Acne Guidelines

30 Days to Clearer Skin and a Thinner Body

2007-05-13T04:54:00.000-07:00

At some point in their lives every woman envisions the quintessential beauty enhancers ---clear skin and an attractive body. Unfortunately nature did not equip all of us with this envious duo, so we're left to create our own destiny. Not surprisingly, that is easier said than done.

But before you go out and purchase the latest diet pills, or spend $50 on a regime that promises a flawless complexion but delivers more blotches instead, read the following article which promises clearer skin and a weight loss of 8-12 pounds in 30 days if followed fastidiously.

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

Clear skin is defined as a flawless complexion void of marks, blemishes and other defects. According to dermatologists, all of us have it at some point in our lives. Then adolescence sets in, and our skin turns into Frankenstein on steroids.

But like other quirks of nature, our skin enters a new phase as we reach our 20s. The oil glands become less active and once again we experience the joys of a clear complexion. But despite this transition, some women still find themselves stuck with skin that is not to their liking.

Beautiful skin begins on the inside, and is wholly dependant on the foods you eat. A diet high in fruit, vegetables and chicken will result in a complexion with few problems. While a diet high in fried, sugary and greasy food will produce the opposite effect.

This formula which I have used for 20 years will work, if followed thoroughly. Any attempt to deviate, will not produce the desired results. And to reiterate, the key to this recipe, is FOLLOWING THE REGIME FOR 30 DAYS.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: Before attempting this diet, it is important that you see your physician. Women with cancer, diabetes and eating disorders should avoid this regime entirely.

Clearer Skin Can Be Yours

1. Drink 1-2 gallons of water daily.
2. Eliminate all sugary, oily and fried foods from your diet.
3. Eat plenty of fish (especially salmon) chicken, fruits and vegetables.
4. Limit your intake of bread, rice and other carbohydrates.
5. If you must use salt, use it sparingly, and make sure it does not contain iodine. According to experts, iodine, a mineral that regulates the thyroid, has a tendency to produce acne.
6. Avoid chips, olives and peanut butter. All of these products contain iodine which can reek havoc on your complexion.
7. Take vitamins that are designed to enhance your skin hair and nails. Three great products to try are:
8. Always remove makeup before getting into bed.
9. Use soaps that are designed for your specific skin type. Therefore, if you have oily skin avoid using soaps that are made for people with dry skin.
10. Keep your hands away from your face.
11. Give yourself a facial once a month. For those women who can't afford to shell out $50 to go to a ritzy..., you can give yourself a fantastic facial in the privacy of your own home. All you need is a pan, hot water and a few drops of herbs if preferable. A good one to try is..

Look Out Great Bod Here I Come

1. Do not eat after 9 P.M.
2. Eat only when you are hungry. Experts contend that people have a tendency to over eat when they are nervous or depressed. So before you put that slice of pizza in your mouth, make sure you're really hungry and not just having a bad day.
3. Do not eat in front of the tv or at the computer.
4. Eat smaller portions. You can train yourself to eat less by putting your food on a smaller plate.
5. Weigh yourself daily.
6. Drink plenty of water.
7. If you INSIST on having a snack, reach for something nutritional, such as an apple. Okay, if you're really hungry, make that two apples.

Breakfast

6 ounces of salmon
1 apple or the fruit of your choice
1 8 0z glass of water

Lunch
Salad (If you must spread on a dressing, make sure it low in fat and calories). Lemon juice is a perfect alternative.
Fruit of your choice
A hamburger without cheese, mayo or mustard is a must have. Moreover, fast food restaurants have an impressive supply of low cal entrees. So what are you waiting for?
1 8oz. Glass of water

Dinner
1 cup of raw strawberries. If you don't like to eat them in their natural state, sprinkle on a sugar substitute for added flavor; 2 pieces of broiled chicken, 1 cup of beets or string beans; I 8 oz glass of water.

Snack

Although I don't encourage snacking, I know that everyone reaches a point where they just have to have something to sink their teeth into. For you I recommend:

a sweet, juicy fruit: excellent choice; a peach or orange; 1 cup of Vanilla yogurt sweetened with Aspartame. Believe me when I say it tastes better than regular yogurt, but without the extra calories; or try a saucer of delicious sugar-free ice cream. They come in a variety of flavors; ranging from cherry vanilla to chocolate swirl. There you have it, a diet that promises results if used correctly. Now put down that sandwich, you're getting mustard all over the keyboard. Say cheese!

About the Author
A freelance writer since 1989, Butler has written for various magazines and Internet publications including Impact Press, Africana.com., TimBook Tu, and The Black World Today. Moreover, Butler who lists collecting 60s memorabilia among her hobbies, writes news, features, sports and entertainment articles, as well as commentaries and humor pieces. Currently, she is a contributor for Theblackmarket.com. Website:www.Psbwrite.com

3 Steps you have to take to clear your acne and to get healthy, radiant skin

2007-05-13T00:43:00.000-07:00

And the best thing is that it's practically free and you can get significant results in just few days.

The key thing to understand is that acne is not a disease or illness itself, but merely a reflection of the condition your body is in. It's a signal that something is wrong with your body. Thus to cure your acne you have to address its cause.

Detailed explanation of the cause of acne is beyond the scope of this article. But in a nutshell your body is out of balance. Improper diet, pollution, chemicals in food, pharmaceutical drugs, etc have exposed your body to more toxins that it can handle.

Step 1 - detoxify

The first step to correct the situation is to help your body to get rid of the toxins that are causing your acne in the first place.

The good thing is that your body does this automatically - once you step out of the way. As a double-whammy benefit your body will also clear your acne.

For your body to do its job you have to give it sufficient rest and eliminate all harmful substances from your diet for a period of 3 to 7 days. The most effective ways to do this are fasting or so-called detox-diets.

Step 2 - topical treatment

While detoxing, you can help your body with topical treatments. Your skin is one of the main organs for eliminating toxins from your body. Different topical treatments help to keep the pores in your skin open and toxins to leave your body faster. Topical treatments can also kill the bacteria on your skin that lead to acne.

Try to avoid chemicals that dry your skin and just block the pores even further. Instead, try herbal steam baths or skin brushing. Both are excellent ways to help your skin to expel toxins. Sauna can also help you.

To kill the bacteria try some herbal lotions from your health shop. Topical treatments are only complimentary to detoxing. So don't go overboard here.

Step 3 - towards healthier lifestyle

The last thing you should do is to gradually change your lifestyle towards a healthier one. Detoxing and topical treatments will clear your acne.

The purpose of this last step is to keep acne from coming back. You should gradually work to eliminate unhealthy substances from your life. Some examples of things you should avoid are: animal flesh, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and sugar.

It's important to remember that it takes time to change your lifestyle. So go easy on this one and work to eliminate one substance at a time.

About the author:

Seppo Puusa publishes Natural Acne Solution.com website. After 10 years of suffering from acne and having all the conventional treatments fail him, he discover how to cure acne quickly, effectively and practically free with natural means.

To discover how to have acne-free, healthy and radiant skin practically for free in just few short days visit Natural-Acne-Solution. com">http://www.natural-acne-solution.com">Natural-Acne-Solution. com

3 Easy Ways to Treat Body Acne!

2007-05-13T00:31:00.000-07:00

Are you suffering from Body acne? or Zits below the neckline? Don't worry. You are not alone! Lot's of teen get body acne. It is common in the winter months, when you are wearing piles of heavy clothing.

Sweat can clog skin pores and lead to breakouts all over. Other things that can cause body acne are tight fitting clothing ( It traps sweat against the skin, leading to clogged pores and blemishes) stress and hormones. Body acne commonly pops up on the chest and back.

ؠTo zap body acne and prevent it from coming back, you can wash your body daily with a salicylic acid based cleanser. Look for this ingredient on product labels.

ؠShower daily and be sure to shower as soon as possible anytime you have been sweating - such as after playing sports, working outside or just being in the sun. After your shower, you can follow up by a body moisturizer that contains Alfa Hydroxy acid. This will exfoliate skin and help prevent breakouts, without drying skin out.

ؠAt Nighttime you can treat body acne just like facial acne, by applying an acne zapping gel or cream at the effected parts.

ؠIf your body acne is particularly bad and wont respond to this treatment after about a month, you will probably need to see a dermatologist.

About the Author
Venkata Ramana is a Fitness Enthusiast and a Professional Body Builder. Visit his http://www.awacne.com/ and http://www.awdepression.com/ websites and gain maximum Information to stay fit and healthy.

3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy

2007-05-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of articles out there about what to do to make your skin look young again. But what if you still have it? How do young women keep their skin looking the way it is now well into the future? The following five easy tips can help you keep your youthful glow.

1. Use Sunscreen, Never Tan. It's hard for young women to resist the warm glow that a few hours of tanning can bring. But the damage that it does beneath the surface accumulates over time--ultimately leaving the skin dull and thin. By the time premature aging becomes evident, significant amounts of damage has taken place below the surface. Rather than a week of beauty, think of long-term beauty. If you really want to give your skin an added glow, try shimmering lotions and makeups. Or, for a darker look, try artificial tanners (but be careful, they can sometimes leave you looking more orange than tan). Don't forget that you can experience the damaging effects of the sun even if you aren't deliberately trying to tan. Make applying sunscreen part of your daily routine. Purchasing moisturizers with sunscreen already in them can help. Remember, only 15 minutes of sun exposure each day provides you with the vitamin D you need to stay healthy.

2. Eat the Right Foods. You've always heard the phrase "You are what you eat" and that is exactly right when talking about your skin! What you eat is not just relevant to your weight. It also affects the health of your skin. Clinical studies have shown that eating diets rich in fatty acids and antioxidants can help skin retain its youthful appearance. Foods good for your skin include fish, vegetables, whole grains and fruits including all kinds of berries. Antioxidants in the diet may help reduce the appearance of age spots. Fatty acids are one of the components of metabolic processes within the body that are also integral to the maintenance of healthy skin. Making these foods a part of your daily diet can benefit you for years to come.

3. Clean and Moisturize! Don't neglect your skin. For normal skin, a gentle daily cleanser is all you need. Using a washcloth needlessly pulls and tears at the skin. Cleanse your skin with your fingers using gentle, circular motions, paying particular attention not to stretch the delicate eye area. Moisturizing the skin is also important to protect it from the effects of the elements including wind, pollution, and sun (if it is a sunscreen moisturizure). Not only does it protect the skin from the outside, but also helps it to retain its natural moisture from the inside. Keep in mind that spending a lot of money is not necessary. If your skin is oily or you have a problem with acne, use products designed specifically for your skin type. You may want to consult a dermatologist to seek prescription treatments. Never attempt to pop your pimples. This will increase the size of your pores and possibly cause scaring.

Essentially, if your skin is young, value it! Taking simple precautionary steps can help keep it that way. Think of the benefits of having healthy skin in the future. Use sunscreen, eat healthy, and following a daily skin regimine. You don't need alot of money to keep your skin healthy. All it takes is common sense and good lifestyles choices.

About the Author
Amie Gerlowski writes about skin care topics such as skin doctors and tanning. Learn more at http://www.feelconfident.co.uk .

25 Uses for Essential Oils in Your Daily Life

2007-05-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy is a growing area of interest as North America continues its search for alternative and complimentary applications of natural medicines. The use of herbal supplements in our daily lives is one excellent example of this.
Aromatherapy, however, is still in the realm of uncertainty. People are familiar with the term, most have heard of essential oils, but still few know how to use them in practical applications.
Here's a short list of some examples of ways to enhance your daily life with essential oils.

Diffuse in air with a ceramic or electric diffuser to clean or fragrance the air.

Facial steam - add a few drops of oils to boiling water, place your face over the bowl and drape your head with a towel and breathe deeply.

Bath water - add 4-10 drops to your bath or jacuzzi.

Skin spray - add 4-10 drops of oil to 60 mls (2 oz) distilled water in a misting bottle then spray skin for a fresh uplift to the day.

Linen spray to freshen sheets & towels - same as the skin spray but mix 20-30 drops to 60 ml (2 oz) and spray your sheets.

Remove the cap from the oil bottle and breathe deeply for a quick pick-me-up.

Room spray - same as linen spray but the concentration is 50-75 drops to 60 ml (2 oz) of distilled water.

Hand or foot bath - add 4-6 drops of oil to warm water and soak your hands or feet in it. For tired feet, also add 2 tablespoons of epsom salts to the water.

Massage oil is easily made by adding 10-20 drops of oil to 30 ml (1 oz) of carrier oil, such as grapeseed, olive, sweet almond, jojoba, etc. Cut the amount of essential oil in half for children.

After your shower, put a few drops of oil on a washcloth and rub vigorously over your body.

Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a cloth by your pillow at night to help breathing when struck by a cold or flu.

Hot compresses are wonderful on sore, tired muscles. Add 5-10 drops of oil to hot (not boiling) water. Soak a cloth in the water, wring it out and place on the affected area. Repeat as needed.

Cold compresses - for headaches and swelling. Same as hot compresses but use cool to cold water.

Sniff lavender or peppermint for headaches.

Dab tea tree on acne pimples to help clear up the infections.

Revive old potpourri mixes by adding 10-20 drops to the mix and stirring.

Create your own perfumes by blending favourite oils in beeswax or oil bases and apply.

Sniff peppermint oil for nausea, including morning sickness, motion sickness and carnival rides.

For infant colic, apply a warm - not hot - compress with roman chamomile on the tummy.

Massage menstrual cramps with clary sage diluted in a vegetable carrier oil like grapeseed or jojoba.

Gently massage varicose veins with a massage oil containing cypress.

Add a few drops of eucalyptus to your shampoo to help dandruff problems.

Help smooth wrinkles by massaging nightly with a few drops of frankincense diluted in sweet almond oil or rosehip seed oil.

For depression diffuse jasmine or rose in the air.

After a long night on the town, add juniper to your bath to help detoxify your body.

Remember, that essential oils are generally too concentrated to use directly on your skin. They need to be diluted for application. As with anything, there are exceptions.
Lavender and tea tree are the most commonly used oils that can be applied directly on the skin (neat) in small doses.
There are many excellent resources on essential oils and their effects on body, spirit and mind. Some oils have contra-indications so it is important that you learn about any oil before using it.
Essential oils are great companions to enhancing your daily life, when used appropriately.
Break out a bottle of oil and sniff it today!

About The Author

Paula Polman, B.Sc. is the owner of Basic Scents & Supplies. She has been making natural care products for over six years and practising aromatherapy for more than eight years. She can be reached by email at paula@basicscentssupplies.com or visit http://www.BasicScentsSupplies.com for more information.
subs@basicscentssupplies.com

10 Myths About Acne

2007-05-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

1. Stress causes acne
Stress has a minimal influence on a persons ability to develop acne through stress. Stress doesn't cause acne, but it can influence the re-occurrence of acne as stress levels increase the body's creation of a substance called cortisol.
Cortisol causes the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce increased amounts of sebum oil which ultimately blocks the pores.

2. Acne is contagious
No one can "catch" acne; it is non-communicable.

3.You'll outgrow acne, so just leave it along and it will heal itself.
Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn't be left alone to worsen. (It should be treated so it doesn't cause scarring)

4. Being out in the sun helps acne
The sun may appear to help clear up blemishes and redden the skin, thus lessening the overall effect. However, rays from the sun cause skin damage and irritate and worsen existing acne problems clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen).

5. Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas
Strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body's oil production which can worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.

6. Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, (Too much or not enough depending on your point of view)
Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, doesn't mean it has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; (These are also two entirely different issues.)

7. People with acne are dirty and don't wash enough.
Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Dirt isn't even a factor

8. Acne is only an external issue or surface deep so people shouldn't make such a big thing out of it,
In reality, yes, it basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit). However effects of acne run much deeper. More than 50 percent of those suffering acne report negative comments from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards. This can result in depression and low self-esteem which is harmful not only short-term but over a person's lifetime.

9. There is a cure for acne
Although there is no cure, there are many treatments available that do a great job. Prevention is the best medicine;" and there is no need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today.

10.If you suffer with acne you should not use moisturizers or other make-up products on your face
Today there are many noncomedogenic cosmetics out there specially formulated to NOT clog your pores.

About the Author
Kim is a Registered Nurse working for a large Hospital Trust in the UK,

She can be found at http://www.acne-and-you.com and http://www.nursing-hints.com

10 Acne Truths and Myths You Need To Know!

2007-05-12T05:22:00.001-07:00

Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults are acne sufferers. And although acne affects about 50 percent of all adult women, acne does affect males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.

This article includes information based upon research about acne. It strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of the issues surrounding acne along with possible solutions available to help with the prevention and treatment of acne, all based upon the most recent studies,and findings available, so that you can learn more acne health care.

For example, does chocolate really cause pimples? And how about oily foods? Do French fries bring on the acne? The latest reports show that although scientific evidence is not 100% accurate in this area, your diet does not directly cause acne. And by diet, this means not only chocolate and French fries, but also any other dietary combinations with sugar and oil or other ingredients.
The real cause of acne can actually be a blend of several factors that we'll discuss here. Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. The content within only presents an overview of acne research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.

Let's take a look at some other popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors; for example, stress.

1.Is it true that increased stress spreads acne? Not exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body's creation of a substance called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note, however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.

2.Acne is contagious, true or false? Not! No one can "catch" acne; it is non-communicable.

3.You'll outgrow acne, so just leave it along; myth or truth? This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn't be left alone to possibly worsen.

4.Being out in the sun helps acne, right? In the long run, no. The sun may appear to help clear up your blemishes and redden your skin, thus lessening the overall reddish effect of the targeted acne area when it was outstanding. However, rays from the sun can cause skin damage and actually irritate skin more, worsening any existing acne problems in the process and clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen) here!

5.Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality? Another myth. In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body's oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.

6.Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof; true or false? False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; two entirely different issues.

7.People with acne are dirty and don't wash enough. Not! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.

Learn more man health issues at http://todays-man-health-advocate.com

8.Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldn't make such a big thing out of it, myth or reality? Myth. In reality, yes, it basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit). However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many instances. More than 50 percent of those suffering acne problems reported negative comments and other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards. And resulting internal depression and low self-esteem can be harmful emotionally not only short-term but over a person's lifetime. So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring healthcare treatment and support.

8.OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne? Myth. Although there is no cure at this time, there are many treatments available that do a great job. As the saying goes, "Prevention is the best medicine;" however, there is no need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today for all price ranges.

9.Certain cosmetics or spot treatments will help acne, myth or reality? Myth again. By the time a blemish appears, it has been in the works for a good couple of weeks.

10.Myth or not: people with acne should not use moisturizers or other make-up products on their faces? Myth! Today there are many noncomedogenic cosmetics out there specially formulated to NOT clog pores.

About the Author
Robert runs an information website at http://todays-man-health-advocate.com. You can find up to date information on men's health,fitness,and other helpful tips on men's issues
at his website.