Dry Skin

Dry skin has a dry parched appearance and has a tendency to flake easily. It is prone to wrinkles and lines. It is due to the inability to retain moisture as well as the insufficient production of sebum by  the sebaceous glands. Dry skin often has problems in cold weather and ages faster than normal or oily skin. Constant protection is very important. It needs a moisturizer during the day and a good cream at night.

Sometimes skin has a low level of sebum, which is the natural oil that is produced by skin glands.  It is called dry skin and it cannot hold moisture and will look parched and feel tight when washed and in some extreme times, it can show some signs of chapping and cracking. The wind and very high or low temperatures can steal the natural moisture and make the skin feel tight across the bones. Dry skin can cause embarrassing flakes and any mark or dry skin will be very dull and show up on cheeks and near the eyes.  You may also find dry skin on the knees, hands and in the mid section.

The most common cause of dry skin is the lack of sufficient moisture from sebum. In some cases, this can be due to genetic conditions. There are also environmental causes like exposure to sun, cold, cosmetics, chemicals, and wind can cause dry skin too.  Other reasons can be poor diet.  A diet that is deficient in vitamin A and B is more likely to take away the skin’s moisture.  Skin diseases like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea are causes of dry skin.  It can be a result also of other conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism and the use of certain drugs like diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines.

Dry skin is also going to need a lot of easy cleansing, massage to stimulate the sebum production and a lot of quality in moisture and oil.  When you are washing your skin with soap it will take out the natural protective oil along with the dirt.  Use of a good moisturizer will return lost water content to the skin.  You can use neutral not acidic or alkaline products for washing the skin and abstain from using commercial soaps.  After the second cleansing you need to treat the skin lightly with moisturizing cream.

Once you have taken a bath or shower, you can apply baby oil over the skin. The area that is around the eyes needs to have a bigger application of the oil. You can also massage your face and apply some homemade remedies that are suggested by a doctor.

Every morning you should treat your skin with a spray of mineral water.  You should then apply some beauty mask for dry skin and mix together one egg, teaspoon of honey, half teaspoon of olive oil and a couple drops of rose water.  This makes a great mask to use on your face and body.

Eating a good balanced diet that is loaded with vitamins and minerals is a great idea. You should include some sulfur containing foods like onion, garlic, asparagus, and eggs as part of your diet.  You can eat more carrots and yellow and orange vegetables.  You should refrain from alcohol, caffeine, coffee, tea, and sugary drinks.  Other items to limit are French fries, and other junk food that are high in grease or fat.  This will help to keep your skin healthy and stop it from drying out.

Think Clean and Green to Flawless Skin

Flawless Skin

Let’s accept the fact: many of us are skin conscious.  As much as possible, we wanted to have a fresh, good looking skin.  However, many of us failed to recognize that simple steps are the best ways to attain it.   We just tend to ignore what is actually right or wrong for our skin.  We tend to buy some beauty products that just worsen whatever skin imperfections we have as it turns out in the end.  So, now is the time for change.  We must do something to beat up all those bothering skin conditions we have.

Think and Act CLEAN

One thing that is true in our society since the early days is, some companies, if not all, that produce skin care products would like you to believe that a perfect, beautiful complexion can be purchased in a jar.  But the truth is, a truly radiant, blemish free and moist skin is a result of being clean.  If I say “clean”, it means clean from deep within and not just skin deep.

Most of the medical professionals commonly suggest that people with skin problems must practice certain skin care methods that will help improve the condition of the skin.  One of the most recommended ways is to clean the skin gently by washing it with a mild cleanser, at least once in the morning and once in the evening, as well as after a heavy work out.  But behind that way, there is one thing that’s very crucial for maintaining a beautiful skin, and that is: to create clean blood that continuously supplies wonderful nutrients right to the doorway of each and every cell in your body.   If you will start practicing this, there’s no doubt that you’re well on your way to having beautiful skin.

But, how can you make it possible?

Well, these days keeping toxins out of your blood and organs in the body seems difficult.  The primary reason is that, most of us dwell in a “sea” of chemicals and drugs.   We even eat mostly refined foods.  Now, if your main “goal” is a healthy and beautiful skin, then it’s now time for you to have a somewhat conscious effort to cleanse these dangerous substances out of your system while placing in the finest nutrients.   There is a particular good news that you must know about your own system, that is, your body is constantly in a cleansing mode.   It was created with the ability to drive out toxins as long as the energy necessary for it to function is supplied.

The bottom line is: cleansing energy is more abundant when you supply your body with the nutritious foods.  Note the word “nutritious”.

Main Organs That Keep Your Skin Beautiful

Our body is made up of different organs that are responsible for providing us with beautiful and healthy skin.   These specifically include:

• Liver
• Kidneys
• Adrenals
• Thyroid
• Large Intestines
• Small Intestines

Note that with these organs mentioned, you are accountable to them as well.  It is now your role to keep them clean at all times.   You will just find out in the end that beautiful skin will result from your daily efforts.

Liver and Kidneys

It is interesting to know that our liver and kidneys are the two filtering organs that provide ongoing “housecleaning services”, as I prefer to call it, constantly.   You must be aware that these days, these organs are seriously well-worn and even underpaid.  So, why overload them with outside challenges?   Is it hard for you to just protect them from

outside harm?  It’s not that hard though.  Simply feed them well and they will keep you, including your skin healthy in the end.

Adrenals

Also, lying on top of your kidneys are your walnut-sized adrenals.  These organs are often called the “workhorses” of the human body perhaps for the reason that they are responsible for making a number of essential hormones like the DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and pregnenolone.  Speaking of hormones, it is necessary to note that healthy hormones are the essential ingredient when seeking energy, as well as healthy skin.

Thyroid

It is often said that if your thyroid is well nourished and energetic, it is capable of providing hormones and works closely with your adrenals to form essential energy.  Note that a dry, sluggish and flaky skin is actually the evidence of a weak thyroid.  So, strengthen it.

Large and Small Intestines

Studies have revealed that the general well being of one’s liver, kidneys, adrenals and thyroid is dependent on the general condition of the small and large intestines.   Aside from providing nutrients to these organs, the small and large intestines hold the responsibility of removing whatever waste product is accumulated in the body.   If the small and large intestines failed to perform this role, the waste that was meant for elimination will remain in your intestines and this will result to thickening of the skin, which will eventually produce oils and blemishes.   Clean intestines actually mirror a pure and flawless skin.

Several reports have noted that drugs, alcohol, chemicals and heavy metals like mercury and lead do daily damage to millions of people in the world.    The liver is primarily damaged by the refined oils containing trans-fatty acids, while the kidneys are damaged by the common table salt that is devoid of natural minerals.  Perhaps the main reason for this is the fact that thousands of processed foods that people usually consume everyday have trans-fats and refined salt.   In addition, it was found out that those pasteurized as well as homogenized dairy products tend to clog the kidneys, thus they must be avoided.  But, to attain a healthy and beautiful skin, you definitely need to add foods into your diet that nourish those mentioned six organs of the beauty.

Think GREEN

Today, there is what many dermatologists call as “Spring”.   In Chinese medicine, spring is the season when the liver cleanses and heals naturally by way of driving out the dangerous toxins that were accumulated in the body through the refined foods that we

eat.  Many experts suggest green foods, including chlorella, as they are said to be excellent for the liver.   Note that green foods refer to those green leafy veggies such as spinach, kale, dandelion greens and broccoli.   These foods are what many people consider as the “especially wonderful foods”.   Now, for a healthy and beautiful skin, have them cooked, raw, juiced and even cultured.

More Foods Necessary for Nourishing Your Body and Skin

Generally, super food formulas provide a mix of nutrients necessary for the body and skin.  These include the cereal grasses, algae and green veggies.  So, it is best for you to look for one that contains organic ingredients, but also note that the food was designed to heal and nourish the small and large intestines.  It is often said that such foods are ideal in the morning for the reason that they assist your blood to alkalize.  Also, they are pleasant to take than a handful of supplements.  They even provide minerals, fatty acids and protein to the body.

Other foods known to contribute to healthy skin include the raw and virgin fats and oils.  One particular perfect source is the coconut oil, which is especially good for the thyroid.   Also, mineral-rich food such as dark green leafy vegetables, ocean vegetables and seafood are important.   And, the antioxidant-rich foods like black currant and blueberry juice and green tea are a daily must as well.

Furthermore, there is one more group foods that is worth mentioning – the fermented or cultured foods.   These foods are actually found in every traditional culture around the world and many have considered these as the news stars of a wholesome diet.  Just like some of the above mentioned foods, they are necessary for maintaining a healthy and wonderful skin.

Conclusion

As presented, there are a lot of ways to attain and maintain a beautiful skin.  All you need to consider is to exert some efforts on changing your habits.  Eating nutritious foods such as those mentioned above are perhaps one of the most necessary moves to consider if you want a good looking skin.  Simply think clean and green and have a beautiful skin.

Five Common Skin Problems !

Five Common Skin Problems, Answered!

Our skin may just feel like a mere shield that protects us from the world outside.  But, the fact is, it’s more than just the “mask” that keeps your insides in.  It is a very unique and remarkable complex organ that reflects our general health.  Thus, it is worth protecting from the outside and inside forces.  It is commonly said that for a young, good looking skin, we must provide it with essential nutrients and protect it from external damage.  Thanks to some pros out there that making this aim possible is not at all difficult to make.

Pores S, and

Here is a look-terrific and stay-healthy guide to a dazzling skin.  Note that this guide is presented with the six skin problems that commonly face people of all ages.   The solutions for these problems are presented as well.

Problem #1:  Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Experts commonly said that the factors responsible for the development of fine lines and wrinkles are mostly sun exposure.   However, repeated use of muscles to squint, frown or pucker is also responsible.  Now, what is the commonly recommended beauty fix for these?

Several dermatologists recommend exfoliants.  They believe that exfoliation softens skin,  andmaking the superficial lines less noticeable.   One of the most recommended products available in the market these days is a cream that contains retinol, which is a derivative of Vitamin A that kindles production of collagen, the fiber the keeps the skin smooth and firm.   This item is said to bring dramatic results without a prescription.  Here are two products to try for lessening fine lines and wrinkles:

1.      Olay Total Effects Intensive Restoration Treatment with VitaNiacin

2.      Pond’s Dramatic Results Active Face and Neck Moisturizer with glycolic acid.

And, for faster results, about 12 to 16 weeks, you can try Renova, which is a prescription retinoid cream.

If you do nothing else, here is a very potent solution:  wear sunscreen every day.  Many experts note that if you wear sunscreen, your skin will start to repair crinkling and wrinkling.  Select an SPF 15 or a much greater formulas that will shield your skin against UVA and UVB rays.  Also, you can try Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer.

Problem #2:  Puffed-up Pores

When it comes to skin pores that were distended or enlarged, experts said that the main cause of this problem is the accumulation of dead cells and sebum in pores.  What causes the pore openings to stretch is a buildup of these stuffs which happens over time.

One of the possible solutions for preventing pore openings to enlarge is a regular use of retinoid as well as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and returning them to their smallest natural circumference.  This can help purge pores of trapped debris.

Other than that, good skin care habits, such as not letting your make-up on overnight can help prevent the skin pores from getting plugged by sebum.   And, as commonly suggested, you need to protect your skin from the sun as UV rays can contribute to pore dilation.   So, avoid extreme exposure to the sun.

Problem #3:  Brown Spots

The usual cause of the development of brown spots on the skin is sun exposure.   Perhaps this is for the reason that exposure to the sun causes the cells that produce melanin, the natural pigment of the skin, to shift into overdrive.

To prevent brown spots on the skin, you can consider a laser therapy.  Many pros believe that laser therapy is the speediest solution to this problem.   This technique is done by way of focusing a beam of light that erases the splotches on the skin.   However, just like some other clinical techniques, the treatment’s aftereffects, like redness and scabbing, can take a few weeks to go away, although the energy of the laser doesn’t affect the surrounding skin.  With a laser therapy, it is noted that about twenty spots can be zapped in just one 15-minute session.   About the cost, many clinics offer this treatment at $300.

There is also a much slower option, one that requires no downtime for eliminating brown spots – the use of retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) combined with bleaching agents such as hydroquinone and kojic acid.   This treatment is said to inhibit the formation of melanin.   Also, the retinoids or AHAs alone could take up to six months to produce the obvious improvement on the skin.  This is according to Amy B. Lewis M.D., the director of dermatologic surgery at the Downstate Medical Center in New York City.  A particular product recommended is Alustra, a twofer dermatologic favorite which contains retinol as well as a four percent concentration of hydroquinone.  This item actually costs about $70 for one ounce, and the treatment lasts one to two months.

For further solution, products with antioxidants such as vitamins E and C as well as green teat are highly recommended.   These are said to prevent brown spots on the skin by way of squelching the production of free radicals, which are destructive molecules that can contribute to skin discoloration.    Also, smoothing on a broad spectrum sunscreen like the well-known L’Oreal Ombrelle Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 every day is a must for eliminating brown spots on the skin.

Problem #4:  Blemishes

Blemishes usually develop on the skin because of stress and hormonal flares.  Both of these culprits are said to set up sebum production, the reason that you may break out when you are under pressure.   So, if your skin pores are not strong enough to handle the increased production of sebum, the bacteria will start to accumulate on the skin and thrive there.   With that, the stage is set for an outbreak.

So, how to fight blemishes?

Note that mild to moderate cases of acne, characterized by less than seven pimples a month, can be treated with over the counter products.   This may include those treatments containing glycolic acid or retinol, which is potent for unclogging skin pores.  Also, the benzoyl peroxide, which is an antibacterial agent, can be applied.

There is one specific ingredient that is particularly effective in treating blemishes – salicylic acid.  This is actually an efficient exfoliator that dissolves skin oil.  To mention but one specific product available, you can try Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cream which boasts both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

However, if breakouts are more severe, contact a dermatologist.  The expert will likely prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic, as well as a prescription retinoid such as Retin-A, Avita, Tazorac or Differin.   And, to speed clearing of pimples and pigmentation that linger for about month after a blemish heals, a product named Azelex is usually prescribed by dermatologists.

If for instance acne flares around ovulation or during your period, most experts commonly suggest birth control pills.  Your gynecologist may prescribe one birth control pills that contains skin-friendly hormones.   However, it is important that you get enough rest and sleep.   One particular explanation for this is that when your body is literally combating to stay awake, it will secrete a slew of stress hormones that could affect your skin condition.

Problem #5:  Redness on the Skin

Rosacea most likely acts as the main cause of redness.   It is actually a chronic condition that first appears as a flushing or subtle redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin.  It then progresses from intermittent mild redness to persistent ruddiness as well as permanent, dilated blood vessels and acne-like bumps.

It is worth noting that rosacea is not curable, but it responds well to treatment.  Speaking of treatment, many experts recommend prescription topical and oral antibiotics as they assist to prevent pimples and redness from developing.   However, in severe cases, a product known as Accutane is commonly prescribed.    Some dermatologists also suggest pulsed-eye lasers like the Vbeam which costs $500.   This treatment is said to treat broken capillaries.  It is also potent in lessening the need for topical medication.   And, there are gentle and hypoallergenic products these days which may provide solution to skin redness like the B. Kamins, Chemist Booster Blue Rosacea Treatment.  As noted,

this product is capable of neutralizing redness on the skin with its light blue hue that contains soothing ingredients.

Another possible solution for redness could be to determine and then try to avoid what actually triggers your episodes of intense flushing and blushing.   The usual triggers for such episodes are spicy or piping-hot foods, caffeine, alcohol, stress, heat, sun,  wind, exercise and anything, including massage, hot water and facial steaming that bring blood to the face.

Switch to physical sunblocks.   These items are less likely to irritate the skin because they generally contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that reflect UV rays and aren’t taken into the skin.   But, to ensure an absolute shield from the UVB rays, experts commonly suggest one with octyl methoxycinnamate which is the most hypoallergenic.

BONUS Solution:  Dullness of the Skin

Dullness of the skin typically occurs around age 30.  During this stage, the natural ability of your skin to slough off dead cells from the surface slows down.  When the dry and dead cells build up, it is the time when the skin looks dull.

To freshen your skin, consider a regular exfoliation which brings fresh and translucent cells to the skin surface.  You can try lotion or creams that contain alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, which dissolve the glue that keeps the dead cells attached to the skin.  Retinoids are also out there that for you to use, as they speed up the renewal of the skin cells.  One particular choice is Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Defining Skin Brightener with light-reflective particles for instant radiance.

Also, you can cleanse your skin with facial scrub formulated with rounded microbeads.  This is said to be potent for gently washing the dead cells loosened by AHAs and retinoids.

Keep your skin moisturized.  If you do so, the moist cells will slough off more easily than hard and dry cells.   Just select the items that are crafted with both occlusive ingredients like the petrolatum and dimethicone, which trap water in the skin, as well as the humectants like hyaluronic acid, urea and lactic acid, which bind water to the skin.

Considering those tips will most likely bring you to obtaining a healthy, good looking skin.  So, if you have been dreaming for coveting the skin which most celebrities of today’s era possess, then there’s no reason for you to note what have been said.  Always remember that our skin, being the largest organ of the body, tells of who and what we are, thus it’s worth protecting.