Facial Exercise Central

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Skin Care

How To Achieve A Healthy Glow Without Getting Pregnant

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healthy glow

A healthy glow can be portrayed by using certain cosmetics, such as dewy foundation and highlighting powders and creams. But covering up dull looking skin won’t make it actually healthier. Put in a little time and effort and you won’t even find yourself reaching for the highlighting brush.

Anyone can achieve radiant skin by following a few simple steps. It isn’t as hard as you may think.

A healthy glow, doesn’t have to be for only the younger crowd. People of any age can look more youthful by taking care of their skin from the inside out.

Let’s take a look at how to easily achieve a healthy glow to your complexion:

Start From Within

Most of us have heard the old saying, “You are what you eat.” Taking that into consideration, if you are eating unhealthy foods, your skin will be sallow and dull.

Avoid processed foods and focus your diet on healthy greens and whole foods. You will see that your skin will look brighter and more vibrant after a short time.

Hydration Is Key

Drinking a sufficient amount of water is very important to achieve glowing skin. The water helps to flush out toxins that have accumulated in the body. It also plumps up the skin cells and gives your complexion a more youthful and healthy appearance.

Facial Massage

This article suggests massaging your face several times a week. Doing so, will increase the blood flow to the skin, which will plump it up, and make it appear more radiant and healthy. The increased blood flow also increases the production of collagen, which will help the skin look younger.

Exfoliate

In order to reveal bright, new skin, you have to slough off the old, dead skin cells on the top layer. This can be done in several ways.

When you cleanse your face, use a scrub once a week. You can amp up the benefits of the facial scrub by using a rotating brush. All of your dry, dead skin will be swept away. Your skin will appear fresher and overall brighter.

Tone

Once your face is cleansed, you should always apply a toner to balance the pH of the skin. This will help in closing the pores of the face as well, making your face look younger.

Serums And Moisturizers

Serums are an excellent source of nutrients that is absorbed by your skin. For instance, if you have dark spots from the sun, serums that contain vitamin C will help eliminate them. This will give your skin a more even color.

You also need to follow up your daily cleansing routine with a moisturizer dedicated to your skin type.

Sun Protection

One of the worst things you can do to your skin is damage it with the sun. The UV rays of the sun will destroy the collagen and elastin in the skin, making it appear wrinkled and aged.

Many people think they have a healthy glow from a sun tan, but it is actually the most unhealthy thing you can do to your skin.

Apply a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF to your face and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

Conclusion

Once you put all of the above steps into place on a regular basis, you will start to see your healthy glow shining through. Your fine lines and wrinkles will be less visible and your pores will be smaller. You will also find that your overall skin texture is firmer and more radiant.

If you are looking to also tighten the skin on the face, you can also incorporate facial exercise into your regime. Before you know it, you will have shaved years off of your appearance and you will feel more confident.

For further reading, check out: If You Apply Your Make Up Wrong, You Can Add Years To Your Face – Over 50 and 5 Golden Rules To Take Care Of Your Hands To Reduce Aging.

Why Water Isn’t All You Need To Wash Your Face

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wash your face

Many people think that you can wash your face with water and it will work well. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Throughout the day, the skin on our face and body attracts dirt and other impurities that cannot be washed away with water alone. If left on the surface of the skin, it will build up and cause irritation, breakouts and other damage.

Let’s take a deeper look at the right way to wash your face :

Remove Makeup

When cleansing the face, the first thing you should do is remove any cosmetics that have been applied throughout the day. Makeup can get embedded in the pores and will clog them, creating pimples and blackheads on the skin. Using water alone will not remove all of the debris that has accumulated.

This article recommends using alcohol free makeup remover wipes. This will prevent the skin from getting dry or irritated.

If you don’t have any wipes, you can alternatively use a cotton pad moistened with toner or micellar water. Just sweep them over the skin and take a look at all of the dirt and makeup that comes off your face.

Use Correct Cleanser

First and foremost, do not use bar soap on your face. The pH level of general bar soap will throw off the pH of the skin, which will cause irritation, breakouts or an overgrowth of yeast.

It is suggested that people with oily skin use foaming face cleansers. Foaming cleansers tend to strip most of our natural oils and are more suited for acne prone skin. If you have dry skin, you should avoid them and stick to gentle cleansing balms.

Gently massage your cleanser onto your face in a circular motion, using you fingertips. It is advised to cleanse the face for no more than thirty seconds. It is very important to wash your face every night before you go to sleep. If your skin is very oily, you may want to wash it in the morning as well to remove any excess sebum that has built up overnight.

Don’t Forget To Exfoliate

No matter what skin type you have, you should never exfoliate on a daily basis. On the other hand, you don’t want to allow dead skin cells to build up on the surface of the skin.

When you wash your face with just water, there is no way to remove the buildup that has formed. This article states that you should exfoliate your face once or twice a week.

You can use something as simple as a homemade sugar scrub to a commercially made facial scrub designated to your skin type.

Water Temperature Matters

Check the water temperature, when rinsing off the cleanser and after you exfoliate.

Avoid water that is too hot, as it will cause irritation and could cause acne flare ups. Hot water will also strip the natural oil that your skin supplies, which will leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Opt for lukewarm, comfortable water to rinse your skin.

Moisturize

Whenever you wash your face, you should always follow up with a moisturizer. Oily skin, as well as dry skin, requires hydration. Choose one for your skin type and apply daily.

Conclusion

As you can see, when you wash your face correctly, you will give your skin a healthy glow. You won’t have to worry about clogged pores or flaky skin. Your appearance will look cleaner, brighter and more youthful.

If you are unsure about which products are best for your skin type, consult with a dermatologist or an esthetician in your area.

For further reading, check out: If You Apply Your Makeup Wrong, You Can Add years To Your Face – Over 50 and 5 Golden Rules For Taking Care Of Your Hands To Reduce Aging.

Image: Flickr

The Best Fruits And Vegetables For Making Facial Masks

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facial masks

Fruits and vegetables for making facial masks are easy to find and can work wonders on the skin. They are loaded with nutrients and vitamins that will help make your skin look fresh and glowing.

Many store bought facial masks are full of chemicals and other harmful ingredients that can seep into the pores. These chemicals are absorbed by the skin and can contribute to allergic reactions and other unhealthy situations.

Natural ingredients are not only healthier to use, they are also much more cost effective. You can save a lot of money by making your own masks from things in your refrigerator and pantry.

Let’s take a look at several fruit and vegetable masks that you can easily make at home:

Avocados

The rich, creamy and nutrient rich avocado is the perfect choice for an all natural facial. Avocados are loaded with healthy fats and will do an excellent job of hydrating dry skin. This article suggests that it is also good for people who have sensitive skin.

What a great way to use up those over ripened avocados!

Avocado Hydrating Facial Mask

½ ripe avocado

½ cup cooked oatmeal

Mash avocado with fork and mix in cooked oatmeal until smooth. Apply to the face and neck and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.

Avocado Acne Mask

¼ ripe avocado

1 tsp plain organic yogurt

½ tsp raw honey

Mash ripe avocado with a fork until smooth. Mix in organic yogurt and raw honey until a paste is formed. Apply to face with a small brush or fingertips. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.

Carrots

This article suggests using carrot facial masks on normal to oily skin. It works well as a natural toner.

Other hydrating ingredients can be added to boost the moisturizing ability of the carrot mask. Consider adding a little honey, extra virgin olive oil or avocado for extra dry skin.

Carrot Antiseptic Mask

3-4 large carrots

2 TB raw honey

Peel and boil carrots until soft. Mash them in a bowl with a fork until smooth. Slowly add honey, ½ TB at a time until thoroughly mixed in and has reached a smooth and creamy consistency. Allow to cool and apply to face and neck with fingertips. Let sit for 20 minutes and remove with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.

Blueberries

Blueberries are chock full of vitamin C and antioxidants. They work well to even out skin tone and lighten dark spots. They are also great for treating oily or acne prone skin.

Below are some recommended blueberry facial recipes:

Blueberry Skin Brightening Mask:

½ cup steamed blueberries, crushed

½ cup plain organic yogurt

Blend blueberries and organic yogurt together and refrigerate until thickened to a mask consistency. Apply to face with fingertips or small brush. Let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.

Blueberry Hydrating Mask:

1 cup pureed blueberries (fresh or frozen berries that have been thawed)

½ cup organic whole milk

½ cup oatmeal powder (use food processor)

⅛ cup extra virgin olive oil

⅛ cup raw honey

Conclusion

As you can see, fruits and vegetables are beneficial for the skin when used topically, as well as when ingested. The skin on your face and neck will look brighter, smoother and more youthful if you use these masks on a regular basis.

For further reading check out: 3 Reasons You May Look Unhappy When You Look In The Mirror and Which Facial Exercises Should You Do To Maintain Firmer Skin.

How To Apply Eye Makeup For A More Youthful Appearance

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youthful appearance

A youthful appearance can be easy to achieve. Cosmetics have never been more popular than they are today.

There is such a wide variety of products on the market, that choosing the right ones for your appearance, may be confusing.

Many of us follow You Tube influencers that post constant makeup reviews and tutorials. The drawback to that is, not everyone looks their best when following that type of advice. This is because each of us have different skin types, are of different ages and we also have unique features.

Let’s take a closer look at how to apply eye makeup for a more youthful appearance:

Skin Care

Before adding any type of makeup, you must prepare the skin by following a regular skin care routine.

Choose a cleanser suited for your skin type, along with a toner to balance the pH of the skin’s surface.

The next thing you want to do, is apply any eye serum or cream that you have chosen. There are many kinds of products targeted to the various issues associated with aging eyes. You may choose cream to help lighten dark circles, or a serum to reduce puffiness under the eye. You may also want a vitamin C serum to treat fine lines.

You can alternate your eye products, using some in the morning and some at night. Be sure to read the instructions that are included, so you use them correctly.

Prep The Lid

Lightly apply an eye shadow primer on the lids. This article recommends that doing so will help your makeup go on smoothly, prevent creasing and it will look great all day!

Eye Shadow Tips

If you want to give your eyelids a lift, use a light taupe shadow on the lid. Next, choose a darker color for the crease, and blend it upward, towards the brow bone. Use a light shade on a small brush to dot in the inner corners, to brighten up the eyes.

Eyeliner

You can give your eyes a “pop” by applying black or dark brown eyeliner to the top eyelid. Only apply to the outer half of the eye, to keep them looking open and youthful.

Mascara

For an added lash lift, use an eyelash curler before you apply your favorite mascara.

Two coats of mascara, from base to tip of the lashes works well. Apply a few extra strokes to the outer lashes to give your eyes a lifted appearance.

Conclusion

Being diligent with your skin care routine, along with the application tips mentioned above, will definitely create a more youthful appearance. You will look fresher, brighter and your eyes will be the center of attention.

In addition, there are various other ways to keep yourself looking young. This article lists some excellent tips!

Most importantly, you must keep your body hydrated to maintain your skin’s moisture and plumpness. Also, if the body is dehydrated, there will be visible dark circles and / or bags under the eyes, which gives an aged appearance.

Facial exercise is another great way to help reduce the signs of aging. It is very simple to do and you can incorporate them into your day while you are doing other things, such as showering or driving to work. Facial exercise tones and tightens loose skin and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck.

Another important thing to always remember, is to always protect your skin from the harmful ultra violet rays from the sun. The sun will damage the collagen and elastin in the skin, producing premature aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots. There is also a risk of developing skin cancer when exposed to UV rays. It is always best to use a sunscreen of 30-50 SPF and wear a sunhat with sunglasses to shade your face and eyes from the sun.

For further reading, check out: Can Fish Oil Really Help Your Complexion? and Natural Anti Aging Tips That Actually Work.

Image: Flickr

Can Fish Oil Really Help Your Complexion?

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fish oil

Have you ever heard that fish oil can help your complexion? With all of the skin products, vitamin supplements and other gimmicks on the market, it can sometimes be confusing to know what really works.

Fish oil definitely has many overall health benefits, including heart health and increased brain power, such as memory. Not only is the body enhanced by taking fish oil, but your skin is positively affected as well.

Let’s take a closer look at how taking fish oil can help your complexion:

Reduces Inflammation

This study reveals that there is evidence that a connection exists between taking fish oil supplements and a reduction in moderate to severe acne. The reason for this, is because fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acid, which acts as an anti-inflamatory.

This article reports that one must ingest at least 1000 mg of fish oil per day to achieve the anti-inflammatory benefits.

Hydrates Skin

Not only can you topically treat your skin with your favorite toners, serums and moisturizers, but you can also treat it from the inside out.

Ingesting Omega-3 fatty acid, which is a main component of fish oil, is an excellent way to keep the skin plump and hydrated.

It is recommended that it be taken as a supplement, because topical application of fish oil will not provide as many benefits as direct consumption.

You can also eat things such as avocado, salmon and tuna several times a week to boost the power Omega-3 acid on the body.

Reduces Skin Sensitivity to Sunlight

A study mentioned here found that there is a link between taking regular doses of fish oil and the reduction of sensitivity to the sun. The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 acids, help prevent sunburn or skin damage from UV rays.

Please be aware that this is not intended as a replacement for sunscreen. It is still advised that a minimum of 30 SPF sunscreen should be used when your skin is exposed to the sun.

The same study mentioned above, additionally discovered that a regular dose of fish oil also reduced sunlight induced-suppression of the immune system. This aids in the ability for the body to fight off skin cancer or infections.

Conclusion

With all of the benefits mentioned above, there is no question that fish oil can help your complexion. With regular use, you should see a firmer and more radiant appearance.

It is always best to incorporate a number of routines together to achieve maximum results.

In addition to taking fish oil supplements, focus on eating a low fat / low sugar diet, with plenty of green leafy vegetables. The vitamins and minerals in these types of foods keep the skin and the rest of the body in a less inflamed state.

It is also recommended to drink plenty of water. Doing so will help keep the skin and body well hydrated. It will also aid in flushing out any excess toxins that the body is holding onto.

If you are concerned about wrinkles or sagging skin, you can also add facial exercise into your routine. This is an easy way to firm your face and neck and help reduce fine lines. It doesn’t take up much time and can be easily done during everyday tasks. Multitasking at its finest!

For further reading, check out: How To Create The Perfect Skin Care For You and 6 Things You Can Do To Help You Look Younger.

Image: Flickr

How To Create The Perfect Skin Care Routine For You

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skin care routine

Creating the perfect skin care routine will encompass all of the elements that will help you look younger. Your skin will be healthier and have fewer breakouts and wrinkles.

The first thing you should do is determine the type of skin you have. Is your skin oily, dry or a combination?

The next thing to consider is if you are prone to allergic reactions and which products or ingredients aggravate the allergy. Read the ingredients on the back of the bottle, so you can avoid any adverse reactions.

Additionally, you should pinpoint your “problem areas”. Do you have crows feet, sagging around the jowl area or forehead lines? There are products on the market you can use to treat those issues.

With the above points in mind, let’s take a look at how you can create the perfect skin care routine for yourself:

Cleanser

Once you have determined your skin type, you should choose a cleanser that is designed for your kind of skin.

For instance, if you have oily skin that is acne prone, you would want a cleanser that is specifically created to treat that condition. The same goes for dry skin. You will need to use a cleanser and other products that hydrate the skin. If you use the wrong products on your skin, such as a cleanser, you could worsen the problems you are having.

Cleanse your face at night before you go to bed. This will remove all of the dirt that has accumulated on your face throughout the day. It is also a good idea to wash your face in the morning as well.

Exfoliator

It is beneficial to use an exfoliator once a week. This process will lift any dead skin cells that are clogging pores. It also allows fresh skin to appear after the dull cells are removed.

There are many facial scrubs on the market that are created for all skin types.

Toner

Always use a toner after cleansing the face. Doing so, will balance the pH of the skin and eliminate inflammation and breakouts.

This article reveals that there are toners specifically created for particular skin characteristics. For example, hyaluronic acid to plump skin and reduce fine lines. Rose water and green tea toners will help decrease redness.

Serums

Serums are very concentrated formulas that are chock full of nutrients for the skin.

If you are looking for something to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin, then try a serum made with retinol.

You may be looking to reduce dark spots from sun damage. If that is the case, choose a serum that is Vitamin C based.

Moisturizer

Always finish up your facial routine with a moisturizer. You should always use a moisturizer that contains a sunscreen. The sun rays will further damage the skin. SPF 30-50 are the best choices.

Conclusion

Once you have determined all of the issues and concerns with your skin and have acquired all of the products to treat it, you will be on your way to a more youthful look. This article states that it usually takes about six weeks of consistent, regular use of a product to see the effectiveness that it provides.

The biggest challenge that we have, is sticking to the routine. Using all of the products as directed on a regular basis, will help give you the results you are looking for.

In addition to a skin care routine, you also need to stay hydrated, by drinking plenty of water. Also, try to get a full eight hours of sleep at night.

Maintain a healthy diet with minimal sugar and fats. Eat a lot of vegetables, so that your entire body, including the skin, will benefit from their nutrients.

Incorporating facial exercise into your daily skin care routine will help tighten and tone loose skin on the face and neck. It will also help decrease and prevent fine lines and wrinkles on the facial area.

For further reading, check out: Doing These Facial Exercises Will Give Maximum Change and 6 Things You Can Do To Help You Look Younger.

Image: Flickr