face

Jun

2021

Ways to Hide Skin Imperfections

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A common beauty quest is finding ways to hide skin imperfections for that flawless-looking complexion. Everyone wants to look camera ready but also wants to look just as attractive when meeting people in person. So here are some quick fixes to hide common skin imperfections. If done correctly, they can help banish blemish like magic!

Eyebrow Pencil or Powder

An eyebrow pencil or powder is a quick way to fix sparse eyebrows due to overzealous plucking or if your brows are just patchy. Get a pencil or powder that’s one shade lighter than your brows hair color. Apply the product to your brow in short, feathery strokes to fill-out the patchy areas. You will need a small angled brush if you’re using powder. Make sure to check in the mirror to ensure that your “drawing” blends in well with the rest of your browse. Use a clean eyebrow brush for blending. It’s normal to have to wipe and redo them if you’re just starting out.

Highlighting Pen or Powder

If your problem is puffy eyes, then a highlighting pen or powder is the quick fix for you. It is recommended that you first use an eye gel or another product to help reduce the swelling. Afterwards, use an eye cream and/or a thin layer of foundation to even out your skin color as much as possible. Then apply a slightly shimmery highlighting pen or powder along the part below where the puffy part is. This will lighten up the area to hide shadows caused by the swelling so it becomes less noticeable. For this quick fix, less is more; so do this with a light hand.

Tinted Foundation or Concealer

Tinted foundations or concealers helps to hide common skin blemishes such as acne, sun spots or age spots, skin redness, and large pores. The trick is to apply them correctly. If the blemish is small like acne, then just apply concealer or tinted foundation on that spot and use a brush or your fingers to blend into the rest of the skin. For issues that cover larger areas like large pores, than applying concealer and/or tinted foundation is a much better way to even out overall skin tone and hide the blemish. Luckily, there are now foundations that also act as concealers as well as sun screen. So pick the best one for your skin type and lifestyle.

The Best Foundation is Healthy Skin

Not everyone can have flawless skin all the time. But it becomes easier to maintain flawless-looking skin if you have healthy skin. It helps to have good beauty habits to maintain healthy skin. A basic and important factor in achieving healthy skin is cleanliness and hydration. So don’t forget to clean your face and apply your moisturizer everyday to maintain clear, plump, and youthful-looking skin. You can also follow a more elaborate routine such as the Korean beauty regimen to really level up your skin care routine. Practice makes perfect. Be consistent with your beauty ritual so you can integrate the habit effortlessly. You can thank your self for the beautiful results later on!

Feature Image: Original Photo by kevin laminto on Unsplash.

Jun

2021

Day vs Night Moisturizer: Do You Really Need Both?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Do you use face moisturizers? If you are more than 20 years of age and have not yet started using one, it is time to do so. Moisturizing your face will help you look younger and make your skin softer. It hydrates the skin. It also prevents and heals dry skin. There are many types of moisturizers based on ingredients, formulations and usage. It all depends on your preference and your type of skin. In addition, most beauty brands offer two kinds of moisturizers or creams, one for morning and one for night. The question is day vs night moisturizer: do you really need both or is it just a marketing propaganda of cosmetic companies to make you buy more of their products?

Importance of Moisturizers

The importance of moisturizing in skin care cannot be overlooked. Moisturizing is an important step in your skin care routine. It keeps your skin healthy and it protects it from dryness and skin irritation. Those who started using moisturizers early in their lives benefit from having healthier and younger looking skin when they get older. Just like how the body needs water in order to be healthy, skin as the biggest organ in the body works the same way. A healthy and vibrant skin depends on its ability to retain moisture. Thus, by using moisturizers early in life, you are slowing down the aging process of your skin.

Day vs Night Moisturizer

How many times a day should you use moisturizer? Do you really need to apply both day and night moisturizer? Aside from the time of application, what is the difference between the two?

Day Cream

During the day, your skin is subjected to UV rays, pollution, make up and other chemicals that may harm the skin. Because of this, day creams are normally designed for protection. They also tend to be lighter and non-greasy in texture. They are also easily absorbed by the skin because they are designed to be worn underneath the makeup.

Night Cream

Unlike day cream, night creams are designed for repair, restoration and regeneration. As a result, night creams are often thicker, richer and heavier because they have higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients designed to penetrate your skin during the course of your sleep.

Do You Really Need Both?

Yes, it is possible to use only one kind of cream but you will not be able to take advantage of its maximum benefits. Using a day cream at night might not be as effective as a night cream because it does not contain higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients. The same is true if you use night cream in the morning. Since most day cream already contains the sunscreen needed to protect your face from the harmful UV rays; you will have to apply another product to get the much needed protection. And besides, you might not want to walk around looking all greasy if you use night cream in the morning, do you? Thus, it is advisable to include both morning and night creams in your beauty regimen.

Tips in Using Moisturizers

Whatever you choose to do, always remember the following do’s and don’ts in using moisturizers:

Choose a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for your skin type. Is your skin oily, dry, extra dry, combination or aging?
Refrain from using hot temperatures in washing your face.
Moisturizer is best applied on damp skin. Don’t towel dry your skin completely.
Apply it immediately after cleaning your face, preferably after applying a toner especially at night. A toner helps remove excess dirt, oil and make-up.
Apply the moisturizer in gentle circular motion.
Don’t forget to apply moisturizer on your neck and chest too.
Don’t wait until you are old to start applying moisturizer. They can be used as early as 21 years of age.
Do take your skin care regimen seriously. Apply them daily, not when you just feel like it.
Do consider switching moisturizers when there is a change of season. In cold months, your skin tends to be drier so heavy creams are a must. In warmer months, it is recommended to use light creams especially when it is hot and humid outside.
Dermatologists recommend that you use a sunscreen or day cream with an SPF of at least 30.

Edited Version. First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 23.12.2018

Feature Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels

Jun

2021

The 10-Step Korean Beauty Regimen

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Do you have a favorite Kpop Idol? Are you a fan of Korean Dramas? If you are, you probably noticed by now that Koreans have one of the best skins in the world. It can be genetic or possibly because of their diets. But the main reason is that they take their skin care very seriously. So serious in fact that they follow an extensive 10-step Korean Beauty Regimen. And it’s not just the women, the same is true with men. In fact, the Korean beauty product industry is included in the top 10 in the world.

So, if you want to achieve a younger, brighter and flawless looking skin; you may want to integrate their 10-step morning and evening beauty regimen into your lifestyle.

1.CLEANSE

AM: Water Only

The first thing that they do upon waking up is to wash their face with water. No soap, no cleanser, just plain water. The purpose is to keep the face hydrated and to remove dirts and impurities that were accumulated during sleep.

At night, instead of plain water, the Koreans follow a two-step cleansing process:

PM: Double Cleanse

a. Oil Cleanser

The first step is to remove make-up by using an oil cleanser. An oil cleanser removes not only the make-up but also excess oil, sebums and pollution that were accumulated in your face the whole day. Use circular motion when cleansing your face.

b. Water-Based Cleanser

Water-based cleansers remove water-based impurities that were not removed by the oil cleanser such as sweat and dirt. Just like the oil cleanser, use circular motion when cleansing your face.

2. EXFOLIATE

Exfoliator

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that are clogging the skin. That is why regular exfoliation is needed to prevent build up of dead cells that may clog your pores resulting in break outs. However, daily exfoliation can cause dryness and irritation. It is recommended that you exfoliate your skin not more than three times a week.

3. TONE

Toner

A toner is used for extra-cleansing to remove remaining dirt, oil and make-up. It shrinks your pores, reducing the risks of dirt and other impurities from penetrating your skin adding an extra layer of protection to your skin. It also restores the PH balance of your skin. Use a cotton pad and swipe and pat it gently onto your skin.

4. ESSENCE

Essence

For Koreans, essence is probably the most important part of their Korean skin regimen. Essence is used after a toner to add another layer of hydration to the skin. It is a little creamier compared to a toner. Although both toner and essence serves as hydration for the skin, a toner’s primary purpose is to remove the remaining impurities while an essence primes the skin for better absorption of serum and creams. It also contains anti-aging and complexion-enhancing ingredients. It is designed to penetrate deeper into the skin. Apply it by placing little drops into your palms and patting them gently onto your face.

5. TREATMENT

Serum, Ampules and Other Treatments

This varies per individual. You can apply it or you can totally skip it. It all depends on the condition and the requirement of your skin. For others, it can be an acne treatment for pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. It can be a treatment to remove redness, brown spots or pigmentation. It can be for skin rejuvenation or anti-aging treatment. Again, it all depends on your skin. Just apply it directly to the concern areas.

6. MASK

Face Mask

The purpose of a face mask is to expose your skin to prolonged contact with moisture and whatever nutrients that your skin needs. Just like the treatment, use a mask containing nutrients that your skin needs. Leave it on your skin for 20 minutes. Do this twice a week.

7. EMULSION

Emulsion

Emulsions are water-based thus they are lighter than creams and less concentrated than serums or treatments. Its main purpose is to lock the skin moisture. It hydrates and seals the essence, treatment and mask that you just put in your skin, reinforcing their benefits.

8. EYE CARE

Eye Cream

The purpose of eye creams is to prevent or lessen fine lines and dark circles around your eyes. When applying eye cream, remember that the skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive part of your skin. So, apply it as gently as possible.

9. MOISTURIZE

Cream

Moisturizers keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness and itchiness. Apply daily both in the morning and at night. Pat it on your face and on your neck.

10. SUNBLOCK

Sunscreen

Put sunscreen in the morning. It will protect your face from the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. It is recommended that you use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

For Koreans, instead of a simple sunblock, they replace this last step with a BB cream. BB cream stands for beauty balm or blemish balm. It serves as a foundation, primer, sunblock and even moisturizer. It is not too heavy like the regular foundation but it works like it. BB creams also help cover lines and scars and give glow to the skin. It helps you achieve the no makeup look. That’s why both Korean men and women use it. It also contains the SPF needed to protect your skin.

First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 21.04.2019

Feature Photo by Jess @ Harper Sunday from Pexels

Apr

2021

Little Things That Are Damaging Your Skin

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Good skin is essential in any age whether you are in your teens or already in the elderly group. Thus, a good skin care routine is a necessary habit for everyone. In fact, it should start early in life because this will help slow down the aging process. However, did you know that there are little things that are damaging your skin? If they turn into habits, they can ultimately ruin your skin.

1.Sleeping with Makeup On

Sleeping with makeup on is a big no-no. Makeup, if left overnight can wreak havoc to your skin because it traps dead skin cells. Not only does it trap dirt and pollutants accumulated all through the day, It also helps gather bacteria overnight. This results in clogged pores, pimples, increased free radicals and collagen degradation.

2.Popping Pimples

How many times have you popped a pimple? Did you know that dermatologists are against popping pimples? That’s because it can lead to more problems like infection and scarring. It’s tempting especially if the pimples, white heads or blackheads are quite visible and are bothering you. However before you do it, remember that the act itself might push the bacteria even deeper into your skin causing more swelling and redness. Worse, it can even lead to permanent scars.

3. Drinking Not Enough Water

Water is needed not just for a healthy body but also for a clear and vitalized skin. Drinking water keeps your body hydrated. It also helps maintain the youthful glow of the skin because the more hydrated you are, the fewer the wrinkles and fine lines will be. Drinking not enough water can make the skin dry and flaky. It also makes it more prone to aging.

4.Getting Hair Care Products on Your Face

Did you know that hair care products such as shampoo, conditioners and styling products can lead to skin breakouts? The oils and all other heavy ingredients may trigger acne. The same is true with other products like coconut oil., shea butter, petroleum jelly , mineral oil, jojoba oil and many others. To avoid this from happening, when you are taking a shower, make sure to wash your face last. in this way you can wash off all hair care products residue. Be careful also when applying products to make sure they do not go to your face.

5.Not Getting Enough Sleep

Like drinking water, getting enough sleep is also crucial not just to a healthy body but also to a vibrant looking skin. A study published in the Clinical and Experimental Dermatology showed that people who sleep at least seven to nine hours of sleep per day have moisturized skin that has the ability to protect and to heal itself from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. In addition, getting enough sleep can also lead to reducing wrinkles and age spots.

6.Using Dirty Pillowcases

How often do you change your pillowcases? Did you know that the oil, dead skin cells and sweat from your skin, the dirt from your hair and even your saliva gets absorbed by your pillowcases? Dirt, dust mites and allergens from the air and the surrounding environment also settle in your pillow cases. That is why, it is highly recommended that pillow cases be changed at least once a week.

7. Smoking

Aside from cancer, lung and heart disease; smoking can also cause premature aging. The chemicals found in cigarettes and tobacco destroy collagen and elastin, two key proteins responsible for warding off wrinkles and fine lines. They give your skin strength and elasticity.

8.Eating Too Much Sugar

Just like cigarettes, consuming too much sugar can destroy collagen and elastin in the body. Excess sugar in the body causes glycation. Glycation is the attachment of sugar to protein or lipid which ultimately destroys the protein molecules. Since collagen and elastin are both proteins, high sugar diets lead to skin aging.

9.Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Alcohol can cause dehydration because alcohol is a natural diuretic. Diuretic means it promotes the removal of excess water and salt in the body. As mentioned above, hydration is necessary for a healthy looking skin.

10.Staying Too Much Inside Air Conditioning

Too much air conditioning can lead to dry skin. The air conditioning strips the air of humidity. It also removes moisture from your skin leading to fine lines and wrinkles.

Feature Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Oct

2020

How to Take Care of Your Skin While Wearing Mask

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Masks are now part of our everyday lives. It is a fashion essential in the new normal because it protects ourselves and other people from COVID-19. Masks reduces the risk of exposure to an infected person and at the same time prevents transmission, if worn by an infected person. Unfortunately, wearing masks is very uncomfortable because it creates an occlusive on the airflow making it difficult to breathe. It also traps moisture in the enclosed space causing skin irritation. In addition, bacterias thrive on sticky and humid environments casing acnes and breakouts. So, how to take care of your skin while wearing mask?

1. Select the Material of the Mask

The material of the mask is important. Choose a material that will protect you from the virus and at the same time, protect your skin too.

Not all masks are created equal, according to a research done by University of Arizona. The researchers tested a variety of mask materials during a 20-minute and 30-seconds exposure to the virus. They found out that the level of risks varies depending on the kind of mask used:

Materials	Efficiency
N99	most efficient at 94% to 99%
N95	94% to 99%
Vacuum Cleaner Filters (inserted in filter pockets in cloth masks)	58% to 83%
Cotton-blend fabrics and antimicrobial pillowcases	24% to 44%
Scarves made of nylon, polyester or silk	24% to 44%

Reserve the N99 and N95 masks to healthcare workers. For the rest of us, opt for soft and natural fabrics. Dermatologists suggest a 100% cotton because it allows the skin to breathe. Avoid synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester and rayon. They can cause skin irritation.

2. Fit Matters

To allow your skin to breathe, make sure the mask fits your face perfectly. Masks should be snuggly. It should be comfortable. It should not be too loose nor constricting.

3. Clean and Moisturize Your Face Daily

Learn to adapt to the basic skin care routine. Just wash your face gently with a mild fragrance-free soap before putting on your mask and before going to sleep. The moisturizer will reduce dryness. No need to put on too many beauty products. Other beauty products such as those peels, exfoliants, acids and retinol can only cause more skin irritation. If you need to treat spot or a break-out, then just put medication on the specific spot not on the whole face.

4. Don’t Wear Make-up

Your face is going to be covered anyway so there is no point in wearing make-up. Make-up can only clog your pores and can cause break-outs. If you really need to wear make-up, wear non-comedogenic products or products that won’t clog or block the pores of your skin. You can also use an oil-free make-up primer or a sunblock instead to reduce the friction between the mask and the face.

5. Take a Break From Wearing the Mask

Every now and then, take a break from wearing the mask so you and your skin can breathe properly. But remember before you remove it, make sure you go to a place where it is safe to do so; when you are away from the crowd or inside your car for example.

6. Make sure Mask is Clean

Masks should be treated like underwear. Wash them after using them once. Change them right away after sweating or exercising. Masks should always be clean. Wash them with a mild fragrance-free detergent and dry them. If you are using disposable masks, dispose them after one use. Do not recycle.

7. Refrain from Touching Your Face and Mask

As a precaution, refrain from touching your face and mask. It is a way to not only protect your skin but yourself as well from the virus for your hands might be dirty or contaminated.

8. Put Lip Balm

Trapped heat and humidity inside the masks can cause dryness. Just like the skin, it can also cause irritation to the lips. It is difficult to keep on drinking water just to keep the lips moisturize. Thus, it is better to apply lip balm to avoid dry or chapped lips.

Even if it is covered, it is still important to take care of your face. Keep in clean, clear and glowing so that when the time comes when there is no longer a need to cover our faces with a mask, you are ready to show a nice, healthy looking skin to the world.

Beautiful skin requires commitment not a miracle.
– Erno Lazlo

Feature Image by Anna Shvets from Pexels