Popularly referred as glycerol, glycerin is an odorless, sweet tasting liquid which is utilized in different beauty and cosmetic products. It is highly popular because of the different advantages that it can offer for natural skin care. It is obtained from a mix of fat that is obtained from water and vegetable oil.

Glycerin has water-drawing capacity and is non-toxic in character. It draws moisture in the skin and lets it stay nourished and moisturized. It is safe for using in skin care products and used for babies and children. It is a versatile component as it never loses its chemical constancy when combined with other elements.

Glycerin is known for its various advantages that it offers for treating dry skin. It protects chapped skin and aids in creating a smooth skin layer. It draws adequate quantity of moisture that is needed for moisturizing dry skin. This ingredient is used in soaps, creams and body lotions. It is very mild and has no side-effects. It also helps in reducing skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.

Even those with oily skin can use moisturizers or a cleansers containing glycerin without excess drying effects that other products may produce. Glycerin has the capacity to reduce the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles and helps in guarding against bacterial infections. You can use glycerin or products with glycerin on a regular basis to keep skin plump and moisturized.

Many of the Vivoderm facial creams and body creams contain glycerin; including the Cocoa Butter Foot Cream, Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream and Intense Moisturizer among others.  If you are looking for natural products with glycerin that combat acne, try Vivoderm’s Zinc Repairing face cream. It helps to retain the skin’s moisture and reduce the signs of aging thanks to natural sunblock properties that reduces wrinkles and sun damage. Fifteen percent zinc also aids to reduce acne breakouts and heal acne scars.

Playing in the sun is not fun if you have to deal with sunburn afterward.  On long, hot summer days, we are all tempted to spend the day relaxing poolside or at the beach, and most of us have suffered the consequences of too much sun exposure.  The desire for the perfect golden tan can sometimes lead to sunburns, which is very harmful for the skin.  If you suffer from acne, a sunburn can further damage your skin and cause permanent scarring.

Sunburn is a delayed inflammatory reaction when the skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet radiation.  Symptoms of mild sunburn, including redness, tenderness and pain, often occur a few hours after exposure, and can last for several days.  The pain, itching and peeling is the skin’s reaction to excessive UVA and UVB ray exposure.  Although the skin needs time to heal, there are some remedies and treatments available to help the skin repair itself.

Get out of the sun

It may sound simple enough, but we often do not realize we are sunburned until it is too late. Since it is a delayed reaction, the full extent and severity of the burn may not appear until up to 12 hours after exposure.   Stop your sun exposure by seeking shade from trees, umbrellas, hats, etc.  Drink lots  of water, since sunburn causes dehydration.  Get some immediate relief for the pain by adding baking soda to a cool bath, and wear loose clothing that does not stick to the body.

Reduce the pain

Anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil or Ibuprofen can help relieve the redness and pain associated with sunburn.  Aloe vera is a popular treatment for sunburn thanks to its ability to moisturize and repair the skin.  Apply a moisturizing cream containing Aloe vera, and if possible, apply the gel from the actual plant to the affected areas.  Once the burn heals, the skin will begin to peel and may become itchy.  Fight the temptation to pick and scratch, which can irritate the skin a slow the healing process.  Instead, keep the skin moisturized by applying a moisturizing lotion, which can reduce itching.

Prevent sunburn

The best way to deal with sunburn is to not get one.   Sunburn may only seem harmless and temporary, but can have lasting effects on the skin and overall health.  Serious sunburn can cause blisters, shock, lead to cancer and even death if left untreated.  Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.  Wear loose, protective clothing and avoid staying outside for too long during peak hours (10am to 4pm), when sunrays are harsh.  Choose a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30, and use sun-protection products that contain zinc oxide, an inorganic ingredient that can deflect UVA rays.  Try Vivoderm’s zinc cream, a natural product that can be used as a nontoxic sunscreen with 15% Zinc Oxide.

(2009 re-post) Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

Dermascope magazine featuring The Vivoderm Anti Aging Daily Moisturizer January 2015.

“The Anti Aging Daily Moisturizer by Vivoderm is a new, oil-free facial moisturizer infused with comfrey, aloe vera and vitamin E to erase wrinkles and fine lines and heal aging skin. This gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer is super lightweight and ideal for normal to combination skin types. It provides potent natural ingredients for skin moisture and balance. St. John’s Wort and Rosemary supply anti-aging and antioxidant benefits while sage and grape seed soothe and tone the skin.”

The founder and creator of Vivoderm Natural Skincare, Dr. H. Adhami, was recently featured in the November 2014 issue of DERMASCOPE MAGAZINE, in response to questions about the cause and treatment of severe to moderate acne – specifically a teen with severe acne and scarring.

EXCERPT:  “I do not recommend her to use any topical products with acids.  Acids will gradually destroy the top layer of the skin, in turn making the skin thinner, destroying the collagen, and worsening the scarring. I recommend natural products such as masks, containing powerful healing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory herbs such as oregano, cumin and marshmallow.”

Moisturizing Summer Skin Care

One of the questions we hear the most in the skincare industry is, “Do I still need a facial moisturizer in the warm, summer months?”

The answer is undoubtedly “Yes!”

You want to pay attention to texture and formulations, but ALL skin types – even oily skin – still need to hydrate and moisturize in the summer.

And don’t forget, there IS a difference between body lotions and facial creams – never mix the two.  Heavier formulations of body creams could cause your delicate facial skin to break out or hyper-react.

Let’s break down some of the most common skin types and what  types of moisturizer or facial cream to use.

1. NORMAL SKIN

Most normal skin reflects the changing seasons, loosing hydration and becoming more dry in the winter months and slightly more oily or hydrated when the summer comes.

Excessive indoor heating, warm baths and less humidity during winter months will require heavier, richer facial creams usually blended with a base of oil.  So, alternatively, normal skin will require a lighter moisturizer.  Look for water-based versions or vitamin-rich serums or ceramides.  Ultra-light facial lotions will absorb well into the skin while limiting excess oil production.  Water-based lotions should included natural ingredients calm sun-damaged inflammation, such as chamomile, Calendula and Aloe vera.  Also look for Vitamins E and A for natural anti-aging properties.

2. COMBINATION / ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Similar to normal skin, but oily in the T-zone, combination skin may require using two different moisturizers if your skin type is very unbalanced.  Stick with the same water-based moisturizer on the whole facial area as for normal skin, but use combinations of herbal properties for the oiler-T-zones of the forehead, nose and chin.  For instance, on the normal-skin areas of the cheeks and neck, use the lighter formulations with natural anti-redness and sun-healing herbs mentioned above like Aloe vera and Calendula or Oatmeal.  Then for the T-zone, choose herbal ingredients that help keep excess oil and breakouts in check – like lavender, rosemary and green tea.

3. OILY SKIN

Despite the false myth that oily skin doesn’t need any additional moisture – the opposite is actually true.  Even oily skin responds with more balanced oil production when you ADD moisture.  Choose a lighter Vitamin infused serum or herbal formula that does double duty for oil production and anti-aging including Vitamin E, A, C and Rosemary.

4. DRY SKIN

To keep flakiness and wrinkles at bay, dry skin types still demand a heavier version of facial moisturizer for summer – a richer cream vs. a light lotion or serum. You might continue to use the same brand or formulation from your winter skincare routine, but spritz your face first with a refreshing toner or witch hazel to help dilute the cream and increase absorption.  Choose herbal formulas that help your skin fight free-radicals and sun damage with natural Zinc Oxide and Vitamin E and C.

And as always, NO skin care facial routine would be complete without SPF or sun protection.  The Vivoderm Zinc Repairing Facial Cream combines natural Zinc Oxide sun protection with an oil-based moisturizer and natural herbs to provide 15 SPF coverage for your daily routines.  For longer sun exposure, use a higher SFP, like 50-60 when possible.

DERMSTORE Spring 2014 Product Features the Vivoderm Intense Moisturizer and a double package of our Anti-Aging Mask two-package deal.

 

 

 

“Struggling with extremely dry skin? The Vivoderm Intense Moisturizer offers instant relief, utilizing the repairing soothing and moisturizing powers of chamomile, aloe vera, coconut oil and antioxidants to keep your skin smooth supple and hydrated for up to 12 hours. (1.6oz) $43.95″

 ” The ultimate potion to add to your weekly routine. The Vivoderm Anti-Aging Mask! This 100% natural treatment addresses fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone with powerful botanicals like rosemary, mint and green tea. Just mix it with water, yogurt, aloe vera or any of your favorite oils! (3 pieces).”

 

Les Nouvelle Esthetique Magazine features the 100% herbal Anti Aging facial mask from Vivoderm in March 2014.

This 100% herbal and natural mask is designed to wake up and invigorate your skin. Made from pure pulverized herbs and no chemicals.

If you suffer from damaged and dull facial skin, and would like to brighten and smooth your skin, this is the mask for you.

WINTER SKIN CARE during the long winter months means your skin needs protection from cold weather and reduced humidity. Switching to winter-friendly products can keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful.  Following are some great tips to keep your skin glowing and healthy all winter long.

DRINK LOTS of WATER and HOT HERBAL TEAS:

Proper hydration and water consumption is very important to keeping our bodies healthy and our skin from cracking and itching in low humidity and heated environments. Be sure to drink at least 64oz of water per day. Replacing plain water with herbal teas is also beneficial for the warming properties and natural herbal benefits such as anti- inflammatory Chamomile or tummy-soothing Peppermint. Try to stay away from caffeinated beverages, as these can actually increase dehydration.

Water gives the skin a radiant, healthy, younger looking complexion, reduces wrinkles and allows skin to maintain its elasticity and suppleness. Keeping skin hydrated from the outside in – such as using lotions and skin moisturizers – is commonly needed more often in cold, dry months like winter.

USE A QUALITY MOISTURIZER

When there is a change of the epidermal (top, exposed layer of skin) barrier and reduced water content in the top layer of skin, moisturizers are a key component of basic skin care. They are used to restore the protective barrier function of the skin, to cover tiny tears or cracks, to provide a soothing protective film and increase the water-content of the epidermis. They may, slow evaporation of the skin’s moisture, thereby maintaining hydration and improving the appearance of dry and aging skin.

Ingredients that aid skin hydration and smoothness are: Aloe Vera, Jojoba oil, Cocoa Butter, Almond Oil, Propylene Glycol, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid.

KEEP HEATING ELEMENTS AT A LOWER TEMPERATURE

Water consumption and moisturizing is not the only factor in keeping skin hydrated and moist. Many external elements can be damaging and drying to the skin, such as too-hot baths or showers and keeping your indoor heat on high temperatures.  Also consider using a humidifier in your room or office, since it returns the moisture into the air and help the skin stay hydrated.

CHANGE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

During the winter, cold temperatures can lead to dry and cracked skin.  Switch to a mild soap or cream facial cleanser to help keep your skin smooth and soft as opposed to dry and tight after washing.  Products that contain natural moisture such as Aloe vera are also excellent, since they are not harsh on dry, winter skin.
Winter air literally sucks moisture from your skin, so moisturizing is a crucial step in winter skin care.   Even more important to moisturizing is choosing the right product.  Products containing mineral oil, almond oil, or avocado oil work especially well since they keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores.

Moisturizing right after a warm shower will help seal in the water and prevent dry skin.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM UV RAYS

Just because it is cold outside does not mean you should toss your sunscreen tube.  Even when you can’t feel the heat, the sun is still emitting harmful UVA and UVB rays, so it still important to protect your skin.  Apply a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15, or use products containing zinc oxide, which acts as a natural barrier between your skin and the sun.  Surprisingly, the sun’s reflective power on snow can be as high as 80%, so it is possible to be sunburned after spending a day on the ski slopes without sun protection.

Don’t forget to help your lips battle harsh winter conditions with plenty of lip balm  as well.

Winter skin care may differ from summer skin care in the type of products used, but the regimen for healthy skin is the same year round: cleanse, moisturize and protect.

As many are aware, when you start aging, wrinkles and fine lines appear on your face. Your skin starts to lose its elasticity and sag. It at this this crucial moment most women panic and choose harmful or dangerous chemical treatments like, laser surgery, face lifts and botox shots. However, you should know that although they may serve their purpose initially, they can be eventually be unhealthy for your skin and overall health.  And worse, if you choose a skincare “professional” who may not know what they are doing, you could risk serious life-long damage and scarring. Why take such a risk? Why not choose a natural, healthy alternative? Vivoderm’s natural anti-aging facial mask can help you to regain that younger looking skin without all the research and worry.

Going ALL NATURAL with VIVODERM

You cannot turn back time, but with this anti-aging face mask you can get back that young and flawless skin. After applying the mask your skin’s circulation increases dramatically. With the use of the face mask you can repair and rejuvenate your skin. You will be able to notice the immediate change in your skin after the first use of the anti aging mask.
The face mask consists of a delicate balance of herbs and natural ingredients that help in exfoliating dead skin cells to reveal radiant and glowing skin.

With regular use of the Vivoderm mask you will be able to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Designed to invigorate your skin, this face mask contains actual pulverized herbs instead of the extracts. Your skin will get a boost of enzymes and nutrients. Hence, your skin will become firm, flawless and youthful. With the regular use of the anti aging mask fine lines, discolorations and enlarged pores will begin to minimize revealing a fresh and radiant complexion.

So do yourself and your pocketbook a favor – try a natural alternative and see if you don’t love the difference.

Do you hate to look at the mirror anymore because what you see doesn’t reflect the face your remember? You are not alone. Many men and women have reported significant changes in their facial features and skin elasticity after the age of 40. Struggling with tired and wrinkled eyes and sagging skin doesn’t have to be a permanant condition. Starting off

Vivoderm Natural Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream

with a daily skin care routine and adding a natural eye cream to blast those wrinkles can be a few simple steps away.  For some, finding an anti wrinkle eye cream that is effective can be like finding a needle in a haystack. This is the very reason why most women (and men) these days are opting for medical treatments such as botox and chemical peels to get rid of wrinkles fast.

However, the chemical treatments do have their side effects and the cost is beyond the reach of many. Moreover, with time many women and men have now understood the importance of using natural skin care products and taking care of their skin and body to prevent unnecessary invasive treatments. Although, the market is flooded with different under eye creams, they hardly live up to their claims. It has been proven in many outside studies, that these commercial products for aimed at treating wrinkles and dark circles are little to no good at all.

So, if you are in search of a rich, anti wrinkle cream that is truly effective and made from 100% natural ingredients then you should definitely try out Vivoderm’s anti wrinkle eye cream. The Vivoderm anti wrinkle eye cream is infused with natural wrinkle-busting moisturizers like sweet almond oil, coconut oil and omega 3’s along with Vitamins A and E. Beta Carotene, the primary ingredient, is also a natural skin healer and wrinkle reducer. Natural herbs, like lavender help boost your skin’s immune reponse along with healing Aloe Vera. It helps to hydrate, protect and repair the skin dramatically. Using it regularly you will be able to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles under your eyes.

The skin around your eyes is soft, thin and very susceptible to stress and harmful effects of the environment. Hence, it requires special care from you. So do yourself a favor, forgo all those dangerous laser treatments and chemical peels and  treat yourself to a natural eye cream solution today.

There are different skin problems from which women suffer. Patchy skin has become a very common disease or condition of skin, which women face. It is actually irregular colors on skin that appear as patches. Women have more sensitive skin and hence the occurrence of patchy skin is more common in them rather than men. There are different face packs that keep the skin glowing and eliminate the impurities from your skin. The skin texture can be enhanced by using treatments such as steaming, massaging and toning.

Wrinkles are fine creases that are caused by sagging skin. These fine lines are visible on the neck, face, and hands as you start aging. Wrinkles starts to appear when the elastin and collagen present in the connective skin tissue decreases. Skin at this stage tends to lose the elasticity and smoothness it once had in younger years.

Skin aging is inevitable. However, you can definitely delay the signs by using herbal skin care products and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. No genie would grant your wish of stopping the biological clock. Hence, anti-aging skin care is highly essential. Some of the common signs of aging are wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

According to dermatologists sun damage is one of the main factors for the aging skin condition. Other factors are genes and hereditary. Never go outdoors for more than 10 minutes withou suncreen or protective clothing.

“You are what you eat;” Therefore, maintain a healthy diet so that it can have positive effects on your skin. Include food items that have vitamin E in it. It is an anti-aging powerhouse and protects cells from getting damaged.

Some home remedies for anti-aging treatments are as follows:
1. Use grated cucumber as a face mask.
2. Put fresh Aloe Vera gel on your facial skin
3. Massage your face with almond oil before sleeping
4. Use of avocado on skin can be highly beneficial
5. Sandalwood oil is also good as an anti aging treatment
6. Milk, honey and glycerin are also good for battling against skin aging
7. Use a face pack made from crushed grapes for 15 minutes and wash it with warm water

If you smoke, you MUST quit – or at least try to cut down gradually, then quit.  Similarly you need to give up on alcohol too if you want to stop your skin aging. Stress and lack of sleep are also two of the vital aspects for premature skin aging. Drink lots of water so that your body system remains detoxified at all times. With a healthy body you will be able to maintain a healthy and young skin for a long time.

Dark circles under the eyes tend to make one look older than they are and just plain tired. This can be a long time struggle in your life or it can be something you just started noticing. However, you can still reduce the appearance of these circles or even remove them completely. You can try out some home remedies for yourself or you can go for the natural under eye creams for dark circles that are available in the market.

Are you fed up with skin care products that are loaded with chemicals and that blind you with their temporary short term effects? If yes then give it a thought, a mere thought of consideration of natural products that are easily available and that have beautifying capabilities. There are so many natural skin care products that will make your skin smooth, radiant and youthful by genuine ways. Products with mineral oil, fragrances and alcohol should be avoided. There are different natural treatments that must be followed for best expected results.

What is Tea?

Green-Tea-and Herbal Skin Care

Tea is the common name for the Camellia sinensis plant. It is the agricultural product of the leaves, leaf buds, and internodes (the portion of a plant stem between nodes) of the plant that are prepared and cured by various methods. “Tea” also refers to the aromatic beverage prepared from the cured leaves by combination with hot or boiling water.

Facial rejuvenation is the term used to encompass all forms of restoring a youthful appearance to the face. It includes the broad categories of:

* Injectables (Botox® & fillers) (See BotoxFacts.ca for additional uses of Botox®);
* Resurfacing procedures (laser treatment, microdermabrasion & chemical peels);
* Surgical rejuvenation (brow lifts, eyelid surgery; facelifts, nose jobs, face and chin augmentation, and neck lifts);
* Topical tretinoin and tazarotene which reverse sun damage and enhance collagen production. The normal changes associated with facial aging are the result of both:

* intrinsic (age related fat and bone loss known as atrophy, and skin laxity for example) and
* extrinsic factors (like ultraviolet light / sunlight, chemicals, and smoking).

These factors contribute to biological changes associated with age and create predictable patterns of facial change. An over-simplistic analogy is mimicked by the changes in the helium balloon your child wouldn’t let you throw away. With time there is loss of internal volume (gas in this example) and as a result the covering loses its taught shape, luster, and becomes wrinkled. Moreover, there is a marked change in shape of the entire structure. Naturally, similar changes on your face can be highly distressing especially since many available treatments are being promoted.

Physicians can treat facial aging three ways: through reduction (making the skin “fit”), augmentation (“stretching” the skin back to normal) or a combination of the two.

When it comes to choosing a rejuvenation procedure, the severity of the facial aging must be considered. Here’s a review:

* Wrinkles (individual fine or deep rhytids) are managed well by Botox® or injectable fillers. Although other agents are touted to produce similar results, Botox® is currently unsurpassed in its ability to soften or eliminate wrinkles caused directly by the action of underlying muscles of facial animation. (Botox Facts has more information for you)

* For wrinkles that may not be contributed to directly by facial movement or for depressed scars; superficial or deep fillers (ranging from collagen, hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid to silicone particles and bone cement and even your own injected fat). These can also be used for wrinkles, scars, and soft tissue augmentation (most commnly lip augmentation).

* When you have wrinkles involving larger areas or if it’s related to sun-damage, the underlying problem commonly lies in the biological changes in the skin itself. Here rejuvenation methods such as laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels act to restore some of the lost intrinsic biologic properties of the skin and can provide a significant restorative change over these large areas. These treatments use light associated heat, physical sanding, or chemicals, respectively, to remove the surface layers of the skin and hence stimulate a regenerative-like process. Many common skin creams advertised to improve facial wrinkles contain glycolic or other acids used in light chemical peels to help improve the taughtness of your treated skin.

* As the severity of skin aging increases, injection and resurfacing procedures may be combined themselves or with surgical rejuvenation (possibly in a staged fashion).
* Surgical management of more severe forms of facial aging can be through an additive (implants), reductive (excisions or tucks), or combined approach. Modern rhinoplasties (“nosejobs”) are a good example where combined approaches of reduction by excision and

augmentation through cartilage grafting are employed. As these procedures typically address changes in the three-dimensional volume (deep structures) and in the skin (envelope or cover) they obviously provide the greatest extent of rejuvenation and can address the greatest degrees of facial change. That said, they do come with a limited amount of scaring and the possibly some temporary numbness. Often these scars, created in lines of election, are fine and highly acceptable with some rare exceptions.

* Topical tretinoin and tazarotene can improve fine lines and the general appearance of the skin. The down-side is that you need to continue to use these topical treatments in order to maintain its effect. Sometimes, tretinoin and tazarotene can be combined with the procedures listed above to enhance the effects.

Although you may hear more and more about treating aging skin with the procedures and products mentioned above, we all know that the best form of care is through modification of your exposure to the extrinsic “modifiable” risk factors, like sun exposure (See Skin Cancer Guide for more information).

By: Dr Bryce J Cowan BSc MSc MD PhD FRCS(C)

Natural anti-aging skin treatment products such as supplements and those facial masks that contain a blend of ingredients extracted from different plants are also well-known method of anti-aging application. Many of these target wrinkles, lines, scars, and mars, which usually set on your skin starting at the early 30’s. You should be able to know how to spot which natural product will work best on your skin and which will not. There are also great natural tips you can incorporate to reduce the signs of aging. Keep reading!

Skin aging is inevitably a process that seems to speed up because of the many elements of toxins produced by the modern age. These toxins are like poisons that attack our body and cause the skin to develop nasty acne and inflammations, which can be very tough to reduce of if not properly treated. If you are not careful of your daily lifestyle, a bad skin condition can worsen and speed up the development of skin aging, resulting in drying, sagging, and skin wrinkling.

The good news is there are many ways to treat skin aging problems today. Anti-aging treatments and creams are encapsulated to contain many vitamins and nutrients known to be very beneficial to the skin. With the help of these products, it is possible to alleviate skin problems as well as avoid undergoing delicate and sometimes complex dermatological procedures such as botox, dermabrasion or laser treatments.

Dermabrasion is one of the widely acknowledged anti-aging treatment and is used to speed up removal of wrinkles, lines and abrasions. Microdermabrasion is another kind of anti-aging treatment which uses fine crystal mists to work on sagging, wrinkling skin. Hydroderm also makes it possible to delay the aging process by removing skin lines associated with aging. All these treatments can be easily acquired nowadays and are known to be effective and safe for almost every skin type and color.

But before you resort to these harsher anti-aging treatment procedures, that there are simpler things you can do to delay the appearance of wrinkles.  The first step is to implement a regular skincare routine as early as possible. A good daily routine and a healthy lifestyle can always hide your true age and never let them guess how old, or young, you are.

• Follow these three regular routine: cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face skin. On your body skin, follow the same and use a good moisturizing lotion. Applying sun screen or sun block will also help prevent those outside toxins from ruining your skin. Weekly facial mask treatments (depending on your skin type) are also an excellent way to keep your skin fresh and revitalized.

• The appearance of the skin on your neck shows your age. Therefore, be sure to not only pay attention to your face but on your neck when moisturizing or using a face mask.

• Avoid applying heavy make up on your face. It only shows how frustrated you are with the process of your skin aging, not to mention it can be tough on your skin too. Choose cream based blush cheek color or foundation rather than a fine powdered one that can accentuate wrinkles.

• Topping dusty or caramel pinks with gloss will make your lips appear much younger. Avoiding deep brown mauves and matte reds will also help the same. You will also get benefits of looking younger if you avoid black eyeliners. Use instead brown or grey eyeliners.

• You will appear younger if you use colored plastic eyeglasses than metal framed ones.

• Having well-shaped and arched eyebrows might not sound significant,  but it is if you want to take years off your face. Medium thick eyebrows are always a good choice if possible.

• When getting a new haircut, always opt for one that will frame your face well. Bangs (or fringe) are a great way to reduce the number of years as well as looking cute and fun!

• And most importantly, quit smoking. We all know it is one of the great contributors of aging. Try for a healthier diet and lifestyle and you will worry less over wrinkles and lines attacking too soon.

By Van Le | The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but dark under-eye circles may be the unattractive curtains that scream “look at me!”  You can have flawless skin, the right complexion and perfect makeup, but those dark half-circle patches under the eyes can ruin your entire look.  The most common cause of dark under-eye circle is exhaustion and lack of sleep, however, genetics, aging and a poor diet can contribute to the problem.

The skin under the eyes is thin and delicate, and any disturbances in the body can cause blood vessels near the surface to dilate.  The results can be dramatized and magnified in the area under the eyes, where the skin is thinnest.  Fatigue and lack of sleep can cause pale skin, which makes the appearance of dilated blood vessels more obvious.

Also, dark under-eye circles are part of the natural aging process, since the skin becomes more fragile over time.  Lack of nutrition can also be a
culprit.  Excessive salt, smoking, and vitamin deficiency are all contributing factors.  For those who suffer from this condition as a result of genetics, all hope is not lost.  There are several natural remedies that can reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

Cucumbers and Tea Bags

There’s a reason why they give you cucumber for your eyes at the spas.  Due to its cooling effect, cucumbers refresh the skin and help sooth tired eyes.  Place cooled cucumber slices or cotton balls dipped in cucumber juice over the eyes for 15-20 minutes.  Teabags contain high amounts of tannin, which reduces discoloration and swelling.  Simply place chilled tea bags over the eyes for 15 minutes.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice helps lighten the skin under the eyes.  Combine equal amounts of tomato and lemon juice to the dark areas twice a day, being careful not to get it in your eyes.  A mixture of lemon juice and lanolin cream can also help decrease the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

Almond Oil

Almond oil has excellent nourishing properties, and is easily absorbed by the skin.  Gently rub the oil in the area under the eyes twice a day for
nourished skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E constricts blood vessels from dilating and decreases fluid retention, which lessens the appearance of under-eye circles.  Vitamin E’s
antioxidant properties help the skin look vibrant.  Break open a Vitamin E capsule and apply it to dark circles daily, and visible improvement can be seen within days.

Although there are no cures for dark under-eye circles, there are several remedies and products available to help reduce its appearance.  Vivoderm’s  under eye cream contains lemon, almond oil, vitamin E and other natural ingredients that help reduce not only the appearance of dark under-eye circles, but also wrinkles and fine lines.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://herbalfacialskincare.com

By Van Le |  Not too many years ago, skin care consisted simply of water and soap.  Fast forward a few decades, skincare now consists of a myriad of products, procedures, and devices that help the industry pull in billions of dollars annually.  The fight against aging has specifically heated up, as baby boomers’ demand for aesthetic skincare procedures to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skins has skyrocketed.

There are now several procedures available, including laser treatments, dermabrasions, and ultrasonic skin care treatments to help consumers temporarily turn back the hands of time and reduce signs of aging.

Laser and LED treatments

Laser treatments have historically been well-known for hair removal, however, modern lasers are also used for popular skin rejuvenation treatments .  In this outpatient procedure, the laser removes the damaged surface layer of skin to reveal a new or subdermal layer of skin.  Depending on the skin type and desired results, there are several types of laser rejuvenation treatments available, including CO2, Erbium, and non-ablative lasers, but all laser treatments essential work the same way.

According to the American Society for Dermatologist Surgery, “the laser beam can gently vaporize and/or ablate skin tissue to improve wrinkles, scars and blemishes, seal blood vessels or cut skin tissue.”  This causes new, firmer, younger-looking skin to grow in its place.  LED rejuvenation laser treatments stimulate cells to produce collagen and elastin, and are different than regular lasers in that they penetrate deeper into the cell.  LED treatment has been called the “non surgical facelift” and is approved by the Federal Drug Administration as a safe anti-aging procedure.

Dermabrasions

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the epidermis (outer) layers of the skin containing wrinkles, fine lines, and scars are sandblasted away to reveal fresh, flawless skin.  After the procedure, scabs will form over the treated area, and new layers of skin are visible once the scabs fall off.  Dermabrasion is very effective in removing deep scars, especially those left by adult acne.  Microdermabrasion is similar cosmetic procedure, but only removes the dead skin on the outermost layer.  The results are less dramatic than cosmetic dermabrasion since it does not penetrate deep into the skin, but is effective in removing wrinkles and fine lines.  Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion procedures often require more than one treatment for notable results, and there are some at-home microdermabrasion kits available on the market.

Ultrasonic skin care

The skincare industry recently discovered that ultrasounds are not only useful for imaging during pregnancy, but also an effective skin rejuvenation procedure.  A gel containing amino acids and healing agents is applied over the face, and the ultrasonic device is used to heat up the skin and allow the chemicals to penetrate deeply into the cell tissues.  The ultrasonic machine also offers over 30,000 vibrations per second, stimulating the skin’s natural repairing process.    The treatment can improve skin texture and tone, elasticity, and help the skin produce a healthy, radiant glow.  Scientific advancements have continuously driven the cosmetic industry to discover new procedures and processes to fight against wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin.

Although they have received the seal of approval from the FDA as safe and effective processes, it is important to remember that these processes are not our body’s natural way of producing healthy skin.  Healthy skin is generated from the inside out, and using all-natural products and following a proper skin care regimen can produce longer-lasting results.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestorganicnaturalskincare.com

You may have seen an infomercial on television or come across an ad on the internet that claims their product will completely diminish your wrinkles. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a product really had the capability to get rid of deep wrinkles 100%, you would hear it all over the news and it would probably be on Oprah.

This is not to say that absolutely no wrinkle treatment will ever work. You just need to remember that there is no magic treatment. The best way to have great skin is by preventing. Protect your skin from the sun and take care of it both inside and out. Think about it, what if you had put on SPF 30 sunblock every 2 hours everyday of your life since the day you were born? You would probably look years younger and possibly have not a wrinkle in site!

Now I’m sure you haven’t put on that much sunblock. Chances are since you’re reading this article, you already have wrinkles and aging skin and you are looking for something to help get rid of them. You want to know, do facial wrinkle treatments really work? Some treatments work, some don’t. Some treatments do what they say, some don’t. You want to find the treatments that don’t promise the world and that deliver.

Next to daily SPF, the next best thing you can do for your wrinkles is moisturize. You should use a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher in the morning and use a night cream in the evening. Another important way to keep your skin hydrated is by drinking enough water. You hear it time and again to drink enough water because it’s important and helps so many things.

In addition to washing and moisturizing your face, you can add an occasional peel. A peel removes the dead skins cells from your face and a layer of skin to reveal your most beautiful skin possible. It will give you a glow if you have a quality product. If a peel seems too expensive or harsh, you could use a facial scrub, but you won’t get the same effect. If anything, I would suggest a less frequent peel supplemented by scrubs. Also, don’t go crazy with peels because they are abrasive.

Finally, there are all the “Anti-Aging” products. You can find lotions, serums, toners, and just about anything that claims to diminish wrinkles. Some products work for some people and not others. You really need to do some of your own experimenting. If you have dry skin look for a nice moisturizing anti-aging lotion. Stay away from things you know you are allergic to and keep an eye on ingredients that don’t work before buying another product. Give every product at least a week or two, unless you are reacting badly to it, before you give it up and move on. It takes some time for most products to produce results.

Skin wrinkles are caused by two main factors: heredity and the environment. There is little you can do about heredity and the natural aging process, but there is something you can do about the other causes. Pollution in the environment, sun exposure and stress can all lead to premature aging of the skin. Using anti aging creams is beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The creams are even more effective when combined with regular facials.

Facials counteract the effects of pollutants and sun exposure on your skin. Having regular facials will also help your skin absorb your anti aging creams better. Monthly facials improve elasticity, give your skin a smoother texture and improve the hydration of your skin. In addition, a facial will help remove dead skin which aids in the absorption of other creams or lotions used to combat wrinkles.

The products used for your facial will depend on your skin type. If you have dry skin, a moisturizing mask will be used to help add moisture to the skin. A rich moisturizer will also be used at the end of the treatment. Oil free products will be used for people with oily skin.

Facials can be done at home or by a professional in a salon or spa. Facial massage is very beneficial for wrinkles. The massage increases the blood circulation to the muscles of the face, which helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are over one hundred muscles in the face and massage helps to relax these muscles. This is particularly effective for wrinkles that result from muscle contractions, such as laugh lines and worry lines.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of facial massage, visit a salon for your facial. Facial massage is best done by a professional who is knowledgeable in massage techniques. An inexperienced person may actually cause more harm than good. When the muscles are not massaged properly, they sag which can cause wrinkles to be more prominent. The massage is also very relaxing. At some salons and spas, the arms, neck and shoulders are massaged as well. This is great for stress relief.

The basic facial procedure starts by examining the skin. This will help the professional assess the skin and determine the products that will be of the greatest benefit. Steam is then used to open the pores and remove impurities from the skin. A gentle cleanser is then used to clean the skin. This step is followed by a toner that is appropriate for your skin type. A facial mask is used to soothe and refresh the skin as well as to add moisture. At the end of the massage, a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type will be applied.

Once you have had your facial, you will want to keep your skin in good condition at home. Use a gentle cleanser that is not drying in the morning and at night. Invest in good quality anti aging creams to minimize wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. It’s important to choose creams that are good for your skin type and the condition of your skin. Read reviews to help you choose the best products for your skin.

Because of sun and weather exposure, years of minor scrapes and cuts, and for some, constant exposure to water and detergents, our hands sometimes age faster than other parts of our bodies, and detract from our appearance. Fortunately is it now possible to rejuvenate the hands, restoring their appearance and sometimes also improving the thickness and health of the skin on the backs of the hands.

Fun loving, hard working hands don’t get the sun protection they need. The backs of the hands are sometimes overlooked when sunscreen is applied – or the sunscreen is washed off or accidentally wiped away. Gardening gloves, golf gloves, bike gloves work gloves can help to protect our hands from sun and from trauma.

Daily moisturizing your hands is critical to keep your skin supple and prevent dryness and cracking. Wearing gloves and moisturizing in the cold weather helps protect your hands from chapping and cracking.

For some people, dry cracked hands are a chronic condition called contact dermatitis, or hand eczema. Often caused by your daily routine, one which involves constantly having wet hands (i.e. hairdresser, surgeon, homemaker), this condition results in red, scaly, and very itchy hands. If you suspect your have this, read more at http://www.eczemaguide.ca/basics/eczema_like/hand_eczema_hand_dermatitis.html

There are some solutions to rejuvenating the look and feel of your hands:

• There are numerous special hand creams available, more being introduced almost every week! Creams with vitamins A, C, E and alpha hydroxyl acids are key ingredients which can help prevent and restore your youthful looking hands.
• Restisol-A® 0.01% cream contains tretinoin (which prevents and corrects some aspects of sun damage) and also has an SPF 15 sunscreen. When Retisol-A cream is applied to exposed areas like the face and the backs of the hands EVERY morning – year after year – the aging process is slowed down, and sometimes after a year or two the skin will actually start to look and feel younger and healthier.
• Sunscreens which have the ability to stick to the skin (for example, Anthelios-45® Waterproof Sunscreen) can be very helpful on active parts of the body like the hands, and can also act as a moisturizer. The sunscreen should be applied before sun exposure, even if you are using Retisol-A as a base coat for your skin every morning.

When the skin on the back of the hands has become old looking and freckled – and sometimes also thinned out – it is possible to correct these problems and give your hands a fresh, more youthful look:

• Brown spots (sometimes called freckles, “age spots” or “liver spots”) can be faded using fading creams and also by using the Medlite C6 laser. Treatments take only a few minutes, are well tolerated, and great improvement is usually obvious within a couple of weeks.
• Thin skin on the backs of the hands can be quickly improved by treatment with Restylane™. This not only improves the appearance of the hands by making veins and bones less obvious, but also restores the fullness found in youthful skin and gives some protection against bumps and bruises. The benefits of a single treatment can be seen immediately and often last 6-12 months, sometimes longer.
• In some cases Artecoll™ can also be used to improve the thickness of the skin on the backs of the hands. Artecoll™ costs more to use, and several treatment sessions 2-4 months apart may be required, but Artecoll™ has the advantage of producing an improvement which can last for many years.

Like most things, prevention is your best solution. Keep your hands beautiful by remembering to moisturize, use a sunblock and protect your hands from exposure – the same way you look after your face. For more information on cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, and general skincare, go to SkinCareGuide.ca.

About the author:
Dr. Kevin Smith is a dermatologist in Niagara Falls, Ontario with a particular interest in protecting the skin and in correcting skin problems resulting from aging, rosacea and sun damage. He is an expert in the use of Botox®, fillers, lasers and intense pulsed light to maintain and enhance the appearance of the skin, and have lectured on those subjects across North America, and in Europe, Asia and Mexico. Read more at www.smithlaser.com

The Sun. The term ‘age spots’, or lentigines, refers to the brownish spots on your nose which come from being out in the sun unprotected too long. As we age our skin is subjected to more and more sun damage. Our skin has melanin pigment which absorbs sunlight and helps naturally protect our skin from UV rays. However as we age, our skin’s natural ability to fend off UV rays from the sun begins to deteriorate, and we see the development of age spots.

Currently, there are four different methods that have proven to be successful at removing age spots quickly and easily.

IPL Treatment

IPL, also known as photorejuvenation, stands for Intensed Pulsed Light. This treatment for age spots is a non-ablative which simply means it doesn’t damage the surface of the skin. With IPL, intense light is sent to the deeper layers of your skin (dermis) without touching the superficial layers (epidermis). This innovative method is good for removing age spots because it uses the pulsed light to stimulate new collagen growth while fading discoloration and evening your skin tone.

The only drawback about IPL is that it has to be performed by a trained medical professional. The procedure can be quite expensive, too. You’d have to have 4 to 6 IPL treatments to see real results. At $300 to 600 per session, you could easily end up spending $1200 to $2200 to reach your goals.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is still a fairly new procedure, but it’s relatively safe. Laser resurfacing is most popular as a procedure for minimizing fine lines, but it’s also effective as a treatment for age spots. This procedure must be performed in a doctor’s office because it call for some sedation. Laser resurfacing is a popular treatment many plastic surgeons offer to help with removing age spots and other deep blemishes.

Like IPL, laser resurfacing can be quite expensive. The national average for this procedure is nearly $3,000 but many doctors offer financing so patients can take advantage of monthly payments.

Bleaching Creams

Bleaching creams are great for bleaching large areas of discoloration. However, as a treatment for age spots, bleaching creams tend to bleach the areas surrounding the spots more than the spots themselves. You can either purchase bleaching creams from your dermatologist or get them over the counter at your local drug store. Some people say bleaching creams are slow at removing age spots while others swear by them. Either way you can see some results.

Home Chemical Peels

A home chemical peel is perhaps the most cost-efficient and effective treatment for age spots available. It works by removing layers of dead skin over a period of several days (usually less than a week) in order to reveal fresh, new skin that is both younger looking and more supple. Lighter chemical peels only penetrate one or two layers of skin while deeper peels can go as many as three or four layers deep.

Many home chemical peel kits provide dermatologist-quality results at a fraction of the cost. As a result, they tend to be one of the most sought after solutions for removing age spots. The average home chemical peel kit will cost you about $80 for a basic kit and $660 for a more advanced kit. This is significantly less than the $300 to $2000 you would pay to have the same treatment done in a dermatologist’s office.

The truth is that moisturizers are a growing component of daily skin care and account for one of the most common over the counter products sold in the world.

This growth is partly due to the fact that what started as a simple moisturizer has become a sophisticated vehicle for delivery of complex nourishment and regulatory molecules to the skin.

The moisturizers are mostly used for one of the following reasons:

1. To repair the skin’s ability to provide effective barrier against outside pollutants, toxins, bacteria, viruses, fungi and to prevent the essential components of our skin and tissues from escaping our bodies.
2. To increase the water content of the skin in both dermis and epidermis.
3. To reduce skin vulnerability against trans-epidermal (through the skin) water loss.
4. To rebalance the skin’s composition of lipids (fats) both inside and outside the skin cells.
5. To deliver nutrients and regulatory substances to the viable portion of the dermis and epidermis.

The anatomy of most moisturizers encompasses at least one of the following components: emollients, occlusive agents, humectants as swell as additives designed to add extra benefits to the traditional functions of the moisturizers.

Emollients improve the visual aspect of the skin by sealing the tiny splits between the components of stratum Occlusive agents block trans-epidermal water loss. Because of the powerful occlusive properties, these agents have to be used carefully on the face as acne related to the use of cosmetics can result. Humectants are designed to attract water either from the environment or from the underlying dermis to the epidermis.

The era of newer, much more sophisticated moisturizers is upon us where scientifically formulated delivery systems can offer additive benefits of supplementing and modulating skin cells for their optimal function and differentiation. As such, these new moisturizers offer a cutting edge frontier where therapeutic benefits are combined with the moisturizing qualities of topical products. Vitamins, minerals, growth factors, peptides, enzymes and co-enzymes are some of the few categories of molecules currently in use in the latest fight to prevent skin deterioration and optimize its functioning.

About the author:
Mariusz J. A. Sapijaszko, MD FRCPC is the Director of the Western Canada Dermatology Institute located in Edmonton, Alberta. He is also the Clinical Assistant Professor at the Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, in Edmonton. His areas of expertise include cosmetic and laser surgery.