Choosing The Right Body Lotion
With thousands of body lotions on the market, it may seem impossible to choose the best body lotion for you. However, here are some helpful tips to make it easier.
Read the Label
Most body lotions are clearly labeled by skin type. Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive or aging, you can narrow down your body lotion choices by just reading the label. Also look at the list of ingredients to avoid allergies.
Look for Natural Body Products
Body products labeled all natural are the best for most skin types - particularly sensitive or acne prone skin. Choosing unscented natural bath and body products may also cut down on allergies. Non-comedogenic lotions will not clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Get Sun Protection
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, pick a body lotion that has ultraviolet protection. Sun damage can cause drying, wrinkling and skin cancer.
Change By Season
Use a heavier body lotion or shea body butter in the winter and a lighter lotion in the warmer months.
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Getting rid of Body Acne
Many people get acne not only on their face but also on their back and other parts of the body. Some skin care products aggravate acne-prone skin. By using skin care products that contain harsh chemicals, you will strip your skin of its natural oils. To compensate, the skin will produce more oil, which leads to blocked pores and acne.
Try to use all natural skin care products whenever possible. Facial and body cleansers are available is such formulas, so switch to all natural moisturizers and other bath and body products.
Acne oftentimes forms on the back and shoulders. Be sure to wash your back thoroughly with a back scrubber and a gentle cleanser. Also, try to avoid tight clothes, particularly when working out. Tight garments don't allow skin to breathe, causing irritation and acne. If your skin is acne-prone, you should also stay away from headbands and hats, which can collect oil and dirt on your skin.
Remember to drink plenty of water. Consume eight glasses of water each day - even more when exercising. And take showers right after any physical activity or exercise. You don't want sweat, oil and dirt to sit on your skin for long periods of time.
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Using Natural Bath and Body Products
Natural bath and body products will keep your skin clean, soft and healthy. Here are just some of the natural ingredients that you should look for in body products.
Aloe vera - Research shows that aloe vera keep skin hydrated and aids in healing. The gel from the aloe vera plant contains glycerol, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, as well as many other natural ingredients that will keep your skin healthy. Aloe vera penetrates your skin quickly and is great for dry skin.
Almond oil - This oil is high in vitamin A and is excellent for dry, flaky skin. It is easily absorbed into your skin and keeps it soft and conditioned. Many natural bath and body products contain almond oil.
Shea butter - Studies show that shea butter improves scar appearance, reduce inflammation, softens skin and promotes overall healing. Shea body butter contains vitamin A, vitamin E and cinnamic acid, which keeps your skin soft, moisturized and healthy.
Sunflower oil - This oil is high in vitamin A and vitamin E. It also contains fatty acids which moisturize skin. Vitamin A promotes the production of collagen and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
In addition to natural bath and body lotions, you should also use natural facial and body cleansers. Suki Lemongrass Cleanser is a terrific cleanser that uses natural ingredients to gently and safely exfoliate your skin. The pure, organic ingredients are also vegan. You can get Suki and other natural bath products at Makeup.com.
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What is a Body Scrub?
Body scrubs exfoliate dead skin, leaving your skin looking and feeling beautiful. Body scrub products usually use salt or sugar, along with oil and other substances to slough away the top layers to renew and moisturize your skin.
The exfoliation process will help your skin retain moisture, stimulate circulation and make your skin glow. Oftentimes women go to a salon to have a professional body scrub. But with all the body scrubs and exfoliating products on the market today, you can easily exfoliate yourself in the privacy of your own home. How you ask? Read on.
- Shower as usual with warm water to open your pores.
- Swirl the body scrub in it's container (if it's an oil and scrub mixture).
- Scoop the scrub into your hands and begin applying.
- Start with your heels and work the body scrub into your skin.
- Pay extra attention to rough or problem areas.
- Work your way up your body, scrubbing your feet, legs, arms and other body parts. You can have your partner scrub your back.
- Rinse off with warm water and towel dry.
The exfoliation opens your pores and leaves your skin revitalized. For best results, follow with a rich cream or body butter. Depending on the product and your skin type, you can use a body scrub 1-3 times per week.
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Winter Skin Care Tips
In the winter, your skin can look dull and dry. To revitalize your skin and make it glow, follow these simple tips.
- Begin your day with a very warm shower. Use natural bath products, such as a moisturizing shower gel to both clean and hydrate your skin.
- Right before you get out of the shower, switch to water that's as cold as you can stand it 30 seconds, then switch back to warm. Repeat this process a few times to get the blood flowing in your skin.
- Immediately after the shower, apply a moisturizer from head to toe. Use a moisturize with soothing ingredients, such as vitamin E, aloe vera and natural oils. Pay special attention to heels and elbows, which can get flaky and ashy in the winter.
- Be sure to use a moisturizer geared for your skin type on your face. Add lip balm before applying your lipstick.
- Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times per week in the winter time. You can exfoliate your body in the shower with a salt or sugar body scrub. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and leaves you with a healthy glow.
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. You need to keep your skin hydrated, as it can get dried out easily by cold temperatures, wind and even your central heater.
- Invest in a humidifier. Run the humidifier at night to put moisture into the air and back into your skin.
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