Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Six Common Skin Problems

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and can reflect our general health. In addition, our skin is probably the most abused organ on the body from environmental factors, stress, dehydration, sun exposure, etc. Our skin needs to be protected and nourished.

Problem #1: Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The major factors responsible for lines and wrinkles are mostly due to over-exposed skin to the sun. In addition, stress, hormones, heredity, and environmental factors also play a significant part. In order to reduce more fine lines and wrinkles from forming and demishing the ones you have, exfoliation is recommended as well as a rich moisturizing cream. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and stimulates new skin cell growth.

In addition, to eliminate additional fine lines and wrinkles from forming, you should wear a sun screen of SPF 15 or higher everyday. Most people believe that because they are not baking in the sun, a sun screen is not needed; however, most people do not realize just how much sun they are exposed to on a daily basis

Problem #2: Enlarged or Distended Pores

Enlarged or distended pores (blackheads) are due to trapped debris in the pores. The debris is a combination of dead skin cells and sebum (oil). The debris causes the pore to stretch or buildup and produce blackheads. Facial cleansers with an exfoliate are recommended for enlarged or distended pores. The exfoliating ingredient will open the pore and the cleanser will clean out the pore(s). In addition, after cleansing a skin toner should be applied to tighten the skin and close the pores. A moisturizer should only be applied after toning and closing the pores on your skin. If you do not have a toner, apply cold water to close the pores before applying any moisturizer.

Problem #3: Brown Spots aka Age Spots

Brown spots are caused from over exposure to the sun. The sun causes the cells that produce melanin to react and protect the inner layers of the skin. Melanin is the product that the body produces to get a tan. It is a protective reaction for the skins inner layers.

There are remedies on the market to remove brown spots such as laser surgery or use of retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) combined with bleaching agents such as hydroquinone and kojic acid. In addition, natural ingredients such as lemon or other fruit juices will lighten brown spots and at a fraction of the cost of the above therapies.

Again, as indicated above, sun screen is imperative to avoid brown spots on the skin.

Problem #4: Blemishes

Blemishes are usually due in part to the over production of sebum (oil) which can be attributed to stress and hormonal changes.

Mild to moderate breakouts, characterized by less than seven pimples a month, can be treated with over the counter products. This may include those treatments containing glycolic acid or retinol, which is potent for unclogging skin pores. Also, benzoyl peroxide, which is an antibacterial agent, can be applied. There is one specific ingredient that is particularly effective in treating blemishes รข€“ salicylic acid. This is actually an efficient exfoliate that dissolves skin oil.

In addition to over the counter remedies for blemishes there are a number of natural make at home products that are quite beneficial and not as harsh. A mild home remedy is listed below:

Mask with Baking Soda
(not baking powder)
Wash face thoroughly with a mid cleanser. Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Apply the paste to you face and leave on about 10 minutes. Rinse face and feel the difference.

Problem #5: Redness on the Skin

Rosacea is a condition that first appears as a flushing or subtle redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. It then progresses from intermittent mild redness to persistent ruddiness as well as permanent, dilated blood vessels and acne-like bumps.

Rosacea is not curable, but it responds well to treatment. Dermatologists usually recommend prescription topical and oral antibiotics. In addition, treatments such as Vbeam are available. Vbeam is a technique that repairs the broken capillaries and reduces the need for topical applications. Furthermore, there are over-the-counter treatments available and natural home remedies that reduce redness.

Problem #6: Dullness of the Skin

Dullness of the skin typically occurs around age 30. During this stage, the natural ability
of your skin to slough off dead cells from the surface slows down. When the dry and dead cells build up, the skin becomes dull. To freshen your skin and bring back a natural glow, consider regular exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells and improve circulation. In addition, set-up and follow a good skin care regime and your skin will thank you for it by its natural glow.


Author Resource:- For more skin care articles, natural cosmetics and homemade skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Total Skin Care - Not Just For Beauty Anymore

It is quite normal to expect people to want to look attractive and this might explain why anti-aging skin and beauty care products are so successful; this is due primarily to the fact we are all living longer and want to continue looking younger as we mature and age. This is done using skin and beauty care products that encourage the growth of the protein collagen which happens to be the main source of the protein used in the connective tissue of skin; collagen is plentiful, it makes up about a quarter of the total protein content of structural protein found in skin.

This area of anti-aging treatments is connected to another group of products that help people to look youthful; called antioxidants, they help flush out deadly toxins from the body and help reduce the signs of aging.

Although the benefits of vitamin C (an anti-oxidant) are well documented, it is still debated as to what our daily amount should really be. Skin care treatments that are based on vitamin C, pose the problem of becoming oxidized themselves as they come into contact with air during their usage.

More stable skin care treatments are now available that are almost as efficient and actually cost less to manufacture. Unfortunately the anti-oxidant products used to replace vitamin C are not as effective but as vitamin E and lipoic acid can both have the same effect; this is not too much of a problem.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant and is found in human blood; there is some evidence to show it helps prevent many diseases including cancer. On the other hand, lipoic acid or alpha-lipoic acid is necessary for producing energy which keeps us alive; it is also known to fight the signs of aging very effectively by repairing skin damage caused by the aging process.

Another group of product s used to reduce the visible signs of aging are phytochemicals which are compounds extracted from various plants and used in many anti-aging skin and beauty care products. Another benefit of phytochemicals, like those of alpha-lipoic acid, is their ability to reduce the prevalence of certain cancers; examples of these are:

*Prostate Cancer
*Breast Cancer
*Colon Cancer

These are some of the most common (and increasingly so) cancers in the world today. It has also been discovered that there are anti-aging benefits to vitamins B5, B6 and B12.

The field of anti-aging skin and beauty care products is vast and needs a great deal more research. While a great deal has been learned about this subject, it is only the tip of the iceberg; however, research is moving forward at a fast pace and it is only a matter of time before a new generation of products come to market.

There may be still be many challenges to overcome but in time scientists believe they will succeed in producing more effective anti-aging skin care products that are less expensive and more widely available.

It may be time to learn that not every synthetic anti-aging product is going to work; man-made products may never replace those that are naturally available! Regular sleep patterns, exercise, a good healthy diet and less stress will all contribute to reducing the signs of overall aging, for instance!
Author Resource:- For more anti-aging facts and what you can do to forestall it see: Total Skin Care eBook - Be sure to get your 5 FREE eBooks Instantly!

Mo Wala operates several websites including eBook Manic and Cell Phone Manic - Get 10 FREE Cell Phone Graphics Instantly

Monday, September 8, 2008

Wrinkle Free Beauty

There was a time when all women had to fight wrinkles from appearing on their face was moisture. They slathered on face cream before bedtime, and then as they grew older, they just added cream throughout the day. Since skin became drier as they aged, they tried to replace the moisture hoping that it would prevent wrinkles.



Of course, we now know that moisture is an important part of prevent signs of aging. But we also know that the form that moisture takes makes a lot of difference in how it helps your skin. You know that you can’t go into the kitchen and dip a handful of grease out of the deep fryer and rub it on your face in an effort to reduce wrinkles. Collagen, the body’s natural defense against aging, has been put into a lot of products to prevent aging, but collagen molecules are unable to pass through the skin’s surface.



What do you really want from an anti –wrinkle face cream? Some are formulated to reduce fine lines. Others promise to firm up sagging skin. Are you interested in preventing wrinkles in the future or reducing fine lines that you already have? Ideally, a product should be able to do both. You just need to know what ingredients to look for to choose a face wrinkle cream that will give you everything you need.



Any type of product you use on your face should be natural, or organic. That means it’s made from ingredients that were grown without using harsh chemicals and didn’t have chemicals added during processing. They also don’t contain parabens or fragrance so even the most sensitive skin won’t react when you use them.



You may think that there is no way to get a natural face cream that also has ingredients that will help fight wrinkles, but you can. One such ingredient is Cynergy TK. This unique ingredient fights fine lines and wrinkles, promotes skin’s elasticity, reduces redness from inflammation, and improves skin’s overall radiance and appearance. Made with Keratin, an ingredient that is present in the body and which gives structure to skin, and is broken down so your skin can absorb it when you apply topically.



Another of these ingredients is Nonobelle Coenzyme Q10. This is a vitamin-like substance that is already present in every cell of our bodies. The natural content of this ingredient is reduced under stress or from aging. Since Q-10 protects against harmful UV-A rays from the sun and reduces wrinkles, it is an important characteristic of your skin. Nono-Lipobelle H-EQ10 is in a form that lets Q10 penetrate deeply into your skin.



Phytessence Wakame is a powerful antioxidant that is derived from Japanese sea algae. It is rich in calcium and other important minerals and B-group vitamins. It increases skin elasticity and helps to heal irritated and dry skin.



You don’t have to use harsh chemicals to help fight the signs of aging. Products that contain natural ingredients are as, if not more, effective in helping you with your battle. It is possible to find an anti wrinkle face cream that is both natural and effective. It’s a way of helping your skin do what it normally does, only better.




Mark is a researcher dedicated to skin care and health products. He shares his research and findings on his website http://www.clear-skin-site.com If you would like more tips on reducing fine lines, damaged or wrinkled skin visit http://www.clear-skin-site.com now to find out which products Mark personally recommends.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Facial Care

Since time forgotten, people have had an obsession with youth and beauty. In ancient times the Royal Bride-To-Be was pampered with the rarest and most exquisite treatments, which sometimes lasted for months, so when she finally appeared before His Majesty, she would be the epitome of beauty. Today, every woman still aspires to achieve that same level of beauty...and that same level of confidence.

While heredity plays an important part in our skin health, environmental factors equally affect the skin. Today, with the right beauty treatment, there is no reason why every woman cannot look her beautiful, confident best.

Both men and women nowadays are concerned about looking young. Americans are spending billions of dollars on products that will help conceal their age right from hair dyes to plastic surgery. Many factors in today’s world can lead to premature ageing—inadequate diet, exposure to the sun, cigarette smoking, pollution, stress and emotions, too much alcohol, caffeine, and even too much sugar!

There are various anti-aging treatments available depending on the extent of treatment required.
Regular facials from your beautician are an excellent way to rejuvenate the skin and keep it soft and supple.
Botox means you no longer have to accept your wrinkles. It provides a way to temporarily eliminate brow furrows, frown lines and crow's feet. The results are only temporary.
When hyaluronic acid face fillers are not topically applied, they bind to water and provide volume to easily fill in larger folds of skin around the mouth and cheeks. A treatment lasts four to six months.
Face lifts mainly benefit the cheek and neck area. Incisions are made in the hairline of the temple, around the ear, and into the hair behind the ear. The skin of the cheek is then lifted and the excess removed.
Chemical peels and dermabrasion rejuvenate tired, dull-looking or damaged skin. Patients emerge with smoother, softer and healthier-looking skin.
Laser rejuvenation is another technique that can be used to refresh skin and correct some of the signs of aging, removing wrinkles and skin pigmentation.

Cosmetic surgery should be performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon. However, all of these procedures tend to be risky, painful and very expensive.

Before resorting to these treatments, there are non-invasive and less expensive facial skin care options that you may want to explore Simple tips combined with good skin care products will keep you looking young for a longer time to come! Eat plenty of fruits, get enough sleep, avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarette smoke. Keep your skin hydrated and use a good moisturizer if your skin is prone to dryness.

For women who are younger, begin taking care of your skin now! Use a good skin cleanser, exfoliate and moisturize regularly. Always use a sun screen lotion. Sun damage is the primary source for premature aging of the skin and loss of elasticity, which may lead to photoageing. Older women will need to study their skin and available skin products to determine the kind of treatment they will require.

A good night cream can be very effective in improving your skin health and retarding the aging process. Night creams are convenient as it does not interfere with a woman’s daily make-up. Men find it convenient as the application is not visible during the day. Besides that, there are some ingredients in night creams which actually work on your skin in the dark of the night!

Most night creams contain Vitamin A in the form of Retinyl Propionate and Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid. All Retinoids become inactivated by light. L-ascorbic acid is also very light sensitive and the sun’s ultraviolet light will destroy it quickly. When you apply this kind of facial cream at night, it will work for at least 8 hours while you sleep. Retinyl Propionate reduces wrinkles. L-ascorbic acid stimulates collagen and elastin, reduces pigmentation and acts as the major antioxidant in your skin.

Besides Vitamins A and C, a night skin product containing glycolic acid, a natural fruit acid, helps to exfoliate the skin. Night creams containing such ingredients have been shown scientifically to have a beneficial effect on aging skin.



New Vitality
Night Cream
Night Skin Product

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