Here are several things that you should avoid when washing your face. Remember that it is our aim to make your skin healthier and beautiful.

1. Do not wash face too often. Washing your face doesn’t mean you have to wash it every hour of the day… Experts recommend ONLY two or three times per day. Frequent washing may dry out your skin thus increasing your risk to irritations that may even cause acne. Moreover, if the skin is too dry, your glands will produce more oil to compensate for this loss. This means that the risk of getting too much sebum also increases.
2. Do not use harsh soaps and cleansers. Never use bar soaps or bar cleansers. The ingredients that keep these soaps and cleansers in bar form can clog your pores and irritate your skin… plus, they can help foster breakouts. Harsh soap and cleansers can strip off the skin’s natural lipids thus irritate your skin. Choose cleansers that are mild and non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic, and soap-free. There are several products like this in the market like Cetaphil, Burt Bee’s or Neutrogena. Dilute your cleanser with enough water when you wash… The less concentrated your cleanser, the gentler it will be.
3. Do not use too much cleanser. Even if you are using mild cleansers, it is best to dilute it with water (a palmful will be sufficient). The less concentrated your cleanser, the gentler it will be for your face.
4. Do not use cleansers containing alcohol. Alcohol will upset your face’s natural ph level, thus causing irritation. Using toners and astringents may feel wonderful… but over-using these will irritate your skin!
5. Do not just use products. Instead, know your skin type. For dry skin, look for products with cocoa butter or glycerin. For oily skin, look for products with benzoyl peroxide, citric acid or salicylic acid. For sensitive skin, look for aloe vera, almond oil or chamomile.
6. Do not under rinse. Residues left behind can actually clog your pores. Facial cleansers can leave an invisible residue behind which can clog your pores. Rinse three times, then rinse again!
7. Do not exfoliate often. Removing dead skin cells can make your skin less dull but you should not overdo it or you will injure your skin. Too much scrubbing will make your skin dull and flaky. Avoid abrasive facial pads and grainy facial scrubs.

Remember, in everything that you do, simplicity and moderation is often that key. Do not abuse your skin. Go easy and gentle. And put your best face forward.

Your body isn’t the only thing that needs to be healthy; your skin has to be healthy, too. Some people may not be aware of this, but a lot of vitamins are essential and helpful in improving your skin’s health.

Let us start by discussing the Vitamin A. You have probably heard discussions about how good this vitamin, more specifically beta-carotene, is for the eyes, but aside from this, it is also good for the skin. Vitamin A is important in repairing and protecting the skin tissues. A lack or even a small drop in the required amount of this vitamin will immediately be manifested by the body, especially by the skin itself. Flakiness and drying of the complexion is a good example the signs of vitamin A deficiency. To avoid these consequences, it is best to take foods that are filled with vitamin A, such as fruits and vegetables.

Aside from food supplements, the external application of Vitamin A is also a plus. These supplements can be taken in the form of lotions and creams, which help control the fast growth of acne, wrinkles and unwanted facial lines. Aside from these important benefits, Vitamin A also helps us avoid psoriasis, the symptoms of which include the swelling and scaling of the skin. Retin-A, which is a derivative of Vitamin A, is used in the formulation of retinols. Retinol is an over the counter drug that is used as a treatment for aging. Topical retinol with Vitamin C is also found to reverse skin changes, which are caused by photoaging and chronological aging.

The next vitamin on our list is Vitamin B for Vitamin B Complex. The most important “B” to remember in Vitamin B complex is Biotin. This nutrient is responsible for the formation of the nails, hair, and skin cells. Biotin is found in various types of food such as eggs, rice, oatmeal, and bananas. Even the human body creates its own biotin.

However, the fact that our body produces it doesn’t mean that you should stop taking food and other supplements rich in Biotin and the entire vitamin B complex. A lack of this important nutrient may result in dermatitis or skin inflammation accompanied by itchiness and redness of the skin. Hair loss is also another symptom for vitamin B complex deficiency.

There are now available creams in the market which contain B vitamins. These creams help restore or bring radiance to the skin as it moisturizes skin cells and improve the entire body’ s skin tone. Aside from biotin, Niacin is another B vitamin which helps bring back moisture to the skin in almost less than a week. They work by relieving dry and chaffed skin. It also serves as a skin lightener which can clear up blotchy skin.

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Tired and confused of all the cosmetic products in the market? Are you typically at loss on what to buy to have the best quality that would give your skin the care it deserves? Well, if you are constantly fooled by the hypes done by those big cosmetic companies who are spending billions of dollars each year to satisfy your quest, then you might consider computing the amount of money that you have spent. How much does each trip to the drugstore cost? How many bottles of products did you buy aimed to cleanse, tone, moisturize, and exfoliate your skin? Does your bureau resemble a hospital medicine cabinet? The truth is, maintaining a beautiful skin does not have to be this complicated. There are natural ways to have that beautiful skin you have always longed for at your refrigerator and kitchen. Moreover, they are not that expensive as those bottles of cosmetics that you are so fond of.

Easy Home Recipes for Beautiful Skin for Every Day of the Week

1. You will need one egg, a heaping tablespoon of mayonnaise and a tablespoon of honey. Mix this together thoroughly with a fork and apply sparingly to the skin. Allow this to dry and then wipe off with a warm washcloth.
2. You will need 1 tbsp. yeast, 1 tbsp. baking soda, 1 tbsp. water. Mix together ingredients and apply on face allowing it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.
3. You will need 1 tbsp. of gram flour, 1/4 tsp. orange peel powder, 1 tbsp. beaten yogurt, 1 tsp. olive oil. Mix ingredients well and apply paste on your face and neck allowing it to dry. Rinse with warm water first then cold water.
4. Slices of cucumbers applied to the eyes refresh and relieve puffiness and they are great cleansers when sliced and rubbed over your face. The same holds true for slices of fresh tomatoes.
5. You will need one-fourth tsp. of limejuice stir to mix with one tsp. of milk and cucumber juice. Apply on the face and neck and wash off after 14 minutes. This cleanses and purifies pores of skin.
6. Make a paste by mixing papaya, honey, milk and milk powder. Apply on the face and let sit for a few minutes then wash off.
7. You will need 1/2 tsp of rose water mixed with 1 tsp of honey. Gently apply to the face. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes, then wash off with tepid water. Honey moisturizes and soothes dry skin, and is gentle enough for daily use.

Really, you do not need to blow your savings just to have a beautiful skin. Next time you long for a facial open your fridge and treat yourself to an inexpensive, all natural, at home salon. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Acne is the most common skin disorder known today. In United States alone, nearly 60 million people are infected with acne, while 85 per cent of teenagers suffer from it.

Skin experts and practitioners recommend several natural acne treatments. Here are some that we have compiled just for you.

• Wash your face twice a day (thrice at most) with gentle and unperfumed cleanser. Avoid using soaps as they contain harsh chemicals and ingredients that can damage your skin.
• Avoid touching your face. Stop putting your hands by your face! I am often guilty of this resting my hand on the side of my head while reading. Also rubbing or bracing your chin is another common problem when thinking. Avoid rubbing, touching, or scratching your skin with your hands. Your hands contain a lot of bacteria that can cause acne flare-ups. It is probably one of the most difficult things to avoid since much of the hand to face contact throughout the day we are unconscious of. Make it a habit to avoid hand contact and be conscious of it during the day to avoid bacteria.
• Avoid the temptation to pick, prick and squeeze your acne. This will send the infection deeper into the skin and can cause severe scarring.
• For mild to moderate acne, you can use over-the-counter topical ointments, solutions, lotions or gels that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or azelaic acid as an alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is best at killing P. acnes and may reduce oil production. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands.
• Topical antibiotic solutions and lotions can also be applied.
• Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent and has a drying effect on the skin. It keeps the P. Acnes bacteria at bay along with decreasing facial oiliness, which makes this oil a worthwhile investment.
• Sulfur helps to heal existing blemishes by unblocking pores.
• Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA or BHA) works by keeping the skin exfoliated. Glycolic acid, the most well known of the bunch is a useful adjuvant therapy for mild acne. Mandelic acid, a lesser known one, but one that combines the keratolytic properties of glycolic acid, with natural antibacterial properties that help reduce the presence of P. acnes, may be considered a more effective alpha hydroxy acid in treating acne lesions. It is also much less irritating than glycolic acid, a factor that may be very important to those with sensitive skin who are unable to use other agents such as Retin-A, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or salicylic acid. It is effective in treating mild cases of acne on its own, and can be used successfully with other therapies on moderate acne.

These treatments are usually effective for mild to moderate acne problems only. The effectiveness usually takes several weeks or approximately three to six months to be noticed. For more severe and serious acne conditions, do not hesitate to consult your dermatologist.

Acne was once known as the mark of adolescence. This image has slowly diminished with today’s rapidly changing lifestyle. Studies have shown that at present, approximately fifty-four percent of the female population in their adulthood are suffering from various forms of acne problems. These problems may include pimples, blackheads and epidermal cysts.

As teens, people acquire acne because of some genetic factors that may have left them prone to this condition. However, in adulthood, acne may come not only from the genetic factor, but also from the hormonal changes, stressful lifestyle, urban pollution and various preparations and medications such as birth-control pills. Since hormonal changes, like that induced by menopause, are more drastic in women, they are also more prone to acne problems as compared to men. Only forty percent of adult men at present are suffering from these skin irritations.

Acne conditions in adulthood starts with the shedding of epidermal cells. The flakes shed by the epidermis then clog up the skin’s pores. Meanwhile, oil is produced by the oil glands in the skin, which should, ideally, be released through these pores. Since the pores are clogged, the oild builds up under the skin, creating a conducive environment for bacteria growth.

One form of acne problem common in women as well as men is the chest acne. People suffer from facial acne due to its increased exposure to pollution and other external acne-inducing factors. However, people’s bodies may also become prone to acne when the internal factors like hormonal change, genes, and medication are accompanied by perspiration trapped by synthetic clothing. The best way to avoid this condition is to wear breathable fabrics, like cotton, in order to induce evaporation of sweat.

Another effective control measure against acne on the chest, neck and collar areas is the ClearPores body wash and lotion. When used once every morning and every night, the ClearPores body wash will prevent the breakout of body acne. It is best to make ClearPores a daily regimen with the wash accompanied by the ClearPores lotion, to be used twice every week and the ClearPores Pills to be ingested for internal control of blemishes.

I always wanted to know why I had acne and other people do not. Worldwide, 60 million people suffer like I did.

I did some research and talked to my doctor to find the most common causes of acne.

• Hormones: The number one cause of acne is the production of sex hormones, known as androgen, that begins at puberty. This is why majority of acne sufferers are adolescents and teens. Hormones are responsible for then acne flare-ups during menstruation and pregnancy.
• When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. In its journey up the follicle toward the surface, the sebum mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging — and acne.
• Stress: can also cause the production of hormones, such as cortisol, which can aggravate acne. Stress brings upon different hormone levels. With hormone changes the body prompts the skins oil glands to enlarge, secreting more oil. Which causes white heads, black heads and pimples.
• Oily or heavy make up: Heavy make-up clogs the pores and oily make-ups add more oil, which only adds to the problem if oily skin already exists. Cosmetics, especially certain moisturizers, foundations and pomades contain lanolin, petrolatum, vegetable oils, butyl stearate, lauryl alcohol and oleic acid.
• Certain medications and steroids: Vitamins are good for your body, But an excess of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can cause acne flare-ups. These vitamins are good for the skin, but avoid overuse.
• Diets: For some people, a diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can actually aggravate their acne.
• Over abrasive cleansing: Harsh exfoliators can damage skin and spread infections.
• Picking and squeezing: This can actually send the infection deeper into the skin and can cause scarring.
• Environmental irritants: such as high humidity and pollution. High humidity actually causes swelling of skin. Pollution is of course is a big cause for clogging your pores.
• Genes: Family members who are also acne sufferers. Acne is inherited and severe cases known as cystic acne usually come from heredity.

Try asking people advice regarding your acne and chances are, they would tell you that it is due to your poor hygiene or poor diet.

However, skin experts are actually dismissing those as nothing but myths. The best way to cope with your acne problem is to educate yourself and it is with this purpose that we decided to list here the common acne myths that people often encounter.

• Acne is not a caused by a poor hygiene. Many people believe that acne is caused by poor hygiene; therefore they tend to over-wash their skin. However, washing too frequently and too aggressively can strip the skin of its natural lipids, damaging the skin’s natural barrier function. In response, the follicle will produce excess sebum and possibly additional breakouts. So unless you get yourself dirty on regular basis (like a mechanic, perhaps), do not over-wash your face.
• Acne is caused by certain foods. The common misconception is that eating junk food will lead to or worsen an acne condition. Scientific studies have shown that diet has little to no effect on acne. This varies depending on the person. While eating healthy and balanced diet is encouraged for our health, there is really no scientific evidence that connects certain foods to acne. If you are one of those who are affected by certain foods, it is always wise to avoid them.
• You can outgrow your acne. It is much more sensible to treat your acne immediately to avoid emotional stress and permanent scarring.
• Acne is just a little problem, no need to overreact. It is embarrassing to have acne, thus can affect our confidence and esteem. It may even affect our social relation and job performance.
• Acne is just a cosmetic disease. Heavy and oily make up may contribute to acne build up. However, cosmetics labeled non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic might actually contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that may help to fight acne.
• Stress can cause acne. While over stress may actually produce hormones that can aggravate acne; normal, everyday stress does not really trigger acne.
• Getting a tan would clear up acne. While sun exposure may dry out existing acne, it will not prevent new ones from forming. It can also over dry the skin thus sebaceous glands will produce more oil that will ultimately worsen your condition. It will also increase your risk of skin cancer and wrinkles.

So there, the next time somebody tells you one of those things, gracefully correct them and share what you know. Remember, knowledge is power.

“You are what you eat.”

Does it sound familiar? You probably have heard of it. And yes, it is true. What you eat affects how well you are and how you look- today and for the years to come.

Balanced diet is needed for optimal health and well- being; as well as having a healthy skin. However, balanced diet is primarily set to prevent malnutrition and vitamin/ mineral deficiencies.

The aim of this article is to provide tips that will help you achieve the skin you have always longed for.

Choose foods rich in vitamin A. Naturally occurring vitamin A or retinol is commonly found in fish oils, dairy products and liver. Vitamin A found in plants is called beta-carotene and is commonly found in yellow/ orange fruits and vegetables like carrot and cantaloupe. This is essential for the maintenance and healing of epithelial tissues, with skin being the largest expanse of epithelial tissues we have. This diet includes plenty of dark orange (carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash) and dark green (broccoli, spinach, kale) vegetables — all of which are high in vitamin A.

Choose foods with plenty of B vitamins like B-2 and B-3. These foods convert calories into energy for metabolism and are components of enzymes that maintain normal skin function. The best sources for these are green leafy vegetables, lean meats, eggs, avocados, fish, brewer’s yeast, whole grains and peanuts.

Vitamin C for collagen maintenance. Best sources are citrus fruits and juices, slow cantaloupe, strawberries, tomato sweet peppers and green peas.

Vitamin E to protect your cells against free radicals. This is a powerful antioxidant that helps slow the aging of skin cells and promote healthy skin. A powerful antioxidant, it protects your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, broccoli, wheat germ, peanuts and vegetable oils.

Zinc is for boosting the immune system and promoting optimum health. Zinc can be found in eggs, seafood, turkey, pork, whole grains, nuts and mushrooms. This trace mineral helps maintain collagen and elastin fibers that give skin its firmness, helping to prevent sagging and wrinkles. It also links together amino acids that are needed for the formation of collagen — essential in wound healing.

Selenium is a mineral antioxidant that will help minimized the damage of ultraviolet lights. Researches show that it might even aid in skin cancer prevention. Good sources of selenium include tuna, wheat germ, sesame seeds, nuts, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mushroom and whole grains.

Your skin is one of the most essential body organs and it needs proper care and attention. It is also the body organ that becomes most affected by extreme sun rays.

The sun has ultraviolet rays that can cause various skin problems, such as skin cancer. However, this can be prevented by obtaining basic knowledge regarding proper care of your skin. The sun’s rays are fiercer from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., within which period, it is better if you stay inside your home or under a shade even if it is cloudy. You must remember that you are more likely to get sunburned near beaches.

The sun’s rays affect everybody; it does not matter if you are young or old. However, children are more at risk since they like playing outside when the sun’s rays are at its most intense. The most effective way to prevent sunburn is to dress your children with dark-colored clothes that cover as many parts of their bodies as possible. You must also apply sunscreen on their skins.

It is also a good option to buy your kids sun-protective swimwear. This swim wear covers as many exposed body parts as possible, shielding them from the sun. Cotton shirts for your children can also minimize sunburn. Dark-colored shirts offer more protection than white shirts. The reason for this is that the sun’s rays can go through those light colored shirts. Dying your children’s clothes with SunDye is one way to prevent the sun’s rays from penetrating them.

A good defense against the harmful effects of the sun’s rays is the application of sunscreens that can be bought in most stores. When you apply sunscreens to kids or babies, make sure that it has no negative effects on their skins. It is also wise to apply it in small doses because babies’ skins are very sensitive. It is important to apply sunscreens on their whole body, including the feet.

Not many people know this, but the lips also get sunburned. To prevent this from happening, you can apply sun sticks or the ordinary lip balms with sun protection. For more information about these products, you must make it a point to always read the instructions. This practice will help you maximize the effects of your sunscreen products. When out for a swim or walk, always remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours. Doctors often recommend a sunscreen product with an SPF of 30 and above.

When you are out and the sun is hot, it is important to always stay under a shade. When you are planning an outdoor trip, it is wise to always bring an umbrella, hat, tent, and other equipment that can keep the sun’s rays away from you. Of course, you should never forget to bring enough sunscreen products to last for your whole trip.

All skin types of people vary, they can either be too dry or to oily. The most common problem during the summer is having dry skin. Because of this, a number of products have come up that promise to bring back the moisture in your dried up skin.

The dry skin problem can be remedied by using a liquid moisturizer. When your skin becomes too dry, you should buy the cream moisturizers. It is advisable to apply these after baths because this is when the skin pores are open and are able to absorb the moisturizers quickly.

During the summer season, most people go to the beach to tan themselves while others go to tanning booths. People can also use the liquid moisturizers to get the perfect tan. The only difference between a moisturizer-induced tan is that liquid moisturizers get washed off easily while a suntan fade naturally.

The summer is the season when moisturizers are much needed by the body. When choosing the product that is right for you, check the ingredients first to make certain that it does not contain oil. Oil can block pores and results in pimple breakouts and other skin problems.

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