Sensitive skin: Given the importance of exfoliation, it is of immense importance to clean up the skin; normal or sensitive. Dealing with sensitive skin exfoliation can be a lot more challenging as compared to a normal one. As the name suggests, sensitive skins are very ‘sensitive’ to any type of rubbing, chemicals or vapours. They have a tendency to irate or redden quickly. Hence it is of great importance to use the right technique along with the right cream/scrub/gel to avoid any harm to the skin.

While shower or steam bath: During what is known as manual exfoliation, an abrasive object or material is used to exfoliate the skin. This can be done easily while having a shower or after a steam. The pores open up after a steam thus easing the process of exfoliation. Extra care must be taken while exfoliating a sensitive skin this ways as over-steaming or the abrasive object might redden the skin in no time. Always use small circular strokes for a longer time over the long high pressure strokes for a short time when dealing with sensitive skin.

If you have a dry-sensitive skin, then a sugar scrub comprising equal parts of mild oil and sugar can help. There are various natural home-made packs which are made using oatmeal powder, sesame seeds, yoghurt or honey along with a little water can be used on a damp face or body. It is always recommended to do a patch test before using any skin exfoliation product on face or body. If using an exfoliation product for the first time on your face, trying using that product on the side neck right behind your ear-lobe for five to ten minutes approximately and then monitor the skin for the next twenty four hours. If there is no irritation or reddening then it’s a go-ahead for that particular product.

Products to be used: Using a mild cleanser followed by a toner and a moisturiser daily takes good care of the dead skin cells and in-turn eases the process of biweekly exfoliation. There are quite a few organic, chemical free products in the market which are great with sensitive skin types. Products containing aloe, almond, honey, jojoba seeds, and oatmeal are generally good to go. It’s preferable to use a gel based face scrub rather than a cream based as the cream based ones usually have a drying effect.

And above all it’s important to know that dead cells are usually formed every twelve to fifteen days and hence the use of a scrub or steam should be restricted to a biweekly pattern only. Too much of scrubbing might aggravate the sensitivities of the skin. The exfoliation process should usually be followed by a toner and then a soothing moisturiser.

How to Exfoliate Sensitive Skin? is a post from: Woman's Magazine

As the skin ages, there may be dark color spots or areas in the skin. These are due to collection of melanin and are caused by hormonal imbalance. They are mostly on the raised surfaces of the face like cheeks, forehead and nose. This affects mostly women. They try to get rid of uneven skin tone by using skin lightening creams. In medical terms it is called melasma.

The main ingredients found in skin lightening creams are mercury and hydroquinone. They are not safe and are carcinogenic or cancer causing. Through intensive research some natural ingredients have been found which whiten the skin and can be used in cosmetics. They are:

Alpha hydroxyl acids or AHAs. They are sourced from milk which contains lactic acid, sugar which contains glycolic acid and fruits which contain acids such as citric and malic.

Alpha hydroxyl acids prevent damage to skin cells and renew the formation of new cells. They help the skin to retain moisture. They help to peel off the topmost damaged layer of the skin. However, this action may make the skin sensitive to sunlight so it is better to protect the skin from direct sunlight during the day.

Licorice extract is found in the licorice fruit. It whitens the skin and reduces redness of the skin which can be noticed during the formation of melanin.

Kojic acid is produced by fungus such as Penicillium as they undergo various processes during their growth. Kojic acid is widely used to stop the production of melanin and to lighten the black spots already formed. It helps to lighten skin cells.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is found in citrus fruit such as oranges, sweet lime and lemon and green vegetables such as spinach, cabbage and beans. It prevents damage to skin cells when the skin is exposed to the sun and helps to repair the cells already damaged.

Arbutin is derived from mulberry, bearberry and cranberry fruits and leaves. It stops the production of melanin in the skin and thus makes the color of skin lighter. It also brightens the face.

With these natural and effective ingredients available, it is better to use them and give the go by to harmful chemicals.

Natural Skin Lightening Ingredients is a post from: Woman's Magazine

If they get dusty and dry the heels will crack and the soles of the feet will get hard and callused.  Either get a pedicure done from a saloon or do one at home. Add a capful of shampoo and the juice of half a lemon to some warm water in a basin. Soak your feet in it for fifteen to twenty minutes. Then remove dead skin using a scraper. Pat dry and massage well with extra virgin olive oil. It will heal and moisturise your feet as it is rich in Vitamin E. Massage your legs too with this oil.

To make a pedicure a pleasant experience, you can add a few drops of essential oil in the water. The perfume will relax you. To soften and moisturise your feet, you can pamper them with a milk bath. The mild acids in the milk will cleanse your feet.

When you are outdoors, do not forget to put sunscreen on the exposed part of the legs. It will protect the skin on your legs from the harmful effects of the sun and keep them beautiful. Exercises for the legs are essential so that there is proper circulation in them and there are no ugly fat deposits.

Prolonged standing can cause varicose veins so take short breaks to sit and stretch your legs. On the other hand, a long period of sitting can cause feet to swell so avoid that as well. Too much salt in your diet can cause feet to swell so limit salt intake.

High heels make you look attractive and indeed, very few evening wear shoes are available without high heels. They go well with your glamorous clothes. It would be sensible to limit wearing high heels to evening wear and parties but avoid wearing them for long. Keep the high heels for occasional use. For office and daily wear use low healed comfortable shoes. High heels put undue pressure on your feet, tire your leg muscles and put strain on your spine.

You can make your feet look beautiful by other homemade methods like painting your toe nails and having well maintained healthy feets. If your legs get tired, massage them and place them on two pillows when you lie down. They will be slightly elevated and blood collected in them will flow back. A little care will give you legs you can be proud of.

Beautiful Feet Tips For Women is a post from: Woman's Magazine

Consider the options you have these days. For cleaning your face you have liquid cleaners, lotions, pads, mousses and a number of other products. Sometimes you find it difficult to decide as to what to purchase, especially if you are going in for purchase for the first time. According to a survey got done by a consumer association, a number of products were used for facial cleaning and ultimately it was found that all the products can be used and amongst them all facial pad cleaners were found best acting.

The main difference between facial cleaners is that these are milder than soap and contain moisturising agents. These agents help to prevent dryness of your skin. Ordinary bar soaps lack these products necessitating these in your beauty aid box. In case of normal skin you have a large number of options open to you can go in for liquid body wash which is comparatively less expensive. To decide on which cleaner to buy you need to keep in mind the following tips:

To know what is the best face cleanser, you need to know the type of your skin. Your skin may be oily, normal or dry. You may have sensitive skin too. To judge the type of your skin you need to remember the following thumb rule. If within two hours of washing your face your skin becomes shiny then it indicates that you have oily skin. In case you are unable to see pores on your face at day end it indicates that you have dry skin. In some cases you may notice flaking on your skin. This should not be misunderstood for dry skin. This is an indication of sensitive skin. After cleansing, sensitive skin may give itching or burning sensation.

Once you are sure of the type of your skin, you can go in for purchase of skin care products. For dry skin you need a facial cleaning product that does not remove oil from the pores of your skin. In case of oily skin, the cleaner will not be that mild as for dry skin, as oil has to be removed. For normal skin you have large number of choices. In case your skin is sensitive, go in for fragrance free products.

The advantage of using facial cleaning pads is that, in addition to cleaning, it exfoliates your skin when you rub them on your face.

What Is The Best Facial Cleanser? is a post from: Woman's Magazine

In addition to presence of SPF, another major difference between night and day cream is that night cream is made to hydrate and moisturise your facial skin and contains more oil which you cannot put on during the day as oily face does not look good. Human skin has self repairing properties. It continues to repair itself for damages caused due to exposure to pollution or injury caused by some object. By oiling and moisturising, you are helping the skin to heal faster and replenishing the fat layer present under the outer layer of the skin.

Night creams can also contain some active agents like retinoids or alpha hydroxi acids. These are exfoliants and their activity increases due to exposure to sunlight and may cause burning of the skin layer. To reduce the irritating effect on your skin, it is suggested that creams with these agents are applied at night. After application, the user with delicate skin is sometimes advised to refrain from switching on light in the room.

In case you desire to have a face cream which can be used both during the day and at night time, you can go in for non SPF light weight skin lotion. When you apply it during the day you can apply sun screen lotion separately. While applying at night, after thoroughly washing your face, you can apply it without sunscreen lotion. In case your skin is dry or very dry, especially during the colder months, you will require heavier cream with better hydrating formulation for night, so that as you sleep, your skin gets hydrated and repair function continues and you are ready to apply light skin care lotion during the day.

The choice of right type of skin does not mean that you go in for expensive creams. A large number of products are advertised by manufacturers, enumerating benefits of the product. These products may be beneficial in controlled conditions but actually you may not feel any apparent effect even after long use. Above all, these are very costly products and will take away a major part of your pay cheque.

The best option is to carefully study the qualities of your skin and then select the cream which in your view is suitable to you. For night time application you can make your own cream using products available in your kitchen like milk cream and honey.

Day Cream Night Cream Difference is a post from: Woman's Magazine

Some of the common mistakes made by women for skin care are:

Over bleaching of face skin: Bleaching of the skin is often done by women to clear the facial skin of marks and blemishes. Sometimes, as a result of over enthusiasm of seeing clearer skin after bleach, they tend to repeat bleaching very often. Generally dermatologists suggest bleaching once a month and this gap between the two bleaching processes needs to be maintained. It is also necessary to follow the instructions printed on the packaging about the quantity of bleaching agent to be used and time for which it is to be applied. Another essential precaution is to clean your face properly before application of bleaching agent as the already existing chemical makeup may react and damage your skin.

Over exfoliation of face: Exfoliation of skin is necessary to remove dead cells to make way for new and healthy cells. For facial skin exfoliation, chemical exfoliants are generally suggested by doctors. In case of sensitive skin, special care is needed for the exfoliation process as the chemicals applied for this purpose become super active in light and cause damage. It is necessary to study directions listed on the packaging.

Not using sunscreen: Sun rays cause maximum damage to the human skin. Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays. These are present both in direct sun light and also in diffused sunlight. These ultra violet rays cause skin burns and in extreme cases can be a cause of skin cancer. To block the harmful effects of UV rays on skin, moisturisers containing sun blocking agent in necessary. When inside sunscreen lotion with SPF of 15 can be applied but while going in direct sunlight you may need one with SPF of 45. Never make a mistake of not applying sunscreen lotion when inside a building thinking that you are not exposed to UV rays. These rays are always present in diffused light also.

Not removing makeup at night: Before going to bed it is necessary to follow skin care ritual religiously and regularly. There is a misconception in the mind of some women that they have not exposed themselves to any pollutants, so they do not need to wash face before going to bed. Similarly some think that there is a gap of more than 12 hours between bedtime and application of makeup and during this time make up has worn off by itself. This is not correct. Before going to bed wash your face and apply a moisturiser to enable your skin to repair while you sleep.

Following these simple rules you will save your skin naturally and avoid wrinkles or aging signs for long time.

Must Avoid Common Skin Care Mistakes is a post from: Woman's Magazine

In the hot form, the mixture is headed to liquidise it and then slightly cooled and applied to the skin. Waxing can be used for arms, legs, bikini area and armpits or underarms. The procedure for waxing is as follows:

1. Clean the area to be waxed and dry it completely.
2. Heat the little wax and using a spatula apply a thin layer of it in a small portion of the area to be waxed.
3. Keep strips of cloth ready. As soon as wax is applied press a strip of cloth to it so that it sticks properly to the skin.
4. In one quick motion, holding an edge of the cloth, pull against the hair growth.
5. Repeat till all the hair is removed,
6. Wash off the remains of the wax.
7. Apply a soothing lotion on the waxed area like calamine or calendula.

This method is used when waxing armpits too. Waxing is a forcible method so it may cause minor injuries to the skin. A rash may develop due to pulling out of hair. There may be inflammation and infection due to this. As there are folds of skin under the armpit and it remains wet, there will be irritation too. Due to constant friction there can be cell mutation which is a fore runner of cancer.

Underarm Waxing Side Effects

The hair in the armpit is provided by nature to protect the skin there from bacteria. Due to waxing underarm hair, the pores there may swell and enlarge. Harmful chemicals from products used for the underarms like deodorants and powders can easily enter the skin through these pores.

Lymph nodes are present in the arm pits and infection can affect them as well. These glands are connected to the breast and any toxins or bacteria which enter the lymph glands can travel to the breast and from thence to the rest of the body. This can cause breast cancer and diseases of other parts of the body like lungs and heart.

Armpit hair can be removed by less injurious methods like cutting with a small pair of scissors. If necessary, the area can be shaved as shaving removes hair from the surface only and is not invasive.

Waxing Underarm Hair is a post from: Woman's Magazine

Before deciding about a product you should consider about the myths and realities of a particular beauty or skin care product.

• One of the myths about beauty care products is to use alcohol free products. This is true to some extent only. Some alcohol based products are not good for dry skin as they make the skin drier. Generally two types of alcohol based products are available in the market. One is that which contains isopropyl alcohol. These products are not good for the skin. Other types of beauty products are manufactured using benzyl alcohol and these are good for the skin and help to soften it.

• Some advertisements for beauty products suggest that these can help reduce or shrink the size of the skin pores. This is not correct, none of the products available can reduce the size of pores but they can provide a coating on the skin to make it look smooth and pore less. When this product is removed, the natural pores will reappear.

• To some extent it is true that oily skin is the cause of acne. In case of oily skin, the pores get blocked and pimples are formed. This is also a reality that acne can be due to hormonal imbalance caused due to menstrual cycle, or allergic reaction of drugs or if sebaceous glands are over active. A dermatologist is the best person to suggest a cure for pimples. However, keeping the skin dry can help you out.

• There is a myth that by regular waxing the hair that grows is thicker and darker. The reality is that the hair growth after waxing is normal. It looks darker as you have conditioned your skin where the waxing has been done. This fact will be verified if you go for regular hair removal because the growth will be normal.

• Another myth is that if you leave mascara on your eyes overnight, no damage will be done to them. This is not correct. No makeup of any type should be left on your skin overnight. The face or other part of the skin where you apply makeup should be washed and cleaned before going to bed.

• Drinking of adequate quantity of water does help you have a hydrated and healthy looking skin. It is a myth that by drinking more water pimples will be eradicated. Though water will help eradicate toxins from your body but pimples are due to some other reasons.

Myths About Skin Care Tips is a post from: Woman's Magazine

Just like your face, acne can grow on your back or in the area of your breasts. To prevent growth of acne on your face you take a number of precautions. Similar precautions need to be taken in respect of your back and breasts as sebaceous glands, the cause of acne, are present in these parts.

In addition to following proper hygiene to have beautiful skin at your back and front, it is essential to wear breathable cotton clothes. Whenever possible, after heavy sweating, change your clothes. Time your routine in a manner that you get sufficient time to take care of the whole body and you need not rush out after caring for just the face and neck. Do not ignore irritation in any area of your body visible to you or not. In case of acne in the back or breast region, do not try to press it to expel the liquid mass in it, let it dry.

By following a few simple steps of home remedies to remove back acne, you will get rid of acne and be able to have good looking back skin. In case of back treatment you may not be able to reach some areas. If possible, get the help of some other person in completing the routine.

• For beautiful back skin you need to start with massage of the back. This can be done with the hands using fingers, palm and thumb. Starting from the neck, move downwards on both sides preferably at the same time. Gently massage the spinal area.

• After massage, your back will need a scrub. The scrub should be preferably organic. You can make a scrub using ginger and turmeric. Both these are very good for dull and uncared for skin with acne. To avoid irritation, before applying scrub, rub a small quantity of olive oil on your back.

• You can start the cleaning process by gently rubbing sea salt mixed with olive oil. This will exfoliate and clean your skin. Do not leave salt on your skin for long. Wash with running water and then proceed. To remove excess oil in the skin you can rub lemon juice gently on your back.

• Use the same process on the breast area. Remember that the breast skin is delicate as compared to the back, so be careful.

• After bath apply powder on the total area.

Back Acne Home Remedies is a post from: Woman's Magazine

To tighten your skin pores, remove excess oil or to moisturise your skin you need a natural face pack and avocado mask is one of the best natural products for this purpose. Avocado is rich in Vitamin A, B2, B3 & C. It is also rich in iron, proteins, potassium and contains amino acids. To make a face pack, selection of the fruit is essential. Avocado should not be under ripe or too ripe. The properly ripe fruit can be chosen by gently pressing it. Fruit pulp should be soft and easy to mash.

To make a face mask you need the following:

• Two ounces of avocado pulp
• One ounce orange juice
• One teaspoon of honey
• One teaspoon of molasses
• Few drops of chamomile essential oil

To make a face mask, put all the contents in a blender and blend them properly to get a uniform mixture. If you do not have a blender there is no need to worry, just blend all the products with a hand blender or a fork. Apply this paste on your face and neck. Be careful to avoid its application in the region of eyes. Let the mask dry for about thirty minutes and wash with slightly warm water. Immediately you will notice the change in the texture of your skin.

In case of extremely dry skin which has started to develop wrinkles, try this mask. In two table spoons of avocado pulp, add two table spoons of honey and one egg yolk. After blending these properly apply the mixture to your face and neck, avoiding eyes.  Let it be there for about thirty minutes and wash with warm water. Give a final rinse using cold water and notice the difference before and after application of this mask. In case you are allergic to egg or do not like its smell, you can prepare the mask of mixture of avocado honey and yogurt, or simply avocado and yogurt. This will also work well to moisturise and rejuvenate your dry skin.

Avocado facial mask has benefits for oily skin women. In avocado pulp mix one egg white and lemon juice. Blend and apply on your face. This will help dry out excess oil and you will have dry but not dehydrated skin.

Avocado Facial Mask Recipes is a post from: Woman's Magazine