In this category you will find articles about skin care, skin health and beauty procedures

Skin Care

**Routines create structure and promote mental, physical and emotional health. This can be something as simple as the ritual of making coffee, journaling or carving out 5 minutes to prepare your skin for the day ahead.**

During sleep, your skin's blood flow increases, and the organ rebuilds its collagen and repairs damage from UV exposure, reducing wrinkles and age spots. It is a great time for active and hydrating night creams to do some great restorative work. However, it's not unusual to wake up feeling that your skin is a little unbalanced, feeling either dry or oily. A curated morning skin ritual is the perfect way to set your skin up for success.

Your morning routine is a way to get a fresh start, and it’s an important part of managing your skin’s health. However, this self care ritual is not just about the products you choose. A great morning skin care routine needs to be done in the right order. 

It might not seem like a big deal to switch the order of your serums or lotions, but it actually makes an enormous difference. Doing your [morning skin care ](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.13252) in the wrong order can leave your skin feeling unbalanced and unhappy. It can also make your products less effective. And when your products are ineffective, using them makes little sense. In case of the SPF-containing products, it can pose a danger. 

## What is the correct order to layer products in your morning skin care routine? 
 
As a rule, it’s important to start with your thinnest products and work your way up to the thicker ones. This means starting lightweight products such as toners and building up to heavier products such as oils. You can see an example of how this work in the seven-step morning routine below. 


## Seven steps for perfecting morning skin care

### **Step 1:** Cleanser

Cleansing is the perfect way to start your ritual. Not only are you cleansing away any leavings from the night, but it can help you feel a little more awake first thing in the morning. Wash away dry flakey skin, old sebum, sweat and residue from night time products. This is important because not only can residue clog your pores and in some cases lead to breakouts, dull complexion, congestion or irritation. It can also prevent your products from penetrating your skin. The cleanser you use is up to you. It’s best to find one that’s right for your skin type. For example, look for oil-fighters if your skin is acne prone, or gentle cleansers if your skin is sensitive. Try washing your face in circular motions with a soft, clean cloth and tepid water for the most effective cleanse.

### **Step 2:**  Toner

Often forgotten, toners are a fantastic way to prepare your face for the rest of your skincare routine. Skin’s little helpers, they come in many shapes. Similar to cleansers, there are toners available for all skin types and concerns. Depending on the ingredients they can have a deep cleansing effect, hydrate skin and even support the skin's microbiome, improving the strength and quality of your skin. So choose the right one for you and enjoy it as the second step of your morning ritual.

### **Step 3:** Eye Cream 

Eye creams help you take care of the sensitive skin around your eyes. This area has the thinnest skin on your face, and it’s often the first place stress and signs of aging show. A suitable eye cream can help combat puffy eyes, dark circles, and skin irritation. It can also help you prevent or reduce long-term damage. Using eye cream third in your morning skincare routine helps to ensure that this specialized product can penetrate the skin around your eyes. 

### **Step 4:** Serums
Serums are an important part of any morning skin care routine. They’re meant to be kept close to your skin because they’re packed with nutrients to help improve your skin health and address skin concerns. This means it’s important for them to be applied before you moisturize. Serums include products such as vitamin C, AHA, and retinoids. 

### **Step 5:** Moisturizer

Dry skin can quickly become dull and irritated. That’s why every morning skin care routine needs to include a layer of moisturizer. Adding moisturizer after serum helps you seal in the serum’s nutrients and allows the moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated all day long. You can choose a moisturizer that fits your skin best and add some extra self-care to this step. It is a great time to work a little facial yoga into your morning skin care routine. Using facial yoga massage techniques to work your moisturizer into your skin is a fantastic way to improve the blood flow to your face and to help your moisturizer penetrate even deeper. 

### **Step 6:** Facial Oil

A plant based facial oil can be a great addition to your skincare routine or an alternative to a moisturiser. Plant based oils are jam packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and ceramides which have anti-inflammatory properties, anti-aging properties and can support the skin's barrier. If you are reactive or suffer from dry skin, a plant based facial oil would be the perfect alternative or addition for you.

### **Step 7:** Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your skin health, both now and in the future. Sunscreen products your face from damaging UV rays. It helps fight against signs of [aging caused by sun exposure](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4344124/). It should always be the last step in your morning skincare routine. Thai is because sunscreen would prevent other products from penetrating into your skin if it was applied earlier in your routine. It’s best to look for a lightweight sunscreen with an SPF of at least 25. 

## Takeaway

A morning skin routine is about more than the products you chose. It’s important to apply your products in the right order. Taking time to do the steps in your morning skin routine the right way will ensure you get the maximum results from your investment in skincare. As you develop your routine, remember that it’s always best to start by cleansing your face and then working from your lightest products to your heaviest ones. As a last step, sunscreen keeps your skin protected from harmful UV rays. Your perfect morning skincare routine will help you start your day off right and take care of your skin for years to come. 


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Tips from a Cosmetologist on how to develop a perfect Morning Skincare Routine. 

Morning Skincare Routine: Tips for Calm & Glowing Skin | Luvly

**It’s easy to feel cursed by your oily skin, but in many ways you should feel blessed.** 

Why? Oil is essential for healthy skin. Not only does it keep our skin hydrated, which can help to keep premature wrinkles at bay, but it protects, acting as the first line of defence against pathogens entering our bodies. 

Nevertheless, oily skin can knock your confidence. It’s more prone to congestion, blackheads, and blemishes, and it can give your skin a sheen that you might find embarrassing. 

Rather than rid your skin of oil, which can exacerbate pre-existing conditions, the key is to manage oil production with nourishing products and a gentle but consistent regime. 

Read on for our top tips, steps, and product recommendations to keep your oily skin happy, and healthy. 

## Best ingredients for oily skin
Smart product selection is vital for oily skin. With the wrong products you could, at best, not see any results, and at worst, aggravate the problem.

Look for products that contain the following powerful ingredients, **linoleic acid, salicylic acid, and clay.** Here’s why:

### Linoleic acid 
Linoleic acid is great for [oily, acne-prone skin](https://academic.oup.com/ced/article-abstract/23/2/56/6627675?login=false#:~:text=A%20major%20pathogenic,acne%E2%80%90prone%20patients.). Found in some oil-based products, it’s a fatty acid that regulates those overactive sebaceous glands that can make us look shiny. It also strengthens our skin’s protective barrier, helping to maintain moisture while keeping out pollution and allergens. 

Seek out NINI Organics Natura Detox Oil, which is rich in Linoleic acid. It also contains antibacterial vitamins, anti-inflammatories and detoxifiers. 

### Salicylic acid 
[Salicylic acid](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-18-193/salicylic-acid-topical/salicylic-acid-for-acne-topical/details) is a small molecule acid that enters blocked pores and disintegrates the old sebum, helping to clear our skin of blackheads and congestion, and gently exfoliating to leave you fresh-faced and glowing. 

NINI Organics Natura Detox Foam is an excellent source of natural salicylic acid, and also contains a powerful blend of detoxifying dried vegetables and antioxidants. 

### Clays 
Clays are fantastic for oily skin because they literally absorb the oil from its surface, while removing toxins and enhancing elasticity. However, you should be careful not to completely strip the skin of its hydrating oils. 

Use something gentle like Skin and Tonic’s De-stress Face Mask, which contains a soothing blend of kaolin clay, coconut-milk, and aloe vera. Alternatively, you could try the Lena Wild Harmony Rescue Mask, which contains detoxifying white and green clays.

## Oily skin care routine 
Consistency is key when it comes to an oily skin care routine, which is why it’s no good using the ingredients above if you don’t use them properly.

Follow the **three key steps** below to get the best results from your products and to make the most of your naturally oily skin.  

### 1. Cleanse
Cleansing is the most important part of your regime and should be done every morning and night. The right cleanser gets rid of excess sebum, removes makeup and SPF from the day, and can reduce the risk of breakouts and congestion caused by oily skin. Choose your product carefully - a harsh cleanser will be too stripping and only stimulate more oil production. 

Instead, opt for a cleanser with a gentle surfactant, a foaming agent that gently stirs up activity on the skin’s surface to remove oil. Try Haeckels Marine Facial Cleanser, which contains a soothing mix of bladderwrack and aloe vera. 

### 2. Hydrate
It’s vital to hydrate after you cleanse. Some people shy away from hydrating their oily skin in the mistaken belief that it will make it worse. In fact, the dryer your skin, the more sebum it produces to compensate, increasing the risk of congestion and breakouts. 

You could use an oil with linoleic acid like the Natura Detox Oil. But if you’d prefer a water-based product, NINI Organics Crimson Beauty should be your go-to. It’s a hyaluronic acid serum that boosts moisture levels and balances your skin’s flora. 

### 3. Mask
You should aim to use a clay mask like the De-Stress or Harmony Rescue Mask two to three times a week. Mix it with honey or oat milk, apply liberally, and leave on for between three and 10 minutes (depending on your skin type) before rinsing off with tepid water. 

If you have combination skin, such as an oily T-zone but dry cheeks, you can just apply it to the T-zone. 

Video: [re:lax Explains: Cleansers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxN3Xs3GQe8&t=18s)

## Final tips for oily skin
**Great products and a consistent regime** should just be one part of your oily skin care routine. To get the best results, you should adopt a holistic approach that incorporates regular facials and a diet that complements and improves your skin’s natural condition. 

Opt for **[bespoke facials](https://www.relax-ldn.com/book)**, so that your therapist can tailor the treatment to your skin. Non-invasive methods like [High Frequency](https://www.nucleodoconhecimento.com.br/health/stethic-treatments#:~:text=A%20study%20was%20conducted%20on,of%20acneetic%20efflorescences.%20(Rodrigues%2C%202014).) and [LED light therapy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843358/#:~:text=Mild%2Dto%2Dmoderate%20acne%20vulgaris.,to%2Dmoderate%20facial%20acne%20(N%3D30)) are excellent for oily skin. They’re deep cleansing and have antibacterial properties, which are great for combating congestion and breakouts. 

When it comes to diet, you don’t need to completely eliminate the things you love, but you should have stimulants like coffee, sugar, alcohol, and foods that are high in saturated fat, in moderation. Make sure to eat **plenty of healthy protein and foods that support your liver function**, such as cruciferous veg. You should also remember to hydrate regularly with water and herbal tea. 

Finally, **facial exercises** work the muscles, which promotes lymphatic drainage, aiding in the detoxification of the skin. You can incorporate this into your nightly routine to reduce the risk of breakouts and congestion that can be caused by oily skin.


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Discover the best skin care routine for healthy, glowing face

Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin - 3 Key Steps

**Have you ever felt like your skin is uncomfortably dry and itchy? And sometimes it comes with scaling, and cracking at the surface? These are the signs that tell you that you may have a dry skin type.**

"Dry skin means that your face can't protect itself as well as it should from the environment. When the skin is dry, it develops tiny cracks in the outer layer, interfering with its ability to maintain hydration properly," says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner.

And those with a dry skin type know by heart that finding the perfect skincare routine can be quite tricky, as your skin is more sensitive and reacts easily with certain ingredients. Therefore, when you have dry skin, choosing the right products is incredibly important. 

In this blog post, Luvly will introduce you to a 5-step skincare routine for dry skin with a bonus list of recommended products.


## What is dry skin and can a skincare routine help?
Dry skin is caused when the skin loses water too quickly, and therefore becomes dehydrated. There are a few things that can increase the risk of the skin losing water.

### Symptoms of dry skin
There are a few markers of dry skin that may point to a need for treatment or lifestyle changes. These symptoms can include:

- flaky or rough texture of the skin
- excessive itchiness
- infections
- skin burns or stings
- peeling skin

### Causes of dry skin
According to Shawnda Dorantes, RN, BSN, there are several causes of dry skin. These include:

- environment
- hard water
- genetics
- excessive washing
- exposure to irritants
- medical conditions, like hypothyroidism or diabetes
 
There are some other risk factors for dry skin that should also be taken into consideration.

**Age:** Older adults are more likely to develop dry skin. As you age, your pores naturally produce less oil, raising your risk of dry skin.
**Medical history:** You’re more likely to experience eczema or allergic contact dermatitis if you have a history of these conditions or other allergic diseases in your family.
**Season:** Dry skin is more common during the fall and winter months, when humidity levels are relatively low. In the summer, higher levels of humidity help stop your skin from drying out.
**Bathing habits:** Taking frequent baths or washing with very hot water raises your risk of dry skin.

### Can a skincare routine help?
A small 2022 study showed that consistent skin care regimen can lead to measurable changes in dry skin. The participants of the study saw significant improvement in hydration, and skin texture compared to the other group, which doesn't follow the regimen, after two weeks. 

Over 80% of participants in the treatment group agreed that the regimen led to decrease in dryness/pruritus and improved skin texture and it should be an integral component of management of dry skin.

## 5-Steps skincare routine for dry skin

### **Step 1:** Cleanse
Cleansing the skin is the first step before applying any moisturizing creams or oils. Remove all makeup, dirt, and environmental pollutants from the day and start fresh. Choose a clean face wash product that has hydrating ingredients to soothe the skin and prep it for the following steps. A great hydrating facial cleanser will set the tone for the rest of your skin care routine.

**Top cleansers for dry skin:** Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

### **Step 2:** Tone 
A toner's job is meant to gently refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. This means toner won't irritate sensitive skin or cause excessive dryness.

Usually, after cleansing, your pores are open, so this step is to balance the pH level of your skin and also prepares the skin to drink up your post-cleansing moisturizer and any other skin treatments that you may apply.

However, most of the cleanser nowadays are greatly improved with a pH level of 5.5. So nowadays, toner for face can be considered as an optional step.

**Top toners for dry skin:** Alaffia Everyday Coconut Face Toner, Cocokind Rosewater Facial Toner

### **Step 3:** Hydrate

After toning, it is essential to apply hydration serum for skin. Opt in for a oil-free, light serum like Hyaluronic Acid 2% and vitamin B5. Face serums can boost the collagen of your skin while keeping it plump and hydrated. Although fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable with age, dullness and dryness make them seem worse than they are. Adding dry skin serum into your skin regime helps you have skin full of life at any age.

**Top serums for dry skin:** The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Beekman 1802 Milk Drops Probiotic Ceramide Serum

### **Step 4:** Moisturize
As what is said in its name, moisturizer adds moisture back to the skin, hydrating it and leaving you with a fresher appearance. 
The experts recommended that most effective face moisturizers for dry skin will be heavier and contain a combination of emollients (sealing agents to keep moisture in), occlusives (which create physical barriers to prevent dehydration) and humectants (which draw water to the skin to help it retain moisture). Moisturizer for skin should also be free of ethyl alcohol, exfoliators and other drying or irritating ingredients like fragrant.

**Top firming moisturizer for dry skin:** SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
**Top eco-friendly moisturizer for dry skin:** Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream
**Top moisturizer for dry skin with acne:** Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
**Top tinted moisturizer for dry skin:** First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer
**Top inexpensive moisturizer for dry skin:** Dermasil Labs Oil Free Facial Creams

### **Step 5:** Protect
Protecting the skin from sun is important. Look for sunscreens that provide “broad-spectrum” coverage protect against both UVA and UVB rays. An SPF of at least 30 is to date the recommendation of dermatologists. An SPF of 30 blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. 

For those experiencing dry skin, finding a sunscreen that not only protects the skin, but also provides the added benefit of skin hydration may be a daunting task. Sunscreens containing the following ingredients provide that extra boost of skin hydration, improving the elasticity and cohesion of the skin barrier.

**Top mineral facial sunscreen for dry skin:** ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica
**Top chemical facial sunscreen for dry skin:** La Roche-Posay Anthelios
**Top inexpensive facial sunscreen for dry skin:** Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen

## Do's and Dont's for dry skin
Besides a daily skincare routine, here are some tips to maintain well being for dry skin:

### Do stay in the shade
UV rays from the sun are harsh on the skin. Limiting your time in the sun helps protect the skin from drying out. Wear sunscreen plus a hat and sunglasses for an added layer of protection. Stick to shady areas as much as possible, and head outdoors in the early morning or late evening when the sun isn’t at its peak.

### Do drink plenty of water
It’s also valuable to boost your hydration from the inside out. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and increase the amount when temperatures and/or activity levels are high. You lose a lot of water as you sweat and it’s common to forget to replenish your water intake enough to keep you properly hydrated. Caffeine can also dry your skin out, so make sure to supplement your coffee by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

### Do take cooler showers
While hot showers might feel amazing, the hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, resulting in irritation and dryness of the skin. Turn down the heat closer to your body temperature to keep your skin from drying out. It’s fine to take a steamy shower or bath every once in a while, just don’t overdo it.

### Do keep consistent
When starting or updating any skincare routine, it’s essential to maintain a regular routine. Most healthy habits take at least 30 days before you begin to see results; the same goes for your skincare. The time allows your skin to adapt and respond to the products being used and any changing environments. You may see a slight difference within a few days, but the more consistent you are, the more of a change you’ll see.

When it comes to taking care of your skin, your routine may vary. Take our skincare quiz to find options for morning and evening skincare routines. Some days you may only have time to cleanse and moisturize, while other days you’ll want to perform the complete regimen. If your skin tends to be on the dry side, take time to go through the six steps on a regular basis. 

### Don't overuse hot water
Hot showers or baths can strip the skin of natural oils. This can cause irritation, dryness, and sometimes even damage to the skin.Instead of a steamy shower or bath, keep it just warm enough to soothe and relax without drying your skin out.

### Don't overuse harsh products for your skin
Some products may make dry skin worse, like:

- chemical peels
- harsh exfoliating products like retinoids
- glycolic acid
- benzoyl peroxide
- salicylic acid
- alcohol
- fragrance
- preservatives

As long as you make an effort to do consistent routine, drink plenty of water, and use sun protection, your skin will stay hydrated and healthy-looking. It only takes a few minutes a day to build up long-lasting, glowing facial looks.


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Improve your Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin with our expert tips.

Ultimate Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin: 5 Key Steps How to Hydrate Skin | Luvly

**Developing a perfect night time skin care routine can be the secret sauce that turns around your skin’s appearance. The components of a perfect night time skin care routine are simple and tweakable for individual needs. Sticking to a consistent nighttime skincare routine will get your skin improving and looking its best everyday.**

The nighttime skincare routine is important because the skin is part of our body’s filtration and excretion system. The integumentary system (the skin), secretes oils that include toxins. The body does this efficiently during our sleep cycle. 

During the night, the organs of the body rest and repair, assimilating nutrients into the body’s system. As part of this activity, the skin systems also remove the waste products and toxins we have breathed and absorbed from our environment. 

Skin secretes these substances as part of an excretory process:
- Carbon Dioxide
- Sweat
- Water
- Waste products (such as excess sodium chloride and urea, uric acid)

With this in mind, facilitating healthy secretion during our nighttime is the task for your pre-sleep beauty routine. 

The key to all of the information shared here is _consistency._ With the right routine for you and consistency your skin will feel hydrated, smooth, toned and glowing. Over time, you will notice that a night time skin care routine will be a positive key component in your appearance in looking healthier as you age through the years.

## What kinds of self care activities can be included in your routine?
A nighttime skincare routine can be an opportunity to incorporate self care practices to calm down from the day and evening’s activities. Self care practices can be part of a routine dedicated to resetting your mind, body, and spirit before you tuck in for the evening.

**Relaxation techniques to reframe the day and end it on a positive note:**
- Nurture your mind, body, and spirit with inviting feelings of abundance into your evenings. Take the time to wind down with nourishing oils and creams to improve your skin. 
- Turn off your phone, tv, computer, or tablet before you begin your nighttime routine. This shifts your attention inward and helps you be mindful of the small luxury that your routine gives you.
- Moisturizing the body with oil is a grounding and supportive practice. Benefits of softening the body’s skin and improving appearance overtime (just like your facial skin). 
- After your skincare night time rituals, add some gentle or restorative yoga. The gentle stretching calms the nervous system and alerts the body that it is time to rest.
- Journaling before bed aligns your day with your values. Reminding yourself of what you are grateful for is a lovely beginning to settle in for a peaceful night’s rest.
- Facial yoga, massage, and using tools like gua sha can be a soothing practice to the facial skin during the evening that invites relaxation.  
- Meditating before bed can be a highlight to your day! Holding space for yourself to let go of random thoughts that come into the mind. 
- Mantras can be a wonderful way to realign your day with your personal intentions. Before you fall asleep, repeat an aligning mantra like: “I love myself”, “I am grateful for my routine”, or whatever your mantra is in the current moment.

## Nighttime Skincare Steps 
Not sure what is the correct order to layer products? We’ve got you. Follow the steps below to ensure maximum results from your nightly routine. 

### **Step 1:** Remove makeup with a cleansing oil or balm. 
Ensure a gentle pressure as you wipe away the make up, especially around the eyes. Try to use a gentle hand and wipe off the oil and makeup from the center of the face up and out. Gently tap around the eyes with subtle circular motions. Use cotton around the eyes.
 
This practice is great for all skin types. Look for the following high quality skincare oils in products that you purchase. You can also use the pure high quality oil food-grade oils like these: 

#### Oily & Sensitive skin
**Jojoba oil** is a nurturing effective oil for both acne and sensitive skin, as it is an anti-microbial and anti-fungal ingredient. It is also non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes scars and soothes skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

#### Normal skin
**Olive oil** offers deep moisturizing benefits, is an anti-inflammatory and possesses vitamins A, D, E, and K, some of which have been found to benefit skin support. 

#### Dry skin
**Avocado oil** is also a more moisturizing oil and offers vitamin E, an antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory ingredient, and has been found to accelerate skin healing. Avocado oil may be beneficial for oily skin. Try a patch test before committing to use.

### **Step 2:** Cleanse.
Depending upon your skin type, use a cleanser that is cleaning for oily skin (not around the eyes), emollient for dry skin, and gentle for sensitive and normal skin types. Foam up the cleanser in your hands, go thoroughly over your face, and then rinse off with tepid water. Use a clean washcloth if desired. 

### **Step 3:** Tone.
Balance the skin with a toning hydrating mist. This practice has been used for thousands of years since the middle ages, as rose water was used to beautify women’s skin, as a perfume. Now we know that it includes anti-oxidants, is anti-aging, may heal cuts and scars, and improves the mood.


### **Step 4:** Eye serum or cream.
Onto fresh toner-moistened skin, apply eye serum or cream. With your ring finger, gently tap the eye cream around the eye until absorbed and feels slightly tacky. Following this format allows the formulation to be applied onto your eyelid area without obstructing the absorption with serums and facial oils that you will add next. 


### **Step 5:** Hydrate.
Hydrate with serum, facial oil or moisturiser of your choice. Apply a dime-sized amount of your favorite product to your face. Some excellent choices could be a lightweight formula of hyaluronic acid serum or an emollient face oil like rosehip, neem, or sea buckthorn to the face. You can apply both serum and oil. In this case, apply serum first, then face oil.

This is the perfect time to introduce some calming facial massage. Don't forget to apply to your neck and decollété too.

### **Step 6:** Moisturize.
Apply moisturizer to the face, neck, and decollété. As you’re applying, try to keep the motion following the lymphatic system’s natural flow of draining from top to bottom. It will prime the body to rest and restore during the night’s sleep. 



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Best night time skincare routine to support your healthy skin

Night Time Skin Care Routine to Look Healthier Every Day

**Combination skin is like a tricky face puzzle. Some parts are oily, some parts are dry, and some are normal. Throw in the total dependence of combination skin on the season, age, nutrition, and hormones.** 

For combination skin, anything and anytime can go wrong. But don’t worry. We got you. See below some excellent skin care tips for combination skin.

## How can skin care help combination skin?

The primary key to radiant and healthy combination skin is balance. It is about applying moisturizer to the dry skin cheeks and the particular product to absorb the excess oil to the T-zone. 

You may want to listen to your inner beauty Yoda while trying out skincare for combo skin. Use gentle products, not heavy ones. It’s better to underdo the routine than to overdo it. And double cleansing will only make your dry patches drier, not cleaner. 

A contradictory tip: do not stick to one specific routine. You can adjust things a little bit, choosing what is best for the time and place. 

## How to adjust your skin care choices for combination skin
### 1. Check the season
Spring and fall bring a classic combination of oily T-zone and dry cheeks. Hot and humid summers tend to make the combination skin oilier. And winters bring cold, nasty winds and merciless central heating, making the skin dryer. Keep this in mind when choosing your products for the day. 

### 2. Check the age 
Your combination skin can change as you grow more wise and stunning. The more birthdays you have celebrated, the drier your skin can become. 

### 3. Check the hormones
Periods or oral contraceptives can easily mess with your combination skin, making it oilier or dryer than usual. Observe and adjust. Find your balance. 

### 4. Check the diet
We’re not food nazis here, but certain products do make your skin oilier. So, be considerate when you dig into dairy, French fries, salty chips, alcohol, chocolate, or any “sugar coma” goodies. 

## Best ingredients for combination skin
Sounds like it may cost a fortune to cover all the beauty needs. But fret not. We did the homework and came up with a list. 

### 1. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is like a Holy Grail of combination skin care. If you have to choose only one beauty product to take on the desert island, make sure it contains niacinamide. This only ingredient can retain moisture, reduce pore sizes, regulate oil, protect from the sun, ease redness and treat acne.

### 2. Salicylic Acid
A loving child of nature and science, created in a lab but derived from all-natural ingredients: wintergreen leaf and white willow. It stands for gentle exfoliation, unclogging pores, and removing blackheads. True savior for an oily T-zone as it controls excessive oil production. 


### 3. Hyaluronic Acid
Is in charge of skin moisture. It is naturally produced within our bodies but decreases in amount with age leaving your skin on a dry side. Thankfully, there are skin care products to fix the problem. Hyaluronic acid will maintain your skin’s moisture levels, making your face soft and smooth yet adding necessary firmness for youthful looks. 

### 4. Glycolic acid
One more anti-acne warrior. This acid works as a natural peeling solution, removing the layer of dead skin cells. It works just marvelously on clogged pores and extra oil. The skin complexion evens out and brightens up. Win-win. 

### 5. Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids that form the natural skin barrier. They literally hold our skin cells together to lock in moisture and lock out all the harmful elements. Ceramides are essential for healthy skin. Sun exposure, stress, and age can lower our levels of ceramides. Look for skin care products with this ingredient to restore the skin barrier and remove dryness. 

### 6. Peony Root Extract
A natural peace-maker. Improves the relationship between too oily and too dry skin to find a healthy compromise and balance. What else can a combination skin wish for?

### 7. Green Tea
Green Tea is one of the ancient beauty ingredients. It naturally reduces skin redness and irritation, brings a healthy glow and even skin tone. 

### 8. Clay 

Clay is excellent for oily parts of the combo skin. It absorbs excessive oil and removes impurities and dead skin cells. Clay is also great for skin toning. Use the clay based products consistently to build up even and fair skin tone. Best used in facial masks. 

## 7 Steps of Combination Skin Care Routine
A combination skin care routine is pretty similar to any other skin routine. The only difference is that you should know your problem areas to apply specific treatments. The rule of thumb is to pick gentle products that return moisture to the dry areas without overdoing it and greasing up the oilier skin. 

### **Step 1:** Cleanser

Gently wash your face from the nightmares, extra oil, flaky skin particles, and night care products residue. Pick the product with the right ingredients that won’t overdry your cheeks or chin. 

### **Step 2:** Toner

Removes any remains of the oily residue from the face. It is also great for hydrating and balancing the pH level. Look for alcohol-free products. 

### **Step 3:** Exfoliator (2-3 times per week)
For a fresh face look and thorough cleansing. Use an exfoliator once in a while to gently remove the dead skin cells and bring relief to the dry areas and clogged pores. 

### **Step 4:** Serum
Serums are little beauty guards for your skin protection and hydration. Look for a hyaluronic acid component.

### **Step 5:** Moisturizer (Morning & Night)
For combo skin, you’ll need 2 types of moisturizers. Search for lightweight water-based formula for the oily areas and creamy (but not too creamy) for the dry parts. 

You can also try to enrich your night moisturizer routine with a face oil for extra valuable emollients. 

### **Step 6:** Sunscreen
Unprotected skin overexposed to the sun may show unexpected signs of aging. There is nothing wrong with aging, but we can do it gracefully. Taking preventive measures lets us do just this, and reduce risk of skin cancer as well. For combination skin, choose a lightweight sunscreen with a matte finish and at least SPF 30. 

### **Step 7:** Mask (Weekly)
Once per week, have a blast and experiment with different mask. Mix and match. Have fun. Use a clay mask on your T-zone and hyaluronic on the cheeks. Explore to find what is working for you and only you. 

### **Step 8:** Experiment
Though consistent skin care is the key to its effectiveness, you can still change your routine based on the circumstances and whims. Listen to your skin, learn from personal experiences, and look for a balanced and calmed skin as result.  

## Other delicious tips for combination skin
If you feel particularly adventurous, you can make a homemade remedy for combination skin yourself. There are tons of recipes across the internet. Our favorite is a mask based on cucumber juice and honey. Yum! 



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Excellent skin care tips for combination skin. 


Skin Care Routine for Tricky Combination Skin

**If you are prone to redness, itchy skin, blotchy patches, or if your skin gets irritated easily, then you probably have sensitive skin. People who experience eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or allergic contact dermatitis also fall under this category.**

Sensitive skin is described as that type of skin that is “hyper-reactive to environmental factors”. This means that when people with sensitive skin come into contact with cosmetics, soaps, and sunscreens, or are exposed to a dry and cold climate, their skin flares up resulting in reactions like frequent itching, burning sensation, or reddish-brown patches.

There is no standard treatment for sensitive skin. Options can range from the use of skin care products to dermatology treatments for more serious conditions (when at-home treatments don’t provide any relief).

## Can Skin Care Help with Sensitive Skin?
A good skin care routine is necessary for a youthful complexion and healthy skin, no matter what type of skin you have—dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin.
However, if you have sensitive skin, you need to be more careful about what you can put on your face and body.

One of the best ways to manage and soothe your sensitive skin at home is to use a skin care routine with the right products and regimen.

These products are specifically formulated for sensitive skin, keeping your skin calm, balanced, and non-irritated. The products are usually fragrance-free and don’t contain any potential allergens or irritants.

## Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin
With sensitive skin, it’s difficult to know which products will affect you and cause a reaction. That’s why it’s a good idea to know what ingredients work best for sensitive skin and which ones to avoid.

Sensitive skin needs soothing products that strengthen your skin, making it less reactive and more capable of coping with irritants.

Here are some ingredients best suited for sensitive skin:

### Aloe Vera
This succulent is known for its hydrating and soothing properties and is used in facial cleansers and moisturizers. Aloe vera’s cooling properties are useful for sunburn and mild irritation. It helps soothe redness, infection, itchiness, and rash, making it a valuable ingredient for eczema.

It is also helpful in healing wounds and reducing scars, as it boosts collagen production while fighting bacteria. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, aloe vera can be used for acne, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

### Green Tea
Green tea has a range of therapeutic properties and can nourish and hydrate the skin. It is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and slows the signs of aging. According to research, it can also help repair DNA damage caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays, thus protecting your skin from cancer.

Because of the high content of polyphenols in green tea, it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce irritation, swelling, and redness. Studies also show that it is a beneficial ingredient for psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea.

### Hyaluronic Acid
Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid which is found in your hair and skin. Known for its anti-aging and skin-nourishing properties, it can be used for any skin type, especially for sensitive skin, as it does not cause irritation.
It also protects the skin from free radicals, helps repair damaged skin, and can help heal wounds.

Hyaluronic Acid is commonly used in moisturizers as a humectant, as it holds large volumes of water and helps hydrate the outer layers of the skin. However, dermatologists recommend staying away from any product with over two percent concentration of hyaluronic acid, as it can cause irritation and dryness.

### Glycerin
This is a naturally occurring compound in the body, but when used in skin care, it is derived from plants. Glycerin is generally safe to use on all skin types and unlikely to cause any irritation.

It is a humectant and draws moisture into the outer layers of the skin, keeping the top layers of your skin hydrated. This means it relieves dry and dehydrated skin provided you are using diluted glycerin and not pure glycerin on your skin.

This skin-replenishing ingredient keeps your skin calm and reduces redness and irritation and is a gentle ingredient for sensitive skin.

### Laminaria Saccharina
Laminaria saccharina extract is derived from yellow/brown algae and is a rich source of carotenoids and polysaccharides, making it a good antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient.

Good for sensitive skin, Laminaria saccharina improves skin hydration, helps to regulate the function of the sebaceous glands, and has the potential to improve superficial skin imperfections.

### Edelweiss Extract
Edelweiss extract is a plant extract and another excellent ingredient for sensitive skin. It contains skin-calming polyphenols and has antioxidant benefits besides being antibacterial, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-blemish.

Edelweiss extract also contains leontopodic acid, a compound that strengthens the skin’s barriers and reduces sensitivity, making your skin more resistant to airborne pollutants and other environmental irritants.

### Ceramides
Ceramides are a class of fatty acids called lipids and are naturally found in skin cells, making up nearly 50% of the outer layer of your skin. They form a protective barrier, preserving moisture and keeping your skin from dryness and irritation.

Ceramides also protect your skin from environmental aggressors and help repair the bonds in the outer layer of the skin so that it is less irritated.

### Other ingredients that may be helpful for sensitive skin are:

- Vitamin E
- Chamomile extract
- Shea butter
- Squalene
- Olea europaea (derived from olive oil) 

## Skin Care Routine for Sensitive Skin
A skin care routine is essential for any skin type, which follows an overall regimen of cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen before stepping out.

For sensitive skin, this regimen should include a few products with simple ingredients. The key to choosing the right products is knowing the ingredients and choosing the ones that best suit your sensitive skin. It is highly recommended to do a patch test before you use any product, even if it comprises natural ingredients.

Below are simple steps you can take to look after your sensitive skin every day:

### Remove makeup (Night)
It’s essential to remove makeup with particular attention to sensitive areas like around the eyes. Use a gentle makeup remover that is fragrance and oil-free, and contains calming ingredients like aloe vera.

### Cleanse (Morning & Night)
Daily cleansing is important to remove dirt and debris that can get trapped in your pores and to remove dead skin cells. Use a gentle cleanser formulated for sensitive skin. Gently clean your face with your fingers and wash afterward with cool to lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as it will dry your skin and irritate it further. It is advisable not to use brushes and washcloths as they can be harsh.

### Tone (Morning & Night)
A toner gets rid of any residual dirt or dead skin cells. It also balances the skin’s pH levels. Apply a gentle toner with calming ingredients on your face using a cotton pad. Steer clear of any toners with alcohol or astringent.

### Moisturize (Morning & Night)
Moisturizing your skin is an important step, as it creates a protective barrier against environmental irritants and keeps your skin hydrated. In the morning use a lightweight moisturizer, while in the evening apply a slight heavier formula. Overall, use a non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cream, gel, or water-based moisturizer.

### Sunscreen (Morning)
Apply sunscreen of at least an SPF of 30 every morning to protect your skin from harmful UV rays which can cause sunburn and damage to your skin. Sun damage can weaken the skin barrier and increase skin sensitivity and irritation. Reapply sunscreen again throughout the day if you are outside. Choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide, as zinc is known for its calming properties.

### Face Mask (Weekly)
A face mask gives your sensitive skin an extra boost of hydration if used sparingly. Use a gentle face mask that is calming and soothing to your skin with ingredients that repair damage and reduce redness such as chamomile or aloe vera.

# Looking After Your Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin requires special care. You need to be aware of the ingredients in the products you use and know how you use the products.

Now that you know some ingredients for sensitive skin, you can incorporate a few simple products into your daily skin care routine. This will help you prevent any breakouts or irritation and keep your skin healthy and looking good.

However, it is advisable to patch-test any products you choose to use. Check with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any serious skin conditions or are experiencing any extreme reactions to the products.


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Boost your Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin with our effective tips.

Skin Care Routine for Sensitive Skin: Best Face Products for Sensitive Skin | Luvly

Before turning to cosmetology and invasive methods to prevent wrinkles and fine lines, take a moment to consider the myriad of natural solutions to create a smooth and radiant appearance. In the comfort of your own home, you can enhance the appearance of your face, neck, and décolleté. Read on to discover natural ways to prevent wrinkles from developing and also reduce existing wrinkles. 

## What’s the difference between “non-invasive” and natural solutions?
Non-invasive and natural solutions may seem like the same thing. However, non-invasive solutions can include tools like gua sha, kansa wand, and face rollers. These tools can offer  dynamic stimulation to the skin of the face, neck, and décolleté. A multi-faceted approach can foster improved blood flow to the skin, offering radiance, hydration, and a glow that is unique to you.

Natural solutions like hydrating with water throughout the day, facial massage with your finger tips, homemade skin masks, and facial yoga offer powerful results. Additions of natural remedies to prevent and reduce existing wrinkles create lifestyle practices that, when done daily, offer benefits to your appearance for the long term. 

Combining the non-invasive and natural solutions fills out your personal toolkit as you emerge from your daily lifestyle practices looking fresh and radiant. The best thing about this, unlike medical spa visits, is that you can do some of these practices daily. 

## What results to expect from natural and non-invasive and natural solutions?
### Long-Term Effect
When daily practice is applied with a dynamic face yoga sequence, you will see fewer lines and wrinkles over time. Adding natural facial masks daily or weekly, you will find a refinement in the skin’s appearance and glow. Lymphatic massage to the neck and décolleté offers a lessening of saggy skin. Massage and dermal-rolling minimizes the appearance of a double chin and turkey neck. 

Daily massage offers a minimizing and filling effect of defined wrinkles, yet requires dynamic curation of a daily face yoga sequencing. Changing and alternating the sequences over the course of the week offers a total lift all of the muscles in the face. 

### Immediate Effect
Right away, you will see radiance and blood flow to the skin’s surface after facial yoga, massage, face rolling, and after removing a face mask. The immediate solutions build over time to create an appearance that is supple and soft.
### Build-up Effect
A rosy or glowing complexion while it can happen overnight, it builds like interest in a savings account. Hydration below the skin’s surface in the form of blood flow and good sebum creation offers radiant benefits that are both immediate and long term, as well. When we create good blood flow over time, the tone of the skin appears to be of good color to the nature of the skin. 


## Natural Remedies to Minimize Wrinkles
### Dermal Rollers
These can be high ticket items like the obsidian stone roller used for thousands of years in China as a beauty aid. Rolling with crystals and stones like obsidian, jade, rose quartz, and amethyst (to name a few) offers a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. 

Use of these kinds of rollers are enhanced when we roll onto cleansed skin with additions. The lubrication enhances the motion of the rolling, providing a “slip” that doesn’t pull the skin while rolling. The cooling effect of the stones and crystals fosters tightening of the pores, as well as blood circulation to the dermal layers. 

_[In this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWTrt-FK7JE), Alicia Keys uses her obsidian roller after submerging in ice._ 
_[This video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXWZEYjVrSI) shows how to use the jade roller while applying a facial mask._

Adding mantras, massage, mindfulness practices, and as an addition before and after your meditation practice enlivens the uplifting and sculpting qualities of your mind, body, and spirit.

### Gua Sha

Gua Sha, or Gua Shua, offers elimination of stagnant energy and cooling quality to the skin and body overall. By [removing stuck energy and inflammation](https://www.jadeandgua.com/blogs/blogs/history-of-gua-sha-an-ancient-chinese-procedure), gua sha becomes a great holistic practice and often applied alongside acupuncture. See our full article on it in the Luvly blog. 

### Ice Rollers
Warm up your skin routine with trends that work: put your tools on ice! Ice rollers are made to be effective with use straight from the freezer. Often made of plastic, silicone, metal, and combinations, this cooling tool reduces inflammation. 

As you roll to tighten pores and improve inflammation, the temperature leverages your self-care time with the value of a cooling massage. This is perfect for applying serums after cleansing. Ice Rollers also act as a sculpting agent for areas of interest like the neck, cheeks, cupids bow, and eye area.

It is great to use a smaller ice rolling tool for the edges of the eyes and the areas around the nose. 

Special note: Please allow the ice roller to temper so your skin doesn’t get stuck on the ice roller.

### Kansa Wand 
In Ayurveda, the Kansa wand is the tool of choice for lymphatic massage and cooling and gently warming the skin to [offer anti-inflammatory benefits](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a30986296/what-is-a-kansa-wand/) and a robust glow to the skin. This practice dates back to the [Bronze Age](https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/an-indian-love-affair-with-kansa-ayurveda), about 5,000 years ago. Kansa, in Sanskrit, कांस्य, has multiple meanings of: “bronze”, and “shine”, among other translations. This ancient practice has been revered for the purifying holistic qualities that bronze and alloys of bronze carry to the skin. 

Lowering inflammation, toning the skin, and offering a lifting suppleness with applied in upward motions, following the anatomy of the facial structure, we find that use of kansa wand with facial oils offers an opportunity for the oils to better absorb with kansa wand massage. After a 10 - 15 minute kansa massage session, the cooling nature of the oil is warmed and this helps the oils absorb below the surface layer of the skin. 

_Special notes:_ 
_You may experience an oxidizing effect toward the end of the kansa wand massage, this is a simple reaction from the metal and oils on the skin and can be washed off simply._ 
_Avoid kansa wand use, if you have metal allergies._ 
### All Natural DIY Facial Masks & Peels
We are sharing a few easy-to-make-at-home masks and peels. Generally, facial masks and peels in a doctor or aesthetician’s office are more expensive than the simple ingredients that are common in these recipes: 

Creating a simple mask that could literally be eaten not only saves the wallet, but also offers a fresh quality that show results on the skin. Employ creative license to make creations that suit your unique skin type with these ingredients:

- Yogurt (dairy or vegan)
- Egg white membrane
- Matcha tea, powdered
- Dried or fresh strawberries or blueberries
- Toning Water
- Turmeric
- Rose petals
- Avocado

Try the masks below to let go of stress and inflammation while experiencing improved blood circulation. 

### [Stress Relieving Mask Recipe](https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/how-to/a2830/best-homemade-face-masks/#:~:text=The%20Breakfast%20Mask,-(Image%20credit%3A%20Hearst&text=Combine%20one%20egg%20yolk%2C%20one,oatmeal!)%20and%20then%20moisturize.)
Brighten and tone your skin’s appearance. According to Marie Claire magazine, “Less is more”. In this two ingredient mask, you will wash away dull and sallow looking skin to reveal less stress and more radiance. Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric and one tablespoon of honey to make a smooth paste.

2. Apply the mask mixture to your clean, dry face and leave for 15-20 minutes. 	

3. Rinse with lukewarm water then seal in the goodness with a moisturizer of choice.

### [Soothing Hydration Mask](https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/how-to/a2830/best-homemade-face-masks/#:~:text=The%20Breakfast%20Mask,-(Image%20credit%3A%20Hearst&text=Combine%20one%20egg%20yolk%2C%20one,oatmeal!)%20and%20then%20moisturize.)
Adding cocoa to a skin mask may sound delicious, but this alkali ingredient helps to sooth inflammation. Combining with the soothing moisture of avocado and the warming and pore-tightening miracle properties of honey, you reveal soothing powers of natural ingredients from your pantry and fruit bowl!

1. Into a bowl, mash one quarter of an avocado, one tablespoon of cocoa and one tablespoon of honey. Mix well.

2. Apply the mask to your clean, dry skin for 10 minutes. 

3. Wash and rinse off with warm water then add serum and moisturize as usual. 

### Yogurt and Berry Acid Peel Mask
Combining the clearing power of lactic acid from yogurt and the fruit acids from berries, you will experience a natural polishing effect to the skin that is powerful for a day that you want to have a “no-makeup” day. You will even feel the tingling sensation as this gentle acid is powered up by the probiotic nature of the yogurt to leave nurtured and glowing skin after you rinse off the mask. 

1. Into a bowl or blender, combine 1 tablespoon of yogurt and two strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Mix well.
2. Apply the mask to your clean, dry skin for 10-20 minutes. It is ok if the mask dries, but do not leave it on for more than 20 minutes.
3. Wash and rinse off with warm water then add serum and moisturize as usual. 

## Takeaway

With so many ways to try daily solutions in the comfort of your home you can save on expensive dermal fillers and procedures. Additionally, you can experiment to find a few systems which also benefit your confidence as you add dermal rollers, massage, face yoga, and facial masks to your daily routines. 




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Enhance the appearance of your face, neck, and décolleté with these tips.

Home Remedies to Treat Wrinkles Naturally at Home

**In the Chinese language, Gua Shua characters are a combination: 刮痧. Gua, 刮, means “scrape”. Shua, 痧, means “sand”. Gua sha massage in its oldest documented form of use was during Paleolithic Age of human history, roughly 2.5 million years ago to 10,000 BC. At first, gua sha was used with coins to massage those in a coma to improve the patient’s blood circulation.** 

Today, we use gua sha in the form of a number of mediums: crystals, stone, water buffalo horns, ceramic, plastic, and wood among other materials. 

Gua Sha offers elimination of stagnant energy and cooling quality to the skin and body overall. With the miraculous benefits of [removing stuck energy and inflammation](https://www.jadeandgua.com/blogs/blogs/history-of-gua-sha-an-ancient-chinese-procedure),  gua sha is revered as a holistic health practice and often applied alongside acupuncture. On the skin, we find that following the line of facial anatomy to be helpful in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles by improving circulation with gua sha’s gentle friction. 

There have been a multitude of scientific studies done with gua sha for inflammation reduction. Some of them are rounded up in [this outline](https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/press-releases/2015/05/05/the-science-of-gua-sha) from 2015. Inside this article, it describes gua sha  as found to help even chronic health conditions with a potent effect of inflammation reduction with use up to 7 minutes. The finding expands the simple idea to a direct correlation of minimizing chronic health condition improvements, as well as improving the symptoms of: neuralgia, fever, migraines, and back aches. 

If you want to learn more gua sha, [explore a gua sha routine for beginners](https://luvly.care/blog/gua-sha-routine-for-beginners).

## How can gua sha prevent and reduce the double chin? 

In short, the gua sha effect is cumulative. This means that soothing your skin daily with a cold stone massage does lead to a smoother skin and more toned muscles thanks to the better blood flow in the area. Properly directed massage also aids the lymph drainage in the under-skin fat and muscle tissues. 

Lymph drainage drives puffiness from your lower face area through the neck and shoulders and away into the body systems. Doing this daily allows your neck and chin to look consistently slimmer and more chiseled. All you need for this is a gua sha tool. 

## What to keep in mind when choosing a gua sha tool? 

- Impeccably smooth surface
- Material with natural cooling qualities

It’s that simple. Other than that, you will only need your hands and a little knowledge. Gua sha is so easy to incorporate in your routines, and it is simply fun to do. Try it for 21 day to form a habit and see how it helps to minimize the double chin appearance. 

## How to use gua sha for double chin reduction?  

### Massage face and neck
The massage helps the blood to run through all your skin vessels, bringing nutrients to your facial muscles and tissues. Even by itself it is a sure way to create a radiant and healthy-looking visage. As the gua sha technique calls for a lubricant, we recommend combining it with applying your favorite serum to leverage the effect from both procedures. 

### Roll the neck
Use the longer side of your gua sha tool. Press it to the neck in the middle and roll up, all the way to the tip of your chin. Repeat this move continuously. It helps to roll and flex the platysma muscle, a large and tender flat muscle stretching from top of your pectorals to your jawline.

### Sculpt the jawline 
The gua sha is known to release the face muscles. It helps to remove the excess tension otherwise contained in your jaw muscles, which creates wrinkles and lines. Use the gua sha curvy sides to run along your jaw bone, under your chin, around your ears and the sides of your neck. Repeat each move for 10-15 times.

### Drain
If you want to focus on de-puffing the face, it would be a good idea to store your gua sha tool in the fridge. As you do your routine, the simultaneous skin flexing and cooling effect will help the excess liquids to get back into body systems, leaving the skin surface smooth and tight.  


## Takeaway
Gua sha is a simple and efficient tool to give your face a full spa procedure anywhere, anytime. If you are looking to reduce double chin, using gua sha may be helpful for tightening up your neck skin and creating a better pronounced jawline. However, as any beauty procedure, it will be most efficient when combined with other healthy lifestyle choices.


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See How to Lose a Double Chin in 5 Days with Gua Sha. 

Gua Sha for Double Chin: Researching How to Lose Double Chin in 5 Days | Luvly

## Key findings:

- For 38% of women, overindulging during the Easter holidays leads to skin issues
- Some 27% of women experience swelling and 21% struggle with acne breakouts
- To avoid problems, 1 in 8 women hold back from overindulging during holiday meals

The Easter weekend offers a welcomed chance to chill. If only our skin would do the same… 

One chocolate bunny leads to another, your sleep schedule goes out the window, and your skincare routine gets neglected for another hour in bed or another movie (with a buttery hot cross bun in hand). Your mind and stomach might enjoy the break that Easter brings, but your skin will likely end the holidays feeling worse for wear.

The Luvly team recently surveyed 2,000 women on the effects of Easter on the health of their skin and whether maintaining a good complexion ever gets in the way of enjoying the celebrations.

## Spots and swelling: The cost of celebrating Easter

With Easter comes chocolate — and lots of it. In the US alone, consumers spend [$2.6bn](https://financebuzz.com/easter-facts) on treats to celebrate the holiday. But for many women, the occasion isn’t all sweet, with more than a third experiencing skin issues.

Some 27% of women experience swelling and 21% have to deal with acne. Why? Because despite tasting good, junk food and sugary snacks are [high in sugar and refined carbohydrates](https://www.100percentpure.com/blogs/feed/how-does-chocolate-affect-your-skin), which increase the skin’s sebum production. So if you’re prone to oil-related breakouts, your skin will be working overtime while feast away over the Easter break. 

## Will skin problems put a stop to your holidays?

With 62% of women experiencing no sudden skin issues, most can get away with putting skincare aside for a few days to spend time with their friends and family. However, for many women, the problems that arise during the Easter holidays are enough to stop them from enjoying the occasion to its fullest.

Putting a hydrated and pimple-free face ahead of a stomach full of roasted ham and sweet bread, 12% of women refrain from enjoying their favorite festive foods in order to maintain their complexion.

But maintaining your healthy glow doesn’t have to mean canceling your Easter plans. With plenty of hydration, a touch of vitamin C, and regular face yoga, many women can ease their Easter struggles without passing up the piles of chocolate.

**Methodology**: To create this study, Luvly surveyed 2,000 women aged over 18 years old with no focus on particular geographies, ethnicities, or social backgrounds.

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Exploring how Easter sweets impact women's skin health.

Chocolate or a Good Complexion? The Effects of Easter on Women’s Skin

## Key findings:

- Some 17% of women rely on influencers as their main source of beauty advice. In fact, 36% blindly trust them without fact-checking the information they provide.
- While 54% say they seek advice from influencers because it’s quicker and more convenient, 56% do so as a way to save money on beautician and dermatologist appointments.
- As a result, 1 in 14 women have developed skin problems after following advice from a TikTok star, while 1 in 7 have suffered skin irritation after purchasing a product recommended to them on social media.

An unexpected breakout or dry skin that no amount of hydration seems to fix can ruin your day and drive you crazy — but, luckily, social media has all the answers. Throw some coffee and honey together to create a DIY facial scrub, squeeze some lemon juice on your skin, and maybe stick a snail on your face for good measure… Yes, it’s a thing and no, it isn’t a good idea.

But there are videos with millions of views, so they must be legit, right? Wrong. You can find some good advice on social media, but, for the most part, these viral trends are entirely pointless and often incredibly harmful. Clogging your pores and covering your face in bacteria isn’t going to fix your skincare issues; it’s going to make them far worse. 

Luvly surveyed 2,000 women on their use of social media for skincare advice. The results show that despite many having a horror story to share, women continue to trust viral videos without checking the facts.

When you notice a skin problem arising, who do you ask for advice? Some 36% of women turn to a professional — qualified doctors with years of training and experience in treating skincare issues. Or, as 17% of women do, you could always seek help from a skinfluencer who has no medical background and who is probably getting paid by brands to convince you to buy their products, whether good, bad, or outright dangerous.

For 27% of women, when it comes to skincare and beauty advice, their social platform of choice is TikTok. It’s so popular that the #skincare hashtag has amassed over 18 million posts. That’s no surprise, given the sheer amount of seemingly helpful content TikTok has to offer. Whether you’re looking for product inspiration or miracle routines, TikTok will have more than a few influencers willing to sell you something.

But why do women put so much faith in strangers on the internet? While for 54% it’s because it’s quicker and easier, 56% turn to influencers for financial reasons. Taking care of your skin isn’t cheap —12% of women feel beauticians are simply out to make a buck rather than offer good advice, while scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist will set you back by over $200 on average. But whereas much of social media’s advice is a recipe for disaster, you’re paying for personalized guidance and the perfect serum for your skin.

## Sorting miracle cures from misinformation

Some 95% of women say they trust beauty influencers, with 37% choosing to believe them if they seem trustworthy and 9% if they have a lot of likes or followers. Seeking help from social media isn’t in itself a skincare sin. The problem is that 36% of women coat their skin with potentially harmful ingredients without checking whether the videos they watch are scientifically-backed or simply misinformation.

Often, a white lab coat and a confident tone of voice are enough to convince us that an influencer can be trusted. Some 43% say they trust beauty influencers that test products and show real results, while 37% blindly believe educational content. But for 31% of people, influencers don’t even need to seem particularly well-informed — they just need to be relatable and authentic to earn a like.

If you’re not fact-checking the influencers you follow, there’s a high chance you will pick up bad habits and follow harmful trends. Some 12% of women have tried an unscientific TikTok beauty trend, such as lube makeup primer or sea salt acne spray, at least once. Yet, rather than a spotless and glowing complexion, the most likely result is pimples and rashes.

Weird trends aside, even the seemingly harmless skincare information available on social media can seriously irritate your skin with 7% of women having suffered problems after taking advice from TikTok. The problem is, everyone’s skin is different and while a product may work flawlessly for many, its ingredients might not agree with you.

If your favorite social media star starts pushing a new cosmetic, you should thoroughly check its ingredients list before you reach for your credit card, given 14% of women have suffered skin problems after purchasing influencer-recommended products. Remember, chances are they’re being paid, so don’t take their glowing review at face value. If it contains harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes, it’s best to give it a miss unless you want your skin to suffer.

Even if following social media’s bad advice doesn’t lead to a breakout, chances are it will leave you feeling bad. Some 40% of women have felt down about their appearance after comparing themselves to TikTok’s biggest names. But no amount of views and followers can make us invincible to acne and irritation. Behind the filter, they’re normal people suffering from the same skincare struggles we all do.

To get your skin looking its best, you need scientifically-backed advice, products perfectly suited to you, and to cut yourself some slack when a pimple inevitably pops up. We all get them from time to time, so don’t go scrolling for a miracle cure.

**Methodology**: To create this study, Luvly surveyed 2,000 women aged over 18 years old with no focus on particular geographies, ethnicities, or social backgrounds.

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This article explains how women's reliance on TikTok skincare advice risks harm.

Influenced and Inflamed: Should You Trust TikTok for Skincare Advice?

Summertime brings a fresh breath of air into our lives. Longer days change our energy levels, warmer weather brings us more opportunities for outdoor activities, and festivals and summer holidays keep us out and about enjoying nature and the company of others. However, all the heat, humidity, and unavoidably high sun exposure pose a challenge to our skin. 

Whether you're hitting the beach every weekend, getting immersed in your gardening for hours on end, or simply spending your whole summer in the city, your skincare routine needs a few tweaks during summertime to stay happy, healthy, and fresh.

## Why do we need different skincare in summer?

Our skin goes through a lot during summer, mainly due to the heavily increased sun exposure, heat, and humidity.

### 1) Sun

Sun exposure is probably the biggest threat to your skin out there. It's a good idea to identify your skin colour using the Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype scale or the more comprehensive Monk Skin Tone Scale to determine your skin's response to ultraviolet (UV) light. 

This will help you understand how high your risk of getting a sunburn is and how easily your skin tans. The fairer the skin, the higher SPF sunscreen you should use and the less direct sun exposure you should have.

### 2) Heat

Summer heat inevitably leads to more sweating, which can affect your skin's natural oil production. Everything that you put on your face and neck, including serums, creams, and makeup, should be lighter in the summer season.

Just like your entire body needs more water whenever you sweat more, your face needs some extra hydration, too.

A strong SPF all day every day is a non-negotiable in a summer skincare routine. Opt for sunblocks specifically designed for facial protection, as they tend to have a lighter mattifying consistency.

### 3) Humidity

Higher temperatures come with higher air humidity that challenges our skin even further. The fastest ageing is photoaging from sun exposure.We might not necessarily sweat more in a more humid environment, but the sweat doesn't evaporate as easily. 

If your sweat lingers on your face for too long, it starts blocking pores and makes it easier for bacteria to breed. This could lead to rashes and acne breakouts. Humidity helps with this.

All of these threats can be counterbalanced with a thorough cleansing routine at the end of the day as well as in the morning. It's also important to keep your face fresh by opting for light or no makeup during the day and refreshing your face with sprays and mists.

## Top Summer Skincare Tips for All Skin Types

### 1) Cleansing twice daily

As the summer heat makes us sweat more and the humidity keeps that sweat and pollutants on our skin, a thorough cleanse in the evenings is essential. It is also important to start your morning with a gentle cleanse to get rid of oil buildup from the night. 

Choose products designed for your skin type. If your skin is oily or combination, try a cleanser with salicylic acid to reduce sebum production. 

### 2) Active serums

After cleansing, enrich your skin with an active serum. Use a serum with vitamin C in the morning and a serum with retinoids, such as retinol, in the evening. 

Vitamin C serums can add extra UV protection. They are rich in antioxidants. They even skin complexion, reduce hyperpigmentation, and help to prevent premature ageing. 

A serum with retinol in the evening will strengthen your skin after a day in the sun, heat, and humidity. It will also stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and promote cell regeneration and exfoliation, improving skin health, complexion, and elasticity.

Build up your retinol use slowly and start using it once a week to avoid irritation. Don't combine it with other active ingredients to avoid damaging your skin barrier. 

### 3) Lightweight moisturizer

After your serum of choice is absorbed by your skin, reach out for a light moisturizer with hydrating ingredients. Because of its hydrating effects, hyaluronic acid is a very beneficial active ingredient to look out for in your daytime moisturizer. Some moisturisers are enriched with SPF for UV protection, but this protection is not enough - use a dedicated SPF cream.

### 4) Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

Even if you forget everything else, always remember to wear your SPF. This is hands down the most important summer skincare step. Harsher UV light and longer days make our skin especially susceptible to the damaging effects of direct sunlight, such as premature aging and the risk of skin cancer.

When it comes to sunscreens, you can choose between chemical and mineral formulas. Chemical sunscreens don’t need to be reapplied as often, but they might pose risks to humans and the environment. Mineral sunscreens might be a better and safer option if you're concerned about the chemical ingredients, or if you have sensitive and acne-prone skin.

No matter which one you choose, scientific research proves again and again that wearing some sort of sunscreen, as well as reapplying it throughout the day, is essential in preventing sunburn and skin cancer.

### 5) Night-time skincare routine

Cleansing your face and neck at night is crucial to get rid of the remnants of your sunscreen, environmental pollutants, makeup, and sweat. Add gentle exfoliation 1-2 times a week to unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and improve overall skin health. In between exfoliations, treat yourself to a hydrating face mask.

## The Best Summer Skincare Tips for Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination and Sensitive Skin

The first step in finding the best products for your skin, summer or winter, is to identify your skin type. Here's a breakdown of the tell-tale signs of all 5 skin types and the special treatment they require.

### 1) Normal skin

Normal skin is an ideal skin that is neither dry nor oily. It has few imperfections, small pores, soft texture, and even complexion.

When it comes to summertime skincare for normal skin, the only difference is using a higher SPF sunblock and focusing on cleansing and exfoliating to remove that extra dust pollution and sweat.

### 2) Dry skin

Dry skin is easy to spot. If your skin is dull and flaky, then your skin definitely needs extra hydration during the day and nourishment at night.

Don't strip your skin from its natural oils with excessive washing, cleansing, or exfoliation. Opt for a lighter and non-abrasive cleanser, don’t over-exfoliate, and add hydrating masks to your skincare routine at least once a week.

### 3) Oily skin

Oily skin is usually the result of genetic and hormonal factors, as well as improper skincare. A lot of people experience it in adolescence. It's easily identified by a greasy feel, shiny look, and larger pores.

People with oily skin will need a stronger cleanser to remove excess oil and prevent acne outbursts. Use oil-free products when it comes to makeup and sunscreen. Purifying masks, like Moroccan clay, are extremely helpful. Gentle exfoliation once a week can be useful, too.

### 4) Combination skin

Combination skin can be identified with a combination of oily and dry patches on the face. It's often the T-zone – forehead, nose, and chin – that is oily with other parts of the face feeling dry.

To manage combination skin in summer you'll need a variety of products to keep both oiliness and dryness at bay. Choose an oil-free moisturizer for the oily parts of your skin and avoid over-exfoliating to make sure your skin doesn’t get too dry. 

### 5) Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin will show increased sensitivity to touch and many cosmetic products, especially those with acids. It may become red, itchy, and possibly have a burning sensation. Sensitivity can vary greatly from person to person.  

Choose products specifically designed for sensitive skin. Avoid perfumes, alcohol, retinoids, sulfates, parabens, and citrus in your skincare products. Treat your skin with cooling ingredients such as aloe vera or soothing components like centella or ceramides. 

## Skincare Mistakes To Avoid In Summer

- Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wearing sunscreen is not enough to protect you from damaging UV light. Use physical barriers, too, such as a hat and UV-200 sunglasses. Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- A hydrated body means hydrated skin. Don't forget to drink your water and enrich it with natural electrolytes. Avoid dehydrating drinks, such as alcohol and coffee. Hydrate your body with more veggies and fruits in your diet.
- Go easy on makeup in summertime. Let your skin breathe and rest more often from that extra weight and chemicals of makeup.
- Opt for cool or cold showers and face washes to help refresh your skin and tighten the pores.
- Treat your neck and décolleté (exposed chest area) with the same products and skincare routines as your face.