Nowadays we are bombarded with skin care products that claim to offer brilliant results of renewls and rejuveination. However, most of these products often come with a hefty price tag. But, sometimes a simple product with natural ingredients can also work wonders for you. Lavender is such a plant which if present in your facial creams and body lotions can be extremely beneficial. It belongs to the mint family and has been used for centuries around the world as a makor healing and antimicrobial herb.

Lavender is an excellent healing herb

Lavender has many well known uses among herbalists and one of them is rejuvenating cells. The oil from this plant also has many wonderful rehydrating properties that make your skin fresh and revitalized. Lavender is a great essential oil that comes with a sweet scent. Lavender oil present in any skin care products can prevent scarring. You can also use this element for soothing sunburns. Oncce in a ltion or cream base, it adds wonderfully to the moisturizing effects that help in skin nourishment. Lavender helps in treating psoriasis and eczema too. It also has healing effects that reduces your itching and pain that these skin conditions can bring on. So you see, Lavender really is a wonder herb!

Vivoderm, a skin care brand that offers only natural skin care products uses lavender in their anti-wrinkle eye creams and facial masks. These masks and facial creams are very beneficial for your skin because they are infused with vitamins, minerals and exotic herbs to aid in the benefical properties of lavender. The eye cream especially is ideal for the soft skin around the eyes. It helps to soften down imperfections and lines and prevents the appearance of future wrinkles. By using a natural eye cream regularly, you will deliver a moisture boost to the skin around the eyes and look years younger.

Chamomile is an essential ingredient that is used chiefly in skincare products. It is used as an essential oil and a skin conditioning agent. It is also useful in skin conditions where inflammation may be present. The herbs and oil promotes cellular regeneration and healing. Chamomile contains healing and antiseptic qualities which aids in relieving skin congestion. The herb also helps in softening the skin and acts as an anti-aging compound.

Chamomile is an excellent skin healer

After much research it has been proven that Chamomile is one of the most popular essential oils and herbs in the world. It consists of azulene that assists in reducing puffiness. Chamomile extracts in herbal skin care products also helps to clean the skin pores and remove impurities. Chamomile has healing properties and is very effective in treating skin disorders like rashes and acne by reducing inflammation. Chamomile is most often used in natural face wash, skin toner and night lotions. The Vivoderm line uses Chamomile in almost every one of our products, especially our rich, healing Chamomile Body Butter.

Chamomile herbs and oil can alleviate pain and irritation when you used regularly.  The oil has a soothing effect on your skin, reducing redness and irritation. So, whether it is a lotion or a cleanser you choose, with chamomile you can surely get great results.

Additional tip: Beauty should be skin deep and you must treat your skin from within so that you can get the best results. Along with using natural products you must maintain a healthy diet so that it reflects on your skin too. Along with water, you can also drink Chamomile as a wonderful soothing tea to help flush internal toxins from your body system.

During the teenage years hormonal changes occur from which hair and skin problems can take place. Blackheads, pimples, and acne are common problems that teenagers suffer from. Hence, you should follow a standard daily skin care routine if you want to prevent getting spots. To get that healthy, natural glow back to your skin then regularly wash and tone your face to clear all the common skin problems that usually occur during this time. But before you start on any skin care regimen you must determine your skin type.

cleansing to prevent acne

As part of your anti-acne regimen you can wash your skin with a gentle natural facial cleanser. Try to find one that uses natural ingredients such as lavender oils, rosemary, and geranium. The Vivoderm natural facial cleanser is made with just these ingredients. It is gentle enough to use twice a day and won’t strip the natural oils from your skin. It acts as a natural healer instead.

Ladies, you must always remove your makeup before you go to sleep. If you forget to remove your make up you may develop pimples. After cleansing reduce excess oil by using a natural based skin toner. Look for toners that don’t contain alcohol. The vivoderm natural facial toner is made with green tea extracts and grape seed oil, to reduce inflammation and help your skin heal. Use on both your neck and face.

If you want to remove blackheads then light steaming can also be a good option for you. You can also use a clarifying herbal facial mask that combines healing herbs of Rosemary, lavender, aloe vera and green tea – like the Vivoderm 100% herbal anti0acne facial mask.

To keep your skin looking its best, your diet must be healthy and you should exercise properly 3-4 times a week. Drink lots of water to detoxify your system. Include a lot of leafy green vegetables and avoid gorging on sugary drinks and sweets.

When you are checking out different beauty skin care for yourself the one thing that you must look into is the ingredient cocoa butter. It is natural skin moisturizer that is extremely effective at soaking into the skin  and you can use it in your daily skin care routine.

Vivoderm Foot Cream, Cocoa Butter

The benefits of cocoa butter are absolutely fantastic. It’s primary function is used as a skin moisturizer. Cocoa butter can be produced through extraction of natural fatty acids from cacao seeds. The cacao pod is harvested and goes into series of processes until obtaining that precious cocoa butter. It penetrates the top most skin layer and helps keep the next layers hydrated and healthy. Once you start using it on your skin it will feel soft and smooth. Cocoa butter is also effective for removing stretch marks among pregnant women. Some studies say it also lightens dark spots.

This natural skin care cream is known for its anti-oxidant elements that can slow down the speed of your aging process. You will be absolutely amazed how it can help you look younger. Cocoa butter is naturally infused with Vitamins E, C and A which helps to keep you looking fresh and young.

Vivoderm uses cocoa butter as the primary ingredient in its natural foot cream. Cocoa butter can be used for all your beauty skin care needs. As a vegetable fat, it also has natural antioxidant properties. These natural vegetable fats and antioxidants help the cream retain a longer shelf life without the use of chemical preservatives. You can safely apply it on a regular basis. Because it’s melting point is also that of skin temperature, you will notice that it penetrates the skin completely. If you use it regularly then you will see the benefits quickly.

The Vivoderm cocoa butter foot cream is very effective for cracked feet. The thick texture helps to make your feet feel fresh and soft. This rich foot cream is absolutely perfect for treating your dry and tired feet.

We all want our skin to look great. Our skin should be soft and supple and should be absolutely blemish-free. But, sadly, enough great skin is something which most women struggle to achieve. There are many factors that contribute towards great skin such as heredity, lifestyle, and skincare routine and healthy diet.

A healthy diet is required for healthy skin. You need to eat a well balanced meal which is complete with fresh vegetables and fruits. Carrots are full of antioxidants and vitamin A and should be consumed on a regular basis. Blueberries are also good for enhancing your skin quality. Nuts and salmon should definitely be incorporated in your daily diet so that you can get healthy skin.

You must drink plenty of water so that you can keep your system clean and toxin-free. This definitely helps in improving the quality of your skin. You can choose to consume green tea which is very good for skin. It is full of antioxidants and helps to remove toxins. Avoid alcohol consumption as it makes your skin look pale. Consider using olive oil as your cooking oil. It is a healthier option for you and helps you to stay healthy fit. Include carbohydrates in your diet in moderation.

Most people have a habit to use expensive creams and lotions to improve their skin quality. However, most people fail to realize that the change should first come from within. A healthy diet should be simple to follow and should be according to your body requirements. Your diet will help your skin to stay supple and soft. It will also help to prevent your skin from premature aging.

Hands are the first part of your body that shows signs of aging. Hence, they need quite a lot of pampering so that they remain soft and supple for a long time. Beautiful well kept hands are essential as it tells a alot about how you care for yourself. Dressing up in fancy clothes will be of no use to hide hands that have been negleted.  Taking good care of your hands takes little time and has big rewards.

A few hand care tips can be extremely beneficial for you. The skin on your hand is extremely delicate and thin, hence you need to moisturize your skin at least four times a day. You should use a mild exfoliator on your hands once every week to remove rough spots and calouses. Apply a light moisturizing cream on to your hands every night before going to bed to keep skin soft and supple. If you are going out in the sun apply sunscreen lotion so that your hands don’t get unnecessarily tanned or darken age spots. Excessive exposure to sun can also bring about wrinkles and age spots early. Hence, to avoid this you can choose to follow a daily skin care regimen for your hands and treat them to some TLC.

Our hands have few oil glands to keep them naturally moisturized, so they get dry very quickly. When they come in contact with detergent, chemicals and dirt the skin gets further damaged. You can adopt special treatments like herbal therapies and warm oil soaks that can keep your hands soft and supple for a long time. Mix a few drops of rose water, glycerin, and lemon juice and massage it on your hands daily for best results. You can also try out cornmeal which is a great scrub for cleansing hands and softening them wonderfully.

With a little effort, you too can have hands that defy your true age.

Your skin health will depend on a balanced diet, required physical exercise, proper nutrition and hydration and a daily skin care routine. By following a simple guideline that includes 4 easy steps you can enhance your skin health to a great extent.

Cleansing: The first step to your beauty guide should be cleansing your skin on a regular basis. By cleansing you can remove all the dirt from your skin as well as other impurities that clog the pores of the skin. This should be done at least once a day with a non-irritating and mild cleanser that is suited for your skin tone. Be careful when you choose your cleanser as that should not strip your skin of all the natural oils.

 Toning: Use a toner as it is very essential to keep your skin cool and rehydrated. You will be left with refreshing skin throughout the day. Toners help in removing dirt, oil, makeup that the cleanser has not managed to remove. Use a toner that is absolutely free of alcohol as it dries up the skin.

Exfoliation: This process helps in removing dead cells that have accumulated on the skin surface. Ensure that the exfoliant you are using is not granular, as that can damage your skin. If you want to enhance the rejuvenation procedure of your skin, then use exfoliants that have alpha or beta hydroxyl acids. This helps in wrinkle prevention.

Moisturize: The final step that you must do is moisturizing your skin. Your entire body requires nutrients and hydration. Your skin should be daily treated with a moisturizer for daytime use that has SPF properties that would provide you with sun protection. At night use a moisturizer that would be better absorbed by your skin.

These 4 basic steps can help you get back your skin health. Each step is essential as part of your daily beauty guide. You must choose your products well so that it suits your skin type.

Cool weather and falling leaves signal the time to get your moisturizing skincare routine in place for the upcoming winter.  Yes, autumn is a time of transition and your skin suffers if you do not properly take care of it. Not only do you have to repair skin damage from the effects of the summer sun, you also have to prepare it for the coming winter months. Now that it is officially fall you will have to make changes to your skincare routine.

Although your skin remains covered during this time it is always proper to treat your skin so that it can look absolutely beautiful. The first thing that you need to do is analyze your skin type. If you already suffer from dry skin, for your fall skincare regimen, maybe you need to change your shower gel and select a soap-free one, which is hydrating for your skin. A creamy body wash is absolutely ideal for this time. Using an oil-based scrub is most beneficial because you get the benefits of exfoliation along with hydrating oils. You also need to moisturize daily so that you can keep dry skin at bay. The ideal time to apply your moisturizing lotion would be after you have taken a shower to allow skin the maximun absorbtion benefit.

And don’t forget your sunscreen lotion. It is still a daily essential and you must use a minimum of SPF 15 every time you go out in the sun. Never forget to include feet care in your skincare routine. This will ensure that you can shift back to your sandals when the time comes without any hassle. Indulge yourself by purchasing a new hand cream and moisturize your hands daily so that you can have soft and supple hands throughout fall and into the winter.

Dark circles under the eyes tend to make one look older than they are and just plain tired. This can be a long time struggle in your life or it can be something you just started noticing. However, you can still reduce the appearance of these circles or even remove them completely. You can try out some home remedies for yourself or you can go for the natural under eye creams for dark circles that are available in the market.

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that is believed to have its origin in Sudan. It grows in arid climates. It is generally termed as an herbal medicine. It is a healing plant that is used to treat minor burns, sunburns, ulcers, scrapes, constipation, and arthritis. Hence, it is used regularly because of its cleansing, soothing and healing properties. Vivoderm uses aloe vera in many of it’s skincare products.

The gel extracted from juice or leaf of the plant can be used for a variety of skin conditions that will enhance beauty and heal the skin. The plant has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory substances that are used for skin inflammations.

Aloe Vera can relieve skin irritations like diaper rash, sun burns, insect bites, and burns. The gel of Aloe Vera absorbs fast and penetrates even faster. This provides body with minerals, vitamins, and different amino acids. It contains calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc, potassium, and manganese.

Aloe Vera Gel makes skin smooth and glowing and prevents and reduces wrinkles. You can use it even when you are having allergic reactions. If you are not sure how to use it then you can choose to buy a bottle or tube from the market. Vivoderm face masks can also be prepared with aloe gel. You can prepare a home mask by mixing one tbsp of aloe gel with equal amounts of ground almonds, honey, and ground oats. Use it on your face and neck and then wash it off with lukewarm water after half an hour.

You will definetly see a difference in your skin texture after using aloe based products. So, go ahead and reap the benefits aloe vera offers!

It is hard to find anyone who does not want the best, facial skin they can have. And because, your face is the first thing one notice’s in your overall appearance, many look for consitent ways to keep it fresh and glowing.

Today, there are many ways following which one can maintain a healthy appearance. Of these, the herbal facial treatments have garnered much fame. Thanks to the tiresome research of recent expert skin care analysts, these herbal facial treatments are a great way to rejuvenate yourself and help you look and feel younger.

Dry and oily skin is some of the common problems which you face. But if you take proper care of them through a planned skin care routine you will surely get the best results. There are a variety of steps which you need to follow to achieve the purpose. If you have a dry skin, just do not worry anymore as all your problems can be resolved easily. There are a variety of moisturizers available in the market which you can use to counter the dryness.

Yearning for beautiful soft and supple skin is very common. There are very few people who are blessed with soft, supple and flawless skin. It is just a routine skin care for such people. Majority of the people do suffer from some skin problem or the other. There is constant search for natural skin products to combat most of the common problems like dryness, pimples and acne.   The product made of natural ingredients is safe, mild and extremely effective.

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

chamomile herb

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 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 skin care 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 skin care

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, 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

A contributing factor to dry, flaky, skin in winter is a drop in temperature. Although winter sometimes feels damp, there is usually less water in the air than on your skin and that creates a moisture vapour loss from the skin. As skin becomes drier, its surface layer stops producing the natural lipids which prevent moisture loss, and water cannot be retained so easily. Dry skin will also show wrinkles more easlit and contribute to an aging appearance.

Herbalist Greta Breedlove came up with this natural homemade skin care recipes face utilizing the seed of the avocado. It makes a moisturizing face scrub, especially for dry skin.

AVOCADO FACE SCRUB

Let an avocado dry a few days until you can remove the skin easily. Chop, then pulverize in a blender or food mill. Moisten with a little milk and smooth over your face, throat.

AVOCADO FACIAL CLEANSER

One egg yolk, beaten until light and frothy
1/2 cup milk
1/2 avacado, peeled and mashed

Beat the mixture with a fork until you have a thin cream or lotion consistency. Apply with cotton balls as you would a cleanser.

As a result of all these factors, sometimes skin on the face and body tends to be in worse condition in the winter months than at other times of the year. In extreme cases, a constant drying effect can even lead to cracking, flaking and redness.

These four tips for helping to keep dry skin at bay during the colder months come from Dr. Kucy Pon, Olay dermatologist.

1. A moisturizer is essential – A moisturizer performs several important functions, including replacing lost water. Water-binding ingredients, such as glycerin, help keep it in the skin.

2. Create an oasis – Put some moisture back into the air by using a humidifier in your home or office. It will counteract the drying effects of indoor heat.

3. Drink lots of water – Increase your body’s natural moisture level by staying hydrated throughout the day.

4. Keep wrapped up – Dress for the season and try to limit your skin’s exposure to harsh temperatures and damaging winds.

If you have dry skin, then you probably already know it can be really difficult to care for. When you don’t look after it properly, it can become flaky, and if it gets really bad, may even become irritated and red. Although it’s possible to find plenty of products that claim to be able to solve dry skin problems, unfortunately most of their claims are sales hype.

Although most over the counter products don’t do much to combat dry skin, there are a number of things you can do to improve the condition of your skin. It’s mostly a question of making some basic changes to your daily skincare routine. It won’t take long for your skin to appear more healthy and vibrant.

With dry skin, you have completely the opposite problem to someone with oily skin. Basically, your skin is suffering from a lack of sebum, the oil that helps to keep the skin moist and supple. People with oily skin produce far too much sebum. Sebum is actually made from skin cells, and is an essential ingredient in healthy, supple skin. Because dry skin has insufficient oil, you need to replace it from both inside and outside.

5.  Moisturize

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to use a good quality moisturizer. Choose a cream that is rich, but not heavy. Consider choosing a natural cream with aloe vera and chamomile. Both these ingredients are very soothing, as well as helping to reduce dryness and improve the skin’s healing abilities.

6. Choose Healthy Foods

You also need to look at the type of foods you eat. It’s important to choose healthy foods, because the healthier your body, the healthier your skin will be. You may not realize this, but your skin is actually the largest organ of your body. So it needs to be nourished just like all the other organs in your body.

7.  Supplement

Depending on the types of food you already eat, you might need to consider taking a supplement, such as Vitamin E, Omega-3 oils and B-Complex vitamins. Making sure you get enough of these important nutrients is a great way to improve the condition of your skin.

By nourishing your skin in all these ways, you should soon a marked reduction in the level of dryness. Helping your skin to be more supple and moist also helps to slow down the process of aging, so you’re the winner in two ways.

By Tom Turner

“How to achieve beautiful, supple and young-looking skin”. You almost can’t avoid it – splashed on magazine covers, reported in newspapers and marketed on television and radio, the message to improve our skin would appear paramount to how we and others view our looks.
How does our skin age?  Skin aging is influenced by:

* Genetic differences
* Hormonal changes, e.g. estrogen and thyroxin
* Chronic sun exposure
* Wind, pollution

Blame it on hormones

Hormones are mostly to blame for skin changes as we age. Hormones are chemical messengers produced in organs such as the ovaries, adrenal glands, and thyroid glands, and all have an effect on other tissues.

Much of the reason why our skin begins to suffer is primarily due to hormones — and there is a massive industry manufacturing products to try to alleviate the results of these hormonal changes, notably as women reach menopause in their 40s and 50s.

As menopause occurs, estrogen is reduced and while it has a direct effect on thinning bones, it also creates significant changes in the skin. Women find:

* their skin becomes drier with increased wrinkles
* skin becomes more fragile, loses some of its elasticity, and is looser because the production of collagen is reduced
* older skin appears paler as the lack of estrogen reduces the number of blood vessels in the skin
* menopause also causes a reduction in the level of testosterone but not as significant a drop as in estrogen

Hormones and dry skin

Another hormone we have is thyroxin, produced by the thyroid gland, which influences skin appearance. Too much thyroxin shows a warm, smooth, sweaty, flushed skin. Under-activity of thyroxin produces a dry, coarse thickening of skin with reduced ability to sweat.

Hormones affect acne

The oil glands of the skin are in part controlled by the level and activity of the hormone testosterone in the skin. Testosterone is required to produce acne. This outcome can be seen in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, which produce some elevation in testosterone, which in turn causes increased facial hair, irregular periods and acne. It has also been found that some birth control pills can block testosterone skin reactors to improve some of the consequences of increasing hormone levels. (See Acne Guide for more acne information)
Thinning hair

Hair will thin after menopause. In some women, genetic factors produce significant thinning. Abnormalities in the level of a thyroid hormone, in addition to the amount of iron stored in the body, can influence the volume of hair.

Estrogen encourages hair to stay in its growing phase (Anagen hair). This is seen in the significant thickening of hair towards the end of pregnancy. After menopause, however, the lower estrogen amount allows the scalp hair to grow towards the falling out stage (Telogen hair).
HRT and skin

Post menopausal women will notice that unlike their scalp, facial hairs increase. This is thought to be because estrogen — which opposes the effect of testosterone — drops relatively more after menopause than testosterone.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used over the last 20 years to combat the signs of aging. HRT can promote a fuller-looking skin because the skin then becomes thicker with less loss of subcutaneous fat. Thinning and drying of vaginal surfaces is also minimized. This can also be achieved by using topical estrogen. The use of estrogen creams has been shown to maintain the elasticity and fullness of skin after menopause, although at this time it is not used extensively because of concerns about side effects and the variability of absorption into the body.

See your doctor or dermatologist to determine which solutions best suits your experience with aging skin.

By Richard Thomas, MD

Treating your skin with pure natural skin care products is not just a new fad or a trend, but a true and effective response to a world overloaded with chemicals, toxins, and pollution. There is  only so much a body can do to purge itself from the unhealthy balance we have all been guilty of contributing to. Natural skincare products have been uniquely designed to restore the skin as well as protect the skin and also make it feel smooth, moist and fantastic. The skin is the body’s largest organ and is the first line of defense against toxins and other harmful substances. It is responsible for fighting infections, keeps your temperature regulated as well as fights off dehydration. Why treat it like a chemical garbage dump?

Using natural skin care products is one of the most popular and easy ways to maintain your healthy glow. Some may prefer surgical procedures to augment the natural look of their skin, but in the end using natural skincare is the most effective form of preventative and anti aging skin care regimes. This is because it is easily affordable and there are no ethical issues to consider that many face when considering plastic or augmentative surgery such as Botox injections or face lifts.

Many people are looking for instant solutions to their skin care issues or want to physically augment their appearance because of a sense of dissatisfaction with their appearance. Most physicians will prefer to prescribe natural skincare solutions and offer a variety of choices in terms of how to moderately treat your skincare issue before suggesting you go in for radical and invasive surgeries. Get proper professional advise before you head off to seek a surgical, “instant” option. The likelihood is small that a skincare procedure that involves a any form of anesthesia or an injection of skin bacteria may be the healthier choice.

Next time you consider trying to plump up your lips with a Botox injection or try to puff up your cheeks with some sort of skin bacterial injection, consider doing it the natural way. This can usually be in the form of a cream or lotion that will be significantly less severe than actually adding chemicals to the facial structure and bloodstream. The potential side effects of a chemical addition to your blood or bady can cause unknown allergic problems for many people and are not recommended above natural skincare solutions.

Instead, seek the opinion of a natural skincare expert and allow them to map your facial structure for the skin type and other factors. This will help in administering the best natural skincare product for your face and body, helping the product to work better with your skin type and color. This all comes at a fraction of the risk and at a much lower cost than the surgical procedure.

Administering natural products into your skin is a much better way to maintain a proper skin type and also a better way to improve the look of your skin.

Pure, natural skin care products do not contain the numerous synthetic additives that can cause the human skin’s defense to weaken as well as the unseemly and ugly skin irritations. In addition, the chemical based skin care products may also cause rashes to break out as well as the debilitating allergies. Some, if not all of the chemical additives are by products of motor oil (that’s right), petroleum products and insecticides or even worse.

One hundred percent organic and natural skin care products will help nourish and restore your skin, as well as strengthen the skin and keep it healthy. By using natural skin care treatments, they will work in harmony with the body so you can be assured of having healthy skin which, in turn, will help keep the whole body healthy by asking it to do less internal cleansing and detoxing.

Healthy skin will excrete an important protective covering called the “acid mantle.” This helps to protect the skin from environmental effects as well as harmful organisms. To keep the skin in good health as well as to keep your acid mantle functioning properly you need to have a healthy lifestyle along with a natural or organic skin care regimen.

This can be achieved by not only just eating healthy foods consisting of a whole food diet, but also constantly getting essential fatty acids through consumption of unrefined, expeller pressed plant oils or fish oils. In addition, one should drink plenty of water as well as exercise regularly. Using natural moisturizers and natural sun protectors like zinc and zinc oxide will help in lubricating your skin and protecting you from harmful UVA / UVB rays.

Natural face creams, containing shea butter, coco butter and organic oils as well as organic hand and body lotions will help keep the skin naturally free of blemishes. The best organic and natural skin care products are made from high quality botanical oils and ingredients, which are typically produced in small, carefully packed packages so that one can be assured of purchasing only fresh stocks. So, be sure to give your body and your skin a break…feed it well with nourshing natural foods and organic skin treatments.

Acne is not a new problem; people have been suffering from it for many thousands of years. In ancient Egypt for instance, oils were often used to soften and smooth the skin. It is only in recent times that people have begun to use acne creams made of chemical ingredients like benzyl peroxide, among others. These can not only have unwanted side effects, like the drying of healthy skin or the bleaching of clothing, but can be very costly.

It’s no mystery that our grandmothers seemed to know best. When it comes to health and skin, the more natural the ingredient, the better. Of course, there are times when natural remedies may not be as effective and that is Ok. However, just be aware of the natural options you have first, before you waste a lot of money on another product that doesn’t work. Many people today discovering the old-world secrets in caring for their bodies more naturally, and are turning to natural and herbal remedies, such as the following simple ‘kitchen cures’.

Acne Remedy #1: Make a paste of nutmeg powder and milk, and apply to your face in a thin layer. Leave on for up to an hour, or even overnight.

Acne Remedy #2: Take an orange peel and leave it to dry, and then grind it to a powder. Mix with water and apply directly to the pimple.

Acne Remedy #3: Applying garlic directly to a pimple can also be a great remedy, as garlic is a natural disinfectant.

Acne Remedy #4: Mix a spoonful each of fresh lemon juice and cinnamon. Apply to the acne overnight for several nights in a row to be effective.

Acne Remedy #5: Take fresh leaves of fenugreek and grind to make an acne remedy that is also said to be effective in reducing wrinkles. It should be left on for only fifteen minutes.

Acne Remedy #6: Papaya juice, which is high in natural enzymes, makes a wonderful acne solution all on its own.

Acne Remedy #7: Boil a cup of milk, and then allow to cool to room temperature, and add a spoonful of limejuice to make a acne face wash.

Acne Remedy #8: Mix rosewater, cucumber juice and lime juice in equal amounts. Apply to clean face and leave on overnight.

Chemical skin care ingredients you should avoid if you are acne-prone or have oily skin in combination with acne:
• Butyl stearate
• Cinnamon Oil
• Isotearyl isostearate
• Cocoa butter
• Jojoba oil
• Coconut oil
• Decyl oleate
• Myristyl myristate
• Myristyl propionate
• Octyl palminate
• Octyl stearate
• Peppermint Oil
• Isopropyl stearate
• Isopropyl, isostearate, myristate or palmitate
Try several of these natural remedies and see which one is best for you, be aware that it can take several days to have an effect. Make sure you use clean spoons and dishes to mix your remedies, and remember to wash your face as usual in between treatments.

The market today is flooded with beauty products. Everywhere you look, another new product is on the shelf (or on the website). So, how does one choose which is the best product for them? If you are inclined to treat your skin naturally-meaning without harsh chemicals-then organic or natural skin care may be the best for you. Not only do these products help your skin in a more balanced, natural way, they are also much less harmful to yourself and the environment.

Below are five basic steps in keeping skin healthy, along with the use of organic skin care products.

Eat and maintain a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help you maintain a healthy skin the natural way. Avoid processed and greasy foods. Familiarize yourself with healthy, organic food that you enjoy and will promote better health. Supplements will also provide assistance in keeping your whole body healthy. Keeping the entire body healthy is the primary key for healthy cells. This is the most important organic skin care tip. Skin can only look as good as the nutrients you feed your body. The skin is the primary conduit for the liver to process toxins.

1. Drink plenty of water. A huge percentage of the body is composed of water. Water intake will help you clean the body. Water also hydrates the body and helps prevent dry skin. Well-hydrated cells function well. Cells that function well can help maintain youth. The more active a person is, the more water he/she needs. Eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount of water intake, however, as for athletes and energetic people, more is needed to replace the fluid they excrete through perspiration. There is no replacement to drinking plenty of water and this is not only a great organic skin care rule but a great habit to adopt.

2. Exercise. Aside from a boost in energy, moderate work outs promote blood circulation and increase oxygen in the blood stream. Both help in maintaining the youth of your skin.

3. Wash your face with mild cleansing products. Cleansing products with strong substances can harm cells. Ensure that you use clean water when washing the cleansing products off your skin. Don’t rub your skin vigorously with the towel – it irritates the skin. Wipe gently with soft cloth. Organic skin care products are milder than those with synthesized or processed ingredients and don’t need to be scrubbed off.

4. Use organic skin care products when possible. Products with natural ingredients will clean you r skin just as well as those full of chemicals. The closer the ingredients are to their natural state, the less harmful for your skin. Most organic products work with the body’s natural process in fighting harmful elements and potential diseases as opposed to chemically forcing the skin to respond to treatment.

5. Moisturizers are recommended for all skin types. Even oily skin loses its natural moisture after using harsh cleansing products. If your skin is not properly moisturize, it will dry and age faster. Toners help in cleaning traces of dirt and cosmetics not easily removed with the use of cleansers. Try to use a product containing zinc or a natural sunblocking agent to protect your face from the harmful UVB rays of the sun.

Organic skin care gives you the greatest opportunity to have a healthy skin, without using harmful ingredients. The appearance of your skin indicates the state of your health. If you are suffering from acne or any other skin condition, try treating it from the inside out first. Give your body a chance to balance itself with healthy foods and supplements before you spend hundreds of dollars on topical treatments. Your skin is your body’s armor, protecting your from the elements. Help it do its job.

Skin wrinkles are caused by two main factors: heredity and the environment. There is little you can do about heredity and the natural aging process, but there is something you can do about the other causes. Pollution in the environment, sun exposure and stress can all lead to premature aging of the skin. Using anti aging creams is beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The creams are even more effective when combined with regular facials.

Determining your skin type is easy, and the information will help you when buying moisturizers, cosmetics and facial cleansers.

Step One
Wash your face with a skin cleanser, then rinse and pat dry.

Step Two
Wait one hour.

Step Three
Note whether your skin feels “tight.”

Step Four
Press a separate piece of tissue onto each area of your face: chin, center of cheeks, outer cheeks, center of forehead, outer forehead and nose.

Step Five
Examine each tissue and look for oily residue or flaky skin residue.

Step Six
Interpret the results. Oil on each tissue indicates an oily skin type, while oil on only some tissues (specifically those on the T-zone, which is the center of forehead, nose, chin and center of cheeks) indicates a combination skin type. Flaky skin residue on all tissues – without oily residue – or a tight feeling in the skin indicates a dry skin type. No oil and no flaky residue on any parts of the tissue indicates a normal skin type.

Tips & Warnings
Pore size is another indication of skin type; small pores generally indicate dry skin, while large pores mean oily skin. Remember that there are many factors that affect your skin type, such as weather, emotions, hormones and stress, and this will cause your skin type to be in a constant state of fluctuation.
“Combination skin” products that claim to serve different functions on different parts of the face are suspicious. You’re better off using different products on different areas.

Overall Things You’ll Need
Hand or Wash Towels
Mild Facial Cleansers
Oil-free Facial Cleansers
Oil-free Moisturizers

With so many beauty products, facial treatments and surgical procedures available these days, it can be overwhelming to choose a treatment that is right for you. First off, when trying any new skincare treatment or procedure, it is always important to do your research, seek out reputable sources and never be afraid to ask questions, after all, it is your face – you only have one, so treat it accordingly. Selecting the right specialist or understanding details of a surgical procedure will be time consuming, be prepared to put in the time necessary to make the best choice. Below are some tips to help you get started.

Most cleansers, makeup, and other beauty products are full of harsh synthetic chemicals that may be harmful to skin. Natural solutions for healthy skin care are better for you, support a cleaner environment and natural techniques work at least as well.

Essential oils are some of nature’s best helpers in almost every aspect of health. Many times more potent than dried herbs, essential oils contain all the healing properties of a plant in a very concentrated form. For this reason, they are best used in tiny amounts and are often diluted for skin care.

Sea salt is the world’s most mineral-rich exfoliant. The minerals in sea water are known to nourish and heal skin. The same minerals can be found in unprocessed, mineral-rich sea salt, and the coarseness of salt makes it a perfect exfoliant. Try the following whole-body sea salt scrub.

– 1 Cup Sea Salt

– 2 Tablespoons Apricot or Almond Oil

– 5-6 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

1. Put salt in a bowl and add the oils.

2. Mix well.

3. Store in covered container until ready to use.

This recipe is best used in the shower after washing. Rub a small handful of the salt scrub all over your body in brisk circular motions. Afterwards, use a moisturizing anti aging skin care product.

Fatty oils restore skin’s moisture and flexibility. Part of the benefit of the salt scrub recipe is the apricot or almond oil it contains, which leaves a nice glow and moisture in the skin.

Using an oil cleansing method, surprisingly, is a simple and effective way to clean your face. Using olive oil, castor oil, and hot water leaves a lasting glow. Fatty vegetable oils can be used as moisturizers, makeup remover, cleansers if you want to stay all natural.

According to leading dermatologists, most of the cosmetic and skin care information out there is misleading. For example, do you buy into any of these common beauty myths?

Myth # 1: The way find the right skin care product is by buying many different products until you find one that works for you (if you are lucky). Actually, this approach works well for the cosmetics industry, but it’s not so good for you, unless you happen to have loads of money, tons of free time, and a desire to experiment on your skin. Yet, that’s the way most people purchase skin care products and services. Without knowing your skin type and being directed to the range of products that work well for it, you are at the mercy of marketers and advertisers.

Because of the way that they are regulated by the FDA, cosmetic companies cannot lay claim to any biological activity – meaning they can’t say a cream will repair your wrinkles. If they did, their products would be regulated as drugs, with costly clinical trials needed to validate their claims. Instead, they make vague marketing statements. No wonder people are confused. However, a dermatologist can reveal the biological effects of different products to cut through the hype.

Myth #2: The more expensive a product, the better it will work.
What does the high price tag on that designer skin cream buy you? Not the ingredients in the bottle. Instead, most often you are footing the bill for the marketing and bottling of that product. In fact, if tomorrow someone invented the world’s best skin cream, they could sell the rights to market it to different segments of the skin care marketplace, and very likely the only difference between the drugstore item, the department store brandname version, and the special edition sold by dermatologists would be – you guessed it – the packaging and price. However, the creams contained therein could well be absolutely identical. Maybe some day, the high-end lines will really be worth the extra expense because they are packed with ingredients that can deliver real results.

Myth #3: Fragrance-free products contain no perfume or fragrance.
People with sensitive skin often buy products with this misleading labeling, hoping to avoid ingredients they react to. “Fragrance-free” is no guarantee that the product does not contain perfumes or fragrances. It means that no fragrance is detectable by the average person’s sense of smell. In fact, fragrances are added to most face creams to neutralize their bad odor. Have you ever noticed that your old makeup foundation smells funny? That’s because over time the fragrances evaporate, leaving the unpleasant smell unmasked. For most people, this doesn’t matter so much, but if you have sensitive skin, you may need to find roducts completely free of these sensitizing ingredients.

Blueberry Toner

Make this mask the day you plan to use it, and do not store.

3 tablespoons steamed, crushed blueberries
1/2 C. sour cream or plain yogurt

Purée ingredients in a blender at low speed until well mixed and fluffy. Apply to face and neck.  Let penetrate for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water.  If you find the mask is too runny after blending, you should refrigerate for one hour or until of the consistency you desire.

ALMOND FACIAL MILK

The herbal waters are antiseptic and toning. Grapefruit seed extract is available in health food stores, and is included in the recipe as a preservative.

· 1/2 cup rose, lavender, or distilled water

· 1 teaspoon pure vegetable glycerin

· 1/4 to 1 teaspoon cold pressed organic almond oil

· 12 drops grapefruit seed extract

Make the rose or lavender water by placing a small handful of dried organic rose petals or lavender in a pint mason jar and adding boiling water to cover. Let steep overnight, then thoroughly strain. Combine the remaining ingredients in a glass jar and shake to blend. Dab some on your fingers or a cotton ball and massage into your skin. Rinse with warm water. Keep stored in the refrigerator for no more than a month or so. Discard at the first sign of mold.