Guess What Beauty Ritual These Glam Divas Have In Common?

Mornin’ cuppa lemon water — Yes all these svelte beauties start their day by sipping on a soothing warm drink of water energized with a slice of lemon. Confessions decree, make it two cups straight first thing in the morning and your digestive system becomes streamlined. Depending on the taste buds or the health guru’s advice, some of these beauties dose their morning brew with a dash of honey and some with ginger. Varied ingredients from green tea to mint leaves have also reportedly been used to enhance this “AM health libation” based on their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti bloating properties to help these lissome divas fight bloated bellies or puffy faces.

Fettle Benedictions Of Drinking Lemon Water

There are numerous health benefits of drinking lemon water. Lemon contains about 5% citric acid and is a rich source of vitamin C, pectin, naringenin, eriocitrin, multi-vitamins like vitamin B complex, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. You wanna know more? Here we go…

Gorgeously Glowing Skin — This citrus beverage is packed with vitamin C which helps to maintain glowing, moisturized healthy skin and boosts immunity.

Slim & Smooth Curves — The slimming actions of lemon aqua vitae on adipose tissue (fat) and cellulite are well documented. It helps assist weight loss, especially when taken first thing in the morning on empty stomach. Lemons are high in pectin fiber, a key component that can help reduce triglycerides and fats in our body.

Cholesterol Patrol — Research has also show that drinking lemon water first thing in the morning on long-term basis reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol in the body.

Curb Your Appetite — This thirst quencher also tones down your desire to eat unnecessarily, reducing sweet, carbohydrate, and gluten cravings. In a study published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition” authors reported that pectin found in lemon and other citric fruit helped the study recruits to feel full for longer periods after meals compared to the control group.

Liver Friendly — According to a study published in 2014 in "Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology," a compound found in lemons called naringenin helps calm liver inflammation. In 2003, "Life Sciences" reported results of a study indicating that eriocitrin, a flavonoid found in lemons, protects liver against exercise-induced oxidative stress. This citrus concoction also has positive effect on “fatty” liver.

Breath Of Fresh Air — Routine consumption of lemon water supports oral health by reducing bad breath odors and relieving pains associated with toothaches and gingivitis. However beware, the citric acid in lemon juice may erode tooth enamel, so be sure to rinse your mouth out with water after your daily cup.

Anti Bacterial — Lemons are an amazing way to keep bad bacteria at bay. Lemon juice also reportedly cuts through and reduces phlegm congesting the lungs and sinuses, and limits skin infections like acne, or folliculitis.

Blood Purifier — Lemon brew allegedly helps detoxify our body and helps improve many diseases e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, gout, diabetes type II, multiple sclerosis, digestive disorders, allergies, chronic fatigue.

Energy Booster — A goblet full of lemon zinger can also serve as an effective weapon, in our daily battle for better energy.

Word Of Warning — If you suffer from strong acid reflux (heartburn) or ulcers (mouth, esophageal or stomach) drinking lemon water can make the condition worse. 

Now that you know that starting your day with lemon water on an empty stomach can impart you with such huge health benefits, join the cultus and replace your morning cuppa joe with a healthy cuppa citrusy water. Break free from bad indulgences, get rid of toxins, stay hydrated, and alert while enjoying beautiful, clear skin. If you don’t like the sour taste, add in a bag of green tea or honey, both have great anti-inflammatory properties and are full of antioxidants. To look extra svelte avoid foods that cause bloating, like salty foods, dairy, grains and soda. Diet soda is particularly bad if you're trying to avoid bloating.

Sip on and look stunning!

Blanc Beauty

Do you think fairy tale standards of beauty affect our daily life? Referencing Snow White, Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of ‘em all —How many of you think that fair depicts skin color here? Most balanced minds today will comprehend fairest of ‘em all, as the one who is most pleasing to the eye. Opposed to that a big populace of impressionable minds, especially in the East still believe that the literal meaning; the whitest of white holds true when it comes to defining beauty.

The Snow White Syndrome

Since the beginning of civilization beauty standards have been set and changed, mostly driven by the lifestyle and looks of nobility and the ruling classes. Throughout the pre-1950s world, fair and un-calloused skin was considered a sign of nobility and being free from the burden to do outdoor work or manual labor. That's most probably why in pre-modern times the word "fair" became a synonym for "beautiful." Great lengths were taken to maintain pale and dainty skin, including using lead and arsenic based makeup to fit the mold. Similarly colonial rule identified white skin as ruling class and dark skin as slaves.

Looking at the today’s standards of beauty, the world seems to stand divided when it comes to skin color; half of the world population in its quest to look tanned, healthy, just returned from vacation and living the high life is baking their skin under the sun risking skin cancer. Yet among the other half, especially the skin of color populace the pre-modern standard of alabaster beauty are still holding strong. Majority of people in Middle East, Asia and Africa still identify beauty with peaches and cream complexion.

The fascination with white skin in some cases becomes an obsession that’s when I call it the Snow White syndrome (an extension of body dysmorphic image). Under its influence most girls as well as guys believe that only white skin is the ultimate standard of beauty. Innocent youth gripped in its dark claws keep searching for magical products to lighten their skin tone. This syndrome has fueled legit as well as dangerous products to flood the markets that range from lotions, potions to pill and injectables. To manage this syndrome we need to treat minds rather than skin.

Looking At Skin Color Beyond Prejudice

Dermatologically speaking skin color is determined by the amount of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. People with dark skin have more melanin. Apart from defining skin color and ethnicity, one of the main functions of melanin is to protect skin cells form harmful effects of sun, including skin cancers and aging.

How much melanin your skin has is mainly a matter of your genetic makeup. Sunlight exposure, hormones, skin damage, and exposure to certain chemicals can also affect melanin production.

Changes in skin color often resolve themselves. For instance, tans fade when the amount of direct exposure to sunlight is reduced. But over time, certain discolorations, such as "age" spots or "liver" spots, melasma and hormone triggered pigmentation can become more or less permanent.

Anatomy Of Skin Bleaching Creams

Skin bleaching creams can come under many names. They are known as skin whiteners, skin brighteners, or fading creams. They mainly work by stopping the body from producing melanin as well as stopping the spread of melanin in the epidermis. The result is a gradual lightening of the skin color.

There are many ingredients that cause the skin to lighten, but the most commonly ingredient used in the world has been hydroquinone. This drug should be strictly regulated by the health authorities, and dispensed only through a dermatologist’s office. Over the counter purchased bleaching cream should not have a concentration of more than 2% hydroquinone. A prescription for a bleaching cream can be written for up to a 4% concentration.

Many popular skin-bleaching creams contain mixtures of steroids or retinoic acid as one of their main ingredients. One should be aware of the side effects of long-term use of steroids.

Newer and safer creams use natural ingredients like vitamin C, phytic acid, arbutin, licorice extract, nicotinamide or kojic acid to achieve lighter skin.

In some countries, bleaching creams contain ingredients that are a derivative of mercury, a chemical that is harmful to the body. Use of a skin brightening cream with mercury can lead to mercury poisoning and other harmful side effects as well.

In the past few years, injectable and oral whitening solutions have been gaining popularity to lighten the skin color, mainly vitamin C and glutathione. These ingredients are powerful antioxidants, but they are by no means capable of changing skin color. Used in wrong hands IV injections can lead to serious side effects.

What A Skin Bleaching Cream Should Be Used For?

Bleaching creams are normally used for the treatment of age spots, acne scars, or discoloration of skin as a result of hormonal changes. Because of the constant exposure to the sun, some areas like the face and hands tend to suffer from discoloration. Usually age spots and other discolorations only occur on the upper layers of the skin so a skin bleaching cream may be a successful treatment for the removal of age spots. However, in some cases people choose to use bleaching creams to lighten the skin tone on their entire body, this is not advisable.

Possible Side Effects of a Skin Bleaching Creams

If you think using skin bleaching creams comes without side effects think again, here are some of the common side effects that can follow extended usage:

·      Premature aging due to steroid extended use

·      Increased risk of skin cancer due to sun exposure (without melanin, your skin loses its natural UV protection)

·      Steroids used in a bleaching cream can cause poor healing of skin, thinning skin, and even skin infections

·      Permanent skin discoloration (ochronosis) with hydroquinone.

·      Skin irritation or allergic reactions

Beauty Is Not Defined By The Color Of Your Skin

The dermatological definition of beautiful skin is: clear healthy skin with uniform tone and smooth texture. Black, brown or white it doesn’t matter, as long as your complexion is uniform and your skin is healthy, radiant and smooth you are beautiful. You need to embrace and love the skin color God bestowed you with and celebrate your healthy skin. 

Once & For All: Let’s Nail Good Skincare

How good your skin looks post-puberty depends on how well you understand and take care of your skin. Genetics, food, hormones and the your lifestyle surely have an affect on you skin, but good skin can still prevail if you practice smart skincare day in and day out. Most important thing to remember here is: the earlier the good skin care habits are adopted, the better your skin’s overall condition will be as you age.

The first step in formulating your individual skin care routine is to identify what kind of skin you have. Is it dry or oily, light or dark, wrinkled or smooth, or somewhere in between? Ingredients in each skin care product should be tailored to meet the needs of your particular skin type. Using wrong skin products will result in breakouts, and skin damage and lot of heartache. If you are not sure what your skin type is visit a dermatologist and simply ask.

Baby Steps To The Basics Of Skincare

Skin complaints, ranging from visible scarring to acne to hypersensitivity, pigmentation and premature ageing, can all be addressed, controlled and eradicated with a regular practice of smart skincare regimen. Regardless of the skin’s condition, improvements in diet, lifestyle and routine skincare can all contribute to a healthier complexion. Lets get your skincare basics aligned.

No matter what your skin type, you most likely only need to wash your face in the morning and before bed. Since the skin loses its natural lubrication when it is over-washed, it’s best to keep extra washing to a minimum. People with oily skin might need one additional rinse during the day especially after school or work to get rid of any dust and pollutants that might later clog pores leading to acne.

Bar soap can be harsh and drying to the skin, so use a cleanser specifically formulated for the face. Look for products that are specifically designed for your skin type and then experiment to find the one that works best for you. Most skincare products are labeled according to the special skin type or skin need that they address, make a habit to read labels to make the right choices.

If you have dry skin, make sure that you aren’t using too harsh of a cleanser. Dry skin needs gentle cleansing with products “rich in fat” and containing emollients, like olive oil or lanolin, which make the skin softer and add lipids to the skin. Milky liquid cleansers and tissue-off cleansing creams are also good options for dry skin.

If you have oily skin, avoid “fat loaded” soaps and creamy cleansers, as these will only increase the amount of oil on the skin. Instead, use products designed for oily skin. Don’t give in to the temptation to wash your face every time it feels greasy. By doing so, you’ll kick the sebaceous gland into over production of oil, as the skin tries to replace the lubrication it loses when it is washed.

For combination/normal skin, look for products labeled specifically for your skin type. Most likely, you’ll have to experiment to find the right cleanser for your particular skin. The right cleanser will be one that doesn’t over-dry skin but still does a good job of cleaning off dirt and oil.

Moisturizer is must for all skin types. The drier the skin, the more moisturizing ingredients your moisturizer should contain. Some ingredients to look for are: glycerin, hyaluronic-acid, and dimethicone. Another ingredient that works well for dry skin is olive oil. It is a natural moisturizer because it contains oleic acid, a powerful emollient. If you don’t have acne, you can try applying olive oil to your face as a natural moisturizer.

Oily skin like any other skin type needs moisture too, there are oil-free moisturizers out there that replenish hydration in oily skin. While shopping for a moisturizer for your oily skin, look for “non-comedogenic” products that won’t clog pores containing humectants like glycerin, which lock moisture into the skin by attracting and retaining water.

For combination skin, use oil free moisturizers in the places where you need it, usually the driest areas are on the cheeks. For dry areas under your eyes, use a cream designed for the eye area since this delicate skin is thinner than the rest of the skin on the face.

To get the maximum benefit out of your moisturizer apply your moisturizer when the skin is still damp. This helps the skin to lock-in extra moisture. Only use as much moisturizer as you need, over-moisturizing can cause clogged pores and breakouts.

After cleansing and moisturizing, your skin care routine should tailor to the specific conditions that affect your skin.

For Wrinkles And Sagging, or to achieve an “instant lift” effect, look for products that contain antioxidants and DMAE. Antioxidants repair cells and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while DMAE boosts production of acetylcholine, making skin firmer and tighter.

For Red Or Irritated Skin, use a product that contains vitamin C ester. Being an antioxidant, vitamin C ester is soothing and non-irritating to the skin. It can reduce redness and irritation, even from sunburn or psoriasis.

To Reduce The Appearance Of Pores, look for products that reduce the amount of bacteria on the face and calm the oil glands like, Avene Triacneal cream.

If You Have Acne, there are plenty of products to choose from, although you may have to experiment a little to find the best treatment that works for you. Look for cleansers that contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. Ideal acne treatment should reduce breakouts while not over drying the skin.

Finding a product that is tailored to your skin care concerns can greatly improve the appearance of your skin and improve skin conditions considerably, so take time to experiment.

A good skin care routine isn’t just about looking good for the day. It’s also about setting yourself up for beautiful and healthy skin for life. Taking the proper steps to promote both short and long term skin health is just as important as washing your face.

Sunscreen is an important product that everyone should include in their daily skin care routines. To streamline your daily routine, look for moisturizers or products you would use anyway that also contain SPF 15. If you’re planning on being outside for any extended period of time use stronger SPF 50. Without proper protection, damage from years of unprotected time in the sun eventually shows up in the form of wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven pigmentation.

Another easy way to promote skin health is by using products that contain antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the cell by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable cells that take electrons from healthy cells. By incorporating a skin care product with antioxidants into your everyday routine you help your skin fight off the free radicals that cause cell damage and unhealthy skin.

If you don’t have time to apply many different products, don’t worry. Many products address more concerns than you expect. For example, many moisturizers contain SPF, and many repairing products contain the same ingredients that will prevent future skin problems. Read labels to find out how many aspects of your routine you can address with each product.

However, even if you are able to combine some parts of your routine, make sure you are getting the best possible products for your individual concerns. Your skin will thank you later.