Friday, January 11, 2008

beauty myths busted #2

Avance exposes common beauty misconceptions!

myth 2 - sleeping with your make up on causes wrinkles

This is probably one of beauty's most infamous urban legends, one that is so ingrained in our culture it's been passed down through the generations - in a way, it almost sounds like a threat. But, over time, what the medical field has learned is that wrinkles are caused by only four main culprits.

1. Aging. As we get older and the aging process begins, our skin thins and its elastin and collagen start to diminish. As this happens, moisture is lost which paves the way for skin to crack and crease.

2. Facial muscle contractions. Today's facial expressions mean tomorrow's wrinkles. Combine smiling, frowning, furling your eyebrows and squinting with gravity and it's a recipe for wrinkles.

3. Sun damage. Overexposure to the sun can cause premature aging, a process that damages healthy collagen fibers and over time will lead to wrinkles.

4. Smoking. Smoking causes a severe decrease in the amount of collagen produced. Our skin depends on collagen for strength and elasticity, so a slowdown in collagen reproduction will guarantee wrinkles.

Although leftover makeup will not cause wrinkles, there are other hazards for falling asleep with it on. Old mascara, eyeliner or eye shadow can cause eye infections and sties. Also, when makeup stays reticent on the face, it turns into dirt and oil which can then lead to blackheads. So, play it safe every night by removing makeup with a gentle remover, like Avance Eye Makeup Remover and avoid wrinkles by keeping skin moisturized overnight with Hydrating Night Creme.

Monday, January 7, 2008

beauty myths busted #1

Avance exposes common beauty misconceptions!

myth 1 - cellulite creams eliminate cellulite

Because cellulite is normal fat that's risen closer to the skin's surface, not fatty fat, it is a skin condition, not a weight condition, whose two major deciding factors are age and genetic predisposition. This makes cellulite a very difficult problem to solve, but there are a few things that can be done. First, you should know that it is not possible to entirely eradicate cellulite but there are ways to dramatically reduce it. Secondly, science and medicine have shown that the key to reducing cellulite is eliminating toxins from the body and increasing circulation.

So, if you're looking for a spa treatment to help purify your system, a great at-home remedy is Avance Slimming Gel which is loaded with seaweed and Ivy Extracts that work together to normalize cellular function.

Proper diet and exercise will also do the trick. Eat foods loaded with anti-oxidants like strawberries, nuts and whole grains, green leafy vegetables and various types of fish to flush out stored toxins. Also be sure to drink plenty of water and get your blood flowing with a daily exercise routine. Yoga and Pilates are two great ways to increase circulation, as is taking a brisk walk while simultaneously swinging your arms. It should also be said that there are many useful products on the market that help to cleanse the body of stored toxins when used in conjunction with an overall healthy diet.

Monday, December 3, 2007

winter skin care

Winter often spells disaster for your skin. The chilling cold in the air from the sudden change of seasons can leave your skin chapped and devastatingly dry. Our winter atmosphere is notorious for scarcity of humidity, compounded by indoor heating which is winter's most vicious skin-drying scoundrel. It looks rough and chapped, feels tight and drawn. You have to take extra care for your skin during this season and with our tips you will find that having a beautiful skin is not that difficult after all.
1. The most important part of winter skin care is keeping the whole body hydrated. Drink approximately 64 ounces or more of water daily. Not only does this help hydrate your skin to prevent dryness and itching, but there are other well-known health benefits too numerous to mention here. (You’ve probably heard them dozens of times anyway…)
2. Limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you intake; these act as diuretics releasing fluid from the body.
3. With the heat on and the windows closed, the air inside can become very dry in the winter, making the dryness and itching of eczema even worse. Use a humidifier to place moisture in the air. If you don’t want to invest in an expensive humidifying system, smaller, relatively inexpensive humidifiers can be obtained at a local drug store. Placing two or three of these around your home will help to humidify the dry air. This can keep skin from drying and becoming cracked and itchy.
4. Avoid using very hot water for bathing as it washes away natural skin oil.
5. As much as possible avoid exposing skin to harsh winter elements such as freezing temperatures and drying cold winds. Dress warmly, in layers, and wear a hat, scarf and gloves when you go out in cold weather. Wear a natural lip balm to protect your lips and a protective moisturizer with sunscreen on your face and neck.
6. Follow a weekly facial regimen that includes these steps:
a. Cleansing. A spa quality cleanser will dissolve and lift impurities without drying the skin. Cleansers clean skin deep into pores to help prevent signs of premature aging and remove dirt and make-up from skin.
b. Exfoliate with a gentle facial scrub. Exfoliating sloughs away dead skin cells to reveal fresher, healthier looking skin, reduces surface oils while improving skin tone and texture.
c. Apply a mask. A mask is a great remedy for restoring your skin’s natural beauty and suppleness by drawing debris and impurities from pores while leaving your skin looking and feeling soft and smooth.
d. Toner. A gentle alcohol free toner absorbs excess oil leaving your skin refreshed and stress free.
e. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. A moisturizer will hydrate while helping protect from the damaging winter atmosphere.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

natural skin care products

More and more people are becoming allergic to chemicals that are being used in mainstream skin care products. This is motivating cosmetic companies to find an alternative to satisfy those who cannot use chemically-enhanced products. As the number of people who are concerned about toxins in our environment grows, more skin care companies are offering "natural" and "organic" products for anti-aging skin care. Natural skin care products are one of the fastest growing product segments. Millions of people worldwide are making the switch from synthetic, man-made products to natural cosmetics, natural skin care, natural hair care and other natural care products. Natural cosmetics and skin care products serve to beautify and care for the human body by means of ingredients of nature.

This is made possible with natural raw materials, friendly to both the skin and the environment. Natural skin care should stimulate and support our natural skin functions, rather than supplanting physiological processes. These products offer gentle, wholesome care and are thus an important aid to the health of the skin at any age. Prompted by the positive trend toward healthier lifestyles, manufacturers of skincare products are turning to nature for product inspiration for everything from cleansers, moisturizers, eye creams, cleansers and toners, masks and anti-aging.

Plantogen, plant derived spa therapy, skin care products are a great example...
Plants have been used for centuries for their medicinal, cosmetic and general well-being benefits. In the beauty arena we know the potential and the effectiveness of Green Tea, Vitamins C and E as antioxidants that neutralize the effects of skin damaging free radicals and the anti aging benefits of Retinol and other propriety combinations of plants and herbs. Plantogen, plant derived spa therapy, is concerned with the beauty and appearance of skin. Plantogen developed their products motivated by the belief in plants as effective ingredients in the improvement and maintenance of healthier, younger looking skin. It combines the most advanced scientific knowledge with plant based technology.

Plantogen products combine some of mother nature's well known healers, such as Manuka Honey, Chamomile, Jojoba, Aloe Vera, fruit oils, herbs, Vitamin A derived Retinol, and the antioxidants Green Tea, Vitamin C and E. Many provide visible and tangible improvements in skin tone and appearance, while others provide a soothing aroma that can assist in a feeling of relaxation and mental well being.

At Harvard Skincare, some of our customer's favorite Plantogen products include: Plantogen Hydrating Moisturiser, Plantogen Foaming Cleanser, Plantogen Purifying Cream Cleanser and Plantogen Intensive Firming Serum. We invite you to try Plantogen today!