All about Acne

Natural Acne Product that can be made from home!

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:54:00 +0000

Lemon juice and rose water - this gives you an outstanding and effective acne treatment. It's one of the best, I recommend you try it out as soon as possible, because one you try it, you'll see great results and wont want to try anything else.
You can also use the zest from an orange, I'm not sure how effective this is, because personally I've never tried it. But I've read on a few Internet discussion forums that it does work, although it may not be as good as the one above, it still works!
The best acne treatment might seem impossible to find - every year millions of people buy acne treatment products that end up failing to clear their skin. It can be frustrating, but I promise you can get rid of zits if you follow the right steps!
The key to getting rid of pimples is to make sure you are attacking your acne from all angles. It's a skin condition that has many different causes and you won't get rid of it until you treat each one. The best acne treatment will make sure it treats all of the causes so that you can get the clear skin you want.
Let's take a quick look at what causes acne so we know what to treat:

1) Best Acne Treatment - Cause #1
The first cause of acne that you need to treat is excess oil on your skin.
When your skin glands are overactive, they produce extra oil that gets caught in your skin pores. When your pores are clogged, it makes the perfect breeding ground for breakouts.

2) Best Acne Treatment - Cause #2
The second thing that needs to be treated is acne-causing bacteria.
Studies have linked specific types of bacteria to acne. If this bacteria builds up on your skin without being treated, new pimples will spring to life.
The best acne treatment will be sure to kill off this type of bacteria before any damage is done.

3) Best Acne Treatment - Cause #3
Inflammation of the skin is the last cause of acne that absolutely must be treated.
When you have inflammation of the skin, your skin doesn't have the strength to also fight off new pimples.

Also, any existing acne you have will look a lot worse when you have inflammation - the big, bright red pimples you see are a direct result of this.
A lot of people struggle with inflammation without even knowing it. It happens "under the skin", so you can't always see it. However, it is one of the main causes of acne and the best acne treatment will make sure to treat your skin for inflammation.
You can cure your acne if you treat all of the above causes. That's exactly why most products fail to work - they don't attack your zits at the root of the problem. However, there are some solid acne solutions that have been proven to work. They work as a "system" by treating your skin in multiple stages.

How to Begin a Natural Skin Care

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:52:00 +0000

Preparing your own organic skin care treatments using common items found right in your own kitchen or garden can be just as, or more effective as the ones you can buy and represent quite a cost savings.

Steps

Begin by taking an inventory of potential natural skin care ingredients available in your cupboards and refrigerator. The most common items include citrus fruits, dairy items, sugar, salt, vinegars, aspirin, eggs, honey, oatmeal, olive oil and tea bags.
Decide on the natural skin care ingredients that best address your skin type and skin care issues. Oil skin types will want to focus on more astringent ingredients such as citrus and exfoliating salt or sugar scrubs while sensitive skin types will want to include more soothing items such as olive oil, dairy products and honey.
Develop a natural skin care routine that incorporates a cleansing, scrub, toning, and moisturizing recipe using the natural ingredients best suited for your skin type. A normal skin type might use a sea salt scrub recipe followed by a lemon juice toner and olive oil based moisturizer.
Start collecting natural skin care recipes and experiment with ingredients to determine which are best suited to address your skin care needs.
Most skin types benefit from regular facial steams and a weekly facial treatment. Try whipping up a 10 minute enriching moisturizing facial mask from an egg, a packet of unflavored gelatin, a squeeze of lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips

Its fun! Let yourself enjoy and experiment so you can discover the ingredients and recipes you work the best for you.
Many natural skin care recipes can be made ahead and will keep for several days when refrigerated.
There a literally thousands of natural skin care recipes that can address a wide range of skin care issues from combating acne outbreaks to healing skin irritations. The more you explore recipes the greater the success you will have mixing up your own natural skin care treatments!
An awesome deodorant consists of just essential oil diluted in water.

Warnings

If you are allergic to certain foods, don’t use them in a natural skin care recipe either!

How to Make a Green Tea Face Mask

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:43:00 +0000

Ingredients

Pot of green tea
3 - 4 tablespoons rice flour
or actual rice

Steps

Brew a pot of tea. Let the tea cool (to speed this up, leave it in the fridge).
Mix 3 tablespoons of cool tea with 3 or 4 tablespoons of rice flour. Add just enough rice flour so that the mixture is smooth and spreadable, but not runny. Add more tea if it is too thick.

Optional: Add some fruit, such as banana and/or mango. Banana moisturizes and mango cleanses, making these ideal choices for masks. Mash it up in the mix.

Wash your face with your regular cleanser. Dry your face gently with a clean towel.
Apply the mask to your face.
Leave it on for 15 minutes.
Rinse it off with lots of water, rubbing the mask to exfoliate your skin.
Apply your regular moisturizer when you are done.

Tips

Peach and papaya are other ideal fruit additions.

Warnings

The day before you do the facial, test for allergies. Brew a cup of tea and make sure that it is the same tea you are going to use. When cool, dab some tea on the inner part of your wrist and leave it on. If it itches, or you get any allergic reaction, wash it off immediately and do not use this facial. If your skin feels good after leaving the tea on for half an hour (and the next day your skin still feels great), the facial us suitable for your skin type.
If you do have sensitive skin, it is best 'not 'to try any homemade facials in case you run the risk of allergies. Speak with your dermatologist or health professional first

Things You'll Need

Regular cleanser
Towel

How to Make Your Own Acne Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:34:00 +0000

With acne affecting so many people, everyone has a method that works best for them, and sometimes that involves making your own treatment. If you're looking for something that'll work for you, try these recipes that have worked for others. Just keep in mind that these home remedies are not medically validated and may or may not work for you!

Steps

Use cold water. Fill an empty 1 gallon jug with water and put it in the freezer for 2 hours. Pour the water into a bowl, then dip your face in the water for 25 seconds (5 dips for 5 seconds each). Repeat a few times every day.
Make a soap mixture. Put a bar of soap in a small container. Boil a cup of water and pour it over the soap in the container. Close the container and keep it shut for at least 2-3 hours or until the soap dissolves. Wash your face normally and make sure it's dry and not oily. Get the mix that is in your container and spread it around your face; be generous while applying. Let it dry. Then wash your face out very gently using a face sponge. Do this 1 to 2 times a day, but no more than two because then your skin might over-dry and peel.
Create a face mask using a solution of one finely crushed aspirin tablet per tablespoon of cold cream. Spread over your face, wait 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Mix 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of lime juice, 1/2 cup of apple sauce, and 1/4 cup of ranch dressing. You should have created a thick creamy substance. Baking soda and water will also work.

Rub on your face, neck, and back in full motion circles that will allow the cream to get into your pores.
Let this sit on your face for around 10 minutes.
Wash off with a washcloth drenched in ice cold water.
Repeat 1-2 times a day, until your zits are gone!

Make a strong acne solution by diluting 50% apple cider vinegar with 50% clean pure water. Once acne has improved, keep it at bay with a milder solution of 20% apple cider vinegar and 80% water. Do not use cheap vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is about $3-4 for a large bottle at any supermarket (more at health food stores). It will last months.
Put on mint toothpaste to help dry up pimples. Wear it overnight and wash it off the next morning. This is a classic home treatment.
Use hair conditioner. Not many people would expect this, but it works very well to clean out and NOT irritate the skin. Rub it on any area affected by acne. If the area with conditioner on it gets itchy, or for any reason you are compelled to touch the area, refrain. Do not touch it. Leave the conditioner on the affected area for approximately a half an hour. Then, when the chosen time is up, wipe it off gently.
Try chili peppers. This sounds counterintuitive, but chili peppers help reduce the swelling of a pimple due to its high concentrations of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Wash your face thoroughly.
Crush a chilly pepper into a bowl or similar container.
Add a small amount of hot water.
Apply the liquid to your pimple(s). You may apply it with a q-tip, but do this at least twice a day. Avoid getting the liquid in your eyes or near sores and lacerations as it will most likely cause irritation.

Warnings

Don't go in a chlorinated swimming pool, very often. It dries out your skin and makes your acne red and shows your zits even more!
Make sure you don't scratch or pop your pimples! You'll just end up with scars that won't make you look your very best!

How to Make an Egg Facial Mask

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:18:00 +0000

Want to have healthy glowing skin without paying for expensive face products? Just go to your fridge and pull out an egg. This is particularly good for oily skin. Using this facial on oily skin, you'll noticed an immediate reduction in oils. The egg white acts more like it draws the oils out, while the egg yolk acts as a type of moisturizer. You will want to do both parts of this one if you have oily skin. This also works very well for firming the skin.

Steps

Get two small bowls.
Crack one egg into one bowl.
Separate the yolk and put it into the other bowl. Optional: Add a few drops of lemon juice if you have oily skin. It will help eliminate oil. Don't try it if you have dry skin, however, as it will irritate the skin.
Spread the egg white around your face in circular upward motions while avoiding the eyes.
Wait 15-30 minutes. You want it to 'harden' on your face.
Wash the egg white off with warm water and pat dry.
Break the yolk.
Spread yolk around face in the same manner as the egg white.
Wait 15-30 minutes.
Wash the egg yolk off with warm water and pat dry.

Tips

• Pull hair back and keep hair away from face while doing procedure.
• Do at night and not in the morning.
• Use only one egg.
• Use a wash cloth or your hands to rinse the egg off.
• You can also use this mask on your back thighs to get rid of the appearance of cellulite.

Warnings

• Eggs may carry salmonella bacteria. Be careful not to get raw egg in your mouth, eyes, or nose, and wash well afterward.
• This may smell a bit.
• Your facial skin will feel tight and it will be hard to move your face while the egg white and yolk dries.

Things You'll Need

• Two Glasses
• Egg
• Water
• Washcloth
• Headband (optional)

Aromatherapy for Acne

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 07:56:00 +0000

Aromatherapy is the art of utilising the healing properties of aromatic oils found in plants.

All humans are oriented either to gas, bile or phlegm. To prescribe fragrance remedies, therapists ascertain the constitution of the individual. Fierce‑smelling aromatic substances are beneficial to gas‑oriented people while all aromatic substances and fragrances classified as coolants are conducive to bile‑oriented individuals. Aromatic substances having pungent and astringent odors are beneficial to phlegmoriented persons.

Due to overindulgence of food and sensuous pleasures, toxins are accumulated in the bile and blood resulting in untimely aging‑and other ailments. The aromatherapist finds remedies for all these ailments by a careful selection of essential oils.

All aromatic oils are highly volatile and evaporate in open air. They should be stored air tight in a cool and dark place away from sunlight.

For External Use only.

Essential oils must not be used as a substitute for professional medical attention, due to serious or chronic conditions, If in doubt consult your physician. For persons with sensitive skin, certain essential oils may cause slight skin irritation. Try one essential oil at a time, on a small patch of skin. If in doubt, or if it causes skin irritation, please discontinue it's use.

Every essential oil varies enormously in its action on different people, nor does every person react the same way to the sarne essential oil.

We advice it is not prudent to use fragrances of contradictory nature in one's daily life.

How to use essential oils?

Bathing –

The most invigorating way you can use essential oils, as it helps unblock congested pores, ease muscle tension and fatigue, but with essential oils Bathing relaxes the tired bodies, quietens the mind and calms the spirit. After running a warm bath add 8/10 drops (3/5 drops for children) of your chosen oil (in total, if using more than one oil). Swish the water to disperse the oil. Relax in your bath for at least 10 minutes to tantalise the senses.

Massage Self‑application -

An Aromatherapy massage promotes blood circulation, drain the lymph and relax or stimulate according to your mood and the oils used.

A full body massage requires selection of specific essential oils chosen to suit the condition, temperament and are usually blended with base ‑oils such as sweet almond oil or Sesame oil with not more ‑then five varieties of essential oil at a time with proportions between 1 per cent to 3 per cent. A rough guideline is to say that 20 drops of essential oil is equivalent to one millilitre, so to make a blend it is possible to use the following.

Essential oil Base oil

20 to 60 drops 100, ml

5 to 15 drops 25 ml

2 to 3 drops I tsp

Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil of your choice

Vaporization / Inhalation

I
Inhale the neat essential oil by putting 6‑7 drops onto a tissue, take deep breaths for maximum benefit. For cold, inhale from hot water unless asthmatic. Inhaling from the Bottle is not so beneficial.

Cautions

Essential oils should never be used neat on the surface of the skin (unless under the guidance of a qualified Aromatherapist ). If pregnant, epileptic or suffering from high blood pressure consult a qualified Aromatherapist before using essential oils. Keep essential oils out of the reach of children and away from the eyes. Essential oils should never be taken internally.

Aromatherapy for Acne

Aromatherapy has had a reputation as a natural treatment for acne for many years. Of the aromatherapy oils, tea tree is probably the best-known as an acne remedy, though other oils such as lavender have been anecdotally reported effective Both the tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide were shown to be effective in reducing acne outbreaks and blemishes. Study participants using tea tree oil experienced a lower incidence of side effects; however, the tea tree oil took somewhat longer than the benzoyl peroxide to show results. Bear in mind, however, that acne remedies always take time to work, whether they are prescription drugs or aromatherapy remedies.

Other essential oil for Acne:

Bergamot, Camphor, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Coriander , Fenugreek, Juniper berry, Lavender , Orange, Etitgrain Sandal , Sage, Tea tree, Tuberose, Turmeric.

Most aromatherapy practitioners suggest mixing the above oils with Jojoba vegetable oil before applying to skin. Usually, a cotton pad is used to deliver the blend directly to the acne spot.
For back acne, choose three or four of the essential oils recommended for acne, and make a 5% solution with the essential oils in purified water and two tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Use a dark glass bottle with a pump spray, shake the bottle well, and spray the aromatherapy blend on the back.

These essential oils have been proved to stop the growth of a broad range of bacteria and microbes which cause acne. The have remarkable antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, they clear and unclog pores, heal scars and generally help to remove acne spots contributing to a fresh and supple skin. As mentioned before, jojoba is the one of the best carrier oil for dilution because it is not greasy, so it does not block the pores, but it moisturizes and exfoliates the skin.

Keep in mind that aromatherapy treatment for acne, although its indisputable success in cure acne, it can not have immediate results and take some time to initiate healing. Therefore, you have to be patient and it is advisable to follow some every day tips in order to enhance the healing.

It is sensible always to observe caution in using any type of medication. Although aromatherapy is considered safe for most people, some may still have reactions to some of the components of essential oils

Causes of Acne

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:36:00 +0000

Causes of Acne

Having acne can be an annoying experience for any teenage, especially for adults who never seemed to got out of the phase

Genetics play a major role in the formation of Acne. A family history of acne is associated with an earlier occurrence of acne
Acne is the result of abundant amount of toxics in the body. These toxics can be an amassing of fat not properly disposed off, or accumulation of hormones the body produces. When the kidney, liver and the bowels could not dispose all of these toxins, they need to dispel them some other way. The body releases them either through the lungs or through the skin. This is when a breakout of acne can occur. The toxins released through your skin are the dirt and oil that causes the acne to swell up and get the pores infected
Hormonal activity also plays a major role in the formation of Acne during Menstrual cycle and puberty.
Too much fat in food and hard to digest food can cause acne.
Often times, consuming a diet high in fats, oils, and sugars can wreck havoc on an individual's skin. Just as these unsavory additions to your diet can cause other issues seen in your body, what you eat directly affects the quality of your skin.
Most people have experienced a break out after binging on junk food or fast food, most of which is high in fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and oils. In order to stop break outs associated with eating this unhealthy food, begin to replace these items in your diet with foods that are natural and healthy.

7. Uses of certain drug may cause Acne.

8. A recent study shows that consumption of partially skimmed milk may cause Acne.

9. Food containing high level of Iodine may worse Acne.

Popular Misconceptions

Many individuals are under the misconception that eating certain foods can cause or worsen their acne condition. The most popular food to blame for bad skin is undoubtedly chocolate. Chocolate lovers will take great pleasure in noting that no one specific type of food-including chocolate-has been proven to cause or worsen acne in individuals. However, you should enjoy your chocolate sparingly, as your entire diet can definitely affect the quality of your skin's appearance, even though one particular item may not be the trigger.

Try Organic Foods

When looking to change your diet for the better, take care in including fresh, wholesome foods into your new lifestyle. Many individuals have found great success in incorporating organic foods into their diet, since these items lack any added chemicals, preservatives, or potential toxins that can affect both your body and your skin. Furthermore, structure your diet around fresh fruits and vegetables, most of which contain necessary vitamins that will positively affect your entire body. Also, you may want to avoid eating meat products high in fat, since fats can be quickly be stored in your system, lasting long after that greasy burger has been digested.

Consider Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Many individuals do not receive the properly daily recommended dose of vitamins or minerals in their diet. For this reason, you should look into including supplements in your daily health regimen. Remember, before consuming any medications or supplements of any kind, be sure to consult your primary health care provider to ensure the dosage is proper and the medication will not negatively interact with your current prescriptions. Too, you may want to find a solid multi-vitamin that is specified for your gender, age, or activity level. Be sure to look for supplements that include Vitamin E, a necessary vitamin when it comes to the health of your skin.

Hydrate Your Body

Unless you are drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day, you are not hydrating your body to a healthy extend. Most individuals are not properly hydrated and their skin pays the price. If you find your skin is dull, ashy, flaky, itchy, or excessively dry, you are not drinking enough water to benefit your body.

Hydrated skin is fresh and glowing, so you should drink up to experience these great effects! Also, drinking the proper amount of water on a daily basis will also benefit your overall sense of health. Avoid drinking sodas or sugary sports drinks, since the added sodium and sugar can be detrimental to your healthy lifestyle.

By following the above guidelines for clear skin, you can actively work to maintain healthy looking skin that is free of acne. If you find yourself suffering from acne or other skin conditions, focus inward instead for a treatment of this problem instead of slathering your skin with potentially harmful creams or lotions that may cause more harm that good. By eating a proper diet, you will ensure your skin is as healthy as you are.

Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:43:00 +0000

What is Acne

Acne is a common skin disorder that leaves majority teenagers and a lot of adults embarrassed. Acne usually occurs during adolescence in both men and women. To be more specific, acne starts during puberty and tends to get worse for people with oily skin. Acne badly affects teenage boys. Only mild to moderate forms of acne occur in middle-aged women. The skin condition called acne occurs due to accumulation of an oily matter called sebum secreted by sebaceous glands of the skin. One can remember his/her teenage years, high school, parties, friends, and... Acne! Those painful pustules on your face that seem to ruin a perfectly good day and cause so much grief at school, or anywhere you go for that matter. We all wonder how to fix the problem... from face scrubs, to acne creams, to just leaving the pimples there and covering one's head with a paper bag or hide from friends’ site.

Fortunately, there are several home remedies for acne that have been said to fight the pimples very well. Some of these home remedies for acne are Tea Tree Oil, zinc, lemon juice, orange peel, garlic, and many others.

Acne can affect face (nose, forehead, cheeks and chin), upper back, neck, shoulders, and chest area. The condition is more severe in males, but lasts longer in females. Though it is generally considered an adolescent beauty problem, number of persons aged 40 years and above are on the rise. It generally do not occur in childhood but rare cases it is found in infants too.

There are various types of Acne. There is a variety of conditions generally classified into the scope of acne. Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads also are classified acne. There are also boil like lumps called nodules that affect skin. Pimples appear as small and reddish pus filled protrusions on face. The severe case is cystic acne characterized by the eruption of pus and infected cells to below the skin than outside.

Various types of Acne

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:58:00 +0000

Types of acne

A basic lesion called the comedo is the begining of acne. The comedo is an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria residing under the surface of your skin, that waits for the right conditions to grow into an inflamed lesion.Acne starts in a similar way for all but can take different forms and can react in a unique way according to the body conditions of the individual. Whenever the skin produces more oil, the bacteria grows within the swollen follicle. The surrounding skin becomes increasingly inflamed as blood cells fight against the germs. Two main types of acne include non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.

Non-inflammatory acne

Cyst:

These are characterized by large pus-filled lesions that are usually present deep within the skin. Cysts form as a result of the contents of a comedo spilling over the surrounding skin and due to the response of the local immune system in producing pus. The cysts are very painful lesions, as they are inflamed. The cysts often leave deep scars.

Acne conglobata:

This is a rare but serious form of inflammatory acne that develops primarily on the back, buttocks, and chest. In addition, to the presence of pustules and cysts, there may be severe bacterial infection.

Closed comedo:

If the plugged follicle stays below the surface of the skin, the lesion is called a closed comedo. This usually appears on the skin as small, whitish bumps. This condition is otherwise called as whitehead.

Open comedo :

If the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin, the lesion is called an open comedo. The dark appearance of the plug is not due to dirt, but due to the buildup of melanin, the pigmentation element of the skin. This condition is otherwise called as blackhead.

Inflammatory acne

Papule:

This appears on the skin as a small, firm pink bump. The papules are tender in nature and are often considered an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and clearly inflammatory lesions.

Pustule:

These are small round lesions that are inflamed and contain visible pus, which appear red at the base with a yellowish or whitish center. Pustules do not contain a large amount of bacteria. The inflammation is caused by chemical irritation from sebum components such as fatty free acids.

Prevent Acne from Home

noreply@blogger.com (Beauty) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:08:00 +0000

Cure Acne

Acne is a painful and embarrassing condition that affects many people. Everyone is vulnerable to acne, regardless of age or gender, even though we usually think of it as a condition that only touches those in their teens. Some people spend years trying to rid themselves of it.

There are many different forms of treatment for acne, from creams and lotions to surgical procedures. Before it gets to that point, though, there are certain home remedies for acne prevention that you could try.

Skin Care

The first thing a dermatologist would tell you is to gently wash your face with a mild cleanser. When choosing skin care products, try to avoid oil-based products as they can contribute to the clogging of pores that usually results in blemishes. Too often, people have problems with their skin because they over wash their face or use cleansers that are too harsh.

The best home remedy for acne prevention is in knowing how to properly care for your skin. Even though you can't totally prevent acne from occurring, this can definitely increase your chances. Sometimes acne appears because of the way we clean our skin or because of the products that we use on it. Changing some of our bad habits can give us a head start on preventing this condition.

If you do find pimples or blackheads on your skin, do not pop or squeeze them. There's no better way to spread acne to other parts of your body. Also, avoid touching your face during the day unless you have to. The grease and oils on your hands will clog your pores and increase your chances of developing acne.

Diet and Exercise

Home remedies for preventing acne can take many different forms. Stress management can definitely go in this category. Stress is a known contributor to the onset of acne, especially adult acne. Any steps you can take to reduce or eliminate some of the stress in your life can help prevent acne from occurring.

Many people do not realize it, but regular exercise is one of the best home remedies for acne prevention. Obviously, it has many health benefits, but exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It also provides the skin with the necessary blood flow and oxygen that it needs to stay healthy.

Other home remedies for acne prevention involve what you put in your body, rather than what you put on it. Drinking plenty of water each day has many benefits for your skin. Not only will it keep your skin hydrated, it will also flush the toxins out of your skin that could lead to infection.

Making simple changes to your diet can also aid in the prevention of acne. Adding more fruits and vegetables will ensure that you are getting the vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin. As you can see, there are simple changes you can make in your daily routine that can greatly reduce the odds of you developing an acne problem.