Rejuvenate and replenish your skin with nature's gift from bees.

Honey is a natural humectant, that moisturizes and leaves even tired skin incredibly smooth.

Masks are an important part of a skin care routine as they deep cleanse the skin and take away dead skin cells.

Remember to use a mask once a week and keep using them. It only takes a short amount of time each week to be on the right road for clean healthy looking skin.

When applying masks it is important to stay away from the eye area as the skin is very delicate and you do not need to put pressure on that skin and to avoid entering the eye. Use local and organic ingredients where possible.

Honey is fabulous for normal skin types. Place a cloth in warm water and apply to face and neck. Smear on honey, and leave for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then use cool water. Use once per week. This will leave your skin soft and glowing.

For dry skin types mix honey with oats, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply to face, leave for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon almond oil and 1 tablespoon yogurt. Honey stimulates and smoothes, egg and almond oil penetrate and moisturize, and yogurt refines and helps tighten pores. Apply to face, leave for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

The yoghurt gives the mask a creamy base and a source of lactic acid (AHA) which helps to exfoliate your skin. It also helps reduce bacteria on the skin.

Another variation is to mix together; 2 tablespoons organic honey, 2 tablespoons Sweet Almond oil, 5 drops essential oil of Rose and 1 drop Vitamin E oil. Massage onto clean face and neck with fingertips. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Gently pat dry to reveal a fresh, soft complexion.

For oily skin, mix 1/2 cup fine oatmeal with enough honey to form a stiff paste, adding a little rose water if it is too stiff. Cleanse the face and apply the mask, leaving it on for about 30 minutes, then remove with warm water and a soft cloth. -ecobites

Hyper Pigmentation - Do you Know the Results of Sun Damage and How to Avoid them?

Sun damage is a very common threat to us all because of our frequent exposure to UV light. UV light is the most dangerous to our skin, despite that it is invisible to the eye. A small amount of exposure is healthy as is produces vitamin D. However, larger quantities damage the body's genetic material and alter the amounts and types of chemicals that skin cells make. These changes are responsible for common effects of sun damage such as burning, premature aging, wrinkling, age spots and skin cancer. It is important to be informed on what damaging effects the sun can have and what you can do to avoid them.

Did you Know About the Deeper Effects the Sun Can Have on your Skin?

Analysis has shown that UV rays do not only damage the skin's surface but go deeper to cause more lasting effects. Surface damage can be obvious in the form of sunburn and freckles, but more harm is being done than we can see. UV rays penetrate the skin and produce free radicals and that lead to collagen break down, wrinkles, and possible cancer. A lack of healthy collagen proteins also relates to a mounting number of abnormal elastin tissues. Under the effects of the sun, the enzymes that create collagen do so in a faulty manner, producing disorganized collagen tissue. Over time, this pattern of faulty rebuilding leads to wrinkles. Sun exposure also produces free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules looking for electrons, a process that can damage cells and change genetic material, leading to threats of cancer. UV exposure also is destructive to pigment producing cells and causes brown pigmentation and blotchy complexion. These reactions that occur under the skin's surface create unwanted effects that are difficult to reverse.

Did you Know the Sun is the Leading Cause of Wrinkles?

It's true. Science has proven that exposure to UV rays constitutes at least 80 percent of wrinkle development. This is because the sun damages collagen fibers. Collagen is a protein necessary for healthy, tight, and smooth skin. Elastin, a fibrous tissue, is built up which further breaks down collagen. This creates a flawed collagen fiber formation which creates wrinkles over time. Free radicals also enter our body due to UV radiation which creates molecular imbalance. This imbalance threatens cell damage that can range from collagen break down, heightened enzyme production, development of wrinkles, to skin cancer.

Did you Know Age Spots Could be More Accurately Called Sun Spots?

After years of sun exposure you can develop flat drown hyper pigmentations called age spots. Despite its name, age does not cause an age spot, the sun does! Age spots usually develop on your face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and back which are the parts of your body most often exposed to the sun. UV radiation damages melanocytes, your skin's cells that create melanin. These cells are found on the outermost layer of skin and are responsible for creating darker pigments in order to protect deeper layers from the damages of UV. Sun damaged melanocytes produce too much pigment and cause random dark spots that may grow over time.

How to Avoid Effects of Sun Damage

If you can, the most effective way to protect yourself from sun exposure is to avoid it during the hours when UV rays are the strongest. If you continue to find yourself outside, be sure to use sunscreen. This is important to do everyday, even if you have makeup that boasts sun protection. If your time exposed to the sun is extended, be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly. It is also important for you to know of any medications that you take that cause you to be more sensitive to sunlight. For those at higher risk, it is recommended to apply sunscreen as well as use other protective layers such as hats, glasses, and clothing that limits your skin's exposure to the sun. Prevent harmful effects of the sun by protecting yourself as well as addressing already visible signs of damage with natural skin care. -Valerie DeVette

Sun Damage - What are the Effects of Sun Exposure?

Sun damage is a dangerous and a regular threat to all. It is difficult to avoid the sun and therefore easy to be harmed by it. What can the sun do to negatively impact your skin? Studies have shown numerous harmful effects of UV radiation. These include wrinkles, spider veins, age spots, blotchy complexion and threats of skin cancer. The following familiarizes you with the most common effects, how they are caused, and what can be done to prevent them. Make sure you are informed about the risks of sun exposure in order to care for yourself now and protect yourself in the future.

How Does the Sun Damage Skin?

Scientists have found the reactions that UV rays can cause that go beyond the skin's surface. There are visible signs of damage on the skin's surface, however, more harm is being done that we can not see. UV rays penetrate the skin and produce free radicals and that lead to collagen break down, wrinkles, and possible cancer. The destruction of collagen is also associated with a build up of abnormal elastin. The sun's harmful rays create an enzyme that produces a incompetent type of collagen tissue. This continued process of faulty collagen restoration produces wrinkles. UV exposure also results in a higher number of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules looking for electrons, a process that can damage cells and change genetic material, leading to threats of cancer. UV exposure also is destructive to pigment producing cells and causes brown pigmentation and blotchy complexion. These underlying reactions caused by sun exposure create nasty effects that are difficult to reverse.

How does the Sun Cause Wrinkles?

One of the most common effects of UV radiation is wrinkles. Wrinkles show up on the parts of your body where UV exposure is the greatest. The breakdown of collagen and creation of free radicals causes the appearance of both fine surface wrinkles as well as deep furrows. Collagen is the protein that holds your skin together to make it firm and smooth. Skin that lacks adequate collagen levels is left saggy and wrinkled. Unfortunately, collagen can not restore itself after it is damaged. Facial wrinkles are created in this manner up to 80 percent of the time.

How does the Sun Cause Age Spots?

A second common outcome of sun exposure is age spots. Our skin has a melanin pigment that helps absorb the sunlight in order to protect our skin from UV rays. Unfortunately, aging skin loses its capability to deflect UV rays and it starts to show signs of age spots. These come from the sun's ability to damage melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin. As time goes by, sun exposure causes more pigment than normal to be deposited in the skin. This leads eventually to flat, brown skin lesions known as age spots.

How do you Protect Yourself From the Sun?

If you are able to do so, it is most effective to stay out of the sun completely or at least during the hours of the day when the sun's rays are the strongest. If you can't keep yourself out of the sun, it is vital to use sunscreen. This is important to do everyday, even if you have makeup that boasts sun protection. If you find yourself outside for awhile, it is important to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Also be aware if you are taking any medications that cause you to be more vulnerable to the sun. For those at higher risk, it is recommended to apply sunscreen as well as use other protective layers such as hats, glasses, and clothing that limits your skin's exposure to the sun. Take care of yourself by protecting your skin from future harms due to sun damage as well as addressing already visible signs of aging with natural skin care. -Valerie DeVette

Aloe Vera - A Miracle Skin

Before any treatment to our skin we must know what type of skin we have and how we care for, so we are giving better care...

Understand your skin care:
Although there are nuances, one can say generically that there are three skin types: fat, dry, normal or mixed. Some experts add a fourth type, which is sensitive skin, but this type of skin can occur in any of the three previous cases rather than a separate category is a feature associated with it.

How do I know the skin type I have?

First you must know that the concept is applied to classify the skin type is fat it generates. Knowing this is far easier to clarify the type of skin we have, what problems are more likely to suffer and how to treat.

Oily- To distinguish an oily skin must observe several signals in the mirror: they tend to emphasize highlights, skins pores are bright in excess, commonly reject the makeup, which tends to be displaced due to the action of fat, since it forms a film where cosmetic products with greater difficulty setting.

How to care for an oily skin?

Skins are more acne-prone skin where often develop black spots should be treated with an astringent, like aloe gel, which protects and nourishes while reducing excess fat. Do not stop to keep young people hydrate and smooth, this requires using a moisturizer or fat free hydro-nutritive.

Dry skin- It is just the opposite case of oily skin, this type of skin sebaceous glands do not produce enough grease and fat deficiency results in a rough and dull skin in which the pores are almost closed. Tends to dry with the simple effect of air and in some cases reaching the quarter.

How to care for a dry skin?

This type of skin requires more care than the normal or oily skin, it tends to age prematurely. We apply daily nourishing cream rich in vegetable oils (almond, avocado, olive ...) and vitamins, particularly vitamins E and A, which combat the effects of free radicals and premature aging. Nor can we neglect the hydration to keep skin hydrated is necessary to apply a moisturizer, preferably after a shower and her skin was still wet. Complementing all this caution: avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Normal or mixed skin- The normal or mixed skin is characterized by excess fat in the forehead, nose and chin and dry cheeks and cheekbones. It's the kind of skin care easier, because both fat and the dry zone are less extreme.

How to care for a mixed complexion?
First (this applies to all skin types) try not to punish her things out too long in the sun or pollution situations, excessive smoke, etc... Usually a good cleaning and moisturizing often enough, in the aloe vera is good for lowering fat and cheekbones and cheeks a hydro-nutritive.

Sensitive skin- As we said at the beginning any skin type (fat, dry or normal), also may be sensitive. These skins react with spots, rashes, dermatitis or redness to emotional changes, temperature, stress, etc... Outbreaks are often passengers who disappear quickly, sometimes associated with some type of cream; they are prone to skin allergies.

How to treat sensitive skin?

To begin with attempts to use hypoallergenic products, always do the test of cotton: cotton wet with a small amount of product you're going to apply yourself, rub on your wrist and see if your skin reacts with any outbreak, if not you can apply the product, which must conform to the canons of skin type you have and we have discussed in the preceding paragraphs.

SOME TIPS FOR SKIN CARE WITH ALOE VERA

Sometimes not enough to apply the right product, then you have to do it the right way. Whenever you use a face cream it is important to remember that the skin very clean, that you will get it by washing with mild soap before application, so that an optimum result I recommend that you use at least once a week an exfoliating gel and you to apply a mask a couple times a month, so get your pores are wide open and ready to receive and absorb easily. It is also important to gently massage and circled the area where you will apply the cream as well as the open pores is desirable that the capillaries are activated and receive the flow of nutrients.

The last factor to consider before applying the cream is to use a product that promotes penetration for maximum cosmetic use, for it is nothing better than aloe, that guarantee that besides nutrients greatly enhance the penetration of all components of the cream you use, this is due to its high content of lignin, a compound that accelerates and enhances the absorption. In addition, aloe can be applied in all skin types as you explained below:
If you have dry skin aloe gel mixed with olive oil, avocado or sweet almond and have excellent nutrition.

If you have oily skin, use the gel alone, is astringent and reduces excess fat, may notice some tension at first, if it bothers you apply your gel after the shower, his face still wet, and get a perfect hydration without grease face.

If you have normal or mixed skin you can use in pure aloe gel, apply until completely absorbed. You can also use aloe gel with vitamins E and A to give firmness to the skin, massage in one direction for a moment and see that the result is visible, aloe promotes production of collagen and has an exfoliating effect and therefore also fights stains and wrinkles, is a true multipurpose.

In addition to caring for your skin, you can also use aloe to heal. Use the 95% gel small acne scars, scars, blemishes of the face or other skin imperfections, you can also use it as hair gel after showering, strengthen your hair and keep it healthy and beautiful.

Is constant, use your cosmetics in combination with aloe and notice the results. -Adrinna Smith

Beauty Treatments That Help You Sleep

There's no doubt that a full night of sleep makes a difference in how you look. There's also no doubt that the current state of world affairs makes it hard to get to sleep. Yet if you are interested in preserving your looks and getting a decent nights rest, you don't have to resort to expensive sleep pills and intensive night creams. All you have to do is buy one of the new aromatherapy based beauty products that can help you get to sleep.

A leader in this arena is the Aromessence product line by French cosmetics company Decleor. The company has been a pioneer in the scent industry, earning special titles and terminology from the Sense of Smell Institute for its work in aromachology. It's the science of the way that scent alters behavior, and in this case they have mastered the way the scents in their Aromessence night balm can help you get a good nights sleep.

Unlike addictive sleeping pills, the night balm has no nasty side effects. In fact, the main side effects you will see are going to be smoother skin, a glowing complexion, and reduced wrinkles. The texture of the creams is smooth and designed to feel as though it is melting into your skin when applied. The product is full of essential oils and aquaporins that are designed to penetrate your skin deeply for ultimate repair, all while influencing your central nervous system to relax and fall into a restful slumber.

In that sense, the products are addictive--who doesn't like looking good? You may find yourself hooked before you know it. The best part about it all is that you don't need to see a doctor to start using the product. The only permission you need is your own permission to start looking better and sleeping better.

Decleor Aromessence products are available online through quality beauty retailers. By offering the products online, Decleor and its partners are able to bring their lab-tested successes to you for prices well under what you would pay for the same thing in a brick and mortar shop. You can save money, have the products delivered directly to your door, and wake up feeling and looking amazing in practically no time at all. When everyone around you starts commenting and wondering what you've done to yourself, you can simply credit your own brillance in finding a beauty treatment that really works for you, even when you're snoring. -James Mckay

Avocados Are Really Good - And Not Just To Eat

Known as one of the most versatile fruit, avocado can either be cooked or eaten raw. In some countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Brazil, avocado is enjoyed as a dessert drink mixed with milk, sugar and water. Mexico and Central America enjoys this fruit as a part of the main dish served with rice, salads, chicken and meat. Jamaicans enjoy this alongside bread or bulla.

Vegetarian chefs are also fond of substituting meat with avocado as the former has high fat content. This good-tasting fruit is also perfect in making California rolls and maki sushi. Aside from its rich texture and taste, avocado is rich in potassium, B vitamins, and vitamin E. It is also a good source of protein and carbohydrates. Avocado oils, on the other hand, are rich in lecithin, antioxidants, and vitamins A and E that help in maintaining healthy and youthful skin. The antioxidants found in this fruit help in fighting off cancer cells and at the same time help in maintaining wrinkle-free skin.

Are you low on budget? Here is a simple way for you to enjoy home-made avocado beauty products. To make an avocado facial, you will need 1/2 cup non-instant oatmeal, 1 cup mashed avocado and 1 to 2 tablespoons honey. Just mix all the ingredients in a blender and blend it until it becomes smooth. Apply it to your face. Let it dry for 15 minutes, rinse and pat dry with a towel. This very easy and affordable spa-like home treatment will give your skin rejuvenation and reduce eye puffiness.

To have a thoroughly-cleansed skin, make an avocado deep cleanser. What you will need are 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 avocado which is already ripe and has been peeled. In a bowl, beat the egg yolk until it becomes light and frothy. Then, add milk and the avocado. Apply it to your skin using cotton just like you would do with other cleansers and enjoy the deep cleansing effect. This mixture is effective against pollutants and also good to use after cleansing your face with soap and water. Refrigerate any leftovers to preserve it.

Is it not good to know that even with the current economic situation, you can still enjoy skin pampering using avocado as face lotion for face? Aside from its economical benefits, using this type of facial lotion means you are using natural products, thus eliminating chances of side-effects that are usually found with products that are chemically-based. -Gerald Shaw

5 Foods For Clear Skin

Jodi Frestedt breezed through her teenage years without so much as a pimple. While most of her peers suffered their share of embarrassing breakouts, Frestedt never gave her skin a second thought as she posed for school pictures and primped for prom. But at age 26, her face erupted in a slew of blemishes, leaving her baffled and suddenly self-conscious.

Frestedt’s situation is far from unique. Although we’d all like to think our acne days are behind us once we leave high school, breakouts affect some 54 percent of women and 40 percent of men over age 25, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. What’s more, the number of adult acne sufferers continues to rise. “I have seen an uptick in adult acne in my practice over the past 18 years,” says Valori Treloar, MD, dermatologist and coauthor of The Clear Skin Diet (Cumberland House Publishing, 2007).

As more adults head to the dermatologist, experts ponder the causes of this unwelcome condition. While possible contributors include pollution, today’s high stress levels, and newly developed prescription medications, an emerging body of research points to another culprit: the Western diet.

But wait, haven’t doctors, textbooks, and health and beauty magazines been telling us for decades that the link between food and acne is merely a myth? That loading up on chocolate bars and fried foods will not result in a face full of zits?

There is a food-acne connection
Although a famous 1969 study of chocolate’s effect on skin debunked any connection between food and skin problems, dermatologists may have dismissed diet’s impact on acne too quickly. Recent studies show that high-glycemic foods such as refined grains and processed sugars–the mainstays of a typical Western diet–may, in fact, trigger breakouts.

Here’s the problem: High-glycemic fare such as french fries, breakfast cereal, white bread, and soda boost blood sugar too quickly–and the pancreas responds by making extra insulin to bring those sugar levels down. As an unintended consequence, the insulin also signals the sebaceous glands to manufacture and secrete sebum, the oil-like substance that’s carried to our pores via hair follicles. In proper quantities, sebum is a good thing; it flushes out dead cells and keeps your skin lubricated. But too much causes the bacterium P. acnes to over-propagate and jam up the hair follicle. The result? Whiteheads and blackheads on your forehead, chin, and cheeks.

In addition, what Americans don’t eat may prove equally problematic for their skin. For instance, with 97 percent of our grain intake coming from processed rather than whole grains, we don’t get enough of the fiber, zinc, and vitamin B6 that can help curb acne. And the vast majority of US adults fail to get their daily allotment of fruits and vegetables–seven to nine servings–leading to a shortage of blemish-blocking vitamins and antioxidants. Overconsumption of omega-6 fatty acids from processed foods and vegetable oils, coupled with too little of the anti-inflammatory omega-3s found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, compounds the problem, since inflammation (already implicated in heart disease, diabetes, and prostate and breast cancers) may very well damage our largest organ, the skin, as well.

On the bright side, making low-glycemic foods the heart of your diet may zap those zits once and for all. In a 2007 Australian study, researchers examined 43 male acne patients, giving one group a low-glycemic diet of whole grains, lean meat, and fish while keeping the control group on a regimen of high-carb, high-glycemic foods. After 12 weeks, the low-glycemic dieters had far fewer pimples than the control group.

Frestedt didn’t need a study to convince her that dietary shifts can trigger or alleviate blemishes. Shortly before her acne struck, she became roommates with a woman who served buttery mashed potatoes, creamy pasta dishes, rich pastries, and fatty cuts of red meat. Although Frestedt tried to avoid eating these low-nutrient foods, she just couldn’t resist the homemade fettuccini Alfredo and piping-hot rhubarb pie�and her skin suffered. Topical treatments failed to clear the blemishes, but less than two months after moving to her own place, Frestedt was back to her old eating habits. And after a couple of weeks of eating steamed veggies, lean turkey, and whole-grain bread again, she noticed that her oily, irritated skin had begun to clear.

Bad-news foods
Before you declare war on ginger snaps and mac n cheese, know that food affects everyone differently–some people are wired to react more severely to acne-promoting foods than others. For instance, Patricia Janner, 54, drinks two cans of cola every day, frequently feasts on fried foods, and can’t remember the last time a pimple popped up on her face. (Of course, she’s hardly the epitome of health, even with good skin karma.) Meanwhile, Robert Heilmann, 35, says he maintains “a fairly healthy diet,” yet zits sprout on his nose and forehead on a regular basis.

“Not all acne patients are the same,” says Treloar. To determine which foods spell trouble for your skin, Richard Fried, MD, dermatologist and author of Healing Adult Acne (New Harbinger, 2005), recommends keeping track of what you eat in a food log. “Take note of certain foods or types of food you ate four to 24 hours before an acne flare-up,” he says. See how your skin reacts to specific foods and eliminate anything that causes problems.

Foods to avoid
While no across-the-board food prescription will cure acne, experts suggest steering clear of these specific foods and food categories in order to score glowing, blemish-free skin:
Refined grains. Because they are so highly processed, the majority of cereals, breads, and other flour-based foods that we love to eat lack the nutrients, namely zinc, and antioxidants our skin needs to combat acne.

Refined sugars. Candy, soda, pastries, and cookies can be particularly troublesome for those prone to acne. These indulgences spike blood sugar levels, which your body tries to bring down by producing more insulin and male hormones. In turn, these hormones prompt the sebaceous glands to work overtime, resulting in blocked pores and inflammation.

Milk. “If there’s one thing you should remove from your diet if you want clear skin, it’s milk,” says Alan Logan, ND, coauthor of The Clear Skin Diet. Although relatively low on the glycemic index, milk carries a heavy hormone load–even organic milk contains hormones because all milk comes from nursing cows. These hormones, along with a high percentage of calcium, has made milk a suspected acne trigger for decades.

Dermatologists believe milk accelerates the body’s synthesis of androgens, male hormones present in both men and women, which causes the sebaceous glands to crank out excess sebum. You can avoid milk’s blemish-inducing effects without skimping on calcium by switching to calcium-fortified soy milk and other nondairy milks and eating plenty of spinach, collard greens, and tofu.

Vegetable oils. Corn, sunflower, safflower, and sesame oils have far more omega-6 fatty acids than anti-inflammatory omega-3s. This imbalance promotes inflammation, which causes skin cells to clump together and jam pores.

5 acne-zapping foods
Now that you’ve figured out which foods to avoid, you may worry that you’ll face serious food deprivation. But rest assured there are plenty of delicious foods that also help fight acne, including:

1. Whole grains. When it comes to thwarting acne-causing inflammation, fiber-packed whole grains work like a charm. “Whole grains carry a lot of antioxidants,” says Logan. “They also stabilize blood sugar and prevent insulin spikes.” But be careful when perusing grocery store aisles for whole-grain items–crafty label lingo can make a loaf of bread or box of pasta seem like a healthy choice, when in reality it carries only a small percentage of whole grains. Logan advises checking a product’s nutrition info to make sure it’s high in fiber and low in sugar. Even better: Forget wheat and give ancient grains like quinoa and millet a try.

2. Fish. Heralded as the premiere source of omega-3 fatty acids, cold-water, oily fish are loaded with anti-inflammatory eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The Clear Skin Diet lauds oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, anchovies, and sardines as the most potent choices for blemish-free skin.

3. Green vegetables. Packed with inflammation-fighting nutrients and loads of antioxidants, most green leafy veggies contain plenty of fiber, which helps slow the rise of blood sugar after eating.

4. Purple and deep red foods. According to The Clear Skin Diet, foods containing anthocyanins are high in antioxidants and help maintain blood flow to the skin, promoting optimum cell turnover (essential for keeping pores clear). Acai, pomegranates, purple carrots, black grapes, and beets are all great choices.

5. Green tea. Among its numerous health benefits, green tea also helps keep pimples from popping up. It’s chock-full of the antioxidant catechin EGCG, an effective anti-inflammatory. But beware of bottled green tea drinks, which often contain scads of added sugar and calories. -Melaina Juntti, Natural Solutions

10 Things You Should Never Do to Your Skin

Your skin is your protector that meets and greets your external world. As your body’s largest organ, the skin serves as a waterproof covering that helps keep out foreign invaders and protects against temperature changes and sunlight. Your skin is tough and it can take a lot of punishment, but some things can make it look bad and weaken it. The following are ten actions that are harmful to your skin.

1. Picking, Popping, or Squeezing

REMEMBER: Popping zits doesn’t make things better; in fact, it often makes things worse. I realize that it’s tempting to think that squeezing them will help them heal more quickly — especially the swollen, red goobers filled with stuff! But scrunching these guys only pushes the inflamed gunk deeper and wider into the skin and that’s what most often results in scars. So, lay off the lumps! Having said all that, I realize that it’s hard to resist a squeeze or two here and there, but only do so when dealing with blackheads and whiteheads.

TIP: If you’re a do-it-yourselfer or plan to become a dermatologist or a cosmetologist, you can buy your own comedo extractor at a medical supply company. Better yet, see a dermatologist or go for a facial to have your blackheads and whiteheads extracted professionally.

2. Pre-tanning at a Salon

Pre-tanning at a tanning salon to get ready for the intense sun at the beach isn’t the great idea that it’s been cut out to be. In fact, whether you acquire a tan quickly or slowly, you still damage your skin. Just like the sun, artificial tanning equipment beds and sun lamps emit UV rays that can cause burns, premature aging, and skin cancers, especially if you’re a higher risk, fair-skinned person who produces less melanin.

3. Smoking

You’ve heard about the risks of smoking (like lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema). But have you ever noticed that the skin of elderly smokers tends to have a yellowish coloration? Next to sun exposure, smoking is the highest factor in wrinkling. In other words, smoking makes you look older!

TECHNICAL STUFF: The nicotine in cigarette smoke also causes small blood vessels and capillaries of the skin to contract. This diminishing circulation deprives the skin of much essential oxygen it needs to create and maintain healthy skin cells.

There’s no controversy about this one — don’t smoke!

4. Taking Too Much Vitamin A

You may have heard that vitamin A helps cure acne. What you may not know is that if you take too much of it, vitamin A can accumulate in your liver to dangerous levels and cause serious health problems. It’s best to get your vitamin A in moderation, from whole foods. Good sources include leafy greens (like spinach and watercress) and orange veggies (like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots).

There are safer derivatives of vitamin A to treat your acne — topical retinoids and oral Accutane — that your healthcare provider can prescribe.

5. Traveling the Perilous Peel and Dermabrasion Route

If your complexion is dark, you may run the risk of having streaking, uneven pigmentation after chemical peel or dermabrasion procedures. Moreover, if you scar easily or tend to form keloids, you should probably consider these procedures as being potentially too risky.

TIP: Get a second or third opinion from practitioners experienced in these procedures on patients with your type of skin before embarking on something you might regret.

6. Treating Rosacea with Over-the-Counter Medications

Don’t try to combat your rosacea alone. You should discuss your rosacea skin-care with a dermatologist. People with rosacea tend to have red, inflamed, sensitive skin.

TIP: Consult with a dermatologist before experimenting with products.

7. Applying Topical Steroids to Your Face

Okay, if you have a mild rash or itch, you can go to your local store and buy the over-the-counter, low-strength cortisone cream or ointment to treat the symptoms for a few days or so. However, don’t make it a regular habit! Topical steroids can cause acne and potentially thin your skin after continuous use.

WARNING: You definitely should not use a potent prescription-strength topical steroid on your face unless instructed by your doctor or dermatologist. Steroid-induced rosacea and skin thinning are much more likely to occur with the high potency creams.

8. Shaving with Four-In-One Razor Blades

If you have acne, shaving bumps, or sensitive skin, four-in-one razors–those that guarantee the closest shave– aren’t for you. Ignore the ongoing battle between razor companies to see who can stick the most blades on a single disposable razor head. Besides costing an arm and a leg, incredibly sharp blades will wind up shaving closer than what is necessary and really irritate your skin!

TIP: Easy does it. Let your hairs grow a little and when you do shave use a single blade safety razor such as the Aveeno PFB Bump Fighter Razor.


9. Using Mystery Products

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true.

Exercise caution — some of these drugs may have fraudulent claims, and others may even hurt you. Herbs can be as toxic and dangerous as prescription drugs. Look out for and avoid:

• “Secret” formulas (real scientists share what they know)
• Amazing breakthroughs or miracle cures (real breakthroughs don’t happen every day, and when they do, real scientists don’t call them “amazing” or “miracles”)
• Guaranteed cures

Let your healthcare provider or dermatologist know about any of these products you may be taking or are considering taking.

WARNING: There have been reports of severe toxic reactions, so you should be very cautious before trying anything that is untested.

10) Looking in the Mirror too Much

If you’re undergoing treatment for your acne, you should know that it won’t improve overnight and by examining it continuously, you just magnify any flaws — real or imagined. Finding those flaws can cause stress to both you and your face.

TIP: When you apply makeup, use a “soft focus” with your eyes and don’t take magnified close-up looks at your zits or comedones. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your skin will improve if you ignore it for a few days at a time while your medications have a chance to work! -Dr. Herbert P. Goodheart, Intent.com

Homemade Hand Lotion

Come winter time and your hands start getting dry and chapped. Those long fingers, that were the envy of your friends in winters, now seem to have become extremely rough and parched. How you long for those soft and beautiful hands once again, but the price of hand lotions in the market seems to be skyrocketing.

Make Your Own Homemade Hand Lotion
Gas prices are going up. Money is tight. So how are we supposed to save money? One way is by making things at home that you would have to pay good money for in the store. In many cases, things you make at home will end up costing you a lot less than things purchased already made in the store.

To Make This Homemade Hand Lotion
Melt the petroleum jelly and beeswax in a double boiler. Add the glycerin and heat for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and well heated. Add the bee pollen and pour into a container while still hot since the mixture does harden as it cools.

Did You Know ?

Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to your skin. Glycerin is a natural by-product of the soapmaking process and while commercial manufacturers remove the glycerin for use in their more profitable lotions and creams.

homemade hand cream
use 2 teaspoons of perfumed body lotion and 1 to 2 drops of red food color. Put stearic acid, glycerin and wax in a "crock" on low heat, until all is well melted. Then add the 1/2 ounce of ammonia and stir fast with a wooden spoon (this will look a little milky). Have Borax dissolved in warm water; add, stir and immediately start beating (on low speed). Take off stove and beat until it looks like whipped cream.

Featuring Soaps Made the Old Fashion Way
Starting with an olive oil base, by adding a little coconut oil, some shortening and lye, with lots of patience and stirring, we can create a high quality, gentle soap. There is a waiting time for the soap to cure in their molds and when they are finished we have a lovely, hard bar that lasts a very long time.

Homemade hand cream recipes
Squeeze the oil out of 2 or 3 vitamin E capsules into a bowl. Add 2 Tbsp. each of olive oil and coconut oil, and mix together. This makes about a 4 oz. mixture. This can be stored in the refrigerator or a cool place for a few weeks, and used as needed. Since the concoction is very smooth, you may want to use it at bedtime as a night cream.

Hand creams are easily made at home. Most of them involve the use of beeswax as it is one of the best natural ingredients that lock in the moisture and protect the skin of the hands from drying and damage.

All Natural Hand Cream Recipes
Our natural hand cream helps heal dry, chaffed skin with regular use; Great for elbows, knees and feet. Contains contains grapeseed oil infused with Calendula flowers, aloe vera, tea tree oil, beeswax and tinture of benzoin. Great for rough, chapped hands, elbows and feet. Softens AND Heals.

A honey and almond cream that works great for dry skin requires 2 ounces of honey, 4 ounces of lanolin, and 2 ounces of almond oil. Melt the honey in a double boiler. Add the lanolin and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and let cool. When cooled, add the almond oil, stirring well. Add perfume if desired. A shaving cream that can be made at home requires 8 ounces of heavy mineral oil, 8 ounces of glycostearin (diglycol stearate), and 40 ounces of water.

Dissolve gum in 1 cup lukewarm water. Soft water should be used. Let stand 24 hours or til it gels, then add other ingredients. Shake well and dilute with warm soft water until the desired consistency is obtained. Personal note from Sherry - Nope, I don't know what gill is. -Saiera

How to Use Fresh Strawberries as an Eco-Friendly Face and Body Exfoliate

Containing loads of antioxidants, rich in folic acid and Vitamins A, B, K and C, strawberries are not only a nutritious summer fruit, but an esthetically useful one as well. With just a few easy to find ingredients, strawberries can replace expensive, chemical-laden body scrubs. This quick and easy exfoliate can be used from head to toe, is cheap, eco-friendly and smells...well, downright delicious.

Things You'll Need:
* 10-12 fresh strawberries
* 2.5 tablespoons of extra light olive oil
* 1.5 tablespoons of salt (sea salt or coarse salt is
best)
* bowl to mix and mash ingredients
* small container to hold your exfoliate (optional)
* large pestle and mortar OR fork OR small holed potato masher

Instructions:
1. Wash the strawberries thoroughly and pat dry.
2. If you'd prefer an "all red" exfoliate, remove the leaves and stems from the berries. Leaving
the leaves on is another option to add color and textural variation.
3. Place your strawberries into the mixing bowl and mash them completely into pulp. A pestle
and mortar works best for this, but a fork or potato masher can be used as well.
4. Stir in the olive oil until the mixture is uniform.
5. Add the sea salts (or coarse salt) and mix together evenly.

You've now got a great -all natural and eco-friendly!- exfoliate that you can use as a face, hand, foot or full body scrub.

Tips & Warnings
- Use the exfoliate within a couple of days, preferably right away for full benefits.
- There are a huge variety of sea salts available. Experiment with different aromas and grains to
further personalize your exfoliate.
- If you've ever experienced an allergy to fruit or strawberries in particular, or if you have
extremely sensitive skin, do a skin test on a small area before applying to the face or body. -Anne Edwards

Make Your Own Aromatherapy Bath Salts in Ten Minutes or Less

Aromatherapy bath salts are one of the quickest, easiest goodies to make for the bath - and one of the most healing. With just a few simple ingredients you can make your own aromatherapy bath salts to ease your aching back, calm your frazzled nerves or relax yourself for a deep, restful sleep.

We all need down time, and we all need to have fun. Life is so busy these days that it can be hard to carve out the time. Making your own aromatherapy bath salts is a great way to give yourself a break.

First, you give yourself some 'fun' time by making your scented bath salts - mixing, stirring, smelling... and, most especially, experimenting. Don't be afraid to blend together a few of your favorite essential oils to create your own custom scent. Play! The creative process is half the fun.

Second, you actually have to lie in the bath for a while (here's your down-time) to use your aromatherapy bath salts. Give yourself candles, a glass of wine or tea, soothing music - all those good, stress-draining, nerve-calming accessories. Lock the door and slide into warm, scented bliss - your own hand made, master crafted aromatherapy bath salts, created just for you!

Aromatherapy Bath Salts Quick Trick
If you honestly don't have time to make bath salts but you still want some aromatic down-time in the tub, try this instant 'cheat'. Add 1 to 2 cups of Epsom Salt to your hot running bathwater. Pour a tablespoon of vegetable oil (any type will do) into a small glass. Add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Adjust the water temperature and slide into the tub. Pour in the essential oil mixture and swish it around a bit. Lie back and relax.

10 Minute Aromatherapy Bath Salt Recipe
3 cups Epsom Salt
1/2 cup Baking Soda
15 drops of your favorite Essential Oil (or one of the blends below)
Optional: 10 drops of your choice of food coloring

Measure salt and baking soda into a large glass, ceramic or stainless steel bowl (not plastic - it will absorb the essential oils.)
[Three minutes]

Stir together the salt and baking soda using a metal spoon (a wooden spoon will absorb the essential oils.)
[One minute]

Drop in the essential oils and food coloring, placing each drop in its own little spot on top of the salt.
[Two minutes]

Stir until thoroughly mixed.
[One minute, maybe two]

Pour your essential oil bath salt mixture in a dark glass or PET plastic jar. Click on the following link to learn why you should use dark glass. http://www.easy-aromatherapy-recipes.com/storing-essential-oils.html
[One minute]

That's it! Nine minutes (plus one extra for spills or finding your glasses.) Quick, easy, painless!

It's best to let your aromatherapy bath salts cure at least 24 hours before using them so the salt can really absorb the aroma.

Use about one cup of salts per bath. This aromatherapy bath salt recipe makes enough for three baths.

Essential Oil Bath Salt Blends
Cheer Up! Essential Oil Bath Salt Blend

• 7 drops Bergamot essential oil
  
• 7 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
  
• 1 drop Rose Geranium essential oil
  

Super Sedative Essential Oil Bath Salt Blend

• 8 drops Sandalwood essential oil
  
• 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  
• 3 drops Cedar essential oil
  

Pain Relief Essential Oil Bath Salt Blend

• 10 drops Lavender essential oil
  
• 3 drops Chamomile essential oil
  
• 2 drops Marjoram essential oil
  

Making your own aromatherapy bath salts is so easy and quick that almost anyone can do it. It's a great activity to do with your children or grandchildren (just make sure an adult handles the essential oils.) Family time and play time all in one!

Plus, aromatherapy bath salts make great gifts - why not make up a big batch and share the love. We all have friends and relatives who could use a friendly jar of aromatherapy bath salts. Just remember to save some for yourself!

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, prevent, diagnose, or cure any condition. -Kyley Zimmerman

How You Can Get Rid Of Foot Fungus Easily

If you have foot fungus you can get it on or under your toenails, in the cracks of your feet and between your toes. It is an infection that will get in your skin like athlete's foot. It makes your feet burn and feel itchy, and it can break open and cause sores all over the area of your toes. It will make the skin on your feet flaky, sore, and scaly. It can make cracks and make your nails turn different colors such as black and yellow. It can also make the nails brittle.

This stuff will make your feet feel on fire all the time, and sometimes it is hard to get rid of. Some people can't get rid of it because nothing works. Your nails will look like they are about to come off because of all the fungus under them. You can get it from using someone else's socks or shoes or by walking on the carpet in their home. You can even get it if you don't dry your feet well after you take a bath or a shower because it gets in the areas that have moisture. You also have to take off your shoes to let your feet air out and dry.

You feet will smell like something nasty. You can get rid of it by getting some foot care spray and cream. You can also use a specially formulated ointment, anti-fungal powder, or athlete's foot spray or cream. You can put the powder in your socks and your shoes to keep them dry when you get sweaty. Don't grow your nails long because the fungus can get in it that way. Walk barefoot to help them stay dry so they can heal. Clean your feet well and if you have cuts on the bottom of your feet, clean them out really well so the fungus will go away. If you don't it will get much worse, and it will be harder to get rid of or it can take longer.

Foot fungus makes your feet look nasty, and it will make you feel uncomfortable around other people. Clean your feet with soap and water and lather them up to get the bacteria off your feet. It can spread to other toes, and you can give it to someone else. You have to make sure you get all of the dead skin cells off so it will not happen to you if you don't have it. -Aydan Corkern

Natural Home Remedies for Brown Spots – Get Age Spots Free Skin

Age spots mostly appear in areas consistently exposed to sunlight (the face and backs of hands, for example), although they also are occasionally found on less exposed areas. Ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates the production of melanin. Melanin is the dark pigment in the epidermis that gives your skin its normal color. The extra melanin is produced to protect the deeper layers of your skin—creates the darker color of a tan.

Age spots are harmless. Age spots range from freckle-size to more than a centimeter across and can group together, making them more prominent. Often, age spots are accompanied by other signs of sun damage. Symptom is a skin lesion that is a painless, flat patch or macule (area of skin color change). Liver spots are the result of a "ceroid" pigment build up in the skin of older people. These latter spots are the outward signs of free radical destruction within the body. There is pre-oxidation of fats—in the cells instead of in the liver. Free radical damage produces waste materials in cells throughout the body, including the brain and liver. Liver spots do not become cancerous.

What causes age spots?

When you are exposed more to the sun your skin produces cells called melanocytes. These cells produce a dark brown pigment called melanin, because of which your skin turns darker. When you are overexposed to sunlight, the melanocytes will be produced in a higher extent. This causes in the appearance of brown, black or gray spots on your skin, which are popular as age spots. These age spots appear on every body area exposed to the skin, and they are more on your face as it is more exposed to sun than any other part.

Home Remedies to Treat Brown Spots:

Keep in mind that these brown spots, thought to be caused by sun damage or a nutrition deficiency, took years to form. A variation of this remedy is to rub on castor oil and take the vitamin E orally.

Lemon juice is a tried and tested remedy for treating freckles. Apply lemon juice with your fingers on the affected area; lemon juice bleaches the dark spots.

To remove freckles. Blanch and grind two almonds, mix it with white of an egg and half teaspoon of lime juice. Spread the mixture on the face and leave it on till the skin feels dry. Then, wash off first with warm water and then with cold water.

Another home remedy for facial brown spots is to make a paste of different plants cobinations and apply it to your face. Grind about 100 grams of dried basil leaf, neem leaf (from the tree the Indians call "Nature's Drugstore) and mint; add some turmeric powder. Put in enough rose water to make a paste. Apply this to the age spots on the face. Also , a paste of saffron and honey can also help remove dark spots.

Buttermilk Dab buttermilk on the spots. The lactic acid and other ingredients in the milk are beneficial to the skin. Buttermilk has been used for generations as a skin cleanser and as a beauty aid. -peterhutch

The Wonders of Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are named for the mineral rich waters of Epsom, England, where they were known at least as far back as Shakespeare's day. When bathing, the magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is absorbed through the skin and is an inexpensive and natural way to reduce stress, treat skin problems, and draw toxins from the body.

Epsom salts has been a long time remedy natural remedy for a number of ailments. An Epsom salts bath is known to relieve aching limbs, muscle strain and back pain. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts, reduce soreness from childbirth and relieves colds and congestion. Furthermore, Epsom salts will flush toxins and heavy metals from the body.

Epsom saltst is a natural stress reliever too. Stress drains the body of magnesium. An Epsom salts bath absorbs magnesium into our body thus helping to relieve stress. The magnesium helps to produce adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation.

Epsom salts has many uses, as an all body exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and promote circulation, as a foot soaking agent to smooth, relax and refreshes your feet and neutralize odors, and as a facial exfoliate.

Below are some easy skin care recipes using Epsom saltd. The cost is minimal yet very beneficial for your skin.

Just Like the Spa!

Massage a handful of Epsom Salt mixed with 1-tablespoon bath oil or olive oil and rub all over wet skin to cleanse exfoliate and soften the rough spots! Rinse well. Note recommended on freshly shaved legs.

Easy Facial Cleanser:

Mix ½ Tsp of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.

Epsom Salt Detox Bath Recipe

1 Cup Epsom salt

1 handful sea salt

2 Tablespoons bath oil

Pour the ingredients into the tub while the tub is filling.

Epsom salts has wonderful properties and uses that are beneficial to the mind, body, and soul. In addition, the cost of a box of Epsom salts is so minimal compared to all the fancy packaged skin care products, that you can indulge yourself as much as you like.

For those people that suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes, you should consult your doctor prior to using an Epsom salt bath. Additionally, the information provided above is not intended to replace the care or advice of a physician if you suffer from skin disorders, severe stress or anxiety, or other health problems. -Carol Belanger

Find the Right Answer - How to Remove Blackheads?

How to remove blackheads? This is a question that haunts most of us, because these are not easy to handle. Blackheads are smaller versions of zits and these are very stubborn and do not budge so easily. They are produced because of the excessive production of oil in our skin cells and also because of the dry skin cells that cannot be removed.

If you are looking for answers to how to remove black heads, you would have found that many of them use the very popular Biore strips. These are very popular. But the problem with these is the fact that they are very harsh with your skin. Every time you pull the blackheads out using this, your sensitive skin is also being pulled. Such excessive pressure on your skin will only cause damage to the underlying skin cells.

The only way to answer the question how to remove blackheads is to use natural means by understanding why these problems occur and treat the root cause and not just the symptoms. One cause as discussed earlier is the presence of excessive oil in the skin. The way you can reduce this would be to use a mild cleanser for your face that removes the excess oil. You can also use a hot wash cloth. This is very effective as it tends to loosen the pores. After the hot wash cloth, using just a facial scrub will remove the blackheads.

This procedure of cleaning your face regularly can be followed with the use of a gentle natural scrub that will exfoliate the dry skin cells from your face. You can also opt for a steam bath for your face before you try removing the blackheads manually. This will help in easily bringing them out. Using such natural remedies is the best way to tackle these blackheads. They will not cause any side effects as their chemical counterparts. -Abhinav Sidana

How to Get Rid of Blackheads - The Best Solutions Available

Are you looking for a solution on how to get rid of blackheads especially on the nose? All of us want glowing skin that is free from all sorts of blemishes like pimples, acne, zits etc. Use of doctor prescribed medicines will show effect and will indeed bring your skin almost back to normal. But the problem is that you will not know when these will recur again and when they do it will be harder to manage them.

Many of us opt for using manual methods like squeezing and pulling out our black heads. But this proves very difficult and painful as these are very small and there are chances that you push them much deeper inside. The pressure that you apply on your skin is also tremendous and you can be sure that you will damage your skin texture. Many people use Biore strips as a solution to the question how to get rid of blackheads. Though this proves effective, you can be sure that it will damage your skin content and cause marks to appear which cannot be cured.

If you really want answers to how to get rid of blackheads, then you need to understand what is causing this and form your solutions accordingly. You need to control your diet in a manner that is most effective because these are caused due to the presence of excessive oil in your skin. Avoiding junk food will help a great deal.

You also need to keep your skin very clean. Cleansing your skin continuously with a mild cleanser that will remove your dry skin will help a lot. You can also steam your skin as this will get the pores of your skin to open up and help you when you try removing these blackheads. All that you need to do is choose natural methods to correct the quality of your skin. -Abhinav Sidana

Are You A Woman Over 40? Do You Want To Lose Weight? 7 Things You Need to Know About Your Hormones

Hormones are great: They make us happy, falling in love and alert, can produce a dream figure and a soft skin. Of course, they have a different side too: They could make you down and sad, stimulate acne outbreaks and spare tires. Even little amounts can create big changes, because they regulate our bodies. The hormone system of women over 40 is changing- and one of the effects is that it's much tougher to lose weight permanently.

Let's have a look at the most crucial hormones:

Estrogen makes sexy, gives the right curves and keeps your skin firm. However, the comparative quantity of estrogen to other hormones must be right for that.
Strive for a hormone system that’s working as perfectly as possible- it’s really worth the effort.

The level of progesterone is declining after menopause, leading to excess estrogen. Your thyroid might be affected by this: thyroid hormones can be blocked if estrogen is not balanced correctly by progesterone. And this happens even if the thyroid gland works properly. A decline in thyroid activity is often found for women in menopause.

DHEA is another important hormone: It halts fat storage, making it an ideal candidate to look at for women over 40 who want to lose weight permanently.
Whatever you do to get your estrogen levels well-balanced will assist your DHEA levels too. In particular, you can eat extra virgin olive oil, amaranth seed or rice ban to increase DHEA levels.

As you probably know: Thyroid hormones are very important: They are contributing to your good mood, help smooth the skin and are active in digestion. The secretion of thyroid hormones can be disturbed easily. What you can do to get your thyroid going:

• Have adequate iodine. It can be found naturally in shellfish and fish

• Protein is essential to get the hormones going, so integrate lean sources of protein into your diet

• If you are stressed out all the time, your thyroid is always active. If you are having too much stress, your thyroid might respond negatively. Many women over 40 have a hectic day, making it hard to lose weight permanently.
  

Cortisol, Adrenalin and other stress hormones are able to get your body bulging and bloated. They are responsible for enhanced fat storage in your stomach.
If you want to lose weight permanently over 40 you need a well-balanced, stress-reduced life style.

The male sex hormone testosterone is important for women too: It strengthens the tissue and helps to increase muscle mass, thus improving burning fat. To increase your testosterone level you can have a look at:

• Believe it or not, but sex is really good to get the testosterone production going

• Have a look at your vitamin consumption, especially A, C, E and B. Zinc is important too. You can find those in whole grain products, fish, dairy and nuts

• Stay away from smoking, too much alcohol and consuming fatty foods

• Regular physical exercise increases testosterone levels as well
  

For women over 40 the progesterone level declines, what has another effect regarding your beauty: Your body builds less collagen. Your skin begins to get flabbier and you’re getting more wrinkles- you see that in many women over 40. The distribution of fat on the body shifts too: Fat accumulates more on belly and butt, thighs and upper arms. These modifications in the figure make it a top priority for many women over 40 to lose weight permanently.
Another typical problem for women over 40 is cellulite- induced by less collagen.

Let’s summarize what you can do for a balanced, healthy hormone system:

• Eat healthy

• Work out on a regular basis

• A harmonious life style with plenty time for rest
  

All of these activities are highly recommended for women over 40 to lose weight permanently. If you are balancing your hormone system, you are helping your body to lose weight too. If you are searching for a weight loss program, try to find a plan that is working for you in your unique situation. A generic program will only give average results. Additionally, a standard plan that is not concentrating on your unique position will be hard to follow and to stick with- what might be easy to do for many people might not suit you at all. -Perry Permann

Great Tips on How to Clear Acne

It is but natural to find yourself in a situation where you are trying to find the best solutions on how to clear acne. This is because there are several factors that act in getting you affected with acne. The most important of these include the hormonal imbalances that exist in us and this is due to the fluctuating stress levels that you have to take. The other reasons include exposure to pollution, dirt and the harmful sun rays.

You need to know how acne is caused if you want to find a solution to the question how to clear acne. Acne is because of the increase in dirt that is collected in your skin cells. These clog your skin pores and do not provide your skin with the means to get enough oxygen supply. If you have approached a doctor, then you would have been asked to consume several medicines. You might have started finding a great relief once you used these medicines. But be ware. These can only retaliate in the future and your skin will react by producing more acne.

One very good natural ingredient that you can use and that will answer your doubts on how to clear acne is to use apple cider vinegar. What it does is to cleanse your skin from all the bacterial infections that it has and also balance the pH level in your skin. You can also use lemon instead of vinegar as this also does the same job.

Oat meal is another important natural substance that can help you in resolving issues regarding how to clear acne. This will absorb oil from your skin and remove all the impurities from your skin. Aloe Vera is also very useful as they are full of vitamin E. Using such natural substances will sure help you because you will be able to remove not just the effects that are caused due to acne but will cure it permanently. -Abhinav Sidana

Sensitive Skin Care

You can have different skin reactions, that are still all classified as Sensitive Skin. Though no specific criteria has been established, it is generally accepted that sensitive skin has the following characteristics:

-Dry skin (which also includes atopic skin.)

-Skin that becomes itchy, red or stings following application of make-up or beauty products.

-Skin that becomes itchy, dry or irritated from detergents and soaps.
-Skin that remains inflamed after contact dermatitis or eczema

If you have sensitive skin, it can be hard to find a beauty regime that looks good, yet is easy on your skin. Fortunately, there is a way to treat your skin with the care it deserves, without taking up a-lot of time. You may first want to see a Dermatologist just to see if you have any specific allergies, and to explain exactly what you need. A dermatologist can also help you choose make-up, cleansers and moisturizers.

The skincare routine you use is very important for sensitive skin. you will need to choose mild products with calming ingredients like chamomile, lavender and sandalwood. Organic ingredients would be best if possible. It is also important to avoid harsh additives. Alcohol or benzyl peroxide tend to be harsh, and drying, especially for sensitive skin.

You will need to cleanse your skin twice a day, morning and night. Use a soft cloth and rinse well with plenty of lukewarm water. Avoid very warm water as it will dry your skin. Follow with a light hypo-allergenic moisturizer. Moisturizer is often forgotten in skincare, but with today's oil-free products, it is easy to find one to suit your skin-type.

Make-up is also an important consideration for sensitive skin. You will want to choose a make-up without harsh chemicals and additives. Many are now water based , non-comedogenic and fragrance free. There are even mineral powder make-ups that are very popular .

Sunscreens are a must for sensitive skin. Always wear a light sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Harmful UV rays can penetrate even the heavy clouds and damage your skin. You will want to pick a sunscreen that is gel based, not oil based. It will need to have a SPF of at least 15 to give enough protection.

Sunscreens can cause irritation for many people, you will need to select a gentle formula. A natural sunscreen choice is aloe Vera, You can use the pure gel, or just break off a leaf and use it straight from the plant.

Don't forget that nutrition plays a big part in skin health, you will need to drink eight glasses of water daily, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Water helps rid the body of toxins , therefore you skin will be healthier.

Remember, having sensitive skin is not the end of the world. You just need to choose the right product for your skin. -Jim White

Keeping Your Skin Looking Young Without Surgery

We are in a world where image is everything and people want to be looking their best at all times. But given this fact are people still willing to have some kind of cosmetic procedure in order to maintain a youthful appearance. After all surgery is not an easy option and can also prove to be very expensive especially if it is does not go as planned.

But thankfully there are many creams and lotions that are now available that are designed specifically to help rejuvenate the skin and to make it appear much younger than it is, without the need for any kind of invasive action. But this may also sound too good to be true, but just how can an over priced cream in a bottle actually be that good for your skin and do they actually work?

Well the answer to this really depends on the products that you choose and also the brand of the products. There are just so many products that you can obtain from that of exfoliating scrubs, face masks, body gels, eye serums and also face serums and there are too many others to mention. But whatever name they have they all really have the same objective when it comes to caring for your skin.

But not all the products that are available are created to be of the same and therefore this makes it essential about the products that you choose to apply to your skin and you are fully aware of the ingredients that have been used.

At the end of the day you need something that is going to work with your skin
and not against it, otherwise you are going to find that you would have wasted your money on products that are just not very effective.

You do need to do your research on the products that are available and also the hype that surrounds them. For instance a lot of companies are promoting their products on the fact that their creams and lotions contain collagen.

This may sound great and in many cases people will rush out and buy these over rated products and expect all their beauty problems to finally disappear.
But when you do your homework you will know that whilst collagen is generated naturally from within the skin, it is not able to penetrate the layers of the skin if applied on the surface, simply because the molecules are just too big, and you are going to have a product that will leave a great deal of residue on the surface of your skin.

You can help to increase the level of collagen that is produced within the skin and the first thing that you have to is to avoid products that are selling their products with lots of flashy advertising campaigns. They really are a waster of your time and money.

It is important to rely on facts when it comes to caring for your skin and not a celebrity endorsed advertisement on television. Organic products are much better when it comes to caring for your skin and they actually stimulate the production of collagen and also a substance called elastin that are needed in order to help promote the appearance of your skin. -Louise Forrest