Aging

Crows Feet: 5 Tips To Diminish Eye Wrinkles

January 18, 2022 by Sarah Gray

Crows feet are an inevitable part of aging. These fine lines along the outside of the eyes can start to appear as soon as the early twenties.

As we age through our twenties, you will notice that these pesky wrinkles will start to get deeper and more prominent. When this happens, we start to look much older than we actually are.

Crows feet are sometimes referred to as “laugh lines” You may wonder what the cause of laugh lines may be. The every day expressions we use, such and smiling and laughing are a prime contributor to this factor.

We can’t go through life avoiding smiling and being happy, so what are the alternatives to battling eye wrinkles?

Let’s take a closer look at several tips on how to reduce and prevent crows feet:

1. Wear Sunscreen

The ultra violet rays of the sun can wreak havoc on the skin, especially on the delicate skin around the eyes.

This article reveals that one of the most important things we can do to stop the progression of crows feet, is to protect our eye area with sunscreen. For maximum protection, apply a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, whenever you spend any length of time outdoors.

2. Use Protective Eye Wear

Wearing sunglasses that have lenses with UV protection, will add another layer of protection to this delicate area of the face. You will want to ensure that the lenses are large enough to cover the surrounding area of the eyes, so they are not exposed to sunlight.

Wearing sunglasses will also prevent squinting, which is also a contributor to fine lines and wrinkling.

3. Include Foods In Your Skin Care Regimen

It is recommended in this article, to eat a healthy diet, rich in anti-oxidant foods. An example of these foods would be grapes. These are not only for ingestion, but grapes can also be mashed and applied to the skin for additional benefits.

Another amazing food for the skin are avocados. Simply mash up a half of an avocado and apply to the face, focusing on your crows feet. This will help stimulate the production of collagen in the skin, which makes the skin tighter and more supple. The crows feet will plump up and be less visible.

4. Use Coconut Oil On The Skin

Coconut oil includes large mounts of vitamin E, which is extremely nourishing to the skin. It will help to plump up the fine lines, by moisturizing and hydrating the area.

For the best benefits, gently apply a small amount coconut oil around the eye and let it absorb into the skin. Be mindful not to tug or pull on this delicate area, as this could cause further wrinkling to occur.

5. Stop Smoking

Cigarette smoking is not only unhealthy for your lungs, but it is also one of the worst things you can do for your skin. It speeds up the aging process and will increase the appearance of crows feet and other facial wrinkles.

Cigarette smoke increases the free radicals in your body and on your skin, which promotes premature aging. Smoking yourself is overall very unhealthy, but being around other smokers, also has a negative impact on your skin and health as well.

It is best to refrain from smoking or being around it, if you want to avoid looking older than you actually are.

Conclusion

By following the advice mentioned above, you will be able to slow down the aging process on your skin, as well as increase overall health and wellness.

For further reading, check out: 5 Budget Friendly Ways To Keep Your Face Feeling Refreshed and 5 Winter Skin Care Tips To Avoid Dryness.

Image: Flickr

Laugh Lines – 5 Tips To Reduce Them

November 9, 2021 by Sarah Gray

Laugh lines are a sign of a happy life, but there is nothing funny about them.

Eventually, we all will have some sort of laugh lines. These lines can range from faint lines, to much deeper wrinkles. They are also commonly referred to as “smile lines”.

You may be wondering, what laugh lines actually are. They are wrinkles that start at the corners of the mouth and run up to the outer edge of the nostrils. On some people, the lines can run all the way down to the chin.

The medical terms for laugh lines are “nasal labial crease” and “nasal labial fold”.

Let’s take a closer look on how to reduce laugh lines:

1. Stop Smoking

This article reveals that cigarette smoking can greatly increase the visibility of wrinkles. These wrinkles can also come in the form of laugh lines.

The reason smoking increases wrinkling of the skin is due to the narrowing of the blood vessels in the top layers of skin. When this happens, oxygen and nutrients and deprived and will take a toll, causing laugh lines.

Collagen and elastin are also decreased, causing further damage to the skin, resulting in more lines and wrinkles.

2. Facial Exercises

Reversing laugh lines can be difficult, but you can definitely improve them by doing several facial exercises.

This article suggests the Resistance Smile exercise. You can do this by simply by holding your fingers firmly over your laugh lines and then trying to smile wide.

Be sure to keep your lips parted and hold this position for five seconds. Repeat this motion thirty times per day.

3. Skin Care Products

Be aware of the skin care products you apply to your face. Avoid anything that is drying to the skin and focus on moisturizing and hydrating the skin.

If the skin is dry, it will create more wrinkles and laugh lines. If it is hydrated and moisturized, it will stay plump and have a healthy glow.

4. Exfoliate Your Skin

It is recommended in this article, to use an exfoliator two to three times a week if you have normal skin.

The benefits are that it will remove the dead skin cells and new ones are able to cycle to the surface. The fresh new cells will make the skin appear smoother with less lines.

Make sure you are not exfoliating the skin too often. This can dry it out and defeat the purpose. Consult with your dermatologist or aesthetician for their product recommendations and frequency of use.

5. Stay Hydrated

When you drink enough water for your body to be fully hydrated, it will show on your skin. Your face will be less dry, which means less wrinkles and less wrinkles means less laugh lines! That’s what we’re striving for, right?

Not only will it replenish any lost fluids, but drinking water will help to flush out any toxins that have built up in your body.

To be make sure you are completely hydrated, drink at least half of your weight in ounces, daily.

Conclusion

In addition to the above mentioned tips, you can also help reduce the formation of laugh lines by protecting your skin from the sun.

Wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF when you go outdoors. Reapply it as directed on the packaging. It also helps to shield the face by wearing a large brimmed hat.

Eating a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables will also keep the skin healthy and prevent premature aging.

For further reading, check out: Six Super Foods With Skin Radiating Benefits and 7 Ways You Are Causing Skin Damage

Image: Flickr

6 Makeup Ingredients To Avoid

October 12, 2021 by Sarah Gray

Makeup ingredients are probably the last thing on your mind when purchasing that new eye shadow.

The truth of the matter is, there are many cosmetic companies who add a number of very harmful ingredients to their products. Unfortunately, the cosmetic industry is not regulated by the FDA, so toxic chemicals are found in many products on the market.

Protecting your skin by avoiding these makeup ingredients should be a priority. Always look at the labels on the products you put on your skin.

Let’s take a closer look at which makeup ingredients to avoid and what can happen if you don’t:

1. Phthalates

This article reveals that phthalates are found in many cosmetics across the board, such as nail polish, perfume, lotions, hair spray and others.

Phthalates have been suggested to be a carcinogen, meaning it could possibly cause cancer. It has also been linked to the disruption of hormones.

2. Oxybenzone

When looking at the makeup ingredients label, seek out the words “Dibutyl phthalate”, which is a known phthalate.

Oxybenzone is mostly found in sunscreen products. This article reveals that it is one of the most harmful ingredients that can be found in sunscreen.

It can act as estrogen, which can alter the production of sperm in animals. Oxybenzone can also be a precursor for endometriosis in women, as shown in this study.

3. Sodium Laurel Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate

These harsh sulfates are commonly found in many cosmetic cleansing products. They are known to cause allergic reactions and irritation of the skin.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) have been linked to the disruption of the endocrine system in the body.

4. Hydroquinone

Some skin lightening products may contain hydroquinone. Those products have been linked to cancer and toxicity of the organs. Avoid using any products that contain this ingredient.

If you want to lighten your skin, stay out of the sun and use products that contain Vitamin C, instead.

5. Parabens

You can find parabens in many cosmetic products. Parabens have been linked to cancer and should be avoided.

There are numerous cosmetics on the market which are paraben free. Opt to using those instead.

6. Mercury and Lead

The United States has not banned the use of lead and mercury in their cosmetics. You can find it in many products, such as makeup and lip cosmetics. These chemicals can be toxic to the reproductive system.

Avoid all use of anything which has lead, mercury, acetate, chromium on the label.

Conclusion

Avoiding the makeup ingredients listed above is just one component of healthy skin. There are also other important points you should keep in mind.

Always wear sunscreen when going outdoors. Apply it to all areas of skin that will be exposed. Many foundations and other products contain sunscreen, but it is best to also add a layer of sunscreen under your makeup.

It is also a good idea to wear sunglasses and a large brimmed hat, to shade your face from the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun.

Removing your makeup at night is very beneficial to the skin. When we neglect taking off our makeup, our pores become clogged. This can cause acne and other skin inflammation.

Once cosmetics are removed, apply a night cream to seal in moisture and deeply nourish the skin overnight.

In the morning, you can cleanse with a cleanser for your designated skin type. Follow up with a toner, serum, eye cream, sunscreen, moisturizer and then your makeup for the day.

For further reading, check out: Acne Breakout? 5 Tips To Clear Your Complexion and 6 Super Foods For Skin Radiating Benefits.

Image: Flickr

6 Super Foods For Skin Radiating Benefits

September 28, 2021 by Sarah Gray

Super foods for skin radiating benefits are everywhere. Chances are, you may have some in your home already.

When you think of super foods, you most likely think of the impact that it makes for our overall health.

You may not be aware that many super foods can have a great impact on the health of your skin, as well.

When we ingest the following foods on a regular basis, you should see that your skin will be brighter and appear more youthful.

Let’s take a closer look at several super foods for skin radiating benefits:

1. Avocado

Avocados are chock full of fatty acids. These fatty acids will help keep your skin plump moisturized.

This article states that the carotenoids, which avocados contain, also help increase the elastin in the skin. This will help keep the skin taut and firm.

2. Cinnamon

This study reveals that there are many important benefits that cinnamon has on the skin.

Since cinnamon stimulates blood vessels, when applied to the skin topically, it will plump fine lines and wrinkles.

Simply add a couple of drops of cinnamon essential oil to a carrier oil, such as rose oil or sweet almond oil and apply to the face. Let it absorb then continue with your skin routine. Be sure to do a small patch test first to check for any skin reactions.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that originates from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. Using turmeric internally and topically can give your skin a healthy glow.

It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric works very well in the treatment of acne.

Turmeric also can lighten hyperpigmentation, which is dark spots on the skin. It is also helpful in minimizing dark circles under the eyes.

4. Broccoli

Vitamins A and C, as well as zinc and lutein make broccoli a nutrient powerhouse for the body and skin. In addition to nourishing the body, carotenoids help protect the skin from harmful ultra violet rays from the sun.

5. Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. As mentioned in this article, omega-3 will decrease inflammation. In turn, it will help to prevent the loss of collagen and elastin.

It also helps to create healthy oils in the body, which benefit the skin by keeping it hydrated and moisturized. This will give the skin a healthy glow and reduce dryness, fine lines and deeper wrinkles.

6. Green Tea

Drinking green tea on a regular basis has been known to fight the signs of aging. It helps to combat fine lines and retain the firmness of the skin.

As discussed in this article, green tea is high in polyphenol antioxidants, which aid in the reduction of inflammation. It also helps to protect the skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Conclusion

The superfoods for skin that are mentioned above, will help get you on track for radiant, healthy skin. In addition to having a healthy diet, there are other things to keep in mind when caring for your skin.

Hydration is very important. To maximize your skin’s potential, you must keep your body well hydrated from the inside and out. It is recommended to drink half of your weight in ounces, to be fully hydrated.

Your skin should also be protected from the sun. Wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and reapply as directed on the package or if you go swimming or perspire. Keep your face shielded from direct sunlight, by wearing sunglasses and a large-brimmed hat.

For further reading, check out: 4 Natural Ingredients You Can Use At Home To Improve Your Skin and

Acne Breakout? 5 Tips To Clear Your Complexion.

5 Age Defying Skin Care Tips

September 14, 2021 by Sarah Gray

Age defying skin care should start as early as possible. The sooner you begin to protect and nourish the skin, the younger you will look.

There are many things that you can do on a regular basis, that will keep your skin looking flawless. By developing a healthy skin care regimen and sticking to it, you will reap the benefits.

Let’s take a closer look at several age defying skin care tips to add to your routine:

1. Protect Your Skin

The most important thing we can do, in terms of age defying skin care, is protect our skin from the sun. Overexposure of the ultra violet rays from the sun will speed up the skin’s aging process.

Collagen in the skin will be dramatically decreased. This article states that collagen is the protein in the second layer of skin that gives plumpness to the skin. It also helps with hydration and strength.

The elastin in the skin will also be reduced with sun exposure. Elastin is a protein, similar to collagen. It helps keep skin from sagging and developing fine lines and wrinkles.

The best way to protect your skin from the sun is to use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. This recommendation is stated by the Mayo Clinic. Be sure to reapply according to the directions on the package.

Another way to protect the skin from the sun’s rays is to wear clothing that covers your skin, large brimmed hats and sunglasses.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated and will also help to flush out harmful toxins in the body.

When our bodies are fully hydrated, it will show on our skin. It will be plumper and more radiant. Fine lines won’t be as prominent.

It is recommended to drink half of your weight in ounces daily to be fully hydrated. Not only will you look better, you will feel better too.

3. Exfoliate

Dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin, which makes it look dull. The buildup also prevents or slows down the turnover of new cells.

To combat this, use a scrub for your designated skin type once or twice a week. You can make your own scrub at home by simply mixing white sugar crystals with a little olive oil.

4. Moisturize

Keeping the skin moisturized will prevent further fine lines and wrinkles from forming. It will help give skin a smoother appearance and a healthy glow.

Choose a moisturizer for your designated skin type and apply it under makeup on a daily basis.

There are lighter moisturizers that are for use during the day and thicker ones to be used at night. You should always cleanse the skin before applying your facial products.

5. Nourish

Serums are an excellent age defying skin care product. Serums contain very concentrated ingredients. They penetrate deeper than typical moisturizers and provide more intense results.

Serums should be applied under moisturizer on clean skin.

Conclusion

By incorporating the above age defying skin care tips into your routine, you should see a noticeable difference in the appearance of your skin.

Fine lines will start to fade and you will see that your skin is not as dry or flaky. Your skin will look brighter and more youthful.

Your health will also be improved by protecting your skin and from drinking plenty of water. You should feel an overall sense of improvement inside and out.

For further reading, check out: 4 Natural Ingredients You Can Use At Home To Improve Your Skin and 5 Tips For Protecting Your Face This Summer.

So Which Is The Best To Wash Your Face, Hot or Cold Water?

February 23, 2021 by Sarah Gray

When you wash your face, you may not pay much attention to the temperature of the water that you’re using. Most of us are in a hurry and just turn on the faucet and quickly cleanse our face. Doing so, may not be giving your skin the justice that it deserves.

It is important to know that skin reacts differently to various water temperatures. There may be times when you choose to use one temperature over the other, depending on your individual needs.

Let’s take a closer look at the effects of water temperatures when you wash your face:

When You Wash Your Face With Hot Water

When you wash your face with hot water, you may feel relaxed and that you are doing a great cleansing. The truth of the matter, is that you are actually stripping the natural oils off of the skin. This will lead to dryness and flaking. We all know that dry skin, can in turn lead to fine lines and wrinkles.

If you are one who has an oily skin type, you may think that eliminating oils from the skin’s surface would be beneficial for you. On the contrary, the removal of natural oils will cause the skin to produce more oil, that will in turn, cause more acne and breakouts.

As stated in this article, using hot water to wash your face will also make the skin more sensitive. When this happens, it will become red and more irritated by the elements and products that are topically applied.

When You Wash Your Face With Cold Water

Most of us wake up in the morning to some sort of puffiness on the face, especially around the eye area.

This article reveals that using cold water on the face will help reduce puffiness and will also constrict the pores. When this happens, less oils are able to come to the surface, giving the skin a less shiny appearance.

When you wash your face with cold water, the blood circulation in your skin will be increased, which will also give you a healthy glow.

When You Wash Your Face With Warm Water

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends washing the face with lukewarm water.

This “in between” water temperature, is the most beneficial at removing dirt and debris from the surface of the skin, This is because facial cleansing products will suds up better and more effectively. when warm water is used.

You will also prevent added dryness when using lukewarm water to wash your face. This means that you will be helping to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, The natural oils in your skin will normalize, which will aid in preventing breakouts and blemishes.

Conclusion

As you can see, using the proper water temperature, will make a significant difference in the appearance and health of your skin. Use lukewarm water whenever you can, to keep your face looking brighter and more youthful.

You should also use topical products, such a cleansers, serums and moisturizers that are dedicated to your specific skin type.

Always protect your skin from the damaging UV rays from the sun. Wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.

Eat a healthy diet that is rich in green, leafy vegetables and eliminate processed foods as much as possible.

Always keep your body well hydrated by drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of water. You will see that your skin will improve, because it hydrates the cells and flushes out toxins in the body that can affect the skin.

For further reading, check out: The Best Facial Cleanser Ingredients and 5 Skin Care Resolutions You Can Keep This Year.

Image: Flickr