Caring for Aging Skin - How to Keep Your Eyes Looking Young as You Get Older

Keeping your skin looking young can be tough, and the older you get the harder it becomes. The skin around the eyes is often the first place to show the signs of aging, but there are things you can do to maintain your youthful appearance no matter what your age. Here are some tips you can use to keep your eyes, and the rest of your skin, looking great.

Limit Sun Exposure

Exposure to UV rays is bad for your skin, including the skin around your eyes. Limit sun exposure as much as possible, and don't forget to apply sunscreen to your face before you go out.
  
Use a sunscreen designed for facial use, and reapply it at least once an hour. The skin around your eyes is particularly sensitive to sun damage, so taking extra care to protect it is very important.

Get Plenty of Sleep

A lack of sleep will show up on your face and especially around your eyes. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep a night, and use smart sleep hygiene to avoid waking up multiple times during the night.
  
Avoiding caffeine in the evening, investing in blackout curtains and keeping your smartphone and tablet out of the bedroom are all great ways to sleep better and avoid the impact of insomnia on your appearance.
  

Choose Your Cosmetics with Care

Harsh and poor quality cosmetics can really take a toll on your appearance and dry out the skin around your eyes. Look for natural cosmetics designed to be good for your skin.
  
Choosing quality cosmetics is important, but it is also a good idea to limit their use as much as possible. Use the minimum amount necessary to get the look you want, and wash out the makeup thoroughly when you get home.

Drink Lots of Water

Staying hydrated is important, so drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. 

The skin around the eyes is one of the first spots to show signs of dehydration. If you notice an increase in fine lines and wrinkles, the answer may be as close as your tap.
  
Avoid caffeinated beverages like soft drinks and coffee; the caffeine can actually dehydrate you and make your skin even drier. If you do not want to drink plain water, you can experiment with flavored and sparkling varieties to spice things up.
  

Eat a Healthy Diet

The state of your health will be reflected in the appearance of your skin, so make that reflection a good one with a smart diet. Eating a healthy diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and light on sweets and processed foods is one of the best ways to keep the skin around your eyes as smooth and attractive as possible.

Nothing can make getting older fun, but there are things you can do to keep your skin looking like new as you age. From limiting UV exposure to getting plenty of sleep, there are ways to make aging skin look younger and more vibrant.

Emergency Rescue for Winter Skin - 4 Natural Ways to a Healthier Complexion

The winter months can play havoc with your complexion. Biting cold winds outdoors, warm and dry heating indoors, not to mention the indulgences of the festive period – all of this can leave your skin feeling dry, flaky, and out of condition.

Cosmetics companies will try to tell you that their unique formulas are worth the high prices they charge, but for healthy skin that feels and looks great, nature often has the best answers. Here are 4 wholesome ways to give your complexion a winter pick-me-up.

1. Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil has been used for millennia in its native lands as a skin moisturizer, cleanser, and sun protector. It is high in natural saturated fats which strengthen the underlying structure of the skin, making it more supple and less prone to wrinkling and cracking. These fats also act as powerful moisturizers, locking in moisture below the skin surface and preventing it evaporating through the pores. Coconut oil also contains a substance known as capric acid, which has a mild anti-microbial action, promoting overall skin health and helping to prevent spots and rashes.

To use coconut oil, simply massage a few pure drops into your face after a shower or bath. It is absorbed more efficiently and works more effectively on damp skin.

2. Evening Primrose Oil 

This natural oil is extremely rich in Omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential building blocks of cell membranes, and promote skin elasticity. These acids are also vital in regulating the production of the hormones responsible for skin health, and trials have shown that evening primrose oil has beneficial effects for sufferers of acne, eczema, and psoriasis. 

This oil can be taken in capsule form, or rubbed directly onto your skin for a fast lift in tone and texture.

3. Green Tea 

Green tea is one of those supplements that has been somewhat over-hyped, and touted as a cure for all sorts of ailments. However, studies have suggested that the polyphenols it contains do indeed have strong benefits for skin condition, particularly in helping to reduce inflammation. One of the main benefits of green tea however is its strong anti-oxidant properties which are thought to help slow down the enzymes responsible for premature skin ageing.

Green tea can of course be taken as a drink, although topical application delivers the active ingredients to your skin more quickly, especially if you then use one of the moisturizing oils mentioned to lock the nutrients in.

4. Lavender Oil 

Lavender oil is widely used in the treatment of eczema and other skin complaints thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It contains compounds that improve circulation and increase blood oxygenation, meaning it has an anti-inflammatory action and can soothe irritated skin. 

Lavender oil also has a calming scent; use this in combination with other oils to replicate perfumed lotions without the harsh chemicals that commercial cosmetics sometimes use.

There's nothing at all wrong with using light, neutral cosmetic lotions and creams as part of your daily skin care routine, but next time you're feeling swayed by tempting claims made for your complexion in a commercial, remember that nature usually knows best. Using these healthy, natural products either alone or in combination will have great long term benefits for both your skin and your pocket.

5 Winter Skincare Strategies that Are Hurting Your Skin

Wintertime presents many skincare challenges to women of all ages. If you follow a routine and haven't had any luck with it, you may be making the problems worse. Learn about the five most common skincare strategies used in the cold-weather months that actually hurt your skin.

1. Over-Washing with Moisturizing Cleanser

Moisturizing cleanser is a must-have in any cold-weather skincare regimen. However, many women assume that it is OK to wash at the same frequency as they did in spring and summer. This couldn't be further from the truth. In the winter, you should limit the amount you wash your face. Even the most moisturizing cleansers still take away your skin's natural oils which are critical for combating dry and flaky skin.

2. Using the Same Moisturizer

If you have found your go-to moisturizer for warm weather, you may be tempted to continue to use it through the cold months. Instead of doing this, use an oil-based or other type of moisturizer that is specifically designed to combat dryness and redness. Moisturizers with thicker formulas and more intensive moisturizing agents act as a protective barrier over your skin while lightweight formulas cannot hold up to the cold.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche Facial Cream (Intolerant Skin to Dryness)

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche Facial Cream (Intolerant Skin to Dryness) is a gentle moisturizer for dry, sensitive, intolerant skin. Its rich, creamy texture provides immediate comfort. Free of fragrance, preservatives, alcohol, and parabens. Safe for sensitive skin.  

3. Exfoliating Too Often

Exfoliating is critical because it removes dead skin, revealing healthier, more youthful skin underneath. However, it should only be done one or two times a week during the winter. Over-exfoliating your skin can make it drier and tight, resulting in redness and uneven texture.

4. Using Harsh Makeup Remover

Makeup remover is a great way to avoid over-washing your face. However, many makeup removers use harsh agents that can leave your skin feeling dry. Instead, consider using a moisturizing product such as cold cream.

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

Clinique Take The Day Off off Cleansing Balm provides a comfortable touch to the skin with its fine texture. The creamy lotion converts into oil upon application to eliminate facial makeup. Can be used to remove full or partial makeup.

5. Skipping Night Cream

If you have a habit of forgetting to put on your night cream, your skin is missing out on much-needed hydration.  Night cream helps to restore and revitalize your skin while you sleep, so you can wake up to a more youthful-looking complexion each morning. Regenerating serums are also worth looking into if night creams aren't ideal for you.

L'Occitane Immortelle Biologique Precious Night Cream

L'Occitane Immortelle Biologique Precious Night Cream is a silky smooth cream that offers triple action to make skin firmer and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Immortelle stimulates collagen production to fill in deep wrinkles while Achille extract accelerates skin cell renewal and reinforces the skin network for a firmer look. In just one night, skin looks incredibly younger.

Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Serum

Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Serum is a fast acting and high-performance serum that optimizes cell renewal to continually reveal fresher, healthier-looking skin. It instantly creates a luminous-from-within radiance, unveiling skin that is brighter, healthier, more uniform. Oil-free and suitable for all Skin types.

You can beat the cold-weather blues this year by adjusting your skincare routine to fit the climate. By following the tips provided, you can maintain healthy-looking and -feeling skin all through the winter.

Four Effective Tips for Dealing with An Oily Face

Does your face shine more than it glows? You probably have an oily face.

This is a common problem for young people, although oily skin can be a problem at any age. It seems that no matter how you cleanse, the oily shine is always there – not to mention the break outs. 

Fortunately, dealing with an oily face doesn’t have to be so difficult. By making a few simple changes to your skin care routine you can reduce the greasy shine and breakouts that are so often a problem with an oily face. 

Stop Touching Your Face

Many people put their hands on their face without thinking about it. This is a big contributor to breakouts. Train yourself to keep your hands off of your face, and wear your hair off of your face as much as possible to reduce exposure to oil. If you have an oily face, resist the urge to get a hair cut with bangs that hang down across your forehead.

Stop Over-Cleansing

It’s important to keep oily skin clean, but cleansing too aggressively can be counterproductive. If you completely remove the protective layer of oil on your skin, the sebaceous glands respond by pumping out more. 

Use a gentle, oil free soap or cleanser and a mild astringent and cleanse only twice a day. Follow up with a light, oil- free moisturizer only in the driest areas of your face such as under the eyes. Resist the urge to scrub off every last trace of oil, but be diligent about cleansing. Never go to sleep without removing your makeup if you have an oily face – no matter how tired you are. 

Change Your Makeup

An oily face needs light, oil-free foundation – if you use foundation at all. With oily skin it’s best to use as little makeup as possible. Instead of using a foundation, use an oil-free pressed powder to even out skin tone, cover flaws, and reduce shine. If you need more coverage in areas, use an oil-free concealer. The less gunk you apply to an oily face, the better. 

Look for more foundations at COSME-DE.COM

Once a Week, Use a Clay Mask

A clay mask is good for soaking up excess oil, but should be used only once a week. You can buy a clay mask at most drugstores and cosmetic counters, but it’s simple to make your own using a Fuller’s earth clay. You can find various recipes on the internet.

If you have an oily face that’s prone to frequent breakouts, ask your doctor if you’re a good candidate for Retin-A. Retin-A can be highly effective for reducing the frequency of annoying breakouts.