SUPER SKIN IN FOUR SIMPLE STEPS

While we can all appreciate a good concealer or botox, ignoring the underlying problems by covering them up is no answer. Truly beautiful skin can only come from a good basic skin care routine. Clear, beautiful, healthy skin doesn’t just ‘happen,’ it comes effort and a good skin care routine. Surprisingly, many women today rely on cosmetics and surgical procedures to hide or repair the damage that has occurred from years of improper skin maintenance.

Most dermatologist and skin experts recommend consistently following a daily skin care routine. This does not have to be complicated or time-consuming.  Your daily routine can be performed in as little as five to ten minutes.

Four Simple Steps

* Cleanse
* Tone / Treat
* Moisturize
* Protect

A typical skin care routine includes the following steps: washing/cleansing, toning / treating (optional depending on skin type), moisturizing and sun protection.

Optimize for your skin type
The steps of the basic routine should be adjusted to fit your skin type. Your skin type may change with the season, diet and age. Skin tends to be oilier in the summer and drier in the winter. Menopause often brings about a change from oily or normal to dry skin. Conversely, a shift from a low-fat diet to that rich in certain fats (particularly essential fatty acids) may turn dry skin to normal. Skin pigmentation affects the degree to which you need sun protection. While sun damages any skin, the damage is far less in dark-skinned people. Conversely, fair skinned people need to be particularly meticulous about sun protection by minimizing sun exposure, choosing an effective sunscreen and applying it frequently and consistently.

Depending on your skin type, you may want to use your routine once in the morning and again before you sleep. Those with dry and/or sensitive skin may do better with once a day washing/cleansing while moisturizing two or more times a day. Exfoliation, to remove excess oils and prevent acne or blackheads, is also recommended in some cases, but exercise caution as daily exfoliation may be excessive and can lead to chronic irritation. Exfoliation once or twice a week is usually sufficient. Younger skin, like that in your 20’s and 30’s will have a fast natural epidermal turnover may need little to no exfoliation.

Cleansing
Cleaning facial skin is even more important than cleaning your body. Your face, unlike your body, is exposed to elements all day long. Dirt, pollution and oil from hands all accumulate on the epidermal layer and can clog pores and cause acne eruptions or inflammation. Like all skin care products, the best cleanser for you will be determined by your skin type. If you suffer from oily or acne-prone skin, you may benefit from an oil-free gel cleanser or one containing salicylic acid. Mature or dry skin will do best with a cream cleanser to help retain moisture. Once your face and neck are cleansed, rinse with lukewarm water and pat your skin lightly with a towel.

Toning / Treating
Toning can consist of using a store-bought toner, astringent or simple Witch Hazel. Toning or treating will balance the ph level of the skin and remove any residual dirt or oil not picked up from your cleanser. For those over the age of thirty, adding a well-selected treatment or two with scientifically proven active ingredients can further improve your results. Treatment can mean anything from skin rejuvenation products, skin discoloration items and oil absorbing agents to applying medicines for acne or eczema. If you suffer from multiple skin conditions, select an initial treatment aimed at the broadest improvement and then fine tune things from there.
Be aware of applying products to un-cleansed skin as the penetration of active ingredients will be greatly reduced. If you cleanse, moisturize and then apply advanced products, the penetration of active ingredients may still be reduced because the moisturizer has blocked some the entryways.

Moisturize
Moisturizers are essential to keep skin cells plump and hydrated. Hydrated skin will show fewer lines, wrinkles and imperfections. Even if you have oily or acne prone skin, you may still need some hydration. Look for gel-based moisturizers or lightweight formulations. Many medications and treatments appropriate for dealing with acne or oily skin automatically are drying. Don’t make the mistake of drastically drying out your skin until it is a challenge to repair. During the fall and winter months your skin may be even more vulnerable thanks to reduced humidity from indoor heating and excessive hot showers or baths.

Apply your moisturizer when your skin is clean, warm and still slightly moist. Since many active treatments have moisturizing ingredients, you may be able to skip a separate moisturizer. If you feel that you need additional moisturizing, wait a few minutes for the active treatments to absorb, and then apply your favorite moisturizer over it.

Protect
Wearing sunscreen or sun protection EVERY DAY is the proven best way to block harmful UV rays and diminish formation of wrinkles, skin discolorations and to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer. A good UVA+UVB sunscreen should be applied on top of your moisturizer or other treatments as a final step of your routine whenever sun exposure is expected.  Sunscreens come in a wide variety of bases, from those meant for oily skin to hydrating versions. Those with sensitivities to chemical sunscreens can choose natural Zinc Oxide formulations. Protective clothing can also now be improved thanks to new laundry treatments with UV protectant for widespread areas of the body mistakenly thought to be protected by your clothing.

Some skin care products or cosmetics contain added UV blockers, but they may not be enough, using a separate, specially formulated sunscreen is proven to be more effective.

And that’s it! Cleanse, Tone / Treat, Moisturize and Protect. Use these four simple steps to achieve beautiful, healthy skin. For a lifetime of skin care that can help leave your skin looking its very best, see your healthy skin as a clean canvass upon which to paint any improvements.

Author: Rachelle Dupree
Vivoderm Natural Skincare

Winter Skin Moisturizing and Natural Moisturizers

What is “moisturizing” and what is the best one to use in the dry, winter months?  Moisturizing can be a complex mixture of chemical agents specially designed to make the skin softer by increasing the skins water content. This may be done with artificial or natural oils, humectants, emollients or lubricants. It may be part of the composition of commercial skin moisturizers or made from natural ingredients.

Although one can prepare a simple moisturizer using one or two common pharmacy ingredients creating your own homemade recipe, most prefer to have their moisturizers ready-made without all the time and hassle of making it themselves.

Reducing Tight, Dry Skin

A basic skin care tip to reduce dry skin is to moisturize after washing. Try to open up your pores letting in as much water as you can. Then seal in with your skin moisturizer.

Approximately 30% of the water in your outer layer of skin will be affected by external conditions.The other two thirds are affected by hormonal levels, toxins and disease (such as hyperkeratosis or acne) etc.

Moisturizes are among the most used and prescribed products for the skin. Unfortunately, the cosmetics industry claims for “miracle” treatments or reduced aging can be unsubstantiated when advertised in the extreme. No moisturizer can remove 20 years from your face or change broken capillaries. But it CAN reduce the appearance of wrinkles, remove fine, dry lines and give your face an overall more plump and thus, youthful appearance. When you combine your moisturizer with sunscreen, it can also reduce the future UV damage you may get from the sun and reduce skin aging even further.

Physicians, cosmeticians and consumers alike should be aware of the real science behind skin moisturization, and know what is possible to achieve and what is not. The addition of vitamins (A,B,C,D and E), nutritive agents and protein agents have been common in the industry recently, supposedly to add the capability to treat several skin conditions such ascellulitis, age and photo damage, loss of collagen, wrinkles, etc., sometimes with little or no scientific evidence for such. Of course, this has the effect of increasing the price tag of the product, although the basic and real effective components are very inexpensive. The bottom line is to be  smart consumer. Do your homework and know exactly what you are buying.

Adverse Affects

Despite claims to the contrary by the cosmetics industry, complex moisturizers may cause a number of adverse effects, including allergic reactions to some of its components, skin irritation, contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, burning, and stinging sensations, or may actually increase dehydration. When used near sensitive spots, allergic reactions may be enhanced in some people. Use of plant extracts, some alcohols and proteins may increase the danger of adverse effects. Cosmetic and therapeutic moisturizers should be accompanied by the printed formula in order to inform consumers adequately, as well as physicians, in order to easily and quickly identify the offending component.

How Moisturizers Work:

The most external of the skin layers, the “corneal stratum” is largely formed by squamous cells. Natural skin care moisturizers work in these outer layers which are constantly being shed and replaced by the growth of new cells coming from the deeper layers of the skin. Most, if not all, agents present in moisturizers are unable to penetrate these deeper layers of skin. The water content in this outer layer of skin is proportional to the external relative humidity, and the thickness and flexibility of this outer layer of skin increase with added water content. Evaporative loss of water from the skin increase in certain circumstances, especially if relative air humidity is decreased (the winter months) thus producing dry, tight skin.

Keeping the skin moisturized is proven to be the best way to sustain that youthful and healthy glow. It is also your preventive measure to delay the effects of natural skin aging such as the formation of wrinkles and other fine lines. Going for natural products guarantees efficient and safe use, over the application of synthetic ones. But with the numerous options available, what are the top ingredients that should make up an effective moisturizer?

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular component of many moisturizing agents with its natural hydrating features, affordability and availability. This oil is extracted from the meat or core of the coconut fruit which has been dried out. It has several applications, mostly to hydrate not only the skin but also the hair. Its richness results in a soft and silky lather that is safe to use everyday.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is effective as an intense penetrating agent with rich moisturizing features. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals, specifically A, D and E. Avocado oil is rich with proteins that augment the skin’s collagen supply when applied topically on the skin. It is a rich source of vitamin E that naturally reverses the signs of skin aging. Avocado oil can be mixed with other whitening ingredients and fruit acids, and applied to fine to deep lines on the forehead.

Macadamia Extracts

Macadamia nuts, like other nuts such as almond and shea, are natural anti-oxidants that effectively combat free radicals that damage the skin. Macadamia, however, yields the most concentrated extract that contains about forty percent palmitoleic acid. Macadamia is the best choice to hydrate severely dried skin. It is a common ingredient among anti-aging products. Macadamia extracts quickly seep through the skin to moisturize irritated skin.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa is a time tested ingredient among natural and home made moisturizers. For centuries, cocoa has been used in bathing, exfoliating and moisturizing. Its rich oil is effective in smoothing the damaging effects of the sun other external factors. Cocoa butter is safe for the use even of pregnant women to moisturize irritated skin.

Beeswax

Beeswax is one of nature’s valued moisturizers. Derived from the transparent fluid that is produced by a bee from its hexagonal booths, pure beeswax is safe and compatible to the human skin. It adds to the skin’s moisture by boosting the natural oil supply.

So follow the tips above through these dry, cold, winter months to nourish and truly moisturize your skin. Remember to replace your skin’s natural sebum each time you turn up the heat or lounge in a long hot bath to avoid drying, cracking flaking and redness.

Author: Rachelle Dupree
Vivoderm Marketing and Communications

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.

Understanding Hormones and Your Skin

“How to achieve beautiful, supple and young-looking skin”. You almost can’t avoid it - splashed on magazine covers, reported in newspapers and marketed on television and radio, the message to improve our skin would appear paramount to how we and others view our looks.
How does our skin age?  Skin aging is influenced by:

* Genetic differences
* Hormonal changes, e.g. estrogen and thyroxin
* Chronic sun exposure
* Wind, pollution

Blame it on hormones

Hormones are mostly to blame for skin changes as we age. Hormones are chemical messengers produced in organs such as the ovaries, adrenal glands, and thyroid glands, and all have an effect on other tissues.

Much of the reason why our skin begins to suffer is primarily due to hormones — and there is a massive industry manufacturing products to try to alleviate the results of these hormonal changes, notably as women reach menopause in their 40s and 50s.

As menopause occurs, estrogen is reduced and while it has a direct effect on thinning bones, it also creates significant changes in the skin. Women find:

* their skin becomes drier with increased wrinkles
* skin becomes more fragile, loses some of its elasticity, and is looser because the production of collagen is reduced
* older skin appears paler as the lack of estrogen reduces the number of blood vessels in the skin
* menopause also causes a reduction in the level of testosterone but not as significant a drop as in estrogen

Hormones and dry skin

Another hormone we have is thyroxin, produced by the thyroid gland, which influences skin appearance. Too much thyroxin shows a warm, smooth, sweaty, flushed skin. Under-activity of thyroxin produces a dry, coarse thickening of skin with reduced ability to sweat.

Hormones affect acne

The oil glands of the skin are in part controlled by the level and activity of the hormone testosterone in the skin. Testosterone is required to produce acne. This outcome can be seen in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, which produce some elevation in testosterone, which in turn causes increased facial hair, irregular periods and acne. It has also been found that some birth control pills can block testosterone skin reactors to improve some of the consequences of increasing hormone levels. (See Acne Guide for more acne information)
Thinning hair

Hair will thin after menopause. In some women, genetic factors produce significant thinning. Abnormalities in the level of a thyroid hormone, in addition to the amount of iron stored in the body, can influence the volume of hair.

Estrogen encourages hair to stay in its growing phase (Anagen hair). This is seen in the significant thickening of hair towards the end of pregnancy. After menopause, however, the lower estrogen amount allows the scalp hair to grow towards the falling out stage (Telogen hair).
HRT and skin

Post menopausal women will notice that unlike their scalp, facial hairs increase. This is thought to be because estrogen — which opposes the effect of testosterone — drops relatively more after menopause than testosterone.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used over the last 20 years to combat the signs of aging. HRT can promote a fuller-looking skin because the skin then becomes thicker with less loss of subcutaneous fat. Thinning and drying of vaginal surfaces is also minimized. This can also be achieved by using topical estrogen. The use of estrogen creams has been shown to maintain the elasticity and fullness of skin after menopause, although at this time it is not used extensively because of concerns about side effects and the variability of absorption into the body.

See your doctor or dermatologist to determine which solutions best suits your experience with aging skin.

By Richard Thomas, MD

End of Summer Skincare for Acne and Dryness

By Van Le | Labor Day can be bittersweet since it offers an always-welcomed three-day weekend, but it also marks the unofficial end of summer. In other words, after one last frolic at the beach, it’s time to put away the swimming suits and flip-flops, and wake the winter coats and boots from their hiatus. The seasonal closet makeover is a no-brainer, but there’s another place that needs attention: your makeup and skincare cabinet. Towards the end of the year, your skin needs protection from cold weather and reduced humidity. Switching to winter-friendly products can keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful.

Hot, humid weather during the summer can cause pores to expand because sebum is more fluid in this environment. As a result, deep cleansers and foamy cleansing products are appropriate, since they are able to reach deep into the pores, eliminating dirt and oil buildups. During the winter, however, cold temperatures can lead to dry and cracked skin. Switch to a mild soap, and your skin will feel smooth and soft as opposed to dry and tight after washing. Products that contain natural moisture such as Aloe vera are also excellent, since they are not harsh on dry, winter skin.

Winter air literally sucks moisture from your skin, so moisturizing is a crucial step in winter skin care. Even more important to moisturizing is choosing the right product. Products containing mineral oil, almond oil, or avocado oil work especially well since they keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores. Flaxseed oil is another beneficial ingredient, since it is not only rich in omega-3 fatty acid, but also has the ability to hydrate the skin from the inside out. Moisturizing right after a warm shower will help seal in the water and prevent dry skin. Also consider using a humidifier in your room or office, since it returns the moisture into the air and help the skin stay hydrated.

Just because it is cold outside does not mean you should toss your sunscreen tube. Even when you can’t feel the heat, the sun is still emitting harmful UVA and UVB rays, so it still important to protect your skin. Apply a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15, or use products containing zinc oxide, which acts as a natural barrier between your skin and the sun. Surprisingly, the sun’s reflective power on snow can be as high as 80%, so it is possible to be sunburned after spending a day on the ski slopes without sun protection. Moreover, don’t forget to help your lips battle harsh winter conditions with plenty of lip balm. Packaging is also important when deciding on a lip balm. Little tins and jars can spread germs since you are using your fingers to apply. Tubes can be a healthier and more convenient option. Remember to keep your skincare products readily available in your purse, car or desk so you can reapply throughout the day.

Winter skin care may differ from summer skin care in the type of products used, but the regimen for healthy skin is the same year round: cleanse, moisturize and protect.

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://organicskincareinfo.net

Facial Care for Men

By Ravi Thiagarajan
When it comes to skincare, there is always a tendency among men to think, “Who cares, I’m a guy.” Lack of motivation to take care of their faces will give most men dull skin.. Sometimes a guy might think “Well, I lift weights, that’s enough,” or “Facial care is only for women.” That could not be any further from the truth. Good facial care helps in retaining proper skin texture in the long run.

Gentlemen, if you care what the ladies think, your facial care is extremely important. It is never good for a guy’s self confidence if your date cringes when you lean in to kiss her. That is why it is totally necessary to incorporate some kind of male facial care routine to help keep your skin looking clear and healthy. Here we focus on some basic yet important things that can make a big difference.

Shaving

For guys who aspire to keep a cleanly shaved face, we are forced to deal with the monotonous task of shaving each and every morning. Too many guys rush through it or give a poor effort, which results in redness, bumps and irritation. Shaving is something that should be done carefully in its entirety. Experts claim having is best done after your shower because it makes your skin soft and removes the dirt and dead cells.
Many guys should use a shaving cream and razor that will give them a very close shave but also protect their skin at the same time. With so many shaving creams on the market shelves, it is sometimes tough to decide which one is better than the other. By not continuing with one, we may spoil the benefits of using the same product. Experimenting is good thing but long term effects are negative as your skin tries to adjust to ever-changing ingredients. I find many new herbal creams that are made by smaller, organic companies to be better than then the usual chemical-laden choices when it comes to men’s skin care on the market. Their products contain the vitamin E and Aloe to help protect and smooth skin as well as hydrate and moisturize. Use of an effective razor is equally important. Again selecting a proper blade is essential. Gillette sells its Mach3 line of new blades in different sizes and numbers now, which makes me even more confused. They started with twin, then came the 3 slot super shave and now it’s the 4 cutter fine shine! Any of these variations of razors will do the job, really well or if you prefer electric that’s fine too. Just make sure the blades are clean and sharp – very few women are attracted to werewolves.

Acne

Acne is the mother of all skin problems and it is just a horror if you are trying to impress the ladies. If you are a college guy, you most likely have past your worst acne stage but you never know what Mother Nature has in store for us. Acne becomes the prime concern when men are in their 20s and 30s - just about the time you are dating or looking for that first big job - where appearances are the key. Busy lifestyles have added stress that according to some reports, has created acne issues rising from 20% to 60% last two years. So, “why me?” you might ask.
The short version of the complicated answer is this. Acne can be caused by a number of things – hormones, diet, poor hygiene, lack of cleansing – or none of these things. It all depends on your body chemistry. But once you have it, you just want it to go away.
Before choosing an acne product, familiarize yourself with the ingredients. Some brands use harsh chemicals to kill acne bacteria. The down side to this is these chemicals can also negatively affect your skin in the long run.

There are hundreds of various adult skin care products for acne on the market today. Most of these products require at least a month of steady usage to get results. Be sure that you are giving whatever product you choose at least 4-6 weeks before you discontinue use. If you stop using a product sooner than this then you could risk wasting time and money on a product that otherwise would’ve cleared your skin.

Dry Skin
Among other skin problems, dry skin is definitely one to be aware of. Normally healthy skin is coated with a layer of lipids and some fatty substances, which keep the skin supple and soft. Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels “tight” and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin.

Dryness is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. This type of skin is tightly drawn over the bones. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines in these spots and at the comers of the mouth.

Apply Moisturizer Frequently
Both genders are capable of getting dry skin and the best way to prevent dry skin from rearing its ugly head is to consistently use a facial moisturizing lotion on an everyday basis.

There are many tips and lots of advice on how to take care of your face. However, the most common and consistent advice is to avoid the sun and moisturize your face.

Ok, my skincare lesson is over. Here’s a little joke on a lighter note:

Every man believes every woman’s ultimate fantasy is to have two men at once.
While a recent sociological study verified this, what men don’t realize is that, in women’s fantasies, one man cooks while the other cleans!

Ravi Thiagarajan is a freelance writer and intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. He has published numerous articles for the leading newspaper The Times of India, local affiliate Anand Plus.

For more information and latest findings on natural skincare link to http://newbeautifulskin.com

How to Care for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that is characterized by inflamed lesions and silvery white scales. It may appear in only a few isolated spots, or can be widespread over the body, and most typcially appears in people between the ages of 15 to 35.

There are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body and is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.

Things You’ll Need:

* Vitamin A
* Zinc
* Evening primrose oil
* Aloe vera
* Flaxseed oil
* Vitamin C

1.            Get some sun. Natural sunlight has been shown to sigificantly improve, or clear, psoriasis. Get regular daily doses, but keep them short and avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the rays are strongest.

2.       Add over-the-counter tar solutions, bath oil, oatmeal, Epsom salts and Dead Sea salts to your bath. All of these will help soften the skin.

3.         Use moisturizers after bathing and periodically during the day. These may not clear the psoriasis, but will help reduce itching and retain moisture in the skin.

4.        Try using aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil or natural vegetable oils as moisturizers. They are a natural and relatively inexpensive way to moisturize the skin.

5.       Take flaxseed oil or evening primrose oil according to directions on label. They supply essential fatty acids which are important for the skin and preventing dryness.

6.       Take natural beta-carotene, 25,000 IU per day. It helps protect skin tissue.

7.    Take zinc, preferably in the form of zinc gluconate lozenges, for maximum absorption. Do not exceed 50 mg per day.

8. Try shark cartilage. Take 1 gm per 15 lbs of body weight. Divide it into 3 doses a day. Shark cartilage has been known to stop the spread of psoriasis, but you will need to give it 2 to 3 months to see results.

9.   Take vitamins A (10,000 IU daily) and E (400-1200 IU daily).

10.   Take Vitamin C (2,000 to 5,000 mg a day) in divided doses. It is necessary for immune system function and for formation of collagen and skin tissue.

11.   Brush scales lightly with a loofah, then apply an alcohol-free extract of the herb goldenseal. This will help reduce inflammation and swelling.

12.   Keep a record of your outbreaks. Psoriasis typically flares up and then improves. Write down what you were doing, eating, or what was going on in your life at the time of a flare-up. Triggers to flare-ups include stress, tension, illness, sunburn, certain drugs and alcohol.

13.   Decrease or eliminate red meat and dairy products. They contain arachidonic acid, a substance that can cause inflammation and, in turn, make your psoriasis lesions swollen and red.

By eHow Health Editor

Retinoids and Dry SkinCare

Dry skin recommendations and supplements that can help your skin

RETINOIDS

The group of medicines known as retinoids are derived from Vitamin A. Creams containing the retinoids retinol and retinaldehyde can be obtained over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets. Other topical retinoids containing tretinoin or isotretinoin require a doctor’s prescription. Adapalene is a related prescription medicine. Topical retinoids can be applied to any area but are most often used on the face, the neck and the back of hands.

When you first start using the retinoid, apply your night cream first then re-apply the retinoid. Do this every third night for two weeks. Then apply moisturizer followed by retinoid every other night. If no redness occurs after two weeks you can adjust your regimen and apply the retinoid after cleansing but before your night cream. Then apply the night cream after the retinoid. Do this, using the retinoid every other day, for one week.

If you experience redness or flaking, begin using the retinoid every night. In about twenty-four weeks you will notices fewer wrinkles and smoother skin as well as preventing future wrinkles. Since retinoids speed up the rare at which skin cells divide, some flaking is normal. This flaking is not additional dryness, but rather dead skin cells sloughing off. You can use a facial scrub once or twice a week before an important event to remove these fakes, allowing your skin to look radiant. Stronger products are more irritating than those with a lower percentage of retinoids, so you can switch products depending on your needs.

Acne Symptoms and Treatments

SYMPTOMS

Acne is often not apparent to an observer. Inflamed pores, however, can cause pain or itching. The most troubling aspect of acne for many people is the scarring that can occur. And, while acne may not be very noticeable, individuals tend to be sensitive about their appearance. Teenagers especially may become concerned about the way other people react to them.

DIAGNOSIS

People with acne are often treated by family doctors. More serious cases are referred to a dermatologist (a specialist in skin disorders) or an endocrinologist (a specialist in hormonal disorders).
Because of its appearance, acne is not difficult to diagnose. A doctor takes a complete medical history, which includes questions about skin, diet, medication use, and other factors associated with risk for acne. He or she conducts a physical examination of the face, upper neck, chest, shoulders, back, and other affected areas. The doctor determines the number and type of blemishes, whether they are inflamed or not, whether they are deep or near the surface of the skin, and whether there is scarring or skin discoloration.
Laboratory tests are not done unless the patient appears to have a hormonal disorder. In that case, blood tests and other tests may be ordered. Most insurance plans cover the cost of diagnosing and treating acne.

ANTI-ACNE DRUGS
Brand Name (Generic Name) and their pssible common side effects:

Accutane (isotretinoin) > Dry skin, dry mouth, conjunctivitis
Benzamycin > Dry and itchy skin
Cleocin T (clindamycin phosphate) Dry skin
Desquam-E (benzoyl peroxide) > Itching, red and peeling skin
Erythromycin topical (A/T/S, erycette, t-stat) > Burning, dry skin, hives, red and peeling skin
Minocin (minocycline hydrochloride) > Headache, hives, diarrhea, peeling skin, vomiting
Retin-A (tretinoin) > Darkening of the skin, blistering, crusted, or puffy skin

Organic face mask recipes

SPA INDEX PAPAYA PUMPKIN FACIAL

If you have visited spas and resorts in exotic locales such as the Pacific Rim, Bali, Hawaii, and Tahiti, you’ve probably seen an esthetician select and mash fresh fruit in front of you for a fresh-on-the spot enzyme mask. It’s easy to recreate this mask at home — we’ve found a Balinese mask for you which will leave your face fresh and glowing.

2/3 cup fresh papaya, mashed
15 oz. can pure pumpkin
1 egg, beaten

1. Prepare the mask. Cut the papaya in half and scoop out the seeds. Scoop out the papaya fruit and mash it well to eliminate lumps in the mask. Beat the egg until it is frothy. Combine that with the papaya. Add the pumpkin to the egg/papaya mixture and whip together. You can also mix the ingredients in the blender or a food processor for an extra smooth mask.

2. Prepare your face. Wash with your daily cleanser and remove all residual makeup on your skin. Rinse with warm water. It’s very important to have clean skin to ensure you get maximum benefits from the facial.

3. Apply the Mask. Cover your entire face, being careful to avoid the immediate eye area. If you have sensitive skin, test the mixture on your hand before spreading it on your face. You’ll feel some tingling as the enzymes in the pumpkin go to work immediately — gently exfoliating your top layer of skin. It works like a scrub without being abrasive to your skin. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes.

4. Rinse Off Mask. After you’ve relaxed for ten minutes it’s time to rinse. The mask is fairly thick — head for the kitchen sink.

5. Apply Toner & Moisturizer.

LEMON FACIAL MASK

2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon finely ground oatmeal
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 drop lemon essential oil
Cucumber slices (optional)
Mix the sour cream, oatmeal, lemon juice and essential together in a bowl. To use, massage over clean face and neck skin and the rest for 10 minutes (with cucumber slices if you have them) over your eyes. Rinse well with warm water and follow with toner and moisturizer.

Always use Lemon Facial Mask immediately for best results — the lemon juice will cause the sour cream to curdle if it is not used quickly.

AVOCADO CARROT CREAM MASK

This mask combines avocados, which are rich in Vitamin E, with carrots, which are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, and cream, which is high in calcium and protein. These ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots.

1 avocado, mashed
1 carrot, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons honey

Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner.

Avocado Dry Skin Masque
California Avocado Commission

Beat the yolk of an egg until it is light and frothy, then add the mashed pulp of a half avocado, blending it well (you may use a blender at this point). Cleanse your face thoroughly before using this masque (or any masque). Spread the avocado mixture over the face and neck evenly; relax on a slant board or bed for about 20 minutes. Remove with clear tepid water and a face cloth, followed by a rinse of cold water or a mild skin lotion. The result should be a marked improvement in skin texture, and all-around revitalizing.

Avocado Oily Skin Masque
California Avocado Commission

Put the white of an egg, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and the mashed pulp of a half avocado into a blender. In seconds, you should have a lovely green mixture. Wash your face and neck thoroughly, then apply masque evenly on those areas. Relax for 20 minutes; remove with tepid water and a face cloth. Follow with cold astringent or skin tonic.

ALMOND-MAYONNAISE SCRUB
Dry Skin Exfoliator

1/4 C. almonds
1/8 tsp. mayonnaise

Grind almonds in blender until they form fine almond meal. Whirl in mayonnaise. Gentle rub scrub onto your face, and leave in place 10 minutes. Rinse. Use a toner thereafter. Shelf Life: Refrigerate for 2-3 weeks.

Apple Cucumber Facial Mask
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon apple mint leaves
1 drop lime essential oil
Combine all 5 ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the essential oil last and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes.

Apply a layer to your clean face and neck area and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Apple Cucumber Facial Mask is best when used immediately as the ingredients are perishable. The leftovers can be refrigerated in the coldest section of the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days but should be discarded after that

Apple Face & Neck Gelee
Yield: Approx. 2 applications
Ingredients:
4 teaspoons hot distilled water
1 teaspoon freshly juiced apple juice
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
1 heaping teaspoon powdered pectin

Add the glycerin to the water/juice/gel combination and stir to fully incorporate. Add the pectin while the liquid remains quite warm (if it cools, place it in the microwave or a double boiler to raise the temperature) and use a hand held electric mixer to blend, or stir vigorously to dissolve the pectin. Once the pectin has fully dissolved, a light gel will begin to form. This may take from 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. Once the gel sets, Apple Face & Neck Gelee is ready to use. Apply the gel in a layer to your clean, damp face and neck. Rest for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a light moisturizer if desired. Leftover product can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Enjoy!! The shelf life of this product is necessarily limited by the fresh apple juice. It should be used within a few days after it is made.

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