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Acne is on the rise globally. Acne is characterized by increased sebum production from sebaceous glands in the skin, occlusion or clogging of the follicle (pore), and within the ducts, an outgrowth of bacteria that normally reside on the skin. This process promotes inflammation and oxidative stress. The increase in rate of acne is not only because of genetic changes. Signals point to changes in our lifestyle or environment. Diet and nutrition may be a major player in acne for most of the people despite of the fact that diet and nutrition are rejected and refuted as causes.

Surveys conducted by National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys show that at least half of the US population does not meet even the minimal recommended intakes of recommendation dietary allowance (RDA) for important vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B6. Low intake of zinc in particular is worrisome because research shows that it is helpful in the treatment of acne. Recent studies have shown that the low levels of zinc are also associated with fatigue, depression and poor mental performance. Despite of all these facts, our society tends to bypass the dietary solution of whole grains, nuts and seafood. Instead we reach for a sugar-laden commercial energy food and drinks. (continue reading…)

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The numerous benefits of turmeric, the exotic yellow spice, are now well known in the world. Turmeric is an inexpensive beauty aid for cleansing skin clean and bringing a lifelong natural glow. So before you go to buy an expensive beauty product in the market, try these turmeric beauty tips.

Turmeric as Beauty Aid

Face masks containing turmeric help to cure pimples and bring natural glow to the skin. This traditional face mask is widely used for brides and bridegrooms a day before marriage in India to make the skin softer and glowing, and to eliminate blemishes. It brightens the skin tone, which makes both bride and bridegroom look nicer on their big day. This face mask can be used by all of us twice a week. (continue reading…)

These four quick videos teach you how to make, use and store a natural skin cleanser with oatmeal, milk and honey.

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Photo - ©iStockphoto.com - Yanik Chauvin

Nature has many wonderful things those are simply very effective but they are worthy of a little exploration. One such amazing thing is Jojoba Oil. It’s pronounced “ho-HO-bah”. Jojoba Oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the beans of the woody evergreen jojoba shrub (Simmondsia chinenis), found in northwestern Mexico and neighboring regions in Arizona and southern California. Jojoba oil and seeds have been used by Native Americans for different purposes for hundreds of years.

What Makes Jojoba Special?

Just like the sebum found naturally in human skin, a liquid wax ester, Jojoba Oil, is not really “oil”. Actually, it is chemically liquid wax esters that act as a waterproof layer formed on the skin and retain moisture. Jojoba also:

• protects both hair and skin and prevents skin from becoming dry and brittle
• controls the growth of microorganisms like bacteria and fungus on the skin (continue reading…)
  

Have you ever considered what your daily routine does to your skin? As women desperately search for the bestselling wrinkle reducer or the next generation of skin renewal cream, if not the far more expensive and invasive step of cosmetic procedure or surgery, how many have really gone back to basics to investigate how their own behavior may be impacting the appearance of their skin?

Smoking can dry skin and aid the development of wrinkles. Smoking decreases the blood supply to the skin, which can reduce the production of collagen, causing a double blow as some aspects of smoking also cause the breakdown of collagen and elastin. The habit can also impair the immune system, causing slow healing and increased vulnerability to viral invaders. Nicotine can stain skin, yellowing fingers and the area surrounding the mouth. The smoke itself isn’t the only cause of problems. If you repeat certain expressions or actions, such as pursing your lips to draw or blow smoke, these repetitive movements can build over the years and register in small wrinkles and deep lines around the mouth and lips. (continue reading…)