Acne problem? You are at right place...: cosmetics

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Acne cover-up tips

Posted on 10:08 AM No Comments
Labels: cosmetics

Applying make-up to cover Acne:

Your three acne hiding weapons will be a concealer, a foundation and a finishing powder. Stay away from the dollar store and use only brand names that you can trust. e.g. MAC or Make Up For Ever

Step #1: Apply the concealer in a light dabbing motion directly to any dark blotches or red areas that the acne has produced on your skin. Blend the concealer in using a disposable facial sponge. Use the concealer sparingly. You can always apply more if you need it but you don't want to layer it on too thickly. It will look terrible when it dries.

Step #2: Apply the foundation sparingly as well and use a light dabbing motion here too. Blend the foundation with your sponge and reapply to any areas that need it.

Step #3: Apply a light layer of the oil-free powder using a large makeup brush. This will take care of any shine that the acne concealer and foundation left behind and it will give you an even and finished look.

Following are some useful tips to improve your beauty habits and avoid cosmetic acne.

Re-using an acne concealer applicator

You have an acne and you wish to conceal it before a big date or an event. However, no matter how little time you have, never dip your concealer applicator in the bottle and apply the liquid cover directly to the inflamed zit. Reapplying concealer to your face with the applicator provided by the manufacturer may spread more bacteria.

To avoid this, apply your acne concealer with a cotton swab or disposable facial sponge and never, ever use the applicator stick provided by the concealer manufacturer. This will make sure that your concealer applications are always fresh and free of acne causing bacteria.

Re-using a foundation sponge

The reasons for not re-using a foundation sponge are the same as the reason for not re-using a concealer applicator. Never use the foundation sponge provided by the manufacturer of the foundation. Instead, use a cotton ball or a disposable foundation sponge to apply your foundation. This way, each of your foundation applications will be clean.

Pressing on your acne when applying makeup

Do you have the habit of piling layers of makeup onto your face? Always apply your makeup and moisturizer with light strokes. The added benefit of light facial handling is that you reduce stretching and irritating your skin, a combination that can help limit the onset of wrinkles and acne breakouts. If you need more coverage, buy a professional acne concealer made by MAC or Make Up For Ever.

Not evenly applying concealers and foundations

When applying makeup or a moisturizer, spread it evenly across the entire face. Keep in mind that hair styling products may have spread to your hairline and this increases the chances of the pores getting congested and acne arising. Add more concealer where you have acne outbreaks. Also, while cleansing your face, apply a warm cloth onto your hairline area to help remove the waxy build-up that comes from hair styling agents, moisturizers and makeup.

Before you go to bed

Wash your face throughly to remove all makeup before you go to bed, but preferably as soon as you can after you return home. You want your skin to breath and your acne to get as much fresh air as possible.

A note of caution:

Choose only oil-free makeup products that match your skin tone. Oil-free is the key to success here so read the labels carefully. You don't want to aggravate your existing acne problem by layering a fresh coat of oil on skin that already has too much to begin with. Choose a hypoallergenic brand while you're at it.

Acne Skin Care Cosmetics

Posted on 10:37 AM No Comments
Labels: cosmetics

Acne skin care cosmetics are your survival kit. Your new acne medication promises fast results in 7 days, but you've got to put your best face forward today.

All you need is to learn a few creative acne makeup concealing tips to help you look your very best always.

Using makeup to conceal acne isn't difficult, but there are some basic rules that you should always follow.

Your Basic Acne Makeup Toolkit

Your three acne-hiding makeup weapons will be a concealer, a foundation and a finishing powder. When choosing your acne skin care cosmetics, stay away from 'cheap makeup' and use only brand names that you can trust.

Choose only oil-free makeup products that match your skin tone. Oil-free is the key to success here so read the labels carefully. You don't want to aggravate your existing acne problem by layering a fresh coat of oil on skin that already has too much to begin with. Choose a hypoallergenic brand while you're at it.

There are cosmetics called corrective cosmetics, specifically formulated to cover acne blemishes and scars without further irritating the condition. They are not very expensive and definitely effective.

The first time that you use a new brand acne skin care cosmetic, test it by applying small dabs to a spot under your jaw to see how your skin reacts. If you are going to have a problem you will know within an hour or so after applying it. Nothing is worse than adding more blotches to an already colorful face.

Before you begin...

Gently wash your face - never scrub, with your normal face cleansing product and pat dry. Apply your acne medication per the instructions and let it dry throughly.
Start with the concealer...

Apply the concealer in a light dabbing motion directly to any dark blotches or red areas that the acne has produced on your skin. Blend the concealer in using a disposable facial sponge. Use the concealer sparingly. You can always apply more if you need it but you don't want to layer it on too thickly. It will look terrible when it dries.

Next, apply the foundation...

Apply the foundation sparingly as well and use a light dabbing motion here too. Blend the foundation with your sponge and reapply to any areas that need it.
And now for the final touch...

Apply a light layer of the oil-free powder using a large makeup brush. This will take care of any shine that the acne concealer and foundation left behind and it will give you an even and finished look.
Throw away the disposable sponges when you are through so you don't transfer yesterday's skin oil to tomorrow's clean face!

Always wash your face throughly to remove all makeup before you go to bed, but preferably as soon as you can after you return home. You want your skin to breath and your acne to get as much fresh air as possible.

Remember -- Makeup conceals acne, it doesn't cure it!

Which Make-Up and Cosmetics are Right for Teen Acne Sufferers?

Posted on 10:31 AM No Comments
Labels: cosmetics

Having teen acne doesn’t mean you can’t wear make-up. If you are careful and choose the right brands with the right ingredients you can still look and feel good. You can even wear your favorite colors and styles of make-up.

If you choose the right kind of make-up and camouflage treatments; wearing cosmetics can help to increase your self-confidence and make you feel better about your skin on a daily basis.

Knowing that your acne or scars are less conspicuous (or in the case of very mild acne, almost hidden), can really boost your self-esteem especially in social settings.

These days teenage acne products include cosmetic treatments that are suitable for acne sufferers. Non-comedogenic make up preparations (ones that won’t block your pores) as well as preparations that hide scarring and blemishes are easy to find at your local store or pharmacy.

The best make-up is one that is suited for oily skin types or acne-prone skin. These are oil-free or non-comedogenic and won’t aggravate your acne. Read the labels to be sure of what you’re getting.

Some oil-free preparations contain alcohol and this can be very drying. Avoid these if your skin is also very sensitive. They might aggravate your skin problems.

Teen acne sufferers should also avoid products than contain: isopropyl myristate, isopropyl esters, oleic acid, stearic acid, petrolatum and lanolin (especially acetylated lanolin, alcohol and lanolin fatty acids). Make sure that the labeling states that the product is oil-free.

However, do bear in mind that you could still have a reaction to any cosmetic. If this happens immediately discontinue using it before a severe acne flare up rears it’s head! Avoid oil-based cosmetics as these may work better but tend to block pores.

Instead use water-based creams, matte or semi-matter, oil-free foundation, sheer or transparent foundations if you are prone to blackheads. If you have red lesions and scarring you may need an opaque foundation.

If the foundation is very sheer you can mix loose transparent powders into it to provide better coverage and help them last longer.

Skin Foundations
Face foundations hide skin blemishes and acne but they also help make the complexion seem more even and can even add a bit of color to the face. There are four basic types, and they all contain mixtures of oil, water, emulsifiers, talk, kaolin, titanium dioxide and pigment.

1) Oil-based foundation (probably not suitable for most teens with acne)
This is a mix of water and oil plus pigment. Once the preparation is on the skin the water evaporates leaving the pigment and oil. This is great if you have dry skin but not really suitable for acne sufferers!

2) Water-based foundation
This is also a mix of oil and water and pigment but the oil is present in much smaller quantities. The pigment emulsifies and the foundation won’t drift or spread. Such preparations are great for people who have slightly dry to normal skin. Again not for many acne sufferers, unless you know you can tolerate it.

3) Oil-free foundation
These contain no animal, vegetable or mineral oil but they do contain silicone-based oily substances like dimethicone. These foundations are perfect for people with oily skin and those who are prone to acne.

4) Water-free foundation
These are waterproof preparations. Oil, alcohol and synthetic esters are mixed together and then combined with waxes. Since the creams are quite opaque, they may also be able to hide acne scars.

Here is a short guide to help you make sense of all confusing terminology:

Liquid - sheer to moderate coverage (semi-transparent)
Mousse - sheer
Water based- moderate coverage
Soufflé - moderate
Water-free - full (full coverage)
Stick - full (opaque)
Shake lotion - sheer
Matte - flat with no shine
Semi-matte - minimal shine
Moist semi-matte - dewy shine
Shiny

Skin Camouflage
This is a type of concealing cream that can help cover up skin defects like scarring, discoloration or blemishes. It can be used before applying sheer or opaque foundation. The foundation can then be set with loose powder. Some brand names are:

Hyperflage® from Dormer Laboratories Ltd, Dermablend®, CoverMark Face Magic®

Above all enjoy your make-up and make sure it enhances your beauty. Don’t use it to try to hide from the world, instead use it to boost confidence so you can face the world with pride and confidence.

Sunscreens

Posted on 10:13 AM No Comments
Labels: cosmetics

Sun avoidance and regular sunscreen use are widely promoted by organizations and individuals interested in cancer prevention. However, 70% of those who participated in a beach survey were on the beach to get or to maintain a suntan. Although they stayed on the beach for an average of 4 hours, only half were using sunscreen.

On the mountains, and despite past sunburn experience, skiers often do not use sunblock. A springtime survey of skiers in Alberta showed that only two thirds were using sunscreen, and of those using a sunscreen, one third were sunburned at the time of survey.

There appears to be some confusion about the messages people are getting about sunscreens and why they’re so important. Some use sunscreens to prevent sunburn, whereas others use sunscreens to improve sun tanning. Some wish to avoid the wrinkling associated with sun exposure, and others believe that sunscreens prevent all types of skin cancer, yet others seem to believe that they can use sunscreens in order to prolong their time in the sun.

Why Use Sunscreens?

Prevents sun burns
Prevents photodamaged skin (aged look – brown spots, wrinkles)
Prevents actinic keratosis and perhaps squamous cell cancers
May prevent other skin cancers

What Is A Sunburn?
A sunburn is caused by exposing your skin to too much ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, that is, lightwaves that measure approximately 200-400nm. UV light can be broken down into 4 component parts that include:

Ultraviolet A1 (UVA1), 340-400nm
Ultraviolet A2 (UVA2), 320-340nm
Ultraviolet B (UVB), 290-320nm
Ultraviolet C (UVC), 200-290nm

There are two major types of UV sun damage: UVA-type damage, with light wavelengths of 340-400nm, and UVC-type damage, which includes light wavelengths of up to 340nm. UVA-type damage can cause the skin to tan and may cause very weak burns, while UVC-type damage causes skin to burn.

How Much Sunscreen Should I Apply?
The average user of sunscreen tends to use significantly less sunscreen than the amount required to achieve the SPF listed on the container.

How Often Should I Apply Sunscreen When I’m Out In The Sun?
Many experts recommend that frequent application during sun exposure is required. However, a group of children were tested by spreading on one application of sunscreen to one side of their bodies, and four applications to the other.

They then spent 6 hours in the sun, one application provided the same level of protection as four applications, confirming the adequacy of a single daily application of a sunscreen in that situation.

How Long Before Sun Exposure Should I Apply Sunscreen To My Skin?
As molecules of sunscreen are present in their active state in the sunscreen, sunscreens work immediately upon application. The only reason for early application, is to allow absorption into the skin so that the sunscreen is less likely to be washed off, should the person be entering the water. Even so, modern sunscreens are quite resistant to removal from the skin.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) – What Is It?
SPF is the ratio of the minimal ultraviolet dose required to produce redness with and without a sunscreen. For example, if it took ½ hour for your skin to become sunburned without any sunscreen, then for a sunscreen that has a 15 SPF rating, you could stay in the sun for 15 times longer (or 7.5 hours) before you get sunburned. This is provided, of course, that you’ve applied the sunscreen properly so that you’re getting the prescribed protection.

Reactions To Sunscreens:
Sunscreens can be both an irritant and an allergen, though allergic reactions are rare. Irritant reactions, however, abound. One classic error in sunscreen application is to put a large amount of sunscreen on the forehead, perspiration and gravity can cause the sunscreen to migrate down your forehead into your eyes, causing a stinging sensation. Some people attribute this to an allergic reaction and discontinue use. It’s also important to wash your hands after applying sunscreen, since rubbing your sunscreen covered finger near your eyes can induce an irritant reaction.

Why Is It Important To Use Sunscreens During Childhood?
It appears that a great deal of time can elapse between actual sun damage and the development of skin cancer or other skin problems like photoaging therefore, it is important to protect your skin from an early age when you are out in the sun.

Sunscreens And The Elderly:
Many elderly people can become quite obsessed by sun avoidance, and their quality of life can suffer. Sometimes, if they are diagnosed with an actinic keratosis or basal cell carcinoma, they can become anxious and almost leap from shadow to shadow. However, few of them are likely to develop new skin cancers from present sun exposure. As long as they are prudent about avoiding excessive sun exposure, and protecting their skin to prevent sunburn, they can continue to enjoy time outdoors.

Can Sunscreens Prevent Cancer?
There is clear evidence that sunscreens are helpful in preventing actinic keratoses, which are warty lesions that can occur on sun exposed skin of the face or hands. Research has shown that these lesions can develop into a cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, and that this is linked to a cumulative exposure to the sun.

However, there is surprisingly little evidence that sunscreens have much effect in preventing another kind of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma, or for malignant melanoma. For malignant melanoma and for basal cell carcinoma, the character and timing, that is, the type of sunlight and your age at the time of the exposure to the sun, appears to be more important than the cumulative dose.

Oil Free Cosmetics

Posted on 10:07 AM No Comments
Labels: cosmetics

The best types of cosmetics to use for oily or acne prone skin, are either oil-free cosmetics or non-comedogenic cosmetics.

Oil-free cosmetics mean products that contain little or no ingredients such as isopropyl myristate, isopropyl esters, oleic acid, stearic acid, petrolatum and lanolin (especially acetylated lanolin, alcohol’s and lanolin fatty acids).

The label on the cosmetic should state that it is oil-free. This implies that the product has been formulated with no oleaginous ingredients. These products would be appropriate for oily or acne prone skin. For a small number of people, acne may still flare up, to feel better about yourself, you may want to consider using cosmetics to cover up your acne. You should remember that not all skins react alike to the same cosmetic. Oily foundations give the best and longest coverage, but tend to make acne worse.

Suggestions:

You can use water based creams or alcohol based liquids under your foundation
Matte or semi-matte, oil-free foundations are the best choices
Sheer or transparent foundations are usually recommended for comodonal (blackhead) acne
Fuller foundations (opaque) may be needed for red lesions or scars
You can mix loose transparent powders (of appropriate tone) into the foundation to give better and longer coverage