Fight Acne with Anti-acne Masks

Skincare has always been a sensitive issue to deal with. And one of the major problems that is, perhaps, faced by all is acne. Though it is primarily a typical skin problem that is associated with puberty, acne can effect anybody, regardless of age and gender.

Worse is the scars that come along with these blisters. Even after a substantial period of time when acne has cleared up, the scars remain visible. These scars on the face also makes a person a subject of much embarrassment in any public event.

You must feel how true this is if you have gone through such an experience. There are a lot of over the counter medicines available for acne treatment. These must be avoided as most of them include chemical ingredients.

However, nowadays along with the evolvement of natural skincare products much of your worries relating acne can be eliminated. Most of these products are sourced from naturally derived ingredients like that of herbs, roots, essential oils, etc. Applying these on your skin are also pretty safe as they do not offer any harmful after effects.

The most effective herbal treatment for acne is perhaps ensured by the anti-acne face masks. This topical medication process involves the removal of the cyst that fills the duct of the gland. This process also helps in killing the acne bacteria, if necessary.

These masks also include vitamin A in them that nourishes your skin pretty well. So, if you want to play it safe while dealing with your acne problem, and wish to get rid of the issue quite effectively, you must try out the anti-acne masks available in the market.

 

 

Anti-Acne Diet and Facial Masks

Summer is just around the corner and for those of us who have been cooped up in cold-weather locations, it is a glory to behold. There are so many ways we can treat our body well this season and counter-act the effects of all that rich, heavy food over the holidays that might have not only added a few inches to our waistline but also added some unwanted skin reactions on our face.

If you have never eaten a fruit or vegetable in your life - never fear.  You have only to try one or two of the hundreds of delicious fruits that summer offers to get your waistline back and shape and clear that skin in no time. If you don’t want to eat them, then try applying them directly to your skin as a facial mask or body scrub!

First lets looks at some of the seasonal fruits that might still be available, depending on what zone you live in. These fruits are chock-full of nutrients and lots of phyto-chemicals to help build collagen and re-build acne-scarred skin.

Nearly everything will be in bloom soon, so you have no excuse to not try at least of some of this delicious harvest or at least experiment with a new facial mask. Most fruits and vegetables have great propensity to eliminate toxins and flush your system of all those - pore-clogging bacteria and excess oil that creates acne flare ups and breakouts.

BERRIES: berries are the first thing one might think of in the summer - all those delicious colors and fragrances to take in - AND they are excellent for your skin - not only on the inside but on the outside as well. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, any berries you can think of - Naturally blue and purple foods contain additional nutrients including the super anti aging reservatol (famous for its high (concentration in red wine) and other flavonoids that fight inflammation and cancer, plus ones that support immune and digestive function and mineral absorption. Find can find high concentrations of these age-fighting phytonutrients in grapes or purple bell peppers (found at your local farmers’ markets), purple yams or sweet potatoes and pomegranates also have these amazing phyto-nutrients to protect cellular DNA, slow the aging process and heal acne flare ups and scars.

For a direct treatment, simply crush the berry mix into a pulp and add directly to the face for an instant fruit facial mask and anti-acne fruit acid treatment.

These amazing fruits also slow the aging process by impeding oxidation, combatting dryness and strengthen the barrier for improved elasticity and long-lasting beauty. Taking in large doses, they can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and inhibit the breakdown of elastin that causes sagging. the free-radicals will also help to prevent overall premature aging.

With all these benefits, what have you got to lose?

Acne Treatments and Herbal Facial Masks

Acne is a common skin condition and there are many ways to treat it. However, some treatments should be used with caution. Acne treatments can be varied from chemical-based peroxides, or acids, to herbal facial masks or even hormones and medication. Many studies have now shown most over the counter acne medication to be harmful to pregnant women - even to the point of causing birth defects!  So, use extreme caution when choosing your acne treatment. When in doubt - go for the most natural or herbal method available; treatments like anti-acne herbal facials and clay-based or herbal based anti-acne facial masks can do wonders without all the abrasive chemicals.

HOW ACNE STARTS

Acne is common in young adults, teens and pre-teens and may cause emotional and self-esteem problems. In severe cases, medical treatment may be needed. There are many over-the-counter products that can help treat acne.

Acne is caused by inflammation of the oily glands in the skin - they are called sebaceous glands - that contain a fatty material called sebum. When the duct of the gland becomes blocked either by layers of skin, fatty secretions or dirt, a mini-cyst or pimple forms. The cyst can become infected with acne bacteria.

Treatment of Acne

Just as acne can range from mild to severe, acne treatments also vary, depending on how serious the problem is. The basic treatment is to remove what is plugging the duct of the gland and, if necessary, kill the acne bacteria. This is done either by applying a product to the skin or by taking medication internally. A treatment applied to the skin is called a topical medication; treatment taken internally is called systemic medication.

Topical medications

The simplest treatment for acne is the daily use of ordinary soap and water. Many topical medications are available over the counter without a prescription. They include:

• medicated soaps;
• salicylic acid ointments and washes; and
• benzoyl peroxide.

Topical prescription products may contain antibiotic ingredients such as erythromycin that help control inflammation associated with acne. Topical prescription products may also contain ingredients derived from vitamin A. These products are designed to clean the area, dry up the oiliness, peel the skin and eliminate the acne bacteria present.

How to Choose The Best Anti-Acne Mask

Do you suffer from acne or pimples? Do you feel embarrassed when you go to school or out around town to show your face?  Take comfort.  You are not alone. According to dermatology experts and the Acne Resource Center in the United States:

“Of the 85% of teenagers (between the ages of 12 and 24) that suffer from acne, 25% will have permanent scars ranging from severe to light. The American Dermatologist Association finds that:

• 20% of all adults have active acne
• 60 million Americans have active acne
• 20 million Americans have acne badly enough to cause scars.
• Only 11% of acne sufferers seek help
• Acne is considered a social taboo

You may wonder if this epidemic is genetic, due to the foods Americans eat or perhaps it might be your own “bad skin?”

Take heart.  Again, know that you are not alone when it comes to being self-concious about your skin. Almost everyone at some time or another has suffered an embarrassing acne breakout that practicially kept them at home!

First off, there are many studies, all sometimes disagreeing with each other WHY acne forms or happens. Some say it is due to genetics, others say it is the result of a horrible American “fast food diet.”  But the bottom line is - You have acne that makes you feel less than confident and you want to get rid of it, right?

So, the real question is, WHAT can you do about it?

Truth is, YOU have to learn your own body and find out what works for you to start. ONE of the ways to do this is to satart cutting down on fatty, sugary foods that might be exacerbating the problem.  If you were never a great fan of vegetables and your skin is a mess - that MIGHT be a clue.  Genetics of course play a part, but your body is uniquely yours and if you want to see it thrive, you have to provide it with vital nutrients and wholesome food that it needs.

Once you get through this process, I KNOW you will start to see some positive changes in your skin.  The remainder is up to you to take on a daily skincare routine - one of which includes a good facial mask.

Anti-acne facial masks can mean an herbal mask, a pure clay mask or maybe one that helps soothe your irritated skin afters years of harsh treatments.

Look for GENTLE ingredients first - ones that don’t strip your skin, but help it to nourish and heal itself - just like your body. Ingredients like Oatmeal, Chamomile, Comfrey and Zinc will all be healthing, nouishing and anti-microbial (meaning they help pull the acne toxins out of your skin).

So take heart, and don’t give up.  With the right diet, and proper treatment, you can have brilliant, gorgeous skin.

Natural Acne Fundamentals for Glowing Skin

You must be possessing adequate knowledge about acne but you are unable to overcome this ailment. It may be affecting your personal and social life as well. However, there is nothing to worry. Now you can combat these red harsh enemies with latest acne face masks and products that are obtainable from market.

Such disorders can be prevented with natural acne fundamentals that are easy to follow. The most basic fundamental is to clean your skin with a mild cleaning soap, either twice or thrice a day. This is to make your face oil free. Don’t use it excessively as it may act abruptly and can cause more secretion of sebum causing acne outbreaks. People with pimples on face should avoid touching them. This is because touching of such pimples can increase the infection which may further lead to spreading of pimples.

Moreover, squeezing of pimples should be avoided as it may leave permanent marks or scars on your face. To treat them, natural acne products can be adopted. This is because these products are free from all kinds of side effects. They are true effective measures that help individuals treating skin disorders naturally. Pores of faces must be kept open as clogged pores are more prone to skin infections. This can be done with steaming which is natural way for opening pores.  Most importantly, you should include appropriate natural products in your diet and lifestyle for ensuring desired results. A proper diet with essential vitamins, minerals, fibers must be taken in order to have a glowing skin.

You can go for herbal acne treatments in case you have a severe acne problem. Such treatments make use of varied kinds of natural ingredients for treating all kinds of skin disorders. So, if you want to have a perfect skin texture; then follow these natural ways with herbal treatments.

Avocado Mask - How Effective It Is To Treat Acne?

Nearly everybody is acquainted with the health benefits of avocado but very few people know that avocados have a beautiful side to them as well. Avocados are so beneficial that they are sometimes referred to as the ‘Most complete food in the world’. Besides their apparent health benefits, avocados are great beauty enhancers.

Avocados are a rich source of ‘Youth Mineral’- Potassium. As a result, they help to keep your skin youthful and supple. People with dry skin benefit all the more from topical avocado application since avocados contain a handsome amount of essential vegetable oils.

Avocado acne face masks are highly effective ways to treat acne and even worse skin ailments. All in all, avocado masks are revitalizing face masks that help to enhance blood circulation. If you are fed up of your whiteheads or pimples or blackheads or whatever type of acne problem you are undergoing, you must give avocados a chance. They have worked wonders on many acne sufferers and they might as well help you.

Mash a ripe avocado till it turns into a creamy mixture. Apply it all over your face and let it be for half an hour or so. Adding honey or olive oil to the facial mix will produce even better results.

People who use avocado acne face masks experience softness and smoothness in their skin post the usage. Persistent usage also helps to clear out acne scars. You may add some egg white and lemon to enhance the cleansing properties of avocado.

Avocado acne face masks must be stored in an air-tight pot else the mask would turn black.

There are many acne products out there but you must not choose one blindly. There are a lot of things to be considered and you must be really careful not to miss out on any.

No More Acne!

Are you tired combating against the filthy, ugly, irritating and unwanted acne? Do you want to get rid of this battle once and for all? If yes then you don’t have to worry much now as there are numerous anti acne treatments that might help you. All these treatments differ depending on the degree and cause of acne. First step towards the treatment depends on you as you need to identify your skin type, cause of acne and treatment to suit your need. For this you can always consult a dermatologist, esthetician, cosmetologist or a beautician as well.

Alpha hydroxy formula and Salicylic acid formula are two common formulas recommended by dermatologists and estheticians that treat acne effectively. Now days’ people have switched from synthetic ways to natural and herbal remedies. These remedies incorporate use of natural herbs and their extracts which give you immediate results with no side effects. Tea tree oil treatment is an anti bacterial and anti fungal remedy which has been used since ages to treat acne. Smearing and applying masks and wraps regularly helps in exfoliating dead skin cells. It removes excess oil and dirt from the skin leaving you with a soothing and rejuvenating effect.

Any treatment if combined with dietary supplements containing antioxidants, vitamins, collagen and herbal extracts can be very beneficial to the skin and speed up recovery from severe breakouts. It will soon turn your dry and rough acne skin into acne free soft glowing skin that you have always longed for. So don’t delay and talk to your dermatologist. Do not feel disheartened and do not give up if the first acne treatment you tried did not have satisfactory results, it might take awhile to find the best acne treatment for you.

Anti-Acne Benefits of Green Tea

What is Tea?

Tea is the common name for the Camellia sinensis plant. It is the agricultural product of the leaves, leaf buds, and internodes (the portion of a plant stem between nodes) of the plant that are prepared and cured by various methods. “Tea” also refers to the aromatic beverage prepared from the cured leaves by combination with hot or boiling water.

Tea is known for its stimulant qualities largely attributed to caffeine. Today, herbal teas are known to have many health benefits, preventing a variety of conditions, from heart disease and cancer, to gum disease, skin aging and weight loss. The major types of tea include black, green, oolong and white, differing by the method of harvesting and processing.

The beneficial properties of tea are attributed to polyphenols. The polyphenols found in tea mainly belong to the subtype called catechins. Polyphenols or catechins are better known as antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals are damaging to skin and body by attacking healthy cells. Green tea has more catechins than black tea; white tea is almost as rich in catechins as green tea but is different in composition and less well studied.

So How Is Green Tea Good For My Skin?

There have been number studies of skin benefits of green tea. One of these studies show protection from skin cancer by demonstrating topical green tea formulations can reduce sun damage.(1) Another fascinating study in 2003 was conducted by Dr. Stephen Hsu of the Medical College of Georgia Department of Oral Biology. His findings determined green tea was able to rejuvenate old skin cells at the end of their life cycle.

A quote from Dr. Hsu’s paper explained, “…we report here for the first time, that at certain concentrations, EGCG or a mixture of the major green tea polyphenols stimulated aged keratinocytes to generate biological energy and to synthesize DNA, possibly for renewed cell division.

Therefore, green tea constituents may be useful topically for promoting skin regeneration, wound healing, or treatment of certain epithelial conditions such as aphthous ulcers, psoriasis, rosacea, and actinic keratoses.” (2) Dr. Hsu went on to comment he was “so surprised” to discover EGCG actually reactivated cells that had migrated toward the surface of the skin to ‘die’.

Green tea appears to manipulate sun damage protection by fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea enhances sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen. To boost sun protection, apply a green tea formula under your sunscreen to elevate the level of sun protection. It is best to combine green tea with zinc oxide-based sunscreens because zinc oxide is chemically inert and should not react with green tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight).

Topical green tea is also very beneficial for sensitive skin types by reducing inflammation and irritation in the skin. Wrinkles, skin sag and other signs of aging have been shown to benefit from Green tea. The tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols slow down signs of premature of aging

Green Tea and Pimples

A green tea and pimples study suggests it to be as good as benzoyl peroxide cream in treating acne conditions with fewer side effects. Scientific research has shown that green tea fights bacteria, inflammation and reduces stress. Perhaps it would be an excellent candidate for treating acne?

In the study, conducted by Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong from the Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines, 108 participants were divided into two groups. One applied benzoyl peroxide cream and the other green tea extract cream twice daily for 12 weeks. Subjects were examined and photographed each week by dermatologists. The researchers noted the green tea cream seemed to lighten patients’ skin color and improve the overall appearance of their complexion.

The preliminary data suggests that green tea cream causes fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide. Patients in the green tea group reported fewer cases of dry skin, itching and allergic responses.

Use green tea at home to boost your skins health, appearance and reduce signs of aging by freezing freshly brewed green tea as ice cubes and use them as a toner. Let them start thawing first before applying directly to the face to avoid irritation. You can also drink green tea or take green tea extract in capsules to benefit from the anti oxidant properties. The polyphenols will reach your skin via the bloodstream in sufficient amounts.

Using green tea in your skincare routine has definite proven benefits to slow skin aging, reduce acne and protect your skin from cancer among many others. Just be aware of the products you choose. Like most antioxidants, green tea polyphenols are oxidized and can lose their active constituents when exposed to air.

By Tiffany Oney and Rachelle Dupree

References:

(1) Green Tea Polyphenol Treatment to Human Skin Prevents Formation of Ultraviolet Light B-induced Pyrimidine Dimers in DNA (2000). Santosh K. Katiyar, Anaibelith Perez and Hasan Mukhtar. Clinical Cancer Research Vol. 6, 3864-3869, October 2000.

(2) Green Tea Polyphenols Induce Differentiation and Proliferation in Epidermal Keratinocytes (2003). Stephen Hsu, Wendy B. Bollag, Jill Lewis, Qin Huang,

Baldev Singh, Mohamed Sharawy, Tetsuya Yamamoto, and George Schuster. Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics. First published on March 27, 2003; DOI: 10.1124/jpet.103.049734

Treating Acne and Blackheads

Acne and Blackheads

While we may not realize it, those tiny black dots on our noses, backs, in our ears and on our cheeks are blocked skin pores known as blackheads. Blackheads are dark in color because the tops of the skin pores are open to the air, so the top part of the hardened sebum or oil oxidizes, turning black (and where the term blackhead comes from).

Sebaceous glands tend to produce more oil than usual during puberty, and may be regulated to due specific hormonal changes, with some individuals continuing to experience blackheads into adulthood. Acne results when the oil gland is blockage by the blackhead and becomes infected.

Blackheads can be controlled through healthy skin regimens and the right treatments. Common health disorders like indigestion, constipation, under active thyroid and anemia may also cause blackheads.

What causes Blackheads?

When an over active sebaceous gland (the gland that produce healthy oils) in the skin becomes clogged with sebum, the oily secretion and dead skin cells begin to harden in the pore and results in a blackhead.
Help and treatment for people with Blackheads

Many herbal and homeopathic remedies have been formulated with specific ingredients to help keep pores unblocked and promote a healthy amount of skin oils. Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) has exceptional anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic actions and will not dry out the skin. Arctium lappa is used naturopathically for the treatment of chronic skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and canker sores.

Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) is now known worldwide for soothing and healing effect on the skin while Bulbine frutescence is effective in preventing skin infection, healing and soothing cuts, rashes, insect bites, burns, cold sores, pimples and other skin problems. Zingiber officinalis, Aloe ferox and Hamamelis Virginia-num are also exceptional natural remedies for skin health and moisturizing.

Tips to Clear Acne and Blackheads

As far as possible, keep your skin clean and try to get regular facials (done by a professional) or if you can’t afford them, try a simple, natural facial at home.

If your skin is very oily, remember that very oily skin attracts even more dirt from the environment. Keep absorbent tissues on hand, and blot your oily patches at regular intervals throughout the day.

As far as possible try to apply only natural-ingredients based products on your face. (Use natural or chemically prepared cleansers, astringent solutions or masks). Avoid harsh soaps that may irritate the skin or any creams that leave an oily finish. Don’t be tempted to use ‘quick fix’ methods or odd lotions, and if you are unsure, or if something sounds odd, consult with a dermatologist beforehand.

Zinc Oxide Skin Care Reduces Acne Breakouts

You may have first seen zinc on a summer day at the beach or your local swimming pool. Lifeguards traditionally use the thick, white cream to cover their nose and cheeks to prevent sunburn. You may have learned then, that it was the strongest sunblock available – it just wasn’t very attractive.

In the eighties, zinc sun protection got a makeover, with bight neon colors. Applying wacky colors all over your face was fun and it blocked out the sun’s rays. Almost completely, and it stayed on - almost too well.

Today, thankfully, formulations have improved and zinc is no longer the eyesore it once was. It does, however, still protect your skin from sun damage and wrinkles and recent findings have shown zinc offers anti-microbial benefits that also reduce acne and breakouts.

So, what exactly is zinc and how does it work?

Zinc is a natural mineral, minced and refined to a fluffy white powder. Zinc becomes Zinc Oxide after the mineral is oxidized. Oxidation allows the mineral to be slightly changed giving it new properties. Zinc Oxide is used widely in cosmetics and natural skin care products and is quickly replacing the use of Titanium Oxide in sunscreens.

Because zinc is completely natural, it is an excellent ingredient to use in natural skin care products and beauty treatments. Before many of its

beneficial properties were known, Zinc Oxide was initially used in cosmetics as a whitening agent to moisturizing lotions, facial creams and most sunscreens.

Zinc Oxide has been the ingredient of choice for sunscreens, sun protection and cosmetics. Zinc Oxide is categorized as a physical sunscreen, therefore SPF labels are not given to the mineral. SPF or sun protected factor only relates to chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens such as PABA and Oxybenzone absorb the suns rays; where as Zinc Oxide actually blocks the rays. While some chemically-based sun protection products include zinc, they can not claim zinc as their primary component and must be labeled as such.

How does Zinc Actually “block” the Sun’s Rays?

Zinc Oxide works much like a diamond to bend (or refract) light. It is the only known element that can block both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). Zinc Oxide has been approved and labeled by the FDA as safe for the skin as sun protection. It is important to note that Zinc Oxide is not an organic compound as it has undergone oxidation. Zinc Oxide should be 20 to 25 percent of ingredient in cosmetic or sunscreen to properly inhibit sun damage to the skin and prevent wrinkles from forming. As we all should know by now, one of the primary causes of aging skin and wrinkles, is the sun.

If blocking sun rays, preventing wrinkles and aging skin weren’t enough, pure zinc has also been found to be very effective in the treatment and care of acne prone skin. Zinc regulates production of oil glands and hormone levels, two main triggers of acne. Zinc also helps absorb Vitamin A which promotes healing and fights bacteria. As with any acne treatment results may vary depending on diet and other environmental factors. It is always important to consult a dermatologist prior to any acne treatment. Zinc is commonly used in ointments for diaper rash, minor scrapes and burns, dry scalp and irritated skin.

In addition to the benefits on the skin zinc helps maintain many healthy body functions. Zinc plays a role in strengthening the immune system by assisting white blood cell development, protecting the body form infection. Lack of zinc to the body can result in a week immune system. As zinc plays a vital role in the immune system it is imperative to acquire the proper amount of zinc while pregnant. Zinc helps reduce inflammation and infection. Proper amounts of zinc in a diet have shown to contribute to proper growth, strength, and endurance. Zinc is also involved in stimulating many enzymes which play an essential role in metabolism. Zinc has been found to benefit the inside and outside health of our bodies and can be found in many topical creams, like Vivoderm’s zinc repairing cream, as well as in many nutrient rich foods.

According to the American Zinc Association, zinc seals and protects the skin. “Zinc is essential for healthy skin. As a drying agent and astringent, zinc oxide has been used for generations to soothe diaper rash and relieve itching. And zinc is a natural sun screen, protecting chapped lips and skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Zinc sulfate is effective in treating some cases of acne. And in a water-based solution, zinc sulfate helps remedy cold sores. Zinc also improves healing of wounds, like surgical incisions, burns and other skin irritations. Used as an anti-inflammatory, zinc soothes skin and skin tissue. Poison ivy, sunburn, blisters and gum disease are all improved when treated with zinc. It is even a natural insect repellent. And zinc stimulates the transport of Vitamin A from the liver to the skin, helping to protect body tissue from damage.”

So, remember, if you are interested in protecting your skin from the sun, preventing wrinkles and aging skin and reducing your acne breakouts – zinc might just be the all in one treatment for you. Look on the back of cosmetic and food labels to see if you are getting the benefits of zinc in your diet and beauty routine

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