Beauty Tips Blog

Archive for the ‘Skin Care’ Category

Microdermabrasion is a skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin that has been damaged by the effects of the sun, pollution or simply by the aging process. A device is used which sprays tiny crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin. As with other skin rejuvenation techniques, more than one treatment may be needed to reduce or remove fine wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation. Facial skin resurfacing can be traced to ancient Egyptian times and the application of abrasive masks of alabaster particles. The evolution of chemical peeling and dermabrasion into the procedures in common use today began in the early 20th century.

In more recent years, the use of selective photothermolysis in the form of laser resurfacing has become widespread as a skin resurfacing modality. Microdermabrasion was developed in Italy in 1985; its use was widespread in European countries prior to its introduction and popularity in the United States. This technology offers the advantages of low risk and rapid recovery compared with more traditional resurfacing modalities and can be effective in the appropriate patient population.

If your skin has been looking dull and flaky, it is probably screaming out to be exfoliated! If skin hasn’t been exfoliated in a while, no matter how much moisturiser you apply, the pores will be too clogged up to absorb any cream well. Exfoliation is a technique where the layer of mostly dead epidermal cells on the outer surface of the skin is removed to expose fresher mostly living cells.

Potential benefits of exfoliation include fresher, brighter looking skin, better penetration of active ingredients of skin care products and, for people with excessively oily skin, a varying degree of reduction in oil secretion. For most women, exfoliating twice a week is enough to ensure silky skin. To some degree, though, the frequency of your scrub-down depends on your age (older skin may be too dry and delicate for lots of scouring) and the climate you live in. Warm weather increases perspiration and oil production, leading to speedier accumulation of dead cells.

A facial is the perfect way to treat your skin and may help you understand the proper skin care products for your skin. Treating yourself to facials will help you achieve and maintain a clear complexion and a nice glow. A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin to promote clear, well-hydrated skin. Facials give you the opportunity to work with a professional skin care specialist who will analyze your skin, help you improve your complexion and show you how to take proper care of your skin.  First of all your skin will be thoroughly cleansed. After being fully cleansed, the next step will be exfoliation.

Usually while a steam vapor is directed at your face, blackheads will then be extracted if you request it and it’s suitable for your skin type. (It can cause broken capillaries and discoloration if done on sensitive skin, or done improperly.) You will then be given a facial massage to relax you and stimulate your skin and facial muscles. A mask targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.) will then be applied followed by an application of toners and protective creams.

You do not need to spend a fortune on miracle face creams and lotions to have great looking, healthy glowing skin. Basic beauty begins with the glow of good health, which shines from within. The skin often mirrors the health of the whole body. A radiant clear complexion begins with proper nutrition, efficient digestion and assimilation of nutrients by the body and regular elimination. Skin problems are a reflection of internal health and are often a reflection of overall body and blood toxicity and/or stomach problems.

Almost anything that cleanses the blood or intestines will also show a result on the skin. Skin problems can also be as a result of allergies, hormone imbalances, nutrition or dehydration. There are so many natural ways to look after your skin, from eating special nutritious food loaded with vitamins and minerals to creating your own home made skin care products. Some great skin nourishing foods are: almonds (with the skin on), spinach, honey, pineapple, oily fish, tomatoes and dark berries such as blueberries and cranberries.  You can use the following ingredients as face masks: honey, oatmeal (a great exfoliator!), honey, olive oil and avocado.

Having healthy skin doesn’t mean you should never go out in the sun, it just means you need to be responsible and protect your skin when you do. Many people still don’t properly understand the damaging effects the sun has on your skin (even on a cloudy day!).  Therefore it is vital that before leaving the house every morning, put on a moisturiser that contains an SPF of at least 25. Stay out of the midday sun (from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon), which is the strongest sunlight.

Find shade if you need to be outdoors. You can also calculate how much ultraviolet (UV) exposure you are getting by using the shadow rule: A shadow that is longer than you are means UV exposure is low; a shadow that is shorter than you are means the UV exposure is high. Apply sunscreen to all the skin that will be exposed to the sun, including the nose, ears, neck, scalp, and lips. Sunscreen needs to be applied evenly over the skin and in the amount recommended on the label. Most sunscreens are not completely effective because they are not applied correctly. It usually takes about 1 fl oz (30 mL) to cover an adult’s body. Apply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours while in the sun and after swimming or sweating a lot. The SPF value decreases if a person sweats heavily or is in water, because water on the skin reduces the amount of protection the sunscreen provides. Sunscreen effectiveness is also affected by the wind, humidity, and altitude.