Wednesday, 17 September 2008

The Importance of Facials

Many people think that if they use a moisturiser every day there is no need to pay a visit to the Beauty Salon for a regular facial. However, they are mistaken.

Whilst using a daily moisturiser is vital to the health and vitality of the skin, there is no doubt that a monthly facial boosts the skin and certainly pays dividends by rehydrating, balancing and firming the skin.

There are a wide variety of facials to choose from and it can be quite confusing choosing the right facial for you. Ideally visit a beauty salon that has been recommended to you and one that has fully qualified and experienced therapists. Any worthwhile beauty therapist will recommend the correct facial to suit your skin type and condition.

Anti-ageing facials and decongesting facials for problem skins appear to be the most popular at this moment in time. Facials do follow trends, a few years ago non-surgical facelifts were very popular, whereas now the importance of repairing the skin from sun damage, eliminating free radicals and encouraging our own collagen and elastin production are being recognised as vital to achieve a healthy, balanced and more youthful skin.

We can chose from a ‘hands-on’ facial where your therapist selects the appropriate preparations for your skin. These are usually derived from essential oils, plant extracts, vitamins or seaweed. After cleansing and exfoliating these preparations are introduced to your skin by way of a relaxing massage of face, neck and shoulders finishing with a mask to complete the treatment. Alternatively there is a mixture of ‘hands-on’ and ‘machine’ facials. These tend to be more effective as they can ionise the preparations deep into the dermis of the skin. This is the really important layer of the skin where the quality of your skin cells are determined. By working on this deep layer, we improve the condition and appearance of the top layer of skin, with results lasting up to a month. If this sounds a little daunting, don’t worry…these facials are perfectly safe and relaxing, especially as the majority of therapists incorporate ‘hands on’ massage of face, neck and shoulders to help you relax and improve the circulation and lymphatic function of the skin.

Try to have a monthly facial as the skin cells have a lifecycle of one month, so after the month they are due for some maintenance. Be kind to yourself and your skin – it has to last you a lifetime!

Author Resource:-> Aurora Beauty and Holistic Therapies, a salon based in Bristol, England, can include aromatherapy massage, thermo-auricular therapy, Indian head massage, alongside many other beauty and holistic treatments.

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Body Care for Everyday Life

It is important to have a body care routine. When body care products are not used on a regular basis, they are ineffective. Nobody can expect smooth skin from a single day of moisturizing. It takes several days to witness results. In order to maintain that same level, it must be performed routinely. This may seem like a lot of work, but when someone gets into a regular body care regimen, she can manage to do it all in mere minutes!

Body Care: Start in the Shower

Start from the top and work down from there. The first thing people should see is a healthy, glowing face. This starts with a good face wash. A foaming face wash is an excellent choice. It is made just for the face and will help retain the skin's moisture. Regular bar soap is not a good idea because it can dry out the face's delicate skin.

The next step is to use a good exfoliator. This should be gentle enough for the face but may also be used on every part of the body. An exfoliator removes the dead, dry top layer of skin cells and reveals the healthy skin underneath. This should not be done every day, but should be done at least once a week.

While in the shower, it is best to use a shower gel to wash the body. This is more delicate than a bar soap and also smells wonderful. It is especially easy when used in combination with a loofah. A loofah helps to exfoliate skin as well.


Body Care: Out of the Shower

After stepping out of the shower, the first thing to do is apply moisturizer to the entire face and body. This generally requires two different products since the face will need something gentler. This is the best time to apply a moisturizer because damp skin absorbs more effectively than dry skin. This will help keep the skin soft and smooth.

There are special moisturizers that are made for hands and feet. Feet are often neglected when it comes to total body care. These moisturizers are made especially for rougher, drier skin. Our feet and hands are exposed to so much that they need something a little stronger to keep them looking and feeling healthy and beautiful.


Body Care: During the Day

It is essential that people are aware of their bodies all day long. It is a good idea to carry antibacterial hand lotion or soap. There are germs everywhere and not enough places to wash our hands. This will help keep the hands and face germ free since everyone touches their face during the day. It is also a good idea to carry wipes that absorb face moisture. This will help keep pores from becoming clogged and also feels great on the skin.


Body Care: Before Bed

Before going to bed each night, there are several body care products to use in order to maintain healthy skin. The first is a good cosmetics remover. It is not recommended that a woman retire for the evening without removing her make-up, as it tends to clog pores and cause breakouts. Once this is accomplished, the face should be washed with a good foaming cleanser. After washing the face, it is a good idea to use a toner. A toner will clean out the pores of the face, reaching deeper than the foaming cleanser can. Finally, apply a blemish cream that will work overnight. This entire routine should take only five minutes and is worth every second to have beautiful skin!


Body care is essential all day long. In order to have skin look and feel its best, it is important to follow each of these steps. Following a body care regimen every day will keep skin beautiful and soft!

Author Resource:-> Ursula McLean is a IA and ITEC qualified beauty therapist working with Feel Confident. Visit www.feelconfident.co.uk for great deals

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Six Common Skin Problems

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and can reflect our general health. In addition, our skin is probably the most abused organ on the body from environmental factors, stress, dehydration, sun exposure, etc. Our skin needs to be protected and nourished.

Problem #1: Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The major factors responsible for lines and wrinkles are mostly due to over-exposed skin to the sun. In addition, stress, hormones, heredity, and environmental factors also play a significant part. In order to reduce more fine lines and wrinkles from forming and demishing the ones you have, exfoliation is recommended as well as a rich moisturizing cream. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and stimulates new skin cell growth.

In addition, to eliminate additional fine lines and wrinkles from forming, you should wear a sun screen of SPF 15 or higher everyday. Most people believe that because they are not baking in the sun, a sun screen is not needed; however, most people do not realize just how much sun they are exposed to on a daily basis

Problem #2: Enlarged or Distended Pores

Enlarged or distended pores (blackheads) are due to trapped debris in the pores. The debris is a combination of dead skin cells and sebum (oil). The debris causes the pore to stretch or buildup and produce blackheads. Facial cleansers with an exfoliate are recommended for enlarged or distended pores. The exfoliating ingredient will open the pore and the cleanser will clean out the pore(s). In addition, after cleansing a skin toner should be applied to tighten the skin and close the pores. A moisturizer should only be applied after toning and closing the pores on your skin. If you do not have a toner, apply cold water to close the pores before applying any moisturizer.

Problem #3: Brown Spots aka Age Spots

Brown spots are caused from over exposure to the sun. The sun causes the cells that produce melanin to react and protect the inner layers of the skin. Melanin is the product that the body produces to get a tan. It is a protective reaction for the skins inner layers.

There are remedies on the market to remove brown spots such as laser surgery or use of retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) combined with bleaching agents such as hydroquinone and kojic acid. In addition, natural ingredients such as lemon or other fruit juices will lighten brown spots and at a fraction of the cost of the above therapies.

Again, as indicated above, sun screen is imperative to avoid brown spots on the skin.


Problem #4: Blemishes

Blemishes are usually due in part to the over production of sebum (oil) which can be attributed to stress and hormonal changes.

Mild to moderate breakouts, characterized by less than seven pimples a month, can be treated with over the counter products. This may include those treatments containing glycolic acid or retinol, which is potent for unclogging skin pores. Also, benzoyl peroxide, which is an antibacterial agent, can be applied. There is one specific ingredient that is particularly effective in treating blemishes – salicylic acid. This is actually an efficient exfoliate that dissolves skin oil.

In addition to over the counter remedies for blemishes there are a number of natural make at home products that are quite beneficial and not as harsh. A mild home remedy is listed below:

Mask with Baking Soda

(not baking powder)

Wash face thoroughly with a mid cleanser. Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Apply the paste to you face and leave on about 10 minutes. Rinse face and feel the difference.


Problem #5: Redness on the Skin

Rosacea is a condition that first appears as a flushing or subtle redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. It then progresses from intermittent mild redness to persistent ruddiness as well as permanent, dilated blood vessels and acne-like bumps.

Rosacea is not curable, but it responds well to treatment. Dermatologists usually recommend prescription topical and oral antibiotics. In addition, treatments such as Vbeam are available. Vbeam is a technique that repairs the broken capillaries and reduces the need for topical applications. Furthermore, there are over-the-counter treatments available and natural home remedies that reduce redness.


Problem #6: Dullness of the Skin

Dullness of the skin typically occurs around age 30. During this stage, the natural ability

of your skin to slough off dead cells from the surface slows down. When the dry and dead cells build up, the skin becomes dull. To freshen your skin and bring back a natural glow, consider regular exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells and improve circulation. In addition, set-up and follow a good skin care regime and your skin will thank you for it by its natural glow.


Author Resource:-> For more skin care articles, natural cosmetics and homemade skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy


Article From Article Health And Fitness