Caring for the skin on your neck is just as important as caring for the skin on your face. The neck is often exposed to the same environmental factors as your face, and it’s also more prone to showing signs of aging. Here are some tips for a good neck skincare routine:

1. Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser to clean your neck, just as you would for your face. Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers that could strip the skin of its natural oils.

2. Exfoliation: Exfoliate your neck 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Be gentle, as the skin on the neck is thinner than that on the face. Use a mild exfoliant to avoid irritation.

3. Moisturizing: Apply a hydrating moisturizer to your neck daily. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides that help retain moisture and improve the skin barrier.

4. Sun Protection: The neck is often exposed to the sun, so it’s crucial to apply sunscreen to prevent sun damage and premature aging. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors.

5. Anti-Aging Treatments: If you’re concerned about signs of aging on your neck, consider using products that contain ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants. These can help improve the texture and firmness of the skin.

6. Serums: Incorporate a neck-specific serum into your routine. Look for serums that target specific concerns like sagging skin or fine lines.

7. Massage: Gently massaging your neck can improve circulation and help with product absorption. Use upward motions to prevent tugging on the delicate skin.

8. Collagen-Boosting Ingredients: Look for products that contain collagen-boosting ingredients like vitamin C, which can help improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness.

9. Avoid Harsh Products: Be cautious with products that might be too harsh for the sensitive skin on your neck. Avoid using strong acids or treatments that could lead to irritation.

10. Hydration and Diet: Remember that skincare isn’t just about what you put on your skin. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats can contribute to the overall health of your skin.

11. Posture: Believe it or not, your posture can affect the appearance of your neck. Keeping your neck elongated and your chin slightly lifted can help prevent the development of “tech neck” or sagging skin.

12. Regular Care: Consistency is key. Just like with facial skincare, regular care is important to see visible improvements in the condition of your neck’s skin.

Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to pay attention to how your neck reacts to different products and adjust your routine as needed. If you have specific concerns or conditions, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice.

The Vivoderm Facial Cleanser has been nominated for a 2015 Aestheticians’ Choice Award!
PLEASE VOTE at http://www.dermascope.com/aia/ae-awards

Voting polls are open on DERMASCOPE.com until December 1st, 2014.
Awards will be announced and published in the Dermascope 2015 Products and Education Guide,
out Spring 2015.

July 2014, DERMASCOPE Magazine,  product feature the Vivoderm Rosemary and Chamomile Facial Cleanser.

Our facial skin has an essential role in our overall appearance. One of the main tasks for you is to maintain the health and beauty of your facial skin. You must have heard that cleansing, toning, and moisturizing is essential part of your daily beauty regimen. However, achieving the benefits from the routine will largely depend on the products you choose for yourself. Moreover, if you have oily or super dry skin, the first line of attack can be an excellent herbal facial cleanser.

Vivoderm Natural Facial Cleanser

You do not have to opt for expensive cleansers that contain harsh chemicals. It is always better for you to use natural ingredients. Most women who want to avoid these harsh products choose to go for natural home based ingredients such as milk, honey, lemon and yogurt. Each of these items is an effective facial cleanser for which can be easily created from home. However, using these at home can sometimes be messy and full of hassle. Hence, you can opt for Vivoderm’s face cleanser. It is natural and gentle and cleanses your skin thoroughly and is an excellent eye makeup remover.

Vivoderm’s skin cleanser is infused with vitamins that help to keep your skin hydrated, clean and soft. It contains natural ingredients such as chamomile and rosemary which is extremely beneficial to balance the skin and keep cellular turnover high and provides excellent hydration with powerful antioxidant properties.  Use the cleanser twice daily to get the desired results for yourself. So, take care of your facial skin by using a natural cleanser everyday.

It is hard to find anyone who does not want the best, facial skin they can have. And because, your face is the first thing one notice’s in your overall appearance, many look for consitent ways to keep it fresh and glowing.

Today, there are many ways following which one can maintain a healthy appearance. Of these, the herbal facial treatments have garnered much fame. Thanks to the tiresome research of recent expert skin care analysts, these herbal facial treatments are a great way to rejuvenate yourself and help you look and feel younger.

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

In the last 10 years startling news and information on how our food supplies and products are created have surfaced. And it isn’t pretty. If you have been keeping up with the news and the recent movements towards more natural and organic products, you should know that is has never been easier or more affordable to choose the natural and organic, especially for your facial and skincare needs.

When you are looking for something natural to apply to your face and skin, you should know that there are many organic skin care products on the market. The possibilities are endless when you want to pamper the senses with an organic bath and body product.

Not only are natural facial products therapeutic, but they are also healthier because they use natural ingredients unspoiled by chemicals or preservatives. Some of the ingredients found in many natural facial skin care products include organic essential oils, natural and organic vegetable oils, as well as organic herbs from the wild.

When looking for an organic skin care product that will suit your needs, you should look for labels that contain phrases, such as 100% Natural or 100% Biodegradable.  Natural facial or organic skin care products should also stay clear of the use of fragrance oils, artificial colors and synthetics.

Just to get an idea of some of the ingredients and choices a customer may look forward to when purchasing organic skin care products, you could exfoliate your skin with the help of organic pumpkin seed oil and fresh pumpkin seeds.  When you want an exotic, natural scent to grace your body, you may prefer a chemical-free, all-natural perfume created from tropical flowers.

When you need help healing your skin from problems, such as scars, dark marks and sun damage, there is a night cream made from tangerines and calendula, which can be used to ease the appearance of blemished skin.  An organic apricot facial scrub can exfoliate, deep clean, as well as moisturize the skin, all at once.

When it comes to matters of the face, this area of skin is considered the most visible. If problems arise concerning skin and acne, natural and organic facial skin care products can correct or treat some of these problems without the harsh chemicals that are used in non-organic products. For example, a toner made from pure lemons, witch hazel and peppermint essential oils can be a great solution for easing problem skin.

When you are in need of an natural facial skin care product that will stimulate circulation, as well as treat open pores, there are toners made from lavender and rosewater that can do the trick.

There are endless websites offering a line of natural, facial skin care products on the Internet. You could purchase a face cream made from rose and chamomile, promoting facial hydration and the unclogging of pores. Just as with this particular product, many organic skin care products are good for those who have sensitive skin.

Other natural product alternatives offer Vitamin C as the key ingredient, which is also gentle on the skin. Your skin will also receive the advantages of Vitamin E and A. Also look for daytime hydrating creams made from chardonnay grape seeds, Mediterranean olives and soy just to name a few more options. The result is smoother, toned skin.

The market is booming with plenty of choices to consider, including organic eye gels for reducing puffiness, organic 15 SPF sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, as well as many other organic skin care products for sun damage, cellulite, acne and wrinkles.

Have fun experimenting with the best combinations for your face and skin and watch the dramatic results unfold, naturally!

Some excepts from article Organic Skin Care Products for Your Face and Skin by Stephen Todd
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com

For thousands of years, women around the world have used herbs as part of their beauty regimens. Effective herbal beauty treatments purify internal and external toxins, which accumulate from environmental, dietary and other sources of pollution. According to Apothecary Tinctura’s Herbal Classes – turmeric, chamomile and seaweed provide deep nourishment and surface beauty. Use turmeric to promote radiant skin. Turmeric facials prevent bacterial infection. Turmeric pastes encourage radiance and balance pH levels. Chamomile can be an effective eye treatment. Apply a mild blend of chamomile and distilled water around the eyes to diminish a tired appearance. Seaweed detoxifies skin for a fresh feel and look.

Natural or herbal facial treatments are not new news – they have been around for millenia, but how we use them today is a brand new world. With a plethora to herbs and natural treatments to choose from, we can be overwhelmed.  But fear not.  Going natural is actually quite simple. Herbal treatments for the face can be used for beauty or health reasons. Use herbs to promote and maintain healthy, younger-looking skin. If facial skin conditions occur, turn to herbs to treat conditions including dry skin and acne. Herbs generally are safe, but consult a physician for advice about persistent facial issues. Keep reading for info and tips on facial masks and how to apply them.

Dry Skin
Dry skin can feel tight, itchy and look flaky. Holistic Online lists herbs for dry skin including, but not limited to, aloe vera, calendula, comfrey and tea tree oil. Aloe vera moisturizes and heals dry skin. Aloe vera has exfoliating action. Apply aloe vera topically. Soften and soothe dry skin with calendula or comfrey. Holistic Online suggests adding either herb to a facial sauna or to herbal water. Drink calendula tea to ease dry skin from the inside out. Add 1 tsp. of dried calendula to boiling distilled water. Infuse for five minutes and enjoy daily. According to Holistic Online, tea tree oil can heal skin at the cellular level. A drop of tea tree oil to night cream adds moisturizing benefits.

Acne
Herbal treatments can be effective for fighting acne. Holistic Online recommends black currant seed oil in capsule form to clear acne. Stinging nettles and cleavers tea may be an effective acne treatment. Acne may result from stress. Aid the healing process by relaxing jangled nerves with lavender or chamomile tea.

Using A Facial Mask

A good facial mask serves a variety of different functions: mud masks absorb oil, hydrating masks moisturize dry skin and perfecting masks replenish dull skin.

Instructions
Things You’ll Need:

* Washcloths
* Clay-based Face Masks
* Facial Mud Mask
* Moisturizing Facial Masks
Step 1
Use your fingers to spread a thin coating of the mask evenly over your skin. Avoid eye area and lips.

Step 2
Leave mask on as long as directed. Try not to laugh or smile while it’s drying.

Step 3
Remove a mud mask with a hot, wet washcloth. Pat face dry with a towel.

Step 4
Wipe off a moisturizing or replenishing mask with a tissue.

Step 5
Peel off a gel mask, starting at the forehead and moving down.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have combination skin, you may want to apply a mud mask only over the T-zone, which is the center of forehead, nose, chin and center of cheeks.
• If you have sensitive skin, you may wish to test the mask on another skin patch, such as the inside of the elbow. Wait 24 hours to make sure there is no adverse reaction before using the mask on your face.
• Avoid contact with eyes, as many masks contain acne medication or other irritating ingredients.

Skin wrinkles are caused by two main factors: heredity and the environment. There is little you can do about heredity and the natural aging process, but there is something you can do about the other causes. Pollution in the environment, sun exposure and stress can all lead to premature aging of the skin. Using anti aging creams is beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The creams are even more effective when combined with regular facials.

SPA INDEX PAPAYA PUMPKIN FACIAL

If you have visited spas and resorts in exotic locales such as the Pacific Rim, Bali, Hawaii, and Tahiti, you’ve probably seen an esthetician select and mash fresh fruit in front of you for a fresh-on-the spot enzyme mask. It’s easy to recreate this mask at home — we’ve found a Balinese mask for you which will leave your face fresh and glowing.

2/3 cup fresh papaya, mashed
15 oz. can pure pumpkin
1 egg, beaten

1. Prepare the mask. Cut the papaya in half and scoop out the seeds. Scoop out the papaya fruit and mash it well to eliminate lumps in the mask. Beat the egg until it is frothy. Combine that with the papaya. Add the pumpkin to the egg/papaya mixture and whip together. You can also mix the ingredients in the blender or a food processor for an extra smooth mask.

2. Prepare your face. Wash with your daily cleanser and remove all residual makeup on your skin. Rinse with warm water. It’s very important to have clean skin to ensure you get maximum benefits from the facial.

3. Apply the Mask. Cover your entire face, being careful to avoid the immediate eye area. If you have sensitive skin, test the mixture on your hand before spreading it on your face. You’ll feel some tingling as the enzymes in the pumpkin go to work immediately — gently exfoliating your top layer of skin. It works like a scrub without being abrasive to your skin. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes.

4. Rinse Off Mask. After you’ve relaxed for ten minutes it’s time to rinse. The mask is fairly thick — head for the kitchen sink.

5. Apply Toner & Moisturizer.

LEMON FACIAL MASK

2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon finely ground oatmeal
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 drop lemon essential oil
Cucumber slices (optional)
Mix the sour cream, oatmeal, lemon juice and essential together in a bowl. To use, massage over clean face and neck skin and the rest for 10 minutes (with cucumber slices if you have them) over your eyes. Rinse well with warm water and follow with toner and moisturizer.

Always use Lemon Facial Mask immediately for best results — the lemon juice will cause the sour cream to curdle if it is not used quickly.

AVOCADO CARROT CREAM MASK

This mask combines avocados, which are rich in Vitamin E, with carrots, which are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, and cream, which is high in calcium and protein.  These ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots.

1 avocado, mashed
1 carrot, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons honey

Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.  Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes.  Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner.

Avocado Dry Skin Masque
California Avocado Commission

Beat the yolk of an egg until it is light and frothy, then add the mashed pulp of a half avocado, blending it well (you may use a blender at this point). Cleanse your face thoroughly before using this masque (or any masque). Spread the avocado mixture over the face and neck evenly; relax on a slant board or bed for about 20 minutes. Remove with clear tepid water and a face cloth, followed by a rinse of cold water or a mild skin lotion. The result should be a marked improvement in skin texture, and all-around revitalizing.

Avocado Oily Skin Masque
California Avocado Commission

Put the white of an egg, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and the mashed pulp of a half avocado into a blender. In seconds, you should have a lovely green mixture. Wash your face and neck thoroughly, then apply masque evenly on those areas. Relax for 20 minutes; remove with tepid water and a face cloth. Follow with cold astringent or skin tonic.

ALMOND-MAYONNAISE SCRUB
Dry Skin Exfoliator

1/4 C. almonds
1/8 tsp. mayonnaise

Grind almonds in blender until they form fine almond meal. Whirl in mayonnaise.  Gentle rub scrub onto your face, and leave in place 10 minutes. Rinse. Use a toner thereafter.  Shelf Life: Refrigerate for 2-3 weeks.

Apple Cucumber Facial Mask
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon apple mint leaves
1 drop lime essential oil
Combine all 5 ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the essential oil last and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes.
Apply a layer to your clean face and neck area and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Apple Cucumber Facial Mask is best when used immediately as the ingredients are perishable. The leftovers can be refrigerated in the coldest section of the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days but should be discarded after that

Apple Face & Neck Gelee
Yield: Approx. 2 applications
Ingredients:
4 teaspoons hot distilled water
1 teaspoon freshly juiced apple juice
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
1 heaping teaspoon powdered pectin
Add the glycerin to the water/juice/gel combination and stir to fully incorporate.  Add the pectin while the liquid remains quite warm (if it cools, place it in the microwave or a double boiler to raise the temperature) and use a hand held electric mixer to blend, or stir vigorously to dissolve the pectin. Once the pectin has fully dissolved, a light gel will begin to form. This may take from 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. Once the gel sets, Apple Face & Neck Gelee is ready to use. Apply the gel in a layer to your clean, damp face and neck. Rest for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a light moisturizer if desired. Leftover product can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Enjoy!! The shelf life of this product is necessarily limited by the fresh apple juice. It should be used within a few days after it is made.

There are four dominant factors that determine your Skin Type. These factors are: oily vs. dry, sensitive vs. resistant, pigmented vs. non-pigmented, and wrinkled vs. tight. The key factors interact to determine the skin’s appearance, problems, needs, and vulnerabilities, and therefore dictate the kinds of products, ingredients, and treatments useful to address them. To get started, let me introduce you to some basics about the skin.