Tips To Cure Your Skin

Many people of all ages are troubled by irritating outbreaks of acne and are searching for a cure, once and for all. Very often, in severe cases of acne, their search leads them to Accutane. Also known as Isotretinoin, Accutane is taken orally, and is available only by prescription. It is a five month treatment regimen for severe cystic acne.

Taken once daily with food, Accutane works by decreasing the amount of oils produced by the glands. Acne may worsen before it gets better, and it usually takes about two months on Accutane to notice improvements in symptoms.

While it can be very effective, Accutane has many significant side effects, ranging from mildly irritating to severely life-threatening.

The most frequent side effects reported by Accutane users are:

Dry, chapped, or peeling lips
Dry, itchy skin
Dry nose, mild nosebleeds
Irritation of the eyelids and/or dry eyes
Joint and muscle pain
Thinning of the hair
Rash
Intestinal problems
Urinary problems
Headache
Increased skin sensitivity to light and sunburn
Decreased night vision, which may continue after completing treatment regimen
Depression and/or thoughts of suicide.

Accutane may also increase the level of blood fats (cholesterol), sometimes to dangerous levels, which may interfere with liver function. Prior to starting the Accutane regimen, blood tests are required to rule out pregnancy and establish a baseline for monitoring cholesterol levels. Frequent blood work is ordered by dermatologists to check these levels which, if too high, may cause complications with liver functioning.

The most dangerous side effect of Accutane is severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. It is strongly recommended to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for at least one month after stopping Accutane.

Accutane is not guaranteed to cure acne. Reports have found 1 in 10 Accutane users have reoccurrences of acne one year later and 1 in 4 users after two years. It may be prescribed again for reoccurrences of acne.

Only you -- with your doctor -- can determine if treating your acne problem with Accutane is worth the potential risks involved.

Acne cures that work are hard to find and that is a problenm, especially since acne can be a serious skin disorder not just a few pimples. that can be unsightly and embarrassing to the individuals it afflicts.

Two of the best acne cures that work are on the market and include a drug called isotretinoin, also known as "Accutane", and the other, a system in three parts called Proactive Solution.

Accutane is one of the well known acne cures that work although it is a drug that has many serious side effects so it is prescribed for only those with serious cases of acne.

This acne cures that work begins to rid one of severe acne in a permanent manner after only one application.

Accutane is the best acne treatment to hit the market in well over twenty years and is highly thought of as one of the acne cares that works. It falls into the category of drugs by the name of retinoids and as a rule one course of treatment must be taken to cure acne for a period of five months. This treatment has been shown to help the great majority of acne sufferers (approximately 85 percent). Occasionally patients require more than one course of the drug in order for it to cure their acne however most do not.

The Proactive Solution is another of the acne cures that work. This is not as high-risk and as far as acne cures go,Proactive can help people who have mild to serious cases of acne. Combining all three parts of the Proactive Solution's system together can help cure acne in a timely fashion. It is a topical solution that is applied directly to the affected areas of skin.

The system includes Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and Repairing Lotion. The items need to all be used in concert to do their job correctly and treat your acne the way you want.

There's a confusing array of product claims and treatment methods for acne that make it difficult for acne sufferers to determine their best course of action. The fact that there are several forms of acne, including cystic acne and the common acne vulgaris, complicates the picture. While the medical community does not have a cure for severe acne, there are a variety of products that will subdue moderate cases of acne and provide the sufferer with clear skin once again. Among these effective products are natural acne treatments that provide viable alternatives to the use of antibiotic medicines and ointments.

Natural remedies are derived from plants that have been used for generations because of their medicinal properties. The prestigious National Institutes of Health recently formed the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Health to evaluate the efficacy of herbal remedies by funding controlled scientific studies. Herbal remedies can be effective natural acne treatments.

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for acne because there is a known bacterial component to cases of acne but certain herbs like Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolio) have known antibacterial properties as well. A soap made from Echinacea and other herbal ingredients is a viable antibiotic facial cleanser that helps fight and clear acne. This type of soap is also used for eczema, psoriasis, and acne rosacea. Scientific studies show that Echinacea helps the body provide the proper enzymes at the cellular level to protect cells against invasion by bacteria. Echinacea's ability to aid in wound healing is beneficial not only for acne but also for insect bites and burns.

Echinacea is the hardy purple coneflower that is a staple of roadside plantings and home gardens. A more exotic and expensive herbal acne treatment is tea tree oil. There are over 300 species of tea tree but only one species (Melaleuca Alteronifolia) found in New South Wales, Australia is known to have antibacterial properties. Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tree and is four to five times stronger than household disinfectants in killing bacteria. At the same time, tea tree oil is gentle to the skin. Tea tree oil is effective in killing the bacteria even in pus and will cause the body to eliminate pus from inside a pimple. Tea tree oil also acts as a mild local anesthetic which reduces discomfort and also helps to eliminate the red irritation from the skin, improving appearance and reducing acne social problems. Tea tree oil is readily available from herbal suppliers and is simply applied to the affected area with a Q-tip. Tea tree oil is used sparingly.

Witch hazel is not just a brand name but an actual herb (Hamamelis virginiana) that is still recommended as a topical astringent and natural acne remedy. When using these topical acne treatments it is important to be gentle. While it seems to
make sense to attempt to vigorously scrub away the offending acne, both medical doctors and herbalists recommend a gentle face washing with even just the fingers as the best approach. Scrubbing merely dries the skin and causes it to produce more
oils that are implicated as one of the causes of acne. Don't over-wash either; specialists recommend washing the face just twice a day.

Along with topical products, herbal dietary supplements can be beneficial as a natural acne treatment as well. Burdock root (Arctium lappa) has long been used to treat boils and abscesses and is an acne treatment. One of the reported properties of
burdock root is that it will bring problem-causing agents out of the bloodstream, thus potentially making a condition seem to worsen rather than improve. However, the theory behind its use states that it is simply eliminating toxic elements from the
body and providing healing properties. When used as an acne treatment, herbalists recommend that topical burdock root be applied as well as taking a supplement that contains burdock. Burdock is typically combined with dandelion root (Taraxacum
officinale) and golden seal root (Hydrastis Canadensis). Golden seal root was once used to prevent pitting of the skin caused by smallpox. Herbalists also recommend red clover (Trifolium pratense). All of these ingredients are implicated in improving
skin conditions. Be sure to take these supplements only in the dosage indicated by the manufacturer or your herbalist.

Diet plays an important role in overall health and maintenance of healthy skin. A balanced diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits provides the necessary vitamins and minerals to support clear skin. A diet containing lots of vitamin A may lower sebum production and excessive sebum is one of the contributing causes of acne. The various B vitamins, especially vitamin B-6, can be beneficial as it is needed for proper metabolism of steroid hormones and sexual hormones are implicated in acne. Zinc is promoted as a cure for acne but there seem to be as many studies against zinc supplements as there are ones that promote zinc as an acne treatment. These vitamins are available as supplements but again, more isn't always better; follow label dosing instructions.

There are plenty of old wives tales surrounding diet and acne outbreaks. Chocolate and fried foods have long been blamed for acne but there is no evidence to support this. However, the link between acne and dairy products is being subjected to scientific studies. A study published in the medical journal Dermatology in early 2005 found a link between teen acne and consumption of dairy products. For those whose acne is aggravated by dairy consumption, eliminating dairy products promotes clear skin. Another misconception is that acne is caused by dirt because the pores are clogged. Thinking that dirt is a cause of acne prompts sufferers to possibly over-wash the face and further aggravate the acne condition. Wearing make-up doesn't cause acne either; look for modern cosmetics that are non-comedogenic(won't clog pores), oil-free (water-based) and hypoallergenic (no added fragrance).

Acne isn't just a teen-age condition and adults suffer from acne as well. The natural acne remedies have provided relief from acne symptoms for people of all ages.

Almost everyone has suffered from acne at one time or another in his or her lives. It is primarily a disorder of the sebaceous gland (glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance) of the face, the neck and back. When the sebaceous glands become clogged with the oily substance they create, the accumulation results in pimples. There are several forms of acne, but the most common is acne vulgaris, found primarily in adolescents.

The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to this condition include heredity, oily skin and androgens. Additional factors include allergies, stress, the use of certain drugs, nutritional deficiencies, liver dysfunction, exposure to industrial pollutants, cosmetics and the monthly menstrual cycle.

In addition, the skin functions to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste by sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys or liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the 3rd kidney. As toxins escape through the skin, they can disrupt the health and integrity of the skin, creating issues.

Recommendations for Wellness

Note: Some of these recommendations may take 2-4 weeks before any results or improvements are experienced.

Apply distilled white vinegar (can be diluted if too strong) to the face and affected areas. Allow this to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

Lemon or any citric fruit works great as a natural exfoliate, removing dead skin cells that may clog the pours. As with the white vinegar, apply the juice of a lemon (or desired citric juice) to the face. Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. You may feel a mild sting or burn when the lemon juice is applied. If so, diluting the juice is acceptable.

Increase water consumption. Water helps flush toxin out and help transport nutrients in the body.

Eat a properly balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition.

Take a high quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement to make up for nutrients missing in today’s foods.

Echinacea or Oregon grape can be used to boost the immune system and fight acne-causing bacteria.

Dandelion, Burdock or red clover can help to keep the liver clear of toxic overload.

Herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine's Ayurvedic Skin Detox and BP-X can also be used to cleanse and detoxify the liver and reduce acne.

Historically, large quantities of vitamin A have been successfully used to treat severe acne. Large amounts, however, can be toxic and should be used when working with your health care provider.

Consider adding additional zinc to your diet. Zinc aids in the healing of tissues and assists in preventing scarring. It is also important for the body in resisting infection and inflammation.

To clear and heal the skin, try a homeopathic Acne remedy. It can help to dry up pimples & prevent future outbreaks.

Do you suffer from a chronic medical condition that defies diagnosis? Do you feel “stuck” or dissatisfied with life? Whether it is a physical problem, an emotional issue, a problem at work or a problem in a relationship, medical intuitive, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. can help you bring health, healing and wholeness back into your life. You can find Dr. Louise at http://www.soulhealer.com

Microdermabrasion systems are safe for most all skin types. Microdermabrasion systems actually evolved from a process known as dermabrasion. Though effective, especially for serious dermis scarring, dermabrasion is harsh, requiring a metallic re-surfacing tool, anesthesia, and long recovery times. Microdermabrasion systems, however, gently smooth signs of aging, sun damage, and scarring with micro-crystal creams. The beauty of micro-crystal creams is how powerfully they polish the skin, but remains gentle and forgiving.

A special cleansing device circulates a cream, infused with tiny exfoliating crystals (aluminum oxide), directly onto the skin. These micro-crystals deep clean the skin’s outer-most layer of dead skin cells and other debris, while the re-surfacing wand massages the upper-most surface tissue, clears pores, and jumpstarts circulation. In turn, creating a fresh skin surface that diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, lines, spots, blemishes, uneven skin surfaces, and scarring caused by acne, childbirth, weight gain, aging, sun damage, or genetics.

The process is not painful but more like a deep cleansing tissue massage. The re-surfacing tool has various strength levels and is easy to control. Most licensed estheticians and cosmetologists, RNs, or doctors perform professional microdermabrasion services using a closed-loop vacuum system, to include a waste catching canister. Professional operators of microdermabrasion systems are required to be trained. Home systems are also available, and usually provide training manuals.

Microdermabrasion equipment is adjustable and easily tailored to your specific beauty needs.Most systems include the following basic components: hand-held resurfacing tool that applies exfoliating solutions, specially formulated creams infused with exfoliating micro-crystals (aluminum oxide), and various foam attachments designed for polishing all skin surfaces.

Most major cosmetic manufacturers sell microdermabrason equipment, many are conveniently available online. Simply conduct a search for “microdermabrasion systems.” Professional level microdermabrasion equipment is also available on the web, targeting salons, cosmetic surgeons, and entrepreneurs. The professional equipment is similar to many home systems in that they both use a buffing wand that applies micro-crystals. The primary differences between the two is that professional microdermabrasion equipment offers a re-surfacing device that simultaneously vacuums or sweeps the debris clear and increases tissue stimulation, while having more power and durability due to repeated use and varied clientele needs.

Microdermabrasion equipment ranges from inexpensive do-it-yourself lotion packages to medical and salon machines costing several thousands of dollars. This technology empowers you to experience serious skin improvements from home, at the salon, or in your dermatologist’s office without the inconvenience and risks involved with surgery, lasers, and chemicals.

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Microdermabrasion Info provides detailed information on microdermabrasion, a progressive skin re-surfacing technique that targets wrinkles, lines, superficial scarring, stretch marks, acne, and sun damage. Microdermabrasion Info is the sister site of Acne Treatment Web.

Laser acne treatment has been around for a few years now, and it is quickly replacing more traditional forms of acne removal and prevention. As antibiotics become increasingly ineffective due to overuse, more and more people are opting for this new technique. During laser resurfacing, a doctor holds a laser pen just above the acne or acne scar tissue and waves the concentrated beam of light back and forth, vaporizing only the unwanted tissue and creating a new surface for skin cell growth. Thus the term “laser resurfacing”. New collagen actually forms after laser treatment. (Collagen is a protein in the skin's connective tissue that helps give the skin its texture.)

Although laser resurfacing is safe and painless in almost all cases, some post-procedural bruising and swelling are normal. In most cases, these side effects persist for seven to ten days. Wait until this passes before applying make-up.

Currently there are no federal restrictions on who can perform laser resurfacing; regulations only affect the laser manufacturers themselves. There are many types of lasers for many different purposes, so be sure to use a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Be sure to ask where your doctor was trained to use the laser equipment and whether your doctor rents or owns his or her laser equipment. Ask to see before and after pictures of the doctor's cases, and find out how many different types of lasers the doctor owns and how often each piece of equipment is used.

Many doctors feel that laser resurfacing isn’t meant for dark skin because it alters the color of skin too dramatically and unpredictably. Others believe that in the hands of a very experienced surgeon, people with darker skin tones can benefit.

Lasers acne treatment is much more invasive than non-ablative lasers. They remove by erosion, melting, evaporation, or vaporization. Ablative lasers are not recommended for use on darker skin colors.

Laser resurfacing costs upwards of $2,500 for a full face, versus $1,000 for other types of scar and acne removal. Consult with an experienced aesthetic dermatologist and laser surgeon to determine what it best for you.

Acne Treatment provides detailed information on the best acne treatments, including laser acne treatment, and scar treatment, as well as adult, natural, home treatment, and more. Acne Treatment is the sister site of Microdermabrasion Web.

Potassium and prunes are a natural constipation remedy that you can quickly use to help you get constipation relief.

Potassium is needed in your colon walls to insure that peristaltic action occurs. Without potassium, colon walls are weak and unable to respond and contract properly when fecal matter needs to be move.

Potassium in your colon wall tissues brings in more oxygen, which is required for good cell function and elimination of toxins. In addition, potassium creates an alkaline environment inside and outside the cell, which help protect cell walls from bacteria, fungus, and other pathogens.

Potassium is a powerful source when it comes to cleaning, feeding and building your colon walls. Removing the thin layer of buildup – harden mucus, dried fecal matter, waste derby, heavy metals - against your colon wall can be accomplished by eating those foods that are high in potassium.

Excess buildup on your colon walls of fecal matter and toxins is a cause of continual constipation. This build up prevents your colon walls from functioning properly.

Potassium is necessary for reducing anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect peristaltic movements of your colon. Lack of it causes muscles and organs to sag and lack tone.

Potassium, also, draws water out of the body. So when potassium is in your colon it attracts water and pulls it into the fecal matter. This makes your fecal matter softer and easier to move along the colon.

To get more potassium into your diet make a constipation remedy drink by,

Pouring hot water over dried prunes and waiting 10 minutes. Then eat the prunes and drink the juice Do this on an empty stomach in the morning.

The high concentration of potassium and vitamin A, in prunes, stimulates enzymatic processes. These processes melt down fecal wall wastes and dissolve blockages. They also activate peristaltic action to move this waste out through your rectum.

The foods to eat that are high in potassium are:

Kale, cabbage, yellow tomatoes, spinach, carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, cauliflower, alfalfa sprouts, goat milk, sesame seeds, wheat germ brewers yeast, flax seed, grapes, green peppers, pineapple, beets, potatoes with skin Blackstrap molasses

If you have any kidney disease, do not take potassium supplements unless directed by your doctor. If you are pregnant, take potassium only under a doctor’s direction.

If you are on any type of drugs, do not take potassium unless directed by your doctor.

When you have constipation it is best to take potassium supplement. Once you have your constipation eliminated back off on the potassium you are taking and depend on your potassium dose from the foods you eat.

My recommended Potassium dose is 1000 – 3000 mg each day taken with meals.

Cayenne is a constipation home remedy that is effective in producing peristalsis in your colon and aids digestion. It can be used regularly at every meal and when needed for constipation. Cayenne pepper is known to help thin the blood. So, it is good for improving blood circulation.

Cayenne is available in capsules of different strengths, from 5,000 heat units (HU) to 100,000 and even higher. In addition, cayenne when used with other herbs helps to deliver these herbs more efficiently to where they are needed in the body.

As a constipation home remedy, start with one capsule of 40,000 HU and always take it after you eat. You will feel a hot or slight burning feeling in the upper stomach and that’s when you know its working. The feeling is like when you get heartburn. This burning sensation will pass as your body gets use to you using cayenne.

Do not use cayenne seeds, as they can be toxic. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding do not take cayenne supplements. Use cayenne only as directed on its container and only as capsules.

Cayenne has the ability to block the ulcer producing effect of NSAIDS. It also has shown to increase the body’s absorption of theopylline, a drug used to treat asthma.

In his book, Left for Dead, Dick Quinn tells how Cayenne pepper saved his life after coronary bypass surgery failed to restore it. In this book, Shannon Quinn, say,

“One of the most effective stimulants, mostly, cayenne targets the digestive and the circulatory system. Cayenne regulates blood pressure, strengthens the pulse, feeds the heart, lowers cholesterol, and thins the blood. It cleanses the circulatory system, heals ulcers, stops hemorrhaging, speeds healing of wounds, rebuilds damaged tissue, eases congestion, aids digestion, regulates elimination, relieves arthritis and rheumatism, prevents the spread of infection and numbs pain.”

Use the recommended dose shown on the bottle of cayenne you use.

You can also add cayenne pepper into other foods. Add cayenne to soups, salads, and other foods you like.

In soups or salads break open a cayenne capsule and mix it in. You can add 1 – 2 capsules, but first start with 1/4 or 1/2 capsule so you can get use to the hot taste.

If you are pregnant, it is considered safe to use cayenne.

Use this constipation home remedy and you will see results. It definitely has the power to eliminate constipation and keep you regular and has many other benefits, especially for your heart.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid e-books. He writes a newsletter called natural-remedies-thatwork.com and his information on other topics can be seen at http://www.stop-constipation.com or at http://www.constipation-remedies.for--you.info

Getting clear skin is a simple matter of paying attention to your daily habits.

First of all, beauty works from the inside out.

Make it your mission to eat as well balanced a diet as possible and take a multi vitamin every day.

While diet has never been shown to have a direct affect on having clear skin or as acne prevention, it is widely known that diet does promote general health and is very likely to play a role in good or clear skin.

It is important and recommended that you consume at least 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

This will help you have clear skin. Certain vitamins such as A, C and E are classified as antioxidants and are also cancer fighters.

Get as much sleep as possible (eight to nine hours is the optimum) because it will do your skin and body a world of good.

Clear skin needs to be well rested so if you cannot get enough sleep at night, try to have a catnap sometime during the day. Even a ten to fifteen minute nap is advisable if that is all the time you can spare.

Adequate hydration promotes clear skin. If you want to keep or improve your complexion, drink at least 6-8 eight-ounce glasses a day (more if you're really a go getter!). Clearer skin, here you come!

Any form of aerobic exercise done at least 20-30 minutes per day will get your blood flowing and help keep your skin as clear as possible. And excercise will play a direct role in the levels of stress in your body. Stress is known to have a "bad" affect on general health, clear skin and acne.

Just remember that sweat and oil accumulate faster with exercise so shower directly after your exercise regimen to retain clear, unblemished skin.

How else can you get clear skin?

Well for another thing, makeup is for daytime and evening wear not for bedtime.

Cosmetics left on the face can clog up pores with dirt and debris.

This can lead to problems such as acne or folliculitis.

Your best bet is to take it off with a mild soap free cleanser before you turn in for the night.<

Healthy skin happens when we eats good foods, have enough exercise, minimize stress and protect our skin from the harsh environment.

Certain foods are especially beneficial to the skin. Garlic is one such food. It contains sulphur compounds (which give it its rather strong odor) which are beneficial to your skin. It also acts as a natural antibiotic and cleanses the whole system. If you like garlic, eat it as much as you can. If the smell worries you, chew a piece of parsley afterwards and this will neutralize it. Odorless garlic tablets are available if this is all too hard.

Vitamin C is probably the most important skin vitamin in my opinion. Not least because the human body can neither make it or store it. This vitamin helps collagen formation which keeps the skin looking young and plump. This could be why smoker’s skin can look older than a non smoker’s. Smoking also uses up the oxygen in the blood. Give it up if humanly possible or at least cut it down.

Vitamin C is best consumed together with bioflavonoids, the way it is normally found in nature. The two have a synergistic effect. They can be found in Citrus fruit, berries such as strawberries and blueberries and vegetables such as broccoli.

Broccoli also contain vitamin A, an important vitamin for skin as it helps it fight infection from the inside out. Great for those with acne! Have some every other day if you can.

Carrots are a great source of carotenoids such as "beta-carotene" which your body converts to vitamin A . Beta-carotene is absorbed into the skin and can also protect it from the sun's harmful UV rays. Carrots also contain "alpha carotene" which protects against free radical damage. Carrots are a great way to get your vitamin A as excess carotenoids are expelled by the body. Too much vitamin A is toxic to the body.

Dark leafy green vegetables, particularly kale and spinach are a good source of zinc and iron. Iron will make sure your skin gets enough oxygen and zinc is a great pimple fighter. Eat some every day if you possible can or include some in a fresh juice.

Parsley deserves a separate mention as it is rich in just about all the skin boosting nutrients. It contains beta carotene, chlorophyll, vitamin B12, folic acid (great for firm skin), vitamin C and iron. Parsley can be added to juices, casseroles, sprinkled over any savory dish or simply chewed by itself. Its great for fresh breath too. Parsley is easy to grow, pop some in a pot and keep it near the kitchen door.

Olive oil is fabulous for dry skin and wrinkles. Use it for cooking - it contains monounsaturated fats and anti oxidants- or slather it on your skin after a bath.

Flaxseeds and flax oil (also known as linseed) contain the essential omega 3 oils not found in many foods. (Fish also contains omega 3). Flaxseeds contain fiber and phytoestrogens which balance the body's hormones and are vital for younger looking skin. Sprinkle some on your cereal or use in soups and stews.

Avocados give skin (especially dry skin) a boost. Although fairly high in fat, its the healthy monounsaturated kind which makes dry skin supple. Avocados contain glutathione which is one of the most powerful antioxidants around and will prevent cell damage in all skin types. They are also high in potassium.

Drink as much water as you can, this flushes out toxins and helps to hydrate the skin. If you can’t drink eight glasses a day - I can’t unless its 40 degrees - then just drink as much as you can without being uncomfortable.

Skin needs sufficient protein to replace and repair itself. Most of us have plenty of protein in our diets but a lot of it comes with a lot of fat attached. If you can substitute low fat items e.g. milk, peanut butter, cheese etc, then do so. You’ll still be eating the same amount. Lean meat is fine, fish is even better as it contains natural omega 3 oils which are great for your skin and your health.

Try and add as many fruits and vegetables as possible to your diet. If you ‘re a committed junk food “junkie” this may seem impossible, but if you tackle it in small bites (pun intended!) It will be easy. Commit yourself to healthy foods on certain days of the week or drink water instead of soda in the afternoons. When this becomes comfortable, expand it to every day. Its just breaking old habits and replacing them with new ones. After a while you’ll be comfortable with it. And you’ll feel better and loose weight too.

The purists tell us that all vitamins and minerals can be obtained from foods and there is no need for us to take supplements. In theory this is true, however the stress of life today probably robs our system of vitamin B. Smoking uses up about 35 mg of vitamin C per day.
Added to this, the practice of storing fresh produce for extended amounts of time, can’t help but deplete the natural vitamins in these foods. The pollution in our cities and some of our bad habits like eating junk and smoking (who me?) leads to the production of free radicals in the body. For this we need an antioxidant which contains among others beta carotene (a precursor of vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, lycopene (found in tomatoes) and zinc.

Healthy skin loves exercise! It doesn’t matter what kind. Walking, jogging, all types of sport, aerobics, thumping around in the gym, whatever you enjoy try and fit it in three times a week. If you don’t enjoy any exercise, find one! Join a group of people or find a walking buddy, you will get to enjoy it I promise!

Stress is bad for you and bad for your skin. Stress will slow the circulation of blood to the skin causing a shortage of oxygen to the cells. It will also deplete certain nutrients from the body - for example vitamin B. It can ruin your sleep thus preventing the repair and regeneration of skin cells. It will put worry lines on your face and will make you look old before your time! Who needs it? No-one! check out this page on stress to see how you can deal with this incapacitating disorder now!

As you may have gathered from all this, having a healthy skin is the same as having a healthy body, it’s worth maintaining a good diet and lifestyle so you not only look great but you feel great too!

At some point in their lives every woman envisions the quintessential beauty enhancers ---clear skin and an attractive body. Unfortunately nature did not equip all of us with this envious duo, so we're left to create our own destiny. Not surprisingly, that is easier said than done.

But before you go out and purchase the latest diet pills, or spend $50 on a regime that promises a flawless complexion but delivers more blotches instead, read the following article which promises clearer skin and a weight loss of 8-12 pounds in 30 days if followed fastidiously.

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

Clear skin is defined as a flawless complexion void of marks, blemishes and other defects. According to dermatologists, all of us have it at some point in our lives. Then adolescence sets in, and our skin turns into Frankenstein on steroids.

But like other quirks of nature, our skin enters a new phase as we reach our 20s. The oil glands become less active and once again we experience the joys of a clear complexion. But despite this transition, some women still find themselves stuck with skin that is not to their liking.

Beautiful skin begins on the inside, and is wholly dependant on the foods you eat. A diet high in fruit, vegetables and chicken will result in a complexion with few problems. While a diet high in fried, sugary and greasy food will produce the opposite effect.

This formula which I have used for 20 years will work, if followed thoroughly. Any attempt to deviate, will not produce the desired results. And to reiterate, the key to this recipe, is FOLLOWING THE REGIME FOR 30 DAYS.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: Before attempting this diet, it is important that you see your physician. Women with cancer, diabetes and eating disorders should avoid this regime entirely.

Clearer Skin Can Be Yours

1. Drink 1-2 gallons of water daily.
2. Eliminate all sugary, oily and fried foods from your diet.
3. Eat plenty of fish (especially salmon) chicken, fruits and vegetables.
4. Limit your intake of bread, rice and other carbohydrates.
5. If you must use salt, use it sparingly, and make sure it does not contain iodine. According to experts, iodine, a mineral that regulates the thyroid, has a tendency to produce acne.
6. Avoid chips, olives and peanut butter. All of these products contain iodine which can reek havoc on your complexion.
7. Take vitamins that are designed to enhance your skin hair and nails. Three great products to try are:
8. Always remove makeup before getting into bed.
9. Use soaps that are designed for your specific skin type. Therefore, if you have oily skin avoid using soaps that are made for people with dry skin.
10. Keep your hands away from your face.
11. Give yourself a facial once a month. For those women who can’t afford to shell out $50 to go to a ritzy….., you can give yourself a fantastic facial in the privacy of your own home. All you need is a pan, hot water and a few drops of herbs if preferable. A good one to try is….

Look Out Great Bod Here I Come

1. Do not eat after 9 P.M.
2. Eat only when you are hungry. Experts contend that people have a tendency to over eat when they are nervous or depressed. So before you put that slice of pizza in your mouth, make sure you’re really hungry and not just having a bad day.
3. Do not eat in front of the tv or at the computer.
4. Eat smaller portions. You can train yourself to eat less by putting your food on a smaller plate.
5. Weigh yourself daily.
6. Drink plenty of water.
7. If you INSIST on having a snack, reach for something nutritional, such as an apple. Okay, if you’re really hungry, make that two apples.

Breakfast

6 ounces of salmon
1 apple or the fruit of your choice
1 8 0z glass of water

Lunch
Salad (If you must spread on a dressing, make sure it low in fat and calories). Lemon juice is a perfect alternative.
Fruit of your choice
A hamburger without cheese, mayo or mustard is a must have. Moreover, fast food restaurants have an impressive supply of low cal entrees. So what are you waiting for?
1 8oz. Glass of water

Dinner
1 cup of raw strawberries. If you don’t like to eat them in their natural state, sprinkle on a sugar substitute for added flavor; 2 pieces of broiled chicken, 1 cup of beets or string beans; I 8 oz glass of water.

Snack

Although I don’t encourage snacking, I know that everyone reaches a point where they just have to have something to sink their teeth into. For you I recommend:

A sweet, juicy fruit: excellent choice; a peach or orange; 1 cup of Vanilla yogurt sweetened with Aspartame. Believe me when I say it tastes better than regular yogurt, but without the extra calories; or try a saucer of delicious sugar-free ice cream. They come in a variety of flavors; ranging from cherry vanilla to chocolate swirl. There you have it, a diet that promises results if used correctly. Now put down that sandwich, you’re getting mustard all over the keyboard. Say cheese!

Aromatherapy is a growing area of interest as North America continues its search for alternative and complimentary applications of natural medicines. The use of herbal supplements in our daily lives is one excellent example of this.

Aromatherapy, however, is still in the realm of uncertainty. People are familiar with the term, most have heard of essential oils, but still few know how to use them in practical applications.

Here's a short list of some examples of ways to enhance your daily life with essential oils.

1. Diffuse in air with a ceramic or electric diffuser to clean or fragrance the air.
   

2. Facial steam - add a few drops of oils to boiling water, place your face over the bowl and drape your head with a towel and breathe deeply.
   

3. Bath water - add 4-10 drops to your bath or jacuzzi.
   

4. Skin spray - add 4-10 drops of oil to 60 mls (2 oz) distilled water in a misting bottle then spray skin for a fresh uplift to the day.
   

5. Linen spray to freshen sheets & towels - same as the skin spray but mix 20-30 drops to 60 ml (2 oz) and spray your sheets.
   

6. Remove the cap from the oil bottle and breathe deeply for a quick pick-me-up.
   

7. Room spray - same as linen spray but the concentration is 50-75 drops to 60 ml (2 oz) of distilled water.
   

8. Hand or foot bath - add 4-6 drops of oil to warm water and soak your hands or feet in it. For tired feet, also add 2 tablespoons of epsom salts to the water.
   

9. Massage oil is easily made by adding 10-20 drops of oil to 30 ml (1 oz) of carrier oil, such as grapeseed, olive, sweet almond, jojoba, etc. Cut the amount of essential oil in half for children.
   

10. After your shower, put a few drops of oil on a washcloth and rub vigorously over your body.
    

11. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a cloth by your pillow at night to help breathing when struck by a cold or flu.
    

12. Hot compresses are wonderful on sore, tired muscles. Add 5-10 drops of oil to hot (not boiling) water. Soak a cloth in the water, wring it out and place on the affected area. Repeat as needed.
    

13. Cold compresses - for headaches and swelling. Same as hot compresses but use cool to cold water.
    

14. Sniff lavender or peppermint for headaches.
    

15. Dab tea tree on acne pimples to help clear up the infections.
    

16. Revive old potpourri mixes by adding 10-20 drops to the mix and stirring.
    

17. Create your own perfumes by blending favourite oils in beeswax or oil bases and apply.
    

18. Sniff peppermint oil for nausea, including morning sickness, motion sickness and carnival rides.
    

19. For infant colic, apply a warm - not hot - compress with roman chamomile on the tummy.
    

20. Massage menstrual cramps with clary sage diluted in a vegetable carrier oil like grapeseed or jojoba.
    

21. Gently massage varicose veins with a massage oil containing cypress.
    

22. Add a few drops of eucalyptus to your shampoo to help dandruff problems.
    

23. Help smooth wrinkles by massaging nightly with a few drops of frankincense diluted in sweet almond oil or rosehip seed oil.
    

24. For depression diffuse jasmine or rose in the air.
    

25. After a long night on the town, add juniper to your bath to help detoxify your body.
    

Remember, that essential oils are generally too concentrated to use directly on your skin. They need to be diluted for application. As with anything, there are exceptions.

Lavender and tea tree are the most commonly used oils that can be applied directly on the skin (neat) in small doses.

There are many excellent resources on essential oils and their effects on body, spirit and mind. Some oils have contra-indications so it is important that you learn about any oil before using it.

Essential oils are great companions to enhancing your daily life, when used appropriately.

Break out a bottle of oil and sniff it today!

Paula Polman, B.Sc. is the owner of Basic Scents & Supplies. She has been making natural care products for over six years and practising aromatherapy for more than eight years. She can be reached by email at paula@basicscentssupplies.com or visit http://www.BasicScentsSupplies.com for more information.
subs@basicscentssupplies.com

Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults are acne sufferers. And although acne affects about 50 percent of all adult women, acne does affect males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.

This article includes information based upon research about acne. It strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of the issues surrounding acne along with possible solutions available to help with the prevention and treatment of acne, all based upon the most recent studies,and findings available, so that you can learn more acne health care.

For example, does chocolate really cause pimples? And how about oily foods? Do French fries bring on the acne? The latest reports show that although scientific evidence is not 100% accurate in this area, your diet does not directly cause acne. And by diet, this means not only chocolate and French fries, but also any other dietary combinations with sugar and oil or other ingredients.The real cause of acne can actually be a blend of several factors that we’ll discuss here. Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. The content within only presents an overview of acne research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.

Let’s take a look at some other popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors; for example, stress.

1.Is it true that increased stress spreads acne? Not exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body’s creation of a substance called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note, however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.

2.Acne is contagious, true or false? Not! No one can “catch” acne; it is non-communicable.

3.You’ll outgrow acne, so just leave it along; myth or truth? This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn’t be left alone to possibly worsen.

4.Being out in the sun helps acne, right? In the long run, no. The sun may appear to help clear up your blemishes and redden your skin, thus lessening the overall reddish effect of the targeted acne area when it was outstanding. However, rays from the sun can cause skin damage and actually irritate skin more, worsening any existing acne problems in the process and clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen) here!

5.Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality? Another myth. In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body’s oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.

6.Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof; true or false? False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; two entirely different issues.

7.People with acne are dirty and don’t wash enough. Not! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.

Learn more man health issues at Todays-Man-Health-Advocate.

8.Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldn’t make such a big thing out of it, myth or reality? Myth. In reality, yes, it basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit). However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many instances. More than 50 percent of those suffering acne problems reported negative comments and other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards. And resulting internal depression and low self-esteem can be harmful emotionally not only short-term but over a person’s lifetime. So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring healthcare treatment and support.

9.OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne? Myth. Although there is no cure at this time, there are many treatments available that do a great job. As the saying goes, “Prevention is the best medicine;” however, there is no need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today for all price ranges.

10.Certain cosmetics or spot treatments will help acne, myth or reality? Myth again. By the time a blemish appears, it has been in the works for a good couple of weeks.

11.Myth or not: people with acne should not use moisturizers or other make-up products on their faces? Myth! Today there are many noncomedogenic cosmetics out there specially formulated to NOT clog pores.

In our never ending search for the illusive "Fountain of Youth," nothing strikes a chord like the term "cellulite." Interestingly, the term "cellulite" was first introduced to us by a fashion magazine. That fact is sufficient to generate speculation among opposing sides to this controversial subject.

Cellulite is a term that is used to describe fat deposits
under the skin that outwardly give the skin a dimpled, or orange-peel like appearance. Cellulite is most often seen in women because the fat is arranged in large chambers separated by columns of collagen fibers.

There really is no substitute for good, old-fashioned, healthy nutrition and exercise. The tried and true methods do work:

1.Watch your diet.
2.Incorporate fresh and natural foods into your diet.
3.Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
4.Limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
5.Avoid high fat foods.
6.Get plenty of fiber.
7.Quit or cut down on smoking.
8.Avoid medications not necessary to health and well being.
9.Get plenty of exercise.

Following a regimen of good health, nutrition and exercise will rid your body of excess toxins and promote a general state of health that is optimum for pursuing any program for dealing with cellulite.

Lastly, think twice or three times before investing huge amounts of cash for so-called treatments or cures. You are now armed with the most important tool you need on your journey to Conquering Cellulite.

That tool is knowledge! Use it wisely!

Don't you just hate those pimples popping up when they are least welcome. Like just before a big date. Or before a major presentation. It is even worse when the pimples spread all over your face. I know. I've been there. In fact, it was so bad that when I went to a doctor with a bad flu, the doctor treated me for acne instead.

Pimples begin when the pores in your skin get clogged up with oil, dirt and skin debris. Bacteria happily breeds in that concoction, infecting that pore, leading to acne.

To treat acne, attack the root of problem. The bacteria.

That brings us to these 8 tips.

1. Avoid touching your face with your hands.

Throughout the day, your hands come in contact with the world around you. Your hands touch surfaces like the phone, the computer keyboards, your bag, the table and basically everything around you. Picking up germs as you go along. Touching your face with your hands before washing them is a big No No. The last thing you want is to introduce more bacteria to your skin, leading to more pimples.

2. Keep your hair off your face.

Oily skin usually means oily hair. You have enough natural oil on your face. You do not need to add more oil and hair care products to your skin, which is what happens when your hair covers any part of your face. If you notice more pimples on your forehead, beneath your fringe, or along the sides of your face where your hair might brush against, your hair could be the culprit. You could keep your hair off your face by wearing it in a pony tail, or using hair clips to hold it off your face.

3. Wash your face 3 times a day with a good acne cleanser.

That's what a doctor told me. Another doctor told me that the problem with many people that have pimples is that they use cleansers that are too rich for the face. That doctor recommended a soap and water regime. Another recommended an antibacterial cleanser that was meant for acne.

4. Stick to acne skin care

What works on your best friend may not necessarily work on you. Especially if her skin is dry and your is oily. The latest richest skincare products might make her look radiant but they could trigger a nasty acne outbreak in your skin. If you have a problem with acne, stick to Acne skin care products.

5. Relax

Stress tends to trigger acne outbreaks. Does your skin act up more before an exam or a stressful event? Learn to relax. Take a long bath with a few drops of lavender oil in the bath water. Watch a funny movie. Read a favourite magazine. Talk it out with a best pal. Do whatever works for you to ease the stress.

6. Sleep

Your body needs sleep. Without enough sleep, even your skin acts up. Try to stop all work a few hours before bed time. When I had insomnia, I resorted to melatonin sleeping pills to help me sleep. That is actually the last resort. Better ways would be to exercise in the day so you can sleep better at night.

7. Stay away from pressed powder compact.

My friend's friend used a pressed powder compact to hide her acne. Instead, the more she used it the worse it got. Just think. By mid day, your skin gets oily. You take out the powder compact, and use that powder puff to apply pressed powder on your face. Now, your face would already have dirt, bacteria and oil on it. Pat your face with that powder puff and now that puff picks up the dirt, bacteria and oil. You put it back into the compact. The bacteria happily breeds in there. Then you take out the compact again and pat more powder, mixed with oil, dirt and bacteria onto your face, picking up more gunk, putting in more gunk into your compact. The cycle goes on. A better bet would be to use blotting paper to blot off the excess oil instead. Then you can throw the paper away after use.

8. Do not let bacteria breed happily in your make up tools. Wash all your make up brushes regularly, with soap and water. Then dry them completely before you keep them.

Oily, acne prone skin needs a lot of care. The bright side is that oily skin is slower to show signs of aging than dry skin. Take care of your skin and you'll probably look younger than your peers as the decades go by.

The number one natural beauty tip I can give you is to take your health seriously. In Chinese medicine, we know that natural external beauty is a reflection of inner health and well being. Often, the solution to external beauty problems is an internal one. That means foods and herbs. In the case of skin problems, herbs can be use to create creams or wraps and applied directly.

In Chinese medicine, we treat problems like acne, blemishes, and other skin problems, hair loss, and premature graying of the hair. Some of this you may need to see a Chinese medicine herbalist for, but some of it you may be able to deal with yourself. I’m going to give you natural beauty tip after natural beauty tip to help you do just that.

Natural Beauty Tip #1 – Eyes Lacking Luster

What does it mean? You can see it in babies and young children – bright, glowing eyes. Our oldest Chinese medicine classic (written between 200-500 B.C.) states that “the essence of the internal organs ascends to the eyes.” The Bible says something similar, “Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light.” Clear and glittering (shining) eyes indicate vitality of mind and essence. Dull, clouded eyes reflect a disturbed mind, and weakened essence – this often happens in people with long term and deep emotional problems.

How can you fix it? Well, first of all, if you have some emotional problems, work through it with a professional- either a counselor, therapist, or someone within your religion. This is one part of getting to the clear, vibrant personality that shines through in bright eyes. It may take a while to get there. Second, you can take herbs and eat foods that benefit the eyes.

Probably the best Chinese herb for the eyes is lycium fruit (gou qi zi). Other herbs are black sesame seeds (hei zhi ma), and privet fruit (nu zhen zi). Good foods for the eyes include shepherd’s purse, undried raspberry (fu pen zi), and animal liver.

Natural Beauty Tip #2 – Bags Under Your Eyes

Bags under the eyes indicate Kidney-system (root energy) deficiency, blood stagnation, or allergies. Respectively, the solutions are to increase energy and minimize overwork; get more movement and circulation; and find the allergy cause, eliminate it, and take anti-allergenic herbs and foods.

The Kidney-system energy is limited. If you overwork, have too much sex, or use more energy than your digestive system can produce, you’ll dip into this limited energy fund. This can lead to more than circles under your eyes- you can end up with premature aging and hair loss, impotence and infertility, and ankle, knee, and lower back problems. If that’s your problem, try to practice moderation, eat better, and take supplemental herbs and foods like black cohosh, Chinese chive, mutton, walnut, oysters, pork, dried rehmannia (sheng di), Chinese yam (shan yao), and horny goat weed (yin yang huo).

Blood stagnation can mean sharpn stabbing pains; clots and dark blood in the menstruation; irregular menstruation; and hard spots in the abdomen. If you have this, try celery, rose, yellow soybean, seaweed, mung bean, corn, eggplant, cucumber, and hemlock parsley (chuan xiong).

For allergies, get both IgG and IgE done for both external (skin test) and food allergies (blood test). If you find something substantial, avoid it! For food and herbs, try garlic, fresh ginger, royal jelly, chicken, beef, chestnut, astragalus (huang qi), kudzu vine (ge gen), and welsh onion (cong bai).

Natural Beauty Tip #3 – Acne

This is literally too much heat - your face has become a volcano just to let it out! Try mung bea, seagrass, seaweed, Chinese hawthorn (shan zha), Job’s tears (yi yi ren), and purple sage (dan shen). Avoid spicy foods, greasy foods, and fried foods. Try some raw vegetables, too.

Natural Beauty Tip #4 – Dry Skin

Moistening herbs and foods are soy, spinach, asparagus, millet, barley, salt, seaweed, apple, tangerine, pinenut, persimmon, peanut, pear, honey, oysters, and clams. A seaweed facial wrap would be nice, too!

Natural Beauty Tip #5 – Eczema

Try guava, clam, irish potato, he shou wu, wild chrysanthemum, mugwort, Job’s tears (yi yi ren), and asian dandelion (pu gong ying). Avoid spicy foods, greasy foods, and fried foods.

Natural Beauty Tip #6 - Psoriasis

Try turnip root leaf, vinegar, grapefruit, black plum (wu mei), cloves (ding xian), and dang gui (aka dong quai).

Natural Beauty Tip #7 – Prematurely Graying Hair

This can happen for two reasons- either you have a root energy (Kidney system) deficiency (for more information and solutions, see the Kidney deficiency information up under natural beauty tip #2), or you have what is called ‘hot blood.’ The second one happens with bleeding, nosebleed, skin ulcers, and urinary difficulties. For hot blood, take black soybean, processed dried persimmons, processed rehmannia (shu di huang), and dried rehmannia (shu di huang).

Natural Beauty Tip #8 – Premature Aging

This is another Kidney-system deficiency.

Try walnut, chicken, duck, he shou wu, Chinese ginseng, deer antler velvet (the deers aren’t harmed! Lu rong), astragalus (huang qi), lycium fruit (gou qi zi), horny goat weed (yin yang huo), caterpillar larva fungus (dong chong xia cao), and red date (da zao).

Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults suffer from acne at some time. Acne affects males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.

The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:

1. Exercise.

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

2. Safe Cosmetics.

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.

3. Healthy Diet.

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

§Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
§Vitamin B Complex
§Vitamin C
§Vitamin E
§L-Carnitine
§Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.

4. Hormonal Treatment.

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

5. Healthy Skin. Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.

6. Acne Products.

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

§Benzoyl Peroxide
§Proactiv® Solution
§Salicylic Acid
§Retinoids
§Antibiotics
§Oral Contraceptives
§Anti-Androgens
§Isotretinoin (Accutane)

7. Shaving.

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.

8. Stress.

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

Psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and any other skin problems are irritated very easily by most soaps. As a former psoriasis sufferer I would estimate I tried at least 30 different soaps hoping that would cure my psoriasis. I later discovered I was wrong and my psoriasis was only irritated from soap, but soap was not the cause of it.

If you have any form of a skin problem you may have feared taking a shower or bathing because of the dry, painful itch, and film left by using a commercially produced bar soap. Why is that? What causes the itch left by a bar soap and is there any way to cope?

Here are some tips to buying a better soap or cleanser that may not irritate your skin:

1. Glycerin is a good moisturizer. Glycerin is known to moisturize from the inside out, pulling in moisture from the outside environment. It's typically found in better quality, more expensive soaps like a hand made soap or good cleanser.

Lower grade, commercially produced soaps usually remove the glycerin and use more cost effective chemicals which are much more destructive to the skin.

2. Avoid any soaps that are granular. Granular soaps are terribly too abrasive for the skin of acne, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis sufferers. This abrasive soap may be okay to wash motor oil off your hands but not to scrub the acne-prone skin on your face.

I had acne as a teen and believed I could scrub long enough to remove dead skin cells to let my pores "breathe". It took little time to discover this was only irritating my skin. If you have beautiful, blemish-free skin a granular soap may not be harmful. However, gentle is the key for anyone who has any form of blemish or sensitive condition like psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis.

3. Tea Tree Oil and Eucalyptus are terrific for cleansing. Tea tree oil is considered to have some of the best natural antiseptic / antifungal properties in the world. Eucalyptus oil has been shown to fight infection-causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses very effectively.

The reason I have found tea tree oil and eucalyptus to be so powerful in helping my psoriasis was because both were natural and complemented my skin. Far too many chemicals are added into many commercial soaps today that do their job of cleaning but strip away the skins natural moisturizers as well.

Although I no longer have psoriasis, I still use a specific blend of aloe, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil in a concentrated cleanser. Email me at michael@epsoriasis.net and I will tell you what it is and where to purchase it. (I don't personally sell it but can tell you where to find it)

4. pH balance of you skin is critical. Normal skin is naturally acidic with a pH in the range of 4.2 to 5.6. Most traditional soaps considered "mild" have a pH of around 9.5 - 11 which is too alkaline and may cause excessive dryness and irritation. These soaps traditionally remove the natural acid protection and extract the fats from the skin as well.

If you have eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis your skin may be even more alkaline than normal in those affected areas. Using a low-grade commercially produced bar soap, which may be more alkaline, could lead to infection. If you prefer a bar soap try a hand made soap. It will be more expensive but it would be worth it if you saw results, wouldn't it?

Most cleansers may be more gentle because they are made not to disturb your skin's pH level. The skin is designed to protect itself by maintaining a more acidic pH level. Many commercially made soaps may rob the skin of it's natural acidic state,
leaving it unprotected.

5. Frequency of washing - don't overdue it. If you have acne you may have a difficult time with this one. If your skins excessively oily in your facial area it's could be because you are using a poor quality soap that's highly alkaline. By washing too much you may be stripping away the skins natural oil, forcing it to produce more.

I wash my skin once a day. I often see others recommending washing the skin up to three times daily. Washing this much is incredibly excessive for those of us with sensitive skin.

6. Pure Aloe Vera - the absolute best moisturizer. If you've ever had a severe sunburn you would know not to take a very hot shower. Don't consider your psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis to be any less severe than sunburn.

If you find yourself in a situation where you're in terrible pain from skin lesions this may help. Before I found my psoriasis cure I used Fruit Of The Earth® Aloe Vera 100% Gel. This is the closest thing to a pure moisturizer that you will find. While I don't need this anymore because my psoriasis is gone, it helped tremendously when my psoriasis was very painful.

7. Natural. Most commercial "soaps" today are really detergents loaded with chemicals that irritate the skin and upset it's natural balances. I only use and recommend hand-made soaps or very mild cleansers. The best place to find these hand-made soaps and cleansers are alternative medicine retailers, health food stores and the internet.

The skin is no different than life in that you need balance to be at peace with yourself. You need effective solutions that will not cause extreme side effects. If you want to see an example of extreme un-balance examine chemo therapy. Many patient's undergoing chemo loose their hair, many get brutally sick, etc., because the body is not meant to go thru this type of intense therapy.

-- This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting a new supplement regiment, herbal therapy, or other self-directed treatment.

An acne problem is not a problem, so long as you know wise acne skin care tips. One does need much money to get that healthy glowing skin, with the natural acne skin care methods, acne shouldn't be treated like monsters under your bed. Here are some acne skin care methods we can practice.

The power of water. Oil, they say is thicker than water. But water is the plainest, most natural substance we can use for acne skin care. In washing your face, do it gently. Rubbing and scrubbing your face does not clean the skin gently. For best acne skin care effects, using a mild cleanser or toner once in the morning, noon and evening, and after doing a heavy work out, will help you achieve a clear skin.

Pick that zit. People who prick pimples and blemishes as if pricking a bubble only aggravates the risk of skin inflammation and acne scars. Avoid hand contact with your face for better acne skin care results.

Shave with care. Choose the best electric shavers and safety razors you can trust for years. They'll be more comfortable to use. Men need not use a super sharp blade to get rid of that beard. A regular shaver used with soap and water, or shaving cream will help you get that smooth finish. Doctors advised men to shave lightly, and shave only when necessary for acne skin care maintenance .

Sun of the beach! If you love sun tanning or just want the sight of that sophisticated sunburnt look - forget it. This is an acne skin care no-no. The sun’s harmful ultra violet rays redden the skin, making the skin drier. It can make one’s blemishes visible, speed up aging and bring serious damage to the human skin. Also, excessive exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. You don't want to ruin that great acne skin care you've been starting on with.

Cosmic Cosmetics. Eye shadows, blush on, moisturizer, and other cosmetics we use should be free from oily substances to permit healthy acne skin care maintenance. Even hairstyling products in forms of gels or aerosols that come in close contact with the skin may destroy a healthy acne skin care practice. Choose hairstyling products, which are commercially labeled as non-comedogenic are products which do not provoke the formation and growth of blemishes and other related skin
disorders.

Buttered Face. An African beauty secret reveals the power of shea butter which originated from the Karite Nut Tree (or Mangifolia tree). Hmmm... juicy acne skin care tip! Karite Nut Tree was discovered in the semi-arid savannahs of West Africa and Central Africa. People in Africa, women in particular - rely in shea butter as a vital tool for acne skin care treatment for over centuries now.

Spare me that SPA! You need not visit the most expensive spa parlors to get that destressing facial treatment to aid you in your acne skin care endeavor. Create a home made magical elixir right at the comforts of your own home by purchasing simple spa tools found in beauty stores.

Get only the best and the FRESH. Increase intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. These acne skin care tools are free of toxins which decreases the speed of blood circulation. A salad or a fruit a day will keep an acne away!

There is no perfect cure, medication, treatment or acne skin care methods for acne problems. Thus, as the sole proprietor of our own skin, we must take full charge of what lies to be our first armor against diseases and bodily injuries.

There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45. It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine. Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance. Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

Another type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Extremely painful and flammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.

The term Arthritis literally translates to “joint inflammation.” If you suffer from any of the different types of Arthritis listed above, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects or tried other “home remedies.” If you haven’t yet tried
“Urtication,” it might be helpful. The term “Urtication” comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times. Urtica dioica is “Stinging Nettle. The treatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles. This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.

Here are a few more herbs that are used effectively for the

Treatment of arthritis:

Black Cohosh

Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot. The dried root is the part used. This is a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painful menstrual cramps. Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle. It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan. In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general.

Bogbean

Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on the walls of the colon and Celery Seeds. Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic. Great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Chapparal

Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, skin conditions of warts and blotches. Also one of the best cancer herbs.

Feverfew

Use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizziness and tinnitus.

Nettle

The is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one of those “universal” plants. They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.

Saffron

A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils), thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds the calcium deposited in the joints. Also reduces lactic acid build up. Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.

Yucca

Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them for use. Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical treatment. No matter what natural remedies you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your course of treatment does not interfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your treatment.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Typically when a zit pops up on your face, you first response is “How fast can I get rid of this thing?” This situation can accelerate to a nightmare if your visage is canvassed with pimples that seemingly reproduce faster than bunnies. There is a simple way to take the frustration out of an unwelcome colony of zits and permanently supplant them. It involves a bit detective work that will prove to be more potent than any acne treatment that you’ve tried in the past.

Step one:

Location, location, location. Where are the zits located at on your face or body? The areas of our face are directly related to organs within your body. For example, the area just below the space between your eyes corresponds to the pancreas. A zit appearing in this area could result from over consuming sugar products, which taxes the pancreas. You could remedy this zit by reducing your simple sugar intake for 2-3 days.

Step two:

Type. What type of zit are you dealing with? A papule, cyst, whitehead, blackhead, or pustule? The type of zits you have reveals what type of issues your body is battling and how serious this issue is. For instance, cysts are deep within the skin and its unforgivingly painful set of traits queues you that your body is in desperate need of a change. The formation of a cyst is tied to the health of your blood and immune system. To help uproot a cyst, you would boost your immune system and cleanse your blood. Taking an herbal laxative for a few days and drinking blood-cleansing teas containing goldenseal will ease the load on your immune system.

Step three:

Time. How long have you been dealing with acne? 2 days, 3 weeks, 4 months, or y-e-a-r-s! Does it usually occur at a specific time? As unfortunate as it may sound, the amount of time you have had acne will be directly proportional to the amount of time it takes to free yourself of acne. Why, it took time and habits to create acne and it will take the same to remove it. If you have just recently begun to experience acne, you can reflect on you life form the past one to two months and note any significant changes you have experienced or initiated in your personal life and diet. For example, are you preparing for a new job, looking for a wife, just had a baby, etc. Any major, or new change in your life impacts your hormones. So, examine how you've dealt with these changes or new desires. What emotions do they evoke in you? Excitement, fear, impatience, uncertainty? If you can control or somehow contain your emotional response, you can simultaneously contain your hormones and fend off zits.
If you’ve been coping with acne for years, you cure will be a bit more involved. This upside of this is that you stand to discover more about yourself that your neophyte acne counterparts. In a nutshell, you can begin remedying a long-time acne issue by enhancing your immune system, cleansing your blood, strengthening your liver and ensuring that your colon is clear. If you’ve tried all that and still need acne resolution help, you can pin point your acne trigger.

Step Four:

Remove or resolve your Acne Trigger. An acne trigger is any thought, location, feeling, food, emotion, response, drink, drug, memory and/or experience that sets off a series of hormonal reactions in your body that ultimately result in an acneic formation.
Stress, excess sugar, bodily toxicity, depression and extreme mood swings can move the body to excrete excess oils on the face. This excess oil creates the ideal environment for the bacteria to reproduce in excessive numbers. As you see, you do not remove acne by killing the bacteria because bacteria are highly intelligent life forms and serve critical bodily functions.
The p acnes that are often blamed for causing acne can only irritate the skin and provoke the formation of a zit when our own internal imbalances create the ideal environment for the bacteria to reproduce in excessive numbers.
Once you find your unique acne trigger you can remove the root cause of your acne and live acne free.

Step five:

Examine your past acne treatment strategies. How have you dealt with zits in the past? What worked? What did not work? Perhaps you’ve tried creams, prescription medicines and herbal supplements. Unfortunately, most people go for a treatment hoping for one thing only, removal of zits. But acne treatments target zits differently. For example, benzoyl peroxide works by “killing acne causing bacteria” and thereby helping to reduce the presence of acne. Actually, you need p acne bacteria your face and do not want to kill them per se. You want to avoid creating an environment that is conducive to acne. Controlling and understanding your acne trigger do this.
Salicylic acid works be helping to exfoliate the skin and reduce the build-up of dead skin cells that can cause inflammation of the hair follicle and zits. You can only exfoliate your skin so much. If you hormones are causing excess oils faster that you can safely exfoliate, salicylic acid will only help to a moderate extent. Then there are antibiotics designed again to “kill acne causing bacteria”. As a major setback to you aims of acne freedom, antibiotics actually destroy some much-needed intestinal bacteria such as the acidophilus. This intestinal upset can lead to constipation and a weakened immune system- a combo that can worsen acne.
If your skin is covered with inflamed zits such as cysts, papules and whitehead, you want to reduce inflammation, not dry your skin out. Boosting the immune system reduces inflammation. This can be done by drinking sugar free juices containing citric acid, like lemon aid or supplementing your diet with a multivitamin containing 1000mg of vitamin C. Drinking calming, cleansing and antioxidant rich teas such as chamomile, green tea, or Echinacea teas also aid the immune system.
Are you battling blackheads? You can quickly assist these blemishes by using an exfoliating acid peel such as an alpha hydroxy peel. Blackheads are open pores clogged excess oils that have been exposed to the air. This exposure turns the exposed oils black. The acid peels penetrate and help remove this plug.
If you have taken antibiotics in the past, you may wish to take and herbal laxative or supplement containing acidophilus to help restore the intestinal balance of bacteria in your body to ensure regularity.

Step six:

Assimilation. In short, you acne treatment should boost your immune system, help your naturally control your hormones, help reveal more beautiful skin and reveal insights about yourself.