Skin Care Tips: Questions & Answers

Even after all said and done in the skincare area, some people still find it a bit confusing to understand all there is to do to achieve that healthy skin and beautiful glow. People are still torn between Moisturisers or serums? Masks or Exfoliators? or All of the above?

So this post is going to try to answer some common questions in really easy terms in order to help you with all the questions you may have on the right things you should be doing for a lovely, buttery skin..

Lets Learn the Basics...

What is Your SKin Type? Do you know your skin type? Is it Oily, dry, combination or sensitive? In previous posts, I have tried to explain the most important things to understand even before using ANY skincare product. You must understand your skin type. This is the only key to getting that beautiful skin you desire to see. Kindly click on this link to understand your skin type

Using The Right Products But Not Getting Results?-...

Are You Exposing Your Skin to Excess Sun? You need to understand that over exposure of your skin to the sun speeds up the skin damage process. Constant exposure to rays/ heat of the sun could lead to sun burns, wrinkles and in extreme cases, cancer! In some cases, this is unavoidable for lots of people due to the nature of work or lifestyle. Therefore, if you must be in the sun for any reason, don't forget to use skincare products with sunscreen (SPF). The hotter the climate, the higher you should go on the SPF. SPF is now available in skincare products and even make-up, so no excuses.

What Type of Moisturisers Do You Need? This takes us back to question 1. Understanding your skin type will help you know how to select the best moisturisers for your skin. kindly check on my previous post on moisturisers by clicking on this link 5 Best Facial Moisturisers...

 

Moisturiser or Serum? It is also important to understand that there is a great difference between a serum and a moisturiser. While moisturisers are great for your skin, the serum penetrates better into the layers of your skin to condition it more deeply. There are also various kinds of serum for anti-ageing, skin brightening, and even acne preventing serum. 

A serum deposits nutrients into deeper layers of the skin, while a moisturiser hydrates the skin.

The best way to use a serum is to apply after the toner, but before your moisturiser. However, it is not compulsory to use both a serum and moisturiser at the same time. It is important to understand how your skin works and make the decision to use both or just one.

Extra Skincare Steps, VITAMINS... 

Your skin definitely requires some essential vitamins to glow from inside out! Thats the truth!! While I understand that there are some multivitamins for healthier looking glowing skin, I would also like to state that the best way to really get vitamins into your skin is through healthy eating. The most important vitamins required for a beautiful skin are Vit A(anti acne), E(anti ageing), K(rids dark circles around the eyes), C(anti-ageing & renews skin) and B(great for dry skin and spot reduction).

In today's skincare industry, these vitamins have become more infused with skin products.Therefore, when shopping for products. try to buy the ones that are rich in vitamins. But I still maintain that the best way is to actually EAT the vitamins by consuming loads of fruits and veggies!!!

Has this post helped you in anyway? Do you have more questions based on this post? Please feel free to drop a comment, its really easy and fuss-free! Till the next post...xoxo

Home Made Remedies: Getting Rid of Dark Armpits...

Dark armpits have become a source of worry for some individuals. This can be caused by hyper pigmentation Skin Pigmentation: Coloration or Discoloration..., use of harsh deodorants, or just genes. This post will provide some home made remedies that can help reduce the appearance of darker arm pits.

Try a natural bleaching agent. The acidic, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties in some vegetables and fruits allow them to lighten the skin naturally. Potatoes, cucumbers and lemons are three that can help eliminate dark skin under the arms.

1. • Potato - Thinly slice a potato and rub a slice on the dark area. Or, you can grate some of the potato to release the "juice." Apply this juice to your underarms, let it dry 10 minutes and rinse.
   • Cucumber - Just as you did with the potato, you can rub cucumber slices on the affected area or grate some of the cuke and use the juice. You can go a step further and add a few drops of lemon juice and some turmeric (enough to make a paste) to the cucumber juice. Apply the paste, wait a half hour and wash off.
   • Lemon - Rub a thick slice of lemon on the dark area; the fruit will remove dead skin cells and lighten the skin. Follow-up by washing and, if necessary, applying moisturizer. (With continued use, lemons can dry out the skin). Add a small amount of tumeric, plain yogurt or honey to lemon juice to make a paste that can be left on for 10 minutes and then rinsed clean.
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   Exfoliate. Dark underarms may be caused by dead skin cells that have accumulated there, so exfoliating can reduce the dark appearance of the skin.
   

   

   Sugar - Mix a cup of brown sugar with 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil. Apply to wet skin for a minute or two during a shower or bath and rinse. Try using the mixture twice a week when you bathe.Baking soda - Make a thick baking soda-and-water paste to use as a scrub. After scrubbing, rinsing and drying the area, you can apply a dusting of baking powder to the skin to give it a lighter appearance.Baking soda and rosewater - Make a somewhat thick paste of baking soda and rose water. Apply to the underarm area, then wash off with warm water. Dry your arms. Do this until you see lightening of armpits.Orange - Peel an orange and put the peels out in the sun to dry. Grind the peels to form a powder and make a paste by adding rose water and milk. Scrub your underarms with the paste for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dead skin cells and rinse with cold water.
2. Try a liquid treatment. Open your refrigerator or kitchen cupboard to find remedies that can not only lighten dark underarms but make the skin softer and fresher
3. Milk - It's the vitamins and fatty acids in milk that make it effective in lightening dark skin. Create a paste of two tbsp. milk, one tsp. curd and one tbsp. flour. Apply to the skin, let sit for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water. Skin should be softer and free of dead skin cells, which will make the area look much lighter.
4. Vinegar - For a lighter look and germ-free, sweet-smelling skin, mix vinegar with rice flour to form a paste. Take a hot shower and then apply the paste to the underarms, let dry for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
5. Coconut oil - The Vitamin E in coconut oil can help lighten dark skin over time, so for best results it should be used daily or every other day. Before bathing, massage the oil into the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Another benefit of coconut oil--it's a natural deodorant.
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   Make a whitening pack. If you're willing to commit to a frequent treatment regimen, you can try a natural whitening pack made from gram flour (also known a chickpea flour). Mix the flour with yogurt, lemon and a little turmeric to form a thick paste. Apply and leave in place for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Apply this natural whitening paste daily for two weeks and then three times a week to speed up the whitening effect.
8. Skip shaving and start waxing. Dark underarms may be caused by thick hair under the skin due to shaving. Because waxing removes hair at the root, it may leave the area lighter and the skin softer.
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10. Switch to a natural deodorant. The chemicals in deodorants and especially antiperspirants can take a toll on skin and are thought to be a likely cause of dark underarms. What distinguishes natural deodorants are what they don't contain: no parabens, PEGs, synthetic ingredients including hormone-disrupting fragrance and antibacterials, petrochemicals or aluminium compound.

Skin Pigmentation: Coloration or Discoloration...

  

Pigmentation means coloring. Skin pigmentation disorders affect the color of your skin. Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. Special cells in the skin make melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin. Others affect your entire body.

If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. Pregnancy, and sun exposure, use of bleaching agents found in creams can make the skin darker or discoloured. If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter.

Severe Forms of Skin Pigmentation

 Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of light skin. Albinism is a genetic condition affecting a person's skin. A person with albinism may have no color, lighter than normal skin color, or patchy missing skin color. Infections, blisters and burns can also cause lighter skin.

Why are brown spots, melasma and other pigment problems so hard to treat?

Pigment (melanin) in the most superficial layer (the epidermis) is the easiest to treat because as the skin renews itself, the pigment will slough/shed (example –brown/black spots after acne). But when the pigment drops deeper down into the dermis, the renewal process is much slower and treatment cream/lotions don’t reach it.

Possible causes of brown spots, melasma and other pigment problems:

• Too much sun.   This can be at any point in your life including childhood
• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives and hormone replacement
• Acne
• Ageing
• Various facial rashes and any skin irritation
• Your genes
• Rarer causes like overuse of hydroquinone creams, adrenal gland problems, etc.

General Information On How Different Pigment Problems Are Treated

Hyperpigmentation 

One of the most common pigmentation problems in darker-skinned individuals is hyperpigmentation (or the darkening of the skin). 
Usually the result of some type of inflammation or injury to the skin, such as a cut, burn or scrape,  use of harsh chemicals in lightening creams; hyperpigmentation produces darkened areas of the skin that can last months or years. Even healed acne lesions can leave permanent dark spots in darker-skinned people that, in some cases, can be more distressing than the original acne. 

Dr. Breadon (American Academy of Dermatology) noted that treatments for hyperpigmentation are based on whether or not the dark areas are confined to the surface of the skin or if they have penetrated to the deeper layers of the skin. For superficial dark spots, a prescription topical medication consisting of hydroquinone, retinoic acid and mild hydrocortisone can be effective in fading skin discoloration. Deeper dark areas require an in-office surgical procedure, such as dermabrasion, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion with an infusion of hydroquinone solution. In patients with lighter skin, intense pulsed light (IPL) or one of the pigmented lasers could be considered. 

(Ensure that you see a highly certified dermatologist (skin specialist) before you decide to go for ANY laser treatment)

Melasma 

Often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma is a skin condition marked by brown patches on areas such as the face, neck and arms that most often affects dark-skinned people and women during pregnancy. Many dermatologists have long believed that there may be a hormonal component to melasma, and a recently published study found that there were an increased number of estrogen receptors in areas where patients developed melasma. 

According to Dr. Breadon,  patients with melanoma should consider stopping oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy due to the large amount of estrogens in these medications. Regular sunscreen use is vital to protect the skin from further hyperpigmentation. 

Here Are The Dos And Don’ts:

• Don’t scrub or exfoliate too much.  This can be irritating and make the pigment worse.
• Stop any skincare product that is irritating you or making the pigment worse.
• Use your doctor’s medications as directed – more is not better. If it’s getting worse, then stop the product and call the doctor.  Also understand that medications may take several months to work.
• Be very wary of any product sold on the internet.  Many of these companies prey on the frustration and desperation of women and men with pigment problems.
• Don’t overuse hydroquinones.  With too much, they may make pigment worse not to mention that they may cause mutations in DNA if overused.   
• Use a good sunscreen every morning that blocks Ultraviolet‑A (UVA) and UVB radiation with at least zinc oxide 10% or a zinc/titanium combination that is at least 10%.  Double sunscreen by using a cream or 
• Wear a wide brimmed hat whenever outside.
• Stay out of the sun especially midday, and if you are on vacation, sunscreen again every time you get out of the water.

The information provided above is based on a research I found on www.skintour.com  and American Accademy of Dermatology website www.aad.org 

XOXO

Product Review: For Dry & Thirsty Skin Plus Hair!

The Product Review Column is a new innovation on the blog this new year. This space will be about reviewing great products and the "not-so-great" ones too! 

The product review space will be mostly about great products that I have used and products that work wonders on the skin (or hair) based on extensive research. Additionally, the space will give you, the readers, the opportunity to share not only great products that you have used, but also products that you have double minds about using. 

This is how we would go about this: If I discover a wonderful product, I will share and if you have a wonderful or a not-so-wonderful product that you want to talk about or review, please feel free to leave a comment and I will definitely review your product. Make sure to write the full name of the product.

(Leaving a comment on the blog is so easy as you are not required to type in any codes or sign up any names. JUST CLICK ON THE COMMENT BUTTON, WRITE YOUR COMMENT AND CLICK THE PUBLISH BUTTON!) 

Let's start...

So today's product review are on 3 great products that I have come to love because they have worked great wonders for my hair & skin. 

Product 1: Morrocan Oil Hair Treatment For All Hair Types

 This product brings dry, damaged hair back to life! Its unique and rich formula of Argan Oil instantly absorbs into hair to immediately enhance manageability, shine and deliver long term conditioning without leaving oily residue.

To Use: Apply a small amount on dry or damp hair and style as usual.

Verdict: Great five star product for a hair you love to care for, or desperately want to revive.

Product 2: Kiehl's Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

This whipped body butter is absolutely to die for! Not only does it contain Shea & Jojoba Butters, which is absolutely amazing for moisturising; the smell is awesome. This luxurious air whipped body butter quickly absorbs to deliver rich hydration for an addictive experience! Using Kiehl's butter helps to restore, protect and soften any skin type. 

Verdict: This product is best suitable for dry skin, however, its double moisture for other skin types too and its great for MEN too. (Truth is a guy actually introduced me to this cream)

Product 3: Hydrating Morroccan Argan Oil by Organix  

The hydrating Morrocan Argan Oil by Organix has an exclusive moisture lock system made of a blend of pure Morrocan + Argan Oil to restore elasticity giving a radiant glow. Its also made of Sugar Cane + Willow Bark to soften dry skin and Rice milk + Bamboo Extract to make skin supple and lovely.

Verdict: Particularly great to use during summer/winter, for pregnancy and stretch marks.

Tip: Add drops of this luxurious oil into your bath water.

These products can be found in most skin care or hair care (ask professional stylists too) stores. 

The blog is definitely going to be filled with lovely products, home recipes and tips for skincare this  year. 

Imagine using blended fruits (smoothies) on your skin. Think of the radiance from all the vitamins that fruits have to offer. The recipes will be on my next post! Until then, stay beautiful...

xoxo

   

SkinCare 2014! For Flawless Skin In 2014...

Welcome to the first beauty post of the year! Last year was such a great year filled with unexpected events and interesting turn-outs. This year is going to be even greater.

Hopefully, I will blog more regularly. However, the truth is I do not feel the need to put up a post if it does not bring quality to you, my readers. So I will blog with a purpose (regularly, I hope!!) lol.

Today's post is just to prepare us for the new and exciting things to expect concerning your skins on the blog this year. I will be researching on the Latest Beauty Trends, the Best Skincare Products, the Newest techniques in Skin Care Management and of course Going Green in Skincare!

Beautiful skin should not just come as a result of what you splatter on it. Glowing skin must come as a result of what is within. Your skin needs firstly understanding followed closely by tender care.

For  flawless skin in 2014, I want to re-emphasise the importance of understanding your skin type (Dry, Oily, Normal or Sensitive) and taking care of your skin through simple steps including Cleansing, which usually starts with an oil or cream to remove make-up. For Deep Cleansing, use cleansing soaps for the appropriate skin type. This cleansing step is followed by a Clarifying Lotion (also known as toner) to prepare the face for absorption of the magic step, which is Moisturising.

For flawless skin in 2014, learn how to let your face "breathe". This simply means going somedays with NO make-up! Apart from you looking better than you think, going few days without make-up allows your skin to work on itself through natural regeneration and repair of cells. If you absolutely must wear make-up, try something really light like using an eyeliner and lip-gloss. You will be surprised at how young lighter make-up makes you look.

Lastly for flawless skin in 2014, please ditch the creams that promise to lighten, whiten, or in the real word bleach your beautiful skins. The first step is to LOVE YOUR SKIN irrespective of colour. If you feel darkened as a result of the harsh weather conditions, etc, there are loads of great products that can protect your skin from heat or cold. DO your research on anything you want to put on your skin this year! Better still, ask me on the blog by leaving a comment. I will be so happy to give you feedback on any product. All I need is the name of the product...

Lets also learn to smile, lets learn to be happy, lets learn to love and lets learn to receive love as these acts radiates from within to reveal a glowing skin.

Keep checking out previous post because there's is always something new to learn! Till the next post...

xoxo.

Merry Xmas! A Face To All the Post Y'all Been Reading

Its 4 days to Christmas. For everyone, its almost the end of the year! Its a happy time (for most, I hope), a time to relax and reflect on past happenings in our lives. A time to show love, receive love and hope for a better future..

Its been a great year for the blog as well. So I want to say thank you for reading my posts, thanks for leaving comments, thanks for sending emails and thanks for refreshing the pages over and over again..

As you go into the next year, take time to understand and learn from whatever mistakes you have made, and how to turn the negatives around you into positives! Learn how to grow spiritually, learn how to be positive, to take risks and to aim higher. Learn how to forgive and love genuinely for the right reasons. Learn how to be more sensitive to people around you, never judging, and always happy for others. Learn how to pray and talk to God like He is your best confidant and friend (this, He actually is!) 

And finally as we age gracefully, learn how to love your skin... This blog of course will help you through this particular task all through next year, lol.

Merry Christmas and Lets glow together.

xoxo!

Best Natural Oils For Achieving Beautiful, Even, Glowing Skin

Using natural oils is a big trend in the beauty industry today. However, natural oils as a beauty and skin regime were used over 3000 years ago! This beauty therapy was used by Greeks, Egyptians and Romans.

Using oils on your skin has some incredible benefits. Natural oils contain properties which help in not only healing and soothing damaged skin, but also revitalising and rehydrating the skin to produce a shiny glow! From reducing stretch marks and minimising wrinkles to anti-ageing therapy and deep hydration, the key is to figure out which oil caters to your skin type.

 Today's post will help you discover different types of oils, including the most suitable for all skin types.

Some of these oils are inexpensive and free of chemical. They also help with the treatment of the skin, making it silky smooth to feel while adding a glow. Oils can be used as skin conditioners, make up removers, deep moisturisers, and even to revive dull/ damaged hairs!

Argan Oil (Great for Anti-aging): 

This oil is created by extracting oils from argan tree nuts. Its referred to as the "liquid gold" and comes from Morroccco. Its well known for its anti-ageing and restorative powers. Rich in Vitamin A and E, its also contains Omega-9 used for revitalising and de-stressing the skin.

                                                     Coconut Oil (Deep Moisturiser)

Coconut oil is one of the best and healthiest oils amongst natural oils. Apart from its deep moisturising qualities, it also contains protein required for healthy, glowing skin. Coconut oils fights against wrinkles, stretch marks, uneven skin tone and also tightens loose skin. 

Black Currant Oil (Repairs Damaged Skin):

Great to treat damaged skin as a result of using bleaching creams, eczema, post laser treatment, sun burns, etc. Its rich in vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which also helps slow down the skin's ageing process. Its great for healing scars as well. (This oil can cause allergic reactions, therefore try out on small portion of skin before use).  

Chamomile Oil (For Sensitive Skin)

Chamomile oil is a natural skin soother and contains calming effects great for skin irritations, redness, burns and bruises, including other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, etc. Do try a skin test to make sure your skin is not allergic to chamomile oil.

Top Recommendation: I totally love this Body Treatment Oil by Clarins

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xoxo