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Try These 3 Home Remedies To Take The Years Off

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aging skin

Aging is inevitable and the signs of it start creeping up sooner than we usually expect. It can be quite overwhelming to walk into a store, in search of quality anti-aging skin products.

There are so many different “proven ingredients” that claim to reverse the signs of aging. The trouble is, we don’t really know what all of these chemicals are doing to our body, once they have been absorbed.

Not only are many of the anti-aging skin products on the market loaded with chemicals, but they are also quite expensive.

A way to combat this problem, is to go to your own pantry or refrigerator and create your own product. With just a few simple ingredients, you can give your skin the special treatment that it needs to help you look younger. The bonus is, if you look younger, you will feel younger too!

Let’s take a look at several home remedies that will help you take the years off:

1. Honey Mask

One of the easiest recipes is this one ingredient honey mask. This article recommends using pure honey for the best results.

Honey is a natural antioxidant and will help to destroy harmful free radicals that will damage and age the skin. Honey will moisturize your skin and help eliminate wrinkles at the same time.

Simply take a couple of tablespoons of pure honey and apply it to your face with your fingers. Be sure to massage it in an upward motion when applying. Let it set for 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water and a soft cloth.

2. Egg Yolk Mask

Egg yolks are chock full of protein and other nutrients, that will give aging skin the extra moisture it needs.

This article suggests adding avocado and plain yogurt to egg yolk to make a nourishing face mask.

The hydrating benefits of the avocado will increase the moisture in the skin, especially when used in combination with the egg yolk. Plain yogurt is a excellent natural remedy for acne prone skin, as it contains live cultures.

To make this mask, combine one egg yolk with ¼ of a mashed avocado. Mix in one teaspoon of plain yogurt until it has a smooth consistency.

Apply to face and allow to set until it is dry to the touch, usually around fifteen minutes. Rinse off with warm water and a soft cloth.

3. Coconut Milk Exfoliator

In order for fresh skin cells to grow and replenish themselves, the old ones need to be exfoliated from the skin. This can easily be done by the use of a natural scrub made with coconut milk and ground sugar.

The coarseness of the sugar will remove dead skin cell buildup and the coconut milk will provide the skin with nourishment and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Simply combine sugar and coconut milk into a thick paste and gently massage over the face and neck in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water and a soft cloth.

Conclusion

Take a few weeks and try the home remedies listed above. See how your skin reacts and appears. You should be pleasantly surprised by the results. Your skin should look brighter, clearer and firmer.

Create a daily and weekly routine out of your personal skin care regimen. Combine it with a healthy diet and plenty of water.

Always remember to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun by applying sunscreen. Incorporate facial exercises to help tone and tighten your skin as well.

By doing the above steps, you will keep your youthful glow for many years to come.

For further reading, check out: 4 Natural Ways To Remove Makeup Quickly and 4 Exercises You Can Do To Help Get Rid Of Necklines.

Image: Flickr

4 Natural Ways To Remove Makeup Quickly

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makeup

Many of us are concerned about the use of harsh chemicals on our skin.

Most makeup remover products on the market today are loaded with such chemicals, which can be harmful or toxic to the body.

This is especially true for those of us with sensitive skin. Chemicals can irritate the skin and cause breakouts or allergic reactions.

Let’s take a look at several safe and natural ways to remove makeup, by just heading to your cabinet at home:

1. Milk

For those with sensitive skin, using milk as a makeup remover is an excellent choice.

Milk is a gentle yet effective remover of eye makeup such as mascara and eyeliner. It may not be as effective for thick foundation, but it works excellent on the eye area.

To use, dab a cotton pad in milk until saturated. Sweep over face and eye makeup. Gently rinse with lukewarm water until clean.

2. Witch Hazel

This article suggests using witch hazel to remove makeup. It is an herbal extract, which is derived from the witch hazel shrub. It has been a longstanding staple in the beauty industry for many years, due to its affordability and efficiency.

Witch hazel works extremely well on cleaning oils from the skin, so is a good choice for an all over makeup remover.

To use witch hazel as a makeup remover, you should dilute it by fifty percent with water. Soak a soft facecloth or cotton pads in the solution and gently cleanse face in a circular motion.

3. Oils

Applying oils to the face will dissolve makeup residue and cleanse the skin. You can use a wide variety of oils, such as: olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and many others.

To remove eye makeup, use a cotton swab dipped in oil to loosen the mascara from the lashes. Gently wipe away loosened makeup with a cotton pad or soft face cloth.

To remove makeup from the entire face, massage a dollop of oil into the skin for a minute or two. Next, place a hot washcloth over your face for another couple of minutes. Once washcloth has cooled, remove it from your face and wipe away any excess oil.

4. Aloe Vera and Honey

Most people are familiar with the healing properties of Aloe Vera, but it can be used as a makeup remover as well, by combining it with just a few other ingredients.

To make this all natural cleanser, combine equal parts aloe vera gel and raw honey. For each cup of this mixture, add two tablespoons of your favorite oil. Combine these ingredients until it forms a paste-like consistency. The leftover cleanser can be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Apply the aloe vera paste to the face in gentle circular motions for a minute or two. Rinse away residue with a warm, wet face cloth.

Conclusion

Taking good care of your skin by using natural methods, will keep it healthy and and more youthful looking. Avoiding putting chemicals on your skin, is beneficial to your body internally as well as externally.

Not only are natural methods healthier for your body and skin, but they are more cost effective as well. Many of the ingredients are already in most people’s pantry or can be easily obtained at the grocery store.

The natural choice is a wise one, due to convenience and ease of use, combined with the lower price point and effectiveness.

For further reading on ways to help your skin look more youthful, check out: How Does Drinking Hot Water Help With Anti-Aging and 4 Exercises You Can Do To Get Rid Of Necklines.

Image: Flickr

The Five Causes Of Dark Circles

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dark circles

Many of us can relate to the feeling… You look in the mirror in the morning and you notice the dreaded dark circles under your eyes.

Dark circles will make you look tired, older and in severe cases, they make you appear unhealthy. They can happen at any age, but the older you are, the more chance you will see it happening.

There are some basic reasons why this discoloration appears. It can be a single cause or a combination of causes that result in this darker skin under the eyes.

Let’s go over some basic reasons you may notice the dark circles and how to avoid them:

1. Fatigue

An article from Mayo Clinic suggests that fatigue is the leading cause of dark circles.

Not getting enough sleep can cause bags to form under the eye or puffy eyelids. These shadows can make it look like you have dark circles.

The best way to combat this, is to get enough sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults between the ages of 26-64 should get 7-9 hours of sleep at night. Doing so on a regular basis, should help any puffiness and dark circles decrease.

2. Dehydration

If you are not drinking enough water, your body will become dehydrated. When this happens, there is not enough fluid in your body to provide your skin with the water it needs to stay plump and healthy.

When there is insufficient fluid in your skin, it will look thinner and will sink in around the hollows of the eyes. This will create dark circles under the eyes to form.

3. Hereditary Influence

Heredity definitely plays a role in the appearance of dark circles. It is also referred to as genetic hyper-pigmentation.

This article states that it is the most treatable types of under eye circles by the use of lightening creams, laser therapy and chemical peels.

4. Sun Damage

It is a well known fact that the sun is damaging to the skin, but often we forget about the tender skin around our eyes. Many of us apply sunscreen to the body and maybe the nose and cheeks, but the under eye area tends to be missed, causing dark circles.

One of the easiest ways to protect the eye from the damaging rays of the sun is to wear sunglasses. It is also important to apply eye creams that contain an SPF to prevent further damage.

5. Aging

As we get older, we lose some of the fatty tissue in our face, causing it to look hollowed out around the eyes. Your skin may look sunken in around the eye area and it will appear darker.

Apply day and night eye serums on a regular basis. This will help slow down the decrease in elastin and collagen loss that occurs when we get older. The skin will thin more slowly and will stay plumper longer, than if eye serums were never applied.

Conclusion

Of course, if genetics play a part in the development of dark circles around the eyes, then it may be difficult to eliminate them completely. The best thing you can do is to stay well rested and drink a sufficient amount of water to avoid dehydration.

There are skin care products on the market that can assist in lightening the skin underneath the eye area. Apply them gently and as directed. Be sure not to pull or tug on the thin skin around the eye. Doing so will cause wrinkling, which is another issue altogether.

Cosmetics will also help to cover up the dark circles. Invest in a quality concealer and foundation. When applied correctly, you will make your dark circles virtually invisible.

For further reading, check out: Anti-Wrinkle Fruits – 4 Best Fruits To Reduce Wrinkles and How Does Drinking Hot Water Help With Anti-Aging.

Image: Flickr

Skin Friendly Makeup That Won't Break The Bank

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Makeup Budget
When it comes to buying cosmetics, prices can range from very inexpensive to getting a second mortgage on your house for the latest eye shadow palette.
Cost is not the usually the only factor when purchasing new makeup. Another thing to consider, are the ingredients and the quality of the product. Just because a cosmetic has a higher price point, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for your skin.
You also need to think about the importance of cruelty free products. Many larger companies still test on animals,so if that is something you feel strongly against, be sure to read the labels before you buy.
So, what are some makeup brands that are skin friendly and cost effective as well? Let’s take a look at several options that may help you decide on what is best for you.

Milani

If you are looking for a wide variety of quality cosmetics with a great price point, look no further. Milani has everything you need.
All of their products are highly rated and are also cruelty free, which is an added benefit.
You will love their highly pigmented eye shadows that last all day. They come in a number of coordinating palettes in matte, shimmer, pearl and metallic.
Another fabulous product is their Conceal + Perfect foundation and concealer combination. There are 19 shades available that will match any skin tone.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Besides from their budget friendly price and wide selection of products, e.l.f. Cosmetics have other benefits to consider as well.
All of their products are non-comodogenic, which means that they won’t clog your pores and cause blackheads. They are also do not test on animals or endorse doing so.
e.l.f. Cosmetics offers a complete line of make up and skin care products for all skin types. They also sell tools such as make up brushes, beauty sponges, and cosmetic bags.

Physicians Formula

If you are one of the many people with sensitive skin, then you realize the importance of using hypo-allergenic make up. Cosmetics that contain harsh ingredients can cause inflammation, breakouts, excessive dryness, redness and other issues.
Physicians Formula cosmetics are specifically formulated for sensitive skin and eyes. It is also highly recommended by allergists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and plastic surgeons.
You will find that they have a full line of makeup for the entire face. Additionally they offer a line of skin care products, such as serums, oils and primers.

Wet N Wild

Wet N Wild has been voted the number one value brand in America and has been around since 1979. Many of us can remember their first make up purchase was a Wet N Wild product.
Their cosmetics are very low in cost but high in quality. You will find a large selection of products to choose from, for any skin tone or type. The color selection is incredible, featuring over 400 shades!
Known for their safety, Wet N Wild cosmetics is the leading brand of lead free lipstick.
Conclusion
With a little research and label reading, you should be able to find the right makeup for your budget and skin type. Aside from the brands listed above, there are many others on the market that will fit the criteria you are looking for.
Whether you have young skin with no signs of aging or mature skin, you can find products that will help you look and feel your best without breaking the bank.
If you are interested in further reading about skincare and ways to keep a youthful appearance, check out: 10 Minute Facial Exercise That Will Help You Look Younger and Does Anti-Aging Make Up Really Work? Dermatologists Have Their Say.
Image: Flickr

Basic Skin Care Routines For The Beginner

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Image: tommerton2010

Having a regular skin care routine is more than just a surface-level concern. No matter what your age is, having a skin care routine will help keep your skin healthy, making you look and feel good all throughout the year.  

Skin Care Guide For Beginners

Skin care routine may sound too high maintenance but the truth is, it’s very easy to implement even for complete newbies. Below is a skin care routine guide for beginners.  
Step 1. Know your skin type 
The first step in establishing a skin care routine is knowing your skin type.  
The most common skin types are normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. 
Normal Skin Type 
A normal skin type is characterized by good blood circulation on the skin. People with normal skin type usually have smooth, soft, and even skin tone.  
Oily Skin Type 
An oily skin type is characterized by overactive sebaceous glands. Hence, people who have oily skin tend to produce more oil than necessary, making them more prone to having enlarged pores and acne flare-ups.  
Dry Skin Type 
A dry skin type is the opposite of the oily skin. People with a dry skin has a low level of sebum, making the skin flakier and feels tight after being wiped with a tissue.  
Combination Skin Type 
A combination skin type is characterized by dry or normal skin in some areas and oily in others. The oily area is usually the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).  
Sensitive Skin Type 
Sensitive skin is a term used to describe a skin condition in people who break out easily. People with sensitive skin type can easily get itchy, blotchy, or stinging skin after using certain products or exposed to certain weather conditions.  
Step 2. Learn what types of products you need 
A basic skin care routine usually involves the following items:  

  • Cleanser
    A cleanser is a product you use for washing your face. It is important to choose a cleanser that’s suitable for your skin type and one that’s meant for washing your face. The usual bar or body wash can have harsh ingredients that can easily strip off your skin’s moisture.Finding the right cleanser can be tricky as it’s usually a trial and error process. If you have dry skin, a fragrance or alcohol-free type can be a good option. If you have an oily skin, opting for an oil-free type can be your best bet.
     
  • Toner
    After you wash your face, you will need a toner to smoothen, soften, and calm your skin. A toner can provide a ‘clean’ feel for those with oily or combination skin type.A good toner contains ingredients that help restore nutrients to the skin. It can also help in reducing dry patches or redness.
     
  • Moisturizer
    Regardless of your skin type, you’ll need a moisturizer to hydrate your skin. It can keep your skin smooth and healthy-looking.
     
  • Sunscreen
    UV exposure doesn’t just cause skin cancer; it’s also the leading cause of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
    Sunscreen should be applied everyday even when it’s gray or cold outside.
     
  • Exfoliating products
    Exfoliating products are not meant to be used every day but they can be useful for certain skin types such as weather-induced dry skin. Using it once or twice a week after a cleanser and before applying the moisturizer can help in getting rid of dead skin cells. When used correctly, they can help clear the pores, giving you smoother and younger-looking skin.  

Step 3. Determine when to use certain products 
As a beginner, the list of skin care items to use may sound too overwhelming. A good way to remember what items to use at certain times of the day is this: morning routine should be about protection and prevention while night time routine should focus on cleansing and repair.
You can begin your morning routine by rinsing your face with warm water and then applying moisturizer and sunscreen. At night, a more dedicated skin care routine is needed. It involves cleansing the face with a product suitable for your skin type, getting rid of the makeup and dirt using a toner, exfoliating if there’s a need to, and then capping off the routine with the use of a moisturizer.  
As the largest organ of the body and the first line of health defense, your skin needs to be taken good care of.  
Whether you’re in your 20s or 40s, this skin care guide can get you to your goal of having healthy, smooth, and young-looking skin.