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Undoubtedly, one of the most frequently questions is related to what kind of effects the sun triggers on the skin with acne, positive or negative? The sun is a source of benefit and resource not only for the environment, but also for our body. However, excessive exposure turns the sun into one of the worst enemies for skin health. And what about acne? Does the sun cause beneficial or threatening effects? Find out by continuing to read this article, and if you are looking for innovative treatments to have a radiant skin and at the maximum of its appearance, click here!

The sun’s positive effects on acne

The sun, with its anti-inflammatory effect, is able to dry the superficial pustules and treat seborrheic acne. However, it is important to apply adequate sunscreen to avoid sunburn and burns, which may aggravate acne. Let’s see in detail the benefits of the sun for skin with acne:

· Reduction of inflammation: Sunlight contains UV rays that can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, and they can reduce redness and irritation caused by acne.

· Decreased sebum production: Sun exposure can help reduce sebum production, one of the key factors in acne.

· Improvement of the skin appearance: Many people with acne report that their skin appears brighter after spending time outdoors.

· Antibacterial effect: Some studies have shown that sunlight can have an antibacterial effect, helping to reduce the proliferation of bacteria on the skin.    

  The sun’s negative effects on acne

Let’s start with the observation that prolonged exposure to the sun can exacerbate the symptoms of acne. The sun increases the production of sebum, the natural oil of the skin, which can clog the pores and cause the formation of new pimples. Let’s see these negative effects:

· Dryness and irritation: Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause dryness, irritation, and flaking of the skin, worsening the appearance of acne. When excessive exposure to the sun dehydrates the skin, the sebaceous glands become overloaded and this production of excess sebum, known as seborrhea, is one of the key factors in the formation of impurities.

· Photosensitivity: Some medications used to treat acne, such as tretinoin and antibiotics, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and damage.

· Increased sebum production: Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun can stimulate sebum production, worsening acne in the long term. This also happens because hot air can promote bacterial growth and lead to infections that can cause the formation of deeper and painful pimples.

· Increased imperfections: The sun promotes the thickening of the skin, and this thickening blocks the hair follicles and prevents the leakage of sebum. This causes the formation of blackheads and microcysts that can degenerate into inflammatory lesions.

Conclusion

Many theories exist about the effects of the sun on the skin, especially regarding acne. It has long been believed that sun exposure could help treat acne becausepimples seemed to disappear or shrink after a day in the sun. However, as we have seen, this feeling of improvement is often only temporary and does not affect all types of acne.

If you want to find the right mask for your face skin without wandering around the shelves of stores and spending loads of money, this article is for you! Although some formulas and targeted ingredients are found only within the commercial masks, you can make compounds directly in your home just as effective to achieve the desired goals. Let’s see together, specifically, some homemade masks excellent for two types of skin, or for dry and oily skin.

If you also want to integrate some innovative devices to further increase the beauty and health of your skin, click here.

1. Dry skin

• Mask with honey and olive oil: Olive oil and honey are known for their moisturizing properties. To make this mask, mix two tablespoons of olive oil and two of honey. Then, apply the mixture to your clean face and leave it on for about 15 minutes.

• Mask with honey, argan oil and shea butter: This mask is a true booster of nourishment, softness and brightness. To make it, mix two teaspoons of argan oil, two tablespoons of shea butter and a teaspoon of honey. Once mixed and blended, apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with a little warm water.

• Avocado and honey mask: Avocado contains vitamin E and carotenoids, essential to give elasticity, as well as many other substances that protect tissues and promote cell renewal, restoring the normal hydrolipidic film of the skin. What you need to do is take the pulp, mash it with a fork, and then add some honey. After that, mix everything and apply it tothe face and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.

• Mask with banana, yogurt and olive oil: For this super moisturizing mask, you need half a banana, 2 tablespoons of yogurt and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Specifically, you have to cut the half banana into thin slices and, with the help of a fork, crush it until it becomes a purée. Then, add 2 tablespoons of yogurt and a teaspoon of olive oil, and once ready, apply the mixture to your face for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse your face with plenty of warm water.

2. Oily skin

• Exfoliating mask with honey, sugar and lemon: These two ingredients perform an exfoliating and astringent action. It is prepared by mixing 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Once you get a creamy mixture, add the lemon juice little by little until you get the right consistency. Once ready, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes, then rinse with plenty of warm water.

• Purifying mask with honey and cinnamon: The action of this mask is purifying and is achieved by combining 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of honey. Once the two ingredients are mixed, apply the mixture on the face with circular movements of the fingers and then rinse with plenty of warm water.

• Honey and coffee mask: The combo of these two ingredients will treat the skin acne-prone, giving it at the same time hydration. In fact, honey will leave your skin nourished and soft, while coffee will gently exfoliate your skin. To prepare it, just mix a teaspoon of honey not too liquid with two of ground coffee, leaving the mixture to rest for a few minutes before applying it. Then, go into action: massage the mask gently, and then rinse with a little warm water.

• Green clay mask: To make this type of mask, which is purifying and sebum-normalizing, you will need honey, jojoba oil, infusion of chamomile (cold), ventilated green clay and a few drops of the precious essential oil of tea tree. First,mix the clay and gradually add the cooled infusion of chamomile. The result should be a compound with a spreadable consistency. Once this consistency is obtained, let the mixture rest for a few minutes and then continue to mix everything until you get a thick and homogeneous paste in which you have to dissolve 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil (the latter must have been diluted with 4 drops of tea tree oil). When everything looks like a homogeneous and spreadable mixture, you can apply the mask to the face, precisely to the areas to be treated, and let it act for about 15-20 minutes, until the product is completely dried. After the set time has passed, remove everything with a gentle massage or with a cotton pad, and rinse your face with warm water.

Conclusion

Teenagers and adults, more or less, have had to deal with the appearance of blackheads on their face at least once in life. In most cases, blackheads, as imperfections, are cause for insecurity because they give the skin a messy and unclean appearance. There are many theories on how to treat them, and numerous methods help to prevent them. Let’s first see what is meant by blackheads, and then how you can cure them and even prevent them.

By the way, take a look here and find out how to take care of your skin thanks to the help of specific treatments that can bring your skin to the maximum level.     

What are the blackheads? 

Blackheads are formed due to the accumulation of sebum and other deposits within the hair follicles. Specifically, all these accumulations and deposits are concentrated inside the comedones, or rather small pockets, that are located inside the skin. When the latter fill excessively, they open, and coming into contact with the air, they oxidize and become dark.

Blackheads are used to appear in areas of the skin where there is a greater presence of sebaceous glands, such as nose, chin, forehead, cheeks, back. Once formed, they can remain stable, regress autonomously over time, or worsen, evolve into inflammatory processes.

The main causes of blackheads

As already mentioned, the most common causes for the appearance of blackheads are all attributable to the excessive accumulation of sebum and external agents, such as dust, dirt, make-up. For example, one of the most common causes of the accumulation of substances and dead cells that clog the pores is poor facial cleansing, and therefore not removing make-up in the evening before going to sleep. Besides, improper cleaning of the skin causes the latter to react by triggering a defense mechanism producing large amounts of sebum. Moreover, using cosmetic products, such as creams or makeup, rich in fatty or oily ingredients, can clog the pores and prevent sebum from exiting the follicles.  

The main cause of the appearance of blackheads is hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands. Such hyperactivity is triggered by poor and incorrect facial cleansing, but also by hormonal imbalances, in particular by the action of testosterone. Blackheads are those imperfections that appear mainly during adolescence, that is, during that phase of life in which the body undergoes major changes, due to hormonal imbalances.

Is it possible to get rid of blackheads?

YES! The treatment and elimination of blackheads can be carried out following precise guidelines, which may include the help of:

1. Pharmacological products: This type of treatment must be indicated by a specialist after a careful dermatological examination. This type of treatment consists mainly in the application of drugs for topical use on the skin area affected by blackheads. Among the most used products are retinoic acid based drugs, as they are effective in preventing the formation of keratin blockages and in promoting the expulsion of the content of the black spots already formed on the skin.

2.   Cosmetics: On the market there is a wide range of cosmetic products, able to treat blackheads and keep under control the excessive production of sebum. They usually exfoliate and purify in the form of creams, serums, lotions and masks.

3.   Dermo-aesthetic treatments: the most common dermo-aesthetic treatments to eliminate blackheads include chemical peeling, that is able to act on the superficial, intermediate and deep layers of the skin. This allows the renewal of the tissue through the elimination of dead cells. Alternatively, you can remove them through the aspiration of everything that is inside the comedones, by professionals using specific tools.

Is it possible to prevent them?

The answer is still YES! As we already know, the main causes of blackheads are the overproduction of sebum and the presence of bacteria. You can prevent these annoying blemishes from affecting your skin by acting against them. Therefore, it is essential to take care of your skin and adopt some daily habits:

1.   Cleanse skin regularly, but avoid harsh detergents and frequent washing

2.   Remove makeup before bedtime

3.   Exfoliate the skin at least 1-2 times a week using a scrub.

4. Use a mask to cleanse the skin at least 1-2 times a week.

5. Avoid foods with high glycemic index and prefer fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, foods rich in vitamins, minerals and omega 3.

Have you already heard about azelaic acid? Lately, its name is making its way through the world of beauty for its properties and benefits. Let’s find out together what it is and why it is gaining attention. Also, click here if you want to find out the effectiveness of some treatments and how they can bring your skin to the top. 

What is azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid, a saturated dicarboxylic acid, has attracted the attention of dermatologists, pharmacologists, and cosmetics experts due to its properties. In fact, it has become a needed ingredient for some cosmetics and drugs as it can guarantee numerous benefits for the skin. This type of acid can be found in nature, such as in rye, barley, wheat, and even olive oil, and it is also a natural substance produced by Malassezia furfur, that is a yeast already present in the skin flora. 

Azelaic acid is used in the cosmetic field, so it is obtained biotechnologically from the ozonolysis of oleic acid in order to ensure its stability, and in the medical and pharmaceutical field. In cosmetics, it can be contained only in low concentrations, generally not exceeding 10%, while in the medical and pharmaceutical field, the concentration is between 15% and 20%. Therefore, in cosmetics the concentration of azelaic acid must necessarily be lower than that used to combat dermatological disorders in order to avoid unpleasant adverse reactions.

Moreover, it is not photosensitizing, and therefore can be used even during the summer. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to use sunscreen during the day to protect the skin.

What kind of benefits does azelaic acid provide?

Now let’s analyze its benefits for which it is depopulating as a valid ally for the health of the skin. The actions carried out by it are: 

1. Antibacterial: it reduces the presence of certain bacteria, thus limiting the occurrence of infections in the follicles.

2. Antioxidant: it protects the skin from the aggression of free radicals, thus improving the skin’s response to premature skin aging and helps preserve a youthful and fresh appearance, by favoring cell renewal. In fact, it can be considered as an excellent substitute for retinol, as it is much more tolerable by all skin types. 

3. Anti-inflammatory: it counteracts skin inflammation, carrying out a soothing action on the skin barrier. 

4. Depigmenting: it prevents the formation of hyperpigmentation, effectively counteracting dark spots and discoloration of the skin, and lightening those already existing by inhibiting the production of melanin.

5. Exfoliating: it promotes the exfoliation process and improve skin radiance.

6. Keratolytic: it helps restore normal keratinization of the skin and promotes physiological remodeling.

Treatments based on azelaic acid

Azelaic acid carries out many different actions, and as a result, it is used in many different treatments. However, products containing azelaic acid are most commonly used in treatments against acne, rosacea, dark spots, and seborrheic dermatitis. Let’s see how:

1. Acne: Azelaic acid is indicated for acne and impure skin because it prevents the accumulation of dead cells, which tend to clog the dilating pores thus creating impurities. In addition, it regulates fat production, counteracts sebum buildup, and inhibits the production of blackheads.

2. Rosacea: The anti-inflammatory action of azelaic acid is useful to counteract pathologies such as rosacea, a chronic condition of the skin characterized by erythema or dilated capillaries. It can reduce the inflammatory lesions that mainly characterize the nose and cheeks by inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the release of free radicals. 

3. Dark spots: This is possible because azelaic acid has a depigmenting action. It reduces and normalizes the production of melanin, making the complexion uniform and acting on dark spots. Specifically, it prevents the appearance of dark spots because it prevents the action of tyrosinase, the enzyme fundamental for the synthesis of melanin.

4. Atopic dermatitis: It's a skin inflammation that causes redness and itching in certain areas of the body. It can be treated with azelaic acid because it acts as a seboregulatory and anti-inflammatory agent. 

Conclusion

Speaking about make-up, there is one product that is difficult to choose and introduce into your beauty routine: the foundation. How many times did you struggle to find the right one? The majority of doubts are about the shade because it’s not that simple to match it with your own complexion. However, this is not the only problem to solve, as the foundation choice should be done according to the skin type. Otherwise, you run the risk of breaking the balance of your skin or making its existing conditions worse. 

Do you want to find out once and for all what kind of foundation is right for you? Keep on reading… and if you also want to discover more techniques to introduce into your skincare routine, click here.

Types of Foundation

To get the most out of your make-up, it’s necessary to choose a foundation that is harmonized with your skin type, but that also respects its needs. So, read the following information about every skin type before buying foundation.

First, let’s see how many types of foundations exist on the market:

1. Fluid foundation: It is one of the most common types of foundation. It usually comes in a small tube or glass packaging with a dispenser, and it is easy to apply. Thanks to the presence of a watery base, it is suitable for almost all skin types, making it perfect for daily use on all skins.

2. Mousse foundation: It has a very light and soft texture to the touch due to the abundant presence of oils and moisturizers that make it soft, enveloping, and airy.

3. Compact foundation: It is a richly pigmented product with very high coverage. It is easily blended and is generally sold in packs similar to powder. It can be applied either with a makeup brush or with a sponge.

4. Powder foundation: it is applicable with a brush or sponge, and it helps to make the skin homogeneous and opaque by avoiding the unpleasant shiny effect.

Now make your choice: which is the right one? 

Each complexion is unique, and your ideal foundation depends on your skin type. In detail:

Dry skin: It needs hydration, so you need to choose a moisturizing and liquid formula, rich in moisturizing ingredients. In this case, liquid foundation is what you need, but even the mousse foundation can be suitable. Very important notice: avoid foundation powder, which could highlight dry areas.

Oily skin: People with oily skin know how stressful it is to try to control or cover a shiny complexion. For this reason, it is advisable to opt for a long-lasting matte foundation that is liquid, powder, or compact, even if the liquid formula is the most recommended because it does not create the waxy effect. An important condition is that it should be very light in order to allow the underlying skin to breathe without clogging the pores.

Mixed skin: It is the type of skin that creates the most confusion because it is oily one day and dry the next. An opaque liquid foundation is the most appropriate because it helps reduce the gloss of oily areas and, at the same time, the liquid formula keeps the hydration of areas tending to dehydration. It might also be useful to use two different types of foundation in different areas of the face, such as an opacifying product on the T area and a more moisturizing one on the cheeks.

Sensitive skin: This type of skin requires more care and attention. What matters most is to not apply products that could irritate the skin, so it is essential to choose a foundation formulated without fragrances, alcohol, and other potentially irritating ingredients. As for the type, it is advisable to use a mineral foundation, which is a powder, as it tends to be more delicate and lighter on the skin. 

Normal skin: If you have this type of skin, you can experiment with different types until you find what you prefer. Get creative!

Conclusion

Struggling to find the perfect anti-age routine leads most women to buy whichever advertised product, without being completely aware of how the aging process needs to be handled. As a result, we find ourselves unprepared about what we should do to get better and long-lasting results. Sometimes we do less, sometimes we overdo or do it in a wrong way… What’s the point of buying luxury products if we are not able to use them? Even worse, how can we expect our skin to look younger by eating badly, drinking little, and not protecting ourselves from the sun?

Behind young faces, there are so many precautions that we need to take. No panic! It’s not that complicated. If you keep on reading this article, you will realize that looking younger is possible thanks to 5 simple but useful steps. By the way, click here if you want to take your anti-aging skincare routine to the next level, beyond all expectations.

#1 Keep your skin hydrated

Did you know that dehydration is the perfect breeding ground for wrinkles? Yes, that’s right! When the skin is dehydrated, it means that it lacks water, which is the main substance for the skin to be healthy. Dehydration causes dryness and therefore the condition in which the skin lacks oils and ceramides. This condition of deficit is manifested through lines, better defined as “lines of dehydration”, which become real wrinkles due to the worsening of dehydration and dryness. The good news is that this type of wrinkle can be treated and softened simply by restoring hydration levels thanks to nourishing and moisturizing products.Hydration is the first step to prevent the skin from appearing dull and full of lines, and for it to be optimal, it is also necessary to act from the inside by drinking at least 2 liters of water a day.

#2 Protect your skin from UV rays

If it is true that hydration is essential, protecting the skin from the sun is even more so to avoid skin aging. This is because the sun’s rays, in case of prolonged exposure, can reach the deepest cells of the skin, thus causing oxidative stress and therefore free radicals. If you didn’t already know, free radicals are responsible for the deterioration of the health of the skin, as well as its aging as they compromise the production of elastin and collagen, resulting in sagging skin, loss of elasticity and firmness. To avoid this, it is necessary to use sunscreen cream SPF 50during the hot months, but not only: the sun is harmful even when you don’t see it, and therefore all year round.

#3 Antioxidants, Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen

Add products that contain antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and collagen to the above-mentioned products, and your anti-age skincare will be perfect! These three ingredients can be introduced and absorbed by your skin using creams, serums, and masks. Although quality is very often linked to the authenticity of the brand, there are many good and not-too-expensive products on the market. The important thing is that they are paraben-free and dermatologically tested, and using them in the right way will make their benefits much more noticeable. Even in this case, supplements containing all three ingredients can help you introduce them from the inside and thus boost their action.

#4 Anti-age diet

The health of your skin also depends on the table, as some foods can give it important benefits, such as fighting the signs of aging. Antioxidants are among the most important, and in addition to applying them directly to the skin through creams and serums, you can introduce them by eating fruitsand vegetables. Other anti-aging foods are those containing the family of Omega fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6,andomega-9) especially found in some types of fish, among them salmon is the most renowned. Don’t forget all foods that contain minerals, as they are favorable to the maintenance of skin cells. For more information, consult a doctor or nutritionist to find out in detail what foods should make up your perfect anti-age diet!

#5 Stay healthy

Last but not least, leading a healthy lifestyle helps your skin be glowy and young. So… sleep well, eat well, live well, and your wrinkles will sprout only because of old age.

If there is a skin blemish that puts a strain on our self-confidence, it is water retention, especially with the arrival of summer. It makes our legs heavy and swollen, and we can add the emotional discomfort to the physical one. This happens because this condition often imposes itself as an obstacle too difficult to overcome, and that is why it tends to run for cover at the last minute, spending a lot of money to witness a miracle that never arrives!

Nowadays we often hear about many strategies against the accumulation of water in the body, such as facial lymphatic drainage massage that is becoming popular, but there is still a lot of confusion about it. This happens because it is not clear to everyone what the real causes are, and consequently, what the right treatment is.

What is water retention?

Water retention is a common condition that occurs when excess fluid accumulates in body tissues: the organism tends to accumulate liquids in the spaces between the cells, thus causing more or less evident swelling called edemas. These edemas are often spread in areas of the body predisposed to the accumulation of adipose tissue, such as the buttocks, legs, ankles, and abdomen. This condition is related to the action of estrogen hormones, typically female, which is why water retention affects women the most. 

We often tend to confuse water retention with cellulite, but in reality, these are two different ailments: cellulite is an inflammatory process of subcutaneous adipose tissue, due to hypertrophy of fat cells and changes in the venous and lymphatic systems. Cellulite, compared to water retention, it is more difficult to treat. That said, water retention can be cured, especially if the causes are identified. 

What causes water retention?

Understanding the causes and symptoms of water retention is essential to effectively combat this condition and improve overall health. Several factors can contribute to water retention, and some of the most common causes include:

• Sodium intake

• Excessive use of salt

• Dehydration

• Hormonal changes

• Some medications

• Problems of blood circulation

• Sedentary 

• Keeping a static position for too long

• Clothes too tight

• Heels too high

• Smoking

• Excessive consumption of alcohol

How to combat water retention?

There are several effective ways to combat water retention and reduce swelling in the body, and many of them are directly proportional to the causes mentioned above: 

• Reduce sodium intake and eat foods rich in potassium, because it helps balance sodium levels in the body and reduce water retention.

• Reduce the use of salt

• Stay hydrated (drink at least 2 liters of water a day)

• Treat hormonal dysfunctions

• Do sports or go for a walk

• Lead a healthy lifestyle (sleep well and eat healthy)

Follow these tips if you want to get many more results:

• Drinking draining herbal teas: herbal teas based on draining plants such as dandelion, nettle, fennel, or birch, can help stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce water retention.

• Lymphatic massages: specific massages that stimulate the lymphatic system can be effective in promoting excess fluid drainage and reducing swelling.

• Raising legs to the wall: maintaining this position for 10-20 minutes stimulates blood circulation and reduces swelling considerably.

• Eating diuretic foods: many plant-based foods counteract water retention thanks to their diuretic action. The most common are: pineapple, watermelon, asparagus, artichokes, cucumbers, melon, blueberries, celery, apples, and tomatoes.

• Taking specific supplements: Using supplements based on natural components further increases the diuretic action. The most effective ones contain birch, centella, dandelion, melilot, pineapple, and bromelain.

Conclusion