Category: Skin care

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What To Eat For Healthy Skin

berries2By Where to find the vitamins and minerals your skin needs to make it look radiant

Achieving radiant, younger-looking skin takes more than just a good skin care regimen. In fact, what you eat has also a lot to do with it.
Think about it: your skin is the biggest organ in your body, so whatever you eat will also take its toll on your skin. To get good skin, you have to start from within, which means eating the right kinds of food.

Here’s a list of foods you might want to pick up the next time you make a grocery run.
1. Low-fat yogurt. Low-fat dairy products not only give you a calcium boost (which helps prevent osteoporosis), but it also contains Vitamin A, which helps in the development of skin cells. Basically, your skin cells depend on Vitamin A to regenerate, making you look younger and healthier. Without it, you get dry, dull skin.
Added bonus: yogurt also contains live bacteria that’s good for your intestinal tract. A healthy digestive system reflects on good skin.
2. Berries. We’re talking strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and even plums! These babies pack lots of antioxidants and phytochemicals which protect us from free radicals — such as sun exposure and pollution — that can damage our skin cells.
Berries also help our bodies manufacture collagen, which as we all know, makes skin smooth and supple. Buy some and toss them in yogurt for an extra sweet treat!
3. Salmon. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which helps make cell membranes stronger and healthier. Stronger cells are able to hold in more moisture, which leaves you with plumper, youthful-looking skin. Plus a good amount of Omega 3 also helps keep your heart in good shape.
You can also get your dose of Omega 3 from avocados, walnuts, and dark, leafy vegetables.
4. Green Tea. Sip on this: green tea contains catechins and polyphenols which have anti-inflammatory characteristics and may even prevent certain skin cancers!
Research has also shown that the antioxidants found in green tea help reduce the risk of UV damage on skin cells. Plus, a cup of the stuff is high in Vitamin C, D, K, riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Heck, no wonder green tea is used in so many beauty products!
5. Almonds. Almonds have tons of flavonoids, antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor characteristics.
These antioxidants deactivate free radicals in the body which help keep your skin cells healthy and happy. Plus, almonds are rich in Vitamin E and have essential oils that keep your skin moisturized from within.
The best way to enjoy them? Raw, unsalted, and with their skin on.
6. Water. Your body is made up of 60% water. If you don’t chug down H2O during the day, you become sluggish, dehydrated, and your skin gets dull and dry.
Water not only quenches your thirst, but it also washes out unhealthy toxins in your body — toxins which, if left to linger, show up on your face.
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day and more if you’re doing activities that cause you to sweat. Remember, if your body is well-fed and hydrated, you’ll feel and look better.

By Maui V. Reyes for Yahoo! Southeast Asia
@royalblooded
SUBMITTED BY
Student
In his 20’s from Manila, Philippines
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How to Get Beautiful Skin During the Winter

5-Beauty-Tips-For-Skin-Care-001During the cold winter months, the weather can take its toll on your skin. In order to reclaim a glowing, immaculate complexion, try one of these beauty tips! You’ll look dewy and refreshed in no time.

Step 1: Dry, Flakey Skin

The best way to get rid of those dry patches is to exfoliate! You can either do this manually with a Clarisonic or use the more affordable version with a brush. Your other option to exfoliate is with a peel or serum. I highly recommend http://ziamex.com/products-page/exfoliation/a8-so-aha-8-solution/ since they have all natural derivatives of glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids to buff away those dead skin cells all the while replenishing your skin with hydration from apple, watermelon and lentil extracts. I then follow up with a hydrating serum, http://ziamex.com/products-page/moisturizer/hya2-sodium-hyaluronate-gel/.

Step 2: Red, Splotchy Skin

To conceal ruddy skin, there are a couple of effective ways to do this. If you’re not a big makeup-wearer, I recommend Bare Minerals Redness Remedy as it lightly conceals for a natural look. However, it is also a skincare product, so it has calming ingredients to soothe your skin. All of my clients with rosacea or slight redness absolutely love this product since it goes on before makeup or can be worn alone for a beautiful, bare-face look.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a full coverage look, then I suggest using a natural brand concealer. Typically, natural brand products contain less chemicals and fragrances. Unfortunately, these chemicals usually lead to sensitivities and redness in the first place. So that’s why it’s important to read what ingredients are in your makeup products when you are prone to flushed skin.

Step 3: Dull, Lackluster Skin

Again, exfoliation is key, but another way to illuminate your complexion is with a highlighter. They are available in liquid or powder form. Apply to the high points of your face such as above the brows, tops of the cheekbones, cupid’s bow of the lip and bridge of the nose.

Step 4: Winter Skin-Saving Tips

*Use a milder cleanser during the winter. In fact, I use fragrance-free baby wipes to remove my makeup, which help to retain my natural oils and moisture.

*If you are prone to drier skin in the winter, switch your usual lightweight lotion or moisturizer to a cream version. If this is too heavy for you in the day, then just use at night.

*Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Both internally and externally. So while drinking your 8 cups of water per day, mist on a hydrating spray or warm up some moisturizer in your hands and pat gently on the face.

SUBMITTED BY
MUA & Esthetician
In her 20’s from San Diego, CA
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What is Hyper Pigmentation?

Hyper pigmentation refers to skin that has turned darker than normal where the change that has occurred is unrelated to sun exposure. Hyper pigmentation is caused due to excessive production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that is solely responsible for the color of the skin. Hyper pigmentation occurs due to the excessive secretion of melanocyte stimulating hormone that enhances the production of melanocytes. The melanocytes produce the pigment melanin. Hyper pigmentation affects the areas that are not exposed to light like the genital areas, armpits etc.

Hyper pigmentation may be caused by internal and external causes. Internal causes include hormonal imbalances such as pregnancy. An external cause for hyper pigmentation is sun exposure. Sots of brown may appear with sun exposure without the use of a sunblock.

There are a few types of hyperpigmentation that is based on the cause of the excess melanin and its appearance on the skin. These include melasma, age spots or liver spots, freckles, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is also related with a number of diseases such as Addison’s disease and other sources of adrenal insufficiency, in which the hormones induce melanin synthesis.

Hyperpigmentation treatment

•Topical Whitening / Bleaching creams – Although Hydroquinone is one of the best-established topical agents for reducing skin pigmentation it is now a banned substance in most countries around the world. Their are excellent alternatives however, Arbutin, Kojic, Licorice, Vitamin C to name but a few. Most creams will take several weeks to produce results because even though the synthesis of new melanin is blocked quickly, the existing melanin takes a relatively long time to migrate out of the skin in the process of natural exfoliation.

•Hydroxy Acid Peels – They increase cell renewal rate and correct hyper pigmentation marks. Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble acids and can help remove hyperpigmentation.

•Laser resurfacing – Normal laser skin resurfacing works by evaporating the first few layers of damaged skin to leave behind a fresh, evenly toned skin. Hydroquinone or mild chemical peels are often recommended before laser resurfacing for best results.

•Intense pulsed light – IPL is a type laser that leaves no scares, can sometimes heals freckles or other mild sun spots without using peels or hydroquinone creams beforehand.

Skin hyperpigmentation is not a life threatening condition. Nevertheless, you should consult with your doctor to confirm that it is not melanoma, a form of skin cancer. In addition, you should see your doctor if you experience unexplained darkening or lightening or any skin sore or lesion that changes the color of the skin.

* published by www.articlesbase.com

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Cosmetics and Their Ingredients

Cosmetics play many roles as they are more than just blush and mascara. They can protect you from the sun, change or protect your appearance. Cosmetics like perfumes and deodorants are part of your everyday life. Learn more on www.DermatologyCare.ca including tips and facts about your skin and your skin health.

Cosmetic or Cosmeceutical?
Skin products are either classified as drugs or cosmetics. A drug can alter the function and structures of the skin while a cosmetic just changes the appearance. The term cosmeceutical describes products that use ingredients that have some biological effect on the skin but are not classified as drugs. It means that these products cannot make claims about improving the skin function only that they improve the appearance.

Natural doesn’t mean non-allergic
Just because a product contains natural ingredients, doesn’t mean that it won’t be potentially irritating. Products with rosemary, tea tree oil, lavender and chamomile can provoke an allergic reaction. Before using any new product, it’s wise to apply a very small amount first to make sure that it’s safe for your skin.

Caution when buying cosmetics
Sample the makeup – not the germs! If you’re trying out makeup samples at the cosmetics counter, be sure to use a disposable applicator to decrease the risk of contamination. For the same reason, you should never share your friends’ makeup either.

Is a natural ingredient really natural?
The botanical or plant sounding components that are in products labeled “natural” are usually synthesized in a laboratory rather that extracted from plants. These natural ingredients may still cause allergic reactions.

Does perfume-free always mean no perfume?
Perfume free products can sometimes have perfumes in them to block the chemical smell of a cosmetic but they are labeled as preservatives. The only topical preparation that does not need a preservative is pure petroleum jelly.

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How to Reduce Wrinkles

The first impression is very important. Blemished skin with wrinkles is not everyone want. If you feel your skin is no longer elastic, then wrinkles may already develop. But is there any way to erase wrinkles.

In fact, you can only slow down the development of wrinkles. You can depend on the modern dermatological products and home remedies to help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

1. Exfoliating your skin promotes the body to produce new skin cells since it gets rid of dead and dry skin cells. Therefore doing it twice weekly benefits your skin. The hydration also increases the skin absorption of the cream.

2. You can avoid fines lines the natural way by cutting a piece from an aloe vera plant and then place this to the skin. It contains malic acid that can help prevent wrinkles. Another natural remedy for wrinkles is use papaya. It has enzymes that can shed off the top layer of the skin.

3. Keep your skin moisture all the times. Always apply a moisturizer after washing every morning. The harmful sunlight can cause fine lines to form. So, protect your face with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. You can also try another natural way that is using fresh avocado since it contains vitamin E, an antioxidant.

4. In addition to using moisturizers on your face, fine lines can also be prevented by drinking lots of water and eating nutritious foods. Including foods which are rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help in your daily diet can make your skin looks younger.

5. If you want to maintain overall health, then you can exercise regularly since it improves the blood circulation to the skin. If you don’t want all your efforts to be put into waste, then don’t smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.

6. Stress forces you to over use your facial muscular tissues. That is why stressed people usually have noticeable fine lines on their faces. The development of wrinkles can be accelerated when you frown or raise your eyebrows too often. Therefore, you should try to do them less often.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beckie_Ingram

You don’t have to resort to laser surgery or collagen or Botox injection. If the above tips don’t help, then you should check out ZiamEXs’ many Anti Wrinkle solutions or here.

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Apple Stem Cells Offer Hope For Aging and Damaged Skin

As we age, the reduced turnover of our cells means we can lose control over how our skin ages. Epidermal stem cells needed to create healthy new skin are significantly reduced and function less efficiently. A discovery based on promising plant stem cell research may allow you to regain control.

Scientists have found that a novel extract derived from the stem cells of a rare apple tree cultivated for its extraordinary longevity shows tremendous ability to rejuvenate aging skin. By stimulating aging skin stem cells, this plant extract has been shown to lessen the appearance of unsightly wrinkles. Clinical trials show that this unique formulation increases the longevity of skin cells, resulting in skin that has a more youthful and radiant appearance.

Stem Cells
Cells in our bodies are programmed for specific functions. A skin cell, a brain cell, and a liver cell all contain the same DNA, or set of genes. However, each cell’s fate is determined by a set of epigenetic (able to change gene expression patterns) signals that come from inside it and from the surrounding cells as well. These signals are like command tags attached to the DNA that switch certain genes on or off.

This selective coding creates all of the different kinds of cells in our bodies, which are collectively known as differentiated (specialized) cells.

Although differentiated cells vary widely in purpose and appearance, they all have one thing in common: they all come with a built-in operational limit. After so many divisions, they lose their ability to divide and must be replaced. This is where stem cells come in.

Your body also produces other cells that contain no specific programming. These stem cells are “blank,” so your body can essentially “format” them any way it pleases. Two universal aspects shared by this type of cell are: (1) the ability to replenish itself through a process of self-renewal and (2) the capacity to produce a differentiated cell.

In animals and humans, two basic kinds of stem cells exist: embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells have the power to change into any differentiated cell type found anywhere in your body. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are generally more limited. They can only evolve into the specific type of cell found in the tissue where they are located. The primary function of these adult stem cells is maintenance and repair.

But certain adult stem cells found in nature retain the unlimited developmental potential that embryonic stem cells possess. These cells have become the main focus for an exciting new wave of regenerative medicine (repairing damaged or diseased tissues and organs using advanced techniques like stem cell therapy and tissue engineering).

The Role of Stem Cells in the Skin
The basal (innermost) layer of the skin’s epidermis comprises two basic types of cells: (1) the slowly dividing epidermal stem cells (that represent about 2-7% of the basal cell population) and (2) their rapidly dividing offspring that supply new cells to replace those that are lost or dying.1-3

The slow self-renewal process of epidermal stem cells, however, creates a problem. Because each epidermal stem cell only lasts for a certain number of divisions, and because each division runs the risk of lethal DNA mutation, the epidermal stem cell population can become depleted. When this happens, lost or dying skin cells begin to outnumber their replacements and the skin’s health and appearance start to decline.

So what can be done? Scientists turned to plants for the answer.

Planting a Seed of Hope
Plants also have stem cells. Like humans, plant stem cells depend on epigenetic control and signals from surrounding cells for their development. Unlike humans, however, each plant-derived adult stem cell possesses the ability to generate a whole new plant.4 Scientists have found a way to harness the power of plant stem cells by growing plant tissues in culture.

The technique is a relatively simple one. First, viable tissue is obtained from a source plant. This material is called an explant. Next, a small cut is made in the explant. New cells form on the surface of this cut in an attempt to heal the wound. This colorless mass of cells is called a callus. The slowly dividing cells of a callus are undifferentiated cells that lack the characteristics of normal plant cells. They are essentially unprogrammed and full of potential.

With this technology, it is theoretically possible to propagate any plant cell in a liquid culture, opening up a whole new realm of possibilities. This fact started scientists thinking—what would happen if an extract of genetically long-lived plant stem cell tissue was applied to human skin?

Comparing Apples to Apples
Today, apples are cultivated primarily to enhance their appearance and flavor. But before the rise of refrigeration, an apple’s ability to stay fresh for a long time was its most sought-after characteristic.

For this reason, a special variety of apple was cultivated in the middle of the 18th century that could be stored for a greatly extended period of time. In essence, it was the genetically modified, longer-living stem cells of this tannin-rich variety of apple, called the Uttwiler Spätlauber apple, which were responsible for its unique storage longevity.

In a certain isolated area of rural Switzerland, a few of these hardy apple trees still survive today. Scientists obtained an explant from the leaf of one of these trees to produce a special anti-aging stem cell extract.

The Amazing Results
In order to test the theory that this unique plant extract would produce anti-aging effects, scientists at Mibelle Biochemistry first obtained human stem cells from the blood of an umbilical cord. Their first in-house study on cell viability showed that, at a concentration of only 0.1%, an extract of Uttwiler Spätlauber stem cells stimulated the proliferation of human stem cells by an astounding 80%!

In a second experiment, these scientists irradiated the umbilical cord blood stem cells with UV light. Nearly 50% of the stem cells cultured in growth medium alone died, but the cells grown in the culture containing the special apple extract showed only a small decrease in the number of living cells.

Another in vitro experiment conducted by the scientists involved fibroblast cells. These are the most common of all cells in the connective tissue of the skin. They manufacture the collagen, glycosaminoglycans, reticular and elastic fibers, and glycoproteins that make up the extracellular matrix (connective tissues providing support to cells). Fibroblasts not only help provide a structural framework for the skin, they also play a critical role in wound healing.

In their experiment, the scientists treated fibroblast cells with hydrogen peroxide for two hours until the cells began to show classic signs of aging. In scientific terms, this means that several genes essential for cell proliferation and growth were significantly down-regulated. However, after incubating these cells for 144 hours in a 2% Uttwiler Spätlauber extract, this down-regulation of genes was effectively neutralized, and in some cases, it was actually reversed! In addition, the scientists noted that the expression of an important antioxidant enzyme called heme oxigenase 1 was also stimulated.

Finally, the scientists conducted a human study to determine the anti-wrinkle effectiveness of a special cream containing a 2% Uttwiler Spätlauber extract along with lecithin liposomes. This patent-pending cream (called PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica) was applied twice daily to the crow’s feet area of 20 participants. Wrinkle depth was reduced by an average of 8% after just two weeks, and by 15% after four weeks—thus reducing the signs of aging!

Courtesy of Gary Goldfaden, MD

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How to avoid Crow’s feet

You can minimize the development of wrinkles around your eyes by applying sunscreen (but remember, not too close to your eyes), and wearing protective eyewear (such as wrap-around sunglasses) or a hat. Some wrinkles are produced by the repeated movement of the skin through facial expressions, others occur as a result of sun damage.

The regular use of a quality moisturizer is the first basic step to reducing the look of existing lines. When selecting a product, remember that price is not a reflection of quality. Well hydrated skin appears noticeably smoother and even textured.

Continued regular use of a moisturizer in combination with daytime application of a sheer foundation will vastly improve your overall complexion. Implement a nighttime eye treatment just before bed to allow your skin to soak up the nourishing ingredients and help regenerate your skin’s appearance. Also, try incorporating daily sun protection with an SPF-rated moisturizer to reduce further photodamage to your skin.

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Skin Care Tips Content Developed By Skin Care Guide Dermatologists

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The largest Organ


Your skin is more than just your face, although that’s what most people pay the most attention to. Your skin is actually the largest organ in your body and weighs probably more than you think. Below are some interesting facts and tips that may surprise you about your skin.

To get more skin care tips and facts, click on www.dermatologycare.ca. Skin Care Tips and Facts:Your skin is your body’s largest organ! The skin of the average woman weighs three kilograms, while that of the average man weighs five kilograms.

What’s the secret to great skin? Not surprisingly, the state of our skin is affected by genes, nutrition, general health, emotional well-being and exercise. How you care for your skin also plays an important role in ensuring you look your best.

You’ve probably heard that skin is made up of skin cells. But did you know that you have approximately 19 million skin cells on every square inch of skin!

Eat your veggies! Eating a wide range of vegetables – particularly those high in vitamins C and E (such as spinach, carrots, red bell peppers and tomatoes) – will ensure that your diet is rich in antioxidants, compounds that are believed to play an important role in maintaining the health of both your body and your skin.

We’re all thin-skinned, in certain areas! The thickness of our skin varies considerably, depending on its location and the role it plays: it’s thinnest on our eyelids and thickest on the palms of our hands and soles of our feet.

Not sure of your skin type? Try this simple test. About 15 minutes after washing your face and patting it dry, press lens-cleaning paper on different parts of your face. In those areas where you produce a lot of oil, the paper will stick or pick up oil. If it doesn’t stick anywhere, you have dry skin. If it only sticks on your forehead, nose and chin, you have normal or combination skin. If it sticks everywhere, you have oily skin.

Need to look after your skin? A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating diseases and disorders of the skin. Your family physician may refer you to a dermatologist, who can help you select the treatment options that are best for your particular condition.

By SkinCareGuide.ca

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Sensitive Skin

1. Is your skin easily damaged or irritated?
2. Is your skin dry, delicate and prone to irritant
or allergic reactions?
3. Does your skin have a reduced tolerance to cold,
heat, wind, temperature changes, or pollution?

If you answer yes to any or all of these questions, consider yourself a member of the “sensitive skin” club to which 56 per cent of Canadian women claim to belong. Of this group, more than 46 per cent also have dry skin.

What is sensitive skin?Generally if you have easily irritated or reactive skin, then you have ‘sensitive skin’. Most of the time sensitive skin relates to the face. Sensitive skin can be caused by a genetic predisposition or environmental factors. It appears as a redness, a swelling, itchy and dry irritation to the face. One of the major jobs of the skin is to waterproof. This is done to the epidermis or surface layer of the skin, producing a fat-protein sandwich that is always being replaced and is vital to prevent too much water loss from the skin.

Symptoms of sensitive skin include:
A tingling or tightening of the skin without visible signs
“Overreaction” to skin care or cosmetic products
Reactions to shaving, or other physical stress to the skin
Sensitive skin can also be a heads-up for other conditions, such as:Altered skin — due to shaving, waxing, medications or heat, cold, wind, and pollution. Also, laser or chemical peels or scar removal
Allergic skin – the sudden appearance of redness or swelling and itchiness
Atopic skin – dry skin that is itchy and produces eczema. Eczema is related to hayfever and asthma. (see Eczema Guide for more information)
Rosacea skin – blood vessels of the face enlarge resulting in a flushed sensation or a redness of the skin
What to do about your skin?Perfume or scented creams can be irritating.
Rinse well after using cleansing products, which should be mild and soap-free as they do not remove so much oil from the skin (www.MildCleanser.ca gives you more information about this kind of cleansers)
Use a moisturizer and sunscreen that is formulated for sensitive skin
Don’t over wash your face. Temperature of the water should be tepid; neither hot or cold
Don’t use exfoliants
Be aware of seasonal temperatures. The sudden dryness of winter can mean itchy, dry skin until the skin responds by increasing oil production to reduce the water loss
For breakouts use a cleanser with salicylic acid to help exfoliate pores. There are also moisturizers that contain salicylic acid
Be sensitive to stress

The causes and effects of stress on the body are not fully known, but for some people stress interferes with the body’s systems that repair and regulate the skin. Stress kills your natural antioxidant defenses, which help to prevent accelerated aging of the skin. Hormones can also trigger a histamine release within the skin causing it to erupt in bumpy redness, or breakout in hives.

Desensitize yourself

When choosing makeup, especially foundation and blush, buy oil-free products. Makeup that is water-based won’t clog pores. Look for oil-absorbing foundations that help keep oil off the face.

As for the rest of your body, check ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals in soaps, shampoos, body cleansers and creams, bath oils, bubble baths, etc.

* Put your best face forward Watch your alcohol intake, spicy foods and caffeine
* Try to avoid excessive temperature changes
* Use the right cleansers, moisturizers and cosmetics
* Manage stress as best you can

By Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC

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Botox shrinks pores?


Botox® (botulinum toxin A) is a popular and effective treatment for wrinkles. Now using Botox might have another benefit, reducing large pores on the skin.

Having pores that are too big on the nose and forehead is a common complaint from men in clinic. Men have a higher density of sebaceous glands than women and sometimes have excessively oily skin with wide, deep pores. Excess oiliness and big pores can be difficult to treat. Surgical treatments such as lasers, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels can be used to improve the appearance, but results are often not satisfactory. Topical retinoids such as Retin-A® and Tazorac® can also effective in some people, but require applying the medication daily.
A cosmetic physican in Chicago has published a study using Botox to treat oily skin complexion and large pores. He found that 17 of 20 patients who received Botox in the skin reported a reduction in the oiliness and the pore size in the treated areas.

Botox works by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Acetylcholine controls sweating, which is why Botox works so well to treat excess perspiration (hyperhidrosis), and can effect production of sebum. Botox injected into the skin then can block excess sebum production leading to less oily skin and to smaller pores.

The study did not compare Botox to other treatments and did not have scientific measures of pore size or of oiliness, but it did find that the majority of patients who were treated with the Botox specifically for oil problems felt that the treatment worked.

Women are more frequent users of Botox than men, but studies like this might give men another reason to try Botox to improve their appearance.

If nothing else, it can make you seem cool and collected as you watch your stocks plummet in the market.

Post written by Jeffrey Benabio, MD. All rights reserved, The Derm Blog 2008.