What causes acne?
Acne occurs when the hair follicle pores become blocked. The oil called sebum builds up inside the pore and becomes infected with bacteria. When the infection remains under the skin surface, it develops into a whitehead. When the infection partly reaches the surface and changes color, it develops into a blackhead.
Shouldn't I just try to eliminate sebum from my body?
No. When it isn't blocked in your pores, sebum helps keep your skin healthy.
Why does acne usually start at puberty?
No one knows for certain. What is known is that the sebaceous glands that produce sebum get much larger at puberty than they were before.
Why does the skin around a pimple turn red?
This redness is caused by the body's inflammatory response. Inflammation is a sign that your immune system is working to fight an infection. However, the inflammatory response doesn't always work perfectly, and can even be the cause of scarring.
If my skin turns red, does that mean that I'm going to have scars?
Usually, no. Even when there will be no permanent scar, the aftereffects of the inflammatory response can leave the skin red for months, sometimes for more than a year.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are byproducts of oxidation in your body. We all need oxidation to occur as part of our life process, but there is concern that the buildup of unrecycled free radicals contributes to many conditions, including skin damage.
To learn more about treating Acne, visit Acuzine.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Creating A Healthy Skin and Clearing Acne Naturally
Creating A Healthy Skin and Clearing Acne Naturally © By Lena Sanchez
Acne affects more than 20 million teenagers, and hundreds of adults according to the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology). It is the most common problem in the United States. Many over the counter remedies exist and hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent yearly on them. I have come up with some inexpensive home remedies that work perfectly well and are healthier for the skin.
ACNE Symptoms: Persistent, recurrent pimples or skin blemishes on the skin. Acne is commonly found on the face but can also occur on the chest, shoulder, neck and upper portion of the back.
What is going on? Usually because of clogging of the pores in the sebaceous hair follicles, from oils and dead skin cells that build up bacteria in the blocked follicle, thus causes inflammation in that area.
Prevention: Keeping the area clean, eating less fatty foods and sugars will most times prevent acne.
Cleanse::
Cleanse (not scrub) your face at least twice daily with a gentle natural anti-microbial herbal soap such as calendula (Calendula officinalis), lavender (Lavandula officinalis) for both treatment and prevention.
After cleaning, apply one drop of tea tree oil - a natural anti-microbial - to each blemish. *For an overnight treatment that will dry and heal, use a clay poultice, worn all night. Use either green clay or bentonite as a base. (Can be obtained at most health food stores). Combine 1 teaspoon of clay with enough water to make a paste the consistency of toothpaste. Mix in 3 drops of tea tree oil and apply to blemishes. Rinse off with warm water in the morning.
Facial Steam:
Give yourself an herbal facial steam treatment twice a week to gently and deeply clean pores. Into a heat-proof bowl pour 1 ½ quarts of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of dried lavender, which is both and anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. Cover your head and the bowl with a large bath towel, steam your face for 10 minutes, taking care not to burn yourself with the steam.
Natural Alpha Hydroxy:
From your own kitchen comes a great natural alpha hydroxy healer.
~ Wash well and put into a blender: 2 or 3 ripe unpeeled pitted apricots, ~ 2 large or 3 medium sized fresh Strawberries preferred, but frozen will work as well, ~ ¼ of a medium to large avocado (equivalent to a 3"X 2" piece,
~ 1 heaping tablespoon of honey. Put in blender and liquefy until frothy. Apply to face, leave on for about 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with warm herbal soapy water. Then open a capsule of vitamin E and apply to face.
If leftovers, store in a glass jar for no more than 7 days. Use this facial twice weekly for soft blemish free skin. To remove small wrinkles leave on overnight.
Natural Blemish Healing Astringents:
Apply Lemon juice and let dry, apply as often as you wish. Acts as an astringent and a healer. Lemon has a drawing affect and will help heal blemishes as well as prevent pores from becoming clogged. For abscessed pores apply a piece of lemon peel directly on the spot, skin side out. Can be left on up to three hours.
My sister and I had this favorite thing to use as teenagers.
Take 1 raw egg and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, whip until frothy and apply to skin, let dry then wash off with herbal wash and cool water. Egg is a great drawing healer. Do this two or three times a week, will help keep your face free of blemishes and blackheads. I have never experienced the black heads and acne others have, could it be due to this habit as a child and teenager and the fact that I don't ingest dairy foods?
Natural Preventions;
*Lotus Root tea two or three times a day will improve blemishes.
Take 30 to 45 mg of zinc a day and Antioxidants helps the regeneration of skin tissue!
If you, like me, tend to have very dry skin you have probably spent lots of $$$ on lotions and potents that don't give lasting effects. Well I live in a very arid part of the world, which does nothing to help my dry skin but rather made it worse until I discovered something to nourish and restore it:
Bath in a luxurious 15-minute bubble bath two to four times a week with 1/4 cup Life Transfusion Liquid Ionic 84 Minerals. Such softness and smoothness you can not imagine as well as the relaxation it does for my mind… If you don't know where to obtain liquid minerals mailto:health@antibiotic-alternatives.com?subject=LocateIonicMin
Oriental medicine has a teaching…blemishes or pimples on the different body areas correspond to specific organs or parts of the body before they actually show up. Areas being:
A) Forehead indicates a problem with the intestinal tract. B) Cheeks indicate lung or breast problems. C) Nose indicates heart area. D) Around the mouth indicate reproductively area. E) Jaws indicate kidney area. F) Upper back indicates lung area. G) Shoulders indicate digestive area. H) Chest indicates both lung and heart area. Not to panic anyone but this only indicates that people with blemishes/pimples should improve their overall health as the road to ridding the body of blemishes!
A good start is by eliminating some of the dairy products saturated animal fats and sugars, ad daily minerals and vitamins. The medical profession for the most part, says diet has nothing to do with it. Do you want to believe that? There are far more studies and histories that prove otherwise!
Take charge of your own life and treatments for your own optimum health.
Go out and get healthy Now!
Acne Rosacea - A Blush You Can Do Without
What do former presidents Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin have in common? A condition called acne rosacea, a chronic inflammation of the blood vessels in the skin, which causes a ruddy complexion and small acne-like eruptions on the cheeks, forehead and nose.
In men it can often cause the skin on the nose to thicken and swell, leading toa condition called rhinophyma.
Nobody know what causes it but the list of potential triggers is endless. The main culprits are alcohol and rich, spicy foods.
Because its roots are unknown, there's no permanent cure either, so management is the key. This is partly achieved by identifying what makes the rosacea worse through a process of exclusion and by the use of topical antibiotics - usually metronidazole. A GP's diagnosis is vital since the symptoms can be similar to more serious conditions such as lupus. Rosacea can last a lifetime, especially in men, but often clears up on its own.
Splash Your Acne Supplement Expenses with Food
Twenty-one year old Lydia Garcia faces an imminent dilemma- poverty or acne. Lydia religiously uses three herbs to keep her skin clear and she’s always on the prowl for supplements to augment her health. Just last week she read that the Chinese herb astragalus enhances the immune system. And now, Lydia ponders, “I think I want to take dandelion root and ginseng to ease my menstrual cramps.” Yet Lydia’s salary as a receptionist barely covers her fanatical consumption of supplements.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on supplements when food provides all the nutrients you need to have clear skin. Herbs and supplements that provide support for clean skin typically offer the following benefits:
Boost the immune system
Enhance stress management
Cleanse the blood and liver, and
Aid in skin repair
A well-chosen diet can prove just as advantageous as supplements and herbs.
Foods that boost the immune system
-Vitamin C
Oranges, grapefruits, papaya, green peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli
-Vitamin E
Almonds, sunflowers seeds
-Zinc
Wheat germ, black-eyed peas, lean beef, crab, oysters
Foods that enhance stress management
-Vitamin B6
Legumes, whole grains, chicken, pork, bananas
Foods that cleanse the blood and liver
-Garlic, onions, turmeric, cayenne pepper, aloe vera juice, watermelon
-Bulk-producing foods
Oatmeal, apples, oranges, bran cereals
Foods that aid in skin repair
-Protein
Nonfat dairy, beans, meat, poultry, fish, nuts
-Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Sardines, herring, salmon, tuna, walnuts
-Selenium
Onion, garlic
Although herbs and dietary supplements offer a broad spectrum of benefits to the skin, it’s no fun looking fabulous if you can’t afford to go anywhere. So, save some cash and eat you way to clear skin.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on supplements when food provides all the nutrients you need to have clear skin. Herbs and supplements that provide support for clean skin typically offer the following benefits:
Boost the immune system
Enhance stress management
Cleanse the blood and liver, and
Aid in skin repair
A well-chosen diet can prove just as advantageous as supplements and herbs.
Foods that boost the immune system
-Vitamin C
Oranges, grapefruits, papaya, green peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli
-Vitamin E
Almonds, sunflowers seeds
-Zinc
Wheat germ, black-eyed peas, lean beef, crab, oysters
Foods that enhance stress management
-Vitamin B6
Legumes, whole grains, chicken, pork, bananas
Foods that cleanse the blood and liver
-Garlic, onions, turmeric, cayenne pepper, aloe vera juice, watermelon
-Bulk-producing foods
Oatmeal, apples, oranges, bran cereals
Foods that aid in skin repair
-Protein
Nonfat dairy, beans, meat, poultry, fish, nuts
-Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Sardines, herring, salmon, tuna, walnuts
-Selenium
Onion, garlic
Although herbs and dietary supplements offer a broad spectrum of benefits to the skin, it’s no fun looking fabulous if you can’t afford to go anywhere. So, save some cash and eat you way to clear skin.
Shoulder and Back Acne
If you suffer from shoulder and back acne, I have found a treatment that may help. Acuzine is a new non-prescription acne treatment.
Acne is caused from imbalances and impurities within the body, and that's why we treat the problem an internal cleansing treatment that goes right to the source and fights acne before it even begins. Acuzine provides antioxidents that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. It also fights inflammation, to reduce redness. And it works to heal damaged skin, naturally!
Learn more about Acuzine
Acne is caused from imbalances and impurities within the body, and that's why we treat the problem an internal cleansing treatment that goes right to the source and fights acne before it even begins. Acuzine provides antioxidents that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. It also fights inflammation, to reduce redness. And it works to heal damaged skin, naturally!
Learn more about Acuzine
Prevention Is Time-Tested Prescription For Acne
The American Academy of Dermatology has revealed that taking pains to have a clear, blemish-free complexion should no longer be considered vanity. Rather, people should see it as a preventive measure for the most common skin disorder affecting some 20 million people worldwide---- acne.
Acne vulgaris is predominantly a genetic disease that involves the skin’s sebaceous (the oil-producing) glands. It is characterized by both non-inflammatory lesions (blackheads and whiteheads) and inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules and nodules). It usually appears on the face but it also occurs on the neck, upper arms, back and legs. Acne generally begins at puberty and may continue throughout one’s adult life due to higher levels of sebum or oil that is produced by the body as one matures.
Those who have oily skin are more prone to pimple or acne which is why proper care must be exercised. Acne, when mishandled or mistreated, will develop to more serious problems like embarrassing scars that are oftentimes difficult to treat.
But pimples or acne can be prevented. All it takes is a professionally-prescribed or traditionally-approved beauty regimen that is religiously followed.
Caring for the skin
Acne can be controlled by developing a good skin regimen. Washing the face with clean warm water and mild soap or facial wash will cleanse the skin, but dermatologists usually recommend products that are “non-comedogenic” as these do not clog the pores that may cause irritation to the skin.
For dry skin, apply a moisturizer to retain the skin’s moisture. This will also ensure a smoother feel and easier glide when applying make-up.
Eat a hefty amount of Vitamin A and E-rich foods. These vitamin food groups are the skin’s best friend. Drink lots of water, too.
Lead a healthy lifestyle. Give your skin the chance to rest especially at night when cell renewal is at its highest level.
Get professional advice
Avoid self-medication when dealing with skin problems. Consult a dermatologist and follow their advice. Remember that a dermatologist has less of a vested reason to guide your skin care program unlike the woman working behind a cosmetics counter.
Caring for the skin is a must since when the skin is given little attention, it shows.
Acne vulgaris is predominantly a genetic disease that involves the skin’s sebaceous (the oil-producing) glands. It is characterized by both non-inflammatory lesions (blackheads and whiteheads) and inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules and nodules). It usually appears on the face but it also occurs on the neck, upper arms, back and legs. Acne generally begins at puberty and may continue throughout one’s adult life due to higher levels of sebum or oil that is produced by the body as one matures.
Those who have oily skin are more prone to pimple or acne which is why proper care must be exercised. Acne, when mishandled or mistreated, will develop to more serious problems like embarrassing scars that are oftentimes difficult to treat.
But pimples or acne can be prevented. All it takes is a professionally-prescribed or traditionally-approved beauty regimen that is religiously followed.
Caring for the skin
Acne can be controlled by developing a good skin regimen. Washing the face with clean warm water and mild soap or facial wash will cleanse the skin, but dermatologists usually recommend products that are “non-comedogenic” as these do not clog the pores that may cause irritation to the skin.
For dry skin, apply a moisturizer to retain the skin’s moisture. This will also ensure a smoother feel and easier glide when applying make-up.
Eat a hefty amount of Vitamin A and E-rich foods. These vitamin food groups are the skin’s best friend. Drink lots of water, too.
Lead a healthy lifestyle. Give your skin the chance to rest especially at night when cell renewal is at its highest level.
Get professional advice
Avoid self-medication when dealing with skin problems. Consult a dermatologist and follow their advice. Remember that a dermatologist has less of a vested reason to guide your skin care program unlike the woman working behind a cosmetics counter.
Caring for the skin is a must since when the skin is given little attention, it shows.
Got Iodine in that Milk? Unassuming sources of acne aggravat
Iodine is a trace mineral that regulates thyroid hormones while promoting normal growth and development. It is present in iodized salt, seafood and crops grown in iodine rich soil.
So you’ve read that excessive amounts of iodine can irritate your pores and provoke acne. So what do you do? Avoid excess iodine, right?
But iodine shows up in a motley of unassuming locals as Jean Carper, points out in Food Your Miracle Medicine. For instance, the Recommended Daily Allowance, RDA, of iodine for adults is 150 mcg, but one cup of milk has 88mcg of iodine, that’s over half of the RDA. One egg has 24 mcg and a slice of American cheese carries 16 mcg of iodine. And the content of iodine in some fast food meals has exceeded the RDA by as much as 10 times.
Just because excess iodine may provoke acne does not mean you want to ex it out our your diet. Poor iodine intake can result in Goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, and Cretinism, which causes dwarfism and mental retardation
Foods that contain large amounts of iodine include:
·Iodized salt, sea salt, and salty foods. Because it's hard to know which restaurants use iodized salt, you might want to avoid eating out during this time
·All dairy products (milk, sour cream, cheese, cream, yogurt, butter, ice cream)
·Margarine
·Egg yolks
·Seafood (fish, shellfish, seaweed, kelp)
·Foods that contain carrageen, agar-agar, algin, or alginate - all of these are made from seaweed
·Many prepared and/or cured meats (ham, bacon, sausage, corned beef, etc)
·Fresh chicken or turkey with broth or additives injected
·Dried fruit
·Canned vegetables
·Commercial bakery products
·Chocolate
·Molasses
·Soy products (soy sauce, soy milk, tofu)
·Any vitamins or supplements that contain iodine
·FD&C red dye #3 - this appears in many foods or pills that are red or brown, including colas
Foods with moderate amounts of iodine include:
·Egg whites
·Fresh noncured meat from the butcher
·Matzoh
·Homemade bread made with non-iodized salt and oil (not soy!) instead of butter or milk
·Most fresh fruits and vegetables (but not too much spinach & broccoli), washed well
·Frozen vegetables that don't have high-iodine ingredients (like regular salt) added
·Canned peaches, pears and pineapples
·Natural unsalted peanut butter
·Clear sodas
·Coffee or tea, as long as it's made with distilled water. But remember, only non-dairy creamer!
·Popcorn popped in vegetable oil or air popped, with non-iodized salt
·Sorbet - but remember to check the ingredient list for FD&C red dye #3!
As with all things, self-knowledge and moderation are the keys to divine health. It’s always good to know what you are eating before it starts eating away at you.
So you’ve read that excessive amounts of iodine can irritate your pores and provoke acne. So what do you do? Avoid excess iodine, right?
But iodine shows up in a motley of unassuming locals as Jean Carper, points out in Food Your Miracle Medicine. For instance, the Recommended Daily Allowance, RDA, of iodine for adults is 150 mcg, but one cup of milk has 88mcg of iodine, that’s over half of the RDA. One egg has 24 mcg and a slice of American cheese carries 16 mcg of iodine. And the content of iodine in some fast food meals has exceeded the RDA by as much as 10 times.
Just because excess iodine may provoke acne does not mean you want to ex it out our your diet. Poor iodine intake can result in Goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, and Cretinism, which causes dwarfism and mental retardation
Foods that contain large amounts of iodine include:
·Iodized salt, sea salt, and salty foods. Because it's hard to know which restaurants use iodized salt, you might want to avoid eating out during this time
·All dairy products (milk, sour cream, cheese, cream, yogurt, butter, ice cream)
·Margarine
·Egg yolks
·Seafood (fish, shellfish, seaweed, kelp)
·Foods that contain carrageen, agar-agar, algin, or alginate - all of these are made from seaweed
·Many prepared and/or cured meats (ham, bacon, sausage, corned beef, etc)
·Fresh chicken or turkey with broth or additives injected
·Dried fruit
·Canned vegetables
·Commercial bakery products
·Chocolate
·Molasses
·Soy products (soy sauce, soy milk, tofu)
·Any vitamins or supplements that contain iodine
·FD&C red dye #3 - this appears in many foods or pills that are red or brown, including colas
Foods with moderate amounts of iodine include:
·Egg whites
·Fresh noncured meat from the butcher
·Matzoh
·Homemade bread made with non-iodized salt and oil (not soy!) instead of butter or milk
·Most fresh fruits and vegetables (but not too much spinach & broccoli), washed well
·Frozen vegetables that don't have high-iodine ingredients (like regular salt) added
·Canned peaches, pears and pineapples
·Natural unsalted peanut butter
·Clear sodas
·Coffee or tea, as long as it's made with distilled water. But remember, only non-dairy creamer!
·Popcorn popped in vegetable oil or air popped, with non-iodized salt
·Sorbet - but remember to check the ingredient list for FD&C red dye #3!
As with all things, self-knowledge and moderation are the keys to divine health. It’s always good to know what you are eating before it starts eating away at you.
Facial Acne Treatment
If you suffer from shoulder and back acne, I have found a treatment that may help. Acuzine is a new non-prescription acne treatment.
Acne is caused from imbalances and impurities within the body, and that's why we treat the problem an internal cleansing treatment that goes right to the source and fights acne before it even begins. Acuzine provides antioxidents that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. It also fights inflammation, to reduce redness. And it works to heal damaged skin, naturally!
Learn more about Acuzine.
Acne is caused from imbalances and impurities within the body, and that's why we treat the problem an internal cleansing treatment that goes right to the source and fights acne before it even begins. Acuzine provides antioxidents that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. It also fights inflammation, to reduce redness. And it works to heal damaged skin, naturally!
Learn more about Acuzine.
Facial Acne and Treatments
If you suffer from shoulder and back acne, I have found a treatment that may help. Acuzine. is a new non-prescription acne treatment.
Acne is caused from imbalances and impurities within the body, and that's why we treat the problem an internal cleansing treatment that goes right to the source and fights acne before it even begins. Acuzine provides antioxidents that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. It also fights inflammation, to reduce redness. And it works to heal damaged skin, naturally!
Learn more about Acuzine.
Acne is caused from imbalances and impurities within the body, and that's why we treat the problem an internal cleansing treatment that goes right to the source and fights acne before it even begins. Acuzine provides antioxidents that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. It also fights inflammation, to reduce redness. And it works to heal damaged skin, naturally!
Learn more about Acuzine.
Down with Acne!
Like a good many people I have been the victim of acne vulgaris (what an appropriate name) the medical term for pimples. It has made me aggravated, made me cry, and made me angry. Thousands of people each year are afflicted by it, and it makes recluses out of a good many teenagers.
It is caused when your pores get clogged and the fatty material made by the sebaceous gland accumulates, and a "bump" appears under the skin-or perhaps a whitehead or a blackhead (a comedone). Blackheads are not caused by dirt but by the discoloring effect of air on the fatty material in the clogged pore. If this substance becomes infected a pimple results.
As anyone can tell you the worst thing to do is to push or "pop" a pimple. Because this will not only cause more, but can result in life long scars. No matter what you see on TV or a friend tells you, don't pop a pimple. I know, I made the mistake and I'm still regretting it.
But not too long ago I discovered a way to lessen the intensity of my outbreaks, although it stops short of completely curing them.
I totally avoid grain products, most especially bread, corn, cereal, and other pastries, (also potatoes) and to still get all my vitamins I add wheat germ and brewer's yeast to yogurt or milk and fruit. Brewer's yeast does take time to acquire a taste to however, and can be found at most if not all Health food stores.
This method may appeal to you or it may not. Use your own judgment and see what is right for you.
B Vitamin Hype: With Ambitions of Fighting Acne, Rosacea
Vitamin B is no small time player in the high stakes game of the beauty. Just take the case of pellagra for example. Pellagra is a life threatening skin disease characterized by dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis that results from a niacin (B vitamin) deficiency. In the early 20th century in the United States pellagra plagued thousands of people in the South and Midwest. The condition was thought to be contagious until investigators discovered the underlying nutritional deficiency.
Even today, the importance of vitamin B is cultivating new roles in the world of beauty. Dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD forecasts topical vitamin B and its multiple derivatives as key ingredients in future anti-aging products. For example, one derivative of the B vitamin niacin, nicotinamide, has been shown to improve the ability of the epidermis, the upper-most layer of the skin, to retain moisture. One study reports that topical nicotinamide, when applied to the skin for six days reveals softer, smoother skin with less dryness and flakiness, and a reduction of fine lines. Even more promising is its anti-cancer influences. For instance, when applied to mouse skin, topical nicotinamide produced a 70 percent decrease in ultraviolet-induced skin cancer.
Niacinamide, another byproduct of vitamin B, serves as an effective skin-lightening agent. In one clinical investigation, patients with hyperpigmentation applied a moisturizer containing five percent niacinamide. Four weeks later, computer analysis of the hyperpigmentation and skin color revealed a decrease in hyperpigmentation along with an increase in skin lightness. Topical niacinamide also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a potential treatment for acne, rosacea and any blistering-type disease.
Dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C. is confident that praise for the therapeutic effects of niacinamide will continue to rise. Dr. Draelos hails, "Already, topical 4% niacinamide has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of papular and pustular acne in a 4% gel, as well as the improvement of skin cancer and its anti-tumor characteristics".
Dr. Baumann cautions that the many versions of one vitamin can be confusing and recommends speaking with your dermatologist to ensure you are selecting the right vitamin product for your skin care needs.
While it’s comforting to place a host of cosmetic aspirations in the latest beauty craze, Mother Nature’s wisdom will never lead you astray. If you can’t wait to get the benefits of B vitamins in your beauty cream, just go to your local market and help yourself to some chicken, tuna, potatoes, spinach, asparagus, black beans and watermelon. These are just of few of the foods providing bountiful servings of vitamin B. Remember, these scores of medical insights and promises started with a nutritional deficiency.
Shopping for Sensitive Skin: A Guide for the Acne and Rosace
Acne and rosacea patients take note- you must know about proper skin-care and cosmetic usage to successfully manage your sensitive skin. This is the counsel of Dr. Diane Berson, who runs a dermatology practice in New York City.
A critical step in reducing skin sensitivity is understanding the importance of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of dead, flat skin cells held together by the protein keratin. This skin barrier prevents molecules from passing into and out of the skin and thereby protects the lower layers of skin while reducing skin sensitivity.
Healthy, uninjured skin is more effective at preventing skin irritations that may result from using cosmetics and skin care products. Individuals with altered nerve endings or more neurotransmitters under their skin are more susceptible to minor skin irritants in cosmetics and skin care products. When the skin is excessively dry or damaged, it cannot adequately protect these nerve endings. Sound moisturizing and a strong immune system help minimize possible skin irritants.
Some of Dr. Berson’s recommendations for caring for sensitive skin include:
Selecting mild cleansers.
Use mild cleansing agents that have synthetic detergents or lipid-free cleansers. Resist using abrasive cleansers since they can cause microscopic tears in the skin and damage the protective layers of the skin.
Rosacea patients should not use alcohol-based products such as toners or astringents.
Acne patients will benefit from toners that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. However, when starting a retinoid treatment, temporarily discontinue using a toner or astringent since the combination may make the retinoid more irritating. Acne patients must also limit or abstain from excessively rough cleansing and washing. Julie Harper, M.D., who directs a clinic to treat acne at the University of Alabama at Birmingham laments, "Teenagers think they have acne because they do not wash enough, but usually they are washing too often with harsh scrubs that make their symptoms worse."
Using moisturizers.
Tracy L. Grosick, a key skin care product researcher with Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati says that when the skin’s moisture barrier is intact, it helps the skin to combat environmental attacks that are encountered on a daily basis. When acne and rosacea patients are using treatments that dry the skin, moisturizers may improve the skin’s barrier function. Dr. Benson recommends using moisturizers with the least amount of ingredients.
Rosacea patients should choose a moisturizer with only glycerin, petrolatum, or aloe vera, which might be anti-inflammatory.
Acne patients should also stick with products containing the least amount of ingredients.
Using noncomedogenic sunscreens.
Rosacea patients need to use a physical-blocking products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these ingredients will not irritate red, inflamed skin and will provide optimal protection.
Acne patients with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.
Preservatives.
The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens like methyl paraben and butyl paraben.
The key to keeping sensitive skin less susceptible to irritation is ensuring the integrity of your stratum corneum, the skin’s primary defensive barrier. You can start by using a minimalist moisturizer, and noncomedogenic sunscreen.
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology (Newswise.com)
Dermatology Times. Patricia Reiman. Alleviating sensitivity: Study finds moisturizers with niacinamide make skin more resilient. March 1, 2004
Dermatology Times. Cheryl Guttman. Sensitive skin valid patient problem. May 1, 2002.
E Skin and Allergy News. Timothy F. Kirn. Lifestyle, Cosmetics Integral to Acne, Rosacea Tx. August 2003.
A critical step in reducing skin sensitivity is understanding the importance of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of dead, flat skin cells held together by the protein keratin. This skin barrier prevents molecules from passing into and out of the skin and thereby protects the lower layers of skin while reducing skin sensitivity.
Healthy, uninjured skin is more effective at preventing skin irritations that may result from using cosmetics and skin care products. Individuals with altered nerve endings or more neurotransmitters under their skin are more susceptible to minor skin irritants in cosmetics and skin care products. When the skin is excessively dry or damaged, it cannot adequately protect these nerve endings. Sound moisturizing and a strong immune system help minimize possible skin irritants.
Some of Dr. Berson’s recommendations for caring for sensitive skin include:
Selecting mild cleansers.
Use mild cleansing agents that have synthetic detergents or lipid-free cleansers. Resist using abrasive cleansers since they can cause microscopic tears in the skin and damage the protective layers of the skin.
Rosacea patients should not use alcohol-based products such as toners or astringents.
Acne patients will benefit from toners that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. However, when starting a retinoid treatment, temporarily discontinue using a toner or astringent since the combination may make the retinoid more irritating. Acne patients must also limit or abstain from excessively rough cleansing and washing. Julie Harper, M.D., who directs a clinic to treat acne at the University of Alabama at Birmingham laments, "Teenagers think they have acne because they do not wash enough, but usually they are washing too often with harsh scrubs that make their symptoms worse."
Using moisturizers.
Tracy L. Grosick, a key skin care product researcher with Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati says that when the skin’s moisture barrier is intact, it helps the skin to combat environmental attacks that are encountered on a daily basis. When acne and rosacea patients are using treatments that dry the skin, moisturizers may improve the skin’s barrier function. Dr. Benson recommends using moisturizers with the least amount of ingredients.
Rosacea patients should choose a moisturizer with only glycerin, petrolatum, or aloe vera, which might be anti-inflammatory.
Acne patients should also stick with products containing the least amount of ingredients.
Using noncomedogenic sunscreens.
Rosacea patients need to use a physical-blocking products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these ingredients will not irritate red, inflamed skin and will provide optimal protection.
Acne patients with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.
Preservatives.
The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens like methyl paraben and butyl paraben.
The key to keeping sensitive skin less susceptible to irritation is ensuring the integrity of your stratum corneum, the skin’s primary defensive barrier. You can start by using a minimalist moisturizer, and noncomedogenic sunscreen.
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology (Newswise.com)
Dermatology Times. Patricia Reiman. Alleviating sensitivity: Study finds moisturizers with niacinamide make skin more resilient. March 1, 2004
Dermatology Times. Cheryl Guttman. Sensitive skin valid patient problem. May 1, 2002.
E Skin and Allergy News. Timothy F. Kirn. Lifestyle, Cosmetics Integral to Acne, Rosacea Tx. August 2003.
How Do I Deal With My Acne?
Acne can be caused in teenagers just from the hormonal aspect of being a teen and genetics (that stinks!)
Many products on the market just don't work. If they work, what I am going to tell you is probably some of the ingredients in acne products.
To clean your face:
You can use oatmeal and add water. Rub this on your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. Oatmeal is a natural astringent that dries the skin.
Rinse off with water. Get a spray bottle or dab your face with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Then if you want to, you can dab some hydrogen peroxide afterwards. By scratching pimples you can cause an infection so the hydrogen peroxide helps.
And stop touching your hair and face during the day. Do this treatment at least 2 x a day.
Here are other treatments you can try.
After you wash your face with a soap like Aveeno, use a cotton ball to clean oil from the skin with this cooling astringent.
Using Neosporin - Dad a little Neosporin on pimples and blemishes. The antibiotic helps clear up acne.
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia. Using this as a facial mask helps dry up the excess oils from your face, and dabbing it on pimples to reduce redness and to speed up healing.
Using ReaLemon. Rub the ReaLemon lemon juice over blackheads before going to bed. In the morning, wash of the juice with cool water. Repeat this for several nights and you should see a big improvement in the skin. Also dab ReaLemon on any blemish a few times during the day when you have a chance.
When you break out in pimples, mix 1 tsp of Corn Starch with 1 tsp of ReaLemon lemon juice to make a paste. Apply to the affected areas and then let dry. This treatment eliminates the redness and helps pimples dry up faster.
Remember, always consult your doctor before using any of the above treatments.
Many products on the market just don't work. If they work, what I am going to tell you is probably some of the ingredients in acne products.
To clean your face:
You can use oatmeal and add water. Rub this on your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. Oatmeal is a natural astringent that dries the skin.
Rinse off with water. Get a spray bottle or dab your face with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Then if you want to, you can dab some hydrogen peroxide afterwards. By scratching pimples you can cause an infection so the hydrogen peroxide helps.
And stop touching your hair and face during the day. Do this treatment at least 2 x a day.
Here are other treatments you can try.
After you wash your face with a soap like Aveeno, use a cotton ball to clean oil from the skin with this cooling astringent.
Using Neosporin - Dad a little Neosporin on pimples and blemishes. The antibiotic helps clear up acne.
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia. Using this as a facial mask helps dry up the excess oils from your face, and dabbing it on pimples to reduce redness and to speed up healing.
Using ReaLemon. Rub the ReaLemon lemon juice over blackheads before going to bed. In the morning, wash of the juice with cool water. Repeat this for several nights and you should see a big improvement in the skin. Also dab ReaLemon on any blemish a few times during the day when you have a chance.
When you break out in pimples, mix 1 tsp of Corn Starch with 1 tsp of ReaLemon lemon juice to make a paste. Apply to the affected areas and then let dry. This treatment eliminates the redness and helps pimples dry up faster.
Remember, always consult your doctor before using any of the above treatments.
Brush your skin and keep acne away
The skin is the largest of the elimination channels. Through the skin toxins are eliminated which are brought to the skin surface from the blood. When the regular elimination channels are sluggish or partial plugged up such as your colon being constipated, not all toxins move out through your feces.
Toxins that accumulate in the colon tend to move into the blood, when colon walls have been weaken through constant constipation or abused through eating excessive junk food. Once in the blood they move into the liver for detoxification.
If you are frequently constipated, than your liver will be overworked and unable to detoxify all of the colon toxins. The liver will store a lot of these toxins in its own tissue and else where in your body’s tissues, joints, organs, cells and skin.
When you have excessive toxins and your immune system is not able to detoxify them, these toxins will moved to the skin surface through the blood where they are enter the hair pores – follicles – and try to move to the skin surface. When your pores are not working properly, excessive toxins in the pores can lead to acne.
Body odor is also a result of toxins coming out through the skin that should be moving out through the other elimination channels.
If your body skin is clean and its pores are open and unclogged, toxins will move out through the pores without creating pimples or eruptions. The skin normally moves 1-2 pounds of toxins out of your skin daily.
You can tell when your pores are open. You sweat freely during exercise. If you do not sweat much during hot weather or during exercise, then your skin pores are probably plugged.
To keep your skin active and serving as a good channel of elimination you need to brush your skin daily before you shower or during your shower. When you brush your skin, brush in one direction, starting from your feet towards your heart.
In her book, Detox For Life, 2002, Loree Taylor Jordan, C.C.H., I.D. says,
“One of greatest gifts of health that you can give yourself is the gift of skin brushing. Dry skin brushing in one of the finest of all baths. No soap can wash the skin as clean as the new skin you have under the old. You make new skin on the body every 24 hours. The skin will only be as clean as the bloodstream. Dry skin brushing removes the top layer. This helps to eliminate uric acid crystals catarrh, and various other acids in the body. The skin should eliminate 2 pounds of waste acids daily.”
Understanding how your skin lives will help you keep it clean. Brush your skin daily and bring toxins to the skin surface where you can get rid of them during your shower.
Toxins that accumulate in the colon tend to move into the blood, when colon walls have been weaken through constant constipation or abused through eating excessive junk food. Once in the blood they move into the liver for detoxification.
If you are frequently constipated, than your liver will be overworked and unable to detoxify all of the colon toxins. The liver will store a lot of these toxins in its own tissue and else where in your body’s tissues, joints, organs, cells and skin.
When you have excessive toxins and your immune system is not able to detoxify them, these toxins will moved to the skin surface through the blood where they are enter the hair pores – follicles – and try to move to the skin surface. When your pores are not working properly, excessive toxins in the pores can lead to acne.
Body odor is also a result of toxins coming out through the skin that should be moving out through the other elimination channels.
If your body skin is clean and its pores are open and unclogged, toxins will move out through the pores without creating pimples or eruptions. The skin normally moves 1-2 pounds of toxins out of your skin daily.
You can tell when your pores are open. You sweat freely during exercise. If you do not sweat much during hot weather or during exercise, then your skin pores are probably plugged.
To keep your skin active and serving as a good channel of elimination you need to brush your skin daily before you shower or during your shower. When you brush your skin, brush in one direction, starting from your feet towards your heart.
In her book, Detox For Life, 2002, Loree Taylor Jordan, C.C.H., I.D. says,
“One of greatest gifts of health that you can give yourself is the gift of skin brushing. Dry skin brushing in one of the finest of all baths. No soap can wash the skin as clean as the new skin you have under the old. You make new skin on the body every 24 hours. The skin will only be as clean as the bloodstream. Dry skin brushing removes the top layer. This helps to eliminate uric acid crystals catarrh, and various other acids in the body. The skin should eliminate 2 pounds of waste acids daily.”
Understanding how your skin lives will help you keep it clean. Brush your skin daily and bring toxins to the skin surface where you can get rid of them during your shower.
Use Essential Fatty Acid To Help You Eliminate Your Acne
To eliminate or clear your face of acne it will require you take a variety of health steps. The use of essential fatty acids is but one step. I have identified 10 different steps but will only discuss one step in this article - using essential fatty acids.
Getting sufficient essential fatty acids is of prime importance in clearing acne. It's these fatty acids that help to control the production of excess androgens - the hormones that surge during the teen-age times It is androgens, which causes excess sebum oil to clog your hair follicle and contribute to creating your acne.
The three fatty acids you need to get daily are:
· omega-3
· omega-6
· omega-9
When you are deficient in these essential fatty acids, you will
have,
· A weaken immune system
· Inflammatory disorders
· Poor skin
· Skin eruptions and other wounds that won't heal
· Sebum production increases (this is what happens when you have acne)
· Sebaceous glands size increases
Eating essential fatty acids are necessary to provide you the right oils that are used in the sebaceous glands. These oils can come from straight vegetable oils or from oils in specific foods such as nuts and seeds.
Here's what you need to do. Use flax seed oil (omega-3 oil) and olive oil (omega-6 oil) in your salad. These are the best oils to eat and are called polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The other oil that is even better for you is called monounsaturated fatty acid or omega-9. This oil is found in avocados and somewhat in olive oil.
Most diets people have contain an excess of omega-6 oil (olive oil), so mostly likely you need to concentrate on getting more omega-3 oil (flax seed oil) into your diet.
You can get omega-3 oil from,
· avocados
· sesame seeds
· pumpkin seeds
· walnuts
· dark leafy green vegetables (spinach, mustard greens, kale)
· wheat germ oil
· salmon
· sardines
· albacore tuna
Or, you can take one to two tablespoon of flax seed oil, omega-3 oil, each day. This will give you the amount of omega-3 oil that your body needs. You can add this oil to your morning cereal, soups, smoothies, salads and other liquid foods.
You can get omega-6 oil from,
· olive oil
· flaxseed oil
· flaxseeds
· grape seed oil
· pistachio nuts
· olives
· sunflower seeds
· chicken
· evening primrose oil
· pumpkin seeds
· pine nuts
Taking 2-3 tablespoons of omega-6 oil a day will give you the amount of this oil that you body needs.
So, to control those androgens and help your body reduce the creations of acne or pimples start using more essential fatty acids.
Getting sufficient essential fatty acids is of prime importance in clearing acne. It's these fatty acids that help to control the production of excess androgens - the hormones that surge during the teen-age times It is androgens, which causes excess sebum oil to clog your hair follicle and contribute to creating your acne.
The three fatty acids you need to get daily are:
· omega-3
· omega-6
· omega-9
When you are deficient in these essential fatty acids, you will
have,
· A weaken immune system
· Inflammatory disorders
· Poor skin
· Skin eruptions and other wounds that won't heal
· Sebum production increases (this is what happens when you have acne)
· Sebaceous glands size increases
Eating essential fatty acids are necessary to provide you the right oils that are used in the sebaceous glands. These oils can come from straight vegetable oils or from oils in specific foods such as nuts and seeds.
Here's what you need to do. Use flax seed oil (omega-3 oil) and olive oil (omega-6 oil) in your salad. These are the best oils to eat and are called polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The other oil that is even better for you is called monounsaturated fatty acid or omega-9. This oil is found in avocados and somewhat in olive oil.
Most diets people have contain an excess of omega-6 oil (olive oil), so mostly likely you need to concentrate on getting more omega-3 oil (flax seed oil) into your diet.
You can get omega-3 oil from,
· avocados
· sesame seeds
· pumpkin seeds
· walnuts
· dark leafy green vegetables (spinach, mustard greens, kale)
· wheat germ oil
· salmon
· sardines
· albacore tuna
Or, you can take one to two tablespoon of flax seed oil, omega-3 oil, each day. This will give you the amount of omega-3 oil that your body needs. You can add this oil to your morning cereal, soups, smoothies, salads and other liquid foods.
You can get omega-6 oil from,
· olive oil
· flaxseed oil
· flaxseeds
· grape seed oil
· pistachio nuts
· olives
· sunflower seeds
· chicken
· evening primrose oil
· pumpkin seeds
· pine nuts
Taking 2-3 tablespoons of omega-6 oil a day will give you the amount of this oil that you body needs.
So, to control those androgens and help your body reduce the creations of acne or pimples start using more essential fatty acids.
Spironolactone in the treatment of acne
In his article on acne published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine James (1) mentions that androgen antagonist spironolacton is often useful in women with hyperandrogenism. However, it would be important to point out, that the effectiveness of this treatment cannot be determined due to the small sample populations involved in the trials, as has been shown in recent metaanalysis. (2) It should be also emphasized that although the long-term use of spironolactone in the treatment of acne in women appears to be safe, its side-effects seem to be high. (3) On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that spironolactone in addition to its antiandrogenic effects might also have antiinflammatory potential. (4) This emphasizes the need for further properly designed trials with relevant outcomes to provide robust estimates of the size and mechanism of any treatment effects. Because of its long half-life spironolactone should be given once daily and not in divided doses as recommended by James. This might increase the compliance which is important in prolonged therapy to achieve maximal benefits. (5)
1. James WD. Clinical practice. Acne. N Engl J Med 2005;352:1463-72.
2. Farquhar C, Lee O, Toomath R, Jepson R. Spironolactone versus placebo or in combination with steroids for hirsutism and/or acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(4):CD000194.
3. Shaw JC, White LE. Long-term safety of spironolactone in acne: results of an 8-year followup study. J Cutan Med Surg 2002;6:541-5.
4. Hansen PR, Rieneck K, Bendtzen K. Spironolactone inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines by human mononuclear cells. Immunol Lett 2004;91:87-91.
5. McEvoy B, Nydegger R, Williams G. Factors related to patient compliance in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 2003;42:274-80.
1. James WD. Clinical practice. Acne. N Engl J Med 2005;352:1463-72.
2. Farquhar C, Lee O, Toomath R, Jepson R. Spironolactone versus placebo or in combination with steroids for hirsutism and/or acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(4):CD000194.
3. Shaw JC, White LE. Long-term safety of spironolactone in acne: results of an 8-year followup study. J Cutan Med Surg 2002;6:541-5.
4. Hansen PR, Rieneck K, Bendtzen K. Spironolactone inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines by human mononuclear cells. Immunol Lett 2004;91:87-91.
5. McEvoy B, Nydegger R, Williams G. Factors related to patient compliance in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 2003;42:274-80.
Six Smoothie Recipes for Constipation and Acne Relief
I recommend drinking a morning smoothie if you have constipation or if you have skin problems like acne. Drinking a high fiber smoothie relieves and prevents constipation. It will also provide the nutrients that are necessary for having or keeping a nice clean and smooth skin.
So, here are the six smoothie recipes you can blend.
. Apple Smoothie
. Apple-Barley Smoothie
· Apricot Smoothie
· Peach-Rice Dream Smoothie
· Pineapple Smoothie
· Strawberry Smoothie
Apple Smoothie
Mix in the blender the following.
1-2 small apples cut into wedges
1 banana
1 cup 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
¼ cup or less of raisins soaked overnight
1-teaspoon honey
1-2 cubes of ice
1-teaspoon lecithin granules
2 tablespoons flax seed oil
Start by mixing the banana and the liquids. Then add slices of apples to get the consistency you like. In all of your smoothies add flax seed oil for nice smooth skin. I also add a tablespoon of flax seed straight into the blender and the blender will chop them up.
Apple-Barley Smoothie
Mix in the blender the following.
1 cup of sliced apples with peel
1/2 cup of cooked barley
1/4 cup of soaked raisins
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring
1-1 ½ cup of 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
1-teaspoon lecithin granules
2 Tablespoons flax seed oil
Make sure you use the lecithin granules in these smoothies since lecithin helps to breakdown the flax oil into tiny droplets and makes it more digestible.
Apricot Smoothie
One cup of fresh apricots or dried apricots that were soaked overnight
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Two oz. of prune juice
One teaspoon or more of oat ban
One teaspoon of mineral whey
One tablespoon of flax seed oil
One tablespoon of lecithin granules
Add a slight amount of distilled water or ice cubes to make the consistency to your liking. This smoothie is good for constipation and acne.
Peach-Rice Dream Smoothie
Mix in the blender:
2 fresh peaches with peel
1-cup rice dream
1/2 banana
1-teaspoon sesame seeds
1-teaspoon sunflower seed
1-tablespoon lecithin granules
2 tablespoons flax seed oil
In place of rice dream you can use almond milk. I now only use almond milk to make my smoothies. Place all of the seeds straight into the blender. This smoothie has plenty of fiber. You may want to increase the amount of sesame and sunflower seeds.
Pineapple Smoothie
Mix the following in a blender.
1-2 cups of fresh pineapples
1/2 cups apple slices
1/4-cup fresh apple juice
1/2-cup almond milk (more or less as needed)
1 banana
1-tablespoon lecithin
2-tablespoons flax seeds
2 teaspoons bran (wheat, oat or rice)
You can add more lecithin if you like. Lecithin does not have a taste. This smoothie is jam packed with fiber.
Strawberry Smoothie
Mix in a blender the following ingredients.
1 banana
1-tablespoon of lecithin granules
1-teaspoon of any type of bran
1 cup or more 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
Now add strawberries one by one with the blender on until you get the consistency you like.
1-tablespoon flax seeds
1 or 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1-teaspoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon of flax seed oil
You can add liquid minerals or vitamins to these smoothies and give them an additional nutritional value.
So, here are the six smoothie recipes you can blend.
. Apple Smoothie
. Apple-Barley Smoothie
· Apricot Smoothie
· Peach-Rice Dream Smoothie
· Pineapple Smoothie
· Strawberry Smoothie
Apple Smoothie
Mix in the blender the following.
1-2 small apples cut into wedges
1 banana
1 cup 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
¼ cup or less of raisins soaked overnight
1-teaspoon honey
1-2 cubes of ice
1-teaspoon lecithin granules
2 tablespoons flax seed oil
Start by mixing the banana and the liquids. Then add slices of apples to get the consistency you like. In all of your smoothies add flax seed oil for nice smooth skin. I also add a tablespoon of flax seed straight into the blender and the blender will chop them up.
Apple-Barley Smoothie
Mix in the blender the following.
1 cup of sliced apples with peel
1/2 cup of cooked barley
1/4 cup of soaked raisins
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring
1-1 ½ cup of 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
1-teaspoon lecithin granules
2 Tablespoons flax seed oil
Make sure you use the lecithin granules in these smoothies since lecithin helps to breakdown the flax oil into tiny droplets and makes it more digestible.
Apricot Smoothie
One cup of fresh apricots or dried apricots that were soaked overnight
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Two oz. of prune juice
One teaspoon or more of oat ban
One teaspoon of mineral whey
One tablespoon of flax seed oil
One tablespoon of lecithin granules
Add a slight amount of distilled water or ice cubes to make the consistency to your liking. This smoothie is good for constipation and acne.
Peach-Rice Dream Smoothie
Mix in the blender:
2 fresh peaches with peel
1-cup rice dream
1/2 banana
1-teaspoon sesame seeds
1-teaspoon sunflower seed
1-tablespoon lecithin granules
2 tablespoons flax seed oil
In place of rice dream you can use almond milk. I now only use almond milk to make my smoothies. Place all of the seeds straight into the blender. This smoothie has plenty of fiber. You may want to increase the amount of sesame and sunflower seeds.
Pineapple Smoothie
Mix the following in a blender.
1-2 cups of fresh pineapples
1/2 cups apple slices
1/4-cup fresh apple juice
1/2-cup almond milk (more or less as needed)
1 banana
1-tablespoon lecithin
2-tablespoons flax seeds
2 teaspoons bran (wheat, oat or rice)
You can add more lecithin if you like. Lecithin does not have a taste. This smoothie is jam packed with fiber.
Strawberry Smoothie
Mix in a blender the following ingredients.
1 banana
1-tablespoon of lecithin granules
1-teaspoon of any type of bran
1 cup or more 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
Now add strawberries one by one with the blender on until you get the consistency you like.
1-tablespoon flax seeds
1 or 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1-teaspoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon of flax seed oil
You can add liquid minerals or vitamins to these smoothies and give them an additional nutritional value.
How the liver prevents acne
The liver is responsible for detoxifying the blood as it comes from the colon, lungs, and lymphatic system. Once detoxified, this blood moves into your entire body to provide your cells with oxygen and digested nutrients.
Because you eat, breathe, and create so many toxins, the liver has a hard time neutralizing these toxins. If you are constipated, this puts an extreme toxic load on your liver, which eventually leads to the excretion of these toxins through your skin and face. Excessive toxins coming out through your skin can lead to acne and other skin disorders.
All cellular wastes, used up hormones, and excess hormones are routed to the liver through your lymphatic system. Once in the liver, the liver starts the detoxifying process. If the liver is overloaded with toxins, it will start to store these toxins in its own cells, in the cells of your organs, in your joints, in your skin, or any other place where the body is weak.
Hormones, such as androgens that are not neutralized by the liver, can get back into the blood and move into the skin cells where they pile up and cause an over production of sebum that will flow into the hair follicle. This over production can cause acne.
Eating good fiber daily can keep your colon clean and free of constipation. Fiber can also trap excess hormones and prevent them from being reabsorbed into your blood through your colon walls.
If you are a typical eater, then most likely you have been surviving on junk food. The quantity of toxic chemical and non-food additives that are in the food that you eat accumulates in your colon, your liver, your blood, and in your face as toxins that needs to be neutralized and eliminated.
All junk food and processed food is detrimental to your health and to your face. Once you stop punishing yourself and forcing your body to process toxic food products, you will have a chance of clearing your colon, liver, blood and the blemished conditions of your face.
One other thing, when the liver is congested and weak, it does not produce enough bile. Bile is needed in your small intestine to help digest fat and to promote good colon health. In your colon, bile helps to activate peristaltic action and thus prevents constipation.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
Because you eat, breathe, and create so many toxins, the liver has a hard time neutralizing these toxins. If you are constipated, this puts an extreme toxic load on your liver, which eventually leads to the excretion of these toxins through your skin and face. Excessive toxins coming out through your skin can lead to acne and other skin disorders.
All cellular wastes, used up hormones, and excess hormones are routed to the liver through your lymphatic system. Once in the liver, the liver starts the detoxifying process. If the liver is overloaded with toxins, it will start to store these toxins in its own cells, in the cells of your organs, in your joints, in your skin, or any other place where the body is weak.
Hormones, such as androgens that are not neutralized by the liver, can get back into the blood and move into the skin cells where they pile up and cause an over production of sebum that will flow into the hair follicle. This over production can cause acne.
Eating good fiber daily can keep your colon clean and free of constipation. Fiber can also trap excess hormones and prevent them from being reabsorbed into your blood through your colon walls.
If you are a typical eater, then most likely you have been surviving on junk food. The quantity of toxic chemical and non-food additives that are in the food that you eat accumulates in your colon, your liver, your blood, and in your face as toxins that needs to be neutralized and eliminated.
All junk food and processed food is detrimental to your health and to your face. Once you stop punishing yourself and forcing your body to process toxic food products, you will have a chance of clearing your colon, liver, blood and the blemished conditions of your face.
One other thing, when the liver is congested and weak, it does not produce enough bile. Bile is needed in your small intestine to help digest fat and to promote good colon health. In your colon, bile helps to activate peristaltic action and thus prevents constipation.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
How the kidney, lungs, and lymphatic system keep you acne from appearing
The kidney
The purpose of the two kidneys is to filter the water in your blood as the blood passes through the kidneys. About 4 gallons of water are filtered every day but only around 3 pints are pulled out as urine.
Alcohol and sugar are the most damaging to the kidney since they kill kidney cells and weaken the kidney function.
Water is the major way the body keeps toxins from accumulating in the body and skin. You need to drink plenty of clean water daily so the kidneys can remove toxins and excess nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the blood.
When you drink plenty of water, the skin does not have to act as a filter to filter out excess waste from the blood since it is been filter and excreted, as urine, by your kidney.
Water also is needed to keep your skin moist. Water in the skin layers helps to protect the skin from bacteria and toxins that try to pass into your skin.
The more fresh juices you drink and the more fruit or vegetables you eat, the less water you need to drink. All juices contain plenty of distilled water, which contributes to your daily water requirement.
Drinking sodas and other drinks that have sugar cannot be counted as water.
The Lungs
You have two large sacs that are called your lungs. As you breathe in air, the lungs pull oxygen out of the air, which is captured by your blood, routed to your liver, moved into your heart and then moved into all parts of your body.
As you breathe out, waste and carbon dioxide are pushed out through your mouth.
Your cells use oxygen to create energy for you to live by. You need energy for every movement your body does. Oxygen is also used to neutralize toxins, waste and pathogen. The more toxins, acid waste and pathogens you have in your body, the more oxygen is used up to neutralize them. This means you will have less oxygen for cell, organ and other body functions.
If the other elimination channels are weak and overloaded, the lungs will also become overloaded trying to get rid of toxic waste the other channels cannot get rid of.
When your lungs become overloaded with toxins or become weak, more waste stays in the body, making your body more toxic, acidic and susceptible to disease and infections. If you have kidney weakness, liver weakness, lung weakness mostly likely you will have skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and many other types of skin disorders.
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It consists of a series of tubes, large and small, that cover your entire body. Through these tubes flow a whitish liquid called lymph. Since this system does not have a pump, the lymph is pushed through the tubes by your body’s movement or exercise.
Lymph liquid surrounds all of your body cells and is responsible for bringing nutrients to your cells from the blood and to move away toxins that come out of the cells.
Toxins and pathogens that are in your lymph liquid are moved into lymph nodes. In the lymph nodes, this toxic matter is neutralized into harmless chemicals and then moved into the blood and are eliminated through the other channels of elimination.
The lymph liquid is composed of electrolyte minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium phosphorus, and chloride. So strong lymph liquid is built when you eat fruits and vegetables.
When the lymph nodes become overwhelmed with toxic waste from the cells and the blood, they become inflamed and cannot keep the body free of toxic matter.
Excess toxic waste accumulates in the lymph liquid when your body does not have enough electrolyte minerals to neutralize this toxic acid waste. Now, your body is a considered acid and will have a difficult time fighting infections wherever they occur, including your face.
When you lymph system becomes weaken, it is unable to detoxify toxins and routes them into the blood where the liver is expected to clean the blood.
Keeping you lymph system strong is important for keeping your skin free of blemishes, skin disorders, eczema and acne.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
The purpose of the two kidneys is to filter the water in your blood as the blood passes through the kidneys. About 4 gallons of water are filtered every day but only around 3 pints are pulled out as urine.
Alcohol and sugar are the most damaging to the kidney since they kill kidney cells and weaken the kidney function.
Water is the major way the body keeps toxins from accumulating in the body and skin. You need to drink plenty of clean water daily so the kidneys can remove toxins and excess nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the blood.
When you drink plenty of water, the skin does not have to act as a filter to filter out excess waste from the blood since it is been filter and excreted, as urine, by your kidney.
Water also is needed to keep your skin moist. Water in the skin layers helps to protect the skin from bacteria and toxins that try to pass into your skin.
The more fresh juices you drink and the more fruit or vegetables you eat, the less water you need to drink. All juices contain plenty of distilled water, which contributes to your daily water requirement.
Drinking sodas and other drinks that have sugar cannot be counted as water.
The Lungs
You have two large sacs that are called your lungs. As you breathe in air, the lungs pull oxygen out of the air, which is captured by your blood, routed to your liver, moved into your heart and then moved into all parts of your body.
As you breathe out, waste and carbon dioxide are pushed out through your mouth.
Your cells use oxygen to create energy for you to live by. You need energy for every movement your body does. Oxygen is also used to neutralize toxins, waste and pathogen. The more toxins, acid waste and pathogens you have in your body, the more oxygen is used up to neutralize them. This means you will have less oxygen for cell, organ and other body functions.
If the other elimination channels are weak and overloaded, the lungs will also become overloaded trying to get rid of toxic waste the other channels cannot get rid of.
When your lungs become overloaded with toxins or become weak, more waste stays in the body, making your body more toxic, acidic and susceptible to disease and infections. If you have kidney weakness, liver weakness, lung weakness mostly likely you will have skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and many other types of skin disorders.
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It consists of a series of tubes, large and small, that cover your entire body. Through these tubes flow a whitish liquid called lymph. Since this system does not have a pump, the lymph is pushed through the tubes by your body’s movement or exercise.
Lymph liquid surrounds all of your body cells and is responsible for bringing nutrients to your cells from the blood and to move away toxins that come out of the cells.
Toxins and pathogens that are in your lymph liquid are moved into lymph nodes. In the lymph nodes, this toxic matter is neutralized into harmless chemicals and then moved into the blood and are eliminated through the other channels of elimination.
The lymph liquid is composed of electrolyte minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium phosphorus, and chloride. So strong lymph liquid is built when you eat fruits and vegetables.
When the lymph nodes become overwhelmed with toxic waste from the cells and the blood, they become inflamed and cannot keep the body free of toxic matter.
Excess toxic waste accumulates in the lymph liquid when your body does not have enough electrolyte minerals to neutralize this toxic acid waste. Now, your body is a considered acid and will have a difficult time fighting infections wherever they occur, including your face.
When you lymph system becomes weaken, it is unable to detoxify toxins and routes them into the blood where the liver is expected to clean the blood.
Keeping you lymph system strong is important for keeping your skin free of blemishes, skin disorders, eczema and acne.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
Eczema and acne herbs for a powerful footbath
In 1979, Maurice Messe’gue’, the famous French herbalist, who practiced herbal footbaths for all kinds of ailments, wrote a book called “Health Secrets of Plants and Herbs.” In this book he outlined his footbath treatment for Eczema.
I have listed his herbal recommendations and have added a few more that are effective in reducing eczema symptoms. I have listed 11 herbs that you can buy in small quantities, ½ oz, to mix together, produce a tea, and use in a footbath.
As mentioned in my other article on footbaths, create a tea, with herbs and let them sit for 20-30 minutes. Then strain and add them to a footbath. Use the footbath in the morning and evening for 10 – 14 minutes.
Use at least 9 of the herbs listed here.
Artichoke leaves – You can use artichoke leaves dried whole or cut down and as an extract. Artichoke leaves have been used for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. They help increase bile and help the liver to regenerate. The liver needs to be in good condition to help eczema conditions when excess toxins are contributing to eczema. The liver helps to detoxify colon toxins and other toxins that may reach eczema locations and cause inflammation.
What I do is just buy some artichokes and cut them into small pieces – about a small hand full – boil water and put them into the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then I take the boiling water off the stove and put my herbs.
Elecampane leaves – This herb is used to expel intestinal parasites, helps to pull toxins out of the body, stimulate digestion and the immune system. A tea of leaves and roots help clean the skin by removing toxins and allowing your immune system to heal your skin.
Cabbage leaves – these leaves are known to reduce your susceptibility to cancer. It is thought that cabbage leaves have anti-inflammatory action. Cabbage has a healing action on open wounds. You can use fresh cabbage cut into small pieces and add them to the boiling water at the same time you add the artichokes.
Nettles – Nettle tea is good for wounds, stings, and burns. It is also used to eliminate worms and for colon disorders. Many times skin disorders can be the result of a toxic colon. That is why cleansing and detoxifying the colon will help with any type of skin problem.
Sage – is a strong astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It increases blood circulation, and helps digestive problems.
Lavender –It is used for inflammation from insect bites. Lavender helps to calms nerves. Many of the skin disorders stem from anxiety and nervous conditions which lower the immune system. This allows toxins or heredity conditions to surface and re-establish themselves as skin diseases.
Marigold – is used for pain and skin swelling. It is good for wounds, sprains, and inflamed and sore eyes.
Arnica – stimulates blood circulation and increases blood pressure. It is used for eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce swelling and pain and helps heal wounds.
Burdock root – Has an excellent history of helping bruises, swelling, and joint pain. It can help to eliminate ringworm on the surface of the skin.
Black Walnut – hull and leaves are used to rid you of various kinds of worms throughout the body. It is useful in constipation, parasitic and fungal infection. It also helps eczema, acne, herpes, skin parasites, and psoriasis.
Yarrow Flowers – helps to improve liver function. It has antiseptic and viral properties. It firms and tones tissue outside and inside the body. It helps to boost your immunity and kills many types of pathogens. Its oils absorb toxins and help the body dispose of them without out creating side effects.
There you have it. Don’t be afraid of buying separate herbs and creating an herbal mixture that you can use in a footbath for eczema, acne and other skin conditions. One last thing, when you use the footbath, you will stir up toxins that may increase skin breakouts but this will pass as the footbaths help to clean out your body.
Rudy Silva has a Physics degree from the University of San Jose California and is a Natural Nutritionist. He writes a newsletter called “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” and he has written an ebook called “How to Clear Up Your Acne by Enhancing Your Fighting Power.” You can get more information on this ebook and more acne remedies at this site. http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
I have listed his herbal recommendations and have added a few more that are effective in reducing eczema symptoms. I have listed 11 herbs that you can buy in small quantities, ½ oz, to mix together, produce a tea, and use in a footbath.
As mentioned in my other article on footbaths, create a tea, with herbs and let them sit for 20-30 minutes. Then strain and add them to a footbath. Use the footbath in the morning and evening for 10 – 14 minutes.
Use at least 9 of the herbs listed here.
Artichoke leaves – You can use artichoke leaves dried whole or cut down and as an extract. Artichoke leaves have been used for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. They help increase bile and help the liver to regenerate. The liver needs to be in good condition to help eczema conditions when excess toxins are contributing to eczema. The liver helps to detoxify colon toxins and other toxins that may reach eczema locations and cause inflammation.
What I do is just buy some artichokes and cut them into small pieces – about a small hand full – boil water and put them into the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then I take the boiling water off the stove and put my herbs.
Elecampane leaves – This herb is used to expel intestinal parasites, helps to pull toxins out of the body, stimulate digestion and the immune system. A tea of leaves and roots help clean the skin by removing toxins and allowing your immune system to heal your skin.
Cabbage leaves – these leaves are known to reduce your susceptibility to cancer. It is thought that cabbage leaves have anti-inflammatory action. Cabbage has a healing action on open wounds. You can use fresh cabbage cut into small pieces and add them to the boiling water at the same time you add the artichokes.
Nettles – Nettle tea is good for wounds, stings, and burns. It is also used to eliminate worms and for colon disorders. Many times skin disorders can be the result of a toxic colon. That is why cleansing and detoxifying the colon will help with any type of skin problem.
Sage – is a strong astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It increases blood circulation, and helps digestive problems.
Lavender –It is used for inflammation from insect bites. Lavender helps to calms nerves. Many of the skin disorders stem from anxiety and nervous conditions which lower the immune system. This allows toxins or heredity conditions to surface and re-establish themselves as skin diseases.
Marigold – is used for pain and skin swelling. It is good for wounds, sprains, and inflamed and sore eyes.
Arnica – stimulates blood circulation and increases blood pressure. It is used for eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce swelling and pain and helps heal wounds.
Burdock root – Has an excellent history of helping bruises, swelling, and joint pain. It can help to eliminate ringworm on the surface of the skin.
Black Walnut – hull and leaves are used to rid you of various kinds of worms throughout the body. It is useful in constipation, parasitic and fungal infection. It also helps eczema, acne, herpes, skin parasites, and psoriasis.
Yarrow Flowers – helps to improve liver function. It has antiseptic and viral properties. It firms and tones tissue outside and inside the body. It helps to boost your immunity and kills many types of pathogens. Its oils absorb toxins and help the body dispose of them without out creating side effects.
There you have it. Don’t be afraid of buying separate herbs and creating an herbal mixture that you can use in a footbath for eczema, acne and other skin conditions. One last thing, when you use the footbath, you will stir up toxins that may increase skin breakouts but this will pass as the footbaths help to clean out your body.
Rudy Silva has a Physics degree from the University of San Jose California and is a Natural Nutritionist. He writes a newsletter called “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” and he has written an ebook called “How to Clear Up Your Acne by Enhancing Your Fighting Power.” You can get more information on this ebook and more acne remedies at this site. http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
An acne herbal hand and footbath
Now, you can do either a footbath or a hand bath. Once you prepare a container with hot water you can put your feet or hands into it and get the same results.
If you already have foot spa, thank your mother, sister, or whoever bought it because you’re in for a treat. If you don’t, with $20 or $30 you can get one just like I did.
When you use a heated footbath, veins in your feet start to expand. Over a period of 15-20 minute, the warm water affects your entire vascular (blood) system and you get improved blood circulation.
By adding an herbal infusion into the hot water in the footbath, minerals and other phytochemicals from the herbs enter the soles of your feet and into your blood stream.
This means that you can introduce herbal phytochemicals into your blood stream using the footbath. During your footbath, these herbal chemicals quickly circulated throughout your body and get to work neutralizing acid, killing bacteria, and improving your skin circulation.
Here is an herbal combination you can use. This herbal combination was taken and modified slightly from a book written by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., called The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, 1986. Mowrey says,
“This (herbal) blend attacks external skin disorders from within, purifying the blood, carrying away waste, reinforcing the blood’s ability to ward off infectious agents.”
The herbal combination to use is,
* Dandelion root – purifies blood and improves liver function
* Yellow dock root – purifies blood, helps liver, is anti-bacterial
* Saraparilla root – has antibiotic action, promotes waste elimination through urine and sweating
* Echinacea – increases immunity and promotes skin healing
* Licorice – protects the liver so that it can detoxify the blood better
* Kelp – provide minerals and vitamins and binds heavy metal that are bad for health
* Chaparral – is anti-microbial making effective against acne.
* Fresh Garlic – cut up a few cubes of garlic and place them into the hot water. Garlic is has antibacterial properties.
Buy one ounce of each herb and mix them.
Here’s how to do the herbal footbath,
* Place 2-3 tablespoons of herbal mix into 1 ½ cups of water
* Boil the water with herbs – use only a glass, porcelain, or stainless steel container
* After water starts to boil, pull the container off the stove
* Let tea sit for 15-30 minutes. The longer the tea sits the stronger the tea and its effects
* Prepare your foot spa with water
* Strain the tea to remove leaves and roots
* Poor tea and cut garlic into the foot spa
* Place your feet or hands in the hot water for 15 – 30 minutes.
I have been using a foot spa for many different conditions for my family and myself. I really like using the footbath. It is a convenient way to by pass your digestive system and get more nutrients into your body
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com.” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
If you already have foot spa, thank your mother, sister, or whoever bought it because you’re in for a treat. If you don’t, with $20 or $30 you can get one just like I did.
When you use a heated footbath, veins in your feet start to expand. Over a period of 15-20 minute, the warm water affects your entire vascular (blood) system and you get improved blood circulation.
By adding an herbal infusion into the hot water in the footbath, minerals and other phytochemicals from the herbs enter the soles of your feet and into your blood stream.
This means that you can introduce herbal phytochemicals into your blood stream using the footbath. During your footbath, these herbal chemicals quickly circulated throughout your body and get to work neutralizing acid, killing bacteria, and improving your skin circulation.
Here is an herbal combination you can use. This herbal combination was taken and modified slightly from a book written by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., called The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, 1986. Mowrey says,
“This (herbal) blend attacks external skin disorders from within, purifying the blood, carrying away waste, reinforcing the blood’s ability to ward off infectious agents.”
The herbal combination to use is,
* Dandelion root – purifies blood and improves liver function
* Yellow dock root – purifies blood, helps liver, is anti-bacterial
* Saraparilla root – has antibiotic action, promotes waste elimination through urine and sweating
* Echinacea – increases immunity and promotes skin healing
* Licorice – protects the liver so that it can detoxify the blood better
* Kelp – provide minerals and vitamins and binds heavy metal that are bad for health
* Chaparral – is anti-microbial making effective against acne.
* Fresh Garlic – cut up a few cubes of garlic and place them into the hot water. Garlic is has antibacterial properties.
Buy one ounce of each herb and mix them.
Here’s how to do the herbal footbath,
* Place 2-3 tablespoons of herbal mix into 1 ½ cups of water
* Boil the water with herbs – use only a glass, porcelain, or stainless steel container
* After water starts to boil, pull the container off the stove
* Let tea sit for 15-30 minutes. The longer the tea sits the stronger the tea and its effects
* Prepare your foot spa with water
* Strain the tea to remove leaves and roots
* Poor tea and cut garlic into the foot spa
* Place your feet or hands in the hot water for 15 – 30 minutes.
I have been using a foot spa for many different conditions for my family and myself. I really like using the footbath. It is a convenient way to by pass your digestive system and get more nutrients into your body
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com.” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
Remedying the Silly Ways Women Get Acne When Applying Makeup
Women spend thousands of dollars to create a flawless face. Yet faulty or uninformed uses of moisturizers and makeup can lead to inexplicable breakouts for women.
The two key symbols to remember when applying makeup and moisturizers are cotton and the feather. Cotton symbolizes the need to use clean applicators when applying makeup. The feather represents light application of makeup and moisturizers.
Here are the four biggest mistakes women make in their beauty regime that can lead to acne and ways to remedy them.
1.Re-using a consealer applicator
You have a zit and you want to hide it. So what do you do? Dip your consealer applicator in the bottle and apply the liquid cover directly to the inflamed zit, right. No. Reapplying consealer to your face with the applicator provided by the manufacturer does one thing only, spread more bacteria. Once you apply the consealer to your face with the applicator wand, you simply return it to the bottle where the bacteria have a whole container in which to flourish. Giving bacteria a breeding ground is what causes acne in the first place, so don’t give them new real estate in which to reproduce.
Solution:
To avoid this, apply your consealer with a cotton swab and never, ever use the applicator stick provided by the consealer manufacturer. This will ensure that your consealer applications are always fresh and free of as much bacteria as possible.
2. Re-using a foundation sponge
The reasons for not re-using a foundation sponge are the same as the reason for not re-using a consearler applicator, you want to limit the spread of bacteria.
Solution:
Never use the foundation sponge provided by the manufacturer of the cosmetic. Instead, use a cotton ball to apply your foundation. This way, each of your foundation applications will be clean.
3. Applying moisturizers and makeup with a heavy hand.
Do you have the habit of piling layers of makeup onto your face? Caking on your makeup clogs your pores. Clogged pores are an ideal breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.
Solution:
Always lightly apply your makeup and moisturizer. One easy trick for assuring that you are applying your makeup and moisturizer lightly is that you feel a tickling sensation as you apply your cosmetics. The added benefit of light facial handling is that you reduce stretching and irritating your skin, a combination that can help limit the onset of wrinkles and acne breakouts.
4. Not evenly applying cosmetics
If you notice a collection of pimples surrounding your temple or hairline, this could be because you start applying the makeup or moisturizer at the bottom of your face and work your way upward. However, if the makeup or moisturizer collects on your temples or at the hairline, the cosmetic excess may clog the pores and cause zits.
Solution:
When applying makeup or a moisturizer, spread it evenly across the entire face. Keep in mind that hair styling agents may have spread to your hairline and this increases the chances of the pores getting congested and zits arising. Also, while cleansing your face, apply a warm cloth onto your hairline area to help remove the waxy build-up that comes from hair styling agents, moisturizers and makeup.
So next time you are applying makeup or your moisturizer, call to mind the feather and cotton, your metaphor for staying “light” and “clean” with your skin.
The two key symbols to remember when applying makeup and moisturizers are cotton and the feather. Cotton symbolizes the need to use clean applicators when applying makeup. The feather represents light application of makeup and moisturizers.
Here are the four biggest mistakes women make in their beauty regime that can lead to acne and ways to remedy them.
1.Re-using a consealer applicator
You have a zit and you want to hide it. So what do you do? Dip your consealer applicator in the bottle and apply the liquid cover directly to the inflamed zit, right. No. Reapplying consealer to your face with the applicator provided by the manufacturer does one thing only, spread more bacteria. Once you apply the consealer to your face with the applicator wand, you simply return it to the bottle where the bacteria have a whole container in which to flourish. Giving bacteria a breeding ground is what causes acne in the first place, so don’t give them new real estate in which to reproduce.
Solution:
To avoid this, apply your consealer with a cotton swab and never, ever use the applicator stick provided by the consealer manufacturer. This will ensure that your consealer applications are always fresh and free of as much bacteria as possible.
2. Re-using a foundation sponge
The reasons for not re-using a foundation sponge are the same as the reason for not re-using a consearler applicator, you want to limit the spread of bacteria.
Solution:
Never use the foundation sponge provided by the manufacturer of the cosmetic. Instead, use a cotton ball to apply your foundation. This way, each of your foundation applications will be clean.
3. Applying moisturizers and makeup with a heavy hand.
Do you have the habit of piling layers of makeup onto your face? Caking on your makeup clogs your pores. Clogged pores are an ideal breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.
Solution:
Always lightly apply your makeup and moisturizer. One easy trick for assuring that you are applying your makeup and moisturizer lightly is that you feel a tickling sensation as you apply your cosmetics. The added benefit of light facial handling is that you reduce stretching and irritating your skin, a combination that can help limit the onset of wrinkles and acne breakouts.
4. Not evenly applying cosmetics
If you notice a collection of pimples surrounding your temple or hairline, this could be because you start applying the makeup or moisturizer at the bottom of your face and work your way upward. However, if the makeup or moisturizer collects on your temples or at the hairline, the cosmetic excess may clog the pores and cause zits.
Solution:
When applying makeup or a moisturizer, spread it evenly across the entire face. Keep in mind that hair styling agents may have spread to your hairline and this increases the chances of the pores getting congested and zits arising. Also, while cleansing your face, apply a warm cloth onto your hairline area to help remove the waxy build-up that comes from hair styling agents, moisturizers and makeup.
So next time you are applying makeup or your moisturizer, call to mind the feather and cotton, your metaphor for staying “light” and “clean” with your skin.
How mental attitude and digestion affect acne
Mental attitude
Acne is an expression of toxins in the body that are not being released through normal channels of elimination, so they come out through the skin. Since mental attitude and thoughts cannot be separate from the body, thoughts and feelings are also being expressed as acne.
Negative thoughts and feelings produce chemicals that are toxic acids. Just like toxic acids created in the colon, the toxic thoughts need to be eliminated through the 5 elimination channels
Acne can be an expression suppressed past traumatic experiences. As a child, when you were exposed to experiences that overwhelm you – constant mental, physical, or sexually abuse, you suppress them. So now as an adult, as your defense system weakens, you’re not able to completely suppress this information, so it becomes expressed as acne or other skin disorders. Of course, these suppressed experiences can be expressed as other diseases.
Acne can also be related to the emotion of fear or anxiety. It can also be an expression of holding onto old junkie or unpleasant memories. It’s a way of holding on to and burying the junkie or toxic memory into your face. It is these memories that are trying to surface and, in an usual way, asking you to face them. Many times, you and other people may not want to remember them or deal with them.
To deal with them requires a lot of strength and help from a psychotherapist.
Stomach Acid
Your stomach uses Hydrochloric acid (HCl) to break down protein. It also has many other functions,
* Kills pathogens and microbes and prevents them from getting into the colon and blood
* Controls the adsorption of B12
* Controls the adsorption of iron calcium zinc, copper, magnesium and most B-complex vitamins
* Controls the adsorption of vitamin C
* Created indigestion
* Prevents constipation
When you have low levels of HCl chances are that you will be susceptible to getting acne. HCl can be increased by using a digestive enzyme that contains HCl.
Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes
When the food you eat passes the stomach and enters the small intestine, the pancreas releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to help complete the digestive process.
The bicarbonate helps to reduce the acid strength in the food coming from the stomach. The digestive enzymes digest carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
When the pancreas loses its efficiency and starts to release less digestive enzymes, less food is properly digested. This results in more undigested food reaching the colon. When this happens, the undigested food, if it stays to long in the colon, becomes a source for rotting matter and toxic material. This toxic material can get into your blood and cause skin disruption such as acne.
A healthy pancreas, which provides the necessary digestive juices to digest the food you eat, is needed for healthy skin and for eliminating acne and other skin sores and eruptions.
When you have acne or other skin diseases, they are created when there is an in-balance in your body and that includes many different organs and body processes and systems – your thoughts, digestion, liver, kidney, lymphatic system, lungs, and pancreas.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” More natural remedy hints and information can be found at: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com/archive.html
Acne is an expression of toxins in the body that are not being released through normal channels of elimination, so they come out through the skin. Since mental attitude and thoughts cannot be separate from the body, thoughts and feelings are also being expressed as acne.
Negative thoughts and feelings produce chemicals that are toxic acids. Just like toxic acids created in the colon, the toxic thoughts need to be eliminated through the 5 elimination channels
Acne can be an expression suppressed past traumatic experiences. As a child, when you were exposed to experiences that overwhelm you – constant mental, physical, or sexually abuse, you suppress them. So now as an adult, as your defense system weakens, you’re not able to completely suppress this information, so it becomes expressed as acne or other skin disorders. Of course, these suppressed experiences can be expressed as other diseases.
Acne can also be related to the emotion of fear or anxiety. It can also be an expression of holding onto old junkie or unpleasant memories. It’s a way of holding on to and burying the junkie or toxic memory into your face. It is these memories that are trying to surface and, in an usual way, asking you to face them. Many times, you and other people may not want to remember them or deal with them.
To deal with them requires a lot of strength and help from a psychotherapist.
Stomach Acid
Your stomach uses Hydrochloric acid (HCl) to break down protein. It also has many other functions,
* Kills pathogens and microbes and prevents them from getting into the colon and blood
* Controls the adsorption of B12
* Controls the adsorption of iron calcium zinc, copper, magnesium and most B-complex vitamins
* Controls the adsorption of vitamin C
* Created indigestion
* Prevents constipation
When you have low levels of HCl chances are that you will be susceptible to getting acne. HCl can be increased by using a digestive enzyme that contains HCl.
Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes
When the food you eat passes the stomach and enters the small intestine, the pancreas releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to help complete the digestive process.
The bicarbonate helps to reduce the acid strength in the food coming from the stomach. The digestive enzymes digest carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
When the pancreas loses its efficiency and starts to release less digestive enzymes, less food is properly digested. This results in more undigested food reaching the colon. When this happens, the undigested food, if it stays to long in the colon, becomes a source for rotting matter and toxic material. This toxic material can get into your blood and cause skin disruption such as acne.
A healthy pancreas, which provides the necessary digestive juices to digest the food you eat, is needed for healthy skin and for eliminating acne and other skin sores and eruptions.
When you have acne or other skin diseases, they are created when there is an in-balance in your body and that includes many different organs and body processes and systems – your thoughts, digestion, liver, kidney, lymphatic system, lungs, and pancreas.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” More natural remedy hints and information can be found at: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com/archive.html
Are you addicted to your acne trigger?
An acne trigger is any thought, location, feeling, food, emotion, response, drink, drug, memory and/or experience that sets off a series of hormonal reactions in your body that ultimately result in an acne formation.
If a food or drink is the culprit behind your acne breakouts you may actually be addicted to your preferred culinary delight. The allergy addition could stem from the body’s response to frequently consumed allergens. During an allergic response, the body releases endorphins. These endorphins in turn create the feeling of a natural high. Any substance that promotes this fleeting state of euphoria may be additive. So, you may be eating a food that you are allergic to just to get high, and as an after blow, you get acne. Ouch.
Surprisingly, eating a lot of any particular food, even a “healthy food”, can incite an allergic response. Though still unexplainable, the food creates an immune response and/or stresses specific digestive enzymes. Poor digestion can irritate the body in multiple ways, generating an allergic response. One way to decide whether or not you are allergic to a certain food is to examine the foods your most often crave. Are you eating the food to experience a gastronomic high? Foods containing chocolate, dairy, wheat, corn, tomatoes, and soy are common sources of food allergens.
Sources and additional reading:
The Inflammation Syndrome: The complete nutritional program to prevent and reverse heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, asthma. Jack Challem. John Wiley & Sons. 2003.
Stop Inflammation Now! A step-by-step plan to prevent, treat, and reverse inflammation- the leading cause of heart disease and related conditions. Richard M. Flemming, M.D. with Tom Monte. G.P. Putman’s Sons. 2004.
If a food or drink is the culprit behind your acne breakouts you may actually be addicted to your preferred culinary delight. The allergy addition could stem from the body’s response to frequently consumed allergens. During an allergic response, the body releases endorphins. These endorphins in turn create the feeling of a natural high. Any substance that promotes this fleeting state of euphoria may be additive. So, you may be eating a food that you are allergic to just to get high, and as an after blow, you get acne. Ouch.
Surprisingly, eating a lot of any particular food, even a “healthy food”, can incite an allergic response. Though still unexplainable, the food creates an immune response and/or stresses specific digestive enzymes. Poor digestion can irritate the body in multiple ways, generating an allergic response. One way to decide whether or not you are allergic to a certain food is to examine the foods your most often crave. Are you eating the food to experience a gastronomic high? Foods containing chocolate, dairy, wheat, corn, tomatoes, and soy are common sources of food allergens.
Sources and additional reading:
The Inflammation Syndrome: The complete nutritional program to prevent and reverse heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, asthma. Jack Challem. John Wiley & Sons. 2003.
Stop Inflammation Now! A step-by-step plan to prevent, treat, and reverse inflammation- the leading cause of heart disease and related conditions. Richard M. Flemming, M.D. with Tom Monte. G.P. Putman’s Sons. 2004.
What Is the Most Popular Acne Treatment System
The best way I can answer this question is by giving my own first hand account. Like many teenagers I developed acne during puberty. Between the ages of 16 and 17 it was at its all time worst. I had blemishes on my face, chest, shoulders, and lower back. During my early twenties the acne on my face subsided, but I was still very embarrassed to take my shirt off.
The first acne treatment I tried were some of the popular over the counter products: Clearasil and Neutrogena. After they failed I went to a dermatologist. She prescribed Differin and Tetracycline. Differin is a cream you put on your blemishes and Tetracycline is a pill that supposed to fight your acne internally.
Six months later neither helped and in fact I think they made my acne worse. Not to mention the awful side effects that came with Differin. It tried my skin out to the point where it constantly itched.
Sometime later I saw the Proactiv Solution infomercial on TV. At first, I was skeptical about ordering it. I had tried a couple of infomercial products in the past and was disappointed with the results, but I had tried everything else so I gave it a go.
Seven months later I was virtually acne free. Proactiv does work and it doesn’t come with all those side effects associated with many prescription medications.
Acne’s not a big issue health wise, but psychologically it can be devastating. At one point I became embarrassed to go out in public and as a result became antisocial. If your acne makes you feel self conscious, give Proactive a try. The self-confidence you get back easily pays for the cost many times over.
You can check out Proactiv Solution at
About the author:
Kevin Emswiler is a freelance writer that has several articles published on and off the net. For more information on Proactiv Solution, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/11/prwebxml176239.php
The first acne treatment I tried were some of the popular over the counter products: Clearasil and Neutrogena. After they failed I went to a dermatologist. She prescribed Differin and Tetracycline. Differin is a cream you put on your blemishes and Tetracycline is a pill that supposed to fight your acne internally.
Six months later neither helped and in fact I think they made my acne worse. Not to mention the awful side effects that came with Differin. It tried my skin out to the point where it constantly itched.
Sometime later I saw the Proactiv Solution infomercial on TV. At first, I was skeptical about ordering it. I had tried a couple of infomercial products in the past and was disappointed with the results, but I had tried everything else so I gave it a go.
Seven months later I was virtually acne free. Proactiv does work and it doesn’t come with all those side effects associated with many prescription medications.
Acne’s not a big issue health wise, but psychologically it can be devastating. At one point I became embarrassed to go out in public and as a result became antisocial. If your acne makes you feel self conscious, give Proactive a try. The self-confidence you get back easily pays for the cost many times over.
You can check out Proactiv Solution at
About the author:
Kevin Emswiler is a freelance writer that has several articles published on and off the net. For more information on Proactiv Solution, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/11/prwebxml176239.php
How To Use Fish Oil To Help You Stop Acne
If you want to control acne breakouts, you need to supplement your diet with fish oils which contain omega-3 and omega-6 oils. These fish oil also contains EPA and DHA fatty acids which are necessary for creating prostaglandins.
Normally, enzymes in your body break down omega-6 into DGLA, AA, EPA and DHA fatty acids.
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
Arachidonic Acid (AA)
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
These four fatty acids eventually change into prostaglandins.
What are prostaglandins?
Prostaglandins are chemical hormones that come from omega-3 and omega-6 oils and that help,
regulate every function in your cells and organs.
Postaglandins also keep androgen hormones in control so that excess sebum is not produce in the hair follicle, which results in acne.
This is the reason why Essential Fatty Acids – Omega-3 and Omega-6 – are critical foods to eat.
However, eating plenty essential fatty acids may not insure that you produce enough EPA and DHA, which produce the essential prostaglandins.
It is critical for acne and more importantly for your health that you get enough EPA and DHA in your cells and organs so they can produce the required prostaglandins.
To increase the prostaglandins in your cell walls, it is necessary for you to take a fish supplement, which contains both the EPA and DHA.
Of course eating salmon, halibut, and mackerel twice a week will be a plus in providing your body with more EPA and DHA.
Here’s what I use daily. Spectrum Essentials puts out an excellent product called
Omega-3 Norwegian Fish Oil
Two capsules contains
EPA – 360mg
DHA – 240mg
Omega-3 – 892mg
Stearic, Lauric, Palmitic Acids - 508mg
Using the Omega-3 Norwegian Fish Oil is critical in getting relief from acne, so take two capsules per meal.
When your body creates prostaglandins, it creates a good prostaglandin and a bad prostaglandin. Here’s how to encourage the production of good prostaglandins.
·Maintain a ratio of two times more omega-6 than omega-3 in your diet.
·Eating too much omega-6 can lead to producing excess bad prostaglandins.
·Take a multi-vitamin and minerals with your meals to provide these nutrients for breaking down the
essential fatty acids into prostaglandins
·Reduce the amount of meat, saturated fat, dairy, and eggs you eat to reduce the production of AA, which blocks the activities of the good prostaglandins
·Eat cold water fish at least twice a week to provide EPA and DHA to your diet
Include at least 20% of your diet calories as good fats – omega oils and fish oil. This is essential for controlling the excess activity of your hormones and reducing the inflammation of your acne.
Normally, enzymes in your body break down omega-6 into DGLA, AA, EPA and DHA fatty acids.
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
Arachidonic Acid (AA)
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
These four fatty acids eventually change into prostaglandins.
What are prostaglandins?
Prostaglandins are chemical hormones that come from omega-3 and omega-6 oils and that help,
regulate every function in your cells and organs.
Postaglandins also keep androgen hormones in control so that excess sebum is not produce in the hair follicle, which results in acne.
This is the reason why Essential Fatty Acids – Omega-3 and Omega-6 – are critical foods to eat.
However, eating plenty essential fatty acids may not insure that you produce enough EPA and DHA, which produce the essential prostaglandins.
It is critical for acne and more importantly for your health that you get enough EPA and DHA in your cells and organs so they can produce the required prostaglandins.
To increase the prostaglandins in your cell walls, it is necessary for you to take a fish supplement, which contains both the EPA and DHA.
Of course eating salmon, halibut, and mackerel twice a week will be a plus in providing your body with more EPA and DHA.
Here’s what I use daily. Spectrum Essentials puts out an excellent product called
Omega-3 Norwegian Fish Oil
Two capsules contains
EPA – 360mg
DHA – 240mg
Omega-3 – 892mg
Stearic, Lauric, Palmitic Acids - 508mg
Using the Omega-3 Norwegian Fish Oil is critical in getting relief from acne, so take two capsules per meal.
When your body creates prostaglandins, it creates a good prostaglandin and a bad prostaglandin. Here’s how to encourage the production of good prostaglandins.
·Maintain a ratio of two times more omega-6 than omega-3 in your diet.
·Eating too much omega-6 can lead to producing excess bad prostaglandins.
·Take a multi-vitamin and minerals with your meals to provide these nutrients for breaking down the
essential fatty acids into prostaglandins
·Reduce the amount of meat, saturated fat, dairy, and eggs you eat to reduce the production of AA, which blocks the activities of the good prostaglandins
·Eat cold water fish at least twice a week to provide EPA and DHA to your diet
Include at least 20% of your diet calories as good fats – omega oils and fish oil. This is essential for controlling the excess activity of your hormones and reducing the inflammation of your acne.
How to keep your skin clean by brushing and keep acne away
The skin is the largest of the elimination channels. Through the skin toxins are eliminated which are brought to the skin surface from the blood. When the regular elimination channels are sluggish or partial plugged up such as your colon being constipated, not all toxins move out through your feces.
Toxins that accumulate in the colon tend to move into the blood, when colon walls have been weaken through constant constipation or abused through eating excessive junk food. Once in the blood they move into the liver for detoxification.
If you are frequently constipated, than your liver will be overworked and unable to detoxify all of the colon toxins. The liver will store a lot of these toxins in its own tissue and else where in your body’s tissues, joints, organs, cells and skin.
When you have excessive toxins and your immune system is not able to detoxify them, these toxins will moved to the skin surface through the blood where they are enter the hair pores – follicles – and try to move to the skin surface. When your pores are not working properly, excessive toxins in the pores can lead to acne.
Body odor is also a result of toxins coming out through the skin that should be moving out through the other elimination channels.
If your body skin is clean and its pores are open and unclogged, toxins will move out through the pores without creating pimples or eruptions. The skin normally moves 1-2 pounds of toxins out of your skin daily.
You can tell when your pores are open. You sweat freely during exercise. If you do not sweat much during hot weather or during exercise, then your skin pores are probably plugged.
To keep your skin active and serving as a good channel of elimination you need to brush your skin daily before you shower or during your shower. When you brush your skin, brush in one direction, starting from your feet towards your heart.
In her book, Detox For Life, 2002, Loree Taylor Jordan, C.C.H., I.D. says,
“One of greatest gifts of health that you can give yourself is the gift of skin brushing. Dry skin brushing in one of the finest of all baths. No soap can wash the skin as clean as the new skin you have under the old. You make new skin on the body every 24 hours. The skin will only be as clean as the bloodstream. Dry skin brushing removes the top layer. This helps to eliminate uric acid crystals catarrh, and various other acids in the body. The skin should eliminate 2 pounds of waste acids daily.”
Understanding how your skin lives will help you keep it clean. Brush your skin daily and bring toxins to the skin surface where you can get rid of them during your shower.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com.” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
Toxins that accumulate in the colon tend to move into the blood, when colon walls have been weaken through constant constipation or abused through eating excessive junk food. Once in the blood they move into the liver for detoxification.
If you are frequently constipated, than your liver will be overworked and unable to detoxify all of the colon toxins. The liver will store a lot of these toxins in its own tissue and else where in your body’s tissues, joints, organs, cells and skin.
When you have excessive toxins and your immune system is not able to detoxify them, these toxins will moved to the skin surface through the blood where they are enter the hair pores – follicles – and try to move to the skin surface. When your pores are not working properly, excessive toxins in the pores can lead to acne.
Body odor is also a result of toxins coming out through the skin that should be moving out through the other elimination channels.
If your body skin is clean and its pores are open and unclogged, toxins will move out through the pores without creating pimples or eruptions. The skin normally moves 1-2 pounds of toxins out of your skin daily.
You can tell when your pores are open. You sweat freely during exercise. If you do not sweat much during hot weather or during exercise, then your skin pores are probably plugged.
To keep your skin active and serving as a good channel of elimination you need to brush your skin daily before you shower or during your shower. When you brush your skin, brush in one direction, starting from your feet towards your heart.
In her book, Detox For Life, 2002, Loree Taylor Jordan, C.C.H., I.D. says,
“One of greatest gifts of health that you can give yourself is the gift of skin brushing. Dry skin brushing in one of the finest of all baths. No soap can wash the skin as clean as the new skin you have under the old. You make new skin on the body every 24 hours. The skin will only be as clean as the bloodstream. Dry skin brushing removes the top layer. This helps to eliminate uric acid crystals catarrh, and various other acids in the body. The skin should eliminate 2 pounds of waste acids daily.”
Understanding how your skin lives will help you keep it clean. Brush your skin daily and bring toxins to the skin surface where you can get rid of them during your shower.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com.” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
A Natural Approach To Managing Acne
Almost everyone has suffered from acne at one time or another in his or her lives. It is primarily a disorder of the sebaceous gland (glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance) of the face, the neck and back. When the sebaceous glands become clogged with the oily substance they create, the accumulation results in pimples. There are several forms of acne, but the most common is acne vulgaris, found primarily in adolescents.
The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to this condition include heredity, oily skin and androgens. Additional factors include allergies, stress, the use of certain drugs, nutritional deficiencies, liver dysfunction, exposure to industrial pollutants, cosmetics and the monthly menstrual cycle.
In addition, the skin functions to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste by sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys or liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the 3rd kidney. As toxins escape through the skin, they can disrupt the health and integrity of the skin, creating issues.
Recommendations for Wellness
Note: Some of these recommendations may take 2-4 weeks before any results or improvements are experienced.
Apply distilled white vinegar (can be diluted if too strong) to the face and affected areas. Allow this to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
Lemon or any citric fruit works great as a natural exfoliate, removing dead skin cells that may clog the pours. As with the white vinegar, apply the juice of a lemon (or desired citric juice) to the face. Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. You may feel a mild sting or burn when the lemon juice is applied. If so, diluting the juice is acceptable.
Increase water consumption. Water helps flush toxin out and help transport nutrients in the body.
Eat a properly balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition.
Take a high quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement to make up for nutrients missing in today’s foods.
Echinacea or Oregon grape can be used to boost the immune system and fight acne-causing bacteria.
Dandelion, Burdock or red clover can help to keep the liver clear of toxic overload.
Herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine's Ayurvedic Skin Detox and BP-X can also be used to cleanse and detoxify the liver and reduce acne.
Historically, large quantities of vitamin A have been successfully used to treat severe acne. Large amounts, however, can be toxic and should be used when working with your health care provider.
Consider adding additional zinc to your diet. Zinc aids in the healing of tissues and assists in preventing scarring. It is also important for the body in resisting infection and inflammation.
To clear and heal the skin, try a homeopathic Acne remedy. It can help to dry up pimples & prevent future outbreaks
Do you suffer from a chronic medical condition that defies diagnosis? Do you feel “stuck” or dissatisfied with life? Whether it is a physical problem, an emotional issue, a problem at work or a problem in a relationship, medical intuitive, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. can help you bring health, healing and wholeness back into your life. You can find Dr. Louise at http://www.soulhealer.com
Baby Acne
One of the most common conditions a new mother may see on her infant, is baby acne. But while it is startling in so young a child, it's really not a serious issue, nor should you be overly concerned about the causes or cures.
Some babies when born, may have small red bumps on their face. This is not baby acne, but something called “milia”, which usually disappears in a couple of weeks. On the other hand, the acne will appear around that same two week period, and show itself as small white heads, sometimes surrounded by red, irritated skin on the cheeks, chin, forehead and even the back.
In teenagers and even adults, acne is blamed on hormones and excessively oily skin. To some extent this is true of infants also, with hormones transmitted through the placenta, often being blamed for the facial spots. However, science has no real idea of the cause, and there is normally no treatment for the few weeks a child will have it.
Because the baby acne appears on areas of the face where they may have spit up, rubbed against sheets washed in harsh detergent, or drooled, it can become slightly aggravated, but that extra irritation will go away by changing your laundry soap, and wiping their face with a damp cloth when needed.
It is not advisable to try home remedies such as creams or oil, as these will only irritate the skin further. As a rule, nothing more is needed than washing once a day with mild baby soap. In some cases where the baby acne appears to get significantly worse, your doctor may prescribe a cream or other medication. He will also check at the same time, to see if a breastfeeding mother is taking any medication that may have triggered the acne through her milk.
Some babies when born, may have small red bumps on their face. This is not baby acne, but something called “milia”, which usually disappears in a couple of weeks. On the other hand, the acne will appear around that same two week period, and show itself as small white heads, sometimes surrounded by red, irritated skin on the cheeks, chin, forehead and even the back.
In teenagers and even adults, acne is blamed on hormones and excessively oily skin. To some extent this is true of infants also, with hormones transmitted through the placenta, often being blamed for the facial spots. However, science has no real idea of the cause, and there is normally no treatment for the few weeks a child will have it.
Because the baby acne appears on areas of the face where they may have spit up, rubbed against sheets washed in harsh detergent, or drooled, it can become slightly aggravated, but that extra irritation will go away by changing your laundry soap, and wiping their face with a damp cloth when needed.
It is not advisable to try home remedies such as creams or oil, as these will only irritate the skin further. As a rule, nothing more is needed than washing once a day with mild baby soap. In some cases where the baby acne appears to get significantly worse, your doctor may prescribe a cream or other medication. He will also check at the same time, to see if a breastfeeding mother is taking any medication that may have triggered the acne through her milk.
Home Treatments for Acne
There are many over-the-counter adult acne treatments to unblock pores, reduce bacteria and dry out pimples. They contain the acids or antibiotics benzoyl peroxide (such as Neutrogena On-The-Spot), salicylic acid (such as Stri-dex), sulfur or resorcinol (such as Clearasil Adult Care).
Perhaps the most common effective home acne treatment is twice-daily application of an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide in combination with gentle skin cleansing and the use of a moisturizer. Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it’s oily, and tie it back so it’s out of your face. Avoid touching your face. Take a look at your cosmetics and creams. They should be water-based or ""non-comedogenic"" formulas. Take off all make-up at night.
Maintain a healthy diet. Stock your kitchen with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eat foods containing healthy omega-3 oils such as ground flaxseeds, salmon, and sardines. Drink six to eight large glasses of water a day. Vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as chromium and zinc, all play a role in reducing and preventing acne. Avoid refined sugar, fried foods, and trans fat (such as milk, milk products, margarine, and any hydrogenated vegetable oils). Some people find that chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, iodized salt, shellfish, wheat and/or milk products aggravate acne.
Using Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) as an Acne Treatment
How Pantothenic Acid Works
Many people have commented before that I recommend vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) a lot to acne sufferers. There happens to be a reason for that: It is what cleared my acne. Totally. 100% Eliminated. If you haven't tried it before, I strongly urge you to give it a go, it really is amazing stuff.
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is commonly supplemented in large doses to reduce oil production and help rid your skin of acne. It works like Accutane, in the sense that it reduces oil production. Pantothenic acid, however, works by helping your body to metabolize the fats in your body that later turn into sebum. Accutane actually shrinks the oil glands to block the oil from coming through to your face. Since pantothenic acid addresses the underlying problem, it is, in fact, the more efficient solution.
Let's get into the details of how exactly pantothenic acid works. During your natural metabolism process, your body breaks down fats. When your body lacks enough coenzyme-A, not all of these fats can be broken down, and your body has to get rid of them some how, so they are ejected through your oil glands on your skin in the form of sebum (oil). By creating more coenzyme-A, these extra fats can be broken down with the rest, and oil production will be greatly reduced.
Coenzyme-A is made up of three things: Cysteine, ATP and Pantothenic Acid. Your body takes care of cysteine and ATP by producing it by itself, so vitamin B5 is the only thing that you have to take in through food. By supplementing with pantothenic acid, more coenzyme-A is producted, fats are broken down better, and less oil ends up on your skin. Without too much oil on your face, when a pore gets clogged, the p. acnes bacteria will have nothing to feed upon and can't thrive to cause acne in the first place.
Considering that pantothenic acid works for more than 90% of the people who take it, including myself, it's a very effective medication. Since it's all natural and water soluble, it's much safer than Accutane, which only works for 70%-80% of the people who take it. It's also more efficient than Accutane, because it eliminates the problem, instead of covering it up by shrinking the glands and trapping the fats inside the body.
Supplementing with Pantothenic Acid
As I've said before, to address a pantothenic acid deficiency, you have to take large amounts of it, up to around 12 grams or so. Not everyone has to take quite that much though, so the recommended dosage is as follows: Start out with around 4 grams per day. Always divide the doses into 4 times per day, spreading them out as much as possible. To prevent stomach irritation, the only known side effect of pantothenic acid, try to take it with food or at least a glass of water.
If the 4 grams doesn't work for you, slowly ramp it up until you start to see results, stopping at around 12 grams. When you find a dose that seems to be working for you, stay with it for about two months straight, continuing to divide the doses so that you are splitting the dose into 4 parts. After those two months or so, you should be able to slack back on it until you start seeing negative results to find out how much you will need to continue to take as a "maintenance dose".
The only thing to watch out for is that pantothenic acid can deplete your body of other B vitamins, so a B-50 complex should be taken with it. Some say you should also take Zinc with it, though I only take B-50.
Since pantothenic acid has to be taken in large doses to see results, that means you can forget trying to get enough by eating foods high in it, or through a multivitamin or B vitamin complex. You can even forget about taking pantothenic acid pills, since that means you would have to take 20+ pills every day. There's only really one reasonable way to take the amount of B5 you will need to treat acne, which is pantothenic acid powder.
Pantothenic acid pills can't be found in most stores, much less the powder form of it. Some health food stores might have it, but the ones around my area didn't. You might be able to talk to someone at the store and have them order it for you, though it's usually marked up quite a bit. The easiest and cheapest way to get pantothenic acid powder is to just order it online. A Google search will uncover many websites, such as Amazon.com, which sell pantothenic acid powder at a great price.
Many people have commented before that I recommend vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) a lot to acne sufferers. There happens to be a reason for that: It is what cleared my acne. Totally. 100% Eliminated. If you haven't tried it before, I strongly urge you to give it a go, it really is amazing stuff.
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is commonly supplemented in large doses to reduce oil production and help rid your skin of acne. It works like Accutane, in the sense that it reduces oil production. Pantothenic acid, however, works by helping your body to metabolize the fats in your body that later turn into sebum. Accutane actually shrinks the oil glands to block the oil from coming through to your face. Since pantothenic acid addresses the underlying problem, it is, in fact, the more efficient solution.
Let's get into the details of how exactly pantothenic acid works. During your natural metabolism process, your body breaks down fats. When your body lacks enough coenzyme-A, not all of these fats can be broken down, and your body has to get rid of them some how, so they are ejected through your oil glands on your skin in the form of sebum (oil). By creating more coenzyme-A, these extra fats can be broken down with the rest, and oil production will be greatly reduced.
Coenzyme-A is made up of three things: Cysteine, ATP and Pantothenic Acid. Your body takes care of cysteine and ATP by producing it by itself, so vitamin B5 is the only thing that you have to take in through food. By supplementing with pantothenic acid, more coenzyme-A is producted, fats are broken down better, and less oil ends up on your skin. Without too much oil on your face, when a pore gets clogged, the p. acnes bacteria will have nothing to feed upon and can't thrive to cause acne in the first place.
Considering that pantothenic acid works for more than 90% of the people who take it, including myself, it's a very effective medication. Since it's all natural and water soluble, it's much safer than Accutane, which only works for 70%-80% of the people who take it. It's also more efficient than Accutane, because it eliminates the problem, instead of covering it up by shrinking the glands and trapping the fats inside the body.
Supplementing with Pantothenic Acid
As I've said before, to address a pantothenic acid deficiency, you have to take large amounts of it, up to around 12 grams or so. Not everyone has to take quite that much though, so the recommended dosage is as follows: Start out with around 4 grams per day. Always divide the doses into 4 times per day, spreading them out as much as possible. To prevent stomach irritation, the only known side effect of pantothenic acid, try to take it with food or at least a glass of water.
If the 4 grams doesn't work for you, slowly ramp it up until you start to see results, stopping at around 12 grams. When you find a dose that seems to be working for you, stay with it for about two months straight, continuing to divide the doses so that you are splitting the dose into 4 parts. After those two months or so, you should be able to slack back on it until you start seeing negative results to find out how much you will need to continue to take as a "maintenance dose".
The only thing to watch out for is that pantothenic acid can deplete your body of other B vitamins, so a B-50 complex should be taken with it. Some say you should also take Zinc with it, though I only take B-50.
Since pantothenic acid has to be taken in large doses to see results, that means you can forget trying to get enough by eating foods high in it, or through a multivitamin or B vitamin complex. You can even forget about taking pantothenic acid pills, since that means you would have to take 20+ pills every day. There's only really one reasonable way to take the amount of B5 you will need to treat acne, which is pantothenic acid powder.
Pantothenic acid pills can't be found in most stores, much less the powder form of it. Some health food stores might have it, but the ones around my area didn't. You might be able to talk to someone at the store and have them order it for you, though it's usually marked up quite a bit. The easiest and cheapest way to get pantothenic acid powder is to just order it online. A Google search will uncover many websites, such as Amazon.com, which sell pantothenic acid powder at a great price.
About the Author
Ryan Bauer is a former acne sufferer from Springfield, MO. He runs an Acne information website located at http://www.AcneElimination.com
The Real Reason Your Acne Is Out of Control
There are many opinions on what exactly causes acne and how to best prevent breakouts. If you look on the web, you’ll find lots of conflicting information and expensive products that don’t put you any closer to your goal of blemish-free skin. As an adult with previous acne problems in childhood, I can tell you what worked for me and what has worked for others that I have consulted about adult acne.
Acne is believed by many people to be caused by improper hygiene, but the main culprit is an excess of sebum, which is the natural oil that your skin produces. Why do some people produce more sebum than others? In many cases it has to do with improper diet, hormonal imbalances and over-cleansing of the skin. Once the skin begins producing too much sebum the pores become clogged, allowing them to become infected and inflamed, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, and painful red bumps. If these symptoms are not treated properly, they can cause pain and scarring, leading to discomfort and embarrassment.
First of all, all things regarding your body stem from a well balanced diet. You can use the most expensive, most researched products on the planet and you’ll be wasting your dollars if you do not pay attention to what types of foods you put into your body. Most people know that they should be drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily, avoiding sweets and refined carbohydrates, and consuming as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible. At the same time, some healthy foods can aggravate acne breakouts due to food allergies. For example, many people have skin problems when eating oranges. Different foods will affect people individually, and keeping a journal of what you ate coupled with your symptoms may be helpful in determining which foods you should avoid.
Hormone imbalances come frequently for women before their menstrual cycle, but these fluctuations can be controlled by a balanced diet as well. Certain herbal supplements may also help to level out uncontrollable hormones, such as black cohosh, dong quai, or Siberian ginseng. Soy is especially good for many women in helping with hormone balancing for both menstrual and menopausal women. I highly recommend soy in any of its forms (tofu, edamame, miso, tempeh, etc.) not just for women, but as a healthier lifestyle choice that will dramatically improve overall health and nutrition, and therefore assist with acne concerns.
For those who realize that excess sebum can cause problems with acne, their line of defense is to repeatedly wash their face with harsh, drying ingredients in order to cut down on their skin’s oily appearance. Cleansers that include alcohol, along with rinsing with hot water can actually trigger your skin to produce more sebum. Excessive exfoliation opens up pores and will most certainly leave your skin to infection, which results in painful blackheads. Instead, try using a mild cleanser such as witch hazel once a day, exfoliating only once a week while avoiding the eye area. Moisturizers with mineral oil, petrolatum and lanolin should be avoided in order to prevent clogged pores, which can trap sebum and cause breakouts.
If you’ve already developed a problem with acne and need a solution, there are many natural ingredients that will work best with your healthy eating regimen without expensive medical treatments. A few drops of tea tree oil and lavender essential oils can be mixed into a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and applied directly to any spot where acne is present. This can be done twice daily with improvements in as little as a day. Cedarwood, chamomile and lemongrass are also essential oils that are easy to find, inexpensive, and quite effective.
Acne is believed by many people to be caused by improper hygiene, but the main culprit is an excess of sebum, which is the natural oil that your skin produces. Why do some people produce more sebum than others? In many cases it has to do with improper diet, hormonal imbalances and over-cleansing of the skin. Once the skin begins producing too much sebum the pores become clogged, allowing them to become infected and inflamed, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, and painful red bumps. If these symptoms are not treated properly, they can cause pain and scarring, leading to discomfort and embarrassment.
First of all, all things regarding your body stem from a well balanced diet. You can use the most expensive, most researched products on the planet and you’ll be wasting your dollars if you do not pay attention to what types of foods you put into your body. Most people know that they should be drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily, avoiding sweets and refined carbohydrates, and consuming as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible. At the same time, some healthy foods can aggravate acne breakouts due to food allergies. For example, many people have skin problems when eating oranges. Different foods will affect people individually, and keeping a journal of what you ate coupled with your symptoms may be helpful in determining which foods you should avoid.
Hormone imbalances come frequently for women before their menstrual cycle, but these fluctuations can be controlled by a balanced diet as well. Certain herbal supplements may also help to level out uncontrollable hormones, such as black cohosh, dong quai, or Siberian ginseng. Soy is especially good for many women in helping with hormone balancing for both menstrual and menopausal women. I highly recommend soy in any of its forms (tofu, edamame, miso, tempeh, etc.) not just for women, but as a healthier lifestyle choice that will dramatically improve overall health and nutrition, and therefore assist with acne concerns.
For those who realize that excess sebum can cause problems with acne, their line of defense is to repeatedly wash their face with harsh, drying ingredients in order to cut down on their skin’s oily appearance. Cleansers that include alcohol, along with rinsing with hot water can actually trigger your skin to produce more sebum. Excessive exfoliation opens up pores and will most certainly leave your skin to infection, which results in painful blackheads. Instead, try using a mild cleanser such as witch hazel once a day, exfoliating only once a week while avoiding the eye area. Moisturizers with mineral oil, petrolatum and lanolin should be avoided in order to prevent clogged pores, which can trap sebum and cause breakouts.
If you’ve already developed a problem with acne and need a solution, there are many natural ingredients that will work best with your healthy eating regimen without expensive medical treatments. A few drops of tea tree oil and lavender essential oils can be mixed into a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and applied directly to any spot where acne is present. This can be done twice daily with improvements in as little as a day. Cedarwood, chamomile and lemongrass are also essential oils that are easy to find, inexpensive, and quite effective.
Natural and Dietary Therapies for Acne
The typical modern medicine answer to outbreaks of acne include antibiotics, drying agents, skin peelers and in some cases a very toxic and strong drug Accutane TM. All of these will normally work for a short period of time, but eventually, if the original cause of the acne is not addressed and treated, the acne returns, usually stronger and more widespread than before.
Many of the common theories regarding the possible cause of acne point to the improper release of toxins. As the skin is the largest organ of the body, it helps to eliminate toxins and waste through sweating if the kidneys and liver are overburdened. When a person's diet is unhealthy, their hormones out of balance or their skin clogged, acne is usually one of the red flag symptoms.
In using natural therapies to treat acne, the focal points of treatment are to decrease the amount of toxins that need to be excreted, balance the hormones, and in general, bring the body back into balance. All of the above can be regulated through diet, herbs and other nutritional supplements.
Vitamin and mineral therapy is a good place to start in the quest to clear up a case of acne. Crucial additions to the diet include essential fatty acids, chromium picolinate, and zinc. A variety of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B complex with extra B3, Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin E are also helpful in supporting the body while it works to come back into balance.
Herbal therapy includes any herb that works to detoxify the liver and kidneys. Examples include burdock root, dandelion leaves, milk thistle and red clover. Burdock root and red clover also help in cleansing the blood which is another important part of the overall therapy to decrease acne outbreaks. For hormonal balancing many claim that chaste tree berry works very effectively.
Regardless of the type of treatment you decide to use, always check with your doctor first about the natural therapies you would like to try.
Many of the common theories regarding the possible cause of acne point to the improper release of toxins. As the skin is the largest organ of the body, it helps to eliminate toxins and waste through sweating if the kidneys and liver are overburdened. When a person's diet is unhealthy, their hormones out of balance or their skin clogged, acne is usually one of the red flag symptoms.
In using natural therapies to treat acne, the focal points of treatment are to decrease the amount of toxins that need to be excreted, balance the hormones, and in general, bring the body back into balance. All of the above can be regulated through diet, herbs and other nutritional supplements.
Vitamin and mineral therapy is a good place to start in the quest to clear up a case of acne. Crucial additions to the diet include essential fatty acids, chromium picolinate, and zinc. A variety of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B complex with extra B3, Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin E are also helpful in supporting the body while it works to come back into balance.
Herbal therapy includes any herb that works to detoxify the liver and kidneys. Examples include burdock root, dandelion leaves, milk thistle and red clover. Burdock root and red clover also help in cleansing the blood which is another important part of the overall therapy to decrease acne outbreaks. For hormonal balancing many claim that chaste tree berry works very effectively.
Regardless of the type of treatment you decide to use, always check with your doctor first about the natural therapies you would like to try.
How to Treat Acne for Black Skin
Acne treatment for black skin is the same as that for white skin, with some exceptions. Some treatments for acne scars may cause temporary lightening of dark skin. Very dark or black skin may be less well-moisturized than lighter skin, so topicals like benzoyl peroxide that have a drying effect on the skin should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Darker skin has a tendency to develop excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed. Severe inflammatory acne (cysts and nodules) may result in dark spots. The spots disappear over time; a dermatologist may be able to recommend cosmetic measures to make the spots less apparent until they resolve. Some acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration.
Alterations of melanin (dark pigments that give the skin its color) pigmentation such as vitiligo and melasma are not related to acne, but they may be present simultaneously with acne. The diagnosis and treatment of melanin pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo requires a dermatologist with knowledge and experience in treating these conditions.
Many doctors feel that laser resurfacing isn’t meant for dark skin because it alters the color of skin too dramatically and unpredictably. Others believe that in the hands of a very experienced surgeon, people with darker skin tones can benefit. Acne Treatment provides detailed information on the best acne treatments, including laser acne treatment, and scar treatment, as well as adult, natural, home treatment, and more. Acne Treatment is the sister site of Microdermabrasion Web.
Darker skin has a tendency to develop excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed. Severe inflammatory acne (cysts and nodules) may result in dark spots. The spots disappear over time; a dermatologist may be able to recommend cosmetic measures to make the spots less apparent until they resolve. Some acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration.
Alterations of melanin (dark pigments that give the skin its color) pigmentation such as vitiligo and melasma are not related to acne, but they may be present simultaneously with acne. The diagnosis and treatment of melanin pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo requires a dermatologist with knowledge and experience in treating these conditions.
Many doctors feel that laser resurfacing isn’t meant for dark skin because it alters the color of skin too dramatically and unpredictably. Others believe that in the hands of a very experienced surgeon, people with darker skin tones can benefit. Acne Treatment provides detailed information on the best acne treatments, including laser acne treatment, and scar treatment, as well as adult, natural, home treatment, and more. Acne Treatment is the sister site of Microdermabrasion Web.
How to Brush Your Skin to Relieve Acne
Brushing your skin with a brush or cloth is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your skin. If you have acne, this brushing will help to eliminate toxins through the skin and reduce the toxins that accumulate in your acne.
Brushing your skin while dry and just before taking a shower is a way to stimulate the flow of liquid through lymphatic system and increase the circulating of blood. It also has other benefits:
- Removes and brushes away dry dead cells that can clog your skin
- Opens pores to allow you to excrete more toxins safely
- Activates the nerves near the top of your skin, making your skin work better
- It stimulates the tiny blood vessels near your skin and brings more nutrients and acid neutralizing minerals to your skin
- Improves your overall health since the skin must eliminate close to 2 pounds of waste through your pores.
If you practice dry or wet brushing your skin, you will see improved beauty and health in your skin.
You can also scrub your skin during your shower and this is the way I like to do it.
There are two different types of brushes that are designed for dry skin brushing.
- A natural bristle brush
- Loofah with a long handle
When you start bushing for the first time, do it softly and gentle until your skin gets use to the rough feeling. If you have not been brushing and scrubbing your skin, then you may have some side effects caused by stirring up toxins. Because skin brushing promotes release of toxins through the skin, you want to make sure you are not constipated, otherwise you will start to release to many toxins through the skin.
A word of caution: Brush only once a day and do not brush too hard. Excessive brushing over stimulates the skin and can produce unwanted side effects.
But, here is how to dry brush your skin before you take a shower,
- Start with gentle light touch circular motions at your face. If you have severe acne do this gently massage with a clean hot face towel and do not brush your face.
- Always brush only in the direction of your heart. From the feet upward, brush up toward the heart. At the neck, brush downward toward the heart.
After you finish brushing, about 5 minutes, take a shower to remove the dead and old skin.
What I do is use a loofa in the shower with soap and brush my skin as described above. It is a gentler way to brush your skin and you wash away the skin derby at the same time. Brushing your body decreases the amount of toxins that reach your face and can help you get rid of or prevent acne.
Acne Program - Step 9 Protein and 0ther Food to Eat
Eating the right kind of food is what can give you a strong immune system and help you prevent sickness and all kinds of skin blemishes including acne.
Here are some of the foods that can help you overcome the acne on your face or throughout your body.
Protein
Eating excess meat is harmful to your health. Eating too much meat, more than 2-4 ounces per day, has been found to contribute to narrowing of the arteries.
If you do physical labor and are involved in a lot of movement in your work, then you should eat more than 2-4 ounces of protein per day. Just make sure that the meat has a minimum of additives and preservatives.
Remember, meat is high in saturated fat, which blocks the activity of EPA and DHA, which produce prostaglandin and control the activity of your hormones.
Meat and bread is a big contributor to creating constipation. Meat is difficult to digest and many times it will get into the colon partial digested. This condition benefits the bad bacteria and allows them to dominate the colon and create constipation.
Because meat and bread have little fiber, they move slowly in the colon, which leads to constipation and eventually to some type of colon inflammation.
Bad bacteria, decaying meat and other undigested food contribute to the build up of toxic matter in the colon. This is the type of condition you should try to avoid, if you have acne. You need fecal matter in the colon to move regularly and out the rectum, otherwise, toxic matter will build up and end up in your blood stream
Here are the grains you should be eating:
* Brown rice - contain many amino acids that help rebuild skin tissue
* Whole grains - contain folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E, B vitamins, minerals, and fiber
* Oats - use them in the morning with honey or raisins. Oats have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and help to keep you regular.
Seeds and nuts
* Almonds - Almonds contain protein, the B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Use them as a snack. These small nuts help to build muscles and tissue.
* Flax seeds - These seeds are known for containing plenty of omega 3 oil, an essential oil for life. They also contain fiber when used ground up and put into smoothies. Omega 3 is also an anti-inflammatory oil, which is good for acne.
* Pecans - This is one of the good nuts to eat. It contains Vitamin A, B's, C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. Use them as a snack.
* Pine nuts - these nuts also one of the best to eat. They contain vitamin A, C, B's, protein and iron.
* Sesame seeds - They are high in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. They are helpful in relieving various skin diseases such as acne by reducing the swelling.
* Sunflower seeds - These seeds should be used as a snack. They are high in protein, calcium and vitamin A. They provide nutrients for building the whole body and are good for dry skin.
All of these nuts and seeds should be eaten raw. Heating and other processing will kill the life force of the nut or seed and also reduce the quantity of the vitamins and minerals.
Eat these nuts and seeds as snacks. Sesame seeds, sunflower, and flax seeds can be put directly into your blender as you make your smoothies.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call "natural-remedies-thatwork.com." More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
Here are some of the foods that can help you overcome the acne on your face or throughout your body.
Protein
Eating excess meat is harmful to your health. Eating too much meat, more than 2-4 ounces per day, has been found to contribute to narrowing of the arteries.
If you do physical labor and are involved in a lot of movement in your work, then you should eat more than 2-4 ounces of protein per day. Just make sure that the meat has a minimum of additives and preservatives.
Remember, meat is high in saturated fat, which blocks the activity of EPA and DHA, which produce prostaglandin and control the activity of your hormones.
Meat and bread is a big contributor to creating constipation. Meat is difficult to digest and many times it will get into the colon partial digested. This condition benefits the bad bacteria and allows them to dominate the colon and create constipation.
Because meat and bread have little fiber, they move slowly in the colon, which leads to constipation and eventually to some type of colon inflammation.
Bad bacteria, decaying meat and other undigested food contribute to the build up of toxic matter in the colon. This is the type of condition you should try to avoid, if you have acne. You need fecal matter in the colon to move regularly and out the rectum, otherwise, toxic matter will build up and end up in your blood stream
Here are the grains you should be eating:
* Brown rice - contain many amino acids that help rebuild skin tissue
* Whole grains - contain folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E, B vitamins, minerals, and fiber
* Oats - use them in the morning with honey or raisins. Oats have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and help to keep you regular.
Seeds and nuts
* Almonds - Almonds contain protein, the B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Use them as a snack. These small nuts help to build muscles and tissue.
* Flax seeds - These seeds are known for containing plenty of omega 3 oil, an essential oil for life. They also contain fiber when used ground up and put into smoothies. Omega 3 is also an anti-inflammatory oil, which is good for acne.
* Pecans - This is one of the good nuts to eat. It contains Vitamin A, B's, C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. Use them as a snack.
* Pine nuts - these nuts also one of the best to eat. They contain vitamin A, C, B's, protein and iron.
* Sesame seeds - They are high in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. They are helpful in relieving various skin diseases such as acne by reducing the swelling.
* Sunflower seeds - These seeds should be used as a snack. They are high in protein, calcium and vitamin A. They provide nutrients for building the whole body and are good for dry skin.
All of these nuts and seeds should be eaten raw. Heating and other processing will kill the life force of the nut or seed and also reduce the quantity of the vitamins and minerals.
Eat these nuts and seeds as snacks. Sesame seeds, sunflower, and flax seeds can be put directly into your blender as you make your smoothies.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call "natural-remedies-thatwork.com." More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info
What Treatment Is Available For Severe Acne
Severe acne can be detrimental to the thin layers of skin
on your forehead and face. It can also cause extreme
irritation, resulting in open wounds, puss-filled pores,
and unsightly scarring.
This type of acne is quite different than mild or moderate
cases. Severe acne needs the immediate attention of a
qualified dermatologist and your family practitioner.
Severe or acute acne can be caused by both environmental
and genetic variables. Prevention and treatment are the
best ways to deal with such cases. Seldom does an extreme
acne sufferer's skin clear up naturally, but in most
instances, it actually worsens.
Usually a dermatologist will recommend a combination of
both topical cream and oral drugs. Several types available
include different antibiotics, benzyl peroxides, Tretinoin,
Adapalen and the strong, yet effective Azelaic Acid.
Antibiotics and this acid can work wonderfully, attacking
the source of inflammation-the bacteria lining the
follicle.
The other topical drug, Tretinoin, is simply a form of
vitamin A that stops the development of comedones, or
inflamed hair follicles. While it doesn't necessarily stop
the growth of bacteria, this is a more natural way of
unplugging clogged pores that cause inflammation and
lesions, thereby allowing the use of topical antibiotic
cream to work deeply within the skin.
Another drug that isn't so natural in it's approach are the
newer forms of Retinoid drugs. These drugs are quite
powerful in the way they work. Like Tretinoin, these drugs,
often Tazarotene or Adapalen, also help to fight off the
development of comedones or comedo lesions.
These drugs, although not available over the counter (OTC),
come in different forms. Similar to OTC drugs, these come
in a variety of solutions, gels, lotions and creams. Your
dermatologist will immediately know which type is right for
your skin and prescribe what she or he believes will most
effectively open pores and fight-off unwanted bacteria.
Dermatologist will routinely ask you which form of
medication you'd prefer. Creams are good for those with
extra sensitive skin, while gels and other solutions tend
to make the skin become more dry and irritated. He or she
may recommend one or the other based on gender and/or
whether you live in a hot and humid climate.
At first, your skin may look and feel worse with the use of
such strong medications. If the pain becomes unbearable or
if you develop a rash or extreme redness of any kind, be
sure to stop using the product and immediately talk to your
doctor and dermatologist.
Similarly to OTC treatments, it will take up to eight weeks
for you to actually notice improvements. But, once it
begins to clear, it will make a world of difference to how
your skin looks and feels.
===========================================================
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and prevention of acne. Website contains useful articles
and updated information on this nasty skin condition.
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