Habits to Maintain for Dazzling Skin - Two

Dear Curious Mind Subscriber,

Do you want beautiful skin?  What are your beauty habits?  

The skin is the largest organ of our body, it is complex, highly dynamic system and plays a very crucial role to our general well-being.  So it is but natural that we take good care of our skin.

Here are some tips you will want to do to have that flawless - beautiful skin.  The following habits are actually shared by most dermatologists as their best advices for a clear complexion.

Good Habit #1:  Eat Healthy Foods

Healthy foods refer to those that help your skin and body fight against the bad forces outside and inside.   You must consider antioxidants such as vitamin A, C and E as they are highly potent for sun damage and fight certain cancers, including skin cancer.  This is actually the reason that makes antioxidants essential to your health.   Along with this, a well balanced diet is highly recommended.   This means making yourself comfortable with a diet filled with at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables, plus a multivitamin that meets the RDA standards.

Good Habit #6:  Avoid Wearing Your Makeup to Bed at Night

I guess, all of you know this rule, but just sometimes do it anyway.   Well, it is necessary to note that layers of foundation, powder and even blusher left on overnight can cause the skin pores to clog and lead to acne or folliculitis.   Knowing this warning, you must then take it all off before bed.  You can do this by way of using a mild non-soap cleanser.   However, remember not to waste bucks on a cleanser with glycolic acid or AHAs.  As often said, it’s not on your face long enough to absorb into the skin.  The mentioned ingredients are more effective in moisturizer than in cleanser.

Good Habit #7:  Hands off Those Zits

We all get zits.  That’s the truth.  But, it doesn’t mean that we will just let those zits ruin our lives.   We must do something to prevent them from forming, and we must do it by simply not to poke, prod, pop, or squeeze them.   These actions can just prolong a zit’s life and make the problem worse.   They may even lead to scarring as well as spread of infection.   So, to speed up healing, never squeeze or poke them.   Simply cleanse your face, and then apply a warm compress, like a clean and damp wash cloth.  Then, dab your face on an over the counter cream or lotion containing a drying agent like the salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur.

Good Habit #8:  Rest and Get Enough Sleep

Many of us don’t get enough sleep and are stressed.  Actually, there haven’t been any conclusive studies on how being tired affects the condition of the skin.  But, the effects are not generally hard to detect.  One of the most common effects is under-eye circles.  So, to avoid whatever unfavorable effects there may be, you must budget in sleep time.  This may include a short afternoon nap whenever you can manage it.   However, don’t sleep in the same position for years on end as this can lead to wrinkles.   Perhaps the best way to consider is looking for a special pillow that helps prevent sleep creases on your face.

Good Habit #9:  Drink Plenty of Water

The bottom line here is to adopt plenty of water everyday as your mantra.  You should know that drinking water does keep you hydrated.  This even helps your skin to look and feel better.  So, get in the standard of 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses throughout the day.  You can drink more if you are a heavy exerciser.   And, if you are into low-cal liquids, drink more water to avoid dehydration.  Note that most of the new sugar substitutes today are dehydrating.

As presented there are a lot of habits that we oftentimes ignore, thinking that they don’t play a significant role in our lives.   But, the truth is, everything we do has a corresponding meaning and role that needs to be revealed and considered.  If your main goal is attaining beautiful skin and general well-being, then a healthy lifestyle is worth maintaining.  Note that our daily habits mean everything.

PS1:Did you find this article useful? Please share with your friends, they may like it too.

PS2: Knowledge is Power. Subscribe to receive regular posts about our favorite topics.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Habits to Maintain for Dazzling Skin

Dear Curious Mind Subscriber,

Do you want beautiful skin?  What are your beauty habits?  

The skin is the largest organ of our body, it is complex, highly dynamic system and plays a very crucial role to our general well-being.  So it is but natural that we take good care of our skin.

Here are some tips you will want to do to have that flawless - beautiful skin.  The following habits are actually shared by most dermatologists as their best advices for a clear complexion.

Good Habit #1:  Avoid Too Much Cosmeceuticals

Numerous experts have said that with more and more beauty potions with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), antioxidants, salicylic acids, and retinoids in them, blending a cleanser from one line with a scrub or daytime moisturizer from another, then a night cream from yet another can lead to over-exfoliation as well as irritation.   This can no doubt add up to a real dilemma, especially for those women who have olive and darker complexions.   This is also possible for women who are more prone to discoloration when their skin is irritated.

So, to play it really safe, it is important that you only stick with one line of products.  But, only use the line of products which are formulated to work together.   It is often said that if for instance you use any prescription products like the famous Renova, the advice of your dermatologist is highly needed.   Ask your specialist regarding on how to mix prescription treatments with the over the counter cosmeceutical products.   Just don’t overdo beauty products.

Good Habit #2:  Consider a Healthy Exercise

Exercise is great for a beautiful skin.   So, considering at least twenty to thirty minutes of any aerobic exercise is worth trying.  It will give you a glow, as it is often said.  One of the supports for this is the fact that exercise boosts blood flow.  It is this increased blood flow which will bring more nutrients to the skin.  However, it is important to be aware that the accumulation of sebum or oil through perspiration can result in sweatband acne, folliculitis, as well as spiky heat.  But, don’t worry; there is a simple solution for this – shower as soon as possible after shaking your booty.

Good Habit #3:  Intimate with the Phone?  Don’t Be!

Always note that constant rubbing on the mouthpiece may lead to rashes around the chin and mouth.   This is what many people have believed, including dermatologists.  So, it is important that when talking to somebody on the phone, hold the phone away from those mentioned areas when talking.  Also, clean the phone often with a mild soapy solution or perhaps rubbing alcohol.

Good Habit #4:   Examine Your Birthday Suit for Spots

When it comes to skin care, any sudden or suspicious-looking mole, bump or other growth on the skin is a reason to see a dermatologist.  Nevertheless, as skin cancer rates skyrocketed, having a full body check up by a professional is very crucial.  This is especially true for those us living in the baby-oil-and-iodine, pre-sunscreen generation. 

Also, it is said that those who belong in a high risk group, meaning having a personal or family history of skin cancer, a lot of moles, fair skin, or light eyes or hair, should consult a specialist for a regular check up.   The regular examination should start in their teens and probably no later than age 35.   However, even if you do not belong in a high risk group, it is still recommended that between the ages of 20 and 40, people must have a cancer-related check up.  The check up must include skin exam and must be considered every three to four years.   Once you hit your 40s, start undergoing a cancer-related examination with skin exam every year.   Aside from that, it is advisable that you do monthly self-exams in order for you to keep an eye out for changes and growths.

PS1:Did you find this article useful? Please share with your friends, they may like it too.

PS2: Knowledge is Power. Subscribe to receive regular posts about our favorite topics.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Three Habits You Don't Want to Continue Doing

Dear Curious Mind Subscriber,

As you all know, our skin is the obvious appearance of who or what we are, or perhaps would like to be.  It is the largest organ of our body, which is a complex and highly dynamic system that plays a very crucial role to our general well-being.  Our skin even sometimes reflects our health as well.  It’s our body’s canvas and one of its most valuable assets.

Is your skin as soft and healthy as you’d like?  You may be sabotaging it without even knowing.  Here are three habits you must break to maintain a beautiful and healthy skin.

Bad Habit #1:  Shaving Dry

It is important to note that shaving legs and underarms dry can cause irritation, ingrown hairs and razor burn.  So, to nurture the skin, softening it in the shower for about 10 minutes is worth considering.   Most experts even recommend this stuff for those who wish to attain good looking skin.  After doing it, you must apply a layer of shaving cream and not soap, which will just dull the razor and invite cuts.   You must shave in long strokes.  And, slather on body lotion post-shower.

Bad Habit #2:  Ignoring Incidental Sun Exposure

It is true that walking from your car or wherever you may be to the office under the sun may not be as damaging as spending hours baking on the beach.  However, it is important to note that even just a few minutes of exposure here and there doesn’t mean that you won’t get wrinkles.  It does bring on wrinkles just the same.   For that, you should try wearing a daily SPF lotion specially formulated for facial application.   Many experts suggest brands of SPF lotion like the Clinique and Neutrogena as they have versions that really work well under makeup.

Bad Habit #3:  Avoiding Exfoliation

It is often said that considering exfoliation of the skin brings out great results.   Perhaps this is for the reason that if you just ignore exfoliation, dead skin cells will start to build up on the skin, causing itchiness and rashes, especially on the unpredictable or dry weather.   So, it is often recommended that you scrub your skin daily with a puff, a loofah, or a grainy exfoliator to help sweep rough skin away.   After scrubbing, apply moisturizer to lock in softness.

PS1:Did you find this article useful? Please share with your friends, they may like it too.

PS2: Knowledge is Power. Subscribe to receive regular posts about our favorite topics.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Care for Your Feet

Swapping heels for flats damages calf muscles

Wearing heels regularly can make calf muscles 13 percent shorter. Women who spend most of their time tottering around in high heels might suffer from muscle damage, which makes it uncomfortable to walk in flat shoes, scientists claim.

It is a familiar sight in the streets and alleys around office blocks — women slipping out of their stilettos and into their pumps or trainers for the walk home.

But they might be better off if they don't change their shoes at all, according to research. Women who spend most of their time tottering around in high heels might suffer from muscle damage, which makes it uncomfortable to walk in flat shoes, scientists claim.

This is because, over time, walking in heels causes calf muscles to become shorter and weaker. When the wearer switches to flats, the muscles are suddenly stretched into a position they are not used to, causing pain and discomfort.  Shortening effect. 

Scientists at Manchester Metropolitan University found that women who wear heels five days a week over two years can shrink their calf muscles by up to 13 percent.  They say this shortening effect can be permanent and the only way to prevent it is by doing stretching exercises at the end of the day.

The researchers found that even women who wear relatively low two-inch heels can suffer from long-term muscle damage. High heels effectively cause the wearer to walk on tiptoe, reducing the distance between their ankles and the backs of their knees.  To compensate, the calf muscles contract — and will usually stretch out again once the heels are taken off. But if high shoes are worn for most of the day, for weeks on end, the muscles can shrink permanently and become weaker.

The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, involved women who had worn heels at least two inches high on a regular basis during the previous two years.  I t found that their calf muscles were, on average, 13 percent shorter than those who stick to flats. 

Professor Marco Narici, who led the research, said: "Women who wear heels fairly regularly will see a chronic effect on their calf muscles. They will become progressively shorter and will find it difficult to stretch out again once these shoes are taken off and the woman tries to walk around normally.But the researchers said regular stretching exercises after removing the shoes could prevent calf muscles from shortening. 

One recommendation involves placing the right foot on a step and the left foot on the next step up. The right foot should be moved so that the heel hangs off the step and lowered until the calf muscle feels stretched. This should be repeated several times on each side.

SOURCE: Gulf News News Dept