It's depressing. Not only does your face need firming up, but the lotions and creams you hope will work are obviously not making much difference.
Well I would say two things about that.
One, remember that beauty IS skin deep.
Your qualities and character count for a lot more to the people who know you best (and see you most). How you look is important for your own self-esteem, and it helps if you look young and beautiful when you are mixing with people in crowded offices or out in parks. But it is only important to a certain extent. Who you are is more important in the long run than how you look.
But having said that, I'd say, second, it is not encouraging to look in the mirror and see those lines, wrinkles and sags.
And it does not help to find yourself with areas of your face dry and others moist -- an embarrassing condition called combination skin.
Let's think about the sagging areas of your face.
The best skin firming for the face needs to do three things which I want to list here for you. If you can find a lotion or a cream that will do two, or even all three, of these things then you have struck gold. So let me explain why skin needs to be cared for at your age, and then you will know the ingredients you need in a skin firming cream to take care of how you look on the outside.
First, the best skin firming for faces will include gentle moisturizing agents extracted carefully from natural products.
Avocado and macadamia oils, for instance, have natural compounds in them that will take the oils into the layers of your skin and hydrate areas that are dry.
Not all oils will do this. Mineral oils, for instance, stay on the he surface, clog pores and make you dependent -- when you stop using them you will find the dry areas of your face are worse than ever.
As you research about moisturizing agents you will learn about the damaging affect that these mineral oils can have. I would never recommend them.
Another factor to look for in the best skin firming products for your face would include something to make the skin firm again. (We ARE talking about sagging after all!)
One of the natural compounds that researchers are excited about at the moment is a substance called phytessence wakame. It is better known in Japan because it comes from a special sea weed harvested exclusively on the shores of Japan. And there is a lot of research supporting what women are learning by using creams that use this ingredient -- it is effective.
So look for a skin firming product that includes it. (As a bonus, it has an easy name to remember!)
Sagging skin is almost always dry skin.
Cynergy TK™ is a rather special compound that good skin care products are increasingly turning to. I've seen reports that have found an improvement in skin moisture retention of almost 15 percent over a three week period. So that is something you can test yourself. Find some of the best skin firming products that have this, use it for a month, and see if you can see the difference. Many women have.

Free radicals from external triggers, such as sun exposure and cigarette smoke, have long been known to damage skin cells and components of the skin's extracellular matrix, including collagen and elastin. New research funded by Nu Skin Enterprises on internal causes of aging has identified a previously unknown source of superoxide free radicals. arNOX, an enzyme associated with cell membranes, is present and active on skin cells. Scientists from Nu Skin Enterprises and Purdue University reported their novel research findings on age-related NADH oxidase (arNOX) in Kyoto, Japan, at International Investigative Dermatology 2008 (IID2008), a major scientific venue for the latest information on skin biology.
Significantly, arNOX activity increases during the "aging" years of about 45-70. The arNOX enzyme is one in a class of newly-identified ECTO-NOX (external NADH oxidase or ENOX) proteins that are located on external cell membranes. ECTO-NOX proteins become increasingly active to generate additional metabolic energy as cell mitochondria age and produce less energy. arNOX has been identified in all cells tested, including serum and saliva and now the dermis and epidermis. Its unique property is that it generates superoxide at the cell surface that is capable of damaging adjacent cells, lipoproteins, and other structural components of the skin's extracellular matrix, such as collagen and elastin.
Identifying skin-associated arNOX and its increasing activity with age is a breakthrough discovery. Currently research focuses on correcting skin damage after it occurs. Identifying an internal source of free radicals in skin allows us to treat the cause of aging not just effect. Evidence of arNOX in the skin provides insight into potentially revolutionary therapies for skin care. If we can develop innovative ways to inhibit arNOX activity and prevent the production of free radicals in the first place, then we can effectively correct free radical damage from external and prevent free radical production from internal sources. New serum treatments like age-loc will revolutionize the battle against aging by turning off the skin aging enzyme.Ultimately internal supplements will be created to treat aging systemically. We are certainly living in exciting times.

Most people have a set skin care routine that they follow every day - or at least most days. This can be as simple as washing with soap and water or even a much more complicated process with facial cleansers, toners, and more.
What many people forget, however, is to moisturize. Those with oily skin may feel that since their skin is already oily, a moisturizer is not necessary - but moisturizer is good for all skin types!
There are literally thousands of moisturizers on the market, so you do have to be careful to choose one that is right for your skin. Products such as Bio Elements Absolute Moisture, Bio Elements Beyond Hydration, and Bio Elements Crucial Moisture are all good choices.
Why Use A Facial Moisturizer?
Moisturizer is used to soothe and hold water in the skin. Keeping the skin hydrated can help with a variety of skin problems, such as premature aging. Hydrated skin always appears to be much younger than dried out skin, which lacks essential moisture. Oily and acne prone skin need to be moisturized just as much as dry skin. An oil-free moisturizer such as Bio Elements Absolute Moisture is great because it is light-weight, oil-free, and contains self-adjusting moisturizers to balance the skin. For the skin to maintain adequate moisture levels, a moisturizer is an absolute necessity in one's skin care routine.
How Do You Know Which Facial Moisturizer You Should Choose?
With so many moisturizers on the market, the decision-making process can be a little overwhelming. There are moisturizers for every type of skin, some of which even include added benefits such as anti-wrinkle ingredients. Be sure to read online reviews for different types of moisturizers and even experiment with a few different brands to choose the best moisturizer for your skin. You will always want to choose a brand that is non-greasy, preferably fragrance-free to avoid irritation, and one that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
The Problem with Dry Facial Skin
If you suffer from dry facial skin, you know how uncomfortable it can be. In extreme cases, dry facial skin will require treatment from a dermatologist, which can end up being quite costly. There are ways to prevent your skin from getting to this point, but you will need to change your daily skin care routine.
First, you must start by increasing your water intake. As they say, you should drink eight glasses of water per day. You should include a multivitamin in your diet every day and try to eat as healthy as possible.
As far as your skin care routine goes, your cleanser, toner, and moisturizer should be made especially for dry skin to avoid further irritation. Choosing a moisturizer is the most important factor however, so be careful in your decision. Bio Elements products are one of many good solutions, especially the Beyond Hydration moisturizer, which is 100% oil free, strengthens the facial skin, and will not clog pores.

Whoever came up with the phrase "there are no shortcuts in life" was definitely wrong, especially when it comes to skin care products. There are many great skin care products on the market, specifically make-up, which do more than just make you look pretty. There are make-up products which can help clear acne, and even some make-up products which can help with anti-aging, such as True cosmetics. These same skin care companies are continuing to come up with new technology and formulations every day to work wonders on your skin.
How Can These Skin Products Help With Wrinkles?
While each product has its own unique composition, there are a few main ingredients which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and even deep wrinkles. These ingredients include Collagen, Idebenone, Matrixyl 3000, Hyaluronic Acid, Argireline, and Retinol.
There are also anti-wrinkle products which contain all natural ingredients which can help to reduce lines on the face. Especially products which contain Idebenone, such as True skin care products, are increasingly popular among consumers who wish to try anti-aging remedies.
What is Idebenone?
According to research, Idebenone is basically an organic compound with similar properties to Coenzyme Q10. It has anti-oxidant properties which help to eliminate free radicals that can cause damage to the skin and promote premature aging. Idebenone is being used in many anti-wrinkle products due to its effectiveness as a powerful wrinkle fighter. Only recently has Idebenone been used in this manner, as it was previously a pharmaceutical agent with other uses.
Break-Through Skin Care Treatments
Though skin care products which contain the most powerful ingredients, including Idebenone, can be a bit pricier than other anti-aging treatments - research shows that the price is worth the results that consumers are seeing as a result of their use on the skin.
Consumers who are spending money on anti-aging products want to see noticeable results - which is only made possible by ingredients which have been proven effective. Consumers must beware, however, that some anti-aging treatments which claim to contain the best ingredients only have them in very small concentrations. Unless the best formulations and higher concentrations of these ingredients are used, favorable results are not likely.
Look for products that are well-known for their Idebenone content, such as True skin care products. These types of products are known as break-through skin care treatments which have been proven effective in clinical studies.
These skin care items can go to work on your skin with amazing results. While some people use a moisturizer in addition to a wrinkle cream, many others are finding that their skin care routine can be improved and shorted with products that have multiple uses.
True skin care offers products, such as the Night Light Trio, offers a cleanser and toner that not only purifies the skin, but also treats environmental damage, age spots, and resurfaces the skin for a younger looking appearance. If you are in the market for a new skin care routine, it is a good idea to give quality, ingredient-rich products a try.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and the one most visible to the rest of the world. It stands to reason that caring for this important feature will make a big difference in one's appearance. The world of dermatology and cosmetic surgery provide many options for caring for the skin today. There is a plethora of choices in treatments that will help the skin look smoother, younger and healthier.
Skin rejuvenation is a popular term currently floating around doctor's offices and clinics. But what it is and who can benefit from the procedures? The most effective procedures will remove the top layer of skin, leaving smoother, healthier looking skin in its place. This process will also reduce the signs of aging by diminishing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, skin discolorations and shallow scars. Those who have some of these signs and would like to get rid of them will benefit from these procedures.
There are numerous routes to the same goal in the process of skin rejuvenation. A doctor may opt to use a chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser resurfacing to achieve similar results. The type of procedure used will depend upon the preference of the patient and doctor. All of these options generally involve little discomfort and recovery time and offer few risks to the patient.
Skin rejuvenation is an effective way to reduce the signs of aging and restore the skin to a healthier, more youthful state. Different procedures provide choices to both the patient and doctor to ensure the best result possible.

Looking for the best eye cream reviews? You can only get so much information from them. I've read a lot of consumer opinions. I've read what dermatologists recommend. I've look at labels and researched ingredients. I think I can give you a little more information than the average reviewer.

Sometimes, though, I do need some help. The best eye cream reviews that I have found are done by the Environmental Working Group. They evaluate products based on the safety of their ingredients.

That's a good place to start. Health and safety should always come first, whether you are talking about food or skincare products. Now, it seems that the issues that are relevant in one area are also relevant in another.

Nanotechnology has allowed manufacturers to process ingredients so finely that they can pass through the epidermis, enter the tissues and even the muscles. That is, if what some of the companies are advertising is true.

At one time, getting a substance to pass through that outermost layer was a challenge. Scientists wanted to learn how to do it, so that they could make trans-dermal patches to deliver medications at a more regular pace and avoid upsetting the stomach.

They learned how to do it and so did the cosmetic companies. So, now, when we apply a product to our skin, we may as well be eating it.

The best eye cream reviews won't of course cover any of the things that I've just mentioned. But, the Environmental Working Group can help you find safe sunscreen, baby lotion and other health and beauty aids. They have an online database called "Skin Deep". The information is very helpful.

Of course, if you are looking for what's most effective. They don't go into that. Some so-called "experts" tell you that you don't need a special moisturizer to use under or around the eyes. At the same time, they recommend products like Oil of Olay, which is one of the most unsafe products on the market.

But, the reason they suggest that you don't need special creams for the skin under the eyes is this. Most companies that make a gel or serum for around the eyes use the exact same ingredients that they do in their other products, but they charge more for them.

I know one company that will soon have the best eye cream reviews, because their products are simply the most effective ones on the market. It's a new line, though. So, you may not hear much about them for a while.

Their gel for under and around the eyes contains a couple of ingredients found in their regular moisturizers, but they also contain some compounds that are specifically designed to reduce bags, puffiness and dark circles. Clinical research performed by the company and by independent laboratories has found them to be effective in more than 60% of the individuals included in the study groups.

So, stop looking for the best eye cream reviews and start looking for something effective. You'll be glad that you did.

In part one of this series on Combination Skin, I gave a general overview. Now I will discuss specifically the issue of Cleansing your skin.

For Combination Skin, I advocate having two and quite possibly three different types of cleansers. This way, your skin doesn't get too used to just one, plus you can address whatever issue you may be experiencing more of right away and correctly instead of using something inappropriate.

Foaming Cleansers, sometimes called Gel Cleansers, are terrific for getting rid of excess oils and/or makeup. Never, ever buy a foamy facial cleanser that contains sodium lauryl sulphate. These will strip your skin bare of any protective oils and make it produce even more oil. Look for professional natural and organic skin care lines that can only be sold through skin care professionals. The best brands use only natural and herb based surfactants (foaming agents) and are non-drying. Most people with combination skin can use a foaming cleanser five or six times a week.

Exfoliating Cleansers are great for keeping in the shower. You can give yourself a minute long facial massage (great for oxygenating the complexion) as you gently exfoliate your skin, removing impurities from your pores. While you move your fingers in a circular motion, turn your back to the shower and let it beat on your shoulders. This is a double treat as you get both a facial massage and mini shoulder massage. The exfoliant washes off easily and quickly in the shower. Most people with combination skin can use an exfoliating cleanser four to six times a week. Exfoliating cleansers reduce the incidence of blackheads. It is beneficial to massage problem areas a bit longer.

Creamy Cleansers are perfect for those days when you feel your skin to be a bit drier than usual. They keep the skin moist and dewy. If you fly or swim, or are in artificial heat a lot, you need a creamy cleanser. They are the easiest to remove, so using a creamy cleanser at night over the sink is a quick process. Splash your face with luke-warm water eleven times to remove. Creamy cleansers should be used once daily, supplemented by an exfoliating cleanser or foaming cleanser.

You need to make sure you completely and totally remove any cleanser you use. You can splash it off with luke-warm water. A makeup artist once told me the magic number of splashes is eleven, so that's what I've always done and it works! Or, you can use a very soft washcloth or facial mitt to remove the cleanser. Or, of course, shower it off.

Sometimes it is possible to find an exfoliating cleanser that also foams: Two examples are Exfoliating Gel Wash

There's plenty of different treatments out there for cold sores (Herpes Simplex), including prescription, over the counter (OTC), as well as home treatments for cold sores. First, we're going to go over some of the basics about cold sores, like what causes them and where it comes from, and then I'm going to tell you about some of the available treatment options and which one was the most effective for me.

Basics About Cold Sores

The Herpes Simplex Type 1 virus is what actually causes the cold sores you keep getting--it can never be permanently killed or 'cured' per se because it remains in your nervous system forever. The only way to catch it is from someone else who has an active outbreak--someone you kissed or someone who's toothbrush, razor, towel etc. you used at some point while they had an active outbreak.

After you've been initially infected, you'll get your first active outbreak at some point, but keep in mind that this first outbreak when you first realize you've caught the virus may be months or years after you were initially infected so it can be impossible to figure out when, how, where, and from who you caught it. Stress is the basic trigger for an outbreak, stress on the body, and that can come in the form of excessive sunlight, cold dry weather, menstruation, sickness, or psychological stress such as work-related stress.

Cold Sore Treatment

A cold sore will normally go away on its own in approximately 7-10 days; a topical lotion such as lidocaine or Zilactin (benzyl alcohol) will help relieve the severity of your symptoms to some degree (it varies from person to person and the only way to find out is to experiment).

Antiviral medications may somewhat shorten the duration of your outbreak and decrease your pain, if started early enough. If you experience frequent outbreaks, you can ask your doctor to prescribe an antiviral as a cold sore treatment or to help prevent outbreaks before they occur.

Your doctor can prescribe certain prescription anti-viral medications for you that may or may not shorten the duration of the outbreak and decrease the severity of your symptoms if started early enough. There are also preventative medications and home remedies such as the one below that can help to stop an outbreak before it happens, but this is only really relevant if you're getting outbreaks on a very regular basis and most cold sore sufferers will go months or years between outbreaks.

Home Treatments and Remedies for Cold Sores:

A home remedy for cold sore or cold sore home treatments: these are too numerous to mention, and many of them simply do not work. My own experience on home remedies for cold sores is with something concocted by a close friend of mine, and even though I've never been big on home remedies I must say that this cold sore home treatment worked both times for me, and even more impressive is I've seen it work on about 25 other people she's tried it on, consistently!

For men skin care products used to be something that was never discussed. But all that is quickly changing as men desire to keep the getting old look at bay. As guys, we have as much interest in maintaining a healthy and youthful complexion as any woman and as a result, the skin care industry has made a range of products targeted for men only.

With select skincare products, natural skin care for men includes a range of plant-based ingredients combined to provide thorough and long lasting treatment. And since men's skin tends to be rougher and more prone to redness, certain skincare products designed for men contain specific ingredients which focus on smoothing even the toughest skin and reducing inflammation.

While both men and women can benefit from the inclusion of vitamin E and other natural antioxidants as well as shea butter and grapeseed oil for moisturizing and healing, it is not sufficient for men to simply use the same products as women. For men skin care products must also target sun damage, irritation caused by shaving, and redness. In order to do this, you'll want to look for products which contain some special ingredients not found in most women's skin treatments.

Capuaco butter, derived from the fruit of a South American tree, is rich in essential fatty acids to nourish the skin. Natural skin care for men must include treatment for redness and burning caused by the sun and shaving and almost nothing soothes and heals like capuaco butter.

Also effective in treating inflammation are vitamin B5 and witch hazel. Vitamin B5 enhances the natural tanning process while protecting against sunburn and providing natural moisturizing. The most effective men skin care products are not complete without witch hazel, an antioxidant and astringent which has been used for years to repair damage caused by shaving. Its ability to reduce inflammation and redness makes it particularly effective when it comes to addressing the specific needs of men's skin.

Natural skin care for men also involves preventing damage, which means avoiding synthetic fragrances and parabens which contain harsh chemicals. Products which draw their fragrance from natural sources and do not include artificial preservatives will be much safer and healthier.

In order to choose the right skin care product, you should carefully check the list of ingredients and read through the manufacturer's information. Also look for a product line that offers a full money back guarantee...there are a few.

As is true for women, men skin care products can have varying effects depending on ingredients of the product.

If smooth, youthful looking skin is your ultimate goal, do the research and find an all-natural product with the ingredients mentioned. Looking better and feeling better is not just for her...don't hesitate to dab a little product and put your best face forward!

A honey facial is one of the few things that can stand the test of time. It is just as popular today as it was in Cleopatra's day.

With the trend in skin care moving toward an all natural approach, honey is the perfect product. Many salons and spas are incorporating a honey facial into their services.

These natural treatments use different forms of honey depending on the various skin problems being addressed. I found raw unfiltered honey paste, pure honey liquid, and certified USDA organic honey lotion, just to name a few.

One of the most interesting forms I came across was Manuka honey face gel. This is a face gel made of natural New Zealand Manuka honey.

This honey is harvested from bees that feed on the wild manuka bush. A bush that grows uncultivated throughout New Zealand. It has been common wisdom for years to the people of New Zealand that this honey has superior healing abilities, and is an effective treatment for infections.

A honey facial with Manuka honey has extreme healing abilities. It will heal minor skin abrasions, burns, and ruptures and its antimicrobial properties will prevent infections. If you are prone to problem skin, you can't go wrong with this treatment.

As honey is a natural humectant, Manuka honey face gel also has wonderful moisturizing properties. It attracts and holds moisture from the surrounding air. This is the most natural way to moisturize your skin and reduce the tiny lines and wrinkles that come with age.

A honey facial also provides antioxidants for your skin. Honey has significant natural antioxidant properties. Using it in a facial will help protect the skin from the damage of UV rays and help with skin rejuvenation.

Cleopatra was known to bathe herself in milk and honey. Her beautiful skin was a legend. Hundreds of years later honey is still an excellent skin care choice.