Strong, healthy and well-groomed nails are the decoration of our hands, they are even said to be our showcase. However, it is not always easy to maintain beautiful nails, especially when they begin to crumble, split and break. Why is this happening, what is the reason for their weakness, what can be evidenced by changes in their shape and color, and how to make them strong and healthy?

Today, a bit about what our nails "tell" us and how to care for them.

The nails are also aging

It is worth knowing that the nails in this area do not differ from the rest of our body, time also reflects on them. Already after 25 birthdays, their growth rate begins to fall, the nails regenerate more slowly, which can also be the cause of more frequent infections. With age, they also become weaker and fragile like our skin, which gets thin and dry. On their surface, as the changes occur in our body, vertical ridges appear, which in turn can be compared to wrinkles. The passing time is also changing the color of our nails. From slightly shiny and pink, they turn yellowish, grayish, lose gloss and become dull.

Everyday nail life

Very often, we do not realize that every day we expose our nails to damage, the consequences of which do not always have to be seen immediately. All detergents used on a daily basis have a bad effect on their condition, they are guilty of excessive weakening and drying of the nails. Long-lasting soaking in water also has fatal consequences for them. Therefore, if you want to enjoy beautiful nails, you have no choice, you need to convince yourself of protective gloves that will accompany you at home cleaning or washing. Before that, smear nutritious cream, olive oil or coconut oil in your nails, in this way you will treat them to a wonderful care treatment. The nails also do not like wind, frost, frequent temperature changes and too long exposure to the sun, therefore it is necessary to use protective creams and in autumn and winter, when it gets cold wearing warm gloves.

It's all a nail file

Very often, the problem with broken and split nails is associated with an incorrectly selected nail file. The worst are metal, which jerk and damage their plate. Natural nails also don't like coarse paper and cardboard files. If you want your nails to be healthy, not cracked or split, try to choose files that will not damage the structure of their plate. The best are glass, which not only in a gentle way will allow to shape the shape of nails, but also because of the ease in maintaining cleanliness will not become a dangerous habitat for microorganisms. Stone files are also very good, especially for thin split nails.

If you want to avoid damage and splitting of nails, remember to saw them in one direction, except for stone files, which can be filed nails in two directions. Use files not only to shape the nails, but also to shorten them. However, limit the use of scissors and cutters, as they may cause cracking of the nail plate.

Good or bad nail skins?

The nails growing on the nails do not look very nice, but you must know that they do not grow for a reason. Their task is to protect against infections. Cutting them out, therefore, damages the priceless protective barrier, while creating the risk of developing bacterial and fungal infections. Mechanical removal of cuticles can also lead to damage to the nail matrix and, as a consequence, result in, for example, its deformation. Also remember that cut skins grow faster, are thicker and more visible. Therefore, it is much better to move them away using a special spatula. Before that, you need to soften the skins, for example, soaking your hands in warm water with the addition of olive oil, which will additionally moisturize them, or using special softening preparations. The cuticles should be moved gently so as not to damage the nail. After the procedure, it is good to lubricate them with vitamin A + E.

We choose a nail cleaner

Very often used nail polish remover has one important task: it must help get rid of nail polish from nail polish. It would be good, however, not to weaken it. So let's be aware that the wrong choice of cleaner can have very bad effects on your nails. The main culprit is obviously the basic ingredient in many of them - acetone. It is he who dries nails and as a result they become brittle and brittle. Therefore, before buying a cleaner, you need to check its composition and choose one that will not contain acetone above all. A good cleaner should contain vitamins A, E, C and B5 as well as vegetable oils e.g. from grapes, sesame or coconut. You can also add a few drops of oil or olive oil to the remover yourself, then you will certainly avoid drying and irritation of the nails.

"Feed" your nails

Poor dull and brittle nails are very often the result of a poor diet. They lose their healthy appearance when our body lacks zinc, iron, calcium, silicon, copper, B vitamins, vitamins A, E, D, K and C, and protein. So make sure that your plates do not lack dairy products, lean meat, eggs, carrots, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, avocados, currants, blueberries, pomegranates, gooseberries, nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, seeds sunflower, whole grains, parsley and fish. On the other hand, limit stimulants, highly processed foods, salt and sugar, and before you reach for supplements supplementing the diet, remember that the best digestible nutrients are those that you supply to your body naturally.

Moisturize and nourish

Nails, like the hands, need moisturizing, so it is very important to massage the cream into the nails and cuticles a few times a day and always after contact with water. For moisturizing and nourishing, also use specially created nutrients. If you want to strengthen and accelerate their reconstruction, use those that contain calcium and keratin, thanks to them you will fill the cavities formed in the nail structure, making them strong and smooth. Weak and brittle nails also need iron, ceramides, silicon as well as vitamins F, B7 and A overdried, while vitamin E and B5 will help, the effect of hardening and sealing the plate will be obtained thanks to silk proteins and diamond dust contained in nutrients.

Bath, mask and oil

Intensive nourishment and moisturizing of the nails is a very important element of their proper care, therefore baths, masks and so-called oiling. However, to get the expected results, baths and masks should be done 2-3 times a week and oiling damaged and weak nails even 3 times a day.

A bath in warm olive oil has a very good effect, probably known to everyone, to enrich it, we can add two capsules of vitamin A + E and a tablespoon of honey to a glass of olive oil. Such a bath will perfectly moisturize and nourish not only nails, but also hands. Soaking the nails in a thick infusion of linseed or in gelatin also works great. A very simple way to strengthen nails is to lubricate castor oil in them, thanks to which the nails will be healthier, stronger and perfectly moisturized, they will not crumble and split. Castor oil can also cope with dry skin. Also try a mask - mix two tablespoons of castor oil with yolks and a teaspoon of lemon juice, this will create a cosmetic that will moisturize, nourish and even color the nail plate. Soaking nails in orange juice, which thanks to the content of folic acid and vitamin C stimulates their growth and strengthens their condition, also has a nice effect. The condition of your nails will also improve if you rub in them vitamin A + E, coconut, almond, linseed, grape, raspberry or rice oil, thanks to which your nails will become shiny, strong and flexible.

Nail polish? Yes, but not necessarily every day

Nail polish can not only dry them, but also change the color of the plate, so it's best to apply nails before applying the conditioner. Remember also that the nail covered with varnish has virtually no access to oxygen, and nutrients contained in e.g. cream do not reach it. Therefore, from time to time you should wash the varnish and allow the nails to breathe for several days, while using regenerative and moisturizing treatments (baths, masks, oiling or treatment with a special nail serum).

Health written on nails

The condition of your nails can also say a lot about your health. All kinds of deformations, furrows, lumps and changes in color may be a symptom of an ongoing disease process in our body.

If the nails get concave so that a drop of water can be held on their surface like a small spoon, it can mean iron deficiency and hypoxia. Spoon nails can also be a symptom of heart problems, thyroid disorders or a sign of autoimmune diseases. In turn, nails that look like convex bubbles can be indicative of lung, heart, digestive and thyroid diseases. Transverse stripes on the nails can speak of an acute infection, they also appear when there is a strong intoxication of the body and during severe infectious diseases. It also happens that they are a symptom of developing diabetes or psoriasis. Most often, however, they appear as a result of mechanical damage. Oblong furrows are found mainly in the elderly and are a sign of the passage of time, but they can, however, signal disorders in the circulatory system, rheumatism, be a symptom of lichen planus or a deficiency of vitamin B. However, defects in the nail plate may be indicative of psoriasis, and white dots may cause calcium deficiency. zinc and iron, signal disturbances in the metabolism or hormonal fluctuations occurring in the body. Yellow or greenish nails may indicate fungal infections, kidney, lung and liver diseases, and yellowing of the plaque can also be caused by smoking. In contrast, a dark spot, which sometimes also covers part of the finger, can be a symptom of nail melanoma. Split ends are the result of poor care or hypothyroidism. Brittle and pale, in turn, a sign of anemia.

Therefore, nail changes can be not only a symptom of poor care and neglect, but also a symptom of often very serious diseases, so if you notice that the appearance of your nails has changed, it is worth going to a dermatologist who will order additional tests and dispel all your doubts.

Blackheads are the real bane of many of us. They arise when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, which, when combined with exfoliating dead skin, clogs the mouth of the hair follicles. Most often they appear on the face, we can see them on the nose, chin, forehead and upper cheeks. Sometimes, however, they also appear on the back, shoulders and neckline.

Blackheads are not only unsightly, but also very easily relieve superinfection, as a result of which significant purulent lesions form on the skin. Fighting them is unfortunately not the easiest and it is often necessary to support a specialist. Especially if the problem is really big and troublesome.

Today, how to properly care for skin prone to blackheads.

Blackhead not black

If, due to proliferation of keratinocytes, i.e. excessive proliferation of epidermal cells, the mouth of the hair follicle closes, the blackhead takes the form of a white subcutaneous pustule. Then we are talking about closed blackheads, they are palpable under the fingers, and their size most often resembles a pin head. On the other hand, if there are changes in the form of black dots on our skin, we are dealing with open blackheads, often also called blackheads. They arise when a mixture of dead skin and sebum, by contact with air, oxidizes and darkens. Blackheads are very often formed when hormonal balance is disturbed, i.e. during puberty, a few days before menstruation or during menopause. They mainly occur in people whose skin is oily or combination. Blackheads, poor hygiene, poor diet and some medications can also cause blackheads.

How to deal with them?

Care is important

Skin with a tendency to blackheads above all needs proper care. Of course, it is very important to clean it thoroughly, thanks to which you will get rid of excess sebum, dead skin, the remains of colored cosmetics and dust accumulated on its surface.  Cosmetics for acne-prone skin will work best here. Remember not to contain alcohol or skin irritating chemicals. Cosmetics should also not over-dry the skin so as not to increase sebum production. Do not use soap or too warm water for washing your face. Remember not to overdo it, just wash your face thoroughly twice a day in the morning and evening. It is also very important to maintain the proper pH of the skin. In turn, tonics will help you, which will restore its proper level, help regulate the sebaceous glands and thoroughly cleanse the skin. Regular peeling is also very important, thanks to which we exfoliate dead skin, reducing the risk of plugs clogging pores. Peeling should be done two or even three times a week. However, remember not to use coarse abrasive peels for your face, and if you have dry or capillary skin, opt for enzymatic peels. Irritation and damage to the skin can cause infection and significantly worsen its condition. Also remember to carefully moisturize, give up greasy and heavy creams in favor of light ones that will moisturize but will not clog the pores of the skin. It is also extremely important to make the correct make-up removal, it is not enough to wash the cosmetics with micellar liquid or a special lotion, you also need to thoroughly wash your face with a cleansing gel or foam, and then wipe thoroughly with a cotton swab moistened in tonic and moisturize. It is also very important to have a towel intended only for wiping the face, which should be changed frequently, and preferably skin prone to the formation of changes wiped with paper towels.

What to look for in cosmetics?

Proper care will definitely improve the condition of your skin, but if blackheads have already appeared, you can use masks, scrubs and creams available in stores and pharmacies to fight them. Their composition should be adapted to the needs of your skin. The right cosmetics should help you get rid of excess sebum, regulate the sebaceous glands, clean and refresh the skin without drying and irritating it.

What should they contain?

• Acids, e.g. salicylic, which has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin, thanks to which it helps to get rid of deposits that lie deep in its pores; glycolic acid, which has moisturizing, cleansing and exfoliating properties, accelerates cell renewal, softens, smoothes and evens skin color; mandelic acid - mild, but very effective, moisturizes, evens skin tone, smoothes, firms the skin and cleanses and narrows its pores; azelaic acid, which inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for the formation of acne and avoids the formation of sebaceous plugs. When using cosmetics with acids, you must remember that they sensitize the skin to UV rays, so it's better to give them up in the summer. In other seasons, use them at night, and during the day protect your skin with high-creams. Also remember to choose them for the type and needs of your skin, if it is sensitive and dry salicylic acid will not be the best solution. In this case, you should opt for a more delicate one, e.g. almond.
• Oils and oils, e.g. jojoba oil, regulates sebum production, cleanses skin pores from sebaceous secretions which are responsible for the formation of blackheads, relieves inflammation, accelerates regeneration and perfectly moisturizes the skin; tea tree oil, which has bactericidal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and perfectly cleanses and regulates sebum secretion; black cumin oil, which due to the high content of antioxidants, protects the skin against free radicals, softens, moisturizes, evens its surface and, what is important in the case of problems with blackheads, also perfectly cleanses it and unblocks clogged pores.
• Herbs, e.g. witch hazel extract, which has an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect, reduces sebum production and narrows the pores of the skin; three-colored violet extract, i.e. a popular pansy or rosemary, which also perfectly cope with skin cleansing, while smoothing it and restoring its healthy color; thyme, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, cleanses, tones, anti-inflammatory and perfectly copes with impurities in the pores of the skin; calendula, which has anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects, accelerates the treatment of irritation and inflammation of the skin and is excellent at dealing with acne and blackheads.

• Yeast, a valuable source of vitamins, especially those from group B as well as iron, zinc, magnesium, sulfur, potassium and chromium, have strong antioxidant properties, regenerate, strengthen and cleanse the skin. They are great for treating acne and blackheads.
• Vitamin C, one of the strongest antioxidants, perfectly protects our skin against the harmful effects of free radicals, delaying the effects of aging, cleanses, evens color, seals and strengthens blood vessels, removes excess sebum and reduces its production.
• Cosmetic clays, for the treatment of blackheads, green clay, which has antiseptic properties, inhibits bacterial growth, thoroughly cleanses, narrows the pores of the skin and regulates sebaceous glands. Green clay is characterized by a strong sebum absorbing effect, so it should not be used on people whose skin is dry and delicate, but works great on oily skin. If you have skin prone to irritation, I recommend using white or pink clay.

Homemade ways

Some cosmetics you can make yourself at home, it's worth a try, because when used systematically they give really nice results.

• You can prepare a tonic from green tea, which has antibacterial properties and regulates sebum production. You will enrich it if you add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil. A cosmetic made of rose petals is also very good. You get it by slowly cooking under cover, flakes with a small amount of water, for about 45-50 minutes. At this time, the water will acquire a rose color and smell. Then just strain and cool them. A cosmetic prepared this way will restore your skin's proper pH, clean it, refresh it and soothe irritations. Remember that the petals used to make rose water should come from organic farming or from your garden. Roses sprayed with chemical substances will not give us the expected effect. A tonic prepared from fresh cucumber juice will also have a cleansing, refreshing and astringent effect. You can also enrich it with lemon juice or green tea infusion.
• Peeling, can be made of honey, fine grain sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This probably the most known version of the home-made cosmetic has a very good exfoliating, moisturizing, nourishing and skin color improving effect. Try also oatmeal, yogurt and grated orange peel. In a bowl, mix one tablespoon of cereal, two tablespoons of plain yogurt and one teaspoon of grated orange peel. Such a cosmetic will gently moisturize your skin, absorb excess sebum, exfoliate, nourish and, thanks to the antiseptic properties of oranges, deal with harmful microorganisms. In the fight against blackheads, cinnamon will also be great, just add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the sugar peeling prepared, e.g. with olive oil and honey
• The mask can be very simple made of rigidly beaten egg whites. Apply them to your face, and when they are a little dry, wash with water. This mask has a strong cleansing and astringent effect, which is why it is not suitable for people whose skin is dry. You can also prepare deeply cleansing skin pores and absorbing excess sebum mask with medicinal carbon, which you can easily buy at the pharmacy. Add yogurt, honey or make a peel off mask with the addition of gelatin. One tablespoon of gelatin, three capsules of coal combine with two tablespoons of water and dissolve, gently heating. Wait for the mask to thicken and it's ready. Remember, however, that coal can dry out and irritate delicate skin. The fenugreek mask is also great for blackheads. Pour 2 tablespoons of powdered seeds with hot water to make a thick paste. When it cools down, add a tablespoon of thick yogurt or honey to it. You can also use fresh fenugreek leaves, chop them finely and combine with a small amount of water, grinding so that a mass is created that you can apply to your face.

Professional help

When fighting blackheads, you should also use the help of a cosmetologist and aesthetic medicine specialis. Your skin condition will improve if you treat yourself to a professional peeling from time to time, which thoroughly cleanses, oxygenates, improves circulation and accelerates regeneration. You can use, for example, a medical peeling in the form of a gel solution containing salicylic and azelaic acid, which will help get rid of blackheads, reduce imperfections, rejuvenate and brighten the skin, or with mandelic acid, which will also perfectly deal with sebum secretion in the skin pores. A very good and safe procedure is cavitation peeling. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed, oxygenated and refreshed with the help of ultrasonic vibrations combined with micro massage. This treatment does not cause any side effects, so it can be successfully performed even on people whose skin is sensitive. Immediately after it, it is worth undergoing intensive moisturizing, regenerating or nourishing the skin, e.g. in the form of masks. Cavitation peeling perfectly prepares the skin for the intake of nutrients. I also recommend performing diamond microdermabrasion, during which the epidermis is gradually and very gently wiped off with a device equipped with a special diamond head.

The best treatment for blackheads at REVIVE CLINIC is Hydrafacial – more info on www.reviveclinic.com

However, remember that each case is individual, therefore treatments should be tailored to your needs. Therefore, each procedure should be consulted with a specialist who will conduct a thorough interview, examine your skin and suggest the best solution.

The problem with oily hair affects both women and men. Sticky, sticky, greasy hair that is close to the skin doesn't look good, and while fighting them is a challenge, it's worth taking them. A protracted problem can lead to bacterial or fungal infections, significant hair weakness, hair loss and even baldness.

So today about what can be the cause of greasy hair and how to deal with such a problem.

Hair becomes greasy when the sebaceous glands on their roots begin to produce too much sebum for some reason. Tallow in combination with the remains of dead epidermis, cosmetics residues and dirt creates plugs, clogging the hair follicles, preventing them from getting enough oxygen and nutrients. Hair is not only greasy, but also weak and often dry especially at the ends. They begin to crumble, split ends, get sick and, as a consequence, fall out.

The reasons for oily hair are really many, it can be a bad diet, excess stress, hormonal disorders occurring in the body, e.g. during puberty, menopause, or during menstruation, problems with thyroid function, seborrheic dermatitis, poor care, inadequate hygiene , vitamin and mineral deficiencies or just genetic predisposition. Excessive sebum production is very harmful to the scalp and hair, so it is extremely important to find the cause and take the right steps to help eliminate it.

What can we do if oily hair is our problem?

The first thing to do is take care of your skin and scalp. No matter how you look at it, it is the foundation for healthy and beautiful hair. 

Choose a good shampoo

The shampoo should be chosen to helps  significantly reduce or completely eliminate the problem without damaging the hair or scalp. For oily hair, you have to choose cosmetics that have been specially created for them. However, it is very important that they do not dry out and irritate the scalp. If this happens, the sebaceous glands wanting to protect it from losing adequate moisture levels will increase sebum production. The effect will be opposite to what was intended. Watch out for colored and intensely fragrant shampoos. Try to avoid those containing SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) as well. If the effects of cosmetics are too strong, the protective lipid layer may be damaged and the skin may become excessively dry. Choose those in which popular washing substances have been replaced with more delicate ones (e.g. Coco Glucoside, Capryl Glucoside, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate). If you don't want to put extra weight on your greasy hair, give up silicon shampoos. When choosing the right cosmetic, always read carefully its properties and learn its composition. Good shampoos are those containing herbal extracts, e.g. sage, nettle, rosemary, hop cones, linden, lemon balm or chamomile. Citrus fruit extracts also have a very nice effect. The shampoo should also not lack B vitamins, vitamins C, A and E. The cosmetic for oily hair should allow to maintain the proper pH for the scalp and hair, and regulate sebaceous glands, reducing sebum production. However, because it is used very often, it must also be gentle so as not to irritate the scalp and not to dry it.

When washing your head, rinse your shampoo well each time so that you do not leave any cosmetic residue on your hair. Also remember that the water you use is not too hot, and when wiping your hair, avoid strong friction with a towel so as not to stimulate the sebaceous glands to work.

Oily aloe gel will also do very well. You can, for example: add it to your favorite shampoo. Aloe not only has antiseptic, moisturizing and softening properties, but also perfectly regulates the sebaceous glands and soothes harmful substances contained in shampoos.

Apply conditioner gently

Oily hair is often very dry at the ends, therefore conditioners are an extremely important element of their care. Remember, however, not to apply them to the scalp and hair roots. Certainly you will not need heavy conditioners for dry hair, it is also not the best idea to use cosmetics that you do not rinse after application. Choose nutrients containing ingredients that normalize sebaceous glands and reduce sebum production. Jojoba oil works great here, which contains vitamins, squalene, fatty acids and phytosterols, and also dissolves and absorbs excess sebum, while regulating its secretion. Tea tree oil may also be found in the conditioner for oily hair, it has a strong antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, soothes itching and irritations and perfectly regulates sebaceous glands. Helps fight dandruff and excessive greasy hair. It is also used for seborrheic dermatitis. A few drops of such oil can be added to your shampoo or favorite conditioner.

Oily hair with rosemary, aloe, white clay, nettle or green tea will also help your greasy hair. However, you must always remember to thoroughly rinse the cosmetic from your hair, do not use too warm water for it, so as not to stimulate the sebaceous glands to work. It is best to rinse them with cool water at the end, but remember not to overdo it, it can not be too cold.

The art of stylization

Oily hair is not easy to style as we would like, also keeping your dream hairstyle for a long time is something very difficult. When styling, first of all, try not to burden the hair. So choose light preparations and limit their use to the necessary minimum. Do not apply gels, creams, pastes and waxes to your hair, it is better to choose delicate light foams and sprays.

Oily hair should also not be combed too often, try to touch it as little as possible and refrain from combing them with your fingers.

It's best if you let the hair dry without the dryer interfering, but try not to go to sleep when they are still wet, thus avoiding tangling and breaking. However, if you need to dry your hair, do so by directing a cool stream of air at them. Limit and, ideally, give up using the straightener and curler completely, the heat they generate will only aggravate your problem.

Lotion

This is a very important element of oily hair care, well selected or prepared independently, they perfectly regulate the production of sebum and help get rid of its excess, while refreshing and strengthening the hair as well as nourishing and toning the scalp. You can prepare such a rinse with coltsfoot infusion, which will reduce sebum production. If you mix it with thyme, you will get a rinse, which will also have antiseptic and cleansing properties. You can also make a very good rinse using fresh aloe vera juice. Just dilute it with water in a 1: 2 ratio (aloe juice: water). Thanks to it, the hair will be moisturized, it will be easier to style and not greasy at the same time. The infusion of birch, in turn, will help you create a cosmetic that not only regulates the work of sebaceous glands, but also strengthens hair bulbs and reduces hair loss. Oily hair will also help lemon rinse or apple cider vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or 1 tablespoon lemon juice to a glass of lukewarm boiled water. Such a rinse will allow you to cleanse the hair of cosmetics residue, remove excess sebum and make it shine. Be careful not to overdo it. Too acidified hair and scalp will become dry. Oily hair will also help with chamomile, mountain arnica and hops.

Mask and oil

It is not true that owners of oily hair should avoid masks and oiling, on the contrary, they must take care of intensive nutrition and moisturizing of hair and scalp. Of course, it is very important to choose the right cosmetics and pay attention to the composition of masks and the type of oils, so as not to burden the hair. You should not exaggerate the frequency of this type of treatment, devote some time to it twice a week. Try castor, sage, thyme, rosemary or tea tree oil, just add a few drops to half a glass of olive oil, coconut or almond oil and massage the resulting mixture into your hair. You will strengthen the effect of oils if you wrap the hair in foil for about an hour. In turn, you will create a very good mask from tomato. Thanks to its properties, perfectly balance the pH level of the scalp and hair, nourish them well and regulate the sebaceous glands. All you need is a mashed tomato or thick puree to massage into your hair and leave for 10-15 minutes. A cosmetic made of mixed ripe banana combined with a spoon of honey will also be a very good mask for oily hair. Aloe pulp (1 tbsp), lemon juice (one tbsp), honey (1 tbsp) and yolk will also have a nice effect. The cosmetic prepared in this way will nourish your hair, refresh it, allow you to get rid of excess sebum and regulate the sebaceous glands, without causing irritation or drying of the scalp and hair.

Eat healthy and sleep well

Remember also that the condition of your hair is affected by diet, stress and lack of sleep. So try to change your lifestyle so that it finds time for relaxation and a good night's sleep (about how sleep affects our body, read in the entry "Sleep peacefully"). Instead, enrich your diet with vegetables, fruits, fish, cheese, nuts, lean meat, grape seed oil, linseed oil, coconut oil and olive oil, don't forget about whole grains. Instead, limit your consumption of sugar, wheat flour, salt, stimulants and animal fats. The right diet should be composed so that it does not lack vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids. Also take care of the right amount of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle has an adverse effect on both health and beauty.

Remember that greasy hair is not only an aesthetic issue, but also a health problem. Getting the right treatment can help you get rid of it for good or reduce it significantly. Therefore, if you are not able to cope with your condition, it is worth using the help of a specialist and trichologist's advice at REVIVE CLINIC.

Chapped, cracked or just dry lips not only look not very nice, but also hurt, pinch and cause discomfort. Autumn and winter is a period when the delicate, very thin and devoid of protective sebaceous skin of our lips is exposed to a large group of external and internal factors. Dry and warm air in heated rooms does not spare them, where we spend a lot of time now, and the cold we come into contact with immediately after going outside, there is also wind, rain, and soon also frost and snow. The lips dry up and burst, and inflammation is often found in their corners, which is popular "episodes". Dehydration, lack of vitamins - especially those from group B and minerals - mainly iron, and hormonal disorders may also be the cause of these ailments. In autumn and winter, their condition is also aggravated by a very common mistake, i.e. licking them in the wind and frost or biting protruding pieces of cracked dry skin.

Today, a bit about how to properly care for your lips to prevent them from drying out, cracking and protect against the appearance of unsightly and painful "bites".

Lipstick, lip gloss or balm ... or cosmetic dizziness

The choice is really big, and the dilemma which cosmetic to choose is mainly ladies. In autumn and winter, when the lips are chapped and cracked, first of all, care should be taken to protect them. Therefore, it is better sometimes to give up your favorite colored cosmetics in favor of those whose task will be moisturizing and protecting your lips. When making a choice, you should always familiarize yourself with their composition. The condition of irritated and dry lips will certainly be aggravated by those with the addition of alcohol, colored dyes and fragrances. Cosmetics with a high water content are also dangerous in autumn and winter. Also, give up lipsticks that have durability, water resistance and leave no marks, i.e. those that remain intact on your lips for several long hours. They contain, among others, volatile silicones, which create a thin coating, give the lipstick durability. Unfortunately, their downside is that they can additionally dry and irritate the lips. Therefore, it is best if, at least in this difficult period, you decide on cosmetics that are less durable and those that in addition to the coloring pigment will contain vitamins, especially A, E, C and F. There can also be in them substances that binding water molecules, will help maintain adequate moisture and those that oiling will create a protective layer on the surface of the lips, protecting them from the harmful effects of wind and cold e.g. shea butter, hyaluronic acid, beeswax and vegetable oils and waxes (e.g. jojoba, candelilla wax) , caranauba wax, wheat germ oil, avocado, almond or sea buckthorn oil). Remember that the cosmetics you choose always have to protect your lips against UV radiation.

You will get the most of these ingredients in lotions, protective and moisturizing lipsticks, so it's good to apply them to your lips before applying your favorite colored lipstick or lip gloss. Also remember to always have your lipstick with you and use it immediately when you feel that your lips are getting uncomfortably stretched or dried.

Chapped lips will also help honey, which thanks to its moisturizing, exfoliating, nutritional and antibacterial properties comprehensively cares for them, protecting not only from excessive drying, but also taking care of their beautiful appearance and protecting cracked lips from developing infections. In the evening, brush your lips with honey and leave it for 10-15 minutes, and at night apply a thick layer of nutritional balm or coconut oil. Remember that your skin, including the one on your lips, regenerates most intensively at night.

Peeling will accelerate regeneration

If you want to improve the condition of your lips, you can not forget about peeling, it will remove dead skin and improve circulation. Thanks to it, the lips will be refreshed, they will acquire a healthy color, and cleansed and sensitized to nutrients, the skin will regenerate much faster. To find out about it, it is enough to perform such a procedure regularly 1-2 times a week. Remember not to use coarse peels, they are not intended for such a delicate body part as the lips. Acting too intensively will irritate them, thus bringing more harm than good.

You can buy a lip scrub at the store, use a delicate cosmetic that you apply to your face, or prepare it yourself at home. Use irreplaceable honey (one teaspoon) and add a teaspoon of sugar to it, such a peeling will not only help get rid of dead skin, but also perfectly nourish and moisturize, and if you leave it on your lips for 10-15 minutes after the procedure, it will become also with a regenerating mask. Instead of honey, you can also use olive oil or coconut oil. Massaging the lips with a soft toothbrush also brings good results. Apply a bit of balm, petroleum jelly or coconut oil on it and you will get the effect of well-moisturized and greasy lips.

Remember, if inflammation has developed on your lips, give up peeling until they are completely healed.

Soothing masks

Dry and irritated lips will regenerate much better and recover faster if you allow them to intensively nourish and hydrate at least 2-3 times a week by applying a mask on them. Soothing and moisturizing properties will have a simple mask of whipped cream, just whip fat cream and apply it on your lips for about 10-15 minutes, if you repeat this treatment 2-3 times a week, your lips will certainly endure the hardships of cool autumn and winter days. Chapped lips will also be helped by green cucumber compresses, they can be made even several times a day. Green cucumber will bring relief to irritated lips and will pleasantly refresh it. You can prepare an intensively soothing, moisturizing and nourishing mask if you add two teaspoons of fat cream to a mixed or well-crushed fork with a fork, you can also enrich it with the content of two capsules of vitamin A + E. So prepared cosmetics, leave on your mouth for 15 minutes. The honey mask and pomegranate juice also have very good properties. Honey will moisturize, nourish and help deal with irritation and infections, and pomegranate, which has a strong antioxidant effect, will protect the skin of the lips from the harmful effects of free radicals and give it a beautiful healthy color.

What about these cheilosis?

Cheilosis which is inflammation located in the corners of the mouth, not only does not look very nice, but also causes unpleasant feelings of pain and pinching. Cheilosis impede normal functioning, and if not properly treated, they grow and can leave unsightly scars.

Where do they come from

There are several reasons for the formation of cheilosis, most often they are the result of a bacterial or fungal infection that is easy to contract if excessively dry lips begin to crack. Cheilosis are located in the corners of the mouth, where it is warm and the most moisture accumulates. These places are therefore an ideal environment for microorganisms. Very often antibiotic therapy, as well as vitamin B2 and iron deficiency, are behind the formation of "bombs". Inflammation in the corners of the mouth is also a condition that often accompanies women during pregnancy, when there is an increased demand for vitamins and minerals. Cheilosis may also appear while using hormonal contraceptives, be the result of chronic stress, allergies (usually nickel) or one of the first symptoms of developing diabetes. It also happens that they arise as a result of irritation of the corners of the mouth during a visit to the dentist or are caused by improper oral hygiene.

Heal treatment

First of all, you should enrich your diet with products containing B vitamins, vitamins A, E and C, unsaturated fatty acids and take care of rebuilding the bacterial flora. So include in your menu yogurts, kefirs, beans, spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, yellow and green peppers, tomatoes fish, lean meat, almonds, nuts, pumpkin seeds and oils e.g. linseed, coconut, grape seed or olive oil from olives. Limit your caffeine, alcohol and irritating salty and spicy foods. A well-balanced diet is a structure of healthy life and care, so you always have to be adapted to your needs and composed so that it naturally replenishes the deficiencies that arise in the body. In pharmacies you can also find creams for the treatment of "episodes" that can have antifungal, antibacterial, and thanks to the content of vitamins soothe and accelerate the regeneration of the epidermis.

You can also try the treatment method. Helpful can be covered covered corner aloe juice juice, spreading with honey or grape seed oil. Possibilities of preparing a mask with more expensive ovens, which are richer in comparison with group B, just mix them with water so as to obtain a thick paste and apply to changing diseases of the place.

However, if "episodes" are difficult to treat or are often relapsed, see your doctor, you may need to have well-chosen supplementation or further diagnostics. Recurrent "episodes" may indicate excessive weakening of the immune system and signal the ongoing disease process in your body. Therefore, if they are troublesome and break down often, they always require medical consultation.

Problems with oily skin most often affect young people in adolescence, which of course does not mean that they also do not occur among middle-aged and older people. The occurrence of this type of skin is very often genetic, it is also supported by hormonal fluctuations occurring e.g. during pregnancy, in the second half of the cycle, or when taking hormonal contraceptives. Often it is also a consequence of a poor diet or too much stress. Oily skin is sticky, glowing, numerous blackheads are visible and has a tendency to appear acne. A large amount of sebum secreted also has its advantages, guarantees the skin greater protection against wind and frost and makes the first mimic wrinkles visible on it later than in people with normal or dry skin. Unfortunately, for it to look healthy and fresh it requires really careful care.

Today I would like to tell you a little bit about how to deal with oily skin and associated problems.

Remember to cleanse

Proper cleansing of oily skin is one of the most important elements of its care. The excess of sebum accumulated on its surface clogs the pores, facilitates the accumulation of dirt and contributes to the occurrence of various types of infections as well as the formation of blackheads and acne lesions. Therefore, remember to clean it thoroughly twice a day, morning and evening. Use specially designed for oily skin gels, foams or lotions that will help regulate sebum production. Avoid soaps, which irritating it will trigger a defensive reaction, intensifying the work of sebaceous glands. Remember also that oily skin is very often sensitive and prone to irritation. Therefore, always choose cosmetics carefully so that while maintaining their washing properties, they do not overly tighten and dry it. By cleansing it, you must not only be moderate, but also try not to rub and scrub it. Also pay attention to the water temperature, under no circumstances should it be too hot so as not to irritate the skin.

Take care of the proper pH of the skin

Healthy, beautiful-looking skin should be slightly acidic, i.e. a pH value between 4 and 6. If, for some reason, the pH increases and changes to alkaline, the skin will become gray and dry. On the other hand, too low a pH will result in excessive production of sebum and sweat - the skin will become greasy, prone to blackheads and acne. Caring for the skin, we should therefore pay special attention to maintaining the proper level of pH. That is why toning it after each wash is very important. A properly selected tonic will restore its correct, slightly acidic reaction, wash away makeup and sebum residue.

To avoid excessive drying and irritation of the skin, choose those that do not contain alcohol. You can also make your own home tonic, just prepare 2/3 cup infusion of sage, and when it cools down, strain it and top it up with apple cider vinegar. The cosmetic prepared in this way has an astringent effect, regulates sebaceous glands and perfectly cleanses. Keep it in the fridge and use it twice a day. It also works great for washing your face with an infusion of green tea, which, in addition to cleansing and astringent properties, additionally nourishes and helps maintain proper hydration of your skin. Green tea due to the content of large amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids, which are strong antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals, also inhibits the aging process of cells and has anti-wrinkle properties. You can also make a very nice tonic with buttermilk. Fill it with half a glass, add 3 tablespoons of honey and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. When all the ingredients are mixed together thoroughly, a cosmetic will be created that cleanses the skin and reduces sebum production.

Good cosmetics should include, for example: glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid, aloe, B vitamins and hyaluronic acid. They exfoliate and soothe and by binding water molecules, they help maintain proper skin hydration. Moisturizing cream for oily skin should have a very light consistency, so choose cosmetics designed for this type of skin. Using them, you will quickly find out that properly moisturized skin will be less greasy. One more thing, give up matting creams at night, in this way you will let your skin breathe better and regenerate properly.

Helpful peeling

The production of large amounts of sebum and the tendency to hyperkeratosis cause that the sebaceous glands are very often blocked, which in turn leads to the formation of blackheads and acne. That is why peeling is a very important element of oily skin care. It is good to do it regularly 1-2 times a week. Properly selected, it will not only open, but also reduce the sebaceous glands, improve circulation, moisturize and nourish the skin. In no case, however, it can overdry and irritate skin, so as not to increase the production of sebum. Cleansing from excess sebum, nourishing and moisturizing peeling you can do, for example, with 2 tablespoons of ground oat flakes, 2 teaspoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of yogurt. A good effect is also a peeling made of brown sugar and tomato, which has narrowing pores, cleansing and nourishes the skin. In turn, the cosmetic prepared from ground almonds and honey will cleanse, brighten, accelerate regeneration and perfectly nourish. On the other hand, a very simple and delicate peeling of mixed green cucumber, which also helps remove excess sebum, has a pleasant refreshing effect.

A wonderful touch of masks

Caring for oily skin, you can not forget about masks, it is best to do them immediately after peeling, then thoroughly cleansed skin will absorb all nutrients better. The task of a well-composed mask is to absorb excess sebum, lighten, moisturize, soften and stimulate the skin to regenerate. You can prepare a simple smoothing, tightening and soothing mask from chicken egg whipped into stiff foam. The sensational cosmetic will be made with chickpea purée (about 1/3 cup) and a large pinch of turmeric. Chickpeas will help get rid of toxins that are harmful to the skin and neutralize free radicals, while turmeric will regulate the sebaceous glands, reduce inflammation, relieve acne and help treat scars. Try also the mashed raw pumpkin mask. Prepare about half a cup of such a puree, add 1.5 tablespoons of ground flax seeds, 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt. Such a cosmetic will help you remove dead skin, unblock pores, provide skin with nutrients and moisturize.

Professional help

Oily skin care is unfortunately a very difficult art so from time to time it is worth letting a specialist take care of her condition. Medical peels, e.g. mixture of salicylic and azelaic acid, will be helpful. Such a procedure will help regulate the sebaceous glands, help remove blackheads, cleanse and reduce the risk of acne, it also has a rejuvenating effect and supports skin reconstruction. Glycolic peeling, in turn, will reduce discoloration, help reduce acne scars, reduce pores, moisturize and significantly improve skin condition. Tired and constantly exposed to harmful external factors skin will also be helped by mesotherapy. Injecting a cocktail of vitamins, amino acids, microelements and hyaluronic acid, will restore its healthy beautiful appearance, strengthen, regenerate and deeply moisturize.

Also remember not to squeeze out blackheads and purulent pimples, and try not to touch your face too often, especially with dirty hands. Use light makeup cosmetics, and completely give up painting before planned physical effort, then it is better to have only special cleansing wipes with you that will get rid of excess sweat and dust from the skin. Oily skin needs your attention every day, try to care for it, not only cleansing, moisturizing, regenerating and protecting from the outside, but also from the inside. So take care of your diet, providing the body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals and limiting the consumption of highly processed sugar products, salts and various stimulants harmful to your skin.

At REVIVE CLINIC our specialist will design for you special treatment according to your skin type and problem.

Feet, like your hands, should be our decoration, but unfortunately we still forget about them too often during daily care treatments. They have their time in the summer, when we put on sandals, flip flops or run barefoot on the beach. Ugly feet are conspicuous, embarrassing and embarrassing us, which is why we try to care for them. Unfortunately, when it gets cold and gloomy outside, the good time ends for them. Problems, prints, cracked heels, pain and persistent itching begin. Sometimes neglected feet require the intervention of a doctor and long treatment. That is why proper hygiene and foot care is not only aesthetic but also a health issue. Today I will tell you how to do it properly to enjoy their beautiful and healthy skin throughout the year.

Feet like bathing

Soaking your feet is one of the basic elements of their care, it should be done at least twice a week, and if you can, even every day. The feet work hard all day, so in the evening they deserve a moment of relaxation.

Tired and swollen feet will help bath in sea salt. It will provide valuable nutrients and help maintain adequate hydration. Sea salt also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and gently relieves pain. Baths with the addition of infusions of herbs or oils are also great. Mint, lavender or sage refresh, soothe and relax your feet. Chamomile will soothe irritations and horsetail will strengthen the skin and nails and reduce sweating. On the other hand, thyme or green tea has antifungal effects, which will also reduce the risk of bacterial infections. Baking soda will cope well with keratinized epidermis. In turn, a viscous infusion of linseed will soften and moisturize dry skin. In autumn and winter, frozen feet will warm up the bath with the addition of ginger.

Charity exfoliation

A very important element of foot care is, of course, peeling, it will not only improve blood circulation, but also remove dead skin and help keep the skin soft, elastic and properly moisturized. Thanks to it, our feet will also be perfectly prepared for the action of creams and nourishing masks. Peels that you can do yourself at home work very well. Sugar combined with coconut oil not only smoothes the skin, but also great moisturizes. However, if you need a stronger exfoliating effect, add olive oil and baking soda to the sugar. Coffee is also a great component of home peeling, just add brown sugar to previously brewed grounds to get a cosmetic that not only removes dead skin, but also improves circulation and firms the skin. Antibacterial, antifungal and nourishing while the peeling made of cinnamon powder, honey and brown sugar will work. The peeling with the addition of crushed avocado pits also works great, thanks to which the skin will remain not only smooth, but also regenerated and moisturized.

Moisturized = beautiful and healthy

Dry feet not only look unsightly, but also cause pain and discomfort, so every day we should ensure their proper hydration. For the day, choose creams with a light texture so as not to cause excessive sweating of the feet. In the evening, it is worth using thick creams or masks. It's best to put a thick layer of cosmetics on your feet immediately after bathing and peeling, and put on soft cotton socks. You will soon find that after such a good night's sleep the skin of your feet will be in excellent condition. A good cream should contain urea, which has great moisturizing and softening properties. It is good if the composition of foot cosmetics also contains vitamins A, C and E, which not only take care of proper, moisturizing and nourishing the skin, but also firm it and as strong antioxidants declare an effective war on free radicals. Aloe vera, which alleviates skin irritations, and shea butter, which in addition to moisturizing properties nourishes and protects the skin against harmful external factors, also has a nice effect. Coconut oil, which also has a mild exfoliating effect, will help cracked feet. Try also oatmeal masks - a valuable source of vitamins and minerals and softening milk skin. You can make it yourself, just pour the flakes with a small amount of hot milk, and when they cool down and make a paste, put them on your feet. Massage them gently and after 10-15 minutes rinse with warm water. Relief dry and cracked feet will also bring an avocado mask with a little honey. Avocados contain, among others, vitamins A, C and E, fatty acids, potassium, iron and copper which will allow them to perfectly not only moisturize, but also nourish the skin of the feet.

Comfortable shoes are the basis

Properly selected shoes are also one of the elements of foot care. First of all, they should not rub us and oppress us. They must be made of materials that will allow your feet to breathe. Always adapt them to the weather so that your feet are not overheated or cold. However, if you see new beautiful shoes, go for them in the evening, when your feet are already a bit tired and swollen, then it's easier to choose the right size for you. Remember also that your feet need rest, so give up the matching slippers or high heels and choose looser comfortable footwear. Narrow shoes can cause painful and unsightly impressions, while frequent walking in high heels can cause foot deformities.

Take care of your feet and remember that our business card is beautiful and well cared for all year round.