Evening Primrose Oil - Natural Skincare Treatment

Evening Primrose Oil is a natural, and the richest, source of Gamma-Linolenic acid. It contains about 72% Linoleic acid and 9 percent GLA. Since it contains the essential GLA, evening primrose oil is highly valuable to those who cannot otherwise form enough GLA. This would include those who do not get enough essential fatty acids in their diet, drink or have drunk excessive amounts of alcohol, have low thyroid function, or have received radiation treatment.

The direct source of GLA takes the pressure off the body to produce the necessary amount of GLA for optimum health.What are essential fatty acids and what makes them so essential? EFA’s play important roles in our body‘s overall health. They are part of every cell and establish and control the cellular metabolism. EFA’s are essential in four primary body functions: 1) provide energy, 2) maintain body temperature, 3) insulate our nerves, 4) cushion and protect body tissues. Two key polyunsaturated fatty acids (EFA’s) are Linoleic acid and Gamma-Linolenic acid. LA is not produced by the body but must be obtained through the dietary intake. LA acts as an energy source and is what the body converts to GLA which in turn forms other substances such as prostaglandins (hormone-like substances found in every body cell). They are critical to the body’s overall health maintenance, but need to be replenished constantly as once they serve their purpose, they are destroyed.

The purposes of prostaglandins include lowering blood pressure, reducing risks of blood clotting, stimulating the immune system, and regulating brain function. Animal studies at the University of Pennsylvania have also shown them to prevent arthritis. This is also being studied in humans trials in Europe with similar results. The source of EFA’s in these studies has been Evening Primrose Oil.

Preliminary studies in Sweden are relating Evening Primrose Oil to an anti-oxidant in that it also counter acts the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are most often associated with the aging process. Maintaining health is just one of the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil. It is also being studied extensively in England and Europe for its pain reduction in association with arthritis, controlling complications of diabetes, controlling liver and kidney damage due to alcohol, depression, Multiple sclerosis, skin/hair/nail repair, and most impressively, controlling sever symptoms of PMS.  It is extremely effective as a natural skincare ingredient to treat dry skin and eczema.

A study at St. Thomas Hospital in London found that when PMS suffers were given evening primrose oil three times daily, 67% of the participants were symptom-free and 22% achieved partial relief. (In all total, 89% had positive results with the evening primrose oil.) Although not as popular in the United States, Evening Primrose Oil is available at most health food stores and nutrition centers. And, as more studies become available, we will find why Evening Primrose Oil was commonly called the “King’s Cure All” in 17th Century England.

Herbal Treatments for Under Eye Circles

By Van Le | The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but dark under-eye circles may be the unattractive curtains that scream “look at me!”  You can have flawless skin, the right complexion and perfect makeup, but those dark half-circle patches under the eyes can ruin your entire look.  The most common cause of dark under-eye circle is exhaustion and lack of sleep, however, genetics, aging and a poor diet can contribute to the problem.

The skin under the eyes is thin and delicate, and any disturbances in the body can cause blood vessels near the surface to dilate.  The results can be dramatized and magnified in the area under the eyes, where the skin is thinnest.  Fatigue and lack of sleep can cause pale skin, which makes the appearance of dilated blood vessels more obvious.

Also, dark under-eye circles are part of the natural aging process, since the skin becomes more fragile over time.  Lack of nutrition can also be a
culprit.  Excessive salt, smoking, and vitamin deficiency are all contributing factors.  For those who suffer from this condition as a result of genetics, all hope is not lost.  There are several natural remedies that can reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

Cucumbers and Tea Bags

There’s a reason why they give you cucumber for your eyes at the spas.  Due to its cooling effect, cucumbers refresh the skin and help sooth tired eyes.  Place cooled cucumber slices or cotton balls dipped in cucumber juice over the eyes for 15-20 minutes.  Teabags contain high amounts of tannin, which reduces discoloration and swelling.  Simply place chilled tea bags over the eyes for 15 minutes.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice helps lighten the skin under the eyes.  Combine equal amounts of tomato and lemon juice to the dark areas twice a day, being careful not to get it in your eyes.  A mixture of lemon juice and lanolin cream can also help decrease the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

Almond Oil

Almond oil has excellent nourishing properties, and is easily absorbed by the skin.  Gently rub the oil in the area under the eyes twice a day for
nourished skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E constricts blood vessels from dilating and decreases fluid retention, which lessens the appearance of under-eye circles.  Vitamin E’s
antioxidant properties help the skin look vibrant.  Break open a Vitamin E capsule and apply it to dark circles daily, and visible improvement can be seen within days.

Although there are no cures for dark under-eye circles, there are several remedies and products available to help reduce its appearance.  Vivoderm’s  under eye cream contains lemon, almond oil, vitamin E and other natural ingredients that help reduce not only the appearance of dark under-eye circles, but also wrinkles and fine lines.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://herbalfacialskincare.com

Heal Your Skin with Aloe Vera

By: Van Le |  The healing power of Aloe vera has been known for decades, dating back to the Egyptian era when it is believed that Cleopatra used it as a skincare remedy, and found in Greek history when it is believed that Alexander the Great used it to care for his army after battles.  Today, Aloe vera is widely used in many cosmetic products, anti-inflammatory creams, and some grocery store shelves even boast Aloe vera juice.

Aloe vera is a member of the succulent (water-retaining) plant family, and is also known as “lily of the desert” since researchers believe it originated in Africa.  There are over 250 known species of Aloe vera, and are relatively easy to care for, therefore increasing its popularity.  The spokes of Aloe vera plants are filled with a gel-like substance that is filled with a combination of enzymes, vitamins and minerals.  Dermatologists and cosmetic companies often extract the gel for use in their products.   Aloe vera is also considered an alternative treatment for high blood pressure and intestinal problems.

Aloe vera is a popular choice for the treatment of sunburn, since it contains a variety of enzymes and amino acids that are anti-inflammatory and speed up the skin’s healing process.  Many after-sun moisturizing creams contain Aloe, and for those who have access to actual Aloe plants, the gel can be applied directly on the affected area.

Aloe vera is a common ingredient in many cosmetic products, particularly anti-aging and anti-acne products due to its ability to generate healthier skin.  The combination of enzymes, vitamins and minerals in Aloe vera products increases oxygen flow, which toughens the skin tissues and provides protection from pollutants and dirt.  It also moisturizes the skin and increases its elasticity, which reduces wrinkles and signs of aging.  Used in conjunction with exfoliating products, Aloe vera can help control acne by helping shed dead skin cells and reduce redness.

Once Alternative, Now Mainstream

Not so long ago, herbal products or foods deemed “natural” were considered less than desirable by the mainstream public.  The Industrial Revolution not only changed the face of production and how we worked, it changed what we ate and used for our health.  Mass-produced, new chemical compounds in fancy packaging quickly replaced the ‘old-fashioned’ herbal remedies used by our grandmothers.

While Aloe vera never completely fell out of favor, by the 1970’s and 80’s use of medical plants and herbs to treat ailments and skin conditions was considered unconventional and provided mostly by naturalists and alternative therapists. In the new millennium, science and technology have not proven to be the miracle we were expecting.  Today, modern science is re-discovering what our already ancestors knew.  Aloe vera and similar natural treatments provide vital healing, nourishing and regenerative qualities that no chemical lab can re-create.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestfacemask.com

Organic and Natural Products Rage

There are toxins all around us in the world today. People are becoming more and more conscious of where they go, what they eat, and the things they are exposed to. The rage over organic and natural products isn’t really a rage. People are simply learning that using synthetic chemicals will probably result in our bodies absorbing elements we weren’t supposed to absorb. Learning how our bodies work and why we should avoid certain synthetic ingredients will help promote overall well-being and a more healthy society.Skin is our first barrier of defense from the outside world not to mention the largest organ of our body. It is made up of several layers (dermis, epidermis, and subcutaneous tissue). These layers work together by utilizing different types of cells, which create a semi-waterproof layer of tissues highly concentrated with blood vessels. This simple factor allows us to release and absorb substances to regulate our bodies based on the environment we are exposed to.

This is the key to understanding why using organic and natural products is so significant. The types of ingredients skin care products are made up of will dictate what becomes absorbed quickly, what won’t be absorbed and what may clog the absorption process. Most essential oils have a relatively small molecular mass so they are absorbed quickly. However many synthetic ingredients also have a small molecular mass meaning they will be absorbed into the skin and blood stream right away also. As for some of the heavier oils like almond, olive, and coconut oil which make up the majority of crèmes and lotions, they are higher in molecular mass resulting in a slower absorption rate which it ultimately leaves your skin feeling soft and lubricated several hours after the application. Some ingredients like Zinc are not absorbed at all and will sit on top of the skin and act as a physical barrier.

It is important to understand how our skin works and why using natural products will help us in the long run. The more natural and organic a lotion or crème is the more our bodies will be able to absorb and break down the ingredients for overall use in a natural way. Ultimately, preventing synthetic substances from entering our blood stream will help to prevent unwanted chemical reactions commonly associated with toxins.

Treat Sunburn With Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are a type of alternative medicine that originates from plants and plant extracts. Used to heal illnesses and disease and to address psychological concerns, herbal remedies have been around for centuries, and were the precursor to modern medicine. Herbal remedies are obtained from a wide variety of natural resources including plant leaves, bark, berries, flowers, and roots. Herbal medicine remains a popular alternative throughout China and the Far East, and is growing in popularity throughout the United States.

Ease the pain and swelling associated with sunburn and accelerate the healing process with herbal remedies, which can be mixed and applied at home. These all natural herbal treatments are safe to use and contain no chemicals.  Read on to learn how to treat sunburn with herbal remedies.

Things You’ll Need:

* Calendula oil
* Aloe vera
* St. John’s Wort oil
* Sea Buckthorn oil
* Black tea bags

Step 1:       Mix 20 drops of calendula oil with four oz. of water and apply to the skin using a washcloth or cotton balls. You can also get calendula in the form of gels and soothing salves. Calendula is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory; it will help soften the skin and ease the pain.

Step 2:       Soothe burned areas with aloe gel as often as needed. You can either purchase bottled aloe gel or simply break apart the leaves of an aloe plant and apply it directly to the skin. Be careful to remove the spiny edges of the leaf before applying to avoid accidentally poking tender skin.

Step 3:      Apply St. John’s Wort oil, mixed with a couple tablespoons of olive or almond oil, directly to sunburned parts of the skin. St. John’s Wort is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial.

Step 4:       Dilute a few drops of Sea Buckthorn oil with olive oil or almond oil and rub into the skin. Repeat two, eight and 24 hours later. Sea Buckthorn oil extract helps to heal sunburns and reduce the damaging effect they have on the skin.

Step 5 :       Place two to three bags of black tea into a bathtub of lukewarm water and soak in it. The tannic acid in tea helps relieve pain. Tea bags can also be wet in hot water, allowed to cool and placed directly onto burned areas. Green or chamomile tea can also be used, and peppermint oil or tea can be added to create a cooling feeling on the skin.

By  eHow Health Editor

Anti-Acne Treatments

Anti-acne drugs are medicines that help clear up pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe forms of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is found in many over-the-counter acne products that are applied to the skin, such as Benoxyl, Clear By Design, Neutrogena Acne, PanOxyl, and some formulations of Clean & Clear, Clearasil, and Oxy. Some benzoyl peroxide products are available without a physician’s prescription; others require a prescription. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is available only with a physician’s prescription and comes in liquid, cream, and gel forms, which are applied to the skin. Isotretinoin (Accutane), which is taken by mouth in capsule form, is available only with a physician’s prescription. Only physicians who have experience in diagnosing and treating severe acne, such as dermatologists, should prescribe isotretinoin.

Acne is a skin disorder that leads to an outbreak of lesions called pimples or “zits.” The most common form of the disease in adolescents is called acne vulgaris. Antiacne drugs are the medicines that help clear up the pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe forms of lesions that occur when a teen has acne.
Different types of antiacne drugs are used for different treatment purposes, depending on the severity of the condition. For example, lotions, soaps, gels, and creams containing substances called benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin may be used to clear up mild to moderately severe acne. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is an oral drug that is prescribed only for very severe, disfiguring acne.

Acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum during puberty when high levels of the male hormone androgen cause excess sebum to form. Sebum is an oily substance that forms in glands just under the surface of the skin called sebaceous glands. Sebum normally flows out hair follicles onto the skin to act as a natural skin moisturizer. The glands are connected to hair follicles that allow the sebum, or oil, to empty onto the skin through a pore.

Sometimes the sebum combines with dead, sticky skin cells and bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) that normally live on the skin. The mixture of oil and cells allows the bacteria to grow in the follicles. When this happens, a hard plug called a comedo can form. A comedo is an enlarged hair follicle. It can appear on the skin as a blackhead, which is a comedo that reaches the skin’s surface and looks black, or as a whitehead, which is a comedo that is sealed by keratin, the fibrous protein produced by the skin cells and looks like a white bump.

In addition, pimples can form on the skin. Types of pimples include:
• papules, which are small, red bumps that may be tender to touch
• pustules, which are pus-filled lesions that are often red at the base
• nodules, which are large, painful lesions deep in the skin
• cysts, which are painful pus-filled lesions deep in the skin that can cause scarring

Pimples form when the follicle is invaded by the P. acnes bacteria. The damaged follicle weakens and bursts open, releasing sebum, bacteria, skin cells, and white blood cells into surrounding tissues. Scarring happens when new skin cells are created to replace the damaged cells. The most severe type of acne includes both nodules and cysts.

Acne cannot be cured, but antiacne drugs can help clear the skin and reduce the chance of scarring. The goal of treating moderate acne is to decrease inflammation and prevent new comedones from forming. Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin work by mildly irritating the skin. This encourages skin cells to slough off, which helps open blocked pores. Benzoyl peroxide also kills bacteria, which helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads from turning into pimples. Isotretinoin shrinks the glands that produce sebum. It is used for severe acne lesions and must be carefully monitored because of its side effects. Antibiotics also may be prescribed to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Are Chemical Peels Right for You?

With so many beauty products, facial treatments and surgical procedures available these days, it can be overwhelming to choose a treatment that is right for you. First off, when trying any new skincare treatment or procedure, it is always important to do your research, seek out reputable sources and never be afraid to ask questions, after all, it is your face – you only have one, so treat it accordingly. Selecting the right specialist or understanding details of a surgical procedure will be time consuming, be prepared to put in the time necessary to make the best choice. Below are some tips to help you get started. Read more

Types and Uses of Facial Masks

A facial mask is a creamy mask applied to clean or soften the face. It often contains minerals, vitamins and/or fruit extracts, such as papaya or cucumber and moisturizing or detoxifying ingredients. There are different kinds of masks for different purposes; some are deep cleansing for cleaning the pores, others are strictly cream-based and used for moisturizing. The perceived effect of a facial mask treatment can be revitalizing, rejuvenating or refreshing. Facial masks have most commonly been used by women but are also increasingly popular with men.

Duration for wearing a mask depends on type of mask, but can be five minutes to 30 minutes, and on some rare occasions, the whole night. Most masks are washed off with warm water, while others are peeled off by hand. Facial masks should be selected according to skin type. Clay and mud masks typically suit oily skin; cream-based masks work best on dry skin types. Masks should be used once or twice a week after cleansing for best results. Firming masks should not be applied on the eye area because they can cause irritation or tearing of the delicate skin tissue around the eye.

You can determine your skin type by noticing how your skin tends to react most frequently. Mother Nature works in seasons and so does your skin. Your skin will fluctuate in temperature and climate changes. You many need a moisturizing mask in the cold, dry months of winter and a detoxifying clay mask in the warm, humid summertime. Recognizing if your skin tends to be dry and tight or oily and acne prone is a first step. Review other articles in this blog for further help on skin type. Don’t forget to check products designed for combination or sensitive skin types as well.

Always apply the facial mask to clean skin and avoid the eye area. Masks can also be used on the neck, shoulders and arms. These areas are exposed to the everyday environmental stress and need pampering too. Masks are perfect to bring back the glow to your skin.

Once applied, take the time to sit back and relax. Try not to use your facial muscles and avoid laughing or eating as some masks will tighten significantly. The mask needs to dry so that it can absorb the toxins or moisturize your skin.

Anti aging masks can include various properties such as vitamins, seaweed, kelp, or minerals, to perk up and tone lifeless, dull skin. These masks moisturize and tone the skin to give a more youthful appearance. Regular hydrating masks moisturize the skin by restoring your skins natural oil balance. Clay and mud masks are best suited for oily skin. They dry in a short period of time and are excellent for pulling toxins and excess oil from the skin. Clay and mud masks open the pores, remove blackheads and improve circulation.

Peel-off masks are usually gel-based and dry to form a thin rubber-like mask that can be pulled off in one piece. These masks are set to lighten the skin by closing open pores and smoothing out the skin. Peel-off masks remove blackheads and dead skin cells. (Be aware that some masks might slightly pull facial hair).

Firming masks are usually gel or cream form and are designed to tighten the skin surface. They are massaged into the contours of the face where elasticity is lost. Firming masks are commonly used as an anti-aging or anti-wrinkle treatment.

Organic Skin Products

Skin is the armor of the body. It is the outside waterproofing, element-fighting surface that protects our internal organs and skeletal structure from the harsh outside elements. Yet skin, overall is ignored most of the time. Healthy skin is important for a glowing completion of course, but if your body is unhealthy – your skin will be also.

The toxic world of industrialization has finally caught up with us. Producing toxic waste disasters, disease and tons of garbage buried so deep it can never breakdown. All these “modern advancements” have left our food supply as little more than a chemical compound in itself. If you can do ONE thing to give your skin and your body a fighting chance, you would be wise to choose as organic a diet as possible. To maintain a healthy skin, organically grown food is must.

In light of recent organic trends in our food, organic skin care products are also gaining popularity. For healthy lifestyle and healthy skin, limiting the amount of toxins and chemicals you put in your body is a must. If the environment or living “green” is important to you, you should also be aware of companies that produce the products you buy and their manufacturing practices.

Organic Skin Care is the most rapidly developing field in the beauty industry. Now what does Organic mean? Organic refers to anything grown or raised naturally. But more specifically, it means plants are grown on certified natural land without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetic modification or irradiation. In many cases, these organic farms are highly regulated by the Federal Food Safety Commission. Organic skin care means protecting your skin from harmful chemicals and using organic products whenever possible.

There are many organic products available on the market today. Most can be found at a local organic specialty stores, food suppliers or a national health food chain like Whole Foods. As organic products become more and more popular, many standard food stores, Like Safeway or Albertsons’ are also providing these products on their shelves. There are also plenty of websites offering organic skin or beauty care products online.

An organic product is preferable for natural skin care balance as it will generally contain far fewer chemical properties then it’s drugstore counterparts and thus have less possibility to cause inflammation or irritation. Of course, even an herbal product can have side effects as they are “chemicals” in their own right, so always be aware of the list if ingredients in the products you buy and the reactions your skin personally has to allergens.

HERBAL SKIN DETOXIFIER (STEAM TREATMENT)

Gather the following ingredients:

Juniper berries (Juniperus communus)

Used for: Detoxifying.

Chamomile Flowers (Matricaria recutita)

Used for: Soothing and calming.

Calendula Flowers (Calendula officinalis)

Used for: Softening the skin.

Lavender Flowers (Lavendula angustifolium) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Read more

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