Skin Cancer Treatment Blog

Archive for May, 2010

Ketoconazole was discovered in 1976 and released in the early 1980s, and was one of the first available oral treatment for fungal infections (griseofulvin was available before ketoconazole).

Ketoconazole is also sometimes used to treat prostate cancer (cancer that begins in a male reproductive organ), high blood levels of calcium in patients with certain conditions, Cushing’s syndrome (high blood levels of a natural substance called cortisol), and excessive hair growth in women.

Ketoconazole is in a class of antifungals called imidazoles. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.

It is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus, as well as fungal infections throughout the whole body and serious fungal infections of the skin and nails.

The over-the-counter shampoo version of ketoconazole can also be used as a body wash for the treatment of tinea versicolor.

There are so many sites devoting the attention to the promotion of this drug. DrugstoreTM.com is one of the trusted sources of this product. You can now buy soma online. Visit DrugstoreTM.com, your reputable online pharmacy, for more details.

DrugstoreTM.com Online Drug Store provides a wide range of services such as drug information, health care products and prescription medication online.

Jennifer Alinio
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/ketoconazole-is-also-sometimes-used-to-treat-prostate-cancer-116205.html

Are You Causing Damage To Your Skin?

In general, what men want in their skincare product is something that works and simple to use. Unfortunately, skincare is not as easy and basic as the “3-step system” – cleanse, tone and moisturize or that simplified “wash and go” routine. As a result, most men don’t use sunscreen regularly and leave their skin at risk for cancer and wrinkles. This also means that most men don’t know what irritating ingredients their shaving products might contain, and they end up with razor burn, (which is often really “product” burn).

Over the past several years, there has been a remarkable increase in the sales of men’s skincare products on the market. With such a selection of products flying off the shelves, it would be hard for men to differentiate between a good and bad product. This can be summed up to the fact that men are generally reluctant “cosmetic” consumers and are hesitant to spend too much time and effort looking into consumer information on the topic, resulting in wasting their money on unnecessary or problematic skincare products.

While it would be great if it were simple enough to recommend products from skincare lines “designed” for men, it turns out that most of those products are either poorly formulated, contain far too many irritating ingredients, or are overpriced and not worth the extra expense..

How To Shave Without Damaging Your Skin

Shaving is the most typical start to a man’s skincare routine. It is also the first area where they can make mistakes. Most shaving gels, creams or lotions, pre- and post-shave products, especially those geared toward men, contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, mint, and camphor, as well as high levels of potassium or sodium hydroxide. These ingredients are skin irritants that make the hair follicle and skin swell, forcing the hair up and away from the skin, supposedly allowing for a closer shave.

Unfortunately, the irritation and resulting swelling cause some of the hair to be hidden by the swollen follicle and skin. Note that sodium hydroxide is used in many skincare products at very low levels (the lesser amount of an ingredient in a product, the lower it will be on the ingredient list on the label) to adjust the pH value. In these low quantities, it is not irritating to skin. Additionally, the swollen skin makes it harder for the stubble to find its way back out. If the hair begins to grow (which it does almost immediately) before the swelling is reduced, the likelihood of ingrown hairs is increased.

Do you know you can cause damage to your skin by shaving incorrectly?

Shaving with a razor abrades the skin enough to cause havoc, but then men typically splash an alcohol-based post-shave lotion with irritating ingredients over that broken skin. Try splashing some post-shave lotion on a cut or scrape on any other part of your body. Now, why would you want to do that to your face and damaging your skin?

Chris Chew
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-shave-without-damaging-your-skin-72853.html

For as long as one can remember, it has always been the pursuit of many to keep their youthful looks, even at great costs.

And in this day and age, the trend has not changed. Now more than ever, methods, techniques and treatments mean to retain that “youthful glow” proliferated everywhere.

As it is the most telltale sign of getting old, anti-aging goods and services accounts for billions of dollars spent in the hopes of delaying the onset of skin aging.

Unfortunately, many have been and are misinformed on how and why the skin ages misleading these same people into buying products that only offer short-lived, if not unsuccessful and disappointing results.

It is therefore only smart to know just how the skin develops over time.

In understanding the hows and whys of aging skin, the correct habits and treatments can then be developed to retain as much of your youthful looks for as long a time as possible.

First off, there are two types of aging for the skin. There is the intrinsic (internal) aging, which is caused by factors within your own body, such as genes and body condition; and extrinsic (external) aging, which is caused by factors outside your body, such as sunlight and lifestyle.

Intrinsic (internal) aging

Aging is a natural process and your genes determine how you goes through that process. For some, aging can set in earlier or later than most. On average, signs of skin aging begin to appear in the mid-20s.

As you grows older, the skin’s ability to snap back to shape (elasticity) starts to decrease. That is because skin cells do not regenerate as fast as they used to – resulting to tougher, older skin. Although internal aging begins in one’s 20s, the typical signs of wrinkles and sagging skin do not appear for until about a couple of decades more.

Other signs that indicate skin aging are thinning, loss of firmness, dryness, and reduction of sweat production that prevents proper cooling of the body.

Extrinsic (external) aging

Factors outside your own genes accelerate skin aging.

Lifestyles and habits carry more impact of why aging skin occurs more prematurely in your lifetime.

Sun exposure

With the present condition our atmosphere is in, harmful rays from the sun pass through in ever increasing amounts causing damage to the skin and hampering its ability to repair itself. Over a period of time, a few minutes a day of exposure to ultraviolet rays results in changes to the skin (freckles, age spots, rough skin). An even graver symptom would be the onset of skin cancer. Dermatologists call this effect photo aging in reference to the sun’s rays that reduce the production of collagen responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity.

Your susceptibility to photo aging is determined by the amount of pigment in the skin as well as the frequency and duration your spend under the sun’s rays. Given these factors, fair-skinned individuals and those who spend long periods under the sun stand to have more pronounced effects of photo aging compared to those who are darker-skinned and spend more time in the shade.

Facial Exercises

Ironically, the routine once prescribed to prevent facial wrinkles is actually one of the causes of that very thing one aims to avoid. Facial exercises cause the muscles on the face to fold and crease the skin. As the skin’s elasticity decreases, the skin starts to take on the creases more permanently causing deep wrinkles on the face.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking does not only cause harm to the body internally but externally as well. This is most pronounced with the condition of the skin. Nicotine intake causes changes in the body that speeds up the break down of skin cells, among other harmful effects.

It is a common finding that individuals who’ve been smokers for at least a decade look comparably older than those who do not smoke. In addition to wrinkles, yellowish discoloration of the skin has been observed in smokers. However, the good news is that those who have given up smoking show improvements in their skin condition shortly after quitting.

The signs of skin aging will inevitably show up on everyone at one point or the other. All sorts of products and treatments can be availed of but it is only meant to delay the outward symptoms.

Perhaps the best solution is to understand the aging process and find natural ways to look and feel younger for as long as possible.

Janet Emerson
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/anti-aging-secrets-knowing-how-and-why-skin-ages-84169.html

- Tramadol

Tramadol is a non-opioid prescription pain relief medication that is meant to help alleviate moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol is a synthetic analgesic, not an anti-inflammatory, which means that people who cannot take anti-inflammatory drugs due to their side effects, can often take Tramadol to help relieve their pain. Tramadol is the generic form of the prescription drug Ultram.

- Uses of Tramadol

Tramadol is considered to be an analgesic used in the treatment or prevention of pain.
Tramadol Directions

It’s important to follow the directions given by your doctor for your prescription tramadol. Be sure to store Tramadol at room temperature, and keep away from high heat and lights.

- Tramadol Side Effects

Certain side effects that may occur with the use of Tramadol may only be temporary and might subside throughout the course of taking tramadol.  those side effects may include:  dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, headache, or sweating.  If these side effects do continue or are becoming bothersome, be sure to check with your doctor.  If any of the following occur, be sure to check with your doctor as soon as possible: skin rash, itching, seizures, or hallucinations. If you notice other side effects not listed above, make sure to contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

- Tramadol Precautions

It’s important that the recommended dosage of tramadol is not exceeded or that you don’t take Tramadol for longer than prescribed.  If you experience difficulty breathing or tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more Tramadol unless your doctor tells you to do so. Avoid alcohol while you are using this medicine. Tramadol will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using Ultram alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Ultram during pregnancy. Tramadol is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Tramadol.

- Tramadol Drug Interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Consult your pharmacist or physician if you have questions about drug interactions with Tramadol.
Missed Dose of Tramadol
If you miss a dose of Tramadol, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

- Tramadol Overdose

If overdose of Tramadol is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, seizures, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

Tramadol is taken orally once a day pain medication that helps to relieve the strain and stress of severe or moderately severe pain. Tramadol can be used for people whom may have chronic pain disorders, or a patient that may just had dental surgery. Tramadol may also help to pain such as:

-  Migraines
-  Sprains
-  Broken ligaments
-  Chronic pain
-  Severe back pain
-  Long-term pain
-  Cancer pain

Tramadol is used for any severe pain that won’t go away as fast as a stubbed toe. Tramadol is a great medication to use in short periods at a time. Tramadol is to be used for about 5 days at a time in order to avoid addiction to tramadol. Tramadol can also be used for elderly pain and end of life pain.

javier conde
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/what-is-the-most-important-information-i-should-know-about-tramadol-715742.html

Facial Moisturizer for dry aging skin is what you really need if you are suffering from signs of skin aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots and an uneven skin complexion. It can be the ultimate skin care solution for your precious and most lovable asset- your skin.

We can find many facial moisturizer for dry aging skin in the market. They are so popular because we all want to look young and appealing. And the solution offered by facial moisturizer for dry aging skin is unparalleled by any other product in the skincare category.

When you use facial moisturizer for dry aging skin as a part of your skincare treatment there are two things that you must pay most attention to –

1) You should find a quality facial moisturizer for dry aging skin with tested and proven ingredients.

2) You should use it consistently for the desired results in skin health and rejuvenation.

Finding an effective and high quality facial moisturizer for dry aging skin is the first critical task. It is no mean task. You should take a close look at whether there are scientifically proven natural ingredients used in them and also make sure that they do not contain harmful chemicals.

Once you have found an effective facial moisturizer for dry aging skin, the consistent applying part is not really that difficult. The improvements in your skin rejuvenation give you the continuous motivation and drive to continue the skincare therapy till you achieve the smooth and young looking skin.

Although it will not be possible to mention here all the effective natural ingredients that you should look for and the harmful substances that you should avoid in an ideal facial moisturizer for dry aging skin, I will mention some of them.

A lot of these harmful chemicals are used (in different names) in sub-standard facial moisturizer for dry aging skin. You should avoid these at any cost –

1) Mineral Oils – They are used as moisturizers. They are used in facial moisturizer for dry aging skin because they are cheap. But their cost on skin health is huge. They clog and suffocate the skin’s pores. This hinders their function of removing the toxins and causes acnes, allergies and other skin disorders.

2) Parabens – They are used as preservatives and help in improving the shelf life of facial moisturizers for dry aging skin. They are known to cause cancer.

3) Fragrances – These are used so that the facial moisturizer for dry aging skin smell nice. These fragrances are made from harmful chemicals which can cause huge disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system.

These are the natural ingredients that your should look for in the most effective facial moisturizer for dry aging skin –

1) Cynergy TK – This is a cutting edge natural substance that has been pioneered in New Zealand. It is high in functional keratin. This form of keratin is easily absorbable by the body. Keratin is one of the most important skin proteins which works together with collagen and elastin to keep our skin young.

Cynergy TK is also most effective and unique in the fact that it helps the body in its natural production of collagen and elastin. These are the vital skin proteins that play a vital role in keeping our skin firm, supple and elastic. Cynergy TK also has shown to significantly improve skin moisture retention and skin elasticity.

Currently Cynergy TK is available only in niche skincare facial moisturizer for dry aging skin, and not in the big brand names.

2) Phytessence Wakame – This is an extract of a special type of Japanese sea kelp. It is one of the best kept skincare anti aging secrets of Japan. It works effectively in soothing skin inflammation, which is one of the major causes of skin aging. It also helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and helps in maintaining the balance of hyaluronic acid in the skin. This acid works together with collagen and elastin in the skin and helps in keeping the skin young and vibrant.

Visit my website for learning more on such natural skincare ingredients that work very effectively as a part of facial moisturizer for dry aging skin and work in natural skin rejuvenation.

Vijay Raisinghani
http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/a-facial-moisturizer-for-dry-aging-skin-can-be-the-ultimate-skin-care-solution-for-your-precious-skin-726069.html

Treatments for thyroid cancers involve various procedures and depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Moreover, the procedures used to treat thyroid cancer can cure the affection and improve the life of the patient. Statistics have proved that for the most common forms of papillary and papillary follicular thyroid cancer the 5 and 10 year survival rates are in excess of 95%.

To begin with, a common procedure is the external radiation therapy or x-ray radiation and it is usually used when the thyroid cancer cannot be totally removed. X-ray radiation is produced from an external source by cobalt beam and is prescribed in small doses over a 4 to 6 week interval. It is important to note that this procedure may have certain side effects such as formations of small blood vessels and pigment darkening of the skin.

Secondly, another common procedure is the radioactive iodine therapy, a special therapy that is used post-operatively. In addition to this, radioactive iodine therapy is not a hard procedure but for patients who suffer froma severe form of thyroid cancer and need a high dose of radiation, isolation in the hospital may be required. Radioactive iodine is usually administered in capsules or liquid and in order to have an important result, thyroid replacement (tablets) are withheld during this time. Even though patients may face certain side effects as pains, discomfort, the thyroid replacement helps considerably and moreover it has been considered that TSH injections have not had to stop their thyroid tablets. The treatment that includes radioactive iodine is quite safe and in many cases can be repeated in order to heal the thyroid cancer that has come back again. On the other hand, this type of therapy may produce certain insignificant side effects such as transient neck discomfort, alteration in taste and also decreased saliva formation.

Thirdly, after following surgery and radioactive iodine, the next step is the administration of thyroid hormone pills. Thyroid hormone have the role to ensure a proper metabolism and also stops the recurrence of the tumor by suppressing the pituitary hormone, thyrotropin (TSH) which is responsible for the cancer appereance. In addition, patients who follow this treatment are treated with dosages which are good enough to mantain the serum TSH level below normal in order to prevent the cancer. Much more, patients should visit regularly the doctor in order to be examined and perform various tests that can show if the patient is completely cured or the disease tends to develop again. Furthermore, chest x-ray and neck ultrasound may be required in order to find out if the cancer has not persisted or recurred.

For more info regarding thyroid symptoms please check http://www.thyroid-info-center.com/thyroid-cancer.htm or http://www.thyroid-info-center.com/thyroid-conditions.htm

Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/therapies-and-surgeymethods-to-treat-thyroid-cancer-118414.html

Research suggests that a large number of skin-medicine professionals believe most people use sunscreen improperly – by not applying enough. This and other mistakes can have a real and lasting impact on your appearance and health.

Common questions are answered here;

What’s the #1 mistake people make when applying sunscreen?

Unknowingly, people tend to apply only 25% to 50% of the recommended amount. Sunscreen should be applied liberally enough to all sun-exposed areas that it forms a film when initially applied. It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin, so it should be applied at least a half an hour before going out in the sun. Sunscreen should also be the last product applied especially on the face since some sunscreens can break down in the presence of the water contained in water-based foundations and moisturizers.

Will a budget Sunscreen product protect me as well as an expensive brand?

There are so many sun-protection lotions and creams on the market. Knowing which is best for my family can be a challenge.

Most budget sunscreen products with these ingredients will protect equally as well as more expensive brands; our research indicates that a good broad-spectrum sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15 and contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide

Should I be concerned about your Freckles? Ever since I moved to a sunny location four years ago, I noticed that my back has become covered with freckles. Is there a cause for concern?

A freckle is the most noticeable sun-induced pigment change. Light-skinned people tend to freckle more noticeably. A freckle can be caused when the melanin-producing cell, or melanocyte, is damaged causing it to get bigger. Large freckles, also known as, ‘age spots’ or ‘liver spots,’ can sometimes be seen on the backs of the hands, chest, shoulders, arms, and upper back. These are not age-related but actually sun-damage related. In future, use the preventative measures described in this report and see your doctor if you are concerned.

Can I do anything about wrinkles caused by previous Sun damage ?

Yes, you can – with Alpha or Beta Hydroxy treatments available in a number of forms. Additional information is available on our site (we do not sell these products). We have a special free report on reducing the appearance of wrinkles with these treatments.

How Often Should Sunscreen be Reapplied?

Sunscreen should also be reapplied after swimming, excessive sweating, or towelling the body dry. Remember, many waterproof sunscreens may begin losing effectiveness after perhaps 80 minutes in the water, so reapply sunscreen before this time for maximum protection, especially if you have towel-dried.

Most instructions on sunscreen labels recommend reapplying sunscreen ‘frequently,’ but the definition of ‘frequently’ is vague. A common instruction is to reapply sunscreen after 2-4 hours in the sun. However, one study has shown that reapplying sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes after being in the sun is more effective than waiting 2 hours. It is possible that this time period is more effective because most people do not apply enough sunscreen initially, and this second application approximates the actual amount needed.

Are You Safe from the Sun in Water? I know that you’re not supposed to stay in the sun between 10am and 3pm, when it is at its strongest, but will it be ok if during that time you stay in the water?

No! Water offers no protection from the sun; it may even contribute to making the damage worse. I found this out the hard way when I was in Hawaii and believed because I was in & under the water I would be somewhat protected – big mistake. The fact that we are kept cool by the water can reduce awareness that those damaging rays are out there in the water (after all, the sun is shining on the bottom of the pool too, right?).

That mistake cost me a lot of pain, several layers of skin and a trip to the doctor to have a large mole removed from my back that erupted after the encounter. Even when out of the water and in the shade between 10 am and 3 pm when them sun is strongest, we should still apply sun screen – because sand, concrete and water can all reflect harmful rays.

What’s the Best Way to Treat Sunburn?

Immediate self-care should be aimed at stopping the UV radiation; get out & stay out of the sun. Cover exposed skin.

Next, something is likely to be required to reduce pain and itching. Many people raised in a beach community know the secret of aloe-based lotions. Tearing apart your aloe plant in the garden and applying the cool jellylike substance inside the leaves is no longer necessary, as there are many commercially available types. Ask the pharmacist at your local chemist.

In the hours and days following exposure, dermatologists suggest cool (not ice cold) baths may help. Avoid bath salts, oils, and perfumes because these may produce sensitivity reactions. Avoid scrubbing the skin or shaving the skin.

Use soft towels to gently dry yourself. Don’t rub. Use a light, fragrance-free skin moisturizer. Some dermatologists recommend avoiding lotions that contain topical anaesthetic medications because you can become sensitized and then allergic to that particular medicine.

Medical attention should be sought in more serious cases. Conditions that should motivate you to go to a hospital’s emergency department include the following; severe pain, severe blistering, headache, confusion, nausea or vomiting, fainting or an acute problem with another medical condition.

Background Info; Sunlight has a profound effect on the skin causing premature skin aging, skin cancer, and a host of skin changes. While a limited exposure to sunlight may be necessary for a healthy life, we must remember that exposure to ultraviolet light (UVA or UVB) from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of skin damage and premature skin aging – including wrinkles. Both UVA and UVB radiation cause damage by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin.

Cover up in the sun with sun and swim wear made from UV-protecting fabric, a hat and sunglasses with UV protection. This is of particular importance for children. After protecting by covering-up, the most important skin-care product available to prevent skin damage and future wrinkles is sunscreen. But remember, most people do not use sunscreen correctly.

Roger Hall
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/how-to-protect-your-skin-against-wrinkles-and-damage-53984.html

With all the recent talk about anti-oxidants and their importance in protecting our health, nearly all of us have learned that we should be eating and drinking more foods and beverages with high anti-oxidant contents. But, what about skincare products that contain herbs and plants that are high in anti-oxidants? Can they help reduce aging when used topically?

Today, drugstore and department store shelves are full of moisturizers and other skin care products made from fruits, vegetables and herbs. The products promise to prevent aging, and in some cases, even reverse skin damage that has already occurred. The theory is that the same anti-oxidants that protect our health when consumed as part of our diet can protect our skin when applied directly to the face.

One study, reported by the UK Tea Council examined many of these products, including those containing green tea, soy, pomegranate, grape seed oil, aloe, horse chestnut, comfrey, chamomile, dates and allantoin. The study reviewed the research behind skin care products with each of these ingredients to determine what scientific evidence exists to suggest that the products are indeed effective on the skin.

After reviewing the research on each of the products, the study showed that the only natural products with any evidence to back up their effectiveness were green and black tea, pomegranates, soy and dates have had any real clinical trials to give evidence that the products are effective.

So, what products do you choose? Well, there are a wide variety of products that contain at least one of the ingredients that do have evidence to suggest that they are good treatments for the skin. Highly recognized cosmetic companies like Murad and Proactiv and Aveeno make products using these ingredients. Which natural product you choose really depends upon the type of skin problems you’re having. Here are the most popular natural skin care ingredients and the problems they can help to solve.

Soy – Soy’s an effective moisturizer and offers anti-oxidants, which can help prevent aging. In addition, certain soy proteins have been shown to help with pigmentation problems, like sun spots and other discolorations.

Pomegranate – Pomegranate is also full of anti-oxidants and has been shown to be a cancer preventative. One study on pomegranates showed that when breast cancer cells were exposed to pomegranate extract they self destructed, leaving healthy cells intact. As a skin treatment, pomegranates are best for healing; making it an effective treatment for acne and any other skin ailments that need to heal.

Green Tea – Green tea has some of the most powerful anti-oxidants available. And, they’re apparently just as effective when applied to the skin as they are when part of a healthy diet.

Green tea has been shown to rejuvenate skin, actually reactivating dying skin cells. Green tea does not penetrate below the first layer of the skin, but even here it can have dramatic results. As skin cells reach the epidermis they prepare to die, and over the next week or so, they become dull as they’re dying off.

Green tea rejuvenates these cells, making them live longer and removing that dull tired look that skin gets. So, a green tea in your moisturizer can help improve the look of your skin almost immediately. It’s still important to exfoliate regularly to help rid your skin of the cells that are already dead.

But, green tea may have cancer preventing effects as well. Other studies have shown that green tea’s anti-oxidants have a scavenging effect on free radicals on the skin, and even on abnormal skin cells. So, green tea may help rid your skin of cells that might otherwise become dangerous skin cancer cells. Doctors recommend using green tea cream under your sunscreen for the optimal effect.

Green tea is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason it is sometimes an effective treatment for skin problems like roseacia. Researchers believe that because of the combination of anti-inflammatory properties along with the anti-oxidant activity of green tea, it likely will have many anti-aging properties once more research has been performed.

One question that arises when using any natural product on your skin is whether or not the active ingredients can remain effective after months on the shelf. It’s a sensible question, since we know that, from a dietary standpoint, fresh is best.

We still need more research on the subject, but it’s certain that you should use fresh products whenever you can. For example, in addition to using a commercially available green tea product as a moisturizer, try freezing freshly brewed green tea into ice cubes to be used as toner. Just be sure to let the ice cube sit out just a little bit to thaw, so that they don’t burn the skin.

Natural skin care products will likely gain more popularity as more research emerges showing their potential. In the meantime, there’s no reason not to get a head start. Many natural skin care products, like those that contain green tea, soy and pomegranate offer excellent skin care and treat many types of skin irritations. And, there may be some significant long term benefits to your skin, too!

Marcus Stout
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/antioxidants-for-the-skin-can-they-make-a-difference-105983.html

Holi is after all Holi. There is no festival more vibrant, colourful and exhilarating than Holi. Everyone wants to enjoy it – to dance in clouds of gulal and to get soaked in shower of coloured water. Yet many of us suffer from skin problems, allergies, breakouts and irritations later on. The consequence of Holi in not just spoilt clothes and floors, but skin and hair damage too due to the presence of chemicals in the colours used.

Synthetic colours

Most Holi colours sold these days contain many harmful chemicals. In fact, most are dyes meant for industrial uses like dyeng textiles and are not meant to be applied on humans. These colours have in them heavy metals, acids and powdered glass. The black paste youngsters use has lead oxide, green contains copper sulphate, red is mercury sulphite and so on. All these are toxic and can result in anything from skin allergies to cancer, from eye irritation to blindness. And worse.

Even the bases in which these chemicals are mixed are highly toxic. Many dry powders use a base of asbestos talc, chalk powder or silica. Asbestos is a known as human carcinogen, which builds up in the body daily tissue, and even micro quantities can result in cancer. Silica may dry as well as chap the skin. The shine in the colours is due to the addition of powdered glass or mica.

Many water colours have an alkaline base capable of causing severe problems. If it enters the eyes, it can pose a great danger to one’s vision. Colours in the form of paste have toxic compounds mixed in a base of engine oil or other inferior quality oil, capable of causing skin allergy, temporary blindness and much more.

Synthetic colours used during Holi often contain lead oxide, engine oil, diesel, chromium, iodine and copper sulphate, which cause skin irritation and even blindness in case of extreme exposure.

Colours in the hair:

Hair can turn brittle and extremely dry if colour remains in it for a long time. This is due to the chemicals in the colours and the dust in the air. Though no damage is done to the roots or scalp, the hair begins to break. Oiling of the hair thoroughly before jumping into the playing arena can go a long way in taking care of this common problem.

If the colour enters the eyes…

While throwing colours at each other, people do not realise that these colours might enter the eye, damage the ocular surface and cause temporary problems. There could also be complications that pose a great danger to the sight and could impair it.

There are well documented cases of eye injury due to Holi colours. So one should keep in mind that, while playing Holi, sensitive areas like the eyes should be avoided. However, if colour enters, one should immediately wash them with large amounts of water and, incase irritation persists, medical aid should be sought immediately.

If your skin is too sensitive:

Individuals with a history of eczema oratopic dermatitis are at a high risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis due to Holi colours and dyes. This will manifest in itching, a red rash and irritation in the area of contact. Such individuals should use a barrier cream (white soft, yellow soft, paraffin) prior to playing Holi While the application of very little colours would be an ideal solution to avoid any kind of allergy, the application of a body oil, like coconut oil, can also protect the skin. However, if the colours irritate the skin, they should be immediately washed away with running water.

To make Holi truly colourful:

Use quality colours:

- Use water-soluble colours and stay away from “permanent” colours because they contain cheap dyes that cause reactions.

- Avoid metallic colours, like gold and silver.

- Most dry colours are safe, but avoid glittery ones. They contain silica particles that can abrade your skin.

- Feel the texture of the colour before buying it. It should feel powdery, like talc and not grainy or gritty.

Make your own natural colours:

To make your own colours, all you need are a few plants. For green, take plants like henna and dry and powder them. Use separately or mix the powder with suitable flour to make a green colour. Ultimately, you could use the paste of green leafy vegetables to turn others green.

Turmeric mixed with gram flour gives a good colour too. Marigold flowers can also be dried and ground and paste used instead of artificial colours. Red sandalwood powder can be used to colour the cheeks crimson. Rose petals or gulal is also a good option and so is vermilion. Red hibiscus flowers soaked in water overnight, also give a red colour.

Use palaash or tesu:

These flowers, available with any general merchant, can be boiled and soaked overnight to get a rich yellow colour. In the Vedas, it is written, “If clothes soaked in this colour are worn, then that colour will have its effect on our bodies by entering through the pores of the skin, and will save us from contagious diseases.” It has miraculous medicinal effects on the body. The increased heat in the body may result in gloominess and an increase in anger. Palash prevents all such symptoms as it regulates the body temperature. This colour destroys kapha, pitta, leprosy, heat and urinary disorders, vayu and blood impurities and increase blood circulation. It also increases willpower and mental and physical strength.

And now…

Get set and go:

- Wear clothes that cover most of your body.

- Liberally coat your entire body with oil, rubbing it into fingernails and body folds. Oiive oil is the best. Even coconut oil will do. This prevents permanent staining and forms a barrier to protect your skin from potential allergen.

- Oil your hair similarly. Colour will wash away more easily and not leave your hair feeling like a bundle of rope later on.

- Use nail paint and transfer resistant lipsticks (any Colourstay range), which stays put on your fingers and lips, besides protecting your fingernails, nailfolds and delicate skin of your lips.

- Colours and sunlight combined may cause a “photo toxic” reaction, so sunscreens are a must. Use waterproof sunscreens because liquid colours can wash off ordinary sunscreens. Try Banana Boat SPF-30 or Spectabran SPF-28.

When the hulla of Holi is over…

- Cleaning the skin of all the colours after the fun and games are over is the most important aspect. Wash immediately as these chemicals can harm your skin on prolonged contact. So bathe and shampoo as soon as possible to minimise skin contact time. Use a glycerine-based soap.

- Stuck with gulal stains on your face and ink blobs on your nose? No problem! For colour, or gulal on the skin, massage warm oil into your skin, (heavy oils like mustard are the best), and let the oil seep in for 15 minutes. Using a gentle soap and warm water, wash off the oil.

- For permanent colour stains, use a cotton ball soaked in acetone (your nail polish remover) or kerosene and gently remove it.

- Do not rub the skin vigorously with soaps, etc., but instead, opt for a cleanser. Follow this up with loads of moisturiser, especially one that is meant for sensitive skin. Liberal use of cold cream or moisturiser is good for the skin. Apply moisturiser on damp skin immediately after the bath.

- Apply the pack of curd or mashed papaya for 20 minutes. Liberal use of cold cream or moisturiser is good for the skin.

- After removing the colour, replenish and rejuvenate the skin by using a paste of soya bean flour or besan with milk. A mixture of sea salt, glycerin and a few drops of aroma oil has an anti-bacterial and antifungal effect and can take care of the bad effects of chemical colours. Use warm water and moisturising soap to scrub off the colours. Then, using a cream cleanser or baby oil, gently massage off the leftover colour.

- Colour on the hair should be rinsed off with a mild shampoo immediately. Conditioning is a must. Apply a hair pack of olive oil and honey after shampooing. If you have any rash or allergy, you can take a non-sedative, anti-allergic tablet like Ceterizine or consult a doctor immediately.

If you continue to have problems…

- If your skin feels irritated and is itching or burning, wash it properly again. Then mix one part of cortisone (Fluticasone) lotion with two parts of moisturiser or calamine lotion and apply.

- For a more severe reaction with eruptions, a tablet of Cetrizine (available at chemist shop) may be taken but its better to see a doctor immediately.

- For dull, dry hair, try this hair pack. Mix half a cup of olive oil, an egg white and 4 teaspoonfuls of honey. Coat your hair with this mixture for half an hour then wash off.

- A soothing face pack can be made with a mixture of pureed banana, 2 teaspoonfuls of honey and 2 teaspoonfuls of milk cream. This hydrates, softens and soothes the skin.

After Holi hulla, you are bound to get tanned, so try this natural recipe. Puree a tomato and apply it on your face for about 20 minutes. Fresh, crushed tomato pulp is supposed to remove immediate tanning.

Wish you a happy Holi with a healthy skin and great hair!

Michael Douglas
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/skin-care-this-holi-120757.html

You might disagree, but hear me out on this. More and more people are shopping for all natural organic skin care solutions. There is no doubt that natural herbal skin care products are the best choice, but you cannot always trust that they are completely safe, for a number of reasons.

The terms that cosmetic companies use for naming their products, or for advertising purposes, are not well-regulated by government agencies. Manufacturers in the US are allowed to put products on the market, without testing them for safety.

The rules concerning all natural organic skin care creams are a little more stringent in Canada and the European Union, but the company has to be dedicated to providing safe and effective ingredients. They also have to pay attention to the latest research reports. Most of them do neither of those things.

Recently, a public group, supporting the use of more organic products, had a number of natural herbal skin care cleansers evaluated for safety. Specifically, they were looking for a chemical called 1, 4 Dioxane, a human cancer-causing agent, that forms during the manufacturing processes that most companies use.

They found that many of the supposedly all natural organic skin care cleansers contained it. It is possible for companies to manufacture cleansers, without creating this toxic byproduct. But, even when they use the right manufacturing processes, they should still have finished batches tested by an independent laboratory, to be sure that the cleanser is safe.

If you see a natural herbal skin care cream with an SPF (sunburn protection factor) rating, check the label of ingredients for oxybenzone or benzophenone. They are naturally occurring organics, but they were never fully tested for safety, despite the fact that they are derived from benzene, a known human carcinogen.

Over two years ago, researchers showed that the compounds damage DNA strands inside the cells, when they are exposed to UV rays from the sun. That makes them probable human “photocarcinogens”, a class of cancer-causing agents that are only dangerous when exposed to sunlight. The news seems ironic, sense sunscreens are supposed to help protect us from cancer. Despite the research, there are still many natural herbal skin care creams on the market that contain oxybenzone and/or benzophenone.

If you want a safe and effective all natural organic skin care cream, look for one with ingredients that are safe enough to eat. They may be processed slightly to make them easy to apply, so they might not appeal to “purists”.

But, unless you want to walk around with pulverized kelp on your face, a little processing is a good thing. Researchers have found that a specific kind of kelp (wakame) contains a compound called sulfated polyfucose. The compound provides some sunburn protection, without being hazardous to your health.

Wakame natural herbal skin care lotions also provide an anti-aging benefit. They inhibit enzymatic activity that breaks down one of the skin’s important amino acid complexes, namely hyaluronic acid. Hopefully, the information in this article will help you find all natural organic skin care solutions that are truly beneficial.

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/where-to-look-for-all-natural-organic-skin-care-698588.html