Skin Care

Protecting your face this summer should be at the top of your to do list. We are all spending more time with family and friends, while soaking up the sun, but care needs to be taken.

Exposure to ultra violet rays from the sun will create damage and aging to the skin. The damage can include hyperpigmentation, otherwise knows as “dark spots”. Other known damage is the loss of collagen, which will result in sagging, fine lines and wrinkles.

Extreme sun damage can result in skin cancer, which can range from mild to life threatening. The best way to prevent a serious outcome, is to plan ahead and take care of your skin.

Let’s take a closer look at tips for protecting your face this summer:

1. Wear Your Sunscreen

The Federal Drug Administration has revealed the guidelines for safely wearing sunscreen.

It is suggested that sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher be applied at least every two hours. If you have been sweating or swimming, then it should be applied more often.

Many cosmetic foundations contain sunscreen, but it is not enough to protect you for a long period of time. It is best to apply a separate sunscreen on the face before any makeup is applied.

2. Be Prepared

Buy a small tube of sunscreen to keep in your bag or your car, so that you are never without protection for your skin.

Sometimes we may not have the opportunity to apply sunscreen as often as necessary. It is always a good idea to keep a wide brimmed hat on hand, to shade your face.

If you will be out in the sun for a long period, bring an umbrella to shield your skin. Keep your eyes peeled for the shaded areas to sit under, so you can avoid prolonged exposure.

3. Cover Your Eyes

Not only are you protecting your face, but you need to protect your eyes as well. The sun can do damage to the eyes, if UV protected sunglasses are not worn.

It is best to wear larger frames, so there is more coverage around the eye. This will also help protect the delicate skin in that area. The outer eye area is prone to crows feet. By covering it up with sunglasses, you will be adding another preventative measure.

4. Limit Sun Exposure

The American Cancer Society recommends limiting exposure to the sun during the peak hours. The strongest ultra violet rays during the day, are from 10 am to 4 pm.

The rays are also stronger in the spring and summer, as opposed to the fall and winter months. This is especially true if you live away from the equator. If you live closer to the equator, then you will have an increase in ultra violet rays all throughout the year.

If you live at a higher altitude, then you will have increased exposure as well.

5. Read The Labels

Many medications will cause the skin to become sensitive to the sun. This will decrease the time you can be exposed to the sun, without damage.

Read all the labels on any medications and vitamin supplements you may be taking.

Conclusion

Taking care of your skin will not only keep you looking more youthful, but it will also help keep you healthy.

Our body needs the vitamin D from the sun, so don’t avoid the sun completely. Follow the tips for protecting your face this summer and you will be just fine.

For further reading, check out: What Can You Do About Damaging Sun Spots? And 4 Natural Ingredients You Can Use At Home To Improve Your Skin.

Image: Flickr

Sun spots can be a frustrating experience. Most of us develop them as we age, but they can make us look and feel older than we actually are.

After prolonged exposure to sunlight or the UV rays of a tanning bed, our skin becomes more vulnerable to the appearance of sun spots. These spots can form in various sizes and shapes. Their color also can vary, but most of the time they are quite visible to the naked eye.

These spots are basically excess pigment in the skin, that has accumulated from overexposure to the sun.

Over time, these innocent but unsightly spots can turn into something worse, such as skin cancer. This type of damage can become life threatening. Don’t fear, you can still take control of your skin and put some treatments and preventative actions into place.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can manage these damaging sun spots:

Prevention of Sun Spots

One of the most important things you need to remember, is to prevent the spots before they appear. You can do this by simply using sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, whenever you go outdoors.

Also, keep in mind that most sunscreens won’t stay active for the entire day. Often, they need to be reapplied to stay effective. Be sure to read the label for the specific directions of your brand, as all products are different.

Diet

This article suggests that eating foods that are rich in Vitamin C will help the skin filter out the ultra violet rays of the sun. This will help protect the skin. Vitamin C also aids in repairing skin cells.

Add green, leafy vegetables to your diet, such as kale and broccoli. Additionally, fruits that are high in Vitamin C, such as citrus are beneficial as well.

Topical serums which contain Vitamin C are also great to fade dark spots created from sun overexposure.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This article recommends treating the skin with apple cider vinegar to lighten sun spots. This is a very easy and inexpensive way to minimize their appearance.

Simply use a cotton swab dipped in all natural apple cider vinegar, to apply to your sun spots. Let it sit on the skin for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.

Vitamin E Oil

Using vitamin E on the skin is a very cost effective way to lighten sun spots.

Simply break open a capsule and apply the oil to the skin with your finger or a cotton swab. No need to rinse it off. Just let it absorb into the skin before applying any makeup over the top of it.

Licorice Extract

Many skin lightening creams contain the natural ingredient, licorice extract. When used regularly, you should see a difference in the dark spots caused by the sun.

Chemical Peels

You may want to give yourself a peel with a mild solution, that you can purchase at your local cosmetic counter.

If you want a more intense result, you may opt to see your dermatologist or local aesthetician. They will be able to use a stronger formula that will provide more lightening to the skin.

Conclusion

Always keep in mind that you should get annual checks from your dermatologist. They will make sure that your sun spots and other skin issues are not in need of medical attention.

Seek advice from your doctor, if you see any spots that look suspicious or have made a dramatic change in appearance.

Wearing a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, along with your sunscreen will help further protect your skin.

For further reading, check out: 4 Natural Ingredients You Can Use At Home To Improve Your Skinand

Acne Breakout? 5 Tips To Clear Your Complexion.

Image: Flickr

Do you notice an acne breakout every time you look in the mirror? Complexion issues are not only for teenagers. The truth of the matter is that many adults suffer acne as well.

When we have acne, it not only can leave scars on our skin, but it can also cause emotional scars. Feeling self conscious while out in public is common if you suffer with acne breakouts.

Don’t give up hope. There are things you can do to improve your skin and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Let’s take a look at several tips on how to clear up an acne breakout:

1. Tea Tree Oil

A study of tea tree oil on actinic skin, revealed that when a solution of 5% tea tree oil is used, it is effective to treat mild to moderate acne. The oil aids in killing the bacteria that causes the inflammation and infection of the acne.

To use this method, simply apply tea tree oil to a cotton swab and dab on the acne affected areas. Reapply the oil three times a day, until healed.

2. Zinc Supplements

A study on the intake of zinc supplements shows that it is helpful in the treatment of acne.

This study was to compare the treatment of an acne breakout treated with zinc vs an antibiotic. The antibiotic had more efficiency, but if you wanted to take a natural route, zinc still provided good results.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

If you have oily skin that is prone to breakouts, then using a toner made with apple cider vinegar may be something you want to try.

Be sure you don’t have any open sores or you will feel a sting, but if you are trying to eliminate oil, give it a try.

To make your own apple cider vinegar toner, just follow these simple steps:

• Use Apple Cider Vinegar “With The Mother”.
• Combine one part vinegar with two parts filtered water.
• You can also add in a few drops of essential oils, such as tea tree oil, frankincense, or lavender.
• Shake to mix.
• Apply to skin with a cotton ball. Do not rinse off with water after application.

4. Baking Soda Mask

Baking soda is a powerful anti inflammatory and works wonders if you are experiencing an acne breakout. It also works as an excellent exfoliant to help remove the buildup of dead skin cells.

To use, simply combine baking soda with filtered water to create a paste. You can spot treat blemishes if you do not have a lot or you may choose to treat your entire face.

To do so, gradually increase the time you leave the baking soda mask on your skin. It may make your skin become a bit sensitive, so test it out for ten minutes or so and gradually work your way up to one hour at a time.

5. Tomatoes

The antioxidant properties and carotene that are found in tomatoes make them a great choice in skin care. Tomatoes work well to relieve inflammation and helps to heal tissue that is damaged by acne.

To use, crush a fresh tomato into a pulp like consistency. Apply it to the face and allow it to sit for fifteen to twenty minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and softly dab dry with a towel.

Conclusion

An acne breakout doesn’t have to cost a lot of money and time to treat. The methods above may help you to get your skin balanced and acne free.

For further reading, check out: 4 Natural Ingredients You Can Use At Home For Your Skin and 5 Ways Vitamin E Is Helpful For Skin Health.

Image: Flickr

Using a non-abrasive cleanser, can be a part of a healthy, daily skin care routine.

There is a time and a place for abrasive cleansers, such as scrubs, but you should avoid using them every day. Even the toughest skin can be damaged on the microscopic level, if scrubs are used too often.

Let’s take a look at why you should be using a non-abrasive cleanser:

Abrasive Scrubs Contain Harmful Ingredients

On the contrary, this type of scrub is actually harmful to the skin, as this article suggests. The sharp edges of the nut shells cause micro injuries to the surface of the skin. The skin’s texture will actually become uneven, because the edges of the nut shells are are sharp and jagged.

Many facial scrubs are made with the ground up shells of apricots or walnuts. It is said, that these tiny particles will help to slough off the dry skin cells. It is usually claimed that this type of scrub will leave the skin bright and healthy.

A Non-Abrasive Cleanser Is More Gentle

Since non-abrasive cleansers are more gentle on the skin, you can use them more often, without damage.

Choose a cleanser that is geared towards your skin type. Avoid using a cleanser for oily skin if you have dry skin and vice versa.

Some Scrubs Harm The Environment

Due to the damage that the ground nut shells caused to the skin’s surface, cosmetic companies developed facial scrubs that contain microbeads. The beads in this type of cleanser are much gentler on the skin, but they have built up in the ocean.

This article reveals that in 2017, the United States put a ban on the use of microbeads in personal products, such as facial scrubs. Not all countries have followed suit.

Let’s take a look at how to make your own non-abrasive cleanser for your face:

Coconut Oil Cleanser

Coconut oil is an excellent natural remedy for many things, and it is great to keep on hand to use as a non-abrasive facial cleanser.

To use, simple place a small dollop of coconut oil in your palm and rub your hands together to liquefy it. Gently apply the oil to the face, using a circular massage motion with your fingertips.

Apply a warm, damp towel to the face, sit back and relax until it completely cools. Remove any excess oil by patting your face with a dry, soft washcloth.

Honey and Lemon Cleanser

Combine a tablespoon of honey with juice from a half of a lemon and apply to the face. Let this sit on the skin for around twenty minutes. Gently rinse off with warm water.

This cleanser works as an astringent and contains Vitamin C, which is a great skin brightener.

When Should You Wash Your Face?

This article recommends that you should cleanse your face twice a day, unless you have sensitive skin. Morning and night are the ideal times to wash your face. You want to be sure to remove any oil, dirt or makeup from the skin before going to bed.

Conclusion

Facial scrubs and cleansers each have their place in your skin care regimen. Although, you should never substitute one for the other. Use a non-abrasive facial cleanser before your facial scrub to remove and loosen any buildup of oils or cosmetics.

To further care for your skin, you should always protect it from the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun. To do this, wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF when going outdoors and reapply as directed on the label. Also, it is a good idea to wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat to protect the skin on your face from the sun.

For further reading, check out: Forehead Wrinkles, Causes & How To Stop Them and Why Your Skin Has Different Summer And Winter Needs.

Image: Flickr