Face Cream Central » Skin Care Tips

Spring Cleaning for your Skin

admin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:50:54 +0000

So, you’ve survived the harsh winter. How is your skin? Well, you’re not out of the woods yet!

Springtime is when we set our clocks forward an hour. That means there is one more hour of sunlight each day for your skin to potentially be exposed to. UV radiation is generally stronger in the spring time. There is also the problem of pollen, for those of you who are sensitive to it.

In fact, the spring season is often attributed to:

Acne breakouts/clogged pores
Dermal allergy reactions
Dry, rough, and plain old gross skin!

Hopefully we haven’t scared you off yet. There is hope for your skin this season. As you might have guessed, the tricks to keeping your skin healthy during the spring aren’t all that different from the rest of the year.

The Winning Formula

Cleanse…thoroughly!
Use a hydrating cleanser with mild acidity for your face as well as the rest of your body. When it comes to rinsing, only purified water or a very mildly acidic toner will do. This way you can avoid the drying that usually happens with chemically treated tap water.

Shed that snake skin
Spring is all about out with the old and in with the new, so shed that old skin. We recommend you enlist the power of a natural exfoliant about two or three times each week as it will help get rid of the dead skin cells. Try to avoid scrubs since they can irritate your skin, especially after winter when it is most sensitive. Also avoid chemical peels because they can disrupt the acid mantle of your skin and lead to all sorts of other problems. Pay attention to the parts of your skin that are generally the driest.

Replenish
Lots of moisturization is required to get back the oils your skin lost during the winter season. Twice per day is a good rule of thumb. Be sure to choose a quality moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. It is best to use your moisturizer right after toning while your skin is still wet. Don’t be afraid to do more than one layer.

Don’t neglect the sunblock
You didn’t think we were going to forget to mention sunblock, did you? As we mentioned before, UV radiation increases in the springtime, so you should protect your skin accordingly. We recommend a minimum SPF rating of 15, but don’t be afraid to go much higher than that. Look for sunscreen products that contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, raspberry oil, etc. They can help to replenish those oils your skin may be lacking after winter. Also, try to find one that smells good. Nobody likes smelling like sunscreen!

Now, go forth and frolic, little spring chickens. But please try to frolic in the shade.

Choosing the Right Anti-Wrinkle Cream

admin — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:43:01 +0000

At a certain age, most women want a cream that helps them maintain a youthful, smooth, firm skin. Thanks to research continually advancing the cosmetics brands have actually found ways to effectively counteract the ravages of time.

But cream is not the same cream. So how to find the right anti-wrinkle product? What should you look for?

To choose the right cream, one must understand two things exactly know: the active ingredients of anti-wrinkle products and their own skin.

The anti-aging agents

- Antioxidants: Anti-aging drugs are substances that protect the body against oxidation (decomposition under the influence of oxygen) and so the emergence prevent free radicals. Among the antioxidants of plant origin including Vitamin A, C and E, trace elements (zinc, selenium, silicon), carotenoids, lipoic acid, ubiquinone (coenzyme Q), flavonoids and polyphenols, but also green tea, grape seeds and algae.

With its antioxidant properties help the skin, these substances not only to fight free radicals. They also repair damage caused by pollution and thereby improve the skin’s appearance. Creams that contain antioxidant substances are particularly recommended for thin skin.

- Vitamin A: Often used to combat acne. In anti-wrinkle creams, it is replaced by the pure form of vitamin A “Retinol”, because this leads to less irritation. Retinol is used in cosmetics as the most effective anti-wrinkle fabric. It stimulates cell renewal, smooths superficial wrinkles, improves skin hydration and protects against free radicals.

The use of vitamin A or retinol-containing cream is at an early stage of aged skin from the 35th Age recommended. You can also 20th as a preventive measure as early as the Age are used.

- The AHA: This e.g. in grapes, lemons, apples or sugar cane, fruit acids contained in cosmetics are in high demand. They remove dead or dead skin cells, stimulate natural cell renewal, moisturize the skin to smooth facial features and provide a fresh complexion. These substances are particularly recommended for thicker or sun-damaged skin. At sun-sensitive skin is more likely to dissuade.

- Sun Filter: You protect the skin from the sun. They are made in anti-wrinkle creams contain anti-radicals (vitamin E, vitamin C, trace elements, carotenoids ,…).

Some anti-wrinkle creams may serve to compensate for certain deficiencies of the skin:

- Hormonal deficiency in the menopause, because some anti-wrinkle creams contain phytoestrogens.

- Dry Skin: Extremely dry skin wrinkles, the more difficult problem, small wrinkles to be deepened. Some anti-wrinkle creams counteract this problem with extra moisturizing substances.

Summer 2011 Tips

admin — Wed, 18 May 2011 22:28:08 +0000

It’s that time of year again! Time to break out the beach balls, bikinis, and for heaven’s sake, the sunblock.

Whether you’re 15 or 55, there is no excuse to abuse your precious skin with prolonged, unprotected sun exposure. Did you know that the sun is the number one culprit in the onset of and severity of wrinkles? Sure, we all want “sun-kissed” skin, especially in the summertime, but too much of anything is a bad thing. In the case of ultra-violet sun rays, it’s a very bad thing.

Now don’t worry, we’re not trying to spoil all of your summer fun. Of course you can have beach/lake days, or sunbathe in your own backyard. The important thing is that you use an appropriate sunblock. An SPF 4 isn’t going to do much more than make you look greasy, so try to at least go for the 15 to get some decent protection. Reapplication every hour or so you spend in the sun is also strongly recommended. A good rule of thumb is, the better the sunblock smells, the weaker it probably is! Of course this isn’t true across the board, but it often is, and we think it’s funny!

For you youngins, please don’t make the mistake of neglecting your skin at an early age, or you will be kicking yourself furiously when you get older. Sun spots are never going to be in style, and neither are deep wrinkles.

Keep in mind that parts of your body that are exposed when you’re wearing a swimsuit are probably extra sensitive to the sun because they are usually covered up the rest of the year. Those areas should get extra sunblock attention.

Stay Away from Tanning Salons
We know it can be tempting to hit the tanning salon a few times before your first official summertime activity, but we beg you to think better of it. There is nothing natural about those tanning beds, and anyone who thinks they are safer than actual sunlight is only kidding themselves. Not to mention you risk emerging from the tanning bed looking like a carrot. It’s only the beginning of summer, you’re not supposed to have a tan yet, anyway!

Don’t Forget Your Poor Eyes
You know your eyes need to be protected, and you know you want to show off your new sunglasses. Win-win, right? Well, some of you might be afraid of risking the dreaded sunglasses tan. Just make sure you use a decent amount of sunblock on that pretty face of yours, and it shouldn’t be a big deal. Besides, a slight sunglasses tan looks cool. That is, as long as you don’t go too far and get the Kardashian variety:

But seriously, protecting your eyes is important. It also helps big time in preventing the onset or enhancing of crow’s feet.

Have fun out there!

Makeup Removal (For Dummies)

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:47:31 +0000

As you all should know, removing your makeup before going to bed is very important to maintain healthy, beautiful skin. Leaving makeup on overnight can clog your pores and lead to acne breakouts and other terrible things like that. Not only that…it feels gross!

Check out the following video that reaffirms the fact that makeup removal is super duper important for your skin (and general well-being). It’s also kind of funny!

Watch to the end to see a funny outtake that occurred as a result of an earthquake happening in California while the video was being filmed!

If you’d like to see more from this charming young lady, check out her YouTube channel: JLovesMac1. She also has a blog.

Summer 2010 – Take Care of Your Skin!

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:02:36 +0000

Summer is only a few days away, so we thought we’d take the time to remind you to be nice to your skin this summer! The same old rules still apply, so check out last year’s summer skin care tips if you need a refresher.

Summertime is all about fun in the sun, which is great, but make sure you are always protected. We cannot reiterate enough how the sun is the #1 culprit in skin damage and the onset of aging signs! Us old folks (maybe I exaggerate…a little) are more than happy to spend an afternoon lecturing you about the dangers of the sun and how we wish we would have taken better care of our skin when we were younger!

In case you can’t be bothered to click the link to the old article, for the sake of being thorough, here are the cliff-notes:

Use sunblock! Always!
Exfoliate.
If you use a self-tanner, alternate with a moisturizer.
Moisturize!

I know it sounds like a broken record around here, what with all the talk of moisturizers and sunscreen. But a broken record is better than old wrinkly skin. Yes? Thought so!

Have fun and be safe out there!

Video: How to Apply Moisturizer

admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 10:47:55 +0000

By now, you should already know that regularly using a quality moisturizer is imperative in your battle against signs of aging. The best thing you can do is get into a routine of applying moisturizer daily. To further demonstrate, check out the following video!

Home Wrinkle Remedies

admin — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:42:02 +0000

The passage of time, poor nutrition, improper care of the skin and environmental conditions have effects on the skin causing it to become increasingly dry, thinner, less durable and prone to wrinkles.

Although sometimes frown lines or wrinkles appear prematurely as a result of our habitual and unconscious movements as a frown, laugh or squint.

One way to check whether we make these movements is to keep a mirror near the phone to verify these expressions and get a chance to practice the relaxation of tense muscles.

Some Home Remedies:

Wrinkle Remedy # 1: Mix yeast with water, wheat germ oil or yogurt and then spread the paste over the lines and wrinkles gently pat. Allow to dry before rinsing. This mix increases the production of collagen and help smooth out wrinkles.

Wrinkle Remedy # 2: Spread castor oil on the sensitive area around the eyes to combat the famous chicken feet.

Wrinkle Remedy # 3: gently massage every day on wrinkles cocoa butter or avocado oil.

Wrinkle Remedy # 4: Spread a layer of beaten egg white to fill wrinkles, and then let them dry thoroughly before covering them with makeup which makes wrinkles disappear for a couple of hours.

Wrinkle Remedy # 5: Whisk egg yolk with a tablespoon of olive oil, spread on the face with a brush or pat, let dry for 10 minutes and then rinse.

Wrinkle Remedy # 6: Cut it in half seedless white grapes and then pass them around the eyes and mouth, and let the juice to dry before applying makeup. Another alternative is to beat grapes a handful of these fruits in the blender and then apply on face and rinse with soft tap for 20 minutes.

Wrinkle Remedy # 7: Apply with a cotton pellet quality champagne and dried to stretch the bags under the eyes and sagging skin of the neck.

Wrinkle Remedy # 8: Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon of bee pollen grains with three tablespoons of honey. Then, moisten the face and neck with warm water and then cover these areas with this preparation and wait five minutes before rinsing.

Wrinkle Remedy # 9: Prepare a homemade anti-wrinkle cream with three tablespoons of olive oil, a spoonful of honey bee wax, half a teaspoon of cocoa butter and two tablespoons of rosewater. Heat in a water bath wax, cocoa butter and olive oil. To melt, mix and remove from the water bath. Allow the preparation and then add the rosewater. Blend until a homogeneous mass. Pour into a clean glass container with a lid. Apply at night especially in areas most prone to wrinkle or to prevent wrinkles.

Wrinkle Remedy # 10: Mix a teaspoon of the following herbs: borage, calendula, gotu kola and chamomile in 1 cup of water. Boil two minutes, leaving ten more at rest and filter. Soak a cotton ball and apply this tea twice a day, on the area affected by wrinkles, keeping them covered for a few minutes to take effect.

FDA Cracks Down on Tanning Beds

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:51:50 +0000

Today, and FDA advisory panel recommended that children and teenagers should not be allowed to use tanning beds unless their parents sign the proper consent form that will warn them of all the dangers associated with tanning beds.

Currently, tanning lamps and tanning beds are listed by the FDA as Class 1 devices, meaning they are among the least likely advices to cause harm. However, the panel is pushing for a review of this classification to have them made into Class 2 devices, which will make it so that they need to carry special warning labels and adhere to stricter performance standards.

Although the panel did not actually vote on these recommendations, it is expected that they will present to the federal regulatory agency a consensus opinion shortly.

Last year, the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) stated that tanning beds are “carcinogenic to humans”. It’s no secret that just like prolonged exposure to the sun, the use of tanning beds and lamps can encourage skin cancer and other types of dermatological problems.

It has also been stressed by members of the FDA that these risks are exponentially increased when use of tanning beds is started earlier on in life, whether it be during the teen years or in childhood. They have also stated that the use of tanning beds offers no credible medical benefit, so they should be regulated heavier.

The AADA (American Academy of Dermatology Association) is completely opposed to the practice of indoor tanning and even has openly supported a ban on indoor tanning equipment sales (for non-medical purposes). At the very least, they would like the FDA to step in and see to it that such equipment can not be mistaken for “safe”.

Of course, the tanning industry has a different opinion on the matter. The ITA (Indoor Tanning Association) is obviously opposed to any further regulations imposed on tanning beds. However, they have yet to make any further comment regarding the deliberations of the panel.

Healthy Skin

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 03:53:25 +0000

Healthy skin can be attributed to genetics, but another important factor is how it is taken care of over time and environmental factors. These are issues to consider prevent overexposure to sun, maintain moisturization of this and use creams that are appropriate to the type of person’s skin.

In normal skin the person must maintain a day care that has the correct appearance, some constant moisturization is not nothing wrong. With the dry should take greater care, because it is very prone to develop wrinkles early. A skin cream that will correct that delivers a greater amount of moisture, as also to be avoided at all costs the use cosmetics that contain potent chemicals that can cause skin irritation.

Oily skin type, will require creams to clean different areas as it is very likely to form grains, black spots, etc.. As for skin creams must use those that do not contain oils, such as skin naturally contains it. This will serve to make that skin does not shine. Oily skin type will have the advantage because of their nature, so a later age.

There are creams for young people who need almost entirely from those of neutral type. By the time the person begins to age, they need other more specific type, ie for wrinkles, stretch marks, blemishes, freckles, and so on.

Fight Aging with Anti-Aging Facial Massage

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:54:16 +0000

Check out this video for detailed instructions on how you can massage your own face to reduce and slow signs of aging using nothing but your hands and oil.