Skin Whitening Secrets – Skin Bleaching Tips

Skin whitening is an important skin care consideration for many women, with hyper pigmentation due to sun damage or hormones now considered as much of an aging factor as wrinkling many women are concerned about this factor of their appearance. Many cosmetics companies claim that their products provide skin whitening or brightening, but there are only a few active ingredients that really are able to fade skin discolorations. The most effective ingredients for skin whitening are hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, and vitamin C. Avoid treatments that contain mercury, because though it’s effective, it’s highly toxic.

Skin Whitening Products – Skin Bleaching Products

Hydroquinone is the most common skin whitening ingredient used in the U.S. It is available in concentrations of up to 2% in over-the-counter products, and stronger solutions (up to 4%) can be prescribed by a dermatologist. However, hydroquinone is banned in Europe and parts of Asia and Africa due to fear of a cancer risk. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting melanin production and is very effective after 4 weeks of continuous treatment; using hydroquinone products for longer than 3 months is not recommended because overuse may cause darkening of the skin.

Kojic acid also inhibits melanin production. Derived from a fungus, it is a more natural skin whitening alternative to hydroquinone. Kojic acid is more effective when combined with glycolic acid, and can be extremely irritating to sensitive skin, so try a small test patch first. People using kojic acid products will usually see results within 8 weeks. Many Japanese skin whitening products use kojic acid as the active ingredient. Recent studies have also called kojic acid’s safety into question, however.

Arbutin is a relatively new skin whitening ingredient that is made from bearberry extract. Since it also has soothing properties, it’s an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. However, it hasn’t been tested as extensively as the other skin whitening treatments, so its efficacy is as yet unproven.

Vitamin C can also be effective at inhibiting melanin production. However, the tests that show it to be effective have used a concentration of over 5%, which is much more than what is usually used in cosmetic products. Vitamin C is also notoriously unstable, which means that by the time a cosmetic product containing it gets home to you it may have broken down and become useless. For this reason, Vitamin C is a last resort skin whitening treatment for those who can’t use the other topical treatments for one reason or another.

For those for whom topical skin whitening treatments don’t work, laser resurfacing or visible pulsed light treatments, available from a dermatologist’s office, may do the trick. These treatments, which need to be repeated periodically to be effective, cost from $3,000-$5,000 for a set of four treatments. Laser resurfacing and visible pulsed light are not recommended for people with dark skin, as they can leave disfiguring scars.

Whichever active skin whitening treatment you choose, make sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 daily. Using skin whitening treatments without sunscreen actually accelerates sun damage and makes it worse.

February 7, 2008. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Beauty Tips, Cosmetics, Free Beauty Tips, looking good, make up, makeup, skin care, women. 5 comments.

Remove Cellulite – Proven Cellulite Removal Treatments

Cellulite is more pronounced in older women and the name refers to the dimpled appearance of the skin that forms over the thighs and buttocks. These days it is not uncommon for women of any age to be slightly overweight however, cellulite is not fussy and can affect even the most “image concious” or the most active of people. You’re not alone, “cellulite removal” and “remove cellulite” are very popular searches on today’s search engines. Despite it’s unpleasant appearance, cellulite is simply a small collection of fatty deposits located just benath the visible surface of the skin. The fat builds up underneath the skin’s surface enough that it is forced to the top where it can be seen as lumpy and pigmented. It’s not great to look at – most women are looking for safe ways to remove their cellulite.

Cellulite is caused by lower levels of collagen and elastin in the skin, quite similar in nature to the appearance of wrinkles that form in the face through the natural process of aging. As your hormones change with age and time, cellulite has increased opportunity to make an appearance.

If for any reason you are not able to identify if you have cellulite then just pinch a small portion of skin on your thigh and check for bumps below the surface. One should never feel bad about having cellulite, since most women are affected by this confidence affecting condition at some point in their lives. By simply looking for a cellulite treatment that works, you’re already on the way to winning the battle!

The Cause of Cellulite and How Cellulite Can be Removed.

Genetic inheritance, age, fitness, weight, amount of body fat and diet are all contributing factors in the build up of cellulite. Not one can be pinpointed to be more responsible than the others for the appearance of cellulite and the diverse combination of all of aforementioned factors will determine just how much cellulite is visible and also how difficult it will be to remove cellulite from your body.

Everyone is a unqiue individual and it’s unknown if cellulite is caused by one factor more than the others. For example, women are more likely to have cellulite than men so this indicates a genetic preference which we have not yet been able to identify fully. One thing is for sure, the effective removal of cellulite requires a combination of treatments known to be effective in removing cellulite completely. It would convenient if there was one simple effective and affordable solution for cellulite removal however, this is not the case. One common treatment for removing cellulite is believed to be that of deep massage. On its own, massage will not remove cellulite, but is an ideal way to improve circulation, and with  improved circulation excess fluid can move more freely from the skins connective tissue. The main benefit from massage is that it helps in temporarily reducing the “cottage cheese” appearance caused by cellulite.

Some specialty clinics that specialize in cellulite removal apply deep massaging techniques to puff up the skin and temporarily reduce the cellulite’s appearance. Mesotherapy is a treatment used in cellulite reduction which requires an injection of ingredients specifically designed to help combat cellulite however, without follow up treatment this usually provides unsatisfactory results. Liposuction is often considered as a cellulite treatment by sufferers however this is a treatment designed to remove excess fat from the body – not cellulite.

If you are looking for a quick fix then these methods of removing cellulite may be for you however, one should not expect value for money or long lasting results if these cellulite treatments are used. Cheaper, less expensive alternatives are available for those who are serious about removing cellulite completely.

The most effective method of removing cellulite comes from combining a number of the affordable alternative cellulite treatments together for maximum effect.

January 21, 2008. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Beauty, Beauty Tips, Free Beauty Tips, cellulite, looking good, remove cellulite, skin care, women. 1 comment.

Natural Caring for the Skin – Natural Skin Care

Having healthy skin is an important part of natural health and beauty. Healthy and supple skin is easily attainable if you take proper attention and care to your exercise and daily diet. Natural skin care is more active than many synthetic formulations. Not including water, natural skin care products have up to 95% of its formulation made up by active ingredients.

Natural skin care is defined as the care of the skin (which is the largest organ of the body) using naturally-evolved ingredients (which include essential oils, herbs, roots, and flowers) combined with naturally occurring preservatives, surfactants, carrier agents, humectants and emulsifiers (everything from natural soap to oils to pure water). Diet plays an essential role in maintaining healthy skin. However, It’s important to note that natural skin care goes far beyond the application of beauty products on the skin.

Natural skin care is phrased to support the healthy functioning of our skin from within and without. Diet should supply all the nutrients required to build health, namely, protein, carbohydrates, fats, essential fatty acids and all the essential vitamins and minerals.

Different natural aids have been found useful in promoting healthy and beautiful skin. Lime juice is an necessary natural aid for healthy skin. Take four tablespoons each of lime juice and iced water. Saturate cotton pads in this water and place over your closed eyelids for 10 minutes. Mix a teaspoon of olive oil with an egg. Smoothen the face and neck with it. Let it linger till the skin gets dry. Tomato, used externally, is good for getting a good complexion. Honey’s natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties and ability to absorb.

Mix one tablespoon of apple juice with one-fourth teaspoon of lime juice. Leave on for 20 minutes. Makes splendid tonic for combating oily skin. Shea butter is used in its purest, unrefined, certified organic form, it can provide healing for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, stretch marks, and dermatitis. Even today, clinical trials proclaim shea butter’s ability to deliver effective therapeutic results as well as safe and natural skincare.

Jojoba oil is a natural moisturiser for the skin. The oil is similar to the natural sebum of whale. People having essential fat deficiency occassionally notice bumps on the backs of their arms. Make a paste of almonds with mild cream and fresh rosebud paste. Apply it daily over the face. Yogurt is also very important and soothing natural beauty aid.

January 16, 2008. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Beauty, Beauty Tips, Cosmetics, Free Beauty Tips, dressing up, looking good, make up, makeup, pampering, skin care, women. Leave a comment.

Waterproof Mascara Tips

Mascara is perhaps the one of the most loved cosmetics by women for it’s ability to transform the appearance. It can make eyelashes look longer and add volume making your eyelashes seem thicker while at the same time making your eyes look full, large and sexier in just seconds. Until the invention of waterproof mascaras there was the annoying problem of mascara coming off whenever it made contact with water, which often would leave you looking like a drenched panda! With waterproof mascara this issue is a thing of the past. Women can wear waterproof mascara to the pool or beach with full confidence knowing that your eye makeup will stay fully intact. Because of the versatility and effectiveness of waterproof mascara, it’s ideal for both the summer (hay fever, watery eyes) and winter (rainy and snow) seasons.

How to Apply Waterproof Mascara – Quick Free Beauty Tips

When you are applying waterproof mascara ensure that the mascara covers your full eye lashes from the root to the tip. Should you desire to apply any other eye-make up, ensure that you curl your lashes with an eyelash curler before you do so. Shorter mascara brushes give you more control and are preferable, especially when you are applying mascara at the corner of your eyes.

How to Choose a Mascara Colour that Suits You

When it comes to chosing a waterproof mascara there is a large number of colour choices available. One waterproof mascara that always comes highly recommended and does particularly well in beauty magazine polls are the latest coloured high impact mascaras which are bold and striking. If you prefer a much more natural look you should always match the mascara colour with that of your hair. For example, black would perfectly suit brunettes whereas blondes should stick with lighter shades of brown. The right colored mascara for you, if applied properly, will make you the centre of all eyes attention, whatever the occasion.

January 14, 2008. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Beauty, Beauty Tips, Cosmetics, Free Beauty Tips, dressing up, looking good, make up, makeup, pampering, skin care, women. 1 comment.