Acne can be a problem at any age, but is a particular irritant during the teenage years. Looking for some advice in this area, we asked the experts at DDF Skincare for some tips. They have shared their Three Easy Steps to Beautiful Skin exclusively with us and we're very grateful.
Three Easy Steps to Beautiful Skin: Cleanse, Protect, Treat
Everyone wants flawless skin. But a beautiful complexion is the result of many factors: genetics, nutrition, lifestyle and age. Selecting the correct skin care regimen for your skin and your life stage will help your skin stay healthy and radiant, and the earlier you begin the better.
Significant hormonal changes that occur during the teen years tend to cause production of sebum (oil) to increase so that teen skin tends to more oily. Formerly normal skin may begin to see pimples popping up and oily skin may experience significant breakouts. It is important to start a proper skin care protocol during your teenage years to avoid scarring and imperfections. Taking care of your skin today will not only make you look better now but will help keep your skin continue to glow as you get older.
CLEANSE :
The first step is choosing the right facial cleanser: start with a cleanser that rinses clean and thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it. If you have acne-prone skin, consider washes that contain salicylic acid to control oil production, benzoyl peroxide to treat pimples or glycolic acid to rid skin of dead skin cells. If you have dry or sensitive skin, consider cleansers that are non-irritating and contain soothing elements (like aloe vera) and hydrating ingredients. Everyone has different skin types and skin conditions and in order to achieve optimum results, make sure you select products that are right for your skin.
PROTECT :
Once your skin is clean, protect it from environmental pollutants and sun damage. The number one way to keep skin healthy is SUNSCREEN. The sun’s rays cause both immediate and long-term damage including wrinkles, dark spots, loss of firmness and possibly melanoma. The best way to protect skin is to use a daily moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 in it. Everyday. There is a moisturizer for every skin type so be sure to select the right one for your skin, making sure that it contains sun protection and, ideally, vitamins and nutrients to prevent and restore.
TREAT :
This is the time to “fix” what you feel is broken. Acne? Use a product containing an antibacterial agent to fight that P-Acnes bacteria (the guilty culprit that causes those pimples). If your skin is shiny hours before lunch, treat your skin at night with an oil-reducing product containing salicylic acid to minimize oil production.
Beauty Tips Search
Great Skin At Any Age : tips for fighting acne
Skin Care for Oily Skin
Your skin care routine must involves washing the face and neck at least twice a day with a mild, medicated soap. Avoid using creamy and fat-enriched beauty soap for washing the face. Concentrate on the forehead, nose and chin area. Massage the lather thoroughly. Rinse with clear cold water.
During the day, clean your face several times with cotton saturated with a freshner or cleansing lotion. Toning and tightening the enlarged pores with an astringent is advised after cleansing the skin.
After using the toner, if the skin feels taut and dry, apply a mild moisturizer, which will not block or irritate the skin pores.
What diet is best for your skin? chapter 1
What diet is best for your skin?
As boring as it may sound, the diet optimal for overall health is close to optimal for skin health as well. The main reason is that the diet optimal for overall health slows down physiological mechanisms of aging in all tissues, including the skin. While we believe that it's in everyone's best interest to adopt the diet optimal for overall health, we should point out that some aspects of a healthy diet are more important for the skin than others. The key guidelines are outlined below.
Balance and variety
The recommendation to consume a balanced diet is plastered on every corner these days. But what exactly does it mean? By balanced diet, nutritionists usually imply a diet that contains all necessary nutrients within a certain optimal range. This range is usually selected in such a way as to prevent protein malnutrition and vitamin / mineral deficiencies. Thus, in a strict sense, balanced diet is a diet allowing to avoid malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies. And, for many people, especially junk-food lovers, adopting a standard balanced diet would already be a great improvement. Keep in mind, however, that in order to "beat nature" and derive significant anti-aging benefits, one may have to consume some nutrients in greater amounts than those found in a basic balanced diet (see other articles in this section and Skin & Nutrition Infopack.
For most people, the simplest and probably the most practically feasible way to adhere to a balanced diet is to follow the recommendations of the Daily Food Guide developed by the US Department of Agriculture. Adults are advised to:
- Consume a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables while staying within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and two-and-a-half cups of vegetables per day are recommended for a reference 2,000-calorie intake, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level.
- Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. In particular, select from all five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, and other vegetables) several times a week.
- Consume 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per day, with the rest of the recommended grains coming from enriched or whole-grain products. In general, at least half the grains should come from whole grains.
- Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products.
To ensure than all essential nutrients are consumed in adequate amounts, it is desirable to consume a wide variety of foods.
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What diet is best for your skin? chapter 2
What diet is best for your skin?
Fruits and vegetables
You may have heard it from your grandma, but now it's official! Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is good for your health. Fruits and vegetables are particularly important for preventing premature skin aging because they contain a wide variety of antioxidants. Many of the pigments responsible for the color of fruits and veggies are -- among other things -- potent antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect skin cells from damage by free radicals which are especially rampant in the skin due to environmental exposure (see also the article about antioxidant nutrients in this section). To ensure that your fruits and veggies have all their antioxidants intact, make sure they are fresh and uncooked (or only minimally cooked) since heat inactivates most antioxidants. Also, some fruits and veggies are significantly richer in antioxidants than others.
Fluids
A well-moisturized skin is somewhat less prone to developing of wrinkles. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day ensures proper hydration of the body and helps reduce skin dryness. Experts usually recommend drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. Coffee and sodas are not a good substitute for water because they contain caffeine, which is a diuretic, i. e., a substance promoting the excretion of water via urine. Also, do not drink too much fluid 2-3 hours before going to bed. This may cause morning puffiness and excessively stretch your skin.
Calories
Except for frying oneself in direct sunlight at noon, the quickest way to get wrinkles is to put on a lot of weight and then lose it. The reason is obvious: when you gain weight, extra fat stretches the skin, then, when you lose weight and body fat goes away, the skin sags and crumples up. The degree of skin sagging after weight loss varies with the person's age (it tends to be worse the older you are), genetics and other factors. Let the desire to retain youthful skin be another incentive for you to watch your calories and avoid weight gain - even if you plan to lose weight later on. Also, keep in mind that gaining and losing weight in cycles may have negative effects not only on the skin but on your overall health as well.
Cooking
The central theme in cooking is heat-treatment of foods. As written in bold print in every college chemistry course, increasing temperature causes exponential increase in the rate of chemical reations. What does this mean to us, the eaters? Every time a food is heated up, the rate of reactions of degradation and oxidation of nutrients jumps up dramatically. In other words, cooking depletes food of many essential nutrients and antioxidants and increases the content of oxidative by-products (free radicals). As a result, we consume less essential nutrients and more aging-promoting free radicals. True, complete avoidance of cooked foods is no fun. You don't have to stop eating cooked foods altogether to avoid most of the negative effects of excessively cooked foods. For starters, reduce cooking time and avoid deep frying, grilling and cooking in large amounts of oil or fat.
For further details on how to change your diet and cooking habits in order to maximize skin benefits see Skin & Nutrition Infopack
Beautiful Skin
Tips for a beautiful skin
Here are a few things you can do to care for the skin that you were born with.
Avoid stress as much as you are can.
Stay out of the sun (or protect your skin with UV blockers).
Don't smoke. This does nasty things to your skin...
Drink lots of water.
Get plenty of sleep.
Be sure to clean your skin properly.
Eat lots of fruit and vegetables.
How to Get Baby Soft Skin
Don't you hate having dry, ashy, or rough skin? By taking on a few simple habits, you can be well on your way to having baby-smooth skin.
Steps
1. Cleanse your skin once a day with soap, water, and a soft sponge.
2. The MOST important step- Ex-fo-li-ate! Exfoliate once a week or once a fortnight if you have sensitive skin. It will remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil and will leave your skin baby soft!
3. Pat dry with a towel. Don't rub or scrub - this damages your skin and also creates wrinkles later on in life.
4. Apply lotion or cream before you leave the steam-filled bathroom. This is the best time to moisturize your skin because your pores are still open and your skin is still moist.
5. Wear sunblock if you're going to step outside of your house. One of the reasons babies have such soft skin is that they haven't been exposed to the harmful effects of UV rays!
6. Moisturize especially dry or tough areas, especially the feet, elbows, knees, and hands, right before going to sleep.
7. Drink half your weight in ounces of water every day. For example, if you weigh 140 lbs., you should drink 70 ounces of water every day. This will keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
8. Take a daily multivitamin to help your skin fight off damage and wrinkles.
9. After your shower put baby oil on your skin. Another step that is important to getting baby soft skin!
10. If you take a bath put 5 capfuls of baby oil in the water
11. After bath or shower dry skin and put on lotion
12. Put on powder after bath or shower
Tips
- Gentle, unscented soaps are best for your skin.
- Remember that your skin is your body's largest and most vulnerable organ. Take good care of it!
- In step 4 one can use baby oil, preferably with aloe vera and vitamin E, instead of lotion. Make sure there is some water left on the skin after patting dry, simply to avoid excessive oiliness.
- Add a handful of sugar to your favorite lotion and mix. Rub it into your dry skin and then towel it off.
Yogurt-Honey Skin Cleanser
Save face (and neck) with this soothing and moisturizing treatment.
Unless you spend the summer at the movies, your skin is bound to suffer. Sun, sweat, and wind can leave the skin on your face irritated, greasy, parched—in other words, a mess. To the rescue: this Yogurt-Honey Cleanser created by Linda Collins of Salon Blue in Carle Place, New York. "The lactic acid in yogurt softens and soothes the skin," Collins says, "while the honey cleanses and moisturizes it."
What you need :
1 cup plain yogurt2 ½ tablespoons of unflavored honeyteaspoon lemon juice (for oily skin)Cotton pads (optional)Warm water
How to get started :
– In a bowl, mix together the yogurt and honey. (For oily skin, add teaspoon lemon juice to help absorb excess oil.) You might want to patch-test the mixture first, behind one ear. Wait one hour, watching for any irritation.
– With clean hands or cotton pads, apply the mask liberally to your freshly washed face and neck (even your décolletage), and leave on for 5 minutes.
– Rinse well with warm water, lightly pat dry, and follow with your favorite moisturizer. Repeat one or two times a week.
Kiss Me Lips
Kiss Me Lips
The most kissable lips look? The same one that's pretty any time: your natural shade with a kick.
Step 1: Prep
Smooth lips with lip balm. Avoid slick products, such as Vaseline or anything else petroleum-based (they will make the lipstick slide off). Instead, apply a waxy balm, such as Chapstick, and massage into lips with your figertips. Then let it sink in for a few minutes.
Step 2: Pick Your Stick
Grab one that lets lips show through, such as a sheer lipstick or light gloss. Apply...LIPSTICK straight from the tube. Blend into lips and along your lip line with fingertip. Apply LIP GLOSS with the wand or a lip brush. Smooth out with your fingertip.
Step 3: Blot
When you are finished applying color, lightly kiss the back of your hand. This will get rid of excess product without cutting down on the sheen. Then, gently smack your lips together to even out the color one last time. Pucker up!
Beautiful Lips
Beautiful Lips
Some of us have less perfect lips than others. But don't despair! There are plenty of tricks of the trade to help make your lips more balanced and beautiful. Some of the most effective solutions :
* The best lip color fixative? - A thin layer of Chapstick. The formula holds lip color like crazy as it heals and protects.
* Powder lips also gives lip color or gloss something to cling to for longer, smoother wear.
* For longer wear, blot lips after applying lipstick to set color and remove excess. Add a thin layer of loose or pressed powder, then apply color again.
* Turn down too much shine by holding a single-ply tissue to your lips and pressing a little loose powder through it - just enough will sift through the tissue to adhere to color and reduce the shine.
* Turn up the shine with a thin layer of clear lip gloss over lipstick or alone.
* For high-voltage shine and color, try a lip lacquer over lipstick or alone.
* For fuller, poutier lips, spotlight lip gloss right in the center of your mouth.
* Keep matte lip color from drying your lips - use a lip primer or lip color fixative before you apply the matte color.
* For evening special-effects, apply a sheer lip gloss in silver, gold or an iridescent shade over the lip color.
Lips And Lipstick
Your Lips And Lipstick
Quick Tips :
* To stop lipstick from bleeding, use a lipliner, or apply foundation over the lips first.
* If you have big lips, use muted colours such as purples, browns and bronzes.
* If you have small lips, avoid dark colours.
* Professionals prefer to use a brush for lipstick application. Brushes generally allow you to use much less lipstick.
The colors that suit you are :
* Light blondes can use wines, berry's and mauves. They also suit cappuccino colours.
* Golden blondes should use corals, apricots or peachy hues.
* Blondes with olive skin tones are best suited to warm peaches, browns or terracotta's.
* Brunettes suit terracottas, cinnamon's and brown tinted reds.
* Red heads can use warm terracotta colours, cinnamon's and peachy browns.
Lip Plumper Tips
Lip Plumper Tips:
By Joanne Elliott
Do you sometimes think that you would kill for beautiful full lips? Sure, you could get Collagen implants, or tattooed outlines around your lip... But it’s a little bit excessive, I’m sure you’ll agree! There are other cheaper, and much more practical, ways of achieving a similar affect. Here’s how to get beautiful full lips in four easy steps...
Step one: Lip balm babe
Prepare your delicate lips with a generous slick of lip balm in advance. Nobody likes cracked and frayed lips! And in this cold winter weather its important to take more care than usual. (Cold weather will dry the moisture from your lips). Make sure that the lip balm has sunk a little before you go on to step two, otherwise your lip liner won’t work.
Step two: Line and define
Get a natural lip liner, and carefully draw around the very rim of your lips. If you get a wobbly line, don’t panic (and don’t think nobody will notice it)... just carefully remove it and start again! When you have a firm line fill in the rest of your lips with the same color.
Step three: Now add some shine!
Here comes the glamorous bit, the lip-gloss! Again, keep the color natural. Forget lipstick that’s too dark or too light. One thing you’ve gotta remember though, gloss looks better but doesn’t have the staying power of lippy. Make sure you keep it in your purse and re-apply during the day.
Step four: Plump them up
This is the ‘hard bit’. But actually it’s not! All you’ve got to do, (after you’ve completed steps one through three), is dot a white shimmery product like eye shadow or an eyebrow highlighter in the very center of your lips. Start slowly, and blend very carefully. What you are looking to achieve is natural looking shading, with your lip color being lighter where your mouth opens. This will create the illusion of beautiful full lips.
Oh, one last thing. Remember, people always want what they haven’t got, so don’t fret... just make the best of what you’ve got. And you know what they say; if you’ve got it, flaunt it!
So pucker up, and be sweet!
Lip Tips
Easy Lip Tips:
* To keep lips going all day, first pencil all over lips with a soft lip pencil. Apply lipstick over and blot.
* To make lips look fuller, line lips with a pencil and then blend the edges with a sponge applicator. Cover with gloss or petroleum jelly.
* To keep lipstick off teeth, pucker lips into an extreme "O". Cover your finger with tissue, and pole it into your moutn. Slowly twist it out of your mouth, eliminating any excess color.
* To achieve a pouty, sexy mouth, emphasize your top lip by dabbing just a touch of gloss in the center.
* Highlight your lips with a verylight eye shadow color that coordinates with your lip color tones. Place it right in the center of your upper and lower lips.
* To balance unevenly shaped lips, use a lighter colored lipstick on the smaller-sized lip.
* To keep lipstick in place while dining, keep lips off utensils. Use your lower teeth and tongue to do the work.
* Gently rub with washcloth over lips before applying lipstick to smooth out lips.
* Apply foundation around the lips give a precise look without lip liner.
For Full Lips:
You are lucky if you've been blessed with those large lips. Women everywhere are trying to replicate with collagen. But large lips can take over your face if you're not careful.
* You really don't need lip liner, but if you like the look, soften edge with your finger or a Q-tip.
* Don't wear any lip color that is too glossy or shiny.
For Thin Lips:
* Draw slightly beyond the lip with a neutral-colored lip pencil. Then apply lipstick. Your lipstick will "catch" onto the liner.
* Apply white shadow on center of lips over lipstick and spread slightly.
* Don't wear a very dark shade of lipstick. It makes lips more smaller.
Asian skin care
Asian skin tends to be smooth and poreless with yellow undertones. Asian skin is more prone to irritation. Commonly used preservatives, fragrances and alcohol suitable for Caucasian skin can actually cause irritation when used on Asian skin. Asian skin has larger pores than Caucasian skin. Asian skin has a greater need for daily exfoliation to minimize the appearance of pores and even out skin tone and texture. Asian skin is more prone to acne. Certain cosmetic grade oils and
esters are not suitable for Asian skins because they are easily trapped in pores causing a blockage of cellular debris and acne.
Generally, hyperpigmentation (dark spots) has an earlier onset than wrinkles and laxity (loss of firmness) on Asian skin. Pre-mature aging is less common. This explains why Asians are more concerned about skin lightening than they are about age spot treatment, which in turn is the concern of Caucasians. Skin color becomes darker with age—a function of both melanin content and hemoglobin (red blood cells) level on the skin. The Japanese have the lightest skin tone, and therefore have low melanin content and skin redness. Indians have the darkest skin tone, and therefore high melanin content and skin redness. Filipino (Malay) skin is somewhere in between. More women consider their skin acne-prone and sensitive in the summer. But while acne-prone and sensitive skin go together, the younger ones skew to the former and the older to the latter. Skin moisture decreases with age, and is exacerbated in less humid months. While it is associated with less skin moisture and more irritation, Asian skin is generally in good condition during cooler months. This is perceived to be the result of reduced sun exposure, making skin color lighter or less yellow, and improving biomechanical properties (i.e. elasticity) and structures (i.e. collagen). There is a slight increase in skin oil at this time since oil glands are working harder to compensate for lower skin moisture. As a result, fewer wrinkles are observed. Skin turns yellowish with age. This is more pronounced in Chinese and Korean skin than other racial groups. However, Filipino (Malay) skin is most sallow to begin with. Asian skin oiliness is associated with humid environment as well as high usage of foundation/powder.
The essential issue for Asian skins is finding a base that is predominantly yellow based, without being too warm and orange. Asian skin basically has yellow undertones. To get that perfectly flawless, natural look, you must wear a foundation with a yellow base. When Asian women wear foundations that are too pink or orange they often end up looking ashy and two-toned. Foundation should have yellow tones in it. Try mixing a yellow tint foundation with a shade to get the color that works best with your skin. Blues, reds and purples look beautiful on Asian skin.
Technically, not all Asians need yellow-based foundation because Asian skin has the widest pigment range. Some are even paler than most Whites. Generally speaking, however, most Asians look more natural in yellow-based foundation, as do women of all race. While most companies claim to have yellow based foundation formulas, some are more natural looking than others. Some err on being too yellow while others are still too pink.
Right shade of foundation tends to look darker in its bottle than its true color upon application. Trial-and-error is the only way to find the right shade for you. But for everyday use, tinted moisturizer may be all that you need. The color of tinted moisturizer need not be exact because their spread is so sheer, and it's good for your skin too.
Asians in general are no more oily than non-Asians but acording to dermatologists, Asian American women tend to have oilier skin than recent Asian immigrants. Some dermatologists blame this on higher fat content in our diet. It is common knowledge that diet does not directly affect skin condition, except when it is poor enough to affect one's overall health. Unexpected pimples may signal stress, hormonal imbalance, or internal health problems.
The Beauty Foods
What To Eat Each Day For Looks And Health
Apple Cider Vinegar
Beside having amazing healing properties, apple cider vinegar keeps skin supple. It's heavy concentration of enzymes helps peel off dead skin cells. It breaks down fat and helps food digest properly.
Carrots
Maintain the outer layer of the skin to prevent premature aging. What you'll find in is the same as you'll get in Retin A.
Cheese
To ensure a happy smile, add a slice or two of hard cheeese into your diet. Choose Swiss, cheddar, or gouda to block bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities.
Citrus Fruits
Hold the skin cells together by forming collagen. Collagen cannot be added to the skin topically, which is why fruits and fruit juices are such an important part of the daily diet.
Cranberries
Keep urinary tract lining healthy.
Garlic
Helps combat wrinkles and restores tissue.
Nonfat Yogurt
High in calcium, which keeps your smile white and your teeth cavity-free.
Sweet Potatoes
Vitamin A is known to be a remarkable anti-wrinkling agent. Sweet potatoes are full of this important vitamin. The pleasing results is clearer, smoother skin.
Tomatoes
These "love apples" will keep you loving your skin. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
Wheat Germ
If you want to get rid of pimples quickly and efficiently, make sure to include two or three tablespoons a day in your diet. Add it to cereal, yogurt, and cottage cheese.
You should choose foods that you enjoy, of course, but you need to include the following:
Vegetables
Three to five servings daily. Try to include one serving of raw, leafy greens.
Meat
Have no more than three three ounce servings a day. Cut off all fat. Try to make two servings of turkey or chicken. One serving of fish a day is ideal.
Fruits
Two to three servings daily. A 1/2 cup of chopped or sliced fruit is a serving. Fruit salad
Dairy
At least two servings daily. A serving would be eight ounces of milk or yogurt.
Fats
Salad dressing, cooking oil, butter, and mayonnaise should be limited to two servings a day.
Protect Your Sensitive Skin
Does your skin react to just about anything that touches it? Do you flush easily or sometimes break out in unexplainable bumps or hives? Does the idea of trying new makeup or skincare products fill you with dread? Chances are, you have sensitive skin.
Technically, sensitive skin is a condition rather than a skin type. Dry skin, normal skin, and oily skin types can all be sensitive or become sensitized. However, some skin sensitivities are hereditary and tend to run in families. Statistically, fair-skinned people of Northern European descent are more pre-disposed to having reactive, sensitive skin.
External factors also play a role in your skin`s sensitivity. Pollution, temperature changes, allergens and cosmetics all affect your skin. Other factors include: allergies, illness, chemotherapy, pets, cosmetics, over-exfoliation of the skin via laser or chemical peels.
Importance of Skin’s Barrier Function
One of the skin`s most important jobs is to provide a "barrier" to keep in the good (moisture) and repel the bad (bacteria, irritants). When the skin`s barrier function is compromised, the skin will be even more sensitive.
If you have sensitive skin, you know how frustrating it can be to find products that don`t irritate your skin. Be sure to carefully read labels and watch out for the following ingredients:
· Fragrances : A major cause of allergic reactions in cosmetics and skincare products. Some products now contain fragrances that claim to be hypoallergenic - proceed with caution.
· Chemical preservatives : Cosmetic preservatives are another common cause of skin reactions. Without preservatives, products have diminished shelf life. It`s tricky - but not impossible - to find preservative-free cosmetics.
· Plant extracts and Essential Oils : Don`t assume that just because a product is derived from botanicals or essential oils that your skin is safe.
· Detergents : Commercial and cosmetic detergents tend to be harsh strip the skin.
Sensitive Skin Prone to Premature Aging
Because sensitive skin is unpredictable, it`s important to use mild products. Anti-aging products loaded with active ingredients are often too irritating and lead to side effects like redness, hives and swelling.
Some experts say that the damage sparked by the skin irritants is worse than the initial irritation. This is because a "sensitivity episode" causes an inflammatory reaction in the skin. Over time, inflammatory responses lead to premature aging of the skin.
Sensitive Skin Disorders: Rosacea and Eczema
People with inflammatory skin disorders like Rosacea and Eczema should be under the care of a dermatologist. Rosacea is a common but misunderstood condition that causes frequent flushing. Over time, it progresses to permanently dilated capillaries and acne-like pustules. Rosacea is thought to be a vascular disorder, but its exact cause is unknown. Rosaceans should follow similar precautions as those with sensitive skin and learn as much as possible about their condition.
Eczema is characterized by dry, red and itchy patches. It can appear anywhere on the body, including the face. People with Rosacea or Eczema should
Indonesian Beauty Tips
Indonesian beauty is based on the concept of getting back to nature with a holistic approach. The ancient tradition of natural health and wellness in the region is called Jamu. Jamu is the Indonesian tradition of using medicinal herbs to treat every aspect of life. In terms of beauty this means blending the leaves, roots, fruits, flowers and barks of various plants into treatments that rejuvenate and nourish the body and also create inner peace which translates to outer beauty. For an Indonesian beauty experience at home, try some of these tips based on traditional Jamu beauty treatments utilized by Indonesian and Javanese royalty for hundreds of years.
Get a Foot Massage
For a traditional Indonesian style foot massage, have the masseuse focus on foot reflexology, and soak your feet in flower water before your massage treatment. Use pumice made from volcanic stone to remove dead skin from your feet before the massage as well.
Use Coconut Milk as a Hair Conditioner
For dry, brittle hair try using the ancient Indonesian remedy of rinsing the hair with coconut milk instead of a commercial conditioner during your shower. The milk will leave your hair moisturized and smelling like coconut.
Give your Body a Steam Treatment
Traditional Indonesian spas offer steam treatments to specific parts of the body to tone the skin and flush toxins. To mimic these treatments, steam parts of the body for a ½ hour at a time. Steam your face by holding it over a sink full of hot water with a towel over your head. Steam other parts of your body by turning your bathroom into a steam-room after a shower.
Try Eating Indonesian Kepel Fruit
Kepel fruit is a brown fruit that is about the size of an egg. The fruit is known in Indonesian beauty as a natural deodorant and eating the fruit is supposed to cause the body tsmell like the aromatic fruit.
Keep Coconut Oil in Close Reach
In Indonesia and Java coconut oil is used to massage the skin and to treat damaged hair. Add a small amount of essential oil of orange flower or rose for added fragrance.
Soak in Goat’s Milk
Mandi Susu is an ancient beauty bath used for princesses of Java to help them maintain soft and youthful looking skin. The old-fashioned treatment was to sit in a goat’s milk bath for 30 minutes and do not rinse afterwards. In a big city Indonesian spa you can get this treatment with new products that take out the taste and smell of the milk but keep the protein content for soft skin. Sheep’s milk or cow’s milk can also be used for mandi susu.
Relax with a Floral Bath
Treat yourself to an Indonesian style floral bath after your home spa treatments. Add fresh or dried petals of jasmine, gardenia, hibiscus, magnolia, and rose to bathwater and soak for 20 minutes to relax your muscles and help build internal wellness.
How to do: Natural Make Up
The world of makeup is full of potential problems - think running mascara, odd colour combos or caked on foundation. And whilst dramatic eyes and pouty pink lips are sexy, there is something to be said for simple and sultry natural beauty.
The best way to make your natural make-up look truly natural is to start with good basics i.e. skin that’s in good condition.
If you make sure you are keeping yourself hydrated with plenty of water, cleansing your skin and using moisturiser and sunscreen daily it means that you have to put less work into looking flawless. Not to mention your skin will thank you for it in the long run
But let’s be honest even if you follow a strict skin regime you may still have ‘problem’ skin. If your skin is a bit worse for wear consider using a primer which will hydrate dry skin and minimize unevenness in skin texture. If your skin is a little oily opt for a mattifier. If you have been up till 1am writing assignments and your skin is looking a little dull reach for the illuminators.
All these products should be used sparingly after allowing your moisturiser to absorb, but before foundation.
Foundation
There are a huge number of foundations on the market, from whipped formulations to ones which contain herbal extracts.
If you are looking for a true foundation and have combination or oily skin, balancing foundations are the best bet, used in conjunction with a mattifier applied to the oily areas.
Those with dry skin should opt for a great moisturiser followed by a foundation marked ‘silk’, ‘dewey, ‘satin’ or ‘creamy’. If the foundation is too thick mix with moisturiser to attain the right consistency.
Those with sensitive skin are best served by mineral make-up, which does not cause skin irritation and is available from good chemists and health stores.
For the best effect apply in full day light and only where needed (not over the entire face), remembering to blend vigorously.
If you are trying to attain a natural look it’s best to avoid matt foundations, which tend to look too heavy. Instead use the combinations already mentioned applied with a damp makeup sponge or foundation brush. Alternatively use a tinted moisturiser.
Conceal
I believe you should only use concealer if you really think it’s necessary because often the coverage of foundation is enough.
However, if you are a concealer fiend remember all concealer is best applied over foundation unless it’s a colour corrector such as green balm for covering redness or yellow /apricot concealer for covering dark eye circles. Another time to use concealer before foundation is if you are opting for a powder finish product.
Brush it on
Set your foundation or tinted moisturiser with a light dusting of powder on a nice big round brush. The most important factor here is to choose a powder which is not shimmery or bronzey to avoid looking made up.
The finishing touches
Keep the rest of your makeup natural so it compliments your fantastic skin. Line eyes with light brown eyeliner or brown eye-shadow and a damp brush. On your lids use tawny or fawn tones and coat lashes with clear or brown mascara.
If your skin is looking a little dull rosy up the apples of your cheeks with a hint of peachy bronzer or blush - in winter I like to dab a touch to the end of my nose which tends to brighten my whole face.
Lips can be coated with a layer of glossy lip balm or peach or dusky pink-toned lipstick.
If you wish to have a matt look with a little colour use a lip balm and then pat on a small amount of peachy, pinky or caramel eye-shadow or blush.
The look can be transformed for evening by using dark eyeliner, mascara and glossy eye shadow and lipstick. I love Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream which looks fantastic over the lids of eyes and lips.
A natural make-up look is incredibly basic to achieve once you know which products to use. And although the look may be simple, it is also stunning and so versatile that you can wear it anywhere and adapt it just by adding hints of colour, sparkle and shine.
by Anya Merryfield
Hurry Make Up : 5 Steps in 5 Minutes
multi-functional makeup for the woman on-the-go
by Eve Pearl, Makeover Expert
As a mother, I know how much time and energy it takes to raise a child. I could not even imagine the challenges Catrina, a mother of six, has on a daily basis. She gave birth to quadruplets -- two boys and two girls -- on May 30, 2006, adding to their twin toddlers. Yes, that would make it six kids under the age of three. She gets a standing ovation just for that. For her TODAY show makeover, we gave her tips on what she can do in under five minutes to keep her skin looking great.
With only five minutes, it's all about time management to get the most bang out of your buck. Think multi-functional makeup -- that means look for cosmetics that include skin care, sun protection, and aromatherapy that taste good. At the same time, the products need to enhance your features. If you only have five minutes for yourself, my recommendations would be:
5 STEPS IN 5 MINUTES
We must moisturize. Use a moisturizer with an SPF. Try Neutrogena's Anti-Oxidant Age Reverse Day Cream with SPF 20. This will allow you to moisturize while protecting your face from the sun. It also neutralizes 90 percent of free radicals and is dermatologist tested.
Since very few of us get enough sleep, especially new moms, we need to find that do-it-all concealer. The Eve Pearl Concealing Eye Treatment allows you to cover those dark under-eye circles, as well as treat your eyes to a mini makeover with vitamins, minerals, proteins and anti-oxidants. Apply it with your fingers like an eye cream, while concealing the dark circles. No need to powder.
Brightening up the eyes takes a couple of swipes of mascara. The MAX Factor Volume Couture mascara will give you vibrant lashes. You won't even have to curl your lashes -- it does it for you. This is an effective timesaver that goes a long way.
You might not have time to catch a tan, but that doesn't mean you can't look kissed by the sun. Fake Bake Bronzy Babe will give you a luxurious glow without looking orangey or too shiny. Just remember, you want to look kissed by the sun not attacked by it. So remember, apply bronzer to areas where the sun would naturally hit your face (the apples of your cheeks, around the edges of your forehead, a touch on your nose and a touch on your chin). Please do not take a large powder brush and brush it back and forth on your face. That just might make you look like a bronzy clown.
Your lips also need hydrating and attention. Cover Girl's Fruit Spritzers will work for the mom who can't be sitting by the pool drinking a spritzer. She can smack one on her lips. This gloss not only brings life back to your lips, the yummy flavor makes a great tasting snack for that mom on the go.
Upper Lip Care
It’s easy to pay attention to the main areas of our face when it comes to anti-aging, but what about the forgotten areas like the upper lip? This part of the face ages just like the rest of the skin and because of its delicate location, we often take for granted that this area is fine without special treatment. That couldn’t be further from the truth. If you thought crow’s feet around your eyes are a nightmare to get rid of, imagine the damage deep wrinkles can do to your complexion once they’ve attacked your upper lip!
Many people don’t think twice about their upper lip until it’s too late. Prevent unnecessary treatments for wrinkles in the upper lip area by practicing good skin care habits daily. Treat this part of your face with just as much care and consideration as you would any other part of your face or body.
The upper lip area mostly comes into play when it comes to hair removal, since this area is often the target of unwanted facial hair. There are many options of hair removal that can be used but it’s also important to know which one will work best for your skin. Getting rid of the hair is one thing, but maintaining the health of your upper lip is another. For people with sensitive skin, the upper lip is just as prone to bad skin reactions to chemicals and certain treatments. Depilatories can be messy and often don’t completely remove the hair. If you’re thinking about going down this route, do a patch test first to see how your skin reacts.
Shaving and plucking should be avoided since these two methods can be very harsh on the upper lip area, not to mention the possibility of cutting yourself with the razor. The upper lip area is too sensitive for the daily aggression shaving provides. Waxing appears to be the best method for unwanted hair in this area. To get the best results, get your upper lip waxed professionally in a salon and treat the area afterwards with a soothing cream or applying a warm towel to the area to calm the skin.
Moisturize your upper lip area on a daily basis. Many people have the bad habit of applying their facial moisturizer or other facial products to everywhere but the upper lip area. This part of the face needs attention as well, so don’t leave it out in the cold. Sunscreen should always be applied to the upper lip whenever you step out into the sun to avoid UV damage. Apply lip balm to the upper lip area as well as your lips, especially if it contains SPF and moisturizing agents such as aloe vera. You may feel weird while doing it, but even this small step can keep your upper lip area soft, smooth and free of fine lines and wrinkles.
I Hate My Freckles
For most of us, freckles are as common as our skin type. But despite their natural existence, most of us will do practically anything just to get rid of them. From the so-called miracle skin cream to lemon juice and concealer, we’ve probably tried every trick in the book and then some. So, what can you do to help minimize those freckles?
Freckle History
Freckles are the small tiny spots that you see on fair complexioned people. They can be a tan or brown shade of color and are rarely seen on African American people. Freckles are also genetic, meaning if your mother had them, you’re more than likely to have them as well. Genetics are not the only way to get freckles, however. Freckles can also be caused by exposure to sunlight for long periods of time. They are generally found on the face, but sometimes they can also appear on other areas where skin may be exposed to the sun. Because they are caused by exposure to the sun freckles usually tend to fade in the winter months. They may also fade with age.
Freckle Know How
While there is no way to remove freckles permanently, there are a few things you can do to help try and minimize them.
Because Melanin is formed on the outer layer of the skin, you can try lightening or peeling that area of skin. Alpha Hydroxy Acids can help shed old skin cells and make your freckles seem lighter and less visible. Kojc Acid may also help lighten freckles since it has been used for effectively treating skin discoloration. To get maximum results with a skin lightener or peeler, be sure to use a sunscreen. Otherwise, you’ll wind up with more freckles than you started with. You will also have to continue using the lightener or peeler unless you want the freckles to reappear.
If you’re not fond of using chemicals on your skin, you can try a more natural approach with sour milk or buttermilk, which contains an acid that can gently remove dead skin cells. The milk won’t irritate or dry out your skin like chemicals will.
Another natural freckle fighting remedy is good old fashion lemon juice. Since the juice of the lemon has a natural lightening effect, applying it to your skin could help fade away those freckles.
Freckles generally appear because your body is trying to protect itself from the sun’s drying effects, you may want to keep up your skin’s health by eating the right amounts of fruits and vegetables to ward off dry skin. Vitamin B5 is essential for warding off dry skin. You can find it in milk, wheat germ and eggs. While a diet may or may not reduce your freckles, it certainly doesn’t hurt to give it a try.
If you really want to minimize your freckles, the best thing you can do is to keep sun exposure to a minimum and wear sunscreen. Staying out of the sun will cause the melanin in your skin to produce fewer freckles.
And finally, if all else fails, maybe your freckles were meant to be. After all they are a part of you, a beautiful you.
Forty and Fabulous: Skincare for Mid-Life
For many women, watching the big “4- 0” strike home can result in a gamut of emotions, from sadness to trepidation to a “no big” attitude. Where do you fall on the mid-life scale? The good news is that no matter how hard you take those middle years; your skin can sail through looking just as good as ever. The key is in learning how to modify your skin care routine throughout this phase of life, so that you can effectively address any new needs as they arise. Don’t expect that complexion from high school to follow you through the rest of your life. Your skin type may change, and you will need to adapt accordingly if you want to keep your skin looking its radiant best.
Tips for Youthful Skin
There are a number of habits that you can begin to form as this phase of life approaches. First, if you do not typically get your eight glasses of water every day, now is the perfect time to start. Not only is water good for the body, it is absolutely essential to keeping your skin hydrated as well. Hydrated skin will be much better equipped to fend off those tiny lines and wrinkles that are beginning to make their appearance. Another important factor in good-looking skin is plenty of regular exercise. Aerobic activity will increase the blood flow throughout the body, and give your skin a healthy glow. Just one more reason to get moving!
Exfoliation becomes an important part of your skin care routine during this season of life as well. As your skin ages, it generally becomes drier, meaning that there will be more layers of dead, dry skin that you will need to grapple with. By using an exfoliant once a week, you will be able to effectively wash away that old skin, leaving the layer underneath smooth, radiant and healthy. After exfoliating, you can apply a moisturizer to keep that skin soft and supple for as long as possible. When you go shopping for an exfoliating scrub, make sure that you find a product that will be well suited to your skin type for best results.
Some women will have been introduced to moisturizers long before the mid-life crisis hits, if they have dealt with dry skin in their younger years. Even if your oily skin has been prone to breakouts up to this point, you will probably find that a moisturizer becomes more necessary by the time 40 hits. Again, finding a moisturizer that will suit your skin type will give you the best results. For example, if you still have skin that is somewhat oily, you can choose a product that will moisturize without adding additional oil to your skin. Your face won’t be the only area of your body that requires moisturizing either, so be ready to slather up after showering each day. One tip is to apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in that moisture more effectively.
The mid-life crisis doesn’t have to send you to the depths of despair. By adapting your skin care routine to the new needs of your body, you will be able to face those middle years looking radiant and beautiful. Happy 40th!
Oil-Infusion: Using Technology to Pamper your Skin
Home Made Beauty Tips
Many women are constantly on the lookout for new skin care products that will offer a totally pampering experience while effectively cleaning and softening the skin’s surface. The new oil-infused lotions and washes on the market today do not disappoint, with plenty of delicious smells and luxurious benefits awaiting the discerning shopper. You can choose oil-infused products for their moisturizing benefits, the aromatherapy value, medicinal purposes – or a combination of the three. Whatever your needs and desires in skin care products, there is sure to be an oil-infused wash or lotion for you.
Why Choose an Oil-Infused Lotion?
Oil-infused lotions generally fall under the category of occlusives. There are two types of skin moisturizers; occlusives, which contain an oil base, and humectants, which are oil free. While humectants are a much better choice if your skin is particularly oily, occlusives are a woman’s best friend when it comes to dry, damaged skin. (As we age, most of us tend to fall into this latter category more often than we would like to admit.) The fun part of occlusives is that they are not only highly effective in keeping the skin’s natural moisture where it belongs, these products also come in a wide variety of styles and scents to tickle any girl’s fancy.
There are a number of oil-infused products that are coming onto the market today, from any number of companies that produce skin care and bath products. You can select from washes in a variety of aromas that will provide numerous benefits, and lotions that will offer the ultimate hydration that only an occlusive skin care product can. The other advantage to oil-infused products is that your senses can enjoy the aromas of the essential oils, while the oil-infusion process makes them quite safe to apply directly to your skin. You can sniff to your heart’s content, without any concern that the oils will burn your skin or cause a rash.
Many of the oils that are included in these oil-infused skin care products are specifically selected to soften your skin, heal dry patches, and even lighten scars and stretch marks. For example, good oils to include for dry skin treatment include chamomile, geranium, lavender and sandal wood. Look for these oils in your skin care products if you want to soften dry skin effectively. If you decide to try one of these oil-infused products for yourself, make sure that you find one that will work well with your skin type and address your individual skin care needs.
Skin Lightening
Home Made Beauty Tips
Tired of dealing with an uneven complexion? Want to find an effective way to lighten scars and blemishes that just won’t go away? Skin lightening presents many alternatives that can help you achieve even toned skin and fade unsightly scars. Pregnant women suffering from melasma and hyperpigmentation can also find relief in skin lightening products. Find out how skin lightening can benefit your skin’s needs.
Not all skin lightening treatments produce scary results (think Michael Jackson as the worst case scenario). If you’ve been looking for a way to safely lighten your skin and correct discoloration or other skin problems, there are plenty of products out on the market that are available over-the-counter or can be prescribed by your doctor.
To clear up any confusion, skin lighteners and skin whiteners are the same and the terms are often used interchangeably. Skin lighteners use special ingredients that either reduce the production of melanin (the pigments responsible for the color of your skin), or prevent UV rays from darkening the skin by absorbing the rays. The most widely used ingredients in skin lighteners include hydroquinone, arbutin, azealic acid, licorice extract, ascorbic acid, and kojic acid. Recent studies show that vitamin C also prevents the production of melanin, spawning more varieties of skin lightening formulas containing vitamin C. These products come in the forms of gels, creams and lotions.
Skin lightening products are ideal if you wish to fade scars from past accidents or acne breakouts, treat conditions of hyperpigmentation such as melasma, even out blotchy skin, or heal blemishes that have left an area of discoloration. Those who suffer from skin disorders like vitiligo (when the skin’s melanin production is lost, causing large, white patches of color on the skin) are often prescribed high concentration skin whitening formulas to achieve a more uniform appearance in skin tone. These products contain a specific percentage of concentration clearly stated on its label, such as 2% or 0.05%. It’s important to read the labels of any over-the-counter skin lighteners you buy to avoid a negative reaction or exposing your skin to ingredients that can be too harsh. Each person’s skin reacts differently so never assume that what works for one person will work the same for you.
Before purchasing any skin lightening product, it’s best to consult with your doctor first. If you have a particular skin condition that needs treatment, your doctor will prescribe you the proper medication to lighten your skin, instead of spending your money on over-the-counter products that may not work. Most skin lightening treatments take time to work so don’t expect to see results overnight. If you experience side effects or an allergic reaction, stop using the product immediately and see your doctor.
Home Made Beauty Tips
Goat’s Milk for your Skin
Home Made Beauty Tips
There are some natural treatments for your skin that most definitely deserve a second look when it comes to their many benefits. One of the best ingredients to moisturize and heal your skin is milk, and one of the best types of milk that you can use to cleanse your skin is goat’s milk.
Milk has been used for centuries as an effective skin treatment. Cleopatra used to take regular milk baths, which could have been the reason for her beautiful skin. There are a number of nutrients in milk that are good for your skin, including vitamins A and D as well as probiotics. The lactic acid in milk also contains natural beta hydroxy acids that act as an exfoliator to strip the skin of dead cells and leave it soft and silky smooth. The reason that goat’s milk is such a good choice in skin care is because the pH in this particular milk matches the pH in our skin better than any other type of milk, adding to the soft, supple feel after washing with it.
How to Use Goat’s Milk as a Skin Care Product
So you have decided that goat’s milk will be good for your skin, but how do you use it? This can actually be the easy part, since there are any number of commercial skin care products available that contain this wonderful ingredient. You can select from lotions, creams and soaps that will pamper your skin as they moisturize. You can also create your own goat’s milk bath by adding a cup or two of the milk to your tub. It is best to warm the milk a bit before pouring it into the bath. You can also add a couple of drops of the essential oil of your choice (almond oil works well) for additional moisturizing qualities and fragrance.
Goat’s milk soap is another good choice in a bath product that is strong enough to thoroughly cleanse, but gentle enough for even the youngest bathers in your household. People with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis have also found goat’s milk soaps and other bath products to be beneficial to their skin. At the very least, these products will be gentle enough that they won’t exacerbate any type of skin condition.
Milk has been a skin care ingredient that has been used for centuries by some of the most beautiful women in history. Why not try this amazing product for yourself, and indulge in a goat’s milk bath the next time you decide to hit the tub? If it’s good enough for Cleopatra, surely it will work for you!
Home Made Beauty Tips
Wedding Ready Skin
Home Made Beauty Tips
Any bride knows that the time to prepare for a wedding is months prior to the big day. This goes for the flowers, food – and your complexion. If you want your skin to glow on the day you say, “I do,” then your skin care program needs to begin early. Six months in advance is not too early to begin with monthly facials and an exercise routine that will ensure that your skin is radiant when you walk down the aisle. As the day approaches, there are additional steps that you can take to ensure that you look your absolute best on your wedding day.
As soon as the engagement is announced, you can begin making appointments with a make-up specialist and a dermatologist to get your skin ready for your big moment in the spotlight. A dermatologist can help you deal with specific skin problems, like acne, scars or broken blood vessels on the surface of the skin. An appointment at a salon will help you to determine the make-up that you like best, and give you time to practice the look or ensure that your skin does not have a reaction to the products that you choose. This is also a good time to begin having monthly facials at a salon that will get your skin into pristine condition by the time your wedding rolls around.
Embarking on a daily exercise program should also begin as soon as possible, if you are not already sticking with one. Not only will daily exercise whip your body into shape, but the increased circulation will benefit your skin as well. There is nothing more radiant and beautiful than a bride with healthy skin that is born of a healthy body. Another important habit to get into early is to begin drinking plenty of water every single day. Hydrated skin is always more attractive, and the additional fluids will help to flush impurities and toxins from the body.
As the day approaches, begin exfoliating treatments once or twice a week that will keep your skin fresh and radiant from the top of your forehead to the soles of your feet. To increase the effectiveness of your exfoliating treatments, use a body brush or sponge to keep dead skin cells and body pimples at bay while improving circulation over your entire skin’s surface. Begin with your feet, and work upwards in gentle, circular motions. You can repeat this process a number of times each week.
Another good step in getting ready for your wedding day is to apply a self-tanning spray or lotion that will give your skin a touch of color and a healthy glow. Use well in advance of your event, to ensure that the color you achieve is the right one for you. Make sure that you do an exfoliating treatment prior to application of the self tanner, and follow the package directions for best results.
Your wedding is an event that you will remember for a lifetime, so give yourself plenty of time to prepare for this most special day – and your most special role as the bride. Once it arrives, try to relax and enjoy every minute, knowing that you are the most radiant and beautiful bride you can be.
How to Treat a Cold Sore
Home Made Beauty Tips
Cold sores are painfully annoying to deal with and not a pretty sight, either. Because they appear around the mouth or on the lips, they are hard to hide with makeup. Surprisingly, there is some confusion as to what a cold sore really is. Learn the truth behind what a real cold sore is so you’ll know how to treat it properly if you happen to get one.
Cold sores, also called “fever blisters”, are small blisters that are red in appearance and tender. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, so if someone tells you that you have herpes around your mouth, don’t faint - they’re telling the truth. Obviously this is a different type of herpes that should not be confused with the STD (this form of herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2). The two are not the same. While it is possible for herpes simplex virus type 2 to cause cold sores and vice-versa, these instances are rare. However, the virus responsible for creating cold sores does make them highly contagious.
Another common mistake made when it comes to cold sores is confusing them with canker sores. For one thing, canker sores are not contagious and only occur inside of the mouth, not on the outside like cold sores. Canker sores are actually ulcers that occur in the soft tissues inside of the mouth.
Cold sores are characterized as small, red blisters filled with fluid. These blisters often appear on the lip itself or around the lip area. A tingling sensation and increased sensitivity of the area are also common. Unfortunately, cold sores cannot be cured, only treated. Because it is highly contagious, you should avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold sore. The most common ways to contract a cold sore is by skin-to-skin contact, sharing eating utensils, kissing, or sharing other personal facial hygiene tools (razors, towels) with someone who has an open lesion.
If what you have in indeed a cold sore, the most important thing to do is stay away from anyone who may have a weak immune system or one that isn’t very strong to begin with, such as infants. Avoid close contact with people suffering from health conditions such as cancer, AIDS or skin conditions like eczema. These particular individuals are at greater risk of developing infections if they contract your cold sores.
A cold sore usually goes away on its own but if you don’t have that kind of patience, you can purchase over-the-counter creams to relieve any pain or discomfort or take a pain reliever. Applying a warm or cold compress to the cold sore can also take away any pain and be sure to avoid picking, scratching or squeezing your cold sore. That will only make it worse. If your skin starts to get dry or crack, apply Vaseline or other lip treatment to keep the area well moisturized.
You Can Do It-At-Home Facial
Home Made Beauty Tips
While it’s nice to be able to enjoy a facial treatment at a professional spa, it’s not always practical. Treating yourself to an at-home facial can be just as enjoyable and unlike most professional spas, you can also make your facial more personal by choosing the products, and treatments that best suit your own needs. Here’s how:
Cleanse
To begin your at-home facial, you will want to cleanse your face. Look for a skin cleanser that is made specifically for your skin type. For oily skin, look for a facial cleanser that is deep cleansing and will help to fight acne. For Dry skin look for a cleanser that contains moisturizer. Avoid soaps since they can be harsh to your delicate skin. You should apply the cleanser in a circular motion using the pads of your fingertips. Rinse and gently blot your face dry with a towel.
Steam
After cleansing the skin, fill a bowl with hot steaming water and cover your head with a towel while placing your face over the bowl for 2 minutes. After the 2 minutes, dry your face gently with a clean towel.
Exfoliate
To remove dead skin cells, use an exfoliating scrub that is designed specifically for your skin type. Apply the scrub in a circular motion using the pads of your fingertips. Rinse well and blot gently with a towel.
Mask
Your next step for an at-home facial is to apply a mask. If you have oily skin, look for a mask that is clay-based. For dry skin, look for a mask that contains moisturizing ingredients. Apply the mask, being careful to avoid the areas around the eyes. Allow the mask to set for 15 minutes or the time specified on the product’s directions. If you’d like, you can indulge in some relaxing music or a good book, while you’re waiting. You can also light a scented candle if you’d like. After your time is up, rinse the mask thoroughly with warm water and pat the face dry with a towel.
Moisturize
Your final step for an at-home facial is moisturizing. Moisturizing your skin is essential since it will help to protect your delicate skin from dirt and oil as well as the drying effects of the facial. Look for a moisturizer that is made specifically for your skin type. Apply the moisturizer sparingly, using a gentle touch.
If you would like to continue the facial, you can include a facial massage as well. You can ask your partner or a friend to help, or you can give yourself a facial massage with the help of a massage book or video.
Remember to include an at-home facial in your beauty routine at least every other week. Doing so can greatly improve your skin tone and allow you to take time out for yourself and relax!
Mole Removal
Home Made Beauty Tips
Moles are sometimes referred to as “beauty marks” and while some wear them well - think Cindy Crawford - there are others who find their moles ugly, unsightly and just plain horrendous. There are various types of moles that can appear anywhere on the body or face, from cute, tiny moles, to the raised moles with the awful hairs growing out of it. Whichever kind you have, there are ways to go about ridding yourself of them.
Many people are born with moles or end up developing them over time. Also called “nevi”, moles can be hereditary or even caused by sun exposure. Some people associate moles with melanoma but that is not always the case. However, moles that have changed in size or shape over time should be looked at by a doctor in order to rule out skin cancer as a possibility.
There are currently two ways to remove a mole: excision with or without stitches. Excisions without stitches may or may not require cauterization, which is when an electrical instrument is used to burn/seal the wound shut after the mole has been removed. There are laser methods but these typically don’t penetrate deeply enough to get the job done. The surgeon you choose will carefully examine your mole to determine which procedure will work best. This depends on the shape, size, and how deep the mole is in the skin. On the day of your mole removal surgery, the area will be prepared by cleaning it with either alcohol or a different type of medical cleaning solution. The area is then numbed using an anesthetic.
Excision without stitches is the simplest of the mole removal methods. Using a scalpel, the surgeon shaves the mole off, sometimes going slightly below the skin level. From there, the area will either be cauterized (burned) to seal the wound or a solution may be placed over the area to stop any bleeding that may occur. Afterwards, a topical antibiotic is applied to the wound and covered with a bandage. After getting post-care instructions, you are free to leave.
Excisions that require stitches work the same way as the process above, except after the mole has been removed, the surgeon will place either deep stitches or surface stitches to the wound. Deep stitches absorb into the skin and do not have to be removed, while surface stitches are removed at a later date and time.
Caring for the area after mole removal involves cleaning the wound once to twice a day and applying an antibiotic salve and bandage. Changing the bandage frequently and keeping the wound clean are essential in the healing process.
The risks involved with mole removal range from infection to nerve damage. The best way to avoid these risks is to choose a surgeon or dermatologist who specializes in this type of surgery. The most common risk with mole removal is scarring. Depending on your skin’s ability to heal, this type of scar can fade over time. Talk to your doctor to find out the best methods and/or products that can help your skin heal faster.
The cost for mole removal varies but the typical price range is $125-150.
How to Keep Your Hair Care from Mixing with Your Skin Care
Home Made Beauty Tips
Who doesn’t want to have great hair and a great complexion? For some women, it’s easier said than done. Many times the hair care products you use can have a negative effect on your skin, causing rashes and breakouts. Even the cutest hairstyle can wreak havoc on your face, making your skin care routine more difficult or - even worse - ineffective. Stop the tug-o-war and read on to find out how you can make your hair care and skin care work in perfect harmony.
One of the most common problems when it comes to hair care and skin care is having bangs. Having hair in constant contact with your skin leaves the possibility of irritation and breakouts wide open. Hair care products like gel, mousse, and spray can seep into your pores, causing a breeding ground for pimples, dirt and bacteria.
The easy answer is to stop using these products. If that’s not an option, then take special care to keep hair care products from coming into contact with your skin. Long bangs can be easily swept to the side and tucked behind the ears to keep them away from your forehead. Shorter bangs can be trickier. A great way to solve this problem is to clip short bangs back and out of the way while at home. When you’re ready to go out, let your bangs down as usual and clip them back up when you’re not out in public. This will minimize the amount of time your hair touches your forehead and allows your skin to breathe.
While using hair care products, be sure to cover your face with a towel or cloth. If you’re heading to the gym or know you’ll be doing physical activities where you may sweat, throw your hair up in a ponytail. When your hair - along with whatever products are in it - come into contact with your skin and sweat, chances are you’ll start to itch. This could lead to a rash and an uncomfortable experience. Try to avoid using hair care products while working out. Mixed with sweat, these ingredients can trickle down onto your face and cause a breakout.
As you go about your daily skin care routine in the morning and evening, make sure your hair is brushed completely out of the way. Before going to bed, throw on a sleeping cap so that you don’t spend the night smothering your once-clean face into strands of hair covered with hair care ingredients.
When wearing hats or caps, style your bangs so that they aren’t pressed tightly against your skin and check to see that the hat is clean and loose enough so that if you sweat, the hat doesn’t trap dirt and bacteria.
Taking these extra precautions will ensure that your skin care stays intact as well as your ‘do.
Home Made Beauty Tips
Natural Conditioner Recipes
Home Made Beauty Tips
You treat your mouth in the kitchen, why not your hair? An easy, fun, and healthy way to pamper and nourish your hair is to use home remedies that can be thrown together in the kitchen with very little fuss. With all of the harmful chemical additives made in labs these days permeating a large amount of popular products, these recipes are a great choice if you feel like you shouldn’t be putting a science experiment on your hair! Nature provides everything we need to slather on our hair to make it more shiny, soft, and luxurious.
The next time you are going through your cabinets and your fridge thinking about what to do with your frizz, consider implementing one of these tempting treatments:
Sage Pre-Wash Conditioning Treatment
Steep 9 crushed sage leaves in water, tightly covered, for 30 minutes. Strain and reserve the water. Add 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil and 1 tablespoon of lavender oil. Mix and put in a dark colored bottle.
Before washing and when hair is damp, apply a small amount on your hair and scalp. Wrap with a towel and leave on for 45 minutes to an hour. Shampoo & condition as usual.
Sage is known for its conditioning effect on hair, and it is a powerful tonic making it a smart choice for thinning or graying hair. If your hair is suffering from severe split ends, rub some of the wash into the ends of your hair directly after your shower before towel drying.
Molasses Moisture Hair Wrap
An easy molasses treatment may be messy, but will add shine and moisture to damaged hair. Apply ½ cup molasses directly onto damp hair and work into the scalp. Cover with a shower cap or plastic wrap and let it work for at least 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and shampoo and condition as usual.
Avocado Dry Hair Treatment
This recipe combines the moisturizing effects of avocado with the hydrating and conditioning powers of egg yolk and olive oil to provide luxurious locks.
Mash one peeled and pitted avocado with 1 cup of olive oil and 2 egg yolks. Massage gently into scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap or plastic wrap and let it work for at least 20 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.
Yogurt & Henna Conditioner for Brittle Hair
Combine ¼ cup of colorless henna powder with ½ cup plain yogurt. Apply the mixture to hair after shampooing, and leave on covered with a shower cap or plastic wrap for at least 20 minutes. Rinse, dry, and style as usual.
Be sure to use colorless henna for this treatment unless you want to dye it the color of the henna you use. Other than neutral henna, henna is commonly used in natural hair dye treatments for dark brown hair. Henna is a great conditioner, it evenly coats the hair follicle with a seal that helps lock in the hair’s natural oils and moisture. The hair’s cuticles are also tightened, giving the hair more shine. This treatment should not be used if your hair is colored or chemically treated in any way.
Home Made Beauty Tips
Herbal Hair Care
Home Made Beauty Tips
Many people use natural herbs in their hair care products nowadays. There are many herbs that can help with hair care whether it is just making the hair look better or dealing with hair problems such as dandruff or damaged and dry hair.
Below is a list of commonly used herbs and the advantages they give in hair care. Many on the list can be made into shampoos to give the hair the desired look as well as help with common hair problems.
· Burdock Root – Burdock Root is something that can be used for dandruff and if you have dry hair. The root will alleviate the dandruff naturally and give the hair more moisture as well.
· Catmint Leaves – Catmint leaves are good to use if you have an itchy scalp.
· Chamomile Flowers – these flowers can be used in many types of shampoos and hair care products as they help with dandruff, an itchy scalp, or if you have very dry hair.
· Comfrey and Elderflowers – these are both good herbs to use if you have dry hair.
· Horsetail, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint – These four herbs can be used to help if you have very oily hair. They will give the hair a natural look without the buildup of oil.
· Marigold – marigold is an often-used herb as it can be used to alleviate dry hair, oily, hair, and fine hair. Marigold will give the hair a full healthy look.
· Oat Straw – oat Straw is a very good herb that can give body and a healthy look to dry and fine hair. Oat Straw gives the hair more body and makes it look more full.
· Rosemary – Rosemary is one of the most common herbs used in hair care products. It is used in shampoos as well as conditioners and has a good fragrance as well. Rosemary is good to use if you have oily hair or dandruff. Rosemary can also be used in any hair type and it will make the hair look more full and healthy.
· Sage and Stinging Nettle – Both of these herbs are good at combating oily hair. They will give hair a natural look without the buildup of oils.
· Thyme – Thyme is an herb that is helpful when trying to alleviate dandruff
There are many types of products that use natural herbs such as shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products. Many herbal products are also being used to try to alleviate hair loss in men and women as well. You can either buy products already made with some of these herbs or make them yourself, buying the herbs separately.
Tea Hair Care
Home Made Beauty Tips
The last time you relaxed and enjoyed a good cup of tea, you probably did not consider the fact that what fills your tea cup could be as good for your hair as it is for your mind state. It is as easy as steeping a simple cup to give your hair a quick herbal treatment. Sometimes your hair needs a break from the harsh chemicals of commercial hair products. Tea for your hair is the perfect solution to be able to give your hair a break, while also giving it a powerful natural beauty treatment. The next time you are brewing up a cup of tea for yourself, consider one of these varieties for your hair, and enjoy the benefits of tea twice over.
Chamomile Highlighting Hair Rinse
This rinse works especially well on blonde hair. Steep 1/3 cup dried chamomile flowers in one quart of hot water until cool. Strain, and pour repeatedly over hair. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse. Chamomile also has a soothing effect on the skin and eyes, making the rinse beneficial for your whole head!
Sage Tea Darkening Treatment
This treatment can be used to naturally darken the hair. Make an infusion of 1/2 cup of dry sage leaves in 2 cups of water, and steep for 2 hours. Strain, and pour over hair. Leave tea on hair for ½ hour, and rinse. This treatment is an ideal natural treatment to help cover grey hair. Use daily for best results, and utilize weekly for maintenance. Sage is an astringent, and is also used in facial steams and skin conditioners.
Rosemary Growth Rinse
Rosemary is known to stimulate hair growth. A rinse made up of 1/4 cup of dried rosemary steeped in 2 cups of boiling water until tepid can be used as a treatment for thinning hair. Rosemary is also used to battle against dandruff.
Sage & Rosemary Tea Colorant
For an even stronger, more effective color treatment, combine ¼ cup of sage with ¼ cup of rosemary and steep in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain, and use the liquid as a colorant for grey, or to darken brown hair. You will get the benefits of hair softening sage and dandruff fighting rosemary, while also stimulating hair growth.
Lovely Lavender Hair Treatment
For healthy, glossy, beautiful smelling hair try simmering ¼ cup of dried lavender in 2 cups of water and rinsing. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse for a fragrant and effective dandruff treatment.
Home Made Beauty Tips
Look Fantastic with Fruit
Home Made Beauty Tips
There are many simple beauty treatments that use nothing more than fruit, oil, (for moisturizing and sometimes to give the fruit a spreadable consistency) and you can add an herb or two for fragrance and added benefit. Try these easy and fun treatments the next time you get together with friends for a relaxing spa day or for a fun relaxing night with fruit alone. All you need is a variety of fruit and some olive oil, and fresh clean skin to get your started.
Apricot Face Mask
You can use fresh or dried and mashed apricots mixed with olive oil for this moisturizing treatment rich in vitamin A. Experiment until you find an amount of oil and fruit that mixes into a spreadable paste, leave on for 15 – 20 minutes, and rinse with cool water.
Banana Facial Mask
Mash a banana and mix with 3 tablespoons of olive oil until you make a paste you feel comfortable with, and apply for a maximum moisture treatment. Leave on for 15 – 20 minutes, and rinse with cool water.
Peach Face Treatment
This is another dry skin moisturizer. You can use 3 tablespoons of peach kernel or almond oil and mix with ½ cup mashed peach. Leave on for 15 – 20 minutes, and rinse with cool water.
Papaya Skin Treatment
A ½ cup mashed fresh papaya can be applied to the skin alone as a mask to remove dead, flaky skin. Leave on for 15 – 20 minutes, and rinse with cool water.
Pineapple Mask
Pineapple contains bromelain, a protein digestive enzyme that helps flush the skin of dirt and dead cells. It is also a mild astringent, and a skin freshener. Blend ½ cup pineapple with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Leave on for 15 – 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
Lemon Bleacher
Use this treatment for freckles and/or discolored skin. Cut a lemon into slices, and rub a few slices directly onto the skin where you want to treat it. Rinse after 15 minutes. If you battle dry skin, use a moisturizer afterwards, because this treatment will dry out your skin.
Lemon Hair Rinse for Blondes
This rinse will give natural blondes highlights. Use the strained juice of two lemons, and an equal amount of warm water. Apply to hair, and leave on for 15 minutes sitting in the sun if possible. Rinse. The astringent and acidic quality of lemon is what gives it the ability to lighten your hair.
Home Made Beauty Tips
Skin Care Solutions Directly from Nature
Home Made Beauty Tips
You already know that it’s healthier and so much more beneficial when you include mother nature in your diet, but did you know that including mother nature in your daily skin care regimen can be beneficial as well? For centuries our ancestors knew the secret to beautiful skin right in their own backyards. Now generations later we’re rediscovering everything mother nature has to offer in terms of a solution to many of the skin care problems we are faced with. Inexpensive and much more healthier than store bought products, the following are just some of the many skin care solutions mother nature has to offer.
If you’ve been out in the sun for too long you’ll find that Aloe Vera, one of the most well-known and versatile plants found in mother nature, offers a soothing relief to sunburns as well as cuts and scrapes. Apply directly to the skin by breaking the plant’s leafy stem and squeezing the juice from the stem onto the affected area.
To control unsightly blemishes, try black tea. Black tea is an astringent that will reduce that unsightly blemish. Simply cover the blemish with a warm black tea bag for several minutes. Remove and discard the tea bag, but don’t rinse away the tea.
For tired and puffy eyes, cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory ingredient that aids in reducing puffy eyes. Cut two slices of a chilled cucumber each about a ½ thick. Place each slice on the eyes for about ten minutes.
Another well-known and versatile gift from mother nature, lemons contain a citric acid that produces a drying affect making the juice excellent for acne and oily skin. Slice a lemon and rub thoroughly over skin. Do not rinse.
The potassium in bananas will help eliminate the dark circles around eyes and leave you with soft skin. Mash the banana and place under eyes for several minutes before rinsing off.
To smooth away dead skin cells, sugar is an excellent exfoliate. For added moisturizing benefits combine sugar with an oil such as olive or coconut and apply to the skin in a circular motion. Rinse and blot skin dry with a soft towel.
A common staple found in many households, oatmeal is a colloid-containing grain that is excellent for relieving dry-itchy skin. Fill a cheesecloth with one cup of oatmeal and tie off with a string. Run the oatmeal bag under warm water in your bathtub and relax in the tub full of water. Oatmeal is especially great for sensitive skin.
For radiant glowing skin try the juice of an orange. Slice and orange and smooth all over face allowing the juice to absorb into your skin. Do not rinse.
Whatever solution you decide to try just remember, even mother nature has its cautions and too much of a good thing could eventually turn into a bad thing. Also use common sense. If you know for a fact that eating an orange breaks you out, it’s probably a good idea to skip the orange juice treatment listed. If you’re interested in finding out what other skin care solutions mother nature has to offer, there’s an entire slew of information on the web provided by nature lovers from all over the world. Happy hunting!
Home Made Beauty Tips
Planting a Garden for Skin Care
Home Made Beauty Tips
There are many benefits in using natural skin care products on your skin. Some women will even go as far as to create their own skin care recipes by combining natural ingredients that can be found at the neighborhood grocery store. But what if you could bring your skin care even closer to home? With a few choices in fruits, vegetables and herbs, you could reap a bumper crop of produce that will be as good for your skin as your body. There are a number of choices that you can add to your garden, and many are easy to grow, and can thrive in just about any climate. A skin care garden will ensure that your skin receives the freshest natural ingredients – at least during harvest time!
Fragrant Herbs
Herb gardens can be ornamental as well as fragrant, and will provide plenty of options for your skin and your cooking. Thyme has many disinfectant properties, and can be combined with fennel to create an effective cleanser for normal skin types. Fennel is also a good choice of an herb to use in a steamy facial for oily skin. Lavender is another herb that is quite popular in skin care products, and will look beautiful in your outdoor landscape as well. You can use lavender in your bath and as a wash for your hands and feet. The antiseptic and analgesic properties of lavender make it a good choice of a natural ingredient in pain relief and it can be a mood lifter as well. Chamomile is also good for your skin, and can be used in steams and astringents for oily skin. You can also use the chamomile in your garden for a relaxing cup of tea in the evening while you are using it on your skin.
Fresh Vegetables and Juicy Fruits
One of the first veggies that come to mind when you think of skin care is the cucumber. While most of us know that a couple of cucumber slices can be an effective method for reviving tired eyes, the astringent properties of cucumber can also make it a beneficial natural ingredient in a toner for your skin. Pumpkins are another fun crop for your garden that can work in your skin care program as well. When combined with papaya, pumpkin can create a refreshing facial that is similar to treatments that you might receive in Hawaii or other exotic locations. Strawberries are not only a juicy and nutritious snack; they can also be a powerful antioxidant for the skin’s surface. You can whip up an exfoliant to smooth your hands and feet, or a cream to apply to oily skin.
Fresh ingredients are not only fun to grow in your own backyard; they can make up into some yummy skin care recipes as well. Grow your own garden of skin care ingredients, and watch your skin reap the rewards – so to speak. Happy harvesting!
