Summer is just around the corner and for those of us who have been cooped up in cold-weather locations, it is a glory to behold. There are so many ways we can treat our body well this season and counter-act the effects of all that rich, heavy food over the holidays that might have not only added a few inches to our waistline but also added some unwanted skin reactions on our face.

If you have never eaten a fruit or vegetable in your life - never fear.  You have only to try one or two of the hundreds of delicious fruits that summer offers to get your waistline back and shape and clear that skin in no time. If you don’t want to eat them, then try applying them directly to your skin as a facial mask or body scrub!

First lets looks at some of the seasonal fruits that might still be available, depending on what zone you live in. These fruits are chock-full ofnutrients and lots of phyto-chemicals to help build collagen and re-build acne-scarred skin.

Nearly everything will be in bloom soon, so you have no excuse to not try at least of some of this delicious harvest or at least experiment with a new facial mask. Most fruits and vegetables have great propensity to eliminate toxins and flush your system of all those - pore-clogging bacteria and excess oil that creates acne flare ups and breakouts.

Yellow and orange produce items are typically high in beta carotene, potassium and Vitamin C, and thus reduce the impact of aging, prevent against macular degeneration and prostate cancer; they also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and support collagen and bone growth. Enjoy orange and yellow peppers, pumpkins, plus acorn, delicara, spaghetti and butternut squashes to receive these benefits.

BERRIES: berries are the first thing one might think of in the summer - all those delicious colors and fragrances to take in - AND they are excellent for your skin - not only on the inside but on the outside as well. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, any berries you can think of - Naturally blue and purple foods contain additional nutrients including the super anti aging reservatol (famous for itshigh (concentration in red wine) and other flavonoids that fight inflammation and cancer, plus ones that support immune and digestive function and mineral absorption. Find can find high concentrations of these age-fighting phytonutrients in grapes or purple bell peppers (found at your local farmers’ markets), purple yams or sweet potatoes and pomegranates also have these amazing phyto-nutrients to protect cellular DNA, slow the aging process and heal acne flare ups and scars.

For a direct treatment, simply crush the berry mix into a pulp and add directly to the face for an instant fruit facial mask and anti-acne fruit acid treatment.

These amazing fruits also slow the aging process by impeding oxidation, combatting dryness and strengthen the barrier for improved elasticity and long-lasting beauty. Taking in large doses, they can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and inhibit the breakdown of elastin that causes sagging. the free-radicals will also help to prevent overall premature aging.

With all these benefits, what have you got to lose?]]> http://bestfacemask.com/2011/05/26/best-summer-face-mask-for-acne-and-aging/feed/ http://bestfacemask.com/2011/05/18/the-best-face-masks-for-acne/ http://bestfacemask.com/2011/05/18/the-best-face-masks-for-acne/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 01:15:28 +0000 admin http://bestfacemask.com/?p=738 Acne is a common skin condition and there are many ways to treat it. However, some treatments should be used with caution. Acne treatments can be varied from chemical-based peroxides, or acids, to herbal facial masks or even hormones and medication. Many studies have now shown most over the counter acne medication to be harmful to pregnant women - even to the point of causing birth defects!  So, use extreme caution when choosing your acne treatment. When in doubt - go for the most natural or herbal method available; treatments like anti-acne herbal facials and clay-based or herbal based anti-acne facial masks can do wonders without all the abrasive chemicals.

HOW ACNE STARTS

Acne is common in young adults, teens and pre-teens and may cause emotional and self-esteem problems. In severe cases, medical treatment may be needed. There are many over-the-counter products that can help treat acne.

Acne is caused by inflammation of the oily glands in the skin - they are called sebaceous glands - that contain a fatty material called sebum. When the duct of the gland becomes blocked either by layers of skin, fatty secretions or dirt, a mini-cyst or pimple forms. The cyst can become infected with acne bacteria.

Treatment of Acne

Just as acne can range from mild to severe, acne treatments also vary, depending on how serious the problem is. The basic treatment is to remove what is plugging the duct of the gland and, if necessary, kill the acne bacteria. This is done either by applying a product to the skin or by taking medication internally. A treatment applied to the skin is called a topical medication; treatment taken internally is called systemic medication.

Topical medications

The simplest treatment for acne is the daily use of ordinary soap and water. Many topical medications are available over the counter without a prescription. They include:

• medicated soaps;
• salicylic acid ointments and washes; and
• benzoyl peroxide.

Topical prescription products may contain antibiotic ingredients such as erythromycin that help control inflammation associated with acne. Topical prescription products may also contain ingredients derived from vitamin A. These products are designed to clean the area, dry up the oiliness, peel the skin and eliminate the acne bacteria present.

When in doubt, choose a natural facial mask to help heal acne scars and prevent further breakouts.

First off, you want to make sure you are helping yuor skin heal and regenerate - not killing it with toxic chemicals or preservatives.

Anti-Acne facial masks come in all forms and types to help clear current acne breakous and heal old scars from previous acne erruptions. Many anti-acne facial masks may contain harsh chemicals or parabens that might not be safe for your skin or can actually cause more damage.  harsh chemicals like salycidic acid and benzoil peroxide can actually increass redness and inflammation and increase your chances of breakouts and acne erruptions.

If you use a skincare regime, try to find ingredients that will gently cleanse your skin and allow inflammed tissues to regenerate naturally, without shocking them into submission.

Natural ingredients like Chamomile, Marshmallow, Confrey, Calendula and other herbs are the best way to papmer acne-prone skin and relive redness. Acne erruptions are caused by excess oil and clogged pores, so you want to find an acnti-acne mask that will also help pull the dirt and oil out of the clogged pores - clay based masks work well.  if you can, look for an all-natural option or a 100% herbal option to meet both requirements, to heal skin herbally and remove toxins.

Acne scars are created when tissues are not allowed to purge toxins or harsh cleansing or picking has created a groove or indentation in the skin tissue. Acne scars and acne breakouts are treatable and skin cells can regenerate with the proper treatment like herbal facial masks or herbal gentle treatments.

If you don’t know what a face mask (or facial mask) is and how to use it - keep reading.  It’s really quite simple. Once you get your routine down and find the best face mask for you, you will be amazed at the results.

Most face masks come in 3-4 standard brands or types. Among those, there are hundreds of variations meant to target your very specific skin concerns.
The most common types of facial masks are:

• Clay or Herbal  (Dry Ingredients)
• Moisturizing
• Gel
• Peel off

First let’s start with the clay masks or herbal masks. These are typically found in a powder form and you have the opportunity to custom-blend them with water, or facial toner, any ingredient you like. Most clay masks are detoxifying and also very good for all skin types. If you have oily skin, the clay will reduce the amount of oil by absorbing it. If you have dry or wrinkled skin, you can adjust the mask by adding a natural moisturizing agent - like oatmeal or Aloe Vera. These masks are sometimes sold in specialty or “whole food” stores as they tend to be the most natural lines you can buy. Also, since they are dry, they won’t go rancid or spoil the way other natural / organic masks might.

Next we have moisturizing masks. These are typically found in most stores and are a cream-based mask. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, just look for the ingredients that suit your skin type the best - whether that is dry, oily or wrinkle-prone. Look for healing agents like, Aloe Vera, Calendula, Comfrey, Marshmallow or Lavender as these are all excellent herbs to heal skin and “plump up” skin cells.

Gel Masks are a great alternative if you suffer from really oily skin or have acne problems. The gels won’t be as thick as the standard moisturizing agent and will still help remove toxins from your skin without clogging your pores. Look for facial masks with natural acids or enzymes like papaya, pumpkin and fruits to gently loosen and dissolve dead surface cells.
Finally, we have “peel-off” facial masks - which aren’t as common as they used to be.  Some believe that “peeling” the mask off the face actually tears the skin tissue, making wrinkles more noticeable. Its up to you.  Some like to use them for the “fun” factor. They come in gel-form that usually has a fruit-acid base like cucumber or grape seed. The gel transforms into a thin transparent film that picks up dead cells, dirt & impurities.  Once dry, you then peel off the film after 15 minutes.

Depending on each mask the set times and after-care instruction may vary.  Usually you leave the mask on for 10-20 min.  Then rinse off with warm water. Follow with moisturizer or toner. And that’s all there is to having fresher, more radiant skin!

Rest easy, there is no need to be overwhelmed, just follow a few simple rules for the choices that fit your skin the best and you will be loving your new and improved skin in no time.

First, many of you might not know what a face mask is. It’s simple.  Face masks (or Facial Masks) come in all types, but they are basically a skin treatment that you leave on your face for a certain amount of time then wash off.  Face Masks can remove toxins from your skin, help pull the dirt and impurities out of your clogged pores - like blackheads, lighten your skin, reduce wrinkles, moisturize or balance your skin.  Depending on the mask you choose, it can perform a variety of skin treatments. The best face mask - is the one that’s right for YOU.

First, decide what type of skin you have so you can better choose the mask that suits you. Do you suffer from oily skin or dry skin? Do you breakout easily and have sensitive skin or redness or roseacea? Maybe you have combination skin - its all ok. There is a specially formulated mask out there to help all skin types.

Even if you suffer from acne, your face mask should be calming and balancing - meaning they contain ingredients that help reduce redness and allergic reactions. Natural face masks tend to solve these problems best. Acid Peels and harsh chemicals are typically NOT a good way to treat your skin.

Key ingredients to look for in a good facial mask would be:

Oatmeal - natural anti-inflammatory and skin softener

Chamomile - a natural anti-inflammatory, reduces redness and inflammation

Rosemary - Natural antibiotic, anti-microbial, astringent (great for acne)

Aloe Vera - natural skin healer, helps repair damaged cells or acne scars

Lavender:  natural anti-microbial and astringent

Marshmallow ( the herb - not the desert)  - helps reduce redness and inflamattion

Green Tea - helps repair cellular damage to skin cells

Vitamins - A, C, E - all help repair skin and nourish

And that’s it!  not too much to worry about - just remember these quick tips to find the best face mask for you!

Facial Masks come in all varieties these days. There are face masks for dry skin, acne-prone skin, and even oily skin.

While many of you may remember the face masks of years gone by - those gelatinous masks that you put on your face and let them dry, then “peeled” them off? And maybe your experience was the same as mine - they hardly “peeled” off, more like they came off in chunks and clumps - then you watched your skin PULL from underneath the newly dried plastic you were trying to pull off? Then you eventually just washed the whole thing off?

Well, today’s facial masks are much different. The best face masks now are formulated to be extremely gentle and helpful for your skin instead of “pulling the nutrients out of your skin. You can choose from a wide variety of masks now: herbal, clay, moisturizing, and even masks for oily skin.

One of the main things to be aware of is your skin type. Do you have acne-prone skin? You might need an anti-inflammatory herbal mask or a clay mask. Do you suffer from oily skin? Then you might be best off choosing a non-oil-based mask that will help your skin reduce its natural oil production while also keeping your skin in balance.

If you have aged or sun-damaged skin - your best choice would be a moisturizing mask - full of rich emollients and herbal botanicals to reduce redness and lighten your skin.

Again, there are lots of choices for the best face mask for you. If you want to know more, do some research on your skin type and find the mask that suits you best.

Try to stay away from chemicals as these can do more harm than good. Soon, you will be on your way to brilliant, beautiful skin!

Using a face mask which is most suitable for the skin type has to be selected carefully and used periodically.  There is no standard procedure to say which is the most suitable. Help from skin care expert can be sought in this matter. Face masks replenish the starved skin with nutrients which they have lost during the interval. A good face mask is rich in essentials, herbs, anti- oxidants and many other ingredients which have great benefits for the skin. Best face mask is also a stress buster and has a calming effect. Take time to relax while the mask is at work.

Varieties of face masks are prepared to combat different kinds of problems. The facial treatments are dependent on the type of skin and the problem it has to handle. There is solution for every kind of skin disorders. The facial mask fundamentals say that it is necessary to use it at least once in a week to get back the natural nutrients lost during the week. It has unmatched benefits. People with sensitive skin should choose one that is most beneficial to the skin. It is most beneficial for people who have started to show signs of aging. It is difficult to decide which is the best face mask as the results vary from person to person.

Most dermatologist and skin experts recommend consistently following a daily skin care routine. This does not have to be complicated or time-consuming.  Your daily routine can be performed in as little as five to ten minutes.

Four Simple Steps

* Cleanse
* Tone / Treat
* Moisturize
* Protect

A typical skin care routine includes the following steps: washing/cleansing, toning / treating (optional depending on skin type), moisturizing and sun protection.

Optimize for your skin type
The steps of the basic routine should be adjusted to fit your skin type. Your skin type may change with the season, diet and age. Skin tends to be oilier in the summer and drier in the winter. Menopause often brings about a change from oily or normal to dry skin. Conversely, a shift from a low-fat diet to that rich in certain fats (particularly essential fatty acids) may turn dry skin to normal. Skin pigmentation affects the degree to which you need sun protection. While sun damages any skin, the damage is far less in dark-skinned people. Conversely, fair skinned people need to be particularly meticulous about sun protection by minimizing sun exposure, choosing an effective sunscreen and applying it frequently and consistently.

Depending on your skin type, you may want to use your routine once in the morning and again before you sleep. Those with dry and/or sensitive skin may do better with once a day washing/cleansing while moisturizing two or more times a day. Exfoliation, to remove excess oils and prevent acne or blackheads, is also recommended in some cases, but exercise caution as daily exfoliation may be excessive and can lead to chronic irritation. Exfoliation once or twice a week is usually sufficient. Younger skin, like that in your 20’s and 30’s will have a fast natural epidermal turnover may need little to no exfoliation.

Cleansing
Cleaning facial skin is even more important than cleaning your body. Your face, unlike your body, is exposed to elements all day long. Dirt, pollution and oil from hands all accumulate on the epidermal layer and can clog pores and cause acne eruptions or inflammation. Like all skin care products, the best cleanser for you will be determined by your skin type. If you suffer from oily or acne-prone skin, you may benefit from an oil-free gel cleanser or one containing salicylic acid. Mature or dry skin will do best with a cream cleanser to help retain moisture. Once your face and neck are cleansed, rinse with lukewarm water and pat your skin lightly with a towel.

Toning / Treating
Toning can consist of using a store-bought toner, astringent or simple Witch Hazel. Toning or treating will balance the ph level of the skin and remove any residual dirt or oil not picked up from your cleanser. For those over the age of thirty, adding a well-selected treatment or two with scientifically proven active ingredients can further improve your results. Treatment can mean anything from skin rejuvenation products, skin discoloration items and oil absorbing agents to applying medicines for acne or eczema. If you suffer from multiple skin conditions, select an initial treatment aimed at the broadest improvement and then fine tune things from there.
Be aware of applying products to un-cleansed skin as the penetration of active ingredients will be greatly reduced. If you cleanse, moisturize and then apply advanced products, the penetration of active ingredients may still be reduced because the moisturizer has blocked some the entryways.

Moisturize
Moisturizers are essential to keep skin cells plump and hydrated. Hydrated skin will show fewer lines, wrinkles and imperfections. Even if you have oily or acne prone skin, you may still need some hydration. Look for gel-based moisturizers or lightweight formulations. Many medications and treatments appropriate for dealing with acne or oily skin automatically are drying. Don’t make the mistake of drastically drying out your skin until it is a challenge to repair. During the fall and winter months your skin may be even more vulnerable thanks to reduced humidity from indoor heating and excessive hot showers or baths.

Apply your moisturizer when your skin is clean, warm and still slightly moist. Since many active treatments have moisturizing ingredients, you may be able to skip a separate moisturizer. If you feel that you need additional moisturizing, wait a few minutes for the active treatments to absorb, and then apply your favorite moisturizer over it.

Protect
Wearing sunscreen or sun protection EVERY DAY is the proven best way to block harmful UV rays and diminish formation of wrinkles, skin discolorations and to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer. A good UVA+UVB sunscreen should be applied on top of your moisturizer or other treatments as a final step of your routine whenever sun exposure is expected.  Sunscreens come in a wide variety of bases, from those meant for oily skin to hydrating versions. Those with sensitivities to chemical sunscreens can choose natural Zinc Oxide formulations. Protective clothing can also now be improved thanks to new laundry treatments with UV protectant for widespread areas of the body mistakenly thought to be protected by your clothing.

Some skin care products or cosmetics contain added UV blockers, but they may not be enough, using a separate, specially formulated sunscreen is proven to be more effective.

And that’s it! Cleanse, Tone / Treat, Moisturize and Protect. Use these four simple steps to achieve beautiful, healthy skin. For a lifetime of skin care that can help leave your skin looking its very best, see your healthy skin as a clean canvass upon which to paint any improvements.

Author: Rachelle Dupree
Vivoderm Natural Skincare

You can get no better way to revitalize yourself than to surrender yourself to the luxury and splendor of beauty spas. Another good and easy way for you to relax is to get a facial mask done either all by yourself at home or from any nearby salon. There is, literally, a tsunami of facial mask flavors or types that are offered in the market today.

Before moving on how to make some good facial masks at home, you must be clear on the benefits of a facial mask. As age appears to show on your face, your facial skin starts to sag. Drooping skin makes one look double the age. That is the reason why eyebrow and face lifting concept is gaining success world over. In a less severe case, facial masks can come to aid making your sagging facial skin firm and tight.

Okay, the best part about facial masks is that they come in varied varieties to fight varied facial problems like wrinkles, dark circles, acne, dull skin, dry skin, lifeless skin, rashes etc.

A facial mask must be applied in a thick coat at least twice or thrice weekly. A facial mask in the form of peel will have to be removed by peeling it off the skin. A mud facial mask or one alike should be washed off with warm water or it may as well be removed using cotton buds. Facial scrubs are equally benefitting.

The crux is that the facial mask must match your skin type.

If your motivation for good skin care is to look more youthful, than taking proper care of your skin will have the added bonus of creating a healthier body.  If you wish to reduce acne breakouts, then a slight modification of diet might be necessary as well. Whatever your desired skin result, your overall health will be much improved by following a few easy steps.

Your everyday decisions shape how healthy you and your skin will be - it is that simple.

Here are some simple tips for basic skin care and a healthier body:

• Keep your skin clean so that it can breathe
• Give your skin plenty of moisture to keep it looking young and healthy
• Feed the skin key nutrients that it requires to rejuvenate and repair itself repeatedly
• Rid only the top layer of dead cells to promote rapid birth of new cells
• Protect against outside elements to prevent deterioration and/or damage
• Live a healthy life style

Skin is a living, breathing organ that regularly moves thousands of layers of skin cells each day. The skin is comprised of three layers - the subcutaneous layer  - where fat cells are produced;  the dermis - where you can find sweat glands, nerve endings and hair follicles, and the epidermis - the final outer layer of skin where pores and oil glands reside.

When new skin cells are ready, they start moving toward the epidermis. This trip takes about 2 weeks to a month. As newer cells continue to move up, older cells near the top die and rise to the surface of your skin.  So what you really see on the surface of your skin are dead skin cells.

Keeping your skin properly cleansed and moisturized is vital to healthy, glowing skin. It is the basic of all skincare routines. Be sure to choose a cleanser and moisturizer best suited for your skin type. If you aren’t sure what that is, ask your friendly pharmacist or dermatologist for help. You skin can be acne-prone, oily, dry or a combination of the two. There are hundreds of specialized products out there to suite every skin type.

Feeding the skin means feeding the body. A good skin care regime will always include a healthy diet full of nutrients and vitamins. Whole, organic foods are best if you can get them. Leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains will keep your skin in top shape. Try to avoid junk foods or processed foods as much as possible. These foods rarely contain any real nutrition and can actually overload your skin with sugars and toxins to process.

A weekly light-exfoliation or facial scrub will do much to slough off the top layer of dead skin cells and reveal newer, healthier skin underneath. You can use a soft facial brush found in cosmetic counters, a rough washcloth or a light scrubbing pad as well as pre-packaged facial scrubs or facial masks.

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure: While some sun exposure is necessary to produce vital Vitamin D, excessive sun exposure is very harmful to the skin. Without protection from the sun’s rays, more than 10 minutes of exposure each day can cause freckles, age spots, and spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, loose skin, a blotchy complexion and even skin cancer. If you must go outside, be sure to wear a good UV-blocking sunscreen like Zinc Oxide or wear protective clothing such as hats and long sleeves.

LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE STYLE

Although you have no control over intrinsic factors of aging, such as genetics, you are largely in control of the extrinsic factors.  This is where you can make life-altering choices.

Don’t Smoke. You cannot have truly vital skin if you smoke, period.  Smoking depletes your body of essential vitamins, which means you can’t have a healthy body either. If you do smoke, try your best to quit. Plenty has been reported and verified on the dangers of smoking and there are now numerous programs, patches and nicotine replacement therapies that can help you quit.

Exercise: Exercise gives you vitality. If you want fresh and youthful skin, physical activity is a must. It not only tones your muscles, but it increases blood flow to all areas of your body, especially your skin. Regular exercise reduces your stress levels, increases levels of oxygen circulating throughout the body, promoting rejuvenation and repair.

Avoid or Moderate Alcohol: Overindulgence of alcohol causes a decrease in the body’s level of vitamin A. This is a very important antioxidant vitamin that supports body and skin health. Alcohol also dilates small blood vessels in the skin’s surface, creating blemishes and red blotches. Drinking too much alcohol can exacerbate acne-rosacea. Due to the dehydrating effects of alcohol, skin wrinkles can occur after an extended period of alcohol abuse because the water in the body and skin is continually evaporated.

Reduce Stress: A good skin care routine and way of life can include meditation, yoga, relaxation, saunas, regular steams, exercise and most importantly, self love.

Get Plenty of Rest:  Lack of sleep shows up on the face in forms of dark circles, baggy eyes, and saggy skin. Research has shown that most adults function best with eight to nine hours of sleep each night. While we sleep, our skin gets a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Your skin truly does need its “beauty sleep.”

You’ve only got ONE body. Healthy choices that you CAN make every day will have tremendous effect on the quality of your life and health. The body has amazing repair capabilities, and once you stop or reduce toxic behaviors, it will be better able to heal itself.  Taking good care of yourself is the most important step in your skincare routine.

Author: Rachelle Dupree
Vivoderm Natural Skincare