Archive for March, 2009

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Restore Your Skin’s Oil Balance - Oily Skin Care

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Oily Skin Care

Oily skin on the face is the result of over-active oil glands. Beneath the skin’s surface oil glands produce a substance known as sebum. Sebum is a naturally healthy skin lubricator. However, oily skin develops when the skin develops excessive sebum that becomes thick and heavy in character. Oily skin is distinguished by the appearance of shininess, pustules or papules, and marks, spots or flaws. Oily skin is not a bad skin type since the skin type is less inclined to furrowing and creasing as well as other signs of aging as compared to dry skin. However, oily skin can give an appearance of badly managed skin care and poor hygiene. Oily skin complexions are particularly hypersensitive to blocked pores, comedones, and accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin.

A successful skincare treatment for oily skin involves patience, as unrestrained oil output can be an indication of an internal problem and may take longer than usual to treat. Hence a holistic approach is required to deal with oily skin. The most important requirement when treating oily skin is to get rid of superfluous surface sebum without completely rinsing off the skin lipids. Adopt natural remedies and methods to deal with oily skin. Extreme degreasing therapies can cause temporary drying of the skin and will lead to further aggravation of sebum secretion. The skin will make up for the lack of oil and produce even more sebum.

An all natural method of cleaning oily skin is to wash with a solvent of a mild cleanser that contains no perfume, artificial color or other triggers that could exacerbate the oily nature of the skin. A mild toning lotion will help in getting rid of the oily residue and debris from the surface of the skin. Do not use any kind of alcohol-based astringents or facial products as it can lead to stripping more oil from the face than necessary.

Diet also plays an important role in treating oily skin. Keep away from refined white flour food products, sugary foods, red meat and saturated deep fried foods, heavy dairy fats, and processed foods. Maintain a low-fat diet that underlines the need for fresh fruit, and vegetables, and whole grain meals. Water is essential in maintaining the oil balance in the skin and drinking 7 - 8 glasses of water every day can work wonders. Avoid stimulants such as caffeinated drinks alcoholic beverages as they tend to dehydrate the skin. It is also important to keep a watch on your vitamins and minerals intake and ensure that they are adequate in your daily diet.

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What are stretch marks causes and their remedies

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Causes Of  Stretch Marks And Their Remedies

Quick weight gain or weight loss and rapid growth conditions can cause the skin to stretch until its elasticity breaks down. The causes of stretch marks range from pregnancy to weight gain or loss. Being a common condition in pregnancy, about 50 percent to 80 percent of women are affected by stretch marks. These stretch marks normally appear in pregnancy from about 6 months onwards, when the abdomen starts to expand rapidly. These marks appear as scar-like lines which may be white, pink or red in color. Stretch marks may also affect women who are not pregnant such as adolescents and athletes who undergo rapid growth spurts and sudden weight gain or weight loss.

Stretch marks normally occur around body areas which store more fat especially on the buttocks, thighs, breasts, upper arms and hips. When the skin and the underlying tissue gets pulled and stretched, the collagen in the tissue breaks apart. The resulting tears heal but leave behind scars known as stretch marks. Factors influencing stretch marks also include genetic history, ethnicity, nutritional history and the skin tone.  Women with fair skin are more prone to develop stretch marks.

Preventive measures include regularly moisturizing, right from the first trimester with lotions, creams or oils that can reduce itching and help prevent stretch marks.  Skin application products that contain vitamins E and A, cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, almond oil, shea butter, olive oil, lanolin, emu oil and such other natural ingredients are immensely useful in helping to improve the elasticity of the skin, replenish the lost moisture and keeping the skin supple and tender.

In addition, a nourishing and well-balanced diet containing plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts and whole-grains will go a long way in maintaining skin care. Taking prenatal vitamins as per the doctor’s prescription and eating healthy foods containing plenty of protein, calcium, and essential vitamins is necessary. Drinking plenty of water and fluids is also essential to hydrate and maintain beautiful skin.  It is better to avoid getting sun exposure or a sun tan.

Massaging the area with a wash cloth or a body brush would increase circulation of the area, stimulate new tissue growth and help in reducing stretch marks.

Postpartum, gaining only the recommended amount of weight in addition to gaining it slowly would also help reduce the chances of getting stretch marks. Application of topical ointments, again in postpartum period, may help minimize and lighten stretch marks.  Laser treatments such as dermabrasion, prescription retinoids, fractional laser resurfacing is gaining popularity. Cosmetic surgery could be used as a last resort to treat severe scarring.

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Anti Aging Exercises - Reduce your age with these exercises

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Anti Aging Exercises

Aging for most people is related a weakening of bodily endurance, flexibility, cardiovascular physical fitness, bone density, and psychological or intellectual functionalities. According to health experts, anti aging exercises hold the key to longevity.  Most of the physical slump that people experience as they age over the years originates from lethargy and inactiveness that leads to premature aging. Recent studies have revealed that exercise and longevity go hand in hand and that it is never too late to begin muscle exercises. Research reveals that exercise adds 3-5 years to an individual’s life and enhances the quality of one’s life in a dramatic manner. One must combine different forms of exercise to obtain the best anti-aging effects. Some of the highly effective forms of exercises for anti aging include:

•    Cardiovascular activity or workout. A daily workout for approximately 30 minutes every day can work wonders for one’s age. According to a recent study, daily cardiovascular activity for four months helped a 60-year old man to regain the aerobic functionalities of a 40-year old! Try altering the frequency or length of your workout from 30 minutes to slightly more everyday in order to increase your flexibility and endurance.

•    Weight training or strength exercises. This form of exercise done at least three times every week can make one stronger. More importantly strength exercises help in maintaining the balance and gait of the individual, increasing metabolism and in controlling weight. Medical experts believe that humans start losing muscle mass slowly after the age of 30. Weight training is also useful in maintaining bone density which is essential for men and women after the age of 30.

•    Flexibility exercises. Flexibility exercises or stretching is believed to be an inherent part of any exercise regime and is particular useful in anti-aging. Fortunately it is one of the easiest forms of exercises and can be done at any time and place, including at home even while watching television. Flexibility exercises also involve the use of exercises for face to relieve facial stress and tension. Most people disregard and miss stretching exercises as simple and unnecessary,  but if one practices it in the right manner, stretching or flexibility exercises are useful in maintaining one’s movement, avoiding injuries and beneficial for stalling aches and pains that is usually linked to aging.

•    Mind and body exercises. Recent studies reveal that certain forms of exercises such as yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates that involve a combination of meditation and physical exercise is facilitative for emotional and physical health. These types of exercises are easy and also contain essential exercises for the face that helps in dealing with crease lines, furrows, crow’s feet and wrinkles.

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Natural Anti Aging Skin Care Herbs

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Natural Anti Aging Skin Care Treatments

Natural skin aging skin care treatments have been part of almost every woman’s beauty regime for thousands of years. Almost every individual has an innate desire to stay young and have a youthful appearance. In man’s pursuit to maintain a youthful appearance he has discovered priceless anti-aging herbs and natural methods, over the centuries, to look young. Beginning with Cleopatra, from early records, the quest is still on to discover that one particular herb as a panacea for anti aging.

Withania somnifera or Ashwagandha is an ancient herb used in India and North America for numerous health related ailment. Withania somnifera is also referred to as Indian Ginseng. The roots of the herb have been used for thousands of years by ancient herbalists and practitioners. Modern research has confirmed the efficacy of Withania somnifera root in treating specific illnesses. The herb contains essential flavonoids and a host of active ingredients that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune-improving, and regenerating attributes. Due to its rejuvenating properties, the herb is highly valued as an anti-aging herb. According to ancient traditions and texts in ayurveda, Ashwagandha is expounded by Ayurvedic experts as a rejuvenating drug with important longevity enhancing properties. Indian ginseng is believed to contain remarkable immuno-modulating qualities that make it an indispensable herb in dealing with several disease conditions.

Rhodiola rosea or Russian Rhodiola or Golden root is a wonderful anti-aging phytonutrient herb that can be taken as a supplement for bringing about essential adaptogenic and anti-stress properties to the body. Rhodiola rosea in Russia is highly popular and has been with regarded with great favor by Russian herbalists to deal with the cold Russian winter, avoid nausea and other maladies in high altitudes, and improve daily stressful life. But more importantly, the herb’s strength as an anti aging agent arises from the herb’s abilities to enhance both psychological and physical functioning and cut down fatigue. Some herbalists are of the opinion that Rhodiola rosea could be an elixir for life as it greatly enhances the body’s energy level in addition to stimulating the immune system.

Another important herb known as Gynostemma Pentaphyllum is believed to be a prized Chinese herb and is often pointed out to be China’s ‘immortality’ herb. It is also known by its popular Chinese name jiaogulan. Jiaogulan is extremely well known in the Guizhou Province in China as an anti-aging herb and as an herbal drink.

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Best Nutrition for Skin

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Nutrition And Skin

Just like a mirror, the skin reflects everything, because it is impacted by factors both from inside and outside the body that contribute to its health. Healthy skin and good nutrition generally go together. Healthy eating leads you to a more glowing and healthy complexion. Therefore, health experts say that most of the skin conditions are the symptoms of your body’s internal needs, inclusive of its nutritional requirements.

Our body is also affected by lifestyle habits, stresses in our lives, genetics, hormones, and diseases. We should nourish and treat the skin from within to have long-term healthy skin development.  Studies have indicated that vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients nourish our skin, whether we apply them directly to our skin or consume in supplement form.

Skin Care Nutrition

Vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B complex, nutrients such as omega 3 and 6 promote skin care. These are mainly found in vegetables and fruits. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is good for health. Fruits and vegetables are particularly essential, for preventing premature skin aging because they contain a broad range of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect skin cells from damage by free radicals. Fruits and vegetables should be fresh and uncooked or minimally cooked, because heat deactivates most antioxidants.

It is suggested that two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables be consumed per day. A variety of fruits and vegetables should be chosen each day, particularly, five vegetable subgroups from orange, dark green, starchy vegetables, legumes and other vegetables. Besides, fruits and vegetables, consumption of whole-grain products is advisable.

Drinking plenty of water and fluids throughout the day is essential.  Drinking 7-8 glasses of water per day ensures proper hydration of the body and helps reduce skin dryness. People with skin conditions should minimize on coffee and sodas.  It is best to avoid drinking too much fluid 2 to 3 hours before going to bed, for it can cause morning puffiness and can stretch the skin excessively.

To ensure that all essential nutrients are consumed in adequate amounts, it is desirable to consume a wide variety of foods. Healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fish promote healthy skin.  Studies indicate that people consuming a low fat diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, yogurt, eggs, vegetable oils, whole grains, tea, and water have less skin aging and skin wrinkling than those who consume foods such as red meat, alcohol, sugary products and processed foods.

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Open Pores - Open Facial Pores Treatment

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

Open Facial Pores

Our skin is covered with tiny pores that serve a very important purpose – releasing sweat from the sweat glands under the skin. In addition, pores also release sebum from the sebaceous glands that are under the skin. This sebum is the oily, protective substance that covers our skin, helping it to retain moisture and prevent dryness. For most of our lives, we don’t notice these pores as they are barely visible. As we grow older however, our skin slowly deteriorates, and among other problems, pores become more prominent. They appear larger than normal, and also seem stretched. Pores also get clogged with sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells, making them appear still more prominent.

Open Pores Treatment

While this is to some extent a natural part of the aging process, a lot of it can be controlled and prevented. Usually, large, stretched skin pores go along with an oily skin. This is partly why the pores become most prominent on the nose, cheeks, and forehead, the areas that tend to become the most oily. This excessive amount of sebum tends to clog the pores, along with dead skin cells and dirt. In order to control pores, it is therefore necessary to control oiliness of the skin. An efficient and simple solution is to regularly use a commercially available cleanser. Do not use anything too harsh – a gel cleanser is preferable, and the pH value of the cleanser should be around 5. You can also use a toner with a similar pH value, so as to balance the pH levels and the oiliness of the skin. If the cleanser seems to dry out your skin too much, you should use a milder one or use a light moisturizer soon after cleansing.

Using cheap cosmetics or simply keeping any cosmetics on your skin for a long period of time is also harmful and can contribute to enlarged pores. You should therefore use only good quality cosmetics, and keep them on your skin only for as long as is necessary. Cosmetics should be applied just before you leave home, and should be removed as soon as you return, or if possible, even before that.

There are several home made face packs that also seem to help fight enlarged pores, although some of them are only temporarily effective. Cucumber juice and tomato juice are both said to help tighten pores, and seem to be more effective when combined with lemon juice.

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How To Reduce Wrinkles With Wrinkles Treatment

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

Causes Of Wrinkles

Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. As we grow older, it is completely natural for the skin to wrinkle and sag, and it also tends to get thinner and more delicate. It also becomes less elastic and is less able to heal itself. While it is not possible to stop the aging process, and it is therefore not possible to completely prevent the formation of wrinkles, you can certainly ensure that you do not develop premature and excessive wrinkles. This can be done by nourishing your skin so that it is able to regenerate itself, and also by preventing damage, as environmental and sun damage are major causes of wrinkles.

How To Reduce And Prevent Wrinkles

First let’s discuss diet. Most of the foods that are good for your body are good in every way, including your weight and your skin. The same goes for foods that are bad for your body. Therefore, the standard rules of a healthy diet apply to a diet that is meant to limit the development of wrinkles. Avoid an excessive amount of fat, and avoid consuming the wrong kind of fat too. Fat is essential for the body and for the skin, but you need healthy fats. Olive oil is among the most healthy oils you can use to cook, and also as salad dressing. Apart from olive oil, and excellent source of fat is fish, particularly oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, which are high in omega 3 fatty acids. Whichever oil you use, you should also remember not to reuse oil over and over again, as this changes the oil chemically, which not only destroys the benefits it has, but also makes it harmful.

In general however, it is good to limit intake of foods that are greasy and fatty, as they usually contain harmful or excessive fats. These include deep fried foods, burgers, and rich salad dressings. You should limit your intake of pastries, sweets, and desserts – in addition to fat, these contain a lot of sugar and simple carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are best obtained from fruits and vegetables.

It is also important to drink plenty of water, as dehydration is a major cause of dry skin and wrinkles. If you suffer from dry skin, be sure to moisturize regularly, particularly after bathing. Excessive sunlight also damages the skin, so be sure to cover your body adequately if you are going to be outdoors for a long period of time. And finally, avoid the one bad habit that affects your health in almost every possible way – smoking.

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Skin Care Tips | Skin Care Information

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

Skin Care Tips And Skin Care Information

Everyone wants their skin to look its best, and most people are willing to take a little bit of effort to do this. However, most people concentrate only on a few areas – most commonly moisturizers, facials and so on – whereas real skin care requires you to care for your skin in every possible way. These are the areas that you need to focus on in order to have soft, glowing, healthy skin:

  • Diet: There isn’t really any special diet that focuses on your skin. What is good for your body is good for your skin too. Unfortunately, most people don’t really know what is good for their bodies (or don’t really care). Your diet should be low in fat, but should certainly include some amount of fat, which is an essential nutrient. Getting fat in your diet is however not the difficult part – what is difficult is limiting fat intake, and also getting the right kind of fat. Ideally, you should just consume low fat alternatives of foods like milk, cheese, and meat, and use olive oil to cook. Consuming fish is also excellent for your health and skin, as it contains protein and many important vitamins, as well as omega 3 fatty acids.
  • Exercise: Exercise keeps your body functioning properly, and thus keeps your skin glowing. Most people find exercise boring, but this is because they approach the idea wrongly. Exercise need not always be a physical workout session, but can also be some physical activity. You need not go to the gym if it bores you. Instead, you can take up any activity, including cycling, jogging, swimming, or playing some sport. You should do this at least thrice a week, for at least 45 minutes each time.
  • Water: Water is very important for your skin, as it keeps it from drying out and wrinkling. Your requirements will vary depending on your environment and levels of activity, but on an average, you need 8 glasses a day.
  • Moisturizing: If your skin has a tendency to dry out, you should help it to retain moisture by regularly applying a suitable cream or lotion. The best time to do this is after you have bathed, so as to trap the moisture that has just been absorbed.
  • Protection: Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight with clothes that cover your skin and by generously applying sunscreen. You should also avoid using unnecessary products – make up should be minimal and washed off as soon as possible, and soap should also be used sparingly.
  • Hygiene: Daily hygiene is extremely important to get rid of the dirt, pollution, and bacteria that accumulates on your skin. In addition to washing, exfoliation may also be necessary.

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Skin Pigmentation Problems And Hyperpigmentation

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Causes of  Skin Pigmentation And Hyperpigmentation Problem

Our skin gets its color from the pigment melanin, which is produced by special cells in the skin that are known as melanocytes. The amount of melanin that is produced by the skin is determined by one’s genes, and this is your natural skin color. If you naturally have dark skin, there is nothing you can do to make it light. If you naturally have very light skin, there is still a limit to how much the color can change, but it is possible for your skin to darken to some extent. Normally, this happens through a process known as tanning – melanin protects the skin from sun damage, and when skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces more melanin so as to provide more protection. As a result, skin becomes darker and you get what is known as a tan.

In some cases however, skin may darken through mechanisms other than tanning. Some of these are related to exposure to sunlight, but some are caused by other factors. In some cases, excessive, regular exposure to sunlight over several years causes damage to the skin, and as a result, dark patches appear. These dark patches are a response to sunlight, but they are different from a tan, which is always even. The patches of pigmentation are known as sun spots, and they are the result of uneven production of melanin when the skin is exposed to sunlight. These spots most commonly appear on the hands and face, which are the parts of the body that are usually exposed.

Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation

Unnatural pigmentation also occurs as an after effect of inflammation. This is most commonly seen in people who have pimples. Some pimples leave behind dark spots that are sometimes referred to as pimple scars; however, these are not really scars, they are simply spots of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The same darkening of skin can be seen in other infections, such as chickenpox scars, and marks left behind by wounds. These marks do not require any treatment, and fade away with time.

One more common type of hyperpigmentation that occurs is in pregnant women. Due to the changes that occur in the body during pregnancy, women often develop patches of dark skin. In addition, a line of dark skin develops on the abdomen, and this is known as linea nigra.

A number of other diseases and conditions can also lead to unusual pigmentation of the skin. These include various hormonal abnormalities, fungal infections, and insulin resistance.

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Causes Of Dark Spots And Sun Spots On Face

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Causes Of  Spots On Face And Solution For Pimples

Many people complain about spots on their face – the spots range from tiny marks that are only noticeable up close, to large irregular patches that are very prominent. Whatever the case may be, no one wants to have spots on their face – everyone would like to have clear, smooth skin. But in order to solve this problem, you first need to know exactly what the problem is. Spots can develop on your skin for a number of reasons, and you need to know what is causing the spots before you start trying to get rid of them. Using the wrong treatment for the wrong problem is a waste of time and effort, and may sometimes even worsen the problem.

In a large number of cases, spots that appear on the face are simply marks left by pimples. Note that these are very different from pimple scars – pimple scars actually involve the development of scar tissue or the loss of healthy tissue, and are either raised outgrowths or depressions on the skin. Actual spots however, are merely what is known as post inflammatory hyper pigmentation. This is when, following any kind of inflammation – in this case, the pimples – the affected areas of skin either produce too much melanin, or the melanin spreads from the dermis to the epidermis. Fortunately, these spots are temporary, at least as long as the underlying cause, the pimples, is taken care of. Once pimples stop forming, the spots that have already appeared will gradually fade over the next few weeks and months.

Spots on the face can also be due to blackheads or whiteheads. These are similar to pimples – they are the result of pores being blocked, and sebum accumulating in these blocked pores. In some cases, the sebum gets oxidized and darkens, resulting in what is known as a blackhead. The solution to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples is to make sure that your skin gets rid of dead skin cells efficiently, as the blockages mentioned are caused by accumulated dead skin cells. Regular exfoliation and use of an anti pimple cream is the best solution.

Causes Of  Sun Spots On Face And Liver Spots Solution

Spots on the face are sometimes what are known as sun spots or liver spots. These are areas of increased pigmentation that have developed due to sun damage. Freckles are similar, although they are due to a genetic problem, rather than skin damage. In both cases, the only solution is to minimize exposure of the skin to sunlight. If this is done, melanin production will drop to normal levels, and the dark spots will gradually fade.

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