Skin glow, clear complexion, and even skintone can all add to a healthy level of self-esteem. And, perhaps more notably, the absence of that highly-coveted glow could do just the opposite, catalyzing a self-conscious attitude and even a poor body image.

Skin pigmentation disorders, in all of their various forms, can certainly be the source of low-self esteem surrounding one’s complexion. We’re informing you on some of the most common of these disorders below, as well as how they’re characterized, caused, treated, and potentially prevented.

Skin Problems and Self-esteem

According to Psychology Today, skin issues and disorders can commonly lead to psychological distress.

The American Academy of Dermatology stated that major depression is one of the main results of chronic skin disorders, with this depression even leading to suicidal thoughts in some. Other findings point to skin issues leading to social withdrawal, anger, frustration, and a general lack of confidence. Clearly, the appearance and health of our skin has a large effect on our happiness, emotional and psychological stability, and overall demeanor.

Because skin pigmentation disorders in nature can be quite noticeable when it comes to physical appearance, they are prone to affecting one’s self esteem in a significant way.

What are Skin Pigmentation Disorders?

The color of our skin is due to a brown pigment called melanin, produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are located in the innermost of the five layers of the epidermis.  The coloration of our epidermis is completely dependent on the amount of melanin present in the skin. This means that those who have a naturally pale complexion produce less melanin and those with darker skin produce higher levels of it.

Skin pigmentation disorders have an effect on the color of one’s skin, which is oftentimes caused by melanocytes becoming damaged and having a negative effect on melanin production.

These disorders may affect the entire body or they could be isolated to only patches of skin on the body. Furthermore, pigmentation disorders could be something that someone is born with, or they can be developed over time due to a range of external factors. These include taking certain medications, environmental influences, the suffering of other skin disorders like dermatitis or eczema, and other factors.

There are a wide range of skin pigmentation disorders, all caused by different factors, affecting the skin’s appearance and health differently, and requiring different treatment.

Melasma: Dark Skin Patches

With more than 200,000 diagnosed U.S. cases of this skin pigmentation disorder each year, it is extremely common. This disorder causes brown to gray-brown patches on the skin, most commonly on the face. It most regularly affects women, with men only accounting for 10 percent of melasma sufferers. Those with darker skin, such as individuals of Latin or Hispanic, African American, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean descent, are more likely to contract melasma. This disorder is also more common for individuals who possess a blood relative that suffer from the issue.

Most people with melasma possess symptoms on their cheeks, the bridge of their nose, on their forehead, their chin, and above their upper lip. While these spots are most usual, Melasma can also appear on other parts of the body, such as the forearms and neck.

There are several factors known to trigger melasma. First, sun exposure can cause this issue as ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun stimulates melanocytes, prompting the disorder. Another common cause is a change in hormones, which explains why pregnant women may experience this issue. If that is the case, it is referred to as “chloasma”, meaning, “the mask of pregnancy”. Similarly, birth control pills can trigger this disorder. Finally, if a particular skin care products irritates the skin, it can worsen the condition.

Melasma can be treated in a variety of ways, if it needs to be treated at all. When caused by pregnancy or birth control pills, this condition will typically fade on its own, not requiring intervention. However, when that is not the case, over-the-counter products or dermatologists can intervene.

Vitiligo: The Loss of Pigmentation

Known to plague about one percent of the world’s population, vitiligo is a skin condition where patches of skin lose their pigmentation completely, resulting in lighter patches on the body. Here, melanocytes are attacked and destroyed, resulting in a typically distinct pale stretch of skin.

While this disorder affects individuals of all ethnic origins as well as both sexes, it’s more obviously noticed on darker skin tones. This condition is hereditary for one third of those who suffer from it. More than half of the patients who suffer from this disease notice it on their skin before they reach 20 years of age.

Skin affected by vitiligo fails to turn “tan” in the sun, and it most commonly originates on the hands, feet, or face, getting worse over time. Vitiligo is known to appear in spots that were previously injured or that endured sunburn.

The exact cause of this disorder is unknown, although it’s widely believed to be an autoimmune disorder where white blood cells direct the destruction of melanocytes. One reason for this speculation is because research shows that those with this disorder are more predisposed to other autoimmune diseases.

While this disorder does not directly affect one’s physical health, it is known to have an affect on an individual’s psychological well-being due to how noticable it is in its appearance. Vitiligo cannot be cured quickly, although treatments are available that are likely to reduce symptoms over time. In an effort to restore the skin’s regular skin color in affected areas, steroid and anti-inflammatory creams are typically prescribed by a physician. Although it’s less common, surgical procedures are sometimes performed in an effort to reduce the effects of vitiligo.

Solar Lentigines: Freckles Caused by the Sun

This skin pigmentation disorder is extremely common, affection three million Americans annually. Also known as sun-induced freckles, this disorder causes dark, hyperpigmented lesions that are caused by UV light. These lesions may appear individually or they can occur in multiples. Solar lentigines are usually indicative of excessive sun exposure.

This condition is most frequent in older adults, most commonly in those who tend to sunburn easily and don’t usually have skin that turns “tan” in the sun. However, children are also at risk for this skin disorder. These lesions are easily recognizable as they appear as well-defined, light brown to black flat spots on the skin.

This condition can be easily prevented by avoiding sunlight, particularly during its strongest hours, which are midday, from ten in the morning to three in the afternoon. Individuals can also protect themselves by wearing sun protective clothing and applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on a normal basis.

Although these lesions may be unsightly, they don’t propose a health risk that requires medical care unless they are cosmetically bothersome or become raised. This condition can be treated by a physician freezing the area lightly with liquid nitrogen or by using prescription bleaching cream (hydroquinone), although the latter method is commonly not successful.

Keeping Your Skin Pigment Healthy

While not all skin pigmentation disorders are preventable, understanding their symptoms and causes make it easier to work against them where possible and to recognize them on yourself. And although sometimes even our best efforts against these disorders still leads to their development, you can take certain precautionary measures to protect your skin pigment.

Do this by practicing a regular skincare regime with quality products, eating a diet rich in antioxidants, wearing SPF 30 or above sunscreen on a daily basis, and wearing sunglasses when you’re exposed to the sun. Visit your dermatologist on an annual basis or when you notice any changes in skin markings, moles, birthmarks, or freckles.

Although true beauty comes from within, healthy skin has a large effect on our psyche, as we learned above. Taking care of our skin certainly takes a great deal of work, dedication, and education surrounding what it needs to stay healthy. However, it is well worth the effort, as a flawless complexion and clear skin across the board have the ability to grant us the confidence we crave to feel comfortable inside and out!

When it comes to shaving, you can rush through the process to get it done quickly or you can take your time and get it done right. It can be tempting to simply damp your face, put on some shaving cream, and swipe away until your face is nice and smooth.  The problem, however, is that rushing through the preparation stage and using the wrong technique can leave you with razor burn, nicks, and ingrown hair. Things no one wants to endure.

While you’ve probably experienced one or perhaps all of these issues after shaving, there are things you can do to enjoy a problem-free shave each and every time.

But how, specifically, can you combat the ingrown hairs on your neck issue? Ingrown hairs occur when hair curls back into the skin, which can lead to skin irritation that ranges from annoying to downright painful.

Read on for a step-by-step look at how you can enjoy a better shave and kiss your ingrown hairs neck issues goodbye. Hint: If you do it the way your barber does it, you’ll be fine.

Proper Preparation

Shaving effectively starts with proper preparation. After all, it is certainly true that those who fail to plan, plan to fail. It’ll help if you’re not in a rush since the preparation process can take a little while. In fact, getting a professional shave from an experienced barber can take, from start to finish, up to about 25 minutes. You don’t necessarily need to spend that long, but you won’t get a great shave—and ward off ingrown hairs—if you think you can get it all done in five minutes.

1. Wash Your Face

You need to start the preparation process by washing your face. You can use facial cleansers that facilitate the softening of the protein in your hair. What you don’t want to do, however, is to use harsh soaps since they can remove oils that soften hair. If you use a cleanser, you can leave it one for about 60 seconds or so before washing it off.

2. Facial Massage

You can reduce the chances of getting ingrown hairs by exfoliating regularly. Apply exfoliation scrub to your face and massage it in using circular motions, and then rinse it off. What it will do is unclog your pores to facilitate a smooth shave, expose hair follicles, and assist in eradicating ingrown hairs. Again, you need to do this regularly for best results, so make it a routine.

3. Take a Hot Shower

Another important consideration when it comes to getting a great shave is to ensure that your skin is hot as well as moist. If you get your shave at a professional barber, he or she might achieve this by applying some hot, wet towels to your face and neck prior to shaving to get your skin ready and your hair soft as well as during the shaving process to keep your hair soft. How can you get inspiration from your barber? You can either mimic the trick of the trade that is hot, damp towels or simply take a hot shower just before you shave in order to get the same effect.

4. Pre-Shave Oil & Shaving Cream

It’s also a good idea to use some pre-shave oil that will help to prevent skin irritation after the shave. And, of course, you’ll want to apply some shaving cream so that there’ll be a layer of lubrication between your skin and the razor blade. Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make is to do what is called a dry shave where you forego shaving cream. Use a generous amount of shaving cream, and work into into your hair for a nice, clean shave.

Proper Technique

If you get a shave from a professional barber, it can be quite the experience, especially if he or she uses a straight razor, which is a razor with a single elongated blade that is extremely sharp. Unless your technique is right, you can end up cutting yourself pretty badly with a straight razor. So, either leave the straight razor to the pros or use it carefully.

Here’s how you can get a great shave using a more traditional multi-blade razor, without developing ingrown hairs on your neck:

1. Choose the Right Razor

There are lots of different choices when it comes to razors. Look for the best option within your desired price points. If you go the disposal razor route, be sure not to overuse them since a dull blade can wreak havoc on your skin and cause ingrown hairs, razor burn, and other problems.

2. Hold the Razor Properly

When using a razor, hold the handle at a 30 degree angle from your face and neck in a way where the head of the razor blade is against your skin or hair.

3. Pull Razor without Applying Pressure

Pull the razor from the bottom of your neck to the top of your neck while applying no pressure. And try to avoid shaving the same area too often since this can cause skin irritation.

4. Rinse Blade

Be sure to rinse the blade under cold water after every stroke of the blade across your neck. This will help to dislodge hair fragments and shaving cream lodged between the blades.

5. Stretch Skin

What you want is to stretch the skin only enough so that there’s a flat surface that the blade can glide over, especially on the neck.

Post-Shave Routine

If you start out well and then shave well, you might as well end well with a good post-shave routine.

1. Wash & Moisturize

After your shave, use warm water to wash off your neck to get rid of any lather residue. You’ll also want to use a product that will moisturize your skin and leave it feeling soft and supple. Look for a product that not only can treat ingrown hairs and razor burns post-shaving, but also can potentially prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps from occurring in the first place. A product like ours can be the perfect combination to your after-shave to ensure you won’t have any more appearance of ingrown hairs.

Yes, it’s possible to combat any ingrown hairs on your neck with the right preparation, technique, and post-shave routine. So follow these steps, or keep them in mind the next time you take a trip to the barber for a special occasion.

Taking care of our skin is one of the best investments we can make in ourselves and our bodies. Our skin is responsible for giving us our all-around glow, or sometimes, unfortunately—or lack thereof. One factor that can frequently contribute to losing our skin’s luster is sun spots.

While the debut of sunspots can sometimes prompt the thought that your skin is beyond repair, there are ways to reduce their appearance and to brighten your skin overall. In today’s post, we’re discussing the prevention of sunspots altogether, what factors contribute to their creation, and how to treat them with the best skin brightening serum.

Factors that Cause Sunspots

Sun Exposure

The most common factor that prompts sun spots on the skin is sun and UV ray exposure. These spots are the result of ultraviolet light from the sun causing a change to your skin’s natural pigmentation. While many of us love sitting in the sun, enjoying time at the beach, or soaking up rays as we enjoy the great outdoors, this can unfortunately be the culprit behind those pesky spots, especially if the appropriate protection is not worn. Note that artificial UV rays, produced in tanning beds, can also cause these spots.

Aging

Aging is another factor that plays a role in the development of sunspots. This is due to the fact that aging skin is not as capable of repairing damage. Furthermore, melanin—which is the dark pigment that provides our skin with its color—clumps together more frequently to form patches of light to dark brown colored skin.

Reduce the Appearance of Sunspots With a Skin Brightening Serum

Skin brightening serums are more effective in clearing the skin of sunspots, as opposed to covering the spots with foundation or looking for natural remedies that may not be long lasting.

The best way to even out the look of your skin after the formation of sunspots is to use a skin brightening serum that can dramatically brighten your skin and even out your skin tone.  Use a serum that acts as a gentle exfoliant and that is rich in ingredients such as sopropyl alcohol, cyclomethicone, and salicylic acid. Products with chromabright are proven to be safer for your skin than hydroquinone or mercury. Apply this serum twice a day to clean skin, and in about eight weeks, you’ll be able to see an improvement in skin tone.

Prevent Sunspots

The best cure for sun spots is to prevent them altogether. You may be thinking that’s easier said than done, but there are actually simple measures that can be taken to protect your skin from developing these imperfections.

Use SPF

Using SPF everyday, regardless of whether you’re going to be sitting out in the sun is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. Use a sunscreen or makeup product with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent harm from UV rays. Put simply, SPF provides a layer of protection between your skin and the rays of the sun.

Wear Sunglasses

Your sunglasses are good for more than just style as they can actually help to prevent the appearance of sunspots. Sunnies protect the very sensitive skin around your eyes from harmful UV rays, so wear them whenever you’re outside to minimize damage.

Keep Skin Cool

Keeping your skin as cool as a cucumber helps to prevent the appearance of sunspots. This is because overheated skin increases melanin activity and redness. Keep skin at a cooler temperature by placing skincare products in the fridge before use to provide a cooling effect, especially after you’ve been outdoors. Also, frequently use gel-based masks that can be placed in the fridge before use.

Treating sun spots has never been easier, and a skin brightening serum can make a big difference in the appearance of these imperfections. In conjunction with taking preventive measures and protecting your skin from the sun every day, using the best skin brightening serum will make a big difference in the overall luminosity and evenness of your skin!

If you’re a shaver, you’ve likely already experienced razor burn. And if you’ve been fortunate enough to avoid the condition so far, you’ll probably be on the receiving end of it eventually.

Razor burn manifests as a reddish skin condition that is uncomfortable, itchy, and painful, and it is sometimes accompanied by little pimples or cuts. Specifically, razor burn occurs when your razor blade scrapes against your skin during the shaving process. The problem stems from skin irritation caused when your blade tugs at your hair follicles. What this can do is cause some of your hair strands to grow downward into your skin rather than outward, and this can create small abscesses. While not generally considered a serious health problem, razor burn can range from mild to very painful as far as severity of the condition.

As you might expect, the answer to how long razor burn lasts will depend on numerous factors like the the size of the affected area, whether or not the razor burn is complicated by the presence of razor bumps, and the frequency with which you shave. Symptoms can persist for anywhere from a number of hours to a few days.

Read on for a look at how gender and body region can play into razor burn–as well has how to prevent it in the first place and how to treat it if you actually get the condition.

Factors that Impact How Long Razor Burn Lasts

Gender

While both men and women who shave can get razor burn, it can be argued that the painful skin condition may be more uncomfortable for women than it is for men. The reason? While men mostly focus on the face and neck regions when they shave, women tend to focus on the legs, armpits, and bikini regions when they shave. So,the severity of razor burn, at least in terms of discomfort, tends to be worse for women than for men simply due to the body areas shaved.

Location

Location issues are largely an extension of the gender issue. When men get razor burn, it will typically be on the face or neck, but when women get razor burn, it will likely be on body parts where the skin is more sensitive, such as the bikini area and armpits.

Why is this important to emphasize? The severity of razor burn can increase if your clothing makes contact with the affected skin. Frequent brushing of your clothes against your razor burn-affected body region could prolong the symptoms or at least make the condition all the more uncomfortable or downright painful.

How to Prevent Razor Burn

While there are effective solutions to combat razor burn when it sets in, there are things you can do to reduce, if not entirely eliminate, the odds of it occurring. Here are a few tips you should keep in mind if you wish to shave without having to deal with dreaded razor burn:

• Clean Razor: Be sure to get rid of any worn, rusty, or unclean razor blades in order to reduce the odds of getting the condition. Always use a clean razor, and replace the blade regularly.
• Wash Beforehand: It’s best to wash your skin before you shave — otherwise, your skin, due to dirt and oil accumulation, will create an uneven surface that will increase the risks of razor burn.
• Lubricate: You need shaving cream in order to provide the necessary lubrication between the blade and your skin.
• Slow and Easy: Shaving too quickly is a leading cause of razor burn, so take it easy with slow, even, and long strokes. Between every stroke of the razor, rinse the blade under hot water.

How to Treat Razor Burn

How long razor burn lasts can be as stress-free as a few hours or as annoying as a few days. But you can fast-track the healing process if you use the right remedies or products.

Over-the-Counter Skin Care Products: You can find products, such as found on our website, that deal with razor burn as well as products that can reduce the appearance of ingrown hair, razor bumps, and redness from shaving, waxing, electrolysis, or laser hair removal. With our product you can also moisturize the skin after shaving. These products are the best solution to speed up the healing process.

Aloe: While Aloe won’t reduce the appearance or necessarily help the razor burn heal faster, Aloe will help to cool the discomfort associated with razor burn, bringing you relief.

Shave Less Often: Yes, the tried and true solution to treating razor burn is to shave less. The frequency of your shaving could be contributing to why you are experiencing razor burn. Allow your skin to heal, and you can always fall back on safe skin products if you can’t quit shaving.

Whether you have razor burn and want to get rid of it or don’t have razor burn and would like to maintain the status quo, take action in healing your razor burn. Razor burn is a skin condition that, while not medically serious, nonetheless can be quite painful. So, knowing how to treat it and, even better, how to prevent it will make you an informed shaver.

With the new year comes New Year’s resolutions. Last year, the most popular resolution focused on getting healthy. But good health isn’t limited to our weight, diet, or exercise habits. The truth is, our health affect our skin. What we eat, drink, or stress about can directly help or hurt our body’s largest organ.

Whether or not you make a resolution (and keep it), use the New Year to focus on skin health and wellness.  The weather, stress, fatigue and other factors greatly influence the appearance of our skin. While some factors may be out of your control (like hereditary skin conditions), there are many ways to change up your habits to improve the health of your skin.

Nurturing skin in the right ways can keep you looking younger, decrease dark spots and improve the way your skin looks and feels all year long.

Use Sunscreen.

Never, ever underestimate the power of sunscreen. If you’re outside in the sun, your exposed skin should be slathered in sunscreen. Yes, this even includes the winter months. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. A great sunscreen will protect your skin from sun damage including hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. So don’t hold back!

Moisturize.

The dry weather of winter depletes our skin of moisture, and, really, no one likes scaly dry cracking hands. They hurt, and dry skin tends to highlight wrinkles. Moisturize your skin after you shower or bathe to lock in hydration (check out our product that is waterproof, perfect for post-showers and dry skin).  Want a natural moisturizer? Try coconut oil, just be cautious about using this oil on the face as it may clog pores.

Brighten up.

Want a brighter complexion? Use products that help reflect light like illuminating cosmetics or brightening creams, serums or toners. Skin brighteners are perfect for evening out skin tone and correcting blemishes.

Use Lip Balm.

Don’t forget the skin on your lips! Nothing is worse than dry chapped lips. And please don’t lick them…this makes dryness worse. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a balm with sunscreen. There are many balms on the market, and some are even tinted so they can double as a lipstick.

Stay Hydrated.

Yes, a great moisturizer keeps skin smooth and hydrated, but you also shouldn’t underestimate the power of water. Our skin also can dry out when our body needs hydration. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids during the day and water always remains the best choice.

Mind the Razor.

Shaving can irritate the skin, especially if you rush through the process. Use a moisturizing shave gel, cream or soap and never dry shave. If you notice bumps, razor burn or ingrown hairs, use an over-the-counter product with great reviews that can reduce the appearance of redness. Always use a moisturizer after shaving!

Manage Stress.

Stress can exacerbate acne. If you’re suffering from a breakout, try to manage stress to keep acne from worsening. To help manage stress at home, try meditation, yoga or even go for a run.

Beware of Counterfeit Cosmetics.

As high-end cosmetic brands are earning great reputations for their formulas, colors and product offerings, beauty counterfeiters have emerged with packaging that looks like the real thing at a fraction of the price. The problem? The products are NOT the real thing and may contain harmful chemicals and ingredients. If the price for a name-brand product looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Get Some Sleep

Sleep deprivation may leave skin looking not so good. Sleep allows the body to make more collagen, which is gives skin its elasticity. Sleep deprivation may lead to more wrinkles, and, of course, we all know that sleepy eyes look droopy, dark and puffy. Do your skin a favor, and head to bed on time!

Now that 2018 is here, resolve to nurture your skin. Embrace products to brighten and moisturize, and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Simple changes can start with a resolution today, and end up being your lifestyle in the years to come.

For the Uvari of Southern India, shaving is an act of devotion. Throughout the year, they participate in a series of rituals, known as asanam, that include fasting, sacrifice of a goat or chicken, shaving one’s head, and feeding thirteen poor people. The Uvari believe that these rituals will ultimately pay off in the form of healing, perhaps in sickness for a loved one. Before you assume shaving one’s head as an act of devotion is far outside the religions you’re familiar with, the Uvari are Catholics.

The Uvari approach to shaving is just one of many hundreds of unique and unusual shaving rituals practiced by cultures throughout the world today and in history. Let’s take a closer look at the many ways people have chosen to shave through the centuries:

The First to Shave: The Cro Magnon Man

In the earliest cave painting from tens of thousands of years ago, most men are depicted with beards, but not all. In fact, archaeologists have found clean-shaven men as well. But were these paintings merely imaginative?

Archaeological digs have unearthed sharpened edges of flint, sharks’ teeth, and clam shells that forensic study indicates were used by the earliest humans to shave their beards. Medical and cultural anthropologists have concluded that the reasons for shaving were not necessarily cosmetic or religious: Early Man shaved to keep his face free of vermin and disease.

A New Social Status: Ancient Egypt

During the early period of Ancient Egypt, men grew out their beards. Noble or royal Egyptian men would even braid their beards and decorate them with gold powder. The few Egyptian luminaries who shaved at all would still keep a moustache. We know this in part from depictions on death masks, mummies, and murals of the period.

But shaving eventually grew in popularity as Ancient Egyptian civilization developed. Egyptian culture came to view excess hair as a visual reminder of man’s natural origins. Status meant breaking with appearances and reaching for higher—even heavenly—aspirations. Egyptian men began shaving everything: heads, faces, armpits, legs, and more.

Noble Egyptian men kept full-time barbers on staff. Daily shaving was a necessity to maintain appearances. Beards and body hair meant lower social status. The more wealth you possesed, the more often you would visit skilled barbers for the complete treatment.

The complete treatment. What does that mean exactly? The Greek historian Herodotus wrote extensively about Egyptian shaving practices, claiming that Egyptian priests and other religious figures were so thorough that they even plucked out their eyebrows and lashes every other day.

Of course the most grandiose hair removal rituals were reserved for the Pharaoh and his family. Royal barbers shaved their exclusive clients with special razors studded with jewels and blessed by high priests. When the Pharaoh was buried with his servants and worldly possessions in the Pyramids, you can bet his barber and jewel-encrusted razor went along for the ride into the afterlife.

Men and Beards: Ancient Greece

In Ancient Greece, shaving was more relaxed as far as social status. The Greeks saw beards as a sign of manhood and wisdom. During puberty, boys who began growing whiskers were celebrated in religious rituals dedicated to the sun god Apollo.

However, Greeks did not embrace hair free of cosmetic improvement. Fashionable Greek men had their beards trimmed, shaped, and oiled all the time. Greek men would even shave their beards entirely in periods of grief and mourning in the wake of a relative’s death.

Because the streets didn’t overflow with razors (unlike Ancient Egypt), grief-stricken Greek man scrambled to find a shaving implement. When it took too long to find one, they would just tear out their own beard with their bare hands. The really crazy ones even burned off their beards with fire.

The Ancient Greeks exhibited some other weird beard behavior too. Beard cutting was a severe type of punishment, especially for the military. This was known as being “de-bearded.” Spartans would shave off half the beard of any soldier they deemed to be a coward. On death, a man’s face would be shaved before burial, and his relative would hang the beard trimmings on the door of his house.

The beard obsession did not last for eternity. Alexander the Great changed Greek culture forever when he took a stand against beard-pulling during hand-to-hand combat in battle. He felt beard pulling was a waste of time, slowing down his army, which was then advancing rapidly across the known world. Thus he insisted all able-bodied men be shaved using a block of iron with one edge sharpened.

Women Start Shaving: European Renaissance

Shaving in Medieval Europe was limited by resource shortage. Shaving became a status symbol, because it meant one had enough wealth to afford soap to lather the face. At the time, soap was a rare and expensive commodity. Some historians have argued that Roman Catholic monks developed the style of shaving known as tonsure in response to the soap shortage. Tonsure involves shaving the center section of the head while leave the rest of the hair to form a halo around the bald spot.

By the Renaissance, high status women got in on the shaving action. Aristocratic women in Western Europe began frequently plucking their temples, upper foreheads, and eyebrows. Meanwhile, King Henry VIII of England revived the popularity of the beard for men, a development that held throughout the sixteenth century.

The Straight Razor: Early Modern Shaving

A fashionable shaving ritual pioneered by French monarchs in the seventeenth century eventually led to the development of modern shaving technologies. Louis XIII and his son Louis XIV shaved their own heads and wore wigs. France was the most powerful nation in Europe at the time, and the fashion of shaving one’s head to make space for elaborate wigs soon spread to aristocrats across the continent.

The booming demand for frequent head shaving led to the development of the straight razor by French swordsmiths in the 1680s. The straight razor necessitated care, maintenance, and frequent sharpening. Later, the French also developed the modern shaving brush to improve the application of soap lather.

In 1762, French barber Jean-Jacques Perret invented the safety razor. It included a novel L-shaped guard along a side of the blade. This dramatically lowered the rate of accidental cuts and nicks on the head and face of the person being shaved. Powdered wigs became even more popular with the lower costs of shaving, making it easier for full head shaves.

Thanks to all of these weird and wacky shaving rituals, we have the modern shaving tools we use today. While Prince Harry may not be shaving his head before the wedding and our military doesn’t tear out their own hair for a crew cut, shaving is still a practice that has cultural meaning. Whatever your choice–shaving your head, your arms, your legs–make sure to protect your body and use products that protect your skin before and after.

Ever wake up one day with dark spots along your cheeks, wondering how they got there? For women, dark spots or hyperpigmentation is a common problem that can hit at any age. Sensitivity to sunlight, inflammation, and most commonly hormones are the culprits of these dark blotches. While you can take steps to prevent hyperpigmentation, once it’s there it takes more than concealer to get rid of it.

So what’s a girl to do?

Here’s some good news about dark spots. You don’t have to live with them forever! There are ways to lighten dark spots safely and effectively with skin whitening products.

Why Do I Have Hyperpigmentation?

You have hyperpigmentation if an area of the skin is visibly darker than the surrounding skin. The condition can have many causes, but many individuals find that the biggest culprit of skin discoloration is sun exposure. Spots caused by sun exposure may appear anywhere on the body that was exposed to elements, but many of us take notice of the discoloration when it appears on our face.

The sun’s rays wreck our skin. And the result—over time—is hyperpigmentation in the form of little dark blotches. Some call these “sun spots,” but as not all sun-induced discoloration is benign, you should consult with a dermatologist when noticing any new mole or skin changes. Most of us have some degree of sun damage from failing to apply sunscreen, so annual visits to a dermatologist are a must even before worrying about the cosmetic implications.

Preventing Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to keep sun damage away. While, yes, many of us use sunscreen to protect against skin cancer, sun damage can take many forms–including dark spots or other discoloration. Using a daily broad-spectrum SPF protects the skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays and their harmful effects on the skin. You should use SPF on the face year-round when you’re in the sun, even when it’s chilly!

Hyperpigmentation and Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Although sunlight is the biggest enemy of our skin, certain inflammatory skin conditions like acne, psoriasis or eczema also may cause hyperpigmentation. You might have noticed that the area where a pimple has healed suddenly looks darker—this is a typical case of hyperpigmentation. If your skin has suffered from discoloration after healing from acne or another skin irritation or condition, a good sunscreen can help prevent further discoloration. Skin whitening products also can help reduce the visibility of discoloration and even out skin tone.

Stop Hyperpigmentation with Skin Whitening Products

While these spots aren’t always completely reversible, you can easily brighten your skin tone and even out blemishes. Choose products that are a good fit for your skin type and won’t result in skin damage. (Stay away from skin bleaches!) There are products that may help reduce the look of hyperpigmentation. With daily use on the affect areas, like sun spots, you’ll see a dramatic difference in as little as a week. With continued use, you won’t have to worry about using foundation to cover up your skin.

The Sour Side of DIY

Skin whitening products and cosmetics that help brighten may lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation and are often the best choice to help reduce (or conceal) discoloration. However, there are some who hope to DIY a solution for their sun spots and skin discoloration. While online resources may suggest at-home treatments, it’s best to use proven products or talk to your doctor.

One common DIY treatment shared on Pinterest encourages the use of lemon juice to lighten dark spots. However, lemon juice can cause the skin to become sensitive to the sun and it may even cause dark spots. The AAD doesn’t list lemons as a recommended lightener. So before you start squeezing lemon slices on your face, talk to a dermatologist first!

While dark spots may be a nuisance, don’t bury your face and hide from the world! Most of us have hyperpigmentation from sun, hormones, age or our genes. There are numerous skin whitening products on the market that you can use to help lighten or brighten. Once you commit to a treatment plan, remember to always protect your skin year round to prevent future dark spots from ruining your day.

Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman’s body. The growing bump might be the most pronounced, but the hormones that come with pregnancy also leave their own unique impressions. Most women know that they might be more emotional during pregnancy, but many don’t know that pregnancy also may change their skin…for better or for worse.

Stretch marks, dark spots and acne all may appear during pregnancy and take the skin by surprise. For women with naturally flawless skin, these changes may be an unwelcome change. The “mask of pregnancy” also commonly gives women uneven skin blotchiness (typically grey in color); this mask is called chloasma, and it’s caused when melanin production is boosted by estrogen levels.

While many women notice that their hair suddenly morphs into a magical mane during pregnancy, they also may realize that the hair in other places—like their legs—also might be growing a bit faster (with a growing need for razor burn cures), while others discover that they don’t even have to shave!

Why Does Your Skin Change During Pregnancy?

There is really no rhyme or reason as to why some women experience skin changes, while others glow throughout pregnancy. Every body reacts to hormonal changes differently. But what do you do if suddenly acne takes over your face, you start wearing “the mask of pregnancy” or your leg hair is growing out of control?

Be assured that all of these skin and body issues are normal and you’re not alone in experiencing them. However, if they bother you, then you can try to take control. Be advised, however, that not all products are safe to use during pregnancy. According to “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” pregnant women should steer clear of products that contain “parabens, phthalates and triclosan.”  Before you use any beauty product while pregnant, you also should contact your doctor to make sure it’s safe. Not all chemicals or products are approved to use during pregnancy.

Ingrown Hair and Razor Burn Cures

For leg or body hair that seems to be sprouting up fast, daily shaving may be in order. While this may be frustrating, shaving is one of the easier ways to remove unwanted body hairs—especially when some creams or other solutions may be unsafe. If you’re reaching for the razor more frequently, be sure to moisturize after shaving to keep skin hydrated. And remember to change the razor blade! You also may notice that your center of gravity changes as your belly grows; always be careful when shaving…you may have to sit on a shower seat to make shaving and grooming easier and safer!

To deal with the appearance of redness with ingrown hairs and razor burn, use a safe over-the-counter product that can also moisturize. Our product has had positive results for women of all shapes and sizes, including moms-to-be.

Acne and Blemishes

For acne, sometimes time is the best healer. If your breakouts are painful and you just can’t deal, it’s best to ask your obstetrician for product recommendations. If this is your first run-in with acne, don’t pick or pop pimples, this may cause scarring. Some women notice that when their pregnancy progresses and hormones level out, their acne disappears.

Stretch Marks and Skin Discoloration

Unfortunately, there are some pregnancy issues you cannot control. A predisposal to stretch marks also may be hereditary; if your mom had them, you might be at a higher risk. While some women swear by cocoa butter, this remedy is not a proven prevention. Stretch marks are permanent, although they may fade over time.

The “mask of pregnancy” also is just a feature that many women learn to live with during pregnancy. The mask will typically disappear after pregnancy, so, for many women, the discoloration isn’t permanent. Some women, however, may notice that chloasma continues as long as they breastfeed. Again, though, every woman’s body may react differently. Use safe, pregnancy-approved skin brightening products to even out your skintone. As your skin starts to correct itself with daily use, concealers and foundation may help you hide the discoloration, and illuminating products may add a dewy glow to the skin.

Not all skin changes in pregnancy are bad news for women. There’s a reason why everyone talks about the “pregnancy glow!” Good skin during pregnancy also is quite common. The pregnant glow is something to embrace. If you have that glow, flaunt it! And even if you haven’t seen that glow, know that the greatest expectation of expecting is the little one that you’re helping to grow and nurture. Acne, discoloration, and crazy hair growth will seem like the smallest of issues when you meet your new baby!

Looking for gifts for your favorite moms on the go? Choose pampering, practical beauty buys that help her feel and look amazing every day, even when she’s sleep-deprived! If you’re looking for the perfect list of pampering items for busy moms, check out these skincare must-haves:

Beauty or Blemish Creams

Beauty or Blemish creams (BB creams) are all-in-one essentials that often combine moisturizer, SPF, concealer and foundation in one magical tube. Moms on the go can cut down their beauty routine time by using BB creams as the perfect base for a five-minute face solution. Most BB creams come in a variety of shades and price points.

Tinted Moisturizers

Don’t confuse tinted moisturizers with bb creams…these aren’t the same! Tinted moisturizers are just what their name claims—moisturizers with a tint of color. Many of these products also include sun protection. However, every tinted moisturizer is formulated a bit differently. Some offer an oil-free formula that is suited for those prone to breakouts, while other formulas may be more hydrating.

Natural Oils

While it may seem odd to put oil on the face and body, some beauty experts swear by oils for skin hydration. Coconut oil has become the darling of the beauty world, and the yummy tropical scent of unrefined coconut oil adds to the beauty bliss. But be warned…coconut oil isn’t ideal for all complexions. The oil may clog pores adding to acne issues.  For sensitive complexions, give a gift of argan oil products. Argan oil can be found in many beauty products, from hair care to cosmetics and, of course, skincare essentials.

Exfoliating Essentials

All skin types have different needs, and some women need to exfoliate more than others. There isn’t a simple answer to how often you should exfoliate, but when you do exfoliate, don’t go crazy with trying to slough off that dead skin. When putting together a gift basket of skincare goodies, choose scrubs that are ideal for the sensitive skin on the face.  And look for products that don’t contain microbeads…which can wreak havoc on the environment.

Redness Relief

For moms who try to shave in a split-second to save time, give the gift of redness relief! A quick dry shave or speed shave during a shower? Never a good idea. Grab up skincare items for her that offer soothing ingredients like aloe, oatmeal and natural moisturizers. To help reduce the appearance of redness, especially when it’s caused by razor bumps, use a skin care product like ours that will be sure to work after each shave!

Moisturizers

Sometimes the best gift is a great moisturizing lotion that smells like a dream. If she’s sensitive to certain fragrances or has allergies other sensitivities, look for natural and/or unscented products.

Homemade Body Scrubs

Handcrafted gifts can be a cute alternative…yes, even for beauty items. Homemade scrubs are often made with simple ingredients straight from your pantry. Package these yummy DIY dreams in a cute jar and decorate with grosgrain ribbon.

Skin Cleansers

Some lines of skin cleansers actually may be used on both the hair and body. You can find a wide range of scented cleansers and many lines also include unscented varieties. Offered at both high-end boutiques and discount stores, there are products for every price range and lifestyle. Go luxe or opt for budget beauty.

Tools of the Trade

When shopping for beauty gifts, don’t forget the tools! Rough feet may need the help of a pumice stone. Or add colorful body poufs or natural sponges for extra pampering.

Bath Bombs

Sometimes a hot bath solves everything when you’re a stressed-out mom! Buy her fun bath bombs that explode with colors, add moisturizers or even throw glitter into the bath!

This holiday, treat the busy moms on your list to pampering beauty gifts that will save her time and keep her skin looking amazing! Bonus points for including a “Free Babysitting” coupon as part of her perfectly pampering present.

Taking care of your skin is one of the most important things you can do for your body, and it’s the perfect way to feel good about yourself. While there are an abundance of ways to ensure that your skin looks its absolute best, there’s one way that makes it easy to sport a glow every day of the year: skin lightening products.

Even if you don’t spend extended time in the sun, outdoor exposure has an effect on your skin. Most people don’t realize that your outer layer needs protection from the sun even on a normal day rather than just while enjoying a day at the beach, which is when individuals tend to lather on the lotion. The result of repeated exposure without protection is brown spots, uneven skin tone, and even premature aging.

As most of us may or may not be willing to admit, we skimp on the daily sunscreen application from time to time. To aid in the undesirable effects of the sun, skin lightening creams or skin brighteners should have a strong presence in any cosmetic case or medicine cabinet. Today, we’re delving into what to expect when using the product and how to choose the best cream for every skin tone.

What to Expect From Your Skin Lightening Cream

Skin lighteners are an easy way to improve the look of your skin and to make you feel great – inside and out! No matter what your skin type or tone, when you begin using your lightening cream, you can expect the reduction of brown spots, dark spots, and freckles. These markings are typically caused by exposure to the sun or other triggers.

For best results, this product should be used daily. Skin will become more even within several months, and for some individuals, even sooner. Lightening dark spots takes time, and the consistent use of a quality skin lightening cream will work to give you the long-lasting results you crave.

How to Choose Your Lightening Cream

Every person’s skin type is unique, meaning that finding the best skin lightening cream will be a different experience for all. Luckily, there’s something for everyone! To choose the best skin lightening cream, first decipher what goal you’d like to achieve as a result of using this product. For instance, you may be looking to merely reverse the effects the sun has had on your face. However, depending on your age, you may be looking for a product that will both even out your skin tone and help with anti-aging efforts. Should you be looking for a dual-purpose product, you’ll want to verify that your lightener contains Vitamin C and moisturizing ingredients like coconut and olive oils.

Another thought to consider is whether you have sensitive skin that is prone to irritation or breakouts. If this is the case, you should veer towards creams with natural ingredients to ensure it’s not too harsh. You may also want to choose a product with azelaic acid in it, which is a natural substance that works to kill bacteria and exfoliate your skin, all while keeping your pores clean.

Once you’ve thought about those factors, you can match your lightener to your skin tone. First, if you have an uneven skin tone that you’re looking to correct, choose a product containing ingredients such as licorice root extract, vitamin C, soy, or retinoid. Lactic acid and papaya also have skin-brightening properties, helping to even out dark spots. Products with salicylic acid can also helpen even out skin tone darkened by blemishes.

If you have fair skin but are looking to lighten the appearance of freckles, the best product will contain plant based sun filters, healing anti-inflammatories, and essential vitamins. If you possess a darker skin tone, look for a product that is devoid of citric, lactic, and glycolic acids. You don’t want a cream that could lead to excessive peeling, eventually provoking hyper-pigmentation which could cause burns or lead to the permanent discoloration of the skin.

No matter what your skin tone or type, incorporate a versatile skin brightening serum or cream into your daily routine to ensure that you show off the luminous glow you’re going for! It’s a simple way to look and feel your best and you’ll love seeing the results.