structural protein that is found in skin). This category of anti aging skin care products is related to anti-oxidants. Anti aging skin care products that are based on vitamin C are, however, posed with the danger of getting oxidised themselves (as they come into contact with air during their usage). So some anti aging skin care products are based on the derivatives of vitamin C, which are more stable and less expensive. However, the effectiveness of such anti aging skin care is not as much as it is for vitamin C based ant aging skin care products.

Besides vitamin C, vitamin E and lipoic acid are anti-oxidants too. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble anti-oxidant that is found in human blood and helps in building resistance against infection. Vitamin E is also known to inhibit cancer. Liponic acid is known to combat the signs of aging very effectively by reversing the skin damage caused by the aging process.

Phytochemicals form the other category of anti aging skin care products. Phytochemical are special chemicals that are extracted from plants. There are a variety of phytochemicals that are in use today. Phytochemicals prevent occurrence of cancer of certain types; these include prostate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. That is why they find their place in anti aging skin care products.

Some B-vitamins like B5, B6 and B12 are also in use for anti aging skin care products.

The field of anti aging skin care products is vast and needs a lot of research. Though the currently available products are effective, they still have challenges to combat. Hopefully, these challenges will get resolved in due course and help get better and cheaper anti aging skin care products.

However, anti aging skin care products should be used only as a supplement to the natural ways of skin and body care. So, drinking a lot of water, getting a good night sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy eating habits and keeping stress at bay are essential means of delaying the aging process. No anti aging skin care product can replace them really.

Lotions vs. skin care creams

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:36:00 +0000

Lotions vs. skin care creams

There is no dearth of skin care creams and lotions in the market. Name an ailment, and you will find hundreds of skin care creams, lotions and other products for it. As a result of ongoing research and due to ever increasing demand, the number of skin care products seems to be on the increase. Skin care lotions and skin care creams are the most popular forms in which these products are available, and there always seems to be a debate on which form is better?

Well, there is no definitive answer to this. It seems more like a matter of personal choice. However, greasy creams are surely less popular as compared to the non-greasy (or less greasy) ones. Since the application of skin care creams is easier, they seem to be preferred (over lotions) in cases where the skin care product is not to be removed immediately after application. So, skin care creams seem more popular as moisturisers than as cleansers or toners. For toners, lotions seem to be preferred over skin care creams. There are some skin care creams that acts as toners too, but generally the toners are available in liquid form only. For cleansing, lotions and skin care creams are equally popular; however, the tilt seems more towards lotions.

Creams are known to be most effective in keeping skin moist; hence, the most popular form of skin care creams is moisturisers. Due to the same reason, a lot of people tend to associate skin care creams with dry and sensitive skin. Though it is true to a certain extent, skin care creams are not used only for dry skin, they are also used for making products for oily skin e.g. vitamin A creams and sulphur creams that help reduce the rate of sebum production.

Skin care creams are also used for products that cater to skin disorders especially for disorders that require the application of product over a small localised area. This is again due to the fact that skin care creams are easier to apply (without wastage) on the affected area. However, in cases where skin needs to be washed using a medicine/product, lotion is a better choice. Mostly, the manufacturers too realize this fact, making it easier for you to choose between a lotion and a skin care cream

Eye-creams and anti-ageing creams are other examples where skin care cream is preferred over its lotion counterpart.

Whatever your choice be (cream or lotion), knowing how to use it effectively, is more important than anything else.

Anti aging skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:24:00 +0000

Anti aging skin care

One of the most interesting topics on skin care is ‘anti aging skin care’. As one gets older, the natural defense of our skin (and in fact of the whole body) weakens. ‘Anti aging skin care’ is about protecting your skin from the negative effects of aging process. ‘Anti aging skin care’ helps in maintaining a young and fresh look for a longer period of time. However, ‘anti aging skin care’ doesn’t end just here. Besides maintaining your looks (good looks), ‘anti aging skin care’ is also about retaining the resistance to disease. Though the awareness about anti aging has increased over a period of time, still a lot of people are unable to recognize the aging symptoms (and hence are unable to determine if they are in need of additional anti aging skin care measures).

Here is a list of visible anti aging symptoms that will help you in the planning and execution of your strategy for anti aging skin care: baldness, forgetfulness, graying hair, wrinkle formation, loss of eyesight or hearing loss and menopause. The occurrence of one or more such symptoms is an indicator for upping the ante on anti aging skin care. Note that we are talking about introduction of additional measures for anti aging skin care, we are not talking about starting ‘anti aging skin care’ altogether. ‘Anti aging skin care’ actually starts much before the symptoms of anti aging appear. Serious anti aging skin care is building and following a proper skin care routine much earlier in life (say in your teens). Anti aging skin care doesn’t mean adoption of any special skin care procedure but just following a normal procedure in the right earnest. Eating a lot of fruits, avoiding stress, drinking a lot of water and using natural therapies can delay the aging process.

Once the signs of aging start showing up, you should start using some additional measures in the form of anti aging skin care products. The market is full of anti aging skin care products. In fact there are so many anti aging skin care products that they will probably find you even before you find them. Also, with age, the skin undergoes significant change. So you will need to analyse your current skin care procedure to check if it still holds good i.e. if it is still suitable for your skin.

You should remember that aging is a natural process and there is nothing that can stop it from happening. All these anti aging skin measures can just help in delaying the aging process.

All about sensitive skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:39:00 +0000

All about sensitive skin care

‘Sensitive skin care’ is governed by a few basic rules. However, even before we delve into the rules for sensitive skin care, it’s important to understand what a sensitive skin is. Sensitive skin is one which is unable to tolerate any unfavorable conditions (environmental/other), and which easily gets irritated on contact with foreign materials (including skin care products). For this reason, some products are especially labeled as sensitive skin care products. The degree of sensitivity can however vary from person to person (and depending on that, the sensitive skin care procedures vary too).

Generally, all skin types respond negatively to detergents and other chemical based products. However, the damage starts generally beyond a defined threshold (or tolerance level). This tolerance level is very low for sensitive skin types, leading to skin getting damaged very easily and quickly. Sensitive skin care products either avoid the potential irritants or keep them at very low concentrations.

Here are a few tips for sensitive skin care:
* Use sensitive skin care products only (i.e. the products that are marked for sensitive skin care only). Also, check the instructions/ notes on the product to see if there are specific restrictions/warnings associated with the product).
* Even within the range of sensitive skin care products, choose the one that has minimum preservatives, colourings and other additives
* Do not use toners. Most of them are alcohol based and are not recommended for sensitive skin.
* Wear protective gloves when doing laundry or other chemical based cleaning. If you are allergic to rubber, you can wear cotton gloves below the rubber ones.
* Another important tip for ‘sensitive skin care’ is to avoid excessive exposure to sun. Apply sunscreen lotion before getting out in the sun.
* Avoiding exposure to dust and other pollutants is also important for sensitive skin care. So, cover yourself adequately before going out.
* Use hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic moisturizer as a sensitive skin care product (if there is none specifically labelled as a sensitive skin care product)
* Use soap-free and alcohol free cleansers. Cleanse your face whenever you return from spending time out doors.
* Do not scrub or exfoliate too hard. It can cause reddishness and even inflammation.
* Do not leave the makeup on for too long. Use hypoallergenic makeup- removers.

So, sensitive skin care is very different from the normal skin care. Sensitive skin care is more about being careful with your skin (both in terms of sensitive skin care products and protection against environments atrocities on skin).

All about Facial skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 04:18:00 +0000

All about Facial skin care

‘Facial skin care’ is more a matter of discipline than anything else. A facial skin care routine is what you need (and you need to follow the facial skin care routine with complete seriousness). So let’s check what comprises an effective facial skin care routine. Well, very simply, a facial skin care routine can follow the following 4 steps:
* Cleansing
* Toning
* Exfoliating
* Moisturising

Cleansing is the first thing in facial skin care routine. Cleansing helps in removing dust, pollutants, grease and extra oil from your skin, thereby preventing damage to your skin. Just spot your face and neck with a good cleansing lotion or cream and gently massage it into your skin using upward strokes. Use a soft face tissue or cotton wool to wipe your face in a gentle patting fashion (do not rub). Cleansing should be done at least twice a day i.e. morning (as part of complete facial skin care routine) and evening (on a standalone basis). Water soluble cleansers are the best for inclusion in your facial skin care routine.

Toning is the next in a facial skin care routine. However, this is the optional part of the facial skin care routine. Mostly, proper cleansing can compensate for toning. Toning helps remove all traces of dirt, grease and excess cleanser. Instead of making it part of your daily facial skin care routine, you can using toning occasionally i.e. when you have been exposed to particularly harsh environment/pollution.

Exfoliation is again, kind of, optional step in everyday routine for facial skin care. However, exfoliation is necessary at least once a week (or twice, depending on the skin type and the environmental conditions). Exfoliation finds its place in facial skin care routine because of the natural tendency of skin to replenish the skin cells every 3 or 4 weeks. As a facial skin care technique, exfoliation helps in removing the dead skin cells that block the pores, thus assisting the skin in the natural process. However, excessive or harsh exfoliation can cause damage to your skin; so you need to balance it out.

The next thing in facial skin care is moisturising. In fact, moisturising is the most important part of facial skin care routine. Moisturisers prevent your skin from getting dry. Dry skin is really undesirable since it cause the upper layer skin to break, leading to dead skin cells. Again, use light upward strokes to make the moisturiser more effective. Moisturisers work the best when applied on warm and damp skin. So do not try to remove all the moisture in the previous steps of facial skin care routine.

Besides the normal facial skin care routine, you should also exercise the following for facial skin care:

* Use proper make-up remover instead of just washing it away
* Pay heed to your skin type and the environment, when choosing facial skin care products.
* Before you start using a new facial skin care product, test it by applying it on a short patch of skin e.g. ear lobes.
* Never rub your skin too hard.
* Use sunscreen lotions for protection against sun.

Acne skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:12:00 +0000

Acne skin care

Acne is defined as a diseased condition of the skin that involves the hair and oil glands. It is characterised by pimples, black/white heads, reddishness and cysts. Face acne can spoil your appearance to a great extent and body acne can really ruin your day by making you very uncomfortable. Considering acne as a minor problem, some people tend to totally discard the topic of ‘Acne skin care’. However, the importance of ‘Acne skin care’ cannot be undermined in any way.

Acne skin care should really start much before the acne actually appears. ‘Acne skin care’ is more about being proactive than reactive. Acne skin care is about being aware of preventive measures. Acne skin care is - following daily skin care routines with complete discipline. So let’s have a look at how ‘acne skin care’ can be applied to our daily routine.

‘Acne skin care’ starts with the most basic thing - cleanliness. So morning showers are the most basic way of keeping the skin clean. In fact, a lot of people take night showers too (that not only helps in keeping your skin clean but also provides relaxation to your body and enables a good sleep). If you are living in a hot and/or humid place, a night shower becomes a must. In fact, a shower is recommended after any activity that causes high levels of sweat to develop. It’s a very effective ‘acne skin care’ technique.

However, acne skin care is not about just showers. Acne skin care is also about wearing clean clothes and sleeping on clean pillows. Moreover, too tight clothes can cause sweat to accumulate quickly; so soft and comfortable cotton clothes are recommended, especially if you already have acne. In the same sense, ‘acne skin care’ also advocates regular cleaning of your make-up brush and any equipment that you use on your body.

Besides that, you should also use a mild, water-soluble, oil-free and soap-free cleanser for keeping your face, neck and arms clean. Cleansing is the most important part of any acne skin care routine. Cleaners are the easiest and the most effective way of removing dirt, grease, pollutants and excess oil from your skin; thus reducing the probability of acne occurrence. Acne skin care also recommends removing your make up using a make up remover, and this should happen before you go to bed (not in the morning).

If you already have acne, do not try to touch them or squeeze them; it can lead to permanent scars. ‘Acne skin care’ advocates gentle cleansing and cleaning of the affected area using an over-the-counter medication and a clean/soft cotton pad. There are various acne skin care creams and lotions available over-the-counter (a lot of these acne skin care products are actually cleansers). However, if these ‘acne skin care’ measures don’t give you the desired results, contact a dermatologist for ‘acne skin care’ advice and treatment.

Acne and its treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:37:00 +0000

Acne and its treatment

Acne is a menace. However, it’s not something that cannot be tackled. There are loads of acne skin care products around. We can classify acne skin care products into 3 broad categories –
* Preventive or general acne skin care products
* Over-the-counter, specialized acne skin care products
* On-prescription acne skin care products.

The general acne skin care products are the ones that are used as acne-prevention measure. These include cleansers, make-up removers and similar products that help prevent acne. In the real sense, these acne skin care products are just those that should anyway be part of your daily routine. However, some of these are more oriented to act like an acne skin care product. These acne skin care products act against the causes of acne e.g. limiting the production of sebum/oil and preventing clogging of skin pores. Basically, these acne skin care products prevent the oil from getting trapped in pores and hence hamper the growth of bacteria that lead to acne. The general acne skin care products also include exfoliation products like skin peels. These work towards removing dead skin cells, hence reducing the possibility of pore-clogging and bacteria development.

Then there are specialized acne skin care products that are available over-the-counter i.e. without the need of a prescription. These include products like vanishing creams which extract the extra oil from the skin. Most of these acne skin care products are based on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both of which are the enemies of bacteria (and hence acne). You should start with a product that has lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide (e.g. 5%) and see how your skin responds to it. Alpha-hydroxy-acid based moisturizers are also popular as acne skin care products. You might have to try a few, before you zero-in on the acne skin care product that is effective for you. If nothing seems to work, you should contact a dermatologist.

On-prescription acne skin care products are the ones that are prescribed by a dermatologist. This can include ointments that can be applied on the affected area or oral antibiotics or just any topical treatment. Dermatologist could also suggest a minor surgical procedure to remove the contents of pustules. However, never try to squeeze or do this by yourself, it can lead to permanent damage of your skin. Your doctor could also prescribe a hormone-based treatment (since hormonal changes are also known to cause acne). Such acne skin care products are known to be very effective in some cases.
So, with all those acne skin care products, tackling acne is not that difficult.

Your Acne and the Society

noreply@blogger.com (Dedah) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Your Acne and the Society
(Social impacts of acne to a person)

“Some people think that the physical things define what’s within… So full of the superficial…”

We could not deny the fact that in this world of beauty magazines, you would always feel that there is a need to look good. What would you feel when there are red oily humps on your face? Of course, this would matter much.

When one has ACNE, it would definitely cause an effect that would let the person not only feel a certain “missing ____” inside. Not only that, the following are even worse outcomes brought about by having ACNE in connection with the present society:

Social withdrawal
Decreased self-esteem
Reduced self-confidence
Poor body image
Embarrassment
Feelings of depression
Anger
Preoccupation
Frustration
Higher rate of unemployment

There are 3 key points to consider in seeking for the best way of solving acne problems:
Solution takes time so never resort to “fast-promise” remedy. Bear in mind that it will not get healed over night; it is a case of patience and dedication. Patience to wait for the right time to heal and dedication to do one’s regimen for treatment are all needed.
Not all methods will work for all. Do not think that the method for A and B are also good for you. Each of us has a unique skin type so consider all options and be keen in choosing one.
You may need a dermatologist’s advice. Do not experiment this time. Acne is a sensitive skin problem so it needs delicate way of treatment. Seek the expert’s help or else you will end up with a worsen condition.
Society favors those who look good. We do not have to look perfect in order to meet that standard. We just have to have the confidence and it could be obtained if one feels comfortable with his or her self. This is achieved when you get the healthy skin you want.