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Fight Off Your Sinus Infection This Fall

16 septiembre, 2019 by Admin

The changing of the weather doesn’t just mean falling leaves and sipping hot apple cider. It also means a wave of infections and sick days. Ugh! One of the most common illnesses that people get during the fall season is sinus infections. This inflammation of the nasal cavity can leave you feeling miserable, but it doesn’t have to! These at home remedies will help you fight off your sinus infection and have you feeling better in no time!

What Causes A Sinus Infection?

Back to school (and work) after the summer holidays means back to being surrounded by a sea of germs. Whenever a bacteria or irritant gets in our sinuses, it can block the «drainage system» and lead to a build up of mucus. When this gets infected, it then leads to- you guessed it- a sinus infection.

woman sneezing with different home remedies for her sinus infection.

The most common symptoms people experience with a sinus infection include pressure around their face and nose, headaches, and major league congestion. If the infection is viral, taking some over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers should do the trick in a week’s time. If it’s bacterial however, you might need to visit a doctor for an antibiotics prescription. Regardless of the cause, you are likely to have the same symptoms, all of which can be reduced and kicked in the bud with these at-home remedies.

Nasal Rinse

a neti pot designed for a sinus infection.

The quickest relief for your congestion and blockage is with a nasal rinse. The easiest way to do this is with a neti pot, which helps to get warm saline solution through your sinuses. You can use it over a sink or in a shower by pouring a saline solution through one nostril, and it will flow out the other. This method helps to clear out mucus and any bacteria that could be growing in your nasal cavity.

Humidifier

We need moist air more than ever when we have a sinus infection. This is because the mucus can more easily flow and not get blocked, causing us to have trouble breathing. It can also increase your chances of getting more infections and bacteria trapped in your sinuses. Time to invest in a humidifier and kick that sinus infection goodbye!

Hot Shower

Woman's face under a shower head to clear out her sinuses.

Asides from helping you to relax and feel clean during your bacteria-filled days suffering a sinus infection, a hot shower can help you recover faster. The steam and water help to both keep your sinuses moist and eliminate mucus. You’re sure to feel a million times better after you step out of the shower with squeaky clean skin and the gratifying sensation of finally being able to breathe again!

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay, Amazon ComfyPot

Time To Stop These Terrible Skincare Habits ASAP

11 septiembre, 2019 by Admin

When it comes to taking care of our skin, we each have our own routine. Some keep it simple– a swipe of micellar water and done, whereas others use treatments, rollers, and exfoliators… The list goes on. While there is no definitive «right» way to take care of your skin, since we all have different types, there are certain regimens that are doing more damage than good. It’s time to stop the following terrible skincare habits ASAP.

Going Overboard with Skincare Products

Using multiple products to treat any skin problems might SEEM like the smart solution, but it can actually cause more irritation and inflammation. Whenever we see a new product on the market, it can be tempting to believe the benefits. However, the smartest way to cure any skin issue (acne, redness, dryness) is by using only two or three products max. This will both a) save you money on skincare products and b) calm your skin down.

Popping Your Pimples

This should be a given by now, but squeezing your own zits is never a good idea. While almost all of us are guilty of attempting to attack that new planet that popped on our faces overnight, in the long run this only leads to more acne. All the squeezing can actually press the pimples deeper into your pores, which can cause a skin infection. What’s more, the oils on your fingers can spread and cause infection and zits on other spots on the face. If you do get the urge to squeeze, you should try putting a spot treatment on the area with a cotton swab to directly improve the skin.

Skipping The Sunscreen

woman rubbing on sunscreen as part of her skincare regimen.

Regardless of the time of year, it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. If you are worried about causing your skin to be greasy, fear not for there are many SPFs designed oil-free. Everyone should be using SPF because without it, the collagen in skin breaks down which brings on wrinkles and discoloration.

Excessive Washing And Exfoliating

You might think washing more means cleaner skin, but the reality is that over cleansing and exfoliating can dry out the skin. The result can vary depending on your skin type, but you can expect to have redness and inflammation. There is also the chance of getting worse acne, because your oil glands start to work in overdrive. When it comes to skincare, less is more!

Photos: Freepik

Everyday Things That Are Causing Your Wrinkles

19 agosto, 2019 by Admin

When it comes to getting older, there are certain things that are inevitable like getting wrinkles. However, it is possible to reduce their appearance and prevent our skin from looking creased and leathery. Too much time in the sun without protection is widely known for causing us to age. However, there are many common everyday things that are causing us to wrinkle as well! Start looking your best youthful self by avoiding these!

a woman holding her face looking worries, has some wrinkles.

A Processed Diet

The saying «you are what you eat» has some serious truth to it when it comes to our appearance. Processed and sugary foods such as white bread and packaged snacks cause inflammation in the body. This inflammation then leads to a process called glycation, which weakens the collagen in our skin that makes it supple. The result? Premature wrinkles.

several bowls of sugary processed cereal, which can lead to wrinkles.

In order to appear (and feel) more youthful, you should reach for more foods that have omega-3 fatty acids, like avocados, olive oil and fish. Additionally, fruits and veggies are full of antioxidants and vitamins that help to produce more collagen, keeping your skin looking its best! This list details some of the very best foods to implement into your diet to maintain a youthful glow.

Alcohol

You don’t have to swear off happy hour with your colleagues, however you should consider reducing your alcohol intake if you want to avoid getting wrinkles. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you dehydrated (skin included)! It can also worsen your acne and fine lines, causing you to appear older and more tired. By reducing your alcohol intake, your liver will be able to flush out the toxins more easily, leaving your skin smoother and with fewer wrinkles.

Air Pollution

Yes, air pollutants can do harm to your skin as well. Research has found that chemical-filled air can harm our skin and cause wrinkles in a way similar to damage caused by the sun. If you live in a big city, it’s important to take extra measures to ensure you keep your skin healthy. This can include washing your face at night with micellar water and applying an antioxidant repair cream to your skin.

Stress

We hate to admit it, but stress takes a major toll on the body beyond the mental impact. Constant anxiety can actually age your brain and disturb your sleep, both of which can make you look older. While quitting a high-stress job is not always a feasible option for people, there are everyday habits we can do to reduce the daily pressures. Meditation and yoga can help you to relax and reducing your daily dose of caffeine can also help prevent anxiety attacks.

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay

Reasons You Have More Acne This Summer

14 agosto, 2019 by Admin

Does it feel like your face has suffered an onslaught of acne this summer? You’re not the only one. Despite providing us ample sunny days to boost our tans, the summer months are also infamous for causing more acne. But why? The following causes might be why you are breaking out (even more) this summer.

Blame The Heat Wave

Around the world, numerous countries have been experiencing record-high temperatures due to a heat wave. Even the «Washington Post» called it «the hottest month that humans have ever recorded.» As you can probably imagine, this isn’t good for our health, ranging from global environmental effects to even our personal skin issues.

As logic would have it, hotter temperatures lead to more sweating. The majority of us don’t have the time or means to stay refreshed throughout the day. This means all that sweat mixes with pollution in the air and just sits on our faces, causing our pores to be blocked.

That’s not all. From all the sweating, we are more likely to touch our faces and try to wipe off the sweat, be it with our hands, shirts, or towels. This constant touching and rubbing only worsens the situation, irritating the skin and causing it to flare up in even more breakouts.

women looking at camera as if it were a mirror, touching her acne on her chin.

Your A.C. Is On Full Blast

When suffering a heat wave, naturally the only thing one really wants to do is to sit inside in the cool air conditioning. However, A.C. typically removes moisture in the air, which can be very drying for your skin. As a result, your skin will try to produce more oil to compensate for the dry air. This in turn creates extra oil build up within our pores. Now combine that with the nasty heat and humidity and you’ve got a formula for guaranteed breakouts.

You Tried To Use Too Many Acne Solutions All At Once

Waking up to new white and blackheads can be panic-inducing. However, the solution is not to go heavy with the topical treatments filled with different acid formulas. If your skin regime isn’t used to using different medications, it can cause your skin to have an adverse reaction. The balance of the oils will be out of whack, and for some people can cause all your future zits to pop up at once. Talk about a TOTAL NIGHTMARE.

woman applying a topical acne treatment to her face.

How To Fix Your Acne This Summer

Most importantly, avoid touching your face at all costs! Rather than washing and scrubbing multiple times a day, it is best to wash your face twice a day with a soft foaming cleanser. When it comes to air conditioning, rather than endure the unbearable heat with zero electricity, try adding a humidifier to rooms to make sure the air keeps some moisture. And if that red monster on your face needs something to control it, you can use a salicylic topical treatment, but sparingly. Once a day is plenty!

Photos: Freepik and Pixabay

Your Shower Routine Is All Wrong (And How To Fix It)

22 julio, 2019 by Admin

Considering the thousands of showers we have all taken in our life-time, most of us would probably say we are pretty well trained when it comes to our cleaning habits. Which is why the news that there is actually a wrong way to shower might be a BIG shock for you. Chances are- you’re probably committing some of these bathing blunders!

Long Hot Showers Damage Your Skin

You might feel like a new, relaxed version of yourself after taking a long hot shower. However your skin is screaming at the amount of damage this causes. Hot showers for longer than 5-10 minutes dry out your skin and strips it of all its natural oils, leaving your skin weathered and likely to age more easily. Keep it short and sweet, or lower that dial!

Always Shampoo First, Body Second

Yup, there IS a proper order when it comes to sudsing up. Shampoos often have more chemicals and harsher ingredients than body washes, so lathering up with body wash after rinsing out shampoo ensures you wash all way all residue. For the days you shave, it’s best to save this step for last too, as the moisture and heat helps your pores to open up and facilitate a closer shave.

Lose The Loofah

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Una publicación compartida de Marley's Monsters (@marleysmonsters) el 10 Jul, 2019 a las 8:00 PDT

Loofahs seem like a great shower aid for exfoliating, but these scrubbers are rough on the skin. What’s more, Loofahs are also hard to clean, and when left out end up becoming cesspools for bacteria- gross! A cleaner, safer alternative is a washing flannel cloth. The material is both softer on the skin, and super simple to to wash.

Skip Washing Your Face In The Shower

When we’re in the shower, it seems only natural that we wash our face along with the rest of our body. However, the temperatures of the water are often too hot for the delicate skin that’s on the face, leaving it even more susceptible to damage and stripping of essential oils. Rather, you should wash your face in the sink with cooler water or micellar water. If the extra time is too much of a nuisance to wash your face separately, just make sure you don’t put your face directly to the stream of the shower head, as the pressure does extra damage to this skin.

Photos: Freepik and Unsplash

The Absolute Best Face Wash For Every Skin Type

15 julio, 2019 by Admin

Finding the right face wash can be tough. Some scrubs are too harsh, leaving your skin red and rashy whereas others dry you out so much that each fine line seems to be exacerbated. And let’s not forget about the whole other issue of making sure all your makeup is washed off too. That is, unless you want some serious skin imperfections… Yikes.

Woman holding up an angry face drawing in front of her face.

Rather than spending hours reading through internet reviews or wasting your money on products you end up hating, we have the solution for your facial cleansing needs:

Micellar water.

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Una publicación compartida de GarnierUSA (@garnierusa) el 13 Jul, 2019 a las 4:44 PDT

Not Just Any Water

Created by Jean-Noël Thorel, founder of the French skincare line Bioderma, Micellar water is a face wash that combats the problems that are typically caused by tap water. Believe it or not, the water that comes from the pipes is very harsh for your skin, causing damage to your face that leaves it looking dry and dull. It even can make your skin defenseless to pollution and environmental harms!

How Is Micellar Water Better?

For starters, micellar water is much easier on the skin so that even those with sensitive complexions can use it. Micellar water also is extremely convenient to use, as you don’t need to rinse and scrub your face to make sure the product is off, as you would with any other face wash.

How Does This Magical Face Wash Work?

Despite having «water» in its name, this is no ordinary product. Micellar Water is a mixture of soft water and micelles, which are small oil balls that pull in debris from the skin. Essentially, these little micelles are like magnets for makeup, dirt, and oil, to leave your face clean naturally.

How To Wash Your Face With Micellar Water

Woman applying micellar face wash with a cotton pad.

Unlike a normal face wash, micellar water is best used when applied with a cotton ball or round. The micelles stick to the cotton making it easier to swipe across your face and pull in all the debris. The mixture is soft and hydrating, meaning you don’t need to rinse your face afterwards. You’ll notice instantly how much your skin glows after just the first use!

Photos: Freepik and