Six Common Skin Problems

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and can reflect our general health. In addition, our skin is probably the most abused organ on the body from environmental factors, stress, dehydration, sun exposure, etc. Our skin needs to be protected and nourished.

Problem #1: Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The major factors responsible for lines and wrinkles are mostly due to over-exposed skin to the sun. In addition, stress, hormones, heredity, and environmental factors also play a significant part. In order to reduce more fine lines and wrinkles from forming and deminishing the ones you have, exfoliation is recommended as well as a rich moisturizing cream. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and stimulates new skin cell growth.

In addition, to eliminate additional fine lines and wrinkles from forming, you should wear a sun screen of SPF 15 or higher everyday. Most people believe that because they are not baking in the sun, a sun screen is not needed; however, most people do not realize just how much sun they are exposed to on a daily basis

Problem #2: Enlarged or Distended Pores

Enlarged or distended pores (blackheads) are due to trapped debris in the pores. The debris is a combination of dead skin cells and sebum (oil). The debris causes the pore to stretch or buildup and produce blackheads. Facial cleansers with an exfoliate are recommended for enlarged or distended pores. The exfoliating ingredient will open the pore and the cleanser will clean out the pore(s). In addition, after cleansing a skin toner should be applied to tighten the skin and close the pores. A moisturizer should only be applied after toning and closing the pores on your skin. If you do not have a toner, apply cold water to close the pores before applying any moisturizer.

Problem #3: Brown Spots aka Age Spots

Brown spots are caused from over exposure to the sun. The sun causes the cells that produce melanin to react and protect the inner layers of the skin. Melanin is the product that the body produces to get a tan. It is a protective reaction for the skins inner layers.

There are remedies on the market to remove brown spots such as laser surgery or use of retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) combined with bleaching agents such as hydroquinone and kojic acid. In addition, natural ingredients such as lemon or other fruit juices will lighten brown spots and at a fraction of the cost of the above therapies.

Again, as indicated above, sun screen is imperative to avoid brown spots on the skin.

Problem #4: Blemishes

Blemishes are usually due in part to the over production of sebum (oil) which can be attributed to stress and hormonal changes.

Mild to moderate breakouts, characterized by less than seven pimples a month, can be treated with over the counter products. This may include those treatments containing glycolic acid or retinol, which is potent for unclogging skin pores. Also, benzoyl peroxide, which is an antibacterial agent, can be applied. There is one specific ingredient that is particularly effective in treating blemishes ��" salicylic acid. This is actually an efficient exfoliate that dissolves skin oil.

In addition to over the counter remedies for blemishes there are a number of natural make at home products that are quite beneficial and not as harsh. A mild home remedy is listed below:

Mask with Baking Soda (not baking powder) Wash face thoroughly with a mid cleanser. Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Apply the paste to you face and leave on about 10 minutes. Rinse face and feel the difference.

Problem #5: Redness on the Skin

Rosacea is a condition that first appears as a flushing or subtle redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. It then progresses from intermittent mild redness to persistent ruddiness as well as permanent, dilated blood vessels and acne-like bumps.

Rosacea is not curable, but it responds well to treatment. Dermatologists usually recommend prescription topical and oral antibiotics. In addition, treatments such as Vbeam are available. Vbeam is a technique that repairs the broken capillaries and reduces the need for topical applications. Furthermore, there are over-the-counter treatments available and natural home remedies that reduce redness.

Problem #6: Dullness of the Skin

Dullness of the skin typically occurs around age 30. During this stage, the natural ability of your skin to slough off dead cells from the surface slows down. When the dry and dead cells build up, the skin becomes dull. To freshen your skin and bring back a natural glow, consider regular exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells and improve circulation. In addition, set-up and follow a good skin care regime and your skin will thank you for it by its natural glow.

For more skin care articles, natural cosmetics and homemade skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

About the Author

Blemishes, blotchiness, larges pores, etc. can me easily treated with homemade skin care products or natural organic and botanical skin care products. Don't be mislead when purchasing your next skin care products, read the labels and look for natural ingredients.

5 Strategies for Natural Hair Restoration

If you are suffering from hair loss or thinning hair and have been looking for a suitable treatment, you will know that there are a confusing number of products designed to deal with it. Hair loss treatment is now a big industry, but hair loss has been a problem for centuries and there are many long standing solutions based on naturally occurring plants and herbs. Here are five strategies using some of the many natural solutions available that, when used in combination, can be very effective.

Improve your diet.

It is common knowledge that the western diet is somewhat lacking. With so much time pressure on everyone, many opt for fast food solutions. As a result there are many deficiencies in our diets.

For strong and healthy hair growth, certain essential vitamins and minerals are required. Some of these include vitamin B6, iron, silica, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids etc..

Try to ensure that your diet includes lots of strong colored vegetables and high quality protein as well as fish nuts and seeds. It is also a good idea to take a multivitamin supplement just to make sure.

Sort Out Your Hormones

One of the causes of hair loss in men is the effect of high levels of the hormone DHT. This hormone attacks the hair follicle making it weak and so eventually stopping the growth of the hair. One of the most effective methods of reducing the level of this hormone is to take the herb Saw Palmetto. This herb is routinely used to treat an enlarged prostrate, but it was noticed that when used, it also encouraged hair growth. Stinging nettle root is also an effective herb to reduce DHT. Both of these can be obtained in capsule form.

Change Your Shampoo

Many shampoos contain a cocktail of chemicals to clean and add shine to your hair. One chemical, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS is reputed to be harmful to the scalp and health of the hair. It is thought that, although an effective cleaning agent, when rinsed out of the hair it can leave a residue that may be harmful to the hair follicle. To support this idea, many people who have given up conventional shampoos have reported an improvement in the growth and quality of their hair. Check the ingredients in your shampoo and if necessary, change to a more naturally based formula or research a home made shampoo recipe.

Improve The condition of Your Scalp

The condition of your scalp will have an effect on the quality and strength of your hair. To improve your scalp try making a lotion for massaging into the scalp. You can create a lotion for application to the scalp by mixing together the essential oils from Rosemary and Lavender, which can be obtained from most aromatherapy stores. This lotion is known for encouraging hair growth and improving the condition of the hair. Aloe Vera is also good for massaging into the scalp and can be used to make a natural shampoo by mixing with coconut milk.

Improve The Blood Circulation to Your Scalp

Poor blood circulation at the top of your scalp is one of the reasons for hair loss. The weak blood supply starves the follicle and so the hair weakens and eventually stops growing. The herb Ginkgo Biloba is believed to improve the circulation of the blood. The hot pepper Capsicum is also thought to improve blood flow to the scalp. If you are taking any kind of medication, you should check with your physician before taking any natural supplements that can effect your circulation. Taking these could effect the action of your medication.

In todays hair restoration market there are numerous products to choose from. All of these will take time to show results and they can be quite expensive. Natural hair loss treatments have existed for many years and some have been around for centuries. As they are natural they do not have any side effects and most can be obtained at low cost. By incorporating these natural strategies into your lifestyle, you can save money and improve the quality of your hair at the same time.

About the Author

Want to quickly find out about all the options for hair loss treatments? Want to know the costs involved? Visit Kens new site Hair Restoration Methods now. Ken has been researching hair restoration to deal with his own hair issues and created this site with his findings

What is Proactive Acne Skin Care?

Taking care of your acne prone skin is not something that you should take lightly. Constant care is needed to maintain a healthy skin, and proactive acne skin care is exactly what you need. Proactive acne skin care is basically a way of taking care of your acne prone skin that requires a constant care approach. Taking care of acne for a while and then carelessly leaving the skin unattended is not what you might call proactive acne skin care. Proactive means that a treatment is constantly ongoing, which means that the person engaged in such an acne treatment is constantly taking care of his skin to help keep acne at bay as well as maintain a healthy looking skin.

There are a lot of proactive acne skin care products available in the market that have treatment and maintenance programs that provide acne sufferers the kind of solution that will not only get rid of stubborn acne but also help keep it away for good. Since acne can easily recur, using a proactive acne skin care regimen is ideal, and it should be the kind of treatment used by acne prone individuals. Proactive acne skin care usually consists of products that are formulated to treat acne problems that a person already has on his skin. This may include treatments for scars brought about by acne. The next step in this kind of program is the use of cleansing agents to fight the possibility of the acne's comeback. These may include cleansers, soaps, creams and other such products that have formulations that are specifically geared towards the prevention of acne recurrence.

There are proactive acne skin care lines that are actually being endorsed by celebrities, and they give acne sufferers hope of making their skin young looking and vibrant, the way it was before they began having acne problems. These brand name products are presented as treatments and maintenance programs that get rid of the most stubborn acne problems and keep them away for good, with a beauty regimen that users have to follow religiously. However, such products carry hefty price tags and the maintenance products that you have to use will definitely be a regular part of your monthly budget.

Whether or not a particular skin care program works depends on how your skin responds to the treatment. Some people may be more ideally suited to one kind of program as opposed to another, and this varies with different kinds of skin, lifestyles and environments. Before you decide to choose any particular skin care program, you should first seek the advice of a skin doctor to ensure that it is indeed the right one for you.

About the Author

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Skin Care and has helped thousands of acne sufferers cure their condition. He runs a highly popular and comprehensive Acne Treatment web site. For more articles on Skin Care related topics visit his site at:

http://skin-care.need-to-know.net/

Nutritional Supplements for Acne - Get Acne Free Skin

The androgenic hormones, particularly testosterone, that increase at puberty, and the surge of premenstrual hormones, trigger increased production of sebum in the sweat glands. The pores become clogged with both sebum and dead skin cells creating a prime breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria and the breakdown products of sebum cause irritation and inflammation in the pores. The result is acne - blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and cysts in the skin.

Teenagers are not the only ones who can get acne. Adults, at least 50%, suffer from blemishes and acne also. Sometimes adult acne is a result of pregnancy, diet, menopause or emotional upset. For some people acne is due to genetics or hormones that create excessive oil production and this clogs the pores of the skin. Some cosmetics can block pores which will create pimples.

Severe acne can affect many facets of a person's life, causing a great deal of embarrassment and stress. Some severe forms of acne like acne cysts may rupture and cause scars that can result in psychological effects on the sufferer. Having skin full of pimples and zits may significantly limit one's social life and even diminish career prospects. Although acne is not considered to be a life threatening disorder, the psychological impact of acne can be quite profound as it affects the most visible parts of your body. If your acne condition is severe it can be disfiguring and require years of treatment.

Use a good toner. Spray onto face or wipe on with a cotton ball and wipe off with a clean, dry cotton ball. This gets rid of excess cleanser and tightens pores. Good, inexpensive choices include plain witch hazel for normal to dry skin, or 3% hydrogen peroxide for oily skin. 70% ethyl rubbing alcohol can also be used for severe oiliness, but it can really dry out your skin and irritate it more. Some toners are medicated, too, and this stage is the best for using a medicated product if you're only going to use one medication. Lemon juice is a good option, too.

Nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements for acne will decrease inflammation and infection and nourish the skin. If consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is low, take a multi-vitamin supplement. Buy supplements at a health food store rather than a discount store or supermarket. The vitamin and mineral sources will be higher quality. Remember that foods provide a more balanced and absorbable form of nutrients than pills. Reliance on supplements as the only source of vitamins will not produce adequate results.

Vitamins B5 and B6 and B3 have been shown to have an amazing effect on acne outbreaks. Vitamin B5 was studied with people taking 10mg per day plus a 20% topical lotion of B5. Those with minor acne cleared up quickly and those with severe acne cleared up within 6 months. The safety of such high doses has not been determined, though.

Greens They're available at health stores and are basically vegetables that are powdered. If you want to get rid of acne quick you should try to eat around 5 tablespoons a day or more. This will greatly help with clearing up acne if you are eating right as well.

About the Author

Trikatu - Natural Appetite Supressant. Also Read about Garcinia Cambogia Weight Loss Supplement and Hair and Skin Care Supplement Bhringraja

Food Allergies in Infants and Babies

Is your baby susceptible to bouts of unexplained itchiness that you thought were merely a phase or skin sensitivity? Is her nose sometimes stuffy or runny? Is she cranky for no apparent reason and is she trying to tell you something?

Is emitting large quantities of intestinal gas a regular affair for your infant? Is his tummy a little more bloated than other kids' and does he struggle to pass even soft stool or diarrhea?

If the answer is '"yes" to most of these questions, read on. Your baby might be dealing with a food allergy.



First of all, don't panic. It's not as serious as it sounds. Food allergies are a common problem amongst babies and adults alike.

There are many possible reasons for food allergies. Your infant could be allergic to cow's milk or your child could be having some problems dealing with solids when you're trying to wean him/her. Here are some possible causes for food allergies:

· Introduction of allergenic solids in baby's diet before four months of age

· Allergy towards cow's milk

· Allergy towards other foods like dairy products, fish, nuts, or wheat

· Heredity

· Enzyme deficiency which causes lactose intolerance

· In rare cases, a serious undetected illness or condition

Although food allergies in most cases are merely a nuisance and not life-threatening, parents still need to know the type of food or food group to eliminate from their baby's diet. By avoiding, rotating the diet and playing food detective, we can minimize the discomfort and symptoms of food allergies as much as possible. First, try to eliminate the following products from your infant's diet.

· Dairy products

· Soy

· Egg (or at least white of egg)

· Wheat

· Peanuts

· Tree nuts

· Citrus fruits

· All types of food additives (reduce introduction of canned, packaged or ready-to-eat food)

· Shellfish

If you're not sure whether your baby is indeed suffering from a food allergy, observe your baby very closely and monitor his/her diet to see if she is experiencing any of the following allergic reactions:

· Rashes on face or other body parts that are red and scaly

· Hives

· Swollen hands and feet, puffy eyes

· Dark circles under the eyes

· Throat soreness and tongue

· Sneezing, running or stuffy nose

· Wheezing

· Persistent cough

· Ear infection

· Red and scaly rashes around the anus

· Abdominal discomfort

· Diarrhea or soft stool

· Poor weight gain

· Bloating of the stomach

· Gassiness

· Fatigue, headaches

· Irritability, moodiness, hyperactivity

· Sore muscles and joints

If you've determined that your infant is, indeed, suffering from a food allergy, try substituting some of the allergenic foods with non-allergenic foods like apples, apricots, barley, beets, grapes, cranberries, mangoes and oats.

Other non-allergenic foods include asparagus, carrots, cauliflower, chicken, broccoli, lettuce, rice, safflower oil, salmon, sweet potatoes, rye and honey.

Food allergies, as mentioned earlier, are quite common among infants and can be dealt with easily. The most important thing is for us to detect them, minimize reaction and symptoms, get advice from a professional and eliminate the allergies' immediate causes.

About the Author

Be up-to-date on baby care issues: read Magnificent Babies Magazine at http://magnificentbabies.com. Lucky Balaraman is the editor.

Skin Self-Examination: What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?

Skin cancer is a common form of cancer which can usually be
successfully treated if caught in an early stage of development.
It’s important to detect skin cancer early, because even
melanoma, the most difficult form of skin cancer to treat, has a
high recovery rate if treated before metastasis. What does skin
cancer look like? Only a doctor can tell you if you have skin
cancer, but there are some warning signs you can look for to let
you know when you need to ask for a doctor’s opinion.

The first symptom of skin cancer is a tumor on the skin. Since
these tumors appear on the skin, they are easily detected at an
early stage, making rapid treatment a possibility. While it is
less known than a breast exam, people can do their part to
detect skin cancer early by doing a skin self-examination.
Instructions are available on how to do a thorough examination,
but the basic idea is that you check your entire skin area for
anything unusual. This includes your scalp, between your toes,
and every part of your skin.



It is important to be familiar with your body so that you notice
any differences. Nevi or moles are extremely common, and the
average person has 10 to 40 of them. Even having some dysplastic
nevi, irregularly-shaped moles, is common. These are benign
growths and they are nothing to worry about. However, you should
be familiar with your moles and their appearance. New moles and
changes in the appearance, texture, or color of old moles could
be a sign of a cancerous tumor developing, and you should
consult your doctor if something like this occurs.

Basal cell and squamous skin cancer can appear as a new,
strange-looking mole, or as an area resembling a rash or a sore
which does not heal normally. The key to detecting these cancers
early is to do skin self-examinations, and consult a doctor if
there are any such irregularities.

Melanoma has an appearance which may be more striking and
obvious. This is a deadlier form of skin cancer, affecting the
melanocytes which lay beneath the epidermis. These cells give
pigment to your skin, and these are the types of cells which
form nevi. If you discover a new dysplastic nevus that was not
previously on your body, you should see a doctor. Early
detection and early treatment are necessary to prevent the
cancer from spreading. A discolored mole, a mole which has
increased in size or is surrounded by discolored or broken skin,
or an asymmetrical mole may be a cancerous tumor and should be
examined by a doctor.

Regular skin self-examinations can help you detect
irregularities which should be evaluated by a medical
professional. What does skin cancer look like? Looks can be
deceiving, and only your doctor can tell you for sure, but there
are some warning signs which can help you detect and eliminate
skin cancer in its early stages.

About the author:
To learn much more about the different types http://skincancer-101.com
Author: Adam Hefner

What Is Skin Cancer? Risk Factors and Detection

Our bodies are made up of individual cells which are designed to reproduce, allowing for growth and an extended, healthy life. By serving their purpose, reproducing, and dying, they leave new, fresh, and fully functional cells to continue to perform bodily functions. After many cycles of reproduction, due to natural cellular degeneration over time or outside influences causing mutations, some cells fail to reproduce and die at the normal rate, and can start reproducing too much and form growths. These growths may be benign, or they may be malignant, in which case they are referred to as cancerous tumors. Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cells to mutate and create growths, some benign and some malignant. What is a benign growth and what is skin cancer is a question you should ask your doctor.

If you have a rash, lump, or wound that doesn't seem to heal, this could be a cancerous tumor. Rather than ignoring these symptoms, you should see a doctor and find out what they are, although something like this should be an obvious reason to talk to a doctor regardless of the cancer risk.

The symptoms mentioned above may indicate squamous or basal cell carcinoma, which are the two most common nonmelanoma skin cancers. Squamous cells are the top layer of the skin. They are round and flat and protect against the environment. Beneath this layer of cells are the basal cells, which can also form tumors.

Most people have an average of 10 to 40 moles or nevi, which are benign, noncancerous growths. They often appear in the face, back, and arms, places which are frequently exposed to sunlight. Nevi are growths formed from mutated melanocytes, the cells which pigment the skin. These are located between the dermis, where sweat glands and hair follicles are located, and the epidermis, made up of basal and squamous cells. Melanocyte growths which turn cancerous are called melanoma.

Check your skin regularly for any abnormalities, especially if you have dysplastic nevi, which are irregularly shaped moles. If these nevi change in any way, including in size, shape, color or texture, or if the surrounding tissue becomes irritated, you should consult a doctor. If a new dysplastic nevi forms on your body, a doctor may want to do a biopsy to see if it is cancerous. This is generally done by removing the entire mole, and this may be all the treatment you need to get rid of the cancer. If the cancer is allowed to metastasize, additional tumors may form in other parts of the body by wandering cancerous cells which reproduce elsewhere, so early detection is extremely important.

You should not expose yourself to UV radiation if you can avoid it. When you go out in the sun, you should use sunscreen or protective clothing. Do not tan yourself too much and avoid sunburns, and do not use tanning beds. New research shows that tanning beds are an important risk factor for melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer.

Ask a doctor if you have any suspicious irregularities in your skin, and familiarize yourself with your skin and moles so you can do self-examinations. Any irregularity should be examined by a doctor, who can tell you what is skin cancer and what may be a normal growth or another condition.

About the Author

To learn much more about what is skin cancer, visit http://www.SkinCancer-101.com where you'll find this and much more, including possible skin cancer treatments.