Stress and How it Affects Your Skin

Wednesday, 2010-03-31

Although it’s still a longstanding debate among dermatologists whether stress actually causes skin disorders, they seem to agree that it definitely can trigger some of the most common skin conditions. Including in the list of conditions that can sometimes be attributed to a stressful lifestyle are, acne, eczema, psoriasis, hives, cold sores, and warts.

Stress is inescapable. Everyone experience stress in some way. Sometimes driving through rush-hour traffic on the way to the office is enough to stress you out. To better manage stress, here are the things you need to consider:

1. A healthy diet.

A balanced diet is important in maintaining your overall well being. If your body and mind are in perfect condition, your system will be able to fight-off stress. With properly nourished body, your skin will have a better chance in avoiding the negative effects of day-to-day stress.

Fruits, vegetables, high-protein grains, lentils, dairy and olive oil are rich in antioxidants and can eliminate the free radicals caused by stress.

Too much caffeine can over stimulate your system’s production of adrenaline, and this can easily cause the skin pores to clog up.

2. A good night’s rest.

As we’ve mentioned in our previous blog, Sleep is the Secret to Healthy Skin.

Enough sleep is vital in preserving and mending our body and mind. While sleeping our brains use neuronal connections that would otherwise deteriorate from lack of activity. During deep sleep, cell growth and cell repair takes place to fight the effects of stress and even sun exposure.

3. Don’t forget to exercise.

Exercise is not only vital in maintaining good health. It is also a great way to relieve stress. To relieve stress, you can do physical, mental, or spiritual exercises – or a combination of all three.

Physical exercise is one of the most effective ways of relieving stress. When we do physical exercises, our body releases a chemical substance called endorphins. Endorphins can help elevate our moods and make us feel better.

4. Have your own de-stress routine.

Since stress is inevitable, just like a morning ritual you should also have a de-stress routine. Any activity that’s both healthy and will keep you relaxed is a great de-stress routine.

Some use relaxation techniques to release stress, like meditation, body massage, listening to soft music, or taking a stroll. Some prefers to enjoy the company of friends. Some even find washing the dishes therapeutic.

Aromatherapy, or a long relaxing bath is also a wonderful de-stress routine.

If you’re having problems with acne caused by stress, you can try the Diana Stalder Surely White Acne Treatment Kit. Being exposed to stress and other harmful elements on a daily basis can be harmful to the skin, to keep your skin nourished try the Diana Stalder Nourishing Cream .

Visit the SouthGain Webstore for more skin care products that will help you maintain a healthy skin.

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Skin Care 101: Safest Hair Removal Treatments

Thursday, 2010-03-25

More than 41 million women in the United States have problems with unwanted facial hair. It affects women of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds.

The problem results to significant emotional burden for some women; they feel unfeminine and less confident.

Usually its a part of the person’s genetic make up. But in some cases the cause of unwanted facial hair can be due to medical conditions such as androgen excess or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Here are some non-invasive home solutions for facial and body hair treatment:

Waxing

One of the most convenient ways for removing hair is through waxing. It can easily be done at home. This method requires melted wax, which is applied to the skin in the same direction of the hair growth.  Then using a strip of cloth hair is pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth. In waxing, hairs are pulled out from below the top layer of skin, leaving it smooth.

Instead of wax you can also use melted sugar as a substitute.

Tweezing or Threading

Tweezing is considered to be the safest method of removal of unwanted hair but it’s extremely time-consuming. Threading is a faster method of tweezing. In threading, you can rid of more hair in one stroke, by the use of a sewing thread.

Before tweezing or threading place a warm damp cloth over the skin for 5 minutes, this will soften the area and lessen the chances of ingrown hair.

Bleaching
This usually is a better option if the hair is dark and not too thick. For upper lip hair or facial hair, this would be an ideal method. There are many options for facial bleach products at local drugstores.

Shaving

Shaving is not really something we’d recommend for removing body hair, simply because the hair grows back too fast after shaving.

But it certainly is the least complicated of all methods, especially for removing hair on legs and bikini line.
Wet hair is much easier to shave.

Do remember to put on a moisturizing lotion after doing any of the above hair removal solutions. A good moisturizing lotion such as the Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion will help keep your healthy and soft.  You can also check out the SouthGain Webstore for other options.

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Critical Mass: The Cause and Effects of Sun Damage

Wednesday, 2010-03-24

What dreadful hot weather we have!  It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance.  ~Jane Austen

Although the sun may provide life-giving nutrients, such as Vitamin D, as well as regulate our body clock, there’s also a major downside to too much sun exposure—wrinkles, dry skin, sun burn, age spots, and possibly even, cancer.

Symptoms of Sun Damaged Skin

Dry Skin

Too much sun exposure will cause skin to turn dry and flaky. You might even notice some wrinkles have begun to form. Salt water and chlorine makes skin even drier. Dry skin also causes itching, blisters and tightness.

Here’s a rundown of what to look out for:

Tightness – Skin feels tight, but uncomfortably so especially after being in the water (bathing, swimming, etc.)

Sun exposure can lead to skin pigmentations. Image courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net

Shrunken and Dehydrated – Remember how the skin on your fingertips would “prune up” after staying too long in the tub or pool? Yep, that’s what it looks like. Only thing is, it’s not because you spent too much time in the water and it’s not going away.

Rough, Scaly, Flaking Skin – Skin feels rough and scratchy, almost like sandpaper which may appear flaky, scaly and even start peeling.

Itching (Pruritus) and Redness – Itchy, red, rough skin that can sometimes be intense. You may even begin to develop open sores or an infection from scratching (if this happens, see a doctor right away).

Fine Lines or Cracks – Fine lines begin to form. The sun-exposed skin has more lines compared to areas that were hidden from the sun.

Deep fissures that may bleed in severe cases – Skin begins to crack and bleed.

TIP: Besides always using sunscreen, moisturize your skin with Diana Stalder Skin Revitilizer (which contains Vitamins A, C, D, and E and protects skin from free radicals) and care for your body with the Diana Stalder Moisturizing Skin Lotion.

Sunburn

(Mild) sunburnt skin is red, painful and sensitive to the touch. Often, the sun-exposed area is clearly darker, redder than while the unexposed areas (usually the area covered by the bathing suit, clothing such as short sleeves) is much lighter. While severe sunburnt skin may develop painful blusters and after extreme exposure, a person could develop nausea, dizziness and even heatstroke.

TIP: Shed the damaged, sunburnt layer of skin and show off the fresh, new, clear skin with the Diana Stalder Nourishing Creme. It soothes and exofoliates dead skin cells and helps maintain its elasticity.

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis is when a patch of scaly, peeling skin has a sharp, jagged surface with  pink, yellow, red or brownish colouring. It usually starts out small – the size of a pimple – and is tender to the touch.

TIP: Soothe inflamed skin with the Diana Stalder Licorice Beauty Bar, which cleans, softens and lightens skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that calms down aggravated skin.

Premature wrinkles can be caused by sun exposure. Image courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net

Collagen Changes

One will know when collagen begins to erode when fine lines, wrinkles appear. Skin feels thicker and the sun-exposed areas are susceptible to bruising.

TIP: Nourish, moisturize and keep your skin looking you wit the Diana Stalder Collagen Cream. It also contains sunscreen to prevent your skin from further damage.

Too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause long-term sun damage. Sun damage, often referred to by doctor’s as “photo damage” are the changes in the skin after too time in the sun. UV radiation is part of the radiation beyond the violet end of visible light (some of the sun’s electromagnetic radiation make up the colours of the rainbow) is thus called ultraviolet radiation which our eyes cannot see.

There are two kinds of UV rays – UVA and UVB. Although there is another category of UV rays, UVC, it does not reach the past the earth’s surface, rather it is absorbed by the ozone layer. However, even if it does not pose any direct damage to our skin, the damage we do to the environment – inevitably stripping away the ozone layer – increases the possibility of exposure (which is deadly).

1) UVA – UVA rays remain the same strength throughout the year. UVA was once believed to be the “safer” kind of sun exposure, but recent studies have proven that it was in fact, the more detrimental kind of UV ray. Too much UVA exposure not only causes long-term skin damage, but it also causes skin cancer. As 5% of the sun’s rays, it can pass through clear glass and penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. It is also 20 times more abundant than UVB rays and is not affected by change in weather. Thus, just because it’s a cloudy day doesn’t mean that UVA rays aren’t reaching your skin.

How it affects your skin:

UVA rays penetrate the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) and spreading into the dermis (your “true skin”) layer. This is especially damaging because the production of new skin cells in the dermis layer slows down for most people in their late twenties. Thus, exposure to UVA rays speeds up the ageing process. What happens when UVA rays attack the dermis is that it destroys and shrinks the collagen and elastin of the lower layers of the skin, causing the epidermis to ‘sink’ and wrinkle. Moreover, whatever melanocyte cells are left spread out in the dermis which causes dark spots.

2) UVB – UVB rays may not cause the same degree of long-term damage as UVA rays, but it’s still important to protect oneself with sunscreen. UVB may give you a nice tan, but it also causes sunburn. It plays a role in 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancer as well as cataracts.

It accounts for 0.5 percent of the sun’s rays and varies with the weather conditions.

However, UVB rays also helps the body build vitamin D which alleviates mood disorders, helps the body maintain calcium levels (and facilitates calcium absorption) and is vital to the proper formation of bones. In addition, another positive aspect about UVB rays is that people can protect themselves from it – UVB cannot penetrate SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in sunscreens and cannot pass through glass.

How it affects your skin:

UVB rays can only penetrate the surface layer of the skin (epidermis), which is only .05 mm at the thinnest part (eyelids) and 1.5 mm at its thickest (palms and soles of feet). Therefore, it does not reach blood vessels or nerve endings. However, it triggers the skin (via melanocyte cells) to produce more melanin (pigmentation). Thus, what often occurs after some exposure to UVB rays is a suntan, or a painful sunburn. It also causes freckles, brown or age spots, and hyperpigmentation (chloasma / melasma).

So What Happens During a Sunburn?

Sun damage not only affects your skin’s short-term appearance, but also reaches beneath the surface layer of the skin and may cause long term problems.

Getting that perfect tan can be damaging to your skin.

Solar Keratosis – Also known as actinic keratosis, this refers to the changes that go on beneath the surface of your epidermis. Skin cells change size, shape and order which ofen results in crusty or scaly lesions or extreme dryness, as well as sensitive, prickly skin. It often affects the thin areas of the skin – face (including lips, ears, scalp), neck, and forearms.

Skin Color Changes –  Pigment changes such as brown spots (solar lentigos) appear. Some people develop age spots, freckles or even white spots on the legs and back.

Moles – Moles, or nevi, may be potential indicators for melanoma. However, before becoming alarmed, know that moles don’t always mean cancer and that most people (especially children and young adults) often acquire new moles (caused by the sun). However, if you have a lot of moles or freckles, it’s important that you have yourself regularly checked since the proliferation of moles (especially large and/or oddly shaped ones in non-sun exposed areas) is an indicator that a person may have an increased likelihood of developing skin cancer.

Things to look out for (in new and old moles):

  • oddly coloured and shaped
  • ragged edges
  • change in color
  • bleeding
  • large moles (larger than a pencil eraser)
  • flush with skin

Other Warning Signs to Look Out For:

  • Red, scaly lesions (on the face, ears, and backs of hands)
  • Lesions on the lower lip – These lesions are known as actinic keratose (on the lip, it’s called actinic cheilitis). 1 in 100 cases per year develop into squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer).

Therefore, if you suspect any changes or even if you’ve had a simple sunburn, see your doctor at once. Also, protect yourself before disaster strikes. Invest in a quality skin care routine (to slough away dirt, grime and dead skin cells from the heat) like the Diana Stalder Multi-Fruit Exofoliant. Products like the Diana Stalder Surely White Melasma Kit will help you remove troublesome dark spots, while a lightweight sunscreen, such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Gel, will keep the sun’s harsh rays from damaging your skin.

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Skin Care 101: Toning

Thursday, 2010-03-18

A good facial regimen is not only an exercise in good hygiene, but an investment towards the health and vitality of your future self.

A basic skin care regimen involves cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing. For this installation, let’s tackle one of the more confusing and often, highly debated aspects of skin care – toning.

What does “Toning” mean exactly? Toning is the act of ensuring the skin’s appearance, such as its overall look, elasticity, cleanliness (especially pores), and maintain a smooth texture.

Most people use a “toner” to tone skin. Toners, which can come (arranged from strongest to mildest) in the form of astringents (witch hazel), skin tonics (ex. Orange flower water) and skin refreshers (ex. Rose water).

Usually using a dampened piece of cotton or a spritzer, people often apply toners in order to clean skin and shrink pores.

Although it is often viewed as an essential aspect to skin care, it really depends on one’s skin. Though toners are effective at cleansing dirt from skin caused by sweat, pollution and oil, toners can also dry skin out. Although people with oily skin may view it as a positive aspect, the potential problem is that toners (especially those that contain alcohol), strip away the thin coat of oil that is necessary to maintain the skin’s delicate balance. Thus, a result, besides the possibility of dry and irritated skin, is the overproduction of oil (the skin is trying to make up for the missing layer).

So how do you keep your skin clean, fresh and smooth without risking dryness and irritation? The first step is to consult your dermatologist to determine your skin type, or you could find out for yourself in our skin type test guide. Next, choose a mild toner that will not only clean your skin but also moisturize, or even help prevent aging and reduce dark spots such as the Diana Stalder Surely White Skin Toner. If you’re prone to breakouts, then try the cleansing yet gentle the Diana Stalder Clean and Tone Lotion which purifies skin and keeps pimples at bay. Finally, always make sure that after you cleanse and tone, that you moisturize your skin afterwards. For one that keeps your skin young and healthy, try the Diana Stalder Skin Revitilizer.

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Female Wrinkles: The Hotspots

Wednesday, 2010-03-17

According to a new study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, women are prone to more wrinkles – especially around the mouth – than their male counterparts. This is due women having thinner skin, muscle structure, less sweat and sebaceous glands, as well as fewer blood vessels. Although women are still prone to wrinkles around the eyes (“crows feet”) the study states that the majority of women’s wrinkles settles around the mouth and nose area due to the fact that the a woman’s facial muscles pull in closer to the mouth.

However, despite these claims, there is no need to panic or feel disheartened. Preventative care can go along way in creating a fresh “face” for the future.

Target Zones:

Mouth Area
Around the Eyes
Lips
Neck
Jowls

1. SUN

The sun is one of the single greatest causes of wrinkles. Besides wrinkles, too much sun exposure can lead to freckles, age spots, dry skin, sunburn and even, cancer.

Although one shouldn’t completely avoid the sun which is rich in life-giving nutrients such as Vitamin D and helps ward off depression, people should be aware of the duration and intensity of their time in the sun.

Avoid being in direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. which is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Always make sure to use sunscreen, such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

2. Nix the Cigs

Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outermost layer of the skin, thereby decreasing bloodflow and depleting the skin of oxygen, nutrients, vitamins and damaging the vital layers of collagen and elastin. The repetitive expressions that occurs while smoking (i.e. pursing lips, squinting eyes) may also contribute to wrinkles in those areas. The first solution is to quit as well as becoming extra vigilant about skin care. Products such as the Diana Stalder Collagen Cream which nourishes and moisturizes the skin while the Diana Stalder Skin Revitalizer contains vitamins A, C, D and E to revitalize and protect your skin from free radicals.

3. Be Gentle and Moisturize

Constant tugging and poking can affect the skin’s quality and appearance. Also, use mild products to prevent dryness and irritation. Make sure to keep skin moist and grease-free with a lightweight yet effective moisturizer such as the Diana Stalder ‘Her’ Facial Lotion which is contains avocado extract to moisturize and tone the skin.

Additional Tips:

  • Learn a few facial exercises to work the muscles in your face (as you age, the muscles also become more slack, thus making the skin hang looser) as well as increase blood flow to your face. Click here for a video of a facial exercise session.
  • Work on your overall health such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough exercise
  • Make sure to drink plenty of water which keeps skin moist and supple.
  • Get regular facials and during your personal skin care sessions, make sure to gently massage your face to increase blood flow and relax strained facial muscles.
  • Don’t stress! If you can’t avoid stress, make sure to block off some time so you can focus on relaxation and meditation.

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Skin Care 101: Summer Skin Care

Thursday, 2010-03-11

Bright days, humid nights – Hello, summer!

From long days relaxing on a beach to meandering through crowded sweltering streets, summer has its share of pros and cons. In terms of skin care, it’s time when one should take extra care not only because the sunny season means showing more skin, but also because the weather and your summer lifestyle makes your skin more vulnerable to both short-term and long-term damage. The effects of poor summer skin care include: sunburn, wrinkles, rashes, breakouts, clogged pores, age spots, and worst of all, skin cancer.

Be confident. Stand out from the crowd. Bare your clean, clear, healthy glowing skin with these quick summer tips:

Get Rid of the Grime

Skin reacts to extreme conditions. Summer heat and humidity triggers the skin to produce more sebum, which in turn, makes skin oilier and traps more dirt and grime. Plus, sweat, sand and sunscreen are also factors that clog pores.

Use a gentle toner/astringent like Diana Stalder Surely White Skin Toner to wipe away dirt and oil. Plus, aside from being refreshing, it also smoothes and tones the skin and minimizes pores.

Therefore, make sure to exofoliate your skin with a gentle but effective facial scrub such as the Diana Stalder Exofoliating Scrub. You can also try the Diana Stalder Multi-Fruit Exofoliant which has a mild peeling effect to remove dead skin cells.

But don’t just limit your skin care to your face, make sure to pay attention to the rest of your skin (after all, you can’t wear a bikini with pimples on your back, can you?). Try the Diana Stalder Exofoliating Kit for all-over skin care.

Hydrate and Protect – Inside and Out

Make sure to drink lots of revitalizing H2O to nourish your body, keep you hydrated and flush out toxins.

To keep your skin glowing, don’t forget to moisturize. Though many people skip the lotions, using an oil-free or water based moisturizer is essential in keeping skin soft and supple (especially after swimming in the pool or the ocean—chlorine and saltwater dry the skin).

Also, since the sun is extremely damaging to the skin (often causing wrinkles, age spots, cancer), protect yourself with a lightweight sunblock.

A great tip to keep your skin feeling fresh and light without piling on the stuff is to get a product that combines both sunscreen and moisturizer. A lightweight formula is The Diana Stalder Sunblock Gel, which protects and moisturizes skin without clogging pores.

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Skin Care 101: Difference between Male and Female Skin Care

Tuesday, 2010-03-09

Men are from Mars, Women are From Venus

Though the questions of the differences between the genders are often the subject of debate, one fact holds true – men and women have different skin properties.

Even though each person has a unique skin makeup, there are general aspects to male and female skin.

Key Differences:

Skin Thickness

The skin is a “hormone sensitive organ.” Thus, since men are ruled by testosterone and women are ruled by estrogen, it plays a major role in the makeup of a man and woman’s skin.

Male skin is thicker than female skin. Thus, they are less vulnerable to damage from the sun. Men also have more elastin and collagen. Thus, compared to women, men are less susceptible to ageing.

Aging

However, though the thickness of male skin helps protect them from ageing, it does not last forever. Men’s skin grows thinner as they age, while women’s remain relatively constant throughout their older years.

Nerve Fibers

Men have about 50% less nerve endings than women, making them less sensitive to pain.

Delicate

However, male skin, surprisingly, is much more delicate than a woman’s. This is due to male shaving, which strips off the hydrolytic film on the skin’s surface, making it more prone to irritation and skin issues.

Sebaceous glands, oil and pores

Men have smaller sebaceous glands (oil glands). However, men also have oiler skin than women due their thicker skin and produce sebum for much longer. Women’s skin on the other hand, decreases oil production as they age.

Men also have larger pores (for oil and hair) which make them more susceptible to acne, blackheads, ingrown hair (from shaving incorrectly) and outbreaks.

Care Tips:

For Men

  • Use facial scrubs to get rid of dirt, grease and clogged pores. – Invest in a quality shaving kit (shaver/razor, foam, foam brush, aftershave).
  • Use a gentle aftershave and remember to moisturize afterwards lightweight products such as Diana Stalder’s His Facial Lotion.
  • To sooth irritated skin (or merely maintain soft and supple skin) try Diana Stadler’s Oatmeal Beauty Bar.
  • Though male skin is thicker, always use an oil-free sunscreen such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Gel, which is specially formulated for oily skin.
  • Begin an anti-ageing regimen – moisturize/anti-wrinkle cream in the forehead, jowls and around the mouth (smile/frown lines) which are where male wrinkles are most prominent.
  • Get a facial 1 to 2 times per week or you can also give yourself one by washing your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser (using a washcloth and cleaning in a circular motion) to push out deep-seated dirt and oil.

For Women

  • Invest in anti-wrinkle/anti-ageing treatments even in your twenties.
  • Use an oil-free sunscreen and moisturizer such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream.
  • Exfoliate skin regularly
  • Use gentle cleansers or products without any harsh ingredients such as the Diana Stalder Clean and Tone Lotion.
  • When using wrinkle creams, concentrate on the eye, mouth areas as well as the spot between the eyebrows since these locations are where female wrinkles are the most prominent. For evening care, try the Diana Stalder Nourishing Creme which exfoliates dead skin cells and maintains its elasticity. For daytime care, the Diana Stalder SBF Collagen Cream (SPF 30) helps protect skin from sun damage and sustains the skin’s moisture and elasticity.

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Skin Care 101: Eczema, Soothing Care to Keep the Condition at Bay

Saturday, 2010-03-06

Do you have a rash, specifically on your joints, arms, legs, trunk and hands, that just won’t go away?

If so, then you may have eczema and should consult a doctor regarding medication and treatment options. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (inflammation of the epidermis), is a non-contagious skin condition that may have a genetic link. There are many types of eczema. Symptoms include itching, sensitivity, redness, dry (peeling) skin and recurrent skin rashes.

But for eczema sufferers, one already knows that the disease requires constant management and care. However, for those with a mild form of eczema, the disease is controllable and can change with time. Flare-ups (sudden appearance dry, itchy and red rash) can be relieved, minimized, or even, prevented with the proper skin care regimen.

Here are a few tips to soothe and keep the condition at bay:

1. Identify and avoid your triggers

Eczema, in its mildest form, is a skin allergy. Therefore, by identifying and avoiding your triggers, the less likely you’ll have to deal with it. Triggers may include: dust, certain foods, products with harsh ingredients (ex. detergents, certain soaps, cleaning agents), extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold), and even, stress.

2. Moisturize

Most cases of eczema feature dry skin that often peels and cracks. Choose non-greasy products that lock in moisture, prevent dryness and do not clog pores such as the Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion.

3. Stay cool!

Try to keep your skin (and surroundings) cool and dry. One of the major causes of an eczema outbreak is extreme heat and sweating. If you workout, make sure to take a shower right away. Use a mild yet cleansing soap such as the Diana Stalder Revitilizing Beauty Bar, which keeps the skin moist yet gets rid of dirt and grime. Remember to moisturize your skin directly after a bath or shower. Try the Diana Stalder Facial Lotion, which cleanses yet soothes the skin.

4. Get some sun

While it’s important to not let oneself get too hot, a little bit of sun can go a long way.
The sun’s rays are rich in vitamin D, and many have found that the sunlight has eased their condition. However, make sure to consult with your doctor first. Other sufferers find that sun exposure worsens their disease. If you find that the sun helps, make sure to limit your time and venture out during the coolest parts of the day (morning and late afternoon) and wear sunscreen such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Gel, which keeps skin clear while also blocking harmful UV rays.

5. Chill out

Stress is a proven and also one of the most common causes of eczema. Unwind, relax or take on positive stress-releasing activities such as yoga and meditation.

Remember, although no one chooses to have eczema, by making the right choices, you are still in control. Don’t let your eczema control you, take charge and live the best life possible.

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Skin Care 101: Three Popular Home Remedies Exposed

Friday, 2010-03-05

Have a pimple? Want to give your skin a more youthful glow?

Then, why not use cooking oil!

…Wait! Not so fast, before you employ any random home remedy or old wives tale to address your skin care matters, placing the wrong ingredients on your skin may have disastrous effect.

If you’re still looking to figure out what’s hot and what’s not for your skin, this article will guide you through three popular “old wives tales”:

1. Lemon as a skin whitener

Although lemon is rich in Vitamin C and is wonderful disinfectant, it’s bleaching effect – though effective – is not noticeable, especially on the skin. Not only will it take too much time to produce any noticeable results, but lemon’s acidic properties when used in extreme amounts may dry out skin. Rather than go through the long ardous process of using lemon as a skin whitening agent, why not use a gentle yet fast and effective product such as the Diana Stalder Surely White Body Whitening Lotion, Diana Stalder Surely White Whitening Cream (for the face)  or invest in the complete Diana Stalder Surely White Whitening Regimen Kit.

2. Vegetable Cooking Oil as a moisturizer

Although some oils, such as virgin olive oil and coconut oil, when used in moderation, are beneficial and helpful for dry skin, other cooking products such as canola or vegetable oil often causes irritation and breakouts. Rather than experiment on your skin (which is the last place you should experiment with questionable ingredients on), use the safe and effective Diana Stalder Nourishing Creme or the Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion instead.

3. Petroleum Jelly to reduce wrinkles

Petroleum Jelly contains butylene glycol, propylene, petrolateum and mineral oil that can be toxic. Though Petroleum Jelly is well-known for temporarily soothing dry, there is no evidence that it reduces wrinkles or even, aids dry skin in the long-run. Rather than locking in the moisture, Petroleum Jelly merely coats the outer layer of the skin. Don’t coat yourself in grease! Use the Diana Stalder SBF Collagen Cream or better yet, the Diana Stalder Surely White Anti-Wrinkle Kit for a clean, healthy youthful glow.

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Skin Care 101: Matching Skin Type with Skin Care

Thursday, 2010-03-04

Are you having trouble finding the right soap? Does your lotion make your skin even drier?

Well, the first step to getting your products right is to figure out your skin type.

There are three basic types: Oily, combination, and dry.

Knowing your “type” determines your approach to skin care. Though one is born to a certain kind of skin, it can change with time depending upon one’s lifestyle, diet, environment and even, hormonal changes.

Test yourself:

A quick way is to get a regular sheet of blotting paper, and after you’ve washed your face with soap and water, gently dab it over towel-dried skin.

Oily skin will show oil spots over the paper.
Dry skin does not show any oil.
Combination – oily spots will appear in the T-zone area (forehead, nose, chin) but will stay dry in the other parts.

Once you’ve determined your type, here are a few skin care tips:

1. Normal

Since your skin is probably as smooth as a baby’s bottom, you take proper steps to maintain its clarity, elasticity and tone.
Use gentle yet revitalizing products such as the Diana Stalder Vitamin A Beauty Bar, the Diana Stalder Revitalizing Beauty Bar and the Diana Stalder Nourishing Cream.

2.  Dry skin

Dry skin may not be as prone to breakouts as oily skin, but it needs as much (if not more) care. Dry skin tends to flake easily and is prone to irritation. People with dry skin often have more wrinkles.

Use gentle, moisturizing products. Aim for products with natural ingredients. Since dry skin is susceptible to ageing, pick products that contain sunscreen, such as Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion (SPF 30) or the Diana Stalder SBF Collagen Cream which will help retain skin moisture and elasticity. The Diana Stalder Glycerine Beauty Bar also helps ease dry skin issues.

3. Oily Skin
Oily skin is the most prone to pimple outbreaks, therefore place an emphasis on exfoliating and deep-pore cleansing. Aim for products that address pimples and blemishes, such as Diana Stalder Tea Tree Beauty Bar or the Diana Stalder Clean and Tone Lotion.

Remember, the skin is the largest organ in the body. It does such a great job protecting us from the hazards of daily living, therefore, it is our job give it the care and attention it deserves.  Plus, finding out the correct information and taking better care of your skin today, will save you time and money tomorrow

2 Comments | General ramblings, Skin Care 101 | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by pgesmundo

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