Sunday, October 7, 2012

Skin Care Tips – SUPERFOOD... for your beautiful & healthy skin



 

Milk Maid

Add a few cups of milk to your next bath to take advantage of its lactic acid, a natural skin-softener. Darrell McCurtain, a therapist at the Golden Door Spa, suggests throwing in a few teaspoons of honey for an anti-bacterial bonus. 

Super Vege
The other vegetables such as Carrots and tomatoes are stocked with phytonutrients and antioxidants, both of which protect against damaging free radicals, says Robyn Flipse, MS, RD. "The beta carotene and lycopene found in them also protect your skin from sun damage and repair skin cells." 

Vitamin Boost
Avocados contain healthy fats and vitamins C and E to keep skin plump, bright, and hydrated. Keep a sliced one in your work fridge for a super-quick snack. 

Smoke Signals
There are thousands of reasons why smoking is bad for you, but did you know second-hand smoke can also be harmful to your skin? Though you may not be lighting up, being around smokers can cause skin sagging and speed up the wrinkle process. 

Chill Out
Cucumber slices may be the international symbol for eye de-puffers, but anything that's chilly will work to tone down darkness and bags. The coldness restricts blood vessels, which reduces swelling and puffiness. Limit your application of bag-erasers about five minutes to get the best results. 

Tone up
“Toners are a handy product to help balance pH levels in your skin,” says Jennifer Yen, founder of Purlisse Skincare. “Look for ones that are free of irritants like alcohol, fragrance, citrus, menthol, color, and other aggressive extracts.” 

Hydrate
Your skin needs more water than you normally drink, so look for products with sodium hyaluronate, more commonly known as hyaluronic acid to help bring it to a normal pH level. 

Lemon Head
A brighter complexion is on everyone’s wishlist but the trick of getting one is easier than you might think. "Rub a lemon on your face!" suggests C.O. Bigelow proprietor Ian Ginsberg. 

Fishy Foods
“Foods like salmon, herring, and trout provide our skin with oils that lubricate cells and reduce inflammation,” says Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, nutritionist and author of The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been So Delicious. “They are also heavy in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a key role in keeping our skin smooth.” 

Tea Time
"Antioxidants have proven to be extremely important as an aging preventative," says NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel. "I recommend looking for products that have a complex of antioxidants, such as green tea, vitamin C, and CoQ10." 

Skin Saviors
"To see increased smoothness, improved skin tone, and fewer wrinkles, exfoliate with a well-formulated alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) product," says skin-care expert Paula Begoun. "You don't need both—AHAs are generally best for dry, sun-damaged skin while BHAs are best for acne- or blackhead-prone skin.” 

Try Coconut
"As an alternative to the usual glass of water, try coconut water. It's a huge trend in Hollywood right now and helps to naturally keep you hydrated," says Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Dr. Susan Evans. 

Wine-no
One less serving of alcohol per day can make a noticeable difference in your appearance. Alcohol dehydrates the skin (which causes wrinkles) while inflaming tissue. Combat these effects by watering down wine and liquor with club soda and drinking a glass of water between alcoholic beverages. 

SPF Solutions
Slathering your skin with SPF is a priority, even if you’re worried your block will make you break out. "Sunscreen formulas made with zinc are generally nongreasy and nonirritating, making them especially good for acne, sensitive skin," says Colleen Shimamoto, educational adviser for Derma Quest Skin Therapy. "So, opt for physical blocks like zinc oxide or titanium oxide which reflect the sun's UVB and UVA rays." 

Olive Oil Scrub
You may have heard that olive oil can be used as an at-home cleanser, but only for normal complexions. To exfoliate dry skin, try mixing a quarter cup of olive oil with a teaspoon of brown sugar to parched or flaky areas. 

Bewitching Eyes
"Witch hazel is a natural skin-tightening astringent and can be used to deflate under-eye bags," says makeup pro Shalini Vadhera. "Soak two cotton pads in cold witch hazel and apply one to each closed eye for five minutes." 

Treat Your Feet
Get smoother foot in a flash with a mixture of salt and lotion or by rubbing them with olive oil. Rinse thoroughly, and push back the cuticles as you towel dry. 

Fine Lines and Pesky Wrinkles
All prescriptions aren’t for everyone. "For women in their 20s and 30s, I prescribe Retin A or Tazorac to treat adult acne breakouts," explains Dr. Paul Friedman. "If she's pregnant or trying to conceive, these medications are not recommended." 

Choose Wisely
“Women often buy high-end products and moisturizers, but don't pay attention to what’s actually in them,” says Jennifer Fifer, owner of Tru Skin Clinical Spa. “Avoid products containing SD-40, isopropyl alcohol, a common ingredient that can be an irritant for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.” 

Berry Picking
“Berries are packed with antioxidants which help neutralize free radicals,” says Paula Simpson, BASc, RNCP. “They also help the body manufacture collagen, leaving your skin firm and smooth.” So, go ahead an eat up! 

Ditch the Brew
Can’t figure out why you have dry skin? Caffeine may be the culprit. Replace the java with H2O, and add fruit slices, like orange or lemon, to enhance the flavor. 


Reference : http://www.realbeauty.com