Archive for February, 2010
Consider The Importance of Caring for Your Skin
It is important to care for the skin because after all, it holds and protects our body from the harsh environment. Our skin serves as our shield from the outer elements. Germs, bacteria and all sorts of microorganisms are all scrambling to get into our bodies but thanks to our skin, they only get as far as the surface of our bodies. The skin is also detrimental to the balance of electrolytes and fluids in our bodies.
Further, beautiful skin makes us look and feel young – eventually increasing self esteem and confidence. In work, at home and in the company of friends, always looking good is a sign of self respect and self care. Good complexion essentially means good health.
It will suffice to say that having glowing skin is unmistakeable evidence of a generally healthy and happy well-being. People who have unhealthy lifestyles and poor nutrition are prone to skin problems. Stress and anxiety can also cause acne, pimples, wrinkles and skin break-outs. In essence, both your physical state and mental condition are two contributing factors that affect the condition of your skin. This is exactly why most of us go through great lengths to have good skin.
Different Types of Medical Treatments for Wrinkles
In a medical treatment to combat the incidence of wrinkles, certain components are needed in the product to make it effective. Modern science and research techniques concluded that Vitamin A acid (also called Tretinoin, Retin A and Renova), alpha-hydroxy acids, antioxidants, and moisturizers are all essential ingredients for a successful treatment.
• Vitamin A acid. Vitamin A acid is a prescription substance that has been proven to eliminate visible fine lines on the face. Products that contain Vitamin A acid should be used regularly to achieve best results. Also called tretinoin, retin A and renova, Vitamin A acid may be cause redness and peeling during the first few applications. However, this is only temporary.
• Alpha-hydroxy acids. Little improvements can be seen when the product contains alpha-hydroxy acids however, the side effects go from mild to none. Also called fruit acids, these ingredients are actually glycolic and lactic acid most often derived from fruit.
• Antioxidants. Vitamin A, C, E and Beta Carotene are rich anti oxidants that help in smoothing fine wrinkles.
• Moisturizers. Lotions, oils and creams are used to replenish moisture of the skin. They do not completely eliminate wrinkles but only aid in making them less visible.
Avoiding Wrinkles and Blemishes the Natural Way
The fact is: aging is beyond our control. But it is definitely wrong to think that looking old cannot be avoided. Yes, we grow old in years but our skin does not have to suffer the effects of aging as well. Depending on the severity of your wrinkles and blemishes, there are countless medical and cosmetic treatments that can be done to make you look younger again. Consider the Hollywood stars and celebrities – they spend a fortune on cosmetics just to keep looking fresh. Cosmetic surgery is usually their quick fix; however, not all people can undergo surgery. It is not only expensive, it is also very risky. Here are some easy tips on how to keep wrinkles and blemishes at bay:
• Quit smoking. Research proves that those who smoke heavily increase their chances of getting deep-set wrinkles as they age.
• Use an effective sunscreen. Skin specialists strongly advise the daily use of sunscreen for protection against harmful UV rays.
• Use protective covers. Umbrellas, hats, long-sleeved coats and veils were not invented for any reason. Just as we protect ourselves from rain and snow, we must also protect ourselves from heat.
• Use a natural skin care product. Skin treatments do not need to be expensive. Find a product that is effective for your skin type and use it diligently. One with all natural ingredients always works best.
What You Need to Know About Skin Care Myths
Because of so many skin care products out in the market today, it is natural to be perplexed by all the hype surrounding these products. While most claim to be effective skin care treatments, in reality there are products that do not work. You see, not all products have the same effect on everyone. The skin type is one factor to consider when choosing a treatment. Further, misleading advertising and false claims can lure consumers into buying the products. How can you tell if a product is effective? Here are 2 of skin care myths that can help you separate the fact from fiction:
• A product with the highest SPF is the best. UVA and UVB rays are most harmful to the skin – UVB refers to emissions that cause sunburn, photo aging, pigmentation and cancer while UVA is the one responsible for giving us a tan. SPF is the degree of protection that a sunscreen gives – 15 SPF with UVB and UVA protection is the basic need for everyday use.
• A product that is expensive is the best. This, in fact, is not true. There are very costly products targeted to the high-end market which contain similar ingredients to the mass market products. The difference is mostly in the packaging and advertising.