There’s nothing like a little beauty TLC to give you a lift before a big day. Maybe it’s a wedding, birthday party or just because it’s Tuesday. We have some beauty boosts that will help you look and feel your best, no matter what the occasion. 

There’s nothing like a little beauty TLC to give you a lift before a big day. We have some beauty boosts that will help you look and feel your best, no matter what the occasion. 

Taking care of the largest organ in your body is about more than just avoiding age spots and wrinkles. While the appearance of your skin can affect how you feel about yourself, it can also be an indication of an underlying condition. 

If you notice a change in your skin, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Many common skin problems, such as rashes, hives and contact dermatitis, can be resolved with a visit to your doctor. While not all skin changes are caused by skin cancer, it’s important to get them checked out since early detection offers a better chance at successfully treating it. 

Your skin: 

• Protects germs from entering your body 

• Helps regulate body temperature 

• Plays a role in keeping our immune system healthy 

• Permits the sensations of touch, heat and cold 

• Makes up about 15% of your body weight 

• Consists of about 300 million cells 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. More than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year. Most skin problems are not cancer, but they can be 

aggravating. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for common skin conditions can help resolve them sooner and more effectively than waiting it out or trying to treat them on your own. 

Your healthcare provider may suggest the following treatments to help with common skin problems: 

• Topical creams 

• Oral antibiotics 

• Antihistamines 

• Corticosteroids 

• Laser treatments 

One common skin problem is contact dermatitis, which is contact with an irritant or allergen that causes redness, itching, swelling, scaling or small blisters. Poison ivy is a classic cause, but dryness can result from something as simple as contact with detergents or hair dyes. Regular moisturizing can help avoid dryness and flare-ups. 

Another common problem is eczema (atopic dermatitis). This is characterized by red, itchy bumps that often starts in childhood. The cause of eczema is unknown, so the best bet for dealing with it is to make sure your skin stays moisturized. Medications can also help with the itching. 

Psoriasis is the result of immune system miscommunications that cause skin to regenerate too quickly. It is identified by elevated red lesions with a silvery coating. Triggers for psoriasis include infection, stress and simple environmental factors. It’s important to diagnose psoriasis early, because up to one-third of sufferers also develop psoriatic arthritis, which can be disabling. 

Many people suffer from hives at some point in their lives. These are raised red or white welts and are usually short-term, but they can become chronic. Antihistamines can be an effective weapon against them. Hives in the mouth or throat that result in swelling, however, can disrupt swallowing or breathing and require emergency department care. 

Another common skin condition – rosacea – is the presence of enlarged blood vessels, usually on the face. Early diagnosis and treatment can control and prevent progression. You may have rosacea if you have skin pinkness or redness with a “flushed” feeling. Rosacea may be caused by heredity, environment, or immune system problems. Heat, stress and the tannic acids in alcoholic beverages can also aggravate rosacea. 

Resource: Relevate 

Taking care of the largest organ in your body is about more than just avoiding age spots and wrinkles. While the appearance of your skin can affect how you feel about yourself, it can also be an indication of an underlying condition.

You probably update your closet and your hair style regularly – but what about your makeup? If your cosmetics routine hasn’t changed in the last few years, it’s probably time for an update. When you look good it can make you feel good too.  

Here’s how to get started: 

Baseline boost 

As you age and your skin has less collagen and hydration, it’s important to choose a foundation that makes you look just as radiant now as you did when you were younger. Your biggest weapon? A foundation with SPF, which moisturizes your skin and keeps the sun’s rays at bay. 

Once your foundation is set, sweep a soft pink blush across your cheeks. Satin or cream blushes work best, especially in colors like coral and rose. Unsure of which color is best for you? Pinch your cheeks (really!) and choose the hue that most closely resembles it. Bronzers can also add a dash of highlights. 

Bright eyes 

A busy schedule and little sleep can mean dark circles and less-than-perky eyes. Brighten up your peepers by sticking to neutral shadows with soft finishes or a slight shimmer and avoid frosty shades. If you want to try more a more intense look for a night out, make sure to blend with a neutral color over the lid. Opt for liquid eyeliners and mascaras with volume. 

Starting to notice fine lines? Cooling eye gel can help smooth them out. 

Lip service 

Our lips become thinner with age, so if you’re looking to add a little volume, use a lip pencil closest to your natural color. Line just outside of your natural lip line, and then layer with a rich shade. 

For everyday looks with little fuss, switch out your bright lipstick for translucent lip gloss in nude pink colors and leave the lip pencil at home. 

Safety first 

Makeup can get old and go can bad. It is important to watch expiration dates. If no expiration date is provided, write on the packing when you purchased the product and replace it after six months. If it smells bad, do not use it and throw it away. Also, it is important to keep your brush clean and never share your makeup with anyone. 

You probably update your closet and your hair style regularly – but what about your makeup? If your cosmetics routine hasn’t changed in the last few years, it’s probably time for an update. When you look good it can make you feel good too.

We all know the dangers of laying out in direct sunlight or jumping into the nearest tanning bed. So how do you achieve that perfect tanned glow without harmful ultraviolet rays? It sounds almost too good to be true, but sunless tanning can safely turn you freshly bronzed with just a dab of lotion or a spritz of spray. 

Before you reach for that miracle in a bottle, though, read on for the how-to’s of sunless tanning products. 

How it works 

Self-tanning products typically come in two forms: lotions and sprays. Most sunless tanning lotions are sold over-the-counter, while sprays can usually be found in professional salons and spas. 

The active ingredient in most of these lotions is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which temporarily darkens the color of the dead skin cells in the outermost layer. Like most tanning options, sunless tanning typically lasts just a few days before the skin returns to its normal color. 

Getting even results 

Before using any sunless tanning product, you’ll need to apply an exfoliator to your skin to remove any loose dead skin cells. This will allow the product to work the most effectively. 

When you’re ready to apply the tanning lotion, it’s best to put it on in sections, beginning on your torso and arms before moving to the next section. Use the least amount necessary; excessive use can result in that dreaded orange glow. Also, be sure to work the product onto your skin in a circular motion to ensure the lotion is applied evenly so you avoid streaks. And if you opt not to use gloves when applying the product, be sure to wash your hands immediately after to prevent any staining. 

Safety factors 

While the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of DHA in sunless tanning products (as long as they are applied externally), it is not approved for use on certain parts of the face, including the eyes, nose and mouth. The FDA also recommends against the use of sunless tanning pills because they can potentially damage your eyesight, along with your liver and other vital organs. 

And remember that the active ingredients in sunless tanning lotions and sprays will not protect you against UV rays, so always use sunscreen on your self-tanned skin. 

We all know the dangers of laying out in direct sunlight or jumping into the nearest tanning bed. So how do you achieve that perfect tanned glow without harmful ultraviolet rays?

Are you seeing spots? The average person has between 10 and 40 moles, though the number varies drastically. The number of moles that you have can change throughout your life, as new moles can develop, and some may disappear as you age. You can develop moles almost anywhere on your body, including your scalp and underneath your fingernails. But what exactly are they, and where do they come from?

Moles are small, colored spots made of melanocytes, which are cells that make the pigment of your skin. Usually these cells are evenly distributed across your skin, but moles appear when these cells occur in clusters, causing small areas of your skin to darken.

Though most moles are harmless, it is important to keep an eye on them in case they develop into abnormal moles, called dysplastic nevi, that have the possibility of becoming cancerous. It isn’t as hard as you might think to sharpen your skin detective skills and solve your own mole mystery.

You should visit a dermatologist yearly for a routine full-body skin examination. Your dermatologist will closely examine any moles on your skin and will likely biopsy any suspicious-looking growths. In between your annual examinations, you should also complete self-examinations, to watch for any changes to your skin and to assist in early detection of skin cancer, so that you can alert your doctor if there are any changes.

Use the ABCDE method to remember what to check for:

A – Asymmetry

B – Border Irregularity

C – Color Change

D – Diameter

E – Evolving

Though most are harmless, some moles can develop into melanoma, which is skin cancer. Melanomas often appear suddenly and are dark and fast-growing. You should also let your doctor know if you have a mole that is painful, itching, burning, inflamed, oozing or bleeding, as these symptoms can also be a sign of melanoma. When you do your self-examination, make sure you check your entire body, as moles can appear anywhere. Don’t forget to check around your ears, scalp, and underarms; underneath breasts, buttocks and genitals; bottoms of your feet, between toes; and under your nails. Don’t forget to remove any polish before doing a self-exam or visiting your dermatologist.

To protect your skin and avoid skin cancer, particularly if you have several moles, it is crucial to be extra careful in the sun. Avoiding overexposure to UV light can reduce your chances of developing melanoma. Here are some tips:

· Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

· Wear a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your face.

· Wear SPF 15 or higher sunscreen and reapply every few hours and after swimming.

· Avoid tanning beds.

Are you seeing spots? The average person has between 10 and 40 moles, though the number varies drastically. You can develop moles almost anywhere on your body, including your scalp and underneath your fingernails. But what exactly are they, and where do they come from?

Redness-relieving eye drops are one way to return the whites of our eyes to their normally clear condition. Made from a decongestant, overuse of these drops can increase eye redness and bring about the conditions that they are trying to correct. 

The tiny blood vessels on the surface of the whites of your eye are the culprits. When irritation causes these blood vessels to expand, it makes the whites of the eye appear pink or red. Redness can result from being tired, suffering from allergies, being around smoke or from contact lenses. 

It’s safer to use artificial tears. Many of the package instructions do not limit the total number of drops that can be applied, but eye doctors caution that the preservatives in some artificial tears can increase irritation if used too frequently. The good news is that, in the case of preservative-free artificial tears, there is almost no risk of overuse. 

Most people don’t have reason to worry if they follow the usage instructions on labels and treat red eyes with preservative-free artificial tears. 

If you have tried different brands of lubricating eye drops and your eyes are still uncomfortable or if you have dryness or vision problems, talk with your ophthalmologist. 

Source: CDC and American Academy of Ophthalmologists

Nearly everyone gets red or bloodshot eyes at some point. When our eyes turn red, we reach for redness-relieving eye drops. Are they safe?

Walking down the makeup and personal care aisles at the grocery or department store can be an overwhelming experience due to the wide array of products all claiming multiple benefits. Follow these guidelines for a safer beauty routine. 

Say no to knockoffs 

Though the price may be attractive, buying a knockoff product can produce ugly results. Knockoffs are illegally produced products that sometimes make their way into retail, particularly through independently owned businesses and online sellers. These products can look like the real thing, so they may seem like a good value. Make sure to buy cosmetics from authorized retailers and beware of online deals from unauthorized sellers. 

Is the SPF in your makeup enough? 

Many cosmetics boast SPF protection in addition to their regular benefits, but is it enough? Experts recommend wearing sunscreen daily under your makeup. A good rule of thumb is to keep your sunscreen between 15 and 50 SPF for the greatest protection without too many unwanted chemicals. 

There are toxins where? 

Due to loopholes in U.S. law, cosmetics companies are largely unregulated and have no limits on the amounts of chemicals they can use in their products. Companies are also not required to do any safety testing or to monitor health effects of their products, and labeling and marketing requirements are insubstantial. 

Avoid fragrance 

Avoid anything with “fragrance” or “parfum” listed as an ingredient. Companies do not have to disclose the chemicals used in these fragrances, many of which have been linked to allergies, respiratory distress and even effects on the reproductive system. 

Time to toss? 

Cosmetics and personal care products expire just like food, but often the expiration date is based on when you open a product rather than its age. Over time, bacteria levels climb in your beauty care products due to air exposure and general use. 

Never share 

Never share your makeup or use testers at cosmetic counters. Also, do not add water or saliva to makeup as this can increase the bacteria in the product. Don't forget to keep 

cosmetic containers tightly closed, store them in a cool, dry area, and watch for any signs of separation or odor. 

Sources: safecosmetics.org; nsf.org; webmd.com; fda.gov; ewg.org; abcnews.go.com; everydayhealth.com

Follow these guidelines for a safer beauty routine.

You have probably heard of them and maybe you’re curious about what chemical peels are and if they are good for your skin. Here are a few FAQs and answers to help you. 

Q: What are chemical peels? 

A: A chemical peel is a treatment to improve the look of your facial skin. A chemical is applied to the skin and allowed to soak in. Over the next 1 to 14 days, depending on how deep the chemical soaks into the skin, the skin peels off. This process destroys parts of the skin in a controlled way so that new skin can grow in its place. Peels can leave your skin smoother, brighter and healthier, but you should consider side effects, which can be short-term or in extreme cases, permanent. 

Q. Do chemical peels work the same for people with any skin tone? 

A. No, chemical peels work differently depending on your skin tone and hair color. Typically, people with fair skin and light hair get the best results. If you have a darker color to your skin, a peel could result in a discoloration that might last a while. 

Q: Can chemical peels be done for anyone? 

A: No, if you have an infection or active skin disease, are pregnant or nursing, are sunburned, have a cut on your face or have used acne treatments recently, you probably shouldn’t get a peel. 

Q: What’s the difference between superficial, medium-depth and deep peels? 

A: Each kind of chemical peel removes the top layers of your skin to different depths, which lets smooth skin grow back. A deep peel uses the strongest acids to make dramatic improvements to your skin, while superficial peels use milder acids to remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin. 

Q: For those with a blotchy complexion or bumps on the face, which peels works best? 

A: Superficial peels work best for blotchy or bumpy skin. The superficial peel doesn’t take long, and your skin recovers quickly. You should avoid sun for several days though. 

Q: Do chemical peels hurt? 

A: Yes, the peels can hurt. Whether you experience pain and how much depends on several factors, like what type of peel and if you have sensitive skin. You might feel a stinging sensation even with a superficial peel, but it typically doesn’t last long. With a deeper peel, the pain might be more noticeable and can last longer. Your doctor can give you instructions on things you can do to deal with the pain if you need them. 

Q: What are some side effects of chemical peels? 

A: The most common side effects of superficial and medium peels are crusting of the skin, redness, swelling and irritation. These can last for a few days. There can be more serious side effects of the deeper peels, so be sure to do your research and speak with your dermatologist or other healthcare provider before you have one. 

Source: Healthwise

You have probably heard of them and maybe you’re curious about what chemical peels are and if they are good for your skin. Here are a few FAQs and answers to help you.

The “smile lines” we all have as we age – otherwise known as wrinkles – are they inevitable? You may be wondering: What causes wrinkles and other skin problems as you age? Can you prevent them? Is dry skin a sign of aging skin? Once you have wrinkles, dry skin, etc. – is there anything you can do to get rid of them? We explore those questions and more. 

Most of us will get wrinkles as we age. The degree to which you get them depends on many factors, including genetics. But there are steps you can take to minimize skin problems associated with getting older. Having healthy skin – wrinkled or not – should be your main goal. 

Don’t be misled into thinking your skin aging begins when you hit the half-century mark. It starts in your 30s. Here’s what happens: 

In our 20s 

· Baby fat disappears 

· Skin cell turnover is at its best 

· The skin’s support structure, collagen and elastin, remains firm and resilient 

In our 30s 

· Skin cell turnover begins to slow down 

· Dullness and pigmentation problems begin 

· Lines and texture changes show up 

· Sun damage and brown patches may appear on the hands, cheeks, eyes, forehead and lips 

In our 40s, 50s and beyond 

· Skin cell turnover slows dramatically resulting in less radiant skin 

· Collagen and elastin decrease leading to fine lines and wrinkles 

· Hormonal changes can alter your usual skin type (dry to oily and vice versa) 

Start early for good skin health 

The leading cause of skin problems and wrinkles is sun damage. And that starts at a young age. Exposure and overexposure to the sun is damaging to the skin and creates most of our fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen and elastin are affected, leading to thinning of the skin, causing sagging and loss of firmness. 

Most damaging – DNA is altered, leading to possible skin cancer. Even the less serious of skin cancers – basal cell – needs treated, potentially causing scarring. The most serious form of skin 

cancer is melanoma, and it can be life-threatening. Protecting your skin from the sun is imperative for not only your skin’s health but also for your overall health. 

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends you practice a comprehensive sun protection program including: 

· Avoiding outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest 

· Seeking shade whenever possible 

· Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 

· Wearing sun-protective clothing. 

Be aware – medications and anti-aging ingredients found in makeup and other facial products can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. For example: Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA), commonly known as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid and mixed fruit or triple fruit acid can cause possible sunburn even with a shorter exposure time. 

Speaking of anti-aging skin care products, there are many products available with many ingredients. Many of them can be a benefit – good, smart choices may create healthy, beautiful skin. Do your research and make sure the products are approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). 

Enjoy a lifetime of healthy skin 

The bottom line is – take good care of your skin every day of your life, and you’ll enjoy healthy skin for a lifetime. Here are some easy things you can do: 

· Cleanse your face twice a day using the product best for your skin type 

· Exfoliate 

· Moisturize 

· Protect yourself from the sun 

· Remove makeup at bedtime 

· Use additional products for specialty concerns – under eye cream, extra hydration, oil control 

· Avoid the use of harsh products with alcohols, detergents, synthetic and/or petroleum ingredients 

· Stay hydrated – drink water 

Resource: Relevate

You may be wondering: What causes wrinkles and other skin problems as you age? Can you prevent them?

Pucker up – unless you have chapped lips. Why do your lips chap? Lips are the softest part of your face and endure dust, pollution, bacteria and a variety of food items that make them dry. Your lips are also exposed to the sun, just like the rest of your skin. They need a little extra care and protection to retain their softness. 

Here’s how you can protect your lips: 

1. Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or lip moisturizer) several times a day and before bed. If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly. Ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils. 

2. Slather on a non-irritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors. Even in the winter, it’s important to protect your lips from the sun. The sun can burn and dry chapped lips more easily, which could trigger cold sores. A precancerous lip inflammation caused by long-term sun exposure, is approximately 12 times more likely to affect the bottom lip than the top. To protect dry, chapped lips from the sun, use lip balm that offers SPF 30 or higher and one (or both) of these sun-protective ingredients: 

o Titanium oxide 

o Zinc oxide 

3. While outdoors, apply the lip balm every two hours. 

4. Stop licking, biting, and picking at your lips. When lips feel dry, it might feel natural to wet them by licking them, but this can worsen the problem. As saliva evaporates, your lips become drier. 

5. Drink plenty of water. Chapped lips are dry lips, so you want to stay hydrated. 

6. Picking or biting your lips also irritates them, which can prevent healing. 

Shiny lip balms and gloss without an SPF designation attract the sun, which can lead to painful burns and skin damage. 

Remember to reapply lip balm after eating or drinking, too. If your lips burn, sting, or feel uncomfortable when you apply a product to your lips, it means you’re irritating your lips, so you want to stop using that product. 

Resources: American Academy of Dermatology Association.org and skincancer.org

Why do your lips chap? Lips are the softest part of your face and endure dust, pollution, bacteria and a variety of food items that make them dry.