Skin cancer is a risk for everyone - not just for those living in sunny areas or who have fair skin. Start by checking your body for signs of skin cancer - studies show that people who regularly inspect their skin can reduce their risk of melanoma by as much as 63 percent. Use the following list to guide you through your self-examination:
- Note any changes in freckles or moles or any new bumps or nodules.
- Look for moles or freckles with irregular borders, mixed colors (especially black), signs of inflammation or pallor, and any increase in size.
- Pay attention to moles or freckles that are bigger than the size of a pencil eraser, fail to heal after a minor injury, or are scabby or scaly.
If you notice any of the above, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist - he or she can help to determine if treatment is necessary. In addition, you can help to prevent melanoma by protecting yourself from the sun with hats, sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing.
2. Battling Dry Skin
If your skin is tight or scaly, and you're looking for something to improve its condition, try supplementing with sources of essential fatty acid. Evening primrose oil, black currant oil and borage oil are all good sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which promotes healthy growth of skin, hair and nails. Of the three oils, black currant oil (in doses of 500 mg twice a day) is the most economical remedy for dry skin conditions. You won't see immediate results from this treatment, but in six to eight weeks you'll begin to notice positive changes. To discover more about the supplements that can address your unique skin and overall health challenges
3. Understanding Eczema
Eczema, an allergy-related skin condition, is characterized by red, scaly dry patches that are extremely itchy. The disorder is especially common in young adults, children and infants. Dermatologists usually treat eczema with topical steroids, but these drugs may simply suppress the problem - and may worsen it over time. Steroids can also negatively impact immunity. Instead of steroids, consider a drug-free approach - the one outlined below has worked well for many of my patients:
- Eliminate milk and all milk products from your diet, as well as products that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (often found in snack foods and baked goods) and trans-fatty acids (margarine, vegetable shortening).
- Take 500 mg of black currant oil twice a day (half that dose for children younger than 12). It contains gamma linolenic aid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that promotes healthy growth of skin, hair and nails. You should begin to notice positive changes in six to eight weeks.
- Apply aloe vera gel (from a fresh plant or buy lotions or moisturizers containing aloe) or calendula cream to affected areas.
- Experiment with lotions and salves containing chaparral (Larrea divaricata), a desert plant used topically in Mexican folk medicine for skin conditions.
- Visualization and hypnotherapy can also have a significant positive impact on allergy-related skin conditions. And try to relax - stress can make the condition worse. Explore relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and yoga.
In addition, be sure to bathe or shower as quickly as possible, and use a non-perfumed moisturizing soap. Apply a thick moisturizing cream immediately after patting yourself dry - don't rub your skin when you towel dry your body. You also may want to look into hot springs therapy - many Japanese doctors believe that daily mineral soaks can relieve eczema symptoms. If you happen to live near a hot spring, go for a dip to see if it helps.
4. Aloe for Your Medicine Chest
The gel extracted from the inside of aloe (Aloe vera) leaves is a cost-effective, natural way to treat a variety of summer ailments: it can be used topically for the treatment of sunburn, first and second degree burns, skin irritations or inflammation, mosquito bites, and rashes from poisonous plants. Look for a whole, living plant at your local garden store, cut open the leaf and apply the gel generously as needed. Or, choose a lotion (look for those with a high percentage of aloe gel) or a gel product. Be aware that topical use can trigger rare allergic reactions and may delay surgical wound healing. Always contact trained medical personnel for burns with significant blistering.
5. Cracked Lips Making You Cranky?
If chapped lips or dry skin are getting to you, try finding natural relief in calendula - from petals of the ornamental "pot marigold" flower. Available in tinctures, oil, lotions and creams, look for products with at least 10 percent extract of Calendula officinalis. A gentle, effective remedy is to wash the skin with a diluted solution of tincture. You can also apply ready-to-use calendula skin products or oil directly on irritated areas. Calendula can safely be used for skin irritations, rashes (including diaper rash), eczema, acne and minor burns.
6. Eating 101: Preventing Acne
Acne is a common problem among teenagers as well as adults. Heredity, stress and hormones all influence the appearance of inflamed hair follicles, which result in breakouts. While cleansing the face with a mild glycerin soap and applying topical treatments such as tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide can help, making dietary changes can also be helpful.
- Increase your consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables.
- Include omega-3 fatty acids like Wild Alaskan salmon or freshly ground flaxseeds to help reduce and prevent inflammation.
- Drink lots of water to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Limit processed and refined foods, and opt for whole, healthful foods instead.
And, don't be afraid to eat a piece of dark chocolate now and then - there is no link between chocolate and acne, and dark chocolate actually has antioxidant benefits!
7. Coping with Corns
Corns - usually caused by pressure or friction from shoes that are too tight or too loose - can be painful and unsightly. Medically, corns are known as hyperkeratoses of the skin - thickening and hardening of the surface layer with a deep-seated core or nucleation. They can make walking or standing miserably uncomfortable. The first step is to find and wear shoes that fit properly and comfortably. Making sure they are appropriate for your daily activities, and that they do not slip or bind when you walk, will help to prevent corns from forming. If you already have corns, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a pumice stone to reduce the thickness of a corn. Soak your feet first so the corn is soft when you rub it.
- Use moleskin or other non-medicated pads to reduce the pressure and pain.
- Avoid socks or stockings that bind your feet too tightly.
- Limit you use of high-heeled shoes - they increase pressure on the forefoot where corns develop.
- Consider an over-the-counter corn removal solution - they do contain acid so be careful, and never use them if you're diabetic or have any problem with diminished circulation in the feet.
See a podiatrist or other health care professional who treats foot problems if the remedies suggested above don't help. Medical treatment usually involves paring or shaving the corn and its core. This will relieve the pain, but the corn will come back if you continue wearing the wrong shoes.
8. Reducing Odor-causing Bacteria
The bacterial breakdown of sweat is what causes most body odor. Perspiration itself is normally odorless. If you want to reduce body odor naturally, consider the following:
- An easy solution to reducing bacteria is to splash on rubbing alcohol.
- Most commercial deodorant products contain irritating or harmful ingredients, including aluminum salts and dyes. Avoid the antiperspirant varieties. You can find better products in health-food stores, such as those containing extracts of green tea, which is antibacterial.
- If you buy "natural crystals," make sure they do not contain aluminum in any form.
Stimulant drugs, including coffee and tea, contribute to body odor by increasing the activity of apocrine sweat glands, special glands in hairy parts of the body that produce strong-smelling, musky secretions. Try eliminating caffeine if body odor continues to be a problem.
Source : www.drweil.com
By Juliet Cohen
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It breathes and releases toxins through perspiration. AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy acids) have become one of the biggest skin care invention. Alpha-hydroxy acids, also commonly known as the fruit acids, are found in natural products. These include citric acid from citrus fruit, lactic acid from our milk, tartaric acid from wine, and malic acid from apples and other fruits. this naturally found ingredient can help your skin. Alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs breaks down these protein bonds. The dead skin cells are then lifted away and the brighter and plumper cells underneath are revealed. Vitamin E is a fantastic antioxidant and cellular healer that the skin can absorb. The pure E oil is wonderful for treating scars, burns, and other skin rashes, as it both moisturizes and heals wounds.
Ampule treatments have a very aggregation of active ingredients. They usually come in glass phials that are sealed to retain their freshness. Ampule treatments contain extracts from herbs, wheat germ, vitamins and collagen. Serums and gels are an ultra-light and non-greasy formulation. The concentration of active ingredients is very high. The use of serums and gels will help to boost the anti-ageing process. Jojoba oil is another fantastic oil for skin and hair, but it is only for external, or topical, use. This oil penetrates and moisturizes the skin without leaving an oily residue. It is very similar to human sebum, which normally moisturizes the hair and skin. Beeswax must be one of the most misunderstood and sometimes vilified cosmetic ingredients.
Vitamin E has been getting a lot of attention lately for the treatment of acne and acne scarring. Vitamin E may be helpful in a faster recovery from acne. Vitamin C in various skin products, and how it helps with wrinkles and fine lines. Massage can also be preventative medicine against conditions that occur later in life, such as osteoporosis and ulcers. Chamomile, a flower in the daisy family. Making paste with extra-strong brew and using it as an external wash or part of a hot compress can help soothe burns, skin rashes, and sores. Skin firmers are specials creams. They will help to tighten your skin making it firm and smooth. When applied on the skin, skin firmers will form an ultra-fine film that helps to tighten your complexion and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Safflower oil has a very high percentage of linoleic acid. It, therefore, helps to moisturize, nourish and restructure the skin. Facial massage can be considered as one of the ultimate skin care pampering techniques there is. Making facial massage a regular part of your skin care routine can definitely improve your skin's appearance. Use an extract of witch hazel as an astringent, a skin freshener and to soothe skin irritations. It is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent, which makes it very useful in fighting acne. Serums and gels are an ultra-light and non-greasy formulation. The concentration of active ingredients is very high. Unless your skin is very oily, they are usually not used on their own but applied beneath your moisturizer. The use of serums and gels will help to boost the anti-ageing process.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for skin care tips and skin care treatment. For more information visit our skin care section.
Article Source: Juliet Cohan
By John Gibb
Organic skin care is the name given to natural skin care treatments such as herbs and products made of a blend of different organic plants. These products are simple and very effective. They have no harmless effects because of the fact that they are made with all pure substances.
Many people are now considering organic skin care as it has been proved to be successful for many skin disorders. There are now hundreds of companies that manufacture natural skin care products ranging from simple moisturizers to cosmetics, including foundations and concealers.
Seaweed, neem, lettuce, fenugreek, lemon and many others are herbs that are excellent for skin health. The kind of products to choose depends largely on your skin type. If your skin is oily you may consider buying a moisturizer system with a lot of oil in it. However, for oily skin the same moisturizers can be a nightmare.
The advantage of organic skin care products is that they are suitable for nearly all skin types. They might cause irritation if you have damaged or over-sensitive skin, but other than that, there are no side effects associated with their application. Vitamin C is good for dry skin. Similarly, collagen and elastin are good for aging skin and wrinkles.
There are some products that claim to be completely organic but in reality they are not. You should be aware of these products and choose only those that come from reputed manufacturers. A good way to know about the effectiveness of a particular product is to read user reviews about it. If customers are satisfied, it means the product is in fact very effective.
Another way is to look for manufacturers that have organic certification. Not all manufacturers are certified to provide natural skin care or organic skin care products to their customers. It's ok to have non-organic substances in a product, but the overall quality should be excellent in this case and should comply with international quality standards.
You should avoid ingredients such as parabens, which are added as preservatives to many skin care products and particularly organic skin care products. Since these substances contain carbon, many people list them as organic compounds but in reality they are not good for the skin. Be on the look out for such ingredients in a product before buying it to avoid health complications.
Organic skin care is being advertised massively these days but the above-mentioned points are some of the untold secrets that most people don't know about. Always keep these points in mind so that you don't put your health to risk just because a lot of advertisements are saying that organic products are the way to go.
John Gibb is a nutrition enthusiast with over ten years of nutrition education and has now become a freelance writer. Currently, he focuses on effective skincare and how to acheive the best looking skin naturally.
To learn about the products we personally use for our skin and why, be sure to check out our natural skincare website. We have personally been using these products with excellent results
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb
