Dermatologists' Tips to Reduce the Signs of Aging

Getting better results from your anti-aging products can be as easy as following simple tips from dermatologists.

"People often think that the more expensive a product is, the more effective it will be," said board-certified dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, founding director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals in New York City. "That's not always the case. People need to shop smart since there are some very effective, affordable products in the skin care aisles of their local stores."

To get the most from age-fighting products, Dr. Taylor recommends people also follow these tips:

1. Wear sunscreen every day since the sun's rays can accelerate signs of aging. Use a sunscreen or facial moisturizer that offers broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all skin that is not covered by clothing.
2. Do not tan. Getting a tan from the sun or a tanning bed exposes you to harmful UV rays that can accelerate aging, causing wrinkles, age spots, a blotchy complexion and even skin cancer.
3. Moisturize. Moisturizing traps water in the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of some fine lines and make your complexion look brighter and younger.
4. Test products, even those labeled "hypoallergenic." To test, dab a small amount of the product on your inner forearm twice a day for four to five days. If you do not have a reaction, it is likely safe for you to apply to your face.
5. Use the product as directed. Active ingredients can do more harm than good when too much is used. Applying more than directed can cause clogged pores, a blotchy complexion, or other unwanted effects.
6. Stop using products that sting or burn unless prescribed by a dermatologist. Irritating the skin makes signs of aging more noticeable.

Some products prescribed by a dermatologist may cause stinging or burning. When under a dermatologist's care, this can be safe and effective.

7. Limit the number of products. Using too many products on your skin, especially more than one anti-aging product, tends to irritate the skin. This often makes signs of aging more noticeable.

"It's very important that people allow time for the product to work. While a moisturizer can immediately plump up fine lines, most products take at least six weeks to work and sometimes it can take three months," said Dr. Taylor. "See a dermatologist if after following these tips you still do not see the expected results," said Dr. Taylor.

These steps are demonstrated in "Wrinkle Remedies," a video posted to the Academy website and the Academy's YouTube channel. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series will be posted to the Academy website and the YouTube channel each month.

Source:http://www.melodika.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=357624&Itemid=54

Glycerine Face Masks For Skin Care

Glycerine is one of the best remedies for natural skin care. It one of the best natural moisturisers that one can use to their benefit. It is used for both cosmetic purposes and in some medicines that are used for treating several skin conditions. But it is always better to use glycerine in a diluted form on skin or else it might cause harm. Here are a few natural face masks with glycerine that will keep your skin hydrated apart from making it glow.

Glycerine And Honey- Take 1tbsp of honey and 1tbsp of glycerine. Mix well and apply all over your face and neck. Glycerine is ideal for skin care this way. Wash off your skin after 15-20 minutes and you will find yourself left with beautifully hydrated and glowing skin.

Glycerine And Bananas- Take 1tbsp of glycerine and 3tbsp of mashed bananas in a small bowl. Mix them well and gently apply this glycerine mixture on facial skin and wash off after 20-25 minutes. The minerals in banana will replenish your skin with vital nutrients. Your skin will become much more blemish free after the wash.

Glycerine And Oats- Blend 3-4tbsp of oats in a mixer and keep it aside. Now mix 2tbsp of glycerine in it. This is one of the natural face masks that will also act as a facial scrub. You just have to rub it in clockwise and then anti-clockwise directions while you wash it off after 10-15 minutes. Glycerine will moisturise your skin and the oat will remove all the black heads and dead skin cells.

Glycerine, Egg And Lemon- Take 1tbsp of glycerine in a small bowl and add one egg white and 3-4tbsp lemon juice to it. Mix well and apply it on your face. Wash it off after 10-15 minutes. This is one of the most awesome natural face masks that will make you a tone fairer along with hydrating your skin.

Clay And Glycerine- Glycerine is good for skin and so is clay. For effective skin care, mix 1tbsp of clay and 2tbsp of glycerine in a small bowl and apply it on your face and neck. Wash it off with cold water after about 15 minutes. Glycerine will prove ideal for your skin with clay. Apart from making you fairer, it will also make your skin smoother and softer than before.

You may put all these skin care tips in your skin care regime for healthy skin. Apply these natural face masks only once or twice a week and not more than that.

Source:http://www.boldsky.com/beauty/skin-care/2012/glycerine-natural-face-masks-030430.html

Dermatologists' Tips To Reduce The Signs Of Aging

Getting better results from your anti-aging products can be as easy as following simple tips from dermatologists.

"People often think that the more expensive a product is, the more effective it will be," said board-certified dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, founding director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals in New York City. "That's not always the case. People need to shop smart since there are some very effective, affordable products in the skin care aisles of their local stores."

To get the most from age-fighting products, Dr. Taylor recommends people also follow these tips:

1. Wear sunscreen every day since the sun's rays can accelerate signs of aging. Use a sunscreen or facial moisturizer that offers broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all skin that is not covered by clothing.

2. Do not tan. Getting a tan from the sun or a tanning bed exposes you to harmful UV rays that can accelerate aging, causing wrinkles, age spots, a blotchy complexion and even skin cancer.

3. Moisturize. Moisturizing traps water in the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of some fine lines and make your complexion look brighter and younger.

4. Test products, even those labeled "hypoallergenic." To test, dab a small amount of the product on your inner forearm twice a day for four to five days. If you do not have a reaction, it is likely safe for you to apply to your face.

5. Use the product as directed. Active ingredients can do more harm than good when too much is used. Applying more than directed can cause clogged pores, a blotchy complexion, or other unwanted effects.

6. Stop using products that sting or burn unless prescribed by a dermatologist. Irritating the skin makes signs of aging more noticeable.

Some products prescribed by a dermatologist may cause stinging or burning. When under a dermatologist's care, this can be safe and effective.

7. Limit the number of products. Using too many products on your skin, especially more than one anti-aging product, tends to irritate the skin. This often makes signs of aging more noticeable.

"It's very important that people allow time for the product to work. While a moisturizer can immediately plump up fine lines, most products take at least six weeks to work and sometimes it can take three months," said Dr. Taylor. "See a dermatologist if after following these tips you still do not see the expected results," said Dr. Taylor.

These tips are demonstrated in "Wrinkle Remedies," a video posted to the Academy website and the Academy's YouTube channel. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series will be posted to the Academy website and the YouTube channel each month.

Source:http://www.marketwatch.com/story/dermatologists-tips-to-reduce-the-signs-of-aging-2012-08-14

The beauty rules you should know

There are some beauty rules that are obvious. Don't go out into the sun without sunblock is one. Quit smoking is another. Here are some less obvious rules - but no less important - tips.

PERFECT IMPERFECT

Perfect skin is about genetics not genius skincare. Unless you are genetically blessed, your skin won't be perfect even if you can afford the stratospherically expensive cream that claims to be able to make it so.

Do what you can to protect your skin from the elements, establish a regular skincare programme that fits your budget and investigate ways of treating serious skin conditions if they arise. How well you age is two parts care, one part character.

DON'T BELIEVE IN MIRACLES

Beauty is big business. A huge amount of money is invested in finding "miracle" skincare ingredients.

But - just as there is no cure for ageing - there's no one uber ingredient that's better than all the others. Good skincare is made up of a cocktail of antioxidants and ingredients that mimic the skin's own repair processes and encourage cells to work more efficiently.

GET GOOD ADVICE

Consult a dermatologist or cosmetic physician if you have a problem such as acne or dermatitis. A little spending now could save you a lot of future scarring. To find a good cosmetic physician, visit the website of the New Zealand College of Appearance Medicine.

EAT UP

It makes sense. The skin is the body's biggest organ, so what we eat will be reflected in our appearance. Our internal health shows up in our skin, agrees Dr Geoffrey Heber, CEO of Ultraceuticals, the Australian skincare company that also sells vitamin supplements alongside its moisturisers and cleansers.

But you can't just eat poorly and make up for it by popping a vitamin or two. 'A vitamin such as vitamin C - which is proven to be beneficial to the skin - is 40 times more effective applied topically than when it's ingested,' he says. The main reason is other organs take preference over any nutrients, and your skin gets what's left over. Take supplements, but not at the expense of good skincare.

DON'T SUFFER

Scars, sticky-out-ears, wonky teeth . . . cosmetic medical science has advanced so much in the past 10 years that natural-looking solutions to bad teeth, cauliflower ears and acne pits are infinitely possible. Stubby lashes can be completely cured by the drug Latisse; pigmentation can be minimised by a range of options, including hi-tech lasers. Change what causes you pain.
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ALWAYS WEAR A MOISTURISER

As we age, our cell membranes break down and water loss across the epidermis is increased. The result? Wrinkles. It's one of the reasons why so much emphasis is put on moisturisers' anti-ageing properties. Second only to sunblock, it's a very important beauty investment.

BEWARE INFLAMMATION

The beauty world has really woken up to the dangers of inflammation. The signs - redness, itching, ultra dryness, patchiness - are sure markers of free-radical damage. And damage means more wrinkles, dullness, uneven pigmentation. One of the biggest issues with inflammation, however, is that it's insidious, often doing its damage beneath the skin's surface, where it can't be seen.

Avoid it as much as possible by seeking out skincare specifically designed to soothe inflammation and, if your skin has a tendency to sensitivity, avoid products containing potential irritants (alcohol, menthol, peppermint, citrus and fragrance, for example).

PEEL APPEAL

One of the ways of refreshing your skin is to use a salon or at-home face peel. Basically uber-exfoliants, peels use chemicals to slough off dead skin cells, hence making the complexion look younger and brighter.

The advantages of salon or at-home peels - which generally employ varying percentages of glycolic acid - include smoothing out dry patches, lightening dark sunspots, reducing wrinkles and evening out acne scars.

Source:http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/lifestyle/7459010/The-beauty-rules-you-should-know

Tips for greening your skin and hair care regimen

Regardless of how you’ve come by this information, there’s a major change happening in products for your skin and hair care regimen in reaction to growing consumer demand for products with fewer or no toxic substances. Health-conscious folks are looking for ways to cut the load of toxins that enter their bodies, and environmentalists are increasingly pointing at what they call “non-point sources” of pollution to our waterways. Unlike, say, a factory dumping waste into a river (which is a “point source,” a growing part of the chemicals that make their way into our waterways are coming from our very own homes — working their way into the fish and other animals that share our ecosystem with us. And plenty of people are erring on the side of caution: The truth is that most chemicals in our personal care products are on the FDA’s GRAS list (generally recognized as safe), which means that they haven’t necessarily been tested for safety — just that they haven’t been proven to cause health problems yet.

So now that you have the curiosity and the motivation, here’s how you can green your skin and hair care regimen.

Don’t try to do it all at once: We all have products we love and depend on, and the best way to stick with less-toxic versions of those products is to find a replacement that really works for you. The good news is that unlike old natural products, new formulations work just as well as chemically laden ones.

Choose two or three products to replace first. These should be the ones that you use the most often; usually, your body soap, hand soap, shampoo and moisturizer are the most regularly used products. After you have replaced those, move on to things you use less often, like face masks, shaving creams and hair treatments.

Do some research: With your favorite old products in hand, check out the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. You can enter the products’ names and find out how toxic they really are. The site provides a simple 1-10 rating system (with the higher number being most toxic). Sometimes what you are already using might score low on the toxicity scale, which might mean that you want to keep it around.

You will probably find that some or all of your existing products contain chemicals that are linked with health issues or negative health consequences (you can dig deep into the research on Skin Deep and see the chemicals' effects). This is where you have to make a decision for yourself, based on your life: Are some mildly toxic chemicals OK? Are you looking for completely chemical-free products? The Cosmetics Safety Database will explain the various levels and their potential impacts.

Start shopping: If you have a good local health food store or Whole Foods (which independently evaluates its bath and body products) near you, they are a great place to start. The experts there can help guide you to what’s popular, what works, and which products are the most natural and organic. Not all natural or organic products are completely chemical-free, so be sure to do your homework, even on products from health food stores. You can also find some natural brands at retailers like Target and Wal-Mart.

Source:http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/natural-beauty-fashion/stories/tips-for-greening-your-skin-and-hair-care-regimen

Huda Kattan Reveals Top Skincare Tips for Ramadan

Ramadan could take a toll on your skin, think weary-looking dehydrated skin! Help is at hand from Vaseline ambassador Huda Kattan. The lady behind the Huda Beauty blog is sharing her top tips to keeping your skin hydrated and your face looking fresh. Go on and try them out!

1. Opt for a Blemish Balm Cream
Not only will it keep your skin looking clear, but most of them are actually good for you. I always look for one with an SPF as well as one that can brighten and protect the skin! They are like a tinted moisturiser with added benefits.

2. Mineralise as much as possible
I try to only use mineral makeup during Ramadan. Not only is it light, but it is free of any harmful chemicals, which means your skin will be able to breathe. You will look gorgeous and your face will love you! MAC has some great mineral makeup and the colour selection is great!

3. Use products that are good for you
The last thing you need during months when makeup should be minimal and light is products that are bad for you. I love using primers and mascaras that have vitamins since they can actually make your lashes thicker! I can't live without my Dior Show Primer, my lashes have not only multiplied, but they are longer and thicker from using it.

4. Trade in your lipstick for butters
Our lips tend to get dry super very fast during the month of Ramadan! Of course wearing bright or glossy lips is a big no no. I like to use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly mixed with home ingredients under nude lipsticks or tinted lip balms since they keep your lips hydrated, but also add a hint of healthy colour to your face. My absolute favourite lip tints are the Rouge Coco Shine from Chanel. The colours are light and it feels amazing on!

5. Go easy on the eyes
This month try to keep your eye makeup light! You can always skip the liner all together and use shadows instead since they are really light. One thing I like to do is use a shadow on the outer corner only and in a small amount, this will give you a little life without being too obvious.

6. Keep your skin hydrated
Water goes first to your organs and your skin gets jipped in the process. I always keep a bottle of Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow handy. Use it right when you leave the shower and it will not only seal in moisture, but add that extra bit of hydration which our skin needs during this month!

7. Drink super hydrating liquids
I always opt for things like coconut water (natural, no sugar added) after iftar since it can help replenish the skin's moisture which is lost during the day when we can't drink water. It won't get rid of your thirst, but it will help your skin a lot.

8. Deal with skin disorders or naturally dry skin
One of the best things you can do is apply Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to your skin before bed time, especially to those dry areas like elbows & knees. Simply apply it overnight and wash off lightly in the morning or wipe with a wash cloth with lukewarm water.

9. Load up on antioxidants
Try loading up on berries when you can since they are super strong in antioxidants. I love goji berries and try to drink acai juice as much as possible. You only need 1 fl oz per day and even with the fasting, your skin will have a healthy glow.

10. Remember to go natural
Try to use as many natural face masks this month. These products are light on the skin, but very effective! One of my favourite things to do is use yoghurt and honey and apply it to my skin for 15 minutes before rinsing. It will help balance skin oils and repair your skin’s health.

Source:http://www.ahlanlive.com/huda-kattan-reveals-top-skincare-tips-for-ramadan-197738.html

7 Summer Skin Mistakes

Bug bites, sunburns, peeling skin—summer means a whole host of different skin hang ups than we're used to combatting in cooler temps.
By now you probably know some of the basics, like that you need to protect your skin from that scorching sun, but many people are still falling into some common skin care traps.

Below are some of the most frequently-made summertime skin mistakes—and easy solutions. Then tell us in the comments: What's your biggest summer skin complaint?

No sunscreen
1. Not Wearing Sunscreen

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers in the U.S. are linked to sun exposure, and yet many of us still are not protecting ourselves. In fact, 49 percent of men and 29 percent of women say they have not used sunscreen in the past 12 months, according to a recent survey from The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Part of the reason why is that there's simple confusion as to what works and for how long. Only 32 percent of men said they considered themselves extremely or very knowledgeable about how to get adequate sun protection, according to the survey.

But anything is better than nothing. "Honestly, the best sunscreen is whatever the patient uses," Dr. Bobby Buka, a dermatologist in private practice in New York City, told HuffPost in May. "I'm not going to fight the battle about formulation."

2. Applying Sunscreen Incorrectly

Even among sunscreen loyalists, there's confusion as to how much sunscreen you really need and how often you should reapply. More than 60 percent of men said they believed one application would protect them for at least four hours, according to the same Skin Cancer Foundation survey.

In reality, most sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours, and more frequently if you're swimming or sweating.

During each application, make sure to use enough sunscreen to "generously coat" any skin that won't be covered by clothes, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends. Generally, that will be about an ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a shot glass, although you may need more depending on body size. One study found that most people use less than half that amount.

3. Not Wearing Sunglasses

If you're not protecting your peepers when you're in the sun (and 27 percent of U.S. adults say they never do, according to a report from trade group The Vision Council), you're exposing yourself to a greater risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer on the eyelids, which accounts for up to 10 percent of all skin cancers.

It's also important to throw on the right pair. Those cheap ones you picked up may not meet recommendations for UV ray protection. Look for a pair that blocks at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays, Men's Health reported, although that can be tricky because stores may label products incorrectly. Your best bet is to bring your sunglasses to an eye doctor, who can scan the lenses to measure how much protection they offer.

Wearing sunglasses can also help minimize wrinkles and fine lines caused by squinting.

4. Taking a Dive After Shaving

If you want to look smooth before lounging poolside, take note that going in the water right after shaving, waxing or undergoing laser hair removal can cause irritation to that extra-sensitive skin, according to Glamour.com. Try to finish up the beauty routine at least a few hours before it's time to make a splash.

5. Not Staying Hydrated

Feeling parched from the summer heat? Your skin may be too! Sun exposure saps moisture from skin, which can leave you looking flaky and scaly, Daily Glow explains.

Richer lotions and moisturizers are a good start, but part of the problem is you're likely not moisturizing from the inside out. Drinking more water can help, as can other hydrating sips, like coconut water, and Aeating foods with high water content, like watermelon and cucumbers.

6. Neglecting Your Feet

Spending a lot of time in flip-flops can cause the skin around the heel to crack. Moisturizing daily can help, as can a weekly date with the pumice stone. If you're not too hot, Glamour.com recommends sleeping in socks. The fabric can help your moisturizer soak in.

7. Scratching at Bug Bites

We know that itch can feel like torture, but scratching itchy summer bug bites is a bad idea, Dr. Neal B. Schultz, a board-certified dermatologist in practice in New York City, told HuffPost in June. You're likely to break the skin more by scratching, which can expose the bite to infection. And scratching will only make bites more inflamed, he said, leading to greater itchiness and pain.


Source:http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/7-summer-skin-mistakes?page=7

Skin Care Tips For Working Women

Working women seldom find out time to care for themselves. In such busy schedules, it becomes very difficult to look after their skin. This is why, early ageing, tanning and dark spots are common skin problems of working women. If you are a working lady and do not have much time to care for your skin, try these easy beauty tips that can be easily followed even in busy schedules.

Sunscreens: Many working women have to work outdoors and protecting their skin from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun is very important. If you think that sunscreens are only for sportspersons and people who are always out in the sun, then think again. Sunscreens form a protective layer on the skin that prevents ageing and tanning. Always apply a sunscreen on your face and arms (all exposed skin) 30 minutes before stepping out in the bright sun.

Moisturise skin: Working women would not have to spend much time on following this and it is one easy tip to care for your skin. Moisturise your skin regularly to keep it soft and shiny. To get rid of dry, freckled and wrinkled skin, always use a moisturiser. After a shower, apply a cream or moisturizer that leaves the skin soft, nourished and shiny. If you apply makeup, coat the skin with moisturizer before applying makeup to retain the moisture in the skin.

Cleanse: Always indulge in cleansing your skin. Even after a hectic day, working women should always follow this tip to care for their skin. Cleansing takes out all the dead skin cells, rejuvenates skin and opens clogged pores. Many women believe that washing their face with a face wash or soapy solution 4-5 times a day cleanses the skin. Well, washing the face with face wash only cleans the dirt and pollutants that stick to the skin. Moreover, excessive usage of face wash can damage the sensitive skin cells and tissues. This can cause cracks, lines on the skin and also make it rough. Face washes take away all the moisture from the skin. Limit the use of face wash and go for cleansing solutions like cleansing milk. Deep cleansing is required to have a clear and flawless skin.

Water: Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Water protects the skin and hair. Working women often have an unhealthy lifestyle and this affects their skin and hair. To maintain a glowing and nourished skin and hair, this is an effective beauty tip for working women. Have lots of water as it helps flush out toxins from the body.

Diet: Take out some time for your health. Working women should know that they can only work if they have the energy inside their body. Unhealthy diet can never keep them healthy and active. Include fresh green vegetables and fruits to stay fit and have a glowing skin.

Are you a working woman? How do you care for your skin?

Source:http://www.boldsky.com/beauty/skin-care/2012/working-women-skin-care-030225.html

Skin Care Before Bed

Sleep is a restorative and regenerative process. It is the only time at night that all our body muscles are put to rest. Do your skin a great favour by attending to a proper skin care process. If you want a thoroughly clean and revitalized skin at the time you wake up, you must take to a regular skin care regimen before you go to sleep. Only a good nights sleep isn't good enough for a healthy skin. Here are a few methods to attend to your skin before you hit the bed.

Cleanse- If you want to get good skin, it is very important to take off the makeup after a day's work. All makeup cosmetics contain chemicals and it is not at all a healthy practice to sleep on with it. Get a good oil free cleanser and cleanse your face and neck properly with it. This is one of those basic skincare methods that you should follow regularly before you go to bed.

Wash- Wash off your face with a soap-free face wash and make it a part of daily skin care regime. Massage the face wash gently on your skin for 1-2 minutes. Do not allow it to stay for long or else you will end up losing all the moisture from skin. This will open up all the skin pores and cleanse your facial skin from within.

Hydrate- You need to hydrate your face properly. Take some cream and a few drops of water in your hand. Mix them well and massage your face with it. This cream massage will moisturize all your facial skin cells and keeps it hydrated all through the night.

Drink Water- Only external skin care treatments will do you no good if you do not eat or drink healthy. Most of the times, you have a dry skin or get acne due to improper bowel movement. So drink at least 1-2 glasses of water everyday before bed. This will flush off all harmful toxins out of the body and will keep it healthy from within. If you want to get good skin, then drink water before you go to bed at night.

Check Your Bed- Many a times you develop skin rashes or infections due to some dirt or germs in the pillow or bed cover. So, it's very important to change the pillow or bed cover after a few alternative days. Instead of the traditional ones switch to silk or satin pillow and bed covers. This is so because, the fabric is soft and gentle. So, it will not put any extra stress on your skin.

Follow all of them regularly and wake up each morning to say 'good morning' to a healthy and beautiful skin.

Source:http://www.boldsky.com/beauty/skin-care/2012/skin-care-before-bed-030158.html