Virgin Coconut Oil: The Elixir for Health

Coconut trees can be found in almost all of the 7, 107 islands of the Philippines --- a hot, humid, and tropical country located in Southeast Asia. For centuries, the inhabitants of these islands have turned to the coconut tree --- the so-called "Tree of Life" --- as a source of materials for shelter, food, and alternative medicine.  The coconut tree is called "Tree of Life" because almost all of its parts can be utilized.  The trunk is used as lumber;  the woven leaves are used for roofing; and even midribs from the stems are brought together to form a native broom, talk about a super tree!

Another natural product that comes from the tree is the coconut oil.  This oil is derived from fresh
coconut meat to produce a food supplement known as Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO).  Using the cold press method, the coconut oil is extracted by grating the fresh coconut and by squeezing the coconut meat.  The  coconut milk is put into a sanitary container, covered, and allowed to stand for about 24 to 36 hours. The "virgin" coconut oil which naturally separates from the water content of the coconut milk is then transferred to another container. At that stage, the VCO is ready for consumption without cooking, heating, or any other process that might take away some of the nutritional properties of the virgin oil.  

Lately, the coconut oil has been given much attention not only for its use in cooking but also for its value as a hair and skin care product.  The VCO is actually used as a hair tonic and skin moisturizer, my favorite use. Many Filipinos use the coconut oil to maintain a youthful, wrinkle-free skin. VCO can also be used to treat sunburned skin.

Research findings show that VCO is an effective ingredient for skin care treatment. The virgin coconut oil is high in antioxidants that penetrate into the concealed tissues of the skin.  The oil helps protect the body against the formation of free radicals which are molecules that rob electrons from the millions of cells in the human body. Free radicals damage and destroy these cells including the body's connective tissues. These tissues are responsible for keeping the skin elastic and flexible. VCO helps to strengthen these connective tissues and aids in the prevention of skin sagging and wrinkling. VCO softens and moisturizes the skin, and removes dirt from the outer layer of the skin making it shiny and smooth.

Many skin care solutions in the market are made from vegetable oils that have gone through various refining processes, making these products prone to free radical generation. These processes have stripped these products of most of the essential antioxidants.

Virgin coconut oil is still a very good skin care treatment alternative since it has retained its antioxidant
properties.  The antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties of VCO are from the presence of lauric acid in the oil. Lauric acid helps prevent disease-causing bacteria that may lead to skin infections. Medical experts now advise people to take at least two tablespoons of VOC a day as a preventive measure against  bacterial infection. VCO kills many forms of viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia, ear and throat infections, and other illnesses.  Instead of taking antibiotics and other synthetic drugs, people should now consider the use of VCO as a food supplement and over-all health aid. I use this for everything, I have one huge tub in the kitchen and one huge tub in my bathroom!

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Tips For Good Brazilian Waxing Results

Brazilian waxing first came to North America in the late 1980s, but didnít gain widespread popularity until the later 1990s. The procedure removes all the hair in the pubic region, front and back. In some cases, a small strip of hair is left in the center, but total hair removal is more common. The smooth look is very popular in Brazil where thong bikinis for sun tanning are so common.
Not all beauty salons offer this form of waxing. Brazilian requires an experienced technician. When the technician works fast, there is less pain associated with the procedure. This form of waxing is more common in major cities, such as Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. As the procedure gains popularity, it becomes available in more areas.
 
The Brazilian Waxing Procedure

The technician will start by trimming your pubic hair. The hair only needs to be a quarter of an inch
long to get good results. After the hair is trimmed, the technician will spread the wax across the area in the direction of hair growth. Cloth strips are then pressed onto the wax and allowed to cool. Once the wax cools, the strips are ripped off in the direction opposite of hair growth. This pulls the hair out by the root. Any stray hairs will then be plucked with a tweezer. A soothing lotion is applied after the procedure to cool the skin and soothe irritation.

Tips for Good Results

•  The hair needs to be at least a quarter of an inch long before the procedure. If you shave your pubic hair, allow it to grow back in prior to your session. 

•  Red bumps caused by ingrown hairs may occur after your session. This can be helped by exfoliating the skin. They are less likely to occur after repeated waxing sessions. 

•  You will need to wait at least three weeks in between sessions for the hair to grow back. The procedure will last anywhere from four to seven weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. 

•  Some salons offer this procedure for both men and women; others only offer it for women. Check with the salon before scheduling an appointment. 

•  The degree of pain associated with this procedure varies according to your pain threshold and the amount and texture of the hair. A fast moving technician is best for reducing pain. 

Caring for Your Skin After Waxing

Proper care will help prevent ingrown hairs and extend the time needed in between sessions. Use a
soothing lotion to reduce irritation after your session. Lavender is a common ingredient in these lotions. The skin in this area is very soft and can be easily irritated by the wax process. Cleaning the area regularly will prevent and help heal this irritation.

Ingrown hairs are common after hair removal procedures. Exfoliate the skin regularly to help relieve and prevent ingrown hairs. You can use a commercial exfoliating product, a loofah or a wash cloth. A warm, damp washcloth held to the area helps heal ingrown hairs.

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The Quest for Beauty on a Budget

One thing is for sure, even if different societies have different standards for beauty we all strive to achieve a certain standard. Whether it is a simple one we have set for ourselves or the sometimes almost impossible standard imposed on us by the media, we all go on that all important quest for beauty.

The desire to look good is inherent in all of us although some people are more diligent in acting on this desire. Sometimes in our minds, we want to look a certain way but our bodies and nature fail us. Sometimes, it takes too much time which some of us don't have. Looking good can mean a lot of time spent on "rituals" and it can also mean a lot of good dollar spent on beauty and cosmetic products.

There are just so many products that one has to use to stay beautiful especially if one is not genetically lucky to have been born with good skin, good hair or a great body to begin with.

The key in looking good is to take the best possible care of the body by leading a healthy lifestyle and using beauty products that provide the best and most consistent results. This will entail a lot of discipline in your part as leading a totally healthy lifestyle is not the easiest thing in the world. As for using the best beauty products in the market, this will require a lot of research and testing as you need to find what works for you.  All products have different effects for people as the body's chemicals reacts with the products chemical make-up. Some products that work magnificently for one person may not work for another.

To find the best cosmetic and beauty products available in the world, go online and read forums and reviews on specific products. You can search for a specific product targeting your specific beauty concern and read up on the available products in the market. Then you can read up on independent consumer reviews and opinions.  Looking for beauty products online will also help you find products you have not previously heard of.

Once you have chosen all the products you need to help you look and feel your best, use the internet to

find the best deal on beauty products online. There are plenty of websites offering a wide range of beauty products from hair care to nail products. Compare prices so that you can get the best beauty deal online. There are a lot of benefits to shopping for beauty products online. You can do the whole thing at the comforts of your own home and you can also get enormous discounts from online retailers. You also get the products directly in your mail which saves you time.

It may be best to try to get product samples before you purchase a product and once youíre sure it's the best brand for you, you can order them online.  Online retailers are able to extend generous discounts because they do not maintain a physical store and have less overhead and operational costs.

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From the Lab Review

My friends at From The Lab were nice enough to send me the June Box for review!  

How it works?

A Monthly Luxury Beauty Box

Each month you will receive up to two 30-day supplies of our newest European quality luxury beauty innovations in the categories of skin care, hair care, and color cosmetics. Each selection has never released in the U.S. and sent to you up to 18 months before the same actives or formulas will be on retail shelves.

Affordable Access to Luxury

Each box has an estimated retail value of between $50 - $200. With plans starting as low as $23.25 per month, you have the opportunity to explore high-end beauty products without paying the high cost associated with traditional retail. All products are backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Get more of the Products You Love

We keep a supply of our limited selections in stock so when you fall in love with one of our monthly products, you’ll be able to purchase more. The first month after a product is sent to you is always on sale for only $19.95. Get our products for free by referring friends!

What I got:

I absolutely love lip color sticks I've got so many from so many brands and these definitely didn't disappoint. Better even that they came full sized to last me a while! This featured product of the month is excellent, I would absolutely recommend this box from this brand to discover new products from my new favorite and a great beauty company! The very last thing that I am so glad about is this...

...which is so important to me. I love our little furry friends and hate icky things in my makeup! 

Try them out: http://www.fromthelab.com

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The Perfect Lipstick Color For You

Have you ever sat in front of your dresser mirror applying your makeup and redoing your lipstick because you hated the lipstick color that you got?

Many women find choosing the lipstick color that is just right for their lips and skin tone a little confusing.  It does not help that there are probably thousands of shades of lipstick colors out there, which makes the process of choosing the perfect lipstick color for your lips a little more complicated than it should be.  However, if you knew how to look, you would be surprised at how easy finding this perfect lipstick color is.

The Trick to Finding the Perfect Lipstick Color

The trick to finding the perfect lipstick color for your lips is simply this: get a lipstick color that is a shade or two darker than the natural color of your lips.  It is as simple as that.

Now, of course you would want to figure out just what kind of lipstick color would compliment the tone of your skin.  As a rule of thumb, if you have fair skin, you should go with soft pinks and corals to match the pinkish tone of your skin.  Apricot would be a nice lipstick color too if you are fair-skinned.

If your skin has olive tones, the lipstick color that would suit you would be something that has tones of rose or mauve.  If you have dark skin, you should pick lipstick colors with deep reds, deep browns or chocolate.

The Right Way of Buying a Lipstick

Now that you know what lipstick color you should go for, how do you determine if the lipstick you are thinking of buying is the perfect color?  The answer to that is that you should try the lipstick on.

However, never ever apply the sample lipstick directly to your lips.  That is very yucky.  You would never know how long that lipstick has been exposed to dust and dirt and putting it directly to your lips may cause you to take in germs into your system.  Instead of putting the lipstick directly to your lips, just swipe it against your finger or your palm.

There are some stores where it would not be possible for you to take a swipe of the sample lipstick on your skin because the sample lipstick is not available.  In that case, what you need to do is to just hold the product against your face and take a look at yourself at the mirror.  That will help you determine if the lipstick color is just right for the tone of your skin.

Do Not Stick to Just Lipstick

When you shop for makeup, do not limit yourself to just the lipstick.  Get yourself a few lip liners as well.  Lip liners are very helpful because they trace the natural line of your lips and prevent the lipstick from bleeding away from your lips.  Take care to buy lip liners that are a shade lighter than the lipstick colors you will blend them with.  You can also go for a nude lip liner if you think figuring out what color of lip liner would match your lipstick color is just too much work for you.

Another tool that could come handy when you are applying makeup is a lipstick brush.  A lipstick brush is good if you are the type who wants to put on just a thin layer of lipstick instead of slathering it across your lips.  A lipstick brush is also more hygienic than dabbing your fingers on the lipstick and then rubbing it on your lips.  In using a lipstick brush, you minimize the need for kissing tissue to get rid of excess lipstick on your lips, as well as to prevent it from getting to your teeth.

Got the Wrong Lipstick Color?

Sometimes, even though you are sure that the color of the lipstick that you got from the store is the right one for your skin tone, there are times that when you actually get to use it, you would find that it is not really the right shade for you, or you simply do not like the way it looks against your skin.  Do not despair, though.  You can still make use of that lipstick.  You do not have to waste money by throwing it away.

What you do in this situation is to get your lipstick brush and blend this unwanted lipstick color with your other lipsticks.  In this way, you would be able to create a shade of color that would be more to your liking.  You get a new shade of lipstick without buying a new one or throwing one away.

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Tanning Tips - A Guide to Safe Tanning

Summer time is just around the corner and you want to be ready with that beautiful bronze all-over tan look. Yes I thought so, and who doesn't?!

But before heading over to your local tanning salon or heading outside, there are some essential facts about tanning that everyone ought to know. Tanning is fine but it should be done very carefully and you need to be aware of the risks and dangers associated with the various types of tanning options available to you. 

The major danger with sun tanning is the exposure to ultraviolet light. Extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation from whatever source ages the skin. It also has the potential to cause what's known as solar radiation damage, and could also lead to cancer of the skin. So the implications of sun tanning are not something to be taken lightly.

Exposure to ultraviolet light can also be responsible for rashes and sunburn. And it is not regularly known that ultraviolet light can also cause fungal skin infections and contact dermatitis. Indeed whether you are tanning in natural sunlight or using a tanning bed, ultraviolet is present in both, so utmost care is required. You should always bear in mind that there is no such thing as totally safe ultraviolet radiation. 

Excessive tanning can result in skin conditions such as melasma, whose telltale sign is brown patches on the face, actinic keratosis (AK), and atypical nevus. And certain medications, including birth control pills, can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn. People with existing skin conditions must therefore take extra care when in the sun.

The intention here isn't to put you off tanning altogether, but to simply put you on your guard to be very careful whilst tanning and to be aware constantly of the degree of risk you are taking. As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed!

Most people, typically women, begin their tanning habit as part of a beauty regime, frequently when quite young. So if you must tan, then let's take a look at the precautions you can take to protect your skin.

The safest way to tan is to do it slowly and gradually over as long a period of time as possible. And

always use sunscreen when out in the sun and protective goggles provided in tanning salons. These are two of the fundamental rules you should rigidly stick to.

It is recommended that people with certain skin conditions should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. But if you do have any pre-existing skin conditions, always consult with your doctor first.

Sunscreen should be applied all over any skin to be exposed at least a half hour before commencing tanning, whether in direct sunlight or in the salon. And if you engage in any outdoor activities for extended periods of time, sunscreen should be applied about every two hours. 

However, the news isn't all bad. Indeed sun exposure in moderation can be good for the skin. Sufferers from eczema, pruritus, psoriasis and other skin conditions can actually see improvements with moderate exposure to the sun. But as with everything, tanning sensibly and in moderation is the key. 

Of course there are also alternatives to tanning in direct sunlight or using tanning beds. For example sunless tanning is becoming increasingly popular. In sunless tanning, you will enter a room and a machine will spray you with a product that darkens the skin. This spray contains the chemical DHA (an abbreviation for dihydroxyacetone), a substance that gives skin a tan color. This chemical has actually been approved in the United States as safe to use for over twenty-five years. 

Obviously sunless tanners are for external use only and when they are being applied, you should ensure that you adequately protect your eyes, nose and other sensitive parts of the body.  

In conclusion, we all want a healthy skin and to look our best in the summer with a beautifully tanned body. Tanning is fine, but do it safely and be aware of how long you are exposed to the sun and harmful ultraviolet radiation. Keep in mind these guidelines and you will be less likely to encounter any serious problems when tanning.

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Fashion Sunglasses

Sunglasses are shades for the eyes that offer protection, better vision, comfort, or just a chic look.

It is surmised that the idea of sunglasses took birth from the Roman Emperor Nero who liked to watch gladiator fights through emeralds and rubies. But the modern sunglasses took shape only in the 1940s where the movie pop fraternity has had a huge contribution in making them so popular. Today, sunglasses are available in all perceivable colors, with hundreds of rim and
frame styles and protective enhancements.

The most popular classic style of sunglasses is the aviator. They have oval pear-shaped lenses that
narrow towards the bridge of the nose. Early movies have stars flaunting their aviators with style. This style is still largely popular; despite the entry of polarized lenses, sports eyewear, wraparounds and clip-ons.

Polarized sunglasses provide protection from severe solar glares from water and snow surfaces, beaches, and roads. They use the light polarization technology mastered by Edwin H. Land in 1936. People who want to discard their spectacles for something trendier without compromising on their visual quality opt for prescriptive sunglasses. Sportspeople wear a different type of polarized sunglasses that are mirrored on the outside that reflect light of different colors.

Whatever type of glasses one might be wearing can be changed into something radically different by attaching a pair of clip-ons. Clip-on sunglasses are a pair of lens available in a wide variety of colors and features that may be affixed onto an existing pair of glasses or even a hat. Sunglasses are associated with fashion in a big way and people like Britney Spears, Ivana Trump, Sophia Loren, and Linda Evans have their own lines of sunglasses. One could say that sunglasses are as much a part of the catwalk as they are of the street.

Oakley was the first brand to recognize the potential of sunglasses as a fashion accessory. Their
sunglasses are still very highly priced and exclusive. However there are countless other brands including Ray-Bans, Serengetis, Christian Diors, Chanels, Donna Karans, Dolce & Gabbanas, and Louis Vuittons. thronging the designer sunglasses market. These popular brands have spawned another endless market of replica sunglasses, whose products are available at fractions of the costs of the originals.

Sunglasses are a must-have on beaches, picnics, or just when walking down the street on a sunny day. They have become as important as any other part of clothing.

Sunglasses are not just a visual aid; they are also an important part of clothing. They affect the overall look of the person. No wonder that buying a pair of sunglasses is as much a decision-making process as buying any other fashion accessory.

Calvin Klein, Gucci, Nike, Adidas, Donna Karan, Marco Ricci, Dolce & Gabbana, Serengeti, Christian Dior, and Chanel are just few of the hundreds of the names that are involved in the manufacture of hip designer sunglasses. They retail their designer eyewear at exclusive outlets, shopping malls, and multiplexes at marginally higher costs than ordinary sunglasses. There is a lot of advertising and marketing for such sunglasses using all forms of media and celebrity brand ambassadors

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Skin Care Treatment In Your Refrigerator

When it comes to skin treatment, there are few things more satisfyingly exquisite than a pampering facial. A facial mask can help you relax and rejuvenate at the end of the day, or can mark the transition from a stressful week of work to a weekend full of fun. However, a facial skin treatment at an upscale spa can cost upwards of a hundred dollars, and being worried about the impact on your wallet can take the relaxation right out of a facial. Luckily, it is possible to whip up your own moisturizing facial mask at home with ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen right now. Making your own skin treatment at home can help you get the feeling of upscale luxury without paying top dollar.

The easiest and perhaps most classic skin treatment involves a single, skin nourishing ingredient: pure honey. To open your pores, drape a warm washcloth over your face for about thirty seconds; then apply a thin layer of honey over the surface of your cheeks, chin, forehead, and any other places that could benefit from an additional infusion of revitalizing moisture. Lie down and relax for ten to fifteen minutes while the honey penetrates your skin and replenishes it with moisture; then gently wipe the honey away with lukewarm water and a washcloth. Splash your face with cool water to snap your pores shut, then pat your face dry gently to seal in the moisture. This simple skin treatment lets you put your best face forward, and can help you give an average day a very special feeling.

If you want to try a more complex Honey Mask Try this one:

Oatmeal makes for another simple skin treatment that is ideal for problem skin. If you suffer from breakouts or sometimes have trouble controlling an oily shine, an oatmeal mask can help pull the excess oil from your face without drying out your skin. This mask will gives you with a healthy, matte complexion that is sure to leave you smiling. Simply mix a bit of water into pure rolled oats to create a thick, moist paste. To open your pores before applying the mask, fill a bowl with hot water and lean over it face first, with a towel draped over the back of your head to create a kind of steam tent. For an extra luxurious scent, add a tablespoon of your favorite herb, like peppermint or rosemary, to the water. Breathe deeply for five to ten minutes, allowing the steam to penetrate the surface of your face. Then, wipe away the moisture on your face with your towel and, using your fingertips, gently apply a thin layer of the oatmeal paste all over your face. Wait for the oatmeal to dry and harden, a process that usually takes between ten and fifteen minutes; then wipe it away with a damp, lukewarm washcloth. Pat your face dry, and enjoy the results of your exquisite homemade skin treatment.

If you want to try a more complex Oatmeal Mask Try this one:

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The Diverse And Gorgeous World Of Nail Polish

Nail Polish is one of the most important constituents needed in order to keep your nails looking lovely and elegant. 

How to Care for your Nails and your Nail Paints

Caring for your nails is an important element to good looking and groomed nails. Applying Nail

varnish on chipped or broken nails will only make them look worse. You can follow a few simple tips to avoid the most obvious pitfalls and problems encountered when applying nail polish. First and foremost, it is important to keep your hands and nails moisturized at all times. You can use a hand and nail cream to achieve the desired effect. It is also advised to go for manicures once in 2 weeks.

Always store nail paints in a cool place away from sunlight to give them a longer shelf life. When applying nail paint, mix the color evenly by shaking the bottle and warming it up between the hands to let the polish flow freely. Apply Nail Enamel in 3-4 easy strokes and make sure you apply two thin coats letting the first one dry before you apply the last one. For maximum effect, ensure that the paint you use is a good quality one and is not too old. And lastly remember the golden rule; 'never apply fresh polish on old paint'.

History of Nail Paints

Since time immemorial, since the uncovering of the practice of nail painting way back in 2800 BC, the Mongolese, Afghan, Australian and various other cultures have been using assorted different products in an effort to beautify and lend color to their nails. While the Chinese used a mixture of beeswax, bark, sap and crushed flower petals with alum, the Egyptians used a dye from the henna plant. They also used Gold and Brass on their nails to give it extra zing! However, the lower ranks of society was not allowed to apply dark shades and had to contend with lighter shades of nail paints.

During to the 19th Century, the concept of nail polishing took on a whole new aspect. During these times, the nails were lightly colored or tinted with rose fragranced oils and then buffed and polished using a leather chamois piece. Later, the oils were replaced by tinted creams and powders, but the trend of polishing nails continued.

Types of Nail Polish

The 19th century has seen various types of nail varnishes over time. The 2 main forms of paints found

today are either high gloss mattes or frosted nail paints. These are among the most popular nail polish types for daily wear.  The high gloss mattes look great with all types of shades, mainly the lighter versions while the frosted look complements dark nail colors. 

On the extremes, high glitter nail polish is increasingly trendy among teenagers who prefer to wear anything with a flashy effect. While on the other hand, colors like matt blacks, dark blues and greens etc. are widely popular among gothic and punk followers, both male and female. The high-fashion world is also falling in step and such a pallet is no longer restricted to the rebels of society! On a sober note, the French are also known to use flesh tones most often in their popularly known French Manicures. This trend has caught up with the rest of the globe as well. Also popular are the versions of clear vanishes with light invisible tints which give just a hint of healthy color to the nails. However, these polishes are also increasingly popular among men, who are now more conscious of their overall grooming. Among the latest trends, nail designs and nail piercing are also highly popular.

Nail Polish in the 21st Century

It was not till the 1720 that the true nail enamel we use today came into being, thanks to the discovery of automobile paint. Since then, Nail Polish has been through various transitions in terms of its chemical content in an effort to make it non-toxic as well as more and more nail friendly, but it's basal form has not changed.  Today, most nail varnishes are manufactured with some pigment mixed with color and dissolved in solvents.

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Facial Tips: Scrubs, Masks, and Exfoliators

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It's also the first thing that most people notice about you. It shields your bones, muscles, and blood vessels. Skin is so vital, so why do people not take better care of it?

Not drinking enough water, going out in the sun without sunscreen, and using harsh chemical products adds to the damage.  There are a myriad of products on the market nowadays to help you keep your skin healthy, among them masks, scrubs and exfoliation products.

Before settling on a skincare regimen, you have to know what skin type you have.  If you're lucky, you might have normal skin - not too dry or too oily, but just right.  More people will have combination skin where there are parts of the face and body which are dry and other parts oily.  Or, you might just be all oily or all dry skinned.  No matter which type skin you have, there are products made specially for you.


  
Facial Masks:

Facial mask products can be found for any skin type or condition.  Do you suffer from acne or
blackheads? There are facial masks that you apply, let dry dry and then peel off. Dead skin covering blackheads will become unclogged which helps clear them up.  There are also facial masks that you apply and allow to dry, like mud masks. When you are done, you wash your face with warm water to remove the mud mask.

Here I am doing a face mask! 

Mud masks have a number of benefits, including oil control.  You skin will glow with health, not shine with oil. The impurities in your skinís pores are removed by the mud mask, and appearance of those pores will be minimized.  Pimple growth is lessened and blackheads dissolve and wash away.

Scrubs and Exfoliators:

You can consider exfoliating like using very fine sandpaper for your skin.  You will be using a mildly abrasive material that buffs away dead skin cells, leaving glowingly healthy skin in its place.  Exfoliating has several benefits.  First, old dead skin cells making your complexion dull are scrubbed off, leaving new fresh skin cells.  Additionally, after exfoliation, it is easier for skin to absorb moisturizers and other skin treatments.

If your complexion is normal to oily, exfoliating is helpful three to four times a week. For drier skin, exfoliation should only be done one to two times a week maximum. You should establish a skincare routine that includes all of these products, and adds a cleaner and moisturizer. You will keep your skin healthy far longer and feel better as well.

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