Most people with acne think oil is the bad guy. They don't understand that our skin needs oil for protection and moisture. They don't understand it is trapped oil that creates acne. They wrongly believe it is the oil they can see and touch on the surface of their skin that is causing their acne.
So what happens? They think that if they can get rid of their oil, they will get rid of their acne.
Some not so great skincare product companies know this and then produce products which strip the skin of oil and promote them as 'acne cures'. Sure they make money but they don't help your skin.
Your skin is very intelligent. It knows it needs oil to live.
If you apply a product that strips your skin of oil, your sebum glands will go into shock and do one of two things;
1. Stop producing oil completely
2. Produce a splurge of oil
The first means there is nothing protecting your skin. All those dead skin cells can get inside your pores. As soon as your glands start producing again the oil will combine with the dead skin cells to make that lovely paste.
The second means there is a massive amount of stuff trying to get out a very small hole. Your gland will produce more oil than your pore can excrete and your pore will block.
Both result in more acne.
The most common ingredients in skincare products that strip the skin of oil are those that;
- Create lather
- Are based on alcohol
- Contain certain emulsifiers
Traditional foaming cleansers and bar soaps create a lovely lather when you rub your hands together. The ingredient that is creating the lather is normally some sort of detergent such as sodium lauryl sulfate and laureth sulfate.
These ingredients are cheap to manufacture and make a product seem nice to the consumer so they continue to be used. Whether a product is expensive or cheap, if it foams well, it probably contains a skin stripping detergent.
Another big baddie is alcohol based products. Alcohol is commonly used in products to dilute them, prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi in the bottle or to make your skin feel tight. Think toners that make your skin feel fresh and youthful. All that has happened here is the alcohol has stripped away all the oil and moisture and left your skin covered in dried up, dead skin cells.
As for emulsifiers, well sometimes they are necessary to bind the oil and water together in a product so that it does not separate in the bottle. However, and it's a big however, when applied to your skin, some emulsifiers try and bind together the oil on your skin to the water you are using to wash the product off. So when you wash the product off, all the oil on your skin goes with it.
The bad emulsifiers that are most common in skincare products are;
- Triethanolamine
- Oleth
- Peg ester (commonly called peg 20, peg 40)
- Castor oil
- Sterates
Stripping your skin of oil will only make your acne worse. If you own a product that does this, throw it out. If you are using regular soap on your acne, stop.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Medical Spa Era
Welcome to the medical spa era. We now live in an age where the expectations of the consumer that seemed out of reach five years ago are now a reality. This is true in many aspects of our lives, but there are few industries where this has become more evident that in the field of skin care and anti-aging.
According to the 2002 US Census, more than $12 billion is spent each year on cosmetology services. As the baby boomer generation has begun to reach their fifties, the desire to fight the signs of aging has been elevated to an all time high. Consumers are eager for effective solutions to eliminate wrinkles, rejuvenate the skin and to maintain a youthful appearance. For many years the answer to these requests were either topical skin care treatments, such as lotions, potions, and peels, or surgery. Topical remedies typically only provide a minor amount of benefit, and surgical procedures may require anesthesia, extensive recovery time, and discomfort. Thanks to recent advances in technology, we now have a middle ground.
The missing void that we have needed for so very long in the skin care profession has been filled by the advent of medical aesthetic procedures. Medical aesthetics represents the union of medically based procedures to perform non-invasive cosmetic enhancements. What does that mean? It means more significant changes without the draw backs of surgery. It means that many of the skin care ailments that have plagued us for decades can now be resolved with the use of lasers or other energy based devices when placed in the hands of trained and skilled professionals.
Eliminating wrinkles, reducing cellulite, getting rid of unwanted hair forever, or taking off that tattoo with the name of your ex-boyfriend can now be accomplished, and these concepts are no longer science fiction. Where can one find a provider of such services? At your local medical spa. Until the advent of lasers there was really no good way to get rid of a spider vein without puncturing the skin or volunteering for surgery. Before radio frequency devices, the only solution to tightening up lax skin was to have it removed by a surgeon. Now these and the many other wonderful advanced skin care procedures can be performed on your lunch break at a mall or spa location near you.
The miracle that is the internet provides a medspa directory that offers contact information for the more than two thousand medical spas that are located across the country. You can also find reviews from peers who have had experiences with this new breed of cosmetology professional to help you to make an informed decision when selecting a provider.
The future is now, and the more you are able to learn about the solutions provided by medical spas, the more that you will likely find that there are ways to resolve everyday problems that were until recently unheard of. Consult a medspa directory today to start your journey towards the new you.
According to the 2002 US Census, more than $12 billion is spent each year on cosmetology services. As the baby boomer generation has begun to reach their fifties, the desire to fight the signs of aging has been elevated to an all time high. Consumers are eager for effective solutions to eliminate wrinkles, rejuvenate the skin and to maintain a youthful appearance. For many years the answer to these requests were either topical skin care treatments, such as lotions, potions, and peels, or surgery. Topical remedies typically only provide a minor amount of benefit, and surgical procedures may require anesthesia, extensive recovery time, and discomfort. Thanks to recent advances in technology, we now have a middle ground.
The missing void that we have needed for so very long in the skin care profession has been filled by the advent of medical aesthetic procedures. Medical aesthetics represents the union of medically based procedures to perform non-invasive cosmetic enhancements. What does that mean? It means more significant changes without the draw backs of surgery. It means that many of the skin care ailments that have plagued us for decades can now be resolved with the use of lasers or other energy based devices when placed in the hands of trained and skilled professionals.
Eliminating wrinkles, reducing cellulite, getting rid of unwanted hair forever, or taking off that tattoo with the name of your ex-boyfriend can now be accomplished, and these concepts are no longer science fiction. Where can one find a provider of such services? At your local medical spa. Until the advent of lasers there was really no good way to get rid of a spider vein without puncturing the skin or volunteering for surgery. Before radio frequency devices, the only solution to tightening up lax skin was to have it removed by a surgeon. Now these and the many other wonderful advanced skin care procedures can be performed on your lunch break at a mall or spa location near you.
The miracle that is the internet provides a medspa directory that offers contact information for the more than two thousand medical spas that are located across the country. You can also find reviews from peers who have had experiences with this new breed of cosmetology professional to help you to make an informed decision when selecting a provider.
The future is now, and the more you are able to learn about the solutions provided by medical spas, the more that you will likely find that there are ways to resolve everyday problems that were until recently unheard of. Consult a medspa directory today to start your journey towards the new you.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Ways To Preserve Your Healthy Skin
Your hectic schedule, modern lifestyle and extra activities do not allow you to look after yourself. Gradually you lose your impressive looks. Even if you are not a workingwomen, spending most of your time indoor still your skin gradually loses your youthful sheen and complex with your age. It is due to the less activeness of your sebaceous glands that leaves your skin dry and develops wrinkles on your face. Even the number of blood vessels in your skin reduces and makes your skin vulnerable to attack.
Therefore if you have not started to take care of your skin then get up from your slumber and start making skin care as an important part of your regular chores before it gets too late. There are various skin care tips that will definitely help delay the natural ageing process and prevent many skin problems in addition to giving bight and impressive looks to the onlookers.
Among the various the skin-care tips taking of plentiful amount of water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, taking exercise and rest is of prime importance. Besides these there are several other factors that people forget to remember and they are:
1. Following certain rules while cleansing your skin. Take precious care while cleansing your skin. Use warm water and limit your bath time to fifteen minutes or less. Avoid using strong soaps that may leave your skin dry. Also avoid jumping from one brand of soap to another. Continue using the same branded soap as long as possible. While purchasing soap, choose mild soap and do not forget to check the manufacturing date on the wrapper. It will be much better if you can use cleanser on your face to remove make-ups but before that make sure that to determine your skin type. Always handle your skin delicately because rough handling will damage your skin. Another very important point to remember is to save your skin from the ultraviolet light of the sun by using sunscreen lotion, carrying umbrellas, wearing hats and sunglass for your eyes. Ultraviolet light of the sun can cause serious damages to your skin. Next step is to maintain the natural moisture levels, by applying moisture that must be suitable to your skin type and your age. Never shave dry skin instead use press a warm wash clothe on your skin before shaving to soften the hair, or shave after a warm bath or shower. apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving and make sure to rinse your skin afterwards with warm water.
2. Stop smoking that reduces blood flow depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, which are important to skin health.
Therefore if you have not started to take care of your skin then get up from your slumber and start making skin care as an important part of your regular chores before it gets too late. There are various skin care tips that will definitely help delay the natural ageing process and prevent many skin problems in addition to giving bight and impressive looks to the onlookers.
Among the various the skin-care tips taking of plentiful amount of water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, taking exercise and rest is of prime importance. Besides these there are several other factors that people forget to remember and they are:
1. Following certain rules while cleansing your skin. Take precious care while cleansing your skin. Use warm water and limit your bath time to fifteen minutes or less. Avoid using strong soaps that may leave your skin dry. Also avoid jumping from one brand of soap to another. Continue using the same branded soap as long as possible. While purchasing soap, choose mild soap and do not forget to check the manufacturing date on the wrapper. It will be much better if you can use cleanser on your face to remove make-ups but before that make sure that to determine your skin type. Always handle your skin delicately because rough handling will damage your skin. Another very important point to remember is to save your skin from the ultraviolet light of the sun by using sunscreen lotion, carrying umbrellas, wearing hats and sunglass for your eyes. Ultraviolet light of the sun can cause serious damages to your skin. Next step is to maintain the natural moisture levels, by applying moisture that must be suitable to your skin type and your age. Never shave dry skin instead use press a warm wash clothe on your skin before shaving to soften the hair, or shave after a warm bath or shower. apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving and make sure to rinse your skin afterwards with warm water.
2. Stop smoking that reduces blood flow depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, which are important to skin health.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sexy Lower Back Tattoo Ideas - That's What Makes You Hot!
It's hard for a lower back tattoo not to be sexy on a girl. Their placement makes it the perfect sexy tattoo, but there are some sexy tattoo designs that really get the juices flowing for the opposite sex.
If you're considering a back tattoo and don't want them to be too cutesy, there are designs out there for you that will really stand out when you want them to. Just be aware that lower back tattoos are visible whenever you bend over in most casual outfits so dress appropriately when you don't want to be the center of attention.
Symmetrical tattoo designs that branch from the spine out look really good on the lower back. If you're looking for some sexy symmetrical or spreading middle designs, these are some ideas for you:
If you're considering a back tattoo and don't want them to be too cutesy, there are designs out there for you that will really stand out when you want them to. Just be aware that lower back tattoos are visible whenever you bend over in most casual outfits so dress appropriately when you don't want to be the center of attention.
Symmetrical tattoo designs that branch from the spine out look really good on the lower back. If you're looking for some sexy symmetrical or spreading middle designs, these are some ideas for you:
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Stylish Handbags for 2007 Summer
For today's woman, make up could not be completed without applying lipstick, like wise handbag compliments one's outfit. Handbags are details to an outfit that enhances it. In today's society handbags have acquired a glamorous position.
Hand bags- Summer Trends:
Small bags are out: This summer the slogan for handbags is "Big is beautiful". The oversized bags are in fashion. These beautiful, classy big bags are appropriate for woman in every walk of life. It is easy to lose your accessories when tossed into a large bag. So always look for bags that have compartments or inside pockets. You can also keep a mini purse inside your large handbag. These big handbags may be the style of choice for daytime use; however you can transform your look for an evening out in the town with small purse or wristlet!. These compact totes can also carry your essential items like phone, credit cards, cash, and car keys.
Satchel bags: If it is hard for you chose between large or mini handbag, you can go for "satchel" that has emerged as one of the hottest roomy, take any-where handbag choices of the season.
Beach bag: Soft straw bags are sophisticated with rich leather accents and shiny hardware. New two-tone straw beach bags are meant for fun in summers with summer-inspired embroidered designs on the outside and having fashion-printed inner linings. It is roomy, lightweight and easy to carry. Isabella Fiore Vacation Sensation Jocelyn Bag can also give you an island feel. Leather beach bags have come in dark or light brown, white, tan and even in snakeskin colors too.
Polka dot bags: In summers fashions rules are as stringent as they are in the cooler fall months. In these warm months you should opt for easily pull off a get-outside-and-play attitude. This season dots are everywhere. There seem to be white and black spot everywhere. Don't worry if the pattern of your tote does'nt match your outfit exactly. If you are wearing an orange polka-dot skirt, take a plaid rainbow bag. You can take polka dot bag with dotted outwear and sandals.
Summer color trends: What about colors? White is the hot color this summer. Neutral colors like beige, chocolate or ivory are hot too. White color handbag is always safe to carry because it can match with any outfit you wear. Dolce and Gabbana's Celtic Woven Leather Bag in pristine white is a great option for a shoulder bag for this summer.
Bags gone wild: Animal prints like leopard snakeskin and crocodile textures bags, look stunning. Snakeskin prints bags are perfect for the discerning women who are looking for something truly wild, untamed and exotic. These are available in brown and black, silver and black, or cream and tan.
Sporty stripe: These bags are meant for women who like to be neutral. These bags are crisp, clean and sophisticated. Leather and canvas get jazzed up with red, white, green, blue, orange and black stripes. The Brooks Brothers white leather structured satchel that cost you around $400 can be worn with jeans with flowy less structured top.
Metallic handbags: Like last year Metallic handbags continues as a fashion trend this summer too. Metallic bag could be a good buy without overloading your wardrobe.
It's not hard to find right bag for yourself. In this wormy weather try to avoid black because it absorbs more heat. You may splash your wardrobe with neutral color bags so you can wear them with several outfits. Before choosing a bag, you should always remember about the occasions like office, picnic or beach where you are going to carry this. All the best!
Hand bags- Summer Trends:
Small bags are out: This summer the slogan for handbags is "Big is beautiful". The oversized bags are in fashion. These beautiful, classy big bags are appropriate for woman in every walk of life. It is easy to lose your accessories when tossed into a large bag. So always look for bags that have compartments or inside pockets. You can also keep a mini purse inside your large handbag. These big handbags may be the style of choice for daytime use; however you can transform your look for an evening out in the town with small purse or wristlet!. These compact totes can also carry your essential items like phone, credit cards, cash, and car keys.
Satchel bags: If it is hard for you chose between large or mini handbag, you can go for "satchel" that has emerged as one of the hottest roomy, take any-where handbag choices of the season.
Beach bag: Soft straw bags are sophisticated with rich leather accents and shiny hardware. New two-tone straw beach bags are meant for fun in summers with summer-inspired embroidered designs on the outside and having fashion-printed inner linings. It is roomy, lightweight and easy to carry. Isabella Fiore Vacation Sensation Jocelyn Bag can also give you an island feel. Leather beach bags have come in dark or light brown, white, tan and even in snakeskin colors too.
Polka dot bags: In summers fashions rules are as stringent as they are in the cooler fall months. In these warm months you should opt for easily pull off a get-outside-and-play attitude. This season dots are everywhere. There seem to be white and black spot everywhere. Don't worry if the pattern of your tote does'nt match your outfit exactly. If you are wearing an orange polka-dot skirt, take a plaid rainbow bag. You can take polka dot bag with dotted outwear and sandals.
Summer color trends: What about colors? White is the hot color this summer. Neutral colors like beige, chocolate or ivory are hot too. White color handbag is always safe to carry because it can match with any outfit you wear. Dolce and Gabbana's Celtic Woven Leather Bag in pristine white is a great option for a shoulder bag for this summer.
Bags gone wild: Animal prints like leopard snakeskin and crocodile textures bags, look stunning. Snakeskin prints bags are perfect for the discerning women who are looking for something truly wild, untamed and exotic. These are available in brown and black, silver and black, or cream and tan.
Sporty stripe: These bags are meant for women who like to be neutral. These bags are crisp, clean and sophisticated. Leather and canvas get jazzed up with red, white, green, blue, orange and black stripes. The Brooks Brothers white leather structured satchel that cost you around $400 can be worn with jeans with flowy less structured top.
Metallic handbags: Like last year Metallic handbags continues as a fashion trend this summer too. Metallic bag could be a good buy without overloading your wardrobe.
It's not hard to find right bag for yourself. In this wormy weather try to avoid black because it absorbs more heat. You may splash your wardrobe with neutral color bags so you can wear them with several outfits. Before choosing a bag, you should always remember about the occasions like office, picnic or beach where you are going to carry this. All the best!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Ugg Boots, They May Sound Funny But They Feel Great
Did you know that Australian Sheepskin Ugg boots have always been called Ug, Ugh or Ugg boots and have been made in Australia for almost 200 years? "We always called them Uggs, Brian Smith says, "long before it was a trademarked brand." Brian Smith, Founder UGG Holdings, Inc. Los Angeles Magazine October 1st, 2001
The original Ugg Boot. "Ug", (also spelled "Ugg" and "Ugh" in Australian dictionaries) is not a brand name but an age old generic term for this style of Australian-made sheepskin boot. In Aussie slang, the Ug name is short for "ugly". In terms of comfort, however, the Ug Boot is a thing of beauty. The softness of the Australian Merino sheepskin produces a boot with a snug, cozy, form-fitting feel that's more like a sock than a shoe, yet it's rugged enough for outdoor wear. The fleece lining has the astonishing property of providing year-round comfort. In cold weather, the plush fleece provides an insulating layer of warmth by trapping your body heat, much like goose down does. But in the heat of summer, the natural fibers of the fleece actually cool your feet by wicking away perspiration.
By the 1970s, in Perth, the largest city on Australia's West Coast, Ug boots were being manufactured by several small companies in the area. Perth has much the same climate as Southern California and is also a haven for surfers, whom Aussies call "surfies". And it was the community of surfies at the great surfing beaches at Margaret River near Perth who first adopted Ug Boots as their footwear of choice and made them a symbol of the Aussie surfing lifestyle.
From the beaches of Western Australia, Uggs were soon seen on the feet of East Coast surfers from Brisbane to Sydney. And it wasn't long before some of these surfers, the ones who traded their surfboards for skis in the winter, found that their Ug Boots were just as at home in the ski resort areas of the Snowy Mountains as they were on the warm sands of Sydney's Bondi Beach.
It was Aussie surfers, traveling the world in search of the perfect wave, who first introduced their mates in Southern California to the pleasures of the Ug Boot. Ugs soon became a cult fashion among those L.A. surfers who could depend on a buddy "down under" to send them a pair of boots.
Today the Ug "secret" is out. You'll find these versatile boots to be in fashion on beaches from San Diego to Santa Cruz and in ski resorts from Tahoe to Vail. And today, you don't have to "know someone" in Australia who will send you a pair, since there are now a number of companies importing boots of this type. But, if you want the genuine article, you do have to know what you're looking for because, no matter how they spell it Ug, Ugg or Ugh there are several importers with look-alike products that fall short of being the real thing.
If you want genuine Ugg Boots, meaning well-made boots with all the qualities that made the original so desirable then you'll want to make sure that they have the following qualities.
The boots are made from 100% Australian Merino Sheepskin. This will ensure your purchase is made of the finest Sheepskin hide avaliable.
Beware of very cheap imitations. Quite a few boots on the market are made of cowhide suede with sewn on sheepskin inner fleece off cuts. Don't take the chance and purchase these boots, the external cow suede does not breathe like 100% sheepskin does and will leave you with a smelly sweaty boot. But I must say these boots do look like the real thing but just don't cut the mustard when compared to authentic Ugg boots.
The original Ugg Boot. "Ug", (also spelled "Ugg" and "Ugh" in Australian dictionaries) is not a brand name but an age old generic term for this style of Australian-made sheepskin boot. In Aussie slang, the Ug name is short for "ugly". In terms of comfort, however, the Ug Boot is a thing of beauty. The softness of the Australian Merino sheepskin produces a boot with a snug, cozy, form-fitting feel that's more like a sock than a shoe, yet it's rugged enough for outdoor wear. The fleece lining has the astonishing property of providing year-round comfort. In cold weather, the plush fleece provides an insulating layer of warmth by trapping your body heat, much like goose down does. But in the heat of summer, the natural fibers of the fleece actually cool your feet by wicking away perspiration.
By the 1970s, in Perth, the largest city on Australia's West Coast, Ug boots were being manufactured by several small companies in the area. Perth has much the same climate as Southern California and is also a haven for surfers, whom Aussies call "surfies". And it was the community of surfies at the great surfing beaches at Margaret River near Perth who first adopted Ug Boots as their footwear of choice and made them a symbol of the Aussie surfing lifestyle.
From the beaches of Western Australia, Uggs were soon seen on the feet of East Coast surfers from Brisbane to Sydney. And it wasn't long before some of these surfers, the ones who traded their surfboards for skis in the winter, found that their Ug Boots were just as at home in the ski resort areas of the Snowy Mountains as they were on the warm sands of Sydney's Bondi Beach.
It was Aussie surfers, traveling the world in search of the perfect wave, who first introduced their mates in Southern California to the pleasures of the Ug Boot. Ugs soon became a cult fashion among those L.A. surfers who could depend on a buddy "down under" to send them a pair of boots.
Today the Ug "secret" is out. You'll find these versatile boots to be in fashion on beaches from San Diego to Santa Cruz and in ski resorts from Tahoe to Vail. And today, you don't have to "know someone" in Australia who will send you a pair, since there are now a number of companies importing boots of this type. But, if you want the genuine article, you do have to know what you're looking for because, no matter how they spell it Ug, Ugg or Ugh there are several importers with look-alike products that fall short of being the real thing.
If you want genuine Ugg Boots, meaning well-made boots with all the qualities that made the original so desirable then you'll want to make sure that they have the following qualities.
The boots are made from 100% Australian Merino Sheepskin. This will ensure your purchase is made of the finest Sheepskin hide avaliable.
Beware of very cheap imitations. Quite a few boots on the market are made of cowhide suede with sewn on sheepskin inner fleece off cuts. Don't take the chance and purchase these boots, the external cow suede does not breathe like 100% sheepskin does and will leave you with a smelly sweaty boot. But I must say these boots do look like the real thing but just don't cut the mustard when compared to authentic Ugg boots.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)