NIKKISAVY SKINCARE

While it’s impossible to stop your skin from aging , there’s a lot that you can do to slow down the process . Of course, you need to start early so that your skin shows visible signs of aging quite later . If you’re worried about fine lines and wrinkles , sun spots , and more , it’s time you do the best you can for your skin so that you don’t have to deal with these problems soon . And if you already have a few of these problems , it’s never too late to do the right things . HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOUR SKIN LOOK GREAT : Eat and Drink Healthy : Working from the inside out is the best thing you can do for your skin . What you eat shows on your skin , and if you eat a healthy diet , you’re sure to have beautiful glowing skin . Include Vitamin C-rich foods in your diet . They help produce collagen fibers that are essential for keeping skin firm and supple . Protein-rich foods like meats rebuild cells and help repair skin . Cut down on junk food as it contains excess sugar ,

Your skin is your body’s largest organ . It is complex and multi-layered . How well do you know it ? Changes in health , weight and just the process of aging have an effect on skin’s elasticity . HERE ARE TOP FACTS ON SKIN AND SAGGING  Collagen and elastin , this two proteins are necessary for skin health because they offer support and elasticity , can be found in the dermis ( middle layer of skin ) . Fibroblasts are the cells in the dermis that synthesize collagen and elastin . Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin , making up 75% . Diminished levels of collagen and elastin cause your skin to wrinkle and sag . Reduction of tissue in the subcutis ( fatty layer ) also causes your skin to sag as well as wrinkle . Over time , environmental factors and aging diminish your body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin . We lose 1% of collagen per year after the age of 29 . Existing Collagen and elasticity are broken down daily by the sun , free-radic

We get a lot of questions on serums. People are confused about what they are , how to use them and how to incorporate them into their daily regimen . If this sounds like you , read on to see the answers to your most common questions ! WHAT IS A SERUM  Serums are lightweight , fast-absorbing liquids used as an alternative or in addition to moisturizing creams or lotions . Serums are usually formulated to have the highest concentration of active ingredients in a skin care line-up . WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SERUM AND A MOISTURIZER ?  Serums are formulated to penetrate the skin and deliver potent active ingredients into deeper layers of your skin than a regular moisturizer . A moisturizer might also contain active ingredients , but it is primarily designed to form a barrier between the skin and the outside world , helping the skin to retain moisture . Unlike moisturizers , serums do not contain occlusive  or airtight moisturizing ingredients such as petroleum or

WHAT IS DULL SKIN ? Skin that has lost its natural radiance , luminosity and glow is identified as dull skin . The triggering factors could be 1 - Advancing age 2 - Skin dryness 3 - Damaged skin cells 4 - Very slow skin cell turnover Our skin looks dull when there is a built-up of dead skin cells on its surface . These piles of dead cells cause uneven , dull and rough patches on our skin making it look lifeless and dull . Our skin could look dull due to dryness ; lack of moisture . Regular exfoliation and hydration , both from the inside and outside are the most effective ways to brighten up dull skin .

Cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, and chocolates !  The sugar cravings never ends . The promise of a slim waistline has only been a temporary motivator as I see myself fall prey to sweet temptations more often than I would like . The shocker recently came when I found out that excess refined sugar is a big contributor to skin aging . The culprit to be blamed for this is a natural process called glycation, where blood sugar attaches itself to proteins and makes way for AGEs (Advanced Glyacting End products) . These AGE molecules  can cause premature aging , skin dullness and sagging skin and these molecules are directly linked with sugar . Sweet nothings are not nothing , after all ! THE SUGAR IMPACT Research and studies indicate that sugars in the form of added carbohydrates or refined sugars can lead to premature aging , sagging skin and more wrinkles . When we consume simple sugars in the form of starches such as rice , bread , potatoes and sweets , there is a rapid ris

Did you know that Vitamin C serums can protect your skin and even reverse the signs of aging ? One of the hottest skincare products on today’s market utilizes nature’s very own vitamins in order to minimize lines , increase collagen production and enhance the skin’s protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Let’s take a look at why you should consider adding a Vitamin C serum to your skincare regimen: SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TO BE EFFECTIVE  Many skincare products make all sorts of claims to make you look decades younger without having any proof to back it up . Unlike the other products , the effectiveness of Vitamin C has been studied clinically and documented in various studies . Vitamin C increases the skin’s natural protection against the sun by as much as eight times . This is very encouraging since sun exposure is the leading cause of increased lines and wrinkles . Another study resulted in noticeable reduction in fine lines and improved fine lines and reduced hyperpi

After a new baby is born you start to notice dark circles , acne , skin discoloration , stretch marks  – the rosy glow of pre pregnancy from the raging hormones is quickly being replaced by acne . If you are lucky to have avoided post partum acne , stress , and sleep deprivation , along with zero time for skin care definitely takes its toll . Every time you look at the mirror you ask “ is that really me ? ’’ Young mothers face skin discoloration post childbirth . The forehead , nose , cheeks and upper lip appear to be dark and splotchy . This “ mask of pregnancy ” called chloasma or melasma goes away when the body stops producing the excess melanin that it produced when you were pregnant . As you wean your baby , these irate spots begin to fade away . To alleviate the problem of melasma and prevent skin damage , use a sunscreen of SPF 30 upwards , no matter if it’s cloudy or sunny . Between feeds and diaper changes there are a hundred other things you need to attend to and

Cellulite is formed from fluid retention and the accumulation of waste products and toxins in the body . If you’ve ever tried on clothes in a dressing room , you may have noticed some not-so-pretty “lady lumps .”  Even thin women and men can have cellulite . So rather than simply avoiding cellulite-accentuating mirrors , here are some tips on kicking it to the curb . Exercise, stretching and weight-lifting (all of which help get rid of fluid , waste and toxins) are essential for silencing cellulite . When it comes to diet , avoid processed foods and animal products that leave toxic wastes swimming laps in your circulatory system . Doing routine , mostly raw vegan detoxes will help keep your skin silky smooth and light on the lumps . Choose to do a 7-day detox each month , a 3-day detox every other week , or a 1-day detox every week to rid your body of the crummies . Here are some detox guidelines : - Start the day with a large glass of filtered water with lemon or cucumber sli

Dear Friend, Are you breaking out more often ? Has your face lost its radiance lately ? Have you even noticed the uneven skin tone? How long are you going to sweep that dust under the carpet ? Did you ever think that you might be mistreating me! It is time for you to clean up your act . After all , I am the biggest organ of your body – your skin ! Stop sabotaging me by committing these skincare sins ! You take me for granted when you take your basic skincare regime lightly ! How would you feel if your best friend ignored you ? Sad ? Angry ? Taken for granted ? So how do you think I feel when you carelessly skip your skincare routine ? There might be days when you skip a step . Maybe you’re too tired , too busy , or even simply not in the mood ! However, short cutting on cleansing , toning and moisturizing often , is going to affect me – your skin – badly . Forgetting to exfoliate is an absolute no-no too ! Not cleaning up before you hit the sack isn’t going to hel

Beautiful , healthy , and youthful-looking skin is something most of us strive to possess . After all , our skin is the canvas behind the look we show off to the world day in and day out . However our skin can be a bit tricky to care of and many of us struggle to achieve balance , particularly with changing seasons or during travel . Have you ever noticed that your skin looks and behaves differently when you travel to a new location ? This is because skin serves as a protective barrier from the environment and , in serving this role , it is exposed to environmental elements that affect it . Here are 5 ways your environment can change the look and feel of your skin . HOT TEMPERATURES When temperatures are high our bodies sweat to cool down . Perspiration may cause a variety of skin issues such as irritation , rash , and acne . A gentle cleanser to wash away perspiration is often a great idea . Moreover , heat can cause drying of the skin , leading to skin that is rough or flak

Who doesn’t love a clean , clear and glowing skin ? Every eye glues to a face that is radiant, supple and blemish free . In fact skin speaks much more than just about your beauty . It is an important indicator of your health - it mirrors the toxin levels in your body . Healthy skin results from a healthy lifestyle . An isolated diet or a skin care regime alone doesn’t suffice the purpose . Ever heard about skin detoxification ? Flushing out toxic materials from the body is referred to as detoxification . Similarly , the process of skin detoxification is a method to cleanse the skin & get it rid of toxins . Our skin gets toxic due to environmental pollution , exposure to sun , improper diet intake , smoking , alcohol intake and sedentary lifestyle . As the toxins get flushed out during the detoxification process , there may be an appearance of  breakouts (acne, boils, etc.) , skin rashes etc . on the skin surface . There are a number of ways to skin detoxify , ranging from

Ok , so we all have blackheads and it seems like they never go away . The good news is , there are solutions and ways to prevent , control and get rid of them . Let’s start from the beginning though and I will tell you what causes a blackhead . Causes of Blackheads - Basically when a pore gets clogged with too much oil (which enlarges the pore) and then it mixes with built-up dead skin cells that cannot shed normally . The combination of the two then get exposed to air, which causes it to oxidize and turn black . How to Get Rid of Blackheads - You need to remove and absorb excess oil and also remove dead skin that isn’t shedding on its own . Not all products will do this, even though they claim to . Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid help along with gentle manual exfoliation . Scrubbing harshly and vigorously will not get them out . You will only irritate the skin . This is one of the reasons that pore strips do not work . These blackheads are not just sitting on the surf

Skin pigmentation problems occur because the body produces either too much or too little melanin. Melanin is the pigment in skin produced by specific cells {melanocytes}.It is triggered by an enzyme called tyrosinase which creates the colour of our skin, eyes and hair. This faulty melanin production is primarily caused by chronic unprotected sun exposure or hormones {particularly during pregnancy or from taking birth control pills}. As far as the skin is concerned , depending on how much is present , melanin does provide some amount of sun protection by absorbing the suns ultraviolet rays. This explains why darker skin colours are less susceptible to sunburn and the overall effects of sun damage . But less susceptible doesn't mean immune from problem.  1.  Exfoliation - This is always the first step to getting lighter skin or removing permatan . This helps remove the outermost layer of skin that is darkened and / or damaged by contact with the sun . Avoid over exfoliat

Every year we make resolutions with the best of intentions to follow through. However, right around that 2 week mark , many of us begin to waver in our resolve . This year perhaps you’ve resolved to give up a bad habit , like smoking or excessive drinking . It is well known fact that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are two habits that negatively effect overall health . Do you know that they both contribute to poor skin health as well ? The truth is that smoking is bad for your skin . It causes damage and leads to changes that make your skin look older . Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin , which decreases blood flow . This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to regeneration of skin cells and causes your skin to take on a grey color . Smoking also damages collagen and elastin in your skin which results in sagging and wrinkles . In addition , the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — purs

It's been a while since I've been on . I see many new names & many familiar ones . There are so many products out there & the information (most of it by sellers) is deliberately vague & confusing. Most ads appear to promise dramatic results & 'back' their claims with so-called testimonials or scientific claims. Here are some things to consider before spending the money you work hard for   1: ASSESS YOUR SKIN BEFORE BUYING ANYTHING . What are you trying to achieve ? If your skin is unevenly coloured , slathering something all over will exacerbate the problem . I don't care what the product is even if its from the NIKKISAVY BRAND or how many thousands you shell out .  You will have to first achieve an even tone before you see what your skin truly looks like . After evening it out , you might love it so much you decide to simply maintain  . A good example of this is significantly darker knuckles . 2 : WHAT OTHER ISSUES ARE PRESENT ( VERY DR

So you spent a little too much time in the sun and forgot to reapply sunscreen and now you’re fried ! Yes, it is a little painful but there are ways to alleviate the pain and the actual burn a little quicker than just waiting. Here they are…  1. Aloe Vera - Soothing and calming , this will help the burn feel and heal better . Get the pure 100% Aloe. You can even keep it in the fridge to keep cold . That usually feels good on a burn .  2. Honey - I love honey for the skin! According to research, it helps heal wounds, and applying some to your sunburn can encourage the growth of new skin cells . It also has a lot of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties .  3. Milk Bath - It has anti-inflammatory properties that help heal a sunburn . I find this one to be quite effective.  4. Cortisone Cream - Use this if it is swelling and really painful .  5. Drink Water - Staying hydrated is important because this burn is very dehydrating .  6. Grape Seed Oil - Another one of my favori

For as long as I can remember , my mother had an elaborate beauty routine . No matter how late it was at night and no matter how exhausted , she always followed her skin care routine with a discipline that could only be called regimented . Till she died she looked 20yrs younger . Most people could not believe that she had hit the big 60 . The secret behind her youthful looks was just the dedication with which she went through her daily cleansing , toning , and moisturizing . While most women today will agree that pollution and sun damage are robbing us of our skin’s beauty,  Lazyness , Bad lifestyle choices, late nights, and stress all play a huge role in our skin’s health and yet we continue to question “ Why should skin care be a habit ?” While most of us fall prey to exhaustion or sheer laziness to follow a daily skin care routine , in our defense , I can only say that we do so because we feel that the miracle facial will “ do it ” for us and cure all our skin problems .  What

I've always been the type to experiment , with my skin supplements been one of my trials I enjoy a boost of antioxidants with oral / topical supplements in my skincare routine . Antioxidants are terrific for reversing sun damage , and the natural effects of aging , and should be a part of your daily routine no matter your age . Supplements also aid in boosting the immune system , prevention is always better than cure . Vitamins A , C , and E , and minerals selenium and lutein , have all been touted as skin beautifiers , and there is growing clinical evidence that this is true . Some say that you may have enough in your regular diet , but it doesn’t hurt to take a daily multivitamin as well . Young people can start to take care of their skin before it ages with the simple addition of vitamins . Dandelion supplements contain a great deal of vitamin C , and are good for your skin . Flax-seed oil supplements can give your skin a healthy glow , and because it’s an Omega-3 rich o

In the quest for healthy skin many of us will try anything and everything . Armed with a drawer full of products we follow every tip we have every read or heard . And then we wonder why our skin isn't “perfect” . Could it be that we are overdoing it ? When it comes to skin care , sometimes more is not “more” . Overusing or combining certain products can have the opposite effect you are hoping for - irritation , dryness , or cancelling out the benefits of the product completely ! Such is the case when it comes to Retin A and other retinols . Retin-A is a powerful wrinkle fighter that helps renew skin . So powerful it can also cause dryness and irritation . Take extra care when using Retin-A as well as other retinols . EASE INTO IT . If you are a first time user of Retin-A and experiencing extreme redness and irritation , you could be overdoing it . Start with only a small pea size amount . If you are still experiencing irritation , you may want to build up to Retin-A by using

Chemical peels have been in vogue as an advanced beauty treatment since ancient times . It is performed for people to achieve a smoother and beautiful complexion . Today , chemical peels have become the fastest and most effective way to a glowing complexion by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and scarring caused by acne . The results of chemical peels are almost instantaneous . But before rushing to the nearest skincare store  it’s important to understand the different types of chemical peels and potential risks to decide which one is best for your skin . HOW DO CHEMICAL PEELS WORK ? Chemical peel treatments involve the application of a variety of chemicals that are derived from vinegar , sugar and fruits on to the skin surface so that they burn off the dead cells that form on the outer layer of the skin . These treatments can be done at home but can lead to scaring or burns if not administered properly . The best way to administer chem

We all wish to always have flawless skin . Despite our efforts we still make some basic mistakes which keep us away from having healthy , glowing skin . These common mistakes may be in our daily skincare routine , skincare products you are using or using the wrong products for the wrong season or climate . HERE ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES WE MAKE WITHOUT BEEN AWARE OF THE HARM THEY DO . CHOOSING THE WRONG CLEANSER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE If you have opted for a cleanser which has not been formulated for  your skin type , it does more evil than good ! It might result in your skin getting extra dry and tight or too oily giving you breakouts . An incorrect cleanser could strip your skin off its natural balance giving you more problems . CONSUMING THE WRONG DIET Dermatologists recommend  vitamin A , E and C efficient diet to look younger . Sometimes fish oil and other anti- oxidants are a good source of these vitamins . What you eat keeps you healthy from the inside-out which is mirr

IS YOUR SKIN READY FOR THAT MAKE UP OVERLOAD ? The colors , the paints and the contouring kits need a clean well prepped palette ( your face ) to work their magic . CLEANSE IT UP . It's common sense isn’t it ? Your face needs to be devoid of dirt , pollutants , makeup and oil first . Cleansing your face with a skin appropriate product is the first step . Cleansing removes dirt and all that grime you’ve collected on your face , opens up your pores allowing them to breathe and gives you a fresh start . Use a cleanser/ face wash that leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated . SAY GOOD BYE TO DEAD SKIN CELLS . Next up is your facial scrub . Exfoliating your face removes the upper dead skin layer revealing beautiful , fresh , supple skin . A scrub also helps in working deep into your skin removing traces of left over makeup and dirt that your cleanser can't remove . Using scrubs that exfoliate , tone , hydrate and rejuvenate your skin are a good deal ! TONE IT UP .

Are suffering from hyperpigmentation ? Hyperpigmentation of the skin is caused by an increase in melanin , a substance in the body that is responsible for color (pigment) . A common form of hyperpigmentation is melasma , where the skin develops brown spots in areas that have been exposed to the sun . Pregnancy and the intake of birth control pills can also cause this condition to develop and sun exposure can worsen it . Anyone can be prone to hyperpigmentation but there is a higher incidence among women with darker skin . For pregnant women the condition is often referred to as the ‘ mask of pregnancy ’ and may reverse when the pregnancy is over and also , if birth control pills are stopped. But for others , the condition can be a stubborn and persistent problem . SO WHAT KIND OF TREATMENTS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ? HYDROQUINONE - A common topical treatment for hyperpigmentation . You can find over-the-counter products that contain 2% hydroquinone (the maximum current

There’s a reason why there are so many options when you check out the moisturizer aisle at the skincare store . A moisturizer is not a one-size-fits-all type of product . In fact , what works for you may not work for your best friend , sister , or mother , they all have unique skin types that require a more tailored product . By understanding what type of moisturizer works best for your skin , you can get rid of some of your skin issues - it’s dryness or oiliness . DRY SKIN -  If your skin constantly feels parched and you tend to have flaky patches around your nose , you have dry skin  . Dry skin is practically crying out for moisture , so make sure that you give it everything it needs with an oil-based moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter . And since dry skin can look sallow and dull , think about choosing a moisturizer that is a bit pearlescent to help wake up your skin and make it look positively dewy . OILY SKIN - When you s

Stretching it , pulling it , rolling it - I played with my hair band today . The snap made me think of the permanent lines or striae that occur when we stretch and pull our skin a bit too far – stretch marks . These marks are seen when the skin is pulled by rapid growth ( puberty ) , weight gain ( pregnancy ) , ( muscle building) or stretching or by using steroid induced skincare products which thin the skin . In 75 to 90% women it’s a lasting token that reminds them of the rigors of pregnancy . As the skin stretches , tiny tears are seen in the dermis ; they start appearing as red or dark horizontal threads along the skin and gradually end up as permanent scars . With effective skincare routines , patience and time , we can diminish them away . KEEP THE MOISTURE UP  - Use Natural oils ; Almond , olive , castor , argan  or coconut oils and creams with jojoba extracts , aloe vera , vitamin E , cocoa or shea butter have been known to reduce recently developed stretch

Now that the holiday has passed and we retreat back to our more simple and quiet days (at least for the time being) , our bodies , when not at the gym may be in need of a good detox ! To achieve any skincare goals you must have a skin cleanse . All that food and drinking , late nights and travel are sure to have taken a toll on your skin . Starting your skincare regimes with a fresh , clean and hydrated cleanse will allow time for your skin’s radiance and health to re-emerge .  It will offer your skincare products an optimal opportunity to work its best . A detox will remove toxins in your body and will help purge the body of impurities , stimulate circulation and rejuvenate cell turnover .  All important activities in helping your largest organ reveal its natural beauty to the world . TRY THESE SIMPLE TIPS AND SEE HOW GREAT YOUR SKIN CAN LOOK ELIMINATE CAFFEINE May be a bit difficult if you love your coffee , however replacing your daily intake by drinking tea will do won

Acne is a pretty common problem for many of us . Although younger people are more prone to breakouts , adults can suffer with the embarrassment , annoyance and pain of acne as well . Here are some surprising factors that contribute to acne and how you can avoid them ! HAIR PRODUCTS  When it comes to styling your hair , what you’re using and how you’re styling might actually make your skin worse . Pomade acne is a type of acne caused by hair-care products . When the products come in contact with your skin oil seeps into your pores and traps bacteria there , resulting in pus , redness and eventually whiteheads and blackheads . To avoid pomade acne , try styling your hair so it sits away from the face . Use fewer products that contain heavy oils and chemicals . This will prevent clogged pores and improve the quality of your skin . Water based or all natural hair styling products will also help . YOUR PARTNER Sharing towels , sheets and pillowcases with your partner can expose a

Markets , pharmacies and supermarkets are full of products for skin care . The problem is that most of these preparations contain many chemicals that may be harmful to the skin , so it is best to delay the aging process naturally . One way of doing this is coconut oil ! WHAT IS COCONUT OIL ? Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel of matured coconuts harvested from the coconut palm . It has various applications in the FOOD AND COSMETIC INDUSTRY . Coconut oil as a  moisturizer serves to hydrate and protect the skin from various diseases and infections . Antioxidants in the oil encourage and facilitate the fight against aging skin . You can protect your skin in two ways : eating or rubbing oil on the skin . It is better to use coconut oil in it’s virgin state to get good results as when processed the oil loses its antioxidants and nutrients that are so very beneficial . This oil can be used on dry skin or dry areas like heels or knees to soften up instantly