Glowing Skin

4 MakeUp tips

1. Apply your foundation before concealer

Hot tip: The easiest way to level up your makeup routine is to try applying your foundation before concealer. Think about it: Starting with a layer of foundation will help minimize any redness or discoloration—almost like you're creating a smooth base for the rest of your products. You can then go in with your concealer to spot treat any zits or remaining redness, and you'll end up using way less product in the process. Another plus? Foundation before concealer is a genius fix for preventing caking and creasing.

2. Maintain your eyebrows with a spoolie brush

On busy days when I don't have time to fill in my eyebrows, I like to do the next best thing: quickly comb up my arches with a spoolie brush (aka those little mascara wands). And even when I do have time for powders, gels, and pencils, I still like to prep my brows with my spoolie—it takes 10 seconds max, and it's an easy way to make sure each of my brow hairs are in the right spot before I go in with my products. Pro makeup tip: You can buy spoolie brushes in bulk for v cheap (I like the Cuttte Disposable Mascara Brushes) or go for something reusable (I'm a fan of Uoma Beauty's Brow-Fro Baby Hair, which also has a precision pencil on one end).

3. Exfoliate your lips before applying lipstick
Okay, you know when you apply lipstick and it doesn't go on smooth? Try prepping your lips with a gentle lip scrub (I like the Beauty Bakerie Sugar Lip Scrub or the KNC Beauty Lip Scrub) —the physical exfoliation will help buff away any dry skin sitting on top of your lips, leaving you with a smoother, softer canvas for your products. One thing to keep in mind: Lip scrubs should only be used once a week max—anything more and you'll risk irritation (aka the opposite vibe you're going for).

4. Don't sleep on blush
It might seem like an obvious step in your makeup routine, but IMO, blush is the most underrated product. A couple sweeps of cream or powder blush along the high points of your cheeks will give your entire look a brighter, warmer finish with pure ease. “I use blush on all my clients—it gives the skin that fresh and rejuvenated look and it adds the perfect amount of depth to the face," makeup artist Lakeisha Dale has told Cosmo. And, no, that doesn't mean you need to pick a bright-pink blush or anything like that—try going for something soft and glowy, like one of the picks below.

Learn about the different types of skin

Every skin is different; therefore, it is important to know all types of skin and the diseases that may affect each one. How to know my skin type?

types of skin

Several criteria are used to classify the different types of skin. For example, Fitzpatrick's classification, first described in 1975, is based on skin color and its response to sun exposure. It is used to determine the proper type of sun protection factor or to predict the risk of skin cancer, among others. However, from a cosmetic point of view, skin is classified according to several factors related to its balance: sebaceous secretion, hydration and sensitivity level. Thus, each type of skin will have its own characteristics and require different cares. The type of skin is determined by genetics, although it will also be affected by other factors and can change with time.

Based on these characteristics, there are five types of healthy skin: normal, dry, oily, combination (both oily and dry skin) and sensitive. Below, we describe the main characteristics of each type of skin.

NORMAL SKIN
This skin is neither too dry nor too oily. It has regular texture, no imperfections and a clean, soft appearance, and does not need special care.



SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin is more prone to react to stimuli to which normal skin has no reaction. It is a fragile skin, usually accompanied by feelings of discomfort, such as heat, tightness, redness or itching. This type of skin loses its barrier (or protective) function, making it easy for microorganisms and irritant substances to enter it, and increasing the possibility of having an infection and allergic reactions. It is a delicate skin that needs more care to fight dryness, roughness and its usual appearance. Sometimes, it is referred to as irritated skin instead of sensitive, but these terms are synonymous and there are no dermatological differences between them.



DRY SKIN
In many cases, dry skin is caused by external factors such as the weather, low air humidity and immersion in hot water, and it is usually temporary. However, for some people it may occur more often and even be a lifelong condition. Since dry skin can crack leaving it more exposed to bacteria, although in general this is not serious, it may cause other skin disorders, such as eczema, or be more prone to infections if not properly managed.

Dry skin signs and symptoms may vary depending on different factors such as age, health status or their cause. It is generally characterized by a feeling of tightness and roughness. It may also acquire an ashy gray color, with occurrence of desquamation, itching, redness and small cracks. Cracked skin is usually observed in very dry skin and presents small cracks, which, in more serious cases, may be deeper and even bleed.

Atopic skin is a skin disease characterized by dry skin that leads to desquamation and irritation and causes upsetting symptoms, such as itching. The main cause is genetic predisposition, although other factors may trigger its occurrence or aggravate the condition as well, which may be environmental, allergic, related with food and even with some clothes.



OILY SKIN
Oily skin has a porous, humid and bright appearance. It is caused by excessive fat production by sebaceous glands, and usually determined by genetic and/or hormonal causes. It is frequent in adolescents and young people under 30 years old, and usually related with the occurrence of acne.



COMBINATION SKIN
Based on its location, it presents characteristics of both dry and oily skin since the distribution of sebaceous and sweat glands is not homogeneous. The area with more oil is usually the T- zone (forehead, nose, and chin), while the skin on the cheeks is normal or dry.



SCALY SKIN
Repeated skin irritation due to environmental factors, such as the sun, the wind, dryness or excessive humidity, may cause skin desquamation, that is the detachment of big scales from the epidermis, which sometimes look like fine dust. However, desquamation may also be the result of some condition, such as an allergic reaction, a fungal or staphylococcus infection, an immune system disorder or cancer, and of oncological treatments. In these cases, desquamation is usually accompanied by itching.



RED SPOTS
There is a large number of dermatological causes and diseases for the appearance of red spots or rash, including infections, heat, allergens, immune system disorders and medications.



SKIN MOLES
Moles are dark dots or spots on the skin that usually appear during childhood and adolescence. They are caused by groups of pigmented cells. In general they are harmless, but it is best to check them with a dermatologist if they change size, shape or color, or if itching or bleeding occurs, since some may become cancerous.



In general, it is important to pay attention to skin appearance because, regardless of the type of skin you have, there are certain characteristics that could be a sign of a skin problem.

Sun and Skin

The Dark Side of Sun Exposure

Our bodies were built to make good use of the sun. Sunlight helps keep our sleeping patterns on track so we can stay awake by day and sleep soundly at night. Getting too little sun, especially in winter months, can leave some people prone to a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder. Sunlight also helps our skin make vitamin D, which is needed for normal bone function and health. Yet sunlight can also cause damage.

Sunlight travels to Earth as a mixture of both visible and invisible rays, or waves. Long waves, like radio waves, are harmless to people. But shorter waves, like ultraviolet (UV) light, can cause problems. The longest of these UV rays that reach the Earth’s surface are called UVA rays. The shorter ones are called UVB rays.

Too much exposure to UVB rays can lead to sunburn. UVA rays can travel more deeply into the skin than UVB rays, but both can affect your skin’s health. When UV rays enter skin cells, they upset delicate processes that affect the skin’s growth and appearance.

Over time, exposure to these rays can make the skin less elastic. Skin may even become thickened and leathery, wrinkled, or thinned like tissue paper. “The more sun exposure you have, the earlier your skin ages,” says Dr. Barnett S. Kramer, a cancer prevention expert at NIH.

Your skin does have ways to prevent or repair such damage. The outermost layer of skin constantly sheds dead skin cells and replaces them. You might have noticed this type of skin repair if you’ve ever had a bad sunburn. Your skin may peel, but it usually looks normal in a week or 2.

“When you’re exposed to ultraviolet radiation, there’s a repair process that goes on constantly in each one of your exposed cells,” says Dr. Stephen I. Katz, director of NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Still, long-term damage to your skin can remain.

As you get older, it becomes harder for skin to repair itself. Over time, UV damage can take a toll on your skin and its underlying connective tissue. As a result, your skin may develop more wrinkles and lines.

Too much sun exposure can also raise your risk for skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States. When UV light enters skin cells, it can harm the genetic material (called DNA) within.

DNA damage can cause changes to cells that make them rapidly grow and divide. This growth can lead to clumps of extra cells called a tumor, or lesion. These may be cancerous (malignant) or harmless (benign).

Skin cancer may first appear as a small spot on the skin. Some cancers reach deep into surrounding tissue. They may also spread from the skin to other organs of the body.

Illustration of a family under a shaded canopy at the beach.
Each year, more than 2 million people are treated for 2 types of skin cancer: basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers are seen in both older and younger people, and they’re rarely life-threatening.

Melanoma is a less common but more serious type of skin cancer that’s diagnosed in more than 68,000 Americans each year. Another 48,000 are diagnosed with an early form of the disease that involves only the top layer of skin. Melanomas arise from the cells that provide pigment (color) to the skin.

Your risk for melanoma is higher if members of your family have had skin cancer or if you’ve already had melanoma or other skin cancers. A major risk factor for melanoma is having a large number of moles, or having large flat moles with irregular shapes. Sunburns, especially during childhood, may also raise your risk for melanoma.

“If you’ve had skin cancers in the past, then you’re at a particularly high risk for developing another skin cancer,” Kramer says. “Over the long run, there is a high rate of new lesions developing.”

“One of the major factors affecting skin health is genetics, which determines the pigment content of your skin. This affects how much protection you have from natural sunlight,” explains Katz. Although darker-skinned people have a lower risk for sun-related damage and disease, people of all races and skin color can still get skin cancer.

“Certain genetic mutations contribute to melanoma onset in certain people. You find much less non-melanoma skin cancer in African Americans, people from the Middle East, or even Asians from the Near East,” Katz says.

The best way to protect skin health and prevent skin cancer is to limit sun exposure. Avoid prolonged time in the sun, and choose to be in the shade rather than in direct sunlight. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use sunscreen between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunscreen is especially important at that time, when the sun’s rays are most intense.

“The time to really start sun protective behavior is not when you reach adulthood, but years before,” Kramer says. “The message to parents is, now is the time to start protecting your child against skin damage from sun overexposure, when your child is developing sun exposure habits and when they have many more years of potential sun exposure ahead of them.” Among other skin-protecting habits, teach children and teens to avoid the use of tanning beds.

Sunscreens come labeled with a sun protection factor (SPF), such as 15, 30, or 50. A sunscreen labeled SPF 15 means it will take you 15 times as long to get a sunburn as it would if you had no sunscreen on. A sunscreen labeled SPF 30 means it would take you 30 times as long to burn.

The effectiveness of sunscreens is affected by several factors. A sunscreen’s active ingredients can break down over time, so be sure to check the expiration date on the container. The amount of sunscreen you use and how often you use it affects your protection from the sun. Perspiration and time spent in the water can also reduce sunscreen effectiveness.

Some people look to the sun as a source of vitamin D, but it takes just a brief time in the sun to do the trick. “You need very little exposure—something like 10 to 15 minutes a day to the backs of your hands, arms, and face—to get enough,” Katz says.

Several factors—like cloudy days or having dark-colored skin—can reduce the amount of vitamin D your skin makes. But you can also get vitamin D from foods or dietary supplements. Check with your health care provider about whether you should be taking vitamin D supplements.

Limit time in the sun to protect your skin against early wrinkles, damage, and disease. “Being sun smart is a good thing,” Katz says. And if you spot a suspicious mark on your skin, Kramer advises, be sure to get it checked out.

What to know about skin bleaching

Skin bleaching is a cosmetic practice that aims to lighten someone’s skin. Some use it to lighten specific areas or dark spots, while others may want to lighten their overall skin tone.

Many products that claim to lighten skin tone are not safe. According to the International Journal of DermatologyTrusted Source, skin bleaching poses a serious public health threat because many contain mercury, which is a toxic heavy metal.

Hydroquinone and niacinamide are safer options. However, there is no guarantee they will lighten the complexion evenly.

Researchers connect racism to the trend for skin bleaching. When people believe that only lighter skin is attractive, they may become unhappy with their own appearance. This can affect mental health.

In this article, learn more about skin bleaching, the methods for doing it, its origins, and the risks.

What is skin bleaching?
Mykhailo Onyshkiv/Stocksy
Skin bleaching is the practice of trying to lighten the skin. It has existed for hundreds of years.

Some use skin lightening to reduce the appearance of specific areas of hyperpigmentation. This is when a specific area of the skin darkens in response to an injury or medical condition, such as:

acne
sun damage
pregnancy, which can cause melasma
Dermatologists often provide advice and safe treatment options for lightening smaller areas of skin.

However, the term “skin bleaching” usually refers to overall skin lightening, which is not something dermatologists support. This practice aims to lighten the whole complexion, changing a person’s skin tone.

Skin bleaching is very common worldwide. A 2018 meta-analysisTrusted Source and meta-regression study that included 68 studies and 67,665 participants in total found that 27.7% had tried to bleach their skin.

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source estimates that, by 2024, the skin bleaching industry will be worth $31.2 billion.

Is skin bleaching necessary?
Skin bleaching is not medically necessary but something people choose to do for cosmetic reasons. Some people use it to lighten melasma, blemishes, and age spots, while others try to use it to alter their skin tone.

People may feel this will make them more attractive or more confident. However, the practice of attempting to lighten a person’s complexion links to racism.

Racism frames being white as superior to all other races and ethnicities. This also applies to beauty standards, causing people to view white, European forms of beauty as the most desirable.

Another key driver of skin bleaching is colorism, which is related to — but distinct from — racism. Colorism is a discriminatory practice of preferring lighter skin tones over darker skin tones, both intraracially (within groups) or ethnoracially (across groups). It can affect any racial or ethnic group.

Colorism is rooted in racism, and like racism, it places value based on skin color.

A 2018 study found that internalizing white beauty standards contributed to African American and Indian women’s dissatisfaction with their skin and hair, as well as attempts to lighten both.

Another 2019 study found that exposure to advertisements and self-esteem issues predicted skin bleaching among students at the University of Lagos.

This shows how the negative messages people hear about skin tone can substantially alter their self-image and influence behavior. However, the reverse is also true — hearing positive messages may bolster self-esteem and reduce the desire for skin bleaching.

A 2019 study in Nigeria found that self-acceptance and education about the risks of skin bleaching could help prevent the practice.

Methods and ingredients
There are several active ingredients that can fade areas of hyperpigmentation. Some ingredients also reduce pigmentation in the skin more generally. Skin bleaching products may contain:

Vitamin C
Vitamin C may reduce spots of hyperpigmentation, including those from acne. A 2020 studyTrusted Source found that it is more likely to work at higher concentrations of up to 20%. Concentrations higher than this do not work any better.

Vitamin C can bind to melanin, reducing melanin production and addressing hyperpigmentation.

Niacinamide
Manufacturers often market niacinamide as an antidote to age spots and other types of hyperpigmentation. It is safe in small doses applied to the skin.

A 2020 study found that niacinamide could reduce hyperpigmentation when researchers used it as part of a blend that also contained tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane. The study suggests using these products with antioxidants could address hyperpigmentation in skin of color.

Retinol
Retinoids such as retinol can help accelerate the skin turnover process, which may help the skin heal from injury. A 2021 studyTrusted Source found that retinoids can reduce post-inflammatory marks from acne, as well as hyperpigmentation in skin of color.

Retinoids are generally safe. However, forms such as tretinoin can causeTrusted Source adverse effects. These substances are also not safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

As with vitamin C, retinoids make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is necessary. It can also cause side effects such as:

dryness
peeling
stinging
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a depigmentation agent that is present in many skin bleaching products. A person can buy a 2% solution over the counter or seek a prescription for a stronger 4% solution. Results usually appear within 3–6 months after applying hydroquinone one to two times per day.

Hydroquinone has many potential adverse effects. It can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it is important to use sunscreen. Some other potential side effects include:

blue-gray skin discoloration
skin irritation and redness
burning
damage to the skin
skin dryness
false elevation of blood glucose on a blood glucose test that uses blood from capillaries
The WHOTrusted Source considers hydroquinone to be a “hazardous chemical.”

Mercury
Mercury is a toxic metal that harms humans and the environment. Despite this, it is in manyTrusted Source skin-lightening products, including soaps, creams, and other cosmetics. It inhibits the formation of melanin, resulting in a lighter skin tone.

People who use mercury-containing products on the skin may develop:

skin rashes
skin discoloration
reduced resistance to skin infections
anxiety
depression
psychosis
peripheral neuropathy
kidney damage
With enough exposure, mercury can cause death.

Mercury may appear on product labels under the following names:

mercury
Hg
mercury oxide
mercuric iodide
ethyl mercury
mercurous chloride
phenyl mercuric salts
However, not all manufacturers list their ingredients transparently, making it hard to know if skin lightening products contain mercury. Instructions to avoid contact with metal jewelry can be a warning sign, as mercury bonds to some precious metals, such as gold.

Numerous countries have banned mercury for cosmetic use, but not all. Even in places where it is illegal, it is often still possible to buy products that contain it online.

When people wash mercury-containing products off their skin, it eventually ends up in the ocean, where it can enter the food chain and contaminate fish. Eating these fish can also harm humans, as well as other animals.

Other ingredients
A 2018 systematic reviewTrusted Source found preliminary evidence to support the use of some other ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation but emphasizes a need for further research. These ingredients include:

aloesin
azelaic acid
turmeric
arbutin
green tea
ellagic acid
koji berry
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Results of skin bleaching
The results of skin lightening treatment, whether for specific areas or the whole complexion, vary greatly.

Safer ingredients, such as niacinamide and vitamin C, may modestly reduce hyperpigmentation. However, the extent of the reduction depends on the individual case.

Attempts to change the entire skin tone are often much riskier. It can result in patchy, uneven pigmentation or in hyperpigmentation, making the skin darker in places.

For example, hydroquinone can causeTrusted Source ochronosis, which is blue or black discoloration. Ochronosis is more common when a person uses hydroquinone at high doses.

Is skin bleaching ever safe?
Treating areas of hyperpigmentation can be safe if a person uses dermatologist-approved methods and avoids harmful substances.

However, attempts to bleach the entire skin are always risky, even if someone uses safer methods. It may causeTrusted Source:

an uneven skin tone
irritation, rashes, or eczema
discoloration
Globally, the biggest risk of skin bleaching by far comes from mercury.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury established an upper limit of 1 milligram of mercury per kilogram (mg/kg)Trusted Source in topical products. However, any amount of mercury is harmful. Many skin lightening creams contain more than this.

For example, a 2020 studyTrusted Source of Jamaican skin bleaching products found that many contained mercury, with six out of 60 products containing more than is permissible in the United States. Of the participants, 51% of women and 49% of men used such products at least once per day.

Even when mercury products are illegal, they are easy to obtain. The WHO calls this “a global crisis expected only to worsen with skyrocketing demand, especially in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.”

Is it possible or safe to bleach skin at home?
There is no DIY or home remedy that can safely bleach the skin. The recipes people can find for this online may contain unsafe or risky ingredients. Even ingredients that do seem relatively safe may cause damage over time.

For example, some DIY skin lightening recipes call for lemon juice. Lemon juice is an acid that can exfoliate the skin and contains vitamin C. However, it is strongly acidic and can cause:

irritation
dryness
uneven skin tone and white patches
sensitivity to UV light
burns
For this reason, it is best to purchase skin products that are diluted to a safe pH level and that a third party has tested for safety.

Speak with a health professional before using any homemade or store-bought skin-lightening product, even if it seems safe.

Summary
Skin bleaching is a common cosmetic practice worldwide. Some use it to lighten specific areas of hyperpigmentation. However, many use skin bleaching products to lighten their complexion overall.

There is no safe or reliable way to lighten someone’s skin tone. Products or DIY recipes that claim to do so carry numerous risks. Even legal and over-the-counter options, such as hydroquinone creams, can sometimes lead to permanent discoloration.

The pressure of white beauty standards, colorism, and racism drives the demand for skin bleaching products. However, research shows that educating people on the potential risks, and fostering self-acceptance, can prevent people from using risky products.

If a person is concerned about hyperpigmentation or is considering trying skin bleaching, the safest strategy is to speak with a doctor.

The benefits of gold in skin care are many. Though using gold in skin care products has become popular only now, it has been used by Romans, Egyptians, and Japanese for ages to manage several skin conditions. Keep reading to know the top 10 benefits of gold in skin care. Scroll down.

Benefits of Gold for Skin Care
Colloidal Gold is a suspension of gold nanoparticles in a fluid, usually water. Nanoparticle is a particle with a size ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. Studies suggest that colloidal gold can pe*****te deeper into the skin and act as a carrier for other active ingredients (1). It helps improve the efficacy of skin care products. Due to its soothing and rejuvenating properties, colloidal gold is the ideal skin care ingredient for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin. Medical studies suggest that gold nanoparticles can be used in the treatment of cancers and have been shown to accelerate the wound healing process (2).

1. Wrinkles, Fine Lines, Spots Can Be Reduced
To have clear skin, free from wrinkles and spots, is every woman’s ultimate desire. Gold nanoparticles, along with ginseng extracts, have been found to have antioxidant properties that reduce wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, and marks on the skin to make you look younger.

2. Stimulates The Skin Cells
The ions present in gold help in stimulating the cells, nerves, and veins in your body. This leads to improved blood circulation. This will increase the metabolism of skin cells and the secretion of the waste. Gold can help to stimulate the cells and give you healthy skin.

3. Premature Aging Of The Skin Can Be Prevented
Dryness of skin can lead to premature aging. The use of gold can reduce the dryness of the skin and help in increasing the metabolic rate. This would prevent the skin from premature aging.

4. Gold Can Lighten The Complexion
As we recollect history, it was rumored that one of the beauty regimes that Cleopatra followed was the use of gold. Cleopatra used a gold mask every night to enhance her complexion and keep her skin youthful, glowing and beautiful.

5. Collagen Depletion Is Slowed Down
Collagen is naturally produced in your body which keeps the body flexible. It is responsible for giving smooth skin and shining hair. The collagen level in the body starts depleting from the age of 25 and this is when you notice the changes on your skin. Skin care with gold can slow down the depletion of collagen level in your skin cells.

6. Sun Damage Can Be Treated
We all are very concerned about our skin getting tanned under the sun. The production of melanin or black pigment in the skin is responsible for tanning the skin when exposed to sunlight. The production of melanin in the body can be reduced with the use of gold.

7. Allergies Can Be Treated
Egyptians believed that gold has medicinal properties that can help in healing a few diseases. The antioxidant properties present in gold helps in increasing blood circulation which leads to a reduction in acne and other skin allergies.

8. Inflammation Can Be Treated:
Gold is said to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation properties that help oxygen to enter into the skin for renewal of the cells. This helps in treating ulcers and other inflammatory disorders of the skin. It is also known to rejuvenate your skin.

9. Elasticity Of The Skin Can Be Increased:
Skin tends to sag when its elasticity decreases or is completely lost. The use of gold can reduce the breakdown of elastin and restore the elasticity of the tissues. This will further prevent the skin from sagging. Gold increases the elasticity of the skin, thus making it firm and toned.

10. Glowing Skin:
Gold helps in improving blood circulation, hence it helps hydrate and maintains the skin’s moisture level. The small particles of gold get absorbed into the skin imparting a rich glow. This makes the skin healthy, fresh, and radiant.

Gold not only gives a beautiful, glowing, and youthful skin but is also beneficial in many ways. It slows down collagen depletion, increases skin’s elasticity, lightens the skin’s complexion, stimulates the cells makes the skin firm, improves blood circulation, and prevents premature aging, wrinkles, tanning, etc.

The benefits of gold in skin care include wrinkle-free skin, no premature aging, high skin elasticity, and bright skin tone. These are all the more reasons to include gold in your skin care regimen. While the use of gold may appear to be a nice touch, its antioxidant properties go much beyond that. On the other hand, the richness of gold skin care products remains a drawcard: you feel good about using them and anticipate indulging, which is not a terrible thing. Finally, a golden tint can have an immediate impact on providing glossy, glowing, and healthy skin.