Skin Care

The Right Way To Cleanse Your Skin

January 19, 2016 by Natalie Taylor

Image: tommerton2010

Regular and proper skin cleansing is one of the most common yet often overlooked advice we get from skin care experts. And there are good reasons why one must make it a habit. The following are some of the benefits of doing regular skin cleansing:
Removes buildup
Everyday the skin is exposed to bacteria, virus, dirt, oil, and other pollutants. Regular skin cleansing helps get rid of these skin-damaging elements, keeping your skin clean and fresh-looking.
Promotes hydration
Skin cleansing doesn’t just pertain to washing the face; it also means keeping the skin hydrated through the use of a good moisturizer. Keeping the skin hydrated is very important especially that as you age, you begin to lose your collagen and your level of estrogen starts to drop. Both collagen and estrogen plays an important role in keeping your skin supple and well-hydrated.
Prevents breakouts
Beneath the skin are tiny glands that produce oil called sebum. The oil reaches the outer layer of the skin through the hair follicles found within the skin. Dirt and other pollutants can build up on this outer layer, trapping the sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells. This eventually leads to inflammation and the development of acne.
Proper and regular washing of the skin prevents this buildup. Hence, making skin cleansing a habit can help keep your skin free from blemishes.
Keeps the skin young-looking
Research shows that certain physiologic changes happen on your skin overnight and it needs oxygen to repair itself. It could not do the necessary repair if it’s clogged with dirt, bacteria, and even with your makeup. Through regular skin cleansing, you can get rid of these pollutants and other harmful elements that keep your skin from repairing itself. Anti-aging and hydrating creams are also better absorbed when the skin is clean.
Prevents larger pores
Using a good skin cleanser can help emulsify the dirt, dead skin cells, excess sebum, and other pollutants sitting on your skin. When these elements are not removed, they can seep down on your skin and clog your pores. This can be a problem as you age as your pores will no longer snap back as easily as before.

The Right Way to Cleanse Your Skin

Doing regular skin cleansing is not enough. It’s also equally important to do it right. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean your skin:

Pick the right skincare products

A good skincare regimen begins in choosing the right skincare products for your skin type. So before anything else, know your skin type and choose products that suit it well.

Use warm water

Warm water has the right temperature to get rid of the dirt without over drying your skin. You can use cream or gel cleanser to emulsify the dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells on your face. You may also use makeup remover if you’re wearing makeup. Once you’re done, pat and do not rub your face with a towel. Rubbing the skin with a towel can irritate it and cause wrinkles.

Address problem areas with a toner

Get a cotton ball, put some toner, and swipe it around your face especially on your problem areas. If you have oily skin, swiping the toner on your T-zone helps in getting rid of excess oil.

Don’t forget the serum

Applying a pump or two of serum all over your face is enough to keep it fresh and young-looking. Serums can do more than hydration; it can also address other skin issues like redness and skin aging.
You may use your serum together with a moisturizer. You can opt for one with SPF in the morning and a heavier cream at night.

Apply some eye cream

The skin surrounding your eyes is the thinnest. It’s also where the signs of aging start to appear. So, don’t forget to dab a pea-sized of eye cream under your eyes. If you’re applying makeup, wait for a few seconds for the cream to be absorbed before putting on your makeup.
It’s possible to keep a young-looking and blemish-free skin. We just need to develop some good habits like eating right, sleeping well, and having a regular routine of proper skin cleansing like the one outlined above. Try it starting today and notice the difference it makes on your skin.

Why You Need To Commit To A Daily Facial Routine

January 5, 2016 by Natalie Taylor

Image: Martina Rathgens

The skin is the largest organ of the body yet we often neglect it especially when we were younger. But as our age advances and as the signs of aging start to become visible on our skin, we begin to realize the value of having a daily facial routine and staying committed to it.
Having a facial routine is a way of pampering our skin. Besides, it’s our first line of defense against the harmful UV rays, bacteria, and pollutants. They are basically exposed to harmful elements 24/7. Without commitment to a facial routine, it would be easier for these harmful elements to break into the skin, causing damage not just on the outside but also on the inside.

Creating Daily Facial Routine

Every woman’s facial routine is unique. It largely depends on one’s needs, choice of products, and commitment. A woman in her 20s who works at home basically has a totally different facial routine from someone in her 40s and is a top executive of an international company.
While there are differences on what makes up a woman’s facial routine, there are basically four (4) things that comprise these routines. These include cleansing, protecting, exfoliating, and moisturizing.
Cleansing
Cleansing is one of the most basic parts of a woman’s facial routine. It helps keeps a woman’s face fresh and clean as it gets rid of the bacteria, pollutants, excessive sebum, and dead skin cells.
When cleansing, make sure to choose a non-soap cleanser and water. This is because soap-based products tend to clog the pores, causing breakouts.
Protecting
One of the reasons why you should commit to a daily facial routine is to ensure protection from the skin-damaging UV rays and other environmental factors. Hence, part of the routine should be the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. The product to use should also have a critical wavelength rating of 350nm or higher. This ensures better skin protection from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before heading outdoors and re-applied every hour or more frequently when perspiring or when swimming.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating products are typically used at night to get rid of dead skin cells that cause uneven skin texture. Exfoliating three times a week using products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic acid helps get rid of the top layer of the skin, making it highly useful for women with dark spots.
Moisturizing
Each time you wash your face, you are stripping away your skin’s natural moisture, making it look dry in the long run. A dry skin is more prone to damages. It also makes the signs of aging more visible.
A way to hydrate the skin is through using moisturizing products in the morning and in the evening. Moisturizers make fine lines appear less obvious, control oil production, and prevent skin sensitivity.

Making Facial Exercise as Part of Facial Routine

There may be creams available to keep your skin young-looking but nothing beats the natural way of doing it. If the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet are bothering you, then facial exercise should be part of your facial routine.
These exercises can easily be done at home or with the help of an expert. Unlike expensive night creams, incorporating facial exercise in your facial routine doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money.
Some of the facial exercises that offer anti-aging benefits include the V which is good for drooping eyelids and crow’s feet, the smile smoother for sagging skin and cheek lines, the flirty eyes for drooping eyebrows and eye hollows, smooth the brow for the horizontal forehead lines, and the giraffe for loose skin on the neck.
Every woman who values their skin should have a daily facial routine that they can commit to. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 50s. Having a facial routine is a way of expressing gratitude for the amazing protection provided by our skin.

12 Hacks & Home Remedies To Naturally Prevent Wrinkles

December 8, 2015 by Natalie Taylor

Image: Bev Sykes

Aging is a natural process that we all go through and wrinkles are among the first few signs of it.
Wrinkles are creases or folds in the skin that result from the loss of collagen. They are also results of other factors like sun exposure, dehydration, smoking, and genetic factors.
We cannot stop the clock from ticking but we can do something to reverse the signs of aging. Here are the best hacks and remedies to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging:

1. Oils

Forget expensive anti-aging creams or pore-clogging moisturizers as there are natural oils found right inside your kitchen to help keep your skin remain supple and young-looking.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antioxidants that provide the body with protection from the damages brought by free radicals. Suitable for all skin types, coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Olive Oil
Olive oil isn’t just for cooking; it can also serve as a massage oil and moisturizer. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E that fight the skin-damaging free radicals. The oil can be applied directly on the face or can be mixed with honey and glycerin for better skin benefits.

2. Bananas

As natural sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, bananas can be used as a facial mask to reduce the fine lines. Bananas can be used alone or can be mixed with other ingredients like avocado and honey for maximum benefits.
When applying mashed bananas as a facial mask, make sure to leave it on the face for at least 20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

3. Avocado

Rich in healthy fat (monounsaturated fat) and vitamin E, avocado is an ideal food item to be used as a facial mask to reduce or prevent the appearance of wrinkles.
To turn avocado into a mask, you will need half of the fruit, 2 tablespoons of fresh cream, 2 teaspoons of flaxseed, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix them altogether, apply it on the face, and leave it for half an hour before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

4. Fenugreek

The seeds, leaves, and the oil of the fenugreek work for various skin problems including wrinkles. They are rich in vitamins and minerals which help keep your skin supple and young-looking when used regularly.
You can grind fenugreek leaves to turn it into a paste or boil fenugreek seeds in the water. You can then apply the paste, water boiled fenugreek seeds, or oil directly on your face. You can leave it overnight before rinsing it off with lukewarm water in the morning.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains a substance called malic acid that helps reduce the wrinkles by improving the skin’s elasticity. Aloe vera can be used alone or with other ingredients like vitamin E.
When using aloe vera as a facial mask, simply cut the leaf and apply the gel directly on your face. Leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Aloe vera gel can also be mixed with contents from vitamin E capsule. Vitamin E is known for its beneficial effects on the skin and by mixing them altogether, you can achieve a well-moisturized and younger-looking skin.

6. Egg White

Egg whites contain proteins and essential vitamins that can tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They can be applied directly on the face and left to dry up. You can massage your face for a few minutes before washing off the egg white with lukewarm water.

7. Honey

Women have been using honey for years as part of their skin care routine. Not only it is readily available, it also contains essential nutrients that provide the skin with a natural protective mask that creates a moist healing environment for the skin. When used regularly, honey can make you look years younger.
Honey can be used as it is or mixed with other skin-friendly ingredients like avocado, papaya, banana, yogurt, or whole milk.

8. Carrots

Carrots are rich in vitamin A which helps promote collagen production, keeping your skin elastic and young-looking.
To use carrots on your face, you can boil 2 to 3 large carrots until they become very soft. You can then add honey and turn it into a paste. Apply it directly on your face and leave it for at least half an hour before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

9. Lemon

The citric acid in lemon doesn’t just make it a good exfoliant for getting rid of blemishes but also an effective remedy for reducing fine lines and dark circles under the eyes.
You can directly apply lemon juice on your face and leave it for 10-15 minutes or add it to a teaspoon of yogurt, vitamin E oil, or honey for better results.

10. Water

Drinking water is one of the simplest yet one of the most effective ways to keep the signs of aging like wrinkles at bay. The appearance of fine lines and creases on your skin aren’t just results of aging but also of dehydration. By keeping yourself well-hydrated, you can keep your skin moisturized and elastic, keeping it wrinkle-free.

11. Sleep

Getting sufficient sleep isn’t just beneficial for your heart health but also for your skin. Sleep promotes the production of human growth hormone (HCG). The latter helps in the growth of body tissues including the skin. Skipping sleep doesn’t only interrupt the production of HCG, it also triggers the release of the stress hormone cortisol which slows down growth of body tissues.
To keep your skin young-looking and wrinkle-free, make sure that you sleep on your back. Habitually sleeping on your side can cause wrinkles on your cheeks and chin.

12. Facial Exercises

Facial exercises work on a premise that facial muscles are just like other muscles of the body. They need to be ‘worked out’ to prevent them from sagging. Unlike laser therapies and other forms of treatment meant to keep wrinkles away, facial exercises can be done at home and don’t leave you broke.
Some of the best things in life can be found just within your reach. When it comes to anti-aging solution, you don’t really have to dig deep into your pocket to pay for expensive yet temporary solutions. There are natural remedies, such as those outlined above, that can be found easily right inside your home. They may not be free but they cost way less than a trip to a dermatologist.

7 Simple Facial Exercises & Skin Care Tips For Busy Women

October 13, 2015 by Natalie Taylor

Jennifer Lopez, Martha Stewart, Jane Fonda, and Halle Berry – these women shared something in common. Aside from having an amazing career, these women don’t look like their age! It’s because these women make sure that they take care of their skin no matter how busy they are.

Facial Exercises: An Option for Youthful Glow

For years, facial exercises have been believed to contribute to youthful appearance. Hence, it’s no longer surprising why facial yoga has become a huge hit among women who wanted to look younger but don’t want to go under the knife.
Facial yoga is a series of exercises that involve stretching or moving different areas of the face. Its proponents believed that facial muscles are just like any other set of muscles in the body. If they are not used, they would lose their elasticity and sag, giving you wrinkles and other facial signs of aging.
The good thing with facial exercises is that anyone can do them anywhere even within the comfort of one’s home. It can be learned through video tutorials or under the guidance of an expert.

Easy Facial Exercises and Skin Care Tips for Busy Women

In contrast to what some women believed, facial exercises can be done even if you only have a few minutes each day for your skin care ritual. Here are some simple facial exercises and skin care tips for busy women like you:
1. Stay Hydrated
This may sound simple but you’ll be surprised to know that two-thirds of Americans are not drinking enough. This is alarming considering the role of water in keeping normal body processes and in maintaining healthy-looking skin.

Skin is just like any other organ in the body. It’s made up of cells that require water for proper functioning. If it’s not receiving the right amount of hydration, it will appear dry, flaky, and tight. And these make the skin more prone to wrinkling.
Being busy is not an excuse not to meet the required amount of water each day. By taking regular small sips all throughout the day, you can meet the required hydration for both your skin and overall health.
2. Use Sunscreen
Studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between UV, sun exposure, and visible aging of a woman’s face. Unless you’d like to look like 60 even when you’re still in your 40s, then applying sunscreen before heading outside is a smart choice.

For better protection, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen preferably with an SPF of 30 or higher as it protects your skin both from UVA and UVB rays. When you’re wearing makeup, it’s also best to choose varieties with SPF.
3. Try The V
The V is an example of a facial exercise that is good for drooping eyelids and eye puffiness. This can be a good alternative to Botox or eye surgery. To do the V, press the inner corner of the eyebrow using the middle finger and the outer corner using the index finger. While looking up, raise the lower eyelids upwards then relax. Repeat six times for 10 seconds.
4. Smooth The Brow
Smooth the brow is another easy-to-do facial exercise for a youthful look. This targets the forehead lines and can be a good alternative to Botox.

To smooth the brow, start by placing both hands on your forehead with fingers spread out between your eyebrows and hairline. Sweep your fingers across your forehead, moving outwards. Apply light pressure while doing this. Repeat 10 times.
5. Do The ‘Giraffe’
The ‘Giraffe’ is good for loose skin on the neck. To do the ‘Giraffe,’ look up and using your fingertips, stroke lightly your neck’s skin downwards. Bring your head down to your chest then repeat.
6. Know Your Skin Type
Knowing your skin type allows you to easily pick products that you can stick with. This is important especially that you don’t have the luxury of time to try every friend’s suggestion.
7. Opt For Multi-Purpose Products
There are a lot of things going inside your head so why would you settle for 3 products if one product can do the moisturizing, anti-aging, and concealing at the same time? Multi-purpose skin care products are the smart women’s tools for getting healthy-looking skin in a snap.
Whether you’re a full-time mom or a career woman, taking care of yourself should be one of your priorities. You can use these tips to look good each day even if you have the most hectic schedule.