What Is Acne Skincare?

January 15, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment 

facecat1 150x150 What Is Acne Skincare?Some consider acne skin sort of unmanageable. Yes, a person who has actually to deal with it may get frustrated with it over time! Dealing with acne skin is actually really very bad!

Acne skin calls for adequate skincare. If the root cause of acne breakout is internal malfunctioning, you got to check your diet and fitness regimen. If your acne is because of some hormonal imbalances, you might have to undergo an antibiotic course. If your pimples are due to accumulation of dust and debris, you will accordingly see to that. So, it follows that the first step is to identify as to what is the driving force of your acne problem.

There is no concept like what is called acne diet. It is a misnomer. Only if your pimples are caused by deposition of unwanted oil on your skin, should you avoid excessive oily food. Rest there is no dos and don’ts. As for acne skincare, you will have to be extra cautious. The television commercials may be misleading and you must not get befooled by them. Use your own sense of judgment to tell a good product from a useless one. If you allow yourself to be carried away by the unscrupulous dealers, nobody but you stand to lose.

The moisturizers that you choose must be water based that is to say that they should not contain oil. It will be further better if the moisturizer contains sun screen. There are special moisturizers that check the growth and augmentation of acne causing bacteria. Then there are various other anti-acne products that you may give a try but never experiment with your pimples. You will not even realize how they worsened. Some people go to the extent of saying that it is an astringent that has helped them to shoo away pimples. It may work for you too!

Painless Acne Treatment With Light As The Tool

September 4, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment 

washcat1 150x150 Painless Acne Treatment With Light As The ToolAcne is a skin condition where there are eruptions on the face and neck mostly. They occur primarily because of hormonal changes during puberty and when the sebaceous gland secretes more oil.

Acne skin condition needs treatment and there are numerous acne skin care products in the market. It is very difficult to choose from the ones that are best suitable. There is no standard acne treatment that holds good for all the types of skin. Each case is new and one has to scout around the market for the best acne treatment. These treatments in fact try to reduce the visibility of the scars or restrict the eruption of new ones. There is a surgical option for acne treatment which costs a lot of money. As long as it can be controlled by application of acne creams or by facial masks it is not advisable to spend money on surgical methods.

As a part of the acne treatment, few techniques have been developed which are neither topical application nor surgical processes.  Skin care experts feel that it is a breakthrough in the treatment of acne. It uses different wavelengths of the light. The photojuvenation therapy is a painless process which uses a form of laser used over the affected areas. There is a blue light therapy which aims at killing the bacteria which has created havoc. Another laser treatment is the infra red treatment. The processes are painless and chemical free so they are gaining popularity. The treatment is done in sessions which last not more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

The acne prone skin is highly sensitive so it is good not to expose to too much of sun and the UV rays.  Effective and best acne skin treatment has to be taken to avoid acne scars.

Do Pumpkin Acne Facial Masks Work?

July 21, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment 

pumpkin 150x150 Do Pumpkin Acne Facial Masks Work?What would you do if you knew that eating pumpkin seeds can reduce acne scars? Yes, this is no joke! This is in fact a tried and tested way of battling pimples. There is a big mass of people who have used and benefited from this remedy. Pumpkins are really effective in treating acne. The real goodness of pumpkins is irreplaceable. The wondrous vegetable is highly rich in vitamin E and zinc salts which considerably to increase metabolic processes.

Making a pumpkin facial mask is not such a hard job that you can’t do it at home by yourself. What’s there in a pumpkin cream mask? All you need is some pumpkin pulp and a few tablespoons of cream. Mix the two ingredients well and a great anti-acne mask is ready! There is another easy mask that you can make at home. All you need is pumpkin mix, milk and egg yolk. You may also add olive oil to it if you want. Leave it on your face for about 20 minutes. If the mixture has been made in excess, you may very well store it in the refrigerator. In just about a few rounds of usage, you will find a striking difference in your appearance. A pumpkin facial mask actually helps to get rid of acne, zits and freckles. If you haven’t tried the benefits of pumpkin so far, try them today!

Pumpkin not only helps in removal of existent acne scars, it also prevents new pimple outbreaks. It is contains rich moisturizing agents. Pumpkin moisturizers are getting popular by the day. Acne can actually take very bad shape if not dealt in time. You must take immediate steps to curb the problem or else the problem will take no time to worsen down further.

Have You Figured Out The Best Acne Skin Treatment?

June 18, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment 

medcat1 Have You Figured Out The Best Acne Skin Treatment?There is not one standard acne skin treatment. The treatment of acne and acne scars depends from case to case. Some may be suffering from severe acne; there may be others for whom the acne may be still in its infancy. Those who have not-so-bad acne may seek relief from routine anti acne products and facials but those whose acne is worse than this should immediately stop experimenting with their skin and hit a nearby skin centre.

Let us study what are the major types of acne skin treatments available.

Dermabrasion is a technique of refinishing the skin’s top upper layers. The technique originally appeared to get rid of chickenpox marks. It is now widely used to help people dealing with acne. It cannot treat burns though. Chemical peeling is another way to treat stubborn acne and skin pigmentation. The technique may be performed all by itself or it may be carried out in combination with facelifts. Through chemical peeling, the outer lifeless and rather damaged layer of the skin is removed. Botox injections have also worked miracles for many. Another technique is that of laser resurfacing. It is a very popular way to treat facial flaws. Under a laser surgery, resurfaces the blemished or damaged skin turning it into soft and radiant one. Erbium is the most common type of laser used in such a technique. Then there are punch techniques as well. The number of punches needed depends on the intensity of acne spots. Some acne patients also go in for skin augmentation.

To be able to select the best acne treatment for you, you will undoubtedly have to consult a skincare expert. Please do not hit the surgical room directly without having consulted any doctor. Many people love to experiment with their skins and ultimately land up in a soup!

Topical and Prescription Treatments for Acne

February 25, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Acne is most commonly due to an increased production of oil within pores and the presence of Propionibacterium acnes, causing pores of the skin to become occluded or infected. During the process, an inflammatory response occurs and produces the characteristic red, swollen and pustular appearance. There are various types of treatments for acne, which vary depending on the severity of the acne; some include topical treatments for mild to moderate acne, antibiotics and Accutane for severe cases.Examples of topical treatments include, but are not limited to, Proactive, which uses Benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient, Retin-A

topical skn creams

topical skn creams

or retinoic acid, and Differin or adapalene. All of these products use different mechanisms of action to treat acne, but all have similar side effects associated with their use. The most common side effects associated with the use of topical acne treatments include: redness, burning, scaling and dryness. Less common side effects are sunburn due to an increased sensitivity to sunlight and desquamation, which is the shedding or peeling of the outer layers of the skin.

Antibiotics are another source of treatment for patients with acne that have not been controlled with topical acne treatments. Propionibacterium acnes is a common bacteria found on the skin and obtains its nutrients from oil produced in pores. Therefore, people that produce large quantities of oil have an overgrowth of bacteria within the pore and have an increased susceptibility to acne. Antibiotics decrease the amount of bacteria and inflammatory response produced within the follicles improving the amount and appearance of acne.

The most common antibiotic treatments for acne include Minocycline, Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Erythromycin and Clindamycin, all of which are associated with mild to severe side effects. Antibiotics are not selective to bacteria they eradicate, and can decrease healthy bacteria necessary for proper balance within the body. The digestive system is most commonly affected; severe imbalances of normal bacterial required for proper digestion can occur, resulting in diarrhea, indigestion as well as yeast infections. Other side effects include: birth defects, sensitivity to sun exposure, tooth discoloration and liver toxicity. Less severe side effects are nausea and vomiting.

Accutane is a potent treatment used in patients with severe acne that have not responded to other topical or antibiotic treatments. Accutane is

Severe Acne

Severe Acne

a form of Vitamin A. In high doses, it has been found to decrease the production of oil from glands. Although the use of Accutane can result in the resolution of acne, it is associated with a long list of serious adverse effects. In some instances, symptoms have been reported to persist after Accutane was discontinued. Many physicians do not recommend Accutane and many patients are not willing to take the risk of serious Side effects associated with this medication. Birth defects are the number one major side effect associated with patients using Accutane and pregnancy is contraindicated for women during its use. There has also been cases of serious birth defects in children of women who had stopped taking Accutane. Other commonly associated major side effects include depression with suicidal ideation. All patients should be screened and counseled prior to starting treatment.

Lavender As A Key Ingredient in Skin Care Products

December 30, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Our skin is the reflection of our health and vitality, physical, mental and emotional wellness. A radiant and glowing skin indicates good health, positive attitude and vibrates self-confidence. One of the best ways to take good care of your skin is to feed it natural, nourshing ingredients. Avoiding toxins and chemical-laden products will do wonders to help many skin and health issues, such as; clearing up acne-prone skin, gaining a more restful nights sleep, fewer trips to the doctor or pharmacist, gaining an overall healthier appearance and energetic body and mind.

Of the many herbal and organic ingredients we can choose for our skincare and health regimes, lavender is by far the most-well-known, frequently used and most versatile.

What is Lavender?

Lavender’s botanical name is Lavendula officinalis / angustifolia. Lavender is a member of the Labiatae Family and is a native of the Mediterranean and Middle East regions, however, lavender plantations are now widely found around the world as species hybridisation
has enabled lavender to be grown commercially outside its natural climatic range.  The grey-green foliage and purple-blue flower spike of lavender is easily identified and commonly seen in herb gardens. Its aroma originating from the essential oil contained in lavender is readily recognized, especially when the flowers or leaves are touched.

Where does Lavender come from?

The most well known lavender comes from the Mediterranean region of France. The essential oil from the ‘French lavender’, is often preferred by Aromatherapists. However, there are two main species, Lavandula latifolia (spike or sweet lavender) and L. angustifolia (English/French lavender) that are used in commerce. Today, it flourishes throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States.

What are the properties in Lavender?

Lavender is used in many forms. Herbalists are most likely to use lavender in the form of tea or as a herbal extract. Aromatherapist
however, will use the essential oil extracted by steam distillation from the flowers of lavender in their treatments. And newer pharmceutical and skin care usage has seen lavender explode as a key ingredient in everything from soaps to skin creams to cosmetics.

Benefits of Lavender:

This versatile essential oil is familiar not only to many herbalists and skin care experts but to many laypersons as well. If you search the kitchen or first aid kit of any serious herbalist - lavender will most likely be there in the largest quantity. Lavender is one of the best natural ingredients to help stop the pain from minor kitchen accidents such as burns from the oven/stove or knife cuts. A drop of lavender can ease the pain, and only the addition of the gel-like innards of a freshly sliced open aloe vera leaf is as good a remedy for instant relief. Combining the two is recommended, as aloe vera instantly cools a hot burn.  For sunburn pain, lavender is also recommended. Pesky mosquito or other insect bites bothering you? Try adding lavender essential oil to the problem area(s) and your skin will thank you.

Headaches may disappear when you massage a tiny amount of lavender on your temples or the nape of your neck.

Lavender and relaxation are two words that are virtually synonymous with each other. However, according to author Erich Keller in his book ‘Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair and Skin Care’ he writes: “Lavender is an all-purpose oil for skin care. Its effect is antibacterial, pain-relieving, healing for wounds, soothing for skin diseases, deodorizing, antiseptic, fungicidal, insect-repelling, rejuvenating, and anti-inflammatory. It may be used to treat all types of skin and is effective for acne and oily hair (as it regulates sebum production), itchy skin, hand care, cracked skin, bruises, shock injuries (in ice-cold compresses), acne scars, blisters, abscesses, furuncles, warts, boils, eczema, athlete’s foot (tea tree is more effective here, however), wounds, and burns. A bath with lavender soothes and heals the skin after sunburn.”

In either case, lavender has many powerful, therapeutic applications, which include:  Depression, insomnia, migraine, hysteria, nervous tension and paralysis.

Although it is not really anti-inflammatory, lavender is often useful where there is inflammation, hence its use in burns, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, boils, rheumatism, wounds, ulcers, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, cystitis, diarrhoea, laryngitis, etc. Lavender is well known for its wound healing, cleansing and toning properties and removes redness and heat from the skin, making Lavender oil a suitable addition to any skin care preparation and for any skin type.

Lavender has been shown to be very useful in the relief of burns in which case it can be applied neat to the area. Research has confirmed that lavender produces calming, soothing, and sedative effects.

Using natural ingredients is crucial to making good quality natural skin care products. Not only are using natural ingredients safer to use, but they also have less negative impact on our environment.  Lavender is suitable for use in any skin type. It’s gentle, soothing and calming properties are especially indicated for use on sensitive, dry and/or irritated skin. It is also a popular ingredient in shampoos, soaps, hair conditioners and body lotions.

Lavender’s use in skin care products is far and wide. Because of its soothing, calming properties it is an ideal ingredient in cleansers and moisturizers, but is also of value in toners and masks.  In moisturizers, lavender may be combined with other ingredients such as chamomile, jojoba, calendula, avocado and others, to reinforce the calming and soothing effects of lavender.

Chamomile Eases Inflammation and Acne

November 2, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Chamomile (or Camomile) is a common name for several daisy-like plants. The Greeks named them “earth-apple-on the ground” for their apple-like scent. There are several varieties of Chamomile - each one used for slightly different purposes or intensities of properties. German or blue chamomile and Roman (English) chamomile, or the “garden” chamomile are the most commonly used.

These two types of chamomile are used for health conditions and are most commonly found in skin care or beauty products. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States. Chamomile, is one of the oldest of all herbs, dating back to ancient Egyptians. It’s both a pretty flower and an ancient healer. Chamomile has been widely used for children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions.

What It Is Used For

Chamomile is an essential addition to the herbal first aid kit. It is a useful herb in many situations. It can relieve anxiety and calm someone down in the event of stress. It can also relieve gastrointestinal upset - after a big meal, or when stress doesn’t mix well with your meal. Chamomile is even an excellent herb to use as compresses for eye problems. Warm two tea bags with chamomile flowers to ease itchy eyes, especially when traveling to different part of the country and you are not immune to the allergens in that area. It is also used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.

How It Is Used

The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets.  The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.

Chamomile in Skin Care Products

This versatile herb is also recognized as a natural healing treatment that helps rejuvenate the skin. There are many wonderful natural facial treatments on the market today that incorporate Chamomile as a key ingredient.

To make a quick and easy tea facial, simply apply a paste made from one teaspoon of fine cornmeal mixed with cooled tea to the face, let dry, then gently rub off. This very gentle skin tonic is ideal to replenish and enrich dry or sensitive skin. Its bactericidal, anti-itching, and antiseptic properties help to refresh the skin and reduce swelling. Making paste with extra-strong brew and using it as an external wash or part of a hot compress can also help soothe burns, skin rashes, and sores.

Chamomile has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile contains an anti-inflammatory compound called alpha bisabolol, which helps to soothe itchy, red skin. For this reason, Chamomile along with some other herbs and natural treatments has shown promise as skin treatments for eczema.

According to family physician Dr. Kristie Leong, “Chamomile has been used throughout history to treat various skin conditions and some studies have shown it works as effectively as low dose steroid creams without the side effects. Chamomile oil can be purchased at some health food stores. It needs to be diluted with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba and can then be applied as a skin treatment for eczema. Bathing in warm water containing chamomile flowers may also help to soothe inflammation and itching. Simply make a bath bag using chamomile flowers and float it in a tub of warm bath water.”

For easing skin inflammations and acne, make a strong chamomile tea, and wipe the cooled liquid over your face each morning. This effective daily rinse tones and cleanses.

Essential Oil Usage

Both Roman and German chamomile have excellent calming properties, but Roman chamomile is more effective for irritation, impatience and feeling disagreeable, and has great value in treating PMS and other menstrual and menopausal problems, while German chamomile is superbly effective on the skin, not only to sooth and calm, but to heal and for tissue regeneration.

Side Effects and Cautions

* There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who have eaten or come into contact with chamomile products. Reactions include skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).

* People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.

* Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This helps to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Treating Acne with Natural Zinc Moisturizers

October 13, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

There has been a lot of press recently about Zinc and Zinc Oxide in skincare and cosmetic products. Zinc can be found in many natural sunscreens ans well as moisturizing lotions and creams.  Zinc - or Micronized zinc oxide -  is produced by high temperature processing of minerals that contain zinc. Some brands contain micronized zinc oxide, combined with an inert ingredient derived from silica. The result is a naturally protective product to protect you from the sun’s damaging UV and UVB rays.

Zinc is a mineral and it is also believed that it has curative properties on a skin where there are acne growths and can reduce the symptoms of acne. Many alternative studies have indicated that this is not the case. So is there a connection between the two?

According to research carried out in recent years, zinc has the same properties of antibiotics such as tetracycline and it can fight the acne bacteria efficiently without the negative effects of antibiotics. Reportedly, zinc also enhances the immunity of the body when ingested as a supplement. So what is zinc and what is the zinc acne connection all about? How does the zinc acne treatment affect the sufferers and what is the best way to use this treatment?

You will find traces of the zinc mineral in various food items such as mushrooms, soybeans, legumes, fish, sunflower seeds, egg yolks, soy lecithin and also in whole grains. Zinc is also present in many herbs such as dandelion, eyebright, cayenne, chamomile, mullein, nettle, milk thistle, alfalfa and in the burdock root. Zinc forms a part of insulin and can be found in the tissues.

There are many useful properties of zinc like providing the person with energy, prohibiting blindness, aiding the process of digestion by being a part of enzymes, supporting the reaction of more than 30 enzymes, strengthening the immunity, regulation of Vitamin E in the blood, helping the body absorb Vitamin A and B, speeding up the process of healing, regulating insulin, and it also fights bacteria. Zinc is also present in estrogen, testosterone and growth hormones.

So how does zinc help a person suffering from acne?  Zinc moisturizers and sunscreens may be a good first step to taking care of your skin from the outside.

The causes of acne are all internal and they are imbalance in the level of hormones and build up toxic materials within the body. The hormones are responsible for producing oils, and the zinc can regulate the oil glands, and so if you can take them correctly (that is in the right quantity, quality and the correct essential fatty acids) you will be able to have some control over the level of hormones and this will ease the symptoms of your acne greatly.

Zinc also helps absorb Vitamin A, and fights the bacteria that causes acne by strengthening the immune system, helps the body heal wounds and contains anti oxidant properties. All these are useful in tackling the secondary causes of acne and will help you greatly reduce the symptoms of acne.

Another ability of zinc for acne is that it can regulate the production of hormones, which is a main reason one acquires acne. However for this to happen, it needs to be taken in the correct quantity and in combination with essential fatty acids. This mineral needs to be properly absorbed within the body and work together with other nutrients for the hormones to be balanced.

While zinc as an acne treatment may be effective, it is very important however to take care and not mix it with some chemical substances, supplements and food items because they will make the zinc less effective.  You should always consult your doctor or research a supplement before taking any internal treatments.

There are some food items, ( inhibitors) like supplements and physical conditions that can prevent zinc from being properly absorbed in the body. This may significantly reduce the impact of zinc on the acne.

One of these inhibitors is Phytic acid.  Usually found in high levels in grains. The acid can reduce the absorption by about 15%.  And thus, those who are suffering from acne need to reduce their grain consumption to one to two servings a day. Grains may lead to mucus and acidity and taking them with zinc for acne can be a challenge.

Another zinc inhibitor is soy protein. If you are using zinc for an acne treatment, you need to eat less soy as it can bind to minerals and lead to less zinc absorption. Then there are other minerals like copper and inorganic iron. They also come in the way of zinc for acne bio-availability. However this issue can be solved easily, unless of course you are suffering from copper toxicity. Try not to take copper more than 2-3 mg a day and also do not take inorganic iron supplements.

Too much of physical exertion may lead to an increased demand by the body for zinc and thus, when you are exercising, you need to also take more zinc for acne treatments.

Following these tips and zinc guidines should have you well on your way to beautiful skin in no time!

Harmful Skincare Ingredients in Pregnancy

September 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

By Van Le | Many pregnant women radiate that natural special “glow”, however, hormonal changes can also influence new reactions to certain chemicals. Knowing what, and more importantly, what not to put into your body during those nine months can affect the well-being of you and your baby. What to put on your body is no different. Since some skincare products can seep into the bloodstream, pregnant women should avoid the following ingredients.

Retinoids

Due to the ability to accelerate cell growth and renewal, retinoids (a type of Vitamin A) are commonly found in many anti-aging products. While Vitamin A is vital for growth and development of the fetus, excessive amounts can lead to birth defects. A study conducted in 1995 suggests that women who consume more than the recommended amount of Vitamin A in the first two months of their pregnancy doubled the risk of having a child with birth defects, according to the March of Dimes website. Topical application of retinoids has not been proven to be harmful, but as a precaution, many doctors and the National Institute of Health advise pregnant patients to stay away from skincare products containing this ingredient.

Salicylic Acid

Acne can wreak havoc anytime, but can be especially frustrating during pregnancy. Salicylic acid is a powerful and common remedy to help sooth inflammations and reduce redness caused by acne pimples, however, it can be harmful for the developing fetus. Medical experts have yet to pinpoint the exact amount of salicylic acid to deem as harmful, but believe that it can lead to respiratory problems for both the mother and baby.

Oxybenzone and Avobenzone

Just because you’re pregnant does not mean you can’t have some fun in the sun. As always, sun protection is pivotal, especially during hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are most harmful. During the 1970s the Food and Drug Administration approved oxybenzone and avobenzone as safe UVA absorbers, however, a study done at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York states that oxybenzone may cause lower birth weight in baby girls and has also been linked to cell damage and allergies. Avobenzone is capable of absorbing UVA lights, making it effective in sunscreen products, however, it can be absorbed into the skin, therefore, some healthcare professionals encourage expecting mothers to stay away from products containing oxybenzone and avobenzone. A safe sunscreen alternative is zinc oxide, which is made of organic ingredients that siton top of the skin as a protective barrier. Physical sun protection such as clothing as hats are also effective and highly recommended by doctors.

An expecting mother may not have total control over her cravings or hormones, but can dictate which products and ingredients go in and on her body. Most pregnant women abstain from products that have been proven as dangerous and unsafe, such as alcohol and cigarettes. A commitment to stay away from potentially harmful ingredients can also have long-lasting positive effects for both the mother and unborn child.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU paper the Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare link to ORGANICSKINCAREINFO.NET

Everyday Skincare to Prevent Acne Breakouts

August 20, 2009 by admin · 4 Comments 

By Van Le | Beauty may only be skin deep, but having a great complexion makes life a lot more pleasant. The key to having great skin is finding a skin care regimen that tailors to your skin’s individual needs, and following this regimen daily. It does not have to be complex and complicated—in fact, simpler is better since you will need to follow the same steps twice a day.

The first step is to do your homework. Determine what your skin type is, and find a product line that works well for you. There are many resources you can use either online or through your local library to help you determine your skin type. Look for published works by dermatologists or skincare experts who have created their own skin typing quizzes or online calculators such as this one: http://www.biobalance4women.com/skin_type.html. There are even sunscreen and UV calculators to help you find the best sun protection for your skin type. A product that works perfectly for your friend or sister may not produce the same results for you. Luckily, most products now specify which skin type it works best for. Also, there are several herbal skin care lines on the market whose products contain all-natural ingredients that work well with most skin types. When experimenting with new products, keep track of those that are effective and more importantly, those that irritate your skin so you can stay away from other products that contain similar ingredients. Ultimately, creating and maintaining a great complexion comes down to three simple steps: cleanse, tone, moisturize.

Cleanse

Finding a cleanser that works well for your skin is the foundation of having great skin. Some prefer to use a heavier cream cleanser during the winter months and a lighter cleanser through the summer, while others use the same product year-round. Wash your face twice a day, massaging the cleanser in a circular motion to remove dirt and excess oil, which can clog your pores. Proper cleansing at night also removes all traces of makeup and allows your skin to breath freely. Remember to change your pillow cover regularly, since the dirt and pollutants can transfer to your face while you are sleeping.

Tone

Even after washing your face with a cleanser, some traces of dirt and stubborn makeup may remain on your skin. A toner will completely remove any leftover dirt or residue left by the cleanser, reducing the chances of infections. Some cleansers may change the skin’s pH, and a toner will help bring the skin back to the proper level. Toners are also excellent in prepping the skin for the next step, moisturizing. Dip a cotton ball into your favorite toner and apply across the surface of the face, being careful not to get too close to the eyes.

Moisturize

Moisturizing daily will help the skin stay hydrated and produce a healthy glow. Lack of moisture can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and can produce premature signs of aging. A moisturizer will restore the skin of all the natural oil stripped throughout the day and during the cleansing and toning process. The right moisturizer depends on your individual skin type, and will help your skin produce a natural glow.

Weekly, bi-weekly and monthly skin care products and processes such as masks, peels and facials are great to help revamp and rejuvenate your skin; however, a great complexion starts and ends with a proper daily skincare regimen.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare you can also link to http://herbalfacialskincare.com

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