It has always been a hot topic around the beauty word if facial toners are skippable and if it is really required to be included in the skin care routine. What is the purpose of the toner? Toners are water-based product to remove whatever that is left of makeup, grime and dirt after cleansing and helps to balance the pH levels of the skin. The toner is also usually applied before serums and moisturizers to prepthe skin beforehand. What ingredients should you look for in a toner? For dry to normal skin: Look out for hyaluronic acid listed in the toner’s ingredient list as it will hold the water which keeps your skin moisturized throughout the day. For sensitive skin: Choose a hydrating t oner that contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Skin-soothing ingredients such as chamomile and rose water is also great to prevent irritation. For oily or acne-prone skin Look out for salicylic acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid. These ingredients helps to exfoliate the skin Continue Reading
Physical Vs Chemical Exfoliation
Skin cells typically regenerate every month or so. But sun exposure and aging can slow this process down. That’s where exfoliation comes in handy. A quick way of removing dead skin, it can do everything from brightening your complexion to fading acne scars. There are two types of exfoliations that exist: physical and chemical. Chemical exfoliants consist of a range of different acids and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Why Exfoliation Is ImportantOur skin is protected by a dead top layer of skin that protects the living cells beneath it which acts like a protective barrier between the lower layers of skin and the environment. Without this important layer, your skin would be at a higher risk for all sorts of issues, from pollutant exposure to loss of water through the pores. This layer prevents water loss or absorption, and it keeps bacteria and toxins out.Every few weeks, there is a process of cell turnover where old, dead skin cells shed to make room for healthy, fresh cells. Continue Reading
How will Breast Implants change your life and is it worth it?
Women may consider breast implants at least once in their life but how exactly would it change your life? Be it to gain self-confidence, rebuilding a breast or breasts after mastectomy or to correct asymmetrical breasts, there are various reasons as to why one would decide to go through with this procedure. However, if the reason is a spontaneous one, the surgeon may like you to reconsider. Breast Implants: Expectations vs Reality Breast implants come with responsibilities of taking care of the implants and with regular follow-ups. The surgeon would need to determine that the patient is of sound mind, and not likely to suffer from psychiatric or alcohol problems. Past studies have shown correlations between such disorders with a higher risk of suicide. It is also important to go into surgery understanding the full financial costs. Both insurance and health insurance do not cover any surgeries and follow-up surgeries. For women who choose to get breast implants done, it needs to be done for themselves and not done to Continue Reading
What’s behind the craze over retinol and do you really need it?
What is retinol? Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and it comes in the form of cream, liquid serum or gel. Retinol penetrates the layer of skin and promotes cell turnover and also prevents the breakdown of collagen hence maintaining the youthful skin. What are some of the uses of retinol? When used appropriately, retinol has several uses that can benefit skin health with its penetration ability into the skin. Retinol can be used for: -to treat acne-skin aging-improve the appearance of the skin-minimizes scars and pores -treating keratosis pilaris -protection of the skin How to use retinol? When using retinol for the first time, do conduct a patch test to ensure that the skin does not react negatively. Retinol can generally be applied once per day and about 20-30minutes. However, please read respective products for their usage instructions as products containing retinol will vary in concentration. Beginners incorporating retinol in their skin care routine should start slow and at a lower concentration to determine how well their skin Continue Reading
What are fillers and are they safe?
What are fillers? Fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to restore lost volume and smoothen wrinkle lines and creases. Most fillers on the market currently is made up of hyaluronic acid which is a water-binding substance that exist naturally in our bodies. These hyaluronic acids are further stabilized in order to make the fillers last longer. However, it is not permanent and the gel would gradually be broken down by the body’s enzymes. How can fillers benefit me? -Smooth out lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth Eg: Smile lines. -Enhance and restore volume to sunken cheeks or dented areas on face. -Diminish vertical lip lines -Plump and enhance the lips -Improve skin symmetry -Add volume to the face What is the core difference between fillers and botulinum toxin? Some people may be curious, so what exactly is the difference between fillers and botulinum toxin and which one should i choose? As both fillers and botulinum toxin cater to making us look young again, it is easy Continue Reading