Posts tagged "Care"

Basic Skin Care Glossary

Pollution, exposure to UV sunlight, unhealthy lifestyle represent some of the main causes that speed up the natural aging process of your skin and lead to numerous skin issues. In order to avoid this, we tend to invest in some of the best products on the market. Still, with such an amazing offer available, we sometimes get lost among complicated terms and ingredients. Take a look at this basic skin care glossary that might make your choice easier.

Alpha hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid, noncomedogenic, allergens or hypoallergenic are just a small part of all the terms we find written on the box of different skin care products. What they actually mean and if they are helpful or not, sometimes remain a mystery for most of us. Yet, it is important to know at least the basic elements so that you are able to purchase a useful product.

Active ingredients. What are active ingredients? They are in charge with the result of the creams and lotions we buy, yet they are not found in every cosmetic product. Therefore, salicylic acid or benzoic peroxide are the active ingredients in an anti-
acne cream. In certain countries, these ingredients must be mentioned separately from the other ingredients.
Allergen. Allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. Sensitivities vary from one person to another, so it is possible for someone to be allergic to a wide range of substances.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s). They are used in chemical peels, working amazing as skin exfoliants, removing dead cells from skin surface, but can also stimulate collagen production. The most common AHA’s are glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and pyruvic acid.

Anti-wrinkles. Anti-wrinkles products contain retinol under the form of retinyl palmitate, or glycolic acid that help collagen formation into the skin. Collagen is the one that makes your skin look younger. Retinol, which is a form of vitamin A, represents one of the most widely used active ingredients in cosmetic products.
Astringent. A substance that contracts the tissues or canals of the body. Astringents protect the skin, are beneficial for acne prone skin, and might be helpful in healing different scars.
Clinically tested. In the beauty industry, “clinically tested” means that the respective product has passed through many laboratory or clinical experiments. Still, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the promised results are also guaranteed.
Ceramides. Ceramides are epidermal hydrating agents that act as protectors of the skin against moisture loss.

Elastin. A protein similar to collagen that keeps the skin’s flexibility, making the skin return to its normal shape after a pull. It can also be added to certain cosmetic products having a moisturizing effect.
Emollient. Found in lotions or balms, emollients, also known as moisturizers, reduce water loss from the outer layer of the skin by covering it with a protective film. They soften and sooth the skin. Besides, it is advisable to apply them when the skin is moist.
Fragrance-free. Creams and lotions that are fragrance-free usually don’t contain artificial fragrances. These are a safer choice for people with sensitive skin or with chemical sensitiveness. However, fragrance-free products might contain other natural fragrances.
Glycerin. It is a colorless substance with a sweet taste that hydrates the skin. It can be found in soaps, lotions and other beauty or
skin care products. Still, pay attention as when it is used in larger quantities, glycerin may clog pores.

Hyaluronic acid. Even though it is called an “acid”, HA is found naturally in the skin and joints. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin from the inside out, smoothing out wrinkles.
Hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic products are highly recommended for those with sensitive skin. Although there are small chances for such a product to cause allergic reactions, it hasn’t been already proven that they are 100% safe in such cases.
Humectants. Humectants, or moisturizers, are essential cosmetic ingredients that prevent loss of water, therefore retaining the skin’s natural moisture. Example or humectants include glycerol and sorbitol.
Lanolin. A natural moisturizer that acts as powerful emollient, having amazing protective properties. This natural emollient is absorbed by the skin, restoring its moisture and softening it.

Noncomedogenic. The term refers to skin creams, lotions and oils that don’t contain ingredients that could block pores, causing acne, blackhead, whiteheads, and other skin problems. This type of products are also known as non-occlusive.
Oil-free. “Oil-free” products don’t contain oleaginous ingredients that are responsible for clogging pores and produce acne. Still, these products are not 100% oil-free and may be containing other types of oils.
Retinol. Retinol is a form of vitamin A. It is popular for unclogging pores, boost collagen, reduce fine wrinkles, and smooth the skin. It works to increase cell turnover and exfoliation by stimulating cell production underneath the skin.
Salicylic acid. It is the most common beta hydroxy acid found in lotions, creams and cleansers, being the key ingredient in many skin care products for the treatment of acne, being famous for reducing oiliness.

What Skin Care Products Suit Your Skin?

By BecomeGorgeous.com / Skin Care / Perfect Skin / What Skin Care Products Suit Your Skin?

If you want to maintain the beauty of your skin for as long as possible, you need to know what it needs so you can look for products which suit your skin perfectly. Choosing the right product is definitely not an easy task, therefore, to make things easier we have selected a few popular ingredients in skin care to help you determine their benefits and find the product that satisfies your needs!

Choosing a skin care product to suit your complexion is definitely not easy. Nowadays there are a myriad of products which claim to have miraculous effects over your skin, but in order for them to work, you need to ensure these creams offer your skin what it presently needs.

The vast range of products can be quite confusing, so what type of products suits your skin could turn out a difficult one. Knowing your skin type and finding out which ingredients could be linked to dealing with your skin’s needs can solve your problem and make you find the perfect products for you.

Perfect skin has no comparison and if you want to maintain your skin youthful and prevent or diminish the appearance of wrinkles, it’s best to start early, using appropriate products. To make things easier, we have put together some ingredients which have different impacts over our skin and you’ll also find out how to make the best of the mentioned products:

AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids
AHAs have been used for centuries in skin rejuvenation as they are acids extracted from fruits. These acids, in higher concentrations are very effective in removing dead skin cells, blemishes and in diminishing surface acne scars, so if you want to obtain a fresh and fabulous complexion, turn towards AHA benefits.

AHAs are also collagen stimulants which will ensure your skin maintains it youthful look. However, their concentration level in cosmetic products are low, and will not offer the benefits of the products with a higher concentration of AHAs. Turn to your dermatologist if you need to get rid of blemishes or acne scars with AHA, for a professional treatment. AHA facial creams help diminish the appearance of fine lines and improve the skin texture.
AHA is contained in: lemon extract, grape extract, apple extract

Antioxidants
Skin care products which are rich in antioxidants are popular as they help regenerate skin cells, thus preventing premature skin aging. Our skin is constantly subjected to free radicals which can damage the skin, radicals such as UV rays and aggressive molecules. Antioxidants help neutralize these molecules and maintain a fresh youthful complexion. Antioxidant facial creams are a perfect option for women over 25, so find a brand which satisfies your needs and budget. Examples of antioxidants: vitamin E, vitamin C, Q10, polyphenols

Lipids
Our skin is constantly subjected to external factors which can have a negative impact over it. The skin’s surface provides a natural barrier against these factors, but we remove this barrier every single time we cleanse our skin, thus causing the skin to remain unprotected. Creams which contain lipids act as a barrier blocking the skin from the negative impact of the sun, pollution, cold, etc. The natural barrier of the skin is restored only after 3 hours, so protection is definitely necessary. Use products which have these ingredients if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Examples of lipids: ceramides or essential fatty acids

Moisturizing Accelerator Substances
These substances help restore the skin’s level of moisture as every day our body loses water, and this way the skin becomes dry and loses its elasticity. Moisturizing accelerator substances help to restore the skin’s level of moisture, leaving the skin looking and feeling fabulous. Facial creams which have such ingredients help diminish wrinkles formed due to dehydrated, dry skin, so if you have this problem such products are perfect for you.
Examples of moisturizing accelerators: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea

Retinoid
Retinoid creams are a perfect aid in combating aging signs as they help intensify the skin regeneration process and promote collagen production. Retinoids also help remove dead skin cells and so you’ll be able to enjoy your fab youthful skin for longer. They are perfect for women who’s skin is in need of a “rescue” from premature aging.
Retinoid examples: retinol or vitamin A

Credit: Thinkstock Photos

Miraculous Natural Ingredients in Skin Care

By BecomeGorgeous.com / Skin Care / Perfect Skin / Miraculous Natural Ingredients in Skin Care

Sometimes, the answer to your skin’s needs is right in your kitchen or in ingredients you’d never have given a thought. Natural ingredients offer your skin a variety of benefits, so learn which ingredients can help you obtain that oh-so-fabulous skin you’ve always longed for!

Believe it or not, nature provides us with everything we need from our diet to our skin care, and along time a variety of natural ingredients have been attributed to helping different skin problems. Natural ingredients don’t have a negative impact over the skin, and better yet, don’t contain any harmful chemicals which could, in the long run, end-up doing more harm than good for your skin. These miraculous natural ingredients in skin care have proven their beneficial properties for years, so no wonder these beauty secrets have been passed on from generation to generation.

Your skin is like a mirror of lifestyle, so if you care about physical appearance and how you feel in your own skin, you should do all you can to maintain its beauty. Most of the ingredients which can help promote healthy skin and beauty are right in your kitchen, so you can basically benefit from an inexpensive skin treatment as often as you wish. Radiant skin has an incomparable charm, so enhance your natural beauty using the following natural ingredients which can do miracles for you skin:

Soy
Soy proteins are highly beneficial for your skin, as they help in giving your skin a smoother, more elastic and toned look. Soy protein benefits become visible when they are used on a regular basis, so look for facial creams which contain soy as ingredient.

Papaya
Papaya is not only a delicious fruit, it is also a great aid for acne prone skin, thanks to its antiseptic properties. The active ingredient in papaya, called papain, gently exfoliates the skin without any abrasiveness and you’ll be able to get rid of the dead skin cells, revealing your skin’s natural shine. Use papaya as the main ingredient in your homemade facials for clean and soft skin.

Mangostin
Mangostin extract is a perfect weapon against red skin or spider veins, so look for facial creams which have it as an ingredient. This compound which is extracted from the mangosteen tree, is known for its biological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Q10
The Q10 co-enzyme is known as a natural antioxidant, which is actually located in all our cells. This co-enzyme helps combat free radicals and promotes skin cell regeneration. Turn towards facial creams which contain Q10 to prevent the development of wrinkles. After 25, anti-wrinkle creams should definitely a be a tempting option in skin care.

Vitamin C fruits
Vitamin C is an ingredient contained by many fruits such as kiwis, lemons, berries, etc, and it is definitely a great aid for the skin’s health. Vitamin C stimulates blood circulation, promotes collagen production and restores the skin’s radiance, so your skin will look softer and healthier. Use these ingredients as facial masks or look for fruit extracts in serums and facial creams.

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• beth ditto

Spring Skin Care Tips

By BecomeGorgeous.com / Skin Care / Perfect Skin / Spring Skin Care Tips

As a new season is approaching, many of us start making various changes in our routines. Preparing our skin for the new season is essential in order to be able to look our best at any given moment. Although subtle, a few changes in our skin care rituals can make a great difference in the way our skin looks, so learn to prepare your skin for the spring season in a few easy steps.

As seasonal changes start to emerge, our skin is faced with various different challenges. Significant temperature variations can often take a toll on our skin unless we learn to adapt to them. If the winter season proved to be extremely hard for your skin, the new season might be your chance to start over in a completely different way. Fortunately, having flawless skin is much easier during the warmer months as your skin is subjected to fewer problems. Creating an effective skin care routine may take a little work initially, yet, after you get used to it and begin to see results, it becomes a lot simpler.

Moisturizing is by far the most important aspect we should take care of. Although moisturizing regularly is just as important during spring as it is during winter, it is generally smarter to switch to a lighter moisturizer. A rich moisturizer might have done a good job protecting your skin during the cold winter months, however, once the temperatures go up, it might feel a little greasy. Using a heavy duty moisturizer can still be a good idea for body areas that are prone to dryness, however, making the switch is still necessary. If you don’t want to purchase a new moisturizer, mixing a little rosewater in your moisturizer might do the trick.

Those who have oily skin might also want to invest in a mattifying gel, as it might serve as a good base for a long lasting makeup.

For those who have other types of complexions, this idea might not work well as these gels can be too drying. If dryness is a problem, weekly homemade facials are recommended to be able to get a natural glow and nourish the skin at the same time.

Sunscreen remains an absolute must during the warmer months, so looking for a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 20 is recommendable. A moisturizer with SPF is also a good alternative for those who are looking for versatile products. An important aspect to remember is that you should pay attention to the areas that are likely to be forgotten such as the back of the ears, the lips, your fingers and so on. Scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist for a skin exam is also a good choice to be able to see if any potential problems have occurred.

While shopping for adequate skin care products for spring, it is important to think about the potential problems you might face during the warm season. If sunscreen makes you more likely to have acne breakouts, then buying a formula that has active ingredients such as avobenzone and oxybenzone in it or simply an oil free one might be a good choice. Also, experimenting with a different foundation tone might be a good choice as your skin tone will surely change in the upcoming months.

Exfoliating regularly is another essential ritual you should not neglect. Choose a gentle exfoliator that will not irritate the skin and make sure not to over do it. Apply a gentle lotion afterwards to replenish moisture and avoid irritations. Aside from the basic skin care ritual it is also crucial to take a closer look at your makeup routine. Staying informed about the latest trends and opting for lighter shades is a good idea as it will help you reinvent your look and highlight your best facial traits.

Last but not least, paying attention to your diet and exercise regimen and striving to make better choices is another aspect that will have an impact the way your skin looks. Make sure to include plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, drink a lot of water and exercise regularly to improve the way your skin looks from within.

Lip Care Tips and Tricks

By BecomeGorgeous.com / Skin Care / Perfect Skin / Lip Care Tips and Tricks

We all want healthy, glowing, sensual, smooth, soft lips. Even though we are not used with it, we should all be aware of the fact that taking care of our lips is extremely important, especially during cold winter days. Representing a transition area, the skin on the lips is more sensitive and more vulnerable to all external noxious factors such as wind, cold, UV rays and pollution. Therefore, you need to learn a few basic lip care tips and tricks in order to keep them healthy and seductive.

The skin on our lips is five times more sensitive and delicate than the one on our face. This is why we need to pay extra attention to the lip care process. During the day women are used to apply lipstick, gloss or lip balm on their lips. However, when it comes to all the skin care routine, everything stops at cleansing.
You should know that lips are made from the same membrane as the one that protects the interior of the mouth, still the skin protecting them is not as rough as the the rest on the body. That means that the moist on the lips constantly evaporates and water retention at their level is very reduced.

Moreover, since lips don’t have the same pigments or glands that contain fats, we can consider them as one of the most sensitive areas of the face. Even though we don’t realize it, there are numerous factors that highly contribute to our lips getting dehydrated, dry, but also an unpleasant aspect and feeling. In this context, we have to be very careful and try to find out and respect a few basic lip care tips and tricks. Besides all the products found in stores there are also numerous natural, homemade alternatives.

There are various things we do that directly affect our lips and which became part of our everyday life. For example, one of the bad habits that has a negative effect upon our lips is licking them as the only thing we do is dry them. Saliva contains salts that are aggressive to the thin and sensitive skin on the lips.
When saliva evaporates, the moisture level decreases, lips become dry in an instant and they chap much more easily. Another harmful habit is biting the skin on the surface of your lips, action which causes bleeding and unattractive lips.
What we need to do is to always carry with us a moisturizing lip balm. Your daily routine should start in the evening when lips should be cleansed using an eye cleansing lotion or gel, therefore something appropriate for sensitive areas. Before going to bed apply some lip balm that you need to massage so it enters the skin.

In order to be effective, the entire lip care process should be done in the evening as you shouldn’t apply anything else on your lips for at least one hour. While in the shower, use a toilette glove and some sugar and gently exfoliate your lips. Immediately after, moisturize them. This is as an essential step for healthy lips.
Another important thing to consider is to protect your lips against harmful sun rays even in winter when the intensity of UV rays can increase up to 60% due to snow reflection. Since the skin on your lips doesn’t contain melanin to protect them from UV rays, sun exposure can lead to dryness and exfoliation, and it might even cause carcinoma at lip level. Therefore, when going out, be very careful so that the lip balm you choose to contain a SPF of at least 15.

A special attention should be given to your lips during winter time, especially if your lips are chapped. Always use a lip balm as it moisturizes and prevents exfoliation. Make sure your lip balm contains hyaluronic acid, vitamins A and D, avocado and jojoba oil, Shea butter, and chamomile.

If you want to smooth wrinkles in this area, massage the lip contour with a propolis lip balm. You can also replace your lip balm with some honey. Another useful homemade product is a mixture made of honey and olive oil that you should apply and leave it act for at least 15 minutes. If you love using lipstick all day long, in winter you should try to apply it less as it might cause rashes. However, if you still want to use it, apply lip balm first.

It is already known the importance of a scrub in our beauty routine. Exfoliating your lips will allow the lip balm to enter to the skin for a maximum effect.
Once a week use a scrub or an exfoliating gloss in order to remove dead cells at the surface. Gently massage the lips and remove the product with some cold water. You can also use a homemade scrub by mixing some brown sugar and honey. After exfoliating, apply green tea masks that nourish your lips. In the morning, you can also take a soft toothbrush and apply some moisturizing cream on it. Massage your lips for a few minutes, but make sure you don’t swallow the moisturizer. This is a great step that helps you remove dead cells and moisturize dry skin.
If you want to prevent dry lips, you should know that what you eat or drink plays a major role too. For example, the eight glasses of water that one should drink daily allows the hydration from the interior. Moreover, foods rich in vitamin A, fatty acids, calcium, and magnesium are important also. Besides, the lack of vitamin B or iron in the body is the cause of sensitive skin on the lips. You should have a balanced diet and eat every day foods rich in vitamin B, such as brown rice, spinach, milk, nuts, eggs, bananas, soy, broccoli, or fish.