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Tag: skincare

  • Sun Safety is Very Important

    We need the sun. The sun aids our body in producing vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption of the bones to keep them strong. But there are downsides to unprotected exposure to the sun. The sun gives off UV (ultraviolet) rays, which can damage skin cells. In the long run, it can cause premature aging and even skin cancer.

    When Do You Need Sunscreen?

    Sunscreen is essential all year round, even if it is the middle of Winter and cloudy. The sun’s rays are most harmful during mid-morning to mid-afternoon, so be sure to apply sunscreen then. You can even consult your phone’s weather app to see how high the UV Index is.

    How Often Do You Need to Reapply Sunscreen?

    Most sunscreen’s you purchase will tell you that you need to reapply your sunscreen once every two hours. It may be more often if you have been sweating or swimming.

    Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen?

    Mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreen contains avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and others. Both sunscreens essentially act the same, taking the energy produced by UV rays and turning the heat negligible. If you have sensitive skin though, chemical sunscreen can sting, so mineral sunscreen can be an option. But the downside to mineral sunscreen is that it can often leave a visible layer of white. Depending on your skin and your personal preferences, pick the sunscreen that works best for you.

    Sunscreen is Key

    Whichever sunscreen serves you best, remember to apply and reapply, even when it is cloudy outside. The negative effects of too much UV radiation can cause harm to your skin over time, so it is best to prevent it. Use that sunscreen, seek shade when you can, and stay safe!

  • Apply Sunscreen for Better Health!

    It’s important to consider daily sunscreen use. Applying sunscreen to your skin can improve its health in various ways. By preventing sunburn, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and premature aging from the sun’s UV radiation. In fact, sunscreen is beneficial for all, regardless of gender. Both men and women can benefit from using it. 

    How does UV radiation affect skin?

    Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of radiation that comes from the sun and has both pros and cons on your health. First and foremost, exposure to the sunlight is beneficial for boosting vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for healthy bones, immune system, brain, and much more. Especially important for the elderly.  Without Vitamin D, you’ll face the risk of bone weakness, bone pain, and osteoporosis. To obtain the required vitamin D, The World Health Organization (WHO) advises exposing oneself to at least 5-15 minutes of sunlight. And therefore, 2 to 3 times a week. Though, this is good, however too much exposure to sunlight is indeed harmful for skin. There are three types of UV radiation which includes UVA, UVB, and UVC depending on their size of wavelengths. The two types of UV radiation that damages skin are UVA and UVB, in which UVA is a longer wavelength that causes skin aging while UVB is a shorter wavelength causing sunburn, sunspots, to name a few.  You can learn more, by clicking on this link myclevelandclinic.org. This is why the use of sunscreen comes in handy to protect your skin from developing risk of skin cancer, sunburn, and wrinkles. 

    What Sunscreen should I be using? 

    Sunscreens you should be purchasing are with an SPF of at least 30 for daily use or 60 if you are going to spend quite a while outdoors. Therefore, you should be applying sunscreen on all parts of your skin to potential exposure to sunlight. For instance, apply sunscreen to your face, ears, back, shoulders, neck, legs, and hands. One ounce is enough to protect your skin from the harsh UV radiation. It’s also recommended to be used during cloudy days because though the sun may be hiding behind clouds, the sun UV rays can pass through them impacting your skin.

    If you want to prevent premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer – sunscreens are your protector barrier!

    Sources:

    1. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/ultraviolet.htm#:~:text=UV%20exposure%20increases%20the%20risk,cancer%20in%20the%20United%20States
    2. Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine | Johns Hopkins Medicine
    3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10985-ultraviolet-radiation

  • Makeup and Beauty Ethics

    Makeup is an exciting way to express ourselves! Anyone can use makeup to get the desired look they want, there are many ways to express yourself with it. It isn’t always all fun and games though. When it comes to cosmetics, many of us express concerns as to what exactly is IN our cosmetics. What exactly are we putting ON our faces? Makeup product labels usually come with an ingredient list much like food labels come with a nutrition fact label. The only problem is that most of these ingredients can be very difficult to pronounce and we may not know much about them. Many of us also express concerns for brand ethics. Are brands still testing on animals? What is their effect on the world we live in?

    Opting for Clean Beauty

    We all have brands that we feel we simply cannot live without but when should we consider swapping certain products for “cleaner” products. The term “clean beauty” relates to products that are made without ingredients and processes that may harm our health or the planet. Many stores have implemented a “clean beauty” section as well, which shows that companies have taken our concerns into consideration. We won’t necessarily tell you what to buy or what not to buy but here is a list of ingredients we recommend you to look out for and avoid when purchasing cosmetics.

    • Formaldehyde
    • Mercury
    • Isobutyl
    • PFAS
    • M- and O-Phenylenediamine
    • Dibutyl
    • Paraformaldehyde
    • Methylene Glycol
    • Quaternium 15

    Sourced from EWG

    Cosmetics should be fun but they should also be safe! If you’re someone who is also concerned about brands testing on animals, look for the cruelty-free bunny logo, usually placed on the back of the product. A quick google search can also get you an answer to this concern! I will list a couple of my favorite clean beauty products if you need somewhere to start. Clean beauty doesn’t have to be expensive either, some of the best clean beauty products can even be found at your local pharmacy! Comment your favorite clean beauty brand or product below!

    • e.l.f cosmetics
    • Good Molecules
    • Ceremonia
    • ILIA
    • Osea
    • Rare Beauty
    • Purezero

    Image sourced from Cruelty Free Kitty

  • The Beauty Benefits of Yoga

    Yoga: A Path to Inner and Outer Beauty

    Regarding exercise for both physical fitness and for creating beauty, yoga is an all-inclusive procedure of change. This blog post will touch on the cosmetic aspects of yoga and how it could also revamp your looks. This blog post seeks to examine the beautiful effects of yoga and how it can be magical in terms of looks.

    Yoga is traditional; it came from India and nowadays is popular all over the world due to its manifold merits for health (Harvard et al., 2017). However, aside from these physical and emotional benefits, yoga can make an essential contribution to boosting your beauty.

    Yoga entails numerous body positions and contortions, which boost the circulation of blood, resulting in clear and glowing skin (Medical West Hospital, 2023). Enhanced blood flow facilitates the delivery of oxygen and nourishment to skin cells for a good facial glow (Harvard et al., 2017). These include some yoga poses like the Downward Dog and Cobra pose, among others.

    Stress causes premature aging and wrinkles. Relaxation, together with mindfulness of yoga, can considerably reduce the level of stress (Medical West Hospital, 2023). With daily yoga practice, one reduces stress-related wrinkles and lines over the face’s surface, appearing younger in this way (Harvard et al., 2017). It helps develop toned muscles as well as posture because it greatly targets the core and back areas (Harvard et al., 2017). For example, a strong core and proper posture will help one look taller and more beautiful.

    It is essential to maintain the right weight as this is a determinant in looking and being beautiful. Yoga may also help with weight management by encouraging conscious eating and regular exercise (Medical West Hospital, 2023). Some forms of yoga, like Power Yoga and Vinyasa, can also be used as a means of burning calories and losing some weight.

    Yoga helps in reducing stress, which can lead to healthier hair. Reduced stress leads to better, more shiny scalps, therefore avoiding hair loss (Harvard et al., 2017). Additionally, there are certain inverted postures, such as the headstand, which induce the circulation of blood on the scalp, thus promoting the growth of hair.

    In conclusion, yoga is more than just an exercise as it takes the route of total beauty and health. As mentioned, the benefits include clearer skin, fewer stresses, toned muscles, weight control, and healthy hair if you incorporate yoga into your life every day. Unlike what may be assumed, the beauty effects of yoga go deeper than physical as they also foster inner beauty and confidence. Thus, place your yoga mat and go on a quest for a more attractive self.

  • Dealing with Dry and Oily Skin

    Everyone’s skin type is different and a process of experimenting and finding the right skincare products. According to verywell health, it is said that there are 5 different skin types — which includes normal, dry, oily, sensitive and combination. To learn and find out more regarding skin types, I recommend reading their article as it is a good short read (by clicking on the link highlighted above).

    In my case I have a combination of both oily and dry skin. Possible factors may be due to my genetics, lack of hydration, weather conditions, etc. You may wonder and ask what is the difference between both oily and dry skin?

    Well, dry skin lacks enough moisture in the skin and appears to be flaky, eczema prone, and itchy (AAD, 2014). Therefore, oily skin is prone to acne and breakouts — makes the appearance shiny and feel greasy (ADD, 2014).

    However, we can care for our skin to feel nourished, healthy and clean. One is to simply buy the right skin care products based on your skin type and test what works for you. 

    The products that I normally use are those from CeraVe. They are CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal to Dry Skin, in addition to For Normal to Oily Skin. Moreover, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Normal to Dry Skin.

    For dry skin it is essential to have a moisturizer as skin needs moisture to stay refreshed and hydrated. For this reason, CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion gets the job done. Who wouldn’t want their skin to be younger, clearer, and smoother?

    Furthermore, the benefits of CeraVe cleansers are due to its gentleness and Frangrance-free characteristics. It’s indeed suited for a variety of skin types as their products label suggest. It’s effective in removing excess oil, dirt, and more. I definitely recommend you try this product out and test whether it is suitable for you.

    It is possibly best to test a new product by only applying a short amount of the lotion/cream into an area of your face and if it’s a cleanser, keep the product in your skin for about 3-5 minutes for any reactions. 

    Sources:

    1. “What Are Skin Types?” Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2023, www.verywellhealth.com/skin-types-5088964. Accessed 16 Oct. 2023.

    2. American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Type.

  • The Good, The Bad and The Ordinary

    The Bad

    Approaching skincare can seem intimidating and it truly is a trial and error process. This doesn’t mean we should shy away from learning about what may work best for us! As someone who has dealt with acne prone skin since 5th grade, I’m confident enough to share my journey. Including learning what works best for me and how I got there. It is good to keep in mind that there are many factors that contribute to having difficulties with our skin. This ranges anywhere from what we eat, air pollution, stress,  bacteria, using the wrong skin care products, hormones and more. My very first advice would be to consult with a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist if possible. I prolonged this decision but it was what eventually provided me with a safe and steady solution. Although not all products the dermatologist recommended worked, I eventually found what did.

    The Good

    In my skin care journey, my dermatologist and I determine that my skin was affected by hormones, stress and bacteria. Ideally, managing your daily tasks in an efficient manner may help reduce stress levels which can help prevent breakouts. Hormonal acne requires a different approach as it may be an internal issue requiring internal solutions. I fought my bacterial acne with over the counter benzoyl peroxide face wash. While benzoyl peroxide may not be best for sensitive skin types, it is great for addressing bacteria causing acne. I had also learned that oil-free skincare products are best for oily skin types. They help prevent excessive oil buildup within the skin.

    The Ordinary

    Along with washing my face, The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid + br hydration serum and their moisturizing factors + beta glucan have been essential to keeping my face hydrated. The Ordinary carries a line of affordable skincare products. They make sure to include all skin types and I have found their products to be the most beneficial. This does not necessarily mean you also have to purchase their products but I highly recommend them. It is important to choose the product best suited for your skin type!

  • A Healthy Habit- The Influence of Drinking Water

    Water is life! Of course, this saying is heard by everyone, so. Water is an essential commodity that the human body needs to stay alive. However, most of us don’t drink enough of it. In our next blog post, we will talk about the various benefits of drinking more water and how it can become a healthy habit that changes your life.

    1. Hydration is Vital to Excellent Health

    Hydration is an important element of our health since our bodies are composed of about 60% water. Keeping well-hydrated enhances body functions, facilitates digestive processes, and ensures that the skin looks radiant. In fact, sufficient water consumption can aid in weight control with the feeling of being full and decreased chances of taking more food.

    2. Upgrade Your Energy Levels

    Are you drained and exhausted? It can become a crucial factor. Being properly hydrated can boost energy levels by making the body function more effectively. Therefore, instead of grabbing a sugary energy drink, try drinking some water to perk yourself up.

    3. Glowing Skin

    Want the Perfect, Dewy Glow Complexion? You can also benefit your skin if you drink more water. By taking in enough fluids, the toxins could come out from the body; therefore, the skin will be clearer and brighter. Hence, instead of expensive skincare products, pick a glass of water.

  • 3 Things to Do on a Relaxed Day

    You finally got a day off work but have no idea what to do. Should you relax at home or embark on a more fun-filled activity outdoors?

    Here are ideas on what to do on your day off.

    Pamper Yourself

    Pamper yourself during your day off. You can do a spa day at home or book an appointment at a local spa.

    Take a bubble bath, get a massage, deep condition your hair – the list is endless. Doing this will leave you relaxed and bring back your work mojo back.

    Go Hiking

    If you like the outdoors, what better way to relax than reconnecting with nature?

    Trekking down the hills, feeling the quiet breeze in the woods, and absorbing all you see can restore your soul.

    You can challenge yourself to go hard on the hike if you don’t mind some muscle aches. But hiking doesn’t necessarily have to be exhausting to be fulfilling.

    You can feel accomplished and relaxed by strolling around a local state park.

    Road Trip

    Driving through the city is another of having a relaxed day away from home. A road trip is a great idea if it is too cold to walk around your neighborhood.

    You can stroll past rolling pastures or drive to the mountains. You can also head to a town you have wished to relocate to and check out the neighborhood.

    Make your favorite playlist as you drive, and let it take you away. You will feel relaxed and restored by the time you return home.

    Final Thoughts

    Achieving a work-life balance is good for your overall wellbeing. That’s why you should take time off to have fun and relax.

    These activities can help you forget the stress and anxiety you get from your workplace and personal life.

  • 3 Foods That Can Help with Beauty

    Every person complains about their appearance at some point – wrinkles, acne, puffy eyes, name them.

    When struggling with such problems, the first thing you think about is to visit a beauty counter for products. Yet, the solution could be in what you add to your grocery cart.

    Try these three beauty foods for a natural glow and radiance.

    Watermelon

    Your body cells need water to function well, and foods with high water content help keep you hydrated.

    Two cups of cubed watermelon are equal to a cupful of water. That means a watermelon can hydrate your body and help retain skin elasticity.

    But there is more to this tasty fruit. The vitamin C and beta-carotene in watermelon make it an excellent antioxidant that can eliminate free radicals in skin cells and reduce inflammation.

    Fatty Fish

    Your body naturally produces coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10. This vitamin-like substance facilitates cell growth and eliminates free radicals that damage the skin.

    Unfortunately, C0Q10 levels start to drop in your mid-30s. Stress and poor diet can also lower your CoQ10 levels.

    But you can find plenty of it in fatty cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon, and herring. These foods can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and smoothen skin texture.

    Green Tea

    If you want smoother skin and oral health, swap your daily cup of coffee for green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, an antioxidant found in tea levels.

    Polyphenols help reduce the amount of sebum your body produces, which makes green tea a good option for treating acne.

    They also prevent gum disease, leaving you feeling beautiful inside out.

    More Beauty Tips

    A healthy diet helps care for the body inside out. But beauty comes from more than what you eat.

    Ensure you get enough sleep, use good sunscreen, exercise, and avoid smoking.