Younger Looking Skin

INGREDIENTS
6 oz plain yogurt¼ cup of Quinoa Cereal cooked in soy milk2 drops of Mimosa oil2 egg yolks
DIRECTIONS
Cook Quinoa in soy milk and let cool. Combine all ingredients in a blender and apply to your face and neck. Leave the mask on for ten to twenty minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Note: Do not cook Quinoa in sugar. Sugar promotes wrinkles.
INGREDIENT BENEFITS
Quinoa• Natural protein• Anti-aging and anti-dehydrating• Rich in magnesium, phosphorous, Vitamin A, E, D, and F.
Soy Milk• Nourishing effect• Repairs sun damage and gives elasticity• Releases acids and energy to the epidermis
Mimosa• Regenerates and stimulates the immune system and healing process
Egg Yolk• Rich in Vitamin E and F• Nourishing and stimulating

Dermatologic surgery

Dermatologic surgery is performed by all dermatologists. Surgery is an integral part of dermatology residency training; thus all dermatologists are well trained in cutaneous surgery. In North America specialized training through a 1 year dermatologic surgery fellowship is available upon completion of the dermatology residency, and usually focuses on training in Mohs micrographic surgery. Most dermatologic surgeons who have a special interest in this field apply for fellowship status in the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a professional organization dedicated to supporting and educating these physicians.

Techniques available to a dermatologic surgeon include lasers, traditional scalpel surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, liposuction, blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery), minimally-invasive facelift surgery (e.g., the S-lift), and a variety of topical and injectable agents such as dermal fillers including fat transfer and hyaluronic acid. Some specially trained dermatologic surgeons perform Mohs cancer surgery, which can be an effective method for the treatment of recurrent, indistinct, or difficult skin cancers.

Hydrating DIY mask for dry skin

INGREDIENTS
6 oz plain yogurt¼ finely crushed almonds2 tsp Beeswax or honey2 tsp wheat germ oil

DIRECTIONS
Mix all the ingredients until you obtain a smooth texture. Apply and massage into skin. Keep the mask on for twenty minutes.

INGREDIENT BENEFITS
Crushed Almonds• Exfoliating power• Eliminates dead skin

Honey• Aids in adhering mask to skin

Wheat Germ Oil• Contains Vitamin E• Fights free radicals
recipe from ivillage.com

how to make a rose petal mask

INGREDIENTS

6 oz plain yogurt6 red rose petals from a fresh rose2 tsp talcum powder

DIRECTIONS

Mix all ingredients. Apply to face and leave on for ten minutes. You may begin to feel your face tingling. Don’t worry that’s just the rose petals doing their work. Remember to avoid the area around your eyes. Rinse.

INGREDIENT BENEFITS

Rose Petals• Softens and refines the texture of the skin• Purifying
Talcum• Mineral• Absorbs oil from the skin

At home facial for sensitive skin

INGREDIENTS

6 or 8 oz plain yogurt¼ or ½ cup oatmeal2 tsp beeswax or honey

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients. Apply a thin layer to face. The honey will help the mask stay on the face long enough for the oatmeal to do its magic.
For optimum results keep the mask on for at least 20 minutes.

INGREDIENT BENEFITS

Oatmeal• Soothing powers• Purifying and softening effect
Honey/Beeswax• Emulsifying power• Aids in adhering mask to skin

Cost and Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Costs: $75 to $200 per treatment. Some places offer package deals, offering patients one free treatment if they sign up for a package offer.
Good for: smoothing away roughness andfine lines, improving leathery, sun-damaged skin and irregular, blotchy pigmentation and minimizing brokencapillariesandage spots; also effective for cleaning out blackheads and whiteheads. Along with other doctors, David H. McDaniel, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology and plastic surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Virginia Beach, Va., has found that with repeated microdermabrasion treatments,collagenproduction below the skin's surface is increased.
Reality check: Microdermabrasion exfoliates skin faster and more efficiently than any salon facial or products used at home, and penetrates the skin more deeply than a
glycolic acidpeel. But it is still a superficial approach to skin resurfacing and, according to Michael S. Bumagin, M.D., a Fort Worth plastic surgeon, has to be repeated periodically. It won't help prominentacnescars, including "icepick" scars, other deep facial indentations, severe wrinkles around the mouth or furrows in the forehead; even fine wrinkles and scars may not disappear completely. "Nor is microdermabrasion indicated to erase crow's feet," cautions Dr. Bumagin, "because the crystals can cause eye irritation if blasted too close to the eyes and delicate eyelid skin can be damaged by the machine's suction."

Microdermabrasion Quick Info

Microdermabrasion (also known as particle resurfacing and by other names, including Power Peels, Derma Peels and Parisian Peels) is a relatively new skin polishing technique, performed both by aestheticians in spas and salons as well as by technicians in dermatologists' and plastic surgeons' offices. The operator uses a handheld device that blasts fine particles of sandlike crystals (aluminum oxide or table salt) against the client's skin and vacuums away the used crystals, dirt and dead surface skin. Microdermabrasion is also called a "lunchtime peel," because it takes only 20 to 30 minutes for a full-face treatment. (The procedure also can be used on the neck and chest.) The patient can then return to work with only mild skin redness, which can be covered up right away with makeup. The redness will fade on its own after an hour or two. This procedure is not painful (patients feel a slight tingling as it is being done), requires no anesthesia and will not adversely lighten or darken African American skin, as some exfoliating treatments do. The treatment leaves the skin with a healthy glow. To achieve optimal benefits, five to 10 treatments, every seven to 10 days, are needed; most patients see improvement after the fourth or fifth session. After the initial series, periodic maintenance treatments (from once a month to once every three months, as needed) are often recommended.

Treat large pores by:

Apply a Pore-Perfecting Cream: Look for gels and tinted creams formulated to smooth the appearance of pores. Just put the product directly on areas that are bothering you. Let it set and lightly apply powder over it. Clinique's Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector has a creamy feeling, and it's completely invisible on the skin. Perricone's Pore Refinining Concealer contains glycolic acid and antioxidants in a tinted base.

Make up tricks to hide large pores

Makeup Tricks
Skip Foundation: Avoid applying foundation to any areas where pores are enlarged. Foundation just seems to magnify their look ‑- even mattifying foundations seem to call more attention to pores. Use Blotting Powder: Apply a neutral blotting powder directly to any areas where pores appear larger. The powder will serve to diffuse the look of the pores so all you'll see is a smooth, more matted surface.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin
Ask your dermatologist if your pores call for something strong, like tretinoin, the drug widely known as Retin-A. It helps unclog pores by loosening blackheads and speeding up cell turnover. If the gel-based Retin-A is too harsh, ask about Renova, which comes in a moisturizing base.

Alpha and Beta Acids

Both alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids exfoliate skin to prevent dead skin cells from building up and clogging pores, but while alpha hydroxy acid is water soluble only, beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) is oil soluble, so it's able to really seep into the sebum-packed pore, exfoliating the dead skin cells built up inside. Look for products that contains salicylic acid. If you have combination skin, you can find products like Murad's Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel, which contains both salicylic and glycolic acid.

May is Skin cancer awareness month. This is the time to find out more about this disease, and discover that it's deadly, but curable if caught in an early stage.Women aging between 20 and 29 present the highest risk. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the second most common type of cancer. Skin cancer can be developed by anyone, the skin color or age not being a very important factor.It is thought that over 1 million Americans will develop this disease during this year.Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) are offering a nationwide free skin cancer screening program, with Marcia Cross being the face of the campaign.These 2 partners advice people to do regular screenings and use different types of UV protection

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion significantly lessens the appearance of pores by "roughening up" skin, therefore loosening the dead skin that clogs pores. It also stimulates collagen so skin looks really smooth. You can have it done by a pro; American Laser Center has medical professionals on staff to oversee treatment. Or you might like to try a less vigorous but still highly effective at-home product such as DermaNew Microdermabrasion System. Just don't get microdermabrasion if you have spider veins. The skin treatment can make them worse.

Why get facials?

Facials are brilliant for thorough, deep-pore cleansing, not to mention how soothing they can be. The mark of a good facial is that it's personalized to meet the precise needs of your skin, so it's essential to have a consultation with a facialist in which you discuss your needs and concerns prior to service. Another great feature of a facial is that you can have nasty blackheads (pores blocked with dead cells) safely extracted.

The grainy stuff

In order to help pores do their "job" of allowing oil to flow efficiently, use a grainy exfoliant cleanser, which will polish off the dry, dead skin that's clogging them. Just be careful with grainy products. Use them gently and not too often. If you overdo it with washing, the body produces more oil in an attempt to replace it ‑- so once or twice a day is fine.

Make your own oily skin treatment!

This mask helps get rid of pimples and blackheads. Try it out and let me know what you think. I use it and I think it really works because it leaves the skin soft and smooth!

INGREDIENTS

6 oz plain yogurt2 drops of thyme oil2 drops of mint oilJuice from 1 lemon½ packet of yeast2 Tbsp of starch from potatoes (let potatoes sit in water for several hours; use 2 Tbsp of the milky water)

DIRECTIONS

Combine ingredients in food processor. Apply to entire face paying particular attention to pimples and blackheads. Leave the mask on for ten to twenty minutes. Rinse.

INGREDIENT BENEFITS

Thyme Oil

• Antiseptic powers

• Astringent effect
Mint Oil

• Refreshing and cooling effect

• Works as astringent and toner
Lemon Juice

• Antiseptic power

• Astringent effect
Yeast

• Antiseptic powers

• Regulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands
Starch

• Absorbing power

• Soothing effect

-ivillage.com

Big pores?

The problem with pores is that when you don't treat them right they become clogged and enlarged. Coupled with dry skin, pores can look worse than they actually are. But there are definitely ways to unclog pores and amazing makeup products to give the illusion of having almost no pores at all. Here are some of the best things to do, and use, to handle your pore problem.
Grainy Stuff
Facials
Microdermabrasion
Alpha and Beta Acids
Tretinoin
Makeup Tricks

source-ivillage.com

Skin care for our men!

Grooming products and men: They don't necessarily go hand in rough and calloused hand. But with all of the easy-to-use lotions and potions out there today, they really should. At first, the guy in your life may be apprehensive to try some skin-improving products. But once he starts, he'll look and feel great. Here's a list of the top 3 items every man should own and use.

Your guy needs to deep clean his pores. If you're met with resistance when you suggest this, tell him to think of his pores as mini bathtubs (and we all know what his tub looks like) and that they need to be cleaned out on occasion. The Anthony Logistics Deep Pore Cleansing Clay ($22) is a botanically enriched mask that combines vitamins and purified clay to help absorb excess oils, tighten pores and purge impurities from the skin. Now if you can just get him to purge those old football jerseys from his closet. Available at select retailers.

Dream Cream
Using a great shaving cream is the key to getting a great shave. It's that simple. Since shaving is the one grooming activity men actually do on a regular basis (well, most of the time anyway), why not make it an enjoyable experience for them? MD Formulations has developed Men's Shave Creme ($22), which is rich and lubricating. It softens the skin and hair, providing a close, comfortable shave without redness or irritation. The only thing that may irritate him is that you keep borrowing this product after figuring out how amazing it is. Available at MDFormulations.com

Good Hydrations
Most men don't understand the importance of using a good moisturizer. Not only will it keep the skin soft and conditioned, but it will prevent signs of aging. There's a full array of men's moisturizers out there that are unscented, so you can reassure your guy that you won't have matching scents ‑- unless, of course, he wants to. The Clinique Maximum Hydrator for Men ($26) is a great place to start... and finish. It rehydrates normal/dry skin, minimizes the look of lines and triggers skin's ability to build and hold moisture. Now if it would only pick up after him, you'd be in business. Available at select retailers.
source-ivillage.com

What's behind the natural product label?

Look closer at the exploding natural beauty products market, and you'll discover eco-friendly lipstick, sulfate-free bubble bath and foot scrub that supports local communities. When it comes to beautiful bodies, "green" is all the rage, and no wonder. Experts say your skin may, on average, absorb up to 60 percent of 200 chemicals daily. In response, most natural beauty product manufacturers reject ingredients like petrochemicals, parabens, synthetic preservatives, mineral oils, pesticide residues and genetically modified additives.
But how do you know for sure? You don't. What you need to know is that the government has yet to weigh in with comprehensive natural beauty product standards. Some products that are labeled "organic" or "natural" may contain small amounts of authentically natural ingredients, but they may also contain harsh chemicals. In order to really know what's behind the label, you need to do your research. Read Websites, product literature and, above all, labels. If you have problem skin, call the companies and ask about their ingredients.- ivillage.com

Do you have 25 moles?

Normal Moles Vs. Dysplastic Nevi
The average young adult has about 25 normal moles or growths. Generally, normal moles have the following characteristics:
Shape: symmetrical, round, or oval
Border: regular, sharp, and well-defined
Color: usually tan, brown, or skin color
Diameter: usually 6 mm (1/4 inch) or smaller — about the size of a pencil eraser
Location: often concentrated on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, trunk, arms and legs.
Onset: most often during early childhood through ages 35 - 40
Uniformity: resemble one another

Thermage Non-Surgical Face-Lift

Non-Surgical Face-Lift One of the newest anti-wrinkle options to hit the market, this medical device uses radio-frequency technology to eradicate lines and wrinkles that formerly could be reduced only with a surgical lift. It works by chilling the skin and then applying tightening energy from radio frequency. It's not entirely without discomfort, but the results are worth it. Dermatologists prep patients with a topical anesthetic and a strong painkiller before getting busy.

Epifacials

A highly effective procedure that's one step below a laser treatment, this is actually nothing like a facial. Doctors turn an intense, pulsating light on your skin (officially known as nonablative rejuvenation) that fades pigmentation, reduces large pores, clears up acne and really does a number on fine lines and wrinkles. It's quick and fairly painless (you might feel a slight zap) and can take 10 years off your skin in a matter of minutes.

Britney Spears uses WHAT?

Facial Fillers

Gone are the days of lumpy, bumpy injections to plump up lips and sagging cheeks. Now it's all about Restylane or Radiesse, two natural fillers made of hyaluronic acid (a natural substance already present in the human body) that are injected right into creases and wrinkles to make them disappear. The effects last for about six months and are less prone to infection and clumping than previous treatments. Britney Spears uses Restylane to give her bow-tie lips a slightly fuller look.