How to Keep your Skin Hydrated

Author: Charlotte Bleasdale

Many people suffer from dry skin, whether on the body or, more commonly, on the face. We put our skin through a lot and expose it to all sorts of things so it's really not surprising. If you're finding stubborn dry patches hard to shift, here are some easy ways to help your skin back to its lovely smooth condition.

Skincare tips:

• Wear sun cream (or foundation with SPF) all year round to protect yourself from the damaging and drying effects of the sun.

• Drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks can have a drying effect on the skin so try and cut down on these or cut them out completely of you can – at least for a spell.

• Drink plenty of water instead – aim for around 8 glasses a day. If you find this tricky, keep a large bottle on your desk and you'll be surprised how easy It is to get through. Keeping it at room temperature rather than icy cold also makes it easier to consume.

• Although it's good for your insides, water actually has a drying effect on the outside of your skin as it can rinse away your skin's natural oils. Hot water is the worst culprit for this, so if you can keep showers cool or warm rather than piping hot. Also make sure you wear gloves when you're doing the washing up.

• Avoid washing with harsh soaps, especially on your face. A moisturising shower cream will be much gentler and replenish some of your skins natural oils.

• Add a splash of oil to your bath to lock in moisture and nourish your skin. Natural oils like olive or almond are very effective and also inexpensive. These can also be applied to in a thin layer to damp skin when you get out of the shower.

• Dry your skin gently with your towel in a patting rather than a rubbing motion. Dry skin is more easily irritated and rubbing vigorously can lead to rashes.

• When you're thoroughly dried off, apply moisturiser to your whole body. Your skin is an organ so it's best to treat it holistically. You may wish to apply a more greasy ointment to problem patches, particularly before bed.

• Exfoliating with a scrub is a good way to remove any patches of flaky skin that cannot be restored with moisturiser alone. Don't do this more than once or twice a week though and avoid completely if your dry skin patches are itchy at all as scrubbing will only irritate it further.

• Try eating plenty of oily fish and nuts, or failing that take a vitamin E supplement or cod liver oil.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/how-to-keep-your-skin-hydrated-4624063.html

About the Author

This article was written and distributed by Feel Good Essentials – an online retailer of health and beauty products.

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Fake Tan: It's Easier Than You Think

Author: Charlotte Bleasdale

If you've got milk bottle legs and are longing for a golden glow – don't fear the fake tan! Getting it right is easier than you think. Use it for a special occasion or do it at home to save money you'd spend at the salon.

Follow these three easy steps and you'll be looking chic and sun-kissed in no time.

Prepare your skin

Getting your skin ready for your tan is almost as important as the way you apply it and a step that women are often tempted to skip. We're not talking a last minute moisturise here! Here's how to do it properly.

The first step is to get your legs hair free so the tan goes on smoothly. Do this well in advance of when you plan to apply the tan – at least 24 hours before if you're shaving, or two days if you're waxing. If you do it too close your pores will be open and will collect the tan.

Next, use an exfoliating scrub all over your body to remove any dry skin. Give plenty of attention to extra-dry bits such as your elbows, knees, ankles and heels. This will make your skin extra smooth, allowing the tan to glide on easily. It will also prolong the life of your tan as you won't be applying tan to old skin that's due to be shed any naturally anyway.

The final preparation step is to moisturise all over, using more in those problem dry spots. Don't leave this until the day of your tan as it will stop the tan from sticking.

Applying your tanning product

Choose a shade of fake tan that's appropriate for your skin tone to get the most natural look. Whether you prefer spray, mousse, cream or gel is really down to a matter of personal preference so why not try a different one each time until you find your favourite? If you're new to fake tanning, a moisturiser with fake tan is a good place to start as you can build your tan up slowly and you can't really go wrong as it's so light.

Fake tan can stain your clothes, so just before bed is the best time to apply it. You can then pop an old pair of pyjamas on and give your tan plenty of time to develop overnight. Even so, you'll need to waist at least ten minutes before wearing any type of loose clothing.

Apply your fake tan with your hands, or if you're worried about them becoming too stained, wear latex gloves or a tanning mitt.

It's best to start applying at your feet and work up, or vice-versa. If you're worried about applying it to your face, try a special facial tanning cream that's more gently, or dilute ordinary fake tan with a little moisturiser. If it comes out lighter than you'd like you can always wear bronzer – better too light than too dark when it comes to your face.

If you've decided not to wear gloves you'll now need to thoroughly wash your hands. You can then add a light layer of tan to your hands (removing all jewellery first), blending very carefully between your fingers and at the wrists.

For a deep tan you can reapply up to three times, but make sure you allow you're tan to fully develop before adding a second coat or you could end up more tanned than you intended. You'll need to avoid having a shower or a bath for at least eight hours after you've put your tan on, and try to avoid water generally for at least three.

Maintaining your tan

To prolong the life of your tan and keep it looking its best, make sure you moisturise every day. After five days or so, exfoliate lightly to get rid of any dead skin and to ensure your tan does not go patchy as it fades. To keep your tan topped up, you can reapply your fake tan on the day of exfoliation.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/fake-tan-its-easier-than-you-think-4433502.html

About the Author

This article was written and distributed by Feel Good Essentials health and beauty products.

Image source: google