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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Anti-Aging Remedies



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1.Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and Collagen Fillers
The days of stretching and lifting our faces are drawing to a close. Hyaluronic acid and collagen fillers are behind the "new look," a plumped-up, pushed-out baby face, adding volumed to sagging, weathered faces. As you age, the collagen in your skin breaks down due to an increased production of enzymes, leaving you more susceptible to bruising, wrinkling and tearing. "Collagen is a key supporting substance," says the University of Michigan (UM) Health System. A 2007 UM Health System study looked at Restylane, a dermal filler, and found it promoted new and limited the breakdown of existing collagen. All this, just twice a year. Maybe the rich and famous aren't so crazy after all.


2.Botox injections
Botox injection
Who hasn't had Botox injections these days? From top Hollywood stars to the stay-at-home mom down the street, the Botox craze continues to stiffen the faces of countless women. A skilled dermatologist, however, can inject Botox very precisely into the muscle, allowing facial movement in all except one small area. "The treatment is quick and not terribly painful, and the results are visible almost immediately," says Krupp. "Results only last about three to six months, but some doctors claim that if you have regular Botox injections, the results are cumulative, allowing you to go longer between injections until you don't need them anymore."


3.Retinoid creams
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If you own a TV, no doubt you've been bombarded with commercials for rejuvenating creams, wrinkle-reducing moisturizers and countless other "miracles." What's the truth behind these weighty claims? According to the Harvard Health Publications, skin creams containing retinoid may do the trick. Tretinoin, a popular retinoid better known as Retin-A or Renova, "reduces fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen." If you're unable to get your hands on these prescriptions, there are over-the-counter options that "do improve the appearance of photoaged skin." Results appear in about 6 months to a year.


4.Chemical peels
A chemical peel, which eliminates the first layer of skin actually reveals the face that lies beneath the surface. There are varying levels of chemical peels, ranging from superficial peels with salicylic acid to deep peels with phenol. These procedures can effectively banish the appearance of wrinkles, scars and age spots, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. Superficial peels are not a one-time procedure; the best result won't come until you've gotten a number of peels. On the upside, they don't require an extended recovery period. For deeper peels, "Recovery may be slow and complete healing may take several months," according to Weill Medical College of Cornell University.


5.Laser skin resurfacing
Like a chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing aims to encourage growth of new cells beneath your damaged outer layer, as a means of tuning back the clock. But be prepared for some serious down time -- the UM Health System recommends that you do not return to work two weeks post-op. and have someone around for a day or two to help you out.


6.Vitamin Therapy: Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C and E
Simply taking vitamins won't halt the aging process, unless you're taking the ones that have a proven effect on your body. Vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene are antioxidants that have the power to protect your skin against harmful free radicals, which are believed to play a role in the aging process, according to the UM Health System. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals, which can develop from a variety of normal metabolic functions in the body or environmental factors, including smoke, smog and the sun. But before you start swallowing handfuls, be aware that an excess of vitamins can be dangerous to your health. Play it safe by taking the daily recommended amount of vitamins by eating foods rich in antioxidants.


7.Wear Sunscreen
The facts still stand firm: Sunscreen might be your best defense against the aging effects of the sun. "Excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun can result in premature aging and undesirable changes in skin texture," says the Center for Disease Control. The proper sunscreen can block UVA and UVB rays that can cause cancerous growths in addition to unsightly skin conditions. To be extra safe, stay out of direct sunlight when the rays are their strongest, usually in the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.


8.Anti-Aging Foods
"Those who ate a diet containing more 'whole foods' -- vegetables, fruits, legumes, eggs, yogurt, nuts, oils rich in monounsaturated fats, multigrain bread, tea, and water -- had less wrinkling and premature skin aging than those whose diets were rich in whole milk, red meat (particularly processed meats), butter, potatoes, and sugar," according to a study cited by University at California, Berkeley. These particular foods may help prevent aging because they are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals and monounsaturated fats.


9.De-stressing techniques
"It's hard to think of any disease in which stress cannot play an aggravating role, or any part of the body that is not affected [by stress]," according to The American Institute of Stress. That includes the ravages of aging. The key is to de-stress without harmful crutches like alcohol and cigarettes. Natural stress reduction methods like yoga, deep-breathing and meditation can be highly effective in contributing to a more youthful appearance.


10.Calorie Restriction
"Calorie restriction is the practice of eating less than your body needs to maintain your normal weight," according to the Mayo Clinic. And with the restriction may come revitalization and rejunvenation. Animals that have been placed on a restricted calorie diet in lab studies have lived longer lives than their counterparts who ate normal diets. They were also less likely to develop chronic illnesses that often develop with age. Also, "short trials of calorie restriction diets in people have shown some benefit," including improved blood pressure, a lower body fat percentage and lower levels of cholesterol, says the Mayo Clinic. A calorie-restricted diet can affect your overall health, but it has not been proven as conclusive anti-aging agent; speak with your doctor before starting.


11.Giveaway Areas
It used to be all about the face. Now, in order to mask their age, women are asking plastic surgeons to make improvements on more subtle parts of their bodies: hands, knees and the neck. Hands are one of the first body parts that can betray your age. Laser treatments can be used to remove spots that have already surfaced and the same fillers that are being used to plump up faces can be used to thicken skin on the hands. As for the neck and chest, a variety of prescription creams and Botox can work together to lighten spots, wrinkling and banding. As for the knees, there's no quick fix, but baggy knees can be lasered into their previous condition and treated with Botox and fillers.


12.Wear sunglasses
You've been told a thousand times that not wearing sunscreen will leave your skin wrinkly and leathery, but what about the sun's effects on your eyes? Sunglasses can shield your eyes from harsh rays that can induce cataracts and macular degeneration. The cosmetic benefits are plentiful too. "With shades, you'll squint less, helping you keep crow's feet and forehead wrinkles at bay, and you'll protect the delicate skin on the sides of your eyes, just as long as you make sure the shades cover that area as well," says Krupp.

Home made Facial Scrub : Home remedies recipes


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Exfoliation is essential to anyone’s skincare regimen, yet often the most hyped over-the-counter scrubs are costly and anything but chemical-free. The recipes below are not only all natural; they are cost-effective. Most importantly, they are fun to prepare in your own kitchen and leave you with tingly clean skin as a refreshing result!

General Scrub Procedure

  1. Tie hair back.
  2. Wash face.
  3. To open pores, steam face over hot water or press warm cloth to skin for a few minutes.
  4. After preparing scrub, apply it to face (and neck if desired). Avoid eye area.
  5. Optional: Use a facial loofah, sponge, or brush to maximize exfoliation.
  6. Rinse off with warm water.
  7. Enjoy results!
#Yogurt Walnut Scrub
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup walnuts (very finely grounded)

The Instructions

Mix ingredients together. Wet your face then gently work the scrub into your skin. Rinse off with warm water.



#Oat and Brown Sugar Scrub
The Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. ground oats
  • 2 tsp. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. aloe vera
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice

The Instructions

Mix all ingredients in a clean bowl until you have a smooth paste. Gently massage onto damp skin, and rinse off with warm water. You can triple the recipe for a fantastic smoothing body treatment.

Ground Oats: userolled oats and a clean coffee grinder or blender to grind the flakes to a fine powder.


#Egg,Oat,Honey Scrub

-1 Egg White
-1 TBS Honey
-1-3 TBS Finely Chopped Oats

Whisk the egg white and honey together in a bowl add a TBS of FC Oats. Until it forms a past if it is still runny add more FC oats. Then relax for 10 minutes. Then Wash Off


#Honey and Almond Scrub

  • 1/2 Cold cream -- small jar
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey
  • Slivered almonds


  • Whirl slivered almonds in a blender until they're as fine as freshly ground pepper. Mix with cold cream and add honey. Keep refrigerated.

    #Rose Almond Face Scrub

    To brighten and soften skin.

    1 tsp rosewater
    1/2 tsp almond flour or finely ground almonds.

    Mix into paste and apply.

    Oatmeal Scrub
    A stimulating, thoroughly cleansing 3-in-1 scrub!
    Smooths, tones, and hydrates.

    1 Tbsp. ground oatmeal (use steel cut oats, not instant)
    1 tsp. lemon juice
    2 tsp. yogurt

    Combine and apply.
    Optional: let your scrub double as a mask! Let it sit a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

    Azuki Bean Scrub
    Banish your blackheads. Especially effective for combination and oily skin types.

    ½ cup dried azuki beans

    Grind beans. (Having a small coffee grinder set aside specifically for beauty recipes is a wise idea).
    Add a little water to the mixture and apply.

    Milk and Honey Scrub
    Maximize or minimize its moisturizing effect at will.

    Choose your dairy:
    1 tsp Skim Milk (Oily skin)
    1 tsp 2% Milk (Normal or combination)
    1 tsp Cream (Dry)

    1 tsp honey
    1 tbsp ground almonds

    Banana Scrub
    A very finely textured, delicious-smelling scrub. Can double as a mask.

    2 tsp mashed banana
    2 tsp rolled oats
    1 tsp milk
    1 tsp honey

    Honey Sugar Scrub
    If you have ever used a body sugar scrub, you know how amazing they are. Work the same magic on your face!

    1 tsp. of honey
    1/2 tsp. of sugar (either cane or brown — both work well)

    Blend in bowl. Apply.
    Rinse very thoroughly, as this recipe can be slightly sticky.

    Care 2.com’s Healthy & Green Living shares this amazing (and Thanksgiving appropriate!) body scrub concoction (which also works wonders for the face):

    Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice Scrub
    1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed
    1/2 cup brown sugar
    1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

    Blend in a bowl. Apply mixture to face (and body, if you really want to indulge yourself).

    The Green Beauty Guide offers this organic recipe:

    “Eat Your Greens” Facial Scrub
    2 tsp organic wheat bran
    2 tbsp organic oatmeal
    2 tbsp olive oil soap, finely shredded
    1 tsp dried parsley
    1 part dried lettuce

    Shave your favorite plant oil-based soap.
    Grind parsley and lettuce with pestle in mortar. (We have tried this - you can also blend it in a processor).
    Add soap shavings and mix thoroughly.
    Whisk in the oatmeal and wheat brand and continue stirring until thoroughly mixed.

    You might also like:

    Types and Tratments of Acne Scars


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    Scars caused by acne are much more common than doctors once believed, most people will have acne scars that are mild. However, some will have scars that look significant even to others. The best approach is prevention and to treat acne right away as sometimes even mild acne can cause scarring, this can minimize the risk of permanent acne scars. There are a number of different looking scars caused by acne.

    They Can Be Classified As Follows:

    Types of Acne Scars

    Ice pick scars - Deep pits, that are the most common and a classic sign of acne scarring.


    Box car scars - Angular scars that usually occur on the temple and cheeks, and can be either superficial or deep, these are similar to chickenpox scars.


    Rolling scars - Scars that give the skin a wave-like appearance.

    Rolling scars Rolling scars

    Hypertrophic scars - Thickened, or keloid scars.

    Hypertrophic scars

    In order to get rid of, or minimize acne scarring, a combination of treatments provides the best results for many people.

    Treatment Options For Acne Scars:

    If you have scarring, the acne scar treatment you get will depend on the type of scars you have, as well as on your skin type. Most experience has been gained treating facial scars. Generally, scars on the chest and back do not respond as well.

    Tips in choosing Anti Aging Creams


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    http://www.healthycrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/the-best-anti-aging-cream.jpg
    There are so many anti-aging creams in the market today that offers solutions to your skin problems such as discoloration, sagging, wrinkles, removal of eye bags and tightening of pores to name a few. Before spending your dollars on that expensive cream, here are some tips in choosing the one that will give you the best results.

    The Ingredients to Look For

    Most anti-aging creams include vitamins that are good for the skin when taken orally. If you put it on your skin, you are just putting a little dose because not all of it are absorbed into the skin enough to make a significant impact. But there are ingredients that have proven results such as:

    Vitamin A. Effective in diminishing the depth of wrinkles because of its anti-inflammatory effect.

    Vitamin C. Effective in brightening the skin by boosting circulation and collagen production. Some claim that vitamin-C enriched anti-aging creams also lighten the color of the skin. This is due to enhancement of skin renewal.

    AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids or fruit acids). Our skin undergoes a natural renewal process. AHA enhances this process by shedding off of dead skin cells which makes way for brighter skin.

    Retinoids. It hastens the production of new cells. With continued use, skin becomes smoother and also known to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. Take note of the word “continued” because if you stop using it, your skin will revert to its previous condition.

    In most cases, a good moisturizer is enough to complement exercise and proper diet to battle the signs of aging.

    Monday, June 8, 2009

    How to pop a pimple

    How to pop a pimple

    Common advice is to let your body heal a pimple on its own without popping. But in the real world, some people absolutely refuse to go around with a bulging white zit for the world to see. Plus, when done properly, popping a pimple can actually be beneficial to the healing process. Reserve this technique for only pimples that are absolutely begging to be popped—all the way at the surface and white. After a shower is best, when the skin is supple.

    1. Disinfect a needle with rubbing alcohol. A basic sharp sewing needle is a good choice.
    2. Gently prick the pimple’s surface.
    3. Take two tissues and wrap your index fingers with them.
    4. Squeeze from the sides, confidently but gently, using a down-and-in motion. Don’t force it. If the pimple is ready, it’ll pop. If it doesn’t, leave it be. Be sure to stop if clear fluid or blood starts to come out.
    5. Continuing to work at a lesion that is not ready to be popped can lead to scarring. Walk away from the mirror!

    It is very important to leave deep, painful lesions (cysts and nodules) untouched. Do not attempt to pop them. Instead, a fantastic option for these types of lesions is to see a dermatologist who can administer a cortisone injection which will bring down swelling and potentially reduce or eliminate scarring. Often dermatologists will accept a quick “emergency” appointment for such matters.

    Cure Acne in 3 days!

    Cure Acne in 3 days!

    The market is littered with "cures for acne". However, if you ask any dermatologist or medical researcher, they will tell you a cure does not exist. While Accutane does provide long term remission for some patients and an argument could be made that it approaches an "acne cure" in these cases, you will not find a cure on the Internet or in the back of a magazine.

    Since there is no cure for acne, your time is better spent looking at how to treat and prevent acne. In my experience, is the best over-the-counter medication for preventing acne. But with benzoyl peroxide, as with any other acne medication aside from , you must be deliberate and steady and follow an acne treatment regimen until you grow out of acne naturally. Prevention is the key.

    For a free, non-commercial acne prevention regimen, visit the pages of Acne.org.

    research Note: I think the human race would be better off without it, and with today’s knowledge and technology, I think it’s possible. I am spending most of my time researching at this point, delving deeper and deeper into how the pore works on a microscopic level and then researching possible ways to interrupt the acne process within the skin. I am always looking for interns to help me with this process. If you are passionate about research, meticulous, and a good communicator, please feel free to regarding internship opportunities.

    Smoking and acne - how cigarettes affect the skin

    Smoking and acne - how cigarettes affect the skin

    Smoking causes three million deaths per year worldwide. It causes many forms of cancer and untold pain and suffering, not to mention billions of dollars in preventable health care costs. Common sense says that smoking negatively effects almost every bodily condition, but evidence is mounting from smoking studies around the world that people who smoke are no more likely to break out. The most impressive is a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in 2006 in which trained nurses interviewed 27,083 young men over a 20 year period. The conclusion was surprising: “Active smokers showed a significantly lower prevalence of severe acne than nonsmokers.” In another study, published in 2007 in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, researchers reported that of the 594 participants studied, “In girls, smoking was significantly associated with lower prevalence of acne…No significant associations between acne and smoking variables were detected among boys.” A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2001 seems to refute these findings. 896 people were examined for the study. Smokers tended to have more acne, and the more they smoked, the worse their acne presented itself. Other studies have showed no statistical difference between smokers and non-smokers in regards to acne. In short, evidence is conflicting and the medical research community needs quite a bit more data to come to a consensus.
    asclepius
    Smoking harms skin health: While smoking may or may not aggravate acne, it nevertheless does harm the skin. Smoking constricts blood vessels and damages the surface of many parts of our bodies, from the cells that line our organs to the skin that protects us. It also induces an inflammatory reaction in the body, precipitating a huge list of diseases. Specific to the skin, smoking is linked to poor wound healing and psoriasis. It may also be related to skin cancers.
    magic mirror
    Smoking harms skin appearance: Smoking is also closely associated with wrinkles and premature skin aging. Smoking creates free radicals, impairs collagen production, and degrades skin proteins, all of which age the skin. Quitting smoking, or not taking up smoking in the first place, is one of the best preventative measures against premature aging. Smoking can also stain the teeth and hasten hair loss. Not surprisingly, in surveys of body esteem, smokers tend to rank lower than non-smokers.
    nicotine card
    Nicotine, the wild card: As with many things in life, there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, evidence is showing that smoking may actually help protect against mouth sores and rosacea. And as we see in the latest studies of smoking and acne, smoking may perhaps help reduce the severity of acne. The potential positive effects of smoking are most likely from nicotine, and not from smoking itself. Nicotine by itself is not necessarily harmful. In the case of acne, the constriction of blood vessels that nicotine produces may inhibit the production of more severe forms of acne in a lucky few people. How and if this happens is still up to debate.

    References

    Beylot C. “Mechanisms and causes of acne.” [Article in French] La Revue du Praticien. 2002 Apr 15;52(8):828-30.

    Chuh AA, Zawar V, Wong WC, Lee A. “The association of smoking and acne in men in Hong Kong and in India: a retrospective case-control study in primary care settings.” Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2004 Nov;29(6):597-9.

    Firooz A, Sarhangnejad R, Davoudi SM, Nassiri-Kashani M. “Acne and smoking: is there a relationship?” BMC Dermatology. 2005 Mar 24;5:2.

    Freiman A, Bird G, Metelitsa AI, Baranklin B, Lauzon GJ. “Cutaneous effects of smoking.” Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2004 Nov-Dec;8(6):415-23.

    Jemec GB, Linneberg A, Nielsen NH, Frølund L, Madsen F, Jørgensen T. “Have oral contraceptives reduced the prevalence of acne? a population-based study of acne vulgaris, tobacco smoking, and oral contraceptives.” Dermatology. 2002;204(3):179-84.

    Just-Sarobé M. “Smoking and the skin.” [Article in Spanish] Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas. 2008 Apr;99(3):173-84.

    Klaz I, Kochba I, Shohat T, Zarka S, Brenner S. “Severe acne vulgaris and tobacco smoking in young men.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2006 Aug;126(8):1749-52. Epub 2006 Apr 27.

    Kornblau IS, Pearson HC, Breitkopf CR. “Demographic, behavioral, and physical correlates of body esteem among low-income female adolescents.” Journal of Adolescent Health. 2007 Dec;41(6):566-70. Epub 2007 Sep 29.

    Krug M, Wünsche A, Blum A. “Addiction to tobacco and the consequences for the skin.” [Article in German] Hautarzt. 2004 Mar;55(3):301-15; quiz 316.

    Morita A. “Tobacco smoke causes premature skin aging.” Journal of Dermatological Science. 2007 Dec;48(3):169-75. Epub 2007 Oct 24.

    Rigopoulos D, Gregoriou S, Ifandi A, Efstathiou G, Georgala S, Chalkias J, Katsambas A. “Coping with acne: beliefs and perceptions in a sample of secondary school Greek pupils.” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2007 Jul;21(6):806-10.

    Rombouts S, Nijsten T, Lambert J. “Cigarette smoking and acne in adolescents: results from a cross-sectional study.” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2007 Mar;21(3):326-33.

    Schäfer T, Nienhaus A, Vieluf D, Berger J, Ring J. “Epidemiology of acne in the general population: the risk of smoking.” The British Journal of Dermatology. 2001 Jul;145(1):100-4.

    Wolf R, Orion E, Matz H, Maitra S, Rowland-Payne C. “Smoking can be good for you.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2004 Apr;3(2):107-11.