Skin Care & Acne Treatment Articles

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Treating Adult Acne

2006-09-02T12:23:00.000+07:00

By Arricca Elin SanSone
Thought you were too old for acne? Learn all about treating the grown-up version.

More than 50 percent of women age 25 to 58 have some type of acne -- and all the angst that comes with it. And if you've bought an arsenal of drugstore pimple creams -- and still have pimples to show for it -- join the club. "For about one in four patients, adult acne doesn't resolve with just over-the-counter treatments," says M. Alan Menter, MD, chief of dermatology at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.

Pimples are basically clogged pores that become swollen and inflamed due to bacterial growth. But unlike the blackheads you had as a teen, adult acne typically comes in the form of hard, painful knots called cysts near the mouth, temples, and jawline. Cystic acne can leave dark spots or scars easily, so chronic sufferers should see a dermatologist. How can you beat breakouts? Start by addressing these hidden causes:

Hormonal fluctuations: Experts don't know why, but oil glands are more sensitive to hormonal shifts during your 20s and 30s. These fluctuations are the most common cause of adult acne.

Blemish buster: Birth control pills can help keep hormones steady, and may be enough to help reduce blemishes. For stubborn breakouts that don't respond to the pill alone, topical creams or gels that contain retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), such as Retin-A, can also unclog pores in mild to moderate cases. For more severe cases, topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clindamycin, or oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, work to reduce inflammation. (If you're pregnant, it's not safe to use these medications.) When other treatments have failed, your dermatologist may prescribe Accutane (isotretinoin). It is extremely effective, but carries some serious risks. Because Accutane can cause severe birth defects, you'll be required to use two types of contraceptives while taking it.

Stress: "One of the biggest acne triggers for women in their 30s is stress," says Stephen Webster, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, in Minneapolis. Stress causes the body to release cortisol, which spurs the production of hormones that overstimulate oil glands. "It becomes a cycle: You're under pressure, which triggers acne, which then makes you feel more stressed."

Blemish buster: Try some basic stress-relief techniques. Make sure you're eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. If you keep up these healthy habits for a month or two and still don't see any results, talk to a dermatologist about a prescription acne remedy.

Daily Grooming Products: "Nature gave us 600 oil glands per cubic centimeter on our noses, 400 on our cheeks, and 20 on our arms," says Marianne O'Donoghue, MD, associate professor of dermatology, Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke Medical Center in Chicago. Yet we use more products on our faces than any other body part, which can clog pores and trigger breakouts.

Blemish buster: Use only noncomedogenic (non-acne-causing) cosmetics, and make sure your moisturizer is oil-free. And try to avoid touching your face or resting your chin on your hands -- doing so can add dirt and bacteria to the areas most inflamed by adult acne and may further clog pores.

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Mature Skin

2006-09-01T12:19:00.000+07:00

How to Tell If This Type Is You

Are you suddenly seeing wrinkles, particularly around your eyes? What about your skin's texture: Does it seem less smooth than it used to? Finally, do you have beauty marks, which look like freckles on your nose but like spots on the rest of your face? If this sounds familiar, it's time to step up your skincare regimen to help keep signs of aging at bay.

How to Treat It
First, choose a cleanser with anti-aging ingredients, such as soy extracts, which feed your skin vital nutrients and can ward off future damage. Next up is an exfoliator, essential for boosting your skin's sluggish cell turnover rate (which in turn will increase smoothness). Finally, your daytime moisturizer must contain sun protection as well as antioxidants. Together, these ingredients help guard against lines and wrinkles. In the evening, you can use a moisturizer with a higher percentage of active ingredients; many are designed to work with the skin's natural ability to repair itself.

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Natural smoothie formula to stop acne

2006-08-25T22:53:00.000+07:00

Natural smoothie formula to stop constipation and acne
by: rudy silva
Here is how to build a natural smoothie that can stop constipation, relieve acne, improve your skin and give you more energy. The smoothie base is a liquid slurry that can be used to add more natural ingredients. The liquid base can be made from various fresh juices or rice, oat, or almond milks. I stay away from milk since milk creates mucus along the gastrointestinal lining.

Choose and mix any of the following liquids and pour them into a blender.
Juices – apple, pineapple, orange, tangerine
Milks – rice dream, oat milk, almond milk

I use a combination of 40% rice dream, 40% almond milk, and 20% apple juice. You can use the combinations you like. Sometimes I might just use all rice dream. Other times I will mix 75% almond milk with 25% fresh apple juice.

All of these juices provide liquid to your colon to help your stop constipation.

Sesame Milk
You can also make sesame milk and use this in your smoothies.
In his book, Blending Magic, Bernard Jensen, Nutritionist, has a real nice recipe for sesame milk.
“I believe that sesame seed is one of our best. It is a wonderful drink for gaining weight and for lubricating the intestinal tract. Its nutritional value is beyond compare, as it is high in protein and minerals. This is the seed that is used so much as a basic food in Arabia and East India.

Blend for 1- 1 1/2 minutes to make smooth,
·2 cups of distilled water
·1/4 cup of Sesame Seed
·2 Tablespoons Soy Milk Powder”

In place of 2 cups of distilled water use 1 cup of water and 1 cup of low fat rice dream and leave out the 2 tablespoons of soy milk powder. This will make this drink less fattening. I prefer not to give children soymilk or soy products because of their estrogen mimicking characteristics.

Banana Base
Next I always put in a banana. This gives the liquid a bit more thickness. Also bananas are high in potassium and other minerals. They contain little fiber and yet do not create constipation when used with other fiber fruits. Use bananas that are not spotted since at this point they are quite ripe and are more fattening.
I freeze bananas so when I am out of fresh ones I can use frozen ones.

Main Ingredients
Next I choose a fruit that will be the main ingredient. I use strawberries when they are in season, if you have fresh organic fruit, then this is the best way to create your smoothie. What I do is freeze fruit during its season so I can have some of this fruit a bit long than its seasonal run. If the fruit is organic, use the whole fruit without peeling. Whole fruits contain a lot of fiber that will help you stop constipation.

Choose from fruits that are in season.
·Avocado
·Cantaloupe
·Peach, mango, papaya
·Pineapple, apricots, apples
·Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
·Figs
·Dried prunes, peaches, apricots, figs

Nutrients to Add to Your Smoothie Base
Once you have your basic smoothie, you can add other nutrients that will provide you with additional fiber, oil, vitamins, minerals and many other nutrients.

Here is a shortlist of some of the ingredients you can add to your smoothies. Add only 2-3 other ingredients so your smoothie taste doesn’t get to complex or unusual. But can experiment with the different nutrients you wish to add.
·Almonds
·Beet Juice powder
·Black strap molasses
·Capra mineral whey
·Distilled water Ice cubes
·Fig Juice syrup
·Flaxseed and flax seed oil
·Honey, rice syrup
·Lecithin granules
·Powder vitamin C
·Raisins
·Rice or oat bran
·Sesame seeds
·Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
·Wheat germ

Making smoothies is fun and nutritional. Once you create the base slurry, then you can add many other natural ingredients the will give energy, stop constipation, clear acne, and provide many other health benefits.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. Visit also http://weight-loss-treatments.blogspot.com, http://skin-care-body-treatment.blogspot.com

Not Just Skin Deep: New Moles

2006-08-24T21:31:00.000+07:00

from bhg.com
Even if you've never had a skin scare, you can never be too vigilant about alerting your doctor to any changes in your skin, no matter how neurotic it makes you feel to report what may seem like a small matter. Three years ago, Patty Suessen did just that. Then 42, Suessen had gone to the dermatologist because she'd suddenly noticed a new mole on her right shoulder. While the mole didn't fit most of the signs she'd heard about, it had appeared out of nowhere, so she decided to have it checked out.

Suessen's instinct was right. Tests revealed that she had stage II melanoma -- the lesion was thickened and the cancer had spread to the lymph glands. Within the next few weeks, Suessen had surgeries to remove both the melanoma tumor and the adjoining lymph nodes.

"There is no proven way to prevent melanoma, so early detection is key," says Kaufman. In fact, despite continually rising incidence rates of melanoma, survival rates are also increasing. "It's not the treatments that are improving," says Marianne Berwick, PhD, head of epidemiology and cancer prevention at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, "but it's the fact that we're catching the disease earlier."

After surgery, Suessen's doctor recommended a year of interferon alpha injections. Her fast-paced job as a software trainer took a beating; the interferon made her feel constantly foggy and hampered her ability to think quickly on her feet. And that was on top of the other side effects: severe fatigue, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, and thinning hair.

While her employer was understanding during Suessen's treatment, she endured the experience largely on her own. She lives alone, and at the time of her diagnosis, she was helping to care for her elderly parents. She shielded them from the worst of her condition. Suessen also discovered that some of her friends just did not understand what she was going through.

"People are like, 'Oh, yeah, I had skin cancer, too. I had something removed right here,'" she says. Few of them realized that the disease was endangering her life, and she wasn't comfortable confronting them with this fact. "Some people don't realize how serious melanoma is. They think you can just lop it off and you'll be fine," says Casey Culbertson.

Melanoma patients often don't receive the support and acknowledgment that women with, say, breast cancer receive. With vastly more patients to serve, there are dozens of well-funded organizations dedicated to breast-cancer advocacy, education, and research, says Culbertson, while there are only a few (not nearly as well-funded) groups with the same mission for melanoma patients and their families.

The bottom line is that, despite constant health warnings and pervasive sun-safety campaigns, public awareness about the true dangers of malignant melanoma still hasn't taken hold. What would it take? For better or worse, it seems as if every disease, no matter how rare, has a celebrity spokesperson or an attention-getting fund-raiser or a color-coded accessory attached to it. Until melanoma gets the same attention, it's likely to continue to be underestimated and misunderstood. And that could be a deadly mistake.

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Is there any effective Acne treatments ?

2006-08-23T19:00:00.000+07:00

Just about everyone has acne at some time in their lives. This common skin problem has left a lot of people seeking an effective acne treatment that can be used by a wide variety of people. Pimples can occur anytime; they tend to appear on any individual and all over the place. This prompts many researchers to work towards finding the most ideal acne treatment.

One thing to consider is the intention behind the skin clearing strategy. There are various strategies for acne treatment, each with a specific purpose in mind. Two main reasons behind acne treatments are to clear breakouts and lesions from the skin and to prevent acne scars. These are the most significant motives for discovering the best approach.

The first purpose of clearing the skin from lesions and breakouts is maybe the more popular motive behind discovering the best acne treatment. One general rule is to only wash the area affected by acne twice every day. Aggressive washing can irritate the skin and make the condition worse.

Many doctors suggest a medication applied directly to the affected area. There are many topical medications intended as acne treatment. These products exfoliate the skin. The skin's uppermost layer is often covered with dead cells that can the pores. When the skin is exfoliated, the dead layer of skin is washed away, leaving a fresh new layer that is less likely to obstruct and cause acne problems.

The topical acne treatment is also planned to remove oils and bacteria that are present in pimples. The topical medicine pulls the dirt and oil out of the pores, causing the area affected by acne to improve rapidly. These medicines are also effective in decreasing inflammation associated with many acne breakouts. The reduction of redness and swelling makes the acne pimples less obvious.

After the skin is cleared, a lot of people end up with some acne scars. Another purpose for acne treatment is to avoid or even heal acne scarring. Because acne scars frequently vary in significance, the approaches vary as well. Some are quite basic while others have more impact. The individual chooses which acne treatment may be best suited, according to the significance of the scarring.

Dermabrasion is an example of a relatively simple method for treating shallow scars. The skin is massaged with a rotating brush that smooths the surface scars. The chemical peel is an acne treatment that removes scars using chemicals that remove the scarred skin.

More invasive approaches include scar excisions that remove the scar and pull the healthy skin together, and also punch grafting. Punch grafting involves removing the scar with a surgical hole-punch. The open plug where the scar originally was is replaced with a plug of new skin. With a bit of luck, an acne treatment will be designed that will eliminate the requirement for surgical approaches to acne scar removal, but for now these are very valuable for those suffering from acne scars.

About The Author:
Mary Milsent is the owner of Acne Scar Treatment Best Excellent information, articles and resources about acne are avaialble on this site.
Visit:
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Acne Treatment- Isotretinoin

2006-08-21T02:18:00.000+07:00

By: cdmohatta

Isotretinoin is a retinoid, means that it is derived from Vit A. The chemical name of Isotretinoin is 13-cis retinoic acid. Isotretinoin is a very effective drug for acne. It is normally prescribed for severe acne when other therapies fail. Isotretinoin should be taken very carefully because it can produce birth defects in fetus. While taking Isotretinoin, you should be always in contact with your doctor and report any side effect. You should also discuss about any possible pregnancy with your doctor if you are sexually active. Isotretinoin generally gives relief in severe acne and is a drug of choice for acne patients who may have lost hope about cure of their acne.

Prescription

Isotretinoin is prescribed for acne treatment. Isotretinoin works in treating acne by shrinking the sebaceous glands and reducing sebum production. Isotretinoin is anti-inflammatory and removes comedones. The treated skin is dry and inhibits the growth of acne bacteria. Isotretinoin is prescribed in case of severe acne, scarring acne, moderate acne that is not responding to other medication and every case of acne where doctor feels that Isotretinoin should be prescribed to get rid of acne. Isotretinoin may also be used for some other conditions that include- folliculitis, seborrhoea, chloracne and other diseases that look like acne.

The dosage of Isotretinoin will depend upon the severity of acne, body weight, other treatments being used at the same time etc. Your doctor is the best person to decide about the dose. Normally the treatment begins with small dose and as body adjusts to Isotretinoin the does is increased. Doctors also monitor the cure during this period and if they find that patient is not responding, they may stop the therapy. As Isotretinoin needs fat to help its absorption in body, it is taken after food. Please follow your doctors advise about these.

Side Effects- The common side effects of Isotretinoin are dry mouth, dry nose, thinning of hair, fatigue, dry skin, red itchy eyes, sore lips etc. If you experience any other side effects such as muscle aches, difficult walking, depression vomiting etc. please talk to your doctor immediately. Please discuss about side effects with your doctor before beginning of the treatment with Isotretinoin and report any expected or unexpected side effect immediately. Please note that you may not be able to wear your contact lenses for some time in the beginning of treatment with Isotretinoin. You are also not supposed to donate any blood while you are taking Isotretinoin and for one month after you stop taking it. Please talk about dos and do not with your doctor. You also must tell your doctor about any medicine or Vitamins that you are taking. You are not supposed to take any medicines without consulting your doctor while taking Isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin and Pregnancy

Isotretinoin can cause serious defects in the fetus. Therefore you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant. You should also tell your doctor if you plant to become pregnant or breast-feeding. You have to test yourself for pregnancy before you begin Isotretinoin and continue getting tested while taking Isotretinoin. Your doctor will explain the details to you. If you get pregnant while taking Isotretinoin you should stop taking it and call your doctor immediately. You must adopt two reliable methods of birth control for one month before taking Isotretinoin, continue while taking Isotretinoin and till after one month of stopping Isotretinoin. You should talk to your gynecologist and dermatologist in detail before taking Isotretinoin.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

More About cdmohatta: The author C.D.Mohatta writes on skin problems, skin treatments and skin care. You can visit his skin care guide for more information about how to have good skin.
Visit more tips and info about skin care, acne, weight loss, beauty at :
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Skin Care & Acne Treatment Articles: Spring Skin Care

Overdosing on sun?

2006-08-20T07:34:00.000+07:00

Certain medications can make you more vulnerable to sunburn.
You dutifully applied sunscreen before heading out the door, but even after brief sun exposure you're now lobster-red. According to Paul Doering, a professor at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, a medication you're taking could be the cause. Certain drugs, when combined with sun exposure, can result in an exaggerated sunburn or a red, bumpy rash. The most commonly used drugs that can cause heightened sun sensitivity, according to Debra Jaliman, M.D., a Manhattan-based dermatologist, include:

-Tetracycline, Etretinate, Retin-A and Accutane, which are often prescribed for acne or psoriasis -Griseofulvin (for fungal infections)
-Cipro, an antibiotic
-Sulfa, used to treat bladder infections
-Lariam, often given to travelers to prevent malaria
-Thiazides, for high blood pressure
-High-estrogen birth-control pills.

To avoid getting burned, ask your doctor if there is an alternative to your medication that doesn't cause sun sensitivity. Adjusting the dose may also help, as will limiting your exposure to the sun, applying plenty of sunscreen repeatedly and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.--Julia Cibul

Reported to prevent everything from heart disease to cancer to hot flashes, soy is the latest super food -- and lots of people are biting. But does soy live up to its rep?

Yes and no. While the heart benefits of eating soy are undisputed, the jury is still out as to whether soy is protective against cancer. Despite some research suggesting that it is, there is also conflicting evidence that the isoflavones in soy, which are estrogen-like chemicals, may actually stimulate cancer cells in women already at risk for hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer. More research is needed. (Studies are also mixed as to whether soy can ease menopause and PMS symptoms.)

Meanwhile, go ahead and enjoy soy, but steer clear of soy supplements, says Margo Woods, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. Compared to foods, these contain much higher doses of isoflavones.--Kim Atkinson

Source: LHJ.com - Ladies’ Home Journal online

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Stress Causes Acne?

2006-08-18T07:20:00.000+07:00

Study may prove the two are linked. Just about any busy woman could tell you that stress makes her skin breakout, but the science has always been sketchy.
Now a team of German researchers may have the first evidence that stress and acne are linked, CNN reports.

"At the beginning we thought this was a crazy hypothesis, that something connected to the central nervous system could have anything to do with the skin," said Christos Zouboulis, a professor at the Free University in Berlin.

Acne forms when oily secretions from the sebaceous glands beneath the skin plug up the pores. But what causes the oil to form in the first place? A stress hormone called corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is released in the sebaceous gland -- producing oily skin, which sets the stage for acne.

Researchers say it's too early to say for sure if stress actually causes the acne or just exacerbates the condition. More studies are planned. --Martha Miller

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Skin Care & Acne Treatment Articles: Spring Skin Care

2006-08-17T03:34:00.000+07:00

Spring Skin Care

2006-08-17T03:07:00.000+07:00

Spring Skin Care Updates
Are you still stuck in winter skin care mode? It's time to lighten it up.
By Lisa Kovalovich

Sure, your skin care routine may have worked wonders all winter -- but when warm weather breaks, it can leave your skin looking less-than-perfect. Most dermatologists recommend tweaking your routine, since the heavier products you use in winter may be too much for the spring and summer months. Here's how to update:

Oily skin

* Switch to a gel facial cleanser, which goes deeper than the lotion you may have used earlier in the year.
* If pimples are a problem, add a toner with witch hazel to wipe away pore-clogging oil.
* Choose a light lotion moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher; if your skin is becoming too greasy for a moisturizer, look for a gel-based sunscreen and skip the lotion altogether.

Dry skin

* Try a rinse-off lotion cleanser instead of the thicker tissue-off cream you may have used during winter.
* Skip toner, or use sparingly in only the steamiest, most humid weather.
* Look for a moisturizer containing SPF to ward off the sun's rays, and AHAs to slough off flaky patches.
* Apply your moisturizer at night, too.

Source: LHJ.com - Ladies’ Home Journal online ,
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Skin Care & Acne Treatment Articles

2006-08-15T20:00:00.000+07:00

Product Guide for Acne Scar

2006-08-15T19:46:00.000+07:00

write by Stella P

The good Acne Scar products will help reduce the appearance of scars on the skin and it must aid in deterring future acne breakouts from occurring if it is going to be an effective long term treatment. When treating the appearance of scars, the only way to change anything is to give skin the most basic factors that it requires to recover and become healthy.

Before purchasing and using an acne scar product, chances are you've been reading or watching the testimony of various people that have tried the different acne scar products. This is a great way to find out what people like, you got out of each acne scar product. One thing you should certainly be aware of though is the length of time that each person has been using a given product.

There are many acne products out there that have stunning results at first, and then aren't able to keep producing the good results. This can be the only result when the underlying issues are not addressed. Healthy skin needs only three basic things: water, rest and nutrients.

By being sure to drink at least two liters of water a day (women) or four liters a day (men), you can greatly reduce the amount of acne breakouts, while increasing your skin's ability to heal scar tissue from past breakouts. The addition of certain essential oils can also help speed healing of scar tissue.

Lemongrass is believed to be effective at helping to reduce the appearance of scars. IT should be diluted in a carrier oil or lotion for application. Try starting with about ten drops per each ounce of carrier substance, and increase up to thirty drops per ounce, if so desired.

You can also pair lemongrass essential oil with other essential oils that are generally supportive of the skin. For example, lavender essential oil is a hugely beneficial essential oil for all kinds of skin concerns. It is safe enough to apply undiluted to even the most broken and irritated skin. For a strong mixture of lavender with some lemongrass in it as well, try mixing five parts each carrier oil or lotion base and lavender essential oil. Then add one part lemongrass essential oil. Apply to the skin and gently rub into the area using deep circular motions.

To care for and diminish the amount of recurring acne breakouts, a basic cleansing regimen is required. In keeping with a natural approach, cleansing is done simply to help the body perform its own maintenance functions. With acne, the problem is that oil and bacteria become trapped in pores beneath old, dead skin cells. In order to remove this root cause of acne, we must cleanse the dead skin, oil and bacteria from the area.

It can be even more effective to include an exfoliation step in order to fully remove al of the dead skin cells that cling to and cover the healthy new cells. Better yet, combine cleansing and exfoliation to save time and effort, as well as maximize the cleaning power of the soap. When the dead surface cells are removed, soap will be much more effective at removing built up oil and stop any bacterial growth.

About the Author
Stella served as an assistant at a beauty clinic for 5 years before leaving to pursue a career as a beautician. She now owns a beauty salon where she has a monthly clinic on acne treatment. Please visit also http://skin-care-body-treatment.blogspot.com, http://www.scrubdoctor.com for more information

Sunscreens

2006-08-13T14:10:00.000+07:00

The single most important cause of premature skin aging and wrinkles is sun exposure, especially early in life. Sun damage also increases the risk for skin cancer. For these reasons, a good sunscreen is the most important skin cream you can buy.

Retinoids Reduce Wrinkles

2006-08-13T14:09:00.000+07:00

Vitamins don't generally reduce wrinkles, with the exception of the topical vitamin-A-based drugs called retinoids. Tretinoin, marketed as Retin-A and Renova, is the most common retinoid used in skin care. Others are undergoing clinical trials. Introduced in the 1970s as an acne treatment, tretinoin demonstrated an ability to fade actinic keratosis (scaly red patches that appear on sun-exposed older skin) and to speed the turnover of superficial skin cells. In 1996, the FDA approved Renova, which contains a 0.05% concentration of tretinoin, as the first drug to treat wrinkles.

Tretinoin reduces fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of new collagen. It also stimulates the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading "age spots" or "liver spots" (lentigines) and softening actinic keratosis. It takes 3 - 6 months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent, with best results after 6 - 12 months.

Because tretinoin can cause skin irritation, experts often recommend that it be used only every other day at first, with a gradual increase to nightly applications. Wear a sunscreen during the day when using tretinoin, because it increases skin sensitivity to sunlight. Tretinoin has to be used continually to maintain its benefits.

Several over-the-counter products containing retinoids, such as retinol, are now available. They may not be as effective in reducing wrinkles as tretinoin, but they do improve the appearance of photoaged skin. Tretinoin can be used with alpha hydroxy acids for additional skin-smoothing effects.
Source: LHJ.com - Ladies’ Home Journal online

Exfoliants

2006-08-13T14:08:00.000+07:00

Aging skin often looks rough and sallow because it doesn't slough off dead surface skin cells as easily as younger skin. Exfoliant ingredients added to moisturizers address this situation, improving the appearance of the skin by removing these cells.

Two chemical exfoliants, alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, lower the skin's pH level; this is believed to renew the skin more effectively than many scrubs, masks, soaps, toners, or abrasive cloths.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are obtained from fruits, including grapes, citrus fruits, and apples. Look for glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, hydroxycaprylic acid, alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid, triple fruit acid, or sugar-cane extract on the label. AHAs can also cause skin irritation and may increase sensitivity to UV radiation. The FDA has cautioned consumers to use only products that contain an AHA concentration of 10% or less and a pH of 3.5 or more (lower pH numbers are more acidic), and to apply a sunscreen along with AHA-containing products.

AHAs, particularly glycolic acid, are used in chemical peels in concentrations of 20%-30% or higher. An FDA review panel concluded that cosmetologists or skin aestheticians can safely use glycolic acid and lactic acid at concentrations not greater than 30% and with a pH not lower than 3.0 for brief skin-care sessions, provided that thorough rinsing and daily sun protection follow. In higher concentrations, AHAs should be applied only by physicians.

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). BHAs are chemically distinct from AHAs and are believed to smooth skin without some of AHAs' irritating effects. The most widely used BHA is salicylic acid, and like its relative aspirin, it has antiinflammatory properties. It also doesn't penetrate as deeply as AHAs do. Moreover, salicylic acid is more effective than AHAs for exfoliating oily areas of the skin, making it useful if you have oily skin or problems with adult acne.

BHAs and salicylic acid can be found in many acne products at effective levels of 1.5%-2%. But anti-wrinkle products containing these ingredients tend not to list the percentage on their labels, so it's difficult to know whether they contain sufficient amounts to be effective. Other BHAs include beta-hydroxybutanoic acid, tropic acid, and trethocanic acid.

The FDA recommends that BHAs first be used on a small patch of skin, to see whether irritation occurs, and that you use a sunscreen with BHA products, as they can increase the skin's sun sensitivity.

Source: LHJ.com - Ladies’ Home Journal online

Vitamins and Antioxidants

2006-08-13T14:06:00.000+07:00

In practice, there's no proof that topically applied vitamins or antioxidants do much at all. Nor is it known whether they remain active long enough to prevent cell damage, promote new collagen production, or confer other benefits.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), for example, quickly loses potency when exposed to the air. Thus, it's unlikely that vitamin C in skin creams offers much benefit. Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) is believed to improve the appearance of scars and help speed wound-healing, but there's no evidence that it does. And in some people, topical vitamin E causes allergic reactions.

Most studies have examined vitamins C and E as potential ingredients in sunscreens rather than as agents meant to reduce or prevent wrinkles. They've demonstrated some effectiveness against UVA and UVB damage. But only vitamins taken internally qualify as antioxidants.
Source: LHJ.com - Ladies’ Home Journal online

The Claims

2006-08-13T13:53:00.000+07:00

As we get older, our skin undergoes changes that make it feel, act, and look different from younger skin. Its outer cells don't slough off as easily, it doesn't retain as much moisture as it once did, and its support fibers, collagen and elastin, break down. Plus the sun takes its toll. The result is most obvious in our faces, where fine lines appear around the mouth and eyes and the skin sags a bit with the pull of gravity.

The FDA doesn't regulate cosmetic claims, which are allowed without scientific substantiation. Cosmetics can promise to "firm" or "repair" skin or to make you "look younger," and these benefits needn't be proven. But only a few substances have a demonstrated ability to reduce or prevent wrinkles, and even those effects are modest. Fortunately, most skin-care products contain harmless ingredients. Their biggest offense may be their price.

Source: LHJ.com - Ladies’ Home Journal online

Acne Program - Step 9 Protein and 0ther Food to Eat

2006-08-12T15:02:00.000+07:00

by: rudy silva
Eating the right kind of food is what can give you a strong immune system and help you prevent sickness and all kinds of skin blemishes including acne.

Here are some of the foods that can help you overcome the acne on your face or throughout your body.

Protein
Eating excess meat is harmful to your health. Eating too much meat, more than 2-4 ounces per day, has been found to contribute to narrowing of the arteries.

If you do physical labor and are involved in a lot of movement in your work, then you should eat more than 2-4 ounces of protein per day. Just make sure that the meat has a minimum of additives and preservatives.

Remember, meat is high in saturated fat, which blocks the activity of EPA and DHA, which produce prostaglandin and control the activity of your hormones.

Meat and bread is a big contributor to creating constipation. Meat is difficult to digest and many times it will get into the colon partial digested. This condition benefits the bad bacteria and allows them to dominate the colon and create constipation.

Because meat and bread have little fiber, they move slowly in the colon, which leads to constipation and eventually to some type of colon inflammation.

Bad bacteria, decaying meat and other undigested food contribute to the build up of toxic matter in the colon. This is the type of condition you should try to avoid, if you have acne. You need fecal matter in the colon to move regularly and out the rectum, otherwise, toxic matter will build up and end up in your blood stream

Here are the grains you should be eating:

* Brown rice - contain many amino acids that help rebuild skin tissue
* Whole grains - contain folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E, B vitamins, minerals, and fiber
* Oats - use them in the morning with honey or raisins. Oats have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and help to keep you regular.

Seeds and nuts
* Almonds - Almonds contain protein, the B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Use them as a snack. These small nuts help to build muscles and tissue.
* Flax seeds - These seeds are known for containing plenty of omega 3 oil, an essential oil for life. They also contain fiber when used ground up and put into smoothies. Omega 3 is also an anti-inflammatory oil, which is good for acne.
* Pecans - This is one of the good nuts to eat. It contains Vitamin A, B's, C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. Use them as a snack.
* Pine nuts - these nuts also one of the best to eat. They contain vitamin A, C, B's, protein and iron.
* Sesame seeds - They are high in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. They are helpful in relieving various skin diseases such as acne by reducing the swelling.
* Sunflower seeds - These seeds should be used as a snack. They are high in protein, calcium and vitamin A. They provide nutrients for building the whole body and are good for dry skin.

All of these nuts and seeds should be eaten raw. Heating and other processing will kill the life force of the nut or seed and also reduce the quantity of the vitamins and minerals.

Eat these nuts and seeds as snacks. Sesame seeds, sunflower, and flax seeds can be put directly into your blender as you make your smoothies.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call "natural-remedies-thatwork.com." More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.

Overdosing on sun?

2006-08-12T15:00:00.000+07:00

Certain medications can make you more vulnerable to sunburn.
You dutifully applied sunscreen before heading out the door, but even after brief sun exposure you're now lobster-red. According to Paul Doering, a professor at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, a medication you're taking could be the cause. Certain drugs, when combined with sun exposure, can result in an exaggerated sunburn or a red, bumpy rash. The most commonly used drugs that can cause heightened sun sensitivity, according to Debra Jaliman, M.D., a Manhattan-based dermatologist, include:

* Tetracycline, Etretinate, Retin-A and Accutane, which are often prescribed for acne or psoriasis
* Griseofulvin (for fungal infections)
* Cipro, an antibiotic
* Sulfa, used to treat bladder infections
* Lariam, often given to travelers to prevent malaria
* Thiazides, for high blood pressure
* High-estrogen birth-control pills.

To avoid getting burned, ask your doctor if there is an alternative to your medication that doesn't cause sun sensitivity. Adjusting the dose may also help, as will limiting your exposure to the sun, applying plenty of sunscreen repeatedly and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.--Julia Cibul

Soy sense
Reported to prevent everything from heart disease to cancer to hot flashes, soy is the latest super food -- and lots of people are biting. But does soy live up to its rep?

Yes and no. While the heart benefits of eating soy are undisputed, the jury is still out as to whether soy is protective against cancer. Despite some research suggesting that it is, there is also conflicting evidence that the isoflavones in soy, which are estrogen-like chemicals, may actually stimulate cancer cells in women already at risk for hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer. More research is needed. (Studies are also mixed as to whether soy can ease menopause and PMS symptoms.)

Meanwhile, go ahead and enjoy soy, but steer clear of soy supplements, says Margo Woods, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. Compared to foods, these contain much higher doses of isoflavones.--Kim Atkinson.

Source: LHJ.com - Ladies’ Home Journal online

Molluscum

2006-08-12T14:51:00.000+07:00

How should we get rid of this rash? By Alan Greene, MD, FAAP

Molluscum contagiousum is a common viral infection of the skin caused by a pox virus -- sort of like chickenpox. But the molluscum virus is slower, quieter, and less dramatic. It does usually go away on its own, without any treatment at all and with no scarring. But, on average, it takes six to nine months to disappear and can take quite a bit longer, especially in kids with eczema where it usually lasts a couple of years.

One treatment for it is liquid nitrogen (a brief six- to nine-second application) which may cause a bit of pain; about one-third of kids say it hurts, about one-third don't report much of anything, and about one-third say it feels weird. It can feel either hot or cold, even though it is actually very cold. Another treatment option is liquid cantharidin, which is an irritant. It usually doesn't hurt at the time, but the bumps get red and tender before they fall off. The other successful treatment is to use a comedo extractor (a little tool that pulls the plug out of the middle), which feels sort of like a shot.

With all three of these treatments, sometimes just treating a few of the bumps will cause the body to recognize the rest and get rid of them.

Less common treatment options include laser therapy or wart medications, such as DuoFilm or Verrusol.
Post in : Molluscum

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Source: HealthyKids.com - Healthy Kids online

Why Don't Acne Cures Work?

2006-08-12T14:49:00.000+07:00

by: GSET Publishing
Quite a bit of money can be spent searching for acne cures that work. There are so many products available, that it is hard to know which one’s to try. You try one product, only to be disappointed, and then spend a lot of money on another system that claims it will cure your acne, only to be disappointed again. It seems to be a never ending cycle of looking for a cure, thinking you’ve found an acne cure, then being disappointed all over again.

The biggest problem is that people don’t give the acne cures enough time to actually work, switching from one product to the next on a weekly basis. It can take up to three months for an acne treatment to cure your acne, and you may even notice that your acne appears to be getting worse before it starts to get better. Failure to follow the product directions is another common problem. Using too much of the acne medication can be just as much of a problem as not using it enough, causing your skin to become irritated.

The problem may not be the acne cures. Too often, people depend solely on the acne medication to cure acne, when in fact other lifestyle changes are needed. In many cases, medicinal acne treatments are not even required if you find that something else in your life is causing the acne. Most people don’t think in terms of what is causing the acne in the first place, concentrating solely on curing the existing acne. But, in order to cure it for good, you must first determine what is causing it. Then, you will have your acne cure.

Science has shown us that acne is caused by excessive sebum production. With that proven, it is up to you, and possibly your health care provider, to determine exactly what is causing your body to produce excess sebum.

Other than the medication, you have to look at how you care for your skin. You must wash your face well at least twice each day, stop wearing makeup - which only serves to clog your pores even more, drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and exercise at least three times a week. Many people don’t realize it, but exercise relieves stress and helps remove toxins from the body through sweat. Both stress and toxins contribute to acne, which is why exercising regularly can actually be an acne cure for you.

Furthermore, you must keep your hair and your hands off your face. Hair and hands contain oils that contribute to acne. Squeezing or popping acne pimples is another problem, because it spreads the bacteria, and often causes scarring as well.

You may have a food allergy that is causing your acne. If this is the case, a visit to an allergy specialist, determining what foods you are allergic to, and eliminating those foods from your diet will cure your acne in most cases. Many people don’t realize that they have food allergies, although most of us actually do, and in many cases, the only symptom that there is an allergy is, in fact, an acne breakout!

Making simple lifestyle changes may be the best acne cure available to you, and you may be pleasantly surprised at the results - especially considering how small the changes are. You should also increase your intake of vitamins A and E, as both of the vitamins promote healthy skin. You can take supplements, or eat foods that are rich in one or both of these vitamins. This small change can also help to cure or prevent acne.

However, if making these small lifestyle changes, and using over the counter acne treatments does not provide an acne cure for you, it may be necessary for you to visit a dermatologist to determine what will work. There are many different treatments available that have proven to be effective acne cures. While most of the acne cures your dermatologist will recommend can be expensive, they are usually well worth the cost. Again, make sure that you give the treatment time to work, and follow the directions of your dermatologist for use of the medication.

About the Author

Acneteam.com strives to provide you with the latest information with regard to acne, the best acne treatments, the "old wives' tales" and acne cures(http://www.acneteam.com/acne-cures.html). Don't blame the blemishes, we love to help! See for yourself at: AcneTeam.com(http://www.acneteam.com/)

Soothing a Sunburn

2006-08-12T14:45:00.000+07:00

How should I treat my baby's sunburn?
By Alan Greene, MD, FAAP

With sunburn or any other burn, there can be ongoing damage as long as the skin is hot, so cooling off is wise, such as in a lukewarm bath. Once you've cooled off, the greatest ongoing damage comes from the skin drying out, so a soothing moisturizer is good for as long as the burn lasts. I like using one with aloe vera in it. Cool compresses are great, followed by moisturizer containing aloe and/or vitamin E oil.

As for the "caine" remedies for sunburn pain, I'm not a big fan. They can cause allergic reactions and don't work all that well.

I like ibuprofen for the pain. It works best when the pain is caused by inflammation (red, tender, hot, or swollen tissue.) It is anti-inflammatory so it stops the pain at the site of the inflammation. Acetaminophen can work instead or in addition, but it does not help inflammation. It just works at the pain centers in the brain.
• Click here to read more about Dr. Greene >>

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Source: AmericanBaby.com - American Baby online

Dangerous Anti-Itch Creams

2006-08-12T14:42:00.000+07:00

Can anti-itch creams be dangerous for my child?
By Alan Greene, MD, FAAP

One would expect common first-aid creams to be fairly safe. However, there have been tragic, accidental deaths of young children caused by common over-the-counter remedies. Young children love to explore and experiment and put things in their mouths. These children had actually ingested a seemingly innocuous ointment or cream. They were dead minutes later.

The dangerous ingredient is called dibucaine. It's a powerful, topical anesthetic in the same class as Novocain or lidocaine. Of all the "caine" anesthetics, dibucaine is known to be the most lethal, if taken internally. Topical use is usually safe.

Dibucaine is an important ingredient in some ointments and creams commonly used to treat sunburn, insect bites, minor burns, cuts, scrapes, and scratches. It's sold as a pain-relief cream, an anti-itching cream, and as an ointment used to relieve discomfort from hemorrhoids. Somehow, first-aid creams seem safer than prescription drugs, and tubes of cream seem safer than bottles of pills. Appearances can be quite deceiving.

If taken internally, even small amounts of dibucaine can cause children to vomit, convulse, and turn blue -- followed by death from respiratory and cardiac arrest. This has happened to children within 10 to 20 minutes of putting a tube in their mouth.

Thankfully, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires child-resistant tops for tubes containing more than 0.5 mg of dibucaine (or more than 5.0 mg of lidocaine).

Used as directed, these are safe, effective remedies. Young children, however, don't always follow directions. Make sure you keep all ointments and creams under the same lock-and-key as you keep prescription drugs and other medications.

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.
Source: HealthyKids.com - Healthy Kids online

Natural Back Acne Treatments

2006-08-07T21:51:00.000+07:00

By: Mike Singh

Back acne, like other forms of acne is caused by hormones acting on the oil producing glands in the skin. This interaction leads to clogged pores and outbreaks on the surface of the skin. Natural back acne treatments are available to help deal with both the external outbreak and the infection that occurs under the surface of the skin.

The following list of natural remedies for back acne has provided relief and comfort for many. Try them out for yourself:

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is applied directly to the surface area of the infected skin. The oil penetrates the skins surface helping to control the infection while keeping the surface skin supple and hydrated. Tea tree oil soap may be used to treat the whole back and prevent further breakouts.

Capsule Supplements

Some evidence indicates that supplementing the diet with capsules containing Brewers yeast, potassium, magnesium and zinc help as a natural back acne treatment.

Lavender Essential Oil

When used as a natural back acne treatment lavender essential oil is rubbed on the skin surface. It stimulates circulation to the infected area, helping to naturally cleanse the tissue. It is also a natural antiseptic and is used to treat wounds and burns to prevent scaring.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has strong astringent properties and may be helpful in cleansing the skin area around a breakout of back acne or as a cooling toner that can be applied to the back as a natural acne treatment.

Aloe Vera

While aloe vera does not stop outbreaks, it is a very effective natural back acne treatment for skin repair and reducing redness, swelling and scaring. Aloe vera is applied in gel form after a thorough washing of the affected area.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar

This product, found in most health food stores, can be effective in treating back acne. Apply the apple cider vinegar, diluted with three parts water, to the acne at least twice a day. After a week increase the strength of the solution to half and half. If there is no irritation you can dab on the apple cider vinegar full strength. The astringent properties of the vinegar help clear up the acne. Discontinue use or go back to a weaker dilution if skin becomes irritated or burns after application.

More About Mike Singh: Mike Singh is the publisher of www.stopping-acne-now.com/ On his website, he provides articles about the best treatment for adult acne and fast removal of acne scars.

Acne, the Scourge of Youth

2006-08-07T21:49:00.000+07:00

By: Frances Coleman

Plan a date; get ready for the prom, set the date for your senior picture or just want to look nice. What always happens; you know, acne, a zit as big as a cabbage lands on your face or on your nose. You feel like an alien in a land of smooth skinned movie stars. Why don’t the popular kids get acne? What are they doing that you aren’t doing. Why me; why me; why does this always happen to me. I’m a good person; why am I plagued with acne. No one knows for sure why people, especially teenagers, get acne. In the fifties and sixties, teens were told that chocolate caused acne or eating too much fried food caused acne. No one really knew anything to do except use Noxzema and pray. There were only acne treatments, no cures. Having acne was seen as a rite of passage.

Today we know much more about acne and acne treatments. Some people have acne so bad that they take prescription medicine so strong that they must sign that they will not get pregnant while taking the drug. Other people take natural acne treatments because the idea of using potentially harmful treatments scares them more than the acne. The major problem with acute acne is that it can cause acne scars so bad that people have to seek acne laser treatments to improve their skin. Still others go to the grocery store and find over the counter acne products. As anyone who has ever suffered from acne will tell you, acne can rob you of your dignity and your feelings of self-worth. Our outward appearance, especially during the teen years, is so important. I know, “Pretty is as pretty does.” Well, pretty never seems to have acne.

People can be so cruel to acne sufferers. They can call you tomato face, pimple face, scar man or hundreds of ugly taunts. Because teens need to look good to feel good about themselves, the market for acne treatments is enormous. Commercials on television are always advertising the latest in acne medications especially during teen shows. The kids on the show always have smooth, blemish free faces and look exactly like every teen wants to look. Teens want to buy whatever acne medication is new and different in the hope that this new acne treatment will work better than others.

There are even infomercials about acne treatments and acne cover-ups. These infomercials show adults who are looking for make-up to cover-up acne or acne scars. This heavy make-up does seem to cover up scaring or acne on the people doing the infomercial. There are also infomercials about adult acne solutions. Unfortunately, some adults do still get acne. There is a huge market of acne medications or acne treatments for adult acne, not on just the face but also for people who suffer from acne back. Shame makes these people fear others seeing their acne.

One truth remains. There is no cure for acne but there are steps that can be taken to help prevent it. People who think that youth is wasted on the young probably never had acne.

More About Frances Coleman: After years as an educator and more degrees than she can count, Frances Coleman now writes professionally. She is a prolific reader with an advanced degree in research techniques. Learn more ways to prevent acne.

Skin Care & Acne Treatment Articles

2006-08-07T21:47:00.000+07:00

How You Can Use Your Diet as a Major Component for Your Natural Skin Care Program

2006-08-07T21:42:00.000+07:00

By: Douglas Alp

With so much emphasis today on staying healthy and looking good we see many remedies for skin care and a healthy look, that it is sometime very confusing. Although there are many great products being marketed today there are also many things that one can do to assist your body in creating and producing beautiful skin from the inside out. The following foods incorporated into your diet will make your natural skin care program work in synergy with your body to produce beautiful skin.

People spend a lot of money every year to look good. To have beautiful smooth wrinkle free skin but neglect to give the attention to the foods that they consume that will add to their beautiful skin. It is not enough to just exfoliate, and use the lotions and potions to have beautiful skin. Beautiful skin comes from the generation of healthy vibrant cells being produced from within your body.

One of the most important substances you can put into your body to aid in producing excellent skin is water. Water flushes toxins out of your body, it help you loss weight and is a major source of hydration. If you are only putting a moisturizer on top of your skin this is not enough. How about adding moisture to your skin from the inside by drinking plenty of clean purified water.

Your diet and the foods you consume not only affect your skin but your overall health. If you choose to put garbage in your body you will get garbage out. So for starter I’ll tell you what to avoid. Avoid greasy fatty foods and processed food. Being today to put wholesome fresh foods into your body and let that nutrition rebuild and keep your skin and entire body vibrant and healthy.

For starters you should be consuming foods that contain vitamin C. Vitamin C promotes healing, help rebuild collagen, and produces skin with elasticity and firmness. Food such as citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage are high in vitamin C and can help in reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

Green tea is also an excellent anti-oxidant which improves your immune system and is an excellent substitute for coffee.

Soy proteins which have a high amount of amino acids, flavonoids and vitamin E help the skin retain moisture and give the skin a smooth appearance.

The essential fatty acids which are your omega 3’s and 6’s are the good fats that the entire body needs. These good fats will help your skin, hair, nails, muscles and all your cellular functions. It will help to clear up blemishes and reduce wrinkles. Food like olives, olive oil, almonds and avocados are excellent sources of your good fats. Also fresh fish like salmon will provide a good source of your omega 3’s and 6’s.

And let’s not forget our greens. Vegetables such as spinach, collard greens, and kale are high in vitamins A, C and E. They also contain good amounts of iron and fiber. These foods help to reduce wrinkles and give your skin a healthy look.

Another great food to help your skin and your immune system is yogurt. Yogurt contains friendly bacteria which help improve your digestion which in turn improves your immune system. An improved immune system will definitely support your largest organ, your skin.

One other food that will assist your body and your immune system to produce healthy skin is garlic. Garlic is high in anti-oxidants and has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. It will assist your body and immune system to stay healthy and fight off infections and disease.

And now the best part. For all you people who desire great healthy looking skin this will probably be your favorite part. Cocoa powder which is found in chocolate is very high in polyphenol anti-oxidants. It has twice the anti-oxidant properties of red wine and three times the anti-oxidant properties of green tea. Dark chocolate typically has the highest percentage of cocoa. I have seen some dark chocolates as high as 83% cocoa. Now remember everything in moderation. Don’t go and eat a box of chocolate every day. Just a small piece every few days and only eat the finer dark chocolates with the highest amounts of cocoa.

You see there are many excellent nutritious foods you can consume that will add to your natural skin care program and will also help with your overall health and well being. So eat well, look good and keep your skin healthy from the inside out.

Article Source:
eHealth Articles
Douglas is in pursuit of the complete life which beings with optimal health at the core and is the foundation for a great abundant life. If you are interested in building a healthy and vibrant body and mind in pursuit of a complete life visit www.mycompletelife.com

Simple Over the Counter Acne Treatments

2006-08-07T21:30:00.000+07:00

By: Tony Buel

Everyone deals with acne at some stage in their life. Some will experience it worse than others. Some forms of acne will be more mild than others. The vast majority of people will, however, be in the middle somewhere.

Although there may not be a direct linkage, acne may be aggravated by factors such as stress, diet, air quality and life-style choices. But the main factors causing acne are: hormonal imbalances and genetics. Everyone, at some time in their lives will go through a period of time when their hormones seem to get messed up (puberty and pregnancy are prime examples) and if acne is your genetic trait -- you're stuck with it.

Fortunately, there are many over the counter (OTC) medications available to help people deal with acne. How well they work for you will pretty much be determined by three factors: the product's active ingredients, the cause of the user's acne and the user's skin type.

Not all acne products will work the same way because of the different ingredients used. The active ingredient salicylic acid works by reducing the amount of dead skin. The active ingredient benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the P.acnes bacteria (a naturally occurring bacteria in the skin).

Following are descriptions of the active ingredients you will find used in most over-the-counter acne medications:

Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is the 'wonder drug' in the acne treatment industry; it works by reducing the natural P.acnes bacteria and reduces the quantity of dead skin cells. By performing these two actions, benzoyl peroxide manages to lessen the effects of two of the main causes of comedones (the large, deep, pus-filled pimples that are the trademarks of acne). Benzoyl peroxide has been used for years in acne treatment medications since being discovered to be very effective in treating mild acne.

You will find (on the Internet) many 'personal' recommendations for benzoyl peroxide and details about how it was used to successfully treat acne. But as with all medications, use an acne product with benzoyl peroxide as instructed on the product label or as instructed by a physician. Benzoyl peroxide, when over-used, has the side-effect of drying out your skin and can also discolor any fabrics or materials it comes into contact with, e.g., shirts, towels, sheets, etc.. Benzoyl peroxide is available as a lotion or gel and can be used as a preventative acne treatment even after your acne has cleared up.

Alcohol and acetone: Alcohol and acetone are used together in some over-the-counter acne medications. The alcohol kills external bacteria while the acetone makes the skin less oily.

"Herbal", "organic" and "natural" products: You will find some OTC products with labels such "herbal," "organic" and "natural;" these products are generally put on the market to appeal to the people who are attracted to products with those labels. The products themselves may or may not be beneficial for acne and actual results have proven inconclusive.

Resorcinol: The active ingredient resorcinol has been found to work well on small acne blemishes and can be found in some OTC products combined with sulfur.

Sulfur itself has been used in a number of OTC medications for decades. You will find this usually in combination with active ingredients such as alcohol, salicylic acid and resorcinol. Sulfur has been found be an effective acne treatment for some people but it does not seem to be known exactly how it works to clear up acne. Also, products with sulfur will tend to have an unpleasant smell.

Salicylic acid: The active ingredient salicylic acid is generally effective for acne blemishes when there is no inflammation present. Salicylic acid acts by unclogging clogged-up pores to reduce the number of acne blemishes formed -- it does this by minimizing the amount of dead skin cells; it has no known effect on the production of sebum or the production of the P.acnes bacteria. Just as is recommended with products containing benzoyl peroxide, products with salicylic acid as the active ingredient should be used even after the acne clears up to prevent its return. One possible side-effect of salicylic acid is skin irritation in some people.

Remember -everyone's skin is different! Some people have generally dry skin, some have generally oily skin and most people have a combination of the two on different areas on our bodies. Acne in areas of oily skin will respond better to a gel based acne product. Acne on dry skin will respond better to a cream.

Those with sensitive skin should not use real strong acne medication. It may lead to skin irritation or even make your acne worse!

Some of the milder acne treatments can be used as a preventative measure and some (like those with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid) are recommended as post-acne preventative measures but many are too strong and will irritate your skin.

If you have anything but a mild, seemingly manageable case of acne, an OTC medicine may control it and eventually get rid of it. If, however, your acne seems out of control or painful or too stressful to handle by yourself, be sure to see a get to a dermatologist!

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Acne Tips Discipline

2006-08-07T21:26:00.000+07:00

Basic Acne Washing Routine
Before you attempt the other acne treatment techniques you must be sure that you are currently using the proper washing routine. Keeping your face clean requires that you wash it two times per day, three times at the most. You must be very careful to avoid overdoing it. Skin must maintain the proper pH levels to remain healthy. Over washing will make your face dry and irritated causing more breakouts. Many times individuals will vigorously scrub their skin when they wash it. I do not recommend this because such treatment will only serve to irritate the skin causing more breakouts.

Note, acne is not caused by "dirty" skin it is the result of clogged pores infected with bacteria. Therefore, washing alone does not prevent acne. Washing is no mystery treatment, in fact washing alone will not prevent acne. It simply serves to remove dirt and oil at the surface level. Although washing alone may not prevent acne, the wrong type of washing can aggravate acne making it worse.

Follow these recommendations: wash your face by gently rotating your soap lathered hands on your face. I do not recommend face cloths as they may irritate the skin. Use a mild nonabrasive soap. Rinse well with warm water. Using a clean soft towel, gently pat dry your face.

Touching
Perhaps one of the most often overlooked remedies. Stop putting your hands by your face! I am often guilty of this resting my hand on the side of my head while reading. Also rubbing or bracing your chin is another common problem when thinking. Avoid rubbing, touching, or itching your skin with your hands. Your hands contain a lot of bacteria that can cause acne flare-ups. Also be careful of the telephone. Clean them often with rubbing alcohol because they sometimes come in contact with the face causing more acne.

It is probably one of the most difficult things to avoid since much of the hand to face contact throughout the day we are unconscious of. Make it a habit to avoid hand contact and be conscious of it during the day to avoid bacteria.

Water
Water helps the body flush out toxins and transport nutrients to the body. Drinking water puts less strain on the skin organ to flush out toxins. The recommended amount of water you should drink is at least half your bodyweight in ounces of water( a 140lb. individual should drink 70 ounces/day ). While water alone will not eliminate your acne it will greatly assist your skin in remaining healthy and that will be one portion of the pie in fighting acne.

Caloric Intake
We are also pleased to announce some ground breaking scientific research that we uncovered while researching the role of diet and acne. We have discovered several scientific studies that illustrate what many individuals have probably overlooked or are unaware of in their diets today. Specifically it is excess caloric intake (the amount of daily calories consumed beyond those required to sustain your current body weight). You can adversely affect your acne levels through altering your diet, simply by consuming excess calories. Several scientific studies have proven this.

The scenario goes basically like this: the process of increasing your caloric intake is by nature an anabolic process for your body. When this anabolic process is put in motion your natural hormonal levels increase. Yes, that's right your testosterone(responsible for acne) will increase beyond their normal levels within your body. So, you should not be consuming excessive calories in your diet beyond those needed to maintain your current body weight. Recall that increased levels of testosterone will increase sebum production levels that result in more pimples.

And for those individuals requiring scientific proof or others that wish to examine this very important issue further, we direct your attentions to the following scientific study references:

A.N. Chiang, et al., "Excess Energy and Nitrogen Balance at Protein Intakes Above the Requirement Level in Young Men," Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 48 (1988) : 1015-1022.

G.B. Forbes, et al., "Hormonal Response to Overfeeding," Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 49.4 (1989) : 608-611.

G.B. Forbes, et al., "Lean Body Mass in Obesity," Int. J. Obes. 7.2 (1983) : 99-107.

Jebb, et al., "Changes in Macronutrient Balance During Over- and Underfeeding Assessed by 12-Day Continuous Whole-Body Calorimetry," Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 64 (1996) : 259-266.

Diet
Specific foods have not been proven to affect acne. However it is important to note that good nutrition helps the body maintain healthy skin. There have been some scientists suggesting that caffeine products and excessively salty foods aggravate acne in certain individuals. If you notice that certain foods aggravate your acne then the best advice is to limit or avoid them in your diet.

So what foods should you look into? Well, examine foods high in iodine. Watch out for multi-vitamins (some contain iodine). Be aware of some junk foods such as potato chips, corn chips, etc. Keep your diet low in fat and sugar. Eating a properly balanced diet ensures that your body gets the proper nutrients and therefore promotes healthy skin.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. A high fiber, low-fat diet is excellent in promoting overall general health.

Ice Cubes
Ice cubes to the rescue! Aestheticians as well as some other individuals have reported success from this technique. The trick is to try and catch the pimple before it fully arrives on the surface of the skin. As soon as you feel a pimple forming, ice it! Take an ice cube wrapped in saran wrap and place on the skin portion where you feel a pimple about to form. Hold it there for a few minutes. Avoid prolonged holding as you can get frostbite skin. Perform the above steps three times daily. This technique is effective only on newly forming pimples and rarely useful for existing pimples.

Exercise
Exercise is good for your overall health. It will increase your blood circulation and bring more oxygen to your major organs including the skin. The benefits you get from exercise are not only physical but to a large extent mental benefits.

Just make sure that you wash your face after an intense exercise session to remove any oil or sweat on your skin that may harbor bacteria, resulting in more acne.

Sleep
Research has indicated that our hormone levels increase when our sleep patterns are disturbed. Increased hormone levels results in increased sebum production which leads to... yep you guessed it--more acne. It is during our time of sleep that our skin cells begin to be nourished and regenerating takes place the most as the body repairs itself from a long day. Get to bed earlier! Go to bed at least 1 or 2 hours early than you usually do and in a couple of days you will notice your face getting clearer and more healthy.

Individuals have also reported severe acne outbreaks due to prolonged sleep deprivation.

Stress
Stress is something that needs to be reduced in your life since it tends to aggravate acne in many people. I have experienced high levels of stress during finals weeks at school resulting in increased levels of acne.

So, how do you lower your stress levels. Aside from eliminating things that cause you stress in your life, look into relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques are great for stressful situations. You may even look into practicing meditation or yoga to further reduce your stress levels.

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