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Why Water Isn’t All You Need To Wash Your Face

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wash your face

Many people think that you can wash your face with water and it will work well. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Throughout the day, the skin on our face and body attracts dirt and other impurities that cannot be washed away with water alone. If left on the surface of the skin, it will build up and cause irritation, breakouts and other damage.

Let’s take a deeper look at the right way to wash your face :

Remove Makeup

When cleansing the face, the first thing you should do is remove any cosmetics that have been applied throughout the day. Makeup can get embedded in the pores and will clog them, creating pimples and blackheads on the skin. Using water alone will not remove all of the debris that has accumulated.

This article recommends using alcohol free makeup remover wipes. This will prevent the skin from getting dry or irritated.

If you don’t have any wipes, you can alternatively use a cotton pad moistened with toner or micellar water. Just sweep them over the skin and take a look at all of the dirt and makeup that comes off your face.

Use Correct Cleanser

First and foremost, do not use bar soap on your face. The pH level of general bar soap will throw off the pH of the skin, which will cause irritation, breakouts or an overgrowth of yeast.

It is suggested that people with oily skin use foaming face cleansers. Foaming cleansers tend to strip most of our natural oils and are more suited for acne prone skin. If you have dry skin, you should avoid them and stick to gentle cleansing balms.

Gently massage your cleanser onto your face in a circular motion, using you fingertips. It is advised to cleanse the face for no more than thirty seconds. It is very important to wash your face every night before you go to sleep. If your skin is very oily, you may want to wash it in the morning as well to remove any excess sebum that has built up overnight.

Don’t Forget To Exfoliate

No matter what skin type you have, you should never exfoliate on a daily basis. On the other hand, you don’t want to allow dead skin cells to build up on the surface of the skin.

When you wash your face with just water, there is no way to remove the buildup that has formed. This article states that you should exfoliate your face once or twice a week.

You can use something as simple as a homemade sugar scrub to a commercially made facial scrub designated to your skin type.

Water Temperature Matters

Check the water temperature, when rinsing off the cleanser and after you exfoliate.

Avoid water that is too hot, as it will cause irritation and could cause acne flare ups. Hot water will also strip the natural oil that your skin supplies, which will leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Opt for lukewarm, comfortable water to rinse your skin.

Moisturize

Whenever you wash your face, you should always follow up with a moisturizer. Oily skin, as well as dry skin, requires hydration. Choose one for your skin type and apply daily.

Conclusion

As you can see, when you wash your face correctly, you will give your skin a healthy glow. You won’t have to worry about clogged pores or flaky skin. Your appearance will look cleaner, brighter and more youthful.

If you are unsure about which products are best for your skin type, consult with a dermatologist or an esthetician in your area.

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

Image: Flickr

If You Apply Your Makeup Wrong, You Can Add Years To Your Face – Over 50

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apply your makeup

Did you realize that if you apply your makeup wrong, you can actually make yourself look older?

Once we reach fifty years old, we have all started showing the signs of aging. Putting on a lot of makeup is not the right choice, when it comes to trying to look younger. This is the point where the old saying, “less is more” comes into play.

Adding thick and heavy, dark makeup will accentuate any lines and wrinkles that have developed over the years. A lighter and more natural application will help your skin look smoother and more youthful.

While keeping this in mind, let’s take a look at some important points to keep in mind the next time you visit the cosmetics counter:

Skin Care

First and foremost, you need to start at the beginning and treat your skin properly, prior to putting on your makeup.

Choose a cleanser that is formulated for your skin type. Always cleanse your face in the morning and at night to remove makeup and dead skin cells.

You may also want to consider using an exfoliating scrub once a week as well, to further remove dead skin cell build-up. When these dead cells are left on the skin’s surface, it can give the skin a dull appearance.

Follow up with a toner to balance the pH, then apply an eye cream and any serums that treat your specific skin needs. Once they have been absorbed, apply your moisturizer. Be sure to apply it to your neck and décolleté area as well, which is also prone to showing signs of aging.

Always follow up with a sunscreen, which will prevent further damage and will also slow down the aging process of the skin.

Foundation

Contrary to what some may think, a thick foundation will not cover fine lines and wrinkles. It actually accentuates them. A much better solution, is to apply a light BB Cream to your face. In addition, if you use one that has a “dewey” appearance, it will give the skin a younger looking glow.

If you have discoloration that you are concerned about, such as sun spots or redness, dab a little concealer on with a makeup sponge, prior to the BB Cream.

Powder

Avoid using loose powder to set your foundation. Powdered products will settle in the skin and will make wrinkles more noticeable.

This article recommends using a setting spray as an alternative. You can use it after you apply your makeup, before you walk out the door. You won’t have to worry about reapplying your makeup for the rest of the day.

Blush

When using blush, avoid the powdered type and choose a cream blush, instead. This will give the skin a fresher look and won’t accentuate fine lines on the cheeks. Just dab a little onto your cheekbones with your fingers and gently blend in an upward motion.

Eyeliner

Harsh, liquid liner is not the best choice for those of us over fifty. A softer, more natural look is much more flattering.

This article suggests that the best way to achieve this is to use an eyeliner pencil and make small dashes with it at the lashline. Next, take a short, stiff brush and smooth out the dashes to soften and blend the color.

Conclusion

Following the simple steps above will help you to not apply your makeup wrong. You can avoid making mistakes that will make you look older than you actually are. Once you develop a routine, it should be like second nature to implement these new habits and your skin will look youthful for many years to come.

You should also be mindful that you drink plenty of water. Doing so, not only is good for your overall health, but it also helps to plump up the skin and keep it looking younger.

For further reading, check out: Which Facial Exercises Should You Do To Maintain Firmer Skin? and The Best Fruits And Vegetables For Making Facial Masks.

Image: Flickr

Can Fish Oil Really Help Your Complexion?

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fish oil

Have you ever heard that fish oil can help your complexion? With all of the skin products, vitamin supplements and other gimmicks on the market, it can sometimes be confusing to know what really works.

Fish oil definitely has many overall health benefits, including heart health and increased brain power, such as memory. Not only is the body enhanced by taking fish oil, but your skin is positively affected as well.

Let’s take a closer look at how taking fish oil can help your complexion:

Reduces Inflammation

This study reveals that there is evidence that a connection exists between taking fish oil supplements and a reduction in moderate to severe acne. The reason for this, is because fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acid, which acts as an anti-inflamatory.

This article reports that one must ingest at least 1000 mg of fish oil per day to achieve the anti-inflammatory benefits.

Hydrates Skin

Not only can you topically treat your skin with your favorite toners, serums and moisturizers, but you can also treat it from the inside out.

Ingesting Omega-3 fatty acid, which is a main component of fish oil, is an excellent way to keep the skin plump and hydrated.

It is recommended that it be taken as a supplement, because topical application of fish oil will not provide as many benefits as direct consumption.

You can also eat things such as avocado, salmon and tuna several times a week to boost the power Omega-3 acid on the body.

Reduces Skin Sensitivity to Sunlight

A study mentioned here found that there is a link between taking regular doses of fish oil and the reduction of sensitivity to the sun. The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 acids, help prevent sunburn or skin damage from UV rays.

Please be aware that this is not intended as a replacement for sunscreen. It is still advised that a minimum of 30 SPF sunscreen should be used when your skin is exposed to the sun.

The same study mentioned above, additionally discovered that a regular dose of fish oil also reduced sunlight induced-suppression of the immune system. This aids in the ability for the body to fight off skin cancer or infections.

Conclusion

With all of the benefits mentioned above, there is no question that fish oil can help your complexion. With regular use, you should see a firmer and more radiant appearance.

It is always best to incorporate a number of routines together to achieve maximum results.

In addition to taking fish oil supplements, focus on eating a low fat / low sugar diet, with plenty of green leafy vegetables. The vitamins and minerals in these types of foods keep the skin and the rest of the body in a less inflamed state.

It is also recommended to drink plenty of water. Doing so will help keep the skin and body well hydrated. It will also aid in flushing out any excess toxins that the body is holding onto.

If you are concerned about wrinkles or sagging skin, you can also add facial exercise into your routine. This is an easy way to firm your face and neck and help reduce fine lines. It doesn’t take up much time and can be easily done during everyday tasks. Multitasking at its finest!

For further reading, check out: How To Create The Perfect Skin Care For You and 6 Things You Can Do To Help You Look Younger.

Image: Flickr

How To Create The Perfect Skin Care Routine For You

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skin care routine

Creating the perfect skin care routine will encompass all of the elements that will help you look younger. Your skin will be healthier and have fewer breakouts and wrinkles.

The first thing you should do is determine the type of skin you have. Is your skin oily, dry or a combination?

The next thing to consider is if you are prone to allergic reactions and which products or ingredients aggravate the allergy. Read the ingredients on the back of the bottle, so you can avoid any adverse reactions.

Additionally, you should pinpoint your “problem areas”. Do you have crows feet, sagging around the jowl area or forehead lines? There are products on the market you can use to treat those issues.

With the above points in mind, let’s take a look at how you can create the perfect skin care routine for yourself:

Cleanser

Once you have determined your skin type, you should choose a cleanser that is designed for your kind of skin.

For instance, if you have oily skin that is acne prone, you would want a cleanser that is specifically created to treat that condition. The same goes for dry skin. You will need to use a cleanser and other products that hydrate the skin. If you use the wrong products on your skin, such as a cleanser, you could worsen the problems you are having.

Cleanse your face at night before you go to bed. This will remove all of the dirt that has accumulated on your face throughout the day. It is also a good idea to wash your face in the morning as well.

Exfoliator

It is beneficial to use an exfoliator once a week. This process will lift any dead skin cells that are clogging pores. It also allows fresh skin to appear after the dull cells are removed.

There are many facial scrubs on the market that are created for all skin types.

Toner

Always use a toner after cleansing the face. Doing so, will balance the pH of the skin and eliminate inflammation and breakouts.

This article reveals that there are toners specifically created for particular skin characteristics. For example, hyaluronic acid to plump skin and reduce fine lines. Rose water and green tea toners will help decrease redness.

Serums

Serums are very concentrated formulas that are chock full of nutrients for the skin.

If you are looking for something to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin, then try a serum made with retinol.

You may be looking to reduce dark spots from sun damage. If that is the case, choose a serum that is Vitamin C based.

Moisturizer

Always finish up your facial routine with a moisturizer. You should always use a moisturizer that contains a sunscreen. The sun rays will further damage the skin. SPF 30-50 are the best choices.

Conclusion

Once you have determined all of the issues and concerns with your skin and have acquired all of the products to treat it, you will be on your way to a more youthful look. This article states that it usually takes about six weeks of consistent, regular use of a product to see the effectiveness that it provides.

The biggest challenge that we have, is sticking to the routine. Using all of the products as directed on a regular basis, will help give you the results you are looking for.

In addition to a skin care routine, you also need to stay hydrated, by drinking plenty of water. Also, try to get a full eight hours of sleep at night.

Maintain a healthy diet with minimal sugar and fats. Eat a lot of vegetables, so that your entire body, including the skin, will benefit from their nutrients.

Incorporating facial exercise into your daily skin care routine will help tighten and tone loose skin on the face and neck. It will also help decrease and prevent fine lines and wrinkles on the facial area.

For further reading, check out: Doing These Facial Exercises Will Give Maximum Change and 6 Things You Can Do To Help You Look Younger.

Image: Flickr

Try These 3 Home Remedies To Take The Years Off

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aging skin

Aging is inevitable and the signs of it start creeping up sooner than we usually expect. It can be quite overwhelming to walk into a store, in search of quality anti-aging skin products.

There are so many different “proven ingredients” that claim to reverse the signs of aging. The trouble is, we don’t really know what all of these chemicals are doing to our body, once they have been absorbed.

Not only are many of the anti-aging skin products on the market loaded with chemicals, but they are also quite expensive.

A way to combat this problem, is to go to your own pantry or refrigerator and create your own product. With just a few simple ingredients, you can give your skin the special treatment that it needs to help you look younger. The bonus is, if you look younger, you will feel younger too!

Let’s take a look at several home remedies that will help you take the years off:

1. Honey Mask

One of the easiest recipes is this one ingredient honey mask. This article recommends using pure honey for the best results.

Honey is a natural antioxidant and will help to destroy harmful free radicals that will damage and age the skin. Honey will moisturize your skin and help eliminate wrinkles at the same time.

Simply take a couple of tablespoons of pure honey and apply it to your face with your fingers. Be sure to massage it in an upward motion when applying. Let it set for 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water and a soft cloth.

2. Egg Yolk Mask

Egg yolks are chock full of protein and other nutrients, that will give aging skin the extra moisture it needs.

This article suggests adding avocado and plain yogurt to egg yolk to make a nourishing face mask.

The hydrating benefits of the avocado will increase the moisture in the skin, especially when used in combination with the egg yolk. Plain yogurt is a excellent natural remedy for acne prone skin, as it contains live cultures.

To make this mask, combine one egg yolk with ¼ of a mashed avocado. Mix in one teaspoon of plain yogurt until it has a smooth consistency.

Apply to face and allow to set until it is dry to the touch, usually around fifteen minutes. Rinse off with warm water and a soft cloth.

3. Coconut Milk Exfoliator

In order for fresh skin cells to grow and replenish themselves, the old ones need to be exfoliated from the skin. This can easily be done by the use of a natural scrub made with coconut milk and ground sugar.

The coarseness of the sugar will remove dead skin cell buildup and the coconut milk will provide the skin with nourishment and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Simply combine sugar and coconut milk into a thick paste and gently massage over the face and neck in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water and a soft cloth.

Conclusion

Take a few weeks and try the home remedies listed above. See how your skin reacts and appears. You should be pleasantly surprised by the results. Your skin should look brighter, clearer and firmer.

Create a daily and weekly routine out of your personal skin care regimen. Combine it with a healthy diet and plenty of water.

Always remember to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun by applying sunscreen. Incorporate facial exercises to help tone and tighten your skin as well.

By doing the above steps, you will keep your youthful glow for many years to come.

For further reading, check out: 4 Natural Ways To Remove Makeup Quickly and 4 Exercises You Can Do To Help Get Rid Of Necklines.

Image: Flickr

4 Natural Ways To Remove Makeup Quickly

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makeup

Many of us are concerned about the use of harsh chemicals on our skin.

Most makeup remover products on the market today are loaded with such chemicals, which can be harmful or toxic to the body.

This is especially true for those of us with sensitive skin. Chemicals can irritate the skin and cause breakouts or allergic reactions.

Let’s take a look at several safe and natural ways to remove makeup, by just heading to your cabinet at home:

1. Milk

For those with sensitive skin, using milk as a makeup remover is an excellent choice.

Milk is a gentle yet effective remover of eye makeup such as mascara and eyeliner. It may not be as effective for thick foundation, but it works excellent on the eye area.

To use, dab a cotton pad in milk until saturated. Sweep over face and eye makeup. Gently rinse with lukewarm water until clean.

2. Witch Hazel

This article suggests using witch hazel to remove makeup. It is an herbal extract, which is derived from the witch hazel shrub. It has been a longstanding staple in the beauty industry for many years, due to its affordability and efficiency.

Witch hazel works extremely well on cleaning oils from the skin, so is a good choice for an all over makeup remover.

To use witch hazel as a makeup remover, you should dilute it by fifty percent with water. Soak a soft facecloth or cotton pads in the solution and gently cleanse face in a circular motion.

3. Oils

Applying oils to the face will dissolve makeup residue and cleanse the skin. You can use a wide variety of oils, such as: olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and many others.

To remove eye makeup, use a cotton swab dipped in oil to loosen the mascara from the lashes. Gently wipe away loosened makeup with a cotton pad or soft face cloth.

To remove makeup from the entire face, massage a dollop of oil into the skin for a minute or two. Next, place a hot washcloth over your face for another couple of minutes. Once washcloth has cooled, remove it from your face and wipe away any excess oil.

4. Aloe Vera and Honey

Most people are familiar with the healing properties of Aloe Vera, but it can be used as a makeup remover as well, by combining it with just a few other ingredients.

To make this all natural cleanser, combine equal parts aloe vera gel and raw honey. For each cup of this mixture, add two tablespoons of your favorite oil. Combine these ingredients until it forms a paste-like consistency. The leftover cleanser can be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Apply the aloe vera paste to the face in gentle circular motions for a minute or two. Rinse away residue with a warm, wet face cloth.

Conclusion

Taking good care of your skin by using natural methods, will keep it healthy and and more youthful looking. Avoiding putting chemicals on your skin, is beneficial to your body internally as well as externally.

Not only are natural methods healthier for your body and skin, but they are more cost effective as well. Many of the ingredients are already in most people’s pantry or can be easily obtained at the grocery store.

The natural choice is a wise one, due to convenience and ease of use, combined with the lower price point and effectiveness.

For further reading on ways to help your skin look more youthful, check out: How Does Drinking Hot Water Help With Anti-Aging and 4 Exercises You Can Do To Get Rid Of Necklines.

Image: Flickr