Category — Skin Care

In today’s society, many people feel the urge to look younger. Many are now eating healthier and exercising as a way to conserve their youthful appearance. However, there is a certain time when those fine lines arrive. When this time comes, many people turn to chemical peels which can almost erase those fine lines giving you back your youthful appearance. Other people use chemical peels in order to soften the skin, lessen the appearance of blemishes, control or eliminate acne and for other skin related problems. Due to its success of making a patient look younger, many believe that a chemical peel can replace a face lift, but it cannot. Those who usually have a chemical peel done are those who are young and do not need a face lift yet or are starting to show wrinkles and use it in combination with a face lift.

There are three types of chemical peels that plastic surgeons use on their patients. They are the following procedures: the Alphahydroxy acids, the trichloroacetic acid and the phenol. Each of these types of acids are used as a different type of procedure that has a varying level of treatment. For example, the most intense procedure uses the phenol while a more relaxed procedure is used with the alphahydroxy acids.

The treatments with alphahydroxy are used when a patient cannot take the time off to recover from their chemical peel with the other acids. Since the treatment is less intense, the recovery time is shorter. However, the chances are that you will have to have multiple sessions to receive the desired affects that you want from the chemical peel. This treatment can smooth over rough skin, clears up sun damaged skin, helps to control the appearance of acne and can also help bleach the skin for a more conformed skin tone. Although the treatment is less intense, you will still have to remain out of the sun and wear sun block to make sure that there are no undesired results.

The treatment with trichloroacetic acid is a bit more mild and takes a little longer to recover from. It is much stronger than the previously spoken about chemical peel. This chemical peel mainly treats fine lines and wrinkles, makes the pigment in the face all one color and eliminates various types of skin blemishes in addition to the corrections that the alphahydroxy treatment makes. This is a procedure that lasts between ten and fifteen minutes but often requires a pre treatment with such creams that include Retin A or alphahydroxy acids. It can be performed on the neck and other regions of the body in addition to the face. This treatment may take several sessions to maintain its results but its recovery time is much quicker than the most intense treatment.

The most intense treatment is carried out with phenol. Phenol chemical peels are used to smooth out deeper set wrinkles, clear the skin from blotches that have been caused by the sun and aging and it also helps to eliminate pre cancerous skin cells and growths. This treatment can only be used on the face because of its intensity which often burns or stings, which the face does become accustomed to.

Some people get severe skin irritation with chemical peels ( think Samantha on Sex in the City) While others only have a mild redness and peeling for a day or two. I have used chemical peels and happen to love them. And the great think about getting a chemical peel done is that it is so subtle that most people will just tell you how great you look without thinking that you had anything major done.

Getting smooth skin is easier than you think. It just takes some consistent skin care habits like:

1) Wash your skin once in the morning and once at night with a mild skin cleanser. Look at your skin type and choose appropriately. If you tend to have reactions to most products pick a mild cleanser. If you have dry skin, pick one that has moisturizers.

2) Exfoliate once or twice a week. Your skin will tell you what is enough and what is too much. Exofliating more than this will irritate your skin.

3) Use an appropriate moisturizer. If you have oily or t-zone skin, look for moisturizers designed for your skin type.

4) Use a facial mask once a week. I look to use mine on Fridays about an hour before going out. That way my skin looks fresh for the weekend. You could also do this on Sunday night to make your skin look fabulous for work the next day.

5) Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily. This helps flush out the toxins and leaves your skin looking and feeling hydrated.

6) Eat blueberries . They are high in anti-oxidents and will keep your skin looking younger longer.

7) Get a professional facial with extractions done once a month. If you are taking care of your skin the rest of the month, this shouldn’t be too painful. A licensed skin care technician will be able to get to those spots that you can’t with the least amount of irritation possible.

We moisturize our face, our legs, and our body in general but not many women take the extra time to take care of their hands. Sure you give yourself a manicure but that isn’t enough. Your hands need to be exfoliated and moisturized just like the rest of your body.

1) Use a gentle all natural exfoliant on your hands.

2) Follow with a paraffin wrap - ( once a week treatment) 3) Moisturize as usual.

Or if you prefer an all in one product try the Bliss All you Need is Glove Set.

Bliss All You Need Is Glove Set Used on dry hands in tandem, they’re a ten-minute ticket to tender. Makes a great gift for gardeners to glamour girls. Kit Contains:Glamour Gloves, 1 pairSlip on our self-activating, grapeseed-and-ceramide-gel-lined moisture gloves and, in 20 minutes, wat

Hi all

I have several of you write to me about your Psoriasis, wondering if there are any new treatments. Well, even though I write product reviews, I am not a doctor so I went hunting online to see what information actual physicians are receiving. And, thank God for Google, I found this site - immunobiology of psoriasis

Now, I don’t understand everything on the site but I am amazed at how comprehensive the information is. I am going to assume that those of you dealing with this disease will better understand some of the terminology that they use. Just as I can probably give a better explanation of Spinal Bifida than most of the doctors that I have been to.

PsoriasisTx is a brand new website that is filled with free information on the treatment of Psoriasis. If you are looking to see what is new in this field then definitely check out this site and maybe, just maybe, you will have a better understanding of what your doctor is saying on your next visit.

I always believe that, as women, we have to do a bit more due diligence when it comes to our health. If you go in prepped with intelligent questions and concerns, you are more likely to help your doctor determine an appropriate type of treatment.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Have you noticed how women of the past seemed to be remarkably beautiful? They had amazing skin, silky hair and managed to keep their weight under control without all of the modern conveniences we have today. Legend or truth? If truth, then it is those ancient beauty secrets that women today need and want.

Ancient beauty secrets reveal knowledge about how to use common, natural ingredients to make yourself beautiful. All you need to do is find them.

Beauty reviews often avoid ancient beauty secrets because they are afraid women will stop buying today’s products and make their own products of these natural ingredients. The truth, though, is that today’s woman has barely enough time to go through her beauty ritual yet alone make her own products!

The best place to look for these beauty secrets is right where you buy beauty products. You can find so many products today that contain the natural ingredients that ancient beauties used to look so fabulous. It is simple. You find these great products by looking for natural and organic products in many ways.

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One ingredient that is a major ancient beauty secret is using shea or cocoa butter for smooth as silk skin. You can find products like Lavanila’s The Healthy Body Butter which contains these natural ingredients.

Getting beautiful with ancient techniques is not something that is difficult. You just have to know where to find them.

Hi all

We talk about skin care a lot on this site and most things I truly believe you can take care of with maintenance. Use a high SPF moisturizer every day, drink plenty of water, excercize and 90% of your natural beauty can be maintained. There are a few things though that gravity outweighs preventative anti-aging measures. For those of you who believe in skin care and plastic surgery there is a new site that has a ton of articles on the different techniques that are out there today to help you look young and youthful. Cosmetic Skin Surgery is a great site for expert information and advice on Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic techniques and Plastic Surgery Costs.

It has articles updated daily plus information on some great books to read before considering surgery. Check it out for yourself:  http://www.cosmeticskinsurgery.info

Want to Know How to Avoid Premature Aging?

I write beauty reviews because I’ve always enjoyed playing around with hair and makeup. So when I discovered that my passion for these products gave me a way to have fun and answer questions of you gals out there in blog-land, it was like a dream come true.

Of course, I’ve learned a LOT along the way from you too. Whether it’s when you send me your beauty reviews of the products I recommend, or when you give me advice on what you want to hear more about, I learn something new daily.

Recently, and “older than me, but not old” reader send me a quick message. Basically, she said that as much fun as makeup is that understanding the relationship between health and beauty is the most important topic I cover. Why? Well, she wisely pointed out that makeup can only cover up so much.

Frankly, cosmetics are a lot more fun when you are enhancing rather than hiding. So here are a few easy steps to ensure that your health and beauty routines will keep you looking and feeling your best.

1. Always use sunscreen! Age spots and wrinkles aren’t pretty, but are definite signs of skin damage and potential skin cancer. If you’re going to grow into wrinkles, let them be signs of your years of deep thinking, not excess sun.

2. Moisturize daily. Try combining steps 1 and 2 with something like Max Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 With Dermaxyl Complex 0.98 oz SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex. I like this one because it’s light and fragrance free, and good on any skin type.

1. Drink water and eat your veggies. Never one to knock the benefits of an occasional Snickers bar, I’m just recommending balance and awareness. Eating right increases your energy and promotes healthy skin.

2. Floss nightly. Yes, I know that dental health isn’t my area of expertise, but seriously, how good is that new lipstick going to look on a toothless smile?

So the bottom line on health and beauty is to follow the advice that your mom’s been giving you right along. Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand.

Sincerely,

Caterina - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

There are plenty of beauty reviews, websites and columns written on acne advice. It is a problem that many think of as an adolescent concern, but the truth is that even adults can suffer from acne.

One of the main causes of acne is hormones. Women fall prey to acne because of the fluctuating hormones associated with our monthly cycle. Hormonal changes can produce excess oil which clogs pores and creates acne.

The best acne advice will suggest that you develop a skin care routine so that you can keep your pores clean and clear to prevent acne. A good acne prevention routine involves a few different steps.

1. Start with cleansing the skin. It is best to use a cleanser that is for your skin type.

2. 

   Next you should exfoliate. Be careful to only use products developed for your face or you could end up with irritation. DDF-Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula Glycolic Exfoliating Wash 5% 8 oz is a great choice that is gentle yet effective.

3. After exfoliating you should use a toner that will help to get any deep down impurities out of your pores.

4. Lastly, moisturize with a lotion made for the face. Other types of lotions will clog pores.

If you have existing acne you should treat it with a good acne clearing medication. Be careful to avoid products that over dry your skin as this causes excess oil production and more acne problems.

This skin care routine should help to keep your acne under control. If you are having serious problems, though, you should consult your dermatologist for acne advice.

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Face lifts seem more and more prevalent these days. If you are like me though, you will seek any and all alternatives before seeking out a surgeon. One solution I found that works wonders without having to undergo surgery is called Nuface.

NuFace The Missing Link in Anti-Aging Technology uses mild microcurrents to lift and tighten your skin. It is a small hand held device that is really easy to use to keep your skin toned and tight, and minimize the look of lines and wrinkles. It has been reviewed by The New York Times, Shape, New Beauty, and The Rachael Ray Show and claims to increase collagen with regular use.

The best part about it is that you can use it just a few minutes and see some real results. The price tag is a bit on the high side at around $300 but this is much less than the cost of a plastic surgeon or even several facials.

Anyway, that is one of my top ten beauty essentials. Check it out for yourself and keep your skin looking firm and refreshed.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Acne Pimple Remedies straight from your pantry or medicine cabinet.

Have a sudden one or two pimple flare up but don’t have your usual acne medication in the house? Try dabbing a bit of toothpaste on it.  Toothpaste generally has alcohol in it which will dry up that impromptu pimple. Now this doesn’t fix the cause of the acne but if you have that hot date that night and don’t have time to run to the drugstore that day this may be your answer.

If you feel a pimple about to flare up the night before a big event this works even better because you can sleep with the paste on that spot the whole night without worrying about having toothpaste on your face.

Another natural way to deal with pimples, if toothpaste is too abrasive for your skin is to dab a bit of honey on the problem spot. Honey is a natural antiseptic and can also be used to dry out one or two acne spots.

Try these simple acne solutions for yourself. Remember to try any skin solution on a very small patch of skin first to make sure that you don’t have any personal adverse reactions. Everyone’s skin is different. See what works for you.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls