Skin Cancer Treatment Blog

Archive for February, 2010

I personally was enraged after reading about this. It seems that dry skin lotion might be bad for a woman’s health. Recent studies have shown that many of them contain estrogens, which can penetrate the skin, enter the blood stream and stimulate the growth of “estrogen-sensitive” breast cancer cells. This is not really news to some of us, but it might be to you.

The reporter that I watched seemed genuinely surprised by the whole thing. So, I thought that maybe a lot of women never thought about where lotions, and the ingredients that they contain, end up.

The skin is a living organ. Oils, waste products, air and water (in the form of perspiration) pass out of it, through the pores. Chemical substances pass through it and enter the blood stream.

You have probably seen dermal patches for delivering a regular dosage of a drug. It was difficult, at first, for drug companies to come up with a system that would allow the drugs to pass through the epidermis, in large enough doses to be effective. Some of them are combined with alcohol, which makes the skin more permeable. Some molecules, such as insulin, are too large to pass through, but estrogen molecules are not.

Almost every dry skin lotion on the market contains one or more types of alcohol, which makes the epidermis more permeable. They are meant to be applied and left on, which gives them plenty of time to penetrate. So, you really don’t want your lotions to contain anything that you would be afraid to eat.

You probably will not see estrogen listed as an ingredient, unless it is a cream that is specifically designed to relieve menopausal symptoms, but you will see placenta and amniotic fluid listed. Both of those contain estrogen and other hormones. In some cases, you will see estradiol listed, which is simply a different form of estrogen. But, there’s another problem.

There are many ingredients in dry skin lotion that “act” like hormones, when they get inside the human body. Parabens, for example, are artificial preservatives that have been shown to have estrogenic effects and they have been found in breast cancer tumors.

The safest choice is to shop for all-natural skincare products that are free of artificial preservatives and added fragrances. Fragrance ingredients are a relative mind field. There are thousands of different chemicals used to create them and many of them are carcinogens.

If you want the most effective dry skin lotion, look for an ingredient called SYNERGY TK. It contains proteins extracted from sheep’s wool that are very similar to the skin’s own protein complexes. In studies, using human volunteers, it has been shown to improve moisture by over 20% and improve the skin’s ability to retain that moisture. There’s nothing else quite like it.

Bottom line, other ingredients are also beneficial including grape seed oil and passion fruit extract. You see, there are safe and effective natural alternatives. You don’t have to buy a dry skin lotion that is hazardous to your health. You have choices.

For more insight into safe and proven ingredients in natural skin care, visit my website today.

Laurel Levine
http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/the-hidden-dangers-in-dry-skin-lotion-710327.html

Folic Acid

Introduction

Folic acid is also known as vitamin M, folate or folacin. It is a B-complex water-soluble vitamin that can be naturally found in food sources and supplements. It is popular for its essential role in pregnancy and prevention of birth defects. These defects often involve the malformation of the neural tube, which is responsible for the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Mothers with folate deficiency tend to give birth to infants with neural tube defects, often resulting in brain and spinal cord disorders such as spina bifida.

There are three main components of folic acid namely PABA, glutamic acid and pteridine. Since it has a complex structure, it also has a rather complicated interaction with the human body. There are food sources that do not have folic acid, and body enzymes in the intestines have to chemically alter these food substances to form folate.

Functions of Folic Acid

Several functions of folic acid in the body include:

• Red blood cell production and support for circulation. Without the presence of folic acid, red blood cells cannot form properly and would not continue dividing. Folic acid also helps in the maintenance of healthy blood circulation by preventing the build-up of homocysteine. An increased intake of folic acid in men has been suggested to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also aids in the prevention of anaemia.

• Cell production especially in the skin. Skin, intestinal, and cells that line the body cavities have a minimal life span and are dependent on folic acid for their production. Certain conditions arise when there is folic acid deficiency like periodontal disease, seborrhoea dermatitis and cancer.

• Prevention of nervous system disorders. Folic acid allows nerves to function normally. It also maintains the proper balance and synthesis of neurotransmitters in the nervous system.
• Folic acid is also said to prevent osteoporosis-related bone fractures.
Deficiency Conditions
Several factors that can contribute to insufficient folic acid includes poor dietary intake; deficiency of B vitamin intake; poor protein intake; insufficient supply of glycine and serine which are responsible for folate recycling; and excessive smoking, alcohol consumption and coffee.
Failure of the body to absorb folic acid can result to conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. In pregnant women, poor folate intake can result to the infant growth retardation, macrocytic anaemia, GI disorders, glossitis and neural tube defects. Studies have also linked folate deficiency and high homocysteine levels with coronary heart disease, cerebral vascular disease and peripheral vascular diseases.
Deficiency Symptoms in Adults and Children

Since folate is related to nervous system functions, insufficient folate levels can result in irritability, forgetfulness, mental fatigue, depression, confusion and insomnia. In connection with circulatory functions, deficient folate can cause general or muscular fatigue. Lack of folate intake can also cause problems in the intestinal tract like diarrhoea and oral conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Mild folic acid anaemia may have no symptoms at all. As the insufficiency of folate increases, certain symptoms of anaemia may develop. Less common symptoms may include the following:

• Abdominal pain and diarrhoea

• Tongue sores

• Chapped lips especially around the corners of the mouth

• Shortness of breath with activity and exertion

• Chest pains with rapid and irregular heart rate

As the deficiency progresses, it would lead to common symptoms of anaemia which may include:

• Weakness and fatigue

• Feeling of light-headedness

• Forgetfulness

• Irritability

• Pale appearance

• Weight loss and lack of appetite

• Difficulty to focus and concentrate 

Recommended Daily Intake of Folate

Recommended daily intake of folic acid is dependent on particular age and gender groups. Pregnant women obviously need a greater amount of folate intake in consideration with foetal development.

Infants from birth to 6 months need 65 mg/day of folate; infants 7-12 months require 80 mg/day. Children aged 1-3 years old need 150 mg/day; children aged 4-8 years are required to have 200 mg/day of folate.

Males and females aged 9-13 need a dose of 300 mg/day of folic acid; both males and females from ages 14-18 are required to have 400 mg/day and both men and women 19 years and up need 400 mg/day of folate. In pregnant women, folate intake of 600 mg/day is recommended whilst lactating mothers would need 500 mg/day of folate.

Folic Acid Food Sources

Excellent sources of folate include green leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, mustard greens, beans, peas and lentils, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, parsley and collard greens. Poultry, calf’s liver, wheat germ, nutritional yeast, tuna, mushrooms, and fruits like oranges, bananas, strawberries and cantaloupes are also good sources of folic acid. Folic acid is now also added to bread and grain products to encourage folate intake and decrease the prevalence of neural tube defects. 

Requirement for Increased Amounts of Folic Acid

Pregnant adult women and breastfeeding mothers are usually given an increased amount of folate to prevent birth defects in infants. In addition, folate can also be used in adjunct treatments to enhance the response to antidepressants. Other conditions that require increased folate amounts include:

• Anticonvulsant-induced folate deficiency

• Cancers of the colon, pancreas and cervix

• Drug-induced toxicity

• End stage renal disease or ESRD

• Folate deficiency

• Hyperhomocysteinemia

• Megaloblastic anaemia

• Prevention of neural tube defects

• Phenytoin-induced gingival hyperplasia

• Pregnancy-related gingivitis

Drug Interactions with Folic Acid

Certain types of prescription drugs can deplete the body’s folate supply. It is essential that patients would inform their doctors if they are taking these medications.  Prescription medications that can interact with folate include the following:

• Anti-cancer medications such as methotrexate

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs like cholestyramine

• Anti-inflammatory drugs like sulfasalazine

• Biguanide drugs like buformin, phenformin and metformin used for diabetes treatment

• Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)

• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as triamterene

• Antibiotics such as trimethoprim  and pyrimethamine

 

Paul Leach

Once you understand that psoriasis is an internal disease and not just a skin complaint it will be easier to control. You will no longer need to waste money on messy ointments and latest treatments of psoriasis that give only temporary relief at best and instead concentrate finding lasting relief from this embarrassing and unsightly condition What is psoriasis? It is an immune system disorder where skin cells or keratinocytes multiply faster than their normal 28-30 day cycle. These extra skin cells then build up on the surface of the skin forming red inflamed plaques or lesions with silvery scales, which can be found on all parts of the body, but more commonly on the elbows and knees and occasionally on the scalp, arms and legs. Psoriasis is not fussy whom it attacks! People of any age, sex or race can become victims. However the severity of the disease can vary greatly in different people. Some people only ever have one outbreak and are never troubled again while others suffer a severe form and are in constant discomfort. The severity of psoriasis is measured by a system called PASI, or psoriasis area and severity index which is based on the skin area affected and the level of inflammation and redness present. Causes of psoriasis An immune system malfunction is believed to be the most common cause. The immune system is mistakenly triggered which causes an increase in the white blood cells which causes inflammation. Stress, especially prolonged stress can also be a trigger. Genetics may also play a part and some doctors believed it can be passed down through the generations. Certain medications can also bring on an attack. Is psoriasis contagious? The answer to this is a definite no. It cannot be passed on to others on contact or in any other way. How can I find a psoriasis treatment Many treatments have been tried but most have only a temporary effect as they are treating the disease from outside and not from within. The most common medical treatment is topically applied cortisone cream followed by coal tar ointment, anthralin and calamine lotion. Of all these the calamine lotion is probably the safest but it only stop the itching for a little while. Coal tar ointment can be effective but is messy and can cause skin irritation. Cortisone products can causes thinning of the skin when used consistantly so avoid these if possible. Some people find that moisturizing the skin can bring relief. If you are trying this only use a moisturizer with natural ingredients as one containing mineral oil can do more harm than good. Exposure to sunlight or ultra violet A rays (UVA) is one of the latest treatments of psoriasis, but the side effects can be skin cancer and premature wrinkling of the skin. Exposure to UV should be monitered very carefully. Then there are the internal treatments such as methotrexate and cyclosporine. I like to say “if you can’t pronounce it – don’t eat it” Well nowhere is this more true than these two examples! Methotrexate can lead to hair loss, decreased resistance to infection, headaches and miscarriage among other things. Side effects associated with cyclosporine include insomnia, acne, stomach pains and nausea. Is there anything that’s safe to use to treat psoriasis? Since the disease is triggered by the immune system the logical answer is to treat the immune system. Herbal remedies can nurture our skin from the inside making them very effective. Small lifestle changes such as eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can also give your immune system a boost. Because psoriasis comes from within, it will always respond better to an internal treatment. Treat the body from within and use a natural anti itching cream or lotion on the skin itself. We can’t yet cure psoriasis but we can manage it well enough so it doesn’t have such a debilitating effect on our lives.

Wendy Owen
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/stop-wasting-money-on-the-latest-treatment-of-psoriasis-806768.html

You might disagree, but hear me out on this. My readers often have questions about the recommended vitamins for healthy hair and skin. Here’s what I tell them. To have the best looking hair and the healthiest skin, you need all of the basic, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, protein and carbohydrates. And, when it comes to the skin’s health, you need a good skincare routine.

When a person is deficient in any nutrient, it shows. The symptoms may be dark circles under the eyes, blemishes, uneven pigmentation, paleness or a specific skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. The hair may look dull and lifeless, instead of shiny and richly colored.

The cosmetic companies have allowed us to cover up these signs of nutritional deficiencies with makeup and hair coloring. Those things should only be necessary to highlight our features, emphasize the color of the eyes or the fullness of the lips. We should need them to conceal an underlying health problem.

Are there specific vitamins for healthy hair and skin? An excellent daily nutritional supplement provides everything that you need. The average ones that you see on store shelves are not of the highest quality. Most of them contain synthetic vitamin E, which regardless of what the manufacturer’s say, I cannot believe that a compound derived from crude oil is actually beneficial for a person’s health.

Once you find the best nutritional supplement, you should focus on getting rid of the toxic personal care products that you are using every day. Your shampoo and body wash, as well as the cosmetics that you use should be as natural as possible. Ingredients like petrolatum and mineral oil are also derived from crude oil. These substances clog your pores and are often contaminated with hazardous compounds, many of which cause cancer.

A mild all-natural cleanser is just as important as vitamins for healthy hair and skin. And, after cleansing your face, you should be using a nourishing moisturizer, both day and night.

Many people feel that their skin is too oily and that there is no need to use a moisturizer, but when you clean your face, the solution removes natural oils. If you don’t use a balancing moisturizer, the sebaceous glands will secrete even more oils to try to compensate. The moisturizer that I recommend contains grape seed oil, passion fruit extract, coenzyme Q10, natural vitamin E, kelp extracts and protein.

These ingredients contain many of the nutrients and vitamins for healthy hair and skin. Maracuja passion fruit extract helps to regulate sebum production, so that your skin will not be too oily or too dry. Coenzyme Q10 and natural vitamin E must be properly prepared or they cannot be used by the skin’s cells to protect them from free radicals and oxidation.

Do yourself a favor, to help maintain the health of the hair, scalp and the body, I recommend a showerhead filter for those people that have chlorine in their water supply. There are many other things that you can do, as well. These are just the basics of vitamins for healthy hair and skin. There’s always more to learn.

To learn more about vitamins for beautiful skin, and other incredible natural substances for natural healthy skin care, visit my website today.

Laurel Levine
http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/a-guide-to-vitamins-for-healthy-hair-and-skin-738733.html

Are you frustrated with spots, imperfections and darkened areas from sun exposure? There is a natural skin whitening cream that can safely lighten color, without causing irritation. Most of the products on the market are very irritating and there is one ingredient that you should never use, because it can cause serious long-term adverse reactions. It’s called hydroquinone.

Although many dermatologists consider it “safe” or at least “safer” than other treatments, its use has been banned in some countries, including France. It is feared to increase the risk of cancer, but it is known to cause the appearance of dark bumps in some people. In other words, don’t take a chance.

In other whiteners, toxic mercury is the active ingredient. Mercury is a heavy metal that is known to cause numerous health problems. The label of ingredients is your best source of information.

The natural skin whitening cream that I recommend contains extracts from the nut-grass plant. The botanical name for this medicinal plant is Cyperus Rotundus. It is native to areas of Europe, Africa and Asia. It was used traditionally to treat bruises and other wounds. In recent years, scientists learned that it reduced irritation on the skin and a new cream was developed for that purpose. As often happens, they learned by accident that it was an effective whitener, as well.

The compound that creates the skin’s color is called melanin. Melanin is naturally present in humans. The production of melanin increases due to exposure to UVB rays from the sun. Substances like hydroquinone are effective because they inhibit the production of melanin. Other compounds used in whiteners have a bleaching affect that is not actually desirable.

The natural skin whitening system that contains nut grass extracts also inhibits the production of melanin. A concentration of .5% has been shown in scientific studies to inhibit melanin production by over 40%, with no harmful side effects. The company that makes it recommends alternating its use with there age defense day cream on a monthly basis, depending on the amount of time that you spend in the sun.

You should be aware that melanin provides natural protection from skin-cancer. So, once you begin lightening, you will need to use extra care when you are out of doors. However, many of the sunscreens on the market have been shown to increase the risk of certain types of skin-cancer. The best advice is to wear a hat to protect your face and use a zinc oxide sun-block on exposed areas.

The natural skin whitening system mentioned in this article also contains anti-aging ingredients and antioxidants that protect the cells from free radical damage, which may provide some protection from cancer, as well. But, you always want to play it safe in the sun.

Some sunlight is good for you. It is needed for the body to produce vitamin D. If you are avoiding all exposure to sunlight, you should take a daily supplement that contains vitamin D3.

What’s stopping you from checking out the ingredients in any natural skin whitening solution? Before you buy it, make sure they’re safe. That’s the best advice of all.

To learn more about vitamins for healthy skin, and other incredible natural substances for natural healthy skin care, visit my website today.

Laurel Levine
http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/a-guide-to-skin-whitening-736397.html

Once you understand that psoriasis is an internal disease and not just a skin complaint it will be easier to control. You will no longer need to waste money on messy ointments and latest treatments of psoriasis that give only temporary relief at best and instead concentrate finding lasting relief from this embarrassing and unsightly condition What is psoriasis? It is an immune system disorder where skin cells or keratinocytes multiply faster than their normal 28-30 day cycle. These extra skin cells then build up on the surface of the skin forming red inflamed plaques or lesions with silvery scales, which can be found on all parts of the body, but more commonly on the elbows and knees and occasionally on the scalp, arms and legs. Psoriasis is not fussy whom it attacks! People of any age, sex or race can become victims. However the severity of the disease can vary greatly in different people. Some people only ever have one outbreak and are never troubled again while others suffer a severe form and are in constant discomfort. The severity of psoriasis is measured by a system called PASI, or psoriasis area and severity index which is based on the skin area affected and the level of inflammation and redness present. Causes of psoriasis An immune system malfunction is believed to be the most common cause. The immune system is mistakenly triggered which causes an increase in the white blood cells which causes inflammation. Stress, especially prolonged stress can also be a trigger. Genetics may also play a part and some doctors believed it can be passed down through the generations. Certain medications can also bring on an attack. Is psoriasis contagious? The answer to this is a definite no. It cannot be passed on to others on contact or in any other way. How can I find a psoriasis treatment Many treatments have been tried but most have only a temporary effect as they are treating the disease from outside and not from within. The most common medical treatment is topically applied cortisone cream followed by coal tar ointment, anthralin and calamine lotion. Of all these the calamine lotion is probably the safest but it only stop the itching for a little while. Coal tar ointment can be effective but is messy and can cause skin irritation. Cortisone products can causes thinning of the skin when used consistantly so avoid these if possible. Some people find that moisturizing the skin can bring relief. If you are trying this only use a moisturizer with natural ingredients as one containing mineral oil can do more harm than good. Exposure to sunlight or ultra violet A rays (UVA) is one of the latest treatments of psoriasis, but the side effects can be skin cancer and premature wrinkling of the skin. Exposure to UV should be monitered very carefully. Then there are the internal treatments such as methotrexate and cyclosporine. I like to say “if you can’t pronounce it – don’t eat it” Well nowhere is this more true than these two examples! Methotrexate can lead to hair loss, decreased resistance to infection, headaches and miscarriage among other things. Side effects associated with cyclosporine include insomnia, acne, stomach pains and nausea. Is there anything that’s safe to use to treat psoriasis? Since the disease is triggered by the immune system the logical answer is to treat the immune system. Herbal remedies can nurture our skin from the inside making them very effective. Small lifestle changes such as eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can also give your immune system a boost. Because psoriasis comes from within, it will always respond better to an internal treatment. Treat the body from within and use a natural anti itching cream or lotion on the skin itself. We can’t yet cure psoriasis but we can manage it well enough so it doesn’t have such a debilitating effect on our lives.

Wendy Owen
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/stop-wasting-money-on-the-latest-treatment-of-psoriasis-806768.html

You might disagree, but hear me out on this. My readers often have questions about the recommended vitamins for healthy hair and skin. Here’s what I tell them. To have the best looking hair and the healthiest skin, you need all of the basic, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, protein and carbohydrates. And, when it comes to the skin’s health, you need a good skincare routine.

When a person is deficient in any nutrient, it shows. The symptoms may be dark circles under the eyes, blemishes, uneven pigmentation, paleness or a specific skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. The hair may look dull and lifeless, instead of shiny and richly colored.

The cosmetic companies have allowed us to cover up these signs of nutritional deficiencies with makeup and hair coloring. Those things should only be necessary to highlight our features, emphasize the color of the eyes or the fullness of the lips. We should need them to conceal an underlying health problem.

Are there specific vitamins for healthy hair and skin? An excellent daily nutritional supplement provides everything that you need. The average ones that you see on store shelves are not of the highest quality. Most of them contain synthetic vitamin E, which regardless of what the manufacturer’s say, I cannot believe that a compound derived from crude oil is actually beneficial for a person’s health.

Once you find the best nutritional supplement, you should focus on getting rid of the toxic personal care products that you are using every day. Your shampoo and body wash, as well as the cosmetics that you use should be as natural as possible. Ingredients like petrolatum and mineral oil are also derived from crude oil. These substances clog your pores and are often contaminated with hazardous compounds, many of which cause cancer.

A mild all-natural cleanser is just as important as vitamins for healthy hair and skin. And, after cleansing your face, you should be using a nourishing moisturizer, both day and night.

Many people feel that their skin is too oily and that there is no need to use a moisturizer, but when you clean your face, the solution removes natural oils. If you don’t use a balancing moisturizer, the sebaceous glands will secrete even more oils to try to compensate. The moisturizer that I recommend contains grape seed oil, passion fruit extract, coenzyme Q10, natural vitamin E, kelp extracts and protein.

These ingredients contain many of the nutrients and vitamins for healthy hair and skin. Maracuja passion fruit extract helps to regulate sebum production, so that your skin will not be too oily or too dry. Coenzyme Q10 and natural vitamin E must be properly prepared or they cannot be used by the skin’s cells to protect them from free radicals and oxidation.

Do yourself a favor, to help maintain the health of the hair, scalp and the body, I recommend a showerhead filter for those people that have chlorine in their water supply. There are many other things that you can do, as well. These are just the basics of vitamins for healthy hair and skin. There’s always more to learn.

To learn more about vitamins for beautiful skin, and other incredible natural substances for natural healthy skin care, visit my website today.

Laurel Levine
http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/a-guide-to-vitamins-for-healthy-hair-and-skin-738733.html

Paraben free products are better and safer for your skin care.  Parabens have been discovered in breast cancer patients.   This makes any kind of paraben in skin care products as highly likely to be dangerous to your health.  What is paraben?

Let me explain what is paraben.  Simply put it is a synthetic product preservative.  The purpose of a paraben is to make the product last longer on the shelf.

Kinds of Parabens

Please note this: There are many kinds of parabens. To name a few: methylparaben, isoparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, etc.  Beware of any ingredient that ends in -paraben.

Parabens are not included in safe skin care products.  Companies that care about your health will not put any kind of paraben in their product.  There are other safe ways to preserve a skin care product.

For a product to be really natural it will not have any synthetic ingredients in it.  Parabens are synthetic and are potentially harmful.  They are not necessary  in any skin care product.  Avoid them please.

Here are some steps you can take BEFORE you buy a product.

1.  If you are in a store, you can just read the label.
I suggest very strongly to not buy any over the counter skin care products, especially in expensive high end department stores.  They may not tell if  parabens are in their product.  Makers of cosmetics are required to list their ingredients unless it is fragrance and that is exempt as a “trade secret.”  Beware of any product that list “fragrance” as an ingredient.

2.  If you are now using a skin care product you should see if the company has a website.  If it does, do they list the ingredients?  Look for parabens and fragrances.

3.  Ask the company if they use parabens and why do they?  Ask if parabens are dangerous? (They are at least highly suspicious.)

If your cosmetic company or any company won’t give you a straightforward answer, you may want to buy from some company who is responsive and responsible.   That’s what I did and I found one that not only answered my questions but had a full disclosure of its ingredents plus a ton of helpful information. For more information  on parabens see: http://www.AHealthyRadiantSkin.com

Paraben free products are the future trend of safe skin care. Companies will be forced by health minded customers to take the natural and safe approach in making  their products rather than the cheap and easy way.

In conclusion please note that any product that has parabens in it is probably not in your best health interest.  Use a product from a company that has paraben free products.  I’d be happy to help you find such a company.  -Margaret Bell

Margaret Bell
http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/paraben-free-products-are-better-and-safer-for-skin-720110.html

Have you read one skin care tip after another and felt unsure about which one you should follow? If you open up magazines or surf the web, you will find loads of skin care suggestions and oftentimes it’s simply hit or miss. It can be very difficult to sort through the hype to find honest, truthful, clinically proven skin care advice. We will discuss how to sort much of the information out there to get to the simple facts quickly and easily.

When you want to get skin care tips, avoid consulting magazines. Mainstream magazines are partial to big brand products that pay to have their name mentioned. It’s hard to know what is really effective unless you try it yourself but here are some surefire tips that will have your skin looking clear, young, and beautiful in no time.

1. Many skin care tips out there recommend over-cleansing your skin. The truth is that you only need to cleanse your skin in the evening before you go to bed. Splashing your face with warm water in the morning is sufficient. Over-cleansing can lead to dryness and irritation.

2. This is probably a skin care tip you’ve already heard, but moisturize your skin frequently. Use both a day cream and a night cream for the best results. Look for natural and effective moisturizing ingredients such as grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, avocado extract, and shea butter.

3. Of the many skin care tips that are overlooked, one is the importance of using a deeply hydrating mask for a periodic hydrating boost. Simply applying creams day to day is not enough in order to give your face and neck the deep moisturizing treatment they need.

4. Another skin care tip that involves mask is using a deep cleansing treatment. Look for a deep cleansing mask that contains bentone gel and kaolin clay to remove the build-up of dirt and grime from your pores.

5. Don’t apply just any cream to your eyes. Look for a light eye gel specifically for use around the eyes. Keep an eye out for ingredients like Eyeliss and Haloxyl, which are scientifically proven to reduce under-eye circles, wrinkles, and bags.

6. Avoid using creams that contain an SPF factor. Most of the skin care tips you have heard all your life surely preach the importance of SPF factors in skin creams but the truth is that SPF factors can cause skin problems and have been linked to cancer. To avoid sun exposure, use a wide brim hat and sun umbrella instead.

7. If you want to whiten your complexion, look for a cream that contains extrapone nutgrass. Unlike other whitening ingredients, extrapone nutgrass does not cause irritation. You can enjoy its whitening effects without experiencing any harmful side effects.

Do yourself a favor and follow the skin care tips listed here in order to achieve young, beautiful skin. Your best bet is to follow these tips religiously and if you do so, you will look in the mirror and see the skin you’ve always dreamed of having in no time, guaranteed.

Dr. Valerie Rosenbaum
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/seven-simple-skin-care-tips-for-beautiful-skin-672307.html

You might disagree, but hear me out on this. My readers often have questions about the recommended vitamins for healthy hair and skin. Here’s what I tell them. To have the best looking hair and the healthiest skin, you need all of the basic, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, protein and carbohydrates. And, when it comes to the skin’s health, you need a good skincare routine.

When a person is deficient in any nutrient, it shows. The symptoms may be dark circles under the eyes, blemishes, uneven pigmentation, paleness or a specific skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. The hair may look dull and lifeless, instead of shiny and richly colored.

The cosmetic companies have allowed us to cover up these signs of nutritional deficiencies with makeup and hair coloring. Those things should only be necessary to highlight our features, emphasize the color of the eyes or the fullness of the lips. We should need them to conceal an underlying health problem.

Are there specific vitamins for healthy hair and skin? An excellent daily nutritional supplement provides everything that you need. The average ones that you see on store shelves are not of the highest quality. Most of them contain synthetic vitamin E, which regardless of what the manufacturer’s say, I cannot believe that a compound derived from crude oil is actually beneficial for a person’s health.

Once you find the best nutritional supplement, you should focus on getting rid of the toxic personal care products that you are using every day. Your shampoo and body wash, as well as the cosmetics that you use should be as natural as possible. Ingredients like petrolatum and mineral oil are also derived from crude oil. These substances clog your pores and are often contaminated with hazardous compounds, many of which cause cancer.

A mild all-natural cleanser is just as important as vitamins for healthy hair and skin. And, after cleansing your face, you should be using a nourishing moisturizer, both day and night.

Many people feel that their skin is too oily and that there is no need to use a moisturizer, but when you clean your face, the solution removes natural oils. If you don’t use a balancing moisturizer, the sebaceous glands will secrete even more oils to try to compensate. The moisturizer that I recommend contains grape seed oil, passion fruit extract, coenzyme Q10, natural vitamin E, kelp extracts and protein.

These ingredients contain many of the nutrients and vitamins for healthy hair and skin. Maracuja passion fruit extract helps to regulate sebum production, so that your skin will not be too oily or too dry. Coenzyme Q10 and natural vitamin E must be properly prepared or they cannot be used by the skin’s cells to protect them from free radicals and oxidation.

Do yourself a favor, to help maintain the health of the hair, scalp and the body, I recommend a showerhead filter for those people that have chlorine in their water supply. There are many other things that you can do, as well. These are just the basics of vitamins for healthy hair and skin. There’s always more to learn.

To learn more about vitamins for beautiful skin, and other incredible natural substances for natural healthy skin care, visit my website today.

Laurel Levine
http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/a-guide-to-vitamins-for-healthy-hair-and-skin-738733.html