Comparing Skin Care Products

Women from all walks of life have forever sought endless beauty. The shift today, however, is that men are also doing the same. Longevity and beauty have stepped into the limelight as countless numbers of baby boomers begin to “grow” wrinkles.


We no longer just worry about survival, but we also fret about the quality of our health and the manifestation of such to be exhibited outwardly – our appearance. The biological sciences are making rapid advances in all areas.

If you are in the market for a skin care product, beware. Know what you’re buying before you buy it. Effective skin care products must include ingredients that protect the skin during the day and repair it at night.

This is the first secret of an effective skin care program; the second is having effective products. So what is the difference between products that work and products that do not work?

Commercial products that are successful must also be profitable. Two methods are used to sell skin care products. The first is to promise something good will happen when the product is used. This is the “hope in a jar” method. It requires constant and expensive advertising to suggest the buyer will look just like the woman in the ad if she uses the product.

As long as the commercial runs, the product will sell. However, cost of the commercials is so high that it is next to impossible to make a quality product for this market.

The second method is to make a quality product and let the product’s performance speak for itself. Only a certain amount of advertising is needed, and once the product is established, the name will carry future sales. Many professional products are marketed this way.

Most companies of mass-market products must keep the cost of materials very low, including the ingredients and the packaging. The ingredients are the key to an effective product – not only the type of ingredients but also the quality. Most inexpensive products will contain ingredients such as mineral oil, stearic acid, and some alkali to form a soap emulsion. A little fragrance and color and, voila, you have a skin care product.

Many people are misled that if a product looks good and smells good, it must be good. Not so. Actually, it may do your skin more harm than good.

Sometimes these poorly-formulated products will list exotic ingredients on the label to impress the buyer. Usually, they are in the product at very low levels-at levels that cannot possibly affect any kind of change to the skin. It is the same as making a pot of tea with only one tealeaf. It can be called tea, but it is not really tea, or, at least, not very good tea.

The consumer needs to be aware that a good skin care product cannot be made cheaply. For example, one ingredient in a major skin care product line cost about $3,000 a kilogram, a gram cost $3, so 0.9 grams will cost $2.70 just for that one ingredient. Consider that a good skin care product may have more than 15 ingredients. It is easy to see why the cost of skin care products can be so expensive.

On the other hand, the average cheap skin care product contains less than 30 cents’ worth of total active ingredients. No matter what claims are made for a cheap product, the quality and quantity of active ingredients tell the story.
Whether or not you go out and buy the most expensive skin care product on the market or the cheapest, just be aware that not all skin care products are made equal-read the label carefully and judge accordingly.

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The Best Treatments for Dealing with Psoriasis

Choosing a psoriasis treatment can be difficult, as people react differently to different treatments. While choosing a treatment, it is important to consult your doctor and to discuss your psoriasis symptoms. Specific psoriasis conditions (like scalp psoriasis, genital psoriasis or pustular psoriasis) may require different treatment.


What is Psoriasis?


Psoriasis is a skin disease that usually contains raised, red patches covered with a build-up of dead skin cells. There are different forms of psoriasis (including plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic). Psoriasis can also affect different areas of the body (including scalp psoriasis, genital psoriasis, psoriasis on the face, psoriasis on the hands and feet and psoriasis of the nails).


Usually people have only one type of psoriasis at a time. Sometimes psoriasis can change from one form of psoriasis to another. It is most likely to appear on the scalp, knees, elbows or torso, but it can develop anywhere on the body. Psoriasis is not infectious and cannot be caught from another person.


People suffering from psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis. It is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but not as severe. It may affect the fingers, toes, neck, lower back, knees and ankles. In severe cases, it can cause irreversible damage to joints.

SCALP PSORIASIS


About fifty percent of people suffering from psoriasis develop scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is caused by the body producing too many skin cells on the scalp, resulting in red lesions covered with a white scale (made up of dead skin cells). In extreme cases of scalp psoriasis, thick plaques can cover the scalp and cause hair loss.


What Causes Psoriasis?


The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to be a genetic condition. It seems that the immune system speeds up the growth of new skin cells, so that the skin cells pile up. Often, there is something that triggers the immune system to act in this way and the resulting psoriasis. Some of the triggers that can cause psoriasis are:


?Stress;

?Injury to the skin;

?Infection;

?Reaction to drugs;

?Vaccinations;

?Sunburn;

?Scratches;

?Weather;

?Diet;

?Allergies.


Symptoms of Psoriasis


Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. People suffering from plaque psoriasis will develop 'lesions' on their skin, which are covered by a white scale (from dead skin cells). The skin will also be itchy.


Remedies


Treatment for psoriasis depends on the type of psoriasis you are suffering from and the psoriasis treatment that works best for you. Discuss any treatment with your doctor or skin specialist.


RELIEVING THE ITCH
One of the most uncomfortable things about psoriasis is the associated itchiness. Cool water can help relief this itchiness. Try a wet towel, a cold shower, a cold bath or a cold pack. Many of the medication and natural treatments mentioned below will also help combat the itchiness.


NATURAL REMEDIES


When considering treatment for psoriasis, it may be beneficial to know some of the natural treatments that are available. Although none of these treatments will cure psoriasis, they may relieve the symptoms and itchiness and help prevent further outbreaks from occurring. All natural treatments should be discussed with your doctor, as it may affect any psoriasis treatment he or she prescribes.


?Baths can be beneficial by themselves in relieving itchiness. Oatmeal, Epsom salts and Dead Sea salts can help remove the scales and also help in soothing itchiness.


?Aloe Vera is often used to soothe and moisturize skin.


?Apple cider vinegar can be used to soothe the skin. You may also add it to a bath.


?Capsaicin is found in cayenne peppers. It can help treat red, scaly and itchy skin.


?Evening primrose oil can be found in cream or lotion form. It can also be taken as a nutritional supplement.


?Tea tree can be applied to the skin or added to baths.


?Fish oil, taken as a supplement, can help improve the symptoms associated with psoriasis.


?Milk thistle can be purchased in tablet or fluid form. It helps stop T-cell activation.


?Turmeric can help relieve psoriatic arthritis.


MEDICATION


Psoriasis medication is available to treat all types of psoriasis.
Some of these medications will need to be prescribed by a doctor. Others may be bought over the counter.


?Tar was used for many years to treat psoriasis. It is available over-the-counter.


?Anthralin is a steroid-free topical psoriasis treatment, generally used to treat plaque psoriasis.


?Dovonex is a synthetic vitamin D3 product. It is available by prescription. Dovonex slows down the rate of skill cell growth.


?Salicylic acid helps removes scales. It is available by prescription or over-the-counter.


?Tazorac is a derivative of vitamin A. Tazorac can be bought as psoriasis cream or gel.


?Topical steroids are available by prescription.


?Phototherapy (including UVB phototherapy and PUVA) exposes the skin to light.


?Psoriasis medicine may be prescribed by your doctor. Some common ingredients in psoriasis medicine are amevive, raptiva, cyclosporine, methotrexate and soriatane.


PSORIASIS CURE


As yet, there is no known cure for psoriasis. Researchers are studying psoriasis and trying to find a psoriasis cure.


Preventative Strategies
It can be difficult to prevent psoriasis outbreaks, but avoiding some of the possible triggers for your psoriasis can reduce the amount of outbreaks that occur. It is important to know the symptoms of psoriasis so that you can recognize psoriasis as soon as it occurs and identify any possible triggers. It is not always possible to avoid all psoriasis triggers, but try to avoid triggers as much as you can.


?Stress. This is a very hard one to avoid, especially as the psoriasis may, in itself, be a cause of stress.


?Learn some relaxation techniques and strategies for coping with stress.


?Extreme weather conditions. Protect your skin from the sun and the cold.


?Skin injuries or traumas. Skin injuries may trigger a psoriasis episode. Be extra careful in trying to avoid any injuries to the skin.


?Respiratory infections. Keep your immune system healthy by eating well and resting. A healthy immune system will be better able to fight off any infections quickly.


?Dry skin. Keep your skin moisturized. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a good moisturizer for your condition.


Treating Psoriasis


Treating psoriasis needs to be done on an individual basis. Different people will respond differently to medications and treatments. Specific types of psoriasis may need specific types of treatment. Discuss all of your psoriasis symptoms with your doctor. Make sure you mention any specific psoriasis symptoms (such as those associated with scalp psoriasis or genital psoriasis). You should also tell the doctor if there has been anything that may have triggered a psoriatic episode. Your doctor will then be able to help you find the best psoriasis treatment, according to your particular needs.


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Dry skin care

Dry skin is common; as skin loses moisture it cracks. The inherited form of dry skin is known as ichthyosis. Dermatologists often call dry skin in later life xerosis or asteatosis. Dry skin looks dry, sometimes flakes, and often feels tight, especially if you have washed it with soap and water. Sometimes it is lacking some of the protective sebum and so it reacts to very hot and very cold weather by tightening up.


Dry skin most often occurs on the shins, hands and sides of the abdomen. It is more common during the winter months, when humidity is low. Some people also have a genetic, or hereditary, tendency to develop dry skin. In addition, elderly people tend to have more trouble with dry skin due to the natural changes in skin that occur with age.


One of the best and most effective things you can do to help dry skin is to moisturize your dry skin. Moisturizers are a very important part of dermatology since keeping the skin moist is one of the key factors in healthy skin. Most moisturizers available are composed of some formulation of oil and water, with added ingredients that may or may not help to combat dry skin. However, moisturizers are only capable of keeping moisture from escaping out of the skin, not putting moisture back into the skin.


Make sure you choose a product specifically for dry skin and apply as directed. For moisturizers that work by trapping moisture in the skin, the most effective available is petrolatum or vaseline, which provides a coating over the skin through which water cannot escape. Unfortunately, because it is greasy, not many people like to use it. Ointments are usually like petrolatum, since most have an oily base. They are also very greasy and are usually used at bedtime rather than during the day. Moisturizing creams contain more oil than water and, as a result, are also very effective. These also may feel a little greasy, but less so than ointments or petrolatum. Lotions are the most popular moisturizer because the absorb quickly, but because they contain more water than oil, they are not as effective. Moisturizers are now adding other ingredients to help add to their moisturizing capabilities.


Humectants are a class of moisturizers which do not contain oil and may be classified as oil-free. These contain glycerin, propylene glycol, urea, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. Humectants work by drawing moisture out of the air and trapping it next to the skin. These are especially effective in more humid climates. Exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids actually improve the skin's ability to retain moisture by getting read of dead, dry skin. Dead, dry skin cells can add to the problem because these dead skin cells alllow water to escape through their cracks. Alpha hydroxy acids help the skin shed these skin cells and replace those skin cells with healthy cells that are able to creat a more effective water barrier.


Very dry skin often lacks the lipids found in healthy, young skin. These lipids help the skin keep moisture in the skin and keep it well hydrated. Without these lipids, water escapes easily and skin is left even more dry and cracked. If your skin is extremely dry, a lipid-replacement moisturizer will be the most helpful. Many moisturizers are now adding the lipids into their formulas in order to restore lipids where they might be lacking in the skin. Lipids are located in the outer layer of the skin and work by trapping water within the skin. When the lipid content is reduced, water in the skin evaporates quickly, resulting in dry skin. Use of lipid products can help restore the lipid content in the skin, allowing the skin to retain water naturally.

Be diligent, develop a routine, make it a priority. Apply a touch of your natural moisturizer over the freshly cleansed, toned, and dampened skin on your throat, cheeks, and around your eyes. Men should follow a two-step process. Apply moisturizer immediately after shaving. Wait ten minutes. Then moisturize again. It is very important if you have dry skin to have a skin care regimen that you follow daily. You should have a good nighttime moisturizer as well as a good day time moisturizer. After you clean and tone your skin, apply a splash of water or a water-misting. Pat almost dry with a soft towel, then smooth moisturizer from bosom to hairline. Allow five minutes for immediate absorption (cover your face and throat with warm washcloths to hasten penetration), then blot off any excess moisturizer with a tissue. Men can skip the toner but should moisturize the delicate skin around the eye area.


Reduce how often you bath or shower, using lukewarm water. Showers are better than baths. Each day when you take your bath or shower, try to use lukewarm water. Hot water dries out the skin. Try to limit your time to fifteen minutes or less in the bath or shower. Bathing should be done no more than once a day. If you bathe too frequently you will remove the natural oils from the skin causing dryness. In the morning, just splash cool water or use a moisturizing toner and apply moisturizer. Because cleansers can strip away sebum and natural moisturizing factors from your skin, washing at night gives your skin time to replenish itself, before you need to face outside elements. Morning scrubs don't give your dry skin time to recover its defenses before you go outside. Use mineral water to freshen your face. Don't use a washcloth-a rough texture can irritate. In the morning, apply a spray of mineral water on your skin misted on with a plant sprayer. (Do not use a sprayer that had been used for spraying insecticides.) Lightly pat dry.


Do not over-indulge in sunbathing. Excessive exposure to sun rays can cause dry skin, wrinkles and skin cancer. All areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, and back of the neck should have a moisturizer containing sun block or a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater applied daily. As much as possible, stay out of the sun. The sun is responsible for most of the damage done to the skin. It causes dryness, wrinkles, and even rashes and blisters. Always apply a good sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin if you must be in the sun.


Those with dry skin should stay away from deodorant or antibacterial soaps, since they can be drying to the skin. If the odor-fighting capabilities of these soaps are desirable, then it is recommended that they be used only on areas such as the armpits, etc...Cleansing creams and lotions are the most useful for particularly dry or sensitive skin. They leave behind a layer of oil that helps lubricate the skin much as moisturizers do, but they are only moderately effective at cleansing the skin. Mildly moisturizing soaps are probably the most useful for general use since they clean adequately without stripping the skin of it's natural oils.


Always rinse and dry hands carefully, particularly after contact with household products. Chapped and irritated dry skin on the hands is a common problem for people with dry skin. Try rubber gloves to protect them from hot water and detergents. If you are allergy-prone, wear a cotton pair underneath. You could develop contact dermatitis from the rubber in the gloves. Wear PVC waterproof gloves to avoid contact with detergents and other household irritants, or wear thin cotton gloves underneath waterproof gloves. Do not wear the gloves for long periods of time. Cotton gloves are useful for dirty work. Wash cotton gloves frequently. Avoid using fabric softeners, especially in the dryer. Keep irritating fabrics away from your skin. Don't wear clothing made of wool or other "scratchy" fabrics. Use cotton percale sheets on your bed.


Extreme weather conditions exacerbate and cause dry skin. - hot and sunny, cold and windy. At Home, do not set your central heating too high - hot air can be detrimental. Use a simple humidifier - a bowl of water beside a radiator is sufficient. Wear cloves in cold weather. Use a humidifier in your home during the central heating season. If sweating causes itching, modify your activity and surroundings to minimize sweating. Work and sleep in a fairly constant temperature (68-75o F) and humidity (45-55%). Remember to keep drinking plenty of water and other liquids to keep your skin moist from the inside, too.


Do not smoke. Smoking has a harmful effect on the skin for several reasons. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, including the tiny capillaries that serve the skin. This deprives the skin of the oxygen and nutrients it needs for good health. Smoking also can make the skin dry and leathery.

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Africa’s Miracle Plant-The Untold Story of Raw Shea

Just below the Sahara Desert, in a vast expanse of African Savannah land, sits the Nasia Village. Outside of the rainy season, this is one of the most unforgiving, dry, dusty places on earth. Brutal sun, wind, and Hamatan dust create dire consequences for exposed skin. For centuries, women of Nasia have used oil from the nut of the native Shea tree to combat these extreme conditions, turning the oil into raw shea butter for their skin.


Raw shea butter, a thickened oil extracted from the nut of the Shea tree, is an extremely versatile product, containing both carotene and alantoin for excellent moisturizing, soothing, anti-aging, and healing treatment. Women and men all over the world have caught on to this secret-of-the-savannah and use shea to combat all types of skin conditions.

One of the most significant uses of raw shea butter is as an anti-aging treatment. In a remarkable six-month anti-aging study performed by F. Renard, 30 participants used raw shea butter as a daily moisturizer. Within a few weeks, the dull, grayish complexion of most participants had vanished, and smoother, clearer skin was revealed. Wrinkles caused by prolonged sun exposure were visibly diminished for half of the study’s participants. Because of shea’s unique ability to reactivate collagen synthesis, by the study’s conclusion, evident skin regeneration had occurred in all participants.

Anti-aging is only one of the several conditions raw shea butter remedies, others include:

Dry skin
Rashes
Peeling
Blemishes
Itching
Skin cracks
Wound healing time
Scarring
Sunburn
Insect bites
Rough skin on feet, elbows and knees
Frost bite
Chapped lips

However, according to Lynne Killey, founder of Queen Bee skin care, not all shea is created equal. “Most consumers don’t realize that a refining process is typically used to make shea butter. This manufacturing process adds chemicals to the oil, then heats it to a point where most of the nutrients are killed off – virtually eliminating all healing properties of the original nut.”

Raw shea butter (also known as unrefined shea) undergoes a traditional production method. In this process, the shea kernel is picked, cracked, grilled and pounded. It is then boiled in water until the fresh butter rises to the surface, which is scooped into gourds and left to set. Performed by hand, this extraction method uses no conventional processing techniques that will strip the finished product of original nutrients. At no point of production are dangerous chemicals or synthetic agents added to this shea butter.

More commonly found in retail outlets, refined shea butter goes through an entirely different production cycle than its natural counterpart. In an effort to speed up the extraction process, increase profits and alter the smell and texture of shea butter, most manufacturers have adopted a refining method which destroys much of the natural integrity of the shea nut. In this process, the seed oil is extracted from the kernels using a highly flammable, gasoline-like chemical known as Hexane, which usually remains in the product in trace amounts.

Side effects from exposure to hexane include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, weakness, unconsciousness, and abdominal pain. Production by-products containing trace amounts of hexane are commonly sold as animal feed, and excessive amounts of hexane are thought to cause anemia in livestock – transferring to the meat consumers’ purchase. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Hexane compounds are carcinogens and are classed as a hazardous substance. Hexane also poses a serious environmental threat – implicated as a polluter and producer of harmful ozone build-up and air pollution when vented into the atmosphere during the flash-off (burning) cycle of manufacturing.

The side effects and environmental concerns surrounding the use of hexane are serious problems of refined shea butter production, yet other aspects of this refining process are equally as damaging to consumers. To remove the characteristic nutty smell of shea, the extracted oil is exposed to 450 degree heat and sodium hydroxide and carbonate chemicals are added. To change the texture and appearance of the product, it moves through an acid-treated filter and is bleached. Known carcinogens (BHT & BHA) are added to refined shea butter to enhance the shelf-life of the finished product.

“Refining shea butter removes natural essential fatty acids, valuable proteins and important minerals, leaving consumers with a questionable, ineffective and potentially dangerous product. In no way similar to refined shea butter, raw shea butter is significantly richer in vitamins, phyto-nutrients and UV absorbing factors. Raw shea is more difficult to find [than refined shea butter], but is well worth the effort,” states Killey.

The American Shea Butter Institute agrees, “While altered shea butter may smell nicely or [when mixed with less expensive ingredients] appear cost-effective, it has lost significant health-properties….poor quality shea butter is ineffective in healing most conditions that raw shea treats.”

To ensure your shea butter is raw, make sure it is beige or yellow, with a creamy texture and a nutty smell. If your shea butter has no smell (or a fragrant/floral smell), is white or is grainy, it is refined shea and does not hold the same healing properties of authentic shea. Because of several naturally-occurring antioxidants, raw shea has an indefinite shelf-life; however, refined shea has a maximum two-year shelf-life.

Shea butter is truly a remarkable, one-of-a-kind skin care product, treating wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, burns, muscle soreness and everything in between – every household should have a jar on hand. However, raw shea produces results that are far superior to those of refined shea.

Raw shea lotion bars and tubs can be purchased at www.QueenBeeSauce.com. The most popular Queen Bee raw shea product is the Tub O’ Raw Shea, a $26.00, 4oz jar of 100% unrefined shea butter, with nothing else added. Queen Bee raw shea is sourced from a U.S company that directly teaches sustainable farming and eco-friendly handling of shea to the women of Northern Ghana.
About the Author

Founded in 2004, Queen Bee offers simple, natural skin care products to health-conscious consumers. With a focus on personalized products and service, all Queen Bee products are homemade, by hand, from scratch, using natural and organic ingredients. The Queen Bee motto ‘Made with Love’ represents the philosophy of founder Lynne Killey that “each bottle or jar of product is made with attention to quality of ingredients, harmony with nature and care for the person who will be using our product.”

To learn more about Queen Bee, raw shea butter, or any other product, visit www.QueenBeeSauce.com, call 970.731.3690 or email QB@queenbeesauce.com.

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Natural Acne Treatments – Get Rid of Acne with No Pills or Harsh Lotions

Acne is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. There are many acne treatments that have been developed over the years. Many of them treat the problem of acne only at the level of the skin. Their focus is to clean the skin and keep it oil free and then apply a lotion that is supposed to keep the acne from coming back. However, many natural acne treatment programs focus on lifestyle and the effect one’s diet, immediate surroundings as well as stress levels can have on their acne condition.


The belief is that the real cause of acne goes far deeper than just the level of the skin. Many researchers think that the root cause of pimples is really a matter of looking at the kind of lifestyle you are living and that the levels of toxins in your body is a major contributing factor to your acne condition.

External as well as internal cleansing programs are important when it comes to getting rid of acne permanently. There are many ways to clean the skin externally and most people are familiar with these approaches. Using a mildly abrasive cleanser is ideal as it helps to remove the dead skin cells at the surface of the skin. Also it is important to nourish the skin and using natural skin moisturizers such as almond oil is great to keep the skin looking soft and healthy.

Internal cleansing is also very important in any natural acne treatment program. There are many cleansing programs that you can use, just take a look at your local health food store and ask for a ‘full body cleanse’ package. Going on a juice fast can be a great way to detoxify and clean your internal system naturally. Yes, it does require some discipline to not consume your regular fast food and packaged lunches but you need to focus on how beautiful your skin will look when you finally become acne free. So going through a bit of pain will be worth it.

Many natural acne treatment programs also address the effect that stress can have on your acne. Many researchers believe that stress contributes greatly to your acne condition and that by simply reducing the levels of stress in your life can make a dramatic difference in your acne. How is stress related to acne? The answer is not fully known however there are many examples of where people that had severe acne took part in stress reduction programs and found their acne condition improving dramatically.

There are many ways to reduce stress from your life. One of the best ways is to learn how to perform meditation. The primary goal of most meditation practices is to help reduce excessive thinking. This has the effect of eliminating significant stress from one’s life as most mental stress is caused by simply thinking too much. Meditation will help you to quiet your mind and when you learn to have a quiet mind, you will attain great inner peace and inevitably you will experience less stress in your life.

Natural acne treatment solutions are indeed very effective, perhaps the most effective way to eliminate those pesky zits permanently. They do require a bit of commitment on your part to stick with the program and learn a few new skills but getting rid of acne is worth it. So look for natural acne treatment programs as there are many out there, you can even find them online as e-book programs.

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Back Acne - All That You Need To Know About It

Back acne, also referred to as body acne or ‘bacne,’ is a serious issue. But women seldom realize its serious as they take solace with the fact that it can be hidden easily and thank God it’s not on the face.


Back acne tends to appear on the back, upper arms, hips and appear in several forms like pimples, blackheads, cysts etc. People take back acne very lightly because it can be easily covered with a clothing layer. But when it comes to swimsuits or anything that has a deep back neck, it gets a little embarrassing. In such scenarios back acne can be a cause of self-consciousness and discomfort in a crowd.

The causes of back acne are just the same as what causes facial acne. Your back contains a host of sebaceous glands that secrete body oil called sebum. Excessive production of oil and no removal processes make the skin pores and hair follicles clog. This promotes the growth of bacteria and the skin tissue gets inflamed. This is how back acne is caused.

Also, stress, oily food, excessive sweating and genetic designs all contribute to the outburst of back acne.

Therefore, to prevent any such event, make sure your back is clean and free of all dead cells. And for this, regular bathing and exfoliation is a must. You should also avoid doing activities that involves sweating too much. Always wipe your back dry after strenuous exercise and change the sweat-soaked clothes as soon as possible. This would avoid the formations of pimples and blackheads on your back.

There are studies that suggest back acne can also be caused by wearing tight clothes and carrying heavy backpacks. This is because the pressure and chafing created by the two things are enough to trigger of bacterial growth and breeding.
So, its always better to wear loose-fitting close for activities that may cause sweat and swapping the backpack for other usable bags that the pressure off your back. You don’t have to completely abandon your tight clothes and backpacks provided you know how to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your back.

Mild back acne can be effectively be treated by medications and skin care products especially designed to combat acne. Medications that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid work best for back acne.

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Systems are clinically proven to treat the primary causes of acne and promote a clear, healthy complexion throughout. The three products in the CLENZIderm M.D Acne Therapeutic Systems - Daily Care Foaming Cleanser, Pore Therapy, and Serum Gel.are specially formulated to work in combination with one another so as to provide optimal results.

It penetrates the skin pores effectively and reduces acne considerably so much so that you can see the difference in only 2 weeks.

Daily Care Foaming Cleanser removes all the debris and excess oil so that the skin becomes clean and fresh. The Pore therapy unclogs the skin pores and scrapes off dead skin. And then the serum gel provides in depth medication to destroy the very root of acne.

People who prefer natural skin care products should look for ingredients like tea tree oil, neem, and basil while selecting their anti-acne skin care products.

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Acne- All You Ever Wanted To Know About It

It’s quite an unsightly scene to wake up one fine morning and see a plum pimple on your cheek. It may fade away in a few days but it can also stay to infect the other areas of your face.


Acne is the most common of all skin disorders and all women have faced it and some or the other points in their lives. If you are in your teens, then it is as normal as can be. Teenage years are when the hormones are most active thus making the skin prone to acne. However, its not permanent and correcting them can just be a step away. Pregnant ladies also find its appearance. But following an effective anti-aging treatment can set things right for you.


Acne is a popular name that refers to a number of skin disorders, not just pimples. The term ‘acne’ includes inflammations, whiteheads and blackheads too. These inflammations are usually hormonal in nature. Therefore, you just need to stabilize your hormones using medication or natural means. Try the all new iS Clinical Active Serum that is specially formulated to repair damaged skin cells and stimulate the production of collagen.

Types of Acne

Unlike popular belief, acne is not just the pimples but is a blanket term to cover numerous other skin disorders. There are different types of acne and each type requires customized treatment. Acne comes in two basic types:

Non-Inflammatory Acne

Non-inflammatory acne is when its in the preliminary stages and has not blown up fully. It just needs some bacteria infection to evolve into pimples and other inflammations. It is further classified into whiteheads and blackheads.

If the hair follicles shows its head and the surface has rough black-dotted points, then it is referred to as a blackhead. In cases where the hair follicle does not appear at the surface of acne prone area but looks swollen with a white tip, then it’s a whitehead.

Inflammatory Acne

This is what you call a full-blown acne. It is further classified into:
• Papule: Papules are the small pink bumps on the skin. They are actually in between the non-inflammatory and inflammatory stages of the acne.
• Pustules: Pustules are noticeable inflammations that are red in color and filled with pus.
• Nodules: Nodules are a more painful version of pustules. They can stay for months over and if you pluck it they leave behind scars on your face.

Often, acne can be a result of hormonal imbalances rather than skin disorders. Therefore it is very essential that you take adequate measures to rectify it. The Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Systems are specially formulated to treat the primary causes of acne and clear skin quickly and maintain a clear, healthy complexion. There are three products in the CLENZIderm M.D. Acne Therapeutic Systems that work together to provide optimal results.

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Serious Skin Care: Important Tips to Remember

If your skin isn’t quite as radiant and glowing as you’d like, you’re probably searching for some serious skin care tips and pointers. Well, hopefully we can help you out. You know, your skin's health and vitality is a just like so many other things when it comes to your appearance and your overall health - you only get out of it what you put into it.


The Problem.

Some half-hearted efforts here and there to take care of your skin are not going to give you the same great results you would get with serious skin care; however, be warned because there are many mistakes you can make when trying to take care of your skin that can make it look and feel worse.

Ok, the first misconception many people have is that serious skin care means more frequent cleaning and more vigorous methods of cleaning. Not so fast! Many folks with acne or other blemishes can get very frustrated and very angry and they feel that they simply need to scrub away their entire face to have clear skin.

The Facts.

The facts reveal something quite different. In reality these practices can cause your skin to get very dry, very rough, very irritated, very red, very flaky, and even very itchy…very not good! The skin is delicate and no serious skin care practices should include treatment or cleansing that is overly rough.

And when you clean, don’t forget that you're also stripping away important natural oils that the face needs to keep the skin soft and supple. Intense cleaning too often means that those oils are going to be stripped too often and this will end up leaving your face dry and irritated. Those natural oils are your face's own defense against lines and wrinkles, so while you want serious skin care to get your face clean you certainly don't want it to mean premature aging either.

You may be asking: “So What do I Do?”

A good moisturizer applied twice daily is a vital part of serious skin care. Moisturizers keep the skin soft and supple and when the skin is supple it more easily bounces back from being stretched or scrunched up. So when you make those funny faces or sad faces, properly moisturized skin will go back to normal when you do.

When it stops bouncing back, then lines and wrinkles are formed. Moisturizers also act as a protective barrier between the skin and the elements in the air that bother it such as dust, dirt, pollution, and so on.

Can You Handle the Truth?

Very serious skin care means taking the time to remove all your makeup at night, to clean the skin thoroughly, and then to apply a moisturizer as well. During sleep the body renews and repairs itself so this is an important time to apply moisturizers. Adding another application in the morning before you head out is also an important part of serious skin care because this will protect the skin while it’s being sapped of moisture throughout the day.

If you’re serious about serious skin care make sure that you follow a good basic skincare regimen but don't overdo it either. Neglecting your skin is not good—it’s bad--but going to the other extreme and being harsh and rough with your skin is just as bad if you want truly healthy, radiant and glowing skin.

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Home Remedies For Wart Removal

Warts are a common and unsightly skin problem. While they are usually painless they can cause you a great deal of embarrassment. They look and feel like a solid blister and can be contagious. A wart is generally a small, rough tumor. Warts are common, and are caused by a viral infection, specifically by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious when in contact with the skin of another. It is also possible to get warts from sharing towels or from contact with other objects. They typically disappear after a few months but can last for years and can recur.


Here are a few traditional home remedies to help you battle against warts.


1) One of the simplest ways to remove the wart is to apply the juice of onion onto the wart on a very regular basis.

2) Grind some cumin seeds and make a poultice of them. Apply this poultice to the wart, and tie it in place with the help of a cloth. This is very good for the warts that are bleeding.

3) You could regularly apply tea tree oil. Many people swear that this is a very effective way of removing warts.

4) Take a pinch of baking soda and moisten it with a few of drops of castor oil. Dab this paste onto the wart and leave it overnight. If you do this continuously for a few days the warts should disappear in a week or so.

5) Take a single clove of garlic and cut it into two halves. Place the garlic slice on the mole, so that the cut portion is in contact with the mole. Leave it overnight, tied with a cloth bandage. The sulfur-rich juices of the garlic will work on the wart. Within two or three days the mole should disappear.

6) Roast some peel of the pomegranate fruit. Mix an equal amount by weight of limejuice in it. Make a paste of the mixture. You can apply this paste on your skin problems such as warts, moles, blackheads, pimples, etc. You will definitely find good benefits. This is another good Home Remedy for Warts.

7) Take a fresh grapefruit and squeeze it to get its juice. Apply this juice to the warts several times a day.

8) Apply the juice of a fresh pineapple onto the warts. The warts will disappear within a few days of continuous application. You can apply the juice in the night and leave it on the skin while you sleep and wash it off in the morning. Alternatively you can tie a pineapple slice on the skin instead of applying the pineapple juice.

9) Probably the most effective ‘home remedy’ is to holistically look after your health. Increase your water intake, eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, and get more exercise. This will give your body the best possible chance of fighting warts, or indeed anything else, for itself.
Hopefully some of these methods will greatly help you. Over the counter lotions and skin medications are often slow and ineffective. Medical interventions, such as freezing, acid, or lazer can be painful. However hypnosis is effective in curing warts by controlling the blood flow, thereby not allowing them the environment they need to thrive. Hypnosis has a much higher success rate of removal and a much lower chance of warts returning, and is very painless and safe.

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Making Homemade Body Lotions

Making body lotions at home do not require a degree in science to make. Body lotion making is actually a rather simple process. Making lotions at home can be a personalized experience others will want to know the secrets to. The lotions can be made with one's favorite scent or made specifically to help certain skin issues like extremely dry skin or overly sensitive skin, as well as making it with ingredients that are natural and not synthetic. Creativity and a few supplies are needed for making the lotions.


To begin the lotion making process, an emulsifying wax, water, oil, fragrance and a colorant if desired. Choosing the specific materials for the body lotion being made can be found at craft supply stores or through the Internet. Next, the materials that are used for making the body lotions should be washed thoroughly in order to prevent any contamination.

Here are some steps to create the ideal body lotion. Making body lotion is only a matter of following a recipe.

* First Step: Mix the chosen oils and water with the emulsifying wax. This will be the base for forming the remainder of the body lotion. In order for the water and oils not to separate, the emulsifying wax is necessary.

* Second Step: Next is to add the essential oils, used for scenting the lotion as well as for aromatherapy reasons which provide a feeling of well-being. After adding the essential oils, the fragrance oils may be added for the scent of choice.

* Third Step: The next thing to follow is the colorants if one chooses to use it. The colorants can come from natural sources such as powder extract forms of fruits, vegetables, spices or plants. Colorants may also be purchased from laboratories.

* Fourth Step: The last step is bottling the lotion. Jars, tubes, plastic containers may be used for body lotion storage, including a pump or using a squirt bottle may be helpful when looking for a container. Be sure to label the container with what it is as well as the ingredients used.

Keeping a record of what works and what does not with scents and oils will be helpful in making future batches of lotion. Some other ideas for body lotions is placing additives into it such as glitter or SPF for sun protection or even skin tinting. There are many recipes for body lotions made at home that can be found on the Internet. A more natural made body lotion can be made with olive or peanut oil and aloe vera that has been blended together. Adding Vitamin E capsules to the body lotion mixture will add extra benefits for the skin.

If a person is making the body lotions as gifts, try making some for the males as well. To make an after-shave lotion for the men, add one ounce of sage and one ounce of dried lavender leaves to two cups of witch hazel. Place the mixture in a tightly sealed container and place in a very warm area over a one week period of time. Strain the mixture and bottle again in containers acceptable for gift-giving.

Other ideas for gift-giving is to seal the container, if possible, with a wax seal, or perhaps a raffia bow with a nice tag. The containers themselves can be an attractive gift in themselves.

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