Cosmetic and Makeup Dangers

To avoid dangers associated with using makeup and other cosmetics, follow these tips:

Never drive and put on makeup. Not only does this make driving a danger, hitting a bump in the road and scratching your eyeball can cause serious eye injury.

Never share makeup. Always use a new sponge when trying products at a store. Insist that salespersons clean container openings with alcohol before applying to your skin.

Keep makeup containers closed tightly when not in use.

Keep makeup out of the sun and heat. Light and heat can kill the preservatives that help to fight bacteria. Don't keep cosmetics in a hot car for a long time.

Don't use cosmetics if you have an eye infection, such as pinkeye. Throw away any makeup you were using when you first found the problem.

Never add liquid to a product unless the label tells you to do so.

Throw away any make-up if the color changes, or it starts to smell.

Never use aerosol sprays near heat or while smoking, because they can catch on fire.

Don't deeply inhale hairsprays or powders. This can cause lung damage.

Avoid color additives that are not approved for use in the eye area, such as "permanent" eyelash tints and kohl (color additive that contains lead salts and is still used in eye cosmetics in other countries). Be sure to keep kohl away from children. It may cause lead poisoning.

What Is Dry Skin and How Is It Caused?

Dry skin (or xerosis) has a low level of sebum, which is the skin's natural lubricant. As it does not have enough sebum, it dries out easily and is unable to retain the right amount of moisture needed for healthy skin.

A number of factors may cause dry skin. It is more common in winter when the cold outside and the heat inside contribute in drying up the skin. It can also be caused by hot water or harsh soaps. Poor diet or smoking can also cause or aggravate the problem. Dry skin may also be a symptom of other conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, ichthyoids, psoriasis, an under active thyroid and diabetes. Dry skin becomes more common as people age.

NATURAL TECHNIQUES

Instead of using a commercial cleanser, use a vegetable oil like olive oil or almond oil.

Aloe Vera is very good for dry skin and it has healing and soothing properties.

Cold compresses can help alleviate dry itchy skin. Add a few drops of essential oil.

Milk baths are very effective in the treatment of dry skin on the body. Add powdered milk and almond oil to a warm (not hot) bath.

A good home remedy for dry skin is to make your own beauty mask. Combine an egg, honey, olive oil and rosewater. Apply onto your skin and leave it there for fifteen minutes before washing off.

Another home remedy for dry skin is to mash some avocado and apply onto your face. Mashed banana also works well.

Foods and Vitamins to Beautify Your Skin

When it comes to caring for your skin, vitamins and good nutrition can be just as beneficial as a good skin care treatment. Vitamins are important in keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy. They can also help prevent and treat any problem areas and skin disorders. A bad diet that is lacking in vitamins can make your skin blotchy and lifeless. When looking at your overall skin care, pay attention to your diet and ensure it includes the right vitamins good for skin care.

Vitamins and Minerals

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is a very good vitamin for healthy skin. It helps strengthen the skin and repair tissues. It can be taken in foods, as a supplement or as a topical cream. Vitamin A can help prevent dry skin and acne.

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help prevent free radical damage to the skin. Vitamin E is a good vitamin to take when your skin is suffering some damage from the sun or other factors.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C helps with healing wounds and other damage to the skin. There is some evidence to suggest it may rejuvenate the skin. Vitamin C will also help the immune system fight off illnesses.

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is an antioxidant that may play a role in skin pigmentation.

VITAMIN B

Vitamin B helps keep your skin tone healthy. It is also a good vitamin for relieving stress, and so it may prevent some of the skin problems (like eczema) that can be caused by stress. There are a number of different vitamins in the vitamin B group.

Vitamin B1 is an antioxidant that helps rid the body of toxins. It can also assist circulation.

Vitamin B2 helps keep the skin healthy. It can also help prevent acne.

Vitamin B3 improves circulation.

Vitamin B5 helps reduce stress.

Vitamin B6 helps keep the immune system healthy.