If the mere thought of scanning a skincare label’s ingredient list causes you to nauseated with a side of head spins, you are not alone. And sometimes, similar to our favorite boxed mac and cheese, whether or not we all know there are likely sketchy ingredients lurking within, we do our greatest to feign ignorance. Because the thought of finding a replacement skincare regimen appears like the ask of a lifetime. Especially for the acne-prone.

Over the years, we’ve picked up bits of wisdom here and there—no alcohols! No comedogenic oils! No harsh ingredients! But when the time involves decipher an ingredient list as long because the product packaging itself, all previous standards are quickly chucked out the window and that we usually find yourself with something our friend likes, something that smells good, or something that simply sounds like it’ll work (or encompasses a buzzy brand behind it). However, in keeping with celebrity estheticians Renée Rouleau and Biba de Sousa, those are some of absolutely the worst belongings you can do when choosing products to beat your breakouts. So here are some of the ingredients you need to look into with the products you are buying for your skin that need to avoid.

1. Acetylated Lanolin

Lanolin is a natural ingredient produced by sheep’s skin to keep their wool soft, just like we produce sebum to keep our skin soft. Lanolin is used in cosmetics and skin care products to provide softness and moisturization, but unfortunately, it’s highly comedogenic! It might also be referred to as acetylated lanolin alcohol, ethoxylated lanolin, PEG 16 lanolin or the less common name of solulan 16.

2. Algae Extract

This nasty ingredient can be found in some concealers and is rated a 5 on the comedogenic scale. It’s very irritating to the skin and will definitely clog up your pores so make sure to avoid it.

3. Almond Oil

Whilst almond oil is natural, it has pore-clogging abilities when used on the face. However, almond oil is great when used as an ingredient in natural, healthy body moisturizers as it does provide that extra bit of hydration for very dry skin. It’s rated 2 on the comedogenic scale so avoid using it on your face as well as your chest and back where acne flare-ups can also often occur.

4. Benzaldehyde

This is an added fragrance used in cosmetics and skin-care products to give the product a nice scent. This, however, is one scent we can do without as it’s rated at about 3.5 on the comedogenic scale and clogs and irritates the skin the way all artificial fragrances tend to do.

5. D & C Red

This will be seen as ‘D & C Red’ on the label and followed by a number. D & C # 19 has been banned. However, the following can still be found on the market. D & C Red # 3, D & C Red # 21, D & C Red # 30, D & C Red # 36, D & C Red # 40, D & C Red #27. Numbers 27 and 40 are rated high on the scale, whereas the others are rated as medium on the scale. These are added to give colour to cosmetics, usually blush, and might just be the cause of those pimples on your cheeks and acne in general, as they are highly comedogenic. Look for a range such as our Anti Ageing Minerals that don’t contain D&C Red.

6. Isopropyl Palmitate

This fatty acid is a common ingredient in many tinted moisturizers and is rated as a 4 on the comedogenic scale. If a tinted moisturizer claims to be ‘non-comedogenic’, but this ingredient is on the label then you know you are being fooled!

7. Ethyhexyl Palmitate

NARS may be a high-end makeup brand, but this horrible ingredient is found in their bronzer. Like Isopropyl Palmitate, Ethyhexyl Palmitate is also a fatty acid and rated as a 4 on the comedogenic scale. This ingredient is likely to result in small irritating bumps as a result of clogged pores.

An organic bronzer can give you a glowing sun-kissed complexion, without any added toxins.

8. Lauroyl Lysine

This ingredient is found in many loose powders and prevents the skin from breathing, resulting in clogged pores and acne. It’s rated as high on the comedogenic scale. This is the last thing you want, especially in a face powder as it is applied all over your face!

All products in our Anti Ageing Minerals™ range are infused with Vitamin C and Rosehip Oil providing proven anti-ageing benefits while also nourishing and protecting your skin from free radicals, without clogging your pores and causing acne.

9. Lauric Acid

Rated as high as four on the comedogenic scale, this is one fatty acid we don’t want in our lives, but it’s common in many well-known cosmetics and skin products. Keep in mind, while lauric acid is found on the comedogenic scale, it’s also found in coconut oil, and as we found out in a previous post, organic coconut oil is beneficial for your body. So before you deduce that lauric acid is the culprit, make sure there are no other factors like hormonal imbalance or poor diet contributing to flare ups.

10. Stearic Acid

This ingredient is found in some expensive and high-end foundations, but you might want to save your money. Even though rated as fairly low on the comedogenic scale, this ingredient still has the potential for clogging your pores. This is especially bad news if you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne break-outs. You deserve a product that contains zero pore-clogging ingredients.

11. Wheat Germ Oil

Wheat germ powder is beneficial for your health when consumed, but you might want to reconsider wheat germ oil as a face product. Rated as high on the comedogenic scale this oil will do your skin no favours.

12. Sodium Chloride

The fancy name for salt, sodium chloride is an actual ingredient in some cosmetics including certain foundations. Who knew! Whilst you would probably consider salt to have exfoliating properties, it, in fact, does the opposite and clogs up your pores quite badly. Rated as a five on the comedogenic scale, sodium chloride should be avoided.

13. Shea Butter

Shea butter is absolutely wonderful for moisturizing the body, but problems arise when it is applied to the face. It’s too rich and may clog your pores and cause acne. So use it on your body, but leave your face out of it!

This list is nowhere near definitive, but these potential comedogenic ingredients should be avoided if you want to keep your skin clear. Even though not everybody has a reaction to comedogenic ingredients, usually the rule is that if you can’t say it, don’t buy it. Be sure to check the labels and avoid any skin problems in the future, and if you’re still not sure, there’s an APP for that: check out the free Think Dirty APP (iOS only) from the APP Store. Think Dirty allows you to compare and find safer alternatives to toxic cosmetics products.

Stiff or tight shoulders can cause discomfort and limit a person’s range of motion. If the tightness goes unchecked, it can result in neck pain and cause tension headaches.

For this article, we will describe 10 shoulder stretches and their benefits. We will also discuss what causes shoulder tightness and the way to stop it.

1. Neck stretches

Neck stretches can help release tension at the top of the shoulders. To do a neck stretch:

• Stand with the feet hip-width apart.
• Let the arms hang down by the sides.
• Look forward.
• Tip the head to the right, trying to touch the right ear to the right shoulder.
• Feel the stretch in the left side of the neck and shoulder.
• Tip the head to the left, trying to touch the left ear to the left shoulder.
• Feel the stretch in the right side of the neck and shoulder.Each time, hold the position for 10 seconds.
• Repeat this three times on each side.

2. Shoulder rolls

Shoulder rolls are an easy way to stretch the shoulders. To do shoulder rolls:

• Stand with the feet hip-width apart.
• Let the arms hang down at the sides of the body.
• Breathe in and lift the shoulders up toward the ears.
• Move the shoulders back, squeezing the shoulder blades together.
• Exhale and drop the shoulders back.
• Move the elbows forward, feeling the stretch at the back of the shoulders.
• Repeat this 10 times.

3. Pendulum stretch

The pendulum is a gentle way to increase movement in the shoulder using the force of gravity. To do this stretch:

• Stand with the feet hip-width apart.
• Lean forward and look at the ground.
• Place the right hand on a table or chair for support.
• Let the left arm hang down.
• Swing the left arm gently in small circular motions, letting gravity do most of the work.
• Continue for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Change the direction of the motion.
• Repeat this, using the other arm.

4. Cross-body arm swings

Arm swings help warm up the shoulder joint and increase movement. To do cross-body arm swings:

• Stand with the feet hip-width apart.
• Inhale and lift the arms out to the sides, squeezing the shoulder blades together.
• Exhale and gently bring the arms in toward each other.
• Cross the right arm under the left, keeping both arms straight.
• Inhale and swing the arms back out to the sides, squeezing the shoulder blades together.
• Exhale, and gently swing the arms in toward each other again.
• This time, cross the left arm under the right, keeping both arms straight.
• Repeat this 10 times.

5. Cross-body shoulder stretch

The cross-body shoulder stretch helps extend the back of the shoulder. To do this stretch:

• Stand with the feet hip-width apart.
• Stretch the right arm out straight.
• Bring the right arm across the body, so that the hand points to the floor on the other side of the left leg.
• Bend the left arm at the elbow.
• Hook the left forearm under the right arm, supporting the right arm above the elbow.
• Use the left forearm to pull the right arm further in and across the body, stretching the back of the right shoulder.
• Hold this for 20 seconds, then repeat the stretch on the other side.

6. Child’s Pose

Child’s Pose is a gentle yoga pose that can help stretch the back of the shoulders. To do this pose:

• Kneel on the ground or a mat.
• Touch the big toes together.
• Spread the knees apart.
• Sit up straight.
• Inhale and reach the arms above the head.
• Exhale and bow forward, toward the floor, reaching the arms out in front.
• Touch the ground with the palms.
• Bring the elbows to the ground.
• Sit back, bringing the bottom of the back toward the heels.
• Feel the stretch in the back of the shoulders.
• Breathe deeply, and hold the position for 1 minute or longer.

7. Ragdoll Pose

Ragdoll Pose is a forward-bend yoga pose that may help release tension in the shoulders. To do Ragdoll Pose:

• Stand with the feet hip-width apart.
• Bend the knees slightly.
• Bend forward and try to touch the toes.
• Keep the stomach against the bent knees to support the lower back.
• Place each hand on the elbow of the opposite arm.
• The crown of the head should point toward the floor.
• Let the head hang heavily, releasing tension in the neck and shoulders.
• Stay in the pose for 1 minute or longer.

8. Eagle arm stretch

The eagle arm stretch is inspired by the upper body position in the Eagle Pose in yoga. This stretch may increase flexibility in the shoulders. To do it:

• Stand with feet hip-width apart.
• Inhale and lift the arms to the sides.
• Exhale and swing the arms in toward the body.
• Allow the right arm to cross under the left.
• Cradle the left elbow in the crook of the right elbow.
• Bring the palms together if they reach.
• If the palms are not touching, hold the backs of the hands together.
• Take three or four deep breaths.
• Release the stretch and repeat it on the other side, with the left arm crossed under the right.

9. Cow Face pose

The Cow Face pose is another yoga stretch for the shoulders. To do the Cow Face pose:

• Stand with the feet hip-width apart.
• Reach the right arm up straight toward the sky.
• Bend the right arm at the elbow.
• Keeping the elbow raised, reach the right hand over the head and down the back.
• Stretch the left arm down toward the ground.
• Reach the left hand behind and up the back.
• Bring the left and right hands close together, clasping them if it feels comfortable.
• Take three or four deep breaths.
• Release the stretch and repeat it on the other side.

10. Side-lying thoracic rotation

The side-lying thoracic rotation may sound complicated, but it’s easy to try and do. This shoulder stretch helps improve mobility within the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and shoulders. To do a side-lying thoracic rotation:

• Lay on your right side on the bottom or a mat.
• Bend the knees slightly.
• Stretch the correct arm straight ahead.
• Place the left on top of the proper.
• Keep your gaze fixed on the manus.
• Reach the manus straight up.
• Rotate the left arm toward the ground behind the rear, as if drawing an arch within the air.
• Keep the knees and hips pointing to the correct throughout.
• Bring the left arm back over to satisfy the proper hand.
• Repeat the drawing motion several times.
• Then, practice it on the opposite side.

Benefits

When a muscle stretches, its fibers and also the surrounding fascia, or bands of animal tissue, be full length. This improves the flexibility of the muscle and fascia to increase during activity.

Shoulder stretches have numerous potential health benefits. Stretching can:

• reduce tension
• relieve pain
• increase mobility
• reduce the chance of muscle and joint injury
• improve posture

Research suggests that stretching alone is as effective as stretching alongside strength training for people looking to scale back chronic neck pain. Shoulder tension can cause this pain.

A small-scale study found that a 4-week regular stretching program could reduce neck and shoulder pain. The researchers noted that the stretching program improved neck function and also the quality of life among office workers with chronic, moderate-to-severe neck pain.

What causes tight shoulders?

Tight shoulders may end up from:

• improper posture
• sitting for long periods
• working at a laptop or desktop that’s not well-positioned
• the overuse of a cellular phone
• stress
• carrying heavy bags
• injury
• arthritis

Shoulder tension may worsen with age.

Preventing shoulder pain and tightness

Regular stretching can help prevent the shoulders from becoming tight within the first place. Getting lots of exercise is additionally important. Yoga may help reduce stress and tension and increase flexibility.

When engaging at a computer, use a stand to position the screen at eye-level. This reduces the requirement to bend the neck and shoulders and lowers the danger of shoulder tension.

Maintaining good posture is additionally important. If an individual notice that they’re slouching, the shoulder roll exercise above can help with repositioning the shoulders.

Practicing good posture while sitting and standing, especially during long periods at a desk, can reduce shoulder and neck tension within the long run.

Money can’t buy you happiness, but it should purchase you most costly luxury skincare. But in beauty, not all of the foremost effective products include an astronomical tag. It’s no secret that skincare routine may be a bit pricey. Testing, swatching, and reviewing beauty products from every single price point could be a must, but it with great care happens that the cleansers, serums, and moisturizers that have claimed top spots in my most current routine cost megabucks. Affordable skincare brands are the grace keeping me from going off the deep end with my skincare spending.

The problem is, consumers often assume that the more expensive a product is, the better it will be, and in a confusing and crowded skincare market where there is always a new product being touted for its miracle effects, we end up going around in circles. The reality is, a consistent approach to skincare that incorporates good quality ingredients (that you can afford to continue buying) is important for the quality of skin, so it’s worthwhile getting to know the affordable skincare brands that keep prices reasonable, without scrimping on efficacy.

If you wish some help getting your skincare budget in restraint, you’re within the right place. Ahead, try these affordable beauty brands you will trust.

La Roche-Posay

This French pharmacy brand is a favourite of editors, celebrities, and probably most of your friends, and that’s all thanks to its excellent formulations. There is a product for everyone: the Toleriane range is a favourite of those with sensitive skin (the new Ultra Dermallergo Serum is £28 and excellent at alleviating dryness and redness), while the brand’s Retinol B3 is a brilliant introduction to the best anti-ageing active around – and it’s great for sensitive skins too.

CeraVe

A brand developed with the help of dermatologists, CeraVe products are formulated around the founding principle that our skin barrier is integral to how our skin looks, performs and feels. To that end, each product contains ceramides, an ingredient that makes up half of our skin barrier, and they’re really quite brilliant. Two good entry points are the Hydrating Facial Cleanser, a product that lifts all make-up off without stripping the skin, and the Moisturizing Cream, which is a £5 tube of creamy heaven.

The Ordinary

Renowned for its minimal prices, The Ordinary’s products don’t disappoint either. There’s a huge range of choice, but good first ports of call are the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, the Squalane Cleanser, and the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. If you become confused while perusing the website, the brand has recently launched virtual consultations on the Deciem website to connect you with team members over chat or video call, to help you decide what is best for your skin type.

L’Oréal Paris

Enjoy world-class skincare formulations with L’Oréal, whose consistent innovation in the skincare space makes it a rival for even the most expensive brands, without the lofty price tags. The brand’s new Age Perfect Golden Age Cooling Night Cream is £14.99, and helps re-cushion sallow skin thanks to the neo-calcium within the formula. Meanwhile, its Revitalift Laser Glycolic Acid Ampoules contain 10 per cent glycolic acid, and help to unclog pores, exfoliate the skin and leave it radiant; and the Revitalift Filler with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent choice for those who want to hydrate, plump, or simply boost their skin’s luminosity.

Simple

We should all aim for simplicity in our skincare routines, and Simple – unsurprisingly – offers us just that. You’ve probably tried the face wipes over the years, but a better choice is the milky Kind To Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion or its micellar waters. The Hemp Ultra Calming Sheet Mask and facial moisturiser are two other stand-out products in the range – both leave skin feeling soothed and glowing.

Avéne

Another excellent French pharmacy brand (we have a lot to thank them for), Avéne’s speciality is sensitive skin, but its products are worth exploring for all skin types. After all, acne-prone skin also tends to be sensitive too. Look no further than the Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream and Hydrance Aqua-Gel moisturisers (depending on your preferred consistency) to moisturise, and the Gentle Milk Cleanser to cleanse the skin without drying it out. The newest launch from the range is the Cleanance Comedomed, a cream containing a milk thistle-derived active ingredient called comedoclastin, which helps to reduce sebum and stop spots from forming in the pore. A must-try.

Garnier

Utilising the power of plants in its products, Garnier’s skincare products will appeal to those who like a natural approach to skincare. The Organic Lavandin Anti-Age Facial Sleeping Cream is enriched with jojoba and argan oils, and leaves skin hydrated, supple and smooth when you wake up in the morning. And if you haven’t tried its Moisture Bomb sheet masks, where have you been, exactly? The Night Time Face Tissue Mask with deep sea water and hyaluronic acid is second to none.

Super Facialist

From face wash to eye cream, Super Facialist offers a broad range of skincare products categorised by skin issue. For those who want to encourage luminosity back into the skin, the Vitamin C range is a good choice (the Brighten Booster can be mixed with your moisturiser for supercharged results), while the blemish prone will love its Salicylic Acid line, which utilises salicylic as its star ingredient – the Pore Purifying Clay Mask is a stand out.

Vichy

With some seriously cult products under its belt, Vichy gives great skincare. Its newest launch, the Minéral 89 Fortifying Sheet Mask, is made up of 89 per cent Vichy mineralising water (which is ultra soothing – and its signature ingredient), and hyaluronic acid, delivering a major boost to skin’s hydration levels. Another star product in the same range is the Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster – it’s packed full of hyaluronic acid, so ideal to use morning and night.

The Body Shop

You probably already know it makes great body creams, but The Body Shop’s skincare offering is just as strong. If you’re yet to try its Aloe Soothing Body Butter, now is the time – it’s an ideal accompaniment to facial massage, and helps to calm irritated skin. Those who suffer from spots will love the Tea Tree line, while those with mature skin should look to the Drops of Youth collection.