Uncategorized

Aromatherapy for your face may be something you aren’t familiar with. When most of us hear the term “aromatherapy”, we think of putting essential oils in a diffuser and enjoying their scent.

Actually, there is much more to the science of aromatherapy than just using the oils in an olfactory sense. Essential oils can be extremely beneficial to the skin and can help support many different issues, such as dryness, inflammation and aging.

Always keep in mind that when putting any essential oil on the skin, you should always add it to a carrier oil first. A carrier oil will dilute the essential oil to prevent any irritation. An example of a carrier oil would be: grapeseed oil, rosehip seed oil, sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil.

Let’s take a closer look at the essential oils for aromatherapy for your face:

Lavender Essential Oil

If you suffer from blemishes or acne prone skin, then lavender essential oil would be helpful for you. Lavender is known to help unclog pores, heal sores and reduce inflammation. It is also known to reduce fine lines on the skin.

This article recommends using lavender for acne in toner form. Simply put one teaspoon of witch hazel in a small bowl and add two drops of lavender essential oil to it. Mix it up and put on a cotton ball. Apply over your face, avoiding the eye area.

Clary Sage Essential Oil

If you are noticing aging and puffiness on your face, then clary sage essential oil may be a good choice for you.

According to this article, it is also known to regulate oil production in the skin, as well as help with acne prone skin.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense is one of the best oils you can find, because it has so many benefits. It isn’t just aromatherapy for your face, it is also beneficial for the body and the mind.

When Frankincense is applied to the skin, it regenerates the collagen and skin cells, as well as improves elasticity. The skin will appear smoother and more youthful.

If there are any blemishes or sores on the face, you can use it to speed up the healing process.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

As we age, we will often see dark patches on our skin, otherwise known as hyperpigmentation. By using sandalwood oil on the skin, you can even out the skin tone and help lighten the dark spots.

Sandalwood also works very well to reduce the appearance of scars from acne or other skin injury.

If you suffer from inflammation from dryness of the skin, sandalwood is a great choice. Just add a couple of drops to your moisturizer before you apply it to your face.

Conclusion

Adding aromatherapy for your face is just one aspect of obtaining healthy skin. Be consistent in your skin care regimen and always use products that are designed for your skin type, whether it be dry, oily or combination.

One of the most important things you can do for your skin, is to always wear sunscreen when going outdoors. The ultra violet rays from the sun are extremely damaging to the skin. It will cause the elastin and collagen to decrease more rapidly, than if your skin was protected. There is also a much higher risk of skin cancer if it is not protected from the sun.

Always eat a healthy diet that is rich in green, leafy vegetables. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid processed foods and sugars as well. If you follow those simple guidelines, you should see an improvement in your skin and you will appear more youthful.

For further reading, check out: How Rubbing Your Face Helps Reduce Acne and The Top 4 Foods That Age Your Skin.

Image: Flickr

Foods that age your skin, are usually the foods that you enjoy the most. Many of us feel that our complexion doesn’t look its best after indulging in sweets or alcohol. You may find that after consuming those things, you will notice increased blemishes, dryness and inflammation.

Eating an unhealthy diet on a regular basis will most definitely affect the appearance and health of your skin. Over a period of time, an increase in the aging process will be quite noticeable.

Replacing or limiting the unhealthy foods from your lifestyle, will help you continue looking youthful.

Let’s take a closer look at the top foods that age your skin:

Sugar

Eating an abundance of sugar can cause a chemical reaction in the body called “glycation”.

This article reveals that this process happens when the cells in the body have an overload of sugar. The sugar is combined with proteins and damages the collagen in the skin.

Collagen is what keeps the skin looking firm and plump. When it is destroyed by diet, sun and other factors, it appears looser and has more fine lines and wrinkles.

Alcohol

There are several important reasons why alcohol is bad for your skin. First of all, it dehydrates the body, which contributes to dry and wrinkling skin.

Secondly, alcohol is a toxin to the body, which can strongly affect the function of the liver. If the liver has difficulty filtering out the toxins left behind by the alcohol, the skin can experience acne breakouts and rosacea.

Another adverse of alcohol on the skin, is the fact that it disrupts quality sleep. When we have lack of sleep, it takes a toll on the appearance of our skin, making us look older.

Deep Fried Foods

Ingesting deep fried foods and trans fats on a regular basis, will add extra weight to the body.

When we are overweight, it puts extra strain on the rest of our organs, such as the heart and liver. This makes our skin look less vibrant and also adds to the formation of wrinkles.

Salt

We need to be mindful not to consume more salt than our bodies need. Doing so, will cause us to retain excess water.

When we hold onto fluids in the body, we will have a puffy appearance, such as under eye bags. Once the skin under the eye is stretched out, it will become more wrinkled, giving an aged appearance.

Conclusion

We all want to enjoy a dessert or treat once in a while, so don’t completely eliminate all of your favorites forever. Save your favorite cookie or cocktail for a special occasion or use it as an incentive if you accomplish a goal for the week.

If you are too restrictive, you may get frustrated and overindulge. Just pace yourself and you will eventually get accustomed to not ingesting an abundance of processed sugars and other unhealthy ingredients. Your face will appear more radiant and you will feel better as well!

In addition to the tips mentioned above, you should always drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated. It is recommended to drink half of your weight in ounces on a daily basis, to be sufficiently hydrated.

Always wear a sunscreen when going outdoors. Covering your eyes with sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat will protect the skin on your face. This is a simple way to avoid sun damage that causes fine lines and crow’s feet around the eye area.

For further reading, check out: Astringent vs Toner – Which Is Better For Your Skin and Simple Under Eye Massages To Reduce Bags.

Image: Flickr

Yoga asanas for glowing skin may surprise you. Most people only consider topical treatments, when it comes to skin care.

Surprisingly, the fluid motions and poses, along with the stress reducing benefits of yoga, a more youthful appearance can be noticed in just several weeks.

Benefits Of Yoga For The Skin

This article reveals that practicing yoga on a daily basis helps the body naturally flush toxins and impurities from the system. It is beneficial in regulating the excretory and digestive system, which also helps decrease the level of toxins in the body.

Inflammation is also decreased with regular yoga practice, as shown in this study published in 2012.

Yoga will significantly reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body. High amounts of stress will make the skin appear dull and will tend to age faster. When stress is reduced, the quality of sleep is increased, which also creates healthier looking skin.

Let’s take a closer look at several yoga asanas for glowing skin:

Shoulder Stand

If you are suffering with acne, blemishes and fine lines, then the shoulder stand pose is for you. This pose is also called Sarvangasana. It increases the blood flow to the face, which provides oxygen and healing to the skin.

To perform this pose, lie flat on the floor, then lift your legs and torso straight up off of the floor. Support your hips with your hands and hold this position for thirty to sixty seconds. Breathe slowly and deeply and relax.

Plow Pose

This pose is also known as Halasana. It is an excellent pose to improve blood flow to the face, as well as improve the digestive system.

To perform this pose, lie flat on the floor. Slowly lift your legs together, up and over your head, until your toes touch the floor behind you. Use your hands for lower back support if needed. Hold this position for ten to fifteen seconds and then gently lower your legs to the ground.

Forward Bend

The Uttanasana pose is a simple, yet effective yoga asana for glowing skin. Blood flow is increased, which helps renew and regenerate the cells on the face, creating a younger look.

Simply stand up straight with your feet together. Raise your arms straight up into the air, then bend forward all the way at the waist. Keep your legs straight as you try to touch the floor. Hang your head and breathe slowly for one minute.

Meditation

Sitting quietly and letting your mind relax, letting go of the day’s worries will reduce stress.

You can choose to meditate in the traditional Padmasana pose, where the legs are folded in front of you. You may alteratively choose to sit in your favorite chair. Breathe slowly and deeply and take as much time as you need to calm your nerves and let go of thoughts of that make you feel tense.

Conclusion

For best results, perform these yoga poses on a daily basis.

The benefits of yoga are not only seen on the skin but will benefit the entire body as a whole. It reduces stress, which can decrease the chance of developing health issues and will promote an overall feeling of happiness.

In addition to adding yoga asanas for glowing skin, eat a diet that is rich in green leafy vegetables. Stay hydrated by drinking at least half of your weight in ounces of water.

To help prevent premature wrinkles, always apply a sunscreen on exposed skin before heading outdoors. Wear sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around the eyes, which is prone to crowsfeet.

When combining yoga and other skin care routines on a regular basis, your skin will have less wrinkles and blemishes and will also appear more youthful.

For further reading, check out: How Rubbing Your Face Helps Reduce Acne and Simple Under Eye Massages To Reduce Bags.

Image: Flickr

To reduce acne, you may not have considered facial massage as an option. Actually, rubbing your face is an excellent means to combat acne flare ups.

According to the American Academy Of Dermatology Association, it is revealed that acne is the most common skin condition in America and it affects up to fifty million people a year. Acne can develop at any age, but is primarily targeted toward people between the ages of 12 and 24.

What Causes Acne?

Before we get into ways to reduce acne, lets’ talk about what causes it in the first place.

Below are several key factors that can cause acne prone skin:

Hormones – One of the main reasons we may experience acne, is the increase or fluctuation in hormones. This is why teenagers and women who are going through menopause often experience breakouts.

Birth control pills can also have an effect on the skin. It also goes hand in hand with the menstrual cycle and why acne is more prominent around the time when females have their period.

Stress – When our body experiences stress, a natural hormone called cortisol is released. When this happens, the sebaceous glands in the skin start to produce more oil.

The dead skin cells that are on the surface of the skin will combine with the oil and clog the pores. When this happens, acne will develop.

Diet – This study shows that ingesting an abundance of sugar can wreak havoc on the skin, causing acne. To reduce the risk of developing acne, avoid eating high glycemic foods and stick to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Dairy has also been shown to influence the presence of acne.

Reduce Acne With Massage

Regular facial massages can be extremely beneficial to reduce acne. The process of stimulating the skin can loosen up the debris and cell buildup that is clogging the pores.

Professional acne facials are available at most spas. Regular treatments will provide healthier and glowing skin. Not only will you see an improvement in your inflammation, but the experience is relaxing as well.

You may find that you don’t have the time or the budget to see an esthetician on a regular basis. Don’t worry, you can still receive the same benefits when you take care of it yourself.

Cleanse Skin

1. First, wash your hands before touching your face.
2. Wet face and choose cleansing products geared toward acne prone skin.
3. Apply cleanser with fingertips and rub in circular motions over face, paying attention to the chin, cheeks, forehead and nasal area.
4. Rinse thoroughly.

Massage Skin

1. Apply hempseed or jojoba oil to hands.
2. Starting at center of chin, use the fingertips on the first three fingers of each hand and firmly massage along the jawbone to the bottom of the ear. Repeat three times
3. Using the same motion, continue to the middle of the chin, to the middle of the ear. Repeat three times.
4. Perform the same motion over the cheekbones and across the forehead. Repeat three times.
5. When massage is complete, lay a hot towel over the face for three minutes to open pores.

Conclusion

To reduce acne, a healthy diet should be a part of your daily lifestyle. The best food choices would be healthy green vegetables, plenty of water, along with low sugar and low carbohydrate foods.

You should always use facial skin care products that are specifically made for acne prone skin. Your skin should also be cleansed daily to remove makeup, dirt and cell buildup from the surface.

Visit your favorite esthetician on a regular basis for facials and further skin analysis as your skin improves. Once you reduce acne on your skin, you will need to change up your skin care routine. Your dermatologist and/or esthetician will be able to assist you on the plan of action.

For further reading, check out: The Best Oils For Facial Massage and Simple Under Eye Massages To Reduce Bags.

Image: Flickr

Oils for facial massages are available at the spa or for purchase, but you may be wondering which one is the best for your unique skin type.

We can choose from a wide variety of topical oils, including but not limited to: grapeseed oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil and jojoba oil. Each one provides specific benefits to the skin and are used for different reasons.

Let’s Take A Closer Look at the Different Types Of Oils For Facial Massages:

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is created by pressing the seeds of the sunflower plant. Cold pressed oil, which is organic, is the recommended type of sunflower oil for the skin.

The use of sunflower oil is very common in the skin care industry. It works exceptionally well to provide quality nutrients to the skin, such as: Vitamins A, D and E, as well as oleic acids, unsaturated fatty acids and lecithin.

According to this article, sunflower oil aids the skin in retaining moisture, which keeps it plump and hydrated, smoothing out fine lines. It is also non-comedogenic, so pores will remain unclogged. If pores have a buildup of dead skin cells and dirt, this oil will help to release it. Skin will look fresh, clean and free of debris.

Sesame Oil

This popular oil is derived from sesame seeds. This article reveals that it is chock full of fatty acids. It also contains phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, vitamins A, B and E, and is also rich in fatty acids.

Dry and mature skin will look and feel younger when sesame oil is used on a regular basis.

Grapeseed Oil

One of the most widely used massage oils, is grapeseed oil. As explained here, the oil from grapeseeds is expressed during the wine making process.

This extract is extremely beneficial for the skin, due to it’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Grapeseed oil contains vitamin E and chain fatty acids in large amounts, which contributes to the improvement of skin when used regularly.

A study on the effects of grapeseed oil on the skin, concluded that it is excellent in improving the moisture of the skin as well as the ability to retain elasticity. It has also been shown to improve hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and can prevent the skin from absorbing all of the UV rays of the sun.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is created from the oil out of the nut from the jojoba plant, which grows in North America.

This article states that jojoba oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which can help kill some bacteria and fungi.

If you suffer from oily skin, jojoba oil is a great choice for use in facial massage. It won’t clog your pores, but will help lock in moisture. Jojoba is a preferred oil to use, when massaging acne prone skin.

Conclusion

By incorporating the right oils for facial massages into your skin care routine, you should see an improvement in your skin’s texture and hydration level. Dryness should dramatically decrease and the lines in your face will be less noticeable.

In addition to receiving regular facial massages, there are other things that can help the skin look firmer and more youthful.

One of the most important things is to always protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. To do this, wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and reapply as directed on the label. Wear a wide brim hat and sunglasses to shield the sun and prevent it from damaging the fragile skin around the eyes and on the face.

For further reading, check out: Simple Under Eye Exercises To Reduce Bags and Astringent Vs Toner – Which Is Better For Your Skin.

Image: Flickr

If you want to reduce bags under your eyes, drastic measures such as surgery, don’t have to be your only option.

When there is an excess amount of fluid in the face, it will tend to look puffy. Non-invasive techniques, such as as lymphatic massage can greatly reduce the buildup of fluid under the skin.

So, what exactly causes the lymphatic fluid to increase? This article reveals that a sluggish lymphatic system, skin issues, sinus problems, such as allergies, can cause unwanted puffiness. This fluid is made up of cellular waste that surrounds the cells, which creates swelling.

When the thin skin under the eye is stretched, it will become looser and eventually cause wrinkles and bags.

Let’s take a closer look on how to reduce bags under the eyes, by using simple massage techniques:

A light moisturizer or oil should be applied to the skin prior to massage, to prevent unnecessary pulling of the skin. Repeat this routine daily.

Movement 1

Gently place your middle fingers near the inner corner of each eye. Slowly and simultaneously, slide fingers towards the outside of each eye to the temples. Repeat this movement three times.

Movement 2

Gently place your middle fingers near the inner corner of each eye. Slowly and simultaneously, slide fingers over the top of each eye on the brow area, to the temples. Repeat this movement three times.

Movement 3

Gently place your middle fingers in between each eye. Slowly and simultaneously, slide fingers over the brow bone to the temples.

An option to this movement, is to also lightly pinch the brow area with the thumb and middle finger, while sliding. Repeat this movement three times.

Movement 4

Gently place your hands together in a prayer position on the forehead. Slowly and simultaneously, slide the heels of your hands apart, until fingers reach the temples. Repeat this movement three times.

In addition to lymphatic massage, there are several other things to keep in mind to reduce bags under the eye area:

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water. It is recommended to consume half of your body weight in ounces to be completely hydrated. This will help flush out the lymphatic system along with any toxins that have built up.

Avoid Excess Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol will dehydrate the body. When that happens, we will naturally retain water, which results in further swelling and puffiness in the face and other parts of the body.

If you are going to drink alcohol, this article recommends limiting your consumption to only two drinks. You will benefit from drinking plenty of water before you go to bed, after drinking alcohol. It will help replenish lost fluids and flush out the toxins from the alcohol.

It is also a good idea to apply a skin tightening eye cream or moisturizer around the eye area after drinking, as well.

Always Sleep On Your Back

Sleeping on your back with an extra pillow under your head, will also help reduce bags under the eyes. When we sleep on our side or on our stomach, the fluid tends to pool under the skin and we wake up looking puffy.

Get Enough Sleep

Not getting the required amount of sleep will also cause dark circles around the eyes, as well as eye bags.

The Center For Disease Control recommends that adults aged 18 and over should get a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night.

Conclusion

By following the advice mentioned above, you should see a decrease in dark circles and will reduce bags, creating a more youthful appearance.

For further reading, check out: Astringent Vs Toner – Which Is Better For Your Skin or These 5 Habits Will Make Your Face Age Faster.

Image: Flickr