Archive for the ‘Skin Care for Tweens’ Category

Foods that Fight Acne

Friday, November 20th, 2009

Hey Daisy Girls, here are some foods for thought….

Although it isn’t scientifically proven that eating junk food like chocolate and pizza can cause breakouts, scientists do agree that certain foods can help make your skin more beautiful and help minimize acne breakouts.

Here are the top recommended foods for gorgeous glowing skin!

EGCG- (found in green, black and white tea) helps prevent inflammatory agents involved in acne. It also helps prevent skin cancer and has a whole host of beauty benefits. So start your day with a great big cup of Green tea ( I like decaf! ).  During the winter, I love a hot cup…in summer, I put mine over ice!

Olive oil – Contains fatty acids (omega 3’s) that nourish the skin and help it glow. This is the good type of fat that not only our skin needs but our hearts and bodies need as well.   Add a tablespoon of olive oil over your salad or sprinkle some on your pasta with a little bit of grated cheese.

Walnuts - They are rich in omega-3 oils too!Omega-3 oils are also found in oily fish such as salmon, or in flaxseed oil. Omega 3 fatty acids keep your hair shiny too!

Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, cranberries are all rich in phytochemicals that are protective of skin cells. They must be fresh! You can’t get the same results from frozen or preserved fruit.

Low-Fat Dairy Products – Got milk? One the most important components of healthy skin is vitamin A, found in most dairy products. So drink your glass of milk each day (or have it in your cereal) and make low fat yogurts a part of your daily diet routine.

Brazil nuts – Brazil nuts are actually the richest dietary source of selenium. Experts say selenium plays a key role in the health of skin cells. Some studies show that even skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.

Water - You use moisturizer to hydrate your skin on the outside, but you also need to nourish from the inside. Good hydration plays an important role in keeping skin looking healthy. You must drink good ol’ purified water. Iced-Tea, sodas, seltzer and juices won’t do the same trick.

So next time mom or dad goes food shopping, ask to go with them and be sure to get some of these great acne fighting foods into your shopping cart!

Acne: Whiteheads, Blackheads, Pimples, OH MY!

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Stomp Out Acne!

teen-acne-treatIf you are experiencing any of the above forms of acne, guess what…YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  More than 85% of young teens experience acne.  I’m sure that doesn’t make you feel better about your own, but at least you know that tween and teen acne is very common!

There are many terms for acne…zits, pimples, blemishes, blackheads…etc.  The three main contenders are whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.  Here are brief definitions of each: 

  • Whiteheads are pores that have become closed and clogged with oil.

 

  • Blackheads are clogged pores that haven’t closed; pigment has turned the oil black.

 

  • Pimples (or zits) are red, inflamed, clogged pores that sometimes are filled with pus.

 

What causes acne?

There is no absolute reason for acne, but we do know this…As you start to mature, your hormones start acting a little crazy, and you start producing more oil…ever notice at the end of the day your face is a little shiny?  OIL!  Well, oil can become trapped in your pores and eventually bacteria invade.  You are left with any of the above three forms of acne.

How can I treat my acne?

It’s important to understand that there are several ways to target and treat acne.  One way is to kill bacteria that is on the skin.  Many over the counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide (like Clearisil) can be used to kill bacteria. No bacteria no acne, right?  Wrong!

There are still other reasons why we get acne.  For instance, if oil, sweat or dirt becomes clogged in our pores, and then dead skin cells grow over those pores, we get zits or whiteheads.  So we need to make sure that we exfoliate our skin regularly to avoid dead skin cells from piling up on clogged pores. 

Products that can help with this contain Salicylic Acid. This type of acid helps your skin to shed dead skin cells so dirt and bacteria doesn’t get trapped inside.  Neutrogena has a nice facial cleanser that contains 2% Salicylic Acid (that is the proper amount).  You can also purchase a generic brand or Target makes their own as well and it’s really good. 

Also, it is good to use a gentle exfoliating product at least 1x per week.  Like St Ives Apricot blackhead scrub.  This scrub is a bit abrasive so be gentle!  Contrary to popular believe, scrubbing your skin will not make it cleaner, it will actually aggravate acne and may worsen your condition.

So, here is a basic cleansing ritual you can follow:

Morning: Wash with Neutrogena 2% salicylic acid, follow with oil-free moisturizer wherever your skin is dry (I like Oil of Olay). 

Evening: Wash with Cetaphil anti-bacterial soap (it’s gentle and doesn’t dry your skin).  Apply Clearisil benzoyl peroxide cream only to problem areas.  DO NOT USE TOO MUCH. Using too much will dry your skin and cause your skin to produce more oil.  Use only a dab in the areas you experience problems.

Everyone’s skin is different so it may take some time and trying new products before you get your acne under control.  If you have severe acne or are unable to see improvements after using acne control medicine, ask your mom to take you to a dermatologist or get on a regular routine of facials at your local spa.

Daisy Girl Products

New Fragrances!

Hey Daisy Girls!  We just added two delightfully delicious scents to our DG collection!  You’ve got to experience Pink Grapefruit and Grape Jelly!  Pink Grapefruit is light and sweet while Grape Jelly is a stronger fragrance.  Both new scents come with a collectible charm!

Greens

Photo coming soon!  For our earthy, go green, Daisy Girls!  Our line of green perfumes come in natural, fruity scents like Pear, Pear-Vanilla, Pearberry and Harmony (a blend of juicy pears and crisp apples smothered in sweet vanilla!) Go Green!  btn_buynow_LG

Pinks

Daisy Girl Perfumes for GirlsFor the girl who likes to be spoiled pink!
Our ‘pink perfumes’ come in sweet, mouthwatering flavors like Bubble Gum, Fruit Punch and more!  Remember each perfume comes with a collectible charm!
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Yellows

DaisyGirlYellow_RevisedOur Yellow line features flavors that are good enough to eat like Creamiscle and Sugar Cookie…it smells like a fresh baked cookie hot out of the oven.  Each Daisy Girl perfume comes with a beautiful, collectible charm!btn_buynow_LG