Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Skin Care Online Schools

Online skin care schools offer courses for working adults to change a career or to advance an existing career. Skin care technicians (also known as Estheticians) are in demand in beauty salons, spas, and private practices.

Online distance learning skin care courses focus on the study of all aspects of skin; skin structure and natural health; and on skin conditions, treatments, and care. Online skin care programs teach basic biology, cellular components of skin, normal skin and adjoining systems, common dermatologic disorders (birth marks, acne, discoloration), skin diseases, and general routine components of good skin care.

Online courses in skin care may include discussions of skin layers (epidermis and dermis), immunology, skin infections, pigmentation, healing, hair and nails, cosmetics and beauty, skin biology, skin tumors, and more.

Online skin care schools offering programs of study can include tanning and dangers of tanning; camouflage of skin imperfections; aging and conditions of aging; diseases and treatments; and tips for seasonal skin treatment for healthy skin.

Generally, hands-on experience in laboratory course(s) may be required for certification or a degree in this field of study. Be sure to inquire whether certification or a degree in skin care is an option at your school of choice, and whether or not hands-on experience is a requirement for the particular skin care program of study.

If you are interested in learning more about Online Skin Care Schools and other types of schools, please search our site for more information and resources.

Skin Care Cream - Who Needs It

Have you noticed that getting ready each morning seems to getting more complicated and time consuming? If you're like me, you probably look at all the skin care cream in your bathroom cabinet or drawer and wonder, "who needs it?" Well, you do! We all do.

Having healthy beautiful skin requires skin care moisturizing cream. But with the glut of skin care cream products available on the market (or in your cabinet) how do you know which one is the best for your skin?

Well, most products on the market can temporarily relieve your skin's dryness. But they are not designed to treat and repair the underlying causes of that dryness: aging and exposure to sunlight and the elements. This is because they are made up of synthetic chemicals, such as mineral oil and parabens combined with chemically-produced fragrances. Not only are these not effective in repairing your damaged skin, they can also contribute to that damage with long term use.

The best skin care moisturizing cream is based upon natural ingredients that come from plant oils, vitamins and natural enzymes. In addition to effectively hydrating the skin, these ingredients are capable of giving your skin cells what they need to heal from within. And the really great thing about using natural ingredients is that they work on ALL types of skin...even the toughest to treat dry skin.

Plant oils such as avocado and macadamia are free of harsh chemicals, so they are able to provide natural, soothing hydration to the skin.

Vitamins such as Vitamin E and natural enzymes such as CoQ10 work because they are antioxidants. Antioxidants are important in skin care cream because they fight the production free radicals. Free radicals are damaging molecules that cause the lines and wrinkles in our skin that make us look older. CoQ10 is so effective because it has the ability to penetrate the skin several layers deep.

Lines and wrinkles aren't the only problems we face as we age. As we get older our body's ability to produce collagen and elastin is reduced, resulting in the loss of our skin's youthful firmness and elasticity. The best skin care cream contains natural proteins such as Keratin, which stimulate the body's own production of collagen and elastins.

Beware of any skin care moisturizing cream that is promoted because it contains collagen. The molecules that make up this type of collagen are too large to penetrate the skin when applied topically. So the collagen in these products is useless.

This emphasis on natural ingredients is also important because of your skin's natural absorption. When you use skin care products that are made up of synthetic chemicals you are at risk of having these chemicals reach your bloodstream. This is why it’s so important to choose products that are made up of ingredients which won't harm your body. The natural, plant-based oils, vitamins and enzymes which are contained in the best skin care cream are pure enough that you could eat them.

So do yourself a favor and simplify your morning getting-ready routine. Find the best skin care cream and put it in your bathroom cabinet. Its as easy as reading labels. Before long you’ll be an expert at separating the ineffective jars of synthetic chemicals from the best, most natural skin care moisturizing cream. Your skin AND your bathroom cabinet will thank you.

Skin Care Tips for Working Women

Not only are working women pressed for time, juggling between domestic chores and work schedules; they usually find it difficult to squeeze in the time for indulging themselves in a well deserved skin care regimen. Therefore, a quick, effective program is the key for women who either pressed for time or are working.

Skin care know-how, prevention and maintenance is all that is required in order to maintain healthy skin. In fact, working women need to take extra care since they are subjected to environmental stress, hormonal changes, and harmful UV rays.

A basic cleanse, hydrate and treat should be the watch-phrase of all working women...its quick simple and effective. Here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind.

Sun Protection Factor

Application of a broad spectrum sun block is vital in order to protect from the harmful UV rays which is the prime cause of premature aging and skin cancer. UV rays break down the skin collagen and the skin loses its elasticity and the ability to renew itself.

A quality SPF product is therefore imperative for working women. Many products now contain or have formulations with SPF15 or above to help protect.

Antioxidants skin care products

There is a wide range of antioxidants skin care products that come packed with an array of antioxidants like ALA, CQ 10, grape seed extract, Vitamin C, Vitamin E etc.

Antioxidants play the role of combating free radicals created by natural oxidization and prevent premature aging. In fact, antioxidants like Vitamin C promote new collagen production and impart a more youthful and radiant complexion. However, a stabilized form of Vitamin C is required for optimum results.

Balanced Diet

A balanced and a healthy diet is a must for working women in order to keep their skins in good condition as certain deficiencies will start to have adverse effects on the skins appearance. It is also a good idea to lap up on supplements and antioxidants to keep the skin mechanism at its peak and help fortify its defenses.

A good skin care regimen

Invest in quality and reliable natural skin care which are validated by good testimonials and backed by quality research. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing here become key to a good natural skin care ritual.

Also, exfoliation helps to get rid of unwanted dead cells and also helps your skin care products work faster and better. Moreover, weekly or biweekly exfoliation also ensures a radiant and fresh complexion.

A monthly or bimonthly face massage on weekends is also not a bad idea since your skin needs all the pampering after a week of environmental onslaught. Consider this as a deep cleansing for your skin and opt for a skin care treatment that is best suited for your skin type.

Additionally, periodic use of a good wrinkle cream can help to infuse hydration and replace the moisture lost as we age. Effective wrinkle creams often contain Argireline which acts to relax skin tissue and eliminate or reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Hyaluronic Acid is now becoming popular because it infuse hydration directly into the skin adding a "plumping" property. It has become popular as an active ingredient in lip products - lip plumpers - and is used effectively in anti-aging skin care products generally.

At the end of the day (literally), the best advice is to properly clean and remove make-up and oils. Make-up and oil accumulation can trap and promote dirt and bacteria. Cleansing is the first step to softer, cleaner, and healthy skin.

If possible, applying a moisturizing cream helps hydrate - the common criminal in aging skin and wrinkle formation. Adequate water consumption will help, but a good nightly moisturizer that does not clog pores will invigorate and moisturize.

Finally, treatments for targeted skin care should be applied to remove or cleanse acne, wrinkles, blemishes, dark circles or fine lines. Many skin care products are formulated to also moisturize and cleanse. So, the best tips for working women are to take a few minutes to cleanse, moisturize and treat for healthy, younger looking skin.

Natural Skin Care Solutions That Works

Natural skin care solutions may seem hard to find, or too overwhelming to decide which is best for your skin. You wander the aisles trying to figure out which ones are a real skin care solution. You try cucumbers or tea bags over your eyes, and other recipes and advise from friends, but none of their skin care solutions are working for you. No need to fret!

Here are 3 easy solutions for you:

1. A mixture of lavender, German chamomile, frank incense, wheat germ,grape seed, jojoba and olive oils can make great skin care for your face. It can reduce or help prevent wrinkles. You can also use these oils to create your own body oils and lotions. The best thing about natural skin care is you get to customize it just for you!

2. For exfoliation, you can use any of the oils mentioned above, or others that you enjoy and mix with a salt scrub. Use this to exfoliate your skin for soothing and relaxing, natural skin care solution.

3. Some perfumes can aggravate your skin, giving you unsightly rashes and even effect your allergies. This happens because of the chemicals used in most manufactured perfumes. You can create your own natural perfumes with a jojoba oil base and various blends of essential oils. Mix and match, experiment to create a natural perfume that you enjoy.

Essential oils are excellent for the creation of your own natural skin care uses. It’s also fun to make your own natural skin care solutions using different oils and bases! Have fun while taking care of your skin with products that you know what ingredients are being put in it. You can take control of your skin care with your own natural skin care solutions!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Skin Care Basics That Everyone Needs To Know

Listening to my grandmother, it seems like taking care of your skin when she was young was a breeze. Now we have so many different skin care products to choose from that taking care of your skin can be confusing. You walk through a big department store and the girls behind the cosmetics counters are trying to pull you in to sample on of the thousands of products they have. While all of this can be major confusing the fact of the matter is that you do need to be fairly well informed on a few things at least to help you create a basic skin care regimen.

Today women all over the world have much more to deal with than our grandmothers did. We have the dangers of sun exposure, air pollution, poor diets, stress and more. The consequences of all of these show up in the skin. We have to work hard to fight the negative effects by using the right skin care products. One of the most basic items in our skin care arsenal is a good lotion, which is crucial to maintaining proper moisture in out skin. Everyone has different skin types so you need to get a lotion that is well suited for your skin to keep it hydrated and apply it morning and evening.

When choosing a lotion you should always pick one that is hypoallergenic that will not cause your pores to become clogged. You will usually find that lotions intended for use on the face are usually referred to as moisturizers while lotions for the body overall are classed as body lotions. Take care to see that you use the appropriate type of lotion for each part of your body, such as only moisturizers for your face.

The body lotions are further classified into levels of intensity for different types of skin. There are three basic types of skin which are dry, oily, and combination. Usually in every person you may have different types in different areas of your body. If you have severely dry skin you will need an intense body lotion and will need to apply it more frequently. If you have oily skin you still need to be concerned with hydration just not as think a lotion as someone with dry skin.

There are other skin care products made for specific maladies such as eczema, hives, and rashes which are commonly called ointments. There are also many specialty ointments that are used for areas like around the eyes and corners of the mouth. These are usually collagen supplements or anti wrinkle creams.

Skincare Advice For Everyone

Taking care of your skin should not be confusing nor should it require you to use a large multitude of products just to make your skin feel cleaner. In spite of all the sales hype that we see on TV and in print trying to persuade you that you need all different kinds of products most people only need a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer with anti-aging ingredients included. With that said, there are exceptions that may have a type of skin needing special care so it is important to know what kind of skin you have.

Begin by assessing what your skin type is. If your face feels dry and tight with possibly some rough patches or redness you probably have dry skin. You may even suffer from flaking and irritation. The best treatment for this type of skin is to use rich moisturizers and never use cleansers that strip oil from your skin. You should also add Omega-3 oil to your diet.

If your skin is shiny or feels slick, especially on your forehead, nose, and chin then you probably have oily skin. Although, you may not think of it as a blessing when you are young it is actually a blessing in disguise because it naturally guards against wrinkles and the effects of aging. With oily skin, you want to use cleansers that will clean the skin without removing this natural anti-aging oil.

Skin that is prone to acne and those who are older are more unique and will require more specialized treatment. Mild cleansers are still best and moisturizers should be oil free but formulated for the specific condition you may have.

People with severe skin conditions such as severe acne should seek the advice of a dermatologist who may wish to prescribe medicines and specific skin creams that are made to deal with tougher cases.

It is very easy to care for your skin once you know what your skin type is and can even become enjoyable as you use the correct products and see improvement.

Tips For Supple And Smooth Skin

It is very important to take care of one's skin and with the current weather conditions your skin care just goes for a toss. It is an integral part like you take care of your teeth. Everyday care and moisturizing helps your skin in a very long run. It can make a good amount of difference once you start taking care of your skin. When I say skin it doesn't mean your face is the only thing that has to be taken care and you should take care of your whole body.

Before getting any of the home remedies done on your face you should see to it that you are not allergic to any of these fruits or vegetables. Taking care of your skin by use of some natural home remedies can be of great help. To get rid of scars and tan you can scrub lime with granules of sugar which would help in lightening your skin and also removing the dead cells which are present.

For smooth skin other things which can be done is to apply bananas mashed with milk and keep it for 20 minutes which would help in making your skin very smooth and supple. Egg and honey is also a very good combination which when applied would reduce your wrinkles and you could see a good change in a short while.

Sliced potatoes are also good if applied on your face and skin as it reduces blemishes and other scars. Turmeric has lot of healing capacity and if mixed with milk and applied on your face makes your skin smooth and also reduces the amount of wrinkles.

Cucumber juice a powerful astringent is also very good as it tightens your face and if kept for 15 minutes you can easily see the result. Turmeric powder mixed with turmeric powder is a very good bleaching agent and could easily help in removing the tan once you have been out in the sun.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Organic Skin Care

Organic skin care is an area of the organic movement which has made real progress in recent times, and where previously there were few options available there is now a fairly wide range of grooming products out there.

Products

Products are from natural plant based ingredients & contain no: toxic petrochemicals, enzymes, optical whiteners, phosphates, chlorine or ammonia. Skin care products that are sold in department stores and other places should be scrutinized since not all ingredients in these may be organic. Organic skin care products offer natures goodness with few side effects yet at the same time, these products can be effective for helping a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, pimples, oiliness, dark circles, dryness, wrinkles, pigmentation, freckles, and many others. Skin products containing anti-aging vitamins and anti oxidants give one younger looking skin and flawless skin. Skin care products can be purchased as ready made or you can make your own skin care products at home. Organic creams provide your skin with external nutrition that keeps it looking healthy and allows you to age gracefully.

Ingredients

Organic skin care products are products that contain only natural ingredients in their formulas. Most of these ingredients can be absorbed through your skin. For a product to claim that it has been 'made with organic ingredients', it must contain over 70 per cent of organically grown produce. Ingredients grown on farmland that has been free from chemicals for at least three years.

Organic skin care products can help you accomplish your goal of possessing a healthier skin and attractive look whatever your complexion may be without harming your skin. Organic skin care is not for everyone, but those who suffer with extremely sensitive skin often find organic skin care products to be an answer to prayer. Natural skin care products are a safer and certainly more environmentally friendly alternative in escaping our chemical and additive-laden world. Organic skincare is proven safe and effective - it can help prevent the outbreak of quite a large number of skin disorders and keep your skin looking healthier and younger for a much longer time.

Lotions Or Creams For Your Skin Care

Skin care lotions and skin care creams are the most popular forms in which skin care products are available, and there always seems to be a debate on which form is better?

Well, there is no definitive answer to this. It seems more like a matter of personal choice, yet there are some objective factors that may interfere with their choices, these factors are:

# Application of creams is easier

# Creams are known to be most effective in keeping skin moist

# Creams are easier to apply (without wastage) on the targeted area

# Lotions seem to be preferred over skin care creams as toners

# Lotion is a better choice for cases where skin needs to be washed using a medicine/product

These factors, personal choices, and manufacturers ways created a certain common pattern of using skin care products, and this pattern is not far from logic. Use of skin care creams and lotions can be outlined in the following procedures:

# Creams seem to be more popular as moisturisers than as cleansers or toners, consequently, the most popular form of skin care cream is moisturizers.

# A lot of people tend to associate skin care creams with dry and sensitive skin , yet creams are also used for oily skin (e.g. vitamin A creams that help reduce the rate of sebum production.

# Creams seem to be preferred (over lotions) in cases where the skin care product is not to be removed immediately after application.

# Creams are also used for products that cater to skin disorders especially for disorders that require the application of product over a small localised area.

# Eye-creams and anti-ageing creams are preferred over their lotion counterpart.

# For toners, lotions seem to be preferred over skin care creams. There are some skin care creams that acts as toners too, but generally the toners are available in liquid form only.

# For cleansing, lotions and creams are equally popular; however, the tilt seems more towards lotions.

The Best Skin Care System You Can Follow

I'm sure you have seen hundreds if not thousands of products advertised on the news, radio, tv, newspapers, magazines, internet and billboards about skin care systems that make wonders for your and how they are the latest solutions that will make your be beautiful. However most of the time that skin care product might not be the right solution for your type of skin or might even be dangerous to use.

A good skin care system should consist of natural ingredients that come from plants, seeds, flowers and roots, if the skin care product you use is not composed of natural ingredients and have excessive chemicals then you should avoid it and stop its use immediately.

There are many skin care products that contain fragrances and other chemicals that contain toxins, those toxins are the cause of free radicals in your skin that cause dryness and therefore wrinkles and fine lines. Sure in the short term some of those products might help you hide your fine lines, but when your stop using them the reality appears.

A Natural Skin Care System

So what you should do is follow a natural skin care system that will help your body improve the smoothness of your skin, protect your skin from free radicals, improve brightness of your skin and remove wrinkles gradually.

So your skin care system should consist of:

A good skin care routine in the morning and at night, remove your make up and moisturize your skin.

Follow healthy habits such as exercising regularly, eat lots of vitamins, drink lots of water and avoid the excessive sun exposure.

And finally use a good skin care cream full of natural ingredients that will protect your skin and help your body produce the essential elements that your skin need to be young like collagen and elastin.

Follow those steps and you will have a much better skin, is very important that you choose the right skin care cream or anti aging cream to help you keep your smoothness especially if you are not a teenager. Ingredients like Cynergy TK, Phytessence Wakame and Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10 are the most advanced in producing collagen and maintain your skin wrinkle free.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

The Shocking Truth About Most Anti Aging Skin Care Products

Finding a high quality anti aging skin care product that is really effective can be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Many anti aging skin care products do not perform as promised.

Some of them only moisturize and several are not even very good at that.

Recently we looked at the customer reviews for a popular anti aging skin care product sold on Home Shopping Network.

The "collagen kit" as it is called was supposed to remove fine lines, lessen wrinkles, enhance the lips and soften crow's feet around the eyes.

We didn't find a single person that was satisfied with these anti aging skin care products.

And, I believe I know why.

First of all, the Home Shopping Network is great for jewelry, clothing and similar items.

But, when you are looking for an anti aging skin care product, you have to be able to read the fine print.

You should be able to answer these questions: What are the ingredients? What are the guarantees? What research do they have to back up their claims? Why does it cost so much?

If you skip the homework, you will end up dissatisfied and possibly with more skin problems than you had before.

Ingredients to Avoid

Purified water is often the primary ingredient in anti aging skin care products and cosmetics of all types.

It's fine, but it doesn't "do" anything for you.

Alcohols of various types are usually listed. Ethanol, ethyl, methanol, benzyl and isopropyl are all forms of alcohol and they are all drying.

The collagen fiber that many companies list as an ingredient in their anti aging skin care product line is derived from cow skin and is ineffective.

We all have collagen and elastin in our skin.

As we age, we lose collagen due to the sun, the wind and other environmental factors.

Cow collagen can not replace what we have lost.

It works in injections in sort of the same way that you would blow up a balloon. It does not work in creams.

Parabens are preservatives that a company may still use in anti aging skin care product, even though they have been banned in several countries, because they are believed to drive cancer tumor growth.

Diethanolamine, monoethanolamine and triethananolamine or the abbreviations DEA, MEA and TEA are sometimes used in anti aging skin care products to adjust pH levels, even though they too are believed to cause cancer and there use is restricted in Europe and many countries around the world.

Dioxane is another cancer causing ingredient that you may see.

It is sometimes used to make harsh ingredients milder.

Ingredients to Look For in an Anti Aging Skin Care Product

Cynergy TK is a patented form of keratin which has been shown in clinical trials to stimulate collagen growth, regenerate elastin and increase production of new skin-cells.

Wakame is a type of sea kelp that is clinically proven to increase levels of hyaluronic acid to those of a much younger person, thus improving elasticity, reducing bags and healing dryness and irritation.

Nano-lipobelle H EQ10 is an emulsion of vitamin E and COQ10, which is used by skin-cells to counter the effects of the sun and oxidative stress.

Stearyl and cetearyl waxes keep moisture in and create a fine thin coating that protects your face from further damage.

Only the best anti aging skin care products contain all of these ingredients.

Cost and Guarantees

Anti aging skin care products that are highly advertised or have celebrity endorsements cost more, not because of the quality ingredients they contain, but because the majority of their budget goes to pay for commercials.

COQ-10 is an expensive ingredient, but if not properly combined with vitamin E, it cannot be absorbed through the pores.

If the company does not guarantee your satisfaction, look for one that will.

The best anti aging skin care product that we have seen offers a full 90 day satisfaction guarantee.

Take the time to read the ingredients and look for the best.

Serious Skin Care

'Serious skin care’ is about maintaining a healthy and glowing skin all through your life. As you grow older, your body’s natural skin care mechanisms become weaker. So, ‘serious skin care’ is about responding to the changing needs of your skin. Thus, ‘serious skin care’ is about constantly evaluating, analysing and changing your skin care routines. Your skin care routine should change based on the environmental conditions, your age and changes in your skin type.

‘Serious skin care’ is also about awareness. With the technological advancements and research, more and more facts are being brought to light everyday. Also, the composition and nature of skin care products seems to be changing with time. So trying out the new products is also a part of serious skin care. However, ‘serious skin care’ advises using a new product over a small patch of skin (not facial skin) first, just to see how your skin reacts to it.

‘Serious skin care’ also means knowing how to use your skin care products. Good practices include things like applying the moisturizers while the skin is damp, using upward strokes for better penetration of skin care products, removing the make up before going to bed, cleansing before moisturising or applying make up, using the correct amount of skin care products, etc. Thus, increasing the effectiveness of your skin care products is another focus area of serious skin care.

Some precautions, like avoiding contact with detergents, are also part of serious skin care. ‘Serious skin care’ means being gentle with your skin. Things like over-exfoliation, use of low quality products, and application of strong-chemical based products, are all harmful to your skin. Some people have a wrong notion about serious skin care. For them serious skin care is - using large quantities of products as often as possible. However, this really isn’t serious skin care (and that’s why awareness is so important).

‘Serious skin care’ is also about visiting your dermatologist for treatment of skin disorders. Ignoring the skin disorders can be fatal for your skin and might lead to permanent damage. So, if the things don’t improve with over the counter medication, you should immediately visit a dermatologist. Self-surgery e.g. squeezing of acne/pimples is a big no (it can lead to permanent damage of your skin).

So, seriously serious skin care is more about precautions and preventive measures (than treatment). Serious skin care is about being proactive as well as reactive. In fact, we can say that ‘serious skin care’ is about being proactive about the needs of your skin so that the need for being reactive is reduced to a minimum.

The Recipe for Dry Skin Care

Dry skin cannot be ignored. Dry skin leads to cracking of the upper layer of skin and gives it a real bad appearance. The main causes of dry skin include: dry climate, hormonal changes, too much exfoliation and treatment of other skin disorders. Moreover, dryness could be the inherent nature of one’s skin. Whatever be the cause, ‘dry skin care’ is very important (but not very difficult).

‘Dry skin care’ starts with moisturisers, the most effective remedy for dry skin. Generally moisturisers are classified under 2 categories based on the way they provide ‘dry skin care’.

The first category includes moisturisers that provide ‘dry skin care’ just by preserving the moisture within the skin e.g. Vaseline. These moisturisers are relatively inexpensive and are readily available (even at grocery shops).

The second category includes moisturisers that work by drawing moisture from the environment and supplying it to the skin. This is a very effective way of ‘dry skin care’ in humid conditions. The moisturisers that provide ‘dry skin care’ in this way are also called humectants. For proper dry skin care, you must use a non-greasy type of moisturiser, as far as possible. Humectants fall in this category. The ingredients of humectants include propylene glycol, urea, glycerine, hyaluronic acid etc

‘Dry skin care’ is not about just using moisturisers but also using them properly. The best ‘dry skin care procedure’ is to cleanse the skin before the application of moisturiser. You can make your ‘dry skin care’ even more effective by applying the moisturiser while the skin is still damp (after cleansing). Also, make sure that you use soap-free products (especially on your face, neck and arms). Exfoliation does help in dry skin care, by removing the dead skin cells. However, don’t exfoliate too hard. Your dry skin care procedures/products should also take care of sun protection. Avoid too much and too direct exposure to sun (simply by using an umbrella/hat etc). Use a good sunscreen lotion before going out. A lot of moisturisers provide sun protection too, along with dry skin care.

You also have natural products for ‘dry skin care’ i.e. products that provide ‘dry skin care’ in a natural way (without the use of synthetic chemicals). These dry skin care products supply lipid enhancements to the skin, hence enabling moisture retention within the skin. Another, important thing for ‘dry skin care’ is the temperature of water you use for shower or for washing your face – Use warm water; too hot or too cold water can cause dryness too.

‘Dry skin care’ is also about being gentle with your skin. You should avoid harsh detergents and alcohol based cleansers. Also, after a face wash, do not rub your towel on your face, just pat gently to soak the water off.

On the whole, dry skin care is really simple for anyone who takes that seriously.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Sensitive Skin Care Products for Beautiful Skin

Sensitive skin care products are now in vogue! More and more people exhibit skin sensitivity and have adverse reactions to cosmetics, environmental issues, and toiletries.

Sensitive skin care products are being sold more and more because there are very few people in the world who have perfect skin. Most of the time skin problems are the result of the products we use on our skin. Most sensitive skin care products on the market today are sold as all-natural and many are quite effective in helping most sensitive skin problems.

There are many places that you can get a professional facial as well as a skin type analysis. These places often offer free facials and trials of their sensitive skin care products. It gives you the chance to try out different sensitive skin care products to find the ones that are most appropriate for your skin.

A survey recently showed that 50% of women and 40% of men regard themselves as needing sensitive skin care products. Scientific studies show that later life sensitive skin issues are correlated with a weakening of the outer most skin layer called the skin barrier. Further, it's been shown that the sooner an individual uses sensitive skin care products and strengthens the skin barrier, the healthier and younger looking skin will be later in life.

If you aren't sure if you need sensitive skin care products, there are several signs:

· First, the skin becomes oily and broken-out in the summer but then dry, red, and tight during winter.

· When emotionally stressed, the skin becomes red and puffy or breaks out in a case of adult acne.

· Many people needing sensitive skin care products find that they blush or become flushed more easily than most.

As for skin care products, people needing sensitive skin care products, will likely have experienced rashes or irritations from several products, especially those that are heavily scented. In cases of extreme sensitive skin, this extends to household products as well - detergents, kitchen or bathroom cleaners, and hand soaps can all cause various reactions, even spicy foods and too much exercise can lead to skin irritation.

In summary, check the labels on your skin care products. Avoid fragrances, artificial dyes and the various paraben preservatives, as they can cause irritation and possible health problems. Sensitive skin care products that are made from all-natural ingredients are your best bet for resolving generally sensitive skin or occasional flare-ups.

How to Do an Anti Aging Skin Care Review

Are you sick and tired of trying to sort through the glut of anti aging skin products on the market with their promises of younger, more beautiful looking skin? I know you want to find a truly effective anti aging skin care system, so I am going to show you how to do your own anti aging skin care review. Once you know how to do this, I know it won't be long before you have a skin care product that will have you turning back the clock on your appearance.

There really isn't any mystery to doing an anti aging skin care review. Actually, its quite simple. Its just a matter of reading the label on the jar of skin care cream. The trick is knowing what ingredients to look for and what ingredients to avoid.

Ingredients to Avoid

The following ingredients are found in many anti aging skin care systems. It seems incredible because not only are they ineffective at improving your skin, but with prolonged use, they can actually cause damage to your skin.

1. Mineral oil, a cheap, widely-used ingredient that also goes by the names of liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, and petrolatum. This ingredient is harmful because it clogs pores, blocking the skin's ability to eliminate toxins. Using anti aging skin care products with mineral oil can lead to premature aging.

2. Dioxane (a synthetic derivative of coconut). This ingredient all appears in many skin care products. Dioxane is a chemical that has been linked to cancer.

3. Parabens, including methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl paraben. This ingredient has less to do with anti aging skin care and more to do with shelf life. Ironically, it preserves the product but does nothing to preserve your youthful appearance.

4. Alcohols, including ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol. Alcohol in skin care products have the effect of drying and/or irritating the skin. It can also make you susceptible to viruses, bacteria and molds since it strips away your skin's natural acid mantle.

5. Frangrances, which make anti aging skin care products smell good but exposes you to a variety of chemicals that can ultimately be damaging to your skin.

What these ingredients all have in common is that they are synthetic. And while their wrinkle-filling properties give you a temporary look of improvement in the short term, they can cause damage to you skin in the long term.

In order for an anti aging skin care system to be truly "anti aging," it needs to contain ingredients that work with your skin's own natural ability to sustain its firmness and elasticity. It also needs to be effective at helping your skin lower the production of damaging free radicals. This can only be accomplished by using nature-based/natural ingredients.

Ingredients to Look For

So as you do your anti aging skin care review, look for the following collagen and elastin-boosting, free radical-reducing ingredients:

1. Exotic kelp (phytessence wakame), a substance that blocks a harmful enzyme that breaks down the hyaluronic acid in your skin. This important acid holds your collagen and elastin fibers together, giving them the strength to keep your skin firm.

2. Bio-active keratin (Cynergy TK), a natural substance extracted from sheep wool. Keratin is a protein found throughout the body, which has an important structural role in the skin. This substance is known to increase moisture retention, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost firmness and calm skin inflammation.

3. CoEnzyme Q10, a potent antioxidant that can penetrate down through seven layers of skin. This antioxidant is highly effective at fighting free radicals.

4. No fragrance, which eliminates exposure to harmful chemicals on senistive skin.

One Final "Heads Up"

In your anti aging skin care review, there is one more critical component of reading ingredient labels that you need to know. The ingredients I mentioned above must be present in high concentrations or they won't be effective.

Cosmetic companies know the importance of these ingredients in truly fighting aging. However, they are costly. So in order to save money while impressing the consumer, some companies will include low concentrations of these substances so that they can be listed on the label. Don't be fooled!

So know that you know how to do an anti aging skin care review, take what you've learned and examine some anti aging skin care systems. You'll be surprised and happy when you find, like I did, that there are some terrific, safe, healthy and effective products out there. Your skin will thank you for it.

Natural Anti Aging Skin Care The Key to Beautiful Skin

We are all born with flawless skin, but unfortunately, it does not always stay that way. Environmental and hormonal factors work together to take their toll on skin, resulting in noticeable aging of the skin.

With looks being important in today's society, it is vital that people work toward maintaining a healthy, youthful glow to their skin. Starting an anti aging skin care treatment at an early age can help people keep wrinkles and other signs of aging away. Many people are doing just that. By fighting the signs of aging with natural anti aging skin care, a person can look younger much longer than in the past.

Many people say it seems that the signs of aging appear practically overnight, but they actually lie beneath the skin's surface for a long time before appearing outside the skin. Aging usually begins underneath the surface of the skin when a person is in their middle 20s.

Signs of aging include:

Transparent, thinning skin
Sagging skin
Fine wrinkles
Hollowed cheeks
Dry skin
Loss of skin firmness

Natural anti aging skin care involves treatments using natural ingredients that help heal and maintain the youthfulness of the skin. In addition to natural anti aging skin care treatments that include facial scrubs, facial masks, facial peels, facial toners, facial mists, facial cleansers, facial moisturizers, facial wraps, under eye treatments, and more, regular exercise, a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and avoiding too much sun can also help your body feel youthful in addition to looking youthful.

A natural anti aging skin care regime will increase the moisture in the skin, stimulate the production of collagen, neutralize free radicals, lock in moisture, stimulate skin repair, and encourage the skin's natural defenses to work toward protection. Natural anti aging skin care treatments accomplish these goals by using natural ingredients possessing properties that provide skin with these benefits.

Antioxidants- Natural anti aging skin care contains antioxidants that repair the skin and protect it from further damage caused by free radicals. Over time, the skin builds up a reservoir of antioxidants that help to minimize sun damage by providing both protection and by stimulating cell repair.

Demulcents - Demulcents soothe irritated skin and calm inflamed skin.

Emollients - Gentle emollients work to soften and soothe sensitive, dry skin.

Exfoliation - Using a natural acid like citrus juice, exfoliation encourages new skin cells to grow by eliminating the outermost layer of older dead skin cells.

Humectants - While helping the skin to hold in moisture, humectants also moisturize by adding hydration and moisture.

While there are plenty of natural anti aging skin care products on the commercial market today, the best products cannot be purchased at your local store. The absolute best aging skin care products come from recipes using natural ingredients found in your kitchen. By using natural ingredients and anti aging skin care recipes, you can get a good hold on the key to beautiful skin and anti aging skin care.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

‘personal Skin Care’ is a Routine

We all know the importance of ‘personal skin care’. The opinion on how-to (for personal skin care) differs from person to person. Some people believe that going to beauty parlours every other day is personal skin care. Others believe that personal skin care is just a matter of applying some cream or lotion on your skin, every now and then. Then there are people who think that personal skin care is an event that happens once a month or once a year. Still others busy themselves with ‘personal skin care’ all the time. However, personal skin care is not that complicated and neither is it that expensive (considering how beneficial it is). Personal skin care is following a routine or a procedure for attending to the needs of your skin.

Even before you start with a routine, you need to determine your skin-type (oily, dry, sensitive, normal etc) and select the personal skin care products suitable for it (you might have to experiment with a few personal skin care products). Here is a routine that should work for most people with normal skin.

The first thing on personal skin care routine is ‘Cleansing’. The three main ingredients of a cleanser are oil, water and surfactants (wetting agents). Oil and surfactants extract dirt and oil from your skin and water then flushes it out, thus making your skin clean. You might have to try a couple of cleansers before you find the one that suits you the best. However, you should always use soap-free cleansers. Also, you should use Luke warm water for cleansing (hot and cold water, both, cause damage to your skin). Take care that you don’t over-cleanse your skin and end up damaging your skin in the process.

The second thing on the personal skin care routine is exfoliation. Skin follows a natural maintenance process wherein it removes the dead cells and replaces them with new skin cells. Exfoliation is just a way to facilitate the skin in this process. Dead skin cells are not capable of responding to personal skin care products but still consume these products, hence preventing them from reaching the new skin cells. Thus removing dead skin cells is important in order to increase the effectiveness of all personal skin care products. Generally, exfoliation takes it place just after cleansing. As with any personal skin care procedure, it’s important that you understand how much exfoliation you need. Exfoliate 4-5 times per week for oily/normal skin and 1-2 times per week for dry/sensitive skin. Exfoliate a couple of times more in hot and humid weather.

Next thing on personal skin care routine is moisturizers. This is one of the most important things in personal skin care. Even people with oily skin need moisturisers. Moisturisers not only seal the moisture in your skin cells, but also attract moisture (from air) whenever needed. Use of too much moisturiser can however clog skin pores and end up harming your skin. The amount of moisturiser needed by your skin will become apparent to you within one week of you using the moisturiser. Also, applying the moisturiser is best when your skin is still damp.

The last thing on personal skin care routine is sunscreen. A lot of moisturizers (day-time creams/moisturisers) come with UV protection – so you can get double benefits from them. Such moisturisers are recommended for all days (irrespective of whether it is sunny or cloudy).

Again, experiment with various personal skin care products and also with the amount you need to apply. What gives you best results is the best personal skin care recipe for you. However, if you have some kind of skin dilemma, it is best to consult your dermatologist before you actually start using any personal skin care products.