Secret Beauty

Choose Your Body Lotion

         Body lotions come in many different combinations of herbs, natural products derived from fruits, plant

 leaves or seeds. They work in so many ways, such as healing dry skin, improving skin’s texture, nourishing

 and replenishing skin’s lost natural oils as well as it restores the radiance of the skin. 

I. Natural Ingredients: 

1. Shea butter

       Derived from the fruit kernels of the shea nut tree, it has remarkable healing and softening abilities.

 Studies show that shea butter has anti inflammatory effects on the skin, thus increase wound healing and

 improve scar appearance. From its physical make up of vitamin E, vitamin A, and cinnamic acid as well as a

 unique fatty acid profile, this butter can moisturize and heal dry skin.

2. Sunflower oil

       Is rich in vitamins E and A and very high in fatty acids that aids in restoring skin moisture, natural oils

 and regenerates. Vitamin A encourages collagen production and is able to retain moisture.

3. Almond oil

       Easily absorbed, this is an important nutrient for skin softening and conditioning. With high vitamin A

 content, it is very suitable to dry, flaky or inflamed skin. Helps the skin to balance its loss and absorption

 of moisture. 

4. Jojoba oil

       Good for all skin types, It readily penetrates the skin to nourish, moisturize and softens dry skin.

 Hypoallergenic and pure, it contains minerals, proteins and a waxy substance which imitates the skin’s

 collagen, making it supple and soft to the touch. 

5. Cocoa butter

         A very popular ingredient among hand and body lotions, like the shea butter, it acts as an emollient

 helping the skin feel soft and calm. It can also prevent and lessen stretch marks if applied regularly.

6 Aloe Vera

         Studies show that aloe vera can very well improve the skin’s capability to hydrate itself. It has a

 powerful penetrating ability which carries healthy substances through the skin. With daily use, aloe vera will 

help maintain a healthy glowing skin. Because of its numerous biologically active ingredients, such as

 polysaccharides, phytosterols, glycerol, vitamins E, B & C and zinc; these all contribute to the healing, 

scar reducing and anti inflammatory effects of aloe vera.

7. Macadamia oil

        This has lubrication properties and is easily absorbed. This oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids

 acting as anti oxidants to prevent deterioration and weakening of cell membrane. It is also an emollient

 with magnesium and thiamine, that soothes and calms. Good for mature and aging skin.

8. Glycerin

        It has humectant properties, drawing moisture from the air unto the skin. 

II. Choosing The Right Body Lotion For You: 

- Read labels
Different products have different ingredients. It is important that you know what consists of the lotion that

 you are buying, to avoid allergies. Also choose a product labeled as a moisturizer.

- Choose a moisturizing lotion
Take note of the positive changes it has done to your skin. Note these changes and if you love the results,

 then continue using it.

- Know your skin
Although many lotions are for all skin types, there are lotions which are specifically formulated for normal,

dry, amd extra dry skin. It is best to buy a lotion that could address to your skin type to achieve the best

 results.

- Know what you need
Do you need a lotion just for daily moisturizing? Or you have stretch marks that needs attention too? 

There are hundreds of moisturizing products in the market that can improve the appearance of your stretch

 marks as well as nourish your skin.

- Consider your skin’s condition
If you have sensitive skin, choose a moisturizing lotion that is noncomedogenic. This means that the lotion

 has been proven and tested not to cause acne reactions on the skin. Likewise, unscented body lotions will

 unlikely cause allergies. 

- Consider your lifestyle
If you are the type who loves spending time outdoors, you may need a lotion with ultraviolet protection, to

 minimize skin wrinkling and drying.

- Consider the season
In winter, choose a heavier lotion with shea butter or any intensive ingredient. During the summer, a lighter,

 well absorbed lotion with aloe vera and sunscreen protection works best.

For more information visit

http://www.amway.com/toilucky

Beyond Vanity: Skin Care is Imperative to Health and Wellness

                                                             

       While feminists and critics sneer at beauty for being only “skin deep”, the continuous growth of the

 cosmetics industry proves that an increasing number of people are really taking effort, time, and money to

 invest on various beauty regimen and skincare. Nowadays, women are not the only ones who get conscious

 of their looks, but even some men, particularly the younger generation, have become advocates of

 pampering skincare.

        Some people, however, are too absorbed in their busy lifestyles that they have no more time left to 

engage in proper skincare. Economy also plays a great deal on why people would refrain from availing those

 skincare services being offered in the media. The hard times take its toll on your skin.  It is no longer as 

supple as that of a baby and has become thinner and wrinkled with age. Your skin is drier due to less oil

 production from the sebaceous glands and the decrease in the number of blood vessels has made your skin

 lackluster without youthful glow.

         There is more to skincare than just a case of vanity. Unknown to many, all human beings, whether

 healthy or not, probably have some Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. These bacteria, simply

 called staph, are usually found in your nose or throat and may not really cause much problems except for

 minor skin infections.  The skin serves as the body's first barrier against these bacterial infections.  This is

 why it is important to have healthy skin in order to ward off bacterial infections.  Once the skin is broken, 

cut or wounded, you are at risk for infection.  Once these bacteria gets to burrow deeper into your skin and

 penetrates your body into the bloodstream, urinary tract, lungs, and heart, these seemingly harmless

 bacteria can become life-threatening. 

 
       History showed that most cases of fatal staph infections in the past have occurred in people who have

 been in the hospital or those who are suffering from chronic illness and faltering immune system.  However,

 recent development proves that an increasing number of otherwise healthy people who have never been in a

 hospital are also acquiring these lethal staph infections.

        Moreover, the usually powerful antibiotics no longer have an effect in fighting against certain strain of

 destructive bacteria that have evolved over time. Although as of now, most staph infections are still

 manageable and can be successfully treated, sooner or later, there will come a time that a new and deadlier

 strain of these bacterial infections will become resistant to most currently available skincare and medications

.  
        The signs and symptoms of bacterial infections depends on the condition and affected area of the

 infection as well as the nature of illness if it is a direct infection from staph bacteria or from toxins produced

 by the bacteria. They may range from mild skin infections to food poisoning, deadly pneumonia, surgical 

wound infections, and endocarditis which is a lethal inflammation of the heart valves. Most skin infections

 caused by staph infections include the following: boils , cellulitis, impetigo, scalded skin syndrome, follicilitis,

 hordeolum, among others. 

 
      Most skin problems would require clinical care by medical professionals but it helps to take note of the

 following tips:
·	Make sure to always clean and cover areas of skin that have been injured.
·	Do not share towels, sheets, clothing until the infection has been fully healed.
·	Do not touch to avoid spreading it to other parts of your body.

       Always remember that cleanliness and good skincare hygiene is not just a form of vanity but it is a way

 of keeping your skin healthy and strong to be able to protect you in warding off bacterial infections as well 

as preventing many skin problems.

       For more information visit

http://www.amway.com/toilucky

 

Basic Foot Care Tips For Year Round Exposure

         There's nothing worse than having to take your shoes off and exposing rough cracked heels, corns,

 bunions and blisters. Our feet carry us many miles on a daily basis and they deserve special treatment 

after a long day. The following are a few basic tips to get your feet ready for year-round exposure and not

 just for spring or summer sandals. 

1) Blisters, corns and bunions, Oh My! Those pointy toe shoes are cute and in-style but your feet suffer

 greatly. A lot of foot ailments are due to neglect and abuse. According to the APMA all three foot ailments

 can be helped or prevented by wearing the proper foot wear, which is what my grandmother would tell me

 over and over again...needless to say, I didn't listen. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

 suggest using over the counter creams (avoiding acid preparations) and exfoliating products on corns.

            Blister shouldn't be broken, but if broken wash with soap and water; apply an anitseptic ointment

 and cover to prevent infection. Bunions can be helped by wearing shoes that have a wide toe box and

 consulting your podiatrist. If you suffer from diabetes consult your medical doctor or podiatrist to determine

 the best way to care for your feet. 

2) Make sure your feet stay clean by washing and drying between your toes and making sure you dry them 

well to prevent bacteria and fungi from forming, which thrives in moist areas. Always give your shoes time to

 air out and dry between wearings and using a little foot powder can help to keep your feet dry. 

3) If you have athlete's foot or any other fungal conditions, Dr. Scholls Foot Center suggest that you DO NOT

 REUSE your towel during treatmeant as bacteria can lay dormant for up to 4 weeks. Athletes foots can be

 contracted in swimming pool areas, gyms and anywhere a persons bare foot will come in contact with such as

 a dressing room. 

4) If you give yourself a home pedicure, try soaking your feet for about 10 minutes in 1 cup of Epsom Salt or

 sea salt to 2 gallons of water in a foot tub. Great method for softening skin,eliminating odor and soothing 

tired sore feet. You can also soak your whole body in epsom salt and take care of your feet at the same

 time. 

5) Use exfoliating products to prevent or remove hard skin from your feet. There are various types of foot

 exfoliating treatments, pumice stones and files on the market to choose from. while you're in the bath tub

 scrub your feet and heels with your favorite body scrub to keep them soft and smooth.

6) Take your own personal pedicure tools as some lower scale salons use the same tools on everyone.

 For your in-home pedicure, make sure you wash your tools with an antibacterial soap to get rid of any

 bacteria that may form before using again.

7) Sometimes polish will crack or peel before the next pedicure and you can remedy that by using your own

 polish so you can touch up a toe or two in between visits. I started using my own polish because the polish

 rubs off my baby toe when I wear closed in shoes and touching up one toe is easier than taking the polish

 off and repainting all ten when changing into open shoes. 

8) If you have very dry skin use an ultra moisturizing lotion or cream on your feet. Apply after a bath or

 shower and then place socks on your feet, which will make them extra smooth and moisturized in the

 morning and ready for those open toe sandals. 

9) When wearing open sandals, flip-flops or going barefoot at the beach, use sunscreen on the top of your

 feet. Don't forget to reapply after coming out of the water. 

10) Treat your feet to a massage, in-home or at a professional salon. Our feet carry us many miles on a

 daily basis and deserve special treatment. 

Remember your feet can look great year round with a little care and proper foot wear. Your feet are the key

 to your mobility and taking care of your feet today will prevent future problems.

For more information visit 

http://www.amway.com/toilucky

Can We Stop the Aging Process?

 

 

     
     If you’re still alive, you’re growing older every day.  

     You may not notice it, but you are.

     When we make that great shift out of our teenage years into our twenties, most of
 the changes we encounter about growing older are good.

     When we are in our twenties, growing older means a lot more freedom and a lot of adventure.
  Physically, we are at our peak of perfection.

     In our thirties, we are starting to enjoy many of the benefits of growing older as we accumulate
 more wisdom and in most cases, continue to have a body and a brain that’s still in great shape.

     But there comes a time, perhaps in our fifth decade, or in our sixth, when growing older 
starts to have some negative effects we don’t really like.
  
     We may not be as physically fit as we used to be.  We start to get sags and bags.
  We get aches and pains.  We may be showing some forgetfulness.

Our beautiful perfection of youth is gone.

     Why do we age?

     Over the centuries, people have often wondered how it is that our bodies grow and develop
 from a tiny fertilized egg, to a newborn baby, to a young child, then a teenager and, finally,
 a young adult.  A huge number of very complex changes within our bodies must happen perfectly 
in order to achieve this.

     Once we grow into our adult perfection, why can’t we just stay there?  Why do we have to age?

     And can we stop it?  

     Doctors and scientists used to take aging for granted.  Scientists used to think that
 because aging was a natural process, there was no need to investigate it.

      Now, as increasing numbers of baby boomers are turning fifty, anxious to hang on to some
 semblance of youth, more and more research is being devoted to the topic of aging.

      Scientists are trying to find out how and why we age, and they are investigating possible
 ways to slow down the aging process, or perhaps even stop it altogether.

      If new ways are found to extend physical and mental health for the aging population, the
 benefits to society will be enormous.

      Although all of us want to live a long time, none of us wants to spend our final years in physical 
pain or suffering from mental decline.

       Scientists have been able to identify some of the factors that influence the process of aging, 
and new knowledge is accumulating at a rapid rate.  Dozens of theories to explain aging have
 been proposed, but it seems that aging is a very complex, and several processes are interlinked.   

      Here are some of the current theories about why we age:

      Hayflick Limit Theory – Two scentists in the 1960s noticed that many human cells would 
divide a limited number of times, then stop.  If the cells were well fed, they divided faster. 
 Body cells may have a built-in genetic program that tells them not to reproduce anymore.

      Free Radical Theory -  Free radicals are molecules or atoms that have an unpaired electron. 
 In order to be electrically balanced, these molecules or atoms will grab an electron from a nearby
 atom, thereby creating another free radical, eventually resulting in a cascading chain of damage 
to cells and organs.  

      Free radical formation may not account for all the symptoms of aging, but it probably does
 play an important part in accelerating cellular damage.  Free radicals are unavoidable.  They are 
an inevitable consequence of living in a physical body.  However, there are steps we can take
 to slow down free radical damage, such as avoiding pollutants, and eating a lot of fresh fruits
 and vegetables.

     The Telomere Theory – Telomeres are special types of chemicals that seem to have some 
ability to protect the chromosomes inside our cells.  Every time our cells divide, the telemeres
 become shorter and less able to protect the chromosome.  This may explain why the cells eventually 
become damaged and die.  Scientists are currently trying to find out how to repair telomeres
 and stop the damage to the cells.

        Glycation –  When proteins in your body react with excess blood sugar, the proteins become
 damaged.  This process is known as “glycation”.  These sugar-damaged proteins may contribute
 to the breakdown of many other systems in the body.  People who have diabetes or problems 
with insulin resistance are particularly vulnerable to glycation damage because of abnormalities 
in their blood sugar levels.

        If it turns out to be true that glycation plays a major part in causing the negative effects 
of aging, we may be able to slow it down by making sure we avoid excess blood sugar levels.

        Here are some other factors that play a part in aging:

-We experience a steep decline in hormone production in our later years
-Our body becomes less efficient at detoxifying 
-The DNA in our cells becomes damaged 
-A life time of exposure to stress and environmental toxins in our air, food and water 
overwhelms our body’s repair systems.

        These are some of the explanations for why we age, but it’s not a complete picture. 
 At the present time, we don’t yet know all the reasons for this process.  And so far, there is no
 single magic bullet to stop it.

       If scientists can learn how to slow down the process of aging, we will be able to spend
 many more happy years enjoying our lives while maintaining our peak of physical perfection.

        And that’s something to look forward to!


          For more information visit

http://www.amway.com/toilucky

Best Acne Treatments Start With Understanding Your Current Lifestyle

 

       If you happen to be searching for the best acne treatments, before you choose your treatment I would suggest that you take a little memory trip back to your teen years, and assess how your skin used to be back then.

       For individuals still in their teens, I would recommend that you check and see what is going on in your life right now, and see what may be different or has changed prior to you having your problem skin!

       I know most of you may think that it’s all part of nature, or it’s part of your family genetics, and you would like to find that miracle cure! However, the true problem may exist because of your lifestyle choices, and until you fully understand why you’re currently experiencing severe blemish breakouts, or increased blackheads in your pores, you can then follow the cycle of your consistent outbreaks that cause you to feel helpless in your battle.

       It’s a fact that our society is placing more pressures on students, and many working individuals. Schools are placing more study loads on the student, and the business industry is downsizing, causing more hours to be placed on the employees! What this does to your body and your mind is that it places an incredible load of stress on you, as well as the affects, which can easily change your daily lifestyle.

       You may be asking, how does this all come into play with my acne condition, and how do I connect these facts to my acne treatment? 

        There are many studies out today indicating that “stress” and the way you take care of your body, and the products you may be using are a contributing factor to your pimples and blackheads.  If you can look back when you had good skin and see what you may have been doing differently, you could hopefully make some lifestyle changes for the better. With these changes, you could possibly see positive results, and avoid having to take acne medications prescribed by your dermatologist.

         There are many elements that can be contributing to your skin blemishes, and the ingredients in the select treatment product you’re using can also be the cause of your skin irritation, which is causing your reoccurring pimple breakouts. So let’s look at some topics that have come up in some studies, and see if we can clarify some of the elements that may be affecting your current lifestyle.

          Facial Medications, Caffeine, Stress, And The Sun! What Do They Have In Common, And How Does It Affect Your Blemish Situation? 

         I’m not a doctor, and I don’t have any professional skin care background, but what I do have is a common sense approach to issues. When I read about certain acne products, and also the food and drink we consume on a daily basis, plus the type of life we live makes sense to me when we mix it all together and try and link it to our skin condition.

         First we should talk about coffee, pop and alcohol, and see what the connection is to skin problems. In my opinion, the way I interpret coffee, pop and alcohol is that they contribute several elements to your body that assist in major changes to your skin

         Caffeine and sugar in coffee and pop, plus alcohols are partial diuretics that assist in drawing more water out of your body than bringing water back in, plus they’re a stimulant and can prevent you from getting the recommended amount of sleep that your body needs, which ranges from at least 7 to 8 hours per night. What this all means is that by consuming these products daily, they could be changing the entire dynamics of your body, and affecting you dramatically without you even realizing the changes.

         What happens is this: your body may become over stimulated with all these items going through your system, and either consumed separately or in combination, your skin may seriously become affected by these products. Depending on your body’s tolerance level, your reactions could be reflected by the daily consumption.

         Let’s look at the connection of the cleansers, creams, and acne cosmetics you’re currently using, and see why some may not work to prevent your acne breakouts or increased blackheads. When taking a common sense approach to the ingredients, avoid any product that will shrink your pores! Now this information may contradict products that say they reduce pore size, and make them look less visible.

         What that means I don’t know. But when you think about it for a moment, if you have a product that shrinks your pores, that’s going to increase the chance that you will have more oil trapped in your skin. The more of the skin’s oil that is potentially blocking your pores, the higher chance you’re going to form blackheads and whiteheads, plus the trapped oil will be tasty food for bacteria that feeds off the oil and dead skin, eventually turning it into a nasty blemish. Think about that, and if it makes sense to you, then avoid products that have any astringent agents in them.

         The sun is one that I have been very confused about for a long time, but again when it was explained to me, it made total sense, and now I really understand the benefits and the damages it can cause. The sun actually can help you in your battle on acne; however, the time you spend in the sun can make the big difference. I found out that the sun actually aids in killing bacteria on your skin, but you should limit your time to approximately 15 minutes per day, because when you spend long periods of time in the sun, it will eventually dry and reduce the pores in your skin. Now like above, what happens when the pores shrink? Absolutely, trapped oil and the formation of zits!

         Stress, in my opinion, is the biggest contributor to your body’s lifestyle changes, and believe it or not, it seems to tie in with everything above, because stress is caused by many elements from the types of food you consume, to the everyday lifestyle you lead with your work and play.

         Again, I’m not a doctor, but even with my own body I notice that if I don’t get enough sleep, or I worry about a project that has to be completed, and the everyday choices I make in cleaning my skin all is in some way a contributor to stress, and the changes in my body. So when you sit back and see if you can adjust anything in the way you live your life for the better, you may be on the right track to not only a healthier lifestyle, but also clearer, blemish free skin!

                For more information visit

               http://www.amway.com/toilucky

Bacteria - How Acne Develops

                                                            

          Many people think they know what causes acne, the inflammation of skin pores that results in problems such as blackheads, whiteheads or pimples, primarily in teenagers.  There are a lot of misconceptions about acne though.  

          Officially common acne is known as acne vulgaris.  And in explaining it, the answer becomes bit complicated.  

           Acne is an inflamed disease of the skin, and it has many causes, one of which is bacteria in the pores of the skin.  The body in many ways becomes allergic to this type of bacteria.  This attracts while blood cells to fight the allergy, and the pores become blocked.

           Oil secretions will build up and provide a breeding ground for even more bacteria. Then pimples will form.  These red bumps resemble small boils, which fill with a nasty puss caused by the body fighting the infection of the bacteria.

            There is probably no perfect cure for acne other than outgrowing it but there are a number nothing that can be done to lessen the physical effects.  

            First, remember that for many years, people thought that acne was caused by poor hygiene and by eating certain foods.  Fried foods and chocolate were especially blamed for acne, probably because teenagers eat fried foods and chocolate commonly, but that may have been blaming the messenger for the message.

           There is no scientific evidence linking diet to acne.  

           Also, while personal hygiene is important and a good thing, over washing can damage skin and actually make acne worse.  But good hygiene and a good diet can't hurt, and they might just help a little.  Also using makeup that doesn't clog pores but can at least assist the body in not making acne worse.  

           Treatments that kill the bacteria that cause acne included the use of antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline and minocyclne, which are taken orally.  Also topical antibiotics or bactericides like Benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin can help.

            The bacteria also known as "P. acnes", does however become resistant to the antibiotics eventually.  However Benzoyl peroxide, an oxidizer, does not seem to generate resistance by the bacteria.  While the acne will come back, it is a short term and temporary cure and is applied topically.  

             Exfoliating the skin can also help. This method can be done by using a cloth or a liquid scrub, or by using certain chemicals.  Chemical exfoliating substances include salicylic acid and glycolic acid.  Both of these agents cause a peeling of the top layer of skin, which prevents a build up of dead skin which blocks pores when combined with oil. This in turn, makes a breeding ground for bacteria.  

           Another over the counter remedy is salicylic acid, which softens skin and gets rid of dead skin cells, which in turn unclogs pores.  Many face wash products contain this ingredient.  Also sulfur contained in many over the counter products works well for many people.  Another product is glycolic acid, which is found in anti-aging products as well as acne medicines.  

           There are also a number of natural remedies that can fight acne and the bacteria that causes it. Tea tree oil is gaining in popularity.  It kills the bacteria and also reduces redness and inflammation.  It works much the same as Benzoyl peroxide but causes less skin irritation and is carried at health food stories.

           Acupuncture is used by some and is thought to alleviate hormonal imbalances n the body.  Those who use acupuncture also usually suggest lifestyle changes and a change n diet, including cutting back on dairy products.

            Light therapy is another natural remedy to fight the bacteria that has many adherents.  Many people believe that the bacteria that causes acne insensitive to light in the blue wavelength of the light spectrum.  Light therapy means shining blue light onto a patient for fifteen minutes at a time twice a week, usually for four weeks.

            This treatment can be expenses, running about $150 per treatment.  Not all patients have had good results, but some have.  Also since light in this wavelength is not harmful to the skin, there are no side effects or after effects.

              Fighting the bacteria that causes acne is of major concern for many medical professionals, and surely with time they will find more and better ways to do so.  In the meantime, the treatments listed here can help many people.

For more information visit

http://www.amway.com/toilucky

About Acne - What can you do to cure or alleviate acne?

                                                     

         Acne gives the combination of symptoms like greasy skin, white heads, black heads, pimples,inflammation and scar formation. Acne mostly affects young people in the age 14 - 25, but alsosometimes older persons, like women in their menopause. Most teenagers experience outburst ofacne, some only little, but for others acne may develop into a serious skin ailment with greatcosmetic impact. 

         THE SKIN ANATOMY

          To understand the acne process, some knowledge about skin anatomy and physiology is essential:

          The skin has there layers: The outer layer called epidermis consists of epithelial cells. Under thislies the dermis consisting of connective tissue. At the bottom there is a layer called the hypodermisconsisting mostly of fat cells.

          The skin has narrow pores extending from the surface down to the top of the sub-dermis, calledhair follicles. A hair extend from a growth zone in the bottom of each hair follicle and out at theskin surface. Around the hair in the dermis, there are small glands called sebaceous glands. Theseglands produce a fatty substance, sebum, which empty through the follicle opening and lubricatesthe hair and the skin. 

           THE ACNE PROCESS
           Acne starts by the glands in the hair follicles increasing their sebum production. This will in thebeginning only cause greasy skin. Eventually the sebum in the entrance of the follicles mixes withdead epithelial cells. This mix reacts chemically to forms hard props, comedones that close thepore entrances. According to the color of the comedones, they are called black heads or whiteheads.

           Then the closed hair follicle gets filled with sebum and swell. The swollen follicle then gets infectedby bacteria. The bacteria and the accumulated sebum cause the follicle and the surrounding skin toget inflamed, forming a pimple.  At last the inflamed follicle burst and empties its content. Eventually the affected area heals.

           Sometimes the inflammation reaches deep into the skin surrounding the follicle and destroys skin tissue. This will cause more or less distinct scars thatmay reside permanently. Typically an affected person will have follicles in all these stages of theprocess at any given time.

           THE CAUSES OF ACNE
The increased hormone production in the puberty stimulates to increased sebum production. Themale hormone, testosterone, seem to contribute most. Also girls begin to produce moretestosterone in the puberty. Also in other periods, altered hormone production may give acne, forexample by women in the menopause. 

           Since not all teens get acne in any degree, the increased hormone level cannot be the whole causeof the increased sebum production. The follicles of affected persons must for some reason reactstronger upon the higher hormone level. 

           Dietary factors, like eating too much fat, too much sugar or the wrong kind of fat may aggravateacne by some individuals. Lack of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids may also contributeto development of acne.

           Poor digestion, lazy colon and constipation aggravate acne in some individuals, probably due toproductions of toxins in the intestines. Lazy colon may be caused by dietary faults, like lack offiber.

           Very frequent washing and use of strong soaps aggravate acne, and does not alleviate the conditionas many think. Rubbing, scrubbing or squeezing the skin may also aggravate acne.
Here are some other factors that may contribute in causing acne or aggravating the condition.

           - Stress- Some contraceptive agents- Environmental or domestic pollution.

           - Humid environments.-Some antidepressants.

           - Testosterone and anabolic steroids used for treatment or by body-building.

          - Use of some types of greasy cosmetic products.

          - Some antiperspirant products.

           -Exposing the skin for chlorine or other halogens, or medicines containing halogens.

          - Women mayget aggravated acne 2-7 days before menstruation.

            WHAT CAN YOU DO YOURSELF TO AVOID OR TO TREAT ACNE 
             Sometimes Acne is so severe that special medical treatment is required, and sometimes the causesof acne necessitate medical treatment. But you can do much yourself also. Here are listed thingsyou can do yourself to prevent or treat acne:

          1. Some advices about diet that may help prevent and cure acne: 
          - Do not consume a great amount of fat. - The fat you add to the food should be natural oils. Oliveoil is ideal, but use other types of oils too, like walnut oil, sunflower oil and soy oil. However, donot use only soy oil as many tend to do.

           Using only soy oil will give you too much of some fattyacids and too less of others.- Eat much fish, seafood and not so much meat.- Eat food with a highfiber content to regulate the digestion, like vegetables, whole cereals, full corn bread and fruit.

           2. Here are some things you should avoid.
          - Do not use greasy or heavy cosmetics that clog your skin and are difficult to wash away. - Do notuse strong irritating antiperspirants.

          - Do not wash with strong soap or cleaners that dry up yourskin and take away all the natural oily protection in your skin.

         - If you perform body-building, donot use anabolic steroids or other hormonal supplements.

         - Use clothes that allow air to reach yourbody surface to avoid collection of humidity and overheating of your skin.

          3. Use of rinsing milk or solutions
           You can rinse your skin with mild products especially made to dissolve the plugs in your pores, andto make the environment in your skin unfriendly to bacteria causing infection. Some of theseproducts are just products to wash your skin with one ore more times a day; others should be onduring night and flushed away in the morning. 

          Salicylic acid is a mild ingredient often used in these products to dissolve the comedones. Theproducts usually also contain ingredients that work antibacterial and stimulate the skin's owncleaning activities, like Tea tree oil or Echinacea extract. 

         4. Use of gels and creams to treat acne and protect your skin
After the rinsing, you should apply some treatment gel, cream or lotion onto your skin to achievethese effects: 

       - To make your skin soft and elastic.

       - To protect your skin against the environment.

       - To actsfurther to dissolve the clogging of your pores.

       - To soothe and alleviate inflammation.

       - To kill thebacteria causing infection or make an environment hostile for the bacteria.

       - To stimulate the skinto clean itself.

       - To stimulate the skin to heal.

       - To be used as a isolating layer between the skin itselfand cosmetics

          In order to protect, make the skin soft and further dissolve the comedones, many products containnatural plant oils that are easily absorbed into the epidermis, like Tea tree oil, Rose hip oil,Lavender oil and Olive oil. 

          Ingredients used in products to reduce inflammation and to stimulate healing may be: Aloe Veraextract, Viola Tricolour extract, Rose hip oil, Vitamin E and Vitamin A.

         Tea tree oil and Grapefruit seed extract are natural antibacterial agents used in many of theseproducts. In other products artificial compounds like Benzoyl peroxide are used.

          5. Oral supplements to fight the acne process and nourish the skin
Supplements taken by mouth to nourish your skin may be useful. The purpose of thesesupplements is more or less the same as that of nourishing creams.

          - To make the sebum more fluid so it drains more easily.

          - To stimulate the substance exchange and cleaning processes in your skin,

          - To stimulate your skin to heal,

          - To give your skin building nutrients necessary to heal.

            Ingredients often used in these supplements to stimulate the cleaning and healing processes in theskin are: Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, E, Folic acid,  Beta carotene, Bioflavonoids,Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, selenium, anti-oxidants from Green tea, Metylsulfonyl methane. 

          Nutrient found in these products used as material to rebuild damaged skin and to give a sebum withbetter consistency are: Evening primrose oil, Olive oil, Flax seed oil, Borage oil, Soy oil, Wheatgerm oil and Lecithin.

          Gum guggul extract used in oral products has an anti-biotic effect, and helps against spreading ofthe acne infection and thus helps against scar formation.

 

           For more information visit

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How to Choose a Skin Care Specialist

                                                        
         If you are to use certain types of skin care products or if you are planning to undergo a cosmetic procedure to enhance your skin tone or feature, it is always advisable to consult a licensed and well-experienced skin care specialist or dermatologist.

         To help you choose a skin care specialist that you can trust, below is a list of advices on what to look for:

         1. Certification of passing the board

            Take note that any doctor can declare that they are a skin specialist. This means that there are some doctors who can claim that they are a registered dermatologist even if they are not.

            In the United States, becoming a dermatologist requires three years of studying skin, nails, and hair disorders at any authorized medical school in the country. Special trainings for different types of skin surgeries are also required on dermatologists.

            When all the required trainings and studies are completed, the doctor is then expected to take the board exam, which consists of comprehensive sets of skill assessment tests. The board exam is conducted by the American Board of Dermatology. This academic body sets the standards for the competency level of a dermatologist or a skin specialist.

            However, passing the board does not always guarantee that a doctor is sure to become a good skin specialist. It is more of a proof that a doctor completed all the required trainings and curriculums on dermatology as well as learned enough to pass the board exam.

            If you already have a doctor in mind, you can check out at the American Board of Dermatology website if the name is one of those that pass the board exam.

         2. Specific area of expertise

            It is a must to check first the expertise of your chosen dermatologist or skin specialist, for while majority of dermatologists know how to treat all skin-related problems, there are other licensed skin specialists today that hold additional certifications on special areas of dermatology namely the Pediatric Dermatology, Clinical and Laboratory Dermatological Immunology, and Dermatopathology.

            Apart from the three special areas of dermatology, doctors can also practice their area of specialty. For instance, dermatologists can be known for handling patients with allergy, those with severe acne, and people with skin-related cancer condition. 
            

         3. Attitude towards his/her profession

            A doctor cannot be considered a good doctor (even if he is a competent one) if his attitude towards his patients is unprofessional or contemptible. Avoid doctors who are inattentive and do not really seem to care whatever treatment would be best for their patients. Go for the ones who are willing to give you the proper treatment that you need and are interested to hear your ideas, thoughts, and questions regarding the skin care treatment, procedure, and consultation. 

         4. Clinic ambiance

            The ambiance of the clinic doesn’t necessarily have to be the fancy decors or the number of flashy certificates posted on the walls. The clinic’s ambiance is more on the environment. Better trust clinics of formidable and well-experienced doctors that have clean waiting areas and offices. A plus, of course, is the presence of helpful, attentive, and friendly medical staff inside the clinic.

For more information visit

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Staying Young is Just Another Meal Away

                                                        
         Healthy foods to stay young? Of course, you’ve heard it before, probably when mom insisted to eat more apples and less burger even when you thought you were too young to age.
   
         Indeed, mom was right. You’ll never know when you’ll start to age until you notice some crumpling and folding on your skin. Premature aging might just be a sleep away. And you never want to see that happen.
   
        But it’s never too late. You can delay aging now by changing some items on your plates, and it’s just another meal away.

        You Are What You Eat
   
        The food and all other things that you take or don’t are laying the groundwork for your health and your appearance as well. For example, a person who has a pretty huge room for french fries and beef patties in his stomach may suffer more diseases and may not look age-appropriate. A person deficient in unsaturated fats, on the other hand, may have dry, flaky skin, and eventually look older than he actually is.
   
         According to Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a clinical nutritionist at NYU Medical Center in New York City, what you eat becomes the outer fabric of your body. And the healthier that you put in your mouth, the better you will look. 
   
         Sure, you don’t wanna look like french fries, or do you? Then, what should your next meal include?

          High- fiber foods
   
           Whole grains, cereals, black beans, apples, and pears are just some of the foods that are rich in fiber. Fiber found in these foods moves quickly and relatively easily through your digestive tract keeping bowel movements regular. Thereby preventing constipation,-one of the problems that aging people commonly encounter.

          Fish, walnut, and flax seed oil
   
          These foods are among the best sources of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). EFA especially the omega-3 fatty acids regulate the fluidity or softness of the cell membranes, thus making your cell membranes healthy and hold more moisture. So that means younger looking skin.
   
         Deficiency is visible in a hardening of the skin, as with dry skin and acne. And to those who are living in colder climates, you need more EFA for membrane fluidity.

         Fruits and vegetables
   
          Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables fight off free radicals, the byproducts of the body's everyday processes that damage DNA, cells, and tissues. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals lessens the chances of damage to he body’s cells. And because you are guarding your cells from premature damage, you are also protecting yourself from premature aging.

          Whole-grain cereals, organ meats, chicken, egg yolk, and garlic.
   
           Selenium, found in these foods, plays a key role in making the skin healthy. It is a sulfur-like mineral that lessens the oxidative damage of skin cells. It also helps in regulating the thyroid hormone and helps prevent hypertension, cancer, and stroke. Selenium is often added to antioxidant vitamins.

          Easy Move
   
          If you think looking younger is difficult, there’s not much to worry. The easiest move you can make is to include more fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains to your daily menu. Control yourself from eating foods stuffed with much cholesterol, sodium, and calories. What you get is a healthier body and a younger-looking you.
   
          Well, if you think it’s too early to look old, better think twice. It just doesn’t feel good to be called older than you really are.
   
          And if you think you’re too old to look young, you’re never right. You can stop aging right at your plate, and even prove that "looks can be deceiving."

            For more information visit

http://www.amway.com/toilucky

Mineral Makeup Brands

                                               

        Do you want to look good? Of course you do and you are not alone. To give you an idea of what is available in today’s market, here are a few mineral makeup brands that are worth checking out.

        First is Bare Essentials Makeup that is sold online and on television. Most people who use it say that it gives them a flawless and natural collection which is good for them since they have oily skin. They also say that they don’t have to use too much to look good because a small quantity goes a long way.

        Next, we have aromaleigh which sells their merchandise online. Customers who enjoyed it a lot happen to be over the age of 40. The products they have come in different colors and you can even mix your shades.

        It is also good for people who have oily and dry faces. If you apply it once, that is already good the whole day without the need for a touchup.

         Another small company is Young Blood that has been in the business for 10 years. Customers who have used this are happy with the service because one thing they have noticed when this is applied to the skin is that it minimizes your pores.

        But the biggest company out there that sells mineral makeup product is L’Oreal. Being in the business for many years, it is one of those brands you can trust. Their mineral makeup products are very affordable and given the large selection, you will surely find something that matches your skin complexion.

         If you don’t want to take our word for it, try it out yourself because that is the best way to tell you if one brand of mineral makeup is good for you or not.

        To do that, always check the ingredients that go into each bottle. This is printed on the label and what you should keep an eye for are the key ingredients namely mica, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The ideal mineral makeup product must not contain bismuth, bismuth oxychloride, parabens or talc that are known to be harmful for your skin.

         Apply a small sample of the makeup on your skin to see if it looks good on you and to see if there is any side effect.

         It is only when everything checks out that the only factor in buying one brand from the other is the price. Always compare how much one bottle costs with another and then decide if it is worth buying. You should also check how much content goes inside the container because if one product is cheaper but contains less, you are probably better off with another that contains more.

         One problem when buying any brand of mineral makeup product is that the brushes are always sold separately. If you are able to look through the different products with a lot of detail, then you should also do the same when you look for the right brush which you will use to apply the makeup to your skin.

        There are a lot of mineral makeup brands around right now and this should not be a surprise given that it has been around for more than 30 years. So take your pick at what is available and use what you think is right for you.

         For more information visit

http://www.amway.com/toilucky