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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

6 Super Foods For Skin Radiating Benefits

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super foods for skin

Super foods for skin radiating benefits are everywhere. Chances are, you may have some in your home already.

When you think of super foods, you most likely think of the impact that it makes for our overall health.

You may not be aware that many super foods can have a great impact on the health of your skin, as well.

When we ingest the following foods on a regular basis, you should see that your skin will be brighter and appear more youthful.

Let’s take a closer look at several super foods for skin radiating benefits:

1. Avocado

Avocados are chock full of fatty acids. These fatty acids will help keep your skin plump moisturized.

This article states that the carotenoids, which avocados contain, also help increase the elastin in the skin. This will help keep the skin taut and firm.

2. Cinnamon

This study reveals that there are many important benefits that cinnamon has on the skin.

Since cinnamon stimulates blood vessels, when applied to the skin topically, it will plump fine lines and wrinkles.

Simply add a couple of drops of cinnamon essential oil to a carrier oil, such as rose oil or sweet almond oil and apply to the face. Let it absorb then continue with your skin routine. Be sure to do a small patch test first to check for any skin reactions.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that originates from the root of the curcuma longa plant. Using turmeric internally and topically can give your skin a healthy glow.

It has excellent anti inflammatory properties. Turmeric works very well in the treatment of acne.

Turmeric also can lighten hyper pigmentation, which is dark spots on the skin. It is also helpful in minimizing dark circles under the eyes.

4. Broccoli

Vitamins A and C, as well as zinc and lutein make broccoli a nutrient powerhouse for the body and skin. In addition to nourishing the body, carotenoids help protect the skin from harmful ultra violet rays from the sun.

5. Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. As mentioned in this article, omega-3 will decrease inflammation. In turn, it will help to prevent the loss of collagen and elastin.

It also helps to create healthy oils in the body, which benefit the skin by keeping it hydrated and moisturized. This will give the skin a healthy glow and reduce dryness, fine lines and deeper wrinkles.

6. Green Tea

Drinking green tea on a regular basis has been known to fight the signs of aging. It helps to combat fine lines and retain the firmness of the skin.

As discussed in this article, green tea is high in polyphenol antioxidants, which aid in the reduction of inflammation. It is also helps to protect the skin from the ultra violet rays of the sun.

Conclusion

The super foods for skin that are mentioned above, will help get you on track for radiant, healthy skin. In addition to having a healthy diet, there are other things to keep in mind when caring for your skin.

Hydration is very important. To maximize your skin’s potential, you must keep your body well hydrated from the inside and out. It is recommended to drink half of your weight in ounces, to be fully hydrated.

Your skin should also be protected from the sun. Wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and reapply as directed on the package or if you go swimming or perspire. Keep your face shielded from direct sunlight, by wearing sunglasses and a large brimmed hat.

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

Acne Breakout? 5 Tips To Clear Your Complexion.

Image: Flickr

6 Hacks To Wake Up Tired Skin

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tired skin

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

Why Your Skin Has Different Summer And Winter Needs

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summer and winter needs

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

What Causes Crow’s Feet And How To Minimize Them

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crow's feet

Crow’s feet are the fine lines that appear around the eye as we get older. Each of us will one day have them and some of us will have more than others.

Crow’s feet are also one of the first ways your skin will show your age. Hormones and genetics definitely play a part in how we age. We also show expression in our face, by smiling and talking, which will eventually create wrinkles.

Thin Skin

The skin around our eye area is thinner and there isn’t as much natural oil produced in that area. The dryness combined with the thin skin, can easily create fine lines. Another major factor is that we lose collagen and elastin in our skin, as we get older.

Lack of Collagen

Collagen is a protein that naturally occurs in the body, which keeps the skin looking youthful and plump. When we age and the collagen decreases, the fullness under the skin will decrease as well.

In addition, the ability for the skin to “bounce back” is also reduced with age, due to the lack of elastin. Both of these factors contribute to fine lines, wrinkles and of course, the dreaded crow’s feet.

Sun Damage

Sun damage is another factor that can greatly contribute to crow’s feet. The ultra-violet rays of the sun destroy the collagen in your skin more rapidly than if you protected it with a sunscreen.

Free Radicals

We also need to protect our skin from the damage caused by free radicals, such as pollution in the air. This can be done by using topical antioxidant products as well as eating a diet that is rich in antioxidants. Some great choices are green leafy vegetables, blueberries, pure dark chocolate and almonds.

Now that we know a few ways to prevent crow’s feet from developing, let’s look at several ways to minimize the ones that already exist:

Hydrate Your Skin

One of the simplest ways to treat crow’s feet is to keep your skin hydrated.

You need to be mindful to regularly apply hydrating cleansers, serums and eye creams around this delicate area.

You should not only focus on topical hydration, but also drink plenty of water as well. This will help plump the skin and reduce dryness. Another bonus is that being well hydrated also decreases dark circles that form around the eye.

Use Vitamin C and A

This article recommends using topical Vitamin C serum around the eye to stimulate the production of collagen. This will help plump up the area, which in turn will fill in some of the fine lines. Your skin will also appear firmer around the eye.

You may also want to try using topical Vitamin A or Retinol cream. This will aid in smoothing out the skin and help diminish the fine lines and crow’s feet around the eye

Facial Exercise For Crow’s Feet

Another easy way to combat crow’s feet is to do facial exercises. These can be done in just minutes a day and are a great way to strengthen the facial muscles.

Try the exercise below to minimize your crow’s feet:

Use your index fingers to gently press up the outer corners of the eyes, lifting the muscle. Hold that position and then try to close your eye by using only your bottom lid. Repeat this motion twenty times daily.

Conclusion

Once you get into a routine of how to properly care for your skin, you should see an improvement in your crow’s feet and other wrinkles. Choosing the right products is your first line of defense. Contact a professional esthetician for the best advice for your skin type.

Stay focused on keeping your body hydrated and eat a healthy diet, rich in antioxidants. Be sure to wear sunglasses when you are outdoors to eliminate further sun damage.

For further reading, check out: How To Know If Your Facial Exercises Are Working and The Myths Behind Facial Exercising.

How To Achieve A Healthy Glow Without Getting Pregnant

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healthy glow

A healthy glow can be portrayed by using certain cosmetics, such as dewy foundation and highlighting powders and creams. But covering up dull looking skin won’t make it actually healthier. Put in a little time and effort and you won’t even find yourself reaching for the highlighting brush.

Anyone can achieve radiant skin by following a few simple steps. It isn’t as hard as you may think.

A healthy glow, doesn’t have to be for only the younger crowd. People of any age can look more youthful by taking care of their skin from the inside out.

Let’s take a look at how to easily achieve a healthy glow to your complexion:

Start From Within

Most of us have heard the old saying, “You are what you eat.” Taking that into consideration, if you are eating unhealthy foods, your skin will be sallow and dull.

Avoid processed foods and focus your diet on healthy greens and whole foods. You will see that your skin will look brighter and more vibrant after a short time.

Hydration Is Key

Drinking a sufficient amount of water is very important to achieve glowing skin. The water helps to flush out toxins that have accumulated in the body. It also plumps up the skin cells and gives your complexion a more youthful and healthy appearance.

Facial Massage

This article suggests massaging your face several times a week. Doing so, will increase the blood flow to the skin, which will plump it up, and make it appear more radiant and healthy. The increased blood flow also increases the production of collagen, which will help the skin look younger.

Exfoliate

In order to reveal bright, new skin, you have to slough off the old, dead skin cells on the top layer. This can be done in several ways.

When you cleanse your face, use a scrub once a week. You can amp up the benefits of the facial scrub by using a rotating brush. All of your dry, dead skin will be swept away. Your skin will appear fresher and overall brighter.

Tone

Once your face is cleansed, you should always apply a toner to balance the pH of the skin. This will help in closing the pores of the face as well, making your face look younger.

Serums And Moisturizers

Serums are an excellent source of nutrients that is absorbed by your skin. For instance, if you have dark spots from the sun, serums that contain vitamin C will help eliminate them. This will give your skin a more even color.

You also need to follow up your daily cleansing routine with a moisturizer dedicated to your skin type.

Sun Protection

One of the worst things you can do to your skin is damage it with the sun. The UV rays of the sun will destroy the collagen and elastin in the skin, making it appear wrinkled and aged.

Many people think they have a healthy glow from a sun tan, but it is actually the most unhealthy thing you can do to your skin.

Apply a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF to your face and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

Conclusion

Once you put all of the above steps into place on a regular basis, you will start to see your healthy glow shining through. Your fine lines and wrinkles will be less visible and your pores will be smaller. You will also find that your overall skin texture is firmer and more radiant.

If you are looking to also tighten the skin on the face, you can also incorporate facial exercise into your regime. Before you know it, you will have shaved years off of your appearance and you will feel more confident.

For further reading, check out: If You Apply Your Make Up Wrong, You Can Add Years To Your Face – Over 50 and 5 Golden Rules To Take Care Of Your Hands To Reduce Aging.