Anti Aging Products

4 Natural Ingredients You Can Use At Home To Improve Your Skin

July 13, 2021 by Sarah Gray

Natural ingredients you can use at home to improve your skin can be easily found in most pantries.

Despite what you may been lead to believe, great skin doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can easily give your skin a healthy glow with things you most likely have on hand.

Another bonus to using natural ingredients on your skin, is that you won’t have to worry about your skin absorbing harsh chemicals. Many additives and chemicals are used in the production of commercial skin care products.

Allergic reactions, skin inflammation or irritations are more probable when using commercial products. We can never be sure how our skin will react to certain chemicals.

As an alternative, let’s take a closer look into some natural ingredients to improve your skin:

1. Oatmeal

You may not realize that oatmeal is not just for breakfast. It can also be a healthy part of your weekly skin regimen.

Oatmeal works great when used in facial masks, if you are looking to treat inflamed or dry skin.

2. Cucumbers

This article suggests adding equal parts of oats and water in a blender or food processor, along with a bit of honey. Apply it to the face and gently lather the mixture, to use as a light scrub. This will soothe the skin, as well as remove any buildup of dead skin cells.

If you have excess oil on the skin or acne issues, you may want to try incorporating cucumbers in your skin care routine.

This article reveals that cucumbers have natural ingredients that will actually help remove excess oil from the surface of the skin.

Cucumbers are very hydrating when eaten, as well as when used topically on the skin. Diluted cucumber juice can be used as a skin toner. This will remove any excess makeup and debris left behind after cleansing. It will also help to balance the pH on the surface of the skin.

3. Papaya

There are numerous benefits to using natural papaya on the skin. As stated in this article, papaya is chock full of vitamin C, which is an incredible antioxidant. It also contains high amounts of vitamin A, which acts as an exfoliant.

Papaya is highly moisturizing, which will help to ease dry skin and plum up fine lines and wrinkles. You will also see that papaya is great for lightening dark spots and scars on the skin. Papaya also works very well to help treat acne and inflammation.

To make a papaya face mask, just simply mash the papaya with a fork until smooth and add a little milk. You can also add honey. Mix until smooth and apply to your face. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.

4. Eggs

Eggs are one of the amazing natural ingredients to improve your skin. If you are looking to tighten the skin on your face, try using this method.

Simply separate an egg, removing the yolk. Using a fan brush, paint the egg white on your face in an upward motion. Let it sit on the skin until it dries. Once dried, lay a warm towel over your face to loosen the mask. Once soft, gently rinse off with lukewarm water.

Conclusion

As you can see, skin care doesn’t have to break the bank. You can use the natural ingredients in your kitchen to give your skin the youthful glow you have always wanted.

For further reading, check out: Why Your Skin Has Different Summer And Winter Needs and 5 Ways Vitamin E Is Helpful For Skin Health.

Image: Flickr

Aromatherapy For Your Face – Everything You Need To Know

December 1, 2020 by Sarah Gray

Aromatherapy for your face may be something you aren’t familiar with. When most of us hear the term “aromatherapy”, we think of putting essential oils in a diffuser and enjoying their scent.

Actually, there is much more to the science of aromatherapy than just using the oils in an olfactory sense. Essential oils can be extremely beneficial to the skin and can help support many different issues, such as dryness, inflammation and aging.

Always keep in mind that when putting any essential oil on the skin, you should always add it to a carrier oil first. A carrier oil will dilute the essential oil to prevent any irritation. An example of a carrier oil would be: grapeseed oil, rosehip seed oil, sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil.

Let’s take a closer look at the essential oils for aromatherapy for your face:

Lavender Essential Oil

If you suffer from blemishes or acne prone skin, then lavender essential oil would be helpful for you. Lavender is known to help unclog pores, heal sores and reduce inflammation. It is also known to reduce fine lines on the skin.

This article recommends using lavender for acne in toner form. Simply put one teaspoon of witch hazel in a small bowl and add two drops of lavender essential oil to it. Mix it up and put on a cotton ball. Apply over your face, avoiding the eye area.

Clary Sage Essential Oil

If you are noticing aging and puffiness on your face, then clary sage essential oil may be a good choice for you.

According to this article, it is also known to regulate oil production in the skin, as well as help with acne prone skin.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense is one of the best oils you can find, because it has so many benefits. It isn’t just aromatherapy for your face, it is also beneficial for the body and the mind.

When Frankincense is applied to the skin, it regenerates the collagen and skin cells, as well as improves elasticity. The skin will appear smoother and more youthful.

If there are any blemishes or sores on the face, you can use it to speed up the healing process.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

As we age, we will often see dark patches on our skin, otherwise known as hyperpigmentation. By using sandalwood oil on the skin, you can even out the skin tone and help lighten the dark spots.

Sandalwood also works very well to reduce the appearance of scars from acne or other skin injury.

If you suffer from inflammation from dryness of the skin, sandalwood is a great choice. Just add a couple of drops to your moisturizer before you apply it to your face.

Conclusion

Adding aromatherapy for your face is just one aspect of obtaining healthy skin. Be consistent in your skin care regimen and always use products that are designed for your skin type, whether it be dry, oily or combination.

One of the most important things you can do for your skin, is to always wear sunscreen when going outdoors. The ultra violet rays from the sun are extremely damaging to the skin. It will cause the elastin and collagen to decrease more rapidly, than if your skin was protected. There is also a much higher risk of skin cancer if it is not protected from the sun.

Always eat a healthy diet that is rich in green, leafy vegetables. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid processed foods and sugars as well. If you follow those simple guidelines, you should see an improvement in your skin and you will appear more youthful.

For further reading, check out: How Rubbing Your Face Helps Reduce Acne and The Top 4 Foods That Age Your Skin.

Image: Flickr

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

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

Toner Ingredients

Aloe vera: Aloe vera applied topically hydrates the skin and can treat acne, sunburn and eczema.
Vitamin E: This is a powerful antioxidant with anti-aging properties that protects your skin from sun damage.
Natural ingredients
Herbal extracts
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

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

How to use Toners

You should wash your face with your facial cleanser
There is no need to pat your face dry, as having the cleanser on your skin could better absorb the other products.
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.
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!

Safest Lightening Creams For Aging Skin

May 26, 2020 by Sarah Gray

Lightening creams are an excellent addition to your skin care regimen, especially if you have aging skin.

Using lightening creams on a regular basis will diminish hyperpigmentation, which is caused by the sun. Hyperpigmentation can be described as patchy, brown spots on the skin. There can be just a few spots, or there can be an entire area of the skin that is affected.

Heredity can also be a factor in this condition, as well as pregnancy and other hormonal changes in the body.

Dangerous Ingredients In Lightening Creams

There has recently been concern over the use of over the counter lightening creams. This article claims that there are many online and retail sellers who are marketing lightening creams that contain the ingredient, hydroquinone. This ingredient has the ability to strip off a layer of skin and puts the user at risk for skin cancer. Hydroquinone can also cause kidney and liver damage.

Another popular ingredient in these toxic products is mercury. Mercury poisoning is very dangerous and can be potentially life threatening.

You may be asking yourself, “ So, what IS a safe lightening cream?”

Let’s take a closer look at how you can lighten those pesky dark spots without the worry of potential health risks:

Get A Prescription

If your dark spots are severe, then a prescribed lightening cream is probably your best bet. You won’t have to be concerned about the product containing dangerous ingredients and you will also know exactly what is in it.

To obtain a topical cream, just visit a trusted dermatologist in your area for a prescription. If you notice any adverse effects, you can contact them immediately to discuss further treatments.

Make Your Own Skin Lightening Cream

All natural ingredients are always your safest bet. Some of the most popular home remedies for lightening skin, include items, such as: lemons, tumeric and almonds.

The skin lightening recipe below is suggested in this article.

Combine almond flour or almond meal with a little plain yogurt, lemon juice and honey. Mix all ingredients together and apply to the dark spot at night on clean skin. Store remaining cream in the refrigerator. Results should start to become visible within two weeks.

Another simple and natural skin lightener is an aloe vera mask. The following method is recommended in this article.

Simply break open an aloe vera leaf and put gel into a bowl. Use a fan brush to apply the gel evenly to the skin. Let it sit for fifteen to twenty minutes then rinse off with warm water.

This next mask has become quite popular in recent years and has been proven to work very well to even out skin tone and lighten dark spots on the skin:

First, make a cup of green tea. You will next add two tablespoons of sandlewood powder to several drops of the tea. To enhance the lightening power, you can also add a few drops of tomato juice or cucumber juice to the mixture. Let sit on your face for 20 minutes then gently remove with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

If you do end up using a store bought product, be sure to check the ingredients on the back. Understand the exact ingredients that are listed. Purchase your product from a reputable source or obtain a prescription from your dermatologist to be cautious.

To prevent further dark spots from presenting themselves, be sure to protect your skin from the sun. Always wear a sunscreen and reapply as needed. Cover your eyes with sunglasses and wear a large brimmed hat to better protect your face.

For further reading, check out: Island Holidays – Protecting Your Skin From The Elements and How Facial Exercises Actually Work To Give You Firmer Skin.

Image: Flickr

3 Face Mask Recipes You Can Make At Home

July 3, 2018 by Natalie Taylor

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

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.