Sun Protection

Summer is rapidly approaching and it is time to once again stock up on sunscreens and hats. Sunrays can have a detrimental effect on the skin, so it is very important to protect the skin from too much sun exposure. Sun damage to the skin can show up almost immediately and will also appear over time. Different sunrays have different effects on the skin. A great way to remember the difference is by the letter A or B. UVA rays or ‘aging rays’ cause wrinkles, pigmentation and cancer. UVB rays or ‘burning rays’ are the rays that cause a tan and sunburn. These rays also age the skin but do not penetrate as deep as UVA rays.

To protect the skin from harmful sun exposure it is important to use a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection. These sunscreens are commonly known as dual spectrum sunscreens. It is also important to check for ingredients that absorb and block sunrays. Ingredients such as oxybenzo absorb sunrays while zinc oxide actually blocks the rays. It is also important to look for sunscreens that are non comedogenic and non acnegenic which means that the sunscreen will not clog pores or promote acne. A SPF or sun protection factor of 15 or higher is recommended. A generous application is needed in order to attain protection; most people do not apply sunscreen liberally enough.

The SPF indicates how long you can be exposed to the sun before burning. For example, if your skin will burn within 10 minutes of sun exposure with no sun protection you can be exposed to the sun for 150 minutes with a sun protection factor of 15 before burning.

To estimate how long you can be exposed to the sun before burning, multiply the probable time you can be exposed to the sun with no sun protection before burning and multiply it by the SPF on the label of the sunscreen. Multiple applications throughout the day are necessary in order to be protected, and it is recommended to reapply every two hours, as sweating and water activities may rub off the sun screen. Sunscreens do more than just protect skin from burning, so reapplication is necessary to shield the skin from other harmful damage like premature age spots, wrinkles and fine lines.

Sunscreen Application

Regular sunscreen use will protect the skin from burning, premature aging and possible skin cancer. It is important to make sunscreen use as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth. As summer is approaching it is even more important to wear sunscreen as the sunrays are stronger and more harmful during this time of year.

The best time to use a facial moisturizer is immediately after washing the facial skin. At this time, the skin pores are open and now if the facial moisturizer is applied, it will penetrate down into the deepest layers of the facial skin.

Do not forget to check the expiry date of beauty products before applying them. You got to be careful about their storage as well. The moisturizer should be stored in moderate temperature. Excessive cold and excessive heat both are harmful and may cause the moisturizer to lose its efficiency.

Whatever be the skin type, your moisturizer must contain an SPF factor 15 or more. Some moisturizers do not contain sunscreen at all but it is always better to purchase one that contains adequate sun-block, preferably a natural agent, like zinc or zinc oxide.

One last thing- do not listen to those who tell you apply a moisturizer or for that matter any facial cream in downward stroke. A facial lotion should be always applied in an outward and upward motion. Applying a moisturizer in a downward motion will bring premature aging of the facial skin. It will make your skin sag down prematurely.

Herbal facial skincare products are adept in transforming a rough, fissure and dull skin into a youthful, taut and radiant skin. There is a significant rise in the number of people who are thronging the herbal world.

Some herbs are strongly stocked with medicinal properties. These herbs help the skin to fight giant skin problems. There are many other herbs which help to detoxify the body and skin. These have been used since days immemorial and have been exceptionally beneficial in expelling all types of toxins.

Those who are battling the displeasing problem of pimples may take the herbal way to shoo them away. There are many herbs which promise to fight the root cause of pimples. Herbs like flaxseed, senna, chamomile and buckthorn are known to regularize bowel movements. Similarly herbs like Black cohosh and macafem help in cases of hormonal imbalance.

You may have access to these cause-related herbal products at any well known herbal store. There are many crooked dealers around the world who are selling harsh chemicals in the garb of herbal facial skincare products. So, you see it is not only important to get hold of an herbal beauty product. What’s important is to get hold of a qualitative herbal skincare product.

There are many people who are scared of chemical-based beauty products. Herbal facial skincare is a safe road for them. Unlike synthetic body products, herbal skincare products seldom cause any allergy or irritation. They enrich the skin by making it all the more smooth, soft and glowing!

Sun Protection

Summer is rapidly approaching and it is time to once again stock up on sunscreens and hats. Sunrays can have a detrimental effect on the skin, so it is very important to protect the skin from too much sun exposure. Sun damage to the skin can show up almost immediately and will also appear over time. Different sunrays have different effects on the skin. A great way to remember the difference is by the letter A or B. UVA rays or ‘aging rays’ cause wrinkles, pigmentation and cancer. UVB rays or ‘burning rays’ are the rays that cause a tan and sunburn. These rays also age the skin but do not penetrate as deep as UVA rays.

To protect the skin from harmful sun exposure it is important to use a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection. These sunscreens are commonly known as dual spectrum sunscreens. It is also important to check for ingredients that absorb and block sunrays. Ingredients such as oxybenzo absorb sunrays while zinc oxide actually blocks the rays. It is also important to look for sunscreens that are non comedogenic and non acnegenic which means that the sunscreen will not clog pores or promote acne. A SPF or sun protection factor of 15 or higher is recommended. A generous application is needed in order to attain protection; most people do not apply sunscreen liberally enough.

The SPF indicates how long you can be exposed to the sun before burning. For example, if your skin will burn within 10 minutes of sun exposure with no sun protection you can be exposed to the sun for 150 minutes with a sun protection factor of 15 before burning.

To estimate how long you can be exposed to the sun before burning, multiply the probable time you can be exposed to the sun with no sun protection before burning and multiply it by the SPF on the label of the sunscreen. Multiple applications throughout the day are necessary in order to be protected, and it is recommended to reapply every two hours, as sweating and water activities may rub off the sun screen. Sunscreens do more than just protect skin from burning, so reapplication is necessary to shield the skin from other harmful damage like premature age spots, wrinkles and fine lines.

Sunscreen Application

Regular sunscreen use will protect the skin from burning, premature aging and possible skin cancer. It is important to make sunscreen use as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth. As summer is approaching it is even more important to wear sunscreen as the sunrays are stronger and more harmful during this time of year.

1. Proper hygiene

Cleansing the skin more often is essential to eliminating dirt and bacteria that can cause clogged pores and acne breakouts. It is important to properly cleanse not only the face but the entire body, as acne is common on other skin surfaces such as the back, and chest as well as the face. Body and face washes that contain salicylic acid or benzyol peroxide are good options as these ingredients fight acne causing bacteria. It is also important to exfoliate regularly over the summer to shed the skin of dead skin that can clog pores. A mild exfoliate for the face and body is recommended, harsh exfoliation treatments are not recommended as this can sensitize the skin. Common areas that become clogged with dead skin cells is the t-zone of the face and the back of arms and legs. If body acne is your concern over summer wear clothing that is loose fitting, this will allow room for the skin to breath making it harder for bacteria to spread and cause break outs.

2. Oil Control

The rising temperature and humidity over summer can cause oil gland to produce more oil. More surface oil combined with bacteria, dirt and dead skin can lead to break outs. Controlling surface oil by cleansing with a foaming cleanser at least twice a day will eliminate potential break outs. Using a rice paper oil blotter or oil control lotion will help oil stay controlled during the day, proper cleansing should be practiced to control oil all summer. If your skin becomes over sensitive to cleansing or is excessively oily a mask that controls oils and replenishes nutrients to the skin can be applied once or twice a week. Try a mask that contains sulfur or clay to control oil, these ingredients treat break outs and add nutrients to the skin.

3. Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin during the summer months is necessary to protect the moisture barrier of the skin, and protect from environmental damaging. During the cooler months skin may be dryer and a heavier more emmolitant moisturizer is necessary, during the summer a light moisturizer is best. Choose a light weigh moisturizer that is non comedogenic and oil free meaning it will not clog pores. There are also formulas that have acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid to fight break outs while moisturizing.

4. Wear Sunscreen

Wearing a daily sunscreen is important year round for all skin types. Acne fighting protects make the skin more sensitive a daily sunscreen will protect the skin from sun damage and scarring. Choose a sunscreen safe for face and body that is oil free and non comedogenic and is labeled SPF 15 or higher. Zinc and Zinc Oxide are the best natural sun blocks you can buy without resorting to harsh chemical constituents that clog pores and cause potential allergic reactions. Zinc blocks the sun with it’s micro-crystal effects, while regular sunscreens only ABSORB harmful UV rays. Zinc also is anti-microbial, which will significantly to help reduce acne breakouts.

Follow these simple all summer to ensure great glowing skin with out break outs.

Spring is rapidly turning to summer and as the seasons change so should your skin care. The following are skin care rules to follow for your best complexion all summer long.

Revive Your Skin

Winter’s cold, dry air and indoor heating really take a toll on the skin. Revive dry, tired, dull-looking skin with nutrient-rich serums and moisturizers. Look for products that contain Vitamins A, B, C, and E. Vitamin A will repair skin tissue and prevent further dryness. Vitamin B will improve surface blood circulation bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the skin, making the skin look alive and fresh. Vitamin C is essential for healing and fights free radicals that damage the skin; Vitamin E will have a soothing effect on the skin, repairing winter damage. Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant preventing premature aging.

Care for Your Skin Type

Skin tends to become more oily as the temperature rises, this means normal to dry skin types will likely develop into normal to oily during the summer. Choose a moisturizer with a lighter texture during the summer months; the moisturizer should still contain important ingredients that will moisturize the skin effectively. These ingredients include vitamins, humectants and botanicals. As for cleansing, more oil can lead to more clogged pores and break outs, be sure cleanse the skin properly. At bedtime, remove all make up and lightly cleanse in the morning and after any sport or exercise. A cleanser that is effective and not drying is important‒ try Vivoderm’s Facial Cleanser with Rosemary & Chamomile.

Exfoliation

It is important to exfoliate regularly to avoid clogged pores and keep your complexion looking even. However, intensive peels, dermabrasions and abrasive beauty treatments need be avoided during the summer months. These treatments make skin more susceptible to sun damage, pigmentation and scaring. Avoid invasive treatments and choose an at-home exfoliant to add to your beauty routine a few times a week to keep your skin at its best. Look for a facial scrub with papaya or jojoba beads.

Sun Protection

Sun screen should be worn year round, and it is even more important to apply sunscreen diligently during the summer months. The summer sun is more intense and damaging to the skin thus sun protection is necessary to avoid damage to the skin. Look for a sunscreen that is dual-spectrum, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the rays that cause wrinkles and skin aging, while UVB rays produce tans and burns. Applying sunscreen to not only the face but body is important. Sunscreen should be applied daily and even multiple times during the day depending on your summer activities. Sun protections no lower than SPF 30 should be applied to the face and body.

Shield your eyes

The skin around the eyes is the most delicate and tender and should always have extra protection. Sunglasses that block sunrays are a great investment in the protection of your eyes. Squinting as a result of sun glare can cause crows feet or fine lines while the intense summer rays can cause pigmentation to the delicate skin.

Summer Skin

Skin protects your body from the environment, keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The above are simple steps to protect your skin from the harsh summer environment and the damage the skin can obtain while basking in the sun. Following these simple rules will keep your skin healthy and looking great all summer long.

When one thinks of acne, a teenager may come to mind first. No one expects to have acne as an adult but it is more common than one might think. On average 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men are affected by adult acne. Adult acne is usually attributed to hormonal shifts, allergic reactions to skincare products or medications. The good news is many new treatments and procedures are available.

The cause of adult acne remains unknown, but is often attributed to genetics and hormonal changes. Contributing factors can include: side effects from certain medications, cosmetic products with high oil contents, excessive sweating, diet, stress, pregnancy, and menopause. An acne lesion, blemish or clogged pore is caused when bacteria multiply excessively within the hair follicle. An oil-releasing blockage then develops from the sebaceous gland and enlarged sebaceous oil glands produce an overabundance of oil. Blockages of bacteria and oil then build, leading to adult acne problems such as pimples, inflammation, cysts, and scarring. Adult acne most often appears on the face; however, it can appear on the arms, legs, buttocks, and torso.

Adult acne is a fairly new problem as adult acne has just recently become an epidemic. Acne previously had been a concern of teens and young adults. Dermatological and esthetic treatments for adults will likely be very similar to those used to treat teens. To prevent acne, hormonal and life style changes, such as diet, may be incorporated. The findings have suggested that a lifetime of exposure to hormone enriched foods and medication may be a main culprit in this new wide concern of adult acne.

The appropriate treatment for acne varies depending on each individual. Adult acne treatments include ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retin-a, accutane, sulfur, tetracycline and/or a variety of over the counter medications. However, there’s more than medicine to treating adult acne. To obtain the best results treatments should include not only skin care products that target acne bacteria, but make changes that affect the body’s internal system. A multifaceted approach of treatments, behaviors, and diet is often most effective. Here are a few simple strategies to help you combat adult acne:

•    Consult your doctor about hormonal changes
•    Follow a daily skin care regimen
•    Protect skin from pollution and environmental damage
•    Avoid touching your face
•    Avoid exposure to sun and excessive cold
•    Select non-oil based cosmetic products
•    Eat a well-balanced diet

Natural remedies can also work alone or in combination with professional assistance in clearing adult acne. As stated earlier, diet is a very important factor in adult acne. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, help fight free radicals and skin damage that may be left behind after the acne has cleared. Ointment or creams that are rich in Vitamin E can fight against bacteria and sooth the sensitized acne are. Tea tree oil and herbal extracts have been known to clear acne by fighting bacteria and regulating oil production. Zinc and Zinc Oxide are also excellent to reduce acne breakouts and prevent acne due to their anti-microbial properties.

Herbal extracts or herbs to look for in topical or ingested formulas include burdock, yellow dock, cleaver, and sarsaparilla. As adult acne has been a fairly new area of study for dermatologists and estheticians, it is best to follow a treatment plan that is unique to your severity of acne.

Face Wash

Men should cleanse their skin with a mild facial cleanser morning and night. Cleansers should contain cleansing agents and be mild with moisturizing ingredients that help balance skin ph levels. Cleansing, morning and night, will remove excess oil and dirt, keeping pores clear and skin less prone to break outs.

Facial Scrub

A mild facial scrub that contains micro beads or exfoliating components such as papaya seeds can aid in over all skin health and shaving irritation. A facial scrub can be used a few times a week. A good tip is to leave the scrub in the shower and use on days following shaving. Scrubs help to shed dead skin and keep pores free of debris. Using a scrub a few times a week will also reduce ingrown hairs.

Proper Shaving Techniques

Whether you choose a wet shave or electrical, the skin should be cleansed prior to shaving. If using the traditional wet shave techniques, cleanse the skin first and use a shaving gel or cream to reduce irritation, cuts and skin snags. Shaving gels aid the blade over the skin causing the razor to catch the hairs and not the skin. For electrical shavers, cleanse and dry the skin and be sure that the blades of the electrical shaver are properly cleansed and sanitized. Electrical shavers can harbor bacteria that can then be transferred to the skin, causing irritation. An after-shave or mild facial moisturizer should always be applied after shaving. . After shaves often contain ingredients that will help reduce irritation and sooth the skin, while a moisturizer will sooth and hydrate the area.

Moisturizer with Sunscreen

As men tend to have more oily skin than women, a morning moisturizer containing a sunscreen is usually enough to properly moisturize men’s skin. However, if moisturizing at night is preferred, choose a light moisturizer that does not contain sunscreen. A day time moisturizer with sunscreen will protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, while moisturizing and hydrating the skin, leaving it healthy and smooth. A night moisturizer would follow a night cleanse and would be beneficial for older men or men that have a drier skin type. The same moisturizer can be used day and night if it does not contain sunscreen, however a sunscreen should then be applied over the moisturizer during the day. Zinc Oxide or Zinc Moisturizers are a perfect alternative to keep skin hydrated and prevent sun damage.

While it is widely known that most men will not take the same amount of time women may to take care for their skin, these tips are the basics to a great complexion for any man. With a little bit of discipline, any man can have younger-looking, smoother skin too.

By Tiffany Oney

Tiffany Oney is a licensed esthetician, professional makeup artist and natural skincare authority.  She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies California State University, Long Beach and interning with Vivoderm Natural Skincare in Los Angeles, California.

The beneficial properties of tea are attributed to polyphenols. The polyphenols found in tea mainly belong to the subtype called catechins. Polyphenols or catechins are better known as antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals are damaging to skin and body by attacking healthy cells. Green tea has more catechins than black tea; white tea is almost as rich in catechins as green tea but is different in composition and less well studied.

So How Is Green Tea Good For My Skin?

There have been number studies of skin benefits of green tea. One of these studies show protection from skin cancer by demonstrating topical green tea formulations can reduce sun damage.(1) Another fascinating study in 2003 was conducted by Dr. Stephen Hsu of the Medical College of Georgia Department of Oral Biology. His findings determined green tea was able to rejuvenate old skin cells at the end of their life cycle.

A quote from Dr. Hsu’s paper explained, “…we report here for the first time, that at certain concentrations, EGCG or a mixture of the major green tea polyphenols stimulated aged keratinocytes to generate biological energy and to synthesize DNA, possibly for renewed cell division.

Therefore, green tea constituents may be useful topically for promoting skin regeneration, wound healing, or treatment of certain epithelial conditions such as aphthous ulcers, psoriasis, rosacea, and actinic keratoses.” (2) Dr. Hsu went on to comment he was “so surprised” to discover EGCG actually reactivated cells that had migrated toward the surface of the skin to ‘die’.

Green tea appears to manipulate sun damage protection by fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea enhances sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen. To boost sun protection, apply a green tea formula under your sunscreen to elevate the level of sun protection. It is best to combine green tea with zinc oxide-based sunscreens because zinc oxide is chemically inert and should not react with green tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight). You can also look for green tea in natural soaps, and other facial cleansers.

Topical green tea is also very beneficial for sensitive skin types by reducing inflammation and irritation in the skin. Wrinkles, skin sag and other signs of aging have been shown to benefit from Green tea. The tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols slow down signs of premature of aging

Green Tea and Pimples

A green tea and pimples study suggests it to be as good as benzoyl peroxide cream in treating acne conditions with fewer side effects. Scientific research has shown that green tea fights bacteria, inflammation and reduces stress. Perhaps it would be an excellent candidate for treating acne?

In the study, conducted by Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong from the Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines, 108 participants were divided into two groups. One applied benzoyl peroxide cream and the other green tea extract cream twice daily for 12 weeks. Subjects were examined and photographed each week by dermatologists. The researchers noted the green tea cream seemed to lighten patients’ skin color and improve the overall appearance of their complexion.

The preliminary data suggests that green tea cream causes fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide. Patients in the green tea group reported fewer cases of dry skin, itching and allergic responses.

Use green tea at home to boost your skins health, appearance and reduce signs of aging by freezing freshly brewed green tea as ice cubes and use them as a toner. Let them start thawing first before applying directly to the face to avoid irritation. You can also drink green tea or take green tea extract in capsules to benefit from the anti oxidant properties. The polyphenols will reach your skin via the bloodstream in sufficient amounts.

Using green tea in your skincare routine has definite proven benefits to slow skin aging, reduce acne and protect your skin from cancer among many others. Just be aware of the products you choose. Like most antioxidants, green tea polyphenols are oxidized and can lose their active constituents when exposed to air.

By Tiffany Oney and Rachelle Dupree

References:

(1) Green Tea Polyphenol Treatment to Human Skin Prevents Formation of Ultraviolet Light B-induced Pyrimidine Dimers in DNA (2000). Santosh K. Katiyar, Anaibelith Perez and Hasan Mukhtar. Clinical Cancer Research Vol. 6, 3864-3869, October 2000.

(2) Green Tea Polyphenols Induce Differentiation and Proliferation in Epidermal Keratinocytes (2003). Stephen Hsu, Wendy B. Bollag, Jill Lewis, Qin Huang,Baldev Singh, Mohamed Sharawy, Tetsuya Yamamoto, and George Schuster. Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics. First published on March 27, 2003; DOI: 10.1124/jpet.103.049734

Summer is rapidly approaching and it is time to once again stock up on sunscreens and hats. Sunrays can have a detrimental effect on the skin, so it is very important to protect the skin from too much sun exposure. Sun damage to the skin can show up almost immediately and will also appear over time. Different sunrays have different effects on the skin. A great way to remember the difference is by the letter A or B. UVA rays or ‘aging rays’ cause wrinkles, pigmentation and cancer. UVB rays or ‘burning rays’ are the rays that cause a tan and sunburn. These rays also age the skin but do not penetrate as deep as UVA rays.

Sun Protection

To protect the skin from harmful sun exposure it is important to use a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection. These sunscreens are commonly known as dual spectrum sunscreens. It is also important to check for ingredients that absorb and block sunrays. Ingredients such as oxybenzo absorb sunrays while zinc oxide actually blocks the rays. It is also important to look for sunscreens that are non comedogenic and non acnegenic which means that the sunscreen will not clog pores or promote acne. A SPF or sun protection factor of 15 or higher is recommended. A generous application is needed in order to attain protection; most people do not apply sunscreen liberally enough.

The SPF indicates how long you can be exposed to the sun before burning. For example, if your skin will burn within 10 minutes of sun exposure with no sun protection you can be exposed to the sun for 150 minutes with a sun protection factor of 15 before burning.

To estimate how long you can be exposed to the sun before burning, multiply the probable time you can be exposed to the sun with no sun protection before burning and multiply it by the SPF on the label of the sunscreen. Multiple applications throughout the day are necessary in order to be protected, and it is recommended to reapply every two hours, as sweating and water activities may rub off the sun screen. Sunscreens do more than just protect skin from burning, so reapplication is necessary to shield the skin from other harmful damage like premature age spots, wrinkles and fine lines.

Sunscreen Application

Regular sunscreen use will protect the skin from burning, premature aging and possible skin cancer. It is important to make sunscreen use as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth. As summer is approaching it is even more important to wear sunscreen as the sunrays are stronger and more harmful during this time of year.