Useful tips for professional skin care

Cleansing Tips

2009-04-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

Do not use soap on your face. Your skin has a PH factor of 4 - 5 which means it is acidic. It is designed to protect your skin from the elements - wind, rain, sun, etc, - and, in 21st Century living, from the machinations of central heating and pollution, etc. Soap is alkaline and when you load this stuff on your face, it totally destroys the acidity of your skin, leaving it vulnerable to those horrors mentioned above. It then takes 24 hours for your skin to recover its acidic properties, by which time you will probably have washed your face again!
Do market research. Clean or wash your face only with a cleanser which is designed for your skin type.
Clean make-up completely. Use a soft cotton to remove the cleanser, cosmetics and other impurities from your face
Pat your face dry with a soft towel. Don't rub - your facial skin is not only sensitive, it tells the world whether you are healthy or not!
Don't forget toning. Cleanser removes make-up and dirt but you then need to use a toner to close the pores.

Natural Quick Beauty Fix

2009-03-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

Do you notice we are always in a rush whether it’s work, school, or just plain insanity? Then we find no time to pamper ourselves and look fabulous,that’s why quick beauty fixes are just the thing to keep you looking fresh and beautiful all day long without spending too much time or money!

Soften Your Body With Avocado

Take a ripe avocado, remove the pit and skin, and mash it up in a bowl. Slather it all over your body, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Your skin will be unbelievably soft since avocado is a natural moisturizer.

Cure Calluses With Vaseline

Calluses are hard to get rid of, especially in cold, dry weather. That’s why vaseline is now your friend! Slather on some petroleum jelly, and put on socks before bed to dissolve tough calluses overnight. And voila, your feet will be silky soft in the morning!

Buff With Baking Soda

If you find yourself streaking after applying tanning lotion, put on some baking soda on a loofah, and scrub away the stripes.

Customize Your Lotion

Instead of spending a lot on expensive perfumed body product, you can make your own by pouring a few drops of fragrance into any scent-free lotion. Rub it on- the scent will last for hours!

Pimple action plan

2009-03-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

Women of all ages suffer from spots, and there really is no guaranteed method of prevention. So when you do get a pimple, what should you do about it? Here are some helpful points to remember...

Don't pop
Popping your pimples can cause infections and even permanent skin scarring. So unless you really have no choice, try to resist the urge to squeeze, pick, prod or poke.

Have patience
Unfortunately, most spots or pimples don't disappear quickly. Sometimes the little blighters can take several weeks to fully leave your face. However, you must have patience. Remember, every time to poke or prod them, the longer they'll take to hit the road.

Use concealer
An oil-free, antibacterial concealer can help blend the redness of the pimple into your own skin color.

Be Realistic About Spot Cream
Despite what the adverts say, spot creams don't really do much other than dry out your skin. They won't make your pimple magically disappear and it's debatable whether it's even worth using them at all.

If you're going to pop, pop right
Sometimes, it's just not possible to leave a pimple alone. You may have a huge whitehead on your nose the day before a job interview. Despite the risks of leaving a permanent scar, popping really is the only option. So if you are going to pop, make sure you pop right. Thoroughly wash your hands and then lightly squeeze the top of the pimple with a tissue or cotton swab. And remember to gently clean the area when you're done.

Good skin

2009-03-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

Your skin is unique. If your best friend recommends a very good product, it may do nothing for you, or you might even have adverse reaction to it. Before buying any over-the-counter skin care products, there are a few basic facts about your skin you must know.

Your skin type. It is oily, dry, normal, sensitive, or a combination?

Your skin complexion. Do you have fair skin that burns easily or light to medium that may burn? Or do you have a medium tone that usually tans or a darker complexion the only rarely burns? Or is your complexion so dark that you never burn?

Your skin concerns. Do you want preventative maintenance to avoid premature aging? Do you have a skin problem, such as acne, age spot and freckles? You may also have large pores, sun damage, facial wrinkles or fine lines that require special attention. Do you have eye puffiness or under eye bags that will require special care?

Your personal habits. Are you a smoker? Do you spend a lot of time in the sun? Do you take a daily vitamin? Do you consume a well-balanced diet? All these factors will affect how you should care for your skin.

Facial Treatment

2009-03-03T15:52:00.001-08:00

Many of us make facial treatments as regular appointments in the calendar, some people do it once a month, some even do it as much as every week. No doubt that facial treatment is a way to pamper ourselves, but we need to find the right facial for our needs with all the choices available today.

Types of Facials

Basic clean up - The simplest form of a facial in which your skin will be cleansed, exfoliated and moisturized. It helps clear up the blackheads and whitehead, in addition, preventing and reducing other skin concerns. This type of facial can be done on all skin types and is usually selected by those under the age of twenty-five. It will reduce tanning, remove dirt and blackheads while giving the skin a clean and glowing complexion.

Normal and special facial - Normal facial helps to cleanse, steam and massage the skin. Those who aren’t prone to acne should choose this facial and they are generally cheaper. Since the skin is massaged for a longer period of time these normal facials are different from the basic clean up.

A hypoallergenic cream is used during a specialized facial to help moisturize the skin. There are different types of face masks that can be applied depending on the skin type of the individual.Its special cleansing and rejuvenating technique is a better option for those with sensitive skins when undergoing a facial.

Galvanic facial - Uses a Galvanic gadget that give a steady, direct galvanic current to introduce water-soluble substance to the skin. The current improves the penetration of products through the skin, making it easier to treat specific problems. This type of facial is best for those with dry, dehydrated skin since it helps improve moisture retention. This facial also helps to remove congestion.

How To Fight Against Wrinkles

2009-02-26T15:33:00.000-08:00

How you choose to treat wrinkles and other signs of aging depends on what stage of your life you're at.

When wrinkles are just beginning to appear, sunblock is the best course of action. At that stage, skin can still repair itself, and wearing sunscreen regularly will prevent further damage and help the skin regenerate itself. An alpha-hydroxy acid product is also a good idea, because it will lightly exfoliate the dulling layer of dead skin and give it a smoother, clearer look.

Common mistakes on Acne

2009-02-17T13:12:00.001-08:00

1. Pimples won't leave scar if we 'pop' it.
Whether a pimple will leave scar or not depends on it nature. If several pimples grow side by side or on top of each other, even if you don't 'pop' it, there is a high possibility that it will leave scar.

2. People have freckles do not have pimples.
Freckles are related to skin coloration, while pimples are related to oils and pores, so they are not mutually exclusive. However most people who have freckles are those with dry skin type, that explains why they have less acne problems.

3. Blackheads will not become pimples.
Compared to whiteheads, blackheads are less likely to become pimples because they grow on the surface of the skin so the pores can 'breath". However if blackheads are squeezed before they are fully formed, then it will result in inflammation.

4. Steaming is not suitable for acne skin.
Actually steaming has cleansing effect, it will not cause any problem if the heating source is placed at a distance (10 inches from the face).

5. Acne skin type should not use moisturizer.
If we choose the right moisturizer (oil-free recommended), it can help to protect the skin, resulting in less infection. Moisturizer can also balance oil and hydration too.

Natural therapy for problematic skin

2009-02-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

We are all used to trying out different skin care products only to tackle our skin problems - wrinkles, dryness, acne, sensitivity...Women are never satisfied right? Instead of taking the chemical approach, we can actually utilize our natural resources which are cheaper and healthier.

Aging Skin

The thickened skin texture responds very well to mild, abrasive daily cleansing with beauty grains such as finely ground corn meal, ground sun flowers or almonds. Massage gently to cleanse and exfoliate.

Dry Skin

Blend together one ounce safflower oil, one ounce avocado oil and two ounces of sesame oil. Apply to your dry skin areas.

Itchy Skin

Try a compress made with skim milk or powdered milk or soak the affected area in a colloidal bath made with oatmeal, corn- starch or baking soda.

Oily Skin

Mash together the pulp of one garden ripe tomato and enough fuller's earth (can be found in pharmacies) to make a smooth paste. Rub it onto your skin (avoid eye area) and leave it on until it dries completely. Rinse with warm water, then splash your face with cold water. Towel dry.

Ten Skin-Saving Tips for a Long, Cold Winter (Part 2)

2009-01-22T15:50:00.001-08:00

6. Take Oil-Infused Baths Instead of Hot Showers: This may not be practical advice for rushed mornings when you're on your way to work, but a soak in a warm bath amply infused with sweet almond or jojoba oil is a soothing and skin-nourishing way to end the day. Add an essential oil such as lavender or ylang ylang for an even more relaxing treat (Note: Essential oils should always be diluted with a base oil such as sweet almond or jojoba to avoid irritating the skin).

7. Don't Skip the Sunblock: Just because the sun isn't shining as bright or as often as it did during the summer doesn't mean it won't still burn (and prematurely age) your skin. Applying protection, preferably SPF 25 or higher, should be a part of your daily skin care routine all year long. Remember to apply to all parts of your body that will be exposed during the day: face, arms, neck, etc.

8. Wear Natural-Fiber Clothing: Synthetic fabrics and wool can be very irritating to dry skin, so opt for soft cotton clothing instead. If you need to wear wool to keep warm, wear a long-sleeved cotton shirt or turtleneck underneath to provide a "buffer zone."

9. Stop Licking Your Lips: We've all been guilty of this assault on our kissers: When our lips feel dry, we lick them. Of course, this only leaves them more chapped. Keep a tube or jar of lip balm with you at all times, and apply every time you get the temptation to lick those dry lips. In a pinch, you can also apply the balm to chapped hands and irritated, over-blown noses.

Ten Skin-Saving Tips for a Long, Cold Winter (Part 1)

2009-01-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

Winter is harsh on the skin. Dry, windy weather and relentless central heating systems remove moisture right out of the epidermis, leaving it tight, itchy and all-around uncomfortable. Under these conditions, fine lines look deeper, complexions appear rough and flaky, and no one looks or feels their best. Here are ten invaluable tips for banishing your dry skin woes during the most punishing season of the year.

1. Turn Your Home Into the Tropics: Humidifier is your best friend in winter. They're reasonably-priced, so get one for each room of the house that you spend a lot of time in (the bedroom being the most important). Pick up a little one to keep under your desk at work as well.

2. Guzzle Water Like a Fish: This bit of advice is right on the money at any time of year. Replenishing your body with water gives you more energy, benefits your overall health, and will also help keep your skin from becoming dehydrated. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, and remember to grab a bottle to take along anytime you leave the house. Hot herbal tea is a great alternative when the weather turns cold.

3. Moisturize, and Then Moisturize Some More: Apply lotion liberally and often all over your body. Slather it on as soon as you get out of the shower in the morning, and keep a small bottle with you during the day to re-apply to your hands after washing, or any other part of the body that dries out quickly. For both facial and body moisturizers, you may want to switch to a thicker formula during the winter months.

4. Don't Forget to Exfoliate: Keep a gentle body scrub and a less abrasive facial exfoliant in the shower and remember to use them both once or twice a week. This gets rid built-up dead skin cells and exposes a fresh layer of skin ready to suck up all the moisturizer you're going to apply when you step out of the tub.

5. Supplement with Flaxseed Oil Daily: Flaxseed oil could be a useful supplement for essentially moisturizing your body from within. What's more, flaxseed is purported to have numerous overall health benefits because it's rich in essential fatty acids. The refrigerated kind generally has a milder, fresher taste than un-chilled oil. You can also pick it up in capsule form.

(To be continued...)

Crucial cleansing

2008-11-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

Clear skin is a prerequisite for smooth, youthful, healthy looking skin. Unless you make it right in your daily cleansing steps, you will never be blessed with the beautiful skin we're all striving for.

Day and Night

You must cleanse your face every night and every morning. The morning clean removes surface oil and dead skin cells accumulated during sleep.

Be gentle

Remember, it needn't be anything more than a quick wipe with a damp face cloth. Too much rubbing, washing and cleansing is counterproductive and can cause more problems than it solves.

Deep cleansing

The night time cleanse, on the other hand, should be considerably more thorough. You need to fully remove all the impurities that has built up during the day, as well as removing all traces of make up before you go to bed. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Any residue on your face hinders this process and leads to a whole host of skin problems. So, never go to bed with make up on!

Organic Spa from Morocco

2008-10-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Organic skin care products do not contain chemicals thus it won’t cause allergy to any skin type. A lot of facial moisturizers use high technology to preserve its natural ingredients and at the same time maintaining its effects, therefore pricy organic skin care products still attract a lot of loyal customers.

Aveda has just released its new Green Science skin care series; its active ingredients include Moroccan congo oil, Thai ginger root oil and California cactus.

Aveda Green Science Firming Face Crème
Face crème gives hydration to the skin and also smooth wrinkles. Besides improving skin flexibility, at the same time it can strengthen our skin’s self-protection function. This bottle is made of 100% recycled PET, on one hand protecting your skin and on the other hand protecting the Earth.

Watch out for wrinkles

2008-10-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

As we get older, our skin changes and wrinkles gradually begin to get the better of us.

But with a little care and attention, we can detect the wrinkle warning signs and act to minimize their effect.

Women in their twenties usually have beautiful, smooth skin and few signs of aging. However, without a good moisturising routine, fine expression lines will begin to appear around the eyes and on the forehead.

When you hit your thirties, you skin will tend to become drier and therefore more prone to wrinkles. The eye and forehead danger zones are now joined by the area around the mouth.

If you're aren't already doing so, you now need to use a dedicated night and day moisturiser to hold the lines at bay. You should also make use of moisturising face masks to give your skin an occasional boost.

With the big 4-0 comes deeper lines and the beginning of neck deterioration.

And once you move towards your fifties and beyond, the dryness intensifies, wrinkles deepen and facial muscles begin to sag.

It's obviously not something to look forward to but stick to a thorough, daily beauty regime and you will make a big difference to how your skin ages through the years.

6 Steps to perfect skin

2008-09-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

You manage to find the time to incorporate manicures, pedicures and haircuts into your busy schedule on a regular basis. But do you treat your skin right? Washing your face and removing makeup before bed is a start, but a weekly deep cleaning is essential to keeping your skin looking and feeling its best.

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleanse your face with a gentle, creamy liquid cleanser. Put your liquid cleanser on a ball of cotton and then apply it to your skin. Make sure you rinse with lukewarm water because hot water can aggravate the skin and inflame capillaries.

Step 2: Tone

Use a gentle toner over your face and neck after you have rinsed thoroughly. This removes the last traces of your cleanser and restores the pH balance of the skin so it won't over-secrete or under-secrete oil. For oily or combination skin, you can use a toner that is more astringent.

Step 3: Exfoliate

Gently exfoliating the skin can remove the buildup of dead skin cells that causes breakouts. Also, you want to smooth the skin's surface so your treatment products can be absorbed more evenly. But don't use exfoliants that are too harsh, look for very fine abrasives. Over-exfoliating will only result in removing healthy new skin."

Step 4: Steam

Gently steam your face once a week for five to ten minutes as part of your deep-cleansing ritual. Place a handful of chamomile in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Turn the flame off and let the mixture "brew" and cool. When it's cooled enough so the steam doesn't burn you, place a towel over your head for a tent-like effect and expose your face to the vapor.

Step 5: Revitalize

Facial masks are used to revitalize and tone the skin. For those with oily skin, clay- based masks are the best. Hydrating gel masks or cream masks should be used by those with dry or sensitive skin. If you have combination skin, apply a mud mask only over the T-zone, which is the center of the forehead, nose and chin and the center of cheeks. For a real at-home "spa experience," soak two cotton balls in rosewater and then apply to eyelids while the mask is drying.

Step 6: Moisturize

Regularly moisturizing your skin is critical to maintaining young and healthy looking skin. Nighttime is the best time to apply repairing treatments such as anti-aging or anti-wrinkle creams. During the day, make sure you use a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15.

Cellex-C G.L.A. Extra Moist Cream

Blue Astringent Herbal Acne Treatment

2008-09-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

People always wonder if the formation of acne is due to internal or external factors. The answer is: Both. If it is totally unavoidable, the only way is to fight it!

Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion has been very famous for its oil-control and skin repair function, the blue color comes from the blue astringent herbal essence.

To fight acne caused by our natural body cycle, we can put Facial Cleansing Mask on affected area to make the acne go away faster. Both of these Kiehl’s Rare Earth Masques are recommended choices.

Cellex-C Clear Complexion Complex is an azure blue, alcohol-free liquid gel containing proprietary complexes of phyto-chemical concentrates. These scientifically researched herbal ingredients were specifically chosen for their exceptional anti-inflammatory, antiseptic skin healing properties. This blemish fighting formula helps promote a smoother, clearer complexion for acne prone skin. Significantly benefits oily or teenage skin subject to occasional breakouts. Oily and acne prone skin.

Treating Enlarged Pores

2008-08-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

The problem with pores is that when you don't treat them right they become clogged and enlarged. But there are several ways to clean pores and makeup products to minimize pores. Here are some tips to handle this problem.

1. Exfoliant
In order to help pores do their "job" of allowing oil to flow efficiently, use a grainy exfoliant cleanser, which will polish off the dry, dead skin that's clogging them. Just be careful with grainy products. Use them gently and not too often. If you overdo it with washing, the body produces more oil in an attempt to replace it ‑- so once or twice a day is fine.
Cellex-C Speed Peel Facial Gel

2. Facial Treatment
Facials are brilliant for thorough, deep-pore cleansing, not to mention what a treat it can be. A good facial needs to be personalized to meet the precise needs of your skin, so it's essential to have a consultation with a facialist in which you discuss your needs and concerns prior to service. Another great feature of a facial is that you can have blackheads safely extracted.

3. Makeup Tricks

Skip Foundation: Avoid applying foundation to any areas where pores are enlarged. It might be a brand new idea to you because a lot of people try to use it to cover pores, but foundation just seems to magnify their look - even mattifying foundations seem to call more attention to pores.
Use Blotting Powder: Apply a neutral blotting powder directly to any areas where pores appear larger. The powder will serve to diffuse the look of the pores so all you'll see is a smooth, more matted surface.
Apply a Pore-Perfecting Cream: Look for gels and tinted creams formulated to smooth the appearance of pores. Just put the product directly on areas that are bothering you. Let it set and lightly apply powder over it.

Chanel Facial Cleanser (New Released)

2008-08-12T15:34:00.000-07:00

During these recent years Chanel has always been researching to add rare organics into their skin care products. The new released cleansing series added North American Tulip Tree extracts and Bioglucane to suit different needs of the skin.

For Dry and Sensitive Skin
These two make-up remover and facial cleanser contain Calla which can deeply moisture and soothe the skin. Base scent is Lilac with some floral and fruity flavor.

(Lait Confort / Mousse Confort)

For Normal and Combination Skin

Its ingredient Mallow can brighten up the skin by clearing dull and uneven pigment. Base scent is woody with orange and jasmine.

(Lait Douceur / Mousse Douceur)

For Oily Skin

These two cleansers contain chamomile which can regulate oil secretion and minimize pores. Base scents are woody and musky with rose flavor.

(Gel-Hulie Purete / Mousse Exfoliante Purete)

Blue Summer

2008-08-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

With hot weather like this, a lot of skin care products choose to use blue in their package to lower the heat.

Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser

With ingredients Salicylic acid, ginger root and cinnamon bark essence, this clear gel formula can deeply clean pores, residues and excessive oil. Its natural antiseptic components can prevent the formation of acnes and blemishes.

fenix Daily Rehydrating Sunscreen SPF 30+

A unique blend of natural ingredients promotes skin hydration and combats free radicals, while our cutting edge sunscreen technology gives you broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. An enhanced blend of botanical ingredients naturally elevates the sun protection factor, while helping to combat skin cancer, wrinkles and premature aging.

Ultima II CHR Instant Action Facial Wrap

This cooling mask contains herbal essence and soluble collagen which can increase blood circulation, supply oxygen and flexibility to the skin. At the same time this facial wrap provides hydration and can prevent formation of wrinkles.

Biotherm Hydra-Detox Bio-Denfense Mist

Probiotic spray can boost moisture and oxygen for the skin, and at the same time clear pollutants. Recommended to use after day and night lotion to increase hydration and protection. It’s also ideal for preparation and fixation of make-up.

Dove Original Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Spray

This product has passed the test of dermatologists of not containing alcohol and will not irritate the skin. The brand new formula is also safe to use on after-shaved skin. Continuous use for 7 days can make underarm skin smooth and delicate.

First -aid for your summer skin

2008-07-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

No matter which skin type you are, you'll always encounter different seasonal skin problem. During summer, our skin become more oily than usual. Therefore, problems like acne, large pores may easily come into our way . In order to maintain good skin, special skin care products should be used.

Fighting Acne

Summer skin's oil production is particularly strong, we are prone to acne and blemish.

~ H2O + Anti-Acne Care have anti-inflammatory and deep cleansing effect, very effective in repelling acne.

Diminishing Pores

Oily skin will make pores will be more prominent. If we keep ignoring it, the situation will be getting worse.

Aqua Label recently introduced Moist Essence GG pores repair cream, it contains Glycyl Glycine - the latest research and development which diminishes large pores and smoothes rough skin.