Natural Lotions Use Safe, Clean Natural Skincare Ingredients

May 6, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

People are becoming aware that many modern skincare products and lotion contain potentially harmful ingredients. For this reason many seek to learn more about natural skincare or organic skincare.

Whether you call it 100% pure skincare lotion or holistic skincare lotion or natural skincare lotion or organic skincare lotion, what people are looking for is skincare lotion products that don’t contain harmful ingredients.

If it’s news to you that many mainstream skincare lotion products and antiaging products and cosmetics contain potentially harmful lotion ingredients then here’s a couple of examples to demonstrate why so many people are now looking for natural skincare products like natural sunscreen lotion.

A recent study, for example, has found lead in many of the big brand lipsticks that so many of us use. Other studies have found chemicals called Phthalates in many of our skincare and anti aging products and cosmetics. Phthalates have linked to birth defects.

Why is this so? Because the FDA doesn’t regulate or test anti aging products and skincare lotion products for safety, (or for how well they work), and so many companies use ingredients in their lotion products that are suspect or even dangerous, and sometimes are also damaging to your skin.

There are many other examples, which have prompted consumers to research what they are buying and created consumer organizations dedicated to exposing dangerous lotion  ingredients in skincare products and cosmetics in an attempt to clean up the industry.

For those seeking safe skincare products and lotions there is good news. There are excellent companies dedicated to developing high quality, safe, effective and pure skincare products, and safe, effective and pure cosmetics.

Scientific studies have shown many naturally occurring lotion ingredients that can be used in skincare products to avoid the necessity of using chemicals and other suspect or dangerous ingredients.

Many of these natural lotion ingredients provide much more than just vibrant skin, but a unique way to reintroduce vitamins and minerals back into your body. The skin has a special characteristic which allows it to absorb these nutrients from lotions and creams into the blood stream topically.

If you are looking for a better natural skincare product or lotion that is safe, affordable and effective it’s out there. Do some research and be sure to find a lotion product you feel comfortable with and an honest company who stands behind the lotion ingredients in their products.

Under Eye Circles can be Fixed with Natural Lotion or Cremes

April 25, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

Dark under eye circles are more common than one might think. Though dark circles are usually temporary and not a medical concern, they can be a personal concern, especially when one’s appearance is affected. Dermatologists know, not all skin is created equal. The same is true not only for facial complexions but for the skin on your body. As holistic dermatologist Dr. Adhami explains it, “One part can be dramatically different from the next, with varying levels of texture, thickness and even color. The skin around your eyes is a key example; it tends to be thin and is the most delicate of all. This skin is particularly vulnerable to stress, time and the harmful effects of the environment and requires special care if it is to look and function its best.”

While fatigue is commonly assumed to be the cause of dark under eye circles – surprisingly the correct culprit is nasal congestion. According to medical experts, when your nose is congested, veins that normally drain from your eyes into your nose become widened (dilated) and darker. Dark circles can also result from chronic skin conditions such as eczema or be hereditary.

Another cause of under eye circles is due to swelling while you sleep. When you lie down, gravity allows fluid to collect in your lower eyelids. Sometimes, this swelling may create the appearance of shadows below your eyes.

Over the counter products like natural lotion may help diminish dark circles under eyes. Look for skin lotion and cremes that contain vitamin C or K, alpha hydroxy acid or kinetin. If you suffer from chronic or severe under eye circles medical treatment may be required. Treatment will include examining the underlying causes and may involve bleaching agents or laser therapy.

Natural eye creams and lotions may include exotic herbs, plants, minerals and a variety of vitamins such as vitamins A and E to help protect, hydrate, repair and dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Under eye cream should deliver a boost of moisture to the delicate skin around the eyes and prevent future wrinkles or “crows feet”

Other lotion ingredients are equally cutting-edge. Some new eye creams contain peptides, which are basically complex molecules created in the laboratory. They are synthetic analogues of collagen, which, unlike the large collagen molecule itself, are small enough to penetrate into the deep layers of the skin. Once there, peptides stimulate the body to create new collagen and accelerate skin repair.

Whatever your choice, the options today are far-reaching. If using only natural, sustainable lotion products is important to you, try to find under eye cream comprised of herbal extracts, vitamins or other organic natural ingredients to reduce those wrinkles and remove the dark circles. Eye cream packed with antioxidants like vitamin E to fight skin-damaging free radicals and Vitamin A to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Unique herbal extracts help reduce the appearance of dark circles and reduce puffiness.

Determine your Skin Type

March 25, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

Determining your skin type is easy, and the information will help you when buying moisturizers, cosmetics and facial cleansers.

Overall Things You’ll Need
Hand or Wash Towels
Mild Facial Cleansers
Oil-free Facial Cleansers
Oil-free Moisturizers

Step One
Wash your face with a skin cleanser, then rinse and pat dry.

Step Two
Wait one hour.

Step Three
Note whether your skin feels “tight.”

Step Four
Press a separate piece of tissue onto each area of your face: chin, center of cheeks, outer cheeks, center of forehead, outer forehead and nose.

Step Five
Examine each tissue and look for oily residue or flaky skin residue.

Step Six
Interpret the results. Oil on each tissue indicates an oily skin type, while oil on only some tissues (specifically those on the T-zone, which is the center of forehead, nose, chin and center of cheeks) indicates a combination skin type. Flaky skin residue on all tissues – without oily residue – or a tight feeling in the skin indicates a dry skin type. No oil and no flaky residue on any parts of the tissue indicates a normal skin type.

Tips & Warnings
Pore size is another indication of skin type; small pores generally indicate dry skin, while large pores mean oily skin. Remember that there are many factors that affect your skin type, such as weather, emotions, hormones and stress, and this will cause your skin type to be in a constant state of fluctuation.

“Combination skin” products that claim to serve different functions on different parts of the face are suspicious. You’re better off using different lotion products on different areas.

Using Natural Facial Masks with Different Skin Types

March 25, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

Choose the Best Facial Mask for Your Skin
A weekly facial mask is a great way to boost your skins radiance and normalize oily or dry conditions. No matter what your skin type, there is a facial mask suited for you. Facial masks, when used once a week or twice a month for sensitive skin, can deep clean your face, tighten your pores, or brighten and exfoliate. Exercise caution though when shopping for a mask. Not every facial mask will suit your particular skin type. Several varieties are clay masks, moisturizing masks, fruit extract masks, yogurt masks, and gel masks, just to name a few. Before you buy a facial mask, you must recognize your skin type and buy accordingly. You’ll want to compliment your facial mask with a good natural lotion and natural body wash or cleanser.

Normal Skin
You have many mask options if your skin is normal. That is, if dryness or breakouts are of no real concern for you. You can use one that will give you radiance, one for deep cleaning or a gentle one for sensitive skin. Regardless of how “normal” your skin may be; you should see overall benefits of radiance and balance from using a weekly mask.

Oily or Combination Skin
Those with oily or combination skin do best with regular use of a clay mask. Clay is great for removing excess oil, deep cleaning your pores and preventing and clearing up blackheads. Natural clay is a great detoxifying treatment for your face without leaving your skin extra dry. Most clay masks work well with sensitive skin.

Dry Skin
Dry skin conditions require a mask for a very different reason than those with oily skin. You are not looking to reduce oil, but add moisture. Using a moisture mask will rejuvenate and rehydrate your skin. Many masks for dry skin require you leave them on longer than other masks for maximum effect. You leave the mask on your skin for up to 10 minute and then moisturize with a natural lotion slightly with it before wiping off the excess. You will notice smoother, softer skin immediately.

Dull Skin
For a boost of radiance, try an exfoliating mask, but be careful to make sure the grain is not too coarse or you could cause skin tissue damage. You could try a peel off mask, which are actually kind of fun – like peeling off glue – this will help exfoliate your skin by removing the dead layers of cells, but again, be careful not to pull too harshly and tear tissue. Many exfoliating masks use fruit extracts such as papaya or pumpkin to naturally exfoliate. These tend to have a slight acidic range to them and may sting your skin just a little when you apply them. The scents are always quite pleasing though. You should see noticeable results within a few applications.

Mature Skin
To firm up wrinkled or sagging skin on the face and neck, look for moisturizing masks meant for dry skin or a specified “firming” mask. A firming mask will boost your skins moisture content, which will reduce fine lines caused by dehydration. This will give the appearance of a more youthful, firmer face. Massage onto your face and leave for about 10 minutes before you rinse off.

Five Basic Daily Skin Care Practices

March 25, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

Below are five basic steps in keeping skin healthy, along with the use of organic skin care products like natural lotion, herbal facials masks, natural body washes, and baby lotion.

1. Drink plenty of water. A huge percentage of the body is composed of water. Water intake will help you clean the body. Water also hydrates the body and helps prevent dry skin. Well-hydrated cells function well. Cells that function well can help maintain youth. The more active a person is, the more water he/she needs. Eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount of water intake, however, as for athletes and energetic people, more is needed to replace the fluid they excrete through perspiration. There is no replacement to drinking plenty of water and this is not only a great organic skin care rule but a great habit to adopt.

2. Exercise. Aside from a boost in energy, moderate work outs promote blood circulation and increase oxygen in the blood stream. Both help in maintaining the youth of your skin.

3. Wash your face with mild natural cleansing products. Natural cleansing products with strong substances can harm cells. Ensure that you use clean water when washing the natural cleansing products off your skin. Don’t rub your skin vigorously with the towel – it irritates the skin. Wipe gently with soft cloth. Organic skin care products are milder than those with synthesized or processed ingredients and don’t need to be scrubbed off.

4. Use organic skin care products when possible. Products with natural lotion ingredients will clean your skin just as well as those full of chemicals. The closer the lotion ingredients are to their natural state, the less harmful for your skin. Most organic products work with the body’s natural process in fighting harmful elements and potential diseases as opposed to chemically forcing the skin to respond to treatment.

5. Lotion moisturizers are recommended for all skin types. Even oily skin loses its natural moisture after using natural cleansing products. If your skin is not properly moisturize, it will dry and age faster. Toners help in cleaning traces of dirt and cosmetics not easily removed with the use of natural cleansers. Try to use a product containing zinc or a natural sunblock agent to protect your face from the harmful UVB rays of the sun. Natural sunscreen lotion is a must for daily use.

Eat and maintain a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help you maintain a healthy skin the natural way. Avoid processed and greasy foods. Familiarize yourself with healthy, organic food that you enjoy and will promote better health. Supplements will also provide assistance in keeping your whole body healthy. Keeping the entire body healthy is the primary key for healthy cells. This is the most important organic skin care tip. Skin can only look as good as the nutrients you feed your body. The skin is the primary conduit for the liver to process toxins.

Organic skin care gives you the greatest opportunity to have a healthy skin, without using harmful lotion ingredients. The appearance of your skin indicates the state of your health. If you are suffering from acne or any other skin condition, try treating it from the inside out first. Give your body a chance to balance itself with healthy foods and supplements before you spend hundreds of dollars on topical treatments. Your skin is your body’s armor, protecting your from the elements. Help it do its job. Remember to use natural skincare products like natural lotion, baby lotion, herbal facial masks, and natural body washes when you can too!

Ayurvedic Treatments for Basic Skin Conditions

March 25, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

One of Ayurveda’s fundamental concepts is that health and disease are holistic-that is, whatever happens in one part of the body happens to the whole body. There are no isolated health problems. Any physical or psychological symptom of imbalance indicates an imbalance in the body-mind unit. Keep this holistic picture in mind as you look over the common skin problems below.Listed below are external remedies for the most common skin problems. The regular use of natural skincare products like natural lotion, herbal facial masks, and natural body wash.

But please be aware, even a topical lotion ointment or detoxification treatment is only a temporary remedy. If you continue with unhealthy lifestyle choices, new toxins will soon appear.

FRECKLES
Imbalance: Pitta.
Aggravated by: Sun.
Treatment:
• To bleach, rub on cottonseed oil or crushed pumpkin seed kernels + olive oil.
• Mix 1 tsp yogurt + 2-3 drops honey to make a natural lotion bleach. Apply, leave on for 4 hours, then rinse.

W H I T E SPOTS AND LEUCODERMA
Imbalance: This condition is usually hereditary.
Aggravated by: Small white spots are caused by stress, excess salt. Leucoderma, or large white patches, is hereditary.
Treatment:
• Internal cleansing.
• Sunlight.
• Apply a few drops each neem & bakuchi herbal oils directly to spots to reduce external symptoms.

AGE SPOTS
Imbalance: Vata or Pitta.
Aggravated by: Old age, cold weather.
Treatment:
• Do internal cleansing treatment at change of season.
• Massage with Vata-pacifying oils or Tej Saffron Oil or lotion.

BLACKHEADS
Imbalance: Kapha.
Aggravated by: Excessive oil secretions.
Treatment:
• To loosen, add a pinch of Epsom salts to a cup water. Dip cotton ball in mixture and wash face.
• ‘Apply a mask of ground fresh parsley on oily area. Lie down for 10- 15 minutes, then cleanse, nourish, and moisturize with a natural lotion as usual.

PSORIASIS
Desrription: Silvery flakes mostly on scalp but may appear on any part of body. Characterized by chronic and excessive dryness and irritation.
Imbalance: Vata 8c Pitta.
Aggravated by: Liver dysfunction, anxiety, stress, ungroundedness.
Treatment:
• Bathe with horsetail herbs wrapped in cheesecloth in your tub. After bath, apply neem oil + ghee or karanj oil or lotion twice a day.
• Do daily self-massage
• Do yoga or other non-aerobic exercise until you are sweating mildly (good for detoxification, stress reduction).
• Supplements: Take recommended daily dosage of primrose oil, cod liver oil, lecithin, vitamin E, and zinc.

ECZEMA
Description: There are three types of eczema: Dry patches (dry eczema) or moist, burning, inflamed red patches (burning eczema) typically appear around the joints but may appear anywhere on the body. Pussy, oozing patches (wet eczema) or dry itchy patches typically appear around eyes, brows, nose, or scalp, but also may be anywhere on the body.

DRY PATCHES
• Mix 10 drops sandalwood oil + 1 oz castor oil and apply to dry area.
Imbalance: Vata (dry). Pitta (moist, inflamed, red, burning). Kapha, itchy if dry.
Aggravated by: Improper diet, blood toxicity, constipation, stress, undigested emotions, excessive sun, saltwater.
Lotion Treatment:
• Mix equal parts neem + brahmi + basil herbal oils (all available from Tej), and apply.
• Mix 1/2 tsp camphor + 2 tsp zinc oxide + 7-8 tsp corn or potato starch, and apply.
• Apply a light compress of rose petals + nettle + comfrey in water.
• Cut an aloe leaf and apply sap directly to skin.
• Add a few drops of chamomile, geranium, juniper, or lavender essential oil to coconut oil, and apply.
• Take baths with comfrey and nettle decoctions.
• Massage feet and scalp at night with brahmi oil or lotion.
• Supplements: Daily take 1-2 tsp cod liver oil or primrose oil, 800 units vitamin E, 30 mgs zinc, recommended daily dosage of vitamin B-complex and lecithin. Take 1/2 tsp triphala at bedtime as laxative. Avoid salt, sugar, fats, onions, garlic, radishes; eat carrots and musk melon.

Combination Skin Care Natural Lotion Treatments

March 25, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

It can be utterly frustrating to deal with combination skin; one day it is dry and tight, the next it is oily and blotchy. Seasonal weather changes only serve to make matters worse. Your skin can wrinkle in some areas and flake in others. If that’s the case, then you may have combination skin – varying skin conditions in different zones of the face. But not to worry; combination skin is quite common. In fact, more people have this skin type than any other.Combination skin is characterized by a mixture of oiliness and dryness. Typically, the oily areas tend to be the T-zone, consisting of the forehead, nose and chin. The cheeks are normal to dry. The degrees of oiliness and dryness can vary. Pores may be larger in the oily areas – with pimples, blackheads and breakouts sometimes occurring – and dry areas may feel rough and irritated. A natural lotion can be helpful with combination skin

The “tissue test” can help you determine if you have combination skin. Take a tissue and hold/press it against your face. If there’s oil on the tissue where it touched your T-zone, but no oil where the tissue touched your cheeks, you most likely have combination skin.

Causes
Many factors can cause combination skin, including hormones, age, genetics, the way in which lipids are organized in our skin and even the weather. Hormonal changes can lead to changes in skin’s oiliness or dryness. Teens and young adults tend to have oilier skin, especially in the T-zone, but with age, hormones change and the oil production may decrease (but unfortunately, acne is still an issue for many adults). Also, hormones change due to menstruation and the birth control pill, which can make skin oilier in certain areas. Lipids also play a role in combination skin: These proteins affect skin’s softness and feel. When lipids aren’t evenly spread throughout the skin, certain areas will feel drier and rougher, while other areas may feel soft but oily or greasy. The organization of lipids in skin is due to genetics and hormones. Finally, weather can exacerbate combination skin. Dry cold weather can cause skin to dry out and become irritated. Conversely, hot humid weather can increase oil production. This can affect your T-zone as well as your cheeks.

Care Plan
Combination skin requires special care to balance the oily and dry areas of the face. Proper cleansing, treatment, moisturizing with natural lotion and sun protection like organic sunscreen lotion are all necessary.
• Natural Cleansing: People with combination skin often have difficulty finding a natural cleanser that works for their unique skin needs. Formulas designed for oily skin may leave combination skin too dry, especially in the cheeks, while formulas designed for dry skin may leave combination skin greasy, especially in the T-zone. It’s best to avoid products that are either too drying or too rich. Instead, use a foaming or gel cleanser to get rid of dirt and oil without causing irritation or dryness. A natural cleanser to try is one that removes excess oil and impurities while still being gentle and not drying out skin.
You should also exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dry, dead, rough skin cells. These cells may be particularly prominent on your cheeks. They can flake off and block pores, causing blemishes and blackheads. Try a product that might include papaya and pineapple juice, olive derivatives and Ginkgo Bilbao.
• Lotion Treatments: Lotion Treatment products are another important skincare component, helping to balance your skin. One lotion treatment to try is one which moisturizes dry areas but prevents excess oil, especially in the T-zone. This product also contains antioxidants to prevent aging. Another type of treatment is a mask, and you’ll find an array of products for every skin type. Some experts advise using a hydrating/moisturizing mask on dry areas (cheeks) and a deep-cleaning clay mask on oily areas (T-zone). While using two different masks is certainly an option, you can also use a mask specifically designed for combination skin. If you suffer from breakouts, which may occur around the T-zone, use acne treatment products with salicylic acid. For problem skin, try a blemish serum or a spot treatment.
• Moisturize: Combination skin needs balance, and part of that balance means moisturizing your skin with natural lotion. Lotion moisturizing is especially important for drier areas of the face, but your entire face needs moisture. Some experts suggest using separate lotion moisturizers – a lightweight one for the T-zone and a deeper one for cheeks. You may choose to use separate moisturizers, but you can also use a single moisturizer designed for combination skin. Try a lotion which balances skin with witch hazel and aloe extract to help skin stay soft. Pay careful attention to dry areas, as they may require more frequent moisturizing than oily areas. Generally, experts recommend moisturizing dry areas twice a day and lotion moisturizing oily areas once a day. Keep in mind that your individual skin has unique needs, so you might want to adjust your lotion moisturizer – how often you use it, where you need it and how much you need.
• Sun Protection: Organic Sunscreen Lotion – Like all other skin types, combination skin needs protection from the sun. UVA and UVB rays can damage skin, so use oil-free sunblock lotion all over your face daily (and on any other exposed areas). Try an oil-free sun lotion or sunblock lotion because it protects your skin from UV rays and won’t make skin greasy.

Natural Treatments
Natural treatments such as aromatherapy oils, home-made exfoliants and masks may help treat your combination skin. For example, try mixing essential oils like chamomile, lavender and ylang ylang (just a few drops) together with your oil-free moisturizer. These ingredients have antibacterial properties and may help to rid skin of dirt or bacteria. However, if your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, or if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use these essential oils.

Exfoliating treatments can be made at home by mixing and grinding nuts, seeds or oatmeal along with water. These will slough off dead, dry skin cells – especially common around the cheeks. You can add citrus peels from fruit – like orange or grapefruit – to the mix and apply it to the oily T-zone.

To make a mask for dry areas, use ingredients like yogurt, mashed bananas or avocados to moisturize. On oilier areas, try pureed strawberries and apples.

Natural Skin Care Lotion for Oily Skin

March 25, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

With oily skin, your face may often look shiny, and you naturally avoid skincare products that feel oily. You’ll be more vulnerable to acne and breakouts than dry skin types. People with dry skin will notice that their skin feels dry and has a dull color and/or rough texture. There are several natural lotions which are specifically designed for oily skin.

Oil Production
The skin has many oil (sebaceous) glands, which secrete oil that contains wax esters, triglycerides, and squalene. These fats (or lipids) form a film that helps keep moisture in the skin. While increased sebum production results in oily skin, the opposite is not always the case, as dry skin can also arise from an impaired skin barrier. Oil production can be affected by diet, stress, and hormones-as well as genetics. In a study of twenty pairs each of identical and nonidentical same-sex twins, identical twins had virtually identical amounts of oil production, while the nonidentical twins had significantly different amounts.

Dryness and oiliness depend primarily on the condition of the skin barrier, the outer layer of skin which helps the skin retain moisture, and the oil (sebum) production itself. The barrier is like a brick wall, with each brick (or cell) held in place by mortar (fats called lipids). Harmful ingredients, cold, and dry weather can wear down these fats, eroding the mortar so that the “bricks” are not secured in their proper place. A variety of outside agents, including detergents, acetone, chlorine and other chemicals, and even prolonged water immersion can harm the barrier, or the barrier may be deficient for genetic reasons.

The barrier’s main components are ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, all different kinds of lipids. These must be present in the right proportion to keep the skin watertight. An impaired barrier will tend toward both dryness and sensitivity. Dryness results when skin moisture evaporates. Sensitivity results when a deficient barrier permits the entry of outside irritants.
Repairing the skin barrier with the right skin care products like natural lotion will help treat a variety of skin conditions. Incorporating key dietary nutrients, such as essential fatty acids and cholesterol, provides the necessary building blocks. Nutrient deficiencies can weaken your skin’s ability to repair and rebuild, which is why people who take cholesterol-lowering drugs often have dry skin.

Try to understand your skin and use the right natural skincare product like body lotion, natural body wash, and herbal facial masks.

Skin Care – Aging from your 20s to your 50s

March 25, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

Aging of the skin

There are several factors influencing how quickly our skin ages, ranging from genetic factors, your natural skin type, as well as external factors such as exposure to sunlight, environmental factors and whether you smoke or not. In general, pale skins wrinkle faster than darker skins, which are protected by increased amounts of pigment and lipids. Using natural skin care products like natural lotion, natural sunscreen lotion, and natural body wash is always helpful.

Another vital factor is, of course, our age. Our skin looks and functions very differently at 20 as opposed to when we are 60.

Below is a skin care plan of how to look after your skin as the decades go by and how to adapt your skin care regime accordingly.

Your skin in your 20s

Your 20s is a great time for your skin. You’ve left behind the adolescence acne and your skin has a radiant, youthful glow and the epidermis is well toned.

However, this is not the time to be complacent. In your 20s skin cell renewal drops by up to 28 per cent, dead skin cells are not as easily shed and external factors are starting to have a greater impact, leaving your skin slightly duller.

According to dermatologists, 80 per cent of all aging can be directly related to exposure to sunlight. Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid the mid-day sun, or if you have to be out in the heat of the day (especially in countries like Australia), than cover up. Penetrating UVA rays will start to damage collagen fibres and elastin coils in your skin.

Smoking one factor you can control and now would be a good time to quite. Smoking inhibits oxygen getting to the outer layer of your skin and has a premature aging effect. In addition, smoking can cause fine lines around the mouth over the years and this is to be avoided – if you want to keep your good looks.

Your skin in your 30s

By the time you get to your 30s skin cell turnover has slowed. Environmental damage from pollution, smoke and sunlight are starting to take their toll on the dermis, causing collagen fibres to loosen so that skin starts to loose its tone and develop fine lines and wrinkles. When you smile, subcutaneous fat forms ridges and refuse to bounce back as readily as it once did. Your first wrinkles may start to appear.

By now you should have established a daily skincare regime that involves exfoliating (two or three times a week), cleansing, moisturising with a natural lotion and sun protection with a natural sunscreen lotion for your skin. In your 30s, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and fish, which are high in antioxidants such as Vitamins A, B, C and E. These Vitamins counteract free radicals in your body that help the skin to repair itself, produce the enzymes that stabilise collagen production, and stay moist and healthy. For further protection, try using a day crème, such as one that contains vitamin E, for example: Wildcrafted’s Age Defying Essence.

Alcohol should only be consumed in moderation as it deprives your skin of vital nutrients and may cause your facial blood vessels to become dilated leading to permanent, red ‘spider veins’ on your cheeks and in men often across the nose.

Maintaining well hydrated tissues by drinking plenty of water each and every day (3 litres a day is not at all excessive) is vital to retain moisture in your skin. In addition, you should ensure that you get enough quality sleep.

Your skin in your 40s

In your 40s, collagen fibres decrease in number, stiffen, break apart, and form into a shapeless, matted tangle. Elastic fibres lose some of their elasticity, thicken into clumps, and fray. The result is the skin forms crevices and furrows known as lines and wrinkles. In addition, loss of fat in the subcutaneous layer leaves your skin more fragile, whereas the dermis will continue to lose its elasticity. A rich nourishing night lotion or crème becomes a vital part of your skin care regime.

During this time the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the epidermis) starts to grow even thicker, as dead skin cells hang around for longer. If you are not already using an exfoliant regularly, now is a good time to get into the habit of exfoliating your skin regularly using a facial scrub – 2-3 times a week is all that’s necessary. You could also use a cream containing Rose oil, Jojoba oil or similar, as these contain natural AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) and to help remove dead skin cells.

As deeper wrinkles start to form, you may wish to use a complete skin care system, which systematically helps you to nourish and moisturise your skin on all levels. Choose natural skin care products and lotion for your daily skin care regime, as you do not want to introduce unnecessary toxins into your system by using products full of unpronounceable chemicals. Quality natural skin care systems, such as Moms Skincare range of natural skin care systems should be matched to your specific skin type.

Your skin in your 50s and above

As we reach our 50s and beyond, the hair and nails grow more slowly. Langerhans cells (involved in the immune response, dwindle in number, thus decreasing the immune responsiveness of older skin. Decreased size of sebaceous (oil) glands leads to dry and broken skin that is more susceptible to infection.

In women, after the menopause, decreased oestrogen levels mean that skin lose its plumpness and tone, and it may be left dry, itchy and more sensitive to allergens.

At this stage in your life it is important to take that extra care of your skin’s health. Mature skin is more fragile, prone to injury and infection and bruises easily. As if this was not bad enough, it also takes longer to heal. Taking care of your skin will reduce the aging effect; keep it healthier as well as more resistant to injury and infections. Remember, a face that has a lived in look is much more attractive than a Botox face and character is much more beauty.

Keeping your skin healthy and glowing is always aided by using the right lotion or natural skin care product.

Looking for Natural Skincare Lotion Ingredients, Avoid These Synthetics

March 25, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

Due to certain preservative requirements, many skin care products are unfortunately loaded with lotion ingredients that actually harm your skin over time. Following are a few prominent ingredients widely used in skincare products to day and are to be avoided if you prefer you skincare to be more natural or organic.

• Mineral Oil. This oil has been used in literally hundreds of products. Mineral oil may also go by the alternative names liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and petrolatum on the product label. Mineral oil is used pervasively in skin care products as a moisturizing agent due to its low cost. Mineral oil, once applied, is meant to ‘trap’ moisture in the skin, but once applied, actually prevents the skin from “breathing.” As such, it clogs pores, interferes with your skin’s natural ability to eliminate toxins, and can lead to acne flare ups. Also, it is irritating to the skin and if used for any length of time, your skin can become dependent on it, causing chapping and dryness. Lastly, it can lead to premature aging of the skin.

• Dioxane: (a synthetic derivative of coconut). This substance is widely used in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin. In the State of California, 1,4-dioxane has been reported as “known to cause cancer.”

• Fragrances: No one wants to smell bad, but if you want to be on the safe side, you are better off choosing an organic essential oil or diluted cologne, hydrosol or even a bodyspray. Your skin care products typically contain chemically engineered fragrances to mask the unpleasant “chemical odor” of the foundational product itself. Many of these masking fragrances are produced from ingredients that are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.

• Parabens: methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl paraben. Many skin care products (and moisturizing products) will use parabens as a preservative so their products have a long shelf life. The reason is purely economical. However, studies suggest that they may cause cancer and interfere with the body’s endocrine system, as well as causing allergic reactions and skin rashes.

• Alcohols: ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol. Not all alcohols have the same properties, but these, which are commonly found in skin care products, are very drying and irritating for the skin. Alcohols such as these strip away the skin’s natural acid mantle, making you more vulnerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. Its important to note some alcohols are used beneficially in acne treatments.

Try to use natural lotion as a regular skincare practice for healthy skin.

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