Natural Facial Skin Protection from the Sun
April 6, 2010 by admin · 2 Comments
Zinc Sun Care and Summer Skin
Summer is rapidly approaching and it is time to once again stock up on sunscreens and hats. Sunrays can have a detrimental effect on the skin, so it is very important to protect the skin from too much sun exposure. Sun damage to the skin can show up almost immediately and will also appear over time. Different sunrays have different effects on the skin. A great way to remember the difference is by the letter A or B. UVA rays or ‘aging rays’ cause wrinkles, pigmentation and cancer. UVB rays or ‘burning rays’ are the rays that cause a tan and sunburn. These rays also age the skin but do not penetrate as deep as UVA rays.
To protect the skin from harmful sun exposure it is important to use a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection. These sunscreens are commonly known as dual spectrum sunscreens. It is also important to check for ingredients that absorb and block sunrays. Ingredients such as oxybenzo absorb sunrays while zinc oxide actually blocks the rays. It is also important to look for sunscreens that are non comedogenic and non acnegenic which means that the sunscreen will not clog pores or promote acne. A SPF or sun protection factor of 15 or higher is recommended. A generous application is needed in order to attain protection; most people do not apply sunscreen liberally enough.
The SPF indicates how long you can be exposed to the sun before burning. For example, if your skin will burn within 10 minutes of sun exposure with no sun protection you can be exposed to the sun for 150 minutes with a sun protection factor of 15 before burning.
To estimate how long you can be exposed to the sun before burning, multiply the probable time you can be exposed to the sun with no sun protection before burning and multiply it by the SPF on the label of the sunscreen. Multiple applications throughout the day are necessary in order to be protected, and it is recommended to reapply every two hours, as sweating and water activities may rub off the sun screen. Sunscreens do more than just protect skin from burning, so reapplication is necessary to shield the skin from other harmful damage like premature age spots, wrinkles and fine lines.
Sunscreen Application
Regular sunscreen use will protect the skin from burning, premature aging and possible skin cancer. It is important to make sunscreen use as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth. As summer is approaching it is even more important to wear sunscreen as the sunrays are stronger and more harmful during this time of year.
Overexposure to the Sun and Wrinkles
November 9, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The old saying “youth is wasted on the young,” has a good foundation. Not until we are much older, do we realize the gravity of our choices when we are young. This goes for skin care as well. Young people often undermine the importance of a good skincare regimen. Proof of that are the numerous swarms of teens tanning on the beaches and by the pool or skipping sunscreen altogether when they engage in outdoor activities. Little did they know that wrinkled, loose skin will be their ultimate problem when they get older.
One of the major causes of loose, wrinkled skin is overexposure to the sun. The sun’s UV rays are harmful to the functions of our skin. It impedes our production of collagen and elastin thereby increasing our risk of developing wrinkles and saggy skin.
The effects of the sun do not stop there. You are also at risk of developing brown age spots and even skin cancer. Start reversing the damage by slapping on moisturizer with a high SPF level when you go outdoors. You should collect cosmetics and beauty products that contain a safe, natural SPF to make sure you are fully protected. Zinc Oxide is a great natural alternative to chemical-based sunscreens - providing a natural sun-reflector instead of a chemical ‘block’ that can be absorbed into the skin.
As for tightening loose skin, you have to choose a product that contains ingredients effective in bringing about a healthier level of collagen and elastin as these are the two components commonly lost when there is a loosening of skin.
Look for natural skin care treatments that contain only herbal, natural ingredients, like Aloe vera - to reduce sun damage and help heal skin or Chamomile - to reduce inflammation. Always use key ingredients that can heal your skin and help improve its production of healthy collagen and elastin. Using natural sun protection or a zinc-based moisturizer is your ally in firming up loose skin and warding off the development of wrinkles.
Women at the age of 35 should also protect their hyaluronic acid content as this is the age that we lose hyaluronic acid rapidly. It is imperative to safeguard hyaluronic acid because this promotes a healthier and younger-looking skin.
Make sure what you are using also contains beneficial essential oils like grape seed oil and avocado oil. Grape seed oil, apart from promoting skin elasticity, also contains antioxidants that can kill harmful free radicals. Avocado oil, on the other hand, is replete with all the necessary vitamins and minerals that can improve the immune functions of our skin.
Take all these in consideration and make sure you choose a facial cream carefully. After all, time here is of the essence.
And for clearer, younger looking skin, your anti aging skin care range of products should contain more natural active ingredients than any other “drug-store” brand, so be sure to read those labels carefully. Those ingredients like Aloe Vera, Almond Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Shea Butter are effective moisturizers, because they penetrate deeply to “nourish” the skin. So, they never feel greasy and come from natural sources less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Also be aware to shop for natural products that report no negative or adverse effects. Skin care prodcuts that are hypo-allergenic, fragrance free and can be used on any skin-type are best.
No-Cost Techniques to Prevent Aging
September 15, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
By Van Le | Skin care has come a long way in recent years, and the numbers say it all. Current estimates assert the skincare industry generates over $2 billion annually. That’s not to say our mothers and grandmothers never took care of their complexion. Many of the tips our mothers taught us still ring true today — in fact, some of the most effective remedies for healthy skin have been passed down from generation to generation. The following are easy, no-cost techniques to prevent premature skin aging.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking causes so much damage to the skin that the term “smokers’ face” was coined to describe the shallow lines and wrinkles caused by cigarettes. Even more shocking, a study published in the British Medical Journal featured a doctor who could distinguish a non-smoker from someone who has been smoking for ten years or more based on their facial features alone. A single cigarette contains thousands of toxins that seep into the bloodstream and affect the appearance of skin. In addition, scientists have calculated that every cigarette takes ten minutes off your life.
Wear Sunglasses
Long before they became fashion statements, sunglasses served a humble purpose: to protect the eyes from the sun. Skin near the eyes is extremely delicate, and since we can’t apply sunscreen to these areas, we need the UV protection provided by sunglasses. Not wearing sunglasses can also cause you to squint, which can lead to wrinkles over time.
Get Adequate Sleep
While we sleep, our body generates new skin cells, repairs damaged ones and strengthens collagen. Doctors recommend seven to eight hours of sleep each night for maximum performance during the day. In addition to under-eye bags - the tell-all sign that you’ve been up all night - lack of sleep can cause skin to appear dull, puffy and wrinkled.
Sleep on your back
In a perfect world, we would get our beauty sleep every night. However, in today’s fast-paced world, eight hours of sleep each night, every night is not always possible, therefore, it’s important to make the best of the time we do have to rest. We are up and about at least 12 hours a day, and gravity can take its toll. Sleeping on your back instead of stomach promotes circulation, and reduces wrinkles since your face is not buried in a pillow.
Limit Your Stress Level
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but not all stress is bad. There are two kinds of stress: eustress and distress. Eustress keeps us energized about life and stems from exciting events such as starting a new job, getting married or simply getting on a roller coaster ride. Unfortunately, most of us are more familiar with distress (negative stress) which can weaken our immune system and cause hormonal changes that result in pimple breakouts. Participating in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, spending time in nature and yoga is key in balancing eustress and distress.
Doing your best to implement these tips to prevent skin aging and overall health will keep you looking your best for years to come.
Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.
For the latest findings on natural skincare and anti-aging, you can also link to http://www.bestskincareforme.com
