Tag Archives: healthy

Common Winter Skin Issues and How to Deal With Them

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Common Winter Skin Issues and How to Deal With Them

With cold weather just around the corner, this post is jam packed with tips and tricks on how to deal with the effect that it can have on our skin. Take a look:

Common Winter Skin Issues and How to Deal With Them:

It’s a fact of life that as the weather gets worse, our poor skin can suffer. But what can we do about the most common cold weather skin complaints? For issues like dryness or joint aches from the cold, you can’t go wrong with private label CBD skin care to help soothe chapped, irritated skin or minor aches. Bath bombs, body butter, and salves all can go a long way in providing some much needed relief. For other common skin issues, you can try the following:

Cold Sores: Many people have problems with cold sores when the weather turns. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus and usually occurs when the person’s immune system is compromised. That means they are more likely to pop up when you get a cold or the flu during the winter time.

The good news is that you can only get them if you already have the virus. The bad news is that it can be transmitted quite easily and that is why you shouldn’t share lipsticks or lip balms if at all possible, as you just open yourself up to the risk of contracting the virus. To treat cold sores, ignore the old wives tales and use antiviral creams. It’s best to deal with them as soon as you feel the familiar tingle. If you leave them to develop, they can become painful and ugly.

Chapped Lips: Even if you are not susceptible to cold sores, the harsh weather of the winter may cause you to get nasty chapped lips. This is when the skin on the lips dries out so much that it begins to crack. It can be very painful, and your lips are at a high risk because they move a lot and go from being wet to dry frequently.The best way of dealing with chapped lips is to use a lip balm regularly. You should also exfoliate your lips once a week so the dead skin does not build up on them.eos.jpg

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Eczema: Winter time is often when people suffering from eczema experience a worsening of their condition. This is because the temperature varies so often throughout the day from the cold outside to the warm indoors which can further dry out and irritate damaged skin. It is worth remembering that eczema is more than just a bit of dry skin that can be dealt with by using face lotion. In fact, it is a recognized medical condition. If you believe that you could be suffering from this, you can get some more information online from West Dermatology.

If you can’t get into your dermatologist’s right away and are looking for relief for your eczema, you could try HarlanMD’s eczema cream for face. It is a prebiotic lotion that can help to both relieve and prevent flare ups to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all winter long.

Redness: A lot of people can suffer from redness in the face during the winter. This is often because they struggle to regulate their body temperature sufficiently. Or, the tiny capillaries in the cheeks become constricted trapping blood flow in that area. For many of us this red face issue, known as Rosacea is embarrassing and difficult to deal with. Some rely on creams to take the redness down, while others swear by green cream which is meant to neutralize the red color.

A more lasting way of dealing with Rosacea is to use a dermatologist developed camouflage cream. These creams are makeup that contains a high percentage of pigment. That means that they are effective at covering up redness and other issues like birthmarks. They are often waterproof once sealed with translucent powder, so the wearer doesn’t have to worry that it will come off in the rain or snow.

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Sun Damage: Surprisingly, another cause of red skin in the winter can be sunburn. We all associate sunburn with hot weather, but the sun can be shining brightly on even the coldest, snowiest day. That is why skiers often wear crazy neon colored sunblock. Make sure that your family is protected against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun all year round by providing them access to sun cream. The ones that you put on once in the morning and last all day are best because it’s likely that they will forget to apply regularly if the temperature is below 0!

Chaffing: Another rather embarrassing problem that winter can bring us is chaffing. This can happen anywhere on the body where your skin meets your clothes but is often an issue on the inner thigh area. It can be very painful and cause red bumps and welts to appear on your otherwise healthy skin. In particularly bad cases the skin can become so dry and damaged that it becomes flaky.

If you are suffering from this problem, there are a few things that you can do. First of all, you can apply an intensive moisture cream to aid healing in the damaged area. Secondly, check the fit of your clothes. Rough trouser seams or friction creating tights can have a lot to do with this issue. Lastly, you can coat the affected area with Vaseline which will add movement and prevent such a friction build up.

Moles: While we have to be careful of exposing any mole that we have to sunlight in the summer, they can still be problematic in the winter. This is because it’s easy to forget to check them regularly because we are much more covered up in the cold weather. However, it is essential to check skin marks like moles for the symmetry and edges. This can tell you and your doctors a lot about your risk of skin cancer. Although it may sound silly, schedule a time each month to make sure you check of this sort of thing. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Blisters: While many people jump for joy, because winter is the season for wearing big heavy boots, it makes others groan. This is because heavy footwear, made of stiff materials is likely to cause nasty blisters on your feet. At least until your boots have broken in with wear.

You can minimize blisters by stretching your boots out before you wear them properly. Wear two pairs of thick socks and your boots around the house so they begin to mold to your feet. You can also use specialized blister plasters or balm which will protect the most vulnerable parts of your feet like your heels and toes. This should make your boots a lot more comfortable and enjoyable to wear come wintertime.

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How do you beat winter skin problems? What is one of your skin care secrets to combat the cold? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Flawless Fall Skin

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Flawless Fall Skin

Hey everyone and happy Monday! Welcome to the final post in my fall guest bloggers series brought to you by Laura at Skincare Scope. Laura’s article will give you an abundance of tips on how to achieve youthful, gorgeous skin for the fall season. It is an excellent read and is so informative so take a look:

Flawless Fall Skin:

Did you know that 80% of your skin’s appearance is up to you? Only 20% is genetics! Read what experts say you can do to make a difference:

  1. Avoid the sun. It’s the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, with dozens of studies documenting the impact. In one study that looked at identical twins, New York plastic surgeon Darrick Antell, MD, found sun exposure was even more important than heredity. Siblings who limited sun time had fewer wrinkles and looked younger overall than their sun-worshiping twins.
  2. Wear sunscreen. If you must go out in the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology says, wear sunscreen! It will protect you from skin cancer and help prevent wrinkles at the same time. Buyer beware, not all sunscreens are effective. Look for this seal:

The Skin Cancer Foundation grants its Seal of Recommendation to products that meet the Foundation’s specific criteria for effective UV sun protection.

  1. Don’t smoke. More studies are confirming that cigarette smoke ages skin – mostly by releasing an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin, important components of the skin. Sibling studies done at the Twin Research Unit at St. Thomas Hospital in London found the brother or sister who smoked tended to have skin that was more wrinkled and up to 40% thinner than the non-smoker.
  2. Get adequate sleep. Yale dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, MD, says that when you don’t get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. Get enough rest, Perricone says, and you’ll produce more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more “elastic,” and less likely to wrinkle.
  3. Sleep on your back. Dr. Katie Rodan, (the Proactiv doctor) says, β€œsleeping on your back could be better than botox”. It is a simple, no cost way to avoid creating wrinkles. The AAD (American Academy of Dermatologists) says any repetitive facial movement overworks facial muscles, forming a groove beneath the skin’s surface. This groove eventually becomes a wrinkle.
  4. Don’t squint – get sunglasses! Sunglasses will protect skin around the eyes from sun damage and further keep you from squinting.
  5. Eat a healthy diet, more fish, fruits, and veggies. Cold water fish, like salmon are a great source of protein – one of the building blocks of great skin. It’s also an awesome source of an essential fatty acid known as omega-3. Fatty acids help nourish skin and keep it plump and youthful. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant compounds. These compounds fight damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells), which in turn helps skin look younger and more radiant.
  6. Use moisturizer. Women and men often overlook the power of a simple moisturizer. Many skin issues are due to a lack of moisture. Skin that is moist simply looks better, so lines and creases are far less noticeable.
  7. Don’t over-wash your face. According to dermatologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center, tap water can strip skin of its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles. Wash them off too often, and you wash away protection. Unless your soap contains moisturizers, you should use a cleanser instead. Use your fingertips to wash your face.
  8. Exfoliate! Out with the old, in with the new. Removing dead skin cells with gentle exfoliation will accomplish three important factors. But be careful and only use gentle exfoliation ingredients like sugar and salt. Even washcloths may be too harsh for your face!
  • It accelerates turnover of dead skin cells.
  • It clears the way for penetration of active treatment ingredients.
  • It refines the skin’s surface to look more luminous.
  • Apply ingredients to repair and replenish skin. Many ingredients have shown anti-ageing benefits. Does your product provide clinical proof that it works? It is not just the ingredient, but the application and formulation that makes the difference.
  • Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These natural fruit acids lift away the top layer of dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes.
  • Retinoids (including Retin A). The only FDA-approved topical treatment for wrinkles is tretinoin, known commercially as Retin A. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A found in many over-the-counter products. Studies show that in a stabilized formula, in high concentrations, it may be as effective as Retin A, without the side effects, such as skin burning and sensitivity.
  • Topical vitamin C. Studies at Tulane University, among others, have found it can increase collagen production, protect against damage from UVA and UVB rays, correct pigmentation problems, and improve inflammatory skin conditions. The key, however, may be the type of vitamin C used. To date, most of the research points to the L-ascorbic acid form as the most potent for wrinkle relief.
  • Peptides can increase collagen production in sun-damaged skin and diminished lines and wrinkles.

Take these steps to incorporate good habits for healthy, youthful looking skin. Your skin is your advertisement to the world.Β  Feel confident that you can put your best face forward.Β  Comment below to tell us what is your best wrinkle fighting tip.

^^^ Thank you so much again to Laura for such a great read! Once again, please check out her blog and give her some love. What are some of your must have skin care products? What is your daily skin care routine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Six Common Skin Care Mistakes to Avoid

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Six Common Skin Care Mistakes to Avoid

Hi everyone and welcome to a fantastic article from Fix Your Skin that teaches you some major skin care no nos. Take a look and then be sure to check out Fix Your Skin’s website for even more beauty and skin care tips of the trade:

Six Common Skin Care Mistakes to Avoid:

Taking care of your skin is hard. Like a cranky baby that constantly demands attention, you need to put all your time and effort into getting results. All of this is totally worth it, though, when you end up with glowing skin that ages well. However, some women may not get the desired results and find it tough to maintain healthy and beautiful skin all year round.

No doubt, everybody likes and wants to have beautiful skin. It has always been the main indicator of your inner health. Youthful and glowing skin indicates vitality and good health. However, people commit various mistakes thinking that they are following the best skin care techniques asnd they end up with all sorts of skin problems.

Below are the skin care mistakes you might be making which needs to be corrected before extensive damage occurs:

1) Not Paying Attention To Ingredients

To get an accurate idea of what components are present in the product, check the back of the box where the list of ingredients is displayed. Nowadays, people are aware that silicones and parabens are bad for the skin while hyaluronic acid and ceramides are good. However, don’t just scan the list for bad or good ingredients to Fix Your Skin. You need to take note of the order in which the ingredients are displayed.

Sometimes pharmaceutical firms may overload the ingredient list with fillers. So, some of the beneficial vitamins may get buried at the bottom. Keep in mind that fillers are like empty vitamins. Make sure you are looking for products that are rich in natural oils, healthy antioxidants, and vitamins.

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2) Avoiding Sunscreen

One of the biggest mistakes people make while going out in the sun is skipping sunscreen protection. Yikes! As stated by various dermatologists, the primary cause of premature aging of the skin is exposure to the harsh UV rays of the sun sans sunscreen. Make sure to apply the sunscreen lotion on exposed parts like hands, face, legs, and neck 15-20 minutes before you leave home. Go for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or more.

3) Not Cleaning your Makeup Tools

One of the major reasons why you should not leave your makeup brushes unclean is that you are subjecting your skin to dirt, bacteria and other kinds of irritants. These can cause rosacea, acne, and even eczema. So, the smart thing to do is to wash your brushes every week with a soft sulfate-free cleanser.

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4) Smoking

According to various skin experts, smoking is one of the habits that you need to stay away from and it is one of the major skincare mistakes to avoid. The ill consequences of smoking are well documented in the media, and everyone is aware of them. The immediate effect of smoking is that it leads to dehydration of the skin and early aging. It dries the skin and absorbs all of the nutrients. So, in no time, skin becomes saggy, pale, and wrinkles start to appear.

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5) Not Drinking Enough Water

One of the most common skincare mistakes many people make is not drinking enough water. Frankly, it is the easiest and most important thing that you need to do every day. Did you know that water is one of the best moisturizers that you can give to your skin? If you don’t drink enough water, your skin will become dehydrated and blotchy. Various doctors and health experts agree that it is important to have at least 6-8 glasses of water each day. Consuming a lot of water will make your skin glow as it helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body and keeps skin hydrated from the inside.

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6) Avoiding Fruits And Vegetables And Going For Junk Food

Fruits and veggies are the richest sources of minerals, vitamins, and various other antioxidants. They help in maintaining the elasticity of the skin and also in keeping it healthy. You need to include them in your diet as recent studies have shown that carotenoids present in fruits assist in improving skin tone. Doctors and skin experts feel that junk food not only has harmful effects on your waistline but also on the skin. The biggest cause of breakouts is junk food like white bread, soft drinks, fried snacks, and pizzas. They produce oil and clog pores, thereby impacting the health of the skin.

Final Verdict:

Trying to avoid these common skincare mistakes and having healthy skin can be a huge challenge. Your day-to-day duties for your family, friends, work, and other events are bound to come in between your skin care routine. It might not always seem like the right thing to do but you have to put yourself first. Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others. By avoiding the skin care mistakes mentioned in this article, you can get vibrant, glowing skin and can become healthier overall, too.

I want to thank the Fix Your Skin team so much for providing such a fantastic article and graphics for lifewithlilred! What are some of your skin care secrets for healthy skin? What is one of your must have skin care products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

 

Perfect Picnic Food

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Perfect Picnic Food

Hi everyone and happy weekend! Today and Sunday are going to be kind of special here on lifewithlilred because both days will be featuring a guest post from my sweet friend, Zeighn, over at oneselementblog. When Zeighn first contacted me, she mentioned that she’s a total fashionista and lives a healthy lifestyle through Veganism and daily yoga.

Initially, my first thoughts were “Great, because I love to eat” so I asked Zeighn if she could create a post with some of her favorite recipes for summer time snacks and drinks. Today will feature some food perfect for a picnic while tomorrow will show you some mouthwatering beverages to wash it down with. Take a look at the post that Zeighn created special for my readers and please be sure to give her page some love:

Perfect Picnic Food

Pack up these delicious meals and head outdoors for a refreshing outing. Best part? Everything is healthy and Vegan! All recipes will be linked down below. πŸ™‚

Make sure not to forget your picnic blanket! A picnic is not complete without a blanket, basket, and lots of fun!

^^^ Omg. Can you say YUM?! All of Zeighn’s favorite recipes sound amazing! If you want more from my lovely guest blogger this weekend, check out her blog or follow her on Instagram. Thanks again, beautiful!

My birthday party at the end of the month is going to be of a garden party theme so now I need everyone’s opinions. What recipe listed above should I attempt to make for my guests? What recipes do you plan on trying? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah