How to reduce pore size appearance

Hi everyone,

Today I’m addressing the age-old skincare concern,HOW TO REDUCE YOUR PORES. Well everyone, here’s the cold, hard truth: you can’t permanently reduce pore size. But there are things you can do to make your pores appear smaller.

Pores look more obvious when they are clogged. The key to diminishing the appearance of your pores is keeping them clean. CLAY MASKS draw out impurities and TONERS clean up anything your cleanser left behind. But these products can be drying, so stick to a regimen that includes a weekly mask and use toner about every other day. Here are some great products you can incorporate into your routine:

           ORIGINS CLEAR IMPROVEMENT CHARCOAL MASK

•         NEUTROGENA PORE REFINING TONER

•         MURAD T-ZONE PORE REFINING GEL

•         DR. BRANDT PORES NO MORE MATTIFYING LOTION

Once you’ve got clean pores you’ll want to keep them that way. In order to keep pores from getting clogged, a good cell turnover rate must be maintained. So look for products that exfoliate the skin and boost cellular turnover to prevent the build-up of dead skin, like the gel and lotion picture above.

XieMau

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HAIRBRUSH

Hi everyone,

Cleaning your hairbrush is an often-overlooked task. But it shouldn't be! Most people brush their hair at least once a day, and that hairbrush comes in contact with greasy hair follicles, dust particles and as much product buildup as you have in your hair. Just think about brushing your freshly washed hair with a hairbrush that has been collecting dirt and grime for weeks! Not only will a clean hairbrush keep your hair clean longer, but it will also extend the life of your brush. The process is quick and easy, so aim to give your brush a bath about every other week.

1. Rake through the bristles using a comb, your fingers or a toothpick to remove as much of the old hair that is trapped in the bristles as you can. If your brush has collected a substantial amount of hair, you can take a scissors and cut the hair down the middle. Just be careful not to cut any bristles! This will make removing the hair a bit easier.
2. Fill your sink up with warm water and add a few drops of clarifying shampoo. If your brush is plastic, soak it for about three minutes. If your brush has a fabric cushion head, do not submerge it in the water. Instead, dip it in the water a few times.
3. After soaking, any remaining hair in the brush will be softened, so try to clean through the bristles once more. Then give the brush one final rinse in lukewarm water.
4. To dry the brush, first towel it off then lay it flat with the bristle end hanging over the sink or on a towel. This way, the excess water can drip out and won’t get trapped in the base. And your brush will be good as new in the morning! If you can’t wait until morning, a hair dryer will speed up the drying time too.

And once a month (or for a very dirty brush!), after rinsing or soaking, you can use a clean toothbrush with shampoo on it to scrub the bristles. Then rinse and dry as usual.

XieMau

TYPES OF ACNE

For some of you, acne is a daily struggle.  But don’t fret – you’re not alone.  Acne is a skin condition that is affects 17 MILLION PEOPLE in the United States and 8 in 10 preteens and teens.  Pretty crazy, right? today I’m going to break down the three most common types of acne, what causes them, and how to prevent and treat them.

Comedonal

What is it?

Comedones are clogged pores caused by excess oil that mix with dead skin cells.  Basically, what we call blackheads.  Whiteheads are simply comedones that have skin growing over the opening.

What causes it?

Black and whiteheads are usually caused by using makeup and hair products that contain oil, or from excessive sweating and humidity.

Prevention & Treatment:

To prevent comedones, just exfoliate! Washes with salicylic acid also help, as well as deep-cleaning clay masks.  I would recommend keeping blotting papers in your bag to soak up any excess oil on your face throughout the day.

If you do have comedonal acne, try using PORE STRIPS to pull out blackheads.  For whiteheads, spot treatments with salicylic acid will help!

Papular

What is it?

Papules are the pimples every woman knows and hates – those painful, inflamed pink or red bumps that pop up every so often for some, but are a daily fixture for others.

What causes it?

Papules are caused by clogged pores that get infected by bacteria.  Stress, hormones and humidity can all increase the chances of an infection because they make your body produce more oil, which attracts bacteria.  

Prevention & Treatment:

The key to preventing papules is a clean face.  Make sure you are washing twice a day with an acne-targeted cleanser (most of them will contain salicylic). Follow up with TONER and a light moisturizer, preferably with SPF since salicylic acid makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

There are many skincare products out there specifically designed to fight acne and control oil – the difficult part is finding the right one for you.  Talk to a dermatologist, who can recommend some over-the-counter solutions as well as any prescription treatments, should they be necessary.  Hydrocortisone is one topical cream that is supposed to help with inflammation. Above all else, remember that as much as you'd like to squeeze those annoying little bumps out....don't! It can lead to an even bigger zit, more pimples or even scarring. 

Cystic

What is it?

Cystic acne is acne at its worst.  Instead of individual pimples, cystic acne shows up as large, inflamed bumps in clusters around your face.  These bumps can easily leave scars, but the good news is there are also some TREATMENTS out there that can help them fade. :)

What causes it?

Unfortunately, in a lot of cystic acne cases, there’s nothing to blame but genetics.  A lot of people with cystic acne have hyperactive glands that pump too much oil into their pores, as well as skin cells that don’t turn over fast enough.  Overactive oil glands and excess dead skin cells are a breeding ground for bacteria.  Unlike what some people think, cystic acne is NOT caused by cleaning or eating habits.

Prevention & Treatment:

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent cystic acne.  If you know you are genetically predisposed, talk to your dermatologist, who can recommend a skincare and/or treatment plan to help.

There are oral antibiotics and topical medications that are all specifically targeted towards cystic acne.  Have a thorough talk with your dermatologist or doctor to find the treatment plan that's best for you. If you do end up going on any medication, as always, be sure to review any possible side effects ahead of time.

Acne plagues a lot of women on a daily basis – but don’t let it get you down! With modern skincare technology and solutions (as well as some pretty amazing FOUNDATIONS and CONCEALERS), it’s much easier to soothe and hide acne.  Just make sure you are following good skincare rules (like KEEPING YOUR CELL PHONE CLEAN!) and abiding by whatever skincare regime your derm or doctor recommends.  Above all else, don’t blame yourself – like I said, a lot of acne is simply caused by genetics, and there’s no use in bringing yourself down with a guilt trip!

XieMau

Benefits Of Excercise

Hi everyone,

Everyone knows that exercise is good for your body – but did you know that exercising can also benefit you beauty-wise? Eating Healthy is the first step, but adding in daily exercise can also boost your skin, hair and mouth health.  Here are just a couple of the beauty benefits that come from working up a sweat….

• -Ward off wrinkles: Cortisol is a stress-related hormone – too much cortisol can cause the collagen in your skin to break down, which results in wrinkles and sagging. Exercise can BENEFIT COLLAGEN PRODUCTION and improve skin thickness (the thinner our skin, the more prone it is to fine lines.)

• -Clear up Acne: Studies show that sebaceous glands, (which produce oil in your skin) can BE INFLUENCED BY STRESS HORMONEs – exercise eases stress! Just make sure you are always cleansing your entire body and face right after your workout.

• -Clean pores: Sweat is released through the pores when you exercise, and this can help CLEAR THEM OF DIRT, trapped, oils, dead skin cells and bacteria. (Another way to clear out your pores?DIY PORE STRIPS!)

• -Healthy smile: In one study, researchers found that people who exercised and had healthy eating habits were 40 percent less likely to develop gum disease.  Who knew exercise could benefit your pearly whites??

• -Stronger locks: The improved blood flow from exercising stimulates the hair follicles and promotes growth.  The result? Stronger and healthier locks!

Above all else, staying active also helps boost your mood and confidence - both of which define beauty in my book :)

XieMau

SIX WAYS TO FIGHT OILY SKIN

Hi everyone,

Oily skin and melted makeup is the stuff of nightmares, especially during the summer when the heat is in full force.  Though some people may naturally have oilier skin, even those with dry skin aren't safe from the sun’s rays.  Here’s how to keep your skin looking fresh and dewy – not sweaty and shiny –!

Lighten up: Swap your heavy foundation for a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream with silicone.  The lighter formulas won’t clog your pores, and the silicone forms a barrier between your skin and the heat.  For extra prevention, dust with a sheer mineral powder to set the look.

Mask it: Once a week, use a clay mask to soak up excess oil in the skin and clean out impurities. use one like the Indian healing mask. Just make sure not to overdo this – using masks too often can make your skin dry out and actually increase oil production!

Eat up: Did you know that consuming vitamin A can actually decrease your skin’s oil production?  In addition to being vital in the growth and renewal of new skin cells, Vitamin A also normalizes oils levels in your skin, according to live strong You can take a Vitamin A supplement, or consume it the natural way in foods like carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, melons and fish.

Look at labels: Look for cleansers and moisturizers with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, caffeine  and NIACINAMIDE – they’re all oil-zapping ingredients!  Just make sure you are not over-washing – twice a day is the most you should ever be washing your face in order not to dry out your skin.  

Exfoliate: Make sure that you are exfoliating once a week to get rid of dead skin cells – not only will it make your skin glow, but many exfoliators contain ingredients that will soak up excess oil from your face as well.
Blot away: Instead of layering powder on your face (which can result in a caked-on look), use blotting papers instead.  Find ones that have a touch of powder to help control shine.

In the end, no one will have (or want) perfectly matte skin during the summer heat – a little bit of natural shine can be beautiful! The important thing is to keep your skin healthy and happy :)

XieMau

HOW TO HELP YOUR NAILS GROW LONGER

Hi everyone,

We all want long, beautiful nails – unfortunately, it seems much easier for them to veer into the land of “dry” and “brittle”. Today, I’m sharing 5 tips on how to grow your nails to their full potential, just in time for your summer manicure.

1.) Protect them: Next time you’re scrubbing away in the kitchen, make sure to wear a pair of rubber gloves. The harsh chemicals in dishwasher detergents and household cleaners can dry out your nails and break them down. Same with going in cold temperatures – to keep your nails from drying out, always wear a pair of cozy gloves. Did you know that your nails actually grow faster in warmer temperatures.

2.) Take biotin: Also known as Vitamin H, biotin falls into the group of b-complex vitamins that not only help your nails stay healthy, but also benefit your skin and eyes. According to the National Institute of Health, biotin can actually help strengthen and grow your nails. Other nutrients that may help nails grow are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, protein and zinc.

3.) Apply Vitamin E: Vitamin E is recommended for people who get gel manicures because it repairs the damaged nail underneath. But even if your nails are bare, Vitamin E can help moisturize your nail and prevent breakage. If it’s in capsule form, just use a pin to pop a hole in the pill and apply it directly to your nails. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your nails will soak it up!

4.) Use a nail strengthener: Nail strengtheners are made of keratin protein, which is what your nails are made of. When applied directly to the nail surface, they bond the molecules of the nails together and make your nails stronger. Unfortunately, this solution isn't long term – when you stop using the strengthener, your nails will return to normal.

5.) Condition & massage: Massaging your nails might sound weird, but a gentle cuticle massage increases blood circulation and may promote nail growth. Squeeze a few drops of Olive and jojoba or coconut oil to a bowl of warm water and soak your nails for a few minutes. After drying with a towel, use the same oil to gently massage each nail, paying special attention to your cuticles.

Does this helps you? 

XieMau :)

HOW TO GET RID OF STRETCH MARKS!

HOW TO GET RID OF STRETCH MARKS!

Hey Everyone!
It’s a topic that affects more woman than you think!  Here’s the 411 on stretch marks and the truth about how to get rid of them:

What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are pinkish streaks that appear on your body and eventually fade to a white or gray color. They’re commonly associated as a post-effect after pregnancy, but women of all ages can get them, pregnant or not.

What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks can be caused by a number of different issues, but it is mainly the result of rapid stretching of the skin.  This can happen during pregnancy, or just from a growth spurt.  You can also get them from certain lotions and pills.  Lastly, stretch marks can also be genetic – you might be more likely to get them if your mom had them.

Can you get rid of them?
Technically, no.  However, there are things you can do to greatly fade their appearance.

Ways to fade stretch marks:
+ Laser therapy uses intense wavelengths of light to help grow collagen, elastin or melanin in your skin.

+ Tretinoin cream (also called Retin-A, Renova, Avitaca) can help rebuild collagen and make the stretch marks look more like your normal skin. Just make sure you are treating the stretch marks early on, when they are still pinkish or purple.

+ Microdermabrasion involves a device that blows tiny crystals onto your skin.  These crystals gently polish your skin’s surface.  This is an option for older stretch marks that have faded to white.

Are their natural ways to reduce their appearance?
Yes! But it’s not cocoa butter – even though it’s been commonly associated with getting rid of stretch marks.Try vitamin E instead. pregnant women who used a cream with a form of vitamin E in it developed fewer marks than those given a placebo. Here’s a great homemade recipe to reduce and prevent stretch marks:

DIY Stretch Mark Reducing Oil:

Ingredients:
2 tbsp vitamin E oil
½ cup jojoba oil
½ cup almond oil
¼ cup sugar

Instructions:
Pour oils into a container and shake vigorously.  Add sugar and gently massage over affected areas daily.  This works best for prevention or right after they develop!

Vitamin E promotes skin elasticity,Jojoba Oil is full of fatty acids that easily penetrate deeply into the pores, Almond Oil gives a big dose of moisture and Sugar exfoliates.  

XieMau

Hi everyone,

Don’t you hate it when the lid gets stuck on your favorite bottle of polish?  I’ve heard all kinds of crazy theories from people on how to unstick them (note: banging the lid on the corner of your table does NOT work), but I finally found one solution that actually does what it promises. I wanted to share this simple trick with you all so you’ll never have to throw away one of your beloved polishes again.

What you need:
1 cup
Hot water
Rubber band (optional)

Instructions:
1.) Fill your cup with hot water
2.) Holding your nail polish upside down, submerge the handle of the bottle into the hot water
3.) Hold for 3-5 minutes (You can watch something on TV or read something to pass the time)
4.) Remove and unscrew – the hot water loosens the hardened nail polish so it should come off easily!
5.) If you are having trouble gripping the top, simply wrap a rubber band around it for a better grip

It’s important to hold the nail polish in the cup so that the actual polish isn’t submerged– after all, hot temperatures can change the consistency of your polish and make it sticky! Hope this helps!

XieMau