Dry brushing is adored by celebrities and is most commonly used to target cellulite. However, the latest beauty trend involves dry brushing the face. Those that regularly dry brush their face say that they see all sorts of benefits, including healthier and younger looking skin. But is scrubbing your face with a brush really safe?

What is dry brushing?

Dry brushing involves a firm coarse brush being used in stroking motions on the skin. No water, creams, serums, or lotions are used. Instead, the brush does all the hard work. This process is said to improve circulation. In addition, dry brushing will exfoliate your skin, which is something everyone should be doing regularly to keep their skin in great condition.

How do you dry brush your face safely?

As the skin on your face is one of the most sensitive parts of your body, you’re probably wondering how to brush it without causing redness, acne flare-ups, and soreness. Dermatologist Stacy Chimento, MD, advises that you should dry brush your face no more than twice per week to prevent these issues occurring. She also recommends using gentle strokes on the face rather than the harsher ones you’d use on your thighs. But, most importantly, you should opt for the softest brush possible. This means that you’ll likely need two brushes; one for your body and for use on your face.

Facial dry brushing process

Tracey Woodward of Aromatherapy Associates suggests that a round brush works best on the face. For optimum benefits, you should start brushing in gentle strokes, working from the neck, up to the jawline, chin, and to the face. From there, work your way across your forehead. Woodward states that the whole process should take no more than three minutes.

What are the benefits of dry brushing your face?

When you dry brush your face it promotes lymphatic drainage. This helps to keep toxins at bay, eliminates puffiness and swelling, and encourages all-round healthy-looking skin on both the inside and out. What’s more, as dry brushing works as an exfoliator, it clears dirt, make-up, and other debris from your pores, allowing them to breathe. This can even reduce the likelihood of acne as blocked pores are a common cause of the condition.

Should I be concerned about dry brushing my face?

Whenever you dry brush your face, you run the risk of irritation and redness. By using delicate motions and a soft brush, you’ll minimize this risk, but you can reduce it further by moisturizing your skin immediately afterward too. If you have dry skin, it’s possible for dry brushing to dry it out even further and this can lead to soreness. Meanwhile, individuals who are prone to acne, eczema, and rosacea may find that dry brushing heightens their symptoms.

Dry brushing the face is one of the biggest beauty trends around at the moment, with multiple celebrities swearing by it. The good news is that so long as you’re cautious with your dry brushing technique, it’s safe to do it on your face. But, always keep an eye out for signs of irritation, so that you can put a stop to your beauty treatment promptly.

41% of women state that they’d like to look younger, according to a survey carried out by Sanctuary Spa Wonder Oil Serum. As such, an increasing number of women are turning to collagen boosting treatments, such as ultherapy and thermage, as the skin protein is well known for making the skin appear, smoother, plumper, and, best of all, younger. But which of these treatments will have the biggest benefit on your skin?

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is often referred to as a mini-facelift. However, the biggest difference between ultherapy and an actual facelift is that no surgery is involved. In fact, ultherapy is currently the only non-invasive procedure which has been given the green-lift from the FDA. Ultherapy.com suggests that individuals in their thirties who have noticeable wrinkles or loose skin on the neck, chin, and chest region are most suitable for ultherapy treatment. When a woman has ultherapy, ultrasound energy is used to create heat. In turn, this penetrates the epidermis and travels through to the dermis. This process helps to restore the production of collagen from within, which results in the skin tightening and an improvement in the firmness and overall appearance on the face.

The benefits of having ultherapy

As ultherapy is approved by the FDA, you can be sure that the procedure meets their strict criteria. Ultimately, this makes it a fairly safe treatment. Another benefit is the fact that there is no downtime following the procedure, which means you can go about your day to day business as normal. But perhaps the biggest advantage of ultherapy is that noticeable results can be seen in a matter of days as the procedure is fast-acting and gets to work improving the collagen production in your skin quickly.

Ultherapy considerations

One of the biggest factors to consider regarding ultherapy is cost. Ultherapy on the neck can cost upwards of $2,500, depending on your location. And if you want the effects to last, you’ll need to have repeat procedures approximately every 18 months, so the cost can soon mount up. You also need to be aware of the short-term side effects which include swelling, bruising, numbness, tingling, and sensitivity.

What is thermage?

Thermage is another type of non-surgical facelift. However, instead of using ultrasound to stimulate collagen production within the skin, thermage utilizes radiofrequency technology to heat up the various layers of the skin. Thermage is most commonly used by individuals in their mid-thirties and upwards, according to Sylvia Down from Skin Renu. But it can yield results for anyone who has loose of saggy skin on their face or body.

The benefits of thermage treatments

Thermage can be used on areas on the body which are renowned for being problematic areas for loose skin, including the face, neck, stomach, arms, and thighs. As a result, thermage can boost overall body confidence, which is advantageous as 80% of U.S. women say they don’t like how they look. And, as thermage treatments are non-invasive, there’s no downtime following treatments, which is beneficial for individuals on-the-go.

What to consider

Thermage isn’t a quick fix solution to loose skin. The treatment, which costs an average of $2,000, encourages the growth of new collagen over the course of six months, which means it can take some time for you to see noticeable results. Once full collagen reproduction has occurred, Dr. Doris Day states that your skin will look smoother and tighter for “years depending on the condition and the patient’s natural aging process.”

As with most beauty treatments, side effects can occur. During and after a thermage treatment, you may experience stinging, redness, and swelling for a few hours to days. But the good news is that the incidence of side effects for tthe treatment is less than 1%,, so the likelihood of long-term issues arising following your treatment is low.

Both ultherapy and thermage can give you more youthful looking skin which looks healthier and plumper. But as these treatments come at a significant cost, you should carefully consider the benefits of each before choosing your preferred option, to ensure you get the best results for your money.

Cleansing your face twice per day is an essential part of every woman’s skin care regimen. And up until now, you’ve most likely been using a traditional cleanser to rid your face of makeup, dirt and debris. However, switching to a bottle of micellar water promises to do wonders for your skin, and it can even reduce the amount of time that you spend cleaning your face.

What is micellar water used for?

Micellar water is a powerful, multi-functional beauty product. Not only does it work as a cleanser, but it can also be used to remove makeup and to wash your face. As such, by investing in one bottle of micellar water, you could save yourself a small fortune in the long run.

What exactly is micellar water?

Micellar water contains a mix of soft water and micelles. Micelles are minuscule molecules that draw in dirt and oil to leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed. Since it first burst onto the mainstream beauty market, micellar water has experienced a huge growth. In 2013, sales totaled $82.9 million, but this increased to $122.7 million in 2018, due to an increasing number of individuals realizing how great micellar water is.

How do you use micellar water?

One of the biggest advantages of micellar water is that it’s super easy to use. You simply need to squirt a small amount onto a cotton pad and wipe it over your entire face. Micellar water is safe to use on the eyes and the lips, so there’s no need to be cautious when wiping over these areas. Best of all, there’s no need to wash it off afterwards. Your skin benefits from this, as over time, it can absorb the entire product, which will help to draw out deep-rooted dirt and oil.

The skin benefits of micellar water

Micellar water is suitable for every skin type, so there’s no need to hunt out one designed especially for yours. According to dermatologist Francesca Fusco, micellar water is particularly beneficial for individuals with acne, as “They (micelles) remove trapped debris from the skin but don’t dry it out.” Fusco also advises that using micellar water in between sunscreen applications will help to prevent your pores from clogging up.

How much does micellar water cost?

As with most beauty products, micellar water is available in a range of sizes and brands, all of which come with a different price tag. At the cheaper end of the market, you’ll find micellar waters from Simple, Sephora, Swisse, and Garnier, which retail for less than $10. Mid-range micellar waters come from brands including La Roche-Posay and Vichy Normaderm, and cost between $10 and $20, on average. Whereas, high-end brands, such as Darphin Azahar and Girl Undiscovered will set you back a minimum of $40.

By switching to micellar water, you’ll benefit from a versatile beauty product which packs a lot in. Not only will your skin look and feel amazing, but you’ll find your daily beauty routine and your bank balance gain too.

Botox is the go-to anti-aging solution for millions of women each year. In addition to keeping the face smooth and wrinkle-free, Botox is also given to eliminate the foot pain associated with wearing high heels. However, now it’s increasingly being administered in the hands to combat the effects of sweatiness caused by hyperhidrosis. But with between 50 and 100 units of Botox needing to be injected into each hand, is it safe and does it work?

Understanding excessive hand sweating

2.8% of U.S citizens have hyperhidrosis, according to Science Daily. When you have hyperhidrosis, it’s common for excess sweat to occur all over the body, and its the hands which are frequently affected. As your hands are almost always on show and are continually used throughout the day, more and more individuals are using Botox to keep their hand sweating under control.

How hand Botox works

Before Botox is administered into your hands, the surgeon will spend some time numbing your hands so that the whole process is as comfortable as possible for you. Once you’re both happy with the sensation in your hands, the Botox injections will be placed under the skin. The procedure usually takes no longer than half an hour. From there, the Botox will start to work its magic. This includes stopping the chemicals that work with the sweat glands from reaching them. In just a matter of days, the sweaty hands that you’re used to will start to feel better and within a fortnight, sweating will be reduced to the bare minimum.

Sadly, Botox is not a permanent fix for sweaty palms. While facial Botox usually yields results for at least 12 months, individuals who have Botox in their hands will typically experience just six months of reprieve from sweating. To continue to benefit, you’ll need to regularly have Botox top-ups, and of course, have the funds to cover the cost of it. But, the good news is that research has revealed that Botox can make hand sweating better by an impressive 80 to 90%. So, it’s an attractive prospect for those who battle the condition every single day.

The risks of hand Botox

Like all surgical beauty treatments, hand Botox does come with some risk. Following your treatment, you may experience bruising, loss of movement, and difficulties gripping. The American Medical Association also details the case of a teenager who temporarily lost the use of her thumbs following 30 Botox injections into her hands.

Something else to be cautious of is the fact that hand Botox isn’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for hyperhidrosis. Doctors, surgeons, and aestheticians are, therefore, administering it ‘off-label’. It is perfectly legal for these clinicians to do this as Botox is FDA approved. However, there are not enough studies or analysis into the short and long-term impacts that Botox has on the hands, which is why the FDA has not yet given it its seal of approval.

When you’ve got sweaty hands due to hyperhidrosis, it’s tempting to resort to Botox to resolve your condition. This is especially the case when excessive hand sweating is causing you embarrassment or is impacting your daily life. However, it’s essential you weigh up the pros and cons of this treatment before booking in for Botox shots as they’re not for everyone. To learn more about the pros and cons, find a doctor in Dubai and seek their guidance.

Botox was the most common non-invasive beauty procedure carried out in the U.S in 2017. Latest figures from the ASPS reveal that 7.23 million Botox treatments were administered, a jump of 2% compared to the year before. With Botox costing as much as $1,200 per session, individuals are seeking out ways to keep the cost of their treatments as low as possible. And while this is understandable, there are some things you should make sure you avoid.

Overseas treatments

It’s not known how many individuals head abroad to get Botox treatments, but it’s safe to say that a of people lot do. Spain is a particularly attractive location when you want to get Botox as, along with being able to enjoy the hot temperatures, you can benefit from low-cost Botox shots. However, many of the companies offering these treatments are operating illegally, and this means your health is at risk. Similar operations exist outside of the EU too, such as in Thailand. It’s, therefore, essential that you do your homework before having Botox overseas. For optimum reassurance and safety, it’s best to avoid overseas treatments altogether and opt for the safety of botulinum toxin injections administered on home soil.

Bargain Botox injections

In recent months, some high street stores have announced plans to sell low-cost Botox. When Botox is priced so low that it sounds too good to be true, you should ask yourself where the injectable comes from. Physicians in America should only administer drugs that come from the U.S. In most cases, it is against the law for them to import Botox which is manufactured in other countries. However, some do as it keeps prices lower. You also need to consider what other ingredients these products contain. In 2017, Australia seized a number of illegally imported beauty products, including botulinum toxin injections, and some were found to contain human placenta.

Untrained physicians

With Botox being so readily available on the high street and in health spas, you would assume that the person injecting it has all the qualifications and licenses needed to carry out the procedure. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. Plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Y. Maman states that only board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons or ENT surgeons should be injecting the public with Botox as they’ll understand the person’s anatomy better than anyone else. Furthermore, should any complications arise, they’ll know how to handle them effectively and efficiently. However, as botulinum toxin injections can be bought by anyone with a medical degree, they are increasingly being administered by nurse practitioners and other non-board-certified physicians.

Medication & specialist skin care products

A common side effect of Botox is bruising in and around the injected sites. To limit the severity of this bruising, you should steer clear of all blood thinners at least a week before you have Botox. This means saying no to a whole host of medications, supplements, and even skin care products. For this reason, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs should be avoided.

You’ll also need to stay away from supplements which contain vitamins A and E, fish oil, cod liver oil, and flax oil, among others. Products containing active skin ingredients also need to be ditched for a week. So be prepared to put your powerful vitamin A retinoids down and to go au naturel for a few days.

Ditch your makeup

For best results, you shouldn’t wear makeup during your Botox appointment. Similarly, once you’ve had Botox, you must not wear makeup for at least four hours. This is because using brushes, sponges, and products on your skin increases the likelihood of the Botox being transferred to other muscles in your face. As a result, the Botox will target muscles you don’t want it to and it will impact your overall results. Therefore, if the thought of parading around without your warpaint on concerns you, it might be best to consider a non-injectable anti-aging alternative, such as serums and creams.

An increasing number of individuals are turning to Botox. But, before you jump onboard this latest cosmetic trend, it’s crucial that you’re aware of the things to avoid when having a Botox treatment.

As an increasing number of individuals are beginning to fear the impact that pollution can have on their skin, the anti-pollution beauty industry has seen substantial global growth. In Asia, the number of new anti-pollution products launched between 2011 and 2013 grew by 40%. Meanwhile, the UK anti-pollution products market is currently worth £3.1 million and continues to grow. However, with the average British woman already spending £53.87 every month on facial skin care products, are anti-pollution beauty products worth the additional outlay?

How pollution impacts the skin

Air pollution grew by 8% in the five years up to 2016, according to The World Health Organization. When pollution gets onto your skin it starts by sitting on the surface. But, as pollution particles are so small, they slowly sink into your pores and penetrate into the epidermis. As a result, your skin will become inflamed, red, irritated, and dehydrated. If these weren’t bad enough, pollution can also trigger acne flareups, dark spots, eczema, and premature aging.

What makes anti-pollution skin care products work?

Anti-pollution skin care products are designed to shield the skin from the harmful effects of pollution. As pollution is also responsible for stripping vitamin E from your skin, many of these anti-pollution products are packed full of the powerful vitamin. Vitamin E is a moisturizer and an antioxidant which means it works to protect the cells in the skin and keep them healthy. Another firm favorite in these anti-pollution skin care products is vitamin C which works to boost the amount of collagen in the skin. Collagen keeps skin looking healthy and young as it plumps it. In addition, it’s an antioxidant and fights UV rays from the sun.

Popular anti-pollution skin care products

Due to the sudden demand for anti-pollution skin care products, you’ll now find a whole range of these products available from multiple leading brands. Ren offers an anti-pollution face mist which can be sprayed onto the face to safeguard it from pollutants, and Previse has an o-zone defense serum which does exactly what it says on the bottle. Other products available include Ultrasun’s Daily Face Fluid which boasts SPF 50, and the pricey Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops which currently retail for £105 in the UK.

Are anti-pollution skin care products worth it?

With 41% of people stating that pollution has the biggest impact on the condition of their skin, it’s no wonder that the anti-pollution skin care industry has seen a 30% growth in just six months. However, not all skin care experts believe that anti-pollution skin care is worth the money. Caroline Hirons says: “If you have a thorough cleansing routine and use sun protection and perhaps a basic vitamin C serum, you probably have no need for a specific anti-pollution routine. Most people have sturdy skin. The industry is very good at making people feel like they’re missing out, or that they’re putting themselves in danger. I don’t think they are.” Meanwhile, Doris Day, M.D. advises that “Simple changes to your beauty routine, such as proper cleansing and using antioxidants every day, can have a big, positive impact on skin.”

Alternative solution to anti-pollution skin care products

Thoroughly washing your face twice a day with a face wash, once in the morning and again at night, is the first step to removing pollution particles from your skin. After a day of continuous exposure to pollutants, you may need to work a little harder to remove the pollutants so it’s a wise idea to use a cleanser too. You should also ensure you regularly exfoliate your skin to get rid of any particles trapped in areas where dry and dead skin is located.

When your face is clean, gently wipe over your face with a toner to ensure your skin is as clean as can be. It’s also worth applying an antioxidant serum as this will help to rejuvenate your skin and stop the collagen breakdown. In addition to topically applying antioxidants, ensure your diet is packed full of foods high in antioxidants too, such as:

• Raisins
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Plums
• Oranges
• Kale
• Spinach

Along with following this rigorous routine, make sure you’re using high sun protection of a least SPF 30 on your face and the rest of your body to keep the harmful effects of pollution at bay.

Anti-pollution skin care products are a growing trend. And, while they contain plenty of ingredients which can combat the effects of pollution, there are cheaper methods you can use to achieve the same results.

If you’ve ever wanted to look like a celebrity then you’re in luck. Beyoncé’s personal makeup artist, Sir John has recently announced that he’s launching his own beauty line in collaboration with Woolworths. And, despite the news being unexpected, fans of the former Destiny’s Child star and the popular makeup artist couldn’t be more thrilled.

The big announcement

As all big names do these days, Sir John took to social media to reveal his beauty plans. On February 28, the makeup artist uploaded a video on Instagram with the caption: “So many awesome memories working with W.BEAUTY. From delivering masterclasses across South Africa together, to now launching my own signature product range with a brand that shares my values and passion for celebrating beauty…I’m proud of the work we’ve done.”

The video reveals that the line will be released in April 2019 and will be sold exclusively at Woolworths. In addition, the video showcases model Anais Mali who is seen wearing sparkly eyeshadow and a smoky liner. Following the announcement, fans flocked to Instagram to express their shock and delight with one stating that they were “So excited!” and another proclaiming that it was “the best thing to happen to the makeup industry.”

Sir John’s history with Beyoncé

Sir John first worked with Beyoncé back in 2011 at Tom Ford’s Womenswear show. However, it wasn’t until a whole year later that Beyoncé took the New Yorker on as her personal makeup artist.

Since then, he has worked his magic and has created many iconic looks on the pop star, including the bright eye color in her ‘Mine’ pop video, the golden look she adopted at the Grammy’s while heavily pregnant, and the dark and sultry look she wore at the Met Gala in 2016.

Sir John’s famous clients

In addition to working closely with Beyoncé, who Sir John describes as “like his sister”, the makeup artist has also mentored and beautified many other famous faces. Beyoncé’s fellow Destiny Child star, Kelly Rowland is one of Sir John’s clients, as is Kim Kardashian West, who too could be launching her own beauty range in the not too distant future. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra, Chrissy Teigen, and Joan Smalls have also been made up by the American Beauty Star judge.

What to expect from Sir John’s beauty line

No further details have yet been revealed about what Sir John’s collaboration with W.BEAUTY will entail. However, it’s safe to say that it will include products which will allow members of their public to look like Queen Bey. Despite some of Beyoncé’s iconic looks being ‘out there’ the pop Queen does tend to favor natural makeup, which was the standout feature on her 2018 Vogue cover feature.

“Beyoncé loves a ‘no-makeup’ makeup look She’s all about being confident in your skin and owning your natural element. This look was all about redefining glamorous as a state of mind. We focused on enhancing her natural brows, skin, and structure – and bringing out that inner glow,” Sir John says. And beauty fans who love to be on trend needn’t worry, either, as the teaser video released by Sir John indicates glitter and sparkle will feature in his collection too.

Sir John’s personal beauty line looks set to shake up the beauty industry as fans are already thrilled by the prospect of being able to look like Beyoncé. However, it remains to be seen just what products will hit the shelves when the line launches next month.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) boasts some amazing skin care benefits, including being able to hydrate the skin ten times better than simple H2O. Also referred to as sodium hyaluronate, HA occurs naturally in the body and is capable of soaking up 1,000 times more water than it weighs.. What’s more, leading dermatologists swear it’s the secret behind plumper and healthier looking skin. So much so, that Kate Beckinsale’s dermatologist claims the actress is “obsessed with it.”

Understanding hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is effectively a sponge which acts as the crucial key between healthy, hydrated skin or skin that’s in need of some serious attention. At its peak, there will be 15 grams of hyaluronic acid working its magic in your body. While 15 grams might not sound like much, one gram of hyaluronic acid is very powerful as it has the ability to store six liters of water. Despite its name, hyaluronic acid doesn’t actually contain harsh acids.

So, regardless of your skin type, you can benefit from patting hyaluronic acid onto your skin each night. Although HA grows naturally, skin care brands also choose to add the substance to their products, meaning you’re probably already benefiting from a little extra HA in your life.

Skin care benefits

It’s likely that you’re already sinking glass after glass of water to keep your skin as fresh and hydrated as possible. But, by adding hyaluronic acid into the mix, it will work with the water to help your skin look and feel soft, full, and radiant.Perhaps, HA’s biggest success, though, is its ability to overhaul aging skin, by working to eliminate and smooth lines and wrinkles around the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Research has even revealed that HA releases antioxidants and, in turn, prevents damage from free radicals Free radicals are typically caused by pollution, dust, smoke, and the sun. All of which can age the skin and leave it looking far from it’s best.

Who does hyaluronic acid benefit the most?

So, is it really worth adding hyaluronic acid into your daily skin care regime when your body is already doing the hard work of producing it daily? Most dermatologists agree that it is necessary as aging occurs. As the skin matures, it slowly loses its ability to produce hyaluronic acid. As a result, your skin becomes vulnerable to the effects of aging. “Skin moisture can drop significantly as we age. This makes the skin lose elasticity and expose the signs of aging on the skin. But hyaluronic acid acts as the ultimate drink for your skin,’ states Dia Foley of Indeed Laboratories.

Hyaluronic acid is also recommended for individuals with dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is often the result of cold, windy, winter weather. But, the harsh UV rays that you get in summer also impacts the skin. In such conditions, the skin will become dry and dull, and may even feel tight. When your skin is like this, fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent. But, a simple dose of hyaluronic acid-infused face cream will boost your complexion instantly and alleviate the tight sensation.

Adding hyaluronic acid into your skin care regime

You’ll find hyaluronic acid skin care products in a range of types, sizes and price brackets. Serums containing HA are a popular choice and one of the cheapest on the market comes from Deceim’s ‘The Ordinary’ range, at just $7. Whereas, at the other end of the scale sits Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum at $300. Other items containing HA, include Olay’s Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream which also utilizes amino-peptide and vitamin B3, Garnier’s SkinActive Super Hydrating Sheet Masks, and Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion, which boasts being a sunscreen too.

Hyaluronic acid injections

Just 26% of women and 28% of men are extremely happy with their appearance. So, it’s no surprise that dermal fillers are the go-to option for millions of Americans looking to eliminate the signs of aging and enhance their appearance. Hyaluronic acid is commonly used in dermal fillers as it promises to make the skin look younger and firmer in minutes.

Individuals who have fillers containing HA containing HA typically experience results for between six and 18 months. So, they’re a cost-effective and relatively long-term skin care fix for problem areas, including the eyes, cheeks, mouth, and the jawline.

HA injection risks

It’s natural to be concerned about side effects when having HA injections in your face. Thankfully, most of the side effects associated with HA dermal fillers are merely cosmetic and won’t last more than a few days. Bruising and swelling in the injected area is common. However, you should also consider the risk of long-term side effects. There is the possibility of blood vessels being damaged during the procedure which can lead to tissue death. On the plus side, should you not be happy with the results of the filler, it can be removed with an injection of hyaluronidase. This will break down the HA and restore your skin to its previous condition.

Hyaluronic acid is crucial when you yearn for healthy skin. This natural product is safe for anyone to use, meaning mature, oily, dry, dehydrated, and problem skin types can reap the benefits of HA. The biggest risk comes when HA is injected into the skin. And, although there are benefits to this procedure, it’s not for everyone.

Glycerin has become the must-have skin product for the millions of Americans with dry skin. Although dry skin can occur at any age, it’s typically more common in older adults. Mayo Clinic predicts that more than 50% of those over the age of 40 have dry skin. With claims that glycerin is the ‘ultimate moisturizing ingredient, how do consumers benefit from this common beauty ingredient? And, are there any risks which counteract these advantages?

What is glycerin?

Glycerin also goes by the names glycerine and glycerol. It was discovered more than two centuries ago and comes from plant sources in the form of a colorless and odorless liquid. It is widely used in skin care products as it is a humectant. This means it’s capable of retaining water and keeping the outer layer of the skin hydrated and moisturized.

Where you’ll find glycerin

The majority of your existing skin care products probably already contain glycerin as it’s a widely used ingredient. Brands including Garnier, Boots, and La Roche-Posay currently use the compound regularly. Glycerin tends to be added to soap as it makes it kinder on the skin than non-glycerin containing soaps. Cleansers, toners, moisturizers, body lotions, and even cosmetics also typically contain glycerin as it’s deemed as safe to use for all skin types.

Dermatologists, including Erin Gilbert, usually recommend mixing glycerin with other skin care products for optimum effectiveness. “One of the tricks I do is mix Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and add some extra vegetable glycerin to it and put it on my hands and feet before I go to bed,” she says.

Enhanced skin moisture

Hydrated skin looks and feels healthy, plump, and resilient. Good moisture levels will provide protection against environmental factors, such as the weather and pollution. Thankfully, research has shown that glycerin can boost the skin’s natural hydration levels.

A 2001 study found that when glycerin was used for just 10 days, there was a significant increase in the hydration of the participants’ skin. A further study revealed that glycerin prevents moisture loss better than silicone oil or hyaluronic acid, which are also ingredients commonly used in the skin care industry.

Healthier skin

Along with hydration, there are three other factors which contribute to healthy skin; consistent color, smoothness, and no noticeable sensations. Research carried out in 2008 found that glycerin can improve the appearance of wounds and speed up the healing process. Whereas, the same research detailed how glycerin can improve conditions such as atopic dermatitis, as well as those that flare up due to environmental triggers.

Clearer skin

The average individual will shed between 30,000 and 40,000 skin cells every day. But, sometimes these cells need a little extra help to keep the skin in top condition. When applied topically to the skin, glycerin encourages the removal of dead skin cells as it breaks down skin proteins. Furthermore, acne-prone skin can benefit from glycerin as it keeps the skin clean, clear, and free from blackheads.

Glycerin’s downfall

While glycerin does come with multiple skin benefits, there are factors to consider before dabbing it all over your skin. One of its biggest drawbacks is that its only effective as a moisturizer when the humidity in the air is less than 65%. When it’s humid, glycerin will suck the moisture from the dermis, AKA the inner layer of the skin.

As a result, your skin will continue to look healthy and hydrated on the outside, but the hydration levels will be lacking on the inside. Another downside is that glycerin can make your epidermis feel and look sticky. This poses a risk as it makes it easier for dust and pollution to stick to it which, therefore, puts your skin at greater risk of damage.

Be cautious

Although allergies to glycerin are considered rare, research has found a link between glycerin, urticarial syndrome and anaphylaxis. So, it’s wise to use glycerin with precaution, especially if it’s your first time using it. Start off with a small dose and allow your skin time to get used to the compound before gradually upping the amount you apply each time. It’s also important to note that glycerin should only be used in diluted forms to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction from occurring.

Your beauty cupboard is more than likely packed full of products containing glycerol. And, while, it does have some great advantages, it should be used with care to prevent unwanted side effects from arising.

Under-eye wrinkles are a natural sign of aging. However, more than 50% of women admit that these signs make them feel self-conscious. Meanwhile, 31% say they’d be more confident if they could look younger. So, it comes as no surprise that many women seek out products and procedures to combat their under-eye wrinkles in the hope of maintaining a youthful appearance. But which solution is the most effective?

Topical skin care products

One way to treat and reduce wrinkles under the eyes is to use topical skin care products. You’ll want to find ones that contain ingredients proven to combat wrinkles and aging, though. Vitamin C is highly recommended by dermatologists as it is an antioxidant which protects the skin from damage. But, what’s even better about it is that it prevents fine lines and smooths out any wrinkles already under the eyes, due to its collagen producing ability.

Another ingredient to look out for is retinol. Retinol is somewhat of a miracle ingredient as it increases the production of collagen and stops it from breaking down. Finally, utilize products which also contain hyaluronic acid as it soaks up water in the air and uses it to smooth out wrinkles and plump the skin.

pros and cons of topical creams

No cream is going to work miracles overnight. However, in most cases, with prolonged use, you’ll see a visible improvement in your under-eye wrinkles. For example, creams containing retinol must be used continuously for three months for them to make a difference.

And, you may also experience side-effects initially, including acne and dry patches. On the plus side, you’ll benefit from a low-risk anti-aging solution, which is low-cost, pain-free, and effective.

Microdermabrasion facials

Microdermabrasion facials have been cited by some as the ‘half an hour facelift’. The minimally invasive procedure involves microcrystals being sprayed into the skin. This removes the stratum corneum, or superficial layer of skin, as it is otherwise known. As a result, the skin is tricked into thinking it has been damaged and forces new, healthy skin cells to grow. At the same time, elastin and collagen are produced, both of which help to make the skin under the eyes appear wrinkle-free.

pros and cons of microdermabrasion

One of the biggest advantages of microdermabrasion is that the results last between six and 12 months. Therefore, at a cost of between $75 to $200 per treatment, it’s a fairly good deal. On the downside, microdermabrasion is only suitable for individuals with fine wrinkles as the procedure doesn’t penetrate past the top layer of the skin under the eyes.

The procedure can cause some side-effects too. Skin sensitivity, bruising, skin tightness, and abrasions are all possible. Furthermore, microdermabrasion is not suitable for individuals with existing skin conditions, such as rosacea, eczema, and acne as it can cause these conditions to flare up.

Botox injections

Botox is one of the most common types of cosmetic procedures carried out in the U.S. In 2017, 7.23 million procedures were performed. Botox is typically used on the forehead and around the eyes, however, it can also be used to reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles. The procedure is a relatively simple and short one, involving a small amount of Botox being injected into the muscles beneath the eye.

Pros and cons of Botox injections

Botox under the eyes is an off-label treatment. This is because the procedure is not approved by the FDA as there is very little evidence detailing the impact that it has on the body. There are also side effects to consider, which include difficulty closing the eyes, drooping eyes, numbness of the eyes, and eye swelling.

However, if you do decide to undergo this procedure in order to improve your under eye wrinkles, you can expect to see noticeable results in three to four days.

The good news for millions of individuals is that there are multiple ways to tackle under-eye wrinkles. Some of these methods are more invasive and carry more risks than others. Therefore, before embarking on any treatment, it’s highly recommended that you weigh up the pros and cons of the procedure.