Easy Steps To Clearer Skin

At some stage in all our lives we want clearer, fresher, younger looking skin. Well it can be achieved without spending a lot of money and it can happen naturally! What you must do is persevere and over the course of three weeks your skin will begin to look fresher and clearer. Here's how;

1. Keeping your skin clean is your first priority! You must cleanse your face morning and night with a gentle, natural cleanser that not only rids the skin of dirt and grime but then treats it with an antibacterial ingredient like tea tree oil.

2. After cleansing the skin pat dry and then spray a fine toning mist over the face to cool and help close the pores while they are clean.

3. Look for a moisturizer that is made for problem skin types and contains antibacterial ingredients like tea tree oil and lavender essential oil. These ingredients are gentle but very effective at clearing the skin from blemishes and pimples.

4. Getting the right amount of restful sleep your body needs nightly will reflect in the state of your skin. Not enough sleep over a period of time will result in problems that are hard to cure such as loose skin under the eyes and dark circles.

5. The food you eat is of the utmost importance for healthy, clear skin! Make sure you are getting a good amount of fresh fruits and vegetables and limit your red meat intake to three or four times a week. Drink lots and lots of water too!

6. Cleanse the skin on your body and face with a weekly scrub. When using a body scrub start at your feet and work towards the heart, this helps eliminate toxins. Doing it the opposite direction will push the toxins back into your system. Use a very gentle facial scrub on your face and neck as these areas can be easily damaged.

7. Try an Aspirin face mask! This mask is having fantastic results on those people with open pores, pimples and acne. Crush about 15 aspirin tablets to a powder mix to a paste with a little water, less than 1 teaspoon and then apply to a cleansed face. Leave for twenty minutes to work its way into the skin and then rinse off and apply a light moisturizer. Try this weekly, after a face scrub.

8. Once a month use a home steam treatment to thoroughly draw out impurities from the face. Add boiling water to a basin or bowl and add two drops of tea tree oil. Place your face over this with a towel covering and gently let the steam open and cleanse the pores.

9. Get out into the fresh air and take a walk, swim in the sea, ride a bike and have fun! The exercise will boost your system and your skin will love it.

10. Take a fish oil supplement daily. Fish oil helps eliminate toxins from the body and by now you know that is fantastic for your skin!

Don’ts Of Great Hair Care

In fact, most will go to any lengths to achieve their desired look. From professional salon treatments to over-the-counter serums, hair care is a big business. Many people are buying the right hair care products, they forget to follow basic hair care regimens that will guarantee the health and beauty of their tresses. Additionally, many are also causing needless damage to their hair by participating in unhealthy hair care behavior.

Ten tips Hair care don't

1. Avoid unprofessional and over-the-counter hair care products whenever you can. Many of these only offer false hopes and promises.

2. Do not cut your own bangs. Leave all of your cutting needs, even bangs, to your hair care professional.

3. Avoid excessive sun, chlorine and salt water during the summer months. Excessive exposure can cause severe damage that is irreversible even if you use the best hair care products.

4. Do not use clarifying hair care products on your tresses more than one time per week. They can strip hair of moisture and essential oils.

5. Do not visit a hair care salon without first getting a referral from someone you can trust. Choosing a salon based on an advertisement or sale alone is very risky.

6. Do not purchase hair color that comes in a box.

7. Never stick with an outdated look because you are afraid of looking different. Styles change for a reason. Ask your hair care professional to bring you into this decade with a new style.

8. Do not straighten your hair with a clothes iron. C'mon, this was so over in the 70s. We have straightening irons that won't damage your hair for this now. Look in the hair care isle.

9. Don't brush your hair or put too much tension on it while it is still wet. This will cause breakage. Also, do not wear tight styles such as corn rows for extended periods of time unless you have ethnic hair.

10. Never use sun-lightening products such as lemon juice or over-the-counter hair care products designed to lighten hair with the sun unless you want a very short hair cut in the future.

Right Cosmetics For Your Skin

Dry Skin

If you are the victim of skin that is dry, don't despair. You should find a mousse or crème type foundation. Moisture is the key word with lipsticks and lip glosses. If you use a concealer, make sure it is cream based. You should avoid loose power or oil free formulas as they will tend to settle in the fine lines on your face. Eye makeup is best done with silk-textured powder or crème eye shadows and eyeliner should be either a shimmer pencil or a matte type.

Oily Skin

Try using an oil free primer before applying a matte type foundation that won't clog your pores.Loose powder has fewer oils than pressed powder. Blot the skin periodically throughout the days to remove any shine. Avoid cremes for eye shadow or mascara and creamy style lip pencils.

Sensitive Skin

Look for products that are labeled specifically for use with sensitive skin and avoid fragrances in your cosmetic products. Non-allergenic is another phrase to look for on the labels. The key is to avoid anything with high dye levels or preservatives.

Combination Skin

You can either choose different products for different skin conditions on your face or you can select products which are specifically created for combination skin. Even so-called normal skin often has areas which are more or less oily than other areas. Normal skin may have times during the monthly cycle when it is oilier than usual.

African-American skin treatment

African Americans tend to have sensitive skin, said Angela Palmer said. This makes it difficult to treat acne and acne ingredients that can irritate the skin. Black skin is more susceptible to acne cream - rashes that are caused by hair ointments - and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin as a result of inflammation.

The fact is that any type of skin condition may occur independently of the pigmentation of skin you have. When it comes to African American skin care and others with darker spots, however, there are some problems of skin care that are much more common.

Changes in skin color

African American skin has larger melanosomes (cells that determine skin color) and the melanosomes contain more melanin than those found in white leather. Since the protective effect of melanin, African-Americans are better protected against skin cancer and premature wrinkling from sun exposure.

Avoid:

Severe procedures such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels can exacerbate the pigmentation problems. To protect sensitive skin from irritation, the use of dry ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide with caution.

Embrace:

Maintain a simple skin care routine products, Discovery Health, recommends cleaning your hands lightly on a daily basis. Acne treatments that target with retinol pigment correct and eliminate acne without irritating sensitive skin. SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 is ideal for those who have sensitive skin and are new to the retinol treatment.

Acne treatment and prevention at home

Whether you are dealing with an existing case of acne or attempt to prevent future outbreaks, there are some habits that can help control acne:

Use a cleanser acne.
Clear acne cleanser twice a day. Choose a gentle formula, acne skin care products, detergents, which has salicylic acid to kill bacteria that cause stains and dissolve excess oil.

Avoid greasy lotions and cosmetic creams.
Look for lotions and cosmetics that are oil-free and labeled "non-comedogenic" or "nonacnegenic." To cover the light that will not irritate existing acne, go to the Colorescience Let me be clear primer that contains salicylic acid to help clear skin and Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer SPF 30 to hide the imperfections of nature.

clean the makeup before going to bed.
Although it is always important to remove makeup at night before bed, it is important for those who struggle with acne. Use make-up remover lotion gentle as Avene Micellar Cleansing and Make-Up Remover, a hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, oil-free and alcohol-free.

Wear loose clothing.
Tight clothing causes friction with the skin, which may block the sweat glands and cause acne. If you are struggling with body acne, choose clothes made of material that helps wick sweat and moisture from the skin.

Shower after sweating.
If you struggle with acne on the face or body, it is important to shower after the completion of a work or other activities in promoting perspiration. Use body wash specially formulated Wash Murad Acne Acne, including salicylic acid and other essential ingredients to help control and prevent stains from head to toe.

Type and Cause Acne rosacea

Acne rosacea is a chronic disease characterized by facial erythema (redness). The buttons are sometimes included as part of the definition. Unless it affects the eyes, it is typically a disease harmless cosmetics. Treatment in the form of topical steroids may aggravate the condition

Although this type of acne is also known as "adult acne", should not be confused with acne vulgaris. Rosacea usually affects adults in England, Ireland and Scottish descent who are over 30 years of age, and occurs more often an essential part of the face, the forehead, chin and the bottom of the nose.

Generalized inflammation and dilation or rupture of capillaries near the skin surface creates a pink or reddish pink appearance. Unlike acne, rosacea is not associated with whiteheads and blackheads. People with mild rosacea may be unaware they have the disease but may be a deep red, red bumps and cysts red characterize more severe forms.

Acne rosacea usually begins as a redness on the central face across the cheeks, nose, or forehead but can also affect the less frequently the neck, chest, ears and scalp. In some cases, other symptoms, such as semi-permanent erythema, telangiectasia (dilated superficial blood vessels on the face), red domed papules (small bumps) and pustules, red gritty eyes, burning and tingling sensations, and in some advanced cases, a red lobulated nose (rhinophyma) may develop.

There is no cure for Acne rosacea and acne vulgaris and, unlike, affects individuals are not likely to grow out of it once, it seems. But fortunately, the symptoms of rosacea can be treated and controlled with laser therapy, oral and topical medications. In order to care at home, groped Pevonia Skin Care Rosacea Skin Pack solutions, combining natural ingredients to strengthen the capillaries and soothe the skin balanced, even tone.

Timer that causes episodes of flushing and redness play a role in the development of Acne rosacea. Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause your face to become flushed as well as intense exercise, heat from sunlight, severe sunburn, stress, anxiety, cold wind, and move to a warm or hot environment from another cold as heated shops and offices during the winter.

There are also some foods and beverages that can cause redness, such as alcohol, food and beverages that contain caffeine (especially, hot tea and coffee), foods rich in histamine and spicy food. Histamine-rich foods (red wine, aged cheeses, yogurt, beer, cured meats such as bacon, etc.) can also cause permanent facial redness of rosacea in people due to a separate room, histamine intolerance.

Type of acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne, and can range from mild to severe. Mild or moderate cases of acne vulgaris include the following types of injuries:

Pustule.
These lesions are often grown reddish and contain a white or yellowish fluid, consisting of pus, oil, dead skin and white blood cells. How inflamed papule, these pimples are the result of breaking the wall inside the follicle.

Blackhead.
This type of defect known as "open comedo" and occurs in over-sized follicles in which air can penetrate and oxidize the plug on the skin's natural pigment, melanin, to create a black appearance.

Papule.
A small red dot that does not contain pus is called a papule. Also known as "grain", a form when a blister is broken near the surface of the hair follicle.

Whitehead.
This type of defect is also called "closed comedo" and occurs when the plug causes the wall of the hair follicle to swell. Because the air is not trapped inside the material, does not oxidize and remains white.

Type of acne vulgaris that range from moderate to severe often occur when oil, bacteria and other debris spill out from the follicle to affect other areas of the skin. These lesions can be tougher to treat and include:

Nodules. 
These large, painful lesions penetrate deep within the skin on the face and body and may be the result of multiple infected follicles that are adjacent to one another. Nodules are more likely to form scars and can last for a longer period of time – especially if squeezed. An acne condition that’s characterized by nodules is called “nodular acne.”

Cysts. 
Similar to nodules, cysts are large lesions, but these contain pus. An acne condition with cysts is often referred to as “cystic acne.” If acne contains both cysts and nodules, it’s referred to as “nodulocystic acne.”


The most severe type of acne vulgaris are rare and difficult to treat. These conditions include:

Acne conglobata.
This extreme form of acne vulgaris is rare and more common in men aged 18 to 30 years. It occurs when nodules and cysts scattered beneath the surface of the skin to create large lesions often painful and may be accompanied by black spots and an unpleasant odor. This chronic disease is difficult to treat and can cause scarring.

Acne fulminans.
If chronic acne conglobata is nothing left untreated, can develop acne fulminans. This condition is characterized by sudden, swelling, fever, acute pain in the joints of the hips and knees and severe acne to ulcers.

Gram-negative folliculitis.
This type of acne is caused by a bacterial infection, and includes pustules and cysts. Gram-negative folliculitis associated with long-term treatment of acne with antibiotics. The bacteria that cause this type of acne is resistant to most drugs, making it difficult to treat.

Pyoderma Faciale.
Also known as "rosacea fulminans," this is a rare form of acne is characterized by sudden onset of a red, painful pustules and nodules on the face. This condition usually affects females, aged between 20 and 40 lasts a little over a year, and can cause scarring.

Right Cosmetics For Beautiful Face

Right cosmetics for any skin type is important to create a fresh natural appearance as well as to prevent reactions to the cosmetics such as allergies with resulting rashes, itching and weeping or breakouts with whiteheads or blackheads and painful skin eruptions. Every person's skin is unique and different areas on a person's face may have different characteristics which must be taken into consideration when choosing appropriate cosmetics.

Avoid cosmetics that dry or irritate your skin

Each different skin type will react differently to the various types of cosmetics. Even if a particular brand works for your eye shadow, the same brand may not work for lipstick. This is because the skin type on your eyelids may be very different from the skin type on your lips.

Consider your skin tone when selecting cosmetics

Select cosmetics that complement and match your skin tone and minor imperfections in skin tone and texture will disappear. Darker foundations, deeper colors for eye shadow and eyeliner will be best suited for those with chocolate or olive skin tones. Cosmetics should enhance, never overpower the skin tones.

Invest in quality makeup

Quality makeup often tends to get painful to the pocketbook, but it shows on your skin. Look for good quality cosmetics that aren't necessarily expensive. It's better to invest in yourself by purchasing quality makeup that you know looks great with your skin type.

Must Know The Cause of Aging

Less oil.
Oil-producing glands beneath the surface of the skin become less active as they age. In women, this usually occurs after menopause. This is good news for those struggling with oily skin.
Less acne.
Another reason to take the skin aging? After 30 years, you are less likely to cure acne, which is more common among youth and young adults. However, occasional failures are still common. And luckily there are a lot of products that have been specially developed for the treatment of adult acne.

Less sweat.
As you age, the sweat glands become less active, resulting in fewer problems with odors and moisture. Drink plenty of water when preparing or take longer to heat. Although you may sweat less, you'll probably still need to use an antiperspirant, from time to time.

Less body hair.
As you get older, you can expect a reduction of body and facial hair. However, it is possible that your hair has become a bit 'rough. The survey is conducted at the University of South Wales, reveals that if the young and the old is the same experience, older adults may find it more uplifting. In general, older adults are more likely to appreciate the good things in life and are less upset when things go wrong.

More confidence.
The skin of the young may be more firm with less wrinkles, but the young often accompanied by insecurity - especially when it comes to self-image and confidence. As people age, many people find it natural that more and more confidence.

Smarter beauty techniques.
Like all the ladies that run behind the beauty of fashion a new genre, you will be able to say, "You there, done that." As we get older, they naturally develop a sense of what works - and does not work for our sense of style to the skin, hair and overall.

Did You Causes of acne?

By understanding the different types, causes and triggers of acne, you can learn to deal more effectively and prevent epidemics in a clearer complexion, healthier and safer.

Although nearly 85 percent of adolescents and many adults have or experience acne at some point in life, insecurity and confusion that accompany this complicated skin condition, which may seem impossible to be fighting.

Causes of acne

Acne is a common disease, which is located inside the hair follicles become clogged pores and form a little damage to the skin surface. Sometimes this happens when the sebaceous glands, which are located next to the pores of the follicle, hyperactivity, and produce too much oil, creating a block or plug. Then the dirt, bacteria, dead cells and other debris accumulate on top of the cap to form a spot or blackhead.

Hormones.

Acne is most likely to occur during adolescence, when the sebaceous glands grow and become overactive because of hormones called androgens. Hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy can also trigger acne.

Genetics.

Acne tends to run in families. If your parents had acne, so you and your children are more likely to develop this condition.

Bacteria.

Stomach bacteria that help the body break down food follicle mites, which make themselves at home with our hair, the human body is a living ecosystem. Many of these microbes are mostly harmless bacteria that live naturally as the oil produced in the hair follicles under the skin. However, many people who suffer from acne have brought many of these bacteria is their skin.

Cosmetics.

Acne is caused by cosmetics, is called "Acne Cosmetica." Typically, this mild form of acne appears on the face, forehead and neck, and is triggered when cosmetic ingredients clog pores, leading to an accumulation of oil that cause acne.

Medication.

Increase in acne is caused by certain medications, including certain types of birth control and steroids. Talk to your doctor if you suspect your acne is caused by a drug.

Skin Whitening creams

Fair complexion is the first requirement for a person to look beautiful. The dark skin could not be converted into a totally fair skin but a noticeable effect could be given.

• Mix sandalwood with rose water and apply it on the face daily.Turmeric powder could also be mixed with sandal wood paste and can be applied on face daily.
• Apply the seeds of grapes on face and neck.
• Make a paste of grinded almonds and rose water to make a fine paste and apply it on face and neck. This brings glow on the face.
• Make a mixture of grinded cucumber and mix it with coconut water and then apply on face.
• Soak four of almonds overnight. Grind them after removing their skin till they become fine. Add 1½ teaspoon of gram flour or besan, 1 teaspoon of fresh milk and four drops of lime juice. Make a paste and apply it on the face. Massage gently the face after 15 minutes till the paste comes off. Rinse with warm water and then followed by cold splashes.
• Soak raw potato slices in cold water for 10 minutes. Rub these slices over face, neck and hands

Face pack for oily skin

Potato face pack

Ingredients:

Potato juice - 1 teaspoon

Multani mitti - 1 teaspoon

Blend both the ingredients together and apply on the face. Leave it until it dries. Then wash with lukewarm water. Finally, rinse with cold water.

Cucumber face

Ingredients:

Cucumber juice - 1 tablespoon

Peppermint extract - ½ teaspoon

Mint juice - 1 tablespoon

Mix all the ingredients together and apply this on the face. Leave it for drying. Then wash off with lukewarm water. This face pack is very effective for oily skin. 3. Papaya face pack Apply 2 tablespoons of papaya pulp on your face and let it dry. Then wash off with lukewarm water. One can also mix lemon juice in it. 4.

Egg face pack

Ingredients:

Egg white - 1 egg

Multani mitti powder - 1 teaspoon

Peppermint extract - ½ teaspoon

Water - ½ tablespoon

Soak multani mitti powder in water for half an hour. Beat the egg and blend all the ingredients together. Also mix the soaked multani mitti powder in the mixture. Apply this on the face for 15 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water.

Face pack for dry skin

Ingredients:

Yogurt - 1 tablespoon

Multani mitti powder - 1 tablespoon

Mint powder - 1 teaspoon

Soak multani mitti and mint powder in yoghurt for half an hour. Then mix them well by beating. Apply it on face for 15 minutes and leave it to dry. When dried wash off with lukewarm water. Then rinse by cold water.

Egg Face Pack

Ingredients:

Honey - ½ teaspoon

Egg yolk - 1 egg

Milk powder - 1 teaspoon

Beat the egg yolk, mix the milk powder and honey in it. Beat again. When a paste of medium thickness is obtained, apply it on the face. When it is dry, wash off with lukewarm water.

Face Packs for Normal skin

Apricot face pack

 Ingredients:

Honey - 2 teaspoons

Apricot extract - 2 teaspoons

Almond oil - ½ teaspoon

Lemon juice - ½ teaspoon

Mix all the ingredients and apply the paste on the face. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash off. It is excellent for firming up the skin.

Basel fruit face pack

Ingredients:

Basel fruit powder - 2 teaspoons

Date extract - 2 tablespoons

Honey - 1 tablespoon

All the ingredients are mixed into a paste and applied on the face for 10-15 minutes and then washed off. It is good for the sagging skin become it firms up the skin.

Face packs for patchy skin

Mint face pack

 Ingredients:

Yogurt - 1 tbsp

Multani mitti powder - 1 tablespoon

Mint powder - 1 teaspoon

Soak multani mitti powder in yoghurt for half an hour, then mix mint in it. Mix all the ingredients well. Apply the paste on the face. Leave it to dry and then wash off with lukewarm water followed by a cold water rinse.

Coconut face pack

Ingredients:

Sea-kale powder - 1 teaspoon

Coconut oil - 2 teaspoons

Mix sea-kale powder and coconut oil in a basin. Massage it on face, neck and forehead for 10 to 15 minutes. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water in which a few drops of lemon juice have been added. Then rinse off with cold water. It will help to remove the blemishes .

Peppermint face

Ingredients:

Brewer’s yeast - 125 gm

Witch hazel extract - 1 teaspoon

Peppermint extract - 1 teaspoon

Lemon juice - 1 teaspoon

Mix all the ingredients together. Apply on the face and forehead and relax by lying horizontally keeping the eyes closed. Leave it for 30 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water containing a little of lemon juice. It is good for improving blood circulation.

Facial Glow

Glowing Skin

Required

Pumpkin Slice

Egg Yolk

Milk

Take egg yolk, milk and slice of pumpkin in a bowl and mix thoroughly until it appears creamy. Apply to face and left for about 30 minutes. Wash face with lukewarm water.

Whiter Skin

Required

Coconut Milk

Pineapple Juice

How To Apply?

Mix coconut milk and pineapple juice mix well and apply by using cotton balls. Leave the mixture for 20 to 25 minutes to dry and allow the extract to absorb on the skin. wash your face with normal water and pat dry.

Cucumber Facial

Required

Cucumber

Lemon Juice

Witch Hazal (you will get in any drug store)

Egg White

Peel one cucumber and blend it with blender or a food processor. Put the cucumber pulp into a strainer and force it through, the liquid that comes out in a bowl, now add that cucumber liquid with lemon juice and witch hazel  Mix it well and add the beaten egg white gently. Now apply on your face and leave it for 20 to 25 minutes to dry, then rinse off with normal water.

Men's skin care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lotions vs. skin care creams

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

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

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

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

Natural skin care products

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Herbal skin care

Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things – our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialisation of skin care.

Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.

So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

facial skin care product

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antiaging skin care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anti aging skin care products

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anti aging skin care

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

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

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

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

Sensitive skin care solution

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

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

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

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

All about Facial skin care

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acne skin care

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acne and its treatment

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


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

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