PORES: How to Minimize Pores

LARGE PORES





Celebrities and models always look so gorgeously pore-less in the photos staring out at us from their magazine covers. They have pores just like the rest of us. Having pores is a non-negotiable part of having skin. In fact, we need to have them because they are essential to skin function.

Large pore size can be frustrating because it can interfere with an otherwise smooth quality to skin, and generally speaking, a large pore size is visually unappealing.





Why do we have large pores?

Your pore size is partly a matter of genetics and partly due to whatever is currently trapped inside of them. If you have a lot of oil or dead skin cells accumulating in your pores, that can stretch them out and make them look bigger.

And with most skin-related problems, the appearance of your pores can get worse due to sun exposure and aging. Both have a negative impact on collagen and elastin—the two components of your skin’s structural support system.

Exposure to ultra-violet rays creates molecules called free radicals that destroy your existing collagen and elastin. And one of the natural effects of getting older is that production of new collagen slows down. The combined effect means that what’s being damaged daily by sun exposure isn’t being repaired and rebuilt quickly enough.  When you lose support around your pores—because of a loss of collagen and elastin—they start to sag and look larger.





How can we minimize large pores?

As pore size is usually genetic, and there is not much you can do to make them permanently smaller. Do not fall for claims stating a product will reduce your pore size. However, there are some tips and tricks you can employ to temporarily minimize the appearance of pore size.

Here are the tips to minimize your pores:

1. Keep Your Skin Clean



Exfoliate once a week to clean clogged pores. It is easier if you use facial steamer first then exfoliate gently. Clean pores look smaller.
You can use face washes, cleansers and masks which contain salicylic acid. It works to minimize pores by keeping them clear. It penetrates pores and helps to dissolve and dislodge oil, dirt and dead cells.

2.Use toner

 

Using a toner, or an astringent, after cleansing your face (before moisturizing) can help reduce the appearance of large pore size. Astringents constrict pores as well as help remove that last bit of oil and dirt. 

3.Use sunscreen daily

It is one of the few things you can do to help keep the skin's support structure strong and pores minimized. Look for a daily moisturizer that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen and an SPF of 30 or higher. 

4.Use retinoid

 



Whether it is an over-the-counter retinol or a prescription-strength Retin-A, the active ingredient helps stimulate new collagen production in the skin. More collagen means better skin structure, and that means pores don’t sag and look larger.

5.A Little Makeup Help

Start with a primer to help smooth out the appearance of the skin and fill in pores so that foundation goes on flawlessly. Mineral powder foundations can give an airbrushing effect to the skin. For the most pore-minimizing coverage, apply it with a dry makeup sponge, pressing the powder firmly into the skin, and then buff off any excess with a large powder brush.

*****Follow this skin care regimen carefully if you are self conscious about your pores. You will observe your pores get cleaner and smaller, and your skin look much healthier.***** 

CLEANSERS: Best 5 Facial Cleansers

Drugstore Cleansers

 

Cleansing is the most important part of the daily skincare routine. If you quit this step, you can never benefit enough from your skincare products as much as you are supposed to.

However, there is no need to spend a lot of money on a cleanser with special ingredients in it because you're just washing the product down the drain.





You can get a basic cleanser from any drugstore. Look for a mild, soap-free cleanser that's formulated for your skin type.

 

Here you will find the best facial cleansers for different skin types: dry, oily, combination, sensitive and blemished. 

1. Best Cleanser for Dry to Normal Skin: Cetaphil Cleanser

Baby-mild product that even dermatologists swear by. Why is this $10 cleanser such a must-have? It is creamy, simple and isn't loaded with chemicals or perfumes that can irritate the skin. Cetaphil cleanser is one of the best drugstore buys out there.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Best Moisturizing Cleanser for Dry Skin: Pond's Cold Cream

For years I thought of Pond's cold cream as "The Cleanser of Choice for Grandmothers".Turns out Pond's is also "The Cleanser of Choice for Chic French Women". For years the French have opted for super moisturizing cold creams. You simply massage this in and then wipe off with a tissue or a warm washcloth and you're left with super soft skin. It removes makeup without leaving skin feeling "tight." Plus, water can contain hard contaminants that are harsh on skin and at least one prominent dermatologist I know strongly advises against rinsing the face with water. It gets 5 out of 5 stars.

The Secret of Kylie Minogue

3. Best Cleanser for Oily Skin: Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser

Gel cleansers work well for oily skin because they absorb excess oils. This classic cleanser can be a bit drying, so test the product before you buy.

 

 

 

  

4.Best Cleanser for Acne: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Acne Treatment

Neutrogena is one of the best drugstore beauty brands, hands-down, and you can't go wrong with this simple acne wash for acne-stricken skin. People love it because the salicylic acid gel is gentle and soothing -- spiked with aloe and chamomile. It also dries out breakouts without drying out sensitive, irritable skin.

 

 

5.Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Olay Foaming Face Wash, Sensitive Skin

This basic drugstore cleanser works well for sensitive skin because it contains no harsh ingredients that will inflame skin.

 





Cleansing is very important to maintain healthy and glowing skin. Your skin is the main organ which is exposed to pollution, dust and harmful radiation. So, it is always essential to cleanse your skin regularly using skin cleansers to get rid of impurities. You must choose skin cleansers depending on your skin type.





Removing Makeup

There are loads of makeup removers in the market especially formulated to remove heavy makeup. However, you can remove your makeup with cleansers. I, personally, remove my daily make up with my liquid wash away cleanser and rinse off with tap water. 

If you prefer waterproof make up, you must use makeup removers which are especially formulated to remove waterproof makeup.

 

 



As the eye area is delicate, removing eye make up with harsh cleansers can be irritating. You can use eye makeup remover which helps remove your eye makeup, whether be waterproof or not, gently. 





Never skip this step! Cleanse your face twice a day. In the morning and in the evening. A clean face, without impurities and makeup, can breathe and renew itself better. And it is the way to flawless beautiful skin.

Home Remedies For a Beautiful Face: DIY Skin Care Products

Home Remedies for a Young Looking Face

A face is the mirror of a personality. People go to extreme lengths to gain that glowing skin and a beautiful face. They spend a lot on cosmetics to try and beautify the face, but if the results are too slow then they change the product or discontinue the treatment.

Try something which is easy to use and will also not result in any side effects. Here are some age old best practices to keep your skin as beautiful as a teenager.

   1) Take the juice of one lemon, 10 ml glycerin and 10 ml rose water—all the three in equal proportions.  Mix all the three constituents and keep it in a glass bottle. Apply this lotion on the face every night before sleeping. This mixture will remove the effects of pollution and stress, and will make your skin smooth and supple. Lemon juice has a property to clean the pores of the skin and that’s why it is especially effective for cleansing and pimple reduction.



          

2) Take three parts carrot, two part tomato and one part beet-- make a juice of the three together. Drinking this juice regularly for 15-20 days can make your skin free of wrinkles, marks, pimples, etc. and makes your skin beautiful. This can be replaced only by carrot juice or orange juice if other materials are not available though the above mixture is much more effective. Carrot juice also helps in acidity and removing stomach worms. Having this juice in the afternoon is best. It is better not to eat anything before and after the juice. You will see a splendid glow on your skin.

3) Mix lemon juice and rose water in equal parts and apply on the face with a circular and gentle motion of the hands. Wash the face with normal water after half an hour. This will help in the removal of pimples and any kind of a mark on the face.

4) Another method of getting rid of the pimples would be to rub the lemon peel on the face and washing the face with warm water. Excellent for oily skin.

Lemon Peel, excellent for getting rid of pimples and blackheads

5) Applying olive oil on the face daily helps you get rid of pimples, blotches, face marks and rashes.

Olive Oil

6) Take 5 very ripe medium size strawberries, 2 teaspoons of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of honey.  Mash the strawberries with a fork. Add cream and honey şnto the mashed strawberries. Apply the mixture over your face and leave it for about 20 minutes. Rinse with water and you're done!

Strawberry Mask

7) Applying 3 teaspoon of yogurt with 1 teaspoon of honey will make your face super soft and smooth.

Yogurt and Honey Mask

Never forget: The nature’s medicines are your best doctors!

MINERAL MAKEUP: Healthy Makeup



MINERAL MAKEUP



Mineral makeup is a new cosmetic trend that emphasizes natural health and being eco-friendly by using organic ingredients. Mineral makeup is mostly made up of natural minerals. It does not contain any chemicals, additives, animal byproducts, talc, oil, synthetic fragrances, and other manufactured skin irritants. Mineral makeup is made by pulverizing sterilized minerals into a fine powder that is mixed with natural pigments to produce various shades.





Synthetic ingredients have a negative impact on the skin causing such problems as acne, blackheads, clogged pores, skin irritations, and dry skin. As well, some artificial colors are known as carcinogens. With natural makeup, there is a significantly reduced risk of allergic reactions and acne break outs. The minerals in the makeup consist of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxide. Iron oxide gives color to the makeup. Titanium and zinc are a natural anti-inflammatory, and titanium dioxide is a natural sunscreen and provides an SPF of 15 to 20.




 

Most mineral foundations consist of a foundation, concealer, powder and sunscreen. It is great for women with sensitive skin as it provides enhanced skin care. Manufactured make-up tends to be heavy on the face and can cake up on the skin. Organic makeup’s texture is lighter, more natural, and allows your skin to breathe. It is based on a hypoallergenic loose powder that naturally nourishes and protects the skin.

Mineral makeup does not enhance wrinkles like traditional powders. If you have fine lines, wrinkles, or crow’s-feet, the minerals will not accentuate them, but instead, aid in smoothing and covering them up. As well, it is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that hydrate the skin and conceal wrinkles. The result is silky, soft, smooth, and healthy skin with a youthful and glowing appearance.





There benefits of wearing organic make over manufactured mass produced makeup are numerous. It does not harm and aggravate the skin with damaging chemicals, oils and chemical additives. As well, it does not obstruct the skin’s pores or create a breeding ground for bacteria, and it protects the skin from damaging UVA rays. It provides the wearer with a natural appearance.



NATURAL APPEARANCE WITH MINERAL MAKEUP





Organic makeup is fast becoming the new choice in beauty care as the ingredients benefit the skin. Most women report that wearing mineral makeup feels like they are not wearing any makeup at all. The minerals benefit the skin as they soothe and alleviate itchy, inflamed, red, bruised, and flaking skin. It also cools the skin and promotes quicker healing time. It will not aggravate your skin even if you sleep while wearing it. As well, it is an affordable way to nourish your skin and get the same quality of skin texture as you would in an expensive spa.

 

For people with sensitive skin or eyes, mineral eye makeup is an excellent option. In some cases people with sensitive skin or allergies have reported reactions to mica or bismuth oxychloride, so always check the labels carefully and either avoid these ingredients or get a sample to test before purchasing.

 

 

 

 

Benefits of mineral makeup

Mineral makeup doesn’t contain any magic ingredient that heals the skin. Its core ingredients, such as mica and titanium dioxide, are used in most makeup. However, it doesn’t have fragrances or binders that may irritate the skin. It may also be beneficial for people who have acne, since titanium oxide has anti-inflammatory properties, and it doesn’t clog pores. Titanium oxide is also used in sunscreen, so it does have some sun protection (but not enough that you don’t need additional sunscreen).

Mineral makeup’s powder formulation also makes it easier for women to choose (or at least mix) shades that approximate their natural skin tone.

 

Disadvantages of mineral makeup

Some people say that the colors can look ashy on darker skin tones. Others complain that it can dry the skin, and may accentuate wrinkles.

Additionally, mineral makeup isn’t something you can apply in the car. You need to pour a bit of the powder from the  lid of the container, and use a kabuki brush or a large fluffy brush to apply.





  

Mineral makeup has transformed the cosmetic industry. It used to be only available at chic spas, but now mineral makeup is available to everyone. In the past few years, mineral makeup has become extremely popular with women of all ages. Wearing mineral makeup will make you look and feel fantastic.

Blackheads: How to Get Rid of Blackheads

Blackheads on the Nose Area

What are blackheads?

A blackhead, or open comedo is a wide opening on the skin with a blackened mass of skin debris covering the opening. Despite their name, some blackheads can be yellowish in color. A comedo is a widened hair follicle which is filled with skin debris (keratin squamae), bacteria and oil (sebum).

A closed comedo is a whitehead, while an open comedo is a blackhead. the plural of "comedo" is comedomes".

Blackheads are said to be the first stage of acne. They form before bacteria invade the pores of the patient's skin. A blackhead can develop into a pimple, which is also known as a papule or pustule.

What causes blackheads?

If the skin is not cleaned properly, more blackheads can appear, especially during those milestones in life when they are more prevalent, such as puberty. Improperly cleaned skin makes it more likely that dead skin cells build up within the pores. The pore openings can become clogged, which accelerates the build up of oil inside - thus causing blackheads to form. However, many experts warn that dirt does not cause blackheads to form - which frequently confuses and frustrates patients. Blackheads are caused by oxidized oil, not dirt. Over-cleaning the skin can lead to irritation.

In some cases, blackheads can emerge if moisturizers, sun screens, make up, or foundations are overused.

In the majority of cases, blackhead susceptibility is not heredity, with the exception of some severe acnes.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads

1) Hormonal treatments - contraceptives have often been used for the treatment of blackheads and acne, often with good results.

2) Cleaning the skin - clean your face with a good cleanser, ideally, one for oily skin, such as a salicylic acid cleanser.

You can give your face a steam to open up pores and next, make sure your hands are clean, then wrap small pieces of tissue around your fingers to protect your skin from your nails. Gently extract the blockage. If it doesn't come out easily, leave it. If you force the blackhead you risk aggravating or inflaming the skin and this might lead to scarring. Not a good plan if you can help it.

3) Medications - adapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid, used mainly in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Many patients with blackheads have had good results. In the USA adapalene is available under brand name Differin, in three preparations - 0.1% cream, 0.1% gel, and 0.3% gel. Since 2010, it has also been available in the USA under the generic name Teva, (0.1% gel). Only the 0.1% cream and 0.1% gel forms are available in Europe.

4) UV exposure - exposing the skin to sunlight or ultra-violet light encourages it to peel, which helps unblock pores. Sunbathing or using sunbeds may help. However, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Exposing skin to sunlight, if overdone, also raises the risk of burning and developing skin cancer.

5) Hair - greasy hair touching the face of your skin can spread infection and in some cases encourage the spread of blackheads and acne. Keeping your hair away from your face may help keep blackheads to a minimum.

Natural Homemade Remedies for Blackheads

1) First, you might want to try opening up your pores and letting the dead skin cells and oil come out naturally (Blackheads are caused when oil and dead skin cells get trapped in the pores. When the oxygen hits the sebum oil it turns black). Simply take a bowl of hot or boiling water, and hold your face about a foot away from the bowl (be careful not to put your face too close because you might burn yourself). For it to be more effective, place a towel on your head and allow the steam to seep in your pores and help loosen the debris in them. This softens your skin and makes it a lot easier for you to cleanse your face. Ideally the blackheads should come closer to the surface of the skin during this steam session.

 

2) As a second tip, take half a slice of lemon, squeeze the juice out of it and apply it to your face. Lemon juice is very acidic and its chemical reaction to your skin will decrease oil production. It can also eliminate bacteria that may trigger your blackheads in the first place.

In line with lemon juice, you can also create a paste with baking soda mixed with water. The mixture will assist in controlling the oil on your face and help kill the bacteria. Simply apply the baking soda solution where your blackheads are and let it soak for around 20 minutes. After which, wash all of it off and pat your skin dry.

 

3)One homemade mask is to crush some regular aspirin and then add a small amount of water to make a paste. You then apply the past to the affected area of the face and let the paste dry. Once dry you then gently wash the mask off with warm water. It is said that the natural acids contained in aspirin will soften the blackhead so that when you wash with warm water the blackhead will come out easily. 

4)Another homemade mask is made of equal parts of sugar and honey, you then heat the mixture until it bubbles. Once it bubbles let it cool just enough so that it can be applied to your face. Once you have the mixture applied, cover it with a cloth. Now let the mixture dry, once dry quickly pull the cloth from your face. The mask and blackheads should be removed as you pull the cloth from your face.

5) Aloe vera gel is also effective to remove blackheads.

The list of natural solutions are literally endless. These are a few home remedies to remove blackheads and and restore flawless condition of your skin.