Acne Skin Care Tips

Some basic tips can help you to gain control over your acne.

Acne skin care is no easy thing. For most people it is very challenging. Sometimes, acne lasts only through puberty and once those crazy adolescent years have past, things just get easier. Your face clears up and you don’t really worry about acne. But, that does not mean it goes this well for everyone. For many, acne will last well into their 20’s, 30’s and even beyond. And, for that there is a need for acne skin care tips like these.

Tips You Can Use Now

1. Find an effective skin care regimen and cleanser. There are many out there that are both natural acne treatments and those that are chemical in nature. The fact is that in order for your skin to heal, the bacteria on it will need to be cleared up. You will need to insure that your acne products will do this.

2. Use exfoliating acne skin care products. By exfoliating, you are removing the dead skin cells on your skin that are literally feeding the bacteria on your face. As disgusting as it sounds, getting rid of them through exfoliation is critical to getting rid of the acne.

3. Use natural acne skin care products as well. These will be found on the web and can provide you with the most fundamentally solid way of treating acne in a natural way. Have an arsenal of good quality natural skin care products can give your body what it needs to fight off bacteria and to heal.

Getting Acne Skin Care Training

You may be thinking that acne skin care training sounds silly. The fact is that if you have the necessary knowledge to fight off your acne infections you will be more likely to make it work for you. So, before you head off to make a purchase of some costly acne medication, learn why they will work or maybe even why they may not. There are many out there that may be able to provide you with just what you need in acne skin care.

Paton Jackson

Celebrity Skin Care Products

If celebrities know one thing, it is how to stay beautiful. Just imagine the pressure they must be under to always look their best. In the case of the A-list actors and actresses, they can barely leave their homes without being photographed. Those photos end up on the covers of every magazine in every supermarket checkout in America. Poor Britney...

In recent times, a number of celebrities have launched their own skin care and cosmetic lines. It makes a lot of sense, if you think about it. Why not capitalize on the fame they have established in their respective careers? Smart celebrities have taken the endorsement scenario to another level entirely. Instead of endorsing existing products, many of them have simply launched their own lines.

Cindy Crawford is one such example. After a highly successful modeling career, Cindy dropped out of the modeling scene to settle down and start a family. A few years later, Cindy decided to capitalize on her name by launching a line of specialized skin care formulas. She partnered with the famous French cosmetic surgeon, Jean-Louis Sebagh, to create Meaningful Beauty. They offer a wide range of skin care products designed to reduce free radicals and stimulate the growth of collagen, both of which are necessary to fight the effects of aging. Well done, Cindy!

Fresh-faced freshmen, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, are everywhere these days. These girls have been in the entertainment industry since they were just a few months old, and they have build up a veritable cosmetic and fashion empire in recent years. These girls are highly influential with the "tween" crowd. They have a wonderfully fun line of cosmetics for young girls, that includes metallic mascara and sparkle applications that are crayon-like in their appearance. Smart kids, indeed!

Jessica Simpson has also started her own line of skin care products. After her recent television and movie endeavors, there is no doubt that she should be exploring her career options. Her line of skin care products is called Dessert Beauty, and is produced in conjunction with a fellow named Randi Shinder. This line is more focused on lotions and lip balms with scents like strawberry and vanilla bean. It's good to see that Jessica has plan B in effect!
Awinita Smith

Tips for Skin Care

We have to give importance to our skin in your day to day life. Especially face is the main building part of our life. We have to take care of our skin. But many people think that it is very tedious job. But don't think in that way because it is very easy to take care of our skin. By giving not more but some time from our routine, we can easily solve our many skin problems.

You know that harmful substances in air like dust particles, vapors of fuel omitted by vehicles are the main reasons for damage of our skin. Also Ultraviolet Radiation, Harsh Detergents, Extra make ups is the factors responsible for damage of our skin.

Some physical disorders that are from childhood can be cured by using cosmetic or plastic surgeries. But many of the times wrinkles or lines make people to be more irritate in their life. It is in our hand how to give answer to such a problems. Beautiful skin should be possible, if we take proper care of our skin. By taking some basic care, we can definitely get release from such a problems. With a little extra care your combination skin will restore the natural healthy glow and bring out the beautiful women inside!

Here are a few hints to take the best care of your skin and get that radiant glow.

Limit sun exposure as it can age your skin and cause wrinkling, sun spots, freckles and fine lines.
Wash your face in the morning when you wake up, and again before bedtime.

Do not wash your face more than two times every day. Over-cleansing can dry out your skin, which can cause your pores to produce more oil.
Use your fingertips or a washcloth. Don't scrub your skin, as this also can cause your pores to over-produce oil.
Use products that are all natural as much as possible.

Cleanse your skin with medicated soap.

Eat green vegetable, fruits and plenty of milk.

Drink plenty of water! Water hydrates skin and hair as well as flushes toxins out of the body.

Limit stress or learn to manage it effectively.

Try to achieve a well-balanced life and reduce stress.

Get at least 7 to 8 hours sleep every night.

Manage your daily schedule. Don't work under tress.

Maintain a regular exercise schedule. Exercise gets the blood moving and creates a healthy body.

By taking these cares it is not difficult to you become a beautiful. Anti aging skin care medicines are also available that gives positive result. However, you must consult your doctor before trying any over the counter medicine.

Also it will help us to improve our personality in working environment and you can enjoy your life very gracefully.
Awinita Smith

How to Care for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin you can't disregard it. There is no way to hide the fact that with dry skin you will look older and a bit awful. Weather, over exfoliation, hormone changes and various treatments for skin diseases are all factors that can cause dry skin. Drying skin is a natural occurrence in the body. Although it is not hard to treat dry skin once you have it.

Applying moisturizers is the best cure for dry skin. Today the market is full of several moisturizer choices. You will need to do some research and find the best moisturizer for your needs. There are two categories for moisturizers.

1. The first category of moisturizers are those that contain natural skin moisture. Grocery stores and beauty shops are the easiest places to find these types of moisturizers.

2. A second category for moisturizers are the ones that take moisture from the environment and then put it into your skin. During cold weather these are the types of moisturizers you want. This category of moisturizers is typically referred to as humectants. The components of humectants include propylene glycol, urea, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

You should use any moisturizer that is greasy or sticky. When a moisturizer doesn't go with your sweat and sticks with your clothes instead it is more comfortable.

Moisturizer isn't the only thing that counts. If you know how to correctly use a moisturizer you will get the best results. You should always put on a moisturizer when you skin is moist so you should do it after you shower or cleanse. You should consider water temperature when you cleanse your skin. Warm water is important to use when cleansing your skin. Your skin will become drier when you use water that is too hot or cold.

You shouldn't use bath soaps to cleanse your skin. To prevent your skin from drying out you should use products that have the right PH level for your skin type. To eradicate your dead skin cells you should exfoliate your skin, but over exfoliating your skin will cause further damage. When you go outside whether it is sunny or not it is advisable to apply lotion that has SPF coverage. You skin will dry out if it is overexposed to the sun. Although to get your proper supply of Vitamin D you do need some exposure to sunlight. Your proper supply of Vitamin D can be gained through a very short exposure to sunlight so you shouldn't expose yourself to sunlight too much.

You can decide whether you want your skin care products to contain natural ingredients or synthetic chemicals. Additional lipids are brought into your skin when you use natural ingredient products for your dry skin. The additional lipids will help your skin retain moisture.

Your skin care routine for dry skin isn't very complicated. Treatment of dry skin doesn't only rely on products, but also on the proper care of your skin. When you have dry skin you should rub too harshly especially after you bath. Rather you should dry you skin with gentle strokes. To prevent and cure you dry skin you should follow the above advice.
Bette Daoust

Acne Skin Care Tips

Some basic tips can help you to gain control over your acne.

Acne skin care is no easy thing. For most people it is very challenging. Sometimes, acne lasts only through puberty and once those crazy adolescent years have past, things just get easier. Your face clears up and you don’t really worry about acne. But, that does not mean it goes this well for everyone. For many, acne will last well into their 20’s, 30’s and even beyond. And, for that there is a need for acne skin care tips like these.

Tips You Can Use Now

  1. Find an effective skin care regimen and cleanser. There are many out there that are both natural acne treatments and those that are chemical in nature. The fact is that in order for your skin to heal, the bacteria on it will need to be cleared up. You will need to insure that your acne products will do this.
  2. Use exfoliating acne skin care products. By exfoliating, you are removing the dead skin cells on your skin that are literally feeding the bacteria on your face. As disgusting as it sounds, getting rid of them through exfoliation is critical to getting rid of the acne.
  3. Use natural acne skin care products as well. These will be found on the web and can provide you with the most fundamentally solid way of treating acne in a natural way. Have an arsenal of good quality natural skin care products can give your body what it needs to fight off bacteria and to heal.

Getting Acne Skin Care Training

You may be thinking that acne skin care training sounds silly. The fact is that if you have the necessary knowledge to fight off your acne infections you will be more likely to make it work for you. So, before you head off to make a purchase of some costly acne medication, learn why they will work or maybe even why they may not. There are many out there that may be able to provide you with just what you need in acne skin care.

Skin Care In Ayurveda

Skin is the seat of a sense organ. The senses of touch, temperature, pain, pressure are felt by it. A healthy skin always looks attractive even when devoid of make up.

The first step in the holistic ayurvedic approach to skin care is finding out your ayurvedic skin type.

Vata skin is in generally dry, thin, delicate and cool to the touch, easily gets dehydrated, and is very vulnerable to the influence of dry windy weather. Vata skin may age faster, and tends to be dry, rough and flaky when out of balance.

Pitta skin type tends to be fair, sensitive, soft, warm, and of medium thickness. Less tolerance to hot food, less tolerance to fieriness in temperament. Pitta skin types tend to be more prone to freckles and moles than the other skin types. When out of balance, Pitta skin can flare up in rashes, rosacea, acne, or sunspots.

Kapha skin tends to have all the qualities of water and earth -- it can be oily, thick, pale, soft, cool and more tolerant of the sun. Kapha skin tends to age slower and form less wrinkles than the other two types. Kapha skin types may struggle with dull complexion, enlarged pores, excessive oil, blackheads, and pimples, moist types of eczema and water retention.

"Combination" skin can be Vata-Pitta, skin that is both dry and sensitive, Kapha-Pitta-skin is oily and sensitive, and Vata-Kapha- skin that is generally dry with some oily zones.
Skin Care tips for your ayurvedic skin type

Vata Skin Care
For Vata skin to stay youthful, skin care products used should be very nurturing. They must include some essential oils or herbs in combination, which can nourish the skin and rehydrate it; otherwise it may be susceptible to wrinkles and premature aging.
Going to bed on time, eating regular meals, and following a regular daily routine are essential components of a holistic approach to Vata skin care, as are eating foods that help balance Vata and nourish the Vata skin.

Pitta Skin Care
The Pitta skin type needs both cooling and nurturing. Use skin care products that help enhance resistance to the sun. Avoid tanning treatments and therapies that expose your delicate, sensitive skin to steam for extended periods of time.
The ayurvedic herb Flame of Forest can help protect Pitta skin from photosensitivity. But like other ayurvedic herbs, it needs to be used in combination with other herbs for a balanced effect on the skin.

Kapha Skin Care
"Kapha skin, because of its thickness and oiliness, is more prone to accumulate ama -- toxins under the skin. People with Kapha skin need to do detoxification on a regular basis, both internal detoxification and external detoxification to flush toxins from the skin," says Mishra.
Scrubbing the skin with gentle exfoliating clay can help external cleansing. Kapha skin types may also need to take herbal formulations to cleanse the skin from within.

Skin Damage Factors

There are many factors that are responsible for skin damage. Skin also gets damaged by external factors. Sun is the main external factor that ages the skin. Ultraviolet radiation is the electromagnetic radiation. These radiations are not visible to necked eye.

A harsh detergent is the general name given to ionic detergents, which can be harmful to the skin. These detergents are called ionic because their molecule gets charged up when they come in contact with water. If you come across a product that contains ionic detergents, try to avoid the usage of such product or else look for similar products that have nonionic detergents or look out for a substitute for that product.

The hotter the water, greater is the chance of damage being done as the rate of chemical reactions increases with temperature i.e. the molecules scatter at very high speed when the temperature rises. Hence it is advisable to take bath with water that is warm and not hot and also you should not soak your body for too long in water.

Irritants can damage your skin in 2 ways. First, they have the capability to directly infect or damage cells and matrix of the skin. Second, it can also instill an inflammatory or allergic reaction in the skin, which can have a very bad effect on your skin because they may release destructive free radicals and also metalloproteinase’s or MMP.

Several different types of damage like infection, trauma, abrasions, burns, etc cause inflammation of the skin. It is a rare possibility but inflammation can also be caused by an auto immune response i.e. a malfunction of the immune system of the body, here it doesn't require any external cause to exist.

Puffiness in the eye area is a very common appearance of mild facial edema.

There are many people who like to make faces, many a times to make kids laugh and at times trying to imitate a friend. Many of them may not realize that this could be a cause of wrinkles on their face.

These wrinkles are called motion wrinkles, which are caused by repeating a particular facial expression over a period of time.

Excessive cleansing strips the layer of the skin sebum and the skin may become dry, it may also lead to skin sensitivity and other problems. One should avoid cleaning and washing the face with hot water and also one should not wash the face more than two times a day.

All the cosmetic stuff contains potential skin irritants. To keep your skin healthy one should avoid the use of makeup, if used it should be in moderate amount, especially around the eye area. If you spend some time in finding the right product for you, it will definitely save money as well as prevent you from the possibility of damaging your skin.

Herbal Skin

The skin is essentially the largest organ in the body and performs many vital roles as both a barrier and a regulating influence between the outside world and the controlled environment within the body.

Skin type differs between individuals; sensitive skin is skin that stings easily, especially during or just after cleansing. Oily skin attracts dirt and bacteria and may lead to acne and pimples. Normal skin also needs regular regime for health.

Water alone as a cleanser is not quite enough: removing dirt and grease that sticks to the skin forms a major aspect of cleansing. Use of soaps in skincare will dry the skin and lead to itchiness. Lemon (Citrus Limon) and honey (Meldespumatum) are alternatives to soap as lemon removes grime and oil while honey has antibacterial, antiseptic properties and prevents scar formation. Honey is increasingly being used to treat infected wounds and has been found to be effective in common wound infections.

Jasmine (Jasminum sambac)
provides a cooling effect through its good smelling volatile oils and has healing properties, especially for oily or sensitive skin.

Sunflower (Heydichium spicatum)
has soothing properties and is regularly used as a massaging agent.

Sandal tree (Santalum album)
is useful for alleviating itchy and inflammatory conditions of the skin. It is commonly used as a household remedy by applying a paste of sandalwood on skin rashes and itchy skin.

Carica papaya (papaya)
is a small tree with straight and soft stem with leaf scars on it. The fruits are a good source of pection. It removes freckles and smoothes the skin.

The juice of lemon
is rich a source of vitamin C. it protects the skin from skin from oxidative damage and helps in preventing pruritus.

Coconut
can be used externally for softening the lips and in various cosmetics.

Cucumber helps to keep the facial skin soft, has healing and soothing effect on the damaged skin and exerts a natural sunscreen.

Almond is known for its astringent effect. It has a globulin called amandin. It contains folic acid, alpha tocopherol and zinc, which are useful in skin disorders

Apple fruits contain a B-glycol, octane-1, 3-diol which is an antifungal constituent. It reduces skin inflammation and helps in removing dead skin fragments.

The fresh juice leaves of Kesharanjana are applied on the scalp for promoting the hair growth.

The fruit of Indian gooseberry contains the highest amount of vitamin C. Its fruit is acrid, cooling, refrigerant, diuretic, laxative and used in the preparation of hair dyes. A fixed oil extracted from the fruits is reported to have the property of promoting hair growth.

There are many natural herbs are available which helps us in skin care.

Natural Skin Care

Natural skin care is not something modern, in fact it is the most basic skin care methods known to men, a long time before we were watching television commercials that showed us elaborate scientists explaining how their new formula had made a breakthrough in skin research and skin care humans have been using the things that grow around them as remedies for skin problems and found many herbs and plants that helped the skin to look better, younger and healthier.

It is not surprising that most of the people on earth will be more suspicious of a chemical product that has been developed in laboratories and tested on animals time and time again, while science has made human life what it is today it is still fighting many battles with understanding the way that the skin works and the needs of the human skin, not to mention the features and qualities that human skin has.

The need for skin care products is on the rise and that is a direct result of more and more people in the world have problems with the effects the chemical skin care products, while it is true that many others enjoy the same chemical skin care products there are many others that have serious problems with it.

The battle for a better skin in fact a fight to balance and nurture the skin, the human skin is effected from its environment, and the modern life has also a heavy toll on the health of our skin, the products that are on the market for skin care are in fact balancing products that aim to restore the main qualities f the skin and strengthen it in order to protect it from the damage that is inflicted on it daily. The advantage to the natural skin care products is that the scientists that make these products do not use any chemicals so the risk that the person using the product will be sensitive to it is relatively low, even though there are some people who are extremely sensitive and can not use even a natural and non chemical skin care products, but these are very rare in the population.

The ingredients used in natural skin care are taken for the natural world, you can find many different kinds of flowers like lavender and the cedar wood, the use of honey and oats of different kinds is also common among the natural skin care products, the researchers search every organic product for its potential qualities and apply them to the skin, sometimes creating a sort of cycle in which products that are generally considered foods are used to nourish the skin and protect it.

Skin care is a very delicate matter, it is important that we use efficient products that will protect and nourish our skin, there are many products on the markets around the world, but it seems that the natural skin care option is growing bigger with time, it is only natural that many of us will try the natural solution for our skin care needs.

Sensitive skin care

‘Sensitive skin care’ is governed by a few basic rules. However, even before we delve into the rules for sensitive skin care, it’s important to understand what a sensitive skin is. Sensitive skin is one which is unable to tolerate any unfavourable conditions (environmental/other), and which easily gets irritated on contact with foreign materials (including skin care products). For this reason, some products are especially labelled as sensitive skin care products. The degree of sensitivity can however vary from person to person (and depending on that, the sensitive skin care procedures vary too).

Generally, all skin types respond negatively to detergents and other chemical based products. However, the damage starts generally beyond a defined threshold (or tolerance level). This tolerance level is very low for sensitive skin types, leading to skin getting damaged very easily and quickly. Sensitive skin care products either avoid the potential irritants or keep them at very low concentrations.

Here are a few tips for sensitive skin care:

  1. Use sensitive skin care products only (i.e. the products that are marked for sensitive skin care only). Also, check the instructions/ notes on the product to see if there are specific restrictions/warnings associated with the product).
  2. Even within the range of sensitive skin care products, choose the one that has minimum preservatives, colourings and other additives
  3. Do not use toners. Most of them are alcohol based and are not recommended for sensitive skin.
  4. Wear protective gloves when doing laundry or other chemical based cleaning. If you are allergic to rubber, you can wear cotton gloves below the rubber ones.
  5. Another important tip for ‘sensitive skin care’ is to avoid excessive exposure to sun. Apply sunscreen lotion before getting out in the sun.
  6. Avoiding exposure to dust and other pollutants is also important for sensitive skin care. So, cover yourself adequately before going out.
  7. Use hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic moisturizer as a sensitive skin care product (if there is none specifically labelled as a sensitive skin care product)
  8. Use soap-free and alcohol free cleansers. Cleanse your face whenever you return from spending time out doors.
  9. Do not scrub or exfoliate too hard. It can cause reddishness and even inflammation.
  10. Do not leave the makeup on for too long. Use hypoallergenic makeup- removers.

So, sensitive skin care is very different from the normal skin care. Sensitive skin care is more about being careful with your skin (both in terms of sensitive skin care products and protection against environments atrocities on skin).

Makeup For Oily Skin

We can’t all be blessed with normal skin. Unfortunately, for many of us, oily skin is our struggle. On the positive side, those with oily skin have skin that doesn’t show the signs of aging as quickly as other skin types. So, when life gives you lemons, create lemon juice and water to apply on oily skin. Rinse with warm water.

Oily skin can occur at different stages in your life; adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormones can play a role in oily skin. Oily skin is characterized by large pores, dullness, a grease-like appearance, and roughness. The sebaceous gland produces excess oil thus giving the skin the shine associated with oily skin. Washing the face several times a day can make the situation worse, causing the gland to produce even more oil. Choosing the right skin regimen and makeup for oily skin is not as difficult as it might seem.

Identifying Your Skin Type

It is important to know your skin type. Examine your face closely. Do you see large pores, flakes, or redness? Each can indicate a different skin type or be indicators of oily skin. Take a tissue to your face and blot. Did you absorb oil? If your self-examination reveals large pores and oil on the tissue, you could have oily skin. The redness can be from excessive washing or sensitive skin. I have combination skin. It is very oily with large pores in the t-zone and dry around my cheeks. If you are still unsure, consult a dermatologist or aesthetician.

Taking Care of Oily Skin

Caring for your skin now will provide benefits for the future. Your skin will thank you five years from now. Know how to take care of you skin, both inside and out. It is important to drink water so that the skin remains hydrated. Taking vitamins, especially vitamin B2 and B5 will also help your body. These vitamins can help the skin look more radiant and improve paleness.

Products for Preparing Oily Skin for Makeup

When cleansing, use an oil-based cleanser since it will help dissolve oil better. Do not use harsh cleaners that leave the skin feeling tight. This tightness will restrict oil flow and lead to clogged pores later. Also, massage the face when cleansing to avoid pushing dirt and oil into the pores. Scrubbing will clog the pores. Rinse with warm water to help dissolve oil. Use a mud or clay mask one or two times a week.
Read labels. Look for products that are for oily skin. Avoid products that contain alcohol since alcohol dries the skin. Petroleum based products such as mineral oil contain too much oil and can further clog pores. Use astringents containing acetone. Acetone dissolves oil better. Moisturizers need to be oil-free. You may only need to moisturize certain areas such as around the eyes. Mature skin will need to moisturize the entire face.

I find that applying cucumber juice before applying makeup helps my skin’s appearance. Witch-hazel will do the same. Both are excellent ways to create a more balanced ph for the skin. You may even want to spritz lavender water on your face several times a day. It is a good hydrator for oily skin as well as providing antiseptic properties.

Makeup for Oily Skin

Read labels. There are some items that should be avoided and some items that you should look for in makeup for oily skin. There are certain makeup companies that are known for their work in designing products for specific skin types. I recommend Clinique. It has a reputation for excellent care and products. I also like Jane Iredale Cosmetics. This is a mineral based line used by many dermatologists.

Avoid

  1. Avoid products containing oil from petroleum. This includes mineral oil. Use oil-free makeup or makeup that is intended to benefit oily skin.
  2. Avoid makeup that contains alcohol. Alcohol will strip the skin of oil, which may cause the body to produce even more.
  3. Look for ingredients such as bismuth oxychloride and dimenthicone. Both can clog pores and may cause blemishes. These are commonly found in foundation or powder based products.

Beneficial

  1. Find foundations that contain titanium dioxide, a naturally occurring sun protector.
  2. Makeup for oily skin should contain serecite to reduce the appearance of pores and help absorb oil.
  3. Kaolin clay added in foundation will help oil control.
  4. Zinc oxide used in makeup will act as an anti-inflammatory.

A makeup artist will use products designed for a customer’s skin type in order to promote healthy skin. It is equally important for the makeup artist to become familiar with products and ingredients for specific skin care. Knowing how to take care of a customer’s skin will benefit the client and the makeup artist’s reputation.

Health Education

As a woman of color, you've always desired radiant, even-toned skin and healthy, fast-growing hair, but you may not have always had the facts and the guidance you need to look your best. Few books and magazines offer details about the skin and hair of women of color. The books that do offer only superficial, and sometimes inaccurate, information. To get the skin and hair you long for and deserve, you first need to become better acquainted with the skin you're in. As a woman of color, the better you understand what makes your skin and hair unique, the better you'll be able to care for your looks and uncover your natural beauty. In this chapter, you'll begin to learn about skin-of-color characteristics. Skin of color is quite different from white skin in many respects. Also, among women of color there is great variety of skin tones and types. As you gain a better understanding of the differences between skin of color and white skin, and what makes your skin distinct, you'll be able to make wiser decisions about your skin's care. With this knowledge you'll gain the power to look your best.

In Black and White: What Makes Skin of Color Different?

The distinctions between your skin of color and white skin are numerous. The most notable differences include:
  • More melanin, or brown skin pigment, resulting in a warmer skin shade
  • Greater natural protection from the sun and lower risk of skin cancer
  • Fewer visible signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles, fine lines, and sun spots
  • Potential problems with pigmentation, or uneven darkening or lightening of skin
  • Greater risk of keloid (raised, often large scars) development
Skin of Color Characteristics

Our skin is made up of three distinct layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. The only visible layer, the epidermis, is composed mainly of keratinocytes -- cells that provide a protective barrier to the skin. The epidermis also contains melanocytes -- specialized cells that produce melanin, the brown pigment that gives our skin its rich color. These cells are present in the lowest sublayer of the epidermis, or the basal cell layer (see illustration, page 14). The primary purpose of the melanocyte cell is to make melanin.

Although all people have the same number of melanocyte cells, people of color have melanocytes that are capable of making large amounts of melanin. This increased melanin is what gives skin of color its warm shade. But there is no one type of skin of color. Among individual women of color, the amount of melanin varies dramatically, so that a woman with an abundance of melanin will have deep chocolate-brown skin tone, while a woman with less melanin will have vanilla skin tone. There are numerous shades -- an estimated thirty-five shades among women of African descent.

Melanin is not a static substance. That is why our skin changes color in response to various stimuli. Our melanocyte cells can produce more melanin if stimulated by the sun, medications, or certain diseases. The most obvious example of this is tanning, which occurs when our skin produces more melanin after sun exposure. Our skin may also darken in response to certain drugs such as minocycline, which is commonly used to treat acne, or in response to certain medical conditions such as Addison's disease (see "Melanin and Medicine," page 14, and "Melanin and Your Health," page 15, Our skin can also produce less pigmentation, or lightened areas, after a burn or other injury.

The melanin in our skin offers us certain other characteristics that are superior in many respects to white skin. Have you noticed that you look ten years younger than many of your White friends of the same age? This is because of your skin's greater melanin content. Our melanin has many significant health as well as beauty benefits. The most terrific advantage to having large amounts of melanin in the skin is that it protects skin from the damaging impact of the sun. It guards the skin from short-term effects such as severe sunburn (although our skin can burn under certain circumstances). Our melanin also guards our skin from long-term damage associated with aging - the development of deep wrinkles, rough surface texture, and age spots (sometimes called liver spots).

Another advantage to having more melanin is that people of color are less susceptible to developing skin cancer, particularly the more common types known as basal and squamous cell skin cancers. The rate of skin cancer among African Americans, though significant, is many times lower than the rate for Whites. As women of color, we also have the advantage of possessing the naturally warm, glowing skin sought after by White women without having to go to the beach or a tanning salon.

However, we must accept the down sides as well. A disadvantage to having more melanin is that it makes our skin more "reactive." That means almost any stimulus -- a rash, scratch, pimple, or inflammation -- may trigger the production of excess melanin, resulting in dark marks or patches on the skin. These dark areas are the result of what is called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Less commonly, some Black women will develop a decrease in melanin or postinflammatory hypopigmentation in response to skin trauma (burns, etc.). In either case, the dark or light areas may be disfiguring and devastating for women who experience them, especially because the discolorations may take months or years to fade. That's why handling your skin gently, wearing sunscreen, and preventing pigmentation problems are keys to our skin care.

Skin of color is also more susceptible to developing certain conditions such as keloids, or large, raised scars that grow beyond the original site of injury. We are more likely to be affected by several different types of disfiguring bumps, such as razor bumps or bumps that occur in the back of the scalp called acne keloidalis nuchae.

Skin Care For Dry Skin

The number of people with skin problems has been increasing in recent years. Moreover, there is a notable increase in people who admit to having sensitive and dry skin. There is a bit of difficulty finding a scientific definition for "sensitive skin" as there are many differing, measurable criteria for its definition. However, normal skin can develop a higher sensitivity when exposed to the following stimuli : sunburn; heavy skin-peeling; occupationally-related above normal exposure to water, alkalis and solvents, internal illnesses such as the increased skin dryness seen in age-related diabetes or the general itching that can accompany kidney diseases and psychological factors like stress.
Dry skin is especially common in children under 10 and older people over 60. Between 10 to 50 years of age, the number of women with dry skin is markedly more than in the case of men. The common characteristic of dry skin are light scaling, tightness and sometimes, itching. Basically, there are two types of dry skin - normal dry skin and extreme dry skin. In both types, the cause is essentially a deficit of natural moisturizing factors. A rarer form is atopic dry skin, in which a disturbed fatty acid metabolism of the skin contribute a major role.

Cleaning and Care of Dry Skin

To restore your dry skin to its normal physiological condition, pay extra close attention to your cleansing and skincare routine. In choosing cleansing products for dry skin, here are few pointers to bear in mind :
  • Make sure the cleansing preparations are made up of mild cleansing complexes with re-oiling agents that remove fat-soluble (lipophilic) dirt particles.
  • The cleansing substances' supply of lipids should promote and ensure an intensive replenishing of skin oils.
  • The fatty-acid constituents of the re-oiling agents should also be similar to the skin's natural oils to blend especially well into the horny skin layer, thereby restoring the protective lipid film during washing and helping to maintain your skin's natural pH balance.

Choosing Skin Care Products
It is important to choose skincare products that contain various active ingredients that reinforce the skin's own protective functions. Here are pointers and ingredients to watch our for :

  • For example, skincare products that contain the antioxidant Vitamin E are effective in preventing, or at the very least, delaying skin aging. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that hinders the oxidation of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, thus helping to firm up the cell membrane and delay cell-aging.
  • Choose skincare products that protect the skin from damaging environmental influences such as dryness and colds. Where the skin condition has been disturbed, choose skincare products that contain moisturizing agents and substance that will help normalize the skin, heal it and prevent diseases. For example, as a Vitamin B derivative, Dexpanthenol is said to enhance wound healing and cell-formation. Vitamin C in citric acid form is also a popular skincare substance that is used mainly because it helps in wound-healing and cell regenerations.
  • Those with especially sensitive-skin or skin affected by neurodermatitis should choose skincare products suitable for deodorant-intolerant skin.
  • The skincare products' efficacy should have been objectively and comprehensively evaluated and the confirmed in clinical studies.
Healthy skin, for the most part, results from a balance of moisture and oils and the physiological pH-value (acid mantle of the skin around 4.5 - 5.75) of the skin's surface. Always remember to choose cleansing and skincare products that are quickly absorbed into the skin and activate the various regenerating metabolic processes of the skin cells.

Causes of Dry Skin :

  • Biological skin ageing
  • Chemical and medicinal influences
  • Climate and environment
  • Genetic disposition
  • Hormonal influences
  • Illness
  • Light-induced skin ageing
  • Nutrition

Brush Your Skin for Acne Away

The skin is the largest of the elimination channels. Through the skin toxins are eliminated which are brought to the skin surface from the blood. When the regular elimination channels are sluggish or partial plugged up such as your colon being constipated, not all toxins move out through your feces.
Toxins that accumulate in the colon tend to move into the blood, when colon walls have been weaken through constant constipation or abused through eating excessive junk food. Once in the blood they move into the liver for detoxification.
If you are frequently constipated, than your liver will be overworked and unable to detoxify all of the colon toxins. The liver will store a lot of these toxins in its own tissue and else where in your body’s tissues, joints, organs, cells and skin.
When you have excessive toxins and your immune system is not able to detoxify them, these toxins will moved to the skin surface through the blood where they are enter the hair pores – follicles – and try to move to the skin surface. When your pores are not working properly, excessive toxins in the pores can lead to acne.
Body odor is also a result of toxins coming out through the skin that should be moving out through the other elimination channels.
If your body skin is clean and its pores are open and unclogged, toxins will move out through the pores without creating pimples or eruptions. The skin normally moves 1-2 pounds of toxins out of your skin daily.
You can tell when your pores are open. You sweat freely during exercise. If you do not sweat much during hot weather or during exercise, then your skin pores are probably plugged.
To keep your skin active and serving as a good channel of elimination you need to brush your skin daily before you shower or during your shower. When you brush your skin, brush in one direction, starting from your feet towards your heart.
In her book, Detox For Life, 2002, Loree Taylor Jordan, C.C.H., I.D. says,
One of greatest gifts of health that you can give yourself is the gift of skin brushing. Dry skin brushing in one of the finest of all baths. No soap can wash the skin as clean as the new skin you have under the old. You make new skin on the body every 24 hours. The skin will only be as clean as the bloodstream. Dry skin brushing removes the top layer. This helps to eliminate uric acid crystals catarrh, and various other acids in the body. The skin should eliminate 2 pounds of waste acids daily.”
Understanding how your skin lives will help you keep it clean. Brush your skin daily and bring toxins to the skin surface where you can get rid of them during your shower.

About the Author: Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks.

Top 10 health food

10.Wheat germ
The germ at the center of the wheat seed is a concentrated source of nutrients. Two tablespoons provide a good source of thiamin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Sprinkle over cereals, yogurt and salads. Or use it in muffins, cookies and pancakes.

9.Vegetable juice
This beverage is an easy way to include vegetables in your diet since it contains most of the same vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Tomato juice, and vegetable juices which include tomatoes, are good sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart attack and certain types of cancer. Be sure to select the low-sodium varieties.

8.Sweet potatoes
The deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes tells you that they're high in beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes are also high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin B-6 and potassium. And, they're fat-free and relatively low in calories.

7.Spinach
It's high in vitamin A, and also is a good source of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, riboflavin and vitamins B-6 and C. The plant compounds in spinach may boost your immune system and help prevent certain types of cancer.

6.Salmon
This fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to provide heart benefits. Salmon is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol and is a good source of protein. If possible, choose wild salmon, which is less likely to contain unwanted chemicals such as mercury.

5.Red beans
Small red, pinto and dark red kidney varieties - are an excellent low-fat source of antioxidants, protein, dietary fiber and copper. They're also a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and thiamin.

4.Blueberries
They are a rich, low-calorie source of fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Regular intake of blueberries may improve short-term memory and reduce the cellular damage associated with aging.

3.Broccoli
Besides providing calcium, potassium, folate and fiber, broccoli contains phytonutrients - compounds that may help prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Broccoli contains the antioxidant beta-carotene and is also an excellent source of vitamin C.

2.Almonds
These nuts are packed with nutrients - fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. They're also good for your heart. Most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol levels when substituted for other fats. Most almonds are considered low sodium, with less than 140 milligrams of sodium an ounce.

1.Apples
Apples are a good source of pectin, a fiber that can lower cholesterol and glucose levels. They're also a good source of vitamin C - an antioxidant that protects your body's cells. Vitamin C also keeps your blood vessels healthy and aids in the absorption of iron and folate.