Posts Tagged ‘Skin Care’

There are actually things you do that make you age faster. Although you have the complete nightly regimen, you find that wrinkles still appear. Think about your daily routine and make changes. If you really want to look young for a longer period of time, you need to do something about it immediately. After all, when it comes to your health and body, preparation is key.

A common mistake women make is going to a bargain spa. It’s tempting to get a cheap facial spa, but what you’re risking is definitely not worth the money you’ll be saving. Infections, burns, and scarring can occur at the hand of an inexperienced person. It is better to go to the clinic of the licensed dermatologist who will personally attend to you. While the trained staff member can remove blackheads and whiteheads, trust only the one with the license to do more complicated procedures since the wrong technique can aggravate your problems. Be extra careful about who you choose to perform more invasive treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and lasers. These things require more knowledge and training, so your safest bet would be someone who is certified.

Another thing you have to carefully consider is your on-the-go makeup brushes. As long as you’re using non-comedogenic products, you usually won’t break out even if you use the leftover product stuck on the brush. However, leaving your tools unwashed more than a week can cause unwanted blemishes. Ideally, you should clean and dry tools thoroughly after each use. This lessens the chances of bacteria and fungus to thrive. Make sure that you keep the brushes that you use for your creams and liquids clean because germs multiply faster in damp conditions. Sanitize them after each use by placing a few drops of brush cleaner on a cotton ball and swirling it around the bristles until it’s visibly clean. Make sure they’re completely dry before you pack them inside your kit.

Of course, you’ve also heard how second-hand smoke affects your skin’s condition. Exhaled smoke can even be more harmful to your face than the smoke that is being inhaled. Cigarette clouds contain significant levels of nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. When the smoke hits your skin, it triggers the release of wrinkle-causing free radicals. You’re most at risk if you live with a smoker or hang out in smoky places often. When you can’t avoid sharing space with smokers, make sure there’s ventilation available to dilute airborne toxins.

You may also have not realized this, but your afternoon coffee does more bad than good for you. Some people believe that the minerals found in milk can actually cause acne, especially for those with sensitive skin. Your skin creates more oil and this increases your chances of breakout. If you’re battling with oily skin that is more prone to pimples, you may have to seriously think about letting go of dairy products. These breakouts may leave more marks on your face when they heal. And the more marred your complexion is, the older you will look.

It seems that anti aging makeup is at the heart of the new wave in cosmetic products. From anti aging and anti wrinkle face creams, the cosmetic companies began formulating anti aging foundation color, and then other products including lipstick and even eye shadow. But are these products worth the extra money that you are being asked to pay? Do they actually work, and if so, how?

The first thing to remember when you are considering anti aging cosmetics or other makeup products is that their claims do not have to be approved by the FDA. As long as they are sold for cosmetic and not medical purposes, they are not classed as drugs. This means that there are no particular limits on what they may claim other than the general laws on advertising. The FDA will not check that any claims made in their advertising are true.

Of course, if a product says that it contains a certain ingredient such as Retinol or vitamin E which can help reduce the signs of skin aging, then legally it must actually contain that ingredient. However, they do not have to say how much. It could be a tiny amount that would have very little effect.

Generally speaking, the ingredients that are used in moisturizing creams to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging are items best applied in a greasy medium. They often work very well in moisturizers and you would probably notice the difference if you stopped using your moisturizer for a while. However, they do not necessarily do so well in makeup. Regular makeup can have a drying effect and perhaps anti aging cosmetics will avoid that, but you might not even notice the difference.

So although it is possible that anti aging makeup may work, we are skeptical. Anti aging foundation may be a better choice than a regular foundation … maybe. But it should not replace a moisturizer in your skin care routine. If you cut out your regular daytime moisturizer thinking that your foundation will do the same job, you are likely to be disappointed with the results. Keep on hydrating your skin with a good moisturizer for best results.

If you want to use makeup to reduce the signs of aging, the best way is probably to spend your money on updating your complete selection of cosmetics rather than choosing anti aging products. Throw out any colors that you have been using since the last century and check out what is popular right now. It is also worth spending some time learning how to apply cosmetics effectively to give a younger look. Using blusher in certain ways on the cheekbones can be almost as effective as a face lift – and could be a lot more effective than anti aging makeup.

The first question most people ask when looking for anti-aging skin care products is.

“Which products have been proven to be effective?”

However, that is not the right way to start the search. Multitudes of anti-aging treatments are flooding the marketplace. Most are full of hype and false promise.

The better way is to find out accurate information. This includes anti-aging skin care techniques, strategies and treatments that best address your personal skin issues.

The basics of skin rejuvenation begin with the facts on anti-aging skin care treatments. Several active ingredients are clinically effective. One of them is vitamin A derivatives such a Retinol or Retinyl Palmitate.

The Retin A or Renova Vitamin A treatments are the strongest. However, these are the most irritating treatments of all Vitamin A options. Only qualified doctors can prescribe these. Usually you are a candidate for such treatment only if your skin needs major rejuvenation attention.

If you do not have this choice, you can use other over-the-counter Retinol alternatives for your skin. The concentration of such products can range up to 1%. The basic rule of thumb is the higher the concentration, the stronger the treatment is.

However, be warned. You need to read the instructions carefully. Stronger Retinol products could cause irritation to the skin. You should start slow and gradually work your way up to higher concentration. This will allow your skin to adjust to the treatment better. Generally, Retinyl Palmitate is less irritating that Retin A. Most users have success using this.

The next effective anti-aging skin care treatment is by using chemical exfoliants such as Alpha Hydroxyl Acid (AHA) and Beta Hydroxyl Acid (BHA).

Most people use AHA. The concentration should be around 8% to 15% depending on your skin’s sensitivity. Start out with a lower concentration first. Then gradually move up to a 10% then 15% concentration in order to avoid irritation.

The last choice is to use an antioxidant. This helps to contain skin-damaging free radicals as well as to encourage better skin repair. Products containing CoQ10, Spin Trap or Vitamin C Ester are good options.

However, skin care repair is not enough. You also need to incorporate preventive measures in your skin care regime. The most critical part is to use sunscreen everyday and take care of your lifestyle.

Wearing a sunscreen will help protect your skin from sun damage. It keeps your skin moisturized. Do not ignore this. Sun damage and loss of moisture are two main causes of wrinkles and premature aging.

There are many organic sunscreens available. Many combine Aloe Vera and other proven herbal ingredients in their formulas. Pick one and use it religiously.

The foods you eat also play an important role.

Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid can increase collagen production. It also has healing and antioxidant properties. This helps to reduce fine lines and minimize scars. The Vitamin E is also an effective antioxidant. It also improves the skin’s moisture and texture. The Vitamin K can reduce dark circles around the eyes and treats spider veins.

Last but not the least, do not smoke and sleep late. These can affect your skin.

There you have it. The complete anti-aging skin care regime you should know.