Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne, and is simply what we refer to as common acne. Acne vulgaris can affect anyone, and almost 100% of the population has had acne vulgaris at one time. Over 85% of teens suffer from acne, and although it is caused by an increase in hormone levels which affect and over-stimulate the sebaceous glands, the resulting acne is still called acne vulgaris.

Acne vulgaris is usually found on the face and upper body area including the back, chest, neck and arms. Both facial acne and body acne are considered acne vulgaris. In most cases, acne vulgaris will not cause scarring. Acne that scars is usually much more severe, when several papules or pimples join together causing cysts (known as cystic acne or severe acne). Acne vulgaris affects people of all ages, though it is mostly predominant in teenagers.

Acne vulgaris can be both prevented and eliminated by using a combination of pore-cleansing, anti-bacterial treatment and pore strengthening. ZenMed Derma Cleanse is a product that is able to clean pores effectively, while directly treating the blemishes, naturally using two pronged approach. We recommend the ZenMed acne system for people experiencing any level of acne.
Acne Vulgaris Treatment

Acne vulgaris treatment comes in many forms. Pharmacies and supermarkets are literally inundated with new products for fighting acne. It’s important to remember that acne products work differently for different people. Some topical acne treatments work well for some, but irritate the skin of others. Some ingested treatments work well for some but cause complications in others. Talking to your doctor and choosing the best medication for you is always the best method of choosing your acne solution. Some examples of the types of acne products available are:
Natural Acne Treatments

Within the last decade, natural medicine has made a significant comeback. Naturopaths are available for consultation in every town, as people begin to lose faith in ‘chemical’ products and their outlandish guarantees. Some natural products that have been used for decades to clear acne are rose water, milk of magnesia, lemon juice, tea tree oil and ginger root.

Topical medication

Topical medication is probably the most popular acne vulgaris treatment method. Topical medication can contain natural or synthetic ingredients (or both), and are used to kill the P. Acnes bacteria, clear oil from the skin, and generate healthier skin. Some topical medications are prescription based, and can only be obtained by a physician. Examples include topical steroids and antibiotics, and the chemical compound isotretinoin (retinoids) which is common for sever or chronic acne treatment.

Ingested Acne Vulgaris Treatment

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe an ingested medication for the treatment of severe acne vulgaris, but the practice is becoming rarer. Some examples of ingested or oral medication are antibiotics and retinoids. Antibiotics tend work only when being prescribed, and acne flare-ups can start again days after treatment is stopped. Antibiotics also lose their efficacy over time. Retinoids have also been shown to have side effects and cannot be used by pregnant women.
Laser Acne Therapy

Laser therapy is another acne vulgaris treatment that is gaining in popularity. Although pricey for some, laser treatment requires only a few visits. Lasers are used to burn away either one or more layers of the skin (resurfacing), the underlying layers of skin (fractional laser therapy) or the burning of follicles or sebaceous glands (cauterizing). Laser therapy is relatively painless and its side effects include a few days of redness of the skin and minor irritation.

When to See a Doctor

If you have acne vulgaris, and your pimples are getting worse by the week, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor regardless. Further, if you notice that some pimples are banding together, forming even larger pimples, you should speak to your doctor or dermatologist as acne scarring may result. Always see your doctor if medication or acne vulgaris treatments are causing unusual side effects.

Types of Acne

There are many variations of acne, ranging in severity from mild to severely disfiguring. The regimen works well to combat moderate to light acne. Severe acne may require more aggressive treatment.

Acne Vulgaris (mild or moderate) is the most common form of acne which includes several types of pimples. These acne lesions include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.

Whiteheads: Whiteheads result when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. These types of acne lesions sometimes seem to be begging to be popped. Make sure you read about how to pop a pimple before you attempt this. Whiteheads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads.

Blackheads: Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is not caused by dirt. Rather, it is a reaction of the skin's own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. A blackhead tends to be a stable structure, and can often take a long time to clear.
Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. Do not squeeze a papule. It will do no good, and may exacerbate scarring.

Pustules: A pustule is similar to a whitehead, but is inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Pustules are your garden variety zit. Before you pop or squeeze such a lesion, be sure to read about how to pop a pimple.

Acne Prevention

What's the best way to get rid of acne? Prevent the pimples from forming up in the first place! Articles below provide information and tips that will help you in preventing acne.

Acne prevention often becomes essential during our teenage years. It can cause great distress and embarrassment at an age when young people are very concerned about how they look. Almost no teenager – and many an adult on drugs like lithium – is spared a prolonged period of acne problems. Pubescent girls need to pay greater attention to acne prevention because of the hormonal upsurges associated with the onset of menstruation.

Increased hormonal activity is the root cause of acne occurrence. This in turn causes excess oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. It is a sad fact that the areas most affected by acne are those that are almost constantly visible with today’s youthful fashion trends. Most acne prevention and control compounds contain specific compounds to address the problem. The packaging will indicate the presence of these compounds. One of these is benzoyl peroxide (sometimes in combination with the antibiotic erythromycin). The popular Clearasil contains this agent.

Most affected teenagers address acne prevention with manic scrubbing and dieting. They do this because of a mistaken assumption that the problem is related to poor hygiene or improper nutrition. Avoiding fat-laden junk foods like cheeseburgers is definitely a step in the right direction for other health-related reasons. However, it will do little by ways of acne prevention. Skin hygiene is important, and one can prevent acne to a certain extent by increased and regular cleansing. However, one tends to go overboard and resort to using extreme measures like a face wash of strong toothpaste and other harsh compounds. This will only aggravate the problem by encouraging increased compensatory oil production in the skin.

The belief that astringents discourage excess oil secretion is nothing but a myth. Astringents do take care of superficial oils. However, they are of no use in acne prevention because they cause the skin to contract. This clogs pores and causes long-term aggravation for short-term cosmetic benefits. The best course of action is using a mild cleansing agent to wash town the entire face (not just the fabled T zone or only acne-affected areas) and regular shampooing of hair.

Oily hair causes facial oiliness. This is especially true for those who sport chin/shoulder-length hair. Most importantly, picking at or rubbing of acne blemishes is strictly contraindicated. Doing this can lead to permanent scarring and skin discoloration that will require measures like laser treatment to correct later on. Excessive exposure to sunlight is also a definite no-no - especially if one is using a compound like trenitoin, which increases the skin’s photosensitivity. Tanning lamps can cause the same harmful effect. Females affected with acne must rigorously scan the contents of their cosmetics before using them – only those without an oily base and with the tag ‘noncomedogenic’ (non-obstructing to skin pores) on the label should be used. It is also important to avoid sports headgear such as headbands and cycling helmets. Many fashion accessories that cover part of the facial skin can cause constriction or irritation, too.

At What Age Does Skin Aging Begin?

Your skin loses its elasticity as you age, and before you know it, skin aging has acted upon your skin making it lose its usual suppleness and smoothness. But at what age does aging begin? Just when you feel you are at your prime at the age of 25, that is, when most people think they are most beautiful is when aging begins to act up on your skin. Although it’s not immediately noticeable, your skin begins to lose its elasticity once past this age. Fine lines may start to develop around the eyes and mouth.

Is that news scary? Skin aging is part of the aging process itself which comes to everyone. While it cannot be stopped, it can be delayed with proper skin care.

What is AHA? What are the Natural Sources of AHA?

Alpha-hydroxy acids are present in most, if not all, anti-aging skin care products commercially manufactured today. But little do many of us know that alpha hydroxy acids are naturally found in lactic acid (in milk) and other fruit extracts. AHAs are carboxylic acids which include lactic acid from sour milk, glycolic acid from sugar cane, and citric acid from citrus fruits.
AHA: Natural Skin Care Exfoliation

What AHA does is make skin look younger by stripping away dead skin cells through exfoliation and moisturizing the skin to make it supple and smooth. AHAs are also been proven effective for skin treatment of acne.

Delay Skin-Aging With These Tips

Limiting sun exposure.
Sunlight is a major cause of skin aging. When out in the sun, always protect yourself with sunscreen and avoid sun exposure when the sun is strongest, that is, between 10am to 4pm.

Moisturize your skin.
Do not be misconstrued into applying commercial moisturizers with synthetic ingredients because they may hasten rather than delay aging. Little do most us of us, but natural moisturizers can be found right in your own kitchen. Honey has been an ancient moisturizer and so is milk. In fact, Cleopatra was reported to pamper her skin in the luxury of a milk bath.

Drink water, drink water, drink water.
It has been said many times but it’s worth reiterating. Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day is one way to keep your skin hydrated and revitalized. It works wonders on your skin as well as on your system.

Are You Wasting Money on Multivitamins?

Advertisements with tantalizing promises of improved health, prevention of cancer and heart disease, and greater energy have lured millions of Americans to spend billions of dollars on the purchase of multivitamins.

An article in the February 9 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine reported that multivitamin use did not protect the 161,808 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative Study from common forms of cancer, heart attacks, or strokes. And the numbers of deaths during the 8 years of the study were the same in vitamin users as in non-users. Still, it is important to recognize that this was an observational study, not a more meaningful clinical trial. Although these findings apply only to women, other studies have failed to show benefits of multivitamins in older men.

These results are not at all surprising for several reasons. No large study has shown that multivitamins significantly benefit healthy men and women. In addition, for some years physicians prescribed folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6 in the hopes of preventing heart attacks and strokes by lowering blood levels of homocysteine. (High blood levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of coronary and other vascular diseases.) A number of recent studies, however, have shown that, while these vitamins do lower homocysteine levels, they do not prevent heart attacks or strokes.

Many doctors have also prescribed the antioxidants vitamin E and beta-carotene to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Alas, studies have now proven that these supplements are not protective–and may even be harmful.

No one denies that an adequate intake of vitamins is essential; however, vitamins can and should be obtained from eating enough healthy foods rather than from swallowing vitamin supplements.

Then what about vitamins being a great source of energy? Some multivitamin ads do indeed claim that their supplements boost energy; and some professional athletes gobble handfuls of vitamin pills to increase their energy and strength. But researchers proved long ago that energy comes from calories, not vitamins. The highly touted cholesterol-lowering effects of substances added to some multivitamin supplements? Still unproven.

All this is not to say that specific vitamins supplements are never desirable. Vitamins can be valuable in certain situations:

* Folic acid supplements in women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant can help to prevent serious neural-tube defects that affect the baby’s brain and spine.

* Supplements that contain more vitamin D and calcium than is present in regular multivitamin pills can help older men, and especially women, avoid osteoporosis and bone fractures.

* Supplements of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper may slow the progression of vision loss in people with early macular degeneration.

And multivitamins are beneficial for some entire groups of people:

* those on a very-low-calorie weight-loss diet

* strict vegetarians

* heavy alcohol drinkers

* individuals who are not getting an adequate diet because they are too sick or too poor–or live by themselves and are unable to prepare proper meals for themselves

I also agree with a comment made by one of the coauthors of the Archives of Internal Medicine article about postmenopausal women mentioned above. An 8-year follow-up period may not be long enough to show that multivitamins protect against cancers that take many years to develop.

All the same, the results of the studies on vitamins so far point to one conclusion: Healthy people who eat enough calories from a varied diet do not benefit from multivitamin supplements.

Tips For Slowing Down The Aging Process

Aging is a continuous process that when it starts it cannot be stopped. With the medicine and technology today, we are discovering that the aging process can be slowed down dramatically.

When aging starts is debatable, but a lot of professionals believe aging begins shortly after a person can reproduce. The aging process also will get worse in time, sorry to say. The longer we live, the more we can see the aging effects. One benefit of aging in today's medical world is that anti-aging medicine doubles its advancement in as little as 3 years or less.

Discussing anti-aging, there are few natural ways to keep your mind and body feeling younger than it really is!

One of the first issues you need to address is that obesity is the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Being obese comes with many health risks. Some of these health risks are type 2 diabetes, Hypertension, Osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and gallbladder disease.

Now is the time to talk about what we put into our bodies to help us live longer and making our bodies and skin feel younger. Our bodies are made up of 70% water. It is important that each and everyday you try to intake at least 8-10 8-ounce glasses of water a day. When our bodies are dehydrated, we do not function properly and it puts stress on other parts of our body.

How we eat is beneficial to living longer. By eating the right foods, you can possibly skip some of the diseases that can kill you in an instant or chronic pain due to poor food choices. There are too many different types of diets to list that can help you out in the long run but here are some important items you should include. Consuming a lot of fruits and leafy green vegetables, a high fiber diet, grains, nuts and a high intake of good fats are important.

The main preventative disease in America is smoking. Smoking can take many years off of your life, thus not really helping out if you want to feel and look younger. Cigarette smoking is the most significant cause of lung disease, among both men and women. Along with internal damage by smoking, it also has a negative effect on the skin and makes it age faster.

Most people have been active in their childhood. Although exercising for children can mean running around for hours on end, it is still a means of exercise. When we become adults, we should keep up a regular exercise program to keep our heart working well. Exercise not only helps you fight cardiovascular disease but it can keep you fit, feeling young and exercise is great for reducing stress!

The amount of stress in your life is another factor in anti-aging. People who have stress related jobs and/or relationships are known to age faster. It is never too late to reduce the amount of stress in your life. Only you know what stress you are under and here are some ways to make life simpler.

To start, take one thing at a time. Most people like to think of many ideas at once, therefore thinking they have to take the appropriate action to make them happen. Setting goals with relevant expectations and visualizing your ideas will lower the stress of having a busy schedule.

Sleeping plays a huge role in our aging process. We need it to promote healthy brain function, to have a healthy nervous system and to also refresh our brain cells. People who do not sleep enough and are constantly on the move being busy with their stressful life will not make better decisions and makes the brain work harder and not as effective.

A good night's sleep is what we all desire, but if you want to live longer, sleep longer. Sleep, like food and nutrients, are necessary for us to stay alive and function. Each day our body tells us it is time for a break and it is time to get some rest. Not everyone has a steady sleep schedule but whenever you can, sleep in a little extra and do not be afraid to take a short nap during the day if needed.

Whether you are young and are looking to ease the aging process early on or you are getting older and are starting to feel the effects, there are some very great supplements out there to assist with living longer. Longevity supplements are designed to protect the healthy cells we have in our body and to fight off the dangerous cells. They are also used to enhance our mineral intake, leaving little to waste.

Each day that goes by, yes we do get a day older. But that does not mean we have to feel or look it! Just like aging is a process, anti-aging is a thought that should begin early on in life by making the right health and lifestyle choices.

Dry Skin: #1 Problem With Aging Skin

Although it may not be intentional, everyday we abuse our skin by partaking in daily rituals including showering, bathing, playing in the sunshine, smoking, drinking coffee, or simply enjoying the air conditioned living room. The environment that we live in takes tremendous toll on our skin and slowly it loses its natural ability to moisturize. Skin is our body’s first line of defense and protects us from infections, impacts and the environment as a whole but over time this begins to fail.

As we age our skin care needs begin to change and evolve. Dry skin is a wide spread problem however as we age this becomes much more prevalent. Contrary to popular belief the number one issue that immerges is not wrinkles or age spots, it is actually skin dryness. Ironically having healthy moisturized skin actually minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. As we age the layers of skin that we don’t see on the surface begin to thin, the oil glands become under productive, and the diminished lipid (fat) layer is no longer able to hold moisture. This all leads to dry, flaky, itchy, and sensitive skin.

Another unavoidable reason for the increase in dry skin is medications. As we age the probability that we will be on a prescribed medication increases, dry skin is the side affect of many. As well many health conditions are associated with skin dryness such Diabetes, high blood pressure, and many thyroid disorders.

To help alleviate dry skin try the following:

1. Try showering or bathing every second day when possible. Hot water strips the body of its natural oils so luke warm water is always recommended. Showers and baths should be limited to 10 minutes. Use cleansers sparingly, use them for your groin and an arm pit area, water is generally sufficient for the rest of your body. Leave your body damp and apply moisturizer to seal in the moisture.

2. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, your body must be hydrated to work efficiently. Always increase your liquid consumption when doing physical activity or in environments that sap water from your body. Reduce or avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, these all have a diuretic effect on the body.

3. Add a humidifier to your home or work environment. Air conditioners and central heating systems pull a large amount of moisture from the air, and a humidifier will help remedy this issue. There are many on the market today so finding one that fits your budget and your needs should be relatively straight forward.

4. Above all else moisturize, even if you don’t think you need to. Being proactive is always the best solution to any problem. It is recommended that a moisturizer of some kind be applied twice a day, and at bedtime is a must.

Moisturizing on a daily basis should be part of everyone’s skin care regime; however as we age it becomes must more imperative. As a population we focus on how our skin looks but it is important to remember that our skin is the body’s biggest organ and it has many important health protecting duties. Winning the battle against dry skin not only makes us look and feel fresh but it helps maintain skin integrity which is essential to our health.

5 Tips To Avoid Premature Aging

Aging is an ongoing process. It takes place so quietly that we cannot even pursue and then suddenly the symptoms become prominent. Almost all the organs in human body, including skin, undergo aging. The effects of aging are irreversible after a certain age and individuals are bound to accept it. But Premature Aging is never welcome.

Most people know that aging will come to attack them some day, but what they do not know is that they can prevent premature aging and delay natural aging by taking few simple skincare courses. Let’s learn five basic skin care treatments that help you look younger for long, if not forever!

Avoid harmful elements:

Protect your skin from harmful elements as much as possible. Lots of compounds and elements found in the nature are harsh to our skin. To avoid direct or indirect contact with such harmful substances you need to identify them first. Once you know what are not good for your health, you can take better precautions to avoid them.

Ultraviolet radiation, soaps and shampoos with much alkalinity, chlorine, excessive makeup etc. often enhance skin aging. You should be careful while dealing with products which may expose your skin to such harmful elements. Skin that has been protected from harsh agents responses positively to any skincare or anti-aging treatment.

Routine treatments:

Human body is similar like a machine. It also needs routine treatments and care. By performing some basic and easy skincare treatments you can keep your skin lively. Right facial skin care helps you delay natural aging and prevent premature
aging of skin.

Cleansing, toning, moisturizing and anti-scaling treatments are the basic techniques need to be performed on a regular basis. Some skin experts and dermatologists suggest doing these routine treatments once or twice every day. Some professionals advise toning only for individuals with oily skin. You can consult an expert to know what type of routine treatment is good for your skin.
Specific treatments for your skin type:

Your skin may need some special treatments for its wellbeing. Different people have different skin types, hence it is important to identify the nature of your skin. Even your routine skin care may depend on your skin type. So take a skin type identification test or visit a skin specialist to know what type of skin you have. Once you know whether your skin is normal, oily, dry or combination, you can choose better facial skin care for yourself.

Treatments suitable for your age:

Skincare changes with age. Human body undergoes various physical changes with age. Though basic skin chemistry remains same, but hormonal changes, changes in metabolic rate, skin cell regeneration rate etc. should be considered while selecting your skin care. That is why the facial products you used in your twenties may not be useful in your thirties!

Special treatments for t-zone and eye area:

Specific zones on your face may have some particular features. Most people report the t-zone i.e., forehead, temples of forehead and nose to become more oily than other parts of the face. Again the skin around eyes is more sensitive to dryness and easily catches wrinkles. So it is always good to ask your skin specialist whether different areas on your face need special care.

5 Things That Do Harm To Our Skin

Most people start taking care of their skins when the signs of aging are already prominent. All skin conscious people need to understand that aging is no more reversible after a certain period. Sooner you begin thinking about your skin the better.

People often complain about premature aging. This is a real problem of the day. Even youngsters have started reporting skin problems and aging of late. It clearly indicates the staggering expansion of premature aging.

It is needless to mention that people should be careful well in advance to stop aging – natural or premature. Among all the things that help you prevent aging, protecting your skin from harmful elements is of paramount importance.

Let us discuss five factors that do a lot of harm to our skins. The objective is: once we are aware of the detrimental factors, we can better understand how to protect ourselves. A well protected skin not only evades premature aging, but delays natural aging too.

Five detrimental factors for skin:

1) Ultraviolet Rays:

Exposure to UV radiation not only leads to wrinkles, sun burn and aging, but increases the chances of skin cancer too. Individuals can be exposed to ultraviolet ray in different ways. While sun is the prime source of ultraviolet ray, some commercial appliances involve ultraviolet radiation too.

Not going out in the direct sunlight partly prevents sun damage. You need to apply some basic sun protection techniques. Sunscreen lotions and sun protection creams may be helpful to avoid sun damage due to UV radiation. You can visit online drugstores or your community store for suitable facial products and sunscreen.

2) Harmful Cleaners:

Almost everybody uses face wash, soaps, shampoo and other cleaners. What people do not know is that some of the ingredients of these products are not good for skin. Some soaps and shampoos may turn harsh to our skin based on the constituents used by the manufacturer. Most chemical based products are harsh to skin.

Soaps and cleansers which are too much alkaline in nature are harmful. Products that contain sodium sulfates and their analogs are often reported as rough for skin. On the contrary, baby products and glycerin-based moisturizing soaps and shampoos better suit our skin.

3) Chloride ion content and temperature of water:

Household water suppliers often use chlorine as disinfectant. Excessive chlorine in water may damage skins and lead to wrinkles, skin rashes and permanent discoloration through chemical reaction. The rate of chemical reaction is reported to increase with temperature. Hence, excessive hot baths, though refreshing, may be harmful for your skin. It is better to use warm water in bath tub, not hot water.

4) Excessive use of Makeup products:

Both makeup products and makeup removals contain ingredients which are harsh to skin. When a limited use of such products does not do any bad, excessive use over a long period is not at all good for health of your skin. Eye area is very much sensitive to excessive use of makeup. Puffiness around eyes and wrinkles in the eye area are the results of makeup overdoing.

5) Wrong skincare products:

You should be very careful while selecting your facial skin care. When natural skin care products are quiet soft, chemical-based products are harsher. It is good to consult dermatologist to know your skin type before purchasing your skincare products.

How To Get Rid Of Skin Blemishes

When was the last time you had a breakout? Almost everyone experiences skin blemishes from time to time. If you have had them before you know how unsightly and embarrassing they can be.

These blemishes seem to appear first and most often in adolescence, but acne can also be common and even chronic among adults. What is important to note, however, is that whether you are a teenager or an adult skin blemishes can be treated and even prevented altogether.

Most blemishes are caused by stress and/or your diet. Harmful toxins that are in your body are released through your skin and show as blemishes or acne. To get rid of blemishes you need to get your body and skin healthy.

Try to remember that whatever you put into your body shows up on your skin. Try to eat as many organic fruits and vegetables as possible. You also may need to eliminate or diminish the following as they each cause an overflow of toxins into your body:

* Processed Foods (chips, fast food, soda, etc.)
* Drugs
* Alcohol
* Smoking
* Poor air quality

Skin Blemishes Can Be Minimized

I am not saying that if you follow the above recommendations you will never get blemishes, you may still find a pimple from time to time due to stress, hormones, or an allergic reaction. However, you can significantly reduce your acne simply by changing your diet.
Exercise plays an important role as well because sweating is your bodies natural way of getting rid of the harmful toxins in your body.

What About Skin Care?

People with certain types of skin must be very careful in the care of their skin in order to avoid skin blemishes. Most of the skin care products out there are not natural and contain many harmful chemicals that will cause more blemishes than they get rid of. If you are looking for skin care products to help you with your blemishes you should try to find a natural acne cream and a way to exfoliate your skin.

You can find these creams and exfoliation methods at your local health food store or online as there are many great natural online skin care websites. You still may need to try a few different ones to find what is just right for you.

There are some chronic cases of acne or skin blemishes that require medical attention, but for most skin conditions natural products work very well, and more importantly are healthy for your skin and your body. If natural products aren't working and you have chronic skin problems you should visit your local dermatologist.

There is nothing more annoying than waking up, looking in the mirror and seeing blemishes on your face. Just remember that they can be treated and avoided by following the above recommendations.

Change your diet, exercise and practice stress reducing activities if you want your skin to shine and your whole body to be healthy. Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness!

Acne Blemish Cure-All - Fact or Fiction?

Everyone gets an occasional acne blemish now and then, but what a person does to treat acne when you get this blemish can have a significant effect on the duration a pimple sticks around, and how visible it is to other people. Normally, you will have to permit an acne blemish to run its course, but you have the ability to rush the process and keep from making the blemish any worse.

Skin Care

Just because you have acquired an acne blemish does not mean your efforts for your skin care have failed or you should discontinue your routine. A good skin care routine help to keep your skin clean without having it irritated. While the right type of skin care will help you to prevent acne breakouts in the future, do not become disheartened when the periodic blemish turns up. They are absolutely normal.

When you find an acne blemish, thinking about squeezing it should not be your first option. Squeezing a pimple at first sight, in the hopes of eradicating it prior to anyone else can seeing it, normally makes the situation worse. If a pimple has formed a head, though, then it should be squeezed and the pressure relieved so that it can heal.

Nevertheless, squeezing acne prior to it being ready is not good for your skin and is a poor method to treat acne. When it will not pop, the majority of people continue to pick and pinch, which bursts the capillaries (tiny blood vessels) just beneath the surface of the skin. This basically forms a small bruise on your face that is probably going to be very visible even after the pimple itself has eventually healed.

Dealing with a Pimple

Once you get an acne blemish, there are still options for you to treat acne, however some of them can be costly. One new type of product, called the Zeno acne-clearing device, asserts it can eliminate the majority of pimples within twenty four hours of use.
It functions by concentrating a specific amount of heat on to the pimple, which in turn destroys the bacteria inducing the blemish.

Some people contend that it works perfectly for them, while other people say it has almost no effect on their acne. As luck would have it, the company makes available a money-back guarantee if you are not happy. The sole disadvantage for people who find Zeno efficacious is that it requires throwaway tips to work, which some people say are fairly pricey depending on how many pimples there are that needs to be treated.

Acne And The Use of Light

Another type of product that is used to treat existing pimples is a pen that applies assorted frequencies of concentrated light. It has been acknowledged for a time that being exposed to sunlight helps your skin to fight acne, but scientists have concluded that the two particular frequency ranges that are most useful appear to us in the form of blue and red light.

The blue light functions to kill the bacterium that is the cause to acne, while the red light induces the healing action of your skin. Dermatologists have employed red and blue light treatment for quite sometime now, but the light pens that are presently available are entirely portable and do not call for any replacement tips. Nevertheless, like Zeno, some people report astonishing results from using a light pen while others see utterly no results at all.

Regardless, fight the desire to pop the acne blemish before it is ready. Incessantly washing or utilizing medication could only irritate the blemish even further, and the result is more of a mess than you began with. The majority of methods, such as Zeno or light pens, only stand a chance of working after the acne blemish has appeared, and even then, these methods might not work for some people. Numerous people decide that it is simply best to let nature run its course.

Tips for Clear Skin

Clear Skin is a stepping stone to success as it boosts the confidence of the person and makes them feel more motivated in anything they do. Given the former, here are some tips for clear skin which will help you to be on your way to success too.

While some people are blessed with a clear and radiant skin others might have to work towards it. The most encouraging thing is that nothing is impossible if you really want to achieve it, so start working on a beautiful clear skin and this does not mean just on the outside, you have to work at it on the inside too and follow these tips for clear skin.

Try and stay stress free and have a happy disposition most of the time. Happiness definitely makes the skin glow, so be happy and look good.

Not only creams and beauty products that are very costly are the only ones that deliver on their promises and show positive results. There are many good products in the middle and low cost range which may suit you perfectly and finally prove to be much more beneficial to you.

It makes a huge difference when you are dedicated, and are practicing a regular skin care regime. The most important thing for a clear and glowing skin is cleanliness. Keep your skin clean and make sure that you wash your face at least twice a day. Do not use any harsh soap or cleansing agents, but mild ones that will not dry out the natural oils in the skin.

Too much of washing can also dry out the skin, so if your skin is already dry then washing it once in the morning and once at bed time should suffice. Sometimes when the skin is dried out with too much of washing it encourages the sebaceous glands to produce more oil which in turn block your pores.

Once you have cleaned and toned your skin, use a moisturizer according to your skin type. To tone your skin you can get a toner over the counter or just use plain rose water which is very effective. But toning is essential as it closes the pores and prevents them from getting blocked with dirt and grime and oil.

Exfoliating your skin once a week will remove all the dead skin and cells and encourage new skin to form faster. If you do not remove all the dead skin cells, then it ends up like callous especially on the hands, elbows, feet and ankles. White heads and bumps form on the back and areas which are difficult to reach, so if you can afford a monthly rub down at a spa or beauty saloon there is nothing like it.

If not get yourself a brush with a handle to reach all the way down your back. After all you do want a smooth skin all over yourself and not just your face and neck so follow these tips for clear skin all over your body and not just on your face and neck.

Now that you feel confident of your skin and actually feel the glow, do not forget to apply a sunscreen before stepping out. Actually a mild sunscreen helps even while you are indoors as the UV rays will reach you anywhere. Let your daily mantra be to drink water in excess.

Oily Skin Care - Critical Elements You Need to Know

It appears that regardless of what you do, your skin is oily over time - you tone, you wash, and you even skip the moisturizer from time to time, however you just can't seem to get your skin to be less oily. Oily skin care can be difficult to find, however if you know where to look, you can locate excellent skin care products that will provide your skin with the best type of moisture balance.

Moisture Balance

One of the initial things that you'll need to do is to remember to moisturize on a daily basis. Numerous individuals are of the belief that skipping moisturizing when they have oily skin will cut down on their oiliness, however this only has the effect of making the skin 'think' that it needs to create more oil for its protection. The best skincare results can be gotten from a moisturizer that is only for oily skin; a facial cleanser that is formulated just for oily skin care will complement the moisturizer as well.

Another large part of what numerous individuals with oily skin are looking for so that they can manage the health of their skin would be that of the treatment of acne. In the majority of instances many people with oily skin are more prone to having breakouts, because the additional production makes it much simpler for oil and dirt to become trapped in the pores.


Another essential part of oily skin care is that of whole body care, because the pores are even larger all the body, which can result in blemishes on the chest and back as well. Hence, you'll want to obtain stronger acne medication, such as those that contain sulfur or benzoyl peroxide, so that you can minimize pores as well as keeping your skin cleaner throughout the day.

Aging Skin Care

When you are treating oily skin another avenue to take would be aging skincare. Aging skincare products are designed to maintain moisture, this is so you will not lose any of the natural oil within your skin, and you can also prevent fine lines and wrinkles in the process. If you're worried about breakouts and you wish to maintain a youthful appearance, you should try using acne treatment products during the day, and aging skincare products during the evening.

If you find that you are still not able to manage your oily skin, you can try creating a mask made from oatmeal or strawberries to give your skin a healthy glow or have a conversation with your dermatologist about the best skin care products that will reduce oil, such as certain soaps or moisturizers. You may also want to carry along some makeup blotting towels with you throughout the day to reduce oily buildup on your face, and also remember to drink plenty of fresh water to establish a moisture balance within your body.

Remedies for Treating Zits with Kitchen Products

Zits are a common problem and especially so amongst teenagers and adolescents who are going through hormonal changes. Home remedy zit treatments is something that they would benefit from more than adults.

Zits are inflammations of the skin and appear mostly on the face, neck, shoulders and chest. This is a condition that bothers the young more than the adults as it comes on because of hormonal disorders and changes and it is mainly during puberty and adolescence that this happens. At this stage of life the youngsters are very conscious about their looks and are looking for various remedies including home remedies for zits. Fortunately there are many home remedies for zits alongside over the counter drugs and medications.

Home remedies for zits are all available in our own kitchens and there is not need to look any further. Depending on where you live and whether these ingredients are available there would be the only criteria. Some of the home remedies for zits are from oriental and Asian countries while others are available quite easily everywhere. Most of the remedies have healing properties and get rid of the inflammation of the zits and pimples leaving a small scab which dries up and falls off soon.

Some of the home remedies for zits are listed below:

* A paste made with sandal wood and turmeric can be applied to the affected area several times during the day until the zit dries up and leaves a scab. This is a sign that the zit is dry.

* Cucumber paste applied on the face and left for 15 minutes clears the skin. If there are too many zits that are also heavily inflamed, a mixture of turmeric powder and lime juice along with the cucumber juice will have better effects.

* A mixture of lime juice and honey is very effective in healing zits and this can also be applied several times without fear as it they are harmless ingredients with healing properties.

* Orange peel that has been dried can be pounded or ground to a paste and applied on the affected are. Zits and pimples respond to this treatment pretty fast.

* Though the odor of raw garlic is quite oppressive its healing powers are just as strong. Rubbing a piece of raw garlic on a zit heals it. Garlic is also good for inflammations of the skin of any kind and is known as a blood purifier. Acne and boils are also treated with raw garlic and found to be very effective.

* Another home remedy and treatment for zits is either a few teaspoons of mint or coriander juice mixed with turmeric powder and applied on the face after thoroughly cleaning it at night. This clears the skin and leaves it soft and supple.

These home remedies for zits are harmless and yet very effective. However, there is no permanent cure for zits and this condition disappears on maturity.

How Do I Get Rid of Old Acne Scars?

Having acne isn't something anyone is happy with. What is even worse though is that for some individuals the signs of it linger long after it has gone away. This is in the form of acne scars. They can be very minimal or they can be very evident which will make a person self conscious most of the time.

How do Acne Scars Form?

Acne scars form after the breakouts have cleared up. Some individuals worry that they have scars right away. This is because they redness and indentions from acne can last for up to six months before they go away on their own. If the area remains that way for more than six months it should then be classified as a scar.

Sometimes too much new tissue forms around the area though and that too can result in scarring. So there has to be a balance because too much or too little of the tissue can increase your chances of scars remaining.

Types of Acne Scars

Acne scars are classified according to which category that your recovery fell into. Those that are caused by too much tissue are known as hypertrophic. Generally there is too much collagen being produced. Those caused by a loss of tissue are often smaller in both diameter and depth. They are often called ice pick scars due to the small indentations that they leave on the face .

Avoiding the Development of Acne Scars

It is important to remember that your face consists of live tissue. So when it is damaged due to the acne outbreaks it may not recover fully. Doing all you can to make sure it heals well is important. For example you need white blood cells for the live tissue to recover. Eating right will help you to continue to have enough of them in your body to avoid acne scars.


It is best to keep the skin clean and to pat it dry after washing it. Excessive rubbing can result in the skin becoming irritated. That can lead to the development of acne scarring as can squeezing and touching the inflamed area of skin. Do your best to treat the acne as soon as you can. The less severe that the outbreak is, the less likely you will end up with scars from it.

Tips to Remove Acne Scars

Should you find that acne scars do develop though they don't have to be permanent. There are some ways in which you can reduce the look of them or complete remove them. It will depend on your skin type, the severity of the acne scars, and how long you have had them.

Avoid the various over the counter products that tell you they will eliminate them though. Instead you will need to look towards technology to help you. The use of a laser to stimulate the skin that has been scarred seems to be very effective. However, it is also expensive and it can take many sessions before you see results.

Injections of collagen into the skin as well as microabrasion work well for ice pick scars. These methods also require several treatments over the course of time before you will see results. For more severe types of acne scars skin surgery or grafting may be necessary.

How do I Know Which Treatment is Right for Me?

Since there are many issues that have to be addressed, you should have a professional decide which treatment options will work best for you. A dermatologist who specializes in skin can do this for you. In most instances you should be able to get a free consultation about the remove of old acne scars. Make sure you get at least two different opinions though before you make a final decision.

A Guide to Acne Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Almost everyone experiences acne at some point in his or her life. Although there is no exact cause, cure or prevention, there are plenty of resources available for people to be able to choose the best treatment and prevention for themselves.

What exactly is acne?

Acne vlugaris, known by most as just plain acne, is a skin disease that happens when follicles, or pores, become blocked with oil. This causes bacteria to grow, and can result in what everyone calls zits or pimples.

According to acne.org, there are two main types of acne: Inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne is usually in the form of whiteheads and blackheads. Inflammatory acne is more visible, and is the type of acne referred to as zits or pimples.

Acne usually occurs on the face, but can also affect other areas of the body such as the shoulders, back and chest.

What causes acne?

There is no exact cause of acne. There are many different factors that can cause acne, although it is not known why some people experience more acne than others.

One factor in causing acne is overactive oil glands, or sebaceous glands, which are located beneath the skin surface. Sebaceous glands produce oil when stimulated by hormones. This is one of the reasons why teenagers are more susceptible to acne: their hormone activity is high during this stage of life.

Other causes of acne include genetics, stress, the use of anabolic steroids and certain medications.

How is acne treated?

There are many products and medications available for the treatment and prevention of acne. Some common treatments are topical, antibiotics and hormonal. The best treatment is usually a combination of different types of treatment.

Over-the-counter topical treatment can work well for mild acne.
Some topical products fight acne by drying up oil, killing bacteria, and getting rid of dead skin cells. Stronger topical treatments are available by prescription, which work by aiding in cell turnover or preventing hair follicles from plugging.

Antibiotics can be used to treat acne by killing bacteria and fighting the inflammation, but the results can take months.

Females with acne can sometimes benefit from hormonal prescriptions. Oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestogen have been known to clear up acne.

Cortisone is another hormonal method, which can be used to treat severe acne. If a zit is large and does not respond to other treatments, a shot can be injected into the affected area. The results are usually immediate.

Can acne be prevented?

Just like there is no exact cure, there is not surefire way to prevent acne. However, there are certain things that people can do to aid in prevention.

Because acne is caused by oil clogging the pores, there are a few ways to reduce the amount of oil on the skin.

These methods include using an astringent to remove oil, applying oil-free moisturizers to the skin and washing your face daily with sulfur-based soap. Also, it is advisable to avoid oil based skin products and oil based makeup.

Certain vitamins, such as Vitamin A, can also prevent acne and reduce oil production on the skin.

Also, just taking care of your body can help prevent acne. Exercising regularly to rid the body of toxins, drinking eight glasses of water daily, taking a multi-vitamin and practicing proper hygiene can all contribute to the prevention of acne.

People can keep acne under control by being aware of the causes and treatment methods of acne, combined with doing what they can to prevent it. There are countless resources, treatment and prevention methods out there, and finding the right combination is the key to stopping acne.

Does a Cure For Acne Exist?

Treatment methods have been around for hundreds of years, and people have always been trying to find a cure for acne. Some treatments have been more effective than others, and now with the advent of technology and medicine, more possibilities in treating acne have arisen.

A common question that an acne sufferer must answer, is whether or not they want to try and cure their acne by natural remedies, creams, or through laser therapy. Indeed, laser therapy is advisable for those who have acne that is unmanageable, but just how effective are natural remedies and those creams that we see on TV that supposedly do wonderful and miraculous things?

The answer is, most so called 'acne cure creams', do little to actually get rid of acne. Whilst cleaning ones face and applying moisturizer is important for getting rid of excess dirt and filth that can lead to further acne, cleaning oneself too much or applying too many skin-care cream can actually create a reverse effect by over irritating the skin. It's important to do everything in moderation. Whilst creams and the like do offer some minimal relief of acne, don't rely on them too much.

A common thing that people overlook are some of the natural remedies that are available for treating acne. A number of naturally growing plants and herbs can offer great relief for acne, and have been used by acne sufferers for hundreds of years.

Newer isn't necessarily better, and with acne treatment companies trying to make as much money as possible by advertising products that are a 'cure for acne', a lot of natural remedies are being overshadowed. Just because an acne product is advertised every day on TV, doesn't necessarily mean it works. Look into some of the natural remedies that nature has to offer you, you may be quite surprised how effective some of them are.

If your acne is so severe that your entire face is clothed in pimples, then you may consider booking an appointment with a dermatologist and looking at some more advanced treatment methods. Laser light therapy is an excellent treatment option for those who are serious about getting rid of their acne once and for all.

There are many other treatment options out there, much too many to list here. Face peeling masks, medication, special moisturizers, the list is endless. Finding a treatment method that suits you may be difficult, but the most important thing to remember is not to over treat yourself. Whatever treatment method you decide to use, make sure to use it in moderation, and clean your face regularly, but not excessively. Twice a day is normally enough.

There is no single cure for acne, but there are a lot of treatments out there that will help you alleviate the annoying outbreaks. Find which treatment work best for you, and use it appropriately.

Acne Facts

Acne affects people of all ages and all races. Here are a few quick facts about Acne

:: Acne abrasions are usually found on the face but can also occur on the neck, shoulders, chest, scalp, back, inner ear, arms and legs.

:: Close to 100% of those aged 12-17 have had at least an occasional breakout of blackheads, whiteheads or pimples.

:: Acne affects both young men and women although the percentage of young men with acne is higher.

:: Young men are less likely to visit a dermatologist for their acne.

:: Young and old women alike can have acne flair-ups due to hormonal changes such as their menstrual cycle.

:: 35% of teenagers have had acne severe enough to require some form of treatment from a medical professional.

:: In some cases Acne can persist into people's thirties and forties.

:: One's diet does not effect their Acne. Greasy foods such as hamburgers and French fries and sugary foods such as soda, candy and chocolate do not play a role in Acne. Although a healthy diet is still recommended for general health.

The Key To A Youthful Skin Is A Good Lotion?

Why do many people turn to anti aging skincare lotion? Growing old has been one of the lifetime nuances that has plagued beautiful women since the early times, nowadays however, the wonders of anti aging skincare lotion can help anyone stay forever young. People can find anti aging skincare products anywhere these days, they can mostly be found in drugstores and individual retail stores. There are a large variety of different kinds of lotions available for any particular use.

Skin healing, wrinkle creams, aromatherapy, anti aging, moisturizing products are only a few of the skincare lotions available. Even though these skincare products have become widely popular, only a handful of people actually know what advantages anti aging products can give to a person’s skin. Some misconceptions about anti aging products is that they can make people look really young, but the more rational people think that it can only slow down the skin’s aging process.

What’s in an Anti Aging Skincare Lotion?

In a lot of ways, both theories are actually somewhat true. Anti aging skincare lotion is a very versatile product that can be bought in different places with different effects. One of these effects is the slowing down of the skin’s aging.

However, it is important to note that it does not literally mean that the skin will not age, anti aging skincare products help a person’s skin maintain its healthy look that would make someone appear younger, but the skin cells would still continue to age.

Looking young is not the only benefit with using an anti aging skincare lotion, there are a number of skin problems that can be avo
ided in using these products. The most obvious problem people encounter with skin aging is the development of wrinkles.

Some other popular problems also include darks spots, loose and dull skin, and many more. These problems are simply a natural process in a human being’s biology, the cells are continuously inevitably deteriorating. Anti aging products have antioxidants that can help prevent the destruction of skin cells.

What Anti Aging Skincare Lotion Is The Best?

Since there are a great number of different anti aging skincare lotion available, some have gotten a bad reputation for causing side effects. This is not mostly a product’s fault, but mainly the incompatibility of a person’s sensitive skin with the chemicals in the products they use. A good anti aging skincare lotion should not have any long lasting irritant side effects.

Looking for a good anti aging lotion should include consulting a dermatologist as much as possible. A dermatologist can help give vital pointers and directions concerning the skin, and they can give the proper skincare product for your particular type of skin.

Choose an Anti Aging Skincare Lotion Plan

With numerous lotions, creams, and other anti aging skincare products, it is important to have a good idea of what skincare regimen you want for yourself. There are particular products for your particular skin areas, and it is best to pick a batch of skincare products that will be compatible with each other, and would have no side effect reactions.

A good note to consider is that skin around the eyes and the hands are an important skin area that should be taken care of regularly. The right anti aging skincare lotion should be used regularly in order to have the healthy skin that you want.

Flossing for Oral Health

A toothbrush can’t reach all the tight spaces between your teeth or the areas under your gumline. That can allow plaque to build up, threatening your oral health. Flossing, though, removes those particles and improves oral health.

Follow these tips on how to floss your teeth:

-When you floss, gently ease the floss between your teeth.

-Pull the ends of the floss against the front and back surface of a tooth so that the floss forms a “C” as it wraps around the tooth.

-Gently pull the floss from the gumline to the top of the tooth to scrape off plaque.

-Floss the backs of your teeth.

-Use fresh floss as you progress through your teeth.

-If you have trouble getting floss through your teeth, try waxed floss.

-If it’s hard to manipulate the floss, try using a floss holder.

Simple Steps in Preventing Excessive Hair Fall

Having problems with falling hair? Maybe this article would help you. Having excessive falling hair is a condition that has commonly shared by several people. Many factors contribute to this, such as stress and tension, poor diet and malnutrition, hormonal imbalance, over-processing of the hair, and frequent use of styling products and chemicals, to name a few. Just because it is a common condition doesn’t mean that it should be ignored and left untreated. Whenever you allow the condition to persist, you might find yourself dealing with bigger problems in the time to come, such as hair loss and phalacrosis or baldness. If you suffer from excessive hair fall, here are some simple steps to follow in order to stop the problem.

Reevaluate your diet and eating habits. Make a point that you are providing your body with the right amount of vitamins and nutrients. Eat a lot of food rich in protein and Vitamins B and E, as these promote the growth of healthy and lustrous hair.

Avoid combing or brushing your hair when it is wet and refrain from putting it up on a ponytail or a tight bun. Hair is at its weakest when wet and brushing or combing it makes it prone to splitting and breakage. Fixing your hair up in a very tight hairstyle may also cause unnecessary damage to the hair follicles and may result to hair loss.

Finally, always keep your scalp clean and free of dirt or product buildup. Wash it on a daily basis to eliminate dirt, grime, excess sebum, and styling product buildup. Massage it every now and then to aid in the circulation of blood to the scalp. This allows the scalp and the hair follicles to breathe and to stimulate the growth and production of healthy hair.

Should the Hair be Blow Dried or Air Dried?
It’s a matter of preference, actually. Some people don’t have much time to devote to styling their hair, or prefer to achieve the uttermost styling they can get for their hair, so they opt for blow-drying it. On the other hand, there are some people who think that blow-drying is a waste of electricity and is the quickest way of damaging the hair, so they opt to have it air dried.

Which is better, you may ask?
Both ways of drying the hair have their advantages and disadvantages, and there are proper and improper ways of doing both. Read on and discover what these are.

Air drying - is usually done by people who have short and low-maintenance hairstyles, or by people with curly hair. There are also people who have long hair yet have their hair air dry, as air drying does not subject the hair to excessive heat. Therefore, the hair is not as susceptible to damage as hair that has blow dried.

If you’re going to have your hair air dried, it’s very important to remember that the hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. So, mind not to rub your hair dry with the use of a towel. The friction caused by rubbing the hair with a towel will make the hair brittle and eventually break. Instead of rubbing it, you should instead blot the moisture out of your hair with the towel. Also, be careful not to tug or pull at your hair that much when it’s still wet. Once the water is blotted out of the hair, fluff it out with your fingers.
Blow Drying - the hair is the most convenient way of doing it, and because most people live fast-paced lives, blow drying the hair is the way most people want to do it. Moreover, drying the hair using a blower adds volume to the hair. But inasmuch that blow drying is very convenient, it’s also dangerous to the hair, especially if overdone. It can make the hair very brittle.

If you blow dry your hair, make a point that it is not soaking. Blot the water out with a towel first. Don’t hold the dryer too close to your head; keep it at least six inches away from your hair and move the dryer constantly around your head. Protect the outer strands of your hair from being over-dried by bending over and blow drying your hair with your hair hanging upside down. Also, try not to dry your hair completely with the blow dryer. Stop while the hair is still slightly damp.

Whether you air dry your hair or you blow dry it’s completely your own choice based on your own lifestyle and preferences. But whatever you do, always remember that the hair is fragile. Be careful while dealing it.

How to Make the Most of your Diet

The saying "You are what you eat" isn't exactly accurate. Actually, you are what you absorb from what you eat. The health of your digestive system determines how well nutrients get absorbed from your food and how effectively toxins are filtered out and eliminated from your body. A healthy digestive system has a positive effect on everything from your energy, moods and skin to your ability to fight off colds and flu this winter, and more serious illnesses later on.

Here are 11 tips to keep your digestive system in tip-top health:

1. Eat local fruits and vegetables in season, when possible. Local foods are fresh and alive with enzymes, have the highest levels of nutrients and contain fewer pesticides than produce imported from foreign countries. Ask the produce manager at your supermarket to purchase locally grown products. Shop at local farm stands and farmer's markets.

2. Plan ahead. Carry food with you. These are two of the greatest tools for healthy eating. If you make your own healthy lunch, you will avoid eating unhealthy fast food or snacks during the day. Just put some leftovers or a sandwich with a salad and/or a piece of fruit in a bag. Be sure to have plenty of zip-lock bags and small containers on hand to simplify the process. Planning meals this way saves both money and time.

3. Eat small, frequent meals to sustain energy levels. When your brain gets foggy or you feel sleepy during the day, have a healthy snack for an immediate boost. Quick snack ideas: half a sandwich saved from lunch plus a piece of fruit; rye crackers and cream cheese with tomatoes; a rice cake with peanut butter and apples; a cup of soup and granary roll; or a handful of nuts and raisins.

4. Eat when hungry; stop when satisfied. This sounds like a simple statement, but often we eat when we aren't hungry because we're lonely, angry, depressed, bored or because we're at a social event and everyone else is eating. Eating when you're not hungry contributes to poor digestion. Let your body use what it has before you put more into it. Before you eat anything, ask: Am I hungry? If not, divert your attention to other activities.

5. Relax while eating. Sit down when you eat to rejuvenate your body and spirit. Eat slowly and relish your food. Take a few moments to reflect on your day and your life. Before you eat, take a moment to be grateful for the bounty of the earth we live on, for the people in your life, for the people who produced the food. Being in a calm state helps with digestion.

6. Choose organically grown produce, dairy, poultry and meats whenever possible. Organic farmers pay more attention to their animals' health, and we benefit because we don't get unwanted hormones and antibiotics in our meat, poultry and dairy. Recent studies show that mineral levels in organically-grown produce were twice as high on average as commercially grown foods.

7. Eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Fruits and vegetables are chock-full of vitamins, minerals, fibre and phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that protect us from heart disease, cancer and many digestive diseases. Try to eat at least five servings a day, but more is better - up to nine or 11 is ideal.

8. Increase high-fibre foods. Fibre is critical to digestive wellness. In addition to fruits and vegetables, the richest sources of fibre are wholegrains (brown rice, whole wheat, bulgur, millet, buckwheat, rye, barley, spelt, oats) and legumes (lentils, split peas and all beans except green beans).

A high fibre diet of 20-30 grams of fibre a day may help to prevent obesity, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diverticular disease, colon cancer, heart disease, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, Crohn's disease, hiatus hernia and peptic ulcers, among others.

9. Choose lean protein and eat high oily fish two or three times a week. On average, we eat too much protein, and this excess can tax the kidneys. The saturated fats found in beef, pork and the skin of poultry are artery-clogging and ought to be avoided. Focus instead on lean protein sources such legumes, skinless poultry and fish including salmon, mackerel, tuna, anchovies, sardines, herring, trout or eel.

10. Drink clean water. Getting plenty of high-quality water every day is one of the most promising routes to digestive wellness, and can help prevent many health conditions, from gout to asthma to ulcers. If you drink tap water, a simple water filter can efficiently remove chlorine. Activated charcoal filters are inexpensive and can remove many pollutants from tap water.

Distilled water is not a good option, as the regular consumption of distilled water leads to leaching of minerals from the body.

11. Respect your own biological uniqueness. The foods that are best for you are foods that agree with your body and your unique biochemistry. Some people do best on a high-complex carbohydrate, high-fibre, natural-foods diet. Others seem to do best on a low-carbohydrate, relatively high-protein diet high in fruits and vegetables. Many people with digestive problems do best avoiding all grains and dairy.

Note: Experiment with your own diet to find out what works best for you specifically. A proper diet ought to make you feel energetic and keep your immune system strong. It should also be balanced and easy to stick with over the long term.

Oral Health Problems To Report To Your Dentist

Call your dentist promptly if you develop any of the following signs and symptoms that may suggest oral health problems:

-Red, tender or swollen gums

-Gums that bleed when you’re regularly brushing and flossing

-Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, which may make your teeth seem longer

-Pus around your teeth and gums when you press on the gums

-A bad taste in your mouth

-Loose teeth

-Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth touch

-Changes in the feel of your dentures

-Sensitivity to hot and cold

The Right Way of Washing the Hair

The first thing you should do is to comb the tangles out of the hair before you wet it so the hair would wash easily and the tangles would not worsen. Then, wet your hair thoroughly under the shower. You can use either warm or cold water if you like, but for best results, you can wet your hair with warm water to open the scale-like cuticles of the hair and wash all the oil and dirt off. And then, you can rinse your hair with cold water afterwards to close the cuticles and add to the shine of your hair.

Rinse your hair under the shower to rid it of the leave-on conditioner and styling aids you have used previously, using gentle strokes of your fingertips. Then, pour a dollop of shampoo in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together, and then apply the shampoo to your scalp. Take note that you should put the shampoo on your scalp and not at the ends of your hair, as the shampoo would dry your hair’s ends and cause it to weaken and split. Also, don’t mix your hair all over your head as you shampoo because it will get all tangled up. After this, rinse the shampoo off.

More often than not, we need to shampoo our hair for a second time. The purpose of the first shampoo is to clean the oil and dirt off; the second shampoo is supposed to let the shampoo treat our hair. So, repeat the process, but let the shampoo sit on for around a couple of minutes. Rinse the hair completely after this.

To get the excess water off your hair, just squeeze the water out. Don’t pull or tug at the hair because the hair is at its most fragile when it is soaked. When the excess water is out, apply a dollop of conditioner - mane event - and apply it along the hairline, the nape and the ends of the hair. Pile your hair then inside a shower cap and let the conditioner stay there for around ten minutes. And then, rinse it off completely.

The process described here does seem tedious and time-consuming. But remember, having great hair takes time and effort. And it is definitely worth it for a picture perfect hair. Try now!

For a Soft, Smooth and Shiny Hair in a Flash

Want to have a beautiful hair in a snap? Having soft, smooth, and shiny hair does not have to be difficult and expensive. Just follow these few simple steps and you will have beautiful and luxurious hair in no time.

First, brush your hair several times a day. Brushing helps remove the dirt, dust, and grime that get trapped in your hair. It also helps distribute the natural oils produced by the scalp, from the roots to the tips.

Shampoo your hair every other day and condition it everyday. Shampooing on a daily basis may strip off the natural oils that moisturize the hair. Conditioning it, on the other hand, restores lost moisture and keeps the natural oils in place.

Use cold water as much as possible when washing your hair. This seals the hair cuticles and locks the conditioner as close to the hair follicle as possible.

Give your hair a hot oil treatment once every two weeks. Egg yolks or mayonnaise can be used as an alternative to expensive salon treatments. Spread mayonnaise or egg yolks combined with olive oil all over your hair, concentrating on the ends. Cover your hair with a shower cap for 10-20 mins and then rinse well.

Eat lots of food rich in B-vitamins and proteins, like bananas, soybeans, avocados, eggs, grains, and red meat. The nutrients found in these food items are responsible for healthy and shiny hair.

Refrain from using heated styling tools and alcohol-based styling products as much as possible, as this can easily dry out your hair. If it cannot be avoided, use thermal styling tools and water-based styling products, which cause less damage to the hair.

Lastly, have your hair trimmed every six weeks to keep it in tip-top shape. This gets rid of the dry ends and keeps the rest of the hair looking good and healthy.

Are you ready to flaunt your beautiful and luxurious hair? Well, surprisingly people will notice a drastic change in your hair. With those simple steps, no need to go to a nearest salon.