10 Tips To Help You Care For Dry Flaking Skin

Dry, flaking skin can appear in different parts of the body. It is usually seen on the hands, sides of the abdomen and shins. It usually happens during the cold and dry season of winter. There can also be other reasons why it happens like an underlying disease or simply by being hereditary. Aging can also cause dry flaking skin. Even though it is normal, if it is not taken care of properly then it can lead to a more serious problem which is dermatitis. Dermatitis is a serious inflammation of the skin that can cause bleeding.

There are different types of dermatitis:

1. Seborrheic dermatitis: The affected area can become red and very itchy. It usually appears on the parts of the body that has several oil glands.
2. Atopic dermatitis: This type lasts long and it can be genetic.
3. Athelete’s foot: It is seen on the soles of the feet being dry and flaking. Some severe cases secrete pus.
4. Allergic contact dermatitis: This happens when the skin has been in contact with elements that can cause an immune reaction. One good example is the poison ivy.

There are different ways to take care of dry flaking skin and these are fairly simple to follow:

1. When taking a bath, instead of using hot water use lukewarm water. Hot water has the tendency to get rid of the natural oils from the skin.
2. Bathe in for 5 to 10 minutes only. After bathing pat dry the skin and do not rub it with towel.
3. After washing hands or taking a bath, make use of a moisturizer or lotion that has contains neutral pH. Soaps can really dry of the skin that is why the skin needs to be moisturized.
4. During the winter since it is the time when the dry flaking skin really occur use heavy creams. Then during the summer use only light creams.
5. When the face is dry, is possible, do not use tap water to wash the face. Tap water is treated with chemicals like chlorine that can really cause the skin to dry. Use mineral water instead or use natural products to cleanse he face like cosmetic milk.
6. Use soap every other day and use the mildest soap like oatmeal soap two or three times a week. This will nourish the skin and smoothen it.
7. Eat a healthy diet. Drinking and especially smoking really contributes to dry skin because it dehydrates the body. Eats lots of fruit and leafy vegetables.
8. Drink a lot of water so the body is always hydrated.
9. A humidifier is recommended during the winter. Place it in an area where you spend most of the time.
10. If the dry flaking skin becomes itchy, avoid scratching it. Instead apply coconut oil or shea butter on the affected area as needed. Avoid splashing water into the affected area. Dry flaking skin can also lead to eczema and other kinds of skin problems.

The Essence Of A Hydrating Facial Mask

Any facial regimen that will bring out your beautiful glowing skin wouldn’t be complete without an equally good hydrating facial mask. It is necessary to maintain the smoothness, suppleness, and softness of your facial skin.

A hydrating facial has the capability to penetrate deep down the skin to work wonders in nourishing and rejuvenating the skin.

There are essential ingredients that go into a good hydrating mask such as: shea butter, avocado oil, honey, coconut oil, macadamia oil, and allantoin among others that will deeply remove the dirt on your skin that your cleansers may leave behind. Stay away from masks that are made of chemicals that will only counteract the benefits of natural ingredients. It is also preferable to do your own hydrating mask that will only use natural ingredients.

There are important things to consider when doing your facial hydrating:

• It is necessary to determine your facial skin type to identify the most appropriate hydrating mask for you.
• Prior to applying your facial hydrating mask, you will need to cleanse and tone your face very well. Remember also to include your throat all the way to your neck.
• Choose natural ingredients that go well with each other. Blend them together ensuring that you have the correct consistency.
• Before applying the mask to your face, try it first at the back of your hand. Leave it there for a few minutes and if your skin does not react to the mixture, proceed to applying it on your face up to your neck.
• If you are using your bare hands to apply the mixture, make sure that you have wash your hands thoroughly. Same goes to any instrument that you will use to apply the mixture on your face. Apply the mixture evenly.
• When your face and neck are covered the mask, this is the time you can relax and wait until the mask gets dry on the skin or you feel the hardening of the mask. You may listen to your favorite music. Once the mask is hardened, it is time to rinse it off.
• Make sure that you there is no residue of the mask when you rinse it off with lukewarm water. Towel dry your face and neck and you will notice a rejuvenated, smooth, and radiant skin.

Hydrating facial mask does not only make the skin smooth and supple, but it has also the ability to heal skin ailments. It is considered as essential especially when one’s skin is exposed to the any harsh condition.

It is a good thing that nature provides one with all the means to revitalize and refresh the skin. You can choose from the following facial hydrating masks: (1) avocado hydrating mask; (2) egg and honey hydrating mask; (3) tomato mask; (4) cucumber mask; or the (5) nourishing facial mask.

Whatever hydrating facial mask you choose, it is necessary that you maintain your skin regimen on a regular basis to enjoy all the benefits and take off the years from your age.

Taking Care Of Oily Skin

There are just some skins that are naturally oily. Individuals with natural oily skin will find that regardless of what they do- cleanse the face, go slow on moisturizers, tone the face- their skins are just too oily.

It’s a good thing that there are beauty skin products out there that will help you address your natural oily skin. You can also do some home treatments that are more economical and you have the assurance that only natural ingredients go into the treatment. The choice is yours.

These are the things that will guide you in addressing your natural oily skin. You are aware that oily skin can bring several skin problems: acne, blackheads, blemishes, rough pores, shiny skin, and more.

Just because you have a natural oily skin does not mean that you will have to skip on moisturizing your face. This is a common misconception. A lot of individuals skip moisturizing simply because they think that theirs is a natural oily skin that doesn’t need to be moisturized. But the skin thinks as well. If you skip on the moisturizer, the skin will think that it has to produce more oil resulting to oilier face. The lesson is: continue moisturizing but choose your moisturizers that suit your natural oily skin.

There are also natural solutions that are preferable and more economical. Why don’t you work with nature as it will give you the more effective skin care treatment for your natural oily skin.

Natural Skin Care Begins with Cleansing the Face

The natural skin care regimen starts with cleansing your skin. You have to gently wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild facial cleanser. There are soaps available in the market made of natural ingredients. Stay away from heavily scented soaps or those made with harsh chemicals.

Facial Masks to Rejuvenate Natural Oily Skin

You can concoct your own mixture of natural ingredients to come up with a facial mask that is suitable to your skin. Two popular mixtures for oily skin are: egg whites and lemon juice, as well as egg whites and oatmeal. The masks do not only treat oily skin but also resolve concerns such as acne.

Right Diet is Good for the Skin

What does a right diet has to do with skin care? Eating healthy diet is essential to keep the skin healthy. Your best bet is to stay away from sugary foods as well as junk diet.

Oil for Oil?

You can fight your natural oily skin with essential oils such as: citrus oils like grapefruit, orange, and lemon that are considered to be milder than the actual fruits themselves. You can combine a few drops of these essential oils to your base (can be egg white or other natural base) and you have an effective solution to your most common oily problems.

You see, by just looking around at nature, you will be able to find powerful solutions to your natural oily skin problems. Work well with nature and enjoy its many skin care benefits.

How To Take Care Of Natural Oily Skin

Having natural oily skin is normal for some, just like having dry skin is for others. Oily skin occurs most often during the summer. There are people that perspire a lot which lead them to have oily skin especially in the face. Treating oily skin with creams or moisturizer may not be a good solution because it can lead to other problems. In order to take care of natural oily skin, it is better to use natural products.

Even if you have a oily skin, you will want to use a moisturizer especially for oily skin. Instead of using it in the morning, use it before going to bed and apply it only once. A natural mixture that can be applied to the face is cucumber and lime juice. The juice should be applied on the face then leave it for several minutes. When washing, do not just wash it with cold water use warm water. This solution can also prevent pimples.

This has been said over and over again, one should eat a healthy, balanced diet. Starches, oils and sugars must be avoided. Eat a lot of fruits instead, Vitamin C is said to nourish the skin. Natural oily skin can also cause blackheads to appear. To treat blackheads, mix unflavored oatmeal with oatmeal paste and add olive oil and lime juice to wet the mixture. Then rub the mixture in the face to clean out the oil form the pores.

Having oily skin will make it hard to apply make up. Sometimes make up does not stay for a long time because of it. To treat this, mix a small amount of lemon juice, vinegar and warm water. Use cotton ball to apply it on the face. Leave it to dry then apply make up. Using unscented facial wash like Dove can also help reduce the oiliness of the skin. Dove is one of the most commonly used facial wash because it is composed of ¼ cream which makes it very safe for the skin.

Some people think that the more they wash their face the easier they can get rid of oil. But instead it is the other way around; the frequent facial washing causes the body to secrete more oil making your face even oilier. Instead of using soap as cleanser just wash your face with warm water and pat it dry with soft towel. This is recommended for those that do not have a problem with acne. Do not overdo the scrubbing just gently apply the facial wash for several minutes then wash it off with warm water.

If you do not need to wear make then don’t. This will add more problems where in it can clog the pores which can lead to pimples. If you need to wear make up then wear it lightly. Then wash it off immediately if possible and make sure that it is removed properly. Do not sleep with your make-up not removed.

Through these simple tips, you will be able to reduce natural oily skin in no time. Just make sure to these tips regularly to keep your face shine-free.

Heel Care

In many people, it is normal to have cracked heels which are caused by very dry skin. If not treated with proper heel care then walking can be very painful for the person who has it. It can also be embarrassing and frustrating for people who love wearing sandals. It becomes worse during the winter time. Once it gets past a certain point, treating it with moisturizers will not work because it will not properly penetrate the thick, dead skin in the heels. If cracked heels are caused by an illness such as diabetes then heel care must be asked from the doctor. This is also applicable when the heels are already bleeding.

There are products that can be bought over-the-counter to be used as a form of heel care. These products must only be used when experiencing minor cracked heels.

1. Dr. Scholl’s Callus Reducer: This product is not to be used by people who have diabetes. It is not used by a diabetic person because it can cause a cut to the feet and any cuts made do not heal very fast. Some wounds just does not heal for some patients.

Instead of having a rough surface, it has metal bumps. One side has smaller bumps and on the other ends are larger metal bumps. Before using it, make sure that the feet have been soaked in water. This will make it easier to remove the thick skin. Just follow the instruction properly indicated on the package. The cracks might still be visible but it will surely get rid of the rough skin.

2. Flexitol Heel Balm: This is usually used by adults and can be used safely by a person that has diabetes. After using the Dr. Scholl’s Callus Reducer, apply this balm on the feet. This stuff is very greasy so you might want to use a glove or anything you can use to apply the balm. After applying it, use socks so as not to rub off the balm. And the heat will also soften the skin.

Here is a simple remedy that can be done at home. The things needed can be found at home or bought at the local department store. This remedy is recommended to be done at night before going to sleep.

1. In a tub of water, dissolve 2 teaspoons of table salt. Then put your feet into the solution for ten minutes.
2. Then use a scrubber to scrub of the dead skin.
3. After getting rid of the dead skin, massage the feet with any oil for several minutes. This will soften the area that has been scrubbed.

Also after taking a bath, make sure to apply oil, lotion or feet moisturizer while the feet are moist. During the winter, make sure to wear socks even inside the house. Petroleum jelly or baby oil is an inexpensive product you can use for heel care. Just keep on doing this routine everyday and in no time you will be able to get rid of those cracked, dry heels.

Enjoy The Benefits Of A Facial at Home

Pressed for time? Don’t have enough cash to spare? If you think you will have to miss out on your spa treatments, think again! You can always enjoy the benefits of your facial at home.

You can have your facial at home and keep your skin clean and healthy. You don’t have to spend much and it doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare this do-it-yourself facial treatment. You just need some basic products and you’re all set.

To start with, you need to have the following materials and products:

• Steaming bowl or facial steamer
• Warm water
• Facial buffer or a washcloth
• Cleanser (the one that suits your skin type)
• Exfoliating scrub/mask
• Toner
• Moisturizer
• Cotton Squares or Balls (optional)

When you have all the materials and products mentioned above, put them neatly together in one place and ensure that they will be handy as you need them. You also need to devote at least thirty to forty five minutes of your time for your facial at home (the time that you saved in prepping up and going to and from your favorite spa or salon).

The first step in your facial at home is to cleanse your skin using the cleanser that suits the type of your skin (oily, dry, or sensitive). You have to apply the cleanser in a circular motion going all the way up to your hairline and down to your throat. After thorough cleansing, you have to make sure that you rinse well leaving no residue. . If you have a facial buffer, you can buff gently to cleanse your face and throat and you will have to rinse again. Otherwise, towel your face and throat dry.

Next, you will need to exfoliate by gently rubbing the exfoliating scrub (you can alternately use oatmeal or apricots) using your fingers in a gently circular motion on your face. You will need to scrub a little harder on ‘oily’ areas. Rinse well.

To open your pores and improve circulation on your face, you will have to steam. You can use a facial steamer, or you can also use the traditional method of filling up a bowl with hot water. Moisten your washcloth or your cotton squares to gently wipe the steam off your face.

Follow this through with toning your face. Moisten the cotton squares or balls with your favorite toner allowing your skin to absorb the toner well. You may also cover your face with your warm washcloth and let it rest for about five (5) minutes.

This time your face is ready for the mask. Choose one that suits your type of skin. If you have an oily skin, a purifying mask will work well with you; for dry skin, hydrating mask is best. Leave the mask on your face for about 10 minutes. If you feel that the mask has dried well on your face and after a few minutes, take off the mask and rinse well.

Finish your facial at home by applying moisturizer. This will soothe your skin and lock in the needed moisture until your next facial at home. In between your facials, you will need to moisturize at least once a day.

So, there you have your facial at home.

Egg White Facial

The versatility and functionality of a staple breakfast food, and ingredient for baked goodies, extends to skin healing- the egg.  Egg whites provide a very functional and economical skin care treatment such as the egg white facial mask.

What an Egg White Can Do

1.    Hair Treatment that will give thick and shiny results
2.    An important ingredient to facial mask that rejuvenates the skin
3.    Heal the skin from impurities like acne
4.    Removes excess oil and rebuilds the skin

The Basic Egg White Facial Mask

Here is a quick and basic preparation for the egg white facial mask.  Crack cold eggs and separate the yolk from the white.  In a bowl, beat the egg whites until they get frothy.  Apply the egg whites to your face and wait for some time until you feel it tightens. Rinse off the egg whites from your face with cold water to reveal your fresher, firmer, and younger-looking skin.

You can do a variety of egg white facial masks to suit your skin type.  Here, you will combine egg white to other natural ingredients to come up with a customized facial mask that is just right for your skin.

For instance, you can combine egg white and honey as well as egg white and oatmeal that is not only good for the skin but a healthy breakfast treat as well.

A lot of people have attested to the cleansing properties of an egg white facial.  It does not only tighten the pores but also a natural and inexpensive way to fight against acne.  Although there is no scientific study that will prove of its effectiveness, the overwhelming testimonies of women all over the world more than make up for any scientific proof.

There are also beauty products that contain egg white available in the market such as egg white facial soap and more.  You may want to check out these products.  You can also create your own beauty regimen with egg white as your main ingredient.

As an anti-acne agent, here’s how an egg white facial should be done:  In a bowl, beat the egg white until it is firm.  Add some lemon juice (a few drops will do) into the beaten egg.  Spread the mixture all over your face, gently massaging in acne-prone areas in a circular upward motion.  While waiting for the mask to tighten, relax and listen to your favorite music. As you feel your skin tightens, rinse off thoroughly with warm water.  Finish the treatment by applying your moisturizer to your face.  It must be noted, however, that this facial will work well for individuals with oily skin.

It is also vital that before applying any mixture on your face, you must have tested the mixture first to see how your skin will react to it.  To test, put a small amount of mixture at the back of your hand, wait for a few minutes.  If your skin does not react to it, then it is safe to proceed applying the mixture to your face.

Dry Body Skin - Causes And Remedies

Dry body skin happens when the level of sebum is low that resulting in sensitivity of the skin. Usually to relieve cracking and chapping, a moisturizer or cream must be applied. Drying of the skin can be caused by changes in the temperature, long exposure to air conditioning and the like. The obvious results of having dry skin are chapping, flaking and tightness of the skin.

What causes dry body skin?

-    Temperature: cold temperature such as winter can dry the skin really body that can lead to chapping.
-    Diet: When a person does not eat enough healthy food such as fruits and vegetables the tendency is that there will not be enough supply of oil to lubricate the skin. Fruits that contain Vitamin C help in nourishing the skin.
-    Environment: When the skin is exposed to strong elements such as chemicals, wind, sun and the like without protection then it can lead to dry body skin.
-    Though dry skin can also be sign of an ailment. Like for instance for people who are suffering from diabetes can really have skin problems one of which is dry skin.

There are different ways to take care of dry body skin and it can be done straight from home.

-    Drink plenty of water. Water may be plain and simple but it does wonders not only for our skin but to our entire body.
-    When washing the face, avoid using the tap water. The chemical used to treat the water can be very strong in the face. Instead used mineral water and when drying the face do not use wash cloth. The rough surface can also irritate the skin.
-    This has been said repeatedly and using soap to wash the face is not recommendable. The soap not only washes away the dirt but also the natural oil. A facial moisturizer or cream must be applied with massage. This will stimulate the natural oil and moisturize the skin.
-    When buying a facial wash or soap, look for one that has a neutral-pH. After washing apply a cream or moisturizer for protection from rough elements.
-    If possible, take a dip into a milk bath once a week. This wills surely smoothen the skin. When it comes to chapped lips, massage lips with a milk cream.
-    Always make sure to use moisturizing cream for protection especially when exposed for a long time at air-conditioned room or under the sun and especially during the winter.

Herbal Remedies:

-    Aloe vera: it is best for soothing, moisturizing and healing.
-    Comfrey and calendula: contains skin-softening properties.

These are just the simple things that can be done at home to treat a dry body skin. It is normal for some to have dry skin but if it is not taken care of then it can lead to cracking which is painful especially on the lips. And if it is caused by an illness then consult first with your physician before applying any cream.

The Benefits Of Dry Skin Brushing

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is the one that shields the entire body from harm. And with the harmful elements in our environment, there is a lot of stress on your skin which can lead to dry body skin. The wrong pH levels from creams, soaps, facial wash and the like can harm the skin. But with the advanced technology and science there are a lot of ways on how to treat this problem. There are also natural ways that can help you keep your skin healthy and one of these is dry skin brushing.

Dry skin brushing is a technique that will helps the lymph system to get rid of toxins or dirt that is collected in the lymph glands. It will help open the pores so the metabolic wastes can be removed from the body. It has been said that it helps the skin to become healthier.

The benefits of dry skin brushing are:

1.    Gets rid of cellulite
2.    Helps tighten the skin. This technique helps in increasing the flow of blood that decreases cellulite appearance. The skin brushing will get rid of the old layer of the skin and the new layer will resurface that result to a smoother skin.
3.    Circulation of the blood is stimulated.
4.    Immune system is strengthened. Decreases the chances of infection and increases the disposal of body toxins.
5.    Gets rid of dead skin cells.
6.    Cleanses the lymphatic system.
7.    Tones the muscle. Through this technique, it stimulates the nerve endings. This leads to the activation of individual muscle fibers.
8.    Function of the nervous system is improved.
9.    Aids in proper digestion. The skin will absorb more nutrients since the pores are not anymore clogged with dirt and other toxins. A healthy skin also contributes to the entire body health. When brushing the skin pores will tend to open making it easier to remove the dirt.
10.    Stimulates oil glands and hormones. This will help the other body organs to function properly. When there is no way out for the toxins through the skin, the elimination is then forced to the kidney.

In order to perform dry skin brushing, one would need a natural fiber brush. A synthetic brush is not recommended for it can be very hard on the skin. It is better to have a long handle so you can reach areas that are hard to reach.

Here are some tips on how to perform dry skin brushing:

1.    When doing this, the body must not be wet. Skin brushing must be done before bathing or taking a shower.
2.    It does not matter where you start brushing for as long as the entire body is taken care of.
3.    Light pressure should be applied where the skin is sensitive. Harder pressure must be applied on the soles of the feet.
4.    Perform is once a day preferably in the morning.
5.    Of course, when some areas are affected with rashes or wounds do not apply skin brushing.

The Benefits Of An Avocado Facial

Do you know that you can get more than health benefits from avocado?  You can also enjoy numerous skin benefits from this fruit.  Your avocado facial may be the only skin care you need to ensure a safe and effective skin care regimen.

An avocado facial will give you the following skin benefits:
•    Proven effective anti-oxidant that protects the skin from harmful radical and toxins.
•    Most effective sunscreen benefits
•    Reduction in wrinkles
•    Improved skin tone
•    Transport of nutrients from the outer skin to the deepest layer of the skin
•    Production of collagen necessary to protect the skin from bacteria and viruses
•    Improved skin texture
•    Reduction of skin inflammation

Among all the fruits, the avocado is considered as the ‘food of the skin’.  You can use the avocado as your main ingredient in the following avocado facial regimen:  (1) avocado facial cleanser; and (2) avocado facial mask.

How to Make an Avocado Facial Cleanser

You will need:  ripe avocado, egg yolk, half cup of milk, cotton square or ball

Mash your ripe avocado either by using a blender, or fork.  On a bowl, beat your egg yolk until it’s light and frothy.  Combine the mashed avocado and beaten egg, then pour in half cup of milk.  Mix them well until the consistency is like that of a lotion.  Apply on your face and neck with a cotton square or ball. Rinse off.

How to Make an Avocado Facial Mask

You will need: ripe avocado, 1 teaspoon apple vinegar, egg white, 3 teaspoons olive oil

Mash the ripe avocado.  Combine it with all the other ingredients and mix them well until your achieve the desired consistency.  Apply to your face and neck and let it rest until you feel the hardening of the mask.  After about ten to fifteen minutes, remove the mask and rinse your face well removing all residues.  Towel your face and neck dry.

You will feel that your skin is refreshed, moisturized, and revitalized.  As the avocado is your main ingredient, here are some tips to get the most out of the fruit for the skin:

•    Use only wholly ripe avocados.  You will know that your avocado is ripe when it gives in to your touch.
•    Like an organic ingredient, the avocado is perishable.  Most of the time, any preparation made with the fruit should be for one-time use only.  Store your avocado or your preparation in the fridge but never in the freezer.

Vitamin E, considered as the vitamin for the skin, is abundant in avocados.   With the many nutrients and benefits found in the fruit that are all beneficial to the skin, the avocado is indeed a treasury of nourishment for the skin.  The vitamins, minerals, and nutrients make the avocado an indispensible ingredient in your facial skin care regimen.

Whether you eat, drink, or use the avocado facial cleanser and moisturizer, you do not only feed your body and skin, you transform yourself into a beautiful and healthy individual.

Next Page »