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

Common Skin Care Mistakes

Tuesday, 2012-03-06

We all know that a good skin care regimen is vital to healthy, glowing skin. This involves regular cleaning, moisturizing, exfoliating, wearing sunscreen, and a whole host of other things. With all the different things to think about, not to mention all the products out in the market, it can be difficult to come up with an effective skin care regimen. In fact, it’s quite possible that some of the things you do to take care of your skin are doing quite the opposite.

We can’t cover all the possible skin care mistakes you can make, but we can, however, share some of the most common. Here are a few that we think you should watch out for.

Skimping on the sunscreen

One of the best things you can do for your skin is protect it from damage from the sun. Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s UV rays can still harm your skin, so it’s important to apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 everyday. Our pick is Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream.

Using too much moisturizer

Moisturizers work by trapping water in your skin cells, plumping up your skin temporarily. If your have oily or acne prone skin, however, moisturizer isn’t what it needs. Skip the moisturizer and go straight to the sunscreen – your skin’s natural oils are enough.

Even if you have dry skin, or if you have dry spots, be careful about putting too much moisturizer. Doing this can cause dead skin cells to build up on the surface of your skin, making it dull and coarse.

Not washing up at night

If you go to bed without washing your face, you leave makeup, sweat, dirt, oils, and other skin-damaging elements on your face all night. At the very least, this prevents from your skin from repairing itself at night while you sleep. Worse, not washing up can (and most likely will) aggravate any skin problems you have. Do your skin a favor and wash your face before going to bed.

Touching your face

Unless you’ve just washed your hands, you definitely don’t want to touch your face during the day. If you’re tempted, just think of the dirt, bacteria, and other impurities that your hands and fingers come into contact with throughout the day. Now imagine putting all of that on your face. Still tempted to touch your face? We didn’t think so.

Cleaning too vigorously

Even if you touched your face with dirty hands, resist the temptation to scrub your face clean. Over zealous cleaning could strip your skin of essential oils that protect it from dirt, the sun, and other potentially harmful elements. Wash up regularly, but stick with a gentle cleanser like Diana Stalder Facial Scrub.

Not staying hydrated

One of the keys to healthy skin (and a healthy body) is staying hydrated. This means drinking enough water, but don’t limit yourself to that. You can get water from juices, fruits, and other sources too. Watch out for sodas and other sugary drinks though – they don’t help you stay hydrated as much as water does, and can even do more harm than good.

Not getting enough sleep

When you sleep, you give your body time to recharge, revitalize, and repair itself. Your skin protects you from damaging environmental elements all day, so it needs to get some rest at night. Our suggestion, especially if you’re reading this at night, is to shut down your computer, go to bed, and have a good night of sleep.

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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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Skin Tips: Caring for Eczema

Wednesday, 2012-02-22

SouthGain is pleased to present the following article by special arrangement with guest writer Aileen Stillman.  If you are interested in submitting a guest article for SouthGainBlog.com, please contact us.

Eczema is a skin condition that can be both irritating and embarrassing. They typical symptoms include dry, itching and reddened skin patches, and it can be treated with moisturizers, topical steroids, and antihistamines. A person with eczema has to fight a constant battle with their skin, but, if you have this disease, there are a lot of things you can do to avoid flare ups.

  1. Start with Good Hygiene – With eczema, your skin is more vulnerable to infections, cold sores, and warts. To avoid these things, it is important to practice good hygiene. Take lukewarm baths. Use soap-free products, as soap may aggravate your eczema, and bath oils to help moisturize your skin. Don’t wash your hair in a bath because shampoo may irritate your skin, and pat your skin to dry it off rather than rubbing.
  2. Moisturize Often – Moisturize your irritated skin as much as possible. This is the best way to keep your symptoms under control. Find a plain, unscented moisturizer and start a schedule. For best results, moisturize after bathing.
  3. Know Your Triggers – You will find out over time what products and environments trigger your eczema. The important thing here is to learn from these experiences and avoid those things that cause your flare ups. You may have to stop using products with fragrance or stop eating certain foods and look for mild products to avoid the chemicals causing your discomfort. Some other things that may be causing your irritation include your laundry detergent and fabric softener, pet dander, certain fabrics, and chlorine in pools.
  4. Be Careful Which Skin Products You Use – Even some hypoallergenic products may irritate your skin. You shouldn’t use make-up whenever possible, and avoid perfumes, lotions, and soaps with strong scents. Test any new products on a small part of your skin in an inconspicuous area to see if your skin reacts to the product.
  5. Avoid Allergens – Some people find that when they avoid certain allergens, their eczema is completely manageable. You may be allergic to dust mites, molds, certain pollens, or specific foods. Try avoiding these things as much as possible to see if your eczema clears up.
  6. Temperature – Sudden temperature and humidity changes may be causing your irritation. You may have noticed that your eczema flares up after going into an air-conditioned building on a hot day or after going into a hot shower. To avoid these drastic temperature changes, don’t overheat your house in the winter or overcool it in the summer, and dress in lots of small layers when you go outside. With eczema, you want to make sure you don’t overheat, and layering your clothing makes this much easier than if you just used one large layer. Also, use a humidifier when the weather is dry and cold, and limit your amount of sun exposure in the warmer months. Some people with eczema go outside without putting on sun screen because most of these lotions irritate their condition, but then they end up harming their skin even more. Stay in the shade as much as possible to avoid overheating as well.
  7. Manage Your Stress Level – Lots of stress could make your eczema symptoms worse, which will make you itch and stress out more. Find a way to manage your stress level. Try meditation, yoga, exercise, a good book, or another hobby to get your mind off your stress.
  8. Don’t Scratch! – Trim your nails to the quick if you have to. Don’t scratch your eczema patches. It can actually make you itch more, and it could cause a skin infection. Try a cold compress, a bath, or medication if your moisturizer isn’t doing the trick.

Aileen Stillman is the creator of bachelorsofscience.org, which is a site devoted to educating readers about their opportunities should they decide to get a Bachelor of Science degree. She enjoys writing articles about skin care, science, and healthy living.

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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!

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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

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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