Skin Cleansers - An Overview On Soap

Soaps, as we know them, were first used about 600 BC by the Phoenicians who combined goat fat, water, and potassium carbonate ash to form a solid soap. More recently, in 1878, Harley Procter developed a soap in collaboration with his cousin, James Gamble. They produced a soap by whipping air into a soap solution, this resulted in Ivory Soap, which is still used today.

Cleansing of the skin helps the skin to maintain a healthy, attractive looking, surface. It removes dust, perspiration, and some of the breakdown products of sebum. Makeup can also be removed.

Foreign substances such as dirt will mix with the oil of the skin and become embedded. Water is inadequate to remove this. Soaps will be used to decrease the oil on the surface of the skin removing the dirt at the same time.

Soaps are essentially made of salts of fatty acids. The most commonly used fats come from animal and vegetable sources and include stearic acid, palmitic, oleic, as well as lauric. Soap particles will coat the fat droplets in which dirt is embedded and then will allow these to be removed by water.

Types Of Cleansers:

1. Bar soaps
2. Lipid free cleansers
3. Cleansing creams
4. Astringents and toners
5. Abrasive scrubs
6. Facial masks

Soaps can be irritating to the skin, the removal of the protective fat layer can lead to drying. A high pH of skin can also be irritating. Soaps can also combine with the calcium and magnesium found on the surface of the skin to form fatty acid salts which of themselves become irritating. The skin's acidity may be affected. The acidity of the skin is important to inhibit bacterial and fungal infections.

1) Bar soaps:

Bar soaps are essentially salts of fatty acids, they are the most commonly used cleansers. They can be irritating, particularly to sensitive skin. A number of components can be added to soaps including the following:

• Moisturizers
• Fragrances & perfumes
• Preservatives
• Colouring agents
• Anti-bacterial compounds

Moisturizers:

Moisturizers will counteract the drying effect of soaps. The loss of the protective oil layer increases the chances of irritation. This can be counteracted by the use of moisturizing products such as glycerin, vegetable fats, or lanolin. The amount of moisturizer that is incorporated into soap is very small. Individuals who have a tendency to have dry skin should apply specific moisturizers after washing with soap rather than relying on the moisturizing component of soaps. Transparent soaps will have a high glycerin content and this tends to absorb water out of the skin, potentially causing more irritation.

Fragrances:

Fragrances are commonly used to conceal the odours of the raw ingredients of soaps. Some individuals will be sensitive and become allergic to these products. Anti-bacterial soaps will contain triclosan or triclocarban. A small residue will remain on the skin, which may inhibit bacteria. These can be useful in inhibiting unpleasant odours such as those found in areas where there are a significant number of apocrine sweat glands. These are found in the armpits and groin.

Mild soaps:

Mild soaps are designed to minimize irritations. They will not have colouring agents or perfumes. These do not tend to cause stinging of the skin or the eyes. Irritation or allergic reactions, while less likely to occur, may still be a problem for small children or for those who have very sensitive skin.

2) Lipid-free cleansers:

These are liquid cleansers that do not contain any fat. They will be applied to the skin and then wiped away or rinsed off with water. Many of these will contain glycerin, cetyl alcohol, sodium or sulphate, and sometimes propylene glycol. They will leave a very fine moisturizing film on the skin. These are particularly effective in removing cosmetics and are useful for individuals who have a tendency towards eczema. These may also be more helpful in older, drier skin.

3) Cleansing creams:

These creams can be used to both wash the skin and to moisturize it, they contain a mixture of mineral oil, petroleum, water, and some waxes. These are known also as cold creams, they are applied to the skin and washed off. They are useful for removing makeup and are usually made of heavy oils. These creams are helpful in removing sebum from the skin. They are gentler than other cleansers, and are recommended for dry skin, but are not that useful for those with oily skin or individuals with acne. Cleansing creams are best not used as moisturizers, as they are likely to cause irritation if left on for some time.

4) Astringents and toners:

These are perfumed or fragranced alcohol-based solutions designed to remove oil from the skin and will produce a tight feeling to the skin. Many multi-stat cleansing regimens will incorporate astringents that are used after a regular bar soap is used, they certainly have some benefit in removing alkaline soaps that tend to stick to the skin. Astringents are available for oily, normal, and dry skin. The high concentration of alcohol certainly removes sebum especially in those with oily skin for example, individuals with acne. They are the products used to control T zone oiliness.

5) Abrasive scrubbers:

These substances cause the rubbing off or exfoliation of the surface of the skin, they are available either as an abrasive sponge, or an abrasive scrub which has small granules within a cream base. These are used to remove skin scales, they work through mechanical means rather than through chemical action. They should be used infrequently, and cannot be tolerated on a daily basis, if used excessively they can cause damage of the stratum corneum, which is the surface of the epidermis producing redness and scaling.

6) Facial masks:

Facial masks are applied to the skin in a thick layer and are left on for 15-30 minutes, they are otherwise known as facials. It is said that these will produce skin tightening as well as deep cleaning of the hair follicles and pores. They may be used as a preventative treatment for acne. These products cleanse and moisturize the skin as well, they have a cleansing action through superficial peeling of the skin. They will leave the skin feeling moisturized, there is a general feeling of well being for some time after this is done, although it is not possible to fundamentally change the skin longterm with these products.

Some masks are applied and rinsed off with water, these are absorbent masks that are made of insoluble powders, clay, and mud, or gel masks that contain substances such as tragacanth. A mask that is peeled off will be vinyl or rubber based, and will harden, and form into a transparent sheet that will have to be removed. Facial masks that are used for acne will absorb oil from the skin, and some of them can be integrated with sulpha and benzoyl peroxide.

Excessive cleansing with a mask can certainly cause irritation and occasionally there may be a secondary infection. Once these masks are removed, moisturizer should be applied to the skin to minimize the superficial peeling that follows.

Anti-Aging Remedies

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1.Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and Collagen Fillers
The days of stretching and lifting our faces are drawing to a close. Hyaluronic acid and collagen fillers are behind the "new look," a plumped-up, pushed-out baby face, adding volumed to sagging, weathered faces. As you age, the collagen in your skin breaks down due to an increased production of enzymes, leaving you more susceptible to bruising, wrinkling and tearing. "Collagen is a key supporting substance," says the University of Michigan (UM) Health System. A 2007 UM Health System study looked at Restylane, a dermal filler, and found it promoted new and limited the breakdown of existing collagen. All this, just twice a year. Maybe the rich and famous aren't so crazy after all.


2.Botox injections

Who hasn't had Botox injections these days? From top Hollywood stars to the stay-at-home mom down the street, the Botox craze continues to stiffen the faces of countless women. A skilled dermatologist, however, can inject Botox very precisely into the muscle, allowing facial movement in all except one small area. "The treatment is quick and not terribly painful, and the results are visible almost immediately," says Krupp. "Results only last about three to six months, but some doctors claim that if you have regular Botox injections, the results are cumulative, allowing you to go longer between injections until you don't need them anymore."


3.Retinoid creams

If you own a TV, no doubt you've been bombarded with commercials for rejuvenating creams, wrinkle-reducing moisturizers and countless other "miracles." What's the truth behind these weighty claims? According to the Harvard Health Publications, skin creams containing retinoid may do the trick. Tretinoin, a popular retinoid better known as Retin-A or Renova, "reduces fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen." If you're unable to get your hands on these prescriptions, there are over-the-counter options that "do improve the appearance of photoaged skin." Results appear in about 6 months to a year.


4.Chemical peels
A chemical peel, which eliminates the first layer of skin actually reveals the face that lies beneath the surface. There are varying levels of chemical peels, ranging from superficial peels with salicylic acid to deep peels with phenol. These procedures can effectively banish the appearance of wrinkles, scars and age spots, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. Superficial peels are not a one-time procedure; the best result won't come until you've gotten a number of peels. On the upside, they don't require an extended recovery period. For deeper peels, "Recovery may be slow and complete healing may take several months," according to Weill Medical College of Cornell University.


5.Laser skin resurfacing
Like a chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing aims to encourage growth of new cells beneath your damaged outer layer, as a means of tuning back the clock. But be prepared for some serious down time -- the UM Health System recommends that you do not return to work two weeks post-op. and have someone around for a day or two to help you out.


6.Vitamin Therapy: Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C and E
Simply taking vitamins won't halt the aging process, unless you're taking the ones that have a proven effect on your body. Vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene are antioxidants that have the power to protect your skin against harmful free radicals, which are believed to play a role in the aging process, according to the UM Health System. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals, which can develop from a variety of normal metabolic functions in the body or environmental factors, including smoke, smog and the sun. But before you start swallowing handfuls, be aware that an excess of vitamins can be dangerous to your health. Play it safe by taking the daily recommended amount of vitamins by eating foods rich in antioxidants.


7.Wear Sunscreen
The facts still stand firm: Sunscreen might be your best defense against the aging effects of the sun. "Excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun can result in premature aging and undesirable changes in skin texture," says the Center for Disease Control. The proper sunscreen can block UVA and UVB rays that can cause cancerous growths in addition to unsightly skin conditions. To be extra safe, stay out of direct sunlight when the rays are their strongest, usually in the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.


8.Anti-Aging Foods
"Those who ate a diet containing more 'whole foods' -- vegetables, fruits, legumes, eggs, yogurt, nuts, oils rich in monounsaturated fats, multigrain bread, tea, and water -- had less wrinkling and premature skin aging than those whose diets were rich in whole milk, red meat (particularly processed meats), butter, potatoes, and sugar," according to a study cited by University at California, Berkeley. These particular foods may help prevent aging because they are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals and monounsaturated fats.


9.De-stressing techniques
"It's hard to think of any disease in which stress cannot play an aggravating role, or any part of the body that is not affected [by stress]," according to The American Institute of Stress. That includes the ravages of aging. The key is to de-stress without harmful crutches like alcohol and cigarettes. Natural stress reduction methods like yoga, deep-breathing and meditation can be highly effective in contributing to a more youthful appearance.


10.Calorie Restriction
"Calorie restriction is the practice of eating less than your body needs to maintain your normal weight," according to the Mayo Clinic. And with the restriction may come revitalization and rejunvenation. Animals that have been placed on a restricted calorie diet in lab studies have lived longer lives than their counterparts who ate normal diets. They were also less likely to develop chronic illnesses that often develop with age. Also, "short trials of calorie restriction diets in people have shown some benefit," including improved blood pressure, a lower body fat percentage and lower levels of cholesterol, says the Mayo Clinic. A calorie-restricted diet can affect your overall health, but it has not been proven as conclusive anti-aging agent; speak with your doctor before starting.


11.Giveaway Areas
It used to be all about the face. Now, in order to mask their age, women are asking plastic surgeons to make improvements on more subtle parts of their bodies: hands, knees and the neck. Hands are one of the first body parts that can betray your age. Laser treatments can be used to remove spots that have already surfaced and the same fillers that are being used to plump up faces can be used to thicken skin on the hands. As for the neck and chest, a variety of prescription creams and Botox can work together to lighten spots, wrinkling and banding. As for the knees, there's no quick fix, but baggy knees can be lasered into their previous condition and treated with Botox and fillers.


12.Wear sunglasses
You've been told a thousand times that not wearing sunscreen will leave your skin wrinkly and leathery, but what about the sun's effects on your eyes? Sunglasses can shield your eyes from harsh rays that can induce cataracts and macular degeneration. The cosmetic benefits are plentiful too. "With shades, you'll squint less, helping you keep crow's feet and forehead wrinkles at bay, and you'll protect the delicate skin on the sides of your eyes, just as long as you make sure the shades cover that area as well," says Krupp.

Home made Facial Scrub : Home remedies recipes

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Exfoliation is essential to anyone’s skincare regimen, yet often the most hyped over-the-counter scrubs are costly and anything but chemical-free. The recipes below are not only all natural; they are cost-effective. Most importantly, they are fun to prepare in your own kitchen and leave you with tingly clean skin as a refreshing result!

General Scrub Procedure

1. Tie hair back.
2. Wash face.
3. To open pores, steam face over hot water or press warm cloth to skin for a few minutes.
4. After preparing scrub, apply it to face (and neck if desired). Avoid eye area.
5. Optional: Use a facial loofah, sponge, or brush to maximize exfoliation.
6. Rinse off with warm water.
7. Enjoy results!
   

#Yogurt Walnut Scrub

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup walnuts (very finely grounded)

The Instructions

Mix ingredients together. Wet your face then gently work the scrub into your skin. Rinse off with warm water.

#Oat and Brown Sugar Scrub

The Ingredients

2 Tbsp. ground oats 2 tsp. brown sugar 2 Tbsp. aloe vera 1 tsp. lemon juice

The Instructions Mix all ingredients in a clean bowl until you have a smooth paste. Gently massage onto damp skin, and rinse off with warm water. You can triple the recipe for a fantastic smoothing body treatment. Ground Oats: userolled oats and a clean coffee grinder or blender to grind the flakes to a fine powder.

#Egg,Oat,Honey Scrub

-1 Egg White
-1 TBS Honey
-1-3 TBS Finely Chopped Oats

Whisk the egg white and honey together in a bowl add a TBS of FC Oats. Until it forms a past if it is still runny add more FC oats. Then relax for 10 minutes. Then Wash Off


#Honey and Almond Scrub

1/2 Cold cream -- small jar 1 Tablespoon Honey Slivered almonds Whirl slivered almonds in a blender until they're as fine as freshly ground pepper. Mix with cold cream and add honey. Keep refrigerated.

#Rose Almond Face Scrub

To brighten and soften skin.

1 tsp rosewater
1/2 tsp almond flour or finely ground almonds.

Mix into paste and apply.

Oatmeal Scrub
A stimulating, thoroughly cleansing 3-in-1 scrub!
Smooths, tones, and hydrates.

1 Tbsp. ground oatmeal (use steel cut oats, not instant)
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. yogurt

Combine and apply.
Optional: let your scrub double as a mask! Let it sit a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

Azuki Bean Scrub
Banish your blackheads. Especially effective for combination and oily skin types.

½ cup dried azuki beans

Grind beans. (Having a small coffee grinder set aside specifically for beauty recipes is a wise idea).
Add a little water to the mixture and apply.

Milk and Honey Scrub
Maximize or minimize its moisturizing effect at will.

Choose your dairy:
1 tsp Skim Milk (Oily skin)
1 tsp 2% Milk (Normal or combination)
1 tsp Cream (Dry)

1 tsp honey
1 tbsp ground almonds

Banana Scrub
A very finely textured, delicious-smelling scrub. Can double as a mask.

2 tsp mashed banana
2 tsp rolled oats
1 tsp milk
1 tsp honey

Honey Sugar Scrub
If you have ever used a body sugar scrub, you know how amazing they are. Work the same magic on your face!

1 tsp. of honey
1/2 tsp. of sugar (either cane or brown — both work well)

Blend in bowl. Apply.
Rinse very thoroughly, as this recipe can be slightly sticky.

Care 2.com’s Healthy & Green Living shares this amazing (and Thanksgiving appropriate!) body scrub concoction (which also works wonders for the face):

Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice Scrub
1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Blend in a bowl. Apply mixture to face (and body, if you really want to indulge yourself).

The Green Beauty Guide offers this organic recipe:

“Eat Your Greens” Facial Scrub
2 tsp organic wheat bran
2 tbsp organic oatmeal
2 tbsp olive oil soap, finely shredded
1 tsp dried parsley
1 part dried lettuce

Shave your favorite plant oil-based soap.
Grind parsley and lettuce with pestle in mortar. (We have tried this - you can also blend it in a processor).
Add soap shavings and mix thoroughly.
Whisk in the oatmeal and wheat brand and continue stirring until thoroughly mixed.

You might also like:

• Facial Masks for Different Skin Types : Normal skin,Oily Skin, combination skin,dry skin,sensitive skin,ageing or maturing skin,sunburned skin

• Homemade Facial Mask Recipes

• How to make Cleansers at home : home made Skin cleansers

Types and Tratments of Acne Scars

Posted in Acne, acne scars, Acne Treatment, Box car scars, Hypertrophic scars, Ice pick scars, Rolling scars

Scars caused by acne are much more common than doctors once believed, most people will have acne scars that are mild. However, some will have scars that look significant even to others. The best approach is prevention and to treat acne right away as sometimes even mild acne can cause scarring, this can minimize the risk of permanent acne scars. There are a number of different looking scars caused by acne.

They Can Be Classified As Follows:

Ice pick scars - Deep pits, that are the most common and a classic sign of acne scarring.

Box car scars - Angular scars that usually occur on the temple and cheeks, and can be either superficial or deep, these are similar to chickenpox scars.

Rolling scars - Scars that give the skin a wave-like appearance.



Hypertrophic scars - Thickened, or keloid scars.

In order to get rid of, or minimize acne scarring, a combination of treatments provides the best results for many people.

Treatment Options For Acne Scars:

If you have scarring, the acne scar treatment you get will depend on the type of scars you have, as well as on your skin type. Most experience has been gained treating facial scars. Generally, scars on the chest and back do not respond as well.

Tips in choosing Anti Aging Creams

Posted in best anti aging creams, best anti aging skin care creams, best anti aging skin creams, best anti aging wrinkle creams, best anti wrinkle creams, best antiaging creams, best wrinkle creams

There are so many anti-aging creams in the market today that offers solutions to your skin problems such as discoloration, sagging, wrinkles, removal of eye bags and tightening of pores to name a few. Before spending your dollars on that expensive cream, here are some tips in choosing the one that will give you the best results.

The Ingredients to Look For

Most anti-aging creams include vitamins that are good for the skin when taken orally. If you put it on your skin, you are just putting a little dose because not all of it are absorbed into the skin enough to make a significant impact. But there are ingredients that have proven results such as:

Vitamin A. Effective in diminishing the depth of wrinkles because of its anti-inflammatory effect.

Vitamin C. Effective in brightening the skin by boosting circulation and collagen production. Some claim that vitamin-C enriched anti-aging creams also lighten the color of the skin. This is due to enhancement of skin renewal.

AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids or fruit acids). Our skin undergoes a natural renewal process. AHA enhances this process by shedding off of dead skin cells which makes way for brighter skin.

Retinoids. It hastens the production of new cells. With continued use, skin becomes smoother and also known to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. Take note of the word “continued” because if you stop using it, your skin will revert to its previous condition.

In most cases, a good moisturizer is enough to complement exercise and proper diet to battle the signs of aging.

How to pop a pimple

How to pop a pimple

Common advice is to let your body heal a pimple on its own without popping. But in the real world, some people absolutely refuse to go around with a bulging white zit for the world to see. Plus, when done properly, popping a pimple can actually be beneficial to the healing process. Reserve this technique for only pimples that are absolutely begging to be popped—all the way at the surface and white. After a shower is best, when the skin is supple.

1. Disinfect a needle with rubbing alcohol. A basic sharp sewing needle is a good choice.
2. Gently prick the pimple’s surface.
3. Take two tissues and wrap your index fingers with them.
4. Squeeze from the sides, confidently but gently, using a down-and-in motion. Don’t force it. If the pimple is ready, it’ll pop. If it doesn’t, leave it be. Be sure to stop if clear fluid or blood starts to come out.
5. Continuing to work at a lesion that is not ready to be popped can lead to scarring. Walk away from the mirror!

It is very important to leave deep, painful lesions (cysts and nodules) untouched. Do not attempt to pop them. Instead, a fantastic option for these types of lesions is to see a dermatologist who can administer a cortisone injection which will bring down swelling and potentially reduce or eliminate scarring. Often dermatologists will accept a quick “emergency” appointment for such matters.

Cure Acne in 3 days!

Cure Acne in 3 days!

The market is littered with "cures for acne". However, if you ask any dermatologist or medical researcher, they will tell you a cure does not exist. While Accutane does provide long term remission for some patients and an argument could be made that it approaches an "acne cure" in these cases, you will not find a cure on the Internet or in the back of a magazine.

Since there is no cure for acne, your time is better spent looking at how to treat and prevent acne. In my experience, is the best over-the-counter medication for preventing acne. But with benzoyl peroxide, as with any other acne medication aside from , you must be deliberate and steady and follow an acne treatment regimen until you grow out of acne naturally. Prevention is the key.

For a free, non-commercial acne prevention regimen, visit the pages of Acne.org.

Note: I think the human race would be better off without it, and with today’s knowledge and technology, I think it’s possible. I am spending most of my time researching at this point, delving deeper and deeper into how the pore works on a microscopic level and then researching possible ways to interrupt the acne process within the skin. I am always looking for interns to help me with this process. If you are passionate about research, meticulous, and a good communicator, please feel free to regarding internship opportunities.