Tag Archive for: beauty

Eyes Notes part 3 ~ DIY + Ingredients to choose

Dark circles and puffiness under the eyes result from blood escaping from tiny facial capillaries that have been compromised. Topical products in conjunction with a few easy DIY tips can get your eye area healthy, hydrated and bright!

 

Do It Yourself ideas:

Dr. G says, “Sleep with your head slightly elevated. Fluid retention occurs while we sleep because we are lying flat and circulation can be affected. Excess sugar, salt and alcohol will add to fluid retention. Consumption of all these pollutants can escalate swelling and puffiness to the eyes and face.”

OR

  • Try sleeping on a silk pillowcase. This will keep skin from drying out as cotton absorbs oil.
  • Sleeping on silk pillowcases or wearing a silk eye mask can also help reduce face lines/creases in the morning and not tug on the skin as you move throughout the night (less wrinkles)!
  • Put a cool air humidifier next to the bed to keep skin hydrated
  • Ice in the morning can help relieve puffiness
  • Lymphatic drainage (start near the tear duct and massage upwards and across the brow bone. Pay attention to the sinus area as well)
  • Try keeping Red tea bags in the freezer. Red Tea helps with inflammation and redness!

Ingredients to look for in topical eye treatments

  • Arnica + Vitamin K- Arnica is used for muscle soreness and inflammation and Vitamin K is helps to stop bruising and bleeding under the skin. A powerhouse combo!
  • Soy + Rice bran peptides- have been shown to inhibit elastase and collagenase, (these break down collagen and elastin in the skin) and can help the skin retain its natural firmness.
  • Quinoa seed extract-high levels of Riboflavins-protein to rebuild thinning skin
  • Caffeine- depuffs!
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Eye creams for every decade: Tips for rolling back time

The skin under the eyes is quite different from the rest of your face, and as you age, it reveals aging signs up to 20 percent faster than the rest of your face (yes, scary!). That’s because of a whole confluence of disheartening factors. The skin here is extremely thin, with the lowest elasticity, firmness, and oil production, the worst barrier function (i.e. limited absorption of actives and poor protection from environmental stressors) and , and often times develops the deepest wrinkles. Here’s what you need to know and practice with your eye treatments through the decades.

20’s – Prevention (and late night recovery repair)

Woke up looking as rough as you feel? 20’s are a decade of work hard, play hard.

Treatment: In need of a quick fix to telltale signs of overindulgence and under-sleeping, like puffiness and dark circles, look for eye creams that contain anti-inflammatory fighting ingredients like Vitamin K, Arnica, Caffeine and/or soothing tea extracts.

30’s – The first signs

We begin to see some signs of aging in the early 30’s. These changes include hyperpigmentation or”dark circles” around the eyes. Additionally, we may begin to see some fine lines and textural changes around the eye area due to the thinness of the skin.

Treatment: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory creams containing vitamin A, C and E can also help to ward off free-radicals and give an extra boost to collagen production (hello enhanced plumpness to the skin). By building collagen the treatments help to minimize the appearance of dark circles that are in-part caused by blood vessels close to the surface of aging, thinner skin and reduce inflammation around the eye area.

40’s – Age is here to stay

Throughout the 40’s, dark circles may become more prominent, along with more visible lines. Even after getting ample sleep (8 hours), your eyes are giving you that “tired look” even when they feel fresh; we’ve all been there!

Treatment: Retinol creams or for those who can tolerate them, gentle prescription-strength retinoids can be helpful. These creams help to increase cell turnover thereby minimizing dark-circles and textural changes. They also can help stimulate collagen production thereby preventing volume loss down the road.

50’s +- Soften Wrinkles

Say no more…

Treatment: In addition to continuing to use products that contain retinol, anti-oxidants and skin rejuvenating properties, peptide-based eye creams often present an effective alternative (especially if you have sensitive skin) if you’re looking for a way to avoid dermal fillers or plastic surgery. Peptides are designed to provide collagen-boosters (say goodbye to those stubborn fine lines) to your skin and improve circulation, so you can often expect reduced darkness and an increase in skin plumpness and elasticity.

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Face the facts: Clearing up the myths about clearing up your skin

Image via stylecaster

Sweat

Claim: Sweating eliminates toxins, alcohol and pollution from your pores.

Fact:  Toxins in the body are broken down by the liver buy levitra canada now and excreted in urine. But if you find saunas relaxing, then bake away—just be aware that all you’re sweating out is water, salt, protein, and nontoxic urea.

Claim: Sweating makes you break out.

Fact: Acne happens when sebum glands become clogged with oil, not sweat. The exception is bacne: A damp sports bra worn too long can push bacteria into the sebum glands, causing zits.

*Sweating (aka exercise) stimulates neurochemical pathways in the brain, resulting in the production of endorphins that act as natural painkillers and boosts overall mood. In addition, working up a sweat stimulates and increases circulation in the body resulting in that post-workout glow. Overall, exercise and working up a sweat is key to keeping inflammation low, increased mood and glow, and controls overall health and wellness. 

Diet

Myth: Drinking a lot of water will keep your skin clear.

Fact: While water is very important for a heathy diet and complexion, it sadly will not stop acne. Acne and breakouts can be caused by all sorts of issues, but are most directly related to hormones and bacteria.

*However, drinking lots of water and staying hydrated will help fine lines and wrinkles appear less pronounced. Skin will look less dull and dry as water also helps to flush salt and pollutants out of the body. Consistent water intake also helps the eyes look clearer.

Fact: Glycation is the main enemy when it comes to the skin and the aging process of the body in general.

*The glycation process, which is basically, sugars (from food and alcohol) breaking down the collagen fibers in the skin, which excels the aging process.

Fact: Foods that feed glycation and cause inflammation in the body and the skin are carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar, fatty meats and alcohol. Limiting the above mentioned triggers and increasing intake of vegetables and fruits high in anti-oxidants and essential fats will keep skin glowing and clear.

Exfoliation

Myth: Acne prone skin should not exfoliate for fear of spreading the bacteria to other areas of the face.

Fact: Exfoliation not only clears up existing oil and bacteria, it also removes dead and dry skin cells and inhibits future breakouts. Exfoliation helps acne!

 *Regular exfoliation helps treat existing scarring due to Acne. Causing a more even skin surface and smaller pores.

Face Oils

Myth: Face oils are only for dry skin and not acne prone skin.

Fact: Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil, which are similar to our skin’s sebum and trick the skin into thinking enough oil has been produced, so that it does not need to overproduce oil/sebum, thus causing breakouts.

Fact: Hemp Seed Oil eliminates blackheads and is anti-inflammatory.

Fact: People with an oily complexion also suffer from acne and scarring.

Fact: Rose Hip Seed + Baobob Oil help to heal, repair tissue and brighten skin due to high levels Vitamin C, Omega-3 + Omega-6 fatty acids and Retinoic acid.

*Acne prone skin should avoid Avocado oil and Coconut oil as they can be too heavy.

Sunscreen

Myth: All sunscreen can cause Acne + breakouts

Fact: Look for a physical sunscreen that contains Titanium Dioxide or Zinc oxide, as these ingredients sit on top of the skin to protect instead of being absorbed. Also look for oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreens that come in a dry mist application.

*Stay clear of ingredients like PABA which can cause clogged pores and allergic reactions.

Ingredients

Myth: All ingredients are safe, because there being sold.

Fact: Ingredients matter, no only for what they do inside your body but topically as well. Certain widely used and popular ingredients can be the cause of acne, breakouts and allergies.

*There is no governing body that says what is natural or not in the beauty industry. So you must be your own advocate. Read labels, google ingredients and know what they do. 

Fact: Look for naturally derived ingredients that do not contain mineral oils, alcohol , sulfates, silicones, parabens or artificial fragrances.

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