Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Sunless tanning that is safe. Self Tanning Towels

Self tanners include tanning lotions, tanning sprays and tanning towels or tanning wipes. I personally prefer self tanning towels or wipes over lotions or tanning sprays.

We’ve talked about the dangers of direct sun tanning and indoor tanning such as tanning beds. Does this mean that there's no safe methods of tanning with great results? Thankfully there is and that's where self tanners come in.
Self Tanning Methods

skin1 The DHA (dihydroxyacetone) ingredient in tanning towels turns the skin tone darker within 3-6 hours.

I’m not a big fan of the airbrush tanning either. I’m after convenience and quickness. Making an appointment, driving to a salon and then getting airbrushed isn’t my idea of convenience.
How do Self Tanning Towels work?

DHA is a sugar that interacts with amino acids in the upper layer of the skin. So when DHA makes contact with the stratum corneum layer and combines with oxygen, skin turns dark because the reaction between oxygen and DHA is similar to what happens to foods containing sugar. E.g. an apple turn browns shortly after it's been cut open and exposed to oxygen.

DHA is a natural ingredient (a carbohydrate actually, see there is such a thing as nice carbs!). Believe it or not, it’s simply a sugar. It’s perfectly natural and safe.
How Long does a Tan with Self Tanning Towels Last?

The tan lasts for about a week but gradually fades off. This is because millions of dead cells in the outermost skin layer are shed each day.

suntan-tissue-open

Most self tanning products contain only about 3-5% of DHA. The higher concentration of the DHA means the darker the skin will be.

Up above they saw that DHA reacts with the stratem corneum, which is where your dead skin cells die. Then when these dead skin cells come off each day, so does the tan.

However, Golden Active Sunshine self tanning towels, which will be on the market by the end of June, contains 6.5% of DHA, the highest concentration among existing self tanning products.

The 6.5% of DHA means that you won’t have to use so many towels for a full body tan.
Benefits of Self Tanning Towels

Tips for Better Results

* Highest DHA level of 6.5% - Darker Color
* speedy and easy to apply - Less than 5 minutes to dry (but different for each individual)
* No streaking or ugly orange color (even application will determine the result)
* Easy to carry - No spillage, leakage or breakage
* No discoloration on ankles, knees, hands, elbows etc
* No exfoliation required - the tissue exfoliates the skin as you apply
* Promotes softer and smoother skin
* Newly developed formula allows even coloring
* Each tissue contains essential self-tanning ingredients
* Self-adjustable tanning level
* Applicable to all body parts including the face
* Natural glowing tan obtainable year round
* No bad chemical odors
* Skin friendly ingredients used
* No harmful effects to your skin unlike direct UV lights, tanning beds, booths and lotions

1. You may expect better results if you exfoliate prior to use. Our brand new tanning towels contain exfoliating effects so it is not mandatory to exfoliate.
2. Wipe the areas you wish to tan evenly until the tan towel dries up. If the tanning towel becomes dry, take out another towel and commence wiping.
3. Wash your hands immediately after use otherwise your palms and areas under the nails will also get a nice tan :)
4. Do not take a shower or exercise within 4-5 hours of application. Sweat can cause spots or uneven coloring.
5. After checking the result after 4-6 hours, you may re-apply if you want darker results.
6. Tanning lasts for about 7 days. But after 3-4 days the color may start to fade.
7. Try not to apply over 3 times at any single time. This may cause uneven results.
8. Wipe in five direction.
9. Although you can notice the color alter in 3-4 hours, the real tan will be darker in color after 7-8 hours. So it is recommended to apply at night before sleeping. It isn’t sticky or leave stain so by the next morning when you wake up you will see the full tan. Take a shower and re-apply if you want darker results.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Seaweed Facial Mask

A few years ago I discovered how to make a simple facial mask that left my face feeling incredibly soft, smooth and looking absolutely radiant. This face mask contains kelp, honey, and aloe vera.

Seaweeds have been traditionally used to detoxify the body both internally and externally. They are rich in nutrients which help to both tone and nourish the skin. Seaweed contain mineral salts that can help the skin to hold it’s moisture better, which helps to smooth fine lines.

Adding honey to your mask adds additional moisture to the skin. Honey is a natural humectant that is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and sugar. The sugar and enzymes in honey is a gentle exfoliate for the skin. When possible use raw honey to ensure that you get the maximum quality and benefit of this wonderful golden treat.

Aloe Vera has been known for its amazing healing properties for centuries. It has been used to help heal burns, eczema, sores, acne, insect bites, and more. It’s an antiseptic, highly lubricant, and penetrates deep into the skin.

To benefit from these ingredients, create this simple mask:

1 TBSP Kelp powder ½ TBSP honey (raw honey is best) ½ TBSP Aloe vera gel (99.9% pure)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and apply to a clean face. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.

To enjoy glowing, healthy looking skin, use this mask 2 times a week.

I promise you will enjoy this mask and make it a regular part of your beauty program.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Herbal Facial Masks and Proper Skin Care

The secret to proper facial cleansing and radiant skin is to get rid of any dead cells and toxins not thrown off naturally by the skin; remove all makeup, dirt, grime and chemical pollutants; clear out clogged pores and eliminate infection-causing bacteria without stripping away the skin’s natural oils and hydration.

Most facial care products-cleansers, masks and scrubs, dry the skin and alter its PH balance, causing skin to become more alkaline. In fact, advertisers have led us to believe the best facial products are the ones that make the most suds or leave a ‘squeaky-clean’ sensation. In principal, this result sounds good, especially if you have oily skin, but in fact the body always seeks to normalize itself – that is to balance and heal – so when we remove the skin’s oil content, it responds by making more oil to compensate for the loss.

If we dry the skin too much, it will produce excessive amounts of oil that may exacerbate an existing acne condition. Of course, if you have dry skin already, you do not want to make it drier. If you have sensitive skin, you do not want to irritate it further with harsh chemicals and soaps.

Herbal clay masks have been found to do wonders for the skin – naturally. The herbs act as a gentle scrub to clear away the dirt, toxins, pollutants and dead skin cells, but they do not strip away the necessary moisture in the skin. At the same time, they are balancing, nutritive, healing and totally free of toxic ingredients.For deeper exfoliation, experts recommend herbal masks at least once or twice a week.

The skin sheds cells at a rate of one million per hour, so it is important to do a mild exfoliation daily. A that rate, it takes the skin about one month to completely regenerate itself and the herbal mask, “peels” away the old cells, so new ones can grow. The dead cells are also the top protective layer of the skin, however, and if we remove too much too soon, we leave the new cell growth unprotected. If the cells are not growing in at the rate we remove them, skin problems will develop.

An herbal facial mask can perform wonders on dry, oily, flaky, or just plain tired skin without damaging the renewing skin cells. Before setting out to purchase a facial mask first, ask yourself what you want to fix or change about your complexion. Is your skin excessively oily? Does it feel dry and tight? Does your skin look dull and flaky in the mirror? Whatever your specific skin type, herbal clay masks (preferably organic) will bring out your best appearance.

If you are blessed with oily skin, be thankful. Your skin will age the best, with fewer wrinkles than those with dry skin. Those with oily skin should only be careful to prevent blackheads and clogged pores; this is easy if you use the right products and facial masks. Do not be seduced by products that claim to "pull" the clogs out of your pores. These will damage your skin over time, making your pores permanently enlarged. Better are dissolving facial masks that remove pore-clogging matter gently. Another great attribute of a clay facial mask is that it will leave very tiny residue behind, filling in fine lines and slightly enlarges pores. This is a perfect way to prepare for a big night out, giving you a perfectly smooth surface over which to apply makeup.

A facial mask should be applied weekly and left on the skin for at least 15 minutes or longer. Apply in a circular motion and use enough product to leave a thick layer on your face. Spend time relaxing while the mask does its job. Remove the mask with warm water and gentle scrubbing. Treating your face to an herbal clay mask each week will keep you looking fresh and youthful and maintain optimal skin health.

The Benefits of Anti Aging Facial Masks

Skin wrinkles are caused by two main factors: heredity and the environment. There is little you can do about heredity and the natural aging process, but there is something you can do about the other causes. Pollution in the environment, sun exposure and stress can all lead to premature aging of the skin. Using anti aging creams is beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The creams are even more effective when combined with regular facials.

Facials counteract the effects of pollutants and sun exposure on your skin. Having regular facials will also help your skin absorb your anti aging creams better. Monthly facials improve elasticity, give your skin a smoother texture and improve the hydration of your skin. In addition, a facial will help remove dead skin which aids in the absorption of other creams or lotions used to combat wrinkles.

The products used for your facial will depend on your skin type. If you have dry skin, a moisturizing mask will be used to help add moisture to the skin. A rich moisturizer will also be used at the end of the treatment. Oil free products will be used for people with oily skin.

Facials can be done at home or by a professional in a salon or spa. Facial massage is very beneficial for wrinkles. The massage increases the blood circulation to the muscles of the face, which helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are over one hundred muscles in the face and massage helps to relax these muscles. This is particularly effective for wrinkles that result from muscle contractions, such as laugh lines and worry lines.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of facial massage, visit a salon for your facial. Facial massage is best done by a professional who is knowledgeable in massage techniques. An inexperienced person may actually cause more harm than good. When the muscles are not massaged properly, they sag which can cause wrinkles to be more prominent. The massage is also very relaxing. At some salons and spas, the arms, neck and shoulders are massaged as well. This is great for stress relief.

The basic facial procedure starts by examining the skin. This will help the professional assess the skin and determine the products that will be of the greatest benefit. Steam is then used to open the pores and remove impurities from the skin. A gentle cleanser is then used to clean the skin. This step is followed by a toner that is appropriate for your skin type. A facial mask is used to soothe and refresh the skin as well as to add moisture. At the end of the massage, a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type will be applied.

Once you have had your facial, you will want to keep your skin in good condition at home. Use a gentle cleanser that is not drying in the morning and at night. Invest in good quality anti aging creams to minimize wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. It's important to choose creams that are good for your skin type and the condition of your skin. Read reviews to help you choose the best products for your skin.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Coffee For Best Skin Care

If you are a tried and true coffee lover who is looking to beautify your appearance, then the great news for you is the fact that coffee has beneficial properties that not only affect your health and wellness, but your appearance too! In the past several years, there have been hundreds of products on the market that contain caffeine to work to heal and restore your complexion. Coffee was actually in question several years ago by the FDA because studies were unsure whether or not it was good for you. There were several negative studies released, though they were later found to be incorrect because the coffee drinkers within the tests were also smokers, so the findings were inaccurate.

The good news for you to know about coffee relating to your skin care is that caffeine is a vasodilator which works to firm and tighten your complexion. Coffee is also naturally full of antioxidants, and I am sure that you have seen numerous skin care products on the market that are focusing on using antioxidants to heal and restore damage to your face. It has been said in the past that drinking too much caffeine will affect your skin negatively because it is a diuretic, so it will draw necessary moisture from your complexion. However, if you do drink coffee in moderation, then you will be enjoying numerous antioxidants that will work to fight free radicals in your cells and counteract the appearance of damage to your face.

Caffeine is also currently being used in skin creams and lotions because, as I mentioned earlier, it is a vasodilator, which means that it constricts blood cells. The benefit of caffeine for your skin is that it will firstly work to reduce redness. Secondly, it will firm and tighten surface of your skin through constriction, so many companies are using this ingredient to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The caffeine in coffee when used in skin care works to dehydrate fatty cells so that water will disappear from the surface of your skin. This means that the appearance of cellulite is minimized, and your skin begins to look smoother overall.

Another popular use for caffeine in beauty products is within eye creams because that is an area that needs smoothing and firming for dramatic results. Using caffeine in this delicate area can easily tighten fine lines and smooth puffy surfaces. I am sure that if you look in your local beauty or skin care aisle, you will notice numerous high quality products that utilize coffee as an ingredient. The bonus to this is that your products will also smell delicious and be a pleasure to use. The benefit to your skin is that it will be absorbing caffeine to tighten and firm your appearance. There are even new studies showing that coffee inhibits the growth of skin cancer cells, so the benefits of using beauty products and skin care products that contain coffee and caffeine are numerous. Now you can not only enjoy drinking your cup of Joe, but you can use it for a flawless appearance as well!

Acne Treatment Guide

Acne Facial

Acne Facials: Background Information

Healthy skin is just one side-effect of looking your best. When your face becomes overtaken by acne, you need to look at the causes. Should you be taking extra precautions to keep your face looking great all the time? You absolutely should. When you develop facial acne, it is important to understand what an acne facial can do for you as part of an acne solution.

If you’ve experienced acne or other skin blemishes, you may discover that an acne facial is great at lowering breakout rates and the amount of acne that appears during each breakout. In fact, when you get what are called “acne facials,” clogged pores are carefully removed from your skin by a dermatologist or an individual knowledgeable in skin care.

Think of it like this: When you have acne, your pores become clogged and fill with dirt, debris, and other disturbing material. When you get an acne facial done, a professional is able to clear your pores of all the gross material on the layer and beneath your skin. This eliminates dead skin cells and all of the debris-like material and oil within your epidermis (skin layer).

Acne facials are also work well at reducing the occurrence of blemishes. This is great because not only can you get your acne eliminated with an acne facial, but you can also cure yourself of any unwanted skin blemishes. Acne facials can also be utilized to successfully treat slight cases of acne.

Acne Facial Treatment – Who Can Benefit?

With that said, it seems to be the common consensus that anyone with any form of acne, (ranging from a small amount to more severe amounts) can benefit from acne facial treatment. Sometimes, acne facials are coupled with acne medication as a combined acne solution. This is great because both acne solutions have been established in the reduction of facial acne.

Acne Facial Treatments – Understanding the Process

You will definitely remember the process of receiving an acne facial by how good it actually feels. At the beginning of acne facial treatments, a dermatologist or esthetician (cosmetology expert) cleanses the entire layer of your skin. This process is definitely soothing and your face will begin to feel much better. Shortly after the cleanse process, acne facial treatments involve steam, a mask layer over your face, and possibly a massage. Acne facial cream may also be applied.

Various acne facial creams do a good job at clearing your face of oily substances, removing dead layers of skin and cells, as well as replenishing healthy skin. Typically, after the facial process, you will end up feeling refreshed and relaxed. Your skin care professional will usually recommend that you continue applying acne facial cream before your next appointment. This facial maintenance will only make your next acne facial go more smoothly.

While receiving an acne facial, special steps may need to be taken if your skin was already severely affected by acne. Should you have extremely damaged skin, an acne facial may not be recommended. Instead, an alternative form of treatment like laser acne removal and acne scar removal may be suggested.

Should you ever choose to ask for an acne facial to help battle your acne, you must know that you will see much more improvement if you continue regularly washing your face with specialized skin cream prescribed by a dermatologist. It is also important to let your acne specialist know what medications you are taking so that they do not interfere with the recovery progress.

Natural Acne Facial Success

For those of us who have had acne facials, we know that they feel great and usually help with our acne battle. You can also have a natural acne facial done in order to stay away from any chemicals. One great natural acne facial method is done by gently washing your face in very cold water. You can utilize various natural items like lemon juice, cucumber juice, and rose water to prepare for your natural facial. Vitamin E has also been recommended as part of the process. You can add Vitamin E by buying over the counter vitamin E pills, crushing them up, and applying them to your face.

Natural acne facials can be highly effective in the reduction of facial acne. Most people have at least one of the many natural products in their house right now and are ready to see whether a facial works well for them. You could apply cucumber juice, lavender oil, and/or almond oil to your face each day and chances are likely that you’d notice at least some benefit. Rinsing with cold water has been found to be a great way to end a natural acne facial treatment session. You may be asked to appy an form of an acne lotion or an type of acne gel to keep your face looking good after treatment.

Acne Treatment with Best Homemade Acne Mask

Acne is a distressing skin problem that affects most people in both teens and adults. Everyone has got an opinion when it comes to acne and there are many types of treatments that have been proven to be effective in dealing with those nasty pimples.

Besides over-the-counter treatments and traditional prescription medications, now people have a tendency to find natural and simple methods to fight acne because of their busy schedules and high medical expenses.

Baking Soda Mask

Baking soda is an excellent and cheap physical exfoliant. It is gentle on your skin as it is a fine and ph neutral powder. Baking soda can increase skin cell turnover rate thus making your acne look less noticeable. Moreover, baking soda's neutralizing properties can reduce redness of the skin.

Carrot Mask

Take 500 grams of carrots and 5 grams of flour. Clean and crush carrots. Mix it with flour. Apply this paste on your face for 10 minutes every two days. If the carrot paste is stick enough, you may not add the flour. What¡¯s more, wash your face with carrot juice is also helpful. It will enhance your skins health and eliminate acne, scar and wrinkle. Furthermore, it is best to include carrot in your diet.

Cabbage Mask

Clean the fresh cabbage. Lay 3 cabbage leaves flat on a cutting board. Grind it into pappy with bottle for about 10 minutes. Apply it on your face and leave it on for ten minutes. Take off the mask. Then repeat it in 3 successive times. Do it once a day. It is said that this method derived from Turkey in which cabbage mask is always used to improve the skin and skin diseases like acne are not common in their country. Use it and your skin will appear white and delicate throughout. It's the most excellent whitening and spot-clearing mask. Moreover, it is also safe, simple and cheap.

Aloe Mask

Take one leaf of aloe (about 100 grams) and cut it into small pieces. Put the pieces into a pot and boiled them with 500ml of water for 15 minutes. Filter and mix the aloe juice with 10 grams of honey. Then you can drink it. At the same time, rub your affected area with aloe pieces is better.

A vast research has been done on aloe and proved to be very effective and significant in the treatment of various ailments, skin disorders, hairs, cosmetics and beauty. Some experts said that it can help to resist bacteria, reduce inflammation, relieve diarrhea and aid in detoxification. It is reported that aloe works to cure acne in only 1 week. The aloe juice contains polysaccharide, protein and Vitamin C. It penetrates into your skin and maintains for almost 26-36 hours to help reduce your pores and prevent wrinkles. Remember, someone allergic to aloe or chronic diarrhea patients is not allowed to use aloe.

Tomato and Strawberry Mask

Clean one tomato and two strawberries. Peel the tomato. Put them into a sack of disinfectant gaze cloth and squeeze out the juice. Apply the juice to your affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes. Do it twice a day. The tomato and strawberry juice contains Vitamin C, carrot elements and anti-virus bacteria. It helps to clear the heat and detoxify your body. Rub your face only with tomato juice or strawberry juice is also effective in whitening your face.

Is acne embarrassing you? Now using natural cures for acne is a simple and inexpensive option. Keep in mind that a healthy diet is the key to getting healthy skin. Vegetables and fruits that are rich in Vitamin help promote skin repair and fight your skin problems. Eight ounce glasses of water a day and exercise also help to repair skin damage.