DIY Skin Savers: The Aspirin Mask

What is the aspirin mask? The aspirin mask is a homemade BHA mask available to each and everyone of us, totally inexpensive and highly efficient, made of salicylic acid or tablets of aspirin. BHA is known to help tremendously with cleaning pores from deep inside and therefore contribute to keeping our skin blemish-free. BHAs are efficient on existing blemishes as well, by helping them heal faster and keeping pores clean afterwards.

Indications: all skin types, especially normal to oily and combination skin, acne-prone and clogged skin.

Basic preparation: 1/4 tsp. salicylic acid (ask for it at pharmacy, if you cannot find it, then crush 3-5 tablets of plain aspirin instead), distilled water. Mix the powder with the water until it becomes of a creamy consistence, apply on clean dry skin (focus on T-zone and sides of the nose). Keep it on until completely dry. Take a small cotton pad, wet it lightly and begin scrubbing the areas covered with the mask, making small circles. Finally, rinse with plenty of water. It would be excellent to apply a calming mask or a hydrating mask first, followed by your regular moisturizer. Skin will be left completely smooth and even.

There are practically unlimited versions of this mask. You can add yoghurt for an astringent effect, aloe vera, honey. You can also make the mask using a basic moisturizer mixed with salicylic acid instead of water, as it will be less harsh on the skin and will be more easy to use. Another option is to mix salicylic acid / crushed aspirin into a mask: into a clay mask, a hydrating mask or a soothing mask. My personal favourite is aloe vera mask with a hint of salicylic acid - application is much better, skin is less irritated and dried compared to aspirin with water, the feeling left after this mask is absolutely unique so smooth and clean!

If you use powdered salicylic acid, it is advisable to limit the quantity to 1/4 tsp. for the whole face, too much will burn the skin. If using aspirin tablets, you will probably need somewhere between 3 and 10 tablets depending on the area where you apply it.

Do not apply it near to eye zone, as it would be extremely drying and irritating for the sensitive skin there.

Refrain yourself from over-using it. For very oily skin and for severe blemishes, every 3 days would be more than enough in order not to stress the skin and obtain maximum efficiency. Other skin types should use it once a week or twice a month (dry to very dry, sensitive skin).

Antonia is an independent beauty consultant, editor and publisher of BeautySofa.com - make-up, style and skin care articles and resources online.

Ohh La La Your Body Knows The Benefits Of Spa Treatments

Spa treatment is becoming more and more popular these days. Spa treatment is not limited to beautification purpose, it offers several other benefits and this is one of the main reasons why most spa treatment is gaining such popularity. It can help to reduce stress, soothes your muscles, and provide overall relaxation for your mind and body. Visiting the spa provides an effective way of escapism from your tight work schedule to a world that is quiet and peaceful.

Most spas offer various treatments and it is vital from your part to select the best that suits your needs. Some of the most popular treatments include Massages, Facials, and full Body treatment.

Massaging is considered as an effective technique of body treatment. Massaging helps to lighten muscle rigidity, cramps, or tremors and help to alleviate tension and anxiety.

Types of massages

There are several types of massages that execute various functions for your body. The different types of massages include:

Swedish massage

Swedish massage includes a wide range of techniques for muscle relaxation. This is achieved by applying pressure to them against bones and muscles. Swedish massage helps to boost the oxygen flow in the blood and releases the pollutants from your muscles.

Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage is performed on the deeper layers of one?s muscle tissue. This helps to releases chronic muscle tension from one?s body. Deep tissue massage allows proper circulation of blood and oxygen and releases toxins from your muscles. It also helps to eliminate scar tissues.

Sports massage

Sports massage is exclusively designed for sports personnel. A sports massage is done to reduce tension and stress, which develops in the body?s soft tissues mainly during bodily strain. It can be done before, during, or after an athletic event. Sports massage helps the athletes to reduce muscle tension, relieve swelling, and drain away exhaustion.

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy is a very useful and effective spa treatment. During aromatherapy massage one need to inhale essential oils through the mucosa of the nose and mouth. It is found that this type of massage offers several emotional and mental benefits.

Facial treatments

Facial treatments help to clean and cleanse the skin by dropping dead skin cells. Facials increase the smoothness of skin and maintain a good hydrated skin. There are different types of facial treatments. Such as:

Oxygenating Facial ? This treatment is perfect for those with dull looking skin. This type of facial features a vitamin formula that helps to restore tired skin.

Deep-Cleansing Facial ? this type of facial is targeted to skin type that generally utilizes a gentle botanical peel with essential oils.

D.N.A. Facial: this is a unique treatment for the skin, which helps to restore collagen. This helps to nourish tired skin.

Sea Beauty Facial ? this facial treatment helps to re-vitalizes one?s skin.

Body Treatment

Almost all spas offer body treatments. Body treatments are considered very important to your body as it helps to hydrate, nourish, and remove dirt from the inside your pores. Body wrap, body scrub, and body mask treatments are some of the most popular body treatments.

Body wraps may include moor herbal therapy treatment. Body scrub consists of massaging of the person?s skin with a blend of oil, salt, and aromatics like lemon. This eliminates the dirt from your skin and makes it smooth and soft. A body mask usually follows a body scrub.

To conclude, spa treatments prove to be a very effective way to provide relaxation for your mind and body. It is a perfect way to get relief from the strain of this high-tech world. Do your body a favor, and treat it to a spa treatment that it is right for you. Your body will be saying ooh la la!

Keisha Seaton is the owner of My Articles Directory. Visit My Articles Directory today to read more Beauty Articles, your body depends on it!

Tips and Advice: Puffy Eyes

Some of the causes of puffy eyes are: lack of sleep, alcohol, allergies, aging, stress, poor diet and genetics.

To decrease the appearance of puffy eyes use a thinly sliced cold cucumber or a slice of raw potato and place a slice on each eye. Use any cold compress on your eyes for a few minutes, but do not place ice cubes directly on your skin. Cotton wool pads soaked in witch hazel (which reduces swelling) or iced water should also do the trick.

You can also reduce the appearance of puffy eyes by taking a beaten egg white with a drop or two of witch hazel and brushing it under your eyes for a tightening effect.

Do you need to change your lifestyle in order to decrease the puffiness under your eyes?

Do you know that salty foods cause water retention which can accumulate in the eye area? Sodas and alcohol drinks are high in sodium (salt). Drink water instead. Do you drink enough water? Remember you should drink 8 glasses of water per day.

Exercise will help your overall circulation, including your renal circulation and will aid in the elimination of water. Do not sleep on your stomach, instead, sleep on your back with your head elevated so that water cannot accumulate around the eye are.

Here is a great tip: DO NOT NOT NOT use preparation H on your face!

A concealer or highlighter can do wonders to hide puffiness under your eyes. Pat your concealer on first and blend it in so it looks natural. Then apply your foundation and set it with a light dusting of loose powder.

There are many eye treatment creams on the market today that are formulated specifically to reduce bags underneath your eyes. I recommend Colos? Creme Miracle as it reduces puffiness, fine lines and dark circles. It contains collagen, vitamins, elastin and jojoba oil. Store creams in the refrigerator, as the coldness will also help reduce puffiness.

If you continually have eye puffiness go see your doctor. You could be having symptoms of sinusitis or allergies that can be cleared up by antibiotics or medication.

CREDIT BYLINE: Article written by Katrina VanDoran, Editor of Make-up USA Newsletter: http://www.make-upusa.com. Ms. VanDoran is a top makeup artist at her Spa in Brussels, Belgium. She predominantly uses Bren and Colos? Cosmetics and Skin Care products. Make-up USA ? All Rights Reserved.