Category: ZiamEX

Posted on by

Anti Wrinkle Skin Care: Reducing the Signs of Aging simply

anti-aging-skin-care-for-youthful-skinAnti Wrinkle Skin Care: Reducing the Signs of Aging simply

Wrinkles are a women’s worst enemy and aside from going for expensive botox treatment and cosmetic surgery, many ladies prefer to obtain anti aging wrinkle creams that are offered on the market.It is straightforward to appreciate that there are too several beauty product in stores nowadays and one in every of the foremost selling is that the anti-aging wrinkle cream. customers frequently obtain and use this product within the hopes that their wrinkles are going to be reduced.

We often raise ourselves if they extremely work. the solution is yes if the merchandise was fastidiously researched and created to deal with the problems of aging. If it’s not readily ready and tested, then it’d fail to supply the assistance it guarantees to administer.

Chances are that the anti-aging wrinkle cream won’t fall wanting the consumers’ expectations.Carefully researched and formulated anti-aging wrinkle creams works to interchange collagen loss throughout the natural method of aging.When the collagen is replaced, the skin smoothens out because it returns to its original supple and elastic state and this makes the wrinkles diminish with the continued use of the merchandise.

One advantage of using anti-aging creams is that it’s less expensive than surgery and different beauty treatments. Also, its application involves no pain in the slightest degree. merely apply the anti wrinkle cream or lotion on the face is what it takes to realize a fresher look.

If a client makes it a habit to use anti-aging wrinkle creams and makes it a part of her daily routine, she is going to reap the advantages of the merchandise while not the requirement to check a dermatologist that saves her each cash and time.

Once you have selected the anti-aging product you believe can treat your skin problems, use it as directed. Applying beauty creams is like baking a cake. You don’t just mix in all the ingredients, whip, bake, and then expect it to taste great, as it says on the package directions. Even if you use the right ingredients but without the right technique, you’ll still end up with a cake you will rather not eat. When applying facial anti-aging creams, therefore, employing the right techniques is necessary to get the best results. And what may these techniques be? Well, they’re really nothing more than gently and slowly massaging the cream on the area you want to treat, using very light pressure and then remembering not to rub on too hard because over time that is going to make your skin sag.

@mellisagarcia24
SUBMITTED BY
In her 20’s
Posted on by

Preemptive Skincare for Anti Aging Part 1 The Basics

Proper-Skin-CarePreemptive Skincare for Anti-Aging Part 1: The Basics

When it comes to anti-aging skincare options, it’s a veritable jungle out there. From cleansers to serums, finding the perfect products can be a rather tricky task. Thankfully, the process becomes easier when you know what each product does. Knowing a product’s purpose and function will go a long way in helping you select the right skincare regimen to meet your needs.
Cleanser
The start to any good skincare routine is all in taking it off, with a good cleanser. Skin cleansers are designed to remove dirt, pollutants, and oily residue from the surface of the skin without stripping away essential moisture. If a cleanser is too harsh or drying, it will lead to the appearance of dull, sallow, dry, thin-looking skin.
Exfoliator
Facial exfoliators typically consist of grainy particles suspended in a gel base. These are designed to unclog the pores, remove blackheads, and scrub off dead skin and dirt. Physical exfoliators usually contain ground apricot kernels, sugar, ground shells, and even sand, while chemical exfoliants use acids to achieve the same results. Exfoliators are also believed to improve skin circulation and promote healthy skin cell turnover, which keeps the skin youthful looking.

Toner

The toner—perhaps one of the most misunderstood products in a skincare routine serves to restore the pH balance of the skin after cleansing. To explain further, the skin normally has a slightly acidic pH, which helps to guard it against any harsh environmental factors. However,the skin tends to become basic after cleansing, which leaves it vulnerable to environmental radicals. A toner immediately corrects the pH imbalance, restoring skin to its healthy acidic state. Toners also make the skin more receptive to anti-aging serums and moisturizers.

Serum

The main function of a facial serum is to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin in order to deliver concentrated skin nutrients. With smaller particles and a lighter texture than most moisturizers, skincare serums will go further and work harder than a typical moisturizer, which generally only reach the surface layers of the skin.

Moisturizer

The function of the moisturizer in any skincare routine is to replace moisture in the skin that might have been stripped by the environment and from cleansing. Moisturizers promote healthy skin hydration levels along with a healthy skin texture. The anti-aging moisturizer does all of that, with the added benefits of reducing wrinkles, boosting radiance, and promoting healthy skin cell turnover.

With this knowledge of basic skincare product types, finding the products that you need will be a snap. Stay tuned for part 2, which is all about key skincare ingredients!

 

@adinazilberman

 

SUBMITTED BY
Beauty Blogger
In her 20’s from New York City

 

Posted on by

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
Posted on by

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
Posted on by

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
Posted on by

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
Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

The ABC’s of BB Creams

7The universe of BB creams—also known as beauty balms (or interestingly, blemish balms), is just starting to hit its stride.

The next step up from tinted moisturizers, BB creams are available from both prestige and mass brands, and all offer a unique twist on benefits and functional pay-off to entice consumers. Chief among these benefits are skin hydration and smoothing as well as brightening, makeup priming and skin protection from SPF; a sheer or light tint to help hide discoloration and redness, and antioxidants and other free-radical fighting elements.

In addition, many BB creams now feature light-diffusing properties to help soften the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles. Tall order for one cream! To get a better idea of just what consumers really think of all that BB creams do and deliver to the skin, we asked more than 400 women to share their thoughts, impressions and take-aways—here’s what they had to say for themselves: Awareness of beauty balms is high. Nearly 100 percent of women have heard of BB creams, 83 percent feel they understand how to use BB creams and 80 percent of women are using them. Of that group, nearly half are using their BB cream on a daily basis and 41 percent a few times a week. When she uses this product, most women are applying it just as they would their moisturizer—with their fingers (80 percent), with only a small percentage opting to use more advanced artistry techniques such as makeup sponges (15 percent) or a makeup brush (5 percent) and two-thirds would replace their favorite moisturizer with a BB cream. It appears consumers view BB creams as a functional, “work-horse” sort-of product, like a moisturizer or sunscreen rather than a finishing product, like foundation or powder, and these hybrid products are fitting seamlessly into her daily beauty regimen (a coveted spot for any product), adding value and benefits to her overall daily beauty experience.

Of the many benefits that beauty balms provide (and there are dozens), leading benefits for consumers include the multi-functional/all-in-one effect (75 percent), the lightweight feel (67 percent), the moisturizing properties (65 percent), the sheer color (56 percent) and the SPF (55 percent). Touted benefits that didn’t score as high were surprising including: added antioxidants (35 percent) and oil-free formulations (36 percent). Given that consumers with dry skin would naturally need a more hydrating formula and not be attracted to an oil-free beauty balm, the low appeal scores for an oil-free formula are perhaps not surprising.

But a lower appeal for added antioxidants seemed contrary to the kinds of benefits women most often demand from their moisturizers, and suggests when it comes to formulating new BB creams or balms, brands should more closely look at what they are promising in order to differentiate their offering from the pack in a way that she’s seeking. As far as BB cream performance goes, consumers are generally satisfied. Ninety-six percent agree BB creams make their skin feel smooth, hydrated (95 percent) and their skin look flawless (79 percent). Additionally, 85 percent of women agree BB creams layer well under foundation, and 81 percent agree they are ideal for all skin tones. However, where BB creams still need to improve is in the tints and colors provided. Only 79 percent feel the sheer tint of most BB creams work on all skin tones, and only 74 percent feel they offer enough coverage to forgo wearing foundation.

Her biggest frustration? Knowing which BB cream to pick; half of women feel it is hard to know the right beauty balm to choose, 31 percent feel they are too expensive and 30 percent feel they don’t offer enough coverage. In fact, when it comes to cost, most consumers feel prices on the lower end of the cost threshold are ideal, and a majority (59 percent) are only willing to pay between $10 and $20 for a beauty balm, and less than 20 percent are willing to pay more than $30. As BB creams continue to flourish, the next great skin care product—CC creams, only just now making their entrance into the U.S. beauty landscape—are already garnering significant consumer awareness. Nearly half of all women (47 percent) have heard of CC creams. It would seem multi-functional products are here to stay.

by Alisa Marie Beyer

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

What happens when you turn 40?


When you enter your forties, you might start noticing more wrinkles and fine lines around your eyes, mouth and forehead. On top of that, your complexion may start looking duller. However, if you practice a good skin care routine and care for your skin you can enhance your complexion and diminish the appearance of the signs of aging. Here are some tips to care for your skin during your 40’s and maintain its good health.

Re-evaluate your skin type

As we grow old, our skin ages and looses collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, the skin tends to become dry and saggy. Even if you had normal skin throughout your life, you will start noticing that your skin becomes drier as you age; this is a signal that you need to change your skin care products and use ones that cater to dry skin types.

Upgrade your skin care regimen

Up till now, you may have been practising a regular skin care regimen of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing which was working fine. However, once you enter your forties, you need to re-evaluate your skin and upgrade your skin care regimen to suit the changing needs. Your forties are a time when you start to see the results of how you have treated your skin so far – this will further decide how much you will need to adjust your skin care regimen. If you have always worn sunscreen and practised preventive care, then your skin probably will not show much of a difference. However, if you have been neglecting skin care all these years, you will see wrinkles and fine lines become more prominent as you approach your forties.

Use anti aging skin care products

It is high time to start using anti aging skin care formulations. These skin care products contain specialized ingredients that help soothe the skin and fight against the signs of aging. Look for ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids. They not only stimulate the collagen production within the skin cells but also help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Treat acne

Acne is a common skin concern during the forties because of the hormonal fluctuations that the body goes through. Adult acne is a serious skin concern. Therefore you need to use special acne skin care products that identify the root cause of acne and treat it from the roots.

Go low on make-up and cosmetics

When women hit their forties, they generally end up using heavier make-up in order to camouflage the aging signs and make their skin look radiant. However, this has a detrimental effect on the skin; heavy foundation and excessive compact powder can actually create a cakey impression and highlight the wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Moreover, the harsh chemicals contained in these products may seep into your skin and further degrade the internal tissues. Instead you should use creamy and hydrating skin care products that don’t highlight the age lines but makes the skin appear smooth and supple. Look for ingredients like petrolatum and glycerin in your cosmetics.