Coping with Mild Acne the Natural Way

What is acne? Do you have it? If you do, then you probably want to know how you can cope with it, preferably as naturally as possible. Let us take a closer look at some effective means of coping with this skin condition.

Acne is a skin problem that most often affects teenagers but can also affect adults of any age. Mild acne is easier to cope with than is severe acne. Teenage acne can be particularly difficult because it can range from mild to moderate to extreme. There are different types of acne and this skin disorder can vary in how extreme it becomes.

A Closer Look at Acne:

It is not dirt per se that causes the development of acne. Cosmetics can irritate the skin and lead to worse problems. Air pollution, dust and shaving are also factors that can contribute to the problem because they can cause irritation and can also clog the pores of the skin. Air pollution and dust cause bacteria which leads to the formation of acne pimples, as well as blackheads and whiteheads. In the severest cases, papules and pustules can result.

Mild to moderate acne vulgaris is skin acne that shows itself in the form of blackheads and/or whiteheads.

The former are brought about by pores that have become partially blocked. The latter is brought about by pores that are completely blocked. Acne nodules on the other hand are a characteristic of severe acne vulgaris and can be described as being hard, large bumps that develop under the surface of the skin.

Treating Acne:

To treat mild forms of acne you need to care for your skin in a consistent and gentle manner. One of the ways that you do this is by taking care of it from the inside out. This means eating a balanced and nutritious diet which will nourish your skin and provide it with all of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it needs to be as healthy as possible. The more fruits and vegetables you eat, the better it is for your acne prone skin.

Keep your skin well hydrated by drinking lots of water. Consuming eight glasses of water a day will flush impurities from your skin and it will also help to keep your skin elastic and supple. Drink up as often as possible. Water is not only healthy for your skin but your entire body!

Cleanse your skin thoroughly but do not be rough with it. To get rid of mild acne and to prevent it from flaring up, make sure you choose a gentle cleanser that is suitable for skin that has blemishes.

Toning should also be part of your skincare regimen if you have acne. You should also moisturize and exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull. Look for products that contain salicylic acid which helps to dry up acne and make it go away with leaving scars acne in its place.

Be good to your skin and be consistent with your efforts to maintain it. By so doing, your acne will not flare up often and will become a thing of the past!

Samantha

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Here’s Face-Saving Tips for You

Good circulation will give your cheeks a rosy hue. To maintain healthy circulation to your skin you need to exercise on a regular basis. Physical activity keeps your blood circulating properly and ensures that all of the nutrients in your body find their way to where they should be.

This also goes for finding their way to the surface of your skin.

Flaxseed oil is good for the skin because it is the richest vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids around. The omega-3’s are essential for supple and well hydrated skin. The next time you go grocery shopping, add flaxseed oil to your list.

Drinking plenty of liquids is important for the skin. Water is Mother Nature’s cocktail and the skin needs plenty of it to remain healthy and to keep the complexion smooth and clear. Stay hydrated all day long. Not only is it essential for your skin but also for your organs as well.

Eat blueberries as they are rich in antioxidants which fight free radicals that damage the skin. There are lots of fruits that are good for the complexion but blueberries are one of the absolute best. Eat them alone, in yogurt, in parfaits, in smoothies or in fruit salads. Just eat them!

Reduce your alcohol intake if you drink. Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and add toxins to your system. This system is already doing its best to cope with chemicals in food and the air as well as pollution. If you do not want to give up alcohol all together then choose red wine because it contains antioxidants.

Take good care of your teeth. This means going to the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups and following an oral care plan at home. Your teeth as well as your jaw bone forms the structure or the scaffolding that holds your face in the proper place.

The evil trio that threatens the health and well-being of your skin includes sun, smoke and stress. These three factors can dramatically increase the number of fine lines and wrinkles you have but also the severity of them. To prevent these problems one of the most important things you can do for your skin is to wear sunblock all year long and to avoid the sun during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM.  Give up smoking to preserve your skin and find effective means of coping with stress -yoga and self-hypnosis are just two avenues to explore.

Put these face-saving tips to work and you will notice that your skin is not aging rapidly at all! Reap the benefits of caring for your complexion.

Samantha

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Natural Ways to Feel Better If You Suffer from Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that can be described as a type of dermatitis.

It is an acute or chronic inflammation of the skin that causes redness, itching and sometimes oozing of the skin. While this condition is not contagious it is also not one that anyone wishes to develop. The scratching and discomfort that comes along with eczema can be downright uncomfortable for those who suffer from it.

Here we look at some natural means you can use to help tame the skin problem and help healing to take its course.

You want to scratch your skin so badly but doing so can make the problem even worse. When you scratch and tear your skin you let more bacteria in and inflammation can become worse. Do what you can to fight the urge to itch and scratch. Keeping your skin well moisturized at all times is one way to do this. Dry skin is more vulnerable to those who suffer from eczema. Find moisturizing products such as creams, lotions and oils that can help your skin. Use them the second you sense a flare up is coming.

Studies have shown that natural oils that come from food contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help to treat eczema and other skin disorders. You can consume more natural oils by eating foods that are abundant in omega-6. These foods include olive oil, walnuts and oily fish such as salmon and sardines.

If you prefer you can increase your intake of natural oils by taking a supplement such as borage oil or cod liver oil. If you take this route then you need to consume two to three tablespoons of fish oil per day.

Evening primrose oil is also beneficial as a natural means of treating eczema. Those who suffer from atopic eczema will find evening primrose oil to be of tremendous help. This oil does not work quickly however. It may take a matter of weeks or months before you notice an improvement in your skin. Evening primrose oil is most often found in capsule form. You can take the capsules orally or you can break them open and apply them topically to where your skin is affected.

A zinc supplement is also a natural treatment for eczema. Zinc is a type of mineral that is beneficial to the body in many ways.

While this mineral is only required in small quantities by the body it is not always easy to get the necessary amount on a regular basis. For this reason zinc supplements can come in handy. Zinc helps to keep the skin and hair in tip top shape. Zinc supplements can help those who suffer with eczema. Speak to your doctor first before you start taking these supplements. It will take approximately a month or two before you notice a positive change.

Becca

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Alternative Skin Care Tips for Winter – Part Two

Your skin deserves the best you can give it. During the season of winter you really need to turn up the tender loving care aspect and treat it extra special.

In the first part of this series I provided tips on keeping your skin moist during winter. You can read Alternative Skin Care Tips for Winter – Part One here.

Today, I want to talk about drink and foods that can help your skin looking great through the cold months.

But first an additional tip about soaps. One of the things you should do right away is to reduce the amount of soap you use on a regular basis. Resist the urge to use a lot and to scrub your skin in the shower. Choose a soap that acts as a mild cleansing agent. Good choices include soaps that are vegetable and oil-based or made of olive oil. Not only will these types of soaps clean your skin but they will moisturize it as well. Use a soft loofah or bath sponge when you are bathing. Only use deodorant soaps for your underarms and your feet if necessary.

Drink and Food for a Sparkling Skin:

Summer is not the only season when you need to drink plenty of Mother Nature’s cocktail- water! You need plenty of water to hydrate yourself on the inside. This will keep your skin looking smooth, plump and youthful. Water can help to bathe your cells and get rid of waste products quickly and effectively. In the world of alternative medicine many skin problems are the result of poor digestion, not enough water and a lack of fiber.

Speaking of a lack of fiber, your winter skin needs all that it can get to function at its best and to look its best!

To increase your intake choose whole grain products such as brown rich instead of refined products. Eat more apples, cauliflower and high-fiber snacks such as dried fruits (dates, figs and prunes), nuts and seeds. Sprinkle ground flaxseed on your yogurt, salads, casseroles, oatmeal and soups. Flaxseeds are one of the many foods that can provide internal moisturizing for the body. Add beans and legumes to some of your favorite recipes.

The condition of your skin is a reflection of how well you take care of your body overall. In the winter months you need to ensure that you are eating enough good fats. Essential fatty acids are fats that your body requires to be healthy and strong. They provide many beneficial functions to the body. As for your skin they are very helpful for those individuals who suffer from inflammatory conditions such as acne or eczema. They are also very important for those who suffer from dry skin.

Increase your intake of healthy fats by consuming flaxseed and walnut oil and cold water fish such as sardines and salmon. You might even want to add a fish oil supplement to your cold weather diet. Nuts are a source of healthy fat but eat them in small quantities. Avocadoes are high in healthy fats. Dip your whole grain crackers or bread in hummus and use olive oil as a dressing for your salads.

Humidity and your skin.

If your home does not have enough humidity in it then it can dry out your skin.

To increase your humidity levels buy a humidifier or create your own. Heat water and then place bowls or pots of it on your wood stove or heater. Make sure you are safe about it. Or you might want to simply sit bowls of water about your home such as on tables or countertops.

Another trick is to hang wet laundry on a line or rack in your home. The water from the clothing will be absorbed into the air as it dries.

Follow the tips of the last two posts you should make it through winter to spring with skin the envy of all your friends – as a famous ad said “If your friends don’t accuse you of having a face-lift, then send the bottle back and we’ll refund your money.”  Alright, so my tips are free and I can’t refund anything but you get my sentiment…

Becca Scott

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Alternative Skin Care Tips for Winter – Part One

Winter is not always kind and gentle to skin. Not all seasons affect the skin in the same way. While getting sunburned is not a worry during the cold winter months there are other concerns that you must think about.

For instance during the coldest months of the year low humidity levels outdoors combined with dry heat indoors can lead to skin that is itchy, dry and on the irritated side.

To treat your skin in the best way possible you need to take the natural approach to keeping it healthy. That means taking care of it from the inside out as well as from the outside in. Your skin needs to be nourished by the foods you eat but also by what you do to it externally.

What then should you do in terms of seasonal skin care?

One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that your skin care regimen includes exfoliation. This is essential for both your face and your body. By skipping this essential step in your skin care process you can easily end up with skin that is dry, flaky and not very flattering. Exfoliating at least once a week will get rid of the layers of dead skin cells and will allow the newer and smoother cells to shine through.

You can exfoliate your face using an exfoliating scrub that is soft and gentle. You can exfoliate your body in the shower using a soft loofah or scrub.

Another option is to do dry skin brushing or a dry brush exfoliation on your body right before you take a shower. Not only does this get rid of dead skin cells but it is also a form of detoxification for the skin. Doing this also improves blood circulation and it reduces puffiness of the skin. It is also believed to be very soothing for the nervous system. Just make sure that you choose a soft natural bristle brush that will not bruise your skin.

Do not spend too long in the shower or bath or take really hot ones. This can dry out your skin. Once you are finished bathing before you dry off slather a rich moisturizing cream on your body that will lock in moisture and will make your skin feel softer.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and needs to be treated right.

Apply almond oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil to your skin. Or look for a lotion that contains one of these softening ingredients for your winter skin. Other excellent options are lotions that contain cocoa butter, Shea butter or glycerin. These oils will make your skin look great and they will make it feel even better!

In part two of this series we’ll talk about the right foods to eat to help with your winter skin care.

Becca Scott

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