Natural Skin Care Beauty Blog

Whilst skin care products generally won't deliver nutrients deep into the actual living cells beneath the superficial layers of the skin, the vitamin E in many products is actually useful. Scientists have found that by applying antioxidants to the skin, free radical damage that would normally occur through exposure to UV light (say, from the sun), can be prevented or at least minimized. Vitamin E is a popular ingredient in many skin care creams.

The scientists found that the protective effects of vitamin E from that period of UV exposure were apparent 2 and 3 days later. The group of people who had vitamin E cream applied to their skin had less signs of inflammation than the group who were given the lotion without vitamin E. Inflammation is a sign of cell damage, and was measured in this study by the amount of blood flow to that area as compared to normal. This was a placebo controlled, double blind study, which means that some people received the lotion with vitamin E, some didn't and neither group knew which it was getting. The conclusions these scientists made were that vitamin E was effective at preventing the visible signs of aging on skin.

Whilst vitamin E in creams and lotions will benefit the skin, there is strong doubt on whether it can help in some of the beauty products it is in. For example, when vitamin E is advertised as being of benefit to strengthen or thicken eyelashes, this is something of a misnomer, and is not supported by science. Paula Begoun, the 'cosmetic cop' writes that there isn't a product out there that will strengthen and thicken eyelashes. The best you can do in this instance is to apply an eyelash primer and mascara to make eyelashes appear thicker. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and the research verifies only benefits that relate to this antioxidant activity.

Another of the promises associated with vitamin E creams is that it helps to heal scars. This is not something that has been verified scientifically. Research quoted in Wikipedia found that when vitamin E was applied to patients who had undergone surgery, it did not reduce the size, shape, or color of scars. In fact, up to one third of patients experienced complications like allergies, dermatitis, and irritation that in fact can make a forming scar worse. Activated manuka honey is a much better option in reducing scarring, and healing skin.

Vitamin E remains an excellent antioxidant. It is helpful when taken as a supplement for a whole host of issues, including protecting the liver, and minimizing the damage smoking does. And it is great for the skin in terms of preventing sun damage from the oxidizing effect of UV light. It is a good 'beauty vitamin' when taken as a supplement. Erica Angyal describes how it protects cell membranes from damage and helps maintain their flexibility, which can diminish as we age. It also works to increase the level of vitamin A in our body. And it is very beneficial for skin problems like acne and psoriasis. She recommends taking 400 to 800 IU of vitamin E a day, to prevent premature aging and improve the lustre of skin.

References:http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/news/ng.asp?id=62583Erica Angyal, Gorgeous Skin In 30 Days (Lothian Books, 2005)
If you'd like to learn more about vitamin E, click here. If you're an acne sufferer, and want some help deciding on either an in salon or at home acne facial, check out this article.

Find 100% effective Natural Beauty Products and Cosmetics and Herbal Supplements, Herbal Remedies, Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Medicine

Posted by Health Blog at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments

As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” However, in terms of natural skin care diet is a great place to start, but by no means does good skin care stop there. When it comes to natural skin care it is not only about what you eat but also how you care for yourself. Healthy, glowing skin is a visible indication of good physical health and a balanced diet. Conversely, problem skin is often an outward indication of an inner imbalance or poor nutritional habits. If you are looking to improve your skin’s tone and appearance try the following tips to help you look and feel your best.

Adopt a can-do attitude

Your attitude shapes your experience. If you move through the world constantly fraught with worry and anxiety your health and appearance will be negatively impacted with time. Make a concerted effort to avoid frowning, and smile often. Studies show that simply smiling can help turn a sour mood around.

Care for your skin from the inside out

Small changes such as ingesting the recommended daily allowance of fiber and water can help to keep your skin fresh and supple. You can be assured of getting the proper amount of fiber in your diet by including at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. One serving is comprised of a medium apple, a half-cup of spinach or a cup of tomato juice. You can also get your servings in by including lettuce and tomato on sandwiches, substituting or adding carrot sticks to your lunch, or switching to brown instead of white rice. Flaxseed, nuts and beans are all excellent sources of fiber and can be easily incorporated into any diet. It is also a good idea to avoid nicotine, excessive sugar, alcohol, fried and processed foods as these contribute to problem skin. Keep a bottle or glass of water on hand at all times and aim to drink at least half your weight in ounces each day. For example, if you weigh 120lbs, try to take in at least 60 ounces of water each day. There are a number of foods, such as lettuce and certain fruits, with high water content that you can use to help boost your water intake. Water baths your cells and helps to eliminate toxins; it also keeps you hydrated from the inside. The result; beautiful, healthy skin.

Exfoliate and move

Your skin is a living organ; in fact, it is the largest elimination organ of the body. You can help facilitate this process with exfoliation and exercise. With exfoliation, dry, rough and dead skin cells are eliminated from the top layer of your skin revealing the glowing skin underneath. Exfoliation becomes more important with aging as the process of generating new skin cells slows, thus causing a dull complexion. There are a number of commercially available products that exfoliate. These include various scrubs with microbeads, sugar, salt and crushed walnut shells. You might also try using cloths specially designed for this purpose, or making your own preparation. Be careful to test any products for sensitivity before applying to the skin. Also, be sure to avoid using these products in sensitive areas such as around the eyes.

Exercise is also an important component of natural skin care. In addition to cardiovascular and respiratory benefits, both important for skin health, exercise helps the body release toxins through the skin with perspiration. Aim to get at least thirty minutes of exercise at least three times each week. Whatever activity you choose should take you within 50-70% of your target heart rate for best results.

Moisturize and protect against the elements

Just as it is important to care for skin from the inside out it is also important to employ some skin care tips from the outside in. Most importantly, keep your face clean and dry. Wash your face with a mild, non-irritating cleanser at least twice daily and after exercise. Avoid using water that is too hot as it can dry your skin, robbing it of its healthy glow. Apply a toner with light, upward strokes. Finally, apply a moisturizer that includes sunscreen in summer and winter when the rays of the sun can also be damaging. For best results apply moisturizer to still damp skin to create the most effective moisture barrier. In addition to sunscreen, you may want to consider a hat if you have particularly sensitive or fair skin.

Rest well

The average adult needs 7-9 hours sleep each evening; however, most get significantly less. You can improve your skin’s health and appearance simply by getting a good night’s sleep. If worries keep you awake try creating a to-do list or a journal to ease your mind. You should also avoid upsetting activities, such as drinking alcohol, heavy exercise or watching the news, within several hours of bedtime as these can disturb restful sleep.

We all want to look and feel our best and good skin care is a significant contributing factor. Maintain your skin with a sensible diet, exercise, rest and a can-do attitude.
Adam Short is freelance writer and creator of http://www.fixoilyskin.info - a site providing the latest tips and resources on skin care.

Find 100% effective Natural Beauty Products and Cosmetics and Herbal Supplements, Herbal Remedies, Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Medicine

Posted by Health Blog at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments