So prom is looming in, huh? It’s high time to prepare your checklist. Before you get hooked into prom dresses and prom shoes exploration, take into consideration your face first. Get the lowdown on facials for clearer, radiant skin!

Finding the right facial for a certain skin type has been such a constant battle, and you’ll now this if you’ve been burdened with problem skin. There are tons of facial salons today that it’s difficult to decide which one will suit you best. Here are some guidelines (or pre-prom advice) that will help you choose the right place, the right people, and the right facials just for you.

1. Skin Analysis – Your dermatologist or, in some cases, a “facial therapist”, will examine your skin under a lit magnifying glass to diagnose any existing skin problems like acne, clogged pores, discoloration, broken capillaries, fine lines, and so on. Only then ill she know the treatment suitable for your skin type.

2. Cleansing and Massage – After securing your hair away from your face, all traces of dirt, oil and makeup will be removed with a hypo-allergenic soap or cleanser. Then she will use a light scrub to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells no matter what skin type you are. Massage stimulates the circulation and brings oxygen to the skin cells and gives you that glow after a facial. It also releases tension and relaxes the facial muscles.

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When you were young, it was all about the rush. There was exhilaration in everything you did; the rigorous sport activities you engaged in, the late nights of partying with friends and all those stressful meetings to meet your deadlines. There seemed to be no end to the excitement and your energy was unyielding. But something a reality check is called for.

As the years go by, you realize that you age and that things change. Your daily activities have started to take a toll on you and your skin has begun to show signs of aging. Suddenly you get a panic attack and start to look on aging as the new enemy.

There are three causes of wrinkles:

1. The first is repeated facial expressions. Remember squinting your eyes while doing research? Those long frowns you made when you have to do overtime? And those scowling looks (or extended purse lips) that you gave your boyfriend when he was 10 minutes late in picking you up? Just as all these have caused you unwanted stress, they can also result more lins and wrinkles on your face. Get the wrinkle eye cream that battle against crow’s feet with its special cream formulation. It effectively shields skin from the sun and promotes cell energy production to fight skin aging. It also has UV filters which protect against premature skin aging and prevent puffiness in the eye area.
2. The second cause of wrinkles is prolonged exposure to the sun, the skin loses the ability to repair itself, and the damage accumulates. As you get older, years of sun damage start to surface on your skin, making it look dull, less even and more wrinkled than before. A top quality facial cream successfully protects your skin from the sun. Formulated to be light and faster absorbing than other day creams, it’s perfect for use even under make-up. No greasy and sticky feeling during the day.

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Here’s how to keep those pesky pimples under control

It’s happened so many times: You’re raring to wear that tube top on a hot day or night out, but one glance at your full-length mirror stops you in your tracks. You realize: You can’t – you just can’t. The reason? You have back acne! You know – those unsightly, unflattering, and uncomfortable pimples and rashes on the back (and even on your buttocks) that seemed to have magically sprouted out of nowhere.

Face Acne vs. Back Acne

The cause of back acne is simple: When sebaceous glands produce excess oil, they clog pores, which in turn, attract bacteria. But unlike facial acne, back acne is not hereditary and is not caused by genetic disposition. So if your parents never suffered from back acne, it doesn’t mean you won’t.

Unfortunately, back acne is also a more stubborn kind of acne. This is because the skin on our back is thicker than facial skin (and skin anywhere else in the body) – making it more resistant to treatment. (more…)

Excess oil on skin can lead to those dreaded blemishes and breakouts. Here’s how to stay in control.

The Cause of Oily Skin
The oil is produced by oil glands known as sebaceous glands. These glands are bigger and more active in the region of the nose than any other areas of the face. Other areas on the body where sebaceous glands are most heavily concentrated are the neck, chest, and back areas, where body acne can be common.

Many people have the same level of hormones, but produce different amounts of oil, because their oil glands respond differently. During adolescence, a surge in the level of sex hormones, known as androgens, create a problem of oily skin where previously there was none. The reason for this is that androgens enlarge and stimulate he sebaceous glands, causing them to produce more sebum.

While this stimulation is not directly responsible produces more fatty acids when a comedo plug closes off a pore opening. The additional fatty acids increase the amount of inflammation, and more severe acne occurs. Despite all the trouble that sebum causes it is very important to the maintenance of the skin. When the system is working properly, sebum performs the important job of helping lubricate your skin. Sebum also carries with it dead cells shedding from your hair follicle walls. For someone with oily skin, the best to do is to take measures to keep pores from getting clogged and forming acne lesions.

Of course there is also the alternative which is getting your skin treated by professionals. The Houston plastic surgery experts are famous for their awesome jobs. Get to know more about them if you wish. But doing things naturally is obviously cheaper and safer so take note of these suggestions.

Moisturizers for Oily Skin
It is important to maintain a regular skin care routine to keep your skin from becoming too irritated or too dry during acne treatments. This can result in even more breakouts, as the skin overcompensates by producing more oil. We recommend lightweight oil-free moisturizers. During the day, an oil-control moisturizer may be desired in order to reduce shine – and thus reduce the need for powders (which can contain pore-clogging ingredients). Of course, for some people, the lighter weight the moisturizer, the better.

Skin Care for Oily Skin
Remember, there is no way to completely prevent oily skin from occurring, but hopefully these tips will help keep the oil under control: (more…)

Excessive sun exposure is still the Number One cause of premature aging; but who can resist a sexy tan, right? Not to worry, here are some safe tanning tips and alternatives for you.

1. Use a generous application of sunscreen, and reapply every 40-80 minutes when outdoors. Get something with a high level of Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Don’t worry, because it protects you more against the harmful UV rays than spoils your fabulous tanning ritual. You may use tanning lotions on top of your sunscreen if you really insist on getting a tan.
2. If you’re thinking about soaking up in beer as substitute to tanning lotion… think twice. It does work, but beer is malt liquor. It does the same thing to your skin as alcohol, dry up your skin.
3. Pat yourself dry after a swim because the sun’s rays penetrate wet skin more than dry. (more…)