Well, thanks to celebs like Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilara PALE SKIN is IN this summer!!!
(I guess we also have to credit the "going green" epedemic and the rising information about skin cancer too) :)
We're also going to be seeing rich reds and bright bold eyes---nice colors and textures! Thank goodness! Something different this summer!
You'll also be seeing glowing metallic skin- bronzes, golds, shimmer!
Healthy, glowing skin- smokey, pewter eyes, soft PINK lips.
This year they are marrying the trends of seasons past...
Clothing wise there are long flowing ankle length sun dresses, high waisted linen pants, BIG floral prints... COLOR COLOR COLOR.
It's all about making a statement, something should stand out...whether it be a strong print, a bold yellow bag, a red shoe, or a grey smokey eye.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Stretch Mark Myths
Pregnancy, growth spurts and rapid weight gain can change your life and your body forever. A reminder of these experiences can appear as fine lines or scars on the skin where the collagen has been disrupted otherwise known as stretch marks. Stretch marks are small tears in the skin that form in the tissue that supports the skin and helps it stretch. Stretch marks represent the tearing or separation of collagen from the skin when tearing occurs. Stretch marks may show up as reddish or purplish lines that may appear indented and have a different texture from the surrounding skin. They are not harmful or painful and fortunately, stretch marks often turn lighter and almost disappear over time. Stretch marks can appear almost anywhere, but tend to pop up on the breasts, thighs, hips, and butt. There are so many common misconceptions out there about these lingering beasts that the stigma surrounding them is blown to outrageous proportions.
Common Myths about Stretch Marks
1. Only pregnant women get stretch marks-FALSE
More than half of women get them during the last trimester of pregnancy, but some women start to develop them as soon as their bellies start growing. It is not uncommon for women to get them during puberty and growth spurts as well.And while they're more common in women, men can get stretch marks, too. Men who do a lot of weight lifting and build muscle quickly are particularly susceptible to developing them. Men who gain weight quickly for other reasons are also at risk.
2. I can prevent them with creams and lotions-FALSE
There are a ton of lotions and creams on the market that promise to prevent and diminish the appearance and likelihood of stretch marks. However, whether or not you get them at all, or the number of stretch marks you end up with, depends on how elastic your skin is. The elasticity of your skin usually relates to your genetic make up. If you’re concerned about accruing stretch marks during pregnancy, take a look at your mother’s tummy. I if she’s got them, then guess what? You’re a prime candidate.
3. If my mom has them, I will definitely get them.-FALSE
The amount of weight you gain can also contribute to your likelihood of stretch marks. If your mom gained sixty pounds during pregnancy and has a lot of stretch marks, don’t use her as a basis of comparison if you only gained twenty five pounds. You can fight genetics by keeping hydrated.
4. Stretch marks go away once you lose the weight.-FALSE
Some stretch marks do fade away after you lose the weight you gained, but most have a tendency to hang around. Skin that has thinned and stretched to form stretch marks does not easily return to normal because the texture has been compromised.
5. There is NO WAY to prevent them-FALSE
Water tends to increase the skins elasticity by moisturizing it from the inside out; this may help decrease the amount of stretch marks your body is naturally prone to. Vitamin E is also a long time contributor to skin elasticity. Many lotions and creams on the market boast this skin saving ingredient and, though these may help reduce some stretch marks, there are no scientific studies to support this claim.
Keep in mind the more weight you gain during pregnancy the more likely you are to have stretch marks. Doctors recommend most women gain between 25 and 35 pounds. Gaining much more than this can cause you to develop more stretch marks.
Normally the skin is elastic and capable of stretching quite a bit however, for some women the changes that occur during pregnancy are very dramatic, and these rapid fluctuations of weight and skin stretching can result in stretch marks.
Women carrying multiples are more likely to get stretch marks because their bellies tend to grow much larger than women with single pregnancies. Other women likely to develop stretch marks include women who gain a lot of weight quickly during their pregnancy and women who carry big babies. 6. Only plastic surgery can treat stretch marks.-FALSE
There are many ways to treat stretch marks besides plastic surgery. Topical creams, Chemical peels, and laser therapy are just a few of your options. Many topical lotions and cream products work to firm and tighten the skin. This tightening may lessen the appearance of existing stretch marks by minimizing discoloration and depth. Topicals like Retin-A, hydroxyl creams, and products like StriVectin-SD tighten skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels both can be used to minimally improve the appearance of scars, reduce discoloration, and smooth uneven skin surfaces.
Lasers have recently gained popularity to reduce the color and depth of stretch marks. During Laser Scar Reduction, the light from a laser is used to actually cut away the compromised collagen.
You can also opt for a non invasive and simple solution. Some people find that sunless tanning treatments can help successfully hide stretch marks. This may not work for regular tanning or tanning beds, though, because stretch marks themselves are less likely to tan. You also can buy body makeup matched to the tone of your skin that can make stretch marks almost invisible. A popular brand to try is Dermablend.
Stretch marks are a part of life for many people and though they can be a nuisance, they are completely cosmetic and not harmful at all.
Common Myths about Stretch Marks
1. Only pregnant women get stretch marks-FALSE
More than half of women get them during the last trimester of pregnancy, but some women start to develop them as soon as their bellies start growing. It is not uncommon for women to get them during puberty and growth spurts as well.And while they're more common in women, men can get stretch marks, too. Men who do a lot of weight lifting and build muscle quickly are particularly susceptible to developing them. Men who gain weight quickly for other reasons are also at risk.
2. I can prevent them with creams and lotions-FALSE
There are a ton of lotions and creams on the market that promise to prevent and diminish the appearance and likelihood of stretch marks. However, whether or not you get them at all, or the number of stretch marks you end up with, depends on how elastic your skin is. The elasticity of your skin usually relates to your genetic make up. If you’re concerned about accruing stretch marks during pregnancy, take a look at your mother’s tummy. I if she’s got them, then guess what? You’re a prime candidate.
3. If my mom has them, I will definitely get them.-FALSE
The amount of weight you gain can also contribute to your likelihood of stretch marks. If your mom gained sixty pounds during pregnancy and has a lot of stretch marks, don’t use her as a basis of comparison if you only gained twenty five pounds. You can fight genetics by keeping hydrated.
4. Stretch marks go away once you lose the weight.-FALSE
Some stretch marks do fade away after you lose the weight you gained, but most have a tendency to hang around. Skin that has thinned and stretched to form stretch marks does not easily return to normal because the texture has been compromised.
5. There is NO WAY to prevent them-FALSE
Water tends to increase the skins elasticity by moisturizing it from the inside out; this may help decrease the amount of stretch marks your body is naturally prone to. Vitamin E is also a long time contributor to skin elasticity. Many lotions and creams on the market boast this skin saving ingredient and, though these may help reduce some stretch marks, there are no scientific studies to support this claim.
Keep in mind the more weight you gain during pregnancy the more likely you are to have stretch marks. Doctors recommend most women gain between 25 and 35 pounds. Gaining much more than this can cause you to develop more stretch marks.
Normally the skin is elastic and capable of stretching quite a bit however, for some women the changes that occur during pregnancy are very dramatic, and these rapid fluctuations of weight and skin stretching can result in stretch marks.
Women carrying multiples are more likely to get stretch marks because their bellies tend to grow much larger than women with single pregnancies. Other women likely to develop stretch marks include women who gain a lot of weight quickly during their pregnancy and women who carry big babies. 6. Only plastic surgery can treat stretch marks.-FALSE
There are many ways to treat stretch marks besides plastic surgery. Topical creams, Chemical peels, and laser therapy are just a few of your options. Many topical lotions and cream products work to firm and tighten the skin. This tightening may lessen the appearance of existing stretch marks by minimizing discoloration and depth. Topicals like Retin-A, hydroxyl creams, and products like StriVectin-SD tighten skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels both can be used to minimally improve the appearance of scars, reduce discoloration, and smooth uneven skin surfaces.
Lasers have recently gained popularity to reduce the color and depth of stretch marks. During Laser Scar Reduction, the light from a laser is used to actually cut away the compromised collagen.
You can also opt for a non invasive and simple solution. Some people find that sunless tanning treatments can help successfully hide stretch marks. This may not work for regular tanning or tanning beds, though, because stretch marks themselves are less likely to tan. You also can buy body makeup matched to the tone of your skin that can make stretch marks almost invisible. A popular brand to try is Dermablend.
Stretch marks are a part of life for many people and though they can be a nuisance, they are completely cosmetic and not harmful at all.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Alpha Hydroxy: Unveil a New You!
Alpha Hydroxy: Unveil a New You!
Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) is a common ingredient in many skin care regimes not only for the face, but also for the body. It can be found as a main ingredient in many creams and lotions for the face and body, as well as more potent doses in creams for the elbows and feet. What is this mystery ingredient? And do I need it?
Alpha Hydroxy is and acid that has been used for thousands of years for skin rejuvenation. This active ingredient can aid in a variety of purposes: to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. These amazing claims can seem unsettling or too good to be true, but AHA is a perfectly safe skincare miracle.
How Does AHA Work?
Alpha Hydroxy Acid works by gently lifting the first layer of skin. This is why it works for so many different skin care issues. Consistent use of an AHA product is beneficial. Combining the use of an AHA product with a good exfoliation about two to three times a week will help turn over newer, younger skin faster.
Exfoliation is such an important part of your cleansing routine, and there are so many benefits that accompany it. First, you’re sloughing off the dead skin on your face. That dead skin is what’s holding in those black heads, or causing that scaly, tired appearance to your face. Dead skin is dull looking. If your skin doesn’t have the radiance it once had, chances are, its time to exfoliate. Regular exfoliation has also been known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All those fine lines are, is skin building up over a period of time, making your skin look aged. If you clean that skin off repeatedly, and reveal the fresh skin underneath, it cuts down on the drab appearance of wrinkles significantly.
AHA will gently lift the dead skin so that when you follow with an exfoliation product, you will effectively remove more of the tired skin. Oilier skin can also benefit because their skin stays moist all the time. Since the skin is oily it is unable to exfoliate itself as easily leading to clogged pores and unsightly black heads. With the help of an alpha hydroxy lotion, these issues will be tremendously minimalized. It is safe to use a moisturizer with Alpha Hydroxy in it on a regular basis, however, keep the product away from the eye area, as most face lotions with this active ingredient have too high a volume for this sensitive area.
Because Alpha Hydroxy Acid is so active in changing the texture of the skin and polishing it, it is imperative that you add a strong SPF/ sunscreen into your routine as well. Massive exfoliation of the skin can make it more susceptible to sunburn and a little more sensitive. This is an important step to insure the most beautiful results.
Though Alpha Hydroxy Products have been considered safe for most skin types, individuals with severely sensitive skin should consult a dermatologist before adding this product into their routine.
Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) is a common ingredient in many skin care regimes not only for the face, but also for the body. It can be found as a main ingredient in many creams and lotions for the face and body, as well as more potent doses in creams for the elbows and feet. What is this mystery ingredient? And do I need it?
Alpha Hydroxy is and acid that has been used for thousands of years for skin rejuvenation. This active ingredient can aid in a variety of purposes: to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. These amazing claims can seem unsettling or too good to be true, but AHA is a perfectly safe skincare miracle.
How Does AHA Work?
Alpha Hydroxy Acid works by gently lifting the first layer of skin. This is why it works for so many different skin care issues. Consistent use of an AHA product is beneficial. Combining the use of an AHA product with a good exfoliation about two to three times a week will help turn over newer, younger skin faster.
Exfoliation is such an important part of your cleansing routine, and there are so many benefits that accompany it. First, you’re sloughing off the dead skin on your face. That dead skin is what’s holding in those black heads, or causing that scaly, tired appearance to your face. Dead skin is dull looking. If your skin doesn’t have the radiance it once had, chances are, its time to exfoliate. Regular exfoliation has also been known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All those fine lines are, is skin building up over a period of time, making your skin look aged. If you clean that skin off repeatedly, and reveal the fresh skin underneath, it cuts down on the drab appearance of wrinkles significantly.
AHA will gently lift the dead skin so that when you follow with an exfoliation product, you will effectively remove more of the tired skin. Oilier skin can also benefit because their skin stays moist all the time. Since the skin is oily it is unable to exfoliate itself as easily leading to clogged pores and unsightly black heads. With the help of an alpha hydroxy lotion, these issues will be tremendously minimalized. It is safe to use a moisturizer with Alpha Hydroxy in it on a regular basis, however, keep the product away from the eye area, as most face lotions with this active ingredient have too high a volume for this sensitive area.
Because Alpha Hydroxy Acid is so active in changing the texture of the skin and polishing it, it is imperative that you add a strong SPF/ sunscreen into your routine as well. Massive exfoliation of the skin can make it more susceptible to sunburn and a little more sensitive. This is an important step to insure the most beautiful results.
Though Alpha Hydroxy Products have been considered safe for most skin types, individuals with severely sensitive skin should consult a dermatologist before adding this product into their routine.
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