Alpha Lipoic Acid The Miracle Nutrient Now Used In

Author: Ryan Cote
Source: isnare.com

Now that daylight savings time is here, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that spring is on its way. As we say farewell to our coats and boots and welcome t-shirts and sandals, we should also take time to examine our skin. Winter takes a toll on your skin and spring is a great time to do damage control – especially since people will see more of your skin in those warm weather clothes!

According to Dr. Rene Martin Earles, a dermatologist in Chicago, “Winter weather decreases the circulation and perspiration of the skin. The skin’s naturally shedding outer layer does not turn over in cold weather as fast as in warm weather. This results in a decrease of suppleness in the skin; it is drier and it feels more rough.”

Fortunately, there are several easy ways to get rid of the telltale signs of winter on your skin before spring is in full swing…here’s some good advice:

- Exfoliate to remove dry skin cells that clog your pores. A simple mask made from cooled instant oatmeal can be applied for ten minutes to slough the surface of your complexion without stripping it.

- Use a light moisturizer on your face that is suitable for your particular skin type. As spring approaches, you perspire more and heavy moisturizers tend to clog your pores.

- Moisturize your entire body. A good trick is to liberally apply white petroleum jelly on your hands and feet, put on gloves and socks and go to bed. When you wake up, you’re skin will be noticeably softer.

- Avoid tanning salons that strip your skin of essential moisture and damage it with harmful rays.

- Be cautious when first gardening outdoors. The sun is stronger and your skin is still sensitive from winter damage, making it even more susceptible to sunburn. Apply a sunscreen to protect your skin whenever you go outside.

- Wear gloves when doing outdoor work to protect the delicate skin on your hands.

- Drink six to eight glasses of water every day to hydrate your skin from the inside out.

- Try soaking your hands and feet for about fifteen minutes in a solution made from two parts milk to one part honey – it really works!

With a little extra attention applying the advice above, you will have smooth, attractive skin and be ready to face spring.

Author: Nadia Z
Source: isnare.com

In a world of tight schedules, harmful pollution, high anxiety and mounting tension, your skin takes the toil, and it shows! Yet, all is not lost. With a little commitment to smooth, clear and attractive skin, you can maintain the natural beauty of your skin at home! Keep reading to get tips and simple at-home methods to maintain youthful skin and fight the signs of aging.

It is absolutely certain that beautiful skin cannot last without proper care. The adverse affects of the world we live in have the potential of making skin look old and tired even during the prime of youth. Therefore, it is essential to regularly and thoroughly clean your skin so as to keep it glowing with vitality. Besides cleansing and facials, massaging the skin regularly and properly will greatly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and tighten your skin.

Cleaning your Skin
The first step in caring for your skin externally is to clean it properly. Perspiration, grease, dust, stale make-up, dirt and bacteria all collect on your skin and must be removed completely. Use cleansing cream, milk or lotion or just plain cold cream to clean your skin. Apply the cream on your face and neck and gently massage it in. Rub the cream on your face and neck in circular and upward motion for at least five minutes (duration also depends on the instructions provided with the cream you are using). Remove excessive cream with tissue, damp cotton wool or a small damp towel.

Next, tone your skin using skin freshener (mild), skin tonic (medium strength) or an astringent lotion (strong). Toning is important as it removes any remaining greasiness on your skin after the cleansing process is complete. It closes pores, refines the skin, and if you intend to use make up, it leaves a smooth clean texture which will hold foundation and powder much longer.

Nourishing your skin is an essential part of any beauty routine. Dirt, dust, hot and cold weather, cosmetics and even sunlight all tend to dry out the skin, robbing it of moisture and oil. Skin foods attempt to replenish nourishment to give skin its natural healthiness. It is not necessary to use a thick, heavy skin cream every night. If you do not like a greasy face when going to bed, simply choose a light, easy to absorb moisturizer which will disappear in minutes. Many of the newer liquid moisturizers fall into this category.

Facial
A facial is the quickest way of cleaning, reviving and refining faded skin, leaving the skin light, soft and glowing. A facial also does a thorough job of relaxing jangled nerves so that you emerge not only looking younger but also feeling fresher and more relaxed. A facial once every fortnight will ensure youthful and fresh skin for a long time.

The most luxurious way of getting a facial is to go to a beauty salon and sit back while experts do their job. If you do not have the time or cannot afford the luxury of regular salon treatments, you can give yourself a facial at home. Choose a time when you can be undisturbed and quiet. Get everything ready before you start so that you can relax and enjoy it. Follow the routine below for a quick home-facial:

? Tie your hair away from the face and neck and use a headband to pull hair away you’re your forehead.

? Cleanse your face and neck with cleansing milk and wipe off first with a facial tissue and then with a wet towel.

? Apply cream all over the face and blend it thoroughly – then massage your face and neck in an upward direction.

? Prepare a face-pack suited to your skin type and on a thoroughly clean face, spread a fairly thick layer avoiding the area of the mouth and a large circle round the eyes. Then lie on your back and keep the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes or till dry. Do not talk while the mask is on your face.

? When it is dry, wash your face and neck with cold water, keeping your eyes closed. Dry your skin and apply skin tonic.

? If you have an important date, use skin tonic after the facial, then apply moisturizer and make up.

Massaging your Skin
Massaging your face is essential for youthful looking skin especially for the 40 and above. An effective way to counter wrinkles, massaging is a slow process and its results are obvious only if it is continued for a period of time. It is not a magic potion which can bring a change overnight and one has to be patient with it. However, there is no doubt that massage reduces unattractive fleshiness, tightens facial tissues and muscles and increases blood circulation.

Once you have lines and wrinkles, you can only get rid of them by plastic surgery. Massage and facial exercises can help prevent new lines from forming but cannot remove the old ones already on the face. By toning up the muscles and nourishing them, you can prevent new lines and wrinkles from forming. Remember, whether you have a lumpy, flabby, withered or sallow skin, your face can regain the appearance of youth under the action of your own fingers. Lines and wrinkles usually appear on the forehead, temples, eyes, nose, cheeks, chin and mouth.

Massage is effective only if the skin is clear. Do not forget to remove all traces of make-up otherwise skin pores will be blocked by particles of dirt. All blackheads should be removed. If the skin is oily, then remove oiliness by applying cleansing milk. Fresh lemon juice is also very effective in removing excess oiliness. If skin is dry, use a good moisturizer before massaging it. If the skin is oily, it is advisable to use some astringent lotion. Apply Vitamin E cream before a massage, but the quantity of this cream should be enough only to give sufficient greasiness to the skin so that the hands and fingers move smoothly on the face.

After having cleaned the skin, press it with light but firm fingers, putting a little pressure while applying a good cream. Trained fingers can hold the skin firmly and apply even pressure. With the passage of time, visible defects like wrinkles, flabbiness and dead cells are greatly reduced and a fresh and young look is restored. Massage should start from the neck upwards and end at the forehead or temples because all veins and tissues get an increased blood supply by this process. The skin around the eyes is delicate. So it is advisable to apply cream on this part without pressing it. Cream takes 15 to 20 minutes to get absorbed by the skin, so massage should continue that long. Wipe off extra cream with a cotton wool swab soaked in water (preferably rose water). The best time to massage the face is before going to bed.

Art of Massaging

? Slow Massage – This is the most common method of massage. The secret is to massage slowly and patting/vibrating the skin. Using the fleshy part of your finger tips, press the skin lightly but firmly. The process starts at the base of the neck at a slow speed. The speed increases as the fingers move upwards. Stroking gives rest to the nerves and the vibration is useful in subduing pain that might be caused by massaging.

? Fast Massage – The front half of both the palms are used to massage at speed, taking care to make a circular motion upwards.

? Pressure Massage – This is a method when pressure is applied by finger-tips. This is effective for removing pouches beneath eyes.

? Stroking Massage – Chubby cheeks are stroked with the tips of fingers. If the nose is broad, strokes are applied from the nose to the temples on both sides.

? Pinching Massage – the skin is held, as in pincers, between the thumb and fingers. Such a massage is effective for a double chin and wrinkles on the jaw.

? Friction Massage – The movement requires pressure on the skin while it is being moved over the underlying structures. Fingers or palms are employed in this movement. Hard movements are usually employed on the scalp while light movements are used on the face especially on the neck.

? Piano Playing Movements – This exercise develops facial muscles and makes them firm. It should be done on the entire face, especially the cheek area, with your fingers. The movements must be supple yet brisk.

Making your own Skin Products
Home-made Massage Cream
Heat together four tablespoons of sunflower (or safflower oil) mixed with 4 tablespoons of lanolin. Then slowly add heated rose water to it. Now add a tablespoon of camphor oil to make a really invigorating massage cream. To make this cream lighter mix two tablespoons of petroleum jelly.

Home-made Massage Oil
Mix together half cup each of almond oil and castor oil. Add one teaspoon of camphor oil. Shake well and use.

Anti-wrinkle Cream
Melt together 2 tablespoons lanolin, 2 tablespoons almond oil and 1 tablespoon apricot oil. Then add 3 tablespoons lemon juice. Apricots are very rich in vitamin A.

Anti-wrinkle Lotion
Mix the following ingredients and use as an anti-wrinkle lotion:
2 tablespoons cucumber / mint mixture
4 drops peppermint extract
1 pinch alum powder

Author: Nitin Jain
Source: isnare.com

To start the discussion on oily skin care, it’s imperative to first understand the cause behind oily skin. Put simply, oily skin is a result of excessive production of sebum (an oily substance that is naturally produced by skin). As is known to everyone, excess of everything is bad; so excessive sebum is bad too. It leads to clogging of skin pores, resulting in accumulation of dead cells and hence formation of pimples/acne. Moreover, oily skin spoils your looks too. So, ‘oily skin care’ is as important as the ‘skin care’ for other types of skin.

The basic aim of ‘oily skin care’ is the removal of excessive sebum or oil from the skin. However, oily skin care procedures should not lead to complete removal of oil. ‘Oily skin care’ starts with the use of a cleanser. However, not all cleansers will work. You need a cleanser which contains salicylic acid i.e. a beta-hydroxy acid that retards the rate of sebum production. Cleansing should be done twice a day (and even more in hot and humid conditions).

Most of the oily skin care products are oil-free; however, it is always good to check the ingredients of the product, before you actually buy it. This is especially important if a product is marked as ‘suitable for all skin types’, instead of ‘oily skin care product’. ‘Oily skin care’ is also dependent on the degree of oiliness, if you aren’t too oily, so some of these ‘suitable for all’- type of products might be work for you too. For extremely oily skin, only oily skin care products are suitable. Your oily skin care routine can include an alcohol based toner (for an extremely oily skin). This can be the second step in your oily skin care routine i.e. just after cleansing. However, excessive toning can harm your skin.

The next step in your oily skin care routine can be a mild moisturiser. Again, the degree of oiliness of your skin will determine whether you need to include this in your oily skin care routine. If you do decide to include a moisturiser, be sure to use one that is oil-free, wax-free and lipid-free.

You could also use a clay mask (say once a week) as an oily skin care measure.

As far as the oily skin care products go, you might need to try out a few before you arrive at the one that is really suitable for your skin.

In case these measures don’t give you the desired result, consult a good dermatologist for advice. He could prescribe stronger oily skin care products like vitamin A creams, retinoids, sulphur creams etc , which can help counter the problems of oily skin.

Copyright http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com

Author: CD Mohatta
Source: isnare.com

Chemical peeling is one of the popular cosmetic procedures to remove old skin and get a fresh new skin. Chemical peeling is also called derma peeling or chemexfoliation. As the name implies, in this procedure, the skin is peeled off with chemicals and when the new skin grows it is fresh and with lesser sun damage and wrinkles. Depending on the strength of the peeling chemical, the peeling procedure may be called- superficial, medium-depth or deep. The name refers to the depth of the skin to which the chemical peels off the old skin.

The common chemicals used for chemical peeling are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid and phenol. Your doctor may also choose other chemicals to get the desired result. With superficial peeling, you can go back to work immediately while after getting medium or deep peeling done, you may have to let the new skin grow for some days before you go out. The pain and trouble associated with peeling also depends on the depth to which peeling is done. Superficial peeling will remove fine lines, wrinkles etc. while with deep peeling, deep scars and pre-cancerous sun damage gets removed.

The time taken for chemical peeling can be up to two to three hours for deep peeling, while for superficial and medium depth peeling it may be about fifteen minutes. Medium depth and deep peeling always result in red skin, blisters, and swelling. You should talk to your doctor about all the aspects of the procedure you want to undergo and also the alternative procedures that may give same results. Before you decide to get chemical peeling done, learn more about different types of peeling procedures, how they are performed, the results you can expect and the side effects.
The main types are-

Superficial
Medium depth and
Deep peels

Cosmetic Skin Procedures> Chemical peeling> Superficial

Mild or superficial peels are carried out with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These acids are natural in origin but now most of them are being synthetically manufactured. The popular acid for mild peeling is glycolic acid.

Effects Of Mild Peels:

A mild peel is usually done to improve sun damaged skin and reduce roughness, remove dead skin from the skin surface that allows fresh skin to grow faster, remove very fine skin lines, etc. This kind of peeling can only superficially improve the skin appearance by removing the dead skin cells from the uppermost layer of the skin. This treatment also helps in controlling acne. Sometimes, mild peeling is performed to prepare the skin for medium depth or deep peeling. Mixed with bleach, this peel will also treat some uneven pigmentation.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Author: NamSing Then
Source: isnare.com

If there is one human body part, which caused a lot of unrest and wars in the history, it is the skin. When one talks of skin care, colors fade out quickly; skin care is a colorless, boundary-less world. Everyone wishes to have a healthy skin, fresh & glowing all time. For that matter age is definitely not a bar. From a newly born baby to a woman in her 50s or more will like to take care of their skin. For example a newly born baby is prone to rashes due to the mild skin, and as we grow along with our hectic day to day activity, you are exposed to the harsh sunlight, dust and other pollutants; whereas old age welcomes us with wrinkles. As the saying goes “Prevention is better than cure”, we have so many low cost remedies to take care of our skin, Why not take advantage and start trying on your skin to have a glowing radiant and a healthy skin.

How to take care of the skin

1. New born babies should be kept clean and in a hygienic environment. Diaper rash is a common skin problem in them. Try to avoid diapers at home, keep that part of the body clean free from sweat. If the sweat remains for a short period also, bacteria is generated and one can observe those harsh rashes on the tender baby’s skin. If the baby is healthy, rashes appear on the flexible, hand and leg muscle joints due to accumulation of sweat. Mix a pinch of baking soda in lukewarm water and clean the sweat at the joints with cotton swabs. Keep the baby free from sweat. Then to if you could not avoid those rashes, sprinkle Clotrimaxazole powder on the rashes.

2. Basic rule for any body to take care of the skin is to keep it healthy. Drink lots of water, 2 liters a day, avoid those junk and oily foods, which are the root cause for blackheads, acnes and pimples. Instead of soap, which is alkaline in nature, you can use face wash of any reputed brand as it is acidic and is not rough on your skin.

3. Use of herbal/fruit face packs, depending on the type of your skin, you can use it occasionally. Commercially available anti aging creams or lotions are hardly dependable. Wrinkles are caused due to the decrease in collagen content in the endodermis (inner layer of skin). This is irreversible.

Just look around for tips on skincare, it may surprise you; you will come up 100s of home preparation techniques too. A small caution here, keep unreliable tips and cosmetics at a distance. The basic principle is ‘happy skin is beautiful skin’. You may cross check a cosmetic’s reliability on FDA website.

Author: Sheila Dicks
Source: articleage.com

In order to care for your skin properly you must first determine the type of skin you have.
There are 5 types of skin: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination and Problem Skin.
Normal:
The skin is soft, supple and smooth. It is fine-textured and free of blemishes (with the exception of periodic blemishes). It has a nice glow and never feels oily or dry. Less than twenty percent of women have this skin type. If this is your skin type you are fortunate; however, this does not mean that you shouldn’t take care of it.
Dry:
This type of skin too, has a fine texture and is transparent looking. It feels tight and drawn without moisturizer and tends to have fine lines around the eyes and mouth. It feels especially dry after washing and may have whiteheads around the eyes and dry patches. This type of skin needs proper care because it shows signs of aging early.
Oily:
The oily complexion is greasy, sallow and coarse. It has large pores and tends to have pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Within hours of washing the oiliness will reappear and makeup is usually absorbed quickly.
Combination:
This type of skin is oily in the T zone and the rest of the face is dry. The T zone is the forehead, nose and chin. The extent to which both areas are dry and oily may vary; however, both areas require a separate cleaning routine to restore them to balance.
Problem Skin:
Problem skin is usually oily and has a coarse texture and is subject to acne. It has large pores, blackheads, red blotches and may become more irritated under stress. If the problem is serious it will require the assistance of a dermatologist.
There are also 2 skin conditions that may occur either together or separately and may occur with any skin type. These are sensitive and allergic conditions. If when applying skin care products you begin to sneeze, wheeze, itch or breakout you are probably allergic. Skin that appears thin, pale and flushes easily and may be sensitive and be subject to allergies. If this is the case, treat your skin gently and use hypoallergenic products.
Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

Author: Chonticha Marijne
Source: isnare.com

No one likes to skin problems like acne, wrinkles or age spots, but in relation to chronic skin conditions and severe, such as psoriasis, seborrhea or rosacea can be emotionally devastating to everyone who suffers from same. While some people deal with skin problems typical of the strike just about everyone occasionally, rosacea is something different and more difficult to treat than others. Looking spider veins that appear on the surface of the face and do what may be called washing cause of rosacea. This type of skin condition is not normally found in adolescents or adults, and for the most part, strikes middle-aged adults, especially males. Eruption of thin, long finger vein appear on the surface of the cheeks and nose of the person suffering from rosacea, although it is also common for pimples to appear in connection with the veins too. These can be found on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, and do not look like acne per se, since they are not blackheads or whiteheads. Washout periods often presage the development of this skin condition, which often feels like the heat of a blush to those experiencing symptoms are often ignored. However, red spots appear quickly and remain, and only then patients start to realize that something is happening with your facial skin. At this point, constant redness, resembling rustling of wind or cracks, usually on the cheeks is common, although sometimes appears on the cheeks and nose. This redness is followed by the appearance of fine spider veins can be seen just below the surface of the skin of the nose and cheeks. Sometimes bumps with a touch of yellow and red edges can be formed. For those who suffer from rosacea is not treated, the nasal tissues may enlarge. Famous actor WC Fields, who suffered from rosacea, had a nose. Treatment of rosacea is often difficult. Patients should avoid eating or drinking products that dilate blood vessels, as well as sunlight and rapid temperature changes. However, daily use of sunscreen may help with redness aspects of skin condition. Avoid alcohol and hot drinks also will help, as such, serve to dilate blood vessels and cause flushing sensations, as well as those experienced after eating hot, spicy foods. While some people are more susceptible to these conditions, the blush is always a precursor to disease outbreaks. Sometimes doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as tetracycline to help eliminate the bumps that come with the condition. Another drug that is effective in relieving less severe cases of rosacea is called metronidazole, a gel is used topically to affected areas of skin. However, patients should take into account and remember that it may take weeks and sometimes months to see any improvement in skin conditions. While there is much you can do about spider veins called telangiectasia may be covered with cosmetics. For people with severe cases of visible veins, laser treatments may be possible, and provide effective results. In this procedure involves inserting a needle into the vein through which an electrical charge passes through, cauterization of the vein. However, you should consult your doctor about possible methods and treatments for your individual case of rosacea, and he or she determines what treatment options are best for you.