skin

Spice Up Your Fall With Pumpkin Beauty Products

20 octubre, 2019 by Admin

When someone mentions the word «fall,» immediately many of us think of the changing of the leaves and… pumpkins. There are multiple ways to take advantage of the gourd this autumn season, that go beyond just pumpkin picking and spiced lattes. In addition to being a filling and satisfying fruit, pumpkins are becoming a trendy ingredient in beauty products!

The Healthy Lowdown On Pumpkin

Although we associate pumpkins with the fall season, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a smart ingredient to slather on our skin. Nevertheless, pumpkin is actually filled with nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants which can help make the skin brighter. Additionally, this gourd has certain proteins that help fight off acne and restore balance, so your skin is sure to have fewer flare-ups and breakouts.

If that weren’t enough to convince you, pumpkin also has beta-carotene, which helps to reduce wrinkles and UV damage. With habitual use, this property helps to keep you looking fresh-faced and young. Maybe those age-defying vampires were really feasting on our Jack-O-Lanterns all along…

Recommended Pumpkin Products

Given there are so many products on the market that have pumpkin as one of the key ingredients, it can be difficult to decide! While your ultimate purchase is up to you, these are a few recommendations that might help you ease the decision-making process.

Bath Gel

Vanilla pumpkin shower gel by The Body Shop

For an inexpensive, yet satisfying purchase for your fall beauty arsenal, the Vanilla Pumpkin Shower Gel from The Body Shop will have you smelling like a freshly frothed pumpkin spice latte. Talk about irresistible!

Exfoliating Masque

If you want your skin looking bright and feeling smooth and restored, look no further than the Credentials Pumpkin Exfoliating Masque. With almost all 5 star reviews, this product is proven to leave customers happy with its purifying properties. All at a reasonable price!

Glow Booster

Is your skin looking dull and lackluster? The Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Booster is a potent serum with pumpkin and cherry that makes you look instantly more radiant and hydrated. No dry fall weather will keep you from looking your best!

Photos: Unsplash, The Body Shop, Elemis, Amazon Credentials

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

Apply Eyeshadow Flawlessly On Aging Eyes

12 agosto, 2019 by Admin

As we get older, our skin starts to change and that includes the skin around our eyes. In addition to using anti-aging cream to help reduce wrinkles, there are other tricks that help to reduce the appearance of age when applying eye makeup. Crow’s feet and creases are no match for these eyeshadow tips!

Hydration And Moisturizer Are Key

A good makeup application begins with having healthy, smooth skin. Having hydrated skin ensures that eyeshadow can glide on smoothly, which is important to consider with skin being more prone to drying as we age. To properly moisturize the area around your eyes, you should use a hyaluronic eye cream. It is best to apply this cream on your eyelids and under your eye prior to using eyeshadow and makeup. These creams tend to be lighter and absorb easily, making them perfect for daytime use.

Prime To Make Eyeshadow Stay Put

Professionals swear by priming before putting on eyeshadow for its incredible staying power. A good primer can be used for people of all ages to ensure powders don’t get caught in the crease, causing unattractive streaks of makeup on our eyelids. Using a primer is even more important as we get older, for our eyes typically start to become more hooded, making them more prone to creasing.

Ditch The Glitter And Powder Eyeshadow Formulas

A jar of cream eyeshadow with makeup brush.

As our skin care routine changes as we get older, so should the types of eyeshadow we use. Overall matte eye shadow is better than shadows with lots of shine and glitter, for these formulas often settle into creases. Powders can also stick to our fine lines, so a cream shadow is the ultimate solution.

an eyeshadow palette with nude and taupe colors.

As for the best colors to use, nudes and taupes help with making eyes look bigger and brighter. However, you should ultimately wear the eyeshadow color that makes you feel your best!

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay, Unsplash