Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. To some degree, it affects about 80 percent of all Americans between the ages of twelve and forty-four. Acne has become the most commonly treated skin abnormality. Perhaps modern lifestyles contribute to this change in statistics. For those that suffer form acne, it is not merely a cosmetic problems. The consequences include emotional stress that can have a strong impact on one's self-esteem.
Acne often arises at puberty, when the body dramatically increases its production of androgen's (male sex hormones). These hormones stimulate the production of keratin (a type of protein) and sebum (an oily skin lubricant). If sebum is secreted faster than it can move through the pores, a blemish arises. The excess oil makes the pores sticky, allowing bacteria to become trapped inside. Blackheads form when sebum combines with skin pigments and plugs the pores. If the scales below the surface of the skin become filled with sebum, whiteheads appear. In severe cases, whiteheads build up, spread under the skin, and rupture, which eventually spreads the inflammation. Although proper skin care is important in the treatment of acne, acne is not caused by uncleanliness, but is more likely to be a result of overactive oil glands.
Although more that 20 million teenagers suffer form this disorder, acne is not just affecting kids anymore --- it is also affecting increasing numbers of adults. While teenage acne most commonly occurs on the face and/or upper body, adult acne is usually limited to the chin and jawline, and involves fewer, but possibly more painful blemishes.
Many women suffer premenstrual acne flare-ups prompted by the release of progesterone after ovulation. Oral contraceptive high in progesterone can cause breakouts too. The presence of candidiasis can also cause hormonal changes that encourage the liver to product the wrong substances for healthy sebum.
Factors that can contribute to acne include heredity, oily skin, hormonal imbalance, monthly menstrual cycles, and candidiasis. Other possible contributing factors are allergies, stress, and the use of certain types of drugs, such as steroids, lithium, oral contraceptives, and some anti-epileptic drugs. Nutritional deficiencies and/or a diet high in saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and animal products can also be involved. Exposure to industrial pollutants such as machine oils, coal tar derivatives, and chlorinated hydrocarbons are some environmental factors that can have an adverse effect on the condition. A body pH that is too acidic or too alkaline also fosters the nesting and breeding of acne-causing bacteria.
The skin is the largest organ of the body. One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the body's toxic waste products through sweating. I the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the "third kidney". As toxins escape through the skin, the skin's healthy integrity is disrupted. This is a key factor behind many skin disorders, including acne.
The skin also "breathes." If the pores become clogged, the microbes that are involved in causing acne flourish because the are protected against the bacteriostatic action of sunshine. Dirt, dust, oils, and grime from pollution clog the pres, but this can be eliminated by cleansing the skin properly, ans with the proper products.
HERBS:
-Burdock Root, Dandelion leaves, Milk Thistle and Red Clover; Burdock Root and Red Clover are powerful blood cleansers. Milk Thistle aids the liver in cleansing the blood. Burdock and Dandelion help cleanse the liver.
-Chaste Tree Berry extract can aid in preventing premenstrual breakouts.
-Lavender, Red Clover, and Strawberry leaves can be used as a steam sauna for the face.
*Caution: If acne is extensive or badly inflames, do not use stream treatments, as this may worsen the condition.
-Lavender essential oil is a good antibiotic and antiseptic that can be applied directly to individual blemishes.
-Tea Tree oil is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic.
-Other beneficial herbs include alfalfa, cayenne (capsicum), echinacea, and yellow dock root.
*Caution: do not take echinacea if you have an autoimmune disorder.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
-Eat a high-fiber diet.
-Increase you intake of raw foods.
-Eat a lot of fruits.
-Eat more foods rich in zinc, including shellfish, soybeans, whole grains, sunflower seeds, and a small amount of raw nuts daily.
-Be sure your diet contains vitamins A, C, E, and essential fatty acids.
-Drink at least eight glasses of quality water per day.
-Avoid alcohol, butter, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, cocoa, cream, eggs, fat, fish, fried foods, hot and spicy foods, hydrogenated oils and shortenings, margarine, meat, poultry, wheat, soft drinks, and foods containing brominated vegetable oils.
-Try eliminating dairy products from your diet for one month.
-If you are not allergic to dairy products, eat plenty of soured products, such as low-fat yogurt.
-Avoid all forms of sugar.
-Eliminate all processed foods from the diet, and do not use iodized salt.
-Follow a fasting program.
-Avoid wearing makeup.
-Keep the affected area as free of oil as possible.
-If you must shave an area of skin affected by acne, using an electric razor may be beneficial.
-As much as possible, avoid stress.
-Avoid the use of oral or topical steroids.
-Do NOT squeeze the spots. Find a skin care therapist/esthetician qualified to treat acne.
-Do NOT use topical chemicals -- go organic if possible!
"At Sage we are passionate about simple, balanced, natural skin health. We understand healthy skin is beautiful skin"
Organic skin care line coming soon sagenaturalproducts and sageskinspa.com
19 December 2011
06 April 2011
Oily Skin
Do you have OILY SKIN?
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands produce more oil than is needed for proper lubrication of the skin. This excess oil can clog pores and cause blemishes. Oily skin is probably largely a matter of heredity, but it is known to be affected by factors such as diet, hormone levels, pregnancy, birth control pills, and the cosmetics you use. Humidity and hot weather both stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Because skin tends to become dryer with age, and because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age. Many people have skin that is oily only in certain areas and dry or normal in others, a condition known as combination skin. In general, the forehead, nose, chin and upper back tend to be oilier than other areas.
Oily skin has its positive aspects. It is slow to develop age spots and discoloration, fine lines. and wrinkles. It often doesn't freckle or turn red in the sun - on the contrary, it tans evenly and beautifully. On the negative side, oily skin is prone to "breakouts" well past adolescence and has a chronically shiny appearance, an oily or greasy feeling, and enlarged pores.
Unless otherwise specified, the supplements and Herbs dosages recommended here are for adults.
*Aloe Vera has excellent healing properties. Apply aloe vera gel topically, as directed on product label or as needed.
*Burdock Root, Chamomile, Horsetail, Oat Straw and Thyme nourish the skin.
*Lavender is very good for oily skin. Mist your skin with lavender water several times daily.
*A facial sauna using Lemongrass, Licorice Root, and Rosebuds is good for oily skin. Two or three times a week. Simmer a total of 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water. When the pot is steaming, place it on top of a trivet or thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at ta comfortable distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the steam if you wish, After fifteen minutes, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to air dry or pat it dry with a towel. After the sauna, you can allow the herbal water to cool and save it for use as a toning lotion to be dabbed on your face with a cotton ball after cleansing.
*Witch Hazel applied to the skin is excellent for absorbing oil.
Recommendations:
* Drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
* Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Consume no fried foods, animal fats, or heat-processed vegetables oils. Do not cook with oil, and do not eat any oils that have been subjected to heat, whether in processing or cooking. If a little oil is necessary, such as in salad dressing, use cold-pressed canola or olive oil only.
* Do not drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, Avoid sugar, chocolate, and junk food.
* Keep your skin very clean. Wash your face two or three times in the course of a day - no more, because too much washing will stimulate your skin to produce more oil. Use your hands instead of harsh scrubs or washcloths. Sterile gauze pads are also good for cleaning the skin. (Do not use a pad more than once). Do not use harsh soaps or cleansers. Use a use soap with no artificial additives. Do not use cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol. After cleansing, apply a natural oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin supple.
* Use hot water when washing your face. Hot water dissolves skin oil better than lukewarm or cold water.
* Try using a clay or mud mask. White or rose-colored clays are best for sensitive skin.
* Choose cosmetic and facial care products specifically designed for oily skin.
* Two or three times a week, use a loofah sponge for the face and warm water to boost circulation, remove dead skin cells, and remove many of the impurities found in oily skin. Avoid using loofah around your eyes, and do not use it on areas with open sores. See a qualified esthetician to get treatments of Microdermabrasion Facials
* To clear away excess oil, use a clay or mud mask. Blend together well 1 teaspoon green clay powder (available in health food stores) and 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes,, then rinse well with lukewarm water. Do this at least three times a week - or more often if necessary. White or rose-colored clays are best for sensitive skin.
* Once or twice daily, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water together. Pat mixture on your face and allow it to dry, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a cool-water rinse.
* Look for facial powder that is mineral based.
* For combination skin, simply treat the oily areas as oily skin and the dry areas as dry skin (dry skin part 3 coming soon)
* Do not smoke. Smoking promotes enlargement of the pores and impairs the overall health of the skin.
Considerations:
* Caring for oily skin does not mean trying to dry the skin out. Despite having excess oil, skin may still lack moisture. Moisture is a term that is used to refer to the amount of water inside the skin cells, not the amount of oil on the surface of the skin. While oil and moisture levels are related (the oil helps prevent loss of moisture through evaporation), the two are not the same. There are products available that help to supply and protect moisture without adding oil. Vitamin A Moisturizing Gel is a good non-greasy moisturizer. Using such a moisturizer may help prevent the development of wrinkles in the long run.
Although it is a common myth, oily skin doesn't actually cause acne. Although there is an association between the severity of acne and the amount of oil a person's skin produces, not all people with oily skin have acne. (acne - part 2 coming soon).
For best results - get a deep cleansing facial at least once a month for a qualified esthetician.
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands produce more oil than is needed for proper lubrication of the skin. This excess oil can clog pores and cause blemishes. Oily skin is probably largely a matter of heredity, but it is known to be affected by factors such as diet, hormone levels, pregnancy, birth control pills, and the cosmetics you use. Humidity and hot weather both stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Because skin tends to become dryer with age, and because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age. Many people have skin that is oily only in certain areas and dry or normal in others, a condition known as combination skin. In general, the forehead, nose, chin and upper back tend to be oilier than other areas.
Oily skin has its positive aspects. It is slow to develop age spots and discoloration, fine lines. and wrinkles. It often doesn't freckle or turn red in the sun - on the contrary, it tans evenly and beautifully. On the negative side, oily skin is prone to "breakouts" well past adolescence and has a chronically shiny appearance, an oily or greasy feeling, and enlarged pores.
Unless otherwise specified, the supplements and Herbs dosages recommended here are for adults.
*Aloe Vera has excellent healing properties. Apply aloe vera gel topically, as directed on product label or as needed.
*Burdock Root, Chamomile, Horsetail, Oat Straw and Thyme nourish the skin.
*Lavender is very good for oily skin. Mist your skin with lavender water several times daily.
*A facial sauna using Lemongrass, Licorice Root, and Rosebuds is good for oily skin. Two or three times a week. Simmer a total of 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water. When the pot is steaming, place it on top of a trivet or thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at ta comfortable distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the steam if you wish, After fifteen minutes, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to air dry or pat it dry with a towel. After the sauna, you can allow the herbal water to cool and save it for use as a toning lotion to be dabbed on your face with a cotton ball after cleansing.
*Witch Hazel applied to the skin is excellent for absorbing oil.
Recommendations:
* Drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
* Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Consume no fried foods, animal fats, or heat-processed vegetables oils. Do not cook with oil, and do not eat any oils that have been subjected to heat, whether in processing or cooking. If a little oil is necessary, such as in salad dressing, use cold-pressed canola or olive oil only.
* Do not drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, Avoid sugar, chocolate, and junk food.
* Keep your skin very clean. Wash your face two or three times in the course of a day - no more, because too much washing will stimulate your skin to produce more oil. Use your hands instead of harsh scrubs or washcloths. Sterile gauze pads are also good for cleaning the skin. (Do not use a pad more than once). Do not use harsh soaps or cleansers. Use a use soap with no artificial additives. Do not use cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol. After cleansing, apply a natural oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin supple.
* Use hot water when washing your face. Hot water dissolves skin oil better than lukewarm or cold water.
* Try using a clay or mud mask. White or rose-colored clays are best for sensitive skin.
* Choose cosmetic and facial care products specifically designed for oily skin.
* Two or three times a week, use a loofah sponge for the face and warm water to boost circulation, remove dead skin cells, and remove many of the impurities found in oily skin. Avoid using loofah around your eyes, and do not use it on areas with open sores. See a qualified esthetician to get treatments of Microdermabrasion Facials
* To clear away excess oil, use a clay or mud mask. Blend together well 1 teaspoon green clay powder (available in health food stores) and 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes,, then rinse well with lukewarm water. Do this at least three times a week - or more often if necessary. White or rose-colored clays are best for sensitive skin.
* Once or twice daily, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water together. Pat mixture on your face and allow it to dry, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a cool-water rinse.
* Look for facial powder that is mineral based.
* For combination skin, simply treat the oily areas as oily skin and the dry areas as dry skin (dry skin part 3 coming soon)
* Do not smoke. Smoking promotes enlargement of the pores and impairs the overall health of the skin.
Considerations:
* Caring for oily skin does not mean trying to dry the skin out. Despite having excess oil, skin may still lack moisture. Moisture is a term that is used to refer to the amount of water inside the skin cells, not the amount of oil on the surface of the skin. While oil and moisture levels are related (the oil helps prevent loss of moisture through evaporation), the two are not the same. There are products available that help to supply and protect moisture without adding oil. Vitamin A Moisturizing Gel is a good non-greasy moisturizer. Using such a moisturizer may help prevent the development of wrinkles in the long run.
Although it is a common myth, oily skin doesn't actually cause acne. Although there is an association between the severity of acne and the amount of oil a person's skin produces, not all people with oily skin have acne. (acne - part 2 coming soon).
For best results - get a deep cleansing facial at least once a month for a qualified esthetician.
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