Category: Skincare Products

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Is your Smartphone giving you wrinkles?

woman-smartphoneIs your Smartphone giving you wrinkles?

Are you addicted to your smartphone? And do you have the ‘smartphone squint?’

Supposedly, gals are developing premature wrinkles from staring at their smartphones. Really?

According to Dr. Brian Glatt, a New Jersey board-certified plastic surgeon, “The trend for ‘BlackBerry Botox’ is highly increasing especially among women who are addicted to gazing on their BlackBerries or iPhones all day. Peering at a small screen causes facial strain, around and between the brows which may cause premature wrinkles on the face.”

Smartphone-related wrinkles are the latest condition that doctors attribute to overuse of technology. Others include ‘BlackBerry thumb’ – a form of repetitive strain injury caused by excessive texting.

Ok, we aren’t really sure we believe this, but we thought sharing these tips couldn’t hurt…

1. Take a break – It’s important to put down or at least glance up from your Smartphone regularly so that your eyes can rest. Though squinting is necessary when using a Smartphone, taking time to relax your eyes can make a significant difference in reducing this new type of strain on your facial muscles.

2. Turn the light down low – too much light and contrast can cause you to narrow the eyes to take in the brightness. A no-no for fresh-looking eye contours. Combat the dreaded ‘crow’s feet’ effect by dimming the screen in your ‘settings’ options – and see how low you can go on the light emission. The less, the better. (as a bonus, this will also help preserve your phone’s battery life!)

3. Enlarge the text – If you find yourself struggling to read the small text on your Smartphone and start holding it so close you wrinkle your nose so much it hurts, just enlarge the text by simply going to your settings and altering the text size. Also, the zoom function can be a fantastic thing – use it to focus in on images on your device so you can see much more clearly and avoid pulling the inner eye.

4. Looking after your eyes – If you can bear it, spend less time glued to your iPhone or Blackberry. And during this timeout, take some deep breaths to relax the face into a more natural expression, and gently massage the area around the eyes – a simple thing that can make a big difference to preventing those lines that starts subtly but can get deeper and more pronounced. Not only will your face be serene looking, you will feel more serene – and in a much better state to deal with any inbox horrors.

5. Don’t forget to smile! If you are experiencing stress from being constantly attached to your Smartphone, just think about the potentially negative effect this is having on your youthful appearance. Then, take time to do something that relieves the tension, like playing on a fun app, like TomCat or Angry Birds; this will help relax your face, soften your expression and prevent long term frown lines.

Do you think that excessive use of your smarphone will age your face?

SUBMITTED BY
In her 30’s from USA
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What To Eat For Healthy Skin

berries2By Where to find the vitamins and minerals your skin needs to make it look radiant

Achieving radiant, younger-looking skin takes more than just a good skin care regimen. In fact, what you eat has also a lot to do with it.
Think about it: your skin is the biggest organ in your body, so whatever you eat will also take its toll on your skin. To get good skin, you have to start from within, which means eating the right kinds of food.

Here’s a list of foods you might want to pick up the next time you make a grocery run.
1. Low-fat yogurt. Low-fat dairy products not only give you a calcium boost (which helps prevent osteoporosis), but it also contains Vitamin A, which helps in the development of skin cells. Basically, your skin cells depend on Vitamin A to regenerate, making you look younger and healthier. Without it, you get dry, dull skin.
Added bonus: yogurt also contains live bacteria that’s good for your intestinal tract. A healthy digestive system reflects on good skin.
2. Berries. We’re talking strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and even plums! These babies pack lots of antioxidants and phytochemicals which protect us from free radicals — such as sun exposure and pollution — that can damage our skin cells.
Berries also help our bodies manufacture collagen, which as we all know, makes skin smooth and supple. Buy some and toss them in yogurt for an extra sweet treat!
3. Salmon. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which helps make cell membranes stronger and healthier. Stronger cells are able to hold in more moisture, which leaves you with plumper, youthful-looking skin. Plus a good amount of Omega 3 also helps keep your heart in good shape.
You can also get your dose of Omega 3 from avocados, walnuts, and dark, leafy vegetables.
4. Green Tea. Sip on this: green tea contains catechins and polyphenols which have anti-inflammatory characteristics and may even prevent certain skin cancers!
Research has also shown that the antioxidants found in green tea help reduce the risk of UV damage on skin cells. Plus, a cup of the stuff is high in Vitamin C, D, K, riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Heck, no wonder green tea is used in so many beauty products!
5. Almonds. Almonds have tons of flavonoids, antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor characteristics.
These antioxidants deactivate free radicals in the body which help keep your skin cells healthy and happy. Plus, almonds are rich in Vitamin E and have essential oils that keep your skin moisturized from within.
The best way to enjoy them? Raw, unsalted, and with their skin on.
6. Water. Your body is made up of 60% water. If you don’t chug down H2O during the day, you become sluggish, dehydrated, and your skin gets dull and dry.
Water not only quenches your thirst, but it also washes out unhealthy toxins in your body — toxins which, if left to linger, show up on your face.
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day and more if you’re doing activities that cause you to sweat. Remember, if your body is well-fed and hydrated, you’ll feel and look better.

By Maui V. Reyes for Yahoo! Southeast Asia
@royalblooded
SUBMITTED BY
Student
In his 20’s from Manila, Philippines
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3 Ways to Keep Your Skin Soft

SoftBabySkin-Dec10-istockGet skin that’s silky smooth

 The winter can really dry out your skin and make it become chapped and flaky. Hot showers always feel so good on a chilly night, but while the steam can be good for the skin, too long in a hot shower can make the skin feel rough and leathery. Colder weather doesn’t have to mean scaly skin. So what is the best way to keep skin soft and silky this winter? Here are some tips on how I keep things smooth:

For the face: 
Use a gentler face wash or one with exfoliating beads and wash face in a soft, circular motion without rubbing too hard or scrubbing with a washcloth. When you step out of the shower, cake on the moisturizer. Apply one heavy layer and let it set in. If your face soaks it up quickly, add a second thinner layer. Also, your face can feel dry after a night’s sleep, so add a thinner layer of moisturizer after your rinse your face in the morning and before you apply your makeup.

For the lips:
Find a conditioning lip treatment or lip balm that moisturizes your lips and keeps them satiny smooth. I discovered a new product – Jouer’s Conditioning Lip Treatment – which keeps my lips soft for hours. It also gives a pretty sheen which doesn’t require lip color, which makes for a perfect, natural look. Also, when choosing lip color use one that doesn’t dry your lips out. Some glosses and lipsticks are too sticky that they don’t glide on the lips, but rather just make them chap easier.

For the body:
Use a body oil in the shower to keep skin soft and apply a thick body cream right out of the shower. For rougher spots like the elbows and knees, use a loofah in the shower to exfoliate and soften the skin. If your feet become rough, apply a thick layer of moisturizing body butter cream and slip on some soft socks or slippers.

What tricks do you have for keeping your skin soft during the harsher winter months?

SUBMITTED BY
Writer
In her 30’s from San Diego, CA
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How to Get Beautiful Skin During the Winter

5-Beauty-Tips-For-Skin-Care-001During the cold winter months, the weather can take its toll on your skin. In order to reclaim a glowing, immaculate complexion, try one of these beauty tips! You’ll look dewy and refreshed in no time.

Step 1: Dry, Flakey Skin

The best way to get rid of those dry patches is to exfoliate! You can either do this manually with a Clarisonic or use the more affordable version with a brush. Your other option to exfoliate is with a peel or serum. I highly recommend http://ziamex.com/products-page/exfoliation/a8-so-aha-8-solution/ since they have all natural derivatives of glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids to buff away those dead skin cells all the while replenishing your skin with hydration from apple, watermelon and lentil extracts. I then follow up with a hydrating serum, http://ziamex.com/products-page/moisturizer/hya2-sodium-hyaluronate-gel/.

Step 2: Red, Splotchy Skin

To conceal ruddy skin, there are a couple of effective ways to do this. If you’re not a big makeup-wearer, I recommend Bare Minerals Redness Remedy as it lightly conceals for a natural look. However, it is also a skincare product, so it has calming ingredients to soothe your skin. All of my clients with rosacea or slight redness absolutely love this product since it goes on before makeup or can be worn alone for a beautiful, bare-face look.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a full coverage look, then I suggest using a natural brand concealer. Typically, natural brand products contain less chemicals and fragrances. Unfortunately, these chemicals usually lead to sensitivities and redness in the first place. So that’s why it’s important to read what ingredients are in your makeup products when you are prone to flushed skin.

Step 3: Dull, Lackluster Skin

Again, exfoliation is key, but another way to illuminate your complexion is with a highlighter. They are available in liquid or powder form. Apply to the high points of your face such as above the brows, tops of the cheekbones, cupid’s bow of the lip and bridge of the nose.

Step 4: Winter Skin-Saving Tips

*Use a milder cleanser during the winter. In fact, I use fragrance-free baby wipes to remove my makeup, which help to retain my natural oils and moisture.

*If you are prone to drier skin in the winter, switch your usual lightweight lotion or moisturizer to a cream version. If this is too heavy for you in the day, then just use at night.

*Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Both internally and externally. So while drinking your 8 cups of water per day, mist on a hydrating spray or warm up some moisturizer in your hands and pat gently on the face.

SUBMITTED BY
MUA & Esthetician
In her 20’s from San Diego, CA
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Maintaining the Ideal pH

pH-Messung-2011pH Balance of Skin: Create Beautiful Skin by Maintaining the Ideal pH

Have you ever read, “pH balanced” on a product and wondered what it meant? From irritation, dryness, toacne, let’s discuss how pH levels can either resolve or cause further distress to your skin.

Our skin is naturally designed to fight against infection and the environment. The pH level of the skin refers to how acidic or alkaline your skin is. On a scale from 1 being the most acidic to 14 being the most alkaline, 7 is considered a neutral reading for your skin’s pH. Our skin has a thin, protective layer on the surface, often referred to as the acid mantle. This acid mantle is made up of sebum (free fatty acids) that is excreted from the skin’s sebaceous glands, which then mixes with Lactic and Amino Acids from sweat to create the ideal pH, which should be slightly acidic at about 5.5.

Many things can interfere with the delicate structure of the skin’s acid mantle externally and internally. As we age, our skin becomes more acidic in response to our lifestyle and our environment. Everything that comes in contact with out skin (products, smoking, air, water, sun, pollution) all contribute to the breaking down of the acid mantle and the skin’s ability to protect itself.

Our diet also plays a role in determining our internal and external pH levels. It’s important to note that a food’s acid or alkaline formation in the body does not comply with the pH of the food, itself. Foods that are considered acidic before digestion (like lemons) become alkaline-forming in the body. Most animal products, which are alkaline prior to digestion, are considered acid-forming in the body. According to Dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf, “We need our diets to be less acidic than alkaline, otherwise internally, we become too acidic.” An ideal diet consists of regularly alkalizing foods such as leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, tomatoes, carrots, and soybeans.

Maintaining the Acid Mantle – Optimal pH Skin Care
The acid mantle is a form of protection, but if your pH level is too alkaline or too acidic, this mantle is disturbed, skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema , and rosacea may result. A skin care product may claim to be pH balanced, but you can verify the actual pH of a product by using an at-home pH testing kit (available at most drug stores). A physician can also determine your skin’s surface pH level and saliva tests can accurately indicate your body’s overall pH level.

Cleansers
Most cleansers, including bars and detergent soaps, are too alkaline for the skin, stripping away natural oils and causing it to become dry and irritated. Skin that is too alkaline can also be more susceptible to acne because a certain level of acidity is needed to inhibit bacterial growth on the skin. You may have noticed that many cleansers and shampoos are now avoiding the use of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which has the approximate alkaline pH level of 10 and can be very drying and irritating to the skin. Choosing mild cleansers and toners that are slightly acidic (close to 5) will assist in properly maintaining the acid mantle and benefit all skin types.

Acids
At the opposite side of the spectrum, skin treated with products that are overly acidic can also be problematic because they can over-strip natural oils, which can temporarily disrupt the lipid barrier of the skin. Ingredients such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Retinoic Acid, Beta Hydroxy Acids, and Amino Fruit Acids, if not used properly, can weaken the skin’s natural defenses to bacterial infection and environmental damage. Most over-the-counter products are buffered, making them suitable for everyday use – however, it is still important to take careful note of your skin when using any acidic product. If your skin starts to look dry or red, or if it becomes sensitive or breakouts increase – you may be using too strong of a product or applying it too often.

Choosing Good-for-Your-Skin Oils & Moisturizers
As we age, the amount of oil or sebum produced naturally from our skin decreases and influences the acid mantle and its ability to protect the skin. Using moisturizers will help build this barrier. Oils that work well with the skin’s natural oil secretions include Jojoba, Coconut, Argan, and Olive Oils.

Antioxidants & Sunscreens
Topical antioxidants (Vitamin A, C, E, & Green Tea) are important in maintaining the acid mantle in two ways. They fortify the cells so that they can function optimally, and they protect the cells from environmental stresses and oxidation. Vitamin C in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid is acidic by nature and formulations will have a low pH, so while not being considered a pH balancing antioxidant, can be used safely and beneficially on the skin as long as its not used at the same time as other acidic products. The daily use of sunscreen defends the acid mantle by shielding the skin cells from sun damage and increasing the skin’s ability to protect itself.

Sophyto Skin Care
The Sophyto Skin Care System is particularly suited to support the functions of the acid mantle. Their formulas maintain a mildly acidic pH (4.5-5) to protect the skin from bacterial growth and irritation. They preserve the acid mantle by avoiding the use of cleansers that contain high alkaline soaps or oil-stripping detergents. Sophyto also recommends rinsing with either their Tone & Balance Super Bioactive or Purify & Energise Super Bioactive (pH adjusting solutions) instead of conventional water, which can temporarily interfere with the skin’s pH balance and may contain high levels of chlorine and other impurities.

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5 other ways to protect your skin


Stashing a bottle of sunscreen in your purse or beach bag is key to protecting your skin. So is wearing a wide-brimmed hat and washing your face every day. But there are several other serious skincare steps that you might be overlooking. Here are five essential ways to keep your skin healthy and safe that you might not think about — but should.

 
Check your medication.
Do you take any medications? (Yes, the occasional aspirin for headache and pain relief also counts.) If so, it may be making you extra sensitive to the sun, which could put your skin at risk. According to Reader’s Digest, the following medications can make you photosensitive:
  • NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Skin treatments with vitamin A
  • Antibiotics
  • Beta-blockers
  • Saint John’s Wort
  • Diuretics

Even if your medication didn’t make the list, talk to your pharmacist about whether your medication might be increasing your vulnerability to the sun. Be especially diligent with your sun care routine, and apply sunscreen with SPF 30 at a minimum every few hours. Also, check out these 10 lesser-known facts about smart sun protection.

  • Use antioxidants. Various vitamins can deliver vital nutrients to your skin and keep it healthy. One effective way to foster healthy skin is to fortify your skin’s outer protective barrier. Vitamin B3, for instance, helps to boost the production of ceramides and fatty acids, which are components of your skin’s barrier. Specifically, a brawny barrier helps skin retain moisture and keep irritants out, Leslie S. Baumann, M.D., director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, tells Prevention. When searching for skincare products with B3, look for the ingredient niacinamide.

Also, seek out formulas with vitamin C, which defuses skin-damaging free radicals. Other skin-protecting antioxidants include coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid. If you’re not sure what type of product you’d like, consider investing in a serum. Serums are usually highly concentrated and can sink deeper into the skin. Here’s more information on how various antioxidants can help your skin.

  • Beware harmful bacteria. According to Dr. Baumann on The Skin Guru, her Yahoo! Health blog, bathrooms are a breeding ground for cosmetic contamination — and in some surprising ways.

Do you keep your cream in the shower? Have acne and use a loofah? The humidity can harm your products and your skin. In fact, humidity fosters fungi growth and can even decrease a product’s effectiveness. Instead, keep your products in cool, dark locations. Using the same loofah when you have acenic skin can spread the acne to other spots of your body. Rather than cleansing with a reusable loofah, Dr. Baumann suggests using Pond’s Cleansing Towelettes.

Other ways to prevent contamination concerns? According to Dr. Baumann, avoid sharing makeup with others, don’t use your saliva to remove eye makeup (it can cause an eye infection) and wash beauty brushes once a month and makeup sponges once a week (be sure they’re thoroughly dry before using).

  • Know when products expire — and ditch them. You might be surprised to learn that both skincare and beauty products can spoil, and keeping them around any longer once they’ve expired can actually harm your skin. You may feel guilty about throwing away a half-used product, but beauty products that’ve gone bad can cause everything from eye infections and recurrent cold sores to skin irritations and allergic reactions. Check out ourcomprehensive guide to expiration dates on when to pitch products — and how to prolong their shelf life.
  • If you have a skin condition, be cautious at the spa. Do you have eczema, rosacea or psoriasis? Some spa treatments can worsen these skin conditions, according to dermatologist Susan Evans, M.D., on her blog, Healthy Skin, on WebMD. Before scheduling an appointment, Dr. Evans suggests asking the spa if they specialize in your skin condition.

If you have rosacea, avoid getting microdermabrasion or chemical peels, she says. Go to a dermatologist for these treatments instead. Also, avoid facials with “alcohol, eucalyptus, fragrance, menthol, peppermint or witch hazel,” she says, along with potentially triggering “hot towel treatments to the face, facial steaming, steam baths and saunas.”

If you have moderate to severe acne, avoid spa treatments, like facials, altogether. For instance, estheticians should never perform extractions on inflamed acne lesions like nodules, according to About’s acne guide Angela Palmer, M.D. If you’re using a retinoid formula, exfoliation is also prohibited. Overall, it’s best to make an appointment with a dermatologist. And if you’re thinking about having a spa treatment, consult the dermatologist about that, too.

In general, it’s a good rule of thumb to research any spa you’re thinking about attending and to inquire about the esthetician’s experience. Here are some general tips on selecting a spa.

Keeping skin healthy and safe means following a few important steps: checking your medication to see if it boosts your sun sensitivity, using antioxidants to fight free radicals, ensuring your skincare products are safe and still effective and taking precautions when visiting the spa.

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How to Reduce Wrinkles

The first impression is very important. Blemished skin with wrinkles is not everyone want. If you feel your skin is no longer elastic, then wrinkles may already develop. But is there any way to erase wrinkles.

In fact, you can only slow down the development of wrinkles. You can depend on the modern dermatological products and home remedies to help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

1. Exfoliating your skin promotes the body to produce new skin cells since it gets rid of dead and dry skin cells. Therefore doing it twice weekly benefits your skin. The hydration also increases the skin absorption of the cream.

2. You can avoid fines lines the natural way by cutting a piece from an aloe vera plant and then place this to the skin. It contains malic acid that can help prevent wrinkles. Another natural remedy for wrinkles is use papaya. It has enzymes that can shed off the top layer of the skin.

3. Keep your skin moisture all the times. Always apply a moisturizer after washing every morning. The harmful sunlight can cause fine lines to form. So, protect your face with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. You can also try another natural way that is using fresh avocado since it contains vitamin E, an antioxidant.

4. In addition to using moisturizers on your face, fine lines can also be prevented by drinking lots of water and eating nutritious foods. Including foods which are rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help in your daily diet can make your skin looks younger.

5. If you want to maintain overall health, then you can exercise regularly since it improves the blood circulation to the skin. If you don’t want all your efforts to be put into waste, then don’t smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.

6. Stress forces you to over use your facial muscular tissues. That is why stressed people usually have noticeable fine lines on their faces. The development of wrinkles can be accelerated when you frown or raise your eyebrows too often. Therefore, you should try to do them less often.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beckie_Ingram

You don’t have to resort to laser surgery or collagen or Botox injection. If the above tips don’t help, then you should check out ZiamEXs’ many Anti Wrinkle solutions or here.

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The largest Organ


Your skin is more than just your face, although that’s what most people pay the most attention to. Your skin is actually the largest organ in your body and weighs probably more than you think. Below are some interesting facts and tips that may surprise you about your skin.

To get more skin care tips and facts, click on www.dermatologycare.ca. Skin Care Tips and Facts:Your skin is your body’s largest organ! The skin of the average woman weighs three kilograms, while that of the average man weighs five kilograms.

What’s the secret to great skin? Not surprisingly, the state of our skin is affected by genes, nutrition, general health, emotional well-being and exercise. How you care for your skin also plays an important role in ensuring you look your best.

You’ve probably heard that skin is made up of skin cells. But did you know that you have approximately 19 million skin cells on every square inch of skin!

Eat your veggies! Eating a wide range of vegetables – particularly those high in vitamins C and E (such as spinach, carrots, red bell peppers and tomatoes) – will ensure that your diet is rich in antioxidants, compounds that are believed to play an important role in maintaining the health of both your body and your skin.

We’re all thin-skinned, in certain areas! The thickness of our skin varies considerably, depending on its location and the role it plays: it’s thinnest on our eyelids and thickest on the palms of our hands and soles of our feet.

Not sure of your skin type? Try this simple test. About 15 minutes after washing your face and patting it dry, press lens-cleaning paper on different parts of your face. In those areas where you produce a lot of oil, the paper will stick or pick up oil. If it doesn’t stick anywhere, you have dry skin. If it only sticks on your forehead, nose and chin, you have normal or combination skin. If it sticks everywhere, you have oily skin.

Need to look after your skin? A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating diseases and disorders of the skin. Your family physician may refer you to a dermatologist, who can help you select the treatment options that are best for your particular condition.

By SkinCareGuide.ca

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Sensitive Skin

1. Is your skin easily damaged or irritated?
2. Is your skin dry, delicate and prone to irritant
or allergic reactions?
3. Does your skin have a reduced tolerance to cold,
heat, wind, temperature changes, or pollution?

If you answer yes to any or all of these questions, consider yourself a member of the “sensitive skin” club to which 56 per cent of Canadian women claim to belong. Of this group, more than 46 per cent also have dry skin.

What is sensitive skin?Generally if you have easily irritated or reactive skin, then you have ‘sensitive skin’. Most of the time sensitive skin relates to the face. Sensitive skin can be caused by a genetic predisposition or environmental factors. It appears as a redness, a swelling, itchy and dry irritation to the face. One of the major jobs of the skin is to waterproof. This is done to the epidermis or surface layer of the skin, producing a fat-protein sandwich that is always being replaced and is vital to prevent too much water loss from the skin.

Symptoms of sensitive skin include:
A tingling or tightening of the skin without visible signs
“Overreaction” to skin care or cosmetic products
Reactions to shaving, or other physical stress to the skin
Sensitive skin can also be a heads-up for other conditions, such as:Altered skin — due to shaving, waxing, medications or heat, cold, wind, and pollution. Also, laser or chemical peels or scar removal
Allergic skin – the sudden appearance of redness or swelling and itchiness
Atopic skin – dry skin that is itchy and produces eczema. Eczema is related to hayfever and asthma. (see Eczema Guide for more information)
Rosacea skin – blood vessels of the face enlarge resulting in a flushed sensation or a redness of the skin
What to do about your skin?Perfume or scented creams can be irritating.
Rinse well after using cleansing products, which should be mild and soap-free as they do not remove so much oil from the skin (www.MildCleanser.ca gives you more information about this kind of cleansers)
Use a moisturizer and sunscreen that is formulated for sensitive skin
Don’t over wash your face. Temperature of the water should be tepid; neither hot or cold
Don’t use exfoliants
Be aware of seasonal temperatures. The sudden dryness of winter can mean itchy, dry skin until the skin responds by increasing oil production to reduce the water loss
For breakouts use a cleanser with salicylic acid to help exfoliate pores. There are also moisturizers that contain salicylic acid
Be sensitive to stress

The causes and effects of stress on the body are not fully known, but for some people stress interferes with the body’s systems that repair and regulate the skin. Stress kills your natural antioxidant defenses, which help to prevent accelerated aging of the skin. Hormones can also trigger a histamine release within the skin causing it to erupt in bumpy redness, or breakout in hives.

Desensitize yourself

When choosing makeup, especially foundation and blush, buy oil-free products. Makeup that is water-based won’t clog pores. Look for oil-absorbing foundations that help keep oil off the face.

As for the rest of your body, check ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals in soaps, shampoos, body cleansers and creams, bath oils, bubble baths, etc.

* Put your best face forward Watch your alcohol intake, spicy foods and caffeine
* Try to avoid excessive temperature changes
* Use the right cleansers, moisturizers and cosmetics
* Manage stress as best you can

By Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC

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The Secret to Great Skin

Not surprisingly, the state of your skin is affected by a combination of your genes, nutrition, general health, emotional well-being and exercise.

With today’s hectic lifestyles, keeping a positive outlook and minimizing stress and anxiety can be an ongoing challenge. Relaxation techniques learned through yoga, meditation, and deep breathing are effective stress-busting activities and they can help to get you back on the right track.

Add to this, regular exercise and a balanced diet that incorporates all of the food groups to give your body the needed ingredients to maintain conditions for optimal health, which can also promote a radiant complexion.

On the exterior, how you care for your skin can directly impact its appearance. Sun protection from a young age is a key factor that influences the onset of pre-mature aging. A minimum SPF30 sunscreen is generally the recommended level of coverage to look for. Finally, institute a basic twice-daily cleansing and moisturizing routine to remove impurities and restore hydration.

Skin Care Tips Content Developed By Skin Care Guide Dermatologists