How to Remove Gel Nails

Do you have nail gels and you want them to be removed off your fingers? You have to know that nail gels look beautiful and appealing and that is probably the reason why you applied them. But as time passes by, these nail gels start to wear out and will soon look ugly and unappealing. If this is the case, you do not want to have those ugly nail gels remain on your fingers any longer so you want them removed.
The truth is that nail gel removal is a difficult thing to do and is sometimes impossible. When things like these seem to annoy you, it is highly recommended to look for the help of a beauty technician or someone who is an expert in manicure and pedicure. However, if you want to do the procedure on your own, it is best to learn the following procedures to get you in the ways to removing nail gels off your fingers effectively:

1st Step: Choose the Right Place to Remove the Gel Nails

When you need to do the procedure of removing nail gels off your finger, the very first thing that you need to consider is the place where you are going to perform the procedure. An ideal place perfect for nail gel removal is a place where ventilation is ample. The outdoors is highly suggested as the best place to remove nail gels. It is also a great choice to stay beside an open window when you are removing your nail gels. These places are good for you so that you will not inhale the very strong odor emitted by the nail polish remover and the nail gel itself. Smelling the odor for quite some time is deliberately intoxicating so you better make sure that the place is well-ventilated, hence, there’s no room for those harmful odors to stay and remain in the place while you perform the nail gel removal.

2nd Step: Remove the Nail Polish

A lot of women skip this process as they believe that taking off the nail gel will remove the nail polish anyway. This is a wrong belief that had led many women feeling frustrated in removing the nail gels off their fingers. In fact, removing the nail polish first will help you save yourself from becoming frustrated and irritated as you do the process. By removing the nail polish initially, it will be much easier for you to take off the slightly dissolved nail polish residuals and spots on your fingers. To remove the nail polish, you have to prepare cotton balls. Use these cotton balls and apply the nail polish remover as well. This will effectively remove all the nail polish off your fingers.

3rd Step: Soak Your Hands

After you have removed the nail polish off your fingers, pour nail polish into a bowl; make it half-filled. For best and faster results, you may want to heat the nail polish a little and make use of a stronger version of acetone which can be purchased in many drugstores around your place. After this is done, you may put your fingertips in the bowl allowing the gelled nails to submerge. Do this for quite some time and as soon as you feel that the solution is no longer warm, you may add an additional warm acetone.

4th Step: Try Removing the Gel Gently

After five minutes or the moment you have smelled a strong odor and that the gel is a little sticky and soft, you may now try to remove the ends of the nail gel gently. With the help of an orange stick, it will be easier for you to pry the sticky tips off the nail beds. If you feel that pulling the gel is a bit painful and that the nails would not budge, simply stop pulling and continue soaking your fingertips in the warm mixture. You have to take note that it is not advisable to pull the nail gel with force as this can damage the real nails. Keep on soaking your fingertips until you feel comfortable removing the nail gels off your finger.

5th Step: Take off the Residues

After you have removed the big portions of gels on your fingers, use a cotton ball with fresh nail polish to remove the remaining residues and sludge on your nails. Doing this procedure can make your natural nails slightly rough. You can remove the roughness by simply buffing them with a nail buffer or a nail file. Keep in mind that you have to do the nail gel removal procedure one hand at a time to make sure that your other hand works for the other. After the first hand has been cleared from the nail gels, you may repeat the entire procedure to your other hand.

Finishing Touches

After you have already freed your fingers from the hard and stubborn nail gels, you will come to know that your real nails have been weakened by the complex procedures they have undergone. The healing process would take some time before they get back to their former health and condition. In account to this, you have to be very extra careful with your nails. It is highly suggested that after the procedure, it would be best to cut your nails using the emery board design or simply make use of the nail file constantly until you achieve the suggested nail cut design. Finally, apply a natural coating or polish to your nails.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Uses & Cautions

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Benzoyl peroxide is used in a number of household products that clean and whiten. It’s also considered a medication and is used for treating skin issues. Benzoyl peroxide can be found in pharmacies or in the medication section of your supermarket. In some cases, your doctor will prescribe a more potent amount of benzoyl peroxide that can’t be bought over the counter.
Now you may have heard of benzoyl peroxide while searching for acne remedies. That’s because it’s widely used for treating mild to moderate cases of acne on both the face and body, and is a common ingredient in face cleansers, scrubs and body washes. Because of this, benzoyl peroxide often gets misconstrued as an acne cure-all because it’s one of the most powerful treatments used for preventing pimples.
The key word is “prevent” since it does not erase acne from one’s face. This type of peroxide works because it’s able to break down and destroy bacteria that causes acne. But benzoyl peroxide doesn’t have anti-inflammatory properties, which are important for clearing up any inflamed pimples you currently have. However, with proper usage it can still be a helpful tool to keep handy to prevent pimples from forming.

Uses for Benzoyl Peroxide

As we mentioned before, Benzoyl peroxide is used to prevent mild to moderate acne by lowering the amount of bacteria that causes pimples. Unfortunately, skin that’s affected becomes dry and will peel; however, this minor problem will heal in time. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe different benzoyl products that can’t be purchased over the counter because it’s essentially a medicine. Depending on your personal needs, your doctor may suggest a prescription or an over-the-counter variety that may be of lower potency.

How to use Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne

Acne can pop up all over the body, including your upper arms, shoulders, chest, face and back, which keeps a lot of people from wearing tank tops or strapless dresses. To clear up areas affected by zits with benzoyl peroxide, first wash your skin with a face cleanser. The next step involves patting your face dry with a clean towel; it’s crucial to use a clean towel so as not to add any more bacteria onto your face. Patting your skin instead of rubbing it with the dry, clean towel reduces irritation that can be caused by friction.

Topical Products with Benzoyl Peroxide

Use a benzoyl peroxide cream or gel to apply on the areas of your body that are affected by acne before bed (this includes your face). Letting the product dry on your skin is important so that the bacteria is sure to be taken care of. Gently wash the benzoyl off in the morning using a gentle cleanser – unless the product’s label specifies otherwise.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Improvement in acne is usually seen after three weeks of use, and you’ll get maximum benefits after 8-12 weeks of use. Apply this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. If your condition persists or worsens, make sure to contact a doctor as quickly as possible.
If you choose a benzoyl peroxide medicated pad or sponge, you’ll still want to cleanse the surface dirt off of your skin before using the benzoyl product; use the pad or sponge as directed on the label. Depending on the product, you will need to rinse and then pat dry before continuing with your normal routine.

Benzoyl Peroxide Cleansers

If using creams or gels seems like too long of a process for you, try using a benzoyl peroxide cleanser. Wet the skin where you tend to develop pimples, and then continue using a light touch to rub the cleanser onto your skin (should be a lather) for about 15 seconds; rinse the skin well before patting dry. You can use benzoyl peroxide cleansers such as liquid, pad, or bar twice a day if necessary. Assuming your skin becomes too dry, rinse the product off sooner or use the cleanser less often. If your skin is experiencing a harsh side effect, talk with your doctor about finding a solution.

Shaving Cream and Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is even found in some shaving creams. The process of using this form of the medication is no different than using a shave cream that does not contain benzoyl peroxide. Wet the area to be shaved before applying small amounts of the product onto your skin. Rinse your skin with warm water and finish by patting the skin dry. Use a moisturizer to re-hydrate your skin and keep oil glands from becoming unbalanced.

Precautions for Benzoyl Peroxide

As with any form of medication or product, there are a few precautions that need to be taken before or during your use of benzoyl peroxide. Keep this product out of your eyes, mouth, or nose since it can cause irritation. Also, don’t apply benzoyl peroxide to broken skin; if any of the aforementioned scenarios happen, flush the area with water immediately.
When using benzoyl peroxide, it’s best to take precautions for your floor, furniture, and hair as it can leave bleach stains if left unattended. One more thing we’d like to mention is that you should wear an old shirt or a towel around your shoulders to avoid ruining clothing.

Post Laser Hair Removal

Skin Care for Post Laser Hair Removal

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People grow increasingly tired of the tediousness involved with facial and body hair upkeep, turning to cosmetic technologies like laser hair removal to free up their grooming routines. While effective, it can still be difficult to eradicate hair from an area forever; hair that continues to grow back will do so much slower and finer than before. Aside from the occasional side effects of swelling and increased sensitivity to the treated areas, preventing further irritation is the key to a successful recovery. The following is a list of things to do, and not to do, to make your skin’s healing process as painless as possible.

• Hands Off – Don’t touch, rub, scratch or pick at the skin of treated areas. If a scab forms it must be left to heal and fall off of its own accord. When getting out of the shower, always pat the skin dry with soft terrycloth or microfiber towels.
• Be Sun Shy – Avoid exposure to the sun’s UV rays for about four weeks both before and after laser hair removal treatments. Having a tan during or after treatment will increase the risk of hyper pigmentation and future sunburn. If heading outside, use a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30 or higher and also avoid using tanning beds at all costs.
• No Sweat – Steer clear of vigorous or strenuous exercise for two to three days after treatment, as sweating can cause irritation of the hair follicles.
• Well Gel – Applying a cool Aloe Vera gel on treated area will help to soothe irritation, ease any burning sensations and keep skin redness to a minimum. Tip: Keep Aloe Vera gel in the refrigerator to make it extra cooling against burned or laser-treated skin.
• Hide From Harshness – Don’t use any harsh chemicals like bleach or perfumed products like aromatherapy oils on skin for at least 24 to 48 hours. Also, stay out chlorinated swimming pools for 48 to 72 hours post treatment.
• Don’t Be Irritating – Avoid waxing, plucking or threading hair removal methods on treated areas for at least 48 hours afterward. Shaving, however, is still allowed between treatments.
• Can’t Take the Heat – Stay out of hot bath, shower, saunas and steam rooms for 24 to 48 hours to give pores a chance to rest and recuperate. Stay away from heat sources for over 72 hours is you have sensitive skin.
• Not So Rough – Don’t exfoliate treated skin, use chemical peels or get a microdermabrasion for a minimum of 10 days. Ideally, it’s best to wait until all hair removal treatments are finished before resuming these activities.
• Dare to Bare – Makeup shouldn’t be used on treated skin for up to 24 hours, switching to gentle mineral makeup or brands designed for sensitive skin afterwards.

About the author: This article was written by Monica Dwyer on behalf of Urbana. Monica is an experienced beauty therapist with over 5 years experience in hair removal and waxing.

Seven Safe, Simple Steps for Preventing & Treating Acne

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What causes acne? If we had a simple answer, then acne would be like the measles – basically a thing of the past! But because acne is influenced by many factors, we don’t have one miracle shot or pill. In most cases, acne is best treated holistically: You need to take your whole mind and body experience into account. What does that mean? Read our tips for a great acne solution!
Following the steps below can add up to a “vaccine” against mild to moderate acne. For those with more serious acne, we have found AcneTreatment.net to be a good resource for the lowdown on everything from herbal supplements to topical skincare regimes and prescription acne medications.

Seven Simple Tips for Preventing Acne

1. Drink water! Besides keeping your skin hydrated and preventing premature wrinkling, a regular flow of water helps to transport nutrients that build healthy skin cells. Water also helps clear your body of toxins that interfere with clear skin.
   If you aren’t a big fan of drinking water, that’s OK. Tea and fruit juice (no corn syrup, please!) are some good substitutes. Just remember that some beverages are loaded with calories, tooth-harming sugars and artificial ingredients. Water is a non-caloric and safe solution. It’s also cheap!
2. Exercise. Where clear skin is concerned, one benefit of exercise is cleaning your pores from the inside out. Think about it: When sweat streams through your pores, it clears out lots of gunk – kind of like rainwater rushing through a city pipeline.
   To help keep your skin clear:
   • Wash your face and body before you exercise. Apply a moisturizer to your face even though you’ll get sweaty soon. If you don’t moisturize, your skin might overcompensate and make more oils than you like.
   • Wash your face and body after exercising. For the best results, use a cleanser, an astringent and a moisturizer along with a spot treatment if needed.
3. Use mineral powder makeup. Most concealers and foundations are advertised as non-comedogenic, which means that they don’t clog pores. Somehow this seems misleading; physically, isn’t it almost impossible for creamy stuff placed on the skin to not sink in? Besides that, some makeup irritates skin because it contains low-quality ingredients such as mineral oil – which should not be confused with mineral makeup. Mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum.
   • One tip we love is to use 100% mineral makeup to help avoid acne. Mineral powder makeup can make any woman feel like an Earth goddess. If it’s truly pure, then it’s made only from actual minerals and will not irritate your skin. It smooths the appearance and feel of skin instantly. It covers redness and makes skin look naturally pretty. Meanwhile, zinc and other components rebuild the skin and naturally shield it from the sun. The minerals actually help improve skin’s overall quality.
   • For the best results, apply mineral powder makeup to exfoliated and hydrated skin. Otherwise you might get dry patches. When you get it right, you’ll be able to “fix your face” with mineral powder makeup in about two minutes. Your new favorite beauty product, guaranteed!
4. Relax your muscles. Take yoga seriously or at least stretch in your own way every morning and evening. Stretching your muscles promotes healthy circulation, which promotes healthy skin. Taking at least ten minutes to stretch every day can also help relieve mental tension. There’s no doubt that mental stress is manifested as acne!
5. Keep the phone off your face. Even the best phone call can hurt your complexion. When you hold the phone against your face, you can’t help but rub your skin and introduce bacteria. The close quarters also create a miniature climate of condensation that doesn’t work well for skin. Besides all that, phones actually raise the temperature of your skin with their radiation. It’s a perfect, horrible acne storm. Use your speaker button or find another solution.
6. Reduce stress in your life. Be honest with yourself. Are you trying to be a superman or superwoman? Are you taking on too many tasks for one person to reasonably accomplish? Or maybe you’re letting a not-so-nice person bring stress into your life? Identify the triggers for unhealthy forms of stress. Then take actions to disarm them! A clear mind leads to clear skin.
7. Follow a skincare routine. Remember, “routine” means regular! Many people make the mistake of only focusing on skin when it’s acting up.
   • Wash your face two or three times daily.
   • Use a clean and slightly exfoliating washcloth.
   • Use a cleanser that’s appropriate for your skin type: dry, combination, normal, oily and teenage or adult.
   • For extra cleansing, use an astringent.
   • Always finish with a moisturizer. Moisture makes a huge difference for anti-aging and if you choose the right moisturizer, it will fight acne instead of promoting it.

What are your favorite skincare tips that are 100% safe? We’d love to see your comments!