Archive for January, 2008

Jan
31
Author: Gloria MacTaggert

It's easy to become lax with your skin care regimen when for so long, you focused on the treatment of your eczema . However, maintaining good skin care habits is an important part of long-term eczema treatment even if you aren't experiencing a flare up. The most important part of preventing future flare-ups is to improve the overall quality of your skin through the use of a good moisturizing shielding lotion and a proper skin care regimen.

Having fewer outbreaks begins with healthy skin. The following tips can help you maintain healthy skin and helps control the frequency of your eczema flare-ups.

-- Moisturize your skin every day using a quality shielding lotion. Shielding lotions are different as they provide both a protective barrier keeping out harmful irritants that may exacerbate eczema flare-ups, and help keep moisture from escaping. By moisturizing, the skin stays soft and flexible, skin doesn't become overly dry and doesn't crack letting in infections. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances (perfume) and a lot of extra ingredients.

-- Bathe smartly. Use warm water, as hot water actually dries skin. Bathe only with a mild or moisturizing soap, and limit how much you use when bathing. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes to help the skin's outer layer absorb water and become less dry. Avoid rubbing your skin hard when drying off and use a soft towel to pat your skin dry. Apply shielding lotion immediately after drying, to help seal in the moisture. Adding a touch of vegetable oil to the water can boost moisturizing effects.

-- Avoid irritating fabrics or binding clothes. Cottons or soft fabrics are better choices over rough, scratchy fibers and tight clothing. Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate your skin.

-- Protect your skin from chemicals. Apply a shielding lotion and wear rubber gloves (not latex) to minimize irritation from household cleansers, detergents, aftershave lotions, soap, gasoline, turpentine and other solvents. This includes perfumed personal care products.

-- Maintain control over your environment. When possible, avoid rapid changes of temperature and activities that make you sweat. Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather.

Regular care of your skin and proper hydration using a shielding lotion during and after an eczema flare-up will help your eczema treatments work more effectively, and helps prevent future flare-ups.

About the author: Author, Gloria MacTaggert, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for 21st Century Formulations. For more information, visit www.skinmdnatural.com.

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Jan
30

This isn’t really a question about taking too much vitamin B5 with regards to health or safety. Unless you are literally chugging down a gallon of B5 per day, there are virtually no dangerous health concerns. However, the very thing that makes B5 so safe - that it is easy for the body to eliminate any excess of the vitamin - also makes it easy to take more than you need without realizing it. So at what point does taking more vitamin B5 become a waste of money and effort?

There is no universal dosage when it comes to vitamin B5 acne treatment. The dosages can change depending on your body size, the severity of your acne, and other factors such as your metabolism. The point to keep in mind is this: no matter how much B5 you cram into your body, you’re only going to be able to absorb a certain amount at once. It doesn’t matter whether you’re taking your vitamins in capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid form - vitamin B5 is still water-soluble, and your body will still simply eliminate the excess. You only have a limited amount of receptor molecules, after all.

To prevent wasting your supply (and your time), you need to find your body’s natural limit. It may not sound pleasant, but the easiest way to do this is by paying a little attention when you visit the restroom. Many B5 users note that when starting a mega-dose regimen, they notice their urine turn a neon-yellow (while far less likely with time-released treatments like Clear5, it’s not impossible). What they’re actually seeing is the excess B5 they took coming right out. If you’re seeing this, you’re literally flushing your money down the toilet. Now, when starting on B5 it’s sometimes better to err on the side of taking too much, since if you take too little the treatment may not work at all. Obviously, if you’re not getting clear skin, it’s also a waste. However, after the first few weeks you should be able to find an intake level that makes sense for your body, so that you stop seeing the vitamins washed out with your urine.

So if you are visibly seeing your vitamins go to waste, ignore what any supposed experts on the message boards say about what dosage you need to be taking. Everyone’s body is different, and knowing your personal intake limit can potentially save you some time and money, without damaging your chances at seeing results.

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Jan
30
Author: Sharon Hopkins

The nectar collected from the flowers is transformed into honey to dress upon some of the most mouth-watering desserts. With the passage of time honey has continued to be one of the main ingredients for skin care. It has maintained its importance due to the beneficial factors. The healing capacity of honey is stupendous making it one of the favorite components for home remedies. Honey has many good properties like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur, iron and phosphate. It contains vitamins like B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3. There is presence of copper, iodine and zinc in small quantities.

Honey is very good for your skin due to its properties. You can use honey for face mask as it treats your skin very well. It nourishes your skin by the essential properties present in it. It is very good to remove wrinkles from face and works as an anti-aging remedy. Honey is able to maintain moisture which helps your skin remain soft and supple. The hydration quality of the honey proves to maintain the skins elasticity, smoothness and softness. The presence of antioxidants in honey protects you from UV rays.

Recipes

Honey Cleanser Mix 1 tbsp. honey, 2 tbsp. finely ground almonds with 1/2 tsp lemon juice. Rub it on your face. Rinse it with warm water.

Honey Toner Make a concoction of 1 tbsp. honey with peeled and deseeded apple. Apply this paste on your face for 15 minutes. Rinse it with cool water.

Honey Facial Mask 1 tbsp. honey, 1 egg white, 1 tsp glycerin and in proportion add flour to all the ingredients to whisk up a smooth paste. Spread this paste all over your face including the neck and leave it for 10 minutes. Wash it off with warm water.

For A Pleasing Bath To have relaxing bath add 1/4 cup honey to your bath water and ease out in that smooth and silky water.

A Smooth Conditioner Mix 1 tsp. honey with 1 tsp. vegetable oil and 1/4 tsp lemon juice. This mixture is very natural conditioner to be rubbed on every part of your body which is dry. Leave it on for 10 minutes and later rinse it off.

Acne Reliever Mix 1/2 cup warm water with 1/4 tsp salt. Use a cotton ball to soften the blemish by applying constant pressure. Apply honey with the help of cotton and leave it for 10 minutes. Wash it and pat it dry.

Lip Care The use of honey on chapped lips is a great hit.

Body Scrub Use 1/4 cup freshly ground coffee, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tbsp. wheat germ, 2 tbsp. honey, 1 tbsp grape seed oil, 1 egg white. Mix buttermilk, honey, grape seed oil and egg white. Keep adding coffee and wheat germ to this mixture slowly to avoid any lumps. Apply this paste all over your body when in bath helping in exfoliation. Rinse it completely and pat dry to see the effects.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

About the author: Sharon Hopkins guides us about the various needs and wants of our skin and hair through his site. Skin Care With Honey. It is used to fight your skin problems as well as used as an anti-aging product.

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Jan
29
Author: Kerri Stalton

Taking great care of your facial skin is easy once you establish the right routine, and sticking to a regular cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing schedule can help you achieve a flawless, smooth complexion that glows with health. Every person's skin is unique, so developing your facial care regimen will be likely to require some trial and error. Knowing thoroughly what different kinds of products do, and what your skin type needs, can help you create the ultimate skin care plan custom designed for your individual complexion.

The first thing to consider when choosing skin care products and coming up with your treatment plan is your skin type. If you often notice flaking, find your skin is easily irritated, or feel that you are prone to premature wrinkles, you probably have a dry skin type. If you are vulnerable to acne and blemishes, or find that you constantly need to powder your nose to keep shine at bay, you have an oily skin type. If, like many people, you have pimples and grease in some areas and irritation and flaking in others, you have combination skin, which usually requires the most individualized care.

Keep your skin type in mind when buying the four products that will make up your skin care routine. You will need a cleanser to use twice daily, an exfoliant to use a few times per week, a moisturizer to use as needed, and one intensive treatment for weekly use. The cleanser should wipe away dirt, makeup, and excess oil, and will keep your pores free of clogs. The exfoliant will slough away dead skin cells that can cloud your visage, and exfoliating will help keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. The moisturizer will tackle dryness, redness, and irritation so that you can maintain a silky smooth texture and a fresh, dewy look. The intensive treatment should be a commercially available or homemade mask that will tackle your biggest skin problem.

For your cleanser, look for a product free from alcohol or other potentially drying agents, and choose the gentlest product possible. It should be strong enough to cut through excess grease, but not so strong that it strips your face of the natural oils that keep it resilient. Your exfoliant should be especially designed for facial skin, the most delicate skin on the body, so don't try to make your body scrub do double duty on your face. The moisturizer you pick must be non-comedogenic to keep your complexion clear, and should be water based for maximum effectiveness. Use your moisturizer only when you notice redness or dryness. For people with dry skin this may mean applying a thin layer after every cleansing, but for others it might mean occasional spot treatments. Use a mask treatment once a week for a luxurious, deeply penetrating solution to your skin problems. You can find a mask recipe or premixed product for any issue under the sun, so whether your dominant skin trouble is acne, dryness, or visible wrinkles, or if your skin is in great shape but could use an infusion of nutrients, you will be able to find a treatment ideal for your skin.

About the author: Kerri Stalton is a featured writer for MySkinCareTips.com. To learn more facial care tips and to learn about the be st facial care products , visit us.

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Jan
28
Author: Kerri Stalton

When it comes to skin treatment, there are few things more satisfyingly exquisite than a pampering facial. A facial mask can help you relax and rejuvenate at the end of the day, or can mark the transition from a stressful week of work to a weekend full of fun. However, a facial skin treatment at an upscale spa can cost upwards of a hundred dollars, and being worried about the impact on your wallet can take the relaxation right out of a facial. Luckily, it is possible to whip up your own moisturizing facial mask at home with ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen right now. Making your own skin treatment at home can help you get the feeling of upscale luxury without paying top dollar.

The easiest and perhaps most classic skin treatment involves a single, skin nourishing ingredient: pure honey. To open your pores, drape a warm washcloth over your face for about thirty seconds; then apply a thin layer of honey over the surface of your cheeks, chin, forehead, and any other places that could benefit from an additional infusion of revitalizing moisture. Lie down and relax for ten to fifteen minutes while the honey penetrates your skin and replenishes it with moisture; then gently wipe the honey away with lukewarm water and a washcloth. Splash your face with cool water to snap your pores shut, then pat your face dry gently to seal in the moisture. This simple skin treatment lets you put your best face forward, and can help you give an average day a very special feeling.

Oatmeal makes for another simple skin treatment that is ideal for problem skin. If you suffer from breakouts or sometimes have trouble controlling an oily shine, an oatmeal mask can help pull the excess oil from your face without drying out your skin. This mask will gives you with a healthy, matte complexion that is sure to leave you smiling. Simply mix a bit of water into pure rolled oats to create a thick, moist paste. To open your pores before applying the mask, fill a bowl with hot water and lean over it face first, with a towel draped over the back of your head to create a kind of steam tent. For an extra luxurious scent, add a tablespoon of your favorite herb, like peppermint or rosemary, to the water. Breathe deeply for five to ten minutes, allowing the steam to penetrate the surface of your face. Then, wipe away the moisture on your face with your towel and, using your fingertips, gently apply a thin layer of the oatmeal paste all over your face. Wait for the oatmeal to dry and harden, a process that usually takes between ten and fifteen minutes; then wipe it away with a damp, lukewarm washcloth. Pat your face dry, and enjoy the results of your exquisite homemade skin treatment.

About the author: Kerri Stalton is a featured writer for MySkinCareTips.com. To learn more about

natural skin treatment and the

best skin care treatments , visit us.

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Jan
27

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Even the dermatologist. Because aside from the overall physical health benefits that you can gain from regularly eating apples, the luscious, green-colored fruit is also an effective natural man skin care product.

The fact is that the apple is now found in many skin care products for men as an active ingredient because of the fruit’s richness in Vitamins A, B, C as well as the natural acids that are very beneficial to the total health and skin care for men – of course, not just for guys but for everyone else.

Product treatments with apple as base is effective in moisturizing, scrubbing and exfoliating dead skin cells as well as lightening your skin and evening up the skin tone.

Try checking on the pharmacy or ask the advice from the clerk at the cosmetics counter for some man skin care cream product with apple as its main ingredient. Definitely if you need to maintain a great looking skin, there actually is little need to go to the dermatologist, much less the plastic surgeon. An apple-based skin care cream might be all that you need.

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Jan
27
Author: May

Know the Common Signs of Skin Aging

Different people will show different signs of aging at different times in their lives.

For a person is in his or her mid-late 20s, the skin is generally in good condition but some signs of skin aging may appear. Depending on the person's lifestyle, some of these signs could include dry or rough skin, blotchy skin, darkened and dull skin or an uneven skin tone

For a person in his or her late 20s or 30s, more signs of skin aging may appear. These could include loose skin, larger pores or even fine line and wrinkles.

For a person in his or her 40s, deeper expression lines, frown lines on the forehead, more obvious wrinkles and crow's feet may appear. The skin may appear more sallow and less firm.

For a person in his or her 50s and 60s, deep wrinkles and folds of skin may appear. The skin becomes more dry and rough. Age spots may also appear.

Understand the Cause of Skin Aging

Skin aging is 90% of the time due to sun damage and 10% due to genetic factors.

Intrinsic or biological aging is due to genetic factors. The intrinsic factors are the slow down of skin turnover, decreased collagen and sebum production.

Extrinsic or photo aging is also called sun-induced skin aging and therefore largely preventable. Sun damage is accumulated a little each time there is an exposure to the burning rays of the sun. The damage is not immediately noticeable. Often one is not aware of the amount of sun damage accumulated until much later, years later in fact.

Never Too Early to Start Protecting Your Skin

Your skin starts to age from the time you were born! As sun damage is primary cause of skin aging, it is never too early to start protecting your skin from the burning rays of the sun. So always apply sunscreen lotion on yourself and your kids when you are outdoors. Prevention is always better than cure!

If you love to sun tan or an outdoors person, a good, strong sun cream is a must.

Stub out that Cigarette

Not only is smoking detrimental for your health, it is also bad for your skin. It reduces blood flow to the skin and causes the skin to look dry and sallow. Smoking further encourages wrinkles to develop around the mouth as smokers puckers their mouth and ""crow's feet"" around the eye due to squinting to avoid the smoke.

Other Anti Aging Skin Care Tips

Other anti aging skin care tips include:

Having a healthy life style Drink in moderation Cut down on your caffeine in take Exercise to improve your blood circulation Reduce or manage the stress level in your life Have sufficient sleep each night Last but not least, maintain a good skin care routine

About the author: May is one of the editor of http://www.skin-care- tips-online.com where you can learn more about skin care, skin care products, skin problems and more. Read this article for more detailed

anti aging skin care tips to help you defy skin aging.

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Jan
26
Author: Natalie Aranda

Facial skin care products are essential to keeping not only your beauty but also preventing aging and other skin problems, such as scars from severe acne. However, before selecting the skin treatment that is right for you, it is necessary to determine your skin type.

You probably have read the skin care tips intended to help you identify your skin type, but if not you should learn more before selecting facial skin care products. There are five main skin types and different facial skin care products for every one of them, depending on your skin type the skin treatment will vary.

Normal skin type does not feel or look dry or oily, it is easily identifiable by its pores, visible but not large or clogged, although occasionally may break out in spots. This skin type looks fresh, clean and comfortably smooth after washing.

Skin care tips: a gentle foaming facial wash accompanied by mild massaging is enough for basic skin care , along with a set of facial skin care products designed for this type of skin, and applied after washing your face. Do not forget to include a refreshing facial toner in your skin treatment.

Dry skin has a papery and thin texture, feeling dry to the touch with fine pores. After washing, it feels extremely tight. Although it practically does not break out in spots, by mid-day flaky patches appear on it even if you are using a skin treatment that might not be adequate for your skin.

Skin care tips: use special facial skin care products for dry skin, including creamy cleansers instead of soap. The cleanser must be left on the skin for several minutes before sweeping it away with cotton, splashing cold water onto your face and using a thick cream moisturizer to seal moisture throughout the day.

Oily skin types looks and feel very greasy and its texture is coarse and thick with large, visible pores. Although it feels fine after washing it, by mid-day the skin looks shiny and usually breaks out in spots making most facial skin care products useless if you do not use the type especially designed for oily skin.

Skin care tips: selecting the right skin treatment, a gentle foaming facial wash and an astringent lotion is basic along with a light oil-free moisturizer, making sure to absorb the excess of the product with a tissue to avoid the shiny appearance of your face.

These are the three most common skin types; the other two are combination skin type, featuring normal skin with a few oily patches, or dry patches, and the sensitive skin type, which may have the characteristics of the others, but it is easily irritated, causing itching and other reactions.

Skin care tips for this type of skins include the use of the facial skin care products corresponding to their main characteristics, applied to specific areas of your face. In addition, skin care for the sensitive type requires hypoallergenic products so they cannot cause you harm or uncomfortable reactions.

About the author: Natalie Aranda writes on health, beauty, makeup tips and hair care .

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Jan
25
Author: Nick Carter

As we grow older and older, the skin losses its elasticity, causing wrinkles to appear. This happens because along with the age comes losing the Elastin and Collagen, the main ""ingredients"" for an elastic, unwrinkled skin. However, this is just half the problem, because these two natural elements stop reproducing as well. This has been a problem ever since the humankind started to put value on the looks.

The ancient Egyptians were the first to use skin makeup, but the ingredients they used only covered the imperfections that the age brought and did not prevent them. The modern history of anti-aging products started with the Josiah Macy Foundation, in the late 1930's, when they released ""Problems of Aging: Biological and Medical Aspects."" This represents the foundation of anti-aging products and medicine. Cynthia Kenyon made another breakthrough, almost sixty years later, in 1993, when she was able to prolong the lifespan of a certain type of skin-helping worms. After that, a boom was registered in anti-aging products. But as the manufacturers started to grow in numbers, so did the fake products, which not only didn't help the user, but also could threaten his/hers health. Thus, in late 2001, the U.S.'s Senate came to an agreement: there would be laws to protect the public from fake anti-aging products.

These being said, it's time to present some of the most respected anti-aging products.

ProPLEXIN-CR® - http://www.ecresearchcorp.com / This appears to be one of the most respected anti-aging products. This is how its developer presents it.

""ProPLEXIN-CR® works by implementing a comprehensive approach targeting the primary causes of dermal decline. ProPLEXIN-CR® contains a true 10% maximum concentration of Argireline™ (AH-3) - a neuropeptide which inhibits wrinkle formation by preventing the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles that cause facial wrinkles. Argireline™ is the most recommended and effective alternative to Botulinum [...]

While many competitor products may include one or two of ProPLEXIN-CR's 12-core components, no single product has ever combined all of them. Only genuine ProPLEXIN-CR™ contains this comprehensive, proprietary complex. Additionally, most of these materials are extremely expensive. Consequently, the minimal concentrations used in many competing products offer little or no efficacy and are useful only for the marketing of the product. Only ProPLEXIN-CR™ safely combines all of these ingredients in a unique synergistic manner, at levels that are consistent with the maximum safe concentrations. ProPLEXIN-CR™ defines a new standard of excellence for the treatment of facial fine lines and wrinkles.""

Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment - http://www.sephora.com/ Another product very intensely marketed is Beauty Naturally. A few descriptions.

""Beauty Naturally® successfully optimizes the immune properties of B-Glucans from yeast extract, combining it with the self-healing power of B-Mannans from aloe vera & other glucans, with botanical AHA/BHA's, natural moisturizing factors (NMF's) & anti-puffiness property of a unique phospholipid phytosme of licorice to create a Bio-Skin Care Regimen that is beyond comparison!

The only skin maintenance system you'll ever need!

The Bio-Skin Regimen is a simple & flexible routine using the most basic skin care principles: Cleansing, Toning, Cell Renewal & Moisturization. Once your skin is normalized to its youthful potential, the same regimen can be your maintenance skin care routine for years beyond!""

Re-Storation Skin Treatment - http://www.zbigatti.com ""The the original 'all-in-one' that started a skin care revolution, Re-Storation Skin Treatment is formulated to provide every essential ingredient to repair, nourish and protect skin in one indulgent step. Re-Storation Skin Treatment is a comprehensive age-defying therapy and moisturizer in one jar. Re-Storation's innovative combination of hydroxy acids, potent antioxidants, vitamins, natural botanicals and enzymes optimize skin tone and texture, fade the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, provide resistance to damaging elements, and replace and maintain moisture necessary for beautiful skin.""

These are only three products in what is a hugely popular marketplace. When it comes to skin care, it is vital to do your own research, take heed of other peoples recommendations and find a product that suits your skin type and budget.

About the author: Nick Carter writes for www. my-skin-care.biz - a top resource for skin care and anti aging treatments

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Jan
24
Author: Natalie Aranda

Because of the large number of natural skin care products available today, finding the most convenient ones for skin treatment can be a difficult task. From the products claiming to be made up with the latest discoveries and technologies, to those as natural as water in nature, the array of options are countless, and most of the time requires some skin care tips to allow you to find the right one for your skin type.

In fact, one thing that you should know in advance is the fact that none of them can magically erase all of your skin's problems such as, freckles, scars, stretch marks, imperfections or signs of aging. Natural skin products sometimes contain toxins that contribute to certain forms of skin allergies in sensitive individuals, as well as sinusitis.

A skin treatment with high levels of toxins can be carcinogenic, or cause you all sorts of health problems if you are not aware of the skin care tips provided by a dermatologist or beauty expert. Research estimates that approximately 8% of all the cosmetic products on the market contain at least one ingredient documented to create adverse reactions.

Hyper-pigmentation, dermatitis and acne are just a few of those adverse effects, more often associated with chemicals but not with natural skin care products. Make sure that your skin treatment consists of plants providing living substances and vital life energy, instead of novice toxins, because they will penetrate through your pores, and travel through your entire body via the circulatory system.

Among the useful skin care tips, consider the avoidance of natural skin care products containing perfume, synthetic fragrances and dyes, and be careful when applying alcohol-based lotions or toners, that disturb your pH level, which dehydrates your skin. Your skin treatment should not include bar soap for cleaning your face, unless it is naturally formulated to maintain your correct pH balance.

There are many other skin care tips and you can benefit from all of them. However, remember that natural skin care products claiming to include in their formula pure essential oils, need to be contained in dark glass bottles or especially lined packaging, otherwise they are lying about their formulation, because that oils are very volatile and need special manipulation.

Double check the ingredients of your skin treatment and ask your beauty advisor about your concerns. Many natural skin care products are sold at health care related stores so it is easier to get supportive information from health practitioners, avoiding potential health risks such as allergies, rashes, asthma, headaches, hormonal imbalances, cancer, and even reproductive complications,

Natural skin care products are designed to help you without the hazards of chemical products. The choice of the right skin treatment based on skin care tips and analyzing your own skin characteristics can make the difference between a healthy skin and side effects caused by inappropriate products.

About the author: Natalie Aranda writes about health, beauty and makeup tips

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