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Should Vitamin C be a part of my Skincare Routine?

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

But first.

What is Vitamin C?

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

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

What is Vitamin C serum?

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

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

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

1. Safe for all skin types

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

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

2. Hydrating effect

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

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

3. Serves as a brightening agent

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

4. Evens your skin tone

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

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

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

5. Protects your skin from sun rays

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

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

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

6. Soothes sunburns

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

7. Collagen production

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

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

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

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

How to include vitamin C in your skincare?

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

Based on your need

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

Does it fit into your routine?

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

Do’s and Don’ts

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

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

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

Methods of usage

There are two ways you can use the serums: 

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

Potential risks

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

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

You can manage this by using the serum without moisturizer

Conclusion

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

6 Skin Care Regimen Tips

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skin care regimen

Your skin care regimen can make or break the appearance of your skin. It can also determine how youthful your skin looks.

Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be costly. You just need to be consistent and avoid overexposure to the sun.

There are also a number of skin care products that you can add to your daily routine.

Let’s take a closer look at several skin care regimen tips for the best skin possible:

1. Cleansing

You always should have clean skin, but you don’t want to “over cleanse” it. Using harsh cleansers that strip the natural oils from the skin can contribute to inflammation and dryness.

Be mindful to use facial cleansers that are designated for your particular skin type. It is always a good idea to ask your esthetician or dermatologist for recommendations.

Always cleanse the skin before going to bed. Removing cosmetics will keep the pores clean and prevent breakouts and other skin irritation.

2. Toning

After cleansing the skin, the next step should always be toning. This article reveals that not only does a toner help balance the skin’s pH, but it also removes the trace amounts of makeup and debris left on the skin.

Toners are available in various types, which target specific skin care needs. For example, you can find toners that are designated for mature and dry skin, oily and blemish prone skin, and sensitive skin.

3. Serums

Once the skin is cleansed and toned, it is time to apply any serums that are needed.

Serums are excellent for hydrating dry skin or targeting fine lines and wrinkles with hyalouronic acid based serums.

To use, this article recommends to gently pat the serum on the skin. Wait five minutes for it to absorb, before applying eye cream and moisturizer to the face.

4. Eye Cream

Eye cream should be gently applied around the eye, on the crows feet area, underneath the eye and at the brow bone. It will hydrate and plump the area, as well as tighten it to give a smoother, younger appearance.

Other eye creams will also help lighten dark circles under the eyes.

Be mindful not to tug and pull at the delicate skin around the eye area. Doing so can cause further wrinkles.

5. Moisturizer

Lock in hydration and prevent further dryness with the use of a moisturizer.

A good moisturizer should be concentrated, so it won’t take a lot of product to do the trick. Simply apply a pea-dime size dollop of moisturizer to the hands and apply to the face in an upward motion.

Start with the forehead area, then move on to the cheeks and chin. Don’t forget about the neck. You may need to apply a bit more in this area, but keeping it moisturized will help prevent further sagging.

6. Sunscreen

One of the most important aspects of your skin care regimen, should be protecting yourself from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

To do this, apply a sunscreen of 30 spf or higher. Apply as stated on the package and reapply as needed.

Always protect your face when going out in the sun, by wearing sunglasses and a large brimmed hat. This will give your skin an added layer of protection.

Conclusion

Once you get in the habit of treating your skin, you will start to see visible signs of improvement.

Combine surface skin care along with drinking plenty of water and a healthy diet and you will see even greater improvement.

For further reading, check out: Crows Feet: 5 Tips To Diminish Eye Wrinkles and 5 Budget – Friendly Ways To Keep Your Face Feeling Refreshed.

Image: Flickr

Crows Feet: 5 Tips To Diminish Eye Wrinkles

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crows feet

Crows feet are an inevitable part of aging. These fine lines along the outside of the eyes can start to appear as soon as the early twenties.

As we age through our twenties, you will notice that these pesky wrinkles will start to get deeper and more prominent. When this happens, we start to look much older than we actually are.

Crows feet are sometimes referred to as “laugh lines” You may wonder what the cause of laugh lines may be. The every day expressions we use, such and smiling and laughing are a prime contributor to this factor.

We can’t go through life avoiding smiling and being happy, so what are the alternatives to battling eye wrinkles?

Let’s take a closer look at several tips on how to reduce and prevent crows feet:

1. Wear Sunscreen

The ultra violet rays of the sun can wreak havoc on the skin, especially on the delicate skin around the eyes.

This article reveals that one of the most important things we can do to stop the progression of crows feet, is to protect our eye area with sunscreen. For maximum protection, apply a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, whenever you spend any length of time outdoors.

2. Use Protective Eye Wear

Wearing sunglasses that have lenses with UV protection, will add another layer of protection to this delicate area of the face. You will want to ensure that the lenses are large enough to cover the surrounding area of the eyes, so they are not exposed to sunlight.

Wearing sunglasses will also prevent squinting, which is also a contributor to fine lines and wrinkling.

3. Include Foods In Your Skin Care Regimen

It is recommended in this article, to eat a healthy diet, rich in anti-oxidant foods. An example of these foods would be grapes. These are not only for ingestion, but grapes can also be mashed and applied to the skin for additional benefits.

Another amazing food for the skin are avocados. Simply mash up a half of an avocado and apply to the face, focusing on your crows feet. This will help stimulate the production of collagen in the skin, which makes the skin tighter and more supple. The crows feet will plump up and be less visible.

4. Use Coconut Oil On The Skin

Coconut oil includes large mounts of vitamin E, which is extremely nourishing to the skin. It will help to plump up the fine lines, by moisturizing and hydrating the area.

For the best benefits, gently apply a small amount coconut oil around the eye and let it absorb into the skin. Be mindful not to tug or pull on this delicate area, as this could cause further wrinkling to occur.

5. Stop Smoking

Cigarette smoking is not only unhealthy for your lungs, but it is also one of the worst things you can do for your skin. It speeds up the aging process and will increase the appearance of crows feet and other facial wrinkles.

Cigarette smoke increases the free radicals in your body and on your skin, which promotes premature aging. Smoking yourself is overall very unhealthy, but being around other smokers, also has a negative impact on your skin and health as well.

It is best to refrain from smoking or being around it, if you want to avoid looking older than you actually are.

Conclusion

By following the advice mentioned above, you will be able to slow down the aging process on your skin, as well as increase overall health and wellness.

For further reading, check out: 5 Budget Friendly Ways To Keep Your Face Feeling Refreshed and 5 Winter Skin Care Tips To Avoid Dryness.

Image: Flickr

5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Keep Your Face Feeling Refreshed

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Our skin is the largest organ in our body, so with that in mind, it’s really  important to take care of it. If your skin is feeling dull and lackluster, then developing a routine will help nourish and energize your skin, so that you’re glowing from the inside and out. 

We’ve put together a list of budget-friendly ways that you can keep your face feeling refreshed without breaking the bank.  

1. Be Gentle

Over-peeling and over-washing can almost guarantee aging skin, dehydration, skin irritation, and sensitivity, which is the opposite of what we want. This doesn’t mean you should stop washing or exfoliating your face, it just means you need to be more gentle.

Physically being gentle when you apply products is essential rather than abrasively scrubbing. Avoiding chemical ingredients, such as perfume and detergents, will prevent skin damage. Try to stay clear of products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) which can cause skin irritation, along with hot water which can cause inflammation. 

2. Face Mist 

Face mists are often used for a quick refresh, especially during the summer or in hot and dry environments. While it cools your face, it also gives your skin a glowy and dewy look. 

There’s a variety of face sprays on the market that accommodate different skin types. Although there are cheaper options available, making your own spray is the best way to be budget-friendly. While also being really easy to make, creating your own mists means you can use ingredients you know your skin will benefit from. Some popular mists are rose water for revitalizing and softening, chamomile to soothe, green tea for oily and acne skin, or peppermint for cooling properties.

3. Moisturiser

Moisturizing twice a day is recommended to help smooth and hydrate your skin, whilst also reducing fine lines. The best way to do this is by applying the moisturizer to your skin while it’s still damp. When you’ve washed your face, gently pat your face until it’s damp, and then apply a moisturizer that is best suited to your skin. The moisturizing cream will keep the water trapped in your skin, leaving your skin brighter.

You don’t need to invest in expensive moisturizers to get the best results. Researching the ingredients that work best for your skin type will help narrow down the product you need before you look for budget-friendly moisturizers that are just as good as expensive brands. 

4. Face Masks 

Easy to apply, quick and relaxing, face masks have many benefits to help refresh your skin. Face masks can hydrate, refine pores, reduce fine lines and give a more even skin tone and they don’t need to cost the earth.

Making a homemade face mask is a fun and budget-friendly way to look after your skin. It’s likely you will already have the ingredients in your cupboard or fridge. Choose from ingredients like avocado, honey, egg whites, oats, or brown sugar, depending on the results you want.

5. Hydrate From the Inside 

One of the most simple (and budget-friendly ways) to refresh your skin is by drinking plenty of water. Drinking water will prevent pimples, flush out toxins, moisturize, and reduce wrinkles. It stops your skin from dehydrating, as it does with other organs in your body, which prevent your skin from becoming dry and itchy, for a better overall complexion. 

Final Thoughts

Adopting a more gentle approach to your skincare routine is a great place to begin refreshing your skin at an affordable price. It doesn’t need to be a complicated routine, in fact, a simple practice will probably have more impact. Drinking water, moisturizing, and being gentle with yourself will keep your skin refreshed and happy for a long time. To learn more about caring for your face, take a look here.

5 Winter Skin Care Tips To Prevent Dryness

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winter skin

Winter skin can become dry skin, if you aren’t cautious. Most of us notice much more flaking and sometimes cracking of the skin, during the cold months.

This can easily lead to a development of more fine lines and wrinkling. It can also contribute to the dreaded sagging of skin that we experience during aging.

The air in itself is much dryer in the winter season, with less humidity. This can take a toll on the skin.

On the contrary, you shouldn’t fret over it. There are a number of things you can do to help replenish the skin with hydration and moisture.

Let’s take a closer look on how we can easily relieve dry, winter skin:

1. Turn Down The Water Temperature

Nothing feels better than a hot shower after a long, winter day. You may want to rethink that idea, because the result may not be exactly what you are expecting.

Hotter water temperatures will strip the natural oils from the surface of the skin. This article reveals that hot water can also be damaging to the skin.

When the water temperature is too hot, it can cause increased eczema symptoms and overall skin inflammation.

2. Avoid Excessive Exfoliating

Since adding moisture is more important in the cold weather, exfoliating winter skin too much can cause even more dryness.

Your best bet is to lightly exfoliate 1-2 times a week with a gentle lactic acid product. This will be enough to help remove dead skin but not irritate the surface.

3. Don’t Dry Skin Completely

The moisture from water left on the skin, can help hydrate the skin after cleansing. This article suggests applying topical skin care products such as moisturizers, while skin is still damp.

Any products that trap moisture, such as humectants, ceramides and hyalauronic acid, will benefit from leaving the skin damp after washing your face or showering.

4. Moisten The Air

If the air in your environment is dry, it will show on your skin. You will notice that your skin looks dry, dull and flaky.

In order to combat this, use a humidifier in your home. There are models that work with your furnace to moisten the air in the entire house. You may also decide to opt for a smaller, tabletop version.

You can put these in the rooms you spend the most time in. It would be nice to keep one on your desk, as well. There are also tabletop humidifiers that you can add essential oils to, for added benefits.

5. Don’t Forget The Sunscreen

Just because you’re not on the beach in a bathing suit, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply sunscreen.

Any exposure to ultra violet sun rays can be damaging to the skin. This can decrease the barrier of moisture on the surface, causing it to become dry.

For the best result, apply sunscreen on a daily basis if you are going to spend any time outdoors. This should be the next step after your moisturizer is applied.

It is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, to wear a minimum of 30 SPF sunscreen. Make sure you read the label and reapply as directed.

Conclusion

Not only should you be kind to your winter skin, but you should also be mindful to care for your skin all year long.

Drink at least half of your weight in ounces of water, to stay fully hydrated. This will also keep your skin from drying out, as well as flush out toxins in the body.

For further reading, check out: 6 Super Foods For Skin Radiating Benefits and 7 Ways You Are Causing Skin Damage.

Image: Flickr

7 Ways You Are Causing Skin Damage

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Damage Your Skin

You can cause skin damage and not even realize it. Life gets so busy these days, that it is easy to let skin care slip our minds.

When we take care of our skin, we will stay looking youthful and vibrant. We can help to slow down the signs of aging by paying close attention to these important details.

There are a number of things we can do to protect our skin from premature aging and other damage.

Let’s take a closer look at some various ways you can cause skin damage:

1. Failure To Use Sunscreen

Using sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do to protect your skin. It blocks the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun.

The sun feels wonderful when it hits your skin, so warm and inviting, but prolonged and unprotected exposure is not healthy.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher.

2. Using The Wrong Products

When caring for your skin, be mindful of the type of products you are applying.

If you have dry skin, make sure you are not using products which contain a lot of alcohol or astringent. You want to avoid further drying the skin. Concentrate on hydrating the skin with the use of serums and moisturizers.

3. Not Staying Hydrated

Even if you hydrate your skin topically, staying internally hydrated is equally as important. When your body is fully hydrated, your skin will appear radiant and fine lines will be less visible.

It is recommended in this article by Mayo Clinic, that men should drink 3.7 liters of water per day. It suggests that women should drink 2.7 liters of water per day, in order to be fully hydrated.

Of course these totals can be flexible, depending on how much you have been perspiring or if you have been eating foods with a high water content.

4. Cleansing Habits

Not cleansing your skin before bed can cause skin damage. Your cosmetics, along with the dirt and debris from the environment, should be removed from your skin before you go to sleep.

If you don’t wash your face at night, it can increase blemishes, blackheads and other skin inflammations.

It is also a good idea to apply your night creams and serums after cleansing the face before bed. This will keep your skin moisturized and nourished.

5. Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided, as they are very damaging to the skin.

Drinking dehydrates the body, which leaves the skin looking dry, flaky and sallow. It can also create dark circles under the eyes.

Smoking depletes the body of oxygen, which is unhealthy overall. It also puts harmful toxins in the body, which are damaging to the skin and overall health.

6. Diet

Eating a diet high in processed foods, fried foods and food high in sugar, is damaging to your skin.

Alternatively, eat a diet rich in green leafy vegetables. Avoid an abundance of fast food and sugar filled snacks. Opt for a healthy diet, with lean meats, fruits, vegetables and nuts.

7. Not Getting Enough Sleep

When we get too little sleep, it can put a toll on our mind and body. It will show in the appearance of your skin.

The Centers for Disease Control suggests that adults get 7-8 hours of sleep per night,

Conclusion

Taking the above points into consideration and implementing them into your daily lifestyle should keep your skin looking it’s best.

For further reading, check out: What Can You Do About Damaging Sun Spots and 6 Super Foods For Skin Radiating Benefits.

Image: Flickr