Anti-oxidants For The Skin – Can They Make A Difference?

Posted on December 19th, 2009 by

Author: Marcus Stoutbr
Source: isnare.combr
br
With all the recent talk about anti-oxidants and their importance in protecting our health, nearly all of us have learned that we should be eating and drinking more foods and beverages with high anti-oxidant contents. But, what about skincare products that contain herbs and plants that are high in anti-oxidants? Can they help reduce aging when used topically?

Today, drugstore and department store shelves are full of moisturizers and other skin care products made from fruits, vegetables and herbs. The products promise to prevent aging, and in some cases, even reverse skin damage that has already occurred. The theory is that the same anti-oxidants that protect our health when consumed as part of our diet can protect our skin when applied directly to the face.

One study, reported by the UK Tea Council examined many of these products, including those containing green tea, soy, pomegranate, grape seed oil, aloe, horse chestnut, comfrey, chamomile, dates and allantoin. The study reviewed the research behind skin care products with each of these ingredients to determine what scientific evidence exists to suggest that the products are indeed effective on the skin.

After reviewing the research on each of the products, the study showed that the only natural products with any evidence to back up their effectiveness were green and black tea, pomegranates, soy and dates have had any real clinical trials to give evidence that the products are effective.

So, what products do you choose? Well, there are a wide variety of products that contain at least one of the ingredients that do have evidence to suggest that they are good treatments for the skin. Highly recognized cosmetic companies like Murad and Proactiv and Aveeno make products using these ingredients. Which natural product you choose really depends upon the type of skin problems youre having. Here are the most popular natural skin care ingredients and the problems they can help to solve.

Soy – Soys an effective moisturizer and offers anti-oxidants, which can help prevent aging. In addition, certain soy proteins have been shown to help with pigmentation problems, like sun spots and other discolorations.

Pomegranate – Pomegranate is also full of anti-oxidants and has been shown to be a cancer preventative. One study on pomegranates showed that when breast cancer cells were exposed to pomegranate extract they self destructed, leaving healthy cells intact. As a skin treatment, pomegranates are best for healing; making it an effective treatment for acne and any other skin ailments that need to heal.

Green Tea – Green tea has some of the most powerful anti-oxidants available. And, theyre apparently just as effective when applied to the skin as they are when part of a healthy diet.

Green tea has been shown to rejuvenate skin, actually reactivating dying skin cells. Green tea does not penetrate below the first layer of the skin, but even here it can have dramatic results. As skin cells reach the epidermis they prepare to die, and over the next week or so, they become dull as theyre dying off.

Green tea rejuvenates these cells, making them live longer and removing that dull tired look that skin gets. So, a green tea in your moisturizer can help improve the look of your skin almost immediately. Its still important to exfoliate regularly to help rid your skin of the cells that are already dead.

But, green tea may have cancer preventing effects as well. Other studies have shown that green teas anti-oxidants have a scavenging effect on free radicals on the skin, and even on abnormal skin cells. So, green tea may help rid your skin of cells that might otherwise become dangerous skin cancer cells. Doctors recommend using green tea cream under your sunscreen for the optimal effect.

Green tea is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason it is sometimes an effective treatment for skin problems like roseacia. Researchers believe that because of the combination of anti-inflammatory properties along with the anti-oxidant activity of green tea, it likely will have many anti-aging properties once more research has been performed.

One question that arises when using any natural product on your skin is whether or not the active ingredients can remain effective after months on the shelf. Its a sensible question, since we know that, from a dietary standpoint, fresh is best.

We still need more research on the subject, but its certain that you should use fresh products whenever you can. For example, in addition to using a commercially available green tea product as a moisturizer, try freezing freshly brewed green tea into ice cubes to be used as toner. Just be sure to let the ice cube sit out just a little bit to thaw, so that they dont burn the skin.

Natural skin care products will likely gain more popularity as more research emerges showing their potential. In the meantime, theres no reason not to get a head start. Many natural skin care products, like those that contain green tea, soy and pomegranate offer excellent skin care and treat many types of skin irritations. And, there may be some significant long term benefits to your skin, too!br
br
br
br

Tags: anti-oxidants, green tea, products, skin care, Tea

Serious Skin Care

Posted on December 7th, 2009 by

Author: Nitin Jainbr
Source: isnare.combr
br
Serious skin care is all about maintaining a glowing and healthy skin throughout your life. As you get old, the bodys natural skin care mechanisms get weak. Thus, you need to learn about the changing needs of your skin. You should regularly evaluate, analyze and change your skin care routines based on many things like the environment, your age and changes in your skin type.

You should be aware of more and more facts being brought up everyday with technological research. You should be open to try new products coming in the market. However, we recommend you to use a new product over a small are of skin (not on face) first, to check how your skin reacts to the new product.

You should follow some good practices like applying the moisturizer while the skin is damp, removing the makeup before you go to bed, using upward strokes for better penetration of products, using correct amount of makeup, cleansing before moisturizing, etc.

Take some precautions like to avoid any contact with detergents and make sure to be gentle with your skin. Do not over-exfoliate your skin and never use any low grade products or products containing strong chemicals.

Dont forget to visit a dermatologist in case of any skin disorder. Never ignore the skin disorders as they may lead to permanent damage to your skin. Thus, if condition doesnt improve with over the counter medication, immediately see a dermatologist. Never squeeze acne/blackheads.

Thus, serious skin care is more about taking proper precautions and preventive measures as you must have heard, Prevention is better than cure. You should be proactive about the needs of your skin so that the need for being reactive is almost zero.br
br
br
br

Tags: beauty, dermatologist, products, skin care, tips

Serious Skin Care: Is It Worth It?

Posted on November 13th, 2009 by

Author: Chonticha Marijne
Source: isnare.com

If you’ve dealt with moderate to severe cases of acne, or even conditions like eczema or psoriasis, you know that finding products to deal with your condition is not easy. Sure, you may get prescriptions from your doctor, but sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. Other issues, such as blotching, freckling and rashes continually plague many teens and adults, and searching for products that will help to eliminate embarrassing conditions can be time consuming, frustrating and expensive.

When seeking any serious skin care product, the more you know about basic ingredients and what such ingredients do will help narrow down your search and help you to avoid purchasing products that will only prove to be a waste of money in the end. Knowing basic vitamins and minerals, how they work for your body, and their sources, is the first step toward taking charge of your own condition. As such, knowing a bit about herbal and natural supplements can offer a big boost to your knowledge bank as well.

While many people scoff at the use of natural herbs or supplements when it comes to medical conditions, one must realize that most modern medicines and drugs are derived from natural sources, at least in the beginning. Plants and herbs have been used to treat medical conditions for thousands of years throughout Asia, Africa and Europe. Only with the advent of pharmaceutical companies have people leaned away from natural sources for their medical needs and turned to pills, ointments and creams to solve problems.

Yet skin care knowledge has been around since the days of Cleopatra. You think you’re the first person to have been afflicted with acne, or rashes, or even seborrhea or psoriasis, or the first person to try to find a remedy for it? Serious skin care has been studied by every culture at every stage of human development, and continues to be studied, in every developed country in the world. Creams, ointments, masques and everything in between offers clearer skin, fewer freckles, or reduced lines and wrinkles. Knowing when such claims are baloney or when they may be speaking the truth is up to each individual consumer. That’s why it’s best to have a basic knowledge of such topics such as herbal lore, nutrition and the benefits of vitamins and minerals. Only that way can you make a rational and educated decision on any particular product that makes dubious claims.

Serious skin care is indeed serious. Many younger teens and adults suffer from a variety of skin conditions that may leave not only physical, but lasting emotional scars if left untreated. Older adults have been searching for the Fountain of Youth since the beginning of time, but there are few products, either provided by nature or cosmetic companies, that will offer hydrating and plumping benefits that will help wrinkles to ‘disappear’. Knowing such facts will hasten you to your search for just the right product to help solve your particular skin condition, but you have to be the one in charge of your own purchases. Do yourself a favor and educate yourself. You’ll save time, money and effort.

Tags: conditions, products, serious skin care, skin

Skin Health Secrets: How To Apply Skin Care Products

Posted on November 12th, 2009 by

Author: Kathleen Williams
Source: isnare.com

It is pretty well known that different people get different results with the same skin care products. This can be caused by variations in body chemistry, but more often than not it’s because everyone applies skin care products differently.

Of course, if a particular product doesn’t give you the results you expect, it doesn’t always mean you are applying the product incorrectly. Unfortunately, many products just don’t work as advertised, no matter what you do! To top that off, some products may work for some people but not for others even when used properly. Nevertheless, when a product doesn’t work, it may often be due to incorrect application.

Products like skin creams, gels, or lotions are a mixture of chemicals that have a biological action, applied topically to the skin. So the effectiveness depends on whether the active ingredients work, and whether they are absorbed properly into your skin. Your skin’s temperature, hydration, environment and other factors will influence your skin’s ability to absorb the active ingredients in a product. To be sure that you get optimal effectiveness of you skin care products:

? Cleanse skin before applying any products. The best time to apply is right after you come out of a warm shower or bath because not only is your skin clean, but it is also moist and warm, so it will absorb whatever you apply much better. Do not wash with hot water because excessive heat accelerates aging. Water should be comfortably warm but not hot. However, if you plan to apply anything oily that blocks the pores, splash cool water on yourself to close pores. Just pat dry with a towel. Also, use a charcoal shower filter to prevent exposure to the chlorine in the water. You probably drink bottled or filtered water – but you can absorb more chlorine through your skin during a shower than you would get from an 8 oz. glass of water!

? When cleansing your skin, don’t use regular soap or shampoo, they’re much too drying. Use a good moisturizing soap, a skin cleanser, or plain warm (not hot) water.

? The top layer of skin is mostly made from dry, dead cells. When this layer becomes too thick, either from aging or poor skin care skin, the active ingredients of a skin care product have trouble penetrating. Professional microdermabrasion safely removes that top layer of skin, revealing the healthier, younger-looking skin underneath and allowing skin care products to be better absorbed for greater effectiveness. In addition, microdermabrasion done regularly strengthens the skin by stimulating elastin and collagen production, which helps diminish wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars and many other blemishes.

? Use short, firm strokes to apply skin care products. Do not stretch the skin. Do not rub. After applying, gently massage the products into your skin by tapping the area with your fingers for 30 seconds or so.

? When using a professional microdermabrasion product at home, it is important to read the directions and follow them very carefully. Remember, professional microdermabrasion is usually applied with expensive machines and medically-trained professionals. You can save a lot by doing it yourself, but don’t be over-eager to get that 10-years-younger look. Apply the sponges gently the first time – let your skin adjust to the application. Add a little more time and pressure each application, about 2 weeks apart, up to a maximum of 3-5 minutes (depending on the sensitivity of your skin).

? If you have sensitive skin or allergies, always test the products you want to use first on a small patch of skin on your underarm (the soft skin on the bottom of your forearm).

DO YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN?

Did you know sensitive skin is very common? More than 40% of people say they have it. Its causes include age, heredity, gender, and racial differences. These questions below can help you find out if your skin may be sensitive. Of course, a trip to your dermatologist is the best way to find out!

1. Does your skin get extra dry after you wash it with soap?
2. Does your skin get extra oily and break out after you use particular types of moisturizers?

If you answered “Yes” to one or both of these questions, you may have sensitive skin.

3. Does your skin get red, itch, burn, or feel “tight” after coming into direct or indirect contact with perfumes and/or particular shampoos, shaving creams, detergents, dish soaps, hair sprays, cleaning products, or deodorants?

Irritants to sensitive skin include many household and personal products. The fragrances and dyes in just about every household product, and many personal care products, can cause irritation either from direct contact or even from deposits left on your clothes, towels, or bedding. If you have any of the classic signs and symptoms of sensitive skin in Question 3, try to use hypoallergenic products without ingredients known to cause skin reactions.

4. Does your skin get red, itch, burn, or feel “tight” after extended exposure to sun, wind, heat, or cold?

Sensitive skin often reacts to extreme weather conditions. In fact, anything in the environment that damages your skin’s natural protective barrier against water evaporation — called sebum — can irritate sensitive skin.

5. Do you have acne or psoriasis?

People with acne, psoriasis, or skin conditions like eczema often have sensitive skin. These conditions impair immune system functioning and/or destroy the skin’s protective barrier. If you have of these conditions, you may have sensitive skin.

Tags: dermabrasion, home microdermabrasion, micro-dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, products

Knowing How Acne Skin Care Products Work

Posted on November 10th, 2009 by

Author: Low Jeremy
Source: isnare.com

With the growing popularity of different acne skin care products out there, people who have skin diseases?especially those who are suffering greatly from a skin disorder like acne?endlessly search for acne skin care products to solve their skin problem.

But then, due to lack of knowledge and information, more and more people are misled to use products and avail of treatments without consulting a dermatologist or a physician resulting to a more devastating situation.

To avoid mistakes in choosing acne skin care products and treatments, it is very important to have the knowledge about general cause of acne, its types, the age of the patient, current status or acne condition, so you know what are the products appropriate for each kind and avoid possible allergic reactions.

AN ARRAY ACNE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Most dermatologists would agree that the use of acne skin care product should depend on the kind of acne the person has developed. Since cleansing the skin is the first step in treating acne, the first thing the patient need to consider when looking for acne skin care products is finding a good cleanser that is effective and works fast.

The Active Cleansing Gel?which contains triple exfoliating action of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid?is one of the most recommended acne cleansers today because this acne skin care product helps you clean your skin without deeply exfoliating it.

For those who are treating their acne for the first time, acne kits are quite reliable. When looking for acne kits make sure that you look for those that have products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and glycolic acid. These active ingredients are usually customized for individual skin care needs and medications.

Another popular source of acne skin care products is from Acne Clearz. Free from DHEA and fragrance, the product in this line are recommended for the consumption of teenagers and adults as well. Containing hydroxyl, superior oil production ingredients, and anti-oxidant protectors, these acne skin care products are also recommended for those who have sensitive skin.

Another recommended option is acne skin care products from Acne Control Thera Line. Featuring products that are physician-formulated, the products are known to have sebum protection and oil control that are good acne bacteria destroyers while they remove dead skin cells through safe exfoliation.

Like the others, the major components of the products are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur. The effect is expected to be visible as early as six weeks.

Other effective acne skin care products also include topical treatments?which usually offer products that are known for destroying acne bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses in the areas affected.

These products are also known to be formulated with highly concentrated ingredients include zinc oxide, iron oxide, sulfur, sodium chloride, poyethylene glycol and magnesium stearate that are good in moisturizing the skin.

If your acne is in its fully-developed stage and there is a need for you to use accutane acne products, make sure that you are constantly monitored by your dermatologist or by the doctor who prescribed your medication to prevent possible injuries.

Tags: acne, products, skin, skin care

Using Herbal Skin Care To The Maximum

Posted on November 4th, 2009 by

Author: Stacey Landry
Source: isnare.com

In the long history of mankind, herbs and plants have been used for many purposes such as curing diseases, relieving stress, and rejuvenating the mind and body. One should not be surprised by that fact that herbal skin care is today one of the most popular methods of taking care of your skin.

Here is some guidance on the benefits of herbal skin care.

The primary benefit of herbs as a base for skin treatment is the absence of chemicals in the products. Chemicals certainly have their uses but they also often come with many side effects. Just read the small print on some of the product packaging. Chemical products are also often the source of allergic reactions and agitated skin conditions from over-application.

Herbal skin treatment products are formulated from natural ingredients that are in harmony with the body and do not attempt to alter the body chemistry to obtain desired effects. These products support the body’s immune system to naturally fight the causes of skin blemishes and other skin issues.

Skin type is important when you want to select the right products. You would have either normal to combination, oily, dry, or sensitive skin.

Herbal skin care products are far more compatible with all the skin types because they tend to be milder than their chemical counterparts. On the other hand, they do take a little longer before you see their full effect.

Still, even with herbs, you do have to select products that match you skin type, even though a wrong selection would not be as detrimental as select the wrong chemical product.

Another consideration is using the right product at the right time. There are herbal skin products designed for use in the morning and others designed for use before you go to bed. Others protect you from the harmful effects of sunrays during the day. For full effect, the right products for the matching skin type must be used at the recommended time of day.

If you are looking for overnight cures for your acne or skin blemishes, the herbs will disappoint you. On the other hand, if you want to use products that are not enemies of your body’s natural chemistry and that work well with a little patience, then herbal skin care products are definitely the solution of choice.

Tags: herbal skin care, products, skin, skin care, skin treatment