Published on: 19 September 2017
Last Updated on: 12 September 2024
Lips do not have oil or sweat glands and there are times that our lips take a lot of abuse from our surroundings – from the food we eat, the weather, down to the pollutants in the environment.
There are toners, moisturizers, and the whole nine yards for skincare routine but the lips are often times neglected. It is high time to keep your lips healthy to achieve soft and kissable lips.
What causes dry lips and irritation?
Some habits can cause dry lips such as licking your lips. While it is true that licking your lips can cool them down, it can also make them drier. The contents of your saliva are harsh to the lips.
Breathing with an open mouth will make your lips dry. Every breath you take with an open mouth takes away the moisture from your lips leaving your lips dry.
Aside from the food and drinks, the lips are also exposed to dust and dirt in the environment. Keep it a habit to clean your lips. Wash it during the day or rub honey on them to cleanse the lips and get a fresh look.
Don’t forget to floss as this can also be another reason for having cracked lips.
Maintain lip moisture
Sometimes, despite getting enough water, your skin still feels dry. Use a good humidifier to maintain moisture in the environment. A humidifier can decrease the amount of moisture that evaporates from your skin.
The use of lip balm can maintain the moisture and keep your lips hydrated throughout the day. Have a lip balm ready and apply it whenever you feel like your lips are getting dry.
If you have dry lips, apply lip balm first before you apply lipstick.
Stay hydrated
The first sign of dehydration can be seen on the lips. Drink plenty of water and avoid too much alcohol.
Use olive oil for dry lips
The lips are very sensitive. For dry, chapped lips, use extra virgin olive oil to help soften them. Olive oil is quickly absorbed and it will not cause any irritation. Other oils that you can use on your lips are coconut oil, rice bran oil, rosehip oil, sweet almond oil, and Shea butter.
Exfoliate your lips
Weekly exfoliation of your lips will remove the dead skin cells and leave you with soft and kissable lips. Choose a piece of fruit and sprinkle some sugar on it and rub it gently on your lips.
Choose the right lipstick
Cheap lipsticks or those that look shady can dry out your lips. Invest in a good lipstick, one that contains vitamin E. This will prevent your lips from drying.
Keep your lips healthy
If you encounter problems with your lips that do not go away for quite some time, see a doctor right away. Sometimes, persistent lip problems can be a symptom of an underlying disease.
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The past couple of years has seen a lot of research put into the uses and benefits of cannabis. As legalization continues to advance to new jurisdictions around the world, scientific evidence is being used to remove the stigma around cannabis use and discover the truth about the substance after decades of myths have guided policy.
There remains a lot of apprehension about trying cannabis products. While many people are familiar enough with cannabis itself and smoking as a means of ingestion, other products remain a mystery, including edibles and topicals.
Cannabis topicals are non-psychoactive and are a versatile way to take advantage of the benefits of cannabinoids. Coming in lotions, patches, creams, sprays, lubricants, and balms, topicals are absorbed through the skin for localized relief. Topicals can be used to:
enhance sexual pleasure,
treat skin irritations,
alleviate psoriasis,
heal burns and bacterial infections,
keep skin youthful,
and reduce inflammation and arthritis.
Topicals can also be made from the comfort of your home. Here is an easy how-to guide to making simple homemade cannabis topical. This recipe is a safe topical salve but can also be further mixed to make full-body lotions, face masks or lip scrubs.
Ingredients:
10 grams of ground, dried cannabis
1 ½ cups of coconut oil
⅓ cup olive oil (optional)
⅓ cup beeswax
1 baking sheet
1 saucepan
1 heat resistant glass jar
1 cheesecloth
A few drops of essential oils of your choice
Step 1: Decarboxylate the Cannabis
The first step to making your own topical is to decarboxylate the cannabis. This process is essentially heating the cannabis in order to ignite the THC. Put a single layer of cannabis on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes at 240 degrees Fahrenheit, turning often to ensure equal heat exposure.
Step 2: Cannabis and Coconut Oil Mixture
While the cannabis is in the oven, begin heating the coconut and olive oil in a pot on low heat. Stir often enough that the coconut oil does not begin to stick to the pan. Once the decarboxylated cannabis is out of the oven and cooled, begin to stir it into the oil on the stove for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally. This way, you can infuse coconut oil with cannabis to create an effective topical.
PRO TIP: It is important to keep the mixer on the stove on very low. Unfortunately, if the heat gets too high, there is a chance of burning cannabis and affecting the potency of the THC.
Step 3: Beeswax and Jarring
After the cannabis and coconut oil mixture has simmered for 25 minutes, strain over the cheesecloth into a heat resistant glass jar and set aside to cool.
In the same pot, melt the beeswax and essential oil of your choice. Select a mild essential oil that you enjoy, such as lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil. As the beeswax slowly melts, add the cannabis-coconut mixture, stirring often. Once the beeswax, cannabis, and coconut oil are thoroughly mixed, you have your cannabis-infused salve. Once cooled, this salve can now be used on its own as a topical rub or can be further mixed into Aloe Vera or cocoa butter to make more of a lotion type product.
Cannabis topicals are not yet regulated in many jurisdictions where cannabis itself is legal, but regulation is on the way and it’s believed topicals will become popular products for cannabis users who want pain relief.
Read also:
The New Tech Running Canada’s Cannabis Industry
As a beauty enthusiast, I'm always eager to try the latest and greatest skincare trends. So I had to learn more about the 10-step Korean skincare routine when I heard about it. Is all the hullabaloo worth it? Is it a fad, or is it something more?
In this post, I'll give you my honest opinion on whether or not the 10-step Korean skincare routine is worth trying.
Korean Skincare Routine: The Magic Of Natural Ingredients
Truly, the secret behind the effectiveness of the Korean skincare routine is its natural ingredients. All the ingredients used in the Korean skincare routine have been entirely sourced from nature and, on top of that, are also free from any harsh chemicals like parabens. Scroll down and find out the top ingredients of the magical Korean Skincare routine gaining popularity all across the globe.
"Flawless skin starts with a flawless skincare routine, and natural ingredients."
1. Rice Water
Rice water is one of the most important ingredients in Korean Skincare, especially if you are opting for glass skin, just like the Koreans do for achieving that perfect, glass-like clear skin. Rice water is considered to be a soothing ingredient for sensitive skin. Moreover, it is also the perfect solution for any type of skin inflammation issues, irritation, and dermatitis.
2. Snail Mucin
Also known as SSF or Snail Secretion Filtrate, the snail mucin is one ingredient that has become pretty common in Korean skincare routines, even though it did sound quite strange initially. The effects of snail mucin are several - it has hydrating agents that help in healing irritations, promote the growth of new skin, and keep your skin moisturized.
3. Pearls
The entire Korean skincare market seemed to be obsessed with this one ingredient - Koreans love pearls, and rightfully so since they can do magic for your skin. Pearls not only include healing properties for fighting blemishes, removing acne, and minimizing all enlarged pores. Moreover, the ingredient is also becoming popular because of the naturally radiated effect it has on the user's skin.
4. Propolis
Located on the sealings and walls of beehives, Propolis has a resin-like gummy texture which has several benefits, especially for skincare. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties which makes it perfect for treating skin affected with rashes, acne, and blemishes. Since Propolis also includes antioxidants, it is often used for calming all kinds of skin irritations.
Breaking Down the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine
"Filters are great, but glowing skin is better"
In the bustle of the morning rush, taking up an hour-long regimen just for your skin may seem like a chore. However, if the reported results are anything to go by, you'll be thanking the person who invented it soon when you see the results.
With Korean skincare, the focus is less on a specific skin product brand but rather on tried and tested products that add different benefits to your skin.
1. Oil Cleanser Facial Wash
Choose an oil-based facial cleanser to wash your face. Unlike most other skincare routines, this intensive process is all about moisture. Our skin produces sebum, an oily substance that clogs your pores when not properly washed off.
"Less stress, more Facials."
Oil cleansers, therefore, are the perfect solution as effective substances against facial, oily dirt. The most popular ingredients are usually oils like grapeseed or sweet-smelling jojoba oil.
2. Water or Foam Cleanser
We already expect to be as extra as possible with ten steps involved, so this second step is to get your face extra clean. Following up with a foam cleanser takes away extra sweat and grime accumulated on your skin's surface.
"If it doesn't nourish your skin, or your soul, let it go."
Get products with green tea or rice extracts for this double-cleanse step.
3. Exfoliation
This is the secret to having flawless, bright, youthful skin. Massage the exfoliator into your skin to eliminate any dead skin and unclog your pores.
"Don't hate. Hydrate and Exfoliate!"
Ideally, skip a day or two between exfoliators, and for those with extra-sensitive skin, limit it to once a week. Ingredients like lactic acid and grainy sugar are key to scrubbing your face clean.
4. Grab a Toner
Facial toner is a light, gentle moisture coating that softens your skin. The first three processes make your skin more delicate than usual. So the toner aids in nutrient absorption to replenish your skin. Your toner helps regulate your pH level, which, when off, can cause breakouts.
"Be picky with your time, your inner circle, and your toner."
A toner can also be used to diminish the appearance of black marks. This procedure will be especially beneficial for those who have coped with the scarring aftereffects of acne. Aloe vera is the holy grail of all cleansers, so check the ingredients when looking for the right product.
5. Apply Essence or Serum
This, ultimately, is the heart of the Korean beauty regimen. It's significant since the function of essence or serum is similar to that of a booster or ampoules for your skin. The mixture is packed with powerful, active components that give you a youthful glow, assist in intense hydration, and help balance your pH.
"Life is short. Buy the Serum."
They're also great for helping you fight various skin issues while giving your skin an extra boost. Rice is a common ingredient, as well as hyaluronic acid.
6. Treatments
At their most basic, treatments are serums applied to relieve specific skin conditions like skin pigmentation or acne. Ingredients like vitamins C are great for problem areas and tea tree oil.
"Book your appointment and avoid dissappointment."
Before engaging in any sort of routines, consulting your skincare esthetician is the best thing you can do. Your esthetician will be able to tell you whether your skin needs treatment or if the damage can be solved with specific products.
7. Sheet Masks
Different skins need different masks at different times. If you're feeling dehydrated, something hydrating like cucumber or ingredients like green tea work best. For brighter skin, honey-based masks would be ideal.
"Friday-night plans: getting sheet faced"
For oily skin types, stay away from creamy masks that will make your skin even oilier and cause breakouts. Masks have numerous benefits, such as restoring damage caused by, e.g., UV damage while also calming skin irritation from itchy spots around acne breakouts. Use these every other week to infuse your skin with essential nutrients.
8. Eye Creams
These moisturize the thin, sensitive skin around your eyes, helping to minimize fine lines, to eliminate dark circles and inflammation. The best products are those with honey extracts.
"I scream, you scream, we all scream for eye cream."
The fact is we all need eye creams. Once you enter your mid-20s, the late nights, the stress, and the uneven sleeping patterns all seem to add up only to create huge dark circles beneath your eyes. In that case, you need your eye cream to save you from dark circles.
9. Moisturize
Hydration is the key to happy skin, and different skin types require different moisturizers. Oily skin might benefit from water-based products, while dry skin might need oily or cream-based moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid and bamboo are key in helping lock in the moisture.
"I glow better when I'm moisturized."
If you don't moisturize, especially if you have dry skin, the benefits of the enire skincare routine will be lost in your skin. In fact, children in Korea are taught the significance of the same from a very young age so that they can take care of their skin.
10. Sunscreen
Many people assume sunscreen is only to be worn when stepping out on a hot summer day. However, even if it's cold or you won't leave the house, don't skip it.
"All I need is glassy skin, sunscreen, and 5 million dollars."
It plays an important role in massaging zinc oxide and other metallic oxides to protect your skin from UV damage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which Korean Skincare Is Best?
The most popular Korean skincare products are as follows,
Glass Skin Refining Serum,
Mugwort Essence,
EGF Collagen Ampoule,
Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream, and
Renewing Rich Beauty Cream
2. Is Korean Skincare More Effective?
Yes, the Korean skincare routine is considered to be one of the most effective skincare routines in the world. Wondering why? The secret is in the natural, chemical-free ingredients that are used for making these skincare products. Moreover, even children are taught the importance of an SPF while growing up.
3. Why Is Korean Skincare So Popular?
The reason why Korean skincare is so popular is that it uses natural ingredients sourced from Mother Nature and is free from any harmful toxins. Moreover, people these days are leaning more and more towards ingredients that are natural and free from any harsh chemicals - aren’t Korean products exactly like that?
But First, Skincare!
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy good skincare which is kind of the same thing."
So there we have it! In Korea, beauty is big business, and it caters to both genders. With the emphasis on preventive care and moisturization, it stands to reason that investing in a youthful, glowing face will require a significant amount of time!
Let us know if you've tried this 10-step Korean skincare routine and if you've been converted! We certainly think it is!
Read Also:
What You Need to Know About Caring for Your Skin as You Get Older: Your Guide
7 Anti-Aging Tricks and Tips to Get Youthful Skin Like A Teen
11 Foods You Must Incorporate Into Your Diet for Great Skin
Ways to Rejuvenate Your Skin in Montrose
It may seem inevitable. At some point when we get “old”, men’s hairlines will recede and may start balding on the crown, and women's hair will start thinning, usually starting at the crown or natural parting.
But for many, this transition away from a full head of healthy-looking hair occurs earlier than expected, often to men as young as in their early twenties.
In the society that we live in, hair loss holds such an important place, with hairstyles denoting your trendiness, and healthy, voluminous hair being applauded.
In light of this, early hair loss (or any hair loss for that matter) can create feelings of worry, sadness, anxiety, and self-consciousness, as it’s perceived as a negative bodily change that is out of our control.
However, as we’ll explore in this article, this is not true: halting hair loss and getting a fuller head of hair is actually within our control, even if we have a genetic predisposition to balding.
Male baldness that occurs gradually and is caused by genetics or the male sex hormones is known as “pattern” baldness or alopecia androgenetica. It is more likely to affect you the older you are and occurs in approximately 67% of men over their lifetime.
Usually, the marked changes occur gradually, although changes can occur rapidly depending on genes and other bodily or environmental factors.
Male pattern baldness tends to occur because of the interaction with DHT and the hair follicles in the scalp. Some testosterone is converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body, but this can cause the hair follicles in the head to shrink in diameter, meaning the hair strands are thinner and more brittle.
Additionally, DHT has the effect of speeding up the hair growth cycle, meaning that hair sheds quicker. A common assumption is therefore that high levels of testosterone equate to high DHT, and this causes more hair loss, but instead, hair loss is determined by the sensitivity of the scalp to DHT.
This can be down to individual differences, but it is more likely that it is passed down genetically.
With hair loss, it’s important to acknowledge the early signs as soon as you can, as acting early will give you the best chance of preventing hair loss and regrowing hair to your liking. Appropriate treatment can help to block DHT or stimulate the hair follicles for regrowth.
Likely causes of your hair loss:
There are several possible factors that affect hair loss, some more than others. Here is the full list, below:
Genes -
Male baldness is also sometimes called hereditary baldness as genetics play a large role in determining the likelihood of your future hair loss. Pay close attention to the patterns in your family in terms of hair loss, as this will give you a good indication of whether you’ll likely experience symptoms.
Age -
The release of hormones changes throughout the course of your life, and hormones associated with aging slow hair production and may result in balding.
Smoking -
Smoking cigarettes may cause the blood to circulate less in the hair follicles, getting in the way of natural hair growth and causing damage to the scalp. Early research points to this as true, although more research is needed for this factor to be conclusively outlined as a key contributor.
Stress -
When you face stress, your body releases cortisol as a response. This is fine in moderation, but extended periods of stress, or periods of extremely intense stress, can cause cortisol levels to interfere with non-essential bodily functions, such as head hair growth.
Therefore, stress can be a contributing factor to hair loss. In the event of a significantly stressful period, the body might experience a condition called telogen effluvium.
This is characterized by sudden hair loss 3 to 6 months after the stressful event, caused by the body halting production of hair and transitioning all hair into the resting phase, meaning the strands will then fall out almost simultaneously.
Depression -
The association with depression and hair loss is twofold. Not only might the prolonged bouts of stress result in hair loss, but medication for depression may also cause hair loss as a side effect.
Identifying Hair Loss Early:
Common signs linked to hair loss:
Receding hairline -
An early indication of male pattern baldness is when the front of your hairline recedes. Typically, the center front of your hair will stay, with curved portions on either side receding back, forming a W sort of shape.
Usually, men experience a receding hairline after they’re 25 years old, with it going back until eventually bald or mostly bald, but can also occur in younger men. It doesn’t tend to affect women.
Thinning hair -
A slightly more initially subtle form of hair loss, men might experience hair all over their head thinning, each strand reducing in diameter and perhaps revealing the scalp more visibly.
Whilst receding hair tends to begin from the front of the head, thinning hair typically starts at the crown, before working its way outwards circularly.
Because this eventuality is not in as noticeable a location to the individual sufferer, this type of hair loss might go untreated for longer than it should, reducing the chance of medication fully restoring the hair. Checking in the mirror periodically will help keep an eye on the hair health of your crown.
There are a number of unrelated signs that are often mistaken as being indicative of early hair loss. These factors have no correlation with hair loss, and include the following:
Hairs on the pillow -
Healthy adults shed roughly 50 to 100 hairs per day, so seeing the odd hair on your pillow is to be expected.
A white blob on the hair strand -
This white dot can sometimes be seen on the root end of a fallen-out hair and means nothing other than the hair fell out during the resting phase.
Widow’s peak hairline -
This is a particular appearance of the hairline where it forms a point at the front of the head. It may be interpreted as an early sign of receding since the sections on either side of the hairline will be further back, but this is not the case.
The widow’s peak hairline is not in any way a precursor to hair loss, but keep a close eye on whether the hairline remains in the same location or appears to be moving back, in which case this may be receding.
Read Also:
What To Know About Laser Hair Removal Utica NY
Top 5 foods for healthier and thicker hair
Best Hair Loss Treatment: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting One
