Best Natural Skin Care

Information on Anti Aging – How Do We Age and Can We Stop It?

Ingela — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:36:58 +0000

Aging is an inevitable part of life. We all age sooner or later but many fear this process for various reasons. Information on anti aging is considered very precious by a lot of people so that they can prevent the different signs from appearing on their skin.

Let’s face it, you’ve probably just started researching anti aging and are wondering if all of these tips, creams and treatments work.

I’ve been there and done that. There are a lot of bad information out there, but when you keep searching and find the things that work, it will all be worth it.

Let us take a closer look on the aging process, what causes it, information on anti aging options, and which one will probably work best for you.

Why Does Aging Happen?

Aging is brought about by normal wear and tear of the body. Many factors are involved in this complex process and how we treat each system of our body and the kind of environment we live in directly affects the aging process.

Aging is not merely a product of chronological time but of what we do in that time, including our genes and surroundings. You can speed up aging, or you can slow it down, the choice is yours.

What Causes Aging?

A common problem when we get older is that we tend to forget to take care of ourselves. We tend to let our guard down and fail to notice what we do to our body. Aging happens naturally but the process happens earlier in people who don’t take good care of themselves.

Basically, body processes and physiological functions slow down as we get older. However, poor diet and nutrition, smoking, stress, alcohol, and sedentary lifestyle are among the factors that can speed up one’s aging.

What Can Be Done To Slow Down Aging?

If you want to slow down the aging process, you better start taking care of your body as early as possible. Don’t wait until the signs of aging appear on your body and you start to feel the difference for yourself.

One of the most useful pieces of information on anti aging is to start fighting it while you are still young. One thing you can do is to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Skip the greasy, high cholesterol, salty, and sugary foods. Instead, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Make sure to drink plenty of water as well. Don’t forget that rest and sleep are important too. Stay away from nasty habits like smoking and drinking alcohol as much as possible.

Protect yourself from excessive sun exposure. The sun is not harmful unless you overdo it. Don’t forget to exercise to keep your muscles toned and your bones strong.

Using Natural Creams

When it comes to information on anti aging, probably the thing most people are looking for are easy solutions like creams and gels they can apply on their skin. Yes, creams certainly are helpful but only if you use the right kind.

In addition, creams are best used as early as possible and should be tried first before resorting to drastic measures such as surgery.

Natural creams are preferred over the conventional chemical-laden creams available on today’s market. Natural anti aging ingredients are safer and even more effective and beneficial to the skin.

I personally use a skin care product line from Xtend-Life. It works very well for my skin, if you want to, you can read my Xtend-Life review.

Uncover the Best Treatment for Dry Skin

Ingela — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:45:31 +0000

Finding the best treatment for dry skin is tricky. There are so many options available today that it is downright confusing. You simply don’t know where to go.

All you know is that you want to get rid of your dry skin, and while I can’t guarantee results, I can help you increase your chances of getting your skin looking beautiful and moisturized again.

If you want to know the best treatment for dry skin, you should first be aware of the different causes of dry skin. Only then can you come up with the best treatment for dry skin that is sure to keep your skin happy and moisturized from then on.

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin may come in different forms. From a dry look of the skin, to some minor flaking, and to something as bad as severe itching, cracking, and bleeding of the skin, these can be signs that you have dry skin.

Generally, the drier the skin, the less elastic it will be. The increase in the skin’s tightness can cause other skin problems like wrinkle formation and stretch marks.

What Causes Dry Skin?

As I’ve mentioned earlier, you can only choose the best treatment for dry skin once you know the different causes. Here are some of the common causes of dry skin.

CLIMATE. The climate or the environment you live in affects the dryness of your skin. Usually, dry skin is common in the winter due to the lack of humidity or moisture in the air. Living in dry areas like in the desert can also rob your skin of moisture.

SUN EXPOSURE. The sun can also take a toll on your skin by causing excessive skin dryness even when you wear sun protection like sunscreen. Get to know your skin and its limits. Sunshine is essential to our health, but anything in excessive amounts can be harmful.

DIET. Poor nutrition and diet can cause skin dryness too. Lack of hydration by not drinking enough water will also lead to dry skin and dehydration. Eating a healthy diet and ample amounts of water is important not only for the skin but for the rest of the body too.

SKIN PRODUCTS. You might be unknowingly putting skin care products that contain harsh chemicals on your skin. Chemicals usually used in skin care ingredients like alcohols, fragrances, dioxanes, and parabens can be irritating to the skin and contribute to skin dryness. I personally only use natural skin care products.

What Is The Best Treatment For Dry Skin?

To be able to address dry skin effectively, you need to address the root cause of the problem. If the cold winter weather causes your skin to get dry, you can take warm showers then moisturize afterwards to maximize skin hydration. Make sure you tap, not rub dry, with a towel after bathing.

If sun exposure is the problem, then make sure that you drink plenty of water before and while out in the sun. Avoid the midday sun when the sun is usually harshest and just stay out of the sun whenever possible. Moisturizers can also help keep dryness away.

In terms of diet and nutrition, make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Eat a lot of fresh foods instead of processed, sugary, and greasy foods. Avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol as these can also strip the skin of its moisture.

Be more aware of what you apply on your skin. Natural creams and lotions with ingredients from nature are far safer and more effective than any chemical or synthetic ingredient.

Among the best natural moisturizers are avocado oil, shea butter, active manuka honey, Cynergy TK, nano-lipobelle H-EQ10, grapeseed oil, and macadamia oil.

These are sure to give your skin not only moisture but nutrients and antioxidants as well. How do I know? Because I use them every day on my own skin. You can learn more about the natural skin care line I use by clicking here.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Ingela — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:58:09 +0000

Do you feel embarrassed to wear your bathing suit because of stretch marks? Do you wish you knew how to get rid of stretch marks?

It is possible both prevent and fade them simply by moisturizing with the right things.

Stretch marks are dreaded especially when the sunny season is arriving and you want to wear lighter clothes, and for once get to use those shorts or that pretty bathing suit.

Most women get stretch marks at some point in their life, some at a young age and others not until older.

Many of us accept them as permanent scars, when there actually are many things that have proven to reduce stretch marks.

Before learning how to get rid of stretch marks let’s look at what they really are . . .

What Are Stretch Marks?

They appear as lines that are pink to purple in color and can turn into light colored scars. The discoloration is small blood vessels that have ruptured, and they mostly appear on places where fat is stored like breasts, belly, thighs, buttocks and also upper arms.

To be honest, stretch marks can be very ugly and destroy your self-esteem if you don’t take care of them. I personally like to prevent them as best as possible by eating healthy and using this natural skin care product line.

What Causes Them?

The most commonly known cause is weight gain or rapid body change of some sort, for example pregnancy or muscle building. Your skin tissue simply can’t keep up with the fast change.

But there are also some other underlying causes which can make you more susceptible for getting stretch marks and scarring:

Skin depleted of collagen and elastin (Can be caused by aging)
Hormone imbalances (Caused by puberty, pregnancy, depression or drugs)
Poor nutrition leading to weaker cell walls

So, think about if you may have some of these underlying issues, and address them to get better long-term improvement and for preventing stretch marks.

3 Tips for How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Getting rid of stretch marks does not happen over night, not through natural treatments nor unnatural ones. Surgery or laser therapy is an option, but natural treatments are surely better for healthy, beautiful skin and long term improvement.

One thing to think about though is that the earlier you start treating them the faster will they fade away, so it is better to do it before they become deep scars. You succeed in reducing them later too, it will just take a bit longer.

It took a while for them to form and it may take several months or more to get rid of stretch marks, but it is really quite simple.

#1. NATURAL SUBSTANCES

There are plenty of things that you can apply to your skin that have shown to fade stretch marks effectively, due to their high content of fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients.

For example Jojoba oil, Grapeseed oil, active Manuka honey and Shea butter can help reduce scars and marks, and also have moisturizing and anti-aging effects.

#2. ACTIVE BODY LOTION

Using a completely natural, yet advanced body lotion with active ingredients is another simple way to get rid of stretch marks. It absorbs deeply within minutes, so you can go on with your day straight after.

With a scientifically formulated body lotion you are using the right quantities of numerous effectively repairing ingredients, which work in synergy to heal even faster. It should be rich in healing vitamins and ingredients that increase the collagen and elastin in your skin, and have at least 50% active ingredients.

#3. NUTRIENTS

You will definitely facilitate the healing process the stretch scars by upping your stores of vital nutrients and making sure you don’t have any deficiencies. Foods rich in silica and zink are important for optimal collagen growth. Vitamins essential for repairing and skin health are vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin D, and vitamin A to mention a few.

It is also important to remember the fats. You strengthen your cell walls by eating healthy fats from natural foods and supplements like omega-3 fish oil capsules.

Anti Aging Nutrition – 4 Foods That Promote Beautiful and Soft Skin

Ingela — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:20:58 +0000

When it comes to anti aging, nutrition may play a bigger role than you think.

It is true that you are what you eat and your skin will definitely show what you are eating.

When it comes to anti aging nutrition, there are certain foods that you need to increase your intake of to be able to provide your skin with the nutrients it needs in order to maintain and repair its self.

For example, I think you already know that junk food won’t do you any good, but what exactly should you eat instead?

In this article we’ll go through simple anti aging nutrition and what foods you can eat more of if you want to stay young and wrinkle-free.

Here are four anti aging nutrition foods that are sure to help you glow radiantly even at an old age.

1. ORANGES

Juicy and sweet, oranges are highly known for their high vitamin C content. Oranges are popular all over the world and are pretty much available around the year depending on variety. It is a versatile ingredient for recipes that can add certain tanginess to dishes and is great even when eaten on its own or squeezed to make juice.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps fight off free radicals that cause skin damage. Vitamin C is also important for the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is an essential protein needed to keep skin firm and smooth.

Vitamin C also helps with wound healing and helps boost the immune system. Eating oranges and other rich sources of vitamin C will help provide your skin with anti aging nutrition.

2. KALE

Green leafy vegetables are an important part of our diet. One such vegetable that gives a number of benefits to the body and helps with the anti aging process is kale. Kale is part of the Brassica family together with broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

It is packed with different vitamins like A, C, E, K, and B-complex which are all important in maintaining good skin. These vitamins each play a role in keeping skin healthy and vitamins A, C, and E powerful antioxidants that help prevent free radicals from wreaking much havoc in the skin and the body.

Studies also suggest that kale may be effective in preventing cancer due to its high sulfur-based phytonutrients. Those watching their weight need not worry about kale as it is actually one of the most calorie-light vegetables.

3. RED GRAPES

The vibrant color of red grapes should tell you the health benefits it has to offer. Flavonoids, which are very potent antioxidants, give grapes their red color. Antioxidants are important to help fight free radicals in the body.

Reservatrol is another substance found in red grapes. It protects the heart from developing diseases by preventing platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots that can block the arteries of the heart and by preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, when oxidized, gives rise to damaging effects to the arteries.

4. STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries are also rich in vitamin C needed for collagen production. Aside from high vitamin C content, strawberries are also beneficial in keeping the heart healthy through its high potassium, and low sodium content. Strawberries also contain phenols, which are known to prevent cancer. If you are pregnant, you may also benefit from strawberries due to their high folate content.

It really is easy and simple to eat your way to healthy skin. These foods are delicious and nutritious at the same time so you get full benefits without any effort.

Image by Justin Knol

How to Prevent and Reduce Dark Under Eye Circles

Ingela — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:11:24 +0000

Nothing makes me feel more tired (and even old!) than seeing dark under eye circles in the mirror in the morning.

Fortunately I know of some sure-fire ways to both prevent and get rid of dark under eye circles.

Although the only instant solution is to cover them up with make up, but that won’t help you in the long-term.

I used to have a bit darker skin underneath my eyes, but it has gotten lighter since I addressed some underlying issues as well as started using this natural eye serum.

Let’s look into what those circles really are and what may be causing them for you.

What Are Dark Under Eye Circles?

I am of course talking about those dark half circles under the eyes, which some even call “panda eyes “. Most people have them to some degree and they mostly come with bags or puffiness under the eyes too. For some people the skin under the eyes has blue-red pigmentation as well.

Dark under eye circles are capillaries – tiny blood vessels – which show through the skin and sometimes get darker than normal.

6 Causes of Dark Circles Under Eyes

There are quite a lot of different things that can cause dark under eye circles, maybe that’s why so many of us have them. Some of the things have directly to do with getting older while others can happen to people of any age.

1. Poor Blood Circulation. When your blood is circulating slower than usual capillaries get darker because of accumulated hemoglobin. This slower circulation can be caused by for example fatigue from sleeping too little or caused by aging.

2. Leaking Capillaries. The circles and blue-red pigmentation can also be caused by leaking of those tiny blood vessels, which mostly is because of rubbing the area and aging.

3. Nutrient Deficiency. Dark circles can also be a sign that there is something wrong in your body, like a nutrient deficiency. A common nutrient to be deficient in especially for women is iron.

4. Loss of Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance in the skin that keeps it youthful, but when you get older this acid is slowly broken down. Without enough hyaluronic acid dark circles can form.

5. Thinning Skin. Another thing caused by aging is the thinning of the skin. When there is less fat plumping up the skin it may get darker and larger blood vessels can start showin.

6. Genetics. Finally your genetics may be the thing messing it up for you if it is common in your family to have very thin skin under the eyes, the skin may appear darker.

3 Tips for Prevention

The best way of avoiding dark under eye circles is of course to prevent them. I try to make sure I do all of these things so that my eye skin stays light throughout my life. Several of the remedies further down can also be used as prevention.

1. Avoid Rubbing. Any touch that is too harsh for the delicate skin around your eyes can cause rupture in the small capillaries which causes leakage of hemoglobin. Avoid rubbing the skin altogether; when drying the skin only dab it gently with the towel and when applying something do so gently with your finger, avoiding touching it with nails or rough skin.

2. Sleep Enough. When sleeping there is a regeneration of sorts going on in your body which keeps up your blood circulation. It is important to get enough deep sleep because that is when the most repairing is happening. I know that sometimes I have a hard time getting to bed in time myself; there is always something more to do. But I make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep most of the time to avoid getting a tired appearance.

3. Eat Healthy. To avoid deficiencies that easily could cause eye circles and premature aging signs it is vital to have a varied, nutritious diet with lots of vegetables and fruits. Also remember to drink lots of water and reduce salt intake to avoid puffy eyes.

4 Ways to Get Rid of Dark Under Eye Circles

Now we are getting to the exciting part; how to reduce dark under eye circles. As I mentioned, getting rid of the dark under eye circles won’t happen over night.

Treat the skin consistently for at least a few months and you’ll start seeing the wonders of natural skin care.

1. Home Remedies

There are plenty of simple home remedies for reducing dark circles, with various degrees of efficacy. Here are a few examples:

Almond oil, rich in vitamin E and has anti-aging benefits.
Cold tea bags, like chamomile tea. The tannins in the tea remove discoloration.
Cucumber slices, it is very refreshing and hydrating, and cucumber does have a lightening effect.
Slices of avocado, which also is rich in vitamin E.

All of these things can just be put under your eyes, and be removed after at least 15 minutes. I haven’t tried all of them myself so I can’t say if they will work, but it is always worth a try; at the very least you will get some relaxation.

2. Eye Serum

If you find the right eye contour serum you can get rid of dark under eye circles pretty quickly, with the best eye creams it can take about four to eight weeks. It should be a completely natural product; you don’t want any chemicals on your delicate eye skin.

Make sure you look for one with ingredients that are proven effective in reducing dark circles. Especially peptides, which are fragments of proteins, are effective as they help boost blood circulation, thicken the skin and strengthen the capillaries.

It is good to use an eye contour serum just for prevention too, at least that is what I do, and it keeps my eye skin moisturized, smooth and light.

3. Multivitamins

Sometimes a nutrient deficiency can cause dark circles, puffiness and other aging signs to happen around your eyes. A natural multivitamin will help your body get back to normal fairly quickly.

I personally take this multivitamin supplement every single day. It gives me more energy, increases my sense of well-being and keeps me healthy.

It has been shown that even men and women who eat an extremely healthy diet are usually lacking in a few nutrients. The reason is because the nutrients in our food today are extremely depleted.

4. Exercise

An effective way of increasing the blood circulation in your whole body is simply to exercise and get that blood pumping. When your blood flow is increased there won’t be dark hemoglobin accumulating under your eyes and you can get rid of those under eye circles.

Make sure you pick an exercise form that you like, because the key here is to exercise consistently. If you exercise once a month, it won’t do much for you. Try dancing, yoga, rock climbing, swimming or whatever strikes your fancy!

6 Health and Beauty Tips to Keep Your Skin Young and Wrinkle-Free

Ingela — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:05:35 +0000

Are you wondering what to do to keep your skin healthy and wrinkle-free?

People with fresh and smooth skin have many habits in common that may be simple, but extremely vital.

By using the health and beauty tips in this article I keep my skin healthy and prevent visible signs of aging effectively.

If you already have some signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines or sagging then don’t worry; following the advice below will help smooth and firm up your skin.

Firstly, there are some things you’ll want to avoid in order to have healthy skin.

Things like smoking, drinking lots of alcohol, sleeping too little, eating junk food and using harmful skin care ingredients can cause premature wrinkling and unhealthy skin.

Alright, now that you know what to stay away from let’s dive right into the health and beauty tips.

1. Daily Cleansing

For your daily cleansing routine you don’t need much more than regular water. It is enough to wash your face once or twice daily, more than that may dry out your skin. Use lukewarm water rather than hot water, as it can be too drying.

If you feel you need something more than water for cleansing then use a gentle natural cleanser. Avoid using things like regular soap, cleansers with alcohol or other very drying ingredients, as they promote premature skin aging and can increase your skin’s oil production in the long-run.

One thing I find useful for cleansing off make up in the evening is natural plant oil, like olive, coconut or jojoba oil. I just put some on my skin and wipe it off with a tissue or cotton. It is a very gentle way to clean away make up, it is great even around the eyes, and it doesn’t clog the pores like mineral oils do.

2. Sun Bathe Right

I love being out in the sun, I mean doesn’t it feel amazing with the warmth of the sun on your skin? But in order to be safe and keep your skin young you’ll need to do it right.

We all need sunshine to have healthy skin because it gives us vitamin D. There is lots of advice telling us to put on a sunscreen before walking out the door. But if you always wear sunscreen your skin will never get enough sun to produce the vital nutrient that we call vitamin D.

Get about one hour of exposure to natural sun light without sunscreen on a daily basis, but make sure that your skin is properly moisturized before. Don’t wash your skin before going out in the sun, as this will reduce your skin’s own natural oils and make it vulnerable.

If you are planning on being out the whole day then it is wise to bring a natural sun cream, and moisturize your skin properly afterwards with pure aloe vera or a natural skin cream. It is best to be in the shadow every now and then, and remember to never let your skin become pinkish or red.

3. Nourishment

The foundation of healthy, beautiful skin is nourishment through a healthy diet. When your skin gets all the vital nutrients it is able to maintain proper function and rejuvenate itself, so it stays smooth and youthful.

I know there are lots of takes on what is the best diet for beautiful skin and it can be hard to know which approach is best. But if you eat a varied diet and include lots of fresh natural foods like vegetables, fruits, unheated nuts and seeds your skin will get a good amount of nutrients.

It is best to experiment with what works the best for you, and maybe get a blood analysis to make sure you aren’t deficient in something.

Personally I also take a natural multivitamin supplement and omega-3 supplement to ensure I get all the necessary nutrients.

4. Natural Products

The reasons why I choose completely natural skin care products for my skin are simple; regular products contain chemicals and other ingredients which are harmful in the long-run and natural ingredients are much more beneficial and effective.

Keeping your skin moisturized is important to keep it smooth and firm, the regular use of a natural skin cream will help prevent skin aging. To reduce wrinkles look for products with proven effective anti-aging ingredients like coenzyme Q10, natural vitamin E and functional keratin.

5. Intensive Treatments

Once a week I treat my facial skin extra deeply with a face mask, to moisturize deeply or get rid of toxins. This revitalizes the skin and makes it feel fresh and smooth.

Sometimes I make a simple homemade moisturizing mask, but more commonly will I use a natural product like a clay mask or a deep hydrating mask with ingredients like Rigin and active Manuka honey.

6. Relaxation

Stressing and worrying is really bad for the skin; it can make the skin age faster and may affect your hormones, causing blemishes, oily skin or acne. So both breathing deeply throughout the day as well as taking the time to relax more deeply can be really helpful to keep the skin young and fresh.

I like to go for a walk or sometimes meditating for relaxation, but it can really be anything you like. It doesn’t matter if it’s dancing, yoga, cooking or listening to music, as long as it is relaxing for you.

How to Prevent Oily Skin

Ingela — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:07:06 +0000

When I look in the mirror a greasy complexion is the last thing I want to see.

Like many people I do get oilier skin sometimes, especially in the t-zone which is the area of the forehead, nose and chin.

However, I have found out how to prevent oily skin and learned more about what has been causing it for me.

Having good looking and beautiful skin really isn’t that hard. It all comes down to living a healthy life and giving your skin the right nutrients.

I personally do this by using a completely natural skin care product line from Xtend-Life.

There are a lot of anti-aging creams available today, but most of them are a complete waste of your money.

The reason is because most of these so called “natural” creams contain harmful ingredients and unnatural preservatives which have been proven to damage your skin and health.

What is Oily Skin?

It is skin that feels and looks kind of greasy and shiny, instead of smooth and clear. Sometimes it’s thick and dull colored and redness and large pores are also common with oily skin. You can have oily skin on just some parts of your face; this is a skin type called mixed or combination skin.

To be honest, oily skin is a pain to deal with. Since you’re reading this, you know what I’m talking about. Luckily, there are some great, natural ways to deal with it, but you have to be consistent and patient.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Many different things can cause an increased production of oil, but the most common causes are diet and the use of inappropriate skin care products. You may have skin that is more prone to be oily because of genetics, but it can be regulated by the right diet or other things.

Some foods that can cause excessively oily skin are junk foods, sugar, deep fried foods and heated, processed oils.

Skin care products that are too harsh can also contribute to the skin getting oilier, because the skin will naturally over compensate if its natural oils get stripped away.

Hormone imbalances, unnatural cosmetics, and a humid climate can also cause over production of oil in the skin. What has caused it for me was mainly my diet, but also hormonal issues after using contraceptive pills.

5 Tips for How to Prevent Oily Skin

There are many ways to get rid of a greasy complexion; anything from cleaning up your diet to throwing out some skin care products or using a deep cleansing clay mask.

Like I said in the beginning of this article, sometimes you skin problems are caused because of chemicals in your anti aging and hygiene products, so make sure you use natural skin creams.

With all that said, let’s look at how you can prevent oily skin:

1. Avoid Processed Foods

Eat as natural as possible and avoid heated fats as much as you can. Healthy, natural fats from foods like avocado, raw nuts and seeds, cold-pressed plant oil and fish are great for your skin. Eliminating unhealthy foods one at a time and exchanging them for healthy ones will help reduce oily skin and show what was causing it.

I know this is not the most exciting thing to do, but it can really pay off to switch to healthier foods and there are really a lot of delicious alternatives to choose from.

2. The Right Skin Care

There are natural skin care ingredients that have shown to balance the production of sebum (the skin’s natural oil) so that it is reduced if you have oily skin.

Maracuja is a passion fruit-extract which can be found in some natural skin creams. It is rich in healthy fats and nourishes the skin, while it helps regulate the sebum production.

Another example of natural cures is Jojoba oil, a plant oil which is easily absorbed by the skin as it is very similar to the sebum. It also helps balance your skin’s sebum and eases the oil production.

For some people the use of a moisturizer is unnecessary because their skin is already naturally moisturized and it gets greasy after applying moisturizer. But many with an oily surface have dry skin underneath. If your skin feels tight you’ll probably want to keep moisturizing it.

3. Avoid Harsh Cleansers

Avoid cleansing your skin with regular soap and harsh cleansers. Products for oily skin that contain alcohol should also be avoided, as alcohol is too drying and irritating and can cause premature aging of the skin.

When cleansing your skin daily it is enough with regular warm water or a natural cleanser, for example with natural plant oil or antibacterial ingredients.

4. Avoid Clogging Oils

You’ll also want to avoid things that clog your pores, like petroleum-based oils. These oils are found under the names petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin wax and liquid paraffin, and they coat the skin to keep in moisture. This interferes with your skin’s ability to get rid of toxins and encourages disorders like acne.

They can be found in make up and regular lotions, and are mainly used in mainstream products because they are cheaper than natural plant oils (which are good for the skin).

5. Cleanse Deeply with Clay

To stop and prevent oily skin you may need to use a deep cleansing face mask regularly. Clay absorbs oils and gently pulls out grime from the skin. The mask should not dry out your skin; the best cleansing treatment contains both purifying ingredients, like Kaolin clay, and soothing ingredients like Shea butter and active Manuka honey.

You can use a clay mask even if you have sensitive skin, as long as you choose one that is soothing and made to suit all skin types.

In conclusion I’d say it is much better to prevent oily skin and find out what causes it for you, than to dry it out from the outside with a product.

It might take some time to learn how to prevent oily skin, but it is all worth it when you get to enjoy smooth, healthy and clear skin.

How to Find the Best Treatment for Age Spots

Ingela — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:21:08 +0000

Age spots are brownish spots that appear on the face and the skin. These are also called liver spots or sun spots.

Contrary to its name, age spots are not really caused by aging.

As a matter of fact, these areas of pigmentation on the skin appear mainly because of the sun.

Of course, prevention is always the best solution but if you already have them, don’t despair as there is a treatment for age spots, a wide variety at that.

What Treatment Alternatives Are There?

1. CHEMICAL PEELS. One treatment for age spots is chemical peeling. This entails the application of a chemical solution on the skin. It works by dissolving the damaged surface of the skin where age spots are found so that newer, smoother skin is revealed. The depth of the peel depends on the chemical used and the method of its application.You might feel some itching or tingling during the chemical peel treatment and afterwards, some redness and irritation is expected.

2. CRYOSURGERY. This treatment for age spots makes use of a technique wherein abnormal skin cells are destroyed and removed by freezing. It can be sprayed on to the skin or a swab may also be used. This is sometimes used for age spots although a more common use of cryosurgery is for removing cancerous skin cells. Side effects of the procedure may cause bleeding, formation of blisters, hypopigmentation, and even scarring.

3. MICRODERMABRASION. Microdermabrasion is typically used to rejuvenate the skin’s upper layers, specifically, the stratus corneum. It helps exfoliate and remove dead skin cells from the skin. This makes use of non-particulate devices like diamond-coated paddles or abrasive particulates that are scrubbed or sprayed on to the skin. This improves texture of the skin and improves age spots although there might be sun sensitivity, skin flaking and redness afterwards.

4. LASER. Laser treatment is the usually the treatment of choice for age spots. It may require several sessions before results can be seen. Laser makes use of a powerful beam of light that gets absorbed by the brown skin pigments and breaks these up. It can sting after and some bruising may be noticed.

5. NATURAL CREAMS. Creams may also work as a treatment for age spots. Although, you might want to skip those with bleach as it can cause uneven white patches on the skin. Choose a natural lightening cream with natural ingredients like vitamin C and shea butter. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant and helps with skin repair while shea butter effectively gets rid of sun spots and provides skin hydration as well.

Natural vs. Traditional?

When it comes to treatment for age spots, which one is better: natural or traditional? Basically, traditional ways of removing age spots include surgical procedures like microdermabrasion, laser, and cryosurgery and medical treatments like hydroquinone which is a bleaching agent.

Natural treatments however include creams and oils that are made from natural ingredients that have natural lightening properties like vitamin C, active manuka honey, and shea butter.

Now, conventional treatments are actually a lot faster in terms of results. However, there are also larger risks and side effects. After treatment, sun spots may also reappear when exposed to the sun again.

Natural skin creams may take some time but you can be sure that no side effects will be experienced. Reappearance of sun spots is also less likely if you continue using natural creams as ingredients like shea butter also offers sun protection.

While sun spots can be treated, it is important to prevent it while you still can. Make sure you apply a natural sunscreen on a regular basis and to protect your skin if you’re out in the sun for extended periods of time.

Image by Yu-Cheng Hsiao

What Are The Most Common Causes of Age Spots?

Ingela — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:11:34 +0000

What causes age spots? These pigmentations ranging from black, gray, and brown in color on the skin are commonly associated with aging, hence the name, age spots. They are also called sun spots or liver spots.

These are painless and may appear on areas of the skin most frequently exposed to the sun like the face, shoulders, arms, and hands.

The appearance of age spots are common in people well over their 40’s but it can show decades before as well. Knowing what causes age spots is a sure way of minimizing their appearance on your skin.

Here are the most common causes of age spots so that you’ll know what steps to take in order to decrease your chances of getting these unsightly blemishes.

1. AGING. Of course, aging has a role when it comes to the appearance of age spots although sun exposure may be the biggest culprit among the causes of age spots. As one ages, production of melanin may increase, causing the appearance of these flat, brown skin lesions. It is important to take care of one’s skin at an early age to prevent appearance of age spots.

2. SUN EXPOSURE. The sun may be the major culprit when it comes to appearance of age spots. It may take years to develop but a time comes when it takes a toll on your skin and the effects of the sun are clearly visible on your skin. Melanin is the dark pigment in one’s skin that gives it a dark color. When the skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun, it causes acceleration of production of melanin. Sun spots develop when extra melanin in the skin clumps together due to high concentrations that are more than normal.

3. HEREDITY. Genetics is also one of the causes of age spots. Heredity pretty much dictates your predisposition to getting these unsightly blemishes. The skin type and complexion you are born with affects the development of hyperpigmented spots on your skin. Usually, those with fairer skin are more prone to age spots but those with darker skin may also be susceptible.

4. MEDICATIONS. Certain medications can actually increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Among these are diuretics, antipsychotics like chlorpromazine, and antibiotics like tetracycline. Your skin can easily get age spots when you take these medications without proper sun protection. Some ingredients used in lotions and other cosmetic products like musk and bergamot oil can also has the same effect so be sure to wear sufficient sun protection when using products with these two substances.

5. FOOD. There are some foods that contain psoralens. Psoralens are photosensitive chemical compounds that make your skin more sensitive when exposed to the sun; hence, your skin becomes more prone to the appearance of age spots. Foods like parsley, celery, parsnips, lemon, lime, and figs are high in psoralens.

These are the five most common causes of age spots. It’s up to you now to observe certain measures to take care of your skin to make sure that unsightly blemishes like age spots are kept at bay. Now that you know the causes, your next step is to research treatments.

I personally am a big fan of prevention, so I use natural skin creams on a daily basis to keep my skin looking good and age spot free!

Image by Eric Wüstenhagen

Vitamins for Skin Tightening – 4 Amazing Vitamins That Could Change Your Life

Henri — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:15:35 +0000

The use of vitamins for skin tightening is often overlooked by majority of people. This may be because of lack of awareness that vitamins actually do a lot of good to the skin by providing it with essential nutrients and antioxidants.

Vitamins for skin tightening are very valuable as it is a natural way of improving the skin’s condition.

There are different vitamins for skin tightening that you can use, whether by taking it in capsules or pills or through the best skin creams, lotions, or gels that contain these vitamins.

Out of all the different vitamins for skin tightening, four actually stand out because of their efficiency.

1. Vitamin C

One amazing skin vitamin that helps tighten skin is vitamin C. Vitamin C is beneficial to the skin because of its moisturizing property and its ability to provide natural exfoliation and cleansing.

It also promotes collagen formation and works as a great antioxidant. Collagen is important to keep skin firm and tight and that is why vitamin C is very valuable in skin tightening products. Vitamin C also helps with wound healing and boosts the immune system of the body.

2. Vitamin A

Another vitamin that is good for the skin is vitamin A. It helps keep skin cells healthy and is known to be effective in removing acne, stretch marks, scars, and wrinkles when applied in the form of creams.

You can find vitamin A in abundance from carrots. Who doesn’t like making some carrot juice? Alright, to be honest, I really don’t like carrot juice, but I remember drinking it as a kid when my grandmother made it for me!

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also good for the skin as it works effectively as an antioxidant that helps fight off free radicals in the body. Free radicals cause skin damage, contributing to wrinkles and skin sagging.

It also helps regulate vitamin A in the body, which is another important skin vitamin. Did you also know that Vitamin E is often used as a natural preservative in natural anti aging products?

There’s really no need to use harmful preservatives like parabens and so on anymore. You can find natural skin care products that are excellent.

4. B-Complex Vitamins

B-complex vitamins are also valuable in improving skin tightness. These help maintain skin tone and help prevent acne formation. Biotin or B7 and riboflavin or B2 are specifically needed for healthy hair and skin.

These vitamins are truly amazing for the benefits they give the skin. There are plant extracts that contain these vitamins like avocado oil and grapeseed oil. These are very good skin food and work as amazing moisturizers too.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants can also have the same effect as these vitamins. These can be found in other ingredients like active manuka honey. It fights off free radicals so your skin is protected from damage. In case there is damage, active manuka honey can easily repair it.

Vitamins are not only good for the body but for your skin as well. Try these vitamins to see for yourself just how valuable they can be in keeping skin soft, smooth, and fabulous.