|
|
Thursday, December 31, 2009
by Skincare-news.com team
You don’t need to aim for a beauty overhaul this year. With a few tweaks to your typical routine and a different take on wellness (see what we mean below!), you can attain healthier skin from head to toe without much effort. Here’s a list of five surprising resolutions that can save and improve your skin!
Give products time to work. Oftentimes, one of the biggest reasons our skincare efforts seem to stall is because we don’t give products enough time to work. After a week or two, we typically get discouraged and abandon the products, thinking they’re just not right for our skin.
But you may need to give your formulas a few more weeks. "New regimens alter the elastin and collagen in your skin, a process that takes time," dermatologist Frederic Brandt, M.D., tells InStyle. The magazine gives the following guidelines for common routines:
- Acne-Fighting: Six weeks to three months
- Skin-Lightening: Six to 12 months
- Anti-Aging: Three months
Some formulas might even take longer to show improvement. Take retinoids — well-researched, very popular and powerful ingredients that reduce acne, aging and sun damage. You might not see improvement for six months, while dramatic results may not appear for a year.
However, if you develop an adverse reaction, such as swelling, redness, itching or rash, stop using your new product. Slight irritation is typically OK, but these negative reactions usually indicate that you’re allergic to the formula. - Learn which products go together. There are some products that when used together can actually hamper each other’s effectiveness and irritate your skin. Are you using retinoids? Be careful what products you use and even when. Alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid) and beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid) can make retinoids less effective, according to dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D. It doesn’t mean you should stop using these products altogether but do adjust your routine. Save retinoids for night-time and use any AHA or BHA products in the morning with a heavy dose of sunscreen. But consult your dermatologist about using all three, because each product’s powerful exfoliating properties can irritate your skin. Whenever you’re adding a new product to your routine, be sure that it complements the other formulas you’re already using.
- Consider your skin type. As a rule — though there are some exceptions — your skin type is a good barometer for choosing your products. Resolve in 2010 to pay attention to your skin and select products accordingly. That means being wary about taking skin advice from friends who have completely different skin types or even the same type. Your skin has its own idiosyncratic qualities. That’s why once you select a product, strive to listen to your skin and watch its reaction to make sure the formulas are right for you.
These articles can help get you started on selecting products for your skin type:
- Creating a skincare routine for: Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Tight Skin
- Choosing the Best Acne-Fighting Ingredient for You
- Tips for Choosing and Using Moisturizer
- Makeup tips for: Mature Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin, Oily Skin, Acne-prone Skin
- Facial Cleansing for Every Skin Type
- Acne Treatments for Dry and Sensitive Skin
- Skincare conditions: Eczema, Rosacea, Psoriasis, Couperose, Allergy-prone skin, and More
- Don’t diet. For many individuals, dieting tops the list of New Year’s resolutions. But while you may think dieting is good for your health (also an inaccurate assumption, as dieting can lead to overeating, anxiety, irritability, weakness, nausea, among other things), it’s bad for your skin. Many diets cut out important nutrients — like entire food groups — that are vital for healthy skin, nails and hair, including whole grains, dairy products and protein. According to WebMD, low-calorie diets are often too low in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and zinc. Not getting enough nutrients can lead to lackluster, brittle hair, easy-to-chip nails and rough, dull skin.
Trying an extremely low-cal diet? You’re at risk for losing your hair. Same with crash diets. "Losing a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time can affect that normal hair rhythm. Two to three months later, you might notice a significant increase in shedding," dermatologist Paradi Mirmirani, M.D., tells WebMD. However, getting back to a healthful, well-rounded diet can boost growth, according to Dr. Mirmirani. So instead of trying detox diets, low-cal eating plans or the latest culinary craze, resolve to eat healthfully, following the food pyramid and getting all the necessary nutrients for beautiful skin, hair, nails and overall wellness! Here’s more on foods that foster healthy skin.
- Consider seeing a dermatologist — even if your skin is seemingly healthy. For starters, it’s key to see a dermatologist once a year for a skin cancer screening, whether you notice abnormal moles or not. While you might not be able to spot suspicious moles — especially in hard-to-reach places — a dermatologist will inspect every inch of your skin, including behind the ears, your back and eyelids. Also, a dermatologist can help you choose the best kinds of products for your skin, prescribe powerful products (like retinoids) and can accurately answer your skin-, hair- and nail-related questions.
|
|
|
Wellbox - The Lipomassage Machine
"Wellbox offers women of all cultures precisely what they want: a natural, highly effective home beauty treatment that is gentle, yet powerful. This all-in-one machine can be used on the body to reduce cellulite or used on the face to reverse the signs of aging."
|
|
|
Hydroxatone AM PM Rejuvenating Treatment
"Hydroxatone AM/PM Rejuvenating Treatment is clinically proven to renew skin's youthfulness by stimulating collagen and restoring elasticity. "
|
|
|
Lierac Paris Exclusive Wrinkle Filling Night Cream
"This generous cream with a 5% B-Relaxor Complex; has a botox-like effect on the skin while enriched with detoxifying and draining agents (algae extracts, cyclotella and magnesium) for effective night-time action. Wake up to smoother, younger, and firmer looking skin."
|
|
|
|
-
A: Products with the shortest shelf life are mascara, liquid liner and cream eye shadow, which can expire in three to six months. But it’s best to check all your products. See our comprehensive expiration guide for details. |
|
A: The nail polish color you choose will depend on your skin tone. According to InStyle, if you have a dark complexion, go for rich burgundy shades with gold undertones and deep purples. If you have a medium complexion or olive skin, try deep berries and reds. Fair skin tones look great in plum nail polish.
|
A: Try to shampoo your hair every other day, because washing too frequently can strip strands of natural oils and moisture. Also, look for formulas with moisturizing ingredients such as lanolin, silicone and shea butter. Before using any heat-styling tools, be sure to apply a product that protects the hair. For more on fending off dryness and combating other common wintertime hair problems, see here. |
A: One of the most important things you can do to shield your skin is to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 (or greater) and reapply it every two hours or sooner if you’re sweating. Most people associate sun damage with summer but that’s a dangerous assumption. Snow reflects UV rays, making you even more vulnerable to damage. Here’s more on how to care for your skin when skiing, snowboarding or doing other winter activities. |
A: Sticking to your resolutions can be simple, if you just keep a few critical factors in mind, including making meaningful, measurable goals; taking baby steps; getting creative; evaluating and fine-tuning your goals mid-way if necessary; and rewarding yourself. You can get more details about making sticky resolutions here. |
|