So it’s more important than ever to shop smart. If you’re paying an arm and a leg for a secondhand car, truck, or SUV, you better make sure it will last and perform reliably.
A used car lot is shown Friday, June 10, 2022, in Salt Lake City.
Rick Bowmer/AP Photo
To help shoppers navigate the challenges of used-car buying, Consumer Reports maintains a list of the best used cars at every price point based on hands-on tests and owner surveys.
Chances are you’ve heard the dog-years-to-human-years tall tale about dog aging: “One year in a dog’s life equals seven in human years.” Despite the continued efforts of veterinarians over decades, that fallacy persists.
It’s unclear how the “1- equals-7” calculation was derived. My guess is that sometime during the past 100 years, folks observed that many dogs lived to be about 10 to 12 years of age. These were likely larger dogs living outdoors with little, if any, medical or preventive care. They reckoned that since people lived to be about 70, that made for a simple equation of dog years to human years. Only it’s not that simple.
How does a dog aging chart work?
I was part of a team that developed one of the first pet aging charts in 1999. We reviewed the latest research on aging and worked hard to gain scientific consensus. Ultimately, we created the age tables that continue to serve as the template for more modern charts. We began by dividing dogs into four size categories (cats only needed one) since smaller dogs tended to live longer. We then applied a variety of biological metrics and data to calculate canine years into an equivalent human age.
In simplest terms dog years to human years is:
0-2 years old: of a dog’s life roughly equals the time humans take to reach adult size or post-puberty
3 years old: dogs are in their human-equivalent early 20s
7 years old: small and medium dogs are about in their mid-40s, while large and giant breeds are in their 50s.
13 years old: The biological fact (although we don’t fully understand why) is that dogs weighing over 50 pounds age relatively faster than small and medium breeds, making a 13-year-old 50- to 90-pounder equivalent to about 82 years in human terms, while a similarly aged, under-20-pound pooch is a youthful 68.
You can spot the many problems with using human aging and life expectancy to categorize growing older in other animals. The underlying genetic, physiological and even psychological differences and stages are challenging to compare. The truth is that aging is largely species-specific, and we’re making our best scientific guesses with these charts.
Because older dogs have different health requirements and an increased risk of many diseases, knowing when a pet is senior is essential to providing the best care. Veterinarians have used these dog age charts to wellness plans, nutritional recommendations and diagnostic test protocols for the past three decades. And they’ve worked pretty well.
How old is your pup: the 5 dog life stages
Birthdays, charts and genes aside, you may wonder what’s the big deal about a dog’s age. As all living things march toward the inevitable unknown, we can prolong our dog’s journey and make it more enjoyable by making lifestyle adjustments based on their aging biology. Veterinarians call this “life stage medicine.” It refers to doing things differently as a dog progresses through the five phases of life:
puppy
young adult
mature adult
senior
end of life
While at first, you may think this is ridiculously obvious: “Of course, old dogs need special care!” What’s not so obvious is at what age your dog becomes old and what special care is beneficial. That’s why dog age charts based on body size and biological age tests can help inform you on the most effective and restorative care for your dog. More importantly, you can enhance the later years by making healthy changes during the early transitions of life.
The best way to illustrate this is to examine a few examples of life stage care in action.
Puppy
Puppyhood is the progression from birth to adulthood, marked by musculoskeletal maturity, full size, puberty and the ability to reproduce. For small dogs, this is usually birth until about a year of age, and for larger dogs up to 18 to 24 months.
Puppy life-stage care aims to:
identify genetic or inherited disorders through DNA tests and exams
Most puppies must visit their vet every three to four weeks for the first four to eight months of life.
Young adult dog
The young adult years are the time to establish — and maintain — healthy habits. This stage is 1 to 5 years of age for small dogs and around 4 for larger dogs.
Weight gain is common during these years, so watch your feeding and treat habits.
Behavior issues may become problematic at this age, so be sure to work with your vet team on training, especially during the first couple of years of life.
Heartworm, flea, tick and intestinal parasites preventives are administered monthly
Exams with appropriate diagnostic tests and vaccines are needed every six to 12 months.
Mature adult dog
In human terms, “mature adult” refers to the 40s until about 70. For small dogs, this is approximately ages 5 until 12 or 13, and for large dogs, up to about 10 or 11. This is the period of life when poor lifestyle choices begin to cause problems.
Health issues appear. Obesity and poor body condition often lead to early arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney and liver issues, diabetes, and even cancer around this life stage.
Mature adults should be examined twice a year, along with routine blood and urine tests to detect the earliest signs of disease.
Proper vaccines and preventives are critical because even minor infections can become severe in mature adults.
Senior dog
A dog’s last quarter-life is called the senior years. The senior life stage is also when canine size variations become more apparent and impactful, and age charts differ. For example, a 12-pound Dachshund attains senior status on some charts at age 14, while others define it at 10. (For the record, I go with 14.) On some charts, an 80-pound Lab earns his senior dog title at 8 while others wait until 11. The senior years are time to upgrade your pet care. Senior dogs should:
Be examined twice a year
Have a few more blood and urine tests to uncover hidden diseases
Change to a senior-dog diet, and potentially add supplements, especially omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory properties, glucosamine for joints and other antioxidants.
Larger dogs should have X-rays of the hips or other at-risk joints.
This is literally the last chance to diagnose illnesses early to improve outcomes. Hopefully, you started these healthy habits from a young age, and your dog will cruise into this phase full of energy, ability and vitality.
End of life for dogs
While no one likes to think about it, at some time in the future, your dog will require end-of-life treatment. These days, several ways can provide compassionate care at home. When your dog reaches this stage, have an open conversation with your vet about the best way to proceed based on your and your dog’s needs.
A new measure of age: biological age tests for dog
Leave it to science to challenge our trusty dog-age charts. The actual timekeeper of life is found in DNA, and the calendar age may not mean as much as once believed.
Scientists call it the epigenetic clock. As humans, dogs, cats and other mammals age, changes occur in their DNA. These changes can be measured using a DNA methylation level test. While researchers don’t fully understand all the factors that cause DNA methylation, many labs use it to calculate biological age. If the theory holds up, and it’s been around since the 1960s, with more attention brought to the subject in the 2000s, a dog or human’s biological age is a more insightful factor in health and life expectancy than blowing a clump of candles out.
Several companies are beginning to offer these biological age tests for dogs (some use telomeres to test and some use DNA methylation). While I’m still skeptical about using these tests to determine a dog’s “actual age” or rely on them to make birthday plans and medical decisions, I think they hold tremendous potential to identify premature aging and encourage lifestyle changes. Because many hidden diseases and inflammatory processes (I’m looking at you, obesity) go unnoticed until illness develops, these tests could prompt dog parents to adopt healthier lifestyle choices and medical interventions to extend life expectancy.
Located in a renovated 16th-century building in Porto’s Largo de São Domingos area, the Cozinha das Flores restaurant features a mural designed by the Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning Portuguese architect.
Pritzker Prize-winner Álvaro Siza designed the mural
“Whilst Siza has created many pieces of non-architectural works worldwide, he had never created something of this kind for his hometown of Porto,” Space Copenhagen founders Peter Bundgaard Rützou and Signe Bindslev Henriksen told Dezeen.
“Given Siza’s prominence and contribution to Porto life, having him manifest this into a mural depicting his perception of the city was beyond our expectations.”
Cozinha das Flores is located in a 16th-century building in Porto, Portugal
Sketches of figures playing musical instruments stand out in black against contrasting green and burnt orange tiles, which were completed by ceramic tile company Viuva Lamego.
“When asked to imagine a piece for Cozinha das Flores, he [Siza] depicted the recurrent theme of musicians, representing time well spent; fun, relaxed moments; a medley of emotions; and people joined by arts and culture,” said the studio.
“The specialist craftspeople used a traditional technique of hand painting the scaled-up facsimile of a sketched image from paper onto the tiles, painted dot by dot.”
The studio used green and orange tones throughout the interior
The green and orange hues of the tiles appear elsewhere in the interior. Green cushions top the built-in oak seating bench that runs along the wall below the mural, while doorways were painted dark green.
The colour palette was unified with coppery plastered walls and warm lighting.
“We introduced plastered walls in earthy warm tones and a conscious use of light to enhance and saturate,” the studio explained.
The focus on the local area is reflected in the studio’s design choices
Natural materials like stone, marble, brass and oak were used throughout the interior. The seating was arranged around an open kitchen, which has dark grey quartzite stone surfaces and wooden cabinets.
Under the direction of Lisbon-born chef Nuno Mendes, the restaurant aims to celebrate the ingredients, wine and culture of northern Portugal.
Space Copenhagen’s approach involved collaborations with local craftspeople
The warm, earthy hues chosen by Space Copenhagen were informed by the restaurant’s food, as well as the building and area in which it is located.
“The historical building structure that frames the restaurant and bar provided the base palette, which we have built upon,” said Space Copenhagen.
“Aged stone and dark-stained wood were our existing starting points. All elements are associated with the city of Porto”, it added.
Materials were sourced from across Portugal
Throughout the project, the studio prioritised regional materials and collaborated with a variety of local architects, artists and craftspeople. Woodworkers from northern Portugal crafted the dark wood furnishings and fittings.
“All stone, wood, metal and tiling has been sourced from regions in Portugal using a proximity criterion as priority,” said the studio. “All the millwork has been made by local artisans.”
Natural materials like stone, marble, brass and oak feature throughout the interior
Cozinha das Flores, and its adjacent 12-seater bar, Flôr, are amongst five heritage buildings that make up the Largo project, set to open later this year.
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Are you looking to watch a Man United vs. Brighton live stream for free today? We can help you do that from anywhere in the world. This FA Cup semi-final live stream guide highlights specific options from the US and UK, amongst others, along with how to tune in from anywhere in the world via a VPN. You could be all set up for today’s game just a few minutes from now.
Man United would usually be firm favorites, but they’ve had a disastrous couple of weeks in Europe, getting knocked out of the Europa League after a recent 3-0 defeat to Sevilla. Brighton continue to punch over their weight in the Premier League, sitting nicely in 8th position and still with an outside chance of making one of the European slots. It all depends on which Man U team shows up at Wembley today.
Watch Man United vs. Brighton online for free from anywhere
A VPN is the best way to get around geo-restrictions and is a viable option for today’s game if you want to watch the UK’s free FA Cup live stream on BBC. If you’re not in the UK though, you’ll need a VPN to access the stream. A VPN lets your device appear to be in a different country and offers excellent privacy options at home or on public Wi-Fi for your phone, laptop, streaming devices, and more.
Our preferred option of all the best VPN providers is ExpressVPN, with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied. Check out the latest deal details below.
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Kickoff: 11:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. BST / 5:30 p.m. CET
Where to watch Man United vs. Brighton (US)
FA Cup coverage in the US is reasonably affordable, as it can be found on ESPN+, which is only $9.99 a month if you opt for a rolling contract. Better yet, we think the best value option is to get the bundle that includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu, with prices starting at just $12.99 a month for the set. Take a look at this ESPN Plus prices guide for more info. Kickoff is at 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT.
Alternatively, you could use a VPN to take advantage of that free live stream in the UK, as detailed earlier in this article.
Where to watch Man United vs. Brighton (UK)
Today’s FA Cup semi-final is thankfully on free-to-air TV on BBC1 and its online streaming portal rather than locked behind a Sky sports-shaped paywall. The game starts at 4:30 p.m. with pre-match chat beginning at 4 p.m. If you’d rather watch online, you can tune in to the BBC i-Player service for the FA Cup live stream. It’s free too; you just need to create a quick account to sign in if you don’t have one already.
Note: Using VPNs is illegal in certain countries and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
Although dogs don’t need passports to go to Canada, you’ll need to show vaccination records and documentation that you are the pet owner, regardless if you are traveling by car or plane. Dogs are welcome to visit our northern neighbor, but they must be vaccinated against rabies, and otherwise in good health.
Can I bring my dog to Canada by car?
You and your dog will be stopped at the border crossing and based on the dog’s age, be asked to share vaccine records. If your dog is under 8 months old, you will need to show a health certificate outlining what vaccines he’s received. If your dog is over 8 months old, you will only need to show his Rabies Vaccine Certificate. This should be the official document given to you by your vet clinic on letterhead, which identifies your dog, lists you as the owner and is signed by your veterinarian.
Dogs younger than 3 months old are not required to be vaccinated for rabies, but the pet parent will need to provide proof of the dog’s age, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the organization that sets the policies for bringing pets into the country. There is no quarantine period and no waiting period required after vaccinations, so you are free to travel with your dog as soon as he is vaccinated against rabies.
Can I bring my dog to Canada by plane?
Check the airline’s policy for pet travel to Canada as different fees or rules may apply. And depending on where you are traveling, research dog breed restrictions. Although Canada as a country doesn’t ban any breed of dog, certain provinces or cities have more breed-specific rules. For example, Pit Bull breeds are banned in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, and Winnipeg, the capital city in the province of Manitoba. You won’t be able to bring a Pit Bull breed through an airport in those areas.
Returning to the U.S. from Canada with my dog
The same requirements will be necessary for entering back in the U.S., so be prepared to show the your dog’s vaccine records upon arrival.
Jack Teixeira, 21, might have leaked sensitive intelligence much earlier than previously thought.
The New York Times found posts sharing secret intelligence less than 48 hours after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The National Guardsman has been charged in connection with the leaks of top secret military documents.
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The 21-year-old Air National Guardsman charged in connection with the leak of dozens of secret Pentagon documents appears to have been posting intelligence much earlier than previously thought.
The New York Times has discovered a Discord user profile matching Jack Teixeira’s shared secret intelligence about the war in Ukraine less than 48 hours after Russia began its invasion.
Teixeira has been charged in connection with leaking hundreds of classified Pentagon documents to a private gaming chat room of about 50 people, known as Thug Shaker Central, on the online messaging platform Discord.
The affidavit said he had started posting classified information on social media around December 2022, according to Reuters.
However, The Times has now found older postings dating back to February 2022, which were shared in a larger and more easily accessible Discord chat group, with about 600 members.
The user claimed to be posting information from the NSA, CIA, and other intelligence agencies. The posts included details about casualties on both sides, Russia’s spy agencies’ activities, and details about aid to Ukraine.
Less than 48 hours into Russia’s invasion, the user posted a message saying: “Saw a pentagon report saying that ⅓rd of the force is being used to invade.”
When questioned by another user, he boasted: “I have a little more than open source info. Perks of being in a USAF intel unit.”
On some occasions, the user shared information about the Russian invasion that preempted events on the battlefield.
On March 27, 2022, he said that Russia was planning to retreat from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, which Russian officials announced they were doing two days later.
The Times reported that it is unclear whether authorities are aware of these specific posts.
The paper linked the profile to Teixeira through various pieces of digital evidence, including the username he had previously used, the user sharing that he worked at a US Air Force intelligence unit, sharing the same birthday, and posting photos and videos matching others taken inside his family home.
Teixeira joined the Air National Guard in September 2019 and in 2021 was given “Top Secret” security clearance, which gave him access to the classified documents leaked online, according to the criminal complaint.
It appears he was motivated mainly by a desire to impress gamers he befriended online rather than leaking the classified information out of patriotism, according to accounts by friends reported by the Washington Post and New York Times.
Cysts are abnormal growths that can appear pretty much anywhere on a dog’s body. What cysts on dogs look like, how they are diagnosed and how they are treated depends on the type of cyst. Dr. Debra Eldredge, veterinarian at SeniorTailWaggers and author of “Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook,” and Dr. Chyrle Bonk, veterinarian at SeniorTailWaggers, talk to Dogster about the types of cysts on dogs.
Dog got a cyst? Your veterinarian must first diagnose it because the type of cyst affects the type of treatment needed to remove it and keep it from coming back. Your vet will look at the contents under a microscope to determine the kind of cyst.
Here are 5 types of cysts on dogs, what they look like and how to treat them:
True cysts on dogs
True cysts on dogs are usually found near the eyelid or ear and are a translucent or dark-colored lump with a secretory layer, explains Dr. Bonk. They can be filled with fluid or be solid and are caused by blocked ducts in the skin, adds Dr. Eldredge.
A vet will remove a true cyst on your dog by removing the gland and secretory lining to keep the cyst from coming back, explains Dr. Bonk.
False cysts on dogs
A false cyst on a dog does not have the secretory layer that continues to cause the cyst to fill, even if drained. Dr. Bonk explains that most false cysts are caused by trauma – including injections – or bleeding that leads to tissue death. The tissue dies and the area fills with fluid. False cysts are usually dark in color.
Because it’s not a real cyst, draining and treating the traumatized skin usually prevents the false cyst from returning.
Sebaceous cysts on dogs
A blocked sebaceous gland in the skin can cause cysts on dogs. These glands produce an oily sebum to keep hair and skin hydrated and healthy, explains Dr. Bonk. This type of cyst is usually found on the head, legs, chest and neck. They may be light or dark in color.
Treatment for sebaceous cysts can range from warm compresses and antibiotics to surgically removing the cyst, including the secretory lining.
Follicular cysts on dogs
As the name implies, follicular cysts on dogs occur at the hair follicle when they become blocked, usually from trauma or pressure. Dr. Bonk explains that some breeds of hounds and hairless dogs are more prone to follicular cysts.
The range of treatment for a dog hair follicle cyst is the same as sebaceous cysts in dogs.
Dermoid cysts on dogs
Dermoid cysts on dogs are rare and are really only seen in breeds like Rhodesian Ridgebacks, explains Dr. Eldredge. The cysts are formed during the puppy’s development in the womb from an incomplete closure of the epidermis layer of the skin, shares Dr. Bonk, and may not be noticed until later in life.
Due to their nature, dermoid cysts are complicated to treat. Imaging is sometimes used and they usually require surgery for removal. Dermoid cysts that involve the spinal cord may require a referral to a specialist to remove or tie off, adds Dr. Bonk.
If you see a growth on your dog, schedule a vet appointment, even if you think it’s a false cyst. And while cysts are usually non-cancerous, having a vet confirm that will give you peace of mind as a dog owner.
A red “cave” hides behind the main dining space of this wine and small plates bar in Madrid designed by interiors studio Plantea Estudio.
Located on the ground floor of a neoclassical building in Madrid’s buzzy Justicia neighbourhood, Plantea Estudio designed Gota to appear “dark, stony and secluded”.
Gota sits on the ground floor of a neoclassical building in the Justicia neighbourhood
Guests ring a bell to enter the 70-square-metre bar, and are then welcomed into a dining room enclosed by thickset granite ashlar walls. While some of the walls were left exposed, others have been smoothly plastered over and washed with grey lime paint.
The floor was overlaid with black volcanic stone tiles that the studio thought were suggestive of a “newly discovered terrain”.
A counter in the first dining space is inbuilt with a record player
A bench seat runs down the left-hand side of the bar, accompanied by lustrous aluminium tables and square birchwood stools from Danish design brand Frama.
Guests can alternatively perch on high stools at the peripheries of the room, where lies a slender stone ledge for drinks to be set down on.
Shelving displays wine bottles, vinyls, and other objects
More seating was created around a bespoke chestnut counter at the room’s centre; its surfacetop has an in-built turntable on which the Gota team plays a curated selection of music.
Behind the counter is a storage wall where wine bottles, vintage vinyl records and other music-related paraphernalia are displayed.
A cave-like dining room hides at the bar’s rear
An open doorway takes guests down a short corridor to a secondary cave-like dining space, which boasts a dramatic vaulted ceiling and craggy brick walls. It has been almost entirely painted red.
“It’s relatively common to find this kind of vaulted brick space in the basements of old buildings in Madrid – this case was special because it’s on the ground floor with small openings to a garden,” the studio told Dezeen.
“It was perfect for a more quiet and private area of the bar,” it continued.
“The red colour is an abstract reference to the brick of which the cave is really made, and also a reference to wine.”
The space is arranged around a huge granite table
At the room’s heart is a huge 10-centimetre-thick granite table that’s meant to look as if it has “been there forever”, surrounded by aluminium chairs also from Frama. Smaller birch tables and chairs custom-designed by the studio have been tucked into the rooms corners.
To enhance the cosy, intimate feel of the bar, lighting has been kept to a minimum – there are a handful of candles, reclaimed sconces and an alabaster lamp by Spanish brand Santa & Cole.
Red paint covers the space’s vaulted ceiling and brick walls
Established in 2008, Plantea Estudio is responsible for a number of hospitality projects in Madrid.
US money-market funds just saw their assets drop for the first time since early March, snapping a trend of record inflows.
It’s also the biggest such fall since July 2020 as US taxpayers were due to file their taxes in the past week, according to Bloomberg.
Money-market funds saw large inflows in recent months as high yields and the banking jitters fueled a flight of money into them.
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US money-market funds just saw their first outflows since early March, snapping a multi-week trend of record inflows that was driven by depositors migrating cash out of banks amid the sector’s worst turmoil since 2008.
The total assets managed by such funds fell by $68.64 billion to $5.21 trillion in the week through April 19, according to data published by the Investment Company Institute. That’s the first decline since the March 10 collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) triggered a wave of banking instability.
It’s also the biggest one-week drop since July 2020, per Bloomberg, as US taxpayers were due to file their levies in the past week.
In the weeks following SVB’s collapse, money-market funds saw accelerated inflows, with their total assets hitting a record high of $5.28 trillion as of April 12, per the ICI.
That reflected a trend of depositors – worried about the safety of their savings – pulling money from smaller, more vulnerable banks and parking it elsewhere.
But money-market funds had been raking in cash even before the banking turmoil thanks to the high yields they offered, following the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate increases over the past year.
One reason why such funds have seen a decline in recent days are the tax bills due this week, Bloomberg reported. When the pandemic was raging in 2020, the US Internal Revenue Service had delayed that year’s filing deadline from April to July to give American taxpayers more time.
It happens to the best of us – some days we’re really good about taking care of our skin, while other days (and nights!) completing our skin care routine can seem like too much of a chore. If you’re noticing increased skin issues like breakouts, excessive dryness or other signs of irritated skin, one of these common skin care mistakes might be the culprit. Read on to find out whether your habits are causing more harm than good, and what you can do to change them and prevent premature aging, breakouts and more.
Most of us use linens every single day (and all night long), and don’t really give them much thought. Your pillowcase, for example, is in contact with your skin for hours on end. This nightly face time results in a buildup of oils, dirt and sweat, not to mention thousands of skin cells! Cotton pillowcases can harbor bacteria that can lead to breakouts and allergies. Experts suggest flipping your pillow over after a night of sleep and then washing the pillowcase every other day. Switching from cotton to other natural fibers like bamboo or silk can also be helpful, but a regular laundry schedule is still a must.
Using dirty face cloths is another mistake that many make. Use a fresh one daily to avoid reintroducing yesterday’s dirt when you’re trying to cleanse your skin. Seems simple, but it’s worth repeating.
Mistake #2: Wearing Makeup To Bed
After a long day or night out, it can be tempting to hit the sheets without washing your makeup off, but this skin care step is a non-negotiable. Your skin produces oil and sebum naturally throughout the day. When it combines with makeup, dirt or bacteria that have been sitting in pores for hours at a time, there’s a major potential for breakouts. Clogged pores, a dull complexion and increased blackheads are just some of the concerns you might experience when you go to bed without washing your face. Skin renews itself while you sleep, and when you leave makeup on, you are preventing that from happening.
The best way to avoid these skin concerns is to do a double cleanse before calling it a night. An oil-based cleanser is best for breaking up and removing makeup. Follow that with a second cleansing using your favorite formula, which goes to work deep within pores to eliminate impurities and any trace remnants of makeup after the initial cleansing. It will only take a couple of minutes, and then you can apply your serums and drift off to sleep without guilt weighing on your mind – or dirt and oil clogging your pores and weighing on your skin.
Try our Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser to remove the impurities of the day from your skin. Infused with chamomile, arnica and rosemary, this calming cream cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin prone to redness and makes a great second step in a double cleanse.
If you’re fighting the appearance of breakouts, our Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is the best choice to remove excess sebum from your complexion. It’s a clarifying cream-gel cleanser that treats oily and problem skin with cucumber and tea tree oil. Sweet almond milk and yogurt reduce the visible signs of problem skin without stripping the skin of moisture. In other words, it can help your skin recover from past “mistakes.”
Mistake #3: Skipping Sunscreen
It’s no secret that sun exposure and UV rays have the potential to cause a number of skin issues, including melanoma, fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and dark spots. Wearing sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin against harmful UV rays, and daily protection is crucial to the health of your skin.
Sunscreen helps to keep the skin protected from the dangers of sun exposure, including sunburn, sun damage and melanoma. It’s also beneficial in minimizing the premature aging effects of UV rays, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and rough skin.
There are different types of sunscreens, most notably chemical and mineral. Both protect your skin from the sun’s powerful rays, but they provide that protection in different ways. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin, absorb sunlight and convert it to heat before releasing it. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin’s surface and block sunlight – reflecting the UV rays before they reach the skin’s surface. Personal preference and skin type can be factors in choosing an SPF, but ultimately the goal is the same: to protect the skin.
If adding another step to your morning routine feels like too much work, save a step by using a moisturizer that contains an SPF, like Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40, an all-in-one lightweight daily moisturizer.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Dehydrated Skin
Signs of dehydrated skin include itchy patches, undereye circles, dullness and fine lines. Unlike “dry skin,” which is a skin type (caused by a natural lack of oils), dehydrated skin is a condition caused by a lack of water. Dehydrated skin occurs when your body loses more water than it is taking in — for example, from not replenishing liquids after an intense workout or a long day outside in a warm climate. Really, dehydration can happen in any circumstance when not enough water is being consumed. A minimum of eight cups a day is a good baseline. And no, coffee doesn’t count! (But herbal tea does).
To determine whether you are experiencing dry skin or dehydrated skin, pinch the skin on the back of your hand. If the skin fails to snap back, your skin could be dehydrated. Fortunately, reversing dehydration can be accomplished with a few lifestyle changes. Some of them include:
Drinking alcohol in moderation (if at all)
Limiting coffee and other sources of caffeine
Stopping smoking
Exercising regularly
Replenishing fluids after you work out
Getting plenty of sleep
Eating more fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods
Exfoliating your skin keeps the complexion soft and smooth while reducing the look of dullness. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells by breaking the bonds that glue them together, allowing new cells to surface and resulting in the appearance of a “glow.” When done right, exfoliation is one of the most important skin care habits you can adopt.
Too much of a good thing? While some exfoliating is good for the skin, too much can actually cause damage to the skin barrier and strip its moisture. There is a protective layer of oils and fats on the surface of the skin which helps seal moisture and keeps irritants out. When these protective properties are stripped away with excessive exfoliation, the result is a weakened barrier. The Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser is a great option as it washes away impurities, while leaving the skin balanced.
Everyone’s skin is a little bit different, so you may have to try a few skin care products and routines to figure out what’s best for you – but according to Healthline, most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week – as long as your skin can handle it.
Mistake #6: Using Makeup Wipes
While makeup wipes may seem like a quick and easy way to remove your makeup and other buildup from the day (especially after a late night!) — think twice about taking this shortcut. It can seem tempting to literally wipe the day off in one simple step, especially before bed when exhaustion can overpower common sense (see Mistake #1).
Unfortunately, makeup wipes don’t really clean your skin. What they do instead is smear around whatever makeup, dirt and dead skin is on your face, leaving a greasy residue and clogging pores, or put simply: the exact opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish. It’s a step that can do more harm than good, causing irritation and breakouts. On top of that, many wipes contain preservatives (to keep them fresh and bacteria-free in their warm, moist packages). Some of these preservatives include chemicals that release formaldehyde, as well as solubilizers, surfactants and emulsifiers. And don’t get us started on the impact of disposable wipes on the planet.
According to Diana Felton, MD, state toxicologist with the Hawaii Department of Health: “One group estimates that 20 million pounds of single-use wipes are disposed of every day in the U.S. Many wipes are disposed of in landfills, and despite claims to the contrary, most are not biodegradable and do not rapidly break down, creating too much trash to fit in our landfills.” If you’re reticent to give them up for your skin, do it for the planet!
Mistake #7 Not Properly Cleaning Makeup Tools
When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes or gave your gua sha or jade roller a good scrub? If it’s been longer than a month, and you’re dealing with breakouts or dull complexion, dirty makeup and skin care tools may be the culprit.
Makeup brushes and sponges absorb oils, dirt and bacteria from the skin with each use. Imagine going weeks or months without giving them a proper cleanse! Dirty makeup brushes have the potential to introduce bacteria and buildup to pores, jeopardizing the overall health of your skin. Wash all makeup brushes and reusable sponges at least once a month – and once a week if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
And while we’re on the subject of tools, make sure you use a little spoon or spatula when getting product and makeup out of jars. Scooping creams out with your fingers can introduce bacteria into the mix and on to your skin. It can also shorten the shelf life of the product. And clean hands are a must. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying anything to your face or body. Another simple skin care habit that can go a long way.
Watch Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar walk you through more common skin care mistakes and how to fix them.
Recognize your own habits on this list? Visit your favorite Eminence Organics Spa Partner for more advice on avoiding skin care mistakes and creating the best skin care routine for you.
This article was originally written in January 2020.
