How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster Naturally: Tips & Recipes

Slow hair growth is a genuine concern for women and men of all ages. Fortunately though, longer, faster-growing hair is achievable with patience and proper care of your hair. However, growing long hair takes a commitment because it won't happen overnight – especially if you're losing hair.

Assuming you are experiencing hair loss, and are also taking new medication, consult with your physician about the side effects of the medication you are prescribed. Sudden changes in your eating habits can also cause hair loss, but the effects are not permanent, and your hair will go back to normal with time.

Sudden weight loss is another known cause of hair loss, and this should be a concern if you're losing weight too quickly by not eating enough, or over-exercising. This being said, it's important to maintain a healthy diet for your overall health, as well as to prevent hair loss.

One more thing to keep in mind is that hair can become damaged by over-styling it with heat tools, teasing too frequently, over-shampooing, extended sun exposure, and improper hair care. Now that we've covered all of the basics of hair loss/damage, here are some tips for how you can grow hair faster.

One of the myths surrounding fast hair growth is that you have to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. In reality, you only need to get your hair trimmed if you have split ends, otherwise it won't make your hair grow faster. You can even trim split ends yourself if you feel comfortable enough doing so. As soon as you see split ends popping up in your hair, take scissors and snip them off.Your hair is the most vulnerable when it's wet, so keep yourself from twisting hair or rubbing vigorously with a towel; instead, pat hair with a towel. You can also lean so that your hair is to one side, and then squeeze it with a towel to remove the moisture.When you comb your hair after a shower or bath, use a large tooth comb or pick; begin at your ends, working your way up to the roots. Since wet hair is so fragile, you should avoid being rough with your hair. With that being said, you should avoid going to sleep with wet hair to keep it from breaking.When you're brushing your dry hair, use a boar bristle brush. Along with this, flip your hair upside down to brush; this stimulates your scalp and hair follicles, and moves the natural oils down your hair shaft.Wash your hair less frequently so that the oils your body naturally produces can moisturize it. You should also use cool water to rinse your hair after both shampooing and conditioning. This helps to keep hair shiny for longer periods of time without the use of shine sprays. The average person should wash their hair every other day or less; also note that dry shampoos are a good alternative to washing daily.Conditioners should always be used after each shampoo so that the nutrients can be replenished. Avoid applying conditioner to your scalp, and rinse the conditioner completely out of your hair. Leave conditioner on your hair for one or two minutes before rinsing.

Homemade hair masks and rinses are often the best treatments for getting long hair fast. Simple and effective recipes you can make in your own kitchen are made with easy-to-find ingredients like eggs, bananas, olive oil and honey. Here are some recipes for you to try at home.

Gather an egg, banana, one teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of milk, and five teaspoons of olive oil. If you're not able to use olive oil, you can replace this with any oil you have on hand. Mix the ingredients up well, and then massage the mask onto your scalp and hair. Leave the mask on your hair for 25 minutes before you shampoo and condition.For a conditioning mask that keeps your hair healthy, combine equal parts honey to olive oil, and then massage onto the hair and scalp. You will leave the mask on for about 25 minutes before shampooing and conditioning as usual.Strawberries aren't only good in pie! Blend an egg yolk, two tablespoons of olive oil, and one cup of strawberries together in a food processor. Apply it to your entire head of hair, and soak for 15 minutes before continuing your normal shampoo and conditioning routine.Organic hair rinses like those made with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar will clear any residue left over from shampoos, conditioners or hair products. By using these, you will also remove dead skin, and promote hair growth by removing the debris around the hair follicles.A hot oil treatment from a salon or at home will improve blood circulation for healthy hair growth. To begin, heat the oil of your choice in the microwave for 35 seconds. Massage your scalp for a few minutes with olive oil, castor oil, rosemary oil, coconut oil, or even vegetable oil. Massage for a few minutes, and then shampoo and condition as usual.

Check some recipes for hair shampoos & conditioners or hair mask recipes for healthy hair.

What you eat plays a large part in how your hair looks, feels, and most importantly, it affects the overall health of your body. Foods that encourage hair growth are salmon, beans such as lentils and kidney beans, and green vegetables like broccoli and spinach; these foods should be incorporated into your diet on a regular basis.Other foods that are great for long, healthy hair are bell peppers, lettuce, milk, avocados, yogurt, whole grains, strawberries, apricots, seeds and nuts. If you're not able to eat these items for any reason, use dietary supplements in exchange. Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning a new dieting plan – especially if you already take medication or are pregnant.Exercise is often overlooked by men and women who want long hair. The benefits of getting just 25 minutes of any exercise will increase your mood, and decrease stress that causes hair loss. You will also experience better rest at night because exercising every morning allows your body to burn calories more efficiently. In many cases, hair loss can occur when someone is sleep-deprived or depressed.Overall, the biggest concept needed to grow long hair faster is to be realistic. After all, the average person sees hair grow only half of an inch every 30 days. So the best way to grow your hair faster is to maintain a positive attitude, and treat your hair gently without using a cabinet full of products and hair styling tools.

Hopefully, you now know the answers to your question: "How to make your hair grow faster"

 

Shelf Life of Cosmetics : Does Makeup Products Expire?

Cosmetics aren't meant to last forever, but some products might seem like it because they're sold in bulk or in giant packages. And if you like to buy makeup in bulk and/or try out new products on a regular basis like me, then your cosmetics collection really starts to build up. Eventually, you could have an entire drawer full of makeup and items that you either don't use, or that you're keeping from high school because they bring you a sense of nostalgia. But even if you like collecting makeup, there is definitely a time to throw it away, and each piece has its own expiration date.

The most common ways to tell if a makeup item has worn out its welcome is by smelling for foul scents, feeling for dry textures, or if you simply can't remember how long you've had it. If you're holding on to makeup from 4 or 5 years ago, the odds are not in your favor, and you should introduce it to the trash can! That being said, here is a thorough guide to help you decide which makeup items can stay, and which ones have to go.

Blush – This keeps for about 18 months, but if your blush is still holding strong, and not drying out or becoming hard, it's safe to use for a little while longer.

Concealer – Concealer is used to hide all of the discolored problem areas on your face, neck or chest, and is essential for most women. Fortunately, you may not have to worry about it becoming hard, dried-out, gooey or runny. But just in case you've had your concealer for a long time, you should know that its average shelf life is between a year and 18 months.

Cream Blush – This adds a subtle glow to your cheeks, and in some cases, can be used for more than one purpose. Be careful after about 12-18 months of using this product because it may become difficult to use, and/or develop an unpleasant smell!

Powder – Powder is used for keeping oil at bay, and for setting liquid concealer and foundation; but it can also be used as a foundation itself. With a shelf life of 2 years, powders are some of the longest-lasting cosmetic products a woman has, and they certainly give you more than your money's worth!

Gel and Cream Cleansers – These won't be wasted, I'm sure. Gel cleansers are meant for oily, normal or combination skin types, and cream cleansers work best for dry skin since they leave skin feeling hydrated after you rinse the cleanser off. If you've been experimenting with cleansers, you'll be glad to know that they're good for about 12 months.

Pencil Eyeliner – If you've been keeping pencil eyeliner for what seems like eternity, it should be sharpened on a regular basis. Assuming you're keeping it sharpened and keeping your sharpener clean as well, your pencil eyeliner should last an amazing 3 years maximum; that is if you haven't used it all up by then.

Eyeshadow – The big makeup product that comes in small packages with large price tags is eyeshadow. And it's no wonder why the price of eyeshadow can reach well into the $60 dollar range because it's such a crucial part of defining the eye. The rulebook says to toss it out after only 3 years; however, most women will turn their noses up at this statement. Beware though that if you're part of this group, un-kept eyeshadow becomes dry, cracked, and can develop bacteria if you use dirty brushes or fingers.

Makeup Brushes – These last for a very long time if maintained properly. Clean your makeup brushes and eye makeup brushes 1-2 times weekly. Avoid getting water or brush cleaner in the ferrule or metal piece that holds the bristles and handle together. Getting water in the ferrule will loosen the bristles and cause the brush to slowly deteriorate. If your makeup brushes are scratchy or losing bristles, it's time to replace them with new makeup brushes. Assuming you're using cosmetic sponges or pads, take the time to wash them weekly as well. Sponges and pads usually begin to fall apart or feel dingy within 30 days, so it's recommended to replace them with new ones.

Foundation – Foundation gives your face a smooth and clear complexion, but the shelf life depends on the formulation of the foundation. Water-based foundations last about a year, while oil-based foundations can last up to 18 months. Interestingly enough, there are things you can do to increase your foundation's life span. For instance, if it happens to become dry between the changing seasons, add a small amount alcohol free toner to your water-based foundation. Shake the foundation and toner well, and you're ready to apply. Oil-based foundations will separate naturally, so all you need to do is shake them up and viola!

Lip liners – These are great and last up to 3 years! To save yourself a lot of hassle, only buy pencil lip liners since the push-up or mechanical lip liners often break off, which is wasteful. Also the push-up and mechanical lip liners dry out quicker than a lip liner pencil that you sharpen.

Lipsticks – Your lipsticks can stay in your makeup bag for 1-4 years. An easy way to tell if your lips' best friend has checked out is by smelling the tube; assuming the lipstick smells foul, then it's time to kick it to the curb. If you're concerned with your lipstick's life draining rapidly, store it in the refrigerator because this has been proven to lengthen lipstick's shelf life.

Mascara – This has a well known reputation for spoiling fast, and it's true since the average mascara only lasts 3-4 months. To increase the life of your mascara, avoid taking the wand in and out multiple times for application since doing this exposes the product to the air, which dries it out.

Nail Polish – The problem with nail polish is that it becomes goopy and difficult to open when left alone for too long. It's a stubborn product that needs a lot of attention if you want it to last longer than a year. Shake your nail polishes up a couple of times a month, unscrew the cap slightly, then screw it back shut, and you'll have a greater chance of making your nail colors last! Since nail polish is based on solvents, no bacteria can grow inside of the bottle as long as you're storing it tightly-closed and well-shaken. Even so, you can bring some nail polishes back to life by adding a small amount of polish thinner to products that become too thick. You can find these at most beauty supply stores.

"Does Makeup Expire" - yes, makeup does expire, so it's time to do some cleaning.

 

Tips on Applying Eye Make Up: How to Apply Eye Shadow, Eyeliner & Mascara

Eye makeup is worn to draw attention to your eyes for a dramatic appearance, and can be as simple, or as elaborate as you want it to be. Learning how to apply eye makeup is important for those who want to look professional and stylish on a budget. What's nice is that you can manipulate eye makeup to match your overall style of dress because it's very versatile in color, textures and formulas.

For basic eye makeup application, you'll need a few products, including 2-3 eye shadow tones or colors, eye liner, concealer, eye shadow primer and mascara. You can also jump to read about applying false lashes.

All of the products mentioned above are manufactured and sold at drug stores, department stores, super markets and on the internet. For those who have little experience with eye makeup application, it is best to begin with less expensive products so you can discover what colors and textures you appreciate more. Because women have different eye shapes, you should keep the following points in mind.

You will be better off purchasing an eye shadow palette that offers a variety of tones. You can find eye shadow palettes in any drug store, department store, or grocery store, which makes them very easy to find. Other formula options for eye shadows are cream eye shadow, eye shadow pigment and liquid eye shadow; also note that the most common formula of eye shadow is pressed powder.

It's important to know what your options are when it comes to eye shadow texture. The labels on eye shadow packaging will help you identify which texture the eye shadow has. Here are descriptions for all of the main eye shadow textures.
Matte eye shadows
leave your lids with no shine at all. These eye shadows are best used as a base for other shadows to mask discoloration on your eyelids (if they match your skin tone). Find matte textures in pressed powder or cream shadows.Satin eye shadow
texture gives you a slight shine without too much shimmer. You can use satin eye shadows as a base for other eye shadows if you want a clean and glamorous look. Find satin textures in pressed powder shadows, pencil or liquid formulas.Shimmer eye shadows
offer sheer coverage that sometimes allows your skin to show through. Eye shadows that are skin-toned work great as highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. You can apply shimmer eye shadows over matte shades to make them pop. You can get a shimmer texture with powder, liquid, or pigment eye shadow formulas.Frost textured eye shadows
are considered to be full coverage, but will vary in coverage depending on the brands and colors. Keep in mind that this type of eye shadow is best for young skin since it tends to sink into wrinkles. Frost textures are found in liquid, powder or cream shadow formulas.
Before applying your eye makeup, be sure that you've applied foundation and concealer. When you buy eye shadow, the colors will usually come in sets of 3 or more with tones ranging from light to dark; this makes it easy to get depth and dimension. Typically, eye shadow you will apply:
the lightest shade to your brow bone, inner corners, and upper part of your eyelid.The medium shade works best when applied toward the inside corner, and blended out toward the outer corner of your eye.The darkest color will go in the outer "V-area" of the eye, which is known as the outer corner, and it will add dimension.
Tip: Blend the color out to remove harsh lines, and use a brush or your finger to pull the color into your crease.

After you've blended the eye shadow, the next step is to apply eyeliner. You can use any formula of eyeliner that fits your taste, or is the easiest for you to apply. The different formulas are pencil, cream liner, gel, liquid, or cake eyeliner.
Apply eyeliner to the top eyelid as close to your lash line as possible;Start the line slightly toward the middle of your eye closest to your nose. As you move the liner out toward the outer corner of your eye, gradually make the line thicker.
Mascara is the finishing touch that makes your lashes fuller, and has the ability to make your lashes look longer.

The best way to apply mascara is to use a side-to-side motion while keep your eyes looking down. Looking down will keep you from getting mascara on your eyelid, thus preventing you from having to re-do your eye makeup.
Use small, light strokes to separate your lashes and create more volume and length.Be sure to remove the clumps of mascara out of your lashes so that the lashes look more natural.You can apply more than one coat to get the effect you want.
If you're going on a date or out with friends, you might think about using false lashes since they are easy to apply, and give your look more drama. The main products you'll need to do this are false lashes and fake eyelash glue.
Once you have your eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara applied, remove the false lashes from the package.Put the glue on the lashes, and then place the lashes onto your eyelid as close to your lash line as possible.Let the glue dry, and then use an eyelash curler to press the false lashes in with your real lashes.Take your eyeliner over the false lashes again to make your liner look smooth and flawless.
Use these instructions as a guide to create a simple makeup look that flatters most eye shapes. As you gain experience and get more comfortable with the basic eye makeup application, you will find yourself creating new looks by using different colors and techniques. You'll also want to purchase makeup brushes for easier blending and application; but please note that they can be expensive if purchased all at once.

Must-Haves: Beauty Items for Vacation : Beauty-Tips.net

If you are planning a vacation, road trip, weekend getaway, or a trip that requires air transportation, note that there are certain items every woman should bring with her in case of a beauty emergency and/or for everyday use.

Some of you may need to bring all of the below-listed items, and some of you may not, but just be prepared by reading our guide of must-have beauty items for a vacation.

Instead of using zip-lock baggies for your items, bring a clear makeup bag that is big enough to hold your essentials. Clear makeup cases are easy to find, and are available in a variety of sizes. Plus they just so happen to be more durable and fashionable than those zip-lock bags your mother swears by!

Next on the list of must-have travel items are your shampoo and conditioner. These two items are the husband and wife of beauty products, and can't live without each other or be left behind. Shampoos and conditioners are complimentary at some hotels, but they're not going to be your favorite brand, scent or formula, so it's wise to purchase your favorite shampoo and conditioner in travel-sized packages, or buy the refillable bottles in the travel section of department stores and/or drugstores.

Dry shampoos are also handy to travel with – especially if you're traveling with a large group since it cuts your primping time down by a few minutes. Dry shampoos also save you from bringing shampoos or conditioners when you know you'll only be gone for day or two.

Depending on where it is you are vacationing, think about the climate and weather patterns. If you're going to a beach, then you'll want to bring hair products that tailor to that specific climate and weather. These items may consist of mousse, gel, hair spray, or a smoothing serum for those frizzy, high-humidity days. You can also use the refillable travel-sized bottles for your hairstyling products to save space in your overnight bag or suitcase.

Bobby pins and hair elastics are a must-have travel beauty item as well!
Use them to pin hair out of your face, and hold a place in your book for long car rides. Bobby pins and hair elastics are a necessity when traveling so you can easily get hair out of your face, or style an up-do for a night out.

It's obvious that your hair is important, however, your body care items shouldn't be forgotten about either. Things like body wash and body lotion often get neglected and left behind when you're packing for a trip. But these are especially important if you have sensitive skin or skin allergies to fragrances.

That said, purchase smaller, travel-friendly bottles of your favorite lotions and body washes/soaps to moisturize when you're away from home.

You won't want to skip taking care of the skin on your face, so be sure to pack your skin creams and serums.

If you're wearing makeup, it's crucial to bring your:

face wash,makeup remover,exfoliating facial scrub,and your moisturizer along for a vacation.

Moisturizers can be packed easily if the bottle or jar they come in is small; however, you can buy refillable jars at department stores and drugstores if necessary. If you are really looking to save space, use a clean contact case to put your serum into. You can put a few pumps into each side of the contact case seeing as a little goes a long way.

Makeup removing wipes make it easier to remove makeup on the go, and can be easily tucked into a suitcase without the fear of it bursting, spilling, or falling open during travel time.

For sunny days, rainy days, and most definitely the days spent at the beach, sunscreen should be packed in your luggage. Not only does your skin need SPF to protect you from the sun's harmful rays, but it also needs SPF to defend against premature aging. Be sure to read the label for protection from both UVA and UVB rays because these are the skin-aging and skin-burning rays you don't want touching your skin.

Even if you think you are the cleanliest person alive, you're bound to make a spill eventually.

Cleansing wipes, baby wipes, or moist towelettes come in handy at the pool, beach, park, restaurants, arcades and in taxis, and are great if you can't reach a sink right away. Also, bring a stain removing stick along on your trip for quick stain removal from your clothing or car upholstery. This comes in handy if you have an accident, and can't get to a washing machine in a hurry!

Be sure not to bring your entire collection of eye shadows and blushes because this could take up too much space, and you will probably only wear your everyday look. Foundation primer, foundation, and concealer are all must-haves since you'll be snapping a lot of photos while you're away from home. Bring one eye shadow palette that can give you a few different looks, and only bring one blush to save space. Waterproof mascara works wonders in humid weather, so include it in your makeup bag as well. You will also want to include lip balm, lipstick, and lip-gloss on the trip to keep your makeup looking complete and your lips hydrated.

Your fingernails and toenails shouldn't be forgotten while on vacation, so be sure that your signature nail color tags along with you on vacation in case your nail polish gets chipped. If you're going to be away from home for a couple of weeks, it's good to bring a couple of colors so that you can change up the color if you desire. Of course, if you're bringing nail polish, you should also bring your polish remover and cotton balls!

Now that you've got a vacation check list laid out, you can focus on what you're going to wear!

 

#2: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System

1,125 of 1,138 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Clarisonic vs. Olay Pro-X - an excellent value!, January 27, 2011 This review is from: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System (Misc.) Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) I know you are wondering if a $28 item can compare at all to something that cost nearly ten times the price. The answer is YES! I have the Clarisonic Pro - which is the top of the line for their model, so before you spend the money on both, I'll do a side by side comparison for you. Mind you, I am VERY happy with my Clairsonic. Even knowing that this I am happy I made the purchase for both of them, since they are fairly different. Here's why:

Size: The Olay Pro-X is about half the size of the Clarisonic. This is actually better in many ways. It is easier to hold, lightweight, it fits in my shower caddy easily without dropping, you can travel with it very easily. I think this is my favorite part about the differences. It also makes the brush head much smaller, which has a different effect. Of course, the motor is at least half the size as well, and this effects how this feels. I can't actually say it is better or worse than the Clarisonic, it's just different. It is like getting a Sweedish massage (Olay) as opposed to a deep tissue massage (Clarisonic).

Cleansing Products: The Olay cleansing formula has tiny granules and is exfoliating. The Clarisonic cleansers are gels and the specifically say that you cannot use exfoliating cleansers with granules on theirs - most likely because the motor is stronger and it will scratch your skin. I really liked the way my skin felt after using the Olay product. I felt sparkling clean and my skin was shining.

Versatility: This is where I love my Clarisonic more. Since I bought the pro, I can use it on my body, and have different size brush heads and change the timing. Is it worth 10x more the price? Not necessarily. The Olay Pro-X has two speeds, you don't really need more than that. But I do love having the option of using the full body brush on the Clarisonic. Also, there is slightly more control with the Clarisonic since it is sturdier, the ProX does slide a bit, though not excessively so. You can still maintain some control with the Por-X though not as much.

Charging: The Pro-X uses two double-A batteries that it comes with. It was a bear to take the battery case off, but once I did it was fine, and it doesn't need recharging that often. I use the best batteries in the world, eneloopSanyo Eneloop 8 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteriesand I'm good to go for several weeks. The Clarisonic has a charging holder that you plug into the wall, you don't need to change the batteries, but you do need to find a place in your home to park it for an hour or so every week. I prefer having the double A rechargeable option of the Olay. It also makes it so much easier to travel with.

Please note: It is not that easy to figure out how to install the batteries, and there are no instructions. You might not want to pull open the wrong part of your product for fear of breaking it. I had to call the company to figure it out, and I've had a couple of people email me to ask me, so here goes: Hold the product with your right hand by the top/sides of the handle with the brush head facing down. Keep holding firmly with your right hand, while with your left you pull the handle away from you. The top part of the handle comes off to load the batteries.

The bottom line: I think the Olay Pro-X is a steal. If you are on the fence about which to buy this or the Clarisonic, and you only need it for your face and not your body, you will probably be better off saving your money and going with this! Personally, I am glad I have both. This is definitely worth the investment!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

172 of 178 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, January 3, 2011 This review is from: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System (Misc.) I was looking for something like this but I didn't want to spend $200 on the other brand when I wasn't sure it would work. For $30 I can take a bit of a chance. I have been using this brush since Christmas Eve and I am amazed at how much better my skin looks. At 56, zits and clogged pores that just dodn't want to go away are pretty much on the mend. Imbedded black heads have disappeared. I wouldn't use this more than once a day because it tends to dry out my skin. Hydrate after you use this. In short, I'm really glad I bought this cleaning system. A little instruction about how often to change the brush head would be nice, but I can live without it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

109 of 114 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars looking for a cheaper clarisonic?, January 6, 2011 This review is from: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System (Misc.) I am mid 20s and have very congested but dry/sensitive skin. No matter how many face cleansers I would use, I would get out of the shower and still my face would have make up and not feel or look clean. I became more and more interested in the clarisonic mia brush (the cheapest model) but that week I saw an ad for this Olay brush. WOW. my skin has not felt so smooth before in my life. my skin is still problematic but I do not experience the awful flakiness that perpetuated my problem skin! when i use my witch hazel toner, there is NO make up or grime in my cotton cosmetic pad. If you want a deap clean, this is for you. I was surprised the brushes are not crazy expensive, but there is no detail on how often they suggest you to replace them. I'll use my own judgement on that. Love that I can leave this in the shower and not worry about it possibly getting wet or having any place where I need to plug it in. Great value if you think about the amount we ladies spend on face products. I love the sample cleanser in the box, a little goes a long way. I may think about purchasing that when it is empty.

#2: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System

1,125 of 1,138 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Clarisonic vs. Olay Pro-X - an excellent value!, January 27, 2011 This review is from: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System (Misc.) Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) I know you are wondering if a $28 item can compare at all to something that cost nearly ten times the price. The answer is YES! I have the Clarisonic Pro - which is the top of the line for their model, so before you spend the money on both, I'll do a side by side comparison for you. Mind you, I am VERY happy with my Clairsonic. Even knowing that this I am happy I made the purchase for both of them, since they are fairly different. Here's why:

Size: The Olay Pro-X is about half the size of the Clarisonic. This is actually better in many ways. It is easier to hold, lightweight, it fits in my shower caddy easily without dropping, you can travel with it very easily. I think this is my favorite part about the differences. It also makes the brush head much smaller, which has a different effect. Of course, the motor is at least half the size as well, and this effects how this feels. I can't actually say it is better or worse than the Clarisonic, it's just different. It is like getting a Sweedish massage (Olay) as opposed to a deep tissue massage (Clarisonic).

Cleansing Products: The Olay cleansing formula has tiny granules and is exfoliating. The Clarisonic cleansers are gels and the specifically say that you cannot use exfoliating cleansers with granules on theirs - most likely because the motor is stronger and it will scratch your skin. I really liked the way my skin felt after using the Olay product. I felt sparkling clean and my skin was shining.

Versatility: This is where I love my Clarisonic more. Since I bought the pro, I can use it on my body, and have different size brush heads and change the timing. Is it worth 10x more the price? Not necessarily. The Olay Pro-X has two speeds, you don't really need more than that. But I do love having the option of using the full body brush on the Clarisonic. Also, there is slightly more control with the Clarisonic since it is sturdier, the ProX does slide a bit, though not excessively so. You can still maintain some control with the Por-X though not as much.

Charging: The Pro-X uses two double-A batteries that it comes with. It was a bear to take the battery case off, but once I did it was fine, and it doesn't need recharging that often. I use the best batteries in the world, eneloopSanyo Eneloop 8 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteriesand I'm good to go for several weeks. The Clarisonic has a charging holder that you plug into the wall, you don't need to change the batteries, but you do need to find a place in your home to park it for an hour or so every week. I prefer having the double A rechargeable option of the Olay. It also makes it so much easier to travel with.

Please note: It is not that easy to figure out how to install the batteries, and there are no instructions. You might not want to pull open the wrong part of your product for fear of breaking it. I had to call the company to figure it out, and I've had a couple of people email me to ask me, so here goes: Hold the product with your right hand by the top/sides of the handle with the brush head facing down. Keep holding firmly with your right hand, while with your left you pull the handle away from you. The top part of the handle comes off to load the batteries.

The bottom line: I think the Olay Pro-X is a steal. If you are on the fence about which to buy this or the Clarisonic, and you only need it for your face and not your body, you will probably be better off saving your money and going with this! Personally, I am glad I have both. This is definitely worth the investment!

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172 of 178 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, January 3, 2011 This review is from: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System (Misc.) I was looking for something like this but I didn't want to spend $200 on the other brand when I wasn't sure it would work. For $30 I can take a bit of a chance. I have been using this brush since Christmas Eve and I am amazed at how much better my skin looks. At 56, zits and clogged pores that just dodn't want to go away are pretty much on the mend. Imbedded black heads have disappeared. I wouldn't use this more than once a day because it tends to dry out my skin. Hydrate after you use this. In short, I'm really glad I bought this cleaning system. A little instruction about how often to change the brush head would be nice, but I can live without it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

109 of 114 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars looking for a cheaper clarisonic?, January 6, 2011 This review is from: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System (Misc.) I am mid 20s and have very congested but dry/sensitive skin. No matter how many face cleansers I would use, I would get out of the shower and still my face would have make up and not feel or look clean. I became more and more interested in the clarisonic mia brush (the cheapest model) but that week I saw an ad for this Olay brush. WOW. my skin has not felt so smooth before in my life. my skin is still problematic but I do not experience the awful flakiness that perpetuated my problem skin! when i use my witch hazel toner, there is NO make up or grime in my cotton cosmetic pad. If you want a deap clean, this is for you. I was surprised the brushes are not crazy expensive, but there is no detail on how often they suggest you to replace them. I'll use my own judgement on that. Love that I can leave this in the shower and not worry about it possibly getting wet or having any place where I need to plug it in. Great value if you think about the amount we ladies spend on face products. I love the sample cleanser in the box, a little goes a long way. I may think about purchasing that when it is empty.

Taking care of wasted skin

Wasted skin is characterized by skin that is ravaged by the environment. Stress, smog, pollution, lifestyle and other factors can leave their mark on your skin, leaving it looking tired or even discolored. This is often because the skin isn’t getting enough oxygen. If you live in a largely populated city or are under a great deal of stress, don’t worry, as there are things you can do to help keep your face looking fresh and healthy. Here are a few tips on taking care of wasted skin.

The first step in the fight against wasted looking skin is to wash your face regularly. Avoid using soap, as it can irritate the skin. Instead, try a gentle cleanser and wash your face twice a day; once in the morning and once before you go to bed. This is especially important if you’re dealing with pollution or smog.

Toner can be used to remove any leftover residue from the cleanser and also makes the skin feel refreshed. Just be sure to avoid toners that contain alcohol, as this can over dry the skin. Moisturizer is also an important part of your skin routine, as it will help keep the skin hydrated. Try a moisturizer for your skin type or that advertises nourishing or regenerative properties, and the best are those that contain an SPF of at least 15.

Other tips to healing your wasted skin is to try using a humidifier in your home or where you work, if you can, which can help keep your skin hydrated; try hydrating or regenerative masks once a week, and make sure you’re getting plenty of rest. Also, make sure you’re getting a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water. A healthy diet can go a long way in keeping your skin looking healthy thanks to the water keeping your skin hydrated and the importance of vitamins and other nutrients found in fresh foods.

 

What's "good" in smoking for our skin?

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Looking beautifully, young and attractive, having a healthy complexion is essential for almost every woman. We are constantly looking for and testing new cosmetics and if it was possible we would spend enormous amounts of money to improve the way we look, to have ideal skin and complexion.

What difference does it make, however, if many of these women still smoke cigarettes?

If you smoke, all the beautifying treatments you spend so much time and money on, have little or no effect at all. None of the treatments are able to cure the damage which is caused by smoking. If we choose smoking, we choose action which is contradictory to our efforts aiming at remaining healthy, young and beautiful for a long time.

From the outside, we try to supply our skin with the best nutritional components while at the same time we destroy the skin’s texture from the inside by smoking cigarettes. It is not possible to find good resolution to our skin problems if we concentrate on fighting the harmful effects without removing the negative cause first. Cosmetics have influence on the outer parts of skin mainly and their active components cannot reach the deepest layers of inner skin where the most serious damage caused by smoking takes place. In consequence, the negative effects of this damage can be seen on the outside of skin.

I am aware, of course, that after reading my article it hardly probable that many people decide to quit smoking immediately and the aim of my article is not to preach my readers, either. I only would like to make fully aware of the true consequences of smoking all these young women who decide to smoke cigarettes. It has been told and written so much in different media about bad influence of smoking on human health that there is no need to repeat these thing once more. I am interested mainly in giving the basic facts concerning the influence of smoking on appearance and functioning of our skin.

The threat of cancer or heart diseases is not enough reason for young people to stop smoking. They are convinced that these problems are the problems of older people not theirs. However, negative aspects of smoking can become visible outside much faster than it seems. In time the way our complexion looks is getting worse and worse. This problem concerns both men and women, although in women negative changes are noticeable sooner because they occur faster. This may be the crucial argument for all women who want to smoke.

It seems very advantageous for us that recently it has been written and told a lot about the negative aspects of solar radiation, for example UVA or UVB on our skin. On the other hand, smoking is as much harmful, if not more, to our skin as sunbathing without the use of UVA/UVB creams. Clinical tests which have been made for many recent years, have proved that the skin of a smoker is getting older faster than that of a non-smoking person. It has been shown, for instance, that the skin of forty-year-old people who have been smoking for years, may be as much destroyed as the skin of seventy-year-old non-smokers. Doctors call the type of changes that undergo inside human skin as "tobacco face" syndrome.

First of all, during the process of smoking there are produces huge amounts of so-called free radicals. They are very active elements which attack and destroy skin cells and this smoking causes wrinkles, but there are also other reasons to quit smoking ciragerettes. In every article, I have written, I tried to emphasize the idea of the sun protection, not only during the summertime but through the whole year round. The solar radiation may cause premature skin ageing because it generates the producing of free radicals to large extent. It is useless, though, to protect our skin with the help of UVA/UVB creams or antioxidants while, in the meantime, we continue smoking. In such case, smoking becomes even more treacherous than our exposure to the sunlight without any protection.

Follow: Health Problems and Skin Diseases Caused by Smoking Cigarettes

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Taking care of dry skin

Some of us experience dry skin during the winter months, particularly if we live in a dry climate, but there are others who suffer with dry skin throughout the year. Characterized by a fine texture with very small pores, dry skin look lovely when you’re young, but not taking care of it as you age can lead to premature wrinkles, deep expression lines and flaky or irritated skin. Caring for dry skin doesn’t have to be difficult, however. Here are a few tips on how to take care of dry skin.

Basic care should still include washing the face twice a day; once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Avoid soap, as it can dry out the skin; try a very gentle cleanser formulated for dry skin. Also, avoid using very hot water, both for washing your face and in the shower, as hot water can also dry out the skin.

If you use a toner, be sure that it doesn’t contain any alcohol, as alcohol can also irritate your skin and cause it to be dryer. Moisturizer is also an important part of your skin care routine. You’ll need a rich moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and you may wish to try a richer moisturizer in the winter and a lighter moisturizer in the summer.

Exfoliating helps promote healthy cell regeneration by removing the dead skin cells, which helps the healthy skin breathe better, although those with dry skin should only do this once a week in order to avoid irritating the skin. Be sure to use an exfoliant that is gentle and always apply moisturizer or a moisturizing mask afterwards.

You can also keep your skin healthy by drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and follow a healthy diet with plenty of fresh foods to get plenty of nutrients and vitamins. Foods that are rich in Omega-3, like salmon and flax seeds, may help improve your skin.

Summary of beauty tips for dry skin type:

Wash your face: twice a day without soap (morning/evening),Avoid hot water: when washing face and during showers,Skin cleansers: use very gentle cleansers special for dry skin type,Skin toners: if used, avoid skin toners that contain alcohol,Skin moisturizers: use rich moisturizers in winter time and lighter in summer, check how to choose moisturizers,Skin exfoliators: maximum once per week and only gentle exfoliators, follow with moisturizers,Drink plenty of water: to keep your body hydrated,Healthy diet: with plenty of fresh foods, rich in Omega-3 (salmon and flax seeds).

 

Wrinkles

Once thought of as an indicator of wisdom, today most of us do everything we can to avoid or get rid of wrinkles. Although there are some factors that we cannot control, there are some steps you can take to help protect your skin and prevent the onset of wrinkles. In this article, we’ll take a look at what factors promote wrinkles and how you can lessen your chances of developing them in the future.

As we age, our skin ages all over our bodies, but none so much as the places that are exposed to the sun the most – our faces, hands, or arms. Sun damage, or photoaging, can bring about changes such as dryness or roughness of the skin, skin growths such as keratoses (also known as liver spots), sagginess and wrinkles. Wrinkles can appear in either deep furrows or fine surface lines that are easier to remove with wrinkle creams and treatments.

Unfortunately, there are some factors that determine if we’ll have wrinkles that are out of our control. There are genetic factors, as some families simply wrinkle more than others, while those with fair skin and blue eyes are more likely to suffer from sun damage which can promote wrinkles. This doesn’t mean, however, that those with darker complexions are less likely to have wrinkles, however.

Those that spend long hours in the sun, whether because of work or a love of outdoor activities such as golf, sailing, or sun bathing, are equally susceptible to sun damage. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "safe tanning", so sun worshippers are likely to run the risk of developing wrinkles wherever they expose their skin to the sun. Smoking can also damage the skin and lead to wrinkles.

The best way to avoid getting wrinkles in the future is to avoid as much sun damage as possible and avoid smoking, two main causes of wrinkles. Always use a sun screen with an SPF factor of at least 15 when you are outside. It’s a good idea to use sun screen or a moisturizer with sun screen on your face everyday. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best defense against developing wrinkles as you age.

To summarize, causes of wrinkles are:

excessive suntanning and sun exposurecigarette smoking: it's a bad habit and not only because it causes wrinkles. Each cigarette contains so many harmful substances that it's hard to imagine. It's also very hard to quit smoking but it's worth trying, you can find some books to help you quit smoking and maybe it's good to try electronic cigarettes, much better solution than normal cigarettes.genetics - we can't do nothing about it

How to prevent wrinkles formation:

use moisturizer with sunscreen - at least SPF 15 when you are outsideuse moisturizer + sunscreen on your face on daily basis

 

Sunscreen in the Winter – The Sun Shines All Year!

Everyone should use sunscreen in the winter for the simple reason the sun shines all year long. It doesn’t matter if the temperature is colder or there are more cloudy days. The fact is the sun’s ultraviolet rays bombard the earth throughout the year and can penetrate many cloud covers. That means the skin is continually exposed to the sun’s rays.

It doesn’t matter that more clothes are worn during winter, because unless you completely cover yourself from head to toe, there will always be skin exposed.

The most vulnerable places on your body during the winter are the face and hands. In the winter, the sun’s heat is less due to the angle of sunlight, but the ultraviolet A and B rays are still strong enough to cause skin damage. When your skin is exposed to these rays it doesn’t matter what time of year it is. The ultraviolet rays can cause permanent skin damage.

Using sunscreen in the winter is important for a lot of reasons. Even if you don’t develop skin cancer, there are a host of other sun related skin problems the sun can cause. The sun dries the skin out and can cause premature aging.

People who have spent a lot of time in the sun without sunscreen protection are usually easy to spot. They have deep wrinkles in their skin. The sun can also cause brown aging spots and skin rashes.

In the winter, even after you bundle up in warm clothes, the face, ears and hands are still exposed to the sun. Everyone should use a winter moisturizer that also contains sunscreen. The damage done to the skin by the sun is cumulative.

Every time you get a sunburn, changes are happening in the very cell structure of the skin. Over time, the damage becomes permanent or irreversible. Using sunscreen is a simple and highly effective way to prevent the sun from damaging skin including during the winter months.

 

Stretch Marks: Home Remedies to Remove & Reduce Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are very common among women, while men are also capable of developing stretch marks (a.k.a. striae). Stretch marks are widely associated with pregnancy, and are created when your body experiences hormonal changes due to puberty or menopause; you can also develop striae when you’re losing or gaining weight.

Going further, the reason these annoying lesions appear on your skin is due to the breakdown of collagen and damaged elastic fibers below the epidermis layer of your skin. Now that we’ve covered the basic causes of stretch marks, let’s move a little deeper into the subject and also talk about how you can treat them.

Common reasons why stretch marks form are due to:

pregnancy,losing weight too quickly,gaining weight rapidly,hormonal imbalances/changes,puberty,growth spurts,bodybuilding.

Stretch marks are visible linear scars that pop up on your body where the skin is too thin due to the aforementioned breakdown of collagen and elastic fibers damage. The skin cells are no longer able to bounce back from extreme stretching, thus causing the dermal layer of skin to develop tears that appear as scars on your skin.

The areas of the body that are most affected by stretch marks include the thighs, abdomen, arms, hips, breasts, back, buttocks and the area around belly button. When striae firsts begins to form, it usually appears red, and then turns white over time.

There are topical creams, ointments, and oils that claim to remove stretch marks or reduce their appearance; however, these products can cost quite a bit, and hardly deliver on the promises. There are also laser treatments available, but this too is very expensive.

Because stretch marks are scars, there is little chance of getting rid of them completely. So you should avoid wasting money on products that claim to eradicate stretch marks completely, and have realistic expectations when it comes to topical treatments. Using topical treatments requires discipline, and they may even need to be applied more than once a day. But they do have the potential to improve stretch marks’ appearance.

Treating only the symptoms associated with stretch marks or scars will not help lessen the appearance of striae. Furthermore, dry skin can sometimes appear around area of stretch marks; however, dry skin isn’t the cause of stretch marks. It’s also worth mentioning that moisture is good for your skin, but it won’t make a dent in the removal of stretch marks since the marks start deep within the skin’s layers.

Dermabrasion, or laser treatments for stretch marks, only affects the surface of the skin. This is not enough to penetrate deep into the dermis, where the tears have formed in elastic fibers. These treatments may be able to improve the appearance of stretch marks, but the side effects are redness (erythema) and/or scaling on the skin.

One stretch mark treatment that’s overlooked is eating better/keeping a healthy lifestyle. It’s never too late to begin a healthy lifestyle, and there are hundreds of benefits to eating better, including keeping stretch marks at a minimum.

Along with a healthy diet, you should be drinking plenty of water. Keeping your body hydrated will allow your body to function properly, meaning your skin cells are more likely rebuild areas that need repaired. The minimum amount of water needed to stay hydrated is five to eight 8 oz. glasses a day. An easy way to maintain a healthy diet is to eat one cup of fruit or vegetables with a glass of water before each meal. This helps reassure that you are getting healthy nutrients into your body while staying fully hydrated.

Be sure to supply your body with plenty of vitamin A, C and E, as well as zinc since these nutrients help your skin flourish. You’ll be able to find these vitamins and minerals in raw fruits and vegetables, in addition to fish liver oils, leafy greens, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds and fish. By adding more of these things to your diet, you’ll increase your skin’s ability to heal itself.

In some cases, if you’re taking medication such as oral contraceptives, you could be lacking essential nutrients needed to keep your body healthy; consult your doctor about any concerns here. Physicians will be able to prescribe or suggest dietary supplements to counterbalance the nutrients you may be losing to the medications.

Homemade stretch mark creams can be used to treat scars, and are also great for other areas of your body that need special attention. You can use these recipes to make extra hydrating lotions that can be applied to stretch marks, dry elbows, knees, hands and/or feet.

One of the most effective ingredients in improving the appearance of skin is cocoa butter. This is the main ingredient in the following skin cream for treating stretch marks. Using this homemade cocoa butter and oil skin cream will make your skin moist, soft and supple. Here is what you’ll need to make the cocoa butter and oil stretch mark cream:

1/2 cup cocoa butter1 Tablespoon wheat germ oil1 Teaspoon apricot kernel oil1 Teaspoon Vitamin E oil2 Teaspoons grated beeswax

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium sauce pan, and use medium heat to melt the beeswax. Once the beeswax has melted, remove it from the heat, and pour it into an airtight container. Store the cream in the refrigerator, and use after showering, and throughout the day until you have the desired results.

Olive oil shows up in almost every beauty remedy recipe because it’s loaded with moisturizing nutrients perfect for conditioning skin and hair. To use olive oil as a stretch mark treatment, simply pour the oil onto a cotton pad, and pat the oil onto your stretch marks. To make this treatment even more nourishing, follow these instructions:

1/2 cup virgin olive oil1/4 cup aloe vera gel6 vitamin E capsules4 vitamin A capsules

Take the six capsules of vitamin E, and the four capsules of vitamin A, and remove the liquid from the capsules into a bowl; then combine the other ingredients with the liquid from the capsules.

Blend the mixture well with a whisk, or by using a blender. This treatment can be applied to any area on your body where you have stretch marks such as the stomach, legs, arms, thighs or breasts.

Use olive oil in combination with aloe vera gel to treat your stretch marks. Aloe vera has been used widely to treat burns, but also provides positive results when used to treat stretch marks. Combine a small amount of aloe vera gel with an equal amount of olive oil, and continue to massage the mixture onto stretch marks. To get even more use out of aloe vera gel, use this recipe to prevent more stretch marks from occurring, and treat the ones that have already formed.

1/2 cup olive oil1/4 cup aloe vera gel4 vitamin E capsules2 vitamin A capsules

In a mixing bowl, combine the liquid from the vitamin E capsules, and the liquid from the vitamin A capsules. Mix the remaining ingredients with the vitamin liquids. Massage into your skin to improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Use natural white sugar to exfoliate the problem areas of your skin for 3-5 minutes daily. This will remove the dead skin cells, and encourage more skin cells to develop.

This works best if you exfoliate while in the shower. When you’ve finished your shower, take two vitamin C tablets and crush them as finely as you can. Use a small mixing bowl to combine your daily moisturizing lotion and the vitamin C tablets together. Apply the lotion and vitamin C mixture as usual, focusing mostly on your stretch marks. Now saturate a cotton pad or ball with olive oil, and dab onto your stretch marks.

By using this treatment and the previously mentioned ones, you’ll go a long way towards reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

 

Beauty and Ecumenicism

by: Robert Bruce Baird

There are many vantage points from which to find beauty. The side of the mountains overlooking Lake Louise on the grass of the hotel sipping champagne with your most cherished friend is a memory of beauty that will always overcome my consciousness. The purr of my friend and companion as he welcomed me home from a hard days work or the smile on the face of most any person who 'sees' what little part of life we can partake in to help each other. There are many beauties and no real evil.

Winter skin care

Winter skin care requires some changes in your normal skin care routine and product choices. In the winter the humidity drops meaning there’s less moisture in the air. In addition, winter weather usually means blustery and drying winds which are almost like direct attacks on the skin.

The result is dry skin and the development of a condition commonly called "winter skin itch". It can be a distressing and uncomfortable condition, but fortunately there are ways to deal with winter that sends the attackers into retreat.

Too many people buy one moisturizer and insist on using it year round. One of the first rules of winter skin care is to adapt your beauty care to recognize the change in weather conditions and when the winter comes, use winter moisturizer - instead of the one used in summer. Instead of the light water based conditioners, you should begin using an occlusive moisturizer. The occlusive moisturizer is one that is oil and cream based as opposed to an oil and water mixture. It’s thicker and able to trap moisture in the skin. To get the most benefit from your moisturizer it should also include vitamins and other ingredients which keep skin supple.

There are other steps you can take in conjunction with changing moisturizers in order to prevent dry skin in the winter. Winter skin care should include a routine that is religiously followed each day. The first rule of thumb is to not over wash your skin with hot drying water. Second, after a shower or bath, immediately apply the moisturizer in order to seal in the moisture just added to your skin and while the pores are opened. Third, it’s important to exfoliate your skin faithfully once a week in order to get rid of the flaking dry skin cells and uncover the newer skin which is in much better shape for dealing with the winter dry air.

Recommended winter skin care tips can help you avoid the uncomfortable, irritating and unsightly flaking skin dry air creates. With the right moisturizer, your skin can look as healthy in the winter months as it does the rest of the year.

To conclude, steps to follow in winter skin care routine:

Do not over wash your skin with hot waterAfter shower or bath - apply immediately moisturizerExfoliate your skin once a week

 

Skin & Premature Aging: Causes & Habits That Age Skin

Most people have a good idea about what things they should avoid to keep their body healthy, and their skin looking youthful.

However, there could be a few habits you practice daily without a second thought that are causing you to age rapidly. Fortunately, the dreaded problem of premature aging is easily avoided if you know what to watch out for.

So read ahead to learn what lifestyle habits can cause your skin to age more rapidly.

Inhaling cigarette smoke either directly or indirectly can health problems and age your skin. Smokers and those who associate with smokers will slowly see their amount of wrinkles increase, and their skin will become dry. Also, when you put a cigarette up to your mouth to inhale smoke, you are piercing your lips, and repeating this motion hundreds of times a day, which will create lines and wrinkles on your face. The smoke will also drain your Vitamin C, which is a crucial vitamin for healthy, supple skin.

The opinion of many scientists is that sun exposure and smoking hold the same amount of risk when you’re exposed to either one in large amounts. So even if you aren’t the one smoking, but you’re in a group that does smoke, you’re still putting yourself in harm’s way. It is important to mention that there are many more harmful effects of smoking on skin.

There is a reason cosmetic companies are adding SPF in nearly every beauty product these days. And the reason is that the sun is damaging, and can cause wrinkles, sun spots, dry skin, sagging skin, leathery appearance and cancer. Even if you haven’t been very careful in the past, you may be able to reverse the appearance of sun damage to the skin by consulting a physician, and determining how damaged your skin so you can correct the problem. It’s worth mentioning that only using products containing SPF isn’t protecting you fully from the sun’s rays. So you should always use a sunscreen that fights against UVA and UVB rays – this is something that holds true even on cloudy days.

If your job requires you to sit at a desk or stand in one area for long periods of time, then you’re not getting the exercise needed to remove toxins from your body. Sweating induced by exercise will increase blood flow, tone muscles and also burn calories, thus giving you a slimmer waist. It will also allow toxins to leave your body instead of remaining sedentary inside of you. You may also find it interesting to know that a sedentary lifestyle in older adults will increase odds of suffering from dementia. Lastly, keep in mind that exercise is an instant mood-booster, so by feeling better and more confident, you will also appear younger.

There is nothing you can do to change the elements, but you can be better prepared to keep your skin from damaging winds and low temperatures. The cold temperatures that accompany winter tend to dry your skin, so it’s important to use a moisturizing lotion on your face and body daily to replenish the moisture in your skin. In some cases, you may find that a home humidifier will help keep your skin moisturized while you are using your home’s heating system.

When you drink alcohol, you are causing small blood vessels in your skin to dilate, thus causing blood flow close to the skin’s surface. Excessive drinking over time can damage these blood vessels permanently, which causes patchy red skin and sometimes broken vessels.

Stressing over little things can cause you to age much faster, but there are things you can do to relieve stress such as exercise and meditation. The thing is, you may not even know when you’re frowning or over-worrying about an upcoming project. Even so, if you are stressing it could be leaving you with a lot of sleepless nights, which is also bad for your skin. You can try breathing exercises for stress to become more relaxed and sleep better during the night.

If you’re staying out too late partying, the odds of retaining beauty are against you. Not getting enough sleep will create dark under-eye areas, wrinkles and a less energetic you, which leads to skipping workouts and eating fast food because you simply don’t have the energy to make food at home. Sagging skin is also associated with not getting enough sleep. It’s also been said that those who don’t get between 7-9 hours of sleep every night will have a negative point of view and little interest in socializing. Some tips on helping you get plenty of sleep are to drink less caffeine while you’re awake during the day. If you stop eating 2 hours before you go to bed, you will sleep better and set up a nightly bedtime routine.

If you’ve been prescribed eye glasses or contacts and refuse to wear them when needed, then you could be causing wrinkles and fine lines around your eyes and forehead. Squinting isn’t attractive on anyone, so it is better to wear the glasses or contacts you have so that you don’t develop worry lines.

If you’ve been prescribed eye glasses or contacts, then you should also consider purchasing a pair of sunglasses with your prescription. Even if you’re only walking out to your vehicle, walking into a store or driving in a car, your eyes will need protection. Don’t make it a habit to close one eye when the sun is bright; it is better to have a pair of sunglasses available for you to wear rather than struggling to see through the bright sunlight.

The magic of the tomato seems to be never-ending. It is good with nearly every dish, and also has the ability to protect you from the sun from the inside. Case in point, eat more tomatoes so that you have a lower risk of getting heart disease, build strong bones, have healthy skin and hair, and also promote a healthy immune system. Some might even say that tomatoes are a super food for your body.

It’s much easier to get wrinkles and fine lines than it is to get rid of them, but avoiding them is possible if you know how, that's when you should check good anti aging tips. You can’t stop aging altogether, but you can try to look good while it happens!

Taking care of oily skin

Oily skin is characterized by skin that is shiny and oily to the touch and has large pores. Oily skin is caused by glands that overproduce secretions in the skin. This can lead to both black and white heads developing on the skin. The good news is that oily skin is generally strong and resistant and is less prone to wrinkle or develop expression lines. But just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean that you’re doomed to have acne forever. It just means following a healthy skin care routine that can help keep these extra secretions to a minimum. Here are a few tips on how to care for oily skin.

Basic care of oily skin begins with washing the face at least twice a day, and three times if possible. While oily skin may be resistant, many of the stronger ingredients in skin care products are not necessary and a regular cleanser can be used. If you are constantly fighting acne, you may wish to try a cleanser that has salicylic acid. Cleaning the face on a regular basis is more important that using a cleanser for oily skin. Still, soap and products with alcohol should be avoided. Soap can irritate the skin, while alcohol can over dry the skin.

A very important tip for those that suffer oily skin is to always remember to take off your makeup before going to bed. Leaving on the makeup keeps the skin from breathing properly and blocking the pores can lead to the development of pimples or black heads. No matter how late you get home or how tired you are, always get in the habit of removing your makeup at the end of the day.

If you’re in the habit of using a toner, you can continue as long as it doesn’t contain alcohol. The jury is out whether toner can help your skin or not, as many modern cleansers have ingredients that refresh the skin, but it can help eliminate residue from the cleanser and it does feel good on the skin.

Moisturizer is still important, even if you’re battling oily skin. Try to use a moisturizer formulated for your skin type, which will hydrate your skin after the other products have done their work to reduce the extra secretions.

 

What Foods Cause Acne?

Diet and acne... many people say that foods don't affect acne, some people say it does. Well, they are both right in my opinion. All depends how your body, your skin reacts to certain foods and what skin type you have - if you don't have acne problem, foods may not cause you problems, but for those with acne problem, certain foods can make it worst.

In my opinion, if you are reading this article I assume that you have acne problem, bigger or smaller, anyway it affects your life some way and you are looking for solution. My advice is - you should care what you eat, you should avoid certain foods, and you should have your eyes open and observe if your acne problem is getting worse after eating certain foods - because each of us may react different and what we can do is to observe our own bodies, simply to know our bodies like we know our favourite movie. Sounds strange? Believe me, so many of us don't know own body, especially how certain foods affect it.

Foods we eat matters! We always should care what we eat to strengthen our internal systems.

I want to give you an example about something you can see: if you want to build strong body, big muscles and be simply strong man (or woman)! You have to exercise, practice, give your body muscles proper stimulation, it will make your body stronger - adding special foods into that, your body will be stronger even faster, because of proper nutrition. In acne battle is the same, just food is even more important.

During your acne treatment you should feel obligated to take care of your skin, especially when it comes to cleansing. Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, over the counter acne products, proper diet and good lifestyle - they all matter, when it comes to acne problem.

Antibiotics always have some side effects; understanding that help realize the importance of our diet and lifestyle - how big impact they have on our acne problem. Make a good changes in your lifestyle, be patient and consult with your doctor the proper treatments (don't forget to ask about dietary advice, your doctor will give you some good tips).

It's great to start with restricted diet and after a while, when your acne problem is getting smaller, you can try with foods that you removed from your menu, maybe it will not affect you - you will observe. There always should be balance, between what to eat and what not to eat, sometimes we just like so much foods we should avoid and we have to let go our restrictions, we shouldn't be to hard on ourselves with our diets but it's great to know what food causes what problems in our body and be able to accept cause and effect.. and most important, always smile on the way!

So let's go to the most important part, to the list of foods that may cause the acne problem:

Nuts - and products that are made with nuts: such as peanut butterChocolates - in any formsCola and other dark drinks - it's ok to drink light colored sodasSpicy foodsSalty foods - example: french fries, chips and other. If you want to eat salt, please use it while cookingPizzaDairy productsLess sugar - it may cause problems, so consume less sweet products - I know it's hardLess fried foods - again something with "less". So enjoy fried foods, but not all the time

Well, I hope you are not depressed now! In the list you can see "less sugar" and "less fried foods" - I would recommend to remove sugar and fried foods for some days to see how your body reacts and then include a bit if wanted.

Feel that there is nothing left to eat? Well it's simply not true. I will give you in case the list of foods you can eat and it's the same long!

MeatChickenFishVegetables and fruitsCereals and grainsCoffee and teaBread

You may also try herbs for acne - but before using herbs it's recommended to consult first with doctor if you should use certain herbs and for how long. Read about good vitamins for acne.

It will all depends on how advance acne you have to get rid of your acne problem. As it was mentioned before, after getting rid of it, add foods from your "not to eat" list, one by one and give yourself few days how your body reacts. Now, you have to decide which list of foods you will choose. I believe both: you will avoid eating foods from the first list and enjoy foods on the second list.

Whiteheads: How to Remove & Prevent Whiteheads on Face

Whiteheads are a form of acne caused by clogged hair follicles, and they appear as the body's natural way of dealing with bacteria. Dead skin, bacteria and dirt all block hair follicles, making them inflamed and swollen. If the oil isn't removed, bacteria develop and remain under the skin. The bacteria then begin to grow, which gives you the whitehead appearance. These inflamed and swollen clogged hair follicles are a closed version of blackheads.

Both men and women of all ages ranging from adolescents to adults consider whiteheads a major skin problem. They appear as small, raised, pearly white spots under the skin due to clogged and closed hair follicles, and they're similar to blackheads. Whiteheads are often mistaken for pimples because they both have white tips; however whiteheads and pimples are not the same thing.

Your skin can develop whiteheads within only a few days after buildup begins. Your face isn't the only place that whiteheads show up, and you may find that your shoulders and upper arms have a few whiteheads living there as well. You'll also be able to spot whiteheads around your eyes, cheeks, forehead, chest and neck, or anywhere you typically get acne, blackheads or pimples.

There are a lot of reasons why whiteheads occur, including both poor diet and hormones. They can also appear on your face, neck, shoulders, chest and arms if you're not washing properly. Women may notice that their skin develops more whiteheads during their menstrual cycle due to hormones.

If your skin is developing whiteheads because you're not properly washing the dirt, oil, and bacteria off the skin, all that's needed is a change in your showering routine. For those of you who aren't ingesting enough nutrients with meals, you may consider adding dietary supplements to your diet.

Removing whiteheads improperly causes skin to break, scab and scar. An easy way to avoid breaking skin is to maintain a healthy skin care routine; begin with cleansing your skin in both the morning and night.

Use unscented soap and/or cleansers designed for your specific skin type: the cleansers should contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxyl acid because these ingredients are perfect for unclogging pores.Use a clean cloth to cleanse, and another dry cloth to pat your face: keep in mind that cleansing more than twice daily can cause more acne and inflammation.After cleansing, you can use a gentle exfoliate: for some, this step only needs to be executed two or three times a week; but for many, it's a part of their daily routine. Use a pea-sized amount, and massage in circular motions on your face and neck without adding pressure. Exfoliates with micro-beads or small particles promote new skin cell growth, which keeps your pores unclogged.Use a moisturizer to replenish any moisture you've washed off during cleansing or exfoliating: once you've applied the moisturizer, avoid touching your face so as to not add any new and unwanted bacteria to your face.

Also remember that the things you put into your body directly affect the way your skin looks on the outside. If you're eating a large amount of unhealthy fats and sugars, you'll have more whiteheads than someone who eats a minimal amount of unhealthy foods. If you notice whiteheads appearing more frequently, skip the unhealthy foods, and trade them in for raw fruits and vegetables. Also, add more water to your diet because this will help lower the amount of whiteheads your skin develops.

The best advice for treating whiteheads is to not squeeze or touch them at all; this keeps your skin from scarring. Instead, use an acne/blemish cream nightly to dab onto the whitehead. This will dry the whitehead out, and reduce the inflammation sight.

If you've tried over-the-counter creams, cleansers and exfoliates, consult a cosmetologist. Men and women who have been educated on ways to remove acne from problem skin can use special tools and methods to remove whiteheads without complications.

One method a cosmetologist will use that may be difficult for you to perform yourself is steaming. The steaming method opens the pores, thus making the surrounding skin soft. This allows the impurities like hardened oil, dirt, and bacteria to be removed more easily. Steaming also helps to remove other forms of acne like blackheads and pimples.

Once a cosmetologist has steamed your face, they will then proceed by using a sterilized needle to put pressure on the tip of the whitehead; the cosmetologist then gently pricks the whitehead on the tip to ease out the pus. The steaming and needle methods of removing whiteheads are widely considered the most effective ways to not damage your skin.

Moving along, one very important thing that people can do to prevent acne is to remove any makeup before going to bed. Not only should you remove all makeup from your face each night, but you should also cleanse and apply a moisturizer. If you skip this routine for just one night, you can wake up with whitehead breakouts. This will also cause your makeup to rub off onto your pillow, which will transfer back onto your skin the next night, leading to even more whiteheads.

In some cases, the environment you live in could be having negative effects on your skin. For example, if you live in a heavily-polluted area, it's possible for the treatments to be counter-balanced with unhealthy air. In short, your pores may become clogged even further in polluted areas. If you're desperately concerned about whiteheads and the condition of your skin, you should purchase a personal air filter for your home to keep air clean, while also making it easier for your pores to stay clear.

One more thing worth mentioning is that there are plenty of creams and ointments for clearing up acne overnight; however, these are often ineffective at removing the whiteheads. Fortunately, when it comes to removing whiteheads, you have plenty of options that are natural and more effective than bottles filled with chemicals. Natural treatments are safe and gentle on acne-prone skin, and you'd be surprised to find that you have a lot of whitehead-clearing ingredients in your home right now!

Try a facial mask with natural ingredients. Honey is a tried and true anti-bacterial product that can nix germ-clogging pores. Honey not only kills the germs, but it also reduces the size and inflammation of whiteheads and pores. Furthermore, it sucks out the oil, dirt, and hair that may be clogging your pores, thus removing the whitehead.

In order to create a honey mixture capable of battling whiteheads, mix one raw egg white, a tablespoon of milk, and two tablespoons of honey together; then slowly add the yolk to the mixture. Leave this mask on for 15-20 minutes, and then wash it off. Please note that it's normal for this mask to make your skin feel tight due to the egg in the mixture. But the egg is important because it removes excess oil on your face, without completely draining the face of nutrients.

If you're a man and you have trouble shaving due to whiteheads, try using a lemon and baking soda scrub to help clear clogged pores or hair follicles. Combine one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of lemon juice or filtered water. Apply the mixture to your face with a cotton pad and leave it on for one minute. This remedy can be repeated twice a week for two weeks, and then increased to three or four times a week. You should let your skin get used to the baking soda before using it more frequently so as to not irritate your skin.

This method is very easy because you need only water and a washcloth. Using hot and cold compresses removes acne slowly because it lowers swelling caused by whiteheads. The most efficient way to perform hot and cold compresses is to cleanse your face with facial cleanser, and then rinse with warm water. Use a cloth that has been soaked in hot water to press onto your face for 10 seconds; finish the compress by pressing a cold cloth to your face for another 10 seconds. This closes pores so that dirt, oil, and other bacteria won't clog the pores again and cause more whiteheads.

If none of these methods of removing whiteheads work, consult a dermatologist for further assistance with your problem.

 

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Taking care of senile skin

Our skins changes as we age and these changes are most noticeable on our faces. Changes in the skin can be seen as early as twenty-five, while expression wrinkles can become permanent as early as thirty. Over the age of forty, wrinkles can appear around the eyes and mouth. The skin also loses elasticity over time, and can also become course and dry. As you age, your routine may need to change in order to help your skin looking fresh and healthy. Here are a few tips for taking care of senile skin.

The first step in taking care of aging skin is to continue following a basic skin care routine of cleansing and moisturizing. Avoid using soap to wash your face, as it can irritate the skin, and try to choose a cleanser that isn’t perfumed or unnaturally colored. You should clean your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at the end of the day, with a gentle cleanser. Follow this up with a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. Dry skin is a common problem with aging skin, so be sure to choose a moisturizer that can help keep your skin hydrated all over the day.

There are hundreds of anti-aging products on the market today, but understanding how they work is an important part of choosing the right one for you. Products that have ingredients such as flax oil and vitamin B complexes are helpful, while products with vitamin C can help increase collagen structure, which helps keep your skin looking fresh. Products that contain glycolic acid or retinol can be beneficial, but these products can be very strong and should be used very sparingly in the beginning to allow your skin to get used to the product.

Finally, make sure you are following a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water, as this can have a huge impact on your skin. Water will help keep you hydrated while a diet with plenty of fresh food and vegetables will give you nutrients and vitamins you need to keep your skin looking healthy.

 

Beauty, Gratitude and the Open Heart

by: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.

The following article is offered for free use in your ezine, print publication or on your web site, so long as the author resource box at the end is included. Notification of publication would be appreciated. Title: Beauty, Gratitude and the Open Heart Author: Margaret Paul, Ph.D. E-mail: mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com Copyright: © 2003 by Margaret Paul Web Address: http://www.innerbonding.com Word Count: 721 Category: Spiritual Growth Beauty, Gratitude and the Open Heart Margaret Paul, Ph.D. "…beauty on your earth is a shadow of the beauty of our heaven, and it’s a bitter thing to have a blindness for beauty on earth, for it makes a longer teaching to see the beauties of heaven." Spoken by an Irish spirit in the book The Boy who Saw True (anonymous author).

Taking care of atrophy skin

Atrophy, or degeneration, of the skin is characterized by paper tissue thin skin. As the epidermis and the dermis parts of the skin degenerate, blood vessels and fat deposits become more apparent. There are many reasons why skin can atrophy. It may be genetic, or appear as we grow older, or may be the result of overuse of topical steroid creams. At the present time, there is no concrete cure for atrophy skin, but it can be treated and in some cases can return to normal. In this article, we’ll take a look at a few tips for taking care of atrophy skin.

First of all, if you suspect that you may be developing atrophy skin, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. While it’s possible that the atrophy skin may be the result of aging, it is also possible that it could be because of the use of medication, namely topical steroids. If you are currently using a topical steroid cream, stop immediately and see your doctor. Often, those that stop using this kind of cream will see their skin return to its former thickness, but this could take anywhere from months to years.

While there is not currently a cure for atrophy skin, researchers are working diligently on the problem and have discovered that the problem may be due to a loss of hyaluronate, which is a complex carbohydrate that is found surrounding the skin cells. While researchers are still working on clinical trials to test this theory, it is best to follow the advice of your doctor and treat your skin with extra care.

Atrophy skin is very sensitive and should be treated with care. Unless you have been told differently by your doctor, you should endeavor to keep your skin clean and hydrated by following a regime of cleaning your face twice a day with a very gentle cleanser and follow that with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

 

Taking care of sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is characterized by skin that reacts adversely to changes to the environment, such as too much sun, extreme temperatures, or reactions to certain cosmetics or other pharmaceuticals. Sensitive skin can react by becoming swollen, red, itchy or dry. Sometimes, sensitive skin can be confused with skin disorders such as eczema or rosacea. If you think you might have sensitive skin, you may want to consult a dermatologist, who can determine if you’re suffering from a skin disorder. Sensitive skin can vary from mild to severe, but it can be managed with good skin care. Here are a few tips for taking care of sensitive skin.

Cleaning and moisturizing your skin are very important parts of your basic skin care regime, and those with sensitive skin should use products that are as pure as possible. Choose products that are fragrance-free, color-free, and preservative-free. Clean your face twice a day with a very gentle cleanser and follow up with a water-based moisturizer. Avoid moisturizers that are oil based and contain lanolin or mineral oil, as these can block the pores and cause pimples or black heads. The best kind of moisturizer will contain a sun block with an SPF of at least 15.

If you use makeup, be sure to use products that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. You may wish to avoid products that are mineral based, as these can prompt an allergic reaction. Always be sure to remove makeup when you wash your face at the end of the day. Also, try to avoid washing with very cold or very hot water and avoid very hot baths, as these can over dry the skin.

Exfoliating is an important part of the skin care regime, and just because your skin is sensitive doesn’t mean that you have to skip this step. Use a very gentle exfoliant once a week to remove old skin cells and help your skin breath, keeping it looking healthy and fresh.

 

Tips on Shaving Sensitive Skin for Men & Women

Shaving is an extremely unpleasant experience for some people. You start shaving, the skin is smooth, and then it turns red, becomes full of rashes. You have got a sensitive skin if these problems are a common occurrence.

People with sensitive skin should take some precautionary steps before and after shaving, so please enjoy our tips for men and women on shaving sensitive skin.

You have got a sensitive skin if fine texture is covered by a thin layer of outer skin. Blood vessels inside the epidermis appear quite close to the surface in such cases. This skin gets irritated very easily upon exposure to heat, cold, commercial products and ultraviolet rays.

You may end up with bumps, dryness, stinging and redness if you are not careful while shaving areas with sensitive skin. A sensitive skin is likely to develop undesirable redness, dehydration and blotchiness due to external or internal changes. Clinical trials conducted by various independent study groups and research organizations suggest that mild and fragrance free shaving products are best suited for the sensitive skin.

Thoroughly wet your beard before you start shaving: Use a little warm water to wet your beard thoroughly. This should be done at least 5 minutes in advance. People with sensitive skin should shave after the shower and not before it. Shaving off wet hair is easier. Your razor blade will cause less skin damage in that case.Always use a sharp razor blade: It is very important to use a sharp razor blade if you have a sensitive skin. Old or used razor blades can cause a lot of pulling and irritation. Your skin will suffer more damages in such cases. Dull razor blades are likely to cause a burning sensation. These blades do not glide smoothly over the skin. They will just chafe the skin as you try to remove the beard.Do not use common shaving products: People with sensitive skin should always buy products that are labeled as "perfume free" or dry free. Chances of an adverse reaction are much less if you use safe products. Commercial products that are especially labeled for sensitive skin have ingredients with lower pH value. Experts recommend products with natural ingredients for people who have sensitive skin. Also, you should look for products that have butyle paraben or methyl paraben as preservatives. In any case, you should avoid products with botanical or antibacterial ingredients. Your skin will be more supple and well hydrated if you moisturize it properly.Lather up no matter where you are shaving: Whether you are shaving your beard, legs or underarms, you must remember to lather properly. You can use a mild soap with low pH or a shaving cream labeled "for sensitive skin".Have patience: Don't be in a hurry when you start shaving sensitive skin areas. Never run the razor blade over skin areas that have been shaved off already. You will end up with burning sensations or itching immediately if you run the blade over areas that you have shaven already. It is fine to spend an additional five minutes to shave slowly and avoid extremely irritating consequences including redness, dehydration and blotchiness.Try to shave less: Your skin will burn a lot less if you apply fewer strokes with your razor blade. Apply effective and careful strokes every time.Do not shave against the hair growth: You should always shave in the direction of the growth of hair. Less pulling and irritation takes place when you apply razor blade strokes along the grain of hair growth. Shaving in the opposite direction will lead to irritation almost immediately.Leave potentially dangerous areas: Hair over a sensitive skin will protrude a little more than normal if you go on pulling and stretching. Chances of ingrown hair are pretty high if you shave over the stretched skin area.Exfoliate on a regular basis: You should use a good exfoliating cleanser at least once a week. This way, your skin will get rid of dead skin-cells that cause damage. Also, trapped hairs on the sensitive skin are freed by dead cell removal.Do not temper existing bumps: It is important to avoid existing razor bumps. These bumps can cause significant irritation or scars. They will start bleeding as soon as you run the razor blade over them.Moisturize the skin on a regular basis: It is important to use a lotion with aloe for this purpose. Always buy moisturizers meant for "sensitive skin" only.

Getting a smooth and painless shave is possible if you are ready to follow tips for shaving sensitive skin (for men and women as well) mentioned above. Taking all these precautionary measures is really worth it. You can successfully avoid razor burns, bumps, rashes and ingrown hairs. Be a little careful and you can easily avoid adverse effects.

Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin: Step by Step

As some people know, your body produces oil as a way of keeping skin supple and healthy. But when you’re producing more oil (or sebum) than what’s needed, your skin becomes shiny, greasy and thick – plus it looks dull. You might also experience large pores, and find yourself with lots of blackheads, blemishes and unsightly pimples.

Luckily, oily skin can be treated through a variety of ways, including prescriptions from dermatologists, and basic moisturizers from the supermarket.

But before we get into all of this, let’s discuss the causes of oily skin.

As mentioned before, the basic cause of oily skin involves over-active glands, but there are other causes for concern, including:

your hereditary,what you are eating,medications you’re taking,humidity,cosmetic products you apply to your face,and hormone levels that are associated with pregnancy, puberty or menopause.

Skin that is dry or normal in some areas – while still being oily in others – is considered combination skin, but can still be treated as oily skin.

The area of the face that tends to be oiliest is known as the "T- zone." This is your forehead, chin, and the area on or around your nose. Teenagers normally have the biggest problem with oily skin because their hormones are going through changes, which cause blemishes on the skin.

Although adolescent teens tend to have the biggest problem with oily skin and acne breakouts, people of all ages have to deal with this problem. The oil that your skin produces increases in adolescence, and typically decreases as you get older; however, when women become pregnant or go through menopause, they also experience a change in hormones, which causes unexpected acne breakouts due to over-production of oil.

Although oily skin can be annoying to deal with, one big advantage to having oily skin is that you age at a slower rate than those who have normal-to-dry skin types. Oily skin is just as delicate as dry or normal skin types, and needs to be washed with warm water and cleanser daily. For the best results, use products designed for oily skin so that the sebum will dissolve without stripping your skin of all its nutrients.

The first step to dealing with oily skin involves cleansing in the morning with a gentle oil-free acne wash that contains salicylic acid; use only warm water to rinse the cleanser off of your face. Hot water will only irritate your skin more, and cause a greater amount of oil to be produced, thus leading to further acne breakouts.Oily skin needs to be exfoliated on a regular basis, and the amount of exfoliation per week depends entirely on the individual. Directions on exfoliates advise you to exfoliate twice a day for one week, and then switch to just once a day. You may, however, only need to exfoliate two or three times a week depending on how oily your skin is. It’s worth mentioning that you should avoid exfoliating if you currently have an acne breakout to avoid skin irritation. Exfoliating face treatments that you use should contain salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells that can build up and cause pimples. Also, an easy and gentle exfoliate can be made at home using lemon juice and sugar; mix together a few table spoons of lemon, add sugar, put the mixture onto a cotton ball or pad, and gently rub the cotton pad in a circular motion around your face and neck.Once you’ve patted your face dry, you can use a toner to help keep your skin firm, and close pores after you cleanse and exfoliate. Toner will also aid in reducing oil secretions that cause skin to look greasy without clogging pores; you’ll remove any residue or dirt that could be left over after cleansing. Toner can be used to set makeup when in a spray bottle, and can also double as a refreshing spray throughout the day. Use a toner that doesn’t contain alcohol to avoid drying your skin out.After you’ve cleansed and used toner on your skin, the next step is to apply a moisturizer with SPF. No matter what skin type you have, it’s important to use a moisturizer that contains SPF to combat wrinkles and other damage caused by the skin. Apply oil-free water-based moisturizer all over your face and neck by dabbing and massaging lightly in an upward motion. Your skin absorbs water-based moisturizers quickly, and this keeps your skin from being greasy.If you wear makeup, it’s important to wear foundation that is designed for oily skin. This may take some experimenting, but it’s important so that you’re not blocking pores, which leads to acne breakouts. Also, use a matte foundation to avoid the shiny appearance that oily skin is known for. When you’re applying foundation, it’s best to use a stippling brush or a sponge makeup applicator instead of your fingers. You might even opt for a tinted moisturizer rather than a full coverage foundation, which enables you to apply fewer products on your face each day.Before going to sleep at night, always cleanse, use toner, and moisturize again to maintain healthy-looking skin. You should especially do this if you wear makeup because it keeps your pores and face free from pimples.

If you’re not sure whether you are using too harsh of products, pay attention to how your skin feels once you’ve finished cleansing. Skin that feels dehydrated and tight is most likely over-cleansed or stripped of beneficial moisture and oil, which causes the top layers of the skin to shrink. This leads to blocked pores and breakouts because the oil can’t reach the skin’s surface. Avoid washing your face more than twice a day because this also causes skin to over-produce oil.

If you already suffer from acne, then you’ll especially want to follow these instructions to begin the healing process. Other things you can do to minimize effects of oily skin are to wash your pillows and pillow cases weekly or bi-weekly, along with your bed sheets, hats and/or scarves. Also remember that products used in your hair oftentimes have negative effects on your face’s skin. One more thing worth remembering is to keep your hair from becoming oily by washing it every other day, and using a dry shampoo in between normal washes. These tips should make having oily skin much easier to live with!