Skin Care Through the Ages

A great complexion in your forties and beyond starts with a consistant skin care routine in your twenties. Furthermore understanding your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive, combination) will assist you in selecting the right products.

The twenties are the age of prevention. This is the time when lack of care now will be evident in latter years. For instance, over exposure to sun causes damage to the skin but the brown spots will not be apparent till you are in your forties; squinting in the sun and not using skin dehydration can contribute to fine dry lines around the eyes. Thus caring for your skin in your twenties should consist of cleansing, toning, moisturizing and protection. Additionally, an occasional facial mask to hydrate and draw out impurities and exfoliation to slough off dead skin and promote circulation may be in order. Blemishes can also be a problem in your twenties, for spot treatments consider tea tree oil.

The thirties is the decade of laugh lines and crow's feet. There is a gradual breakdown of collagen and elasticity thus resulting in less elasticity in the skin and the loss of a firm supple texture. Furthermore, the sebaceous glands become less active, and poorly lubricated skin will not retain moisture as it did in the past so our skin becomes much drier. To make matters worse cell turnover is sluggish thus causing the dead cells to remain on the skin's surface which dulls the complexion. For some, brown spots and uneven color blotches can appear on the skin. At this stage in our life the need to continue with a good skin care routine (cleansing, toning, moisturize/protect) is essential. At this time you may want to consider a under eye cream or gel. Your skin care products should be filled with anti-oxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene. Selecting skin care products with antioxidants also aids in the in the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen keeps the skin firm and elastin adds and maintains elasticity in your skin, thus reducing sagging skin and wrinkles. While there are many foods high in anti-oxidants it is not likely that we consume enough. Again, exfoliates and facial masks are in order as part of your skin care routine.

In your forties your skin cell turnover takes twice as long as it did at age 20. The loss of the underlying structure (collagen and elastin) contributes to thinning of the epidermis which leads to drooping eyes, neck wattles and causes the skin to look papery. Pigmentation also changes creating shadows and blotches and age spots are now apparent on the face, neck, chest, and back of hands. Your skin care routine now should contain anti-aging ingredients such as peptides and retinol to invigorate the skin. Additionally treatments such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments may be in order. Moisturizers should be rich in emollients to soothe dry skin and rich in vitamins to nourish the skin.

The fifties and beyond, your face as reached maturity. The fat padding beneath the skin has diminished so your face shows more of its angles and hollows. As muscle fibers weaken, the fat that remains under the eyes form bags. Facial bones begin to shrink, causing all-around sagging. Oil production decreases after menopause resulting in significant dryness. As cell turnover rate continues to slow, skin becomes thinner and more prone to wrinkling and drooping. Years of sun exposure or hormonal changes may lead to patchiness or unevenness in skin tone. As with your 40's your skin care products should contain anti-aging ingredients and be rich in emollients and provide nutrition for the skin. Clay masks that deeply hydrate the skin are in order as well as exfoliation treatments. There are many remedies on the market to lighten brown spots, and special serums that will tighten the skin around the eyes. There are also chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments that actually slough off the first layer of the skin thus exposing the new skin cells.  Consider Skin Energizer when shopping for skin care products and get 15% off!

While aging is inevitable, start with a good skin care program in your twenties and a healthy diet and your skin will reward you for it latter in life. As you can see our skin changes over time, thus it is necessary to evaluate your skin care program regularly to ensure that you are using the right skin products for your skin type.

I do hope you will visit the rest of my posts here or check out Complete Skin Care Therapy for more skin care articles and skin care recipes.

Must Have Skin Care Tools

In order to attain soft supple skin, and a beautiful complexion constant care and attention is required no matter what age or skin type. However, when shopping for basic skin care products it can get quite overwhelming with the plethora of skin care products on the market. Below is what I consider the essentials for a beautiful complexion.

Cleanser - a good cleanser will remove dirt and is gentle on the skin. It should not strip away the natural oils leaving your skin overly tight and dry. If you suffer from dry skin, consider milk or lotion cleansers versus foaming cleansers. Oily skin types can use a foaming cleanser. For acne and/or sensitive skin there are specific cleansers on the market for your skin type. These products are usually free of fragrances and other chemicals that are usually associated with skin reactions.

Makeup Remover - facial cleansers are usually not formulated to remove eye makeup. Therefore, consider a makeup remover instead of scrubbing the eye area with cleansers or soap and water.

Toner - as in my previous posts, I have emphasized the importance of toner. Their purpose is to restore ph balance and remove any left over cleanser. For sensitive and dry skin consider Rosewater. For oily skin consider witch hazel and if to drying mix a little with rosewater. Combination skin can use green tea toners and chamomile.

Moisturizer - again understanding your skin type is critical when selecting your moisturizer. Oily skin should consider lotions instead of creams. Others should select creams rich in emollients and natural ingredients. Additionally, you really should have a day moisturizer with SPF and a night moisturizer full of nutrients for your skin. 

Masks - consider facial masks to fully hydrate and draw out impurities. Again, the selection of these products should be based on your skin type. I prefer to make my own clay masks as I can be sure I am using the right clay for my skin type. 

Exfoliates should also be a part of your skin care routine. They slough off dead skin, and promote circulation. An easy, inexpensive exfoliate is to just add a little cornmeal to your facial cleanser once in a while.

The above is what I consider the basic skin care tools. However, depending on your age and condition of your skin, specific products might be in order, such as eye creams, or spot treatments for blemish control. When selecting these types of products read the labels and search for any clinical data or valid testimonies to support the manufactures claims. 

Lastly, your skin care routine should include your whole body. Exfoliate with sugar or salt scrubs to revitalize the skin and promote circulation, then moisturize and protect. Special attention should be taken for the neck and cleavage area, called the V-zone. The skin is thin in this area and is prone to premature aging. So when slathering on the moisturizer do not forget this area.

Get great skin care products at Skin Energizer, 15% Off!!

Carol - author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Herbal Facial - the ultimate in skin care

The skin produces natural oil which hydrates and protects the skin; unfortunately this oil attracts environmental pollutants, dirt, dead skin etc. Herbal facial cleansers will clean and nourish the skin. So why not pamper yourself with a complete facial rejuvenation treatment! A lavish way to treat yourself to an invigorating and all natural facial. Created with quality herbs, pure essential oils, fine cosmetic clays and pure rosewater, this is an inexpensive and pleasurable way to add radiance to your skin. The ingredients are beautifully packaged in a decorative, carved rosewood box from India. Each kit comes with enough supplies for five complete facials! at $24.00 you can not go wrong.


A luxurious and fun gift idea! Each kit contains:

Herbal Steam - To cleanse and open pores.
Cleansing Grains - A soap free way to remove dead skin & unclog pores.
Green Clay Mask - For deep cleansing, removal of toxins, and to stimulate circulation.
Facial Oil Blend - To lightly moisturize and balance all skin types.
Flowerwater Toner - Gently refreshing and mildy astringent.
 
Get your herbal facial kit!  Makes a great gift too!
 

 
Carol - author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Diminish Large Pores

Large pores are usually associated with an oily or combination skin type. Additionally as we age facial pores become larger because the skin loses elasticity and collagen thus causing the pores to stretch. Furthermore, did you know that large pores, believe it or not, can also be genetic? For the most part however, large pores are usually an indication of poor facial cleansing.

The skin produces natural oil which hydrates and protects the skin; unfortunately this oil attracts environmental pollutants, dirt, dead skin etc., which then becomes trapped in the pores. When the pore is clogged it stretches out thus causing the pore to appear enlarged. Usually large pores appear in the T-zone and especially on the nose. This is because that particular area of the face has the most sebaceous glands.

There are various methods to minimize the appearance of large pores such as skin care products and DIY remedies.

Pore Minimizer Products - There are a number of products to help minimize pores, facial masks which draw out impurities, herbal steam which opens the pores so that your face can be thoroughly cleansed, and exfoliates, microdermabrasion treatments, alpha and beta hydroxyl acids and chemical peels all slough off the top portion of the skin. While all of the above methods will reduce pore size, it is important to take into account your skin type and sensitivity. View pore minimizer products at Skin Energizer and get 15% off.

DIY Treatments worth mentioning are:

Baking Soda Mask - 2 tablespoons baking soda and just enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to area that needs work and rinse in about 15 minutes.

Pore Cleansing Strips - no matter how much you clean your face sometimes the pores will not come clean. This simple recipe will clean out the pores and once cleaned out the pore will shrink back to normal size. For best results steam your face to open pores.
 Ingredients:
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 tablespoons milk
Mix both ingredients and microwave for 10 seconds until it is warm to the touch.
Note: this does not smell the best when taking it out of the microwave, but this recipe actually cleans out pores!

Tip: If you use a toner, keep it in the refrigerator. After cleansing the cool toner will close the pores before you apply your makeup or moisturizer. If you do not use a toner, rinse your face with cool water to close pores.

As in so many of my posts, I have tried to emphasize the importance of a good skin care routine. This should include cleansing, toning, and moisturizing/protection. Occasional facial masks and exfoliates are also a necessity. Another important factor is understanding your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive) in order to make the correct decision when purchasing skin care products. Also note that your skin type can change with seasons, hormonal variations, and age so evaluate your skin type from time to time and make the necessary adjustments to your skin care routine.

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

Fall 2010 Makeup Trends - Something for Everyone!

The fall/winter 2010 makeup trends are so diverse that there is a style that can suit everyone's taste. The bold colors of crimson red lipstick on full lips, strong eyebrows, eye shadows in plums, forest green and grays with a hint of shimmer, and the always fashionable smoky eyes was seen on the runway this year. Additionally on the runway was the minimalist makeup trend in which the goal is to bring out the natural beauty of women.

Lipstick - Red lipstick is a fashion statement in itself. When wearing red lipstick keep the eye makeup minimal especially for daytime wear. Consider plumping up your lips with a lip plumper. Did you know that brushing your lips with your tooth brush will promote circulation and plump up the lips? Another factor to consider is to purchase the right red lipstick for your skin tone. For those with a warm skin tone consider a red lipstick with yellow undertones. Cool complexions look best in reds that have a blue undertone and neutral skin tones can wear any color red, however neutral skin tones will have a predominant warm or cool tone. A true red will look good on all skin tones. Another tip is to always line the lips when wearing red lipstick as it does have a tendency to bleed.

Eye Shadow - Forest green, plums and grays are great eye shadow colors for fall. A deep forest green with a hint of gold shimmer really adds sex appeal to the eyes. Other options are deep plums with a gray shimmer. When shopping for eye shadow this fall consider the deep colors that add so much depth to the eye. Check out these great mineral eye shadows.

Smoky eyes - are always fashionable. Start with a brown shadow over the lid of the eyes, then apply a dark plum over the rest of the lid area into the crease and smudge. Finally apply a lighter plum or burgundy shimmer on the brow area and over the lid to set up a beautiful finish.

Minimalist - the key to this look is a flawless complexion. The focus is on the natural beauty of the face. First use a good concealer to cover any flaws in your complexion then apply your foundation. If you are using mineral makeup, see my post on How to Select the Right Mineral Makeup for Your Skin Type. Secondly apply a blush or bronzer to bring out the cheek bones. Eye brows should be shaped to perfection and any sparse areas should be filled in with powder or an eyebrow pencil. Lipstick should be a flesh color that matches your lip color. If you feel that you have to wear eye shadow consider a nude shade to create a soft and natural look. Apply mascara for the final touch.

For great skin care products, visit Skin Energizer - get 15% off and they have an online chat to answer any questions you may have about thier skin care products and makeup.

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

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Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream - Product Review

Love it, love it! Kiehl's Ultra facial cream was just the hydration my face needed!

I found Kiehl's Ultra facial cream to be a superb moisturizer. After a shower my face always feels tight and dry even though I use a very mild cleanser, I slathered this cream over my face and neck and could instantly feel the dryness diminish. Kiehl's Ultra facial cream is also a humectant, so not only does it hydrate after application; it continues to hydrate by absorbing moisture from the air. This extra hydration is a real plus for those of us with extremely dry skin.

The cream goes on very smooth and I liked the fact that there is no heavy fragrance. The scent is very light, almost to the point of being non-existent.

I also like the fact that the key ingredients in this product are natural substances versus synthetic (man made) ingredients. Below are the key ingredients which I found to be impressive.

Antarcticine - a glycoprotein from the Antarctic sea which has proven to be useful in many cosmetic products to moisturize and prevent dryness and also provides protection to the skin in extreme cold weather.

Imperata Cylindrica - also known as cogongrass or kunai grass; when used in skin care products it optimizes and reinforces collagen synthesis and moisture absorption in the skin.

Squalane -this is used in some of the world's most expensive skin care products because of its moisturizing properties. There are two main sources of squalane - oil from shark's liver or from olive oil. This type of oil is similar to the body's natural oil, which makes for a wonderful moisturizing cream.

Avocado oil and Vitamin E - both of these ingredients are commonly used in skin care products for their moisturizing properties.

Would I buy this product? Definitely! The product works and I see and feel a real improvement in my skin suppleness and texture. Get your Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream.

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

Selecting the Right Mineral Makeup for your Skin Type

The advantages of mineral makeup are its anti-inflammatory properties, which is useful for those suffering with problem skin such as acne or rosacea. Additionally, mineral makeup will not clog pores as it is non-comedongenic, and is also great for those that suffer from skin sensitivity. True mineral makeup does not contain synthetic dyes, fragrances and preservatives, which are usually the culprit that irritates sensitive skin. However, if you have tried mineral makeup and it did not perform as you expected, chances are you selected the wrong type of mineral makeup for you skin type. There is a wide variety of mineral makeup products on the market and understanding the ingredients will help you make the right choice.


Mineral makeup for oily skin: When selecting your mineral makeup, select the product that contains silica. Silica is a highly absorbent ingredient. Look for at least 7% to 15% depending on how much oil control you will need. Silica has amazing properties to reduce shine and because of it light diffusion properties it effectively hides skin imperfections and fine lines and wrinkles.

Other ingredients to avoid if you have oily skin are: sericite, and mineral makeup made with botanicals or fruit extracts. Sericite Mica offers shine and shimmer, thus not recommended for oily skin. Botanicals and fruit extracts are natural moisturizers, so again the last thing needed for oily skin is more moisture.

Mineral makeup for dry skin: Mineral makeup can be very drying for already dry skin. There are a couple of remedies that can alleviate this dryness. Mineral makeup comes in liquid or cream form and these are best suited for dry skin. A liquid or cream mineral makeup will provide coverage and the flawless finish. Another option is to fully hydrate the skin prior to application with a hydrating primer (I have priced these hydrating primers and I just use a good daytime moisturizer).

Mineral makeup for sensitive skin: Definitely avoid mineral makeup that contains dyes, carmines, fragrance, propylene glycol, talc, bismuth oxychloride, petroleum derivatives, methylparaben, propylparaben, and urea. Additionally these ingredients should be avoided if pregnant. Look for products that contain natural ingredients, the less synthetic/chemical fillers, preservatives, etc., the better. Select products that are made from botanicals and other natural ingredients, although there is no guarantee that even natural ingredients will not cause skin irritation.

Selecting the right mineral makeup for your skin type is essential in order to take full take advantage of what this makeup has to offer. Stay tuned my next post will be how to properly apply mineral makeup for the best finish yet! AND How to make your own mineral makeup - does'nt that sound cool!

Visit Skin Energizer to get your mineral makeup. What is nice about this skin store is the online chat assistant to answer any questions you may have! Also get 15% off!

Nourish Beauty is a leader in the natural makeup, skin care and hair care market! Buy Nourish Beauty Mineral Foundation for 1/2 the price of the major brands! Addtionally, sample packs are available so you can find your perfect color!






Not quite ready to switch, then consider purchasing a blush or shimmmer/bronzer to begin with.

Visit Complete Skin Care Therapy for more skin care articles and homemade skin care recipes.

Tips and Techniques for the Perfect Manicure

I have have seen several articles on the fall 2010 nail polish color trends. However, we have not seen how to properly color your nails to get that professional, just walked out of the spa, look.

While beautiful nail polish does enhance your overall look, expensive nail polish on ill-manicured nails doesn't do much. With that in mind, let's start with how to properly manicure your nails. From there I will proceed on how to properly paint your nails and get the most from your nail polish.

Manicure - The first steps to a great manicure is using the right tools. There are many good manicure sets on the market or you can purchase tools individually. I found this manicure set from Bath and Body works that has the basic tools.

Bath & Body Works 7 Piece Manicure Set with Black Travel Case Includes Nail Clippers and Nail File










Below I have listed the items need to perform the perfect manicure.

Clippers - used to clip the fingernail into your desired shape. My advice is to invest in a decent pair. To many times I have bought cheap ones and they just bend the nail or don't even open wide enough to get my fingernail into it.

Emery boards - these are too smooth out the outer edges of your fingernails. Shape your nails to your preference, square, oval, or rounded. Place the emery board against the side of the nail and file in an upward motion strokes, do not file back and forth. File the finger nail just above the fingernail tip. Filing down the sides below the finger tip weakens the nails.

Buffer - used to smooth out ridges in the fingernails. Smoothing the top of your fingernails will give a nice smooth finish to your polish. If you do not plan on polishing your nails, the buffing will add a nice shine to your fingernails.

Shany© 4-SIDED - Quick Shine BLOCK NAIL BUFFER ,4 WAY NAIL BUFFER BLOCK Provides supreme high gloss to natural or acrylic nails


Professional 4 sided buffing block. 4 in 1 buffing block that allows you to smooth, buff and shine nails all in one tool






Cuticle pusher - as the name implies this pushes back the cuticle and elongates the nail. I personally have tried trimming the cuticle and only end up with small cuts and sore cuticle. This is a personal choice whether you want to push the cuticle back or trim the cuticle. My recommendation is moisturize the cuticle and push it back. Again there are several products on the market for cuticle care but I just use vitamin e to moisturize and soften. Note: before proceeding to pushing back your cuticle, wash your hand to rinse off any leftover dust from filing.

Cuticle Pusher & Remover Tool - PRO-QUALITY - Stainless Steel Made of stainless steel, 5 1/2" overall long


Curved-end conforms to the natural nail when pushing back cuticles

It can be sterilized without rusting. Great for trimming cuticles, cleaning fingernails and giving manicures





Fingernail cleaning - grab an orange stick and soak in warm soapy water. Gently go under the nail going from the sides to the center to remove any debris. For a finished look apply an under the nail white pencil. Tip: if you have nail polish stains, soak fingernails in lemon juice. If applying nail polish, wash your hands again to rinse off any oil or lotions otherwise your polish will not adhere to the nail.



Manicure/Orange Sticks - 4.5" - Tapered and Pointed - 144 in a box









Polishing, the final step - First use a base coat, this not only helps your polish to adhere to the nail, it protects your nails from stains; secondly apply the polish and finally apply a top coat to protect. Apply the polish in three strokes, the first stroke in the middle and one stroke on each side. Be sure you have enough polish on the applicator for each stroke. To clean up areas around the nail use a cotton ball, orange stick or paper towel dipped in nail polish remove. Don't forget to shake your polish before application and warm it up by rolling between your hands.

Now pick your color!








Once you have mastered the perfect manicure and polishing your nails, consider moving on to doing your own French manicure or enhance your polish with nail art images.

French Manicure Kit includes self adhesive French manicure tip guides for mistake proof application plus nail colors and complete easy to follow instructions to achieve a beautiful soft sheer French manicure and pedicure look.











Hope you enjoyed these tips and techniques, and remember practice makes perfect!  Think of the $$ saved by doing your own nails.

Visit Complete Skin Care Therapy for skin care recipes and skin care articles.