The Beauty Bar Blog: CT Hair Styling, Bridal Makeup & So.Cap Fusion Extensions, CT Hair & Beauty Salon

Vitamins and Antioxidants Can Protect Skin from the Sun

Consuming a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants and applying topical products containing these ingredients can protect the skin from damage caused by the sun and may even help reverse some of the effects of sun damage.

Free-radicals are molecules that “steal” electrons from healthy skin cells. This can interfere with the cells’ functioning and slow down the regeneration process, contributing to wrinkles and aging. Free-radicals come from pollution and the sun’s UV rays. Antioxidants attract free-radicals and bind with them, which prevents them from damaging skin cells.

Vitamins C and E and selenium are antioxidants that can protect the skin from sun damage and skin cancer. They may even reverse discoloration and wrinkles associated with aging by speeding up the skin’s repair systems and preventing further damage. Taking vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium supplements can protect your skin from sun damage.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the body and protects it from cancer. A natural drop in CoQ10 occurs with age and leads to wrinkles. A study found that applying CoQ10 directly to the skin can reduce the effects of aging. Most studies that have been conducted used a 0.3% concentration.

Alpha-lipoic acid is another antioxidant that can combat aging. Studies in which participants applied creams with 3 to 5% concentrations every other day and gradually increased to every day improved the appearance of their skin.

Retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A in the skin and can reduce fine wrinkles, age spots, and rough skin when applied topically. It restores the elastic fibers that keep the skin taut. It can be applied in the form of a gel or cream with a concentration ranging from 0.01 to 0.1% applied every second or third night at first and eventually every night.

Green tea and chocolate contain flavonoids, which studies have shown can protect the skin from cancer and inflammation. Benefits can be derived from drinking green tea, applying green tea extract topically, eating chocolate, and drinking hot cocoa.

B vitamins found in chicken, eggs, and fortified grain products can protect the skin. They can also provide benefits when applied directly to the skin.

Other plant-based extracts, such as rosemary, tomato paste (lycopene), grape seed extract, pomegranate, and soy, can protect the skin when ingested or applied topically. Some scientists believe a blend of different antioxidants is better than a single product.

Some products are advertised offering miraculous results, but these claims may not be backed up by scientific studies. It may also be difficult to know if vitamins and antioxidants are in the right concentrations to be effective. Talk to your dermatologist before you try a product with vitamins or antioxidants for your skin.

2 Ways to Straighten Your Hair

Wavy or curly hair can be fun, but sometimes you may want a sleeker, more sophisticated look. Here are some tips on how to straighten your hair.

Using a Straightening Iron

• Start by washing your hair. If you are going to use a straightening iron, blow-dry your hair completely to prevent damage.

• Apply a heat protection spray to provide moisture and prevent damage. Hold it six inches from your head and avoid applying it to your roots.

• Divide your hair into two or three layers. Hold the upper layers out of the way with hair ties or clips.

• Choose the right temperature. For fine hair, set the straightening iron to 200 to 300 degrees F. For hair of average thickness in good condition, use 300 to 350 F. For very thick or coarse, frizzy hair, set it to 350 to 400 F.

• Start an inch from the roots and straighten sections 1 to 2 inches wide. Hold your hair taut, clamp the straightening iron around your hair, and smooth it through your hair.

• If you see any steam or if your hair starts to sizzle, stop. This means your hair is not completely dry. Finish blow-drying it to prevent damage.

• Continue until you have straightened all of your hair. Check in the mirror to make sure you haven’t missed any sections.

• Style your hair. Only apply finishing products, such as hairspray or serum, after your hair is completely straightened.

Using a Blow Dryer

• If you are going to blow-dry your hair straight, begin by washing it with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner if it is thick or frizzy or volumizing products if it is thin or flat. Only apply conditioner to the middle and ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles while the conditioner is in your hair.

• Wrap your hair in an absorbent microfiber towel for one to two minutes and then unwrap it and gently dab or blot it. Don’t rub your hair because that can cause damage.

• Use a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to gently comb and part your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up.

• Apply a small amount of straightening serum or cream, preferably with a heat protection element, to the middle and ends of your hair.

• Use a hair dryer with a high wattage, speed and temperature controls, light weight, and attachments.

• Set your dryer to a high speed and heat and rough dry your hair, starting at the roots, with the dryer pointing down until it is 60 to 80 percent dry.

• Divide your hair into three layers using hair ties or clips. If you have bangs, dry them first.

• If you want to add volume or add a slight curl at the ends, use a thick round brush. If you want your hair completely straight, use a paddle-brush.

• Hold a section of hair 2 to 4 inches wide taut and blow-dry with the dryer pointing down. After the section is completely dry, finish with a blast of cool air. Continue with the other sections.

• Apply a pea-sized amount of shine serum or shine spray or a light amount of hairspray to keep your hair straight. Avoid spraying water or mousse on your hair. Don’t let rain or sweat ruin your work.

How to Make Your Manicure Last Longer

A manicure is a great way to relax and get ready for a holiday party or a night out, but you have probably found that your polish quickly chips, even when you thought it was dry. Here are some tips to help your manicure last longer.

Before you paint your nails, remove any dirt and grime by scrubbing with a dry toothbrush and whitening toothpaste. Rinse and thoroughly dry your hands after you have finished. If you decide to moisturize, be sure to remove any oil before you polish your nails. Use a water-based balm instead of cuticle oil to keep your cuticles moisturized and keep your polish in top condition.

Use a good base coat. It will adhere to your nails better than a lacquer, create a seal that the polish can attach to, and smooth the nails’ surfaces. A base coat will also prevent the polish from staining your nails and prevent breakage, splitting, and peeling.

Avoid soaking your nails in warm water. When your nails absorb the water, their natural shape will expand. After you polish them, the water will evaporate, the nails will contract, and the polish will chip and crack.

Heat can cause your nail polish to chip. Polish takes 12 hours to fully dry and harden, so you should avoid hot air and water during that time. Use an air dryer with cool air to dry your nails and avoid washing your hands with warm or hot water, taking a hot shower, using a sauna, and blowing on your nails.

Avoid hand sanitizers and exfoliating face and body scrubs that can eat away at your top coat and make your color fade. Wash your hands with a mild antibacterial soap and use alcohol-free, fragrance-free lotion.

If you are going to be putting your hands in water, such as washing dishes, wear rubber gloves to protect your manicure. Putting petroleum jelly over the entire nail beds will protect your polish even better.

How to Choose the Right Serum for Your Skin Type

A serum can give your skin a concentrated level of nutrients that can penetrate better than a moisturizer to give you a healthy glow. The ingredients founds in serums are typically small molecules that can deliver collagen builders, antioxidants, vitamin C, and other anti-aging ingredients deeper into the skin than creams can. Using a serum is an important part of your skin care routine. Here are some tips to help you choose the right serum for your skin type.

• If you have combination skin, try a serum with plant oils and silicone derivatives. It will eliminate shine and keep your makeup in place.

• For dry skin, use a serum with humectants that will mimic the body’s ability to moisturize itself naturally. Lipids like ceramides can penetrate below the skin’s surface to improve its texture.

• If you have oily skin, use a quick-absorbing, oil-based serum to regulate your skin’s oil production. You will not need to use a moisturizer.

• For dull skin, use a serum with calcium, copper, zinc, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid.

• If you have rosacea, try a serum with arnica; mulberry root, bearberry, goji berry, pomegranate, or grapeseed extract; or green, white, or red tea.

• Drying out skin with acne will only make it produce more oil. Use a serum with glycolic acid and salicylic acid that will exfoliate and hydrate.

• If you have sensitive skin, choose a serum with oils that will boost natural retinol, soothe your skin, and reduce the size of your pores. You should also use a product with anti-inflammatories.

• Vitamin C can reduce pigmentation caused by sun exposure. You should choose a serum that also contains glycerin and retinol for added moisture.

• You can fight the effects of aging by using a serum with retinol that will reduce the size of your pores, smooth your skin’s texture, and lighten brown spots. Vitamin C will strengthen your skin and protect it from future damage.

Holiday Skin Care Tips

The holidays are almost here, which means you will be going to parties with family, friends, and coworkers and posing for pictures. Here are some skin care tips for the holiday season.

Dry winter air can rob your skin of essential moisture. During the cold months, it is important to keep your face well hydrated. Use a mild facial cleanser and a daily moisturizing cream to protect your skin’s moisture barrier and help it stay hydrated.

If you are not using a serum already, consider adding one to your skin care regimen this winter. A serum can correct many specific problems you have with your skin and help it lock in moisture. Look for a serum with peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. Your dermatologist may also recommend a serum with retinol.

Your heater will create warm, dry air at home that can dry out your skin. Combat this effect by using a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air.

Heat from your daily shower can also dry out your skin. Reduce the temperature of the water and the length of your shower to keep your skin from losing moisture.

If you want to have a tan for your holiday parties, choose an airbrush one that will give you a sun-kissed glow without the potential damage from UVA and UVB rays. To get an even, long-lasting tan, exfoliate your skin before you visit the tanning salon.

Sun damage is still a threat in the winter. You should wear sunscreen year-round. This is especially important if you participate in snow-related activities because snow can reflect the sun’s rays onto your skin, which can cause damage.

The holidays will be here soon, so follow these tips to protect your skin and look your best at parties this year.