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.

THINK PINK to Help Fight Breast Cancer

So, if you’ve been living in a cave like me for the last few weeks, you might have noticed a awful lot of PINK happening out there…even on your favorite Sunday Football Team. I was watching the Broncos and the Cowboys on Sunday, wondering, “What’s with all the pink?”

After a few web searches, I discovered all this powerful push for PINK is due to the 25^th annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ahh-ha!

Almost every blog and website I’ve visited has something to offer in the pink package or draped with the famous crossed pink ribbon. While I personally have been blessed to be cancer-free, my mother has not. She beat her cancer, but many other family members did not. I’m sure many of you personally have experience with this ravenous illness.

Cancer is a scary disease that shows no predictability; some may make it, some may not. But it is up to us to keep the pressure on to find a cure. Many of you may be aware of natural food alternatives and the outcries of those in the know saying the cancer is treatable, but the pharmacies and big business won’t let that happen.

I can’t be sure that a cure is being suppressed, but I can be sure, when we continue to live in contaminated environments and ingest and use products and foods that are filled with chemicals, we are only promoting the inevitable inability of our bodies to cleanse and filter for our optimal health.

It is up to us as wise consumers to make the best possible choices for our health, including the foods we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and the products we use – including skincare products.

According to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, “192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected in women in the United States by New Year’s.” October is the month organizations struggle to raise awareness and funds to battle the disease.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month began Oct. 1. For the rest of the month, organizations dedicating themselves to help prevent and cure the disease will be going all out to raise awareness and funds. You’re not imagining it if you feel surrounded by pink.

According to the LATimes, “The annual observance was started in part by the American Academy of Family Physicians, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca’s HealthCare Foundation and nonprofit CancerCare Inc. Nonprofit Susan G. Komen for the Cure linked breast cancer awareness to the color pink in 1982, when the first Komen Race for the Cure logo design was an abstract female runner outlined with a pink ribbon. The idea really took off in 1992 when, while working on Self magazine’s second Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue, editor in chief Alexandra Penney created a ribbon and worked with cosmetics companies such as Estée Lauder to distribute them in New York City stores.”

Over the years, all kinds of companies and products have jumped on the bandwagon, and this year you can buy anything from household products to high end jewelry in pink, with part of the proceeds going to fight the disease.
To get an idea of the month’s impact, consider that the nonprofit support organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer earned a third of its annual budget through last October’s events and product promotions.

Join the cause in helping to save lives in communities around the world by registering today at www.passionatelypink.org.
If you aren’t exactly liquid these days, don’t feel alone. there are plenty of things you can do to help. Volunteer your time with a local cancer organization or shop promoting the cause. There are many links to sites out there looking for the help of someone like you. You can start here : http://ww5.komen.org/getinvolved/getinvolved.html

I found this list below from a local newspaper of some great beauty products and supporting businesses and who want to help make a difference.

Beauty.com
Purchase any product with a Cancer and Careers logo and participating brands will donate a portion of the sales to that charity.

Darphin
Darphin will donate $20 from each sale of the Arovita C Energic Firming Cream, (which retails at $80) through October to the BCRF.

Dermstore
Head to www.dermstore.com for do-gooder products like Jane Iredale’s PureMoist LipColour in Christina, named for cancer survivor Christina Applegate, or in the Pink PureGloss; Mama Mio Skincare’s parabine-free Boob Tube bust and neck firmer and gloMinerals’ gloMarvelous in Pink Kit with a bronzer and lip gloss.

Diptyque
Twenty percent of sales of its Pink Roses candle at BeautyHabit.com ($68) goes to the Pink Agenda nonprofit.

Elemis
Inside the fuchsia “Essential Beauty Secrets” cosmetic bag are four Elemis products and a five-step breast check guide. A portion of the $95 price will go to Breast Cancer Care.

Essie
Fight from your fingers to your toes: 10% of the proceeds from Essie’s Yes We Can, Pink! polish ($8) will go to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, which raises awareness and funds for women coping with the disease.

ghd
It looks like something found in a “Mad Men” powder room: the baby pink hair-styling iron. It comes with a matching hair brush, sectioning clips and a tote bag. Fifteen dollars from every $255 Pink Limited Edition Box Set sold goes to the Young Survival Coalition, which helps women younger than 40 who have been affected by the disease.

Japonesque
A little pick-me-up: The makeup brushes and tools brand is giving 20% of proceeds from their pink pocket-sized eyelash curler ($11 at Ulta.com) to breast cancer research.

MelangePerfume.com
Perfume owner Denise Estrada will give 30% of all sales of her pink solid perfumes in honeysuckle, iris, lilac, Polynesia, frangipani, Japanese tea rose and Melati jasmine ($15 for .35 ounce) to the NBCF.

Philosophy
Relax a bit: All of the net proceeds from the $20 Shower for the Cure and She Colors My Day Charity Bubble Bath will go to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund to support the early detection of women’s cancers.

Prescriptives
A limited-edition Pink Ribbon Palette for Cheeks and Eyes with four eye colors and two cheek colors retails for $48.50, with $20,000 in proceeds from North American sales going to the BCRF.

Purple Lab
It’s not just the ingredients — like vanilla, echinacea and super-fruit mangosteen — that make the beauty brand call SWAC (or Sealed With a Kiss) a “feel-good lip gloss.” They’re available at Kitson and Fred Segal Melrose, and the company is donating 20% of proceeds from the gloss to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

Sephora
The beauty product mecca will give $1 from each sale of its Super Shimmer lip gloss in Forever Pink ($10) or its pink eyelash curler ($16), and $2 from its refillable blush brush ($22) to the BCRF.

VMV Hypoallergenic
BCRF will get a dollar from the purchase of any of VMV’s gentle-to-use pink products, such as Glow Lip and Cheek Tint in Debutante or Blush Crush ($21 each) or Lip Bliss Lipstick in Pink Diamond and Pamper Me ($23) .

~ Jordan Dupree

Dead Sea Salt Orgins and Treatments

Dead Sea Salt Has been in the news quite a bit. There are a lot of people who have come across this product in malls, friends, or traveling and using something out of the norm. You may be wondering what “dead Sea” salts are….

Health effects and therapies

The Dead Sea area has become a major center for health research and treatment for several reasons. The mineral content of the water, the very low content of pollens and other allergens in the atmosphere, the reduced ultraviolet component of solar radiation, and the higher atmospheric pressure at this great depth each have specific health effects. For example, persons suffering reduced respiratory function from diseases such as cystic fibrosis seem to benefit from the increased atmospheric pressure.

Sufferers of the skin disorder psoriasis also benefit from the ability to sunbathe for long periods in the area due to its position below sea level and subsequent result that many of the sun’s harmful UV rays are reduced. Thus, the region’s climate and low elevation have made it a popular center for several types of therapies:

* Climatotherapy: Treatment which exploits local climatic features such as temperature, humidity, sunshine, barometric pressure and special atmospheric constituents.
* Heliotherapy: Treatment that exploits the biological effects of the sun’s radiation.
* Thalassotherapy: Treatment that exploits bathing in Dead Sea water.

Since the age of Cleopatra, the soothing and healing benefits of Dead Sea minerals have been no secret. For most of us we don’t have the luxury to go to the Dead Sea and experience this first hand. So, manufacturers from the area are crafting products that we can use in the comfort of our home that give us the benefits from these salts and minerals.

What are products made from the Dead Sea? The Dead Sea region is considered to be the area between Jordon and Israel. It is the lowest inhabited place on earth. Because of the unique conditions the region offers, the sea contains a diverse number of minerals. These include Magnesium (salts), Potassium, Calcium and Bromide. The Dead Sea contains the highest combination of mineral compared to any other body of water on earth.

Scientists have been able to extract these mineral and formulate them into products that stimulate our skin’s cells allowing it to “heal” itself. Bathing has become a necessary evil in our daily routines. We must shower to keep clean so that our family and co-workers can be near us but in the process we are washing away natural oils produced by our skin and causing it to dry out. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of our skin in other ways.

What makes Dead Sea Products so special? The all natural nature and the fact that these products are not tested on animals are two big reasons to put these products on the top of your list! But putting all that aside, being able to use these products in your home is revolutionary. If you were able to go to a spa at the Dead Sea you are going to pay between $50 and $100 for once facial. For much less than that, you can treat your skin on a regular basis using a combination of a mud mask, a facial cleanser, toner and a moisturizing cream.

What types of products are there? Common believed benefits from Dead Sea Salts and Minerals include the following: acne fighting, alleviation of effects from Psoriasis and Eczema, Anti-Wrinkle and Anti-Aging through collagen stimulation, cellulite creams as well as the general maintenance and revitalization of your skin.

You might think these products are only for women. But men are now finding the Dead Sea products to provide supreme benefits to their skin as well. Products that include anti-aging, after shave balms, lotions for problem areas like hands and feet as well as other organic skin care products are specially formulated for a man’s body.

The sea is called “dead” because its high salinity prevents macroscopic aquatic organisms, such as fish and aquatic plants, from living in it, though minuscule quantities of bacteria and microbial fungi are present.

In times of flood, the salt content of the Dead Sea can drop from its usual 35% salinity to 30% or lower. The Dead Sea temporarily comes to life in the wake of rainy winters. In 1980, after one such rainy winter, the normally dark blue Dead Sea turned red. Researchers from Hebrew University found the Dead Sea to be teeming with a type of algae called Dunaliella. The Dunaliella in turn nourished carotenoid-containing (red-pigmented) halobacteria whose presence caused the color change. Since 1980, the Dead Sea basin has been dry and the algae and the bacteria have not returned in measurable numbers.

Natural Homeopathic Skincare

Natural skincare can be more than just using lotions and creams. The skin is the largest organ of the body and can be influenced by keeping a balanced equilibrium. Homeopathic medicine is a great natural approach to staying healthy. Although most know very little about homeopathic medicine, following Chinese medicine, homeopathy is the second most prevalent branch of medicine on the planet.Homeopathy and pediatrics is becoming more and more popular in the developed world. Homeopathy is used to treat diseases in children ranging from semi-serious illnesses to the common cold. Although homeopathy works in a number of ways, its most basic function is to help strengthen and focus a child’s immune system when they are sick based on the symptoms and root cause of the ailment. Once their own immune systems become stronger, they are able to fight off diseases more effectively.

What makes homeopathy particularly suited to pediatrics is that the medicine is often sweet and appealing, and has little to no side effects. The pleasant taste combined with the low incidence of side effects such as nausea or drowsiness, ensures that the child will be more likely to take the medication on a regular basis.

Homeopathic treatment usually falls into two categories; either acute or chronic conditions. Acute conditions refer to a sick child that is suffering from such illnesses as colds, sore throats, or the stomach flu. Chronic conditions refer to ailments such as allergies, asthma or any number of skin diseases. Often chronic conditions should be overseen by a trained homeopathic professional for the best results.

Parents who choose to treat children with an acute condition at home may consider a home prescription kit with homeopathic remedies in 12c or 30c concentrations. Home prescription kits containing homeopathic remedies can be brought online or at stores and range from $60 to $100 dollars. Many homeopathic products are available as over the counter medicines. Parents can also purchase manuals and books on homeopathy for under $30.

Homeopathic medicines come in pills and liquid form. Homeopathic medicines are free of artificial colors and chemicals and are usually considered safe for infants and children.

Interesting Facts about Homeopathy

• Homeopathy is based on clinical and experimental data.

• The founding father of homeopathy was Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), a German physician, who developed the basic principles of homeopathy in the late 1700s.

• Homeopathy is recognized by medical professionals and government agencies including the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA), and is regulated as medicine.

• Sugar pills are commonly used as a binding agent in homeopathic medicine and as carriers for the medicine.

• Homeopathy uses the principles of dilutions to achieve extremely low concentrations of high potency natural herbs and other remedies.

• Homeopathic medicine can work fairly fast in acute cases. In chronic cases, the medication works at a slower pace.

• When a person is uses homeopathic treatments they should abstain from certain foods like tea, coffee and alcohol.

• Homeopathic medicines are based on naturally occurring remedies, are usually not patented and are therefore cheaper then other types of conventional medicines.

• Homeopathic medicines usually do not have any side effects.

Natural Remedies for Acne

Acne is not a new problem; people have been suffering from it for many thousands of years. In ancient Egypt for instance, natural oils were often used to soften and smooth the skin. It is only in recent times that people have begun to use acne creams made of chemical ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, among others. These can not only have unwanted side effects, like the drying of healthy skin or the bleaching of clothing, but can be very costly. Read more

Easy Skincare & Beauty During Pregnancy

As you’re battling morning sickness or skin annoyances such as adolescent-like acne, you want products that are effortless and effective. Fortunately, you can create a gentle, winning routine that’s safe during pregnancy. Here’s how to do it.
Easy Skincare & Beauty During Pregnancy

1. Simplify your routine

Instead of driving yourself crazy reading ingredient lists, pare down your routine to the basics: a gentle cleanser, calming moisturizer and sunscreen.

* Cleanser. Use a mild daily cleanser that’s either glycerin-based, soapless or doesn’t leave a residue, dermatologist Amy Newburger, M.D., tells American Baby. Wash your face no more than two times a day to ward off dryness. To lather up without drying out your skin, use Philosophy Purity Made Simple, a gentle glycerin-based cleanser.

* Moisturizer. Dryness can become a common problem during pregnancy, so a moisturizer to hydrate skin is a definite must. According to dermatologist Frederic Brandt, M.D., use moisturizers with antioxidants like grapeseed or green tea extract to defend against environmental damage. Also, don’t forget to moisturize your entire body. Try Mustela Ultimate Hydration, which contains glycerin and wheat germ oil to nourish dry skin during pregnancy.

* Sunscreen. Pregnancy is no time to skimp on sun protection, dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., tells BabyCenter. Most ingredients found in sunscreen are safe, including physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. However, always check with your doctor if you’re unsure about your sunscreen’s safety (or any product for that matter). Try Belli Anti Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25 to guard against both UVA and UVB rays.

2. Address problems safely

You probably rely on certain go-to products when you spy a pimple or a new brown spot. However, you’ll need to adjust your routine, because your products might not be safe during pregnancy.

* Stretch marks. Unfortunately, stretch marks are largely hereditary and hard to prevent. But you do have two effective options, dermatologist Ken Beer, M.D., tells WebMD: post-pregnancy laser treatments and topical treatments. After giving birth, you can consult with a dermatologist about laser treatments. In the meantime, look for creams with glycolic acid or green tea.

* Itchiness. Scratching miserably at your stomach, breasts, arms or legs? You’re not alone. The Mayo Clinic reports that pregnant women often have this problem. Also, ongoing skin irritations like dermatitis can worsen during pregnancy. To relieve itchiness, which tends to be worse in the third trimester, dermatologist Ellen Marmur, M.D., tells WebMD:

o Use milk. Ease itching by soaking a washcloth in milk and placing it on your belly.

o Try oatmeal. Add a handful of oatmeal to a warm bath.

o Soothe with moisturizer. Look for a moisturizing body lotion to hydrate and calm the skin, such as ATOPALM MLE Body Lotion.

o Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe steroid creams to alleviate itching. Importantly, keep the physician informed of any skin changes. Speak up right away if itchiness is accompanied by a rash or blisters. It could “be an autoimmune reaction known as pemphigoid gestationis or herpesgestationis,” according to WebMD. These reactions can increase the likelihood of premature birth and harm the baby’s health.

* Chloasma or melasma. Also known as the mask of pregnancy, these dark spots can appear on your face and body because of hormones. While no prescription treatment has been proven safe, topical treatments that use ingredients such as vitamin C or azelaic acid are worth a try, says Dr. Marmur.

Stay away from soy-based skincare products, which can exacerbate melasma or chloasma, Dr. Baumann tells BabyCenter. In addition, stay out of the sun and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen liberally. And don’t forget to wear a hat.

* Acne. Due to surging hormones, acne is quite common during pregnancy. But, before trying an acne-fighting product, talk it over with your doctor to make sure it’s safe.

Avoid the following active ingredients, because they might harm your developing baby:

o Retinoids. Because Accutane causes birth defects, it isn’t safe for use during pregnancy. Also, dermatologists suggest patients stop taking Accutane a month before trying to conceive, according to Fit Pregnancy. It’s also important to skip topical retinoids, such as Avage, Differin, Renova, Retin-A and Tazorac.

o Salicylic acid. When topically applied, this beta hydroxy acid hasn’t been associated with adverse effects. But, when taken in its oral form (i.e., aspirin) in high doses, it can cause birth defects and complications during pregnancy. Also, avoid salicylic acid face and body peels, suggests BabyCenter.

o Benzoyl peroxide. To be on the safe side, dermatologist Jody Levine, M.D., tells Fit Pregnancy to skip benzoyl peroxide, because some of it might get absorbed.

So, what ingredients are safe? Dermatologist Sumayah Jamal, M.D., Ph.D., tells WebMD, that the following is safe to combat acne:

o Over-the-counter topical treatments containing sulfur, glycolic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids and at-home microdermabrasion.

o Prescription medication such as erythromycin cream and azelaic acid.

3. Enhance your beautiful glow

The best way to enhance your natural glow is to choose a few basic products to highlight your features. To maintain a beautiful, natural look, American Baby and WebMD suggest the following tips:

* Banish blemishes and dark circles with concealer.

* Ease your acne symptoms with foundation formulated for oily skin and mineral-based loose powder. Try Philosophy Air-Brushed Canvas SPF 15, which combines concealer, sun protection and powder in one for perfect coverage and a soft finish.

* Define lashes with mascara. Check out a waterproof version for those teary-eyed moments.

* Look for multi-purpose products that you can use on your eyes, lips and cheeks.

* Swipe on a lipstick that features SPF protection — your lips need defense against the sun, too.

Natural Acne Scar Treatments

Hormonal changes and overly active sebaceous (oil) glands that commonly occur in adolescence usually cause acne, however acne can still affect adults as well. Zits, pimples, acne, cystic skin eruptions, blackheads and white heads all fit into the acne skin malady category. The temptation to squeeze the spots and remove the infected matter, albeit tempting, will not reform your skin to its natural radiance. In fact, secondary infection by bacteria being pushed back into the deeper layers of the skin can cause more pain, inflammation and most likely future scaring. Once the bacteria have been released, it can re-infect the surrounding skin. The facial scars are actually remnants of the bacterial infection caused by ‘procedure.’

The unfair fact is that adult acne will affect 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women in their adult lives. We know that identifying hormonal changes as the main cause of adult acne aren’t entirely proven. There isn’t just one cause. Acne in adult women can be linked to cosmetic use, some hair products and can frequently be brought on by the hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy. Certain types of prescription medications can also cause adult acne. Some strains of acne, such as Acne vulgaris, don’t typically show up in adults until midlife. Adult acne also forms differently, whereas adolescent acne begins on the forehead and cheek area, adult acne tends to show more on the chin, jaw line and neck.

With all this new adult acne erupting (pardon the pun) more than before, natural acne and scar treatments are gaining more acceptance as consumers want to make healthier more sustainable choices for their skincare. Your skin has an amazing natural ability to regenerate itself and a new layer of skin growth will generally cover any scarring, but in the rare cases where this does not occur then a more advanced scar treatment is in order. Always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any facial treatments to be sure you are not causing further damage.

A healthy, well-balanced diet plays a large role in helping your body and skin to regenerate itself to its optimal condition. Many dermatologists recommend a diet high in natural minerals. These minerals are to maintain the health of the skin cells, which in turn should prevent a further outbreak of acne and repair damaged tissue. Diets, which include plenty of green vegetables, un-cooked vegetables such as carrots, spinach and cucumbers, have also helped many to maintain smooth, blemish-free skin. The idea is to try to create a new fresh layer of skin so that the scars reduced or eradicated.

Are you drinking enough water?

By consuming a regular amount of water daily, you can improve the look of your skin. The average human body is comprised of 60 percent water. Drinking more water, instead of sugar-laden sodas or energy drinks will keep the skin moist and smooth; it will also clear away the dead skin cells, flush toxins and aid in the regeneration of new skin cells. Mixing water with natural ingredients like citrus, fruit or vegetable juices, can also be helpful to exfoliate the skin.

With a proper nutritious diet, vitamins and plenty of water, most see results within a few months. It can take up to a year for acne scars to heal completely. Acne scars do not show up overnight and removing them can take the same amount of time if not more. It takes patience, but with the proper motivation for beautiful, glowing skin, it will be well worth the wait. Of course, some scars may be so deep as to require dermalogical treatments such as lasers or painful acid peels. Try the natural methods first, as theses procedures can be quite costly. Any effort you make to regenerate your skin naturally will only help the dermatologist’s treatments even further.

Always remember to gently cleanse and moisturize your skin everyday as well. Applying harsh, drying chemicals to your acne will usually cause further inflammation and breakouts. One natural treatment that had shown good results is to mix pure sandalwood oil with rose water, apply it to your scar(s) and leave on the skin overnight. Cleanse face as usual in the morning.

Natural Skin Care Therapy Tips for Acne

Acne is not a new problem; people have been suffering from it for many thousands of years. In ancient Egypt for instance, oils were often used to soften and smooth the skin. It is only in recent times that people have begun to use acne creams made of chemical ingredients like benzyl peroxide, among others. These can not only have unwanted side effects, like the drying of healthy skin or the bleaching of clothing, but can be very costly.

It’s no mystery that our grandmothers seemed to know best. When it comes to health and skin, the more natural the ingredient, the better. Of course, there are times when natural remedies may not be as effective and that is Ok. However, just be aware of the natural options you have first, before you waste a lot of money on another product that doesn’t work. Many people today discovering the old-world secrets in caring for their bodies more naturally, and are turning to natural and herbal remedies, such as the following simple ‘kitchen cures’.

Acne Remedy #1: Make a paste of nutmeg powder and milk, and apply to your face in a thin layer. Leave on for up to an hour, or even overnight.

Acne Remedy #2: Take an orange peel and leave it to dry, and then grind it to a powder. Mix with water and apply directly to the pimple.

Acne Remedy #3: Applying garlic directly to a pimple can also be a great remedy, as garlic is a natural disinfectant.

Acne Remedy #4: Mix a spoonful each of fresh lemon juice and cinnamon. Apply to the acne overnight for several nights in a row to be effective.

Acne Remedy #5: Take fresh leaves of fenugreek and grind to make an acne remedy that is also said to be effective in reducing wrinkles. It should be left on for only fifteen minutes.

Acne Remedy #6: Papaya juice, which is high in natural enzymes, makes a wonderful acne solution all on its own.

Acne Remedy #7: Boil a cup of milk, and then allow to cool to room temperature, and add a spoonful of limejuice to make a acne face wash.

Acne Remedy #8: Mix rosewater, cucumber juice and lime juice in equal amounts. Apply to clean face and leave on overnight.

Chemical skin care ingredients you should avoid if you are acne-prone or have oily skin in combination with acne:
• Butyl stearate
• Cinnamon Oil
• Isotearyl isostearate
• Cocoa butter
• Jojoba oil
• Coconut oil
• Decyl oleate
• Myristyl myristate
• Myristyl propionate
• Octyl palminate
• Octyl stearate
• Peppermint Oil
• Isopropyl stearate
• Isopropyl, isostearate, myristate or palmitate
Try several of these natural remedies and see which one is best for you, be aware that it can take several days to have an effect. Make sure you use clean spoons and dishes to mix your remedies, and remember to wash your face as usual in between treatments.

Natural Acne Scar Treatments

Hormonal changes and overly active sebaceous (oil) glands that commonly occur in adolescence usually cause acne, however acne can still affect adults as well. Zits, pimples, acne, cystic skin eruptions, blackheads and white heads all fit into the acne skin malady category.
The temptation to squeeze the spots and remove the infected matter, albeit tempting, will not reform your skin to its natural radiance. In fact, secondary infection by bacteria being pushed back into the deeper layers of the skin can cause more pain, inflammation and most likely future scaring. Once the bacteria have been released, it can re-infect the surrounding skin. The facial scars are actually remnants of the bacterial infection caused by ‘procedure.’
The unfair fact is that adult acne will affect 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women in their adult lives. We know that identifying hormonal changes as the main cause of adult acne aren’t entirely proven. There isn’t just one cause. Acne in adult women can be linked to cosmetic use, some hair products and can frequently be brought on by the hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy. Certain types of prescription medications can also cause adult acne. Some strains of acne, such as Acne vulgaris, don’t typically show up in adults until midlife. Adult acne also forms differently, whereas adolescent acne begins on the forehead and cheek area, adult acne tends to show more on the chin, jaw line and neck.

With all this new adult acne erupting (pardon the pun) more than before, natural acne and scar treatments are gaining more acceptance as consumers want to make healthier more sustainable choices for their skincare.

Your skin has an amazing natural ability to regenerate itself and a new layer of skin growth will generally cover any scarring, but in the rare cases where this does not occur then a more advanced scar treatment is in order. Always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any facial treatments to be sure you are not causing further damage.

A healthy, well-balanced diet plays a large role in helping your body and skin to regenerate itself to its optimal condition. Many dermatologists recommend a diet high in natural minerals. These minerals are to maintain the health of the skin cells, which in turn should prevent a further outbreak of acne and repair damaged tissue. Diets, which include plenty of green vegetables, un-cooked vegetables such as carrots, spinach and cucumbers, have also helped many to maintain smooth, blemish-free skin. The idea is to try to create a new fresh layer of skin so that the scars reduced or eradicated.

Are you drinking enough water?

By consuming a regular amount of water daily, you can improve the look of your skin. The average human body is comprised of 60 percent water. Drinking more water, instead of sugar-laden sodas or energy drinks will keep the skin moist and smooth; it will also clear away the dead skin cells, flush toxins and aid in the regeneration of new skin cells. Mixing water with natural ingredients like citrus, fruit or vegetable juices, can also be helpful to exfoliate the skin.

With a proper nutritious diet, vitamins and plenty of water, most see results within a few months. It can take up to a year for acne scars to heal completely. Acne scars do not show up overnight and removing them can take the same amount of time if not more. It takes patience, but with the proper motivation for beautiful, glowing skin, it will be well worth the wait.

Of course, some scars may be so deep as to require dermalogical treatments such as lasers or painful acid peels. Try the natural methods first, as theses procedures can be quite costly. Any effort you make to regenerate your skin naturally will only help the dermatologist’s treatments even further.

Always remember to gently cleanse and moisturize your skin everyday as well. Applying harsh, drying chemicals to your acne will usually cause further inflammation and breakouts. One natural treatment that had shown good results is to mix pure sandalwood oil with rose water, apply it to your scar(s) and leave on the skin overnight. Cleanse face as usual in the morning.