Zinc Moisturizers and Vitamin E

You  might have noticed the recent trend for natural skincare products and herbal treatments. One of those treatments is a great anti-acne treatments and natural sun protector call Zinc. Zinc Oxide is a natural mineral that is usually found in a powder form and resembles chalk or calcium.

Modern-day zinc moisturizers contain many natural herbal ingredients along with a base oil or water for moisturizing. One really great oil to use in any moisturizer is Vitamin E.

Vitamin E (also known as Tocopheryl Acetate) has amazing healing and regenerative powers to renew skin cells. The great thing about Vitamin E in natural moisturizers like zinc cream, is you can not only ingest it - but it works wonders topically as well.

Vitamin E, which was only discovered 80 years ago, is an antioxidant that will help you to fight free radicals. Good sources of vitamin E are walnuts, almonds, peanuts, vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is stored in your body’s fatty tissue, from where it assists with forming red blood cells, in addition to neutralizing free radicals.

Who Says You Don’t Need A Facial Moisturizer?

Facial moisturizers are an absolutely essential part of one’s daily skincare regime. The choice of moisturizer may differ from one person to another for instance people with dry skin need a moisturizer with strong hydrating agents. Likewise people with ultra delicate skin will look out for a gentle moisturizer but a moisturizer is essentially required by each and everyone regardless of one’s age, gender and skin type. A facial moisturizer helps to improve facial health considerably and regular usage of quality hydrating lotions can eliminate the chances of developing skin disorders. Regular use can also diminish wrinkles and other aging signs. This is but only possible if you use a high quality moisturizer.

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.

Four Step Skin Care for Men

Today more than ever, men are concerned with skin care and taking care of their skin. Most skin care lines are geared toward women and concerns that women have with skin health, while few are geared towards men’s skin health. The following are easy and fast tips for men to follow to start taking care of their skin, without the confusion of too many products or steps. Men’s skin care should include a daily face wash, a mild facial scrub, proper shaving techniques, and a moisturizer containing sunscreen.

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.

Green Tea & Zinc Facial Care

What is Tea?

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

Moisturizing and Acne-prone Skin

Hate to use moisturizer or sunscreen because it feels so heavy? You don’t have to slather your face in moisturizer or sunblock  in order for it to work. If you find your moisturizer feels too thick or heavy, you may be applying too much. Just a pea-sized amount may be enough for the entire face. Try using less product. You may be pleasantly surprised to find it absorbs more fully and feels lighter.

Also look for alternative combinations of moisturizers that combine two products in one - like a zinc moisturizer, that protects again sun damage and nourishes your skin at the same time.

If it still feels heavy, apply your moisturizer after cleansing to a still-damp face. Or mix your moisturizer with a small amount of water in the palm of your hand before applying to your face. But don’t ever add water directly in the bottle, or you’ll get unpleasant things growing in your moisturizer.

Question: Do I Need a Moisturizer?
I have oily skin that is prone to acne breakouts. Should I use a moisturizer?
Answer:   Even if you have oily skin, you can still benefit from the use of a daily moisturizer. And, no, moisturizers don’t have to leave your skin feeling greasy and looking shiny. The trick is in finding the right product.

If you are using drying acne treatments such as Retin-A, Accutane, or benzoyl peroxide. Using a daily moisturizer will help ease the uncomfortable dryness, peeling, and flaking that can be caused by many acne medications.

So, don’t be afraid to moisturize your oily skin! Take the time to choose the right moisturizer by reading ingredient labels and asking your dermatologist or esthetician for recommendations. Experiment with different products until you find the one that is perfect for you.

Even your oily, acne-prone skin can benefit from the daily use of good moisturizers. But choose the wrong moisturizer and it can be a skin care disaster: greasy feeling skin, blackheads and pimples. Obviously, choosing the right moisturizer is key. With a little know-how you can pick a moisturizer that will enhance your skin care routine without causing breakouts.

Cleansing and moisturizing are the key components to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Cleansing removes dirt, grime, and dead skin cells, but cleansers also have a harmful effect on the skin by drying it out. Moisturizers not only increase the skin’s water content, but they also protect the skin and encourage an orderly desquamation (shedding) process that makes the skin appear more smooth.

The number of moisturizers on the market is astounding and most claim to have properties that no other moisturizer has. In this article, we will cover the key ingredients in moisturizers - humectants, occlusives, emollients, and miscellaneous ingredients - and discuss their effects on the skin. Imagine being able to read and understand a moisturizer ingredient label. Grab your moisturizer bottles, jars, and tubes and we’ll get started.

Five Natural Ways to Prevent Facial Aging

The biological make-up of our skin begins to show signs of aging as early as our 20s. Age shows not only on our face, neck and chest but all over. There are many ways to care for your skin and prevent premature aging. Following are five ways that you can age gracefully. These are things you can do in your daily life that will dramatically reduce signs of aging.

• Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit. We all know that smoking is bad for us and affects our body negatively. Smoking
  

  smoking causes wrinkles

  contributes to premature aging and many other health problems. The many chemicals in cigarettes influence the skin’s structure and dehydrate the cells, resulting in increased aging.

• Get some sleep. Research has shown that people who sleep regularly seven to eight hours a night are healthier than those who lack sleep or over sleep. Sleeping allows the body to repair cellular damage and recharge. To prevent signs of aging on the face, try sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your stomach or side can damage skin by slowing down circulation and weakening the skin’s elasticity, resulting in wrinkles.
  
• Sunscreen, use it, wear it, and love it. Wear sunscreen everyday-even on cloudy or rainy days, and even if you are just going to be outside a short time. We all know that the sun has harmful affects to the skin. Sun tanning and burning damage the skin, leading to premature aging. Sun exposure over time leads to wrinkles and ugly pigmentation spots. There is no excuse to not wear sunscreen, it comes in all forms and is formulated now to be lightweight and beneficial to the skin as well as giving sun protection.
  
• Hydrate and Moisturize the skin from the inside and outside. Hydrated skin is healthy and plump, looks moist and shows few wrinkles and lines. As we age our skin loses elasticity; using moisturizers with ingredients such as vitamins and minerals that help repair the skin is the best way to restore elasticity and prevent its break down. Drink lots of water to hydrate the skin internally and use a good moisturizer. Try intense facial moisturizer or zinc repair cream by Vivoderm. There are many great zinc moisturizers and sunscreens on the market today; shop around for the one that is right for you.
  
• A healthy lifestyle and healthy diet can dramatically strengthen the skin and prevent premature aging. Fruits, vegetables,
  

  healthy diet and skin

  nuts and other nutrient- rich produce give the body strength to fight and repair damage. If you are good to your body from the inside out, you will have less external maintenance. Part of a healthy life style is getting exercise, so get up and get moving. Fit people also tend have less heath problems. Health problems can lead to premature aging of the skin by showing wrinkles and damage earlier than those people who choose to be healthy.

There is no way to prevent aging - it is inevitable, however there are ways to slow it down. Today there is plastic surgery and amazing skin care products to improve the look and feel of skin. But it’s never too late to prevent further damage so you don’t have to take the drastic measures of plastic surgery or spend tons of money on skin care later in life.

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.