Friday, October 31, 2014

Lighten dark areas and minimize stretch marks

Can you recommend any beauty product that can help lighten dark spots and armpits and remove stretch marks?
—MAY
The darkening of underarms, elbows and knees is most likely due to hyperpigmentation, a skin condition that affects more people than you think. It is mainly a result of excess melanin, which can be hereditary, or triggered by sun exposure or pregnancy.
In the case of underarms, the area can turn dark as a reaction to your deodorant, plucking or shaving, dead skin build-up or rubbing against tight clothing. Areas like your elbows and knees can also become dark and rough when you forget to exfoliate and moisturize.
The good news is, there are many ways to lighten these areas, and you can even use ingredients you can find in your kitchen. Foods with whitening properties include lemon or calamansi, as well as papaya and milk. You may try using these to lighten dark areas, but keep in mind these will take time (a few weeks) before you see a significant change.
Another way to do it is to find a whitening system to suit your needs and budget. Find a soap, lotion/moisturizer or cream that have active ingredients like vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and licorice extract, which are known to help brighten skin. Some even double as an exfoliant or deep moisturizer, which are also needed to speed up the whitening process.
But if you’re looking for a more drastic plan of action, a visit to your dermatologist is a good idea. She may be able to recommend a more potent whitening or bleaching cream to even out those dark spots. She may have a separate concoction for your underarms, since this area can be quite sensitive.

More complicated
Now, when it comes to stretch marks, well, this can be a little more complicated. We get stretch marks when we grow or gain weight too quickly, which causes our skin to break in some areas. It isn’t a serious thing, but, of course, we all want our skin to look smooth and bump-free.
BACKSTAGE at Anna Sui Spring-Summer 2012 WWW.STYLE.COM
One of the most effective ways to prevent stretch marks is by moisturizing daily, which helps skin become more elastic and pliant. This is one of those times when that old adage, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” applies. Moisturizing daily will help stave off stretch marks.
However, if you have them already, try to assess the stage they’re in. The earlier you catch these stretch marks, the easier it will be to minimize them. Their appearance will depend on your skin color: They start out pink, reddish brown, brown or dark brown and eventually fade into a more silvery color. They’re easily treatable when still red or purple, than when they’ve turned silver or white with deep indentations.
Luckily, there are quite a few products out there that help minimize stretch marks. Read the label and look for the following active ingredients: retinoids (proven to increase collagen and elastic production, but not to be used when nursing); glycolic acid (also known as AHA, this boosts collagen production); and vitamin C (works well with glycolic acid).
These may also be available in their potent form from your dermatologist. And if you are looking for a faster way to zap those marks, ask your doctor about laser treatments.


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Rid Yourself of Dark Spots Once and For All

Dark spots: at some point or another, just about everybody gets them. And while diffusing their appearance takes a little patience and a devoted skin care regimen, your spots can fade over time. Get the science behind hyperpigmentation, along with some product solutions, when you continue reading.
How did they happen? Right now your skin is producing melanin through a process called melanogenesis. But when you suffer a trauma (like picking at acne or being exposed to too much sun), the skin can produce extra melanin in that area as a protective mechanism. Hello, hyperpigmentation.
How to treat it: Cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson prescribes a spot treatment with hydroquinone to fade dark spots. "Hydroquinone blocks melanin production, and eventually the block becomes permanent. So it's really the most effective," she says. Wilson also recommends adding alpha hydroxy acids to your regular skin care regimen to increase cellular turnover and get rid of the darkened skin layers more quickly. After about a month, you should begin to see results.

What you're probably doing wrong: Wilson admits the biggest mistake people make is forgetting to wear sunscreen on top of the brightening treatment. "UV rays are much stronger than the ingredients you're putting on, so the melanogenesis process just continues to speed up," she explains. "It's like putting up a [small] cone to block a [huge] Mack truck." But sunscreen is like a wall and will work to keep the bad stuff out and your treatment's active ingredients in.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Want to get rid of dark circles?

Skin issues are something that is of top concern among all especially the girls who are too careful with their skin. One of the most problematic skin problems is dark circles that many a times leaves you petrified when you look yourself in the mirror. Also, they make you more and more sluggish and look dull.

The skin under your eyes is the thinnest and as one takes stress, the effect is immediately noticed with the darkening of skin round one's eyes. These dark circles really become troublesome as once you get them, it is quite tough to get rid of them. However, there are some ways by which you can prevent the skin around your eyes to get damaged and also get rid of them.

People get dark circles because their body is not getting what it requires. Also, one can get them due to problems like fatigue, stress, dehydration, poor circulation, inflammation, poor genes or melanin accumulation.

So, to fix them, all you need to do is to increase the moisturizing proportion in your skin. You can use cucumber or green tea bags to cool down the skin around your eyes. Potatoes are very helpful in reducing the dark circles as they contain enzymes called catalase that help in lightening them. Intake of Vitamin C will also help in reducing them. Another important thing one must do is drink lots of water and healthy juices to get dark circle free.

So, what are you waiting for try it and get rid of them.

Want to get rid of dark circles? Read


Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Brighten up

Brighten up

Perk up your complexion with brightening products.
Lacklustre, dull skin is a regrettably common beauty woe.
But actually there are plenty of ways to perk up a tired looking complexion - starting with a good buffing.
"If you want to tackle dull skin, start by exfoliating," says skin guru and facialist Louise Tear.
"Dead skin cells build up, diffusing the light and making your complexion look dull.
"A light exfoliation every day is fine if you're prone to lacklustre skin.
"And once a week, use an exfoliator containing salicylic acid, which will really clean out clogged pores.
"It's actually best to exfoliate in the evening as skin cells turn over and repair while you sleep, so getting some rest makes a big difference," she adds.
There are plenty of clever radiance-boosting products lining the beauty shelves too.
From light reflecting foundation to vitamin-packed primers, there is plenty of help at hand.
"I really like Christian Dior Sublissime Base SPF 50, which protects against UV rays, which can damage and dull your complexion. Plus, it brightens by reducing tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production," recommends Louise.
"Another favourite is Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector, which uses salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin's top layers, and is packed with vitamins C and E as well as ferulic acid, all of which fight pigment-encouraging free radicals, plus a mushroom extract to minimise dark spots.
"I also love Clarins Brightening Body Veil which has combination of chamomile, parsley, and birch to help even out skin tone by soothing irritation and inhibiting melanin, while glycerin moisturises and light-reflective particles give a slight sheen," adds Louise.

Monday, October 13, 2014

How to brighten up dark spots

Even out your skin tone using some of these tips.
They're known as age spots, liver spots, sunspots or solar lentigines. Whatever you call them, dark spots are a surefire giveaway of age.
For the uninitiated, age spots are basically collections of pigment, also known as melanin, that often appear after exposure to ultra-violet light - which is why they're so likely to pop up on your face and hands. With this in mind, the best way to truly reduce the appearance of brown spots and prevent new ones is to slap on the sunscreen.
If you aren't using a sunscreen 365 days a year, even when you're inside, dark spots and uneven skin tone won't budge.
Alongside being mindful of UV rays, there are lots of vitamins and botanicals that work to fade spots by interrupting melanin production.
"Vitamin C, vitamin B3, soy, licorice, arbutin, and kojic acid are all good," says top skincare expert Arielle Kauvar.
"But they work in slightly different ways, so fit as many into your daily regimen as possible."
In the morning, Arielle advises wearing brighteners that are also antioxidants, such as vitamin C, licorice and soy. At night, she recommends using these same pigment-reducing ingredients together with an alpha hydroxy acid or retinoid to correct skin tone and help fade dark spots.
"Any kind of irritation, including rashes or acne, accelerates the production of pigment," Arielle told Allure.
"If your skin flares up, go back to a basic creamy cleanser and a moisturiser with ceramides until it recovers.
"You can fade spots with over-the-counter treatments and should see gradual results after six to eight weeks. So don't quit a lightening regimen just because spots don't disappear overnight."

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Something to bat an eye at: New treatment brings hope to patients that can't close their eyes

The FDA recently announced it was loosening restrictions on the use of devices that help treat a particular type of eye dryness. This type of eye dryness results from an inability to fully close the eye, a medical condition known as lagophthalmos. This condition most frequently results from facial paralysis, which may occur following an injury to the facial nerve.
The facial nerve, or seventh cranial nerve, has many important functions, including taste sensation, production of tears, and movement of the facial muscles responsible for facial expression, including smiling. It also has the responsibility of closing the eye.
The most commonly used technique to treat this condition is through the placement of a platinum or gold weight under the skin of the upper eyelid By adding this extra weight, gravity helps pull the lid down and close it. The simple procedure can be performed in the office under local anesthesia and only takes only about 15 minutes.
While this procedure is fairly simple, a non-surgical solution would be even more beneficial to certain patients, particularly those in which facial weakness and the inability to close the eye is only temporary.
That is why physicians welcome the news that the FDA recently decided to loosen up regulations on other devices to help close the eye (http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/healthcare/203888-fda-helps-people-close-their-eyes). This will allow scientists and researchers the opportunity to further investigate improved treatments for this difficult condition.
The University of Utah Center for Facial Nerve Disorders is actively involved in facial nerve research and was awarded a research grant from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to further investigate this exciting new technology.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Edmonds Healthy Beauty and Skin Care: Say goodbye to dark spots and hello to an even complexion

Everyone loves the healthy glow that they get in the summer. However, along with the suntan, many people experience hyperpigmentation (dark spots) after a summer, or even a day of sun exposure. Sun exposure is just one cause of hyperpigmentation. It can also occur due to hormone changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, or from injury or inflammation of the skin due to acne, eczema, or psoriasis. There are a range of options to help lessen, and in some cases completely eradicate, the dark pigmentation. Prevention is the ideal first step. However, there are products and procedures that can help get rid of those pesky dark spots!
Prevention: Harmful UV rays contribute/cause sun damage and dark spots. Therefore, you should avoid direct sun exposure on the face, especially during the most intense hours from 10am until 2pm. Board certified dermatologist Dr. Rebat Halder, MD, in an article for the American Academy of Dermatology, stresses that the mainstay treatment for hyperpigmentation is year-round sun protection. He also states that using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher will maximize the benefit of any skin-lightening product.
Products: Dark spots that occur from early sun damage may only affect the top layer of the skin. You can purchase retinol products over the counter to treat the hyperpigmentation, however in the case that you do not see results, a prescribed strength may be recommended. Additionally, much research is being done on more natural topical treatments to assist in fading dark spots. Dr. Haler, MD, provides us with details on specific plant based ingredients that have proved effective for some. Soy and Niacinimide, a form of vitamin B3, are commonly used in moisturizers to help suppress production of additional pigment. Products rich in antioxidants derived from fruit help to inhibit melanin production.
Procedures: Medical treatment options for hyperpigmentation vary due to severity, skin type, skin care concerns (aging, rosacea, etc.), and your lifestyle. Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments are two of the most common ways to medically treat hyperpigmentation.
  • Chemical Peels: Chemical peels can be used in conjunction with topical treatments. Glycolic peels are commonly used to help improve skin tone and texture and lighten pigment after a series of treatments.
  • Laser Treatment: The gold standard for targeting pigment/brown spots in the skin. Two common laser treatments for discoloration are Photorejuvenation and Fractionated treatments. Photorejuvenation helps reverse the color (red and brown) associated with sun damage with minimal down time. This treatment uses IPL (intense pulse light) to target and reduce the signs of sun damage. Fractionated Laser resurfacing treatment effectively improves sun damaged skin to include tone and texture.
By combining prevention, products and procedures you can see dramatic improvement of sun damage and dark spots in your skin. However, if you are not achieving desired results, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

How To: Get Rid of Dark Spots

Dark spots don’t discriminate. Pale or olive, freckled or dark-toned, all complexions are susceptible to these beauty bummers that can stick around for months—if not years. Luckily, proven remedies don’t differentiate between skin tones and types either. Whether you suffer from summer freckling or post-pimple hyperpigmentation, this dermatologist-recommended three-step regimen will even things out.

Morning Must-Haves

Vitamin C isn’t just good for preventing colds. Topical vitamin C can also speed up the fading of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and lentigos (aka freckles). Each morning, apply a vitamin C gel, serum, or cream, depending on your skin type. Or try a product like Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, which is pumped with grape-derived viniferine, a super antioxidant that helps fade dark spots. Just as important: Never leave the house without SPF. Ever. We mean it. “The sun's rays—even those you capture through windows in your car or at school—worsen dark spots,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine. “Even light coming from lightbulbs can darken facial spots!” Kill two birds with one stone by applying a vitamin C product that also contains SPF, like Likewise Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50.

P.M. Pigment Protectors

For nighttime, stock up on products that contain retinol or hydroquinone. Vitamin A derivative retinol is a supreme skin exfoliator that helps to correct blotchy, uneven complexions, while hydroquinone lightens skin. (Although there has been some controversy recently regarding the safety of hydroquinone, the American Academy of Dermatology and many physicians agree that the skin-lightening ingredient doesn’t pose a health risk when used in small quantities.) “Hydroquinone has the ability to stop melanin from forming in problem areas,” says Dr. Gohara. “To avoid irritation, apply only a pea-size amount to the affected area of the face.” Skin-lightening creams can work on either dark or light skin, but you need to be careful about targeting only the individual spots to prevent lightening of the skin in general, cautions Joshua Zeichner, MD, dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Try Vitivia’s Pro: Vitamin A15 Capsules, which have a high concentration of pure retinol, and Ambi Fade Cream for a measured dose of hydroquinone. We’re also fans of Kiehl’s gentle but effective Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector.

DIY Peels

“Mild, at-home chemical peels exfoliate deeper than scrubs, increasing skin cell turnover and helping to lighten dark spots,” says Dr. Zeichner. To avoid dryness, redness, or unintended dark spot intensification, Dr. Gohara says to use a peel no more than once every two weeks. Try Philosophy’sMicrodelivery Multi-Use Peel Pads or Juice Beauty’s all-natural Green Apple Peel.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Your experts: How to get rid of dark circles in 4 easy steps

The supreme femme fatale, Catwoman, has always been the sexiest of Batman’s foes. Known as a strong and captivating female, she always had a way of acquiring attention, especially with those alluring eyes with the painted black circles around them.
This is the only time dark circles around the eyes are sexy. Unless you are casting for the next Batman movie, leave the dark circles to Hollywood!
Dark circles under the eyes tend to age your appearance more than grey hair or wrinkles. Here are a few suggestions to help minimize the appearance of dark circles under your eyes and in some cases remove them completely!
Get sleep. Lack of sleep tends to cause the skin to become paler and reduces circulation. Before going to bed at night, remove all eye makeup. If you don’t, when you get older, your eyes can look much more tired on a daily basis.
Eat well. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, take vitamins and drink plenty of water. A whole host of cosmetic problems can be attributed to vitamin deficiencies. Dark circles and puffiness are often attributed to lack of vitamin K or inadequate antioxidants. Also, a deficiency in B12 can result in dark circles.
Treat allergies. Allergies are a common cause of skin discoloration under the eyes.
If a full night of shut-eye, eating well and treating your allergies is not enough to erase those dark circles, here are my four makeup tips for erasing those dreary under-eye dark circles!
1. Apply a luminous eye primer to the upper lid and underneath the eye. This will keep the eye shadows from fading or creasing and its light reflective pigments will luminize the eye area for a healthy glow.
2. Create a “V” under each eye: Yellow-tone concealer on cheekbones (outer V) and a peachy one below each eye (inner V). Blend the two-toned “V” together.
3. For “major brightness,” cover lower lash line (including inner rim / water line) with white gel liner (waterproof is best), then blend with a brush. This is my new favorite product, I love it! It erases the “pink” rim of the eye when your eyes are tired (or have been crying) and makes them look bright and alive!
4. Brush mascara through upper and lower lashes. “Use the mascara to cover traces of the white gel liner.”
So ladies, dark circles are not something you need to be stuck with this summer. With a little rest and a swipe of concealer, you can say goodbye to drab eyes and hello to fab eyes!

Friday, September 19, 2014

Top 11 Beauty Tips For Dark Circles

dark circles under eyes

Dark circles also known as “racoon eyes” and are one of the most common skin problemsamongst all age groups. In present day, lifestyle for the adults, youngster and teens has become quite stressful. Hectic work, school and college schedule, inadequate sleep, lack of nutritional diet, excessive smoking and drinking alcohol are the major factors of dark circles.  Some of them also inherit the problem of dark circles. Whatever the reason may be, dark circles make you look tired, aged and sick. They also hide away the beautiful eyes making them look dull.

Nowadays there are various creams and gels available in the market which helps in reducing the puffiness and dark patches under your eyes.  Many clinical procedures also claim to reduce the dark patches instantly, but many skin experts have always recommended home remedies for dark circles.


Read further to know 11 tips on how to remove dark circles naturally and reduce the puffiness under eyes.

1. Cucumber:

Cucumber is an ancient and widely known home remedy for dark circles. Even the professional clinics and spa use cucumber to provide an instant cooling effect. It works as an astringent and lighten the dark areas under the eyes. It also increases the blood flow and reduces the puffiness.
  • Grate a small sized cucumber and extract the juice.
  • Dip cotton balls into the juice and apply it under the eyes.
  • Do not rinse it off as the juice would be absorbed by the skin after some time.
  • You can also keep thin slices of cucumber over your eyes.

2. Raw potato:

Potato is known to reduce dark spots, blemishes, tan and pigmentation. It also reduces the puffiness under the eyes.
  • Grate and extract the juice of a raw potato.
Raw potato
  • Soak the cotton balls into it and apply it under your eyes.
  • You can also keep thin slices of potato over your eyes.
Raw potato 1

3. Potato and Cucumber:

Here is something that you can try by mixing the goodness of both potatos and cucumbers.

What you will need for this:

  1. One Potato
  2. One Cucumber
  3. Little Coconut Oil/Almond Oil

How to Prepare:

  • Peel the potato and cucumber and grate them separately.
  • Take equal quantities of both and mix well.

How to use this?

  • Apply on the area around the eyes and leave on for 20-25 minutes.
  • Rinse with cold water.
  • Take a little coconut oil on the tips of your fingers and massage on the dark circles in circular motion, first clockwise and then anticlockwise.
  • Leave this on overnight.

Benefits of this DIY recipe:

  • Potato, a good bleaching agent is useful for skin that has turned dark or pigmented.
  • Cucumber is a cooling agent and improves the appearance of the under-eye area.
  • Coconut oil keeps the delicate area around the eyes naturally moisturized and eliminates dark circles, wrinkles and blemishes.

Frequency of Application:

Do this every day for a minimum of 2 weeks to start noticing a difference. Once you achieve the desired results, you can apply this every alternate day.

4. Tomato:

Tomatoes contain “lycopene” which is an anti oxidant and hence help for skin lightening. It also keeps wrinkles away.
  • Make a paste of a small tomato.
Tomato
By Softeis (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
  • To this add ½ teaspoon of lemon juice and mix well.
Tomato 1
  • Apply this under your eyes and keep for 15 minutes.
Tomato 2

5. Rose water:

Rose water is an important ingredient in most of the face packs. It has anti inflammatory properties which help in reducing the puffiness under the eyes.
  • Dip cotton balls in pure rose water.
Rose water
  • Apply it under your eyes for a cooling and refreshing effect. It immediately reduces the puffiness under the eyes.

6. Fenugreek seeds:

It contains high amount of vitamin C, potassium and protein which help in lightening the dark patches under the eyes. 
  • Soak 2 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds (methi seeds) in water and keep it for 3 hours.
Fenugreek seeds
  • Grind the seeds to form a smooth paste.
Fenugreek seeds 1
  • To this add a pinch of turmeric.
  • Then add 1 teaspoon of raw milk and mix well.
Fenugreek seeds 2
  • Apply this under your eyes and keep for 15 minutes.
home remedies to remove dark circles 3
  • Rinse off with cold water.

7. Orange lentils ( masoor):

  • Soak 3 teaspoon of masoor dal overnight.
  • Make a smooth paste of it the next day.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of tomato paste and lemon juice.
home remedies to remove dark circles 2
  • Then add a pinch of turmeric and mix well.
home remedies to remove dark circles 1
  • Apply this under your eye and let it dry.
home remedies to remove dark circles
  • Wash it off with cool water.

8. Ice pack:

This is an instant eye pack for reducing the puffiness and provides a relaxing effect.
  • Take 2-3 ice cubes and wrap in into a soft cloth.
Ice pack
  • Keep it over your eyes till the ice melts off completely.
Ice pack 1

9. Mint leaves:

  • Crush a few mint leaves in a pestle and mortar.
  • Apply these leaves under your eyes and keep for 20 minutes.

10. Green tea bags:

Green tea is rich in anti oxidants and tannins. It also helps in skin lightening and reducing wrinkles.
  • Boil the tea bags in half a cup of water.
  • Then keep these tea bags over your eyes for about 15 minutes to get instant relief.
  • You can also dip cotton balls in boiled tea leaves and apply under your eyes.

11. Healthy routine:

  • Drink at least 10 glasses of water daily.
  • Include green leafy vegetables especially which contains vitamin K like Sprouts, broccoli, cabbage etc.
  • Most importantly sleep for at least 8 hours a day.