More on Skin: Things to remember (2)
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The Things We Do:
There are many things we may do to our skin that can cause problems or irritation. These
are just a few helpful hints that will make our skin happier:
Pimples - When we get pimples, often the first instinct is to “pop” it to speed
up the cycle. Resist this impulse. As many of you know from experience, the popped pimple leaves behind a red, blotchy mark that often
looks much worse than the pimple did. The best solution for dealing with the blemishes that develop is applying a topical preparation
with Benzoil Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, or Hydrocortisone (helps reduce swelling and irritation). If you want to hide a pimple, many of
the topical preparations come with tinted formulas to cover as they heal the blemish. You can also use a concealer and foundation to
mask the pimples. Just be sure that your make-up is non-comedogenic to prevent more breakouts.
Tweezing – We all get hair in unwanted places. (And for those of you younger
people who are thinking, “Not me”, just you give it time.) The problem with tweezing these hairs to remove them is that it often leaves
the skin red and irritated afterward, especially when tweezing areas like the eyebrows. The solution is to perform your tweezing after a
shower so that the skin is relaxed, the pores open, and the hair as soft as possible. Or, you can use a hot damp cloth over the area
before tweezing if it’s more convenient.
After tweezing use a mild hydrocortisone cream to reduce and redness or irritation that
may still occur. But while not painless, the above tip will make things much easier.
Cosmetics – We’ve all been warned about not keeping our cosmetics for too long.
The products can spoil, and very often become a breeding ground for bacteria picked up from contact with our skin. There have been many
different opinions on how often to replace your cosmetics. The most recent advice is as follows:
• Mascara should be replaced every 3 to 4 months at a minimum. And always
remember to NEVER share your mascara with anyone else. You can give
yourself (or someone else) an eye infection.
• Foundation should be kept for only a year. Those foundation formulas that are
oil-based can last a couple months longer, but keep an eye out for skin
problems that could be related to your foundation, maybe it’s time for a
change.
• For Lip Liners and Lipstick, 2 years is a good rule of thumb. Don’t share these
products either as they can also transfer bacteria and germs from one user to
another.
• Be sure to clean your make-up brushes at least every three months with
antibacterial wash. If this seems like too much of a hassle, just toss them and
buy new ones.
Smoking – If you’re looking for one more reason to quit, apart from the risks
of cancer, emphysema, and heart attack, consider that cigarette smoking causes premature aging of the skin. It encourages more lines and
wrinkles and yellows the skin. In addition, smoking inhibits the transfer of oxygen to the skin, which causes it to look dull.
By following these few simple tips, you’ll find that your skin stays healthier and you (naturally) look better, no matter what time of
year it is. It’s important to remember that with skin care, you sometimes have to be proactive, and not just reactive. So think about
your skin often and never wait until the last minute to do something you know will protect yourself.
Stacy - Stylist ©greatestlook.com
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