As the Christmas season is upon us, many are warming up with hot cups of cocoa topped with marshmallows.  But did you know that marshamallow is actually an HERB that is beneficial for your skin?

Herbal Skin Treatments

The marshmallow plant grows in wet and damp areas such as marshes and meadows. The leaves and roots of the plant have medicinal uses. They are dried and preserved for later use. The plant has been used for curing diseases for centuries. From chapped skin to sore throats it helps in healing many skin and health complications. Marshmallow is also considered great for irritated, chapped skin.

The powdered or shredded marshmallow herb is combined with water to form a paste. It is then spread on a clean cloth and then applied on the skin. However, now you don’t have to go into all that trouble as there are many natural skin care products in which you will find this ingredient.

Lab tests have confirmed that the root extracts of this plant has anti-inflammatory properties that act on the human tissue in treating scrapes, cuts, and other types of wounds and skin conditions. This product forms an integral ingredient in creams and ointments that are useful in curing bodily abscesses and acne. The root not only has anti-inflammatory properties but also aids in cell immunity. It also helps to soften the skin and giving it a smooth appearance. If you are looking for a natural product with marshmallow that will help to smooth your skin then you can try out Vivoderm’s anti aging mask.

This aging skin care product is absolutely miraculous. It contains no chemicals or preservatives and helps in skin repair and rejuvenation. The actual marshmallow herb is used in this product. Hence, you will be able to reap its benefits to the fullest as you get back smoother and younger-looking skin with its regular use.

Nowadays most people are choosing to go natural for treating their skin. If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, you must choose a skincare brand that helps to clean, replenish and heal at the same time. The best brand for you would be Vivoderm. It believes in harnessing nature’s powers to restore, repair and protect your skin. The natural skin care products are safe for all types of skin.

This reputed herbal skin care brand use nature’s most potent ingredients in their products that help in healing your skin. Our skin absorbs a lot of things that comes it in contact with. All day long it is exposed to a lot of chemicals and pollutants that are harmful for the skin. Hence, it is of utmost importance that you use natural skin care products that would be beneficial for your skin.

Vivoderm Sample Kit for $1

Vivoderm offers a wide range of products that you can consider for healing your skin. From their famous 100% herbal anti acne mask to their anti aging kit, there are plenty of products to choose from. Since the Vivoderm line is so rich and effective,  you will be able to save money too.

If you are unsure whether the natural skin care products will work on your skin then you can order for a sample kit for just $1. It is an affordable and convenient way to try out the product line offered by the brand. The kit contains the full line of facial creams – zinc and intense moisturizer, foot and body cream along with a large face mask sample for anti-aging.

You can also buy the products in packages that will work out more reasonable for you. Some of the package deals include the cleanser and toner package, sun damage duo, and anti-wrinkle bundle.

Give your skin the nutrient-rich healing it deserves and avoid the chemicals.

Lavender is part of the mint family and has sweet smelling purple flowers. Earlier, it was used for washing clothes and as a bath scent. Skin care products with lavender claim to have huge benefits. You can use this oil effectively for treating your skin naturally . Natural skin care products like facial moisturizers or eye creams  use lavender to reduce inflammation and help heal skin. Lavender has been known to be quite effective for treating skin burns and healing wounds.

Natural Skin Care with Lavender

You can add a few drops of lavender oil in cool water or a natural carrier oil to treat your skin. You can also make a cool compress and use it for treating sunburn. It is very soothing for your skin when you treat sunburns with this natural oil. Lavender oil is beneficial for acne too. You can dab some oil on your pimples with a cotton pad and it will act as a natural antibiotic. Lavender oil has antibiotic properties and is highly beneficial for your skin. With this natural skin care product you will be able to moisturize and tone your skin.

One more tip: you can use it on stretch marks three times a day for effective fading .

Lavender is one of the main ingredients in Vivoderm’s anti-aging eye cream. The cream repairs, hydrates, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is filled with other exotic herbs, minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial for the skin around the eyes. It helps to soften lines and prevents the occurrence of any future wrinkles. You will surely be able to get rid of ‘crows feet’ when you are using this product.

As we start aging our body battles in order to protect itself from the harmful effects of the environment. Our skin takes the biggest brunt of the aging process.  To combat the aging process, it is essential to add vitamins and minerals so that you can keep your body in good shape.  We all know we should do our best to not abuse our body: including smoking and drinking excessive alcohol – as that can not only be detrimental to your overall health but extremely bad for your skin care goals as well. With age our skin fails to produce collagen and elastin naturally. One way to encourage new cellular growth would be to use a 100% herbal, anti aging facial mask which would help you to get back that younger-looking skin.

100% herbal anti aging face mask

There are so many anti aging skin care masks available in the market, you say – so how do you choose?  First, always go for skin care products or facial masks that are suitable for your skin type. With the help of the face mask you will be able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles from your skin. Among the plethora of products which are suitable for your skin you should try out the anti aging mask from Vivoderm. It is absolutely natural and contains no chemicals or preservatives. The herbal texture is such that the nutrients and vitamins get absorbed into the skin very easily. The texture is also excellent for use as a facial scrub at the same time.

The mask exfoliates dead skin cells and reveals naturally glowing skin. With rugular use, you will slowly notice that the fine lines and wrinkles are disappearing. The Vivoderm herbal face mask also helps in protecting your skin from future skin damage. It helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and cleanses your skin by removing the black heads – increasing your skin’s freshness and firmness. Use this mask at the end of the day, twice or three times a week and see how your facial skin transforms in front of your eyes.

To get clear and glowing skin today, women are opting more and more for natural skin care products over chemicals. A primary ingredient of most natural beauty products is grape seed extract. Historically, grape seed extracts or oils were used a by-product from wine making procedures – but now it is primarily used for skin cosmetics. Grape seed extracts are derived from whole grapes or seeds and have a great number of flavinoids, Vitamin E and especially great for anti-aging skin treatments – grape seed extract is highly beneficial due to high concentrations of anti-oxidants.

Grape Seed Toner Reduces Skin Aging

One of the main anti aging skin care benefits that you can get from grape seed is the boost in collagen development of your body. Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissues. When the collagen binds with keratin, collagen becomes responsive for promoting elastic and strong skin. Collagen aids in keeping your skin supple, moisturized and firm. With age, body loses the ability of producing collagen. This leads to common aging symptoms such as dryness, lines, and wrinkles.

By choosing  anti aging skin care that uses natural ingredients like grape seed extract that will help to maintain the structure and strength of the collagen in your skin. Grape seed extract also consists of compounds known as procyanidins that bond with collagen and which results in healthier skin. So, if you are looking to have younger looking skin try using skin care products that contain products like grape seed.

One popular natural skin care product that contains grape seed extract is a facial toner from Vivoderm. It is infused with herbal astringents and minerals that are beneficial for the skin. The toner helps to balance and tone the skin, while the green tea extract helps in skin soothing and firming.

One of the latest trends in sun protection and skin healing is zinc oxide. You might remember this from the days at the beach, or the local swimming pool with lifegurads who wore white cream on their nose or face to protect them from hours and hours in the sun.  Well, today’s zinc cream has advanced into microscopic particals that are hardly noticable, but still have the same benfits.

Zinc oxide is a powdery white mineral that is used in many cosmetics. The mineral dissolves in acidic environment but is not soluble in water, hence making it an excellent sun block for your skin as a barrier against sweat and perspiration. This is why it is used as one of the primary ingredients in sunscreen lotions. Zinc oxide when applied topically can also have many benefits for the skin along with acting as a natural sun block.

A natural choice for sun protection and acne

One of the many benefits of zinc cream is quick wound healing. It promotes fast healing in treating any type of sores, bug bites or lacerations, surgical incisions, burns, skin ulcers and other skin irritations. As a mineral, usually found in our food and vitamins, Zinc is required by the body for collagen synthesis and is essential for healing wounds. It is also a component for the proper functioning of enzymes which are needed to repair wounds in the skin.

Zinc skin care cream has a mild astringent property which acts as a drying agent. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps in tightening body tissues. Zinc oxide creams aids in soothing itching and skin rashes.

Another benefit that zinc oxide offer is prevention and treatment of acne. The skin cream helps in healing blemishes and reducing inflammation. It helps in regulating the skin’s oil gland and hence stops acne breakouts.

Zinc cream is one of the safest ingredients that are used for protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin and damage the skin tissue. ANY sun rays speed up the aging process of the skin create wrinkles and dark spots.

Sunscreens and moisturizers containing zinc oxide help to filter out the rays and prevent this occurrence of cell damage.

The Vivoderm zinc repairing facial cream can help prevent sun damage, premature wrinkles and inflammation. It is a natural facial cream which is infused with Vitamin A and E. It also contains the anti-inflammatory properties of Comfrey and Chamomile. This cream helps to maintain the moisture level in the skin and diminishes the visible signs of aging. The Zinc oxide present in the cream is essential for healing and tissue growth. It is also used as a sun block and for treating acne.

So, if you are looking for a great overall skin moisturizer with the benefits of sun protection and anti-acne properties, you would most likely benfit from the Vivoderm zinc repairing facial cream.

Natural skin care products have become highly popular these days. Most brands are now offering products infused with natural elements. Understanding the need of the consumers, many brands have come out in the market with natural products and Vivoderm is no exception. We believe in revitalizing your skin without resorting to chemicals that are found in commercial products. Nature is the best source for skin nourishment and hence the products offered by Vivoderm are all natural and herbal based.

A great way to try Vivoderm at no expense!

If you are not familiar with the products offered by the brand then you can order a sample kit. This kit contains large size samples in recloseable jars of our an anti aging face mask, an anti wrinkle cream for the eyes, cocoa butter foot cream, zinc repairing facial cream, and chamomile body butter. This is an affordable and convenient way to try out the product line offered by the brand. The sample contains a generous amount which is adequate for 2 applications. These samples are available in a presentation bag which is naturally woven.

 The best part about getting this sample kit is its affordability. It is priced at just a dollar so no matter what your budget, it will not be a problem. By testing the Vivoderm line in this affordable way, you can check out whether they are suitable for your skin. We are certain after trying it you will surely love them as much as we do and want to continue the benefits into the future. If you really love them, pass the word along to your friend!  You can even gift a sample kit to her so that she can also enjoy the benefits of using natural skin care products. Go here to try one now! http://02adda8.netsolstores.com/skincaresamplekit.aspx

Raw organic cocoa butter or cacao butter is a beauty skincare product that contains a large amount of antioxidants. It helps to neutralize a wide range of super-oxides and free radicals. It is infused with Vitamin E which is a strong antioxidant that can easily neutralize oxidizing agents. Cocoa butter also consists of a great amount of Vitamins A and C.

Natural Cocoa Pods for Cocoa Butter

It has been scientifically proven that it helps in preventing skin degradation because of the harmful effects of the ultraviolet sun rays. UV radiation generates free radicals that destroy the skin very easily. But, if you use cocoa butter it can pose to be a great shield against the harmful rays of the sun.

Cocoa butter also consists of an essential amino acid that will aid in your beauty skincare. The butter works from inside out to help you feel and look great. It helps in decreasing skin roughness and scaling and improves vessel function and blood flow. It forms a thin barrier that helps in sealing in the moisture that allows your skin to breathe easily.
It is known to be the ultimate skin moisturizer that helps in keeping your skin soft and supple for a long time. Vivoderm’s foot cream consists of cocoa butter which is a wonderful treatment for tired or scaling feet. It is a highly effective treatment for dry and cracked feet. The light and fluffy texture leaves your feet smooth and fresh and absorbs quickly. So, if you suffer from extremely dry skin on your feet then you should definitely try out Vivoderm’s product.

When you are checking out different beauty skin care for yourself the one thing that you must look into is the ingredient cocoa butter. It is natural skin moisturizer that is extremely effective at soaking into the skin  and you can use it in your daily skin care routine.

Vivoderm Foot Cream, Cocoa Butter

The benefits of cocoa butter are absolutely fantastic. It’s primary function is used as a skin moisturizer. Cocoa butter can be produced through extraction of natural fatty acids from cacao seeds. The cacao pod is harvested and goes into series of processes until obtaining that precious cocoa butter. It penetrates the top most skin layer and helps keep the next layers hydrated and healthy. Once you start using it on your skin it will feel soft and smooth. Cocoa butter is also effective for removing stretch marks among pregnant women. Some studies say it also lightens dark spots.

This natural skin care cream is known for its anti-oxidant elements that can slow down the speed of your aging process. You will be absolutely amazed how it can help you look younger. Cocoa butter is naturally infused with Vitamins E, C and A which helps to keep you looking fresh and young.

Vivoderm uses cocoa butter as the primary ingredient in its natural foot cream. Cocoa butter can be used for all your beauty skin care needs. As a vegetable fat, it also has natural antioxidant properties. These natural vegetable fats and antioxidants help the cream retain a longer shelf life without the use of chemical preservatives. You can safely apply it on a regular basis. Because it’s melting point is also that of skin temperature, you will notice that it penetrates the skin completely. If you use it regularly then you will see the benefits quickly.

The Vivoderm cocoa butter foot cream is very effective for cracked feet. The thick texture helps to make your feet feel fresh and soft. This rich foot cream is absolutely perfect for treating your dry and tired feet.

Dry skin is a problem that you may face all year round. In addition, your skin can become extremely dry if you are using harsh cosmetic products. So, it becomes essential on your part to treat your extra dry skin so you can get back that soft and smooth skin naturally.

vivoderm intense moisturizer

Intense skin moisturizer is designed to reduce water loss from the outermost skin layer. Moreover, to prevent dryness they act as a barrier against dirt and soot that makes your skin pores smaller and provides a feeling of smoothness.

Vivoderm’s intense moisturizer is absolutely ideal for dry skin conditions. This skin care cream is designed to quench dehydrated skin. The moisturizer consists of a combination of vitamins, plants, minerals and anti-oxidants that penetrate the skin for optimal moisturizing. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated for up to 12 hours.

By using Vivoderm’s intense moisturizer regularly you will be able to get back that fresh glow in your skin. Even if you have the driest complexion, you need not worry because this skin moisturizer will treat your skin so to be younger and healthier looking.

DRY SKIN TIP: Besides using this skin cream on a daily basis you must also make sure that you don’t take long hot baths in the winter months. You can try out lukewarm showers so that the natural moisture from your skin is not easily lost. You should also drink lots of water so that you are able to increase the natural moisture level of your body by staying hydrated all day long.

Honey, is the ultimate natural product that is extremely beneficial for your skin. Whether it is milk and honey baths or face masks with honey, you can get the perfect radiance with this natural product. Dirt and pollution cause the skin to lose its ability to retain moisture. Hence, it looks dry and wrinkles appear. Honey’s antioxidant properties trap the moisture and refresh the skin and leave it soft and supple.

Honey if purchased in its purest form is appropriate for all types of skin. Most natural skincare products contain honey. Whether it is shower gels, face creams moisturizers you will find it everywhere. You can treat yourself to some natural skin care remedies that contain honey. You can whip up your own recipe at your home.

If you have dry skin then you can use 1 teaspoon of honey, ¼ tsp lemon juice, vegetable oil. Use it on the dry areas of the skin and leave it for about 15 minutes and then wash it with water. You can make a moisturizing mask that contains 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon yogurt, ½ teaspoon almond oil and 1 teaspoon honey. Use this mixture on your neck and face and leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off with water. Your skin will get a new shine and will feel moisturized as it will help tighten the pores.

If you want a smooth silky skin then combine 3 teaspoon of rosewater and ¼ cup of honey. Use this mixture to your neck and face and try to avoid areas around your mouth or eyes. Massage and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

So, go ahead and purchase natural skincare products with honey today!

Those with dry skin have to be very careful during the winter months. Winter can be harsh on dry and sensitive skin. Due to the sudden change of temperature and lack of humidity, the skin loses its moisture pretty quickly. Hence, the skin needs special care during this time of the year.

Choose products that provide you nourishment and hydration. Keep skin clean and free from pore-clogging sweat and dirt. Use lukewarm water when you are taking shower. This ensures that natural oils in the skin do not get stripped away. Use products during your bath that comes with a neutral pH index. Avoid using soaps that are colored or fragrant as they tend to contain more chemicals than emollients.

Most adults suffer from hard, cracked skin on their feet due to years of wear and friction. It does not cause any definite pain but it surely causes discomfort or unsightliness. The feet carry a lot of pressure and undergo a lot of impact everyday. Hence, foot skin is thicker than any place else.

The primary signs of hard skin will appear as dry marks, cracks and even thickened callouses. These patches are seen on the heel of the foot and around the top area near the toes that gets the most friction with improperly fitting footwear and walking. With time and without treatment, it worsens and it takes on a yellowish color.

The advantages of green tea are countless. It is a good healthy drink and also used as a natural beauty ingredient. Green tea is extremely good for health and can have positive effects if you are suffering from any heart disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Green tea is rich is EGCG which is a very powerful anti-oxidant. So, if you include the consumption of green tea in your daily routine you will surely see a difference in your health and external beauty.

If you do not take proper care of your feet it may result in a variety of problems. Foot cracks, corns and swelling are some of the common complaints which may bother you. There is a lot of stress which your feet undergo on a regular basis and it is important to focus more on its daily care. There are a variety of natural remedies which can be related to foot care.

Looking younger is a universal wish. The development of modern technologies has led to the rise of many treatments that promise to help in the process. Treatments like Botox®, laser, and surgical procedures have gained prediominance.

But often, people do not want to get into these complex treatment procedures. These treatments, at times, can also prove to be dissatisfying. Furthermore, these practices can also bring harmful effects to your skin.

So, these days have marked more and more people seeking natural products that would enable their youthful skin to re-emerge. As most of the ingredients of these products are sourced from natural extracts, they are safer to use.

Today, there are a lot of dermatologists who prescribe natural products. These skin care experts are of the view that the natural products are made devoid of any side effects.

These skin care products, as made from fruits like apples, papayas, oranges, and many more are good for the human skin. These also help in negating the vices of premature aging.

Plant oils like lavender or almond oil also help a variety of skin types to rejuvenate and revitalize. The presence of vitamin A, B, and C in these skin care products also promises much to capture the skin’s natural sheen and youth.

With all these pros, fighting aging with natural skin care products is nowadays on a constant high. So, if you wish to get best of results and that too without any hassles, you need to go for the available natural skin care products.

Los Angeles, Calif., Dec 12, 2010—Vivoderm Laboratories’ announces their natural skincare line is now live on top-level online skincare retail site, DermStore.com.

Many consumers today have spent vast amounts of money to improve their appearance. Cosmetic surgery  and the topical skincare industry are multi-billion dollar businesses.  It’s a simple law of economics that the higher the demand, the more skincare manufacturers will flood onto the marketplace. When demand for cheap, readily available products is high, quality ingredients tend to take a backseat over inferior, more accessible ones.

Gone are the days when only women were concerned about their beauty. New age men are extremely conscious about their looks and as much troubled about their wrinkles as women. Today’s men are actively involved in skincare. Men are however blessed with a comparatively thicker skin as compared to women. As a result, the appearance of wrinkles in men is not as prominent as

Organic beauty products will always stand high over the synthetic topical creams regardless of the advancement in the field of cosmetic industry. The benefits of natural facial skincare can literally go on endlessly. Glossy synthetic products may look irresistible on first sight but you must not be duped by the striking packing and coaxing advertising. Yes, these chemical-based products do produce fleeting results but what if you stop using them? The moment you stop their usage, you get back to exactly where you’d started from! So, what is the idea behind using these synthetic beauty products?

One of the best ways to ensure wholesome skin care is through natural treatments and products as these tend to be mild and gentle on your skin. Various beauty and cosmetic products contain harsh constituents or elements which may lead to redness of the skin, allergies, burns or skin reactions. In order to avert these circumstances, it is appropriate to switch to various homemade and natural skin care treatments.

A contributing factor to dry, flaky, skin in winter is a drop in temperature. Although winter sometimes feels damp, there is usually less water in the air than on your skin and that creates a moisture vapour loss from the skin. As skin becomes drier, its surface layer stops producing the natural lipids which prevent moisture loss, and water cannot be retained so easily. Dry skin will also show wrinkles more easlit and contribute to an aging appearance.

Herbalist Greta Breedlove came up with this natural homemade skin care recipes face utilizing the seed of the avocado. It makes a moisturizing face scrub, especially for dry skin.

AVOCADO FACE SCRUB

Let an avocado dry a few days until you can remove the skin easily. Chop, then pulverize in a blender or food mill. Moisten with a little milk and smooth over your face, throat.

AVOCADO FACIAL CLEANSER

One egg yolk, beaten until light and frothy
1/2 cup milk
1/2 avacado, peeled and mashed

Beat the mixture with a fork until you have a thin cream or lotion consistency. Apply with cotton balls as you would a cleanser.

As a result of all these factors, sometimes skin on the face and body tends to be in worse condition in the winter months than at other times of the year. In extreme cases, a constant drying effect can even lead to cracking, flaking and redness.

These four tips for helping to keep dry skin at bay during the colder months come from Dr. Kucy Pon, Olay dermatologist.

1. A moisturizer is essential – A moisturizer performs several important functions, including replacing lost water. Water-binding ingredients, such as glycerin, help keep it in the skin.

2. Create an oasis – Put some moisture back into the air by using a humidifier in your home or office. It will counteract the drying effects of indoor heat.

3. Drink lots of water – Increase your body’s natural moisture level by staying hydrated throughout the day.

4. Keep wrapped up – Dress for the season and try to limit your skin’s exposure to harsh temperatures and damaging winds.

If you have dry skin, then you probably already know it can be really difficult to care for. When you don’t look after it properly, it can become flaky, and if it gets really bad, may even become irritated and red. Although it’s possible to find plenty of products that claim to be able to solve dry skin problems, unfortunately most of their claims are sales hype.

Although most over the counter products don’t do much to combat dry skin, there are a number of things you can do to improve the condition of your skin. It’s mostly a question of making some basic changes to your daily skincare routine. It won’t take long for your skin to appear more healthy and vibrant.

With dry skin, you have completely the opposite problem to someone with oily skin. Basically, your skin is suffering from a lack of sebum, the oil that helps to keep the skin moist and supple. People with oily skin produce far too much sebum. Sebum is actually made from skin cells, and is an essential ingredient in healthy, supple skin. Because dry skin has insufficient oil, you need to replace it from both inside and outside.

5.  Moisturize

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to use a good quality moisturizer. Choose a cream that is rich, but not heavy. Consider choosing a natural cream with aloe vera and chamomile. Both these ingredients are very soothing, as well as helping to reduce dryness and improve the skin’s healing abilities.

6. Choose Healthy Foods

You also need to look at the type of foods you eat. It’s important to choose healthy foods, because the healthier your body, the healthier your skin will be. You may not realize this, but your skin is actually the largest organ of your body. So it needs to be nourished just like all the other organs in your body.

7.  Supplement

Depending on the types of food you already eat, you might need to consider taking a supplement, such as Vitamin E, Omega-3 oils and B-Complex vitamins. Making sure you get enough of these important nutrients is a great way to improve the condition of your skin.

By nourishing your skin in all these ways, you should soon a marked reduction in the level of dryness. Helping your skin to be more supple and moist also helps to slow down the process of aging, so you’re the winner in two ways.

By Tom Turner

Get Your Skin Ready for Your Wedding, Graduation or Other Major Event

By Kevin C. Smith MD FACP FRCPC

Everyone – guests and those who will be in the public eye — wants their skin to look its best on their big day. Here are some simple tips you can follow to help avoid skin problems on your special day:

• Acne or Rosacea Skin:
  Plan ahead: if you have a skin condition like acne or rosacea, see a dermatologist at least 3-4 months ahead of the big day (and sooner, if possible), so that your condition can be brought under control and so that your skin can heal up in time for the occasion. Check out www.AcneGuide.ca or www.RosaceaGuide.ca for treatment information.
• Wrinkles, Unwanted Hair or Sweating:
  Are you thinking of having treatments like Botox® (for frown lines, or to control excessive sweating), fillers like Restylane™, Juvederm™ and Artecoll™ for wrinkles, creases and scars, or laser treatments for unwanted hair or to remove broken blood vessels from the face? You should aim to have these treatments completed about 3 weeks before the event, so that the benefits of treatment will have fully developed, and so that any side effects of treatment like redness or small bruises will have resolved. Discuss the plans and timing with your dermatologist so that these things can be taken into account when scheduling your treatments. (Read more about Botox®)
• New Cosmetics:
  If you want to experiment with cosmetics, you should do so well in advance, to reduce the risk that an allergic or irritant reaction will interfere with your enjoyment of the event.
• Sun Tanning:
  Sun protection is important in the weeks leading up to an important event, to reduce the risk that you will have sunburn or peeling on the big day. It is also important to avoid experimenting with tanning beds in the weeks leading up to a major event, in case you have an undesired reaction to the UV light.
• Self-Tanning:
  Self-tanning creams and spray-on tans should not be used for the first time within three weeks of a major event, in case there is an allergic reaction or an unusual or uneven color is created. If you want to use such products, start to experiment with them several months ahead so that you can learn how to obtain safe, reliable results. Remember that the pigment created by many self-tanning products can discolor fine clothing, so it might be best not to apply them within a week of a public event.

What if there is a dermatological emergency like a flare-up of acne or an allergic reaction on the face in the days before a wedding, graduation or other important day? Fortunately, many of these problems can be helped by modern medical treatments. Your doctor may be able to arrange a high priority appointment with a dermatologist if they explain that there is an important event coming up – most of us, and most of our staff have been through these things ourselves and we are very sympathetic.

About the author:
Dr. Kevin Smith is a dermatologist in Niagara Falls, Ontario with a particular interest in protecting the skin and in correcting skin problems resulting from aging, rosacea and sun damage. He is an expert in the use of Botox®, fillers, lasers and intense pulsed light to maintain and enhance the appearance of the skin, and have lectured on those subjects across North America, and in Europe, Asia and Mexico. Read more at www.smithlaser.com

Combination skin is characterized by a mixture of oiliness and dryness. Typically, the oily areas tend to be the T-zone, consisting of the forehead, nose and chin. The cheeks are normal to dry. The degrees of oiliness and dryness can vary. Pores may be larger in the oily areas – with pimples, blackheads and breakouts sometimes occurring – and dry areas may feel rough and irritated.

The “tissue test” can help you determine if you have combination skin. Take a tissue and hold/press it against your face. If there’s oil on the tissue where it touched your T-zone, but no oil where the tissue touched your cheeks, you most likely have combination skin.

Causes
Many factors can cause combination skin, including hormones, age, genetics, the way in which lipids are organized in our skin and even the weather. Hormonal changes can lead to changes in skin’s oiliness or dryness. Teens and young adults tend to have oilier skin, especially in the T-zone, but with age, hormones change and the oil production may decrease (but unfortunately, acne is still an issue for many adults). Also, hormones change due to menstruation and the birth control pill, which can make skin oilier in certain areas. Lipids also play a role in combination skin: These proteins affect skin’s softness and feel. When lipids aren’t evenly spread throughout the skin, certain areas will feel drier and rougher, while other areas may feel soft but oily or greasy. The organization of lipids in skin is due to genetics and hormones. Finally, weather can exacerbate combination skin. Dry cold weather can cause skin to dry out and become irritated. Conversely, hot humid weather can increase oil production. This can affect your T-zone as well as your cheeks.

Care Plan
Combination skin requires special care to balance the oily and dry areas of the face. Proper cleansing, treatment, moisturizing and sun protection are all necessary.

• Cleansing: People with combination skin often have difficulty finding a cleanser that works for their unique skin needs. Formulas designed for oily skin may leave combination skin too dry, especially in the cheeks, while formulas designed for dry skin may leave combination skin greasy, especially in the T-zone. It’s best to avoid products that are either too drying or too rich. Instead, use a foaming or gel cleanser to get rid of dirt and oil without causing irritation or dryness. A cleanser to try is one that removes excess oil and impurities while still being gentle and not drying out skin.
You should also exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dry, dead, rough skin cells. These cells may be particularly prominent on your cheeks. They can flake off and block pores, causing blemishes and blackheads. Try a product that might include papaya and pineapple juice, olive derivatives and Ginkgo Biloba

Treatments: Treatment products are another important skincare component, helping to balance your skin. One treatment to try is one which moisturizes dry areas but prevents excess oil, especially in the T-zone. This product also contains antioxidants to prevent aging. Another type of treatment is a mask, and you’ll find an array of products for every skin type. Some experts advise using a hydrating/moisturizing mask on dry areas (cheeks) and a deep-cleaning clay mask on oily areas (T-zone). While using two different masks is certainly an option, you can also use a mask specifically designed for combination skin. If you suffer from breakouts, which may occur around the T-zone, use acne treatment products with salicylic acid. For problem skin, try a blemish serum or a spot treatment.

Moisturize: Combination skin needs balance, and part of that balance means moisturizing your skin. Moisturizing is especially important for drier areas of the face, but your entire face needs moisture. Some experts suggest using separate moisturizers – a lightweight one for the T-zone and a deeper one for cheeks. You may choose to use separate moisturizers, but you can also use a single moisturizer designed for combination skin. Try a lotion which balances skin with witch hazel and aloe extract to help skin stay soft. Pay careful attention to dry areas, as they may require more frequent moisturizing than oily areas. Generally, experts recommend moisturizing dry areas twice a day and moisturizing oily areas once a day. Keep in mind that your individual skin has unique needs, so you might want to adjust your moisturizer – how often you use it, where you need it and how much you need.

Sun Protection: Like all other skin types, combination skin needs protection from the sun. UVA and UVB rays can damage skin, so use oil-free sunblock all over your face daily (and on any other exposed areas). Try an oil-free sunlotion or sunblock because it protects your skin from UV rays and won’t make skin greasy.

Natural Treatments
Natural treatments such as aromatherapy oils, home-made exfoliants and masks may help treat your combination skin. For example, try mixing essential oils like chamomile, lavender and ylang ylang (just a few drops) together with your oil-free moisturizer. These ingredients have antibacterial properties and may help to rid skin of dirt or bacteria. However, if your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, or if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use these essential oils.

Exfoliating treatments can be made at home by mixing and grinding nuts, seeds or oatmeal along with water. These will slough off dead, dry skin cells – especially common around the cheeks. You can add citrus peels from fruit – like orange or grapefruit – to the mix and apply it to the oily T-zone.
To make a mask for dry areas, use ingredients like yogurt, mashed bananas or avocados to moisturize. On oilier areas, try pureed strawberries and apples.

When men start buying skin care products, they may not pay much attention to the ingredients of the product in front of them. Men have been known to glance over the shelves and read general features, such as “anti-aging,” “no more wrinkles”, “bye bye greasy skin” and think that is all they need to know. While these “advertising tags” are beneficial to help pick a skincare product, in recent years another more prominent skin care feature is gaining attention, “organic product.”

Organic skin care or natural skin care refers to the use of all-natural ingredients to take care of our skin. These products are generally made of more than one type of herbs and seeds, that combined are able to bring the same results as a chemical based products. Organic lifestyles and the rediscovery of ancient herbs are making organic skin care increasingly popular in men skin care products, and have put chemical based products under the spotlight.

Chemical skin care became popular thanks to its sometimes incredible results in correcting skin problems. In addition, that was the reason they had a higher price too. However, as years had passed, medical investigations had shown that some of these components are not safe. Components such as Aluminum, Propulene Glycol and Imidazolidinyl urea, have been proved to be harmful to people. Their effects include links with breast cancer, contact dermatitis, ototoxicity, kidney damage and more. Most of the products with these components have been banned, but there are some that not, even with all the research to back that up. There may be also other components not YET found harmful.

Unfortunately, men are in contact with many of these chemicals on a more regular basis than women, due to higher instances of exposure at work or industrial areas. An average woman uses 12 beauty products a day, this adds up 168 chemicals!However, with all that, consumers shouldn’t rely so blindly in organic skin care without more personal experience.

Organic products are notoriously under-regulated and some of these so-called “all-natural” products can contain manufactured chemicals, and chemical processes to blend the components. The best advice here is to know what you are using. Be well informed, once your skin is damaged it is much more difficult to repair it than prevent the damage in the first place. You may think if you are a man, your skin is tougher, but that is not true. Facial skin is more sensitive in men due to constant bad shaving habits. Do a search on Internet
for the ingredients on the product you are about to buy and if possible ask a doctor for advice.