Posts Tagged ‘skin’

252399403 5d319131fb m The Magic of Oils For Skin Care

One of the key differences between conventional skin care and natural or organic skin care is not the “active” ingredients such as green tea or vitamin c, which excluding water may make up to about 5% of any product, rather it lies with the base ingredients. In natural skin care, the base ingredients are often a mix of vegetable oils and butters or waxes in contrast to the synthetic ingredients often found in conventional skin care. The use of base oils has enormous benefit for the skin. Instead of being an inert (non-active) synthetic carrier for the active ingredients, base oils contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that support and nourish the skin. I would go so far as to count base oils as active ingredients in skin care. So, in fact, in natural products up to 95% of any product has a supportive “active” effect on the skin. In comparison, the synthetic base ingredients in conventional skin care by enlarge, lack significant therapeutic benefit.

There are many factors that affect the absorption of topical ingredients into the skin and in reality, many topical creams just sit on the surface of the skin, effectively plumping the superficial skin cells but rarely having any effect on deeper layers. The skin is designed to be selectively absorbent, being relatively permeable to fat soluble substances and relatively impermeable to water and water soluble substances. Fat soluble ingredients such as oils are absorbed more effectively and have greater effect on the cell membrane and skin matrix, supporting skin nourishment. As carriers, oils can also transport essential oils, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals into the skin where they are most effective, rather than just having a “surface” effect. In addition, oils also help prevent skin dehydration by providing an effective water loss barrier which in turn leads to plumper, more hydrated skin.

Oil absorption is influenced by the viscosity or thickness of the individual carrier oil with thicker oils tending to be absorbed more slowly through the skin. Generally fine light oils are preferable for use on the face as they absorb quickly, easily penetrating the surface layer of skin without leaving a greasy feel. Heavier oils are suitable for dry facial skin, skin on the body, as bath oils and massage oils. The degree of unsaturation will also impact on oil absorption. In general, the more polyunsaturated fat content of the oil, the better the absorption. For example Rose Hip oil is high in polyunsaturates and has quite low viscosity, making it ideal for use in face serums and creams as it absorbs quickly into the skin.

It is worth noting that cold-pressed oils tend to have a greater degree of unsaturates than heat-extracted oils and for this reason are preferable. The process of cold-pressing involves the nut or seed being placed in an “expeller” which squeezes the oil out. There is some heat created by friction however, it causes little damage to the oil or its constituents. Heat-extraction uses temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius which dramatically increases the yield of oil, making it far more cost effective but at the same time damaging the nutrient content of the oil. Unsaturated fatty acids are easily damaged by high temperatures and so heat-extracted oils will have significantly lower levels. While these oils are commonly used as cooking oils, they should be avoided for use in skin care and aromatherapy as they lack the therapeutic benefits of the cold-pressed versions.

A common misconception when it comes to the use of oils is that applying them to the skin will only worsen oily skin and further create congestion. Heavier oils may sit on the surface of the skin longer before absorption, which is not ideal for already oily skin. However, the lighter, less viscous oils will be absorbed quite quickly and in many cases help to balance skin oiliness rather than contribute to it.

Oils are effectively absorbed into the skin rather than sitting on the surface layer and therefore they are unlikely to cause or worsen congestion. However, many natural skin care products rely on waxes and butters as base ingredients. While enormously beneficial for the skin, they are more likely to sit on the surface and therefore have a greater likelihood of contributing if congestion is already an issue. They are unlikely to cause congestion that wasn’t previously present and the skin response really does depend on individual skin type. The percentage of waxes to butters to oils will vary in different products for different skin types. If you are unsure about what product to use for your skin type, it is worth asking the manufacturer or supplier which of their particular products will be most beneficial for your skin type.

There a quite a number of nourishing carrier oils used in both skin moisturizers and serums and the range of natural products available that using nutritional base oils is ever increasing. Different oils are suitable for different skin types so knowing some basic facts about base oils will help you find the most suitable product for your skin.

Sweet Almond Oil – A common used oil in skin care, it is rich in nutrition including vitamin E, unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids. It has a softening action on the skin and is useful for lubrication in massage because while not a heavy oil, it is not absorbed rapidly.

Olive Oil – A heavier oil, rich in monounsaturates including oleic acid. Extra virgin olive oil come from the first pressing of the olives and is dark green in color indicating the presence of antioxidant polyphenol. It is suitable for use with dry skin as it helps stabilize the cell membrane increasing the skins ability to hold onto moisture. Olive oil also contains squalene, a hydrating and anti-inflammatory agent, ideal for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Tamanu Oil – Tamanu oil has powerful healing properties in its unique ability to promote the formation of new skin tissue. Traditionally used by the Polynesians as first aid for the skin and mucous membranes, the oil can assist with scars, burns, skin cracks, cuts, dry skin and wounds. Used cosmetically, Tamanu has healing, mild antibiotic and anti-inflammatory activity 2. For these reasons it is used in both protective and regenerative products aimed at restoring skin appearance.

Evening Primrose Oil – Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is a valuable source of gamma linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid with potent anti-inflammatory effects. Useful for dry, damaged, sensitive skin EPO helps to maintain the skin’s normal barrier functions. It is also useful topically for eczema and psoriasis.

Rosehip Oil – With up to 80% essential fatty acid content, Rosehip oil is very fine and quite easily absorbed by the skin. Rosehip encourages regeneration and repair of the skin and is renowned for its skin benefits, particularly in the treatment of scars and burns. It is also known for its rehydrating effect as well as improving dry, aged and wrinkled skin.

Jojoba Oil – Actually a fine wax rather than an oil, Jojoba oil is very fine in consistency and readily absorbed by the skin. It is light and non-greasy and for this reason it is ideal in face serums and creams. Jojoba closely resembles the sebum of the skin and so is beneficial for skin and scalp problems such as psoriasis and eczema. With excellent emollient properties it is moisturizing, healing and suitable for all skin types.

Coconut Oil – One of the heaviest and most stable oils, coconut is ideal for hair and body application. With moisturizing and softening properties it is ideal for dry and rough skin. Coconut oil also has cooling properties and so is useful for after sun care products 1.

Avocado Oil – Strong in color and dour, avocado oil is not to everyone’s liking for skin care. However, in its unrefined form it is rich in lecithin, vitamin D, E and A which offer useful sun protection and skin nutrition. Avocado oil is beneficial to drier skins.

Sea Buckthorn Oil – Bright orange in color, Sea Buckthorn oil is rich in beta carotene and second only to Rose Hip in vitamin C content. It is also very rich in essential fatty acids. This rich combination of nutrients mean it is extremely beneficial as a base oil in skin care. With moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and restorative properties, it is easily absorbed and useful for all skin types.

4957419648 239e6ea146 m Natural Skin Care Products   Switch to Natural Skin Care Products for Improved Health

Switch to all natural skin care products to improve the health of your skin. It is important to take care of your skin. Your skin is the protective layer that helps to keep the organs in your body safe. One of the amazing properties of skin is its elasticity. The elasticity of your skin gives it the ability to stretch while you grow. Switching to natural skin care products is a huge step in caring for your skin to help it maintain its “natural elasticity. “

Environmental Elements can Damage your Skin

Your skin is exposed to so many different environmental elements that are damaging to your skin. These elements, such as sun exposure, environmental chemicals, household products, weather conditions, etc. can damage your skin, which takes away your skin’s natural hydration and oils. This makes your skin work harder to maintain its elasticity.

While many of these environmental elements you may not be able to control, you can control the amount of chemicals you purposely apply to your face. Most store brand skin care products contain ingredients that are harmful to your health. Using natural skin care products will reduce these chemicals your skin is being exposed to.

Focus on more than just your Face

When people think of taking care of their skin, they generally think of taking care of their faces. While the face is the focus for most people, it is very important to take care of the skin on your entire body. It is important to keep your skin hydrated. You should use creams that contain natural oils that will help your skin absorb and retain the moisture from the atmosphere.

Why Switch to Natural Skin Care Products?

The majority of store brand skin care products can damage your skin, rather than help it. This is because these products tend to contain harsh chemicals that will rob your skin of essential oils. The chemicals in these products can rob your skin of essential oils because they remove dead skin cells. When this happens, your skin is stripped of the oils that naturally absorb moisture to hydrate the skin. Natural skin care products will naturally improve the health of your skin without stripping it of its essential oils it needs to hydrate itself.

What you should know about Natural Skin Care Products

One of the most important things you need to know is that just because a product has natural ingredients listed on the label does not mean it will be effective at helping your skin. It is the proportions of that ingredient that matter. The natural ingredients tend to be expensive; therefore, many manufacturers will only put a small proportion of the ingredient in them so they can say they have a natural ingredient included. If the proportions are not high, then the ingredient will be ineffective at taking care of your skin. Pay attention to the concentration levels of the natural ingredients.

natural skin care products will improve the health of your skin. Remember to pay attention not only to the ingredients, but also to the concentration levels of these ingredients.

2930628427 e84aed9c6c m Your Child Deserves A Baby Skin Care Routine That Is Safe And Actually Works

We spend our entire adult lives trying to recreate the skin we had as a baby. There are products in every price range to help. For those who can afford it and some others who can’t, it isn’t an issue to shell out hundreds of dollars in an effort to retain our glamorous skin. Your baby will grow up with the type of skin that others envy and will pick up where you left off because you instilled this habit early in life. We will provide you with the info that you need to start the process.

Click here to discover natural baby skin care products that are safe for babies!

Obviously you want to make sure that every part of your baby’s skin that is not covered with clothing gets sunscreen applied to it–including his face and ears. When you head outdoors give these areas of your baby’s face an extra layer of protection by applying some zinc oxide to them. Don’t forget that sunny days always require a hat or a bonnet! There isn’t any such thing as being too cautious!

It is important, when purchasing baby’s skin care products, that you read the labels on them carefully. You shouldn’t buy products that contain added fragrances, dyes, parabens or phthalates. All of these ingredients are irritants for baby skin and could cause your child to develop any number of skin conditions. You don’t want to ruin your skin care efforts by accidentally causing a rash or other condition to develop Gentle skin care products are the best skin care products. If you aren’t sure which products are best, ask your pediatrician for some hints before your next shopping trip.

Click here to discover natural baby skin care products that are safe for babies!

Newsflash, your baby is can also develop acne. The hormones that the baby is surrounded by in the mother’s womb leads to the, after birth, development of acne. Oil production in the baby’s skin is caused by the mother’s hormones, the oil gets trapped in the pores and lead to infection. Do not treat your baby’s acne with adult solutions! Doing so can result in a serious medical condition. Normally, it will clear up on its own when if you keep your baby’s body clean with regular bathing and sanitary procedures.

The key to baby skin care is to remember the basics of keeping your skin clean. People like to overcomplicate things, especially when it comes to health and beauty, but this is one thing that is best left simple. Many parents will approach baby skin care as they would adult skin care, babies don’t need all of the stuff that adults use. The reality is that they will cause harm or waste your money. All it takes is a little research and intuition to get the right routine going. With little to no added effort you can focus on doing the thing that will improve the texture, appearance, and overall health of your baby’s skin.

2931488930 ab2613df6d m Choosing the Right Baby Skin Care Routine

Baby skin care is more complicated than most people think it is. Caring for your baby’s skin means caring for all of a baby’s skin. Newborn babies are very susceptible to skin conditions because it takes time for the skin to get used to life outside of the womb. Proper baby skin care means that parents must make good decisions continually throughout the day. Pretty much everything your baby has contact with during the day will have an effect on your baby’s skin. Don’t stress out too much though: practicing good baby skin care does not have to be intricate or hard. With just a little bit of common sense it can be really simple. If you need some help figuring out a good routine, here are a few hints to help you out.
You don’t need to use powder when you change your baby’s diaper. Powder is popular because it absorbs moisture and helps your baby stay dry in his diaper.

Talcum powders are easy for the baby to inhale and corn based powders and starches are breeding grounds for yeast. The best thing to do when you are changing a diaper is to simply wash the baby’s bottom with warm wet cloth and then pat him dry before putting on the new diaper. This keeps the baby’s skin clean without your having to risk rashes or yeast problems. Your baby’s skin needs plenty of fresh air. Please don’t make the mistake of letting your baby get a rash when it could have been avoided, sometimes they can’t, but try your best to avoid letting your baby wear a wet diaper or be fitted in tight clothes for extended periods of time. A baby’s skin that gets a chance to breathe from time to time will avoid most of these minor ailments. Tip: from time-to-time let your baby crawl around naked so the skin has a chance to be dry and soak up some clean air. Just choose a time when it is appropriate and give it a try. You need to use your better judgment when choosing to use this method because you don’t want your baby crawling around naked when guests are present or being exposed to cold air that can lead to serious health problems.

A newborn’s skin is far too sensitive to light to be taken outdoors into direct sunlight–even if you do everything you can to protect your baby’s skin with sunblock. After your son or daughter is six months old it is okay to let him or her sit in direct sunlight provided you cover the baby completely with strong sunscreen.

Two extra precautions that you should take to protect your baby against sun damage are hats and using umbrellas for shade. If your son or daughter does develop a sunburn (even with all of the precautions you have taken) you can treat it with a damp cool cloth a few times a day.

There are many different ways to care for your newborn’s skin. The truth is, however, that infant skin care is not as difficult or complicated as you think it is. All you need is some common sense and the patience to choose the best products on the shelf and your baby’s skin should stay healthy and clean with no problems. Remember that you need to take care of all of your baby’s skin not only the skin on her face and head. Caring for your baby’s skin will depend on your making a lot of smart decisions all day long, but don’t freak out! Before you know it, you’ll be taking care of your baby’s skin without even thinking about it much at all! After a while you won’t even have to think about it. It will be second nature!

328988272 ab6788be71 m Tips for Better Baby Skin Care

The daily bath and after bath lotion application is not all that is needed for proper baby skin care. You need to take steps to ensure that every cell of your kid’s skin is clean and healthy. Treating developing skin conditions, taking care of your child’s laundry and keeping him out of the sun are all important. An adults skin is far tougher than the skin of a baby. Junior needs his parents to keep a watch out for skin conditions and stop them before they get bad. You will be happy to learn that there is not a lot to keeping your baby’s skin clean. In fact, you can cobble together a great regimen in no time. Here are a few hints to give you some help.

When you apply sunscreen to your baby’s arms and legs don’t forget to put some on his cheeks, nose lips and ears as well! Before going outdoors give your baby some added protection by dabbing some zinc oxide onto his (or her) ears and face. And, obviously, your baby will need to wear a hat when he or she is taken out into a sunny day. There is no such thing as being too careful! Your baby’s skin needs plenty of fresh air. Most diaper rashes and other skin issues can be completely avoided because most of them result from sitting in a soiled diaper or being constricted in tight clothes for longer than the skin can take. A baby’s skin that gets a chance to breathe from time to time will avoid most of these minor ailments. Tip: from time-to-time let your baby crawl around naked so the skin has a chance to be dry and soak up some clean air. There is nothing wrong with this method, it’s not like your baby is going to be embarrassed of being naked. Of course, it is not always appropriate to let your baby get naked, for instance, it may be to cold and that can lead to serious complications that can be harmful.

You also don’t need to overdo it on the soap to make sure that your baby is clean. A few drops are about all you need to clean him thoroughly. If you use too much soap you could dry out his skin which will leave him vulnerable for skin irritants. Your baby’s skin should not come into direct contact with the actual soap. Instead squeeze the soap onto a washcloth and then lather up your baby’s body and rinse it off quickly. It will be easier for you, especially during the first few months of your baby’s life, to clean one part of your baby completely at a time. A soapy baby can be scary to handle!

Baby skin care takes many forms. Infant skin care does not have to be very difficult or complex. Your baby will have clean, clear and healthy skin as long as you take the time to shop carefully and use your common sense when anomalies pop up. Remember that you are caring for all of your baby’s skin, not just the skin on his face. Keeping your daughter or son’s skin clean and healthy is an all day long type of process but don’t worry too much about it. Before you know what has happened, keeping your daughter’s skin clean and clear will feel like a habit. Before you know it you won’t even need to focus on it to keep your baby’s skin healthy. It will simply be automatic!