The Skinny on Applying Skin Care Products

Monday, 2012-02-06

Have you ever jumped on a miracle-skincare-product-bandwagon only to find out it fails to deliver its promise? At least for you – since the other two million women out there swear it effectively made their skin smoother, softer and much younger-looking.

While it could be that this product simply doesn’t match your skin chemistry, it could also be that you weren’t able to apply it correctly. Yes, the effectiveness of a product actually depends on how you use it. If the thought didn’t cross your mind, you should read the following rules to follow when applying skin care products.

1.    Cleanse-tone-moisturize

Complete beauty regimen in three simple steps. Basically, the rule of thumb is to never apply anything on your face before you get rid of dirt and makeup. Cleansing is best done with lukewarm water and a non-soap cleanser like the Diana Stalder Facial Wash that gently cleanses and conditions the skin.

After cleansing, you need to use a toner to further take off stubborn dirt, makeup and excess oil, as well as to remove dead skin cells. A toner like the Diana Stalder Surely White SW Skin Toner will even help you achieve whiter skin!

Cleansing and toning may leave your skin feeling dry, so you need to moisturize with a good moisturizer such as the Diana Stalder Her Facial Lotion. Remember to moisturize daily to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and to delay aging. Your older self will certainly thank you.

2.    Massage in circular motions

Some women just rub products on their skin and let it do the work. Avoid doing that. First, rubbing your skin will cause unsightly wrinkles. Second, you’re not getting the most out of your product. You need to maximize the product by actually massaging it into your skin in slow and circular motions. Massaging helps improve the blood circulation and enables the product to penetrate deeper into your skin, therefore delivering maximum results.

3.    Remember to exfoliate

Obviously, your skincare product won’t be able to do its work on your face if it has a thick buildup of dirt and dead skin cells. If you haven’t exfoliated in a while, now is the time to do it. However, take care not to overdo exfoliation. Do not make the mistake of exfoliating everyday as it can cause more damage to your skin.

It is recommended that we exfoliate once or twice a week using mild scrubs on moist skin (please don’t attempt to exfoliate dry skin). Exfoliate with a moderate pressure that is enough to remove dead skin cells but doesn’t irritate your skin.  Lastly, avoid scrubs with huge particles that can tear your pores. You’re better off with exfoliators such as the Diana Stalder Facial Scrub, which you can also use all over your body!

4.    Pea-sized is better

There is a reason why the instructions on almost every skin care product label tell you to use a pea-sized amount – and there’s a good reason why you should follow it. A pea-sized amount of the product spread evenly is enough to cover your face but not too much that it causes irritation. Unless it is otherwise stated, you wouldn’t want to slather a “generous” amount of chemicals on your face, especially if it can cause allergic reactions. Also, chances are your skin wouldn’t be able to absorb all of them anyway.

5.    Maximize absorption

Speaking of absorption, you should also aim to maximize your skin’s absorbing capacity. Don’t fret; you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out how. Simply keep in mind that most chemicals present in skincare products, especially creams such as the Diana Stalder Nourishing Crème, penetrate moist skin better than dry skin. This is because these chemicals work better when they are dissolved. Another thing to keep in mind is to avoid applying products on cold skin because warm skin absorbs skincare ingredients much better.

These are but a few tips you need to keep in mind when applying products onto your skin. Remember that your responsibility to your skin doesn’t end when you purchase a product. It goes with your daily beauty regimen, when you need to make sure you have applied your moisturizer or your sunblock properly. Just think of skin care as an investment – an investment you surely won’t regret.

By applying these simple skin care tips, I guarantee you’ll make the most out of your products and you’ll see the best of your skin!


Bizarre Alternatives

Tuesday, 2010-12-14

Fish Pedicure

This treatment is done by soaking your feet (or any part of your body) in a tank of water with Garra Rufa. These are tiny toothless fish that nibble off dead skin to reveal a healthy and soft dermis. Garra Rufa is also known as doctor fish for it can relieve various skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.  The nibbling may feel a bit ticklish and may cause slight tingling. After the procedure, your feet will definitely feel softer and smoother.

Fish pedicure is assumed to be safe because the fish only eats up the dead skin cells. However, there is also an argument that the skin-eating fish can be a tool for passing on of bacteria from one client to another which may cause infection. These little skin-doctors are also kept in non-chlorinated water which could be a source of bacteria and fungi. Spa owners contest this by saying that the tank of water has an ultraviolet filter which keeps it sanitized.

In addition, some impostor salons are substituting the expensive Garra Rafu with a cheaper one with teeth called “chin chin”, which means they can cause tiny wounds. While there have been no reports of infection due to fish pedicure, people are advised to be extra meticulous if trying out this treatment. Individual tanks are of course safer than one big tank for all. Also, make sure that they thoroughly clean your feet before asking you to soak.

Leech Detox

Wonder how Demi Moore manages to look way younger than her age? She recently divulged her new cleansing beauty secret, leech detox. She talks about the procedure. First, you are prepped up by shaving your body and bathing in turpentine. Then, the highly trained medical leeches are placed on your skin so they could suck the blood. It hurts initially but after the first bite, you can relax and wait for the little creature to become full and crawl out. These invertebrates are said to detoxify by releasing an enzyme to the blood.

Such claims of the leech detox are however negated by Dr. Ed Zimney in his report 1. Dr. Zimney says that an enzyme is indeed released but only to inhibit-blood clotting so that the leech can continue to suck until it’s full. This enzyme acts only on the bite-site and is not absorbed into the bloodstream so no detoxification occurs. He also mentioned possible risks associated with this therapy such as excessive bleeding, allergic reactions and infection.

Cactus and Tequila Massage

Before you panic, you must know that the cactus paddies used in this massage, called nopal, are without thorns. Cactus is known for its healing properties because it contains anti-oxidants which is essential to delay skin aging. Antioxidants help flush out toxins and rehydrate the skin, thus giving a skin the feeling of rejuvenation after a cactus massage.

The use of cactus as a medicinal plant started way back from the Mexican Indian Tribes. Studies have revealed that cactus contains phytochemicals which is a cancer-fighting nutrient. There were also experiments which prove the healing effects of cactus. It prevented scar formation and inflammation of the wounded areas.

Together with the cactus paddies, the body is also massaged with a scrub made with tequila, salt and fresh lime juice. This combination brings healing, detoxifying, cleansing, nourishing and conditioning altogether.

Golden Facial

Historians say that Cleopatra slept in gold mask every night to keep her skin youthful looking. Today, there is a modern version of Cleopatra’s gold regimen. It is a mask of gold leaf of 24 karat gold applied on to face and massaged until the gold disappears completely. Other salons use a facial gold cream or gold gel which contains 24-karat gold, aloe vera, wheat germ oil and sandalwood.

Gold as a soft metal is easily absorbed by the skin. Once it has penetrated the skin, it rejuvenates skin by removing wrinkles, banishing blemishes and erasing age spots. It is also known to work for both dry and oily skin types. Gold facial also assists in improving blood circulation and cell renewal.

It’s both amazing and amusing to know the means people are willing to do just to keep their skin at its finest. It’s true that we cannot attest to the effectiveness of such procedures, we can only guarantee you the efficacy of our products because, once, we understand how they are made; there are studies that support the efficacy of the ingredients used and, of course, our continuously growing clientele serves as the best testimony.

1 http://www.everydayhealth.com/blog/zimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use/demi-moores-leech-detox-therapy-a-scambuster-report/

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Skin Care 101: The Skin and Your Surroundings

Tuesday, 2010-11-23

Apart from the food you eat, your daily activities and the beauty regimen you have, another important factor that affects the state of your skin is your surroundings. Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken to make sure the skin is protected at all times.

It has been mentioned already in several articles how the UV rays of the sun contribute to skin aging by causing it to dry, wrinkle and sag. This is because the sun breaks down collagen and elastin which are the protein building blocks of the skin. Another effect of the sun on the skin is the overstimulation of pigment cells which result to age spots.

It is recommended that you use sunscreen products with at least SPF 15, e.g. Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream. For oily skin which has to do away with cream-based products, find an especially formulated sunscreen such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Gel. Apart from protecting yourself from sun damage, you can still save your sun-dried skin by using Vitamin A based products. For this, SouthGain offers Diana Stalder Vitamin A Beauty Bar.

The humidity and dryness of the air also affects your skin. If it’s humid, there is more moisture in the air which can be retained on the surface of your skin. If it’s dry (which is the case in air-conditioned offices), the air sips out the moisture from the skin leaving it rough and dull. Help your skin recover by using moisturizers.

Your facial moisturizer should be different from what you use for the body as your face is more exposed as compared to the body which is covered with clothes. For the face, a moisturizer with a toning effect is useful in keeping out bacteria while softening the skin. We suggest Diana Stalder Her Facial Lotion or Diana Stalder His Facial Lotion for normal to dry skin and Diana Stalder Clean & Tone Lotion for oily skin.

For the body, it is best to apply a moisturizing lotion right after taking a bath when the skin is still damp. Ideally, your body lotion should also have sun protection traits for a moisturizing and anti-aging effect. Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion possesses both features. Also remember to keep a moisturizing lotion handy so you can re-apply them to frequently-washed body parts such as the hands.

The pollutants and dust carried around by the wind clog pores and allows bacteria to reach your face which leads to pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. This can also result to premature enlargement of pores. The best way to deal with this is to keep the skin clean by using a facial wash that both cleans and moisturizes such as the Diana Stalder Facial Wash. Apart from a daily wash, a weekly exfoliant, such as the Diana Stalder Facial Scrub, helps get rid of bacteria and dead cell build up.

If pimples still appear, there are several anti-acne products available that target pimple-causing bacteria. However, there are those not only fight bacteria but also clears up the skin such as the Diana Stalder Clear Crème.

Now that you know how your surroundings affect your skin, equip yourself with the protection and treatment that will keep it healthy. More importantly, this should also be an eye-opener for us to take care of the environment. The depletion of the ozone layer and worsening of the pollution, among others, contribute to the nature’s disruption which significantly increases the negative impacts on our skin and overall health.


Skin Care 101: MAKE it UP to your Skin

Wednesday, 2010-07-28

Wearing make-up on a daily basis is inevitable. In most corporate offices, it has been part of the professional decorum especially when attending meetings or reporting for an interview. For media personalities, make-up gives them a better registry on camera. For most women, make-up boosts their appearance by defining parts of their face and hiding the imperfections.

Whatever the reason maybe, putting make-up on has become a necessity. However, just as essential is watching out for the effects of everyday make-up on the skin.

Concealers and powder that seem to blend well with your face can also clog your pores. Clogged pores result to pimples and blackheads. If you don’t take extra care on keeping the pores breathing, this may lead to enlarged pores and premature skin-ageing. Save your skin with Diana Stalder SBF-Collagen Cream which can be used as a foundation while keeping skin elastic and young-looking.

Cleaning your make-up tools is a must. However, this is often neglected especially when you’re in a rush in the morning or you get home late at night. Leftover cosmetics breed germs and using unwashed brushes and sponge is like feeding bacteria to your skin. In addition to keeping your tools clean, make sure to remove your make-up and wash with deep cleansing soaps like Diana Stalder Licorice Beauty Bar.

Shield the skin from chemicals by putting on moisturizers (and allowing the skin to absorb) before applying make-up. For this, try Diana Stalder Her Facial Lotion. Aside from maintaining skin smoothness, it has a toning effect that makes skin look radiant. Needless to say, take time to research on the ingredients of your make-up. Most brands are coming up with organic or mineral based formulas that are harmless to the skin.

Being beautiful need not be harmful to your skin. After all, a well nourished skin can be even more beautiful even without make up.


Cold and Mean to the Skin

Saturday, 2010-07-24

While it is very important to protect the skin from the sun, it is even more crucial to do so during the cold season. Here’s a list of common skin blunders during the cold weather that you should be mindful of.

Dehydration. When the weather is cold, you rarely feel the need to drink water, hence, causing you to be dehydrated. Lack of water in the body causes skin to lose its moisture which results to dryness and premature wrinkles. Even while feeling cold, try placing a glass of water beside you and sip as frequent as you can. Instead of hot coffee and soup, munch fruits and vegetables to keep the skin nourished. In addition, keep moisturizers like Diana Stalder Her Facial Lotion handy.

Warm bath. Taking warm baths is so much more enjoyable during the cold weather that you often lose sense of time when washing your body. With this, the natural oil of your skin which traps the moisture within is rinsed away, leaving a dull dry skin. Try to shorten your bath time and use moisturizing soaps likes Diana Stalder Licorice Beauty Bars. Don’t forget to rinse with cold water to close down your pores.

Rubbing and Scrubbing. The friction gives you a warm comfort that there’s a tendency to frequently rub your skin. The skin gets dry during the cold season and scrubbing may lead to itchiness and flaking. Remove coarse beauty regimens like pumice stones and facial wash with beads.  After taking a bath, pat yourself with a towel to dry, instead of rasping your body and don’t forget to put on a moisturizing lotion, such as the Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion.

Deoxygenation. Oxygen is essential both for the body and the skin for this stimulate the proper function of all the organs including the brain. When it is cold, people are too lazy to move, exercise and sweat. This slows down the circulation of the blood which carries the oxygen around the body. Instead of curling into a ball, try to do some stretching and get moving. This will keep your body filled with oxygen and will also make you feel warm. Try applying Diana Stalder Nourishing Crème before your slumber to help revitalize your skin.
Is it usually cold and wet from where you live? Share to us your “cold and mean” booboos with pointers on how you made it up to your skin.


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.

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.

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.


Skin Care 101: Three Daily Skin Care Products That Everyone Should Have

Friday, 2010-01-29

There are three skin care products that should be a part of everyone’s daily regimen—sunscreen, facial wash and moisturizer.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the most essential part of your skincare regimen.

UV exposure can lead to premature wrinkles, skin pigmentations or freckles, white spots and even skin cancer. So it’s important to use sunscreen daily and protect your skin from UV exposure.

The Diana Stalder Sunblock Crème protects the skin from harmful UV rays, prevents sun damage and premature aging of the skin.  It is best for normal to dry skin.  For oily skin type, the Diana Stalder Sunblock Gel is perfectly formulated to provide your skin protection for the sun.

Facial Wash

Your skin is exposed to harmful toxins on a daily basis. So cleansing should be a part of your routine. You need to find a cleanser that works well for your particular skin type.  The right product combined with the proper method to wash your face can benefit your skin.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money. The Diana Stalder Facial Wash is formulated to gently cleanse the skin and condition it. It works well with any skin types.

Moisturizer

No matter what skin type, everyone needs to moisturize. Moisturizer seals the moisture in, which gives the skin its natural glow. Without moisture, skin will be dry and dull. There are even specially formulated moisturizing products for the oily skin type.

Moisturizer can also help calm irritated acne-prone skin. But those with acne should use products that are oil-free.

The Diana Stalder Skin Revitalizer is a great moisturizer. It contains vitamins A, C, D and E, which can protect your skin from free radicals. It is particularly effective on normal to dry skin.

For those trying to reduce or remove fine lines, the Diana Stalder Nourishing Crème is the perfect moisturizer.

The Diana Stalder Facial Lotion works well for most skin types. It moisturizes and it has a toning effect that makes your skin appear radiant and younger looking.


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