HEALTH AND BEAUTY CARE

Acne treatment is individualized for every patients and may vary from patient to patient and time to time in same patients based on several factors. I will help you to start right treatment for you . Acne treatment is one of our areas of specialty and expertise. Acne treatment is possible through the nutrients found in foods - everyday vitamins and minerals - plus some good, basic skin care precautions. Of course, if acne control was possible through diet alone then no one would have acne at all, so obviously a large number of people are lacking the correct levels of essential vitamins and minerals.

Herbal remedies for acne are completely safe and effective as well for various skin types. Herbal treatments for acne are certainly an effective course to follow. In addition, though, recent clinical studies have shown a link between acne outbreaks and our diet.

Topical use of antibiotics is currently a widely accepted effective and safe treatment for acne. A review of the articles published in the past 30 years revealed that topical application of antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin or tetracycline showed clinical effectiveness for mild to moderate inflammatory acne, especially when they are combined with zinc, tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide, while they showed little influence on noninflammatory acne. Topical antibiotic applications are also used for acne treatment, including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and antibiotics. Each of these has their specific undesirable side effects, including undesirable skin surface reactions in some cases. Topical prescription products may contain antibiotic ingredients such as erythromycin that help control inflammation associated with acne. Topical prescription products may also contain ingredients derived from vitamin A.

Sebum lubricates the skin. Sometimes the wall of the oil gland breaks and spills the sebum within the skin which causes redness, swelling, and pus - in other words a pimple. Sebum and jojoba oil will mix readily without sealing off the skin pores. Dermatologists have also reported jojoba oil’s non- irritating use for acne.

Several studies conducted in the United States and Europe have reported a zinc deficiency in people who have acne and other skin disorders. In one French trial, acne patients were given daily doses of either elemental zinc or a placebo. Severe acne forms spoil your beauty and freshness. Therefore, it is better that you destroy the acnes before they appear on the scene.

Dermatologists generally administer a combination therapy of physical treatment (like extraction or light therapy) and prescription treatment (like antimicrobial or retinoid cream). Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and they help in the removal of spots. Dermatologist has to be consulted and steps should be taken as prescribed by him. The food and the medicine intake as prescribed by such dermatologist should be properly followed. Dermatologists can also recommend cosmetic tips that will make the spots less apparent. Additionally, some topical acne treatments used by dermatologists may help fade the discoloration.

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Adult onset acne may first appear in one’s 20’s, 30’s or even later. Remedies that worked for us as teens may now be less effective or more irritating than before. Adults with acne are also less likely than teens to seek treatment for their acne, leaving them to suffer alone. Adult acne and teenacne have different causes. Adult acne occurs on normal or combination skin as well as dry and sensitive skin, where as teen acne is usually caused by oily skin.

Cystic acne is often cause by the pinching or squeezing of small pus-filled acne. This causes the pus to burst deep into the skin tissue. Cystic acne treatment is important to begin quickly because this type of acne causes scarring and pitting of the skin. The blemishes are often unsightly, pus filled and with a red or purple hue to the surrounding skin. Cystic acne does not present itself in the same form as an average pimple .

Hormone Pills: They are not effective in curbing the growth rate of acne. Most of the women rush to treat themselves with different hormone pills which is wrong and unnecessary. Hormonal medications can do that job. Hormone treatment might be suggested as hormone changes can cause skin problems; studies show that hormone based skin care treatments often prove effective. Constant research has paid off, and whilst they can’t cure the condition, it is becoming easier to treat.

Herbal acne remedies have been used for centuries all across the world and they are as effective today as they were back then. Herbal medicines and treatments are just the tip of the alternative iceberg. Some herbal practitioners claim that everything from diet, yoga, massage and aromatherapy can cure your acne woes. Herbalists believe that these herbs balance the female sex hormone estrogen and will counterbalance the hormone androgen. Since androgen is believed to trigger excess sebrum production, which can cause hair follicles to clog and acne to form, acne could be prevented or reduced.

Alternately tea tree oil may be applied to the skin. This has been said to impede bacteria from growing on the skin. Alternative acne treatment requires cent percent dedication from the patient. Unlike other form of treatments, some of the alternative acne treatment requires strict following of the regiment.

Laser acne treatments are something that you can choose to solve your acne breakouts. Perhaps you think that this kind of treatments is too invasive and unnecessary. Laser treatment aims to stop new breakouts on the skin and can also reduce acne scars left from childhood. These are the most extreme methods of action to take and although effective are the last roads to consider. Laser acne treatments are an excellent way to treat severe acne, but it is wise to try other acne treatments first. As with any procedure, you and your doctor should discuss whether or not you are a good candidate for laser treatment.

Accutane is controversial due to studies that link it to birth defects, so again, go see a doctor to determine whether it’s the right treatment for you. Accutane) retinoids may be necessary to get the acne under control, although these medications can be more drying than others.

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Cosmetics: Precautions to take when buying and using cosmetics

Cosmetics need to be accompanied with caution when deciding to put on any type of cream or beauty product over the skin.  Most women think nothing of the possible undetected allergic reactions and aging problems that come with using cosmetics on both their face and body. 

To help alleviate consumers’ concerns though, many products have the term “hypoallergenic” on the packages.  They market these products to you as if  just because it is “hypoallergenic”, then there is no need to worry about skin problems.  The truth is that there is no standardized test or method that can back up a claim like this.

Also be wary of products that state “Dermatologist Approved” or “Allergy Tested”.  These marketing labels do not offer any guarantee that your skin will not have adverse reactions from the cosmetics.  And of course, the word “natural” is another great way to pull in the consumer into a mindset of false safety.

Below are some helpful guidelines for safe cosmetic use:

1.  Always wash your hands and face before applying cosmetics.

2.  Eye cosmetics should be thrown away after 6 months.

3.  Mascara should be thrown away after 3 months.

4.  Do not use the samples of cosmetics that are open when you visit the store.  One survey conducted found that almost 6% were infected with contaminants like fungus.

5.  Any makeup that smells funny or has lost its constancy should be thrown away.

6.  If you discover and eye infection, do not use makeup.  Also, throw away all makeup that you used prior the the infection.  They may be contaminated.

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You do it everyday – washing, shaving, shampooing, clipping your nails, washing and drying your hair.  Personal grooming, for most people, is a series of well-entrenched habits.  Have you ever considered whether you are making the most out of these daily rituals?  Would you be willing to change your routine if doing so made your skin, hair, and nails look more attractive and created a better-looking you? Most adults whom are over thirty commit one big mistake when it comes to washing:  The do too much of it.  A shower in the morning, another after the gym, maybe even one before bedtime.  The average women spends twelve minutes in the shower.  That’s too long.  Cut your time in the shower to five minutes for your skin’s sake. Americans especially are personal hygiene maniacs – terrified of missing a daily bath, revolted by the thought of anything but a well-scrubbed, antiseptic body.  Too much washing results not just in cleanliness but in itchy, irritated skin, particularly in the winter months. The term “over-washed skin” is used to describe a large subset of people with dry skin whose problem comes from spending too much time in the shower. 

Below are bathing tips that many can benefit from: 1.  Avoid using a washcloth on delicate areas, especially the mucous membranes. 2.  Use medium-warm water in the shower.  The cooler the better, but not too cold. 3.  If you have normal to dry skin, use Dove Unscented or Basis for Sensitive Skin on your body and either a soap free cleanser or nothing at all on mucous membranes. 4.  If you tend to have oily skin, then use a deodorant soap such as Dial, Safeguard, or Lever 2000 on any part of your body that tends to be oily – usually the back or chest. 5.  Skin a shower as often as you can.  This may not seem like appealing advice but the more time you have in between showers the better.  Skip a shower for a whole day once or twice a week, especially in the winter. Allow your skin to produce and maintain its natural oils.

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How to use essential oils for your skin

Essential oils have been around for thousands of years and are derived from plants.  The oils are extracted from the seeds, roots, leaves, and even the skins of the plants.  In fact, the oils are what gives plants and flowers its fragrances.

What are found inside these essential oils?  Hormones, vitamins, and other natural elements are found within essential oils.  The oils vary in concentration when in their natural form.  Synthetic oils, by contrast, are man-made but have a more consistent composition.  We hear from the experts that synthetic and natural essential oils work equally well.Nobody knows exactly how essential oils work, but we do know that they are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.  The best access on the skin to administer essential oils is the eyelids, inside the wrist, and behind the ears.  These areas on the skin are thin, which allows for easier absorption. The best essential oils for your skin are: 1.  If you have Hormonally or Stress Reactive skin: lavender, geranium, ylang-ylang, and jasmine. 2.  If you are interested in using Environmentally Sensitive oils: chamomile, rose.3.  For Overexposed or Hearty: geranium, neroli, frankincense.Joni Loughran, in “Aromatherapy for Skin and Hair Care,” recommends these simple strategies for essential skin care: 1.  Drop eight to ten drops of essential oil for your skin profile in the bath.  Use warm water to relax or cool water to invigorate or calm inflammation.2.  Massage your body with essential oil.  Add twenty to twenty-five drops of essential oil to two ounces of canola or other vegetable.  If your skin tends to break out, rinse with a mild soap-and-water shower after the massage. 3.  Make a facial compress:  Add two to five drops of essential oil to a basin filled with water, stir, then immerse a clean washcloth.  Squeeze out excess water and apply cloth to face.4.  Add essential oil to simple moisturizing products, ten to twenty drops for every two ounces. 

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Top 10 reasons why people get chronic chapped lips

Attempting to find out the cause of severely chapped lips is never easy.  There are various points of origin that you will have to research on and take notice of the results.  Luckily for you, we have listed the ten most common causes of chronic chapped lips that can give you a starting point on identifying the culprit.
 
1.  Although we tend to overlook this one, toothpaste is a very common contributor to chapped lips.  Most toothpastes contain what is called guaiazuline, which may cause a contact allergy.
 
2.  Lipstick contains an ingredient called propyl gallate which can also cause a contact allergy.
 
3.  Orange juice or any other juice from citrus fruits can irritate your lips.  A photo-toxic reaction can occur that looks like chapped lips.
 
4.  Red dye is in many products that we all use.  Candy, lozenges, gum, mouthwash, etc. all contain red dye that may cause allergies.
 
5.  Various other lip care products besides lipstick are also a point of interest when it comes to pin-pointing allergic reactions.  Many contain Phenylsalicylate (salol) which may be the cause.
 
6.  Too much vitamin A may also be the culprit behind your peeling lips.  It does not matter if the source of your vitamin A comes from whole foods or supplements, if you are taking in more than 25,000 I.U. per day then you might want to take a closer look at this.
 
7.  In addition to excessive vitamin A, your body may be taking in too much Vitamin B12 supplements.  What happens is that you develop an allergy to cobalt from taking your B12 supplements and causes crusty and swollen lips.
 
8.  Cinnamon flavoring can also cause lip chapping.  This flavoring is found in candy, gum, mouthwashes, etc.
 
9.  Eating too many figs can also cause your allergic reaction due to photo-toxicity.
 
10.  And interestingly enough, metal objects like paper clips and pocket change is a very likely cause of chronic chapped lips.  An allergic reaction may show itself on your lips.

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Natural remedies for skin rashes and itchiness

Aloe Vera: Widely known for treating burns and sunburns, aloe vera also helps in healing wounds and minor skin irritations such as itchiness and rashes.  This plant produces anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, and anti fungal properties.  It also contains folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E.

The best way to reap the benefits of aloe vera is to use the actual fresh gel from the plant.  At the time of application, slice off a portion of the leaf and directly apply the gel to the affected area.

Calendula Cream (Golden marigold): Widely used in Germany, it is used for reducing inflammation and treating diaper rash.  Experts say that Calendula works by stimulating the production of white blood cells that aid in destroying harmful microbes.  You may purchase the cream form in pharmacies and health food stores.  You may also use the actual herb by mixing it with boiling water, one cup of the boiling water to two teaspoons of the herb.  Steep for about ten minutes.  Once the mixture is cooled, apply to the affected area by using a clean cloth.

Chamomile: Has anti inflammatory properties that soothes and eliminates irritations.  Chamomile is also used in treating eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn.  People who are allergic to grass and ragweed may acquire an allergic reaction to chamomile.

Jewelweed: Provides relief from poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac.  To use, crush the fresh leaves and spread over rash.

Wild pansy: Soothes and relieves itching associated with eczema.  This is also used for soothing acne.

Witch hazel: Acts as an astringent that relieves itching and minor skin inflammation.  Also used for treating sunburns.  For maximum benefit, use fresh witch hazel bark.  Simmer one ounce of the bark with one pint of water and leave for ten minutes.  Strain and cool.  Apply with a clean cloth and leave it on for about thirty minutes.

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Top three ways to deal with sensitive skin

People with sensitive skin require more demanding attention to their skin care routine than those with normal skin.  They need skin care products with less chemicals, less fragrance, less additives, and less preservatives.  Using these kinds of products can lower the risk of getting an allergic reaction and irritation to your skin.  Although it is not very realistic to use only natural ingredients for fear of a breakout, it is possible to enjoy a wide variety of skin care products while reducing the risk of getting a bad reaction and irritation.

Keeping in mind that aside from skin care products, there are several foods and items that can trigger a negative reaction to your skin.  The following are suggestions to avoid these problems:

- Keep your surroundings dust free, especially in your home and workplace.
- Try to avoid wearing wool and other synthetic fabrics.  Wear cotton instead.
- Wash your face and hands after being close to irritating materials such as pollen or perfume.

Here are three ways of dealing with sensitive skin:

1.  As much as possible, try wearing clothes that are made of natural fabrics.  People with sensitive skin are more likely to get an allergic reaction to some fabrics.  The major culprits are the dyes and formaldehyde that are in the fabric.  Here are some tips to avoid this problem:

- Wear loose fitting clothes.
- Wash new clothes at least twice before wearing them.
- Those who are allergic to dyes should steer clear from clothes that are made from nylon, spandex, acrylic, or polyester.

2.  Use the dilution method.  It is almost impossible to completely eliminate contact with everyday products.  But you can use the method of diluting to weaken the amount of harmful chemicals and dyes that contain in these products.  Here are some suggestions:

- Add a tablespoon of baking soda and half the amount of shampoo that you use to rinse off waxy buildup from hair conditioners.
- Adding baking soda to your laundry that is not stained can reduce that required amount of detergent by up to fifty percent.
- Dilute your shampoo by using only half the amount and adding water as the other half.

3.  Treat your skin as you would treat a baby’s.  Just like a baby’s skin, people with sensitive skin needs the plainest products and those that offer the most protection against irritating factors.

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Severe acne problems torment many men and women.  Are you one of them?

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Getting rid of those dark circles under your eyes

Do you want to completely eradicate those annoyingly nasty looking dark circles that are under your eyes?  Read on…

No other facial flaw is more noticeable to everyone else that is looking at your face than dark circles are.  The appearance of dark circles increases how old you look and is a sure sign of someone who is unhealthy, whether by stress or by poor living habits.  The culprit is generally a combination of things like sun damage, heredity, allergies, aging, and of course – lack of sleep!

But even if you get enough sleep and are stress free, as you age there is a likelihood that you may develop dark circles anyway.  This is a result of the layer of fat underneath your eyes that actually thicken in time and gives the illusion of dark circles when you are in certain lighting. 

In addition to that extra fat layer that contributes to dark circles, years of sun damage causes microscopic blood vessels underneath your eyes to loose their stability and add to the problem.

So what can you do about dark circles?  Below are 3 simple ways that you can take advantage of to help with your tired looking eyes.

1.  For a quick fix try using a concealer.  Using yellow will neutralize the blues, purples, and husky hues on the skin.  This does not rid the problem, but can build your confidence for the day to alleviate the ‘tired look’.

2.  Use tea bags and cucumbers!  Yes there definitely is something to seeing those commercials with women having cucumbers and tea bags on top of their eyes.  Both tea bags and cucumbers reduce inflammation and decrease swelling.  Tea bags are especially good to use for dark swollen circles because there is tannin inside of the tea that helps with eliminating the puffiness.

3.  Use more anti-oxidants.  Antioxidant treatments help to reduce fluid buildup under the eyes, which decreases the look of the dark circles.  Go for treatments that involve a lot of vitamin C and GHK copper peptides.  Also, vitamin K is great for restoring stability and strength to the blood vessels under the eyes, which reduces their proliferation.

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