6 Things You Should Never Do To Your Skin

There are many articles informing people about what they should do for better skin. From cosmetic surgery to essential oils, there is a myriad of advice to consider. Often these gurus forget to tell us what we should never do to our skin. Certain habits can cause your skin to breakout, get irritated and appear older before its time. Consider these 6 things you should not do to your skin.

Popping Pimples

It gets so tempting to pop a pimple. It comes to an ugly head and you just want to get rid of it fast. Never pop that pimple, no matter what anyone else tells you. It can lead to further breakouts, skin irritation and scarring. Resist the temptation to pop a pimple and handle it with patience instead. Use an acne remedy with tea tree oil. Apply a bit of mud mask to the pimple to dry it out. It might take a bit longer but the results won't leave you with a worse skin situation.

Soaking Up The Sun

The warm weather comes and you can't wait to get in the sun. In fact, you're so eager you forget essentials such as sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to apply sunscreen each time you are outside. Even in cloudy weather, you can get a sunburn. Avoid premature aging and skin cancer by wearing a hat and sunglasses and applying 30+ SPF sunscreen all the time.

Harsh Toners

You have breakouts or blackheads and you just want to get rid of them. Your skin might be oily and you need to reduce the shine. Never use harsh toners with alcohol that can strip and dry your skin. Ultimately, you skin will react to them and get even oilier. Select a gentle toner made with natural ingredients that helps to heal your skin rather than harm it. Follow up with a moisturizer and pamper your skin by using exfoliators and facial masks.

Rubbing Your Skin

When people are rushing, they tend to rub their skin and may not even realize it. They want to remove traces of mascara or dry their face after washing so they can head out the door in the morning. Unfortunately, this excessive rubbing pulls your skin and can lead to fine lines that make you looker older before your time.

Sleeping with Makeup On

If that special someone expects you to look perfect in the morning, the expectation is unrealistic. Never wear makeup to bed so you can appear more attractive in the morning. The makeup is drying your skin and irritating the sensitive skin around your eyes. Cleanse your skin, remove all traces of makeup and apply a moisturizer before bed. Over time, this skin care regimen helps you to look better without makeup.

Quit Bad Habits

Did you ever notice the fine lines around the mouths of people who smoke? It's just not an appealing look. Smoking dries out your skin and leads to fine lines, cancers and other awful health conditions. Quit smoking for clearer skin. Excessive drinking can also lead to dehydration that shows on your skin and may cause puffy eyes. Consume less alcohol and drink more water for a more youthful appearance.

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5 Easy Ways to Combat Acne

Often acne is associated with the teen years because many teens experience the problem at some point. But people of all ages can be blemishes and breakouts. Adult acne is also quite common. Blackheads, whiteheads and pimples can make you feel self-conscious about your skin  no matter how old you are. There are 5 simple ways to combat acne for a clearer, more healthy appearance.

Keep Your Skin Clean

It might sound simple but life gets hectic and we forget to keep our skin clean. When you forget to wash your face, dirt and oil build up. It can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. It only takes a couple of minutes to properly wash your face. Use a gentle facial wash or soap made for your particular skin type. While people with oily skin are most prone to getting acne, all skin types can get breakouts. Wash your face with warn water and splash a cool rinse on your face at the end. Use a clean, soft towel to gently dry your face. Put toner on a cotton ball to get rid of any excess oil or grime that could clog your pores. Avoid harsh toners with ingredients such as alcohol that could actually aggravate your breakouts.

Exfoliate Your Skin

Dead skin cells are another culprit when it comes to breakouts. Your skin is shedding thousands of dead skin cells every minute. They build up and start clogging your pores. Use a special exfoliating cream or lotion after your cleanse your face. Apply it to your skin, rinse with warm water and dry your skin thoroughly. The exfoliator sloughs off dead skin cells to reduce the possibility of clogged pores and acne breakouts. The result is a more glowing complexion with a lesser chance of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.

Steam Your Skin

One of the best essential oils to get rid of acne is tea tree oil. This strong essential oil works wonders to clear your pores. Put a couple of drops of tea tree oil into a pot of water and boil it. Cool the mix for a minute then put a towel around your head and face as you lean toward the heated water. Let the steam cleanse your face then rinse with warm water and dry your skin. You will be amazed at the wonders tea tree oil can do for your acne-prone skin.

Apply a Moor Mud Mask

Add a Moor mud mask to your weekly skin care regimen. All skin types can benefit from this incredible facial mask infused with essential herbs, vitamins and minerals. The myriad of natural element in a mud mask help to get rid of the toxins on your skin and deep clean your pores. People with active breakouts are encouraged to use this mask each day for three weeks then apply it every 3 to 5 days. Keep the mask on for about 30 minutes then rinse it with warm water and dry your skin gently. Over time, you will see noticeable results.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Often people with acne skip using a moisturizer. You need moisture no matter skin type you have. Choose a light moisturizer with acne-fighting ingredients. Apply it after you cleanse your skin. This helps to maintain the balance of your skin to avoid future breakouts. Drink six to eight glasses of water each day to stay hydrated from the inside out. Eat healthy foods such as veggies, fruits and lean protein along with whole grains and low-fat dairy. Steer clear of sugary and salty snacks that could aggravate your skin.

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10 Simple Ways to Look 10 Years Younger

Most women would like to take a decade off their appearances. Proper skin care is one of the simplest ways to take 10 years off your age. There are also a few other basic tips to make you look and feel more youthful.

Cleanse Twice a Day

Going to bed with your makeup on is sure to dry out your skin and make it look older. Make sure to use a gentle cleanser in the morning and before bed to get rid of dirt, makeup and grime. Never rub your skin and use a soft towel to dry it. A toner removes the last traces of gunk from your skin. Steer clear of harsh toners with ingredients such as alcohol.

Moisturize Your Skin

All skin types require moisture for proper balance, even oily skin. The richness of your skin cream or lotion is determined by how dry your skin feels. Is it taut and flaky? Use a thick skin cream. Does it shine and get oily? Choose a light lotion. Apply moisturizer after cleansing twice a day. Use upward motions and remember to include your neck and décolletage.

Exfoliate Dead Skin Away

Use an exfoliator once a day or a few times a week to slough off dead skin cells. This helps reveal the youthful skin under the surface for a more glowing appearance.

Use a Facial Mask Once a Week

A facial mask for your skin type is the perfect way to maintain healthy skin. From getting rid of blackheads to infusing moisture into dry areas, there are facial masks for every purpose. Look for natural ingredients such as aloe, honey and clay.

Take Special Care of the Area Around Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, which makes it subject to fine lines. Take care of it by using a special eye cream rather than your regular moisturizer.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water helps to hydrate your skin from within. It also flushes toxins out of your system. Sip six to eight glasses of water each day for optimum health.

Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

The food we eat shines through our skin. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and veggies for the vitamins and minerals your skin needs to be more beautiful. Choose low-fat dairy, whole grains and lean protein for skin that is smooth. Avoid excess salt so your eye area does not get puffy.

Exercise Five Days a Week

Your skin has blood vessels and your circulation affects how your skin looks. Exercise five days a week for at least 30 minutes to boost your circulation for better skin and health.

Smile More, Frown Less

Smiling takes fewer muscles than frowning and smile lines are prettier. Frowning can make your face look older and add unattractive lines in places you don't want them.

Love the Skin You're In

A positive self image reflects from the inside out. When you feel good about the skin you're in, it shows at any age and makes you look fabulous.

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Taking Care of the Delicate Skin Under Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than skin on the rest of your body. As a result, this area can show signs of age earlier than other parts of your face. Taking proper care of the skin under your eyes can keep it looking smoother and more youthful for years to come.

Never Rub Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes can irritate these sensitive surrounding tissues. Pulling the skin makes it loose and subject to fine lines. Use eye drops if you have red or dry eyes rather than rubbing them to try to make them feel better. Never use forceful motions to apply or remove eye makeup. Use a special sponge or brush applicator to apply eye makeup. Take it off by using a special eye makeup remover with a soft cotton puff. Avoid harsh cleansers that could dry out the skin around your eyes.

Use a Special Eye Area Moisturizer

The skin around your eyes is thin and requires additional moisture. Invest in a special eye cream to use before bed and prior to applying eye makeup. Cleanse your skin and eyes before bed to remove all traces of makeup. Slather on a thick layer of moisturizer to infuse this area with moisture while you sleep. Use a gentle upward patting motion to apply moisturizer around your eyes. Wash and dry your face again in the morning and apply a thin layer of eye cream to the area. Let the skin absorb it before you apply eye makeup. Use an eye makeup primer on your lids if you are concerned about eye shadow creasing or wearing off.

Getting Rid of Dark Areas Under Your Eyes

Always try to get at least six to eight hours of sleep each night. If you have dark circles under your eyes. use a non-irritating, non-comedogenic concealer to camouflage them. It should be a creamy formula in a shade or two lighter than your skin tone. Use a tapered brush or sponge to apply the concealer from the lower inner corner of your eye to the outer corner. Gently blend the concealer until it is invisible. To set it, use a small brush to apply a little mineral powder to the area.

Reducing Puffy Eyes

After a long day, our eyes sometimes look swollen and puffy. Reduce the swelling by placing a chilled slice of cucumber on each eye for 10 minutes. You can also soak cotton balls in chilled soy milk and place them on your eyes for a few minutes to minimize the swelling for a smoother look. Avoid salty foods that can make your eyes look puffier. What you eat is often reflected on your skin.

Make sure your eyes are part of your daily skin care regime. Often we remember to cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate but might forget the sensitive area around our eyes.  Get plenty of rest and avoid pulling this delicate skin when you apply makeup, put in contact lenses or put on moisturizer. Taking care of your eyes today will keep them looking more youthful tomorrow.

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Basics About Skin 101

Many people might not think of skin as an organ but it is the largest organ in our bodies. We need skin to maintain the proper body temperature and protect our internal organs from damage. We also get our sense of touch through our skin. It covers our entire body and has pores that let in certain elements and release others. What we put on our skin matters because it is absorbed into our bodies.

Three Layers of Skin

Our skin actually consists of three layers. The subcutaneous layer is the deepest layer of skin, followed by the dermis in the middle then the epidermis on the outside. The skin contains blood vessels, nerve endings and sweat glands as well as hair follicles. The layer we see is the epidermis. Eating healthy foods matters because they have an impact on the health of all our layers of skin. We use natural skin care products to improve the health and appearance of the epidermis.

How the Epidermis Works

New cells are formed at the base of the epidermis. They move toward the top of this layer of skin, which takes up to a month. The older cells on top die and come to the surface, which is what we see. We lose up to 40,000 dead skin cells every minute. In a year, we lose about nine pounds of dead skin cells. A whopping 95 percent of the cells in the epidermis work to create new cells. The remaining 5 percent of the cells in the epidermis product melanin, which gives your skin color. This is also was makes it possible for your skin to get a tan. It is important to wear sunscreen when you are exposed to the sun to protect your skin against damage and possible cancers. You should also wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face from the sun.

Taking Care of Your Epidermis

Cleansing your skin twice daily is important to remove dirt, makeup and dead skin cells. Exfoliating is the ultimate way to slough off dead skin cells and reveal fresher new skin. Many people exfoliate once a day. After you wash your face with warm water, you can close the pores with a refreshing cold rinse. Then dry your skin completely using a soft towel. Never rub your skin, which can cause irritation and fine lines. Use a toner after you wash your face to remove any remaining traces of grime. Now your skin is ready for a moisturizer. The richness of your moisturizer depends on the dryness of your skin and your anti-aging goals. Even people with oily skin need a light moisturizer to maintain the proper balance. To have glowing skin, use a facial mask once a week. Usually a mask remains on your face for 20 minutes or longer. It might be rinsed or peeled away to make your epidermis look its best.

Skin is our most visible organ. Knowing more about your skin and how it works makes it possible to give it the highest level of care and respect.

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