Introducing Tipping Thursdays

Tipping might not be a city in China, but it is the newest feature on Scraps and Scribbles.

In my travels through life, I've acquired knowledge about various things.  I'm by no means an expert on anything, but I'd like to share what I've learned with others.  So I'd like to share these tips with you, my lovely readers.  Maybe it's something you already know.  Maybe it's not.  Maybe it's something you've never even considered.  Hopefully you'll find something that you can use : )

To kick things off, I'm going to start with a series of skincare tips.

I've mentioned that I'm a make-up junkie.  But it's not just make-up.  It's really everything beauty-related.  Which includes skincare.  First up, cleansers:


Your face is where it all starts.  How you take care of your skin determines how it looks and feels, how your make-up will sit.  Also, we show signs of aging first on our faces.  So how can we best take care of that delicate skin?  It all starts with what and how we clean our face.


Cleanser is, in my opinion, the most important thing you put on your face, above all the fancy creams and lotions and serums.  It sets the stage for everything else you put on your skin.  If you're face isn't clean, then it doesn't matter what else you put on.  Think of it like prepping a canvas for painting.  If it's not primed right, it could ruin the painting.  Here's some tips on cleaners:


*Always, ALWAYS! cleanse your face at least once a day.  I recommend twice a day-in the morning in the shower and at night before you go to sleep.  If you wear make-up, you should never ever EVER sleep in it, so even that is your "once-a-day," wash your face before you go to bed.  


*Use a cleanser that is made specifically for the face, never soap.  Soap is not ever meant to be used on the face and can be very harsh and strip the nutrients from the skin, not just the impurities.  Cleanser is specially formulated for the delicate skin of the face and has a different pH balance so they won’t (most of the time) over-dry the skin.  No matter your skin type, look for a cleanser that is oil-free.  Synthetic oils are ok at times in moderation, but I personally feel that they have no place in your cleanser.  It kinda defeats the purpose, if you ask me.  Aren't we trying to get rid of the oil?  Why are we washing our faces with it?  Also look for one that is for everyday use-some will say right on the label that they are only meant to be used a few times a week and overuse will not be good for your skin.  That's usually how you end up with problems-be it over-drying, oiliness or breakouts.  


*For oily skin, look for a cleanser that will help with oil control, but that’s not too harsh, because, even though the skin is oily, you don’t want to dry it out.  Irritation from over-cleansing causes an oil-overload.  Then you end up with oil slick face.  Not pretty.


*For dry skin, look for a moisturizing cleanser to help put moisture back into your skin, but not something very heavy because you’ll be overloading your skin and will end up with oil issues or even drier skin.  Either one, not something you want.  Cream cleansers are great at this.  They don't foam up as much as other cleansers, but still get your face nice and clean without stripping it.


*For skin prone to breakouts, you first need to address what causes your breakouts.  Is it stress?  Is is oily skin?  Does it just happen?  If it's stress, Neutrogena makes a great line of cleansers, toners and moisturizers that is just for this problem.  If you break out because you have oily skin, just follow the tip for oily skin.  You might need a slightly stronger cleanser, but again, remember, nothing too harsh.  Look for something with salicylic acid in it-this helps dry out pimples without irritating skin.  Same for if you just have acne-prone skin.