Skin Care the Natural Way

As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” However, in terms of natural skin care diet is a great place to start, but by no means does good skin care stop there. When it comes to natural skin care it is not only about what you eat but also how you care for yourself. Healthy, glowing skin is a visible indication of good physical health and a balanced diet. Conversely, problem skin is often an outward indication of an inner imbalance or poor nutritional habits. If you are looking to improve your skin’s tone and appearance try the following tips to help you look and feel your best.

Adopt a can-do attitude

Your attitude shapes your experience. If you move through the world constantly fraught with worry and anxiety your health and appearance will be negatively impacted with time. Make a concerted effort to avoid frowning, and smile often. Studies show that simply smiling can help turn a sour mood around.

Care for your skin from the inside out

Small changes such as ingesting the recommended daily allowance of fiber and water can help to keep your skin fresh and supple. You can be assured of getting the proper amount of fiber in your diet by including at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. One serving is comprised of a medium apple, a half-cup of spinach or a cup of tomato juice. You can also get your servings in by including lettuce and tomato on sandwiches, substituting or adding carrot sticks to your lunch, or switching to brown instead of white rice. Flaxseed, nuts and beans are all excellent sources of fiber and can be easily incorporated into any diet. It is also a good idea to avoid nicotine, excessive sugar, alcohol, fried and processed foods as these contribute to problem skin. Keep a bottle or glass of water on hand at all times and aim to drink at least half your weight in ounces each day. For example, if you weigh 120lbs, try to take in at least 60 ounces of water each day. There are a number of foods, such as lettuce and certain fruits, with high water content that you can use to help boost your water intake. Water baths your cells and helps to eliminate toxins; it also keeps you hydrated from the inside. The result; beautiful, healthy skin.

Exfoliate and move

Your skin is a living organ; in fact, it is the largest elimination organ of the body. You can help facilitate this process with exfoliation and exercise. With exfoliation, dry, rough and dead skin cells are eliminated from the top layer of your skin revealing the glowing skin underneath. Exfoliation becomes more important with aging as the process of generating new skin cells slows, thus causing a dull complexion. There are a number of commercially available products that exfoliate. These include various scrubs with microbeads, sugar, salt and crushed walnut shells. You might also try using cloths specially designed for this purpose, or making your own preparation. Be careful to test any products for sensitivity before applying to the skin. Also, be sure to avoid using these products in sensitive areas such as around the eyes.

Exercise is also an important component of natural skin care. In addition to cardiovascular and respiratory benefits, both important for skin health, exercise helps the body release toxins through the skin with perspiration. Aim to get at least thirty minutes of exercise at least three times each week. Whatever activity you choose should take you within 50-70% of your target heart rate for best results.

Moisturize and protect against the elements

Just as it is important to care for skin from the inside out it is also important to employ some skin care tips from the outside in. Most importantly, keep your face clean and dry. Wash your face with a mild, non-irritating cleanser at least twice daily and after exercise. Avoid using water that is too hot as it can dry your skin, robbing it of its healthy glow. Apply a toner with light, upward strokes. Finally, apply a moisturizer that includes sunscreen in summer and winter when the rays of the sun can also be damaging. For best results apply moisturizer to still damp skin to create the most effective moisture barrier. In addition to sunscreen, you may want to consider a hat if you have particularly sensitive or fair skin.

Rest well

The average adult needs 7-9 hours sleep each evening; however, most get significantly less. You can improve your skin’s health and appearance simply by getting a good night’s sleep. If worries keep you awake try creating a to-do list or a journal to ease your mind. You should also avoid upsetting activities, such as drinking alcohol, heavy exercise or watching the news, within several hours of bedtime as these can disturb restful sleep.

We all want to look and feel our best and good skin care is a significant contributing factor. Maintain your skin with a sensible diet, exercise, rest and a can-do attitude.

Adam Short is freelance writer and creator of http://www.fixoilyskin.info - a site providing the latest tips and resources on skin care.

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Skin Care and the Physiology of the Skin

The largest organ of the human body is the skin. It protects our bodies from the environment, maintains body temperature, excretes waste matter, gives sensory information to the brain and regulates body moisture. We think about our skin more than any other part of our bodies, and we manifest that attention by investing our emotions and about 6 to 20 % of our disposable income into our skin (Lappe, 1996). It is worthy to consider, then, how cosmetic products affect our skin. In this article the psycho-social impact of cosmetics will be examined as well as why cosmetics are deemed necessary. The physiology of skin, how cosmetics affect skin function and the effects of synthetic and natural cosmetic ingredients on the skin will also be considered.

The Psycho-Social Impact of Cosmetics

Our society is preoccupied with the “culture of beauty” (Lappe, 1996) which includes the notion that our skin must always look young and appear free from blemish. Our psychological well-being is often closely enmeshed with perceptions of how our skin appears to ourselves and others. We define our self-image to include the visible representation of our skin to others, so as a result, it has become the “primary canvas on which our cultural and personal identity is drawn” (Lappe, 1996). Cosmetic companies set aside concepts of natural beauty so that flaws such as large pores, fine lines and wrinkles are brought to the fore, influencing our spending habits in pursuit of flawless skin.

In the animal kingdom, most male species are endowed with colourful physical attributes so that a less colourful, but wisely camouflaged female mate will be attracted to it. Humans do not have equivalent ornamentation, so women use cosmetics, specifically make-up, to decorate their faces to attract prospective mates.

The Need for Cosmetics

A cosmetic is any substance which, when applied, results in a temporary, superficial change (Anctzak, 2001). We use a myriad of cosmetics on our skin, from moisturizers to lipstick. Make-up alters our visual appearance by enhancing our facial features through the artistic application of colour. It can beautify the face and be used to express our sense of self to others. Make-up can hide blemishes, scars, under-eye circles or even out our skin tone. It can boost self-esteem, make us feel more attractive and increase our social acceptability in some social situations. Using make-up can contribute to a well-groomed image, which positively influences our confidence, self-esteem, health and morale.

Skin care cosmetics treat the surface layer of the skin by providing better protection against the environment than skin left untreated. Creams treat the skin’s surface by imparting moisture to the skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin. It also forms a thin barrier which traps moisture underneath, thereby preventing the evaporation of water from the skin’s surface. Creams also accelerate the hydration of skin cells on the outer layer, giving the skin a temporarily smooth, plump appearance. Exfoliants improve the appearance of the skin by sloughing away flaky skin, blackheads and some dead skin cells. Astringents improve skin tone and texture by swelling the pore walls so dirt and debris do not collect within. Soaps loosen particles of dirt and grime by dissolving the greasy residue left on the skin from natural skin oils, creams and make-up.

The Physiology of the Skin and How Cosmetics Affect Skin Function

Skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The epidermis is the only layer we can see with our eyes and as we age, remarkable changes occur which are hidden from our view. For instance, the skin gradually thins over time, especially around the eyes. Some cosmeceuticals can minimally re-thicken the skin, but the process of thinning is inevitable. Elastin and collagen, located in the dermis keep the skin resilient and moist, but with ageing these fibres break down to create lines and wrinkles. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation accelerates this process, and since few cosmetics can actually reach the dermis, the idea that a cosmetic can reverse this process is unfounded. The best way to prevent fine lines and wrinkles is to limit our exposure to the sun and ultraviolet radiation.

The skin is a highly complex, dynamic tissue system. One square inch of the skin is composed of 19 million cells, 625 sweat glands, 90 oil glands, 65 hair follicles, 19 000 sensory cells and 4 metres of blood vessels (Lappe, 1996). The outermost layer of the epidermis is called the cornified layer, and is made of sheets of keratin, a protein, and squames, dead, flat skin cells. It is our barrier against dehydration from the environment. It receives its primary supply of moisture from the underlying tissue, since constant contact from the external environment tends to dry out the skin’s surface. When the skin is exposed to dry conditions, the cornified layer can become dry, brittle, firm and if untreated, it can crack and lead to infection. Creams create a waxy barrier to prevent dehydration and keep the skin moist and supple. Underneath the cornified layer lie six more layers of the epidermis responsible for cell generation. The life cycle of skin cells within this layer takes approximately 28 days, so it may take three to four weeks to observe any changes at the skin’s surface from using a new cosmetic.

The skin surface is also home to millions of healthy micro-organisms which increase our immunity to pathogenic, or disease-causing bacteria. Thus, our desire to sterilize the skin also destroys beneficial bacteria, such as streptococcus mutans, and micrococcus luteus . Toners, for instance, are beneficial in keeping bacterial populations down, thus reducing acne flare-ups resulting from microbes which invade and proliferate in the pores. Overuse of anti-microbial agents can produce harmful results when too many beneficial bacteria are destroyed, allowing pathogenic bacteria to multiply unchecked on the skin. The skin also produces antimicrobial proteins, two of which are called defensins and cathelicidins, which increase when the skin is damaged. Perspiration, necessary for the maintenance of internal body temperature, also excretes a germicidal protein called dermicidin to combat bacteria producing body odour. Deodorants also assist in keeping the bacterial population down, thus decreasing the odours produced as they feed on the waste matter excreted by the sweat glands. Research has shown that people who wash excessively are more prone to infection and eczema as a result of ‘washing” away natural bacteria and germicides too frequently (Awake!, 2004).

The Effect of Natural and Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients on the Skin

A natural substance is any plant or animal extract, rock or mineral which is obtained from the earth (Antczak, 2001). An artificial or synthetic substance is a substance which has been modified through chemical reactions in an industrial process (Antczak, 2001). We use a myriad of cosmetics on our skin, but before we use these beauty aids, three essential questions should be asked:

- What is the composition of the cosmetic?

- Why is each ingredient used?

- Do the ingredients have positive or negative effects on the skin and body? (See glossary at www.organicmakeup.ca)

Many products claim to be safe or even may appear to be safe, but beyond the short-term benefits of using the cosmetic, are there any long term effects from daily absorption of its use? Skin used to be considered an impermeable barrier, but transdermal drugs have proven that the opposite is true; the skin allows many substances to pass through its layers into the bloodstream.

Several factors affect the rate with which the skin will absorb various cosmetic ingredients. The condition of the skin, such as whether it is dry or damaged will increase absorption. Cuts, acne or abrasions also increase absorption. Other ways to absorb cosmetic ingredients is to inhale them, such as with hairspray or talcum powder, or through the mucous membranes. Moist substances are most readily absorbed and powders are absorbed the least by the skin. Many products claim to address a skin issue, such as acne or dry skin, but contain ingredients which exacerbate these problems. For instance, acne treatments may contain comedogenic, or pore-clogging ingredients. Creams that are supposed to treat dry skin may actually strip the skin of its natural oils which are useful in preventing dryness. Some contain chemicals which seep through the skin and dissolve skin oils and defat the skin (Lappe, 1996). A growing trend is chemical sensitivity, which can develop at any time, even after long term use of the same product. The ingredients in many cosmetics cause 20% of the population (U.S. data, Erickson, 2002) to develop the symptoms of chemical sensitivity. Natural cosmetics emphasize more traditional skin treatments with few of these harsh effects, acknowledging that short term beauty does not balance with long term hazards to health.

The health of the skin is dependent on sound nutritional practices, healthy living and effective, safe protection on its surface. The organic make-up co. can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin by offering a complete line of cosmetics and makeup composed of all natural ingredients, with no animal, synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients. Our products are made fresh for you once we receive your order, and contain preservatives such as d-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and other plant oils with anti-microbial properties.

We invite you to give our natural products a try. Our cosmetics and make-up are developed on the basis of sound, scientific principles and the physiology of the skin. Our products will convince you on their own merit, since they are natural, vegan, and an excellent alternative to conventional make-up and cosmetics.

Please contact us at http://www.organicmakeup.ca for further information.

References:

- Anctzak, Gina & Stephen, Dr., (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collin, London.

- Erickson, Kim, (2002). Drop Dead Gorgeous, Contemporary Books, USA.

- Lappe, Marc Dr., (1996). The Body’s Edge, Henry Holt & Co., New York.

- Purvis, Debbie, (1989). The Business of Beauty, Wall & Thompson, Toronto.

- Awake! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Canada, February 8 2004.

- http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author’s name, Lori Stryker and her company’s name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

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Tips on Choosing the Best Skin Care Product for You

Your face is the first thing that people notice when they meet you. So, it is no wonder that skin care is big business! Millions are spent each year to treat acne, under eye circles, wrinkles, discolorations, and a variety of other ailments. If you are in the market for a skin care line, there are a few things that you should consider before settling on a product. First you need to look at the type of ingredients the product contains, and then find out what works best for your particular skin type. So, get ready to put your best face forward!

A good skin care product is only as good as its ingredients. Make sure to read the label before you buy. If you are unable to pronounce anything on the bottle, move on to something else. The best skin care products are made with natural ingredients. Look for a formula with Aloe Vera and vitamin E for a great complexion. You want a skin care line that keeps you looking your best, while feeling great on your skin. Cleansers and creams shouldn’t burn or sting. Depending on your skin type, you may find that formulas that contain alcohol can actually aggravate your problem. So do your homework beforehand. If you have a specific problem like acne or sun damage, you will want to find a skin care line that focuses on your problem areas. Benzyl peroxide has been known to work wonders on acne, while alpha-hydroxy helps improve the appearance of wrinkles or sun damage.

If you have dry skin, you will want to find a formula that helps replenish the moisture in your face. Products made with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E are particularly good at this. Look for skin care lines that come in a cream or a lotion form. A good humidifier used at night may also help improve your complexion. Always remember that excess washing can actually dry your face out further, so limit your washings to once or twice a day.

If you are plagued by oily skin, you may find that acne is a major problem for you. Here again excess washing can aggravate the problem, so limit washings to once or twice a day. Follow up your skin care routine with a quality astringent or toner. This will help control the amount of oil on your face, and reduce the number of breakouts.

Combination skin can be a tricky situation. You have patches of dry skin as well as oilier regions. Look for a formula that is specifically designed for your type of skin. Oil absorbing masks applied to the T-zone (your forehead, nose, and chin) once a week will help control oil and breakouts.

No matter what type of skin you have, you should have no trouble finding a skin care line to suite your needs. The key is to understand what different ingredients do. Research anything that you don’t understand- and don’t be fooled into thinking that a product has to be expensive to work. Some of the best products on the market cost less than $10 dollars a bottle!

Ellen Kennedy is a freelance health writer and contributing author to http://www.fixoilyskin.info - a site that provides free skin care information and tips.

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