The World of Natural Soaps
July 15, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
The market of natural soaps is widening to include more and more people each day. There are still some people who think that natural soaps are only for those who have an ultra sensitive skin. Yes, there is nothing better than a natural soap for a person who has a sensitive skin but that does not mean that others won’t benefit from it. Natural soaps possess necessary essential oils which go into enhancing all skin textures.
There is a vast array of natural soap flavors to choose from. Tamarind, Aloe Vera, sandalwood, red wine, rosemary, mint, lemongrass, honey, mango, and chocolate- the list does not end here. It is just that all of them cannot be named in here. Natural soaps are further categorized as flower soaps, fruit soaps, herbal soaps, botanical soaps etc. Some natural soaps also act as scrubs. Take for example rice bran natural soap. The soap contains small granules of rice and bran and as such the soap as a whole works as a scrub. Likewise sesame natural soap acts as an incredible scrub. Cold pressed sesame seeds bring out a natural glow on your skin.
Just like a synthetic soap, natural soap is made from compounds but a natural soap is sans any animal fat, fragrance and detergent. It is the absence of these three ingredients that makes a natural soap have an upper edge over other commercial soaps.
Natural soaps are full of cleansing and moisturizing agents. They contain essential vitamin E extracts that help to bring out natural skin beauty. The essential plant oils contained in the natural soaps also helps to make it supple and smooth.
There are more reasons than one to use natural soaps. If you have not experienced the goodness of natural soaps till now, go and catch hold of a bar today!
The Benefits Of Facial Treatments
June 2, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
There are many external as well as internal factors that have made the facial treatments necessity rather than a luxury. A facial treatment is supposed to be for both men and women. There are many benefits of these facials which make these treatments even more desirable. The basic aim of having a facial done is to get your neck and face free from the dirt particles that accumulate on your skin due to exposure to the outside environment. These treatments help to moisturize and tone the skin. These also help to nourish the skin and also lend a relaxing effect to the facial muscles.
The first and the most basic step of every facial treatment is the scrubbing away of the dirt and dead skin layer from the skin. These treatments are also very helpful in case you are having some skin allergy or infection. After the treatment a thorough massage is given to the facial muscles which not only gives a relaxing feeling but also keeps up the blood circulation of the region. There are many different treatments that are available for both men and women. You should be very cautious while selecting the skin care center from where you will get your treatment done.
It is always recommended that you go to some specialized skin center depending upon your age and gender. For those who have sensitive or infectious skin should be all the more careful in deciding the center. It should be a highly reputed skin center. A good skin center will have only expert staff members who are very efficient at their job. You should always go to the trusted places to get your facial treatments done as a wrongly selected skin center can mean ruining the most delicate part of your body, your skin. Also be very careful while selecting the type of facial treatment that you will be undergoing, it should be according to your skin type.
Four Step Facial Care for Men
May 3, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Today more than ever, men are concerned with skin care and taking care of their skin. Most skin care lines are geared toward women and concerns that women have with skin health, while few are geared towards men’s skin health. The following are easy and fast tips for men to follow to start taking care of their skin, without the confusion of too many products or steps. Men’s skin care should include a daily face wash, a mild facial scrub, proper shaving techniques, and a moisturizer containing sunscreen.
Face Wash
Men should cleanse their skin with a mild facial cleanser morning and night. Cleansers should contain cleansing agents and be mild with moisturizing ingredients that help balance skin ph levels. Cleansing, morning and night, will remove excess oil and dirt, keeping pores clear and skin less prone to break outs. You can also use natural soaps that are formulated for your skin type from time to time.
Facial Scrub
A mild facial scrub that contains micro beads or exfoliating components such as papaya seeds can aid in over all skin health and shaving irritation. A facial scrub can be used a few times a week. A good tip is to leave the scrub in the shower and use on days following shaving. Scrubs help to shed dead skin and keep pores free of debris. Using a scrub a few times a week will also reduce ingrown hairs.
Proper Shaving Techniques
Whether you choose a wet shave or electrical, the skin should be cleansed prior to shaving. If using the traditional wet shave techniques, cleanse the skin first and use a shaving gel or cream to reduce irritation, cuts and skin snags. Shaving gels aid the blade over the skin causing the razor to catch the hairs and not the skin. For electrical shavers, cleanse and dry the skin and be sure that the blades of the electrical shaver are properly cleansed and sanitized. Electrical shavers can harbor bacteria that can then be transferred to the skin, causing irritation. An after-shave or mild facial moisturizer should always be applied after shaving. . After shaves often contain ingredients that will help reduce irritation and sooth the skin, while a moisturizer will sooth and hydrate the area.
Moisturizer with Sunscreen
As men tend to have more oily skin than women, a morning moisturizer containing a sunscreen is usually enough to properly moisturize men’s skin. However, if moisturizing at night is preferred, choose a light moisturizer that does not contain sunscreen. A day time moisturizer with sunscreen will protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, while moisturizing and hydrating the skin, leaving it healthy and smooth. A night moisturizer would follow a night cleanse and would be beneficial for older men or men that have a drier skin type. The same moisturizer can be used day and night if it does not contain sunscreen, however a sunscreen should then be applied over the moisturizer during the day.
While it is widely known that most men will not take the same amount of time women may to take care for their skin, these tips are the basics to a great complexion for any man. With a little bit of discipline, any man can have younger-looking, smoother skin too.
By Tiffany Oney
Tiffany Oney is a licensed esthetician, professional makeup artist and natural skincare authority. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies California State University, Long Beach and interning with Vivoderm Natural Skincare in Los Angeles, California.
Using Natural Soap For Blackheads and Acne
April 6, 2010 by admin · 3 Comments
Acne and Blackheads
While we may not realize it, those tiny black dots on our noses, backs, in our ears and on our cheeks are blocked skin pores known as blackheads. Blackheads are dark in color because the tops of the skin pores are open to the air, so the top part of the hardened sebum or oil oxidizes, turning black (and where the term blackhead comes from).
Sebaceous glands tend to produce more oil than usual during puberty, and may be regulated to due specific hormonal changes, with some individuals continuing to experience blackheads into adulthood. Acne results when the oil gland is blockage by the blackhead and becomes infected.
Blackheads can be controlled through healthy skin regimens and the right treatments. Common health disorders like indigestion, constipation, under active thyroid and anemia may also cause blackheads.
What causes Blackheads?
When an over active sebaceous gland (the gland that produce healthy oils) in the skin becomes clogged with sebum, the oily secretion and dead skin cells begin to harden in the pore and results in a blackhead.
Help and treatment for people with Blackheads
Many herbal and homeopathic remedies have been formulated with specific ingredients to help keep pores unblocked and promote a healthy amount of skin oils. Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) has exceptional anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic actions and will not dry out the skin. Arctium lappa is used naturopathically for the treatment of chronic skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and canker sores.
Using Natural Soap to Treat Blackheads
People often ask “does regular soap cause blackheads?” There is no straight answer. It really depends on how you use soaps and what soaps you use. Generally the answer is no it doesn’t. Using regular soap on your face with clean wipes or flannels should just clean your skin. The problem occurs when you begin to overuse soap, or when you use loads of different soaps, cleaning products, makeup and moisturizer all at the same time. The skin was never designed to take on so many chemicals and it can clog up the pores, in turn causing blackheads.
Does Soap Cause Acne or Blackheads?
Blackheads develop when the pores produce excessive oils, which secrete and scab over. So when you apply lots of different products to your face these can speed up the clogging up process and make your skin worse, causing blackheads. If anything, regular soap on its own can reduce blackheads because it dries the skin out, although this can have its own problems, such as itchiness and sore skin, which of scratched or rubbed may cause regular spots.
Regular soap however can be quite harsh on delicate teenage skin and it is better to use a specially designed scrub aimed towards clearing spots and blackheads. You can also buy blackhead strips or pads that remove blackheads, or for the more adventurous out there you can make your own homemade remedies.
Consulting an expert is always a good option if you have excessive blackheads. They can answer all of your questions and pescribe treatments that may not be available commercially. You may also want to ask your local doctor or a dermatologist (which is somebody that specializes in skin care). If you are looking for a quick fix many salons and beauty parlors offer treatment that remove blackheads professionally s part of their facial treatments.
Tips to Clear Acne and Blackheads
As far as possible, keep your skin clean and try to get regular facials (done by a professional) or if you can’t afford them, try a simple, natural facial at home.
If your skin is very oily, remember that very oily skin attracts even more dirt from the environment. Keep absorbent tissues on hand, and blot your oily patches at regular intervals throughout the day.
As far as possible try to apply only natural-ingredients based products on your face. (Use natural or chemically prepared cleansers, astringent solutions or masks). Avoid harsh soaps that may irritate the skin or any creams that leave an oily finish. Don’t be tempted to use ‘quick fix’ methods or odd lotions, and if you are unsure, or if something sounds odd, consult with a dermatologist beforehand.
Why Natural Facial Soaps are Best for You
February 4, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Our skin is the largest organ of the body and protects the rest of our organs from outside elements and harm. We have all been taught to take care of our skin not only to look good, but also to be healthy.
The benefits of eating organic, whole foods have been getting a lot of press in recent years. If you want beautiful skin, a healthy inside will reflect a healthy outside. Today, natural and organic skin care is the fastest growing area in the skin care and beauty industry.
Why natural? Some facial soaps and cleansers have been known to contain many chemicals such as parabens, to preserve their shelf life. Parabens are actually harmful to the skin, and overall health. Organic skin care products are all natural and do not contain any chemicals or preservatives. “Natural skin care” can and might contain some chemical constituents, but strives to be as natural as possible. The key ingredients used to make these soaps contain few if any toxins or chemicals.
You may then ask, “Do natural or organic skin care cleansers or soaps expire more quickly than others?” The answer is no. In order to extend the product’s shelf life, manufacturers recommend you use something sanitary–such as a spatula–to remove products from containers and always close containers directly after use. It is widely agreed upon that once skin care products of any kind are opened and exposed to air, they should be used or thrown out after 6 months.
When natural facial soaps and cleansers are used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and acne, they are much less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin. Choosing natural is a beneficial and safe way to take care of your skin and overall health. Today there are many organic and natural soaps and cleansers to choose from, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, make-up and even anti-aging serums. Some organic soap ingredients you may already have at home are: essential oils like ginger and tea tree, natural plant oils such as grape seed and almond oil, and herbs such as lavender and green tea. You can use these in your bath or make fabulous natural, facial treatments. The internet or your local library has hundreds of great recipes to choose.
Organic fruits such as papaya, apples, citrus and cucumbers are proven to have a healthy effect on the skin, due to the absence of toxic pesticides. As you can imagine, there are many great organic and natural soaps and cleansers available for retail, if you’re not interested in making your own home remedies. However, “natural” doesn’t always mean organic and labels can be deceiving; do some research on ingredients that seem skeptical.
The intent of this article is to help you be aware what you are putting on your skin and what harmful ingredients may be looming in your favorite skin care products. Now that you know more about natural, organic skin care follow the below home recipe for a great glow!
Make sure that your at home ingredients are certified organic.
Moisturizing Avocado Mask:
1 avocado, 1 teaspoon of apple vinegar, 1 egg white, 3 teaspoons of olive oil. Peel and mash avocado. Separate and beat egg white, add to mashed avocado along with other ingredients. Apply to face and wash off after 20 minutes.
Skin Cleansers Aid Sensitive Skin
November 30, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Skin cleansers may be an important adjunct to the regimen of those who use cosmetics, have sensitive or compromised skin, or utilize topical therapies. Cleansers emulsify dirt, oil and microorganisms on the skin surface so that they can be easily removed. During cleansing, there is a complex interaction between the cleanser, the moisture skin barrier, and skin pH. Cleansing, with water, soap or a liquid cleanser, will affect the moisture skin barrier. Soap will bring about the greatest changes to the barrier and increase skin pH. Liquid facial cleansers are gentler, effecting less disruption of the barrier, with minimal change to skin pH, and can provide people with a cleanser that is a combination of surfactant classes, moisturizers and acidic pH in order to minimize disruption to the skin barrier.
Skin cleansers are surface-active substances (i.e., emulsifiers/detergents/surfactants/soaps) that lower the surface tension on the skin and remove dirt, sebum, microorganisms and exfoliated corneum cells in an emulsified form. The ideal cleanser should do this without irritating, damaging or disrupting the skin and the moisture skin barrier. Water alone removes approximately 65% of oil and dirt from the skin, but is less effective at removing oils of cosmetic import and some environmental insults. Soaps are the oldest surfactants, and are chemically defined as the alkali salt of fatty acids with a pH of 9.5-10. Synthetic detergents vary in composition and surfactant types (i.e., anionic, amphoteric, cationic, non-ionic, and silicone) and pH. In modern usage, the term “soap” generally refers to any cleansing agent regardless of chemistry.1
Skin cleansers consist of the following:
• Water
• Surfactants (to emulsify the debris)
• Moisturizers (to hydrate the skin and maintain the skin barrier)
• Binders (to stabilize the formulation)
• Lather enhancers (found in some products)
• Fillers (generally used to harden bar soaps and cleansers)
• Preservatives (to prevent the growth of microorganisms)
• Fragrance (generally used to mask the odour of surfactants)
• Dyes or pigments (found in some products)
Skin cleansing may disrupt or disturb the moisture skin barrier, affect the skin surface pH, and irritate the skin. The moisture skin barrier protects against transepidermal water loss, chemical insult and xenobiotic penetration while preserving water to moisturize and maintain the smoothness and flexibility of the skin. A compromised barrier has been correlated with psoriasis, ichthyoses, and atopic dermatitis.2 Moisturizers, both emollients and humectants, within cleansers can maintain skin hydration as well as maintaining and restoring barrier function.3 Emollients impair evaporation of skin moisture by forming a film on the skin surface to impede water loss. Humectants attract and bind water, drawing it up from the dermis into the epidermis. The acid mantle of the skin plays an integral role in skin barrier function as well as regulating bacterial flora.4 Studies have shown that skin barrier regeneration/repair proceeds more slowly at neutral pH (7.2) than at physiological pH 5.5.5 Cleansers may also cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis and this effect is enhanced if the skin barrier is compromised.
Conclusion
The choice of facial cleanser is important for people with normal skin, as well as for those people with sensitive skin and skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris. Liquid facial cleansers are the best choice for facial cleansing as they have an acidic pH, moisturizers and high rinsibility. Within the liquid cleanser category, the least irritating cleanser will contain non-ionic/silicone-based surfactants combined with moisturizers, as they will cause the least disruption to the moisture skin barrier and the normal skin flora.
B. L. Kuehl, PhD1 , K. S. Fyfe, H BBA2, N. H. Shear, MD, FRCPC3
1Scientific Insights Consulting Group, Mississauga, Ontario Canada
2GlaxoSmithKline, Consumer Healthcare, Oakville, Ontario Canada
3Departments of Medicine (Divisions of Dermatology and Clinical Pharmacology), and Pharmacology, University of Toronto Medical School; and Division of Dermatology, Sunnybrook & Women’s College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Best Natural Skincare and BeautyTips
October 13, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Treating your skin with pure natural skin care products is not just a new fad or a trend, but a true and effective response to a world overloaded with chemicals, toxins, and pollution. There is only so much a body can do to purge itself from the unhealthy balance we have all been guilty of contributing to. Natural skincare products have been uniquely designed to restore the skin as well as protect the skin and also make it feel smooth, moist and fantastic. The skin is the body’s largest organ and is the first line of defense against toxins and other harmful substances. It is responsible for fighting infections, keeps your temperature regulated as well as fights off dehydration. Why treat it like a chemical garbage dump?
Using natural skin care products is one of the most popular and easy ways to maintain your healthy glow. Some may prefer surgical procedures to augment the natural look of their skin, but in the end using natural skincare is the most effective form of preventative and anti aging skin care regimes. This is because it is easily affordable and there are no ethical issues to consider that many face when considering plastic or augmentative surgery such as Botox injections or face lifts.
Many people are looking for instant solutions to their skin care issues or want to physically augment their appearance because of a sense of dissatisfaction with their appearance. Most physicians will prefer to prescribe natural skincare solutions and offer a variety of choices in terms of how to moderately treat your skincare issue before suggesting you go in for radical and invasive surgeries. Get proper professional advise before you head off to seek a surgical, “instant” option. The likelihood is small that a skincare procedure that involves a any form of anesthesia or an injection of skin bacteria may be the healthier choice.
Next time you consider trying to plump up your lips with a Botox injection or try to puff up your cheeks with some sort of skin bacterial injection, consider doing it the natural way. This can usually be in the form of a cream or lotion that will be significantly less severe than actually adding chemicals to the facial structure and bloodstream. The potential side effects of a chemical addition to your blood or bady can cause unknown allergic problems for many people and are not recommended above natural skincare solutions.
Instead, seek the opinion of a natural skincare expert and allow them to map your facial structure for the skin type and other factors. This will help in administering the best natural skincare product for your face and body, helping the product to work better with your skin type and color. This all comes at a fraction of the risk and at a much lower cost than the surgical procedure.
Administering natural products into your skin is a much better way to maintain a proper skin type and also a better way to improve the look of your skin.
Pure, natural skin care products do not contain the numerous synthetic additives that can cause the human skin’s defense to weaken as well as the unseemly and ugly skin irritations. In addition, the chemical based skin care products may also cause rashes to break out as well as the debilitating allergies. Some, if not all of the chemical additives are by products of motor oil (that’s right), petroleum products and insecticides or even worse.
One hundred percent organic and natural skin care products will help nourish and restore your skin, as well as strengthen the skin and keep it healthy. By using natural skin care treatments, they will work in harmony with the body so you can be assured of having healthy skin which, in turn, will help keep the whole body healthy by asking it to do less internal cleansing and detoxing.
Healthy skin will excrete an important protective covering called the “acid mantle.” This helps to protect the skin from environmental effects as well as harmful organisms. To keep the skin in good health as well as to keep your acid mantle functioning properly you need to have a healthy lifestyle along with a natural or organic skin care regimen.
This can be achieved by not only just eating healthy foods consisting of a whole food diet, but also constantly getting essential fatty acids through consumption of unrefined, expeller pressed plant oils or fish oils. In addition, one should drink plenty of water as well as exercise regularly. Using natural moisturizers and natural sun protectors like zinc and zinc oxide will help in lubricating your skin and protecting you from harmful UVA / UVB rays.
Natural face creams, containing shea butter, coco butter and organic oils as well as organic hand and body lotions will help keep the skin naturally free of blemishes. The best organic and natural skin care products are made from high quality botanical oils and ingredients, which are typically produced in small, carefully packed packages so that one can be assured of purchasing only fresh stocks. So, be sure to give your body and your skin a break…feed it well with nourshing natural foods and organic skin treatments.
Natural Facial Masks and Home Recipes
October 2, 2009 by admin · 3 Comments
Today, there are so many facial treatments available, it’s hard to know what to choose. What will cause a reaction, what might cause a breakout? There are many great facial masks and treatments such as face lifts, chemical peels, botox, laser resurfacing and others, but many are expensive, can be risky, while some offer only a short term result. If you want to really remove wrinkles and have healthier, glowing skin you need to use natural remedies and creams to help you improve your overall facial look.
Some of the basic things you need to know to avoid wrinkles is to: use sun protection- preferably one with zinc or zinc oxide, have a healthy diet, avoid stress, have proper sleep, eat your fruits and vegetables, take vitamins and drink plenty of water.
As an alternative to more expensive spa treatments, using some home remedies for skin care can also be very helpful in improving the health of your skin naturally. For example you can use a natural anti wrinkle face mask or a skin brightening mask.
Below are some ingredients and different types of facial masks that you can make at home:
Honey Mask
Egg cream mask
Cornflour mask
Apple facial mask
Egg white olive oil face mask
Egg white lemon mask
Banana Mask
Egg white cucumber min anti wrinkle face mask
Papaya cream face pack
Peach lemon face pack
Let’s start with the honey anti wrinkle mask
You will need:
1 and a half tbsp honey, half tsp carrot juice, and a pinch of baking soda
You then mix honey and juice of carrots, apply it and leave it on your face for 20 minutes. Remove with a cotton wool (or wash cloth) soaked with warm water with a pinch of baking soda added.
DIY Green-Papaya Brightening Mask
Enrich and beatify your skin with honey, yogurt,and papaya. Well, this is a great recipe to feed your skin the beauty it needs.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon raw honey
Tools:
1 large glass or ceramic bowl
1 bath towel
1 small spray bottle
1. You will need ½ cup of unripe, diced papaya. This contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of
papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells.
2. 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt. The yogurt adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy) and gives the mask a creamy texture.
3. 1 teaspoon of raw honey helps the skin to retain moisture.
4. Blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Apply to clean skin using fingers; leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. When left on, the mask should tingle slightly. If you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation, use ripe papaya, which has less papain. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. Finish by applying a gentle moisturizer.
There are infinite varieties of cosmetic face masks that can help as well.
Clay face masks, are great for oily skin, it detoxifies, opens up clogged pores and remove blackheads.
Firming Masks, massaging in the contours of your face will firm up your skin.
Radiance masks, use vitamins and add glow to lifeless skin.
Hydrating face masks, or Anti-Aging Masks, moisturize dry skin
You have to choose what is best for your skin, based on your skin type. A homemade mask can be very useful and easy to do with simple natural ingredients that you can find at home. If “cooking” is not your thing, then try out some of the more natural options on the market for facial masks and treatments. Don’t forget to ask for samples as well! Natural anti aging face masks with organic ingredients can do wonders to restore your fresh facial look and return reduce wrinkles.
Treatments for Chapped Lips
July 22, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
By Van Le | We have all experienced occasional chapped lips, but for those who experience this condition year-round, the pain and irritation can be frustrating. Medically known as “cheilitis,” chapped lips can have several causes, including dehydration and excessive exposure to elements such as wind, sun, cold or dry air. While most cases of chapped, dry lips are results of environmental factors, in some cases, they may be an indication of an underlying medical or nutritional problem. There are several ways to prevent dry lips from escalating into a bigger health issue.
Dehydration
Chapped lips are often a sign that there is not enough water in the body for proper hydration. The number one cause for dry lips is dehydration, therefore, it is important to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day and avoid dehydrating fluids like caffeine and alcohol. Also try to avoid licking your lips, since saliva dries quickly and leaves your lips even more dry. In addition to keeping your body healthy, water keeps your lips looking moist and attractive.
Avoid extreme weather exposure
Just like our skin, our lips are exposed to external factors 24/7, but unlike our skin, our lips lack the melanin that protects the skin from sun exposure. We moisturize our face daily to protect against dry air, put on sun block to protect your skin against harmful UV rays, but we often forget about protecting our lips against the very same elements. Wear a lip balm that contains SPF protection and apply it several times a day when in the sun or exposed to extreme temperatures. Use a humidifier when indoors to help get rid of dry air inside your house or room.
Use the right products
Fight the urge to hide dry, flaky lips under thick layers lip gloss, since some ingredients in these products can contribute to the problem. Instead, choose a moisturizing lipstick that contains Vitamin E, shea butter, or macadamia nut oil, and avoid matte, ‘last-all-day’ products since they can be very drying.
Exfoliate
Buff away the dead skin on your lips with a lip exfoliator and soft toothbrush or warm washcloth. Then, use a moisturizing lip product or simply apply honey to your lips and wash away after five minutes. Honey is an excellent moisturizer and a common ingredient in most natural skin care products. Exfoliate your lips at least once a week.
Herbal remedies
There are several herbal alternatives to help treat dry, chapped lips without exposing them to harsh chemicals. Aloe vera gel has been a great remedy for inflammations, and drinking Aloe vera juice can help relief pain associated with dry lips. Applying a zinc oxide treatment before bed can also help heal and lubricate lips.
A healthy diet
Chronic chapped lips can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, specifically Vitamin B. Foods such as cauliflower, wholegrain cereal, and soy bean are great sources of this vitamin, and can help fight dry lips from the inside out.
Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.
For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestorganicnaturalskincare.com
Facial Care for Men
July 10, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
By Ravi Thiagarajan
When it comes to skincare, there is always a tendency among men to think, “Who cares, I’m a guy.” Lack of motivation to take care of their faces will give most men dull skin.. Sometimes a guy might think “Well, I lift weights, that’s enough,” or “Facial care is for girls.” That could not be any further from the truth. Good facial care helps in retaining proper skin texture in the long run.
Gentlemen, if you care what the ladies think, your facial care is extremely important. It is never good for a guy’s self confidence if your date cringes when you lean in to kiss her. That is why it is totally necessary to incorporate some kind of male facial care routine to help keep your skin looking clear and healthy. Here we focus on some basic yet important things that can make a big difference.
Shaving
For guys who aspire to keep a cleanly shaved face, we are forced to deal with the monotonous task of shaving each and every morning. Too many guys rush through it or give a poor effort, which results in redness, bumps and irritation. Shaving is something that should be done carefully in its entirety.
Experts claim having is best done after your shower because it makes your skin soft and removes the dirt and dead cells. Many guys should use a shaving cream and razor that will give them a very close shave but also protect their skin at the same time. With so many shaving creams on the market shelves, it is sometimes tough to decide which one is better than the other. By not continuing with one, we may spoil the benefits of using the same product.
Experimenting is good thing but long term effects are negative as your skin tries to adjust to ever-changing ingredients. I find many new herbal creams that are made by smaller, organic companies to be better than then the usual chemical-laden choices when it comes to men’s skin care on the market. Their products contain the vitamin E and Aloe to help protect and smooth skin as well as hydrate and moisturize. Use of an effective razor is equally important. Again selecting a proper blade is essential. Gillette sells its Mach3 line of new blades in different sizes and numbers now, which makes me even more confused. They started with twin, then came the ‘3 slot super shave’ and now it’s the ‘4 cutter fine shine!’ Any of these variations of razors will do the job, really well or if you prefer electric that’s fine too. Just make sure the blades are clean and sharp – very few women are attracted to werewolves.
Acne
Acne is the mother of all skin problems and it is just a horror if you are trying to impress the ladies. If you are a college guy, you most likely have past your worst acne stage but you never know what Mother Nature has in store for you. Acne becomes the prime concern when men are in their 20s and 30s - just about the time you are dating or looking for that first big job - where appearances are the key. Busy lifestyles have added stress that according to some reports, has created acne issues rising from 20% to 60% last two years. So, “why me?” you might ask.
The short version of the complicated answer is this. Acne can be caused by a number of things – hormones, diet, poor hygiene, lack of cleansing – or none of these things. It all depends on your body chemistry. But once you have it, you just want it to go away. Before choosing an acne product, familiarize yourself with the ingredients. Some brands use harsh chemicals to kill acne bacteria. The down side to this is these chemicals can also negatively affect your skin in the long run.
There are hundreds of various adult skin care products for acne on the market today. Most of these products require at least a month of steady usage to get results. Be sure that you are giving whatever product you choose at least 4-6 weeks before you discontinue use. If you stop using a product sooner than this then you could risk wasting time and money on a product that otherwise would’ve cleared your skin.
Dry Skin
Among other skin problems, dry skin is definitely one to be aware of. Normally healthy skin is coated with a layer of lipids and some fatty substances, which keep the skin supple and soft. Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels “tight” and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin. Dryness is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. This type of skin is tightly drawn over the bones. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines in these spots and at the comers of the mouth.
Apply Moisturizer Frequently
Both genders are capable of getting dry skin and the best way to prevent dry skin from rearing its ugly head is to consistently use a facial moisturizing lotion on an everyday basis. There are many tips and advice on how to take care of your face. However, the most common and consistent advice is to avoid the sun and moisturize your face.
Ok, my skincare lesson is over. Here’s a little joke on a lighter note:
Every man believes every woman’s ultimate fantasy is to have two men at once.-
While a recent sociological study verified this, what men don’t realize is that, in women’s fantasies, one man cooks while the other cleans!
Ravi Thiagarajan is a freelance writer and intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. He has published numerous articles for the leading newspaper The Times of India, local affiliate Anand Plus.
For more information and latest findings on natural skincare link to ORGANICSKINCAREINFO.NET
http://newbeautifulskin.com












