Erasing the Confusion about Anti-Wrinkle Creams Most wrinkle creams work by adding moisture to the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Your skin is the largest organ on your body, made up of several different components, including water, protein, lipids, and different minerals and chemicals. If you are average, your skin weighs about six pounds. Skin has an important job; it is to protect you from infections and germs. Throughout your life, your skin will change constantly, in fact it will regenerate itself approximately every 27 days. When these products include alpha hydroxy acids they help in sloughing off those dead skin cells which in turn will improve the texture and help to reflect light. Other ingredients may include coenzyme Q10, kinetin, or green tea. Antioxidants are important in helping to prevent future wrinkles. If you should choose a wrinkle cream with antioxidants wear it under your sunscreen. Retinol is known as the wonder ingredient. A derivative of vitamin A, Retinol can be found in many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products. They are used to smooth skin by stimulating the production of collagen and reversing thinning skin. You should keep in mind that OTC products won’t give you dramatic results and the cost is usually much higher than the prescription products. Retinoids can cause redness and irritation, especially if you are prone to red skin. In the end the best anti-wrinkle product you can use is sunscreen with an SPF of 30 that protects against both types of ultraviolet rays. Exfoliants – How and When to Use Them Exfoliants are used to help slough away dead skin cells. Your skin sheds 30,000 to 40,000 dead cells per minute! Skin needs time to regenerate its topmost layer. Most people should not exfoliate every day. Soaps and cleansers remove dirt and oil but they can’t remove dead skin cells. There are many products and companies that promote exfoliating, often saying their product won’t harm your skin and should be used daily for best results. Beware: this is not wise advice for everyone. If you do not have a problem with excess oil production, you risk sloughing away the vital protection of the skin’s barrier, nature’s protection for your skin. That barrier is called the acid mantle. Those with normal or dry skin should exfoliate no more than once or twice a week. If your skin becomes irritated or red, or you develop a rash after exfoliating, then you should stop doing exfoliations, use less pressure or consider using a different friendlier product that suits your skin. How-to
- Use warm water to moisten your skin.
- Apply your cleanser or scrub using your fingers or exfoliating tool to gently rub in a circular motion. The key is “gently”.
- Rinse thoroughly and apply a moisturizer to keep skin from drying out.
- Light coverage offers a natural look, usually liquid with tinted moisturizers.
- Medium coverage looks natural yet it can conceal blemishes and age spots. These products come in powders, liquids, cream-to-powder and mineral based formulas.
- Full-coverage is for those who want to cover skin discoloration, scars, and other imperfections. You can find this coverage in cream, in a stick or compact form, cream-to-powder, and mineral-based formulas.
Home Recipes from Your Kitchen
Eye Makeup Remover 2 tablespoon vitamin E oil 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons alcohol-free witch hazel ½ cup purified water Using a funnel, pour all into 8 oz. bottle with a lid. Shake well before each use. Cold Cream 2 tablespoons of cosmetic grade beeswax pellets ¼ cup extra virgin coconut oil ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons rosewater (for sensitive skin) Few drops of eucalyptus oil Heat first 3 ingredients on low heat. Pour into glass bowl, add remaining ingredients and whisk. The consistency will turn creamy. Put into container with a lid. Exfoliating Scrub ½ cup extra virgin coconut oil ½ cup grounded sea salt 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil 1 thick lemon squeezed Combine all ingredients, whisk and put into container with a lid. Relief for Eczema and Psoriasis Apply Manuka honey *Test all recipes before useSkin Care Q & A
Q: What would you recommend for someone who has dry brittle nails and facial dry skin after having had thyroid surgery? A: Dry brittle nails require routine treatments and minimal exposure to excess water. Wear gloves for household duties such as cleaning and dishes. A good soak in warm olive oil works wonders. Use extra virgin oil and soak for 15-20 minutes then massage the hands and nails and cuticles. You can repeat as often as you like. Frequent application and massage of petroleum jelly really helps to keep the moisture locked in. Lotions and creams do not work well for this purpose as they are too thin. Facial dryness requires products that are moisturizing. Avoid soap and products that may have drying ingredients. A creamy cleanser, daily moisturizer, and serum, a weekly moisturizing, hydrating mask, serums and sun protection are vital. Dietary considerations are also beneficial with ample intake of water. A great facial mask to consider is a green tea mask which is full of antioxidants. Q: Why do I break out so much when I am really stressed? A: Cortisol, the stress hormone, taxes every organ. Blood vessels become more fragile and new skin cells don’t form as quickly while cell turnover may eventually slow by half. Those break outs are a result of this excess hormone causing havoc in your body. Deep breathing and meditation may help you when you are faced with stress. Also, be mindful of what you eat during those stressful times. Q: How can I avoid getting crow’s feet? A: Most dermatologists agree that you’re unlikely to develop crow’s feet if you don’t tan your face, smoke, or squint. So, starting early in life, the best prevention strategies include:- Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outdoors.
- Avoiding tanning salons.
- Wearing sunglasses and hats.
- Either do not start smoking, or quit smoking.
- Drinking an adequate amount of fluid.
- Using moisturizer because skin around the eyes contains very few oil glands, it’s especially likely to be dry.
- Adopting other healthy lifestyle habits. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve skin elasticity. Technicolor fruits such as cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries contain high concentrations of antioxidants that may protect skin. In addition, regular exercise helps relieve stress, which promotes the formation of crow’s feet and other wrinkles.
