Showing posts with label Beauty Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty Tips. Show all posts

Monday, November 8, 2010

Basic Tips for a Natural Eye Makeup Look

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A natural eye makeup look is an important one to master. Many occasions call for subtle or natural looking makeup, from conservative business settings to an early morning dentist appointment. You want to look put together but don’t want it to be too obvious you are wearing makeup. Here are a few tips for giving your eyes some definition without looking like you tried too hard.

-Start with a base to neutralize any redness you may have in the eye area and to help your color last all day without creasing. Eye Makeup products like MAC Bare Canvas Paint or Too Faced Shadow Insurance are perfect for prepping your lid for a neutral look.

-Swipe a soft neutral shade all over the lid. You can go with a beige, peach, or bone color depending on your skin tone. Matte shades or slightly shimmery ones such as MAC Grain are ideal choices.

-Apply a taupe or brown color in your crease using a rounded crease brush. Avoid red-based browns. A color like MAC Satin Taupe is flattering to most skin tones. After applying, use a blending brush to blend as much as possible so the color fades gradually.

Lady Vengeance accident

-Use a pencil eye liner in a medium brown color. A soft pencil in a color similar to your lashes like Urban Decay Bourbon or MAC Teddy Eye Kohl gives you the most natural look. A gel liner like the soft shimmery brown MAC Ostentatious applied with a light hand can also look pretty and natural. Liquid liners should be avoided altogether.

-Curl your lashes and then apply one coat of Mascara to the upper lashes only. Go with a brown mascara or dark brown if your hair is very dark. Black can look too harsh for natural makeup looks.

-Be sure to fill in your brows. This is an essential step for making your face look complete. Use a powder or soft pencil in a shade that is just slightly lighter than your natural brow color. Follow your natural arch and fill in the brows, being sure to blend well.

-A brow highlighter helps round out your look. A neutral shadow such as MAC Vanilla applied to the brow bone just under the brows adds a little highlight/definition without adding color.

It is very easy to get a natural Eye makeup look with the right makeup products and a little bit of practice. After a few tries, achieving this look will become just as effortless as it appears!


Post Title Basic Tips for a Natural Eye Makeup Look

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How to Apply Liquid Eyeliner

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The art of applying eyeliner can be very tricky for even the most seasoned professional. You should learn to apply eyeliner first with a pencil and when you are ready to get more dramatic then move on to a liquid.
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Liquid eyeliner needs to be applied with a very steady hand or you will end up with a mess. But, do not worry because it is possible for anyone to learn to apply this fabulous product, it just takes some practice.

The first thing to keep in mind when applying liquid eyeliner is: do not try and draw a straight line across your lash line. Think about, how many of us can even draw a straight line on a piece of paper? When you begin to apply the liquid you need to use a very thin brush and make sure that there is not too much product on it. Then begin at the inner lash and work in small dashes until you get all the way across your eye. This will help you draw a line without making you too nervous. If you need to you can gently pull your eye outward to your ear so that you can more easily draw a line. Pulling on your eye will also help you to keep one eye closed while the other is open so you can see what you are doing.

The next step to making the liquid eyeliner line look fabulous is to blend. Blending is the secret to perfect make up application. Take a slanted eye shadow brush and dab it into a bit of eye shadow that is the same color of your liquid eyeliner: e.g. black or brown. Then draw the brush across your lash line directly across the liquid eyeliner. Adding the powder will help soften the line and make the liquid liner look better and will smooth out any smudges on your eye.

If you have gone too far outside of the eye or the liner is too thick just continue to blend. You can also take a bit of eye make up remover on a cotton swab and gently edit what you have placed on your eye. That is the beauty of make up, you can always edit. There is no permanence to what you are placing on your face. You are enhancing the natural beauty of you. Take your time, play and one day you will be a liquid eye liner master.

Original article by Katharine Poklemba

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Liquid eyeliner needs to be applied with a very steady hand or you will end up with a mess. But, do not worry because it is possible for anyone to learn to apply this fabulous product, it just takes some practice.

The first thing to keep in mind when applying liquid eyeliner is: do not try and draw a straight line across your lash line. Think about, how many of us can even draw a straight line on a piece of paper? When you begin to apply the liquid you need to use a very thin brush and make sure that there is not too much product on it. Then begin at the inner lash and work in small dashes until you get all the way across your eye. This will help you draw a line without making you too nervous. If you need to you can gently pull your eye outward to your ear so that you can more easily draw a line. Pulling on your eye will also help you to keep one eye closed while the other is open so you can see what you are doing.

The next step to making the liquid eyeliner line look fabulous is to blend. Blending is the secret to perfect make up application. Take a slanted eye shadow brush and dab it into a bit of eye shadow that is the same color of your liquid eyeliner: e.g. black or brown. Then draw the brush across your lash line directly across the liquid eyeliner. Adding the powder will help soften the line and make the liquid liner look better and will smooth out any smudges on your eye.

If you have gone too far outside of the eye or the liner is too thick just continue to blend. You can also take a bit of eye make up remover on a cotton swab and gently edit what you have placed on your eye. That is the beauty of make up, you can always edit. There is no permanence to what you are placing on your face. You are enhancing the natural beauty of you. Take your time, play and one day you will be a liquid eye liner master.

Post Title How to Apply Liquid Eyeliner

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What Type of Eyeliner is Right for Me?

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Choosing the right eyeliner can be a difficult process. Row after row after row of products, divided by brands, color, type... it almost makes my head spin! Where does one even begin?

Pencil Eyeliner

Pencils are perhaps the most commonly used eyeliner on the market.

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In fact, several women have had their first experience with eyeliner in the form of a pencil! Whether they are wooden pencils that require sharpening, or retractable pencils that raise and lower similar to lipstick, pencils create a smooth line with little effort.

However, pencil eyeliner isn't known for its staying abilities, as it has a tendency to smudge quite easily. Some women claim that warming pencil eyeliner between two fingers helps it go on smoothly; other women claim that putting the pencil in the freezer for a few minutes helps it go on more smoothly. What nonsense! If your eyeliner pencil isn't performing up to par, perhaps it is time to look for another type of eyeliner.

Here are some examples of pencil eyeliners:

Bonne Bell Eye Definer
Youngblood Eye Liner Pencil
Maybelline Expert Eyes Defining Liner
Merle Norman Automatic Definitive Eye Pencil

Cream and Gel Eyeliner

Cream and gel eyeliners are trickier to use than their pencil counterparts. However, the staying powder of these formulations far exceeds that of the wimpy line one achieves with pencil eyeliner.

While using a brush is necessary with gel or cream eyeliner, it can be applied with a dry or damp brush. I personally prefer a dry brush unless I am going for a much exaggerated line.

Do not leave the cap off your cream or gel eyeliner for a long period of time, as it will dry out. Also, it can be a bit tricky to apply this type of eyeliner to the lower lash line.

Here are two of the many options at your disposal if you wish to try this type of eyeliner: M.A.C Fluidline and L`Oreal H.I.P. Cream Eyeliner.

Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner is known for its speed and accuracy, once you've become accustomed to it. Liquid liner leaves a smart, even line in one swipe. And since liquid liner comes pre-packaged, there is no need to worry about sharpening, retracting, or brush cleaning. The lid needs to be replaced immediately after use to keep the liner from drying out.

The downside to liquid liner is if a mistake is made it is difficult to fix. If you are new to liquid liner I highly recommend Revlon's Eye Makeup Eraser Pen. (You may also find success with cotton swabs soaked in makeup remover.)

I have included a couple of examples of liquid eyeliner: L`Oreal Line Intensifique Extreme Wear Liquid Liner and Almay Amazing I-Liner Liquid Liner

Eye shadow as a Liner?

Once, when I was at a M.A.C counter looking for new eyeliner, a sales associate mentioned using a dark, matte shade of eye shadow for eyeliner. She suggested that I take my liner brush, dampen it with water, apply eye shadow to the wet brush, and then simply use the brush as if I were using a gel liner. I actually tried this twice, and it worked rather well. However, it also seemed to make more of a mess than all of the other methods; even more so than the gel eyeliner. I suppose if I wanted to keep the number of makeup products I used to a minimum, then I could use a dark color for both my liner and the crease of my eyes. Unfortunately, I am absolutely addicted to makeup.

Other Eyeliner Related Tips

Above all, remember these important tips:

Always apply eye makeup in this order: eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara.
It is acceptable to put on foundation before or after making up the eyes. Some women prefer to put the foundation on first, and some women prefer to put the foundation on last. I prefer to put it on first.
Eyeliner should never be darker than your mascara.
Waterproof eyeliner is superfluous and should only be worn when you have need to wear waterproof mascara (i.e. sad movies, weddings, etc).
While colored eyeliner can be fun, approach vibrant hues cautiously. No one should wear red or pink eyeliner, as it can make the eye appear infected and unwell.
If you have very little lid visible when your eyes are open, you may want to skip eyeliner altogether, or apply your liner in a very, very skinny line. (This mainly applies to Asian women.)
Eyeliner doesn't have to be expensive! I've seen eyeliner priced between $2.59 and $40.

Finally, while it can be fun to apply your eyeliner the way Liz Taylor wore hers when she played Cleopatra, please do not make this your daily habit. It can be quite overwhelming!

Original article by Julia

In fact, several women have had their first experience with eyeliner in the form of a pencil! Whether they are wooden pencils that require sharpening, or retractable pencils that raise and lower similar to lipstick, pencils create a smooth line with little effort.

However, pencil eyeliner isn't known for its staying abilities, as it has a tendency to smudge quite easily. Some women claim that warming pencil eyeliner between two fingers helps it go on smoothly; other women claim that putting the pencil in the freezer for a few minutes helps it go on more smoothly. What nonsense! If your eyeliner pencil isn't performing up to par, perhaps it is time to look for another type of eyeliner.

Here are some examples of pencil eyeliners:

Bonne Bell Eye Definer
Youngblood Eye Liner Pencil
Maybelline Expert Eyes Defining Liner
Merle Norman Automatic Definitive Eye Pencil

Cream and Gel Eyeliner

Cream and gel eyeliners are trickier to use than their pencil counterparts. However, the staying powder of these formulations far exceeds that of the wimpy line one achieves with pencil eyeliner.

While using a brush is necessary with gel or cream eyeliner, it can be applied with a dry or damp brush. I personally prefer a dry brush unless I am going for a much exaggerated line.

Do not leave the cap off your cream or gel eyeliner for a long period of time, as it will dry out. Also, it can be a bit tricky to apply this type of eyeliner to the lower lash line.

Here are two of the many options at your disposal if you wish to try this type of eyeliner: M.A.C Fluidline and L`Oreal H.I.P. Cream Eyeliner.

Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner is known for its speed and accuracy, once you've become accustomed to it. Liquid liner leaves a smart, even line in one swipe. And since liquid liner comes pre-packaged, there is no need to worry about sharpening, retracting, or brush cleaning. The lid needs to be replaced immediately after use to keep the liner from drying out.

The downside to liquid liner is if a mistake is made it is difficult to fix. If you are new to liquid liner I highly recommend Revlon's Eye Makeup Eraser Pen. (You may also find success with cotton swabs soaked in makeup remover.)

I have included a couple of examples of liquid eyeliner: L`Oreal Line Intensifique Extreme Wear Liquid Liner and Almay Amazing I-Liner Liquid Liner

Eye shadow as a Liner?

Once, when I was at a M.A.C counter looking for new eyeliner, a sales associate mentioned using a dark, matte shade of eye shadow for eyeliner. She suggested that I take my liner brush, dampen it with water, apply eye shadow to the wet brush, and then simply use the brush as if I were using a gel liner. I actually tried this twice, and it worked rather well. However, it also seemed to make more of a mess than all of the other methods; even more so than the gel eyeliner. I suppose if I wanted to keep the number of makeup products I used to a minimum, then I could use a dark color for both my liner and the crease of my eyes. Unfortunately, I am absolutely addicted to makeup.

Other Eyeliner Related Tips

Above all, remember these important tips:

Always apply eye makeup in this order: eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara.
It is acceptable to put on foundation before or after making up the eyes. Some women prefer to put the foundation on first, and some women prefer to put the foundation on last. I prefer to put it on first.
Eyeliner should never be darker than your mascara.
Waterproof eyeliner is superfluous and should only be worn when you have need to wear waterproof mascara (i.e. sad movies, weddings, etc).
While colored eyeliner can be fun, approach vibrant hues cautiously. No one should wear red or pink eyeliner, as it can make the eye appear infected and unwell.
If you have very little lid visible when your eyes are open, you may want to skip eyeliner altogether, or apply your liner in a very, very skinny line. (This mainly applies to Asian women.)
Eyeliner doesn't have to be expensive! I've seen eyeliner priced between $2.59 and $40.

Finally, while it can be fun to apply your eyeliner the way Liz Taylor wore hers when she played Cleopatra, please do not make this your daily habit. It can be quite overwhelming!

Post Title What Type of Eyeliner is Right for Me?

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Which Eyeliner Styles Are Good for Which Looks?

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Understanding eyeliner requires understanding eyeliner styles. You must understand the kinds of eyeliner available to you and the eyeliner look you seek in order to make your eyes pop in the manner you would like. If you don't, you're going to be trying to use liquid eyeliner for a natural look and wondering why on earth the whole look just seems wrong.

While different styles of eyeliner are displayed side by side in beauty department store aisles, that's really where most eyeliner similarities end. The looks that are created using different kinds of eyeliner vary so widely that each particular liner should be considered its own individual cosmetic tool. While one might be used for subtlety, another will only be used for instant glamour; it is altogether likely that a fashionista will have specific eyeliners that are only worn with specific colors of clothing. It's that specialized.

Cat Eye
If you're going to give your eyes the dramatic cat eye look, you want liquid liner. In fact, you probably want onyx black liquid liner. This -60s-reminiscent look is all about clean, crisp lines along the upper and lower lid of your eyes, with a sassy little upturned flair at the outer corner. The best way to achieve this smudge-free look is with a liquid liner that will go on smoothly. A soft eye pencil will create a sloppy take on a look that is based upon the idea of polish.

Smoky Eye
If you're looking for a heavy smoky eye, you actually don't even need to pick up a liner at all. Your eyeshadow will provide the emphasis here. Eyeshadow serves as a great liner when applied correctly - if you lightly wet your eyeshadow brush, dip it into shadow and apply in a thin line, it will provide a soft line of color that you can smudge accordingly. This also is a great introduction to people new to working with the concept of liner.

Natural Eye
Natural and makeup-free are two different concepts. A natural eye will let the beauty of your eyes' color and shape stand out, but relies on cosmetics to showcase them to their highest potential. If you want to create a natural eye look, stick with a neutral-colored eye pencil. Pencil will let you lightly smudge the liner so that it becomes less obvious.

Funky Colors
If you want to line your eyes with lime green or an electric blue, you can utilize any liner style you'd like. Get creative and have some fun to see whether a liquid liner or pencil best suits your needs.

Post Title Which Eyeliner Styles Are Good for Which Looks?

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How to Get Rid of Age Spots

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"How to get rid of age spots?" you may ask as you look in the mirror. Unfortunately, by the time you notice age spots, it is almost impossible to remove them, as age spots are a fact of life. However, you can lighten them or cover them up.

Methods For Getting Rid Of Age Spots
Treatments for age spots range from simple at-home solutions to outrageously priced invasive procedures, such as laser treatments and surgery. Before you opt for anything as drastic as surgery, start on a smaller scale with a simple citrus exfoliation process, and be persistent. Lemon juice, or the juice of any citrus fruit, contains alpha hydroxy acid, which is an absolutely wonderful product to use as an exfoliant.

Wash your face two to three times a week with a few slices of orange or lemon. If your skin is hardy, scrub it gently with the citrus, and then leave the juice on your face for a minute or so before washing it off.

Bleaching with citrus, horseradish, sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar or any other fruit or vegetable-based natural product will also work as long as you apply the products on a regular basis. Use this method to exfoliate your face each week. In a few weeks, you'll see a difference, and so will everyone else.

Cover Up For Age Spots
Covering up age spots is an alternative for those who don't have the time or energy to follow a daily or weekly regime. There is no surgery involved. All that is required is just a minute or two in front of the mirror as you apply a little foundation to the area. The problem with covering up age spots in this manner is that you never actually get rid of them. If you forget your foundation once, within seconds your secret will be out of the bag. Still, it is an option that isn't costly, isn't invasive and doesn't require much preparation time.

Prevention
To avoid the appearance of even more age spots, you should be always wear sunscreen and a hat. Following a nutritious diet to improve the overall quality of your skin can be a good help. That way, you will encourage a youthful glow that will make the age spots less noticeable.


Post Title How to Get Rid of Age Spots

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How to Get Rid of Pimples

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At some time or another, you've wanted to learn how to get rid of pimples. This isn't just an issue for teenagers - pimples can strike at the most inopportune times. For example, who hasn't had a big date or meeting only to wake up with a big zit on her nose? Don't worry - you don't have to hide from the world if you have acne or pimples.

The best way to keep pimples away from your face is to keep up a regular skin care regime. You should wash your face, neck and the areas near your hairline and skin at least twice a day. Use a cleanser to remove debris, a scrub to reach into the pores and clear them and a toner to tighten the skin.

If you are prone to more than just the occasional pimple, then you might want to invest in some over-the-counter acne items. There are a range of products to choose from, many of which contain salicylic acid. Additionally, when it comes time to buy things like makeup and sunscreen, be sure to look for ones that are hypoallergenic or nonacnegenic. These items are great because they don't clog a person's pores or irritate the skin.

If you want an overnight home remedy for getting rid of pimples, try using calamine lotion or toothpaste on the offending bump. This will dry out the spot. Try to keep yourself from squeezing the offending pimple, as this could lead to scarring and discoloration.

And of course, if you want smooth skin, you need to drink as much water as possible. This keeps the skin hydrated and looking fresh. Be sure to avoid touching your face. The oil on your hands can only aggravate the skin and can cause some ugly looking pimples. Such preventive strategies are sure to work so that you don't have to worry about someone calling you a pizza face.


Post Title How to Get Rid of Pimples

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Removing Age Spots at Home

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Removing age spots begins with improving your overall health so skin is well cared for. Before you think about lightening or removing age spots, however, please check with your dermatologist to determine the type of spots you have. Some spots can be dangerous and should be surgically removed by a professional.

Taking Proper Care Of Your Skin
The best way to remove age spots is to keep them from appearing in the first place. That means getting a minimum of six to eight glasses of water per day, avoiding the sun or using sunscreen when you can't avoid the sun, eating nutritious meals and staying away from foods that are bad for you. It's also important to keep your weight under control and to maintain the tone of your skin by exercising regularly and using a good skin moisturizer that doesn't include alcohol, mineral oil, fragrance or parabens.

Exfoliation Treatments
Different exfoliation treatments can be purchased over the counter and used in the privacy of your own home to remove age spots. If you don't have any ideas where to start, look for products that contain ingredients such as grapeseed oil and vitamin E. And never underestimate the power of shea butter as a softening agent.

Lightening Age Spots
You can always dab lemon or lime juice on the age spot for several months to see a significant difference; however, you must be careful. Unfortunately, citrus juice will bleach all portions of your face, not just an age spot, and the results can be a very blotchy complexion. To avoid this, use a cotton-tipped swab, and touch up only the spots that require lightening. When you have reached a point where the age spots have been lightened enough to blend in with the rest of your complexion, stop using the lightening formula, and use the exfoliation infrequently.

The most important step in the removal of age spots is to make sure you do not expose the same skin to sunlight, or the age spot may reappear. Never attempt to remove an age spot that is bigger than a freckle or is raised. If the age spots are large, or if there are many of them, don't take things into your own hands. Call in the professionals, and together you can decide which course of action is best for you.


Post Title Removing Age Spots at Home

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Fade Age Spots Naturally

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To fade age spots naturally, you first need to evaluate your current lifestyle and then adjust it accordingly. If you continue to expose your skin to the sun's damaging UV rays and eat a poor diet, your age spots will keep coming back, no matter how many age spots creams you try. While home remedies can help lighten age spots, the best remedy is a change of your habits.

What Age Spots Are
Age spots, also known as "liver spots," are the dark spots that appear on your skin as you age. The spots are most prominent on the backs of your hands and on your face and chest, and they can appear in an array of colors, from light brown to black.

Changing Your Habits
The key to removing these age spots from your body and eliminating the chance of additional spots appearing over time is to limit sun exposure. Since it is inevitable that everyone must spend some time in the sun, the best method of preventing sun damage is to avoid the sun when you can and use a good sunscreen with at least 15 or 30 SPF when you can't.

The second-best defense you have against developing age spots is to drink plenty of water, eat a healthy diet and incorporate an exercise routine into your daily life. Keeping your body in tip-top shape and ingesting plenty of antioxidants to help your body fend off free radicals is a step in the right direction.

Before you decide to do anything about your age spots, it's important to see a licensed dermatologist to determine if the spots in question are in fact age spots or something more serious. Also, before using any product-natural or otherwise-to lighten your skin, check with your dermatologist to make sure it is safe.

Bleaching Your Age Spots
For lightening age spots with a bleaching agent, dab the solution on the spot several times a day until the spot lightens enough that it blends in with the rest of your skin. If the area you want to lighten is large, it may be best to lighten the whole area, such as the entire back of your hand or your entire face. Check with your physician or dermatologist before using any ointments and lotions on your body, and, if your skin develops a red spot or rash where the ointments have been applied, discontinue using the product until you have sought the advice of a trained medical professional.

Good natural bleaching agents include lemon juice, other citrus juices, vinegar, horseradish or a mix of honey and yogurt. Apply the agent to a small spot on your skin to make sure you have no allergies to the ingredients you are about to rub on a larger area. Then start slowly, always rub gently and stop if redness or pain occurs on the site. Remember that each item can burn your skin if left on too long, so be sure to rinse if you feel any irritation.

On average, it will take about two months of regular use to lighten age spots. Create a chart, and follow it religiously. If the products do not harm your skin, it may be safe to apply them twice a day in a more vigorous regimen.

Post Title Fade Age Spots Naturally

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What Causes Age Spots? It Isn't Always Age

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What causes age spots? Surprisingly, the answer isn't always age.

What Are Age Spots?

Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat patches of skin discoloration that although painless, can cause the skin to look weary and aged. Often oval, age spots can range in size from a tiny freckle to a centimeter across and are usually brown, black, or gray.

What Causes Age Spots

Many consider tanned skin to be the mark of youthful good health. According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology almost half of the teens surveyed, though aware of the risks of skin cancer, believe that people look healthier with a tan. The fact is- a tan is anything but a healthy glow. Tanning is the body's natural reaction to cell damage.

In the process by which tanning occurs, ultra violet rays activate cells called melanocytes that produce the brown pigment melanin to defend against UV damage. Age spots begin to develop when melanin is produced in higher concentrations than normal.

Melanin causing age spots can be produced by:

  • Sun Exposure: Because sun exposure is the primary culprit for the majority of sufferers, age spots more prominently appear on face, hands, shoulders, and arms-the most frequently exposed areas of the skin.
  • Tanning Beds: Any method of tanning, including tanning beds and sunlamps, that produce skin darkening through the production of melanin can contribute to age spots.
  • Natural Aging: Advancing age can also be a natural cause of increased melanin and the appearance of age spots.

Is Older Skin More Susceptible?

As you age, your skin becomes thinner and loses fat making it more susceptible to wrinkles, dryness, and damage. Unhealthy habits recklessly undertaken in youth like smoking and sun exposure begin to bare their unsightly side effects, as the skin grows older. These same habits practiced in advancing age have more immediate effects.

Though they can occur before, age spots generally occur in people over forty since the skin is ultimately more susceptible and the melanin clusters that produce the appearance of age spots typically develop over time.

Are Age Spots Dangerous

Medically referred to as benign or vascular pigmented lesions, age spots are generally harmless. They do not lead to cancer in and of themselves. That does not mean that the appearance of age spots should be ignored. Lentigo maligna melanoma is a form of skin cancer that also occurs as a result of sun-damaged skin. At its most treatable stage, LMM can be mistaken for a harmless age spot, so it's best not to self-diagnose.


Post Title What Causes Age Spots? It Isn't Always Age

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Treatment for Age Spots

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As your skin accumulates years of sun exposure, you may notice flat tan, grey, brown or dark brown spots on your skin. These age spots, also called sun spots and liver spots, are usually found on the backs of the hands, face, neck and chest. While not harmful, they are a sign that your skin has come in contact with its fair share of UV rays. So how can you minimize or erase them?

First of all, if you don't want your age spots to multiply, you should wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 every day. The next type of cream you should use is a bleaching formula containing hydroquinone. You can ask your dermatologist for a prescription and he might also suggest another cream with retinoids and a mild steroid. The two will help fade age spots, but you may not see results for a few months. There are also over-the-counter solutions that can combat discolorations. Look for glycolic acid or kojic acid.

At home treatments can work to fade age spots, but if you want to remove them altogether you'll have to visit your dermatologist. At the office your doctor can give you a treatment that will eliminate age spots.

  • Dermabrasion can work to slough off the surface layer, leaving a new layer of age spot free skin-expect to endure several treatments.
  • Another way to gradually fade age spots is with a series of chemical peels. Your dermatologist will apply an acid, which removes the outer layer of skin, again eventually revealing new skin without age spots.
  • Several sessions of laser therapy can help your spots fade over weeks or months by destroying the dark pigments in your skin. Know that it can be a pricey procedure, though.
  • In cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen is applied on the spot to freeze and destroy the pigment. Once the skin heals, the skin will below will be lighter. This method can cause permanent scarring or discoloration, but when it works properly it's quick and highly effective.

Post Title Treatment for Age Spots

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Anti Ageing Strategies For Beautiful Skin

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Keep your skin looking young with simple precautions you can easily incorporate into your daily life. Protecting and caring for your skin today will, without doubt, benefit you in years to come. While genetic factors play a crucial role in determining how well your skin will age. there are preventative measures you can take to avoid premature ageing.

The free radical theory

It is widely believed by the scientific profession that highly reactive molecules, known as free radicals, are responsible for the changes that constitute ageing. Free radicals are produced during normal body functioning when oxygen interacts with certain fats.

While the body is usually able to 'mop up' these free radicals, when the body's supply of free radical scavengers' is reduced the molecules cause cell damage. Anti-oxidant vitamins, especially the vitamins A, C and E, have been found to neutralise the destructive effects of free radicals in the body.

Protection from the sun

Most of the changes that come with the decades are sun-related and therefore avoidable. These changes include: fine lines at the corners of the mouth and eyes which show during your twenties and thirties; color loss by the late thirties to forties; 'crows' feet', frown and forehead lines, and shrinkage of the upper lip that become more visible in the fifties; and in the sixties, jowls, age spots and broken blood vessels.

Some dermatologists say that, when adequately protected, the skin can repair accumulated damage by as much as 30 per cent. As ultraviolet light surrounds us constantly, it is recommended that we wear moisturizers that contain ultraviolet filters every day.

As exposure to sunlight produces free radicals, a new trend in sun protection products is to include vitamins E and or C. Ultraviolet light, smoking and other forms of pollution produce an inflammatory reaction in the cells. New skin care products which contain anti-inflammatory ingredients help prevent damage.

Stop smoking!
As well as damaging your lungs, the ageing effects on the skin are dramatic. Smoking damages the skin's collagen, etches lines around the mouth and eyes, and causes drier, rougher skin.

Beauty from within
As well as combating skin-ageing free radicals, the A, C and E vitamins have other essential roles in maintaining your skin.

Vitamin A , found in foods such as broccoli, carrots and spinach, is essential for the growth and repair of skin tissues. Vitamin C is needed for collagen production and for maintaining a healthy immune system, while vitamin E is a vital anti-oxidant that aids normal growth and development.

It is important to eat fish oils and unrefined vegetable oils and to avoid the 'bad', saturated fats.

Sleep
The body diverts blood away from the skin to the 'essential' organs as a result of lack of sleep, giving your complexion that fatigued look and slack muscle tone. Adequate sleep is one of the best beauty treat-ments available!

Collagen treatment
Lines and wrinkles can be injected with collagen (which is extracted from animal sources), an anti-ageing strategy that must be done by a professional. Top-up treatments are needed every 3-12 months.

AHA skin peels
Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are extracted from sources such as apples, grapes, lemons and passion fruit (in the form of fruit acids), milk (as lactic acid) and sugar cane (as glycolic acid). Applied to the skin, they act as a skin peel, increasing exfoliation and stimulating the turnover of new cells. While dermatolagiest can use a stronger solution for immediate effect, products bought over the counter need 4-8 weeks to take effect.

Retin-A
Also known as tretinoic acid, Retin-A is an acne treatment that has been found to stimulate the growth of new collagen and to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It has yet to receive government approval for use as an anti-ageing product and cannot be used by women of child-bearing age.


Post Title Anti Ageing Strategies For Beautiful Skin

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