Beauty Tips - Natural Health Care Tips » skin care

ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO COCMETICS.

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:25:27 +0000

When you consider that there are over 100,000 differently formulated cosmetics, using several thousand ingredients, it is surprising not that some people develop allergies or sensitivities to one or more of them, but that so few of us do. The processes by which cosmetics are made are so carefully controlled and the ingredients so scrupulously screened, that most of us can put anything we choose on to our skins with absolute confidence and in perfect safety. Even so there is always a chance of reacting adversely to a product at some time in our lives and it may quite possibly be one, which we have been using happily for months or even years. With very few exceptions, once you have an allergy you will always have it. The only way of avoiding a reaction is to take appropriate evasive action, either by avoiding the type or types of cosmetics likely to contain the allergen or by going for cosmetic range that you know excludes the offending ingredient.
Sensitivities to cosmetics are much more common and often more puzzling than allergies, as they tend to be produced in response to a group of substances rather than to one particular component. You may, for example, develop sensitivity to perfumes in general rather than to geranium in particular. Because of this, sensitivities tend to be much harder to isolate and you may therefore, find it more useful to adopt the general strategy detailed below than to try to detect the precise culprit. you frequently have dry, red, itchy patches on your face, neck and body, you are likely to be what is known as generally sensitivity-prone. For this cause lanolin is an oil taken from the sebum of the sheep and used in a wide range of cosmetics, baby oils, moisturizers, night creams, nail varnish removes and some soaps and shampoos. ‘Super fatted’ or ‘moisturizing’ are the words to watch out for. Look for creams containing petrolatum instead. An allergy to lanolin can produce a dramatic reaction- a dry, scaly rash often accompanied by severe inflammation.
Vegetable oils and mineral oils (linseed oil, olive oil, sesame oil, cocoa butter, petrolatum, oleic acid and butyl stearate in particular) are less likely to cause an allergic reaction but have been implicated in intermittent breakouts of small pimples known as acne cosmetica. Perfume is a common sensitizers in cosmetics and even though they are incorporated into cosmetics at a fraction of the concentration used in pure perfumes, may produce irritant reactions.

SKIN CARE FOR EACH DECADE.

admin — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:55:14 +0000

What to do when-
your skin has its own chronological age which may or may not coincide with your real age. Determined first of all by the genes you inherit, it is also affected by your lifestyle, your state of health and of course how much sun exposure you have had over the years. Too much sun combined with years of hard living, for example can add 10 or 12 years on to the life of your skin. Common sense and a careful skin care routine, on the other hand, can subtract them. But it means starting early, preferably in childhood.

CHILDHOOD- Children may have a good, clear, glowing skin but they are not often born with it. A surprisingly high percentage of babies show signs of jaundice at birth. Although the yellowish discoloration of the skin, which can extend to the whites of the eyes and the inside of the mouth looks alarming, the condition usually resolves itself and should give no cause for real concern. The same applies to any small spots or pimples on the face, which result from the continued presence of the mother’s hormones in the baby’s blood. Infantile acne, which usually appears at three to four months and can last for up to two years is more serious as it may be an indication of some hormonal disturbance. This is also the time for infectious diseases such as chicken pox and measles, so be on the lookout for any untoward changes in the skin which might be an indication

TEENS- Acne, accompanied by oily, shiny skin and greasy hair is a major teenage problem, which affects boys and girls alike. Fortunately much can be done to improve acne. So if it does not respond to the use of lotions and scrupulous cleansing, do not wait for miracles, go to your doctor, who may either treat you himself or refer you to a dermatologist. Most cases of acne can now be treated with the tetracycline groups of antibiotics, but not expect immediate results, for it can take three months and some times much more before you see an improvement. It is also essential to observe scrupulous hygiene. If you have acne or a tendency towards oiliness, wash the skin twice daily and use sunscreen. Avoid crash dieting for the sake of your skin. A subcutaneous layer of fat beneath the dermis gives the skin its springy texture and literally moulds the softer contours of the face.

TWENTIES- It is time when your hormone level are still high and when your oil and sweet glands may be even more active than they were in your teens. Acne and oily skin may continue into your twenties or they may disappear as your hormone level settle and your skin becomes less sensitive to them. Alternatively acne may appear for the first time. Unlike teenage acne which is inflammatory and red and extends over cheeks, chin and forehead, ‘twenties acne’ tends to take the form of small, scaly red spots around the mouth and on the chin. Use conventional acne treatment and avoid the use of steroid creams which may only aggravate the problem.

THIRTIES- You may have already noticed some early signs of ageing. Fine lines around the corners of the eyes caused by sun exposure, squinting and the everyday movement of the muscles beneath the skin are usually the first to appear as the skin is thinner here and sebaceous glands fewer than anywhere else on the body. These are followed by ‘smile lines’, running from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth, and frown lines running down the center of the forehead. Dryness of the skin can accentuate wrinkles although it will not actually cause them, so use a good moisturizer to keep the skin soft and supple and to encourage it to retain as much of its own moisture as possible.

FORTIES- By now the hormonally responsive sebaceous glands begin to shrink in size and to produce less oil, with the result that your skin may become dry and prone to flaking. Everything you put on to the skin now whether cleanser, sunscreen or make-up should put something back. Use a clear glycerin or ‘super fatted’ soap or switch to a cream cleanser and cotton wool. Choose sunscreen that will also moisturize the skin and use a ‘hydrating’ foundation.

FIFTIES AND BEYOND- There is no reason why, at 50 or over your skin should not be soft and supple and your hair shining and healthy. Exfoliation is more important than ever in order to ensure the skin texture remains smooth and glowing. Because the skin is drier and more delicate use only the mildest of lotions and bypass the more abrasive techniques. Finally bathe, like Cleopatra in a warm bath to which you have added a glass of milk-a natural water in oil emulsion- mixed with a capful of oil. Follow with a good after bath oil. If your skin feels dry and itchy (a condition known as ‘winter itch’), bathe less often and when you do, try adding oatmeal to the bath water and use more oil. You should find that the itching disappears if the skin is protected and moisturized well.

CLEANSING THE SKIN-

admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:45:37 +0000

Keeping your skin clean is so basic for beauty that you may well be skimping or using a routine that does not really do your skin justice. Agreat many skin problems can be blamed on inadequate cleansing or too harsh cleansing. There are basically different types of cleansers you should choose, that depends on your type of skin. The night time routine when you remove your make up is the begining of any skin-cleansing program. The cleanser should be massaged into the skin with a light upward and outward movement. Repeat the cleansing process two or three times until the tissue remains clean. It is necessary that the cotton wool used for cleansing is moist, as dry cotton wool will absorb moisture contents from the skin. If your skin is too much greasy or blemished, you may follow your cleansing by washing with soap and water. As far as possible use a medicated soap. Cleansing creams are used not only to lift the dust, but also to remove stale make-up. Make-up has a waxy base. A cleanser should be applied with an upward movement and kept on the skin for about 30 to 60 seconds, so that it can dissolve the stale make-up and then remove it with a tissue or damp cotton bud. Exfoliating, or thinning the skin takes cleansing a step further by removing dead cells from the skin surface. This can be done after normal cleansing using special preparations with sloughing ingredients. Younger skins do not need special products, probably only a rough facecloth and warm water. Oily skins with blackheads are helped by cleansing grains that are rubbed into the skin and rinsed away. Older skins with cellular build-up can take a more thorough exfoliating treatment using special preparations and abrasive sponges or cloths. Peeling treatments should be done once or twice a week if the skin needs it. After your peeling routine, your skin may feel smoother but dry, so apply a moisturizer. Always use a suntsn protective product after thinning because the skin will be more sensitive to the sun’s ultra violet rays.

Skin Care Tips

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:57:56 +0000

The sun, cold, rain, heat, wind and sea water are all natural phenomena which can affect the skin.

THE SUN – The sun clears the skin, of acne, heals mild infections cleanses oily skins, gives a lovely tan and revives the whole body. On the other hand, a hot sun can wither a dry skin, burn a delicate one, distend the veins, and causes burns and sun-stroke. Sun bathing must be progressive.

Five minutes on the first day, ten minutes on the second, fifteen on the third day. Never expose yourself continuously to the strong rays of the sun for more than half an hour at a time. When you are on a holiday by the sea, the way to enjoy the beneficent effects of the sun is to play, walk or swim in sunlight.

In this way the sun rays affect the whole surface of your body instead of affecting only one side. Oil your skin generously unless you have natural greasy skin. Wear a hat and protect your eyes with sun glasses. Do not use deodorants, cologne or any type of perfumes. They often happen to cause brown marks and irritation to the skin. Do not wear heavy make-up. Lipstick changes colour and mascara runs down on your face. Watch carefully the most exposed parts of the body Put plenty of oil on these parts of the body and cover them at the first sign of reddening.

THE COLD – It makes your cheeks dry, cracks the skin and hinders the blood circulation. Protect your skin with a thick coating of cream. Even oily skin must be lubricated during winter. Use cocoa-butter on your lips. Avoid going abruptly from the cold outside to hot air conditioned room. This can cause blood vessels under the skin to burst and may give you a blotchy complexion.

THE WIND – The wind stimulates the circulation and can be a tonic to the system, but it dries the skin, especially if it is during winter or summer. When you go out in cold or strong wind protect your facial skin with a good coating of cold cream.

THE RAIN – Rain water is good for every type of skin. Do not hesitate to expose your face to the rain. Protect your hair with a water-proof covering.

SEA WATER – Many beauty specialists recommended sea water baths for the skin. Sea water cleanses the skin, firms the muscles, stimulates the circulation and tones up the system. Remember that sea water dries the skin and the hair. After having a swim or bath in sea water, wash yourself with fresh water and rub a little almond oil on the skin. When you swim protect your hair with a water-tight cap.

SKIN BLEMISHES AND OPEN PORES

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:51:38 +0000

Blemishes bother every man or woman from time to time but the problem is persistent especially during the adolescence and particularly if the skin is greasy. Causes can be numerous and varied like overactive glands due to poor diet, emotional disturbance and lack of sleep.

Open pores, blackheads, spots and pimples are found in excess on oily skins, especially when cleansing is not thorough. Check your diet if you suffer from a poor skin, cut down on carbohydrates and avoid chocolates, nuts and rich fried foods altogether.

Increase your intake of fresh fruits, salads, green vegetables and plenty of fresh water. Make sure that you have sufficient fresh air, light exercises; enough sleep and try to take life calmly. Through cleansing is vital to a blemished skin because most of the troubles start with blocked pores. If the condition is mild washing twice daily with plenty of lather from a medicated soap may be sufficient.

Where the condition is severe, it is better to use a special detergent cleansing solution, obtainable from a chemist. This solution should be applied once a day with medicated soap, followed by a thorough rinse with clear luke warm water and drying by rubbing vigorously with a clean towel. Avoid dandruff and don` t wear hair over face while blemishes persist, otherwise this may aggravate the spots.

With age and neglect, enlarged pores sometimes become a problem and make the face unattractive. With inadequate cleaning the skin does not remain even and smooth. It is usually an oily skin which tends to develop this trouble. The muscles around the pores become slack and fail to contract with difference in temperature. And with time the circulation becomes sluggish too, thus further aggravating the condition. The pores remain open most of the time, giving the appearance of enlarged pores on the skin.

People having this problem are suggested to wash their face frequently and use a face-pack twice a week till some improvement is noticed, and then once a week to keep the pores clean. Use the following masks to keep your facial skin pores tight and clean.

1- Mix two teaspoon of honey with one teaspoonful of lemon juice and one teaspoonful rose-water and apply all over the face. Leave it on for five minutes, and then wash off.

2- From a soft paste by mixing cucumber juice with Fuller` s earth (multani mitti) or (china clay) or gram flour. This is a very gentle astringent pack which tightens the pores.

Clean Skin

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:49:04 +0000

Clean Skin

Health skin is the most important factor of the beauty of men and women. Research shows that men have 15% oilier skin and larger pores than women do. Deep cleansing is important to keep the pores clear and make the skin fresh and healthy.

Most men and women have sensitive skin so cleansing products should be as much chemical free as possible. Scrub is another good treatment that is used to clean the skin, remove the dead cells and smoothened the surface of the skin. Vitamin E and aloe vera oil are used as tonic for skin care.

Skin Treatment

Depending on the type of the skin and the season there are different skin care products that provide extra care to skin. Different types of skin care treatments produce different results.

The removal of the dead cells from the skin is known as exfoliated and it is very important factor in skin care treatment.

Too shiny skin doesn’t look healthy and blotting paper should be used because it blots the excessive oil from the skin away. For men, after shave lotions moisturize the skin and give it a fresh look. Avoid using after shaves that has alcohol or heavy fragrance in it.

Skin Protection

Skin is a mirror of your overall body health. There are many preventive measures that can makes you skin fresh and keep it healthy. Avoid over exposure to the sun because it can leads to the hyper pigmentation, which can be the cause of serious skin diseases. Try to use vitamins enriched food especially vitamin C and E.

Also use regular exercise program in your daily routine because exercise regulates the capillary functioning, which is helpful in decreasing the premature again effects. Excess of anything is a bad thing so try to stay away from alcohol, smoke, stress and other drugs. Drugs, alcohol and stress badly affect the facial circulation, which leads to the aging effects.

Skin Toning

Environmental debris, pollution, pollutants are a factor of skin’s cell damage. Skin irritating products such as alcoholic and heavily fragrant after shave lotions can cause damage to the face skin. Skin is a larger organ in the human body and it needs a lot of circulation.

Environmental stress, emotional stress, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse can cause harmful effects to the skin.

When doing skin care treatment don’t neglect certain areas of your skin such as heel, elbow, knees and neck. Also beware of pollution, excessive exposure to sun and wrinkles. Adequate rest and balanced diet can make you look younger for a longer time.

KIBES AND CORNS-

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:42:20 +0000

Persons who generally do not wear socks and shoes suffer from cracking of heals. This condition is known as kibes. This is a very common complaint. Lack of moisture and oil can bring about such a condition. In most cases, where the inner muscles are involved, it is very painful.

The best way to deal with a cracked heel is to fill the crack with the sap of the banyan tree. Another home recipe can be made as below: One teaspoon beeswax should be boiled in four tablespoons of sesame oil and one tablespoon of finely ground resin should be mixed with it. The mixture should be cooked further for a few minutes. When it becomes in the consistency of an ointment, it has to be filled in the cracks. You can prevent kibes by using glycerine and oil to massage your feet once or twice a week. For every day use, a good moisturizer should be enough. To soften this skin, soak your feet in hot water frequently and scrub them properly. After that apply a lanolin-based cream all over. Wipe off, and use a body lotion to keep the skin moist. To prevent rough elbows, prepare two small bowls of hot water to which a little glycerine is added. Keep your elbows in them for five minutes then rub them. Use lemon to lighten and soften them. Apply hand lotion after this, to keep them soft. A corn is hardening and thickening of the skin, usually on the feet where the shoes may have been chaffing. This condition is the result of tight fitting shoes. Corns are caused by friction and pressure. The skin becomes compressed and forms a lump, which sometimes has a hard central core. The ‘corn’ may be on the outside of the toes or between the toes, where it can be particularly painful. A home remedy to deal with a corn is to cut it off with a sharp knife or a razor and apply the sap of Papaya tree over it. It should then be covered with a slice of lemon and bandaged. It will help the trouble to subside, but if the ‘corn’ forms again, the same treatment should be repeated. A few applications will heal the corn without any difficulty. Now examine your shoes and slippers. Be ruthless about throwing away a tight shoe. Always choose such shoes, which support the arch well and have plenty of room in the toes. When you come home after a busy day and remove your shoes, do not put on a pair of flat, fluffy, bedroom slippers. Instead change into comfortable shoes. Beware of clog-type wooden sandals with a strap across the instep. These wooden sandals can only be beneficial if the wooden sole clog corresponds exactly in shape to the sole of your feet