Anti-Acne Masks Help Heal Acne Scars

Many of you may have had acne problems in your teens that have left indellible marks or scars on your face.  if this is the case, then an anti-acne mask may the answer you seek to help heal your acne scars.

Anti-Acne facial masks come in all forms and types to help clear current acne breakous and heal old scars from previous acne erruptions. Many anti-acne facial masks may contain harsh chemicals or parabens that might not be safe for your skin or can actually cause more damage.  harsh chemicals like salycidic acid and benzoil peroxide can actually increass redness and inflammation and increase your chances of breakouts and acne erruptions.

If you use a skincare regime, try to find ingredients that will gently cleanse your skin and allow inflammed tissues to regenerate naturally, without shocking them into submission.

Natural ingredients like Chamomile, Marshmallow, Confrey, Calendula and other herbs are the best way to papmer acne-prone skin and relive redness. Acne erruptions are caused by excess oil and clogged pores, so you want to find an acnti-acne mask that will also help pull the dirt and oil out of the clogged pores - clay based masks work well.  if you can, look for an all-natural option or a 100% herbal option to meet both requirements, to heal skin herbally and remove toxins.

Acne scars are created when tissues are not allowed to purge toxins or harsh cleansing or picking has created a groove or indentation in the skin tissue. Acne acars are treatable and skin cells can regenerate with the proper treatment.

You may have looked into using a laser treatment to heal your scars, but again - this can cause more problems down the road as it is only a temporary solution…using a laser to physically BURN the skin cells into a flat shape.  Try to stay true to a natural or herbal rmedy and allow the skin to regenerate on its own.

Choosing Appropriate Herbal Facial Mask

An anti acne herbal mask is a product used for treating acne related problems with natural herbs. There are a large number of such masks that can be purchased from various suppliers or can be prepared at home with great ease. Throughout history, herbs of different kinds have been used for treating varied kinds of diseases. Herb related treatments have given more lasting effects than one treated with medication. So, herbal products can now be used for treating all kinds of your acne related problems.

Diverse types of natural masks are available that treat all kinds of skin congestion and other related problems. Anti bacterial substances are used in such products such as Aloe Vera and Neem that can rejuvenate your skin. Herbs with astringent properties are also used like tea tree oil, pepper mint oil or mint. They help in cleaning your skin and are obtainable in diluted forms that are easy to use and apply. The foremost step to make a selection between such wide assortments available is to know about correct usage of each herb. Since, different herbs can cure varied ailments so it is important to select an appropriate one.

A good thing about herbal acne masks is that these can be prepared at home as well. This is not possible with other chemical based substances present in the market. With right kinds of herbs, these packs can be easily prepared at home by using natural ingredients. Based on your skin type and skin problem, you can pick any herb and make a natural facial mask on your own. Clay and mud masks are best for oily skin as these masks absorb extra oil from the skin. On the other hand, if you have a dry skin, you must use facial masks that are rich in essential moisturizing agents.

Many natural cosmetic stores offer a wide array of herbal products for all skin types. By carefully assessing labels and ingredients, you can select the best according to your skin. So, make use of natural products and see the difference yourself.

Citrus Acne Face Masks - Experience the Goodness

Acne offers NO earthly good so why had it to be there? Heavenly Lords! What drove you to make dirty acne?

If you too are battling these irritating zits, blackheads, pimples, blemishes, whiteheads and scars, read further to explore some great ways to fight acne.

Have you tried exploring the goodness of citrus fruits to shoo away acne? If not, try NOW! Citrus fruits are rich in alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C that help to fight nearly all forms of acne. Citrus fruits are mucus binding. They improve liver functioning. As a result, the digestion improves and the body balance smoothens. People who develop acne as a result of hormonal imbalances should try citrus fruits as a means to combat the problem. Lemons, mandarins, oranges, grapefruits – they all are rearing to make your skin youthful and supple. It is up to you to give them a chance. Acne or no acne- citrus facial masks have innumerable benefits. The citric acid found in these citrus fruits nourishes the skin making it shine from within. Experience the goodness of citrus fruits to get a velvety and smooth skin.

These days, you can easily find orange peels, grapefruit masks, lemon extracts and other citrus cosmetic products. The efficiency of citrus acne face masks has made them so much popular with the masses. Citrus beauty secrets are very easy to make at home and hence you won’t find it difficult to develop one of your own.

There is however a big chunk of people who are allergic to citric acid. Such people should stay away from both topical application and virtual intake of citrus fruits as this may cause their problem to get all the more worsened. It is recommended that you consult a skincare expert before applying any new product on your skin, face especially.

Who Says Anti Acne Facial Masks Are Ineffective?

Anti acne facial masks work a great deal but they are not magic concoctions and so better don’t expect any miracles! Any beauty product demands considerable time from you to work and produce results so give your skincare product some time to work. If anti acne facial masks can tackle giants like rosacea and eczema, they can very well treat mild skincare problems. The only thing is you need to apply them periodically. You also need to be persistent with your approach. Sincere dedication will definitely produce results.

A homemade anti acne facial or a readymade facial- so long it works, it’s good!  Some people think that home items are too mild to work on advanced acne. This is a very illogical belief. If you too happen to be laboring under the same belief, it is high time you get out of it. There is no better acne fighting tool than home beauty secrets and herbal beauty products!

An anti acne facial mask depends a lot on the skin type, skin tone and the foremost of all, the intensity of acne. Ready-to-use facial mix powders are readily obtainable from a nearby beauty store. You may get one that your dermatologist suggests. Some anti acne facial masks also allow skin exfoliation alongside. Such types of facial masks are all the more better since they offer an added advantage of exfoliation.

Skincare experts suggest that you must treat your facial skin with steam a little before applying the mask. That will allow the choked pores to open up.

Steer clear from people who tell you that anti acne masks are bad. Anti acne facial masks (only if they are 100% chemical free) are highly effective in treating all forms of acne ranging from mild acne to its highly severe forms! Grab your pack today!

Acne Causes and Facial Mask Treatments

What Is Acne?

There’s a reason it’s called “common acne” — nearly everyone suffers from outbreaks of pimples at some point in life.

It starts when greasy secretions from the skin’s sebaceous glands plug the tiny openings for hair follicles (plugged pores). If the openings are large, the clogs take the form of blackheads: small, flat spots with centers darkened by exposure to air. If the openings stay small, the clogs take the form of whiteheads: small, closed, flesh-colored bumps. Both types of plugged pores can develop into swollen, tender inflammations or pimples or deeper lumps or nodules. Cysts associated with severe cases of acne (cystic acne) are firm swellings below the skin’s surface that become inflamed and sometimes infected.

Although acne remains largely a curse of adolescence, about 20% of all cases occur in adults. Acne commonly starts during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Teenage acne usually
lasts for five to 10 years, normally going away during the early 20s. It occurs in both sexes, although teenage boys tend to have the most severe cases.

Women are more likely than men to have mild to moderate forms into their 30s and beyond.  Acne lesions are most common on the face, but they can also occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms.  Acne isn’t caused by a harmful diet, poor hygiene, or an uncontrolled sex drive. The simple truth is that heredity and hormones are behind most forms of acne. Swearing off chocolate or scrubbing your face 10 times a day won’t change your predisposition to this unsightly, sometimes painful, and often embarrassing skin problem.

What Causes Acne?

The cause of acne is not fully understood. Though stress can aggravate acne,  it clearly does not cause it.  Hormones. Common acne in teenagers starts with an increase in hormone production. During puberty, both boys and girls produce high levels of  androgens, the male sex hormones that include testosterone. Testosterone signals the body to make more sebum, a waxy substance that helps the skin retain moisture.

Bacteria. Excess sebum clogs the openings to hair follicles — especially those on the face, neck, chest, and back. Bacteria grow in these clogged follicles. This makes blackheads or whiteheads form on the skin’s surface — a condition called non-inflammatory acne. Sometimes the follicle wall breaks under the pressure of this buildup. When this happens, sebum leaks into nearby tissues and forms a pustule — this is called inflammatory acne. This can create cysts.

Ruptured cysts can leave temporary or permanent scars.  Depending on the type of pill, oral contraceptives may trigger acne in some women but suppress it in others. Steroids taken by some bodybuilders and other athletes can also lead to severe outbreaks.

Acne has many subtypes. Acne neonatorum and acne infantum occasionally affect newborns and infants, usually boys. A pimply rash appears on the face but usually clears within weeks with no lasting effect. People who escaped their teen years almost pimple free may develop persistent adult-onset acne as they get older. Despite the normal increase in androgen levels during puberty, some doctors believe that flare-ups of acne have less to do with androgen levels than with how a person’s skin responds to an increase in sebum production. The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis occur naturally in healthy hair follicles. If too many of them accumulate in plugged follicles, they may secrete enzymes that break down sebum and cause inflammation. Some people are simply more sensitive than others to this reaction. Sebum levels that might cause a pimple or two in one person may result in widespread outbreaks — or even acute cystic acne — in another person.

What causes acne?

No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria, (which live in everyone’s skin and generally cause no problems), to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed.

If the inflammation is right near the surface, you get a pustule; if it’s deeper, a papule (pimple); deeper still and it’s a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface, the result is a “whitehead.” If the oil becomes oxidized (that is, acted on by oxygen in the air), the oil changes from white to black, and the result is a “blackhead.”

Some factors that don’t usually cause acne, at least by themselves are:

* Heredity: With the exception of very severe acne, most people do not have the problem exactly as their parents did. Almost everyone has some acne at some point in their life.
* Food: All over the world, parents tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don’t cause acne or make it worse.
* Dirt: Some individuals have more “oily” skin than others (as mentioned above, “Blackheads” are oxidized oil, not dirt). Sweat does not cause acne, therefore, it is not necessary to shower instantly after exercise for fear that sweat will clog pores. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.
* Stress: Some people get so upset by their pimples that they pick at them and make them last longer. Stress, however, does not play much of a direct role in causing acne.
* Hormones: Some women break out cyclically, but most women (and men) don’t. Some oral contraceptive pills may help relieve acne, but unless a woman has abnormal menstrual periods and excessive hair growth, it’s unlikely that hormones play much of a role in causing acne.
* Cosmetics: Most cosmetic and skin care products are not pore-clogging (“comedogenic.”) Of the many available brands, those which are listed as “water-based” or “oil-free” are generally a better choice.

In occasional patients, contributing factors may be:

* Pressure: In some patients, pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, and the like can aggravate acne.
* Drugs: Some medications may cause or worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids (either the medically prescribed prednisone or the steroids bodybuilders or athletes take.) Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.
* Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to industrial products like cutting oils may produce acne.

Natural anti-acne treatments can include topical tropical treatments, such as cleansers, creams and facial masks. Facial masks can be used once or twice a week. Anti-acne masks will contain natural ingredients with astringent properties like rosemary, tea tree or lavender and can control excess sebum and inflammation. Look for a product that is close to natural or herbal as possible.

Anti-acne masks will reduce the amount of inflammation and pimples and help prevent future outbreaks. Simply find the mask that is best for your skin type, apply it in a thin layer to cover the face and neck area - wait the allotted amount of time - 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Why Natural Anti Acne Facial Masks are Better for You

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and protects the rest of our organs from outside elements and harm. We have all been taught to take care of our skin not only to look good, but also to be healthy.

The benefits of eating natural, whole foods have been getting a lot of press in recent years. If you want beautiful skin, a healthy inside will reflect a healthy outside. Today, natural and organic skin care is the fastest growing area in the skin care and beauty industry.  That holds true for acne treatments as well.

Why natural, anti acne masks?  Beauty products have been known to contain many chemicals such as parabens, to preserve their shelf life. Parabens are actually harmful to the skin, and overall health. Natural, anti acne skin care products and facial masks are all natural and do not contain any chemicals or preservatives. The key ingredients used to make these products contain few if any toxins or chemicals.

You may then ask, “Do natural  face masks expire more quickly than others?” The answer is no. In order to extend the product’s shelf life, manufacturers recommend you use something sanitary–such as a spatula–to remove products from containers and always close containers directly after use. It is widely agreed upon that once skin care products of any kind are opened and exposed to air, they should be used or thrown out after 6 months.

When natural or organic skin care products are used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and acne, they are much less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin. Choosing natural anti acne masks are a beneficial and safe way to take care of your skin and overall health. Today there are many natural anti acne skin care lines and products to choose from, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, make-up and even anti-aging serums.

Some natural products you may already have at home are: essential oils like ginger and tea tree, natural anti aging plant oils such as grape seed and almond oil, and herbs such as lavender and green tea. You can use these in your bath or make fabulous natural facial treatments. The internet or your local library has hundreds of great recipes to choose.

Natural, fruit extracts such as papaya, apples, citrus and cucumbers are proven to have a healthy effect on the skin, due to the absence of toxic pesticides. As you can imagine, there are many great natural anti aging skin care lines available for retail, if you’re not interested in making your own home remedies. However, “natural, anti aging” doesn’t always mean organic or pure and labels can be deceiving; do some research on ingredients that seem skeptical.

The intent of this article is to help you be aware what you are putting on your skin and what harmful ingredients may be looming in your favorite skin care products. Now that you know more about natural, anti acne face masks follow the below home recipe for a great glow!

Make sure that your at home ingredients are certified organic or all natural.

FOR NORMAL / COMBINATION SKIN / ACNE

Why buy acne products when you use strawberries? Strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid which is found in most over-the-counter acne medicines.

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup strawberries (fresh, not frozen please)
* 1/4 cup sour cream or non-flavored yogurt

Preparation:
Mash together the strawberries and yogurt or sour cream. Spread on face and wash after 10-15 minutes.

Is Gluten Causing Your Acne?

What is gluten and what does it have to with my acne?

Gluten is a special type of protein that is commonly found in rye, wheat, and barley. Therefore, it is found in most types of cereals and in many types of bread. Not all foods from the grain family, however, contain gluten. Examples of grains that do not have gluten include wild rice, corn, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, quinoa, teff, oats, soybeans, and sunflower seeds.

Does it feel like nothing helps with your acne? You eat healthy, you live healthy and you’ve tried everything, but nothing helps. Your acne just won’t budge. You may suffer from gluten sensitivity and it may prevent you from curing acne.  In extreme cases, some people suffer from a disease called celiac disease, which impedes the digestion of gluten. Individuals with celiac disease must eat foods that do not contain gluten in order to prevent illness. If improperly treated, celiac disease can be fatal.

Gluten sensitivity is one of those hidden and hard to detect causes behind many health problems. And something you might not think of in a million years. It also happens to be the reason many acne victims struggle to get clear skin.

If you are badly sensitive to gluten, you could have a perfect diet and live the healthiest life but won’t get clear because of regular exposure to gluten.  To make matters worse, gluten is everywhere. You can find gluten in nearly all processed foods. And even in items you wouldn’t think of, such as lipsticks, shampoos and vitamins.

Gluten - Acne Connection

Acne is a result of blood sugar problems and chronic inflammation. These trigger hormonal reactions that lead to increased sebum production, blocked pores and overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria. For a more detailed explanation, please see: what causes adult acne.

Gluten contributes to acne in two ways.

First, it causes damage to the small intestine, which could lead to nutritional deficiencies and an increased toxic body load (through leaky gut syndrome).

The second link between gluten and acne is inflammation. People with gluten sensitivity cannot digest gluten effectively. As a result they absorb incompletely digested protein molecules. The immune system treats these as invaders. As it attacks these ‘invaders’ the white cells release histamine, which increases inflammation. Inflammation increases insulin resistance in the nearby cells.

Insulin resistance leads to blood sugar problems, which is linked to acne.

As this happens once in a while, the body can deal with it. But most people are exposed to gluten 3 or more times a day. This, coupled with other inflammatory agents, spreads inflammation all over the body. Suddenly cells all over the body start becoming insulin resistant.

First, most people are not aware of their gluten sensitivity. Even fewer are aware of its link to acne and other skin problems. Since gluten lurks in many foods and it’s very easy to get exposed to it — even if you try to avoid it.

For many medical professionals, the dangers of gluten extend to celiac disease and not much further. Celiac disease is clear-cut allergic reaction and as such, is easy to diagnose. Subclinical gluten sensitivity is entirely different. First, most people show no outward signs that could be linked to gluten. Second, the immune system doesn’t produce standard antibodies after gluten exposure. So gluten doesn’t show up in standard allergy tests. Doctors specializing in gluten sensitivities can detect it with special tests [1].

Gluten sensitivity could be the most common food allergy as it is estimated that around 40% of the population is sensitive to gluten. With most food allergies, it’s reasonably easy to avoid exposure. Usually you just have to read the labels carefully. Not so with gluten. Thanks to modern food processing you can find gluten in most processed foods.

Avoid the obvious, such as breads, pastas and pastries, and you’ve cut out the biggest sources. But did you know there can be gluten also in cheese, butter and teriyaki sauce? Many processed foods contain vegetable starches and other additives that may contain gluten. So gluten could be lurking in close to 90% of the items in your local supermarket. Outside of grains, most food products contain only small amounts of gluten, but for people with severe sensitivities even these can make it difficult to cure acne.

As a rule, don’t assume anything. If the food is not raw and fresh fruit or vegetables or does not clearly state gluten-free (wheat-free is not enough), it may contain gluten.

Also be aware that it’s not just the food items that contain gluten. Your toothpaste may contain gluten. Same with your shampoo. And what about that new lipstick you (or your girlfriend) have. That also may contain gluten. Finally even the capsules of your nutritional supplements may contain gluten.

Gluten is one more reason to avoid both processed foods and chemical-based personal care products.

Coping with Gluten Sensitivity and Curing Acne

There are two parts to getting over gluten sensitivity and eventually curing acne. First is to avoid gluten. When you stay away from gluten you avoid triggering the immune system and inflammatory response. Study the resources at the bottom of this page for sources of gluten and see how you can cut them out of your life.

Second is to bring your body back to a state where it’s not so sensitive to gluten anymore. Gluten causes problems because of two reasons:

1) Undigested protein molecules leak from the digestive track into the bloodstream

2) The immune system is ‘on the edge’ because of chronic inflammation

As you heal the digestive tract and bring down the inflammation levels you become less sensitive to gluten. You may never fully get over the gluten sensitivity, but at least it doesn’t trigger such a strong reaction anymore.

Reducing inflammation is the second part in coping with gluten sensitivity and curing acne. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the only viable solutions. Antioxidant supplements may help, but they cannot overcome the harmful effects of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

Fighting inflammation is not just about diet. Proper sleep, maintaining a positive attitude (or at least avoiding stress) and steering clear of chemicals and pollutants are equally important. Regular exposure to sunlight also has an anti-inflammatory effect. So if you’ve been struggling with persistent acne that, despite all your efforts to eat and live a healthy life, hasn’t budged, gluten might be the missing piece.

Try a gluten-free diet and the other suggestions in this article for at least one month and see how your skin reacts.

Links for more information on sources of gluten:

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluten…)

(http://www.celiac.com/articles/182/…)

(http://www.celiac.com/articles/181/…)

(http://www.celiac.com/articles/183/…)

(http://gfcf-diet.talkaboutcuringaut…)

Harmful Skincare Ingredients in Pregnancy

By Van Le | Many pregnant women radiate that natural special “glow”, however, hormonal changes can also influence new reactions to certain chemicals. Knowing what, and more importantly, what not to put into your body during those nine months can affect the well-being of you and your baby. What to put on your body is no different. Since some skincare products can seep into the bloodstream, pregnant women should avoid the following ingredients.

Retinoids

Due to the ability to accelerate cell growth and renewal, retinoids (a type of Vitamin A) are commonly found in many anti-aging products. While Vitamin A is vital for growth and development of the fetus, excessive amounts can lead to birth defects. A study conducted in 1995 suggests that women who consume more than the recommended amount of Vitamin A in the first two months of their pregnancy doubled the risk of having a child with birth defects, according to the March of Dimes website. Topical application of retinoids has not been proven to be harmful, but as a precaution, many doctors and the National Institute of Health advise pregnant patients to stay away from skincare products containing this ingredient.

Salicylic Acid

Acne can wreak havoc anytime, but can be especially frustrating during pregnancy. Salicylic acid is a powerful and common remedy to help sooth inflammations and reduce redness caused by acne pimples, however, it can be harmful for the developing fetus. Medical experts have yet to pinpoint the exact amount of salicylic acid to deem as harmful, but believe that it can lead to respiratory problems for both the mother and baby.

Oxybenzone and Avobenzone

Just because you’re pregnant does not mean you can’t have some fun in the sun. As always, sun protection is pivotal, especially during hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are most harmful. During the 1970s the Food and Drug Administration approved oxybenzone and avobenzone as safe UVA absorbers, however, a study done at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York states that oxybenzone may cause lower birth weight in baby girls and has also been linked to cell damage and allergies. Avobenzone is capable of absorbing UVA lights, making it effective in sunscreen products, however, it can be absorbed into the skin, therefore, some healthcare professionals encourage expecting mothers to stay away from products containing oxybenzone and avobenzone. A safe sunscreen alternative is zinc oxide, which is made of organic ingredients that siton top of the skin as a protective barrier. Physical sun protection such as clothing as hats are also effective and highly recommended by doctors.

An expecting mother may not have total control over her cravings or hormones, but can dictate which products and ingredients go in and on her body. Most pregnant women abstain from products that have been proven as dangerous and unsafe, such as alcohol and cigarettes. A commitment to stay away from potentially harmful ingredients can also have long-lasting positive effects for both the mother and unborn child.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU paper the Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare link to http://naturalantiagingproducts.net

Everyday Skincare to Prevent Acne Breakouts

By Van Le | Beauty may only be skin deep, but having a great complexion makes life a lot more pleasant. The key to having great skin is finding a skin care regimen that tailors to your skin’s individual needs, and following this regimen daily. It does not have to be complex and complicated—in fact, simpler is better since you will need to follow the same steps twice a day.

The first step is to do your homework. Determine what your skin type is, and find a product line that works well for you. There are many resources you can use either online or through your local library to help you determine your skin type. Look for published works by dermatologists or skincare experts who have created their own skin typing quizzes or online calculators such as this one: http://www.biobalance4women.com/skin_type.html. There are even sunscreen and UV calculators to help you find the best sun protection for your skin type. A product that works perfectly for your friend or sister may not produce the same results for you. Luckily, most products now specify which skin type it works best for. Also, there are several herbal skin care lines on the market whose products contain all-natural ingredients that work well with most skin types. When experimenting with new products, keep track of those that are effective and more importantly, those that irritate your skin so you can stay away from other products that contain similar ingredients. Ultimately, creating and maintaining a great complexion comes down to three simple steps: cleanse, tone, moisturize.

Cleanse

Finding a cleanser that works well for your skin is the foundation of having great skin. Some prefer to use a heavier cream cleanser during the winter months and a lighter cleanser through the summer, while others use the same product year-round. Wash your face twice a day, massaging the cleanser in a circular motion to remove dirt and excess oil, which can clog your pores. Proper cleansing at night also removes all traces of makeup and allows your skin to breath freely. Remember to change your pillow cover regularly, since the dirt and pollutants can transfer to your face while you are sleeping.

Tone

Even after washing your face with a cleanser, some traces of dirt and stubborn makeup may remain on your skin. A toner will completely remove any leftover dirt or residue left by the cleanser, reducing the chances of infections. Some cleansers may change the skin’s pH, and a toner will help bring the skin back to the proper level. Toners are also excellent in prepping the skin for the next step, moisturizing. Dip a cotton ball into your favorite toner and apply across the surface of the face, being careful not to get too close to the eyes.

Moisturize

Moisturizing daily will help the skin stay hydrated and produce a healthy glow. Lack of moisture can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and can produce premature signs of aging. A moisturizer will restore the skin of all the natural oil stripped throughout the day and during the cleansing and toning process. The right moisturizer depends on your individual skin type, and will help your skin produce a natural glow.

Weekly, bi-weekly and monthly skin care products and processes such as masks, peels and facials are great to help revamp and rejuvenate your skin; however, a great complexion starts and ends with a proper daily skincare regimen.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare you can also link to http://www.bestnaturalsoap.ne

Using Green Tea and Zinc to Heal Acne

By Van Le | The popularity of green tea in the skincare industry has skyrocketed over the last decade. It’s more than just a fad, as the benefits of green tea are well documented due to extensive research. Tea was used in ancient times as a natural stimulant, since it contains caffeine. Today, people drink green tea as a natural way to promote overall good health, but it is especially popular in the skincare industry, where it is a key component in the efforts to slow down the signs of aging.

Green tea contains high amounts of polyphenols, which protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals and other harmful toxins. Compared to black and white tea, green tea contains the highest amount of polyphenol, and contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. Its anti-inflammatory nature makes it a versatile herbal ingredient used to fight acne. The antioxidant qualities help prevent premature signs of aging, and the anticarcinogenic characteristics are a major component in the efforts to find a cure for cancer.

The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea make it an effective herbal treatment against symptoms of acne. A 2003 study carried out by Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong of Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines suggest that green tea cream is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide cream, but does not expose the skin to harsh chemicals and preservatives, according to skincell.org. It also helps detoxify the body and reduces skin inflammation, which decreases the occurrences of outbreaks.

Green tea is also indispensable as an anti-oxidant because it contains high amounts of catechins, a substance that fights against free radicals, which are harmful to cells and tissues. Catechin is especially effective in neutralizing free radicals caused by excessive exposure to UV rays.

Although green tea extracts alone cannot replace the protection provided by sunscreen, it can enhance sunscreen’s effectiveness. Simply add green tea extract to zinc oxide products, such as Vivoderm’s Zinc Cream. Using zinc oxide cream instead of a store-bought sunscreen product is recommended because zinc will not react to the green tea extracts.

Anti-oxidants found in green tea help delay the skin cell aging process and heal stressed skin. Green tea promotes healthy skin by rejuvenating skin cells and reviving the skin growth cycle. The skin is produced in the deepest of three layers, and as it ages, it moves closer to the surface, where it can develop wrinkles and fine lines. An article published in the Natural Food Merchandiser magazine states that research done by Dr. Stephen Hsu, a professor at Medical College of Georgia suggests that green tea can accelerate the skin cell production process.

Whether as an ingredient in your natural skincare products or added to your zinc oxide cream, the health benefits of green tea are plenty.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare and facemasks, you can also link to http://bestfacemask.com

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