How To Prepare Your Skin For Winter

By Maria Cole

Christmas is the time when we celebrate, see relatives, go
to parties, and knock ourselves out shopping for the ideal
gift! Sadly, it's also the time when we overlook our skin.
This is bad because the climate change can greatly affect
our skin, leading to dryness, cracking and bleeding. To keep
your skin looking great in this cold season and prevent
winter dryness, here's what you should do:

Always carry a hydrating lip balm and hand moisturizer in
your bag or purse. Use them as often as possible even if you
think the weather isn't too cold. This will prevent skin
cracking and bleeding and prevent overall damage to your
skin. Baby oil is another alternative that can be used on
the hands and other problem areas; however, this can be
messy and isn't quickly absorbed by the skin. Avoid hand
sanitizers with alcohol as they can rob the skin of moisture
and make things worse for you in winter. If you can't wash
your hands, use an alcohol-free sanitizer instead.

The icy weather can likewise be rough on your hair and scalp
so take care of it during winter. The dry weather removes
the scalp's natural oils so get regular deep conditioning
treatments at the nearest hair salon. The extra conditioning
keeps your hair shiny and nourished even in harsh weather.

Avoid long hot baths at this time because hot water will
strip oil from your skin and cause dryness. A warm bath or
shower is recommended. When bathing, don't scrub your skin
with a loofah or scrub too often since this will lead to
bruises, especially during winter. Don't use exfoliating
bath scrubs either. Instead, use moisturizing bath gels and
scrubs to add extra moisture to your skin.

To nourish the skin from within, drink plenty of water in
winter to keep your skin well hydrated. Water increases skin
elasticity and prevents premature aging. Fruit juices are
good too since they nourish the skin and supply your body
with vitamins and minerals that are good for your skin. The
weather may be cold but that shouldn't prevent your skin
from looking great, and a lot of damage and discomfort can
be avoided by taking a few simple steps.

How And When To Use Sunblock To Prevent Skin Problems

By Amy Nutt

Some people are under the mistaken assumption that the only
time to use sunscreen is on especially hot and sunny days.
The truth is that anytime that were out in the sun, the suns
rays are having a negative impact on our skin. There is a
constant barrage of ultraviolet light that can cause our
skin to age before its time, and it can lead to more serious
skin problems in the long term. Even on days when its not
all that hot outside, it is a good idea to use sunscreen.

With that said, sunscreen is still most needed when a person
is spending a day out in the sun, especially if they're
trying to tan. This is when there is the biggest risk of
sunburn, which is a direct result of intense sun exposure.
Its important to understand how to choose the right
sunscreen for the job. SPF, or sun protection factor, is the
rating system that is used to determine the strength of a
sunscreen. Usually, a minimum sun protection factor of 15 is
recommended for tanning or prolonged sun exposure. However,
much more powerful levels of protection are available -- up
to a 60 SPF rating or more.

There is another factor to consider, as well. There are
multiple types of ultraviolet light rays that are harmful to
the skin -- UVA and UVB. Many sunscreens are designed to
effectively block only one UVB rays, while UVA are actually
the more dangerous type. It is a good idea to look for a
sunscreen that is designed to block both types of rays.
Sunscreens that contain the ingredients zinc oxide,
ecamsule, or avobenzone are the best choices for
full-spectrum protection.

When it comes to just routine daily sun exposure, a full
application of sunscreen isn't really necessary. If you're
just eating lunch outdoors or walking for a little while
outside, then you should be okay just using other skin-care
products that contain minor sunscreens. For example, there
are many facial moisturizers that include enough sunscreen
to protect your skin from the suns rays on a day-to-day
basis.

One of the negative effects associated with sun exposure to
the skin is wrinkling. The sun is one of the primary factors
when it comes to skin starting to look aged before its time.
For people who are concerned about aging and wrinkled skin,
there are special sunscreen treatments that are design both
to reduce and prevent wrinkles. Many of these have high SPF
ratings for maximum protection from the suns light.

Aside from wrinkles, the other major impact of the sun on
human skin is skin cancer. Heavy exposure to the sun without
the proper protection can lead to a person developing deadly
skin cancers. This is one reason why its especially
important to get (http://www.saffronrouge.com/body/sun)
sunscreen that protects against UVA rays. Despite the fact
that UVA doesn't cause any burning sensation or redness, it
is actually the primary cause of skin cancer. So when you're
looking to buy sunscreen, make sure that you make an
educated choice that will truly protect you from skin
problems.

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and hair treatment products.

Know The Warning Signs Of Skin Cancer

By Kathy Forcey

It is essential for you to know the warning signs if you
want to detect skin cancer before it grows out of control.
You should look closely at your body, paying particular
attention to any changes that might be happening to any
discolorations or moles on your skin.

If you find a growth on your skin that suddenly appears or
changes in its size you should have it checked out by your
doctor. This is especially true if it is translucent, tan,
pearly, brown, black or has multiple colors. This could be
one of the early signs of skin cancer and you should have it
checked as quickly as possible so that you can get it
treated and dealt with while it is still in the early
stages.

While you are doing your self examination of your skin you
should pay attention to moles and other areas that have been
on your skin for a long time. You should be looking for
changes in the color or shape of existing moles and areas of
pigmentation as one of the skin cancer warning signs.

Keep an eye on wounds or cuts that will not heal. This is
another of the early warning signs of cancer that should be
watched. You most likely will notice if you have a cut on your
skin that is just not healing. Have your doctor take a look
and if they feel there is a reason they will test for skin
cancer.

It is very important to understand the skin cancer warning
signs so that you can monitor your own health. You are your
own best defense in the fight against skin cancer. Not only
must you monitor your skin you should also do everything you
can to protect it. This includes wearing sunscreen every day
and keeping your exposed skin covered.

You should cover as much skin as possible, and apply
sunscreen to all exposed skin. Between 10 AM and 4 PM, when
the sun is brightest, avoid sunlight when possible. Wear a
wide-brimmed hat if you need to venture outside during this
time.

You should learn how to protect your skin from damage, and
to understand early signs of skin cancer so that you can act
to protect yourself before things get too bad. Constant
vigilance is required to keep your skin healthy and to
prevent any problems from becoming too bad to easily treat.

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to look for and save yourself stress and worry later on.

5 Basic Steps Daily To Look 5 Years Younger

By Charlotte Field

Our skin's primary purpose is to protect us. When we don't
take care of our skin, it can't do its job properly - and it
looks faded and dull. To look years younger, you must take
care of your skin each and every day. However, this does not
mean spending hours each morning in front of the mirror, or
purchasing a closet full of expensive gadgets and products
all promising to make you look 18 again.

By doing 5 basic steps each and every day, your skin will
begin to recover its luster and even its youthful glow.
Let's see what these 5 steps are.

1. Cleanse properly.

Your face needs to be cleansed both in the morning and again
in the evening. Your cleanser should be matched to your
skin type; a gel is often preferred for oily skin; a cream
is better for dry skin types. Your cleanser does not have
to foam to be effective, although if a sudsy face makes you
happy, go ahead and get a cleanser that foams. When you
apply your cleanser, be sure to follow the directions, using
a light touch, and washing gently for at least 30 seconds.
Then rinse well with clean water and pat dry. If you wear
make-up or heavy sunscreen, be sure to wash and rinse twice;
once to remove the make-up and the second time to get down
to business and cleanse your skin.

2. You need a good toner.

In order to fight those damaging "free radicals" we've been
hearing so much about, you'll need a good toner. Your toner
should create an antioxidant shield, balancing the skin's
protective barrier. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic
acid, which holds 1,000 times its weight in water, giving
your skin a real hydration boost. Other ingredients to look
for are vitamin C and white tea, both restorative and
calming. Be sure your toner is ph-balanced, especially if
your cleanser is not.

3. Exfoliate regularly.

A gentle, non-abrasive exfoliation is necessary to clear
dead skin cells from your skin's surface. Exfoliating helps
the skin renewal process and reveals a brighter, clearer
complexion. Exfoliating also allows moisturizers to
penetrate deeper into your skin. Exfoliation is good, but
more is not always better. Be careful not to over-exfoliate
or scrub your skin harshly. If you have oily skin,
over-exfoliating will cause the oil glands to over-produce
oil to compensate for the oil that you have stripped away.
Obviously this can cause more clogging and more shine on an
already oily face. So, exfoliate often, but gently, and your
skin will love you for it.

4. Keep that moisturizer coming.

Hydrate and feed your skin with a good moisturizer. Choose
a quality moisturizer that offers protection from the
elements for your skin , plus offers your skin a good dose
of nutrition along with moisture. Look for vitamins A, C,
and E, yeast, and other ingredients that would "feed" your
face just like you feed your body. Even if your skin is
oily, you still need a good moisturizer to give your face a
healthy dose of nutrition.

5. Sunscreen is for every day.

The daily use of a good sunscreen is your number one defense
against aging skin. About 99% of all the signs of aging can
be directly linked to sun damage. With a little bit of
prevention, you skin can look younger longer. Even simple
day-to-day living exposes you face to the sun, even walking
to your car and, yes, driving in your car. The windshield
is not a sunblock! Check your morning moisturizer to be
sure it contains a sunscreen of 15 SPF. If it does not, be
sure to add a good sunscreen on top of your moisturizer
before you leave the house. If your plans have you outside
for a longer time than normal, be sure to apply one of the
FDA-approved sunscreens. Look for titanium dioxide or zinc
oxide on the label.

What else can you do to look and feel years younger?

Now, just add a bit of regular exercise, healthy food, and
plenty of water to your diet, and you're well on your way to
a glowing complexion. Follow this daily skincare routine
and treat your skin to monthly professional analysis and
treatments with your Skin Care Specialist and that person
smiling back at you in the mirror will look younger and
happier.

Charlotte Field is a Skin Care Specialist offering
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Florida. She specializes in Anti-aging, Relaxation and
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How To Reduce Dark Circles Under The Eyes Naturally

One of the dreaded overnight surprises is dark under eye
circles. Looking in the mirror and seeing those when you are
in a hurry in the morning can give you a fright. Learn to
combat this pesky problem naturally and save some money.

Why do we have to put up with under eye circles? Many people
don't know the causes. Not getting enough sleep is the first
potential cause that comes to mind. Stress can bring on
sleeplessness and other conditions that can lead to under
eye circles. Dark circles are one sign that the body isn't
getting the time it needs while you sleep to repair itself.

Don't forget the water that flows so freely from our eyes
through a variety of emotional states. Crying, especially at
night, can cause the tissues to retain the fluid leading to
puffiness as well as dark circles.

Here are a few ways to reduce that look without chemicals.

1. Use cucumbers. You don't have to visit a high class spa
to get the benefits. Cool cucumber slices reduce puffiness
and fluid around the eyes. The juices lighten the skin under
the eyes. Apply thin cucumber slices to closed eyes for 10
minutes. Toss them in a salad when you're done.

2. Potato slices are good for under eye circles as well. Who
ever heard of using potatoes? In old fashioned remedies,
potatoes were used to draw out impurities. Here, use thin
raw potato slices (washed first). Apply them to your eyes
for about 20 minutes. The circles will get lighter.

3. Bananas. They are great to eat and now they can work
wonders for the outside as well as the inside. Create a
puree using bananas. When you are ready for bed, apply some
of the puree under your eyes like you would a cream. The
potassium in the banana helps balance the amount of water in
your skin. You'll see those dark circles disappear or at the
least, they will be lightened significantly.

4. Chamomile tea bags. Use chamomile tea to calm your spirit
and your skin. Cold or warm tea bags will do the trick. Cool
them in the fridge for 20 minutes or so or just let them
warm on a plate. Lay back and hold the tea bags on your eyes
for about 10 minutes.

5. Water. Drinking water will never go out of style. Your
body is 90 percent water. Dark circles can evolve from a
poorly watered body. The usual daily dose is at least eight
glasses. Drinking your water (flavored or plain) can stop
dark circles in their tracks.

6. Change your diet. If you are not eating properly, your
body will show it. Lack of vital nutrients and minerals can
manifest itself with dark patches on your skin including
under your eyes.

7. Dark circles and lack of moisture. Keep skin hydrated
from the outside as well. Using a daily moisturizer with
Vitamin E (avocado and nut ingredients) keeps skin supple.
For a more natural application, use avocado puree or almond
oil.

Dark circles are not how we want to put our best face
forward. Get rid of them naturally, without harsh chemicals.