5 Foods for Healthier Skin

You can invest half your paycheck in serums and creams - even splurge on dermal fillers and pricey facials - but none of it will get you far without a skin-friendly diet.

Of course, your skin (and the rest of you, for that matter) is best served by a well-rounded diet, including healthy fats, sufficient protein, and lots of fruits and vegetables. But there are a few nutritional standouts that make particularly important contributions to strong, glowing skin:

1. Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, tilapia, and cod are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. And that's a good thing, because our bodies cannot produce those essential lipids naturally. By adding omega-3s to your diet, though, you can bolster your skin barrier - that is, the layer of lipids that holds onto moisture and keeps irritants out.

There is even evidence that the skin-strengthening effects of omega-3s can improve chronic skin conditions like rosacea and atopic dermatitis, but more research is necessary to confirm that link.

Furthermore, many types of fish (like, once again, salmon and cod) are rich in vitamin D - as dermatologists increasingly emphasize sun avoidance, we also need to emphasize the importance of finding other sources of this vitamin, which is produced during sun exposure.

Don't eat fish? Many eggs are now fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, and plant sources include flax seed and flax seed oil, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. And a daily vitamin D supplement is a good idea for vegans and meat-eaters alike.

2. Green Tea: It's inexpensive, easy to add to your routine, and one of the best-researched and most powerful antioxidants around. That's why green tea is my go-to antioxidant: I drink at least three cups a day to fight aging and inflammation. Some studies even suggest that the antioxidants in green tea reduce one's risk of skin cancer. So put down that soda and start drinking your way to healthier skin!

3. Broccoli: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K (among many other nutrients), this veggie does more than its fair share of nutritional work. Vitamin A decreases oil production, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and vitamin K can help prevent bruises. So whatever ails you, this green wonderfood might be just what the doctor ordered.

4. Safflower or Sunflower Oil: Omega-3s get a lot more talk, but omega-6 fatty acids - like the linoleic acid in these two oils - are also important for healthy skin. Like omega-3s, they help prevent dry skin and inflammation; they're also essential for the formation of prostaglandins, hormones that keep all the cells of the body functioning well.

While many diets are actually quite high in omega-6s - sometimes even too high - the key is to get the good ones and not unhealthy versions, like hydrogenated oils. So try sautéing your salmon or broccoli in a little safflower or sunflower oil and double those skin-soothing benefits!

5. Almonds: When it comes to boosting skin's defenses against aging, inflammation, and even skin cancer, antioxidants are so important that I'm going to add another to my list: A handful of almonds every day boosts your levels of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for skin health. Studies also suggest that consuming vitamin E orally can increase the levels of this moisturizing vitamin on your skin's surface - great news for anyone prone to dry skin.

Wishing you great skin (and bon appetit)!

Dry Skin Remedies That Are Within Your Grasp

Excessive dry skin is a very common problem for many people and if you are one of them and anxiously looking for dry skin remedies then relax, it is not very much difficult to find them.

Our skin needs enough water to remain healthy. Normally you need 10% to 35% of water in the outer layer of your skin to keep it at a good shape. Beside this, there is a certain level of sebum generation that needs to be maintained.

Sebum is an oily substance that is produced from sebaceous glands. It is formed by wax, fatty acid, natural oils, sugar etc. without roper amount of sebum your skin can start to get drier which can be a big problem.

Now many companies offer their version of dry skin remedies which promises to deliver the best result. But using those products can mean taking yourself into a greater risk of side effects as well.

So go for natural dry skin remedies that are within your grasp. Honey, oatmeal, yogurt and olive oil is some of the natural ingredients that can help you a lot.

Honey can be used as a moisturizer which helps your skin to remove dead cells and develop skin tissues. A natural skin cleanser can be yogurts which help to moisturize your skin as well.

Olive oil can help your skin in soothing and soften by working as an emollient. Olive oil is not only an internal remedy for dry skin but it is an ingredient that can help reducing itching caused by eczema as well.

There are some herbal ingredients which can work as natural or internal remedy as well. Dandelion, Calendula, Peppermint, Marshmallow, Borage etc are some of them.

Soap contains drying agent which can stimulate your skin dryness. So instead of using soap, you can go for cloth tea bag or oatmeal flour. Aloe Vera, mango Pulp, Rose Petals, Fennel seed, Coriander seed, Chamomile, G**** pulp, lavender flower, Comfrey root, Apricot pulp, apple etc are some other ingredients that are useful for dry skin cure.




So dry skin remedies are not that difficult to find. They are very much available for you. The natural ingredients are the best for the purpose. So go for herbal or natural cure for your dry skin.

Herbal Skin Care Tips .

Herbal Skin Care Tips


Here are 22 practical Herbal Tips for Skin Care from the experts! Very easy to use and effective.
1) Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.


2) Cut some beet root into small pieces and grind them.
Squeeze juice from beet root and massage to your face
for 5 minutes. Shower after 10 minutes with mild soap or gram flour.


3) Mix sandalwood powder with rose water and
add 4 to 5 drops of milk in it and apply on to your face and
body. Shower after 15 minutes with warm water.


4) Mix honey in water and drink daily in the morning to
keep your skin shiny and smooth.


5) Warm honey and mix with lemon juice
and apply on to face. Wash after it dry.


6) Mix Turmeric, sandal powder and olive oil
and apply to body. Shower after 10 minutes.


7) Massage your skin with milk.
Milk has moisturizer, it will keep yourskin smooth.


Use humidifiers and keep room temperature
moderate to keep your skin away from dryness.


9) Hot water blushes your skin and
you don't feel fresh unless you have bath with little cold
water. If you have shower for a longtime, dead skin will be automatically
be removed. Do not rub with towel, be gentle on your skin.


10) Take food which contains more A and C vitamin.


11) Grate carrot and boil. Massage that mixture to body to get fair and smooth skin.

12) For natural bleaching: - mix milk and lemon juice. The
milk will break as soon as you mix the lemon juice in it.
Use that mixture to massage on your body. It works as natural bleaching.


13) Mix turmeric and cream on the top of milk, massage that mixture to body.


14) If you go into sun your skin will lost the fair ness.
To get your skin color to normal take equal quantities
of cucumber juice and tomato juice and apply on to skin.
Shower after 10 minutes.


15) Massage mustard oil to your skin for 5 minutes and
have shower with gram flour or mild soap.


16) Mix cream on the top of milk and all-purpose flourand
apply that paste on to your skin avoid eyes, eyebrows and lips.
Shower after 5 minutes. This will make skin smooth.


17) Mix curds (yogurt) with wheat flour and apply to your skin
and take shower after 5 minutes.


18) Grind rose petals and mix with cream on the top
of milk and apply to your body. Shower after 10 minutes.


19) Scaly skin is a result of fluorine deficiency.
Fluorine is the anti-resistant element of the human body,
the absence of which creates problems in the blood and spleen.
Since cooking and heating foods destroys fluorine, it is
better to eat uncooked raw fruits and vegetables.
Other foods rich in fluorine are goat milk and cheese, rye flour,
avocados, sea plants and cabbage, cream whey and cottage cheese.


20) Wrinkle skin is a result of Sodium deficiency and
makes skin sticky. Cucumbers are ideal for combating and
preventing sodium deficiency because they are not only high in
sodium,but also help in keeping the body cool, a great summer's treat.

21) Skin rashes are the result of silicon deficiency.
To avoid pus and rashes, eat plenty of sprouts, alfalfa, barley,
tomatoes, spinach, strawberries and figs.


22) Skin eruptions are the result of Chlorophyll. And are found
in wheat grass and other green leafy vegetables

About Eczema: Conventional Versus Natural Treatment

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin frequently seen in association with allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. The parts affected by eczema, develop lesions which will often appear as patches, blisters and/or scratches. The vicinities affected by eczema are very itchy and uncomfortable. The affected areas may become abnormally thick. Thickening of the skin can be brought through trauma to the patches from scratching and rubbing. The affected spots will be typically dry in comparison to unaffected areas. The face, elbows, behind the knees, wrists are more likely to develop eczema than other body parts.

One of the major causes of eczema is the imbalance in a person’s immune function and is probably a form of response to the environmental substances such as dust, pollution, yeast, cosmetic products, chemicals such as: detergents, oils, greases, solvents at home or in the work place. In addition, stress can cause a depletion of certain body nutrients (vitamins and minerals), which ultimately leads to a sensitivity towards eczema.

Corticoid creams containing hydrocortisone are the most common conventional treatment for eczema. Hydrocortisone is similar to a natural hormone secreted by adrenal gland, which controls the inflammation process and actively participates in the ionic body balance. The hydrocortisone creams are effective for reducing inflammation, swelling, redness and itching thereby allowing the affected area to heal. In spite of temporarily reducing the effects of eczema, these creams can lead to skin thinning and damaging. At high doses or at low doses for extended time the hydrocortisone can accumulate through the body and induce metabolic changes in salt and water balance, potassium and calcium balance and increases the blood sugar level. The reasons for accumulation are multiple. One important cause is the competition between the naturally secreted hormone and the topical hydrocortisone for the same receptors, which can raise the uncoupled hormone level. Another important cause is the steroid structure of the hormone, which makes elimination through the kidney difficult. The corticosteroid creams have to be used with a low dose of hormone and for short period of time as sometimes indicated on the label. On the other hand, sudden discontinuation of the corticosteroid cream can lead to the worsening of the eczema.

Herbal therapy is a mild but long lasting alternative for eczema treatment. Many herbs are known for their beneficial qualities in the treatment of eczema such as: Burdock, Calendula, St. John Wort, Chamomile, Chickweed, Yarrow, Nettle, Licorice. They can be used as teas, tinctures or for topical treatment.

Since eczema is a complex skin disease one single herb is not enough to relieve the symptoms of the eczema or eradicate the disease. A complex mixture of beneficial herbs is more likely to succeed in the treatment.

The antioxidant therapy has been successfully used in the prevention and treatment of different skin diseases, which usually are characterized by a high percentage of free radicals at the site of the affected areas. A good example of natural antioxidants is Sea Buckthorn and Grape seed oils. They contain a wide range of antioxidants such as vitamin E, A, C, selenium, beta carotene, anthocyanidins, which can be beneficial in the case of eczema and other skin disorders.

In conclusion: Natural alternative may be longer than the conventional solution for eczema treatment but much safer for the skin and health in general.

5 Tips To Dealing With Dry Skin

Dry skin is a problem that not only occurs during the cold winter months, but also during summer as well. The increased humidity indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer add to the problem that affects many sufferers around the world.

Symptoms of dry skin include redness and a tight feeling when you attempt to bend your fingers or even in the slightest movement of your hand. In the case of extreme dry skin, cracking and bleeding may occur. This is the most unpleasant part of dry skin as it can be very embarrassing and, as expected, very painful. While it often seems that there is no way to end this discomfort, there are several tips to help individuals who suffer from dry skin.

Dry Skin Tip # 1
Use a soap that has moisturizing lotion. This will be gentler on your skin and will add moisture back where it has been otherwise removed. If possible, avoid harsh soaps that dry out the skin or strip it of it’s natural moisture.

Dry Skin Tip # 2
While it is important to maintain proper hygiene, overly washing your hands or showering multiple times each day may promote dry skin. After washing, it is equally important to dry your skin thoroughly to prevent it from chapping.

Dry Skin Tip # 3
One of the most effective dry skin treatment products is Pacquin Plus Dry Skin Cream, which is sold in 8oz. bottles. This thick white lotion provides instant relief for dry skin and can be applied to not only the hands, but the entire body as well.

Dry Skin Tip # 4
Use a quality exfoliation product to remove dry and/or dead skin cells. By removing the old cells, you will expose the healthy cells and may be better able to fight against nature’s harmful effects.

Dry Skin Tip # 5
If problem worsens or persists, consult a dermatologist. In some instances, over-the-counter products may not be able to treat severe cases of dry skin. A dermatologist has the ability to recommend stronger treatment products, which may be needed in some instances.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as professional medical advice. The information contained herein should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, a doctor’s recommendation . Any individual who develops severe dry skin or that which does not respond to over-the-counter treatment, should consult a licensed dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE (MEN SKIN)

Why is it important to know your skin type? If you’ve ever been troubled by bumps, rashes, or spots, figuring out the best skin routine for you can really help. Read on to learn about the best products to use for your skin, and tips for each.

“Normal” Skin

Normal skin looks even and soft, without visible pores. Blemishes aren’t common, and even better than that, normal skin virtually glows with health and from good circulation.

To keep your skin the way you like it, wash your face twice a day with a mild soap—you won’t need any harsh cleansers or scrubs. Apply an oil-free moisturizer in the morning, and balance your skin with a low-alcohol toner during the day, if necessary.

Tips
• Don’t forget to treat your skin for oily or dry tendencies as they arise. Don’t ignore them because your skin may usually seem “perfect.”
• Avoid direct heat on your face to avoid drying out your normal skin.
• Always use a sunscreen to protect your normal skin.
• Use products to keep your skin healthy. Use special masks and scrubs regularly to slough off dead cells and get your circulation going.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterized by some sensitivity. The good news? You may not suffer from oily skin and pimples, but you probably will suffer from other setbacks due to dry skin, like tightness and dullness.

Treat your dry skin with creamy products formulated for dry skin. Wash your face with tepid water in the morning and at night, and apply a moisturizing cream with natural oils like avocado. Shaving can also affect the skin, so look for shaving products formulated for your skin type, such as Kiehl’s Close Shaver’s Shaving Oil, which works on very dry skin.

Tips
• Use night creams to hydrate your dry skin while you sleep.
• Be careful in the winter, when your skin is the most sensitive.
• Watch your intake of vitamins and nutrients. If you don’t get enough Vitamin A and B, your skin can become even more dry.
• Know that genetics can play a part in your dry skin.

Oily Skin

Oily skin may most commonly affect teenagers, but adults often have the same symptoms. The sebaceous glands work overtime and—lucky you—can contribute to pimples and blackheads. You can control your oily skin with a careful regimen, though, and keep everything under control.

Look for washes and moisturizers that contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, and use them in the morning and at night. You may be tempted to wash your face frequently throughout the day, but one of the most important things to remember is that your face can produce too much oil with overwashing. Even if your skin feels oily during the day, one quick rinse at lunchtime, followed by toner, should be enough to get you through the day. Invest in oil-absorbing sheets for touch-ups, and hide them in your car or in the office washroom. They’re so good, it’s worth the investment.

Tips
• Know that oily skin isn’t all that bad. It has been said that oily skin doesn’t age as fast as other skin types.
• Pay attention to your diet. Try to get enough B12 from natural sources in your diet like eggs and dairy products, and increase your intake of leafy green vegetables and fruits.
• Wash your face after working out. Try a wash with camphor or mint to wake you up even more, and apply a little non-comedogenic moisturizer afterwards, which won’t clog your pores.
• Apply a special acne-fighting cream to your skin at night if necessary. If you like natural products, try a dab of diluted tea tree oil.

We And Our Skin

You know that skin is the largest organ of our body, providing around 11% of our body. and it covers an average area of 1.8 m2.Such a large and easily accessible organ apparently offers ideal and multiple sites to administer therapeutic agents for both local and systemic actions, our skin is a highly efficient self-repairing barrier designed to keep inside and outside.Our skin is a highly complex organ though in many transdermal drug delivery studies it is often regarded somewhat simplistically as merely a physical barrier. In vivo, skin is in a process of continual regeneration, Our has immunological and histological responses. Due to experimental and ethical difficulties, most transdermal drug delivery studies tend to utilize skin ex vivo (in vitro) which inherently reduces some of the above complexity – regeneration stops, immune responses cease and metabolic activity is usually lost in these studies. However, it should always be borne in mind that data obtained from excised skin may not translate directly to the in-vivo situation.For the purpose of transdermal drug delivery, we can examine the structure and function of human skin categorised into four main layers :
1. the innermost subcutaneous fat layer (hypodermis)
2. the overlying dermis
3. the viable epidermis
4. the outermost layer of the tissue (a non-viable epidermal layer) the
stratum corneum.
1.Hypodermis, bridges between the overlying dermis and the underlying body constituents. In most areas of the body this layer is relatively thick, typically in the order of several millimetres. However, there are areas of the body in which the subcutaneous
fat layer is absent, such as the eyelids. This layer of adipose tissue principally serves to insulate the body and to provide mechanical protection against physical shock. The subcutaneous fatty layer can also provide a readily available supply of high-energy molecules, whilst the principal blood vessels and nerves are carried to the skin in this layer.
2.The dermis is typically 3–5 mm thick and is the major component of human skin. It is composed of a network of connective tissue, predominantly collagen fibrils providing support and elastic tissue providing flexibility, embedded in a mucopolysaccharide gel (Wilkes et al.,1973). In terms of transdermal drug delivery, this layer is often viewed as essentially gelled water, and thus provides a minimal barrier to the delivery of most polar drugs, although the dermal barrier may be significant when delivering highly lipophilic molecules. The dermis has numerous structures embedded within it; blood and lymphatic vessels, nerve endings, pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and sebaceous glands), and sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine).
3.The epidermis is itself a complex multiply layered membrane, yet varies in thickness from around 0.06 mm on the eyelids to around 0.8 mm on the load-bearing palms and soles of the feet. The epidermis contains no blood vessels and hence nutrients and waste products must diffuse
across the dermo-epidermal layer in order to maintain tissue integrity.
Likewise, molecules permeating across the epidermis must cross the dermo-epidermal layer in order to be cleared into the systemic circulation. The epidermis contains four histologically distinct layers which,from the inside to the outside, are the stratum germinativum, stratum
spinosum, stratum granulosum and the stratum corneum.
A fifth layer, the stratum lucidum, is sometimes described but is more usually considered to be the lower layers of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum, comprising anucleate (dead) cells, provides the main barrier to transdermal delivery of drugs and hence is often treated as a
separate membrane by workers within the field. The term ‘viable epidermis’ is often used to describe the underlying layers, although the viability of cells within, for example, the stratum granulosum is questionable as the cell components degrade during differentiation.
4.Epidermal As well as the cellular component of the epidermis, the tissue contains many drug-metabolising enzymes. Histochemical and immunohistochemical methodologies suggest that the majority of these are localised in the epidermis, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Although present
at relatively small quantities in comparison to the liver, they do allow metabolic activity that can effectively reduce the bioavailability of topically applied medicaments; a common misconception is that the skin is an ‘inert’ tissue. Indeed, most phase 1 (e.g. oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis)
and phase 2 (e.g. methylation, glucuronidation) reactions can occur within the skin, though these tend to be at <10%>
is a large skin surface area, the metabolism of some drugs can be significant.