Best Natural Skin Care for Dry Skin

A contributing factor to dry, flaky, skin in winter is a drop in temperature. Although winter sometimes feels damp, there is usually less water in the air than on your skin and that creates a moisture vapour loss from the skin. As skin becomes drier, its surface layer stops producing the natural lipids which prevent moisture loss, and water cannot be retained so easily. Dry skin will also show wrinkles more easlit and contribute to an aging appearance.

Herbalist Greta Breedlove came up with this natural homemade skin care recipes face utilizing the seed of the avocado. It makes a moisturizing face scrub, especially for dry skin.

AVOCADO FACE SCRUB

Let an avocado dry a few days until you can remove the skin easily. Chop, then pulverize in a blender or food mill. Moisten with a little milk and smooth over your face, throat.

AVOCADO FACIAL CLEANSER

One egg yolk, beaten until light and frothy
1/2 cup milk
1/2 avacado, peeled and mashed

Beat the mixture with a fork until you have a thin cream or lotion consistency. Apply with cotton balls as you would a cleanser.

As a result of all these factors, sometimes skin on the face and body tends to be in worse condition in the winter months than at other times of the year. In extreme cases, a constant drying effect can even lead to cracking, flaking and redness.

These four tips for helping to keep dry skin at bay during the colder months come from Dr. Kucy Pon, Olay dermatologist.

1. A moisturizer is essential – A moisturizer performs several important functions, including replacing lost water. Water-binding ingredients, such as glycerin, help keep it in the skin.

2. Create an oasis – Put some moisture back into the air by using a humidifier in your home or office. It will counteract the drying effects of indoor heat.

3. Drink lots of water – Increase your body’s natural moisture level by staying hydrated throughout the day.

4. Keep wrapped up – Dress for the season and try to limit your skin’s exposure to harsh temperatures and damaging winds.

If you have dry skin, then you probably already know it can be really difficult to care for. When you don’t look after it properly, it can become flaky, and if it gets really bad, may even become irritated and red. Although it’s possible to find plenty of products that claim to be able to solve dry skin problems, unfortunately most of their claims are sales hype.

Although most over the counter products don’t do much to combat dry skin, there are a number of things you can do to improve the condition of your skin. It’s mostly a question of making some basic changes to your daily skincare routine. It won’t take long for your skin to appear more healthy and vibrant.

With dry skin, you have completely the opposite problem to someone with oily skin. Basically, your skin is suffering from a lack of sebum, the oil that helps to keep the skin moist and supple. People with oily skin produce far too much sebum. Sebum is actually made from skin cells, and is an essential ingredient in healthy, supple skin. Because dry skin has insufficient oil, you need to replace it from both inside and outside.

5.  Moisturize

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to use a good quality moisturizer. Choose a cream that is rich, but not heavy. Consider choosing a natural cream with aloe vera and chamomile. Both these ingredients are very soothing, as well as helping to reduce dryness and improve the skin’s healing abilities.

6. Choose Healthy Foods

You also need to look at the type of foods you eat. It’s important to choose healthy foods, because the healthier your body, the healthier your skin will be. You may not realize this, but your skin is actually the largest organ of your body. So it needs to be nourished just like all the other organs in your body.

7.  Supplement

Depending on the types of food you already eat, you might need to consider taking a supplement, such as Vitamin E, Omega-3 oils and B-Complex vitamins. Making sure you get enough of these important nutrients is a great way to improve the condition of your skin.

By nourishing your skin in all these ways, you should soon a marked reduction in the level of dryness. Helping your skin to be more supple and moist also helps to slow down the process of aging, so you’re the winner in two ways.

By Tom Turner

Natural Acne Treatments Vs Leading Pharmaceuticals

In June 2009, the pharmaceutical giant Roche Holding AG, pulled its Accutane acne medicine from the U.S. market after juries awarded at least $33 million in damages to users who blamed the drug for bowel disease.

According to Bloomberg.com, “Roche notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today that it was withdrawing Accutane after a “reevaluation” of its product lines showed it faced serious challenges from generic competitors, company officials said in a statement.”

This is just another in a long list of recent health concerns over pharmaceutical skincare treatments and the serious health risks they may pose.

As the natural skincare movement gains popularity, many consumers are discovering their old over the counter acne treatments can have potentially harmful chemicals that would be best to avoid. In response to these concerns, many have made the switch to all-natural acne skincare treatments. While some are convinced that natural remedies can’t be strong enough to fight stubborn acne. If you are convinced a more powerful acne medication is the best option, read on to find out what approach is right for you to become acne free.

Product	Contains Chemicals	Birth Defects	Depression Psychosis	Skin Irritation	Restrictions on Sun Exposure	Gastro-intestine Disorders
Vivoderm 100% Natural Anti-Acne Mask	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
Retin-A	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO
Tetracycline	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES
Benzoyl Peroxide	YES	NO	NO	YES	NO	NO
Differin	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO
Skinoren*	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO
Roaccutane	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES

Effective Natural Acne Treatments and Ingredients

There are various home treatments and natural ingredients that have been proven to be effective in treating mild to moderate cases of acne. Some of these may include:

• · Massage essential oils into your skin at night such as Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosewood Oil. Wash your face clean in the morning with pure soap and water.
• · Acne starts within the body, not just at the surface of the skin. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water to help detoxify your body and help clear acne.
• · You can exfoliate and clear pores with an oatmeal mask once or twice a week. Cook oatmeal and while it is still warm, apply to your face, allow oatmeal to dry and then wash away.

There are many varieties of at home solutions, some of which are effective, and some not. Those with more serious cases of acne however, such as cystic acne, usually turn to stronger over the counter acne treatments.

Over the Counter Acne Treatments

Over the counter acne products tend to be more powerful in fighting acne because each product works differently to target causes of acne. Certain products function by killing Prionibacterium acnes (P.acnes), the bacteria that creates inflammation. Other medications reduce sebum output and renew skin. Other products function by using combinations of these things. Acne medication treatments work in different ways depending on their active ingredient. Here are some common active ingredients that acne products contain.

*Benzoyl Peroxide works to eliminate P. acnes and reduces excess oil and dead skin cells. It is available in different strengths that come in products in certain percentages.

*Salicylic Acid prevents pores from clogging by slowing the process of skin cell shed within hair follicles. It also helps fight whiteheads and blackheads.

*Alcohol and acetone are found in astringents and cleansing washes. They clear your skin of dirt and oil.

These medications might be more powerful in treating acne but they often come with more side effects such as dryness, sensitivity to sun, stinging or irritation, redness or peeling.

There are many natural options that are now available that give you the opportunity to fight acne with powerful results but without the unnatural chemicals that may cause unwanted side effects. The top natural acne treatments have been proven to be as strong as leading pharmaceuticals, yet a perfect compromise between gentle home remedies that don’t show results and powerful but irritating over the counter products.

When it comes to the next generation of acne treatments, the most promising products are natural blends to specific herbal constituents–like Rosemary, Marshmallow, Aloe Vera, Lavender, Fennel, Angelica, and Green Tea – that evade irritating side effects. Vivoderm Laboratories offers a natural acne mask that reduces sebum output, controls inflammation, unclogs pores, and moisturizes skin. It also serves as an acne scar treatment as it regenerates skin affected by redness and scars. Many herbs also contain natural antiseptic properties to attack acne-causing bacteria. This anti-acne treatment removes dead skin cells and repairs blemishes without drying out the skin.

The bottom line is to always be aware of chemicals you expose yourself to and make the choice that is best for you. If chemicals are in any way a concern for you – opt for a natural solution that treats the root causes of acne, not just the symptoms and become acne free – naturally.

Treatments for Lines and Wrinkles

As we age, the skin droops and develops wrinkles, lines and furrows. Depending on your skin type, you may find your skin to be pre-disposed to wrinkling. But thanks to diligent research and new advances, there are a number of solutions to combat facial lines.

Causes of facial lines

In addition to aging, facial lines can form because of the following:

* Sun damage (Fine lines and wrinkles arise because of irregular thickening of the dermis and because of a decrease in the amount of water held by the epidermis. caused mainly by sun damage.) (Read more at Sun Damage)
* Smoking
* Muscle movement / Dynamic lines (People tend to smile or frown more on one side than the other, or consistently sleep on the right or the left cheek. Crow’s feet around the eyes are due to smiling and activity of the eyelid muscles. Worry lines on the forehead are due to contraction of the muscle when raising the eyebrows)
* Gravity is responsible for folds in the skin

What treatment is available?

See your dermatologist for information about what might work well for you, which could include (Also see treatments for sundamaged skin):

* Topical agents which produce collagen in the skin, Vitamin A acids (Tazarotene, Tretinoin, Adapelene) and Vitamin C or alpha

Hydroxy acids
* Microdermabrasion has a very modest benefit for very fine lines
* Injectionable fillers such as Restylane (Hyaluronic acid)
* Botox for dynamic lines (Check-out www.BotoxFacts.ca)
* Lasers. Traditionally the CO2 and Erbium lasers (ablative) were used to essentially peel off a layer of skin and then allow a new skin to grow in. Results were impressive but the healing time of many weeks and sometimes months of redness has reduced the use of this approach. Patients with darker skin would often end up with darker skin and those with very fair skin sometimes white skin

* Plastic surgery is usually used to improve skin folds rather than fine lines and wrinkles
* The newer non-ablative laser treatments do not have the down time of the older methods nor do they have the degree of improvement. Repeat treatments with lasers that essentially produce a heating of the dermis, which in turn encourages collagen production, Lasers such as the Nd: Yag, V Beam and Smooth Beam may be used.
* The Fraxel laser is a modification of an Erbium laser that just treats multiple small pinpoint areas of skin allowing a quick recovery after a treatment. We will be hearing more of this in the future
* Cosmetic facial surgery

Prevent it before it happens

You can take steps to protect your skin. You’ve heard it before, and it’s worth repeating:

* Avoid excessive time in the sun, and always use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher
* Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke or other pollutants. Smoking increases facial lines and wrinkles and delays skin healing.
* Exercise. It’s good for the skin as well as for your general health.
* Aging skin feels and looks better when moisturizers are applied regularly. These improve the water-holding capacity of the skin. Choose one that feels nice to apply, doesn’t sting or burn or provoke acne
* Use tepid or warm water and a non-soap cleanser to wash your face twice daily
* Drink plenty of water to rehydrate internally. Because moisture content is related to water, not oil or grease, oily-skinned women need to rehydrate as conscientiously as their dry-skinned counterparts
* Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables
* Generally what is healthy for your heart and brain is good for your skin

See your doctor or dermatologist to determine which solutions best suits your experience with facial lines.

Chamomile Key Ingredient in Natural Skin Care

Chamomile (or Camomile) is a common name for several daisy-like plants. The Greeks named them “earth-apple-on the ground” for their apple-like scent. There are several varieties of Chamomile – each one used for slightly different purposes or intensities of properties. German or blue chamomile and Roman (English) chamomile, or the “garden” chamomile are the most commonly used.

These two types of chamomile are used for health conditions and are most commonly found in skin care or beauty products. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States. Chamomile, is one of the oldest of all herbs, dating back to ancient Egyptians. It’s both a pretty flower and an ancient healer. Chamomile has been widely used for children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions.

What It Is Used For

Chamomile is an essential addition to the herbal first aid kit. It is a useful herb in many situations. It can relieve anxiety and calm someone down in the event of stress. It can also relieve gastrointestinal upset – after a big meal, or when stress doesn’t mix well with your meal. Chamomile is even an excellent herb to use as compresses for eye problems. Warm two tea bags with chamomile flowers to ease itchy eyes, especially when traveling to different part of the country and you are not immune to the allergens in that area. It is also used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.

How It Is Used

The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets.  The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.

Chamomile in Skin Care Products

This versatile herb is also recognized as a natural healing treatment that helps rejuvenate the skin. There are many wonderful natural facial treatments on the market today that incorporate Chamomile as a key ingredient.

To make a quick and easy tea facial, simply apply a paste made from one teaspoon of fine cornmeal mixed with cooled tea to the face, let dry, then gently rub off. This very gentle skin tonic is ideal to replenish and enrich dry or sensitive skin. Its bactericidal, anti-itching, and antiseptic properties help to refresh the skin and reduce swelling. Making paste with extra-strong brew and using it as an external wash or part of a hot compress can also help soothe burns, skin rashes, and sores.

Chamomile has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile contains an anti-inflammatory compound called alpha bisabolol, which helps to soothe itchy, red skin. For this reason, Chamomile along with some other herbs and natural treatments has shown promise as skin treatments for eczema.

According to family physician Dr. Kristie Leong, “Chamomile has been used throughout history to treat various skin conditions and some studies have shown it works as effectively as low dose steroid creams without the side effects. Chamomile oil can be purchased at some health food stores. It needs to be diluted with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba and can then be applied as a skin treatment for eczema. Bathing in warm water containing chamomile flowers may also help to soothe inflammation and itching. Simply make a bath bag using chamomile flowers and float it in a tub of warm bath water.”

For easing skin inflammations and acne, make a strong chamomile tea, and wipe the cooled liquid over your face each morning. This effective daily rinse tones and cleanses.

Essential Oil Usage

Both Roman and German chamomile have excellent calming properties, but Roman chamomile is more effective for irritation, impatience and feeling disagreeable, and has great value in treating PMS and other menstrual and menopausal problems, while German chamomile is superbly effective on the skin, not only to sooth and calm, but to heal and for tissue regeneration.

Side Effects and Cautions

* There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who have eaten or come into contact with chamomile products. Reactions include skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).

* People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.

* Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This helps to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Skin Needling Treatment Reduces Acne and Wrinkles

What is Skin Needling?

Skin Needling or “derma rolling” has become quite popular in the last few months. Indeed, one Google search on “dermarollers” returned hundreds of links.

I was unfamiliar with this new anti-aging tool, so, I decided to research it further. At a recent beauty expo, the cosmetic representatives I spoke to claim these new facial rollers could increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles.

The process of skin needling uses a very small rolling device that contains 192 micro points made of surgical steel. Studies show that when this device is rolled over the skin, it creates small puncture wounds that cause the body to produce collagen in an attempt to heal the skin. Our collagen production falls dramatically after about age 35 or so.

This puncturing will then cause a type of wound-healing reaction for the dermal layer to begin production of collagen fibers, elastin, and other skin cells that helps to fill in lines, wrinkles, remove stretch marks and fill in deep pitted scars – also allowing the derma roller to be a great acne scar treatment. In addition, the derma roller allows for optimum absorption of any anti-aging cream you may use afterwards.

While it goes by different names, ‘skin needling,’ ‘dermaroller,’ or ‘meso roller,’ among many others, it appears to be a simple and natural method that promises to prevent skin aging, restore collagen, smooth out scars, pitted skin, and stretch marks – or your money back in some cases.

Research on Skin Needling

The skin needling device is used along with your normal skincare routine to remove acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines. Representatives say it can even help with big pores, black heads, and white heads. This micro needling or skin needling anti-aging technique is also used to perform collagen induction therapy (CIT). Skin rejuvenating results with skin needling are similar to laser treatment, dermabrasion or chemical peels but much less expensive, less invasive, does not damage the skin, and can be done at home for pennies.

Celebrity Endorsements

More than a few sites claimed famous celebrities used derma rollers or a type of skin needling technique to keep their skin look young and healthy and reduce acne scars. The London Daily Mail Online, reported, “ It looks like an implement of torture, but this spiky roller is thought to be the secret to Angelina Jolie’s plump, glowing skin.”

The Rachael Ray show hosted a segment titled ‘The Human Lab,’ where Rachael selected members of her audience to test several anti-aging creams and devices and report a few weeks later on their results. See the You Tube clip here.

The Studies

Study results by plastic surgeons and dermatologists claim in that addition to reducing the appearance of sun damage and wrinkles such as crows feet, skin needling can help lessen or remove stretch marks, cellulite, acne scars, surgical scars and smooth out pitted skin and dimpling.

Dr. Philippe Simonin, a Swiss Dermatologist, performed a study on 600 people divided into two groups — the skin aging group and the scar reduction group. Published results found that – in the skin aging group there was a 40% significant improvement and an impressive 60% improvement in scar reduction group. And this was only after 5 to 6 treatments!

See the link here: http://www.scar-reduction.com/needling.html

Another doctor, Dr. Andre Camirand, a plastic surgeon from Canada, found that skin needling improved the texture and depression of scars and also improved over-all skin color and texture. The best part is this remodeling process can go on up to 12 months from each treatment.

Other benefits of the skin needling are:

• Dramatically increases the effectiveness of your hair & skin products through increased penetration.

• Stimulates blood flow through directly massaging the scalp, face and body.

• Gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells accumulating in the hair follicles, face and body.

• The process is not painful (a tickling sensation).

• Medical grade stainless steel makes the needles non-allergenic to human tissue.

• Cost effective compared to expensive commercial treatments

• It can be used on all areas of the scalp, face, neck and body. Can be used on all skin types.

• It can be used anytime at your own convenience (no restrictive treatment session times).

• Removes old collagen fibers and rapidly stimulates new collagen growth.

• Clears blocked pores and stimulates blood flow.

• Natural process requiring no lasers or chemical peels.

• Does not induce sun sensitivity.

• Does not damage the skin.

• No risk of hypo– or hyper– pigmentation.

• Short healing time.
There are many skin rollers on the market with different needle lengths, so do your research if you do decide to purchase one of these new tools.

Skin needling devices range in price from $25-$200 depending on where you purchase them and the type of device you choose.

Professional sites advise using a skin needle length at 0.5mm for use on the face, a 1.0mm for most of the body and a 1.5mm for very fleshy areas such as the stomach, thighs and backside.

Each brand is slightly different. Certain features make different derma roller brands suitable for different needs. The more expensive brands benefit from superior build quality, narrower needles and a better overall look and feel. As with any product though, the results you achieve are not necessarily dependant on choosing the most expensive model.

~ R. Dupree

Healthy Diet, Healthy Skin

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

The Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

By: Van Le |

The healing power of Aloe vera has been known for decades, dating back to the Egyptian era when it is believed that Cleopatra used it as a skincare remedy, and found in Greek history when it is believed that Alexander the Great used it to care for his army after battles.  Today, Aloe vera is widely used in many cosmetic products, anti-inflammatory creams, and some grocery store shelves even boast Aloe vera juice.

Aloe vera is a member of the succulent (water-retaining) plant family, and is also known as “lily of the desert” since researchers believe it originated in Africa.  There are over 250 known species of Aloe vera, and are relatively easy to care for, therefore increasing its popularity.  The spokes of Aloe vera plants are filled with a gel-like substance that is filled with a combination of enzymes, vitamins and minerals.  Dermatologists and cosmetic companies often extract the gel for use in their products.   Aloe vera is also considered an alternative treatment for high blood pressure and intestinal problems.

Aloe vera is a popular choice for the treatment of sunburn, since it contains a variety of enzymes and amino acids that are anti-inflammatory and speed up the skin’s healing process.  Many after-sun moisturizing creams contain Aloe, and for those who have access to actual Aloe plants, the gel can be applied directly on the affected area.

Aloe vera is a common ingredient in many cosmetic products, particularly anti-aging and anti-acne products due to its ability to generate healthier skin.  The combination of enzymes, vitamins and minerals in Aloe vera products increases oxygen flow, which toughens the skin tissues and provides protection from pollutants and dirt.  It also moisturizes the skin and increases its elasticity, which reduces wrinkles and signs of aging.  Used in conjunction with exfoliating products, Aloe vera can help control acne by helping shed dead skin cells and reduce redness.
Once Alternative, Now Mainstream

Not so long ago, herbal products or foods deemed “natural” were considered less than desirable by the mainstream public.  The Industrial Revolution not only changed the face of production and how we worked, it changed what we ate and used for our health.  Mass-produced, new chemical compounds in fancy packaging quickly replaced the ‘old-fashioned’ herbal remedies used by our grandmothers.

While Aloe vera never completely fell out of favor, by the 1970’s and 80’s use of medical plants and herbs to treat ailments and skin conditions was considered unconventional and provided mostly by naturalists and alternative therapists.

In the new millennium, science and technology have not proven to be the miracle we were expecting.  Today, modern science is re-discovering what our already ancestors knew.  Aloe vera and similar natural treatments provide vital healing, nourishing and regenerative qualities that no chemical lab can re-create.

Facial Care for Men

By Ravi Thiagarajan

When it comes to skincare, there is always a tendency among men to think, “Who cares, I’m a guy.” Lack of motivation to take care of their faces will give most men dull skin.. Sometimes a guy might think “Well, I lift weights, that’s enough,” or “Facial care is for girls.” That could not be any further from the truth. Good facial care helps in retaining proper skin texture in the long run.

Gentlemen, if you care what the ladies think, your facial care is extremely important. It is never good for a guy’s self confidence if your date cringes when you lean in to kiss her. That is why it is totally necessary to incorporate some kind of male facial care routine to help keep your skin looking clear and healthy. Here we focus on some basic yet important things that can make a big difference.

Shaving
For guys who aspire to keep a cleanly shaved face, we are forced to deal with the monotonous task of shaving each and every morning. Too many guys rush through it or give a poor effort, which results in redness, bumps and irritation. Shaving is something that should be done carefully in its entirety.

Experts claim having is best done after your shower because it makes your skin soft and removes the dirt and dead cells. Many guys should use a shaving cream and razor that will give them a very close shave but also protect their skin at the same time. With so many shaving creams on the market shelves, it is sometimes tough to decide which one is better than the other. By not continuing with one, we may spoil the benefits of using the same product.

Experimenting is good thing but long term effects are negative as your skin tries to adjust to ever-changing ingredients. I find many new herbal creams that are made by smaller, organic companies to be better than then the usual chemical-laden choices when it comes to men’s skin care on the market. Their products contain the vitamin E and Aloe to help protect and smooth skin as well as hydrate and moisturize. Use of an effective razor is equally important. Again selecting a proper blade is essential. Gillette sells its Mach3 line of new blades in different sizes and numbers now, which makes me even more confused. They started with twin, then came the ‘3 slot super shave’ and now it’s the ‘4 cutter fine shine!’ Any of these variations of razors will do the job, really well or if you prefer electric that’s fine too. Just make sure the blades are clean and sharp – very few women are attracted to werewolves.

Acne
Acne is the mother of all skin problems and it is just a horror if you are trying to impress the ladies. If you are a college guy, you most likely have past your worst acne stage but you never know what Mother Nature has in store for you. Acne becomes the prime concern when men are in their 20s and 30s – just about the time you are dating or looking for that first big job – where appearances are the key. Busy lifestyles have added stress that according to some reports, has created acne issues rising from 20% to 60% last two years. So, “why me?” you might ask.

The short version of the complicated answer is this. Acne can be caused by a number of things – hormones, diet, poor hygiene, lack of cleansing – or none of these things. It all depends on your body chemistry. But once you have it, you just want it to go away. Before choosing an acne product, familiarize yourself with the ingredients. Some brands use harsh chemicals to kill acne bacteria. The down side to this is these chemicals can also negatively affect your skin in the long run.

There are hundreds of various adult skin care products for acne on the market today. Most of these products require at least a month of steady usage to get results. Be sure that you are giving whatever product you choose at least 4-6 weeks before you discontinue use. If you stop using a product sooner than this then you could risk wasting time and money on a product that otherwise would’ve cleared your skin.

Dry Skin
Among other skin problems, dry skin is definitely one to be aware of. Normally healthy skin is coated with a layer of lipids and some fatty substances, which keep the skin supple and soft. Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels “tight” and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin. Dryness is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. This type of skin is tightly drawn over the bones. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines in these spots and at the comers of the mouth.

Apply Moisturizer Frequently
Both genders are capable of getting dry skin and the best way to prevent dry skin from rearing its ugly head is to consistently use a facial moisturizing lotion on an everyday basis. There are many tips and advice on how to take care of your face. However, the most common and consistent advice is to avoid the sun and moisturize your face.

Ok, my skincare lesson is over.   Here’s a little joke on a lighter note:

Every man believes every woman’s ultimate fantasy is to have two men at once.-
While a recent sociological study verified this, what men don’t realize is that, in women’s fantasies, one man cooks while the other cleans!

Ravi Thiagarajan is a freelance writer and intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. He has published numerous articles for the leading newspaper The Times of India, local affiliate Anand Plus.

For more information and latest findings on natural skincare link to ORGANICSKINCAREINFO.NET
http://newbeautifulskin.com

Spreading the Flu, Colds and Germs

It’s all in your hands.

Do you know that approximately one out of three people do not wash their hands after using the restroom? (US Center for Disease Control, 2005) And, do you know that spreading germs is as easy as touching a door knob, shopping cart or an elevator button that has been infected by someone who hasn’t washed their hands? The fact is; your hands can easily pick-up bacteria and viruses that cause common and some uncommon medical conditions.

According to Health experts, 10-25% of us will get the flu this year, and 500-1500 will die from the flu or flu complications. With the flu season upon us and the newspapers full of stories of pandemics, more and more attention is being put on the simple act of washing your hands.

Washing your hands is one of the most important things you can do to stop the spread of germs. Recently, the World Health Organization set out a draft guideline for hand washing for healthcare professionals; “the WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care”, as infections like SARS, avian flu and others can be spread by the touch of an unsanitized hand.

How to wash your hands properly

Washing your hands may be a simple task for all of us, but did you know there is a correct way to do it? Here are the instructions:

• Wash your hands in warm water for at least 15 seconds – most people don’t wash long enough
• Use soap (any kind)
• It is important to rub your hands vigorously together, as it is the friction between your hands that helps eliminate the germs
• Pay attention to cleaning between your fingers and under your finger nails
• Use a clean, dry towel and hang the towel up properly to dry
• If you are in a public restroom, use a paper towel to turn off the taps and open the door

Antibacterial soap

These products were introduced in the 1960′ s and have been used by many people since. For persons in occupations, which demand extra precautions, these products have been helpful. However, these products are very drying to the skin, and they can often contribute to hand and body eczema.

What to do when there’s no water?

In our busy lives we often have barely enough time to get everything done. So how do you protect yourself when you can’t wash your hands? There are many new products on the market from hand wipes to alcohol based hand sanitizers which seem to be popping up everywhere. You should know that these products, although they help, do not kill all types of germs, nor do they prevent you from picking up something after you’ve sanitized. Some people also have reactions to the drying sensation of the alcohol in hand sanitizers.

But, Is Hand Washing Enough?

You wash your hands regularly, are careful what you touch in public; so are you safe from catching and spreading germs? The answer is no. Although washing your hands in the #1 defense in getting rid of the germs on your hands, it doesn’t prevent you from picking up another germ 10 minutes later when you hold the hand rail on the escalator. There is also a limit to how many times you or a healthcare worker or an employee can (and will) stop and wash or sanitize their hands in a day.

Remember, the flu and cold viruses are here until at least April, so protect yourself and your family by washing your hands often and properly.

By SkinCareGuide.ca

Shaving 101

Your legs must be wet for at least two to three minutes before applying your cleanser or scrub. That way the hair is soft and pliable, easier to cut. Don’t use soap, it just dries out your legs and makes for a poor shave.

Make sure you have the right tool. There are various styles of shavers, but not all legs or hair growth are the same. Triple blades work well, but no matter the blade type you use, change it frequently – but be careful with sharp edges – if not done carefully, shaving can irritate the skin, the hair follicle, and the oil gland, which causes a rash. Ingrown hairs also pose a chance of infection. See a dermatologist for the right solution.

Choose a shaving cream or gel that contains emollients for a hydrating effect, and one that is fragrance free to avoid irritation to your skin. So steer away from products that contain irritants including alcohol, menthol and peppermint. Find yourself out of shaving cream? Hair conditioner or body cleanser works just fine.

Apply even pressure and shave against the growth of hair. Follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin moist and supple. (Read about Skin Moisturizers), but avoid creams with AHAs because the glycolic acid can irritate freshly-shaven skin.

Are there shaving alternatives?

Indeed there are. While temporary hair removal can be done by shaving, waxing or by epilation (electrolysis and thermolysis) another method is removing hair with a laser.

What is laser hair removal?

Light energy produced by a laser is targeted at the pigment in hair. This causes destruction of hair follicles while sparing surrounding structures (i.e., the skin). Total temporary hair removal, which lasts for several months, can be done in almost all patients. However, total permanent laser hair removal is not commonly done. Stable permanent hair removal may be possible in some cases and usually requires multiple treatment sessions. You can read about Laser Hair Removal frequently asked questions

Who benefits from laser hair removal?

Almost anybody, however, this process works well for light-skinned, dark-haired individuals. There is no laser treatment yet that is effective for white, blond or red hair.

Be aware of some cautions if you go this route; such as dealing with existing bacterial or viral infections, psoriasis, or if you are on certain medications such as Accutane®. See your dermatologist for more details if you are considering laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal facts

• The process can be mild to moderately uncomfortable.
• Most patients require three to six treatments. Long-lasting results depend on hair color, type of laser, and location treated.
• Complications are rare if performed by an experienced physician.
• Expect some pain, swelling and redness around the hair follicle after each treatment session.
• Check with your dermatologist about pre-operative care concerns.

Folliculitis alert

Shaving can also cause a condition called folliculitis, which is an inflammation or infection of hair follicles. It most often appears in areas that become irritated by shaving, the rubbing of clothes, or where follicles and pores are blocked by oils and dirt. Ask our dermatologist about solutions such as Bactroban© ointment to help heal these irritations. (Read more about Bacterial Skin Infections)

What to watch for:

• a reddened rash
• raised, red, often pus-filled lesions around hair follicles (pimples)
• itching at the site of the rash and pimples

How to prevent it:

• shave with an electric razor instead of a blade razor
• keep skin clean
• avoid clothing that rubs against the skin, damaging hair follicles

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