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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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.

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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.

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Posted by pgesmundo

Ancient Beauty Secrets that Stood the Test of Time

Thursday, 2012-03-15

Humanity has been trying to master the art of attaining beauty and perfection since time immemorial. Indeed, our ancestors’ fascination for all things beautiful has been passed on to us even after thousands of years – and the constant search for beauty is not likely to stop in the modern times.

That is why we are always looking for something that will improve our appearances, especially our skin. Not surprisingly, skin care was given a lot of importance in the ancient times. History tells us that men and women of old did not neglect their beauty routines and even discovered and tried out materials that gave them beautiful, young-looking skin.

Fortunately for us modern humans, there are historical records that give us a glimpse of our ancestors’ thousand year-old beauty secrets:

1.  Sea Salt

Apparently, our ancestors have already understood the importance of getting rid of dead skin cells when it comes to taking care of the skin. To exfoliate and rejuvenate their skin, ancient Egyptians and Greeks used sea salt rubs. Sometimes, salt was mixed with peppermint tea and was used as a scrub. Cleopatra herself is said to have added Dead Sea salt into her bath to fight skin aging as well as skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis.

 2.  White Camellia Oil

Ancient Asians were also known to treasure beautiful and attractive skin.   Japanese women, the geishas in particular, have been using white camellia oil for centuries. This oil contains nourishing, moisturizing, and conditioning properties that benefit the skin. Aside from that, white camellia oil also accounts for glowing skin and can even remove wrinkles and stimulate hair growth. White camellia oil is also believed to be effective in fighting stretch marks for pregnant women.

 3.  Clay

Egyptian royalties have long recognized not only the cosmetic benefits of clay, but also its healing properties, as it can be used to treat damaged skin. Clay was mixed with ash, oil, musk, and perfumes, and was used by the ancient Egyptians as soap. This was effective in cleansing the skin as well as removing wrinkles and fine lines.   Clay also gave the ancient Egyptians, particularly the Pharaohs, their enviable bronze color.

4.  Almond Oil

Almond oil was a very common ingredient in beauty products, even in the ancient times. It was found in many Egyptian products widely used by all classes.  Almond oil contains vitamin E, the skin vitamin, which is effective in getting rid of harmful toxins as well as free radicals, both of which cause skin aging. To fight wrinkles, Egyptians mixed almond oil and frankincense, which they apply to their skin every night.

 5.  White Tea

The Chinese are well-known for their contributions to our ever growing knowledge on how to have beautiful skin. One of their anti-aging secrets is white tea. Used since the Tang Dynasty, white tea contains a lot of antioxidants – a lot more than green tea – which block free radicals. Aside from fighting skin aging, white tea is also effective in reversing the damage brought by the sun’s harmful UV rays by repairing the skin tissues.

6.  Frankincense

This substance was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians due to its aromatic qualities. Produced from the bark of the frankincense tree, frankincense is said to have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It stimulates cell growth and is effective in reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Aside from that, frankincense also has healing properties and can be used to treat wounds.

In our quest for beautiful skin, we don’t need to look past what Mother Nature has to offer.  And these resources, just like how they beautified men and women thousands of years ago, are still here to beautify us now.   Thankfully, the goodness of these natural beauty secrets are already found in the ingredients of today’s skin care products.

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Posted by pgesmundo

Bizarre Products for Beautiful Skin

Tuesday, 2012-03-13

For most of us, a regular shopping trip won’t be complete without a look at the newest skin care products in the market. Now that we have already learned how to carefully discriminate one product from the other, we are already just a few steps away from becoming black belt skin care shoppers.

Black belt shoppers know better than choosing products that merely come in nice, cute packaging. With expert eyes, no label is left unexamined and every single ingredient is scrutinized. These shopping experts can easily spell alpha hydroxy acids without blinking and readily explain the effects of retinoid skin creams.

If you too are a black belter in product-shopping, surely, you have already encountered a smorgasbord of skin care products.  Some of them may be off the cuff, strange and unusual to the common shopper.   However, did you know that some of these peculiar products hold the key to beautiful skin?

1.   Snail slime

Snail slime, unpleasant as it may sound, is actually one of the latest and more popular trends in skin care. Because of its intense moisturizing effects, snail slime is now an ingredient to many anti-aging skin care products. Aside from decreasing the appearance of wrinkles, it is also effective in healing acne, scars, and stretch marks. It stimulates collagen production and even helps speed up healing of wounds. Snail slime contains antioxidants, too!

2.  Caviar

Recently, the breakthroughs in skin care technology are becoming more and more luxurious. Case in point: caviar as an ingredient in skin cream. Caviar is said to be very effective in rejuvenating the skin due to its high phospholipid and amino acid content. Skin cell regeneration is also possible with caviar since it works on the cellular level, or the deeper layers of the skin. This makes caviar a strong tool against skin aging.

3.  Donkey milk

Aside from containing superstar antioxidants, donkey milk also has high amounts of minerals and fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which soften the skin and decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Donkey milk helps purify the skin by removing dead skin cells and nourishing the healthy ones. It also improves skin elasticity and prevents skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema. Still doubtful? Try asking Queen Cleopatra – she swears by donkey milk!

4.  Snake venom

This breakthrough in skin care technology is another animal secretion. This time, the animal is not as harmless as fish, snail, or donkey – it’s the snake. Snake venom is now an ingredient in many skin creams because of its relaxing effect on the skin, similar to Botox, which we all know is popular for fighting wrinkles. For people who are not so keen on using the actual venom itself, a synthetic version of it with the same properties is already available.

5.  Placenta

The Chinese have been using placenta for their skin care regimens for over a thousand years already. Years later, placenta is still used as an effective agent in delaying the aging process of the skin. Placenta, because of its high nutritional content, is said to improve the appearance of the skin by rejuvenating and nourishing the skin cells. It also heals skin damage by stimulating tissue growth. The Chinese may really have been on to something.

There you have it: five bizarre products, produced by Mother Nature, to help us attain the perfect skin. These “weird stuff” may as well have been the secret ingredients of the fountain of youth. If you’re adventurous enough, we dare you to try them and see for yourself – unless you know some other bizarre skin care products which you can share with us?

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Posted by pgesmundo

Perfect Skin from Within

Friday, 2012-03-02

It may seem cliché, but glowing skin really comes from within. You can use the most expensive skin care products available on the market, but without proper nourishment, your skin will remain dull and lifeless. To get straight to the point,  your skin’s condition is a reflection of what you eat, and to get healthy skin, you must eat a healthy diet.

So what does one need to eat in order to attain that gorgeous skin? Worry not as you don’t have to go searching for some magic elixir. All you need to do is go to the supermarket and stock on these eight powerful skin foods:

1.  Yogurt

Aside from giving your immune system a boost, yogurt, which contains vitamins and good bacteria, helps improve your skin’s condition and adds that radiant glow to your skin.  The enzymes and lactic acid in yogurt is works as a moisturizer and effectively hydrates the skin.  It is also a potent anti-aging tool that helps lessen the appearance of wrinkles.

2.  Oats

Breakfast should be treated with utmost importance because this meal provides us with the energy needed for the day. To make the most out of breakfast, we should healthy food such as oats. Oats are high in calcium, potassium, magnesium and Vitamin E, the skin vitamin. Aside from that, oats also contain silicon which helps maintain our skin’s collagen levels.

3.  Avocado

Avocados may have gained an unwanted reputation because of its high fat content.  However, fats in avocados are considered good fats, which are actually one of the best fighters against wrinkles. Avocados also contain a good amount of potassium, fiber and antioxidants which will enhance your complexion.

4.  Spinach

Most famous for being Popeye’s secret to attaining his supernatural strength, spinach is definitely a wonder veggie because it contains high amounts of vitamin A, which prevents the development of wrinkles and fights against acne and psoriasis.  More importantly, spinach also contains lutein, potassium, fiber and folate which restores sun-damaged skin cells and prevents skin cancer.

5.  Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for improving the skin’s softness and smoothness, and one rich source of this is salmon. These fatty acids decrease clogged pores, reduces inflammation and prevents the development of wrinkles. Aside from that, Omega-3 fatty acids boost the skin’s defenses against harmful UV rays, which cause skin cancer.

6.  Green Tea

Another antioxidant-rich addition to your diet, green tea is effective in reducing inflammation and is proven to reduce the damages done by the sun to our skin, helping lower the risk of getting skin cancer. Green tea also contains polyphenols, particularly EGCG, which reactivates dying skin cells.

7.  Blueberries

This yummy fruit is a favorite among many and is a common ingredient in desserts. Blueberries, like most of the foods listed above, is rich in antioxidants which fight premature aging. These antioxidants also combat free radicals, the culprit behind skin cell damage. Other antioxidant-rich berries include raspberries, blackberries and cranberries.

8.  Chocolate

Chocoholics can rejoice in this legitimate reason to give in to the temptation. Chocolate contains high levels of flavonoids which improve our blood circulation and increase blood flow to the skin cells. Flavonoids also improve skin hydration and are the solution to dry and flaky skin. To maximize the benefits, choose low-fat chocolate milk and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.

These are only some of the skin-friendly super foods you should have in your pantry. When buying these foods, stick to the fresh produce and low-fat varieties.  Of course, aside from eating healthy, it’s equally important to follow a regular skin care routine using effective skin care products. Remember to nourish the skin from inside and out and make it a lifelong habit – perfect skin will be yours to attain.

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The Ultimate List of Skin Care Dos and Don’ts

Friday, 2012-02-24

While some of us are genetically blessed with great skin, most of us have to work for it. However, think of skin care not as a chore but a duty to the largest organ of our body. Besides, who doesn’t want beautiful skin? We surely do!

To make the job easier, we compiled the ultimate list of skin care dos and don’ts so we’ll never be clueless again. Read the list and flawless and youthful-looking skin is now virtually yours.

Skin Care Dos

  1. Do wash your face at once or twice daily. Since over-cleansing may dry your skin, it is recommended that you use a cleanser, such as the Diana Stalder Facial Wash, in the evening to remove makeup, dirt and excess oil from your skin. In the morning, you can splash your face with water.
  2. Do drink plenty of water and fluids every day. Without water, toxins may accumulate in our body, the same toxins that can cause acne breakouts. Water flushes out these toxins and improves blood circulation.
  3. Do remember to always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15, such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream, before you start the day. If it’s particularly sunny, it would also help if you use physical sun blocks such as a hat and an umbrella – by the way, black umbrellas block the sun best.
  4. Do remove your makeup before you sleep. Not doing so would be a mortal sin in the realm of skin care because leftover makeup can clog your pores, which can cause an acne breakout. Also, you won’t like the way you look if you slept with makeup on.
  5. Do consider your skin type when planning your own skin care regimen. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, there are products that are specifically made for your skin type. Take advantage of these and don’t follow a random routine.
  6. Do eat a healthy diet. Always include in your diet a generous helping of fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E. Diet aside, you can also find antioxidants in products such as the Diana Stalder Skin Revitalizer.
  7. Do check the label of the skin care products you buy. Avoid those that contain irritants and allergens. If possible, only choose products that are made up of natural ingredients which are not harmful to the skin.
  8. Do cleanse your skin thoroughly and make sure you have the entire areas of your face, neck and chest covered. Avoid cleansers that are too strong or those that are not made for your skin type and avoid inadequate cleansing.
  9. Do make sure that you get enough sleep, at least 6-8 hours each night, because this is the time when our skin cells regenerate. Lack of sleep is also pointed to as the culprit behind dull skin and speeds up the aging process and reduces collagen production. For optimum results, also use night creams such as the Diana Stalder Night Gel when you sleep.
  10. Do start early! You should not wait until you are in your 30s before you fight the symptoms of skin aging. You should start taking care of your skin while you are still young. You can easily accomplish this by using anti-aging products which are made for your skin type.

Skin Care Don’ts

  1. Don’t underestimate a good skin care regimen. Remember to do your skin care routine on a daily basis. Since your skin is exposed to germs every day, you should also clean and protect your skin as frequently. You can use a good cleanser and a moisturizer, such as the Diana Stalder Her Facial Lotion.
  2. Don’t overdo your skin care routine. Remember that over-cleansing your face will result to drying (which causes your skin to produce more oil than usual), and over-exfoliating will irritate and damage your skin.
  3. Don’t rub your skin in any circumstance. Rubbing your skin will not only cause damage and irritation, it will also cause unsightly wrinkles. Just pat your skin lightly with a clean towel when drying off water or massage skin care products into your face in light, circular motions.
  4. Don’t skip the sunscreen even when the sun seems to be hiding. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can still reach the skin and can still cause as much damage. More importantly, avoid the sun between 10am and 2pm.
  5. Don’t take hot showers. Hot water directly in contact with the skin can cause a lot of damage, especially on the face. The heat coming from the water can also cause damage to the capillaries, which can manifest as redness in the skin.
  6. Don’t stress out. Stressing out on work, family, or whatever personal problems you have can take a toll on your skin. When you stress, your body releases cortisol, the same hormone released when you lack sleep, which speeds up the aging process.
  7. Don’t use products that contain ingredients which are potentially harmful to the skin. You’re your skin type and take note of the chemicals that can cause allergies and irritation. If you have products that contain these ingredients, immediately discontinue using them.
  8. Don’t smoke. Smoking is second to the sun in causing skin damage. If you take a look at smokers, you will see that most of them have premature wrinkles, especially around the lips. Nicotine also messes up blood circulation which blocks the flow of oxygen to the skin.
  9. Don’t touch your face with your hands. When you touch your face, the dirt, oil, and other unknown substances from your hands can easily transfer to the skin of your face. This can clog your pores, which we know is the first step to developing acne.
  10. Don’t give up too easily. Skin care products don’t work like magic. Just because you don’t see the product’s effect doesn’t mean you have to discard it. Some skin care products, especially anti-aging products, take three to six months to correct your skin’s problems.

This is already quite an extensive list but we should really take these pieces of advice to heart. We assure you that these guidelines will grow on you in time, so you don’t have to memorize them! How about you? What are your skin care dos and don’ts?

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Reversing the Effects of Sun Damage

Tuesday, 2012-02-21

You probably know already that overexposure to the sun’s rays can damage your skin and cause it to age prematurely. You also probably already know the value of wearing sunscreen daily.

Chances are, however, you didn’t worry about sun protection in your younger years, and you’ve already sustained several years worth of sun damage on your skin. You can’t change the past, but by taking steps to care for your skin, you can reverse some of the effects of sun damage. Interested? Here are a few simple tips:

Smooth it out

The buildup of dead skin cells can make your skin look blotchy and uneven. One of the simplest ways to make your skin appear smoother is by exfoliating. Regular use of an exfoliant like Diana Stalder Facial Scrub removes dead skin cells, leaving skin looking smoother.

An added benefit of exfoliating is that the treatments you apply afterwards work better. When you exfoliate, you apply lotions, creams, and other topical treatments on a fresh layer of skin, and not the layer of dead skin cells that normally stay on top.

One disadvantage of exfoliating, however, is that it makes your skin more prone to the elements. This is why our next tip is so important.

Protect your skin

We can’t stress this enough: the best thing you can do for your skin is protect it from the sun. Even (or especially) if you’ve already sustained skin damage from the sun, putting on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 like Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream is important. Wearing sunscreen helps prevent further sun damage, and this is especially important after you exfoliate, when your skin is most prone to damage from the elements. This also gives your skin and immune system time to repair some of the damage that has already been done.

Bleach a little

If you’re worried about blotchy skin, dark spots, and other discoloration caused by sun damage, we recommend the Diana Stalder Surely White Body Bleaching Kit. The kit not only includes Papaya Kojic Soap and Surely White SW Body Lotion to treat the blemishes on your skin, but also includes the Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion, which works as both a moisturizer and a sunscreen.

Nourish your skin

Vitamin A great for rejuvenating sun-damaged skin. We recommend using Diana Stalder Vitamin A Beauty Bar regularly to help nurse your skin back to health. As a side benefit, Vitamin A also helps treat acne.

Nourishment, however, shouldn’t just be (pardon the pun) skin deep. What you eat affects your skin’s health, so it’s important to watch your diet too. You want food rich in Vitamins A, C, and E to fight skin damage. Recent research has also shown that lycopene, which is found in tomatoes and other food, does wonders for your skin’s natural UV protection.

Of course, hydration is also important. Your skin needs water to look healthy, and dehydrating yourself doesn’t help repair your skin. Make sure you drink enough water during the day, and keep a bottle (or a glass) of water by your bedside too.

Do you have any tips or tricks to repair the effects of sun damage? Please share them with us too!

1 Comment | Diana Stalder products, General ramblings, SouthGain.com web store | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by pgesmundo

Skin Care 101: Five Tips on How to Simplify your Skin Care Routine

Friday, 2012-02-17

Many of us are guilty of collecting as many beauty products as we can. They do look good on our bedrooms and boudoirs, don’t they? Some of us have our own prized possessions: that limited edition perfume or that certain hand cream which reminds us of our grandmother’s scent.

What we may not realize, though, is that using a lot of beauty products may take a toll on our skin. In fact, this may be the reason behind your acne or your sensitized skin. The rule is simple – the fewer chemicals we have on our skin, the better – and there’s no other way to do this than simplifying our skin care routine.

1.    Organize and keep clean
Allot some time to take inventory of every beauty product you own. How often do you use each one of them? Retain the products which you use on a regular basis, especially those that have really worked well with your skin. Throw out the following: those that are nearing or have already gone beyond their expiration dates, those that cause you to break out, those that simply have no effect on your skin, those which you keep only because of their pretty packaging, and those which you keep because of their sentimental value.

2.    Look for the multifunctional
What better way to simplify your skin care routine than using multipurpose products? You don’t need to spend more money on these products; you only need to hone your label-studying skills. For example, instead of applying moisturizer and sunscreen separately, why not buy moisturizer with a good SPF, such as the Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30? Or, to raise your simplifying act one notch higher, how about buying a tinted moisturizer with SPF? That way, you can ditch your moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation for just one product, like the Diana Stalder SBF-Collagen Cream.

3.    More is not always better
We already know how damaging it is if we try to exfoliate our skin daily. We only need to do so once or twice a week to avoid irritations. Aside from that, we can also lessen the frequency of our other beauty rituals. If you wash your face twice a day, you can reduce it to just once a day by using cleanser only at night before going to bed. You should use a good cleanser, such as the Diana Stalder Facial Wash. In the morning, just wash with water, as over-cleansing can cause your skin to dry.

4.    Invest on the essentials
Don’t try too hard and get real. Do you really need to apply three or more products on your skin every single day? Unless you have some major skin problems to take care of, all you need to apply daily are a good cleanser and a moisturizer (possibly with SPF). If you don’t have really oily skin, skip the toner as the cleanser is good enough in removing excess oils and dirt. You will also need to keep an exfoliator (a bottle of Diana Stalder Facial Scrub perhaps) on retainer, but remember that this is not meant for daily use.

5.    Be a critical shopper
Only buy products that are skin-friendly and effective. Know your skin thoroughly. What irritates your skin? Be vigilant in studying the product’s components. If it contains even one irritant, don’t buy it. What’s your skin type? Buy products that target your skin problems and, as much as possible, avoid those that are made for all skin types. Do not be dependent on hearsays or other people’s reviews when buying a product – a product that is effective for others may not necessarily be effective on your skin.

 

These are only five tips you can follow to get you started with your simplified skin care routine. However, we still have one bonus tip: prevention is better than cure. To maintain healthy and young-looking skin, it is important to always stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. It is also equally important to remain active and stop unhealthy vices such as drinking and smoking.

Remember that what goes inside your body reflects on the outside. Sometimes, they even affect our skin more than the products we apply. We may have already simplified and perfected our skin care routines, but ultimately, it is our overall health that we need to look out for.

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Posted by pgesmundo

5 Common Myths About Acne

Wednesday, 2012-02-15

If you’ve ever struggled with acne (and most of us probably did), you’ve probably heard hundreds of tips and supposed facts revolving around acne treatment. Suggestions range from acne prevention like avoiding chocolate and regular washing, to treatments like sunbathing and using toothpaste. Some have some form of scientific basis, but others are pure fantasy. Want to know which is which? Read on.

Myth: Dirt and makeup cause acne

False. The main cause of acne isn’t dirt, makeup, or other impurities in your skin blocking pores, but rather, something deeper. Acne starts when the walls of your pores stick together deep inside your skin, clogging your pores and causing a pimple to erupt.

Frequent washing, instead of preventing acne, may actually make things worse. Using harsh scrubs, and even using ordinary soap, can strip your skin of essential oils and give you dry, flaky skin. This in turn could cause your oil glands to overcompensate, overloading your pores and causing breakouts.

This doesn’t mean washing your face isn’t important. Gently washing your face no more than twice a day with a gentle cleanser like Diana Stalder Facial Scrub helps get rid of dead skin cells, excess oil, and dirt that can also block your pores.

Myth: Chocolates, fatty foods, and other tasty treats cause acne

Maybe. Research has yet to find a precise correlation between acne and the food we eat. What we do know, however, is that your diet affects your skin. You may want to avoid overly processed food and items high in sugar which can adversely affect your skin. Yes, this sometimes includes chocolates and other goodies, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge yourself once in a while.

Our suggestion: keep track of your breakouts, as well as your diet. If you notice that certain items seem to trigger acne breakouts or make them worse, cut back on them.

Another suggestion: stock up on food rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, as well as Vitamins A, C, and E, which all contribute to healthy skin. You’re likely to find these things among the fruits, vegetables, and other fresh produce.

Myth: Sunlight can help eliminate acne

False… and also true… to an extent.

Some say that getting a tan helps clear up acne, but in fact, the reddening or darkening of your skin only disguises the existing acne. The effects of tanning could be worse if you’re treating acne with prescription medications. Some of these medications can make skin very sensitive to sunlight and cause your skin to burn much more easily.

Of course, not all sun exposure is bad. 10-20 minutes a day of exposure to the sun (or 20-30 minutes if you have darker skin) can prove beneficial for acne symptoms, especially early in the morning (that’s before 10 a.m.). More than that, isn’t Overexposure to the sun causes skin damage and irritation that can make acne worse. That’s why we always recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, like Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream.

Myth: Popping pimples gets rid of them

False! False! False! Squeezing or popping a pimple may make it less noticeable, but it can actually make things worse. When you squeeze, you push bacteria, dead skin cells, and whatnot further into the skin, causing further irritation. Worse still, popping may cause brown or red scars that could last for months. If you’re really unlucky, you can get a pitted scar that might never go away.

Myth: Toothpaste can cure acne

False. Toothpaste can not cure acne. There is a bit of science to this myth, and some ingredients in toothpaste look like potential acne-busters. However, the amounts in toothpaste are too small to be effective. You’re much better off using over-the-counter acne medication. Just remember to consult with your doctor before using these medications.

If you’re already using acne medication, take note that it might take a few weeks for any of them to take effect. Resist the urge to use more than prescribed – the active ingredient in most acne medications, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, are both drying agents that can lead to further irritation and more blemishes if used in excess.

Getting a complete acne kit is another option. Diana Stalder Surely White Acne Treatment Kit is the perfect package to guarantee the right treatment to your acne problem. Complete with lemon soap, facial scrub, toner, night gel, and clear crème – all this in one bag to make sure that you’re going to kiss your acne goodbye.

Are you wondering about other acne treatments and whether or not they work? Share them with us, and maybe we can help you sort out the myths from the facts.

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

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