Believe it or not!!! Monday, Jun 1 2009

Acne is such a common problem, you?d think that the medical community would have it down by now but it doesn?t. In fact, there?s plenty of controversy surrounding everything from causes of to treatments for acne. It seems every dermatologist has his or her own opinion on acne causes and cures. Here are just a few.

Use Birth Control to Cure Acne
Very controversial, in part because birth control itself is controversial. But also, the medical community is split between the benefits and dangers of birth control in the treatment of acne.

The appearance of acne is caused partially by the release of male hormones, like testosterone. The thinking goes that if acne is triggered by the production of male hormones, birth control pills, which contain the female hormone estrogen, will counter- act the increase in testosterone. Problem is, there are known dangers associated with birth control in pill form. Plus, you end up with a hormonal cocktail streaming through your body. That?s why there?s such controversy about using hormone treatments to address what many (even dermatologists) believe is a minor problem for teens.

Stress Causes Acne
A recent study developed in the United Kingdom suggested that stress should be added to the list of known causes of acne breakouts along with environment and heredity. It does seem as though acne flares up when we?re stressed out, but there?s still plenty of controversy among doctors about the effects of stress on skin eruptions.

Accutane, Suicide and Birth Defects
Accutane is a prescription medication designed to treat acne. However, when you read the warning label on the meds, it?s downright frightening. Accutane should not even be handled by women who are pregnant because accutane has been linked to birth defects.

Even more controversial is the relationship between accutane and suicide. Much has been written about increased suicide rates among accutane users. However, medicinally-induced suicide is certainly a subject of controversy within the medical community.

The Food-Acne Controversy
Mainstream medical practitioners have long disregarded the relationship between diet and the appearance of acne. The textbooks have been telling dermatologists for years that there is no relationship between the types of food we eat and the development of acne. Even so, acne patients are usually put on a low-fat, no fast-food diet. If there?s no relationship between food intake and acne development, why the change in diet?

Several dermatologists have published papers insisting that as soon as their patients go back to the high fat diet, they experience breakouts of acne. The greasy diet myth was exploded years ago, or so we?ve been told. However, the controversy is far from settled ? even among the experts.

The Sugar-Acne Controversy
Some so-called experts have been pushing the idea that sugar is a main contributor to acne and that by cutting sugar from your diet you?ll eliminate any acne problems. While controversial, there?s no scientific evidence to support the claim that sugar causes acne.

Fish Oil Controversy
In 2005, a natural nutritionist published a paper which set forth the idea that by consuming more natural fish oils you will control acne. He wrote a book on the subject which stirred some controversy within the dermatology department. However, in the end, conventional science has yet to establish a connection between increased consumption of fish and the lessening of an acne problem.

What should you believe about acne?
It seems that every doctor, nutritionist and homeopathic doctor has his or her opinion on the causes and treatment of acne, and many offer the proverbial magic bullet ? the one simple treatment that will eliminate the problem. There is no magic bullet. It?s bunk. The development of acne is a complex process involving internal and external factors and no one treatment will address all of the contributing factors.

Acne isn?t life-threatening but it can be life altering and there are people who will take advantage of others who have a problem with acne. The best advice you?ll ever get is to see a doctor if the problem is serious. If it?s more of an annoyance, there are plenty of safe and healthy things you can do to cut down the number of times you breakout.

In fact, a well-balanced, healthy diet is one of the mainstream recommended treatments for acne. A healthy diet leads to healthy skin which can better fight the bacteria that causes acne in the first place.

You can believe what modern medicine tells you about the causes of acne ? clogged, infected pores. And you can believe that regular, gentle washing will eliminate some acne problems.

You can also believe that there are safe, gentle products that help fight minor acne ? cosmetics, skin treatments, soaps and other products designed specifically to reduce the appearance of blemishes.

What you can?t believe is every crackpot idea or remedy that makes the rounds in school hallways. There are people ready to take advantage of those with serious acne problems. Stick with modern medicine on this one, follow your doctors directions precisely and keep at it. In time, your acne problem will disappear or diminish if you do.

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Important Questions to be Raised for Cause of Acne!!! Monday, Jun 1 2009

1. Ingested food is absorbed and utilized by our body exactly in the same way it metabolizes oral medications. In other words, food is no different from any other drugs (treats hunger?) which can have both positive and negative effects on the body and its organs including skin! Now, my question is this, if certain medications can affect acne by worsening or improving it, why can food not affect acne? Is there any rationale or proof to counter this deduction derived from pure common sense?

2. Many medications used to treat diseases in the cattle are found in varying amounts in their yields: the milk and the meat. If such medications can worsen acne, it follows that milk/meat consumption could affect acne adversely!

3. Anabolic steroids are used(as injectables and in feeds) to increase the mass and bulk of meat and poultry. Naturally varying levels of these hormones are found in the final diary and butchery/poultry products. Steroids, both anabolic and corticosteroids, are known to induce and exacerbate acneiform eruptions, not only on the face, but also on the back and front of the trunk. So would not such diary, meat and poultry trigger acne eruption? Unless of course, we can prove that all such medications are completely destroyed during the pasteurization(milk) and cooking processes, which is highly unlikely!

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Role of Food (iodine) in Cause of Acne??? Monday, Jun 1 2009

1. Role of iodide in causation of acne

It has long been known that iodine and its salt iodide stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause acne eruptions. Many natural and cooked foods contain iodide and iodine in varying amounts. It stands to reason then to infer that such food when taken regularly and in excess could induce or aggravate acne lesions in predisposed individuals.

Following is a list of iodide containing items on our gastronomical shelf with the amount of iodide in each. Only a selected few with high content and, for comparison, a few with low content are mentioned here. Iodide content measured as ppm (part per million) is shown in brackets:

Seafood

Squid (39); Crab(33); Shrimp(17)

Meat & Poultry

Beef liver(325); Turkey(132); Chicken(67)

Vegetables

Asparagus(169); Broccoli(90); Onions(82); Corn(45)

Diary Products

Butter(26) ; Cheddar cheese(27); Cottage cheese(5); Milk(11); Yogurt(3)

Miscellaneous

Drinking water (8); Iodized Salt(54); Potato chips(40); Tortilla chips(80); White bread(8)

 Now, with a list like that, who would deny that food is an aggravating factor for acne?

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10 Ways to treat Acne regardless of skin type!!! Monday, Jun 1 2009

There are a lot of cures for acne out on the market these days, both natural and over-the-counter, and it sometimes gets difficult to know what to use or why. Everyone’s skin is different, even if those people are all suffering from a similar skin condition like acne. One size does not fit all when it comes to treating acne. Below is brief list of 10 ways to treat acne, along with a quick explanation of why they might be able to help you get that flawless skin you’re after.

• Lemon Juice – Citric acid is a form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid, which sloughs off old, dead skin cells and helps to promote new skin growth. You can try a gentle lemon juice rinse applied topically to skin to help clear up acne.

• Zinc – Zinc is full of antibacterial properties that aid in healing wounds and preventing inflammation, which is the nasty redness associated with acne. You can take Zinc orally, but be cautious, as it can interfere with other medications.

• Aloe – This power-packed plant boasts vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and then some, which is why it isn’t that surprising that it helps speed the healing of acne breakouts. And because those breakouts heal faster, they are less likely to lead to unsightly scarring.

• Vitamin E – Vitamin E’s acne protection is due to its anti-oxidant properties, helping to prevent oils in the skin from becoming trapped and inflamed, which leads to acne. By keeping Vitamin E reaching into your pores, you may be able to prevent the painful bumps associated with acne.

• Apple Cider Vinegar – This potent anti-bacterial agent also helps to balance out skin’s pH level and control oil production. It can also be taken orally to help the liver perform its detox duties, flushing impurities from your system before they make themselves known on your face!

• Benzoyl Peroxide – A large percentage of over the counter drugstore acne treatments use Benzoyl Peroxide, and the common wisdom is that it takes at least 10% of the stuff to do any good. It breaks down the surface skin cells, unblocking pores so that dirt and oil don’t become trapped.

• Tea Tree Oil – Tea Tree is an essential oil that is extracted by steaming the leaves of an Australian plant. Because it has strong anti-microbial properties, it helps fight the bacteria that can lead to acne rearing its ugly head.

• Salicylic Acid – Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid, basically working by speeding up the shedding of cells and making room for fresh, new skin growth. Its strength makes it effective, but can also cause photosensitivity, so make sure you use sunscreen!

• Honey – Surprising as it might be, this sweet treat has some proven antibacterial properties, given that you use it in 2.5-5% concentrations. That might be why it makes a guest appearance in so many face masks and skin treatments.

• Vitamin C – It’s important that you get enough of this ascorbic acid on your own accord, because we humans don’t produce Vitamin C. It’s integral in partnering with other vitamins in the body and helping make them efficient

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How Acne Affects People’s lives Sunday, May 31 2009

“There is no single disease which causes more psychic trauma, more maladjustment between parents and children, more general insecurity and feelings of inferiority and greater sums of psychic suffering than does acne vulgaris.”  –Sulzberger & Zaldems, 1948

While known for quite some time, the psychosocial effects of acne have not been fully appreciated until recently. The reasons for this are many. After all, everyone gets acne to one degree or another. In most cases, it goes away on its own. While it’s running its course, it is not a serious threat to anyone’s overall physical health. In addition, until the last couple of decades, there was very little anyone could do to treat it.

Acne, nonetheless, has a significant impact on a person’s outlook on life. Recent studies have detected the following as common among people with acne:

• Social withdrawal

• Decreased self-esteem

• Reduced self-confidence

• Poor body image

• Embarrassment

• Feelings of depression

• Anger

• Preoccupation

• Frustration

• Higher rate of unemployment

The effects listed above are often interrelated, with one effect leading to another and another, only to make the first effect worse. These negative psychosocial effects can have a crippling impact, discouraging patients from pursuing life’s opportunities–socially, on the job, or at school.

Actual quotes from people with acne 
The fact is, people with acne generally hate the way they look with acne. Let people with acne tell you-here are some testimonials about living with acne*:

Verbatim #1
“I don’t look in mirrors…. I am like a vampire–I shy away from mirrors. I comb my hair using my silhouette on the wall to show the outline of my head. I have not looked myself in the eyes in years, and is painful not to be able to do that, and that is a direct result of acne, the acne scarring.”

Like a vampire, hating mirrors! Unable to face himself, how can this person hope to face the world?

Verbatim #2
“I think that if I had more self-esteem about the way I looked, I think I would have been more outgoing. I would have gone to more parties. I probably would have been more outspoken in class and would not have felt so insecure about going up and speaking in front of a group of classmates.”

Here is an extrovert, turned in on himself (or herself) because of acne. Who knows how different things would have been if he didn’t have acne?

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Is laser recommended??? Sunday, May 31 2009

Laser Treatments for Acne

Laser technology has changed the way health care practitioners treat many health issues and acne falls into this category. Today, treatments that were unavailable for stubborn acne only a few years ago are not only available, but quite affordable.

Treatments using lasers involve using various wavelengths of light aimed directly on the effected area. The wavelengths pulse as they contact the skin and destroy over-sized sebaceous glands and even acne lesions.

Laser therapy can remove the outer skin layers to encourage new cell growth as a means of scar treatment.

The skin care professional will set the laser correctly to properly treat the acne-affected area. There are few side effects associated with these treatments, although they can be slightly uncomfortable. On the other hand, the treatments do not involve lots of messy creams or ingesting prescription medications.

There is much debate about how effective laser treatments are for acne. Even one treatment can make a difference in the skin appearance of some patients.

Some patients experience side effects such as redness, burned skin that may last for a week or more and uneven skin appearance if the laser is not applied consistently. People with dark skin may experience skin discoloration after having acne treatments using a laser.

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Appropiate Brush to apply powder!! Sunday, May 31 2009

For professional applications the right solution is the use of products such as makeup brushes. Airbrush makeup gives your face a lift and the use of cosmetic brushes can highlight your best features. Makeup brushes help your makeup go on more easily and look a lot better. Make up artistsprovide tips to suggest that the best brushes are made of natural bristle, with wooden handles. The handle should sit well in your hand so that you can get a great grip. Make up applicators use a blush brush, a powder brush, an eye shadow brush and finally a lip brush.

Discount brushes are the facial solution for creating a natural, anti aging, fabulous look. Care and treatment of any brush product should include soaking your makeup brushes, airbrush makeup and cosmetic brushes in a mix of hot water and antibacterial soap for a half hour. Leave them out to air-dry and use tissues regularly to wipe off your brushes. The secret is if the bristles stray off in different directions after prolonged use, simply cut them back.

Natural bristle made from sable, goat, or squirrel is the best solution for makeup brushes. For airbrush makeup they are great because the hairshave cuticles that grab the powder or blush and allow it to go on more evenly. Supply your skin with products for your professional make up application at discount prices.

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How to Use Blusher Sunday, May 31 2009

BLUSH UP THE RIGHT WAY

The bottomline for the right blusher application is that it should look natural.

. Place your index and middle finger vertically against the side of your nose. Start putting the blusher from near the edge of the outer finger, going up to the temple. 
. If you have broad face (square/round) apply the blusher on your cheekbones and do not brush it up towards your ears. 
. Dab blusher (just a bit) on each earlobe. It can add a glow to your face if you pull your hair back or have short hair (such that the earlobes show). 
. Don’t forget to add a touch of the blusher on your chin and forehead to help give the natural look.

GLOW WITH THE RIGHT BLUSH COLOR

It is better to avoid blushes that are too bright or dark for your skin colour. Says Bobbi Brown, a renowned US-based beauty consultant - “The right blusher for you should be the same colour your cheeks are naturally when you’re really healthy.” To flatter your skin tone, choose a blush colour that will give a natural healthy glow.

Color tips 
. Fair skin – beige, tawny and pink tones. 
. Olive/Yellow-toned skin – warm brown, almond and copper shades. 
. Dark-skin – plum, auburn and deep bronze shades. 
. Tanned skin – orange, apricot, peach and coral shades.

FOR A NATURAL BLUSH

How often have you seen other women with just a bit too much of blush? The ideal way to use blush is to use it in a way that it looks natural. Unlike eye make up and lipstick, a blush is like foundation (base make up). It is not meant to show. The best way to ensure that your blush doesn’t stick out like a shaded outline of your cheeks always apply blush before your eye make-up and lipstick. Otherwise, it will be competing with your eyes and lips and that is when you will apply too much. Also, ensure that you are standing in front of a well-lit mirror. Otherwise you will apply too much simply because you were not able to notice the colour yourself. If you are not sure still, apply no more than 3-4 brush strokes. It is unlikely that you will go wrong with that.

OOPS! TOO MUCH BLUSH

If you’ve applied too much blush don’t worry – all you’ve got to do is take a dry clean make-up sponge, rub gently over your brush strokes to take the colour out. You can soften colour even further with translucent powder, and redo with a new, subtler blush shade.

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Use of Blusher Sunday, May 31 2009

The magic of blush powders is obvious. Blush makeup is fast-fix beauty, it warms up the skin, contours the cheek, exaggerates an attractive hollow, and ideally creates a glow on your face that looks like it comes from within. Never judge a blush powder just by looking at it. Cosmetics and face blushes are found in different shades and textures. Test your blush powder on the inside of your forearm if you are wearing make up already.

You need to make two tests to find the right blush powder or cream blushthat will be the right color. First, the right color will look natural and the wrong one will stand out. The second test is the intensity of the color. If you are fair, you want just a hint of color, the more translucent the better. If you are strong in coloring, with olive or dark skin, you need greater depth and intensity with blush powder to bring out your good looks.

As you get older your skin needs more creams to retain it’s natural oils and cream blush can really help you prevent looking washed out. Tips for facial beauty include, use a good brush applicator, grin like a fool, brush your blush powders lightly over the apple of the cheek, with short, up and down movements and finally you can apply a light stroke across your forehead by your hair line. Supply your skin with discount cosmetic facial blushes for a rich creamy cheek color.

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Mineral Cosmetics Sunday, May 31 2009

Mineral Make-up is the most popular among people returning to natural elements in their daily lifestyles or simply because Mineral Cosmetics is an excellent alternative for body and skin care. Marketed under different names, but sharing a common ingredient, minerals, these cosmetics are found everywhere around the world.

Mineral Cosmetics, as their name says, are made with minerals and inorganic pigments that exist in nature, in many combinations, including those of colored minerals, such as zinc, iron oxides, mica, titanium dioxide, and ultramarine pigments, used as makeup from foundation to eye-shadow to shimmer powder for the body.

Being a modern boom, Mineral Cosmetics come from remote ancient times. Perhaps the Egyptians were the most devoted to them believing that beauty and fashion were very important. Egyptians used mineral pigments to produce the make-up that we can see in their papyruses and tombs.

Some Egyptians dynasties used powdered green malachite brushed under the eyes, and all of them throughout the history of Egypt had rouge to color the face and lips, made from red ochre. The scientific analysis of some Egyptian cosmetic powders date back to as early as 2,000 BC.

Minerals such as galena and malachite was ground on stone palettes to make eye painting, applied with their fingers or a kohl pencil made of stone, ivory or wood. Such palettes have been found in graves, perhaps to ensure that the deceased had the means to grind eye makeup after life according to their beliefs.

The emphasizing of the eyes was not only cosmetical, but also to protect them from the bright sunlight of the desert. Egyptians used cosmetics regardless of sex and social status for both aesthetic and therapeutic reasons. Oils and fats were applied to the skin to protect it, besides being mixed into perfumes and incenses.

Mineral Cosmetics used today in countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and other countries of the Middle East are modern natural variations of those belonging to the ancient empires of Egypt and Rome. Herbal Face Packs have also been used since before recorded times, particularly by Indian dancers in combinations with mineral cosmetics that are now impossible to find.

Some other mineral cosmetics come from oral traditions from generation to generation, including concoctions with crushed pigments that now are mixed with neutral cold cream to be applied as natural lipstick, protecting the lips against dryness at the same time.

Modern Arabic world has never stopped using the mineral crushed blends to line the eyes not only for beauty but superstitions coming from Egyptian times, in the belief that “kohl” eyeliner will ward off evil spirits. Originally, Kohl made of galena or lead sulfide was mined in Upper Egypt, or at the Red Sea Coast.

Today, most women use Mineral Cosmetics to avoid wrinkled skin caused by the heavy and constant application of modern makeup with synthetic formulation, or restore skin damaged by abuse due to harsh makeupproducts, and for those who want a natural look and feel, that stays on all day long.

A wide range of products are available in the market today, including lipstick, eyebrow pencil, concealer, mascaras and even gels that can be used as moisturizers and foundations, as well as other Mineral Cosmetics enhanced with Vitamins A and E incorporated into the mineral formulation, that liquefy once applied to the skin, producing a satiny finish.

Mineral Cosmetics are inorganic and do not contain moisture, preventing bacteria from growing with no need of preservatives, oils or waxes, which could affect the skin, and they are practically well tolerated by everyone in all climates, available both as natural beauty care by health providers, or as part of traditional cosmetic lines, introduced to make their products more affordable and accessible.

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