Don't Let Your Skin Age Before You Do

Aging is one of those things people have been fighting for years. Of course, with all the trouble surrounding aging, it's no wonder a lot of people are keen on postponing it. Degenerative diseases, wrinkles, tooth loss, and balding are all part and parcel of aging. But for the most part, age shows itself in a person's skin – most commonly through liver or age spots.

Age or liver spots are flat, gray, brown, and black spots that vary in size and usually appear on the face, shoulders, and arms – in short, areas of the body that are often exposed to the sun. Despite what these spots name implies, do not think that only old people can get it. While the spots are common in people over the age of 40, they have no problem affecting those who are younger, especially if they are careless about their skin. If you are bothered by age spots or want to prevent them, here are some tips on doing so:

1.Understand what causes age or liver spots.

More than any other skin disorder, the development of age and liver spots is largely dependent on sun exposure and improper skin care. If you do not want your skin to age faster than you do, invest time and effort into these two things and you can be sure that the appearance of age spots in your skin will be delayed if they do appear at all.

2.Invest in quality sun protection.

Sun protection is more than just wearing a hat when you go out or slathering on sunscreen for a day out at the beach. You should avoid going out in the sun during peak hours where the rays are at their strongest. Peak hours are usually from 10am to 4pm. Using sunscreen is good, but you must apply it at least 30 minutes before you go out and reapply it hourly – even more if you sweat profusely. Protective clothing like long pants, shirts, and bandannas are also useful in keeping sun exposure to a minimum.

3.Practice good skin care regimen.

A good skin care regimen involves more than regular baths and face washings with soap and water. As important as reducing sun exposure is, you should also invest in cleansers that work right for your skin type. Lotions and moisturizers are also needed to keep your skin hydrated and nourished. The healthier your skin is, the least are its chances of developing age or liver spots.

4.Use medications and ointments.

If you have liver spots, the best thing to do is to stop it from spreading and prevent others from forming. There are ointments and medications like bleaching creams and retinoids that can help lighten the spots. While over-the-counter bleaching creams usually work well, a severe case of liver spots might need something stronger. You can usually get affordable ointments from online pharmacies that sell cheap prescription drugs. Just use the medication as your doctor prescribed for maximum benefit.

5.Consider other methods of lightening the spots.

With the huge advancements in skin care today, there are a variety of methods that can help you get the spots off easier. Laser therapy, dermabrasion, and chemical peel are just three of the most common treatments for liver spots. Since these procedures can be quite costly, be sure to discuss your options with your doctor.


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Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Introducing the Different Types of Moisturizers

The next most important step in your total skin care routine after cleansing it is maintaining its moisture balance through proper moisturization. Typical public perception has it that if your skin is oily, it no longer needs to be moisturized. Wrong. Actually, the truth is, the least hydrated a skin is, the more susceptible it is to developing acne. And even if you already have oily skin, dehydration is still a strong possibility. And dehydrated skin, as we all probably know at this point, is prone to develop more wrinkles and fine lines with age as compared to one that is properly hydrated.

Proper hydration could only mean that you have to obtain the most advantages from your moisturizer. But before you proceed to learning about these, get to know the different types of moisturizers first. After you have determined which type is best for your skin type, the next thing you have to look for is whether it has the ability to make your skin look soft and feel soft at the same time. In doing so, it is highly plausible that you would be trying out many different varieties before you finally decide on the one that is best suited for your skin.

Cream Moisturizer

This type of moisturizer works best for people with dry skin or those who inhabit areas that have freezing temperatures and dry air during winter. It is characterized by its thick and cream-like consistency.

Fluid Moisturizer

Characterized to be considerably lighter in consistency as compared to cream moisturizers, fluid moisturizer is most suitable for people with combination to oily skin. However, people with normal skin could also opt for this during warm weather.

Gel Moisturizer

For those with oily skin, gel moisturizer works best, and it is quickly absorbed by the skin upon application. Is is the lightest weight moisturizer among the five different types. of moisturizers

Oil Moisturizer

This type of moisturizer is suitable for all skin types. Nevertheless, people should be particular with the kind of oil used therein. A good oil moisturizer should not leave a greasy feeling after application. A particular oil moisturizer to try is one that contains rose hip oil because it combats wrinkles and reduces acne scars. Another oil moisturizer worth trying would be the one with grape seed oil since it is rich in antioxidants.

Serum Moisturizer

Serum moisturizer has a light consistency that is in between that of a cream moisturizer and a fluid moisturizer. Oftentimes, this comes with anti-wrinkle or anti-aging components. Normally, they are more potent than other moisturizer types, so they would work well with dry skin. But people with oily skin could also use them because they are lightweight.

Moisturizers are intended to hydrate the skin to help keep it healthy. But in the event that they cause skin problems or you do not see any improvement with your skin, you are advised to see your dermatologist immediately. By evaluating your specific skin type, he or she can devise a most appropriate skincare routine for you, and endorse the exact moisturizer to meet your skin requirements.



Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Get to Know Your Moisturizer Better

Your skin type would determine the best moisturizer for you. Nowadays, trying to find the best moisturizer can be a mind boggling experience because of the vast array of commercial moisturizers offered in the market, each one promising astounding results complete with attractive packaging and an all-out promotion. However, instead of enlightening us, they confuse us all the more. For these reasons, sometimes we end up buying moisturizing products that do not work well with our skin. And worse, instead of improving our skin's condition they botch it all together that we end up with much more damage than we originally have.

This is further compounded by the fact that there are no researches confirming the viability and claims of all those moisturizers being sold on the market today. Buying a pricey moisturizer does not imply that it is far better than a cheaper one. Generally speaking, the best moisturizers around are those that are formulated to be non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and non-irritating. At the same time, these should be packed with skin care ingredients to suit your needs.

The primary function of moisturizers is to retain water in the topmost layer of the skin. Get to know your moisturizer better by learning a little about some of the most common ingredients found therein.

Emollients

Butyl stearate, glycerin, lanolin, mineral, oil, and petrolatum are among the most common emollients used in moisturizers. Their purpose is to take the place of lipids by filling in the gaps between the skin cells. This process would alleviate the condition of rough skin, making it smoother. Emollients could either be oil-based or water-based. Those that are oil-based have a small amount of water dissolved in oil, whereas water-based would mean that it would have a light, non-greasy feel because water is used as its base instead of oil. Creams that are oil-based may leave a residue upon application; however, they are able to last longer on the skin. Water-based creams, on the other hand, are easily applied and do not leave any residue. But they do not last as long as their oil-based counterparts.

Humectants

The primary functions of these substances is to retain moisture in the skin and absorb water in the air. For them to work effectively, they require high levels of humidity. Aside from moisturization, they are beneficial in making thick scaly skin soft. Humectants come in the form of urea, glycerin, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, etc.

Fragrances

Fragrances are used in majority of skin moisturizers not only to provide a pleasing scent, but also to mask the scent of the other chemicals used. However, they have the tendency to cause allergies and irritations due to their cinnamic alcohol, isoeugenol, and hydroxycitronella contents.

Preservatives

The use of preservatives in moisturizers containing water and oil is imperative because they are necessitated to stave off bacterial contamination the moment the product is opened. But like fragrances, some of them can also cause skin irritations and allergies. Quaternium-15 and imidazolidinyl urea are the kinds of preservatives known to cause problems among people.

Others

Plant extracts, minerals, vitamins, sunless tanners, and sunscreens are some ingredients used in some moisturizers.


Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

The Best Skin Care Moisturization for Your Skin Type

Anyone can have dry skin. Regardless of gender and age, dry skin is a likely result given that the person involved lacks moisture in his or her skin. Skin dryness results from the inability of your skin to retain moisture. Characterized by red patches, flaking or scaling, and itchiness; there is a myriad of factors contributing to dry skin. Among them are dry air especially during the winter season, medications taken, and even hormonal factors.

The above-mentioned reasons explain why moisturizing your skin is a vital process you should never skip. Remember: dry skin is tantamount to having telltale signs of wrinkling, which is associated with aging. However, as easy as it may seem, choosing the most suitable moisturizer to provide you with the best skin care moisturization depends on many factors. And on top of them is determining the specific type of your skin. To determine which moisturizer would work best for you, you have to know first your specific skin type as well as its exact moisturization requirements.

Normal Skin Type

If you have a normal skin type, it means your skin is not too dry or too oily. Lucky you, for your skin has an innate moisture balance. Thus, it only requires a moisturizer for maintenance. Opt for a lightweight moisturizer with a light and non-greasy feel. Oftentimes, part of its component is a lightweight oil in the likes of cyclomethicone, ethyl alcohol and/or other ingredients made from silicone.

Oily Skin Type

As you may know by now, having oily skin makes you more susceptible to pimples and skin break-outs. Even though it is already naturally oily, it still requires moisturization. This is especially necessary after you use oil-depleting products that could cause skin dryness. Using a light moisturizer provides protection for your skin after washing. But make sure that you use a water-based product that is both light and has no greasy feel. Also, make sure that the product you will choose is certified non-comedogenic. This will keep it from clogging pores.

Dry Skin Type

Should you have dry skin, it is a must for you to put back lost moisture. Using a lightweight water-based moisturizer would not do for you. Instead, choose a heavier, oil-based moisturizer with either urea or propylene glycol. These two chemicals are proven to help retain your skin's moisture. However, if your skin is very dry to the point that it is already cracked, oils would work best. They last longer in the skin than creams. They are also more effective in keeping water from evaporating from your skin.

Sensitive Skin Type

If your skin type is sensitive; you are more prone to suffer from skin irritations, rashes, redness, and itchiness. For these reasons, you should select products that do not have allergen components like dyes/color and scents as well as those that are specially formulated for sensitive skin like yours.

Mature Skin Type

As you get older, your skin becomes more prone to dryness since your skin's oil producing glands have begun to slow down. In oder to retain the softness and moisture of your skin, select an oil-based moisturizer with petrolatum as one of its components. Alpha hydroxy acids and lactic acid are also effective. All these components help prevent your skin from becoming scaly and flaky by keeping moisture in.

Combination Skin Type

If you have combination skin, it is likely to be very oily in some areas and very dry in others. Proper moisturization is crucial in helping your skin balance out its moisture level, thus, alleviating its condition. For best results, go for a light oil-free moisturizer.


Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Skin Changes in Your 40's and 50's

People in their 40's and 50's should expect changes in their physical appearance since they would undergo an obvious decrease in the levels of their hormones and the factors affecting their growth. And because most of the cell tissues have already accrued damages throughout the years, a decline in the efficiency of their functions is likewise anticipated. Among them, the skin is the most affected, and the marked decrease in the rate at which it repairs and renews itself becomes more apparent.

This is particularly conspicuous among women because it is during these ages that they are either on the verge of approaching or undergoing menopause, which causes a dramatic change in their hormones—their ovaries produce much less estrogens and progesterones. These in turn affect the union and/or production of collagen, elastin, and other important constituents of the skin. Also, the marked decrease in the oil of the skin leads to thinning and dryness along with other obvious changes. Although the decrease in men's testosterone level would also produce the same effects, it is not as conspicuous and drastic as that of the women. For this reason, professional skin care for women in their 40's and 50's has been especially created to replenish these lost components in their skin that could help decrease the obvious effects.

Here are the conspicuous results of aging skin:

Aging skin tends to have too much inflammation. Usually, age-related skin inflammations are not visible to the naked eye, but they are shown through cytokines, prostaglandins, and other high level inflammatory mediators. Inflammation triggers a raise in the propagation of dangerous free radicals that result to heightened level of cell damage, skin deterioration, as well as other problems.

The epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, dries up and becomes thick, which gives it a withered and dull look.

On the other hand, the dermis becomes thin and enfeebled. This is the layer that gives the skin its strength, resilience, and firmness. Once it weakens, it leads to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

Wrinkles and creases that form from movements of our facial muscles and other muscles due to facial/body expressions/reactions either develop or become deeper. Motion wrinkles is the term used for the developing wrinkles or creases that form in the area where the skin is most likely to fold as a result of the movements of the facial muscles.

Facial sagging and a tired worn out appearance would result from the slackening of the muscles in the face and the loss of subcutaneous fat.

Although all of us are bound to grow old and our physical appearance would eventually succumb to it, it does not mean to say that the signs of aging could not be controlled or slowed down in any way. In some cases, early prevention through proper moisturization and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing can help either keep the wrinkles at bay or slow down their formation. Also, it helps to begin early prevention by avoiding sun damage.

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Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Six Ways to Treat Burns

Burns can be caused by a number of things: overexposure to the sun, too much excitement in sipping soup or a hot drink, chemical spill, and exposure to fire. Due to the number of causes, it can also be expected that burns and accidents involving burns can occur often. If you are worried about being burned or at least would like to be prepared in case you find yourself or someone in a situation where help in dealing with burns is needed, read on for tips on giving burn pain relief:

1.Remove saturated clothing in case of chemical burns.

If the burn is caused by a caustic chemical, remove items of clothing from the victim that has come to contact the chemical. Not doing so can cause the chemical to spread to other parts of the body and increase the damage.

2.Soak affected areas in cold water.

Although most people think that using an ice compress immediately on the burned surface is more practical, its extremely low temperature can further irritate the damaged skin. Instead, soak the affected area in cold water to provide gradual and temporary relief from the stinging and stop the burn from spreading.

3.Apply lavender oil to the burn.

Although it is more popular for its use in aromatherapy and as first aid for insect bites, lavender oil can also soothe burned skin. Slather on generous amounts of lavender oil on the burned surface to relieve the stinging and protect the exposed inner layer of the skin from infection.

4.Use aloe vera gel to soothe burned skin.

If you are outdoors and suffering from sunburn, you can use aloe vera gel to soothe the affected areas. Break off the stalk from an aloe vera plant and split it in half to get the gel inside. Apply this gel on the burned skin to cool it and soothe the stinging. In addition to this comforting coolness, aloe vera gel stimulates blood flow and proper circulation on the burn area which promotes cell renewal and speeds up healing.

5.Place cold tea bags on the burn for a comforting compress.

Black and green teas are known for their antioxidants but, they are also good for cooling sunburns. Just dip a tea bag in cold water and place it on the burn for a cooling fix. Aside from providing relief, the antioxidants in the teas help in fighting off infections.

6.Mix a vinegar solution and splash onto sunburned areas.

For sunburns, a vinegar solution is another handy homemade remedy. Mix equal parts of vinegar and cold water to create a solution. Splash or bathe the sunburned skin with this solution to cool it and prevent infection. Although any kind of vinegar may be used, apple cider vinegar is deemed best.

Burns can be painful and cause unsightly scarring if not treated properly. If the burns cover a large area and are causing you or the afflicted person severe pain, medical help should be immediately called to attention. It is also imperative to ask your doctor about techniques to reduce the scarring and care for the wound during recovery.


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Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Why Organic Skin Care Works

The term “organic” connotes food manufactured exactly the way Mother Nature intended. Pure and untampered, it contains none of the man-made synthetic products; such as pesticides, fertilizers, insecticides, and other poisonous substances. From these natural organic materials (flowers, fruits, buds, herbs, etc.) come the current melange of skin and hair care cosmetics, boasting of the best results sans the adverse side effects caused by chemicals commonly used therein.

Hence, it is not the least bit surprising that organic skin care products are all the rage these days. Touted as one of the most promising areas in the beauty industry, organic skin care makes use of only certified organic materials. It does not include even genetically modified formulations or any other substance relative to it. If a product claims to contain a specified amount of organic material in it, it should remain true to its word.

How most skin care products work

It has been suspected that most skin care products we see on the market these days contain hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, and carcinogens. Even the fragrances used for them are considered to be allergenic for some individuals. According to studies, if a woman uses a range of skin care products on her body on a daily basis, she applies an estimated 200 chemicals on her skin. In addition, research has found out that 60% of these chemicals are imbibed into the bloodstream. Thus, it is no wonder why complains regarding adverse or allergic reactions to these products are currently on the rise. It is a probability that these skin conditions were either brought about or worsened by the use of these skin care products making use of synthetic ingredients.

What most skin care products use

Majority of the synthetic products out on the market necessitate bacteriacides and preservatives to keep them from becoming contaminated by other elements. It has been determined that some of these preservatives take out minute amounts of formaldehyde, which is not only a skin irritant, but also a neurotoxin and carcinogen.

Wetting agents in the forms of diethanolamine or triethanolamine are said to be included in the contents of most skin care products, both natural and those manufactured by popular brands. At times indicated on labels to be in attached to other compounds like cocamide, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine are abbreviated as DEA and TEA accordingly. Neither of these two agents are considered carcinogenic. However, should nitirite be present in some products, these could cause a chemical reaction. This in turn results to the creation of nitrosamines, most of which are deemed carcinogenic.

Why organic skin care benefits us

Conspicuously, the most prominent reason why organic skin care works well for most of us is that we do not get to absorb any of the harmful chemical most non-organic products contain. The ingredients used in organic skin care are planted and cultivated in a manner that it does not require the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. This method is called the “organic way of farming”.

Using organic skin care products does not only benefit us, but it also poses a lot of advantages to our environment. The organic farming method utilized for cultivating the ingredients used in these products has been proven to be friendly to all living things found in our natural environment.



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Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.