Hi ironpraxis,
Thank you for a very interesting question. I see you've asked a few
questions regarding your well-being and taking care of yourself. I
noticed you remarked you are Asian (Korean) in one of your questions,
so I'll address your skin type as well in my answer. And many men are
interested in having great skin and get manicures and pedicures.
Women like a well-groomed man! :)
The key elements to having good skin with a nice healthy glow are:
Get plenty of rest, exercise, eat right, drink lots of water, and
don't smoke. Splash cold water on your face after washing - this will
help tighten up the pores.
Men's Skin Care
http://manstouch.com/menshealth/mensskincare.html
Skin Tips
Here's some advice that will help you maintain naturally healthy skin.
1. Soapless soap, lotions and body cleansers are better for your skin
because most soaps actually strip the moisture out of your skin.
Soapless soaps have a combination of water and oils. So actually, they
remove the dirt and debris and actually replenish the moisture at the
same time without drying the skin out.
2. Moisturize after washing your skin whether you use a traditional
soap or a cleanser. When the water evaporates, the skin will dry out.
So the best time to moisturize is right after bathing.
3. Know your skin type. Most people will often believe one of two
things: "I have terribly oily skin," or "I have terribly dry skin." In
most cases, it's somewhere in between. Independent of whether you have
oily skin or dry skin, the general guidelines of washing your face
once a day apply.
* Dry Skin: For most dry skin is visible. Skin will be flaky and dry,
and it can be irritated easily. Moisturizer can remedy that.
* Oily Skin: This skin type is difficult to diagnose accurately. But
do note that frequent washing will not clear up oily skin - it will
only irritate it.
4. Mild Exfoliation. Use a mild abrasive soap or cream. Do not do it
more than once a week or once every couple of weeks. The idea that if
you sand your skin down it's going to get smoother and fresher doesn't
always apply.
5. Use Sunblock. Use a compound with a sun protection factor of at
least 15. That gives you about 94% to 96% protection against the
ultraviolet B or burning rays of the sun.
Taking care of your skin starts at a young age and using the right
products is determined by knowing your skin. Try these all natural
products, to give your skin the healthy glow it naturally has and
protect yourself from those harmful rays.
========
http://www.artistry.com/en/skincare/asian-skin-care-10644.aspx
Asian Skin Is Special!
- "...Asian skin signals the passing years with the onset of dark
spots. Excessive freckling, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
all indicate that time marches on. This means that proper sun
protection is essential, since this condition is worsened by UV
exposure.
- Common skin care additives like preservatives and fragrances can be
highly irritating to Asian skin. Unfortunately, these ingredients are
found in many major cosmetic brands, making them unsuitable for
delicate skin types.
- Asian skin is highly prone to blemishes and acne. These conditions
are often a result of using skin care products that are too oily or
waxy.
- Asian skin tends to have larger pores, which can impart the
appearance of uneven tone and texture. Daily exfoliation will
minimize pore appearance and help this skin look smooth and healthy."
=========
The tiny black spots are called blackheads.
Blackheads (Comedones)
http://skin-care.health-cares.net/blackheads.php
"Picking or squeezing blackheads is also not advised. A blackhead can
be squeezed back into the pore, leading only to an infection of the
pore, showing itself as a "zit"."
[...]
"Blackheads are caused by partially blocked pores. The "black"
appearance of them is not caused by dirt, but by the oxidising effect
of air on the sebum (oil) in a blocked pore and the melanin pigment
from the dead skin cells. The best way to remove blackheads is to
remove the cause of them -- excessive sebum (oil) and dead skin cells.
Use only products made with natural ingredients that are not too
astringent. Harsh products can strip the skin of oil, causing it to
produce more sebum which leads to more blocked pores. Don't be afraid
of using cleansing products containing natural oils, such as jojoba or
coconut oil to cleanse the skin. These oils are close to our natural
oils, so they don't block the pores. Use a gentle exfoliator every day
to remove dead skin cells so they don't block pores. Just remember to
be very gentle, over exfoliation can exacerbate the problem. Avoid
products containing the following: alcohol, isopropyl mystate,
lanolin, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, propylene
glycol, mineral oil and parabens.
Do not to try and extract them forcibly, either using your fingers,
fingernails or a comedone (blackhead) remover. This can cause
permanent damage to the pores and stop them working properly for ever.
You may squeeze some of the blackhead out, but you could also force
some of it even deeper into the skin, which may lead to infection
(large spots, pimples or even cysts) or permanent damage. Touching
your skin should generally be avoided to prevent cross infection."
=========
Here's a great article on Blackheads:
http://www.acne-advice.com/treatments/blackheads.shtml
=========
Biore Blemish Fighting Cleansing Cloths
http://www.americarx.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=38100
Pore Perfect. New Look. Cleanses & Treats. Salicylic Acid Acne
Treatment.Wipe out blemishes. Dual-sided cloths whisk away
pore-clogging dirt and oil as they exfoliate skin. Help prevent
blackheads and breakouts. Win the battle against blemishes. Biore
blemish fighting cleansing cloths contain salicylic acid which
penetrates pores to clear away and help control blemishes. These
pre-moistened, dual-textured cloths trap dirt, oil and makeup for the
deepest clean possible. Plus, the exfoliating side smoothes and
refines skin texture. Dermatologist tested. Hypo-allergenic &
Noncomedogenic. Gentle enough for daily use. Helps prevent breakouts
without over-drying. Ophthalmologist tested. Removes makeup. Treats
Acne. Penetrates pores to control acne blemishes. Helps prevent the
development of new acne blemishes. Clears up acne blemishes
****
Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips For Nose
http://www.americarx.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=34659
Biore deep cleansing pore strips are a weekly pore refining treatment
for the nose area that instantly removes pore-clogging dirt, oil and
blackheads. Tests show that in just one use, Biore deep cleansing pore
strips are twice as effective as the leading pore cleanser at getting
rid of build-up and blackheads for cleaner pores. In fact, when used
regularly. Biore deep cleansing pore strips actually diminish the
appearance of your pores. Biore nose strips have an innovative slit
design for improved fit. Do not use more often than once every three
days.
=========
Acne & blackheads Home Remedies
http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/skin_disorders/acne-blackheads-home-remedies.htm
46. A solution made out of one and a half cups of hot water and half a
tablespoon of boric powder is an ideal remedy for blackheads, Saturate
a face napkin in this hot solution and press on to the skin, repeat
twice. Extract blackheads carefully with a blackhead remover and
sterilized cottonwool. Pat on an astrigent.
=========
Ways of Removing Blackheads
http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/skin_disorders/blackheads.htm
=========
Effective methods for removing blackheads:
http://www.chennaionline.com/style/Beautytrends/beautytips/blackheads.asp
- Use an oatmeal or almond mask thoroughly to cleanse your face. Mix
either oatmeal or almond powder with enough rose water to make a soft
paste that spreads easily on the skin. Rub it on your skin with your
fingertips, paying special attention to the problem areas. Leave to
dry for about 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.
- Apply undiluted lemon juice, twice or thrice a day, on the affected areas.
- A solution made out of one and a half cups of hot water and half a
tablespoon of boric powder is an ideal concoction for blackheads.
Saturate a face napkin in this hot solution and press on to the skin,
repeat twice. Extract blackheads carefully with a blackhead remover
and sterilized cotton-wool.
- Warm a little honey and apply on the trouble spots. Wash off after
10-15 minutes.
=========
In closing I'd like to point out the disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers
are general information, and are not intended to substitute for
informed professional medical, [...] or other professional advice.
Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any
product, [...] or opinion expressed in answers or comments.
If you have specific questions about your skin care, consult with your
family physician or health care worker. And, any home remedies or
products mentioned are general information I found on the internet. I
do know people who have used the Biore strips and were pleasantly
surprised at the results.
=========
keyword search:
skin care tips
home remedies skincare
blackhead removal and prevention
cleansing cloths + strips remove blackheads
healthy skin care
how to remove blackheads
=========
P.S. I would have posted my answer sooner, but my area was hit with a
terrible microburst storm and I had to turn off my computer in order
to protect it from damaging lightning strikes. :)
Best regards,
tlspiegel |
