Skin Care
9 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Bags Under Your Eyes
If you’re wondering why you have puffy eyes or how you can make under-eye bags disappear, the good news is having bags under your eyes doesn't usually impact vision or health. But if you want to reduce the puffiness around your eyes, there are temporary and long-lasting solutions. Bags under eyes — mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes — are common as you age. With aging, the tissues around your eyes, including some of the muscles supporting your eyelids, weaken. Normal fat that helps support the eyes can then move into the lower eyelids, causing the lids to appear puffy. Fluid also may accumulate in the space below your eyes, adding to the swelling. Having puffiness under your eyes is usually a cosmetic concern and rarely a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. At-home remedies can help improve the appearance of bags under eyes, however, for persistent or bothersome under-eye puffiness, eyelid surgery may be an option. The causes of bags under the eyes There are several reasons people get puffy eyes, including: High-salt diet: Eating a lot of salty foods causes you to retain water and leads to swelling. Allergies: Congestion and inflammation from allergies can sometimes exacerbate under-eye puffiness. Medical conditions: Some health conditions such as thyroid problems can cause the eyes to become swollen. Genetics: Having under-eye bags can be a physical characteristic that runs in your family. Natural aging process: Loss of firmness in the skin and muscles happens as you age. Why do under-eye bags form when you get older? The most common cause of under-eye bags or puffiness is natural aging. Older skin becomes too lax and tends to fall or wrinkle, which also leads to the muscles and tissues around the eyes weakening and contributing to the baggy look. This weakening allows the fat surrounding the eye to bulge out, creating that bubble-like appearance. At home treatments to get rid of baggy eyes There are different approaches to reducing under-eye puffiness, depending on the cause. Natural, at-home treatments can temporarily shrink lower lids that are sometimes swollen from fluid pooling in the undereye area. But, home remedies and over-the-counter products can only do so much. In other words, to effectively get rid of under-eye bags that are prominent and permanent, medical treatment is oftentimes necessary. If you occasionally wake up with puffy lids, these quick fix at-home treatments and lifestyle changes may help. They work to reduce swelling until it naturally subsides over the course of the day. Cold compresses - Cooling the area lessens inflammation and swelling by reducing blood flow. You can place anything cold, such as an ice pack, frozen bag of vegetables, chilled cucumber slices or refrigerated spoons, over closed eyes for a few minutes. Hemorrhoid creams - Some people pat over-the-counter creams designed for hemorrhoid treatment under their eyes. Product ingredients such as phenylephrine narrow blood vessels to reduce swelling. But use these products with caution, as they may cause irritation in this sensitive area. Also, it’s important to keep this medication from getting in your eyes. Caffeine - Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts blood vessels. Many cosmetics companies sell eye creams with caffeine to reduce under-eye puffiness. You can also try resting chilled tea bags, preferably caffeinated black tea, on closed eyes. Reduce fluids before bedtime - Any fluid retention before you sleep can lead to puffy eyes, as well as a need to go to the bathroom. By reducing fluids before bedtime, your eyes can rest peacefully. Decrease the amount of salt in your diet - Too much salt leads to water retention, not to mention aggravating your thyroid and possibly causing weight gain. Don't smoke - Smoking can aggravate the problem of bags under your eyes. Get enough sleep - For most adults, seven to nine hours is a good amount of sleep, for the body to feel rested. Sleep with your head slightly raised - It may help to add an extra pillow or prop up the head of your mattress. Or elevate the entire head of the bed a few inches. This helps prevent fluid from accumulating around your eyes as you sleep. Dark circles caused by fluid retention in your lower eyelids usually go away when you get up. Reduce allergy symptoms - Avoid allergens when possible.Try over-the-counter allergy medications, and talk to your doctor about prevention strategies if you develop under-eye reactions due to hair dyes, soaps, cosmetics or other allergens. There are medical options to take, if your baggy eyes aren’t improving or you wish to have them permanently disappear. Before you resort to any surgical procedures though, have a conversation with your doctor to ensure that you’re on the right path with any lifestyle changes and natural home remedies first. From there, it’s up to you to decide the next step. Conclusion The eye area is a very delicate part of the face. Working with different types of natural at-home remedies, plus changing your diet to reflect overall wellness, can be the first step towards reducing bags under your eyes. Remember that complications can arise if ingredients in solutions are used improperly.
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DIY Sugar Wax Recipe for Smooth & Radiant Skin
If you’re into DIY projects,especially during this time of year, ripping one's body hair out at the roots is usually something you might leave to the professionals. But the ancient technique of sugaring is so accessible, why not give it a go? Having a recipe that actually works makes removing body hair seem like a breeze. Your skin will love the results and you’ve just upped the ante on your creative style by learning how to innovate a sugar wax that removes body hair and gives your skin a natural glow. So, what’s special about sugaring that everyone seems to be excited about? Here are a few reasons:The Ancients Loved It - Sugaring has been user-tested for a casual few millennia. Purportedly dating to the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt around 1900 BC, sugaring went on to conquer Ancient Greece, Ancient Persia, and has been a popular method in the Middle East for centuries. It's simple, cheap, and easy - Essentially, sugaring "wax" is just caramel, and is made of only sugar, water, and lemon juice – affordable pantry staples that often don't require an extra trip to the store. Plus, sugar is a natural preservative, making this last a long time so you don't have to make a new batch every time. It works and it hurts less - This sticky paste pulls hair out at the roots without ripping off the top layer of skin. Yeah, it still hurts a little, but much less than waxing, so you might get hooked. It's zero-waste, non-toxic, and eco-friendly - Razors create needless trash, and waxing wax has the double whammy against it of being made with questionable ingredients, and needing to be thrown away. Sugaring, on the other hand, is a no-waste operation, and dissolves in hot water to literal sugar water. Did you know you can also eat this? Not necessarily recommended because it's much too sticky to be comfortable on teeth, but it is okay to consume. How to make your sugaring wax solution Before you get started, have all ingredients on hand so you don’t have to stop throughout your DIY process to go run and get more. This will eliminate any hiccups along the way. Ingredients 1 cup sugar, preferably organic, fair trade cane sugar 1/4 cup lemon juice, again-- either a bottled organic, or freshly squeezed from the actual source. 1/4 cup water A bowl with water of any temperature you like A candy thermometer, if you have one A glass jar for storing -- short mason jar works well, as you’ll need to be able to reach the bottom. As an aside--feel free to halve or double the recipe to make less or more. The process Pour sugar in the bottom of a saucepan, being careful not to get any crystals on the sides. Pour in your liquids, being sure to cover all the sugar. No dry spots! Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. DO NOT STIR CARAMEL. Instead, do a light swirl to incorporate the ingredients. Watch your pot until it boils. Watch for your mixture to change to a warm honey color, and not too dark. Then pull it from the heat. You can always put it back on. If you do have a candy thermometer, heat the mixture to 240˚F and pull from the heat. The perfect temperature is going to be different depending on the heat and humidity where you live. Turn off your stove. When your candy is cool enough to touch, dip a finger in your water and spread it across your fingers and palms so your hands are slightly damp but not wet. Scoop out a hunk of candy and knead it by stretching it between your hands like taffy. If you end up with syrupy hands, you've got too much water going on. You'll know it's ready when the candy turns opaque. Roll it into a ball and you're ready to begin. If storing, oil your storage jar as lightly as a jar can be oiled before putting your kneaded ball in. This will make removal much easier. If you opt to skip the kneading and to pour your candy into your storage container unprepped, run the glass under hot water first so it doesn't shatter when you add the hot liquid. Keep water out of the interior, though. Kneading before storage will make your sugar easier to handle in the future. The waxing phase of using your sugar Make sure that the hair is about 1/4-1/2 inch long. Hair too long will be more painful to remove. Make sure skin is clean, dry, and free of any lotions, oils, etc. Beginning at the bottom of the intended hair removal area, rest the ball of sugar against your skin, and use three fingers to push the ball into your skin and up against the direction of hair growth. Without lifting it from its current location, re-stretch the putty across the area to make sure you've got good adherence and coverage. If your sugar pulls up from the skin as you try to stretch it, you've got too much moisture. Try dusting a tiny amount of arrowroot powder or cornstarch on the skin to absorb excess moisture. Holding the skin taut, pull sugar putty away from your skin in the direction of the hair growth and as parallel as possible with your body. You may find it easiest to do this in a flicking motion. Reform the ball and keep going. Use the same ball of wax until it's not sticky anymore and then start fresh with a new one. When finished, remove any lingering stickies with a clean luke-warm wash cloth. Wait 24 hours for any hot showers, repetitive motion activities, or soothing ointments or serums. Be extra careful to keep the area clean. After 24 hours, you can apply soothing oil, either coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or fresh aloe vera gel. After 48 hours, exfoliate the area and repeat 2-3 times a week. This helps prevent ingrown hairs. In a nutshell You're going to have to do this a couple times to find what works best for you. If starting with the soft ball stage--a lighter honey color--you can always heat the wax more, but not less. This will probably be a good temperature for you if you live in a colder region. If you live somewhere hot and humid, you may find that you need to heat your mixture to the firm ball (250˚F) or hard ball (260˚F) stage so that it doesn't get melty and sticky as you work. If you're heating to a firmer stage, it's highly recommended to knead before storing, or you'll need to reheat your mixture to get it out of the jar. Please keep in mind that the warmer your sugar is, the softer it will be. So if you're working with it right away when it's still warm, and it's too loose, you can either heat it to a firmer state, or wait for it to cool more. Either way, this DIY recipe is one to try and one to enjoy!
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5 Tips for Healthier Skin in the Winter Months
No matter what climate you’re accustomed to, when the winter months take hold and grip your core from top to bottom, it’s essential to know how to protect your skin. From freezing temperatures to icy walkways, the winter months can be brutal. One place this chilly season really takes its toll is on your skin. The harsh conditions can leave skin feeling dry and irritated, and sometimes simply moisturizing isn’t enough. Winter brings freezing temperatures and weather that can be very harsh on all skin types. Sure, you can layer up and apply different types of moisturizers, but are you absolutely certain that what you’re applying to your skin is exactly what you need? The chill, the dryness, the itch, these are indicative signs as temperatures drop. Basically, the winter months can wreak havoc on your skin, however, you can fight winter’s wrath by taking a few smart, proactive steps. It’s vital to know that winter skin woes are common, with a high percent of Americans saying their skin feels differently during the winter than it does the rest of the year. More specifically, over 50% who live in winter climates say their skin feels drier and itchier in winter than any other time of year. Winter weather can affect all skin types. Even though you might be aware that your skin is dry, you often unknowingly make mistakes that can cause your skin to feel worse. Being mindful of how you’re treating your skin and adapting your skincare routine are two essential ways to help ease the skin discomforts that often come with the season. Remember that winter doesn’t have to mean dry, itchy and uncomfortable skin. If you take a few proactive steps and adjustments to your daily routine, this can help ease some of those winter worries so you can enjoy all the fun the season has to offer. Keeping your skin healthy and vibrant throughout the winter months means more hydration and less irritation. By showering every day, using mild cleansers, wearing sunscreen, paying attention also to your exposed hands, and drinking plenty of water, you’re sure to connect with a way to maintain healthy skin during the winter months. It doesn’t have to take much, only a matter of laying out a regimen that you’re able to follow, and in doing so, your skin will achieve the same kind of glow and radiance it does throughout the year. Don’t allow the colder months to discourage skin care health. If anything, it’s a wake-up call to take more action. Pay attention, buy the appropriate products for your skin type, and slather accordingly. To help fight dry and itchy skin brought on by winter, here are five simple skincare tips: Stay warm, not hot - Everyone loves a long, hot shower in the winter. In fact, more people take longer hot showers during the winter than any other season. Unfortunately, hot water strips the skin of natural moisture that keeps it healthy, hydrated and protected. Take a short, lukewarm shower instead to avoid irritating the skin. Find that warm comfort by cozying up in a blanket afterward instead. Fix the winter itch - That winter itch is most commonly caused by severely dry skin, so be sure to moisturize daily with products that contain ceramides to maintain hydration and fight dryness. Ceramides are naturally found in skin but can be regularly disrupted by factors like the environment and daily activities, leading to dry skin. Keep a tub of a ceramide-rich cream in your bathroom to slather on while your skin is still wet after showering to really seal in moisture and help restore the skin’s protective barrier. Dress smart - When you’re heading outside, be sure to bundle up! Always wear gear that protects your skin from the elements, like hats, scarves and gloves. Additionally, while winter makes you more inclined to bundle up in cozy sweaters, avoid any materials that may irritate your skin. If you feel itchy under your favorite wool sweater, wear a breathable shirt underneath or consider swapping it for a different material, like fleece or cashmere. Maximize moisture - The colder winter air pulls moisture from the skin leaving it dry, itchy and lackluster, and heading indoors isn’t helping. The rising thermostat in your house causes dry air that sucks hydration from your skin. Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air in main spaces, like your bedroom. You should also be sure to adapt your skincare routine for the winter just like you would your wardrobe. Swap your light creams out for richer products that will add the extra moisturization needed during the winter and be sure to use them twice daily. Try adding Hyaluronic Acid to the mix! Hydrate - Adding moisture back into the air isn’t the only way to hydrate yourself. You should also be moisturizing yourself from the inside out by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water has a wide array of health benefits and the quality of your skin is one of them — especially during the winter months when there’s a tendency to lose moisture more often. Warm tea is another great way to get hydrated while comforting yourself during the colder months. Conclusion Skin care during the winter months doesn’t have to succumb to the same doldrums as your mood. Think of every morning and evening, while gazing in the mirror, as a chance to up your game and present yourself with that sensational beauty you’re accustomed to all year long. It only takes planning, organizing, and sincere action. Your skin will thank you, and the winter months will be over before you know it. Keep flowing and glowing!
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The Benefits and Uses of Glycerin for Skin Health
Glycerin is one of the most valuable substances in the world and is found in a wide variety of everyday products. Due to its outstanding moisturizing properties, glycerin is commonly used in skin care products. Whether you only use natural skin care products or household brands, it's highly likely you'll find glycerin on labels throughout your home. Natural glycerin exists in all animal and vegetable matter, and has many uses and benefits when it comes to beauty and skin care. However, not all glycerin products are created equal. What is glycerin? Glycerin, also often called glycerol or glycerine, is a colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid with a sweet flavor. In terms of chemical composition, glycerin is a trihydroxy sugar alcohol. The name glycerol comes from the Greek word "glykys," which means "sweet." It has been around far before the 18th century. For example, soap-making using animal fats is described in Sumerian clay tablets dating back to the third millennium B.C, yet today, glycerin has more than 1500 known end uses and can be found in products from cosmetics to foods. The uses of glycerin for skin care Because glycerin is found in many moisturizing skin care products and soaps, it is as well-loved as a lotion and soap ingredient due to it being a humectant. A humectant is a substance that pulls water from the second layer of the skin and brings it to the top layer of the skin. If the humidity is high, humectants also draw moisture from the air. As a result, glycerin hydrates skin, helps you shed dead skin cells and gives your skin a smooth, youthful glow. And due to it's gentle, moisturizing qualities, glycerin is a preferred soap ingredient for individuals with sensitive skin, as the purity of the product will not dry out the skin or make it itchy and irritated like harsh soaps with fragrances and various chemicals. Glycerin keeps your skin moist and soft while gently cleaning the surface layer. Since glycerin is so effective as a skin moisturizer, you can find it in products such as: Cleansers - Glycerin won't add oil to the skin or clog pores, making it an excellent cleanser for individuals who have acne-prone skin. Any skin type can use facial cleansers containing glycerin to wash away dirt and grease without drying out their skin. Toners - Toners containing glycerin are a great way to freshen the skin without making skin feel sticky or greasy. These toners allow individuals with naturally oily skin to hydrate their skin with a light, refreshing mist. Sunscreen - Sunscreen helps guard the skin against damaging UV rays. Glycerin can be found in some sunscreens as a natural moisturizer and to help make the sunscreen more spreadable. Moisturizers - Glycerin's most impressive feature is its moisturizing capabilities. As a humectant, glycerin can be found in many moisturizing products like face creams and hand and foot lotions — just to name a few. As it draws moisture to the skin's surface, it fills in wrinkles for a smooth, soft feel and appearance. Face Masks - Some face masks contain glycerin to brighten and moisturize skin. You can use a glycerin face mask for fast hydration and immediate age-defying results. Soaps - Glycerin is commonly found in many different types of soaps and body washes, and because glycerin is gentle and won't dry out the skin, it’s also a common ingredient in baby skin products. The benefits for the skin There are many benefits of glycerin in skin care, whether you have oily skin, sensitive skin or dry skin. All-natural, pure glycerin skin care products also have no harmful impact on the environment. If you choose vegetable glycerin, you can also feel good about using products that did not involve harm to animals. The top eight benefits of using natural glycerin for skin care include: 1. Keeps skin youthful Applying glycerin to your skin traps in moisture and gives it a youthful, healthy glow. By drawing moisture to the top layer of your skin, glycerin helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and keeps skin looking soft and smooth. It also improves skin function to slow down aging, making it the perfect ingredient for gentle cleaning and moisturizing. 2. Reduces acne breakouts Some ingredients commonly found in cleansers and moisturizers for acne are actually too harsh for the skin. Strong skin care products can make acne worse for some individuals by causing inflammation and irritation. Glycerin, however, can be used to beautify your skin without the side effects of harsher products. Also, glycerin is oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores, the very thing that leads to acne breakouts. 3. It’s safe When it comes to choosing skin care ingredients, you'll want to consider safety above all else. Your skin plays a critical role in protecting your body by keeping fluids in, keeping harmful bacteria and viruses out, and regulating your body temperature to even. Therefore, you'll want to use safe products that promote healthy skin. 4. It’s gentle Gentle cleansers and moisturizers are important for keeping skin comfortable and healthy, especially for individuals who are prone to acne. Acne-prone individuals are often told to use exfoliators to remove dead skin cells, however gritty and abrasive scrubs can remove dead skin cells and leave skin feeling soft, but they can also be too harsh for acne-prone skin and cause further irritation and redness where there's a breakout. Glycerin offers a gentle way to exfoliate, clean and moisturize skin without causing irritation. Gentle cleansers that include glycerin are ideal for individuals with dry skin, as it's important for all skin types to treat their skin gently and prevent irritation. 5. Healing of the skin Where the skin is dry, damaged and cracked, glycerin can come to the rescue and increase skin hydration. Glycerin may be used to help skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis and to help heal wounds resulting from cracked skin. Overall, glycerin promotes skin health by improving skin function, accelerating the wound healing process, protecting skin against irritants, and has even demonstrated antimicrobial effects. 6. Acts as a skin moisturizer Glycerin acts like a sponge and draws more moisture to itself. It also helps slow down the evaporation of water from the skin, which can help keep skin moist and hydrated in the middle of winter. Overall, glycerin has considerable anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties. 7. Protects your skin During the winter, humidity levels drop outside, and cold air causes moisture in your skin to evaporate quickly. As a result, winter air can make skin dry, cracked and flaky. When skin breaks down, it becomes more susceptible to wounds and infection. Yet, a moisturizing lotion containing glycerin locks moisture in your skin and can be especially helpful in protecting hands, feet, elbows, knees and other parts of the body that typically get dry. Glycerin can also help protect skin from the effects of wind or dry indoor air. 8. Preserves other ingredients If you create your own glycerin skin care products, say on a DIY basis, for consumers or personal use, you'll be pleased to know that glycerin acts as a preservative in addition to all of its other health benefits. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, glycerin has outstanding antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It's both a solvent and preservative in skin care products that contain herbal extracts. In conclusion It's very easy to add glycerin to your skin care routine. In fact, you may already use it since it's in so many products. To make sure you benefit from glycerin's superior moisturizing power, check the ingredients of your favorite lotions and creams and make sure they include this sensational ingredient and its numerous benefits. If you're just getting started on a focused skin care journey, look for high-quality, natural products that include glycerin in their ingredients list.
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How Nutrition Affects Your Skin Quality
Your complexion is one of the first things people notice about you, and the health of your skin says a lot about the way you eat and live your life. The condition of your skin really reflects what you put in your body, and a healthy diet is really an “inside-out” approach to healthy skin. It’s no secret that the healthier you are on the inside, the more it shows on the outside. Does What You Eat Slow the Signs of Aging? While you can’t turn back the clock, you may be able to slow it down a bit. Some skin aging can’t be avoided, but the sun’s damaging effects can be lessened with certain vitamins. For instance, Vitamin A and its derivatives play a leading role in skin maintenance. This fat-soluble vitamin helps treat disease and also offers cosmetic benefits. Retin-A is one popular treatment that minimizes sun damage and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It can also smooth your skin and improve uneven skin tone, however you need to check in with your dermatologist prior to a Retin-A treatment program, as there are side effects. Also, diets high in vitamin C and low in fats and carbohydrates are linked with fewer wrinkles and age-related skin dryness, and less skin thinning. Skin Issues and How to Deal with Them Diet alone won’t solve your skin problems, but research shows that some conditions can be greatly improved by good nutrition. For instance: Acne. Your diet can trigger acne flare-ups. Eliminating processed breads and snacks, as well as sugary drinks, may help. Retin-A has been used to treat acne for decades. Another vitamin A-based medicine, Accutane, is highly effective in treating cystic acne. However, if you have any chance of becoming pregnant, you’ll need to use birth control when using Accutane, because it can cause birth deformities. Pimples and acne are more common in adolescents, largely due to hormonal changes. But adults can suffer from breakouts, too. In the past, it was thought that certain foods cause pimples, especially those favored by adolescents, like chocolate, pizza or French fries. A diet that consistently delivers a high load of refined carbohydrates into your system, day after day, can promote mild, chronic inflammation throughout your body. This chronic inflammation is a kind of slow, simmering fire that has been linked to various health issues, including skin problems like pimples and acne. Psoriasis. Vitamin A compounds are helpful in treating psoriasis, a condition that causes thick, scaly patches on the skin. Vitamin D in ointment form is also used to treat psoriasis, as well as specific foods that contain both Vitamin D (dairy, eggs, nuts) and Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, carrots). Wound Healing. Taken in normal amounts, vitamin C can help wounds heal much quicker. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that more is better. What your body doesn’t use passes out through urine. Foods that are high in this water-soluble vitamin include mostly citrus fruits, bell peppers, and some of the more green cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage. Vitamin D and the mineral zinc oxide also speed up wound healing. Inflammation. Vitamins D and E can lessen skin inflammation. Vitamin E also prevents skin swelling. Let’s look at sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles The texture and elasticity of your skin is determined, in large part, to the proteins, collagen and elastin that lie just under the surface of your skin. Anything that causes damage to these proteins can promote fine lines and wrinkles, which can make you look older than you actually are. One reason it’s so important to protect your skin from sun exposure is because ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun promote the formation of highly reactive molecules called free radicals, which can do some serious damage to collagen and elastin. You might be surprised to hear that what you eat can help protect you from photoaging (aging due to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light). While oral supplements alone won’t provide adequate protection from damaging rays, they can be taken in addition to using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. This is where your diet comes in. Antioxidants—compounds that are abundant in colorful fruits and vegetables—help to fight free radical formation. And there is a clear connection between the levels of antioxidants found in the skin and the texture of the skin itself. People who have low levels of antioxidants in the skin tend to have a rougher skin texture. Those with higher levels of antioxidants in the skin have a smoother textured skin.1 Foods that promote healthy-looking skin Fish - This is an excellent source of protein, which your body uses to build collagen and elastin. Fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which promote skin health by working to reduce inflammation. These healthy fats are found in abundance in fatty fish like salmon and trout. But all fish contain omega-3s, so aim for several fish meals per week. “Good” carbohydrates - Try to clear out the refined ‘white’ carbohydrates and sugars from your diet as much as possible. Replace them with the ‘good’ carbs such as veggies, fruits, beans and whole grains. When you choose these healthy carbohydrates, you’ll be consuming foods with a lower glycemic index, which will reduce the overall carbohydrate load in your diet. Colorful fruits and vegetables - Many deeply colored fruits and vegetables get much of their color from compounds called carotenoids. Some of these can be converted into vitamin A, which is needed to help your skin cells reproduce. This is a vitally important function, when you consider that your body sheds 30,000 to 40,000 skin cells every single day. Many fruits and vegetables are also good sources of vitamin C, which your body needs in order to manufacture collagen. Carotenoids and vitamin C also act as antioxidants and help fight the formation of damaging free radicals. Nuts and seeds - Tree nuts like almonds and walnuts, and seeds like flax and chia, provide healthy omega-3 fats. And certain nuts (Brazil nuts in particular) are excellent sources of selenium, a mineral that also acts as an antioxidant. Drink plenty of fluids - In order for nutrients to move in and waste to move out, your skin cells (and all cells in your body) rely on proper fluid sources. Water is great, and so is green tea since it provides not only fluid but antioxidants. Be sure to stay well hydrated when the weather is hot. When you sweat, your body relies on fluids to help remove waste products from your skin. Summary Eating with good nutrition in mind is essential to your overall health — and the health of your skin. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you have questions about nutrition and how it affects your skin. Your health and wellbeing are exponentially reflected in what you eat, the stress in your life, and how you manage both.
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The Best Remedies for Repairing Crepey Skin
When you gaze into the mirror and you notice some wrinkling skin appearing on your neck, underarms, chest, and eyes, it’s no small thing to be alarmed. In fact, crepey skin is named for its resemblance to crepe paper, and it appears as thin, wrinkly skin that may also sag or hang loosely. While not harmful to your health, crepey skin is aesthetically unpleasing and one of the biggest aging concerns that the older generation wants to fix. Fortunately, there are many great non-surgical and surgical treatment options for crepey skin. It’s recommended to first, have a visit with your dermatologist to discuss options and potential treatments before resorting to any alternative remedies that can do more damage. The causes of crepey skin Your skin relies on both collagen and elastin to remain youthful, tight and supple, as these main structural proteins found in the body’s various connective tissues prevents skin from sagging and gives it a plump, full look. However, crepey skin occurs when the level of collagen, elastin, and other skin health proteins becomes depleted. While genetics does play a role in collagen and elastin production, there are also natural environmental factors that decrease collagen and elastin production, thereby increasing the risk of crepey skin, such as: Normal Aging - Crepey skin becomes more prevalent with age and is most common in those over the age of 40. As you age, collagen and elastin production naturally decrease and can be accelerated by additional risk factors. Sun Exposure - Excessive sun exposure is most definitely associated with crepey skin. While UV light breaks down collagen by causing an excessive build-up of elastin, if the two are out of balance, the aging process speeds up, resulting in skin sagging and wrinkles. Dryness - Inadequate hydration is a common cause of crepey skin, and may also be related to aging. Remember that as you age, your skin produces less oils. These essential oils act as a protective lipid barrier and seal in moisture. It’s also worth noting that dryness may be the result of hormonal changes at any age, or simply lack of adequate moisture. Weight Loss - Sudden or extreme weight loss can result in crepey skin. Your skin has been stretched over a significant amount of time and may lose its elasticity, resulting in skin that’s grown in volume with excessive weight gain. It’s this phenomenon where new cells form to make space for the fat cells underneath them. Environmental - Pollution, smoking, stress, lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition, and medications such as prednisone have all been implicated in crepey skin because of their detrimental effect on collagen and elastin. How to prevent crepey skin There are ways to prevent crepey skin, and the most effective path is by boosting the body’s collagen and elastin production. Maintaining a healthy level of both of these proteins include: Avoiding Sun Exposure - Sun exposure ranks highest as the most preventable cause of early skin damage. Tanning beds are particularly harmful and cause crepey skin in those as young as 20. If you cannot avoid the sun, wear protective clothing and use a full spectrum sunscreen with a rating of at least SPF 30. Moisturizing - Crepey skin that appears inconsistently (or seasonally) is most likely due to dryness. To prevent collagen damage due to dryness, keep your skin moisturized by using products with glycerin or hyaluronic acid to hold in moisture so skin not only stays hydrated but appears supple and plump. Moisturizing prevents crepey skin and may also improve its appearance. Diet & Supplements - Hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides and other collagen-boosting vitamins are prevalent in supplement form. However, foods that enhance your body’s natural production of collagen may be more effective than supplements. Bone broth, chicken, fish and egg whites are all excellent sources of collagen or the amino acids needed to build it. Vitamin C also plays a role in collagen production, so eat plenty of berries and citrus fruits. Treatments and remedies for crepey skin If you treat crepey skin as early as possible, this will produce the best results, especially if crepey skin is bothering you. See your dermatologist right away. Just know that there are several effective and beneficial remedies for treating crepey skin, and the best treatment option for each person depends on several factors including skin type, the cause of creping, the degree of severity, and which area of the body is affected. Topical Retinol Products Topical retinol products are creams or gels that help restore your skin’s elasticity and thicken collagen, and it’s primarily because retinoids have an exfoliating effect which hastens cell repair and turnover. Because retinoids are drying and put you at greater risk for sun damage, they can make crepey skin worse if not used properly. Always pair retinoid usage with a moisturizer. Fraxel Laser Treatments Fraxel laser treatment uses small lasers to create microscopic holes in your skin, which encourages growth of new collagen. As the skin heals itself, texture and tone even out and thin skin returns thicker. This type of treatment works best for crepey skin around the eyes. Ultherapy Ultherapy uses ultrasound to heat the tissue below the skin, as some cells break down collagen production and skin repair is stimulated. The treatment can tighten loose, flaccid skin and is most effective in the face and neck. Skin that’s attached to muscle, as in the upper arm, doesn’t respond as well, however. Thermage Thermage also heats the skin to stimulate healing and collagen production, but does so by using radio frequency waves. This remedy works best for those who seek skin tightening in a small area due to minimal or postpartum weight loss or because of general age-related skin sagging. CoolSculpting CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that’s typically used to remove excess fat. The device works by freezing and killing fat cells which are then naturally removed from the body via the lymphatic system. A pleasant side effect of this process is the skin tightening that occurs once fat cells below the skin’s surface are eliminated. Dermal Fillers Dermal fillers improve the appearance of crepey skin by stimulating your own body’s collagen production. The relatively non-invasive treatment has the effect of making skin look plumper and more youthful. These fillers work not only on the face, but can target crepey skin on the upper arms as well. Plastic Surgery A final remedy for crepey skin is plastic surgery. This may be the most effective option for severe forms of crepey skin or crepey skin that is caused by excess skin due to a significant amount of recent weight loss. Plastic surgery can be done anywhere on the body and may even include liposuction if there’s excess fat to be removed, for example in the lower abdominals or upper arms. In summary The widespread notion that crepey skin is a condition you have to live with is the farthest from the truth. With numerous remedies, creams, treatments, proper diet and lifestyle, you’ll be well on your way to glorious-looking skin in no time. Making sure you have a consultation with your doctor will help you decide which of the above options will be most likely to improve the appearance of your crepey skin.
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Listen Up Women! Here’s the Root Causes to Saggy, Crepey Skin and What To Do About It.
Before you freak about looking in the mirror and wondering what happened to your neck, arms, and areas of your face that are sagging and loose, let’s figure out what crepey skin is and how to prevent it. As an aging woman, your skin is vital to your well-being and overall health. It tends to lose its collagen and elasticity based on what you eat, the care your offer, and the specific products you choose to nourish your face and neck. What is crepey skin? Crepey skin is thin and looks finely wrinkled like crepe paper, which may also sag or feel loose. While crepey skin is similar to common wrinkles in many ways, the condition tends to impact larger areas, and this skin feels noticeably more fragile and thin. Crepey skin is most common under the eyes and on the upper inner arms. The causes of crepey skin Unfortunately, sun damage is the most common cause of crepey skin, but it certainly isn’t the only cause. Crepey skin can also result from aging, a lack of moisture, excessive weight loss, or any combination of these. The ultraviolet light in the sun’s rays break down collagen and elastin in skin that help it stay tight and wrinkle-free, and once these fibers break down, the skin can loosen, thin, sag, and wrinkle. Age is also a factor. You produce less collagen and elastin — the fibers that help your skin look supple and smooth — the older you get. Pollution, stress, and smoking cigarettes all take a toll on skin over your lifetime and can contribute to visible signs of aging. Know this, as you age, your skin produces less oil than it did when you were younger. And it’s these oils that create an important lipid barrier that protects your skin and helps seal in moisture. Hormonal changes can also lead to drier skin and less natural oil production. In fact, dryness--for any reason--can cause crepey skin. If you have crepey skin that comes and goes depending on the day or the season, a lack of moisture is most likely the cause. Ways to prevent crepey skin It’s incredibly important to properly protect your skin from sun damage to prevent crepey, saggy, and loose skin. If you’re going to be in the sun for lengths of time, always wear proper sunscreen SPF and sun-protective clothing. Slather on a good moisturizer or body lotion, which goes a long way for protecting the skin. Products with glycerin or hyaluronic acid to prevent or improve the appearance of crepey skin are recommended, as these ingredients pull in and hold moisture so your skin stays hydrated and looks plump. Moisturizing oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and cocoa butter can also help moisturize and soften your skin. While there aren’t any supplements or particular foods that have been shown to improve crepey and loose skin, a well-balanced diet that is high in antioxidants — like the kinds you find in colorful fruits and vegetables — can help support the health of your skin and the rest of your body. Vitamin C, in particular, may be beneficial for skin health because it plays a role in collagen production. However, eating more antioxidants won’t fix your skin overnight. You can’t go eat a pint of blueberries and expect your skin to look instantly better, but it does help prevent that breakdown of collagen over the years. Crepey skin treatments Multiple treatments may be used to reduce crepey skin and improve skin health. Your particular skin, the cause of creping, and the location on your body will determine what treatments are best. Regardless of what you choose, the sooner you treat crepey skin, the easier it will be to create a noticeable change in its appearance, texture, thickness, and support. Your dermatologist can help you determine the right treatments for your skin and make sure you are on the right track for a glowing neck, face, and upper arm area. Dermatological treatments - There’s a host of skin treatments that can improve the appearance of saggy or loose skin. A topical retinoid, for example, encourages the exfoliation and speed of cell turnover. However, these products can be drying and make crepey skin worse if they aren’t also used with proper precautions and a hydrating moisturizer Laser treatment - This treatment uses lasers to heat up small areas under your skin, which encourages the growth of new collagen, helping to support your skin and smooth out wrinkling from the inside out. Crepey skin around the eyes responds well to treatment with a dual laser. Ultrasound (Ulthera) - Similar to a laser treatment, Ulthera is a skin-tightening procedure that uses targeted ultrasound to heat the supporting tissues below your skin. This intense heat breaks down some of the cells and stimulates the growth of collagen to tighten your skin. This treatment is typically used on the face and neck and not on the upper arm, mainly because topical anesthetics aren’t effective, and nerves in the upper inner arm can make the treatment uncomfortable. Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) - Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive procedure that helps to remove localized areas of fat. The treatment freezes the lipids in fat cells to cause them to slowly dissolve. Cryolipolysis is used when loose skin is over excess fat, as the treatment tightens skin by removing the fat underneath the surface. Fillers - Fillers have become more popular, similar to Botox, in that the treatment can improve the appearance, texture, and thickness of crepey and loose skin. These filling agents are injected into your skin to stimulate the growth of collagen. Typically performed by a professional dermatologist, fillers give your skin a more youthful appearance. Surgery - Surgery is most often carried out on people who have lost a large amount of weight and have been left with an excess of crepey skin. A plastic surgeon may recommend an operation to remove the skin, but people should consider this carefully as it does carry some risks. Hydration - You can keep your skin hydrated by using a good moisturizer to trap water under the skin to keep it looking young and healthy. Also, drinking adequate amounts of water will also keep the skin hydrated and decrease the drying. Nutrition - What you eat can affect your skin dramatically as you age. Try to reduce the chances of developing crepey skin by following a balanced diet, Increase antioxidant-containing foods, such as carotenoids, tocopherols, and flavonoids. Eat foods high in vitamin A, C, D, and E--or take a supplement to stay on top of these crucial skin vitamins, and eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. What about over-the-counter treatments? Skin that is very sun damaged or aged can benefit from products with ingredients like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, or peptides. When included in skin care products, these ingredients can help encourage new cell growth and remove dead or damaged cells. Lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid can also help to moisturize the skin and improve the skin’s appearance. Consider at-home treatments A simple sugar scrub may help remove dry, dead skin cells and improve the appearance of your skin overall. However, the best thing you can do at home is make sure you’re using face and body cleansers that don’t strip your skin of its natural lipid and protein barrier and properly moisturize when you’re done cleansing. Remember that good self-care can help even the most saggy and loose skin just look better. Conclusion Although it is similar to wrinkles in many ways, crepey skin is not necessarily linked to old age, however, as you do get into your advanced years, your skin can become more loose and flaccid. Crepey skin typically affects large areas of skin and can make it noticeably more fragile and thin. Sun exposure and poor diet are the two most prominent risks to developing crepey, loose, and saggy skin. Be sure and moisturize, follow a well-balanced nutrition plan, and stop smoking, and get plenty of rest. Talk with your dermatologist first to understand the severity of your crepey skin, whether you need any types of radical treatment, and to receive their guidance on natural protocols to adhere to in mitigating the dryness. Don’t let crepey skin stop you from living life to the fullest!
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Liposomal Skin Care Is Revolutionizing The Skin Care Industry
Picking the right skin care products can be a challenge, from knowing what your skin needs to the hundreds of choices. The process can be overwhelming, but there’s something you should be looking for when shopping for your skin care products: liposomes. What are liposomes? Simply put, liposomes are a newly popular transportation method for the ingredients in skin care products. More technically, they are unique phospholipid structures. They are manually agitated to form a structurally supportive vesicle. With at least one lipid bilayer, they hold on to active ingredients, nutrients, drugs, and more to bring them past the intestinal membranes into the tissues being targeted. So what does that all mean? Basically, their chemical structure is such that when used in skin care treatments and products, the valuable ingredients are transported better through the skin, making the active ingredients more potent. This is primarily possible because, unlike non-liposomal formulas, the nutrients and ingredients aren’t partially destroyed by digestive enzymes. This partial destruction keeps the ingredients from reaching the cells or blood vessels in their complete form. Liposomal products, on the other hand, help to keep the ingredient in tact and protected until they reach their intended target. Liposomes are becoming an ever-more widely used additive in the pharmaceutical industry and supplements. Their popularity comes in the resulting effects of liposomal products. Because they hold on to these key nutrients and ingredients, they make a product more effective, an especially desirable quality in skin care products. The Benefits of Liposomes Aside from the general benefit of liposomes making ingredients and nutrients able to make their full impact, there are several other benefits to incorporating liposomes in your skin care products. Ingredients Go Deeper Part of the reason liposomes are becoming so popular in skin care products is the protection they offer to ingredients. Tangential to that is their ability to allow the product and the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin. Rather than simply sitting on the surface of the skin, liposomes make it possible for a product’s active ingredients to get to the deeper layers of the skin. And because liposomes have an affinity for water, that means your skin will be moisturized from the inside out as they hold on to more water than non-liposomal formulas. Slows Things Down An effect of the protective nature of liposomes is their ability to contribute to a slower metabolism in the bloodstream. This has nothing to do with your body weight and everything to do with how the product is retained in the body. By slowing down the blood stream metabolism, ingredients are afforded a longer course so the benefits of the products are greater. Less Is More There are actual financial benefits to choosing liposomal products, namely because they allow a product to last longer in your skin, so you can apply the product fewer times. Even as you use the product less, you will get the same benefits because of the protective nature of liposomes and their ability to slow the metabolism of the blood stream. What To Look For Now that you’re convinced about using liposomal products, you need to know how to find them. The big indicator will be the packaging. While companies aren’t required to refer to liposomes in their ingredient list, there are some ingredients that will be listed that will give you an indicator that the product has liposomes in the formula: Phospholipids Phosphatidylethanolamine Phosphatidylinositol Lecithin If you see any of these products listed, there’s a good chance liposomes are incorporated in some part of the formula. You can also search for liposomal products. While skin care products can lead you into a confusing world of bottles and creams and serums, there’s one thing you can count on: liposomes. They will give you the assurance that your product is going to have a better result and a longer lasting impact. You might also find yourself saving some cash along the way.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Face Acids
In recent years, many have been using new products to help their skin stay soft and younger like never before. These are “acid” products, a term which sounds dangerous at first glance but is actually based on the chemicals found within the face creams. Many of these acid-based skin cleansers are incredibly powerful, acting fast and consistently to keep skin stay glowing and radiant. These products are catching fire because of their fantastic ability to fight acne, wrinkles, aging, and correct skin tone. With the newfound efficacy of these cleansers, the market is more crowded than ever. Here’s everything you need to know about acid-based skin cleansers. Salicylic Acid Probably the best known widely used acid at this point, salicylic acid has been used for decades to exfoliate skin and keep pores fresh and clear of dirt and oily residue. It greatly helps to reduce acne and aids in preventing the wrinkling and aging of skin. It’s most commonly found in serums and cleansers in concentrations of anywhere between point five and two percent. It’s also commonly found in spot treatments which are used to treat specific areas of the skin when breakouts occur. For those who need more thorough and intensive products, to remove acne scars, melasma, or to treat sun damage, they’ll use products with a larger concentration of salicylic acid. On top of clearing skin conditions, it’s also a mild anti-inflammatory, which is great for overall health. Glycolic Acid Not as popular as salicylic acid, glycolic nevertheless is great if you need an anti-aging cream. The chemical is derived from sugar cane and is also the smallest of the “alpha-hydroxy acids” meaning it’s the most effective skin-care product possible for getting deep into the skin. It’s most known for it’s anti-aging properties, but it also keeps skin moist and goes a long way in preventing acne and dry skin, as well as exfoliating skin to reduce fine lines, helping to fade dark spots, increasing skin thickness, and evening out skin tone. Glycolic acid shows up frequently in products in a concentration below ten percent. It can be combined with microdermabrasion or microneedling to treat acne and enhance discolored pigmentation. Although it’s incredibly effective, the use of glycolic acid increase sensitivity of the skin to the sun, so it’s best to use it tandem with sunscreen to prevent sun damage. Mandelic Acid Another alpha-hydroxy acid, mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds. It’s a great exfoliating agent and is often used in an effort to prevent acne, treat sun damage, and even out pigmentation. Because of the subatomic structure of mandelic, the acid is less irritating than many other acid-based products, including glycolic acid. This is because it can’t penetrate as deeply into the skin; this is also the reason why it’s recommended more for skin peels – particularly ethnic skin – than glycolic acid. The skin is less prone to “rebound pigmentation” when treated with mandelic acid. Rebound pigmentation happens when skin cream is used in excess. Your skin rejects the substance, and it can actually have the opposite intended effect of the cream. Azelaic Acid One of the greatest ingredients for fighting acne every developed, azelaic acid has been a staple of acne creams for nearly three decades. It’s found mostly in prescription creams but is incredibly effective at keeping your pores clear, killing harmful bacteria, and reducing inflammation both on the skin and within the body. In creams which are meant to be applied over the entirety of the face, azelaic acid is found in about fifteen to twenty percent concentrations. Researchers have found startlingly few side effects, though there is some general stinging, peeling, and redness in those with skin which is more sensitive than average. On top of being used to treat and prevent acne, the acid is used as a skin-lightening agent, which is great for fading post-acne marks. Many combine it with retinoids to form a milder substitute for hydroquinone. Kojic Acid Kojic acid is one of the most interesting on this list. It’s actually produced by bacteria and frequently used in the process of rice fermentation. The final result in this process produces sake which is enjoyed by many all over the globe. It’s all the rage in Asia and has been for many years. Its popularity stems from its whining and anti-aging properties. Whitening, in the context of many Asian countries, is a term which refers to the decreasing of hyperpigmentation and reducing uneven skin tone, as these problems are more prominent and severe in Eastern countries. Kojic acid is found in serums and cleansers in concentrations of anywhere from one to four percent. Although the acid is incredibly effective in correcting skin tone and moisturizing the skin, it’s also incredibly irritating. If you’re willing to be patient in adapting to the irritation, it’s one of the most effective ingredients on the market. There are many acids which moisten skin and help reduce acne; some even offer anti-inflammatory properties which is great for your overall health and bodily balance. These acids are all reasonably priced and effective in treating whichever skin condition you wish to treat. You can buy all of these skin treatment products online, at shops like hygieiaskin.com.
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