The 10 Commandments of Clear Skin

Want to banish zits forever? (Stupid question?) These are the rules to live by.



1. KEEP IT CLEAN
Your makeup might hide zits, but it also traps free radicals against your skin, says Zoe Draelos, a professor of dermatology at Duke University. Wash your face morning, night, and after the gym with a cleanser that contains up to 2 percent salicylic acid.


2. DON'T POP YOUR ZITS
It's so hard not to, we know. But try to resist. Popping your pimples will only result in inflammation, scarring, and yes, more acne. If you're truly tempted, some experts suggest keeping your hands busy with a squeeze toy.

3. BUT IF YOU DO...
OK, what's done is done. Now disinfect the area with a 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide product and dot on a salicylic acid to help unclog the pore.


4. STICK WITH THE BASICS
There are certain ingredients that have proven themselves in clinical trials (benzoyl peroxide or glycolic or salicylic acid for acne)—use them. And give them a chance: They need at least six weeks to work. "If nothing has changed by week six, the product will never work for you," says David Bank, a professor of dermatology at Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Then, it's time to see a dermatologist—prescription products or in-office treatments may offer some relief.


5. TRY RETINOIDS
Retinoids aren't just for wrinkles. They also fade spots, build collagen, and prevent acne—but only when used correctly. At night, instead of your overnight acne treatment, dot a pea-size amount on your fingertips and rub it all over your face. Using them on the skin as a whole helps with cell turnover, says Heidi A. Waldorf, director of cosmetic and laser dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.


6. TREAT EARLY
Spot-treating your pimple can reduce its lifespan by one to two days. But the real goal is a clear complexion—and early intervention is key. "You need to prevent acne from forming, and that means treating skin that's prone to pimples even if there are none present," says dermatologist Karyn Grossman. So use all acne products over your entire face.

7. BUT DON'T OVERTREAT
Overusing acne products can lead to excess drying and, in some cases, chemical burns. Apply the amount recommended on the packaging (usually enough for a thin layer), not a giant palmful. Finish with an oil-free moisturizer.


8. CALM DOWN
Easier said than done, we know. But stress hormones increase oil production, which can lead to clogged pores and whiteheads. So make an effort to relax when needed. "Anything that reduces stress in your body—tai chi, running, sex, a warm bath—will make you have less acne, less often," says Richard Fried, a dermatologist and clinical psychologist in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

9. PROTECT YOUR SKIN
Acne products can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, so be sure to use SPF 30 or higher. Look for formulas labeled noncomedogenic, which won't clog pores.


10. FADE SCARS
Just because the pimple's gone doesn't mean it disappeared. Use a scar treatment with salicylic acid and licorice-root extract on dark spots to fade them over time.


Via Allure

4 Sneaky Reasons Your Back Hurts

YOUR CUTE FLATS

Some ballet-style flats can cause more pain than you'd imagine. Ultra-thin soles don't absorb the shock of your steps, explains Michael Hisey, M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon at the Texas Back Institute: "The discs in your lower back are filled with cushiony fluid, but walking in flimsy shoes all day long wrings them out like a sponge." Use an insert for support .

KIDS!

If you have little ones, chances are you schlep them around more than they use their own two feet. That extra 20, 30, or 40 pounds can overload back muscles, which tighten up to keep you standing straight. The best way to tote any size tot? "On one hip, switching sides periodically to help keep things balanced," recommends Hisey.

YOUR CELL PHONE

Yammer all you want, just don't pin the phone between your ear and your shoulder. "You're forcing your spine to stretch to its limits, and that can make your upper back sore," Hisey says. If you typically need your hands to be free, switch to a headset.

SITTING STILL

Staying in the same basic position for eight hours (say, if you're desk-bound) can stress your back, says Ted Choma, M.D., associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Missouri. The fix: Adjust yourself periodically to allow alternate muscles to take over, so the same ones don't contract all day. Prop a phone book or a big dictionary under your computer monitor (it shouldn't be above eye level) and one under your feet. As the day goes on, remove one book, then, a few hours later, the other. And be sure to take a lunch break!

Read more: Causes of Back Pain - Why Does My Back Hurt - Redbook

A dermatologist, a chemist, and a makeup artist all weigh in on what to do about aging hands

A. THE DERMATOLOGIST SAYS: "Hands are the most sun-exposed part of the body after the face and chest, but most women aren't as diligent about protecting them — which is why they often show damage early on. Excessive sun exposure causes spots (from overproduction of melanin) and prominent veins (due to collagen damage that thins the skin). Loss of fat, which happens with age, also makes veins more visible." Skin-brightening products containing vitamin C or kojic acid can reduce spots after three months of daily use. "But you must also apply sunscreen every morning — and every three hours when you're outside — to prevent new spots," Fields says. No cream will fix bulging veins, but a moisturizer with light-diffusing particles can make them less noticeable. — Kathy Fields, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, and coauthor of Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change

A. THE CHEMIST SAYS: "When your hands are dry, lines and crepey-ness are more obvious, which is why it's so important to keep them moisturized: It plumps the skin so they appear more youthful." Most body lotions aren't hydrating enough to do the job, so use a hand cream that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which draw water to the skin, plus ingredients that prevent moisture loss, such as petrolatum and cocoa butter. Reapply throughout the day — "especially with all the hand-washing you do during flu season," says Wilson — and wear leather gloves (which won't wick away moisture) when you're outside. "They keep hands hydrated while protecting against dry air and UV rays, which cause damage even in the winter." — Ni'Kita Wilson, cosmetic chemist and vice president of research and innovation at Englewood Lab in Englewood, NJ

A. THE MANICURIST SAYS: "Cracked, ragged cuticles make hands look worn. To rejuvenate them, exfoliate with a scrub, then rub a dot of cuticle cream into each nail bed. Give it a minute to absorb, then use an orange wood stick to push back your cuticles." Long, pointy nails look old-fashioned, so file 'em short and round, then either buff each nail with five strokes of a nail buffer labeled "240/320 grit" or apply a fun polish color. ("But keep in mind that blue-ish shades can make veins more obvious on fair skin," Logan says.) For something classic, try a warm-toned neutral polish. And if you're getting a salon manicure, "add on a paraffin wax treatment," she suggests. "It plumps the skin and makes hands incredibly smooth and baby-soft." — Lisa Logan, celebrity manicurist whose clients include Beyoncé and Madonna

Read more: Aging Hands - Hand Treatments for Aging - Redbook

Do You Really Know What's In Your Skincare?

Natural scrub?


Apricot seeds and walnut shells sound like a healthy way to exfoliate your face. But ground shells and pits—unless they are refined into a cosmetic-grade product—have irregularly shaped surfaces that can cause microscopic tears in delicate facial skin

Aluminium up in your armpit?


The most effective deodorant contain aluminum chlorohydrate but don't sweat it,very small amounts of aluminum chlorohydrate don’t increase your risk for Alzheimer’s.

Petroleum for your face?


Facial products derived from petroleum are highly refined and very different from that can of WD-40 sitting on your man’s tool bench.Petroleum jelly is one of the best, most cost-effective moisturizers in the world.

Preservative free?


Parabens are the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetics, but many products are now advertised as “paraben-free.FDA has concluded that the tiny (0.01 to 0.03%) amount of parabens present in cosmetics is safe.Unless a person is allergic to parabens,this class of preservatives should be avoided.


All natural ingredients?


Plant extracts can contain volatile oils that can cause irritation and sensitivity, especially to the sun.

What's in your shampoo?


Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are known irritant.It would be good if you find an affordable product that does not contain it.

Rehydrates your skin

Regardless of skin type, age or the season, hydration is a natural need.A hydrating cosmetic product is thus indispensable for preserving this valuable equilibrium every day and to continue having a supple, soft and radiant skin. This is the most basic requirement for any type of skin.

Hydration not only increase the skin's water content, but they also protect the skin and encourage an orderly desquamation process that makes the skin appear more smooth.Lack of hydration may bring in all kinds of skin problems including pigmentation and premature aging.This is why it is very important to have a moisturizer in your daily skincare routine.

You'll need 2 different type of moisturizer to cater the biological clock of your body.Daytime moisturizer is to protect your skin from dehydration .Your daytime moisturizer will often be worn under makeup, so it will be lighter and more easily absorbed. This ensures that it doesn’t make your makeup slide off halfway through the morning!Your skin uses the night time to replenish and repair itself. It's also a time when your skin won't be able to hydrate itself from any other source, so the moisturizer you put on before bed will generally be richer and harder-working than the one you use in the morning.

Magic Ingredients For Younger Looking Skin

Açai Berry
You know about anti-oxidants, right? You should—they fight the skin damage cause by sun, pollution, and other environmental factors. And the extract of this berry contains one with serious potential.

One study found that its antioxidant ability was "by far the highest of any fruit or vegetable to date," when ingested orally. In terms of its potency in a cream, dermatologists are hopeful, but say more study is needed.

Melatonin
The stuff people pop for jet lag could have benefits when slathered on the skin. Melatonin is another antioxidant and possible way to boost collagen. And it's a team player: many studies show that when used with other antioxidants, it helps them penetrate the skin better. So far, it doesn't seem to make you drowsy, but it can irritate dry or sensitive skin.

Activin
Skin doctors are excited about this, a protein that kicks off collagen production to heal wounds. They're thinking that because aging skin is damaged skin, activin might also reduce wrinkles. Avon, the only company using the ingredient now, checked out hundreds of ways to create Activin and discovered a combination of Asian plants they named activinol. According to the company's studies, the plant compound delivered up to a 25 percent improvement in fine wrinkles.

Serpin B3 Inhibitor
Need another reason to stay out of the sun? UV exposure can produce a protein in skin cells called serpin B3, which causes dryness and roughness. But Shiseido has patented a synthetic amino acid, Skingenecell 1P that suppresses it, which makes skin softer. Dermatologists are excited about the ingredient, and have found that products containing it are much more effective than traditional moisturizers.

Snap-8
This jazzily named ingredient is like a milder version of Botox, but in a cream, according to the people who make it. Here's how they put it together: Botox interrupts the release of a neurochemical that makes muscles contract (and wrinkles form). Argireline, the active ingredient in many skin creams that claim to work like Botox, does something similar. Snap-8 is chemically like argireline but about 30 percent more effective, according to the makers. Doctors say While Snap-8 creams won't give you all the benefits of Botox, but still give it the thumbs up: products containing the ingredient do seem to have a gradual relaxing effect.

Tensin
This protein in skin helps connect and anchor cells, but its production drops as the years go by. The logic: if a product can restore the body's tensin, skin will look firmer and younger. Chanel worked with scientists from Harvard to identify a plant compound that they say stimulates our stores of tensin. Outside dermatologists say more study is needed to see whether the compound will have the same effect on skin that it does on cells in a lab.

Genomic Technology
This one isn't an ingredient, it's a whole strategy. Young skin contains proteins (including activin, serpin B3, and tensin) that decrease over time. By identifying the genes responsible for creating these proteins, scientists can formulate ingredients to keep the good stuff flowing. We're still in the beginning stages of utilizing genomic technology, but dermatologists agree: It is the future of skin care.

Renounce Your Skin Sins

Skipping Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
The best way to keep your skin from getting wrinkled, saggy, and speckled is sunscreen, SPF 30 at the minimum. Broad-spectrum formulas (meaning they shield against both UVA and UVB rays) with Mexoryl or Helioplex offer the longest-lasting protection.Apply a whole tablespoon to your face, and the equivalent of a shot glass on your body. For workdays, reapply before your commute home if the sun is still out—even if you'll be in a car. And for days when you'll be outside for an extended period of time, reapply every two hours.



Smoking
Like you need another reason to quit? Seriously—it's time. Because if you keep smoking, you'll not only damage your health, but you'll develop more and more deep wrinkles and blotchier skin tone. In fact, every decade of smoking results in a perceived extra 2.5 years of age, according to research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.




Drinking Too Much
Now, we're not taking away all your fun—you can still have a glass of something. But drink more than one cocktail a day, and your skin suffers. Alcohol increases the level inflammatory agents in the bloodstream—"which can hasten skin sagging over time," says Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist in New York City and Coral Gables, Florida.

Picking the Wrong Products
Using stuff that's wrong for your skin type is a hugely common mistake.Here's what you should know:

OILY SKIN: Choose a cleanser with salicylic acid. Fight shine with an oil-free lotion,followed by a mattifying serum that contains aluminum silica. Rub on a chemical exfoliant such as glycolic acid once a week.

SENSITIVE SKIN: Wash with a milky cleanser .Use a fragrance-free, nonirritating sunscreen . Look for anti-aging creams with added hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and shea butter.

COMBINATION SKIN: Choose a foaming cleanser for oily skin. Use a lightweight moisturizer but dab a thicker one on dry spots.

DRY SKIN: Nonsoap creamy cleansers, don't strip away protective oils. A moisturizer with trehalose, will prevent tightness. Apply an anti-aging treatment with retinol every other day (daily use could aggravate dryness). Or switch to a cream with kinetin or the Matrixyl—they're less drying than retinoids.

Ignoring Your Neck and Chest
Skin care doesn't stop at your jawline.These areas are almost always exposed, and yet they rarely receive same level of hydration and sun protection as the face. But the skin there is more delicate and just as vulnerable to photoaging. The fix is simple: The next time you apply serum, face cream, or sunscreen or give yourself an exfoliating treatment, extend everything down to your décolletage.

Overlooking Moles
A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute showed that fifty percent more melanoma cases occurred in women ages 15 to 39 in 2004 than in 1980. The lesson here? Everyone needs to get a mole screening with a dermatologist once a year—and you should also check yourself every month, remembering to examine less-obvious places such as your scalp, the soles of your feet, and under your nails. Look at the American Academy of Dermatology's guidelines here. Even if your moles pass the test, don't underestimate the power of gut instinct: "If you look at something twice," says Philadelphia dermatologist Eric Bernstein, "show it to a dermatologist."

Using Dirty Makeup Brushes
Skip washing your brushes and you could wind up with muddied colors, clogged pores, and bacterial infections. Once every three weeks, lather brushes with a gentle shampoo such as Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo, rinse well, and let them dry overnight or use wipes. Another option: Clinique Antibacterial Brush collection—they're treated with a microbial solution that destroys germs. (You still have to wash them, but only about once a month.)

Constant Phone Chatter
Resting your chin or cheek against a phone—cell or old-school—can lead to breakouts, whether or not the phone is clean and bacteria-free.Just leaning your face against it can cause friction, occlusion, and heat, all of which can make you break out. If your chatting habit is too ingrained to shake, consider a headset.

Overexfoliating
Squeaky clean pores may harsh cleansing or too much exfoliating can actually exacerbate oil production and worsen breakouts by spreading bacteria. A gentle alternative: Use a glycolic peel three times a week.


Staying Up Late
Sleep deprivation causes stress, which can aggravate all skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.Sleep is also the time when your body repairs the damage from the day, and interrupting that process will slow down cell turnover. In the short term, this can mess with the way blood flows to the skin, which can make your complexion sallow.

Not Washing Your Face at Night
Letting skin marinate in makeup—not to mention a day's worth of oil buildup—can lead to clogged pores and zits, especially if you're prone to acne.Your body temperature increases slightly when you sleep, which can enhance absorption of whatever's on the surface.So you really want only beneficial ingredients on your face when you sleep.

Eating Junk Food
Conventional wisdom used to be that diet didn't affect your complexion. But sorry—no more. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that people who replaced processed carbs with high-protein foods and whole grains broke out less. The reason? "High-glycemic foods cause your blood sugar to rise, triggering a surge of insulin. The insulin stimulates oil-producing hormones called androgens, leaving you with pimples," says Baumann. Cut the junk, and you could see an improvement in acne in about six weeks. Instead, reach for snacks like peanut butter, nuts, and avocado—these healthy fats provide nutrients for the hair, skin, nails, and basic metabolism.

Neglecting Your Eyes
Not only is the skin around your eyes thinner than practically anywhere else on the body, it's also the victim of a lot of abuse. First, resolve to stop rubbing.Every time you do, you risk breaking delicate blood vessels, which leads to darkening, dulling, and thickening of the surrounding skin. Then make sure you always apply an anti-aging eye cream. If retinol is too strong, consider peptides or the current favorite ingredient for the eye area, zinc It's been shown to increase elastin production, which can reduce crepiness.

Popping Zits
It's tempting. But the reality is that squeezing a pimple just pushes bacteria deeper into the pores, causing inflammation, infection, and scarring—and almost doubling the zit's life span (from about one week to two). Napalming it with the harshest chemicals in the bathroom won't help, either.Treating any breakout with too much benzoyl peroxide damages the skin around the spot and can cause more irritation. Here's what you should do: Use a spot treatment with no more than 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide at night, and reapply it to major zits in the morning. For persistent acne, a prescription retinoid, such as Retin-A, helps prevent blocked pores—but doctors warn it can exacerbate the redness of existing pimples, so avoid slathering it over full-blown ones.

Skipping the Gym
Along with lifting your mood, exercise increases blood flow to the skin, causing a healthy-looking flush. Both immediately and over time, it has been shown to decrease tension, which can result in better skin.When you're stressed, cortisol levels rise, and that leads to acne and other skin aggravations.Lessen your cortisol spikes, and your skin will become smoother and clearer.

Tanning
Bronzer? Fine. Self-tanner? Fine. The real thing? So not fine.In trying to protect itself from continued exposure to the sun, skin thickens and produces melanin, the pigment that darkens cells.Any pigment change from UVA or UVB light can cause premature aging and increase the likelihood of skin cancer. And tanning beds can be even worse, since they emit concentrated UVA light, which penetrates deeper than the combination of UVA and UVB rays found in sunlight.Be sure to protect yourself by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 every day, and if you're in the sun, reslather it every two hours. And never, ever use a tanning bed. Instead, try a self-tanner.

Overloading on Products
"I ask patients to walk me through their routine, and they bring in shopping bags full of products," says New York City dermatologist Patricia Wexler. "They add things without checking to see whether they're duplicating ingredients or realizing that some aren't compatible." Sometimes, active ingredients cancel one another out—Other times, they double up and cause irritation or skin damage. "Negative interactions are most likely to happen if someone is treating different problems at the same time, such as sun-damaged skin and adult acne, and the ingredients are either too harsh together or incompatible," says Baumann. The biggest culprits: retinol, glycolic acid (aka AHA's), vitamin C, and benzoyl peroxide—avoid layering them, or at least try to use them at different times of day.

Rosacea

Description & Prevention
It may come in handy when you're making like Santa Claus, but this chronic skin condition usually leaves you anything but jolly. Rosacea causes the nose and cheeks to suddenly turn beet red, often after eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol or a hot beverage, or being out in hot weather. No one knows what really causes rosacea, although doctors have noticed that fair-skinned women of Irish or Celtic ancestry are genetically predisposed. Rosacea affects about 5% of the population, most often women between the ages of 30 and 40.


Fortunately, keeping rosacea under control is frequently as simple as treating your skin gently and avoiding anything that's known to trigger a flush.


Find a gentle cleanser. Use a liquid facial cleanser that contains sodium lauryl sulfate or disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate. Both ingredients will clean your skin gently and without any stimulation that might cause flushing.


Soothe your skin with chamomile. Since chamomile is known to soothe rosacea-prone skin, use cleansers, soaps, and moisturizers containing chamomile, an herb related to the ragweed family. One caution though: If you are allergic to ragweed, you should avoid these cleansers.


Avoid abrasives. Any type of abrasion can cause a flush. So leave abrasive products such as scrubs, buff puffs, or cleansing powders to others.


Keep wrinkle creams to a minimum. If you have rosacea and want to use an anti-aging cream that contains alpha hydroxy acids to prevent wrinkles, proceed cautiously. Read product labels carefully, and only buy creams that keep the percentage of acid under 2.5%. If package directions urge you to use the cream twice a day, don't push your luck. Use it once a day, tops. If there is any redness at all, discontinue using the product.


Gently apply a cucumber moisturizer. After you cleanse your skin (and also if you apply an alpha hydroxy acid preparation), smooth on moisturizers that contain cucumber extracts. Although no one knows why, cucumber lotions soothe rosacea-prone skin.


Select cosmetics for sensitive skin. Since the chemicals used in most cosmetics will irritate rosacea-prone skin, use only cosmetics that are labeled "for sensitive skin." Although not chemical-free, they usually have fewer and less-irritating chemicals than regular makeup.


Stay in the shade. Stay out of the sun, period. The sun may set off a flare-up, and no cover-up or sunscreen will prevent it.


Use only a titanium dioxide sunscreen. Even in the shade, you're exposed to indirect sunlight, so use a sunscreen whenever you go outside. Avoid all the chemical sunscreens, and stick to a sunscreen that lists titanium dioxide as its major ingredient. It's less irritating to rosacea-prone skin.


Stay cool. Since heat is a major cause of flare-ups, dress in layers of light clothes that you can peel off to keep your body cool, no matter where you are. And take tepid (not hot) baths and showers.


Avoid wool. Wool tends to keep you too warm and seems to cause redness and rashes in those who are prone to rosacea.


Choose cool food. Spicy food is known to make those with rosacea flush. Avoid foods prepared with chili peppers, Tabasco sauce, horseradish, and the like. Try to eat more dark green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, asparagus, and spinach. These foods are high in vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, and bioflavonoids, which can improve rosacea by strengthening capillaries and boosting the immune system.


Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol causes blood vessels in the skin to dilate, making rosacea more noticeable.

Peeling Skin Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet

Various skin disorders or medical conditions may lead to peeling skin as a symptom.

Here is a compilation of the most probable causes other than skin disorders that lead to peeling skin:

-Heavy perspiration due to tight gloves or boots
-Certain blisters contain fluid between the two layers of skin. When the blister breaks it leaves the skin open to be peeled.
-Rashes may cause skin peeling
-Dry skin and extreme cold weather can make the skin peel.
-Sunburn is a commonly known reason for skin peeling -Allergy to specific chemicals or irritation from chemicals can cause skin peeling.
-TEN (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) or blisters which cover the whole body, is a rare disease that causes the skin to peel.
-The Peeling Skin Syndrome or Skin Peeling Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes continuous skin peeling may also be a probable cause.

Home Remedies to cure peeling skin
Nature care has some helpful remedies to provide immediate relief and for continuous use to make the skin prevent disorders such as peeling skin.

Here is a compilation of some such known home remedies that one can use for curing peeling skin. It is important to note that if desirable results are not achieved it is wise to consult a physician.

-Grated cucumber applied over the affected areas for 15-20 minutes has been found to be effective especially for the skin on the face. Regular application prevents dryness of the skin.
-Applying the juice of fresh mint every night on affected areas of the skin can help prevent dryness. It is also a suggested remedy for eczema and dermatitis.
-Honey, olive oil and a mixture of turmeric and sandalwood paste are very effective in rejuvenating dry, parched skin


Here is a list of sources of essentials vitamins for peeling skin:
Vitamin Sources
Vitamin A: Cream, butter, fish liver oils, eggs, carrots
Vitamin B: Meat, yeast, unpolished cereal grains, liver, eggs, cheese, milk.
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, green peppers and tomatoes
Proteins: Meat, fish, cereals, dairy products, nuts, lentils, pulses and some vegetables.
Iron: Red meat, almonds, baked beans, broccoli, kidney beans, peas, raisins, rice etc

Countdown to Great Skin

One Day: Look Brighter


The night before: Use an at-home peel or microdermabrasion kit. "These products whisk away dead cells and instantly reveal healthier skin," says Elizabeth Briden, MD, adjunct associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota. Bonus: Cosmetics glide on smoother and more evenly.

One Day: Camouflage Fine Lines


1 hour before your event: Exfoliate and add moisture; the combination offers immediate plumping that lasts several hours. "Even gentle sloughing causes skin to swell slightly, making wrinkles less noticeable," says Briden. Use a scrub with smooth, spherical beads that polish without causing redness (look for polyethylene at the top of the ingredient list). Follow with a lotion that contains GABA, a peptide that relaxes muscles and temporarily eases pesky lines.

One Day: Lessen Redness


In the morning: Wash with a mild, soap-free cleanser; pat dry to avoid inflaming skin. Spot treat ruddy areas with a soothing 1% OTC hydrocortisone cream or a calming cream.

Throughout the day: Skip flare-up items like hot beverages, alcohol, and anything spicy--they release a chemical called histamine that can turn skin red.

1 hour before your event: Apply a washcloth soaked in cold water to your face for 10 minutes; the cool compress constricts blood vessels. Follow with a lotion that boasts a greenish tint. "Green cancels out redness because it's on the opposite end of the color spectrum," says Briden.

One Week: Fade Brown Spots

Nightly: Use a peel or microdermabrasion kit to slough off the top layer of skin, making brown spots less noticeable. Any subsequent redness should be gone by morning.

One Week: Smooth Deep Lines


7 days before: Get Botox (around $500) to prevent muscle movement that causes crow's feet and forehead furrows; the smoothing effect kicks in within a few days and lasts up to 4 months.

At the same time: Instantly plump deep lines and folds with filling materials like Restylane or Juvéderm. Made with hyaluronic acid, a substance found in skin, these options offer natural-looking fullness for about 6 months. Or try Evolence, a new product derived from pig collagen. Due to its thicker consistency, results may last up to a year. Such fast results come at a price: Expect to pay about $600 per treated area. Be prepared for mild swelling and bruising that last a few days.

One Week: Clear Broken Capillaries


7 days before: Try the Pulsed Dye Laser, which emits a beam of light that targets red pigment in the skin, causing vessels to collapse. You may experience slight swelling that lingers for 24 to 48 hours; treatment starts at $300.

Nightly: Use a topical retinoid to strengthen weak vein walls (wait 2 days if you've had the laser).

Daily: Apply an SPF of at least 15 (30 is better) to maintain clearing and prevent the UV damage that often causes the problem in the first place.

One Month: Reduce Wrinkles, Firm Skin


Nightly: Use an Rx retinoid to target wrinkles all over. "These vitamin A derivatives supercharge cell turnover, so you'll notice fewer wrinkles by the end of the month," says Arielle Kauvar, MD, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University Medical School. Ask your doctor for Atralin, the most moisturizing retinoid, which you can use daily for faster results with minimal dryness or flaking. Caveat: If skin is sensitive or prone to redness, you may be able to tolerate using the cream only every second or third night, at least for the first 2 weeks.

Every morning: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect fresh cells.


One Month: Erase Brown Spots



Every other week: Alternate between using an at-home peel and a microdermabrasion product to fade splotches, reduce fine lines, and boost radiance. "Combining exfoliators is like power washing your complexion," says Briden. Follow directions on the label so you don't strip away too much of your skin's protective outer layer. You may experience some immediate redness, which should dissipate the next day.

Every morning: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to keep fresh cells from repigmenting.

Nightly: Apply an Rx hydroquinone bleaching cream; top with a prescription retinoid to drive the lightener into skin for faster results. Limit use to 2 months.

2 weeks before: If you can afford to splurge, an in-office peel employing a low level of trichloroacetic acid offers more dramatic results in tone and texture, reaching deeper layers of skin. After about a week of downtime (you'll look badly sunburned), your natural healing response kicks in, replacing damaged tissue with fresh, younger-looking skin. Cost: around $700.

One Month: Relieve Redness



Immediately: Shelve aggressive anti-agers such as retinoid-containing creams and glycolic acid peels.

Nightly: Use a cream made with calming botanicals such as licorice extract or feverfew to help control unwanted redness. Try Aveeno Ultra Calming Night Cream ($14; drugstores).

Once (4 weeks ahead): If it's in your budget, try a single Intense Pulsed Light session. Experts say patients average about a 20% decrease in diffuse ruddiness after one treatment. Bonus: Because IPL employs several wavelengths of light to remove unwanted pigment, you'll likely see an improvement in brown spots as well. Side effects include mild redness and swelling that subside within a day or two.

Even women who know a lot about staying healthy tend to make these mistakes

You Always Order a Salad
Don't assume that bowl of lettuce is always the healthiest menu pick.
The Fix: Don't scratch take-out salad off your menu; just use a few commonsense rules before you order. Avoid high-fat add-ons such as sour cream, extra cheese, croutons, bacon bits, and creamy dressings like Caesar and ranch. Opt for salads that aren't just a fiber-free mound of iceberg lettuce dotted with a few carrot and red cabbage shavings. And plan ahead: Most fast-food chains supply nutritional info online so you can scout out the best options before you leave.

You Rock Out While You Work Out
Do your ears ring after a long iPod-powered workout?
The Fix: To protect your ears, try to listen at 10 to 50% of the full volume. Some MP3 player models let you lock in a range. Or switch over to a pair of sound-isolating earphones; they drown out background noise so your music doesn't have to.

You Avoid the Scale
For some women, this is the only thing in the house gathering more dust than the treadmill.
The Fix: If you're trying to lose weight, get on the scale monthly. Do it first thing in the morning, naked, after you use the bathroom, and at the same time in your menstrual cycle—not when you're likely to have water-weight gain. If you're maintaining weight you've recently lost, hop on at least once a week. That's how the biggest "losers" in the National Weight Control Registry—the largest study of people who've been successful at long-term weight loss—stay slim. Don't freak out over anything less than a 5-pound gain; that's a normal fluctuation. But if you find yourself drifting higher than that, it's time to rein yourself in.

You're Sloppy with Sunscreen
Think you're sunscreen savvy? Maybe not
The Fix: To apply the right way, focus on one area at a time, careful not to miss spots like feet, tops of ears, temples, and the back of the neck. Be sure to use enough: You'll need at least 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover your entire body. If your bottle is 4 ounces, it should not last for more than 4 applications. Squeeze the lotion directly onto your body skin and rub it in with your fingertips; putting it on your hands first makes most of the lotion stick to your palms.

You Forget to Floss
We spend millions a year on procedures that bleach our teeth whiter than pearls, but many don't put in the less than 5 minutes a day it takes to floss.
The Fix: Floss at least once a day. Treat it like any other part of your routine you'd never skip, like brushing your teeth or showering. Here's a reminder how-to from the American Dental Association: Take about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers. Hold a few inches of the floss tightly between thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth, using a gentle rubbing motion. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth, and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with an up-and-down motion. Repeat this for every tooth.

You Don't Lift Weights
Some women avoid lifting weights because they think they'll end up looking like a female version of The Rock.
The Fix: You don't have to spend a lot of time pumping iron to reap the benefits—2 or 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days for about 30 minutes per session should do the trick. The American Council on Exercise says that light weights and multiple reps tend to help build endurance and muscle tone, while using heavier weights generally produces stronger muscles.

You Ignore Aches and Pains
If you're knee-deep in caring for kids, managing a household, and holding down a job, you may be quick to brush off a nagging cough, back twinge, or bout of indigestion. You may think fatigue is your natural state.
The Fix: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of serious illness, know your risk factors, report anything unusual immediately, and don't let anything get in the way of regular screening tests, which can often detect problems when they're still small and treatable.

You Wear Contacts No Matter What
It's safer to switch to glasses when you're under the weather.
The Fix: Wear your specs until you're feeling better, experts advise, or switch to daily-wear disposable lenses to avoid infection.

You Don't Get Enough Sleep
Scrimping on sleep may seem like a smart way to squeeze a few more productive hours into the day, but busy women who do it can pay a heavy price with their health.
The Fix: Acknowledge the futility of trying to fit 26 hours' worth of activities into 24. Cut back on your commitments. Divvy up family responsibilities with your partner and children. Establish a bedtime for yourself, and stick to it every night. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. And don't use alcohol as a sleep inducer; it can actually interfere with a full night's rest. Your sleep may improve if you adhere to the same relaxing bedtime rituals you've started for your kids, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a warm bath.

You Assume Home Cooking Is Always Healthier
Making your own meals is usually healthier than takeout, but your cookbook may not be as slimming as you think.
The Fix: Use our portion control finder to make sure you can gauge realistic meal sizes; then freeze leftovers in individual containers so you eat one portion at a time, not two or three.

Your Faucet's Always at the Same Temp
When you cook or drink, keep it cool. When you wash your hands, turn up the heat.

The Fix: If you haven't turned on the faucet for 6 hours or more, let it run cold for a minute before using, the EPA advises—and use only water filters bearing a seal from NSF International, a company that certifies products' lead-removing abilities

Your Friends Have Bad Health Habits
With friends like these, you may need to watch your waistline.
The Fix: Maintain your own beliefs about what is healthy—and avoid being swayed by friends and their weight gain. "Those around us can influence us in ways we don't realize," says Christakis. If your friends are sharing unhealthy apps at dinner, order the usual healthy choice you would have with a different crowd.

You Drive With the Windows Down
Commuting may be hazardous to your lungs.
The Fix: During a trafficky commute, driving with windows shut and air recirculating helps somewhat, say researchers; taking a train or biking on less busy roads can have an even healthier impact.

You Don't Check Your Doc's Track Record
Having an operation? An overachieving surgeon could save your life.
The Fix: To check your surgeon's experience, call her office and ask: Is she board certified in her specialty? How many surgeries of the type you need has she performed in the past year? How does her success rate compare with the national average? Has she ever had to pay to settle a malpractice claim or been disciplined by a hospital or a state medical licensing board?

The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Good Health

Fruits & Vegetables
The gold standard: Up to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day
Good Enough: 5 a day

Cardio
The gold standard: 30 minutes of cardio 5 or more days a week
Good Enough: 17 minutes a day


Sunscreen
The gold standard: Apply SPF 30 or higher several times a day
Good Enough: Use SPF 15

Staying Hydrated
The gold standard: Eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily
Good Enough: Drink with meals and when you're thirsty


Sleep
The gold standard: 8 hours a night
Good Enough: 7 hours

Portion Sizes
The gold standard: Measure everything you eat
Good Enough: Size up grains and fats only

Strength-Training
The gold standard: 2 or 3 times a week
Good Enough: Once a week

Hand Washing
The gold standard: Lather for at least 15 to 20 seconds before rinsing
Good Enough: Wash for 10 seconds, then rinse

Healthy Weight
The gold standard: BMI between 19 and 25
Good Enough: Aim to lose 5 to 7% of your current body weight

Common Causes for Chronic Chapped Lips

Toothpaste is a very common contributor to chapped lips, even though we may not consider it. Most toothpaste contains guaiazulene, which may cause a contact allergy.
Lipstick contains an ingredient called propyl gallate which can also cause a contact allergy, therefore causing chapped lips eventually.
Orange juice or any other juice from citrus fruits can irritate your lips. A photo-toxic reaction can occur on your lips that look like chapped lips.
We all use red dye in many products. Candy, lozenges, chewing gums, mouthwash, etc. all contain red dye that may cause allergies.
Various other lip care products besides lipstick are also a point of interest when it comes to pin-pointing allergic reactions. Many contain Phenylsalicylate (salol) which may be the cause for severe chapped lips.
Too much of vitamin A may also be the culprit behind your peeling lips. It does not matter if the source of your vitamin A comes from whole foods or supplements, if you are taking in more than 25,000 I.U. per day, then you might want to take a closer look at this.
In addition to excessive vitamin A, your body may be taking in too much Vitamin B12 supplements. As a result of this you develop an allergy to cobalt from taking your B12 supplements and this causes crusty and swollen lips.
Cinnamon flavoring can also cause lip chapping. This flavoring is found in candy, chewing gums, mouthwashes, etc.
Eating too many figs can also cause your allergic reaction due to photo-toxicity.
And interestingly enough, metal objects like paper clips and pocket change is a very likely cause of chronic chapped lips. An allergic reaction may show itself on your lips.

How to Hide a Blemish Without Making it Worse!

Have you recently woke up horrified to a big, bright red blemish has appeared smack in the middle of your face? Sitting prominently on your otherwise smooth cheek is a pimple so big that you immediately run to the bathroom mirror and start squeezing away at the sucker.

Before you get yourself into pimple panic mode, stop, take a deep breath, and remember it's only natural that blemishes appear from time to time. Everyone encounters a blemish or two; nevertheless, it's essential that you care for them so that they disappear instead of sticking around for good

Rinse And Repeat

Use a clean washcloth and a bar of soap to cleanse the surface. Try and stay away from makeup remover cloths, as they use certain chemicals that may sting or burn your blemish. Use hot water and press on your blemish (do not squeeze or pop, apply minimal pressure). Make sure that you've thoroughly washed and gently pat your face dry. Let your pores take in the natural air by not applying anything to your face for at least five minutes.

Silky Smooth

The blemish and rest of your face should still be moisturized. Use either a medicated brand of moisturizer or chose from our list of recommended moisturizers. Apply a thin layer as you don't want to clog your pores.

Blend In

Find a concealer with a slight yellow tinge to cover up the bright red blemish. It's important to wash your hands, and instead of using any applicators, use your finger to apply the concealer. This way you won't poke or put unnecessary pressure on the blemish. Apply to the blemish in a circular motion and pat down gently to finish.

Beautify

Once you've covered up your blemish with concealer, put your makeup on as you normally would. There's no reason to over-do your makeup to distract from your pimple. It's better to go with your natural makeup
After Hours

Once you're home and you've made it through the bad-blemish day, take a hot shower and slip into some sweats. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and face again. If you have constant blemishes, you may want to see a dermatologist who can prescribe night cream for a blemish-free face. Otherwise, before you're ready for bed, take some toothpaste (I know it sounds crazy, but it really works) and apply it the same way you did the concealer. In the morning your blemish will be half the size.

Depending on your skin type, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid topical creams can burn, sting, and possibly create scars, so be careful with your skin.

Stopping Pimples and Blemishes

Acne prone people are still going to experience pimples and blemishes, even after the best skin care routine. After they appear, knowing how to get rid of them quickly and sensibly reduces your chance of scarring.

Use the preventive maintenance above, along with some pimple drying techniques to shorten the life of your blemishes and breakouts.

If your skin is oily, use an over the counter cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to start the drying process. If you're experiencing one of those painful "under the skin, cystic" pimples, put a warm compress on it to drain it first, then dry it up with benzoyl peroxide. Sometimes putting a small piece of tape on your blemish overnight will help draw out the fluid and infection.

Another overnight home remedy for zapping a zit is to put a dab of toothpaste (not gel) on it to help dry it out. You may need to test this on a short-term basis to make sure it doesn't irritate your pimple. Calamine lotion will have the same drying effect.

Aspirin is a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory drug. It can also be used for drying out pimples. Put uncoated aspirin in a small bowl. Crush with a spoon and add warm water to make a paste. Apply it to the pimple and leave it on for several minutes. Rinse. You should notice reduced redness and swelling. This also works on bug bites!

It's not recommended to squeeze a pimple, but the jury is still out. While doing this makes you more prone to scarring and skin discolorations, sometimes it's the only fast way to drain it. If you're at the point where you feel the need to squeeze, consult your dermatologist for treatment.

If blemishes persist, scarring needs to be prevented and there are many useful products to put a stop to recurring acne and pimples. If your blemish is gone and you have some discoloration but no scar, don't fret. Chances are, it will fade with time.

The Art of Fragrance Layering

Learn the concept of layering fragrances. Think of it like putting on a few thin coats of paint as opposed to one thick coat. It sticks better and lasts longer.

Put on the first layer. Your first fragrance layer is body wash. When you decide what fragrance you will be wearing for the day, use the corresponding body wash during your shower or bath.

Move on to the second layer. When you are finished showering, dry off and use moisturizer of the same fragrance.

Apply the final layer. This layer is the actual perfume or cologne that is the same fragrance as both the body wash and the moisturizer you used previously.

10 Rules For Dieters

Before you commit yourself to a weight-loss effort, consider these new ways of thinking and dining:



Think of yourself as a thin person.

Plan your meals and snacks. Know ahead of time exactly what you will eat and how much.

Avoid all restaurants for the first week.

Do not read or watch TV while you eat. Concentrate on your food.

Never eat standing up.

Put your cutlery down after each mouthful. Don't refill it until you've swallowed.

Chew slowly. Taste what you are eating.

Fill your plate only with the amount of food you want. Do not eat from platters on the table.

Do not take second helpings.

Always leave some food on your plate.

Face Facts About Sugar

If the promise of a slimmer waistline hasn't curbed your sweet tooth, maybe the desire for smooth skin will. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but experts now believe that a lifetime of overeating sugar can make skin dull and wrinkled.



At blame is a natural process that's known as glycation, in which the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins to form harmful new molecules called advanced glycation end products (or, appropriately, AGEs for short). The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop. "As AGEs accumulate, they damage adjacent proteins in a domino-like fashion," explains Fredric Brandt, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in Miami and New York City and author of 10 Minutes 10 Years. Most vulnerable to damage: collagen and elastin, the protein fibers that keep skin firm and elastic. In fact, collagen is the most prevalent protein in the body. Once damaged, springy and resilient collagen and elastin become dry and brittle, leading to wrinkles and sagging. These aging effects start at about age 35 and increase rapidly after that, according to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology.



Besides damaging collagen, a high-sugar diet also affects what type of collagen you have--another factor in how resistant skin is to wrinkling, says Brandt. The most abundant collagens in the skin are types I, II, and III, with type III being the most stable and longest lasting. Glycation transforms type III collagen into type I, which is more fragile. "When that happens, the skin looks and feels less supple," says Brandt. The final blow: AGEs deactivate your body's natural antioxidant enzymes, leaving you more vulnerable to sun damage--still the main cause of skin aging.



One group that knows all too well sugar's ravaging effects: people with diabetes, who--because they can suffer from years of undetected high blood sugar--often show early signs of skin aging. "Depending on how well their disease is controlled, diabetics can have up to 50 times the number of AGEs in their skin as those who don't have diabetes," says Karyn Grossman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City and Santa Monica, CA, and chief of the division of dermatology at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica.



The good news about sugar-damaged skin: It's never too late to turn back the clock. One way is to build new collagen with products that contain retinoids--look for retinol in OTC serums and lotions or prescription creams such as Renova, Avage, and Differin. To keep this new collagen supple, prevent AGEs from forming by taking steps to minimize the damage sugar causes to your skin. Here, five steps to eat right and keep your skin looking its youngest:

By Karyn Repinski , Karyn Repinski is a deputy editor at Prevention.

Fresh Approach to Oily Skin Care

This skin type usually has open pores and an oily surface with a tendency towards pimples, blackheads and a sallow appearance. The good news is that this oiliness will make your skin stay younger.

Even though the remainder of your face is prone to oiliness, always remember that the skin around your eyes is very delicate, so don’t drag at it when removing your eye makeup. Soak a cotton wool pad with a non oily remover and hold over your eyes for a few seconds to give it time to dissolve the make up. Then lightly stroke away the mascara and make -up from the eyelids, and the upper and lower lashes.
Lather up with a gentle facial wash, as it won’t strip away moisture from your skin, but it will remove grime, dirt and oil. Massage gently over damp skin with your fingertips, and then rinse away the soapy suds with lots of warm water.
Soak a cotton wool ball with a refreshing astringent lotion. Sweep it over your skin to refresh and cool it .Continue until the cotton wool comes up completely clean.
Even oily skin needs moisturizer, because a moisturizer helps to seal water into the top layer to keep the skin soft and supple. Choose a light, watery fluid as this will be enough for you.
Allow the moisturizer to sink in for a few minutes, and then press a clean tissue over your face to absorb the excess oil and prevent a shiny complexion.

Facial expression

Become aware of the facial expressions you often make when stressed-out. If you raise your eyebrows often, you could very well end up with permanent wrinkles on your forehead. If you squint because you don't understand something, lines between your brows may become evident.
Don't expect to live without facial expressions, they're part of you. What you can do is be aware of those expressions you make when nobody is looking. Replace those with something else, such as fidgeting and ease up on your face.