Salicylic Acids and You – The Secret to Clearer Skin

          Acid on your skin? Are we crazy to even suggest such a thing? We’re crazy about great skin care products for the average consumer looking for fast and effective treatments perhaps. Don’t let the “acid” in skin care scare you away from trying out some effective treatments for a common problem that can plague someone for a lifetime: acne.           

Before learning about the treatment it is important to learn about the problem in question.

            Acne is more than just a mild annoyance on the skin that will clear up on its own. It is actually defined as an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin. The trademark sign of an acne problem is hallmarked by the eruption of pimples or pustules, especially on the face. This is an especially common occurrence during the adolescent years.

            There is also a distant related cousin to be aware of called Rosacea. This is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial erythema (redness). This condition is an especially common occurrence for middle aged women with pale or fair skin tones. Since this is often coined as “adult acne”, treatments for the two conditions can usually be very similar.

But what can you do?

            Combating any skin issue can sometimes be a time consuming process. Just like going to the gym once will not tone your muscles permanently, applying one skin care treatment will probably not clear up your skin completely. Truly effective skin care treatments require time and patience to reverse damage and prevent further outbreaks from occurring. Remember these are the two main goals of any solution: maintenance and prevention.

 

            This is where treatments utilizing Salicylic Acid step into the picture and really shine. Think of salicylic acid as the heavy weight champion in the battle against acne and rosacea because it targets oil while exfoliating the pores. It neutralizes the bacteria that have formed inside the pores and this will help prevent the build up of oils again and in turn, preventing future breakouts from occurring.

            Important note: salicylic acid should not be used during pregnancy.

                Salicylic treatments should only be used as directed and it is essential to follow ALL skin care directions with any product. Overuse of salicylic treatments can lead to dryness of the skin or may cause irritation. It is recommended that during the course of any treatment containing salicylic acid that sun protection should be used including protecting the skin from direct exposure as well as the use of a sun block. Follow any use of salicylic treatments with an oil free moisturizer to restore skin hydration.

            Help keep your face looking clear with a treatment plan that has stood the test of time and can produce dramatic results. Consult with your esthetician or dermatologist with any questions regarding your specific skin type or any other pre-existing conditions.           

The Proof is in the Results

                With so much advertising and media today it is sometimes difficult to weed out fact from fiction. Companies will make claims about the effectiveness of their products and how it will dramatically reverse the hands of time but how can the average consumer really know the truth? Nina Howard believes that the real proof is in the results she sees in the mirror every day.

            A thirty second television ad can’t show the benefits of a product adequately. It can’t begin to explain to the emerging baby boomer generation that now is the time to take a stand against early signs of aging and put a stop to the detrimental effects it can have upon the skin. That is why the director of Bellanina, Nina Howard, is willing to be the poster child for the benefits of proper skin care.

            Nina has been faithfully using her products for over a decade. Daily cleansing, toning, moisturizing and correcting as needed has kept her skin youthful and vibrant. After attending her forty year class reunion she was named “Best Preserved” by her fellow classmates. This is not the result of an overnight magic wand treatment – this is the result of dedication to proper skin care and taking the time every morning to keep her skin looking fabulous every day!

            Aging is a natural process that can be affected by genetics and external factors. By knowing this and taking control of the situation as soon as possible it is within your grasp to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, decrease uneven skin tones and find a solution to redness, dry or cracked skin and other common problems. Don’t think of aging process as an inevitable decline in your appearance because it does not have to be. Aging is accumulation of wisdom and experience and by knowing that age your chronological age becomes just a number, not a punishment.

         Follow Nina’s example by not letting Mother Nature take control! Bellanina products are available in three wonderful lines including Botanicals, Naturals and Cosmeceuticals. Each line offers a range of products that will focus on specific skin care issues relevant to you and your needs.

         Take a page from Nina’s book and don’t let your age keep you down. With her high spirited dog, Ling Ling, trying to keep up, Nina spends her days working hard and isn’t letting anyone tell her to slow down and “act” her age. After all, you are only as old as you feel.

Want to learn more about Nina and Bellanina Products? Look for us online at www.bellanina.com. We offer a full line of skin care products designed to target and zero in on most common skin problems including premature aging, dryness, redness and uneven skin tones. Contact us with your questions today!

Help for the Feet and Hands – Healing the Damage

Your feet and hands are probably the most overworked parts of your body. Just think about how many times a day you need to walk somewhere, grab something or pick something up. Doing the “dirty work” means exposing the skin in these areas to harsh chemicals, rough materials and lots of grime and bacteria. Just think about everything your feet and hands go through every day and it is no wonder they can end up looking dry, wrinkled and neglected.

Take a Hands on Approach!

Dry and cracked skin is a common problem for many hands and feet because of the constant use and exposure to external factors (such as cold weather or chemicals). Simply washing the hands and drying them without providing extra care can be damaging as well because many soaps contain ingredients that will rob the skin of essential oils needed for good hydration (and good hydration means smoother skin).

A good moisturizer is the best defense against these problems because it will replace essential nutrients and oils to the body. Depending on the level of damage to the skin present, a heavier duty moisturizer may be required or it may simply take a few days to see real results. Rough skin (such as calloused palms) will benefit from a daily moisturizer as well since they are also designed to soften the skin.

Tidbit to Remember In some professions it is necessary to wash your hands several times throughout the course of the day. This constant washing will help sanitize the hands but will dry them out just as quickly. Carry a small travel sized lotion in your purse, pocket or even at your work station to apply following each wash.

Woe to the Foot

The feet are an area of the body that suffers from dryness, rough texture and calluses. Add these up and they may not be the most pleasing area of the body to look at and can lead to severe foot conditions over time. There are several ways to fight this damage and keep your feet looking fabulous for the next time you step out in flip flops!

Exfoliation and scrubs are great for combating those dry heels and callused toes. The build up of dead skin leads to wrinkles and rough textures so it is important to remove these useless cells regularly. Most scrubs should be used bi-weekly to monthly because over exfoliation can damage the skin as well. A good scrub will have a course texture and will typically leave the skin feeling refreshed after just one treatment (although several may be required to reverse all damage).

Lotion for……your feet? It is common practice to lotion the hands, face, arms and legs but do you ever stop to rub a little moisture on your toes? A simple daily moisturizer (many body lotions will work for this) can work wonders on rough and scaly skin that appears on your feet. Take a minute in your daily routine to refresh the feet and offer them some relief. Some foot moisturizers contain special ingredients that will help soothe aching feet while hydrating as well.

                 Never forget that your entire body is covered with skin and although different areas may require different types of care, neglecting any portion of the body is a bad practice. Your skin does show much to protect your body it is time to return the favor by protecting the skin with a few easy steps. Most treatments require only minutes to complete and can do wonders in smoothing texture, improving tone and reversing the effects of age on the body. Try showing your feet and hands a little love and appreciation for a job well done today!

Like what you see and want to learn more? Check us out online at www.bellanina.com!

Developing YOUR Skin Care Routine

Developing and maintaining a facial skin care routine is a wonderful way to take steps towards a life of beautiful and healthy skin. Did you know that over time the accumulation of dead skin, grime and impurities as well as exposure to sun and other natural elements can take a drastic toll on your skins health? While your skin is designed to protect your body, it needs to be protected as well. By incorporating a few simple steps into your morning or nightly routine, you can banish away the detrimental effects of the environment and the natural aging process simply and effectively.

Remember that your skin, especially your face, is constantly exposed to elements you may not even be aware are around you. Even something as simple as the wind on your face or rubbing your fingers over your skin will leave tiny particles of dirt and grime behind. Your skin has pores that can become filled with these particles and slowly become clogged with oils that will lead to acne, white heads, black heads and other skin problems. The accumulation of dead skin cells that have not been removed will build up over time and begin forming wrinkles and prevent healthy new cells from reaching the surface. By ignoring your skin, you are setting the stage for a lifelong battle with the look and feel of your face and body.

A simple skin care routine is simple to establish and can be custom tailored to your particular needs. Understanding your skin type is the first step followed by identifying any specific problem areas. There are five common types of skin:

1) Normal
2) Oily
3) Dry
4) Combination (a mixture of two or more of the previous three)
5) Sensitive (may not respond well to more aggressive treatments)

Common problems associated with a lack of good skin care include the previously mentioned issues such as acne (caused by build of grime and clogged pores), premature or deep wrinkles from sun exposure or the accumulation of dead skin or discoloration or hyper pigmentation (moles, freckles, uneven color and tone). More serious problems can develop if healthy skin cannot properly grow and mature including certain types of cancer.

After you have identified what type of skin you have and any specific issues you may want to correct, it is time to develop your routine. Most daily skin care treatments can be done daily or every other day (cleanse, tone, moisturize). More intensive treatments such as masques or exfoliation may only be done on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Corrective treatments can range in duration and frequency and individual product directions should be followed carefully.

Step One: Cleanser (Daily)
The first and most basic step should be to truly clean your face (and not with just soap and water). A basic cleanser (they are available for all skin types) will remove excess oils and dirt from the pores by penetrating the skin more deeply. Most cleansers are rubbed in a circular motion around the skin and then rinsed off with warm water.

Step Two: Exfoliate (Daily or Every Other Day)
Remember when we said that by removing dead skin you can allow new skin cells to develop? This is where this step comes in handy. Exfoliants range from gentle in texture (small and grainy like sand) to more intensive treatments with larger particles that are closer to salt crystals. If you are unsure of what type is best for your skin, consult with an esthetician or dermatologist for more advice.

Step Three: Tone (Daily or Every Other Day)
After cleansing the skin and exfoliating it is important to make sure that all the excess grime has been removed. After exfoliating the pores, toner can reach further and remove any residual impurities that may remain. It will also help to restore the natural ph balance of the skin.

Step Four: Correct (As Directed)
Blemish repair, hyper pigmentation treatment, anti wrinkle or deep exfoliation would fall into this step as needed. These treatments are very specific to your skin and will help to combat any existing conditions.

Step Five: Moisturize (Daily)
Moisture, moisture, moisture! This cannot be repeated enough when it comes to proper skin care. Even if your skin is naturally oily in nature it will still need a light (oil free) moisturizer to maintain a hydrated and healthy appearance. Dry skin will use more intensive moisturizers while sensitive skin may require special products without harsh chemical additives. Pay attention to any reactions such as redness, dryness or rash, when using any product and discontinue immediately if any problems arise.

Step Six: Protect (As Needed)
If you are going out during the day (even in the winter) it is important to prevent damage before it starts by using a strong sun block. We recommend the use of at least an SPF 30 or higher and reapplying often throughout the day or after any activities such as swimming. Advanced protection is available for the face, lips and body in several strengths and types.

Take control of your skin today and start a daily routine that will help to improve the texture, smoothness and tone of your skin from day one. Problematic skin doesn’t need to be a losing battle if you are ready to take matters into your own hands and commit to a simple plan to keep your skin looking its best. Most daily routines can be completed within ten minutes and will significantly improve your skin’s health and appearance quickly and effectively.

Want to learn more? Visit us online at http://www.bellanina.com

Exfoliation for the Face – How Can it Benefit You?

 
            Understanding proper skin care is an important lesson to learn at an early age. The skin, like everything else in your body, needs to be taken care of in order to keep it healthy and looking beautiful. By incorporating a simple skin care plan into your daily routine, you can easily prevent early signs of aging and reverse common problems such as acne and treat your skin for other issues such as dryness or oily textures. 
            Many people believe that by washing their face with soap and water they have removed all the grime from their pores and their skin is as clean as it can be. This is simply not true. A basic cleanser is an important step in helping the skin to remove surface grime and make up, but it does not penetrate the pores or effectively remove the build up of dead skin cells that lead to severe skin problems. The simple addition of a facial exfoliate on a regular basis can work wonders on the overall look and feel of your skin.
            Exfoliation is a simple process that not only removes dead skins cells by “scrubbing” the face, it also provides a deep cleaning solution for the pores to remove excess oil and dirt. Exfoliation products are available as pads, brushes, scrubs and facial washes. Choosing the correct type for your skin and individual needs is important to ensure the greatest benefit and results. Exfoliation washes are available for all major skin types including normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin types. 
            You may be asking if exfoliating is really that beneficial and if it is worth your time and energy. By exfoliating your face on a regular basis you will see a vast improvement in your overall complexion (2-3 times per week based on your skin type). For instance, if your skin is oily or highly overactive with breakouts and blackheads, Bellanina owner Nina Howard recommends exfoliation every other day.  If however, your skin is dry and thinning, less frequent exfoliation is required.   Exfoliation will assist in the development of new and healthy skin cells by removing the older and dead skin that can build up over time and lead to premature wrinkles. By cleansing the pores it will also reduce the amount of oils that lead to acne, white heads and black heads.
            There are several different types of exfoliants available on the market today and choosing an effective treatment for your face is important. Consult with a skin care expert if you are unsure of which treatment would be best or try a variety of sample sized exfoliants to decide which type works best for your skin. Exfoliation products range from mild and gentle textures such as the Bellanina Jojoba Exfoli-Cleanser or Fine Polish Facial Beads to stronger solutions with a grainier texture and active ingredients for deep treatment; the Bellanina Microdemabrasion Creme or Salicylic Enzyme Exfoliant are both great choices. 

            Remember to take care of your skin and to begin your daily routine as soon as possible. Follow all directions carefully for any skin care product you decide to use and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions such as itching, redness or dryness after use. Complete your daily routine with a daily cleanser, exfoliant and moisturizer to help clean and refresh your skin. Skin care is best begun at a young age but it is never to late to start looking and feeling your great by putting your best face forward every day. 

Protect Your Skin from the Summer Sun!

Summer is here and so are lazy days on the beach, outdoor trips and swimming. All of these are fun activities but taking the proper steps to protect your skin and still enjoy the sunshine is important to prevent serious damage. The effects of the sun on your skin can have immediate and long term effects on your overall health. You’re never too young to begin a skin care regimen to prevent potential damage.   What Kind of Damage Can Happen?   Short term and long term effects of damage to the skin from increased sun exposure can be seen early on. Damage does not merely occur from prolonged time in the sun, frequent short trips can cause just as much damage over time. Outwards signs of damage include wrinkles, freckling, discoloring of the skin and development of moles. Long term exposure can lead to more significant health problems such as the development of skin cancer (which can be fatal) and impairing the immune system and ability to fight disease. The amount of sun absorbed by the skin can lower the body’s natural ability to fight many of the problems associated with sun exposure because it negatively impacts a skin cells normal functioning.               Keep Your Skin Safe:   The use of sunscreen is an efficient and simple way to prevent damage from occurring before it begins. According to Belle Tuckerman, our founder, it is best to use a full spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, this will need to be reapplied frequently throughout the day or after certain activities such as swimming to main full effectiveness. Search for a sunscreen that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays to ensure the best protection.   A broad spectrum SPF Sunscreen can be used in place of a full spectrum but remember to apply more frequently to maintain protection levels all day long. Always follow all product directions regarding use and application.   We offer a great selection of products for summer sun protection and increased skin care including Advanced Protection SPF 30, Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30 and Aloe + E Broad Spectrum SPF 30. Please check out  www.bellanina.com for complete details and product information.