Archive for January, 2010

Dry Facial Skin Treatment

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

Author: Ari Laksemi
Source: ezinearticles.com

When I was younger many of my friends were suffering from acne and I didn’t. I had the opposite problem, dry skin. My friends thought I was lucky, but I knew better. I knew that they would likely outgrow their acne stage but I would have to deal with my dry skin for the rest of my life. Having dry facial skin presents unique challenges when it comes to finding proper skin care products. Here is some of what I’ve learned.

1. Be very careful of what types of soaps you use on your face. You need to find a soap that is gentle and has a moisturizer. Ideally you should use a totally organic product since, believe it or not, many store bought cosmetics including moisturizers have very harmful chemicals in them. Many of the chemicals in American made cosmetics have actually been banned from use in Europe.

2. Limit your exposure to extreme temperatures. Too much heat and sun in the summer can be just as damaging as too much cold in the winter. Whenever you are outside in extreme conditions take care of your skin. In the hot summer months use sunscreen and wear hats and other protective clothing. In the cold winter months make sure to protect your skin from the biting winds by using scarves and gloves.

3. Get plenty of exercise. It’s important that you always remember that a healthy looking outside starts with a healthy inside. Exercise helps you skin in a couple of ways. For one thing it will increase blood flow which will give your skin that radiant glow that we all want to have.

Secondly, when you sweat you are getting rid of harmful toxins in your body. By exercising,and sweating, several times a week you are preventing the buildup of these toxins.

4. Drink plenty of water. Remember, all your healthy skin care starts on the inside. If you want to keep your skin properly moisturized you need to keep your body properly hydrated. Drink about eight glasses of water every day.

5. Find, and use, a good lotion, ‘good’ being the operative word. Like I mentioned above many of the products you buy at the store contain harmful chemicals. The minimum problem with them is that they simply don’t work. The worst problem is that there is mounting evidence that these products can actually cause cancer.

When looking for good skin care products try to find those that are organic. When it comes to choosing an organic product don’t pay too much attention to the label, since many companies will try to make it appear their product is organic when it isn’t.

Instead pay close attention to the ingredients. That will give you a better idea of what is truly in that product. Basically, if you see something listed and you,ve never heard of it, or can’t pronounce it, stay away.

Use these tips and you can make real progress in battling your dry facial skin. Having dry skin can be challenging to deal with, but it’s not impossible.

Ari Laksemi is an online researcher on the subject of how to keep healthy skin care. For further information how to make your skin healthy and skincare products you can visit http://www.beautyskincares.com

2
Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness |

Overview Of Possible Rosacea Treatments

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

Author: Groshan Fabiola
Source: articledashboard.com

To this moment, no actual cure for Rosacea has been found; the condition can only be controlled, prevented from getting permanent, from developing complications and from occurring more often. The therapy depends on the four major forms of Rosacea:

1. The erithematotelenagiectatic Rosacea occurs with more pronounced facial redness and thin, red lines on the skin known as teleangiectasie. The most useful treatment is oral antibiotics as some face ointments can be itchy for the skin. In less serious cases, an anti-inflammatory product can be applied on the face together with a sun protecting lotion. In more severe cases, the only possible therapy seems to be a special laser intervention known as pulsed dye laser.
2. The papulopustular form of Rosacea includes facial flushing, thin red lines on the skin and especially small red spots resembling the ones in acne but without black or white heads. The most proper treatment used is the combination of antibiotics and facial ointments.
3. Phymatous Rosacea includes symptoms like large pores, thickened skin, flushing, pimples and teleangiectasie. Usually the nose is affected, but chin, cheeks forehead, eyelids or ears can also be occupied by the specific lesions. In the incipient stages Isotrentinoin can be prescribed but in more advanced only laser interventions or plastic surgery can resurface and reshape the nose affected by rhinophyma.
4. The main symptoms of the ocular Rosacea include dryness, redness and irritation of the eyes, the eyelids feel dry and flaky all the time and you may have the feeling of foreign body in your eyes. In advanced stages, pain or blurred vision can occur. Possible treatments are artificial tears, ointments and antibiotics.

Normally, the symptoms of Rosacea improve in about 3-4 weeks of treatment; visible results can be observed in about two therapy months. An important part of the therapy is avoidance of the most common triggers for the specific condition. These principal causes must be followed, detected and avoided in order to prevent flare-ups and benefit from the actual treatment.

There are a few tips for preventing the apparition of Rosacea although it cannot be totally avoided as its real cause remains unidentified. You may put up a list containing all potential triggers of flare-ups, note them and try as much as you can to avoid them. Usually the triggers are sun exposure, spicy food, cold weather, high temperatures, emotional stress and skin care products.

0
Tags: ,
Posted in Health & Fitness |

Sunburn Treatment – Few Effective Herbal Remedies

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

Author: Anna Hardy
Source: isnare.com

Sunburn is a burn which is caused on skin due to overexposure to the sun. Sunburn can be caused not only due to exposure to the sun, but also to tanning lamps, UV light, etc. Sunburns could be darkening of color of the skin quite like tanning, or they may also cause other kinds of burns such as chapping of the skin, discoloration and even blistering. Sunburns may burn or tingle for a few hours even after the exposure to the sun is stopped. Some people are affected from sunburns more easily than the others. It has been found that people with fairer skin have more chances of getting sunburned than people with darker skins.

It is obvious that people who visit beaches often also get sunburns very frequently. People who sunbathe and deliberately work on getting a tan on their skins have a high risk of sunburn. Wearing clothing minimizes the chances of getting sunburns. Hence it is found that people who put on swimwear get sunburns only on the exposed parts of their skins.

Though most sunburns are mild problems that correct themselves in a few days, constantly getting your skin sunburned can increase the chances of skin cancer. Therefore, it is not good to expose your skin to the sun more than it is necessary.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Sunburn

- Indian Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)

The Indian aloe, more commonly known as the aloe vera, is a good sunscreen while going out on the beach. Its paste must be applied on the skin before going out into the sun. It is a natural barricade to the harmful rays of the sun.

- Sandalwood (Santalum alba)

Sandalwood, known commonly in India as chandana, is known for its cooling properties. But at the same time it is a herbal sunscreen. Its paste is applied on the skin. However the paste is generally diluted because it becomes too thick and stretches uncomfortably on the skin.

Dietary Guidelines for Treatment of Sunburn

If you have sunburn, then it most certainly means that your skin has become dehydrated. You will have to replenish the water content. Drink lots of water (even though it makes you urinate a lot), and also stick to a liquid diet if possible for one whole day. Eat a lot of fruits that are high in water content such as watermelons, oranges, sweet limes and cantaloupes.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Sunburn

In case of mild sunburns, water therapies are used. But if the sunburn is severe, then medicaments such as satadhuta ghritam, aranaladi taila and chandanadi taila are used for external application.

Home Remedies for Treatment of Sunburn

- If the sunburn is mild enough, then you can effectively use a cold and wet compress to correct the problem. This must be done for ten to fifteen minutes, thrice daily till the sunburn has healed completely. You can add some baking soda to the water to get better relief.

- Almost all creams available in the market are good enough for simple sunburns. You must make sure that vitamin E is an ingredient of the cream, though.

-For slightly more aggravated sunburns, you can have a tub bath in cool water. Be sure to keep the sunburned parts of your skin for at least fifteen minutes in the water. There will be better effects if the water is in constant motion, like in a Jacuzzi.

- If the sunburn has affected your cheeks and the areas under your eyes, then used tea bags or slices of cucumber, potato and tomato can be placed on those regions.

- Mix tomato juice in buttermilk, in the ratio of 1:6 by composition. Apply this on the sunburned parts. Both these sour elements will help the skin to be healed very quickly.

- You can take cabbage or lettuce leaves and soak them in cold water or refrigerate them. When they are cold enough, lay them on the affected parts of the skin. This will reduce the sunburns and heal them.

- Apply lanolin lotion to the skin before going out in the sun. This will act as a sunscreen and prevent your skin from the sunburns.

- For sunburns on the face, this is a very good recipe. Mix some barley powder in milk and make it into a paste. Add little olive oil to it. Then add honey and the white of an egg. Blend the whole thing into a consistent paste and apply it on the skin. This method is only effective for sunburns on the face.

- If your skin is tanning on exposure to the sun, then it is actually a good sign. Nature has provided us with this protection. The tanning is caused due to extra secretion of the pigment melanin. This makes the skin darker, which reduces the chances of getting sunburns.

2
Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness |

Guide to Scalp Psoriasis

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Author: Helen E Mitchell
Source: ezinearticles.com

What is Scalp psoriasis?

As the term suggests, scalp psoriasis is psoriasis involving the scalp. It is common and approximately half of all people with psoriasis have it on their scalp. The reason it deserves special mention is that it can be particularly difficult to treat and usually requires specifically formulated medicines.

Psoriasis in the scalp forms in the same way as in other parts of the body but the affect of the hair is to trap the scale and stop it being rubbed away as it is, for instance, with psoriasis on the elbow. The result is that the scale can quickly build up causing a thicker plaque which becomes more difficult to treat. This difficulty is compounded by the hair which also acts as a physical barrier obstructing the application of creams and ointments to the affected skin.

The net result can be stubborn thick scaly plaques which require specifically formulated scalp treatments.

What are the symptoms?

Scalp psoriasis causes redness and scaliness which may also involve the hairline, the forehead, behind the ears and the back of the neck. It can range from very mild with slight fine scaling to very severe crusted thick scaling covering the entire scalp which can in some cases cause hair loss during the flare, but will normally grow back.

A correct diagnosis of scalp psoriasis is essential in treating the condition as there are other skin disorders which may look similar such as seborrhoeic dermatitis. The difference being that scalp psoriasis scales appear fine with a silvery colour, whilst seborrhoeic dermatitis scales often are yellowish and greasy. One of the most frustrating symptoms is the constant shower of scale on to your collar and shoulders.

What is the treatment?

It should be mentioned that children can get scalp psoriasis too. Treatments will be much the same as used for adults.

There are many treatment options that can help scalp psoriasis and they all need to be used regularly. Treatments can be time consuming and it is important to select one that fits in with your lifestyle. On rare occasions scalp psoriasis has been known to have spontaneous remissions but can also remain on the scalp for lengthy periods of time

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance

A principal source of information on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Here is a list of topical treatments that you may find useful for scalp psoriasis:

Tar Products

Tar shampoos, gels, ointments and creams are commonly used to treat scalp psoriasis. They may be combined with other medications such as salicylic acid, to help remove scale, or coconut oil, to moisturise the skin. Tar is effective but it can stain clothing and jewellery and has a strong smell. As a result, some people dislike using it. The precise instructions for use will depend on the formulation of the product but tar products are usually massaged into the scalp, left in contact for a period of time, and then rinsed off. Clothes and bedding can be protected from staining by wearing a shower cap during the contact period.

Topical Steroids

These scalp products are usually formulated as liquids, gels, oils, foams, sprays or shampoo. They range from mild to very strong potency. They should not be used for long periods of time. Ideally, they should be used regularly for a few weeks to bring the psoriasis under control, and then gradually phased out, giving way to maintenance with a coal tar shampoo. Abrupt stopping of steroids can result in a rebound or worsening of psoriasis. It is not advisable to use steroid preparations on your face, other areas of sensitive skin such as under the breast and genitals and around the eyes, unless directed by your doctor. Most topical steroid medications are designed specifically for treating scalp psoriasis. These formulations are usually water and alcohol based which make them easier to wash out after treatment.

You can become resistant to some topical steroids used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. If this happens consult your doctor for alternative medications. It should also be noted that it can take several months before such topical steroid medications will work again for skin that has become resistant.

Vitamin D Analogues

Vitamin D analogues are available in water and oil – based scalp formulations. They are usually applied once or twice a day and left in contact with the scalp. They do not smell or stain clothing, and are relatively easy to use. They can be used to bring the scalp psoriasis under control and maintain that control. Such medications should be confined to the scalp region only as it can irritate unaffected skin particularly the face. It may be advisable if you think you are prone to sensitivities to test a small patch before applying it to the entire scalp. Avoid contact with the eyes.

Vitamin A Derivative (topical retinoids)

These can be applied as creams or gels for the treatment of psoriasis and can be used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis too. These medications may be less irritating for the people with dry or sensitive skin. To avoid the drying out of skin too much and to reduce irritation, applying a moisturiser 30 minutes before these are used may help. These medications can be used on the face but should never be applied around the eye region and treated skin should not be covered.

Antimicrobial Treatment

If bacterial or yeast infections are present scalp psoriasis can become worse. A crusting scalp together with scaling and/or lymph nodes in the neck are swollen, this may indicate to your doctor that antimicrobial treatment will be necessary as there is infection present.

Mild scalp psoriasis can respond well to treatment with anti fungal shampoos that will help to reduce the yeast infection. Anti fungal shampoos may have to be used once or twice a week thereafter to maintain results.

Other things affecting the scalp

These can include scalp acne, infestations, fungal infections and alopecia. Make sure you get a correct diagnosis before starting any treatments. your doctor or healthcare provider will provide appropriate advice.

Ultra violet light

Successful outcome for using UV light treatments can be variable on the scalp because the hair blocks UV light from penetrating the scalp. It works best on shaved heads. Natural sunlight may also help again if your head is shaved or very thin. It is therefore not surprising that this is not a first line treatment.

Dithranol

Dithranol creams are effective in scalp psoriasis but like coal tar can be difficult to use. Dithranol is usually applied to the scaly plaques and left in contact for up to 30 minutes before being rinsed out. It needs to be applied with great care as it can irritate and cause purple staining of blonde or red hair. Dithranol can burn non affected skin. Lipid stabilised Dithranol (Micanol), if used correctly, can reduce staining. It should also be noted that dithranol will stain clothing and baths, showers and wash basins. Extra attention is needed.

Medicated Shampoos

There are many coal tar and non coal tar medicated shampoos for treating scalp psoriasis at your local chemist. For further advice ask your pharmacist who may be able to give you further guidance. You should also bear in mind that medicated shampoos are designed for the scalp not the hair so the use of a regular shampoo and conditioner after your scalp treatments will reduce the smell of any unpleasant medicated shampoo and leave your hair shiny and manageable.

Scalp psoriasis can get worse if it becomes infected with bacteria or yeasts and sometimes medicated shampoos with antifungal medicines can be useful in reducing the plaques.

The choice of which of these treatments is best for you is a personal one. It is a good idea to shop around and try different treatment options. In this way you can discover which one suits you best.

Some Useful Tips

Scalp psoriasis may progress down onto the forehead, neck and around the ears. These areas can be treated with the same products you use for your scalp only if indicated to use on such areas. Be careful about your face. Strong steroids should not be used on the face and dithranol can stain and burn facial skin. Avoid getting medication in the eyes.

A lot of product treatments will contain salicylic acid, known as a keratolytic. This ingredient aims to loosen psoriasis scales so they can be washed away more easily. This ingredient will be contained in both OTC and prescription products mostly found in shampoos and soaps. It should be noted that treatment with high concentrations of this ingredient can cause irritation and used over large areas of skin the body may absorb it leading to the weakening of hair shafts, causing them to break and leading to temporary hair loss. Hair should return to normal after stopping the treatment. Such products may be easier to apply at night and the head covered with a shower cap to avoid messiness and more convenient as they can be time consuming at the beginning of the day before going to work.

Softening and loosening thick scale makes it easier for topical medications to penetrate plaques and clear them. Soaking the scalp in warm water can help loosen scales which can then be removed using a comb. But be gentle – do not break the skin.

Round or fine tooth combs or brushes are generally used to remove psoriasis scales. Comb the scalp gently with a light circular motion holding the comb flat against the scalp. Loosen the scale gently then you can shampoo to flush the scale from the scalp and out of the hair. A hairdryer can be used to blow additional scales away from the scalp and the hair. Do not remove scales too fiercely as this can break the skin leading to infection. The Koebner response can occur to damaged psoriasis skin, this can also occur if you scratch or scrape your scalp roughly. If any treatments you use aggravate your psoriasis and scalp always consult your doctor. Care should be taken when removing the scales and applying topical medications so as to avoid the Koebner response.

Never use a shower cap or other occlusion method when using prescription scalp medications unless specified by your doctor.

Scalp Itch – As mentioned refraining from scratching and picking of psoriatic scales will reduce infection and the Koebner response. Over the counter medicated shampoos can help in alleviating itching. Please speak to your pharmacist about this.

Combination Medications – The treatment of psoriasis should be tailor made to each person. A doctor may try various combinations of medications before finding what works for you. Good communication between you and your doctor and good compliance will ensure optimum results for you. Always be aware that when medications are combined they may activate adverse reactions. By being aware of this and consulting your doctor if you are unsure will reduce the likelihood of further discomforts.

Another alternative is to soften and loosen the scales is to use oils, lotions, creams or ointments applied to a damp scalp providing they do not cause you irritation. To add to their effectiveness a hot towel placed around the head to act as an occlusion will also help loosen and soften the scales. The heating of olive oil and application to the scalp and wrapping your head in a towel for a long period of time may also help or to speed the process up applying the olive oil and then sitting under a hairdryer. Be careful not to burn the scalp with too much intensive heat.

If you are prone or suffer from dry hair conditioners and cream rinses may help to minimise and moisturise the hair and scalp. There is no evidence to suggest the use of hair dyes, hair sprays or perms will affect your scalp, however please advise your hairdresser before embarking on any treatments so that they can apply patch tests to see if any of their products will irritate your scalp or psoriasis lesions. They may be able to use gentler products. If you have the need to use head lice shampoo preparations it is unlikely you will have a reaction but they can be irritating and great care should be taken not to get the solution into open cuts or lesions or extensively scratched skin.

Hair Matters

It can be highly embarrassing for you finding or going to a new hairdresser or barber. If they are reputable and understanding they should have a knowledge of conditions such as scalp psoriasis and therefore will be able to best advise you on styles, colourings and hair products. It is always worth making general enquiries of friends and relatives about local hairdressers or contacting the Hairdressers’ Council for further advice that may be useful. Some hairdressers are also happy to visit your home if you would prefer not to go to a salon.

When applying scalp products part the hair and hold it in place while you drip the oil or lotion directly onto your scalp. Repeat this process until the whole of the affected area has been treated. Conditioners and cream rinses to help combat dry hair can be used after you have completed using your medication. Hair dyes and sprays do not usually irritate the scalp in scalp psoriasis. However, it may be sensible to test a cosmetic product on a small area of your scalp before committing to it.

This information has been prepared by the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance and should not be used as a replacement for advice from your healthcare professionals. Always consult a doctor too. Bear in mind however, that the treatments used should never be worse than the psoriasis itself. If this is the case consult your doctor for further advice or alternative treatment options.

It is also important to realise that good patient compliance and experimentation to find an effective treatment plan which may include treatments such as topical medications and ultra violet UV light can often be combined and rotated depending on psoriasis resistance to repeated medicinal use.

With all treatments it can take at least eight weeks until you get adequate control of the plaques. Once you have achieved this it is important to maintain any improvement, and this can usually be done with regular use of a tar shampoo.

You are strongly advised to speak to your doctor or health care provider if you think you are affected by any conditions or items mentioned in this article.

This article was written by Helen E Mitchell on behalf of PAPAA, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.

0
Tags: , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness |

Lavender Essential Oil – Recipe Ideas for the Handmade Cosmetic Crafter

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Author: Mindy Schwartz
Source: articleage.com

When it comes to manufacturing handmade cosmetics one ingredient no crafter should be without is lavender essential oil. Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) posses antibacterial proprieties, is gentle to both dry and oily skin, and has the ability to relieve such conditions as muscle pain, insomnia, headaches, burns, bug bites, eczema, psoriasis, and acne making it the most versatile of essential oils. It is also one of the few essential oils that can be used as a middle or top note in perfume due to its fresh, floral smell and affordable price.
Here are a few recipe ideas for using lavender in handmade cosmetics:
Salves, Ointments, and Balms: Lavender blended with neem seed oil or comfrey root powder produces a salve that soothes itching caused by insect bites, bruises, burns, and even diaper rash. Add cinnamon and clove for a pain relieving muscle rub ointment. Use lavender by itself as a gardener’s salve to help chapped hands or as a temple balm to aid in falling asleep and to quell headaches.
Hair Care Products: Blend lavender with apple cider vinegar and nettle herbs for a normal-to-dry hair rinse. You can also try combing rosemary, peppermint, and lavender essential oils along with jojoba and oat extract, which produce a very effective scalp oil treatment.
Bath and Body Care Products: Add lavender to toners, facial creams, and body lotions to combat acne or dry skin conditions. Lavender essential oil combined with dried lavender buds, dead sea salt, Epsom salt, and powdered milk make for a lovely bath salt recipe. Blend jojoba with rose geranium, lavender, sandalwood, and vanilla for a sweet and sexy feminine perfume oil.
Soaps: Try adding tea tree and lavender essential oils to opaque melt and pour soap base along with pumice (sprinkled at the bottom of your soap mold) for a deodorizing and exfoliating soap bar.
A word of caution, due to their volatility, research any essential oil, and always do a skin patch test before use.
Mindy Schwartz is a writer for the handmade beauty industry, as well as, the owner of a handmade bath and body business called Grayson’s Apothecary of Beauty. For more information, go online to http://www.graysonsco.com

2
Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness |

The Right Way to Use Face Cream Reviews

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Author: Tom Woods
Source: ezinearticles.com

By the time you finish reading this you will know the right way to use face cream reviews. Most review sites will be about promoting a specific product or group of products.

However, the best way to choose an anti aging skin cream is to understand what the best ingredients are and to understand which ingredients you should be avoiding.

Knowledge is Key

You can get a lot of information from face cream reviews. But it is only a start. Did you know that many skin care products contain ingredients that could potentially be harmful to your skin?

Many consumers are not aware of this. So, they continually buy products that will not help and might even cause potential side effects.

Many of the large cosmetic companies still have not gotten involved in natural ingredients. Natural ingredients are much safer and they are more effective as well.

However, they also cost more to manufacture. Chemicals and synthetic ingredients are cheaper to use and so they will continue to be used by many cosmetic companies.

What Ingredients Should You Avoid

You may not find many face cream reviews that actually tell you what you should avoid. So here it is, avoid using any skin product that contains mineral oil, fragrances, parabens and dioxane.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a very cheap additive that many cosmetic companies use in their products. It is a petroleum-based product that does not provide any benefit to your skin.

Consumers are mislead because it will leave your skin feeling soft. However, after prolonged use it can dry out your skin. In addition, it will clog your pores. Thus, your skin will not be able to breathe. This can lead to acne forming.

Fragrances

Why are fragrances added to skin care products? I guess that people think their skin cream should have a fresh fragrance or smell to it. Leave this to the perfumes. Fragrances can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions.

Dioxane and Parabens

Now we are getting into some pretty toxic substances. Dioxane is a chemical that is formed during the manufacturing process. The State of California considers it a chemical that can cause cancer.

Parabens are preservatives added to prolong the shelf life of skin care products. Studies show that this substance may also cause cancer and interfere with the body’s endocrine system. Basically, it is another ingredient you must avoid.

What Ingredients Should I Use?

Briefly, I will go over some of the very best natural ingredients used in the best skin care products available.

Natural Essential Oils

Natural oils like Grapeseed oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil and Macadamia Oil are all very powerful substances that penetrate deep into the layers of skin without leaving an oily residue.

These oils provide essential nutrients to the skin and help to reduce lines and wrinkles. The point of a good skin cream is to provide nourishment and to help reduce lines and wrinkles.

Creams and lotions that contain these essential oils are considered some of the best on the market.

What Can You Do?

Use the face cream reviews to gather information, but using it as a starting point. Becoming knowledgeable of skin care ingredients is how I was able to find an effective product for my fiancé. What action are you going to take today?

Tom became an advocate for using organic skin care products when researching for a safe and effective skin cream for his fiancé. He now hopes to educate people on how to find the best natural anti aging wrinkle cream Visit his site today! http://www.thefacewrinkle.com/
By Tom Woods

0
Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness |

Baby Acne Treatment – What is it, Really?

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Author: Bill Regehr
Source: ezinearticles.com

Bringing home the cute little bundle of joy is a miracle in itself. When newborns are ready to come home, they have the appearance of sweet unblemished skin with a glow of happiness on their faces. This peaceful happiness comes from being bundled in soft blankets and loving attention from parents and family. Everyone around the baby is cooing, being playful and otherwise entertaining their new family member. Then one day, a couple of weeks after the arrival, the purest of skin somehow becomes blemished with red pimples and redness appearing as acne or rosacea.

While these outbreaks can have a variety of appearances, most often they show up as pimples or red bumps on the baby’s forehead, top of the head or more often the cheeks. This is not the same as infantile acne or teenage acne. It generally appears three to four weeks after birth, but can at times be present almost immediately following birth.

This has nothing to do with hygiene or the mother’s milk if the baby is nursing. It is believed that baby acne is a carryover from the mother’s hormones released during the pregnancy. These hormones are transferred through the placenta and play a key role in the development of the fetus. Just as the hormonal activity causes acne in pregnant women, those same hormones finally impact the baby’s oil glands after birth and are thought to be the primary cause of baby acne.

Then the baby’s skin reacts sometimes to it’s new environment that contains irritants such as detergents in clothing and bedding. Also high levels of activity and getting the baby too warm in the blankets and clothing can produce the symptoms of baby acne.

There is no need to panic. Exercising a little care about not getting the baby too warm and making sure you use a detergent that is baby-skin friendly can minimize the incidence of these outbreaks. The symptoms will disappear on their own within a few weeks and you can take extra precautions that mange the effect during this sensitive time. Application of creams or lotions may actually make the matter worse. Gently washing the skin regularly will likely help in addition to the cautions mentioned above.

Above all else, do not try to squeeze the pimples or red blotches. This could leave permanent scars. Baby acne treatment is best handled with clean warm water and a clean washcloth. This washing is especially important after nursing when the baby’s face has been in direct contact with the mother’s skin. This may leave oils and other chemicals on the baby’s skin.

Again remember that this is not a dietary issue, but one that is a carryover from life inside the womb. Within a few weeks it will disappear. Special medication or topical treatment should only be used after getting your doctor’s advice to take this more drastic measure.

To learn more about baby acne treatment and other acne treatment read about acne treatments that work for the whole family.

Bill Regehr is a researcher on the topic of acne as it pertains to a number of different audience. His work is work on acne treatments have been published at http://www.acnecures4all.com where there are categories for women, teens, adults, babies and other groups are covered.

0
Tags: , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness |

Nutrition

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Author: Jerzy George
Source: articlesbase.com

Recent studies have shown that nutrition is vital when it comes to healthy skin. Today’s experts no longer stress the sole importance of topical applications i.e. creams and lotions. Instead, it is now a well known fact that skin thrives based upon proper nutrition.

Numerous studies clearly show that skin conditions are manifestations of our bodily needs. The beauty and health of your skin is directly connected with your dietary pattern. Thus, certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants play a very important role in keeping your skin healthy and beautiful. Below, you’ll find some of the nutrients that are of paramount importance when it comes to skin care.

Silica is integral to the synthesis of collagen – a protein responsible for the skin’s basic structure. Collagen keeps the skin strong, thick and smooth. Collagen maintains the skins elasticity and keeps it looking young. Aging is a direct result of lack of collagen. Hence, Silica deficiency (due to its role in collagen production) can result in reduced skin elasticity and premature aging. Silica can be found in various food sources such as green beans, mango, celery, asparagus, strawberries and cucumber.

Zinc plays an important part in keeping the skin healthy — especially when it comes to acne. Acne is a direct result of zinc deficiency. Zinc controls some of the hormones linked to acne. Thus, it also regulates the production of oil within the skin, and it is also great for your immune system. Zinc can be found in fresh oysters, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, ginger, pecans, oats, and eggs. It is also readily available in supplement form as liquid concentrates and tablets.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) such as Omega 3 Fatty Acids also play a very important role when it comes to the hydration of skin, the skin’s flexibility, and adequate protection from UV damage. EFAs help in forming healthy cells by facilitating the process of allowing nutrients into the cells and letting the waste out and hence ensuring optimal functioning of our skin. The right balance of Omega 3s with Omega 6s can result in smoother younger skin. EFAs are not produced by the body but can be easily found in cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel, flaxseeds and safflower oil.

Lastly, selenium is something that should be considered. Selenium is an antioxidant mineral that is responsible for tissue elasticity. It also prevents cell damage that can be caused by free radicals. Selenium can be easily found in wheat germ, seafood (tuna and salmon), garlic, Brazil nuts, brown rice, whole wheat bread and eggs.

All the nutrients mentioned above are vital for healthy, young and beautiful skin

The best thing about these nutrients is that they are found in natural food sources and can be easily incorporated into daily dietary patterns. These nutrients prevent many different skin conditions and other health problems that tend to be caused by nutritional deficiency. As you can tell, it takes a lot to keep your skin in top shape. When it comes to your skin, make sure to get all of those nutrients mentioned above – skin can be tough to figure out, but with the right knowledge it doesn’t have to be.

Explore the benefits of nutrition on human skin to slow down the process of aging and start a skin care revolution which enables women and men of all ages boost supply of vitamins and minerals to create amazing anti-aging results. If you wish to learn more please visit CollageneLife.com

0
Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness |

Treatments Recommended for Host of Skin Conditions

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Author: Anonymous
Source: free-articles

July 2, 2004 — The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is continually regenerating itself, forming new cells as old cells die and are shed. The skin is also a host to many organisms such as bacteria, viruses, mites and other parasites. These organisms live with us in a symbiotic state. It is only when a normal balance is disturbed that skin diseases present themselves.

Acne and acne rosacea are two conditions that can crop up at any time and affect the appearance of the skin. Red, rough or lumpy skin are usual presentations of rosacea. Hair loss is also a symptom. For fair skinned individuals, rosacea is more easily seen.

Research has been ongoing in all parts of the world to combat rosacea infection. Many people find relief but others seem to be resistant to these treatments.

In China, research has concentrated on a parasite called human demodex folliculorum mite. This microscopic worm infects over 98 per cent of adults, living in hair follicles or on hair or eyelashes. They also may reside in sebaceous glands of the face.

A line of products has been formulated to address infestation by demodex. It is called Face Doctor. It is available in soap, cream and shampoo products. Face Doctor products use herbal ingredients to fight the parasite. The main ingredient is seabuckthorn oil. Several other ingredients, such as Vitamin E and aloe vera are added to soothe and protect the skin.

Seabuckthorn Oil – Seabuckthorn is an extraordinary plant that has been recognized for centuries in Eurasia for its exceptional medicinal and nutritional benefits.

The oil of seabuckthorn has general nourishing, revitalizing, and restorative action and can be used for acne, dermatitis, irritated, dry, itching skin, sore skin, eczema, skin ulcers, postpartum pigmentation, burns, scalds, cuts, and tissue regeneration. The stimulation of tissue regeneration is helpful in the treatment of burns, bedsores, poorly healing wounds. It helps reduce damaging effects of sun radiation.

Seabuckthorn oil effectively combats wrinkles, dryness and other symptoms of malnourished or prematurely aging skin and is utilized in anti-aging skin creams and lotions. The berries appear to be an unsurpassed natural source of vitamins A and E, carotenes and flavonoids. Seabuckthorn berries are second only to Rose hips and Acerola in vitamin C content. They are also rich in several other vitamins, including B1, B2, K and P as well as in more than two dozens of microelements.

Furthermore, berries have remarkably high content of essential fatty acids and phytosterols. Taken internally, it can help prevent gums from bleeding, recuperate mucous membranes, heal peptic and duodenal ulcers, urinary tract and cervical erosion, solar and cancer radiation injuries and is a source of carotenes, phytosterols, and EFAs.

The restorative action of the Seabuckthorn oil may be in part due to its high content of essential fatty acids, carotenes, tocopherols and phytosterols, which are all important for the maintenance of a healthy skin

0
Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness |

Types Of Vitamin And Mineral Supplements

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Author: Linda Polansky -
Source: articledashboard.com

There are many reasons why there are different types of vitamin and mineral supplements offered in over-the-counter forms. People might choose to take additional vitamins and minerals because they are involved in sports, or have a specific skin care problem that they need to rectify as soon as possible.

The types of vitamin and mineral supplements that are available in sports nutrition might include nutrients for all areas of the body. Bodybuilders and weight-lifters require certain types of vitamin and mineral supplements to grow muscle and find that growth hormones in pill form will make that happen. These weight lifters might also supplement their diet with amino acids, creatine, anabolic, cell volumizers, protein, and other sports supplements to give their body the refined textures that they need to be competitive in the bodybuilding challenges.

There are many age groups that are concerned with skin care and the types of vitamin and mineral supplements that they might focus on could be used for an acne treatment, anti-aging barrier and to help reduce wrinkles forming on their faces, or they might use different types of vitamin and mineral supplements to repair stretch marks after the birth of a baby or after they have dropped a lot of weight.

There are many types of vitamin and mineral supplements that will help in treating hives and rashes on the body. These lotions and creams are trusted because they are natural and manufactured for treating that specific ailment. Other types of vitamin and mineral supplements might be used to help people in their nail care problems, and moistures that contain all types of vitamin and mineral supplements can help improve a wide variety of body area.

Aloe is one of the many types of vitamin and mineral supplements that people use throughout their life. They may have an aloe plant in their home that they use specifically to treat burns, or they might use this supplement in addition to a sun-block agent to keep skin moist and supplement after sun exposure.

There are many types of vitamin and mineral supplements that make fine additions to medicine cabinet supplies to treat bronchial and throat irritations. Some of these vitamins are used to treat headaches, and cough and others are offered specifically in a children’s formula to handle irritations through the use of lozenges that are made with many types of vitamin and mineral supplements.

These types of vitamin and mineral supplements come in handy when you are fighting the flu, or when you need to help a child with their nasal congestion. Some of the types of vitamin and mineral supplements are offered in cherry, grape and elderberry flavors to make them taste better.

For people that suffer from anxiety, high blood pressure and stress, there are types of vitamin and mineral supplements that will treat those problems quite adequately. Some of these types of vitamins and mineral supplements will help people achieve rest and help them to relax. Others are considered natural sleep aids, and will also help people in their weight control programs.

0
Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness |
« Older Entries