Summertime Skin Care

The skin has a defense mechanism against sun-damage, in the form of melanin. The production of melanin is accelerated on sun-exposure. However, we have seen that this defense is not enough. That is why protection of the skin, with ingredients that block the sun’s radiation damage, is so essential. These sun-block agents are incorporated into ’sunscreens’.

Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the peak hours for harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Avoidance of the sun, when ultraviolet radiation is at its height, can help to reduce the harmful effects. It is also essential to know that ultraviolet radiation is greater near water bodies, like the seaside and where there is snow. Snow, water and even sand reflect the ultraviolet rays and thus increase the reflection.

When doing summer outdoor activities, use sunscreens rated SPF 15 or higher. Apply them liberally, uniformly, and frequently. When exposed to sunlight, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, broad-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses. Stay away from artificial tanning devices.

Exposure to the sun also causes moisture depletion and dries out the skin. Therefore, it is essential to step-up miniaturization, when you have been out of doors for a long time.

When you are swimming in the sea, or in an open-air pool, remember to apply sunscreen before and after your swim. Protect yourself with a parasol whenever you are out in the sun.Remember, you are exposed to ultraviolet radiation even on a cloudy day. Teach your children good sun protection habits at an early age: The damage that leads to adult skin cancers starts in childhood. Examine your skin head to toe at least once every three months.

Cigarette smoking contribution to skin aging

Cigarette smoking is the second causative factor of premature skin aging after photo aging as it triggers biochemical changes in the body, which accelerate the aging process. It has been shown that individuals who smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years are statistically more likely to develop deep wrinkled, leathery skin than non smokers. Smoking exerts a noticeable effect on the skin such that it is often possible to detect whether an individual is a smoker or not by simply looking at his or her face. Such individuals have more wrinkles and their skin tends to have a grayish pallor compared with non smokers.

The most serious damage to the skin through smoking is often caused by the following:

• reduction in the body’s storage of vitamin A, which produces protection from skin damage.
• continual puckering from drawing on a cigarette as well as squinting in reaction to cigarette smoke create deeply wrinkled skin around the eyes and mouth – these are classic signs of “smoker’s face”.
• restricted blood flow through the capillaries thereby preventing oxygen and nutrients getting to the skin.
• restriction of the absorption of vitamin C, which is a vital oxidant for skin protection and health
• acceleration of the decrease in collagen production, an enzyme vital to the skin’s elasticity.

How to properly apply shower gel

Using shower gel leaves a gentle scent and moisturize your skin, as well as leaving you fresh and clean.

What's more, it just feels really, really fun to squish gel on you in a shower instead of soap. It's runny, gooey and marvelously scented! So you don't have to exert an extra effort to reach some of your body parts,

Get clean in such a fun and easy way:

1. Step in the bathroom/shower, and turn the water to the temperature that suits you best. (i suggest a lukewarm temperature because it opens your pores and it will absorb the minerals present in your shower gel)
   
2. Take a few minutes to wash your body, and enjoy the shower. Wash with soap if you really feel the need to cleanse with two cleaning products - otherwise, simply rely on the gel.
3. Pour about a tablespoon of shower gel onto your hand, wash towel, sponge.
4. Spread it evenly throughout your body.
5. Wash it off completely. (I also suggest cold water temperature because it tightens your skin pores)
   
6. Step out of the shower, and dry off like you would any other time.

Try also experimenting with different scents that suites you.

Summertime Skin Care

Summer is approaching and you can't wait to plunge into the pool or head for the beach. But before you rush out to sample the joys of summertime, be physically prepared for common skin problem arises due to too much exposed to the direct sun rays, which send out ultraviolet radiation.

People with dry sensitive skin may notice that sun causes more dryness and irritation. In this case try to use herbal infusions instead of tap water when cleansing your skin. The best herbs are chamomile and sage - alone or in combination with linden blossoms. They will calm and soothe your skin. Having antibacterial properties, they will also prevent infections. If you spend a lot of time outside and feel that your skin is dry, soak cheesecloth in herbal infusion and leave it on clean face for a few minutes.

To make an herbal infusion you will need:

3 parts of linden blossoms 2 parts of chamomile 1 part rose petals 1/2 part peppermint leaves

Take 2 tablespoons of the herbal mixture and cover with 1 cup of boiling water.

In hot days when your face is sweating, do not rush to wash it with water. First wipe it with a cotton ball soaked in sour milk or sour cream. After 10-15 minutes rinse with sage infusion or green tea. Then apply your favorite moisturizer.

Some women think there is no need to use creams during summer since the skin sweats and already looks shiny. This is a big mistake. Oil and sweat are two different things. Oil depletion makes skin vulnerable to wind, sun, temperature contrast and other environmental factors. In hot summer days sweat evaporates from the skin surface making it even dryer and prone to injury or infection.

Wrong day cream can also cause sweatiness. Too much moisturizer or night cream used during the day will make your skin feel hot and look too shiny. Try to choose a light cream that makes your skin feel comfortable without leaving an oily residue and apply it to clean skin to ensure the best absorption.

Cold water is an excellent skin toner for summer. In the morning apply fresh squeezed fruit or berry juice all over your face and neck. If your skin is dry or irritated, follow with sour cream or oil (olive, sunflower, almond). Now wash your face with cold water. Ice cubes will feel great on normal and oily skin, however if you have visible capillaries, ice can make them worse.

Fruit masks is another easy summer treat. If you do not have allergies, they can be used everyday. Active ingredients in fruits will freshen and clean your skin. For the best result use fresh fruits and berries and make just enough juice or mixture for one application.

There are some general guidelines to follow as easy as 123:

• Clean the skin first.
  
• If your skin type is dry, apply a thin layer of light cream while the skin is still wet.
  
• Soak a piece of cheese cloth in mashed fruit or juice and leave it on your face for 10-15 minutes (cut out holes for eyes in the cheesecloth to avoid eye irritation caused by fruit acids).

The mask can also be made with egg yolks, powdered oatmeal, or sour cream. For oily skin mix fruits with egg whites. If your mask has a thick consistency, you may not need a cheesecloth.

Fruits you can use:

- For dry skin - apricots, grapes, melon, plums, bananas. You may add carrot juice to your mask, it is great for dry skin. The orangy color will disappear pretty fast. - For irritated skin or if you have visible capillaries - parsley is the answer to your problems. - For oily skin and enlarged pores - cabbage, cranberry, red currant. - Tomato, cucumber, watermelon and orange juices will do good for any skin type.

After removing a fruit mask, it is not necessary to wash your face with water - wipe it with a cotton ball soaked in tea, herbal infusion or cucumber juice.

When using masks, don't forget about your neck - it needs just the same attention as your face.

It really pays to check the label

For most women, part of their morning and evening routines involve a skincare regimen of applying creams, moisturizers, tonics, lotions,etc.....Women do this to combat the signs of aging, and to maintain youthful looks and beautiful skin! However, some women don't consider what is in the products they are using.
Some women probably do not realize that what they are putting on their skin may actually be undermining what they are trying to prevent to begin with. In fact the average woman puts twelve products on her skin daily, most of which maintain harmful chemical preservatives. Some say that beauty is only skin deep. Nonsense! I believe that true beauty is a reflection of true health, and true health begins deep inside each and every cell in the body. But true health and true beauty have an outer component, which is why we require protection from harmful environmental elements. The fact is, you simply cannot obtain a healthy body if your skin isn't healthy. And your skin can't be healthy if your are subjecting it to toxic substances that are ultimately harmful your body."

How can they be sure they are using the very best products on their skin so they can be healthy inside and out?

Here are 7 tips to assist in this process:
1. Be very aware of what is in skincare products. Use products that are all natural as much as possible.
2. Drink plenty of water! Water hydrates skin and hair as well as flushes toxins out of the body.
3. Look for products that contain Dermal Surface Renewal Technology. DSR smooths away existing signs of aging such as laugh lines, crows feet, and dullness.
4. Find products with Proteo-C and Proflavonol-T. These two vitamins protect the skin from premature aging caused by the sun, pollution, and other environmental factors. They also provide advanced nutrition to the skin to keep it appearing smooth and firm.
5. Use products that have regenisomes. Regenisomes penetrate the skin to speed cell renewal after sun exposure. They also use the light of photosomes to undo sun damage, and have ultrasomes to renew skin while sleeping.
6. If possible, use products that are paraben free. Parabens are synthetic chemical preservatives that are widely used in personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair styling products, make-up, facial masks, skin lotions and creams, and deodorants.
7. Limit stress or learn to manage it effectively. Stress is harmful both emotionally and physically. Find that stress reliever activity that works best and use it on a daily basis!

Follow the above 7 tips to true beauty and health and always check the label before applying any of the products to you skin. “It really pays to check the Label”