Sunscreen: The Very Best Advice

Exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet rays is the most harmful thing you can do to your skin. Many people have had skin cancer as a direct result of too much sun exposure. Imagine, you are trying to reduce the signs of aging or attempting to bronze the tone of your skin and you end up with a cancerous cyst on your face or body that has to be removed. Take great care of your skin—especially if you are going to be outdoors, even just for a little while.

They say that wearing sunglasses any time you are outside during the day is a very good idea. But you must choose carefully which kind of sunglasses you purchase, because if they do not have a certain percent of UV protection, they will not work as well as they should. You want the highest quality sunglasses you can get. However, as you know wearing a good pair of sunglasses does not take the place of wearing sunscreen. You will always want the sunscreen, and you may want both. Both methods of protection used together are the preferable, and most recommended course of action to take against the harmful effects of the sun.

Of course, the skin care manufacturers and professionals at the beauty counters in department stores or of the skin care products in the make-up isle of your local grocery store have caught on to this public spread of skin care awareness and have adapted their products accordingly.

Almost every make-up base has an SFP of some sort— some of them contain amounts of sunscreen as low as SPF 5, but usually the SPF level is somewhere in the vicinity of SPF 15. By this method, many make-up manufacturers believe that more women will buy their products instead of opting for a shiny face and smelling like the local pool.

The same is true for moisturizers. You can find daytime moisturizers in both expensive and inexpensive stores that also contain SPF levels, again usually SPF 15. It is recommended that you wear these moisturizers alone or underneath your make-up.

So that takes care of your face, whether you shop at inexpensive stores or at stores that are a bit more expensive—what you really need is that SPF. But now what about the rest of you? What about your arms and legs and belly showing in the sun? Remember to purchase plenty of sunscreen this season for you and your kids’ protection. And, believe it or not it is recommended that one wear sunscreen even in the wintertime or on a cloudy day. The sun is still there, and as a matter of fact, it has been said that the sun can be worse on your skin when the sky is slightly cloudy because the UV rays have a sort of prism-effect as they penetrate the clouds, magnifying the UV damage that can be caused to the skin.

Mainly my point is, protect yourself and your family. No matter how small or seemingly trivial the errand may be—even if you are just running in and out of the store, use sunscreen and keep yourself safe.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Anne_Clarke

Preventing Skin Cancer with Sunscreen

If you find yourself heading outside frequently, and who doesn’t, you need to take basic steps to prevent skin cancer. In this case, we are talking about sunscreen the proper use of it.

Skin cancer is often given short shift when cancer is discussed. In truth, it can be deadly in some forms and thousands of people suffer from it. Many of them don’t even know until it is too late. Fortunately, skin cancer is preventable and easily so. It is all about using sunscreen. There is more to it, however, than just applying sunscreen once at the beginning of the day and then forgetting about it. Here are some tips on how you should use it.

1. Early Application – Sunscreens work in different ways. Some work immediately, while others much sit on your skin for a bit. As a general course, you should apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going out in the sun.

2. Reapplication – Sunscreen protection is dependent on it being on your body. From time to time, you will need to reapply it during the day. How often? Well, read the instructions first. Also, reapply it anytime you go in the water or sweat profusely. This is true even for “waterproof” sunscreens. As an overall general rule, reapply every two to three hours.

3. Cloudy Days – Don’t be fooled by cloudy days. The vast majority of harmful rays from the sun penetrate the clouds. You should still use sunscreen on cloudy days and follow the reapplication guide above.

4. Your Scalp – For many of us, we don’t have as much hair up there as we perhaps think we do. If you have thinning hair, your scalp is going to take a beating from the sun. Now is not the time to be proud. Use sunscreen or where a hat to keep your scalp from being cooked.

5. Lips – Finally, nothing is worse then burned lips. Use a lip balm with sunscreen to protect the delicate lip skin.

When heading outside, it is often easy to get lazy and forget to apply sunscreen. Skin cancer is a serious thing, so show some common sense and protect yourself.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com John_Grimes

Best Sunscreen For Acne

If you are treating your acne condition with most conventional medication, you are required to apply sunscreen before going out and expose yourself to sunlight. Without a proper sunscreen you risk getting sunburns and worsened acne condition. Protect yourself with any good sunblock that has a decent SPF strength is essential for this reason.

There are some important facts that you need to know if you are using topical treatments that claim to have some effects on your skin while you are under the sun:
1. By using these products, you must use sunscreen outdoors.

2. These products most of the time, can cause your skin to become sensitive to the sun after a period of application. This means that if you expose yourself to sunlight, it is likely that you will get sunburns, rashes, itchiness, or any sort of irritations.

3. This sensitivity might take several months up until years to go away, so you should know by know that you should use a sunscreen.

Another reason to use sunblock is because some research has shown that the sun and its rays have some worsening effect on acne.

Choosing a good sunscreen is easy. You just need to look for a sunscreen that:

1. Has a high SPF rating. Make sure you get SPF20 or higher for better protection against the sun.

2. Is not oil-based.

3. Does not clog pores. Clogged pores means that there is a chance your acne will get worse.

4. Is light and comfortable when applied on face so that your face does not feel oily and smelly after using the sunblock.

5. Has moisturizing effect. Better if it contains vitamins and minerals.

6. Not too expensive because expensive does not align with quality most of the time.

Having a at least a decent sunscreen is a must to shield yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. Even if you are not required to use sunscreen, it is good to have protection against the sun since the harmful rays the sun emits can destroy the texture of the skin.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Charles_S._Spencer

Clear Acne Free Skin For Life

Acne is a common condition that nearly everyone experiences at some point in their life, from teenagers to adults. It affects people from all ages and backgrounds all over the world. The most unpleasant thing about Acne is the scars it leaves behind.

There are factors which cause acne; firstly, hormonal imbalance that normally starts at puberty round about the ages of 12 or 13. Stress is another major factor which again changes the levels of hormones, this causes the oil glands to enlarge, more oil is let out which causes Spots. Oily or heavy make-up also clogs up the pores, so do certain medications and for some people certain foods with sugar also trigger the problem. Picking or squeezing the spots spreads more infection and will make the problem worse and could even cause scarring. Pollution is another big factor which causes the pores to get blocked and finally family genes; acne is inherited to some people from family members.

Taking care of your skin is very important, not only for your personal sense of beauty but also for your overall health.

There are five major types of skin and it is important to understand which type of skin you have because this is a good approach to skin care.

Normal, healthy skin is the type we all dream about and we'd all love to have. This is the type that isn't too dry or isn't too oily and has small pores and is clear and smooth.

Dry skin is mainly caused by the environment, weather, pollution, etc. and also because of lack of water; this causes the skin to dry up and it begins to flake. This type of skin as it ages, tends to get more wrinkly than the other types of skins.

Oily skin tends to look very sticky and causes large pores and acne. People with oily skin tend to get more spots in their teenage years.

Combination skin is the type which varies from person to person, but mainly the problem with combination skin is that the 'T Zone' (that's the areas covering the forehead, down the nose and up to the chin) stay oily and the cheeks and the skin under the eyes tend to stay dry.

People with sensitive skin are the ones that are most likely to be prone to allergies because this type of skin gets irritated very easily and becomes red and patchy.

So, by now you should know which type of skin you have, so take care of it!

The tips given below will show you how to achieve that beautiful skin, firstly you shouldn't wash your face with very hot or very cold water, it should be lukewarm; this is because facial skin is very sensitive. If you wash with very hot water, this causes the pores to open up too much and if you wash with cold water this causes the pores to contract so you wont be able to clean the skin properly. Avoid using regular soaps on your face because they tend to have chemicals, which aren't good for your face, instead, use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type and use regularly. Or just use plain water, this would be enough to keep your skin clean.

After washing your face gently with cleanser, pat your face dry with a soft clean towel instead of scrubbing, because this causes more problems for the skin. It will attract more germs and bacteria, now we don't want that happening do we?

You should avoid touching the spots or attempting to pop them because this spreads more germs and infections deeper into your skin which means even more spots.

And finally, your diet should be healthy with plenty of fruit and green vegetables and water. Your diet should contain foods with plenty of vitamin and minerals which keep your skin beautiful and smooth.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Michael_Russell

Tips On Acne Skin Care For More Effective Use

Acne is a menace to people who suffer from this condition; but there are now many treatments available which can help the condition so it is more bearable. Many people from around the world are affecting by this skin complaint so scientific research to find a cure is fierce; consequently many of the new treatments are vastly effective. The acne skin care products available fall into these:

Drugstore: Preventative treatment

Those available at a drugstore or over-the-counter

Prescription only: Requires visit to doctor

Those that fall into the preventative category are based around general skin conditioning to help stop acne from forming; products like skin cleansers and toners fall into this category. This is a market where many people use this type of product every day to condition their skin; often this is irrespective of whether or not there is a problem condition. There are acne skin care products that are more specialized in there approach; devised primarily to limit the amount of oil or sebum forming in the pores. This product category works by minimizing or eliminating the condition of oil appearing in the skin's pores and aiding harmful bacteria growth which can lead to acne skin conditions.

General skin care treatments also include special exfoliation products like skin peels; most can even be purchased over the Internet in addition to normal outlets. Dead skin cell removal is how these work, effectively minimizing bacteria growth that comes from pore-clogging. There is a huge market for these types of acne skin care products as they don't require a consultation with a dermatologist. Treatments that are effective contain the ingredients salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide; these substances effectively remove or minimize oil contained in the skin's pores.

It is often a good idea to start with a product that has benzoyl peroxide at about a 5 percent or less concentration to see how the skin responds; moisturizers based on alpha-hydroxy acid are a safer skin care regime alternative if there is a problem. As with any type of zit cream, you may need to try a few acne skin care products until you find one that will suit your skin; however, if finding an effective remedy it is proving to be a problem then consult with your doctor, or skin care specialist. There are benefits of seeing your doctor or dermatologist, they can prescribe you with a prescription for treatments not available over the counter, for example a course of antibiotics.

In Summary

Your doctor can recommend that in order to extract the contents of the pustules that a small surgical procedure could be carried out; this is not something you should ever attempt yourself. Another effective course of skin care treatment is hormone therapy; hormonal changes are known to cause acne and such skin care treatments often effective. Treating acne is not the issue it once was and if treated quickly and early enough can prevent permanently marked skin.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com James_R

Nail Enemies - Misusing Your Nails

Aggressive handling

I can't think of anyone who actually wants to ruin their nails. Yet in an attempt to keep our nails looking groomed, many of us go overboard. We gouge dirt from under the plate, stab at cuticles with a sharp implement (or worse, cut cuticles away), file nails down to the quick, or pull at ugly hansnails. In short, our good intentions can actually damage our nails.

You may pine for perfect-looking nails, or perhaps you couldn't care less how your nails appear. Either way, listen up: The less you do to nails - and the gentler you do it - the prettier they will look, the healthier they will be, and the better able they will be to protect your fingers and toes.

Don't manicure or pedicure your nails more than once a week. Throw away anything with a sharp point - this includes metal nail files and metal cuticle pushers. Instead of digging at the dirt under your nails, use soap and a nail brush to keep nails clean. Do not file your nails so short that you expose the area where the nail bed and nail plate come together.

You mustn't be tempted to pull at hangnails, because if you do you risk removing long strips of healthy skin. Not only are these raw areas painful, they are unsightly and vulnerable to infection. A better way to remove hangnails is to clip them away with a pair of fingernail clippers.

Misusing your nails

Nails can do so many things: open soda cans, pry off stickers, twist in small screws, dig into an orange's peel. Of course, those of you who want strong, unbroken nails wouldn't use your nails for any of these tasks. You know that - as convenient as they are - nails should not be used as a household tool. Doing so traumatizes nail's keratin, causing small or large fissures that lead to breaking and splitting. Fortunately, you needn't spend your days wearing kid gloves. For strong nails, simply try adopting the following habits:

Dial the telephone with the end of a pen or pencil.

Instead of using your nails to pry things open or scrape things off, reach for a butter knife, bottle opener, or a small screwdriver.

Use a letter opener, not your fingernail, to open envelopes and packages.

"Start" an orange or banana by cutting into its peel with a knife.

Nails and water

Ask your favorite nail technician what nail enemy number one is, and there's a good chance she'll say "water." Before I explain why water is the bad guy, let me offer this anatomy lesson: to create a strong barrier, nail cells must fit tightly together. Without this tight fit, nails grow weak and are easily bent, torn, chipped, split, peeled, or broken.

At the same time, the keratin that forms nail cells behaves a bit like a sponge; when exposed to water, the keratin soaks up the liquid, swelling to several times its size. It is this swelling that disrupts the tight fit of nail cells. Try to keep your contact with water to a minimum - you should even consider taking shorter baths and showers!

It is estimated that 15 percent of Americans bite their fingernails. If you're among them, consider one of the "no-bite" products available from dermatologists and pharmacies. These terrible­tasting liquids are painted on the nails. Try to nibble and you're left with a bad taste in your mouth.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Robin_Brain

Use Heated Gloves to Keep Your Hands Warm and Comfortable

Heated gloves are meant to be worn on extreme cold weather conditions, they are made of special material that helps keep your hands and body warm and comfortable. These specially created heated gloves run on battery technology and can be charged on Li-on batteries. The benefit of these batteries is that they are rechargeable and can be kept warm for a longer duration than others.

These heated gloves are made of thick material which is comfortable and does not slip. The material used in these gloves is such, that they ensure proper grip unlike other woolen gloves, that tend to slip from your hand every time you try to catch something. Heated gloves can be used by people who are into ice- activities like ice-skating and ice- skiing etc. These gloves will not only help you keep your body warm and hands normal, but will also provide a better grip to your hands.

What makes these heated gloves even more irresistible is the fact that they are now available in attractive designs and colours. You can choose one of your likings. Many online stores also offer you the option to get these heated gloves customized depending on the shape and size of your hands. Heated gloves are conveniently available in numerous online stores that also provide a reasonable price for them. Once you slip in your hands in these heated gloves, you shall experience a comfort you have never felt before.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com James_J

Home Remedy for Nail Fungus

The traditional home remedy for nail fungus went something like this: trim the affected nail as much as possible and immerse the hand or foot in a solution of one part bleach in 100 parts of water (or pure household vinegar) for 30 minutes each day until the infection is gone. This method may be effective, but for most of us, it's extremely difficult to find the time, especially when you consider that fungal nail infections typically take many months to go away unless they are in the very early stages when treatment is begun.

Hand nail fungus is particularly difficult: it's easier to sit with your feet in a basin while you are doing something else than to have your hands immersed for a long period of time. However, for the determined individual who decides to try this type of home remedy for nail fungus, there are some things that you can do to increase your chances of success. First, file the nail - not just to keep it as short as possible, but also to keep it as thin as possible. This means filing and trimming away any loose crumbly bits and also filing down the thickness of the nail from the top. Many nails with fungal infection are distorted, thick, and fairly soft. This is because the fungus is actually growing through the layers of nail. Filing some of this thickness away will not only remove some of the fungal growth but also ensure that the soaking solution comes in contact with the fungus. File as much as you can without damaging the nail bed under the nail.

When using the bleach or vinegar cure toe nail fungus will only be affected by the treatment while you are soaking. (The same is true for hand nail fungus). To add an extra boost to your treatment, try painting the affected nail with some other preparation between soaks. Here you have a choice of many things, either commonly found in most households or readily available over the counter or from an internet source. You might use hydrogen peroxide, Vicks VapoRub ointment, Listerine mouthwash, Tea Tree oil or any of a number of essential herbal oils or oil blends available from natural healing providers. All of these things have been said to be an effective home remedy for nail fungus.

Whatever you choose, be aware that foot and hand nail fungus typically takes a long time to go away because nails grow very slowly and because treatments take time to penetrate a tough thick nail. Even prescription drugs take a long time to cure the problem, and like a natural healing or home remedy for nail fungus, they don't always work. Many people claim that bleach and vinegar cure toe nail fungus if you are patient and persistent - natural remedies like Tea Tree oil also have a lot of anecdotal support (and some scientific support) and are somewhat easier to use.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com R._Drysdale

Nutrients and Tips for Healthy Skin

The skin is a natural defensive body covering and is an organ made up of several layers of epithelial tissues that guard underlying muscles and organs. It is one of the main influential indicators of health and can give an interface a completely diverse look than what it initially came with. Dry or oily skin, acne and inflammation all are some of the major symbols of fragile internal health, and happen because of consuming unhealthy foods.

Now in order to overcome from unhealthy skin, these days many people apply mainstream topical cosmetics, like creams and lotions. However, you must understand that treating your skin with costly chemical beauty products does very little to overcome from the origin source of the problem. Recent study has revealed that skin responds essentially well to some vitamins and minerals that nurture the skin and make it appear more young and healthy. The following are some of the essential nutrients to consume for healthy skin:

1. Zinc: This mineral is the important component of healthy skin, and plays an important role by controlling the creation of oil in the skin. It is highly recommended these days to have proper Zinc consumption as it is help in reducing prostate cancer. The various food sources of zinc include pumpkin seeds, ginger, fresh oysters, oats, and eggs.

2. Silica: Silica is vital for healthy skin and is a trace mineral that helps in strengthening body's connective tissues like muscles, hair, nails, cartilage. Its shortage can result in reduced skin elasticity and can also slow down the body's ability to heal wounds. The various food sources of silica include strawberries, cucumber, green beans, asparagus and rhubarb.

3. Vitamins C, E and A: Vitamin C is greatly useful at dipping free radical damage that is frequently caused because of overexposure to the sun or pollution. The various food sources of Vitamin C include collard greens, red and green bell peppers, guava, and broccoli. Vitamin E is next effective antioxidant that also helps in reducing the harmful outcomes of sun exposure on skin. However, one must note that when Vitamin E is mixed with vitamin A, it becomes highly helpful in curing certain skin cancers.

Vitamin E helps in decreasing the coming out of wrinkles, and when applied topically, helps in soothing dry or rough skin. Some of the various food sources of Vitamin E are sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, almonds, tomatoes, cabbage, and avocados. In addition to this Vitamin A helps in promoting proper repair and maintenance of the skin. Foods that act as major source for Vitamin A include carrots, liver, collard greens, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe.

In addition to this some of the major tips for healthy skin are:

" Protect yourself from the sun and make the best use of sunscreen to avoid direct sunlight between the hours of 10 and 2.

" Stop smoking or if possible never start. You have to understand that skin is a large organ and it requires lot of circulation and smoking impairs that dramatically.

" Keep yourself away from both disturbing and environmental stress.

" Commit yourself to cleanse your face twice a day and put on the proper treatment product.

" Try to keep yourself well hydrated, by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. This particular activity helps in keeping your skin moist and supple.

" Don't ignore certain areas of the skin like heels, neck, as they too need moisturizing, and apply sun protection on your scalp and the tops of your feet.

" Exercise is also good for your whole body, but particularly for your skin. It helps in improving and increasing skin tone and maintaining its elasticity. Exercise also amplify the blood flow to your skin and give it a healthy glow.

" Avoid toxic skin care products. Be careful of the deadly chemicals used in all most all stylish skin care products. Most products have cancer-causing ingredients that pass through the skin and finally enter your bloodstream.

Maintaining healthy skin is not a tough task. It is simple; all you need to do is follow above mentioned tips and make sure to have proper nutrients as a regular routine in your life. Follow these tips for healthy skin and you will see improvements over the course of several weeks.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Singh_Vineet

The Effects Of Smoking And Alcohol On Your Skin

Although smoking is best known for causing lung cancer, this habit is also among the biggest threats to your skin. Next to sun and chemicals, tobacco is one of the major accelerators of your skin natural aging process, and it is thought to be one of the fastest acting threats. Young people start showing signs of early skin aging after as little as 10 years of smoking. If you think this is a long period of time, you should keep in mind that many young people start smoking in their teen years (16-19 year olds) and are still below 30 when the first signs appear.

Smoking causes the narrowing of blood vessels throughout your body, including those that supply the outermost layers of the skin with oxygen and nutrients. Thus, your skin is slowly starved of vital oxygen and other substances, such as immunity-boosting Vitamin A. Alcohol has a similar effect by destroying the body supply of Vitamin A. This will lower the role of skin as the first line of defense against bacteria and infections.

The same Vitamin A is used in the skin turnover process to help generate the new cells that replace the dead ones. The vitamin provides a temporary boost in the production of collagen and can lend the skin a more youthful appearance for a while.

Over time, the lack of oxygen and nutrients would allow the formation of harmful free radicals that slowly damage the elastic fibers and collagen, which keep the skin strong and flexible. The result is usually the appearance of premature wrinkles. It is also thought likely that the repeated pursing of lips when inhaling smoke helps build wrinkles around the mouth, while the heat of the burning cigarette tip is also damaging the skin.

Seven Tips For Healthy Skin

Healthy skin is a sign of good health. The skin is the largest vital organ in our body, which is comprised of about two billion cells and has a surface area of around two square meters. Although only very few people can actually have the perfect skin and complexion, we can do something to bring out the best in our skin.

Here are quick and simple ways that we can care for our skin.


Nourish your skin by eating the proper foods. This means a healthy and balanced diet. A healthy and balanced diet promotes general well-being and optimizes the body to function at its best. To have healthy skin, eat plenty of seed food, i.e. fruits that contain seeds, and vegetables - organic is better as it contains additional nutrients.


Drink plenty of water. The recommended eight glasses of water a day is essential in maintaining the elasticity and suppleness of skin. Water also clears your skin and aids in the proper elimination of waste. Remember, less waste products in your body, more beautiful skin you would have.


Exercise regularly. Exercise is good for our hearts and bodies. Even our skin benefits from exercise since blood circulation is increased, thus bringing enough oxygen and nutrients to the rest of our bodies. Exercise also triggers the body to produce more sebum which is natural moisturizer for body.


Be smoke- and alcohol-free. Smoking tends to destroy the Vitamin C in your body and damage the elastic tissues that keep the skin tight. Drinking liquor on the other hand tends to expand your blood vessels causing red spots and itchiness on your skin.


Cleanse it. Cleaning plays an important part in the overall wellness of your skin. Experts agree that we should gently clean our skin, tone it, moisturize it, and exfoliate it.


Protect your skin. Harsh elements can severely damage your skin and can lead to irritation and infection. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15 every time you go out in the sun. For higher levels of activities, use SPF 45 because you will be perspiring, which dilutes the sunscreen. For those who are very fair, have red hair, blue eyes and freckles, add a total block that contains titanium or zinc.


Rest. Get plenty of rest. You are giving your skin a time to rejuvenate and heal while you rest. Stress is extremely bad for your skin and body. It indirectly creates instability in your hormonal system, which in turn leads to more skin problems like breakouts and acne.

The bottom line is that every person who wants to enjoy healthy skin for as long as possible should refrain from alcohol and tobacco consumption and should also take the basic steps in skin protection. There is no reason to harm yourself with unhealthy smoking and drinking and to damage your face with premature wrinkles. It is so simple to stay healthy.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Misty_McDowell

Want Healthy Skin - Avoid Stress

Have you ever wondered why your skin looks so dull despite all the skin care products you are using? Are you oftentimes troubled by the excessive oil (or sebum) produced by your skin? Is dry skin one of your primary problems?

Chances are, all of your skin problems are brought about by stress. While it may be true that different people react differently to stress, when we come down on the physiological level, our bodies respond to it in very much the same way.

Stress produces an upsurge in the production and release of adrenaline in the bloodstream. Adrenaline is the hormone responsible for giving you that extra rush of energy in times of crisis or any stressful condition. It works by speeding up your heartbeat, breathing and metabolic rate so that you may be able to respond quickly to whatever it is that may have put your body in alarm mode.

Stress needs to be balanced accordingly. It is necessary that you practice the appropriate relaxation techniques to counter and minimize its ill effects.

Unfortunately, stress brought about by modern living does not give us that much needed rest. Day in and day out, stress is always there with us every step of the way. Stress might follow us from the time we wake up in the morning until the time we are about to retire for the night. At times, stress even follows us in our sleep!

If this scenario fits you to a T, then you might be suffering from chronic stress. Over stressing your system leaves you feeling anxious, tensed and overwhelmed. This may also eventually bring you to various health complications and may interfere with your quest for that radiant complexion you are longing to have.

Let us look at some of the ways stress affects our skin.

. Stress prompts the production of adrenaline. One of the actions of this hormone is to direct blood away from the skin and send it to the muscles for increased strength to deal with emergency situations. However, when stress persists for prolonged periods of time, there is also an extended release of adrenaline. This eventually gives the skin that pale and sallow look.

. It's the eve of a very important occasion and you broke out in spots! Intense emotions like anger, frustration and excitement stimulate the release of certain hormones and enzymes, which activate the overproduction of sebum. This tends to block the pores of the skin and encourage pimples to appear.

. Muscles tend to stiffen and tense as a reaction to chronic stress. This obstructs the normal blood flow to the skin and hinders the process of removing wastes from underlying tissues.

. Under strenuous situations, even the natural process of skin renewal is hampered.

. Chronic stress increases production of the cortisone hormone. This weakens the body's natural defenses and leaves the skin vulnerable to environmental pollutants.

Now you know why your skin refuses to take on that healthy glow despite the tons of skin care products accumulating ever so faithfully in your homes. You might be wondering whether there is something you can do to counter the effects of chronic stress on your skin. Of course, there are! Here are some tips that may help you.

. Let's go natural! There are a number of natural plant (or herbal) relaxants which help relieve stress. These may come in the form of pills, tinctures, decoctions and infusions. Taken regularly, these herbs may help you deal with everyday stress. Some of the herbs which promote relaxation are lavender, chamomile, St. John's wort, skullcap, vervain and wild oats.

. Most importantly, we need to balance stress with the appropriate relaxation techniques. It does not matter which technique you choose, be it yoga, meditation, relaxation response techniques or tai chi; what is important is that you find relaxation to counter the effects of everyday stress.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Michael_Russell

Eating the Right Foods For Healthy Skin

Every one loves a beautiful skin and we all tend to look for ways to maintain our skin so it can be a healthy-looking one. Options for ensuring a healthy skin range from using cleansers to undergoing expensive facial surgeries. But it seems most dermatologist and skin care experts would generally agree that there are three ways that you could use in ensuring you have a healthy skin: knowing your skin type, treating any skin problems the moment you notice them, and following a daily skin regimen. You might be familiar with the use of facial wash, toner and moisturizing cream routine if your skin is prone to acne but you should know that there are also others, which could be in terms of your diet.

We know that are various kinds of foods, which have the natural potency of nourishing our bodies both inside the body and on the skin. Some things quickly come to your mind, which are fresh fruits and vegetables. In ancient times before the appearance of commercial skin care products in the market, traditional methods of cleansing the skin were used. At such a time facial cleansers, body cleansers and cotton balls were not available as such it was common for people to use herbs and other botanicals to keep their skin glowing. It seems some people having realized this benefits now look in their gardens and kitchens to find spices, juices, fruits and vegetables that would help improve the texture of their skins.

There are number of foods that are helpful in keeping your skin's moisture to prevent dryness. Almond is a very good example of foods that does that. Almond nuts are usually found in chocolates and salads; I guess you did not know they could remedy dry skin. When you mix almond powder with water, it forms a type oil that, if you apply on your skin would provide moisture and also fade away old acne scars. You love honey. Yeah everybody does, but did you also know it is good for your skin and your entire body? When you mix honey with water and apply it on your entire body it can improve your skin's glow and prevent dryness. Also you could take it a step further by mixing honey with milk, yogurt and pounded sesame seeds, this would ensure you a better complexion.

A natural method of preventing skin problems, which affect the face, is with the use of fenugreek leaves or boiled seeds. Apply a paste on the skin with water. Even if your preventive measures have failed to ensure a skin free of skin inflammations and itching, you can still find natural treatments right there in your kitchen. A good example of a natural treatment for skin problems such as irritation and itching is fresh apple juice. Apricot is also useful for this same purpose and a number of commercial skin care products in market contain this ingredient. When apricot is used raw, its juice is very effective in treating itching, sunburn and eczema.

Cucumber is a very good solution if you have the problem of dark patches below your eyes. Dark patches below your eyes can also be treated with turmeric paste mixed with pineapple juice. In any case of minor skin problems, you should pair the paste with gram flour or whole-wheat flour. Aside helping in fading away dark spots under the eyes cucumber juice, carrot juice, lettuce, or alfalfa can also heal skin inflammations.

How healthy your diet is shows on your skin. As such foods that are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, antioxidant, zinc, and olive oil are very helpful in improving your skin texture and complexion. Foods like sunflower seeds, which contain Vitamin E help in prevent wrinkles and skin sagging. Vitamin C also helps in maintaining your skin's collagen, and ensures your skin texture improves and becomes more radiant. Kiwi contains a great amount of Vitamin C, even more than oranges. Zinc is also helpful in maintaining you skin's elastin fiber and collagen. Turkey contains zinc in high amounts and you should eat more of turkey containing cuisines.

As you must have heard, drinking an adequate amount of water is good for your skin. It helps keep your skin hydrated. Doctors recommend 10 to 12 glasses of water. This also helps in flushing toxins out of your body and regenerating cells. When you do not take sufficient water, it is easier for impurities to build up and your skin becomes pale. You could also drink green tea in place of water, which is helpful in combating acne pimples as it contains anti-acne antioxidants.

Only a small percentage of the human population is blessed with velvet smooth and acne free skin. It does not matter if you are not among the small few that do not develop skin problems, following a beauty regimen which takes care of your skin from the outside and the inside is sure to include you in the lucky few.





Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Tim_Orlando

What is Organic Sunscreen?

Going to the beach is a summertime tradition. You go on the white sand and have fun in the sun and the water. You leave all your worries behind and enjoy your time at the beach to the fullest. There are many things people bring to protect themselves, but are more important than the use of sunscreen. This article will examine one specific product and it is organic sunscreen.

Generally sunscreen or sun block is a lotion or oil that helps protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation, premature aging, and skin cancer. It is usually in a cream or lotion that has a Sun Block Factor (SPF) rating. This SPF acts as a barrier against the invisible rays of the sun. The lower the number of the SPF is the less protection the sunscreen offers.

Sunscreens generally fall into two categories; that is they are either organic or inorganic. Usually the inorganic sunscreens have a chemical base. The organic ones do away with the chemicals and are produced with and contain more natural products. Organic sun block however does not mean it is naturally produced. It will contain a wide range of natural products that aide with the benefits of sun protection.

Organic Sunscreen is usually absorbed very quickly into the skin and offers great sun protection. The protection it offers is usually done with the use of natural herbs, plants and minerals. The popular mineral that is found in many of these natural lotions is titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is able to block the harmful effects of the sun and it is non-toxic. This makes it the perfect product to be used in this sun protection product.

Organic sunscreen also contains other products such as zinc oxide and PABA (para amino benzoic acid). Benzophenone (Oxybenzone) is also another popular product used and these are often needed to help with the sun blocking properties of the sunscreen. The zinc oxide in the organic sunscreen will block harmful UVA rays more than any other types of products contained in the lotion. This means it is quite effective and necessary with use in the product.

The best places to purchase organic sunscreen are by checking your local health food stores. Places like Whole Foods, Wild Oats and Trader Joe's all carry a large selection of this product. IF you are looking for a specific sunscreen, then the best place to check is on the internet. There are many different websites that have these products ready and waiting.

If you are looking to purchase organic sunscreen products you can check at your look health food stores. Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Fruitful Yield and Wild Oats should carry a large selection of organic sunscreen products. If they do not carry your specific product can use the internet and specifically this site to purchase organic sunscreen products of your choice.



Source: http://EzineArticles.com Akbar_Williams

Eye Beauty Care

Frequent rubbing of the skin or prolonged fatigue will cause eye bags. Over dryness and improper eye care will contribute to appearance of wrinkles and crows feet. Towards middle age, the eye area will droop slightly if untreated.

Do eye padding exercise to strengthen the eye area and improve its circulation around that area. Use your third and fourth finger on each hand, using lightly press and padded movements under your eyes start from inside and then out until you reach the temple and pressed for 10 seconds. Repeat a few times. Do it everyday, during application of eye gel, cream or serum, or whenever necessary without make up.

In today’s changing lifestyle and pattern, you notice some students as young as teenagers have started developing eye puffiness and dark circles which is not so common in the past.

Use eye care products to repair and treat your eye area. Use an eye product daily, add it into your daily skin care regime and start a weekly DIY (Do-it-yourself) intensive eye treatment at home. You may do it alone or together with your DIY home facial treatment.

Use cooling cucumber slices and place it on each eye, rest for 10 minutes. Remove and wash your eye area with clean water. You can also substitute with potato slices or cooling tea bags.

Instead of using vegetables, you can opt to use light weight eye gel masque. Apply around the eyes, rest and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Wash your eye area with clean water.

Apply a light weight eye gel around the eyes.

Do eye padding exercise to strengthen the eye area and improve its circulation around that area. Use your third and fourth finger on each hand, using lightly press and padded movements under your eyes start from inside and then out until you reach the temple and pressed for 10 seconds.

Your skin is still young and delicate. Do not use too strong eye products, use a gentle and mild eye product to de-puff your eye area.

Use cooling cucumber slices and place it on each eye, rest for 10 minutes. Remove and wash your eye area with clean water. You can also substitute with potato slices or cooling tea bags.

Pour rose floral water onto 2 facial cottons, place wet cottons onto each eyes covering the under eyes area. Leave it for 15 minutes. Rose floral water contains soothing properties and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Use a light weight eye gel or cream masque which does not cause milia seeds or oil seeds. Apply around the eyes, rest and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Wash your eye area with clean water.

Use ready made at the counter eye pads masque. Leave it on eye area for 10-15 minutes or as instructed. Remove and wash your eye area with clean water after that.

Apply a light weight eye gel or cream around the eyes.

Do eye padding exercise to strengthen the eye area and improve its circulation around that area. Use your third and fourth finger on each hand, using lightly press and padded movements under your eyes start from inside and then out until you reach the temple and pressed for 10 seconds.

Your eye problems are not critical yet. Therefore, do not go for oil based, rich and nourishing eye care products provided you have a dry skin texture


Source: http://EzineArticles.com Juliet_Cohen

Inexpensive And Natural Eye Care Tips

Do you suffer from sore irritable eyes? Are your eyes often red and swollen and do you suffer from dark rings and puffiness around your eyes? Well there are quite a number of ways you can treat sore eyes without having to resort to expensive creams and lotions.

Very few people realize that there are a number of specific exercises and regular steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy and working properly. If you start a regular regime of self-administered eye related treatments you can reduce soreness and swelling quite quickly and maintain the proper function of your eyes. Although there are many such treatments we have dealt with some of the more simple and inexpensive eye care tips that are available to you.

Easy And Inexpensive Eye Care Tips

One of the best ways for you to keep eyes functioning properly is to ensure that you have a diet that is rich in beta-carotene. Many fruits and vegetables are beta-carotene rich including carrots, spinach, papaya and mangoes.

Another important recommendation to assist in eliminating sore and red eyes is to keep your eyes protected against the harsh rays of the sun. Whenever you are out in the sun for extended periods of time you should, wherever possible, always wear UV protection enhanced sunglasses. If you are lying on the beach for example you should also cover your eyes with a towel or hat so as to avoid the sun's piercing rays.

When you are at home and about to retire to bed for the night it is a good idea to place small slices of cucumber on your eyes. This helps to reduce puffiness and bags from under the eyes and also relieves soreness. During the day you will find that by gently applying the juice from crushed cucumber around the eyes any irritation or dryness will be reduced.

You could also start a daily routine of very simple exercises to help improve your eyes and the appearance of the surrounding skin. One excellent exercise involves sitting down and rubbing your hands together. The friction from the rubbing will heat your palms. Once your palms are warm place one palm over each eye and let the warmth flow into the skin surrounding your eyes. Ensure that your eyes are fully covered and that no light gets into your eyes. While you are doing this take slow, even deep breaths and relax yourself. Repeat this process for around 15 minutes each day and after a week or so you will notice the improvement in the inflammation around the eyes.

So by eating the right beta-carotene rich foods, using natural products on your eyes and surrounding skin as well as some simple daily exercises your eyes will show marked signs of improvements within a relatively short period. Remember that your eyes are very important to your overall health so if you notice any unusual symptoms like a discharge from the eye or repeated redness and soreness please consult with your doctor as you may be suffering from a more serious problem.



Source: http://EzineArticles.com Madonna_Jeffries

Eye Health Care Tips for a Clear View

It's a strange old world that we live in, isn't it? Why is it that the population of the world still continues to have sight problems and why is vision loss on the increase? You'd think that the opposite would be true with the number of medical advances being made seemingly every day. Ironically, many researchers believe that about half of all blindness could be prevented! Eye health care, therefore, is obviously very important to everybody.

What causes these serious vision problems? Here's a short list:

1. Age-related macular degeneration.

2. Diabetic retinopathy.

3. Cataracts.

4. Glaucoma.

It appears that more and more people are falling victim to these eye disorders every day.

Eye Health Care Tips

It's important to prevent vision problems before they have chance to develop. Prevention is definitely better than cure and eye care is superior to eye cure. So, what can you do? Well, getting plenty of vitamins, especially vitamin A, is essential. Also, a decent supply of minerals will prove to be beneficial. Eye exercises can also help to keep your vision in tip-top condition.

Proper eye health care can slow down the natural degenerative processes of the eyes as we grow older. In particular, macular degeneration can be reduced with the correct preventative treatments. With correct eye exercises and good nutrition, it is possible to reduce the affects of injury, accident, disease and vision loss caused by strain.

Vitamins, minerals and many foods can play a major part in maintaining eye health care. There seems to be a direct link between nutrition and the health of your vision. There are many tips and exercises to be aware of. Start early, in childhood, and avoid eye strain caused through reading. Remember, children have the added burden of learning new words, learning how to scan text and other new reading skills that need developing. Make sure there is plenty of light to read by and experiment with different colored backgrounds to the text. There is evidence that, for some kids, a white background (ie paper!) is too glaring against black text, especially if there is a tendency towards dyslexia. Avoid glare and try a cream-colored paper! Taking the right precautions when young can prevent a multitude of eye care problems in later life.

Which Supplements are the Best?

Vitamins A, C and E all play their part in looking after your eyes. Consider these eye care nutrition tips:

1. Vitamin A: can reduce cataracts and night blindness.

2. A lack of vitamin A has been linked to corneal ulcers and blindness.

3. Vitamin E: can reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

4. Vitamin C: needed to reduce the pressure in glaucoma, to resist the onset of cataracts, and to slow down the effects of degeneration caused by aging.

In short, vitamins are extremely important in the fight to maintain eye health care. They are rich in antioxidants and thus reduce the effects of oxidation which can lead to the destruction of healthy tissue.

So, there is certainly a lot that you can do to prevent eye and vision problems. Take steps now to prevent more serious conditions in the future.


Source: http://EzineArticles.com Earl_Moore

How Nail Treatment Products Work

Beautiful and healthy nails complete and highlight a elegant hand. Nail cosmetics (manicure, pedicure, or nail polish) is often influenced by current fashion trends, not by the healthy consideration. Chasing for cosmetic nail beauty is also part of the source of common nail problems - splitting, peeling, breaking fungal infections. The new development in nail care industry has introduced the nail care products that style your nails while promoting natural nail growth.

A professional nail enamel requires applying three layers of polish: 1) a base coat for good adhesion to the nail plate; 2) a pigmented nail application for cosmetic effects; and 3) a topcoat for preventing nail chipping and the nail polish color from fading. Nail treatment products achieve the same cosmetic effects as the standard nail polish products while adding nutritious ingredients to produce some therapeutic benefit. Since the nutritious ingredients such as silk proteins and calcium are added to the base coat layer and top coat layer, the cosmetic results from middle pigmented layer is as good as the standard nail polish products. The major benefits from the therapeutic system include less nail breakage, strong and health natural nail growth. Some nail care products also help cure nail fungus.

Nailtiques and Rejuvacote are two of those products on the market that beautify the nails and have proven to strength your nails for natural growth. Improvement in the nail and hand condition is noticeable after applying Nailtiques daily for two to three weeks. As the result, your nails will be stronger, and your cuticles will be healthier. Selection of particular Nailtique products is based on condition of your nails: Formula One is general nail growth; Formula Two works for weak and thin nails, and Formula Three for dry nails. Rejuvacote, also called the nail doctor, will heal, cure, strengthen and revitalize your nails. The results are also seen in a few weeks. Nail enamel with Rejuvacote works the same as the standard nail polish products 1) applying a Rejuvacote base coat; 2) applying a nail polish product of your choice for cosmetic results; 3) finally applying a Rejuvacote top coat. The top coat provides nutrition to your nails so it is applied daily for seven days. After seven days, you start it over again after removing all three layers of coats with nail polish removers.

Natalie Aranda writes health and beauty. Nail cosmetics (manicure, pedicure, or nail polish) is often influenced by current fashion trends, not by the healthy consideration. Chasing for cosmetic nail beauty is also part of the source of common nail problems - splitting, peeling, breaking fungal infections. The new development in nail care industry has introduced the nail care products that style your nails while promoting natural nail growth. Nailtiques and Rejuvacote are two of those products on the market that beautify the nails and have proven to strength your nails for natural growth. Improvement in the nail and hand condition is noticeable after applying Nailtiques daily for two to three weeks. Nail enamel with Rejuvacote works the same as the standard nail polish products.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com Natalie_Aranda

Take Care of Hands and Nails

Your nails are an important part of your hands. Nail is made of a hard protein called keratin. Nails grow faster during certain hormonal fluctuating periods, as in the beginning of pregnancy, or just before menstruation. The nails help protect the ends of the fingers and toes from trauma and also help us pick up small objects. When healthy, they are highly resistant to tearing or breaking. However, deficiencies in diet can make nails brittle. Hands are the most visible parts of you, but they also take a lot of abuse. The French Manicure is the manicure where the tips of nails are pure white. This is a look that is very popular because it makes your nail look healthy and clean. It’s suitable for all occasions since it is ultra natural.

The white nail polish is typically aligned with the edge of the finger, but there are alternatives which also look very attractive. Eat a diet composed of 50% fruit and raw vegetables in order to supply necessary vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Eat foods rich in sulfur and silicon, such as broccoli, fish and onions. Wash the hand with cold clear water and then wipe fingers with a soft towel. Clean the nail using orange stick and cotton dipped in Antiseptic lotion. Nail polish thinner can be used to thin out nail polish that has become too thick. Keep the polish in the refrigerator to make it last longer. Keep nails well-trimmed, and don't wear polish to work. Vitamin B especially B5: Important for healthy skin and nails. Moisturizing your nails every day is important to maintaining healthy cuticles.

Nails that split and peel lack sufficient oil and moisture. Nail polish thinner can be used to thin out nail polish that has become too thick. Keep exposure to harsh chemicals at a minimum, especially bleach. Soft nails that look scooped out. Depression is usually large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Terry's nails — The nail looks opaque and white, but the nail tip has a dark pink to brown band. Black currant oil is very effective for healthy nail growth. Dirty and unkept nails will make your hands look ugly. Your nails need to be strong and healthy for your hands to look beautiful. Drink fresh carrot juice daily, this is high in calcium and phosphorus and is excellent for strengthening nails. Drink plenty of water and other liquids.

Take Care of Hands and Nails Tips

1. After washing your hands, pat dry and, while moist, use a moisturizer on the hands, cuticles and nails.

2. Nail polish protects the nail from stains, physical trauma, and acts as a barrier to chemicals

3. Do not use too much polish remover.

4. Avoid applying sharp instruments under the nails. They might break the nail to skin bond;

5. Do not ignore nails that separate from beds.

6. Avoid chipping and peeling off nail polish.

7. Do not forget your toenails.



Source: http://EzineArticles.com Juliet_Cohen

Skin Care - How Vitamins Influence The Skin's Appearance

It is basic knowledge that of all the food and nutrients that we consume that vitamins have by far the greatest impact on the health and appearance of our skins. Generally, good health is reflected in our skin - even conventional Chinese medicines and other more traditional practices judge our health through the appearance of our skin. A healthy skin is therefore reflective of a good diet. This is especially true if you consider that greasy and oily foods tend to aggravate the onset of acne and simple breakouts. The role of vitamins in our diet does not go unnoticed when it relates to our skin's appearance and likewise its health. Basically, without the essential skin vitamins, the skin tends to take on an appearance of dryness and dullness.

Vitamin A is commonly associated with good skin because of its abilities as a good anti-oxidant. However, Vitamin A itself is the general term given to a group of molecules (alcohols and aldehydes) that can exist in either form under given circumstances. Carotenoids and retinol are other popular names for Vitamin A. It is one form of the carotenoid structure in particular (beta-carotene) that gives the group its anti-oxidant properties. An anti-oxidant is simply a molecule that can remove radical scavengers along the skin's surface and thus help in the maintenance of youthful vibrant skin. In general, radicals are naturally produced by the body during is metabolism, but these radicals are highly reactive and have the tendency of attacking the skin's cells - in particular being responsible for early signs of aging and wrinkles. As you could probably guess from the name carotenoid, carrots are among the food types rich in Vitamin A.

Vitamin B (in particular Vitamin B2 or riboflavin) too has the similar function of Vitamin A in terms of healthy skin promotion, only instead of itself being an anti-oxidant it is the catalyst for the reaction which produces anti-oxidants within the body. As a catalyst, its job is the speed up the rate at which the anti-oxidant is produced by creating the ideal conditions for the reaction within the body.

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is also an anti-oxidant, and is in fact one of the better known and better recognized anti-oxidants around today. But fighting off the harmful free-radicals is not the only function of Vitamin C - it is one of the essential components for the production of collagen tissues. Collagen is in fact the stuff that makes up our skin, so collagen regeneration means younger-looking and healthier skins.

Vitamin D is quite unlike all the other vitamins involved in healthy skin appearance, for it is one that is responsible for the healthy tan of the skin. Vitamin D is produced naturally by the skin when exposed to sunlight, and is the reason for the healthy glow observed in the skin after brief exposures to the sun.

Finally, Vitamin E provides the function of an anti-oxidant. It is however one of the most powerful anti-oxidants used by the body in its constant battle against free-radicals.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com David_Yu

Toxic Chemicals in Skin and Hair Care Products

It is important to be careful about the chemicals that are placed on the skin with skin care products and cosmetics. Many skin products and cosmetics have dangerous chemicals as a part of there components. Our skin is not a barrier to these chemicals it acts as a transporter for these chemicals and they can end up in our blood stream and from there to the rest of our body. These chemicals will add to the toxicity of the body and will potentially add to ill health or delay the healing process.

More than 500 ingredients are used to make cosmetics products. We are unsure of the safety for the majority of these chemicals. The most common reactions to the chemicals are eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. However, there is evidence that people who work with these chemicals (such as hairdressers and beauticians) suffer from the cumulative effects of the chemical. The studies concluded that:

There is an increased risk of lung, uterine, ovarian, breast, digestive and respiratory cancer.

Of the 169 permanent hair dyes, 150 are mutagenic (cause changes to our cells genes).

The use of permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes is associated with increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukaemia and Hodgkin's disease.

The ingredients that you need to avoid include:

Foaming agents including sodium laureth sulphate (SLS), ammonium lauryl sulphate and 1,4-dioxane.

Artificial fragrances - many chemicals are able to gain access to our body via our olfactory system or sublingually (under the tongue). In the case of toothpaste a single fragrance can be made up of 200 chemicals which don't have to be labeled. Many fragrances are based on petroleum products and some reactions to these include dizziness, skin irritation and brown tinges to the skin. Products that are fragranced with essential oils are your safest choices.

Artificial colors. Things have improved since Queen Elizabeth 1 died from lead poisoning caused by her trademark white make up. However, there are still many questionable colorants. Synthetic colors are made up from coal tar containing heavy metal salts that deposit toxins into our systems.

Emulsifiers - these are used in just about all personal grooming products. They keep the texture uniform and stop the ingredients from separating. Eggs can be used for this but skin care companies prefer a more synthetic version. Glyceryl monostearate and stearic acid are two commonly used emulsifiers and oral care products that are known to cause side effects - in particular skin irritations. Another commonly used emulsifier is triethanolamine, a substance that is converted in living tissue into nitrosamines - some of the strongest carcinogens known. Triethanolamine causes skin irritation problems. Ethoxylates is another commonly used emulsifier which is a strongly mutagenic. It damages the DNA which increases skin aging and the risk of developing skin cancers.

Preservatives - These are used to slow the rate at which the products decay and therefore increase the products shelf life. Some of these that need to be avoided are:

Imidazolidinyl urea - formaldehyde. This is known to cause dermatitis, skin irritation, nerve damage and cancers.

Parabens - over 90% of cosmetics contain a preservative from the parabens family. Some of the latest research suggests that these may work as endocrine disruptors. These chemical play a role in increasing the rate of breast cancer and decreasing rates of male fertility.

Carrying agents - this is the ingredient that provides all the other ingredients a means to be suspended. Water is the most common carrying agent and some are derived from vegetable glycerine or seaweed. However, it is usually a petroleum derivative.


Porpylene glycol is commonly used and there are general warnings about it when it is in contact with the skin. It can cause brain, liver and kidney problems. Yet this is the agent that is commonly used in stick deodorants, toothpaste and most other personal care items!

Other ingredients to watch out for are PVP/VA copolymer, stearalkonium chloride, petrolatum and paraffin.

Skin and hair care products are used in an attempt to enhance our appearance or preserve our skin - however this is not what many of the product that are commercially available actually do. Many are far from safe and add to the toxic burden of the body. If you have been using unsafe skin and hair care products (and anybody who uses the usual commercially available products will have) then you need to detoxify your body to remove these toxic chemicals and limit the damage that they can cause.


Source: http://EzineArticles.com Dr_Jenny_Tylee

Bath Oils - Make Your Skin Flawless!

Body care is as important an aspect of looking good as is your facial skin care regimen. However, with busy schedules, it is often neglected while the facial skin care is considered important. With the result, while the face has a youthful look your neck, hands and elbows have a wrinkled look resulting in an aging expression.

But how do you save time while still looking good with optimum body care?
Bath oils are a good option when you want a quick solution to a well moisturized body. There are many bath oils and body care line of moisturizing lotions which not only make you feel refreshed and caressed, they also provide required moisturizing and maintain the essential pH balance of the skin.
Many therapeutic oils and fragrant oils are readily available while you can even make your own blends easily. With a regular use of these natural oils, you will soon have a glowing skin with reduced signs of aging.

Aromatherapy is an exceptional science which has been able to harness the essence of plants and these are known as essential oils. Using essential oils effectively is an easy art which not makes you look nice, but relaxes you mentally too. Aromatherapy Bath oils have the inherent qualities of essential oils, while they also nourish your skin making you feel healthy, clean and nourished. Bath oils usually have plant oil extracts to hydrate and nourish the skin without chemicals.

For better skin care, buy products which do not have alcohol or chemicals but have concentrated plant oil extracts and other pure oils - avocado, coconut, almond oils. Pure bath oils may be expensive but that may be another reason you can differentiate between pure organic oil and artificially fragrant bath oils. It is advised to buy bath oils and related skin care products from reputed shops that sell organic health products. Youth and beauty are undying dreams as everyone wants to look beautiful and young, so why not start today to care about your skin?

If you are looking for a different gift for a party favor or maybe just surprise someone, make a beautiful gift of organic bath oil packs, you would be surprised how much people appreciate such exotic gifts.

Bath oils are ever popular even as gifts, especially when you want to show someone you care, gift organic, natural gifts that do not contain harmful chemicals and are safe even on gentle skins. Usually all natural products are non allergic so happy using and gifting eco friendly products!

Anita R writes for onestoptreatment.COM that provides information on all aspects of finding Aromatherapy Bath Oils.The information provide by our Aromatherapy SKIN CARE EXPERT! You can find more details and tips about aromatherapy Bath Oil in our education center.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Anita_R_Choudhary

Get The Best Acne Skin Care Treatment

Acne is a pesky skin ailment that leads to blemishes and pimples on skin. It is an inflammatory disease of skin known as Acne Vulgaris. It is usually caused due to changes in the skin structure and pilosebaceous units. However, acne is a common phenomenon during pubescent years. However, it makes one appear dull as the acne leads to dry and rough skin. In many cases, those who face acne problems feel afraid of making public appearances as acne makes them appear dull and unimpressive.

And, if you are looking for acne treatment skincare, make sure you stay away from all fatty and greasy food items as oily skin aggravates acne conditions. A balanced and healthy diet helps you in nutrition to your body. Changing your lifestyle and staying away from unhealthy junk food helps you in staying in shape as well as fighting acne in an easy way. While facing acne, it is necessary to take good amount of citrus fruits and water so as to detoxify your body from toxicants. It is seen that stressful life aggravates existing acne conditions.

Apart from having a proper diet, it is essential to pursue timely acne treatment skincare in order to recover from acne. Using a good face wash helps you in cleaning your skin pores. Exfoliating masques and cleaners are the best way to manage your acne in an easy way as it cleanses the deep pores of your skin and makes it appear smooth and glowing. Make sure you use anti bacterial cleansers that kills acne causing bacteria. You can get anti bacteria gels, creams and lotions from your nearest chemist store. Try those anti bacteria creams that contain benzoyl peroxide. Using skin astringents and water based cosmetics in order to revive from skin itching and irritations in a simple way.

However, if these acne treatment skincare do not provide you enough relief, you can check your nearest dermatologist who provides you with acne treatment skincare. Some of popular acne treatment skincare includes photo pneumatic therapy, where skin suction and light treatment is performed on skin. In the light ray's therapy, blue light destroys inflammation causing bacteria. Light and heat helps in destroying bacteria that affects sebaceous glands. With the photo pneumatic therapy acne treatment skincare, some of side effects include swelling and redness. However, these are minor effects that heal with the time and you get healthy skin.

Therefore, if you are facing niggling acne problems, make sure you go for proper treatment and recover from bothersome acne that makes you appear dull and ugly. Take proper care of you skin and improve upon your eating habits in order to recover from acne. Don't forget that a good diet that is free from unhealthy fats helps in reducing acne in an easy way. Along with a healthy diet, use quality anti bacteria skin creams to clean and exfoliate your skin in a hassle free way. So, next time you face acne, get the best acne treatment skincare. With acne treatment skincare, say goodbye to acne.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com Saris_Hunsanugrom

Sun Protection - How does Sunscreen Work

Overexposure to sunlight can result in painful, red, sunburned skin. A bad burn can also cause serious consequences like skin cancer later in life.

Long-term overexposure can cause wrinkles, freckles, age spots, dilated blood vessels; changes in the texture of the skin that make skin look older, and skin cancers. Sun protection is important because it helps to reduce these effects.

The amount of melanin in your skin needs to be taken into account. For example, I have darker skin than my British husband. While I seldom burn... and yes I do use sunscreen on a daily basis, he burns very easily. He needs to top up his application on a regular basis, just to prevent burning, while I top up just as often, to prevent my skin from aging any more than is necessary.

The amount of melanin in your skin needs to be taken into account. For example, I have darker skin than my British husband. While I seldom burn... and yes I do use sunscreen on a daily basis, he burns very easily. He needs to top up his application on a regular basis, just to prevent burning, while I top up just as often, to prevent my skin from aging any more than is necessary.

Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays on the skin. They are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and wax sticks. All are labeled with SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn. Some sunscreens, called "broad-spectrum," reflect both UVA and UVB rays. They do a better a job of protecting skin from other effects of the sun including photo damage, photo dermatitis, and sun rashes

UV-A penetrates deeply into the skin and can lead to cancer and premature skin aging. UV-B is involved in tanning and burning of your skin. UV-C is completely absorbed by the earth's atmosphere. The organic molecules in sunscreen absorb the ultraviolet radiation and release it as heat.

By chemically absorbing UV radiation and therefore preventing it from reaching your skin. By physically blocking or reflecting UV radiation - these sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which scatter the UV radiation away from your skin. Chemical absorber sunscreens are the most common. These are usually non-greasy and easy to apply. Broad-spectrum sunscreens contain several chemicals that absorb UVR over the UV spectrum.

Sun blocks (i.e., physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide) reflect, scatter rays and act as a barrier to UVR.Sunscreens are labeled with a sun protection factor (SPF). For example, with an SPF 15 it takes 15 times as much sun exposure to get sunburn as compared to no sunscreen at all.

Sunscreens work by either absorbing or blocking Ultraviolet light. Examples of absorbers are PARA, benzophenones and cinnamates. Examples of sun blockers are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and ichthammol. Most sunscreens have 2 or 3 absorbers to block a higher percentage and broader range of wavelengths.

The chemicals in sunscreen products work by absorbing the ultra violet rays and then scattering them, the most common of these is para-aminobenzoic acid or PABA. Mexoryl SX is said to be the most effective of these chemicals but has only so far been approved in the USA, this was in July 2006.

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Sunscreen The Skin Saver-Beauty

Though the average woman of color has a natural SPF of 13 (which means we can stay in the sun without burning thirteen times longer than a White woman), we still need to include sunscreen in our daily skin-care program for four key reasons.

• Sun causes premature aging. Women of color are less susceptible to the signs of aging (wrinkles, sun spots), but we still age with at least some wrinkles, especially those of us with lighter skin tones.

• Sun causes sunburn. We are not immune to sunburns that damage the skin. Despite what many of us think, our skin can and will burn whether we go on a trip to the Caribbean, Mexico, or a local beach.

• Sun can contribute to skin discoloration. When stimulated by sun rays, our melanocyte cells can produce more melanin, triggering hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin in uneven patches. If you already have dark marks on your face or body, the discoloration may become more pronounced.

• Sun suppresses the immune system. This effect probably weakens the body's ability to fight infection, cancer, and other conditions.

Sunscreens work by absorbing the harmful ultraviolet A (UV A) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays before they can affect the skin. Sunblocks create a protective barrier that reflects UV rays, causing them to bounce off the skin. Like other skin-care products, sunscreens are formulated for different skin types. For most Brown women, a sunscreen with SPF 15 (which means you can stay in the sun fifteen times longer without burning) is sufficient, but if you have certain medical conditions, such as lupus, or take certain medications, you may need a sunscreen with SPF 30. Look for broad spectrum products containing ingredients that protect the skin from both UV A and UVB rays. (Although women of color tend to avoid sunblocks that contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide because they leave a white coating on the skin, these agents provide the most complete protection from the sun.) Here's what more you need to know.

For oily Skin. Choose a light sunscreen gel or spray such as Ombrelle Spray or Presun 30 gel. If you use moisturizer in cold weather months, look for one that contains SPF 15 sunscreen.

For Normal/Combination Skin. Apply a sunscreen gel with SPF 15 or a sunscreen containing moisturizer such as Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 15.

For Dry Skin. You can use just about any lotion or cream sunscreen they stay on longer than gels. One I recommend is Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15. Your best bet may be a rich moisturizer containing sunscreen.

For Sensitive Skin. Shop for PABA free, chemical free sunscreens. (Sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium oxide do make the skin look white, but newer products contain finer ingredients that fade into skin after several minutes.)

About the author:Author writes about natural beauty tips. He also writes about medicinal herbs and skin disorders help.
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Health Benefits of Wheat Grass

Wheatgrass is grown through a process known as sprouting. Sprouts are "complete foods" because they contain all other essential dietary nutrients, along with the enzymes to help assimilate them. They are easily digested and enter the bloodstream quickly. The nutrients in wheatgrass juice are completely assimilated by the human body in 20 minutes. For this reason sprouts are "quick energy" foods. Wheat sprouts contain four times more folic acid, and six times more Vitamin C, than unsprouted wheat or ordinary grass.

Wheat grass is known as a powerful healing agent. Beyond the detoxification and renewal derived from its chlorophyll, carotene and enzymes, the synergy of its array of nutrients restores vitality. For over 25 years, a number of centers of healing have focused on wheat grass as a key aspect of helping many gravely ill people back to health.

Proteins are a very important nutrient needed by the body and are responsible for a huge array of diverse functions throughout the body including cell renewal, creation of hormones to building of muscles, blood and organs. Proteins are made up of amino acids, and they are essential to proper digestion and assimilation of foods, strong immunity against disease, rapid healing of cuts and wounds, proper liver function and regulation of our level of mental awareness.


Wheat grass is believed to have many unexplained natural healing qualities. Many of the phytonutrients (plant nutrients) contained in cereal grasses have yet to be identified and it is not completely known how they provide such great benefits to our health. We do know that cereal grasses contain large amounts of chlorophyll (the “blood” of plants), which is amazingly similar to hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood.

Wheatgrass Juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. Dr Earp-Thomas, associate of Ann Wigmore, says that 15 pounds of Wheatgrass is the equivalent of 350 pounds of carrot, lettuce, celery, and so forth.

Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls. The implants also heal and cleanse the internal organs. After an enema, wait 20 minutes, then implant 4 ounces of wheatgrass juice. Retain for 20 minutes.

It is also very useful in improving vision of eyes therefore helping in providing proper nourishment to the skin under eyes preventing dark circles and sagging down of skin.

This nutrient-rich grass contains 17 amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins. The body uses these amino adds for, things like building, muscle tissue, repairing cells, and clotting the blood. wheat grass retains 92 of the 102 minerals found in the soil. These minerals include calcium, phosphorus, iron magnesium and potassium. It is a rich natural source of vitamins A and C. wheat grass has more vitamin C than oranges and twice the vitamin A as carrots. It is exceptionally rich in vitamins E, K, and B-complex. It is also a natural source of laetrile.

The starch of the wheat berry is stored energy which when converted to simpler sugars is a quick energy source. It is especially good for athletes because it is a juice and assimilated in 20 minutes. Wheatgrass picks up 92 of the 102 minerals in the soil and contains all vitamins science has isolated.

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Healthy Skin With Solgar

Everyone wishes to have a healthy skin. A glowing skin is something that women crave for. Not only does a female have a desire to have a healthy skin but also the male crowd is conscious about it. Nevertheless, having healthy skin and nails is not only a constraint related to beauty but also a factor concerned with the health and hygiene of a person. Some of the products from Solgar provide nourishment to the skin and nails too. No doubt that skin is a vital organ for any organism.

Solgar supplements are a blend of naturally derived nutrients in the form of medicaments, which must be ingested to compliment your food. The Solgar supplements are a remedy to vitalise your nutritional value count and rejuvenate your metabolic system. People rely on Vitamin C to achieve a healthy and glowing skin. Not just Vitamin C enhances skin and nails health but also there are other nutrients involved for best results. Calcium is another mineral necessary for keep your nails in good shape.

Solgar has come up with supplements comprising of essential macronutrients and micronutrients to cater the nutrition need of your body. There are Solgar products, which are made to invigorate and revivify, the health of skin and nails must be taken along with diet. Methylsulfonylmethane is a macronutrient for maintaining the health of nails and skin. Just in case you are in need of excessive Vitamin C, go for other Solgar nutritional supplements comprising of Vitamin C and Bioflavonoid.

A range of essential nutrients from Solgar is helpful in maintaining health and balanced nutrition for the body. Availability of the supplements in the form of medicaments enables you to keep your nutrition score up even during a brisk paced lifestyle. Use Solgar products for making a successful foray into a healthy way of living.

About the author:John Hayden : Solgar and Solgar Products
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Aloe Vera for Your Health and Skin

Aloe vera is a species of the Aloe plant, which is part of the lily family. This plant is originally from West Africa but is now a common household plant in many countries. Its leaves are fleshy and cactus like. They contain a thin clear gel that people often use to soothe minor skin problems,

First and foremost Aloe Vera is classified as an herbal bitter. The bitter portions of the plant also known as anthraquinones are located just under the outer leaf.

So if you drink the Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate – still containing the bitter yellow sap as nature provides in the plant itself – you will receive this wonderful digestive bitter. Be aware that products that state they remove aloin and aloe emodin are void of the bitter properties from Aloe Vera.

Pure Aloe Vera extract is actually a combination of many different vitamins and minerals. Working together, these vital nutrients help give aloe vera its healing properties. The gel inside the aloe vera plant can be applied directly to the skin or hair, and the juice within can be drank to help flush out built-up toxins from within the stomach and gut. Many people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome have achieved terrific results when drinking aloe vera juice for approximately three weeks.

Aloe Berry Nectar: To create our Aloe Berry Nectar, we begin with all the goodness of our Aloe Vera Gel, and then add a refreshing twist of apple and cranberry juice concentrates for a flavour your whole family will enjoy! Don't let the great taste fool you, Aloe Berry Nectar is a nutritional powerhouse!

Aloe Berry Nectar adds vitamins C and A, as well as potassium and real cranberry juice to all the nutrients of our Aloe Vera Gel. Try it, you'll love it!
Many people have experienced the healing powers of the Aloe Vera plant when applied topically to a cut or burn. Yet the reason it works is not commonly known. Research shows us there are five natural occurring anti-inflammatory agents that exist along with growth factors located in the plant. They work together quickly to relieve pain sensations, reverse scarring and speed healing miraculously! The healing magic of drinking Aloe Vera is also supported through scientific research and ancient writings of traditional use of the plant.

Aloe Vera juice is famed for its ability to clean the liver. It's a gentle cleansing herb which naturally helps to clear inflammatory heat from the body whilst supporting gentle detoxification of the liver. It is used to protect the digestive system, treating common problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and is renowned for it ability to reduce intestinal inflammation.

Aloe Vera Skin Gel with no water added on the skin twice daily to restore the acid pH needed for healthy skin. Apply the Skin Gel after washing the face and body properly. Aloe Vera is an astringent which closes the pores. Apply a moisturizer after the skin gel to maintain proper protection of the skin and prevent over production of the oil glands. Aloe helps to reverse scarring. Avoid constipation by drinking plenty of water and eating scrubbing vegetables such as carrots and celery or apples.

Aloe Vera is a naturally cooling and nourishing plant renowned for maintaining youthful looks, healthy skin and balanced digestion. It has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties and is one of Ayurveda's most potent cleansing and rejuvenating elixirs. Aloe Vera is an amazing versatile plant - it truly is nature at its finest.


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Beautiful Skin - Healthy Food for Beautiful Skin

These days we seem to be living in the fast-food age and the condition of your skin is often neglected. You still can't beat the old fruit and vegetable diet when it comes to good health and a good complexion.

But Everyone wants to have smooth and beautiful skin. You can achieve this by gathering the following ingredients, and following the simple steps below. It's simple and takes little time.

The secrets to good skin are much more basic; they have to do with a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, the two most important factors that influence the condition of your skin.Healthy, glowing skin can be yours. Here, a simplified skincare regimen for every skin type's most common problems. Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and leafy green. Good nutrition is the basic building block of healthy skin.

Healthy Food for Beautiful Skin

Eat Fruits for Breakfast did you know that while you sleep your body is detoxifying and cleansing out the waste material from previous day? This is very important for healthy skin as these toxins and waste material can cause acne and other skin problems.

Avoid Problematic Food Combinations Different foods require different digestive juices and enzymes. For example, carbohydrates require alkaline digestive juices, while proteins require highly acidic juices.

When you eat proteins and carbohydrates at the same meal alkaline and acid neutralize each other and neither gets digested properly. Food just sits in the stomach for hours. The ever-present bacteria putrefy it and create more toxins and pollutants.

Eat Yogurt is the only dairy product that is good for your skin. During the fermentation process the probiotic bacteria make it easily digestible. The probiotic bacteria in yogurt are also very important for healthy, radiant skin because they improve the immune system and kill bacteria that cause acne and other skin problems.

Avoid any yogurts sold at supermarkets. In most cases they contain no live bacteria and are practically useless. Make sure that the yogurt you eat is made of organic milk and is pasteurized before the probiotic bacteria is cultivated. Ask your local health store for recommendations.


Green smoothies are amazing skin food. Green smoothies come loaded with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and other micro-nutrients that your skin requires to be healthy and look young.

Green smoothies are nothing but fruit smoothies with some green, leafy vegetables blended in. I understand that this may not be the most appealing combination, but here’s the trick. Always use at least 60% fruits and green smoothies taste as good as fruit smoothies do. Here’s one combination to try; bananas, frozen blueberries and spinach or kale with little water.


The proteins are needed for repair of body tissues. The skin and hair need enough protein and the deficiency causes dull and dry skin and scalp. Vegetarians specially need to plan their diets carefully to include protein rich foods such as soya beans, sprouts, cheese, milk, grains, peas & beans.

Freshly made cheese from toned milk is an excellent source of protein for the vegetarians. Sprouted beans are enormously rich in nutrition as both the Vitamin B and C content increases as much as 40% during sprouting. If porridge sounds to drab, make it interesting by adding the fruit of your choice to it.

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