Category Archives: toners Astringents

Get Your Body Ready For Summer

September 6, 2011

Dehydrated Skin

As the seasons change, so does the way our bodies react to them, says Dr Tom Mammone, executive director of Clinique Research and Development. “Climate changes can be very harsh on the skin’s moisture balance,” he explains. “Whether exposed to changes in the environment, or even from heating and cooling at home and work, constant fluctuation can impact our skin’s moisture balance.” Keep limbs supple in the warm weather by applying a lightweight lotion, such as Biotherm Anti-Drying Body Milk, $60. or you can also look for hydrating formulas with additional benefits to suit your needs. Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer, $200, is nourishing while working to fight the signs of ageing, or try Nivea Firming Body Lotion, $6.50, to boost your skin’s elasticity. If you’re spending time outdoors, Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh SPF 15, $11.59, is a great choice as it has the extra benefit of sun protection.

Visible Veins

If you’re dreading the thought of revealing your legs after a winter in opaque tights, don’t fear. according to Dr Adrian Lim of the Sydney Skin & Vein Clinic, Bondi Junction, recent developments in technology mean that the appearance of spider and varicose veins can be reduced within three weeks. both concerns can be treated with sclerosis therapy, which is a targeted injection that causes the veins to shrivel and shrink. Expect to pay approximately $500 per foot for broken capillaries and up to $2000 for the treatment of lumpy varicose veins. “Both treatments are walk-in, walk-out procedures,” adds Dr Lim. “But you’ll have to wear a compression stocking for one week with spider veins and three weeks for larger veins.”

Décolletage

Boost your assets and turn back the clock with a few small changes to your daily beauty routine. “When applying face creams, most people stop at the jawline,” explains Anna Field, director of The Paddington Beauty Room, NSW. but the skin on your chest needs just as much attention, as it’s prone to dryness and often exposed to the sun. If you’re already using anti-ageing treatment serums and moisturisers, Field advises extending the application down to your bra line. “However, if you’re only using [basic] products designed for your skin type, I recommend the use of a neck cream as well,” she adds. for a smoothing effect, try Rodial Chin & Neck Lift Triple Action Sculpting Gel, $98, or, if you’re after extra nourishment, consider Pevonia Botanica Restore Neck And Bust Cream, $136. too much sun can leave the décolletage looking crepey and spotted with pigmentation. “IPL is one of the best treatments to restore youthfulness to this area, as it reduces pigmentation and plumps the skin,” says Field. for an at-home alternative, try Ultraceuticals Professional even Skintone Serum, $85. To prevent damage, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, like L’Oréal Paris UV Perfect SPF 30+, $17.95, to your chest before heading outdoors.

Cellulite

Beauty products designed to treat this issue often receive a bad rap, but, as Field explains, it may be because we have unrealistic expectations of the results that can be achieved on areas where the fat cells have enlarged. “You need to remember that [these] products do not change your body size they only help the appearance of the cellulite,” she says. Look for options containing topical diuretics, like caffeine, with skin-firming ingredients, such as pea extract. “The combination means one stimulates the fat cell to release its contents and the other helps to re-strengthen the skin,” says Field. we like Lancôme Slimissime 360? Slimming Activating Concentrate, $110, or Chanel Précision Body Excellence Slim Slimming Anti-Cellulite Gel, $163. Field advises applying lotion with vigorous movements in an upward direction towards the heart. Besides topical buys, there are two other at-home options. Dry body brushing each day, using long upward strokes, can help drain excess fluid. Try The Body Shop Cactus Brush, $22.95, for the job. or DIY devices, like Skin Physics Liposculpt Ultrasonic Body Sculpting system, $349, claim to strengthen and stimulate skin by using ultrasound infra-red technology.

Back Breakouts

“Acne doesn’t only occur on the face, it can affect your back as well and is due to overactive oil glands,” explains dermatologist Dr Jo-Ann See. Treat it by using a body wash that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, such as Benzac AC Wash Water Based Acne Wash 5%, $17.19; or Murad Acne Body Wash, $59. Dr See also warns against showering for too long, or in water that is too hot, as it can exacerbate the problem. “If symptoms persist, it’s best to speak to your GP,” she adds.

Dullness

“Exfoliation is the skin’s natural process of shedding cells,” says Dr Mammone, stressing that frequent scrubbing is required in the humid months. “When your skin is under attack from UV rays it is in defence mode, [so] it will not shed or turn over as often as it should. This could result in clogged skin and acne.” assist the natural sloughing process by exfoliating once or twice a week. Neutrogena Sugar Scrub Body Exfoliator, $12.99, will help to create an even tone. If you have dry skin, look for a creamy formula, such as Natio Meditate Body Scrub, $18.95. or Priori Advanced AHA Cosmeceuticals Invigorating Face & Body Scrub, $90, is a great choice to reverse the signs of ageing, and boost the cell-renewal process.

Bumpy Skin

Keratosis pilaris, those small, rough bumps on the back of the upper arms, thighs or buttocks, affect people to varying degrees. “Since it’s a chronic, genetic follicular disease, there is no cure,” concedes Kaye Scott of The Clinic Scott + Sullivan, Sydney, but there are both professional and at-home treatment options available. “Firstly, it’s best to avoid soap and use a mild body wash and moisturiser,” advises Dr See. Try Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $14.79, or Dove Body Milk Essential Nourishment, $8.39. or, try gentle exfoliation each day using a skin-smoothing lotion that contains salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid, but “do not loofah, as this will only cause more problems”, warns Dr See. we recommend Clinique Turnaround Body Body Smoothing Cream, $52. Professional microdermabrasion or lactic acid peels may also help. “With persistence, most people will see satisfactory improvement,” says Scott, but warns continuous management is required as the condition will return once you stop treating it.

Stretch Marks

Whether they’re from rapid weight gain or pregnancy, these red lines occur “due to the stretching of the dermis, which is the scaffolding of our skin”, explains Dr See. “There is no guaranteed [way to prevent them] but your best defence is to moisturise twice daily with a non-fragranced product to keep skin supple.” for both prevention and to repair past damage, look for lotions that contain ingredients such as rosehip and vitamins A and E. we recommend Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks, $15.70; Bio-Oil, $14.95; Thalgo Stretch mark Cream, $60, and Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, $35.95. If you’re suffering from severe redness, Dr See suggests seeing your dermatologist, who may be able to treat it with a vascular laser or prescribe a topical tretinoin cream (commonly known as Retin A).

Keep your skin silky all season with the latest DIY hair removal options.

ShavingThe benefit: Perfect for when you’re short on time.

The innovation: Gillette Venus ProSkin MoistureRich Razor, $13.59, has a moisturising and soothing strip for a comfortable result.

WaxingThe benefit: Long-lasting results at your convenience, and at a fraction of the price of visiting the beautician.

The innovation: Nair Salon Divine Milk & Honey Roll-On Wax, $17.99, offers a clever roll-on feature for precise application.

Epilation The benefit: less messy than traditional waxing, it offers long-lasting resultsfor several weeks.The innovation: Braun Silk.épil 7 Dual Epilator, $229, comes with an in-built razor to remove stubborn hair and for a smoother result.

0 Comments

Do You Really Need A Facial Toner?

September 1, 2011

Do you really need to use a facial toner? most skin care regimens do not include the use of toners. in fact, the use of this product seems more of an afterthought than a real necessity.

You don’t really need a facial toner if your skin is already relatively healthy. This is used to make the pores look more refined. It shrinks big pores, though not dramatically. It also works in getting rid of flakiness and dryness so you can have even-toned dermis.

People who have issues with excessive skin dryness and uneven skin complexion might find this product beneficial. It works as an additional beauty enhancer. however, that depends on the toner you are using. Several products contain alcohol-based ingredients that may dry up the skin.

You can actually make your own toner. Here are a few recipes you might want to try:

1. for those who have wrinkles, acne and dull skin complexion, you might want to try making a facial toner out of roses. Gather a few fresh blossoms of roses. according to experts, it is best to collect these flowers in the morning when the morning dew has evaporated already.

Remove the petals carefully and place them in a saucepan made from stainless steel or enamel. Pour water. Using alkaline water is better because it contains minerals that can enhance fluid absorption. if there are any floating petals, use a heavy dish made from heat-resistant materials to sink them. Use low heat to release the oil. Let it simmer for about an hour. as soon as the alkaline water starts to turn pink, strain the liquid. Place the liquid in a spray bottle. Spray it on your face right before applying your moisturizer.

2. Witch hazel is the best in alleviating acne and making pores look more refined. Mix a cup of witch hazel extract, a quarter teaspoon of mint extract to freshen up skin and a quarter cup of white vinegar. This can also help get rid of unwanted gunk on your face.

After using these toners, apply your moisturizer immediately. choose a moisturizing product that can boost collagen production. look for a product that can has been loaded with CynergyTK, Phytessence Wakame and Nano Lipobelle HEQ10.

CynergyTK is an ingredient that has been extracted from the wool of sheep. This ingredient supplies functional keratin to the dermis. This is the protein needed for collagen production. Phytessence Wakame is a sea kelp that can get rid of the harmful enzymes that attack hyaluronic acid. This acid is responsible for the lubrication of collagen. Nano Lipobelle HEQ10 protects you from harmful free radicals. Free radicals attack skin cells.

0 Comments

Using Pore Minimizers to Combat Enlarged Pores

August 28, 2011

Pores have the tendency to become enlarged and clogged when stuff such as dirt and oil become trapped. this is the reason there’s something created for minimizing the pore.this usually turns to infections and other problems like bacteria near the pores. The most effective solution is to open the pores by cleaning the area properly, this will help reduce the blackheads and fungus. Utilizing a pore minimizer you allow the pores to shrink, while creating openings the clogged pores to provide a smooth clean feeling and look.

A usual cause of clogged and enlarged pore is when cosmetics, skin and dirt products are blended with the body skin oil. this blend occurs at a micro level, the combination of these bacteria with microscopic yeast particles creates infections. overall the infections are harmless, the area surrounding the tissue will begin to clog, at times creating a sebum plug.

The release of sebum, a natural oil from the sebacesous glands, if this facial oil is not cleaned, or is stuck with dirt, these plugs can begin to open. If you don’t exfoliate properly, pores can start to enlarge that can result in blackheads, rosacea, and even redness of the skin.

One common product often found in minimizers is Emu Oil. this oil is a natural anti-bacterial and also anti-inflammatory. this special oil promotes healthy skin while stopping fungal infections before they can begin.

Hydroxy crystals are another helpful product. this ingredient will help to gently exfoliate the skin, which can help clear things such as bad dirt and oil, leaving a polished and smooth face. Emu Oil are also commonly located in rosacea and acne products because of its properties to eliminate oil and dirt while helping provide an antiseptic that clears and protects the user.

0 Comments

How Can Witch Hazel Help My Hemorrhoids?

August 2, 2011

Having hemorrhoids can be the most painful and embarrassing thing you can experience. These hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the anal or rectal region, which causes itching, tenderness and general discomfort. Fortunately, plenty of treatment options are available for home use; one of them is witch hazel.

For many years, barbers have been using witch hazel whenever they slash someone while cutting their hairs. until today, witch hazel is an effective treatment option not only for cuts, but also for infections like hemorrhoids. in addition, because of its affordability, effectiveness and abundance, witch hazel remains a favorite for generations.

When used for hemorrhoids, witch hazel soothes the inflamed area and helps blood vessels to shrink. It also helps the surrounding skin to be free from irritation. if you choose this treatment method, you need to apply a small amount of witch hazel on a cotton ball and place it directly to the irritated area. you can repeat this as often as needed until the hemorrhoids shrink. if you don’t have time to do this, you can buy over-the-counter pads that are already soaked in witch hazel. The good thing about these pads is they are affordable and can be used after every bowel movement for instant relief.

Many people get relief from witch hazel by placing a bottle filled with witch hazel in a bucket of ice or leaving the bottle in the refrigerator for several hours. once it has cooled, pour the witch hazel on a cloth until soaked and use it as a cold compress, giving relief to your hemorrhoids. keep it on the area for as long as the cloth is cold and repeat the process. The best thing about using witch hazel is that it is also applicable for bleeding hemorrhoids. It reduces swelling and restricts the veins from developing blood clots.

If you don’t have money for over-the-counter drugs or surgery, it doesn’t mean you can’t get relief from hemorrhoids. Use witch hazel and feel the benefits instantly.

0 Comments

What are some good products for oily skin?

July 8, 2011

Are there any good ones that can make it less oily?

I have oily skin and I use Proactive. I don't have pimples, but for some reason this is the only stuff that doesn't make my oily.

check the links below for natural homemade beauty tips to:– Oily Skin control
geebal.blogspot.com/2006/12/oily-…

Arbonne makes skin care for men, women, young and mature. They are all organic and soothing to the skin. I have used it for a while and a lot of people see no difference in my skin tone and texture now than when I was in my late teens, which has been a "few" years ago. They make products for oily, combinition, dry, sensitive.

0 Comments

Anyone know a good body acne treatment?

June 29, 2011

So embarrassing but I have body acne, not bad, but I get pimples on my shoulders, chest, back, upper thighs and butt. does anyone know a good treatment? I know proactiv is good, but I don't know if it works for the body. and I don't want to spend that kind of money for something I haven't heard of and don't know if it works or not.

Hey, Acne no More is the most complete, honest and straightforward guide to beating acne available today. it tells it like it is and offers a better alternative to what the big pharmaceutical companies would like to sell you and does a much better job of clearing your skin. it is, in my opinion, money well spent, especially since this program costs a fraction of what you would spend on prescription medications or “celebrity-endorsed” programs that don’t work as well
This program is designed to address the hormonal problems and toxic overloads that cause acne in the first place and fixing that doesn’t happen overnight. The prize, though, is worth the effort, and one nice bonus is that by following the program you will probably notice great improvements in your overall health. still, clearer skin in 7 days and permanently clear skin in just two months is good in my book. try it to see if it works for you bit.ly/bSicye

0 Comments

10 Natural Tummy Toners

May 30, 2011

Summer’s here and the beach is calling, but is your midriff spoiling all the fun? Here’s some simple ways to beat the bulge…

1 Live not By Bread Alone Eating wheat based products is almost guaranteed to cause bloating. Wheat is full of fibre which is a bulking agent – good for helping you feel full – but not great if you’re hoping to look hot in a bikini. Limiting foods such as bread and pasta (unless you do a lot of cardio exercise), may help to get rid of that bloated feeling and reduce your waistline in the process. Try replacing stodgy bread with tortilla wraps or put your sandwich filling on a plate, add some lettuce and call it a salad!

2 start doing Pilates Pilates is without doubt one of the best ways to flatten your stomach because it works on strengthening your ‘core’, which is another word for the transverse abdominis muscle. This muscle attaches around your midriff and your back acting like a corset, pulling your stomach inwards. By working this area with Pilates not only will you notice improved stability, but this band of muscle will pull in your gut better than any pair of Spanx!

3 Get Real If you want to be slim then consuming more energy than you burn off isn’t going to help, so watching your weight is key when it comes to the spare tyre factor. but losing weight isn’t easy for everyone. if you need to shed more than 4 kilos then joining a weight management group like Weight Watchers (we love their new online service – it’s sooo easy), or joining up with a friend to set some goals together can be a great incentive and motivator. It’s not easy, but it can be done so stay positive.

4 Meditate Mmm, how is sitting still for an hour going to slim your tummy you ask? Well, by getting in touch with your inner Self, miracles really can occur, and by feeling happier in general, the likelihood of overeating is lessened (not diminished, unfortunately!). so although it may take years for your trousers to feel looser, we thoroughly recommend meditation.

5 The Crunch Snacking on raw veggies is a brilliant way to shed some extra weight. if you’re used to reaching for the biscuits at around 10am then try cutting some raw carrot into sticks and having that instead. sure, it might not sound as appetising as a handful of Oreos but if you can get used to replacing just one of your daily snacks with raw veg, you’ll be well on your way to a smaller stomach in no time.

6 One, two, Three Legs, bums and tums are problem areas for most women and to be honest, it’s difficult to trim one area in isolation. The benefit of the tri-factor is that if you want to slim down around the waist, chances are you’ll also be reducing other areas too. The best way to get fit and start to feel better all over is by walking for at least 10,000 steps a day. that converts into 8 kilometres or 5 miles which sounds like heaps, but by breaking it down into 2km sets and starting with that (daily) until you can go the distance, will make a day at the beach, feel like a walk in the park.

7 Lose The Booze This one includes simple science – alcohol makes the body retain water in the cells, while at the same time turning off the anti-diuretic hormone which leaves you wanting to urinate frequently. so while you’re storing water in your cells, you’re simultaneously passing urine that’s full of nutrients, leaving you full of toxins and bloating not only your stomach but often your eyelids and face too. which is sooo not a good look.

8 Sit up and listen You were probably wondering when we’d get to the bit about doing 1000 sit ups a day. but actually, sit ups alone won’t do much for your midriff without following a healthy eating plan and including regular cardio exercise. but we’re not talking about ab crunches. This is about eating when you’re already full. aside from leaving you wracked with guilt and feeling horrible that you had that second helping, or ate that dessert when you’d already demolished a roast dinner plus entrée; the negative effect of eating beyond your capacity will eventually expand your stomach and intestines and can lead to numerous health issues. so before you cave in again, sit up, and listen to the inner voice that wants a flat stomach.

9 Let’s twist again Dancing is a fantastic all round way to get fit so definitely put that on your list, but the actual movement of twisting from side-to-side, i.e. going from facing right, to facing left while keeping your hips static, is a great way to tone and trim the area around your waist. It’s fun and fat burning all at the same time!

10 a royal flush A distended bowel is often caused by parasites in the gut. Colon hydrotherapy or colonic irrigation is a natural means of cleaning the colon. Providing you visit a qualified and experienced practitioner this can be a rewarding way to improve your gut health and reduce your gut size. By removing parasites and reinforcing the body’s own natural peristalsis (the movement required to help you pass waste), colon therapy can make you feel lighter, happier and healthier too. Just don’t try it at home.

 

0 Comments