The PH Balance Is Maintained By Using Herbal Facial Masks

The use of herbs as beauty product dates back to times beyond the 2500 B.C. and there is very strong evidence to show that the Romans, Sumerians, Egyptians Chinese and Greek have been using them. It has once again gained popularity in the cosmetic world. Each herbal facial mask has a different kind of benefit which can be cashed as per requirement. There are some which work well for pimples and some other which are good to remove black heads, white heads and acne. There are some which have natural cleansing properties. Most of the knowledge is a hand down information which has been tested by experts of skin problems. There are sea weeds which are very good moisturizers. Most of these herbal facial masks have been prepared after a lot of research on the herbs to find out the benefits.

Herbal Facial masks are helpful in rejuvenating the skin and to attain its lost glory. A facial mask has the ability to maintain the ph balance. A good combination of the herbs in an herbal facial mask improves the blood circulation and as a result there is better supply of oxygen. They not only work on revitalizing the skin but are known to be very good stress busters. Herbal facial masks address many other skin related problems other besides rejuvenating the skin. They tighten the skin pores for a smoother look. They also erase wrinkles and age spots along with treating pimples. Before any facial application it is necessary to cleanse the skin thoroughly and to open the clogged pores. Once the mask is removed face has to be washed toned and moisturize as usual.  It is a good practice to read the ingredients before buying it as it is important to keep away from products with alcohol in them.

What is the Added Advantage of Herbal Facial Masks?

Facial masks are great ways to rejuvenate facial skin. An herbal mask is all the more advantageous since it helps to balance pH balance of the facial skin almost instantaneously. The moment a comprehensive mélange of herbs is allowed to act on your skin, you experience increased circulation and oxygen flow.

Besides revitalizing the facial skin, facial masks, herbal masks especially act as quick stress busters. The tingling effect of herbs makes a person to get of all unnecessary tensions and worries and why just herbal masks? All herbal products help to achieve similar revivifying results.

Herbal facial masks help to crack a multitude of skin problems. There are innumerable facial masks that help to tighten facial pores, smooth wrinkles, revitalize skin, treat pimples and remove age spots. You may hit your nearest beauty store to look out for other variations.

Before the application of the facial mask, you must first cleanse your skin with a good quality herbal facial cleanser. This will enable the blocked pores to open up and benefit from the usage of herbal mask. Once the mask has been washed off, dab dry the skin and treat your skin with a genuine facial toner and moisturizer. Hydrating the skin post the application of facial mask is very essential since by that time your skin will be devoid of all moisture. If you do not replenish the skin with the required moisture, the mask will fail to produce the desired results.

Although all herbal facial masks are made from rich botanical constituents but you must still pay a closer look on the list of ingredients. If the mask contains even the slightest hint of alcohol, you must drag yourself away from it! Leave alone making the facial skin soft, supple and youthful, a facial mask that contains alcohol will further degrade your skin.

Herbal Treatments for Adult Acne

When one thinks of acne, a teenager may come to mind first. No one expects to have acne as an adult but it is more common than one might think. On average 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men are affected by adult acne. Adult acne is usually attributed to hormonal shifts, allergic reactions to skincare products or medications. The good news is many new treatments and procedures are available.

The cause of adult acne remains unknown, but is often attributed to genetics and hormonal changes. Contributing factors can include: side effects from certain medications, cosmetic products with high oil contents, excessive sweating, diet, stress, pregnancy, and menopause. An acne lesion, blemish or clogged pore is caused when bacteria multiply excessively within the hair follicle. An oil-releasing blockage then develops from the sebaceous gland and enlarged sebaceous oil glands produce an overabundance of oil. Blockages of bacteria and oil then build, leading to adult acne problems such as pimples, inflammation, cysts, and scarring. Adult acne most often appears on the face; however, it can appear on the arms, legs, buttocks, and torso.

Adult acne is a fairly new problem as adult acne has just recently become an epidemic. Acne previously had been a concern of teens and young adults. Dermatological and esthetic treatments for adults will likely be very similar to those used to treat teens. To prevent acne, hormonal and life style changes, such as diet, may be incorporated. The findings have suggested that a lifetime of exposure to hormone enriched foods and medication may be a main culprit in this new wide concern of adult acne.

The appropriate treatment for acne varies depending on each individual. Adult acne treatments include ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retin-a, accutane, sulfur, tetracycline and/or a variety of over the counter medications. However, there’s more than medicine to treating adult acne. To obtain the best results treatments should include not only skin care products that target acne bacteria, but make changes that affect the body’s internal system. A multifaceted approach of treatments, behaviors, and diet is often most effective. Here are a few simple strategies to help you combat adult acne:
•    Consult your doctor about hormonal changes
•    Follow a daily skin care regimen
•    Protect skin from pollution and environmental damage
•    Avoid touching your face
•    Avoid exposure to sun and excessive cold
•    Select non-oil based cosmetic products
•    Eat a well-balanced diet

Natural remedies can also work alone or in combination with professional assistance in clearing adult acne. As stated earlier, diet is a very important factor in adult acne. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, help fight free radicals and skin damage that may be left behind after the acne has cleared. Ointment or creams that are rich in Vitamin E can fight against bacteria and sooth the sensitized acne are. Tea tree oil and herbal extracts have been known to clear acne by fighting bacteria and regulating oil production.

Herbal extracts or herbs to look for in topical or ingested formulas include burdock, yellow dock, cleaver, and sarsaparilla. As adult acne has been a fairly new area of study for dermatologists and estheticians, it is best to follow a treatment plan that is unique to your severity of acne.

What to Expect During a Facial Treatment

There are many different types of facial treatments provided by state licensed professionals today; therefore, the procedures and protocol should be somewhat similar no matter where you go to receive a facial treatment. The first thing the client will be asked to do is to complete a client card or informational form. This card will inform the esthetician of your skin type, any allergies you many have and what the best treatment options are for your facial. If you are a returning client, your esthetician should briefly discuss the client card and any changes that may have occurred between visits. Questions determining age, pain threshold, sensitivity, allergies, medications and water consumption are all standard. Never be afraid to ask questions or point out changes in your skin upon return visits. The client card guarantees that the esthetician can provide the best possible facial service.

Most facial procedures will begin with two complete herbal cleanses to remove make up, surface oil and dirt. The esthetician will then cover the client’s eyes briefly and examine the face through a magnified light lamp in order to properly asses the skin’s condition. During the skin assessment, the esthetician may ask questions or describe specific areas of the face, neck and decollate (the area around the collarbone).

Once the assessment is complete, the facialist will continue with the appropriate exfoliate, in order to shed dead skin and increase the effectiveness of the extraction. At this point, a facial steamer may or may not be used on surrounding, exposed skin. Extractions, or purging of the pores, will follow a herbal scrub and steam. The esthetician should never apply too much pressure or cause pain at any time during extractions. Extractions are meant to clear the pores and may feel awkward or uncomfortable, but should not hurt. If at any time the service is uncomfortable or painful, tell the esthetician. During the extraction process, and sometimes the entire treatment, ensure that the esthetician is wearing protective gloves. This protects both you the client and the esthetician. Following extractions, a sterile solution should be swiped over the facial area to clear remaining debris and disinfect the skin.

At this point in the facial, a few things may change or differ depending on the treatment you are receiving. A decollate, neck and facial massage may occur which usually last between 10 and 20 minutes. During the massage, be sure to let the esthetician know if the pressure is too hard or a particular area is sensitive.  An herbal facial mask or peel may follow the extractions or massage, again, depending on the type of facial treatment. After the mask, peels and massages the esthetician will end the appointment with a variety of herbal facial products such as face masks ( or masks), toners, serums, boosters, moisturizers and sunscreen. Feel free to ask questions about any products applied during this time. The esthetician should then leave the room, allowing you to relax and redress.

At the end of your appointment, the facialist will provide drinking water, as it is critical to stay hydrated after treatments, and will speak to you about an at-home regime or product that will ensure that you take the best possible care of your skin in between visits.

By Tiffany Oney

Tiffany Oney is a licensed esthetician, professional makeup artist and natural skincare authority. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies California State University, Long Beach and interning with Vivoderm Natural Skincare in Los Angeles, California.

Choosing Herbal Facial Masks and Skin Care Products

What is the best herbal facial mask for your skin?

In the last 10 years startling news and information on how our food supplies and products are created have surfaced. And it isn’t pretty. If you have been keeping up with the news and the recent movements back towards more natural and organic products, you should know that is has never been easier or more affordable to choose the natural and organic, especially for your facial and skincare needs.

When you are looking for a herbal mask or cleanser to apply to your face and skin, you should know that there are many organic, skin care masks on the market. The possibilities are endless when you want to pamper the senses with an organic bath and body product.

Not only are herbal facial masks therapeutic, but they are also healthier because they use natural ingredients unspoiled by chemicals or preservatives. Some of the ingredients found in many facial masks include organic essential oils, natural and organic vegetable oils, as well as organic herbs from the wild.

When looking for an organic or herbal skin care mask that will suit your needs, you should look for labels that contain phrases, such as 100% Natural or 100% Biodegradable.  Natural facial or herbal skin care products should also stay clear of the use of fragrance oils, artificial colors and synthetics.

Just to get an idea of some of the ingredients and choices a customer may look forward to when purchasing organic skin care products, you could exfoliate your skin with the help of organic pumpkin seed oil and fresh pumpkin seeds.  When you want an exotic, natural scent to grace your body, you may prefer a chemical-free, all-natural perfume created from tropical flowers.

When you need help healing your skin from problems, such as scars, dark marks and sun damage, there is a night cream made from tangerines and calendula, which can be used to ease the appearance of blemished skin.  An organic apricot facial scrub can exfoliate, deep clean, as well as moisturize the skin, all at once.

When it comes to matters of the face, this area of skin is considered the most visible. If problems arise concerning skin and acne, natural and organic facial skin care products can correct or treat some of these problems without the harsh chemicals that are used in non-organic products. For example, a toner made from pure lemons, witch hazel and peppermint essential oils can be a great solution for easing problem skin.

When you are in need of an herbal facial skin care mask that will stimulate circulation, as well as treat open pores, there are toners made from lavender and rosewater that can do the trick.

There are endless websites offering a line of herbal, facial skin care products on the Internet. You could purchase a face cream made from rose and chamomile, promoting facial hydration and the unclogging of pores. Just as with this particular product, many organic skin care products are good for those who have sensitive skin.

Other natural product alternative offer Vitamin C as the key ingredient, which is also gentle on the skin. Your skin will also receive the advantages of Vitamin E and A. Also look for daytime hydrating creams made from chardonnay grape seeds, Mediterranean olives and soy just to name a few more options. The result is smoother, toned skin.

The market is booming with plenty of choices to consider, including organic eye gels for reducing puffiness, organic 15 SPF sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, as well as many other organic skin care products for sun damage, cellulite, acne and wrinkles.

Have fun experimenting with the best combinations for your face and skin and watch the dramatic results unfold, naturally!

Some excepts from article Organic Skin Care Products for Your Face and Skin by Stephen Todd
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com

Skin Cleansers, Facial Masks and Astringents

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

Cleansing of the skin helps the skin to maintain a healthy, attractive looking, surface. It removes dust, perspiration, and some of the breakdown products of sebum. Makeup can also be removed. Foreign substances such as dirt will mix with the oil of the skin and become embedded. Water is inadequate to remove this. Soaps will be used to decrease the oil on the surface of the skin removing the dirt at the same time.

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

Types Of Cleansers:

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

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

1) Bar soaps:

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

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

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

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

2) Lipid-free cleansers:

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

3) Cleansing creams:

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

4) Astringents and toners:

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

5) Abrasive scrubbers:

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

6) Facial masks:

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

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

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

Natural Facial Masks and Home Recipes

End of Summer Skincare and Sun Protection

By Van Le | Labor Day can be bittersweet since it offers an always-welcomed three-day weekend, but it also marks the unofficial end of summer. In other words, after one last frolic at the beach, it’s time to put away the swimming suits and flip-flops, and wake the winter coats and boots from their hiatus. The seasonal closet makeover is a no-brainer, but there’s another place that needs attention: your makeup and skincare cabinet. Towards the end of the year, your skin needs protection from cold weather and reduced humidity. Switching to winter-friendly products can keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful.

Hot, humid weather during the summer can cause pores to expand because sebum is more fluid in this environment. As a result, deep cleansers and foamy cleansing products are appropriate, since they are able to reach deep into the pores, eliminating dirt and oil buildups. During the winter, however, cold temperatures can lead to dry and cracked skin. Switch to a mild soap, and your skin will feel smooth and soft as opposed to dry and tight after washing. Products that contain natural moisture such as Aloe vera are also excellent, since they are not harsh on dry, winter skin.

Winter air literally sucks moisture from your skin, so moisturizing is a crucial step in winter skin care. Even more important to moisturizing is choosing the right product. Products containing mineral oil, almond oil, or avocado oil work especially well since they keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores. Flaxseed oil is another beneficial ingredient, since it is not only rich in omega-3 fatty acid, but also has the ability to hydrate the skin from the inside out. Moisturizing right after a warm shower will help seal in the water and prevent dry skin. Also consider using a humidifier in your room or office, since it returns the moisture into the air and help the skin stay hydrated.

Just because it is cold outside does not mean you should toss your sunscreen tube. Even when you can’t feel the heat, the sun is still emitting harmful UVA and UVB rays, so it still important to protect your skin. Apply a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15, or use products containing zinc oxide, which acts as a natural barrier between your skin and the sun. Surprisingly, the sun’s reflective power on snow can be as high as 80%, so it is possible to be sunburned after spending a day on the ski slopes without sun protection. Moreover, don’t forget to help your lips battle harsh winter conditions with plenty of lip balm. Packaging is also important when deciding on a lip balm. Little tins and jars can spread germs since you are using your fingers to apply. Tubes can be a healthier and more convenient option. Remember to keep your skincare products readily available in your purse, car or desk so you can reapply throughout the day.

Winter skin care may differ from summer skin care in the type of products used, but the regimen for healthy skin is the same year round: cleanse, moisturize and protect.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU paper the Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare link to http://organicskincareinfo.net

Evening Primrose Oil - Natural Skincare Treatment

Evening Primrose Oil is a natural, and the richest, source of Gamma-Linolenic acid. It contains about 72% Linoleic acid and 9 percent GLA. Since it contains the essential GLA, evening primrose oil is highly valuable to those who cannot otherwise form enough GLA. This would include those who do not get enough essential fatty acids in their diet, drink or have drunk excessive amounts of alcohol, have low thyroid function, or have received radiation treatment. The direct source of GLA takes the pressure off the body to produce the necessary amount of GLA for optimum health.What are essential fatty acids and what makes them so essential? EFA’s play important roles in our body‘s overall health. They are part of every cell and establish and control the cellular metabolism. EFA’s are essential in four primary body functions: 1) provide energy, 2) maintain body temperature, 3) insulate our nerves, 4) cushion and protect body tissues. Two key polyunsaturated fatty acids (EFA’s) are Linoleic acid and Gamma-Linolenic acid. LA is not produced by the body but must be obtained through the dietary intake. LA acts as an energy source and is what the body converts to GLA which in turn forms other substances such as prostaglandins (hormone-like substances found in every body cell). They are critical to the body’s overall health maintenance, but need to be replenished constantly as once they serve their purpose, they are destroyed.

The purposes of prostaglandins include lowering blood pressure, reducing risks of blood clotting, stimulating the immune system, and regulating brain function. Animal studies at the University of Pennsylvania have also shown them to prevent arthritis. This is also being studied in humans trials in Europe with similar results. The source of EFA’s in these studies has been Evening Primrose Oil.

Preliminary studies in Sweden are relating Evening Primrose Oil to an anti-oxidant in that it also counter acts the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are most often associated with the aging process. Maintaining health is just one of the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil. It is also being studied extensively in England and Europe for its pain reduction in association with arthritis, controlling complications of diabetes, controlling liver and kidney damage due to alcohol, depression, Multiple sclerosis, skin/hair/nail repair, and most impressively, controlling sever symptoms of PMS.  It is extremely effective as a natural skincare ingredient to treat dry skin and eczema.

A study at St. Thomas Hospital in London found that when PMS suffers were given evening primrose oil three times daily, 67% of the participants were symptom-free and 22% achieved partial relief. (In all total, 89% had positive results with the evening primrose oil.) Although not as popular in the United States, Evening Primrose Oil is available at most health food stores and nutrition centers. And, as more studies become available, we will find why Evening Primrose Oil was commonly called the “King’s Cure All” in 17th Century England.

Foods that Fight Aging

Next Page »