Sometimes when someone knows much about something, they forget to oultine the basics. So, here goes.
A skin care program is a specially designed system to care for your face, body, skin, etc. There are essential steps you must follow to get your skin to look great, and to enhance the overall health of your skin. In addition, there are also supplemental products you may need to use for extra problems you may have with your skin.
Some of those problems can be wrinkles, age spots, acne, super dry skin, super oily skin - you name it and there is a product for it.
Often times people try to use all-natural products, which is fine. But, be warned, if it is all natural, you need to use it within 2-3 days and keep it in the fridge to prevent spoilage and decay. If it doesn't . Cosmetic companies go to great lengths to test their products and make sure they have a good shelf-life (meaning, that they will last a while in a room-temperature environment).
Be sure to use the same products from the same cosmetic line. The reason is this: each cosmetic line pH balances their products to work together in harmony. So, if you use a cleanser from Noxema, and Oil of Olay moisturizer, you are confusing your skin - it doesn't know what to do!
Also, people are unaware of using a skin care system for your skin type: dry, normal, combination, oily.
A Skin Care Program has these basic 5 steps:
1. Cleanse: apply a cleanser to a wet face, rub it in gently, and remove with a wet wash cloth. This gets off the oil, dirt, and grime.
2. Exfoliate: done 2-3 times a week. Apply to a wet face, rub in gently and remove either rinsing off with water, or remove gently with a wet wash cloth. Some exfoliators are so vigorous that you need to remove it with a water rinse so as not to aggravate your skin further. An exfoliator buffs off the dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores which result in acne and black/whiteheads.
3. Freshen - otherwise called a toner. This finishes cleaning out your pores, then closes them to help them from getting clogged. You usually apply this with a sponge and swipe downwards on your face. It is a product you leave on.
--Many skin care lines have a 3-in-1 cleanser that combines the 3 above steps into one bottle to save time and effort.
4. Moisturize - apply sparingly, you don't want globs of moisturizer dripping off your face! If you have the right moisturizer, it should absorb into your skin fairly quickly. Many moisturizers come with sunscreen. If yours doesn't, apply a sunscreen that has an SPF between 15-30 (anymore doesn't provide any statistical amount of extra protection) before your moisturizer.
5. Protect: usually comes in the form of a foundation. You can use a powder, cream to powder, liquid, or cream foundation, depending upon your skin type. This helps lock in the moisture and keep contaminants out. It acts as a barrier between your skin and the world.
So, if you have acne, you might need extra products to fight the acne. If you have wrinkles, be sure to get something with anti-aging properties.
The most important thing to remember is that taking care of your skin is a worth-while process. If you don't have an allergic reaction, you need to use the brand of product you choose for at least 12 weeks to truly see if it is right for you. (It takes that long for skin to do a complete turn-around).
Some product lines give instant results and you can tell it is right for your skin. With others, the opposite is true, you can tell pretty quickly that it is not going to work for your skin. This is more often true if you get a product line that isn't right for your skin type.
If you have never used a skin care program, expect your face to be slightly irritated and even feel itchy as your skin is purged of contaminants. This sensation should only last 2-5 days, depending upon your skin type.
From experience, if I go without my skin care program due to illness or going camping, my skin will feel mildly itchy for an hour after I use my skin care program - and will do this for a couple days as it helps my skin get back to normal.
Don't be tempted to just get a anti-wrinkle cream, or a night-time rejuvinating system, and call that your skin care. Cosmetic company's are expert marketers and know how to advertise. Something like that is a supplemental product that should be used along with your regular skin care, not as a stand-alone product.
Be sure to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Choosing Flattering Eye Makeup Colors
Did you know that everyone can wear every eye makeup color if they know where to place it on their eyelid and how much to use!
Here are some general tips of using eye colors that will intensify and accent the natural beauty of your eye color. These are the best eye colors to use for blue eyes, hazel eyes, green eyes, and brown eyes! Though these are the best, don't be afraid to dabble in other shades and play with your eye makeup colors!
Blue Eyes: stick with browns and creams and shades of bronze. You can play with a little bit of color of any shade in the accent portion of your eye (the outside corner) or as a subtle eyeliner.
Hazel Eyes: Browns and pinks bring out your eye color best.
Green Eyes: creamy white, browns, and purple accent with a neutral purple eyeliner will make your eyes pop!
Brown eyes: Creams, browns, and an accent of dark blue make your eyes look phenomenal!
Finish off your makeup application with eyeliner and mascara for a complete look. If something appears to be missing, look to your eyebrows: Do they need to be tweezed, filled in, etc.? Eyebrows are what frames your face.
Be sure to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Here are some general tips of using eye colors that will intensify and accent the natural beauty of your eye color. These are the best eye colors to use for blue eyes, hazel eyes, green eyes, and brown eyes! Though these are the best, don't be afraid to dabble in other shades and play with your eye makeup colors!
Blue Eyes: stick with browns and creams and shades of bronze. You can play with a little bit of color of any shade in the accent portion of your eye (the outside corner) or as a subtle eyeliner.
Hazel Eyes: Browns and pinks bring out your eye color best.
Green Eyes: creamy white, browns, and purple accent with a neutral purple eyeliner will make your eyes pop!
Brown eyes: Creams, browns, and an accent of dark blue make your eyes look phenomenal!
Finish off your makeup application with eyeliner and mascara for a complete look. If something appears to be missing, look to your eyebrows: Do they need to be tweezed, filled in, etc.? Eyebrows are what frames your face.
Be sure to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Welcome Summer, Hello Sunscreen!
Hello Summertime, Hello Sun, Hello Sunburns and Wrinkles!
It seems like I have been waiting FOREVER for it to get here! Now that it is toasty, I'm ready for fall.
In the meantime, while you are cramming every minute with fun summertime activities, here are a few tips to keep your skin perfect during the summer months and avoid sunburns which eventually lead to premature wrinkles!
1. Wear your sunscreen! Did you know that it takes about 1/2 an hour after application for sunscreen to work? That means, if you squirt on sunscreen just before you head outside, you'll get a good half hour of sun damage before your sunscreen is effective. This alone gets many people into trouble.
How often to you hear others say that their sunscreen is "no good" and doesn't work? Now you know the reason why - user error and lack of info on when to apply sunscreen. Reapplying sunscreen is minimally effective unless the previous layer has been washed off (via swimming for 1-2 hours or showering, etc.).
Did you know that an SPF of 30 is as strong as you really need? Anything higher doesn't give you a proportional amount of extra protection. (maybe 1-4% extra protection - not very much). Be sure the sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays.
What provides the best protection is the amount you apply. If you are really stingy and barely cover your skin, your protection is significantly less. Be sure to apply an adequate amount the first time. Also, wearing lotion under your sunscreen is a no-no! Sunscreen has to be right on your skin to be perfectly effective.
2. Wear a well-ventilated broad brimmed hat. I especially love this one - how often do you forget to apply sunscreen to your ears? Withoug, at the end of a hot day outdoors, they look like fried pork rinds. Baseball hats help your crown from getting scorched, but are insufficient in covering your ears.
3. What fries first? Ears, nose, shoulders, front of thighs just above the knees, and calves if you are walking around.
4. Stay Hydrated - stay away from sodas. The extra sodium can dehydrate you and wear you out! Stick with juices, non-sugar drinks, and water!
5. Going swimming? The most intense hours of the sun are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is when most of us want a cool dip in the water. If you are going to be in the water a long time, consider more practical swimwear: shirts and shorts. I'm not talking about t-shirts either. There are many swimshirts and boardshorts available that are fashionable. You'll get more protection from the sun, and you won't be constantly tugging your one-piece into place or making sure your bikini is staying in place!
I'll post more ideas as I think of them that will keep you in the sun without the sun damaging you!
Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
It seems like I have been waiting FOREVER for it to get here! Now that it is toasty, I'm ready for fall.
In the meantime, while you are cramming every minute with fun summertime activities, here are a few tips to keep your skin perfect during the summer months and avoid sunburns which eventually lead to premature wrinkles!
1. Wear your sunscreen! Did you know that it takes about 1/2 an hour after application for sunscreen to work? That means, if you squirt on sunscreen just before you head outside, you'll get a good half hour of sun damage before your sunscreen is effective. This alone gets many people into trouble.
How often to you hear others say that their sunscreen is "no good" and doesn't work? Now you know the reason why - user error and lack of info on when to apply sunscreen. Reapplying sunscreen is minimally effective unless the previous layer has been washed off (via swimming for 1-2 hours or showering, etc.).
Did you know that an SPF of 30 is as strong as you really need? Anything higher doesn't give you a proportional amount of extra protection. (maybe 1-4% extra protection - not very much). Be sure the sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays.
What provides the best protection is the amount you apply. If you are really stingy and barely cover your skin, your protection is significantly less. Be sure to apply an adequate amount the first time. Also, wearing lotion under your sunscreen is a no-no! Sunscreen has to be right on your skin to be perfectly effective.
2. Wear a well-ventilated broad brimmed hat. I especially love this one - how often do you forget to apply sunscreen to your ears? Withoug, at the end of a hot day outdoors, they look like fried pork rinds. Baseball hats help your crown from getting scorched, but are insufficient in covering your ears.
3. What fries first? Ears, nose, shoulders, front of thighs just above the knees, and calves if you are walking around.
4. Stay Hydrated - stay away from sodas. The extra sodium can dehydrate you and wear you out! Stick with juices, non-sugar drinks, and water!
5. Going swimming? The most intense hours of the sun are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is when most of us want a cool dip in the water. If you are going to be in the water a long time, consider more practical swimwear: shirts and shorts. I'm not talking about t-shirts either. There are many swimshirts and boardshorts available that are fashionable. You'll get more protection from the sun, and you won't be constantly tugging your one-piece into place or making sure your bikini is staying in place!
I'll post more ideas as I think of them that will keep you in the sun without the sun damaging you!
Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Too Much Makeup - Very Unflattering
I have an issue with how some ladies apply their makeup. I know I am not perfect, but I have always felt the following:
1) Less is best - unless you are in a formal gown at a night event - then go ahead and make your makeup as garish as the evening allows. Do the works: thick eyeliner, 3 coats of mascara, and loads of dark lipstick and eyeshadow!
2) Natural is better - especially for every day use. Makeup should enhance what you already have - not diminish it or make you look highly unnatural.
Here is a good key to go by: would people shrink back from horror when they sight you without your makeup? If so your colors are wrong, your makeup is on too thick, or....you could be one of those unfortunate women who have no features. You know...white eye lashes and eyebrows that need color to show others you actually have them.
I want to hand some ladies my business card with a gentle suggestion that they might want to update their cosmetic look. The one look that annoys me most is when fair skinned ladies use pale, metalic, colorless cosmetics on their face. This combo is really more flattering on ladies of color. To make a pale lady look more pale is just wrong.
The same goes for ladies of color: to add the same coloring that you already have is just wrong. You know, wearing bronze lipstick when your skin tone happens to be a beautiful bronze.
That's enough ranting for now. I'm thinking of compiling a cheat sheet of what color cosmetics look good on which skin tones. Mmmm - that's a thought.
Remember to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
***
1) Less is best - unless you are in a formal gown at a night event - then go ahead and make your makeup as garish as the evening allows. Do the works: thick eyeliner, 3 coats of mascara, and loads of dark lipstick and eyeshadow!
2) Natural is better - especially for every day use. Makeup should enhance what you already have - not diminish it or make you look highly unnatural.
Here is a good key to go by: would people shrink back from horror when they sight you without your makeup? If so your colors are wrong, your makeup is on too thick, or....you could be one of those unfortunate women who have no features. You know...white eye lashes and eyebrows that need color to show others you actually have them.
I want to hand some ladies my business card with a gentle suggestion that they might want to update their cosmetic look. The one look that annoys me most is when fair skinned ladies use pale, metalic, colorless cosmetics on their face. This combo is really more flattering on ladies of color. To make a pale lady look more pale is just wrong.
The same goes for ladies of color: to add the same coloring that you already have is just wrong. You know, wearing bronze lipstick when your skin tone happens to be a beautiful bronze.
That's enough ranting for now. I'm thinking of compiling a cheat sheet of what color cosmetics look good on which skin tones. Mmmm - that's a thought.
Remember to Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
***
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Microdermabrasion - My Favorite Skin Care Product
Many of my clients have asked me what is my absolute favorite skin care product. Well, for this week, I would have to give a shout-out to MICRODERBABRASION!
"My beloved Skin Care, don't feel like I am betraying you. I love the gentle cleansing I receive from you each day, along with the age-fighting benefits and moisturizers, but I do admit that I grow bored of you sometimes."
I love how I can use Microdermabrasion at home, 1-2 times a week and feel like my skin is drastically rejuvinated. I love using it in the shower because it only takes me a minute, and the misting of the shower's water helps keep my face moist so as I don't run out of water as I rub in the exfoliating crystals (which is the biggest cause of getting too rough with your home microdermabrasion kit - hence, red irritated skin).
For those of you who are naughty and only use Microdermabrasion...Shame on you! Though your daily skin care routine might get to be redundant, it is still essential to a healthy, glowing look. It just sometimes lacks the "WOW" factor and punch that Microdermabrasion flamboyantly displays.
Now, granted, there is more you need to do to take care of your skin - so Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
"My beloved Skin Care, don't feel like I am betraying you. I love the gentle cleansing I receive from you each day, along with the age-fighting benefits and moisturizers, but I do admit that I grow bored of you sometimes."
I love how I can use Microdermabrasion at home, 1-2 times a week and feel like my skin is drastically rejuvinated. I love using it in the shower because it only takes me a minute, and the misting of the shower's water helps keep my face moist so as I don't run out of water as I rub in the exfoliating crystals (which is the biggest cause of getting too rough with your home microdermabrasion kit - hence, red irritated skin).
For those of you who are naughty and only use Microdermabrasion...Shame on you! Though your daily skin care routine might get to be redundant, it is still essential to a healthy, glowing look. It just sometimes lacks the "WOW" factor and punch that Microdermabrasion flamboyantly displays.
Now, granted, there is more you need to do to take care of your skin - so Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Top 5 Microdermabrasion Benefits
Microdermabrasion benefits have captivated many users, and may have even made them MDA addicts! If you haven’t ever tried microdermabrasion, it is probably because you don’t know what it is and what it can do for you. You can have it done professionally (at a spa or dermatologists office), or you can opt to use a home microdermabrasion kit.
Microdermabrasion usually consists of two steps. The first is the scrubbing crystals (aluminum oxide), the second is a replenishing serum designed to help restore nutrients and moisture to your skin.
In a nutshell, microdermabrasion sloughs off the very topmost, tough layer of skin. The theory is that as the top layer of skin is removed, the body thinks damage has been done and kicks in a response to replace that layer as quickly as possible, producing healthy skin cells to replace the ones just removed.
The results and best benefits of using microdermabrasion include:
1. Glowing skin – with that top layer of dull, toughened skin gone, the newer skin underneath is revealed, making your skin look fresher and more vibrant.
2. Soft skin – with the toughened layer of skin removed, moisturizers are more easily able to penetrate the skin, helping to soften it.
3. Reduced scarring – It has been shown that long-term, consistent use of microdermabrasion can reduce the signs of scarring caused by acne or other blemishes. It is theorized that the skin works overtime in speeding up healthy cells to the surface of the skin, removing blemishes over time.
4. Smoother skin – due to the scrubbing action of the aluminum oxide crystals, the bumpy texture on skin is smoothed out, helping to greatly eliminate rough skin.
5. Reduction of fine lines – again, the scrubbing action removes that top layer of skin, helping those fine lines disappear over time.
To learn more about microdermabrasion and other secrets to care for your skin, Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Microdermabrasion usually consists of two steps. The first is the scrubbing crystals (aluminum oxide), the second is a replenishing serum designed to help restore nutrients and moisture to your skin.
In a nutshell, microdermabrasion sloughs off the very topmost, tough layer of skin. The theory is that as the top layer of skin is removed, the body thinks damage has been done and kicks in a response to replace that layer as quickly as possible, producing healthy skin cells to replace the ones just removed.
The results and best benefits of using microdermabrasion include:
1. Glowing skin – with that top layer of dull, toughened skin gone, the newer skin underneath is revealed, making your skin look fresher and more vibrant.
2. Soft skin – with the toughened layer of skin removed, moisturizers are more easily able to penetrate the skin, helping to soften it.
3. Reduced scarring – It has been shown that long-term, consistent use of microdermabrasion can reduce the signs of scarring caused by acne or other blemishes. It is theorized that the skin works overtime in speeding up healthy cells to the surface of the skin, removing blemishes over time.
4. Smoother skin – due to the scrubbing action of the aluminum oxide crystals, the bumpy texture on skin is smoothed out, helping to greatly eliminate rough skin.
5. Reduction of fine lines – again, the scrubbing action removes that top layer of skin, helping those fine lines disappear over time.
To learn more about microdermabrasion and other secrets to care for your skin, Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Occasional Acne Outbreaks-What To Do
You’ve seen hundreds of commercials advertising acne products for those plagued with unsightly blemishes. But what if you’re one of those who have occasional acne outbreaks and those products are too strong for you to use? If you use those acne products designed for those with perpetual problems, you may find that it dries out your skin too much.
Here is an easy suggestion. It is necessary to use a good skin care program that contains a cleanser, exfoliator, freshener (toner), and moisturizer that is designed to work for your skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily). Then, use acne medication products as needed.
If you suffer from occasional acne outbreaks, use an acne treatment gel on the areas where you are prone to breakout. That way, your skin doesn’t get too dried out from using an acne product all over your face.
Look for these common ingredients found in over-the-counter acne creams or gels.
1. Benzoyl peroxide: is by far the most effective acne medication. It not only removes excess oil, but removes dead skin cells that can clog the pores. It comes in varying strengths of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. The higher the strength, the stronger it is and the more cautious you need to be when using it.
2. Salicylic acid comes in .5% to 2% strength. It actually slows the shedding of cells inside hair follicles, helping prevent pores from clogging.
3. Glycolic acid & Lactic acid (both alpha hydroxyl acids) remove dead skin cells and stimulate growth of new skin, helping reduce appearance of acne scars.
All acne medication can irritate the skin, dry it out, and may cause redness. When first using an acne product, start out slowly with the smallest amount possible. Your skin will become accustomed to the product more easily and may not react adversely. You can increase the dosage of medication over time and as needed.
To learn more about acne medication and other secrets to care for your skin, Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
Here is an easy suggestion. It is necessary to use a good skin care program that contains a cleanser, exfoliator, freshener (toner), and moisturizer that is designed to work for your skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily). Then, use acne medication products as needed.
If you suffer from occasional acne outbreaks, use an acne treatment gel on the areas where you are prone to breakout. That way, your skin doesn’t get too dried out from using an acne product all over your face.
Look for these common ingredients found in over-the-counter acne creams or gels.
1. Benzoyl peroxide: is by far the most effective acne medication. It not only removes excess oil, but removes dead skin cells that can clog the pores. It comes in varying strengths of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. The higher the strength, the stronger it is and the more cautious you need to be when using it.
2. Salicylic acid comes in .5% to 2% strength. It actually slows the shedding of cells inside hair follicles, helping prevent pores from clogging.
3. Glycolic acid & Lactic acid (both alpha hydroxyl acids) remove dead skin cells and stimulate growth of new skin, helping reduce appearance of acne scars.
All acne medication can irritate the skin, dry it out, and may cause redness. When first using an acne product, start out slowly with the smallest amount possible. Your skin will become accustomed to the product more easily and may not react adversely. You can increase the dosage of medication over time and as needed.
To learn more about acne medication and other secrets to care for your skin, Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!
Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!
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