Men can seldom relate to a skin care regime for themselves dismissing it as a women thing altogether. Men's skin is inherently different from that of women and not as delicate too. However, that cannot be a reason to negate the necessity of a good skin care regimen.
A good skin care regimen is essential to maintain a healthy skin and prevent undue skin diseases, irrespective of gender based differences. And because of this, men are as prone to skin adversities as the women. Moreover, with age the skin tends to loose its elasticity as collagen fibers break down thus resulting in the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Therefore it is as important for men as well to take good and proper care of their skin.
A skin care regimen does not involve any complications. Rather it is a simple process to follow and takes only few minutes a day. Here are some great tips for men to care about their skin more efficiently:
Face washing
Use a face-wash or a mild soap to wash your face instead of regular body soaps that are relatively stronger on the skin. Harsh chemicals in the soap can damage the skin and disrupt its natural texture Avoid using hot water on your face no matter how tempting it might be in cooler times. Always stick to cold or at the most lukewarm water to rinse your face.
Exfoliates
Make sure you exfoliate your skin regularly, ideally twice a week. Exfoliation scrapes off the dead cells from the skin surface and promotes new and smooth layer from within. Regular exfoliation smoothens the skin texture and lends it a natural glow.
Shaving
To keep the skin healthy, it is very important that you shave correctly and don't end up damaging your skin. Before you start shaving wet your face with a layer of streaming hot water so that your skin absorbs steam and gets moisturized beforehand. After that apply shaving cream on your face and shave it off very carefully taking care to avoid any cuts and wounds.
Moisturizers
For people with dry skin types, moisturizers are the sole recluse. Dry skin lacks moisture and has low hydration levels. This makes them appear flaky and acts as a good ground for premature wrinkles and fine lines to appear. Moisturizers maintain the water level in the skin and prevent facial lines from showing. Do make sure to apply a good moisturizer after each time you shave so as to close down any open pores and reduce any signs of dryness. Also try and avoid products with heavy fragrances as they tend to contain drying agents.
Sunscreens
Avoid excessive exposure of your face to direct sunlight. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet radiations that penetrate the skin layers and damage the cells within and disrupts the skin texture. Use a good quality sunscreen that contains an SPF of about 15 or more. Make sure you apply it before 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply after every two to three hours.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
Dr. Marilynn Syrett is a graduate from Western University of Health Sciences and has a keen interest in the skin care and cosmetic products. Her experience of the skin care industry has gained her in depth knowledge about natural skin care and men skin careand other skin care problems.
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10.11.2008
Skin Care For Men- Top Tips
Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care
Our skin is of vital importance to our health. Our skin is responsible for providing protection from environment, providing us with an emotional sense of boundary, creating sensual awareness to communication with the "outside" world e.g. feeling pleasure or pain signals that are vital to our survival and well being.. How our skin feels physically often determines the way we feel emotionally.
Our skin is one way that we communicate information about ourselves to others. We blush, turn pale, signal "worry" or "stress"with wrinkles in our forehead or around our eyes and mouth. Our skin often is used by others to form an impression of our age, how much we are indoors or outdoors and our activity, through scars, wrinkles, colors, and texture of our skin. Our skin is a signal to ourselves and others about our overall health internally, externally, physically and emotionally. "How do I look?" i.e. "What are others seeing and, perhaps, thinking about me?", is a question about the appearance of our skin. This information comes from the tone, texture, firmness, and aroma of our skin.
Our skin is one of the largest "organs" of our body composing about 10% of our body weight. Our skin entirely replaces it's surface about every 60 to 90 days. Our skin eliminates waste, toxins, sends signals to our internal bodies, and actually breathes. Disturbances in our skin, e.g. eruptions, dryness, oil, rash, "age spots" wrinkles, blotches, etc are often an indication of our internal health..
Many of us have used synthetic prescription drugs, lotions, or creams, to care for our skin. Often these synthetic substances are accompanied by undesired and sometimes harmful "side effects". Our bodies are designed by nature to absorb and use substances that are natural. When an "unnatural", i.e. synthetic substance, is introduced into or on our body, it "interprets" that synthetic, unnatural substance as "foreign"or as an "invader".Our body protects itself either through the production of antibodies from our immune system or does not absorb these synthetic substances.
In contrast, our body readily recognizes, absorbs and uses natural substances as the appropriate material to use to build, repair and sustain itself. Our skin operates in the same way as the rest of our body in terms of what it will or will not absorb and use. Natural substances are recognized by our skin, internally and externally, as "welcome" ingredients for use in building, repairing, and sustaining itself.
There are many natural anti-aging skin care products we can use topically on the outer surface of our skin. All natural anti-aging skin care products contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and aromas from nature that our skin readily recognizes as appropriate for use. All natural lotions and ointments, help our skin to maintain it's healthy tone, texture, elasticity, aroma and to repair injury, discard waste, breathe properly, sense appropriately, release used skin cells, build new skin cells, protect us, and improve our appearance.. These all natural products contain amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, herbs, enzymes, aromatherapy oils, and other natural substances that support our skin health.
Remember that the most important factor in the health of our skin is our internal physical health. An important aspect of anti-aging skin care is healthy digestion and elimination. Our intestinal system is responsible for absorbing food, nutrients, and water and for eliminating waste and toxins from our bodies. When our intestinal digestive system is overwhelmed, it places an extra burden on our skin to increase it's waste disposal function. When our skin's waste disposal function becomes overwhelmed, we develop skin disorders. This is particularly true when we are tying to digest processed foods, dairy products, or other foods lacking fiber. Food becomes putrefied and toxic because it cannot be processed or eliminated properly. Our skin then attempts to remove these toxins. Pores may become clogged, inflamed, discolored, dry, or oily. If we want healthy anti-aging skin, we need to keep our intestinal digestive system functioning properly. We can help our digestive system with all natural enzymes, essential fatty acids, probiotics and fiber.
Digestive enzymes reduce large food particles so that the body can absorb nutrients and the entire body, skin included, benefits. Discolored skin, wrinkles, or blemishes, can be signs of enzyme deficiency and the loss of collagen that accompanies it. Digestive enzymes reduce free radical damage, help us remove toxins and maintain a healthy balance of beneficial intestinal microflora. Probiotics provide and maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora, vital to our intestinal digestive health and, in turn, the health of our skin. Beneficial flora promotes the health bacteria we need and destroys harmful bacteria that can lead to illness and infection. Unfortunately, synthetic prescription antibiotics destroy the good bacteria along with the harmful bacteria. Probiotics help restore the healthy microflora and bacteria after synthetic antibiotic use. Probiotics also help the skin to have healthy bacteria it needs and eliminate the growth of harmful bacteria.
All natural vitamins such as Vitamins A, C, and E are essential for anti-aging skin care. Vitamin A is needed for skin cell growth and renewal. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, provides nourishment for the fat layer under the skin. Vitamin A deficiency results in dry, rough skin, eruptions, wrinkles, poor texture and tone. Vitamin C helps repair skin by building collagen and fighting infection. Vitamin C deficiency is connected to aging and ultra violet ray damage. Vitamin E also protects our skin from UV damage, reduces free radicals on our skin surface, and helps prevent the peroxidation of fats which results in skin cell damage.
All natural herbs improve complexion, help remove heat, toxins and swelling from our skin. Herbs can help lighten skin and maintain natural skin moisture..Herbs help prevent scar formation and facilitate new healthy skin growth.
Amino Acids fight harmful bacteria and viruses. Amino acids help carry vital oxygen throughout the body helping our skin breathe. Amino acids are part of facilitating enzyme efficiency and hormonal balance which is a major aspect of anti-aging skin care. Amino acids help stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the tissue that determines skin firmness. By increasing the production of collagen, amino acids can help our skin retain it's firmness, therefore reducing lines and wrinkles.
Essential fatty acids, EFAs, help our skin to become softer, smoother, and retain proper moisture content. Essential fatty acids have a very beneficial effect an the synthesis of prostaglandin hormones in our skin cells. Omega 3, an essential fatty acid, greatly benefits skin texture and may also help prevent the development of skin cancer and aging of our skin.
Our bodies produce Hyaluronic acid which is found to be abundant in young skin. The affects of aging and environment gradually reduces the amount of hyaluronic acid our bodies produce and maintain. Hyaluronic acid is important for our body's connective tissue, especially in our skin. Hyaluronic acid also helps to cushion, lubricate and provide needed flexibility for our skin.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is becoming well known for it's anti-aging effects and is a potent antioxidant that combats skin damage and helps repair past skin damage. Alpha lipoic acid provides great free radical defense especially when combined with other anti-aging antioxidants.Alpha lipoic acid is soluble in both oil and water. Alpha lipoic acid enhances the benefits of vitamins C and E and Coenzyme Q 10.
Coenzyme Q 10 helps decrease cellular oxidation in skin that accompanies aging. CoQ10 enters the layers of the epidermis and reduces the level of oxidation.. CoQ10 helps protect against UV light. CoQ10 activates phosphotyrosine kinases which prevents oxidation damage. CoQ10 is a very important natural nutrient for anti-aging skin care.
Our natural skin requires natural anti-aging skin care. Many all natural anti-aging skin care nutrients are available for us. They include amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, anti-aging antioxidants and anti-aging skin care formulas. We can help our skin externally through the use of topical all natural lotions, ointments, creams and solutions. We can keep our skin healthy internally through the use of all natural supplements, vitamins and formulas. Our skin keeps our internal system in place and protects our internal structure. Our skin provides valuable information about our overall health. Our skin is important not only for our appearance, but more vitally, for our complete well being.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
Jennifer Kays has over twenty years experience with all natural health care products. Jennifer's mission is to share these all natural health care products through http://www.sweetmedicineessentials.com
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5 Basic Steps to Keep Healthy Skin with Organic Skin Care Products
While a lot of new products are introduced, professionals recommend still highly organic skin care products. Not only do these help the skin the natural way, they are also a lot less harmful. Combined with organic skin care, your epidermis can remain beautiful and more resistant to damage.
Below are five basic steps in keeping skin healthy, along with the use of organic skin care products.
Eat and maintain a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help you maintain a healthy skin the natural way. Avoid processed and greasy foods. Familiarize yourself with healthy food that you can enjoy having and at the same time will not cause you any health problem. Supplements will also provide assistance in keeping your whole body healthy. Keeping the entire body healthy is the primary key for healthy cells. This is the most important organic skin care tip as it can suffer from an unhealthy diet.
1. Drink plenty of water. A huge percentage of the body is composed of water. Water intake will help you clean the body. Water also hydrates the body and helps prevent dry skin. Well hydrated cells function well, cells that can function well can help maintain youth. The more active a person is, the more water he needs. Eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount of water intake, however, as for athletes and energetic people, more is needed to replace the fluid they excrete through perspiration. There is no replacement to drinking plenty of water and this is not only a great organic skin care rule but a great habit to adopt.
2. Exercise. Aside from boost in energy, moderate work outs help in keeping the blood circulation better. They also increase oxygen in the blood stream. Both help in maintaining the youth of your skin.
3. Always wash face with mild cleansing products. Cleansing products with strong substances can harm cells. Ensure that you use clean water in washing the cleansing products off from the skin, don't rub it with the towel. It irritates the skin. Wipe gently with soft cloth. Organic skin care products are milder than those with synthesized or processed ingredients.
4. Look for organic skin care products. Products with natural contents do not force their way in helping you clean your skin. The nearer these contents are in nature, they work better since they somehow understand the body's natural process in fighting harmful elements and potential diseases. Make sure you use these products according to the instructions.
5. Moisturizers are recommended for all skin types. Even oily dermis loses its natural moisture after using cleansing products. If your epidermis is not properly moisturized causes it to age faster. Toners help in cleaning traces of dirt and cosmetics not easily removed even with the use of cleansers. Sunblock creams and lotions are also considered a must nowadays since ultraviolet rays have become a threat to skin.
Organic skin care gives you the opportunity to have a healthy skin, without, or at least with less worries in using harmful ingredients. The appearance of your epidermis indicates the state of your health. Healthy looking skin implies that you are a healthy person. It is also your main protection from outer sources of harm. Keeping it clean will keep you many steps away from common diseases; it will also keep it strong enough to resist or lessen the impact of damages from our surroundings.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
Christy S endorses Lim Cher Sern who is a natural skin care researcher with more than 7 years of experience in natural skin care products. Please visit http://www.BeautySkinCareCream.com for more free information on how to choose the best skin care products.
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Natural Skin Care – Brighten Your Skin With Facials
Everything we do everyday exposes our skin to the elements. The hot sun, city pollution, dead skin--all these combine and steal the young life-glow we all have. This maybe so, but there's hope. An all natural skin care regimen using facials can help rejuvenate our skin.
A facial, done once in every 7 days, cleanses, deeply massages, and even steams your face. For extra skin nourishment apply a face pack afterwards.
Cleansing
In facial skin care, you need to pay attention to the cleansing part. It's important because you have to worry about the facemask, which you can only put on deeply cleansed skin. If you want to do your own facial at home, it's advised to use natural skin care products like cleansing milk or cream.
If your skin is oily, try a mild soap with water that's lukewarm; these will remove the oily layer on your skin. For dry skin, put some facial cream on a cotton swab and wipe your face.
Facial Massage
What melts away your tension, soothes, and unclenches your tense muscles, is the facial massage. When massaging, use oils or some talcum powder and do not massage inflamed skin or bruised areas. Before choosing a natural skin care massage cream, you need to know your skin type and whether it’s dry, oily, or combination.
Use an upward motion when you massage, from the inner side into the outer side, with little pressure when massaging around your eyes. For maximum results, keep massaging for 15 minutes and, afterwards, wipe the cream off with a cotton swab.
Steaming
Steaming opens up your skin's pores, which allows it to benefit from the face mask. Boil some water in a wide-mouth pot; put a towel over your head and let your own skin soak up the steam from the pot. Be sure to add in the pot some rose-petals, peppermint, and marigold. Cover the edges of the pot with your towel, so your face gets all the steam; pat dry after 5 minutes.
Applying Face Mask
The last step in a facial is applying the facemask. You can make your own facemask or buy it from a store. A facemask often includes natural skin care ingredients such as lemon juice, orange peel, cucumber, and curds. If you wish to use a commercial facemask, make sure to follow the instructions.
When applying the mask, avoid the area around your eyes, just let the mask touch your neck and face. On your eyes, place cotton swabs previously dipped in some rose water; this will feel refreshing.
Lie down or sit in a comfortable position and relax. After the mask has dried, wash your face with lukewarm water, peel the mask off, and apply moisturizer or cream to your face.
Always remember that the crucial part of a facial is the facemask. The facemask reinvigorates your skin, takes out dead skin cells, loosens blackheads, takes away dirt and allows your pores to breath. So go ahead and make facials a part of your natural skin care routine.
About the Author
Rebecca Dalmat is an avid researcher of skin care health. Effective skin care is a science, not a guessing game. Pick a winning product by visiting Marvelous-Skin.com and learning what makes a skin care product extraordinary.
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All Natural Skin Care Treatments For Your Particular Skin Type
Skin is your largest and most visible organ since it covers the entire body. Having attractive, healthy skin starts from the inside and reflects on the outside. The first step towards taking proper care of your skin is to determine what type of skin you are in right now. The American Academy of Dermatology acknowledges several different types of skin. Your skin type can also change depending upon certain internal factors, such as health problems, hormonal imbalances or taking certain medications.
The following are guidelines to help you identify your particular kind of skin and choose products with all natural skin care ingredients that are suitable for it:
Normal: This type of skin is neither exceedingly dry or oily and usually has no blemishes or discolorations. Natural treatments include chamomile, cypress, camphor, rose, lavender, rosemary, sweet almond oil, grape seed and soy.
Dry: If you skin is flaky, ashy, and tight but lacking in elasticity, you have dry skin. Herbal remedies include orange, jasmine, carrot seed, avocado, calendula, rose hips and rice bran.
Oily: Skin that appears slick or shiny with enlarged pores is considered oily. A tissue rubbed against this skin will have oily residue on it from all areas of your face. Helpful herbs include lemongrass, peppermint, thyme, cedar wood, geranium, patchouli, hazelnut, olive and refined coconut oil.
Combination: If you have combination skin, your forehead, chin and nose are oily and there are dry patches near your hair and jaw lines. When you rub a tissue on your skin and only the “t-zone” areas around your forehead, nose and chin yield oily residue, then you surely have combination skin. Holistic solutions for combination skin include ylang ylang, rosewood, sweet orange, jojoba and apricot.
Acne-prone: Skin with enlarged pores that is disposed to clogging, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts and redness is acne-prone. Herbal remedies such as tea tree oil, manuka, basil, mint, grapefruit, coriander, lime, hazelnut and grape seed are often used for acne-prone skin.
Sensitive: This type of skin is often blotchy and prone to redness, rashes and irritation. Natural treatments with rose, jasmine, carrot, almond, sesame, calendula and jojoba have been effective and are usually non-irritating.
Water is another simple, all natural skin care solution for people with all types of skin to keep hydrated. Experts have found that healthy skin is promoted by consuming water equal to half of your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you would drink 75 ounces of water a day for maximum health benefits. Furthermore, the simplest and most effective skin care regime includes a using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen all year round.
By figuring out your individual skin type, you can incorporate all natural skin care products into a simple routine to enhance the health of your skin so that you can look and feel your best everyday.
About the Author
Ryan Cote is the owner of ChinaDollSkin.com, a website providing spa-quality, natural skin care products that will make a difference in the health and appearance of your skin. ChinaDollSkin.com
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Herbal Skin Care: 7 Things You Must Know
Let me ask you a simple question... Do you know the main ingredient in your skin moisturizer? I'll bet you don't. I just presumed mine was something natural, and good for you, because it was a leading brand. When I actually checked the label it read like a chemical factory!
This started me on my education in natural and herbal treatment for the skin.
Let me fill you in on the 7 most important things you might not know about herbal skin care.
1. Just because it is made by a company you trust, and costs a lot, doesn't mean it's all natural. Synthetic ingredients are usually cheaper, and more readily available. If natural ingredients are not extensively used, the products will be cheaper to manufacture. A great example of this is Manuka Honey from New Zealand. A lot of natural skin care products are adding this ingredient ,as it promotes healing and rejuvenates skin. Unfortunately it has to be imported from New Zealand and not manufactured in a lab.
2. You should not put anything on your skin that you could not eat...You read that right. What you put on your skin eventually ends up in your body through absorption.
3. A truly herbal treatment for the skin should not contain paraben. An artificial preservative found in a lot of cosmetics.
4. Herbal skin care should not have sunscreen chemicals in their formulas. Zinc or titanium dioxide are two natural sunscreens, but they should be applied separately, when needed. They should not be included in your make up or moisturizer. 5. There is a second reason your cosmetics should not contain sunscreen. Everyone needs some sun exposure everyday for adequate production of Vitamin D.
6. Natural products do not contain fragrance. Most fragrances that stay with a substance are not natural, and are a source of irritation for a lot of people. Natural fragrances are very fleeting.
7. Herbal skin care has been around since the beginning of time. It's nothing new, some companies have simply gotten away from it due to the profit motive. One of the biggest advocates of herbal treatment for the skin was Cleopatra. It is well documented that she was one of the most beautiful women of all time and used only natural cosmetics.
Before you massage that moisturizer into you skin read your label...You will probably be as surprised as I was to learn you are not using an herbal skin care product. You will probably discover that your herbal treatment for the skin is closer to a chemical peel. It is even more alarming when you realize what goes on your body-goes in your body. Make no mistake about it ,don't presume you are using a natural herbal skin care product...Read your label.
Betty Wolfe is a dedicated researcher of skin care and health products. She supports and uses products that are not polluted with chemical clutter that is found in most health and beauty products.
If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines and damaged skin, www.health-body-and-skin.com now to learn about the skin care line Betty personally recommends.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
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All Natural Skin Treatment for Blemishes
People who buy natural skin care products are searching for creams and lotions that provide real results. Baby boomers and college age people use natural products like lotions, facial soaps, foaming facial cleansers and peel-off facial masks because they have become indifferent towards pharmaceuticals. People are content spending a couple more dollars on products because they feel the health benefits are worth the extra dollars but natural does not automatically mean it is a perfect solution for everyone.
The fascination with natural skin care products can be linked to a shift in people's priorities and lifestyles. People are becoming more aware of the planet and the environment. They generally assume that natural acne lotions are environmentally friendlier and healthier than their antibiotic counterparts. For the most part, that generalization holds up but natural skin care products are not always what people think they are.
Natural Skin Care
There are a couple thoughts to keep in mind when searching for a natural acne care product. First of all, is the product environmentally friendly? Not every product is. Cosmetic products can and often do emit a considerable amount of pollutants into the atmosphere on a daily basis. According to some recent reports, elements like fluorocarbons, acetone, and phenols found as additives in some natural skin care products dissipate and add to ozone issues.
Not only can this alter air quality but it can alter the reproduction habits of some aquatic species. When some additives dissipate into the air, they can settle in lakes and rivers and change the breeding habits of fish and other animals. Natural skincare products commonly contain botanical elements. Have you ever considered that maybe those exact same botanicals were treated with pesticides and fertilizers? Would you still feel the same about your new natural skin care cream or lotion if this were the case?
Is your natural skin care product truly helping your skin? There are many "natural" skincare businesses who put parabens and additives in their products. Preservatives need to be toxic to bacteria in order to improve the shelf life of the cream. Now parabens have been the norm but recently there have been some disputable investigations questioning the toxicity of the preservative and its role in the evolution of tumors. While tumor development would be very rare, more common side effects of parabens include general irritation and Atopic dermatitis.
Natural Ingredients in a Skin Care Product Some natural ingredients are more advanced than others. Are you searching for an all natural acne care treatment that was not tainted by preservatives or will not hurt the ozone layer? Thanks to the discovery of a new biological skin care element, you can stimulate the natural remodeling process of your own skin and should old, dying cells and let new, healthy ones emerge to give the skin a healthier appearance.
When applied topically to fresh, clean skin, the biological ingredient will fuse with your own skin cells and:
* soothe irritated skin by controlling the expansion of capillaries that often cause rashes on the skin. This releases fibrin which guards the frail inner walls of the capillaries and advances unhindered blood flow.
* stimulate collagen synthesis by improving cellular transmissions in the body. Improving the ability of cells to communicate amongst themselves incites the proliferation of fibroblasts in the skin. Fibroblasts boost collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, making it flexible and strong.
* limit oxidative damage and free radical formation using ingredients that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. This helps protect the healthy cells around a skin trauma.
* revive the capacity of the skin layers to remain full of moisture by motivate the development of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, the molecules that give the skin its ability to maintain moisture. This strengthens the skin. Strong elements prevent dry skin and help avoid cracking and flaking.
Yes, one natural skincare product can do all this! And this isn't even a complete list of the positive aspects of the all natural beauty care for the treatment of skin problems. We invite you to go right now to our page and read all about the biological skin care product and how it can help you rejuvenate your skin.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
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10.10.2008
Natural Skin Care | Vitamins | Natural Skin Care Tips
Natural skin care methods can help your skin to be healthier and younger naturally. Our body has the ability to regulate on its own, supply nutrients to various organs such as the skin and generally give it a healthy glow.
The body also has the ability of enhancing how the skin looks. It can make the skin more healthy, elastic, youthful looking and radiant. Taking care of the body from the inside out has been grossly underrated.
Skin care in this way will result in a more natural glow. This method of skin care in combination with other skin care treatments will result in the optimal skin care. If this is the case, then you may ask why doesn’t it do that exact same thing to everyone.
Various factors such as bad diet, stress, lack of sleep, smoking will impair the body’s ability to do so and other factors make the skin that old, scaly, thing many people see in front of the mirror.
But with the help of natural skin care methods like proper nutrition, proper care and maintenance can help your body to enhance your skin’s health and appearance.
It is important to take natural skin care along with other skin care products we use. Studies are showing that natural skin care methods like vitamins, minerals, water, exercise and rest all play an important part in improving skin.
Healthy skin also an indicator of good health, so taking good care of your body not only gives you great skin but give you good health in general. Experts say that the skin is the benchmark for the body’s health.
Natural Skin care Tips
To improve skin health, it would do well to take note of the following Natural skin care tips.
Natural Skin Care - Vitamins and Minerals
There is a shortage of good nutrition on the market, and it is getting more and more hard to get the necessary vitamins and minerals from what the average American eats. In this regard, vitamin supplements are useful.
Scientists are discovering how more and more important the vitamins C, E, A, K, and B complex, are to skin health. The skin health can be improved by taking these vitamins through diet and supplements.
Natural Skin Care - Water
Water is the one of the important natural skin care ingredient. Water also helps flush out toxins in the body, which could cause a variety of skin conditions and could very well spell skin doom for most people. Dehydration results in scaly, coarse, and unhealthy skin.
Natural Skin Care - Exercise
Along with the body, the natural skin care technique exercise can also benefit the skin a lot. Exercise helps in improving the blood circulation, which indeed benefits the organs of the body including the skin.
Good circulation, which is improved with the help of exercise, helps to bring more blood and nutrients to the skin. It also facilitates the removal of waste and toxins, resulting in a better skin health.
Natural Skin Care - Rest
Skin is also affected due to stress and lack of rest. The body needs rest to repair and rejuvenate skin cells. In general the skin appears pallid and contributes to a haggard look if the body does not get this rest.
Lack of rest also results in bags that form beneath the eyes due to water retention, which give the person a zombified look. Lack of sleep has also been pinned as one cause of acne.
About the Author:
Alien writes for acne skin care. He also writes for makeup tips and skin problems
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Natural Skin Care Products Eliminate The Need to Bathe Your Skin In Harsh Chemicals to Control Acne
Natural skincare products are everywhere you look today. Full lines of products are based on ingredients that are commonly found in nature. These products clean and replenish the skin without the use of synthetic chemicals or compounds made in a laboratory. Natural products use no chemicals, detergents, or fillers in their ingredient list.
A majority of acne care treatments use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. These chemical compounds cure acne but at what cost? A closer look at what these agents do and what they are made of is important before you but them on your skin. People can have reactions to elements contained in these products that can make the inflammation worse.
Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent. When found in high concentrations, it is extremely flammable and explosive in nature. The normal concentration used in pimple treatments is close to 2.5% but can be close to 10% in certain prescription medications. Normal side effects of benzoyl peroxide include dryness and irritation while certain people can experience more serious issues like burning skin and peeling.
This bleaching agent cleans pores while working to peel away layers of the skin in order to promote skin regeneration. Since it peels away skin, sun exposure can be more harmful so take into account the need for sun protection to help guard against sunburn while using this product. When found at 100% concentrations, benzoyl peroxide has been shown to cause cancer in subjects. Normal acne treatment medications use a lower level but it shows the danger involved in using chemical based acne therapies.
Salicylic acid is a chemical compound. It is used for common skin ailments like acne, warts, and psoriasis. It triggers the body to shed skin cells in order to prevent the clogging of pores. Like benzoyl peroxide, it is used as an acne cure in concentrations close to 3%. People often complain of the burning sensation associated with the application of this compound. When found in higher percentages, it can alter DNA and cause long lasting allergic reactions. Treating acne does not need to be so dangerous. These are very serious issues that most people do not consider when they are looking for an acne cure.
A new way of viewing skin care has been evolving in the past few years. Gone are the days when you need chemicals to burn a zit away. Anything that feels it is burning skin should tell you right away it has no place in facial care. If given the chance, acne sufferers would want to cure their skin naturally. Natural skin care is broadly defined as the use of only natural ingredients to help and cure skin ailments. Nothing made or produced in a laboratory falls under this umbrella. Examples of natural skin care ingredients include beeswax, aloe vera, witch hazel, and jojoba.
Natural acne treatment has had huge breakthroughs in the past few years. Natural ingredients have advanced skin care by leaps and bounds. A new, natural biological agent extracted from a land snail has been proven to work effectively as a natural acne treatment. The name is Helix Aspersa Muller Glycoconjugates and it works as a natural enhancer of your own immune system for it triggers the production of more of the natural antimicrobial peptides that your skin normally secretes to keep micro-organisms at bay and contains enzymes that dissolve pore plugs and damaged tissues while triggering the reproduction of new, healthy ones. It rebuilds the skin matrix while repairing, moisturizing, and protecting dermal elements. It is not a compound made by a man in a laboratory. It is a natural secretion found in everyday life. It has no side effects like DNA damage and it does not increase your risks of cancer.
Advancements in medicine and natural acne care provide acne sufferers with more options now than ever. You do not need to bathe your skin in chemical compounds. Nature has provided many elements that help us understand everyday skin afflictions. Through these studies, we have ultimately been provided a healthier pimple cure. Chemicals are a thing of the past. Natural skin care is the wave of the future for healthier skin.
About the Author:
Martha Fitzharris is a member of the research and development team for a breakthrough natural skin care cream. Find out more about how new skin care products work for acne & rosacea and acne scars, keloid scars and ingrown hairs and razor bump relief.
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10.09.2008
Skin Care The Natural Way
Washing the face everyday is sometimes not enough. Some get facials done while others regularly visit their dermatologists for consultation. There are also some who are forever undergoing some kind of medication to help keep their face blemish free. This can eat up a lot of the money that they earn. Remember that facials and consultations are not cheap. They can be mightily expensive.
But why go with the medical when you can do it in the natural way? Below are some of the ways that you can take care of your skin without spending so much.
1. Exfoliation in the shower
Exfoliation is one of the things that help keep your skin, smooth and silky. The process removes the dead cells from the skin, thereby preventing the buildup of dead cells in the pores.
Exfoliation can actually be done before you take a bath everyday. You just need a dry brush. Make sure that it has soft bristles; otherwise, you will end up irritating the skin. Brush in circular movements to also help in the circulation of the skin. This process however can only be done in certain parts of the body. Sensitive areas like the face may only be irritated.
2. Use fruits and veggies
Cliché as it is, fruits and vegetables really do have properties that help in keeping the skin healthy. What is more you don’t have to eat them. There are fruits and veggies that you can put directly to your skin like the tomato and the cucumber.
Of course, eating an apple a day will definitely keep the dermatologists away as apple contains natural nutrients that are really good for the body, especially for the skin. High fiber fruits like bananas are also highly recommended as they are able to improve on digestion and metabolism.
3. Water
Not only will water help you in washing your face, drinking lots of it will also help you get rid of the toxins in the body. In fact, one of the secrets to having great skin is drinking lots of water. Experts recommend at least 8 glasses a day. For people who have digestive problems, about 10-15 glasses is already enough.
4. Exercise
Another way to get rid of the toxins in the skin is to regularly do physical activities whether they like working out in the gym or doing sports activities.
5. Avoid sugar
Do you know that sugar can actually make your skin sag and develop wrinkles? This happens when the excess sugar go to the bloodstream and sticks to the protein.
About the Author
This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on Skin-Care & other useful information, please visit http://skin-care.articlekeep.com
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10.08.2008
Baking Soda Beauty Tips
Baking soda is a versatile and natural substance that is made from sodium carbonate, soda ash, or sodium bicarbonate. It is a known fact that baking soda has numerous uses including baking, deodorizing, everyday cleaning, and best of all beauty.
Many beauty products can be created in the convenience of your own home using a box of affordable baking soda and a few other ingredients. Below are ten beauty products that you can easily make using baking soda.
1. Relaxing bath: To create a relaxing bath, add ½ cup of baking soda to your bath water. This will leave your skin feeling refreshed and smooth.
2. Foot care: To give your feet a treat, mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub or basin of warm water. Soak your feet for desired amount of time. Then, create a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub your feet with it. Your feet will thank you for this!
3. Clean brushes and combs: To clean brushes and combs by removing natural build up of oil and hair product residue, soak combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small tub or basin of warm water. Rinse combs and brushes thoroughly and allow them to dry before use.
4. Skin exfoliant: To create a gentle skin exfoliant, create a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub the mixture in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate your face and/or body. Rinse baking soda off with warm water.
5. Hair care: For beautiful, shiny, and more manageable hair, sprinkle a quarter-size of baking soda into the palm of your hand and mix it with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo your hair as normal and rinse thoroughly. The baking soda and shampoo mixture will help remove product residue allowing your hair to be cleaner.
6. Whiter teeth: For whiter teeth, brush your teeth with baking soda. Rinse out your mouth with water when finished.
7. Baking soda bath oil (for 1 bath): To create a soothing bath oil, you will need 4 tablespoons of baking soda, 8 fluid ounces of honey, 16 fluid ounces of milk, 16 tablespoons of sea or cooking salt, and 4 fluid ounces of baby oil.
In a large bowl, mix the baking soda, honey, milk, and salt; stir well. Pour the mixture in a bath of warm water and add the baby oil. Use your hands to stir the mixture with the water and step into your soothing bath.
8. Rough skin: To smooth rough skin on your elbows, knees, and other areas, make a paste of baking soda and water and rub on skin. Rinse away paste with warm water.
9. Nail care: To soften your cuticles and clean your nails, apply baking soda to your cuticle brush. Now, scrub your nails and cuticles for great looking nails.
10. Dry shampoo: Running late and don’t have time to shampoo? Mix 1 part baking soda, 1 part baby powder, and 3 drops essential oil. Apply the mixture to the roots of your hair, including bangs, and comb through. This mixture will absorb excess oils and freshen up your hair.
Grab your box of baking soda and start creating your own spa-like beauty products today!
Lesley Dietschy is a writer, jewelry designer, beauty editor and the founder of a network of popular websites including http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com and http://www.HomeGardenExchange.com. Both of these websites feature valuable information and resources to assist you in decorating your home and garden. For beauty tips, fashion tips, and handmade beaded bracelets, please visit: http://www.homedecorexchange.com/HDEBeautyFashionCorner.htm
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Women's Natural Beauty - Essential Oils for Mature Skin
It's no surprise several of the world's finest formulas for beautifying mature skin contain natural essential oils. Therapeutic grade essential oils used in aromatherapy are each selected for their distinctive healing action; many oils are specifically indicated for skin healing and healthy skin maintenance. Of greatest interest here are the oils known for their tissue regenerative effects and support of the skin's metabolic functions. An effective personal blend using premium therapeutic grade oils is easily made by choosing a few oils corresponding to the needs of your skin type, and blending with easy-to-follow formulas.
What is it about essential oils that make them so suitable to the task of making mature skin glow? These liquid jewels impart such profound effects as they are nature's own healing tools. It is thought that plants produce them as their own healing potions, with variations that depend on the plant's habitat; a plant needs to generate new cells, defend itself from oxidative radicals, and promote its own fitness as much as humans do. These aromatic oils are highly compatible with our own health and well-being. Countless essential oils have been examined over time, and a few stand out as extraordinary medicines for our skin. Creating a personal formula using them is a simple task: just mix a small amount of essential oils with the appropriate (and therapeutic) seed or nut oils at the right concentrations, and voila! Your own highly effective skin care blend.
Essential oils for topical application in nearly every instance will be blended with what are known as carrier oils or 'base' oils. Carriers are the naturally pressed oils from nut and seed sources. These natural oils will form 95-98% of your blend, with the essential oils being added as the 'active ingredients'. Avocado is first on the list, being included in many recipes for its hydrating and nutritive properties. Avocado is especially suited to dry skin, and should make up about one-fifth of the 'base' for dry-to-normal skin. The oil pressed from the Apricot Kernel is highly-regarded as a base for drier skin, or skin that may be inflamed or damaged. Apricot can make up the entire base if you so desire. Evening Primrose is a highly nutritive oil with a significant amount of essential fatty acids - important for building healthy tissues. Evening Primrose can make up to one quarter of the base. The oil from Hazelnuts is the most commonly described carrier in many of the medical aromatherapy texts. It can be especially useful for those with a tendency toward oily skin, as it has mildly astringent properties. Despite the seeming contradiction to applying 'oil' to an already 'oily' complexion, Hazelnut is recommended in the most advanced medical aromatherapy texts for this use - it can make up to 100% of the base. Perhaps the most important carrier oil to consider for mature skin is Rosehip seed - pressed from the seeds of a wild rose from South America, it contains research-validated vitamin A compounds that act like natural 'Retin-A', enhancing the skin's natural regeneration, lessening the appearance of fine lines, supporting healthy skin that may have endured sun-damage, and unifying skin coloration. Rosehip seed can, and should, make up to one quarter of your base recipe.
On to the essential oils - the magic active ingredients. We'll begin with Carrot Seed, a wonderful warm, smooth and earthy essential oil with a long history in skin care. It is particularly indicated for skin that has lost its glow from undue stress, whether from external environmental factors or other types of strain. Carrot seed is very gentle, inexpensive, and useful for all skin types. Next is Rosemary of the Verbenone chemotype - it's distilled from common rosemary grown in particular regions of the world that lead to a higher fraction of regenerative 'ketones' in the oil. The ketones of Rosemary signal tissues to exfoliate and regrow, while increasing the cells' overall vigor.
Essential oils that simulate the effects of estrogen have been found supportive of mature skin health. Perhaps as natural estrogen production lessens over time, these oils continue to give the skin a youthful hormonal environment. Two oils which can be considered are Clary Sage and Sweet Fennel. Each are noted by various authorities as exceptionally important for aging skin. Clary Sage is soft, sweet and herbaceous, with an aroma considered mildly euphoric to some. Sweet Fennel is a little stronger aromatically, and has been recommended for 'anti-wrinkle' formulas for every age. You may decide purely on the basis of your personal aromatic preference if you wish to include one of these estrogen mimicking oils.
A couple of lesser known yet highly effective skin care specialty oils are Cistus and Sea Buckthorn. Cistus is distilled from the Rock Rose flower, with astringent qualities used for firming the skin. Some Cistus varieties tend to have a rather medicinal aroma, but truly fine ones are sweet and alluring. Sea Buckthorn is pleasingly sweet, and should be considered for blends for all skin types. Found as a CO2 distillation (not to be confused with the cold-pressed Sea Buckthorn carrier oil) the essential oil is a deep red color, indicating the high concentration of carotenes, vitamin A precursors so important to skin health. The virtues of Sea Buckthorn have been hailed by users with a wide variety of skin conditions and types at every age - it is useful in very small amounts, and need only make up 1% of your recipe to enjoy its benefits.
Then there is the tried and true French Lavender - Lavendula angustifolia - the essential oil which began the modern aromatherapy revolution with the discovery of its nearly miraculous healing power. Lavender is balancing, gentle and regenerative. It may be added at any concentration to your blend. Its sweet and floral aroma is loved by many ' though if you find it too sweet, and are looking for a potent regenerative essential oil, try Helichrysum instead. This rare specialty oil has the most effective regenerative components known, with a. Helichrysum need only be used in small amounts, and may otherwise overpower other oils aromatically ' otherwise, Helichrysum is very gentle, and is even called for being applied directly to the skin undiluted for acute healing needs.
Creating your own blend is a simple and enjoyable process. Simple, as you only need select the essential oils you wish to include, and can add them in equal amounts - 10 drops of each essential oil per ounce of base oil is a perfect start. Enjoyable as the oils are a dream to smell as well as to blend! The aromas can be intoxicating as well as healing. The essential oils ARE potent; it's best to limit your total essential oil concentration to less than five percent of the overall mixture. This works out to 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier. If using more than three essential oils (i.e. more than 10 drops each of three varieties) limit the amount of each essential oil so that the final volume per ounce is less than 30 drops.
Many of the oils mentioned here are found in blends for women, but there is no rule that prevents men from using them as well. For an aroma that a man may appreciate, deeper, earthier essential oils can be used - Sandalwood, Frankincense and Myrrh are all essential oils noted for their benefits to mature skin. What's more, choosing other oils that you just love the smell of is very much encouraged. With one's emotional health often clearly reflected in the condition of their skin, there's more than likely to be a benefit beyond simply smelling nice! Just be aware that there are a few oils that should not be applied to the face; these are some of the spicier oils - Cinnamon, Oregano, Clove and Thyme varieties; cold-pressed citrus oils like lime, lemon, orange and bergamot should also be avoided for facial care, as these oils can cause the skin to be extra-sensitive to UV light.
Creating your own personal therapeutic skin care blend is a wonderful aromatherapy project for beginning and advanced practitioners alike. You'll have an effective mixture made just for your skin type, and that you can adjust according to your needs in the future. Plus it's fun to do, and easier on the pocket book than high-end commercial formulations. Nature offers such wonderful botanicals for so many conditions, and caring for the skin is no exception - these strong medicines; go slow, notice your body's reactions, and most of all, have fun!
The author of this article, Tarah Cech, is a natural health consultant in Boulder, Colorado. She is a regular user of essential oils and consultant to creations at http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oil-blends.html and http://www.anandaapothecary.com/aromatherapy-massage-essential-oils.html
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10.07.2008
Natural Acne Treatment Supplements | Acne Products | Natural Acne Skin Care
Natural acne treatment can effectively prevent and treat acne. The following are some of the natural acne treatment supplements and miscellaneous acne products reported to help cover the bases when dealing with acne issues.
Natural Acne Treatment Supplement - Maca
Some report that this powdered Peruvian root vegetable, rich in essential amino acids, minerals like calcium, magnesium, iodine, iron, fatty acids, potassium and silica, and phytochemicals, helps with stabilizing the body's systems and hormones. Add the acne product maca in the smoothies for a little extra sweetness and flavor.
Natural Acne Treatment Supplement - Manuka honey
Manuka honey is reported to have strong antibiotic, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Many recommend it externally for good skin and internally for good digestion.
Natural Acne Treatment Supplement - Nature's Living Super-food
This nutrient-dense foodstuff is reported to be full of minerals and a complete range of nutrients; vitamins and trace minerals.
Natural Acne Treatment Supplement - Neem soap
Neem soap is reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and antiviral properties. It is helpful for the acne prevention and natural acne treatment. Users report calm and soothing skin effects.
Natural Acne Treatment Supplement - Peel-off face and body masks
These natural acne treatment products are said to help exfoliate dead skin cells and unplug clogged or inflamed pores depending upon the brand and ingredients.
Smoother skin with an anti-bacterial effect that prevents and clears spots and gets rid of bacteria is the result of these peel-offs. Popular varieties contain vitamin E, 2 percent tea tree oil and other essential oils.
Natural Acne Treatment Supplement - Probiotics and Prebiotics
Ask your healthcare provider about using the acne products probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotic supplments can assist with refilling helpful bacterium in your digestive system that aid in effective processing and elimination of food, nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
When you’re taking antibiotics for acne treatment, these helpful bacterium are often lacking, thus further backing up the system, clogging pores. Similarly, prebiotic foods can assist with refilling these helpful bacterium. Few examples of prebiotic foods are bananas, onions, honey and artichokes.
Natural Acne Treatment Supplement - Pure Synergy
This foodstuff reportedly contains a variety of valuable micronutrients and antioxidant phytonutrients efficient in acne control.
Natural Acne Treatment Supplement - Tea tree oil and its body products
These acne products are not to be made of any harsh ingredients that would irritate skin. Tea tree oil is known helpful, healing effects and contains antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, also antimicrobial agent and deep cleaning properties.
Tea tree oil is a great for acne treatment and acne prevention. They are used over various parts of the body, even the face. Popular versions are in the form of facial cleansers, bubble baths and shower gels.
Natural Acne Treatment Supplement - Vita Synergy™ for Men
This natural acne treatment supplement is made with antioxidant botanicals, spices and flowers, is said to offer strong, effective, restorative overall energy.
Natural Acne Treatment Supplement - Vita Synergy™ for Women
Somewhat similarly to the natural acne treatment supplement for men, this supplement, made with antioxidants, adaptogenic and herbs, is said to offer hi-level nutritional support to women. It helps them reach their top performance levels.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/natural-acne-treatment-supplements-acne-products-natural-acne-skin-care-181439.htm
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Alien writes for acne skin care. He also writes for acne treatment and acne home remedies
Natural Skin Care Recipes for Your Beauty
Because of pollutant, weather changing, and even busy activity can decrease your beauty. Having a skin treatment may cost expensive, but it can cost cheaper if you know how to do and look around your surrounding. You can get a cheap skin treatment by having a natural skin care recipes from nature resources.
Here are some natural skin care recipes that can be applied for your skin treatment, anti wrinkle treatment, apple and honey face mask, avocado and banana scrub, carrot face mask, exfoliate for sensitive skin, glowing radiant skin treatment, tropical face mask, and others. For natural face cream, you can start with mixing jojoba oil, almond oil, she butter, coconut oil, and olive oil. Those ingredients are comes from nature and easy to get, also in cheap price. Mi those ingredients with blender or melt the she butter with hand. For best result, you can apply this natural face cream on face at morning, noon, and night. Besides saving more money, this natural face cream also does not contains any chemical products and ingredients.
For younger look skin, many experts will suggest you to have a natural skin treatment with skin care ingredients from your own kitchen. Beside that, you can follow a diet for natural skin care that use three-day nutritional facelift to get omega 3 fatty acids vital for natural skin care. You can start to eat a green salad, 3 oz of broiled salmon or any other cold after fish, eat fruits of strawberries, raspberries, and other for your desert. Fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that make it an important ingredient in your natural skin care, While, Blueberries, strawberries, cranberries and raspberries are all loaded with antioxidants which save cells from premature aging. For breakfast, you can "choose a sensible breakfast that is low in carbohydrates and sugars,” says an expert, and to keep your skin hydrated and supple, drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Many experts believe that after doing this natural skin care diet in three days, your face and skin performance will looked differently. It can be seen on your appearance. This natural skin care diet makes you look as if someone turned a lamp on your skin. Your pores also will be tighter and dark circles will disappear. Something that is should be remembered is that carbohydrate on white rice, white breads, or pasta may attach to collagen. Along with sugar, collagen also can cause stiffness of your skin. It can make your skin look older. According to an expert, collagen is a natural protein that forms connective tissue in the body.
"To know more details about the secret of anti aging, you may visit http://www.anti-aging-secrets.net"
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/anti-aging-articles/natural-skin-care-recipes-for-your-beauty-461077.html
About the Author:
I am an anti aging specialist using natural herbal
"To know more details about the secret of anti aging, you may
visit http://www.anti-aging-secrets.net"
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10.06.2008
Skin Care Home Remedies
Natural homemade recipes for your skin are simple to make and cost-effective. What you put on your skin is just as important as what you eat. Commercial products often contain chemicals that are absorbed by your skin finding their way into the bloodstream which can be harmful to your overall health.
Virgin coconut oil/butter makes for a good moisturizer by providing a protective layer that locks in natural moisture. Coconut oil solidifies at temperatures below 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the coconut butter in small lip balm or eye cream jars or any small sterilized jar. For a lip balm, use coconut butter on its own or add peppermint or spearmint oil. As an acne treatment, add a couple of drops of tea tree, lavender, or patchouli oil. For wrinkles, add rose, orange or patchouli oil. To treat eczema, add chamomile, geranium, or orange oil. To treat broken capillaries, add rose, palmarosa, or parsley oil. To treat cellulite, add grapefruit, tangerine, or orange oil. For stretch marks, add palmarosa or neroli oil. To treat burns, add geranium, patchouli or lavender oil.
For sunburned skin, break open a leaf of an Aloe Vera plant and smooth onto the skin. The gel is also good for other types of burns and has soothing, cooling, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Strawberry juice, cucumbers and avocados are also soothing to sunburned skin.
For tired eyes, place cucumber slices over your eyes. For dark circles around your eyes, place cooled tea bags over your eyes.
For a homemade facial toner, mix green tea, chamomile or ginseng tea (made with mineral water or distilled water) with lavender or lemon oil. Green tea is rich in antioxidants which fight free radicals that damage and age the skin. Green tea is said to diminish fine lines. Lavender oil is a good toner and lemon oil is a good rejuvenator and toner. Add Vitamin C crystals as a preservative and antioxidant. MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is a natural source of organic sulfur good for the skin. Add MSM crystals to your toner or eat high sulfur foods such as kale or watercress.
Prick a capsule of Vitamin A, E, or wheat germ oil and smooth directly onto your skin, add to coconut, almond or apricot oil, or to your toner. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant and Vitamin E is said to slow down the aging process. Almond oil soothes and lubricates the skin. Apricot oil protects and softens the skin. Wheat germ oil promotes skin elasticity.
For a moisturizing and refreshing mask, mix avocado with shredded cucumber. Avocados are rich in protein and Vitamin A. Cucumbers are cooling and cleansing. Use a mashed banana for a skin firming mask.
To lighten age spots, rub lemon directly onto your skin.
For a body powder, mix cornstarch and baking soda with your favorite essential oil. For a foot powder, mix cornstarch, baking soda and tea tree or peppermint oil. Baking soda acts as a deodorizer and soothes the skin. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, germicide, antibacterial, and fungicide. Peppermint oil is soothing to the feet and swollen ankles.
Drinking plenty of water, eating raw fruits and vegetables, and getting plenty of rest are one of the best ways to achieving healthy and radiant skin. What goes into your body is reflective on your skin.
Elizabeth Kiely is the owner of EK Shower Caps http://www.eklbc.com
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Foot Care Tips and Advice
Our feet is another important area to take care of apart from our face, hands and body. The feet area is easily prone to cuts, dehydration, line, rough surface, corns, skin cracks and joint pain.
Here are some tips you should try to apply daily or at least on alternate days. In the evening, pour some warm water into a basin, spacious enough to place your both foot onto it, amount of water about slightly more than half of the basin.
Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt, allow to dissolve in the water, then place both foot down. Rest for 20 minutes, you may take a short nap, watch your favorite television program or even have a facial masque on for relaxation and winding down. Another easier way is just by using plain warm water without any other ingredient.
To remove strong feet odor, add a few drops of tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil or lemongrass oil onto a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 20 minute daily instead of using salt. These essential oils contain antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties to overcome feet odor and heavy feet sweating problems.
Tip 1 : Use 5 drops of tea tree oil and ¾ basin of warm water, soak feet for at least 20 minutes. Pat feet dry.(substitute with eucalyptus, peppermint or lemongrass oil).
Tip 2 : Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil, 2 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil and 1 drop of lavender oil into ¾ basin of warm water, soak feet for at least 20 minutes. Pat feet dry.
Tip 3 : If you are able to find lemongrass water (found in Asian countries), pour 1 cup of lemongrass water into ½ basin of warm water, soak feet for at least 20 minutes. Pat feet dry.
After any foot soak, remove your both foot from the basin. Dry your feet with a clean towel. Apply some moisturizing foot lotion and put on a pair of clean cotton socks. You may leave the socks on during your sleep or remove the socks when you go to bed, it is your choice.
This two simple routine allow you to recondition your skin, to maintain smooth healthy feet. Just remember this, soak feet to treat, relax or detox and moisturize your feet.
During the weekends or during your break, you can try a DIY refreshing feet treatment to repair and protect the skin at your feet. Skin over is can be easily damage due to wearing different types of shoes or too much walking. A very straight forward treatment, you would suggest that you give it a try.
Apply foot scrub onto feet and gently massage with light and circular movement , concentrating on rough and coarse skin. Rinse the feet with warm water. Pat dry.
Apply refreshing foot masque (try peppermint foot masque) to refresh or rich moisturizing foot masque (any foot masque rich in beauty oil or cocoa butter) onto feet covering your nails. Remember your nails need some conditioning too for easy trimming. Leave the masque on for 15 minutes. Wash the masque away with warm water, not forgetting to clean the nail corners. Pat the feet dry.
Use a foot spray to refresh your feet. Spray a few times onto feet to soothe and relax. Foot sprays are usually very cooling to the skin.
Apply foot lotion or foot cream, massage gently until lotion or cream absorb. You may apply some lotion or cream onto the nails area. Or for simple deep conditioning nail treatment, slightly warm up 1 tsp of olive oil, and gently rub onto each nails.
Wear a pair of thin cotton soaks if you are planning to walk around the house to prevent sticking the foot lotion or cream onto the floor.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for beauty makeup blog and eye makeup tips. She also writes articles on makeup tips.
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Lemongrass Oil for Nail Fungus
In recent years, essential oils from a number of plants have been investigated for their antiseptic qualities - lemongrass oil for nail fungus is one natural remedy that shows considerable promise. Lemongrass oil is the oil extracted from the lemongrass plant, Cymbopogon citrates, the same plant that is often used to impart a lemony flavor to many traditional Asian dishes. The medicinal qualities of lemongrass are not so well known to most of us as the culinary uses but, in fact, this plant has been used for centuries to treat certain ailments: infectious diseases and fevers, as an antiseptic, and as an insect repellent among other things. Today's refined methods for extracting the concentrated oil of lemongrass have made it popular as an ingredient in many different products.
The main therapeutic substance in oil of lemongrass is citral, and producers of natural antifungals include citral for nail fungus in their essential oil blends. Citral is also the component that gives the essence its lemony smell. Like other aromatic herbs such as oregano, thyme, and eucalyptus, lemongrass seems to have a natural ability to fight off organisms that cause infections and diseases - the herbal knowledge of traditional healers is now being confirmed by scientific study. Lemongrass has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that make lemongrass oil for nail fungus an obvious choice.
Lemongrass oil should not be applied to the skin as a concentrated oil because it causes a skin reaction in some people. Thus pure lemongrass oil for nail fungus should be avoided. The oil is often blended with other essential oils such as cedarwood, basil, jasmine, and tea tree oil. Such blends provide some citral for nail fungus treatment without the danger of causing a skin reaction. Even so, it's best to apply preparations for nail fungus only to the nail and avoid skin contact, because nail preparations typically contain higher concentrations of antifungal ingredients than skin preparations do. Other preparations containing oil of lemongrass are specifically blended and marketed for fungal infections involving the skin.
One of the better blends containing citral for nail fungus is one that includes both lemongrass oil and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is now enjoying widespread use as an antifungal agent for nail fungus infections, and there is considerable scientific evidence as well as anecdotal evidence that it is quite effective. Products such as lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, and various essential oil blends are favored by people who don't want to use prescription drugs, which are not only expensive but also associated with harmful side effects and health risks. It's a good idea, however, to have a nail fungus infection confirmed by a trained medical professional, even if you do favor natural remedies over pharmaceuticals.
R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Lemongrass Oil for Nail Fungus, at Nail Fungus Treatment, a blog dedicated to the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus.
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10.05.2008
Woman's Beauty Naturally - The Grace Of Essential Oils In Skin Care
Using natural botanical skin care is a wonderful experience. With uplifting aromatic essential oils and other natural carrier ingredients, it is easy to nourish the skin in a very special way. While dramatic effects can sometimes be had using synthetically created products, natural botanical blends can bring about a lasting healthy glow free from the possibility of side-effects.
Simple-to-make essential oil mixtures will use some formula of aromatic oils from plants and flowers, based in a carrier oil, usually cold pressed from seeds or nuts. Balanced aromatherapy blends offer the therapeutic healing effects of essential oils and the nutritive essential fatty acids of the carriers. Creating your own mixtures is a fun, rewarding and money-saving endeavor; you need only a bottle or two for the mixing, and an eye-dropper to dispense the essential oils.
Several essential oils and carriers are held in high-esteem for their regenerative and nutritive properties. With only a small collection of oils, you can make highly-effective recipes applicable to particular skin conditions such as premature aging, UV and other damage, acne-prone skin and more.
Some of the more important aromatherapy oils used in beauty and skin formulas for both men and women include: Helichrysum italicum - a potent skin metabolism stimulator and strong anti-inflammate (inflammation at a cellular level is associated with nearly all skin damage and premature aging). Rosemary essential oil of the Verbenone chemotype - this serves a similar function to the oil of the Helichrysum flowers, increasing skin metabolism and enhancing the removal of cellular waste material. True Lavender, or Lavendula angustifolia, is also a strong anti-inflammate and skin regenerator with a lovely relaxing aroma - it lowers tension in addition to directly treating the skin cells, furthering natural beauty. The oil distilled from the Wild Carrot seed (also known as Queen Anne's Lace) is very regenerating, bringing life to tired, lifeless skin resulting from high-stress and toxic environments. Palmarosa is considered a 'wonder oil' because of it's brilliant aroma and strong yet gentle antiseptic properties; Niaouli is another essential oil commonly recommended for the same reasons, in addition to it's ability to tighten and firm the skin.
This is only a few of the many essential oils included in skin formulas, though these are considered among the most important for their broad range of effects. Almost any essential oil can be added to a blend in balanced quantities. In many cases, oils are added as much for their lovely aroma as their direct therapeutic benefits to skin tissue. Many aromatherapists, and natural health professionals for that matter, consider the overall mental and emotional condition to be of primary importance in creating an appearance of fitness and beauty. Many citrus and floral oils are used for this reason - Neroli, distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, is an often used example. Others are Jasmine, Sandalwood (very popular in Men's skin care), Geranium and Ylang Ylang.
Essential oils, be they for direct effects on skin metabolism, or for the overall state of wellness of the user, will be diluted in a carrier oil, sometimes known as a base oil. It is important to note that diluting the oils will often actually enhance their effects; essential oils are often too strong to be used directly, and many studies have shown increased efficacy in dilutions down to 1% or less of the total formula. The carrier oils serve several other functions as well; they "carry" the essential oils into the skin, increasing their total absorption. They also nourish the middle and lower layers of the skin with essential fatty acids or EFA's - compounds now considered critical to the health of all living tissues. Further, some carrier oils have vitamin analogs which assist in skin regeneration and repair.
Some of the carrier oils often found in skin formulations include Hazelnut, Rosehip seed, and Evening Primrose. Hazelnut is a very gentle oil with little aroma of it's own, and being suitable for virtually all skin types, it use used in a vast number of blends as the primary carrier. To this, Rosehip seed oil is added for it's concentration of triple-unsaturated fatty acids, and it's natural trans-retinoic acid; a vitamin-A compound similar in effects to Retin-A without drying side effects. Evening Primrose is often also included in lower concentrations for it's high levels of GLA or gamma-linolenic acid, and is considered important in cases of eczema and skin showing signs of premature aging.
Making your own blends with these ingredients is truly a fun and rewarding experience - you only need a bottle to mix them in, and some means of counting out drops of essential oil. An eye dropper works wonderfully, and graduated plastic pipettes are readily available. A basic blend to begin with, which is designed for overall health of the skin, is made thusly: to one ounce of Hazelnut Oil, add fifteen drops Thyme Linalool, fifteen drops Rosemary Verbenone, fifteen drops Neroli (or a high-quality Petitgrain if you prefer - it is much less expensive with many of the same properties), and fifteen drops Spike Lavender (a Lavender with strong antiseptic qualities - a little more 'medicinal' than the sweeter True lavender). This blend was originally formulated to clear up oily skin, but is now used to support normal skin in daily application.
If your skin has been chemically damaged, is overly-sensitive, or otherwise 'weakened' with broken capillaries, try this mixture, applying frequently: For each ounce of base oil, use three parts Hazelnut, one part Rosehip Seed, and one part Evening Primrose. Add the following essential oils: fifteen drops Moroccan Chamomile, fifteen drops Helichrysum, fifteen drops true Lavender, and fifteen drops Roman Chamomile. The Helichrysum, Lavender and Rosehip seed will enhance the skin's own natural metabolism, and the addition of the Chamomiles will greatly reduce inflammation that is found with almost all damage and/or aging.
If your skin is prone to acne, or has over-active sebaceous glands, the following blend can be of great assistance. It contains regenerative, antiseptic, and cleansing oils. Simply use Hazelnut as the base, and to each ounce include fifteen drops of Green Myrtle or Inula graveolens, fifteen drops Eucalyptus dives (because of the ketones in this oil, it should not be used if pregnant - or under 10 years of age - but is otherwise considered safe), fifteen drops Spike Lavender, and fifteen drops Rosemary verbenone.
If your skin doesn't have particular damage to it, but appears lifeless due to exhaustion and/or exposure to significant amounts of pollution or environmental toxins, this is the blend for you. Use one part Rosehip Seed and 4 parts Hazelnut as the base. To each ounce, include fifteen drops Carrot Seed (also known as Wild Carrot or Queen Anne's Lace - a well known skin restorative), fifteen drops Lemon verbena (which enhances the removal of toxins from skin tissues), fifteen drops Niaouli (an all-around brilliant antiseptic oil with firming effects), and fifteen drops Rosemary verbenone (again, for it's regenerative and stimulating effects). If you are wishing to strengthen, tighten, and firm your skin, try this dilute mixture (the concentration of essential oils is relatively low here for use near the eyes) five ounces of Hazelnut oil and one ounce of Rosehip seed oil, fifteen drops of Green Myrtle, fifteen drops of Rock Rose (a plant grown in very sun-drenched areas, excellent for gently tightening the skin). If you like, add fifteen drops of Rosemary verbenone for it's regenerative properties, but omit if this causes sensitivity used near the eyes.
These are only a few aromatherapy skin care recipes for a woman's natural beauty medicine chest. There are many texts available to help you create more complex blends, or one's with your favorite aromatics. Blending your own facial and skin formulas is easy, rewarding, and in the long run, cost-effective. Using natural botanicals in a consistent, mindful manner can lead to long-lasting, noticeable natural health of your skin. Just remember with aromatherapy, essential oil concentrations should be kept low for best results - pay attention to how your own body reacts and you're sure to find the ingredients and measures most effective for you!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/womans-beauty-naturally-the-grace-of-essential-oils-in-skin-care-42571.html
About the Author:
Misty Cech, ND has a professional practice in Boulder, Co. She consults for the Ananda Apothecary, a source for aromatherapy essential oils and flower essences.
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