The Difference Between Men and Women’s Skin

Tuesday, 2012-05-22

Men’s skin is quite different from women’s skin, and it isn’t just the amount of hair, or how smooth (or rough) it is. There are many other differences that all add up to one fact: men and women need to take care of their skin in different ways.

Men have thicker skin

Thanks to testosterone, a man’s skin is approximately 25% thicker than a woman’s skin. This means that biologically speaking, men are less vulnerable to sun damage than women. However, this doesn’t give men an excuse not to wear sunscreen.

Men are usually outdoors more than women. On average, men get roughly 12 hours more sun exposure per week than women. Most men may not particularly care about premature skin aging, but everybody should still be concerned about skin cancer. We think everybody, regardless of gender, should apply some Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion, which contains an SPF 30 sunscreen, everyday.

Men have oilier skin

Thanks again to testosterone, men produce more oil than women. This makes men, despite having smaller sebaceous glands than women, more prone to acne. A good way to deal with this is to wash regularly, maybe twice a day, with a product like Diana Stalder Facial Scrub.

Men have “younger” skin

Not only do men have thicker skin than women, men also have a greater collagen density than women. These two combined make a man’s skin look younger a similarly aged woman. However, this age advantage is often negated by many environmental factors, a few of which we’ll tackle in the next point.

Men have more fragile skin

Many people will find this surprising, but men usually have more delicate skin than women. The reasons for this, however, are more environmental than biological.

One of the biggest reasons is that women tend to take better care of their skin than men do. Many men have no qualms using harsh soaps, getting burnt under the sun, and handling dirt, grime, and other skin irritants. Many men also have an aversion to using sunscreen and other skin care products.

Of course, men still take care of their skin, but even that has its own pitfalls. As we mentioned, most men will not mind using harsh soap on their skin, but another part of their skin care regimen can sometimes harm their skin too. Daily shaving can strip off the skin’s hydrolipidic film, which serves as a natural protective layer of the skin. This leaves skin more prone to drying and environmental damage. On top of this, there’s always a risk of cutting or scraping skin when shaving.

All this means that men usually have more sensitized (though not necessarily sensitive) skin than women. What does this mean for men? Put simply, most men probably have to take better care of their skin.

There is a laundry list of differences between men and women’s skin, but we’ve tackled some of the biggest here. Do you think there are other significant differences we missed here? Share them with us in the comments!

 

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Posted by pgesmundo

Bumpy Baby’s Bottom

Saturday, 2012-05-05

Whoever coined the expression “smooth as a baby’s bottom” has probably never had kids, or at least has never encountered diaper rash. While it’s true that baby’s skin is usually soft, glowing, and blemish free, babies often encounter skin conditions that, while not exactly serious, can be quite upsetting for parents. but unfortunately there are some skin care conditions that, while minor in their severity, can still be upsetting for parents.

In this post, we discuss some common complaints about baby’s skin and share some possible solutions (and even preventions). After all, it’s never too early to start caring for your skin, right?

Diaper rash

This is the most common skin care complaint among babies, especially in the first few months. This isn’t too surprising, since babies’ bottoms spend most of their time wrapped tight, sometimes in close contact with wee and poo.

Dealing with diaper rash is simple – just wash baby’s bottom in warm water. If you want, you can put some oatmeal in warm water, then bathe baby like normal. You can also use Diana Stalder Oatmeal Beauty Bar, which works great for various skin irritations, including diaper rash.

If you want to keep diaper rash at bay, you need to change diapers pretty often. The moist environment in a diaper and the ammonia released by baby’s pee have a tendency to irritate baby’s bottom. The downside of this, of course, is that you spend quite a bit more money (and time) changing diapers.

Cradle Cap

If you notice greasy or scaly patches on your baby’s scalp, and possibly behind baby’s ears, it’s probably cradle cap. While it looks alarming, it is quite common, and is a harmless condition. Cradle cap usually starts in the first three months, but usually doesn’t last much longer than a few months.

Many believe that cradle cap is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, likely caused by their mother’s hormones lingering in their system after birth. The extra sebum, or oil, produced causes dead skin cells to stick to baby’s scalp instead of simply falling off.

We suggest applying some olive on baby’s scalp to soften the scaly skin, then gently removing the softened scales with a fine comb or a soft cloth. While this doesn’t treat the condition, it does get rid of the unsightly scales. Simply do this regularly until the condition resolves itself.

Eczema

If you notice scaly patches in other areas of your baby, like maybe the nose, armpits, or others, you might be dealing with eczema. There many possible causes for this, but one thing they have in common is irritation. Whatever the cause, eczema usually goes away on its own, but you can reduce the symptoms of eczema by minimize possible causes of irritation.

Regular bathing with lukewarm water will definitely help. Some people recommend applying moisturizers rich in lanolin or aloe vera, but we believe that’s a personal choice. Consult with your pediatrician if you want, but the most important thing is that you’re comfortable with what you put (or don’t put) on baby’s skin.

You should also make sure to dress baby in soft, natural fabrics like cotton and wool – these are less likely than other fabrics to irritate baby’s skin. It’s also a good idea to keep baby’s hands wrapped in mittens to keep them from scratching themselves. Just make sure you take them off every so often to give baby’s hands time to breath too. Sometimes, mittens can keep sweat from drying off baby’s hands.

The most important thing to remember is that baby’s skin is thinner than your skin and very sensitive. This means that you have to be very gentle to keep baby’s skin soft and smooth. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansing products – they might do more harm than good. Relax too, most of baby’s skin conditions, no matter how alarming initially, will simply go away naturally. Of course, if you have any doubts, you can always consult with your doctor.

The skin on a baby’s bottom is soft, smooth and very sensitive. It’s also thinner than adults’ and has a higher pH level. It has to put up with difficult conditions, spending most of the day and night wrapped tightly in

Infant skin care is a very gentle procedure. Avoid harsh soaps or artificial cleansing products and most of the time the condition will simply go away naturally. However, like anything related to your baby, if you have any doubts make sure that you consult a medical specialist as soon as possible.

Of course, you should consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about these conditions, but generally they are simple to care for and can be easily addressed with some natural home care remedies. Here are the three most common skin care complaints for babies and some simple remedies for them.

“Laugh a lot, and when you’re older, all your wrinkles will be in the right places”

-        Anonymous

There are few things as soft and smooth as a baby’s bottom, at least if you believe the expression. With few exceptions, a baby’s skin is soft, clear, and wrinkle-free – and it usually stays that way until early adolescence. After that, however, it usually goes downhill.

You can, however, do something about it. You can’t stop the effects of aging entirely, but there are  ways to help keep your skin looking fresh, clear, and young. All it takes is a little care, and a bit of help from us.

The Teen Years and Hormones

Puberty brings a lot of hormonal changes, and along with this rush of hormones comes a lot of skin changes. Among the most common changes are increased oil production, along with its more annoying cousin: acne.

The best thing you can do for your skin at this age is protect it from the sun. This means staying in the shade as much as possible, and wearing sun protection when you have to get under the sun. Our suggestion, dab on some Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream everyday.

Of course, there’s still the problem plaguing teenagers the world over: acne. Washing your face regularly is a great way to keep your skin clean and free from oil, and a mild scrub like Diana Stalder Oatmeal Beauty Bar does wonders. If you need something a bit more potent to combat pimples, Diana Stalder Tea Tree Beauty Bar has antimicrobial properties that are very effective against acne and fungi.

The 20′s: First Signs of Aging

The first signs of aging usually begin in your 20′s, when the collagen and elastin that have kept your skin soft and supple start to break down. Once again, UV protection is your best bet to control any skin damage. Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion contains an SPF 30 sunscreen that protects skin against harmful sun rays, and gently moisturizes your skin, helping prevent premature aging.

The 30′s: Early Environmental Damage

Damage from sun exposure usually begins to show up in your 30′s, but the good news is that sun-induced wrinkles are still barely visible at this age. Your skin’s collagen and elastin continue to lose their spring too, making skin care more important.

On top of protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, moisturizing skin becomes even more important. A soap like Diana Stalder Collagen Beauty Bar helps restore your skin’s elasticity, as does Diana Stalder Skin Revitalizer.

The 40′s & 50′s: Revealing the Damage

Moisturizing comes to the forefront in your 40′s & 50′s. Dead skin cells start to stick around longer, but a mild scrub like Diana Stalder Oatmeal Beauty Bar can help solve that. Diana Stalder Nourishing Crème  exfoliates your skin as well, and also maintain your skin’s elasticity.

If you haven’t done your diligence protecting your skin from sun damage, this is the time it starts showing up. This is also the when wrinkles, age spots, and spider veins become evident. As always, moisturizers and sunscreen should be a part of your daily skin care regimen, and a product like Diana Stalder SBF-Collagen Cream gives you both.

The 60′s and Beyond: Protection & Pampering Paying Off

When you hit your 60′s, a lifetime of skin care starts paying off. You can’t stop the clock completely, so  your skin probably shows some signs of aging already. Fortunately, if you’ve taken good care of your skin, your wrinkles, spots, and other blemishes won’t be too obvious.

This doesn’t mean you should stop caring for your skin though. A daily dose of moisturizer, a dab of SPF, and continued care should help keep your skin young and fresh. Of course, smiling a lot helps too – if you’re going to have wrinkles anyway, you can at least have your wrinkles in the right places.

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Hormones and Your Skin

Thursday, 2012-05-03

Hormones are chemicals produced by the human body to control and regulate its functions. These hormones affect everything, from moods and appetite, to growth and reproduction. This, of course, means that hormones affect your skin too.

How, exactly, do hormones affect your skin? The answer is that it depends on the hormone, and how much of it you produce. Need a more specific answer? Here’s a brief guide.

Testosterone

One of the effects of increased testosterone levels is increased oil production. Another is the rapid growth of corneal cells, which can accumulate in sebaceous or oil glands. Combine the two – plugged ducts and increased oil production – and you have a recipe for acne.

While we can’t help you bring down your testosterone levels, we can help you deal with the symptoms. Regular application of Diana Stalder Night Gel combats the inflammation and bacterial growth that leads to bad acne breakouts. If you’d like, you can also try the Diana Stalder Surely White Acne Treatment Kit, which includes the Night Gel as well as other acne-fighting products.

Thyroxin

Thyroxin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. If you produce too much of it, your skin gets easily flushed and sweaty, and also starts looking warm and smooth. Unfortunately, your skin also becomes thinner and more fragile.

If you produce too little thyroxin, on the other hand, your skin can become coarse, thick, dry, and scaly. Your sweat glands also begin to shut down, making it more difficult to sweat.

Either way, you’re likely to suffer rapid hair loss. Because both of these conditions stress your body, it can redirect energy and nutrients from hair cells and follicles to other areas.

Estrogen

Estrogens, both natural and synthetic, decrease the effects of testosterone and other male sex hormones. This leads to decreased oil production, which in turn, helps prevent acne. For this reason, birth control pills are sometimes prescribed off-label to treat acne.

Reduced estrogen levels, on the other hand, lead to significant changes in the skin. It causes a decrease in collagen and a reduction in the number of blood vessels. This leads to dry, fragile, pale, inelastic skin that is more prone to wrinkles. One way to combat this is by regular washing with Diana Stalder Collagen Beauty Bar.

However, not everything is rosy when it comes to estrogen. High estrogen levels can trigger an increase in melanin production. This can cause patchy discolorations on the face which are known as melasma. If you are prone to melasma, we recommend protecting your skin from the sun with a sunscreen like Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream, as well as loading your diet with antioxidant-rich food. To deal with the melasma, we also recommend regular washing with Diana Stalder Black Soap.

Like it or not, your hormone levels will keep changing, whether due to health conditions, illnesses, or aging. One of the keys to healthy skin is knowing how to deal with these changes. We hope this post helps you do that, or at least gives you a starting point.

Do you have any of your own tips to share? Leave a comment below and let us know!

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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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Posted by pgesmundo

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!

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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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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.

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What is Toasted Skin Syndrome?

Saturday, 2012-02-11

If you’re reading this on your laptop, and it’s on your lap, stop. Put your laptop on a desk (or another flat surface), get comfortable, then continue reading. Laptop off your lap? Good. Let’s begin.

What causes it?

Toasted skin syndrome, as the name suggests, is discoloration of skin that has been exposed to heat for prolonged periods. Technically called erythema ab igne (which means redness from fire), this condition is also known as hot water bottle rash, fire stains, and laptop thigh, among others.

As the multiple names suggest, the condition can be caused by several heat sources. Anything that gives off mild to moderate heat, somewhere between 109.4°F to 116.6°F  (43°C to 47°C), can cause this rash.

I don’t touch things that are that hot, do I?

One of the culprits could be your laptop, which can heat up to 111°F  (44°C), or even higher if you end up blocking the exhaust fan. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), the rash   usually affects only one leg (usually the left).

If you suffer from chronic pain and often reach for hot water bottles and heating pads, you’re at risk too. Your hot compress can bring very welcome pain relief, but keep it on too long and it could also give you unwanted skin discoloration.

You might want to check other heat sources at home and in the car too. Heated seats, electric heaters, and even your fireplace could be cause for concern.

Sometimes, it’s just an occupational hazard. Bakers and chefs might have toasted skin on their arms, silversmiths and jewellers might get a rash on their faces, and others might have discoloration elsewhere.

Basically, if you’re exposed to heat for extended periods, you should be careful.

How will I know if I have erythema ab igne?

For some people, the first clue is mild itchiness and a burning sensation. However, most people would probably ignore this. The first cause for concern is usually a mild red rash that can be described as mottled, blotchy, or sponge-patterned.

My skin is toasted. Should I be worried?

Toasted skin syndrome is generally harmless, and if you only see slight redness, it should resolve itself in a few months. In some cases, the discoloration may be too severe, making resolution unlikely, and the skin darkening likely permanent.

In very rare cases, enough damage has been done to cause skin cancers. There are no known skin cancer cases linked to laptop use, but it might still be a good idea to keep that laptop off your lap, or at least use a heat shield under it.

What can I do about my toasted skin?

The most important thing is to stop, or at least minimize your exposure to the source of heat. If it’s your laptop, use a heat shield, or better yet, get it off your lap completely. If it’s your hot compress or a heated seat, time your sessions. Put the heat on for 10 minutes at most, and give your skin time to cool down. If it’s part of your job, well… all we can recommend is that you pamper your skin when you can.

One way to do this is by washing with Diana Stalder Vitamin A Beauty Bar. As we mentioned in a previous post 5 Skin Care Facts You Need to Know, “vitamin A does wonders to repair damaged skin.” Who knows? Maybe, with the right skin care regimen, you can undo the damage and un-toast your skin.

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

Skin Damaging Habits

Thursday, 2012-02-09

Beautiful skin is the result of continual skin care, a little help from good genes, and protection from damage. We try to provide you with the best products to care for your skin, but we can’t help you with your genes. We can, however, help you protect your skin from the elements.

We’ve listed down 7 things that contribute to aging skin, and we hope we can help you avoid these skin damaging habits.

Forgetting Sunscreen

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the best thing you can do for your skin is protect it from the sun. Staying in the shade helps, but it isn’t enough. UV rays can bounce off other surfaces and burn you, and can even penetrate your clothes and your car windows. Waiting for a cloudy day doesn’t really help much either. The clouds can’t protect you from the sun’s UV rays. There’s no way around it – put on a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, like Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream, and your skin will thank you for it.

Not Washing Before Bed

Your skin tries to repair itself at night, but it can’t do this if your pores are clogged up with makeup, dirt, or whatever else your skin encounters during the day. Wash up in the evening, and give your skin a chance to replenish itself.

Vigorous Cleaning

Scrubbing your skin raw leaves it more prone to damage to dirt, the sun, and other potentially harmful elements. Clean it, but don’t go too harsh. Stick to a gentle cleanser like Diana Stalder Facial Scrub.

Excessive Moisturizing

Moisturizing is good, but you can have too much of a good thing. Putting on too much moisturizer can clog your pores, and can also prevent dead skin cells from coming off your skin.

A good rule of thumb is this: check your skin 15 minutes after you put on moisturizer. If it feels oily, it means your skin can’t absorb the moisturizer anymore, and you should use a little less next time around.

Neglecting Your Products

It’s hard to believe how quickly bacteria can accumulate on your cosmetics and other products, especially since we can’t see it with our naked eyes. Keep them clean using a professional makeup disinfectant, and toss some items every so often. Some experts recommend replacing mascara, eyeliner, and other eye makeup every six months. If you don’t take care of your makeup, you might look good for a night, but feel terrible for quite a while longer.

Avoiding Exercise

Exercise helps to tone your muscles and gets your blood flowing. This gives you some pep in your step, flushes out toxins, and generally helps you feel better. Get a sweat going regularly, and your skin won’t be the only thing glowing about you.

Smoking

On top of the many known dangers of smoking, cigarette smoke depletes your body of Vitamin C, a key ingredient for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. This vitamin-depleting effect happens whether you smoke or simply spend time with a smoker. If you want wrinkles and dry skin, cigarettes will help you along the way.

Can you think of other skin damaging habits that we didn’t mention here? Share them with us in the comments below.

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

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!

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

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