Author: Capital Femme

Hi, I’m on a mission to help people look at skincare through the lens of mindful wellness. Bringing a wellness-first approach to your daily skincare routine.

7 Key Benefits of Cucumber for Your Skin

On By Capital FemmeIn Oily skincare, SkincareLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

 

7 benefits of cucumber for your skin and health by Capital Femme.

Cucumber, that green cylinder-shaped fruit. It’s made up of about 96% water. Not only is it good to eat but has numerous benefits for the skin. You may go to the spa and have it placed on top of your eyes. Cucumber is commonly used in products like toners, masks and lotions. It’s also important to note that it has benefits for all skin types. 

Here are some of its key benefits:

1. Fights acne

Cucumber is good for acne prone skin because it contains vitamins C and E. For oily acne prone skin which is caused by a build up of oil and other impurities in the pores. Cucumber is a natural mild astringent which helps reduce oil production and shrink pores.

2. Hydrates the skin

Due to its high water content, cucumber is good for adding hydration to dry skin. It also creates an invisible barrier on the skin to attract and retain moisture. For example, after cleansing then using a toner with cucumber in it will make the most of the moisturizing products which follow. 

3. Soothes irritation

Its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties are good for pain and redness that may come from something like a rash. 

4. Reduces puffiness

Studies have shown that cucumbers reduce swelling and puffiness of the skin.

5. Brightens skin

They are rich in antioxidants and contain vitamin C which can remove dark spots and other blemishes.

6. Lessens dark circles

The high water content within cucumbers hydrates delicate under-eye skin and the presence of vitamin K reduces discoloration under the eyes.

7. Treats sunburn

Due to the cooling effect of cucumber and its anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a cucumber paste to your irritated sunburnt skin will relieve pain and discomfort.

All these benefits combined will result in glowy skin. It can be used in various forms like sliced, as a paste, only the juice or combined with other ingredients.  There is also the option of using frozen/chilled cucumber which will enhance the cooling effect on your skin if you’ve been experiencing any irritation.

Cucumber can also be referred to as Cucumis sativus. It makes a good ingredient to be used for different skin types due to its many benefits for the skin, so look out for it in your next store bought product’s ingredient list.

Reasons why Exfoliating is Important for Your Skin

On By Capital FemmeIn SkincareLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

What is Exfoliating?

Exfoliating is the act of removing dead skin cells from the surface layer of the skin, often with the use of a substance. There are two types of exfoliation, physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation can be done with a grainy substance, product or tool such as a scrub or brush while chemical exfoliation involves the usage of enzymes and acids.

How often should I exfoliate?

It’s recommended by experts that you should exfoliate your skin at least twice a week. The frequency however can vary depending on things like skin type or the method of exfoliation, for example, chemical, sensitivity etc.

Health benefits of exfoliating

The are numerous positive health benefits resulting from exfoliating such as:

  • Evens out skin tone.
  • Unclog pores. Getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads allows pores to look smaller.
  • Prevents acne.
  • Boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage. This gives the skin a glow and promotes internal cleansing respectively.
  • Boosts collagen production. Long-term exfoliation reduces wrinkles and fine lines, giving the skin a more youthful look.
  • Helps other skin care products to penetrate the skin. You might be wondering why you aren’t noticing any progress from a product you’ve used before or has great reviews, this could be due to a build up of dead skin.
  • Prevents ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs happen when the hair follicle gets clogged by dead skin cells and debris.

How to exfoliate

You can physically exfoliate at home starting with a warm shower or bath. This warmth will open up your pores and help the body release natural oils. It’s best to exfoliate in the morning as the skin repairs itself at night leaving a fresh layer of dead skin to be removed.

Whether taking a shower or bath allow the skin to be in contact with the water for 5-10 minutes before beginning the process. You can use a scrub, brush, washcloth, loofah, or exfoliating gloves during the process. Circular motions for 20-30 seconds work for each area. After rubbing your skin, wash it off with warm water.

Also, remember that the skin on your face and neck is more delicate than the rest of your body so be gentle.

For chemical exfoliation, please follow the instructions given on the product. You can also try a patch test on a small area of skin. For chemical peels, leaving the product on for longer than recommended can do more damage than good. For more on chemical exfoliation, click here.

Takeaway

Exfoliation is possible for everyone with plenty of DIY recipes and affordable tools out there to aid in the process. However, consult a professional beforehand if you have an underlying skin condition to see which method of exfoliation suits you best.

Exfoliation is an essential part of any skincare routine. All in all, not only will it result in more youthful, radiant skin but also has positive health benefits. Stay safe and indulge in your self-care.

Breast Cancer Awareness 2022

On By Capital FemmeIn SiteLeave a comment
Breast cancer awareness month ribbon

October is breast cancer awareness month where we share information and resources in order to prevent and treat this disease in honour of the wonder women that came before us.

Get your check-ups. Rep your pink ribbons and ensembles this month. Support those in need by donating or in whatever way you can.

Stay safe,

Capital Femme

Plucking, Trimming or Waxing?

On By Capital FemmeIn Personal careLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but the insights still hold value. Capital Femme now shares soul-filled content where faith meets wellness 💛

Hormones affect the amount of hair growth on different parts of the body. For women, facial hair growth is linked to the hormone androgen and is common amongst women. Hair removal can be a daunting task. Putting into consideration which method is more convenient or effective for you based on factors like your lifestyle, the occasion and time taken to carry out the task.

Let’s start with the eyebrows, the easiest way to remove this hair is by plucking. If you find this method unsuitable for you then buying an eyebrow shaver might be a better DIY option. There are also other affordable at-home options like shaving or using depilatories like Nair. It’s best to use products that are gentle on your sensitive facial areas of skin. You also have the option of threading or waxing by a professional.

What about other areas like your upper lip, chin or sideburns? For the upper lip and the rest of the face using waxing strips or sugaring will make the hair grow back thinner with consistency.

If you’re looking for more long-lasting methods there are laser hair removal and electrolysis. The best way to permanently remove unwanted hair from your body is electrolysis which is considered the only permanent hair removal technique by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It works by sending an electric current through a thin needle to destroy the hair follicle which prevents new growth, while laser treatments use high-heat lasers to damage the hair follicle without disturbing any of the surrounding skin. Each comes with its pros and cons, consult your doctor to decide which is best for you.

All methods of hair removal have either long-lasting or short-term results and are based on your personal preference.