Skin Care Talks

Becoming a Mary Kay Skin Care Consultant

skeenz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:15:01 +0000

It's something we've all heard of before, becoming a skin care or make-up consultant for some company that's well known in the world like Mary Kay. The skin care Mary Kay offers is some of the best in the world, and they're renowned for the benefits they offer with their products.

But, when thinking about becoming a Mary Kay representative can seem troublesome or overwhelming to the point that it may just not seem worth it. In reality, becoming a Mary Kay skin care representative isn't as hard or intimidating as it may look.

The First Steps to Take

The first thing you should do is learn about the company, how it works, and what kind of money you're looking at making. It differs from person to person, depending on the time they put into their business and the goals they set for themselves.

Once you've decided to become a Mary Kay skin care representative, you'll want to make a commitment. Take into consideration the time you have to put into the business, and the amount of money you'd like to see yourself making a year down the line, and commit to it.

After taking these first steps, you'll want to talk to other people who are Mary Kay skin care representatives in order to get your questions answered and to help you make a business plan. The help you'll receive is tremendous and will make all the difference in your success. But you can't be shy to ask the questions you have or ask for help from other representatives, or you simply won't get much out of it.

Being Successful

A big part of being a successful Mary Kay skin care representative is to know how to work the business. Waiting for clients to come to you isn't going to work. You've got to get out there, meet people, and hustle! This doesn't mean you have to force people to buy products from you, it just means to be yourself and show the people you meet what Mary Kay products have to offer.

You'll be surprised at how many clients you can earn this way, and how much the word of mouth they provide will earn you even more clients. Of course, the classic Mary Kay parties everyone talks about is a good way to go, but think outside the box and come up with other ways to earn your income.

Visiting local salons and other places like realtors and even grocery stores can offer a place to advertise your business. The sky is the limit, so don't let anything stop you from being successful.

Making Dry Skin Care Easy

skeenz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:15:02 +0000

Dry skin is characterized by low level of sebum. Dry skin has a parched look and usually feels tight and uncomfortable after washing. If you have a dry skin type, you need to follow a skin care routine that is fit for dry skin. However, before you start your dry skin care routine it would also help you to know the causes behind dry skin.

Causes For Dry Skin
One of the main reasons behind dry skin is the inability of oil glands to supply enough lubrication to the skin. This leads to dehydration of skin. Your genetic inheritance could also be the reason behind your dry skin. Poor diet can also cause dry skin. Skin conditions, like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea cause dry skin. Environmental factors, like sun, wind, cold, chemicals, etc. are some of the leading causes of dry skin.

Dry Skin Care
Those with dry skin should avoid using tap water to wash their face. Use mineral water instead. Also avoid washing your face with hot water. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and apply a moisturizer after washing your face. After taking a shower you should a mild application of baby oil will do well for your skin.

Natural cleansers and moisturizers can work wonders for your dry skin. Fifteen minutes before taking a shower apply a mixture of 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon orange juice, 1 teaspoon olive oil, few drops of rose water, and few drops of lime juice. This is an excellent skin cleanser and rejuvenator.

Night moisturizing is a very important part of dry skin care routine. After you have cleaned and toned your skin apply moisturizer over your skin. Massage it gently for 40-50 seconds. Take a warm washcloth and cover your face and neck with it for five minutes. This will help in the penetration of the moisturizer.

Milk bath once a week will help nourish and smoothen your skin. Put 250 grams of powdered milk, half tablespoon of almond oil, and few drops of perfume in your warm bath water. Soak your body in the water for at least 20 minutes. Within weeks you will start to see a positive effect on your skin.

In addition to the above mentioned dry skin care tips, you should also take care of your diet. Your diet should be rich in protein. Include foods, like onion, garlic, and asparagus in your diet because they are high in sulfur, which keeps the skin smooth. Vitamin A and C are also good for your skin. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these dry out the skin.

Taking care of your dry skin is not that hard if you have all the necessary information. Plus you obviously have to be very serious about your skin care routine. Half-hearted measures would not give you good results.

When it Comes to Pregnancy Skin Care, Stretch Marks is The Big Deal

skeenz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:30:02 +0000

As a pregnant woman, taking care of your skin is just as important as taking care of every other aspect that comes with pregnancy. Being pregnant offers enough irritations without having to worry about dry, chapped skin, and these things happen to the best of us. But, when we think of pregnancy skin care, the biggest thing that comes to mind is taking care of those stretch marks!

Solutions for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are thought of as ugly, embarrassing, and bothersome for many reasons. For a lot of women, stretch marks mean the end of wearing bikinis and showing some skin to there partners. Although in reality, this isn't something many husbands think of as ugly when it comes to seeing their beautiful wives, it doesn't stop these thoughts from occurring in all women who experience having them.

So, pregnancy skin care is important in this situation. Is it possible to get rid of all stretch marks? Well, that's something that's been debated by many for several years. But in the end, it never hurts to try. There are some pregnancy skin care products on the market that claim to take these marks away, and lots of women will swear by them.

TriLASTIN is a product that's been featured on shows like the Tyra Banks show, and is known to permanently get rid of stretch marks. The product offers a 60 day money back guarantee is it doesn't work for you, but claims to be 100% effective for all users.

Laser therapy is another option available, and is known to dramatically reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Although the procedure is not known to fully eliminate them, it is known to reduce their appearance, offering you a bit more satisfaction when coming to face to face with yourself in the mirror.

If you ask a doctor whether you can successfully remove stretch marks completely, the answer is usually no. This is because many products out there that offer complete removal are thought of as risky, because the ingredients they hold are unknown in medical scrutiny. So when thinking about using a stretch mark removal product, make sure you read reviews and do your research to ensure you're making the right decision for yourself.

Lastly, know that pregnancy skin care is important. So don't dwell too much on the stretch marks, and focus more on keeping your skin healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Understanding What Psoriasis Means To You

skeenz — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:45:02 +0000

There are five types of psoriasis that can affect your skin. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis and is characterized by red patches of skin that has raised lesions that are covered with silvery-white scale. These plaques can appear on the elbows, knees, and also the lower back. Guttate psoriasis looks like small, red spots on the skin. Pustular psoriasis is pus filled pimples on the skin surrounded by red skin. Inverse psoriasis is smooth in appearance, red lesions that appear in the folds of your skin. Erythrodermic psoriasis appears in large areas of the skin, itches severely and is painful.

Those with psoriasis feel discomfort during flare-ups. Affected skin may bleed, crack and itch. The discomfort can even keep the individual up at night. The pain can make everyday activities difficult. There is no cure for psoriasis. The disease is life-long and can have remissions followed by more flare-ups.

Treatment is designed around the severity and type of the psoriasis. Most individuals have it mild but some can be severe causing disability. Medications used are topical, oral or systemic. Light therapy using UV rays in the doctor's office can be done when medications are not effective.

Psoriasis is not contagious, so coming in contact with the skin or clothing of someone with psoriasis cannot give you the disease. Scientists and researchers believe that there is a genetic component to psoriasis, as it tends to run in families. Psoriasis typically first appears between the ages of 15 and 35 but it can appear at any age, even infants have been born with the disease.

Most of the individuals who contract psoriatic arthritis start out with psoriasis and later in life start the symptoms for arthritis. Only approximately 15% of those with psoriatic arthritis will develop the arthritis first and then later the psoriasis.

Psoriasis is actually one of the most oldest known skin conditions dating back to around 35 A.D. After all this time there is still no known cause for psoriasis. There has been much research done to help us understand more about the disease. Much of the research has been done on determining is there is immune system involvement so genes are studied as well as family history.

Psoriasis can have a major affect on the individual's life both physically and emotionally. Socially, psoriasis can be embarrassing and can make forming relationships difficult especially in the teen years. Studies show that anxiety; embarrassment, loneliness, low self-esteem and stress are common emotional factors for those with psoriasis. Those with psoriasis are 3 times higher than the general population for suicide.

Research is important not only to understand the disease but also to develop new therapies such as recent medication development with biologic agents. Biologic agents have shown to greatly improve the quality of life in those who have participated in these studies.

Skin Cancer Mole Biopsy Disorder

skeenz — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:15:02 +0000

A mole is a marking on the skin, a spot of darkened pigment on the skin and is genetically determined in many cases. Most of the people have various number of moles of different sizes and at different locations. They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough and may have hair. They can be brown, black, skin-colored or yellowish. Most of them are benign and no treatment is required. However, some of them may turn into skin cancer (Melanoma).

An overview of Mole Biopsy -

If a suspicion arises as to if a mole may be a melanoma, a dignosis of the mole has to be done. This can be done by removing the suspicious mole and studying it under a microscope. This is called a Mole Biopsy.

More about Melanoma - A skin cancer caused by moles -

The most serious and deadly type of cancer that develops in the cells producing melanin (a pigment that gives the skin its color). Accounting to a small percentage of all skin cancers, but causing the greatest number of deaths, it may spread to different parts of the body.

Symptoms -

Change in an existing mole changes, a new, unusual looking growth on the skin, moles of unusual shapes, sizes, with unusual colors or moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders, or if there is itching, oozing or bleeding.

Distinguishing benign (not so dangerous) moles from melanoma -
Recent researches say certain moles pose higher risk of developing into melanoma (skin cancer), including malignant melanoma. Atypical moles have a greater chance of turning malignant. Following a mole ABCD chart, one can recognize the change in moles.
Asymmetry - When one half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
Border - When the moles have ragged or irregular borders.
Color - When the color of the moles varies throughout.
Diameter - When the mole's diameter is larger than a pencil's eraser.

Types of Melanomas -

The common types are - Superficial Spreading Melanoma (SSM), Nodular Melanoma (NM), Acral-lentiginous Melanoma (ALM) and Lentigo Maligna Melanoma (LMM).

Factors contributing to the development of Melanoma -
Exposure to intense UV Radiation enhances the risk of the disease. Others factors can be listed as -

Heredity - With a family history of the disease, one is at a greater risk of developing it.
Age - The risk of developing Melanoma increases with age. More number of people are diagnosed when they are in their 50s.
Carcinogens - Substances like coal tar, wood preservative creosote, arsenic compounds in pesticides and radium may also cause melanoma.

Risk Factors - These factors increase the risk of melanoma development - fair skin, history of sunburn, excessive sun exposure, sunny or high-altitude climates, moles, family or personal history of cancer, weakened immune system, exposure to environmental hazards or a rare genetic disorder

Putting your Best Foot Forward with Athlete's Foot

skeenz — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:30:02 +0000

Do you have itchy feet, especially between the toes? You just might have athlete's foot, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, a common fungus that also is a contributor to other common skin infections like jock itch and ringworm. Athlete's foot thrives in such moist, public conditions like locker rooms, public showers and gyms.

Athlete's foot is most noticed on the soles of the feet as well as in between the toes. The skin may look a bit cracked with a dry, almost powdery appearance. It can spread to the sides of your feet as well as to the toenails. Most over the counter remedies like foot sprays and ointments do work but for the more stubborn infections, a prescription from the doctor may be in order.

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

There are several different signs of athlete's foot and you may only experience one of them or you could be unlucky enough to experience them all. For instance, you could have burning, itching or stinging on the soles of your feet as well as in between toes. You could develop blisters that itch excessively or the skin on the soles of your feet and between your toes could crack and peel.

Your toenails could become discolored and they could grow thick and ragged too. Your feet could become overly dry on the sides and soles that no lotion or dry skin treatment can cure. The toenails could even pull away from the bed of the nail or even fall off.

Causes and Risk

The dermatophytes, these little fungi, shoot up these little extensions which infect the outward most layer of the skin. In retaliation, the skin layer will end up producing more skin cells which are pushed to the surface to create a scaly, thick area. As the fungus spreads, so do the scales and infection on the skin.

Humid, warm, moist conditions are best for this type of fungus to thrive on your feet. This could be from excessive sweating due to physical activity or tight shoes. Going barefoot will spread the fungus onto various surfaces whether it is a rug, bed sheets, floor mats or shower stalls. You could essentially re-infect yourself after spreading the fungus which sloughs off the skin.

Contracting it from another person is possible especially of you share shoes, socks or even a bed. Pets can pick up the fungus on their own paws and pass it on to you. Public places like swimming pools, gyms, saunas, locker rooms and the like where warm, humid conditions are the norm and people walk barefoot are primary places to pick up the foot fungus that causes athlete's foot.

Treatment and Prevention

For mild cases of athlete's foot, over the counter medications are fine like anti-fungal lotions, powders, sprays or ointments. Lotrimin and Lamisil are two suggestions to look for. However, if your athlete's foot is stubborn, your doctor may prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication like Diflucan or prescription Lamisil.

The best defense against athlete's foot is wearing protective shoes in public places like the swimming pool or locker room. Keep your feet dry and if they sweat, change your socks and shoes and allow to air dry as necessary. As a preventative, if your feet naturally sweat, you might want to consider dusting them with an anti-fungal powder daily.

When Do You Need Serious Skin Care?

skeenz — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:30:02 +0000

Our skin is exposed everyday to a number of damaging factors such as the sun, wind extreme cold temperature and a number of pollutants. Therefore you need everyday serious skin care not only when you feel your skin is experiencing some abnormalities.

Every Day Skin Care

Out of the whole body, the face is exposed to the harshest factors and therefore, most serious skin care products are directed for its benefits. It is on the face that we notice the first wrinkles, age spots or other signs that your body and mind is not in a healthy state.

Therefore, the first serious skin care product must be directed for the use of your face and that is a cream for day use and another one for the night. The day use cream must contain protection against the sun factors such as UVA and UVB rays and the night cream must have replenishing and nourishing abilities. There are a number of creams available targeted for each different type of skin as well as day or night time.

Know Your Skin Type

There are three main skin types and they are: normal, oily and dry. Each skin type requires its own serious skin care in order to maintain its natural glow and youthful look. In order to provide any skin care at all you will need to know your skin type first and that can easily be obtained from a beautician or dermatologist.

Serious skin care consists of nourishing your skin daily with creams but also with the right diet. A diet poor in vegetables and fruits will inevitably reflect on your skin color and tone. Therefore, if you miss your daily fruits and vegetables, ensure you take vitamin supplements to compensate for the same.

Other Helpful Tips

Serious skin care also means you try and visit a spa or professional salon where you can indulge in facials or other treatments that can help your skin regenerate and keep healthy.
In the process of taking care of your face, don't neglect your body; body creams, exfoliating scrubs, baths and massages will all help you keep your overall skin young and beautiful for as long as you maintain the proper care practice.

Spas and salons also provide an entire body pampering such as seaweed wrap, which rejuvenates your skin, fights cellulite and leaves you feeling light and glowing. Indulge today and find out the secret of youthful skin.

Clinique Skin Care: Three Steps to Healthy Skin

skeenz — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:45:01 +0000

Clinique is a seller of skin care products, beauty supplies, and makeup. A Clinique counter can be found in most department stores, and Clinique has a strong online presence as well.

With its moderate prices and its frequent sales and special offers, Clinique is a popular player in the skin care game.Rather than just selling individual products, however, Clinique offers a three-step skin care plan designed to promote healthy, radiant skin.

If you walk up to a Clinique counter, you'll be met by a Clinique skin care specialist who will ask you a few simple questions to help assess your skin type. Skin types include very dry, combination dry (mostly dry but a little oily in the T-zone–forehead, nose and chin), combination oily (mostly oily but a few dry patches, usually on the cheeks), and oily.

Your skin type will determine which products you'll be advised to use. Once you've determined your skin type, the Clinique skin care specialist will point you towards the products that best suit your skin type and advise you on Clinique's three-step plan.

Clinique Skin Care Step 1: Cleanse

The first step is to cleanse the skin of dirt, oils, makeup, etc. Clinique offers mild facial soaps in both liquid and bar form. Additionally, Clinique sells eye and lip makeup removers ideal for removing mascara, eye shadow, eye liner, and long lasting lipsticks.

Clinique Skin Care Step 2: Exfoliate

The next step is to exfoliate or to gently abrade the top layer of skin to remove dead tissue. Most Clinique customers use one of the clarifying lotions. People with damaged skin are steered to the "Turnaround Skin Renewer" products or the skin scrubs.

Clinique Skin Care Step 3: Moisturize

People with oily skin often make the mistake of believing that they don't need to moisturize. However, there is a great deal of difference between oil and the natural moisture that keeps skin glowing and healthy.

Clinique offers moisturizers in several formats for all of the different skin types. In addition, users may be interested in the Superbalm Lip Treatment Gel which gently moisturizes and heals damaged lips.

Clinique Skin Care: Other Products

In addition to products that support the three steps of skin care, Clinique also has an extensive line of cosmetics, hair care products, tanning gels, high-SPF sun block, and fragrances. There is also a Clinique line of skin care products for men. If you are looking for fairly-priced quality beauty products, Clinique is an excellent place to start your search.

Aromatherapy Skin Care Works on the Body and Mind

skeenz — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:45:08 +0000

One way of enjoying aromatherapy is to inhale the fragrant aromas of its essential oils while the other method is to apply essential oils to the skin by using properly diluted preparations such as massage oils, mineral baths and sprays, all of which are aromatherapy skin care products.

Due to the molecular structure of essential oils, they can readily dissolve in the protective oily skin sebum in which they are rapidly absorbed and anyone who has chopped fresh garlic would readily know what it is all about as the aroma of garlic is soon inhaled, even before eating it. Aromatherapy skin care is safe and effective for the body to get attuned to the beneficial properties contained in essential oils.

A great way to experience the benefits of essential oils is through aromatherapy skin care as it benefits the surface of the body and also works deep into the skin thus leaving no part of the organism unaffected. The aromas work their magic through their fragrance not only on the skin but also on the mind and spirit as well.

Used for Thousands of Years

Aromatherapy skin care products have been in use for thousands of years and the essential oils have some powerful properties that further as well as maintain beautiful, healthy and youthful skin. In fact, the oils have been used since ancient times by Egyptians as well as Romans for cosmetic purposes for many centuries.

But, with the advent of newer chemical processes that were developed in the 19th century, it became easier as well as cheaper to manufacture synthetic versions of the aromatherapy oils that contained the fragrance but not the therapeutic qualities of the essential oils. In spite of that, in the present day and age, aromatherapy skin care products are sill very popular because of the benefits of using them and they can also complement orthodox medicines as well as help in skin care and general wellness.

When one uses aromatherapy skin care products such as aromatherapy oils, it helps the user because the oils get absorbed through the skin and enter the blood stream when massaging or when compressing or taking aromatic baths and some amount of these oils can also be inhaled while they are being applied. The smell in itself can have a positive effect on the mind and consequently on the body. Another benefit to inhaling the oils is that it has a direct result on the body as the inhaled oils can enter the blood stream.

Finding Support for Your Rosacea

skeenz — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:30:01 +0000

While rosacea can be quite embarrassing and could actually cause you to feel alone, you are not alone. There are millions of people that suffer from this troublesome skin condition and there are probably many people right in your own area. If you suffer from rosacea, then you may want to seek out support. Having someone you can talk to about treatment, triggers and the future of your condition can help you feel like you have support and can also make you a better educated patient. So, where do you go for rosacea support? Here is help finding the support you need.

The Internet: These days, you don't have to find support in your neighborhood. The Internet is a great place to go when you need support for your rosacea. There are many online support groups that will welcome you with open arms. Many of these online groups have message board and forums, links to rosacea related websites and even advice on treatment. Common support groups include iVillage, and Network 54. In addition, there are many other support groups that maintain their own website and message forums. If you go to Google or another search engine, just type in "rosacea support group" and it will yield many results to help you find the online support you want.

Local Community: The next place you can go if you are looking for support for your rosacea is your local community. Many local newspapers will list support groups along with meeting times and locations. Check to see if there is a group that meets monthly where you can go and discuss your condition. Many times, these groups will meet at local churches, private homes or even schools.

Help from your doctor: If you are not comfortable with joining an online message board for your rosacea, and cannot find one in your neighborhood, then check with your doctor. Your doctor might know other patients who are in your shoes and can help you get in touch with others. This is a great way to get the support you need when you are suffering from this skin condition.

Start your own group: The other thing you can do when you want support for your rosacea is to start your very own support group. It is actually not as hard as you may think and you may find many people that live near you who are experiencing the same problem. Start by inquiring about others in your neighborhood that suffer from rosacea. You can also place an ad in your local paper to solicit member. Pretty soon, you will have your very own support group that will not only benefit you, but others as well.

It can be very comforting to know that you have the support you need and want when you have any medical condition or problem. Support groups can help you find doctors and treatment and can give you friendship and advice. Get online today and find a rosacea support group to help you.