Daily Skin Care

Skin care is not just a daily thing. It is a regime that is followed to improve skincare and protect your skin. Skin care is not just about, cleaning. It also includes, moisturizing, exfoliating, sun protection. Anything that is put on your skin can and will have an impact on your face.

How to Buy Cosmetics

 

If possible ‘try before you buy’ is a good thing to remember. Sometimes after using a cosmetic brand you may develop an allergic reaction. If you do try, do not sample the ‘tester’ at the cosmetic counter at the local department store. These pots of creams are open to a plethora of bacteria. The sample should be in, if possible, in a single use air tight package.

If you are getting a rash or reaction from products you have been using consider how long you have had them:

• Mascara – Turf it after 3- 4 months. Mascara has a considerable amount of bacteria able to grow in the tube. Never pump the wand in the holder. That puts air into the container and makes the mascara dry out. NEVER share your mascara. It is a great way to share…. Share your bacteria that is. Itchy eyes, swollen lids and tearing can result from bacteria in your mascara.
• Foundation – One year max. on the foundation.
• Lip stick – 2 years
• Brushes and applicators – these can be washed regularly. Clean them every few months or replace them.

Be aware that if there are natural botanicals does not mean that there are natural ingredients. Sometimes these natural ingredients are actually synthesized in a laboratory not extracted from plants.

  

Moisturizers

 

Anti-wrinkles, age defying, regenerate, all these are descriptors seem to point to the main point of skin care… to stop your skin from aging. Well your skin is getting older as we speak. To slow the aging process will take more than moisturizer.

 

Having smooth, blemish free skin is a desirable goal but at what cost. Moisturizers work by replacing natural oil in you skin with an added substance from a bottle. The fissures in your skin are filled making them look smoother and provides an oily film to prevent natural moisture loss.

 

When buying lotions, look at the ingredient list. If you are buying a soothing aloe cream and aloe is listed in the bottom 3rd of the ingredients then you’re not getting much aloe in your cream.

 

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Simple Winter Skin Care Tips

You can deny it but it won’t stop it from coming. Winter that is. And with it are the harsh drying conditions that pull the much needed moisture from your skin. Take a moment now to review your skin care needs and prevent dry skin with a few simple winter skin care tips.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. There I think I’ve said enough. Start from the inside out. Drink plenty of water. The dry arid temperatures pull the moisture leaving your skin dry and flaky. Six to eight glasses a day will help maintain the required moisture in your skin.

Try a cleanser instead of a soap and water routine. Some cleansers are glycerin based and are less drying than soaps. Make sure, however, they are non-comedogenic (don’t clog pores). Some cleansers have a lotion incorporated with them that block and dull your skin.

Nothing like a nice hot shower right? WRONG! It will dry your skin out. And while you’re at it, slap on a moisturizer before your skin is all dried out. Applying something as simple as Johnson’s baby oil to damp skin will combat flakiness.

Even in the winter time it is important to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Protect it with sun block. And don’t forget your lips. Anything will do but my absolute fave is Mary Kay lip balm. It glides on smoothly and lasts all day without smearing. Other good bets are Lypsol, and store brand lip balms.



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Chemicals and Kids - Be Safe!

Chemicals and Kids - Be Safe

We worry about our children taking drugs and the influence they have on our families. Well what about the hidden chemicals that our families and our children are exposed to every day. The Guardian.co.uk reported November 6 that children are exposed to chemicals in domestic products such as rubber clogs and sun tan lotions.  Doesn't this concern you?

One of the biggest concerns is the cumulative effect of the chemical phthalates, which is used as softeners in soap, rubber shoes and soft toys. The guardian.co.uk identifies this chemical as blocking the action of testosterone in the womb, also alleged to cause low sperm counts and high rates of testicular cancer. With those credentials why is it allowed around people and in particular children?

Hormone disrupting chemicals

Chemicals have been shown to disrupt the normal growth in fetuses. A recent Denmark study has shown a significant increase in the rates of testicular cancer. The Danish study identifies predominantly oil based moisturizing creams and sunscreen for the appearance of the preservative Paraben. The Paraben have been identified as a hormone disrupter which poses a risk to children and fetuses.


We were worried about DDT, PCBs and other chemicals.  Can Paraben be posing the same problems?

So what do we do.  Paraben is a chemical used in cosmetics to preserve them.   What alternatives are there?





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Vitamin C Creams - Are they worth it?

Vitamin C - not just for oranges!


I’ve been using a new Vitamin C cream and I really like the results! Vitamin C creams and lotions seem to be the latest and greatest in the anti-wrinkle brigade. Reliable scientific evidence has shown there is significant value to vitamin c for skin care. The big hole is that when Vitamin C is in contact with air it breaks down and becomes ineffective, and at worst, increases the formation of free radicals.

Vitamin C has been extensively tested and reported about in the Journal of the American Academic of Dermatology. Vitamin C has been identified to improve collagen synthesis. This helps keeps skin looking younger and healthier. It also inhibits the production of melanin, in turn producing lighter and brighter skin. With all the hype about wrinkles and getting old it is nice to hear about a product that may even live up to its billing.

Expensive Vitamin C products are usual and cheaper alternatives are available. You can even make some yourself!

When purchasing skin care products with vitamin C it is important that they do not allow air to reach the product. Vitamin C and its derivatives gradually degrade when exposed to light and air. Freshness and proper storage are key to the life of your skin.

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Natural Skin Care – What Gives?

Most skin care companies provide less than stellar products and pass them off as the best products for your skin. Derivatives from plants, and anti-oxidants are necessary for healthy skin and help reduce the onset of wrinkles. Having perfect skin, that is skin free of sun damage, blemishes and wrinkles is a goal wished for by most people.

All natural oils are the best for your skin. But which is best?


Mineral oil and paraffin wax are passed off as natural skin care products. Unfortunately, they are quite dense and can not effectively get ‘into’ your skin. They are not as useable to the skin. As a result they will stay near the surface and provide a protective layer. This however, will clog your pores and trap in dirt.


Plant derived skin care product are better for your skin and they can be used by your skin. Because the oils have similar properties to our skin they are able to penetrate into the skin. Antioxidants in the oils can even reduce wrinkles because of their ability to repair damaged cells.

Exercise and Skin Care

If you are an avid runner or exerciser you know the importance of taking care of your skin. Women exercise to stay young, but the elements pay their toll on the skin. With this in mind, Dr. Rosy Renwicke started Workout Zone skin care products that are ‘sweat friendly’.







Good skin can be obtained by anyone. Investing in your skin involves, protecting, enhancing and troubleshooting. Protect your skin by moisturizing, and applying sunblock. Enhance it by helping it with mild unabrasive exfoliants, and trouble shoot by keeping things simple.






Don’t use anything that turns your skin red or stings when you use it.




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