Saturday, December 31, 2011

Herbs for skin whitening

Ayurvedic medicines have been used by many patients for the treatment of a variety of disorders. They are very effective for curing many different skin disorders. Use of some herbs for skin whitening has been in practice since ages. These herbs can give a lighter tone to the skin and make the person look much fairer than they actually are. These herbs also give a healthier glow to the skin. Some very beneficial herbs for skin whitening are mentioned below:

Lady"s Mantle

Herb for skin whitening

  • Lady’s Mantle:This herb boasts of an ability to soften and lighten the skin. It is commonly used for getting rid of age spotsandfreckles. The fresh leaves of this herb should be crushed and the juice extracted. Then, this juice should be dabbed over the skin and left for a few minutes. Then, the skin can be washed with water. Use of this technique, 2-3 times in a week, can give one much lighter skin. You can also infuse the leaves of this herb in hot water. The liquid, thus prepared, can be used for preparing a face pack or skin lotion. This canprovide a very good skin whitening effect and also give you a glowing skin.
  • Lemon Juice:It is known to all that lemon juice is acidic in nature. It has the ability to clear away the dark outer layers of the skin. This helps in revealing the lighter layers of skin beneath it. Lemon juice can be used for treatment of freckles and age spots. It is also effective in removing tobacco stains formed on the fingers. A cotton ball soaked in lemon juice should be applied over these parts for treating such conditions and getting a cleaner and whiter skin. Take care not to touch the juice to the eyes as it can cause irritation of eyes. Also, avoid touching the juice to open wounds as it can lead to intense burning of the part.

    chamomile

    Herbs for lightening skin

  • Chamomile:Chamomile works wonders for whitening the skin. It gives you a fairer complexion. Bags of chamomile tea or infused flowers of chamomile can be used as a facial steam for getting fairer skin. You can also cool the mixture and strain it. This can be used as a hand soak for skin whitening.
  • Red onion: This herb contains acid compounds that are similar to those present in lemon juice. They are very effective for skin whitening. You can apply a slice of red onion on the skin everyday to get a lighter skin. Take care not to rub it near the eyes as it can cause redness and irritation of the eyes. Dark patches over skin can be treated with red onion.
  • Wild strawberry, Ground Ivy leaves and Solomon’s Seal: Strawberry leaves are known to have very strong skin whitening properties. You can use fresh leaves of any of these herbs for skin whitening.

These herbs have proved to be very beneficial for lightening the skin. You can also make use of some other medicines that are equally beneficial for giving you a whiter skin.

Effective skin whitening medicines

Vitamin C and Kojic acid are very effective for skin whitening. Vitamin C is needed by the body for the production of collagen that is essential for the regeneration of cells. Use of vitamin C can help in rapid regeneration of skin cells that makes the skin look lighter and younger. Kojic acid can also help in skin whitening as it blocks the production of pigments in the skin. Thus, it makes the skin appear fairer. It can also be used for getting rid of freckles and dark spots on the skin.

postheadericon Herbs for Dry Skin

dry skin

Herbs For for Dry Skin

These days, you will come across numerous natural skincare products made from herbs. People are interested in buying herbal products, since they know how good these natural ingredient based products are. If you have dry skin, you should try using some products made by using herbs for dry skin. It is important to be sure that the products you choose include the right herbs meant for dry skin. Some herbs for dry skin include Aloe Vera, Fennel, Borage, Marigold, Lady’s Mantle, Orange flower, Comfrey, Salad Burnet, Red clover, Coltsfoot, Calendula, Chamomile, and Sage. All these herbs have proved effective for dry skin. Amongst these herbs, Orange flower functions like a tonic for dry skin. It helps maintain the moisture in the skin and promotes the growth of new cells.

Dry skin can lead to some premature signs of ageing such as, fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and enlarged pores. However, using some natural herbs for dry skin can really help deal with dry skin and delay the process of aging. Dry skin can also be caused due to nutritional deficiency, hereditary factors, excessive use of chemical based products, and weather conditions.

Some possible causes for dry skin include:

  • Lack of humidity in the air
  • Bathing with hot water for a long time
  • Frequent or repeated exposure to water
  • Use of products and soaps that contain harsh chemicals
  • Nutritional deficiency including the lack of some essential minerals and vitamins also plays a major role in dryness of the skin
  • Inadequate intake of water and excessive sweating
  • Dry skin is also caused as a result of chronic smoking as well as due to side effects of certain medications

Herbs for Dry Skin:

Aloe Vera: The gel from the Aloe Vera plant has been made use of for a very long time in order to treat minor burns and wounds as well as skin irritations. The Aloe Vera plant contains around 96 percent water and other active ingredients including some essential oils, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, and glycoprotein. All these ingredients present in Aloe Vera, offer a natural glow in addition to helping to retain the moisture of the skin even during the harshest climates.

Calendula: This herb belongs to the same family of herbs as arnica and offers wound healing properties as well. The main ingredients of the herb are resin, carotenoids, essential oils, Flavonoids, mucilage, sterol and saponins. The herb offers moisturizing qualities and is an excellent remedy for skin inflammation.

Chamomile: As a result of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, this herb is ideal for the treatment of different types of skin conditions which include eczema, skin irritations etc. This herb can be soaked in bathing water. Tie half or one cup of dried or fresh herb in a linen bag. Then place the bag in a tub of hot water and leave it to soak for ten minutes. Following this, add cold water as per your preference.

Sage: This herb contains resin, a volatile oil, a bitter principle and tannin. The oil is composed of pinene, camphor, cineol, and salvene. The leaves of this herb contain vitamin A and vitamin C which help treat many skin conditions including dry skin. This herb is also considered to be a natural antiseptic.

Essential Oils for Dry Skin:

Lavender oil: This oil is an active ingredient for aromatherapy. Lavender oil contains hormones, pheromones, antibiotics and cell regenerating agents that help nourish, energize and protect the skin.

Hyssop oil: This oil works as a stimulant and tonic. Massaging the skin with this oil helps deal with wounds, burns and skin dryness.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Effective Strategies to Take away Darkish Circles beneath Eyes

Women are expected to be vain relating to their bodily look. It’s comprehensible compared from men. Therefore, one of many widespread magnificence complaints that they’re sharing, especially to those young girls who’re in puberty stage where they tend to grow to be acutely aware always, is the tendency of getting dark circle below eyes. As a lot of the males have noticed, a lot of the beauty products available available in the market are concentrated on eyes comparable to eyeliner, eye shadow, curlers, and others. Nonetheless, earlier than eradicating this particular downside, one has to understand how it’s developed. What are the causes and how is it averted?
Dark circle beneath eyes could be the cause of the next causes that must be prevented by any woman who’re bored with buying beauty merchandise simply to conceal flaws on their face and body.
Avoid excessive sun exposure. Discover time where solar can be wholesome on your pores and skin and that happens within the morning, and not between 9am and 3pm. It doesn’t only injury the skin, but it surely causes dark circles under eyes.
Get enough sleep. This isn’t just ultimate for youngsters who obtain the identical reminder that they need to sleep continuously to allow them to develop fast they usually can avoid eye bugs the next days. For adults, the sleeping time and the flexibility in doing the mentioned exercise deteriorates because of the adjustments that their body undergoes. They’re vulnerable to have dark circle underneath eyes as a result of they are busy at work and even after they get home.
Drink a number of fluid. Nothing beats the natural impact of water. It’s low-cost and healthy. The truth is, you will be able to maintain wholesome and glowing skin. In case you are not taking enough quantity of water, it causes dilation, which contributes to the event of dark circles or eye bugs.
There are other causes that may be strictly recognized on the genes that run in your family. You might discover this information odd, but it’s also handed on throughout the family. People who are susceptible to it are those who have honest pores and skin or have deep-set eyes. Other medical explanations and causes could be attributed if the individual is suffering from iron deficiency or better generally known as anemia, where darkish circle underneath eyes tends to be more visible.
Nonetheless, a number of the effective and pure strategies to remove darkish circle below eyes are additionally tested by others who have been vain, reminiscent of your self too. First, the common and traditional method is to place two items of sliced cucumber in your eyes and go away them for around 15 minutes. Others are doing it in a single day and so they see immediate results afterwards. You might also apply Vitamin Okay cream underneath your eyes. This is the time to consult with the physician so you might receive recommendations and shopping for the required medication. Avoid an excessive amount of sodium intake because it triggers dilation talked about previously on this article, within the development of dark circle around the eyes.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Decrease Melanin Production With These Products

Too much time in the sun without adequate sun protection can cause sun spots, freckles, and patches of pigmented skin. Your body produces extra melanin to protect itself from environmental damage, so you need to use skin care products that decrease melanin production. Products that contain compounds such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, and tretinoin are particularly effective for lightening the skin and preventing future sun spots and freckles.

Incorporating at least one skin lightening cream, lotion, or serum into your weekly skin care regimen could be just what you need to maintain a clear and healthy-looking complexion. Here's what you need to know about using products that decrease melanin production:

1. Apply serums right after an at-home facial. Invest in a high-quality skin lightening serum that you can use at home. When your pores are open and more responsive to products after an at-home facial, you should take the opportunity to massage this serum into the skin. Try something such as the Image Ageless Total Skin Lightening Serum, $30, amazon.com, that contains a powerful blend of kojic acid, licorice, green tea, and vitamin C.Image Ageless Total Skin Lightening Serum

2. Ask about skin lightening treatments with microdermabrasion. If you're going to the spa for a professional microdermabrasion treatment, you should ask the aesthetician if he or she can use some type of skin lightening cream or serum as part of the treatment. Your skin is more responsive to any products applied right after this deep exfoliating treatment.

3. Use a skin lightening mask on a weekly basis. Facial masks infused with ingredients such as kojic acid and vitamin C can be effective for reducing hyperpigmentation and keeping your skin looking clear and even toned. If you're sensitive to hydroquinone, you should look for natural blends that contain a high concentration of kojic acid and vitamins. Many of these masks can help reduce skin discoloration and slow down or stop melanin production.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

The Secrets of Skin Whitening

The first and most significant secret of skin whitening is that it does not necessarily involve chemicals. Regardless of the reasons for whitening the skin, the process can be carried out with successful results using natural compounds. Users need not fear any instance of scaring or disfigurement, such as in the case of using bleach or other chemicals. Let’s take a closer look at what makes skin have color.

Almost every group of organisms on earth produces melanin. Melanin is a pigment that can be found in various biological forms. Eumelanin, for example, is a brown-black polymer in human skin. Phenomelanin is a red-brown polymer that produces red hair and freckles in humans. When we get too much UVB radiation exposure (usually from the sun), it causes DNA damage which in turn stimulates the production of melanin. This process is called melanogenisis, and is responsible for delaying the appearance of a tan in Caucasians.

Melanin has vital photo-protectant properties, helping to prevent further indirect DNA damage. It is also present in the iris of our eyes, determining the color of the iris. Melanin is in our hair, the brain, and inner ear and of course the skin. In the skin, melanin is produced by melanocytes. When a genetic defect inhibits the production of melanin from the melanocytes, Albinism occurs. Certain ethnic groups are genetically programmed to produce higher than normal melanin varieties, and therefore have darker skin.

Other parts of the body produce an enzyme called glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. Glutathione is important as a protector at the cellular level, especially against free radicals and peroxides. It is also an essential antidote to overdose, particularly in the case of acetaminophen. In the case of human skin, studies have shown with definitive success that glutathione reduces the production of melanin by interrupting the function of L-DOPA (a natural biological chemical in the body).

The most effective natural skin whitening products on the market are those which use glutathione as their base ingredient. Glutathione can be harvested from plants and animals, or made synthetically. Most of the time glutathione supplements for the purpose of skin whitening are combined with alpha lipoic acid, an organosulfur compound. As an addition to the glutathione, the lipoic acid is meant as an energy booster. There are also studies showing some benefits in reducing inflammation, preventing migraines and organ dysfunction, even in hastening the healing of wounds.

The media is full of horror stories about people becoming disfigured or dying from using skin whitening products. For example, In Cambodia a young woman of 23 passed away after using a toxic amount of skin whitening cream imported from Vietnam. Yet the public needs to understand these cases are due to the use of skin whitening formulas using a toxic level of mercury. Sure, the results will be faster than with natural ingredients, but the personal cost of mercury-laced skin whiteners can be astronomical.

If lightening up your skin is in your thoughts, do your research and only use naturally based products. By carrying out this alteration on your body, you are changing the natural composition of your skin. So be sure to do it naturally, and in prevention of other more troubling side effects. Drink lots of water, get lots of rest and use Glutathione.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Acne Hyperpigmentation Blemishes Left After Acne Resolves

Pigmentation is the coloring of a person’s skin. When somebody is healthful, their skin will appear ordinary in color. In the case of illness or injury, the person’s skin could change colour, becoming darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation). Inflammation caused by acne episodes may lead to a type of acne blemishes known by the name of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

It’s generally harmless and identified by patches of skin becoming darker in colour than the ordinary surrounding skin. This darkening happens when a surplus of melanin, the brown pigment that produces standard skin colour, forms deposits in the skin.

It easily is affecting folks with darker skin tones, for example Latinos or South Asian yet it’s not wholly original to them as it can have an effect on the skin colour of people of any race.

It is caused by an increase in melanin (or in medical terms: melanosis), the substance in the body that’s answerable for color (pigment).
Our skin has cells that contain the pigment that gives us our skin colour. These cells are call melanocytes (they produce the skin pigment). If we have lighter areas on our skin it signals that there are not enough melanocytes or that they’re not active. In contrast, if there are darker areas, it indicates the opposite – so many or overactive cells.

The good news is that there are many effective ways to get rid of the deposition of excess melanin. In numerous cases, it’s as simple as applying a melanin reducer and melanin inhibitor cream in the evening and using sun block in the morning. Yet 1st, let’s take a look at the difficulty initial and after that we’ll suggest some straightforward remedies.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

First off, there are the darkest spots, technically called melasma and the lighter spots simply called decolorations. They’re treated differently and in this piece we’re going to chat thorougly only about spots left at the back after acne has resolved or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These dark areas, dark spots or macules (as Epidermal specialists like to call them) can remain a considerable time after acne clears.

Melasma, often referred to as chloasma is identified by tan or brown patches, most generally on the face. Melasmacan occur in expectant women and is frequently called the “mask of pregnancy”; nonetheless guys can develop this condition. Melasma frequently goes away after carrying a child. Melasma is often linked with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. So women who are taking birth control pills and women taking hormone replacement treatment during menopause may be affected.

Freckles: they are clusters of concentrated melanin which are most often visible on folks with a fair complexion. The formation of freckles is triggered by being exposed to daylight.
Age spots: all of these lesions are flat, tan, brown, or dark brown spots on sun-exposed skin. As folk age, sun spots most widely appear on the backs of the hands, the forearms, neck, chest, and face. Sun spots are associated with accumulative sun exposure.

What is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Post inflaming hyperpigmentation, or PIH, is the medical term given to discolouring of the skin that follows an immoderate agitative response to acne welts. It’s the skin’s natural response to swelling. PIH presents itself as a flat area of blackening on the skin (macule) ranging from pink to reddish, purple, brown or black, depending on your skin tone and depth of the discolouration.

PIH develops when a wound, rash, zit, or other stimuli causes skin swelling, which triggers the skin to supply too much melanin.
Again, melanin is the protein in the skin that gives the skin its colour. The surplus melanin darkens and discolors the hurt area. This discoloration remains even after the wound or rash has healed. PIH happens in is extremely common among acne martyrs. It can happen with certain sickness like Edison’s disease and some hepatic issues. If somebody is taking too much iron, as an example, it may cause darker areas on the skin. It’s also associated to some allergic displays, mechanical wounds, reactions to medicines, phototoxic eruptions, trauma (eg, burns), and inflaming sicknesses (for instance, lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, atopic rash). PHI can happen in all skin variations, although it is commoner in darker skin tones. It has effects on both men and women equally.


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Depigmentation of the Skin

De pigmentation of the skin refers to the absence of melanin in skin cells. The skin is made up of special cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are also known as stem cells because the cells that produce melanin in the skin. Melanin is the role of protecting cells from the skin cells and tissues of the sun acts as a sunscreen and pigment-producing cells. Pigment cells are the pigment of the skin. They are present in the skin in three different colors (black, yellow and dark brown).

Pigmentation of the skin shows when excessive pigment cells but if the required amount of melanin cells decrease or disappear from the skin and skin depigmentation becomes, changing the color of the skin naturally.

How are you to know that the skin is discolored or not? The appearance of white spots or patches on the affected skin areas mucous layer of the skin, change the color of hair, loss of eye sight due to injury in the retina of the eye are all symptoms of depigmentation skin.

Referring to the loss of lower productivity cells with melanin in the skin, other causes of skin pigmentation is heredity, physical damage, physical illness, adverse effects of drugs on health, beatings sun, autoimmunity, including thyroid deficiency.

The appearance of depigmentation of the skin may be possible in all stages and ages. Above all, it affects people after age 35. Like many people suffer from both a lot of diseases, thus changing the likelihood of skin color are fairly equal.

The healing of skin depigmentation is impossible. The treatment invented by medical science can simply replay the cells to produce melanin in the skin, but cannot return the patient's skin color original.

Treatments for skin pigmentation in psychotherapy, photo chemotherapy, PUVA, oral therapy with psoralens, topical psoralens, homeopathic treatment / allopathic, ayurvedic treatment, steroid therapy and skin grafting through a blistering, skin grafts, melanocytes reproduction techniques, the use of topical applications, such as vegetable oils, sunscreens, lotions, etc. for the treatment of white spots or patches of vitiligo.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Herbs for Skin Rejuvenation

As a person grows older, the skin starts losing its glow. This occurs as a result of rapid degeneration of skin cells in comparison to slower regeneration of new skin

Herbs for Skin Rejuvenation

Skin Rejuvenation Herbs

cells. This leads to accumulation of dead cells on the skin surface making it look dull and lusterless. Apart from this, there is also reduced production of collagen in the body;as one ages. Collagen is essential for maintaining the elasticity of the skin. Loss of collagen results in reduced elasticity of the skin leading to formation of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. The signs of aging also get accelerated due to some other factors like stressful life, excessive exposure to the sun and faulty dietary habits. Use of alcoholic beverages and smoking can also have a bad effect on the skin. Hence, it becomes very essential to take proper care of the skin so that these age-related changes can be delayed.Using herbs for skin rejuvenation can be extremely beneficial in this case. Herbs have beenused for maintaining the glow of the skin since ages. They can not only keep the skin in a healthy condition but also make it appear youthful. The different herbs used for skin rejuvenation are mentioned below:

  • Calendula:this herb can be used for treating several skin conditions like dryness of skin and open wounds. It has been usedsince manycenturiesfortreatingthese conditions. It helps in increasing the production of collagen under the skin. This leads to rebuilding of the skin structure. Calendula is used in several topical creams that are used for management of wounds.
  • Garlic:it is very hard to think of garlic as a skin rejuvenating herb. It is more popularly known for its culinary properties. However, research has proved that this herb has very powerful antioxidant properties and can be very beneficial for skin rejuvenation. It is known that there is damage to the skin cells due to non-functioning dead cells and free radicals due to the aging process. This affects the healthy development of the skin. Using Garlic can help in preventing this with its antioxidant properties. Consuming extract of aged garlic or raw garlic can have better effects for skin rejuvenation as they contain high levels of antioxidants. Itcan also be consumed in the form of garlic flakes or granulated garlic. Regular use of this herb can help in getting a clean and glowing skin.
  • Comfrey leaves: this herb, scientifically known as Symphytum officinale, contains a substance, allantoin. This substance can trigger growth of the skin cells by increasing the rate of regeneration. Hence, this herb can be very effective for skin rejuvenation. It can also be used for reducing inflammation and swelling of skin caused due to injuries or broken bones. Many cosmetic products for skin rejuvenation contain extract of Comfrey leaves.
    These herbs are completely safe to use. They can help patients to get a youthful skin in a harmless manner. Some other medicines can also help in getting the same effect.

Effective medicines for skin rejuvenation

People can use Renova Retin A for getting a very good skin rejuvenating effect. Retin A is a form of Vitamin A and is available as a topical cream. It can also be used for the treatment of acne and helps in getting a clean and clear skin. Renova can be very effective for reducing the formation of wrinkles in the skin. It can also be helpful in getting rid of mottled discoloration of the skin. Regular use of Renova can make the skin smoother and shinier. Patients can use Renova and Retin A for making the skin look younger.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Avoid the Dark Lips from Smoking

Smoking has a number of side effects. One of the most common complaints is darkening of the lips, which has been noted in many individuals. Nicotine found in cigarettes is the prime factor behind the lips getting stained. Although there are a number of treatments to control the darkening, it takes some time for the lips to retain their original pink colour. The following are some tips which can be useful to lighten the discoloured tinge formed on the lips:

Quit Smoking

Best Lip balm for smokers- Zyban

1. Beetroot known as a natural bleaching agent is very effective. Take a slice of beetroot and rub it on your lips or apply beetroot juice to lighten the lips.

2. Almond oil can be massaged on the lips daily to reduce the darkening. It is proven to have produced tremendous results and is recommended by many.

3. Choose your cosmetics carefully. Always check which of them suit your skin the best. Lipsticks with moisturisers will keep the lips nourished and also hide the dark spots.

4. Keep a check on your daily consumption of tea and coffee. Excessive intake tends to darken the lips.

5. When you apply sunscreen before heading out, make sure you smear your lips with an adequate amount of lip balm with a SPF of at least 15, to protect your lips from darkening further due to sunrays. It can also be applied before sleeping.

6. Two other agents, known to have natural bleaching properties are lime juice and apple cider vinegar. Dip a cotton ball into the juice and dab it on your lips daily to get rid of the dark skin.

7. In case of chapped lips, Vaseline is very helpful. It can be applied as many times as you like, to nourish the lips and also soften them.

8. Vitamin C, essential for the production of collagen is reduced by smoking. It should be included in your diet since it helps in building new tissues. Adequate intake will keep the lips healthy by replacing the old stained lip tissue with new skin cells.

9. Apply a mixture of glycerine, lime juice and honey on your lips every night before going to bed. Alternatively, you can also apply a mixture of crushed rose petals and glycerine to lighten the lips. Rose petals have been found to be effective in getting rid of the tinge on the lips caused due to smoking.

10. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and consuming a balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits like oranges, guavas, strawberries, papaya, etc. contain a good amount of Vitamin C to lighten the skin. Needless to say, drinking 2-3 litres of water every day is equally important to flush out the harmful toxins from the body.

11. It might sound surprising, but your toothbrush can be a great exfoliator to get rid of the dead skin cells on your lips. Every morning when you brush your teeth, gently brush your lips so that the dead skin peels off and makes way for growth of new lip tissues. For best results, apply Vaseline or Vitamin E oil once you are done, for soft lips.

Avoid Dark Lips

Avoid Dark Lips from Smoking

Dark lips are easily noticed and tend to be embarrassing many a times in spite of having an otherwise flawless complexion. The best way to deal with this problem is to quit smoking not just to regain the natural colour of your lips but also to protect yourself from the other side effects this habit is responsible for. However, till then you can try the remedies mentioned to prevent further damage and you will certainly note a difference.

Using Zyban to Stop Smoking

Zyban’s development as an anti-smoking aid is a curious one: it was originally designed as an anti-depressant, and during clinical trials of the drug is was discovered that as a side effect, many smokers participating in the trails lost interest in cigarettes and found it very easy to quit. Further research revealed that the drug was an effective stop-smoking aid, and it was approved for use as such in 1997 by the FDA.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Herbs for Pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition which develops when there is an excess of melanin in the skin. This creates patches of skin which are darker as compared to the

Skin Pigmentation

How To Lighten Skin Pigmentation

surrounding skin. Melanin is the brown colored pigment which is present in the skin. It is the substance that is responsible for giving

the skin its color. Melanin absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiations as well as protects the skin. However, in doing so it darkens the skin

tone. With an increased amount of melanin present in the skin, it becomes darker. When the skin generates too much melanin, it results in a condition known as Hyperpigmentation and when the skin lacks or perhaps has very little melanin, it is called hypo pigmentation. Solar lentigos or sun spots, is also a common form of skin pigmentation. This skin pigmentation which is caused due to exposure to sunlight is not cancerous and usually appears on the areas of skin which are often exposed to the sun.

An extremely common reaction with regards to skin pigmentation is to reach out for skin whitening products. However, there are

many herbal remedies that help fade the dark patches or spots on the skin. Mentioned below are some herbs and natural remedies for pigmentation.

Herbs for Pigmentation:

  • Fenugreek is a widely used herb which contains diosgenin. Diosgenin is a chemical constituent which helps reduce the formation of melanin in the skin and lighten the skin.
  • Gingko is another herb which is used for the treatment of Hyperpigmentation. Tyrosinase is an enzyme which is responsible for discoloration of the skin. Gingko works by way of reducing this enzyme.
  • The dried leaf extract of Mulberry can also be used in the diet to treat this condition. The mulberry plant contains a compound called Mulberroside F which works to inhibit tyrosinase activity. It also contains super oxide scavenging activity that works to lighten the skin tone.

Some Natural Remedies:

Aloe Vera has been used for a long time to treat skin disorders. It contains anti fungal and anti-inflammatory properties which work to cleanse, moisturize and soften the skin. Aloe vera also contains anti-aging properties which help to fade or prevent Hyperpigmentation. Topical application of aloe vera gel can inhibit the enzyme tyrosinases and prevent discoloration of the skin. Furthermore, Aloe vera stimulates the formation of new skin, and removes dead skin cells as well as tightens the skin.

Sandalwood or Santalum Album is another healing plant which has been used for a long time in many cultures. The Sandalwood plant is a stimulant,blood purifier and cooling agent which can be used for treating various skin problems including Hyperpigmentation. These properties protect the skin from the sun and smoothen it. Liver spots or age spots are a very common form of Hyperpigmentation which can benefit from this plant. The Sandalwood plant has anti-aging as well as antiseptic properties which provide a natural youthful skin tone.

These are some herbs and natural treatments used for treating skin pigmentation. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before using these herbal treatments.

Although herbal treatments provide effective results, using some allopathic medications like Melalong can also prove beneficial.
Melalong cream is a de-pigmenting agent which has proved effective in treating skin pigmentation. Tretinoin is one of the ingredients of Melalong Cream. Tretinoin is known to effectively treat acne, wrinkles and stretch marks. Another ingredient present in this cream is Hydroquinone. These ingredients destroy the pigment cells which in turn result in skin de-pigmentation. But, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using Melalong or any other medication.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Dark Circle Treatment

Dark circles under the eyes commonly affect many Americans and can make you look older than wrinkles or gray hair. While it may come as a surprise to find out that this condition will age you more than many other cosmetic issues commonly associated with getting older, you should take comfort in the fact that dark circles under the eyes are easily treated at our Denver Med Spa.

There are a variety of reasons why you may develop dark circles under your eyes. Stress, genetics and fatigue are common causes. Often they are a result of a chronic lack of sleep. Other common causes of dark circles include:

  • Iron or vitamin deficiency
  • Pigmentation irregularities
  • Illness
  • Smoking
  • Weight loss
  • Thinning skin and loss of collagen, allowing blood vessels under the eyes to be more visible
  • Allergies
  • Chronic alcohol use
  • Rubbing or scratching your eyes
  • Sun exposure
  • Fat loss, causing your eyes to have a sunken look

Depending on the cause of your dark circles, you may be able to get rid of them by making a few simple lifestyle changes. Getting more rest, eating a balanced diet, drinking more water, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption can often reduce the appearance of dark circles. However, in some cases these lifestyle changes may not be enough. In these situations, we can provide you with a variety of treatments to eliminate the circles under your eyes so that you look more youthful and refreshed.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Decrease Melanin Production With These Key Skin Care Ingredients

If you have hyperpigmented skin or are dealing with an uneven skin tone, it's likely that your skin has been overproducing melanin. Melanin is produced by the body to protect the skin from sun damage, and the amount of melanin you produce naturally typically depends on your complexion and heritage. Some people are predisposed to developing freckles, age spots, and experience hyperpigmentation after trauma to the skin more readily than others. If this sounds like you, you'll need to seek out skin care products that work to decrease melanin production and brighten up your skin tone.

Types of Products That Decrease Melanin Production

The most readily available product that can decrease melanin production is hydroquinone. Unlike harsh bleaching agents that can cause all sorts of adverse reactions on the skin, hydroquinone works to lighten the skin by preventing the production of melanocytes, the melanin-producing cells located on the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis, so that the skin doesn't become darker. Products such as the DDF Fade Gel 4 Hydroquinone 2% Skin Lightening Gel, $58.50, on Amazon.com, contain hydroquinone and kojic acid, as well as glycolic acid, which helps the product sink deeper into the cells.DDF Fade Gel 4 Hydroquinone 2% Skin Lightening Gel

Hydroquinone products typically contain between 2% and 4% of the compound. The lower concentrations are available over the counter, while the higher concentrations are available by prescription only. It's important to keep in mind that hydroquinone can irritate the skin and may have adverse side-effects when it's used with other prescription-strength products.

Another ingredient that helps to decrease melanin production and lightens the skin is arbutin. Pure forms of arbutin can be very effective for treating sun-damaged skin and freckles. If you tend to get sun spots quickly, using products with arbutin may reduce the chances of developing hyperpigmented patches of skin and will keep your skin looking clear.

Kojic acid is often labeled as a "natural" skin-lightening agent because it is derived from a fungus. This skin lightening ingredient can be an effective alternative to hydroquinone in some people. If you have a negative reaction to hydroquinone, you may still enjoy some skin-lightening benefits by using products that contain kojic acid.