Air Pollution Is Damaging Your Skin, Here's How To Stop It

Air pollution is a big problem at the moment and the majority of cities around the world are exceeding
guidelines on safe levels of pollution. An estimated 92 percent of people now live in an area with
pollution levels higher than the World Health Organization guidelines. Obviously, there are a lot of
health issues that come with that increased level of pollution. We’re constantly breathing in dangerous
chemicals which can increase the likelihood of all sorts of diseases and cause problems with
breathing etc. But did you know that pollution also does a lot of damage to your skin? It’s one of the
effects that isn’t talked about that much but if you’re struggling to get great complexion, it could be
because you’re living in a particularly polluted area and it’s playing havoc with your skin.

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There are so many different chemicals floating around in polluted cities so it’s hard to work out
exactly what’s causing skin problems but some research has been done to try to find out. The major
problem that pollution causes is dehydration of the skin which can lead to an increase in acne,
eczema, and hives. Your pores also get clogged up easily with all of those chemicals which can
cause more spots etc. to come out.

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Unfortunately, you can’t avoid that air pollution because it’s everywhere and while governments are
taking measures to try to reduce it, it’s going to have a big impact on your skin either way. Luckily,
there are ways that you can reduce skin problems caused by pollution and maintain healthy skin.

Free Radicals

Free radicals are one of the biggest problems when it comes to pollution and skin health. Free radical
is the name for a certain type of particle that is found in polluted areas, as well as cigarette smoke.
It’ll cause spots on the skin and it can break down the collagen which causes wrinkles and speeds
up the aging process. Cosmetics companies are aware of this and there are certain products out
there that are specifically designed to combat the skin problems caused by free radicals. Jeunesse
is the best one on the market at the moment so find a website that sells Jeunesse skincare and use
it as part of your daily skincare routine. They do a good range of serums, moisturisers, and anti-aging
creams so you can swap out the stuff you’re using now and get extra protection against the effects
of pollution.

Cleansing

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Pollutants in the air clogging up your pores and causing spots and dry skin is a big issue but it’s one
that’s fairly easy to solve. If you cleanse your skin properly in the mornings and the evenings, and
after you’ve been outside for a long period, you can clear your pores out before any damage is done.
Use a good quality makeup wipe or some brushes rather than just washing it with your hands so you
can really get in there and scrub away all of that dirt.

Hydration

Your skin dries out a lot in polluted areas and the natural barrier that protects your skin wears away
if you’re dehydrated. That’s why it’s important that you’re always drinking enough water throughout
the day, especially if you’re outside for a long period of time. It’ll rehydrate your skin and make sure
that it’s protected from any pollution.

Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is a great supplement which works very hard to repair the damage to your skin. It repairs
damage to skin cells and helps them to protect themselves better against urban dust and the
chemicals in cigarette smoke. It also helps to strengthen the protective barrier on your skin and
repair damage from the sun as well. There are plenty of foods like chicken, turkey, and tuna which
contains high levels of vitamin B3. You could also take a daily supplement to make sure you’ve
always got good levels of vitamin B3 in your body.

UV Protection

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Even in non polluted areas, sun damage is a big problem but when your skin is already vulnerable,
it’s doubly important to protect yourself. You can get some great moisturisers that have UV protection
in them already which is a good base, even when it isn’t that sunny outside. During the summer
months when you need extra protection you should always be using a high factor sunscreen and
reapplying it every couple of hours. Once your skin is sun damaged, it’s incredibly difficult to undo
that and get it looking great again so always make sure you’re using good quality products to protect
yourself from UV rays.

Air pollution can cause long lasting damage to your skin so make sure you’re always taking these
steps to protect yourself.

Is a Teaching Career Right for You?

If you’re considering a career in teaching, you need to think about what this career path will mean
for you and how you can get the most out of it. There are some things in particular that you need to
know if you want to be sure that this career is right for you. There’s no need to rush into a decision
because this is not the kind of career decision that you can afford to get wrong. Read on to learn all
about this and more.

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You’re Going to Need Training and Qualifications

Of course, this isn’t the kind of job that you can just dive into without any training or qualifications.
There are plenty of them out there, such as a masters in learning and teaching. So you need to find
out all about which course is right for you and enroll on it if you’re serious about taking up this career.
Be prepared for the time it takes to complete this training too.

It’s Great for People Who Want to do Good in the World

If your main aim in life is to make a difference to the world and have a positive impact on people,
you should definitely consider a career in teaching. Not many people get to say that they’re making
people lives better and helping them in ways that will last for the rest of their lives.

The Job Itself is Rewarding Each Day

One of the best things about working as a teacher is the fact that the job itself is incredibly rewarding.
You will see the difference you’re making on a day to day basis, and you will build relationships with
all of the children you teach. That’s where the best part of teaching comes from for so many people
who work in this arena.

Work Doesn’t End When the Bell Goes

Many people who aren’t teachers tend to think that the work teachers do ends when the bell goes
and the kids all leave the school building. However, that’s simply not the case. Instead, the work only
just begins at that point. For a start, the next day’s lessons have to be planned out, and there is
always plenty of marking that needs to be done.

Patience is a Virtue for Educators

If you’re not the kind of person who’s good at being patient in testing situations, you’re probably not
going to be the best teacher in the world. That’s something that you should keep in mind before you
decide whether or not a career in teaching is right for you. Keeping your cool even when things aren’t
working out how you want them to is essential.

Teaching is great for many people, but there’s no point pretending that it’s suitable for everyone.
There are some people who will feel frustrated by the work and won’t have the qualities needed to
communicate ideas to young minds. But if you think that’s something you’d be good at, go for it.

How to Work Up the Career Ladder in Health Care

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The healthcare industry is one of the most fulfilling career paths you can choose but it is also a lot of
hard work. If you want to work up the ladder, you will need to be prepared to put in some serious
effort.

Getting promoted in any job is much the same, but in the healthcare industry, you will need to show
a little more than just a capacity to learn. In such a full-on career, you will have a lot to do, and a lot
to think about but there are a few things that should certainly not slip your attention.

Be Professional

Professionalism is important in most careers but it will make a huge difference to you in the
healthcare industry. You will need to be able to speak to clients calmly, even when you are delivering
bad news and help them to feel safe in your hands. Much of this is about learning how to perfect
your bedside manner, but there are other ways to appear more professional too.

Always make sure that you are clean and tidy. This means that men should be well groomed and
women should make sure that their hair is in good condition. What you wear is also important and
though you are likely to have to wear scrubs most of the time, you can find Med Couture scrubs here
in all kinds of colors and patterns to suit you.

Be a Team Player

There are few professions that require teamwork to the same extent as healthcare. In every single
role, you will be a part of a team working towards the same goal. This means that you will need to be
able to communicate well with lots of different people and be able to offer ideas to the group as well
as take instructions.

Team players are adaptive and willing to do their best every time. You need to show your team that
you are always reliable and there for them when they need. However, you mustn’t try to do too much
or get in people’s way by overdoing things. Professionalism is about giving your all but also about
knowing when to step back and allow someone else a chance to speak.

Be Ready to Study Hard

Healthcare and medical practices are constantly changing as scientists and researchers find new
methods and improve medical practices. This means that even once you have reached the top of
your game, there is always something new to learn. Furthermore, given that patients and clients
have the whole internet at their fingertips, you need to be able to keep up with them and their own
research!

If you are looking to work up the ladder, you will also need to get the relevant qualifications and that
may mean that you have to study alongside your work. Placements are the best way to learn and
asking a more senior member of staff if you can shadow them could be the start of new things to
come.

How to teach your kids to make healthy choices

It can be tough to teach your kids to make healthy choices in all areas of their lives, especially if you do not want to be known as a pushy parent. However, it is vital that you make your kids aware of how their diet and lifestyle choices could be impacting their health both now, and in the future. From encouraging your little ones to get up and be active to supporting your kids in the food and diet choices that they make, as a parent it is crucial that you are there to provide guidance and help to keep your kids in the best of health. However, a few sweet treats are allowed from time to time!

Be a good role model

Remember that your kids will learn from example, so if you have been letting your own diet and healthy food choices slip recently, then it could be time for you to make a change for the better also. If you usually enjoy a glass of wine with your evening meal, then try replacing this with a freshly squeezed juice that the entire family can enjoy. If you are a smoker, you could try cutting down and replacing your cigarettes with an e-cigarette such as this brand for example. Your children will soon pick up on your new healthy choices and will be much more likely to follow a better lifestyle themselves too.

Get moving

If your kids are real couch potatoes who hate any form of exercise, then it is up to you to help keep your entire family motivated and inspired to get moving. From enjoying a family hike or bike ride to visiting your local swimming pool, you can still make exercise fun rather than a chore. Plus your new healthy habits will benefit your entire family also! Your kids should still be allowed to enjoy some time with their tech, but make sure that this is a treat rather than a regular occurrence.

Improved eating

Finally, if your kids are self-confessed fussy eaters who throw a tantrum at the thought of having to eat vegetables, you can still encourage them to rethink their food choices. Encourage your kids to get involved in the kitchen and make sure that they understand where the food that they eat comes from. If you grow your own vegetables or fruit, then why not get your little ones involved in the entire garden to table process, from sowing the seedlings right up to cooking and preparing delicious family meals? Once your kids begin to have contact with food and raw ingredients, they will be more tempted to try new things and experiment more with flavors.

If your kids continue to make poor diet and lifestyle choices, then it is up to you as a parent to help encourage them to get active and healthy. Make sure that you are a positive role model for your kids to learn from and be sure to encourage your entire family to get up and active together. Invite your kids into the kitchen, and you will all begin to improve your relationship with food. 

The Secret To A Perfect Complexion

Having a perfect complexion is a dream come true for many people. Many try all kinds of regimens and have read almost every magazine and blog post about the secrets of perfect skin, but have never gotten any closer to that. This is despite drinking lots of water, putting on sunscreen, and removing makeup just before bed. Although most people (myself included) follow some of these tips to the letter, they still suffer from dryness, sensitivity, acne, and breakouts.

Taking proper care of your skin, following the right dieting regimen, and exercising regularly can, however, help you have smooth and radiant skin.  The key to a perfect complexion lies with how well you take care of your skin, among other things.  You only need to make it a habit of caring for it to experience many of the remarkable benefits. You will even never have to worry about premature aging, dry skin, or acne breakouts.  Outlined below are the top 10 skincare solutions for that perfect complexion, courtesy of Kate Somerville.

1.         Apply Sunscreen Daily

Kate advises against leaving your skin exposed to direct sunlight for too long. Most skin-related conditions are caused by prolonged exposure to sun rays and UV rays.  UV radiation affects the skin by causing skin cells to degrade while affecting how well the body produces elastin and collagen. With the body unable to produce enough elastin and collagen, your skin starts getting wrinkles, stretch marks, and is even vulnerable to breakouts.

Applying some sunscreen each time you head out, however, protects you from these harmful rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF for the best results. Don't just use sunscreen when headed to the beach or in summer; do this every day, which includes deep into winter when the sun doesn't seem to appear. UV rays penetrate even the darkest clouds. This will also help you avoid freckles and other pigmentation. However, if you are heavily pigmented then try http://www.dore.sg/pigment-removal/

2.         Use The Right Skin Care Products

Get to know your skin type first before using any skin care or beauty product.  Is your skin dry, oily, or a combination of the two? If determining your skin type seems too much, you can then seek the services of a dermatologist for help. According to Kate, the dermatologist should be able to identify your skin type, as well as any other blemish you may have. For instance, some people may have an oily forehead with dry cheeks. In this instance, you will be required to use two different products to achieve the best results. Proper hydration is the key to a perfect complexion, she says.

3.         Exfoliate

You should exfoliate at least two times in a week. It is by exfoliating that you get to remove dead skin, excess oil, and dirt that may be keeping the pores clogged. Individuals under the age of 30 should exfoliate at least twice per week while those older need to exfoliate 3 or 4 times depending on the need. One of the main advantages of exfoliation (besides removing dead skin cells) is it also helps stimulate increased blood flow to the skin.

According to Kate, the best exfoliation formula is made of fruit enzymes and gentle to the skin. You need to stay away from products with sharp seeds, and nuts, for these do bruise or damage the skin. Natural enzyme-based exfoliating formulates work by dissolving the dead skin thus making it relatively easy to remove efficiently. She also recommends exfoliating with steam, as steam helps keep the skin warm and well moisturized. ExfoliKate is one of the products she recommends.

4.         Work On Your Neck Too

The neck needs to be taken care of properly as well. The same elements that affect your face affect it as well. It would therefore be advisable to use the same products you use on your face on the neck as well. This includes the moisturizer, sunscreen, and massage. Be sure to massage the neck using an upward motion to create a lifting effect. Remember to moisturize every day just before going to bed and after waking up.

5.         Use Filtered Water

Drinking plenty of water is a sure way to ensure skin cells are properly hydrated. While this is essential, you may want to know what impurities or chemicals your drinking water contains. Although the local water supply may claim it is fit for human consumption, Kate recommends taking the extra step to filter the water as well. A home water filtration system should make the work much easier, and is affordable too.  Asking your water supplier for data about contents in your water could be helpful as well. Nevertheless, adding a home purifier or filtration system should help remove certain impurities and metals. Some chemical and toxic materials may, however, be hard to filter out.

6.         Be Careful With Coffee, Alcohol, and Dairy Intake

Although some foods may seem healthy, they may be the reason you have acne breakouts or any other skin condition. Dairy products, for instance, can trigger or worsen acne. Heavy coffee intake, on the other hand, could dehydrate the skin leaving it vulnerable to stretch marks. Alcohol, on the other hand, causes aging over time, hence should be taken with caution. To be on the safe side, consider going for red wine (rich in resveratrol) as it combats aging signs, as well as reduce coffee intake to just two cups per day.

7.         Take Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements are essentially needed for proper skin cell development and a smoother skin. Some of the supplements you need to focus on include:

a.         Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essentially needed to facilitate skin repair, as well as reinforce cell membranes and tissues.  This protects skin cells against viruses and bacteria. Vitamin A also helps prevent skin wrinkles, flaky and dry skin, and acne.

b.         Calcium: Calcium is needed for proper cell development and good health. It also helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging signs.

c.         Vitamin C: Vitamin C is largely needed for the formation of collagen. Collagen is the main compound responsible for skin elasticity and tissue recovery. It also helps fight free radicals.

d.         Flaxseed and fish oil supplements: These are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are needed to promote cell hydration and enable cells to hold on to moisture. These work together with hyaluronic acids for a smoother skin and even complexion.

8.         Double Cleanse

Makeup is only meant to mask some of the skin blemishes you might have. This, however, doesn't mean you should sleep in your makeup. Make it a point to remove makeup the first thing before going to bed. You'll also need to do a double cleanse and especially if had applied heavy makeup. Double cleansing ensures all the dust and impurities are removed entirely.

9.         Pop That Pimple Properly

While you shouldn't pop a pimple open, you'll need to pop it correctly if you have/need to. You'll need the right supplies to get this done. First, you will need a cleanser, exfoliator, cotton swabs or tissue, washcloth, Neosporin, and witch hazel.  The procedure involves first cleaning the area, exfoliating, then squeezing blackheads gently with cotton swabs. You can then move to whiteheads gently to remove the blemish underneath it.  Squeeze the base of the blemish to get rid of the infection.

10.       Get Facials Regularly

Just because you have the right skin care products and routine at home doesn't mean you are doing everything right. You need to seek the services of a competent aesthetician once in a while.  Getting facials regularly will help address areas and issues you probably cannot handle correctly. According to Kate, one should get a facial at least once in 6 weeks.  You may need to get facials more often if you have a blemish, such as an acne infection.  Seeing a dermatologist to help treat a particular skin condition would also be recommended before getting the facials.