| How to Cover Acne Scars with Makeup Posted: 08 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT If you've struggled with cystic acne or regular breakouts, you know that not all makeup products can help you look and feel your best. If you want to completely cover up your acne scars for the day, you'll need products that are mattifying, full-coverage, and long-lasting. Instead of swiping makeup onto your face, try pressing foundation, concealer, and powder into your skin to achieve smooth, even coverage. Combine these products and techniques with color-correcting fluids and scar filling products to instantly camouflage your scars. Have fun using these products to boost your confidence and let your beautiful self shine! EditSelecting Makeup Products - Match your makeup to your skin tone. A close match between your concealer, foundation, and skin tone will give you the most natural look. Look at your inner wrist under natural light to determine whether you have warm, neutral, or cool undertones. Visit a beauty store and test out a variety of products that are designed to flatter your shade and undertones.[1]
- Note that some products change color slightly after 1-2 hours of contact with the oils in your skin. For instance, the perfect shade of foundation might get yellowy by the end of the day. Try out samples to see what looks and feels the best after a full day of wear.
- If your skin gets paler or darker depending on the season, pick one set of products to match your summer skin tone and another for your winter shade.
- Opt for mattifying concealers, liquid foundations, and setting powders. Makeup products that create a matte finish will visually soften and smooth the texture of your skin. Refrain from using dewy, luminous foundations and powders all over your face, since these tend to emphasize the texture of your skin.[2]
- Pick products that are labeled as non-comedogenic or oil-free. Unfortunately, some makeup and skincare products can clog your pores, which can make your acne worse. Read the labels on the products you choose to make sure they say they're non-comedogenic or oil-free. This means they shouldn't clog your pores.[3]
- Most products will have this listed on the front, but it may be on the back label.
- Choose lightweight, blendable, full-coverage products. Full coverage cosmetics are desirable as they will create an even canvas of color across your face. This will make any indentations less noticeable. Look for a full-coverage product that still feels lightweight and blendable on your skin. Products that offer moisturizing or emollient properties will blend nicely without leaving a dry, cakey residue.
- Products with words like "camouflage" in the title are designed to cover up areas of discoloration, from dark spots to tattoos. These could be a good solution if your acne scars are significantly darker than the rest of your face.[4]
- If you want full coverage over your scars but lighter coverage on the rest of your face, try using a medium-coverage foundation or even a highly pigmented tinted moisturizer that is designed for layering.
- Select long-lasting formulas. Many foundations and powders promise "24-hour coverage" or "long-lasting" coverage. Stick with a product like this to avoid midday touch-ups. Additionally, if you anticipate sweat, tears, or being around water, select waterproof cosmetics. However, don't wear waterproof products often, as they can clog your pores.[5]
- If you wear waterproof products, make sure you use a makeup remover that's formulated to remove them. If you leave makeup on your face, it may clog your pores.
- Choose a "pore-eliminating" foundation primer for your base layer. Makeup primers and foundation primers create a uniform base layer that other cosmetic products can be layered onto. Many primers enable long-lasting wear, and a primer described as "poreless," "pore-eliminating," or "skin-smoothing" will establish a smoother skin texture.
- Primers help keep your makeup in place so it lasts longer.
- Primers won't literally remove your pores but will instead fill them in, helping mask the indentations left by acne scarring and creating the appearance of a smoother canvas for cosmetics to be applied to.[6]
- Try concealers that are specially formulated for use on acne scars and breakouts. Look for product containing phrases like "breakout concealer" or "acne concealer" on the labels. These are designed to treat current breakouts and prevent future irritations.[7] For deep scarring, silicone-based acne scar fillers apply a layer of silicone to the surface of your skin.[8]
- The silicone fills in any indentations from your scarring and leaves a smooth surface that you can apply foundation and other makeup products onto.
- Use a color-correcting concealer to cancel out dark spots. Acne has a cool tone, so using warm shades can balance it out. If you have light skin, use a golden peach concealer. For medium skin, choose a peach undertone. If your skin is dark, opt for a dark orange tinted color-corrector. Stipple the color-corrector onto clean, moisturized skin and seal it with a finishing powder. It might look a little odd at first, but once you layer foundation over the color-correcting product you'll see the dark spots disappear.[9]
- Try not to blend the foundation into the color-correcting product below. The goal is to keep these layers separate so that they each do their job separately.
- Try airbrush makeup or spray-on foundation. Airbrush makeup kits are typically sold at professional-level prices and will require some practice before you achieve a flawless, evenly layered finish. But you can pick up a spray-on foundation product to get similar results. These types of products deliver a fine mist evenly across your skin, which can be layered for the perfect amount of coverage.
- Mist and spray foundations are pricier than liquid formulas but they allow you to emulate the look of airbrush makeup at home without the equipment investment.[10]
- Airbrush makeup tends to photograph well, so consider booking the services of a makeup artist for a special event.[11]
- If you're a makeup artist, consider airbrush equipment an essential part of your kit. Clients typically pay more for airbrushing services. Your clients with acne scars may appreciate having the option to experience the pampering and uniform finish.
EditPreparing and Priming the Skin - Cleanse your skin first. Start with a clean, fresh face before putting on any makeup. You might rinse your face off with water or use a daily cleanser – follow whatever skincare routine your dermatologist recommends.[12]
- Exfoliate your skin with a chemical exfoliator to remove dead skin cells. Choose a product that contains salicylic acid or a similar exfoliator. Apply a dime-sized amount to your face and scrub it into your skin. Rinse with cool water to close your pores.[13]
- The exfoliator will scrub away dead skin cells so your skin feels smoother and your pores are less likely to get clogged. Additionally, it will help fade your acne scars.
- You can use your exfoliator once a day until your skin looks clear. After that, it's best to use it just 2-3 times a week so you don't damage your skin.
- Moisturize your skin with a lightweight, hydrating product. Again, follow your dermatologist's recommendations for the right daily moisturizer. It should contain SPF to prevent your acne scars from sun damage. Select something that melts into your skin and doesn't leave a greasy residue.[14]
- It's also a good idea to moisturize your face at night. Just make sure you're using the lightweight, oil-free moisturizer recommended by your dermatologist.
- Treat your skin with a serum that contains vitamin C or hyrdroquinone. Pick a healing serum that contains a lightening agent like vitamin c or hydroquinione. Additionally, check the label to see if it contains antioxidants. Apply a thin layer of serum to your face before you apply primer. Then, let it sit for a few minutes so it soaks into your skin.[15]
- You can also apply your serum at night before you go to bed.
- Apply primer to smooth your skin's texture and provide a solid base. Foundation primers create a receptive base for the rest of your cosmetics to latch onto. Select a primer that has smoothing and "pore-eliminating" properties. Apply it all over your face with a stippling brush, pressing gently into your skin.[16] Let the primer dry and set before layering on other cosmetics.
EditApplying Concealer and Foundation - Dot a color-correcting concealer onto dark spots and set with powder. If you're going to use a peach or orange toned color correcting product to cancel out the cool, dark undertones of your acne scars, stipple it over the dark areas using a brush. Cover the centers and outer edges of the dark spots. Softly blend the product out at the edges using your fingertips. Push loose or pressed finishing powder into the product using a kabuki brush or powder puff.[17]
- Apply a mattifying, full-coverage concealer to your scars. As with the color-correcting product, use a stippling brush to press the concealer gently into your skin. Apply it selectively to the areas you'd like to cover up. Use your fingertips to gently pat the product into your skin.[18]
- If your concealer comes with a click-brush or sponge tip applicator, you can use this instead of a separate brush.[19]
- Stipple a full-coverage mattifying liquid foundation to your entire face. Applying foundation with swiping and smearing motions will draw attention to the bumpy texture of your skin and won't deliver even layers of coverage. Instead, press the product into your skin to make sure it gets into the deeper parts of the scarring.[20]
- Alternately use a beauty blending sponge in the same stippling motions. Make sure to wash it after each use to prevent bacterial growth.[21]
- You can layer buildable products for more coverage over darker spots. Allow the base layer to dry and then apply another layer to those specific areas.[22]
EditSetting Your Makeup - Set the foundation with a matte pressed powder or loose powder. Tap a kabuki brush or powder puff into your chosen powder to pick up a thin layer of product. For loose powders, shake out a little product into the jar lid and press the brush into the lid. Then deliberately press the brush or powder puff into your skin. Move across your face until you get a complete layer of coverage.[23]
- Choose a translucent powder to set your makeup for a natural day look. If you're doing a night look, pick a powder that matches your skin tone for additional coverage. However, using a powder that's your skin tone can create a heavy look.
- Refrain from dusting powder all over with rapid motions. You might smudge some of the foundation or concealer you just carefully placed.
- Place highlighter strategically onto smooth areas of your skin. Although luminous products won't provide good coverage for scarred areas, a dash of fluid or powder highlighter can restore a glow to your matte face. The trick is to place highlighter sparingly on smooth parts of your skin. It will help your favorite features stand out while drawing attention away from the scarring.[24]
- Try dotting highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones, above your browbone, or at the tip of your nose. You can also dab it in your inner eye and across your lid.
- Finish your look with a setting spray. A long-lasting setting spray will lock your makeup into place all day and all night.[25] That is, until you completely remove your makeup with a cleanser or makeup removing wipe.[26]
- You can actually use setting spray in lieu of powder if your skin tends to dry out.[27] However, a pigmented powder will add an extra layer of coverage.
EditThings You'll Need - Foundation primer
- Foundation
- Color-correcting fluid
- Concealer
- Stippling brushes
- Pressed or loose powder
- Kabuki brush or powder puff
- Setting spray
- Highlighter
- Cleanser or makeup removing wipes
EditReferences
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| How to Get Dust Out of the Air Posted: 08 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT Dust in the air of your home can cause breathing and allergy problems for all of your family members. However, there are several very effective ways to minimize the dust and purify your air. You can filter the air, clean your home properly, and control your environment so that dust doesn't accumulate in the first place. In fact, with a combination of these approaches, you can ensure that the dust in your house will be at an all-time low. EditFiltering the Air - Put new filters in your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. The air in your home can become overly dusty if the filters in your furnace and air conditioning systems are old and dirty. Change out the filters every 2 to 3 months and put a new filter in when you turn on a system for the first time each year.
- How often you need to change out your filters does depend on your specific heating and cooling system, what kind of filters you use, and what the conditions in your home are. For example, if you have several cats or dogs, you should be changing out your filter every 3 weeks.[1]
- If you are unsure, talk to the person that services your HVAC system about how often you should be changing your filters out.
- By putting a new filter in you will be filtering your air every time you turn on your heating or cooling system.
- Purchase a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) air purifier. HEPA air purifiers are the best for getting rid of dust because they filter out even fine matter in the air. These air purifiers are widely available at big box stores and from online retailers.[2]
- Typically HEPA air purifiers are stand-alone units that plug into a wall outlet.
- Put your new air purifier in the room that feels the dustiest. Often this will be your bedroom, as the linens and the amount to time you spend in there creates a lot of dust.
- Clean or replace the filters in your air purifier often. As a filter gets dirty, it's less able to filter out dust in the air. Follow the directions that came on your air filter for how often to clean it. However, don't be afraid to clean it more often than recommended.[3]
- Many air purifiers come with a pre-filter and a filter. The pre-filter will often be washable but the larger main filter needs to be replaced when it gets dirty.
- Whether a filter is cleaned or replaced depends on your specific air purifier. In general, it costs more for cleanable filters but you will save money over time by not having to replace your filter.
- Don't buy houseplants thinking they will remove dust in the air. Many people believe that houseplants improve air quality in a home but they don't make the air less dusty. In fact, the soil that plants live in can add to dust to the air and some plants will even add pollen and other particles to the air.[4]
- This doesn't mean that houseplants aren't great to have in your home! They just aren't a magical solution for dust problems.
EditEliminating Dust by Cleaning Properly - Vacuum your house twice a week. Vacuuming regularly is one of the best things you can do to eliminate dust in the air. Surfaces that you should be vacuuming include rugs, carpets, sofas, under beds, window sills, and baseboards.[5]
- When you vacuum it removes all of the debris and dirt that gets kicked up into the air when you walk around or when there is air movement.
- Make sure you are using a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter in your vacuum. This will help ensure that the dust that your vacuum sucks up isn't pushed through the filter and back out into the air.
- Mop hard floor surfaces twice a week. Dirt and debris that builds up on your hard floor surfaces also gets kicked up into the air. To prevent this, use a damp mop to clean floor areas that can't be vacuumed.
- You can also use a dry dust mop on your hard surfaces. However, they do not remove as much dust as a wet mop does.
- Use a microfiber cloth or duster to dust hard surfaces. Microfiber products are great at trapping the dust that they collect from surfaces. You can either get your cloth slightly damp or use it dry, depending on whether the surface you are cleaning can get damp.[6]
- Traditional old feather dusters do not do a good job at trapping the dust they have collected. Instead, they tend to throw a lot of dust into the air and onto other surfaces.
- Wash your sheets weekly. Since we all spend a lot of time in your sheets, they tend to collect a lot of dust and grime that comes off of our bodies. However, if we wash our sheets every week, the dust and grime doesn't have a chance to get into our air.
- Washing your sheets weekly also reduces the number of dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens in your bed that can impact your breathing negatively.[7]
EditReducing Dust by Controlling Your Environment - Remove your shoes when you come into your house. Controlling the amount of dirt and grime that comes into your home can greatly reduce the amount of dust and allergens that end up in your air. When you wear your shoes inside, the dirt and allergens from outside get transferred to your floors and end up in your air.[8]
- Keep your doors and windows closed as much as possible. A lot of dust and dirt can come into your home through open windows and doors. Although it may be tempting to get a fresh breeze blowing through your home, remember that that breeze includes dust and allergens that will settle on your home surfaces and get kicked up when you walk around.
- How much dust will come into your home through an open window or door depends a lot on where you live, what time of year it is, and what the air conditions are currently. Some areas normally have more dust and debris in the air than others, so take your specific location into consideration.
- Seal cracks or gaps in your house. Dust can get into your home through all openings. Take the time to caulk or spackle any holes in your walls so that your home is more airtight. Also, seal up gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping.[9]
- Close your chimney flue. If you have a fireplace, it's important to keep the flue closed when it's not in use. Closing it will help seal out the outside and keep dust in the air at a minimum. This is especially important if it is windy outside, as the wind can go down your chimney and push dust and debris from the chimney into your home.
- Reduce the clutter in your house. Having a lot of irregular surfaces in your home makes it hard to clean effectively. Start by getting rid of that you don't need. Then clean up needed items by putting them away in closets and cupboards. Get rid of items that you don't need and you will have open spaces that can be dusted or vacuumed quickly and regularly.[10]
EditReferences
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| How to Stop Itching After Shaving Posted: 08 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT Dealing with itchy skin after you shave can be annoying, but you can do something about it. No matter which part of your body is itching, there's a home remedy for relieving your itch fast. However, if your itch won't go away or you develop razor bumps, it's best to see your doctor. Fortunately, you can also prevent itching after shaving with a few changes to your routine. EditRelieving the Itch Quickly - Give the itchy area time to heal by avoiding shaving or touching it. Touching or shaving your skin will only make your itching worse. Instead, give your skin a break for at least a few days. During this time, keep touching to a minimum, don't shave, and only apply gentle, fragrance-free products.[1]
- Don't start shaving again until your skin has healed.
- Don't scratch your itchy skin, as it will only make the itching worse.
- Apply a cool compress for up to 20 minutes to reduce itching. Use a wet washcloth or ice pack that's wrapped in a towel. Place the cool compress over your itchy skin for up to 20 minutes. This can help relieve your itching and will reduce inflammation.[2]
- You can use your cool compress several times a day, as needed to help with itching.
- If you're using a wet washcloth, place it under cool, running water, then wring it out before using it. As an alternative, you can place the wet washcloth in your refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to get it colder.
- Never place an ice pack directly on your skin.
- Check your skin every few minutes to make sure it's not getting too cold.
- Relieve itching and inflammation with a thin layer of aloe vera gel. Break open an aloe vera leaf or get a tube of aloe vera gel. Use your fingers to apply a thin layer of the aloe vera gel onto your skin. The gel will help soothe your skin to help reduce your itching and inflammation.[3]
- You can get aloe vera directly from a plant by breaking off a leaf and collecting the gel that oozes out of it. Otherwise, you can buy a commercially available aloe vera gel. Just check the ingredient list to make sure it's pure aloe vera gel.
- Use an astringent to calm redness, itching, and inflammation. Choose an astringent liquid, such as apple cider vinegar, chilled black tea, witch hazel extract, or diluted tea tree oil. Then, splash your itchy skin with the astringent or apply it to a cool compress. Use the astringent once a day until your skin stops itching.[4]
- You can buy bottled apple cider vinegar on the vinegar aisle at your local store, while witch hazel extract is easy to find near the toners in the skin care aisle.
- To make chilled black tea, brew a cup of black tea using bagged or loose leaf tea, then place it in your refrigerator until it gets cold.
- To make diluted tea tree oil, pour cool water into a bowl or spray bottle. Then, add 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil to the water. Stir or shake the water to mix the oil into it.
- Smooth oil over your skin to relieve itching, burning, and tenderness. Pour a dollop of coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil onto your hand. Next, apply the oil over your itchy skin and work the oil into your skin. This will soften and hydrate your skin to help it stop itching.[5]
- You can warm up the oil by rubbing it between your hands, but this isn't necessary.
- Take an oatmeal bath to soothe your skin and reduce itching. Add 1 cup (85 g) of colloidal oatmeal into a warm bath. Then, sit in your bath for 20-30 minutes to let the oatmeal soothe your skin. After your bath, rinse off with warm water and pat your body dry. The oatmeal will help relieve your itching and may also reduce inflammation.[6]
- You can buy colloidal oatmeal at your local drug store or online. As an alternative, you can grind up rolled oats in your food processor or blender to create an oatmeal powder. of plain yogurt, and of honey. Apply the mixture to your face, then wait for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Finally, pat your skin dry.[7]}}
- Dab baking soda water onto your irritated skin to relieve it. Stir 1 tbsp (20 g) of baking soda into of warm water to mix them. Then, soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to your itchy skin. Cover the affected skin with the baking soda-water mixture and let it dry. After it dries, rinse the area with warm water to remove any excess baking soda.[8]
- You can use this treatment 1-2 times each day until your skin stops itching.
- Apply an OTC hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching and inflammation. You can buy an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream at most drug stores or online. Simply dab a tiny amount of the cream directly onto your itchy skin, then let it dry. Use as little cream as possible to get relief, and try not to get it on your healthy skin.[9]
- Check with your doctor before using hydrocortisone cream, as it can cause side effects in some people. If you experience side effects, such as burning, itching, redness, irritation, unwanted hair growth, bumps, or changes in skin color, stop using the cream and visit your doctor.[10]
- You can typically use hydrocortisone cream 1-3 times per day. However, read and follow the instructions that came with your cream.
EditSeeing Your Doctor - Visit your doctor if your itchy skin won't go away. It's normal to have itchy skin after you shave, and it should go away on its own after a few days. However, it's possible for your skin to develop an infection that needs treatment. See your doctor to get your skin checked so you can get the proper treatment.[11]
- You may have an infection if you have extreme redness, blisters, pus, cracked skin, pain, and swelling.[12] Additionally, you may have other symptoms, such as fatigue or fever.[13]
- Tell your doctor that you started experiencing the itchiness after shaving, as well as how long it's continued.
- Ask about a prescription anti-itch cream or corticosteroids. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a more powerful anti-itch cream if you need it. However, they'll likely recommend that you try over-the-counter options first. If nothing else helps you, your doctor may give you corticosteroids for short-term itch relief.[14]
- Your doctor is more likely to give you a prescription treatment if your skin has developed an infection, the itchy area is widespread, or the itch is greatly impacting your life. For instance, they may give you a prescription cream to relieve persistent itching after you try to shave your entire chest or back.
- Use an antibiotic or antifungal cream if your skin develops razor bumps. If your skin has an infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal cream to treat it. Take your prescription exactly as your doctor says, and be sure to finish it, even if you feel better early. It's possible for an infection to rebound if you stop your medication too soon.[15]
- Your doctor is more likely to give you a prescription treatment if you have bumps or sores around the area, which are a sign of an infection.
EditPreventing Itchy Skin - Shave after taking a hot shower so your hair will be soft. The steam from a hot shower opens up your pores and softens your hair. This makes it easier for the razor to cut the hair, which minimizes irritation. Make a habit of shaving body hair at the end of your shower and facial or head hair right after you step out of the shower.[16]
- A warm shower will also soften your hair, though not as much as a hot shower.
- As an alternative, you can shave your legs after soaking in a bathtub.
- Use a sharp, clean razor every time you shave. A sharp razor will get a clean shave with less pressure against your skin. Additionally, using a clean razor prevents irritants or bacteria from getting onto your skin. Change your razor every 5-7 shaves to ensure that it's sharp and clean.[17]
- A good quality razor may last longer than 5-7 shaves, so use your best judgement.
- If you have thick hair or shave a large area, your razor may dull faster. In that case, it's best to change it more often.
- Apply a shave gel or cream before shaving to minimize irritation. Choose a shaving gel or cream that contains natural oils. Then, apply an even layer of cream with your shaving brush or your fingers. The cream will allow the razor to glide over you skin without causing much irritation.[18]
- You can find a shave cream or gel near the shaving supplies.
- Make short, even strokes in the direction of your hair growth. You should always shave your hair in the direction the hair grows to minimize irritation and ingrown hairs. As you shave, pull your razor slightly forward, then lift it and start a new stroke. Additionally, rinse the blade often to prevent build up on the razor.[19]
- Don't try to make long passes with your razor. This allows product and hair to build up on your razor, clogging it. As a result, your shave will be ineffective and your skin will get irritated.
- Rinse with cool water and apply an alcohol-free aftershave or moisturizer. Splash cool water onto your skin to remove any remaining shower gel or cream and to wash away the shaved hair. The cool water will soothe your skin and close your pores. Then, splash your face with an aftershave or smooth on a moisturizer to prevent irritated skin.[20]
- Make sure the aftershave or moisturizer you use is both alcohol-free and fragrance-free. Otherwise, it may irritate your skin.
- It's normal to have itchy skin after you shave, and it should go away on its own.
EditReferences
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