The skincare industry is a booming industry. Every year, consumers spend billions of dollars on cleansers, toners, and moisturizers with the goal of destroying blemishes yet wanting to restore that beautiful youthful glow we see on models in magazines. The problem with so many skincare products is that many have harsh ingredients that irritate the skin, including bleaching agents and fragrance. It seems like a losing battle because to kill pimples, one has to dry the heck out of his or her skin, which strips the skin of essential oils that are needed to hydrate the skin. And do you notice that many of these products also have natural ingredients infused in them, like olive oil, which we as consumers feel somehow comforted knowing we’re putting something on our faces that includes “natural ingredients?” So what’s the answer?
Well it’s actually quite simple. Oils are good for the skin. Using extra virgin olive oil works as an amazing and inexpensive moisturizer for your skin day and/or night. I know you all are reading this and thinking, “You’re crazy! Put extra virgin olive oil on my skin? I’m oily enough!” or “I’m not going to make my skin greasy so I break out more!” A reason you could be very oily is because you’re drying the heck out of your skin and not using a moisturizer. When you don’t moisturize your facial skin, your skin will become more oily because your skin pulls an excess of oils to the surface, trying to correct what has been stripped away. Extra virgin olive oil is also loaded with amazing antioxidants like Vitamin’s A and E that repair and refresh your skin that is damaged by all the pollutants in the air, overexposure to sun, and cigarette smoke and unhealthy and fattening foods.
When using extra virgin olive oil as a moisturizer, apply a small pea size amount, and gently massage into your skin. Allow your skin to be slightly damp to minimize the “feel” of greasiness. Allow a little time for it to soak into the skin so it may be best to start using at nighttime and then transitioning to daytime use as well.
Carol Firenze, of the best-selling book, The Passionate Olive, wrote that you can also use extra virgin olive oil as an exfoliator for dry, flaky skin. She says to mix the olive oil with a bit of sea salt to make a scrub and gently massage into your skin with your fingertips in a circular motion. It will enrich your skin and scrub away the dead cellular build-up on your skin. When finished, rinse off with warm water. She also writes that you can use a little bit of olive oil on a cotton pad to remove eye makeup. Also try adding a couple tablespoons to a bath with some lavender and hydrate and sooth your entire body.
Happy hydrating…
Most pregnant women normally experience certain skin changes, such as acne, during pregnancy. There are several acne treatments on the market. While pregnant women can safely use some, there are several oral and topical medicines that can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus.
Pregnant women and those who are planning to conceive are strongly advised to avoid medications containing Isotretinoin, retinoic acid, and the topical compound Tretinoin. These are linked with severe congenital disorders and miscarriage.
Doctors also associated high doses of vitamin A found in acne treatments to birth defects such as brain deformities learning disabilities, heart defects and facial abnormalities.
With the advice of a physician, some acne treatments and skin-cleansing agents, which include over-the-counter medications, are available. Products containing contain benzoyl peroxide are often recommended as safe for pregnant women. However, there are some topical acne medications to avoid, such as those containing salicylic acids.
When treatment through antibiotics is needed, erythromycin is found safe for pregnant women. Some alternative and natural acne cure treatments that are also considered safe are those containing chamomile, aloe Vera, and green tea extracts.
Acne during pregnancy is just like the other pregnancy ailments so it is advised not to stress and bother about acne a lot. Choose natural and home remedies to treat acne and avoid taking medicines of any kind during pregnancy. If you really want to take acne medicines during pregnancy it is strongly recommended to consult with your doctor first.
I first began breaking out with acne in high school. Fifteen years later, I still suffer from blackheads and pimples as an adult. What’s the best acne treatment? I’d like to share the simple home acne treatment that cleared up my skin for good with you.
Before I began my skin regimen, I paid a visit to my dermatologist. She explored the causes of my adult acne with me. Adult acne, it turns out, is precipitated by the same hormonal fluctuations that precipitate teen acne. But other factors may play a role, as well. Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants like Dilantin, corticosteroids like Prednisone, and thyroid replacement supplements, are known to trigger hormonal changes that can cause acne.
The best acne treatment is one that’s based on a skin care regimen that emphasizes exfoliation and thorough cleansing twice a day, in the mornings and before sleep. There are many excellent anti-acne products on the market that may be bought without prescription. Their effectiveness varies from person to person. I have fairly oily skin to begin with. An anti-acne product that works well for me may not work well for a person who suffers from chronically dry skin.
Many people are uncomfortable with the chemicals used in even the mildest anti-acne products. For these people, I would suggest a home acne treatment that uses an oatmeal mask, fresh lemon juice and honey. Honey is a natural antiseptic and fights bacteria.
Sugar isn’t good for you! This is often emphasized by many health experts and so many times we hear the same in our life. Intake of sugar in excess can add extra pounds, affect dental health and it can cause ageing. The damage of sugar does not end there. It can also trigger acne in many individuals. Wondering how? Read on to see how excess sugar triggers acne breakouts and blemishes. Cutting out the sugar may be the best acne treatment.
With excess sugar intake, your blood sugar rises. Hormones like insulin and IGF-1 come into play to bring down blood sugar. Excess of blood sugar is converted to fats and stored in fat cells. Insulin and IGF-1 increase sebum production. IGF-1 increases the rate at which skin cells regenerate. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) causes the skin cells to separate. Skin cells divide faster and dead cells tend to stick together causing clogging of pores.
Liver is the organ involved in sugar and fat metabolism. It deactivates sugar and clears excess hormones out of our body. In individuals with right amount of sugar intake, their liver is strong enough to do just that and they do not have acne. With increased sugar intake, the liver becomes overloaded and it reflects on your skin externally as acne.
Sugar does not directly cause acne. Drastic increase in blood sugar overwhelms the liver to push out all the excess hormones. Giving up sugar intake is also not the solution to this problem. In case of reduced sugar intake, sugar cravings increase and androgen comes into play to spike blood sugar levels. Increased androgen level leads to increase in sebum production and this too leads to acne. However, reducing high sugar intake can decrease the load on liver function and reduce the severity of your acne. The best acne treatment is one that cuts your sugar intake.
High Glycemic Index foodstuff gets absorbed faster and raises both blood sugar and insulin levels compared to Low Glycemic foodstuffs. Soft drinks, sugar loaded breakfast cereals and sugary snacks influence sex hormones like testosterone, IGF-1, and insulin, which promote acne. Healthy diet along with few supplements can balance those hormones. Vitamin A, Vitamin E, antioxidants and Zinc citrate are all supplements that can fight against acne.
Immunity of the body declines with increased sugar intake and exacerbates acne. Cut back on fruit juices with added sugar and sweetened foodstuffs. Look for foods that are low in glycemic index and high in fiber.
What we eat matters most in controlling acne breakouts. Medications can only improve the appearance of acne. If your acne medications do not work, it is best to cut back on sugar intake and see if there is a difference!
Re-evaluate what you eat, if you are susceptible to acne breakouts. For now simply quit indulging in high sugary foods and include more healthy food in your daily diet.
Acne is a common skin ailment which is basically caused due to inflammatory disorder of the oil glands, resulting in secretion of excessive oil. As a result of which, the pores get blocked and dirt, debris, bacteria, and inflammatory cells build up under the skin leading to formation of pimples. Acne is a very common problem with teenagers, due to the increased secretion of oil in the skin because of the hormonal changes. If you’re looking for a home acne treatment, the best thing your can do is change your behavior.
There are basically two types of acne – inflammatory acne and non-inflammatory acne. Papule, pustule, nodule and cyst are the examples of inflammatory acne, whereas whitehead and blackhead are examples of non-inflammatory acne. Here are some excellent tips for treating acne at home.
1. Do not squeeze or pick at the blemishes as it only makes the acne worse.
2. Keeping your skin oil and dirt free is the key to successfully combating acne, so wash your face at least twice a day with mild cleanser and soap.
3. Diet plays a very important role in acne management. People who are prone to acne should avoid high intake of sugary fruits and juices, fried foods, white rice, white bread, pasta, potatoes and sweetened beverages.
4. Milk and dairy products contain certain hormones that stimulate the sebaceous or the oil glands, resulting in oily skin. So if you are suffering from acne, it is best to avoid milk and dairy products.
5. Alcohol has an astringent effect on the skin resulting in shrinkage of the skin pores, making them more prone to clogging. Clogged pores are the starting point that finally results in development of full-fledged pimples. Hence it is very important for those suffering from acne to stay away from alcohol or just drink alcohol occasionally.
6. Stimulants like coffee, tea and cigarettes should be avoided too as they stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete more oil that will ultimately results in making the acne worse.
7. Applying over-the-counter topical anti-acne ointments containing benzoyl peroxide, sulphuric or salicylic acid can help in controlling acne.
8 To reduce acne breakouts it is strongly recommended to change your pillow cases frequently. Also use a separate towel for your face. Keeping a good hygiene is one of the best ways to cope with acne.
From now on follow these tips for home acne treatment and I am sure that you will be able to prevent acne breakouts. In case the acne is severe and uncontrollable, it is best to consult a dermatologist at the earliest.
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