Acne Skin Solutions
September 25, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
Everyone dreams of having that porcelain rosy complexion and clear skin. Who does not want to look like one of the fashion models appearing on the pages of a fashion magazine? The ones who tend to have skin like they never had a spot on their perfect face! Skin is very sensitive and should not be ignored. You cannot just go about experimenting with the products you use on the skin, you have to be sure and definite of what the skin actually needs.
Acne is definitely a curse for those who have to deal with them over a prolonged period of time. Normally, acne is considered to be a problem in the adolescents, but that may not be the case for a few. For some people, pimples can go on forever. They have o deal with these dirt monsters throughout their lives and try every trick in the book there is, but in vain. Oily skin tends to be more prone to acne. The excessive oil on the surface of the skin tends to attract more dirt and dust and accumulates more of it to form breakouts, that we all so dread. There are hosts of anti acne products available in the market to choose from for a clean, clear and healthy skin. One must choose according to their skin type and severity of breakouts. Acne should be treated before it gets completely out of hand and leaves horrendous acne scars on the skin. A clear skin gives happiness and confidence to the person and makes them want to tell everyone about the new found joy.
It is important to consult a dermatologist if no good id done through the continuous application of creams and lotions and facials. Breakouts are not the end of the road and can be treated with care and patience and glowing, clear beautiful skin can be achieved.
Is Gluten Causing Your Acne?
January 12, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
What is gluten and what does it have to with my acne?
Gluten is a special type of protein that is commonly found in rye, wheat, and barley. Therefore, it is found in most types of cereals and in many types of bread. Not all foods from the grain family, however, contain gluten. Examples of grains that do not have gluten include wild rice, corn, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, quinoa, teff, oats, soybeans, and sunflower seeds.
Does it feel like nothing helps with your acne? You eat healthy, you live healthy and you’ve tried everything, but nothing helps. Your acne just won’t budge. You may suffer from gluten sensitivity and it may prevent you from curing acne. In extreme cases, some people suffer from a disease called celiac disease, which impedes the digestion of gluten. Individuals with celiac disease must eat foods that do not contain gluten in order to prevent illness. If improperly treated, celiac disease can be fatal.
Gluten sensitivity is one of those hidden and hard to detect causes behind many health problems. And something you might not think of in a million years. It also happens to be the reason many acne victims struggle to get clear skin.
If you are badly sensitive to gluten, you could have a perfect diet and live the healthiest life but won’t get clear because of regular exposure to gluten. To make matters worse, gluten is everywhere. You can find gluten in nearly all processed foods. And even in items you wouldn’t think of, such as lipsticks, shampoos and vitamins.
Gluten – Acne Connection
Acne is a result of blood sugar problems and chronic inflammation. These trigger hormonal reactions that lead to increased sebum production, blocked pores and overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria. For a more detailed explanation, please see: what causes adult acne.
Gluten contributes to acne in two ways.
First, it causes damage to the small intestine, which could lead to nutritional deficiencies and an increased toxic body load (through leaky gut syndrome).
The second link between gluten and acne is inflammation. People with gluten sensitivity cannot digest gluten effectively. As a result they absorb incompletely digested protein molecules. The immune system treats these as invaders. As it attacks these ‘invaders’ the white cells release histamine, which increases inflammation. Inflammation increases insulin resistance in the nearby cells.
Insulin resistance leads to blood sugar problems, which is linked to acne.
As this happens once in a while, the body can deal with it. But most people are exposed to gluten 3 or more times a day. This, coupled with other inflammatory agents, spreads inflammation all over the body. Suddenly cells all over the body start becoming insulin resistant.
First, most people are not aware of their gluten sensitivity. Even fewer are aware of its link to acne and other skin problems. Since gluten lurks in many foods and it’s very easy to get exposed to it — even if you try to avoid it.
For many medical professionals, the dangers of gluten extend to celiac disease and not much further. Celiac disease is clear-cut allergic reaction and as such, is easy to diagnose. Subclinical gluten sensitivity is entirely different. First, most people show no outward signs that could be linked to gluten. Second, the immune system doesn’t produce standard antibodies after gluten exposure. So gluten doesn’t show up in standard allergy tests. Doctors specializing in gluten sensitivities can detect it with special tests [1].
Gluten sensitivity could be the most common food allergy as it is estimated that around 40% of the population is sensitive to gluten. With most food allergies, it’s reasonably easy to avoid exposure. Usually you just have to read the labels carefully. Not so with gluten. Thanks to modern food processing you can find gluten in most processed foods.
Avoid the obvious, such as breads, pastas and pastries, and you’ve cut out the biggest sources. But did you know there can be gluten also in cheese, butter and teriyaki sauce? Many processed foods contain vegetable starches and other additives that may contain gluten. So gluten could be lurking in close to 90% of the items in your local supermarket. Outside of grains, most food products contain only small amounts of gluten, but for people with severe sensitivities even these can make it difficult to cure acne.
As a rule, don’t assume anything. If the food is not raw and fresh fruit or vegetables or does not clearly state gluten-free (wheat-free is not enough), it may contain gluten.
Also be aware that it’s not just the food items that contain gluten. Your toothpaste may contain gluten. Same with your shampoo. And what about that new lipstick you (or your girlfriend) have. That also may contain gluten. Finally even the capsules of your nutritional supplements may contain gluten.
Gluten is one more reason to avoid both processed foods and chemical-based personal care products.
Coping with Gluten Sensitivity and Curing Acne
There are two parts to getting over gluten sensitivity and eventually curing acne. First is to avoid gluten. When you stay away from gluten you avoid triggering the immune system and inflammatory response. Study the resources at the bottom of this page for sources of gluten and see how you can cut them out of your life.
Second is to bring your body back to a state where it’s not so sensitive to gluten anymore. Gluten causes problems because of two reasons:
1) Undigested protein molecules leak from the digestive track into the bloodstream
2) The immune system is ‘on the edge’ because of chronic inflammation
As you heal the digestive tract and bring down the inflammation levels you become less sensitive to gluten. You may never fully get over the gluten sensitivity, but at least it doesn’t trigger such a strong reaction anymore.
Reducing inflammation is the second part in coping with gluten sensitivity and curing acne. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the only viable solutions. Antioxidant supplements may help, but they cannot overcome the harmful effects of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.
Fighting inflammation is not just about diet. Proper sleep, maintaining a positive attitude (or at least avoiding stress) and steering clear of chemicals and pollutants are equally important. Regular exposure to sunlight also has an anti-inflammatory effect. So if you’ve been struggling with persistent acne that, despite all your efforts to eat and live a healthy life, hasn’t budged, gluten might be the missing piece.
Try a gluten-free diet and the other suggestions in this article for at least one month and see how your skin reacts.
Links for more information on sources of gluten:
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluten…)
(http://www.celiac.com/articles/182/…)
(http://www.celiac.com/articles/181/…)
(http://www.celiac.com/articles/183/…)
(http://gfcf-diet.talkaboutcuringaut…)
Natural Approaches to Acne
November 9, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Acne occurs when the oil (or sebaceous) glands under hair follicles, often on your face, neck, chest, or back, get plugged up, inflamed, or infected. Frequently the glands simply secrete too much of a thick waxy lubricant called sebum that keeps your skin healthy. This blocks the pores and creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Follicles then get red and inflamed.
Hormone imbalances can play a role as well. Sebum increases with the overproduction of testosterone and other androgens in teenage boys, for instance, or with women;s hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. In mild cases of acne, whiteheads and blackheads appear, and maybe some raised red blemishes. In more severe cases, pus-filled cysts and deep nodules form around the inflamed follicles, causing unsightly bumps, tenderness, and often pain.
Natural Approaches to Acne
A couple of herbal products are useful for drying up acne. Topically applied tea tree oil is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil is fungicidal, antiseptic, expectorant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, parasiticide, and antiviral. Wipe on a 10% to 15% strength solution twice a day.
The herb chamomile also has long been used for easing skin inflammations. Make a strong chamomile tea, and wipe the cooled liquid over your face each morning. This effective daily rinse tones and cleanses.
The holistic understanding of acne is generally the result of hormonal imbalance or toxicity of the bowel or blood. Use cleansing herbs like burdock root, yellow dock root, or echinacea root to help cleanse your blood and remove toxic waste products from your liver. Use bowel-cleansing herbs like yellow dock root and psyllium seed for a week, and repeat once a month for several months, especially if you have trouble with boils, acne, and other skin problems. Take evening primrose capsules. And apply tea tree oil solution externally.
Here’s a helpful tea recipe:
1 tablespoon Oregon grape root
1 tablespoon yellow dock root
1 tablespoon burdock root
1 tablespoon red clover flowers
2 cups water
Put all herbs in water and simmer 30 minutes. Drink one cup of the tea, 2 to 3 times daily.
During a breakout, eat mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, and add a six-ounce glass of cleansing vegetable juice with equal parts of cucumber, carrot, and celery, with a little parsley. Identify and drastically reduce all forms of refined sugar and fried foods in your diet – this includes honey.
Alternate hot and cold compresses over pimples once or twice a day to open the pores, cleanse them, and increase circulation to remove wastes.
Sometimes the skin will show reactions to external factors, such as bacteria, that have led to internal processes, which reflect on the skin instead of manifesting internally. While symptoms on the skin should be attended to, the real problem lies in the weakened defense system, which should be toned and strengthened so that the body will rid itself of infection.
The general guidelines for the treatment of infections also hold true for acne. And if antibiotics have been used recently, at least 1 g of vitamin C should be taken daily.
Ayurvedic Overview for Acne and Rosacea
October 15, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The word Ayurveda translates to “the science of life” (Ayru – life and Veda – science). Ayurveda has brought true health and wellness to millions of individuals throughout the ages with simple changes in daily living practices. Incorporating just a few of these proven methods into your lifestyle can bring about radical changes in your life.
It is currently considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the United States of America, but this ancient art of healing has been practiced continuously for over 5,000 years.
That said, there are some specific treatments that many recognize as effective treatments for skin conditions. For starters, regardless of the skin condition, Ayurvedic practitioners suggest staying hydrated. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that water helps to naturally stabilize dry or oily skin. Drinking enough water also helps prevent the loss of moisture through the skin, which helps to promote overall wellness.
Ayurveda also recommends adhering to a daily regimen for proper skin care, including the use of a natural soap and the use of natural skin moisturizers. This is true whether a person has naturally dry skin or suffers from a more serious condition such as psoriasis. The key is to make sure that the moisturizer is, in fact, natural, containing only substances such as aloe vera—a natural antibiotic that many believe is particularly helpful in the treatment of many skin conditions. Unfortunately, many commercially available moisturizers contain preservatives and other chemicals, and do not fully absorb into the skin, instead remaining on the surface and sometimes clogging pores as a result.
In addition to proper hydration and skin care, Ayurvedic medicine has identified three natural supplements that appear to help treat a wide range of skin conditions—neem, haemafine syrup and khadir. All three of these are widely prescribed to treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema, although many believe they can be used to treat any skin condition. The tree stem, root, and bark of neem, a large evergreen tree, have antibacterial properties. It is used in supplement form to treat skin conditions. In addition, many Ayurvedic soaps contain neem extract. Haemafine syrup is a natural solution made up of more than a dozen herbs. It is used as a remedy for all types of skin diseases through its natural blood purification properties. Khadir, also known as the acacia catechu herb, is another natural blood purifier used to treat skin conditions.
Besides supplements, some Ayurvedic sources also suggest that a person with a skin condition receive an abhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic massage that uses herbalized oils to draw toxins out through the skin.
Is Ayurveda Safe?
Ayurvedic practitioners argue that their treatments have fewer side effects than prescription drugs and other traditional medical therapies, since Ayurveda is a completely natural approach. However, certain treatments, such as herbal supplements, should be taken with caution, since they can interact with other medications or even produce side effects such as rises in blood pressure. So as with any new medical treatment, consult your doctor prior to beginning any Ayurvedic therapies. This is especially true for people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, or for women who are pregnant.
Vitamin Rich Diet to Reduce Acne
October 13, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Do you know you can treat your acne by filling your diet with vitamins specifically to help reduce acne?
Both teens and adults suffer from acne. While everybody will experience the occasional acne outbreak, for the most part, acne is preventable.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you didn’t have a raft of blemishes show up just about the time you’re going to a party? Nutrition is all important in the fight against acne breakouts. And the best vitamins for acne conditions are found in natural fruits and veggies.
Excess oil in the skin is a major culprit for those pimples and blemishes. This doesn’t mean that avoiding fat altogether is the answer. There are good and bad fats. Fats should comprise about 20% of your total intake of calories each day. Generally, animal fats and trans fats are the ones you want to avoid. Olive oil, flaxseed oil and organic fish oils are the best for a healthy cardiovascular system.
Now, to keep acne outbreaks to a minimum, lets take a look at those good vitamins for acne. Vitamins A, C, E and zinc should be in good supply in your daily diet. This means lots of fruits and veggies. Include lots of salads. A variety of greens, fresh parsley, all of the citrus fruits and red, orange or yellow vegetables are all high in vitamins A and C. Avocados are loaded with vitamin E. The ready to drink vegetable juices supply many of these vitamins. If you don’t care for the taste, try a squirt of lemon juice or one of the spicy versions, ice cold, as this beverage is so beneficial to the health of your skin. All this nutrition will keep your skin at it’s optimal best and prevent or reduce further acne breakouts.
When you make a salad, which makes an excellent lunch or dinner, make it a chef’s style with healthy additions like sliced chicken breast or shrimp (prawns). Vary your selection of dark green, leafy vegetables in your salads so you don’t get bored with this meal. Spinach, mesclun or spring mixes are good choices. Dice in a sweet red or orange bell pepper for a good dose of beta-carotene, the most beneficial form of vitamin A. Organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables also contain more of these nutrients than veggies that have been picked in an under ripe state and shipped hundreds of miles. Look for salad dressings made with olive or soy oil.
Don’t forget, an “anti-acne” fruit smoothie makes a great, quick breakfast that’s filling and good for your skin.
Teens especially need these vitamins for acne treatments in greater abundance as compare to adults. Talk to your doctor to see if vitamin supplements are a good addition to your healthy eating program. Remember too, that caffeine washes all these vitamins, particularly vitamin C, out of your system before your body can readily absorb them.
If you can incorporate these healthy, vitamin rich foods into your daily diet, you can be assured of a gorgeous, radiant, acne-free skin.
Acne and Hormone Levels
Most of us have at one stage or other sought an acne remedy when suffering from that troublesome and common acne problem that first appeared in our early teen years. Many more have continued to suffer into our adult life. A rare few have avoided the embarrassment of pimples appearing at the worst possible time – knocking self-esteem to its lowest – usually when we are trying to make a good impression. A fast and effective remedy is what we want if acne is a problem.
Acne is caused by hormonal changes that occur during adolescence when oil glands in the skin become hyperactive. This additional oil combined with dead skin cells that block hair follicles and skin bacteria infect the hair follicles producing a breakout of the skin. Result? Clear skin is marred and embarrassment can follow.
There are many acne remedies available from natural home varieties to potent pharmaceutical drugs. Modern preferences are to avoid drugs because of their side effects and rather find a natural acne remedy. One acne remedy is to cut a raw potato in half and rub the flat section over the affected areas in an attempt to neutralize the bacteria that is causing the trouble in the pores. If it works for you, great.
The truth is acne comes second only to premature aging in the charts for skin disease. If you are a sufferer you will likely be aware that flare ups will always occur before a special event. You can put all the blame on testosterone produced by the adrenal glands which are trying to help you deal with the stress of that interview, wedding or important presentation.
Another acne remedy is to go on a fast for several days and to change the diet to healthier eating of mainly raw food. No doubt there is an element of truth in following this acne remedy but it does require some discipline as fasting and a strict diet regime is often too much like hard work for the majority.
High in iodine foods, shellfish, leafy vegetables including spinach and cabbage, and peanuts are other potential problem foods. If you have an acne problem, experiment with your diet. If you crave certain foods that may aggravate this problem curtail consumption to see it there really is a difference in acne activity If you have a special sensitivity to a food, small amounts of anything – even soft drinks, chocolates will not make a major difference.
One of the more widely spread (and often believed) myths about acne is that it is caused by dirt or grime. It’s more likely to be because of oily skin, in which case simply washing regularly with either a mild soap, special acne skin cleanser or even antiseptic soap and warm water can make a big difference to controlling and managing oily skin. And don’t forget to keep your hair clean – again, depending on your skin type, your hair can also become extreme oily if not cared for properly.
The bad news is that acne cannot be cured, but the good news is that it can be treated. If you’re suffering with only mild acne, then some form of non prescription (over the counter) acne medication will no doubt have a positive impact for you. If you have bad or severe acne you will definitely need to see a doctor to get some professional advice.
A vitamin A deficiency can lead to skin problems. Not all cases of acne call for professional attention. An occasional blemish or pimple could be called “drugstore acne”. Topical antibiotics prevent about fifty per cent of blemishes, and are a significant breakthrough for treating average acne.
Healthy Diet, Healthy Skin
July 31, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
By: Van Le | The saying “you are what you eat” didn’t happen by accident. More Americans are realizing that what we put in our bodies dictates how well we think, look and feel. Eating is the body’s way of obtaining the nutrition and vitamins required in order for the body to function properly. Consuming the right kind of food can increase our energy level, lead to healthier-looking skin, and boost our self-confidence. Americans spend billions of dollars each year on beauty products that promise to hide blemishes, cover under-eye circles, and conceal wrinkles; however, these products only temporarily fix what’s on the outside. In order to have truly healthy skin, we must monitor our food intake and eat food that allows our body to naturally generate that coveted healthy glow.
Water: Everyone knows that we should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but not everyone does. Seventy percent of the body is comprised of water, which is vital to cellular replenishment.. Water also helps flush bodily toxins and regulate our body temperature. Try to limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can lead to dehydration and cause dull, dry skin. If you think water is too plain, try adding lemon slices or cucumber for a hint of taste.
Low-fat dairy products: Milk, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese all contain vitamin A, a key ingredient in most anti-aging, anti-acne and anti-wrinkle products. Vitamin A strengthens the skin, helps repair and restoration processes and prevents wrinkles. The recent frozen yogurt craze has helped increase consumption of dairy products, however, it is important to remember that a cup of yogurt topped with candy, caramel, and other processed sugary treats can be counterproductive. Instead, choose healthier fresh fruit toppings such as blueberries and strawberries.
Antioxidants: Fruits like berries and pomegranates are filled with antioxidants, which have been proven to protect the skin against UV damage such as wrinkles and dark spots. They also protect the skin from free radicals, which are organic molecules responsible for tissue damage and aging. According to antioxidantskincare.org, “when free radicals attack healthy skin cells, they cause the cell to decay,” which can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease and speed up aging. Antioxidants neutralize the production of free radicals.
Omega 3: Walnuts, flaxseeds and salmon contain essential fatty acids that prevent harmful substances from entering cells. They help regulate cell functions and maintain skin elasticity, leading to soft and healthy skin. A diet filled with omega 3 will result in radiant skin, stronger hair and overall good health. Our bodies cannot produce omega 3, therefore, it is important to add omega 3 to our diet.
Whole grain: Wheat products such as bread, pasta, and cereal contain plenty of vitamin B, which can even out skin tone and help the skin maintain moisture. Whole grain products help replace dead skin by stimulating cell growth on the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer. Increase your consumption of whole grains by replacing white bread, pasta and bagels with wheat products. Most likely, you won’t even taste the difference.
Makeup can create the illusion of healthy skin, but true healthy skin starts and ends with a proper diet. A healthy diet is an essential way to achieve not only radiant skin, but also a radiant lifestyle.
Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.
For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestskincareforme.com
Complementary and Alternative Health Practices
July 22, 2009 by admin · 2 Comments
By: Van Le | Complementary and Alternative Practices towards a Healthy Lifestyle. Over the last century, doctors and researchers in the Western world have made several medical breakthroughs and significant discoveries in the fight against terminal diseases. Such discoveries are key milestones towards finding the cure for diseases such as cancer and other illnesses, however, the idea of using complementary and alternative medicines, remedies, and holistic therapy to help manage a natural, healthier lifestyle is gaining popularity in the Western world.
Complementary and alternative medicine consists of practices that do not follow the norm of conventional medicine; complementary medicine is used in conjunction with conventional medicine, while alternative medicine is used in place of conventional treatment. Some examples of complementary and alternative medicine include acupuncture, meditation/visualization, and the use of natural products.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a complementary medicine technique, is the practice of inserting tiny needles into very specific parts of the body to relieve pain and discomforts associated with conventional treatments. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), it is the oldest healing practice in the world, and works by restoring the body’s balance (ying and yang.) Acupuncture is most popular for its ability to relieve pain and aches, but the idea of “cosmetic acupuncture” is also gaining attention as a less-drastic alternative to cosmetic surgeries.
It has been reported that those who undergo cosmetic acupuncture experience vibrant skin tone, reduced and finer wrinkles, and firmer skin. A study in The Journal of Clinical Acupuncture states that 90% of cosmetic acupuncture patients experience notable improvement in their skin quality. As with any medical procedure, acupuncture carries risks, and when considering an acupuncture treatment, it is important to examine the creditability and equipment of the practitioner.
Meditation/Visualization
Meditation is a complementary technique used to escape from the stress of our hectic lifestyles and reach a profound state of relaxation and calmness.
There are several types of meditation, including yoga and tai-chi. Yoga consists of molding the body into postures, using controlled breathing, and focusing on the moment to escape from the day’s stress. Tai-chi started as a form of martial arts but has transformed into a healing practice. Those who practice tai-chi move their bodies slowly and mindfully while focusing on their breathing. According to the Associated Press, tai-chi helps build a stronger immune system, which can help the body fight against shingles, a skin condition that cause rashes. Visualization, also known as mental imagery, is a technique in which the mind focuses on a specific image. Cancer patients sometimes use this technique to envision their bodies fighting off the disease. Visualization can be used by anyone to relieve stress from a busy day.
Use of natural products
The popularity of natural products has increased exponentially in the last few years due to its ability to generate healthy skin from the inside out. Products that contain natural ingredients as opposed to harsh chemicals are logically better for the body and skin. From a diet filled with healthy choices to using natural skincare products, there are several ways to generate a healthy, more fulfilling lifestyle. By choosing blueberries over Botox, you can achieve longer-lasting and healthier results. Switch to an all-natural line of skin care products to give your skin a break from the preservatives and lab-generated chemicals that can wreak havoc years down the road.
Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.
For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://naturalfacialskincare.net
Your Face Reflects Your Diet
July 2, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
You may have heard the old saying, “You are what you eat.” Never does it ring more true when we consider the quality of our skin. It’s not a fallacy to say we feel better when we eat pure, healthy foods that support and nourish our bodies as compared to a diet of over-processed, chemical-laden foods. Without proper nutrients, the body just can’t function optimally. It will be sluggish, lack vitality, and lack muscle mass. On the surface, the skin may show wrinkles, sagging, acne, age spots and appear overall to be dull. Free radicals can take the blame for some of this skin degeneration, but if you want beautiful, healthy, glowing skin – you have to feed it right.
Antioxidant-rich foods that contain vitamin C and E have been found to defend against free radicals by giving them their own electrons and forming a barrier that protects skin cells. You may already know certain behaviors and habits will either help or harm your skin, such as proper diet, exercise, smoking and sun exposure. One of the most significant sources of skin-damaging free radicals is cigarette smoke.
The modern Western diet is filled with carbohydrates, unnecessary sugars and salts, fats and caffeine. Most would be shocked to learn just how many of these detrimental elements they consume in a day. According to current research, it is the sugars and carbohydrates that have the worst effects on your complexion. They rob your skin of the oxygen it needs to stay youthful and can also cause inflammation.
In opposition to the processed foods, a diet that is pure and natural to its original essence as possible will provide your skin with vital nutrients and oxygen. Fruits and vegetables are on the top of this list of course, but other vital fats like walnuts, olive oil and fresh fish oils will also contribute greatly to beautiful, glowing skin. You cannot improve your skin without first improving your daily diet. Take the time to research various natural foods and their beneficial qualities. Try to incorporate these foods as much as possible into your lifestyle. Also beneficial is to replace those sugar-laden sodas with fresh water and teas. Proper hydration will help flush residual toxins from your system while you are optimizing your diet.
Once you consider what foods you are ingesting, you may also need to consider your smoking and drinking habits. We all know how harmful excessive smoking or drinking can be for our health, but our skin will be the first to show the signs of damage–long before our bodies give any indication of disease or imbalance. Smoking creates a toxic metabolism in your whole body. Many know the lungs are damaged by smoking–which is bad enough in itself–but the lack of oxygen will show on your face first. You will see more wrinkles around the eyes and mouth and smokers also have skin that is slower to heal. Blood is actually directed away from the skin by the destructive effects of nicotine, resulting in a sallow, grayish skin tone. On a scientific level, the nicotine blocks the oxygen supply to your skin, causing the subdermal capillaries to go into spasms, eventually increasing the rate at which your skin ages.
If you are hoping a cosmetic procedure will “erase” all the damage you have done – be aware that many doctors today will not perform any invasive procedures on a smoker due to the slower healing rate and lack of it results it can cause.
Once you have incorporated healthier foods into your life and reduced or eliminated smoking and excessive drinking, it is guaranteed you will see noticeable positive results in your skin’s appearance and in your overall health.
Healthy Body- Healthy Skin
June 1, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Skin Care is the first step towards achieving a healthy body. Skin care is an essential part of most people’s daily routine.
Skin care specialists say any imbalance in the protective barrier that envelops the human body provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in many types of skin irritations and accelerating the aging process.
Natural skin care is the care of the skin (the largest organ of the body) using naturally-derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers (everything from natural soap to oils to pure water).
Skin care treatment is going green, but you still have to make sure you read the labels. Skin care treatment may be the least of your problems if you’re a middle-aged male, but many dry skin remedies will also raise testosterone levels. The latest craze in skin care is also the oldest: herbal products.
Natural skin care has its roots in the 4th millennium BC in China and the Middle East. Natural body lotion has become a big business in recent years as more and more consumers seek a gentler, healthier alternative for their skin care needs.
The best skin care beauty tips are not only the right products but also healthy diet. People who use natural skin care products are less concerned with artificial beauty enhancements, as they feel that natural beauty is healthy beauty.









