Want Your 40 Year Old Skin To Look A Decade Or Two Younger? Try This Skincare Routine For The Forties!

by Olivia 6 Comments

A friend of mine would say that forties is when you reap the harvest for your karmas. I don’t know if her words held true for life itself but they are bang on when it comes to describing the condition of your skin.

In your forties, your estrogen levels are in a free fall, which means that Mother Nature has officially resigned from her position as the protector of your skin.

So, along with prevention, protection and treatment assume a large role in the skincare equation because the dermal layers are taking a hit from multiple directions. For starters, even if you had oily skin all your life, forties is when those sebaceous glands will start slowing down, leading to increased dryness and dehydration.

Moreover, there will be a marked decrease in the sponginess and thickness of the fatty layer that both supports and hydrates the skin. This not only increases dryness and dullness but also creates a more angular and tired look. To compound the problem, the synthesis of collagen and elastin continues to plunge. Together this is what turns the fine lines into wrinkles, the wrinkles into creases and leads to skin sagging.

So, What Does Your Skin Need?

If you want to correct years’ worth of accumulated damage plus stop more from occurring, you will obviously need to step up the game.

Any odd serum that offers a bit of antioxidant protection and weak addition of retinoid simply won’t work. Similarly, just humectants and emollients like oil will fail to protect your skin.

What your skin needs at this point is just about everything out there and it will have to be used in such a way that each product and ingredient works synergistically with the others.

For protection from oxidative stress, you will need vitamin C, E, herbal extracts, COQ 10, resveratrol, pine bark extract, algae extract, green tea extract, essential oils and more.

For tackling hyper pigmentation, you will need mulberry extract, licorice root extract, ferulic acid, alpha hydroxy acids and more.

To control the dryness, you will need ceramides, emollient plant butters and more.

For plumpness and smoothness, you will need humectants like hyaluronic acid and others plus peptides to fill out the imperfections.

You will also need phytoestrogens that will make up for the dwindling estrogen levels in the body as you reach the far end of your forties.

In light of this, take a look at what would be the ideal skincare routine for your forties skin.

Morning Routine for 40’s

Cleansing

The first piece of good news is that you get a pass on your morning cleanse. If you have cleansed your face at night, a splash of warm water or wiping with warm green tea will be quite enough.

If you must cleanse, whatever you were using before, switch to a creamy/gentle cleanser. Your skin is rapidly losing its ability to hold fluids and the lipid barrier that was meant to protect the dermal layers is on the decline. So, you simply can’t afford any more drying.

In fact, don’t be surprised if a cleanser, even one that is creamy and meant for sensitive skin, causes some amount of dryness. If that is case, try using raw honey as a cleanser. Massage it into your skin for about 2 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.

If you are willing to go the extra mile for your skin, try a paste made by using yoghurt or almond milk and flaxseed meal. Massage on your skin for about 5 minutes and leave it on like a mask for another 4-5 minutes, wash off with warm water and a final splash of cold water. Pat your skin dry and go for spot treatments.

Eye cream

This is one product that you are going to desperately need as soon as you hit your fortieth birthday. The delicate skin around the eyes not only gives away the story of your life (read late nights, stress, crying, alcohol consumption) but also adds years to your actual age. So, this is one area of the face that direly needs anti-aging treatment.

In your forties, you will need an eye serum/cream that contains vitamin C and E for their antioxidant effect; caffeine to handle the puffiness and hyaluronic acid, squalene or glycerin to deal with the dryness that eventually causes wrinkles.

If the formulation also contains a few potent botanical antioxidants, you got a winner on your hands. To apply, use your ringer finger. Do not sweep or massage the formulation across the skin. What I am trying to say here is that there should be no skin pulling.

Instead, tap the formulation on your skin, moving from the inner corner of the eyes, outside towards the hairline. Tap gently applying just a wee bit of downward pressure which will help to drain the accumulated fluid that causes puffiness. If possible, store the eye cream in the refrigerator overnight and use in the morning. This will offer greater benefits against dark circles and puffiness.

Serum

Once in your forties, a serum is no longer a luxury or a mere consideration, it is a necessity. Serums are super-efficient and concentrated formulations that get absorbed at a super-fast rate. What this means for your skin is that the active ingredients your skin needs badly get absorbed and start working on the double thanks to the penetrative ability of these products.

Now, if you have shopped for serums or intend to, you will be baffled by the sheer array of products available. For day use, look for ingredients that will tend to the pigmentation like phytic acid, which is just mild enough for forties skin.

Vitamin C, E and K are always a welcome addition because they offer a range of skincare benefits. You will also need botanical antioxidants like curcumin, resveratrol, grapefruit seed extract, ginger extract, gotu kola extract, basil, sage and other herbal extracts.

Along with these ingredients, you will also need a double dose of humectants. So, look for squalene, hyaluronic acid, which is the gold standard when it comes to cellular hydration, glycerin, urea and others. The idea is to ensure that your skin is protected from oxidative stress, is kept super hydrated and nourished, and this mix of ingredients will do just that.

Moisturize

Even with a serum that is essentially an emulsion and has some quantity of lipids in it, you will need more occlusive factor to keep the fluids locked into those skin cells. We are talking plant butters and soothing essential and carrier oils here that bring their own antioxidant effect to the table as well as keep the skin glowing soft and smooth.

In fact, look for a formulation that also contain essential oils with a reputation for dealing with skin aging. Classic choices include frankincense, cedarwood, geranium, lavender, rose, jasmine, neroli, ylang ylang, myrrh and others.

As far as application goes, slather the moisturizer about 15 minutes after the serum; this will give your skin enough time to soak up the goodies in the serum.

Spend about 5 minutes massaging your skin with the moisturizer. This helps to enhance absorption and gets both the circulatory and lymphatic system charged up and both of these contribute to the health and the look of your skin.

Remember to only use upwards strokes and resist the urge to exert too much pulling or downward pressure on your skin. Gentle is the name of the game here!

You can check the recommended list of moisturizers here.

Sun protection

Your SPF will continue to be your loyal soldier against sun damage even in your forties. If you were less than diligent about using a sunscreen in the earlier decades of your life, now is the time for a transformation.

Don’t just use your sunscreen for the heck of it; use it religiously, reapplying every 2-3 hours and covering all exposed parts of your body. Yes, I am also talking about your neck, décolletage and hands along with your face of course.

If a sunscreen lotion is too oily for your taste, go for mineral formulations that are powder or gel based but offer an SPF of at least 30. You can also layer SPF products here.

For instance, use a moisturizer with SPF and top it with a layer of a BB cream that also has SPF and finish with a dusting of a mineral powder with SPF. When you need to reapply, simply dab on your moisturizer and dust a bit of powder on your face.

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Midday Routine

This is the time to bring out a hydrating and replenishing toner, which will serve you whether you are handling outdoor chores or are spending the day perched at your desk. Right after lunch, when the familiar stretchy skin feeling starts bugging you, spray on or dab on a refreshing toner that contains floral hydrosols and hyaluronic acid.

Let the liquid remedy your parched skin cells for about a minute and then while your face and neck are still damp, reapply your moisturizer.

Simply, pat the formulation on your skin, particularly on spots prone to dryness like the cheeks, around the mouth and the neck. This alone should take care of the fine lines and wrinkles that become more evident as your skin goes dry.

Night time Routine

Cleansing

By night fall, your face will have enough dust, stale makeup and grime on it to warrant thorough cleansing, and makeup remover wipes will not cut it.

Now, I am going to give you a few options here. You can pick any one that suits your lifestyle and your skin type. What is important, though, is to stick to the product and method you have chosen.

The first is to go with a creamy/gentle cleanser with jojoba beads in it. If you have exfoliated your skin in the morning using any mechanical exfoliation product or even the yoghurt and flax meal mixture, you won’t need another round of exfoliation.

But, if your skin only got a few splashes of water by way of cleansing at the start of the day, you will need to cleanse and exfoliate before bed. If you have a favorite gentle or creamy cleanser which does not have an exfoliating medium in it, you can add flax meal, almond meal or rose petal powder to it and use as you always do.

Another option is to use an oatmeal or clay based exfoliator after cleansing your skin with your regular cleanser.

Oil cleansing is a third option and one that I am greatly partial to. What can I say, I like the idea of rinsing out makeup, dirt and dead cells at one go.

To combine exfoliation with oil cleansing, apply your favorite non-drying carrier oil (jojoba, virgin olive, sweet almond, macadamia) to your face and wipe to remove the makeup. Then, go for round two but this time you apply a mixture of oil and fine ground Himalayan pink salt.

Remember, even if you need more exfoliation action, scrubbing too hard is not the way. Instead, use gentle circular strokes but increase the amount of time you spend massaging your skin with the salt and oil mixture.

About 5-7 minutes of gentle massage will not only remove the grime plugs but will also get the blood circulation going. Rinse with warm water instead of wiping your skin. Pat your skin dry and reach for your special or spot treatment products.

The trouble spots of the forties

Well, I already told you that the under eye area will give you trouble after your fortieth birthday. So, at night, it is time to introduce a gentle form of retinol to the delicate skin around the eyes.

In the morning, your eye cream/serum had to handle puffiness and dryness. Your night time under eye formulation should boost cellular turnover, hydrate the delicate skin and deal with under eye darkness. For these effects, look for a combination of retinyl/retinol palmitate, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, mulberry extract, licorice root extract and other antioxidants. Apply as you did your daytime eye cream.

Another area of your body that will go in the forties is the neck. Yes, you will start noticing the first indications of the dreaded turkey neck coming on in this decade of your life. Fortunately, these days, you will find several formulations that are meant to prevent the skin on the neck from sagging. Look for a product that contains the triad of humectants, peptides and antioxidants along with phytoestrogens.

These are plant estrogens that make up for the dip in the levels of natural estrogen. Derivatives and extracts of soy, wild yam, genistein, flax, sesame and tea will have this effect on the skin. Licorice root extract, gotu kola extract and sea weed extract are other ingredients to look for as these help to retain skin firmness and deal with age / liver spots.

To apply the neck cream, tilt your head back so you get complete access to the neck area and then work the skin in upward strokes, starting at the collar bone and moving up till you reach the jaw line. Also move your hands sideways and away from the center of the neck.

Serum

Your forties would also be the time to get an upgrade on the retinol serum that you have been using. You will need to see a dermatologist for prescription stuff like tretinoin, retin A or retinoic acid or at least go for an increase in strength. For example, if you were using a product with 0.025% retinol concentration, it is time to move to 0.03% concentration.

Moisturize

Retinol puts cellular turnover in high gear, erases dark spots due to its exfoliating effect, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and thickens skin. But, to reap all these benefits, you will need to counter the dryness that this ingredient causes and what better product than a facial oil to keep the nutrient goodness and the retinol power of your serum locked in? If you have never used oil on your face before, this would be a fantastic time to start.

I believe most people don’t give good ol’ carrier oils the credit they deserve because they fear the greasiness. But, here is a revelation for you: used in the right quantity and right way, oil does not cause greasiness. It will leave your skin with a soft and healthy glow and boat loads of skin healing nutrients.

Plant butters also work in the same way. Remember less is more when using a facial oil. A few drops is all you should use to cover the area between your collar bone and your hairline.

Weekly Dose Of Skincare

At the least, you will need 2 face mask treatments each week to keep your forties skin smooth and supple. To counter dullness and sagging and to infuse skin healing minerals into those dermal cells, try a clay mask early in the week. A round of facial steaming for 5-7 minutes will magnify the benefits. If you are preparing the mask at home, use milk (dairy/nut/soy) to mix the dry ingredients.

If using a store bought product, look for a hydrating clay mask. Yes, you do get those but it will take some searching! Whether the formulation comes courtesy of your kitchen counter or a store counter, keep it on your skin for no more than 15 minutes. You are supposed to feel the tingling tightness but you should not let the clay dry on your skin.

By midweek, your skin is bound to need some moisturization. So, a Wednesday or Thursday would be right for a deep hydrating mask that contains amino acids, fruit extracts and niacinamide.

If you have time for a bit of indulgence over the weekend, you must try out an over-night mask. This one is also for all you gals out there who never seem to have enough time for skincare. With an overnight mask, you get to wake up to glowing skin, what more could you possibly want?

Adjusting Your Skincare Routine For Weather

As far as weather changes go, I just have two tips for the forties something woman, hold on tight to your moisturizer even in summer. The heat will no doubt give you enough reason to skip your moisturizer but instead of leaving your skin cells parched, switch to a lighter formula or a quick absorbing skin oil.

In winter, switch to oil cleansing. If done right, I promise you won’t end up with a grease pan face. Use a blend of light and medium viscosity oils like rosehip, sweet almond, jojoba, hempseed, sesame seed and olive, etc.

You can also add a few drops of rose, geranium, lavender or palma rosa essential oil for the heavenly aroma and the skin benefits. Apply, right before your shower. This way your skin gets protected from the ill-effects of hot showers.

5 Tips For Great Skin In Your Forties!

Massage is a fantastic way to improve lymphatic drainage, to prevent puffiness and to enhance blood circulation. So, spend about 10 minutes each day, giving your neck and face a gentle massage. You can use your hands as long as you work in upward strokes or a device like a sonic, vibrating, pulsating, rollerball massager.

Chuck all powder based makeup in favor of creamy or liquid to matte products. I am talking about everything from foundation to blush here. Powder tends to settle in the fine lines and wrinkles and if anything makes them more visible.

A lot of home-use, anti-aging devices are both affordable and effective. I have tried micro needling, microdermabrasion and light therapy and have found all three quite effective against wrinkles and skin sagging.

Limit yourself to no more than a glass of vino a week and about 2 cups of java a day. Your moisturizer and facial oil will only help if the dermal cells are not dehydrated from the inside. A simple switch to green tea and herbal infusions and getting your 8 glasses of fluids per day will, without a doubt, get you more from your skin care routine.

Although there is little you can do about the receding layer of fat that sits beneath your skin, you sure can work on the muscles that lie even deeper. Facial exercise as well as some yoga asanas are known to strengthen these muscles. Stronger and toned muscles offer better support to the dermal layers. This won’t completely undo the effects of the decline in the thickness of the adipose tissue, but it definitely can stop the skin from collapsing into a layer of sagging, wrinkly mess.

Have a question or need a routine for your particular skin type, simply get in touch via email!

What Are The Best Essential Oils And Carrier Oils For Your Skin Type

by Olivia 12 Comments

Your skin is the hardest working organ in your entire body. It never rests; even when you do. All day long your skin protects everything inside of you from elements of the outside world. Things like pollution, allergens, harmful UV rays from the sun, and much more don’t do the damage they could to your internal structure because of your underappreciated skin.

Maybe it’s time for you to give your skin the attention it deserves. A little pampering with essential oils is the best way to say thank you.

What’s Your Skin Type?

Before the pampering begins, it’s important to remember that your skin is as individual as you are. No two people have skin exactly alike. However, there are a few basic groups for categorizing most types. Keep reading to find out where yours falls.

Oily Skin

Your skin often looks “dewy,” or “glowing” friends may say, but you call it shiny. It feels greasy almost constantly. Blackheads, clogged pores, and breakouts are part of your daily life. If this sounds familiar, you most likely have oily skin.

Caused by an excess of androgen hormones, oily skin is particularly common in adolescents and young adults. These androgens are responsible for sebum (skin oil) production; when these hormones are in overdrive, skin feels and looks slick and oily.

Dry Skin

You struggle with keeping your skin moisturized. It often feels tight and may crack if stretched too far. Rough, scaly patches form in places and stubbornly remain even with moisturization. If this is your skin, it falls into the dry category.

Dry skin may be caused by a variety of medical conditions, or by certain types of weather. But most frequently it is hereditary. If you have dry skin, you probably had a parent or grandparent who did as well.

Combination or Normal Skin

Most skin falls into this category. If some of your skin is oily, while other parts are dry, you have combination skin. This type is also called normal skin because the symptoms that accompany strictly oily or dry skin are not always present.

Sensitive Skin

You must be careful about what comes into contact with your skin. Certain chemicals and even some natural ingredients may cause painful rashes to break out or itchy hives to erupt. You even experience reactions in your skin when eating particular foods. Fabrics can also be problematic for your skin, and any sun exposure may be too much.

If this resonates with you, sensitive skin is the cause.

Mature Skin

You’ve experienced life, and so has your skin. You may be seeing the first signs of sun-damage from a youth spent cultivating perfectly bronzed skin, or you may already have advanced wrinkles and sagging. Your skin is best classified as mature.

As you get older collagen in your skin breaks down, and skin cell regeneration happens at a significantly reduced rate. As a result, your skin starts to show its age with passing years.

The Best Essential Oils That Love The Skin You’re In

If you are committed to caring for your skin, essential oils are the perfect solution. All natural and proven beneficial, you are sure to find a solution for any skin type. Before you try any essential oil routine on your skin, remember to dilute with your favorite carrier oil. Using essential oils neat (undiluted) on exposed skin is not recommended.

A brief warning, even if you are unaware of any skin sensitivities – it is best to test an essential oil on a small patch of skin before extensive use. Discontinue application if adverse effects are observed.

Top 5 Essential Oils For Oily Skin

1. Bergamot Oil

Bergamot is naturally antimicrobial, so it makes the perfect facial cleanser for oily skin. It is also known to cut through oil and unclog blocked pores while balancing androgen levels to regulate sebum production. Bergamot essential oil acts as a natural toner, so be prepared to see your skin tone even out with daily application.

2. Lemon Oil

Lemon essential oil is one of nature’s most potent astringents. It cuts through greasy buildup often associated with oily skin and breaks down any sebum blocking pores in your skin. Lemon oil is also antiseptic and clears away any bacteria on or in the skin that could otherwise cause painful chronic breakouts.

3. Fennel Oil

This essential oil is potently clarifying for oily skin as it has components that are highly antiseptic. More than this, however, fennel essential oil is a multipurpose skin treatment. In oily skin, it cleanses and tones, but it also has highly estrogenic properties. Because of these properties, fennel is an outstanding wrinkle preventer and reduces existing lines, particularly in mature women.

4. Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is easily identified by its distinct fragrance. Its astringent properties naturally eliminate oil from skin, opening pores and removing blockages. As an aside, cedarwood is also an excellent remedy for eczema sufferers, as it has active antiseborrheic properties.

5. Frankincense Oil

A favorite essential oil with numerous benefits for the body, frankincense is also an ideal addition to your skincare regimen for oily skin. Perhaps the most powerful astringent properties in essential oils are in frankincense, eliminating excessive oil on the skin. Frankincense essential oil is also highly antiseptic and cleanses the skin from acne-causing bacteria with ease.

Top 5 Essential Oils For Dry Skin

1. German Chamomile Oil

German chamomile is widely known to soothe and improve dry skin, so much so that it is used commonly as an ingredient in many mainstream cosmetic and skincare products. German chamomile has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that balance the most uncomfortably dry skin.

2. Lavender Oil

One benefit unique of lavender essential oil is that it can be applied neat to the skin (remember always do a skin test patch if you go down that path). However, when used to treat dry or inflamed skin, dilute in your favorite carrier oil to ensure your already delicate skin is not aggravated further. Lavender essential oil works to decrease inflammation and increase balance in your dry skin, promoting moisturization from the inside out.

3. Ylang-Ylang Oil

Ylang-ylang essential oil is predominantly antiseborrheic, and quickly soothes dry, flaky patches on the skin. It is also an effective toner. Ylang-ylang regulates the production of sebum in the skin, increasing natural moisturization without clogging pores. Additionally, if your dry skin causes discomfort, irritation, or stress, this essential oil is calming, bringing peace to frayed nerves and improving your skin’s balance at the same time.

4. Palmarosa Oil

Palmarosa essential oil is celebrated for its ability to moisturize even the driest skin and, much like German chamomile, is used in the cosmetic industry as a natural emollient. While soothing dry, cracked skin palmarosa also balances sebum production promoting the skin’s innate hydrating ability. It also has a light floral aroma, for stress relief and lifted spirits.

5. Sandalwood Oil

Because the sandalwood tree is now nearly extinct, its harvest is well controlled. While still used to extract essential oil, the product is quite expensive. However, sandalwood is appreciated as one of the most hydrating essential oils available. This essential oil is so effective it is often recommended for treating extreme cases of eczema. Sandalwood also acts as an excellent toner, balancing skin as it moisturizes.

Top 3 Essential Oils For Normal/Combination Skin

1. Rose Oil

Recommended for general use, rose essential oil is a solid all around choice for normal or combination skin. It gives skin a moderate level of moisture, without over hydrating, and stimulates blood flow to the skin. Rose oil is also quite antiseptic, cleansing the skin without stripping away healthy natural oils.

2. Patchouli Oil

For those with normal skin looking to prevent premature signs of aging, or to enhance their skincare regimen, patchouli essential oil is an excellent choice. It is highly regenerative and contains properties that promote new skin cell formation. Patchouli oil also cleanses skin thoroughly, washing away unwanted bacteria from pores and protecting skin from infection.

3. Geranium Oil

A pleasantly scented addition that adds a touch of aromatherapy to your skincare, geranium essential oil is as beneficial as it is lovely. It is perfect for normal and combination skin because it balances sebum production in the skin while acting as a natural emollient. It is also cicatrizant, stimulating cell regeneration and blood flow for an all-over glow.

Top 3 Essential Oils For Sensitive Skin

While the essential oils listed are widely regarded as most gentle and safe for topical use, take care. It is of particular importance for those with sensitive or allergy prone skin to test a small amount of diluted oil on a patch of skin and watch for a reaction. Some essential oils can cause adverse effects when used topically on sensitive skin, so be sure to use with caution.

1. Lavender Oil

As mentioned above, lavender is often safe and gentle enough to be used neat on the skin. However, for those with skin sensitivities or allergies, lavender essential oil should be diluted in a carrier oil prior to use. Lavender calms common topical ailments such as hives, psoriasis, and bug bites.

2. German Chamomile Oil

While both Roman chamomile and German chamomile have soothing applications, the German variety is touted for its ability to soothe sensitive skin. Both anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory, this essential oil is a superb choice for those who suffer from topical allergic reactions or easily aggravated skin.

3. Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Oil

If your skin is currently affected by a bacterial infection, fungal infection, or virus, turn to tea tree oil. It is often used to treat bites from insects and animals, boils, and more. Also, in infants and young children, diaper rash is quickly calmed by using tea tree oil in combination with a carrier oil or cream.

Top 5 Essential Oils For Mature Skin

1. Frankincense

Frankincense’s anti-aging properties take effect whether administered by compress, in cream, or in a bath. It is incredibly rejuvenating for mature skin, encouraging elasticity retention and stimulating new cell growth. Frankincense also tightens and lifts skin as it is highly astringent, without the adverse side effect of drying skin out.

2. Myrrh

Myrrh shares astringent properties with frankincense, and helps skin muscles contract, lifting and firming mature skin. This action significantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while tightening up sagging skin. Further, myrrh increases blood flow anywhere it is applied, helping aging skin regenerate and a healthy glow.

3. Carrot Seed Oil

Touted a miracle essential oil, carrot seed is especially beneficial to those looking to improve their mature skin. It is extremely high in antioxidants and yields excellent results in those looking to dramatically reduce sunspots and other damage caused by too much exposure to UV rays. Research has shown that it also contains elevated levels of vitamin E for moisturization and vitamin C for enhanced protection.

4. Hyssop Oil

Hyssop contains stimulant properties that promote healthy circulation when applied topically to the skin. That in cooperation with its natural cicatrizant abilities establishes healthy skin renewal activity in mature skin. Hyssop can also prevent or improve skin problems common to aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.

5. Neroli Oil

A pricier option, but also one of the most effective anti-aging essential oils for mature skin, neroli oil offers superior results. Extremely effective, neroli encourages skin cell regeneration giving skin a rejuvenated more youthful appearance. It also helps tighten and lift mature skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and creating a more toned look.

Best Carrier Oils By Skin Type For Skin Care Success

While some essential oils work well on their own, diluted in a carrier oil or cream, most benefit from combining with other complimentary essential oils. Consider trying these recipes for your skin and enjoy the results.

Similar to essential oils, not all carrier oils work well with each skin type. Before you start on any recipes, be sure to check out the list below for the best carrier oil for your skin.

Best Carrier Oils For Oily Skin

These carrier oils will dilute other essential oils without unwanted greasiness:

Argan Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Jojoba Oil

Best Carrier Oils For Dry Skin

Try any of these carrier oils if your skin is dry and cracked:

Rosehip seed oil
Sunflower oil
Avocado oil
Sweet almond oil

Best Carrier Oils For Normal Or Combination Skin

These carrier oils are recommended for topical use on your normal or combination skin:

Apricot kernel oil
Jojoba oil
Grapeseed oil

Best Carrier Oils For Sensitive Skin

Extra care is advisable when selecting a carrier oil for your sensitive skin, try these on a patch of skin before extensive use:

Avocado oil
Argan oil
Evening primrose oil

Best Carrier Oils For Mature Skin

Any of these carrier oils should work well with mature skin:

Rosehip seed oil
Evening primrose oil
Sunflower oil
Tamanu oil

Best Essential Oil Recipes By Skin Type

Top 3 Essential Oil Recipe For Oily Skin

Oily Skin Recipe 1 – Oil Reduction Moisturizing Blend

Ingredients:

30ml tsp jojoba oil
10 ml grapeseed oil
10 drops lavender oil
10 drops frankincense
5 drops cedarwood oil

Combine all ingredients in a 2-ounce glass jar, or larger. Close tightly. Shake to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Apply after cleansing face each evening.

Oily Skin Recipe 2 – Take Control Oil Balancing Serum

Ingredients:

50ml argan oil
10 drops geranium essential oil
10 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil
5 drops cedarwood essential oil

Add all ingredients to a 2 ounce glass bottle and close bottle tightly. Shake bottle to combine ingredients thoroughly. This is a very potent serum, use twice daily after cleansing on oiliest problem areas. Be sure to moisturize after each use.

Oily Skin Recipe 3 – Acne Free Lotion for Oily Skin

Try this facial moisturizing cream if you suffer from acne along with having oily skin.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shea butter
2 tsp aloe vera gel
1 tsp argan oil
15 drops tea tree essential oil

In a double boiler over medium-low heat melt shea butter. Reduce heat to low and stir in argan oil. Remove from heat and allow to cool 5-10 minutes. Once cooled, stir in aloe vera gel. Transfer mixture to bowl and place in the fridge until slightly firm. Remove from fridge and add tea tree oil. Using a whisk or electric mixer combine all ingredients until fluffy, taking care not to over mix. Transfer to a resealable glass jar and store in a cool dark place. Apply as needed to cleansed face. For best results use daily.

Top 2 Essential Oil Recipes for Dry Skin

Dry Skin Recipe 1 – Soothe Me Now Dry Skin Serum

Ingredients:

10 ml rosehip seed oil
20 ml apricot kernel oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops rose essential oil
4 drops German chamomile essential oil
3 drops palmarosa essential oil

Mix all ingredients in a 2-ounce bottle. Close cap tightly. Shake well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. After cleansing in the morning and evening massage serum into face and neck. Moisturize after applying serum for best effectiveness.

Dry Skin Recipe 2 – Hydrate Me Moisturizing Cream

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shea butter
30 ml avocado oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops palmarosa essential oil
3 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
3 drops tea tree essential oil

In a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt shea butter. Reduce heat to low. Stir in avocado oil. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Pour into mixing bowl and place in the fridge until mixture starts to solidify, but before it is solid. Take out of the fridge and add all essential oils. Using a wire whisk or an electric mixer combine all ingredients thoroughly, taking care not to over mix. Spoon into resealable jar and store in a cool dark place. Use liberally on face and body to relieve dry, cracked skin.

Top 2 Recipes for Normal/Combination Skin

Normal / Combination Skin Recipe 1 – Sublime Skin Serum

Ingredients:

20 ml jojoba oil
10 ml rosehip seed oil
7 drops frankincense
7 drops geranium essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil

Add all ingredients to a 2-ounce glass bottle. Close tightly. Shake to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Apply serum to clean face before moisturizing nightly.

Normal / Combination Skin Recipe 2 – Soft as Silk Normal Skin Lotion

Ingredients:

1 cup aloe vera gel
1.5 tsp beeswax pastilles
1/2 cup jojoba oil
1 tsp vitamin E oil
1 tsp shea butter
10 drops geranium essential oil
5 drops patchouli essential oil

In a double boiler over medium-low heat melt beeswax, jojoba oil, and shea butter together. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Place in fridge and allow to cool until starting to harden. Add vitamin E oil, geranium and patchouli oil. Using a whisk or electric mixer, stir all ingredients until well blended. Store in glass jar in cool dark place. Safe for use on face and all over the body.

Top 2 Recipes For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive Skin Recipe 1 – Calm Down Skin Moisturizer

Ingredients:

30 ml argan oil
10 drops lavender oil
8 drops German chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients in a 2-ounce glass bottle. Close tightly. Make sure all ingredients are well blended by shaking bottle. Moisturize cleansed face twice daily for best results.

Sensitive Skin Recipe 2 – Soothing Sensitive Skin Lotion

Ingredients:

1 tsp emulsifying wax
1/3 cup evening primrose oil
1 tsp vegetable glycerin
1/3 cup calendula hydrosol
1 tsp vitamin E
10 drops grapefruit seed extract
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops helichrysum essential oil
3 drops German chamomile essential oil

In a double boiler over medium-low heat melt together wax and glycerin until completely blended. Remove from heat and add vitamin E. Gently warm hydrosol in a separate pot over low heat. DO NOT skip this step or your lotion may separate. Pour hydrosol into wax and oil mixture stirring constantly. When the mixture is thoroughly combined, add essential oils and grapefruit seed extract. Allow cooling to lukewarm temperature. Transfer to a resealable glass jar. Store in a cool dark place. Safe for use on face or anywhere on the body.

Top 2 Recipes For Mature Skin

Mature Skin Recipe 1 – Growing Young Moisturizing Lotion

Ingredients:

1/3 cup shea butter
1/2 ounce Tamanu oil
1/2 ounce evening primrose oil
20 drops vitamin E
20 drops frankincense
10 drops carrot seed oil

In a double boiler over medium-low heat melt shea butter. Reduce heat to low and add tamanu and evening primrose oils. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Allow cooling in the fridge until mixture just starts to harden. Add vitamin E, frankincense, and carrot seed oil. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, combine ingredients thoroughly. Transfer to resealable glass jar and store in a cool dark place. Use on face and body as often as needed.

Mature Skin Recipe 2 – Young as You Feel Skin Serum

Ingredients:

2 ounces rosehip seed oil
10 drops neroli oil
10 drops carrot seed oil
7 drops lavender oil
5 drops hyssop oil

In a 2 ounce or larger sized glass bottle mix all ingredients. Close tightly. Shake ingredients in the bottle to thoroughly combine. Apply serum before moisturizing to cleansed face once daily in the evening.

Be Good To Your Skin

You often forget about this tough, hardworking defender of your body. Your skin will always work for you, now is your chance to work on it. There’s no need to resort to products full of harsh chemicals and preservatives to pamper your skin.

If you are looking for an all-natural, effective way to step up your daily skincare routine, try adding essential oils to the mix. With proper care, your skin can be a glowing, healthy reminder to the world that you are beautiful inside and out.

If you don’t know where to start, or you’re too busy or you don’t want to purchase half a dozen essential oils to make up your own recipe, you may find the skincare range right here.

Use The Right Skincare Routine To Do Away With The Zits And Dryness Of Combination Skin!

by Olivia 2 Comments

The dermal issues of those with combination skin are often dismissed as “not too serious” by others since it assumed that they don’t get the worst of either dry or oily skin. Only if these folks knew the truth about combination skin! Of all skin types, this is the one that has the most “diva-esque” behavior. Yes, you read it right; the needs of combination skin change every few millimeters.

There are dry flaking spots that inevitably get itchy and develop heightened sensitivity and then there are bits that seem like they were soaked in a vat of oil. The most sadistic part of this story is that you get to experience it all at once!

So, it is no wonder that combination skin is among the most expensive skin types to maintain all thanks to the varying products required to handle a single job. But if you have a good skincare routine in place, you won’t have to use a dozen products as you go through your day, and yet your skin will feel and look simply spectacular!

The Recommended Way Or The Middle Way!

Experts will tell you that it is best to use products meant to serve the needs of specific skin types on different parts of your face. For example, the recommended approach is that you treat the dry and oily parts of your face with products meant for dry and oily skin respectively. Just imagine how cumbersome a morning face wash can turn if you have to use two different cleansers!

Now, there are two ways in which you can forego this advice. The first works if you have mild to moderate combination skin. This means that there is a difference in the texture of your T-zone and the rest of your face but it is not overtly pronounced. In this case, you can make do with products meant for all skin types or for normal to sensitive skin that won’t exacerbate existing dryness or oiliness.

However, if there is a significant difference in how the various parts of your face feel and if you have accompanying problems such as blackheads and pimples on the T-zone and flaking dryness on your cheeks, then you will need to alternate products. Continue reading to know how to do this.

6-Step Morning Skincare Routine For Those With Combination Skin

If you have severe combination skin, chances are that the flaking on the cheeks will be overshadowed by the dripping oiliness of your T-zone as you check out your visage first thing in the morning. In fact, the flaking may not seem so bad because all through the night, your skin secretes sebum, which takes care of the dryness to some extent.

But the oiliness is bound to be another story. The sight of it is what propels people into action and towards the first harsh cleanser they can get their hands on. If that has been your response, here is a wakeup call – You are worsening both the oiliness and the dryness with this approach. Instead, this is what you need to do:

1. Pre cleansing

This is a step which takes about 10 minutes, and you will have to do this the first thing after you get up, but only on alternate days. Mix chickpea flour and matcha and if possible either licorice root powder or some pomegranate peel powder in 2:1:1 proportion. If you cannot find chickpea (garbanzo bean) flour, go with mung bean flour. Matcha is expensive, so if you want to lower the cost, grind green tea leaves to the smallest particle size possible in your coffee mill or you can use spirulina/chlorella powder instead of it.

Store, this dry mixture in an airtight container in a cool dry place. If you don’t introduce moisture into the container, the powders will stay good for 2 months at the least. To use, take a teaspoon of the mixture and make a paste using water or any hydrosol or some orange juice (homemade, without sugar) if you have it handy.

You want a smooth paste, so mix the liquid and the powders well. Once ready, apply it on the t-zone in a medium thick layer. Let it stay on the area for about 10 minutes. You don’t have to wash your face before this treatment. In fact, this can very well be the first thing you put on your face.

After 10 minutes, wet the now drying paste on the t-zone and spread it all over your face, including on your cheeks. If you have some left over from earlier, use this as well. Remember to use upward or circular strokes when using this home-made cleanser. Wash you face clean using either tea infused or regular, room temperature water. Your face will seem cleaner and refreshed after this treatment and above all your cheeks won’t feel dry.

2. Cleansing and exfoliating

Here is the first bit of good news for you, once you apply the home made face cleanser, you won’t need additional cleansing unless you have an extremely oily T-zone. Even then, simply use a cleanser and exfoliator meant for normal or sensitive skin as you won’t have much oil to deal with after the flour based cleanser.

Jojoba beads are among the gentles exfoliating medium and can be safely used. So, pick a cleanser that contains these. Use this mild cleanser, which should be meant for normal or all skin types everyday, even when you are doing the pre-cleanse.

3. Toning

Because the pre-cleanse, actual cleansing and exfoliation will have already taken care of the hyper sebum secretion, you won’t need a drying toner. Any formulation that is meant for normal or even sensitive skin will work well. Alternatively, you can try gentle floral waters like rose, lavender, vetiver or neroli hydrosol. Apply the toner of your choice using cotton wool soaked in the liquid, moving the cotton ball in upward strokes to saturate the dermal cells with the hydrating and nourishing formulation.

4. Serum and moisturizer care

While your skin is still damp from the use of the toner, go ahead and apply a serum or moisturizer on your face, neck and décolletage. This will lock the moisture close to the dermal layers, making it readily available to the cells. Now, you can pick a serum that contains oil-control ingredients such as retinol, fruit enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids or vitamin C and ferulic acid, which will have an exfoliating effect on the dry areas of your skin and control sebum secretion.

If you want to use an antioxidant serum or a moisturizer, go for a formulation that is gel based or is a very light emulsion. The idea is to not cover you’re already oily T-zone in more oil. At the same time you don’t want your dry cheeks to get drier.

So, do not use a serum/lotion or any product that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, unless you are battling acne in the T-zone. In this case, restrict the use of such a product only to the oily and pimple prone areas. Do not apply it all over your face and certainly not on the cheeks because it will simply increase the dryness.

5. Extra TLC

With the serum and the gel based moisturizer, you will take care of the hyper oily T-zone but you will need to go a step further to indulge the dry skin on your cheeks. So, go ahead and use a rich skin cream, preferably one that contains soothing carrier oils and plant butters such as cocoa butter, jojoba, butter, shea butter, argan oil, macadamia nut oil and essential oils, on the cheeks.

Be careful to restrict the application of this product only to your cheeks, neck and décolletage, steering clear of the T-zone and even the under eye area. For the later, you can use a gel based under eye cream to tackle specific problems in this part. But this will have to be used before the serum and the skin cream.

6. Protection

It does not matter what skin type you have, nobody and I mean nobody without exception can do without sunscreen. A gel or spray on sunscreen will be your best bet because a lotion or cream will prove to be too oily for your t-zone. Just make sure that you go with SPF-30 and over and reapply every 2-3 hours if you intend to step outside.

Combination Skin Midday Routine

Once again, the oily T-zone will prove to be the undoing of your perfectly matte and shine free makeup. By noon, your cheeks will hold up fine but your nose, forehead and chin will take on the look of a fritter. Look at the bright side here – at least you don’t have to deal with oiliness all over your face.

That said, the excess oil is the first issue that you need to handle. So, get the blotting paper out and get done with it. Press it against the oily parts so that the paper can soak up the excess oil. Next, soak some cotton wool in your replenishing toner or a hydrosol and dab your face with it. Do not wipe as this will take off the coverage product you have used.

The aim is to get rid of any dirt and grime that your skin may have picked up. Wet your skin with the fluid of your choice and allow it to hydrate those dermal cells for about a minute then dab away at the wetness with some tissue paper. As a final measure to go back to your shine free and fresh makeup look, dust some translucent powder (preferably mineral powder) over the T-zone and press some light lotion or moisturizer on your cheeks, neck and décolletage.

Remember, there is no massage involved in the application of the moisturizer. Rub a pure but light plant butter (kokum/mango) or a moisturizing lotion in between the palms of your hands and press your palms against your cheeks; that is all there is to it.

4 Step Night Routine For People With Combination Skin

While in the morning, your only dermal issue was the oil on your face, by the end of the day, you will also have to deal with grime, dead cells and clogged pores, at least in the T-zone. So, a simple wash with any odd cleanser is not going to cut it. What your skin needs right before bed is thorough and deep cleansing. This way, all the products that you intend to use after cleansing will work as they should.

1. Two step cleansing

Let me clarify one thing, soap and water seldom do a good job of removing oil, unless you are talking about multiple applications of a harsh detergent and significant scrubbing, both of which are out when it comes to your skin. This leaves you with one option, which also happens to be the best and most effective. Say hello to cleansing your skin with oil!

Did the word “oil” in that phrase make you do a double take? Don’t be surprised or alarmed, oil cleansing is all the rage these days and with good reason. It works on all skin types, tricks the skin into believing that it is safe hence no need to over-secrete sebum and above all keeps the skin’s natural protective barrier healthy. Now, what else could you possibly want from a cleansing mechanism?

To top it all, you also get to take off your makeup, dissolve the grime plugging the pores and cleanse your face all at once by using the right blend of oils. To start, mix a non-comedogenic carrier oil (safflower, hempseed, rosehipseed, sunflower, black cumin seed) with castor oil in 3:1 ratio. Add 2 drops each of lavender and tea tree oil for every tablespoon of the carrier oil mixture and store this blend in a dark colored glass bottle.

To use, apply liberally all over your face; no need to wash or remove your makeup before application. Use circular moves to rub the oil in; wait for 3-4 minutes and wipe the oil off of your skin using a face cloth soaked in warm water or tea. Repeat the process one more time and your skin will be free of makeup, excess sebum as well as dirt.

Now, for the next step, if you have a very oily T-zone, this is the time to fish out the salicylic acid/benzoyl peroxide face wash. Use it only on the oily area of the face, sparing your cheeks the harsh and drying treatment. Pat your skin dry and reach for your toner.

2. Toning

You can use the same product as you did in the morning, be it a hydrosol or a replenishing toner. Ideally, it is best to go for a formulation that contains antioxidant rich botanicals, which will speed up the natural healing process of your skin. If you have only used oil cleansing, you can opt for a formulation that contains active fruits acids or enzymes and use it all over your face, including on the cheeks

3. Serum

If you have used a vitamin C serum in the morning, for night use, choose a product that contains hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, niacinamide, retinoids, copper peptide along with other herbal ingredients. This way, you give your skin more nutrition, without going overboard with a single ingredient. As it is, you should not be mixing copper peptide and vitamin C or for that matter, vitamin C and a retinoid. While the first two annul the efficacy of each other, the second combination will cause significant dryness and peeling. As with the day-time serum, this formulation too should either be oil free or a non-greasy emulsion.

4. Moisturizer

Finish your night-time skincare routine with a soothing and hydrating moisturizer. Pure argan oil or any blend made with it works very well on combination skin because the oil provides intense hydration without blocking the pores. If you are concerned about acne, do not use the moisturizing night cream/oil on the T-zone.

Weekly Routine

To keep your T-zone shine free and the rest of your face flaking free, you will need to opt for three mask treatments a week. (POST) Start with facial steaming and a clay mask that will pull out the impurities from the pores while neutralizing environmental and metabolic toxins. Clay/mud/ash masks have the unique ability to ramp up the blood circulation. More blood means faster removal of impurities and increased hydration and nourishment to the dermal cells, which is exactly what you skin needs.

If the clay mask is used on Sunday, give your skin a break for two days and use a hydrating antioxidant sheet mask on your face on the third day. Do not steam your skin before the application of this product. However, to show your cheeks just how much you care for them, end the day with an all-night oil mask that should only be used on the dry areas.

Finally, before the weekend, get the glow you will need to get the revelries going with a peel off mask that contains a fruit acid/enzyme. Again, no steaming required before this one.

Adjusting For weather

Now, for combination skin both summers and winters spell trouble, just for different parts of the face. While your cheeks and temples will take on a sallow and dehydrated look as temperatures soar, the real issue will be with the T-zone, which can suddenly turn into an acne ravaged battle ground. With sebum secretion at its peak, sweat adding to the issue and dust and pollen all around you, acne attacks will be at an all-time high, unless you prepare your skin for summer.

A preemptive move would be to start using a salicylic acid cleanser twice a day. This would mean, you will need to cleanse your face using this formulation even after the pre-cleansing routine. But, use it only on the T-zone. Also, use a pore clarifying clay mask twice a week instead of just once.

In winter, your T-zone will look fine with sebum production curtailed but your dry cheeks will turn into an arid zone, so you may experience significant flaking. To counter this, keep a super hydrating moisturizer stick handy. Dab the creamy, occlusive formulation on your cheeks every 3-4 hours to ensure that the frigid temperatures do not impact the dwindling levels of hydration in your dermal layers. Also, use hydrating face masks, preferably a sheet mask twice a week. Remember to go for a round of facial steaming once a week, right before the mask treatment.

Adjusting For Hormones

For your T-zone, the most worrying time of the month will be a week before the start of your period till the fourth day of menstruation. This is when sebum secretion peaks in response to increased testosterone in the system and your pores blow up to the size of lunar craters, inviting more dirt and grime to clog them. Cystic acne is bound to come on the heels of these issues. So, what you need to do to prevent the inevitable bout of pimples is keep pore size and sebum secretion in control and your skin clean of dirt and dead cells.

Fortunately, you can achieve this with twice-a-day use of a salicylic acid cleanser and twice a week application of a purifying mud/clay mask. Do not use your hydrating mask in these 10 days. Instead, go for a peel off mask that will get rid of the dead cells. If the latter is not a preferred skincare product, make sure that you exfoliate your skin everyday through this period.

As far as dermal dryness goes, you will have a problem in the week that follows your period. You skin will be at its driest, so you can expect your cheeks to get flaky and possibly itchy. Deal with this the same way you would with winter dryness. Carry a super emollient and occlusive moisturizer stick along and apply it on your cheeks every 3-4 hours. Also, exfoliate your cheeks everyday through this period.

So, go ahead and take care of your combination skin like a pro!

Have Oily Skin? With The Right Skincare Routine You Won’t Have To Worry About Pimples And Blackheads!

by Olivia Leave a Comment

Since oily skin is the most resilient to oxidative stress as well as age related damage, you would think that it is one of the best skin types. Alas, if only Mother Nature would make things so easy for us! The very factor that protects oily skin also turns into its biggest trouble creator. Yes, I am talking about the hyper secretion of sebum that leads to the greasy, lipid film, which is the hallmark of oily skin.

While excess oil on the surface of the skin keeps harmful free radicals at bay and limits the impact of weather changes, it also keeps in all the bad stuff. Think, blackheads and whiteheads caused when pores cannot purge out the dirt and the dead cells accumulated inside them and the pimples that this eventually causes.

Fortunately, with the right skincare routine, you will be able to do away with all the minuses of oily skin and retain only the pluses. But, you will have to put the right skincare regimen in place and stick to it religiously if you want to see distinctive results.

That said, before we discuss the process of handling oily skin, let me make one thing clear – there is a profound difference between the driveway outside your home and the skin on your face; meaning you can’t treat them the same.

Scrubbing may work on the oil spill on the driveway but this is certainly not something that helps with oily skin. Hence, harsh soaps and over exfoliation are definitely out!

But I have oily skin which means I can exfoliate it raw if needed!

Whoever said that knows nothing about skincare. Yes, oily skin needs to be exfoliated on a regular basis and yes, you will need to put both chemical and mechanical exfoliation to use to keep the surface of the skin and the pores clean. But, oily skin is by no means the skin type that needs to be exfoliated daily or with harsh scrubs.

In fact, if you have oily skin, you will never deal with flaking and dryness, which means twice a week exfoliation with a regular product and once in ten days with a microdermabrasion unit is all you need.

Remember this all important fact – inflammation causes lasting skin damage and ageing and it does not matter if this inflammation is caused by free radicals or by over-exfoliation. So, the point to note here is that everybody, including your skin, walks home happy as long as products and procedures are used in moderation.

Morning Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

Regardless of whether you have used a skincare cream/lotion at night or not, if you have oily skin, you will wake up to slick film of sebum on your face. Most people instinctively deal with the oiliness by using a harsh cleanser that leaves their skin dry for a while.

In reality, stripping the oil clean from your skin just encourages your body to increase sebum secretion. Moreover, it also increases the rate of cellular destruction and causes skin damage that is bound to accumulate over time. Instead of trying to wash and scrub your face into submission, follow this five step plan to control oiliness and prevent breakouts.

1. Cleansing

You really don’t have to run to the bathroom the minute you are out of bed and wash your face clean of sebum. A proper cleansing can wait for a bit while you tackle your morning chores. Instead of rushing to use your face wash, start your morning by brewing yourself a few cups of black tea.

Go ahead and enjoy some of the invigorating beverage and give your skin a dose of the tannins in the black tea by washing your face with the lukewarm concoction. If you have not brewed enough for an actual wash, soak some cotton wool in the liquid and wipe your face gently with it.

Use upward strokes to infuse the dermal layers with the antioxidant and polyphenol rich beverage. This not only helps to clean the slickness that sits on top of the skin but also has an astringent effect, which reduces pore size and lowers sebum secretion. Allow, the tea to work on your skin for about 3-4 minutes, reapplying as needed to prevent it from going completely dry on your face.

Splash some cold water on your face after this, which will simply add to the astringent effect of the concoction. If you are not a tea drinker, cold infuse the tea at night (soak the tea leaves in room temperature water overnight) and use it in the morning as suggested above.

Yes, you will need to cleanse your skin at some point in the morning but starting your skincare routine with tea cleansing will maximize your efforts to rein in sebum secretion and keep your pores clean. That said, right after shower, and you are one of those lucky few people who can actually enjoy a leisurely hot water soak/shower without worrying about its detrimental effects on your skin, use a foaming cleanser on your skin.

Salicylic acid is of course the gold standard when it comes to keeping oiliness at bay. But, there are also several natural ingredients that work well in conjunction with this beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and on their own.

So pick a cleanser that contains, extracts of cucumber, tea tree oil, licorice root extract, calendula, etc. that help to curb sebum production and remove the dirt and grime plugging the pores. You may want to consider L’orpur gentle cleansing lotion.

When applying the cleanser, massage your skin upwards using the product and wash it off with warm water and a final splashing of cold water, which will clench the pores.

2. Exfoliation (as required)

Contrary to perception, you don’t need to slough off dead cells from your face every day if you have oily skin; that degree of scrubbing is only needed when you suffer from serious skin flaking, which is seldom a problem for those oily skin. An alternate day schedule or twice a week regimen works well.

If you are using a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, your face is already getting its daily dose of chemical exfoliation, ditto for products that contain vitamin C, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid or other AHAs. All you need after this is mechanical exfoliation which will help to remove the dead and dying cells from the surface of the skin.

A good skin brushing system, botanical powders, soaked coffee ground, salt, sugar, mineral rich clay and oil seed meal will all get the job done. If you are looking for a high-end option couple your regular exfoliation efforts with a weekly or “once in ten days” session of microdermabrasion. Just remember that at no point should you over exfoliate your skin. Marked redness, tenderness or flaking are telltale signs of over-exfoliation and should be your cue to tone things down.

3. Toning

So, you have tackled the sticky sebum and the icky dead cells on your skin with thorough cleansing and exfoliation, but who said that is going to stop your body from simply throwing more sebum your way? What I am trying to say here is that you will need to up your game if you want day long oil control! So, say hello to the mandatory round of toning.

This is a process that does more than just remove leftover dirt, grime and residue from the cleanser and exfoliator! Toning actually helps to balance the pH of the skin, tightens the pores and clamps down the secretion of sebum. This means that all the efforts you put into keeping your face shine free will actually yield longer results if you use the right product for toning.

That said, I am still as against alcohol based products for oily skin as I was for other skin types. Remember, what you are trying to do here is control the production of oil not to rob of skin cells of the natural fluids they hold. But that is what alcohol does; it actually dehydrates the cells. So, think premature wrinkles and lack luster complexion here.

If you want to halt the hyper production of sebum, try a product that contain botanicals such as tea tree oil, lemon, grapefruit, orange and other citrus fruit extracts/essential oils, oat extract, witch hazel and others.

To use the toner, soak a cotton pad in the liquid and dab it all over your neck, face and décolletage. Let the formulation stay on your skin undisturbed for about 2 minutes and just as it’s about to dry off, go to the next step of your skincare regimen.

4. Nutrition and moisture

The mere mention of a moisturizer is enough to send people with oily skin running in the other direction. I agree with all of you who believe that the last thing your oily skin needs is more oil! But, who said that moisturization is only about rubbing oil on your face?

Yes, anything that blocks your pores will cause trouble for your already clogged skin but don’t forget all those acidic products you are using to keep blemishes in check are stripping your dermal cells of their natural fluids. Unless you replenish these fluids, it won’t be long before your skin takes on the look of a shriveled, wrinkled raisin and the damage will be irreparable.

So, the point I am trying to make here is that don’t shun the use of a skin serum or a replenishing moisturizer; instead, pick a non-oily product that contains nutrients and botanical derivatives that clarify the complexion, boost cellular regeneration and restore the fluid level in the dermal cells. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, honey, neem extract, niacinamide, peptides, alpha hydroxy acids from fruits, etc. You can’t go past L’orpur oil-free moisturizer.

Apply small dots of your favorite formulation all over your neck and face and work in upward strokes, lightly massaging your skin till the serum/moisturizer is fully absorbed and your skin has a clean and refreshed yet hydrated feel to it.

5. Protection

Without a doubt, you will need sun protection but stay away from SPFs higher than 30 because as the protection factor increases so does the oiliness of the formulation.

In fact, a gel or spray based formula will be far better suited for your skin type than a sun screen lotion. Like all other products in the category, you will need to reapply the sunscreen every 2-3 hours. So with that much layering, it is imperative to pick a formulation that is non-comedogenic.

Ideally, your sunscreen should be the last product that you put on but if you are using makeup and want to use it under the coverage product, wait for 8-10 minutes after applying the sun screen and then put on your foundation.

Oily Skin Midday Routine

Apart from ungainly zits, the second most annoying issue faced by those with oily skin is that of runny makeup. It really does not matter what product you pick, chances are you will have a rough time keeping it on your face till noon. In fact, most ladies with oily skin have to deal with the seemingly unavoidable super oily T-zone by lunch time.

Fortunately, we are living in the era of facial blotting papers that make easy work of sopping up the oily mess on your skin. Simply press and hold against the oily T-zone and the grease pan look will disappear in no time.

Once you have dealt with the excess oiliness, it is time to handle the dirt and the open pores. All you need for this is a rejuvenating or refreshing toner or you can even make do with some chilled green tea or just ice cold water.

Use it just the way you would your toner. Soak some cotton wool in the liquid of your choice and dab it all over your face. Wait for a minute and then use clean tissue paper to dab the excess fluids from your face. Follow with a dusting of mineral compact powder and you will be able to hold on to your matte look for the rest of your work day.

What’s The Night Time Routine For Oily Skin

It does not matter what skin type you have, you have to remove the toxic mix of dirt, stale makeup, dead cells, salts and free radicals from your skin. And take my word on it when I tell you that gals with oily skin simply cannot afford to compromise on this part, not even once, unless you fancy a face full of zits. So, your night time skincare routine will include an additional step, but you can couple it with your cleansing efforts.

1. A thorough cleanse

Although most people with oily skin cannot relate to the idea of using oil to cleanse their skin, the approach actually fools your body into curbing the natural oil production, hence proves to be remarkably effective. Plus, the process can be used to remove makeup and deep cleanse the pores all at once.

You can use a commercial product, or you can whip up your own oil cleansing mix using blends of light/dry carrier oils and oil control essential oils like sweet almond and tea tree or hempseed and oregano or pumpkin seed and carrot seed essential oil. To use, massage the oil on your neck and face using upward strokes, let the dirt and makeup on your face dissolve in the lipids, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Then, wipe your skin with a clean face cloth soaked in warm water or tea. Go for round two if you have used makeup as the first application will remove the grime from the surface, while the second application will rid your skin of the excess sebum and the gunk trapped in the pores.

2. Toning

Your toner is one product that can be used 2-3 times a day, so it is imperative to choose a formulation that does not irritate or dry your skin out even if you have oily skin. A restorative and rejuvenating product that is rich in both humectants and antioxidants will do your skin a world of good. Click here for a specific toner for oily/combination skin.

If you do feel the need for a change, fruit and floral hydrosols also do a grand job of balancing dermal chemistry and giving your skin a hydrated feel. Hydrosols of lavender, helichrysum and rose can be used just as you would a regular toner. Alternatively, you could try a chilled concoction made by brewing green tea leaves and licorice root powder or rose hip tea.

Apply the liquid of your choice using facial cotton pads, soaking your skin in the hydrating goodness of the formulation. Whether you are using your regular toner, a hydrosol or tea, move on to spot treatments while your skin is still slightly damp.

3. Spot treatments

Those with oily skin usually have to put up with intermittent and often serious bouts of acne plus the lingering scars and the ever existent blackheads. Now, salicylic acid is one of the most effective ingredients for controlling sebum production and keeping the skin clean. If you have very oily skin, a product that contains this BHA can be used twice a day.

If you suffer from cystic acne, you will need something stronger. Typically, products meant for severe acne contain benzoyl peroxide. This is a very strong ingredient that will cause dryness, redness and peeling, hence it should not be used all over the face. Instead, apply the gel or ointment containing benzoyl peroxide directly on the pimple. Wait for the gel to dry before moving to any pother product.

If you are using gels or creams to treat acne scars or hyper-pigmentation, these too ought to go on your skin after the toner. The idea is that toning removes residual dirt from your pores allowing active products to penetrate deeper, which gets you more efficacy from them.

4. Hydration

Depending on the spot treatment used, you can use a serum or “oily skin specific” moisturizer after about 20-30 minutes. If you have applied a benzoyl peroxide gel, do not use the serum on top of it. Lightly massage the formulation on other parts of the face and neck.

While antioxidants rich products are well suited for AM use, go for a serum/moisturizer that contains skin healing and nourishing ingredients for PM use. For instance, try products that contain vitamin C, vitamin A, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, algae, mushroom and fruit enzymes, floral powders, fruit peel powders, essential oils and others.

Use The Right Mix Of Products!

If you have already used a preparation that contains salicylic acid, remember that ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids, fruit acids and enzymes as well as all AHAs have an exfoliating effect apart from other benefits. So, do not couple products that contain too many of these active ingredients at any one time.

For example, if you are using a toner or cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in it in the morning, then go for a hydrating toner that has hydrosols and hyaluronic acid and a serum that contains soothing botanicals along with nutrients like vitamin B12, C and E.

At night, you can use a serum that contains a retinoid or fruit acids or enzymes if you have used oil cleansing because the oil protects your dermal cells from the loss of water caused by acidic compounds. But, combining a salicylic acid cleanser with a toner that contains AHAs and a retinol serum will cause significant loss of both fluids and lipids, and even with your oily skin, you don’t want that!

Weekly Routine

If chosen correctly, a mask can help all skin types, but when used on oily skin, the right mask can offer stupendous results. So, even if you have been diligent with your exfoliation and cleansing, do take the time out to use a face mask or a hydrating sheet mask every week.

Start with the sheet mask on Tuesday and indulge your skin in the healing goodness of a mineral clay/ash mask that will erase the stress and strain caused by the happenings of the week.

A clay mask will sop the dirt and excess oil from the surface of the skin and the toxins from the dermal cells. Of course, a high quality face mask will also rev up blood circulation, tighten the pores and prevent skin sagging. To get more from you face mask, don’t forget to go for a round of skin steaming right before mask application.

Adjusting For Weather

Hot and humid summers pose the biggest risk for those with oily skin. If sebaceous glands going into hyper drive was not a big enough problem, the dust and pollutants in the environment only add to the woes of those with oily skin by causing increased pore clogging.

So, as the temperature starts soaring, increase your weekly dose of clay masks to two rounds instead of just one. Alternatively, you can tend to your dermal problems with a peel off mask in the middle of the week and follow with a clay mask over the weekend. This will keep the surface of your skin as well as your pores free of dirt and cellular debris, minimizing the risk of acne.

Moreover, even if you don’t normally use a cleanser that contains AHA’s or salicylic acid, summers are a good time to try out such cleansers. Another way is to use a toner that contains fruit acids or anti acne botanical extracts such as tea tree and neem oil that are natural antiseptics and astringents.

Adjusting For Hormones

The week before you start your period will be the toughest for you if you have oily skin. Known as the luteal phase, these are those 7-9 days that are notorious for causing oily hair and skin. Now, ladies with normal or dry skin types don’t have a problem with sebum secretion to begin with, so this phase does not pose much of a problem for them.

But gals with oily skin will find it hard to keep their makeup on and the shine away from their face for more than two hours at a time during this week. Your best bet here is to use blotting paper generously to clean the oily mess. Remember to not wash your face too often in response to the heightened oil secretion as this will cause lasting skin damage plus irritate the skin, leading to an increase in the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands.

Use an AHA or BHA based cleanser at least once a day all though this week to lower the amount of oil on your skin. Also, go for a mandatory round each of a peel off and clay mask. This will remove excess oil as well as dead cells from your skin.

There you have it – all you need to know about a skincare regimen for oily skin.

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Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need!

by Olivia 6 Comments

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

Let me be the first to congratulate you for making it to the sixth decade of your life. In these 50 something years, you have managed to go through three “MEN”- MENstruation, MEN of course and MENopause and whole lot more in between and yet you have your wits about yourself. Just for that you need a roaring round of applause.

Through this journey of a lifetime, your selfie maker handled the sobs and the smiles, the angst and the anger, the desires and the distress. And after all that, just like you, your skin direly needs some pampering and TLC. Since you are here reading this, I am assuming that you are in the mood to indulge your skin and I am going to tell you exactly how to do that.

But first, I want to talk about what your skin is doing at this age and why it is doing what it is doing. Those of you who already know about the role of hormones in the skin aging equation can skip this part. For the rest, this section will help you to better understand your skin, its needs and how to handle them.

Your Skin At 50!

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

Let us begin by discussing the hormonal event that you will encounter at this point in your life – MENOPAUSE. The average age for this phenomenon is between 51 and 54. I am sure you already know that menopause is when estrogen production comes to a sputtering stop. Now, this happens in two ways.

In some women, the levels taper off gradually till they sink to zero. In other women, the level falls like a rock, suddenly and with a loud THUD! It goes without saying that all the ghastly side effects associated with menopause like massive mood swings, hot flashes, sudden and extreme dermal dryness are all intensely pronounced in women who fall in the second category.

The link between estrogen and skin aging!

But, regardless of the way in which estrogen makes its exit from your body, you can be sure of one thing, it is going to take its two hand maidens – collagen and elastin along. So, at menopause you are not only dealing with skin dryness but also with a significant loss of volume and support. I call this the hollow effect! It can be seen on the cheeks and under the eyes. It looks like your skin is melting down from your face.

Now, let me address the elephant in the room…Is it possible to deal with these changes just with a skincare routine? Yes and No! Within reason, you can boost the levels of collagen and elastin. It is also possible to limit skin sag and tighten the dermal layers with topical interventions but the loss of volume is something that cannot be tackled with any skincare product.

And, what do derms have to say about this!

Well, they only have two solutions, the 2 “F’s” – Fillers and Facelifts! Now, there are plenty of “before and after” pictures of surgeries and fillers gone wrong to keep regular folks like us away from them. I also strongly believe that such procedures would be worth the risk and the small fortune that you spend on them if the results would be long lasting, if not permanent.

But at the most, you get 6 months to 1 year from such treatments, so why bother? My take on it is simple – The natural route is always the best and the safest! So, start caring for your skin starting now. It is much like working out. Just because you were not diligent with your workouts in the past or did not visit the gym at all, does not mean that starting today won’t give you good results. This is what you need to do:

50’s Morning Skincare in 4 Simple Steps

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

1. No more cleanser for you by doctor’s orders

OK, no doctor actually told me that I can’t wash my face in the morning. But, what I do know for a fact is that most women in their fifties complain of cracking dermal dryness. The logic is simple, why bother to intensify a problem that already exists?

So, start using a mixture of sesame and flax seed meal on your skin. Both oil seeds bring precious skin healing oils and antioxidants to the table plus sesame also boasts of phytoesterol content, which helps to makeup up for the loss of the natural estrogen in the dermal matrix.

Mix with buttermilk, almond milk or soy milk or green tea to get a thick paste. Massage on your skin for 5-7 minutes, using upward strokes so as to slough off the dead cells. Wash with warm water and pat your face dry.

If your mornings crackle with activity and you simply don’t have 5-10 minutes for the above process, go ahead and wipe your face with some almond or soya milk. Use cotton wool soaked in the liquid of your choice and as usual move your hands in upward strokes, so those dermal layers get saturated with the liquid of your choice. Wash off with regular, tap water and pat your skin dry.

2. Nourish and hydrate

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

If you have read any of my other articles in the skincare series, you may already know that I am a big fan of vitamin C as a topical anti-aging and skin healing treatment and why not? This is the one nutrient that provides a bevy of benefits including kicking up collagen production, erasing pigmentation and fighting off free radicals.

But for all its benefits, it also does cause skin drying and dermal dryness, which is a HUGE concern for anybody in their fifties. So, set your favorite vitamin C serum aside (no don’t throw it away) and go for a product that contains peptides, humectants, antioxidants and growth factors.

Humectants like squalene, glycerin and hyaluronic acid provide hydration, while antioxidants like resveratrol, curcumin, COQ-10 and others protect from oxidative damage. Both peptides and growth factors help to boost collagen synthesis and your skin needs support desperately, so both of these are prized ingredients.

Check out the L’orpur skincare products which contain the above ingredients!

If you have some serious dough to dish out, then look for stem cells in the formula. At the moment, very few companies are actually offering embryonic (read human) stem cells, so don’t get all antsy about this. Plant stem cells are not as effective as embryonic stem cells but they are known to contain both proteins and growth factors which help to boost collagen levels.

Typically, stem cells are derived from plants that are known to be beneficial for dermal health like gotu kola, edelweiss, raspberry and others. So, one way or the other your skin will benefit from the inclusion of this very expensive ingredient.

3. Moisturize and then moisturize some more

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

Although you don’t have to settle for a product that leaves your face greasy and shiny, do choose a richer moisturizer than what you did in your earlier decades. In fact, you will notice that even with a rich moisturizer, the familiar stretchy and uncomfortable feeling will return to your skin within a few hours of application. This should tell you how desperately your skin is crying out for hydration and protection.

Ceramides are the gold standard when it comes to enhancing the function of the skin’s lipid barrier and shielding the dermal cells from environmental damage. So, choose a product that contains nutrients like vitamin E and niacinamide that control inflammation and soothing carrier oils that are rich in ceramides like almond, safflower, hemp, rice, barley, kukui and wheatgerm, for example L’orpur moisturizers. Overall, fatty acids like stearic and palmitic are what your skin needs to enhance its natural defense system.

Phytoesterols are another class of ingredients to look for in your day time moisturizer. These are plant derived estrogenic factors that improve estrogen levels in the skin without the ghastly side effects linked to HRT.

4. Provide broad spectrum protection

If you thought you no longer need protection from sunlight because the damage has already been done, think again! Your SPF is still the most useful product in your skincare arsenal. Use it diligently and ensure that you go for a protective factor of at least 30. Reapply your SPF every 2-3 hours when spending time out in the sun and try to don a wide brimmed hat or rely on an umbrella to protect your thinning skin.

Midday Skincare Routine For 50’s

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

Assuming that you will have some makeup on your skin by afternoon, there is no need to mess with the effect created by your coverage product by using a rich moisturizer. Instead, pick a product that is light-weight, non-greasy but rich in emollients and humectants. Before applying, do spray or dab of a replenishing toner or a hydrosol on your skin and then use the humectant containing product all over your face, neck and décolletage while your skin is damp.

The deal with humectants is that they draw water from the deeper layers of the skin cells and make the fluids available to the upper layers. While this has the desired plumping effect on younger skin, when your dermal cells don’t have water to spare, digging deeper can lead to increased dehydration if you don’t offer external fluids. This is where a replenishing toner or hydrosol comes in handy. Using a nutrient and antioxidant rich toner/tonic will not only supply hydration but will also offer protection and nourishment.

Over 50’s Night Time Skincare 3-Step Regimen

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

1. Cleansing

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

An exfoliating cleanse at night will ensure that the products you use have the desired impact. To remove your makeup, use a carrier oil like virgin olive, coconut or sweet almond or micellar water. Apply/spray on the makeup remover of your choice and give it a minute to dissolve the grime and stale makeup before wiping it off. The idea is to remove your makeup with the minimal amount of rubbing and tugging of the skin.

Use a creamy cleanser if you have used micellar water to take off your make up. For those of you who have opted for oil cleansing, go for round two and this time give your skin about 2-3 minutes of massage and wipe your face and neck off with cotton wool soaked in warm green tea. If you have exfoliated your skin in the morning with the oil seed meal, you can simply use a creamy cleanser or oil cleansing without the need for exfoliation.

If you kept exfoliation for the end of the day, use a cleanser with jojoba beads which are gentle enough for the aging skin. For oil cleansing and exfoliation, you can try fine ground Himalayan salt granules mixed with the oil in round two which will tackle the dead cells. But, remember to wash your face with warm water after this instead of just wiping the oil off. You want all the salt off of your skin or it can cause dryness and itching.

Another option is to use oil to remove makeup and then a mixture of yoghurt and pomegranate or orange peel powder. You can make this mixture and keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days at a time and use about a tablespoon of it to cover your face and neck. Apply as you would any cleanser, massaging the formulation into your skin for about 3-4 minutes. Use gentle, circular strokes with minimum downward pressure. Keep the mixture on your face for about 4-5 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

2. Serums

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

I am going on the assumption here that you are already using prescription strength retinol on your skin. Hear me out before you yell that I am going against my own word. Undoubtedly, retinol is the Holy Grail when it comes to boosting cellular turnover. So, all through your thirties and forties, this is what you needed to keep your skin plump, glowing and youthful.

But, retinol achieves the desired effect by promoting exfoliation. Simply put, it removes the surface cells which sends a message to the body to generate new cells faster. However, there is only so much full strength exfoliation that you are skin can bear when you are in your fifties. The main problem is not so much the ingredient itself but the natural thinning of your skin in this decade.

If you peel out more of a layer that is already receding, you will end up with a thinner surface than what you originally had; this is common sense. So, while you should still be using retinol, turn it into an alternate day affair. This way, you get its benefits while minimizing the side effects. And for the day in between, go ahead and use your regular 10-20% vitamin C serum. Find a formulation that contains vitamin C with ferulic acid and other skin health boosters like green tea extract and hyaluronic acid.

Apply after cleansing while your skin is still damp. But, if you have been experiencing heightened skin sensitivity, wait for 20-30 minutes after facial cleansing to apply the serum. Instead of massaging the serum into your skin, take about a pea sized amount on the back of your hand and apply it all over your face and neck in pressing motion. Simply, press it against your skin and lift and press again till you cover all parts of the face 2-3 times.

3. Deeper moisturization

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

As the final touch for the night, go for a rich hydrating cream/balm that will annul the drying effect of the acidic ingredients in the serum while locking in their benefits. Look for a formulation made from plant butter and waxes and carrier oils that have skin healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Now, this is the bit where you show your skin just how much you care for it. So, spend about 10 minutes massaging the creamy formulation on your face and neck.

Personally, I am all for the roller ball massager. It gets the blood flow going and can be used all over the face and neck, including the delicate area around the eyes.

In fact, when used with a moisturizer after the application of an eye cream, the results are nothing short of spectacular. But, you can opt for a sonic or vibrating or infra-red massage device or rely on your paws, it is up to you as long as you pamper your skin with good ol’ touch therapy.

If you have used excess lipids/cream/oil/moisturizer to facilitate the massage, don’t forget to dab the area around the eyes with some soft tissue just before heading to bed. This will prevent the oils from entering your eyes and leaving them red and swollen by morning.

Weekly Skincare

Glowing Skin In The 50’s Is Possible Without Surgery! The Skincare Routine You Need! Essential Oil Benefits

Once again here, the emphasis is on tackling dryness and inflammation. So, go for two mask sessions each week and a biweekly (once every 15 days) facial steaming session. For steaming, use hot water (a few degrees short of boiling) with 2 drops each of chamomile and helichrysum essential oil added to it.

Alternatively, chop up a bunch of herbs and add these to the water and bring it to a boil. Cool for about a minute and steam your face with this concoction. You can use whatever is available; from basil and oregano to sage and parsley and others. After steaming, apply a deep hydrating mask, sheet or not, and finish with a coating of your moisturizer after you have cleaned your face.

This should ideally be done at the beginning of the week, so that you can reserve time for an overnight mask around Thursday. Go through your night-time skincare routine but instead of the moisturizer or cream, use the all-night mask.

Adjusting for weather

Damage from smoke, sun and other environmental factors will be more intense than ever before when you are heading towards your sixtieth. So, use an antioxidant rich toner before the serum when heading out on summer days. Also, use your sunscreen religiously to keep skin damage in control.

In winter, even if you are not big on oil cleansing, apply a face oil all over your face and body before heading into the shower, particular if you enjoy long hot showers. Yes, they can be soothing for the mind and body but disastrous on your skin. The oil will stop the heat from drying your skin out. Use your body wash or any other bath product as you normally do but your face should only get a few splashes of warm water and no cleanser.

A Few More Tips For Great Skin In Your Fifties

If you have not tried yoga and facial exercises as yet, you are already a few years behind schedule but no worries. Start today and in a few weeks you will see tangible results. But remember to only work those facial muscles after you have thoroughly saturated your skin with face oil/oils first. This pretty much eliminates the risk of micro tears and inflammation. In fact, wait for about 20 minutes after applying a face oil for your facial workout.

Inversion therapy will not only work wonders on your body but also on the health of your skin and your hair. You really don’t need complete inversion to experience the benefits of this therapy, about 60 degrees and even if you gradually work your way up to it, will be good enough.

Tai chi, meditation, spending time in nature, regular exercise, indulging in a stimulating hobby and enjoying your favorite stress relief tea blends will help immensely to slow down your internal body clock.

Phytoestrogens offer fantastic results not just when used topically but also when consumed in moderation. Recall Samantha gorging on mashed yam in the second installment of SNTC? I tell you the girl was headed in the right direction. In moderation, plant estrogens can help to dull the side effects of menopause and they are definitely safer than hormone replacement therapy.

On The Last Leg Of The Tour!

After all of that, if the signs of dermal aging or the impact of menopause are really affecting your life negatively, do not sweep them under the carpet! Talk to your doctor at once. For skin issues, if you are considering more than topical products, go for the least invasive procedures first, such as ultra sound and radio frequency laser therapy for skin tightening and then look into other more advanced options.