Skin Care Advice | Helpful Skincare Advice

The Five Best Post Shave Products To Watch Out For

May 14, 2019August 10, 2012 by Alison

shaving

Few men truly enjoy shaving. Most regard it as a necessary chore rather than an indulgence. Itchy skin, dryness, cuts and burns don’t make shaving a very enjoyable experience either.

With the right choice of shaving cream/foam, brush, razor and post-shave products, however, you can make shaving a little more indulgent and enjoyable.

Post shaving products are particularly important in this regard. The skin is particularly dry and itchy after a shave and requires a lot of hydration to soothe the itchiness and razor burn.

Here are Five Post-shave Products that Deserve a Spot in Every Man’s Bathroom Cabinet

1. Alum block
Simple, old-fashioned, and highly effective, the alum block has been the go-to choice of after shave salve for barbers the world over for years. Alum is a natural mineral with antiseptic and coagulating properties. Just moisten the block and rub it against your skin after a shave, and you’ll prevent infections and stop bleeding within seconds. Best of all, alum blocks are dirt cheap. A single block will last for more than an year and will cost you less than ten pounds (around 15 dollars US).

2. Burt’s Bees Bay Rum After Shave Balm
When it comes to after-shave balms, nothing can match the effectiveness and raw masculine scent of bay rum. This is the scent that pervades old-school barbershops the world over and is instinctively familiar to ever man. Bay rum soothes the skin naturally and leaves a wonderful, sweet-spicy lingering smell. Old-school bay rum based after-shave balms usually contained a lot of alcohol which dries and stretches the skin. Burt’s Bees Bay Rum After Shave Balm includes a lot of natural ingredients such as bay leaf oil, lemon peel oil, orange peel oil, clove oil, rosemary extract, etc. The end result is a highly soothing, natural balm with the signature bay rum scent any man would be proud to sport.

Using Organic Skin Treatments For Healthier Skin

May 14, 2019August 6, 2012 by Alison

organic skin care Using organic skin treatments is a useful way to deal with skin problems such as acne and aging skin, and are considered by many to be healthier than using treatments that contain man-made chemicals.

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates medications and food products, they do not oversee what is put into skin products. As a result, chemicals such as mercury, alcohol and dioxane are often found in these items.

Chemicals enter the bloodstream and can damage the body. Choosing to produce skin products from food and other items found in the home ensures that the contents are not harmful to health.

One food that can be used to improve skin health is coffee grounds. Applying damp grounds to the skin can tighten skin and diminish cellulite. Combining ground oats and honey with apple cider vinegar and applying it to the skin has proven to be an effective exfoliant. Organic soap that has been produced without the use of herbicides, fertilizers or pesticides is a healthy alternative to using soaps bought at the store, which contain dyes, fragrances and preservatives. Organic soaps are less likely to produce allergic reactions such as itchy or dry skin.

Argan oil is taken from the Argania Spinosa tree, located in Morocco, and is regarded as an anti-aging agent. Because it is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and other naturally occurring items, advocates of the use of argan oil say it repairs the skin’s water-lipid layer and increases the amount of nutrients and oxygen in the skin cell.

Organic skin products can also be purchased, both in retail stores and online. Upon finding a product that is satisfying, consumers may wish to consider buying it online if price is a consideration. Since online retailers have little or no overhead, their prices are more competitive and sometimes include free shipping. Consumers should take steps to ensure that a particular website has an excellent reputation and following to guarantee they will receive the product they want.

Body Acne: How to Help Heal & Prevent It

May 14, 2019July 31, 2012 by Alison

Editor’s Note

If you have problems applying acne treatment products to body acne – or even just struggle to apply your normal moisturizing lotions to those hard to reach areas, you might be glad to know about the “Body Buddy” which enables easy application on a non-absorbent applicator so you will not waste expensive products either! You can find out more about the Body Buddy by visiting the product page at Amazon

Too often the topic of body acne is overlooked; given how commonplace its occurrence, it is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of. The presence of pores throughout our bodies lends itself the possibility of seeing spots anywhere – breakouts are not just limited to the face. While it is possible to let those irritated areas heal themselves by way of daily, thorough cleansing, there are options available specifically formulated to target back and chest acne.

First things first: check the ingredients of your current body wash, shampoo, conditioner and detergent. While breakouts are the result of a number of internal and external factors, more often than not they are a negative reaction to a certain product ingredient. When possible, go botanical or all-natural to ensure no chemical irritants are exacerbating skin conditions or provoking sensitivity. Always be sure to rinse off all soap residue. It seems to be completely inconsequential and common sense, but keep in mind that the smallest things make all the difference. Taking the time for this alone can make a difference in the clarity of your skin. By thoroughly cleansing the skin and (gently!) exfoliating regularly, the probability of congestion is decreased.

Sometimes this is all you need to clear body acne.

If, however, the breakouts persist, the next step is to invest in a skincare regimen that extends beyond the face. Take care of your body. You cleanse, tone and moisturize your face daily – it only makes sense to do the same everywhere else.

Skin is skin

Treat body acne as you would breakouts on your face. The same principles apply: be gentle, be kind and most importantly, be patient. The only difference is in the ingredients: products made for the chest and back are typically stronger and more highly concentrated than ones meant to help fight facial acne.

Try using your go-to acne skincare products (cleansers, spot treatments, etc.). Doing so typically works well – these products are, after all, designed to fight acne. Start gentle, and slowly work your way up in product strength.

Anything too potent will not only dry out the skin, but will also further irritate already stressed skin. Do not be tempted by the idea of instant gratification: gentle is just as effective, and is always far more rewarding in the long run. Spot treating is only effective for the occasional blemish; it takes following a regimen diligently to see lasting results.

Finding the right body wash is instrumental to the clearing process; it is, after all, the foundation of body care. Veer away from the bar soaps and look for cleansers containing fruit extracts – Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – instead. A common cause of acne is the inability of the skin to shed dead skin cells. Over time, this buildup forms a layer that traps dirt, oil and any other residues (from hair and body products) in pores and leads to acne. This is where AHAs come in: unlike your traditional exfoliants, AHAs are not grainy. These fruit extracts gently buff away dulling buildup without aggravating the skin, thus preventing future breakouts.

Top Tips for Treating Eczema

May 14, 2019July 16, 2012 by Alison

The exact cause of eczema is somewhat a mystery to doctors, but it is generally thought to be hereditary. Therefore, if you suspect you are suffering from eczema the doctor will firstly investigate your family’s previous medical history.

Causes:

Allergies and Asthma

Asthma has affected eczema sufferers for years and so countless amounts of research went into the discovery of why the link was apparent. Studies show that the damaged skin produces thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in the lungs of eczema sufferers, which is a substance known to trigger asthma. The ‘atopic march’ as it is more commonly known is the link between eczema, allergies and asthma and researchers are currently looking into finding a way to stop the inflamed skin from producing TSLP, which could minimise chances for eczema sufferers to contract asthma.

Furthermore, the immune system is generally at the core of these conditions and even though it may not be curable it is certainly is treatable. Finding out what triggers the inflammatory response to your rash and itching is the key to a successful treatment. Prepare yourself to undergo numerous allergy tests, as this may determine what is triggering the irritation.

Relieving the Itching
The first goal in treating eczema is to relieve the itching. The itching is both annoying and can lead to infections due to skin exposure. As the skin is dry and inflamed you will be required to:

Moisturise with a non-perfumed cream or lotion
Use a cold compress to reduce inflammation

Your practitioner may prescribe medication to you but dependent on the severity of your case over-the-counter products may be a better and cheaper option. The prescribed medications usually have corticosteroids in them and they work by reducing the inflammation of your skin.

Editor’s Note: The Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream pictured is one of a range of suitable moisturizing products which are available at great value prices at Amazon.

Other Treatments
If the you feel the above does nothing to relieve the irritation then other treatments are available. Shown below are a few examples you may wish to discuss with your skin doctor:

Antihistamines
Tar Treatments
Ultraviolet Light Therapy
Drugs (Cyclosporine)

As everyone reacts differently to medication, you may have to try several forms before you and your private GP find out which one works best as skin treatment. There are also ways in which you can reduce the irritation of the condition.

Easy Ways to Save on Skincare

May 14, 2019July 9, 2012 by Alison

look after your skin with our money saving suggestions

Taking care of your skin is important. A good skin care regimen can help prevent fine lines, blemishes and spots, and prevent acne flare-ups.

However, nowadays there are so many different products on the market, it can be hard to determine how many of them you actually need, and how you’re going to fit the cost of skincare products into your budget.

Although skin care may seem expensive, it does not have to be. There are ways in which you can take care of your skin, without going over your budget.

Money Saving Skin Care Tips

Buy Drugstore Brands
Often skin care products that you buy at the drugstore are just as good as high-end products, and the best part is they are much cheaper. For example, if you are looking for an anti-wrinkle night cream, a high end night cream at a department store can cost anywhere between forty and one hundred dollars. On the other hand, a night cream from a drugstore brand would cost between eight dollars and twenty dollars, and the ingredients are very similar.

Use Homemade Products

combine avocado honey and lemon for an effective face mask

A great way to save money on skin care is to use homemade products. You can easily make skin care products from common items that you may already have in your home. You can make your own facial masks, and exfoliating body scrubs by using items found in your kitchen. Buying a face mask can be expensive, but making one at home yourself is a much cheaper alternative, and you know that only natural ingredients are going into it.

There are several items you can use to make a facial mask, but a classic face mask is one made using avocado. Mixing a quarter of cup of honey with half a cup of mashed avocado, and a teaspoon of lemon juice makes a moisturizing mask, which will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. You can also make a body scrub using a variety of ingredients, but a sugar scrub is both easy and effective. Mixing brown sugar with body oil will make a highly moisturizing and exfoliating scrub.

Looking for more money saving home remedies for pimples and blemishes?

Try using ordinary toothpaste as an overnight treatment for spots and blemishes – find out how in this article.

Check out some easy overnight home remedies for your skin in this helpful article.

Find out how the inexpensive ingredient, Baking Soda can be a useful home remedy for your skin problems.