Who Needs A Toner?

February 23, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

by Andi Bradshaw

Women who use skin care items often say they don't feel or see any difference when they use a toner, but there really is one. Using the proper toner will guarantee a positive change because anytime you use anything on your face, that item changes the pH of your skin. Toners are often confused with witch hazel and astringents but witch hazel contains oil, and astringents usually contain alcohol.

As with anything that goes on your face, toner is also designed with your skin type in mind. Dry or combination/dry skin should stay away from alcohol based products; toners for dry skin are often creamy or contain 2%-5% of cosmetic oil. Oily or combination/oily skin, should avoid alcohol or oil based toners and only use toners with fruit acids, such as lemon, grapefruit or pineapple, or oil absorbing powders in the product. Sensitive skin types should only use toners made for sensitive skin.

What do they do?

Toners return your skin to its normal pH, while they calm and cool the skin and temporarily close your pores. When applied with a cotton applicator, toner helps to remove dirt, facial oils, dead cells and any residue left by your cleanser or makeup that was not washed or rinsed away with your cleansing routine.

Your facial cleanser changes the pH of your skin based on the amount of alkaline or acid it contains. Your skin must then work to restore its' natural pH levels and depending on the product, it might take an hour or more. However, your skin immediately returns to its normal pH after using a toner.

How do I use a toner?

Toner can be applied in three ways; cotton application, bare hands or sprayed over the face and neck. It is designed to be used after your cleanser and before your treatment and/or moisturizer. It is especially beneficial for oily skin, because no other skin type has the probability of developing enlarged pores.

Liquids are best applied with any type of cotton, i.e. cotton balls or flat rounds or squares. Avoid using tissues with liquid toners, your tissue will soak up more than you use. Allow your cotton to absorb a quarter size amount of the liquid and apply it to you face and neck with upward strokes.

Cream toner (has the consistency of a smoothie) is thick enough to be applied directly to the skin with clean hands, or cotton. Pour a nickel size amount of the lotion toner onto 3 clean fingers. Use circular motions to spread toner onto three fingers of your other hand and apply to entire face and neck, using circular upward strokes.

Gel toner is very light in texture and is generally oil free. Designed with oily skin in mind, this type may contain anti-bacterial ingredients like citric acids, or lavender or rose water. If you have really oily skin, look for salicylic acid (which aids in preventing pimples by removing dead skin cells) in the toner. For use, follow directions for cream toner.

Spray toners are a no-brainer, but remember to close your mouth and eyes before misting your face and neck. Both men and women can use toners. For men, an after shave also closes pores but a toner doesn't sting like aftershave unless it contains alcohol.

Men should also follow the toner with a moisturizer. The manufacturers of mens skin care products call their moisturizer a facial lotion or hydrator so men won't feel like they're using female skin care products. However, the ingredients are usually the same, the only major difference is the scent.

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Argan Oil: The “Gold” Standard of Eye Wrinkle Reducers

February 15, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

by Elena McCree

Argan oil is quickly gaining popularity in North America as the latest anti aging ingredient with potential to transform the skin care industry in 2009. Experts are praising argan oil for its ability to diminish the appearance of eye wrinkles and enhance skin tone for a younger-looking complexion.

Also known as the "Gold of Morocco," argan oil comes from the fruit of the argan tree, which is indigenous to southwestern Morocco. Because the argan tree only grows in this small area, argan oil is one of the rarest oils in the world. For centuries, the Berber women of Morocco have been using and producing argan oil, and the industry is still vital to the area's financial support.

After the fruit pits are broken open, the kernels found inside are put through a cold-press to extract the oil. A cold-press is used to retain all of the oil's nutrients and maximize the many health benefits that the oil provides. For the edible culinary oil, the kernels are roasted before the cold-press process, giving this exotic oil its signature nutty flavor that makes it perfect for salads and dipping bread.

The oil that is extracted from the raw, un-roasted kernels is used for cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic argan oil is making a significant impact in the anti aging industry. It is one of the richest sources of tocopherol, or vitamin E, which seals moisture in the skin, reduces inflammation and protects against the free radical damage that causes eye wrinkles and other signs of aging. It's also rich in the essential fatty acids, oleic and linoleic acids, which hydrate the skin and maintain its resilience.

Skin loses collagen and hydration as it ages, which leads to wrinkles, dark circles and sagging. The eye area has the thinnest, most delicate skin on the face, so wrinkles often appear there first. Argan oil can help to replenish moisture and reinforce the skin in this fragile area, reducing eye wrinkles and protecting the skin from additional harm.

Plus, cosmetic argan oil reduces inflammation, controls the production of oil and protects against moisture loss. So, it is an ideal treatment for the skin conditions eczema, psoriasis and even acne.

Because it is so moisturizing, argan oil is also beneficial for hair and nails, and pregnant women use it on their growing bellies to prevent stretch marks. Argan oil is even used in spas as an anti aging massage treatment.

Argan oil can be bought as cosmetic or culinary oil, or the cosmetic oil can be found in eye wrinkle creams and anti aging products, such as BABOR Argan Cream. This cream also lists aloe vera and arganyl among its ingredients. Aloe vera moisturizes the skin and reduces inflammation. Arganyl is a solution of antioxidants extracted from argan tree leaves that protects the skin's collagen fibers, preventing breakdown and preserving its elasticity.

With all of its cosmetic, nutritional and therapeutic benefits, it's no surprise that skin care experts are saying argan oil is one of the most promising ingredients to emerge in the anti aging industry.

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Get Rid Of Your Old Tattoo With A Wrecking Balm Tattoo Removal

December 19, 2008 by · 2 Comments 

Is is human nature, we all make mistakes. This includes making unwise and unthought through decisions regarding what we consider to be the beautification of our skin. If you made the mistake of adorning yourself with an ex lover's name, or permanently marking yourself with a temporary trend (like cartoon characters, or Chinese symbols) then you will be pleased to hear about wrecking balm tattoo removal!

Now there is a cure for your mistake. Through the use of wrecking balm tattoo removal you can get rid of your unwanted tattoo without ever setting foot in the doctor's office or having one prescription filled. No longer is it necessary to have tattoos painfully burnt off of surgically removed. You can use wrecking balm tattoo removal to get rid of the tattoo without any of those painful archaic options.

There are many benefits of this miracle balm, but one of the best is that it offers perfect privacy. You can remove any tattoo within your arm's reach all alone in the privacy of your own home. This means you will never have to explain what went wrong in your relationship with the guy on your neck, nor why you have rather large Twenty Bird on your rear. All you need to be able to do is to reach where you want the balm applied, and these tattoos can vanish into your past.

It sounds too good to be true, so how does this stuff work? The wrecking balm tattoo removal works by breaking down the ink within the cellular matrix where it was injected during your long regretted tattoo session. By breaking down these cells, you will be also ridding yourself of the ink from the tattoo. Your skin will use its natural ability to regenerate to heal the break down with new fresh, unstained skin cells. You will have beautiful healthy ink free skin after properly using wrecking balm tattoo removal.

Many people are getting tattoos without much thought nowadays. It is becoming more socially acceptable to ink up so more and more people are making a permanent decision on a whim's worth of thought. This means there are more people than ever who can benefit from the use of wrecking balm tattoo removal. Researchers knew of this growing demand and developed wrecking balm tattoo removal to fill this need in the market.

Women, and some men, go to the dermatologist on a regular basis to have the skin professionally exfoliated in order to appear more youthful. This is the same effect on your skin as using wrecking balm tattoo removal. Beautiful new skin lies under your old ugly ink.

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Discovering Anti-Wrinkle Creams

December 5, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

Okay, so we're all getting older, right? Yes, right, but even though this is true, we can still look our best.

These days, we don't have to suffer from the dry skin our grandmothers had to put up with. Instead, the market contains many anti-wrinkle creams that can help us have smooth, supple skin well into what used to be called "old age."

Before we talk about what makes for an effective anti-wrinkle cream, let's talk for a minute about what causes those wrinkles. As we get older, many factors contribute to the sagging skin, wrinkles, age spots and uneven tone we begin to experience. Among those factors may be poor diet, cigarette smoking, years of exposure to the sun, and simple genetics. Collagen begins to break down, skin cell turnover slows, and accumulation of something called "free radicals" begins to damage even new cells as they grow, all of which contribute to signs of aging.

Although skin on the face will without question wrinkle to some extent as we get older, we can help reverse some of those effects of aging with a good antiwrinkle cream. Of course, we also have to make good choices with diet, exercise, and proper hydration, as well as avoiding smoking and getting enough sleep if we want to look younger.

There is a glut of anti-wrinkle creams and anti-aging potions on the market but it is good to know that the best ones will have ingredients like the following in them:

Retinol is an effective substance found in anti-wrinkle creams. It is an antitoxidant and a by-product of vitamin A. It helps to increase skin cell generation and eliminate free radicals. A 20 year old skin will be replaced in about 28 days but a 40 year old skin can take up to 42 days and more to be replaced. This means that as we get older this process of skin replacement needs to go at a faster rate. Retinol dissolves the old outer skin and allows the new skin to emerge.

Alpha hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids come from fruits. They act as exfoliates by removing the skin's outer layer and allowing the new skin layer to emerge. It also causes some minor injury to the skin that encourages new skin growth. A side effect of these substances is the fact that you will be more sensitive to the sun and should protect your skin with sunscreen when you go out on sunny days.

Another effective antitoxin is Coenzyme Q 10; it is known to be one of the strongest on the market. this antitoxin neutralizes free radicals. These toxins damage new skin growth and contribute to skin aging. New growth of collagen is presumed to be stimulated by this substance.

Kinetin is another new ingredient that is still being studied. It seems to help skin retain moisture and encourages collagen growth.

Keep in mind as well that when you're looking for the most effective anti-wrinkle cream possible, don't look at price tag. Price really has very little to do with how effective an antiwrinkle cream is. Instead, do your own research, look for reviews of products online, and choose based upon what others say about a particular cream's effectiveness. This will not only save you some money, but will give you an effective antiwrinkle cream you can be happy with.

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Try Aromatherapy Skin Care

November 20, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

by Manuel Wiggins

Aromatherapy is considered an ancient science. Its origin backs to the sixty centuries. It applies the extracted oils from trees, flowers, resins, and herbs. The importance of these oils is that they enhance mood and have cleansing properties as well. The result of modern life is shown in the effects of excessive pollution, quick food, stress, lack of suitable training, and the full-schedules of business, on our health and souls as well. People nowadays, are eager to return to ancient methods to obtain some balance. Aromatherapy is used to treat some skin troubles, especially that using basic oils. It must taking caution not to use the oils without diluting. Also, practicing some exercises of aromatherapy skin care is very important for renewal of the skin and facial skin's cells. To clean and renew the cells of skin well, it must pour 3 - 5 drops of basic oil in a hot water and add one spoon of milk or honey to the mixture. The face can be nearer to the steam of this bowl while covering the head with a towel. This way is called the facial steam. Above all, to breath that steam is the best way of relaxing.

Facial masque is another way of aromatherapy skin care. It assists in maintaining the freshness and hydration of the facial skin. To manage this way, it is important to mix 2 - 3 drops of the basic oils with honey mashed avocado, moistened clay, or egg white. It may apply to a dampened face. The masque can be left on the face for 10 - 15 minutes to allow its dry then the face may be washed thoroughly.

To nourish and heal the facial skin about 10 drops of essential oil blend is added to carrier oil. Jojoba, Frankincense and German Chamomile oils are widely used, depending on the type of skin. This blend should be applied to problematic areas to have desired effects. This method is known as `Facial Oil Blend'.

Another smart way of aromatherapy skin care is skin brushing. It assists in refreshing and stimulating the lymphatic system. To show the easy way, it must mix a drop of the basic oils with a little spoon full of honey. Then, it can apply the mixture on the face using the skin brush.

It must take care in choosing the basic oils. These oils ought to be natural, effective and safe as well. This way may be successful and replace any other ways. Aromatherapy is considered a successful way for traumatic cases treatment. Generally, it must ensure the quality of products.

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The Basics of How Argireline Works in Anti Aging Creams

November 14, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

Wrinkles that occur in facial skin have a lot of causes. They are just a part of aging in most cases. Skin that loses fat, elastin and collagen can also be a result of over exposure to the sun or repetitive facial gestures. Also, the skin will lose its ability to seal in moisture and the result of this is dry, shriveled looking skin because of dead skin cells. Underlying facial muscles can be forced to lay in a position they have been trained to over time and cause smile lines, frown lines, eyebrow lines and forehead lines. Crow's feet lines may also start to appear.

The aim of anti aging creams is to prevent lines and crinkle from appearing. The aim of anti wrinkle creams is to retrain skin to seal in moisture and the skin muscles to relax all of the positions they have formed over many years. There are strategies to 'rebuild skin structure' or 'remodel skin cells' that many people know about. To do this, it usually means the use of peptides. Peptides heal wounds very much like the way a burn victim will have their skin remodeled to encourage the skin to grow again.

In the case of facial and skin muscle regrowth or retraining, peptides have been used, as a sort of muscle relaxer, as peptides tend work on a deeper level than some topical cream treatments. Argireline is a trade name for Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, which as the name implies is a peptide, a synthetic anti aging chemical derived from natural proteins, making a chain of amino acids, which can be used to stimulate muscle relaxation and reflex reactions, that can be the underlying cause of a wrinkle appearing in a certain position over time.

Argireline has been found to be very successful in reducing the muscle reactions over a period of time, with a small improvement over a 4 week period, and twice as good again over week usage. As with any anti-aging cream or anti-wrinkle creams treatment, when you stop using it the wrinkles will come back again.

Argireline treats the underlying muscles against normal treatment of the surface skin cells. This makes it a lot like a topical form of what Botox does. The cessation of the facial muscle contractions is a short-term solution, even with Botox. Makers of Argireline use less than a 10% ingredient content as a higher level could have side effects, like relaxing the facial muscles too much and creating sagging. While Argireline has not been on the market for long time, long-term effects have not been measured. It is an effective ingredient in topical anti-aging creams and anti-wrinkle creams and is sold in many formulation.

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