Archive for September 8th, 2010

Foods For Skin Care: Eat Your Way Toward Healthy Skin

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

People have this common belief that using a mishmash of skin products will automatically give them radiant-looking skin, and so when the skin remains as dull and problematic as they were before being treated with all sorts of creams and lotions, these same people end up disappointed. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with using skin products, but proper skin care goes beyond that. Whatever is put on the skin is as equally important as what is taken in. In other words, skin products cant, even in the age of advanced science, beautify the skin all on their own; taking care of skin health primarily starts with eating the right foods for skin care.
However, this elementary principle is all too often ignored, and the result is people stashing skin care items with little thought about what comes in their refrigerators. A good diet benefits the skin in more ways than one; and theres no substitute for it.
If youre one of those who tend to overlook your diet, its time to rethink. Good thing is, theres always a chance to make a good start. And you can do this by knowing what foods are exactly beneficial to the skin. Heres a quick rundown:
Omega-3 rich fish
This includes salmon, mackerel, tuna, and other oily fish. Other than benefiting the heart, omega-3 fatty acid is good for the skin. Omega-3 strengthens cell membranes, and consequently makes the cells hydrated and replenished. This results in appropriate level of moisture. When there is enough moisture, the skin remains smooth and supple, has improved elasticity, and has healthy pores.
Carrots
Carrots are a potent source of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Once absorbed by the body, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A that helps in making skin cells and keeping them replenished and healthy. If there is not enough vitamin A, the skin is dry and flaky. Vitamin C, on the other hand, has potent antioxidant properties and helps in collagen formation. Sufficient amount of vitamin C in the body keeps the skin young-looking and fresh.
Sweet potatoes
Also an excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin E, another good antioxidant and anti-aging. Vitamin E works to regenerate vitamin C, therefore allowing it to work in its maximum potential.
Green Tea
Famous for its many benefits, green tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin, and vitamins C, D, and K. Green tea is also believed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the suns UV rays, and so helps prevent cancer. But not only is green tea good for the skin, it is also good for the entire body.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are excellent source of B group vitamins. These are essential to the skin because they aid in replacing dead skin cells and developing new ones. They also naturally protect the skin from infections.
Now that you know some of the foods for skin care, it is only necessary to incorporate them in your daily diet. Remember that deficiency in some of the vitamins and minerals can lead to premature skin aging, dryness, and other skin problems such as eczema.

Choosing The Right Skin Care Products

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

The 21st century paved the way to the emergence of so many skin care products and services. Since the effectivity of these products is not always 100 percent guaranteed, people should not use them until they have consulted a physician or a professional.
Although the market is now swarmed with so many skin care products, it doesnt mean that you can use and experiment around with these products because doing so can bring bigger disaster on your skin instead of bringing in solution. If you are thinking of using skin care products in order to lessen the effects of aging, it is a must that you conduct a research about the product you’re planning to use and its possible side effects.
Decide Wisely
In choosing what is the best skin care product for your skin, it is a must that you conduct a simple research in order to take a peek into various products available in the market that can help you. Here are some guidelines in choosing the best and right skin care products for you.
Also, Bear in mind that you must set up a routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin before using these anti aging products and make sure you use them as directed by the manufacturers’ instructions.
1. Know your skin type first. You can do this by consulting a dermatologist or by conducting a self-test. Knowing your skin type is very important in choosing any skin care product because this will determine what are the products, recommended brands, and ingredients that is safe for your skin.
2. Opt for skin care products that contain soluble Vitamin A, C, and E. When choosing any skin care product, it is best that they contain water-based Vitamin A, C, and E because these are the most effective ingredients that can help reduce the signs of aging such as wrinkles, crow’s feet and other fine lines.
3. Choose skin care products that have high concentrations of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Consider choosing products that contain the antioxidants for the skin such as Ascorbyl Acid or Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A or beta carotene and Flavonoids because these can help you to achieve a firm and younger looking skin while nourishing, strengthening and moisturizing your aging skin or your problematic skin.
4. Look for skin care products that contain fine crystals. Fine crystals or ingredients of the same properties can help exfoliate the skin while removing dead skin cells that contribute to the skin’s aging. Anti-aging products that have fine crystals can help remove dead skin cells that reduce the formation of lines. These anti-aging products may include wrinkle erasers, facial and body scrubs, toners, eye creams, various cleansers, hydrators, and moisturizers.
5. Buy skin care products that can be applied or used not only on the face but in other parts of the body as well. It is important that you choose anti-aging products that can do wonders for the neck and hands because these are the parts of the body where early signs of aging are visible.