Skin Care

According to a recent study at the University of Southern California, increased UV exposure lowers the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) by enhancing your cell’s immune responses and increasing levels of vitamin D. Those of you who have read this blog in the past may know that I’m an opponent of the scare tactics often used by those who blow the risk of skin cancer way out of proportion (perhaps to sell more sunscreen), warning people not to go outside without the SPF-15. The truth is that most people today need more sun exposure, not less.

The key factor here seems to be vitamin D, as if often the case. An earlier study had found that women who took vitamin D supplements were 40% less likely to develop MS. Multiple sclerosis is among the most common neurological diseases today, affecting around two million people worldwide. MS can have many symptoms, including visual problems, muscle weakness, depression, and impaired mobility. In the study, researchers looked at 79 pairs of identical twins with the same genetic risk of developing MS. It was found that those twins which spent more hours outdoors were up to 57% less likely to develop MS.

MS is but one of the serious medical conditions that can potentially result from a lack of sun exposure. Most of these conditions are far more serious (sometimes deadly) and far more common than skin cancer which can result from over-exposure to UV rays. To be sure, there is such as thing as too much sun, and you shouldn’t be outside burning your skin to a crisp every day. However, the fact remains that most of us are at a much greater risk of getting too little sun. So get outside! And unless you’re going to be soaking up UV rays for several hours, just leave the sunscreen at home.

CLA is famous for its positive effects in burning fat stores within the body and in keeping fat cells smaller.

Tags: acne, natural acne treatment, natural skin care

Cytoxan

Author: Jason Katzenback

The fact is that any type of skin condition can happen regardless of the pigment of skin you have. When it comes to African American skin care and others with darker complexions however, there are a few skin care problems that are much more prevalent.

Here are five of the most common African American skin care issues…

Acne

Acne is a chronic disorder characterized by excess production of oil from sebaceous glands causing the hair follicles generally on the face, chest and back to become plugged. Pimples, papules, pustules and comedone, (black heads and white heads) cysts and infected abscesses can be treated in acne. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. In regards to African American skin care, acne may result in long lasting discolorations of the skin. Therapy is the same for all skin types but it is very important to use topical agents that minimize irritation of the skin.

Ingrown Hairs of the Beard (Razor Bumps)

Another African American skin care issue is Ingrown Hairs. African Americans have curved hair shafts and this is true of beard hair as well as other body hair. Often after a very close shave, the pointed hair may curl back into the skin and it may pierce the wall of the hair follicle, causing a reaction resulting in bumps called ""pseudofolliculitis barbae."" If you can, growing a beard is a viable option for helping this.

African American men should try different methods of hair removal if they suffer with ingrown hairs, which are also called razor bumps. Shaving with a special type of safety razor that does not permit a very close shave may help. Do not stretch the skin during shaving and don't shave on a daily basis. If hairs become ingrown, lift them up with an alcohol-cleaned needle (don't tweeze or pluck) just before shaving. Sometimes using a rough washcloth before shaving can help to loosen hairs about to grow inward.

Hair removal chemicals do remove hair but should only be used once a week. They must be wiped off promptly according to package directions and wash your face twice with soap and water immediately afterwards to guard against irritation.

Permanent removal of hair performed by an experienced Electrolysis Operator may be an effective solution and there are new medicated creams that may slow hair growth and help. Be sure to consult your dermatologist about treatment options.

Variations in Skin Color

African American skin has larger melanosomes (cells that determine skin color ) and the melanosomes contain more of the pigment melanin than those found in white skin. Because of the protective effect of melanin, African-Americans are better protected against skin cancer and premature wrinkling from sun exposure.

Post inflammatory hyper pigmentation is quite common in dark skinned individuals, even after minor trauma. An area of the skin may darken after an injury such as a cut or a scrape, or after certain skin disorders such as acne. To avoid or reduce post inflammatory hyper pigmentation, avoid picking, harsh scrubbing, and abrasive treatments. Darkened areas of skin may take many months or years to fade, although topical (surface) bleaching agents may help. Also chemical peels (using alpha and beta hydroxyl acids) and microdermabrasion can be helpful."

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common African American skin care condition where pigment cells are destroyed and irregular white patches on the skin appear. Many dermatologists think that the cause of this common disorder is an autoimmune process, where the cells of the body attack the pigment producing cells.

The extent of color loss differs with each person; some people lose pigment over their entire bodies. Some patients with vitiligo do not regain skin color, however some cases of vitiligo do repigment. See your dermatologist as soon as possible, as the extent of the disease will determine the appropriate treatment. .

Several skin care methods are used to treat vitiligo, but none have been perfected. Topical medications, including corticosteroids and new non-steroid anti-inflammatory preparations are commonly used. In cases where vitiligo affects most of the body, it is sometimes best to destroy the remaining normal pigment. A dermatologist can determine what treatment is best based on the extent of the disease.

Keloids

When the scar from a cut or wound extends and spreads beyond the size of the original wound, it is known as a keloid. Keloids may vary in size, shape, and location. They occur more often in brown or black skin making this a very common African American skin care issue.

Keloids are a common skin care issue on the ear lobes, neck, chest, or back, and usually occur after an injury or surgery. Occasionally they occur spontaneously, especially on the mid-chest area. Keloids often follow inflammation caused by acne on the face, chest, and back.

Keloids may be painful both physically and emotionally (from a cosmetic perspective), but it's important to address keloids primarily as a medical, rather than cosmetic condition.

Depending on the location of the keloid, skin care treatment may consist of cortisone injections, pressure, silicone gels, surgery, laser treatment, or radiation therapy. Unfortunately, keloids tend to return and even enlarge, especially after treatment with surgery.

About the author: Find more great information on not just African American skin care but all skin care needs. Find up to date and step by step skin care articles, resources, products and the latest skin care news. Visit us today at www.Skin-Care-101.com

Tags: acne, natural skin care, skin care

By: Kerwin Chang

Regardless of age, acne is a condition of the sebaceous glands. These glands are attached to hair follicles and produce an oily substance called sebum. An acne lesion forms when a hair follicle becomes plugged with sebum and dead cells. The pathogenic (disease-causing) events in the sebaceous glands are believed to be due in large degree to changes in levels of androgenic (male) hormones in the bodya circumstance usually associated with the growth and development that occurs between the ages of 12 and 21. Therefore, it is important to look for an underlying cause of acne that occurs for the first time in adulthood.

Acne that appears after 25 to 30 years of age occurs for one of these reasons:

1. Recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence

2. Flare-up of acne after a period of relative quietfor example, during pregnancy

3. Occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had acne.

Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined by a dermatologist who can investigate the underlying cause. Some causes of adult acne are:

* Medication. Some medications that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to bulk up), some anti-epileptic medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications.

* Chronic physical pressure on the skin. Chafing from the straps of a backpack or tucking a violin between the jaw and chin can cause chronic physical pressure on the skin and may induce a condition known as acne mechanica.

* Chlorinated industrial chemicals. These may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne.

* Metabolic conditions. Changes in the hormonal balance, such as those brought about by pregnancy, menstruation or hormonal abnormalities can induce acne.

It is also important to know that some lesions which appear to be acne are not acne at all. One skin condition that resembles acne is folliculitis, which occurs when the hair follicles become infected and inflamed. Folliculitis requires different treatment than acne.

Acne that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent acne have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.

Since adult acne may be difficult to treat, acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Causes-Adult-Acne/42742

Tags: skin care, natural skin care, acne

Lexington Herald-Leader - More than 120 women became pregnant in the past year while taking an acne medicine that causes birth defects — despite being enrolled in a program designed to prevent those pregnancies from happening. Long-awaited data from that national registry
Source: www.kentucky.com

Tags: acne treatment, natural skin care, acne

Author: Barbara Pfieffer

If you're like me, you want your skin to look young and healthy. I recently started using some amazing skin care products from the Amazon Herb Company. They are called Lluvia Rainforest Essence. They are six skin care products that offer amazing benefits to your skin. I want to share some benefits of using these products.

Your skin is your largest organ. What some people don't realize is that what you put in your skin is taken into your body to a large extent. Most skin care products, if you read the labels, have ingredients in them that I am sure you have no idea what they are. If you don't know that, then you don't know what they can do to your body and its operation. A random sample off a lotion I used to use:

Cetyl Alcohol Cetearyl Glucoside Octenylsuccinate Stearic acid Dimethiconol

Any idea what those do to your skin? Or your body? No? Neither do I. Lluvia is different. It is fully natural. Here is what it doesn't have:

Synthetic chemicals and preservatives Alcohol Harsh detergents Waxes Parabens Mineral oil Lanolin Artificial fragrances and colors

Lluvia is the Spanish word for rain. The botanicals that are used in Lluvia skin care products are from the Amazon rainforest. The ingredients are all either organic or harvested by hand in an ecologically-sustainable manner. None of the ingredients have ever been treated with pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers.

Lluvia skin care products use plant-based liposomes and essential oils to help deliver the botanical herbal benefits into your skin, not just on it. The herbs offer antioxidant protection to your skin, while boosting healthy skin production to slow down signs of aging.

For example, the Lluvia Refreshing Mist hydrates your skin. Whether it's sun, or air conditioning, or indoor heating, your skin endures drying conditions. This wonderful mist uses Melissa and Sandalwood essential oils, to smooth your skin and soothe your soul. It contains Una de Gato, a powerful antioxidant that also contains glycosides that soothe your skin. It also helps keep your skin's pH in balance.

All six Lluvia skin care products are formulated to care for your skin in multiple ways. Plus you are assured that purchasing these products helps to preserve the Amazon rainforest, an important resource for all of us, with over 215,000 plant species. All Amazon Herb products help to provide income for the native peoples of the Amazon rainforest.

Using these products will do wonders for your skin, without chemicals or detergents.

Check all six out and give them a try. Your skin will thank you!

About the author: Barbara Pfieffer uses and promotes herbal products and Lluvia skin care products from the Amazon Herb Company. These are all natural products, produced in an ecologically sustainable manner. For more information, visit her website, Real Health from Amazon Herb .

Tags: acne treatment, skin care, acne

Acne commonly starts in the early teen years, when the oil glands in the body start making more sebum (oil). Some people also have too many “sticky” skin cells. In people who have acne, these cells mix with the oil and plug up the hair follicles in the skin.

A “whitehead” results when the hair follicle is plugged with oil and skin cells. If this plug reaches the surface of the skin and the air touches it, it turns black and is called a “blackhead.” A blackhead isn’t caused by dirt.

If the wall of a plugged follicle breaks, the area swells and turns into a red bump. If the follicle wall breaks near the skin surface, the bump usually becomes a pimple. If the wall breaks deep in the skin, acne nodules or cysts can form. This is called “cystic acne.”

Things that often make acne worse
-Oil-based makeup, suntan oil, hair gels and sprays
-In girls: menstruation
-Squeezing or picking at blemishes
-Hard scrubbing of the skin
-Things that don’t cause acne
-Dirt
-Foods such as chocolate or french fries
-Sexual activity
-Masturbation

Who gets acne?
Both boys and girls get acne. But it may be worse in boys because they have more skin oils.

Heredity also plays a role. If your mother and father had bad acne, you may too.

Your immune system plays a role too. Some people are extra sensitive to the bacteria that get trapped in their hair follicles.

How can acne be treated?
Acne can be treated in different ways. Talk with your doctor about the options.

Can an over-the-counter acne product help?
Yes. Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulfur are the most common over-the-counter medications used to treat acne. Each works a little differently. These medications are available in many forms, such as gels, lotions, creams, soaps or pads.

In some people, over-the-counter acne medications may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning or redness. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that are severe or that don’t go away over time.

Keep in mind that it can take between 4 and 8 weeks before you notice an improvement in your skin. If an over-the-counter acne product doesn’t seem to help after 2 months, get advice from your doctor.

What can my doctor prescribe?
Your doctor may recommend antibiotics, which can be very effective for treating acne. They can be taken by mouth, or used on the skin in a lotion, cream or gel.

Retinoids, such as tretinoin (brand names: Retin-A, Avita, Altinac cream) and adapalene (brand name: Differin), are other medicines for treating acne. They are usually rubbed onto the skin once a day. Be sure not to get them near your eyes, mouth and the area under your nose.

If you use a retinoid, you must avoid the sun or use a strong sunscreen because this medicine increases your risk of getting a very bad sunburn. Girls who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use a retinoid called tazarotene (brand name: Tazorac) because it can cause birth defects.

How is severe cystic acne treated?
Isotretinoin (brand name: Accutane) may be used to treat severe cystic acne that doesn’t get better with other treatments. It’s a pill that is taken once a day by mouth for 15 to 20 weeks.

In girls, isotretinoin can cause very serious side effects such as birth defects and miscarriages. It should never be taken during pregnancy or even 1 month before pregnancy. Girls must use 2 types of birth control or not have sex while they take isotretinoin, as well as 1 month before they start and 1 month after they stop taking it.

There is a possibility that other serious side effects may occur, so people taking isotretinoin should be closely monitored by their doctor.

Does acne cause scars?
Acne, especially cystic acne, can cause scars in some people. You can help reduce scarring by not squeezing or picking at blemishes. Also, avoid scrubbing your skin. If you do get scars, treatments are available.

http://dermatology.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=dermatology&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.familydoctor.org%2Fhealthfacts%2F001%2F

Tags: acne treatment, natural acne treatment, acne

Author: Susan du Plessis

The aging of your skin may be inevitable. But why rush it? There are ways to slow down sagging and wrinkles. Using skin creams and treatments may already be a part of your daily grooming regimen. However, topical creams cannot be expected to work alone for full efficacy. The best way to start your anti-aging effort is on the inside.

First of all, are you drinking enough water? There are varying opinions about how much water an individual actually needs for good health, but the general consensus remains that you probably aren't drinking enough. If you're thirsty, your skin is thirsty too -- which means dryness and wrinkles. Hydrate your skin by drinking water regularly.

Drink water . . . but avoid alcohol and soft drinks. The contents of these beverages -- alcohol and caffeine -- dehydrate skin, wreaking havoc on its structure. An acceptable alternative to water is green tea, which is low in caffeine (but enough for a pick-me-up). Green tea, as you probably already know, is loaded with antioxidants that destroy free radicals, which cause aging.

A multivitamin is always a good idea, but our bodies most easily absorb nutrients from food. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. In addition to vitamins and minerals, you're fortifying your body with more antioxidants. Blueberries are one of nature's ""super foods,"" having one of the highest antioxidant values.

Exercise! Exercise helps keep us from aging by keeping weight down, working the heart, toning muscles, and getting the blood flowing (to the skin!). People who exercise look younger and feel younger. It's a most beneficial habit to get into.

People who look younger than their age repeatedly reveal one vital secret: getting enough sleep. If you aren't, find ways to work it in. Instead of sitting up in front of the television, turn it off at a reasonable time and take a book to bed. This quiet practice can lead to an easier time getting to sleep -- sometimes the colors and movement of the television keep our brains working even after we've begun to relax.

You may feel that you don't have the time to take care of your skin, but keep in mind: by the time you do ""have time,"" it will be too late. The time to protect your skin is now! Years later, you'll be thanking yourself for it -- and not only will you look younger, you'll feel younger too.

About the author: Visit Susan's website A 2 Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness for more information on health, nutrition, longevity, beauty, fashion and fitness.

Tags: skin care, acne treatment, acne

For men who have no qualms in buying their skin or cosmetic products for their everyday regimen, an important man skin care tip is to consider check the product that you get from the pharmacy with Vitamin C.

Indeed, there are numerous skin care products for men in the market today, and many of these products have vitamin C as a major ingredient. It should be noted that vitamin C is one of the few antioxidants does promotes collagen synthesis, which helps in the slowing down and even stopping the signs of wrinkling and aging.

A good man skin care tip is to make sure that you ask the pharmacist at the drug store or sales lady from the department store counter to present to you products that have Vitamin C. This vitamin is really very effective in reducing the fine lines and wrinkles in your face. Vitamin C is such a great man skin care ingredient.

However it is best that you ask for your pharmacist or dermatologist’s recommendation on whatever vitamin C skin care product is that most appropriate for you.

Tags: natural skin care, skin care, acne treatment

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A Bank of Oklahoma is the latest target of a robbery.
Source: www.kotv.com

Tags: acne, natural acne treatment, skin care

Author: Faye Spencer

What is holistic skin care? It's a regimen that recognizes that your skin is not just the outermost layer of your body it's also a reflection of your body's internal state. Rather than just treating the surface symptoms, such as wrinkles, sallow skin, acne, dry flakes, and so on, holistic skin care aims to target the root problems in an effort to revitalize and rejuvenate the entire body. As a result, you don't just see an improved appearance; you also feel more energized, clear-headed, and physically fit.

Prescription Drugs Vs. Holistic Treatment Options

Holistic skin care sometimes gets a negative reputation from mainstreamers who prefer to prescribe drugs for virtually every condition they encounter. The trouble is, most prescription medications and medical fixes have isolated effects, failing to take the whole picture into account. A strong oral anti-acne drug like Accutane might have the effect of reducing superficial skin oiliness and reducing acne, but only at the expense of the liver. Botox injections may plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but the effects are temporary and the safeness of the procedure is questionable.

Now what if you knew that eating salmon 10 times a week could not only plump up your skin and fill out wrinkles but also make your hair more lustrous, diminish blemishes, and improve your elimination system? Would you still opt for that Botox needle, or would you start making salmon part of your weekly diet plan?

And what if you were told that dry brushing your skin each morning before jumping in the shower could revitalize your sluggish circulatory system, boosting your energy, empowering your immune system, ridding your body of toxins, and clearing your head and skin? Would you keep taking dangerous antibiotics for your acne when simply sloughing your legs and arms with a loofah could dramatically improve your complexion? (And did you know that taking antibiotics can actually throw your whole system out of whack, killing off the good bacteria that are essential to digestion ultimately clogging up your elimination system and worsening your complexion?)

Certainly, some medicines are modern miracles, providing cures to people who would otherwise be condemned to suffering. But in this day and age, medications are so over-prescribed (and often inappropriately prescribed) that it is good to be wary before popping another pill. Many physicians in the West don't know much about natural treatments options or alternative solutions to common skin problems. It is well within your rights as a patient to research them and discuss them with your physician or dermatologist if you so choose.

Caring for Your Skin the Natural Way

In your attempts to improve the condition of your skin, start by looking inward. Don't just think about how you look think about how you feel.

Are you irritable, congested, upset, depressed, stressed out? If so, topical treatments alone may not do the trick. You've got to exercise, drink plenty of water, dry brush your skin and perhaps even get regular massages as a way to recharge your batteries, boost circulation and improve your mental state. How we look is a reflection of what's going on inside, and that includes both our physical and our emotional health.

Pay attention to your diet a much neglected aspect of life in our modern day and age. Make sure you are eating foods that feed your skin, not foods that work against your body. Avoid excessive sugars, white flour and processed items, which trigger dangerous inflammation. Junk foods and fast foods are a big no-no. Limit your intake of meat, which essentially rots inside your gut; instead, choose plenty of veggies and fruits they will help sweep out your colon, improving absorption of nutrients and boosting your energy levels. Eat lots of oily fish, like salmon, to give your body the essential fats for proper functioning.

As you eat, try this simple and yet incredibly effective tip: chew your food thoroughly. Don't just chomp a few times and swallow. Instead, chew at least a dozen times on each side of the mouth. Most of us don't break down our food into small enough pieces, and this can wreak havoc on our digestion by hindering the body's absorption of nutrients. You may be surprised to find that this simple change has a considerable impact on how you feel and how your skin looks.

Give the Holistic Approach an Honest Try

If you're used to quick fixes and easy prescriptions, it may be hard to accept the idea that deceptively simple changes like the ones above, in combination with natural topical treatments and vitamin supplements, can have a major impact on your health and your skin's condition. But just give them a try and you may be shocked at how quickly your body transforms. The human body is astonishingly resilient and fast to respond to positive changes you'll see the proof in your mirror!

About the author: Faye Spencer is passionate about

Tags: natural acne treatment, skin care, acne