The Secret of Beautiful Skin

The secret of beautiful skin involves protecting it from the outside and nourishing it from the inside.

Women spend hundreds of millions of dollars on expensive miracle skincare products, but great looking skin does not have to be expensive!

The secret of beautiful skin is simply concentrating on both the inside and outside and this does not have to be expensive.

Protection from the outside

Harmful UV rays are far and away the biggest cause of skin damage and the advice when choosing a day cream is to make sure that is SPF 15.

In the evening use any cream you feel suits your skin type were all different, but don?t spend a lot of money, all you need to do is keep the skin hydrated.

There is no point in moisturizing your skin and then let the suns rays destroy it.

Everyday prevention is definitely better than cure. On the subject of cure, all the creams that claim to repair damage are simply pedalling to vanity ? They don?t.

The myth of beautiful skin

A moisturizer can keep the skin hydrated and with SPF protect it and that?s all.

Its common sense, however many women fall for the hundreds of millions of year advertising campaigns that claim to give them a quick miracle and end up disappointed.

The real secret of beautiful skin is protection from the outside and nourishment from within - Combine the two and you will have beautiful skin.

Here are some great foods to include in your diet for radiant skin.

Drink lots of water

Two liters of water a day should be drunk this helps keep the skin hydrated and flush away toxins from the body

Eat vegetables & Fruit

Eat 2 - 3 portions of vegetables for lots of nutrients for the skin,

The best ones are below, but really any vegetable or fruit is good and in terms of vegetables try and eat them raw if you can.

Sweet potatoes tomatoes and spinach

For three important antioxidants

Beta-carotene is present in sweet potatoes, lycopene in tomatoes and lutein in spinach.

They enter the skin and help reflect harmful UV rays and act as a permanent sunscreen.

Cherries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes

Contain anthocyanins an antioxidant that keeps the skin supplied with nutrients through the blood vessels that lead into the face.

Oily fish

As we all know oily fish are a great source of protein to regenerate collagen and elastin, as well as omega 3 oils, these are essential to keep the skin both subtle and hydrated.

Good sources include: Salmon, mackerel, herrings and sardines.

Crab, sardines, lean beef and wheat germ

A good source of copper, a trace element that is essential for the making of melanin, the pigment in the skin that helps to absorb harmful UV rays from the sun.

It also helps fight age spots which are the most obvious sign of skin aging.

Soya milk, lentils, bean sprouts, yogurt & wholegrain cereals

These contain plant oestrogens, which help make lubricating oils and collagen in the skin for a healthier complexion. They also repair collagen and elastin, which slow down the thinning of the skin and the formation of fine lines which most women fear!

Oats

Contain the trace element silic acid, which is used to make the spongy cells that lie between collagen and elastin fibers. This makes the skin full and plump and by consequence slows down the formation of fine lines.

Whole meal pitta, gogi berries & muesli

Pitta contains ferulic acid, berries contain vitamin c, muesli contains vitamin E. These are great antiaging vitamins

Vitamin C and e are great for fighting harmful UV rays and gogi berries have 15 times more vitamin C than an orange gram for gram.

The secret of beautiful skin is actually simple!

Protect from the outside and nourish from the inside. Forget the miracle cures follow the advice above and you will have beautiful radiant skin for life.

Pigmentation Disorders

Skin color is determined by a combination of pigments produced in the skin and natural colors of the external layers of the same. Without pigmentation, skin color would have a pale white with various ranges of pink, due to blood flowing through it. The main pigment of the skin is melanin, a dark brown pigment formed by cells (melanocytes) distributed among the other cells in the upper layer of skin, the epidermis.

The hypopigmentation, an abnormally low amount of pigment, it is generally restricted to small areas of skin. Usually stems from an inflammatory process prior to the skin or in exceptional cases may represent an inherited disease.

When skin is exposed to solar radiation increases the production of melanin and this produces the tan. An increase in the amount of melanin (hyperpigmentation) may be a response to hormonal abnormalities, such as those that may take place in Addison's disease during pregnancy or with use of oral contraceptives. The skin may also darken in diseases such as hemochromatosis or haemosiderosis, or as a response to many medications that are applied to the skin, are ingested or injected.

Albinism

The albinism is a rare hereditary disease in which no melanin is formed.

People with albinism (albino) may have white hair, pale skin and pink eyes. Often, they can also present abnormal vision and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus).

Because the melanin protects the skin from the sun, albinos are very prone to sunburn and, consequently, to skin cancers. However, they can minimize these problems away from direct sunlight, using sunglasses and apply a sunscreen with a protection factor (SPF) increased from 15 in the parts of your skin.

Vitiligo
Lack of pigmentation in the skin.

Vitiligo

The vitiligo is a disease in which the loss of melanocytes produce smooth and white plates in the skin.

In some people are only one or two well-defined plaques, in other, the sheets of vitiligo appear on a large part of the body. The changes are more showy in people of darker pigmentation. As with albinism, non-pigmented skin is extremely sensitive to sunburn. The areas of skin affected by vitiligo also produce white hair, because hair follicles lose melanocytes.

The vitiligo may occur after a rare physical trauma, especially trauma to the head, and tends to concur with certain diseases, such as Addison's disease, diabetes, pernicious anemia and thyroid disease. The vitiligo can be psychologically devastating because of the great disfigurement that occurs after the change in pigmentation.

Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin that may resemble the vitiligo, although sometimes produces hyperpigmentation.

Treatment

There is no known cure for vitiligo. Small areas can hide with different dyes that do not soiled clothes and whose effects last for several days. On occasion, treatment with psoralens (photosensitive drugs) combined with ultraviolet A (PUVA) is effective, but treatment requires time and must be continued indefinitely. The sunscreens and protective against exposure to sunlight can prevent burns.

Loss of pigment after skin injury

Sometimes the skin loses its pigment once they are cured some skin diseases such as blisters, sores, burns and skin infections. In this case the skin is not as white as in the vitiligo and with the passage of time may reappear pigmentation cosmetics can hide this kind of stain skin.

Melasma

The melasma appears on the face (usually on the forehead, cheeks, temples and jaws) as plates hyperpigmented dark brown, often well-delineated on both sides of the face so symmetrical.

The melasma appears mostly during pregnancy (pregnancy mask) but may also occur in women taking oral contraceptives. Darkening, usually disappears shortly after birth or the suspension of oral contraceptives.

People suffering from melasma can use sunscreens on the plates dark and avoid sun exposure to prevent the worsening of the disease. If applied regularly for a long time, some ointments that are sold without a prescription can clarify the plates dark.

melanin: aging of the skin and skin cancer

“Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is responsible for 90% of the visible signs of aging on the skin of whites,” says Dr. Michael J. Martin, former Assistant Clinical Professor in the Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at University of California, San Francisco.

Blacks’ skin, however, ages much slower.

Why are most dark-skinned blacks protected from harmful UV rays? Because compared to whites, blacks possess more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.melanin: aging of the skin and skin cancer

Melanin

Melanin offers protection against UV rays for blacks and other dark-skinned people. Conversely, fair-skinned people are much less protected and more susceptible to skin cancer. Furthermore, albinos’ skin offers no protection.

Although blacks’ skin produces more melanin than whites’, all skin has the same number of melanocytes, the cells that manufacture the melanin.

Melanocytes manufacture melanin from an amino acid, tyrosin, with the help of an enzyme, tyrosinase. In the bottom layer of the epidermis above the dermis, UV light stimulates the production of melanin in the form of insoluble melanosomes. These surround the epidermal cells, which move up to the surface of the skin. The result is a tan.

Blacks’ skin produce more melanin, even in the absence of sunlight, and their type of melanin, eumelanin, is more effective at blocking solar rays. However, white skin produces melanin only in the presence of sunlight and after the UV rays have penetrated the lower portion of the epidermis and have caused skin damage.

“Melanin also functions as an excellent free radical scavenger. It affects the delicately designed lipids that hold moisture in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis). If the skin loses its moisture, it becomes rigid and cracks,” says Sergio Nacht, PhD., Senior Vice-President of Enhanced Derm Technologies, Inc. in Redwood City.

UV Radiation and Skin

UV-A has the longest wavelength, is not filtered by the ozone and passes through glass. It reaches the earth all year long and the amount is comparatively stable. It can penetrate the skin down to the dermis, beneath the four layers of epidermis. It is responsible for most of the visible signs of aging, due to damage to collagen and elastic fibers of the connective tissue of the dermis.

UV-A radiation also plays a role in the development of sunburns and skin cancer. Tanning salon lamps emit a large amount of UV-A rays to generate tans, so the American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend their use.

UV-B radiation, which is partially filtered by the ozone, penetrates the skin to the bottom layer of the epidermis where the basal cells are produced. UV-B can break the molecular bonds, disturbing the dividing cells and altering their structure. Compared with UV-A, UV-B is responsible for most of DNAs damage. It also causes most sunburns. During a sunburn the reddening of the skin, erythema, is caused by dilation of capillaries.melanin: aging of the skin and skin cancer

More UV-B is present during summer months between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and at latitudes closer to the equator. Furthermore, at high altitudes the air is thinner and cleaner, so UV-B radiation is more abundant.

UV-C, which is generally filtered by the ozone, has the shortest wavelength and the most energy, or intensity. It can sterilize hospital equipment and kill bacteria.

In addition, UV light that reaches the earth is scattered in all directions, and up to 85% is reflected from surfaces.

The Theory of Melanin for Environmental Adaptation

Originally, people of a particular race resided in a particular area. As time went on, their skin adapted to the environment. For instance, people who lived geographically close to the equator had darker skin, and people who lived far from the equator had lighter skin.

In Scotland, which lies at a northern latitude, descendants of the Britons have white skin. When their skin is exposed to the meager sunlight, the scant amount of melanin their skin produces is unable to block the sunlight. Therefore, their bodies are able to make Vitamin D with the help of sunlight. Vitamin D, a vitamin found in fish oil, is necessary to prevent rickets, a bone disease caused by too little calcium.

In contrast, in Africa, which is near the equator, blacks require intense sunlight to penetrate their dark skin to make Vitamin D. This is all well and good. However, when blacks lived in England during the Industrial Revolution, they were the first to develop symptoms of rickets, such as retarded growth, bowed legs and fractures because not enough sunlight was available.

Fortunately, in 1930, Vitamin D was discovered and dispensed as a supplement to add to the diet.

On the other hand, the skin of whites in Australia are in complete opposition to their climate. Consequently, intense UV radiation has been the major cause of skin damage and skin cancer Down Under.

Melanin Production Discovered In Fat Tissue May Protect Some Individuals Against Chronic Diseases Associated With Obesity

A two-year study conducted by researchers at George Mason University, INOVA Fairfax Hospital and the National Cancer Institute may open the door to new therapies for combating chronic diseases associated with obesity, a condition that affected more than 33 percent of American adults in 2005-06 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While analyzing samples taken from morbidly obese patients undergoing weight loss surgery, the researchers discovered that substantial quantities of melanin—a pigment that gives the skin, the hair and the iris of the eye their natural color—were being produced in the study participants’ fat tissue.
Ancha Baranova, assistant professor in George Mason University’s Department of Molecular and Microbiology and the paper’s lead author, explains that melanin production has never before been identified in fat tissue. She believes that the antioxidant, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, could be the body’s natural defense against obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and some cancers.
“Stockpiling extra calories is difficult even for specialized fat cells; having too much lipid molecules takes its toll on the fat cells, producing oxidative stress,” says Baranova. “It’s not unthinkable that these cells would adapt and produce melanin as a form of self-protection. As a side benefit, melanin may suppress inflammatory properties of the extra pounds of the fat.”
Baranova notes that a larger study is needed in order to confirm the role that the body’s production of this compound plays in fat tissue. However, the discovery suggests that melanin-based therapies may one day be used to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases among the morbidly obese.
“This opens an entirely new avenue for medical interventions because the process of biosynthesis of melanin is relatively easy to meddle with,” says Baranova. “We hope that this study will spur the development of preventive medications aimed at curtailing devastating metabolic complications in obese and overweight populations.”
The paper was co-authored by Manpreet Randhawa, Tom Huff and Vikas Chandhoke of George Mason University; Julio C. Valencia and Vincent J. Hearing of the National Cancer Institute; and Zobair Younossi of INOVA Fairfax Hospital. The study was funded by the Thomas F. Jeffress and Kate Miller Jeffress Memorial Trust and by the Intramural Research Program of the National Cancer Institute at the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Best Cream Or Lotion To Reduce Dark Spots Acne Scars

Acne cysts can turn into swollen and ultimately split open, causing scarring. at home array to put off scarring on or after enchanting lay, doctors can bring in the cysts on the way to lend a hand diminish the irritation as well as help out nurse back to health the pretentious neighborhood of the skin. This works by fundamentally melting the cysts above a phase of only some living to a week. This bring into play when acne cysts do not retort on the road to further methods of dealing. At the same time when the given name implies, the acne cysts worn out of their runny in regulate to trim down or do away with cysts.

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Seeking professional help for age spot removal

After reaching a certain time in life, many men and women end up dealing with the onset of age spots. Indeed, for some people using the term age spot is not entirely accurate as this type of blemish actually can occur at what really is a fairly young age. In any case, if you are suffering from this type of blemishing, you may be wondering what you can do in regard to removing them. In this regard, there are both over the counter and professional treatments and procedures that are available to you today.

Before you consider the possibility of seeking professional assistance for age spot removal, it probably is appropriate to ascertain whether or not an over the counter product might provide you the assistance you desire. However, if you do have serious blemishes, you likely will find that over the counter products may not work effectively. In such a case, you would be wise to obtain the assistance of a professional to assist you with the procedure.

There are a variety of different techniques that professionals do utilize when it comes to age spot removal in the 21st century. In this regard, there are even laser procedures that are becoming more widely used and that are considered to be very effective overall. One of the other benefits of the procedures is found in the fact that they are relatively pain fee procedures and result in only some discomfort in most cases. There is no significant recovery time when it comes to these types of procedures and a person really does need to alter his or her schedule following the procedure.

Beyond laser age spot removal, there are a variety of other procedures available to a person today who is interested in having these types of blemished banished forever. In the end, if you are interested,please seek a consultation with a professional, you will be able to ascertain which type of procedure will be the most appropriate for you in your circumstances.

Eliminate Age Spots Quickly. Here’s How…

With such a high divorce rate in our country, there are a staggering number of middle-aged men and women searching in the populace for a mate again. Whether married or single, there’s also increasing pressure to look youthful and attractive in order to get ahead in the workplace. While facelifts, hair dying, collagen injections and anti wrinkle cream are popular anti-skin aging treatments, there’s still that problem of the brown “liver” or age spots covering your arms. Happily, there are some options for alleviating that as well.

Certainly UV rays from excess sunlight and tanning beds cause darker pigmentation, but a certain amount of the problem is simply age related as the body produces extra melanin. There are other speculations. For example, pregnancy or certain kinds of birth control pills that create shifting hormone levels have been rumored to cause them too. Some researchers even believe that handling psoralens, such as parsnips, limes and parsley before going out in the sun increases your likelihood of getting age spots. Certain medicines are also implicated–like Tetracycline, certain diuretics, and antipsychotics like Thorazine. Often, however, the tendency to have age spots is simply hereditary.

Before using any skin treatments, it is a good idea to get professional medical advice regarding your “liver spots”. There is a certain risk they may be cancerous melanoma.This type of skin cancer, Lentigo Maligna Melanoma, generally develops as a result of long-term exposure to the sun. This cancer begins with tan or brown lesions that slowly darken and enlarge. In addition, these cancer generally have irregular borders, are slightly raised, and show uneven coloring.

Once you are confident your spots are not cancerous, there are several great treatments available for lightening and eliminating these spots. Reversa HQ and Neo Strata HQ are prescription bleaching creams containing Hydroquinone–a substance that can be quite harsh. Some patients try applying the creams every other day to strengthen their tolerance, while others opt to use mild steroids to ease the side effects over the next few months, while the age spots are fading.

We prefer Revitol Skin Brightener Cream which uses plant-based ingredients to reduce the appearance of dark spots including freckles and uneven pigmentation. Revitol lightens dark age spots safely while keeping the skin moisturized and soft. I don’t know about you, but when I put something directly on my skin I like to know it contains no mercury or other harmful ingredients. This is a limited offer, but right now they are offering two free bottles with certain purchases.

Our favorite treatment for age spots, however, is Meladerm Pigment Reducing Complex. Using Meladerm you can lighten dark spots and reduce discolorations and hyperpigmentation in 14 days or less. This is particularly effective with age spots, birthmarks, freckles and sun damage. There is no risk in trying this product since it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Another popular option is laser therapy to combat spots and repair damaged skin by destroying excess melanocytes. Laser treatment requires several visits and may be expensive, but the results are effective, with “liver” spots usually disappearing within weeks. This is a rewarding option because the probability of scarring is very low. This skin solution can be ideal for more serious cases, but it is quite expensive.

While expensive and sometimes painful, a chemical peel can be used as well for persistence age spots. Impatient people won’t appreciate this option, but it works very well over several treatments. The chemicals will cause your skin to peel like a sun burn, which sounds disgusting but will also rework your skin into a baby-bottom smooth finish. Chemical peels have also been used as a successful skin treatment for acne and eye wrinkles. It is imperative that you apply sunscreen liberally when you are exposed to the sun!

Dark Spots on the Skin, Hyper Pigmentation and You

The last time you looked in the mirror did you notice any dark spots on the skin that did not belong there? Did you notice that there was some darkening in some areas of your face, neck or lips that was not the same color as the rest of your face? If you have been suffering from any of the above you may have what many in the skin care field call hyper pigmentation. While this big word sounds like it may have an equally big diagnosis, have no fear as the answer is that it does not. This is a common occurrence that has no other ill effects except for the outward appearance of discoloration.
Hyper pigmentation is a harmless occurrence that occurs when sections or patches of skin begin to get darker than other areas of the skin. This happens when the melanin in our skin, or what causes our skin to get darker, begins to form areas where the melanin builds up. This condition can affect people of any ethnic background regardless of the color of their skin. There are many different causes of discoloration. These can range from outside sources such as the sun to internal ones such as an excess of hormone production in the body.

One form of hyper pigmentation is age spots. These spots are natural and usually come with time. As the name indicates, age spots are a result of our skin aging as well as being exposed to the sun. It is just a fact of life that the older we get, so do our bodies. These spots usually affect our face and hands or other areas of our bodies that may be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

Melasma is another form of discoloration that affects mostly women and can also be found during pregnancy or during the use of a birth control pill. The hormones seem to trigger an increase in melanin production and therefore cause the discoloration of the skin. Dark spots on the skin or dark patches on the skin can usually be found when hyper pigmentation or melasma is present.

Dark spots on the skin can result from different things. They can be from a birthmark or a freckle. Dark spots could be a result of acne or hormones. There are many different causes for hyper pigmentation, so it is vital that you keep track of any new or size changes of existing dark spots on the skin. While we have seen that for the most part, dark spots seem to be more of a cosmetic issue than anything, dark spots or discoloration could also be a warning sign of other issues. Don't take any chances. If you start to notice dark spots, discoloration or size changes in spots, see your Doctor immediately to make sure it is not anything severe. If it is mainly a cosmetic issue, either your doctor can prescribe a treatment or you can try an over-the-counter skin lightener or whitener to help alleviate the stares. Don't wait until it's too late!

Foods To Remove Freckles From Your Body

There are many reasons why this brown spot sneaks into your skin. There are millions who are having freckles all over the face. They are dieing to remove them. Freckles can be from hormonal imbalance and the second reason could be inheritance. They say if one of your parents has this then you may develop it. The third one is due to ageing; one can see the appearance on the face. This comes with ages. Freckles also form from over exposed to sun.UV rays can damage your skin.

Though there is no immediate measure to remove but one can minimize the further growth. First you must see that you are taking balanced diet. There is no remedy in this world other than food. Food is the life giver to all kind of problems. If the intake of proper food is decreased then you might face the most deadly diseases. Everything is in our hands. To remove freckles, one can apt to surgery and radiation therapy. There is yet another treatment called chemotherapy. You can do away your freckles from these methods. However, they are expensive and removal of your skin filament may have some side affects.

The most clean and healthy way is to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. They are the perfect remedy for your problem. Increase the amount of consumption of vitamin A, B complex and C. they are excellent foods for reducing the appearance of freckles on face. Vitamin B5 is to keep your dry skin at bay. Make sure you are eating eggs, cabbage, wheat germ and fresh fruits that contain vitamins and nutrition.

Freckles are very stubborn; they take time to reduce so make sure you have enough patience to bear the duration. Taking good balanced diet is the only source to keep you healthy.

Can You Eliminate Age Spots Forever?

Nearly half the marriageable population is divorced these days, with many middle-aged men and women moving into the populace in search of a mate again. It doesn’t seem fair, but there is clearly evidence that youthful looks and attractive appearance are factors in workplace advancement. While facelifts, hair dying, collagen injections and anti wrinkle cream are popular anti-skin aging treatments, there’s still that problem of the brown “liver” or age spots covering your arms. You’ll be happy to know there are some options to alleviate that too.

UV rays, tanning beds and excess sunlight are generally the culprits behind the darker pigmentation, but as we age, the body produces extra melanin, which also contributes to the appearance of “liver” spots. There are other speculations. Shifting hormone levels from pregnancy or birth control pills have also been blamed for these spots. Some researchers even believe that handling psoralens, such as parsnips, limes and parsley before going out in the sun increases your likelihood of getting age spots. Medicine culprits may include antibiotics like Tetracycline, diuretics (water pills) and antipsychotics, like Thorazine. But then again, in some cases it’s mostly hereditary.

Before using any skin treatments, it is a good idea to get professional medical advice regarding your “liver spots”. As with any skin lesion, they could be a cancerous form such as melanoma.This type of skin cancer, Lentigo Maligna Melanoma, generally develops as a result of long-term exposure to the sun. The tan or brown lesions associated with this form of cancer slowly darken and enlarge over time. Additionally, they usually have irregular borders, uneven coloring and are slightly raised.

Once you are confident your spots are not cancerous, there are several great treatments available for lightening and eliminating these spots. Reversa HQ and Neo Strata HQ are prescription bleaching creams containing Hydroquinone–a substance that can be quite harsh. Some patients try applying the creams every other day to strengthen their tolerance, while others opt to use mild steroids to ease the side effects over the next few months, while the age spots are fading.

We prefer Revitol Skin Brightener Cream which uses plant-based ingredients to reduce the appearance of dark spots including freckles and uneven pigmentation. Revitol lightens dark age spots safely while keeping the skin moisturized and soft. I don’t know about you, but when I put something directly on my skin I like to know it contains no mercury or other harmful ingredients. This is a limited offer, but right now they are offering two free bottles with certain purchases.

Our favorite treatment for age spots, however, is Meladerm Pigment Reducing Complex. Using Meladerm you can lighten dark spots and reduce discolorations and hyperpigmentation in 14 days or less. This is particularly effective with age spots, birthmarks, freckles and sun damage. The product comes with 100% money-back guarantee, so there is absolutely no risk when trying it.

Laser therapy is sometimes used to combat age spots or repair damaged skin by destroying excess melanocytes. Laser treatment requires several visits and may be expensive, but the results are effective, with “liver” spots usually disappearing within weeks. This is a rewarding option because the probability of scarring is very low. As far as skin solutions go, this may be expensive, although for more serious cases, it’s ideal.

While expensive and sometimes painful, a chemical peel can be used as well for persistence age spots. Impatient people won’t appreciate this option, but it works very well over several treatments. The chemicals will cause your skin to peel like a sun burn, which sounds disgusting but will also rework your skin into a baby-bottom smooth finish. Chemical peels have also been used as a successful skin treatment for acne and eye wrinkles. It is imperative that you apply sunscreen liberally when you are exposed to the sun!

Acne and Dark Skin

Treating acne is often based on the color of the skin and obviously those of Indian, Latino, or African descent have a darker skin pigmentation than those of European descent. For example, there are cosmetic procedures that can not be performed on dark pigmentation because it will leave spots.

However, the color of a person's skin has no bearing on whether or not they will have acne. Treating the acne is then based on the most effective treatment for the particular type of acne a person has.

There are acne medications that make one sensitive to sun exposure. This has nothing to do with pigmentation, but rather a side effect of that particular type of medication. Although those with darker skin are less susceptible to sunburn, the acne medication can make them more at risk for sun damage. A person taking acne medication that makes one sensitive to sun exposure should wear a sun blocking product with an SPF of at least 15.

That being said, pomade acne is a type of acne that afflicts only African heritage skin as it is caused by hair care products that are designed to straighten very curly hair. These type of products have a heavy oil base and skin contact should be kept to a minimum.

Those with very dark skin can also experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which can cause dark skin to get even darker after an acne outbreak. However, these spots should return to normal over time and there are prescription process which can speed up this process.

Do you want to get rid of of acne? Discover alternatives to acne treatment creams and achieve the clear skin you deserve: Click Here!

Acne and Dark Skin

Those of African, Latino or Indian decent have skin pigmentation that is darker than those who are of European decent. Treating any skin disease is often based on the color of the skin.

Some cosmetic procedures, for example, cannot be used on skin with dark pigmentation because it will leave light spots.

Actually acne is an equal opportunity disease. The color of the skin has no bearing whatsoever on whether a person will have acne.

Treating acne is based upon the type of acne it is and what the most effective treatment options are for the particular type of acne that is present in each patient.

Many acne medications make the skin sensitive to excessive sun exposure. This has nothing to do with the color of the skin. The sensitivity is simply a side effect of the medications.

Those with darker skin complexions are not usually as prone to sunburn as those with lighter complexions but these medications make dark skin as susceptible to sun damage as their lighter skin friends.

A sun blocking product with an SPF factor of at least 15 is recommended when there will be prolonged sunlight exposure.

There is one type of acne that often afflicts only those who are of African heritage. This type of acne is called Pomade Acne.

Pomade acne is caused by a hair care product that is designed to straighten very curly hair.

The product has a very heavy oil base and should be kept off of the skin as much as is possible.

The pigmentation in very dark skin can get darker after an inflammation is cleared up.

This is called 'post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation'....which means increased pigmentation following inflammation.

The spots will gradually return to their normal color over time but a dermatologist can prescribe medication which will hasten the process.

Organic Skin Care

Organic skin care refers to natural skin care products or therapies whose ingredients are grown organically in areas where soil is very rich in nutrients. Encompassing a plethora of plants, plant extracts, herbs, flowers and natural oils, organic skin care products are an extension of natural skin care therapies and products.Non-toxic and full of natural riches, the organic skin care products gently nourish the skin and rejuvenate it. They reduce dark circles, wrinkles and pimples, and leave your skin looking younger and healthier.

Your skin is something that will be with you for the rest of your life. It serves you and your body in a number of ways. It aids in sensory perception, protects you from injuries, works as a barrier against dehydration, assists in temperature maintenance, removes toxic wastes, aids in the manufacture of vitamin D, and serve as a structure to the organs and tissues within your body. In simple words, your skin is a vital part of your life. It’s very essential that you care for it and maintain it in a healthy state so that it will continue to function well for you in future too.

Products

Products are from natural plant based ingredients & contain no: toxic petrochemicals, enzymes, optical whiteners, phosphates, chlorine or ammonia. Skin care products that are sold in department stores and other places should be scrutinized since not all ingredients in these may be organic. Organic skin care products offer natures goodness with few side effects yet at the same time, these products can be effective for helping a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, pimples, oiliness, dark circles, dryness, wrinkles, pigmentation, freckles, and many others. Skin products containing anti-aging vitamins and anti oxidants give one younger looking skin and flawless skin.

Benefits of Organic products

No Side effects - With the using of natural organic skin care products is purely natural and it didn’t cause any side effect on your skin.

All Natural - These organic products contains fruits and fresh vegetables ingredient.
This contains no harmful or chemical ingredients.

Environment Friendly - These natural organic skin care products exist into environment naturally, where chemicals products are unable to exist into nature’s way.

So Much to Protect

It’s a known fact that our skin is the largest organ in the body. It is responsible for maintaining our body temperature and it also regulates your body’s fluid balance. You can imagine, that with your skin having so much influence it can be quite damaging if you are applying the wrong elements to your skin. Organic skin care helps eliminate many of the harmful toxins we are exposed to.

The additional benefits of using organic skin care products are many. The main fact being that you can create many organic skin care products in your own home. There are several good recipes for organic skin care. If you have never tried organic skin care products I encourage you to do a search online for organic skin care products, this will reveal a whole new alternative to healthy skin care.

Wrinkles and Liver spots are signs of aging, mature skin

The natural aging process produces visible effects on our skin. Increased dryness, wrinkles, liver spots and other growths begin to appear, and cuts and bruises heal more slowly. These are some of the signs that indicate chronological aging is taking place.

Most of these changes are a natural progression of aging, however, some changes in the skin such as growths may need to be more closely investigated to rule out pathological changes such as skin cancer. Nevertheless, most changes in the skin are natural and do not pose any health risks.

Wrinkles

Gravity is the skin’s worst enemy. Weakening of collagen and elastin fibres causes reduced firmness of the skin, gravity pulls at the skin and causes it to sag, this in combination with a reduction in the fatty padding of the skin inevitably causes wrinkling of the skin tissue.

Can Wrinkles Be Avoided?

Environmental factors such as over exposure to the sun, smog, cigarette smoke can all have an adverse effect on your skin. In addition, you may also have inherited weaknesses from your parents that can cause premature aging of the skin.

Despite these challenges, there are simple steps you can take to prevent wrinkles and remember - the earlier you start, the better!

• Wear Sunscreen,
• Always wear a hat with a wide brim when going outside remember, just because there’s clouds does not mean there’s no UV,
• Don’t sunbathe, and
• Where possible, stay out of the sun between 10am to 3pm.

As we progress through our 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and beyond, our skin requires an appropriate natural skin care regime to maintain, as well as repair, the skin. The older you are when you start to protect and care for your skin, the less effective it will be, however, it is never too late to start.

Treatments for Aging Skin

There are a multitude of drugs, chemicals and procedures on the market these days, promising you that you can have the face of a baby in your 90’s. We all know where to put that. However, there are many natural and totally safe methods of treating aging skin and preventing premature signs of aging and I’m not just referring to your facial skin, although this is the most visible and therefore the most important to many people.

Using a natural skin care regime should apply to your entire body and not just to your face. Regularly use a clay mask to nourish your skin and remove impurities, cleanse your skin, tone it and last but not least moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.

Do not use commercially available soaps unless absolutely necessary these soaps remove the protective acid mantle of your skin and dry it out. Instead, use an exfoliant followed by a cleanser to clean your skin and leave it smooth, invigorated and with it’s protective acid mantel in tact.

Follow this by using a toner. Toners close open pores to prevent loss of moisture, resulting in firmer skin. The last step is to use a moisturiser. Moisturisers help to hydrate your skin, prevent loss of moisture and provide nourishment and nutrients for your skin to use in fulfilling its many functions.

Liver spots or age spots

Aging skin often develops unsightly blemishes, commonly called liver spots, which can appear on the face, neck and on the back of the hands. They are caused by the sun and accumulation of lipofuscin (pigments and/or wastes) that is derived from free radical damage of skin cells.

Liver spots, also known as lentigines or lentigos, are sharply defined, rounded, brown or black, flat patches of skin. The epidermis (top surface layer) is expanding with more pigment, developing what looks like a large freckle. They may appear as a single spot or in clusters.

Remember that your skin is an eliminatory organ and therefore it eliminates toxins from your body one reason for liver spots is that the eliminatory organs (Kidneys, Liver and Bowels) are not working as well as they should and therefore the skin takes up the slack.

Removal of these impurities can be achieved using the above described skin care regime. In addition, when showering, use a Lufa or other type of skin brush on your body’s skin. This will not only remove dead skin cells, but promote blood circulation to the skin which in turn provides the skin with nutrients carried in the blood.

Green Tea is a fantastic anti-oxidant and should be consumed regularly. Leafy green vegetables, fish such as salmon and tuna, nuts and fruits contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants to nourish your organs and help them perform their vital functions adequately.

It is vitally important that you not only have a good skin care regime, but you should also have a good health regime, which includes a good diet, 8 -10 glasses of water per day and a regular exercise programme. This is very important and cannot be underestimated in its positive results on keeping you looking and feeling younger for longer.

Factors can influence you skin type?

The following article looks at the different skin types, such as oily, dry, normal, sensitive, mature or a combination of these. It provides a brief description of each of the skin types and what you need to be aware of in order to balance your skin and provides you with approaches to natural skin care that help you make the correct choices for your particular skin.

Skin Types: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Dull or Mature

Normal skin type

Normal skin is smooth, finely-textured, soft and supple. If you are lucky enough to possess this skin type, treasure it by using light cleansers and lotions and mild toners and fresheners.

Dry skin type

Dry skin is usually thin and delicate and often flaky and prone to fine lines. It sometimes feels tighter than it should. Extremely rich and greasy creams are not good for it because they strangulate the pores, often enlarging them and so creating an extra problem. Use light oils and lotions for moisturising and choose herbal toners, which are mild and not too astringent. Try to restore the pH or acid-alkali balance with the application of such things as cucumber juice or diluted vinegar so that the sebaceous glands are encouraged to function.

Generally speaking, the emollient and hydrating herbs (chamomile, comfrey, cowslip, elderflower, fennel, marshmallow, orange blossom, rose, violet) are the best to use in lotions and toners for dry skin. But there is no hard and fast rule. Astringent herbs can be good for dry skins, for example, if blended with emollient herbs or oils and gels, and many herbs are suitable for all skin types. If the skin is sensitive as well as dry, see the notes on sensitive skin below.

Oily skin type

Oily skin is shiny and coarser-textured, often with enlarged pores. It is prone to blackheads and spots. Don’t use alcohol to reduce the oiliness of the skin, as it will only worsen the problem. Many herbal toners are suitable for reducing oiliness and tightening the pores (see list of suitable herbs below). Egg-white makes a nice mild face-mask. Don’t over dry the skin; moisturise with a light lotion. Aim to restore your skin’s acid-alkali balance so that the sebaceous glands cease to produce such large amounts of oil

Astringent and cleansing herbs are generally the best to choose when treating an oily skin. These are: cinquefoil, clary sage, comfrey, cucumber, dandelion, horsetail, houseleek, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, lemon verbena, marigold, mint, parsley, sage, witch hazel and yarrow. But don’t forget that many herbs are suited to all skin types and that many of the strengthening and anti-inflammatory herbs (chamomile, cowslip, fennel, lettuce, elderflower, orange blossom, rose, violet) are suitable for oily skins.

Combination skin types

The person with this skin type will have to follow two beauty routines, one for the dry areas, and another for the oily. I think the oily areas balance up more easily in this type of skin than when the whole face is oily, so don’t despair.

Sensitive skin type

This skin is usually fine-textured and often prone to reddish veins and patches. Keep to light oils and lotions for cleansing and moisturising, and mild herbal toners and compresses to soothe the skin and reduce redness and veins. It is usually wise for people with sensitive skins to stay away from the stimulating herbs (lavender, lime flower, mint, nettle, sage, southernwood, summer savory, thyme).

Dull skin

Dull skin has lost the bloom of vitality and the soft glow of renewal. It looks matt and lifeless. Its acid balance has slipped. If it is oily or large-pored skin use diluted cider vinegar or lemon juice, or cucumber juice to balance it. If it is dry skin, use buttermilk or cucumber juice.

Mature skin type

Older skin can be toned and softened and restored to much of its former beauty. The skin is a wonderfully regenerating organ, given encouragement. Use a light hand with makeup if you must use it, as this dries and ages the skin.

Other Factors that can influence you skin

The foundation of a healthy beautiful skin is diet. Are you getting sufficient polyunsaturated fats? These are essential to a healthy skin and do not cause facial oiliness. They are found in cereal grains, nuts and cold pressed nut and vegetable oils.

Plenty of vitamin C is fundamental to a beautiful skin, because it builds collagen and elastin, the bonding and structural substances which give tone and resilience. There is no need to resort to tablets. Eat bean sprouts, green and red peppers, black currants, oranges and lemons. Then there are guavas and rosehips, so your diet need not be restricted or dull. There is infinite variety to suit every palate.

Lack of vitamin A can cause dryness of the skin. Eat dandelion, parsley, watercress, carrots, pumpkins, celeriac.

If your skin is unbalanced, either flaky or too oily, or if your lips peel, then check your intake of vitamin B foods. Oats, years, bran, goat’s milk, whole rice, sunflower seeds, sprouted seeds and grains are some of the sources.