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Why Does My Lip Shape Matter?

The first facial feature that people notice about you is your lips. A lot of cultures associate lips with beauty. While their shape is mainly determined by genetics and your facial structure, the way you take care of them can make a huge difference to the way you smile or expression other emotions. Hence, it is important that you identify your lip shape and understand how to accentuate and take care of it by investing in the right products.

Related: 7 Attractive Makeup Tips For Different Lip Shapes

How To Identify Your Lip Shape

According to experts, the best way to identify your lip type is by looking at a vanity mirror. If your top lip is more voluminous than your lower lip, it is a top-heavy lip type. Once you identify this, find ways to accentuate your bottom lip and balance the symmetry.

Similarly, if you have wide lips that stretch from cheek to cheek, you might want to show this off. However, you must first understand what category your lips fall into to know how to improve them.

Here is a rundown of the most commonly identified lip types. Examine your lips and find which subhead they fall into.

Related: How To Wear Red Lipstick

The Most Common Lip Shapes

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1. Full Lips

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Full lips refer to evenly plump lips with voluminous top and bottom halves. These are best accentuated with bold and bright colors – try blending them outward with your fingers. Full lips do not need a precision cut, but make sure to choose a shade that matches your complexion. Apply pop-on gloss to the center of your lips and tap some highlighter on the cupid’s bow.

2. Heavy Upper Lips

Heavy upper lips or top-heavy lips are voluminous and heavy at the top. To accentuate them, add volume to your lower lip using a liner. Complement it with a gentle shadow drawn with a brow pencil. You may also use a concealer to make your upper lip less prominent.

3. Wide Lips

Wide lips are longer than full, spanning from one cheek to another and forming a perfect smile. Go for an ombre look with a subtle of lip liners. Apply the darker liner on the outer side and fill the rest with a lighter shade. Finish your look with complementing lipstick.

4. Round Lips

You have round lips if your top and bottom lips have the same width all around. Such lips create a natural-looking pout and feature a gentle cupid’s bow. A touch of gloss in the center can accentuate the plushness of this lip type. If you want to widen the shape, use a lip liner to tweak the look, but do not go overboard.

5. Heavy Lower Lips

If your bottom lip is more voluminous and heavy than the upper half, you fall under this lip shape. You need to follow the opposite of the ‘heavy upper lips’ strategy. Conceal the lower half or enhance the upper half with makeup, and you are good to go.

6. Thin Lips

Those with thin lips have lower volume and thickness on both upper and lower halves. Make lip gloss your best friend and apply it to the center for a fuller and plushy look. You can also opt for lip liners to create an illusion of thicker lips. Embrace your natural shape and add a little makeup to accentuate it.

7. Bow-Shaped Lips

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This lip shape features a prominent cupid’s bow. To enhance this coveted lip shape, you can highlight the center of the cupid’s bow or soften the ‘V’ on your upper lip. Create a sharp edge with a concealer or lip liner if you want the shape to pop.

8. Heart-Shaped Lips

Heart-shaped lips have a defined cupid’s bow and a sharp lower lip that makes a shape of a heart. To bring more attention to the heart, dab some highlighter on the cupid. Smudge the lip liner towards the outline if you want to blur out the edges.

Did You Know? Celebrities such as Taylor Swift and K-Pop singers, including Jisoo from BLACKPINK, V from BTS, and Jaehyun from Golden Child, have lustrous heart-shaped lips.

9. Downward-Turned Lips

Down-turned lips tend to have a slight dip or frown towards the corners. This lower lip shape has a downward protruding appearance. To counter this, apply lipsticks or formulas that do not fill your lips. Use a darker lip color than your lip shade to create an illusion of a shadow. You can go for botulinum toxin injectionsⁱ  XA protein injected into a muscle to relax it to improve its appearance or treat certain spasms. .

There is no ideal lip shape. Only the right techniques can make your lips look their absolute best. Here are a few tips on how you can take care of your lips.

Related: Care For Your Lips

How To Take Care Of Your Lips

1. Exfoliate Regularly

Just like your skin, your lips tend to accumulate dead cells and become dry and dull. Apply lip balm every night before sleeping. Follow up by gently exfoliating your lips with a brush the next day. You can mix coconut oil with granulated sugar and use that as a scrub to exfoliate your lips.

2. Hydrate Your Lips

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Drink 2 to 3 liters of water every day to avoid dry and irritable lips. Your lips need as much hydration as your body, and water is the best treatment to achieve soft, smooth, and healthy-looking lips. You can also use a lip moisturizer that contains aloe vera, honey, and shea butter to prevent chapped lips and cold sores (1), (2), (3).

3. Avoid Makeup When Indoors

Lipsticks can make your lips dry and chapped over time. So, avoid them as much as you can, especially when you are indoors. Apply a primer or balm before using lipstick to limit the damage.

4. Do Not Lick Your Lips

Refrain from licking your lips as it can lead to discoloration and redness. Anecdotal evidence suggests that saliva can also make your lips drier as it contains enzymes that are perfect for breaking down your food but terrible at moisturizing your lips. Apply a soothing lip balm to keep your lips hydrated and soft.

5. Use Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E exhibits antioxidant properties, which help protect your skin from harmful UV rays and free radical damageⁱ  XThe damage caused to DNA, lipids, and proteins by unstable molecules produced in cells. It can also affect the appearance of your skin and lips. (4). You can apply vitamin E oil to your lips and keep them healthy-looking, plump, and beautiful.

6. Avoid Staying In The Sun For Long

The harsh UV rays of the sun can damage and darken your lips and make them dry and chapped. Use a protective lip balm that contains SPF to prevent this issue.

Can you enhance the shape of your lips? Yes, your lips can be redefined in various ways. Scroll down to know what they are.

How To Enhance Your Lip Shape

Makeup 

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The right use of makeup can work wonders to accentuate and reshape your lips. Experiment with several lip shades, lip liners, and concealers to find the perfect fit for you. Each lip type must follow unique makeup tips to make it healthy and attractive.

Fillers

Fillers, both permanent and temporary, can help you achieve successful and promising results. Hyaluronic acidⁱ  XAn acid used cosmetically either by ingesting it or using it topically to treat wounds or aging skin and to keep the skin hydrated. and polyacrylamideⁱ  XA synthetic polymer found in cleansers and lotions used for skin care as a film-forming, foaming, and soothing agent. are the most widely used fillers for your lips (5).

• Hyaluronic Acid Filler: Depending on your natural metabolic rate and type of filler used and amount, this filler can last for up to12-15 months.
• Collagen Filler: Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body and helps make your lips smooth and plump.
• Silicone Filler: It is a permanent lip filler and hard to reverse its effects. Silicone fillers are pre-made and usually cheaper than temporary fillers. However, they are not recommended as they can become lumpy and move and are dangerous.

Lip Exercises

Your chosen lip-fix, be it temporary or permanent, might take some time to settle in its new form. This is where lip exercises can help you (6). Various pouting techniques and jaw exercises that work on your mouth muscles can keep your lips fit enough to support a change in their structure.

Botox

Botox, also known as lip flip, can make your lips look fuller. This involves injecting a small amount of botox above the upper lip near the cupid’s bow and near the corners of the mouth. It helps relax your lips and naturally curl them upwards like a flip. This technique plumps your lips and helps smoothen wrinkles and fine lines around your mouth (7).

Did You Know? Botox for lips lasts up to three to four months, and you can feel the result within one week of the treatment.

Nova Threads

This minimally invasive procedure uses tiny dissolvable threads to restore your body’s natural collagen production. It can last up to two years and help define the lip area. Nova threads can also fade lip wrinkles and prevent the formation of fine lines.

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5 Ways To Take Care Of Your Lips

No matter how many lip colors you choose to wear, if your lips are chapped or cracked, they won’t look good. Even the application would be challenging. Check out the infographic below and read through our suggestions for lip care to have plumper, smoother, healthier lips.

Your lip-type may be determined by your face structure and genetics, but proper care and makeup can enhance your lips beautifully. Before you do that, identifying which one of the common lip shapes or a combination of lip shapes you have is important. Once you identify your lip shape, you must follow tips such as hydrating your lips and avoiding overexposure to the sun to protect them. There is no perfect lip shape, but you can go for makeup or cosmetic procedures such as fillers or botox to bring out your gorgeous lips.

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Homemade Fruit Packs For Glowing Skin

1. Papaya And Honey Face Pack
2. Kiwi And Avocado Face Pack
3. Banana Face Pack
4. Tomato Face Pack
5. Orange Peel Face Pack
6. Cucumber And Milk Pack
7. Strawberry And Chocolate Pack
8. Grapes and Apple Face Pack
9. Hydrating Mango Face Pack

1. Papaya And Honey Face Pack

Papaya is rich in vitamin A and an enzyme called papain, which has exfoliating properties that help remove dead skin cells. It also helps in enhancing the complexion. The fruit also contains anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that may help reduce acne (1). Therefore, it relaxes and soothes acne-prone skin. Papaya also reduces premature aging. It makes the skin firm and fades fine lines, scars, and blemishes. It nourishes your skin, making it look brighter, moisturized, and glowing.

You Will Need

• 2 pieces of papaya
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Directions

1. Blend the papaya into a nice, smooth pulp and add the honey to it.
2. Apply the mixture generously on clean, dry skin.
3. Allow it to rest for about 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Wash your face with cold water and pat dry.
5. Apply a moisturizer.

Caution: Although there could be no adverse reactions when you use a natural fruit pack, it is best to do a patch test before you apply it to your face.

Related: 20 Homemade Face Packs With Honey

2. Kiwi And Avocado Face Pack

Avocados are rich in antioxidants. They contain alpha andbeta-carotenesⁱ  XA potent antioxidant and an organic red and orange colored pigment found in plants, fruits, and fungi. that quench the free radicals, thus protecting your skin from environmental damage and visible signs of premature aging (2), (3). Avocados are also rich in healthy fats that are excellent for maintaining healthy skin.

Avocados also contain generous amounts of vitamins C and E that help in enhancing skin health. They have a high content of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that disrupts the skin barrier and enhances the permeability of other ingredients in the mask (4).

Kiwis, like avocados, are enriched with vitamins C and E and antioxidants that help boost collagenⁱ  XAn abundant protein found in skin and connective tissues that help maintain their overall health, structure, and function. and rejuvenate the skin, thus improving skin elasticity and making it look youthful and glowing (5).

You Will Need

• 1 avocado
• 1 kiwi
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Directions

1. Peel the avocado and kiwi and mash them together into a smooth, creamy paste.
2. Add the honey and mix well.
3. Apply the paste to your face and neck and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
4. Rinse with water and pat your skin dry. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin.

Related: 11 Best Avocado Face Masks To Hydrate Your Skin

3. Banana Face Pack

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Banana contains vitamin B6, vitamin C, silica, potassium, and other nutrients that are vital for the elasticity and integrity of the skin (6). It helps clear hyperpigmentationⁱ  XA condition that causes dark spots and patches on the skin due to excess melanin accumulation. and protects the skin from sun damage. It is a perfect ingredient for dry and sensitive skin. 

You Will Need

• ½ banana
• ½ teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Mash the banana and add the honey and lemon juice to it.
2. Mix well and apply the pack on clean skin.
3. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and wash it off.

Note: Avoid using lemon juice if you have dry and sensitive skin.

4. Tomato Face Pack

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Tomatoes contain lycopene, powerful antioxidants, and vitamins B, C, and E. These nutrients help maintain your skin by absorbing more oxygen, which not only delays aging but also protects the skin against the harmful UV rays (7),(8). Tomatoes help in reducing tan and brightening the skin as well. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to prove their effect on the skin when applied topically.

You Will Need

• 1 tomato
• 1 tablespoon oatmeal
• 1 teaspoon yogurt

Directions

1. Blend the tomatoes into a smooth and pulpy consistency.
2. Add the oatmeal and yogurt to the tomatoes.
3. Apply this mask to your face and neck. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off.

Caution: Yogurt contains lactic acid. If you have sensitive skin, avoid using it.

5. Orange Peel Face Pack

Orange peels are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. They help protect your skin against UV damage (9). Orange peel extracts contain various compounds that exhibit anti-aging properties (10). Due to this, your skin may look more bright and radiant than ever.

You Will Need

• 3 oranges
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey

Directions

1. Peel three oranges and save the skin.
2. Break the peels into small bits and rinse them. Spread them out and allow them to dry in the sun for about three days.
3. Once the peels are dry, powder them. You could store the orange peel powder in a clean, dry bottle.
4. For the pack, mix two teaspoons of orange peel powder with the honey and the yogurt and apply on clean skin. Leave it on for about 20 minutes, and then wash your face.
5. You can also use a store-bought orange peel powder.

Related: 12 Orange Face Packs That You Definitely Need To Try

6. Cucumber And Milk Pack

Cucumbers deliver high anti-inflammatory, therapeutic, and rejuvenating properties that may help revive dull and dry skin (11). It is 96% water, which makes it perfect for hydrating your skin. It helps smoothen your skin and relieve it from itching. It calms irritated skin. It also helps brighten your skin and reduces wrinkles (12).

You Will Need

• ½ cucumber
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

Directions

1. Peel a cucumber and blend it to make a puree.
2. Mix the milk, honey, and brown sugar, and once it emulsifies well, add the cucumber puree to it.
3. Apply this mixture to your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Wash your face and pat dry.

Caution: Milk has lactic acid. If you have sensitive skin, do not use this remedy.

7. Strawberry And Chocolate Pack

Strawberries are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin C that fights free radicals and delays premature aging. They also help to lighten the skin, owing to the ellagic acid present in them. This also helps reduce and fade spots and blemishes. The manganese and antioxidants tone the skin, and the alpha-hydroxy acid cleanses the skin and eliminates dead cells. This also helps reduce wrinkles (13). The anthocyanin pigments protect the skin against the harmful UV rays (14). Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains antioxidants that make the skin look youthful and protect it from early aging and UV damage. Add note on benefits of cocoa for skin

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You Will Need

• 4 strawberries
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon honey

Directions

1. Blend the strawberries until they become a smooth pulp.
2. Add cocoa powder and honey to this pulp.
3. Apply this pack on your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and pat dry for gorgeous, glowing skin.

8. Grapes and Apple Face Pack

Apple contains vitamin C that helps build collagen. It contains powerful antioxidants and polyphenolsⁱ  XA large family of naturally occurring antioxidants found in certain plant-based foods and beverages. that protect your skin from UV damage and aging. However, more scientific evidence is needed to prove its effectiveness in improving skin health.

Apples contain malic acid, which makes the skin radiant and smooth. It also has humectantⁱ  XA water-absorbing ingredient used in skin care products that helps the skin retain moisture and stay hydrated. properties.

Grapes are rich in vitamin C that helps in toning and firming the skin. It also contains antioxidants like flavonoids, tannins, and resveratrol that fight free radicals and inhibit wrinkle formation (15).

Note: If you have dry skin, do not use this remedy as vitamin C can dry out your skin further.

You Will Need

• ½ apple
• 7 grapes

Directions

1. Blend the apple and the grapes until you get a smooth, soft paste.
2. Apply on clean skin and leave it on for half an hour. Wash and pat dry.

9. Mango Face Mask

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Mango contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects on your skin (16). It also contains beta-carotene and vitamins C and E that help fight free radicals. These nutrients, together, help keep your skin healthy from within.

You Will Need

• 1 ripe mango
• 2-3 teaspoons of Fuller’s earth

Directions

1. Remove all the pulp of a ripe mango and mash it until it is smooth. Add Fuller’s earth to it and make a thick, smooth paste.
2. Apply this pack to your face and neck and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
3. Once the pack dries, wash it off, scrubbing gently in circular motions.

The following are a few tips to keep in mind when you make these DIY face packs.

Stylecraze Says Indulge in yoga, meditation, and other relaxing activities to destress and make your skin glow from within.

Tips To Keep In Mind Before Using Fruit Facials

1. 1. Make sure the masks are always applied on skin that is cleansed and exfoliated. Exfoliation will not only remove dead skin but also enhance blood circulation, which will improve the results of the pack.

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1. 1. Make sure you blend the fruit well so that you can extract as much pulp as possible.
   2. Make sure all your chores are done, and your mind is relaxed when you do the facial. You need to sit still when you apply the pack. Not only will it allow the pack to rest and prevent it from sliding off your face, but it will also help you calm down and unwind.
   3. Make sure you are wearing old clothes as fruit packs ought to be messy.
   4. Some fruit pulps are extremely fluid; they will not remain on your skin. To thicken the paste, you can add oats to the fruit pulp.
   5. When you apply a pack, you should cover both the face and the neck, as they are both exposed to the environment equally.

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1. Adding these ingredients to the fruits will definitely amp up their benefits.
2. Honey – Hydrates the skin and improves acne resistance.
3. Lemon Juice – Kills bacteria, reduces blemishes, improves complexion, and fights acne.
4. Yogurt – Removes excessive oil, protects the skin against harmful rays of the sun, and reduces tanning. It also makes your skin smooth and soft.
5. Milk – It acts as a great cleansing and moisturizing agent. It enhances skin elasticity and improves the complexion as well.
6. Green Tea – It helps in rejuvenating the skin.
7. Avoid heading out in the sun a day or two after applying these fruit face packs. Give your skin ample time to rejuvenate after the face packs. Apply sunscreen and use sun protection gear such as scarves, hats, etc.

Did You Know? Good-quality sleep is essential for skin cell renewal and barrier recovery (17). Therefore, get 7-8 hours of sleep every night to slow down skin aging and get glowing skin.

Infographic: 4 DIY Face Masks For Glowing Skin

Treat your skin with the goodness of nature and pamper it with homemade masks. Fruits are the best source of antioxidants and help keep your skin glowing. If you don’t prefer eating them, use them as face masks. We have shortlisted the top 4 DIY fruit face mask recipes that can give an instant glow to your skin. Check out the infographic below!

Fruits are an essential part of a balanced diet as they promote your overall health. They can also promote your skin health if included in your skin care regimen in the form of fruit masks. These fruit packs for glowing skin also offer several other benefits, like destressing the skin and being cost-effective. You can use fruits like mango, grapes, strawberry, kiwi, papaya, and banana. If you find any of these packs are extremely fluid, you can add oats to the pulp to thicken. Applying these packs to exfoliated skin helps increase their effectiveness.

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15 Useful Tips To Keep Your Skin Comfortable And Glowing In Summer

The scorching summer heat can be unforgiving on your skin. The pollution, intense summer sun, heat, and humidity cause many skin issues. Tanning, dry patches, overactive sebaceous glands, sunburn, pigmentation, blemishes, and acne – these are a few issues that you may face during summer. That is why you need to take care of your skin during this season. You also need to update your skin care products and routine with the changing seasons. Below, we have suggested some changes that you need to make in your skin care routine.

1. Consider Changing Your Face Wash

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Cleansing your face is the most basic skin care routine that you need to follow, irrespective of the season. During summers, the climate is hot and humid. Your face tends to produce more oil during this time, so you need to change your cleanser accordingly.

Oily skin takes the maximum beating as your pores can get easily clogged and cause acne. Get a foaming cleanser that contains salicylic acid for summers.

If you have dry skin, you may experience redness and rashes. Use a non-soapy face wash to clean your face twice a day. The same is applicable for those with combination skin.

Those who have normal skin can switch to a gel-based face wash during summers. Wash your face twice or thrice a day to feel refreshed.

Related: Top 10 Homemade Face Washes For All Skin Types

2. Do Not Forget Sunscreen

This is something that you absolutely cannot forget during summers. Sun protection for your face, hands, legs, and any other exposed parts of your body is vital. Excessive UV exposure can permanently damage your skin and cause sunburn, wrinkles, fine lines, skin cancer, and premature aging (1).

Invest in a sunblock or sunscreen that has a broad UV spectrum (at least SPF 30). Apply it twice a day on all the exposed parts of your skin.

Related: 11 Reasons Sunscreen Is Important For The Skin & How To Use It

3. Add A Punch Of Antioxidants

Invest in serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens that come with an additional punch of antioxidants. For instance, vitamin C protects your skin from environmental damage, prevents wrinkles, and boosts collagen development (2).

Creams and serums loaded with natural extracts and antioxidants reduce inflammation (which is pretty common in summer), neutralize harmful free radicals, and repair your skin.

Related: 15 Benefits Of Antioxidants And Their Best Sources

4. Add Fruits And Vegetables To Your Diet

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Applying antioxidants topically is not enough. To maintain radiant skin, you need to nourish it accordingly. Healthy eating is a must during summer. Consume lots of fruits and vegetables. They contain essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun (3).

5. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and don’t forget to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. Keep sipping from your bottle. This is important to keep your skin hydrated, flush out toxins from your body, and feel refreshed during the hot summer days (4).

6. Go Easy On Makeup

When it comes to makeup during summer months, go minimal. That’s because your skin needs to breathe when the weather is super hot and humid. If you absolutely cannot do without your foundation, go for a tinted moisturizer with SPF and layer it with face powder to avoid any patchy spots.

7. Exfoliate

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During summer, your skin works hard to keep itself healthy and heal any irritation or sunburn. Help your skin in this process by exfoliating it gently. Exfoliation helps buff away the dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking radiant.

You can use home-made sugar scrubs to exfoliate your skin or simply scrub your skin gently with a washcloth. However, make sure that you do not over-exfoliate your skin.

8. Tone Your Skin

Toners are a must-have during the summer months. A good toner keeps your skin oil-free and clean. It also reduces the appearance of pores. When applying toner, pay attention to your T-zone as it is the part of your face that secretes the maximum oil during summer.

StyleCraze Says If you have oily skin, choose a toner with salicylic acid to remove excess oil. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E are suitable for dry skin.

9. Update Your Moisturizer

If you think your skin does not need moisturizer during the summer months, you are wrong. The only difference is that the heavy moisturizers that you used during winter will not work during summer. You need to use a light moisturizer when the weather is warm. Pick a non-greasy and lightweight moisturizer (pick one with SPF for daytime use) that will help lock in the essential moisture of your skin.

10. Do Not Forget Your Feet

Your skin does not end at your neck. Most of us tend to forget our feet. Now that you have replaced your winter boots with summer sandals, you need to take care of your feet as well. Give yourself a pedicure at home. Use a scrub to remove the dead and dry skin cells. Moisturize your feet, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen lotion on them.

StyleCraze Says Mix five drops of lemon juice, 1tbsp of honey, 1tbsp of sugar, coconut oil, and Epsom salt to make homemade foot scrub. Leave the paste on for 10 minutes. Scrub and rinse off with water. Subscribe

11. Get Enough Exercise

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If the summer heat, sweat, and humidity are keeping you off the treadmill, don’t give up. Though staying in and watching a movie while sipping iced tea is a tempting option, exercise is equally important for maintaining healthy skin during summer.

Physical activity improves blood flow, which means your skin cells get more oxygen (5). Thus, your body heals any tissue damage (like a sunburn or acne) easily. You think exercising in the gym is monotonous? Add some fun to your workout routine and try Zumba instead. Even better, go cycling, play volleyball with your friends, or try hiking. Any form of exercise is good for your health.

12. Don’t Cut Down Your Resting Time

Your body needs time to repair itself and maintain healthy skin. That’s why no matter what schedule you maintain, try to take out enough time to rest. This is crucial because during the summer months, the days are longer, and most of us tend to be active for longer. Being exposed to the sun longer also leads to dullness and the appearance of the signs of aging.

Getting enough sleep prevents the signs of aging, improves skin barrier function, and makes you look generally fresher and more attractive (6).

13. Do Not Forget The Eye Area

The area around your eyes is more delicate than the rest of your face and needs special care. Whenever you are stepping out in the sun, do not forget to wear sunglasses. This will prevent the formation of wrinkles around your eyes.

Don’t forget to apply a moisturizing eye cream both during the day and at night. Use products that contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, honey, and cucumber. Massage the area around your eyes every night to relax the muscles.

14. Cool Off With A Face Mist

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A cool face mist works wonders on a hot and humid summer day. It helps in soothing sunburns and inflammation and makes your skin look fresh and dewy. You can buy a face mist or even make one at home. Check out the recipe in the following section.

15. Always Take Cold Water Showers

Avoid hot showers and steam baths during summer as they dehydrate your skin. Take a cold water shower instead. It keeps your skin pores unclogged and prevents acne breakouts. It is also much more refreshing.

Check out these simple skin care recipes that can help you get glowing skin in summer at home.

Home Remedies For Glowing Skin In Summer

1. Cooling Cucumber Face Mist (For All Skin Types)

Cucumber feels extremely soothing on the skin. For this face mist, grate one cucumber and strain the juice through a cheesecloth. Mix the juice with a tablespoon of rosewater, mint leaves and, a teaspoon of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Spritz it on your face throughout the day.

2. Gentle Coffee Body Exfoliator For Tan Removal (For All Skin Types)

Why spend money on store-bought body scrubs? If you have coffee grounds at home, making this body scrub is a breeze. Mix a quarter cup of brown sugar, half a cup of coffee grounds, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, olive oil, a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, and a tablespoon of sea salt. Store the mixture in a glass jar. Use this mixture as a body scrub.

3. Soothing Cucumber And Mint Eye Mask

A refreshing eye mask can instantly take all the tiredness away from your delicate eye area. For this easy eye mask, blend a few mint leaves, extract the juice, and mix it with half a cup of cucumber juice. Add rosewater to it. Dip cotton pads in this mixture and place them on your eyes. If you want, you may place the soaked cotton pads in a ziplock bag and refrigerate it for 15 minutes before using it. You will love the cooling sensation of this eye mask.

4. Strawberry And Lemon Face Pack

If you love fruit face masks, you are going to love this one. Combine mashed strawberries with a tablespoon of yogurt, half a teaspoon of lemon juice, and honey. Apply this on your face as a face mask and wash it off after it dries. Make sure that you dilute the lemon juice before using it on your skin. Since lemon makes the skin photosensitive, use a sunscreen before you go out after using this face pack. Avoid lemon juice if you have sensitive skin.

5. Pore Tightening Egg White Face Mask

This is an easy home-made face mask. Mix a teaspoon of orange juice and a pinch of turmeric powder with one egg white. Apply this mask on your face. Let it dry for 15 minutes before washing it off.

Infographic: 10 Essential Summer Skincare Tips

No matter the season, skincare should be an important part of your lifestyle. It goes beyond aesthetics. A nourishing skincare routine pampers your skin and keeps painful and irritating skin conditions at bay. That said, skincare routines change according to the season because your skin reacts differently to changing climates. Hence, your summer skincare needs to be different from that of the winter. We have provided an infographic below summarizing the essential summer skincare tips. Check them out.

Following a summer skin care routine will help you protect, nourish, and hydrate your skin. To get that glowing skin in summer, you can try out a few DIY skin care remedies and make some diet and lifestyle changes. A facewash suitable for your skin type, sunscreens, moisturizers, serums, and creams help keep your skin healthy. You may also consume fruits and vegetables rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants and get enough exercise to achieve radiant skin during summer. Home remedies are also a great option to cool your skin in this weather.

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What Is Hyperpigmentation? Why Do You Get it?

Hyperpigmentation is the discoloration of the skin, resulting in the development of dark patches or spots. The affected area appears darker than the rest of the skin. This gets worse with sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation is a broad term. Skin discoloration caused by acne blemishes, freckles that have turned into sunspots, or darkening of the skin due to conditions like psoriasis and eczema all come under hyperpigmentation.

All these skin issues boost the production of melanocytes (cells that form melanin), and this, in turn, increases melanin production on your skin. The excessive melanin gets dumped into the deeper levels of your skin, causing hyperpigmentation. These spots, when further exposed to sunlight, flare up and worsen.

Hyperpigmentation may develop due to several reasons and has specific signs and symptoms. Let’s take a look at them.

Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Types, And Signs To Look For

Hyperpigmentation is divided into three main types, depending on the causes:

1. Melasma

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This is a type of hyperpigmentation that is very common in women, especially those with darker skin tones. This skin discoloration usually occurs on different parts of your face like the forehead, nose, cheeks, or just above the lips. And that’s why melasma is a bit difficult to treat. Your body experiences hormonal shifts during pregnancy or when you take oral contraceptives or during hormonal therapies, and this increases when you go out in the sun. Sometimes, it goes away when the hormones are back to normal.

Signs And Symptoms

• Brown patches on the skin
• Typically occurs on the face
• Patches are generally symmetrical
• Patches usually appear on the forehead, chin, cheeks, and bridge of the nose
• May also appear on the forearms and neck

Diagnosing Melasma

The doctor usually conducts:

• A visual examination
• Wood’s lamp examination, where the doctor holds a special light against your skin and checks for bacterial or fungal infection to determine how many layers of skin are affected by melasma.
• A biopsyⁱ  XA process where a sample of cells, tissues, or fluids is extracted from the body to be examined in a lab. in case of severe melasma

What Are The Risk Factors Involved?

The exact cause of this condition is yet unknown. However, several factors may put you at the risk of melasma. They include:

• Your genes. A study found that at least 40% of the patients had a relative who had melasma (1).
• Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause melasma in people with darker skin tones (2).
• Anxiety traits and using anxiolytic drugsⁱ  XA group of medications used to treat or prevent anxiety disorders or symptoms. and antidepressants also increase your risk (3).
• Apart from pregnant women and those using contraceptives, post-menopausalⁱ  XThe period of time following menopause, which is when a person’s menstrual periods come to an end. women who receive progesteroneⁱ  XA hormone mainly secreted in the ovaries that is crucial for pregnancy, menstruation, and sperm production. during hormone therapy are also prone to facial melasma (4).

Related: How To Prevent Pigmentation (Melasma) During Pregnancy

2. Post- Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

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This is a condition that results from trauma or skin inflammation such as psoriasis, eczema, and severe acne. These skin conditions increase the production of pigments, causing dark spots. This type of hyperpigmentation can affect people of any skin type, but it is prevalent in those with darker skin tones.

Signs And Symptoms

• The pigmented patches usually appear on the area where the skin inflammation occurred.
• The pigments appear after the inflammation or injury is healed.
• The lesions are usually black or light brown.
• When exposed to sunlight, the patches grow darker.

Diagnosing PIH

The skin care specialist diagnoses PIH by:

• Carefully reviewing your medical history
• Conducting skin examinations
• Doing a biopsy of the patch

What Are The Risk Factors Involved?

Your risk of developing PIH increases if:

• You have a darker skin tone (5), (6).
• You have any skin condition, such as trauma/accident, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
• You have excessive exposure to UV rays.

3. Sun Damage Or Sunspots

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Excessive exposure to sun rays is the most common reason people develop hyperpigmentation. If you have developed hyperpigmentation in your early 30s, remember that the process had already begun when you were in your teens.

Sunspots are usually light brown (generally called freckles) and appear mostly on the face, neck, chest, and hands, which are primarily exposed to UV rays. People who have light to medium skin tones develop freckles, and they get darker with continuous sun exposure.

Diagnosing Sunspots

Visual examination of the skin is enough for diagnosing sunspots. However, some sunspots may be a sign of skin cancer (melanoma). In that case, the skin care specialist may conduct several other tests. Primarily, they follow the ABCDE guideline:

• A – for detecting Asymmetry
• B – for checking the Border (is it spreading or is notched)
• C – for the Color
• D – the Diameter of the spot
• E – is it Evolving or not?

What Are The Risk Factors Involved?

• Excessive sun exposure
• Not using sun protection may increase your risk.
• Your skin tone. Sunspots are most common in people who have light or medium skin tones.

Don’t worry, most hyperpigmentation responds well to treatment. Since this is one of the most prevalent skin conditions in women, continuous research is going on, and experts are coming up with newer forms of treatment to eliminate these ugly spots. From brightening agents to facial procedures, here are some of the most popular treatment options for hyperpigmentation.

Related: 10 Best Home Remedies For Sunspots, Causes, And Treatments

How To Treat Hyperpigmentation

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1. Topical Medicine

The dermatologist often suggests topical medicines and chemical ingredients to lighten the spots, such as:

• Hydroquinone (2%)

This is very effective in reducing hyperpigmentation (especially helpful in melasma) and prevents further discoloration (7). Usually, doctors prescribe skin ointments containing 2% hydroquinone. However, this medicine is not to be used by pregnant women.

• Chemical Peels

Even in clinical trials, chemical peels have shown promising results in treating hyperpigmentation. Of all the chemical peels, glycolic peels are the safest and most effective in eliminating spots. Even salicylic acid and lactic acid peels work well in treating hyperpigmentation (8).

• Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin)

Both tretinoin creams and peels act on the dark spots in a similar way. Both disperse the melanin pigments and lighten the spots (8).

• Kojic Acid

This bleaching agent is nontoxic (kojic acid derived from palm oil) and gives extremely satisfactory results when it comes to lightening dark spots and preventing further discoloration caused by excess melanin production (9).

Did You Know? Because of its potential to penetrate the layers of the skin and reduce melanin production, kojic acid is used as a spot treatment.

Related: Kojic Acid For Skin: Uses, Benefits, & Things To Keep In Mind

• Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate

This brightening agent is widely used for treating pigmentation and is a safe and effective option for treating pigmentation (10).

2. Other Treatment Options

There are several facial procedures that the dermatologist can perform on your skin to treat hyperpigmentation. Depending on the severity of your spots, you may need multiple sessions. The most common procedures are:

• Microdermabrasion

This is a procedure in which the topmost layer of your skin is removed (exfoliate and suction them off) by using a device. You will need multiple sessions to get the desired results.

• Laser Treatment

Also known as laser resurfacing treatment, this procedure uses light beams to remove or peel your skin surface. Laser treatment can be ablative (uses an intense laser to remove skin layers) or non-ablative (boosts collagen development and tightens the skin). Ablative lasers are a bit strong and may cause side effects. Talk to your doctor/dermatologist before considering laser treatment because the type of laser suitable for your skin depends on your skin type and the degree of discoloration.

Stylecraze Says Some remedies like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, tomato paste, onion, and green tea work great for treating hyperpigmentation.

3. Over-The-Counter Treatments

OTC creams are available to help lighten your pigmentation. However, some creams are a bit stronger, and you will need a doctor’s prescription to get them. But most other creams are usually mild and will not need any prescription. These come in gel or cream form and should be applied on the marks once or twice daily (or as suggested by the doctor or the manufacturer) for noticeable results. The most common OTC creams/gels include:

• Niacinamide or vitamin B3
• Licorice extracts
• N-acetylglucosamine
• Hydroquinone (up to 2%)

You will get these creams easily, and these are affordable as compared to other professional treatments. However, remember that these work extremely slowly, and results may take longer to show up than other treatment options.

Prevention is better than cure – we know you’ve heard this since childhood, but this adage is true in this case. Pigmentation starts early from the deepest layers of your skin and will not show up until it worsens. Here is what you can do to prevent it.

Ways To Prevent Hyperpigmentation

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• Never Ever Forget Your Sunscreen

Always use one that has the highest SPF and offers both UVA and UVB protection. Use it every day before going out into the sun and apply on all exposed parts. Reapply sunscreen after every 2-3 hours.

• Try To Avoid The Sun

You have hats (preferably broad brim hats), scarves, umbrellas, and sunglasses – wear them to prevent the sun rays from hitting your skin. Stay in the shade when the sun is the strongest (whenever possible).

• Follow A Good Skin Care Routine

This helps your skin heal the abuse it goes through every day (like pollution and other environmental factors). Also, if you have an inflammatory condition (such as acne or eczema), use anti-inflammatory skin care agents regularly. Most of the times, these conditions initiate pigmentation, which gets worse if not dealt with properly.

Once you have a breakout and it heals, you should immediately follow it up by using brightening agents. Remember, “a stitch in time saves nine,” so you need to act fast. You never know when a seemingly harmless acne spot or pimple mark may flare up and worsen.

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If you are battling hyperpigmentation, consult a dermatologist to figure out the extent of your condition and the treatment method that will work best for you. We hope the information provided in the article has helped you gain a better understanding about hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition that causes discoloration of the skin. It is of three main types: melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sunspots or sun damage. It can be treated with topical medicine, over-the-counter treatments, and chemical peels. However, you can prevent this skin condition by avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, using sunscreen diligently, and following a good skin care routine. If you have hyperpigmentation, consult a dermatologist to figure out the cause behind it and the treatment options available that will work best for you.

In This Article

Most Beautiful Chinese Girls Pictures

Following 30 are the cute and most beautiful Chinese girls today.

1. Angelababy

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: February 28, 1989
Place of Birth: Shanghai, China
Height: 5’4”
Weigh: 45 kg
Profession Model: actress, singer

Born as Yang Ying, she gained interest in fashion as a child as her father ran a fashion business. She has stated that she would often to go her father’s store and try on new clothes. Her career as a model began at the age of 14, when she signed on by Style International Management. She made her debut in Hollywood in Independence Day: Resurgence and was listed as inaugural 30 Under 30 Asian Celebrities under the film, television, music, and sports category.

[ Read: Top 30 Gorgeous Chinese Women In The World ]

2. Wenwen Han

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: August 24, 1995
Place of Birth: Xi’an, China
Height: 5’5”
Profession: Actress, dancer, and violinist

Wenwen Han is best known for playing Meiying in The Karate Kid alongside Jaden Smith. She trained as a dancer and violinist before beginning her career in acting.

3. Guan Xiaotong

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: September 17, 1997
Place of Birth: Beijing, China
Profession: Actress

Guan Xiaotong was born and raised in a household that had a lot of acting influence. Both her father and grandfather were actors, and so she was encouraged to be in this field from an early age. She is best known for her roles in Nuan, Promise, Painted Skin: Resurrection and The Left Ear.

StyleCraze Trivia Guan is known as the “Nation’s Daughter” in China and has been regarded as one of the “Four Dan Actresses of the post-90s Generation” and “New Four Dan actresses of the ‘post-’95s’ Generation”. The title of “Four Dan actresses” refers to the four most dependable young actresses from Mainland China.

4. Xu Jiao

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: August 5, 1997
Place of Birth: Ningbo, China
Profession: Actress

She made her debut in the film industry in 2008 in the Sci-fi film CJ7, where she played the role of a boy. She also plays the role of young Hua Mulan in the film Mulan. In 2016, she was cast as Xing Gui in the television series Ice Fantasy.

[ Read: Top 10 Most Beautiful Japanese Girls ]

5. Li Qin

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: September 27, 1990
Place of Birth: Kunshan, Jiangsu
Height: 42 kg
Weight: 5’4”
Profession: Actress and singer

Li Qin is popularly known by her nickname Sweet Li. She is widely known for playing Xue Baochai in the television series The Dream of Red Mansions and Yang Kaihui in the film The Founding of a Party.

6. Wu Qian

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: September 26, 1992
Place of Birth: Hubei, China
Height: 5’4″
Weight: 45 kg
Profession: Actress

Wu Qian is also known as Janice Wu. She grew popular after her performance in the Chinese television series My Amazing Boyfriend. She is set to star in her first major role in a film, named Catman, alongside the popular K-pop idol Oh Sehun of the group Exo.

7. Lin Yun

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: April 16, 1996
Place of Birth: Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
Profession: Actress

Lin Yun is also known as Jelly Lin or Jelly Lin Yun. She graduated from a performing arts college in Beijing. Lin Yun is most popularly known for her role in the film The Mermaid.

8. Yang Zi

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: November 6, 1992
Place of Birth: Fangshan District, Beijing, China
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 49 kg
Profession: Actress

Yang Zi, also known as Andy Yang, made her acting debut in Such Mountain. She is widely known for her roles as Xia Xue in the television series Home with Kids and Lu Xueqi in Legend of Chusen.

9. Karena Ng

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: October 27, 1993
Place of Birth: Hong Kong
Profession: Actress

Her career began back in 2010 when she was cast in an advertisement for Tempo tissue paper. She was offered her first role in 2011 for the film Magic To Win. At the 31st Hong Kong Film Awards, she was nominated for the Best New Performer Award.

10. Zhou Dongyu

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: January 31, 1992
Place of Birth: Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
Profession: Actress and Model

Zhou Dongyu gained recognition after taking on a role in the film The Love of the Hawthorn Tree in 2010. She graduated from the Beijing Film Academy in 2015 and intends to take up acting professionally in future.

11. Guli Nazha

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: May 2, 1992
Place of Birth: Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 50kg
Profession: Actress and model

Gulinazhaer Baihetiyaer is popularly known as Guli Nazha, and is of Uyghur descent. She attended the Beijing Film Academy and made her film debut in 2013 in the film Yellow Emperor’s Sword 7.

Did You Know? Gulinazhaer was announced as the first spokesperson of Triumph for the Asia Pacific region in 2021. Triumph is a well-known lingerie brand from Germany.

12. Hui Ruoqi

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: March 4, 1991
Place of Birth: Dalian, China
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 78 kg
Profession: Volleyball Player

Hui Ruoqi is a professional volleyball player and the captain of the Chinese women’s volleyball team. She plays the position of the outside hitter. She also plays for Jiang Su Volleyball club. She and her team won the gold medal for 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.

13. He Zi

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: December 11, 1990
Place of Birth: Nanning, China
Height: 5’3”
Weight: 54kg
Profession: Professional Diver

He Zi is a diver who specializes in the 1m springboard, 3m springboard, and 3m synchronized diving. She won many medals including a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in 2012. She won a silver at the recent Olympics 2016 held in Rio.

14. Jessie Li

Via: Source

Date of Birth: December 5, 1992
Place of Birth: Kunming, China
Profession: Actress

Jessie Li was born as Li Junjie on December 5th, 1992. She is known for her roles in films like Port of Call, Golfville, and Hide and Seek.

15. Cherry Ngan

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: December 27, 1993
Place of Birth: Hong Kong
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 45kg
Profession: Actress

Cherry Ngan’s Chinese name is Ngan Cheuk-Ling. She is known for her roles in the films The Way We Dance, At Cafe 6, and The Midnight After.

16. Zhao Lina

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: September 18, 1991
Place of Birth: Shanghai, China
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 67 kg
Profession: Professional football player

Zhao Lina is a footballer who plays the position of the goalkeeper in the Chinese national team. She was called up to play for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She also played at the recent Summer Olympics in Rio.

17. Zhao Jiamin

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: July 22, 1998
Place of Birth: Shenzhen, China
Profession: Singer and actress

Zhao Jiamin is a member of the girl group SNH48. In February 2016, she applied to the Central Academy of Drama and ranked 10th in the examination. She started her classes in July 2016.

[ Read: Top 25 Most Beautiful Girls In India ]

18. Zhang Huiwen

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: September 13, 1993
Place of Birth: Yingtan, Jiangxi
Profession: Actress and model

Zhang Huiwen graduated from Beijing Dance Academy in 2014. While she was a student there, she was chosen as the lead role in the movie Coming Home after being discovered by Zhang Yimou.

19. Karen Hu

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: October 10, 1990
Place of Birth: Beijing, China
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 57 kg
Profession: Photographer and model

Karen Hu, also known as Hu Yanliang, was Miss Universe China 1st runner-up in 2014 and went to the US to represent her country at the Miss Universe 2014 pageant. She graduated from Beijing Film Academy and is a photographer.

20. Zhang Xueying

Via: Source

Date of Birth: June 18, 1997
Place of Birth: Yiwu, China
Profession: Actress

Zhang Xueying is also known as Sophie. She started to attend the Central Academy of Drama in 2016. She made her debut in the television series Yong Le Ying Xiong as Jin Niang.

21. Gloria Tang Tsz-kei (G.E.M.)

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: August 16, 1991
Place of Birth: Shanghai, China
Profession: Singer and songwriter

Gloria Tang Tsz-kei is known as her stage name G.E.M., which is an acronym for Get Everybody Moving. She made her music debut in 2008 with the EP title GEM. In 2016, she was the only Asian artist in the 30 Under 30: Music Shortlist.

22. Jessica Xue

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: January 12, 1994
Place of Birth: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Height: 5’10”
Profession: Radio host and model

Jessica is also known as Xue Yun Fang. Jessica Xue’s life as a pageant holder began when she was the Miss Universe China delegate from Guangdong province. She later went on to compete at the Miss Universe 2015 pageant. She now works as a radio host in China.

23. Nora Xu

Via: Source

Year of Birth: 1995
Place of Birth: Luoyang, Henan, China
Height: 5’10”
Profession: Model

Nora Wu, also known as Xu Naiqing, began modeling at the the age of 14. She was crowned as Miss Universe China in 2014, but stepped down in order to continue with her undergraduate studies at Donghua Universiy.

24. Liu Meihan

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: April 9, 1991
Place of Birth: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Height: 5’1”
Weight: 38 kg
Profession: Actress and Singer

Liu Meihan also goes by the name Mikan Liu. She studied at Beijing Foreign Studies, majoring in Japanese. She has a level 8 in playing the piano.

25. Shu Siyao

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: September 12, 1992
Place of Birth: Sichuan, China
Profession: Rhythmic Gymnast

Shu Siyao was born on September 12, 1992. She is a professional group rhythmic gymnast who represented China in several international competitions. She also competed at the recent 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.

26. Sham Yen Yi

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: June 22, 1994
Place of Birth: Hong Kong
Height: 5’7”
Profession: Model

Sham Yen Yi, also known as Shirley Sham was crowned Miss Earth China 2014 and represented China at the Miss Earth 2014 pageant. She studied at St. Pauls College in Hong Kong and is currently studying at Fudan University School of Law as an academic scholarship recipient.

27. Louisa Mak

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: December 11, 1991
Place of Birth: Australia
Profession: Model

Louisa Mak is the winner of Miss Hong Kong 2015. She graduated from Cambridge University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in law and was a straight A student. She worked as a news reporter in Hong Kong after graduating.

[ Read: Top 10 Beautiful American Girls ]

28. Wang Jingyao

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: September 27, 1990
Place of Birth: Jinan, China
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 58 kg
Profession: Model

Wang Jingyao was born on September 27, 1990. On August 23rd, 2009, she represented China at the Miss Universe 2009 competition held in the Bahamas. She was awarded the title of Miss Congeniality.

29. Zhang Doudou

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: June 26, 1996
Profession: Gymnast

Zhang Doudou is an individual rhythmic gymnast. She represents China internationally and recently competed at the 2015 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.

30. Duling Chen

Image: Instagram

Date of Birth: October 18, 1993
Place of Birth: Xiamen, Fujian, China
Profession: Actress

Duling Chen was born in Xiamen, Fujian, China. She is best known for her role in Zuo Er, which released in 2015.

Infographic – 5 Beautiful Girls Who Can Sing

Chinese women are known for wearing multiple hats. They aren’t just happy knowing one skill but strive to acquire as many as possible. Knowing that, we have created a list of the 5 most gorgeous Chinese women who can sing, apart from being pretty, acting, modeling, or excelling in other activities.

Red through the infographic below to know who these top 5 beautiful Chinese songstresses are!

Chinese girls not just have attractive looks but also have immense talent. They have breathtaking features and a mesmerizing aura. This list of the top 10 most beautiful Chinese girls will help you get inspired by their confidence and fashion sense. They made their country proud with their remarkable efforts. From academics to sports to beauty contests, Chinese girls leave their mark on every arena. Angelababy, Wenwen Han, Guan Xiaotong, Xu Jiao, and Li Qin along with the others listed above are some of the most beautiful Chinese female celebrities we know.

Are you interested in regaining your skin’s youthful appearance? There are a few options. Keep reading to learn all about the causes of loss of skin elasticity and several ways to prevent it.

In This Article

What Is Skin Elasticity? Why Is It Important?

Skin elasticity is the ability of your skin to bounce back when it is stretched. The loss of elasticity in your skin is known as elastosis (1).

Your skin can be broadly divided into three main layers. They are:

• The outer layer or epidermis containing skin cells, proteins, and pigment (1).

• The middle layer or dermis containing skin cells, oil glands, hair follicles, nerves, and blood vessels (1).

• The inner layer or the subcutaneous layer containing blood vessels, sweat glands, fat, and hair follicles (1).

Apart from these, each skin layer also contains connective tissue. The connective tissue has collagen fibers that provide support and elastin fibers that grant strength and flexibility to your skin. With age, degeneration occurs in the connective tissue and leads to a decrease in the production of collagen (2). This, in turn, reduces the strength and elasticity of the skin (1).

Your skin needs to retain elasticity as it is this property that makes it appear smooth and youthful. When your skin begins to lose elasticity, it starts sagging, losing firmness, and forming fine lines and wrinkles (3). In other words, your skin begins to look aged, exhausted, and weather-beaten.

To protect your skin from loss of elasticity, you need to know what causes it in the first place.

What Causes Loss Of Skin Elasticity?

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Aging is a natural process that impacts the skin in several ways, including a decrease in elasticity (4). But, age is not the only factor that leads to poor skin elasticity. Several other factors also contribute towards the reducing elasticity of the skin. These include environmental factors, hormonal changes, poor nutrition, smoking, genetic makeup, and pollution.

One of the major factors responsible for your skin losing elasticity is the sun. Yes, elastosis is more prominent in those areas of the skin that are more exposed to the sun. A loss of normal skin elasticity due to exposure to the sun is known as solar elastosis (1).

Find out at what age your skin starts losing elasticity in the next section.

At What Age Does Skin Lose Elasticity?

The decrease in skin elasticity is a natural part of aging. This means your skin loses its elasticity gradually over a period of time. In human beings, organs begin to age right from the time a person is born. Since skin is the largest organ in the human body, it follows the same rule. As a person gets old, the skin begins to show prominent signs of aging (5), (6).

Once you reach the age of 20, there is a decrease in the production of collagen in the dermis layer of your skin by about 1% every year. This results in brittle and inelastic skin that eventually leads to sagging and wrinkle formation. In your thirties, the fat cells begin to shrink as moisture transfer from the dermis layer to the epidermis layer slows down. This makes the skin appear thin and dull. When you are in your forties, your cells stop producing collagen. The elastin and collagen fibers become thick and stiff and break down, and your skin loses its elasticity. This causes the appearance of wrinkles and age lines. In your fifties, the skin becomes prone to bruises and damage. This happens as the skin turns dry due to the shrinkage of the sebaceous glands or oil glands. When you reach menopause, your estrogen levels decrease. This causes your skin to become thinner, drier, less toned, and extra sensitive (7).

Extrinsic aging is influenced by environmental factors that can be controlled. If left unchecked, extrinsic aging can cause huge collagen and elastin loss, leaving your skin rough, wrinkled, uneven in tone, and with reduced elasticity (7).

Now, you must be curious to know how to regain elasticity in the skin. Find out in the next section!

10 Natural Ways To Improve Or Restore Skin Elasticity

You can follow these simple tips to restore skin elasticity and maintain the beauty of your skin.

1. Reduce Stress

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You need to keep your stress level under check to improve elasticity in the skin. As of now, it is not clear by what process stress affects skin aging. However, research has shown that it contributes to the aging of the skin and decreases its elasticity (8).

2. Get Enough Sleep

When you are sleep-deprived, it causes fine lines and uneven pigmentation to appear on your skin, along with reduced elasticity. So, for improving skin elasticity, make sure to get enough sleep every night (8).

3. Add Vitamin C To Your Diet

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Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and can stimulate collagen synthesis. When you include vitamin C in your diet, it helps reduce wrinkles, improve skin appearance, decrease protein fiber damage, and reduce skin roughness (9), (10).

4. Exercise Regularly

The harmful activities of free radicals can cause your skin to age. By following a healthy lifestyle and indulging in physical exercise regularly, you can prevent the free radicals from impacting your skin (11).

5. Eat A Balanced Diet

A healthy, balanced diet can help protect your skin and maintain your youthful appearance. Consume lots of fruits and vegetables, which are among the best things to include in a healthy diet (11).

6. Exfoliate Your Skin

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With age, your skin loses its cell renewal ability. By regular exfoliation, you can remove the dead skin cells as well as increase the epidermal thickness of your skin. In other words, you can improve skin elasticity (12).

7. Use Raspberry Extract

Red raspberries contain plenty of antioxidant compounds. By using the extract of raspberry, you can protect your skin from several extrinsic damaging factors, including UV rays-induced skin photoaging. The extract serves as a protective barrier for the skin and allows cell regeneration and procollagen synthesis (13).

Did You Know?Traditionally, raspberry leaves were used for their astringent properties as they help to tone and tighten the skin.Related: 16 Amazing Benefits Of Raspberries For Skin, Hair, And Health

8. Keep Your Body Hydrated

An easy and effective way to maintain the healthy and youthful look of your skin is to drink plenty of water every day. When you drink water, it gets absorbed by the cells in your body and increases the elasticity of your skin (14).

Related: 15 Simple And Effective Home Remedies To Treat Dehydration

9. Apply Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is generally used to treat burns and wounds. But, you can also use aloe vera gel or extract to reduce facial wrinkles. Since it stimulates the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, aloe vera can increase your skin elasticity (15).

Related: Using Aloe Vera For Dark Spots On Your Skin: Tips And Precautions

10. Drink Coffee

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Drinking coffee regularly can protect your skin from oxidative stress-induced senescence (the process by which a cell ages and permanently stops dividing). This simple activity can protect your skin from aging-related disorders and abnormal aging (16). However, drink coffee in moderation as having too much caffeine is not good for your health.

Find out what foods improve skin elasticity in the next section.

What Foods Are Good For Skin Elasticity?

Your daily diet and nutrition can play a key role in keeping your skin healthy and prevent it from aging (17).

• You can boost your skin elasticity by eating foods that are rich in total fat, monounsaturated fat, and saturated fat (18).

• A diet enriched with green and yellow vegetables can help in reducing your wrinkles (18).

• You can increase the intake green tea to protect your skin from photoaging (11).

• Food items that contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, B, C, and E  in high quantities are also beneficial for skin elasticity (11), (19).

Apart from eating a healthy diet, you must take other necessary steps to prevent your skin from suffering a loss of elasticity.

How To Prevent Loss Of Skin Elasticity?

Some of the lifestyle changes that you can adopt to prevent the loss of skin elasticity are as follows:

• Limit Sun Exposure

When your skin is exposed to UV rays, it can do considerable damage to your skin in the form of premature aging, wrinkling, photoaging, dryness, and impaired pigmentation (20). You can use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your screen against damage from UV rays when stepping out in the sun. Sunglasses and wide-brim hats can offer you added protection (21).

• Apply Moisturizer

If your skin lacks moisture, it loses the ability to repair itself. This can increase the risk of skin damage further. To prevent this from happening, you can use a good-quality moisturizer. It will help to keep your skin hydrated and supple (1).

• Quit Smoking

Smoking tobacco can cause premature aging of the skin (22). It can also reduce the rate of collagen synthesis in your skin, making it prone to wrinkles and reduced elasticity (23). By giving up on smoking, you can protect your skin from further damage (24).

• Check Alcohol Consumption

Consumption of alcohol is another factor that can cause facial aging. By limiting your alcohol consumption, you can delay the onset of the symptoms of skin aging (24). This will help you to prevent the loss of skin elasticity.

What can you do if your skin is already suffering from a loss of elasticity? How do you treat it? Find out in the next section.

Best Treatment For Skin Elasticity

There are several treatment options available for reversing or limiting the impact of skin aging and regaining skin elasticity. Here are a few of the treatment options:

• Antioxidants

Antioxidant treatment or taking antioxidant supplements can help to build up the defense of your skin. They can help to neutralize the free radicals and enhance skin elasticity (5), (25).

• Stem Cell Therapy

Transplantation of stem cells can contribute towards skin regeneration during aging. This treatment process can also improve skin volume and quality (5).

StyleCraze SaysThe results of the procedure may last for 10 to 18 months. However, it also depends on the individual aging process, eating habits, sleeping patterns, skin care routine, etc.

• Retinoids

Topical application of retinoids can prevent the degradation of collagen. Retinoids can also help to increase epidermal thickness and slow down skin aging (5).

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for slowing down the aging process of the skin. HRT can improve skin elasticity, collagen content, and skin thickness (5).

Many people experience a loss in skin elasticity after losing weight. Find out more about it in the next section.

Skin Elasticity After Weight Loss

When you lose weight, the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin become thin and damaged. Since collagen is responsible for providing strength and firmness to your skin, the elasticity of your skin also suffers as a result of the collagen becoming less dense (26). You can improve the loss of elasticity in such skin by opting for proper treatment.

Now, let find out how to figure out if you have good skin elasticity.

How Do You Know If You Have Good Skin Elasticity?

Are you wondering how to figure out if you have good skin elasticity? You can carry out a simple test to find out:

• Place one of your hands palm-down on a flat surface in a relaxed manner.

• Pinch the skin on the back of your hand with your free hand and hold for five seconds.

• Release your skin and count the seconds your skin takes to flatten out once more.

If your skin snaps back instantly, it indicates good elasticity. If it takes more than a few seconds, it means your skin elasticity is low.

The elasticity of your skin changes with age. When your skin is stretched, it loses some of its capacity to bounce back over time. While you may not be able to prevent or stop the loss of skin elasticity completely, you can certainly slow it down. By following the easy guidelines above and making a few lifestyle modifications, you can ensure that your skin retains its elasticity and looks firm and youthful. Yes, you can freshen your skin and improve skin elasticity with a little effort and attention.

Stylecraze SaysYou can also prevent nose piercing bumps by avoiding the application of cosmetics, lotions, or even hair care products near the pierced area before it heals completely.

In This Article

What Is A Nose Piercing Bump?

When you pierce your nose, you may notice redness and swelling on the piercing site after a few weeks. These bumps typically appear after a skin injury and often heal on their own. Yolanda Moore, MPAS, PA-C, says, “Bumps after a nose piercing can be caused by a variety of reasons that usually resolve at some point with the exception of keloids. Because keloids are scar tissue caused by the trauma of the piercing, they tend to be more permanent. Most other bumps can improve with proper hygiene and simple remedies.”

Nose piercing bumps are mainly of three types. Learn more about them in the next section.

Types Of Nose Piercing Bumps

1. Pustule: It is a pus-filled pimple-like bump on the pierced area.
2. Keloid: It is a raised scar that develops at the piercing site. A keloid scar may appear like a bump.
3. Granuloma: This type of bump is caused by tissue overgrowth. It may bleed and ooze white or yellow pus.

Stylecraze SaysNose piercing ideally takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal entirely, and the bumps can appear during or after that period too. Hence, one must seek the right solution (either home remedies or medical advice) depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Nose piercing bumps may develop due to multiple reasons. Read the next section to find out the causes.

What Causes Nose Piercing Bumps?

1. Improper Aftercare: If you have a new piercing, it is critical that you clean and sterilize it twice a day to prevent infection.
2. Poor Personal Hygiene: You may develop bumps on the piercing site even after it has healed completely. This may be due to poor personal hygiene and touching the piercing without washing the hands.
3. Poor Technique: Improper piercing technique can hurt the tissues and infect the area. Always go for a professional and reputable salon with licensed piercers.
4. Allergic Reaction: This may be caused by products used before and after the piercing and metal allergy.

If you have developed a bump on the pierced area, it is better to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis and medication. You can also try these home remedies for redness and pain management at home.

How To Get Rid Of Nose Piercing Bumps: Home Remedies To Try

1. Sea Salt Solution

Sea salt has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce pain, swelling, and discharge from the piercing site (1).

How To Use

1. Mix a tablespoon of sea salt in warm water.
2. Wash the piercing site with the salt solution.
3. Leave it on for a few minutes.
4. Rinse it off and wipe the surface dry.
5. Repeat it twice a day until the infection is gone.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that can eradicate bacteria and reduce swelling, redness, and pain caused by nose piercing bumps (2).

How To Use

1. Dilute 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of any carrier oil (like coconut, jojoba, almond, or avocado oils).
2. Apply it to the affected area with a Q tip.
3. Leave it on and repeat the procedure twice a day until the bump has healed.

Note: Do a patch test to avoid allergic reactions.

Related: Tea Tree Oil For Acne – Benefits, Uses, Risks, And More

3. Chamomile Tea Bags

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and may help in reducing mild skin irritation, rashes, sores, and other skin inflammation (3). It calms the skin, relieving the irritation caused by the piercing.

How To Use

1. Soak a chamomile tea in warm water.
2. Use the tea bag as a warm compress.
3. Apply it for 5-10 minutes.
4. Repeat the process several times a day.

4. Aspirin

Aspirin is one of the oldest medicines for pain and inflammation management. It helps reduce swelling, irritation, redness, and pain on the piercing site and promotes better wound healing (4).

How To Use

1. Mix aspirin and water to make a paste.
2. Apply it to the piercing site every night before going to bed.
3. Repeat it once a day until the swelling heals.

Related: Aspirin For Acne: Does it Really Work?

5. Honey

Honey has long been used as a traditional remedy for skin infections and inflammatory conditions. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties (5), (6).

How To Use

1. Apply honey to the bump.
2. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes (or longer) and wash it off.
3. Repeat once or twice every day.

Related: Is Honey Good For The Face And Skin? How To Use It?

6. Cold Compress

Cold packs can reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort by constricting the blood flow to the injured site. They may provide temporary relief and make the bump less visible. However, do not apply the ice cubes directly to the area as it may worsen the infection.

How To Use

1. Wrap the ice cubes in a clean white towel.
2. Apply it to the piercing site for 15-30 minutes.
3. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.

While you can follow these remedies to soothe and heal nose piercing bumps, here are a few preventative tips to reduce the risk of developing them.

How To Avoid Nose Piercing Bumps: Prevention Tips

1. Always Opt For A Professional Salon: A skilled piercer is well-versed in the craft, which decreases the likelihood of developing infections and bumps. Ensure that they use sterilized tools.

2. Washing Hands Before Touching: This will ensure you do not pass on dirt and bacteria to the injured site. Avoid touching and poking the piercing frequently and change your sheets and pillowcases frequently to keep the piercing clean.

3. Use Hypoallergenic Metal: Cheap jewelry may trigger an allergic reaction. To prevent that, opt for hypoallergenic metal jewelry made of gold, stainless steel, titanium, or niobium.

3. Let It Heal: Nose piercing may take 6-8 weeks to heal. Do not remove or replace the nosepiece before complete healing.

Moore says, “Granulomas are common and will resolve with time and simple measures. Cleaning the piercing with saline, applying tea tree oil, and using Bactine antiseptic spray can help expedite the healing process. Other bumps (i.e., pustules) caused by infection due to inadequate cleanliness during the piercing process or poor piercing aftercare should be taken care of early and consistently until healed.”

Proper aftercare is crucial to avoid bumps and infection on the pierced area. Here are a few tips to keep the nose piercing clean.

How To Clean An Infected Nose Piercing

• Wash and clean the area three to four times a day with a saline solution. Allow to dry it naturally, and do not use rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
• Gently remove any debris or dry skin from the area.

Unless your doctor instructs otherwise, keep the piercing in place. If your infection hasn’t cleared up after a week, consult a doctor.

When To See A Doctor

Consult a doctor if:

• The pain doesn’t subside after two weeks.
• You experience fever, dizziness, and nausea.
• The bump feels tender or develops pus.
• The piercing area gives out a foul odor.

Moore says, “Most bumps will resolve over time if the cause is addressed properly. Unfortunately, keloid-related bumps may be permanent. One may consider consulting with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to discuss corrective options for excessively large or disfiguring bumps.”

Nose piercing bumps are red, painful bumps that occur due to improper piercing technique, poor hygiene, or metal allergy. You can try simple natural remedies to reduce the redness and pain in the comfort of your home. You can apply a cold compress, tea tree oil, or honey to the piercing site to provide relief and quicken the healing process. Always go to a professional piercer and follow a proper aftercare routine to prevent the risk of developing nose piercing bumps. If the bump develops pus or gives off a foul smell after two weeks, consult a doctor.

Though the 10 elaborate steps can be time-consuming and achieving this Korean beauty may not sound practical, you will know how good they are once you start. Following these steps will be worth it in the end, and you will not regret spending your time doing this. Interested to know the steps? This article discusses the complete 10-step Korean beauty secrets you can follow day and night to achieve that perfect look. Keep reading!

Before that, let us discuss how it helps your skin. The Korean skincare routine is all about improving your skin health by moisturizing, keeping it hydrated, and offering the essential ingredients the right way (1). You can flaunt your natural skin without putting on any makeup.

Do you have to follow all the steps every day? No, it is not compulsory to follow all the 10 steps every day. You can skip some steps but ensure your skin receives all the necessary ingredients. Let us discuss the routine now! Scroll down!

In This Article

The 8-Step Korean Morning Care Routine

• Step 1: Wash Your Face With Water
• Step 2: Toner
• Step 3: Essence
• Step 4: Ampoule
• Step 5: Serum
• Step 6: Eye Cream
• Step 7: Moisturizer
• Step 8: Sunscreen

Note: The morning skin care ritual has 8 steps (without double cleansing steps). However, if you want, you can always use a mild cleanser to clean your face.

Step 1: Wash Your Face With Water

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Use water to wash your face after you wake up. Do not use any cleanser. Water not only makes your skin feel refreshed, but it also removes impurities from your face that may have settled down on the skin during the night. It also keeps your skin hydrated.

Step 2: Apply Toner

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After washing your face with water, apply toner. You may dab the toner on a cotton swab and apply it in a sweeping motion or pour the toner in your palms and pat it lightly all over your face. A toner helps to balance the pH level of your skin and ensures proper absorption of the next skin care products.

Related: Face Toner For Skin: Benefits, How To Apply, & When To Use

Step 3: Apply Essence

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An essence is a blend of serum, toner, and moisturizer and is a crucial part of the 10-step Korean skin care regimen. It hydrates and primes your skin and nourishes the skin cells. It also prepares your skin for the next steps. Pour a bit of it on your palm and gently press it all over your face. Do not sweep your fingers.

Step 4: Apply Ampoule

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These are similar to essences and serums. However, compared to both products, ampoules contain a higher concentration of active ingredients. Ampoules usually come in a glass bottle with droppers. Use the dropper to apply a few drops on your face. Use your fingers to tap and press it all over your face gently.

StyleCraze Says It is recommended to apply and massage Korean ampoules on your face only once or twice a week as they are highly concentrated and active.

Step 5: Apply Serum

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Use a serum that addresses your skin issues. Serums are best for anti-aging benefits and can reduce skin issues, such as dark spots, hyperpigmentation, dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles (2). Take a pea-sized amount of serum (or two pumps) and press it gently all over your face with your fingertips.

Related: Facial Serum Vs. Facial Moisturizer – What Is The Difference?

Step 6: Use An Eye Cream

The area around your eyes is super delicate, and your regular face cream and serums are not going to work. You need an eye cream to keep the area hydrated and protected throughout the day (3). Take a little amount of eye cream on your fingertips and apply it from the inner corner of your eyes to the outer corners.

Step 7: Apply Moisturizer

After you have applied eye cream, apply a layer of moisturizer on your face. A moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated, nourished, and radiant all day long (4). If you have oily skin, use a water-based moisturizer, and if you have dry skin, use a cream-based moisturizer. Massage the moisturizer gently all over your face and neck.

Related: 10 Simple Homemade Moisturizers For Dry Skin

Step 8: Apply Sunscreen

Protecting your skin from UV rays is a must. Once you have completed all these steps, apply sunscreen. This prevents dark spots, tanning, sunburn, fine lines, and wrinkles (5). Use a product with at least SPF 30.

This was the elaborate 8-step Korean morning skin care routine. These products keep your skin hydrated and healthy throughout the day.

Once you are back home, it is time to let your skin breathe and prepare it for its night-time restoration process. A proper skin care routine makes sure that the skin heals and repairs itself properly. 

The 10-Step Korean Night-time Routine

• Step 1: Cleansing Oil
• Step 2: Foam Cleanser
• Step 3: Exfoliate
• Step 4: Toner
• Step 5: Essence
• Step 6: Ampoule
• Step 7: Serum
• Step 8: Sheet Mask
• Step 9: Eye Cream
• Step 10: Moisturizer

Step 1: Clean Your Face With A Cleansing Oil

You have to take off the dirt, sebum, and impurities accumulated on your face. Using a cleansing oil binds the dirt with the oil and makes it easier for you to clean your skin thoroughly (6). Massage the oil thoroughly all over your face and neck. Wipe your face with a wet cotton wipe. You can see your makeup and dirt coming off your skin.

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Step 2: Double Cleanse With A Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Once you have oil-cleansed your face and removed all makeup and dirt, use a gentle foaming cleanser to clean your face. Pour some cleanser on your palm, add water, and rub your palms together to generate lather or foam. Apply it on your face and wash off.

Step 3: Exfoliate Your Skin

This step should not be repeated more than two times a week. Exfoliation helps in scraping the dead skin cells and impurities from your face. This evens out your skin tone and promotes cell regeneration (7). You may use a chemical or enzyme-based exfoliant or a physical exfoliator (scrub) on your skin.

Related: Physical Vs. Chemical Exfoliation: Which Is Better?

Step 4: Apply Toner 

This step is similar to the step mentioned in the morning skincare routine. Even at night, you will need a toner to maintain the pH levels of your facial skin.

Step 5: Apply Essence

The essence always follows the toner. Never miss this step as the essence is needed to keep your skin hydrated for the entire night.

Step 6: Apply Ampoule

Right after hydrating your face with the essence, apply an ampoule. The super ingredients and active agents in the product will help your skin regenerate and recharge itself throughout the night (8).

Step 7: Apply Serum

After you have applied the ampoule, apply serum on the specific areas of concern. For instance, if it is an anti-acne serum, apply it on the affected areas. However, you can apply the serum all over your face and neck. This depends on whether you are using a serum for specific skincare issues or overall nourishment.

Step 8: Apply Sheet Mask

This is an absolute favorite of K-beauty followers. The sheet masks are saturated with serum that contains essential active agents. These are suitable for all skin types. They provide deep hydration to your skin and also offer specific benefits, such as anti-aging, anti-acne, hydration, collagen-boosting effects, depending on your skin requirements.

Step 9: Use An Eye Cream

Once your skin has absorbed all the goodness of the sheet mask, it is time to take care of your eye area. Apply an eye cream to keep the delicate skin around your eyes hydrated and nourished.

Step 10: Apply Moisturizer

Finish off with a night moisturizer. Applying moisturizer at the end seals all the ingredients and helps your skin soak up everything throughout the night. You will wake up with soft and supple skin.

The Korean skincare routine is all about nourishing the skin and providing it with the right ingredients, both externally and internally. Here are a few additional tips that you may follow to keep your skin as healthy as the Koreans.

Korean Skin Care Routine: Additional Tips

1. Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body and skin hydrated is essential. Though topical ingredients will help your skin stay hydrated externally, you also need to provide internal hydration. Drink plenty of water in any form. You may drink flavored tea (mainly tisanes or herbal teas, minus the caffeine) or flavored water (naturally flavored with lime and cucumber slices).

2. Rest And Relax

Do not strain yourself. Give yourself a break and relax. When you are stressed, it reflects on your skin. The best way to relax is by sleeping. When you sleep, your body restores and repairs itself. This improves your overall health (both physical and mental) and also benefits your skin.

3. Eat Well

Consume a lot of fresh vegetables, grains, meat, dairy, and fish. Include fermented and pickled foods in your diet. Such foods contain essential vitamins and probiotics that are beneficial for both the skin and gut health. Fish and meat broth contain collagen, which keeps your skin youthful and healthy. If you love having a dessert after meals, pick any fruit instead of baked and sugary delights.

StyleCraze Says It is recommended to follow a Korean dietary plan including soybean paste or doenjang to improve blood pressure (which is believed to enhance skin texture) (9), (10).

4. Exfoliate Your Skin

This is applicable for not just your facial skin but your entire body. Try to rid your skin of dead skin cells by exfoliating it at least once or twice a week.

5. Never Forget Sun Protection

Never forget this even if it is cloudy and raining outside. UV rays can damage your skin and speed up the aging process. Hence, carry your sunscreen along.

Infographic: Insider K-Beauty Tips

Korean skin care is making waves in the world of makeup and beauty with its refreshing aesthetics and effective methods. It sure looks like this trend is not dying down anytime soon. While you try out all kinds of beauty products from your nearest K-beauty outlet, why not check out a few tips recommended by the natives themselves?

Check out the infographic below for some lesser-known, insider K-beauty tips.

The Korean skincare routine is popular across the globe for hydrating your skin and imparting a natural glow to your skin. The simple step of washing your face with water gets rid of the grime and prepares your skin for the next steps of the routine. Toner, essence, serum, eye cream, ampoule, and moisturizer, each play an equally important part in hydrating your skin, slowing down aging, and preventing sunburns and acne. Even though the ten-step routine may not seem practical at times, if you go through all the steps with patience and love, you will surely see the results over time.

Squalane is a natural substance that closely resembles human sebum and provides significant skin advantages. Read on to learn more about squalane oil and how to use it to improve your skin’s health. Keep scrolling!

In This Article

What Is Squalane Oil?

Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene. Squalene is a lipid present naturally on our skin. Our skin cells produce this chemical to moisturize the skin.

The skin cells are most efficient in producing squalene in the teenage years. But this production reduces with age. Lack of this natural moisturizer is one reason mature skin becomes dry and rough.

Other sources of squalene include rice bran, olives, sugarcane, and shark liver. However, these sources are unstable and become rancid when exposed to air.

The cosmetic industry found a solution by hydrogenating squalene into the stable squalane oil before using it in skin care products (1). This hydrogenation process makes the oil easy to use on the skin and extends the product’s shelf life.

StyleCraze Says Squalane has a shelf life of two years. You can store it at room temperature as it does not get oxidized easily.

Squalane oil offers several benefits for your skin. Let us discuss them in detail.

What Are The Benefits Of Squalane Oil For Your Skin?

1. Has A Natural Origin

While shark liver was the primary source for manufacturing squalane oil, many plant-based sources are available now. These include wheat bran, olives, sugarcane, rice bran, etc.

Most ingredients in skin care products include mineral oil or petrolatum. But squalane oil is natural. It can also be a vegan ingredient, and is a popular alternative if you wish to avoid petrochemicals.

2. Is Suitable For All Skin Types

Squalane is a derivative of a naturally occurring component of sebum. Hence, your skin recognizes it. Squalane is also non-greasy and lightweight, and is suitable even for oily skin (2). Squalane can easily moisturize your skin and leave it soft and supple.

3. Moisturizes The Skin

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Squalane is a modified form of squalene – an essential part of our sebum. However, the production of squalene slows down with age and causes the skin to go dry (2).

Since it is similar to the natural oils on your skin, squalane works as an effective emollient and helps seal skin moisture.

4. Reduces The Appearance Of Fine Lines

Squalane oil hydrates and makes your skin supple. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may also help prevent new fine lines from appearing on your skin. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

5. May Smoothen Out Your Skin

The hydrating and anti-aging properties of squalane oil may improve your skin texture. Squalane oil is an excellent emollient and using it regularly can leave your skin feeling smooth. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it can also reduce your skin pore size, age spots, and pigmentation.

6. May Help Treat Skin Irritation

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Squalane oil has anti-inflammatory properties and may soothe skin irritation. It offers a calming and pleasant feeling. It helps hydrate skin, soothes flare-ups, and may help ease symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis (2). However, more research is warranted in this regard.

Related: 8 Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar & How To Use It Safely

7. May Help Treat Acne-prone Skin

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Squalane oil is non-comedogenic and does not clog your skin pores. It is a popular choice of moisturizer for all skin types.

Furthermore, squalene mimics the natural skin sebum. Hence, your skin tends to reduce its sebum production as it recognizes squalane oil. This unique property of squalane may help reduce acne as a consequence.

Related: 31 Benefits Of Garlic For Health, Skin, & Hair + How To Use It

8. May Reduce Dark Spots

Squalane oil has antioxidant properties. It improves your skin appearance by reducing damage due to sun exposure. It also may reduce dark spots and visibly brighten your skin. It could also even out your skin complexion. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

Related: 11 Benefits Of Oregano Oil | How To Use It & Side Effects

How Can You Use Squalane Oil In Your Skin Care Routine?

Choose a pure form of squalane oil free of additives or chemicals.

Be careful if you want a vegan version, as shark oil could often be a key ingredient in the manufacturing process. Always read the label carefully before making a purchase.

Here’s how you can use squalane oil for your skin:

1. Cleanse your face thoroughly with a natural face wash appropriate for your skin type.
2. You can use a toner after cleansing.
3. You can apply any skin treatment or serum if you choose to.
4. Gently massage a few drops of squalane oil into the skin using your fingertips.
5. Alternately, you can use a skin care product (such as a moisturizer or an eye cream) with squalane oil.
6. Finish your skin care routine with a coat of sunscreen for the morning prep.

StyleCraze Says Wait for at least 2 to 3 minutes after applying squalane oil and before applying sunscreen so that your skin absorbs the oil completely.

Squalane oil is non-greasy and light, and is fast to get absorbed. Moreover, anecdotal evidence suggests that you can blend squalane with other products to gain multiple benefits.

• With Retinol: The combination may nourish and replenish your skin’s moisture content. Squalane keeps the retinol from oxidizing and prolongs its effects.
• With Vitamin C: These ingredients can brighten and lighten your skin tone when used together. This strong antioxidant combo can strengthen your skin barrier against external pollutants.
• With Body Butter: Using squalane oil with other emollients like shea butter and jojoba oil can better hydrate your skin and prevent moisture loss.

Squalane oil is effective in moisturizing your skin. But how does it respond to various skin types? Read on to find out.

Who Can Use Squalane Oil?

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1. Those With Oily Skin

Squalane oil is similar to a naturally available component of your sebum. Hence, it helps maintain the oil balance of your skin. In a way, it ‘tricks’ your skin into producing less oil. It is non-comedogenic and helps treat the excess oil on the skin.

2. Those With Dry Skin

Squalane oil naturally hydrates and replenishes moisture in dry skin.

3. Those With Sensitive Skin

Squalane oil is non-greasy and anti-inflammatory. It can soothe sensitive skin with its gentle nature and reduce any irritation. It also may protect your skin from environmental damage. The oil may even help soothe skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema (2).

4. Those With Combination Skin

Moisturizing combination skin could be tricky as it is both dry and oily. It needs a delicate oil balance while retaining its moisture levels. Squalane oil is an excellent moisturizer for such skin types as it can help maintain the oil balance while being non-greasy.

Though squalane oil has important benefits, it also may cause adverse effects in some. Read to know more.

What Are The Side Effects Of Using Squalane Oil On Your Skin?

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Squalane oil is generally safe for use for most people. However, as with any other skin care ingredient, it always poses a risk of skin irritation or allergies.

Always do a patch test before you use squalane oil on your skin. Apply it to a small area on your skin, such as the inner arm, to test for any reactions. Discontinue use if you develop signs such as itchiness, swelling, redness, or irritation.

Another aspect of squalane is its process of harvesting. Squalane from sharks is neither eco-friendly nor sustainable. Beware of the product you use. Always opt for pure squalane derived from plants instead.

Squalane resembles human sebum and helps moisturize your skin. It is a natural substance formed after hydrogenating squalene. This makes it easy to use on the skin and offers long shelf life. Using squalane for skin may help nourish the skin, smoothen the skin, reduce the appearance of aging signs, and help treat skin conditions. You may use squalane directly or combine it with other ingredients to reap maximum benefits. Though considered safe for use, it might cause allergic reactions if you are allergic to it. Always do a patch test before you apply.

Black seed extracts are beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer characteristics (1). This article will explain what it can do for your skin, the hazards it may pose, and how to use this traditional beauty oil in your skin care regimen. Let’s get started!

StyleCraze TriviaBlack Seed also goes by the name Siyahdaneh. It is native to Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Cyprus, Iraq, and Iran.

In This Article

What Is Black Seed Oil?

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The seeds of Nigella sativa plant are commonly known as black seeds or black cumin seeds. This annual flowering herb belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, native to the bordering areas of the Mediterranean sea, India, and Pakistan (1). It is widely used in traditional folk medicine and also as a food preservative and spice. The seeds are also called black caraway seeds, kalonji, fennel flower, and habbat al baraka (meaning ‘blessed seed’ described by the Prophet Mohammed).

The oil prepared by compressing the seeds (cold-pressed) is identified as having curative properties, as described by Hippocrates and Dioscorides. Black cumin seed oil has a diverse chemical composition and is rich in proteins, minerals, amino acids, and nigellone, a compound with antihistaminicⁱ  XThe property of drugs that can help relieve symptoms of allergies, colds, fever, sneezing, and a runny nose. properties.

Stylecraze SaysAlphahederin, nigellidine, and carvacrol are some components found in Black seed oil. They have pharmacological benefits. (2).

This precious oil from the East has intrigued the Western beauty industry. Many are turning to this ingredient for its skin healing properties. Let’s take a look at why you should also consider including black seed oil in your skin care routine.

Benefits Of Black Seed Oil For Skin

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1. May Heal Acne

Black seed oil contains thymohydroquinone, a compound with high activity against gram-positive microbes, especially Staphylococcus aureus, the acne-causing bacteria (2). It also works well with popular antibiotics like doxycycline, erythromycin, ampicillin, and tobramycin in reducing pustular skin infections caused by staphylococcus bacteria.

Using black cumin seed oil on the skin can heal papules, pustules, and other forms of acne.

Related: 13 Tips And Remedies To Prevent Acne And Pimples Naturally

2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Black cumin seed oil can heal and manage inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasisⁱ  XAn autoimmune condition triggered by cold or stress that causes inflammation of the skin and leads to dry, itchy patches. and eczema (2). It can reduce skin inflammation, irritation, redness, and the appearance of plaques associated with these conditions. An animal study confirmed that 95% ethanolic extract of black cumin seed has antipsoriatic activities and can manage psoriasis (3).

3. Reduces Signs Of Aging

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Topical application of black cumin seed oil reduces skin irritation and improves skin hydration levels and skin barrier function (2). It is loaded with antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress. All these effects can keep the skin plump and healthy and diminish premature aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles. Its antioxidant properties may also help reduce dark spots and discoloration.

The skin barrier protective properties of black cumin seed oil make it an excellent choice for taking care of your skin. Here is how you can use it.

Related: Top 35 Anti-Aging Foods That Keep Your Skin Youthful

How To Apply It On The Skin

Black seed oil is cold-pressed and can be used as a carrier oil. Before using it, do a patch test to prevent the risk of allergic reactions. Follow these guidelines to use black cumin seed oil for your skin:

1. As A Facial Oil

• Cleanse your skin and pat it dry.
• Massage your face and neck with a few drops of black seed oil.
• Leave it on overnight.

The black seed oil has a strong fragrance. If it is too sensitive for your nose, you can follow this method:

2. Combine With Other Ingredients

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• Combine 2-3 drops of black seed oil with your favorite facial oil, cream, or lotion.
• Massage your face and neck with the blend.
• Leave it on overnight.

3. As The Last Step Of Your Skin Care Routine

You can use black seed oil as the last step of your skin care routine to lock in hydration. Use it after applying serum, essence, night cream, or any other product.

Are there any risks of using black seed oil for the skin? Let us understand in the next section.

Side Effects And Risks

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There is not much research about the side effects of topical application of black cumin seed oil. Hence, it is better to do a patch test before using it as it may cause:

• Allergic reactions
• Redness
• Itching
• Irritation
• Hives

Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using black seed oil as its effects are still unknown, and it may cause sensitivity.

Related: 14 Best Home Remedies For Skin Allergies | Causes And Symptoms

Infographic: How To Make Black Seed Oil At Home

With so many benefits of black seed oil for the skin, you may want to make it fresh at home. Along with having the purest form of black cumin seed oil, you can alter the carrier oil or quantity as per your needs and requirements. Click on the infographic below to learn the steps in detail.

Facials are one of the best ways to rejuvenate your skin, boost blood circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage. It may also help manage wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines and have many other benefits. However, you should also maintain a gap between the sessions and allow your skin to regenerate itself. The frequency may differ depending on your age, skin type, and condition. You may consult a trained aesthetician or a dermatologist to determine the ideal frequency of facial massages or stick to the once-a-month routine.