Friday, June 5, 2009

Freckle Removal - How to remove your unwanted Freckles

Freckles, whether on the face or body, are something that most individuals experience, at least to some degree. Genetics and heredity play a large role in the outward appearance of our skin, but sun exposure and other harsh daily elements can also cause the pigment of our skin to change. While freckles are generally harmless, more and more men and women are looking for ways to remove unwanted freckles. There are several skin rejuvenation techniques for freckle removal currently available that can help you to restore clear, blemish free skin with lasting results.

Freckles are easily identifiable on the skin because they are small, flat and round, usually uniform in color and appear darker than the surrounding skin pigment. Freckle formation is due to cells called melanocytes—they generate an increased amount of melanin in the skin. When an increased amount of melanin exists, it collects abnormally in specific areas of the skin which leads to the formation of freckles. Freckles, for the most part, begin their development around the age of two, and while some individuals are genetically predisposed to freckles (many redheads will have overly freckly skin) it is repeated sun exposure that most often initiates and enhances their appearance. Freckles are not cancerous in nature and it is not medically necessary to remove them, but men and women often choose to remove unwanted freckles purely for aesthetic reasons.

When figuring out how to remove your unwanted freckles, it is important to take into consideration that there are two distinct types of freckles. The first type are called ephelides, the second type are called solar lentigines. Ephelides are also known as simple freckles; these are the freckles individuals are genetically inclined to get and therefore are harder (but not impossible) to remove. Solar lentigines are also known as sunburn freckles and because they are caused by sun exposure, they are more superficial and therefore easier to remove. While freckles most often appear on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, arms and hands, they can be seen anywhere; and can be removed from anywhere.

There are several treatments currently available designed to help remove unwanted freckles. These include:

Bleaching Agents: Bleaching agents specifically designed for freckle removal are not intended to bleach the skin; instead they work to inhibit the production of melanin which stops freckles from forming on the face and body. However, because the bleach is used on the entire skin area (not just the freckles) it sometimes tends to lighten the skin so it is not the most effective method.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels work on many different levels to rejuvenate the face by removing the outer layers of skin. By removing dead skin cells and rejuvenating the face, blemishes are lightened which allows the skin to take on a more uniform appearance.

Laser/IPL Treatments: Laser and light based treatments for freckle removal are the most advanced treatment methods for unwanted freckles. The laser light attracts to the melanin in the freckles; the light energy then transforms into heat which effectively fragments the melanin particles which are naturally re-absorbed and expelled by the body’s immune system. A series of laser treatments can drastically reduce the appearance of unwanted freckles.

If you find that freckles are starting to form on your face and body and are searching for ways to stop it, the best freckle removal technique will always be prevention; work hard to stop the freckles before they start. Freckle formation prevention is very simple, just wear sunscreen. By protecting your skin from sun exposure, you’ll surely slow down (or even stop all together) the formation of unwanted freckles. Wear SPF 30 or higher every single day, whether in direct sunlight or not, to help keep your skin clear and blemish free.

Whether you are interested in prevention or are interested in how to remove your unwanted freckles, consider all of your treatment alternatives so that you can find the freckle removal technique that works best for you.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Natural Treatment - Melasma, Dark Skin, Pigmentation

Melasma is the darkening of the skin due to increased deposits of the pigment, melanin. This hyperpigmentation may occur for a number of reasons but is usually not associated with skin inflammation (dermatitis). Most cases of pigmentation that is present for more than 3 months will not resolve even with treatment and the focus of treatment should be directed at preventing further darkening of the skin or retarding the spread of the hyperpigmentation.

Melasma primarily affects the face, specifically the cheeks, nose, upper lip and forehead. It may spread to the lower parts of the face and neck in some cases. Melasma is more common in women and is prevalent in certain ethnic groups.

Causes of Facial Skin Pigmentation

* Hormonal disturbances - pregnancy, premature ovarian failure. Melasma used to be referred to as the ‘veil of pregnancy’ as it was known to occur in many women after giving birth. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptives may contribute to the development of pigmentation.
* Skin lighteners & corticosteroid creams may cause dark pigmentation if used over a long period of time.
* Certain skin conditions like eczema may cause hyperpigmentation of the skin which persists even after resolution of the skin condition.

Treatment of Hyperpigmentation

* Dark skin pigmentation may be treated with corticosteroid or hydroquinone creams. Both may actually aggravate the pigmentation further after prolonged use.
* Certain acid peels may be used for topical treatment with varying results.

Naturopathic Treatment of Pigmentation

* A homeopathic complex of Sepia officinalis 6CH and Lachesis muta 6CH may be effective in reducing the severity of melasma.
* An experimental treatment involving acupuncture on the affected with needles impregnated with the homeopathic remedy, Sepia officinalis D6 has been reportedly used in certain South Asian countries. The results of these treatments have not been ascertained.
* Sunscreen with vitamin A used daily may assist with reducing the severity of melasma. It must be noted that UV exposure does not cause melasma but may aggravate the condition.
* High doses of vitamin C orally and vitamin C creams may also assist with the treatment of melasma.

The effectiveness of these complementary approaches to treating melasma has not been verified in research studies and should be used under the supervision of a practitioner.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Dark Skin Treatment

What causes dark skin and dark elbows

Dark skin color or wheatish skin is common in areas such as in India and sub-continental regions. So one can not change the skin color but one can increase the glow and tone of the skin and also loosen the toxins from it.

For the start one has to follow three basic steps for dark skin treatment and for dark elbow. This includes massage, steaming and scrubbing of the skin.
Home Remedies for dark Skin and dark Elbow

Massage - Massage is very important in loosening of the toxins and thus it brings dead cells into circulation which is stagnant at that area. Massage for 15min by moving your finger in clockwise direction. The essential things which are used for massage, differ from person to person depending upon the texture of the skin (dry, oily or normal texture).

Treatment for dry skin texture

Things which can be used for massage are jasmine, orange, rose and sandalwood water along with oil of carrot seeds and avocado.
Treatment for thick oily skin

Cedar, musk and cinnamon extract in mustard, olive and almond oil.
Dark skin treatment for normal skin with dark pigmentation

Rosewood, sandalwood, jasmine and rose oil can be used with coconut, sunflower oil and sesame oil.

Steaming - Massage your skin for at least 15-20min every day. After you have finished with massage you should have warm compresses or steam with essential medicinal substances like lavender, lemon peel, ginger mint or bay-leaf. This procedure of steaming the skin helps to open the pores and allows the essential oils to enter and nourish the skin, thus improving the glow and tone of the skin.

Scrubbing - After massage and steaming the skin scrubbing is to be done. This is to remove the dead skin from the outer layer of the skin thus allowing the healthy skin regeneration. Scrubbing can be done with herbals, oat flour, powdered almonds, basil leaves powder, rose petals, sandalwood and coriander seeds for 15 min.
After scrubbing is done a skin pack made by following method, should be applied. Beat the white of an egg and spread out as a thin film on your face. Rinse off after 30min. This mask lightens the skin and irons out the wrinkles and thus helps in regaining the glow and skin color.