How to Wash Your Face

Tuesday, 2012-04-24

We can’t stress enough how important it is to wash your face regularly. We recommend washing your face every night, and sometime during the day too, if possible. In fact, we think washing your face is the most important part of your skin care routine.

Washing your face removes makeup, excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities that can block your pores. More importantly, washing your face allows your skin to rest and to rejuvenate itself.

This post, however, isn’t about the importance of washing your face. What we want to discuss here isn’t why you should, but rather, how to wash your face. Here are the steps we think you should take:

1.  Prep your face

Before cleaning your face, you need to make sure what you’re cleaning them with – your hands – are clean too. You don’t want all the dirt and germs on your hands to end up on your face, do you? To keep that from happening, gently wash your hands with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap before starting on your face.

If you have long hair, it’s probably a good idea to tie your hair too. This allows you to see and access your entire face, as well as your ears and neck.

2.  Warm up

Wet your face completely with warm to lukewarm water – this opens up your pores for cleansing. Be careful not to use water that is too hot though. You want your pores to open up, but you don’t want to shock and irritate your skin with the sudden temperature change.

 3.  Apply the cleanser

Place a small amount (usually a dime-size) of your chosen cleanser on your palms, or if you prefer, on a washcloth. Gently rub this all over your face, making sure you cover all areas. For this, the Diana Stalder Facial Wash is our recommended  choice.

Make gentle circular motions in the T-zone: your forehead (don’t forget your hairline) and nose, then move on to the areas around your mouth, your chin, and your cheeks. You can then start using upward strokes on your neck, and go back to circular motions behind your ears.

4.  Give yourself a massage

This actually starts in step 3, but we wanted to add this step to make sure that you give your cleanser time to penetrate your skin and work its magic. Spend a minute (or two) massaging your skin before rinsing. This also helps blood circulation, which gives your skin much needed oxygen and nutrients.

5.  Rinse off

Rinse your face and make sure you wash off the cleanser completely. You probably have to splash your face with water three or more times to do this. If you want, you can use a sponge or a cloth to help you rinse off.

6.  Cool down

Splash your face a couple of times with cool (not cold) water to close your pores.

 7.  Pat dry

Dry your face with a clean, soft, absorbent towel.

 8.  Tone, moisturize, etc.

Now that you’ve washed your faced well, you can proceed with the other aspects of your skin care regimen, like putting on a moisturizing night cream such as the Diana Stalder Night Gel, or even dealing with dark eye circles.

What steps do you take when you wash your face? Did we miss any? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.

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Posted by pgesmundo

5 Ways to Combat Body Acne

Thursday, 2012-04-19

Many of us have dealt with acne at some point in our lives, and are probably armed with knowledge, techniques, and maybe a few products to combat acne. After all, nobody wants to go out with zits on their face, right?

Sometimes, however, the acne we have to deal with isn’t on our face, but somewhere else. This is called body acne, and while it isn’t as obvious as facial acne, it is probably just as common. Whether or not they are aware of it, people who struggle with facial acne are prone to body acne as well.

Body acne most often pops up on the back, chest, and neck, but it can also show up on other, more hidden areas. Because it isn’t quite as visible, it isn’t discussed quite as frequently. However, wherever acne shows up, the goal is the same – get rid of it. How? Here are a few tips:

Clean up

While poor hygiene isn’t the main cause of acne, it plays a significant role. Dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria can hinder the healing process of the skin. In some cases, these impurities can even aggravate acne by clogging up pores and hair follicles.

The solution for this is simple – wash up regularly. Keeping clean will do wonders for acne, wherever it shows up on your body. If you’d like, you can also use a mild scrub like Diana Stalder Facial Scrub. Don’t let the name throw you off – this product used to be called Facial & Body Scrub, but the formulation is still the same. It says it’s for the face, but it is very effective for use all over the body.

Examine your wardrobe

If you notice acne in very specific areas like your inner thighs, waist, or other areas that are in constant contact with clothing, it’s time to check your wardrobe. Heat, pressure, and friction, most likely from the clothes you wear, can cause acne too.

The solution is to choose clothes that allow your skin to breathe. Stock up on clothes made of cotton and other breathable fabrics, and make sure the clothes you wear aren’t too tight either.

Look at your accessories too

Your clothes aren’t the only things that can irritate your skin. The jewelry you wear, the bags you carry, and other accessories deserve a second look too. If you’re breaking out on your back or shoulders, maybe your heavy bag is to blame. If your wrist or your neck looks irritated, your jewelry could be the cause. Look closely at where your acne shows up, and you’re likely to find the solution there too.

Combat Stress

Stress and acne are usually best of friends. Have you ever noticed that your breakouts get worse during high stress periods? This happens because stress hinders many of your body’s natural healing processes, including your skin’s ability to heal itself.

One of the best ways to fight stress is to sweat it out. No need to get into the details on the numerous benefits of regular exercise, but we’ll tell you that it is a great stress buster. Shoot some hoops, hit the gym, get on a bike; anything to get your blood pumping, and pretty soon your body acne should go away.  Just remember, of course, to hit the showers after breaking a sweat.

Hydrate

Among many other things, you need water to get rid of toxins in your body. If you don’t, acne break outs are one of the body’s natural ways of getting rid of the toxins for you.  Making sure you drink enough water throughout the day will go a long way to fighting acne, whether on your face or your body.

Do you have other weapons that help you fight body acne? Share them with us so we can all arm ourselves better.

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Posted by pgesmundo

Bed Time Beauty Tips

Tuesday, 2012-04-17

At the end of a long day, it’s tempting to simply jump into bed, curl up into a ball, and close your eyes. Everything else can wait when you need rest, right?

While it’s true that rest is important, it’s also important to take care of your skin before going to bed. Your skin also rests and tries to repair itself at night, but your skin can’t do so if it’s loaded with germs, dirt, and other impurities.

For this reason, a good night time skin care routine is just as important as a good night of rest. Of course, you may be wondering – what should be part of your routine? We have a few ideas for you.

Jump in the shower

A warm shower at the end of the day allows you to relax, giving your body, and your skin, a better chance of resting and replenishing itself. On top of this, a warm shower opens up your pores, making it easier to remove impurities from your skin.

It’s too easy, however, to get too much of a good thing. Spending too much time in the shower can strip your skin of moisture and essential oils, which are vital to healthy skin. Hop out of the shower after 10 to 15 minutes at most.

Stock up on baby washcloths

Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, it makes sense to treat it with care. Baby washcloths are better because they are gentler on your skin than regular washcloths.

If you’re heading out to buy some baby washcloths, you might as well stock up on them. Used washcloths are great breeding grounds for bacteria, and you probably don’t want that on your face. Use a washcloth once, throw it into the hamper, and use a fresh cloth the next time you wash your face.

Arm your skin

It’s important to moisturize at night, especially after you shower. Otherwise, all the moisture that your skin just absorbed simply evaporates right out, leaving you with dull, dry skin. Moisturizing locks moisture in, keeping your skin looking plump and healthy.

Night time is also the perfect time to apply skin treatments. When you get some rest, your skin becomes more permeable, allowing the active ingredients of your skin treatments to work better. We recommend dabbing on some Diana Stalder Nourishing Crème at night to revitalize your skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can opt for Diana Stalder Night Gel instead.

Swap out your pillow cases

Your pillow cases can gather oil and germs, which get transferred to your skin while you sleep. Washing up before bed helps minimize this, but it’s still a good idea to sleep on a fresh pillow case every few nights.

Grab some shuteye

Of course, the best and most important part of your night time routine is sleep. A good night of sleep reduces cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, which hampers all aspects of your health. Sleep also increases levels of human growth hormone or HGH, which allows your body to regenerate and repair itself. What all this means for your skin is dull, discolored skin when you lack sleep; and moist, vibrant skin when you get a full night of sleep.

Of course, these are just a few things we think should be part of your bed time routine. Do you have any night time rituals? Please share them with the rest of us in the comments.

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Posted by pgesmundo

Natural vs. Synthetic: The Skin Care Debate

Thursday, 2012-04-12

Choosing a skin care product used to be easy.  You only have to choose which ones are formulated especially for your skin type.  However, as the market grows, the selection of products also grows.  Aside from your usual synthetic skin care choices, you can now see products proudly claiming to be made from natural or organic ingredients.

These natural products seem to be the better deal for the eco-friendly among us.  The health-conscious will also argue that they should cause less damage to the skin – it seems that natural is milder and safer. But are these so-called natural skin care products really better?  Or are we being led on by false claims?

Natural Skin Care: Pros

  1. Natural skin care products contain relatively less chemicals than synthetic products. Because of that, there is less risk on your overall health.
  2. Good skin care products made with natural ingredients also have healing properties and can be used to treat skin damages like acne and sunburn.
  3. Homemade natural skin care products using ingredients found in the kitchen and in the backyard cost much less than synthetic ones.
  4. Natural skin care has been used and has been able to produce results for generations.

Natural Skin Care: Cons

  1. Natural ingredients do not always mean safe ingredients. There are a lot of natural substances which can cause allergies and serious damage to the skin – people with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as rosacea should be extra careful in using these products.
  2. Some natural skin care products in some places are manufactured without strict regulations.
  3. Vitamins work wonders for the skin. However, exposure to air decreases their potency and this can only be avoided with the addition of certain chemicals.
  4. Most natural skin care products still contain synthetic preservatives to lengthen their shelf lives, so you aren’t getting 100% of what you hoped to get.
  5. Some organic skin care products don’t contain preservatives at all, but that means they are likely to cultivate bacteria once they are opened.

Synthetic Skin Care: Pros

  1. Because synthetic skin care products are carefully formulated with the right balance of active ingredients, they can be considered more reliable than their counterpart.
  2. Synthetic skin care products are most likely able to bring results faster than natural skin care products.
  3. Many skin conditions can only be treated using specially-formulated synthetic skin care ingredients.
  4. Skin care products made from synthetic ingredients can be found almost anywhere. Also, they are almost always readily available in simple, no-fuss packaging.

Synthetic Skin Care: Cons

  1. Synthetic skin care products contain preservatives that prevent them from going bad in just a matter of days. They also prevent the products from getting contaminated.
  2. The chemicals used in manufacturing synthetic skin care products can be costly. Therefore, the product itself can also be expensive.
  3. Some synthetic skin care products become ineffective because they are not formulated correctly. Some chemicals when used simultaneously become useless altogether.
  4. Synthetic skin care products, because they contain a lot of chemicals, can cause side effects if not used properly or if used by someone who has incompatible skin.

Both natural and synthetic skin care have their share of pros and cons. It’s up to you to decide which you would like to try for your skin. If you plan to use natural skin care products, make sure they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  If you choose synthetic skin care products, read the label for chemical ingredients that might cause side effects.

More importantly, whatever choice you make, it’s always better to consult a dermatologist before trying out a product on your own. Also, make a conscious decision to live a healthier lifestyle – not just to have better looking skin, but to live a generally better life.

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Posted by pgesmundo

Top 7 Benefits of Antioxidants to the Skin

Tuesday, 2012-04-10

Antioxidants – often known as the skin’s wonder nutrient, giving us glowing and beautiful skin, antioxidants are also the ultimate cell protectors.  They work by fighting free radicals, which cause various diseases such as cancer. In terms of skin care, free radicals are notorious for being one of the main causes of skin damage and premature aging.

Antioxidants include Vitamin A, E, C, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene, among others.   Normally, we can get our dose of antioxidants from eating an antioxidant-rich diet.  While having a healthy diet is still important, it has been found that we can give our antioxidant supply a boost by using skin care products filled with the said nutrients.

But why do we need antioxidants?  Here are the top 7 benefits they give to our skin: 

1.       Antioxidants boost collagen production.

We now know that collagen is responsible for maintaining the elasticity of our skin. Collagen naturally deteriorates as we age, causing the skin to sag and wrinkles to form. However, no thanks to free radicals, these signs of aging can happen earlier.  Antioxidants can will neutralize these free radicals and stimulate the production of collagen.

Recommended product: Diana Stalder Skin Revitalizer with vitamins A, C, and E

2.       Antioxidants reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Since collagen production naturally declines as we age, it’s also inevitable that we show the ultimate sign of aging – wrinkles. Free radicals, which come from exposure to the sun, can speed up the aging process and make us look older than we really do. While antioxidants cannot reverse the aging process, they can make the skin look plumper and appear more youthful.

Recommended product: Diana Stalder Nourishing Crème with propylene glycol

3.       Antioxidants reduce acne.

Acne is caused when the pores of the skin are clogged. The best way to clear these out is with the help of vitamin A or retinoid, applied directly to the skin. This nutrient goes deep into the pores and removes clogging keratin plugs. Also, vitamin A regulates the amount of oil secreted by the skin, making the pores less prone to acne breakouts.

Recommended product: Diana Stalder Vitamin A Beauty Bar with retinyl palmitate

4.       Antioxidants increase skin firmness.

Most skin care products that are meant to tone and firm up the skin contain the antioxidant Coenzyme Q-10 or CoQ-10. This antioxidant helps repair skin cell damage, stimulates the production of collagen, and increase cell activity in general. While CoQ-10 naturally occurs in our bodies, the production of this nutrient decreases as we age so we need to supplement with skin care products.

Recommended product: Diana Stalder Her Facial Lotion with citric acid

5.       Antioxidants treat scars and blemishes.

Scars are a common problem among most of us. While some scars are barely noticeable, some are visible enough to affect an individual’s self-esteem. The good news is that some antioxidants are effective in reducing the appearance of these scars. They work by stimulating blood flow to the area of the scar, helping it blend in with the development of new skin cells.

Recommended product: Diana Stalder Black Soap with arbutin

6.       Antioxidants repair sun damage.

Exposure to the sun is one of the leading causes of skin damage. Sun exposure dries out the skin and speeds up the aging process. If you are a victim of sun damage, powerful antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonols are your friends. They protect your skin from the sun by neutralizing the effects of free radicals, as well as reducing inflammation.

Recommended product: Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream with propyl paraben

7.       Antioxidants help prevent skin cancer.

As said earlier, free radicals can be brought upon by excessive sun exposure, and the worst damage it can cause to your skin is skin cancer. We may not be able to completely avoid the sun, but an antioxidant-rich diet, along with sunscreen, can help us avoid getting skin cancer. Researches show that antioxidants from green tea, berries, and tomatoes protect the cells from permanent damage.

Recommended product: Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion with lactic acid and titanium dioxide

Antioxidants are naturally occurring in our bodies, and we can always get them from eating a nutritious diet. However, our production of antioxidants slows down as we grow older. In order to augment our antioxidant supply, it is helpful that we use skin care products that provide essential nutrients directly to our skin.

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Posted by pgesmundo

Top 10 Reasons Why Your Skin Care Regimen Just Won’t Work

Tuesday, 2012-04-03

When the market is filled from aisle to aisle with skin care products that promise you more beautiful skin in less than seven days, it’s hard to find something that actually works for you. You may be uncertain as to how these “miracle products” work, but other people swear by them so you’re thinking they could be good enough for you as well.

Imagine your frustration when you see no results after weeks of using them. Is the problem with the products themselves? Does it have something to do with how you use them? Here are the top 10 reasons why your skin care regimen just won’t give you results you expect:

1.  The product ingredients are incompatible with your skin.

Sometimes, it doesn’t pay to use a product just because you heard great reviews from the grapevine. While this product may actually be effective in giving someone else smaller pores or a lighter skin tone, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you, too. You may be allergic to some of the product’s ingredients, so make sure you consult your doctor first before trying it out.

2.  The products don’t penetrate well into your skin.

How a product penetrates into your skin dictates how well it would work. In other words, the most effective skin care product in the world won’t give you the results you want if the product only remains on the top of your skin. It should be able to penetrate deep down into your skin layers, not just above your dead skin cells – you need to break down this topmost layer by exfoliating.

3.  The products may already have expired.

Beauty products have a shelf life, too. It may seem obvious but a lot of us aren’t exactly checking the expiration date on the bottle before putting them on. Obviously, once a product has gone beyond its expiration date, it will no longer be effective. Worse, it may even cause irritations and allergic reactions, which are not the most flattering things to have on the skin.

4.  The products are not made for the current season.

The condition of our skin depends largely on the current season, and since the effectiveness of a skin care product depends on our skin’s state, it also means we have to choose the right products according to the season we are in. Cold weather, which can cause dry skin, calls for heavier moisturizer, while summer season requires you to use lighter products to avoid acne breakouts.

5.  You fail to notice how your skin type changes.

Just as how our skin type changes along with the weather, skin type also changes as we age. We may notice that in our teenage years and in our 20s, we produced more sebum, causing our skin to become oilier. However, that’s not the case when we grow older as then we tend to have drier skin. The products we used in our youth are not anymore applicable once our skin type has changed.

6.  You don’t practice proper cleansing.

You may have difficulty seeing the promised results because you weren’t doing your part on how to properly cleanse your skin. Skin care products won’t work if there are remaining product residues on your skin, which can cause clogged pores and promote the development of acne. You can only remove this residue by using a good cleanser like the Diana Stalder Facial Wash once or twice a day.

7.  You don’t exfoliate properly.

Remember that skin care productswon’t work if they don’t penetrate well into the skin. Your product may not work if it only remains on the topmost layer of your skin, which is basically made up of dead skin cells. You need to break down this layer by regular exfoliation using a good exfoliator such as the Diana Stalder Facial Scrub, around twice or thrice a week.

8.  You are not following instructions.

Beauty products come with a label for a reason. There’s a specific set of instructions you need to follow in order to get the most out of it. Next time you use a skin care product, read its label carefully. If it says you need to use it twice a day, that you should avoid placing it under direct sunlight, and that you should keep it tightly covered after use, remember that these are not mere suggestions but actual rules.

9.  You have too high expectations.

Most of our skin damages, such as wrinkles, acne, and blemishes, happened over a long period of time. Logically, it would also take a relatively long period of time to reverse the damages. Skin care products, even the most potent ones, don’t work like magic. You need to wait for some time before you actually see its effects on your skin, so be patient and don’t give up just yet.

10.  You are living an unhealthy lifestyle.

You can’t expect to have healthy skin if you’re not living a healthy lifestyle. Even if you use the best skin care products money could offer, it still narrows down to how you’re living your life. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming too much salt and sugar won’t get you anywhere near good skin. To attain that, you need to start eating a healthy diet, drink more water, and exercise regularly.

Not all skin care products are made for the type of skin you have – that’s a fact. To be sure, always consult your dermatologist on what would work best for you. However, ineffective skin care regimens are not always because of ineffective skin care products. You need to be more conscientious as to how you use your products to get the most out of them. Also, a change in lifestyle won’t hurt. Your entire body, not just your skin, will surely benefit from it.

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How to Get Rid of Skin Blemishes

Thursday, 2012-03-29

Skin blemishes is a very common problem for all skin types. But as common as they are, no one wants bumps and spots marring their complexion. Don’t worry,  you can successfully get rid of unwanted blemishes by making these few changes in your skin care lifestyle:

1.  Follow your skin care regimen faithfully.

Even if you think you are genetically predisposed to developing skin blemishes, you shouldn’t have much problem if you faithfully adhere to your skin care regimen. You don’t need to apply many products on your skin; you only have to do the basics, which are regular cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and exfoliating.

Cleansing removes dirt from your skin, and is best done with lukewarm water and a gentle, non-soap cleanser such as the Diana Stalder Facial Wash.

Other people opt to forego toning but it is as important as cleansing as it removes the buildup of dirt, makeup, and excess oil from your pores. The Diana Stalder Surely White SW Skin Toner even helps whiten your skin.

After cleaning your skin with the first two steps, you need to moisturize using a good moisturizer like the Diana Stalder Her Facial Lotion. Moisturizing helps your skin remain supple and prevents the early development of wrinkles.

Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells, making way for newer skin cells to emerge. While the three steps mentioned above are to be done daily (even twice daily), exfoliation should only be done around two to three times a week. Over-exfoliating will only cause more damage to your skin. You should also remember to use gentle exfoliants such as the Diana Stalder Facial Scrub.

2.  Avoid too much exposure to the sun.

Summer is here and a lot of people are looking forward to meeting the sun and having a decent tan. However, exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays is not only a culprit behind skin blemishes, but also the leading cause of skin cancer.  To be safe, avoid going out during the sun’s peak hours, which is between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you can’t avoid doing so, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect you from UVB rays and titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to protect you from UVA rays. A good sunscreen that provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays is the Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 sunscreen. Remember to use sunscreen every day, even when the day doesn’t seem so sunny.

3.  OTC products, natural remedies, and special medications are your friends.

The world doesn’t end when you discover a zit or a cluster of blackheads. OTC or over-the-counter products are effective in preventing blemishes from getting worse and mostly contain chemicals such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. The Diana Stalder Surely White Acne Treatment Kit is very effective in treating acne and other blemishes.

If you are not keen on using products with hard-to-spell chemical ingredients, you can use natural or organic substances to treat your blemishes. Lemon juice is very effective in bleaching dark spots. Tea-tree oil is a natural antiseptic while witch hazel removes excess oil. A mixture of strawberries and vinegar can minimize blemishes, and even ice cubes can reduce inflammation.

Finally, if you think you need medical treatment for your skin condition, you should go to the doctor and ask for a prescription. It is always helpful to consult a doctor first if you suspect your skin blemishes are caused by a more serious health problem.

4.  Live a healthier lifestyle.

This is not exactly a skin care magic tip, but having good skin is practically impossible if you keep on abusing your body. While an unhealthy lifestyle may not be the immediate cause behind your clogged pores, it is proven that lifeless, nutrient-deprived skin is more susceptible to developing skin damages and is prone to premature aging.

In order to attain healthy skin, you need to incorporate the following foods into your diet: antioxidant-rich foods such as bright fruits and tea, leafy vegetables that have a lot of fiber, lean meat that contains protein and amino acids, sea foods that contain zinc and omega-3 fatty acid, etc. You will also need to avoid caffeine, alcohol, saturated fats, too much salt, and refined sugars.

Aside from eating healthy, you will also have to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day to keep your skin hydrated and flush out blemish-causing toxins. You also need to maintain a regular exercise regimen to improve blood circulation and keep your skin supple. An ample amount of sleep every night is also important to keep your skin rejuvenated and refreshed.

While almost everyone has blemishes (even the celebrities we so admire), we can’t blame you if you want to be different from everyone else. After all, attaining perfect and flawless skin is not an impossible dream – it’s only a matter of proper skin care, and you don’t necessarily have to empty your wallet in order to do this.

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Seven Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Tuesday, 2012-03-27

When we hear the words “stretch marks,” we often think about pregnancy. While stretch marks are indeed almost inevitable for pregnant women, you don’t have to be pregnant to get them. Stretch marks happen when the skin stretches after rapid weight gain or weight loss.  It also occurs due to genetics, growth spurts or a sudden increase of hormones.

While prevention is always better than cure – by avoiding losing or gaining weight excessively, most of the time, people (especially pregnant women) don’t have a choice. Some women may wear these marks as a badge of honor, but some prefer to just get rid of these blemishes fast. If you belong to the latter, here are some skin care techniques to help you:

1.  Moisturizing

Moisturized, supple skin is said to be able to handle stretching better. Moisturizing can help the skin accommodate further growth before the skin is stretched and marks appear.  Because of that, it is important for pregnant women to regularly use a good moisturizer, such as the Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion, at least twice a day. Cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, castor oil, and aloe vera extract are also popular options.

2.  Stretch mark creams

While they don’t actually remove stretch marks, a lot of stretch mark creams are effective in making the marks less noticeable. Creams with glycolic acid work on stretch marks by increasing collagen production. Retinoids, the ultimate anti-aging solution, are also effective in making the skin more elastic. The best stretch mark creams contain both glycolic acid and retinoids, although the latter should be avoided by pregnant and lactating women.

3.  Exfoliation

To reduce the appearance of stretch marks, removal of the dead skin cells by manual exfoliation is helpful. Gentle exfoliants, such as the Diana Stalder Facial Scrub, are usually a safe bet, but pregnant women should consult their doctors first. You can also use physical exfoliators such as loofahs and sponges. Massage your damp skin gently in circular motions and remember to moisturize afterwards.

4.  Microdermabrasion

Manual exfoliation only works when the damage is still at its initial stage, when the marks are still reddish. After that, stretch marks become white and are embedded deeper in the skin, so they need a more intensive type of treatment. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive operation that scrapes away the dead skin cells using tiny crystals. This treatment is to be done by a skin care professional and needs to be repeated regularly.

5.  Laser treatments

Laser treatments are proven to be quite effective in minimizing stretch marks fast by stimulating collagen development. Pulsed-dye laser therapy reduces the pigmentation of red stretch marks and decreases inflammation while fractional laser resurfacing reduces both the appearance and texture of white stretch marks. As with microdermabrasion, best results will only be achieved if the laser treatment is done regularly.

6.  Surgery

These cosmetic surgeries entail the removal of loose skin and some fat, therefore taking the stretch marks away. Stretch marks on the abdomen can be easily removed with an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. If you have the budget for it, cosmetic surgery is the surest way to get rid of your stretch marks. However, it is not highly recommended as it can cause side effects due to its invasive nature. Also, cosmetic surgeries are not included in most health insurance plans.

7.  Healthy diet

A healthy diet is a prerequisite to healthy skin, so it also makes sense that a healthy diet can also help fend off stretch marks. You need to consume foods that are rich in fiber and antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables, zinc such as nuts and sea foods, amino acids such as lean meats and cheese, and vitamin E such as sunflower oil. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, saturated fats, salt and refined sugar.

Currently, there are still no non-invasive procedures that can totally remove stretch marks. However, the remedies listed above can help decrease the appearance of these blemishes and are meant to be repeated until the stretch marks become barely noticeable.

Some of these remedies, though, such as moisturizing, exfoliating, and eating a healthy diet,should be part of your regular skin care routine (whether you have stretch marks or not) because they improve the general health and condition of your skin.

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Posted by pgesmundo

Busted! Top Ten Skin Care Myths

Thursday, 2012-03-22

Thanks to modern technology, we now have access to a lot of reliable pieces of information on skin care. However, as fast and easy as how urban legends spread, many skin care rules propagate, rules we would rather, or should not believe.

As tempting as it is to consider every helpful advice that comes along, many of them are useless misconceptions that don’t do anything for our skin.  Let’s debunk the top ten skin care myths:

1.  Water moisturizes the skin.

Every doctor (and mother) will tell you that water is good for your body. Water also benefits the skin because it flushes out the toxins that may cause acne. However, to believe that water alone will moisturize the skin is naïve. Skin becomes dry due to external factors, such as the weather, so you should also moisturize externally using moisturizers like the Diana Stalder Her Facial Lotion.

2.  Natural products are always better.

More people opt to use products labeled as “natural” because it seems like the eco-friendly thing to do.  However, experts agree that just because the ingredients are “natural”, it doesn’t mean that the product is more effective or gentler on the skin. In fact, these natural skin care products also contain chemicals which, more or less, can also cause irritation and allergic reactions.

3.  Acne is caused by dirt and oily foods.

It’s very easy to blame sudden acne breakouts to exposure to dirt.  Most of us have also been told by our mothers to avoid eating sweets and greasy food like chocolate and French fries because they can cause zits. However, none of the above causes acne.  Acne is caused when we overproduce sebum and oil, which happens due to stress, hormone imbalances, and bacteria.

4.  Oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer.

Here’s another issue on moisturizing.  Some people who have oily skin don’t see the need to apply moisturizers because they already feel moisturized. However, oil is not the same thing as moisture. Moisturizers are important because they keep the skin supple, delay the aging process, and protect the skin from further damage. Look for water-based, light moisturizers to avoid the greasy feel.

5.  You only need sunscreen on sunny days.

Even when the sun is out, its harmful ultraviolet rays are still present and can still cause damage to the skin. While UVB rays, the ones that cause the skin to burn, are weaker in gloomier days, UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer, are present all year round, no matter what the weather is. You better stock up on good sunscreen like the Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream.

6.  Sunscreen with higher SPF is better.

SPF refers to the amount of protection the product offers against UVB rays, or the rays that cause sunburns.  However, SPF doesn’t necessarily measure how we are protected against UVA, which are also harmful to the skin.  The perfect sunscreen would contain at least SPF 15 (for daily exposure) for UVB protection, and ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for UVA protection.

7.  Exfoliation makes the skin more sensitive.

Exfoliation scares other people because it involves the removal of skin cells, making them think it can make their skin more sensitive. However, exfoliation helps our skin absorb our skin care products better. Also, it moisturizes the skin and improves skin tone. Remember not to over-exfoliate (only twice or thrice a week) and use gentle exfoliators such as the Diana Stalder Facial Scrub.

8.  Night cream will only suffocate the pores.

Some don’t like applying cream when they go to sleep because they think their skin needs to “breathe” at night.  Remember, the skin’s renewal process happens most effectively at night.  And in order to aid the process, it’s helpful to apply night creams that rejuvenate the skin. Use night creams, like the Diana Stalder Nourishing Crème, which revitalizes the skin and improves its elasticity.

9.       Facial exercises delay skin aging.

Doing facial exercises has become popular because it is said to improve facial muscle tone, giving the owner a slimmer face and a more youthful appearance.  However, facial muscles are not like that of the body which can be toned by exercising. In fact, doing facial exercises will only make your skin sag and will produce fine lines, which can develop into wrinkles.

10.   Use more of the product for faster results.

It’s tempting to use more of a skin care product if we’re impatient to see results. However, using more than the recommended amount can only damage the skin further. This is because the active ingredients in skin care products can cause irritations if not used properly. So if the product label says you only need to use a pea-sized amount once a day, do so.

There are a lot of skin care advices, albeit unsolicited, on television shows and all over the internet. It’s up to us to take each one with a grain of salt.  Remember that skin care is a sensitive process and the slightest mistake may lead to more damage. It’s important to do your research first, and if you can, seek the advice of your trusted dermatologist, before jumping onto the bandwagon.

Leave a Comment » | Diana Stalder products, Skin Care 101, SouthGain.com web store | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by pgesmundo

How to Deal with Eye Problems

Tuesday, 2012-03-20

The eyes are said to be the windows to our souls. Through the eyes, we can “look deeply into the truth” about a person. The eyes are also proven to be one of the things that make us attractive. These beautiful windows to the soul help us function well in our daily lives, and allow us to see and appreciate what the world can offer.

However, the eyes may also be one of the most abused and overused organs of our body. We use our eyes constantly, even rubbing them vigorously a few times a day, forgetting that the eye and the area around it is one of the most sensitive parts of the face.

We may fail to realize it, but it’s never too late to pamper and take care of our eyes. To help you with that, here are some easy ways on how to deal with eye problems.

1.  Wrinkles

While creases and laugh lines are unavoidable, unsightly wrinkles can develop due to rubbing and exposure to the sun, speeding up the aging process. These wrinkles that form around the eyes are also called “crow’s feet,” and can cause us to look much older than we really are.

Deal with it:

Avoid the sun as much as you can. If exposure to the sun is inevitable, use sunscreen, such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream. On second thought, use sunscreen even though the sun isn’t up – even when the weather is cloudy, UV rays are still there, waiting to strike and cause damage to your skin.

Invest in eye creams that contain anti-aging superheroes such as alpha-hydroxy acids and retinoid, which reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by exfoliating the skin and by stimulating the production of collagen. Make sure, though, that you aren’t allergic to these substances.

Eat healthier foods that contain antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, and E). These fight free radicals that damage otherwise healthy skin cells. Also eat foods that are rich in unsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, especially salmon.

2.  Eye Bags

These annoying, puffy bags under our eyes, which make us look tired and old, are caused by a lot of factors, from genetics to fatigue, from smoking to kidney problems. Whatever the cause, we all agree that these bags will never be in style.

Deal with it:

Make cucumber, potatoes, or a chilled green tea bag your friends. These kitchen remedies are extremely popular and many people swear by their effectiveness in reducing the puffiness around your eyes. Your tired eyes will surely thank you.

Drink more water to keep your body well-hydrated and to eliminate the toxins that can cause development of eye bags. Then, avoid salt and other foods, such as alcohol, coffee, and carbonated drinks, which cause fluid retention. Remember that fluid retention is equal to puffiness.

Get plenty of rest and sleep for at least seven to eight hours a day. Insufficient sleep can cause poor blood circulation, which may then lead to the development of eye bags. On the other hand, avoid oversleeping as it can also disrupt healthy blood circulation.

3.  Dark Circles

You may not have any of the problems above, but you may have dark circles under your eyes. These unflattering circles also make us look a lot older and are caused by genetics (again), exposure to the sun, rubbing and scratching, and a host of other causes.

Deal with it:

Stop smoking. We all know how smoking damages the skin and can hasten premature aging. While it doesn’t directly cause under eye circles, smoking causes thinning of the skin and makes these dark circles even more pronounced.

Use an eye cream that contains retinol and vitamin K. Both of these substances reduce puffiness and discoloration. Vitamin K controls blood clotting and decreases the bruise-like appearance of under eye circles. Retinol, on the other hand, stimulates collagen production.

For some people, under eye circles are simply a natural case of pigmentation. In these cases, you can use lightening creams specifically targeted for the under eye area.  You can also just camouflage your circles by using yellow-based concealers that neutralize the bluish tones of the circles.

It’s not surprising how the skin around the eyes manifests tiredness and aging the most. We may have beautiful and young-looking skin, but our tired eyes – the windows to our souls – can betray our age. So stop doing the things that can damage the eyes and start taking care of them. Make pampering your eyes a regular part of your skin care routine.

1 Comment | Diana Stalder products, Skin Care 101, SouthGain.com web store | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by pgesmundo

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