Monthly Archives: September 2009

Hi,

Antioxidants have become a rage in the skin care markets. As researchers have discovered the potent benefits of antioxidants to enhance skin quality and offer good skin care, more and more skin care products are being formulated with antioxidants in order to cash in on the increasing demand.

But, what are antioxidants? Why do we need them? And do they really deliver good skin care benefits?

Contrary to popular belief, antioxidants are not magic ingredients. In fact, they are not even ingredients as such. Rather, they denote a certain feature of ingredients that can prevent damage caused by free radicals. (Free radicals are atoms with unpaired electron that attack healthy cells and cause skin damage and premature aging)

Let me explain a bit more about free radical damage.

Sin cells comprise of photons, neutrons and electrons. But when the skin cells get damage by environmental factors like pollution andsun exposure, they lose an electron and become unstable. This unstable skin cell needs another electron to stabilize itself and thus ends up stealing one from the adjoining healthy cell. This cascading effect damages all the skin cells and deteriorates the skin.

This is where antioxidants come into the picture. They stabilize the damaged skin cells and make sure it doesn\’t cause damage to the nearby healthy cells. Without enough antioxidants, be it in your diet or topical application of skin care products, the skin cells would break down and would not function normally. This would further promote collagen breakdown, increased sun susceptibility and cause the development of wrinkles and fine lines.

Because, antioxidants prevent premature aging of the skin, it is considered a powerful anti-aging ingredient. So, the next time you are buying anti aging products, you know what to look out for. Here are some ingredients that have powerful antioxidant property.

Vitamins A, C and E
Beta Carotene
Co-Q10 (Coenzyme Q-10)
Flavanoids
Grape Seed Extract
Green Tea
Olive Fruit Extract
White Tea
Zinc

Hi,

Here are some quick fix-it solutions for common skin problems.

Problem: Blackheads
Blackheads are formed when sebum combines with dirt and dead skin cells and clog the skin pores. Squeezing them is not the most healthy solution to get rid of them. Rather, practice some good skin care habits.

• Drink lots of water…About 8 to 10 glasses per day
• Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week with a good scrub or exfoliating lotion.
• Cleanse your skin with a salicylic acid or glycolic acid based cleanser.
• Follow it up with an astringent before proceeding to moisturize your skin.

Problem: Flaky Face and Lips
Flaky skin is a result of dehydration and dead skin cells that peel away. It shows that your skin lacks moisture and often leads to excessive dryness. Here are some things you should do.

• Increase your water intake. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
• Wash your face twice a day- once in the morning and once at night.
• Exfoliate with a mild scrub or exfoliating lotion
• Use a rich creamy moisturizer to hydrate your skin.
• Always use a rich lip balm

Problem: Blemishes on the Back and Chest
Certain bodywashes and soaps can irritate the skin and give rise to acne. This is characterized by inflammations and blemishes on the back and chest.

• Use soaps and bodywashes that are fragrance-free and without any chemicals.
• Ideally, look for products that are anti-acneic.
• Use a mesh scrubber to scrub your back.
• You can also use spot treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for stubborn blemishes.
• Don\’t forget to moisturize well.

Problem: Rough, Dull, Dry Skin
Blame it on environmental pollutants or failure to take good care of your skin, skin often tends to lose its glow and become dull and lifeless, not to mention the rough dry patches.

• Use a good exfoliator and scrape off all the dead skin cells.
• Rub really well on rough areas like knees and elbows.
• Moisturize with a rich moisturizer

That should take care of all your nitty gritty skin care dilemmas. Good skin care shows on your face, so don\’t forget to devote some extra time and attention.

Marilynn Syrett

Cosmetic Skin Care Products