Here’s how:

• Hiding the evidence of a late night…

Out too late? Or working too hard? Perhaps the baby didn’t get enough sleep and as a result neither did you? No matter the reason, lack of sleep can lead to puffy eyes, which are unsightly and at times uncomfortable. Reach for a refrigerated and sliced cucumber. Place the rounds over your eye socket, where they will act like little ice-packs and relieve puffy lids. One reason: cucumbers are 90% water which helps them to stay cool even in warm spots. This will minimize swelling by constricting the blood and lymph vessels that bring fluid to the eye area.

• Soothing sunburns (or other irritations)…

The cucumber is full of natural anti-inflammatories that will help to calm and soothe red and irritated skin. Place thin slices on the butterfly region of your face and lie down for 15 minutes. After time is up, remove the slices and apply a light moisturizer.

• Providing an added layer of protection…

Cucumbers contain vitamin C and caffeic acid, two antioxidants that, when applied to skin, help fend off wrinkles, sun damage and more. Vitamin C helps to build collagen and elastin while caffeic acid inhibits cancer cells and protects skin exposed to UV radiation. Try a soothing cucumber mask at home to give your skin a boost. Barely puree half a cucumber and two tablespoons of plain yogurt making a thick mixture. Apply to your skin and relax for 15 minutes before rinsing away with warm water.

Super ingredients are developed all of the time in labs making your skincare better and better, but sometimes the greatest ingredients for super-skin have been around for centuries and can be found right in your own home.

The post Beauty Flash! Dr. Amy Wechsler Weighs In on Cool Cucumber: Skin’s Best Friend appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The holidays are officially over which means the inevitable self-deprecation and guilt tripping may now commence.  Perhaps you’ve over-indulged with decadent holiday desserts, or maybe you’ve treated yourself to a few too many cocktails (heavy on the booze, light on the mixers).  Regardless of whichever way you put a dent in your digestive tract and major internal organs this December, remember that what goes in must come out.

We’re talking about pores, of course.  All of that deliciously rich chocolate you gorged yourself on during Christmas and the bottomless wine spritzers you sipped on New Year’s Eve are slowly going to make their way out, so don’t be surprised if you wake up with the face of a pubescent teenage girl in desperate need of salicylic acid acne cream.

Instead of fighting back with harsh chemicals, go organic with a detoxifying facial steam blend like we did.

Our choice: Fig + Yarrow Autumn Herbal Steam.

This aromatic and certified organic blend of dried herbs and blossoms including rosehip, cardamom, figwort, citrus peel, juniper berry, star anise, rosemary and cornflower is the perfect mélange to open pores and detox skin.

The colors alone are a sensory treat, but the true magic is in the fresh yet subtle scent of this hypnotic concoction.  Allow yourself to unwind and immerse your senses with the gentle steam.  Your face (and even your mood!) will thank you later.

Application: In a large bowl, cover a handful of any Fig + Yarrow herbal steam blend with boiling water; allow to cool slightly before placing a towel over your head, creating a steam tent. Breathe deeply for 5-15 minutes before patting dry.

The process may seem simple, but the results are extraordinary.  We suggest keeping a hand mirror nearby to examine your skin after steaming along with an extractor for a little extra help removing that hard-to-get gunk out of your pores.  It’s a priceless tool and an esthetician’s best friend!

Was your face able to make it through the abundance of holiday feasting unscathed? If so, count your lucky stars.  Regardless of how lovely your complexion might be, a Fig + Yarrow herbal steam remains to be a delightful break in the ordinary routine of creams and cleansers which are all-to-often unforgiving on your skin.  Stop neglecting your face and give your skin a quick pick-me-up now and again.

To learn more about Fig + Yarrow Herbal Steams, visit www.figandyarrow.com

The post How to Steam Clean Your Face appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

“Fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration are only the most visible symptoms of aging skin,” says Anna De La Crus, a skincare expert for glo therapeutics. “Others are less obvious but every bit as damaging. Dehydration, loss of elasticity and slower cell regeneration also affect skin health, and how good you look at any age.”

If you’re a baby boomer, it’s important to update your skin care and makeup regimen to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. Here are four skin care secrets every boomer woman should know:

1.  It’s not the number of years, it’s how well you’ve cared for your skin during them.

Age causes certain changes in the skin; cell turnover and renewal slows down, skin cells become less adept at retaining moisture, and skin becomes more sensitive. Taking care of your skin throughout your life – moisturizing, exfoliating and using sunblock – can help skin stay healthier and more youthful longer.

“As we age, lifestyle habits start catching up to us, some of which have been decades in the making before we see the visible proof,” says De La Cruz. “While it can seem as if a wrinkle appears overnight, there is no fountain of youth or instant cure.”

It’s also never too late to start taking better care of your skin, and it is possible to enhance skin health at any age. For wrinkles and fine lines, look for products that contain firming ingredients that will help stimulate collagen production, antioxidants to help protect against free radical damage, and smoothing ingredients to encourage cell renewal.

2. Your clothing and hair style have changed in the past 20 years; your skin care products should, too.

The moisturizer you used in your 20s may not be a good fit for your skin’s needs when you’re in your 50s. Baby boomers should look for skin care and makeup products specifically designed to address common concerns of aging skin, such as wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. The leading edge in addressing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines is phytostem technology. Plant stem cells and firming active ingredients in the Cyto-luxe collection by glo therapeutics work to lift and tighten skin, as well as promote healthy cells and collagen production to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Two new formulas, Vitamin C+, which contains 20 percent L-ascorbic acid, and Hydration+, address the top two causes of aging: sun damage and moisture loss. To learn more about this luxury line of 10 products, visit www.gloprofessional.com.

For boomer women concerned about hyperpigmentation, daily sunscreen should provide protection of 30 SPF or higher, and include ingredients that brighten and lighten skin, such as retinol and glycolic acid.

3. Update your diet to include the nutrients skin needs to age more gracefully.

Good nutrition is important throughout life. Healthful nutrition is good for overall health, and it can help improve the skin’s appearance. Vitamins A, C and D are vital for skin health, and topical applications of A and C are also good for the skin.

De La Cruz recommends boomer women stay on top of hydration by drinking lots of water. Incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, too – especially those containing key vitamins.

4. Your look has matured and so should your makeup routine.

The wrong makeup application can actually amplify the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores. As skin matures, a “less is more” approach is often more flattering.

“I advise women in their 50s and 60s to explore a clean, classic look,” says Janeena Billera, National Makeup Artist for glo minerals. “To achieve this, use natural foundations that illuminate and hydrate the skin. Choose neutral shades of matte to satin eye shadows, apply eyeliner tight to the lashline, maintain well-groomed eyebrows and add a natural flush to the cheek.”

Finally, Billera advises, growing older doesn’t mean you have to give up being trendy and fun. “Use current trends as an inspiration and simply tweak or tone down the look, always keeping placement and blending in mind.”

(BPT)

The post Wrinkle-busting skin care tips for boomer women appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

As the temperatures shift and leaves start to change, women everywhere prepare to usher in autumn. With the new season also comes a revamped beauty routine, but how much of what we change is really necessary? Enter Dr. Amy Wechsler, renowned dermatologist and psychiatrist specializing in the mind-beauty connection, who helps to distinguish myth vs. fact for fall skin skincare ensuring you start the season on the right note.

Myth: Because the sun isn’t as hot, we don’t need to wear sunscreen anymore.
Fact: Just because the temperature isn’t hot it doesn’t mean that the sun isn’t emitting UVA and UVB rays that can be damaging to our skin. Sunscreen should be part of your skincare routine year round. Look for products that do double-duty like lotions or makeup that contain an SPF and ensure that you apply anywhere on your body that sees the sun.

Myth: After washing your face your skin will feel tight, but this is normal because there is less humidity in the air.
Fact: Your skin should never feel tight after washing! This can be a sign that your cleanser is too harsh and needs to be switched to a gentler version. Look for items that are fragrance free to avoid further irritation, and stick to ingredients that are natural when possible.

Myth: I need to rehab my hair after the summer by loading up with conditioners and masks, even if it doesn’t feel damaged.
Fact: If your hair is reasonably healthy, spending time out in the sun in the summer won’t have much of an impact. Loading up on masks, conditioners and other leave-in treatments when they’re not needed can lead to oily or greasy hair and other scalp issues. Don’t “rehab” just because the seasons shift, do so only when needed.

Myth: Because it’s a new season, I need to completely change my products.
Fact: Have you ever heard the saying “if it ain’t broke…”? The same is true with skincare. If you have a routine that works well, why would you completely change it simply because of a new season? Try trouble shooting with products that address seasonal skin issues, like a thicker lotion in the winter to combat dry skin, but there is no need for a total overhaul.

Common myths, debunked, ensuring that your new and improved skincare habits are smart, simple and change only when needed.

http://www.dramywechsler.com/

The post Legends of the Fall appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Your quest to healthy, glowing skin does not just happen overnight, but many of our worst skin habits do. Some of us have “bad skin habits” that make our journey to perfect skin longer and harder. Luckily, some minor changes can have your face looking flawless in no time, just in time for summer. 

Bad Habit #1: Sleeping in makeup.

This might be the most common offense.  After a long night out, many times we tend to skip washing off our makeup and head straight to bed. The small feeling of “I’ll just wash it in the morning” can be the direct cause of a major breakout later. For those nights when you could honestly fall asleep at the sink, try keeping makeup remover wipes on hand. With most makeup remover wipes, one sheet can effectively remove all of the makeup from your face without even using water.

So what happens when you sleep in makeup?

Remove eye makeup easily!

Bad Habit #2: Inadequate Moisturizing.

There are many things to consider when moisturizing your face. First, it is important to keep in mind your unique skin type. Is your skin usually dry or does it tend to be oilier? Figuring out if you have dry spots or sections that get shiny can make finding the right moisturizer much easier. Also, if you notice that a moisturizer that usually works for you just isn’t doing the trick, consider other factors like weather and diet changes because they can warrant a change in moisturizers.

Natural Moisturizer

Minimize your pores

Bad Habit #3: Washing too much (or not enough!)

Some of the face washes out there are harsh on our skin and it’s important not to over-do it. Washing your face too often can lead to over drying. On the contrary, your face needs to be cleansed daily to avoid clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts. Generally, you should only need to wash your face twice a day (once in the morning, once at night). There are tons of washes out there, so finding one that works for you can be overwhelming. Though most of us find that perfect cleanser through trial and error, use the Internet to your advantage. Once you figure out your skin type, look on YouTube for product reviews. There are many natural options (like oil pulling as a cleanser or apple cider vinegar as an astringent) that you can try that might save you time (and money!)

Oil Pulling?

Perfect for sensitive skin!

The post Bad Skin Habits appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Occasionally we look in the mirror and don’t recognize the eyes staring back at us. It is unavoidable that as we age our eyes are often the first things to reflect that. Sometimes even after the wrinkle creams and layers of the latest and greatest make up we still aren’t experiencing the results that we want. Although one option is to embrace each line for the life experience that it represents, for some people that is easier said than done. If you find yourself too busy worrying about your tired eyes to enjoy life or are hiding behind sunglasses at all times, you do have some other options. AKA Mom sat down with Dr. Mark A. Clymer to discuss some of them.

Dr. Clymer, who practices out of Nashville, TN, is a board certified facial plastic surgeon who offers both invasive and non-invasive solutions to a variety of different cosmetic issues. Since Dr. Clymer specializes in treatments that appear so natural that no one would ever guess that you had any procedures done, we thought he would be the perfect person to talk to about one of women’s biggest complaints, their tired eyes. “It is not a one-solution-fits-all type of problem, Dr. Clymer explains, “there are a wide range of causes and six different physical scenarios that can be happening to create what people think of as old or tired eyes. Two of the most common, and easily fixed, are a loss of volume around the eyes that creates a sallow look and wrinkles or lines around your eyes”. These conditions are often caused by excessive sun exposure, stress, heredity and aging.

The first procedure that we discussed was Restylane™. According to Dr. Clymer, a good candidate for Restylane™ is someone who has, over time, seen a loss of volume beneath their skin. Often these patients report being regularly asked if they are tired when they are not. “Restylane is a simple injection procedure that takes less than a day to recover from, Dr. Clymer says, you will be ready to return to work the next morning”. Although you will see some results immediately, the full effect is seen after about two days and last for as long as a year. Your coworkers will have no idea, but don’t be surprised if they ask how you got such a great nights sleep! Results include fuller, awake-looking eyes and a lot of compliments!

Before Restylane™ and Dysport™                  After Restylane™ and Dysport™

The second procedure, Dysport™, can treat your wrinkles over your lunch break. Talk about a power lunch!  For the women who fret over the fine lines and “crows feet” Dr. Clymer recommends this procedure. This is another injection type procedure but instead of a filler, like Restylane, it is a muscle relaxant. Dr. Clymer explains that with only one treatment of Dysport you will see dramatic results almost immediately that last 3-6 months, with virtually no recovery time needed. This is a great next step for women who feel that creams aren’t cutting it, but they aren’t ready for anything invasive. 

As parting advice to anyone who may be considering a cosmetic procedure, be sure to find a reputable doctor that specializes in producing natural looking results. Dr. Clymer advised it best when he said that he is in the business of putting himself out of business since no one can ever tell that his clients have had procedures done, they just look like they went on a fabulously relaxing vacation!  

Dr. Mark A. Clymer 

1800 Mallory Ln, Brentwood, TN 37027 

(615) 661-4005

www.clymermd.com

The post The Next Step for Tired Eyes appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

When I was 16 years old and working part time at a coffee shop, I will never forget the day I was running late so I went to work with no make-up on.  I had at least 5 different customers ask me if I was feeling OK.  My fragile 16 year-old self was mortified.  I quickly became a make-up addict and stayed that way for years.  It wasn’t until I started getting interested in skin care and developing a routine for myself that I braved the world with no make-up again.  As scary as it was at first, there is no bigger confidence booster that running to the store with little (or no) make-up on and getting a compliment!  I have all the information that you need to get your skin ready for the cooler weather, so you can rock minimal make-up with confidence!

I know that developing a skin care routine might seem like a lot of work and even a bit overwhelming, so I am going to break down the essential 5-minute skin care routine.  Follow my advice and you will have young, refreshed looking skin without a drop of make-up.

The first step to great skin is a good cleanse!  You know your skin better than anyone, so think about what concerns you have.  Do you have dry skin?  Find a cream cleanser that is great for adding moisture.  Oily skin requires a cleanser that is a little bit stronger.  For my normal to slightly oily skin, I love the new Ultra Rapid Action SuperFruit Splash Face Wash from the PerfectaWash system.  I use this wash for a few different reasons.  The first is that it has 2% salicylic acid, which helps to stop my skin from getting oily and it clears up any blemishes that might have popped up.  The next reason is the PerfectaWash dispenser is an automatic dispenser that gives you the perfect amount every time.  I tend to use too much product with everything from shampoo to laundry detergent, so this is a big help!  The problem is that using too much facial cleanser can really dry out your skin.  One tip, if your cleanser is drying out your skin after you wash your face and your skin feels tight and dry, it’s too strong.  The final reason that I love this cleanser is that it smells AMAZING!

The next step is one that I will call “the Extremely Optional Second Step: Toner.”  Although many people swear by toners, I have yet to find one that makes a noticeable difference without just drying out my skin.  If you have found one that works for you, great!  If not, take my advice and cut that step from your skin care routine.

Next we have arguably the most important step, moisturizing.  Even though we are making this skin care guide as easy as possible, I really recommend getting two different moisturizers, one for day and one for night.  For your daytime cream you want a light, oil-free formula that won’t leave you feeling greasy.  Stay away from fragrances that will irritate your skin and make sure it has SPF of at least 20!  Regardless of your age SPF makes all the difference in healthy looking skin, not to mention the actual health benefits!  My go to day cream is Boots No7 Moisture Quench Day Cream, it is light weight, doesn’t leave me greasy, and it’s sold at Target so I can pick it up any of the 12 times I am there each week, a big plus!

For your night cream you are looking for something slightly different.  You want a heavier formula that puts back all of the moisture and vitamins that a long day of make-up, environmental factors, and sweat can take out.  Unlike your daytime product, you don’t want your night cream to have SPF.  As essential as SPF is, it can irritate the skin if used 24/7 and since you wont need the sun protection while you sleep, pick a moisturizer that leaves it out.  I have used countless different night creams over the years and most are OK, but I have yet to find one to jump up and down about.  One day I will find the holy grail of night creams!

In addition to an all over moistuizer your eyes need some special attention.  The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue which means that it is very thin and susceptible to wrinkles.  While this might be overkill, I have a different eye product for day and for night.  My go-to day product is Garnier Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller.  As most Mom’s probably understand, 9 hours of sleep doesn’t always fit in my schedule, so I usually have dark circles and puffyness under my eyes.  This product is tinited so it makes your eyes look bright and like you got significantly more sleep than you actually did!  Also, it helps reduce any puffyness with cafeen (what would I do without that stuff?) so even after you wash it off at night, your eyes look better.  For night, similar to moisturizers, you are looking for a heavier formula and you don’t want it to have any color that could clog your pores.

The last part to your essential skin care routine is exfoliation.  This only needs to be done 2 or 3 times per week.  Using an exfoliating scrub removes dead skin cells and gives your skin a glow that even pregnancy can’t match!  I like to keep my face scrub in the shower since the steam from the water will open your pores and soften your skin.  If you do exfoliate in the shower, be extra gentle as your skin will be much more sensitive.

Extra Credit–

If you want to go above and beyond, there are three more things to think about.  A weekly facemask is not only relaxing, but it is a great way to target your skin’s specific problems (or “opportunities for improvement” as my Mom would always say).  For me, my T-zone is prone to clogged pores and hence the dreaded blackheads can appear.  So I spot-apply an oil-absorbing clay mask to any area that needs a little help.  There are facemasks on the market for just about every skin need, so do some experimenting and find the one that is perfect for you!

Along the same lines as a facemask, I recommend using spot treatments.  Ranging from wrinkle reducers to acne treatment, this is another product that is going to take some trial and error to find the right one for you.  My personal go-to spot treatment is Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Vanishing Treatment Cream.  It contains benzoyl peroxide, which causes the blemish to be noticeably smaller and less noticeable in just a few hours.  Another reason that I love it is that it wears really well underneath my make-up.  Some products crack and flake off when they dry, leaving my imperfection the only part of my face without make-up!

The third thing that you can do to ensure great skin watch what you are putting in your body.  You can spend hundreds of dollars on creams and gels to treat the surface, but making sure that you are eating the right nutrients can make all the difference.  Although I could right a whole article on the correlation between food and beauty, we will stick to 4 fun facts:

1. Berries have the antioxidant anthocyanin (as well as many others), which repairs and protects your skin’s cells.
2. Broccoli has quercetin, which is another awesome antioxidant.  What makes quercetin so great is that it is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that fights the number 2 cause of aging.
3. Green tea already has a pretty good reputation for the great things that it can do for your body, but on top of all the commonly known things, studies have shown that green tea can be used both orally and topically to help protect the skin from sunburns and UV-associated skin cancers. Research also suggests that drinking one cup of green tea twice a day over the course of six months may actually reverse sun damage and significantly improve any problems you have with redness and broken capillary veins.  Plus it tastes great with a squeeze of honey!
4. I talked about berries in general but strawberries are particularly great!  They are loaded with vitamin C, an immune-boosting antioxidant that stimulates collagen production and reduces damage from free radicals, which cause skin to age prematurely. Strawberries also contain malic acid, a natural astringent that can help remove discoloration from teeth.

The post Drop the Makeup and Let Your Skin Shine appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.