Our skin is exposed to many damaging elements from the environment and the personal products that we use on a daily basis. Toxins, chemicals, fluctuations in the temperature, sun, and the wind, can all damage the skin resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, skin irritations, acne, and pre-mature aging. This has resulted in an increase in the use of special products designed to protect and repair damaged skin. Toners are one product that has had a positive impact on the skin.
Although cleansing and moisturizing the skin is important to maintain healthy skin, using a toner has it healthy advantages. A toner can help ensure that your skin is cleansed before you apply the moisturizer. Toners consist of a mildly balanced PH allowing for a gentle cleaning of make up and dirt particles which results in a thoroughly cleansed face that is smooth and soft. A toner will also remove a variety of impurities as well as dead and flaky skin cells. Not only does it have a soothing effect on the skin, it causes a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines and tightens the pores in the skin.
A quality toner is one that is all natural or organic. These toners do not contain any harmful impurities such as chemicals and additives. They combat free radicals and contain essential vitamins and minerals that are needed to repair damaged skin and maintain soft and younger looking skin. Al natural toners can contain healing blends of botanicals and even natural moisturizers. Such ingredients can include: De-ionized Water, Glycerin, Green Tea, Ginkgo biloba Extract, Grape Seed, Aloe, Vitamin E, and much more.
Other important benefits of using a quality and organic toner include: providing a deep cleanse to help remove a host of harmful substances, decreases the appearance of swollen pores, reduces oily skin as it peels away surplus oil in the skin, helps the skin acquire a proper PH balance, hydrates dry skin, and refreshes and rejuvenates the skin drastically reduce the signs of aging. Organic toners contain revitalizing natural essential oils or natural extracts. The oils when massaged into the skin boosts blood circulation which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients, which can revitalize and give your face a natural glow and healthy color.
When using toners, it is recommended that you use a soft cotton ball and gently wipe the toner all over your face. Make sure you get under the eyes and around your neck. Also, make sure you do not accidentally get the toner in your eyes.
Combined with other skin care techniques, application of a toner adds to the health of the skin. There are a number of different types of toner for such conditions as normal skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, and oily skin. There is toner available for all types of skin types.
The effects of using a toner are so numerous that it seems only natural that one would use it. The best part of a toner is it will help you retain young and youthful looking skin. One can fine a quality organic toner online, at a traditional ‘brick and mortar’ retail, or special skin care store.
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Posts Tagged ‘Harmful Substances’
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Skin Allergies
Red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, swollen skin….any of these symptoms can signify an allergic skin condition.
These skin problems can be caused by a range of different things: animals, plants, medicines, foods, jewelery or even your clothes.
Generally these attacks that are brought on by the unfortunate intersection of allergies and skin rashes fall into one of two categories: dermal allergies and systemic allergies that present as skin rashes.
What are the most common allergens?
Pollen from trees, grass and weeds. Allergies that occur in the spring (late April and May) are often due to tree pollen.
Mold. Mold is common where water tends to collect, such as shower curtains, window moldings and damp basements.
Causes Skin Allergies
Dust mites, cockroaches, molds and animal dander, are examples of year-around allergens.
Tree, grass and ragweed pollens are primarily seasonal outdoor allergens. Seasonal pollens depend on wind for cross-pollination. Plants that depend on insect pollination, such as goldenrod and dandelions, do not usually cause allergic rhinitis.
Allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, which leads to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. It reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause a problem.
Grass and tree pollens
Dust mites (living in and feeding on house dust)
Food (cow’s milk, hen eggs, wheat, soya, seafood, fruit and nuts)
Fungal or mould spores (in the bathroom and other damp areas)
Poison ivy is the classic example of acute ACD in North America. ACD from poison ivy is characterized by linear streaks of acute dermatitis that develop where plant parts have been in direct contact with the skin.
Symptoms Skin Allergies
Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and some skin cysts are markers of acne. Get up to speed on acne symptoms
Allergic shiners – the dark circles children with allergies often get under their eyes
An allergic salute common in children – the upward tilt of the nose with a crease on top, caused by the child’s continual upward swiping at an itchy nose.
Another skin condition, urticaria (hives), is often considered a symptom of allergies, but not all urticaria is caused by an allergic response. Allergic urticaria is often related to drug, food, or latex allergies, but many times it is not known what triggers the urticaria.
wheezing, noisy breathing or shortness of breath
rash or redness of the skin
loss of consciousness
Treatment Skin Allergies
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine, chlortrimeton, or loratadine (Clari tin, Clari tin RediTabs, Al avert); and moisturizing lotions.
Keep windows and doors closed during heavy pollination seasons.
Use the air conditioner in the house and car.
Rid the home of indoor plants and other sources of mildew.
Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort:
Gargle at least once each hour with 1 tsp (5 g) of salt dissolved in 8 fl oz of warm water.
Use acaricide (a chemical that kills house-dust mites) or a tannic acid solution (solution that neutralizes the allergen in mite droppings).