Did you just wake up and go to the bathroom to freshen up and got the shock of your life? You see something odd on your forehead, that wasn't there the previous night when you went to bed. It looks ugly and you wish it would go away.
The What:
That ugly thing that pops up on our face when we least expect turning our world upside down is what an acne is. Also known as pimples, these are outburst through our skin pores thanks to all the grime and dirt that has accumulated there. It typically occurs during the adolescent phase in a person, say, during their teenage years. And some are lucky, they don't get acnes at all, while others see clusters of them on their face. It is not something that only girls get, there are boys who suffer from this as well. If you are lucky, it will last couple of days, and then disappear never to reappear again, but the unfortunate ones see signs of acne through their life, some of which leave behind scars.
The Why:
The most common kind of acne is the acne vulgaris which translates to common acne. The face is the region of the face that is affected in almost 90% of the cases, at times, people get it on their forearms or chest region. But those are called Keratosis, and not acne, since they are bigger in size and last longer than a common acne. It is basically eruptions in our skin due to dirt and other particles settling in. if the acne is very severe, and looks like a big boil, it could be a cyst, in which case one needs to be careful and not touch it too much. If they do, it might erupt, ooze with puss and not be a pretty sight.
The How:
For some, acne is such a big problem, that they think of skipping school or college. They don't want to face their friends for fear of being ridiculed. For some girls, hormonal changes in their body leads to acne, and for this there is no cure but to let nature takes it course. There is no need to panic or worry about these little boils,.as they are our body reacting to changes happening inside. If it is due to bad eating habits, or intake of oily foods on a regular basis, acne or pimples occur when the follicles are blocked and does not get enough oxygen. If you were to touch an acne and then use those fingers on other parts of your face, you might spread the infection and see more tiny pimples occurring over the next few days. So, it is better to control yourself and keep your hands away from your face and wash your face multiple times during the day. In the market, there are various products that claim to make the acne go away in a day or two, but be warned that they are miracles and not likely to disappear.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Learn How To Make Natural Beauty Products At Home
Want to know how to make natural beauty products at home? There are a number of natural beauty recipes you can prepare with just a few items you may already have in your kitchen. Not only are these products easy to make, but they are also healthier than using commercial products full of chemicals.
By learning how to make natural beauty products of your own, you will helping the environment, along with saving money. Most of the commercial cosmetic products on the market include some type of chemical or detergent. When this is washed off your skin or thrown in the trash, these chemicals and toxins can get into the water supply. Making your own natural beauty products out of common household items is a much greener solution.
Some common kitchen items that can be used to make natural beauty products are Epsom salt, bananas, honey, oatmeal, olive and vegetable oils, yogurt, mayonnaise. This is just a short list of household products that can be used for skin or hair care. There are quite a few other natural products that can do wonders for your appearance.
There are two common ingredients that you probably will not have on hand when you are learning how to make natural beauty products. These are beeswax and natural soap bars. Beeswax and other natural waxes can be found at health food stores, soap making shops, and some craft stores. For those allergic to bees, there are other vegetable- and flower-based waxes to choose from.
Olive oil is a very versatile home remedy that can be used for a number of natural beauty purposes. It will moisturize the dry skin of your elbows, cuticles, knees, and feet. Olive oil can be added to a warm bath for even more moisture and softness. For dry hair or scalp, simply massage the oil directly in with your hands.
You can even make your own natural exfoliating treatment from olive oil. Mix the oil with twice as much brown sugar to create a thick paste. Use this paste as a pre-shower skin treatment by rubbing gently into the skin. Rinse thoroughly in the shower to remove all paste and any dead skin cells that may have been scraped off.
If you have bananas on hand, you can also use those as a moisturizer for dry and cracked skin. Mash a ripe banana until it becomes a paste that is smooth enough to apply to your face or hands. Let the paste soak in for about ten minutes, then rinse off and pat dry. For added moisturizing, add in a teaspoon of olive oil before applying to dry, parched skin.
These are just a few of the beauty products you can make at home without spending much money. Other great home remedies include facial cleansers, herbal bath soaks, skin butter, and natural body scrubs. Most of these recipes can be made with simple ingredients that you already have at home. Now that you know how easy it is, jump right in and learn how to make natural beauty products of your own.
By learning how to make natural beauty products of your own, you will helping the environment, along with saving money. Most of the commercial cosmetic products on the market include some type of chemical or detergent. When this is washed off your skin or thrown in the trash, these chemicals and toxins can get into the water supply. Making your own natural beauty products out of common household items is a much greener solution.
Some common kitchen items that can be used to make natural beauty products are Epsom salt, bananas, honey, oatmeal, olive and vegetable oils, yogurt, mayonnaise. This is just a short list of household products that can be used for skin or hair care. There are quite a few other natural products that can do wonders for your appearance.
There are two common ingredients that you probably will not have on hand when you are learning how to make natural beauty products. These are beeswax and natural soap bars. Beeswax and other natural waxes can be found at health food stores, soap making shops, and some craft stores. For those allergic to bees, there are other vegetable- and flower-based waxes to choose from.
Olive oil is a very versatile home remedy that can be used for a number of natural beauty purposes. It will moisturize the dry skin of your elbows, cuticles, knees, and feet. Olive oil can be added to a warm bath for even more moisture and softness. For dry hair or scalp, simply massage the oil directly in with your hands.
You can even make your own natural exfoliating treatment from olive oil. Mix the oil with twice as much brown sugar to create a thick paste. Use this paste as a pre-shower skin treatment by rubbing gently into the skin. Rinse thoroughly in the shower to remove all paste and any dead skin cells that may have been scraped off.
If you have bananas on hand, you can also use those as a moisturizer for dry and cracked skin. Mash a ripe banana until it becomes a paste that is smooth enough to apply to your face or hands. Let the paste soak in for about ten minutes, then rinse off and pat dry. For added moisturizing, add in a teaspoon of olive oil before applying to dry, parched skin.
These are just a few of the beauty products you can make at home without spending much money. Other great home remedies include facial cleansers, herbal bath soaks, skin butter, and natural body scrubs. Most of these recipes can be made with simple ingredients that you already have at home. Now that you know how easy it is, jump right in and learn how to make natural beauty products of your own.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Oily Vs. Dry: Choosing What Skin Care Treatment To Use
An unknown student once wrote on his desk, “You can't face your problem if your problem is your face.” Though intended only for humor, this curious statement may mean a lot to those who are bothered by imperfections on their faces especially their skin. Often, people complain about having pimples, wrinkles or blemishes and are baffled with what to do about it. Advertisements seen on television, newspapers, posters and billboards show various products claiming to be the miracle solution for all skin problems. People who model these products highly entice the ordinary buyer to believe in their statements. It is not safe, however, just to follow blindly. When it comes to skin problems and treatments, it is best to understand the underlying causes or processes that are involved and how it is related in one's situation.
A good starting point when it comes to identifying the right skin care treatment to be used is to determine the type of skin one has. Classification of types of skin range from dry skin to oily skin. Each type may then have a corresponding skin problem to address. It is important to take note of the type of skin one has since skin care products are also designed in relation to the common skin types of consumers.
For people who have dry skin, the most common problems to be expected is premature skin aging and appearance of wrinkles. Dry skin results from lack of moisture and is commonly experienced during cold season. To address this problem, one can make use of moisturizers available in the market. It is better to make use of those products that are fragrance-free and has less amount of preservatives used to limit the chemical content that might cause irritation. Note that humectants and emollients are contained in moisturizers and these components are responsible for absorbing water to increase the moisture of the skin and replacing lipids. Moisturizers also come in two kinds, those that are oil-based and those that are water-based. People with oily skin may still opt to make use of moisturizers during cold season and it is better for them to choose the water-based kind.
On the other hand, the ones with oily skin usually have to worry about having pimples, blackheads and blemishes. This skin type is brought about by overactive sebaceous glands which may be a consequence of heredity, diet, humidity or cosmetics used. In terms of skin care products, people with this skin type must carefully choose those that are oil-free or are not oil-based. Regular cleansing is necessary to decrease the appearance of greasiness but note that the cleanser used should be alcohol-free and soap-free if possible. It is also better to make use of lukewarm water when cleansing since it will help dissolve oil faster. It is not advisable to use moisturizers unless the skin is becoming dry due to changes in season or temperature. In cases where pimples come about as a consequence of this skin type, common treatments for such are those products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. When cases are severe such those of people with acne, it is better to consult a dermatologist first before deciding upon what products to use as treatment. Blemishes usually result from having pimples or acne and may be treated through exfoliation. However, one should be careful in using products for skin exfoliation because some may be too harsh for the skin and cause further complications.
Skin care treatment, therefore, is not just blindly following what the advertisers of skin care products claim. Doing this might just be of minimal help in solving the problem, if not at all. Worse, this might cause further complications if wrong products are used. With regards to matters such these, it is really important to determine first the type of skin a person has. Next is to know the appropriate product to be used relative to one's skin type. Taking note of the components, substances or chemicals contained in skin care products will also help avoid further complications or irritations and maximize the treatment's effectiveness.
A good starting point when it comes to identifying the right skin care treatment to be used is to determine the type of skin one has. Classification of types of skin range from dry skin to oily skin. Each type may then have a corresponding skin problem to address. It is important to take note of the type of skin one has since skin care products are also designed in relation to the common skin types of consumers.
For people who have dry skin, the most common problems to be expected is premature skin aging and appearance of wrinkles. Dry skin results from lack of moisture and is commonly experienced during cold season. To address this problem, one can make use of moisturizers available in the market. It is better to make use of those products that are fragrance-free and has less amount of preservatives used to limit the chemical content that might cause irritation. Note that humectants and emollients are contained in moisturizers and these components are responsible for absorbing water to increase the moisture of the skin and replacing lipids. Moisturizers also come in two kinds, those that are oil-based and those that are water-based. People with oily skin may still opt to make use of moisturizers during cold season and it is better for them to choose the water-based kind.
On the other hand, the ones with oily skin usually have to worry about having pimples, blackheads and blemishes. This skin type is brought about by overactive sebaceous glands which may be a consequence of heredity, diet, humidity or cosmetics used. In terms of skin care products, people with this skin type must carefully choose those that are oil-free or are not oil-based. Regular cleansing is necessary to decrease the appearance of greasiness but note that the cleanser used should be alcohol-free and soap-free if possible. It is also better to make use of lukewarm water when cleansing since it will help dissolve oil faster. It is not advisable to use moisturizers unless the skin is becoming dry due to changes in season or temperature. In cases where pimples come about as a consequence of this skin type, common treatments for such are those products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. When cases are severe such those of people with acne, it is better to consult a dermatologist first before deciding upon what products to use as treatment. Blemishes usually result from having pimples or acne and may be treated through exfoliation. However, one should be careful in using products for skin exfoliation because some may be too harsh for the skin and cause further complications.
Skin care treatment, therefore, is not just blindly following what the advertisers of skin care products claim. Doing this might just be of minimal help in solving the problem, if not at all. Worse, this might cause further complications if wrong products are used. With regards to matters such these, it is really important to determine first the type of skin a person has. Next is to know the appropriate product to be used relative to one's skin type. Taking note of the components, substances or chemicals contained in skin care products will also help avoid further complications or irritations and maximize the treatment's effectiveness.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Lotions vs. skin care creams
There is no dearth of skin care creams and lotions in the market. Name an ailment, and you will find hundreds of skin care creams, lotions and other products for it. As a result of ongoing research and due to ever increasing demand, the number of skin care products seems to be on the increase. Skin care lotions and skin care creams are the most popular forms in which these products are available, and there always seems to be a debate on which form is better?
Well, there is no definitive answer to this. It seems more like a matter of personal choice. However, greasy creams are surely less popular as compared to the non-greasy (or less greasy) ones. Since the application of skin care creams is easier, they seem to be preferred (over lotions) in cases where the skin care product is not to be removed immediately after application. So, skin care creams seem more popular as moisturisers than as cleansers or toners. For toners, lotions seem to be preferred over skin care creams. There are some skin care creams that acts as toners too, but generally the toners are available in liquid form only. For cleansing, lotions and skin care creams are equally popular; however, the tilt seems more towards lotions.
Creams are known to be most effective in keeping skin moist; hence, the most popular form of skin care creams is moisturisers. Due to the same reason, a lot of people tend to associate skin care creams with dry and sensitive skin. Though it is true to a certain extent, skin care creams are not used only for dry skin, they are also used for making products for oily skin e.g. vitamin A creams and sulphur creams that help reduce the rate of sebum production.
Skin care creams are also used for products that cater to skin disorders especially for disorders that require the application of product over a small localised area. This is again due to the fact that skin care creams are easier to apply (without wastage) on the affected area. However, in cases where skin needs to be washed using a medicine/product, lotion is a better choice. Mostly, the manufacturers too realize this fact, making it easier for you to choose between a lotion and a skin care cream
Eye-creams and anti-ageing creams are other examples where skin care cream is preferred over its lotion counterpart.
Whatever your choice be (cream or lotion), knowing how to use it effectively, is more important than anything else.
Well, there is no definitive answer to this. It seems more like a matter of personal choice. However, greasy creams are surely less popular as compared to the non-greasy (or less greasy) ones. Since the application of skin care creams is easier, they seem to be preferred (over lotions) in cases where the skin care product is not to be removed immediately after application. So, skin care creams seem more popular as moisturisers than as cleansers or toners. For toners, lotions seem to be preferred over skin care creams. There are some skin care creams that acts as toners too, but generally the toners are available in liquid form only. For cleansing, lotions and skin care creams are equally popular; however, the tilt seems more towards lotions.
Creams are known to be most effective in keeping skin moist; hence, the most popular form of skin care creams is moisturisers. Due to the same reason, a lot of people tend to associate skin care creams with dry and sensitive skin. Though it is true to a certain extent, skin care creams are not used only for dry skin, they are also used for making products for oily skin e.g. vitamin A creams and sulphur creams that help reduce the rate of sebum production.
Skin care creams are also used for products that cater to skin disorders especially for disorders that require the application of product over a small localised area. This is again due to the fact that skin care creams are easier to apply (without wastage) on the affected area. However, in cases where skin needs to be washed using a medicine/product, lotion is a better choice. Mostly, the manufacturers too realize this fact, making it easier for you to choose between a lotion and a skin care cream
Eye-creams and anti-ageing creams are other examples where skin care cream is preferred over its lotion counterpart.
Whatever your choice be (cream or lotion), knowing how to use it effectively, is more important than anything else.
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