Drugstore skincare brands are delivering innovation and value in two ways: tapping into natural resources and utilizing new advancements in skincare science. But for many, new advancements in skincare formulations can be confusing. What is stem cell technology and is it safe? How can peptides smooth lines?

Use this skincare shopping guide while at the drugstore to clarify the labels and find the right product for your skin and your budget.

Natural solutions

Plants rich in antioxidants and vitamins have healing and protective elements that women have trusted for centuries. Here are some of the newest plant-based technologies to consider:

Plant stem cells
Scientists have found that apple stem cell extract helps to protect human skin cells from natural depletion and external stressors such as UV radiation. It also allows new and healthy skin cells to regenerate, meaning that an apple a day may indeed keep the dermatologist away. New Lumene Excellent Future Deep Repairing Serum and Deep Repairing Cream include this innovative technology, available for the first time at the drugstore. While similar products are sold at department stores for hundreds of dollars a jar, the Lumene Excellent Future products are available at a fraction of the price and can be found at CVS/pharmacy.

White peat extract
This powerhouse ingredient contains twice-concentrated phyto power from the last Ice Age. The efficacy of peat is in its incredible ability to activate skin’s natural regeneration process and make skin more supple.

Arctic cloudberry
Grown wild and hand-picked in the peat lands and forests of the Arctic, one small cloudberry contains twice the vitamin C of an orange 10 times its size. Cloudberry seeds yield an oil that contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants and carotenoids that protect skin from radical damage and enhance regeneration.

Sea buckthorn oil
The oil derived from the Sea Buckthorn plant contains high levels of vitamin C as well as carotenoids, vitamin E and amino acids that help metabolize skin cells, promoting hydration and smoothness.

Antioxidants and botanicals
Ingredients that prevent free radicals from damaging healthy skin include antioxidants coenzyme Q10, vitamins E and C and botanicals such as soy, green tea, acai and pomegranate.

Scientific advancements
Skincare technology buzzwords can confound shoppers. Formulas featuring these ingredients are a sure bet to fight the signs of aging:

Ceramides
These lipids, along with cholesterol and fatty acids, form a barrier on the topmost layer of skin that keeps in moisture and blocks harmful chemicals. But they are depleted as skin ages.

Hyaluronic acid
This acid occurs naturally in the body and works to fill the soft tissue and deliver intense hydration, plumping and firming aging skin.

Polypeptides
Polypeptides, often referred to simply as “peptides,” can stimulate the communication between cells to promote stronger, healthier and more youthful-looking skin.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
Another ingredient found in the human body, GABA helps to temporarily relax the muscles responsible for wrinkling skin.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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It is becoming more apparent that coconut oil is very beneficial for use in cooking, but did you know that the super versatile oil makes for the ideal substance to use for moisturizing and restoring your skin? Whether it’s recovering from a day in the sun at the beach or going through the cool, dry air of winter, many people are looking for solutions take care of their skin. To the casual consumer does it really matter what kind of lotion we use? The labels of most skin moisturizers and lotions reveal that one of the main ingredients found in these products is water. When these lotions and creams are applied to the body, their moisture is rapidly absorbed into the skin. As the water absorbs into the skin, it expands the tissues, similar to filling up a balloon with water, so that any wrinkles briefly fade away and also causing the skin to take on a smoother feel. However, as soon as the moisture in the lotion or cream evaporates or is whisked away by the blood stream, the skin nearly always returns to it’s dry, wrinkled condition. Our skin is made up of connective tissues that make it strong and elastic with strong connective fibers causing our skin to be youthful in appearance, supple and strong, much like the skin of most youths. Unfortunately, as we become older and these fibers are constantly exposed to free-radicals, they tend to break down, resulting in connective tissues that become more hardened as they slowly lose their strength and elastic qualities. When the skin is no longer able to hold itself together it begins to develop wrinkles, and often takes on a dry, leathery, and even “droopy” appearance.

Even though we may be very diligent with our skin care routine, we will never really be able to permanently conquer dry, wrinkled skin with commercial skin care products. In addition to containing water as a primary ingredient, most lotions have some type of heavily refined vegetable oil that lacks the natural protective antioxidants which makes them highly likely to cause free-radical development on the inside and outside of the body. This is just one reason why taking in processed vegetable oils can lead to a deficit in vitamin E and other antioxidants, which are used up in battling free radicals that cause permanent damage to connective tissue. As we consider this, we should be more discerning about the types of substances we use on our skin. Using products that contain a refined oil has the potential to cause skin to age more rapidly. Although moisturizers and skin creams can provide us with what seems to be temporary improvement, they are actually speeding up aging of the skin and even encouraging more serious damage due to the free radicals that are readily developed from the refined vegetable oil.

After free-radical reaction is initiated it often gathers momentum causing a domino effect which causes additional development of free radicals, which ends up damaging large numbers of molecules in the skin. The human body utilizes antioxidants to fight these damage causing free-radicals. The chain reaction of free radical development is hindered when they come into contact with antioxidants which which the body uses as a defense against these damage causing cells. The amount of antioxidants contained in our tissues is mostly affected by the nutrients in our daily diet, which leads us to……..

Coconut Oil as Nature’s perfect skin care remedy

Raw, virgin coconut oil is perhaps the best natural ingredient for skin care available as it softens the skin and safeguards it from damage, encourages healing, resulting in a more healthy appearance. Coconut oil provides protection against damaging free radicals and even offers the added benefit of keeping the skin from forming liver spots and other blemishes that are brought on by aging and over exposure to sunlight, which are signs of free-radical deterioration of the lipids in the skin. Dr. Ray Peat, a biochemist who has written about the antioxidant properties of coconut oil, has stated, “It is well established that dietary coconut oil reduces our need for vitamin E, but I think its antioxidant role is more general than that, and that it has both direct and indirect antioxidant activities.”

In addition to providing protection from free radical damage, coconut oil also assists with maintaining strong, supple connective tissue, preventing the skin from having a wrinkly and sagging appearance. In some cases it might also heal and even restore skin that has been previously damaged. As the oil is absorbed into the skin, it penetrates beyond the surface going into the deeper layers of the skin, strengthening the underlying tissues, resulting in limiting the damage caused by over exposure to the sun. Unlike many common moisturizing lotions and skin care products that usually have only temporary benefits, coconut oil will have lasting effects that can help return the back to a more healthy, smooth appearance. One reason why this happens is because the coconut oil aids in the removal of the outer layer of dead skin cells, which results in the skin feeling and appearing smoother with a healthy glow. Coconut oil will also help to decrease chronic skin inflammation within days and also serve as a soothing and healing treatment for skin ailment such as minor wounds, blisters, and rashes. It is an excellent ingredient to use in healing ointments and has even proven to be very beneficial as a hair conditioner. With so many versatile and positive qualities, extra virgin coconut oil deserves a place as a regular part of out diet.

For more information of the outstanding benefits of coconut oil, please visit:
http://www.cookwithcoconut.com

Frank Farmer is a psychologist and fitness/nutrition enthusiast who motivates others to improve their health.

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Simple natural skin care remedies can already give you that fresh, lovely looking skin. Simple natural skin care remedies can also help you ward off skin irritations like pimples and acne. To help you keep your skin healthy and free from blemishes, here are some natural skin care remedies for you.

Keeping Your Skin Clean

One of the primary causes of skin irritation is clogged pores. Once the pores are clogged, bacteria build up and cause skin irritation like acne and pimples. If you are one of those people who are prone to acne and other types of skin breaks, you should make it a point to keep your skin clean all the time. Cleaning your skin is the best natural skin care remedy so make sure that you wash your face at least twice a day.

If you have some minor irritations in your skin, wash your skin more often and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your skin dry especially if you have some minor skin irritations. Rubbing your skin dry will only make matters worst. You don’t really want to infect your acne or your pimples!

When cleaning your skin, pay close attention to your face. To clean your face, use mild soap and clean water. No, you should not use astringent or any alcohol based products on your face. Note that when it comes to natural skin care remedies, mild soap and water are the best. If you have naturally oily skin, do not use soaps with moisturizers. Moisturizes will only make your skin oilier and prone to irritation.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Out skin tend to loose its natural tightness as we grow older. To help tone your skin, you should eat a balanced diet. According to experts, eating the right kind of food is the best natural skin care remedy.

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can make your skin glow. Besides, eating the right kind of food is not just a natural skin care remedy; it is also a good way to keep your body healthy and strong. Studies show that people who eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables everyday tend to be healthier and less prone to sickness compared to those people who eat fatty foods.

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Herbs

There are a few herbs in particular that are commonly included in natural skin care products. Herbs such as St. John’s Wort, sage, saw palmetto, skullcap, slippery elm, stone root, sweet flag, tea tree oil, and senna.

When you want to get skin that is smooth and irresistibly soft, you will want to stick to herbs such as lavender and calendula as these are both very affordable and will benefit your skin from head to toe. If you have your own herb garden then of course you pick herbs from here but you also have the option of going to the store.

Recipes

There are many different natural skin care products that you can prepare using herbs and other all natural ingredients. Scented dusting powder is one of the most popular natural skin care products, and for this all you need is 1 cup corn starch, 1 tablespoon orrisroot powder, and ¼ teaspoon essential oil.

To prepare you simply spoon the cornstarch and orrisroot powder into a blender and run it on low speed, then slowly add the essential oil. This powder is now finished and you can use it over your entire body to get a subtle sheen and aroma.

Another of the most popular natural skin care products that you can create at home is the wrinkle remover. For this you will need only one ingredient and that is seedless grapes. You just need to cut a grape in half and then gently crush it on your face and neck. Now you want to leave this on for about twenty minutes, after which you will want to rinse it off with tepid water and pat dry.

Following up with a moisturizer while your skin is still moist is a good idea, but make sure that it is a good quality lotion that is not going to leave an oily or grimy film on the skin. Making your own skin care products at home is not only going to save you money but as well can be a lot of fun. It is nice to know exactly what is going into your skin care products, especially if you have sensitive skin.

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Skin Care Ingredients are Absorbed into the Skin

The problem with the harsh and synthetic ingredients that are used in other skin care products is that your skin will absorb what is put on it.  If you put synthetic, industrial grade, toxic and harsh chemicals on your skin, they will soak into your skin.

So many synthetic and harsh chemicals are used in personal care products that it is unknown what the long-term effects will be.  Some ingredients, such as phthalates and petroleum-based ingredients out of thousands of harsh ingredients, have gained public notice.  In many cases, the personal care chemicals are being applied as part of a daily routine for most people.

Surrounded by Chemical Laden Products

Shampoos, soaps, cleansing bars, lotions, creams and powders are all examples of skin care products that typically have harsh ingredients in their formula.  When you choose a natural skin care product as an alternative to these chemical laden formulas, you are choosing a product that will be safer and mild to apply to your skin.

Natural Ingredients

The natural ingredients in natural products can range from natural food-grade ingredients, herbs, essential oils, natural soap, vegetable, waxes, floral waxes, beeswax, resins and other plant parts.  Food grade ingredients that can be found in natural skin care products include oils, grains, salts, fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

When you use harsh chemicals on your skin, whatever is not absorbed by your skin will go down the drain when you shower or bathe.  If it does not go down the drain, it will dry on your skin and dissipate into the environment.  It has nowhere else to go.  By using a natural skin care product, you are reducing the amount of harsh chemicals that enter the environment.

A natural skin care product has many benefits for you and the environment.  Not only are natural skin care products good for your skin, natural skin care products are easier on the environment.

Applying the natural ingredients of a natural skin care product directly to your skin allows your skin to draw nourishment directly from the source.  You may see immediate results because of the goodness that is in natural skin care product.

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Generally, when we are infants and toddlers, our skin looks great, but with due course of time it loses its elegance. During adolescence, we experience several skin problems like acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and many others, so we need to protect our skin with the help of various skin care products or treatments. Even if we are lucky enough, we still try to take different measures to maintain the good health of the skin. When trying different skin care methods, we generally prefer to adopt natural skin care technique, since it has no adverse side effects.

Dry Brush Exfoliation

Dry brush exfoliation, a basic natural skin care technique, is extremely helpful during early morning shower. It helps removing the dead cells over the skin. Skin becomes detoxified during this technique. The process also helps in improving the blood circulation and active lymph condition. In addition, it also aids in decreasing puffiness. The gentle pressure technique helps in calming down the nervous system. In order to use dry brush exfoliation technique, you need to use a soft, tender and natural bristle brush. Apply gently to enjoy a dead-cell free skin.

Healthy Diet & Regular Exercise

Having a healthy diet leads to good skin condition. In fact, this is an essential natural skin care. You must care about drinking plenty of water daily. In addition, you must have sufficient fiber in your daily diet. Have enough fruits and green vegetables on a regular basis. Sedentary lifestyle promotes various illnesses and health complications, which, in turn, result in poor skin condition. Do regular exercise, walking, cycling, and swimming. Regular exercising can help you a lot in maintaining a good health condition.

Fruit Skin Care

If you are really serious about natural skin care, allow seasonal fruits to take a great care of your skin. In fact, it is the best natural skin care technique to count on different types of fruits. Take a piece of cucumber and gently rub over the exposed areas. It will remove the sunburn effectively. Alternatively, you can also use a pack made up of tomato juice and milk. Fruits like mangoes, strawberries, peaches are rich with antioxidants. You can take a small piece and apply all over your body including face areas. Grate apple and apply all over the faces and other body areas. This is an excellent natural scrubber.

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Comes From The Ground

The easiest way to tell if something is all natural is if it’s listed on the bottle or container. You should be able to tell fairly quickly if all natural ingredients are included. Natural skin care works because you’re using only what comes out of the ground. That means the products use only organic materials such as plant materials. This means that the products are gentle on your skin. There are no chemicals added, which means you won’t have anything that exacerbates skin problems or creates them in the first place.

Use The Internet

You should be able to find all the natural skin care products you need on the internet. Simply searching for natural skin care products should produce all the websites you need to find all the skin care products you can handle. Just remember to always use the skin care products first before you buy in bulk as you don’t want to overstock on products that are worthless to you. The best way to find out if a product works is to use it for a while to see what kind of results you get.

Spas Or Salons

Spas and salons often use natural skin care products on their customers. Make an appointment and tell them you only want all natural products used. If they work, then you know which ones to buy. Make sure you see what the containers look like and read the labels so that you know which ones to buy for yourself.

Using all natural skin care products is a great idea if you really want to take care of your skin. Use only what comes from the earth and you should be able to hold onto your youthful glow for as long as possible.

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Various Uses

Thus, you will find that there are various natural skin care products that include products such as daily morning skin care, daily night skin care and also seasonal skin care and even fumitory herb as well as use of thalassotherapy. Daily morning natural skin care products will help you to cleanse out your skin, and they must be used as a first step in your beauty regime, and there are also cleansers that will remove all of the dirt and also grease and of course, the makeup as well.

You can choose from among different natural skin care products including cream-based cleansers that are well suited for cleansing dry as well as sensitive skins and which will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated, and these products have properties that are hydrating and which also nourishes the skin thus providing a protective layer on the skin’s surface, and to get best results, you could tone the skin with a lotion as well.

Other natural skin care products include foaming cleansers which are well suited if you want to wash your face while using water since they clean without requiring soaps and only need rinsing with lots of water. They also have surface active agents that are gentle on your skin and which will also not take away the skin’s natural oils and with calcium sensors, do not cause any tautness of the skin and they are ideally suited for dry and also combination skins.

Some people have very sensitive skins and for them the best natural skin care products include cleansing milks that are not only simple, but are also very comforting and which also does not need any rinsing either. With this natural skin care product, you can trap whatever impurities are on your skin and it will also leave on your skin a soothing and hydrating film that gives the skin more protection.

These natural skin care products are ideally suited for early morning use and once applied will ensures that your skin remains fresh and also healthy.

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There are natural skin care recipes that anyone can make at their home and with a number of ingredients that you must already have stocked in your kitchen, or which are readily available in health food stores, pharmacies and supermarkets. There are also some natural skin care recipes that make use of vegetables and fruits as well as herbs and which require that you choose only the freshest available ingredients and which should be organic to the greatest extent possible. Of course, the best choice would be to grow the vegetables and herbs in your home.

No Special Equipment Required

Another advantage to using natural skin care recipes is that there are also not many special items of equipment required and you can easily make do with what you already have in your kitchen such as measuring cups as also spoons, frying pan, glass jugs and even a funnel as well as small whisk along with a few jars as well as bottles in which to store your natural skin care products.

When you get down to using your natural skin care recipes, you must ensures that there are separate equipment to your normal utensils and whatever you use, it must be thoroughly clean, and you may also want to sterilize the containers in which you will be storing away the products of your natural skin care recipes. For the purpose of sterilizing the containers, all that you need to do is to boil some water in a pot and place the glass jars and also the bottles in this boiling water for about twenty minutes and then use a pair of tongs to take them out.

It is even possible to sterilize your glass jugs and containers with solutions that are used to sterilize baby bottles, especially when using jars and bottles made from plastic. There are many natural skin care recipes to choose from including energizing foaming cleansers, luscious cleansing creams, cinnamon and orange facial scrubs, gentle freshening toner and also deluxe facial oils, and many more and all that you need to do is pick which suits your needs the best and then get stuck into creating the right and natural solution to meet your needs.

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Washing

The first thing that a person with oily skin can do for natural oily skin care to wash their face with lots of soap and very warm water to dissolve the oil. The warm water keeps the pours from closing. The choice of soap is important. A soap that completely strips the oil from your skin will irritate it and make it flake, or even worse, make the skin work overtime producing even more oil to make up for the oil that is lost to washing . This is a process called seborrhea. Another thing that stimulates seborrhea is washing too much. Only wash your face two or three times a day at the most.

Everyone’s heard the phrase oil and water don’t mix. The best soaps for oily skin are oil based. A good choice is a soap made with avocado oil. Also, stay away from cleansers that contain alcohol because they are too harsh and will strip your skin.

Simply rinsing your face with cool water will close the pours and refine them naturally.
Another natural oily skin care tip is to not touch your face with dirty hands. The bacteria and dirt will stimulate the oil production. The introduction of bacteria to your face can also cause blemishes.

Natural Treatments

There are several natural oily skin care treatments that you can make at home to stem your skin’s oil production.

One way is to make a mask of powdered oatmeal and water and apply it daily for thirty minutes a day. Oatmeal is a natural oil absorber.  A clay or mud mask will do the same thing for your face without drying it out. You can make one of these masks by mixing green clay powder with raw honey, and leaving it on for fifteen to thirty minutes.

Products

If you decide to use store bought products on your face remember to look for ones that are all-natural and oil free. This goes for makeup, lotions, creams, etc.
A dusting of color-free powder is good for soaking up excess oil when you are not able to wash. Look for powders made for oily faces.

Natural oily skin care is simple once the rules are taken to heart and used on a continual basis.

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