Complete protection for your skin which delivers best results

SUNSCREENS - YOUR PROTECTIVE SUMMER UMBRELLA

Excessive sun-exposure can lead to loss of moisture from the skin, dark patches and even premature aging. The skin needs physical protection against harmful rays which is provided by sunscreens. A few tips on buying and using sunscreen lotions:
. A good sunscreen should provide protection against the sun's UVA and UVB rays.
. Check the SPF or Sun Protection Factor on the label. This is denoted by a number and is related to duration of sun-exposure. If your skin is more sensitive, choose a sunscreen with SPF of 20 and above.
. Apply the sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun-exposure. This gives the skin time to absorb it.
. Carry your sunscreen while holidaying by the sea or in the hills. Reflective surfaces, like water and snow actually increase the effects of UV radiation.
. Reapply sunscreen if you stay in the sun for a long time. It's a good idea to carry one in your handbag.
. Rubbing a mix of papaya, cream and sugar into the skin before your bath is also said to remove skin tan.
. Juice of ripe tomatoes when applied over tanned body parts helps in getting rid of the tan!

KEEP WRINKLES AWAY!

Daily use of vitamin-C can help reduce wrinkling and other signs of skin aging.
. There is a particular kind of vitamin-C called 'L-Ascorbic acid', which is found in oranges and lemons that is particularly good for skin. Vitamin-C supplements are also helpful.
. There are few creams or gels available, which contain 'L-Ascorbic acid'. When they are applied to the skin, they may soak up free radicals created by sun exposure or pollution before they can do any damage to the skin.
. Once the skin starts aging, it will not return to its youthful condition, but anything that can help slow down the process may be cause enough for celebration!

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM POLLUTION

Air pollution can wreak havoc on your skin. Body parts that are protected show less signs of aging than those exposed to the pollutants in the air. To protect yourself, there are two things that you can do:
1. Wash your face when you return home with a good face wash or soap to remove the dirt and other elements from the surface of the skin.
2. Make sure you use a mild cleanser regularly, if you are outdoors for very long hours.
3. Shield your face from the pollutants by using a moisturizer or foundation, which provides a protective layer. (Many sunscreens offer this additional benefit.)

Skin Care Tips

Here's some advice from beauty experts on SKIN CARE FOR TEENAGERS :

We are all born with good skin. A baby's skin is soft, smooth and free from blemishes and problems. The genetic factor does play a role in determining the texture and colour of the skin, but many other factors put together can actually make or mar its beauty.

As we grow older, the skin is influenced by many factors.
. Not only do we subject it to some amount of neglect and abuse, but it is also affected by our diets, habits and lifestyle, as well as exposure to the elements.
. Drugs, chemical substances and pollution are also assuming significance, in terms of their detrimental effects.
. The body also goes through many changes during the various phases of growth, development and maturity.
. Hormonal changes and imbalances during these times also influence the skin.

Do You Have Oily Skin & Acne?

The beginning of teenage heralds puberty - a time when the body goes through tremendous physical changes. A great deal of hormonal activity takes place, affecting the glands. The oil glands are also stimulated, leading to excessive secretion of oil. That is why teenagers are confronted with an oily skin and conditions associated with it. As we know, an oily skin is prone to blackheads, spots, pimples and acne. In fact, acne makes its appearance during adolescence and is the most common skin disorder among teenagers.

It is a misconception that acne is something teenagers must live with. As a teenager, you may be told that you will "grow out of it". This kind of reassurance and advice are quite misguided. Yes, acne may disappear with time, but the havoc it causes, in terms of scarring, will remain. Acne causes destruction of skin tissue, which results in scars. Therefore, it is imperative that the condition be checked from spreading. Acne can be controlled and even prevented if appropriate measures are taken on time. So, as a teenager, you must learn to understand your skin and give it the kind of care that it needs. You should also recognize the value of professional care and seek help in good time.