Sacramento, CA 8/21/2009 1:25:18 PM
News / Fashion

Beauty on a Budget: Thrifty Skincare for Sunny Weather

When temperatures peak and budgets plummet, it’s time for a practical approach to skincare. Here’s how to save in the sunny months without sacrificing healthy skin.

In warm weather, less is definitely more: less clothing, lighter makeup and a lower-maintenance beauty regimen. But heat can also mean excess oil, breakouts, dry skin and sun damage. Luckily, it doesn’t cost a fortune to get skin into shape. Skincare-News.com's latest article, "Money-Saving Tips for Radiant Summer Skin," offers some inexpensive ways to treat skin right.

 

http://skincare-news.com/a-6437-MoneySaving_Tips_for_Radiant_Summer_Skin.aspx

 

Hydrate with home remedies

 

When the heat is on and skin feels slick as an oil well, it may seem counterintuitive to add more moisture. But heat and sweat lead to dehydration, which can trigger skin to overproduce oil. “Without added moisture, your pores produce more sebum to compensate for drying, which causes a frustrating cycle of breakouts and irritation,” dermatologist Amy Weschler, M.D., tells WebMD. With proper hydration, it’s possible to achieve balanced skin in even the hottest conditions, without breaking a budget.

 

·         Cool down with a DIY face mask. For easy skin treatments, women needn’t go further than the refrigerator. Aloe and cucumber are soothing and restorative, with natural astringents and hydrating properties. Here’s a simple recipe for creating an aloe and cucumber mask from Planet Green: Puree 1 cup aloe plant leaf or aloe juice and 1 cup chopped cucumber, and leave on the face for 30 minutes.

 

·         Switch to a lighter moisturizer. Choose an oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. To cut costs on foundation and sunscreen, spring for a tinted moisturizer with SPF. For oily skin, look for a product that contains silica, which produces a matte-like finish.

 

·         Ditch dryness. Chlorine and air conditioning are two of the worst warm-weather culprits when it comes to dry skin. Everyday Health recommends avoiding chlorine, a harsh chemical that strips moisture from the skin, as much as possible. If sacrificing the swimming pool is impossible, take short, warm showers or baths to rinse off afterward. (Stay out of hot water, which deprives the skin of natural oils.) As for air conditioner, which pulls moisture-rich humidity from the air, resist the urge to run it full-blast.

 

Use smart sun protection


The only surefire way to prevent sun damage and premature aging is to properly shield the skin from UV rays. For those days in the sun for any extended length of time, wear a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection.

 

·         Splurge on sunscreen. This is one area where it’s worth it to spend a little extra. According to Howard Murad, M.D., founder of Murad skincare, an ideal sunscreen isn’t just about SPF, it’s about antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and hydrating agents.

 

Get a natural glow

 

Turned off by pricy self-tanners, foundations and bronzers? Achieve natural radiance with these cheap and easy alternatives.

 

·         Exercise. There’s no substitute for that post-workout glow. Exercise increases circulation and can prep one for a good night’s sleep, which gives the skin a chance to replenish nutrients. Particularly when it’s hot out, be sure to drink more water and cleanse immediately after exercising to prevent sweat-induced breakouts.

 

·         Cleanse. Even the clearest skin can get temperamental in hot weather. To fight blemishes, choose a cleanser with 2 percent salicylic acid, which reduces swelling, redness and excess oil.

 

·         Exfoliate. Banish dead skin cells that make the skin appear dull and lifeless through regular exfoliation. Plain old household baking soda is an effective natural exfoliant — and cheap, to boot. Its fine yet abrasive powder removes dead skin cells without irritating the skin. The Beauty Brains advises mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with a regular facial cleanser; then massage the mixture into skin. Repeat two to three times a week. If redness or irritation occurs, experiment with using less baking soda and shift this routine to night-time so the skin has a chance to recover. An added money-saver: Exfoliating skin before applying self-tanner will create a smoother, streak-free glow and extend the life of a tan.

 

Skincare-News.com covers all skincare and beauty topics from head to toe. Check out these latest articles:

 

Chemical Peels: 8 Considerations

 

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-2249-Chemical_Peels_8_Considerations_.aspx

 

When trying any new skincare treatment or procedure, it’s always important to do the homework and ask tons of questions. Whether it’s selecting the right specialist or understanding the details of the procedure, there is a lot to learn. So before jumping right into that first chemical peel, follow these eight steps to ensure this procedure is both safe and effective.

 

Is Cosmetic Acupuncture Effective for Aging?

 

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-5538-Is_Cosmetic_Acupuncture_Effective_for_Aging_.aspx

 

A major tenet of acupuncture is that to reflect beauty on the outside, it’s important to be healthy on the inside. Cosmetic acupuncture is a unique method of facial rejuvenation based on this philosophy. And its popularity is growing among women in America.

 

Skin Care in Your 20s

 

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-5690-Skin_Care_in_Your_20s.aspx

 

20-something women are ready to conquer the world. Some are still in college, while others are starting a new career. The opportunities are endless. Like the many career prospects, the skin is radiant, vibrant and healthy. In order to maintain that luminous complexion and age gracefully, it’s important to ditch unhealthy habits and adopt an effective skin care routine. Here’s how to do it.

 

Saunas: Skin Benefits & Safety Tips

 

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-5747-Saunas_Skin_Benefits__Safety_Tips.aspx

 

Various cultures have used saunas for physical purification and rejuvenation for over 2,500 years. Today, saunas are a staple in day spas, health clubs and gyms. Usually, the steam comes from pouring hot water over hot rocks. As water evaporates, it creates heat in the air. Read on to learn how saunas might help the skin, along with tips on staying safe.