Archive for the ‘cosmetic’ Category
Comedogenic is an important word to know when dealing with acne and cosmetic products. Its definition is "tending to produce or aggravate acne". Therefore, a comedogenic ingredient or product is one that will serve to aggravate your acne problems.
For this reason, it is a good idea to read the label of your skin care and cosmetic products before buying them. If you find any comedogenic components, stay away from that product. If you have already purchased a product containing these types of components, throw it out.
Acne Formation
Our skin’s sebum is complex, made of six or seven principal components, including triglycerides and squalene, a precursor of cholesterol. The triglycerides are degraded on the surface of the skin by bacteria to free fatty acids, which cause acne episodes in genetically predisposed families. As we shall see, many cosmetics also include these acids. Unfortunately, some cosmetics include esters of fatty acids such as isopropyl mystrate or butyl stearate which are more likely to boost the production of some acne lesions. These cosmetics can interfere with traditional adult acne treatments.
Before we discuss cosmetic components, we should consider the purpose of sebum. We could assume that sebum is vital to our skin’s health. However, there is no evidence to back up that statement. Apparently, the discharge of sebum is simply a vestige whose usefulness has been lost in the path of evolution.
Sebum does not avoid wrinkles either. Wrinkling, or aging of the skin, is a reflection of accumulated sun exposure, and no moisturizer on the market is capable of reversing this exhaustion of tissues.
Harmful Ingredients in Acne Treatments
Three main categories of offending components
Lanolins Lanolin is, perhaps, the most common ingredient in cosmetics. Lanolin is simply sheep skin oil extracted from wool. The fatty acids in lanolin, just like fatty acids in our own oil, tend to aggravate some acne in the skin of individuals with genetic tendency towards acne. Many lanolin derivatives commonly being used in cosmetics are harmful to acne-prone individuals, i.e., etoxylated lanolins and acetylated lanolins. The partially chemical lanolins are capable of permeating skin pores even better than biological lanolin. Lanolin oil, itself, is acceptable.
Isopropyl Myristate and its Chemical Cousins
One of the worst components is a penetrating oil known as isopropyl myristate. It is the main ingredient in penetrating rust remover called Liquid Wrench. Isopropyl Myristate aids cosmetics go on more softly and have a slicker feel. This particular penetrating oil is so aggressive that if left over night in a beaker, it will actually move over the top, down the borders and onto the table top. There are several chemicals analogous to isopropyl myristate in cosmetics. The most common are: decyl oleate, myristyl myristate, octyl sterate, isopropyl palmitate, putty sterate, octyl palmitate, isopropyl isothermal, isostearyl neopentonate and isocetyl stearate and PPG myristyl propionate. All must be avoided, as must other surfactants such as laureth-4.
Drugs As Acne Treatments
Maybe one the most troublesome recent findings about acne-causing potential is the red colorations used in blushes. Some of the red dyes used in drugs and cosmetics are comedogenic. This discovery is not surprising considering they are coal tar derivatives. Ever since doctors noticed that acne was an occupational illness of chimney sweeps, coal tar has been known for its acne-causing properties. An acceptable substitute for red color is carmine, a dye derived from insect wings and discovered by the Aztecs.
Always be on the look out for these comedogenic components. To keep your skin healthy, remember to read product labels. This simple tip can mean the difference between beautiful and damaged skin.
By: Lisel Torgerson
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Many items which were affordable in years past seem to cost more these days. Prices rise quickly, and saving money is on everyone’s mind. When it comes to cosmetics, some women feel that it is hard to justify spending money on expensive products when money is already tight. Luckily, there are many ways you can save money on cosmetics while still looking great! Here are some cosmetic tips you can use when your budget comes up short.
Cosmetics and the Frugal Philosophy
When you are buying cosmetics on a tight budget, the most important thing you can do is to adopt a frugal philosophy. What does that mean, exactly?
Shop carefully and thoughtfully, buy only products you absolutely must have but buy good quality. They tend to wear longer and require fewer touch-ups.
Know what suits you before you buy. Do not be tempted to waste money on products that look good in the store but turn out to be wrong for your coloring.
Be creative. Make your cosmetics do double-duty, and do not be afraid to adjust products that are not exactly perfect. Try mixing up old lipstick shades to see if you can come up with something new and original!
There are some specific areas where you can save money. This may differ depending on the individual and their own particular style and look, however most people should be able to look great without breaking their piggy banks.
Face
Without a doubt, foundation is probably the one area you really can’t afford to do without. If there is one product where quality is absolutely the most important factor, that product would be foundation. Even if you are trying to save money, do not be tempted to go for a cheap foundation, your skin will pay for it in the end. Choosing a good foundation is essential to ensure a smooth ‘canvas’ for the rest of your make-up, so it is recommended to go for a better quality foundation, even if you do end up paying a little more.
For a touch of glamour without the expense, check out products such as the luscious Shimmering Facial Whip from E.L.F. In tempting shades such as Lilac Petal and Pink Lemonade, this whipped light cream adds a gorgeous splash of color to your face. It’s fortified with vitamins, too, so you’re definitely doing your skin a favor with this one! This silky-smooth whip can double as a lip color, too, so it’s the perfect product to carry in your purse for a quick touch of color when you need it.
Eyes
One of the easiest ways to save money on eye products is to resist buying pre-made eye shadow compacts. Too often you’re only buying the compact because you like just one of the colors it contains and the remaining two or three colors never get used. Instead, consider products such as E.L.F.’s Custom Eyes Compact. Instead of buying a pre-made compact, you can select make your own color choices and slip them into the compact to create your own eye shadow palette, the perfect way to make sure you get only the colors you need, instead of spending money on colors you won’t use.
Unless you are going for a specific look, such as cat’s eyes or the ever-popular smoky eye, certain eye shadow colors can also do double-duty as eye-liner. Your darker eye shadow colors can work well as eye liners; just apply with a moistened cotton swab.
If you do not have an eyelash curler, consider it an investment. Curl your lashes before applying mascara and you will typically need fewer coats to get your lashes looking long and luscious.
Lips
When it comes to lips, the absolute best way of making your lip colors last longer is to invest in a good lip brush. Using a brush rather than applying lipstick directly allows you to apply less, that means there is usually no need to blot your lips, and you don’t waste any product. Often you can also do away with the need for lip liner, so you’ll save money there too. Using a brush also allows you better control over your lip color application, allowing you to better define your lips, so there’s more at stake than just saving money!
All-In-One
How about gorgeous all-in-one cover for your eyes, lips, and face? The E.L.F. All-Over Color Stick has just what you need, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. With a fabulous fresh color that gives you a beautifully health-looking glow, your skin is smooth and soft and looks fresh all day long. This great product can be applied as a lip color, cream blush, or eye shadow. In stunning shades such as Persimmon and Lilac Petal, most women will find there’s a perfect All-Over Color Stick just for them!
By: jenniferapr256