Skin Care

Do you have tired skin? Does it appear lackluster and dull? If so, you are not alone.

Tired skin can and will happen to most of us at one time or another. You may be wondering if there is anything you can do to improve the appearance and condition of your skin. Don’t fear! You don’t have to be stuck with it forever.

Let’s take a closer look on how to brighten and wake up tired skin:

1. Keep Your Body Hydrated

When our body is lacking in fluids, our skin is lacking also. To prevent this, you need to ensure that you are taking in enough water.

In order for the body to be completely hydrated, it is recommended that you drink half of your body weight in ounces, on a daily basis. This will not only plump up dehydrated skin and fine lines, but it will also give you a healthy glow.

Toxins will be flushed out of the body more easily, which will also result in clearer skin.

2. Apply Cold Water

A quick fix to wake up tired skin is to apply cold water to the skin. You can do this by simply splashing the water onto clean skin or by using a soft cloth to gently cleanse the face. Afterwards, lay a cold towel on the face for several minutes.

Doing this, will help brighten tired skin as well as reduce any puffiness around the eye area.

3. Eat A Healthy Diet

If we ingest processed foods that are filled with chemicals and preservatives, it will show on our skin. The same thing holds true for foods that contain large amounts of refined sugar.

Stick to green, leafy vegetables and save the treats for special occasions.

4. Exfoliate

Using a scrub regularly on the skin, will help to remove buildup of cells on the surface. It is difficult for old cells to rejuvenate, if there is a barrier of old, dead skin cells blocking it.

Use scrubs and exfoliants that contain gentle ingredients to loosen debris. Avoid any harsh scrubs that contain ground nut shells. These will create microscopic damage to the skin, due to the sharp edges of the shells.

5. Vitamin C

Ingesting Vitamin C on a regular basis, will help the skin look fresher and brighter. In addition to taking in Vitamin C internally, it is also very beneficial if we use it topically.

This article reveals that applying Vitamin C and products which contain it, will help reduce dark circles, reduce pore size and help heal acne.

6. Moisturize

When we seal in moisture and add the extra hydration that our tired skin needs, there will be a visible improvement. Our face will appear more vibrant, smooth and glowing.

After cleansing the skin, apply a moisturizer that is dedicated to your skin type to achieve the most benefits from the product.

Conclusion

If you have any deep concerns about your tired skin, it is always recommended to consult with your dermatologist. They will be able to refer you to the exact products to be used on your skin and how to treat it on a daily basis.

To keep your skin the healthiest it can be, always wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. This will protect you from the damaging UV rays of the sun. Whenever possible, also wear sunglasses and a large brimmed hat to protect your eyes and face from the sun, as well.

Following the tips above should help you to achieve bright and glowing skin and tired skin will be a thing of the past.

For further reading, check out: Laugh Lines Diminish With The Help Of These 3 Steps and 5 Ways Vitamin E Is Helpful For Skin Health.

Image: Flickr

Shrinking pores is a great way to make skin appear smoother and more vibrant.

You may be wondering what is the main purpose of pores and how are they beneficial to the skin. Sebum (skin oil) and sweat flow through the pores, to the surface of the skin. This is where the pores become larger and more visible.

The desire for shrinking pores is common in people who have oily skin. The larger the pores are, the oilier the skin tends to be. Sweat tends to excrete through smaller pores.

According to this article, genetics, exposure to sun and age also affect the size of pores.

Let’s take a look at several tips for shrinking pores:

1. Use A Scrub

If pores are clogged with dead skin cells, makeup residue and sebum, they will appear larger than normal.

Use a gentle scrub 1-2 times a week, depending on skin sensitivity. This will loosen and release the debris, so that pores can shrink and appear smaller.

2. Try A Chemical Peel

This article suggests using a chemical peel to treat large pores.

Dermatologists can provide the peels, but you don’t have to go to a dermatologist. You can visit your local esthetician for a lower strength peel that can help shrink pore size for a much lower cost.

3. Wear A Sunscreen

The ultra violet rays of the sun can wreak havoc on your skin. Not only can it cause skin cancer and damage, but it can also make the pores on the skin larger.

You should always wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF whenever you go outdoors for any length of time. For extra protection, you can always wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses.

4. Use A Facial Mask

Try using a clay based facial mask on a regular basis. This will decrease the oil on the skin and help shrink pore size, as well. You will notice that your skin will appear smooth and brighter, making you appear more youthful.

5. Choose Products Wisely

When your large pores are from excess oil production, you should avoid using moisturizers that contain oil. This will make the issue worse and your pores will look even bigger.

On the contrary, facial cleaners that contain oil are helpful for oily skin. The oil in the cleanser actually binds to the oil on the skin’s surface and helps wash it away.

Products with glycolic or lactic acid work well to rid the excess oil from the skin. It also helps to dissolve any debris that has built up inside the pores. This method is like a weaker version of a chemical peel.

6. Remove Makeup

When the pores are clogged with makeup residue, they will expand and appear larger.

By removing your makeup at night when you go to bed, you can prevent this from happening. You will also notice that you will have less breakouts and your skin will appear overall healthier.

Conclusion

By implementing the tips above you will not only be shrinking pores, but you will also be treating your skin. You will notice that your skin will look and feel great!

To take healthy skin one step further, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It is recommended to drink half of your weight in ounces on a daily basis.

Also incorporate a healthy diet into your lifestyle. Avoid processed and fried foods and eat green, leafy vegetables regularly. It is true that you are what you eat.

For further reading, check out: Why Your Skin Has Different Winter And Summer Needs and Send Your Under Eyes Packing With These 5 Tips.

Image: Flickr

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that can do wonders for the skin. Not only does it have anti aging benefits, but it can help nourish and heal the skin as well.

According to this study, Vitamin E has been used for over fifty years in the area of dermatology. It is derived from soybeans and is a grouping of eight fat soluble compounds.

This article reveals that Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cancers. The oil found in Vitamin E capsules can be applied directly to the skin.

It is a healthy supplement to add to your daily intake, but be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any vitamins or other supplements.

Let’s take a closer look at the ways Vitamin E is beneficial for the skin:

1. An Excellent Moisturizer

The hydrating and moisturizing benefits of Vitamin E will help treat and eliminate dry skin.

Many topical products contain this amazing nutrient because of the healthy effects that it has on the skin.

2. Relieves Itching Of The Skin

Since Vitamin E is such a great moisturizer, it will help to relieve dry, flaking and itching skin. This can be done orally, by taking a supplement or by using topical products which contain the vitamin.

3. Helps Prevent Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Another benefit to having well moisturized skin, is that there is little or no dryness. When our skin is dry, we are more prone to fine lines and wrinkles, which make us appear older than we actually are.

Always keep your skin as hydrated as possible to prevent premature aging.

4. Helps Improve Atopic Dermatitis

This study reveals that taking oral 400 IU of Vitamin E, helps to improve atopic dermatitis. Some of the symptoms of this condition are itching, eczema, dry skin and thickening of the skin.

5. Can Be Used As A Sunburn Treatment

If are experiencing a sunburn, apply topical lotions that contain Vitamin E. This can help speed up the healing of the epidermis layer of the skin and prevent further damage.

Make Sure You Do A Patch Test!

As with anything that you apply to your skin, you should first do a patch test, to ensure that you don’t have any allergic reactions. This is a simple and safe way to protect yourself.

To do the patch test, all you have to do is take a small amount of the Vitamin E oil, or whatever you are testing, and put it on a cotton swab.

Apply it to an inconspicuous place on your body, such as behind you knee or ear. Dab a small amount on the skin and observe it 24-48 hours later. If there is no redness or itching, you are most likely not allergic to it.

Conclusion

In addition to incorporating Vitamin E in your skin care regimen, there are more ways to help create and maintain healthy skin.

The most important thing to do for your skin is to protect it from the ultra violet rays of the sun. To do this, always wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF when spending time outdoors. Apply it twenty minutes before stepping outside and reapply as needed.

You should also protect your face not only with sunscreen, but with sunglasses as well. This will help prevent crow’s feet. It is also a good idea to apply a lip balm that has sunscreen in it, to protect the delicate skin on your lips.

For further reading, check out Why Your Skin Has Different Summer And Winter Needs and So Which Is Better To Wash Your Face, Hot Or Cold Water?

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The summer and winter needs of your skin vary greatly. Each season is full of outdoor activities that can take a toll on our face, as well as the skin on the rest of our body.

This is mostly due to the amount of moisture in the air, as well as exposure to the sun and other elements.

Even if you find yourself spending most of the winter indoors, the heat inside of your home will tend to dry out your skin. When this happens, we become more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Let’s take a closer look at the summer and winter needs of your skin:

Protection From The Sun

The most important thing to remember, is to protect your skin from the ultra violet rays of the sun. These rays are extremely damaging and are the main contributor of skin cancer, fine lines and wrinkles.

In the summer months, more of our bodies are exposed to the sun. Therefore, we need to do more to protect our skin overall. The American Academy Of Dermatology recommends that you use a sunscreen that is a minimum of 30 SPF and reapply as directed on the product label.

Once it gets cooler outside and you cover up more, you can concentrate mostly on your face, neck and hands. You may not think that your hands see a lot of sun damage, but they are always exposed to the sun while driving and doing anything outdoors.

Cover your eyes with sunglasses and a large brimmed hat to protect from the sun in any season.

Skin Hydration

Once the weather gets cold, the air becomes dry. When this happens, our skin loses moisture and becomes dry as well.

When we have dry skin, it is a recipe for fine lines and wrinkles to start forming. The best way to combat this is to hydrate your skin. 

This can be accomplished topically, by using serums, eye creams, masks and moisturizers.

You may not see as much dryness and flaking in the summer months. Although, you should still make sure you keep your skin moisturized, especially after extended exposure to the sun.

Cleansing Of The Skin

In the summer, we spend an extended amount of time in the heat outdoors and our body naturally starts to sweat. When this happens, the pores on our skin get clogged with dirt and oils, often causing breakouts or blackheads. 

To combat this, it is recommended to use a scrub to remove the excess debris and create a healthier complexion. 

In the winter, opt for a more gentle scrub to help remove the dry skin but not remove too much of the natural oil on the surface.

Conclusion

To stay youthful and healthy, taking good care of your skin is a must, no matter what time of year it is.

The seasons will change but that doesn’t have to affect the way we look. If we stay on top of our skincare summer and winter needs, we will keep the fine lines at wrinkles at bay.

Always cleanse your face at the end of the day to remove dirt and oils. Apply a night cream as well for added hydration.

Another great tip for keeping your skin looking its best, is to drink plenty of water. It is recommended to drink half of your weight in ounces on a daily basis. This will help replenish dry skin, as well as flush out toxins that have accumulated in the body. 

For further reading, check out: Forehead Wrinkles, Causes & How To Stop Them and Laugh Lines Diminish With The Help Of These 3 Steps.

Image: Flickr

If you make new skin care resolutions this year, you will look more youthful and feel healthier, as well.

Contrary to what you may think, a skin care regimen doesn’t have to be time consuming or difficult.

Simply adjusting your daily habits and your topical products, you can make a big impact on the condition of your skin.

Let’s take a closer look at some useful skin care resolutions:

1. Protect Your Skin From The Sun

The most important skin care resolution is to avoid the damaging rays of the sun.

This article from Harvard, reveals that long term exposure to the sun, will cause major structural damage to the surface of the skin.

Prolonged, unprotected exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun, damages the collagen in the skin. Collagen keeps the skin from sagging and wrinkling. When it is diminished, premature aging will occur.

Malignant melanoma, otherwise known as skin cancer, is also a very dangerous risk of sun exposure.

To avoid sun damage, always wear a sunscreen on exposed skin and reapply if necessary. Cover your eyes with sunglasses and wear a large brimmed hat to protect the skin on your face.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended.

2. Eat A Healthy Diet

The foods we eat will greatly affect the look and texture of our skin. When making your skin care resolutions, be sure you include your diet into the plan of action.

Greatly decrease or eliminate refined sugar and processed food from your diet. Sugar and carbs are known to increase inflammation in the body and the skin. This will present itself as acne or other blemishes.

Stick to green vegetables, such as broccoli, which are high in lutein. This article states that broccoli helps protect the skin from certain types of skin cancer, because it contains sulphoraphane, which reduces free radicals.

Fish, such as salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep skin soft and supple. Adding fish to your regular diet will also decrease inflammation from acne and will also help dry skin.

3. Stay Hydrated

When you drink plenty of water, you will see a difference in the appearance of your skin. It will look clearer, with less blemishes and puffiness will be decreased.

Elasticity in the skin is also increased when our bodies are fully hydrated. This will prevent premature sagging and fine lines.

When we limit our water intake, the skin becomes dry and flaky. When we are fully hydrated, dryness is greatly reduced or eliminated.

Avoid drinking alcohol, as it dehydrates the body.

This study recommends that women should drink 2.7 liters of water a day and men should drink 3.7 liters per day to be fully hydrated.

4. Do Facial Exercises

Commit to doing facial exercises every day to firm up sagging jowls and other loose skin on the face and neck. By adding this to your skin care resolutions, you will also see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

You can find out more details in this article: The Best Face Exercises For Reducing Wrinkles.

5. Skin Care Products

Consult with your esthetician about which skin care products would be the best for you. There are many different moisturizers, serums and cleansers that are designated for each skin type,

You may be surprised that there are many options available that you weren’t aware of.

Conclusion

Implement these skin care resolutions on a daily basis and you will have the skin that all of your friends will be envious of.

For further reading, check out: Why You Need To Add A Rose Quartz Face Roller To Your Beauty Routine.

Image: Flickr