The Truth About Dirt, Grease and Acne

Author: Jayan Bbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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A lot of times, the blackheads and oiliness of our skin makes it look like our skin is dirty and that it can be cleaned by a thorough scrubbing. In fact, this was the accepted wisdom until not too long ago but we now know that this is not true at all. What looks like dirt in the blackheads is actually a skin pigmentation. And while it looks like the pores of the skin have been blocked by dirt, acne actually begins at the roots of the hair and no amount of scrubbing is going to stop it or get rid of it. If dirt were a cause of acne, most people who work outdoors in dusty conditions would get acne but the truth is that not all of them get acne and almost everyone, including doctors, can and do get acne.

Another popular belief is that oily skin causes acne and this too is not true. Although there is a connection between the amount of oil in ones skin and acne, the fact is that people with dry skin get acne too. Of course, we should do all we can to prevent oil from collecting on the skin from external sources such as oily or dirty hair because this oil can clog the pores and worsen the acne condition.

Too much scrubbing of skin that has acne will only serve to inflame it and make things worse. The best recourse is to wash the face with warm water and a gentle cleanser a maximum of two times daily because excess cleaning will aggravate the situation.

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pJayan writes on yoga, health and cooking topics. If you like this article, please visit his latest diversions at a target=_new href=http://www.tortillapress.org rel=nofollowTortilla Press/a and a target=_new href=http://www.tortillapress.org/Tortilla-Warmer.html rel=nofollowTortilla Warmer/a./pbr
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Mineral Cosmetic FAQs

Author: Lynn Starnerbr
Source: articlecity.combr
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When youre deciding whether or not to use mineral cosmetics you probably have a lot of questions. After all the hype, youre left wondering Are they really that good? Sure, there are lots of positive things being said about mineral makeup right now, but before you invest in it you should make sure all your questions are answered.

These are common questions people ask before choosing to buying any mineral cosmetic brand.

Is it waterproof?

No, it is not. It is water resistant. This means that mineral cosmetics hold up well in moisture. Whether you get damp from sweating or being in the rain, your mineral makeup should hold up. Simply dab the excess water off, instead of rubbing it off.

Is it hard to remove?

No, it isnt hard to remove. Using any type of facial cleanser, cold cream, eye makeup remover, etc.- even soap and water- will remove it very effectively.

How can it last all day and still be easy to remove?

The basic properties of mineral makeup (titanium dioxide and iron oxides) have great adhesion properties. This means they bind well to the skin. There are no oils or waxes, which helps them to stay on longer. Finally, each ingredient is water- soluble. This makes them easy to remove, and is why they are not waterproof.

Does it really look natural?

Yes. It wont leave that tell-tale mask on your skin like a liquid foundation. Plus you can easily mix colors to give yourself the best match to your natural skin, which helps it look better.

What makes it matte?

A matte mineral cosmetic will not have any mica in it. Mica adds the sparkle, shimmer, interference, etc. Some micas even give makeup more depth so that it is more compatible to different skintones. Without it, the mineral cosmetic can look really flat, like paint.

Isnt serecite a mica?

Yes, it is colorless mica. It adds a little more slip to the makeup, giving it a silkier feel. It has a very low shimmer to it and it becomes unnoticeable when mixed into the makeup.

Will it clog my pores?

No it wont. It is considered non-comedogenic and safe for women with sensitive skin. IT is lacking the oils and parabens associated with clogged pores.

Will it affect my acne?

It shouldnt. Most mineral cosmetic brands are non-acnegenic, which means they wont irritate acne-prone skin. In fact, many women with acne that use mineral makeup see their faces clear up after using it consistently for awhile. Those that do have trouble can usually attribute it to the buffing, cornstarch/rice powder (which is a food product for bacteria), or bismuth oxychloride. Finding a brand free of these ingredients will ensure the best possible chance of not irritating your acne.

Is it ok for oily/dry skin?

It is highly recommended for oily skin because of its intrinsic oil-absorbing properties. It tends to work very well on oily skin. Dry skin can be more problematic because of all those drying ingredients. However, there are formulations out there specifically for dry skin, so those will probably work best.

Which brand is the best?

Choosing a mineral cosmetic company depends on what you are looking for. Many women focus on ingredients, color selection, quantity vs. price and customer service. You know what you want, so the best idea is to base your choice on your priorities.

Are Ebay brands good?

This is a bit tricky. Yes and no. Some are and some arent. Unfortunately, many people selling on Ebay under their own brand are simply resellers of someone elses wholesale brand. Its called a private label. They buy someone elses products at a reduced price because theyre buying in bulk and put their stickers on it. The problem with this is that they dont know anything about the ingredients or how to help their customers make an appropriate match. But there are also some reputable sellers on Ebay. Buying off Ebay depends solely on your personal preference.

Now you have the information to decide if mineral makeup is for you and how to pick a brand that will meet your needs.br
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Say Goodbye to the Signs of Aging With a Natural Eye Moisturizer

Author: R Kalpanabr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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When it comes to the different signs of aging, one of the most common is crows feet or those irritating wrinkles around the eye area. If you are concerned about premature signs of aging, then you need to not only worry about laugh lines and wrinkles but you also need to take more care of the skin around your eyes which is actually very delicate and more prone to wrinkles.

If youre new to shopping for beauty products then a good way to get started on your beauty loot is by shopping for beauty products that were made from all-natural ingredients. Not only will this type of products prove to be much more effective, you can be assured that these wont have any negative effect on your skin – especially if this is your first time to use face creams etc.

While face creams and sunblocks are the most popular beauty products bought by women, it is also important to take note of being able to find a natural eye moisturizer that will help keep unwanted eye wrinkles at bay.

When shopping for a natural eye moisturizer, do take note of ingredients such as phytessence wakame, CoQ10, and Cynergy TK. When combined together, these three actually make for a very potent anti aging product. This is because these three ingredients work very well in the active production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is very important as it gives the skin its elasticity and firmness.

As one ages, the skin tends to lose its collagen leaving it more prone to wrinkles and sagging. Which is why as early as now, you should start doing the proper precautions to combat the different signs of aging by developing a skin regimen that works as well as living a healthy lifestyle.

The effectiveness of skincare regimens is actually on a case-to-case basis as peoples skin types do differ as well as the current state or condition of their skin. But for a basic skincare regimen, you might want to try the following: cleanse, tone and moisturize.

This is especially important during nighttime as your skin has been exposed to a whole lot of things during the day, you need to really make it a habit to give it the pampering that it needs before you go to sleep.

When it comes to cleansing your face, you need to choose a facial cleanser that is best suited for your skin type like those with oily skin should stick with gel-based cleansers as foamy cleansers tend to aggravate oil glands more resulting to acne.

As for those with dry skin, its best to use foamy, cream-based cleansers to help moisturize the skin more. It is not advisable for people to make use of soap-based cleansers for the face as it can easily dry up the skin, you specifically need to buy facial cleansers to ensure that your skin stays smooth and radiant.

After cleansing, make sure to get rid of any deep-seated dirt through the use of a toner. Again, do be careful when buying a toner as some toners tend to easily cause dryness to the skin as well.

As for the last bit of your skincare regimen which is to moisturize, make sure that the cream is not too thick or heavy as it may clog your pores and make sure to add a natural eye moisturizer as well for the delicate skin around your eyes.

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pKalpana strongly advocates a target=_new href=http://www.NaturalBeautyAndSkincare.com rel=nofollownatural skincare/a and beauty products to protect your skin, avoid harmful reactions and enhance youthful looks. To get more tips and info on natural skin care products, please visit her website now at == a target=_new href=http://www.NaturalBeautyAndSkincare.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.NaturalBeautyAndSkincare.com/a/pbr
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How To Prevent Dry, Wintertime Skin: The Benefits Of Regular Exfoliation

Author: Emily Gilbertbr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Winter is fast approaching, and with the icy winds and freezing temperatures often comes an aesthetic nightmare: dry and flaky wintertime skin. It can be difficult to maintain a radiant complexion when the weather alone is enough to drive you indoors, but the season of lights doesnt always have to mean a dull face. Many of us are well aware of the numerous benefits of facial exfoliation, but this part of your skin care routine becomes doubly important during the colder months. If you want to keep your skin glowing even when the sun hasnt been out for days on end, keep these four exfoliation benefits at the forefront of your mind and a good facial exfoliator next to your sink.

• There are two types of exfoliation: chemical and mechanical. Chemical exfoliation ranges from mild toners all the way up to dermatological chemical peels that can cost you thousands of dollars. Mechanical exfoliation is the most common form and usually consists of facial scrubs and washes with small abrasive grains that help to slough off dead skin. Microdermabrasion is mechanical exfoliation at its most powerful. Although both mechanical and chemical exfoliation have their respective benefits, stick with cost-effective home treatments that are gentle on your skin and also your holiday money stash—It is possible to achieve non-irritating facial rejuvenation without breaking your budget.
• Although it might seem counterintuitive, sloughing off dry skin cells with a mild abradant actually helps to maintain skins natural moisture level. Dead skin cells build up naturally, and removing this outer-most layer will aid in the absorption of other products, such as a thick and creamy moisturizer that you only bring out when the temperatures drop. Make sure to look for a facial exfoliator with a mild and gentle formula; its important to avoid harsh chemicals that could further aggravate the skin in its delicate state. Also, smaller grains in an exfoliant tend to be less irritating, so stay away from larger particles in the scrub you choose.
• For those of us who are looking for the latest tips in anti-aging skin care secrets, look no further. As we age, the skin renewal process naturally slows down, and old cells that would have easily given way to younger cells a few years ago often outstay their welcome on the surface of the face. This fact is especially true in winter when we tend to stay indoors longer and usually settle into a less active lifestyle. To avoid build up of this skin-dulling residue, its important to exfoliate daily instead of once or twice a week in addition to your normal skin care routine. An added bonus of daily exfoliation for aging women is that it greatly encourages the increased production of natural collagen, which helps to keep skin firm and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
• Just like you, your skin suffers from staying cooped up for too long. When dead skin cells are allowed to stay on the surface for extended periods of time, a whole host of facial maladies can occur. Regular exfoliation prevents clogged pores, acne, ingrown hairs, and certain types of infection. It can also thwart scarring from blemishes and help reduce the appearance of existing scars.

There are plenty of reasons to stay indoors during the cold winter months, but a dull complexion shouldnt be one of them. To keep skin looking young, fresh and healthy for the holiday festivities, invest in a gentle facial exfoliator that you can use every day. Do some research and pick a scrub that is right for you skin type and skin care goals. In addition to daily exfoliation, make sure to use a light sunscreen during the winter; just because you cant see the sun doesnt mean that its damaging rays wont make it to your face. A regular sunscreen works hand in hand with an exfoliator in that it reduces the amount of damage your scrub has to clean up.

Let your skin breathe this season and enjoy the merriment—exfoliation should be as instinctive to you as relaxing by a warm fire with friends and family./pbr
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I Think I Have Dry Skin

Author: Louise Forrestbr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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When it comes to matters of the skin on your face, you think you have dry skin, and yet you are not sure. Perhaps your skin is not very dry at all. Perhaps only a few areas of your skin are dry and others are not. Or maybe you have a few dry areas and other places that are oilier. You are not sure how to treat it because doing one thing for all areas of your skin may have bad results on certain areas while helping others.

So what gives?
It is most likely that you have both; you have dry skin and another skin type. This mix of skin types means you have one specific skin type. Combination skin. Tricky, because not only must you find good ways of treating your dry skin, but you must also tailor your skin care regimen to normal or oily skin.

Frustrating yes, but before you start stressing (as stress has never done anything good for anyone, especially the skin), take a deep breath and remember that not having overall oily skin can mean less acne outbreaks for you, and not having overall dry skin can mean less work in trying to get it to be soft and moisturized again.

The most common format for combination skin is to have an oily T zone, or the areas of your forehead, nose, and chin, and to have dry cheeks and eye areas. Take comfort in knowing at least your face is not a patchy battleground of confusing skin types and instead the areas are localized, which makes them much easier to treat. You may even be comforted to know that your T zone is probably not as oily as a person with overall oily skin, and that your dry skin is not as bad as some people with overall dry skin.

So what do you do with this combination of dry and oily skin types? You simply have to adjust your skin care routine to accommodate for both dry skin and oily skin. There are many products out there that tailor to each skin type, or you might even be interested in looking into products that are made specifically for combination skin.

As with any skin type, there are certain things you will want to perform whether you have dry or oily skin, so find the right product for each and begin treating your skin.

Cleanser. No matter if you have oily skin or dry skin, you still want to cleanse. Make sure that your cleanser will not remove all the moisture from your face, because then your dry areas will be worse off and your oily areas will only produce more oil, thus counteracting everything you have just tried to do for your skin.

Exfoliation. Dry skin means flakes of dead skin cells that can get caught in your pores. Oily skin means dead skin cells have a better chance of getting caught in your pores. A good exfoliate will help clean your pores and keep your skin free of dead skin cells.

Moisturize. This applies mostly to your dry skin, as it will more than likely need the moisture. You can leave your oily areas out of the moisturizer loop, as they do not need it. Be sure to give you dry skin all the moisturizer it needs, and use more if necessary.

Sunscreen. Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, the sun will do damage to your skin without a sunscreen to protect it. Find a good sunscreen that both your skin types will be able to handle and be sure to put it on at least 20 minutes before heading out into the sun in order to give it time to absorb into your skin.

Anti pimple cream. Both dry skin and oily skin can be prone to the occasional pimple or two, so have a cream or other anti-pimple product on hand to help zap blemishes before they get out of control./pbr
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Acne Treatment Options

Author: Stein Ove Stien
Source: articleage.com

It is presumed that around seventy percent of all teenagers and young adults suffer from some forms of acne. However, men and women in their mid ages can also suffer from acne. Though the exact cause of acne remains unclear, more is known about how the spots and blemishes which are part of acne form. Of late, there are innumerable numbers treatments to help deal with this distressing condition.
Acne is not a common complaint; it is known to be a source of considerable emotional distress and social embarrassment. How ever, there are a large numbers of acne treatment options to tackle this problem.
Home treatment option is the most common among the most households; acne treatment method being very simple and mostly improvised over experience gained over years. Always try to keep the spot-prone areas very clean, so wash the affected area twice a day with a un perfumed and non oily cleanser. Antibacterial face washes and soaps specifically for greasy skins are also available. How ever, your skin needs a minimum amount of oil in your skin to maintain its natural condition. Thus it is required to avoid aggressive washing action with hard soaps.
Never pick at spots; over squeezing can cause permanent scarring. During summer months, acne tends to be less problematic as the sunshine helps to dry the skin. How ever, no home treatment will start working immediately; it can take weeks, if not months, to observe any noticeable healing results.
Non prescription remedies though over-the-counter remedies are also used to treat acne. Lotions with Benzoyl peroxide have the tendency to dry out the skin and encourage it to shed the surface layer of dead skin. Benzoyl peroxide also displays an antibacterial action. Cumulatively, these combined effects make it harder for oily pores to become blocked and for infection to develop. Benzoyl peroxide can cause redness and peeling, especially during the initial stages. How ever, this tends to settle down within a few days.
To get acne treatment, if you consult your physician, you will be prescribed, some times, to start treatment with a preparation containing Benzoyl peroxide. If these options do not work for you, then there are a range of other treatment options which can either be rubbed onto the skin (topical) or taken in tablet form (oral).
Several topical treatments are available for you to try and test. Azelaic acid, an alternative to Benzoyl peroxide, may cause less skin soreness. Topical Retinoids, medicines based on vitamin A, can be rubbed into the skin once or twice a day. Retinoids work by stimulating the outer layer of skin to flake off, and may cause irritation and skin peeling at the start of treatment. How ever, sun light may make your skin more sensitive with this treatment. Topical anti bacterial solutions may reduce the intensity of the problem. Treatment should be continued for at least six months. Preparations that combine an antibiotic with other acne medication are available.
For treating Acne, more revolutionary methods have been introduced recently, which recommend the use of oral tablets and preparations. Oral antibiotics (tablets), taken daily for around 3 months, is prescribed for inflammatory type of acne. This causes to kill off the bacteria infecting the skin. Many strains of bacteria tend to become resistant to oral medications. The treatment period may extend to 6 months and Benzoyl peroxide, is often also prescribed at the same time.
For women, prescription with a standard combined oral contraceptive pill (containing an oestrogen and a progestogen) can improve acne symptoms. How ever, this treatment may not work for all women.
Isotretinoin is a powerful medicine known as an oral retinoid – which also usually exists in topical form. It is prescribed to be used in severe forms of acne that have proved too resistant to other treatments. It works efficiently by drying up oily secretions, which emanates from skin pores. This medication is associated with serious side effects which are highly adverse to patients. It can also damage an unborn baby if taken by a pregnant woman. This medication is prescribed only by your physician.
Acne treatment is known to be very tricky, as the patient infected, faces serious emotional distress during the treatment. Acne treatment is usually prescribed by qualified professionals and their guidance is absolutely necessary.
Acne Treatment
Stein Ove Stien is the author of Natural Health with Natural Health Guides, Articles and Recources.

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