Blemished Skin And Makeup

Avoid the combination

Applying make-up over blemishes can only make the condition worse.

Why? The pores can become clogged more than they already are and the ingredients in the make-up can cause irritation leading to even more blemishes.

Save the make-up for a very special occasion and remove it as soon as possible.

Beautiful Skin

Tips for a beautiful skin

Here are a few things you can do to care for the skin that you were born with.

* Avoid stress as much as you are can.
* Stay out of the sun (or protect your skin with UV blockers).
* Don't smoke. This does nasty things to your skin...
* Drink lots of water.
* Get plenty of sleep.
* Be sure to clean your skin properly.
* Eat lots of fruit and vegetables.

Aging, Sun-Damaged Skin

Approved treatments

These are the only products that have been studied for safety and effectiveness and approved by FDA for treating signs of sun-damaged or aging skin:

* Renova (tretinoin emollient cream). This vitamin A derivative, available by prescription only, is approved for reducing the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled darkened spots and roughness of facial skin in people whose skin does not improve with regular skin care and use of sun protection. Renova does not eliminate wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, or restore skin to its healthier younger structure. Also, the safety of daily Renova use for longer than 48 weeks has not been established, and it should not be used by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Renova has not been studied in people 50 and older or in people with moderately or darkly pigmented skin.
* Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) lasers. These medical devices are approved for treating wrinkles. The procedure requires removal of facial skin in a layer-by-layer manner. It is performed under anesthesia by a doctor in an outpatient surgical setting.


Source: U. S. Food and Drug Administration

Adult Acne

About adult acne

You are not a teenager anymore, but a full grown adult yet you still have acne (or pimples)....why?

Research shows that stress and hormone changes can play a factor in the sudden appearance of adult acne.

Fight Wrinkles

How To Fight Against Wrinkles

How you choose to treat wrinkles and other signs of aging depends on what stage of your life you're at. In your 20s, when wrinkles are just beginning to appear, sunblock is the best course of action. At that stage, skin can still repair itself, and wearing sunscreen regularly will prevent further damage and help the skin regenerate itself. An alpha-hydroxy acid product is also a good idea, because it will lightly exfoliate the dulling layer of dead skin and give it a smoother, clearer look.

When your 30s start to creep up (with a few more lines and wrinkles in tow), retinol products and prescription retinoids, such as Retin-A or Renova (the more moisturizing form), are the next line of defense. Both are designed to plump up fine lines and stimulate skin to produce collagen, although Renova is the only product approved by the FDA clinically proven to reduce wrinkles. If your skin is starting to show signs of dryness, moisturizer will hydrate it and make wrinkles look less apparent but won't make them disappear.

When wrinkles become stubborn, usually around your late 30s and early 40s, it's time to see your dermatologist, who can prescribe a skincare regimen to help keep wrinkles at bay. In addition, she has various chemical peels in her anti-aging arsenal. Peels come in varying strengths, depending on the severity of your wrinkles and age spots. Light, glycolic acid-based peels, done once a month over the course of a few months, will help smooth some of the fine lines (although they won't have much effect on deep wrinkles), fade brown spots, and even out overall skin tone.

TCA (trichloracetic acid) peels are a bit stronger and reserved for deeper wrinkles. They are used at varying concentrations and leave skin red and sensitive for a few days. Phenol peels are used for very severe discoloration as a last resort. The downsides of phenol peels are that they can leave the skin permanently lighter and involve more risks than more gentle peels.

Laser peels are a newer weapon that only require a single treatment but are reserved for very severe wrinkling. Depending on the type of damage you wish to get rid of, this could be an alternative to a facelift and should be performed only by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has substantial experience using lasers. The additional drawback is the healing process; count on severe redness and peeling for at least a week.

Beautiful Blush

Beautiful Blush

Many women shy away from blush, afraid that they will look harsh and over-done. The correct technique will help you avoid that problem!

The right way to blush:

Smile or suck in your cheeks to locate the apples of your cheeks. Begin at the center of the apple and apply blush up to the corner of the eye and the temple. Blush should never go below the bottom of your nose, or any closer in than the iris of your eye. Applying blush high on the face makes your eyes sparkle.

After applying blush, blend with a dry makeup sponge. Use the edge of the sponge like an eraser on the outer edges of the applied blush to buff away any lines of demarcation.

Never apply blush below the cheekbones. This tripe of color only creates an illusion that brings the face down and makes you look older.

When the seasons change, change your blush! Deeper, rich colors for fall and winter, paler tines for spring and summer.

Note for oily skin: Excess oil causes the skin to grab color causing your blush to darken as the day goes on. Avoid this by powdering often, not with blush but with pressed translucent powder.

Look Younger!

Easy Things You Can Do To Look Younger, Instantly!

Oh, we all would love eternal youth! Although that is not possible (yet), there are things that help rejuvenate us :-)

* Downplay wrinkles by applying highlighter to creases. This will reflect the light and counter the shadow. Concealers only make lines look more prominent.

* Use a mask to tone and tighten your skin. The tightening effect is cosmetic and temporary, but using a mask has other benefits as well, such as cleaning out your pores, and conditioning your skin.

* Brighten droopy eyes: Grooming eyebrows gives the illusion of lifted lids, and having more skin showing at the brow bone opens up the entire eye.

* Instant Eye Lift - use a lash curler to make eyes look more open and alive.

* Skip the face powder, they tend to collect in creases and make wrinkles more prominent; and the dry powder look is out, anyway.

* If you’ve got longish hair, pull it back into a ponytail. It’s a youthful hairstyle, for one, but the point is it pulls the skin around your temples up and back. Bangs do a great job of hiding forehead wrinkles, too.

* Use a good moisturizer to hydrate and plump up your skin cells. Make sure it is mineral oil free so it doesn’t clog your pores and cause breakouts.

The best thing you can do to look younger is to take care of your skin on a daily basis. Always moisturize, use a gentle exfoliant two to four times a month and use a sunscreen, even under your makeup.

Get Rid Of Pimples

How To get Rid Of Blemishes (Pimples)

face blemish clean photo CLEAN! Get Glowing!
Wash your face with a gentle, oil- and fragrance-free cleanser; preferably a nondetergent one labeled pH balanced.
If you have oily skin all over your face, use a cleanser that contains benzoil peroxide or salicylic acid.
Don't scrub - irritated skin (Evangeline Lilly) swells around the pores, which can cause breakouts.
Skip toner unless your face is very oily, otherwise it might dry out the skin.

face treat photo TREAT!
Apply a topical acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid over your entire face, not just where blemishes have already erupted.
At night, use a drying spot-treatment product and dab oil-free moisturizer on dry areas.
In the morning, apply an oil-free sunscreen gel over the entire face.

face conceal photo CONCEAL!
Use a small makeup brush to dab concealer or cream foundation Evangeline Lilly (in the exact same shade as your skin) directly onto the blemish. Use a fingertip to wipe away excess concealer around the blemish and, if necessary, apply another coat of concealer.
If the makeup becomes cakey, carefully wipe it off and start over. gently brush powder (in the exact same shade as your skin) on top of the concealer.

Tricks Of The Trade:

* If you have oily skin and feel that you need toner, apply it only on the T-zone, and rinse it off afterward (leaving it on can dry the skin turn back the clock). Use a clay mask as often as every three days to absorb excess oil.

* To stop redness and swelling in an emergency situation (job interview, wedding), ask your doctor for a cortisone injection. It calms down a pimple almost instantly.

* If you can't get to your dermatologist (or needles make you squemish), temporarily reduce redness and swelling by dabbing on a drop of drugstore cortisone cream, Preparation H, or Vasocon-A eyedrops.

Gorgeous Skin

* Don't go to bed with makeup on. Makeup left on overnight seeps into your pores, clogs them, and congests your skin. Make sure that you wash your face twice at the end of the day. Once to get the makeup off. A second time to wash the skin itself.

* Exfoliate daily. After washing your face at night, be sure to exfoliate. Use a delicate scrub. If you don't have one on hand, a tablespoon of sugar or oatmeal will work just fine.

* Use facial masks regularly. If possible, everyday is ideal. Again, if you don't have one on hand, make your own. Mashed banana or avocado is good. Plain yogurt also works well.

* Keep a treatment and moisturizer on your face, day or night. Put your skin first. After you wash it at night, put on some kind of skin treatment, whether it's alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin A or C, or any kind of special cocktail treatment. Let that sink in, then put a moisturizer over that. In the morning, do the same.

* Don't use the cheapest or most expensive cosmetics. Mom tells me that moderately priced cosmetics are the best. They get the job done, and the ingredients are usually pretty good. You have to keep trying various brands until you find something that works well for you.

* Hydrate your face throughout the day. Whether it's a commercial product, or one you make yourself (fill a spray bottle with distilled water, add a few drops of chamomile or rose essential oil, shake it gently before each use, and spray it on) hydrate your face, even over makeup, frequently throughout the day.

* Treat your face gently. Never pull, tug, or scrub your facial skin. Be very gentle when you clean it, moisturize it or makeup on it. This will lessen the chance that you'll damage your skin and get wrinkles.

* Keep your face covered when you're in the sun. As beautiful as she is, my mom never lets anyone see her face when she's in the sun. She'll slather on a high factor sunscreen, put on sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat.

* Eat fresh foods and drink lots of water. My mom tells me to stay away from "dead food" food that's basically not fresh. She always eat lots of veggies, fruits, nuts, and drinks tons of water.

* Let go of stress. Stress can show up on your face, no matter how well you take care of your skin. Do something your enjoy everyday, whether it's watching TV or going shopping. Your face reflects what's going on inside of your mind.

Remove Blackheads

Blackeads Removal

A nasty beauty enemy, but here's a remedy:

Combine 1/4 cup boiling water with one teaspoon of Epsom salt and three drops of iodine.
Let mixture cool until it's comfortable to the touch.

Saturate a cotton ball with this mixture and dab on blackheads.
This will allow them to loosen so they can be easily squeezed with a gauze pad.

The Right Foundation

The Right Foundation

With so many varieties of foundation on the market today, as well as over fifty shade selections, finding the right foundation can be daunting. If your skin is oily, you will want to use an oil free or water-based foundation.
Dry skin works best with a liquid foundation or rich cream.
Test foundation just under the jaw line. This will immediately let you know if it will be invisible on the face, The mistake many women take is to test color on cheek, which is often darker than the other parts of the face, or worse, on the back of the hand.
Women of color have yellow pigments, so they should look for foundation with yellow undertones in oil-free formulations. Darker skin reflects more light and is generally more oily.

Application

* Moisturize face and let it absorb. This keeps foundation on top of the skin.

* Stroke it on and blend quickly.

* Set it by dipping a brush into powder and going over the face in circular strokes. Don't worry about getting every bit of shine off your face. A matter face looks dated.

Foundation Tricks

Tips When Applying Foundation

* Tap foundation on with sponge or finger. Your skin will look luminous, yet natural.

* To give the skin a dewy finish, moisten a gauze pad or wash cloth in astringent and gently pat your already made up face. The astringent (witch hazel is perfect) will remove the matte look of makeup, while leaving the skin radiant.

* Open your mouth when applying foundation to expose the neck area and eliminate an obvious line at the jaw line.

* Keep two shades of foundation on hand. One will be suitable for winter, and the other for summer skin. Most of the year, they will match perfectly if mixed together.

* After your makeup application, take apart a tissue, and pat over your face. It blends the makeup together while softening the look.

Winter Skin Tips

Winter Skin Tips - How To Look After Skin In The Winter
Joanne Elliott

Changing temperatures mean a change of routine, no matter which part of the world you live in. Knowing a little about how skin functions in the winter, and tweaking a few habits, can make all the difference between a dull winter complexion and glowing radiance.

* Start the day with a hot shower... but before you get out switch to cold water for about fifteen seconds. Then turn up the heat a little, and down again to repeat the process for about two minutes. “Why would I want to do that?!” I hear you cry! This is a simple hydrotherapy technique which revitalizes the skin by stimulating the flow of blood through the body. It is both invigorating and highly beneficial to the skin. So even though you may not really enjoy the process, just think of the all the good it’s doing you!

* Use a good moisturizer. Choose a highly protective day cream which contains zinc oxide, and provides SPF30 protection to form a barrier against the elements. Creamier, water-in-oil emulsions are best. And don’t forget about your lips. Chapped lips are often the most noticeable problem for a lady in the winter. Use a highly moisturizing lip balm which provides a protective barrier, with vitamin E for good elasticity.

* Exfoliate at least twice a week. This will remove dead cells and allow the skin to absorb extra moisture. The oil which we all complain about in the Summer is no longer being produced because of cooler winter temperatures and central heating. Therefore the skin looses the water which should be retained in the lower dermis of the skin. This can lead to premature aging of the skin and fine lines, whilst your skin can appear puffy and grey. Nice!

* Drink a glass of hot water with lemon. This Chinese herbal remedy is a sure-fire method of energizing your body. It will de-tox your entire system, including the liver and gall bladder. This means that your body will be able to clean the blood faster to get rid of toxins responsible for bad skin.

* Simply sleep! Money can’t buy the benefits of a good nights’ rest. Your oxygen levels will drop if you don’t get enough sleep, meaning that your cells will not be renewed as quickly. This is when degenerative skin aging sets in. Try to get seven, if not eight or nine hours of rest a night to achieve absolutely painless benefits. It’s ideal!

Concealer

What Kind?

The right concealer can hide just about every imperfection and give you flawless skin. Gently pat concealer on with fingertips, or brush on with a soft flat brush. Anyone who has less than perfect skin needs a good concealer.

Hint: Concealer should cover entire under-eye, including outside of eye to give it lift. The outside of the eye is also prone to redness and dryness.

Liquid concealer is especially recommended for dry skin and for concealing large areas like under-eye circles.

Solid concealer is necessary to hide stubborn pimples, scars and bruises.

A more natural looking concealer is a cream-to-powder foundation. Match it to the shade of liquid or cream foundation.

Hint: With liquid or solid foundation, best results are obtained by using concealer afterwards. When using a cream-to-powder foundation, concealer should go on first.

Expert Tricks

* Add yellow eye shadow to concealer or foundation to conceal dark circles. It will color-correct dark undertones while concealing.

* Blue or green eye shadow added to concealer or foundation will correct ruddy tones and broken capillaries.

* Use the residue in the cap of your foundation as the perfect concealer. It's slightly dehydrated, making it just the right thickness to conceal. And of course, it matches your foundation beautifully!

About Freckles

What To Do About Freckles
Submited by Sarah K.

Freckles appear early in life, increase in number during summer months and fade in winter. After the age of 40-45 they disappear, but who wants to wait?
Age spots are similar to freckles. They appear later in life and can occur in any skin type.

If you know why the discoloration occurs and take measures to prevent and treat it, you can have an even skin tone at any age.

What To Do

If you want to avoid skin discoloration, the first and the most important thing you need to do is to avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen. This way your body will not need to produce more melanin (melanin is produced by the body in response to sun exposure).

Since melanin is accumulated in the upper layer of the skin, you might want to consider skin lightening and peeling. There are different products that can be used for this purpose:

# Hydroquinone has been a very popular treatment, however it can irritate the skin.
# Kojic acid, discovered in Japan in 1989, is a natural product derived from fungi. It is gentle on the skin and very effective in treating skin discoloration. Penetrating upper skin layers, it inhibits the formation of the pigment.
# Alpha hydroxy acids help to shed the old cells faster, therefore they will be helpful as well. By removing the outer skin cells, which are usually darker, you will make your freckles or age spots lighter and less visible.

If you decide to use any of the above products, extra sun protection is imperative. If necessary, apply an SPF cream several times a day. By using skin lighteners and peels, you affect the upper darker layer. Lower layers are lighter, with less melanin present. If you don't protect your skin, it will launch its own defense mechanism producing more melanin. This will result in darker and more intensive discoloration which can be even harder to get rid of.

Please remember that skin discoloration require consistent treatment. Once you stop using lighteners and protection, the dark patches will be back. But keeping up with your skin regiment is not difficult: all you need is a gentle yet effective lightener and a moisturizer with complete UV protection - against both UVB and UVA rays.

Natural Remedies
# Wash your face with sour milk. Lactic acid will provide gentle peeling effect without irritating or drying your skin.
# Lemon juice is a time-proven freckle fighting remedy. It is not necessary to rub your skin with a piece of lemon. Applying the juice with your fingers will do the job.
# Fruit and vegetable masks (apricots, strawberries, cucumbers, red currant).
# Sour cream mask. Do not rinse this mask completely, just remove gently with a facial tissue, then apply a moisturizer. For oily skin - use lemon juice before applying the mask.
# Natural parsley juice (or parsley infusion) mixed with equal amounts of lemon juice, orange juice, and red currant juice under your favorite cream will help you keep your freckles invisible.
# Increase your Vitamin C intake! It makes your skin less sensitive to the sun. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, apples, green onions, black and red currant, rosehip tea.

Age Spots

If you notice brown spots on your skin, up to about an inch in diameter, then you may have solar spots or solar lentigos. These age spots result from years of sun exposure.

The age spots most commonly appear on the back of your hands, chest, or face. These are areas of the skin that typically receive the most sun exposure throughout your lifetime.

The best ways to prevent age spots are to avoid sun exposure, particularly sunbathing, and use sunscreen regularly (SPF 15 or higher).
However, this will not get rid of age spots you already have.
To reduce and fade the appearance of age spots, see your family doctor or dermatologist. He or she can recommend a prescription or over-the-counter skin cream containing alpha-hydroxy or retinoic acid.

If you use alpha-hydroxy or retinoic acid creams, make sure you put on sunscreen, because these creams contain chemicals that can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun rays.

Laser treatment against age spots is another option. Although this method of treatment is more expensive, it does offer immediate results.

Caring For Combination Skin

Caring For Combination Skin
By Corinna Richards

If your face is partly oily and partly dry, you’ve got combination skin and there are several ways to care for it so that you can keep both types balanced and looking good.

Use a mild cleanser on your entire face up to twice a day.

Use a good moisturizer on the dry areas. - Moisturizers work by either increasing the penetration of water into the skin or by reducing the rate at which water is evaporating from the skin surface.

Look for products that normalize your skin, such as those that contain alpha hydroxy acids - Alpha hydroxy acids are derived from fruit, milk and sugar cane and have anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin they help remove dead skin cells (exfoliate), giving us a younger appearance.

Use oil-absorbing makeup on oily areas to control shine.

Use a sunscreen, minimum SPF 15

The Truth about Stretch Marks

The Truth about Stretch Marks
by Joanne Elliott

What is a stretch mark?

Stretch marks (or Striae Gravidarum) is a term that refers to the scars on your skin which are caused damage to the elastic fibres that help skin stretch. Stretch marks are perfectly normal, and most women - and even some men - have them!

What do stretch marks look like?

Depending on your skin color, stretch marks start out as pink, reddish brown, brown, or very dark brown streaks. After time they can fade to a more silvery color that’s lighter than your other skin.

Where do they normally happen on your body?

They can happen anywhere on your body, but are most common on hips, breasts and buttocks.

How can I avoid getting stretch marks?

Whether you get them or not is simply a matter of genetics… that is, how elastic your skin is. There’s nothing you can do, so don’t worry about it either way!

Does cream help?

Many women use various types of creams, lotions, and oils to try to prevent stretch marks from forming. Unfortunately, while such products soothe and soften the skin, there is no medical evidence to prove that they actually work! So beware of advertisers trying to sell you expensive products claiming that they prevent stretch marks!
This said, there is some new medical research which shows that some specific creams may be able to help the appearance of stretch marks. Apparently, using 0.1 percent Tretinoin cream (commonly known by the trade name Retin-A) on stretch marks will slightly reduce the length and width of stretch marks.
(N.B. As this is a new development, Tretinoin should not be used during pregnancy or breast feeding).

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can also help improve the appearance of stretch marks. This is where a surgeon uses different types of lasers, depending on the color of the stretch marks. Traditionally, one type reduces the color of dark stretch marks, the other stimulates the production of pigment-making cells in already faded stretch marks. There is an even newer type of laser therapy that can also be used help the body produce collagen to help restore the elasticity of the skin in depressed stretch marks. This is a very serious and expensive route to follow. You would need to talk your decision through fully with a skin specialist before making a final decision.

Pedicure

Pedicure - Heavenly Soles
by Lisa Lach

There is nothing more attractive then a woman dressed up or casual looking, wearing open toes shoes, or sandals and her feet look clean and maintained. Keeping those soles heavenly are another thing. If you cannot afford to visit your spa monthly do what the rest of the working world does. Do them yourself! But if you can visit your spa twice a year it really helps. If you can plan a winter Pedicure and a before summer Pedicure at your spa, keeping them maintained in the meantime is simple. Stock up on some products before hand always be prepared.

Foot Scrub

Purchase a good foot scrub. Every Department store carries them and they are made for every type of skin. Soak your feet for a good 10 minutes in warm water then use the foot scrub to exfoliate any dead skin cells. Giving your feet and calf a new smooth layer of clean skin.

Nail File Kit & Cuticle Oil

If you go to a dollar store you can find kits that already have the files and clippers that you need for your Pedicure. Most include scissors and buffers at a great price. Cuticle Oil is not in most stores, but is stocked at most popular spas. After soaking and exfoliating, shape, file and take off any extra cuticle. The hard part is over.

Foot Scrub Brush

The best ones are to get are from the Spas themselves, most are under $20. If that is not your budget Wal-Mart and stores like them carry Foot scrub Brushes for under $10. After filing your toenails, dip your feet back into some clean water or rinse them in the tub using your scrub brush for a nice smooth finish.

Cream

Not just any cream. Try a Tea-Tree cream or peppermint cream for stimulation and scent. Dry your feet thoroughly and apply as much cream as you need.

Base-Coat, Polish and Top-Coat

Any brand will do. Make sure you wipe the cream off your toenails or the nail polish will not adhesive or dry on your nail. A base and topcoat is important because it makes your polish last longer and when you have done all this work, polish should be the least of your worries. The longer your feet look good, the less work for you.

Try this every month in between your Spa Pedicures. It leaves you with O’So-Heavenly soles.

Dry Itchy Scalp

Dealing with Dry, Itchy Scalp
By Lisa Lach

If you have any open sores or patches of dry skin contact your doctor for a proper diagnoses. But if there are no patches or conditions then chances are you just need a good cleaning or moisturizing shampoo.

You should always change your shampoo to the present condition of your hair. If you have healthy shiny hair, you need a light-shampoo, if you use colour you might try a color seal shampoo. Every shampoo lines carries moisturising shampoo in all shapes, sizes and prices. Season, activity heat intensity, products used after your blow dry can make your hair dry. It’s quite simple to fix. A good moisturizing conditioner will help also.

Sometimes a hairspray or styling product may cause a little build up around the surface of your scalp. Look at the label and make sure your shampoo is a cleaning or cleating shampoo. Their purpose is to get rid of build-up and keep your hair clean allowing a conditioner to work. Sometimes if there’s too much build-up the conditioner you put at your scalp can’t reach down to the root where the root of the matter is. No pun intended.

The only caution when using a cleansing shampoo is that if you just had a dark or red colour it will fade it faster then a regular moisturizing shampoo. Ask your stylist what you can do to help that, they probably have the product that will fix both problems.

Smart Suntanning

Smart Suntanning - Avoid Effects of UV Rays
by Kathryn D'Imperio

Heading for the beach? Grab your shades, your towel and your sandals, but don’t forget some sun block even if you are desperate for that golden glow. Studies show that more than one million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, and a strong correlation is linked between those who worship the sun and the disease itself.

According to scientific research, such a thing as a “healthy tan” does not exist. Tanning is, in essence, the skin’s reaction to damage already done, and a defensive attempt to protect itself from further harm.

The UV (or Ultraviolet) rays are the most threatening component of a natural suntan. Two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, negatively affect the skin by deeply penetrating our skin and potentially damage gene composition. UVA rays (the predominant type) tend to cause skin cancer after prolonged periods of time. Sunburn and the redness associated with sun exposure result from UVB rays, which are also a strong risk factor for skin cancer. Personal tanning methods available today attempt to eliminate the UV rays from coming in contact with the skin, yet you have to wonder how safe you are when shutting yourself in a tiny tanning booth for 30 minutes at a time!

Salon Options:
Popularity of tanning beds tends to soar as teens strive for the prom-perfect hue and women of all ages aim to avoid the pasty white complexions they suffered long enough through the winter. Though they are thought to be only slightly more protective than getting a natural tan due to the controlled environment, risks are still associated with tanning beds as the exposure to UV rays is still present.

Did you know there is a recommended allotment of time that one should not exceed in the course of a year when using a tanning bed? According to the British Photodermatology Group (BPG-a branch of the British Association of Dermatologists), one should not surpass 10 sets of 30-minute sessions twice a year, or in other words, 10 hours of exposure per year. I am willing to bet most of us blow ten hours of sun exposure out of the water on each vacation we take!

Natural Tanning Options:
If you simply cannot avoid worshipping the sun on a gorgeous day, consider using sunscreen with a low SPF. This will still allow tanning, but the skin will receive at least a small degree of protection from the powerful rays. Be especially cautious when in or on the water, as the sun may badly burn the skin without any warning signs. Hats and t-shirts can provide a degree of protection when one is enjoying the weather, playing sports or simply relaxing on a nice day.

Some individuals should exercise extreme caution when exposed to the sun, including those with very fair skin, those who burn often or tan poorly, those who have many freckles or moles, those under age 16, and those who have a history of skin cancer themselves or in the family history. Even if these conditions do not apply to you personally, it is still very important to be smart about your own exposure to the sun.

Sunless Self-Tanning Options:
A safer method of tanning than natural tanning and visits to the salon, self-tanning products have taken leaps and bounds in technology-far beyond the “orange tone” so many worry about experiencing. Self-tanning products come in several forms-lotions, gels, wipes, sprays, and now, even a pill! The pill stimulates the pigment to change without any exposure to the sun, which is actually thought to be a positive preventive alternative to harmful sun exposure.

For those who still enjoy the trip to the salon but don’t feel the need to visit a tanning bed, a new tanning-spray treatment is available at some salons. It is quick, about a 30 second application with instant results. All of these tanning options involve the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA.), which is responsible for the change in skin tone. Many of the products available also contain moisturizers and vitamins to help the skin remain healthy and soft while not exposing the body to any UV rays. Even with an artificially produced tan, it is vital to practice protective measures to prevent sun damage. A simple sunblock will do, in addition to monitoring your exposure to the sun.

No matter which tanning option you settle for if you simply must have that glowing tan, use caution when you bask in the rays at the shore or wherever. Keep these important points in mind whenever you are exposed to the sun for a significant duration of time:

* Do your best to avoid falling asleep while tanning. We all know how tempting it is to take that relaxing nap to the sounds of the surf, but you could wake up fried to a painful crisp!

* Even if you are determined to go home with some color, try a very low SPF level sunscreen. Something as low as SPF 15 will do more good for your skin than bare exposure!

* When you do experience sunburn, keep aloe and cocoa butter on hand. Aloe is known to soothe the skin, while cocoa butter helps in keeping skin soft and smooth while also repairing it and preventing peeling after sun damage.

Natural Skin Care

Natural Skin Care Tips for Healthier, Beautiful Skin
by Kathryn D'Imperio

natural skin care When meeting someone new, most people take notice of the person’s face first. For this and other reasons, maintaining clean, healthy skin is paramount to self-esteem, confidence and even attitude.

Getting healthier skin is not contingent upon high-cost prescription medications or obsessive skin care routines. Modifying your daily routine a tiny bit and upholding disciplined cleansing habits can help to add flawless skin to the list of your best qualities.

Eat healthier
By avoiding foods that often make your face breakout, your skin will be less oily and more resistant to blemishes. Some problem foods that may cause pimples or breakouts include chocolate and other candy, French fries, fast food, pizza and soft drinks.

To get your skin in better shape, you may not have to give up everything that has negative effects on your skin, but rather, eat those things in moderation. Have greasier foods as a special treat or on rare occasion when eating a healthy, balanced meal is out of the question.

Hydrate and exercise
Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water per day coupled with some regular exercise - walking, running, bicycling, engaging in sports - should have a great impact on one’s complexion. Increased blood flow due to aerobic exercise will positively impact one’s complexion with a glowing look to replace dull skin.

Not only will exercise and drinking water help skin tone and texture, but it will also make you feel more energized and great about yourself. By keeping your body in shape, you will feel less stressed and more capable of achieving those things you set out to do.

Monitor sun exposure
By using a moderate strength sunscreen, you will be protecting your skin from sun damage, skin cancer, aging and premature wrinkles. Too much sun can blister one’s lips, leaving them red, sore and charred. Sunburned skin will eventually peel most times, leaving skin areas blotchy and sensitive. The best approach to preventing sunburn and other sun-caused skin problems is to monitor how much time one spends in the sun and to avoid sun exposure by using sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater.

Practice a regular cleansing routine
Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize…this daily routine should carry you on your way toward healthier skin. Select a gentle skin cleansing solution that works for your specific type of skin - dry, oily, normal. Using your selected product, cleanse face in a circular motion and rinse with lukewarm water, as hot water zaps skin’s moisture.

Follow the cleansing stage with an exfoliant. A granular product is often especially effective in smoothing rough areas and releasing dead skin cells, allowing the face to be better moisturized. Perfect moisturizer

After the exfoliation process concludes, use a toner or an astringent to tighten skin and remove any makeup or cleanser residue. A nice alternative to a toner or astringent would be doing a facial masque at least once a week, which tackles clogged pores while also firming skin and leaving it soft and silky.

Finally, pat skin dry with a soft towel but do not dry up all the water. Apply a moisturizer (with or without sunscreen) to help protect skin from dryness. Those who have oily skin do not have to moisturize as often as those who have dry, normal or combination skin.

By following the daily skin care routine along with drinking lots of water, exercising and protecting your skin from sun damage, you should soon notice positive results. Maintaining discipline and adhering to your goal to achieve healthier skin make the actual task at hand so much easier to accomplish.

Facial Mud Masques

Facial Mud Masques for Oily Skin
by Kathryn D'Imperio

Oily, dry, combination – no matter what type your skin may be, sometimes a normal cleansing routine just isn’t enough. They say beauty is only skin deep – well, then perhaps that is where we should begin our daily beauty regimens. Cleansing, toning, refining and moisturizing one’s face daily is a major part of keeping healthy skin, but sometimes those steps could use a little help from a more powerful rejuvenating technique.

Facial mud and clay masques can work wonders on skin and the best part is, you need not set up an appointment at a salon for the perfect facial! Many brands offer great facial masque products, like Freeman’s Beautiful Skinฎ Facial Mud Masque or their Beautiful Skinฎ Mineral Clay Masque. Queen Heleneฎ offers a very effective product, The Original Mint Julep Masque, which goes on green and just zaps the oil from your skin. These are just a few of the countless facial masque products out there.

To fully reap all the benefits of a facial mud masque, a certain skin care itinerary should be followed, beginning with a gentle cleansing with face wash. Following the cleansing, apply the face masque to your entire face, and neck if you desire, and allow it to dry completely. Masque should normally dry in about 10 to 15 minutes, though it can be left on problem areas overnight for the utmost therapy. Rinse the masque from your face with warm water and a washcloth. To conclude the complete home facial process, use an exfoliating face scrub followed by a facial moisturizer.

This sounds all well and good, but who really has a half an hour or more to spend on facial treatments every couple of days or even once a week? Even if you cannot spare the time for each step of the facial process, using the mud masque at least once a week will give you noticeable results in your complexion.

Benefits of a facial mud masque:

* Absorbs excess oil
* Aids in shrinking large pores
* Clarifies skin’s texture
* Eases tension lines on face and neck
* Helps to dry up pimples
* Reduces appearance of blemishes
* Relaxes tired muscles
* Removes dry cells and impurities
* Replenishes vitamins, minerals and moisture
* Rinses away blackheads

No matter how you go about your facial care routine, using a masque at least once in a while will truly invigorate you, leaving your face silky smooth and soft. Because the results are immediate and purely amazing, you may even find yourself wishing to use a masque more than once a week. Enjoy the clean and clear effects of a facial masque and relax while you use it… after all, it will be like having your own spa treatment in the comfort of your home!

Cellulite Reduction

Spa Solutions for Cellulite Reduction
By Wenona Napolitano

I was once told by a doctor that nothing could be done about cellulite once you have it. Now modern science has come up with several ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite. I guess they realized how important beauty is and how much money they could make off women that want to be beautiful. Most of the spa treatments are pricey, but if you have the money and you want smooth thighs it is well worth it.

Endermologie is one of the most popular treatments for cellulite it uses a motorized machine that has rollers that lift, stretch, spin and suck the skin. The treatment loosens the connective tissues that gives fat and skin that bumpy texture. It improves the circulation and helps make the skin appear smoother. Cost can range from $50 to $150 a session with up to 14 visits being recommended.

Tri-Active LaserDermology is another treatment for cellulite. It combines a machine that gives a suction massage, localized cooling, and heated laser stimulation to the skin and fat beneath. It breaks down fat pockets and increases circulation. 10 to 15 sessions are usually required and costs can range from $100-$200 per treatment.

VelaSmooth consists of radio frequency waves to break up fat pockets and infrared heat to improve circulation followed by massage to loosen connective tissue. Currently VelaSmooth is only approved in Europe and Canada but FDA approval is pending. For more information and updates visit www.syneron.com/cellulite.html

The Anushka 5 week Body Contouring Program combines personalized diet, topical lotions, muscle stimulation, inflatable leg boots, body wraps, and rollers to tone and firm thighs and break down cellulite.

Acupuncture can also be used to treat cellulite. To find a reputable acupuncturist that can do treatments for cellulite visit www.acufinder.com

Mesotherapy is a treatment that injects a solution of enzymes and detergents into troubled areas to melt away fat. The treatment was developed in France over 50 years ago but is not regulated in the United States. Some plastic surgeons do use this therapy.

Another option is a personalized cellulite reduction work out program incorporating targeted leg workouts, toning, and cardio and strength training. Adding Pilates works wonders at toning and smoothing thighs and buttocks.

Cellulite can be treatable but even after treatments cellulite may not be completely gone but noticeably reduced. Regular maintenance may still be required after the initial treatments.

Home Cellulite Treatments

Home Treatments and Products for Cellulite Reduction
By Wenona Napolitano

Cellulite occurs when the connective tissue pulls down on fat causing the fat to bulge under the skin. The less fat you have the less noticeable cellulite is. Diet and exercise play an important role in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

If you want to reduce cellulite you need to detox your body, especially your liver and colon. Lay off nicotine and caffeine, do not consume excess salt or fat and drink plenty of water. Eat foods rich in nutrients like soy, blueberries and nuts. Make sure you get the nutrients glucosamine, B vitamins and essential fatty acids. Onions are also a wonderful food to combat cellulite. Onions act as a natural diuretic releasing water buildup from skin cells.

Exercise to lose weight and tone your legs and buttocks. Do specific exercises to increase muscle mass in your thighs like walking, biking, stair climbing, yoga and pilates. The less fat and more muscle you have will make cellulite disappear. Muscle will stretch the skin and smooth out the dimpled bumpy appearance.

To increase circulation and break up the fat do daily massages to troubled areas. You can also use a body brush in the shower or bath with a body wash or exfoliating product to help increase circulation. Use aromatherapy oils in your bath to stimulate your system: Sage, cypress, and juniper oils aid with cellulite reduction.

Wearing pantyhose will also help combat and reduce cellulite, especially the body shaping ones that contour your thighs. Pantyhose compress fat and help aid circulation. There are cellulite reduction pantyhose on the market now specifically made to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

You can make a body wrap at home with coffee grounds and seaweed to help reduce cellulite. Take warm coffee grounds and spread on troubled areas, wrap with moist seaweed (can be purchased at health food stores) then cover with plastic wrap. Keep the wrap on for about a half hour. Un wrap and rinse off in the shower. Massage your thighs as you rinse off.

There are also many commercial products that you can purchase to help combat cellulite. Some of the most popular are: L’Oreal Sublime Slim which consists of a day and a night gel to apply daily, Clarins Total Body Lift, Murad Firm and Tone Serum, Body Creator Aromatic Firming Cream, Algotherm Pulpe Activ Minceur, and Guinot Absolue Minceur home version products.

If you have money to spend on your cellulite treatment, there are many good Spa cellulite reduction methods.

Cellulite may never completely disappear but at least you can minimize it and make your thighs look as good as possible when you want to put on a bikini or a mini skirt.

Herbal Help for Acne

By Wenona Napolitano

If you have acne you’ve probably tried all the over the counter products and maybe even the prescription products on the market. Perhaps they don’t work for you or they irritate your skin and dry it out. There are other options. Herbal treatments and nutritional supplements can also help with acne, either applied directly to the skin or taken orally.

Zinc supplements worked wonders for me. I take 50 milligrams a day, twice daily and it helps keep my skin clearer than any prescription I’ve ever tried. You can find Zinc at a grocery store or drug store in the aisle with vitamin and mineral supplements. At Wal-Mart it’s only $2.13 a bottle. You can also order from catalogs and online websites.

Herbs that work wonders at clearing up acne are: Echinacea taken orally and applied externally to the skin, Oregon grape root applied as a cream, tea tree oil applied to the skin, oregano and basil oil applied to the skin or taken orally.

Be careful using any new product because you may be sensitive to it and if you are using any prescriptions or other topical acne treatments you might have to watch out for reactions. Check with your dermatologist to make sure it is alright to use any herbal treatments with the medicine you are already using.

Why Do We Get Wrinkles?

By Anna Lynn C. Sibal

Wrinkles. Some women see them as the bane of their existence, and they actually go through all means they could possibly afford just to get those wrinkles off their faces, the means ranging from expensive creams to Botox to plastic surgery and facelift. Our culture and society is so youth-oriented that wrinkles, especially on women, have become totally undesirable.

Why do we get wrinkles?
Wrinkles are mostly associated with aging. As we age, the cells of our skin become thinner and lose elasticity because of the decreased levels of collagen production in our body. The skin cells also divide more slowly, thus delaying repair and renewal of the skin. Also, as we age, the fat cells just under the outer layer of our skin, which makes the skin look supple, get smaller and lose their ability to fill out whatever gaps created by the damage that occurs in the inner layers of our skin. And so our skin sags, becomes dry and develops wrinkles as we age.

Wrinkles also develop because of skin damage, the skin damage coming mostly from exposure to sunlight. Spending too much time under the sun with minimal or no protection at all causes the skin to be vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. Sunlight causes the outer layer of the skin, which is the epidermis, to become thinner, and encourages the overproduction of melanin, which eventually leads to skin cancer. Continued sunlight exposure also causes the collagen in our skin to break down more rapidly, faster than natural aging actually does. Loss of collagen results in loss of elasticity for the skin, therefore to skin wrinkling.

The development of free radicals in the skin also causes it to wrinkle. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules in the body that lack an electron; oxygen molecules need two. Free radicals also contribute to the speedy breakdown of collagen in the skin. How do free radicals develop in the skin? This happens through continued exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, air pollution and cigarette smoking.

We are probably not aware of this, but gravity also plays a role in why we get wrinkles. Gravity pulls at our skin, causing sags and jowls to form.

Getting wrinkles is a natural process. It is something we cannot avoid, and it is something that starts happening in our twenties and thirties. Facelift and other cosmetic surgery cost an arm and a leg, but there are cheaper ways and more effective ways of arresting the formation of wrinkles in the skin and keeping our skin looking younger for longer.

Ways to diminish wrinkles
First is to keep our skin well-protected from UV ray exposure. This means laying on product, such as creams and lotions, that have SPF protection all over the skin. Another is proper nutrition and hydration. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and fish that are rich in vitamins and minerals that fight the development of free radicals in the body. Also, drink plenty of water and fruit juices to keep the body hydrated, and avoid too much black tea and coffee.

Get as much sleep as possible as well, as much as eight hours a day. Sufficient rest keeps the body from being stressed, since chronic stress accelerates the aging process. Lastly, give up smoking because smoking dehydrates the skin and burns away the nutrients of the body.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal, Remove Unwanted Hair
By Beverly Smith

Smooth legs Excess, unwanted hair is often a problem for a woman, or a man. Women frequently experience this condition on the face, especially the upper lip or eyebrow area, in the bikini area, under the arms or on the legs. Men often want to get rif of hair on their back or chest.

Laser hair removal systems use laser light — an intense, pulsating beam of light — to remove unwanted hair. Your doctor may use multiple treatments to target areas such as the face, upper lip, neck, breasts, chest, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line and legs.
A single treatment costs an average of $390, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

* Many people have experienced long-lasting hair removal or permanent hair reduction.
* It is considered safe if performed properly.
* It's particularly useful for large areas such as backs or legs.
* If regrowth occurs, it will be lighter in color or finer in texture.
* Light-skinned consumers with dark hair have the best results.

Are you a candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is not for everyone. The most important requirement is that your hair must be darker than the surrounding skin. Tanned people with dark hair should wait until their tan fades before they are treated.
Darkly pigmented people absorb too much laser energy in their skin and are not good candidates.

What areas can be treated?

Any area can be treated, except near the eyes. The most common areas requested are the face, upper lip, neck, chest, periareolar, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line, and legs.

Will laser hair removal hurt?

The level of pain from laser hair removal depends on the patient and the person's skin and hair type. Generally, the treatment tends to hurt less for people with lighter skin tones and finer hair. Most people tolerate laser hair removal very well.

If it is becoming uncomfortable, the laser technician can offer you topical anesthetic that numbs the skin. Depending on the type of laser being used, a cool laser tip, gel, or spray is always used to increase comfort of the laser hair removal treatment.

The sensation from laser hair removal has been described as discomfort rather than pain - similar to the feeling of a rubber band being snapped against your skin with a sensation of heat.

Permanent Hair Removal

The FDA does not allow for the marketing of technologies and services that state permanent hair removal. This is because most technologies provide for permanent reduction in hair growth 90% of the time. It is not perfect.

Get Rid of Acne Scars

By Wenona Napolitano

At some point you had acne, now you are left with embarrassing, ugly scars. There are ways to diminish and reduce the appearance of the acne scars. The severity of the scars will determine what you will need to do to diminish them. I would recommend seeking advice from a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon to determine the best course of action.

For very mild scarring you can try a few at home procedures and products to help reduce the appearance of the scars. At home dermabrasion and chemical peels can help diminish some scarring especially if you also use retinol or alpha hydroxyl acid lotions or creams. For sensitive skin you may not want to apply retinol or alpha hydroxyl products right after dermabrasion or peels because it can cause redness and irritation. Other products you can try are scar reducing creams like Mederma or Rosehip seed oil which is said to be great at reducing scar tissue. Aloe Vera juice and gels and lavender oils are also said to work well on reducing scars.

Professional treatments for scarring include Laser Resurfacing which involves the use of a laser to remove skin so new skin can form in its place. Laser resurfacing can cause uneven skin tones in people with darker skin. It is still being studied but shows a lot of promise. After treatment you may experience redness and swelling which may last for several weeks.

Dermabrasion has been around for decades. Originally sandpaper was used to remove damaged skin. Now a machine rotates to remove the damaged skin, the skin is numbed or frozen first. After the procedure your skin is raw and scabs will form. After the scabs heal your skin will be reddish for several weeks.

Augmentation is a procedure where material like collagen or your own fat will be injected under the scar to bring it to the surface. The treatments last for about six months but they are working on more permanent solutions.

Subcision is a technique that detaches the scar from deeper tissue and allows a pool of blood to form under the scar. The blood clots and helps form connective tissue under the scar to level it with the rest of the skin surface. Subcision is usually combined with either dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

The depth and shape of your scars will determine what treatment your doctor will recommend.

Pamper Your Skin at the Spa

By Anna Lynn C. Sibal


Smooth, clear and flawless skin is an indication of good health, not just of beauty. Whatever lifestyle choices we make, or whatever forms of abuse we make our bodies go through, such as drinking, bingeing and smoking, getting stressed out lots of times, or lack of exercise and sleep, show easily enough on our skin. It is easy to tell if a person is not of good health: she always looks wan and sallow, her skin dry and flaking, and most likely sporting dark circles under the eyes. A person who is at the peak of health has smooth and soft skin that is alit with a rosy glow.

Many women go to day spas to pamper their skin and make them look nice and healthy. Spas have special treatments that can rejuvenate the skin, take the toxins out of the body, and make the skin look younger and looking fresh.

If you go to a spa to get your skin pampered, what treatments should you go for and what should you expect? Listed below are basic treatments you can find in a spa:

Facials. A facial is a way of deep cleansing the skin, removing the dirt, the impurities and the blackheads from the face. After a facial the skin of your face should feel clean, soft and hydrated.

Facial mask. The idea of the facial mask is to make your skin feel tighter, smoother and hydrated. It is also supposed to exfoliate your skin and remove the dirt and dead skin cells from it, as well as to treat acne. Facial masks are done by putting some substance evenly on your skin and letting it dry on the skin before washing it off. Facial masks are typically made of algae, seaweed and mud, but it can also be made of other materials.

Body scrub. A body scrub exfoliates and removes the dead skin cells from the body using different types of oils and salts. This hydrates and makes the skin of the body soft and smooth.

Body mask. Body masks are also used for exfoliating and for removing dead skin cells from the body. It works exactly the same way as the facial mask.

Body wrap. In a body wrap treatment, certain creams, liquids or a special mud is applied to the body. The body is then wrapped tightly and allowed to stay so for a period of time. A body wrap treatment is supposed to detoxicate the body, or maybe help the body shed off a few pounds.

Day spas also offer different kinds of massages to relax the body, to relieve it from stress and detoxicate it. Having healthy, glowing skin, after all, is an inside job. If you are feeling pain or stressed out, it is best to relieve these aches and pains through massage so the skin would look healthy and beautiful.

Visit a day spa and pamper your skin every once in a while. It will do your skin and your health a world of good.