Skin care

Skin care is important for your health. Most people don’t take care of themselves and the largest organ on their body, causing poor color and advanced aging. A major issue in today’s times, skin care needs to be looked at seriously. You need to look at environmental as well as personal practices. Take action now, and you will have great skin for years to come.

Knowing your skin type is the first place to start with skin care. For the most part, all skin care types are the same, only taking into account pigmentation. If you are not sure what pigmentation is, it is the color of your skin.

www.apakistannews.com/skin-care-ideas-for-health-and-beauty-104902

Cosmetic Surgery

A resource for the proactive patient looking for cosmetic surgery procedures. Our Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills cosmetic surgery staff has thoroughly researched and written in depth about many of the professionals who perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures. We have interviewed the patients of these professionals and seen the results of their work. Since 1997, many of these interviews, including specific ‘before and after’ photographs, have been published in our hard copy magazine, and here on our web site. Our staff is here to answer any of your questions in preparing you to choose the right physician for the procedure you want.=>www.cosmetic-surgery-news.com

Stem Cells From Skin Cells Can Make Beating Heart Muscle Cells

A little more than a year after scientists showed they could turn skin cells back into stem cells, they have pulsating proof that these "induced" stem cells can ... > www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/skin_care/

Causes of Unhealthy skin

Faulty diet. Refined foods like white flour, sugar and products made with them, tea, coffee, and soft drinks deplete energy, bring about wrinkles, unattractive skin and premature aging.

Lack of healthy blood. Healthy blood adds a glow to the skin and keeps it well-nourished, moist, and free from dryness and roughness.

Inadequate cleansing. Very often, our skin looks superficially clean; but they really are not. Dirt and dust particles can hide in the pores of the skin and clog sweat and sebaceous glands. Proper cleansing not only removes all the dust, dirt and make-up, which accumulate during the day, but also stops the oil-secreting sebaceous glands from getting clogged.
Diet

Diet plays an important role in maintaining the health of the skin. Diet should supply all the nutrients needed to build health, namely, protein, carbohydrates, fats, essential fatty acids and all the essential vitamins and minerals. Such a diet will consist of liberal quantities of seeds, nuts and grains, vegetables and fruits, supplemented by special protective foods like milk, vegetable oils, yogurt, honey and yeast.

Nutrients play an important role in maintaining a healthy skin.

Examples:

Your skin is unusually dry and rough. You have blackheads and whiteheads. You are probably lacking sufficient vitamin A. You could also be suffering from the deficiencies in iron, iodine and the B Vitamins. Adequate amounts of protein and vitamin C are also important.

The vitamins of the B group are important in producing beautiful skin.

Vitamin B1 aids skin health by helping to keep the circulation normal.

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin deficiency can lead to brown pigmentation, or liver spots on the skin. These ugly spots usually disappear if generous amounts of vitamin B2 are given over a period of six months. Severe riboflavin deficiency can lead to oily skin and hair and small deposits of fat under the skin of the cheeks and forehead and behind the ears. More severe deficiency of riboflavin causes the skin under the nose and at the comers of the eyes and mouth to crack and become sore.

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine deficiency can result in dermatitis or eczema.

Niacin deficiency can also cause an eczema type of skin eruption with brown pigmentation, largely on the face, forearms and legs.

Deficiency of pantothenic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid, and biotin: This also leads to types of eczema. The symptoms will go away completely when these vitamins are generously added to the diet.

It is clear that Vitamin B plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy skin. So, diet that is rich in Vitamin B can go a long way in skin health. One of the important food in this connection is brewer's yeast. Even the person whose skin seems smooth and healthy usually notices improvement in texture and glow, a week after adding two or more tablespoons of brewer's yeast to the daily diet. Persons with eczema should, for an entire month, take a tablespoon of yeast stirred into citrus juice or water after each meal, between meals, and before retiring. If the diet is adequate in all other respects, the eczema is usually cured in a month 's time.
Anemia and Pale Skin: Anemia results from lack of protein, iodine, calcium, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, cobalt, copper, and iron. Take diet rich in Vitamin B. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are especially important.

See Also: Diet For Natural Beauty
Natural Aids for Beautiful Skin

Several natural aids have been found useful in promoting healthy and beautiful skin.

Lime Juice

Lime juice is an important natural aid for healthy skin.

1. Lime Juice Formula

Squeeze lime into a bowl. Add a glass of boiled whole milk and a teaspoon of glycerin to it. Stir well and let it stay for half an hour. Apply this mixture on the face, hands and feet before going to bed at night. This treatment every night will help you to look young and beautiful. It will also help cure pimples.

2. For very oily skin

Squeeze lemon juice in a bowl of iced water. Splash this over the face, massage for five minutes and then wash off with water.

3. T o improve a dull and greasy complexion

Mix half teaspoon of lime juice with one teaspoon of cucumber juice and a few drops of rose water. Apply on the face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Remove with water.

4. To improve a dry and rough skin

Take an egg yolk and mix in a few drops of lime and olive oil. Spread on the face and leave it till the skin feels dry. Wash off with ordinary water and splash on cold water.

5. To relieve tired eyes

Take four tablespoons each of lime juice and iced water. Saturate cotton pads in this water and place over your closed eyelids for 10 minutes.

6. To remove freckles

Blanch and grind two almonds. Mix it with white of an egg to which half teaspoon of lime juice has been added. Spread on the face and leave it on till the skin feels dry. Then, wash off first with warm water and then with cold water.

Peach Treatment

The skin of the peach is useful in improving the complexion.

Gently massage the inside of peach peelings on the face every night for a few minutes. Don't rub off the moisture afterwards. This will cleanse the skin thoroughly and free the pores. It also has an astringent action and tightens the muscle of the face slightly, thus preventing sagging tissues.

Anti-wrinkle cream

Mix a teaspoon of olive oil with an egg. Smoothen the face and neck with it. Let it remain till the skin gets dry.

To Remove The Cream:
Add a teaspoon of soda bicarbonate to hot water. Stir. Dip a piece of cotton-wool to this mixture and use it to remove the cream.

Natural Beauty Mask

Ingredients
1 tablespoon of gram flour
1/4 teaspoon orange peel powder
1 tablespoon beaten yogurt
1 teaspoon olive oil

Mix the ingredients well and apply the paste to your face and neck. Let it remain till the skin starts feeling a little dry and then rub your face with your hands till it glows.

Wash your face first with warm water and then with cold water. This will remove all the embarrassing blemishes from the skin and make the skin soft and smooth.

To improve a dark and dull complexion

Ingredients
1 teaspoon of gram flour
pinch of turmeric powder
few drops of lime juice
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon milk

Mix the ingredients together. Apply the mixture to your skin. Leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with water.

Cleansing Lotion

To one-fourth teaspoon of lime juice stir in one teaspoon each of milk and cucumber juice. Apply on the face and neck and wash off after 14 minutes. This lotion cleanses and purifies the pores of the skin.

Cabbage Mask

Grind a couple of cabbage leaves and extract juice. Dissolve one-fourth teaspoon of yeast in it and stir in one teaspoon of honey. Mix well and apply thickly over face and neck. Keep it for 15 minutes. Remove with cotton-wool soaked in water. This mask will counteract any tendency towards wrinkles and dryness and give your skin a flower-like bloom.

Tangerine Juice Treatment

The use of orange or tangerine juice has also been found valuable for a glowing complexion.

Dip your fingers in fresh tangerine or orange juice. Apply it liberally over your face, chin, neck, and forehead. Make a paste from the powdered sun dried pips of unripe oranges. Use this paste on the pimples and acne at bed time.

Orange Tonic

Blanch and grind a couple of almonds to a paste and mix in two tablespoons of milk and one tablespoon each of carrot and orange juice. Apply thickly on face and neck and leave on for half an hour. Removes scars and blemishes from the face and makes it soft and smooth.

Watermelon Juice

The juice of water-melon is useful in the removal of blemishes on the skin.

Prepare a lotion by grating and squeezing the juice of a small slice of water-melon. Apply this lotion over the face and neck for fifteen minutes. Wash with hot water. Follow this by a splash of cold water.

Tomato

Tomato, used externally, is good for getting a good complexion.

Apply the pulp of a tomato liberally on the face. Leave this for an hour. Then wash off with warm water. Repeat this daily. You will have a good complexion. It will also remove ugly-looking pimples in a short time.

Tomato Lotion

To one tablespoon of tomato juice add a couple of drops of lime juice. Apply on face and remove after 15 minutes. It is very effective for shrinking enlarged pores.

Tomato Tonic

To two teaspoons of tomato juice add four tablespoons of buttermilk. Apply. Remove after half an hour. It is excellent for removing sunburns.

Cucumber

Grate or blend a cucumber. Apply this over the face, eyes and neck for 15 to 20 minutes. It is a great tonic for the facial skin. Regular use of cucumber prevents pimples, blackheads, wrinkles, and dryness of the face.

Whitening Lotion

To one tablespoon of cucumber juice stir in a few drops of lime juice and a dash of turmeric powder. Apply on face and neck and wash off after half an hour. Makes an excellent whitener for all types of skins.

Cucumber Lotion

Mix one tablespoon each of cucumber juice and milk and a few drops of rose water. Apply on the face and neck. Remove after 15 minutes. Makes excellent whitener for delicate skins.

Apple Tonic

Mix one tablespoon of apple juice with one-fourth teaspoon of lime juice. Leave on for 20 minutes. Makes excellent tonic for combating oily skin.

Amaranth Juice Treatment

The juice of amaranth, applied over the face with a pinch of turmeric powder, bleaches the skin, prevents it from drying and wrinkling, cures pimples and makes one look fresh.

Add to this mixture milk and lime juice. Massage the mixture delicately over the face and neck for half an hour. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this every night before going to bed. This is an effective skin tonic that increases and retains its beauty.

Mint Juice

Application of fresh mint juice over the face every night, cures pimples and prevents dryness of the skin. The juice can also be applied over eczema and contact dermatitis with beneficial results.

Almonds

Make a paste of almonds with mild cream and fresh rosebud paste. Apply it daily over the face. This softens and bleaches the skin and nourishes it with the choicest skin-food. Regular application of this mixture prevents the early appearance of wrinkles, blackheads, dryness of the skin, pimples. It also keeps the face refreshed.

To improve rough and dry complexion:
Take a teaspoon of almond oil and mix it with half a teaspoon each of milk cream and lime juice. Apply every night before going to bed both on the face and on the neck.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a very important natural beauty aid.

Apply yogurt on the face every morning. Wash it off after a few minutes with cold water. This will keep the complexion smooth, healthy and fresh. A mixture of yogurt and lemon juice is ideal for softening hands.

A paste of lentil and yogurt, applied as a mask, cleanses the skin and gives it a glow. Let it dry. When dried, remove it with fingertips and wash off with water.
Honey, olive oil and a mixture of turmeric and sandalwood paste are all very effective in rejuvenating dry , parched skin.

Fat-Synthesizing Enzyme Key to Healthy Skin, Hair

Scientists have discovered that an enzyme associated with the synthesis of fat in the body also promotes healthy skin and hair.

The enzyme is called acyl COA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase or DGAT1. Researchers found mice that lack DGAT1 are lean, resistant to diet-induced obesity, are more sensitive to insulin and leptin and have abnormalities in mammary gland development and skin.

When researchers deleted the enzyme in mice, they found that a lack of DGAT1 caused levels of retinoic acid (RA) to be greatly increased in skin and resulted in the loss of hair. RA, which comes from vitamin A (retinol), has been used to treat skin disorders, such as acne and psoriasis, and certain cancers, but it is fairly toxic and must be carefully controlled.

In mice without DGAT1, the skin was very sensitive to retinol, and they experienced alopecia, or hair loss. Both of these effects could be prevented by depriving the mice of a source of retinol in their diet, researchers said.

"These findings may have implications for the treatment of human skin or hair disorders," the study's lead author Michelle Shih was quoted as saying.

SOURCE: Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2009

How to Create a Flawless Face with Concealer

The majority of makeup artists agree that concealer is a must-have in any beauty bag. The right concealer will blend seamlessly into your skin, camouflaging blemishes, under-eye circles and discoloration. And applying concealer correctly can actually cut down on the amount of makeup you wear. Here’s a thorough look at selecting the right concealer and applying it, so you can skillfully hide any imperfections.
How to Create a Flawless Face with Concealer

Different formulas for different fixes

Women typically need concealer to cover up and tone down three things: under-eye circles, blemishes and red or discolored patches around the nose, mouth and cheeks. But, what many women don’t realize is that one concealer can’t do it all.

Here’s what to do for each problem area.

Under-eye circles
o Choose a creamy concealer, which is available in a liquid or balm-like formula. The product should feel very emollient and melt into your skin.
o The reason for a creamy formula? The skin around your eyes is very thin, so plumping it up with a cream or liquid concealer will make your under-eye area look refreshed.
o If your under-eye concealer is dry or heavy, it will look cakey on the skin.

Blemishes, redness and discoloration
o In contrast to concealers that mask under-eye circles, choose a drier, more solid concealer to hide blemishes. You can use this same formula to cover up redness and discoloration.
o This type of concealer comes in a convenient stick formula, which makes it great for touch-ups on the go.
o Why this kind of formula? A drier, more concentrated concealer ensures even coverage and long wear, even on an oily-prone T-zone.
o You can also treat blemishes while concealing them. To do so, choose a concealer that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur. Avoid formulas with mineral oil or petrolatum.

Choosing the right color

Just as you need different formulas for different areas of your face, the shade of concealer you choose will depend on what you’re concealing.

Dark under-eye circles
o You might need two shades of concealer.
o Apply a peach shade to neutralize the blue and purple undertones that make you look tired.
o Next, over the peach concealer, layer a yellow-based concealer one shade lighter than your natural skin color to brighten the under-eye area. You’ll look fresh and alert.

Blemishes and discoloration
o Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly.
o If the color is too light or too dark, you’ll draw attention right to the area you’re attempting to conceal.

Product picks
o For perfect color matching, pick up a concealer palette with several shades, which you can blend together.Philosophy Supernatural Airbrushed Color Concealer contains three creamy shades, perfect for under-eye circles.
o Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer is highly pigmented and comes in a wide range of colors to blend seamlessly into your skin.

Applying your concealer

Now that you know how to choose the right formula and shade to cover your imperfections, you’re ready to apply the concealer.

These are the tools you’ll need:

* Small bristle brush
* Sponge
* Translucent powder

Step 1:
o Hydrate the skin with a moisturizer.
o Let the moisturizer sink into your skin for five minutes.
o If you wear foundation, apply it next.
o If you don’t wear foundation, spread a clear primer over your entire face. Primer will give the concealer something to stick to and make it last longer.

Step 2:
o Using the small bristle brush, carefully apply concealer to your skin.
o This brush lets you control precisely where you place the product. Apply concealer only to those areas that really need it.

Step 3:
o Use the sponge to gently pat — not rub — the concealer into your skin.
o Patting the product into your skin helps it blend without rubbing off.

Step 4:
o The final step is to set the concealer with translucent powder.
o A light dusting of colorless powder keeps your concealer from caking, creasing or wearing off.

Shelf life

Like most non-powder forms of makeup, the shelf life of concealer is about six months. However, if you choose a liquid formula, you might need to replace it sooner.

Check your concealer to make sure it hasn’t separated or developed a strange smell. If it has, toss it and get a replacement.

Simple Facial Exercises

If you want firmer facial skin, and want to look years younger just follow these ten exercises every morning and watch the age on your face fade...

If you want firmer facial skin, and want to look years younger just follow these ten exercises every morning and watch the age on your face fade away.

Face tapping - to get the circulation going

Tap 20 times on each dot with the pads of your middle fingers. From the bridge of your nose work out along your eyebrows, then in round the top of your cheekbone. Tap up from the sides of your mouth to each inner eye. Then out from the chin along the jaw line to each ear. Make sharp, light, very quick taps as if you are testing a very hot iron.

* Powder lips also give 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.

5 Innovative Ingredients in Skincare

Like other gizmos and gadgets, skincare products can be high-tech and luxurious. These products typically deliver the best skincare ingredients in higher formulations designed for lasting results. Whether it’s part of your daily routine or an occasional “extra,” consider these five skincare indulgences an investment in your skin.

1. Peptides
   • What they do: Peptides are one of the hottest advances in skincare today — and with good reason. Composed of long-chain amino acids, peptides are the building blocks of proteins. When applied to the skin, they’re believed to support collagen production. Other benefits include reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing of tissue. Some trade names include: Matrixyl or Argireline.
   • How and when to use them: You’ll find peptides in a variety of face and eye creams, like the Perricone MD Facial Conformer. It delivers a hefty dose of antioxidants and peptides, resulting in firmer, smoother, more radiant skin. Apply a small amount to your face two to three times a week morning and night.
2. CoffeeBerry
   • What it does: CoffeeBerry is the antioxidant-rich fruit or berry of the coffee tree. Early studies suggest that this bright red berry might be more powerful than blueberries and green tea. Because of its anti-inflammatory effect, CoffeeBerry reduces skin irritation, and “may also help with pigmentation problems, such as dark and red spots and rosacea,” writes Brooke Le Poer Trench in Allure.

   • How and when to use it: Check out REVALESKIN CoffeeBerry Day Cream. With 1 percent CoffeeBerry and SPF 15, this powerful formula has dual benefits to prevent and correct fine lines and wrinkles. Every morning, apply it to your face after cleansing for protection against harsh elements like UV rays and pollution.

3. Vitamins

   • What they do: Vitamin C is another superior antioxidant that protects your skin against UV damage and other environmental factors that cause aging. It’s often combined with vitamin E for even better results. In fact, adding vitamin E helps to prevent vitamin C breakdown in skincare products, which occurs with exposure to air or light, according to Allure.

   • How and when to use them: You have many skincare options containing these vitamins. For instance, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic helps to absorb harmful UV rays. Apply it daily in the morning before heading out.

     Murad Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment contains peptides, vitamin C and olive extract to brighten skin and reduce wrinkles. Use a dab under your eyes every morning and evening.

     Remember, even though vitamin C offers some UV defense, you must wear broad spectrum sunscreen to fully protect yourself from premature aging, sun damage and skin cancer. Shield your skin from UVA/UVB rays with MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, a formula that contains vitamins C, E and other antioxidants.

4. Idebenone
   • What it does: Like other antioxidants, idebenone is a free radical destroyer. It stops harmful free radicals in the environment from wreaking havoc on your skin. As such, idebenone can protect the skin from sun damage, lines and wrinkles caused by free radicals.

     So, what gives idebenone an edge above other ingredients? “Unlike most antioxidants, which can only cancel out one free radical per molecule, idebenone is able to negate multiple free radicals or stop them from forming,” explains Le Poer Trench.

     This greater power to fight more free radicals means better protection for your skin. Think of idebenone as an anti-virus program that also protects against spam, pop-ups and other threats. As a result of this better protection, you experience less damage and fewer signs of aging.

     In fact, out of 100, idebenone scored a 95 Environmental Protection Factor — a special rating system that measures an antioxidant’s “protection against UV rays and free radicals,” Le Poer Trench writes. That’s the best rating of all the antioxidants on the scale.

   • How and when to use it: Start out slowly by using a product with a low idebenone concentration, such as 0.5 percent. This can minimize your risk of skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. Apply Elizabeth Arden Prevage every other day for Week 1, once a day for Week 2 and then twice a day thereafter.
5. Herbal extracts
   • What they do: Herbal extracts come from flowers, plants and herbs. Examples include soy, aloe, carrot and chamomile extracts. These ingredients help to soothe stressed-out hair that’s undergone chemical processes, like perms, chemical straightening, relaxing, highlights or dye. They gently cleanse and hydrate hair without stripping its moisture. Plus, they prolong the results of your chemical treatment.
   • How and when to use them: Alterna Ten the Science of TEN Shampoo and Conditioner are loaded with herbal extracts. Shampoo and condition hair with these products for the first two weeks after a chemical treatment. Then, switch back to your regular haircare routine until your next chemical process.

Bottom line

Investing in expensive beauty products is a big decision, but don’t be swayed by price alone. Before you open your wallet, research your options and investigate the ingredients.

How to Relieve Your Tight Skin

Tight skin is a direct result of dryness. You may have dry skin all over or only in certain areas — known as combination skin. It can feel itchy, irritable and above all, uncomfortable. Fortunately, you can take steps to help tight skin feel and look better. Here's how to lock in moisture without irritating your skin.

Custom cleansers

Use a cleanser that won’t strip skin’s natural oils. That means no bar soap! In Beauty: The New Basics, former beauty editor Rona Berg advises, “Soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down.”Instead, choose mild, moisturizing cleansers to stave off dryness and tightness.

• Dry skin. Pevonia Dry Skin Cleanser is ideal for relieving tightness. It contains safflower oil, hazel nut oil, arnica and other natural ingredients that gently cleanse the skin. DDFis another great choice for providing that fresh feeling without the tightness. Sensitive Skin Cleansing Gel

• Combination skin. Got skin that’s oily in some spots, but dry and tight in others? Try a mild cleanser that washes off dirt, oil and impurities without causing irritation. Pevonia Combination Skin Cleanser blends safflower oil and grapefruit oil to alleviate drier areas, along with botanical ingredients that calm oilier spots.

Toner for tight types

Some experts say that toner isn’t necessary, especially for dry skin types. However, you may like how toner removes leftover residue from your cleanser and makes pores appear smaller. Toner can also restore skin’s pH balance, preventing dryness.

• Dry skin. If you prefer to keep toner in your regimen, opt for a mild, hydrating formula with botanicals and humectants. Stay away from toners containing alcohol, which can exacerbate dryness and tightness. La Roche Hydraphase Toner is alcohol-free and specially formulated for hydrating dry, tight skin.

• Combination skin. Banish any oil and residue left by your cleanser while promoting soft, smooth skin with SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner. Its aloe and chamomile formula are perfect for soothing tight combination skin.

Moisturizing relief

What better way to heal tight skin than to moisturize it? Moisturizers retain water in the skin and provide a temporary barrier. If skin feels tight or itchy, avoid moisturizers containing heavy fragrances or preservatives like propylene glycol, quaternium-15 and imidazolidinyl urea, suggests CNN. These ingredients can further irritate skin and worsen tightness and dryness. Remember, the best time to apply moisturizer is after cleansing, because wet skin absorbs lotion better.

• Dry skin. Choose a product loaded with emollients — like lactic acid or petroleum — and humectants — like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. What’s the difference? Emollients bolster “the moisture barrier in the lower layers of the skin,” writes Helen Foster, author of The Beauty Book. In contrast, humectants draw moisture into the skin from the atmosphere.

  Try Pevonia Timeless Lotion, which contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Is your tightness only mild? Then check out a lightweight, water-based formula, like MD Skincare Auto Balancing Moisture, SPF 10.

• Combination skin. Consider using two different moisturizers — an oil-free mattifying product on oilier areas and a deeper-hydrating product on drier spots. Excellent options include: AHAVA Smoothing Moisturizer Day - Normal to Dry and L'Occitane Red Rice Ultra Matte Face Fluid.

  Or keep it simple with a moisturizer designed for combination skin, like Sundari Neem & Avocado Balancing Moisturizer for Normal to Combination Skin. Its natural botanicals add moisture to dry spots and minimize sebum in oily areas.

Body care

Arms and legs are common spots that feel tight and dry. That’s because these areas don’t have many sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing oil. In turn, less oil might make skin dry, tight and itchy. Age can also be a contributing factor — as you get older, these glands become less active.

To fight the tight, arm yourself with a moisturizing arsenal.

• In the shower, suds up with MD Skincare Moisturizing Body Wash. It washes away dirt while locking in skin’s moisture and nutrients. And because it’s fragrance-free, it’s perfect for sensitive or irritated skin.

• Heavy body moisturizers offer a mega-dose of protection and hydration. ATOPALM MLE Body Lotion eases itchiness and irritation while strengthening the skin’s barrier and retaining moisture.

After the Ink: What to Do After Getting a Tattoo

For thousands of years, tattoos have been a popular form of body art and expression. But, whether it’s small, inconspicuous flowers or all-over tribal tattoos, it’s vital to take good care of your tattoo. Here’s what you need to do after getting inked.

Before you go

Part of taking good care of your tattoo is going to an experienced, reputable professional and parlor. Also, before you go, understand that you’re in for a pretty invasive process. A tattoo involves the permanent placement of pigments beneath the surface of the skin using a small, rapidly vibrating machine.

Before you commit to the tattoo, use the following checklist to ensure the safety of your skin.

• Check out online reviews or seek personal recommendations for respected tattoo artists and parlors
• Request to see up-to-date licenses
• Inquire about safety and sanitation practices
• Observe tattoos in progress: Are the artists wearing gloves? Is there an autoclave (a device that sterilizes nondisposable equipment after each individual)?

Don’t be afraid that your questions will offend the tattoo artist. A true professional will be happy to answer all inquiries and do whatever is needed to show the proper practices.

After the ink

Because tattoos are considered cosmetic, there are no FDA regulations for the safety of the pigments or the procedure. To ensure that your skin stays healthy and your new tattoo remains in tip-top shape, consider the following expert recommendations.

• Keep it covered.

  A tattoo is much like an open wound that needs time to heal. Keeping your body art covered with a breathable bandage prevents potentially harmful airborne bacteria from infecting the skin around the tattoo. Keep the bandage on for at least two hours after leaving the tattoo parlor.

• Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize.

  To prevent infections, gently wash the area of skin with a mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Pat the tattoo dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. Then, apply a mild antibacterial cream, such as Bacitracin or A&D Original Ointment.

• Watch for infections.

  As soon as you get home, it’s essential to keep a close eye on infections. Watch for the following symptoms:

  • Redness
  • Warmth
  • Swelling
  • Pus

  If one or more of these symptoms appear, then you should consult a doctor. Even a seemingly mild skin infection can lead to serious health conditions, including pneumonia and blood infections.

• Be careful with scabbing skin.

  In the first few days after your tattoo, you may notice that the area around it develops small bumps or even scabs. It’s important not to pick at scabs; instead place a warm, wet compress on them for five minutes several times each day.

• Hydrate peeling skin.

  If you observe peeling around the tattoo, you may want to apply a thin layer of lotion. Experts advise against petroleum-based ointments as they may fade the color of your tattoo. Try a lightweight oil-free lotion such as Ole Henriksen Body Sleek Lotion.

• Don’t drown your tattoo.

  It’s certainly okay to shower the day of your tattoo. However, avoid submerging your tattoo in water (including baths, pools and hot tubs) for at least two weeks.

• Protect it.

  Prevent the color on your tattoo from fading by diligently applying a sunscreen before exposing it to the sun. Quintessence Sunshade SPF 30 offers broad-spectrum protection and is safe for sensitive skin immediately after non-surgical procedures.

Skin and Face Cleansers

Skin Cleansers - An Overview On Soap
Soaps are essentially made of salts of fatty acids. The most commonly used fats come from animal and vegetable sources and include stearic acid, palmitic, oleic, as well as lauric. Soap particles will coat the fat droplets in which dirt is embedded and then will allow these to be removed by water.
Cleansing of the skin helps the skin to maintain a healthy, attractive looking, surface. It removes dust, perspiration, and some of the breakdown products of sebum. Makeup can also be removed.

Mild Cleansers
Different gentle skin cleansers are available for acne, there are several types of mild cleansers that you may use if your skin is irritated or aggravated. There are also several types of specific acne cleansers that you can use for daily skin care, oil-free and non-comedogenic products are usually advisable.
Over cleansing the skin can cause irritation and may aggravate your skin condition, as well as encourage you to use other products that will grease up your skin. This may then complicate your skin care. You may need to use...

Cleansers For Various Skin Types
Oily skin: The selection of cleansers for oily skin should involve using products that rinse off well, both bar soaps and liquid cleansers have been formulated for this purpose. Many of the soap gels and stronger liquid cleansers are helpful for oily skin.
Dry Skin: The use of hard-milled face soaps and gentle synthetic detergents are very appropriate for dry skin. It may be necessary to only use cleansers on the face and body folds, when the ambient humidity is low (e.g in the winter or in the south-western United States).
Normal skin: Most people can cleanse with bar soap daily. The synthetic detergent soaps react better with hard water. Liquid cleansers and soap gels are popular at this time, the advantages, being cleaner dispensers in the bathroom. The cleansing sheets may be used for normal skin as well...

Acne Cleansers
Acne cleansers (Salicylic acid cleansers, Benzoyl peroxide cleansers, Antibacterial cleansers)are generally used to remove accumulated oil, make-up, sweat, and dirt on the surface of your skin. In doing so, these products generally make it easier for topical acne treatments to be absorbed. However, excessive use of acne cleansers can also lead to irritated dry skin. Most acne patients will only need to cleanse with such products once to twice daily. be absorbed.

Don't sweat it!

Learn about excess sweating and how to treat it
If you have hyperhidrosis, it means that you sweat more than you need to in order to maintain a stable temperature. There is no formal definition, but for practical purposes, any degree of sweating that interferes with activities of daily living can be viewed as hyperhidrosis. This condition is much more common than once thought and there are a number of available treatment options. Learn more on http://www.sweating.ca/
Types of hyperhidrosis
Primary or focal hyperhidrosis, which affects hands, feet, armpits and face
Secondary hyperhidrosis, which results from another medical condition; sweating can occur all over the body or in one area.
The underarm (axilla) is the most commonly affected area, followed by the feet, palms and face. It typically starts during childhood or adolescence, and you have a higher chance of developing it if you have family members who also have it. The exact cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown, although it is believed to result from an overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which stimulate the sweat glands.
Social impact
Hyperhidrosis can have a very negative impact on your social life and work-related activities. Routine social interactions such as holding hands, shaking hands, or hugging can become awkward. You may feel a sense of humiliation and embarrassment associated with soaked or stained clothing, as well as with potential odours.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Based on the location of the excessive sweating, associated symptoms, family history, age of onset and any specific triggers, your doctor can confirm if you have hyperhidrosis, determine if it is primary or secondary, and prescribe the appropriate treatments.
Treatment options
Antiperspirants are considered to be an effective and often first line treatment for primary, mild hyperhidrosis of the armpit, but they don't work as well on the palms and soles.
Medications, such as glycopyrrolate, help prevent stimulation of sweat glands, but are not widely used because of side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and problems with urination. They do help in some situations like treating sweating all over the body.
Iontophoresis uses a gentle electric current in water to interfere with sweat gland activity. It can be effective in treating the palms and feet with very few side effects, however the procedure is time consuming.
Botulinum toxin injections are used for moderate-to-severe cases. It is a safe and effective option that works by blocking the nerves that stimulate sweating. Re-treatment is required every 4 to 7 months depending on the areas affected. This works best in the axilla, but the hands, face and sometimes feet can also improve considerably. For more information click on www.BotoxFacts.ca
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) for palms should be considered as a last resort, since possible side effects can be severe and irreversible.
See your doctor to get the latest information on treatments available that are best for you.

Cosmetics and Their Ingredients:

Some facts to know
Cosmetics play many roles as they are more than just blush and mascara. They can protect you from the sun, change or protect your appearance. Cosmetics like perfumes and deodorants are part of your everyday life.

Cosmetic or Cosmeceutical?
Skin products are either classified as drugs or cosmetics. A drug can alter the function and structures of the skin while a cosmetic just changes the appearance. The term cosmeceutical describes products that use ingredients that have some biological effect on the skin but are not classified as drugs. It means that these products cannot make claims about improving the skin function only that they improve the appearance.
Natural doesn't mean non-allergic
Just because a product contains natural ingredients, doesn't mean that it won't be potentially irritating. Products with rosemary, tea tree oil, lavender and chamomile can provoke an allergic reaction. Before using any new product, it's wise to apply a very small amount first to make sure that it's safe for your skin.
Caution when buying cosmetics
Sample the makeup - not the germs! If you're trying out makeup samples at the cosmetics counter, be sure to use a disposable applicator to decrease the risk of contamination. For the same reason, you should never share your friends' makeup either.
Is a natural ingredient really natural?
The botanical or plant sounding components that are in products labeled "natural" are usually synthesized in a laboratory rather that extracted from plants. These natural ingredients may still cause allergic reactions.
Does perfume-free always mean no perfume?
Perfume free products can sometimes have perfumes in them to block the chemical smell of a cosmetic but they are labeled as preservatives. The only topical preparation that does not need a preservative is pure petroleum jelly.

Fighting Wrinkles

What to do once they arrive
Is There More Than One Kind of Wrinkle?
Did you know there are two kinds of wrinkles? Wrinkles on the skin are divided into those produced by movement of the skin and those that are present when the skin of the face is at rest. Moisturizers can only work by minimizing the appearance of fine lines in skin at rest that are caused by dehydration of the skin.
Avoiding Crow's Feet
Hoping to avoid crow's feet? You can minimize the likelihood of developing wrinkles around your eyes by applying sunscreen (but remember, not too close to the eye) and wearing protective eyewear, such as wraparound sunglasses. Some wrinkles are produced by repeated movement of the skin.
What Is AHA?
AHA are carboxylic acids. Glycolic acid comes from sugar cane, lactic acid from sour milk and citric acid from citrus fruit. They have an ability to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. They may also reduce pigment production in individuals who have melasma. They may thicken the skin by increasing what is called the ground substance in the dermis. Learn more about chemical peels and products like Reversa™ by clicking on http://www.cosmeticprocedureguide.ca/chemical_peels.html
Pillow Creases Can Be Avoid
Did you wake up with a huge crease on your face from sleeping? Wash your face with tepid water, then use your moisturizer and massage in outward circles for a few minutes to help "plump up" those lines. Also try using a firmer pillow and even satin pillow cases, so that your face does not "fold into" the pillow.
Vitamin C Is Good For The Skin And Wrinkles
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant present in citrus fruit and dark green leafy vegetables. It can reduce the appearance of sun damage on the skin as well as reduce brown pigmentation from the sun as well as melasma. It may have an anti acne effect especially when combined with glycolic acid The stability of the Vitamin C depends on the formulation of the product.
Use Sunscreen Each Day!
A recent study looked at what happened when women applied sunscreen for three out of four days instead of daily. Those who didn't apply sunscreen daily had skin changes that were visible under a microscope - changes that over time translate into sun-damaged skin.
Vitamins Can Fight Aging
Look for these vitamins to fight wrinkles. Vitamin antioxidants that may have an effect on fine lines on the skin include vitamin E, C as well as the retinoids which are vitamin A derivatives: niacinamide, alpha lipoic acid , ubiquinone and idebenone are the other ingredients to look for.
To learn more about your skin and to get weekly skincare tips, sign-up on www.dermatologycare.ca/signup/signup.html

About the author: Mariusz J. A. Sapijaszko, MD FRCPC is the Director of the Western Canada Dermatology Institute located in Edmonton, Alberta. He is also the Clinical Assistant Professor at the Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, in Edmonton. His areas of expertise include cosmetic and laser surgery. Learn more on http://www.youthfulimage.com/

Frugal Facials: How to Save Money on the Beauty You Crave

It’s tempting to cut back on beauty care when your budget takes a nosedive. It’s the little things, though, that keep us going. Like facials. But you don’t need to spend this week’s grocery money to enjoy these little things. With our guide to budget facials, you don’t even have to get out of your PJs to get your beaut

What is a facial?
Facials improve your skin’s health and appearance. They’re typically performed by trained estheticians at a spa or salon and cost anywhere from $55 on up to several hundred dollars, depending on where you go and what treatments you choose.
If you’ve never had a facial, these are the basic steps to expect, according to About’s guide to Spas, Anitra Brown:
Cleansing
Skin analysis
Exfoliating
Blackhead extraction
Facial massage
Facial mask
Application of toners and creams
Product recommendations/tips
Beware the up-sell
At its core, a facial should leave your skin clean and refreshed. At upscale spas, facials can include a buffet of quirky add-ons, from oxygen facials to painting caviar on your face.
Some of these extras’ claims, however, are just full of hot air, writes Lisa Zamosky at WebMD. To save money, pass on the oxygen, as well as treatments containing gold or diamonds.
Be wary, too, of the skin analysis and advice. It’s important to know your skin type and what products are available. But those tips are usually paired with a product pitch — an easy way for you to spend more than you wanted to.
Instead, have a plan and a budget in mind before your day of beauty. Practice saying, “Hmmm…I’ll have to think about that,” and you’ll walk out glowing instead of owing.
Bargains in unexpected places
If avoiding the sales pitch still doesn’t make your facial a fiscal reality, try these budget-friendly tips:
Coupons and special deals: Browse through newspapers, the Internet and inserts in your credit card bill. Also, many salons offer two-for-one promotions or discount nights.
Bartering: If you have a skill or service you could swap with a salon owner, such as Web design or childcare, don’t be afraid to offer a trade.
Off the beaten path: The New York Times dished recently on how budget salons are blossoming in warehouses and less-trendy neighborhoods. But don’t go in blind. Make sure the esthetician is trained and has references.
Party time: Some cosmetics or home product companies offer a chance to host a free spa party at home, in hopes of selling products to your friends. Depending on your circle, it can be a great path to pampering, but again, the up-sell is the downside.
Beauty school drop-in
The best bargain with the least chance of a product pitch? Your local cosmetology program. Students are trained and supervised, and prices are cheap: According to MSNBC, you can find facials that are more than half off the price you’d pay at a salon.
To get the most out of your visit, plan to spend extra time at your appointment and don’t be surprised if your facial becomes an on-the-spot lesson for a group of students.
There’s no place like home
If your pocketbook really can’t take another hit, there’s one more option: A do-it-yourself facial. Chances are you’ve got most of what’s needed right in your kitchen. HealthCentral has a list of foods that can pinch-hit for the pricier parts of a facial:
Mashed fruit for cleansing
Milk to exfoliate
Cucumber and oil for acne
Honey and oil for a facial mask
Shop and save
No time to make your own products or don’t like to mix food and beauty? You’ll still save money doing a facial at home — even if you have to do a little shopping. The cost is spread out over the number of times you use each product. And, you don’t have to leave a tip.
Here’s a selection of fabulous products for your at-home facial:
Cleansers: For cleansers that cater to your skincare needs as though you were at the salon, try MD Formulations, which has products specifically designed for sensitive, oily and dry skin. If you’re in a hurry, Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser washes and smoothes skin at the same time.
Scrubs: When it’s time to exfoliate, achieve fresh, luminous skin withMurad Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask. To tackle large pores, try Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish. And for skin in need of a soft touch, use Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.
Masks: For a great way to wrap up your at-home day of beauty and find a solution for every skin type, consider a mask.Cellex-C Speed Peel Facial Gel works fast, leaving skin soft and smooth. For products with high-quality, natural ingredients, check out the Yonka line of masks: Masque 103 for normal to oily skin,Masque Hydratant 60 for dry skin or Masque 105 for dry to sensitive skin.
Facials in a box: Pressed for time? We’ve found kits that contain everything you need for an at-home facial. The Murad Resurgence Renewal Home Facial Kit is a luxurious weekly treatment to improve your skin’s elasticity, moisture level and firmness. The antioxidant-richMurad Vitamin C Infusion Home Facial Kit targets sun damage and premature aging.