We all dream of a quick and easy solution to beautiful, healthy skin. If only there was something that you could take before bed, and wake up with a flawless complexion. The good news is that there is, and we are here to tell you about it.

As with anything else skin-related, everything takes time to work and internal skincare is no exception. A good way of determining your timelines to reaching your skin goals is to think about how long you have seen the condition. After determining that duration, add six months to it, and that will be approximately how long it takes you to reach your skin goals. Remember that almost all skin conditions come with an internal factor, which is often developing for a few months or weeks before it begins to surface on the skin.
Internal Skincare
Internal skincare is about treating the body for the inside out. Below is a quick breakdown of some of the most popular internal skincare supplements that you can take.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a major contributor to cellular renewal and healthy skin. It significantly reduces sebum production, which makes it ideal for those with overly oily skin.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is enriched with antioxidants, which are very important for cellular renewal.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E will protect the skin against premature ageing that is caused by sun damage and environmental pollutants. It is a potent anti-inflammatory that works well with Vitamin C to encourage the reconstruction of collagen, allowing your skin to maintain its youthful appearance.

There is no single supplement that holds the key to beautiful healthy skin. It is actually a combination of a number of vitamins and minerals working together to create and maintain healthy skin cells.
What Do Skin Cells Need To Be Healthy?
They need energy in order to encourage the body to jumpstart it’s natural ability to heal.
Your body is made up of 70% collagen, which is a protein. As we age, the collagen in our bodies break down faster and we eventually stop producing it.
Fluids, like water, are crucial in maintaining healthy functioning cells. Water is very important for overall hydration and transporting blood and nutrients.
Good fats are necessary for both men and women. Fat not only lubricants the skin and joints, but for women, it is where the body stores hormones. Omegas 3 and 6 and essential fatty acids that the body cannot create on its own, but should be getting it from an outside source like supplements.

For all of your skincare needs, look no further than European Beauty. We offer a wide range of services for all skin types. Contact us today to learn more.

Covering up acne with makeup is not bad as long as you’re doing it properly and using the correct products. Applying makeup incorrectly will defeat the purpose and make the acne more visible, so if your goal is to make pimples and zits appear faint or wish to make them look as though they’re not there at all, you will have to apply the right techniques so that you cover the acne successfully.

Reaching for a full coverage foundation is not always the right answer because the improper application or wrong product can actually make your acne worse. Remember that some makeup can cause acne, which is why this combination must be taken seriously to ensure you’re not doing anything wrong and harming your skin. Makeup-related acne can occur when you do not remove makeup properly or the products are old, in which case they could be contaminated with bacteria. The problem with acne is that it’s individual so the response is not the same in terms of formulas and each person will react differently towards certain brands or types of makeup. No one type of foundation will accommodate everyone and a product that works well for a friend may not have the same effect on you and may cause breakouts.

Start by familiarizing yourself with your skin type so that you can use products that are suitable. For example, oily skin and acne will require different formulas than those who have dry skin and acne. Figure out which ingredients bother you and which ones work well for your skin so that you can focus on specific products that will cover your acne instead of making it worse. Do not dip makeup applicators back into the foundation bottle, especially if you tap it against a pimple because this may cause bacteria to enter into the bottle or tube and that product will be contaminated going forward. In order to avoid cross-contamination, apply your product to the back of your hand, after which you can apply it to your face. Always apply makeup to a clean face; otherwise, grime will become trapped under your makeup and on your skin, which can lead to breakouts. Make sure your face is freshly washed before applying makeup and use moisturizer suitable for your skin type.

Never use dirty makeup brushes and do not share makeup with anyone because this can make your acne worse and cause more breakouts. Dirty brushes can contain germs, so be sure to wash them regularly before using them on your face and the presence of foreign dead skin cells present from sharing your brushes can trigger a breakout, so be mindful of these aspects.

When it comes to makeup and acne less is always more and the experts at European Beauty can provide more information regarding this topic. Located in Toronto, we offer DMK skincare treatments and facials, so if you want clear skin, give us a call today!

Exfoliation is the skin’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells, allowing fresh, bright skin to surface. The top layer of skin is constantly going through the process of shedding and regenerating, which can sometimes lead to unevenness or may occur at a slower pace than we would prefer.

There are many skincare products on the market, which can speed up the exfoliation process, but what are the benefits? The answer is that when we speed up the exfoliation process, we encourage the process of cell turnover, which can help your skin look younger and brighter. 

Exfoliation: Chemical and Mechanical 

There are two types of exfoliation available to you: chemical and mechanical. Both aim to reveal new skin cells beneath the skin’s surface layer. The difference lies in how they accomplish that goal. Chemical exfoliators are usually more acidic, which allows them to separate dead skin cells from living ones. Mechanical exfoliation, on the other hand, requires a rough surface (washcloth, cleaning brush) or exfoliation products (scrubs) to remove the top layer of skin. 

Chemical Exfoliation

There are two main chemical exfoliators: Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA). For oily, acne-prone skin, BHAs such as salicylic acid is recommended to break down the fatty components (oils and sebum), on the skin’s surface. For combination/dry skin, AHAs such as glycolic acid are a better option, since not only do they penetrate the skin to encourage cell turnover, but they also aim to promote hydration. If you have sensitive skin and are interested in chemical exfoliation, you will want to begin with lactic acid, which is a gentle AHA. 

Mechanical Exfoliation 

When you use a rough object such as a washcloth or a facial scrub you are performing mechanical exfoliation. While mechanical exfoliation can be beneficial, you have to be careful about what tools you use. Many facial scrubs, specifically those that have microbeads, can cause tiny cuts on the skin if used too aggressively, which can result in inflammation and increase your chances of developing an infection. Using gentle exfoliants and gently scrubbing your face will ensure your skin stays injury-free.

DIY Exfoliation 

It may be tempting to experiment with DIY exfoliation treatments, but they can cause serious damage to your skin if you are not careful and do your research. The skin’s normal pH is around 5.5%, which allows it to protect itself from harmful bacteria. Many products used in DIY exfoliators, such as baking soda and lemon, are too acidic for the skin and can actually cause burning. If in doubt about a DIY exfoliator, it is best to refrain from risk your skin’s health and safety. 

For all of your exfoliation needs, come into European Beauty. We have a team of exceptionally trained estheticians who are skilled in a variety of facial and body services for your specific needs. 

When it comes to skincare, it’s natural to want the best, which is why many people wonder about the differences between medical-grade skincare products and over-the-counter ones. This is a common question and with all the ads we come across, it can be difficult to determine which is best. Everyone claims their skincare products work wonders but which is true?

Skincare products need to produce results and the quality and quantity of the ingredients will play a big part in this. This also happens to be one of the key differences between medical-grade products and those you can get over-the-counter or at beauty stores. The formula you get is different because medical-grade skincare products can use a higher percentage of each ingredient, which over-the-counter products cannot. If a product has a long list of ingredients, it doesn’t mean it is better, so don’t confuse that to mean quantity because really it’s the dosage that matters. 

Take vitamin C for example; products found at department stores may contain a high percentage of this ingredient but it’s likely that it’s not in the stable form that medical-grade products offer, meaning the ingredient is not present in its full strength and won’t have as much of an effect when placed on your skin. A higher concentration of an ingredient will produce better results and this higher dosage will only be found in medical-grade products as over-the-counter products have limitations regarding quantity, which inevitably affects the quality.

Quality ingredients and products take time and research. When it comes to medical-grade products, scientists and skincare professionals are involved, meaning the different ingredients have been harvested from different parts of the world while other ingredients are developed to come up with the perfect product that works and produces real results once it is applied. Medical grade products target specific skin concerns and find the proper ingredients to treat and eliminate those concerns, which can take years of research to develop, which over-the-counter products cannot do. When it comes to skincare products, you often get what you pay for, so if something is a few dollars, it’s not likely that a lot of thought has gone into it.

Over-the-counter products do not have the same research and testing standards that medical-grade products do, so when you purchase the latter, it means you’re getting a product that has been researched thoroughly and contains data proving that it works.

The experts at European Beauty in Toronto can help you with all of your skincare needs, whether it’s DMK or facials and use only the best products with proven ingredients to ensure results. For quality products, a fantastic experience and healthier-looking skin, give European Beauty a call today!

If the application of vitamin C is not a part of your daily routine, you should consider adding it to your daily regimen because of the benefits it provides for your skin and the significant difference it can make over time. Adding a vitamin C serum should not be viewed as a chore but rather a necessity whose application will provide remarkable results. 

Vitamin C is essential for many skin and cellular functions. This includes collagen synthesis, maintaining skin strength and its integrity, as well as wound healing. Another very important element that vitamin C helps with is UV protection. It also offers protection against stress signs, pollution, sun and smoking, all of which damage the DNA of the cell and causes premature ageing. In addition to offering the necessary protection against these elements, vitamin C also helps boost collagen production and can even reverse cell damage, resulting in firmer and younger-looking skin. It may even reduce the appearance of brown spots and prevent pigmentation.

Now that you know how important vitamin C serum is for your skin, it’s important to know how to select the serum that’s right for you. They are not all created equal, so you need to take a close look at the form of vitamin C, concentration and formulation. It may sound confusing but vitamin C comes in different forms that have different absorption rates. A common form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid, which most serums contain but there are many others so research which is most effective and talks to a professional.

Concentration refers to the strength of the acid, so check the percentage to see how strong the serum is. Products can have an acid concentration of 10, 15 or even 20%. A high concentration alone is not as valuable as having other antioxidants and boosters like vitamin E combined into the serum which will be more effective. Lastly, consider formulation. The combination of vitamin C with vitamin E as well as ferulic acid provides more benefits because it becomes much more of a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E is an antioxidant in itself that helps maintain the skin barrier while enhancing the function of vitamin C, so check to see if all of these ingredients are present in the serum. 

Healthy skin is very important but not always easy to achieve, which is why the professionals at European Beauty can help. Located in Toronto, they offer a variety of facials and DMK skincare to help you get a beautiful and healthy glow. Book an appointment today and you’ll start seeing results immediately!

Your body isn’t going to like every chemical and ingredient it comes into contact with, including those found in cosmetics. If you apply an eyeshadow color and end up with itchy eyes, then you might be allergic to that specific product. If you use a lot of different makeup products, it might be difficult to pinpoint the culprit. Here are a few things to be on the lookout for if you suspect you might be allergic to makeup.

Do You Have an Unusual Rash?

The reaction that occurs from being in contact with an allergen is called allergic contact dermatitis, and it can look pretty similar to eczema. If you notice an itchy, dry, red or flaky rash in an area that you’ve applied makeup too, then you’re likely allergic to an ingredient within the product. Extreme allergic reactions to makeup can cause swelling or blistering, similar to what you’d experience with poison ivy.

A Longtime Product Can Turn on You

Like with any allergen out there, you can develop an allergy to a product you’ve been using for months or even years. The more you use a specific makeup product, the more your immune system has time to get used to it before deciding that it doesn’t like it. In general, the immune system can become hypersensitive to chemicals as time goes on. This means that one day, your holy-grail lipstick or eyeshadow that you’ve been using for several years can suddenly turn on you and cause a rash or blistering.

The Reaction Might Not be Immediate

When you start using a new product, you might not see a reaction form for a few hours, or possibly even a few days. However, once that first allergic reaction happens, the next one might happen within an hour or two rather than a few days due to previous exposure. Your immune system is faster in recognizing the chemical it doesn’t like and works faster to express that to the rest of your body.

Some of the most common reactions to cosmetics are due to present metals like nickel and cobalt, which are typically found in hair dyes, eyeshadows, and deodorants. The preservatives used to extend the product’s shelf life, most commonly parabens and methylisothiazolinone, are also popular in causing allergic reactions. However, while these ingredients and more can negatively impact those with sensitive skin, it’s usually not a life-threatening reaction.

What Happens When You Stop Using the Product?

The best way to determine if a makeup product is causing an allergic reaction is to stop using it.
Many believe that the reactions are due to the product expiring rather than the ingredients itself. To test this as well, purchase a new one and test whether or not you still have the same reaction.

At European Beauty, our experts are committed to helping our Toronto clients achieve brighter and healthier skin. Our many skincare services include DMK organic enzyme facials, radiofrequency face lifting, non-surgical facelifts, skin tightening treatments and more. To book an appointment with us, be sure to give us a call or visit our website.

If you want your skin to look as bright and youthful as ever, you need to make sure it’s protected from the sun’s ultraviolet rays at all times. Sun protection is essential, which is why you should look for sunscreens that have a minimum SPF of 30. It’s also important to look out for sunscreens that are paraben-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog pores) and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Now the question remains, should you choose a chemical sunscreen or a physical one? This guide is here to narrow down your choice and find the perfect sunblock solution for you!

What is Chemical Sunscreen?

Chemical refers to the spray form of sunscreen. It’s absorbed directly into the skin, allowing any UV rays that follow from sun exposure to convert into heat before being released from the body. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

The Pros and Cons of Chemical Sunscreen

This is the best solution if you’re going swimming in the sun or will constantly be in the water, chemical sunscreen is formulated to be both water and sweatproof. Because it’s absorbed into the skin quickly, you don’t need much to get the best protection. This option has a thin consistency that makes it easy to apply to the skin and comfortable for all-day wear. It’s also easy to add other skincare ingredients like peptides and enzymes to further benefit your skin.

Even though chemical sunscreen is quickly absorbed into the skin, you’ll need to wait about ten minutes for the spray to effectively dry and work its magic before going outside. It also has the potential to increase discoloration and spotting when your skin’s internal temperature gets too hot. If you have dry or sensitive skin, there’s a higher chance of skin irritation, especially when you get higher in SPF formulations. You’ll need to reapply this option more frequently, as the protection dwindles down faster, and if sweat mixes with the sunscreen and enters your eyes, expect it to sting a bit.

What is Physical Sunscreen?

Also known as the physical sun blocker, this form of sunscreen is the traditional creamy consistency that sits on top of the skin and works to reflect the sun’s UV rays. The main ingredients in any reliable physical sunscreen include the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
The Pros and Cons of Physical Sunscreen

Physical sunscreen is good for sensitive skin types, as it’s less irritable and provides more moisture. This option also protects against UVA and UVB rays as soon as it’s applied, and lasts longer in direct ultraviolet light, until sweat and water are introduced. Physical sunscreen is better for heat-activated skin, like rosacea or redness, as it deflects heat away from the skin, preventing redness. It has a long shelf life and is less likely to clog pores or cause blemishes for acne prone skin.

Because it’s a thick formula, physical sunscreen can feel heavy on the skin, making it more difficult to blend in completely while also being easy to rub off entirely. If you have a darker skin tone, then this option might leave a white cast on your skin. That cast will be more noticeable as you sweat since cream sunscreens create an unpleasant film. It’s less protective if a generous amount isn’t applied, but it can feel uncomfortable under makeup.

At European Beauty, we’re dedicated to helping our Yorkville customers obtain healthy and bright skin. With skincare services that include DMK organic enzyme facials, skin tightening, non-surgical facelifts, radiofrequency face lifting and more, contact us today to book an appointment.

We all want to look young while having blemish-free and clear skin; an enzyme facial is the best way to achieve that. Enzyme facials have garnered a lot of popularity in recent years. Although the concept of using enzymes on the skin seems frightening, enzyme facials are incredibly effective for getting clear and younger-looking skin. Over a period of time, enzyme facials have become less of a traumatic experience and more of a pleasurable one. Due to the results that an enzyme facial brings to the table, they are becoming quite popular among people. Many celebrities have endorsed the claims that enzyme facials can result in youthful and healthy-looking skin.

Enzyme facials & chemical peels
In general, enzymes are substances that help to regulate your health and maintain a proper balance of minerals in your body. They also form a natural system of antioxidants in the skin. When formulated properly, enzymes can help to eliminate the residues of dead protein in the skin and can reverse the signs of premature ageing. They can also help to restore collagen formation. An enzyme facial offers dual benefits of enzyme chemicals as well as strategic hand movements and stimulation of pressure points on your face. All these results in increased blood circulation in the face area. Enzyme facials promote healthier, clearer and youthful skin.

Enzyme facials are often confused with different kinds of chemical peels that are currently available in the market, although chemical peels, in theory, are still believed to be harsh on the skin. Chemical peels are made from many chemical-based ingredients. Although they are tested for skin safety, chemical peels can still result in redness and reactions for sensitive skin.

Thankfully, many modern-day chemical peels are made from fruit-based enzymes and termed as enzyme facials. These are not only a safer option but also contain natural healthy acids from fruits such as pineapple, papaya, pumpkin and even cinnamon. These fruit-based acids are gentle on the skin and extremely suitable for sensitive skin. They help to treat and clear blemishes and exfoliate skin deeply revealing new layers of younger-looking skin and hiding effects of ageing. These soft, fruit-based acids are not harmful to the skin, but they do help to treat blemishes and exfoliate deeply to reveal new layers of younger-looking skin.

Although enzyme facials have tremendous visible effects, it is extremely important to get it done from a trained and experienced professional. European Beauty, Toronto’s best spa and salon, offers the best quality enzyme facials by their team of trained and experienced aestheticians. Their enzyme facial treatment includes a thorough cleansing, detoxification, scrubbing away of dead skin cells, followed by a relaxing facial massage, at the end of which you are revealed to clear bright skin. To experience the long lasting and impressive effects of an enzyme facial, call European Beauty today for an appointment!

If your skin looks greasy or shiny all the time, then it might be time to take on an oily skin regime. It can be difficult to control the amount of oil your skin, but there are ways to work with it and achieve a matte look. Overactive glands can cause other skin imperfections such as whiteheads, blackheads, acne, and enlarged pores. Here are some ways to tame your skin’s oil production:

Wash Your Face Twice a Day

The most tried and tested methods to reel in excessive oil on your skin is by cleansing it at least twice a day. Foaming or gel-based cleansers are best for oily skin and also look for types that are oil-free. You should avoid abrasive products as it can strip your skin of moisture and trigger it to produce more oil.

Exfoliate

While you do not want to use a cleanser that is too drying, you should use an exfoliator once or twice a week. Excessive oil production can cause dead skin cells to clog pores, resulting in bumps and dull skin. Scrub away dead skin cells and renew the surface of your skin by adding an exfoliator to your skincare routine. Be sure to scrub gently though.

Apply Face Masks Weekly

After you exfoliate your skin, apply a face mask. Formulas with clay or sandalwood are excellent for gently absorbing excess oil.

Use Alcohol-Free Toner

Toning every day after you cleanse your face will help get rid of dirt and excess oil from your skin. Alcohol can be too drying on the surface though and make your skin produce even more oil to counter it. Consider using a toner with rosewater that is both gentle and effective.

Use Moisturizer Daily

Despite what you might think, oily skin requires moisturizer just as much as dry skin. Starving your skin of moisture only makes it produce more oil to compensate. Use a moisturizer every day after cleansing to keep your skin balanced.

Always Use Sunscreen

Many people with oily skin choose to skip out on sunscreen because of how greasy it can feel. Although, forgoing sunscreen can make pigmentation worse. Use a gel-based sunscreen if you have oily skin so that you are adequately protected from the sun, but your face still looks matte.

Consume Less Oil

You are what you eat, which is why eating less food with oil can help keep your skin in check. Cut back on processed and fried foods and reduce how much surgery drinks you consume. Instead, load up on citrus fruits like oranges and kiwis instead.

Be Picky With Your Makeup

Avoid pore-clogging foundation that feels heavy and, instead, look for lighter textures that are mattifying or oil-controlling. If you just want a little bit of coverage, opt for powder instead of foundation. Regardless of which products you choose, always remember to remove your makeup before bed so that your skin can breathe.

If you need help managing your oily skin, book an appointment with European Beauty. Our experienced skincare experts will perform a consultation and provide you with the most effective options.

The fat that pushes against the connective tissue in your skin, causing a bumpy appearance is called cellulite. It mostly affects women and typically appears on the arms, buttocks, and thighs. Several factors determine whether someone gets cellulite such as the amount of their body fat, age, diet, and genetics. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do on a regularly to prevent cellulite.

Healthy Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet not only improves your overall health but it can also reduce your chances of getting cellulite. Avoid consuming food that is high in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sugar such as deep-fried food, pastries, soda, and candy. Try to include leafy green vegetables or fruit with every meal you eat. You should also drink at least two litres of water every day to help your body cleanse itself of toxins. These can accumulate under your skin, causing fluid and fat retention.

Brush Your Skin

You probably brush your hair, but you probably did not know that you should be brushing your skin as well. Use a loofah or a skin brush when you bath or shower to rub off dead skin cells and improve circulation to your skin. It can prevent the formation of cellulite by stimulating your lymph nodes and improving your blood blow. This encourages the growth of new skin cells. Avoid scrubbing your skin too hard as it can cause the skin to turn red and become irritated. Instead, gently brush the surface in a circular motion.

Indulge Sparingly

Intoxicating substances like alcohol or drugs can wreak havoc on your body in several ways. They have harmful toxins that can slow down and damage your kidneys and liver, which slows down your body’s ability to eliminate waste. This disruption in your body’s day-to-day functioning can cause the formation of cellulite. Avoid indulging in toxic substances as much as possible to prevent cellulite.

Exercise Daily

Being active for at least half an hour each day could help you burn fat that can cause cellulite. Even light exercise like brisk walking can go a long way in prevention. Daily activity combined with a healthy diet can help eliminate fat deposits that lead to cellulite formation.

Massage

Getting a full-body massage weekly could help reduce your chances of getting cellulite. It helps prevent fat deposits from dimpling your skin and can lessen the appearance of existing cellulite. Massages are also relaxing and can improve your overall physical and mental health.

These measures can help you stop cellulite from forming, but you will need more substantial methods to eliminate it altogether. For ways to get rid of cellulite you already have, contact European Beauty. We have several options available that are quick, effective, and safe. 

While the winter brings festivities, Christmas and skating rink fun, they are not as much fun for our skin which gets a tad too flaky, dry, and itchy. For most of us, winter skin is a nightmare as we appear to have aged 10 times in just one season and our skin suddenly loses its luster and shine that people envied us for at one time. However, all is not lost as adding some simple steps here and there in your beauty regime can help to get back your original skin in no time. Of course, it does involve some extra efforts for you. But for glowy, soft skin, who doesn’t mind investing a little more? Most of us are probably already following the CTM routine – Cleansing, Toning, Moisturising – but these three steps alone cannot combat the harsh Canadian winters. What we need is a solid routine that beats the skin blues. Here are some proven ways to make sure your skin gets a daily dose of nutrition and stays shiny and lustrous all through the winter.

Cleansing

Make sure you clean your face before going to bed. While we assume you are already using a cleanser, make sure you double cleanse in winters. Why? Because the first round of cleansing helps to remove your makeup and SPF (we hope you know that you need SPF even in winters!). The second round is to clean your actual skin layer once it is free of all layers of makeup and SPF. Bear in mind that if you don’t cleanse enough, those expensive serums and moisturizers you just bought aren’t going to be half as effective. For the best results, you can do the first round of cleansing using an oil or cream cleanser and follow it using micellar water or a gel or foam based cleanser. This two-point cleansing will ensure you get rid of all oil and water-based dirt.

Using a hyaluronic acid

Exposure to severe temperatures, heating and dehydration can result in the premature appearance of fine lines. If you feel like you have suddenly aged overnight, don’t worry, your skin is just dehydrated. Don’t be alarmed with the word acid just as yet. Hyaluronic acid is found in the body and is known to slow ageing. Since it has the ability to attract and hold large amounts of moisture, using an HA serum before moisturizing helps you to retain the good effects of the moisturizer.

Facial Oil

Oil is your best friend in the winter. Whether it is for your hair or skin, using a facial oil a few times a week instead of regular moisturizer can seal in moisture and make your skin look like a million bucks. It also helps you to prevent skin flaking giving you a nice glossy skin tone.

Acid toner

Acid toners may sound scary but believe us, it is more effective than the scrub that has been sitting in your shower for the past many many months. After cleansing, remember to dab a few drops of acid toner over your skin and get rid of fine lines and spot scarring. Make sure to use an SPF the next day to prevent damage to your skin.

Face mask

Applying a face mask each week will replenish your skin and tone it. Just apply your face mask and surf your favourite Netflix exclusives while the mask works its charm. Have a better example of multitasking? We don’t!

European Beauty is a premium skincare boutique offering a range of beauty services for skin and body. Speak to our skin therapist today to know the best skin rejuvenation and maintenance programs for you.

DMK Skincare is the only company in the world that’s created an enzyme therapy facial that uses transfer message enzymes. Enzymes themselves are living essences in your body that helps to regulate our health, among other things. They also work with naturally occurring minerals to form antioxidants that fight free radicals from attacking your skin. This specialized treatment encourages the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, which is important if you want it to look full, hydrated and wrinkle-free. This DMK skincare line is designed to treat both your face and body.

The Treatment

The enzyme therapy facial starts with a deep cleaning of the skin before being exfoliated to rid the surface of your face and body of dead skin. Revealing a new layer of skin allows for the hydrolyzing mask to properly sink into your face. While this facial is incredibly relaxing, the enzyme mask itself being applied using a brush, you need to be prepared for what happens after application. The mask will harden into a stiff crust over your skin, but don’t be alarmed if you feel pulsations spreading beneath the surface. It’s an indication that the mask is working as blood flows to the surface of your skin. The intense pulsing won’t last long and expect your skin to be red and possibly blotchy afterwards. Soothing gels and serums are then applied to the skin to help boost immunity and further product collagen. The mask itself stays on for 45 minutes, while the entire treatment lasts almost two hours.

The Benefits

There’s a reason this skincare treatment is highly recommended and spoken about with high praise. The enzyme therapy will help to enhance the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Having a healthy amount of collagen in your system strengthens your skin, which is how this facial reduces wrinkles and lines so efficiently. The increase in elastin allows your skin to stretch and bounce back like an elastic band.

As the enzymes sink into your face and body through the mask, they work internally to increase your circulation and oxygenation. This organic mask was crafted to make you look as young and healthy as you feel inside. With instant results, your skin will look plump and there won’t be a fine line in sight. It’s a great option for anyone who wants the benefits of invasive skin care treatments such as Botox or fillers, without the needles. The DMK enzyme therapy treatment also detoxifies your skin to brighten it up, smoothes out scarring and textured skin and stimulates facial muscles.

At European Beauty, we’re proud to carry DMK organic skincare products and perform this enzyme facial for any interested customers. Located in Yorkville, Ontario, we’ve created a relaxing and comfortable environment just for you. Top quality service and training, our aestheticians specialize in a large variety of skin care treatments, including non-surgical facelifts, radio frequency face lifting, tightening, acne, pigmentation and more. Call us or visit our website to book your appointment today, we guarantee you’ll leave here with the skin you’ve always dreamed of.

Acne is unfortunately often caused by genetics. While there are a variety of treatments available it is not always avoidable and contrary to popular belief is not caused by a lack of self-care or being dirty. For some people, they just get acne due to their genes, and for others, they get flare-ups thanks to hormonal fluctuation, stress, eating trigger foods, or all thanks to puberty. Depending on why you have acne, there are different things you can do to treat it and prevent it from coming back outside of medical intervention and medication (though sometimes this is necessary). Here are some of the ways that you can fight back against acne and get clear skin.

Washing Your Face Properly

When you have acne or are worried about acne, then you may end up washing your face too often. This is counterintuitive, even though it feels like if you just keep scrubbing, you can make your acne go away. Harsh exfoliating can actually cause further irritation and form more acne. You will want to wash your face twice a day with warm water and milk cleanser. Harsh cleansers can end up hurting inflamed skin further. Also, make sure you are using disposable cleaning pads or are only using your washcloth once before laundering it.

Be Careful of Hair Products

If you are using any kind of hair product, then chances are it can get onto your skin and clog your pores. A way to help this is to do your hair before washing your face and then wash your face to clear way any product that gets onto your skin. Also, throughout the day, avoid touching your hair and then your face and consider wiping your face down with a cleansing cloth or micellar water to get rid of impurities during the day.

Avoid Makeup

This one can be especially hard if you have been using makeup to cover up the redness caused by acne or disguise blemishes. The best thing you can do to help calm down a breakout, though, is to avoid coverup, foundation, blush, and highlighter. Feel free to use mascara, do your brows, and wear lip product, just give your skin a chance to breathe. If you have a special event that you need to wear makeup to, choose oil-free products that are as natural as possible.

Moisturize

Keeping your skin moisturized will help keep acne at bay. Use moisturizers that are oil-free and do not contain petroleum. Moisturizing actually helps keep your skin from producing excess oil as you are already hydrated.  

Avoid Trigger Foods

While everyone has different trigger foods that may be causing or worsening acne, you can try to cut out common triggers and see if it helps you. Common acne trigger foods are refined grains, sugars, dairy, foods with omega-6 fats (omega-3 fats are great, however), and chocolate. Many of these foods are inflammatory which will make acne worse. Diets that help acne are ones right in omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, green tea, turmeric (an anti-inflammatory), paleo diets, antioxidants, and zinc.

Get Acne Facials

There are great acne targeting facials, and skin care regimes offered at spas to help get your skin clear and keep it clear. At European Beauty, we offer both an adult acne treatment and a teen acne treatment to get rid of large, painful acne blemishes and give you the skin you have always wanted. Our beauty spa in Toronto offers European spa treatments that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. Call us now for a consultation on our products and treatments that you need and guidance on how to use them at home from our esthetician.

Why do you need advice about washing your face? What could possibly go wrong? You will be surprised to know that a lot could. If you don’t do it right, you could end up with more problems than you set out to remove. For oily skin, excessive washing can dry out your skin more than necessary if you don’t take care to treat it with correct remedies once you are done. This could lead to lines and wrinkles eventually, premature sagging and a dull, weary look. Here’s what dermatology specialists say about washing face the right way.

PH – Balanced Cleanser

Good skin is one that is balanced between acidic and alkaline to keep out germs and toxins. The wrong products can disrupt your pH levels, resulting in inflammation or acne. If your pH balance is more acidic, you can have rashes, redness or irritation that can break down skin-firming collagen and elastin. A little bit of skin acidity fights off toxins better. Skin that is more alkaline dries out faster, causing wrinkles. Use a pH balanced cleanser while washing your face to attain epidermal bliss and balance. Use a foaming or gel cleanser for oily skin and a creamier cleanser for dry skin but avoid bar soap. It dries out the skin.

Wash Hands Before Washing Face

This is a small step that most of us tend to ignore. Cleaning your face with dirty hands transfers dirt, grime, and germs from one part of the body to the other. If you use a face scrubber to work up foam or use a towel to dry your face after washing, make sure those are clean too. Use lukewarm water to keep your face hydrated and water that’s a bit on the colder side. Hot, steamy water can dry out your face. It dilates blood vessels and breaks down delicate tissues.

Avoid Excessive Exfoliation

Be gentle on your skin. If you are rough on yourself or use exfoliation too often or with too much aggression, delicate facial tissues can get damaged. Use gentle scrubs that don’t scar your skin or leave them with marks. Exfoliation can help you get rid of dry, dead cells that sit on the surface of your skin but scrubbing too long or too hard can cause inflammation and irritation. It’s enough to exfoliate once or twice a week, not more.

Remove Makeup Before

It is important to remove all traces of makeup before you sleep to prevent acne and dullness but never use your cleanser to wash it off your face. Basic cleansers can never remove waterproof or strong smudge proof makeup from deep within your pores. Use a makeup removing wipe, a makeup removing toner or oil-based makeup remover before you proceed to wash your face with the right cleanser. Make sure to use a sunscreen if you step out in the daytime or moisturize to keep your skin hydrated at night.

European Beauty, Toronto

We are a skincare boutique that provides a number of services in a soothing, rejuvenating environment. Our European-trained aestheticians pamper you with a wide variety of top-quality facial and body treatments such as anti-aging or organic cosmeceutical treatments and more that bring back a youthful glow to your skin from top to toe. Get rid of pesky blackheads or simply succumb to the deep relaxation we offer to face the days ahead with renewed energy and zest. Call us now for a consultation on our products and treatments that you need and guidance on how to use them at home from our esthetician.

Dry skin is uncomfortable and at risk for painful cracks and flaky itching. As the weather gets colder, more and more people who struggle with dry skin are going to be experiencing symptoms and trying desperately to fight back and keep their skin happy and moisturized. There are so many things you can do to help your dry skin stay moisturized. Here are our top six tips to keep your skin supple and healthy during the winter months and throughout the year.

Minimize Exposure

When you are fighting against dry skin, you are most likely fighting against your genetics. People are born with oily, dry, or combination skin, and if you naturally do not have a more protective lipid barrier, then germs and irritants can get into the skin while moisture escapes (these irritants and germs are why so many dry skin sufferers get red and itchy skin). Depleting elements include harsh winds, dry heat and low humidity, sun, alcohol, and long baths. Staying away from these things can significantly improve your skin condition.

Carefully Choose Soaps

Many soaps strip the skin of natural oils. Your natural oils help protect your skin and keep it moisturized, and if you have dry skin, then you are not suffering from too much oil production anyway. Stay away from these five ingredients in your soaps and cleansers if you have dry skin:

• Retinoids
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Alcohol
• Salicylic acid
• Fragrances and preservatives

Other than fragrances and preservatives, which should always be avoided in products, the other four ingredients can help people with certain skin conditions such as acne or oily skin. They are not suitable for people with dry skin specifically though, and if you are using a product with these ingredients to treat acne then stick to spot treatment not to dry out the rest of your skin.

Stay Away from Anti-Aging

Anti-aging treatments are a big no for those with dry skin. They are notoriously irritating and often have many of the ingredients listed above that should be avoided.

Gentle Exfoliation

Exfoliating can help dry skin a lot, but over-exfoliating can be very bad for you and damage your skin, especially if it is dry. If you have oily skin then exfoliating every other day is ok, but if you have dry skin then just doing it once or twice a week is enough. Use a gentle exfoliator or a sonic brush to do the job.

Moisturize

Use a moisturizer daily and make sure that it has sunscreen in it or that you are using sunscreen in conjunction with it. This will help keep your skin happy and protect you from UV rays which can dry out your skin further as well as age your skin.

Get Facials

At home care is necessary to treat dry skin and keep your skin supple, but if you want more immediate and visible results, then you should go into a spa and get a dry skin facial treatment. You will get a big “push” towards more moisturized skin and having good skin will encourage you to work hard to keep it rather than trying to reverse dry skin on your own.

If you have dry skin, then come into European Beauty. Our beauty spa in Toronto is a European spa that offers facial treatments for all skin types. Call us now for a consultation on our products and treatments that you need and guidance on how to use them at home from our esthetician.

Most people do not think about their skin because it is something that we all take for granted. There are many fun facts that you should know about your skin and here are five that should delight you!

Your Skin Is The Largest Organ In Your Body

Many people do not realize that their skin is a single organ or classified as an organ at all. As this is the case, the skin is actually the largest organ in your body. It will make up 12 to 15% of your entire body weight and will cover an area of 21 square feet when laid out. The blood vessels in the skin will also measure 10 miles when laid out. With that much skin, and the knowledge that it is an organ, it is especially important to take care of it to the best of your ability.  

Temperature Control

One of the primary purposes of the skin is to control your body temperature. This is why you will sweat when you are hot and get goosebumps when you are cold. Another purpose of the skin is to defend the body from germs and dirt.

When looking at sweating, the skin is able to produce, at a maximum, 2 to 3 gallons of sweat each day. This is created by the sweat glands that are found in the skin. It is also one of the reasons why you are advised to drink a lot of water in the summer and when you work out. Women actually have more sweat glands than men, however, men have more active sweat glands.

The Number Of Skin Cells

For each square inch of your skin, there are over 18 million skin cells.  This is good to know when you find out about the number of dead skin cells you lose every minute. Each minute, your skin will lose around 35,000 dead skin cells which is not much when you consider the amount you have. These dead skin cells actually make up a large part of the dust in your home. Some dead skin cells do have a harder time shedding, so exfoliating on a regular schedule is a great way to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

The Skin On Your Lips

The skin on your lips is very sensitive and is around 200 times more sensitive than the skin you find on the end of your fingers.  This is why any damage to the mouth, as anyone who has ever gotten a fat lip will attest to, will feel more painful than damage to any other area of skin.

The Thinnest Skin

The skin has a varying thickness depending on where it is located.  Your hands and feet will have the thickest skin because they come into contact with the elements more. The thinnest skin on your body is actually on your eyelids, which is one reason why it is so easy to see the veins below the surface of the skin.

Taking care of your skin is so important. It is the largest organ in your body and your first defense against impurities from the outside world. Let the team at European Beauty help you get the best skin of your life. Taking care of your skin is a crucial part of overall healthcare.

It seems as though with every phase of life there are new factors to consider when it comes to your skincare and beauty. As you get older, the needs of your skin change, and therefore so too should your beauty routine. Here are some great makeup tips for older women.

Always Remember to Care for Your Skin
Forget about everything else, your biggest beauty consideration should always be your skin. Keeping your skin looking and feeling great is absolutely critical when it comes to looking and feeling your best. Having great skin also helps you in terms of time getting ready in the morning, after all, the better your skin the less makeup that you will need (or want) to cover it. In fact, many people that are able to keep their skin well-hydrated and exfoliated are able to get away with little more than lip balm, under-eye concealer and mascara most days.

Perhaps the first step to achieving (and maintaining) great skin is to know your skin type.  Regardless of whether your skin is sensitive, dry, oily or, a combination has its own unique needs and requirements. This is why borrowing a friend’s moisturizer or face wash might not work the same for you as it does her.

How to Make Your Fine Lines Less Visible 
No lotion or potion is going to magically get rid of your wrinkles and fine lines. However, ensuring that you put on a solid amount of moisturizer prior to applying any sort of foundation and concealer will temporarily plump up your skin and make those pesky fine lines a little less visible. Moisturizing before putting on foundation has the added benefit of also helping your foundation go on much smoother.

Stay Away From Dark Lipsticks
Unless you have dark skin and plump lips, dark lipstick might not be the best idea. This is because of dark lipstick ages everyone that wears it. Instead, consider sticking to pinks and rosy red lipsticks.

If you are not sure which colour really works best for you, why not stop by a MACS, department store or Sephora. They all employ beauticians that are hired to assist customers with finding the perfect colours and shades for them.

Make Primer Your Best Friend
Think about your face as a canvas, or a blank wall. Just as you would cover a wall with primer before you paint it, you should prime your face before adding any makeup. It is actually the secret to flawless looking makeup.

Make sure that you are applying a through a layer of primer between your skin and any makeup. The primer will not only help to make your skin look and feel better, but it will also help to keep your makeup in place. That’s right, your eyeshadow, foundation and mascara glide on perfectly – and even better? They will stay there!

Figuring out how to do your makeup as you get older does not have to be an overly difficult thing to do, nor does your makeup have to get boring as you get older. Makeup is a form of self-expression. Hopefully, these tips will help you to express yourself in this new phase of life.

The holidays are right around the corner! With the holidays come the festive cheer and the last minute scrambling of getting gifts for other people. For those who know others who love all aspects of beauty, getting them a gift is easy! Just get them something related to skin care and they’ll be sure to love it. This year was full of elaborate cosmetic launches and advanced skin care tools. Here are some of the holiday gift ideas for beauty lovers:

Facials

With the holidays comes the colder weather, which ends up with your face being constantly exposed to the harsher elements outside. For the everyday beauty lover, get them a nice facial that have the benefits of healing, revitalizing and balancing the skin. Another good aspect of facials is hydration, which is great for combatting the dryness caused by the winter wind. Give our Organic Natural Facials a try with their collection of exfoliating lotion and brightening fluid.

Face Mask

Who doesn’t love pampering themselves? Well the recipient of your gift will enjoy using their downtime to give their skin a nice glow with facial masks that can give moisture, elasticity and vitality with an infusion of natural oils to nourish the skin.

Anti-Aging Cream

With natural ingredients being popular in the beauty industry today, it should come as no surprise that products with anti-aging properties are also all natural. With Skeyndor’s Eternal Line that uses the organic product of Plant Stem Cell’s to combat the effects of aging, your recipient will surely love the luxurious feel of this smooth product on their skin. This is a line devoted to anti-aging with ingredients like pomegranate concentrate and pure C concentrate, all for the purpose of improving elasticity, tone and texture of the skin.

Multi-Use Skin Care

Usually skin care lines are each catered towards one specific skin type, but if you are not sure what skin type your friend is, there is no need worry because there are skin care lines that are multi-use and thus cater to all skin types such as normal, dry, combination and oily. An example of this is are the Anna Lotan Facials such as the C-Glow facial which is based on pure vitamin C that is designed to give a toning and glowing effect, which is an excellent lifting treatment for all skin types.

These are just several of the great types of holiday gift ideas for those who love their beauty and skincare routine. What better way than to give them some products that you know they’ll use?

As we grow older, it can get harder and harder to naturally combat the aging process of the skin. When the skin develops fine line and wrinkles, people search hard for a way to rejuvenate the skin to get back its youthful glow. There have been a variety of treatments that help specifically to combat skin issues, but some are more effective than others. One that is effective is the chemical peel.

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a dermatological treatment used to improve the overall quality of the skin. It is considered one of the oldest cosmetic procedures around, originating from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Today, with more advanced technologies, chemical peels are still popular – due to the immediate results.

Chemical peels treat these skin issues:

• Acne scars
• Aging skin
• Crow’s feet
• Hyperpigmentation
• Scars
• Melasma
• Sagging skin
• Sun damaged skin
• Wrinkles

How does a Chemical Peel work?

Undergoing a chemical peel involves using an acidic solution to remove the dead outer layers of skin on the face, neck or hands. The solutions that can be used are:

• Alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA)
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
• Phenol

During the procedure the solution gets spread on the target area and enhances the texture of the skin by helping rid of facial blemishes, wrinkles and skin pigmentation. The top most layer of the skin gets exfoliated, and reveals a new layer of skin with an improved tone, texture and colour.

Based on the sensitivity of your skin, a particular solution with a specific dose will be used. This will depend on the type of chemical peel that you will receive. There are three main types:

• Light: this is optimal for those who want to reap the benefits of a facial peel but do not need to worry about any downtime in recovery, which is associated with the deeper chemical peels. This peel is used to treat fine wrinkles, dryness, pigmentation and acne.
• Medium: this is effective for people with darker skin. This treatment uses trichloroacetic acid and also requires less recovery time. This treatment is used to treat fine wrinkles, blemishes and pigmentation problems.
• Deep: this is the strongest facial peel and they produce the longest lasting results, but with more recovery time. Deep peels run the risk of causing a permanent lightening of the skin, so make sure to discuss this option with your dermatologist before going forward. This peel is used to treat ageing spots, sun spots, deep facial wrinkles and pre-cancerous growths.

Are there any side effects/risks?

There are just a few minor side effects to be aware of such as redness or stinging. The deeper the peel, the more intense the redness or stinging can be, and the longer the recovery time, but the recovery time will not last beyond a day or two.

Chemical peels are a great way to improve the look and feel of facial skin without resorting to more invasive treatments!

It’s a big word that’s a big deal in anti-ageing treatments! Also known as Microderm, this powerful skincare procedure smooths out the skin, reduces blemishes and wrinkles, and can even reduce the visibility of scars. If you are considering microdermabrasion, please take a look at our detailed guide below!

How It Works

Microderm uses a specially made tool designed to exfoliate the skin mechanically. This tool, called a wand, features tiny crystals or even diamonds that buff away the top layer of dead skin. This is a more powerful, yet sensitive, tool that works more effectively than at-home treatments.

Some store-bought creams claim to give Microderm results. It’s simply not true. They are not as effective and some even damage skin more than they help. For the best, safest results, always receive Microderm treatment from a trained professional!

How Long It Takes

Everyone’s skin is different, so your treatment will typically be tailored to your needs and skin type. Most experience dramatic results after their very first session! For the very best results, however, most professionals recommend that you receive several treatments over the course of a few weeks. The standard treatment length is generally 6 sessions about 10 days apart, but your personal technician may suggest a different schedule based on your needs.

Benefits

With microderm, you can eradicate your most worrisome age-related skin concerns. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from coarse, dry skin or those who want help to lessen the appearance of scars or blemishes. Just a few more benefits include:

• Improving skin that is oily or dull
• Eliminating clogged pores, acne scars, and reducing open pores
• Smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles
• Treating problems with complexion such as uneven pigment

After Care

It’s important to take care of your new, fresh, youthful skin! After your Microderm treatment, you’ll want to be extra cautious about sun exposure, especially during the first few days. Wear a moderate, gentle sunscreen whenever you go outside. Also try not to do excessive exercise, as sweat can actually irritate newly exposed skin.

Risks

When performed correctly, microdermabrasion has very little risk for side-effects or complications. That is why it’s important to receive treatment from a professional! When you attempt Microderm at home or with someone who is unqualified, you run the risk of damaging your skin and even potentially developing an infection. Always go to a trusted expert who knows what they are doing.

Certain conditions may put you at more risk for side-effects. These include:

• Diabetes, vascular conditions, or those taking anticoagulant medications
• Active bacterial infections or viral infections like herpes simplex
• Conditions that make the skin more sensitive than usual such as sunburn

If you have concerns before treatment, be sure to consult your doctor first and bring up any concerns with your professional technician.

Acne, That one word can send fear into the hearts of teenagers and adults alike.  It’s a fact of life that typically only lasts through those big hormonal changes, although some of the population suffers far worse than others.  Maybe you’ve already armed yourself with everything you need to combat your blemish situation, but that’s only half the battle.  Here are some of the top things that you shouldn’t be doing to avoid bringing your acne on with a vengeance.

How it forms

Let’s first look at what acne is, and how it forms.  We all have something called sebaceous glands that produce something called sebum (which is a type of oil).  When everything is in balance, the sebum doesn’t cause any issues and our skin stays clear.  When our glands produce too much sebum, however, pores can become clogged with that and any dead skin cells.  This is how acne starts.

Top things not to do if you’re combating acne

• First of all, it’s great that you’ve got a drawer full of acne-fighting agents to help you out, but when was the last time you used them?  These products can work, but they must be used regularly and for the recommended duration of time.  Each time you skip a session, you set yourself (and your skin) back.

• You may feel that your skin suffers breakouts because it’s attracted too much dirt.  This generally isn’t the case, and washing your face too often is just as bad as not washing it enough!  Try to limit washing your face to once in the morning and once in the evening before bed.

• Keep your phone at a safe distance.  Yup – you read that right.  Your phone picks up all manner of bacteria during the day, and if it’s not cleaned regularly, guess where that bacteria ends up as you press the phone to your face to chat?  Another good tip is to keep your hands off.  The more you touch your face, the more oil you could be transferred, which could result in even more breakouts.

• When washing, use only clean cloths and be gentle.  A damp cloth can collect bacteria so it’s a good practise to wash the cloths after each use and just grab a new one each time you wash.  A furious scrubbing can irritate your skin further, so use a soft touch and always pat to dry instead of wiping.  

• Don’t pop!  It can be the most tempting thing in the world to just squeeze and pop that pimple, but this can lead to further stresses on your skin as well as infection and awful red irritation.  If you just can’t leave the pimples alone, a better way of dealing with them is to treat each one with an anti-acne fighting agent.  

Acne is a tough thing to deal with, but if you stick to your acne-fighting program and limit the things you can do to create a bigger problem, you’ll be well on your way to a fresh, acne clear face in no time!

It’s amazing to think about the history that makeup has enjoyed. Many of us might think about makeup as a more modern invention but the application of products to make you more beautiful has been around for thousands of years. We know that ancient Egyptians used makeup as well as the Romans. Kohl darkened eyelashes and eyelids, and chalk could be used to lighten the entire face. Rouge was also worn during this time; the well to do women of both Egypt and Rome put a lot of stock into their appearances and wanted to look their best. Soot and natural ingredients were the products of the day. There is even mention of cosmetics in the bible; Jezebel painted her eyelids in 2 Kings 9:30, and the book of Esther also mentions beauty treatments.
During the Middle Ages, the use of cosmetics was often frowned upon, and church leaders considered their use sinful and immoral. (Despite this fact, cosmetics were still widely used.) It was typical for the lower classes to perform most of their labours outside where the sun-tanned their skin. The upper class had far more leisure time, and spent a good part of their day indoors, out of direct sunlight, resulting in a paler skin tone. It became popular to attempt to whiten skin using either powder or other products generally made with white lead (which also probably contained arsenic, resulting in the deaths of many women and men who used the whitener regularly).

Fast forward to the early 1900s, and makeup wasn’t regularly used by ladies; it was the realm of performers and “ladies of the night”. It couldn’t even be purchased at most department stores, but costume companies sold a variety of cosmetics. If a woman did wear makeup, it typically consisted of using burnt matchsticks in order to blacken eyelashes, and for lip stain, a blend of geranium and poppy petals were used. Rouge was considered provocative and vulgar, and any lady worth her salt wouldn’t touch it.
Around 1910 it suddenly became popular to wear makeup, and even rouge was sometimes seen on regular housewives. Cosmetics continued to develop and become more and more popular until WWII when they were in short supply due to petroleum and alcohol being diverted into the war supply. Ironically, powder, face creams and lipstick became even more popular and people experimented to get the effects they desired using other available ingredients.

Today cosmetics are widely used and readily available in a staggering wealth of colours, brands and options. There are colours to complement every skin tone, specific outfits, and even makeup for daytime looks vs nighttime wear. Makeup no longer contains ingredients like arsenic or lead, which we recognize would be detrimental to our health. We use makeup to cover blemishes, even skin tone, and highlight the parts of our faces that we love. Makeup is a way to add a little dazzle to your everyday look.

No matter your skin type (oily, normal, dry, acne prone, or sensitive) you can take your face from blah to beautiful with a daily commitment to a good skin care routine. A good skin care routine will focus on cleansing, treating skin problems or rebalancing oils, moisturizing and protecting your skin from both the environment and from sun damage. We have a wealth of options in skin care brands at our fingertips, and they’re certainly not created equal. You might choose them based on what your mother has always used, or on the recommendations of friends. You might even choose a product based on its ethical or organic qualities or, especially if you’re on a budget, based on price alone. Any route you’ve decided to take, the ultimate proof is in the pudding. The quality of your product and its ability to target your individual skin’s issues will show on your face.

The first part of your routine should actually begin the night before. Whether you wear only a little makeup or put on a full face each day, each evening you should be taking it off and giving your pores a chance to breath.
In the morning, start with a rinse of plain warm water. This can help remove surface impurities and open pores for that first cleansing product. Once you’ve rinsed, use a cleanser that targets your individual needs. Oily skin benefits from a good foaming cleanser to help remove extra oils and re balance the skin, while dry skin cleansers should have added moisturizer. If you’ve got sensitive or acne prone skin, look for labels that advertise fragrance or chemical free.
The next step is to use a treatment that works best for your skin needs and to tackle any blemishes. Maybe you’ll need a scar reducer ointment, or acne treatment. If you’d like to reduce the appearance of fine lines, now is the time to use that particular product. There are topical treatments to reduce oil and others to re balance the overall skin tone on our face.

Step three is to ensure that you moisturize. Those with oily or blemished skin shouldn’t omit this step, as a dry face can also induce blemishes, and there are a variety of moisturizers that cater to oily skin types. These types of moisturizers can hydrate without promoting further oil development, and a light cream will help to reduce the likelihood of blocked pores. There are lots of fragrance and even organic options, and heavier lotions for those who need an extra boost of moisture.
The last and final step is to ensure that you protect your skin – no matter your skin type – from the harsh effects of the sun. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can have an impact on the condition and health of your skin, and on cold winter days when rays reflect off of ice and snow, the results can be magnified.
Keep up these simple steps and put your best face forward!

These days we’re bombarded with advertisements and are witness to a whole variety of makeup products and applications. Oftentimes we see women in show business wearing a full face and wonder which product lines they’re using to create such wonderful effects. Maybe you rush out and buy the next new item and practice it over and over only to come up short when it come to getting just that effect you were after?
It certainly does take practice, but there are also tips and trick to getting the look you want with the makeup you have on hand, no matter the brand. Don’t get me wrong; quality certainly counts, and you’ll want to ensure your makeup isn’t old or expired, but try these handy how-to’s for looks that hit the mark!

Windows to the soul
Often the focus of makeup is on our eyes, and mascara is probably the most basic but maybe the most important one to have on hand. To avoid those pesky marks on your cheeks, take a plastic spoon and lay just under your lashes while applying. Take that same spoon and use it as a guide (on a diagonal from the outside corner of your eye to your hairline) for a perfect cat-eye effect with your liner. For huge eyes, get yourself a nude liner and use it on your water line. To make eye shadow colors pop, first cover your lid with a base of white pencil. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes!

Perfect Pucker!
Before applying lipstick, smooth your lips with a mixture of coconut oil, sugar, and honey. You can use your finger to scrub, or a baby toothbrush works even better without being too abrasive. If you’re looking to make your lips a little more Angelina Jolie-esque, go with either a high gloss color or line just slightly outside your natural lip line, then fill. (Too far outside your lip line and it’ll be obvious). To make lipstick last longer, apply a light layer of powder through a tissue.

No more orange
Foundation can be the trickiest part of getting a face applied just right. Most women have a hard time buying the right shade, which can result in embarrassing neck lines or, in extreme situations, with the overall look taking on a rather orange cast. Here’s a great tip to getting the right color for your skin tone – because the skin on your neck tends to get less sun than your face, it’s a great reading of your natural tone. Next time you’re choosing between shades, dab a little foundation on your neck and see how it compares.
Remember to change up your makeup when it expires to avoid getting a yucky infection. Mascara generally lasts 3 to 4 months, while a liner pencil can make it anywhere from 18 to 24 months. Your foundation should be tossed after 6 to 12 months, while blush and lipsticks can stick it out for 12 to 18 months.

It’s something that we’ve been fighting for centuries; slowing or even reversing the aging process, especially when it comes to our skin. Why do we get wrinkles in the first place? Well, as we age our skin becomes less able to protect itself because it begins to thin. It also starts to dry out and becomes far less elastic than before. This is a natural process and everyone will eventually be sporting their fair share of wrinkles. The sun does more damage as our skin becomes more vulnerable, and this is when negative lifestyle choices tend to rear their ugly heads.

If you smoke you’re not doing your skin any favours; constantly pursing your lips eventually leads to wrinkles around your mouth, not to mention the fact that the chemicals in your cigarettes restrict blood flow, making it hard for your skin to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. If you sleep on your stomach, pressing your face into your mattress or pillow will take its toll and show up as wrinkles (or even as acne). A high sugar diet can also cause wrinkles, as the sugar molecules attack collagen and elastin; both of which keep your skin smooth and supple. If you’re not wearing sunscreen then you’re leaving your skin open to damaging UV rays, and will wrinkle sooner and more aggressively than your sun block worshipping friends.
So what can a person do? How do we slow the process? There are a variety of ways you can help your skin to maintain a youthful appearance. If you’re a smoker, it’s never too late to kick the habit. There are numerous products on the market today to facilitate a less “cold turkey” method. Eat a healthy diet. Our fruits and veggies go a long way towards helping our skin and you’ll do your entire body a good turn by going heavy on the broccoli and not bringing temptations into your house. Use sun block or wear protective clothing when you know you’ll be spending a long day in the sun. Hats and UV-guard rash guards are a great way to stay cool and give your skin the protective layer it needs.
A wonderful and popular way to help lessen the signs of wrinkles and ageing is an array of spa treatments. From Microdermabrasion to Chemical peels, these processes offer a wide variety of benefits including leaving you with a fresh, more youthful appearance after sloughing off old, dry layers of skin. Try a Microneedling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy) for a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation, or, if you’re looking for something completely non-invasive, try a Micro-current face lift (non surgical) or a Radio frequency face lift (also non surgical)! We can ensure a pleasant and productive treatment that will leave you feeling as if the years have dropped away. Join our many happy clients who have already experienced the joy of slowing the ageing process!

Wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, blemishes, acne scarring and other problems can make us look older than we are.

Chemical peels are popular because they successfully remove dead skin cells, clear clogged pores, eliminate whiteheads and blackheads, correct discoloration, and generate the growth of new skin. Chemical peel treatments cause the regeneration of new cells to occur at a faster rate than they would do naturally.

Egyptians and the Romans used various lactic acids to peel their skin. In the Middle Ages, wine vinegar with tartaric acid as its active ingredient was used for the same purpose.

We use PCA Peels because they are safe and highly effective treatments, that have no downtime. This light to medium peel formula, is proven to effectively treat acne, control oil, smooth fine lines and also help to inhibit the pigment production providing a more even skin tone.

PCA chemical peels will effectively treat mature, aging skin as well as acne, hyperpigmentation and smoker’s skin. Moderate to aggressive exfoliation will be experienced, depending on the number of layers applied. Overall, the final result will be plump, hydrated and ultra soft skin. While a single peel will firm and freshen the skin, most clients should plan on a series of 5-6 peels to achieve long-term goals.

Chemical peels are a quick and convenient way to enhance appearance and self confidence, and get a healthy glow with little or no downtime.

Our skin is a living organ that is made up of millions of cells. Everyday, thousands of cells die, fall off, and new cells are regenerated from below. This is a slow and haphazard process that does not allow our skin to shed dark spots, sun damage, or a dull, lifeless complexion.

Facial peel create an even, controlled shedding of several layers of damaged cells, leaving you with a new fresh layer of skin that has a more even texture and color.

During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to various areas of the skin. These applications produce separation and eventual peeling of layers of skin, and enables new, regenerated skin to appear. During a peel, many patients experience a warm to hot sensation that lasts about 5-10 minutes, followed by a stinging sensation.

Mild scarring and certain types of acne can be treated with chemical peels. In addition, pigmentation of the skin in the form of sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, blotchiness due to taking birth control pills, and skin that is dull in texture and colour may be improved with chemical peeling.

Areas of sun-damaged skin, spots of precancerous keratoses and scaling patches may improve after chemical peeling. Following treatment, new lesions or patches are less likely to appear.

The procedure can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms and legs. Superficial or medium depth peels may be used to improve damaged skin.

Post Treatment

Depending upon the type of peel, a reaction similar to a mild to severe sunburn occurs following a chemical peel. Superficial peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that ends within 3-5 days.

It is important to avoid overexposure to the sun immediately after a chemical peel since the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to injury.

O, wind,
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
~Percy Bysshe Shelley
Winter season can be extremely stressful for our skin due to winds and cold temperatures outside as well as drying-low humidity resulting from heating inside.

What exactly happens to our skin in winter:

• When you are outside, the cold temperatures result in a poor blood circulation in your facial skin. As a result your skin does not get enough nutrients and oxygen and all the healthy, regenerative processes in your skin slow down. As a result, skin looses its healthy color and becomes dull or pale
• When you are inside, your skin is losing its moisture due to the dry environment created by indoor heating. As a result, it feels tight, dry and can start flaking.
• When you shift between the cold outside and the warm and dry inside environments the difference is so big and stressful for your skin that your skin naturally cannot balance itself quickly enough. This results in loss of hydration, irritation, widened capillaries and redness. All of the above mentioned contributes to your skin’s misbalance, stress, sensitivity and dryness.

To keep your skin beautiful and healthy during winter you should:

• help it to restore the protective hydrolipid barrier
• protect and balance your skin
• moisturize, moisturize and again moisturize
• provide protection against UV-light

The first step is to rethink your skin care routine and skin care products you normally use.

1. Go Easier on daily cleansing and alcohol containing skin care in the winter
   Since extreme weather weakens skin’s balance and protective lipid barrier, you need to save your skin the additional stress of an intensive cleansing routine that will only worsen the situation. Choose a lighter non-stripping cleansing solution: cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser.
   If you are using a tonic with alcohol on a daily basis it is better to stop for winter or substitute it with a non-alcohol toning product. Remember, alcohol strips skin of lipids, natural protective oils and contributes to skin’s dryness and increased sensitivity.
2. Peel Deal:
   If you are a fan of daily peeling products, it is advisable to change your routine for winter and to do a maximum of 2-3 peelings per week. Peeling your skin surface on a daily basis does not let it restore its protective lipid barrier and balance itself. It becomes more susceptible to free radical damage and even to break-outs.
   If you notice that your skin has become very dry, sensitive or even started flaking, exclude moisturizers, serums etc containing peeling ingredients such Retinol, AHAs and Glucosamine.
3. Go Heavier on Moisturizer:
   Moisturizers are mostly based on 3 types of ingredients: humectants, emollients, occlusive (very often emollients have occlusive properties as well).
   Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid or urea, keep our skin moisturized by attracting water to its surface (epidermis). Humectants help to attract moisture from the environment as well as from dermis to epidermis.
   Emollients like petroleum or shea butter soften, soothe the skin, increase its ability to retain moisture and create a protective layer on the skin to prevent it from dehydration.
   Occlusive ingredients in moisturizers provide protective layer on the skin’s surface to prevent it from loosing moisture.
   Humectants-based products are usually recommended for oily and combination skin types, while emollient-based and occlusive-based ones for normal and dry types. However, in winter our skin type often shifts. Oily skin becomes normal, while normal displays signs of being dry, and dry skin becomes very sensitive and often irritated.
   Look for heavier moisturizing products to use in winter with such ingredients as jelly, silicons, evening primrose oil, shea butter, almond oil or revitalising red algae extract which improves hydration of the skin and revitalises the skin by maximising cell metabolism, helping restructure tissue and regenerate collagen. Some skin care specialists suggest using protective emollient-based skin care products for the day and humectants-based at night to help restore your skins’ moisture level.
4. Timing is Important:
   Apply your moisturizer at least 30 minutes to an hour before going outside. This is especially true if your moisturizer is humectants-based or has high water content. If you do not let your moisturizer penetrate and get absorbed by the skin it can freeze into micro ice particles on your skin’s surface or dramatically cool down your skin surface when you go into the cold winter day.
5. Hot Bubbly Escapes:
   It is not recommended to have prolonged hot showers or long hot baths in winter. The fact is that the latter do not add to the moisture level of our skin but on the contrary take away the protecting lipid and fat layers and contribute to skin’s dehydration. When you shower make sure the water is not too hot and use shower milk that contains oils and emollients. If you are a fan of bubble baths as a way to escape the winter blues make sure to add moisturizing oils to the baths and apply a moisturizing body product afterwards.
6. Nobody Cancelled Sun Protection for Winter!
   In winter the sun’s reflective powers on the snow can be higher than on the sand of a beach in the summer. Use sun protection if you walk outside to prevent UV damage and photoaging. We don’t have to remind you but your sun protection should not be lower than 15 SPF, of course.
7. Say No to Chapped Lips and Dry Hands
   Usually lips and hands suffer most during the winter season. Lips get sore and chapped and hands get dry and flaky.For your lips, choose a thicker moisturizer with shea butter, jojoba butter OR avocado oil, annuus( Sunflower) seed oil and apply it every time before going outside as well as before going to bed. Some protective and moisturizing lip care products are available as tinted glosses or balms.
   Take special care of your hands since skin on the hands is thinner than on the rest of the body. In addition, hands are often exposed to stressful or stripping factors like soaps, winds, water etc. And finally, it is a known fact that hands are among the first to show signs of aging. Choose a rich emollient-based hand care product with glicerin, lanolin or mango butter and treat your hands to a mask two times a week.
   What else can you do?
8. Humidify:
   Home or office environments in winter can get very dry due to heating. Your skin starts to feel tight and burning from dehydration. Increase the humidity level indoors by using a humidifier. Alternatively, several house plants can balance out humidity level in the environment.
9. Vitamins and Antioxidants:
   Help your skin to regain its energy and strength in winter by taking an antioxidant supplement. Most important antioxidants for the skin are Vitamin C, B, E, Zink and Magnesium
10. Express Winter Facial:
    Give yourself a mini-facial at home once or twice a week. Cleanse your skin. Use a mild exfoliating product selected for your skin type. Take a soft fluffy towel and soak it in warm water (not hot but not cool either). Add 2-3 drops of an essential aroma oil such as lavender oil to sooth, de-stress and refresh the skin. Press the towel to your face and inhale 3-4 times slowly and deeply to let the oil do its aroma work. This will stimulate blood circulation as well. For a stronger effect you can repeat the procedure one more time. Apply a hydrating and soothing mask or regeneration mask for 10-15 minutes. Make sure the room where you are having your mini-facial is comfortably warm. The mask on your face should not cool down to a level stressful for your skin. Take off the mask and apply your daily moisturizer with massaging movements. Direct the movements from the center of your face outward and a bit upward. Finish up by slightly tapping with your fingertips all over your face. This express facial will stimulate blood circulation, give your skin energy, restore its balance and help it regain its healthy radiance.
11. Stay Active:
    Do not give in to winter blues. Do your daily fitness routine! This keeps you fit and stimulates blood circulation in your whole body and of course your skin.

When winter sets in, instinct tells us to hunker down and crank up the heat. But this quest for warmth brings on another set of problems. Not only does the air outside parch our skin, indoor heating toasts it dry. “As the temperature drops, so does humidity,” says Valori Treloar, M.D., founder of Integrative Dermatology in Newton, Massachusetts, and coauthor of “The Clear Skin Diet.” “So winter air literally sucks moisture from your skin.” Add a penchant for long, hot showers that wash away protective oils, and you’ve got a recipe for dryness and flakes.
Your strategy for a healthy winter glow starts from within. “Irrigate it from the inside,” says “Anti-Aging Therapy” author Ping Zhang, Ph.D., a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. That means drinking more caffeine-free fluids, including water, fruit juice, and herbal teas. But even the best-nourished skin needs help, and that’s where creams, balms, and oils come in. Packed with the planet’s richest moisturizers and most powerful soothers, these products leave skin radiant and ready for anything winter throws its way.

Face
The problem
Dry, cold air batters your exposed face, causing inflammation, redness, and sensitivity.
Solutions
Use a mild, milky cleanser, since detergents in soap strip skin of protective natural oils, says Treloar. With your skin slightly damp, moisturize with a thick cream at night and a lighter lotion in the morning. Look for facial products with anti-inflammatory herbs like calendula, and avoid ones with alcohol and synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and coloring, as these can cause dryness and irritation. Exfoliate with a natural scrub (like sugar) to slough off dull skin, and use a hydrating mask once or twice a week.

Lips
The problem
Thin skin and lack of oil leaves lips naturally dry and extra vulnerable. Seasonal congestion often forces you to breathe through your mouth, which leads to chapping. Licking your lips when they’re dry makes matters worse, since evaporating saliva can cause cracks.
Solutions
Before going outside or hitting the sack, apply a waxy balm to lock in moisture and protect against evaporation, advises Treloar. By day, use a creamy or oily lip treatment with mainly edible ingredients (since you’ll be ingesting much of what you put on your lips). Avocado, olive, or soybean soften and soothe, while vitamin A-rich shea butter promotes healing.

Body
The problem
Long, hot showers and harsh soaps zap natural moisture that’s already in short supply due to the weather. Heavily perfumed fabric softeners and chemical-laden laundry detergents clinging to your clothes can also aggravate parched skin.
Solutions
Take warm rather than hot showers, and use a mild body wash with soothing ingredients like aloe vera. After patting your skin dry (never rub), apply a thick moisturizer such as shea butter while skin is still damp to seal in moisture. (Edible oils like coconut and organic olive oil work, too.) Use fragrance- and dye-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners. Ease intense itching with a cool compress.

Hands and Feet
The problem
Exposure to the elements, coupled with frequent washing to ward off seasonal germs, leaves hands dry and chapped. Boot-clad feet end up cracked and sore — and the closed environment provides a hospitable place for fungus to grow.
Solutions
Always pat hands dry and apply hand cream after washing them; wear gloves when you do the dishes. For intensive treatment, use heavy creams containing glycerine or shea butter before going to bed to help repair cracks. For feet, try a balm with peppermint or tea tree oil at night to fight fungus, and cover your feet with cotton socks. Zhang also recommends soaking feet in an Epsom salt solution once a week.

Winter Skin Care
Tips for Glowing Winter Skin
Dry air, arctic temperatures and icy unforgiving winds unleash an unholy beating on our tender skin during the Winter months. During the Summer, the climate is such that the air is able to hold more moisture, which to a degree, is absorbed by our skin. Cold air is unable to hold moisture, and that coupled with the drying effects of indoor heating, our skin is unable to replenish itself and begins to feel tight and flakey.

Have no fear, help is near with these simple tips:

Revitalize Your Skin Care Routine
As explained above, climactic conditions during the Winter months are such that your skin will be exposed to dryer, harsher conditions. You will therefore need to alter your skin care regimen to include nourishing and hydrating elements. Your goal is to restore a healthy balance of vitamins, trace elements, and mineral salts to your skin.

Moisturizing Musts
Outside of the information that will follow, perhaps one of the most important moisturizing tips we can give you is to “moisturize from the inside out””. That means, drink lots of water!
Avoid the use of toner and other drying alcohol based products.
Cleanse with a nourishing milky cleanser, and try to avoid soap which may also be drying.
Invest in a good eye cream.
Upgrade to a heavy-duty moisturizer. (with peach milk or hemp oil, soya and rapeseed oil, borege oil, shea butter)
Look into products that contain anti-oxidants like Vitamins A and E to help combat free radicals.
Try adding a little light moisturizer to your foundation to provide added hydration throughout the day.
Apply moisturizers and lotions to the face and body within 3 minutes of stepping out the shower – this practice will assist in trapping water in the upper layers of the skin.
Use products that contain Vitamin E for it’s rich nourishing and healing properties.
Be regimented in moisturizing heals, hands and elbows.
Don’t neglect your lips!
Exfoliation is important throughout the year, but particularly important during the cooler months. Winter exfoliants should be gentle, with the goal of “polishing” the skin to rid it of dead cells and uncover a fresh face that feels smooth and soft.

Body exfoliation can be preformed just before, or during your shower with a mitt or body brush. Not only does this practice remove dead cells, it also stimulates healthy blood flow. Just be careful to keep your showers and baths to a relative temperature as hot water can have an extremely drying effect on your skin.

Exfoliation is recommended at least twice a week.

What Is A Chemical Peel and What Does It Do For Your Skin?

By Anitra Brown, About.com Guide

Chemical peels are a form of exfoliation that treat a number of conditions, including dull, aging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels work because they are highly acidic, loosening and eradicating dead skin cells. This allows newer and healthier skin to rise to the surface.

There is a wide range of chemical peels and they peel to different depths: very superficial, superficial, moderate, and deep. The depth of the peel is determined by three factors: how acidic it is (also known as the ph), the percentage or strength of the peel (20% glycolic vs 70% glycolic) and how long it stays on the skin.

Lighter peels exfoliate on the outermost layer of skin, called the epidermis. Moderate and deep peels go down into the skin’s living tissue, called the dermis, and involve more risk, more discomfort, and more healing time.

The chemical peels offered in a day spa are classified as “very superficial” and “superficial” peels, because estheticians can only work on the skin’s epidermis. But just because they are “superficial” doesn’t mean you won’t have results.

Your skin should just look smoother, softer, and brighter. Light chemical peels can provide dramatic results on middle-aged to older clients who haven’t been exfoliating. They can also be good for un-clogging pores and increasing cell turnover on acneic skin. These light chemical peels are usually done in a series of four to six, a week or two apart.

Superficial chemical peels may tingle or feel a little hot, but they don’t require the downtime and healing required of moderate and deep peels. Examples of very superficial or gentle peels include a 20% glycolic or a 25% lactic acid peel. A superficial peel can range from a 30 to 50% glycolic peel. The most aggressive “superficial” peel is a Jessner’s, which is not offered in most spas.

Moderate to deep peels can reach into the dermis, or living part of the skin. Because they have a doctor on staff, medical spas generally offer more aggressive peels, including “moderate” peels like TCA (trichloroaetic acid) and 60-70% glycolic peels. A popular TCA peel is the Blue Peel developed by Dr. Zen Obaji.

Deep peels are limited to phenol peels, the strongest of the chemical solutions, and should only be performed in a plastic surgeon’s office. While it has the potential to have the most dramatic results, there are more risks, and you need to be prepared for a week to ten days of downtime as new skin forms.

No matter what the depth of the chemical peel, it is important to protect your skin from the sun afterwards.

By Liz Finlay
Find out how to determine which exfoliator is right for your skin. Plus, learn the dos and don’ts of exfoliating.

Finding the right exfoliator

There are two general classes of exfoliators: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation products remove dead skin cells by physically abrading them with either a cleansing cloth or a scrub containing sand, salt or synthetic beads. Chemical exfoliators contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic and salicylic acid, beta hydroxy acids or retinoic acid (retinol).

Most dermatologists prefer chemical agents because they penetrate deeper and have the added benefit of stimulating cell renewal and collagen synthesis. The result? Increased radiance. But chemical exfoliators are not for everyone. Those with sensitive skin (and those with rosacea) may find this class of products too harsh. Similarly, if you have dry skin, chemical polishers may be more exfoliation than your skin can handle.

Most skin types benefit from a gentle to moderate mechanical scrub. Whether your skin is oily, combination, acne-prone or slightly dry, it’s a matter of tuning into the right frequency.

Red alert
After using your exfoliating product, your skin should be a pleasant pink and have a slight tingling sensation. If skin is red, peeling, burning or painful, you’re being overzealous and should reduce the frequency of treatments or consider a gentler product.

How often should I exfoliate?

Twice daily – that’s the aim, according to Kellett and Dr. David Orentreich, a dermatologist at Clinique. “It’s better to exfoliate twice a day using mild or moderate exfoliation than to exfoliate once a week with an extremely harsh process,” says Orentreich. “Exfoliation is comparable to exercise; it’s better to follow a moderate program regularly than to overdo it randomly.”

If you are new to exfoliation or have sensitive skin or an inflammatory condition (acne or rosacea), your skin may need some training before launching into daily exfoliation. Start using an exfoliating product every other day and work up from there, says Kellett. Once the skin has grown accustomed to regular exfoliating, you may want to increase the weight of your regimen.

Exfoliating masks and peels designed for occasional use typically rely on AHAs (including salicylic and lactic acids), while at-home microdermabrasion kits use a combination of mechanical scrub and chemical peel to strip the skin of dead cells with more rigour than a daily product might for that extra boost of radiance.

Exfoiating dos and don’ts

DON’T exfoliate before you cleanse; doing so will remove makeup and dirt but not the dead skin cells responsible for pore blockage and dull tone.

DO use an exfoliating cleanser, one that gently cleans away dirt and debris while simultaneously sloughing dead skin cells.

DON’T press hard; when using granular scrubs or exfoliating cloths, mild pressure is all that’s required. “You want to let the product do the work,” says Kellett.

DON’T double-dip. “If you’re using a loofah, don’t also use an exfoliating gel or cleanser,” warns Kellett. “That’s overdoing it.” Similarly, if you use a cleansing scrub, don’t follow it with a glycolic-acid-, retinol- or AHA-based moisturizer unless under the direction of a dermatologist.

DO hydrate your skin immediately after exfoliation. Moisturizers are most effective after dead surface cells have been whisked away.

DO wear sunscreen, particularly after exfoliating, a process that removes a protective layer of skin. “I tell all my patients to wear SPF 30 every day,” says Kellett.

What Is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation Is Part of Good Skin Care, But Don’t Overdo It.
By Anitra Brown <http://spas.about.com/bio/Anitra-Brown-10513.htm>, About.com Guide
Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin’s outermost surface, or epidermis. Exfoliation is an important part of both facials and body treatments. When done correctly, exfoliation leaves the skin feeling smoother and fresher looking. Exfoliation also makes it easier for expensive facial products like serums to pentrate.

There are two forms of exfoliation:

1. Mechanical Exfoliation. The dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with an abrasive. Examples of mechanical exfoliation include a salt glow, a body scrub that might use sugar or coffee grounds, or skin brushing. On the face, scrubs should use small, round, gentle abrasives like jojoba beads. Stay away from something harsh like apricot scrubs, which can cause micro-tears in your skin. A more aggressive and effective approach to mechanical exfoliation is microdermabrasion, which comes in two types – crystal and crystal-free, or diamond-tip.
2. Chemical Exfoliation. Enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. Facial peels are a form of chemical exfoliation. Chemical peels can either be very gentle or very aggressive, depending on how the strong the peel is. Body treatments might use mild chemical exfoliants like pineapple enzymes.

Why Is Exfoliation Important?

The skin is constantly generating new skin cells at the lower layer (the dermis) and sending them to the surface (the epidermis). As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin. These keratinized skin cells are essential because they give our skin its protective quality. But they are constantly sloughing off to make way for younger cells.
As we age the process of cell turnover slows down. Cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin’s surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation is beneficial because it removes those cells that are clinging on, revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.
It is possible, however, to overexfoliate, especially on the delicate skin of the face. Overexfoliating will dry and irritate the skin.

What You Should Know About Facial Exfoliation:

• Be extra careful with the delicate skin of your face.
• It’s easy to overexfoliate. Talk to a good esthetician about the product and frequency that is best for your skin. Your should be especially cautious if you have sensitive or aging skin.
• Be careful not to overdo microdermabrasion. It can make thin, aging skin even thinner if you get too many treatments too quickly.
• Don’t overexfoliate, especially in summer or in very sunny climates. You’re making it easier for your skin to be damaged by the sun.
• Never use body scrubs on the face. They’re too rough.
• Be very careful with peels. Don’t get one peel and then go somewhere else to ask for another. You can remove too much of your protective layer and end up exposing the living dermis. Again, be careful about going out in the sun afterwards, or doing it in summer.
• Never wax if you’ve had a peel recently. It might expose raw, living skin, which will have to scab over to heal.

What You Should Know About Body Exfoliation:

• You can use a body scrub once or twice a week with no problem.
• Body brushing every morning is a gentle way to exfoliate — and wake up!

Exfoliation Basics

Exfoliation Tips for Acne Prone Skin
ByAnyone interested in acne skin care will have heard the term exfoliation. What exactly is exfoliation? Why is it so important for those with acne?
Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells. An exfoliant is a product or procedure that reduces the amount of dead cell build-up on the skin. Whether your acne is mild or more severe, regular exfoliation will smooth and soften the skin, brighten the complexion, and lessen breakout activity.
But before you run out and buy a scrub, take the time to learn about all the exfoliating products and treatments available. Making the right exfoliant choice is essential to getting the results you are looking for.

Skin’s Natural Exfoliation

The skin naturally sheds dead skin cells through a process called desquamation. Every 28 days, on average, a new skin cell is “born” in the stratum germinativum, the deepest layer of the epidermis. The cell travels up through the epidermis until it reaches the uppermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. Once the cell reaches this layer, it is essentially dead. Ideally, new skin cells arrive at the skin’s surface, pushing older cells off.
Where do the old skin cells go once they have been sloughed away? They settle on your furniture, in the form of dust. Yes, that’s right. Most of the dust in your home is not dirt, but rather dead skin cells.

Acne and Dead Skin Cells

In those with acne, the natural desquamation process goes awry. Acne-prone skin produces more dead skin cells than is typical, and these cells aren’t properly shed. This condition, called retention hyperkeratosis, is the reason regular exfoliation is so important for acne prone skin types.
In normal functioning skin, excess dead skin cells are constantly being sloughed away naturally. In acne-prone skin, dead cells remain stuck on the skin’s surface and within the follicle, creating a clog (impaction). This plug of cellular debris and excess oil forms a blackhead or, if bacteria invade, an inflamed blemish.
Because of the inability of acne-prone skin to naturally shed dead skin cells, an outside means of exfoliation is necessary to help the process along. Regular use of an exfoliant can inhibit the formation of blackheads and blemishes by keeping the follicles free of blockages.

Physical Exfoliants

There are literally hundreds of exfoliating products and procedures available today, but all are found in one of two forms: physical or chemical.
Physical exfoliants work by manually removing dead skin cells with the help of an abrasive ingredient or implement. Physical exfoliants may be as simple as an over-the-counter scrub, or as involved as a professional procedure, such as microdermabrasion.
Physical exfoliants leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, but they may not be the best choice for acne-prone skin. The friction involved in using a physical exfoliant can irritate already inflamed skin, exacerbating redness and promoting additional breakouts. Those with acne, especially inflamed acne, should avoid physical exfoliants altogether, unless otherwise advised by a doctor.

Examples of physical exfoliants include:

• Scrubs
• Abrasive pads and cloths
• Microdermabrasion

Chemical Exfoliants
Some of the most popular exfoliating treatments use chemical exfoliants. Chemical exfoliants dissolve or loosen the bonds that hold dead cells on the skin’s surface by means of an acid or enzyme. Abrasive agents are not needed. Exfoliating acids and enzymes can be incorporated into lotions, gels, masks, toners, and more.
Chemical exfoliants can be found over-the-counter at your local retail store, and many are gentle enough to be used daily. Stronger daily and weekly treatments, as well as light chemical peels, are available at day spas and skin spas. The estheticians working at these establishments can help you decide which treatments will be best for your skin. For the most powerful chemical exfoliant products, ask your dermatologist. He or she can provide you with a prescription treatment, or perform stronger chemical peels, if needed.
Most chemical exfoliants, whether over-the-counter or doctor prescribed, will dry the skin to some degree. Incorporating an oil-free moisturizer into your daily skin care routine will help ward off excessive dryness, peeling, and irritation.

Some common chemical exfoliants include:

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA)- glycolic, lactic, and tartaric acid
• Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) – salicylic acid
• Retinoids – Retin A (tretinoin), Differin (adapalene), Tazorac (tazarotene)
• Chemical peels – trichloroacetic acid (TCA), carbolic or phenol, AHA and BHA peels

Exfoliant Safety Tips

• If you need help choosing an exfoliant, don’t hesitate to ask your dermatologist or aesthetician for guidance. They will be able to recommend a product or procedure that is both safe and effective for your skin.
• Unless recommended by your doctor, avoid using several exfoliating products at the same time. Doing so may cause redness, excessive dryness, peeling, and considerable irritation.
• If you are currently using any acne medications, especially Accutane <http://acne.about.com/od/acnetreatments/a/isotretinoin.htm> (isotretinoin), retinoids such as Retin A (tretinoin) or Differin (adapalene), or any other topical or oral medications, talk with your doctor before beginning any exfoliation treatment.
• If a product causes considerable irritation or discomfort, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Even if you’re not a gym bunny you probably know how important exercise is to keep your figure toned and your contours lifted. But did you know the same is true of your face?
Few of us have any understanding of our facial muscles, how they work and what part they play in the aging process.
Most anti aging remedies focus on special treatments to stimulate collagen and tighten skin or remove sagging skin through facial cosmetic surgery .
But building your facial muscles through regular exercise can have a dramatic impact on how you look – you can look younger without invasive treatments.
The muscles in your face – properly toned and exercised – can decrease or even reverse the effects of aging.

Some of us have more face muscles than others
Science is still building an understanding of exactly how muscles work in the face. Until recently it was assumed that – like other muscles in the body – we all had the same number of muscles in our faces. In a 2008 study reported in Science Daily – scientists at the University of Portsmouth in the UK discovered that this simply wasn’t true – there was a wide variation.

“Everyone communicates using a set of common signals and so we would expect to find that the muscles do not vary among individuals. The results are surprising – in some individuals we found only 60 per cent of the available muscles.”

Dr Bridget Waller, University of Portsmouth published in The American Psychological Association Journal
According to the MedTerms Medical Dictionary we have 43 face muscles and this is a commonly accepted medical fact. What the 2008 research study revealed was that many people have up to another 14 muscles in addition to the 43 we all possess.

Face muscles express universal human emotions
The basic 43 face muscles which we all possess are those around the eyes, across the forehead, along the cheeks, under the mouth and above the mouth leading down to the chin. These muscles are used to convey the seven universal human emotions – anger, sadness, fear, surprise, disgust, contempt and happiness.

Your facial muscles are a bit like a thin patchwork quilt just below the surface of the skin. This thin layer of muscle is interconnected with bundles of fibres so they work together to give your face life and movement.

Face muscles are different to other muscles
The muscles in your face also differ form the muscles elsewhere in the body in the way they are structured. Body muscle is attached to bone via your tendons. Every muscle in your face is attached to your skin but only some of them are attached to bone as well.

“The face is also one of the few places in the body where some muscles are not attached to any bone at all”

David Matsumoto, Professor of Psychology, San Francisco State University

Two areas in your face where muscle is not attached to bone are around the eyes and the mouth. Not surprisingly these are parts of the face that can show the first (and worst) signs of age.

Facial aging a result of weakened muscle
The way your face muscle is structured is one of the main reasons why your face can so quickly start to betray your age.

As muscle mass and tone declines with age, weakened muscle pulls skin down with it and you get the sagging face syndrome we all know.

• eyelid “hooding” and eyebrow drooping
• increase in under eye puffiness
• sagging jawline and development of jowls
• nasal labial lines (between the lower part of your nose and the corners of your mouth) develop and deepen
• mouth corners start to turn down
• chin sags and double chin develops

This may seem like a bit of a depressing list – but don’t dispair. The facial sagging which you may have thought was something you had to live with can be vastly improved with regular exercise.

Exercising face muscles helps you look younger
“When you exercise, you tone and tighten the muscles in your body so why not apply the same principles to your face? Facial exercise is a medically sound method of achieving and maintaining a more youthful facial appearance…I’ve seen the results, and it works.”

Dr Mark Berman MD, President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

For any muscle to be taut and tight it has to be shortened through exercise. Without exercise the muscle lengthens and gets out of shape leading to flabbiness and loss of volume.

We know this to be true for our bodies but somehow we fail to apply the same understanding to our faces – it’s as if we think that our muscles stop at the neck.

Just like going to the gymn to get rid of your body flab – exercising the right face muscles can tighten, tone and lift your face and help prevent the signs of aging getting worse.

What is Facial Microcurrent?

Facial Microcurrent is a safe, painless, non-surgical, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that helps tone, lift and firm sagging facial muscles back to its original position and shape.

What are the benefits of Facial Microcurrent?

1. It helps improves the health and appearance of the skin.
2. It tightens and firms aging skin.
3. It helps tone the muscles on the face and neck.
4. It also helps lift sagging eyebrows and jowls.
5. It helps heal scars and blemishes giving a healthy glow to the skin.
6. It helps reduce and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.
7. It stimulates the production of collagen on the skin.

Who are the best candidates for a facial microcurrent treatment?

• This treatment is for old and young people alike who wish to maintain and gain a young-looking facade as long as they are healthy and do not have skin infections in the area to be treated.
• For young people who wish to put off any signs of aging and also for older people who wish to restore their once youthful appearance.

Who shouldn’t undergo this cosmetic procedure?

• People who have a history of heart problems, epilepsy, thrombosis, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis or those who have implanted electrical devices are not fit to undergo this treatment.
• People who have skin diseases or who have recently underwent facial surgery, or have any open wounds, cuts or abrasions or skin are also not suitable to have this treatment done.
• Although there is no scientific proof that this treatment is harmful to pregnant women, it is greatly advised to wait until after you’ve given girth if you wish to undergo this cosmetic procedure.

Microcurrent treatment is a very good alternative to facelifts. Since it is non-surgical procedure, we don’t have to worry about possible dangerous complications. It is safe, effective, practically painless, provides rapid results and most especially, it doesn’t call for a recovery time.
Most people need a course of around 10 micro–current sessions to see the full benefits – although many claim to see immediate results from the first treatment. The exact number you need will depend on your skin tissue and muscle tone – not necessarily on your age.

Some clients notice a difference after the first treatment. Other clients will notice it after 3 or 4 treatments. The important thing to realize is that the effect is cumulative – that is, your face will become more tightened and toned with each treatment. When you get the desired effect, you can begin your maintenance program of having a treatment anywhere from 4 – 12 weeks, depending on your unique body.

The micro current face lift procedure itself takes approximately one hour to complete and is virtually painless. The micro-current face lift procedure requires no anesthesia, no recovery time, no down time from work, and has no irritating side effects.

Non-surgical Radio frequency Face and Body Lift
It uses RF electric wave to produce heat exchange, precisely attains skin deep, stimulates inner ion of bo dy, colloid granule with electricity will be forced rapid movement, vibration or attrition, then produce heat energy.
At same time, under effect of polarized molecule resonance, it heats collagen tissue of dermis layer. When deep collagen tissue is heated up to 45-60,it will naturally produce instant shrinking, stimulate to excrete much new collagen to make up interspace of the shrinking or lost collagen protein, and make them rearray, rebuilt skin soft bracket, finally get tight skin, remove wrinkle, recover skin elasticity and luster.

Applicable range:

• Facelift.
• Skin lift around eyes.
• Tighten neck skin.
• Improve drooping and slack nose wrinkle.
• Firm forehead skin and lessen wrinkle.
• Lift and tighten breasts.
• Tighten and sculpture the back.
• Tighten and sculpture the waist.
• Sculpture the buttocks and legs.
• Tender skin of hands.

What is The Diamond Dermabrasion?
it is a improvement of the Micro-crystal Dermabrasion. The Diamond Dermabrasion provided a non-surgical skin refinish procedure, by using sterile diamond heads to abrade or rub off the top skin layer, then Vacuuming out the particles along with any dirt and dead skin back up. This procedure removes skin debris, imperfections, blemishes, wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation on the skin. Moderate usage of Diamond Dermabrasion, accompany with skin products that penetrate through top skin layer that reach the dermis level, helps to replenish natural nutrients, restore cell activity, and promote skin health. The results after Micro Dermabrasion treatment is usually a healthy, glowing, beautiful skin.

What is skin scrubber?
Skin scrubber is the latest treatment which removes dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles, treats pimples and clears the complexion. The Ultrasound scrubber technology uses ultrasonic waves to shake loose dead skin cells. The ultrasonic waves also create heat and vibration to give a pleasant massage which will drive creams and ampoules into the skin. CE approved.
Peeling Removes Stratum Corneum
Using the ultrasonic waves generated by the scrubber, dirt, dead skin and cuticle can be safely and effectively cleared away by the specially designed probe.
Smooth Wrinkles
Smooth Wrinkles by Massage
While muscle is heated and the tissue of skin is activated by ultrasound vibration and ultrasound wave, wrinkles are removed and the muscle is relaxed.
Removes Imperfections
Pain less Pore Cleasing
The pimples in pores are instantaneously emulsified by the ultrasonic wave and cleared away painlessly. This method cleans the skin thoroughly.
Removes Melanin.
Tyrosinase is aerosolized by 28.000 times/sec ultrasonic frequency. Melanin is decomposed by induced voltage and excreted as waste.

What is ultrasonic massage?
Ultrasonic use of high frequency ultrasonic wave (1000000 / 3000000) shocks to promote human blood circulation and speed up metabolism. Application ultrasound, with all kinds of cream cosmetics,penetrate into the skin to strengthen the organization to treatment, beauty effect.

Blame genetics if you want, but doctors say it’s also how you’ve treated your skin. We enlisted Michal Roizen, M. D., internist, and author of the Real Age books, to quantify the effect your habits have had. The quiz is designed with a 28-year-old in mind. Damage is cumulative, so if you’re older or Younger than 28, the numbers on the right would be slightly higher or lower.

Take your age and add the number of years listed on the right for every ‘’yes’’ answer.
Have you had more than 1o bad sunburns in your life? + 2,5 years
Do you have red, itchy eyes from allergies? + 2,5 years
Are you a regular smoker? + 2 years
Do you live in a highly polluted city? + 2,5 years

Now subtract the number of years on the right for every ‘’yes’’ answer.
Do you cleanse your skin every day? -1,5 years
Do you get seven to nine hours of sleep each night? -1,5 years
Do you wear sunscreen regularly? -1 years
Do you have a dark brown skin tone? -1 year
Do you regularly wear moisturizer? -1 year

FIVE Sneaky things that make you look older

Nope not wrinkles. That would be obvious. Lots of other skin woes can age even a Yonge woman before her time. Here’s how to fight back!

A Dull Complexion
Sure, sure by now you probably know that skipping your daily skincare routine can make you zitty, but can it also make you look older? Unfortunately, yes. ‘’If you, re not cleansing your skin on the regular basis, dead skin cells start to accumulate on the surface’’, says Diane Berson, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Medical College at Cornell University. All those unploughed cells block the work of moisturizers and anti-aging creams and make your skin look lackluster, according to Rolanda Johnson, Ph. D. And if that’s not skeevy enough, ‘’research has shown that free radicals in the environment can react with remaining dirt and oil to damage and age skin over time’’, says Johnson.
Solution: Take your skincare as seriously as your pedicure colors. If you don’t have time to wash your face in the morning, do at least a quick sweep of toner. And after a long day,’’ you definitely need to wash your face, whether you wore makeup or not,’’ says Jody Alpert Levine, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. “There is always sebum produced and outside pollutants to wash off” Don’t stop there: Gentle exfoliation a couple of times a week is a must for Yonge, healthy skin. E. Tanzini, M.D., co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, gives these guidelines to de-gunk pores:” For sensitive skin, just rub a wet washcloth over your face in a circular motion for a minute or two; a couple of times a week is enough. Oily skin types can use a glycolic exfoliator on a daily basis, and normal skin can use one up to three times a week.

Major Dryness
Chilly weather is brutal on the skin. The cold air and arid indoor heat break down your skin’s protective barrier, making it blotchy, flaky, older-seeming. ‘’A youthful glow is all about luminosity’’, says Dr. Levine. Dry, rough, scaly skin stops light in tracks.”
Solution: For dewy, I-just-got a-facial skin year-round, get a good moisturizer that’s right for you. “ If you have normal to acne-prone skin, look for light, noncomedogenic lotion,” says Dr. Tanzi. Oily skin types can get away with just swiping on serum. For those with super-dry complexions, Tanzi recommends rich hydration with shea butter, petrolatum, or dimethicone. And don’t forget to hydrate at night, too. Before bed, smear on anti-aging night moisturizer to do double duty.
If you,re already religious about face cream but still suffer from parched skin, your diet could be to blame. Overloading on carbohydrates and sweets can add years to skin’s appearance. “Excess sugar binds to proteins, which results in damage to elastin and collagen,” says Dr. Levine. “That makes your skin dry, brittle, and less springy.” So instead of that third cupcake..munch on skin-protecting antioxidants like those found in green tea, berries, and dark-colored vegetables such as kale, beets, and broccoli.

Dark Spots
The most likely cause of brown spots is our good old friend -the sun. UV rays can trigger an overproduction of melanin in the skin, and the effect on your appearance is every bit as aging as wrinkles. Shockingly a 2009 study done on facial aging in identical twins found that different amounts of sun exposure made the more sun-damaged sibling look as much as 10 years older! “A lot of what we call aging is actually photo-aging from the sun”, says Dr. Berson. But first of all, what does a sunspot look like? Basically, it,s a big freckle that’s symmetrical and all one color, as opposed to skin cancers, which generally have asymmetry, irregular borders, color changes, and a diameter larger than six millimeters, or about a quarter of an inch.
Solution: Sunscreen! And there are ways to deal with the damage you already have, too. “Once you’re in your thirties, everybody has some pigmentation that shows up from sun damage that happened before you were 18. It’s easy to add a toner to your daily routine. Look for lightening agents like kojic acid, salicylic acid, arbutin or hydroquinone, which can even out your skin tone ”says Dr. Levine. Using a dark -spot treatment will do the trick too.
TWO THINGS THAT MAKE EWERY WOMAN LOOK OLDER
All the doctors we spoke with named the sun and smoking as the biggest agers- they cause all sorts of skin issues or worsen the ones you’ve already got. Both cause free radical damage to skin’s structure, making it look leathery, sallow, and dry. And their effects are cumulative over time. “At age 35, you can look 5 to 10 years older from sun damage,” says Dr. Roizen. “But at 50, you could look 80-the process accelerates.” So pick up the SPF, put down the ciggies and give your skin-and person it’s attached to! -the TLC it deserves.

Puffy Eye Bags
You might not experience these till your forties or beyond- but in this world, many women get them earlier, and they can make you look older than you are.
Solution: “Getting at least seven hours of sleep a night would be fantastic. Two or three nights of good sleep can make a huge difference, but even one night is helpful.” The way you snooze also impacts puffiness. If you sleep on your stomach or on your side, fluid can accumulate under the skin around the eyes”, says Dr.Berson.” Try to sleep on your back with your head elevated on an extra pillow to draine any excess.”It’s worth a shot- the more often you do it, the easier it is for gravity to work. Try an eye treatment with a rollerball applicator to help the product sink in deeper. It mimics the action of patting on cream with your finger, but does it faster, says Dr. Tanzi. So what if you’re doing everything right and getting good sleep, and you still look puffy? It’s most likely allergies, our experts agree. After two years your pillow is 80 percent dust mite poop.” Another less gross possible irritant: sensitivity to your eye cream or make up.

Dark Circles
While your skin is doing the whole growing -old-gracefully thing, the under-eye area slowly darkens from a natural loss of fat stores. Eventually, that leads to hollowness a shadowy effect. But in your twenties and thirties, dark circles can be attributed to three things: genetics, allergies, or dieting.
Solution: First, rule out genetics. “Certain ethnicities, like those from India or the Middle East, have increased pigment under the eye”, says Dr. Tanzi. “In these cases, laser procedures can help, but they come with a recovery period of weeks or even months.” “ If genetics isn’t the issue, allergies may again be the culprit. If you have them, resist the urge to rub when your eyes get itchy. “ Skin builds up the pigment in response to rubbing,” says Dr. Levine. Minimize dark circles from allergies in the same way you’d treat under-eye bags- with cold compresses, antihistamines, and allergen-reducing pillow covers.
Dark circles could be due to dramatic weight shifts from dieting. “Fat loss on the face can make you look drawn and older,” says Dr. Berson. Also, rapid weight gain or loss can have a bad impact on your skin overall, leading to a decrease in elasticity that ages you noticeably. Keep weight loss to a sane pace of one to two pounds a week, cut back on late nights, curb your sweet tooth and stick with your daily skincare ritual, no matter how tired you are!

How to get great skin in your 20s

Right now your skin is:
Pretty darn lovely, lucky girl! “Women in their twenties have envy-provoking skin—firm, smooth and radiant,” says NYC dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D. If any teeny-tiny lines seem to be emerging, you have to get really close to a mirror to see them. Breakouts are an issue mostly from your period, stress or the Pill, typically on the lower half of your face. You may also notice puffiness—especially around the eyes—from staying out late, noshing on salty bar and fast food and having a few too many cocktails. But, hey, you’re living life.

Biggest skin agers to avoid:
The sun. Yeah, we know you know that wearing a broad-spectrum, UVA- and UVB-blocking SPF 365 days a year is a must. But every single one of our experts implored us to remind you anyway. The Yongeer you make it a habit, the better. “I always tell my twentysomething patients to think of what they’ll save not having to reverse sun damage in the future,” says Dr. Marmur, author of Simple Skin Beauty. “It’s like $100 in the bank every time you apply sunscreen.”

Smoking and boozing. “When you smoke, blood vessels constrict, which means your skin is not getting a flow of blood and oxygen the way it should be,” says Dr. Fusco. “Smoking also accelerates the breakdown of collagen, so skin loses elasticity.” Alcohol is not your friend, either. “It’s incredibly dehydrating and makes skin look dryish and dull,” say aesthetician Sharo-n Ronen, owner of Skin Haven Spa Studio in Los Angeles, where she sees her fair share of party girls the morning after. (Think about it: You know how cotton-mouth-y you feel following a night of one too many? Skin cells get similarly parched.) Plus, alcohol triggers a tsunami of stress in your body, causing inflammation that results in redness and swelling. Over time, excessive drinking can lead to premature wrinkling.

Proven ways to look even better:
Ditch the zits. Use a cleanser with 2% glycolic or salicylic acid.
Combat puffiness . Back away from processed foods, which tend to be loaded with sodium, and the salt shaker. When you need emergency morning help, try an under-eye treatment with caffeine; tap for a minute or two to increase circulation.

Start anti-aging now! No need to go nuts; just apply a daily moisturizer with glycolic acid—it’s light but helps smooth any little lines. And do a weekly scrub: Skin cells refresh themselves fast now, but this speeds up the process and the glow. (Optional: eye cream.) “In your twenties, you have this mentality that skin will take care of itself,” says Jillian Wright, owner of NYC’s Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa. “But you will avoid a ton of problems down the line if you start treating skin with the same care you do your body.”
I don’t necessarily agree to each and every word, but there is some truth. I don’t like the caffeine part, it’s not proven that caffeine does something for skin, and for me, eye gels/fluids/creams with caffeine it them don’t work at all in terms of reducing anything. Cold spoons on puffy eyes or sliced raw potato on dark circles every morning works 1000X better.

Staying out of the sun helps skin to stay Yonge, less sagging, less pigmentation issues and you get only expression lines! Even better when combined with a stable broad spectrum sunscreen, but you still need to stay in shade, because no sunscreen gives 100% protection, they are just an additional safety measure, not a total sun blocker that allows to bake in direct sun for hours.
The best anti aging tips are more lifestyle concerning than product oriented. Skin care products can only to so much for the skin, make it smoother, brighter, more hydrated, but thats basically all.
Drink a lot of water, it helps kidneys and liver to remove toxins, when those two organs can’t get rid of all the wastes it comes out through skin. Think of it as washing the skin from inside.
Hydration is important too, but not just plain water, our bodies just filter most of the water out, so you need to eat water, in form of fruits, vegetables, fresh juice, smoothies and all those things.
Exercise is very important too, it keeps skin nourished and flushes all the toxins out, people who do daily exercise for years age very slowly. That doesn’t mean pushing it to the extreme, like going to gym every day for a full workout, but a more active lifestyle.

Developing a routine that keeps your particular skin clean, hydrated, and protected can help you look your best. A good daily skin care routine shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes a day.

Following is a list of some steps you should incorporate into your daily skin care routine that will help to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy, clear, and youthful.

Determine Your Skin Type and Pick Appropriate Products
Step 1 – Cleansing
Step 2 – Toning
Step 3 – Moisturizing
Step 4 – Protection
Feeding the Skin

Determine Your Skin Type and Pick Appropriate Products

Normal – Skin is velvety, with small pores, and no visible acne.
Oily – Skin has enlarged pores with shiny patches. Frequent breakouts may occur on the face, back, arms, and possibly the chest.
Dry – Skin has very small, invisible pores with possible dry and itchy patches. The cheeks, arms, legs, chest, and belly may be particularly dry.
Combination – Skin is dry across the cheeks and oily on the forehead, chin, and nose. Arms may be dry and back may be oily.
Sensitive – Skin is either oily or dry with irritated and itchy patches. Skin may also be blotchy and reddened with frequent breakouts.

If you’re not sure what type of skin you have, ask your dermatologist or a skin care professional. Note that skin on the body may be a different type than facial skin.

Once your skin is classified, you should choose products formulated for your skin type and use them in your daily routine. The four steps in your daily skin care routine should be cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and protecting .

Step 1 – Cleansing

For the face, any type of soap works fine to remove dirt, but may not work as well to remove make-up. Instead, choose a facial cleansing agent in cream, water-based emulsion, lotion, or gel form that’s formulated for your particular skin type. Those with drier skin may want to choose cream or lotion products; those with oilier skin may want to use gel or water-based products. Those prone to breakouts may wish to use medicated soaps or lotions designed to reduce breakouts.
First, splash your face with warm water to open the pores. Apply your cleansing product to the skin in gentle upward strokes (to avoid stretching the skin and aggravating wrinkles), rinsing thoroughly with warm water for several minutes. If you use a product that must be applied with cotton balls or a cleansing towel, again, use gentle upward strokes and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Finish with a splash or two of cold water to close the pores.
This routine is same for the body. Cleanse your skin in the bath and shower with a cleansing product formulated for the body. Rinse with warm water and finish up with a dip or splash of cold.

Step 2 – Toning

Follow-up your cleansing routine with a facial toner , which removes any residual greasiness still left on the skin from your make-up or your cleansing product. It also closes the pores, stimulates circulation, and gives the skin a porcelain-like quality. There are a variety of toners on the market so try to choose one that’s formulated for your skin type. Apply the toner with a cotton ball, using the same gentle, upward strokes that you used to apply your cleanser.
Only those with very oily skin need to use a toner on the body. If you have oily skin and breakouts on areas of your body, try using a toner formulated for use on the body. Otherwise, skip to moisturizing.

Step 3 – Moisturizing

All skin types , even oily skin, need a moisturizer every day . But like toners and cleansers, there are different types of moisturizers for different types of skin. If you have dry skin you should choose a moisturizer containing oil (such as petrolatum); if you have oily skin you should choose water-based creams and oil-free formulations. You may also wish to choose different moisturizers for the face and body; facial moisturizers tend to be more expensive and complex for your most delicate skin.
Many moisturizing creams contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) , which are fruit- and milk-based acids that help to remove the dull layer of surface skin and expose fresh skin below. AHAs can reduce the appearance of pores and fine wrinkles. If you have sensitive skin , you may wish to avoid these products since they can cause breakouts.
If you have sensitive skin you should look for hypo-allergenic products, which are usually free of perfumes and dyes that can cause skin irritation. If you go out in the sun daily, it’s a good idea to choose a moisturizer containing a sunscreen.
The moisturizer should be applied to the face in upward strokes. Apply to the body in gentle strokes, applying the most moisturizer to your belly, chest, calves, thighs, and forearms.

Step 4 – Protection

The most important step you can take to protect your skin is to apply a sunscreen every day. Use at least an SPF 10 to your face and exposed areas of your body whenever you are going to be out in the sun. Many moisturizers contain SPF 10-15 sunscreen, or you may wish apply a separate product that is specifically a sunscreen with a higher SPF level . Whichever option you choose, make sure you buy a sunscreen suitable for your skin type.

Feeding the Skin

A critical step required to get healthy and glowing skin is to eat a balanced diet containing plenty of Vitamins A, C, D and E . Vitamins C and E help to prevent skin damage from free radicals which can cause visible lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C also helps the body to produce and maintain healthy collagen levels. Vitamin A helps to prevent sun damage and Vitamins C and D (which is applied topically) help with skin healing. The following table lists some common food sources that contain these essential vitamins for your skin.

Common Foods that Contain Vitamins A, C, D and E

Vitamin A Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, whole eggs, whole milk, and liver

Vitamin C Citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, green peppers, cantaloupe, and strawberries

Vitamin D Only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D, including fatty fish and fish oils. Milk is usually fortified with Vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight is another source of vitamin D, but exposure to sun should be limited.

Vitamin E Vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables and many fortified cereals

Essential fatty acids found in vegetable oils, fish such as salmon and tuna, and nuts help to nourish and hydrate the skin, and give it a glowing complexion.

It’s also important that you get enough sleep daily — 8 hours or so — and find at least a little time to exercise. Improving circulation improves the complexion; just a 20 minute walk daily can keep skin luminous.

Blackheads are composed of oils, sebum and cellular fragments that produce firm to hard plugs within hair follicles. Blackheads are open to the skin’s surface and become darkened at the surface by exposure to oxygen (oxidation). They are called open comedones. When bacteria are added to these plugs, the condition can lead to acne.

How to get rid of blackheads

The best way to get rid of blackheads is to remove the cause of them — excessive sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. Use only products made with natural ingredients that are not too astringent. Harsh products can strip the skin of oil, causing it to produce more sebum which leads to more blocked pores. Don’t be afraid of using cleansing products containing natural oils, such as jojoba or coconut oil to cleanse the skin. These oils are close to our natural oils, so they don’t block the pores. Use a gentle exfoliator every day to remove dead skin cells so they don’t block pores. Just remember to be very gentle, over exfoliation can exacerbate the problem. Avoid products containing the following: alcohol, isopropyl mystate, lanolin, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, propylene glycol, mineral oil and parabens.

Do not try and extract them forcibly, either using your fingers, fingernails or a comedone (blackhead) remover. This can cause permanent damage to the pores and stop them working properly forever. You may squeeze some of the blackhead out, but you could also force some of it even deeper into the skin, which may lead to infection (large spots, pimples or even cysts) or permanent damage. Touching your skin should generally be avoided to prevent cross infection.

Acne is one of the most common skin disorders. The most common form of acne is called acne vulgaris. On this website, whenever we refer to acne, we are referring to acne vulgaris, unless we specify.
Acne is a disease of hair follicles and develops in stages. Beginning with blackheads and whiteheads acne may develop into large nodules and cysts. Acne not only disfigures skin, but also affects the psychology of the person suffering from it. That is why it is important to treat it as soon as possible.
We have hair follicles all over our body except a few places such as lips, palms and the soles of our feet. These follicles are connected with sebaceous glands. Hair also grows out from these hair follicles. When the pores of the hair follicles get blocked, acne develops.
In the first stage, acne begins as whiteheads and blackheads. Blackheads are called open comedones and whiteheads are called closed comedones.
The second stage of acne is pimples or zits. They are also known as papules and pustules. Pimples form when the plugged pores get inflamed. When pimples get further infected and inflamed, the third stage of acne develops. These are called as nodules and cysts.
Acne will not always develop into the more severe stages. It may stop growing after the first stage.

Where can acne develop?
Acne can develop on all the places of the body where hair follicles are located. The density of follicles is greater on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, neck and upper arms. Acne is therefore most common on face, arms and trunk.

Who gets acne?
Mostly teenagers suffer from acne, but people of any age can get it. Acne can affect people in their thirties, forties or above.

Acne: Common Causes

Heredity
If you have a family history of acne, you are at a greater risk of getting acne. Acne is not strictly hereditary, but the probability is higher if your family has a history of acne.

Hormones
Androgen group hormones activate the sebaceous glands and also help block pore openings. Hormonal changes during puberty therefore trigger acne. This is the main cause of acne in teenagers. Women may get acne at later ages because of changes in hormones.

Oily skin
Those with oily skin have a greater probability of getting acne. The excess sebum gives much needed food to bacteria P.acnes and may also block pore openings.

Food
Though no food is directly linked with acne, experience suggests that some people get acne from eating certain foods. If you find any association between a food and your acne, stop eating that food.

Pressure and sweating
Pressure, rubbing of the skin and sweating can cause an acne known as acne mechanica. Tight clothes made of synthetics, backpacks, tight helmets and similar items may cause acne.

Menstrual cycle
Women may get acne some days before the beginning of their menstrual cycle because of changes in their hormones.

Medicines
Some medicines can cause acne break-out.

Cosmetics and skin care products
Acne cosmetica can be caused by the use of cosmetics.
There are lots of acne treatments that works. It is just a matter of choosing which one to use. You can get medication from your dermatologist because for sure they know exactly what to do; the advantage of doing so is that is their field and that is what they do to cure skin problems. The disadvantage of it is it cost money. You can get some products that work from aestheticians who works with different professional lines. The disadvantage of it each product work different on different people, you have to find which works for you. You can also try home remedy for acne treatments which also works things that you can find the comfort of your home. The advantage is that it costs less, you can use things that are just around the house and maybe food that you eat everyday can also be use for treating acne, you just don’t know yet. The disadvantage of it is you don’t know what will work for you, it will take time. It is a matter of choosing which is which.

Here are some home remedies that you can use that costs less but acne treatments that work real good:

• Sunlight: yes sunlight is an acne treatment that work. It has vitamins that are needed by your skin. You can use sun block lotion you are too afraid to get burnt. You can just get outside your house from 6am to 8am that kind of sunlight is still healthy for the skin. Sunlight is naturally healthy.
• H₂O: it is always present inside the house. Drink lots of water, 8-10 glasses a day is good for your skin. Drinking water keeps your skin hydrated preventing you from having dry skin and skin rash which will lead to acne problems. Wash your face every morning and at night before going to bed. Do not over wash your face it will remove the natural oil that is needed for your skin.
  Avoid eating chocolates, sweet foods, and fatty foods. It will make you fat and sweaty. If you are sweating too much, your pores will be clogged by it and will lead to acne problems.
• If you are tired of drinking water and you wanted beverage, drink green tea which is good for preventing acne and also good for the skin. It has antioxidant that is good for curing acne and other skin diseases that include skin cancer.

You must use less makeup first. What you do not know is the more makeup you put on your face, the worse acne might actually be. If you wear lots of heavy foundation or use thick face creams, it may be the cause of your skin problems, especially when you choose the wrong makeup. So, the less makeup you put on your face, the better. And in order to avoid the wrong choice, you could get advices from skin experts.

It is advisable to do clay mask once a week. It is important to note that this is only necessary for those with oily or combination skin. Dry skin, obviously, is no need to do so. In fact, acne are partially caused by excess oil on your face, so, if your skin is greasy, a good quality weekly clay mask will help sop up some of the grease and keep your pores clearer. Please do it once a week – if you do it too much, you may over-dry your skin, and this could lead to even more problems!
And you can also get rid of your acne naturally in the daily life. You’d better drink lots of water and have a healthy eating. What you put into your body shows on the outside. Many people love eating too much oily and saturated food. So their acne is worse. As for drink, you may argue that you have drunk a lot every day. Yes, you are, but you only drink Coca Cola. I mean you should drink water, 8 glasses of water every day is perfect. I strongly suggest you drink two glasses of water every day in the morning. This best acne treatment helps clear your stomach and make you have a clean skin.

Moreover, it is best to sleep early. Staying up late will be very harmful to your skin. You will find your skin is better if you have a good sleep.

How to treat your skin after giving it that “Summer Glow”

Post-summer months… Together with the sad feeling about the sunny days gone by and with the fading memories of that wonderful holiday on the sea come worries about the state of your skin.

Due to the post-summer sun-damage and skin dehydration you can notice one or several of the following symptoms:

• The skin feels and looks dry
• New or first fine lines appear and become considerably visible
• The skin tone looks dull and sallow
• Sun and age spots appear
• The skin is flaking and is irritated
• The skin is sagging
• Some broken capillaries become visible

These are signs of sun damaged skin and photoaging. What is sun damage:
Sun rays can damage the DNA, the genetic material, of the skin cells deep in dermis layer. As a result, these cells become dysfunctional. They do not produce collagen and elastin as well as they used to and skin sags, shows lines and wrinkles. The damaged cells do not renew properly and skin becomes thick, dull and sallow.
Trying to protect itself from the sun, the skin produces melanin pigment to absorb ultraviolet light. Melanin production normally causes skin to tan. However, sun damage over the years can result in localized spots of hyperpigmentation appearing on the most exposed parts of the body: usually face, shoulders and hands. Such lesions are known as “age spots” or “liver spots”.

Use the mid-season to restore your skin’s moisture balance and treat the sun-damage.

Step 1: Exfoliation

Exfoliation or peeling will help your skin to get rid of the dead damaged cells and prepare it to take in moisture and nutrition easier. Exfoliation of the skin’s top layer has also shown in many studies to stimulate production of new collagen in the deeper dermis layers thus helping to improve the signs of photoaging.
Professional Peeling: Some cosmetologists recommend to wait until October to take a series of professional peeling procedures. In October the sun becomes mild enough not to cause any damage to the freshly revealed skin layer. If you have sensitive or problem skin, or skin prone to acne, go with a chemical or enzyme peel. If your skin is dry or normal, you can choose either dermabrasion, a chemical peeling or a combination of both.
At-Home Peeling Treatments: You can do lighter peeling treatments at home as well. It is important to choose the right exfoliating product for your skin condition and type. Non mechanical (enzyme-based) or containing round shaped granules products are perfect for problem, acne prone skin and sensitive skin. Enzyme-based exfoliating products work by dissolving the dead skin-layer, while mechanical scrubs with irregular particles “scrub” the dead cells off and can cause micro cuts in the skin. These micro injuries in problem and acne prone skin can result in break outs and irritation. Such scrubs (with irregular particles) are good for dry, normal, flaking (but not irritated) skin.
* To help your skin renew on a daily basis you can also include a moisturizing product with light peeling properties. Look for a product containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Glucosamine, Retinol or Retinoids.

Step 2: Regular Daily Moisturizing
During the hot, sunny summer months your skin looses a lot of moisture. Dehydration is one of the reasons why it looks so dull and you can see new lines. Give your skin the necessary moisture. Moisturize twice daily and apply a moisturizing mask once or twice a week. For normal, combination and oily skin use a light oil free moisturizer marked “non-comedogenic” in the form of fluid or gel. For the dry type of skin choose a thicker moisturizer. Look for a cream marked “for dry skin”, that can be either oil-based or water-based.

Step 3: Daily Concentrated Treatment: Treat Photoaging
Cosmetologists recommend, starting from your late 20s-early 30s, to include into your daily routine an intensive skin treatment once or twice a year for 1-3 months. The length and intervals between the treatments depend on your age and skin condition.
Intensive skin treatments come in the form of serums or concentrated emulsions.

– Use Serums Containing Vitamins and Antioxidants to treat and reverse Sun Damage:
Vitamin C:
To improve skin’s condition and its tone, to reduce inflammation and to treat appearing as a result of sun damage lines, consider using during the post-summer months a cosmetic line with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is not only a powerful antioxidant, but also works to restore and heel your skin after the sun damage. It is used by our skin to build collagen. Vitamin C Ester is vitamin C with fatty acid attached to it. Due to this it is better absorbed by the skin than vitamin C alone.
Vitamin E:
This vitamin works together with Vitamin C to protect the epidermis from UV damage. Like Vitamin C it is a powerful antioxidant. On its own, Vitamin E has shown to reduce sunburn and help to heel wounds. Due to the fact that Vitamin E is fat soluble, it gets easily absorbed and stored by the skin.
Polyphenols or Flavonoids:
These are plant-derived substances with antioxidant properties that are powerful free-radical quenchers. The flavonoids often used in skin-care products include green tea, grape seed extract, and soy extract.
Retinoids (synthetic Vitamin A):
Retinoids are widely accepted as a very effective anti-aging treatment that helps to reverse sun-damage by speeding up cells turnover and stimulating collagen production. However, Retinoids can have some side-effects and can cause increased irritation and sensitivity to the sun. In autumn the sun is milder than in summer, the air is not as dry as in winter and the temperatures are not extreme. That is why in some climates Autumn would be a good time to try out a Retinoid treatment. In most countries the best quality Retinoids are available only on prescription. We recommend you consult your dermatologist and start your treatment under her/his supervision.
*If your skin is too sensitive and Retinoid products cause irritation try AHA products instead.

Note: Some moisturizers also come with Vitamins. For a better effect use both – apply serum under the moisturizer either twice daily or as a night repair treatment.

– Use Intensive Moisturizing Serum or Concentrate:
When skin is dehydrated its barrier against environment hazards and free radicals is very low. That makes the skin more susceptible to damage and to rapid development of signs of aging. To boost your skin’s moisture and protection level you can choose a serum with long-proven hyaluronic acid. This acid acts as a magnet for moisture and locks it in to create the ideal environment for healthy and beautiful skin.
Lipids, including Linoleic Acid, ceramides, cholesterol, Avocado Lipids, help your skin to rebuild a weakened moisture barrier and protect skin from environmental irritants.

Step 4: At-Home Intensive Beauty Treatments: Masks
For a couple autumn months give yourself regular at-home beauty treatments. 2-3 times a week apply a mask for example, once or twice- moisturizing and once – antioxidant, anti-aging or energizing. Before applying a mask cleanse your face or use an exfoliator (Note: do not exfoliate more than 2 times a week) to prepare your skin for the treatment.
To increase the potency of the mask you can add one more step to your at-home facial and treat your face to a steam bath. Put some hot water in a bowl, cleanse your face and sit over the bowl. Cover yourself with a towel to keep the steam in. You can also add a green tea bag for additional antioxidant effect or a chamomile tea bag for soothing effect into the hot water. A steam bath will open up the pores and help to cleanse them of the accumulated sebum and dirt. It will also moisturize, soften the skin and stimulate blood circulation (that is why if you are prone to broken vessels in the face you should avoid it). Follow all the other steps of the facial: exfoliate and apply a mask.

Step 5: Treat sun spots
If you notice age spots appearing after summer, use exfoliating treatments and whitening products to solve this problem. Ingredients used in products targeting age spots include Kojic Acid and Hydroquinone.
Topical Vitamin C has also shown results in lightening dark spots.
To slow down brown melanin formation choose a moisturizer with glucosamine. Recent studies have shown that topical application of glucosamine inhibits melanin overproduction in UV damaged skin cells and can help improve skin tone, barrier function and hyperpigmentation. You can also take a series of laser treatments to lighten up the spots.
Next summer make sure to use higher SPF protection!

Step 6: Improve your Diet
Beautiful skin comes not only from the bottoms of cream jars and tubes but also from a healthy diet rich in vitamins. In fact, whatever sophisticated topical treatments you apply, you won’t get high quality results without providing your skin with the vitamins and minerals vital for its function and youth from within. Your diet should include fruits, vegetables and “good” fats like fish, olive oils, flaxseed oil. Except from filling your diet with necessary vitamins it is highly recommended to take a quality vitamin and mineral supplement.

Make sure your diet includes:
Vitamin C: a powerful anti-oxidant, it also helps collagen formation.
Vitamin E: an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals and helps to soothe and heal stressed skin.
Vitamin A: required for healthy normal skin cells function.
B-Vitamins, especially Vitamin B3 (Niacin): assist in the functioning of the skin, digestive system, and nerves.
Zinc: critically important for healthy skin function, helps heal blemishes, reduces inflammation, helps to fight acne. Zinc is required for DNA repair, collagen and elastin production in the skin.
Omega-3 fatty acid: improves skin texture by “moisturizing” the skin from the inside.
Alpha lipoic acid: a special antioxidant as it is water and fat soluble which means that it is able to get to every cell in your body. This acid also helps to regenerate other oxidants like Vitamin e, Vitamin c, gluthathione and coenzyme Q10.
Magnesium: improves blood circulation.
Bioflavonoids: natural anti-oxidant free-radical scavengers. Bioflavonoids work in synergy with other antioxidants like Vitamin E, ascorbate (Vitamin C), carotene (Vitamin A) and Selenium to reduce damage to the cells caused by oxidation. Flavonoids have also been found to help in maintaining the thin walls of the capillaries, promote circulation and have an antibacterial effect.

Autumn is the time for a great variety of fruit and vegetables that will provide your body with the necessary vitamins and nutrients to improve your skin from the inside for its health and beauty. Below is a list of delicious fruit and vegetables we would recommend.

Pears contain minerals such as zinc, plus Vitamins C and E, and some B Vitamins.
Leeks contain a selection of nutrients, including folates, B Vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium.
Pumpkins are a very rich source of beta carotene, which in our bodies is converted into Vitamin A which is essential for our skin. Pumpkins also contain calcium, iron, and Vitamin C.
Sweetcorn is also in season in autumn. It contains magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.
Broccoli is a very important vegetable for beauty diet as it contains a lot of essential vitamins for skin’s beauty and youth. It has Vitamin C and bioflavonoids that together protect biomolecules in the dermis such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Both Vitamin C and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and protect your skin from free radical damage. Broccoli also contains alpha lipoic acid.
Cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin C, fiber and also contain Coenzyme Q10, a unique fat-soluble vitamin-like substance that is a potent antioxidant and a proven anti-aging fighter.
Carrots are rich in Vitamin A. In fact one carrot will supply all your Vitamin A needs for the whole day. Be careful not to overdo carrots as your skin may turn orange.
Blackberries are rich in vitamin C. Also, they are an excellent source of Vitamin E which is beneficial for the heart and circulatory problems as well as for the skin. In addition these berries contain the fiber pectin which helps to eliminate cholesterol, and protects against environmental toxins.
Grapes although in most countries they are now available all year round, autumn is the high season for grapes. Grapes are rich in magnesium, Iron and Selenium as well as biflavonoids.
Plums are a source of potassium as well as Vitamins A and E.
Raspberries contain Vitamin C as well as flavonoids, ellagic acid which neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to cell membranes and other structures in the body.