Acne Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods
By admin | September 26, 2010
Acne, blemishes and inflammation can be emotionally debilitating as well as embarrassing. However, many fail to realize that the foods we eat have a profound affect on the way our skin looks. Acne is inflammation of the skin. Its scientific name is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in highly visible areas of the body like the face, neck, back and chest area.
There are several thousands of drugs, herbal treatments and natural supplements available in the treatment of acne, but a much more inexpensive and natural way to reduce pain and inflammation is by eating the right foods. There are many naturopathic defenses found in our foods that can give us a glowing complexion.
Although a food is natural doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for the skin.
Did you know that bananas, bagels, corn, red meats and peanuts actually play a role in skin inflammation, acne and blemishes? Yes, I know they are healthy. But these foods actually contain a high level of a type of fatty acid known as arachidonic acid, which actually increases inflammation. If you remove these foods from your diet, it decreases the levels pro-inflammatory compounds throughout the body. The removal of this from the diet actually removes puffiness from the face, removes blemishes – and actually makes you look much younger!
Some great anti-inflammatory foods are yogurt, apples and almonds – and of course water. The cells in our skin need to stay hydrated and water adds to the fresh moisturized look we all strive to achieve.
I’ll share more great skin tips and anti-inflammatory foods that will actually make you look younger and improve your complexion in later issues.
Stay tuned… MORE TIPS to come!
To your good health!
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Prevent Acne
By admin | August 23, 2010
Everyone at one time or another has experienced having acne, be it a lone pimple or a more serious case. Common acne is caused by excessive secretion of sebum, which is the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebum serves to keep the skin and hair healthy, but when there is an over-production of it, the sebum clogs up hair follicles and causes acne. Since it is oily in nature, sebum tends to attract dirt and dust from the environment, leading to bacterial growth and what we commonly refer to as a pimple.
To prevent acne at home, here are some tips:
Keep your face clean. Wash your face or other affected area with a gentle cleanser twice per day. Simple cleaning is a good tool to break up the oils and prevent acne bacteria from establishing a foothold.
Cleanse properly. Many over-the-counter medicated cleansers will help you to prevent acne by way of ingredients targeted at the bacteria. Be sure to read the label and use the product correctly for best results.
Try not to touch your face. In our day to day lives, our hands come in contact with millions of bacteria which get transferred about with everything we touch. You will prevent acne by preventing the spread of bacteria to your face. (Good hand-washing habits are an important component of this as well.)
Do not squeeze pimples. It will not help you prevent acne, and may lead to infection, worsening of acne, and scarring.
Avoid oily skin care products. Choose water-based skin care formulas that clean gently. Do not use cold creams, petroleum jelly, and oil-based cosmetics such as lipstick if you are prone to acne. Prevent acne by not adding to the amount of oil already in your skin.
Eat properly. Some experts say that diet is not a component of acne, but anecdotal evidence cannot be overlooked. Prevent acne by eating a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and reduce your intake of processed foods and alcohol. Eating yogurt with active probiotic cultures is terrific for your overall system, of which the skin is the largest organ. Try switching to sea salt instead of iodized salt, since iodine may be linked to acne for some people. Consume “good fats” such as olive oil in place of saturated fats such as those found in butter.
Improve your lifestyle. You may find that daily exercise and proper sleep will help prevent acne, because they both have a positive effect on the hormonal balance of your body.
Of course, if you are having extreme difficulty with acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist for help. Your doctor has prescription medications available, from oral antibiotics to medicated ointments and creams that may not only clear up the acne you have today, but he or she can prescribe them as a prophylactic to prevent acne on a daily basis.
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Acne Product Rating
By admin | August 23, 2010
Helping you help your acne: Acne Product Rating
Looking for some advice on what acne product to try? Below are ratings of a few of the top sellers, to help you decide.
Topping the list is the Exposed Acne Treatment System. This regimen uses a synergistic combination of natural botanicals and scientifically proven acne-fighting ingredients, at an affordable price. A 60-day supply is $49.95, so for about 85 cents a day you can experience clearer skin. Like many acne products, Exposed Acne Treatment System is a three-step cleanser, toner, and acne prevention serum. An added advantage over other products is that it comes with a money back guarantee for a full year from purchase.
Second on our best acne product rating list is the Murad Acne Complex. Not only does it have high quality ingredients having been scientifically developed by a renowned dermatologist, you can try it for just $29.95. Another three-step acne product, Murad’s system consists of Clarifying Cleanser, Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel, and Skin Perfecting Lotion, all of which contain scientifically proven ingredients as well as soothing botanicals. In addition to the three-step acne product system, Murad sells related products, such as vitamins specifically targeted toward clearing up and preventing acne. Murad’s acne products also come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Next is Proactiv Solution. You have likely see this product advertised in a magazine or on an infomercial. The Proactiv acne product line is used by celebrities and everyday people alike, and it is hard to ignore the customer testimonials on the web site. Consisting of Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Lotion, a trial kit is $19.95. Proactiv also sells a Daily Oil Control product that can be used in conjunction with the acne regimen, as well as an oil-free SPF 15 sunscreen to protect the skin of acne sufferers. Proactiv offers a 60 day money-back guarantee.
A lesser-known acne product comes from dermatologists Rodan and Fields (who actually make Proactiv Solution) and rounds out this acne product rating list. This system is kind of a step up in acne treatment and therefore is pricier than the others. (That being said, you do get full-sized versions when you purchase their products.) With the Unblemish acne regimen, at $101.00, you get their Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash, Clarifying Toner, and Acne Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment. The Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash is a departure from the benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid that most other cleansing formulas contain, so some may have better success in using it. In addition, Rodan and Fields also offers products that others do not: Unblemish Blot papers with Zincidone which help control oil throughout the day, and Unblemish Body Regimen, which includes Salicylic Body Wash and Salicylic Body Spray to keep breakouts under control on the body (think tank tops and that little black dress.) The company offers a 60-day money back guarantee on its products.
The internet obviously offers an acne sufferer the opportunity to research the companies’ treatment formulas and philosophies. These companies offer not only effective products, but good information about them and about acne in general on their web sites. Spending a few minutes reading about the products before selecting one will increase your success in controlling acne.
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Exposed Acne Treatment
By admin | August 23, 2010
Not just another acne remedy
If you are looking for the latest in acne-fighting products, check out Exposed Acne Treatment System. A lot of skin care companies offer three-step systems for acne treatment, but Exposed Acne Treatment System is different.
Most of the three-step regimens on the market clean, tone, and moisturize, but Exposed Acne Treatment System fights four of the most significant acne causes: blocked pores, acne-causing bacteria, excessive sebum (oil) production, and inflammation from the immune response. People from all areas of skin care contributed to this acne-fighting system, including dermatologists, naturopaths, chemists, and cosmetologists.
Since the formulations are focused on mostly natural ingredients, the Exposed Acne Treatment System components are gentler on the skin than other acne products. They do not cause over-drying and peeling associated with the typical acne treatments available. Exposed Acne Treatment System not only helps clear acne, it also works to prevent new blemishes, even out skin tone, and minimize the appearance of acne scarring. Tea tree oil, green tea extract as well as jojoba and licorice extracts are some of the natural ingredients found in the products.
Exposed Acne Treatment System also makes use of benzoyl peroxide, which is one of the most effective acne-fighting ingredients available, and approved by the FDA. In addition, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) protects against free radicals in the environment and helps avoid worsening of acne symptoms. The natural and chemical ingredients in Exposed Acne Treatment System are designed to work together to combat not only the symptoms, but the causes of acne as well.
Like other acne regimens, Exposed Acne Treatment System directs that the products be used twice per day. It only takes a few minutes, which is good for people on the go. This kind of system helps establish good skin care habits, too, because using it twice a day yields the desired result: clear skin.
One thing that really sets Exposed Acne Treatment System apart from the rest of the treatments out there is the company’s guarantee. Confident that you will achieve great results, the purchasers are encouraged to use the product for 60 days. If dissatisfied, a customer can painlessly return the product for a refund within 1 year of purchase.
On balance, it’s a pretty good deal: Exposed Acne Treatment System addresses all aspects of acne, and offers to give you your money back if it doesn’t work for you.
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Vitamins that Fight Acne
By admin | August 23, 2010
Vitamins to ward off acne: Know your vitamins!
VITAMINS & ACNE
Vitamins play a huge role in fighting acne. I’ll share with you a secret. There are two vitamins that can actually help combat acne.
In order to provide the essential acne fighting properties that the skin needs to ward off inflammation and bacteria, you need to have the right amount of vitamins in your body.
Zinc is linked to skin health because it actually enhances immune function. It also aids in reducing inflammation and helps promote healthy hormone levels. This is highly beneficial for woman menstruating or young adults experiencing puberty.
Zinc is also vital for the repair and growth of new healthy skin. But best of all, zinc can help heal and prevent acne breakouts.
Here are some foods that contain Zinc:
- Sweet potatoes, Seafood, Cheese, Fish, Eggs, Grains, Meats, Nuts
Another strong acne fighting vitamin is Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps to regulate hormone levels whereby controlling acne breakouts which are commonly triggered by hormonal changes due to menstruation, puberty and sometimes menopause. Other factors can also lead to hormonal changes but these are just a few.
Here are some foods that contain Vitamin B6:
- Chicken, Sweet potatoes, Sunflower seeds, Salmon, Mango
Remember, monitor what you eat. The skin really does react to what you put in your body.
Don’t forget to love your body and it will love you back!
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Acne Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
By admin | August 23, 2010
Acne, blemishes and inflammation can be emotionally debilitating as well as embarrassing. However, many fail to realize that the
foods we eat have a profound affect on the way our skin looks. Acne is inflammation of the skin. Its scientific name is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in highly visible areas of the body like the face, neck, back and chest area.
There are several thousands of drugs, herbal treatments and natural supplements available in the treatment of acne, but a much more inexpensive and natural way to reduce pain and inflammation is by eating the right foods. There are many naturopathic defenses found in our foods that can give us a glowing complexion.
Although a food is natural doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for the skin.
Did you know that bananas, bagels, corn, red meats and peanuts actually play a role in skin inflammation, acne and blemishes? Yes, I know they are healthy. But these foods actually contain a high level of a type of fatty acid known as arachidonic acid, which actually increases inflammation. If you remove these foods from your diet, it decreases the levels pro-inflammatory compounds throughout the body. The removal of this from the diet actually removes puffiness from the face, removes blemishes – and actually makes you look much younger!
Some great anti-inflammatory foods are yogurt, apples and almonds – and of course water. The cells in our skin need to stay hydrated and water adds to the fresh moisturized look we all strive to achieve.
Here are the 10 Most Potent Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory Rich Foods:
These foods were tested by the Department of Agriculture recently. Actually, they tested over 100 different foods and identified these ten as having the highest anti-oxidant content.
1. Rasberries
2. Blackberries
3. Cranberries
4. Pinto beans
5. Wild Blueberries
6. Prunes
7. Artichokes
8. Farm blueberries
9. Red kidney beans
10. Adzuki beans
Do you notice the pattern? Eight out of the ten most powerful natural antioxidants are beans or berries. Remember to have your servings of these today. Your body will love you for it!
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Beware of Natural Foods That Induce Acne!
By admin | August 23, 2010
Hearing that some natural foods actually induce and promote acne is not something we commonly hear. Some say, "that’s impossible!" But it’s true.
There are some natural foods that actually lead to blemishes and acne – regardless of whether you are a teenager or an adult. Acne can be prevalent in adults as well as teenagers and there are ways we can avoid it – although the pharmaceutical and drug companies will tell you otherwise.
The drug companies occupy a billion dollar industry and there’s a lot of money to be made. What the public doesn’t know is advantageous for these companies because it keeps us coming back for more treatments – that continue to feed this huge industry.
But what many people with acne also don’t realize is that what we eat can actually have a huge impact on our skin. What does this mean for us? It means less money spent on medicines and treatments and more time spent on enjoying life.
The Close Relationship between Food and Acne:
Did you know that mangos, bagels, potatoes, popcorn, papaya, and many other “natural” foods (which I won’t tell you about here) actually cause acne? It’s true. These foods are inflammation-inducing foods which cause problems such as a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This leads to a burst of inflammation on a cellular level. Basically, as our insulin rises, this leads to increased inflammation throughout our bodies.
It is essential that we stick to eating anti-inflammatory foods like apples, oatmeal, yogurt, fish and celery (to name a few). Sign up for the mini-course. There I’ll share with you the secret foods that actually do induce acne. I’ll also share with you recipes and natural foods that actually stop acne dead! No more expensive drugs…
You will find the secret is right in your very own kitchen! Really… it’s all in what you eat. I’ll give you the acne-secrets that will treat your acne. You’ll be amazed!
Remember, your health and well-being is your responsibility. Take care of your skin. It will love you for it!
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Acne Vulgaris: It’s common, but it doesn’t have to be you
By admin | August 23, 2010
At some time during your life, you have probably experienced acne vulgaris, perhaps without even knowing it. What is acne vulgaris?
Acne vulgaris is a very common form of acne, which affects mainly the face, upper chest, and back of an individual. It may take the form of inflamed, red pimples known as papules or red pimples with white centers known as pustules. It may also be characterized by non-inflamed comedones, such as whiteheads or blackheads. In some cases, there will be cysts or pus-filled lumps known as nodules under the skin. Acne vulgaris mainly affects the face, chest, and back because those are the areas with the largest concentration of sebaceous follicles.
There are many factors that can contribute to the formation of acne vulgaris. Excess sebum, which is basically the oil produced in sebaceous follicles, may clog the follicle and also attract bacteria which lead to acne vulgaris.
Hormones may be another contributing factor in acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is very common in teenagers, and medical science points to increase levels of various hormones circulating in the body as a potential cause. Genetics may also play a part in the development of acne vulgaris in some individuals.
Changes in the lipid (fat) composition of the skin have been considered in the development of acne vulgaris. Many individuals with acne vulgaris tend to have very oily skin, and produce excess sebum. The excess sebum may change the lipid level of the epidermis, and being out of balance, may lead to the formation of comedones.
Microscopic organisms may also be to blame for acne vulgaris. An organism referred to as P acnes is a “bug” found in many acne lesions. These bacteria promote inflammation, and in some individuals who are sensitive to it, P acnes may lead to acne vulgaris symptoms.
Medications may also play a part in acne vulgaris. If you begin to suddenly develop pimples, check with your prescriber or pharmacist as to side effects of your medicines. In addition, externally used products, such as hairspray, may lead to clogging of follicles and therefore produce acne vulgaris lesions.
Although it affects 85-100% of the population at one time or another during their lives, and is quite “normal,” acne vulgaris can also cause physical pain and emotional suffering. Acne vulgaris can lead to permanent scarring if left untreated for prolonged periods of time, further exacerbating the damage to one’s self image.
We can all picture a teen we have known with an acne-ridden face. However, it is not only teens who suffer from acne vulgaris. At 25 years old, more than 10% of women and about 5% of men still experience acne vulgaris. By age 45, roughly 5% of both men and women are still experiencing acne vulgaris. (Oddly, more men suffer from acne vulgaris as teenagers, but more women experience acne vulgaris in adulthood.) In addition, newborns may have symptoms of acne vulgaris, theoretically due to hormonal changes that occur once the baby is outside the womb.
If you (or your loved one) have what appears to be acne vulgaris, the best thing you can do is assess its severity, and seek a medical opinion as to what to do. Do not tell yourself “it’s no big deal” if you see several lesions at a time on an ongoing basis. Seek help from your physician or dermatologist, who can get you into a regimen of preventative and healing measures. This will not only help avoid acne vulgaris, but will prevent the scarring and social stigma that accompanies it.
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How to Battle Acne Blemishes
By admin | August 23, 2010
When fighting blemishes it is essential that you use the right cleansers for your skin. Regardless of whether you have teenage acne or adult acne a gentle cleanse should always be a necessary part of your daily routine.
Every individual has different skin needs. But what doesn’t differ is that everyone’s skin needs to be cleaned to remove excess dirt brought about by the outside environment. Gentle cleansing is the first place to start.
Use a water-soluble cleanser:
Water-soluble cleansers are great because they gently cleanse your skin without stimulating the oil glands. A gentle cleanse does not cause redness or dryness. It also makes the skin feel soft and releases oil and dirt gently without damaging the skin.
Once you leave those dry, irritating pore-clogging bar cleansers and soaps behind, you will notice a distinct difference in the way your skin looks and feels. But you must remember to ONLY stick to water-soluble cleansers which are free of exfoliating agents, oil absorbing ingredients and topical disinfectants. These harsh ingredients do very little for the skin because these active ingredients are quickly washed away – not providing any benefit on the skin at all. These ingredients are best used in the other stages of the cleansing process – like moisturizers, exfoliators or for disinfecting the skin.
But it is important to not only cater to the outside of your body but also you must cater to your body from the inside-out. Make sure you are eating anti-oxidant rich, non-inflammatory foods like hazelnuts, salmon, celery, cucumbers, apples, yogurt and pomegranates.
Many people do not realize this, but there are many natural foods that can actually lead to skin inflammation. We are always told to eat fruits and vegetables because they’re better for us than processed foods. However, some of these fruits and vegetables can actually be detrimental to our skin.
Did you know that inflammation actually plays a role in the development of swelling and disease? It also plays a role in acne and aging.
In youthful-disease free skin, when looking at the skin under a microscope, no inflammation is visible. However it is present in older skin. This is also the same for acne-prone skin.
Basically, the foods we eat are just as important as the foods we should avoid – like flour, bread, bananas, cream cheese, granola and honey. You thought these were good you’re your skin? Nope, think again! These foods are inflammation inducing foods which can actually leave our skin looking tired, puffy and prone to break-outs.
The list goes on (with natural foods that are bad for the skin), but if you want to learn check out the articles we have on this website and sign up for our free mini-course to the right of this page. There you will find all natural tips, information and treatments for acne. These are the secrets the pharmaceutical and drug companies won’t tell you about.
Take care of your skin it is well worth it.
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