Skin Care & Acne Prevention

Skin Care & Acne Prevention
by: Kim Standerline

Skin Care & Acne Prevention

Let’s take a look at how to combat your acne.

The main strategy to use is prevention where possible and better
skin care. Here are several top issues of focus for each:

exercise,
cosmetics,
diet,
hormones,
hygiene,
medications,
shaving,
stress.

Exercise – Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off
negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem
and depression. However, some safeguards need to be in place to
ward off acne that can result from your workout routines. First
watch which products you use on your body because you'll most
likely be sweating. With any sunscreen's for outdoor workout
activities and any make-up or other cosmetics, check for
“noncomedogenic” and “oil-free” on the labels to help prevent
pore clogging. And when your workout is finished, wash the
products off as soon as possible, especially if you'll be going
into a steam room or sauna where your pores will be opening up
more. You don't want these lotions and other cosmetics getting
into your pores and clogging them up, resulting in blemishes.

Watch what you put on your body with regards to clothing, sports
gear and equipment. For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise
outfits might look great in the movies and magazine models, but
if you are susceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic
fabrics that tend to trap in body moisture and heat resulting in
a bacteria frenzy. Instead, choose loose clothing made of cotton
or natural blends to allow more air to get to your skin. And when
you’re finished with your workout, get out of clothing wet from
perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, clean
clothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too.
Dirty headgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone
to acne problems. So toss headbands into the washing machine
after workout sessions.

Tip: when cleaning your body after a workout, no need to scrub
with force and irritate skin. If possible, wash with medicated
soap (check for “exfoliant” on the label) or medicated wipes from
your athletic bag where showers aren't available.

Tip: When drying with a towel, even if it's during your workout
to erase sweat, always blot instead of rub. That way you avoid
grinding excess dead skin, dirt, sweat and other chemicals into
your pores and risking pore-clogging and skin irritation.

Cosmetics – To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations similar
to acne and can contribute to acne, use products labeled
“noncomedogenic” or “oil-free.” Shimmering facial colors can
contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin
irritations and clog pores. Other additives in coloring that can
cause similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and
heavy cream in blushes. More preventative measures include using
a lip gloss promoting a matte finish instead of a high gloss for
less pore-clogging; note the more the shine, the more then
comedogenic content and the more the pores can clog.

Beware eye creams can contain heavier concentrations of
moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they have
greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding facial areas.
Additionally use caution with hair styling products that contain
oils, alcohol and adhesives that should be kept away from skin
and from seeping into pores along with perspiration during
workouts; especially watch hair gels and mousses so they don't
cause clogging around your hairline. Use care when choosing
fragrance and scented cosmetics, and opt for hypo-allergenic or
“fragrance-free” versions where possible to avoid allergic
reactions and skin irritations (a sampling 3-day test behind an
ear is recommended).

Tip: Thoroughly clean your face and any other areas where
cosmetics are applied daily, especially if used when combined
with exercising or other activities that promote sweating, where
there is the opportunity for the chemicals to be absorbed or
soaked up into your pores.

Shaving – Shaving for both genders is 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. A word of
caution: for areas with infection or high inflammatory activity
(redness, sensitive, open acne, sores, etc.), do not shave. Or at
the very least, use a shaving cream for sensitive skin. For best
results with regular shaving, follow these procedures:

Steer away from shaving creams that are oily and choose one for
sensitive skin if available. Then moisten facial or other hair
with warm water, apply the shaving cream and lather well. Shave
with a sharp (not dull) blade. Note when shaving, use gentle
swipes instead of heavy pressure ones that can irritate
acne-prone areas. And go with the flow or “grain;” in other
words, adapt to downward, lateral, angular or upward swipes, for
a smoother shave with less nicks and irritating backward motions.
Experiment with different razors, both electric and disposable,
with single- double- or triple-edged (mach III) heads to see
which works best for you. And try shaving in a warm shower for
better results.

For after shaving applications, try toning to stop bacteria dead
in its tracks before it gets into your open follicles. Try
antibiotic gel or lotion, witch hazel, Dalacin T, a mild
alcohol-free toner, Benzoyl Peroxide in gel form and Salicylic
Acid in a gel.

Shaving Tip: Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin;
however, they help with the prevention of acne and other skin
breakout's and flare-ups better.

Shaving Tip: If a non-electric razor is your choice, a
single-edged blade is actually better. Why? Because double- and
triple-edged blades grab hair follicles and pull them out from
below the epidermis. And in the process, your skin “heals itself”
by closing over these holes, making it difficult for future hair
follicles to grow outward – creating inflammation in the tight
areas.

Diet – Studies show diet does not play a role in either the cause
or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne
preventative care is what is best for your body and best for your
skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of your
body. So here are healthy vitamins, minerals and other
supplements known and recommended to prevent and help conquer
acne breakout's:

Hormones – Hormones or lack of, during later years and especially
for women, can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One
recent study showed about 50 percent of women have acne, referred
to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their
menstruation. Treatment options can include topical retinoids,
oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. On into
adult years, some acne aids include oral contraceptives or
hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy
(HRT) for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments,
prescription or over-the-counter products and medications, and
antibiotics for both sexes.

Hygiene – A healthy skin regimen should include no 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. Products with gentle
exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or
fruit shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products
when possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and
cause your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the
process.

If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them.
Remember these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or
picking blemishes can force the infected area to regress back
inside, further troubling the region and possibly leave a scar.
If necessary, seek help from a dermatologist for alternative
treatments.

About the Author

Kim Standerline is a registered nurse working for a large hospital Trust in the UK. Her websites include www.nursing-hints.com, www.backpain-free.com and www.acne-and-you.com

Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care

Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care
by: Jennifer Kays



Our skin is of vital importance to our health. Our skin is responsible for providing protection from environment, providing us with an emotional sense of boundary, creating sensual awareness to communication with the "outside" world e.g. feeling pleasure or pain signals that are vital to our survival and well being.. How our skin feels physically often determines the way we feel emotionally.

Our skin is one way that we communicate information about ourselves to others. We blush, turn pale, signal "worry" or "stress"with wrinkles in our forehead or around our eyes and mouth. Our skin often is used by others to form an impression of our age, how much we are indoors or outdoors and our activity, through scars, wrinkles, colors, and texture of our skin. Our skin is a signal to ourselves and others about our overall health internally, externally, physically and emotionally. "How do I look?" i.e. "What are others seeing and, perhaps, thinking about me?", is a question about the appearance of our skin. This information comes from the tone, texture, firmness, and aroma of our skin.

Our skin is one of the largest "organs" of our body composing about 10% of our body weight. Our skin entirely replaces it's surface about every 60 to 90 days. Our skin eliminates waste, toxins, sends signals to our internal bodies, and actually breathes. Disturbances in our skin, e.g. eruptions, dryness, oil, rash, "age spots" wrinkles, blotches, etc are often an indication of our internal health..

Many of us have used synthetic prescription drugs, lotions, or creams, to care for our skin. Often these synthetic substances are accompanied by undesired and sometimes harmful "side effects". Our bodies are designed by nature to absorb and use substances that are natural. When an "unnatural", i.e. synthetic substance, is introduced into or on our body, it "interprets" that synthetic, unnatural substance as "foreign"or as an "invader".Our body protects itself either through the production of antibodies from our immune system or does not absorb these synthetic substances.

In contrast, our body readily recognizes, absorbs and uses natural substances as the appropriate material to use to build, repair and sustain itself. Our skin operates in the same way as the rest of our body in terms of what it will or will not absorb and use. Natural substances are recognized by our skin, internally and externally, as "welcome" ingredients for use in building, repairing, and sustaining itself.

There are many natural anti-aging skin care products we can use topically on the outer surface of our skin. All natural anti-aging skin care products contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and aromas from nature that our skin readily recognizes as appropriate for use. All natural lotions and ointments, help our skin to maintain it's healthy tone, texture, elasticity, aroma and to repair injury, discard waste, breathe properly, sense appropriately, release used skin cells, build new skin cells, protect us, and improve our appearance.. These all natural products contain amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, herbs, enzymes, aromatherapy oils, and other natural substances that support our skin health.

Remember that the most important factor in the health of our skin is our internal physical health. An important aspect of anti-aging skin care is healthy digestion and elimination. Our intestinal system is responsible for absorbing food, nutrients, and water and for eliminating waste and toxins from our bodies. When our intestinal digestive system is overwhelmed, it places an extra burden on our skin to increase it's waste disposal function. When our skin's waste disposal function becomes overwhelmed, we develop skin disorders. This is particularly true when we are tying to digest processed foods, dairy products, or other foods lacking fiber. Food becomes putrefied and toxic because it cannot be processed or eliminated properly. Our skin then attempts to remove these toxins. Pores may become clogged, inflamed, discolored, dry, or oily. If we want healthy anti-aging skin, we need to keep our intestinal digestive system functioning properly. We can help our digestive system with all natural enzymes, essential fatty acids, probiotics and fiber.

Digestive enzymes reduce large food particles so that the body can absorb nutrients and the entire body, skin included, benefits. Discolored skin, wrinkles, or blemishes, can be signs of enzyme deficiency and the loss of collagen that accompanies it. Digestive enzymes reduce free radical damage, help us remove toxins and maintain a healthy balance of beneficial intestinal microflora. Probiotics provide and maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora, vital to our intestinal digestive health and, in turn, the health of our skin. Beneficial flora promotes the health bacteria we need and destroys harmful bacteria that can lead to illness and infection. Unfortunately, synthetic prescription antibiotics destroy the good bacteria along with the harmful bacteria. Probiotics help restore the healthy microflora and bacteria after synthetic antibiotic use. Probiotics also help the skin to have healthy bacteria it needs and eliminate the growth of harmful bacteria.

All natural vitamins such as Vitamins A, C, and E are essential for anti-aging skin care. Vitamin A is needed for skin cell growth and renewal. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, provides nourishment for the fat layer under the skin. Vitamin A deficiency results in dry, rough skin, eruptions, wrinkles, poor texture and tone. Vitamin C helps repair skin by building collagen and fighting infection. Vitamin C deficiency is connected to aging and ultra violet ray damage. Vitamin E also protects our skin from UV damage, reduces free radicals on our skin surface, and helps prevent the peroxidation of fats which results in skin cell damage.

All natural herbs improve complexion, help remove heat, toxins and swelling from our skin. Herbs can help lighten skin and maintain natural skin moisture..Herbs help prevent scar formation and facilitate new healthy skin growth.

Amino Acids fight harmful bacteria and viruses. Amino acids help carry vital oxygen throughout the body helping our skin breathe. Amino acids are part of facilitating enzyme efficiency and hormonal balance which is a major aspect of anti-aging skin care. Amino acids help stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the tissue that determines skin firmness. By increasing the production of collagen, amino acids can help our skin retain it's firmness, therefore reducing lines and wrinkles.

Essential fatty acids, EFAs, help our skin to become softer, smoother, and retain proper moisture content. Essential fatty acids have a very beneficial effect an the synthesis of prostaglandin hormones in our skin cells. Omega 3, an essential fatty acid, greatly benefits skin texture and may also help prevent the development of skin cancer and aging of our skin.

Our bodies produce Hyaluronic acid which is found to be abundant in young skin. The affects of aging and environment gradually reduces the amount of hyaluronic acid our bodies produce and maintain. Hyaluronic acid is important for our body's connective tissue, especially in our skin. Hyaluronic acid also helps to cushion, lubricate and provide needed flexibility for our skin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is becoming well known for it's anti-aging effects and is a potent antioxidant that combats skin damage and helps repair past skin damage. Alpha lipoic acid provides great free radical defense especially when combined with other anti-aging antioxidants.Alpha lipoic acid is soluble in both oil and water. Alpha lipoic acid enhances the benefits of vitamins C and E and Coenzyme Q 10.

Coenzyme Q 10 helps decrease cellular oxidation in skin that accompanies aging. CoQ10 enters the layers of the epidermis and reduces the level of oxidation.. CoQ10 helps protect against UV light. CoQ10 activates phosphotyrosine kinases which prevents oxidation damage. CoQ10 is a very important natural nutrient for anti-aging skin care.

Our natural skin requires natural anti-aging skin care. Many all natural anti-aging skin care nutrients are available for us. They include amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, anti-aging antioxidants and anti-aging skin care formulas. We can help our skin externally through the use of topical all natural lotions, ointments, creams and solutions. We can keep our skin healthy internally through the use of all natural supplements, vitamins and formulas. Our skin keeps our internal system in place and protects our internal structure. Our skin provides valuable information about our overall health. Our skin is important not only for our appearance, but more vitally, for our complete well being.


About The Author
Jennifer Kays has over twenty years experience with all natural health care products. Jennifer's mission is to share these all natural health care products through http://www.sweetmedicineessentials.com