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Anti Aging Products

A Guide to Removing Makeup Without Damaging Sensitive Skin

May 3, 2022 by Feyisolami Akinyele

Makeup can accentuate your natural features and help you feel confident and authoritative. While it may be enjoyable to put on makeup, removing it is less so, especially if you have sensitive or delicate skin. To help you, we will list several methods of removing makeup without damaging sensitive skin.

Makeup Removal Methods

There are multiple ways of removing makeup without wipes. Despite their convenience, makeup wipes can cause damage and irritation to your skin. You may benefit from using other methods that use natural ingredients to remove your makeup.

  1. Cleansing Oil Products 

Oil cleansers have become popular in recent years due to their effectiveness in removing makeup and cleaning your skin. They also help strengthen your skin and prevent moisture from escaping. They are typically plant-based and have ingredients to soothe and hydrate your skin. They can also absorb dirt and the natural oil on your face.

Some types of cleansers may be detrimental to your skin. Cleansers that contain lighter oils such as grapeseed or lavender tend to be suitable for oily skin. Sunflower oils have proven effective for dry skin.

Using Cleansing Oil Product to Remove Your Makeup

Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure that your hair is tied or contained. You must also remove any eyelash extensions, fake eyelashes, or other forms of eye decorations.

Step 2: Pour the oil cleanser onto your hand and rub your hands together to coat your fingers and the top parts of your palm.

Step 3: Place your fingers on your cheeks and massage downwards in a circular motion. Make sure that you rub the oil across all parts of your skin with makeup. Ensure that the oil cleanser you use is not harmful to your eyes.

Step 4: Wash the oil off your hands and use your clean, wet hands to rub most of the oil away. Massaging your face with water will help to break down the makeup further.

Step 5: Rinse your face with water until you remove oil residue, and then use a clean and dry towel to pat your face until it absorbs the water. Make sure you do not wipe as this could irritate your skin.

  1. Baking Soda and Honey

Baking soda and honey have non-toxic and natural ingredients. Both ingredients should be readily available in a standard kitchen, making it convenient for makeup removal. With anti-inflammatory and hydration properties, the ingredients can also help your skin feel more moisturized and give you a glowing complexion. 

Using Honey and Baking Soda to Remove Your Makeup

Step 1: Wash your hands and make sure your hair is out of the way. You should remove any eyelash extensions or other eye decorations.

Step 2: Create a mixture using one tablespoon of raw or natural honey and half a tablespoon of baking soda.

Step 3: Pour water onto a clean cloth to feel damp to the touch but not soaking.

Step 4: Dip your cloth into the mixture and place it on your face. Massage the mixture onto your face in a circular motion until you cover all the areas with makeup. 

Step 5: Remove any honey or baking soda on your hands and wash the mixture off your face with clean water.

Step 6: Once your face is clean, use another dry towel to pat away the water.

  1. Aloe Vera and Oil

Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, aloe vera is an excellent ingredient due to its protective and hydrating properties. By containing antioxidants and vitamins, it can reduce irritation and the appearance of pimples. It is also a natural ingredient, free from harsh chemicals that can damage your skin.

Using Aloe Vera and Oil to Remove Your Makeup

Step 1: First, clean your hands and tie or constrain your hair. You must then remove any eyelash extensions or eye decorations.

Step 2: Mix around 32g of aloe vera gel and the same amount in the oil of your choice.

Step 3: Pour the mixture onto your clean hands and rub your hands to coat your fingers and palms.

Step 4: Massage the aloe vera mixture onto your face in a downward circular motion until you cover all the areas with makeup. Leave this on your face for 1 minute.

Step 5: Use a towel to remove most of the mixture and rinse your face with water to remove any other residue.

Step 6: Once your face has been thoroughly washed, use a dry towel to pat away the water.

Removing Eye Makeup

It is easy to remove eye makeup using suitable cleansers. When removing eye makeup safely, you can use a cotton pad or clean washcloth. You should refrain from using cotton balls as they often contain tiny fibers that easily wipe onto your eyelid. 

  1. Wash Your Hands and Prepare all Items

Start removing eye makeup by washing your hands and ensuring that your hair is tied. Use a hair tie to ensure no stray hair gets on your face. Next, prepare the necessary equipment: a cotton pad/washcloth and your choice of cleanser.

  1. Remove Extensions or Fake Eyelashes

The second step is to remove all detachable accessories near your eyes. Remove any eyelash extensions or fake eyelashes to clean your natural eyelashes thoroughly; this will help you prevent buildup and potential infections.

  1. Add Your Cleanser Onto the Cotton Pad and Place on Your Eyelid

Pour chosen cleanser onto your cotton pad. Ensure that it does not soak the pad entirely and that its back is dry or damp. Place it over your eyelid and keep the cotton pad on top for a few minutes.

  1. Swipe in a Downward Motion

Once a few minutes have passed, swipe the pad downward until the top part of the pad reaches your eyelashes. Then swipe upwards in a ‘J’ shape over your eyelashes.

  1. Repeat Steps 3 and 4

Discard your cotton pad and repeat steps 3 and 4 on your other eye. Continue with this step until you see no visible makeup on your eyes. Once no makeup is present, use water to remove the cleanser and any residue from your eyes.

Why Forgo Makeup Wipes for Sensitive Skin?

Makeup wipes should be the last option as a makeup removal for people with sensitive or delicate skin. Makeup wipes break down the components in your makeup; they do not cleanse and clean your skin. As a result, makeup wipes can leave a residue that causes irritation, pimples, etc.

For those with delicate skin, makeup wipes can remove the natural oils on the surface of your skin, thus worsening your complexion. Many brands can also be exfoliants due to the harsh texture and chemicals on the wipes, thus creating small tears on your skin.

Conclusion

Makeup removal is essential in your nighttime routine, lest it causes breakouts, larger pores, rashes, and even infections. Luckily, you can remove your makeup using cleansers, soap, water, and other natural ingredients. Consider some of the effective methods above to help clear your makeup and keep your skin cleaner.

FAQs

How to Remove Makeup Naturally?

Several methods and ingredients can help you remove makeup naturally. Some swear by coconut oil in breaking down makeup. Another natural way is to use steam. Add hot water to an empty bowl and place your face above the water. Cover your head with a light towel to trap the steam.

What Should I Do After Removing Makeup?

After removing your makeup and ensuring that you’ve washed your face thoroughly, you can begin your nighttime skincare routine. A routine can involve moisturizer, toner, and other products for your skin type. A moisturizer can hold moisture in the outer layer of your skin, thus protecting it and preventing it from drying, and a toner can help balance the pH level of your skin.

Is Makeup Wipes Necessary?

No, makeup wipes are not necessary when removing your makeup. On the contrary, makeup wipes can cause skin damage and irritation due to the chemicals and alcohol contained in the wipes. As an alternative, there are natural cleansers that would work to remove all of your makeup and ensure that no residue remains on your skin.

What Happens If You Don’t Wash Your Makeup Off?

Not washing off your makeup before sleeping can cause bacteria and dirt to seep into your pores. Increased exposure to germs can cause your skin to break out. Leaving makeup sitting on your skin can also cause the development of more noticeable pores, resulting in pimples and blackheads.

Filed Under: Aging, Anti Aging Products, Skin Care

How To Remove Makeup Without Wipes

April 7, 2022 by Feyisolami Akinyele

There’s nothing more frustrating than returning home from a long day or night out and taking off your makeup…or, worse, with wipes. The beauty industry has repeatedly emphasized how bad it is to take your makeup off with wipes. So, if you’ve been waiting for it, here’s how to remove makeup without wipes.

Why Should You Ditch Makeup Wipes?

If you’ve been on the beauty side of the internet long enough, you might know of the infamous “Wipes or No Wipes” debate. It’s been going on for quite a while. For so long, makeup wipes have been the go-to beauty item for removing makeup, prepping the skin, smoothing out lines or creases, etc. It wasn’t until recently that the tables turned. Skincare gurus, enthusiasts, and the skin-centric YouTuber channels started churning out literal campaigns against them. What happened?

They Aren’t Even Made For Removing Makeup

Face wipes or baby wipes are not made to clean your face, and they often leave behind lots of dirt, oil, and grime on your skin. Sure, they may remove some of your makeup and the surface stuff. Still, they just aren’t made to effectively break down the components of makeup, oil from your skin, and dirt accumulated throughout the day.

They Are Too Harsh

Experts say that makeup wipes or baby wipes are not made for this particular purpose. Wipes are harsh on the skin – all that rubbing and scrubbing can’t be good for you. Using wipes to rub off your makeup can lead to irritation from residual grime, increased breakouts, and sensitivity.

They Make Your Skin Age Faster

Using face wipes for a long time will severely dehydrate your skin by stripping it of its natural oil content and compromising its pH. Secondarily, pulling and tugging at your skin using wipes can cause your skin to age a lot faster. All of this happens without any effective cleansing whatsoever. Avoid this by using the proper cleaning methods and incorporating facial exercises into your skincare routine.

They’re Not Good For The Environment

Thankfully, the beauty and skincare industry is slowly moving past the chaotic era of environmentally harmful products and practices. Disposable makeup wipes do not fit in with the movement, as we have reached that point where recycling isn’t enough. Reducing waste is the next cause.

Makeup wipes are one of the industry’s most-used single-use products that are hard to decompose and end up in landfills for many years. It can take at least a hundred years for one single wipe to decompose fully to put things in perspective.

Wipes Alternative 

Micellar Water

Micellar water isn’t a newbie on the skincare block. It has solidified itself as one of the most popular go-to items for removing makeup, and rightfully so. Micellar water is a gentle cleansing agent containing suspended surfactant molecules -molecules made to break up oil and dirt. The science behind this is simple: surfactants are like oil molecules suspended in water. Water can’t break down oil, but oil can do just that. This makes it easier to remove makeup, and it’s much more effective than using wipes.

What’s more, using micellar water can be sink-less. So, you’re strung out from a busy day and need to take off your makeup before bed without getting up? Pour some micellar water onto a cotton pad and gently wipe over your skin—no need to rinse off. You’ll wake up with clean and hydrated skin and no regrets.

Oil Cleansing

We have all done questionable things in the name of skincare. However, oil cleansing is not as bad or uncomfortable as it sounds. No, it won’t leave your skin oilier and dirtier. Using oil cleansers has become an increasingly popular practice in the past couple of years as it’s pretty logical and practical. Again, oil melts down oil and breaks down makeup.

Oil cleansers are also formulated to penetrate your pores and attract and lift away other impurities. The steps are simple: apply an oil cleanser to your face until your makeup is melted, then wet your hands and rub gently. The cleanser will start to foam, and then you can towel dry or rinse. Follow up with a facial cleanser for a deeper cleanse.

Gel Cleansing

There’s only one significant downside to gel cleansing: it won’t work for eye makeup. So, if you’re looking for how to remove waterproof mascara or any other eye makeup, skip this one. Gel cleansers are generally oil-free and work by gently buffing away makeup and impurities. They’re also impressively hydrating and leave a smooth finish after. Remember to wet your face slightly before applying the gel. Rub gently until it starts to lather and massage for a few minutes.  

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is as natural as they come. Good ol’ Aloe isn’t only good for soothing wounds, inflammations, and the occasional sunburn. It has many antioxidants and moisturizing properties that make it gentle and effective in removing makeup. This is especially recommended for people with sensitive skin. Aloe vera is an excellent alternative to wipes and oil-based removers. Plus, it’s gentle enough for your eye area.  

Cream Cleansing

If you often worry about dehydration, cream cleansing might be the best way to remove makeup for you. Cream cleansers are pretty similar to gel cleansers specially formulated for dry skin that feels tight after cleansing. These cleansers leave your skin feeling super hydrated and are easy to use.

Pat some onto your face and slather it until the makeup melts. Let it sit for a bit, then rinse off and pat dry.

Coconut Oil/Olive Oil

Don’t have a dedicated oil cleanser on your dresser? No problem. Coconut oil, olive oil, and other summon household oils are excellent for removing makeup. Again, science saves the day. You may worry about these oils clogging your pores, but double cleansing with oils is about as spot-on as you can get, especially when you’re in a pinch.

You have to warm up some oil with your fingertips and wipe it all over your face. Your makeup will melt quickly, leaving you ready to follow up with a mild cleanser or face wash.

Cleansing Balms

So, if you have found yourself in front of your mirror thinking of how to take off waterproof mascara, here it is. Cleansing balms are best incorporated into a double cleansing method. You start with a cleansing balm and finish with a facial cleanser. These balms deeply purify your skin and lift makeup and dirt right off without harshly stripping your skin.

Balms often have a smooth, silky feel and leave your face feeling calm and clean. The second step of the double cleanse may include a gentle foaming cleanser to take off any residual makeup.

Soap and Water

Ah, soap and water, the ever-reliable classic. Sometimes, your alternative is as simple as gently lathering on a gentle soap to cleanse and rinsing off with water. Nothing fancy. While this may sound a little off in the world of skincare gurus and beauty experts, soap and water can still work out fine for you. Depending on what type of makeup you’ve got on, using a gentle, fragrance-free soap bar and rinsing it off with water could do the trick.

Avoid using strong, harsh, or fragrance soaps and any hand soap. Wet your hands, rub the bar between your hands to form a nice lather, then gently scrub your face before rinsing off with water. Easy, makeup is gone.

Eco-friendly Makeup Removers

So, we’ve heard it all. Makeup wipes are bad for your skin and the environment. Here’s how to remove makeup without wipes with a different type of wipes. A little confusing? Hopefully not. You can now swap out your disposable wipes for environmentally friendly wipes that are reusable, washable, and biodegradable.

These are often made of cotton, microfiber, or bamboo fabric, which are easy to wash and effective for removing makeup without traditional disposable wipes.

You’ll always need a trusty makeup remover to come to your aid at the end of the day. Sometimes, the process can be so tedious that some of us take the lazy way out and go to bed without attempting. We do not recommend that. Instead, take a look at the list above, make your choice and make your skincare regimen easier to keep up with. Your skin will thank you for it. Find more tips on removing makeup without wipes here.

Filed Under: Anti Aging Products, Skin Care

Should Vitamin C be a part of my Skincare Routine?

April 4, 2022 by Feyisolami Akinyele

Short answer, yes! Most people still undecided about the effects of Vitamin C on their skin belong to one of two categories. The first category is people who have combed the internet and believe it is too good to be true. The other category is people who still confuse Vitamin C with their favorite citrus drink. You should continue reading to find out why vitamin c should be part of your skincare routine

But first.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent known to even your skin tone, regulate signs of aging and hydrate the skin. And no, it has nothing to do with your favorite lemon juice.

Vitamin C is also called L-ascorbate, L-ascorbic acid, or ascorbic acid, is a naturally occurring vital nutrient for health. It is found in many foods, especially vegetables and fruits. It helps in the formation and maintenance of skin, bones and blood vessels. 

What is Vitamin C serum?

It goes without saying that Vitamin C serum is a product composed majorly of Vitamin C. This gel or liquid skincare product is available at most beauty stores and applied topically on the skin. You can wade off aging and keep the skin looking youthful and exuberant with the best Vitamin C serum.

What are the benefits of including vitamin C in your skincare?

Don’t just take my word for it. The following are some benefits of using the vitamin c serum:

1. Safe for all skin types

There are many reasons Vitamin C serums are so popular, and the chief of them is that it works just the same regardless of skin type. Many people have used these serums extensively without experiencing any side effects. The worst-case scenario is some minor skin irritation experienced in rare cases by people with oversensitive skin. 

You can keep your skin clear of any irritations by keeping your eye on the concentration of Vitamin C in the product. People with sensitive or dry skin should consider products with about 5% vitamin C concentration and not much more. In contrast, people with oily skin can afford to use products with higher concentrations. 

2. Hydrating effect

The epidermis (the top layer of the skin) dries out, leading to premature aging and itchy and scaly skin without sufficient moisture. There is only as much as facial exercise can do to keep the skin on your face looking ever radiant. Sometimes simple things like staying hydrated would do the trick. 

This is where the vitamin c serum joins the fray. It has been proven clinically to have a hydrating effect on the skin. A vitamin c derivative (Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) helps the skin retain moisture by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). 

3. Serves as a brightening agent

Vitamin C in the serum serves as a brightening agent and can regulate pigment production responsible for skin color known as melanin. This prevents your skin from becoming dull and reduces dark spots with time. The result is a youthful, natural glow. 

4. Evens your skin tone

The last thing you want when starting your day is skin redness. There are many reasons why you can have puffy, blotchy skin around your eye, jawline and cheeks. It can be down to your hormones, exposure to the sun and underlying medical conditions. 

Luckily you do not have to shrug it off but can tackle it head-on thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin c. This is made possible by two processes, the ability of vitamin c to prevent oxidative damage by disallowing an inflammatory immune response and neutralizing free radicals.

The result is an even skin tone free from irritation, redness, clear and reduced dark spots. 

5. Protects your skin from sun rays

Exposing your skin to ultraviolet irradiation can severely age and damage your skin. This exposure eats away the vitamin in your skin, leading to photodamaged skin. 

Chief proponents behind this damage are called free radicals, and they do this by bonding (stealing) an electron on your skin which can lead to severely damaged skin. The application of antioxidants on your skin, in this case, vitamin c, provides these free radicals with an electron, thereby protecting your skin and making them harmless. 

It is crucial not to directly substitute the Vitamin serum for sunscreen as you should apply both for optimal results. The results are minor skin damage, reduced sunspots, increased strength and elasticity of your skin. 

6. Soothes sunburns

Have you got sunburned? If you are reading this, it’s NOT too late. While applying vitamin c with your sunscreen can help prevent sunburns, vitamin c used with other compounds like vitamin e has been shown to help manage injuries from sunburn (ultraviolet irradiation).  It helps accelerate the replacement of damaged cells with new ones and reduces the inflammation due to ultraviolet exposure. 

7. Collagen production

Collagen is an essential protein produced in the body. It is crucial for the growth and development of tendons, skin, muscles and hair. This material plays an integral part in looking youthful and maintaining our silky skin. It gradually depletes as we age, which is responsible for saggy skin. 

This is made possible through a process known as Collagen synthesis, in which vitamin c is a cofactor for the two enzymes necessary for the synthesis. These enzymes are: 

  • Prolyl hydroxylase: Catalyzes Hydroxyproline formation. Crucial for the stability of collagen.
  • Lysyl hydroxylase: It is necessary to hydrolyze lysine residues to hydroxylysines. This process is crucial to confer collagen’s tensile strength. 

The production of elastin and collagen ensures the strength and elasticity of the skin, reducing the effect of aging.

How to include vitamin C in your skincare?

It is one thing to know you need vitamin c in your skincare, and it is another thing to add it to your routine correctly. Let’s explore how you can get the most from adding vitamin c to your skincare. 

Based on your need

Different vitamin c serums have vitamin c in different concentrations. If you want to pick up a serum, choosing a brand that solves your problem is crucial. There are anti-aging serums, serums for rosacea, brightening, hyperpigmentation, and sensitive skin. Choose wisely. 

Does it fit into your routine?

You can apply the serum daily, either in the morning or evening. You should lean towards using it in the morning to enjoy its antioxidant abilities as you go about your daily activities.

Do’s and Don’ts

DON’T: You should avoid using benzoyl peroxide simultaneously as the vitamin c serum. This is because the peroxide can oxidize the serum, reducing the potency. This does not mean you can not use both in your skincare routine. You just can not use both of them at the same time. One straightforward solution is to alternate between them. You should use one in the morning and the other later in the evening. 

DO: You can use the serum with retinol, but you should do so with caution. It is more effective when used separately, as using both simultaneously could cause some skin irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin. 

DO: It is crucial that you use serums with the right concentration of vitamin c. Using any more than you should, especially for people with sensitive skin, could result in skin irritation. 

Methods of usage

There are two ways you can use the serums: 

  • Nutritionally: You can get vitamin c in foods like vegetables and citrus fruits to help improve your health. It would not offer a lot in skincare as the vitamin c released only reaches the lower skin.
  • Topically: This is what you get with the application of serums and moisturizers. It occurs when the top layer of the skin directly absorbs the vitamin c in the serum. 

Potential risks

If you consider adding vitamin c to your skincare routine, you should test the serum out, especially at lower concentrations. You should apply it every other day to see how your skin reacts and only go ahead when it is okay. 

Some people with allergies or sensitive skin experience skin discoloration, usually yellow, dryness of the skin, stinging and itching. 

You can manage this by using the serum without moisturizer

Conclusion

Vitamin C is an excellent addition to any skincare routine, regardless of skin type. Follow the tips above to introduce vitamin c to your routine correctly to avoid any slip-ups that could cause redness, puffiness, and dry skin. Good luck!

Filed Under: Aging, Anti Aging Products, Skin Care

Astringent Vs Toner – Which Is Better For Your Skin

September 8, 2020 by Sarah Gray

Astringent vs Toner, choosing which is the better for you is more complicated than it might initially seem. Toners and astringents are very similar, with nearly the same ingredients in their makeup and help remove leftover makeup, but crucially, they are not substitutes. Astringents and toners are perfect for a particular skin type, and you must know your skin type before you add either to your skin care routine.

While beauty brands might advertise them the same, they have different effects on acne-prone skin, oily skin, combination skin, and dry or sensitive skin. It, therefore, becomes essential to understand how they compare, the ingredients in their makeup, and how they can be applied in your journey towards a glowing complexion.

Find out all that and more below.

What is Astringent?

Astringents are made from water-based formulas with some alcohol in the composition and are used to remove excess oil and ensure clean skin. Some astringents can be alcohol-free but mild compared to products that feature alcohol in makeup. Astringents tend to be overdrying and can irritate the skin due to the alcohol content, and it is for this reason that several professionals advise against the use of astringents.

Astringents are the go-to for people with oily skin as it helps remove excess oil and are perfect for acne-prone skin type due to the presence of salicylic acid in their composition. It also helps tighten pores and balance the skin’s ph levels, making the skin feel smooth and better.

What is a Toner?

Toners generally have gentle properties compared to astringents and are more preferred by professionals. They used to be alcohol-based, but more water-based (or hydrating toner) has hit the market that helps ensure healthy skin, particularly for dry skin types, while removing excess oil.

Toners are known to feature glycolic acid, salicylic acid and other natural ingredients that hydrate the skin’s surface, leaving it smoother and softer. Some toners also contain anti-oxidants that possess anti-aging properties that would even skin tone, brighten the complexion and improve the skin’s texture.

Are toners and astringents necessary in a skincare routine?

Toners and astringents have been a part of a regular skincare routine for so long that it has become normal and rarely questioned. But this does not make it necessary, and it would interest you to know that there is no concrete proof to support the ‘cleanse, tone, moisturize’ theory.

Astringents and toners became a staple because cleansing agents used to be limited to cold creams and the essential bar soaps, which used to leave a film on your skin and required toners to remove excess dirt to keep your skin feeling smooth.

Nowadays, you don’t need to add toners and astringents to your skincare routine. Most cleansers already do an excellent job cleaning residue, except for some skin types that are incredibly oily and need toners or astringents to remove excess oil from the skin.

How does astringent vs. toner compare?

Astringent and toners have similar functions but can not be regarded as direct substitutes. This is because the ingredients in their makeup make them better suited for different skin types and serve unique purposes.

Astringents are generally harsher on the skin than toners, partly because most of them are alcohol-based. This comes in handy when treating very oily skin or acne-prone skin as the alcohol removes excess dirt and oil.

On the other hand, Toners are more water-based with ingredients like witch hazel. Although there are some alcohol-based options, they have a lower concentration than astringents. You can choose a hydrating toner to ease absorption of the products in your routine and infuse your skin with moisture, with other toners being able to balance your skin pH after cleansing.

Common astringent and toner ingredients

You should expect to find the following common ingredients in your toner or astringent.

Astringent Ingredients

  1. Salicylic acid: When applied topically, it frees up your skin pores allowing pimples to shrink and also reduces acne by treating swelling.
  2. Isopropyl alcohol: Helps tighten your skin spores and leave you feeling refreshed.
  3. Glycerin: An humectant that keeps your skin hydrated by retaining moisture and an emollient that softens the surface of your skin.
  4. Chamomile: Contains phytochemicals and polyphenols. These are potent antioxidants with anti-aging properties that protect your skin from damage by free radicals.
  5. Lavender: The presence of lavender helps tackle wrinkles, even your skin tone and reduce acne.
  6. Menthol: Acts as a counterirritant that helps the skin to feel cool before feeling warm.
  7. Water: Hydrates your skin
  8. Witch hazel: This helps ease inflammation, injury and irritation to the skin.

Toner Ingredients

  1. Aloe vera: Aloe vera applied topically hydrates the skin and can treat acne, sunburn and eczema.
  2. Vitamin E: This is a powerful antioxidant with anti-aging properties that protects your skin from sun damage.
  3. Natural ingredients
  4. Herbal extracts
  5. Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also hydrates your skin.

How to apply astringent and toner

How to use Astringents

  1. The first step is to wash your face with a facial cleanser.
  2. Pat your face dry with a towel
  3. Use your fingertips or drops of astringent on a cotton ball or cotton pad to apply to your face.
  4. Follow with optional serum, then moisturizer and sunscreen.

How to use Toners

  1. You should wash your face with your facial cleanser
  2. There is no need to pat your face dry, as having the cleanser on your skin could better absorb the other products.
  3. You can apply the toner on a cotton ball or cotton pad and gently brush your face or on your rubbed palm before gently touching your face with the toner.
  4. Follow with optional serum, then moisturizer and sunscreen.

What are the effects of toners and astringents?

You might experience the following effects when using either astringents or toners.

Effects of Toners

You should not experience any adverse effects from toners because they are generally mild. The only exception will be if you have very sensitive skin, an allergy, or overuse of the product. Expect to experience one or more of the following if you use a toner on your skin at least twice daily:

  • Patches of dry skin
  • Redness of skin

Effects of Astringents

You might experience temporary tightness or a tingling sensation because the ingredients used in astringents are harsh compared to toners. If it devolves into irritated, red skin or very hot sensations, you should stop using the product as it could be too strong for you. It is crucial to avoid using astringents if you have open sores/wounds, sunburn, or eczema.

Effect of astringents/toners on skin pH

This would have been important many years back when soaps and products were predominantly alkaline. Now we know the skin is mainly acidic, and we have begun to create products that do not mess with the skin’s ph. If the product does change the skin’s pH, there should be no cause for alarm as the skin does a good job at balancing its pH.

Effect of astringents/toners on your pores

Astringents and toners do not do anything to your pores. They can not make pores bigger or smaller; it only looks that way. Both feature ingredients that can cause tightening and trap dirt and oil, making the pores more prominent and looking more significant than usual. And when they finally rid your skin of the excess dirt and oil, it gives the impression that your pores are smaller when it’s only an illusion.

Which is the right one for you?

Now you can tell them apart, but which one is right for you. Find out below as we consider each skin type and help you with an answer.

Oily skin

Oily skin types would benefit more from using astringents as the more robust composition is perfect for removing excess oil from the skin. This means making do with the occasional tingling and dryness of your skin. The alternative is alcohol-free astringent, which uses acids instead of alcohol to remove oil.

Acne-prone skin

While you need to get astringents because it clears the oil on your skin, it is not enough to be considered acne treatment medication. This is because acne is caused by oils much deeper in your pores and needs you to pick our astringents with anti-blemish properties. Astringents in this category would feature one of the following acids in their composition.

  • Lactic acid
  • Salicyclic acid
  • Glycolic acid

Sensitive skin

People with sensitive skin need to avoid the following ingredients toner or astringent alike.

  • Sodium laurel sulfate
  • Fragrance
  • Menthol
  • Colorants
  • Alcohol

You should only consider an astringent if you have oily skin. If you have non-oily sensitive skin, opting for toners instead is a no-brainer.

Dry skin

For dry skin, you need a toner with a humectant ingredient to help you lock in moisture on your skin. Your bottle should have one or more of the following:

  • Sodium lactate
  • Glycerin
  • Aloe vera
  • Hyaluronic acid

Combination skin

Combination or natural skin is neither here nor there and might benefit from a blend of astringent and toner. You can use the former in oily parts of your body and the toner everywhere else.

Summary

Astringents and toners are both great products, very similar but with their differences. The potential to overdry your skin might make you reconsider astringents, but the water-based versions more than make up for it. On the other hand, Toners do an excellent job of reducing oil on your skin while still leaving your skin refreshed, hydrated, and locking in the moisture. In the end, it boils down to your skin type and what you expect from the product. So take your time and happy shopping!

Filed Under: Anti Aging Products, Skin Care, Uncategorized

3 Face Mask Recipes You Can Make At Home

July 3, 2018 by Natalie Taylor

face mask
If you walk into any local drug store, make-up counter or department store, you will find a numerous amount of face masks. Some of these masks can be quite costly and many of them have chemicals or other irritants that aren’t good for your body.
One of the best ways to combat this, is to take the matter into your own hands and make the facial masks yourself. With just a few ingredients, you can receive the same benefits of the masks sold at stores, without the hazards and extra expense. Just take a look in your kitchen cabinet and the basic ingredients for these masks will most likely be there.
No matter what skin type you have, there is an all natural mask recipe that you can easily prepare to make your skin look and feel its best. Even those with sensitive skin or acne can benefit from these natural facial masks.
Let’s take a look at some recipes for various skin types and conditions:

1. Oily or Acne Prone Skin Face Mask

The use of orange peel powder in face masks is excellent in treating oily and acne prone skin. This powder will soak up any extra sebum, which causes acne, on the skin.
You can get simple directions on how to create the powder here. When you combine it with just a few other ingredients, you will create a face mask that works wonders on those pesky pimples.
The following recipe will help reduce the excess oil as well as replenish with healthier oils that will keep skin from drying out:
2 tsp. – orange peel powder
1 tsp – pure coconut oil
1 tsp – milk (low fat or full fat)
Combine ingredients above into a small bowl or cup. Cleanse your face as usual. Place a hot towel on your face for a several seconds to open the pores, so they can absorb the mask.
The mask can be applied with the fingertips in a circular motion or with a hand held facial scrubber with a rotating brush. Leave the mask on for 15 – 20 minutes and gently rinse off with warm water, then pat dry with a soft towel.

2. Dry Skin Face Mask

This hydrating mask will plump your skin, smooth the texture and brighten your skin all at once. The avocado in this recipe is the perfect component for beautiful, younger looking skin, due to the healthy fats that it’s made of.
¼ of an avocado
1 TB – cocoa powder
1 TB – organic honey
Mash the avocado with a fork and gradually mix in the cocoa powder and organic honey until thoroughly combined.
Cleanse your face as usual and place a hot towel over it to open up the pores. Use your fingertips to apply the mask in a circular motion over the face. Allow the mask to sit on your face for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water until removed and gently pat try with a clean towel.

3. Wrinkle Reducing Facial Mask

This one ingredient pineapple mask is like an all natural, at home, mini facial peel. The exfoliation properties of pineapple, such as alpha hydroxy acid, will reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
All you have to to is cut up fresh pineapple into pieces and run them through the blender. Once the chunks turn into a fine pulp, strain the pineapple into a bowl. The juice can then be applied to your clean skin with a soft cotton pad and left to dry on the face for 20-25 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
Conclusion
By using the above recipes on a regular basis, you should see an improvement in your skin’s texture and appearance. Although rare, you should always discontinue use if any rash happens to develop.
For further reading on how to keep your skin looking healthy, check out: How To Get That Non Surgical Facelift Without Using Product and What Foods To Eat More Of To Slow The Signs Of Aging.
Image: Flickr

Filed Under: Anti Aging Products, Skin Care

How To Make Your Own Organic Face Creams

September 26, 2017 by Natalie Taylor

Image: Karolina Mis

We all know that we need to moisturize. It keeps our skin soft, supple, and delays the signs of skin aging. But the problem is, choosing the right hydrating or moisturizing cream for our face can be tricky. For one, not all face creams are created the same. If you choose one that’s not suitable for your skin type, you’ll end up either having breakouts or with a dry skin. And second, there are face creams that contain ingredients that are too harsh for your skin. If you’re not keen on reading product ingredients, you’ll more likely to end up with skin irritation.

Making Your Own Face Cream

Making your own organic face cream can give you a peace of mind as you know what’s exactly in it. You can add more or less as you please and there are tons of ingredient mixture that you can play around.
Another reason for considering making your own face cream is the cost. Good quality store-bought organic face creams often cost hundreds of dollars. This can easily add up especially if you’re making it as part of your regular facial routine. When you’re making your own face cream, you can save thousands of dollars in a year as the ingredients are easy to find; oftentimes, they are the things you can easily find right inside your kitchen.

The Essentials

Here are the things you need for making your own organic face cream:
Clean and well-lit working area
You don’t need a fancy working area when you’re making your own face cream. As long as it’s clean and well-lit, you’re good to go. In fact, you can make organic face creams in your kitchen, using your kitchen island or part of your countertop.
If you’re working with essential oils, it’s important to work in an area with good ventilation. These oils are highly volatile and combustible and hence, should be kept away from heat and sources of flame.
Utensils
The utensils for making face cream may vary with each formula. You can easily get started though with just the basic tools; most of which are things that you may already have at home. These include small to medium-sized bowls, a whisk, blender or food processor, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, small jars with lids, and lint cloth for cleaning up.
Ingredients
The ingredients you need may vary, depending on the type of face cream you’re making. Most ingredients in making a homemade face cream are easy to find; many of which can be found right inside your home.

DIY Organic Anti-Aging Face Cream

There are different ways of making your own organic face cream. Below are some variations of it:

  • All-Natural Face Cream from Inhabitat
    This face cream formula uses different types of oils including olive oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, and drops of essential oil. It also uses beeswax pastilles, organic hydrosol, organic aloe vera gel, and vitamin E oil.To make this face cream, you need measuring cups and spoons, whisk, stainless steel or glass mixing bowls, stainless steel or glass saucepan, a double boiler, blender or food processor, a spatula, and several clean lidded jars for storing your face cream.
    Depending on the volume of cream you intend to make, you can cut back or add more on the ingredients stated in the recipe. You can also make this fragrance-free by opting out of the use of essential oils.
  • The 6-Ingredient Anti-Aging Face Cream from Livestrong
    This organic face cream recipe can be a good start if you haven’t tried making your own face cream before. It only needs six basic ingredients – organic beeswax, rosewater, shea butter, germ oil, sweet almond oil, and organic honey. You can add essential oils of your choice once the mixture has cooled.

    For the tools, you’ll only be needing a baking pan, glass mixing bowl, glass cup, hand mixer or stick blender, and small glass jars with lids for storing your organic face cream.
  • Carrot Face Cream from Organic Beauty Recipes

If you’re looking for an organic face cream that offers protection from UV radiation, then this carrot face cream is worth a shot.

For this face cream, you’ll need organic aloe vera juice, carrot seed oil, camelia seed oil, refined shea butter, beeswax pellets, and essential oils (carrot seed, lavender, rose geranium, frankincense).

As for the tools and equipment, you only need a double boiler, a whisk, and several glass jar containers with lids.

Filed Under: Anti Aging Products

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