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Skin Care

Facial Masks as Part of Your Skincare Routine

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Actively caring for your skin is vital for a healthy lifestyle. Good skincare yields long-term benefits for your confidence and appearance. One method of maintaining your skin involves frequent facial masks and facial spa treatments. Continue reading to find out how often facial masks should be used and the wonders they can do for your skin. 

What Is a Facial Mask?

Facial masks help revitalize or preserve your skin by introducing key ingredients with hydration and firming properties. They typically come in a sheet form or as a creamy paste to sit on your skin.

Skincare experts often recommend selecting a facial mask based on your skin type and condition. Those with dry skin can use clay masks and hydrating overnight masks to better lock in moisture. Oily skin types benefit from tea tree masks since it has antimicrobial qualities and reduces inflammation. Charcoal is also suitable for oily skin as it absorbs excess sebum and helps remove bacteria from the skin.

How Often Should I Use Face Masks?

Using facial masks can help to boost confidence and give you clearer, cleaner, and healthier skin. To achieve the best results for your face, you must learn how often to use them and how long they should be on your skin.

The majority of facial masks should be applied a maximum of once or twice a week for 15 minutes each time to provide an effective layer of protection. When using your mask, leave it on your skin for as long as the manufacturer advises. In the next section, we will look at specific face masks and how often you should use them.

Types of Face Masks and Their Uses

Facial masks come in various forms and ingredients to help achieve different results. You can find face masks made from clay, charcoal, aloe vera, and lotus. Moreover, some people make DIY masks with natural ingredients such as shea butter, avocado, rice, honey, and ginseng.

For DIY masks, people use ingredients such as honey to soften, soothe, and firm the skin. Honey (and ginseng) can also yield anti-aging properties. Additionally, ingredients like avocado and olive oil are great for moisturizing and protecting skin since they contain antioxidants that improve your skin’s ability to repair itself.

1. Charcoal Face Mask

Activated charcoal face masks remove bacteria and other impurities from the skin. Such absorption properties come from exposing charcoal to high enough heat to develop tiny internal holes that help trap impurities.

A benefit of charcoal facial masks is that they can soothe acne and help treat small insect bites. You develop acne due to accumulating dead cells, sebum, and germs trapped inside your pores. As such, a charcoal mask is ideal for acne-prone skin.

While it is advisable to use charcoal masks, overuse of face products using charcoal ingredients can cause your skin to feel dry and become more sensitive and irritated over time. Apply such a mask a maximum of once or twice a week, ensuring adequate time between applications.

Steps to Applying a Charcoal Face Mask

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly and cleanse your skin with your usual cleanser to remove the built-up dirt and bacteria on your skin’s surface.
  2. Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your face as it can break down collagen and reduce skin elasticity.
  3. Use the tips of your fingers to apply the recommended amount of product to your face, and make sure that it covers your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Avoid close contact with your eyes, mouth, and nostrils.
  4. Leave the product to dry on your face for around 10 to 15 minutes, and use water to rinse away all product.
  5. Pat your skin dry and then apply a moisturizer. Using a moisturizer combats the dryness that you may feel from the mask.

2. Bubble Face Mask

Bubble masks (also known as bubble oxygen masks) use an oxygenation process, which forms clustered bubbles when worn on your face. The foaming effect on a bubble mask comes from pumping oxygen into a liquid facial mask and then sealing it. Once a layer is applied to your skin, the oxygen forms into foamy bubbles.

The oxygen can remove bacteria that lead to acne and prevent future breakouts. It also removes dirt and impurities from your pores, making your skin look amazing.

Steps to Applying a Bubble Face Mask

  1. Clean your hands and wash your face using a gentle cleanser for your skin type. After you wash your face, pat your face dry.
  2. Remove the mask from its packaging and apply a thin layer to your face. Avoid placing the mask near your eyes, nose, mouth, or hairline to prevent any mess.
  3. Leave the facial mask on for around 15 minutes (or follow the instructions on the package) and wait for foam/clustered bubbles to form.
  4. Use your fingers to remove the excess and massage the rest into your skin.
  5. Clean your face using lukewarm water and pat dry.

3. Sheet Face Mask

Sheet masks use sheet fabric to bring serum to your skin. The sheet fabric absorbs serums made from mainly natural ingredients like coconut pulp, cotton, and cellulose. 

For the best results, you should wear sheet masks twice or three times a week. 

Steps to Applying a Sheet Face Mask

  1. Meticulously clean your hands and cleanse the skin’s surface to remove impurities and bacteria.
  2. After washing your face, dry it using a clean towel.
  3. Remove the mask from its container and place your hands on each side of the mask. Make sure you are careful since it may break apart easily.
  4. Place the mask on top of your skin correctly. Your eyes, mouth, and nose should be where the three holes are in your sheet mask.
  5. Relax and leave your mask on for about 25-30 minutes (or as suggested by the manufacturer).
  6. Remove your mask and use a flat cotton pad to rub the loose serum into your skin.

Other Types of Facial Treatments

We have covered several facial mask tips and steps to help you use masks efficiently. However, other facial spa treatments can also give you clearer, firmer, and more hydrated skin. Other than face masks, you may benefit from facial treatments like chemical peels and hydrafacials.

A Chemical peel is a facial treatment involving the application of a chemical mixture to remove damaged and dead skin cells, enabling healthy cells to grow in their place. It can help you achieve smoother skin and lead to a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles. 

Hydrafacials hydrate and rejuvenate your skin by drawing out all the dirt and bacteria blocking your pores. Moreover, the treatment simultaneously infuses serums to hydrate and moisturize your skin.

Conclusion

Facial masks are very beneficial to your skin and your confidence. Learning about the different types of facial masks, how to use them, and how often you should use them is a crucial step in your journey towards clear and healthy skin. Consider using the tips above to develop your facial mask routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Does Face Mask Go in a Normal Skincare Routine?

The optimal time to apply facial masks depends on each mask. However, if the label instructs you to wear the face mask overnight, use it after your moisturizer for a double dose of hydration. Generally, you must first cleanse your face before applying a mask.

Should You Cleanse Your Face Before a Face Mask?

Yes, you should always cleanse your face before applying any mask. Washing your face removes dirt, makeup, and other residues. If you do not wash your face correctly, it traps all of your skin’s bacteria instead of absorbing nutrients, leading to more acne and skin irritation.

For How Long Should You Wear a Face Mask?

How much time you should wear your mask depends on the instructions from its manufacturer. Many recommend you leave it on for at least 15 minutes so nutrients can be absorbed by your pores. 

Is It Better to Wear Face Masks at Night or in the Morning?

When to wear your facial mask depends on its ingredients and your intentions. Some masks should be left on your skin overnight to help hydrate skin more effectively, and many people tend to wear masks in the evening. Furthermore, it depends on your schedule but if your skin feels dry in the morning, apply your mask early before makeup.

Should You Moisturize After a Face Mask?

Face masks should make your face feel smooth, hydrated, and clean. However, moisturizers can help further hydrate your skin and lock in the products you’ve applied with the mask. Moisturizers also protect the outer layers of skin from dryness and help maintain skin elasticity.

Younger Looking Skin – 5 Face Treatments to Look Younger

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Continuous dermal studies have developed various face treatments to retain your youthful looks. Wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and loose skin can cause your confidence to wane. Kiss those thoughts goodbye because this is a list of face treatments to look younger.

Let’s explore the options! 

Top 5 Face Treatments To Look Younger

Face treatments to look younger may be nonsurgical procedures or routine facial exercises that help strengthen your face muscles. After all, even celebrities practice facial exercises like smoothing out their forehead and working their mouth muscles. 

The following are five more tips to look younger. 

1. BBL Laser Skin Treatment

BBL laser skin treatment is not the “Brazilian Butt Lift.” Instead, BBL stands for Broadband Light Laser Therapy and is otherwise known as a photo facial. It is a laser therapy procedure that makes you look younger by stimulating your body’s collagen production. Consequently, you’ll get rid of skin features that make you look older, like wrinkles, scars, fine lines, redness, sagging skin, etc.

How Can BBL Laser Skin Treatment Make you Look Younger?

BBL laser skin treatment involves targeting a broad wavelength spectrum at your underlying skin layers. The procedure does this so that the underlying skin layers can absorb the energy and produce collagen. 

Why does your skin need Collagen? 

Your skin needs collagen because it is an essential skin protein that gives it structure and helps repair it. So, you could say the BBL laser skin treatment is “Tricking” your skin to produce more collagen using light energy from broadband soft lasers. 

What’s the Procedure for BBL Laser Skin Treatment?

The procedure is simple, and it lasts for just about 30 minutes. You need to book an appointment with a dermatologist, who’ll apply a cooling gel and a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. They’ll also provide you with safety goggles to protect your eyes before exposing your skin to the lasers. 

Are BBL Laser Skin Treatments Safe?

BBL laser treatments are FDA-approved and are proven to be safe and effective. Nonetheless, you may experience redness, burning, and warmth on the treated area after exposure. Some dark spots, pigments, and freckles may also surface on your skin. 

Don’t worry! They’ll clear off after some days or a few weeks. You can press cold substances on the treated area to reduce the warmth and pain after treatment. 

How Much do BBL Laser Treatments Cost?

A BBL laser skin treatment could cost you about $250 to $1500, depending on your skin condition and how many areas you’ll be treating. 

2. Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a face treatment procedure that eliminates facial signs of aging like face and neck wrinkles, skin sagging, and droopy eyebrows. The name is a direct blend of “ultrasound” and “therapy,” as the procedure makes you younger by using ultrasound technology. 

How does Ultherapy Make you Look Younger?

Ultherapy targets sound waves at specific layers of your skin, like surface wrinkle areas on your skin and the underlying muscles. After cleaning the treatment area with an ultrasound gel, these ultrasound waves and heat energy are applied using an applicator on the target area. 

This process aims to stimulate collagen production in the targeted areas. Ultimately, ultherapy can give you a younger look by repairing the wrinkles and tightening the loose skin. 

Is Ultherapy Safe?

Yes, Ultherapy is an FDA-approved non-surgical procedure proven safe and effective. You might experience tingling sensations a few hours after the procedure, and the treated areas may appear flushed and red. 

The good news is that all these will subside after some time, and you’ll start experiencing firmer and clearer skin that’ll help you retain your youthful looks.

How much does Ultherapy Cost? 

Ultherapy costs about $1800 on average. This price can vary depending on the number of sessions, treatment areas, and geographical location. 

3. Microneedling or Dermarolling

Also called collagen induction therapy or derma roller therapy. This face treatment procedure makes you look younger by first causing  “micro” bleeds on the skin using tiny “microneedles.” The idea is to prompt a rebuild of this area by causing the release of growth factors and platelets in your body to heal the wound so that your skin will produce collagen in the rebuild process. 

Does it Work?

Studies have shown that over 80% of patients with post-acne facial scarring showed significant improvements after completing their treatments. At first, it sounds counterintuitive to cause injury to your skin before it improves, but micro-needling rejuvenates skin and makes you look younger. 

Who Needs Microneedling?

You need micro-needling if you have any post-acne, herpetic, or varicella scars. The treatment is proper for you if you also have rosacea, sagging skins and spores, spores, and wrinkles. 

Is Microneedling Safe?

Microneedling is medically certified as a safe and effective procedure. Individuals living with the conditions listed above can undergo the process. Yet, you could experience skin irritations, swelling, and general discomfort after the procedure.

Some patients experience bleeding, although this is quite rare. Individuals living with blood disorders or currently on blood-thinning medications may experience bleeding. 

How much does Microneedling Cost?

The cost of micro-needling procedures varies from about $100 to $700, depending on the size of the treatment area. 

4. Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

Radiofrequency skin tightening is another non-surgical face treatment that makes you look younger by stimulating collagen production. 

How Can Radiofrequency Skin Tightening Make You Look Younger?

The radiofrequency skin tightening procedure uses low-energy radiations at temperatures of about 50-57 degrees to trigger collagen production in the dermis of your skin. Your skin’s specific target areas will briefly be exposed to these high-energy radiofrequency for about 3 – 5 minutes.

What are the Dangers?

You don’t have to worry if a certified professional will conduct the procedure. However, you might be at risk of getting burned due to over-exposure. Irrespective of these conditions, however, you’re likely to experience some temporary swelling and redness on treated areas. 

What is the Cost of Radiofrequency Skin Tightening? 

Skin tightening procedures usually cost about $1000 to $4000 depending on treatment areas, the number of sessions, and where you’re getting the treatment.  

5. Chemical Peels

As the name implies, chemical peels are actual “chemicals” applied to the skin to “peel” it off. Well, not your whole skin. Only the old and wrinkled outermost skin surfaces. 

It exfoliates the surface skin until it falls off. The skin underneath looks smoother due to minimal exposure and damage. 

How Can Chemical Peels Make you Look Younger? 

Chemical peels work by triggering exfoliation.  The kinds of acids in the chemicals determine the extent of exfoliation you would experience. For instance, alpha-hydroxy acid chemicals cause mild exfoliation. In contrast, acids like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are strong enough to reach the skin’s middle layers, and deep peels fully penetrate the intermediate layers of the skin, often containing phenol and trichloroacetic acid. 

How do You Apply Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are applied depending on how deep the chemical is supposed to go. Light chemical peel sessions generally involve applying the substances with a brush or cotton ball to the area of interest. However, medium and deep chemical peel sessions usually start with applying some topical anesthetic before the dermatologists now use the chemical peel with a brush or wire gauze.

Do Chemical Peels Work? 

Yes, chemical peels work, and you can start seeing results after the first few weeks, depending on the category of chemical peels used.

Should you Expect Side Effects After using Chemical Peels?

Yes, you may experience temporary side effects like slight swelling, dryness, redness, etc., on treated areas. Some people report permanent side effects like skin darkening or lightening, scarring, or some infections. 

How much do Chemical Peels Cost? 

The cost varies widely, depending on the kind of peels and the dermatologist’s expertise. The cheapest chemical peel procedures cost about $180, while the most expensive ones cost about $3500.

Summary

Collagen production, which is crucial to skin firmness, decreases with age. Hence, most face treatments induce skin collagen production to regain firmness and structure.

BBL Laser treatments and Radiofrequency tightening use low-energy radiations, and Ultherapy accesses the dermal layers with ultrasound energy. Further, micro-needling pricks the skin with needles, and chemical peels employ chemical action. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the cost implication, skin type, and potential side effects before pitching your tent with any of the above-listed procedures. 

Summer Lip Protection: 9 Tips You Need To Know

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Summer Lip Protection. Summer can be brutal on your lips. We’re talking chapped, dry lips that hurt so bad when you touch them. Caring for your lips is not tedious. Having a curated lip care routine is a great way to start a fantastic summer. Consider this article as your ultimate rule book for caring for your lips this summer.

Why Should You Care For Your Lips?

Unlike other parts of the skin, your lips don’t have oil glands and cannot keep themselves moisturized. This means your lips are unprotected from drying out and becoming chapped once the weather allows it. In the winter, you have to deal with the lack of humidity in the air, while continued exposure to the sun in summer makes your lips dry. 

The skin on your lips is also much thinner than anywhere else on your body. It’s also constantly being touched, picked on, or licked. This constant assault makes it prone to chapping, but engaging in the tips below would ensure your lips stay healthy in any weather.

Here are summer lip protection tips to consider:

  1. Don’t forget your SPF
  2. Exfoliate weekly
  3. Stop with the licking and picking
  4. Moisturize daily
  5. Treat your lips to a massage
  6. Say hello to your new best friend – Petroleum Jelly
  7. Skip the matte finish
  8. Clean your lips
  9. Don’t forget to stay hydrated

1. Don’t Forget Your SPF

Skincare gurus always preach that you need to protect your skin from the harsh effects of the sun. Just like your skin needs protection from the sun, so do your lips. Moving about in the summer isn’t only damaging to your skin. Your lips are also excessively exposed to the sun – especially the bottom lip – causing them to dry, crack, and even sunburn!

Your lips lack melanin and oil glands, meaning they are a delicate part of your body that needs special attention during summer. So, what do you do? Start by getting a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher. The least irritating sun protection ingredients for your lips are zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Check if your lip balm has either with an SPF of at least 30.

Protecting your lips does not stop at applying your SPF lip balm. Ensure that you reapply your sun protection lip balm at least every two hours. This is especially important after eating or drinking. Carry your lip balm around in your purse or pocket; keep one by your desk and by your bed so that you never forget to apply it.

Note that using sunscreen when you have damaged and chapped lips could irritate sensitive skin. Exfoliate, moisturize, and heal first before jumping on the lip SPF train.

2. Exfoliate Weekly

Your lips are covered by skin too! While they may not require exfoliation as regularly as your face or body, they produce dead skin cells that you need to remove. 

Exfoliating the accumulated dead skin cells allows your skincare products – moisturizers and lip balms – to penetrate the skin effectively. Get your hands on a gentle lip scrub and gently massage it on your lips for 30–40 seconds. If you can’t find a lip scrub, you can make one at home. 

Mix a tablespoon of honey, sugar, and olive oil. Voila! Your DIY lip scrub.

Alternatively, you can do a more gentle exfoliation by using a damp washcloth to rub your lips in a circular motion. Do this two to three times a week for the best results. You can also try brushing your lips in the morning while brushing your lips. This will remove dead cells and improve blood flow to your lips.

It’s essential to exfoliate your lips when you’re not planning to go outside immediately. Your lips are usually hypersensitive after exfoliation.

3. Stop With The Licking and Picking

Licking and picking your lips is a notorious culprit for chapped, unhealthy lips. Avoid licking your lips as a quick fix for dry lips or any other reason. As the saliva evaporates from your lips, it leaves the skin even more dehydrated than it was. The lips don’t have a layer of protection, so you must keep your fingers away from your lips – no picking, no tugging, biting, and no licking.

4. Moisturize Daily

When you moisturize your face, it’s easy to forget that your lips need moisture. We wrongly assume chapped lips only come in the winter, but with excess exposure to heat and sun, your lips need some extra care too. To keep your lips supple, moisturize them daily with hydrating lip moisturizing products – lip balms and moisturizers- every day. 

5. Treat Your Lips To A Massage

Enhance your lip care routine by massaging your lips regularly. You can apply moisturizer before the massage, milk cream, or yogurt to lighten your lips. It’s normal for lips to darken in the summer, so using either of these while massaging can help you maintain and improve your natural lip color.

6. Say Hello To Your New Best Friend – Petroleum Jelly

In the last few years, petroleum jelly has had a bad rap in skincare. Regardless of your thoughts on petroleum jelly on the skin, many dermatologists recommend it to help heal chapped lips. Contrary to popular belief, petroleum jelly is not a moisturizer for your lips or skin. Instead, it works as an occlusive – a thick substance that seals in moisture. 

Most lip balms and moisturizers add moisture to the lips, making them supple and smooth. They, however, do not lock in this moisture, leaving it prone to evaporation. When you add petroleum jelly, you’re locking in the water and adding a healing and protective barrier to your lips. 

You can incorporate petroleum jelly for more summer lip care by first using a hydrating lip balm and then with a light layer of petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly may not moisturize your lips, but you can find natural humectants in honey, aloe vera, and shea butter. The only downsides to using vaseline in your lip routine are that it can feel heavy or slippery and may stain your pillowcases.

7. Skip The Matte Finish

Matte lip products have a lot of appeal—they have a smoother finish and last longer. While a nice matte lip may give you a classic, clean look, matte products are generally bad news for your lips. Matte lip products dry out your skin, leaving it chapped and highly hydrated. No matter how moisturizing that matte lippie claims to be, matte formulas are the most drying lip products out there. Your lips won’t get the moisture and protection they need.

If you can, go for hydrating lip formulas instead to avoid chapping and drying out your lips. If you’re a loyal matte lip lover, ensure that you properly take off your matte lip products. You should also cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your lips regularly to ensure they’re always in good condition. 

When choosing lip products, avoid fragrances and flavors. Lip balms, lip glosses, and lipsticks with aroma and flavors may cause allergic reactions or make your lips hypersensitive to sunlight and damage.

8. Clean Your Lips

Always remove all makeup from your lips before you go to bed. Then apply a moisturizing lip balm to keep them moisturized through the night. Makeup products on your lips are known for being very dehydrating. Your lips also gather dust, bacteria, and sweat throughout the day, so even when you don’t wear makeup, cleanse your lips at night.

Avoid using facial cleansers on your lips by applying lip balm before washing your face. This is important because facial cleansers can dehydrate your lips because of their drying ingredients, e.g., salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Use a nourishing and mild cleanser instead.

9. Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated

You have probably heard this repeatedly, but you need to drink water! What you eat and drink affects every part of your body – your skin, your lips, your hair, and everywhere else. Ensure that you stay hydrated, especially in the hotter months, to have healthy, supple, and kissable lips.

Summary

So, there you have it: summer lip protection made easy in just nine tips. While the tips above may seem relatively straightforward, the secret to real results lies in being consistent. If you’re consistent with the points shared above, you’re well on your way to having beautiful, supple lips. 

Get out there and have a fabulous summer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do You Do If Your Lips Are Bleeding?

Gently pat your lips with a clean cloth for several minutes. Once it stops bleeding, wash your lips with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing the lips and pat dry. Use moisturizing lip balm without SPF – SPF could irritate wounds or cuts.

How Do You Heal Chapped Lips?

Gently cleanse and exfoliate your lips frequently. Apply a non-irritating lip balm with SPF before heading out and reapply every few hours to keep your lips moisturized and protected. Use vaseline or any other ointment to seal in moisture. 

A Guide to Removing Makeup Without Damaging Sensitive Skin

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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.

Boost Your Confidence with a Good Skincare Routine

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When you look good, you feel good! The skin is a prominent feature that says a lot about a person. Following a proper skincare routine improves your beauty and health and ultimately affects your self-confidence. Just as fine lines, blemishes and dull skin tone can undermine your self-confidence, glowing skin positively impacts your mental well-being. This article details how proper skincare improves confidence.

Skin Care and Self Confidence

A mind-body connection exists regarding appearance and self-confidence. Study shows that more attractive people are more self-assured. How does beauty build confidence? Here are a few ways that flawless skin can affect your self-esteem:

Helps You Feel Beautiful

Beauty is indeed more than skin deep. However, feeling beautiful and attractive can be difficult with skin problems as there’s only so much makeup can conceal. Cosmetics, though helpful, cannot effectively hide structural blemishes. 

In addition, it is refreshing to know that you have healthy skin underneath your makeup. So, it would be better to treat skin blemishes with a proper skincare routine than constantly covering them.

Helps You Become More Social

Having healthy skin makes one less self-conscious when integrating with social components. This is a significant confidence boost, as you focus less on how you look and more on socializing and having fun experiences!

Receiving compliments on your flawless skin further boosts your skin confidence as you relate with others, especially if they come from people you care about.

Helps You Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Frequent breakouts, age spots, fine lines and other skin issues can be symptoms of an unhealthy lifestyle. Starting a skincare routine motivates you to invest in other areas of your health to maintain your new, clear skin.

Eating healthy, getting sufficient sleep, exercising regularly, and drinking enough water, will become part of your lifestyle. When you maintain such habits, you’ll experience numerous physical and mental health benefits. A skincare routine is an easy way to stay healthy and be happy.

Reduces Stress And Anxiety

A boost in self-confidence causes a reduction in stress and anxiety. You become less worried about a poor self-image and can focus on other things. It enables you to ward off stress or anxiety, which plays a massive role in keeping your skin healthy. 

The Skin-Ego Theory

This theory explains the science of skincare and self-confidence thoroughly. It deals with the relationship between our emotions and how our perception of our skin controls whether and how we accept our identity. 

The skin ego is the physical and emotional part of us by which we contact nature and other living things. A person’s appearance determines whether they are more likely to impress or gain attention from others. In connection with the skin-ego theory, one’s appearance is also a means of captivating others, influencing their impressions and judgments and exercising power over them. 

Our skin is part of our identity. It influences our outward look, affecting our feelings of internal confidence. A person who feels positive about their skin and appearance exudes attractive confidence. A proper skin care routine builds confidence, facilitating how you feel about your appearance and what you project to others. 

Creating a Simple Skin Care Regime

One of the easiest ways to get healthy skin and boost your confidence is incorporating a proper skincare routine. Good skincare doesn’t necessarily need to be complex. It is better because you are more likely to follow a simple plan than a complex one. A routine that involves 15 to 20 steps and makes you wait several minutes between each step is very likely to be abandoned along the way. 

The general rule is that less is always more when it comes to skincare. To help you better, the steps below will guide you through a simplified skincare regime:

1. Start With a Cleanser

Cleansing your face should be the first step in your skincare routine. Cleansing is necessary to wash away dirt and pollutants built up overnight or throughout the day. However, we should be careful, as too much washing can break down the skin’s protective barriers. 

You should cleanse twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. If you have dry skin, you can try just water in the morning, then cleanse at night. If you have oily skin, look for an oil-free cleanser. 

When choosing your facial cleanser, you should prioritize products with ceramides and glycerin as they help restore and maintain your skin’s protective barrier. The product must also be a gentle hydrating cleanser with no fragrance and few ingredients. 

2. Use Antioxidant Serum

Antioxidant serums are powerful skin allies with active ingredients that protect your skin from free radicals, which is crucial to repairing and protecting the skin. You do not need to tackle specific issues to use an antioxidant serum; it comes in handy at least twice a day to keep you protected from daily aggressors. A few antioxidant serums you can use to handle specific issues include:

  • Vitamin C: It helps to brighten dull skin and remove dark spots.
  • Colloidal Sulfur: This helps to calm redness and irritations. It reduces inflammation and helps with acne.
  • Hyaluronic acid: This serum locks in water on the skin to keep it hydrated.
  • Retinol, Vitamin B3: Increases the production of collagen, elastin and proteins to prevent fine lines, wrinkles and skin sagging.

3. Moisturizers

The next step is to use a moisturizer. You should apply your moisturizers twice a day, once in the morning and at night. The skin loses its moisture throughout the day, and moisturizers help with rehydration leaving your skin healthy. 

Your moisturizer should contain essential ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Unless you have dry skin, go for a light moisturizer to soak in quickly. People with dry skin should explore thicker formulas. 

4. Sunscreen

The next step is to protect your skin from ultraviolet damage. UV rays damage the skin all year round and are one of the leading causes of skin cancer. You can prevent these and more by concluding your morning routine with sunscreen. Cloudy or sunny, you should not leave the house without sunscreen. 

It is not enough for your moisturizer to be SPF-rated. You need to purchase actual sunscreen SPF 30 rated or higher. You should apply daily, 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours for the best results.

5. Facial Exercises

Facial exercises stretch the face and neck muscles and boost blood circulation, leaving you with youthful skin. You should add simple facial exercises like smiling, lifting your eyebrows, and pulling your eyelids to your daily routine. 

Conclusion

Note that your skincare journey is one of self-improvement, not perfection. Perfection is not attainable and is ultimately a myth. Self-care is a path towards improved appearance. Trust the process (and your skin), and be patient as you consistently follow this simple routine. As you begin your skincare journey, you are on your way to getting healthy skin, skin confidence and the benefits that follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Good Skin Mean?

Healthy skin encompasses so many things; a supple, hydrated and balanced skin are some descriptors. Ultimately, it means having confidence in your skin.

How Often Should You Moisturize Your Face?

Your skin type is an essential factor in determining how often you should use a moisturizer on your face. Generally, all skin types should moisturize twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Dry skin might require a more frequent application, and blemish-prone skin a less rigorous routine.

Is Vitamin C Tablet Good For The Skin?

Vitamin C is legendary skincare essential. It is an incredible antioxidant known to reduce aging signs, hydrate the skin and give a healthy skin tone. 

Ingredients to Look for in a Quality Facial Moisturizer

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Face moisturizers are vital for healthy skin. They increase the skin’s water content, balance your skin tone, and keep your face blemish-free. This article compiles a list of facial moisturizer ingredients to look out for and why.  

Top 5 Facial Moisturizer Ingredients

Whether trying to make your moisturizer or buying one from the store, your moisturizer should contain these five ingredients. Here are the top five ingredients you should look for when selecting the best face moisturizer.

1. Hyaluronic Acid

This ingredient has soon become a trend in the beauty world. The humectant ingredient holds water to the skin’s surface, hydrating it. It is one of the many substances produced by the body that depletes with time making it crucial for people to get moisturizers containing this compound, especially so for the elderly.

2. Glycerin

Glycerin, also called glycerol, works like hyaluronic acid. It is a sweet-tasting lipid found in all fats. As a humectant, it works to absorb water from the atmosphere and draw water from the dermis to the skin’s surface. It keeps the skin hydrated, and this reduces dry and flaky skin. 

In 2016, a review held glycerin as the most effective moisturizer ingredient. Many face moisturizers now include glycerin, but before you get one, check the labels to confirm that your choice of moisturizer contains a healthy amount of this ingredient.

3. Petrolatum

Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is occlusive and emollient. As an occlusive ingredient, petrolatum works to prevent skin dehydration. It builds a protective coating over your skin, preventing water from evaporating. Vaseline, a wildly standard petrolatum, has become a staple in many cabinets. 

If you struggle with dry and flaky skin, get a moisturizer with both glycerin and petrolatum. This combination helps draw water to your skin surface and bind it to the skin keeping it hydrated, smooth and supple. As an emollient, petrolatum keeps the rough dead cells on the skin surface hydrated.

4. Ceramides

Ceramides are natural proteins found in the outer layer of the skin. They are the skin’s biggest weapon against aging and sun damage. Ceramides help keep moisture in the skin and protect the skin from environmental toxins and pollutants. Adding this to your skincare regimen helps to enhance and strengthen your skin’s natural moisture barrier. 

The skin stops producing these ceramides over time, and dry and scaly skin is believed to be responsible. Such deficiency makes the skin more vulnerable to environmental factors like dirt and pollution.

5. Dimethicone

This ingredient helps the uneven texture and fine lines on the skin, leaving you with smooth and flawless skin. Dimethicone is the main ingredient in most oil-free facial moisturizers, perfect for people with oily skin. As a light emollient, it forms a protective layer over the epidermis and helps to hydrate the skin by keeping the moisture in. 

Emollients like dimethicone also help heal damaged skin and hide skin defects like flaky and scaly skin. They also make your skin look younger and smooth.

Types of Facial Moisturizer Ingredients

The best face moisturizer combines three kinds of ingredients. Most times, your skin type, age, and other factors will determine what combination of the trio your skin needs.

Here is a breakdown of these elements and how they function in your moisturizer:

1. Humectants

Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Aloe Vera and Propylene Glycol work as humectants and are the dominant ingredients in most moisturizers. The humectants attract water to themselves and bind water on the skin to keep it hydrated. They draw water from the atmosphere and deep layer of the skin (Dermis) to the outer layer of the skin (Epidermis), increasing the water content in the epidermis.

2. Emollients

These ingredients stay on the skin’s surface and act as lubricants. They help soften the skin leaving it looking lovely and smooth, and they work by filling in skin cracks with hydrating oils and lipids. They are perfect for dry and combination skin as it helps hold down the humectants. Ingredients like Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Shea Butter, Grape Seed Oils, Ceramides, Rosehip function as emollients.

3. Occlusives

Occlusives include ingredients like petrolatum, cetyl alcohol, and lanolin. They seal in moisture and stop water from evaporating. Occlusives are perfect for mature, dry and dehydrated skin. 

Many facial moisturizers contain all three elements. However, the best facial moisturizers have fewer occlusive ingredients.

Tips to Get the Best Out of Your Facial Moisturizer

After choosing the right moisturizer for your face, take note of these tips to get the best out of your facial moisturizer:

Apply Moisturizer on Damp Skin

A widespread assumption is that you should apply moisturizers on dry skin. This isn’t true. To maximize your facial moisturizer, you should use it on your damp skin. After washing your face, wait a few minutes, apply your moisturizer to your face, and then pat dry. This allows the moisturizer to penetrate quickly and lock in hydration. You can also use this technique for your body.

Get a Double-duty Moisturizer

Applying sunscreen should be part of your skincare routine; however, this could be a burden. Get a moisturizer with a broad spectrum SPF of 15 or higher, so you do not need to bother with a moisturizer and sunscreen. It would help to prioritize moisturizers with vitamin a, alpha-hydroxyl and retinol components as anti-age boosters or tinted moisturizers to brighten your skin tone. 

Don’t Ignore Your Neck

Facial moisturizers target wrinkles and fine lines, which you can also find on the neck, chest and arms. When applying your facial moisturizer, don’t stop at your jawline.

Use an Eye Cream

Do not use facial moisturizers on or around your eyes. The skin around your eyes is thinner than the rest of the skin on your face; you should give those sensitive parts more attention. Eye creams are ideal to use around the eyes, and using them will reduce your chances of puffy eyes and skin irritation.

Apply Moisturizers in Upward Strokes

Over time, gravity pulls the skin downwards, and this causes wrinkles and sagging. Skin experts recommend applying the moisturizer in an upward stroke. Though this might do little to reverse the situation, it makes the situation better.

Conclusion

Buying a facial moisturizer will no longer be a hassle. Now you know what ingredients to look for before getting your facial moisturizer. These ingredients are perfect for all skin types, and you can even combine them to boost efficacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Toxic Ingredients?

They can be hazardous to your skin. Ingredients like Aluminium, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Siloxanes, and Synthetic fragrances are toxic. You should ensure your moisturizer does not contain these ingredients.

What is the Most Hydrating Ingredient?

All humectant ingredients work to keep your skin hydrated. Glycerin is the most effective ingredient for hydration for dehydrated and scaly skin. In addition to retaining water on the skin surface, it also draws moisture. 

What to Use Instead of Face Moisturisers?

The best replacement for your facial moisturizer is natural moisturizing agents. Coconut oil, Olive oil, Almond oil and Aloe vera gel are effective moisturizers. They also help with skin blemishes like scars, sunburns, wrinkles and stretch marks. Though perfect for dry skin, they are not effective for oily skin. When concentrated, they could clog the skin pores causing other skin problems.

What is the Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin?

Ceramides and Glycerin-based moisturizers are the best options for sensitive and dry skin. They provide natural proteins to the skin that repairs and protects it from environmental toxins. 

Are Face Serums Better Than Moisturizers?

Serums are lighter than moisturizers, more concentrated and very potent. You can use them with your moisturizers as they have more active ingredients. It is recommended that you consult your specialist before you try one.