How to Properly Cleanse Your Face

By Van Le | Washing our face may be the simplest daily routine we can perform for a healthy complexion, but it is often a neglected subject when it comes to discussing skincare. As children, “washing your face” means to simply splash water on our skin for a few seconds. However, as our skin matures, it requires more attention and a proper routine, since properly cleansing our face daily is truly the foundation for fabulous skin. Essentially, the purpose of washing our face is to remove dirt and excess oil, unclog pores, and allow our skin to breath freely. At the same time, it removes dead layers of outer skin to make room for younger, healthier skin. Here are a few tips for properly washing your face.

First, thoroughly wash your hands with warm water. Grease, dirt and grime can transfer from the hands to the face by touch; therefore, it is important to get rid of any leftover residue before touching your face.

Second, wet the face and use a gentle cleanser to wash away the dirt, impurities and pollutants. Try an herbal product that contains natural ingredients and vitamins, such as Vivoderm’s facial cleanser. Infused with skin-friendly herbs such as vitamin A, vitamin E, Aloe vera, rosemary and chamomile extract, it leaves the skin clean and hydrated. It can also be used to remove eye makeup, since it is a gentle product.

Vivoderm’s line of skincare products contains no harsh chemicals or preservatives that can irritate the skin. Apply the cleanser to your face, use your middle and ring fingers to massage the product in a circular motion, moving upward from the chin to forehead. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, especially around delicate areas such as the eyes.

Rinse your face with plenty of luke-warm water to wash away the cleanser along with any dirt and oil. It is especially important to use warm water since hot water can cause capillaries under the skin to burst, while cold water won’t completely remove impurities on the skin. Make sure you wash along the hairline and neck, since soap residue around these areas can irritate the skin and cause more problems.

Next, pat your face dry with a clean towel. Never rub your face since it could cause irritations, and always use a clean towel. A dirty towel will just transfer dirt and pollutants back onto your face, defeating the purpose. Then, use an alcohol-free toner to bring your skin to the proper pH. Vivoderm offers an all-natural toner that helps sooth the skin.

Finish off by applying a moisturizer that replaces the essential oils that have just been washed away. Vivoderm’s intense moisturizer contains a cocktail of natural herbs that helps the skin maintain a healthy glow.

Cleanse your face in the morning and night, but no more than twice a day, since excessive washing can strip the skin of essential oils. By following these steps, clear, healthy skin is simple and easy.

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 and facemasks, you can also link to http://organicskincareinfo.net

Deep Cleanse With Clay Facial Mask at Home

Facials are relaxing and rejuvenating and help you feel great while deep cleaning your skin. One way to do this is to make a deep cleansing facial mask.

There are many varieties on the market today, but you can save your money and make many of these products at home for a fraction of the cost. In most cases, the ingredients you use at home can be organic and are probably more pure than any product you could buy at the store.

Good hygiene is the first step to beautiful skin, but it’s not enough to just wash daily. Deep clean once or twice a week to remove any remaining impurities and tighten pores. A facial mask treatment made from clay can be relaxing and give your skin a healthy glow.

You can find green clay in most organic or herbal markets. If you do not live near an herbal market, green clay can also be purchased online.

Always be sure to test your mask on a small patch of skin before application to avoid any allergic reactions. First, take 1-2 teaspoons of your green clay and add a few drops of rosemary essential oil - which acts as an excellent antimicrobial for acne or trouble spots. Next, add a teaspoon or more of water until you make a paste. You can also add Witch Hazel instead for a tonic effect.

Instructions

Step 1

Wash the face before you apply the clay facial mask. This helps to remove as much surface debris as possible and it allows the clay to penetrate
deep into the skin.

Step 2

Steam the face for 5 to 10 minutes after you wash it to open the pores of the skin. A steamy shower is an easy way to steam the face, but a pot of
boiling water with a few drops of rosemary essential oil also provides beneficial steam. Remove the pot from the stove, place a towel over the head and
trap the steam from the pot in a tent.

TIP: When you steam your face, remember to pull away to catch a breath and allow your face to cool down slightly if it gets too hot.

Step 3

Pat the face dry with a towel.

Step 4

Squeeze the clay mask onto your fingertips and gently rub it on the face. Use upward, sweeping motions. Add more mask where spots are thin and
cover the entire face so no skin is visible.

Step 5

Allow the clay facial mask to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions. The dry time will vary with the type of products included in the mask,
but most facial masks dry within 5 to 10 minutes of application. This is the most relaxing part of a facial, so take the time to rest the mind and body.

Step 6

Rinse the mask off with warm water. Wipe the clay off with upward, sweeping motions. Remove any clay facial mask that remains with a washcloth
and gently rub in circular motions. Do a final rinse with cold water to close the pores.

Step 7

Finish the facial with a toner and moisturizer specific to your skin type.

Do It Yourself Facials

By: Van Le

There is nothing as relaxing as getting a professional facial, but they can run a high tab (from $50-200 dollars.) While the economy continues on its downward spiral, your skin does not have to suffer the same fate. A “DIY facial” may sound like an oxymoron, but it truly is a way to revive and rejuvenate your skin at a fraction of the cost.

There are several at-home facial remedies that you can try, and all the ingredients can be gathered at your local grocery store. Even better, “at-home” does not always mean you have to do it alone. Turn it into a bonding experience by calling a few friends over, and you can chat and laugh your way to healthier skin. You can even ask each friend to bring an ingredient to further cut down on the cost. Ready to indulge? Here’s how to get started:

Create a relaxing atmosphere

You can’t relax if you are constantly staring at your “to-do” list. Clear the space of any clutter or things that remind of you the tasks you must do. Your mind needs to escape from your everyday tasks before you can truly enjoy the experience. First, create a calming atmosphere by using candles instead of turning on the lights.

Next, fill the room with a soothing scent such as lavender or chamomile. Then, turn off the television and turn on soft music. Unplug your land line and once all your friends arrive, agree to turn off all cell phones. If you decide to have food, choose healthy and light options such as mini muffins, a tray of fresh fruits and vegetables, or cheese and crackers. Add cucumber or lemon slices to a pitcher of water for a healthy drink.

Facial treatments

Start by washing your face to get rid of dirt and residue makeup, using a gentle soap like Vivoderm’s Rosemary & Chamomile facial cleanser, which is filled with Vitamins A and E. Then, grab a hot towel and place it over your face, taking extra precaution as the skin on your face may more sensitive to temperature. You can also pour hot water in a bowl, place your face a few inches away from the top of the bowl, and cover your head with a towel to capture the steam.

It takes about 10-15 for the steam to open your pores. Next, apply an exfoliator and massage in a circular motion using your middle and ring fingers. After exfoliation, apply a toner to bring your skin back to the proper pH. Then, moisturize your skin using a mask.

Depending on your skin type and desire, there are a wide variety of masks available, such as Vivoderm’s anti-aging or anti-acne mask. You can also whip up your own Avocado Moisture Mask* using natural ingredients. Mix ½ avocado, ¼ cup French green clay, and 15 drops of spike lavender. As you stir, add water until you reach the desired texture. Apply the mask and leave on your face for 10 minutes, after the mask has dried, rinse off using warm water.

Finally, complete your at-home facial by applying a moisturizing cream on your entire face. After your DIY facial, your skin will feel lighter, but your wallet won’t.

*recipe from www.apothecarytinctura.com

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://bestorganicnaturalskincare.com

What to Expect When Receiving a Facial

By: Van Le

Proper skincare goes beyond wearing sunscreen in the morning and taking off all your makeup at night. Your skin is constantly exposed to internal and external elements, and needs extra help in order maintain a healthy glow. Getting facials can be one way to revamp your skin while pampering yourself. Along with pure relaxation, facials provide not only beauty benefits but also health benefits. According to New Life Journal’s article, “A facial, it’s more than meets the eye” by Julie Pagano, “the major health benefits of regular facials are regulation of the immune system, detoxification, reduction in fluid build-up, exfoliation, and stress relief. These benefits are achieved in a facial that incorporates lymphatic drainage, exfoliation treatments, acupressure, and aromatherapy.”

The health benefits are just the icing on the cake. What really lures us in is the relaxation and pampering we receive when getting a facial. Never had a facial before? Consider this Facial 101. Plan to arrive at the location five to ten minutes before your appointment. Most places will ask you to fill out a short questionnaire about your skin type and skincare habits. This would also be the right time to let the aesthetician be aware of any allergies you may have. The spa will provide you with a terry top so that it is easier to massage your neck and shoulders. You will also be given a headband to keep your hair out of the way.

The aesthetician will clean your face of any leftover makeup and analyze your skin under a magnifying glass light. Some will use a steam mist to open your pores. Depending on the type of facial you are getting, he/she will massage a wide variety of different cleansers, exfoliating creams, and masks on your face. Some creams and masks will be left on your face for several minutes, which can be a very blissful and relaxing experience. Most places will also extract blackheads and pimples, which can be a bit painful but not overwhelming. (If you are afraid it will hurt, you should take a pain reliever before arriving at the spa). Afterwards, the aesthetician will continue to apply masks and creams, as well as massaging your neck and shoulders. At the end of the facial, he/she will give you a breakdown of the products used during the session, make recommendations for at-home practices, and answer any questions you may have.

Essentially, all facials are designed to cleanse the deep pockets in your pores, however, depending on your specific needs, there are several types of facials available, including anti-aging, aromatherapy, and acne facials. The cost and length of time can vary from $50-$250 and 30-90 minutes.

For the period in between visits, check the site archives for several at-home remedies available to help rejuvenate your skin and keep it looking healthy.

Facials are meant to help you relax and a great way to help relieve the stress created from between the time you put on sunscreen in the morning and the time you take your makeup off at night.

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 ORGANICSKINCAREINFO.NET

Acne and Retin-A

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 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.

General Use

Benzoyl peroxide is found in many over-the-counter acne products that are applied to the skin, such as Benoxyl, 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. Acne treatments that can dry the skin should be used with caution by people with skin of color.

Tretinoin (Retin-A) is available only with a physician’s prescription. It 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 experienced in diagnosing and treating severe acne, such as dermatologists, should prescribe isotretinoin.

Skin Care Basics

Lifestyle:

• Drink 2 liters of clear water a day, eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts.
• Get plenty of sleep. Good 7-9 hour rest through the night helps organism to restore level of oxygen in the blood that is responsible for quick renewal of your body’s cells.
• Avoid direct sunlight, keep you face covered when in the sun – use high factor sunscreen, put on sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.
• Quit smoking and avoid stress situations that can show up on your face no matter how thoroughly you take care of your skin.
• Women: Never go to bed with make-up on, it can seep into your pores, clogging them. Wash your skin twice in the end of the day – first to take off the make-up and then to wash the skin itself.

Everyday protection and treatment of the skin:

• Wash your skin thoroughly to keep its surface clean, avoiding clogged pores and inflammatory processes in the skin. Handle it very carefully – never pull, tug or scrub it.
• After washing your face at night be sure to remove dead skin cells (exfoliate) with the gentle scrub at least twice a week: use products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which are derived from fruit, milk and sugar cane and have anti-inflammatory properties.

  Home remedy: a tablespoon of sugar or oatmeal will work just fine.

  Facial mud and clay masques also help exfoliate dead skin cells, dry up pimples and rinse away blackheads. These masks normalize the skin, absorbing excess oil, shrinking large pores, improving skin’s texture, replenishing vitamins, minerals and moisture.

• Nourish your skin by making facial masks from plain yoghurt, banana, avocado and taking vitamin C that helps in formation of collagen, improving skin’s texture.
• Keep you skin well hydrated throughout the day.

  Home remedy: add a few drops of chamomile (rose) essential oil to the distilled water, pour it into the spray bottle – and spray it on your skin as frequently as possible, shaking gently before each use.

• Keep your skin supple and looking good by stimulating the blood circulation in it. Daily exercise and a shower alternating between hot and cold water will improve the bloodflow in your body thus providing your skin cells with vitally needed oxygen and nutrients.
• A glass of hot water with lemon daily helps to energize your entire organism, including liver and gall bladder, cleaning the blood of toxins responsible for problem skin.

Acne Terms and Causes

Acne: Words to Know
Androgen:
A male sex hormone found in both males and females.
Anti-androgen:
A drug that slows down the production of androgens.
Antibiotic:
A drug that kills bacteria.
Comedo:
A hard plug that develops in the pores of the skin composed of sebum and dead skin cells. The mildest form of acne.
Comedolytic:
Drugs that break up comedos and open clogged pores.
Isotretinoin:
A drug that decreases sebum production and dries up acne pimples.
Sebum:
An oily material produced by sebaceous glands that keeps the skin moist.
Tretinoin:
A drug that increases the rate at which skin cells are formed and die.
CAUSES
________________________________________
The exact cause of acne is not known, however, several risk factors have been identified.
• Age. Because of the effect of sex hormones, teenagers are quite likely to develop acne.
• Cosmetics. Make-up and hair sprays that contain oils can make acne worse.
• Diet. Acne is not caused by diet, but some foods can make the disease more serious.
• Disease. Hormonal disorders can increase the severity of acne problems in girls.
• Drugs. Acne can develop as a result of using certain drugs, such as tranquilizers, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and anabolic steroids. Steroids are synthetic hormones that may sometimes be abused by athletes to increase the size of their muscles.
• Environment. Acne can become worse as a result of exposure to oils, greases, and polluted air. Sweating in hot weather can also make the condition worse.
• Gender. Boys are more likely to develop acne and tend to have more serious cases than girls.
• Heredity. Acne is more common in some families than in others.
• Hormonal changes. Acne can flare up during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Menopause is the period in a woman’s life when her body stops producing certain hormones.
• Personal hygiene. Strong soaps, hard scrubbing, and picking at pimples can make acne worse.
• Stress. Emotional stress can contribute to acne.

Treatments for Blackheads

What are Blackheads?
Those tiny black dots on our noses, backs, in our ears and on our cheeks are blocked skin pores known as blackheads. Blackheads are dark in color because the tops of the skin pores are open to the air, so the top part of the hardened sebum or oil oxidizes, turning black (and where the term blackhead comes from).

Sebaceous glands tend to produce more oil than usual during puberty, and may be regulated to due specific hormonal changes, with some individuals continuing to experience blackheads into adulthood. Acne results when the oil gland is blockage by the blackhead and becomes infected.

Blackheads can be controlled through healthy skin regimens and the right treatments. Common health disorders like indigestion, constipation, under active thyroid and anemia may also cause blackheads.

What causes Blackheads?
When an over active sebaceous gland (the gland that produce healthy oils) in the skin becomes clogged with sebum, the oily secretion and dead skin cells begin to harden in the pore and results in a blackhead.

Help and treatment for Blackheads
Many herbal and homeopathic remedies have been formulated with specific ingredients to help keep pores unblocked and promote a healthy amount of skin oils. Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) has exceptional anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic actions and will not dry out the skin. Arctium lappa is used naturopathically for the treatment of chronic skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and canker sores.

Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) is now known worldwide for soothing and healing effect on the skin while Bulbine frutescence is effective in preventing skin infection, healing and soothing cuts, rashes, insect bites, burns, cold sores, pimples and other skin problems. Zingiber officinalis, Aloe ferox and Hamamelis Virginia-num are also exceptional natural remedies for skin health and moisturizing.

TIPS for Preventing Blackheads

* As far as possible, keep your skin clean and try to get regular facials (done by a professional) or if you can’t afford them, try a simple, natural facial at home.
* If your skin is very oily, remember that very oily skin attracts even more dirt from the environment. Keep absorbent tissues on hand, and blot your oily patches at regular intervals throughout the day.
* As far as possible try to apply only natural-ingredients based products on your face. (Use natural or chemically prepared cleansers, astringent solutions or masks). Avoid harsh soaps that may irritate the skin or any creams that leave an oily finish. Don’t be tempted to use ‘quick fix’ methods or odd lotions, and if you are unsure, or if something sounds odd, consult with a dermatologist beforehand.

Signs and Symptoms of Sensitive Skin

* You have tingling, tightening, or skin discomfort without visible signs.
* You easily reacts to cosmetic, and household products
* Your skin tends to overreact to external factors: shaving, stress, aesthetic procedures, weather
* You have diffuse redness, drying, recurrent irritation of the skin
* Your dermatologist has eliminated any underlying skin conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis

What are the statistics?

* 56% of Canadian women suffer from sensitive skin
* 24% report having had a reaction to cosmetics products
* 46.4% of women with sensitive skin also have dry skin
* 46.3% of women with sensitive skin have consulted a dermatologist

Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin

* Sensitive skin needs to be treated with care. That means watching your intake of alcohol, spicy foods and caffeine; using cleansers, moisturizers, cosmetics, detergents and fabric softeners (i.e. Tide Free, Bounce Free) designed specifically for sensitive skin.

* Make a point of choosing mild, soap-free and fragrance-free cleansing products. These are designed to gently clean without removing the essential oils that keep skin soft and healthy.

* Handle with care! If your skin is sensitive you should avoid cleansing grains, brushes and loofahs. Instead, choose specially formulated, non-irritating liquid cleansers, or even hard-milled soaps, which often work very well for cleaning sensitive skin.

* If your skin is sensitive, stay away from skin care products containing exfoliants. These products remove dead skin cells, but for some they may also cause irritation, redness and discomfort.

* If you have sensitive skin, take a close look at the ingredient list in your facial cleanser. You’ll want to stay away from surfactants (surface-acting agents) containing carboxylate, sulfonate or sulfate ions, as these compounds can be irritating.

* Winter months can be particularly harsh on sensitive skin. When the cold weather sets in, use extra moisturizer on your face, hands, body and feet to compensate for the dryness of the season.

* What does hypo-allergenic really mean? Hypo-allergenic does not mean non allergenic but rather it means that the most common skin allergens have been removed form the skincare product.

* 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.

For more tips on sensitive skin, visit www.skincareguide.ca/conditions/sensitive_skin.html.

Ayurveda Skin Remedies II

One of Ayurveda’s fundamental concepts is that health and disease are holistic-that is, whatever happens in one part of the body happens to the whole body. There are no isolated health problems. Any physical or psychological symptom of imbalance indicates an imbalance in the body-mind unit. Keep this holistic picture in mind as you look over the common skin problems below.

Listed below are external remedies for the most common skin problems. (Several of them are the contribution of Dr. Kirit Pandya, one of India’s foremost Ayurvedic physicians specializing in skin disease.) But please be aware, even a topical ointment or detoxification treatment is only a temporary remedy. If you continue with unhealthy lifestyle choices, new toxins will soon appear.

FRECKLES
Imbalance: Pitta.
Aggravated by: Sun.
Treatment:
• To bleach, rub on cottonseed oil or crushed pumpkin seed kernels + olive oil.
• Mix 1 tsp yogurt + 2-3 drops honey to make a natural bleach. Apply, leave on for 4 hours, then rinse.

W H I T E SPOTS AND LEUCODERMA
Imbalance: This condition is usually hereditary.
Aggravated by: Small white spots are caused by stress, excess salt. Leucoderma, or large white patches, is hereditary.
Treatment:
• Internal cleansing.
• Sunlight.
• Apply a few drops each neem & bakuchi herbal oils directly to spots to reduce external symptoms.

AGE SPOTS
Imbalance: Vata or Pitta.
Aggravated by: Old age, cold weather.
Treatment:
• Do internal cleansing treatment at change of season.
• Massage with Vata-pacifying oils or Tej Saffron Oil.

BLACKHEADS
Imbalance: Kapha.
Aggravated by: Excessive oil secretions.
Treatment:
• To loosen, add a pinch of Epsom salts to a cup water. Dip cotton ball in mixture and wash face.
• ‘Apply a mask of ground fresh parsley on oily area. Lie down for 10- 15 minutes, then cleanse, nourish, and moisturize as usual.

PSORIASIS
Desrription: Silvery flakes mostly on scalp but may appear on any part of body. Characterized by chronic and excessive dryness and irritation.
Imbalance: Vata 8c Pitta.
Aggravated by: Liver dysfunction, anxiety, stress, ungroundedness.
Treatment:
• Bathe with horsetail herbs wrapped in cheesecloth in your tub. After bath, apply neem oil + ghee or karanj oil twice a day.
• Do daily self-massage
• Do yoga or other non-aerobic exercise until you are sweating mildly (good for detoxification, stress reduction).
• Supplements: Take recommended daily dosage of primrose oil, cod liver oil, lecithin, vitamin E, and zinc.

ECZEMA
Description: There are three types of eczema: Dry patches (dry eczema) or moist, burning, inflamed red patches (burning eczema) typically appear around the joints but may appear anywhere on the body. Pussy, oozing patches (wet eczema) or dry itchy patches typically appear around eyes, brows, nose, or scalp, but also may be anywhere on the body.

DRY PATCHES
• Mix 10 drops sandalwood oil + 1 oz castor oil and apply to dry area.
Imbalance: Vata (dry). Pitta (moist, inflamed, red, burning). Kapha (pussy if moist, itchy if dry).
Aggravated by: Improper diet, blood toxicity, constipation, stress, undigested emotions, excessive sun, saltwater.
Treatment:
• Mix equal parts neem + brahmi + basil herbal oils (all available from Tej), and apply.
• Mix 1/2 tsp camphor + 2 tsp zinc oxide + 7-8 tsp corn or potato starch, and apply.
• Apply a light compress of rose petals + nettle + comfrey in water.
• Cut an aloe leaf and apply sap directly to skin.
• Add a few drops of chamomile, geranium, juniper, or lavender essential oil to coconut oil, and apply.
• Take baths with comfrey and nettle decoctions.
• Massage feet and scalp at night with brahmi oil.
• Supplements: Daily take 1-2 tsp cod liver oil or primrose oil, 800 units vitamin E, 30 mgs zinc, recommended daily dosage of vitamin B-complex and lecithin. Take 1/2 tsp triphala at bedtime as laxative. Avoid salt, sugar, fats, onions, garlic, radishes; eat carrots and musk melon.

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