Skin Care Habits to Break and Some Habits to Start

Our skin is the largest organ of our body and is a complex, highly dynamic system that plays a very crucial role to our general well-being. Addtionally, our skin is also a reflection of our overall health. Skin is our body's protective layer and it needs care and attention.

Starting a healthy skin care routine and breaking those habits that are detrimental to the skin is the first step towards an overall state of well being and beauty.

The most important bad habits to break are:

Bad Habit #1: Dry Shaving
It is important to note that shaving legs and underarms dry can cause irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor burn. The skin should be softened with shaving cream prior to shaving. In addition, hand soap is not recommended as a softener. Soap has a tendency to dry out the skin, dull your razor, and invite cuts. Additionally, when shaving, long strokes are less stressful to the skin than short strokes. Consider a shaving cream rich in emollients and after shaving, apply a mild body lotion to soothe the shaved area.

Get this highly moisturizing shave cream.

Bad Habit #2: Ignoring Incidental Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is the biggest factor in causing wrinkles, age spots, and dullness. While you may think that just walking to the car or running your daily errands on a sunny day doesn't count as sun exposure, you're wrong. Everyday before you leave the house, you should apply a SPF lotion, whether it be in your makeup or in your day cream, don't leave home without it.


Bad Habit #3: Avoiding Exfoliation
Exfoliation of the skin brings out great results. This method of cleansing removes dead skin cells that have developed on the outer surface, and enhances circulation to the skin surface. Exfoliation will reduce blotchiness and even out the skin tone. How much you exfoliate in a week's time is dependent upon your individual skin type. However, all skin types need some sort of an exfoliation treatment in their skin care regime. Add a little cornmeal to your cleanser or consider one of these great Dead Sea salt scrubs 100% Pure dead sea salts! This site lets you customize your scent, color and size.

•Contain 100% Natural Dead Sea Salt with over 26 minerals vital to skin health
•Natural Oils provide a long lasting, deep moisturizing effect which lasts all day
•Exfoliate and clean skin better than soaps or cleansers
•Remove dull, dead skin cells to reveal a younger skin layer
•Thoroughly clean and unclog your pores allowing your skin to breathe easier
•These scrubs also feel great when used as hand or foot scrubs
•Stimulate blood circulation and removes daily toxins from your skin
•Provide excellent relief from Psoriasis and Eczema as well as deeply moisturizing the skin.



Nine Habits to Maintain
The following habits are actual recommendations shared by most dermatologists as a complete skin care regime.

Good Habit #1: Avoid Too Much Cosmeceuticals
Numerous experts agree that the markets are bombarded with skin care products containing ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acid, antioxidants, salicylic acids and retinoids. These chemical agents, that are supposed to be beneficial to the skin can sometimes be detrimental and cause damage. A lot of women shopping for a skin care product will try different products from different manufacturers. Combining skin care products from different manufactures can be harmful to you skin. Your cleansing cream and moisturizer may contain chemicals that will interact with each other thus causing irritation, and this could very well be a major component for those with sensitive skin. Additionally a complete skin care line from the same manufacturer is designed to work together to get the most benefit from the product.

So good habit #1 is to stay with one type of skin care product line at a time. Shop for skin care product lines that are chemically formulated to work together. In addition, if you are using any prescription skin care products, talk with your doctor about which over the counter products are safe. This would also apply to any type of prescription drugs you are taking.

Good Habit #2: Hydrate both internally and externally. We all know that drinking water does keep you hydrated internally, but did you know it also hydrates the skin. So, get in the standard of 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses throughout the day.

If you drink a lot of low-cal liquids, drink more water to avoid dehydration. Most of the new sugar substitutes today are dehydrating.

For external hydration consider this hydrating combo pack. All Day and Night Hydration Kit

When combined, these two products deliver maximum treatment and protection for your skin by delivering moisture, essential minerals from the Dead Sea and vital nutrients and vitamins to your skin cells all day. Your skin is constantly being pampered and cared for in a natural and effective way with this 24 Hour Hydration Combo.

Good Habit #3: Consider a Healthy Exercise
Exercise is great for a beautiful skin. Women that exercise regularly have a healthy glow to their skin. Exercise increases blood flow and circulation thus bringing nutrients to the outer layer of the skin. In addition to a natural glow to your skin, there is a great deal of benefits associated with exercise as you probably know.

Fun and easy exercises

Good Habit #4: Intimate with the Phone? Don't Be!
When talking on the phone, leave a safe distance between your mouth and chin to the mouthpiece. Touching the mouthpiece with you mouth and letting it rest against your face or chin may to lead to rashes or pimple breakouts. Although, I do not know if this has been scientifically proven, it just makes sense that you wouldn't want the germs or dirty objects up against your face. In addition, if possible try to avoid letting other people use your cell phone or visa versa. You should sanitize your cell phone and your landline frequently. Rubbing alcohol works well for sanitizing.

Good Habit #5: Examine Your Birthday Suit for Spots
When it comes to skin care, any sudden or suspicious-looking mole, bump or other growth on the skin is a reason to see a dermatologist. As skin cancer rates skyrockets having a full body check up by a professional is recommended if you are unsure of any spots or growths on your body.

In addition, those who belong in a high risk group, meaning having a personal or family history of skin cancer, a lot of moles, fair skin, or light eyes or hair, should consult a specialist for a regular check up. The regular examination should start in their teens and probably no later than age 35. However, even if you do not belong in a high risk group, it is still recommended that between the ages of 20 and 40, people must have a cancer-related check up. The check up must include a skin examination every three to four years. Once you hit your 40s, start undergoing a cancer-related examination with skin exam every year. Aside from that, it is advisable that you do monthly self-exams in order for you to keep an eye out for changes and growths.

Good Habit #6: Eat Healthy Foods
Healthy foods refer to those that help your skin and body fight against the bad forces outside and inside. You must consider antioxidants such as vitamin A, C and E as they are highly beneficial for sun damaged skin and fight certain cancers, including skin cancer. Along with a healthy diet consider a multivitamin that meets the RDA standards.

Kitchen Survial Guide

Good Habit #7: Avoid Wearing Your Makeup to Bed at Night
We all know this rule, but have you thought about how detrimental it is to your skin. Leaving foundation, powder or even blusher on your skin overnight clogs skin pores. Additionally, your skin doesn't breathe all night long and therefore can not replenish and rejuvenate. Clogged pores lead to pimples, blackheads, and blemishes.

When cleaning your skin prior to bedtime, use a good cleanser, followed by a toner and moisturizer. There is no need for your cleanser to have glycolic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids as it is not on your face long enough to actually work. Consider a facial peel whereas the hydroxyl acids or glycolic acid is on the face long enough to be effective.

Mineral Facial Cleansing Gel - For all skin types- with Dead Sea Minerals, Aloe Vera and Vitamin C.

Good Habit #8: Hands off Those Zits
The best way to get rid of a zit is to leave it alone. Picking, poking, and squeezing just prolong its life. In addition, by picking at the blemish you may cause scarring or spread infection. The best way to get rid of a pimple is to apply a warm compress and dap on an over the counter cream or lotion containing a drying agent such as salicylic acid, benzyl peroxide, witch hazel or sulfur. In addition there are some wonderful home made remedies to reduce outbreaks and clear your complexion.

Good Habit #9: Rest and Get Enough Sleep
While I am not sure of how many studies have been done on skin care and sleep, the signs of not enough sleep based on my own experience are: under-eye bags and dark circles under your eyes. In addition, stress plays a factor on skin care, for instance of eczema has been linked to stress. The benefits of sleep on the body and the skin are exponential and necessary for good health and great skin.

Sleeping position will affect your skin. Sleeping in the same position year after year will naturally cause wrinkles. However finding the right pillow that decreases creasing on the face will reduce premature aging.  Silk pillowcases are very beneficial in decreasing pillowcase creases in the face and overall wrinkling.

As presented there are a lot of habits that we oftentimes ignore, thinking that they don't play a significant role in our lives. If your main goal is attaining beautiful skin and general well-being, then a healthy lifestyle, and skin regime is worth maintaining. Our daily habits impact our health and our skin.

For more skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Signs, Causes and Treatment of Toenail Fungus

With summer fast approaching, hopefully, it is time to get out the pretty sandals and well manicured toes. Unfortunately there are those that suffer from a disease called Onychomycosis. This disease is commonly known as toenail fungus, and it causes nail discoloration, yellowing, lack of rigidity and in extreme cases of nail disfigurement.

Toenail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges - an unsightly and potentially painful problem. Additionally, toenail fungus can spread from one toe to the other.

Fungi are microscopic organisms that don't need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses, while others cause illness and infection. Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But yeasts and molds also can be responsible for nail fungal infections.

All of these microscopic organisms live in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers. They can invade your skin through tiny invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed. They cause problems only if your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture - conditions perfect for the growth and spread of fungi.

You may have a nail fungal infection if one or more of your nails are:

• Thickened
• Brittle, crumbly or ragged
• Distorted in shape
• Dull, with no luster or shine
• A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail

Risk Factors - Nail fungus is more common among older adults for several reasons, including diminished blood circulation and more years of exposure to fungi. Also, nails may grow more slowly and thicken with age, making them more susceptible to infection. Nail fungus tends to affect men more often than it does women, particularly those with a family history of this infection.

Other factors that can increase your risk of developing nail fungus include:

• Perspiring heavily
• Working in a humid or moist environment
• Having the skin condition psoriasis
• Wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and don't absorb perspiration
• Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
• Having athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
• Having a minor skin or nail injury, a damaged nail or another infection
• Having diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system

Remedies:

A home remedy is a baking soda paste - mix water and baking soda to form a paste and apply to infected toenail once a day. Leave on 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. Eventually you may find that your infected toenail will loosen and fall off. Underneath a new nail will already be growing to replace the infected nail.

KeriDerm Rx Toenail Fungus Cream - This advanced anti-fungal cream helps destroy toenail fungus and heals Keratin (a extremely strong protein which is a major component in skin, hair, nails) and dermal layers! Active ingredients such as tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil, grapefruit seed extract to name a few. Tea Tree Oil is shown to kill fungi and bacteria, including those found resistant to antibiotics. It is also effective against all three infectious organisms: Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses. Peppermint essential oils active component, Menthol, gives a soothing and calming sensation and has anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anesthetic properties. Grapefruit Seed extract is an anti-fungal, antibacterial and stops the growth of yeast. It is also paraben free!

Source:  Mayo Clinic
              Skin Energizer

For more skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Are these spots on my skin normal?

Age spots, liver spots, sun spots; no matter what you call them they can be unsightly and bothersome. Listed below are the most common types of skin spots along with possible treatments to remove or diminish their appearance.

Age spots - actually have nothing to do with aging, they come about to how much exposure you have had to the sun. They are also referred to as liver spots but have nothing to do with the liver! In reality they should be called "sun spots". They are flat, brown areas, also called solar lentigos, which typically occur on the hands, back and face. Using a topical retinoid often in conjunction with bleaching cream and a mild topical steroid may gradually fade an age spot. Home remedies such as lemon juice will also lighten brown spots however keep in mind that lemon juice is photo-sensitive thus avoid the sun exposure.

Get some age spot and fade cream here

Melasma or Chloasma, aka the "mask of pregnancy" is tan or brown spots on the skin. They are common in pregnant women, those on hormone replacement therapy medications and those on birth control pills. Hormones stimulate the production of pigment-producing cells in the skin thus Melasma and when exposed to the sun the overproduction of melanin causing spotting is more apparent. These brown patches appear on the cheeks, nose, forehead or upper lip. Melasma can worsen overtime and usually is a cosmetic concern and benign. Treatments can include Azelaic Acid, Tretinoin, topical creams like Hydroquinone and chemical peels. Although if pregnant I would avoid using these types of treatments.  Get micro derma peel.

Cherry angiomas - are made of clusters of dilated capillaries on the surface of the skin. These small, smooth, cherry red spots are commonly found on the torso and they range from pinhead size to 1/4 inch across. Cherry angiomas can occur anytime in your life however they are most common after the age of 40. They are usually painless and harmless but due cosmetic reasons people prefer to have them removed. Large cherry angiomas can bleed profusely and because of this it is best to have them removed professionally. However topical applications of sandalwood and basil leaves may reduce the appearance of cherry angiomas.

Seborrheic keratoses - are one of the most common types of noncancerous (benign) skin growths in older adults. Most people will develop at least one seborrheic keratosis at some point in their lives. These brown, black or pale growths look waxy, as if they were dripped on the skin by a candle. They usually appear on the face, chest, shoulders and back, often in multiples. Their size ranges from 1/4 inch to 1 inch across. They can be removed with a simple surgical procedure or with liquid nitrogen. If these spots turns black or starts to itch or bleed then medical attention is needed to rule out any time of skin cancer. Additionally if numerous SK's develop quickly see a dermatologist as this can indicate a serous health issue.

Skin tags - although not really a spot, skin tags are soft, flesh-colored growths that protrude out from the skin. Although skin tags need no medical attention, as they are usually benign, they are more bothersome because of cosmetic reasons. In addition, clothing can cause irritation. Liquid nitrogen which is found in wart remover can remove small skin tags. Additionally small skin tags can be literally clipped off however care should be taken to ensure your clippers are sterilized. Although this may sound painful it actually feels like just a pinch.

Although the skin spots are usually harmless, any skin spot that changes color, changes outline, bleeds, and itches or doesn't heal should be checked for by a dermatologist. Better yet consider getting a skin checkup along with your yearly physical.

Common Skin Problems

Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The major factors responsible for lines and wrinkles from aging are loss of collagen, elasticity and the fat within the deep layers of the skin decreases. Pre-mature aging can be attributed to over exposure to the sun. UV light breaks down your skin's connective tissue, i.e. collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin. Without the supportive connective tissue, your skin loses its strength and flexibility thus causing sagging and wrinkled skin. In addition, stress, hormones, heredity, and environmental factors also play a significant part.

In order to reduce fine lines and wrinkles from forming and diminishing the ones you have, exfoliation is recommended to stimulate blood flow and slough off dead skin cells. Additionally a rich moisturizing cream is recommended to fully hydrate the skin during the night and a moisturizer with SPF of at least 15 during the day to protect the skin.

Also consider facial masks. They are great for hydrating deep within the skin. Get some clay masks recipes here.

Enlarged or Distended Pores
Enlarged or distended pores (blackheads) are due to trapped debris in the pores. The debris is a combination of dead skin cells and sebum (oil). The debris causes the pore to stretch or buildup and produce blackheads. Facial cleansers that exfoliate are recommended for enlarged or distended pores. The exfoliating ingredient will open the pore and the cleanser will clean out the pore(s). Consider adding a bit of cornmeal to your cleansing cream for a great scrub.

Read my post "Blackheads be Gone" and get a simple recipe to make blackhead remover strips.

If large pores are really troublesome for you consider a pore minimizer, there are masks, washes, etc. Check out the pore minimizer products.


Brown Spots aka Age Spots
Brown spots are caused from over exposure to the sun. The sun causes the cells that produce melanin to react and protect the inner layers of the skin. Melanin is the product that the body produces to get a tan. Natural ingredients such as lemon or other fruit juices will lighten brown spots however they will take a few months.

Kitchen recipe to lighten age/brown spots - Lemon juice has a bleaching agent that will lighten sunspots. Dab a cotton ball of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the brown spots in the morning and evening. Note - lemon juice is photo-sensitive so use in the evening.

There are also good bleaching products on the market made with hydroquinone, a key ingredient to reduce the appearance of excess pigment caused by aging, hormonal changes and sun damage. Get brown spot remover here.

Blemishes
Blemishes are usually due in part to the over production of sebum (oil) which can be attributed to stress, hormonal changes and even environmental factors. Mild to moderate breakouts, characterized by less than seven pimples a month, can be treated with over the counter products. There is one specific ingredient that is particularly effective in treating blemishes - salicylic acid. This is actually an efficient exfoliate that dissolves skin oil. In addition to over the counter remedies for blemishes there are a number of natural make at home products that are quite beneficial and not as harsh.

Redness on the Skin
Rosacea is a condition that first appears as a flushing or subtle redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. It then progresses from intermittent mild redness to persistent ruddiness as well as permanent, dilated blood vessels and acne-like bumps. Rosacea is not curable, but it responds well to treatment. Furthermore, there are over-the-counter treatments available and natural home remedies.

For great skin care products to address all skin care issues visit Skin Energizer, and at 15% off they have some pretty good prices!

For more skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Everyday beauty tips for real women

When it comes to perfecting my makeup I know I can use all the beauty tips and techniques I can get. Below are a few tips that can get you on your way to a beautiful you and hope you will find them useful!

Blush: The correct color for your skin tone and properly applying blush as part of your makeup routine can add so much to enhance and accentuate your facial features.

Below are a few suggestions based on skin tone:

• Beige and pink tones are appropriate for fair skin
• Warm, brown shades are appropriate for yellow-tones skin
• Plum, bronze shades are appropriate for dark skin
• Orange, apricot and coral shades are appropriate for sun-tanned skin
• The soft tones/ apricot, peachy, pink/ are appropriate for everyday use
• Cool-toned Asian use a natural looking pink blush

Tip to make a round face look longer and well defined:
Purchase a blush palette which enhances your skin tone. The palette should consist of a dark tone, medium tone and light tone.  Apply the darkest tone just below the check bones; even if not prominent at this time. Do not apply past the corner of the outer eye. Apply the medium shade and blend well all the way to the hairline. Finally, highlight the check bones with the lightest shade. You should see that your round face will look naturally thinner and has an apparent glow.

Additionally, a blush palette will add dimension which can not be achieved with just one ordinary color.

Check out my post - Contouring Your Face with Blush 

Eye Liner: Don't have a steady hand, it is not necessary to paint a continuous line with liquid eyeliner. Start with small dashes on the lash line. Start at inner corner, then middle and out towards the outer corner. Then go back and connect the dashes.For droopy eyes thicken the eye liner at the outer corner.

Tip - Raccoon proof your eyeliner by using liquid eyeliner. Liquid eyeliners can hold up to 24 hours!

Lipstick: Selecting the perfect color can be frustrating. What looks good in the store doesn't always look good when you get it home. Here are a few tips that can alleviate having a drawer full of lipsticks that you bought and didn't like.

The most flattering lip color will be one or two shades darker than your natural lip color. So to find the right shade apply a color to just one lip and compare it to your bare lip, if it is one to two shades darker than your bare lip, then you have found your color. You can do this at the store just by looking in the mirror and place the lipstick tube color up against your lip in the mirror.

• Fair skinned women - consider shades such as nudes in an apricot, pinks and light corals.
• Medium skin tone - go a bit darker with roses, mauves and berries. Skip the bright reds and try a deep burgundy.
• Dark or black skin should consider deep plum, chocolate and red.

 Everyone can wear red if you consider the undertones - for instance, pink-skinned girls can wear cherry red, olive skin can wear fire-engine red and dark skin looks good in deep reds.

Application: Start on the natural top lip line with your lip pencil and work outwards in short light strokes. Begin on the bottom lip in the center of the mouth. Next apply your lipstick inside the lip line from your lipstick or lip brush.

Read my post Innovative Lipstick in the 21st Century, includes a how to video!

Tip - To give the illusion of fuller lips, add a dab of shimmery lip gloss that is one shade lighter than your lipstick.

Eye Shadow

• Deep-set eyes - to enhance your eyes apply a light shimmery shade across the eyelid from the inner corner to just beyond the out corner.
• Wide-set eyes - you can create the illusion of closeness by applying a deep shadow shade from the inner corner to the middle of the eyelid. Then apply a lighter shade from the middle eyelid to the outer corner and blend where the shades meet. 
• Close-set eyes - to create an illusion to appear wider, apply light pale shade from the inner corner to the middle of the eyelid. Then apply a slightly darker shade from the middle of the eyelid to the outer corners and blend where the two shades meet.
• For those with glasses - play up lashes with rich black mascara. Take the time to define your eyebrows, your brows should frame your eyes not your frames.
• Asian - apply a thick smoky line along the top lashes. The line should be thick enough so that it can be seen when eyes are open. Also apply a thin line under the bottom lashes.

 Eye Shadow Color:

Primers are super hot right now because they help set makeup that stays for hours. I've found the secret to keeping shadow in place for hours is a shadow base, or primer. There are a variety of brands but I prefer Urban Decay's Primer Potion.

Tip - Shimmery eye shadow is gorgeous and makes eyes really pop, however it does play up wrinkles and creases.

• Blue Eyes - Gray, violet, deep blue or taupe can add depth to your blue eyes. If using a blue shade, select a blue slightly darker that your eye color, it will make your blue eyes even brighter. If using bright colors do so sparingly.
•  Brown Eyes -Brown eyed girls who want to go for a classic look should stick metallic colors like bronze, copper or champagne and can also safely try browns, beige or khaki. If they want to add a little flair to their face, they can be bold and try tangerine, hot pink, lime or royal blue. Read my post here "Making the Most From Your Brown Eyes"
• Green/Hazel Eyes - use shades of brown, apricot, purple, plum, khaki or pine green. These colors can brighten green or hazel eyes and are ideal for all times of the day.

 Eye Makeup for All Eye Colors

There are a few eye shadow colors appropriate for any eye color. For a classic look, ladies of any eye color can try navy, charcoal, or silver. Silver can work to highlight the eye and brow areas and accentuate those who find their eyes are their best feature.

Blending is the key to great looking eyes if you are using a three color palette. Start with a light base and color the entire eyelid and up to the brow. Secondly apply a highlighter for the crease and then the darkest color on the lid.

When applying dark shadow to the crease of your eye, be careful to blend only on the outside edge.

Mascara: The application of mascara is a three step process:

• Start at the base of the lashes and wiggle the wand left to right. It is the roots of the lashes that give the illusions of length not the tips.
• Wiggle the wand as you apply the mascara. It separates the lashes and avoids clumps.
• The final step and one I always forget is to close the eye and place the mascara wand on top of the lashes working from the base to the tips.

To keep lashes from clumping there are a couple of options. One is a lash comb and they are a great invention and used by makeup artists to get glob free and perfectly separated lashes. The other option is to wipe the mascara wand with a tissue and run the wand over your lashes. Sephora has the great eye lash curler and comb all in one for $5!

Tip - Consider a colored mascara - Basically black works for everyone but can be harsh on light-skinned blondes. Blondes should opt for brown/black by day and reserve black for night. Blue mascara brightens blue eyes while purple mascara makes brown eyes pop.

Lastly but certainly not least - Smile - it gives you a natural glow. Furthermore, great looking makeup starts with a great looking skin. Remember to cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize for a well hydrated dewy complexion.

For more skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy