It appears the cosmetic industry thinks we are all scientists. When you pick up a jar of lotion or cream, it boasts that it has peptides or ceramides or beta hydroxy acid. It is difficult to accept that anything that can be called an acid will be good for your complexion. But studies into what causes wrinkles have led to the discovery that beta hydroxy acid is an excellent exfoliant. Chemical analysis reveals it is oil soluble. The advantages this has over a water-soluble acid are many.

Chemical Solutions

There are oil glands below the surface of the skin. The oil, called sebum, exits through the pores and acts as a natural moisturizer. If not for sebum, skin and scalp would get uncontrollably dry. Also inside the pores, and included in the sebum, are dead skin cells. Skin cells build up on the surface of the skin as they are pushed up through the pores. Dead skin cells need to be removed regularly in order for new skin to prosper. Beta hydroxy acids can penetrate pores and remove the dead skin cells, thus it makes a wonderful exfoliate. But there are other cosmetics also that benefit from its properties.

There is an alpha hydroxy acid formula also and choosing the right cosmetic means understanding the differences between the alpha and the beta acids.

Chemical Reactions

The alpha hydroxy acids are water-soluble. They are also used as exfoliants, but usually work best on skin damaged by the sun. Beta hydroxy acids, on the other hand, work well on oily skins. The beta hydroxy acids must be used cautiously.

Despite the possible side effects of using beta hydroxy acids, their use is beneficial for skin rejuvenation. The acids slough off dead skin cells so that new cells can make an appearance. Beta hydroxy acids have shown to reduce wrinkling and rough skin texture. Preventing possible skin irritations just means using caution and some planning.

The Right Formula

Beta hydroxy acids can treat your wrinkles safely and effectively. To reduce possible problems, follow a few simple rules.

As we age, less seblum is produced and this leads to skin dryness. Skin dryness leads to increased wrinkling. Aging is very hard on skin. It takes daily diligence to protect your skin from excessive drying. Using cosmetics with beta hydroxy acids can reduce the effects of aging. Carefully choose your cosmetics and your skin will keep its youthful appearance for years to come.

Numerous anti aging remedies are coming out with AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids as their main ingredient. Touted to help reduce the effects of aging, they are flowing the market and causing quite a stir. But what are they? And how do they work?

How can I find them?

AHAs are any number of ingredients in cosmetics and anti aging potions. Here are some of the more common names:

What are they?

AHAs are fruit acids that react with the skin to allow new skin cells to rise to the surface and restore a youthful appearance. And while they seem cutting edge to us, they were actually found to be used back in the times of Egypt by none other than Cleopatra herself.

What can they do?

Alpha hydroxy acids can do a number of things for your skin. Appropriate for nearly every skin type, they can help to unblock pores and restore cleanliness to pores. They can also help soften and smooth lines and wrinkles on the outer layers of the skin. The skin’s texture and tone are also improved by the use of AHAs in lotions and cleansers.

Are they right for you?

Some people who try to use AHAs will find that their skin can react unfavorably. There are some skin types that are sensitive to the reaction of acid on the skin and it can create a temporary reddish coloring that will dissipate once use has stopped. For others, AHAs are a great step to add to your skin routine at night to help uncover your natural glow. You will want to try the lotion on a test area of skin to see if you have a reaction before using it on your entire face.

How do you use them?

In a cream or lotion, you will want to apply AHAs lightly to cleansed skin. When you apply them at night, you will allow them to work with your skin as you sleep, helping you wake up with fresher skin. You can also use AHAs in day creams, but this can be tricky as you will need to protect your skin from the sun in order to prevent the acid from combining with the UV rays and causing too intense of an experience.

Are they the best option?

For most people that are concerned about their skin, AHAs allow them to use a gentle product everyday instead of resorting to more intensive skin therapies. They are also readily available at drugstores and department stores, so they aren’t very expensive to purchase. For those without sensitive skin, they are a great new way to restore moisture, even out tone, and create a smooth appearance – all without surgery or other invasive techniques.

Applying lipstick that lasts

Every woman wants her lipstick to outlast her. And while there are new formulas that promise to make it through the day, they can be expensive as well as drying to the lips. Thankfully, there are ways to make your favorite lipstick last as long as you want it too. Here’s what you need to know.

Prepping those lips

A good pair of lips will want to hold onto the lip color that you apply. To get lips that last, you will want to add a few steps to your nightly routine. After brushing your teeth, you’ll want to rinse and wash off your lips of any remaining toothpaste. Take your clean toothbrush and gently rub it over your lips to remove any excess skin cells that are causing them to be rough. Gently rinse your lips and pat dry. Then apply a coat of petroleum jelly or a thick lip balm before you head to bed. This will allow your lips to soak up the moisture overnight, allowing you to wake up to a softer pair of lips.

Ready for your close-up?

When you’re ready to apply your lipstick, you’ll want to start by adding a light layer of foundation to your lips or a lipstick foundation (some are now being produced). This will help to smooth the surface of your lips and provide an instant palette upon which to apply the lipstick. Let the foundation dry and try not to move your lips as it does so. When it has dried, apply a light lip liner around the insides of your lip line. Make sure that this is close to your natural skin color in order to prevent a harsh look. Then fill in your lips with your chosen lipstick, lightly. Blot that lipstick and then apply another coat. You can do this by firming pressing your lips against a piece of tissue.

When you’re done with that coat, blot your lips again with a fresh piece of tissue. Take another piece of tissue and hold over your lips. Powder your lips through the tissue in order to give them staying power. Or you can also use one of the new sealants that are being sold, but powder works just as well.

Other tricks that you can use

A great way to keep your lips looking polished is to add a little lip gloss on the top layer of your lipstick. This will add some shine as well as another layer of protection. It doesn’t have to be a heavy coat, just enough to cover the area. When that gloss starts to wear off, you can reapply a coat of lipstick and then another coat of gloss.

The darker the lipstick, the more difficult it may be to keep it looking that way from day to night. If you’re just going to the office, try using a more neutral toned lipstick color in order to reduce the appearance of fading. For a night out on the town, the tricks above will get you through until morning.