Understanding Acne and Hormone Levels

March 4, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Most of us have at one stage or other sought an acne remedy when suffering from that troublesome and common acne problem that first appeared in our early teen years. Many more have continued to suffer into our adult life. A rare few have avoided the embarrassment of pimples appearing at the worst possible time – knocking self-esteem to its lowest – usually when we are trying to make a good impression. A fast and effective remedy is what we want if acne is a problem.

Acne is caused by hormonal changes that occur during adolescence when oil glands in the skin become hyperactive. This additional oil combined with dead skin cells that block hair follicles and skin bacteria infect the hair follicles producing a breakout of the skin. Result? Clear skin is marred and embarrassment can follow.

There are many acne remedies available from natural home varieties to potent pharmaceutical drugs. Modern preferences are to avoid drugs because of their side effects and rather find a natural acne remedy. One acne remedy is to cut a raw potato in half and rub the flat section over the affected areas in an attempt to neutralize the bacteria that is causing the trouble in the pores. If it works for you, great.

The truth is acne comes second only to premature aging in the charts for skin disease. If you are a sufferer you will likely be aware that flare ups will always occur before a special event. You can put all the blame on testosterone produced by the adrenal glands which are trying to help you deal with the stress of that interview, wedding or important presentation.

Another acne remedy is to go on a fast for several days and to change the diet to healthier eating of mainly raw food. No doubt there is an element of truth in following this acne remedy but it does require some discipline as fasting and a strict diet regime is often too much like hard work for the majority.
High in iodine foods, shellfish, leafy vegetables including spinach and cabbage, and peanuts are other potential problem foods. If you have an acne problem, experiment with your diet. If you crave certain foods that may aggravate this problem curtail consumption to see it there really is a difference in acne activity
If you have a special sensitivity to a food, small amounts of anything – even soft drinks, chocolates will not make a major difference.

One of the more widely spread (and often believed) myths about acne is that it is caused by dirt or grime. It’s more likely to be because of oily skin, in which case simply washing regularly with either a mild soap, special acne skin cleanser or even antiseptic soap and warm water can make a big difference to controlling and managing oily skin. And don’t forget to keep your hair clean – again, depending on your skin type, your hair can also become extreme oily if not cared for properly.

The bad news is that acne cannot be cured, but the good news is that it can be treated. If you’re suffering with only mild acne, then some form of non prescription (over the counter) acne medication will no doubt have a positive impact for you. If you have bad or severe acne you will definitely need to see a doctor to get some professional advice.

A vitamin A deficiency can lead to skin problems. Not all cases of acne call for professional attention. An occasional blemish or pimple could be called “drugstore acne”. Topical antibiotics prevent about fifty per cent of blemishes, and are a significant breakthrough for treating average acne.

Sun Safety for Skiers

March 4, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Higher altitude means increased levels of harmful UV exposure compared to sea level areas. UV exposure increases 8-10 percent with every 1,000 feet above sea level.  At an altitude of 9-10,000 feet, UV may be 45-50 percent more intense than at sea level. In addition, snow reflects about 80 percent of the UV light from the sun, meaning that you are often hit by the same rays twice. This only contributes to the problem, further increasing the risk for skin cancer.

The combination of higher altitude and ultraviolet (UV) rays reflected by the snow puts skiers and snowboarders at an increased risk of sun damage and ultimately, skin cancer. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. It’s easy to associate winter with frostbite and windburn, but most people are unaware that UV rays can be even more damaging on the slopes than on the beach,it’s important to take proper precautions while on the slopes.

Both snow and strong wind can wear away sunscreen and reduce its effectiveness, so you have to take extra precautions. To protect your skin from the bitter cold, heavy winds and winter sun, follow these important sun protection tips:
•    Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors. Apply 30 minutes before hitting the slopes.Be aware that the sun’s reflection off the snow is strong even on cloudy days.
•    Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly to all exposed skin – most skiers and snowboarders do not use enough sunscreen and therefore do not get the maximum protection.
•    Use a more moisturizing sunscreen. Winter conditions can be particularly harsh on the skin.
•    Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, underside of chin, scalp and hands.
•    Always wear a lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher. Lips are even more sensitive than most parts of the skin.
•    Reapply at least every two hours, and more often after sweating or exposure to wind and snow.
•    Carry a travel-sized sunscreen and lip balm with you on the slopes. Reapply on the chairlift, especially after a long, snow-blown run.

Cover up.
•    Wear items like ski masks, which will cover most of the skin, leaving very little exposed to the wind and sun.
•    UV-blocking sunglasses or goggles that offer 100% UV protection and have wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. The sun’s rays and glare can impair your vision, so it’s important to wear sunglasses or goggles to clearly see the terrain. Plus, it will increase your enjoyment and performance while skiing.
Be mindful of time spent in the sun, regardless of the season.
•    Keep track of the time you spend in full sunlight. If possible, ski early in the morning and later on in the day, before 10AM and after 4PM. This helps avoid long lines and decreases the amount of time spent outdoors in the most intense hours of sunlight.
•    If you are on the slopes for most of the day, take a few breaks indoors to reapply sunscreen.
•    Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration from the sun.
Enjoy the winter season, but be sure to take care of your skin to avoid the damage the cold season can cause.The first organization in the U.S committed to educating the public and medical professionals about sun safety, The Skin Cancer Foundation is still the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research.

The Mediterranean Diet

March 4, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

We all know how important diet is to building healthy, beautiful skin. But did you know eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can actually help prevent wrinkles and minimize the signs of aging?
According to a recent article in the UK’s Daily Telegraph, “Eating a Mediterranean diet can halve the risk of the most dangerous form of skin cancer, research suggests.” The recent study may eventually prove regular intake of fruit, vegetables, nuts and fish may protect against malignant melanoma.

The” Mediterranean diet,” which features plenty of vegetables, legumes, and olive oils, may be a catalyst for the body to absorb and benefit from fat-soluble antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals, such as vitamin E, lycopene, and isoflavones. In this light, organic produce has been shown to contain a higher level of beneficial antioxidants than conventionally raised fruits and vegetables.

So, what does all this mean if you suffer from dry skin or sensitive skin? With dry skin issues, it is important to get the right types fats into your diet. But what are the right types of fats? For example, increased intake of saturated fat and monounsaturated fat in the diet has been associated with a decrease skin hydration. So consuming some saturated fats but not too many, seems to be best.
Countless studies show that an omega-3 fat deficiency is associated with dry skin and skin problems like eczema. That’s why it is important to consume adequate amounts of these essential fats, found in fatty fish, fish oils, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, etc.

Be aware of the difference from the omega-6 polyunsaturated vegetable oils (including corn, canola, and safflower), formerly hailed as healing for the heart. Meaning, most need to eat more omega-3s and less omega-6 oils.
The dairy products you eat (and avoid) can also make a difference in skin aging. Butter, full-fat milk, margarine, and sweets should be minimal, while yogurt, cheese, and reduced-fat milk are neutral in their aging effects.

The epidermis (upper layer of the skin) is composed of 25 percent monounsaturated fatty acids. In the cell membranes, both monosaturated fats and saturated fats resist oxidation, a key process in cellular aging. Omega-6 polyunsaturated oils, on the other hand, contribute to the production of free radicals, the by-products of oxidation – also the cause of the skin aging process. This would increase both wrinkling and the risk of developing skin and other cancers, including melanoma. Polyphenols, found in fresh fruits, vegetable and herbs can protect the body’s cells against the damaging effects of oxidative stress, a process by which oxygen-rich molecules can attack and destroy cells in much the same way as rust rots a car.
Therefore, it is beneficial to eat more olive oil (a monounsaturated) while avoiding omega-6 polyunsaturated oils, such as corn, canola, safflower and others. Included in this list of foods to avoid, are the trans fats, present in margarine, most baked goods, fried, processed foods, and sweets, which are oxidized polyunsaturates, making them even more detrimental. In certain studies they have been shown to block healthy Omega -3 fats. High trans-fats content may interfere with the hormonal pathways needed for healthy fat metabolism and preventing inflammation.

Consuming the omega-3s and avoiding unhealthy oils that block them will help the body absorb the vital lipids needed in the skin cells and improve the hormonal actions. Since skin aging is caused by hormonal shifts that occur naturally in the aging process, it’s best to eliminate the polyunsaturated and trans fats as much as possible.

Fish oils and fish are the purest sources of omega-3 fatty acids,which can increase the lipid content of your cells. These fats have been shown to improve psoriasis and other severe dry skin conditions. If you are pregnant or nursing, please be aware of the mercury content in your fish – which has been shown to cause detrimental effects to mothers, and young children, so supplements may be the best way of obtaining these fats vital to skin health.

Dry, sensitive, and wrinkled skin can also be helped with a diet rich in antioxidants obtained from fresh fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, kale, collard greens, turnips, romaine lettuce, broccoli, leeks, corn, peppers, peas, and mustard greens. Egg yolks and oranges contain the antioxidant lutein. Lutein is an important natural antioxidant that may help your eyes stay healthy while maintaining the health of your skin.
So, to recap your skin-healthy diet should include:
•    Fats from whole foods-nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados
•    A wide variety of whole plant foods
•    Monounsaturated fats, such as olive or nut oils
•    Good sources of omega3 oils (never heated) or in capsule form
•    Moderate use of omega-6 oils (corn, safflower, canola and soy oils)
•    Limited amounts of processed foods and deep-fried foods
•    Pure sources of omega3 fats, including a source of essential fatty acids (EFA)

Best Acne Skin Care Treatments

March 4, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

If like many others you are desperate to get your acne treated in order to regain the skin you once had then using an acne skin care treatment is essential to the process. By reading through the tips provided below you should soon be back on the road to have that beautiful skin you had before you suffered from acne.

However it is important that first of all you know what acne is and then you will be able to treat it much better. A person suffers from acne because their sebaceous glands begin to produce too much oil and when combined with dead skin cells a person’s pores will then become blocked. As the pores are blocked they are unable to breathe correctly and then bacteria sets in and so blackheads and whiteheads will begin to erupt on the person’s skin.

In order to clean your face effectively whilst treating acne of any form you should not scrub it but rather gently wash it using a mild anti-bacterial soap or lotion.

Next you need to look at what you are eating and drinking. Many people do not realize this but what they eat and drink seriously affects their acne further. Therefore you should drink lots of fresh water each day. Not only will it help to remove all those unwanted toxins (which make a person’s acne worse) from the body but it is probably the most inexpensive form of acne skin care treatment.

You should also eat vegetables which contain high amounts of Vitamin A and will normally be bright orange or yellow or green in color. By eating plenty of these vegetables such as carrots, sweet corn and broccoli, cabbage etc, it will help you achieve a much better complexion on your skin.

Besides keeping the above points in mind, you should also consult your doctor.
They will be able to prescribe acne skin care treatment medications that you will not be able to find or purchase elsewhere. But as well as using the medication provided by your doctor you should look more closely at your dietary habits and make the necessary changes and do not forget to drink plenty of fresh water also.

By taking these steps in your acne skin care treatment program you should be on the road to seeing the results of your work in the mirror in a very short period of time.

Are Chemical Peels for You?

March 4, 2009 by admin · 1 Comment 

With so many beauty products, facial treatments and surgical procedures available these days, it can be overwhelming to choose a treatment that is right for you. First off, when trying any new skincare treatment or procedure, it is always important to do your research, seek out reputable sources and never be afraid to ask questions, after all, it is your face – you only have one, so treat it accordingly. Selecting the right specialist or understanding details of a surgical procedure will be time consuming, be prepared to put in the time necessary to make the best choice. Below are some tips to help you get started.

Choose carefully. The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery recommends you:
•    Check educational, training, background credentials and experience to ensure that he or she is well-qualified
•    Ask how many times they have performed this procedure
•    Ask to see before and after photos of patients who have had chemical peels – in some cases offices will give you contact information of previous patients as referrals.

Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, licensed estheticians and registered nurses can all perform chemical peels. However, depending on the type of peel, you might need to see a doctor. Ensure your procedure is both safe and effective.

Schedule a skin consultation. A chemical peel is an aggressive treatment, it’s important that you get an in-depth analysis of your skin beforehand. When at the consultation, make sure the specialist knows your medical history and any prescriptions you may be taking. Be prepared to ask questions, such as what is my skin type? What are my skin concerns? How can chemical peels improve my skin? What kind of peel is best for my skin type?

Become a peel expert. There are three types of chemical peels: superficial, medium and deep. In addition, they increase substantially in cost depending on the peel. The cost ranges from $150 to $300 for superficial peels; $1,000 to $2,000 for medium peels and $2,500 up to $5,000 for deep peels, according to Smart SkinCare:
Superficial: The mildest of chemical peels, superficial peels treat fine lines, discoloration, dryness, roughness and mild acne. Results are subtle and you will need regular maintenance sessions. Estheticians typically perform superficial peels. Common solutions: Alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid), salicylic acid

Medium: These peels penetrate deeper into the skin, producing a second-degree burn. Medium peels treat wrinkles, pigmentation problems, sun damage and blemishes. You will need at least a week to recover. You’ll also need several peels to achieve desired results. Common solution: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
Deep: These peels target deep wrinkles, dramatic discoloration and skin lesions. Deep peels are the most effective, providing pronounced and long-lasting results. However, they are also riskier with longer recovery time—most people take two weeks off from work. A certified, experienced plastic surgeon must perform these peels. This peel is performed once. Common solution: Phenol

Consider your skin type. Be aware that a chemical peel is not always the best option for your skin type. These are several examples when a chemical peel isn’t appropriate or can be helpful. In most cases, a chemical peel should not be used on dry or sensitive skin. A peel might cause dryness, flakiness, itching and further inflammation. If you have inflammatory acne and deep cysts, you should also consult a dermatologist, as a chemical peel might not be the best treatment for those conditions.

Chemical peels are a good choice if you experience mild to moderate acne or acne scars: The acids in the peel work to both kill active blemishes on the surface and to prevent new blemishes from forming. By accelerating the exfoliation process, a chemical peel delivers clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Become an expert on your chemical peel. Before having the chemical peel, make sure you ask every question possible to ensure you are aware of the entire procedure and its potential complications.
Examples like; what strength is the peel? How many sessions will I need? What are the pros and cons? What kind of discomfort, pain and other reactions can I expect during the procedure? How should my skin react after the chemical peel?

Communication is key in making your chemical peel a safe experience. Clarify you are experiencing normal reactions or seek immediate attention if you think you are not. Remember if something doesn’t feel right, only you can speak up about it.

About two to four weeks prior to your chemical peel, the specialist will ask you to incorporate pre-care products into your daily regimen. These products are designed to thin out the skin’s surface, allowing the peel to penetrate deeper and evenly. Your medical expert might prescribe Retin-A, an AHA product or hydroquinone cream.
When using these new products, you might have to discontinue your old ones. Your specialist will give you specific information about what products to use and avoid.
Depending on the type of peel, your results might be subtle or dramatic. Every skin type reacts a bit differently. Be realistic about the results and fully understand to what degree the peel will improve your skin and whether you will need additional sessions to maintain results.

Taking Care of Your Skin for the First Time

March 2, 2009 by admin · 1 Comment 

“Is it too late to save my bad skin? I never paid much attention to my skin because I never had any skin problems. I never bothered with skin care products because I didn’t need to. Now I’m seeing wrinkles and spots forming, I guess it’s just too late to anything about it.” If this sounds like you, you may want to keep reading.Never fear, because there is still much that you can do to help your skin. If you are lost in sea of product choices, you can still be assured cosmetic dermatology can offer many alternative treatments.

Not surprisingly, many adults rarely consult a dermatologist that is until AFTER the signs of aging have appeared. Wrinkles, of course, are the chief complaint. Your skin may feel  rough to the touch, and even sore, especially in drying environmental  conditions such as on an airplane or in a low-humidity environment like the desert or high-altitude cities. In the winter, when indoor heating is used, your skin gets even more dehydrated, making the wrinkles look worse. Your skin may catch on rough clothing. You may also notice wrinkles on your neck or others parts of your body.

Those who have never had skin issues or were blessed to even have beautiful skin for most of the lives, are now desperate to address the skin wrinkles and many run to the dermatologist feeling a lot of regret. Although genes certainly play a role in one’s skin condition, decades of neglect, or even mistreatment of their skin is most frequently the source of their skin problems.  Many say that if they knew then what they know now, they would have done things very differently and taken better care of their skin.
There are numerous explanations for unhealthy skin but the main causes tend to be an unhealthy diet, an ineffectual cleansing routine, and poor lifestyle choices.

Poor Diet
Your skin is a living, breathing organ of the body and it needs proper nourishment and hydration to look and feel its best. When your skin is deprived of the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that it needs it is unable to functional at optimal levels and the structure slowly begins to break down. This breakdown results in dry skin, blemishes, discoloration, wrinkles, and premature ageing.

In order to avoid this breakdown you need to feed your skin a varied mix of important nutrients each day. Ingesting sufficient amounts of vitamin A, a nutrient that can be found in citrus fruits and orange vegetables, can help you avoid dry skin and blemishes. Eating foods rich in the vitamin B group like brewer’s yeast or breads, or taking a vitamin B group supplement, can help you ward of skin discoloration, dry skin, dermatitis, shallow skin, and premature ageing.

To help discourage wrinkles, pale skin, sun damage, blemishes, and other unhealthy skin symptoms, nutrients like calcium, protein, iodine, niacin, folic acid, iron, and copper are very important to a healthy diet. Get these effective skin helpers by enjoying foods like mild, eggs, cheese, chicken, fish, leafy vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Poor Hygiene
Another common cause of unhealthy skin is poor hygiene. Whether this involves the failure to clean your skin often enough or the use of an ineffective cleansing routine, built-up dirt and grime can lead to blemishes, premature ageing, shallowness, dry skin, and wrinkles.

When your skin is not properly cleaned on a regular basis, dirt, pollution and other harmful substances are allowed to build up on your skin and clog the pores. Clogged pores result in breakouts, dry skin, and the reduction of cell renewal.

To get the most out of your cleansing routine make sure that you wash your skin twice a day, everyday. Also, make sure that you are using an effective cleanser like a soap that is specially formulated for deep cleansing. Make sure that you use gentle pressure when cleaning the skin, do not scrub or pull on the skin since this can result in tiny tears that are susceptible to irritation and infection. Finally, always follow your cleansing routine with a hydrating moisturizer that also contains a sunscreen in order to hydrate your skin and protect it from sun damage.

Bad Lifestyle Habits
Even if you enjoy a healthy diet and pay special attention to your skin care regime you can still be sabotaging the health of your skin by indulging in unhealthy habits. Habits like sun tanning, smoking, choosing fizzy drinks or sodas over water, and wearing heavy makeup can lead to the development of unhealthy skin. Avoid excessive sun exposure, always wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, stop smoking and avoid those who smoke, drink plenty of water, and choose light cosmetics if you want your skin to stay young and healthy looking for years to come.

Hyaluronic Acid for Supple Skin

March 2, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Ageing gracefully means caring for ones body and health.  Both women and men are actively seeking treatments that will reduce the signs of aging. Many aspects of how we age and how to ward of or erase the signs are still a mystery.

There are places in the world such as Yuzuri Hara, which is a village in Japan, where at least ten percent of the current popular hovers around 85 years or even older. Many of the conditions seen regularly in seniors in our part of the world such as cancer, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s are just not present there.

The citizens of Yuzuri Hara lead lives that are active and incredibly healthy. Most of these people never even need to visit the doctor and their skin looks rather youthful.

ABC’s popular News show 20/20 did research and ran a showing that reported that researchers found what they believe is the key to the youthful appearance and healthy bodies of those living in Yuzuri Hara.

The component believed to be what everyone is after is known as Hyaluronic acid. This acid can be found in carbohydrate rich foods that are native to the terrain of hills surrounding this village.

This component lubricates a persons joints and is in the connective tissue of humans. One of the benefits of it is its ability to keep our flesh smooth and full. As we age, our bodies loose this naturally. Researchers are working hard to see that if taken orally if it will limit the look of aging on people.

The FDA has given their go ahead to use this product for injections located in the knee joints. This will provide the joint with new lubrication. Hyaluronic acid also works to reduce both heat and inflammation caused by arthritics.

Not to mention the fact that it can even decrease the speed in which arthritics develops and can thwart the constant pain associated with arthritics.

There are places in Europe that make use of this component for soft tissue filler, augmentation of lips, repairing acne scars and in ridding the face of lines and wrinkles.

It is used in a similar manner as collagen and provides practically the same results.

Working as a topical agent that hydrates the skin wonderfully and also as a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Soft, creamy skin that no longer feels irritated or itchy is found to result when using products with Hyaluronic acid in it.

Squalane is an incredible moisturizer that carries oxygen and provides your skin with renewed elasticity without leaving it feeling oily. Squalane’s main ingredient is sebum, which coincidently is the main oil, found naturally in your flesh.

It makes sense then to replace that oil with a product containing this ingredient. When taken internally, Squalane will strengthen your immune system and offer anti-inflammatory properties.

When you use Squalane topically, you will notice such benefits as softer lines on your face, relief from psoriasis, age spots becoming less noticeable, and wounds healing faster. In Japan, Squalane is even being used to aid in the treatment of both skin cancer and dermatitis.

Working with Squalane and Hyaluronic acid will offer you the best solution when it comes to the effects of fighting aging and the toll that it takes on your skin.

 

 

Daily Skin Care Rituals for Each Skin Type

March 2, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

A nourishing daily regime for your skin means using products and procedures personalized to fit their unique characteristics. Each type of skin is treated differently. To get the best out of these products, you have to make sure that you are using the right procedure and treatment by knowing your skin type and other underlying conditions it may have so as to not compromise it.

Normal Skin Daily Cleansing Ritual

To clean normal skin, any cleanser bar, gel or lotion can be used. A cleanser is recommended even if you have flawless skin since plain water is not enough to keep it clean. Wash your skin twice everyday, morning and evening, and apply a cleanser on your face and neck.

A toner with a humectant and preferably no alcohol can be used. A light moisturizer can be used in the morning and a nutrient dense moisturizer in the evening.

Oily Skin Daily Cleansing Ritual

To clean oily skin, you have to wash it at least twice a day. You can try to use stronger cleansers like a gel or facial bar soap. Salicylic acid can be used to clear up blackheads or whiteheads. When soaping the face, lather gently on your face and neck, giving attention to the T-zone of your face and neck.

A toner with bioflavinoids and a little alcohol can be used with a hydrating spritz containing floral waters, aloe vera or rose water.

An oil free moisturizer is recommended since your skin is shiny with oil production, but make sure that it is noncomedogenic with humectants and includes silicone derivatives. As you age, you may want to use a moisturizer with oil emollients.

Sensitive Skin Daily Cleansing Ritual

To clean sensitive skin, cleansing is limited to once a day. Your skin’s pH balance should not be disturbed because it can make it open to irritation. A lightweight lotion type cleanser should be used instead of a heavy cold cream type. If your skin is sensitive to water, look for a cleanser that does not contain water. Try each product at least once first to see if it is the right one for you. Of all skin types, the sensitive skin is the hardest to clean since it is easily affected.

Spritz a light toner on the skin, that also doubles as a humectant. Do not use any product that may leave a greasy or oil film like bioflavinoids. You can use a moisturizer that has a silicon base or prescribed for sensitive skin.

Oily Dry Daily Cleansing Ritual

To clean oily dry skin, do it with a lotion cleanser that is of the same pH at least twice a day. Avoid cleansing bars and gels and soap that may damage your skin. Use a humectant spritz or apply the toner with a cotton pad. Use a moisturizer that can double as a night cream and is nutrient dense which is important for the body when they go into a rest and repair mode.

Acne Type Daily Skin Ritual

To clean the skin that is acne prone, you need to clean it only twice a day. Avoid cleaning it more often since it might get overstimulated. For this type of skin, a stronger cleanser is needed since it should be able to kill the p. acne bacteria that cause breakouts to happen. Products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be used to kill bacteria.

Other ingredients that are effective against bacteria are sulfur and camphor. Your choice of toner should contain salicylic acid and a humectant to be applied via spritz and cotton pad. Your moisturizer should be oil free or noncomedogenic although tea tree oil is also great for acne type skin. Choose skin care products that are formulated for acne type skin. For treatment, you may use allatoin, cucumber, chamomile, amino acids and trace materials.

Skin Hydration

March 2, 2009 by admin · 1 Comment 

For those with oily skin, your face may often look shiny, and you naturally avoid products that feel oily. You will be more vulnerable to acne and breakouts than dry skin types. People with dry skin will notice that their skin feels tight, perhaps irritated or itchy and has a dull color and/or rough texture.

Dryness and oiliness depend primarily on the condition of the skin barrier, the outer layer of skin which helps the skin retain moisture, and the oil (sebum) production itself. The barrier is like a brick wall, with each brick (or cell) held in place by mortar (fats called lipids). Harmful ingredients, cold, and dry weather can wear down these fats, eroding the mortar so that the “bricks” are not secured in their proper place.

A variety of outside agents, including detergents, acetone, chlorine and other chemicals, and even prolonged water immersion can harm the barrier, or the barrier may be deficient for genetic reasons.

The barrier’s main components are ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, all different kinds of lipids. These must be present in the right proportion to keep the skin watertight. An impaired barrier will tend toward both dryness and sensitivity. Dryness results when skin moisture evaporates.

Sensitivity results when a deficient barrier permits the entry of outside irritants. Repairing the skin barrier with the right skin care products will help treat a variety of skin conditions. Incorporating key dietary nutrients, such as essential fatty acids and cholesterol, provides the necessary building blocks. Nutrient deficiencies can weaken your skin’s ability to repair and rebuild, which is why people who take cholesterol-lowering drugs often have dry skin. 

Natural Skin Treatment for Oily Skin

March 2, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

When you have oily skin, there is nothing more important to looking healthy than good natural skin care. While dry skin needs intense moisture, those who suffer with oily skin are plagued with too much moisture in the form of oil and the problems that come along with it. The good news is that natural oily skin care can solve these problems. 

One commonly overlooked advantage of oily skin is that it does not show signs of aging as quickly as dry skin. This is due to the extra moisture provided by the overactive oil glands. Oily skin care strikes a balance between the anti-aging advantages of oily skin and getting rid of excess moisture. Oily skin care will also make your skin radiant.

People with oily skin have to clean their face often and they are usually prone to suffering from acne. Overactive oil glands can lead to acne if you do not practice good oily skin care. Grime and dirt collect quickly on oily skin, blocking pores and promoting the growth of bacteria and the formation of acne.

By removing the excess oil through oily skin care cleansing, you can help prevent acne. Cleanse your skin with a natural cleanser made from natural ingredients and warm water for best results. A homemade natural cleanser can remove dirt and grime and will work miracles on oily skin.

After cleansing with a natural cleanser, rinse your face with warm water and then apply a toner, or astringent, made with natural ingredients from a recipe. A natural toner will get rid of excess oil without disturbing your skin’s pH balance or stripping your face of essential moisture.

Natural oily skin care made with natural ingredients is much better than using harsh products containing chemicals that may irritate your skin. In fact, chemical skin care products can often promote a serious oily skin condition called Seborrhea. In Seborrhea, the oil glands below the surface of the skin over produce oil to compensate for the loss of skin moisture through the use of chemical skin care products that over dry. The top layer shrivels due to the dehydration promoted by the chemical skin care product. It restricts the oil flow from the oil glands, which clogs pores and promotes acne. Natural oily skin care made with recipes using natural ingredients is best for oily skin and will help you avoid the condition of Seborrhea.

Those suffering from oily skin that is also scaly should consider an oily skin care scrub made from natural ingredients. A natural scrub will exfoliate your skin without stripping away necessary moisture.

Another great option for oily skin care is a natural facial mask. Natural clay masks will gently remove excess oil. Apply a natural mask containing natural ingredients from a recipe and then rinse with warm water. Then apply a natural oily skin care moisturizer.

Experiment with natural skin care by making your own oily skin care products at home with recipes and natural ingredients. By doing a little experimenting with different recipes, you will find the natural ingredients that work best for your oily skin. The more you experiment with ingredients and recipes, the better your natural oily skin care.

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