BeautyCare - Skin Care Myths

Lots of skin care myths float around with regard to your skin and the best way to care for it. Here are ten of the most common myths and the truth that lies behind them.

1. Expensive is Better :-

Not true. There are some GREAT inexpensive products and some TERRIBLE products that are very expensive. Don't think that just because you are spending a lot of money, you are getting a better product. If you find a product that you think will work for you, research it or try a free sample if available.

2. Acne and black heads are caused by dirt :-

False: Acne comes form sebum, dead skin cells and bacterial clogging your pores. The dark color of blackheads isn't dirt, but rather the coloring of the dead cells at the top of the clogged pores.

3. Department store cosmetics sales people are the experts :-

Sales people are just what they imply, they are there to sell you "stuff". Most often they are not estheticians and will just repeat the marketing material they receive from the manufacturers. Don't be sucked into heavy sales pitches, do your homework and start with products that don't make outrageous claims and have a good track record.

4. You can permanently erase wrinkles :-

They may be kept in check, and you can certainly improve the appearance of wrinkles, there are several good anti-aging skin care products that can help with that, but there is not way to completely and permanently remove wrinkles.

5. Cellulite Cream works :-

False. Science has come a long way with helping get rid of cellulite has not been achieved with topical creams or lotions. However, there is a cellulite treatment that can smooth away dimpled skin by using radio frequency and light energies. This medical device can effectively re-contour the skin's surface to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Unfortunately, this is a fairly expensive treatment that can be done only by a professional and follow-up treatments are necessary to keep your skin looking smooth.

6. The best way to deal with oily skin is to dry it out :-

False. There is a difference between oiliness and hydration. Keeping your skin balanced and clean is the goal, not dry it out. Oil production in the skin is a natural and vital part of its overall maintenance. If you dry the skin too much, it can become irritated and scaly while remaining oily. This irritation and over-drying often contributes to acne as the oil becomes trapped beneath the dry, flaky layer and becomes a source of inflammation.

Just because your skin is oily doesn't mean that it doesn't require some moisture. Moisture on the skin helps it stay supple, which is why it's so important to keep the outer layer of skin both exfoliated and moisturized. If you have oily skin, use an oil-free moisturizer.

7. Hypoallergenic is good for sensitive skin :-

Not always. Hypoallergenic is often is simply the absence of fragrance. That may be a good thing, but it doesn't mean that the facial skincare product does not have any other irritant or sensitizing agent in it.

8. Cucumbers contain a special ingredient that reduces bags under the eyes:-

While a cool cucumber may feel relaxing on the eyes, there is no special ingredient that reduces bags. Rather, the cooling effect of the water in the cucumbers, combined with increased humidity, reduces swelling. Some products, however, do contain cucumber extracts-which in high concentration can help hydrate skin.

9. Chocolate makes you break out :-

The food you eat does not cause acne. That's a very popular skin care myth. Contrary to popular belief, the oils and grease from food do not cause acne. Acne is caused when a gland sheds cells that stick together, plug the gland and form a pimple in the skin and bacteria feeds on this.

10. The sun will help clear up my acne :-

It's not completely clear yet if this is fact or fiction, however the sun is never good for your skin, especially with the intensity of the UV rays, and due to the hole in our ozone layer which has increased over the years.

The benefits of ultraviolet rays on acne are theoretical, based on hunches that cite UV light's ability to decrease bacteria. You're really better of avoiding the sun and using sun protection as the damage it does will show up as you get older.

Ignore the skin care myths by eating healthy, using produts that best work with your skin type. Moisturize and protect your skin from the sun - daily.

BeautyCare - Topical Vitamins For Healthy Skin

Chromium: - For acne. Chromium reduces skin infections.

Zinc: - Zinc aids in healing of the tissues and helps prevent scarring.

Vitamin E: - Vitamin E has been shown to play an important role in protecting skin from environmental and oxidati damage. It's also an excellent remedy for dry skin.

D-Panthenol:- substance that is readily converted into vitamin B5. It is known to help the skin repair damage.

Hyaluronic acid:

This is a natural moisturizer that already exists in our skin naturally and surrounds the collagen and elastin fibres. As we age, we produce less hyaluronic acid in our skin, making our skin less resilient and pliable. Hyaluronic acid is used in many moisturizers and can also be injected by doctors into the skin.

Niacinamide: (vitamin B3)

Helps exfoliate surface skin cells to reveal, newer, younger looking skin

Ceramides:

These are lipids that help to prevent moisture loss through the skin. Consider skin moisturizer supplements as well.

Retinyl proprionate:

A special form of Vitamin A (retinol). It is part of a class of retinoids. It can improve the appearance of sun damaged skin by reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, skin roughness and appearance of age spots. It is a larger molecule than retinol, which is often referred to as the pure form of Vitamin A.

Retinoic acid :

A derivative of vitamin A and has been used in the treatment of acne. It has been known to increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles, but it can have unpleasant side-effects such as extreme sensitivity to sunlight, with increased reddening of the skin and peeling.

Dermatologists sometimes prescribe it for severe sun damage. Some cosmetics may contain small amounts of retinoic acid derivatives, which have some hydrating effects.

Lipisomes:

Lipisomes (lipids or fats) are filled with active ingredients and carry these ingredients to where the skin needs it the most. The not only carry the needed ingredients but they can release the ingredients as needed.

Nanospheres:

These are smaller versions of liposomes Their smaller size allows them to penetrate deeper into the skin.

A Word of Caution:

It is extremely important to note that taking too much of a vitamin or mineral can be toxic and extremely dangerous. Always follow the instructions on any vitamins or supplements that you take.

Beware of the thinking that "if a little is good a lot must be better". In most cases when it comes to vitamins for the skin, drugs or other ingested formulas, too much can be extremely harmful or toxic.

BeautyCare - How to take care of your skin on Summer

Protetcing The Skin From Sun

Before applying make-up you must use a good brand of sunscreen lotion having a SPF of 15atleast. Most moisturizers have in¬built SPF content. Application of a good sunscreen before applying moisturizer is required.

Wash your face very often with a good, soap-free preparation. You should avoid oil-based foundations as they are prone to more dirt, making your skin oily. You should also avoid heavy make-up in summer. Nowadays it is easier for you to get lots of good water-based products in the market for their availability.

Dabbing powder helps you by reducing the oily look of your shiny face. For others, apply on your T -zones. In summer drinking of plenty of water and maintaining an easy diet by replacing spicy and oil food with lots of fruits and salads will refresh you. After rejecting oil-based foundations or moisturizers you must apply some good mud packs for stimulating your skin.

You must use wear a good deodorant or antiperspirant to control sweating.

Creamy lipsticks can be used on summer. You can reserve the darker shades for evening. Glossy light ones are preferable for those nude looks.

Water-proof eyeliners help you by saving your smudges. You must wear night-wear eye shadows. Go for powder and not cream-based.

Before using blush or mascara you should prefer dusting of powder for absorbing oils in foundation and also preventing discoloration or streaking. By applying powder before mascara your lashes look thicker and they do not become prone to smudge.

BeautyCare - Sun Vs Skin

Sun is the greatest benefactor to mankind however it is the skin's greatest enemy. Nothing wrought as much damage on the skin as the sun. Fairer skins are more prone to damage than their darker counterparts as they contain more melanin, which protects the skin against sunrays. However dark skins are also not immune to the damage. Sunlight not only effects the surface but it has the capacity to penetrate the skin and the living tissues of the lower layers. A few days of intense exposure to the sun can produce symptoms of aging and can even predispose it to cancer. The most damaging effect of the sun is that it dehydrates the skin causing it to become dry and rough and wrinkled, freckles, pigmentation and patches may also occur. An immediate reaction is expansion of blood vessels that is why skin looks flushed, red and gets tanned if stayed out in the sun for long. However sun is very good for children, as they require Vitamin D, which is abundant in sunlight for their growth and metabolism.

Protection against the sun is the only way to delay premature aging. This entails using an effective sunscreen all the time regardless of direct exposure to the sun. Long exposure should be avoided as far as possible. The chosen sunscreen should be sun that it not only blocks out the harmful part of sunrays but also prevents loss of moisture. Use re-hydrating creams and masks regularly to maintain the moisture content in the skin. As more than the sun if you don't take care of your skin you are it' greatest enemy.