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An Insiders Guide To Natural Skin Care
Natural skin care products may be the answer if you are concerned about the chemicals in most commercial cosmetic products. Some of these chemicals may be toxic enough to actually accelerate the aging process, which is the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish with your skin care. Even in these days of increased regulation and consumer watchdog groups, there are a number of new products introduced each year that still contain damaging chemicals.
Almost nine hundred toxic chemicals have been found in commercial cosmetic products by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The Cancer Coalition has stated that cosmetic and personal care products pose a higher threat of cancer than even smoking cigarettes. Compounding the problem is the vast amount of incorrect information distributed by marketing departments to attract new customers.
Everything that you put on the surface of your skin is absorbed into the pores and gets into the bloodstream. The circulation of the blood distributes the toxins throughout the entire body, causing damage to internal organs as well as the skin. Since all of these products enter your body, you should analyze the labels on your cosmetic products the same way you would with labels on food. Of course, choosing only natural skin care products eliminates the problem of toxins altogether.
Once the toxins get into your bloodstream, it forces your body to work much harder than usual in an effort to get rid of them. The liver is responsible for most of this clean up, but it can only handle so much before health problems will set in. The liver is a key part of the body’s immune system and should be treated with care. Liver problems can cause major health issues such as auto-immune diseases, asthma, continual infections, and allergies.
Using natural ingredients can avoid these toxicity problems. The body recognizes natural skin care products as organic matter to be processed, not as a toxic threat that must be eliminated. Many of these products are made out of plant matter which contains the same basic vitamins and minerals as the ones already present in our bodies. Synthetic chemicals may be seen by the body as toxic and the immune system will react against them.
You can exfoliate with a gentle material such as crushed oatmeal, table sugar, or baking soda. Make exfoliating a regular part of your daily skin care routine and you will see much more life and bounce in your appearance. Other natural substances that may be useful for skin care include honey, egg whites, olive oil, bananas, and avocado. Be creative and use of some of the common items you have in your kitchen to give you softer, smoother skin.
How do you know which natural skin care products are actually safe? Some products are labeled as “100% natural” when they still contain chemicals and toxins. The only way to be completely sure is to look at the list of ingredients on the package. Dyes, fragrances, and synthetic preservatives can all be found in these “natural” skin care products.
Why You Should Try All Natural Skin Care Products
Wondering about all natural skin care products? There are a lot of choices on the market today and it can be confusing when you are trying to decide which products are best for you. Here are a few things to consider before shopping for a new skin care program.
Environmental pollution and sun exposure can increase production of free radicals in the body. The body already produces these skin-damaging free radicals on a continual basis during the process of metabolism. Free radicals can cause mutations in the skin cells that may lead to cancer or, at the very least, premature wrinkles. All good skin care programs should include some form of sun protection.
Most all natural skin care products do contain sunscreen, so check the label for the level of SPF protection. Be careful if you are using sunblock every time you are in the sun because this may cause a vitamin D deficiency. To be safe, supplement your nutritional intake with a daily multivitamin. Lack of vitamin D has been connected to osteoporosis, so older women should be extra careful to replace their vitamin intake.
There has been a recent trend toward more nutrition-related skin care products. Poor diet and bad physical health does affect the skin cells, as well as the rest of the body. Vitamin C is especially good for skin health and may even prevent some damage caused by sun exposure. Antioxidant vitamins remove free radicals, which can damage skin cells and lead to premature aging. Our body is always producing free radicals as a byproduct of metabolism, so a daily antioxidant vitamin supplement can be very helpful.
Honey is an excellent material for all natural skin care products because it can lock in moisture that is already present in the skin. Many spas used paraffin wax in the past for this purpose, but now it is recognized that honey is a much more useful natural alternative. Vegetable oil and natural waxes will also have this effect if you would rather not use honey or do not have any available.
Honey is not a very effective natural moisturizer because it does not contain any water. However, it does not dry out the skin the way alcohol and other common cosmetic ingredients might. Honey can also inhibit bacterial growth and other acne-causing organisms. There are specialized honeys available for use as all natural skin care products, which are significantly different than the honey you would find at the store.
Another kitchen item that can be found in the best all natural skin care products is olive oil. Olive oil has a variety of uses in natural cosmetics, including moisturizing the skin or hair. It can be used on the dry, parched skin found on the heels, elbows, or knees. Throw a little bit of olive oil into your next bath for added softness and luxury. Olive oil can even moisturize the hair and scalp if rubbed directly on the head.
Olive oil also makes a nice natural exfoliant for the skin. Simply mixing some oil with a quantity of brown sugar will create a thick exfoliant paste. The paste can then be used before a shower or bath as an exfoliating treatment. Olive oil is just one example of the great all natural skin care products that can be used to moisturize and protect your skin.
Where To Find The Latest Skin Care Information
There is so much skin care information out there today that it can be a bit perplexing to make sense of it all. This article will show you where to look to find the most accurate information and how to use that information to make a decision on your skin care products.
Look at the label on the product itself first. Most of the time, you can find all the information you need right there on the bottle. Cosmetic products are required to list all of the active ingredients and frequently will also list what each ingredient does. If you need more information, you can then research each of these ingredients individually to find out if there are any harmful effects.
To find out if there have been any allergic reactions or consumer problems with a certain product, check any of the skin care information websites on the Internet. Many times, you can find a message board or product review site where people are sharing their own individual experience with the product. Keep in mind that it is often the most dissatisfied customers who post on such sites, not customers who were happy with their purchase. Do not automatically write off a product that has had bad reviews, but you should at least do a little more research before buying.
You can also use the Internet to look up drug interactions or possible side effects. There are many medical websites available for general information. Of course, you should always check with a doctor if you have any preexisting medical conditions that may pose a serious danger. Internet skin care information can still be unreliable and you would not want to take a risk based on some anonymous person’s opinion.
Your friends and family can also be a great source for skin care information. Simply ask around to find out if anyone has stumbled onto a great new skin care product. Pay particular attention to any of your friends who have undergone a major appearance overhaul as it is likely that they have tried out at least one of the skin care products on the market. If the product causes irritation or other side effects, your friend can also pass on her valuable experience and save you some hassle and pain.
If you need expert skin care information, contact a dermatologist. They often have stores of experience with their patients to draw from, so they can tell you if a certain product really works or if it is just marketing hype. They also should know about any dangerous side effects or drug interactions, so it is always a good idea to double-check with a dermatologist before starting any new skin care program.
Always research any new product before beginning to use it, especially if you have any other medical conditions. With all the resources available, there is no reason to take an unnecessary risk because you are uninformed. There is a lot of skin care information out there, it’s just a matter of knowing where to look for it.
What You Need to Know About Organic Skin Care
Because today’s consumers are more conscious of their health and the environment, there are more organic skin care products available than ever before. Other people may have developed allergies to all of the toxins and chemicals used in commercial skin care produts and are looking for a healthier alternative. Some commonly used ingredients in commercial products include fragrances, dyes, and various types of acids.
By contrast, organic skin care products contain natural ingredients such as vitamins A, C, or E, essential oils, antioxidants, or proteins. These are necessary to replace the skin cells lost as we age. As the body gets older, it produces less collagen and elastin, which leads to dry, wrinkled skin. Re-hydrating the cells from the outside is the only way to repair this age-related damage.
You can now find organic skin care products in almost any pharmacy, drug store, or health food and nutrition store. If you do not have access to any of these places, there are many retailers online to choose your natural cosmetics from. Some spas and salons have also added organic products to their inventory, so you may want to look there as well. Most of these products are free of fragrances and dyes and will not cause or aggravate existing allergies.
There are organic products available both men and women. Men can find organic shaving lotion and after-shave, while women usually have more options of cleansers, creams, toners, and gels. Unfortunately, organic products generally cost more than the synthetic version of the same item. It is worth the extra cost to protect your skin and your health from toxic chemicals and preservatives.
An alarming number of mainstream skin care products may contain the wetting agents diethanolamine and triethanolamine, sometimes listed on ingredient labels as DEA and TEA, respectively. These substances by themselves are not considered to be a cancer risk. If the product contains nitrites as contaminants, this may cause a chemical reaction that creates cancer-causing nitrosamines.
Most commercial cosmetic products include some type of bactericides or preservatives. These are necessary to protect the cosmetics from contamination, but may also be dangerous or even carcinogenic. For instance, trace amounts of formaldehyde are found in some products. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and is neurotoxic in higher doses.
How can you be sure that your skin care products are really organic? Unfortunately, there is still plenty of room for vagueness in labeling of cosmetic products. Generally, a cosmetic product must follow the same USDA rules as would a food product. The product must contain no less than 95% organic and natural ingredients in order to qualify for the label.
After the 95% threshhold is met, there is a serious lack of additional guidance and regulations. There are no restrictions on the words cosmetic manufacturers can use on their labels, so you many see plenty of products called “organic” or “botanical” even though they may still contain a small amount of synthetic chemicals. Read the ingredient labels carefully to be sure that your organic skin care products are really made of only organic materials.
The Professionals Guide To Sensitive Skin Care
Sensitive skin care is a challenge for many people, especially those living in difficult climates. There are certain external conditions that should be avoided, as should the chemicals in most commercial cosmetic products. How do you know if you have sensitive skin? Here are a few factors to consider when deciding if you need specialized sensitive skin care products:
* Do you break out or have redness after being exposed to environmental stressors like shaving or weather?
* Do you have tingly or tight skin with no other explanation for it?
* Have you noticed any dryness, irritation, or redness on your skin?
* Does your skin react adversely to household cleaning products or cosmetics?
* After answering the rest of these questions, has your dermatologist ruled out any other skin conditions that could be causing the problem?
Sensitive skin can be even more challenging to deal with in adverse weather conditions. If you live where the weather is extremely cold or hot, you may need to use sensitive skin care products to protect yourself.
Thin skin is generally more sensitive than thicker parts of the skin simply because there is less protection between the blood and the outside conditions. The capillaries are closer to the outside of the skin when it is thin, so the skin becomes sensitive to cold, heat, and wind. Sensitive skin also is more susceptible to sunburn, so wear a higher SPF sunscreen if you much go out in the sun.
Avoid harsh washing products like loofahs, brushes, or cleansing stones. You want something soft to take care of your sensitive skin, not an abrasive brush that will further irritate it. Do not use exfoliants because they may be too rough for your skin and cause inflammation when used.
Stay away from any strong chemicals in your skin care products. Fragrances and dyes in particular may irritate sensitive skin, so look for hypo-allergenic or organic products whenever possible. Use liquid cleansers as they are usually easier on the skin and will not cause the same allergic reactions. Hard-milled soaps also work well for sensitive skin care.
Antibacterial astringents are another key component of a good sensitive skin care program. They come in both cream and lotion form and are used to protect your skin from infectious bacteria. This balances your skin growth and keeps bacterial colonies from forming on the surface. One strong antibacterial is salicylic acid, which can exfoliate and remove the outer layer of accumulated dead skin cells. It also clears out bacteria in hair follicle areas to ensure healthy hair growth.
Be careful when purchasing your sensitive skin care products to make sure that they really are safe for your skin. Many products are labeled as natural or hypo-allergenic when they still contain toxic chemicals. Always check the ingredients listed on the label to see if there are any substances that may aggravate your skin. Similarly, perfume-free products may not always be completely devoid of fragrances so double-check all of your sensitive skin care products before use.
The Best Natural Beauty Recipes
There are a number of natural beauty recipes you can make at home. You do not have to pay for commercial cosmetic products to look your best. In fact, many times the natural solution is healthier and more effective than the chemical-laden makeups you will find at the store.
Here is a great papaya enzyme facial mask that is one of the more popular natural beauty recipes. You will need the following ingredients: 1/2 cup mashed papaya, 1 whipped egg white, and 1 teaspoon of honey. For additional cooling or if you have sensitive skin, add a tablespoon of plain yogurt to your mixture.
Mix all of your ingredients together in a large bowl. Wash your skin before applying the facial mask mixture. Leave the mask on your face for approximately five to eight minutes, giving the papaya enzymes time to exfoliate your skin. Rinse off with warm water first, then with cooler water, patting dry when done.
For hair, this herbal vinegar rinse will restore your hair’s natural pH balance, clean off built up dirt and hair products, and reduce oily hair. Place 2 sprigs of rosemary and 2 sprigs of lavender in 2 cups of water in a clear glass jar. Let the jar sit out in the sun to steep for between two and four hours, then remove the herbs. Add one or two tablespoons of either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to your water solution, then use the same way you would use shampoo.
Herbal bath salts are another of the top natural beauty recipes you can make at home. All you need is a cup of sea salt and a handful of whatever herbs you have on hand, such as lavender, rosemary, spearmint, or peppermint. Grind the herbs with a coffee grinder until they become a fine powder. Mix with the sea salt and dump into your next bath for a relaxing change of pace.
A similar natural beauty recipe is this refreshing flower-based foot soak. For this one, you again need sea salt, along with some fresh sliced citrus of your choice (limes, lemons, oranges, etc.) and a handful of flower petals picked fresh from your garden. Fill a small basin with lukewarm water and add the salt, flower petals, and fruit slices. Soak your feet in the mixture for ten minutes, then rinse and pat to dry.
This strawberry manicure mask is a great way to pamper your hands naturally. Mash 3-5 ripe strawberries, drain off the juice, and combine with one tablespoon of sugar and a little bit of the light oil of your choice. Apply the resulting mixture to your hands by using a circular motion. This will condition and exfoliate the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
During watermelon season, this pedicure polish is good for your feet and gives your home a nice aroma of summer. Combine 1/2 cup of mashed and strained watermelon with one tablespoon finely crushed almonds and 1/4 cup of plain yogurt. Apply the mixture by working it in with your hands in a circular motion. Use a tissue to remove, then rinse and pat dry to enjoy this one of our natural beauty recipes.
The Benefits Of Professional Skin Care
You can get a variety of professional skin care products just about anywhere these days. It used to be that you were limited to only the selection of products at your local spa, but now there are quality skin care products at the pharmacy or health store, along with a number of outlets online. You no longer have to pay expensive spa fees just to get the products you need.
Along with the expanded choice of retailers, there is a vast array of professional skin care products available. You can choose an entire product line to cover all of your personal care needs or just select single products as you need them. There are also more organic and natural beauty products on the market now than ever before, so you do not have to use chemical-based skin care products. Some products have blended the natural with some synthetic substances, trying to avoid using the most toxic chemicals.
Many of these products can be purchased over the counter with no prescription, but some of the stronger items may require a prescription from a dermatologist. These products are usually a stronger concentration that is meant only for certain skin problems. They must be restricted because they may cause damage to people who do not have that particular condition. Some of the more common prescription products are used to treat acne, discoloration, and premature aging.
Of course, if you do need a prescription product, you will have to make an appointment with a dermatologist. A qualified dermatologist is the best person to decide if you have a severe enough skin condition to warrant treatment with professional skin care products. If he does determine that you have a problem, the dermatologist can suggest certain products that will be best suited for that specific skin condition. The doctor can also advise you on the safe use of all cosmetic products, including warnings specific to pregnant women.
Any professional skin care product you buy should come with an instruction booklet and warnings. A good dermatologist will also verbally warn you of any side effect and should explain how to use the product correctly. Always follow the doctor’s instructions or ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about how the product should be used or how much to use.
Although all professional skin care products come with their own instruction leaflets, your dermatologist should be able to verbally repeat product instructions and warnings. A good doctor will always warn you if you should expect some side effects. He can also tell you exactly how to safely get the most out of your product. You should also check with your doctor to make sure there are no adverse reactions with any other medications or products you are currently using.
The expansion of the skin care industry has brought many high-end products to the consumer. You may now be able to find your skin care solution without having to see the dermatologist. Of course, be careful when purchasing your own products without a doctor’s guidance as there may be side effects or interactions. Always do your research to make sure you are getting the right type of professional skin care products.
Simple Safe Acne Anti Aging Skin Care
Are you facing the problem of your skin aging before it’s time? Relax! Thanks to the advances in acne anti aging skin care treatments there is a skin care product or actual medical treatment to help you. However, you and I need to know a few things before we can choose the right skin care treatment.
As a matter of course, before you or I even think about what product or type of treatment we are going to employ, we should always consult a qualified professional first. Obviously, the well trained and licensed physician can advise us as to what our actual skin problems are. Many times we may find out that we have an underlying health condition, such as a thyroid problem or other condition, causing our skin to age faster than normal. Obviously, treating the medical problem would be the very first step in our battle; to stop the premature aging of our skin. In addition to ruling out a medical condition, there are a few other things our doctor will be able to fill us in on.
One of the first things we need to know is that, as in many other things, female and male skin is different. Big surprise! Right? As an example a man’s face, when treating over exposure to the sun, wind and other environmental hazards, needs a skin care moisturizer which contains vitamin B5. Many of today’s dermatologists also recommend creams with a combination of witch hazel and B5.
However, because the fairer sex, have other problems with their skin, than the old rugged male, women only need B5 in their acne anti aging skin care battle. But it really helps both men and women, to kick their skin care battle up a notch, to include lotions and moisturizer creams with vitamins such as coenzyme Q10. In addition there are many other ingredients found in today’s moisturizer creams and lotions.
A great many of the over the counter lotions and moisturizer creams contain an ingredient known as petrolatum. Emphasis on the petro! Because it is so common many of us have used it for years and guess what? Yep! You guessed it. It may cause our skin to age that much faster. Studies which have been conducted, over the years, by well qualified skin specialist; bear this theory out. One of the easiest and simplest things to do in our acne anti aging skin care treatment; is to avoid the products which contain petrolatum. But we need to remember there are other chemical and preservatives which should be avoided.
We should take the time to read every label on every bottle and tube of skin treatment products. However you and I know, we normally cant spell many of the ingredients listed, much less pronounce them or know what they mean. Heres a little tip, a science teacher friend of mine gave me. If the word is about 2 inches long, chances are it is a chemical compound which is not natural to our body. Avoid it!
Its easy for us to understand there is more to simple, safe acne anti aging skin care than just using any old cream or moisturizer. It will pay for us to gain as much knowledge as we can; to keep us from looking old before our time.
Are you facing the problem of your skin aging before it’s time? Relax! Thanks to the advances in acne anti aging skin care treatments there is a skin care product or actual medical treatment to help you. However, you and I need to know a few things before we can choose the right skin care treatment.
As a matter of course, before you or I even think about what product or type of treatment we are going to employ, we should always consult a qualified professional first. Obviously, the well trained and licensed physician can advise us as to what our actual skin problems are. Many times we may find out that we have an underlying health condition, such as a thyroid problem or other condition, causing our skin to age faster than normal. Obviously, treating the medical problem would be the very first step in our battle; to stop the premature aging of our skin. In addition to ruling out a medical condition, there are a few other things our doctor will be able to fill us in on.
One of the first things we need to know is that, as in many other things, female and male skin is different. Big surprise! Right? As an example a man’s face, when treating over exposure to the sun, wind and other environmental hazards, needs a skin care moisturizer which contains vitamin B5. Many of today’s dermatologists also recommend creams with a combination of witch hazel and B5.
However, because the fairer sex, have other problems with their skin, than the old rugged male, women only need B5 in their acne anti aging skin care battle. But it really helps both men and women, to kick their skin care battle up a notch, to include lotions and moisturizer creams with vitamins such as coenzyme Q10. In addition there are many other ingredients found in today’s moisturizer creams and lotions.
A great many of the over the counter lotions and moisturizer creams contain an ingredient known as petrolatum. Emphasis on the petro! Because it is so common many of us have used it for years and guess what? Yep! You guessed it. It may cause our skin to age that much faster. Studies which have been conducted, over the years, by well qualified skin specialist; bear this theory out. One of the easiest and simplest things to do in our acne anti aging skin care treatment; is to avoid the products which contain petrolatum. But we need to remember there are other chemical and preservatives which should be avoided.
We should take the time to read every label on every bottle and tube of skin treatment products. However you and I know, we normally cant spell many of the ingredients listed, much less pronounce them or know what they mean. Heres a little tip, a science teacher friend of mine gave me. If the word is about 2 inches long, chances are it is a chemical compound which is not natural to our body. Avoid it!
Its easy for us to understand there is more to simple, safe acne anti aging skin care than just using any old cream or moisturizer. It will pay for us to gain as much knowledge as we can; to keep us from looking old before our time.
Proven Techniques for Natural Health and Beauty Recipes
The green movement and global warming have people everywhere in search of natural health and beauty recipes. As more and more people discover these all natural recipes, more and more people decide to make them at home instead of spending the money to buy similar products from the various beauty and health stores. Who can blame them? These sorts of products tend to be more expensive than their toxic counterparts. If you make them at home, youll save money and the environment.
Part of the problem is, as most people embark down the path of making natural health and beauty recipes, they have little to no experience in making them. People can then become discouraged and give up trying to make them at home, finding it easier and cheaper to just go back to their old, planet destroying habits. Before you throw in the towel, there are several techniques that can help give a successful result on any of the recipes you try.
Actually the first thing anyone should do when deciding to make any of the natural health and beauty recipes they find is to do some research. The internet is a great resource in learning about the ingredients used in the recipes and where to find them. You can also find tips and tricks from people who have made the recipe before, allowing you to learn from their experience and mistakes before you attempt to make it yourself. Why learn the hard way and make your own mistakes when you can learn from someone elses?
Next, youll want to purchase a good reference book on natural health and beauty recipes. Its not always possible to hop on the internet and look up the information you need when youre right in the middle of creating something. A good reference book is also great for researching any particular ailments that might spring up on you suddenly. Having one on essential oils is a must since essential oils are used quite frequently in these sorts of recipes.
Since quite a few natural health and beauty recipes are cooked much like regular, food recipes, youll want to purchase separate cook wear that will be used when you make your beauty recipes. Some ingredients can do wonders for a complexion but cause serious problems if ingested. It can be hard to get a pot completely clean and free of any essential oil or plant residue once its been used for a beauty recipe. Youll avoid the likelihood of cross-contamination all together if you simply use different cook wear for different things.
When youre ready to make one of the beauty recipes, gather all of your ingredients and the recipe together, much like when you cook normally. Make sure you keep your work area clean and wipe up any spills immediately. Have whatever containers ready that you plan on storing your creation in. Natural health and beauty recipes arent hard to do. They can be a lot of fun!
