Popular Herbs Used in Skin Care and Their Benefits

Popular Herbs Used in Skin Care and Their Benefits: Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Lavender and Rosemary

Today skin care and cosmetics are increasingly going natural. You may have heard that herbs and oils are commonly used in skin care and cosmetics; but, you may not know why or what purpose they serve. why, and what do the do? Four very common and popular herbs that are used in the form of oil or gels are chamomile, Aloe Vera, lavender, and rosemary. All provide unique benefits for the skin and body.

The benefits of chamomile for the skin and body range from calming effects to healing. Recent and on-going research has identified chamomile’s specific benefits as

anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-allergenic. Chamomile is most often recognized as an herbal tea; however, chamomile is present in many skin care products. Chamomile’s active ingredients extracted from the flower are essential oils and flavonoids. Essential oils help to calm and relax irritated skin. Essential oils have also been found to be beneficial to treat and sooth acne prone skin. Flavonoids – or plant metabolites- are rich in anti oxidants that help the body repair and heal damaged skin, as well as fight free radicals, which create damage to bodily cells. Chamomile has few side effects and is effective and beneficial to the skin topically or if ingested.

Aloe Vera contains numerous, minerals, vitamin, enzymes, and natural sugars that help with inflammation. Aloe Vera is commonly known for its healing properties, which explains its popular use in skin care. Aloe Vera aids in the healing of skin burns and cuts and moisturizes and softens skin. Aloe Vera is used in skin care products to help with dry sensitive skin as the plant has unique healing and soothing properties. Taken internally, Aloe Vera has been found to regulate digestion, which in turn builds healthy skin from the inside out. Aloe Vera is available as a gel, spray, lotion, juice, cream and in the form of a capsule. Aloe Vera is most commonly found in soaps, cleansers, facial masks, skin care gels or creams.

Lavender has many uses in skin care that include aiding skin repair, stimulating cell growth, reducing inflammation, preventing scarring and pigmentation, regulating oil production, and reducing pain. Lavender also works as antiseptic or antibacterial agent and is considered an essential oil. Due to its extensive benefits to the skin, lavender is often found in soaps, cleaners, or facial masks formulated to treat acne prone skin.

Rosemary can be used as an essential oil just like chamomile and lavender. Rosemary and lavender are actually found in the same herbal family. Rosemary tones

the skin, helping to even out skin tone and texture, while reliving dryness. Rosemary strengthens capillaries and is good to use on aging skin. Rosemary is found in skin care cleansers, soaps, face masks, toners and creams.

There are many other herbs used in skin care and cosmetics today-most in the form of essential oils or extracts- and all can have different or positive effects on the skin and body. Herbs and oils have been used to heal for many centuries and now are being utilized for safe, natural ways to treat skin conditions and maintain a healthy complexion.

by Tiffany Oney

Facts on Vitamin C Products and C Serum

Here are 9 facts on Vitamin C Serum from Dr Joanne Turner and her Blog - Skin Revision.

Facts on Vitamin C Products and C Serum - Is it all hype?

I recommend everyone put Vitamin C and E onto their face daily because they protect against UV induced cell damage. It is this sun damage that not only causes premature aging but also skin cancers. However Vitamin C has other properties including being one of the few ingredients that has a science base to show that it reverses signs of aging to the skin.

Vitamin C was originally used in skin care products in the form of ascorbic acid. At a 10% concentration and low ph, ascorbic acid has been shown to stimulate collagen, decrease wrinkle depth and have lightening effects on pigmentation. It was thought that a minimum 10% concentration was required but newer information indicate that lower concentration (5%) may have benefit. It is best to stay with products that have this concentration or above.

9 Facts about vitamin C serums

1. Consumer beware - not all products contain sufficient vitamin C to be of benefit Most products on the market do not have sufficient concentration to be of benefit to the skin. Many companies, keen to cash in on the market trends for antioxidants in skin care, put only miniscule amounts in and consumers unknowingly will buy a product that will be of no benefit. Unfortunately you cannot judge from the prestige or price of the product you buy, you need to look at the concentrations.

2. Vitamin C does not work in everyone For reasons that are not yet known, Ascorbic Acid at a good concentration does not work in everyone. It may only be 60% of the population who get the age reversing benefits of vitamin C. Some people who do not respond to Ascorbic Acid however still get anti-aging benefits from the newer vitamin C derivatives. (Discussed later). Vitamin C, however is a potent antioxidant and you still should get the benefits of protection from UV induced cell damage even if it does not keep you looking younger.

3. Vitamin C in the form of Ascorbic Acid is very expensive. Vitamin C is very unstable and difficult to get into a formulation this in part explains why ascorbic acid skin products tend to be very expensive.

4. Your Vitamin C may oxidise before you get to put it on your skin The biggest problem with Ascorbic Acid creams and serums is that because they are unstable, they are oxidised very quickly and once it is oxidised it does not provide any benefit to the skin at all. Even in stabilised formulations there is a risk that before you get your precious vitamin C cream or serum home, it will already be useless and worse may even because more damage to your skin than good.

5. Watch for yellowing of your serum- it indicates oxidation As it undergoes oxidation the ascorbic acid takes on a yellowish tinge, so it is important to check your creams or serums before you put them on your face, and if there is any yellow discolouration, DISCARD.

There is a problem with the colour check as the first stage of oxidation is colourless, so prior to going yellow it can be in an oxidised state that cannot be detected.

6. Do not buy vitamin C preparations that are tinted yellow or orange The second problem with using a colour test is that many vitamin C serums are tinted and you will not be not be able to detect if it is oxidised by visual checking. Why a company would do this is beyond me, when they know the difficulties of instability of vitamin C formulations oxidising. If you didn’t trust them you would think they are deliberately trying to mislead. Do not buy tinted formulations of vitamin C.

7. Vitamin C derivatives are more stable, less expensive and effective at lower concentrations There are newer derivatives of Vitamin C: Ascorbyl palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and some of these are proving as effective as ascorbic acid in collagen stimulation. Refer Smartskincare an excellent science based skin care site. These derivatives are effective in lower concentrations, are more stable and less expensive and as such may be a better choice. There is a battle among some of the big cosmetic houses as to which is most effective but the newest Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate if particularly promising, and seems to work in some people who are resistant to Ascorbic Acid.

8. There is nothing special about the base cream or serum that the vitamin C (or any other active product) is delivered in Thinking about it logically, if a product has 10% ascorbic acid in stabilised form, or 2% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (the active ingredient) then no matter what the cost it will be equally effective, as there is no base serum or cream that has properties that make it effective in anti-aging-and that is the truth.

This is illustrated with my recent comment on Boots no 7 perfect and protect - where a chain store anti-aging cream is matching up to more expensive prestige brands and winning. The reason: it is the active ingredients that has the effect, no matter what advertising trys to seduce you - REMEMBER THIS FACT.

9. You can make your own Vitamin C Serum There is however some ingredients that are now considered state of the art in modern skin care. Among these is a group of base ingredients that help protect the skin and maintain the intercellular network. Refer Cosmetic Cop - Paula Begoun cosmetic ingredients dictionary on natural moisturising factors. These do not have anti—aging benefit but protect the skin and assist in repair. Glycerin is one of these, other very good protectants and natural moisturisers are ceramides and silicones.

A Scientific Look at Moisturizers Pt. 2

Emollients and Occlusives

Emollients

Emollients, which are mainly lipids and oils, hydrate and improve the appearance of the skin by contributing to skin softness, enhanced flexibility, and smoothness. The “skin slip” or lubricity of some moisturizers, contributes to consumer satisfaction and product preference.5 Consumers desire smooth skin following moisturizer application. Emollients serve to fill the cracks between clusters of desquamating corneocytes and are not usually occlusive unless applied heavily.

Long chain saturated fatty acids and fatty alcohols are commonly used in topical pharmaceuticals and cosmetic formulations. They exert their benefits through effects on the skin barrier, partially through improved repair, and on permeability. Examples include stearic, linoleic, linolenic, oleic, and lauric, which can be found in palm oil, coconut oil, and wool fat. A sterol-enriched fraction from canola oil reduced clinical signs of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)-induced irritation. Other lipids (e.g., fish oil, petrolatum, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil) had no effect on the degree of irritation. Loden and Andersson suggested that canola oil assisted the skin in supplying the damaged barrier with adequate lipids. Essential fatty acids (i.e., linoleic and alpha-linoleic acids) influence skin physiology and pathology via their effects on skin barrier functions, eicosanoid production, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling.

Occlusives

Occlusives reduce TEWL by creating a hydrophobic barrier over the skin and contributing to the matrix between corneocytes, and have the most pronounced effect when applied to slightly dampened skin. There is a wide range of agents with occlusive properties. Their main limitations include odor, potential allergenicity, and the greasy feel associated with most occlusives.

Astringent Emollients
Cyclomethicone, dimethicone, isopropyl myristate, octyl octanoate

Dry Emollients
Decyl oleate, isopropyl palmitate, isostearyl alcohol

Fatting Emollients
Castor oil, glyceryl stearate, jojoba oil, octyl stearate, propylene glycol

Protective Emollients
Diisopropyl dilinoleate, isopropyl isostearate

Protein Rejuvenators
Collagen, elastin, keratin

Common substances with emollient properties
Fatty Acids
Lanolin acid, stearic acid
Fatty Alcohols
Cetyl alcohol, lanolin alcohol, stearyl alcohol
Hydrocarbon Oils/ Waxes
Caprylic/capric triglyderide, mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum, silicone derivatives (cyclomethicone, dimethicone), squalene

Common substances with occlusive properties

Petroleum jelly, in a minimum concentration of 5%, reduces TEWL by more than 98% and is the most effective occlusive, followed by lanolin, mineral oil, and silicones (e.g., dimethicone), which only reduce TEWL by 20%-30%. Occlusives are thought to diffuse into the intercellular lipid domains, thus contributing to their efficacy. Petrolatum is widely used as a classic moisturizer. Lanolin, a complex structure of esters, diesters, and hydroxyesters of high molecular weight, lanolin alcohols, and lanolin acids, is also widely used and quite effective.

Humectants

Humectants are able to attract water from two sources: they enhance water absorption from the dermis into the epidermis, and in humid conditions they also help the SC to absorb water from the external environment. Many humectants also have emollient properties. The most effective humectant is the trihydroxylated molecule, glycerol. Immature corneocytes are fragile but mature into more resilient and protective cells as they migrate through the SC. Glycerol hastens the maturity of corneocytes through the activation of residual transglutaminase activity in the SC.18 Also, by facilitating the digestion of desmosomes and subsequently enhancing desquamation, glycerol reduces the scaling associated with xerosis.

Gelatin
Glycerin
Honey
Hyaluronic acid
Panthenol
Propylene glycol
Sodium and ammonium lactate
Sodium pyrrolidine carboxylic acid
Sorbital
Urea

Common substances with humectant properties
Found in the NMF, pyrrolidine carboxylic acid hydrates the skin, and has been shown to improve xerosis.20 Urea is another important humectant. In double-blind studies moisturizers with urea have been shown to reduce TEWL in atopic and ichthyotic patients,21,22 and reduce SLS-induced skin irritation.

Alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., lactate) are effective agents for the treatment of dry skin; following treatment with lotions containing D-, L-lactic acid, the SC prevents xerosis more effectively. Lactic acid, particularly the L-isomer, stimulates ceramide biosynthesis leading to higher SC ceramide levels that result in a superior lipid barrier and more effective resistance against xerosis.

One major drawback of humectants is that some of them can increase TEWL3 by enhancing water absorption from the dermis into the epidermis where it can then be lost into the environment. For this reason, they are almost always combined with an occlusive agent. Occlusive and humectant ingredients work together to enhance epidermal hydration and barrier function.

Study Shows Diet Can Cause Acne

Many of us have suffered from acne at one point or another in our lives, most commonly during our teen years.  In the United States, 85% of teenagers and 20% of all adults suffer from acne, according to acne-resources.org.  Recently, studies have suggested that Westernized lifestyle choices, such as diet, can play a major role in the occurrence of acne.   A national study led in 2002 by a team at Colorado State University (1) indicated acne is a skin condition that is prevalent in fully modernized Western societies, but a rare occurrence in many non-Western societies where dietary habits “are virtually uninfluenced by Western foods.”  We all know that hormones, bacteria, and genetics are all contributing factors, and there are several creams, lotions and cleansers available on the market to treat acne pimples.  However, new theories suggest that what we put in our bodies is just as important as the topical products we use.

Studies have shown that a low glycemic diet not only improves the symptoms of acne, but also offers other significant health benefits.  Researchers at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia conducted a study in which they found that those who followed a low-glycemic diet not only had less acne lesions, but also lower weight, lower Body Mass Index, and increased insulin sensitivity.  The glycemic index measures how different carbohydrates raise our blood sugar levels after consumption. The faster the food breaks down during digestion, the lower the GI count will be.  Similarly, food that breaks down quickly will have a higher GI count.  Foods with GI index of 55 or less are good for the body and skin, since they contain more complex carbohydrates and release sugar directly into the bloodstream at a slower rate.  As a result, insulin demand decreases, along with acne breakouts.  Insulin leads to acne by releasing other hormones that increases the amount of sweat and sebum.  When mixed with excess oil or dry skin cells, it provides a thriving ground for acne.  High levels of insulin can also cause high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Foods with low GI indexes include broccoli, mushroom, fettuccini, and spaghetti.  Cake, soft drinks, white bread and potatoes are examples of foods that are on the opposite end of the chart, with GI indexes of 70 or higher.  A healthy, low-glycemic  diet does not have to be bland.  Instead of processed food, opt for those with more whole grains, such as wheat bread and wheat pasta.  (You probably won’t event taste the difference.)  Also, combine lean proteins like chicken breast, salmon and turkey with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  String the meat and vegetables together on a skewer stick and throw on the grill for a healthy, summery feast.

Although diet alone will not clear up acne, it can lead to a healthier lifestyle.  Combined with a proper skincare regimen and the right products, acne can be manageable.

(1)    http://www.news.colostate.edu/Release/1531

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare you can also link to http://naturalfacialskincare.net

Treating and Preventing Sunburn

Playing in the sun is not fun if you have to deal with sunburn afterward.  On long, hot summer days, we are all tempted to spend the day relaxing
poolside or at the beach, and most of us have suffered the consequences of too much sun exposure.  The desire for the perfect golden tan can sometimes lead to sunburns, which is very harmful for the skin.  If you suffer from acne, a sunburn can further damage your skin and cause permanent scarring.

Sunburn is a delayed inflammatory reaction when the skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet radiation.  Symptoms of mild sunburn, including redness, tenderness and pain, often occur a few hours after exposure, and can last for several days.  The pain, itching and peeling is the skin’s reaction to excessive UVA and UVB ray exposure.  Although the skin needs time to heal, there are some remedies and treatments available to help the skin repair itself.

Get out of the sun

It may sound simple enough, but we often do not realize we are sunburned until it is too late. Since it is a delayed reaction, the full extent and severity of the burn may not appear until up to 12 hours after exposure.   Stop your sun exposure by seeking shade from trees, umbrellas, hats, etc.  Drink lots  of water, since sunburn causes dehydration.  Get some immediate relief for the pain by adding baking soda to a cool bath, and wear loose clothing that does not stick to the body.

Reduce the pain

Anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil or Ibuprofen can help relieve the redness and pain associated with sunburn.  Aloe vera is a popular treatment for sunburn thanks to its ability to moisturize and repair the skin.  Apply a moisturizing cream containing Aloe vera, and if possible, apply the gel from the actual plant to the affected areas.  Once the burn heals, the skin will begin to peel and may become itchy.  Fight the temptation to pick and scratch, which can irritate the skin a slow the healing process.  Instead, keep the skin moisturized by applying a moisturizing lotion, which can reduce itching.

Prevent sunburn

The best way to deal with sunburn is to not get one.   Sunburn may only seem harmless and temporary, but can have lasting effects on the skin and overall health.  Serious sunburn can cause blisters, shock, lead to cancer and even death if left untreated.  Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.  Wear loose, protective clothing and avoid staying outside for too long during peak hours (10am to 4pm), when sunrays are harsh.  Choose a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30, and use sun-protection products that contain zinc oxide, an inorganic ingredient that can deflect UVA rays.  Try Vivoderm’s zinc cream, a natural product that can be used as a nontoxic sunscreen.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://herbalfacialskincare.com

Skincare Procedures to Combat Aging

By Van Le |  Not too many years ago, skin care consisted simply of water and soap.  Fast forward a few decades, skincare now consists of a myriad of products, procedures, and devices that help the industry pull in billions of dollars annually.  The fight against aging has specifically heated up, as baby boomers’ demand for aesthetic skincare procedures to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skins has skyrocketed.

There are now several procedures available, including laser treatments, dermabrasions, and ultrasonic skin care treatments to help consumers temporarily turn back the hands of time and reduce signs of aging.

Laser and LED treatments

Laser treatments have historically been well-known for hair removal, however, modern lasers are also used for popular skin rejuvenation treatments .  In this outpatient procedure, the laser removes the damaged surface layer of skin to reveal a new or subdermal layer of skin.  Depending on the skin type and desired results, there are several types of laser rejuvenation treatments available, including CO2, Erbium, and non-ablative lasers, but all laser treatments essential work the same way.

According to the American Society for Dermatologist Surgery, “the laser beam can gently vaporize and/or ablate skin tissue to improve wrinkles, scars and blemishes, seal blood vessels or cut skin tissue.”  This causes new, firmer, younger-looking skin to grow in its place.  LED rejuvenation laser treatments stimulate cells to produce collagen and elastin, and are different than regular lasers in that they penetrate deeper into the cell.  LED treatment has been called the “non surgical facelift” and is approved by the Federal Drug Administration as a safe anti-aging procedure.

Dermabrasions

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the epidermis (outer) layers of the skin containing wrinkles, fine lines, and scars are sandblasted away to reveal fresh, flawless skin.  After the procedure, scabs will form over the treated area, and new layers of skin are visible once the scabs fall off.  Dermabrasion is very effective in removing deep scars, especially those left by adult acne.  Microdermabrasion is similar cosmetic procedure, but only removes the dead skin on the outermost layer.  The results are less dramatic than cosmetic dermabrasion since it does not penetrate deep into the skin, but is effective in removing wrinkles and fine lines.  Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion procedures often require more than one treatment for notable results, and there are some at-home microdermabrasion kits available on the market.

Ultrasonic skin care

The skincare industry recently discovered that ultrasounds are not only useful for imaging during pregnancy, but also an effective skin rejuvenation procedure.  A gel containing amino acids and healing agents is applied over the face, and the ultrasonic device is used to heat up the skin and allow the chemicals to penetrate deeply into the cell tissues.  The ultrasonic machine also offers over 30,000 vibrations per second, stimulating the skin’s natural repairing process.    The treatment can improve skin texture and tone, elasticity, and help the skin produce a healthy, radiant glow.  Scientific advancements have continuously driven the cosmetic industry to discover new procedures and processes to fight against wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin.

Although they have received the seal of approval from the FDA as safe and effective processes, it is important to remember that these processes are not our body’s natural way of producing healthy skin.  Healthy skin is generated from the inside out, and using all-natural products and following a proper skin care regimen can produce longer-lasting results.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://http://medicalskincareadvice.com

What Happens When We Age?

With time, certain changes are inevitable. No one can stop the hands of time, but we can slow down the visible effects of aging. The skin is one of the first organs to show signs of aging. Although aging is genetically determined, it is also environmentally modulated, meaning you have control over how you age. Your everyday simple decisions shape how healthy you and your skin will be - it is that simple. In the famous words of George Burns “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”

Our cells divide more slowly, and the dermis, or the inner layer of skin grows thin. Fat cells beneath the dermis begin to shrink and skin’s ability to repair itself decreases with age. Wounds heal more slowly and skin becomes vulnerable to injuries and damage. The deeper layers of skin begin to lose their elasticity and ability to stretch. Older skin sags and forms furrows. Because sweat and oil-secreting glands start to waste away, the skin is left without a protective layer of water and fat. The skin is unable to stay as moisturized so it becomes dry and scaly.

Frown lines-which are lines between the eyebrows-and crow’s feet, spread from the corners of the eyes, develop because of permanent small muscle contractions. Gravity does not help the situation, by further contributing to sagging and droopiness. In our modern society, wrinkles have a profound impact on self-esteem, as evidenced by the $12 billion Americans spend each year on cosmetics to hide the signs of aging. The bottom line is that our society greatly values youthfulness.

What are some factors that help expedite the aging process?

Although we have no control over intrinsic factors of aging, such as genetics, you are largely in control of the extrinsic factors. This is where we can make life-altering choices.

The Sun: While some sun exposure is necessary to produce vital Vitamin D, excessive sun exposure is very harmful to the skin. Without protection from the sun’s rays, more than 10 minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause much damage. Freckles, age spots, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, loose skin, a blotchy complexion, skin cancer and many other problems can all be traced to sun exposure.

“Photo aging” is the term used by dermatologists to describe aging caused by sun exposure. The amount of photo aging that develops depends on different factors such as a person’s skin color and their history of long-term or intense sun exposure. People with fair skin are more susceptible to photo aging than those with dark skin. This phenomenon occurs over a period of years. With repeated sun exposure, the skin loses the ability to repair itself, and the damage accumulates. Studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The sun also attacks our elastin causing the skin to become loose, wrinkled, and leathery.

Now, for some good news: how much sun damage you acquire is up to you. You must limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible. When outside, use sun protection products like Vivoderm Zinc cream on your skin to minimize sun damage.

Smoking: You cannot have truly vital skin if you smoke, period. Smoking cigarettes causes biochemical changes in our bodies that accelerate aging. As shown by research, a person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled, leathery skin than a non-smoker. Also, people who smoke for a number of years tend to develop an unhealthy yellowish complexion. Cigarette smoke has also been found to deplete your body of Vitamin C.

The good news is that these signs can be greatly diminished, and in some cases avoided, by quitting. Even people who have smoked for many years, or smoked heavily at a younger age, show fewer facial wrinkles and improved skin tone when they quit smoking. Our bodies have amazing repair capabilities, and once we stop our toxic behaviors, the body will be able to repair itself.

Exercise: Exercise gives you vitality. If you want fresh and youthful skin, physical activity is a must. It not only tones your muscles, but it increases blood flow to all areas of your body, especially your skin. Regular exercise reduces your stress levels, increases levels of oxygen circulating throughout the body, promoting rejuvenation and repair.

Alcohol use: Alcohol contributes to aging of skin by dilating small blood vessels in the skin’s surface. Over time, these blood vessels can become permanently damaged, creating a flushed appearance.

Stress: Not only does stress cause hormonal changes that negatively affect the skin, it also causes undesirable facial expressions that if repeated often enough, do not go away. Simply put, worry and stress cause frowning, and over time, the muscles in the face conform to that movement.

Being conscious of facial expressions can help, but it is more important to monitor your stress level. A good anti-aging skin care and way of life includes meditation, yoga, relaxation, exercise and most importantly, self love.

Lack of sleep: Too little sleep makes you look and feel tired.

Signs of lack of sleep show up on the face in forms of dark circles, baggy eyes, and saggy skin. Sleep deprivation is also a major factor in memory loss and can lead to symptoms of depression including low interest in daily activities and negative thinking.

Research has shown that most adults function best with eight to nine hours of sleep each night. Reduce your caffeine levels, avoid eating at least two hours before bedtime, and maintain a sleep routine that includes going to bed at the same time each night. While we sleep, our skin gets a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Your skin truly does need its “beauty sleep.”

To summarize, here are some very simple concepts for basic skincare:

• Keep your skin clean so that it can breathe

• Give your skin plenty of moisture to keep it looking young and healthy

• Feed the skin key nutrients that it requires to rejuvenate and repair itself repeatedly

• Rid only the top layer of dead cells to promote rapid birth of new cells

• Protect against outside elements to prevent deterioration and/or damage

• Live a healthy life style

In life, there are things we have no control over, such as genetics or the weather, but every day choices that we make have tremendous effect on the quality of our lives. We will all get older, but how we get old is our choice. Some signs of aging are inevitable, but there is so much you can do to look your best at any age. Taking good care of yourself is the most important step in your anti-aging program. Choose the right steps, and choose the right products for your skin.

For more information visit www.vivoderm.com

Natural Acne Scar Treatments

Hormonal changes and overly active sebaceous (oil) glands that commonly occur in adolescence usually cause acne, however acne can still affect adults as well. Zits, pimples, acne, cystic skin eruptions, blackheads and white heads all fit into the acne skin malady category.

The temptation to squeeze the spots and remove the infected matter, albeit tempting, will not reform your skin to its natural radiance. In fact, secondary infection by bacteria being pushed back into the deeper layers of the skin can cause more pain, inflammation and most likely future scaring. Once the bacteria have been released, it can re-infect the surrounding skin. The facial scars are actually remnants of the bacterial infection caused by ‘procedure.’

The unfair fact is that adult acne will affect 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women in their adult lives. We know that identifying hormonal changes as the main cause of adult acne aren’t entirely proven. There isn’t just one cause. Acne in adult women can be linked to cosmetic use, some hair products and can frequently be brought on by the hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy. Certain types of prescription medications can also cause adult acne. Some strains of acne, such as Acne vulgaris, don’t typically show up in adults until midlife. Adult acne also forms differently, whereas adolescent acne begins on the forehead and cheek area, adult acne tends to show more on the chin, jaw line and neck.

With all this new adult acne erupting (pardon the pun) more than before, natural acne and scar treatments are gaining more acceptance as consumers want to make healthier more sustainable choices for their skincare.

Your skin has an amazing natural ability to regenerate itself and a new layer of skin growth will generally cover any scarring, but in the rare cases where this does not occur then a more advanced scar treatment is in order. Always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any facial treatments to be sure you are not causing further damage.

A healthy, well-balanced diet plays a large role in helping your body and skin to regenerate itself to its optimal condition. Many dermatologists recommend a diet high in natural minerals. These minerals are to maintain the health of the skin cells, which in turn should prevent a further outbreak of acne and repair damaged tissue. Diets, which include plenty of green vegetables, un-cooked vegetables such as carrots, spinach and cucumbers, have also helped many to maintain smooth, blemish-free skin. The idea is to try to create a new fresh layer of skin so that the scars reduced or eradicated.

Are you drinking enough water?

By consuming a regular amount of water daily, you can improve the look of your skin. The average human body is comprised of 60 percent water. Drinking more water, instead of sugar-laden sodas or energy drinks will keep the skin moist and smooth; it will also clear away the dead skin cells, flush toxins and aid in the regeneration of new skin cells. Mixing water with natural ingredients like citrus, fruit or vegetable juices, can also be helpful to exfoliate the skin.

With a proper nutritious diet, vitamins and plenty of water, most see results within a few months. It can take up to a year for acne scars to heal completely. Acne scars do not show up overnight and removing them can take the same amount of time if not more. It takes patience, but with the proper motivation for beautiful, glowing skin, it will be well worth the wait.

Of course, some scars may be so deep as to require dermalogical treatments such as lasers or painful acid peels. Try the natural methods first, as theses procedures can be quite costly. Any effort you make to regenerate your skin naturally will only help the dermatologist’s treatments even further.

Always remember to gently cleanse and moisturize your skin everyday as well. Applying harsh, drying chemicals to your acne will usually cause further inflammation and breakouts. One natural treatment that had shown good results is to mix pure sandalwood oil with rose water, apply it to your scar(s) and leave on the skin overnight. Cleanse face as usual in the morning.