Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Skin care secrects of Japanese Women



If you’re looking for Japanese skin care products online because you think that the Japanese have the best skin care products then I’ll have to tell you, that’s not the big Japanese skin care secret. It’s actually about what Japanese women eat.

What could Japanese women eat that makes their skin so good? Its seaweed. Yes, thats the secret, eating seaweed.

It’s a seaweed called Phytessence Wakame. The Japanese eat if both fresh and dried and it has been a big part of the regular Japanese diet for a long time, centuries. And only recently it’s been discovered that Phytessence Wakame is just great for your skin.

And it might only be recently that science has found out why Phytessence Wakame is so good for the skin, but for a long time Japanese women have known that it’s good for the skin and so it has been sought after for this reason.

Phytessence Wakame is packed with all sorts of vitamins and minerals, all good for your skin. For example many of the B group vitamins.

And there’s more, like 15 times more calcium than milk. Calcium is excellent for the skin and Phytessence Wakame is full of all sorts of good antioxidants as well.

But theres more, and this is where Phytessence Wakame really benefits your skin. It gets a little complicated but bear with me.

In your skin is found an acid called hyaluronic acid. It is very good for your skin and helps keep your skin elastic and smooth and well toned. All good. And of course good skin elasticity and toning helps keep skin sagging and wrinkles away. What are many Japanese women missing? Wrinkles.

And there is also an enemy of that good hyaluronic acid. It’s called hyaluronidase and it breaks hyaluronic acid down. Not good.

So here’s the secret. Phytessence Wakame helps minimize the effects of hyaluronidase, so you have more of that good hyaluronic acid in your skin. You skin is more supple and elastic and healthy, and has less wrinkles and sagging. That’s the big Japanese skin care secret.

But there’s even more. Other ingredients in Phytessence Wakame help reduce the effects of UV on the skin too, one of the major factors in skin aging.

So can you see now why Japanese women prize Phytessence Wakame so highly? Because although they didn’t know there were scientific reasons why it was so good for the skin they certainly knew that it was good for the skin. It’s grown extensively in Japan.

So perhaps you should be eating seaweed every day for breakfast? Or perhaps looking for that secret range of Japanese skin care products that contain Phytessence Wakame.

No in both cases. Because the best skin care products already contain Phytessence Wakame and are readily available to you, through a small but fine niche skin care company.

And you can try their products risk free, because they offer a full money back guarantee. Because theyre small and cant advertise on TV you wont have heard of them, so decided to offer a money back guarantee.

Because they know that there isn’t much risk for them. That once you’d seen for yourself how well skin care products with Phytessence Wakame in them work you’ll keep using them.

So, what’s that Japanese skin care secret? It is Seaweed.

Find out secrets of berries with this


Berry Beautiful Formulas

Find out the secrets of berries with this crop of easy-to-make formulas that all add up to lots of berry beauty, here:

Berry Mask for Tired Skin

Mix equal parts raspberries or strawberries and plain yogurt. Apply to clean skin and allow to dry, then rinse with warm water.


Berry Oat Mask

1 cup strawberries or blueberries
1 cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon organically-produced honey
6 whole almonds

Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Apply evenly to freshly-washed face and allow to dry, around 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool-water splash. (Blueberries will stain clothing, so do take care).

Its especially formulated to reduce oiliness and exfoliate dead skin, so a fresher, dewier face will emerge!

Berry Good Acne Remedy
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon sour cream

Mash well to combine, then apply this mixture to your face and allow to stay for 10 minutes or so. Rinse thoroughly.

Puffy Eye Remedy
Just place a few strawberry slices under your eyes and relax for 10 minutes, then remove the slices and moisturize.

Acne Myths: Chocolate and Sex Causes Acne!

Acne Myths: Chocolate and Sex Causes Acne!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Skin Cleansers For Different Skin Types

Skin Cleansers For Different Skin Types



Oily Skin:

The selection of cleansers for oily skin should involve using products that rinse off well, both bar soaps and liquid cleansers have been formulated for this purpose. Many of the soap gels and stronger liquid cleansers are helpful for oily skin. Because the skin on the face, chest and back is oilier than the rest of the body, it may be necessary to use one product on these areas, and a more moisturizing product on the arms, legs, hands and feet. Many of the cleansers which are appropriate for acne-prone skin, would be suitable for oily skin.

Dry Skin:

The use of hard-milled face soaps and gentle synthetic detergents are very appropriate for dry skin. It may be necessary to only use cleansers on the face and body folds, when the ambient humidity is low for example, in the winter or in the south-western United States. There are many liquid cleansers formulated by cosmetic houses as well as products like Cetaphil or Aquanil which are very useful. There are some new products, which incorporate a liquid cleanser in a cleansing sheet, these act to leave on a modicum of petrolatum after the final rinse and have been demonstrated to be effective.

See also www.MildCleanser.ca

Normal Skin:

Most people can cleanse with bar soap daily. The synthetic detergent soaps react better with hard water. Liquid cleansers and soap gels are popular at this time, the advantages, being cleaner dispensers in the bathroom. The cleansing sheets may be used for normal skin as well, the petrolatum is suspended in the water by crystals that dissolve in the last rinse leaving the skin feeling smooth and moist. People with normal skin may enjoy using a loofah-type sponge to clean themselves, these have been sold with some liquid cleansers.

Sensitive Skin:

People with sensitive skin can react easily to fragrance and preservatives, and should avoid mechanical cleansers such as cleansing grains, brushes and loofahs. Most synthetic detergents have the pH balanced favorably for the skin and are well tolerated by sensitive persons. A few liquid cleansers are not irritating, but many interact with the skin because of their additional surfactants. Two non-irritating cleansers are Cetaphil and Aquanil lotions, many of the hard-milled soaps are well tolerated also.

Antibacterial Cleansers:

These products were introduced in the 1960' s and have been used by many people since. They initially contained photosensitizers, which have since been removed. Triclosan is currently the most common active ingredient. For persons in occupations, which demand extra precautions, these products have been helpful. However, for many dermatologists, these products are very drying to the skin and they often contribute to hand and body eczema. Various antibacterial cleansers are available that are of benefit to acne patients, such as T

Skin care secrects of Japanese Women

Skin care secrects of Japanese Women


If you’re looking for Japanese skin care products online because you think that the Japanese have the best skin care products then I’ll have to tell you, that’s not the big Japanese skin care secret. It’s actually about what Japanese women eat.

What could Japanese women eat that makes their skin so good? Its seaweed. Yes, thats the secret, eating seaweed.

It’s a seaweed called Phytessence Wakame. The Japanese eat if both fresh and dried and it has been a big part of the regular Japanese diet for a long time, centuries. And only recently it’s been discovered that Phytessence Wakame is just great for your skin.

And it might only be recently that science has found out why Phytessence Wakame is so good for the skin, but for a long time Japanese women have known that it’s good for the skin and so it has been sought after for this reason.

Phytessence Wakame is packed with all sorts of vitamins and minerals, all good for your skin. For example many of the B group vitamins.

And there’s more, like 15 times more calcium than milk. Calcium is excellent for the skin and Phytessence Wakame is full of all sorts of good antioxidants as well.

But theres more, and this is where Phytessence Wakame really benefits your skin. It gets a little complicated but bear with me.

In your skin is found an acid called hyaluronic acid. It is very good for your skin and helps keep your skin elastic and smooth and well toned. All good. And of course good skin elasticity and toning helps keep skin sagging and wrinkles away. What are many Japanese women missing? Wrinkles.

And there is also an enemy of that good hyaluronic acid. It’s called hyaluronidase and it breaks hyaluronic acid down. Not good.

So here’s the secret. Phytessence Wakame helps minimize the effects of hyaluronidase, so you have more of that good hyaluronic acid in your skin. You skin is more supple and elastic and healthy, and has less wrinkles and sagging. That’s the big Japanese skin care secret.

But there’s even more. Other ingredients in Phytessence Wakame help reduce the effects of UV on the skin too, one of the major factors in skin aging.

So can you see now why Japanese women prize Phytessence Wakame so highly? Because although they didn’t know there were scientific reasons why it was so good for the skin they certainly knew that it was good for the skin. It’s grown extensively in Japan.

So perhaps you should be eating seaweed every day for breakfast? Or perhaps looking for that secret range of Japanese skin care products that contain Phytessence Wakame.

No in both cases. Because the best skin care products already contain Phytessence Wakame and are readily available to you, through a small but fine niche skin care company.

And you can try their products risk free, because they offer a full money back guarantee. Because theyre small and cant advertise on TV you wont have heard of them, so decided to offer a money back guarantee.

Because they know that there isn’t much risk for them. That once you’d seen for yourself how well skin care products with Phytessence Wakame in them work you’ll keep using them.

So, what’s that Japanese skin care secret? It is Seaweed.

Acne Myths: Chocolate and Sex Causes Acne!

Acne Myths: Chocolate and Sex Causes Acne!

By Richard Thomas, MD

Acne Myths: Chocolate and Sex Causes Acne!

Have you been told that you shouldn't eat chocolate because it causes acne?

Or how about French fries? Pizza?

Wrong! That's just a myth, and while certain foods can make acne worse for some people, researchers have found that it does not cause it!

There is recent work from Australia that suggests that high carbohydrate foods may, in some people, flare their acne. The theory is that chronic consumption of high carbs stimulates the excessive production of insulin so that eventually more and more insulin is needed to assist glucose into cells. This is called insulin resistance. The higher insulin may drive the ovaries to produce more testosterone which in turn encourages acne. This may be what is happening partly in a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome.

There are a number of myths about the causes of acne and how to treat it. Here are just a few:

1. Acne is caused by sexual activity.

When you reach puberty, your body experiences hormonal changes that lead to the development and maturation of your sexual features. These hormonal changes may also cause you to get acne. Acne is associated with these changes, not with sexual activity.

2. Cosmetics will make acne worse.

While it is true that many creams, oils and greases can aggravate your acne, there are many cosmetic products you can use that do not, including sunscreens, moisturizers and foundations. Those that do not aggravate acne or lead to development of comedones are labelled "non-acnegenic" and "non-comedogenic" respectively. (See more information about cosmetics and acne)

3. Acne is caused by dirty skin.

If you have acne, it does not mean that your skin is dirty. What may look like dirt inside your black heads is actually melanin, the pigment that provides the natural color in your skin. Cleansing and scrubbing your skin excessively will not help your acne. In fact, it may make it worse. Remember that the causes of acne affect oil glands, which are well below the surface of the skin, so you should avoid over washing. This can dry out and irritate your skin, increasing inflammation and aggravating the situation. The best thing to do is to gently wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and then pat dry. (Check out MildCleanser.ca for more hints)

4. There is nothing I can do to treat my acne. It will go away on its own.

This is not true! While your acne may eventually go away on its own, it can leave permanent scars on your skin that could have been prevented if you had treated your acne. There are many treatment options available. Talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you.

5. Only teenagers get acne.

Wrong again! You can get acne at any age. Even babies can get it, and about 25% of all people between the ages 25-44 have acne. Many adult women have acne because of the constant fluctuation of their hormones during each menstrual cycle. Some medications, like birth control pills, as well as being pregnant can also contribute to adult acne.

6. Picking or squeezing a pimple is the best way to get rid of it quickly.

Squeezing or picking can damage the cells under your skin and cause the pimple to be inflamed or leave a permanent scar. As tempting as it is, you will be better off in the long run to leave them alone and let them heal on their own.

7. Sunlight will improve acne.

While it is true that sun exposure will dry out your existing pimples, it will not prevent new ones from forming. For some people, the sun can actually make their acne worse, and some of the common acne medications, like tetracycline and the retinoids can make your skin supersensitive to the sun leading to serious sunburns. When you're in the sun, it is always wise to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect your skin.

8. Acne is caused by stress.

While the ordinary stresses from every-day living do not affect acne, some drugs that are used to treat people with severe stress can cause acne as a side-effect. If you think you may have acne because of a drug that has been prescribed for stress or depression, you should talk to your doctor about it.

9. Some foods can cause acne.

In large clinical research studies, no clear associations have been made between foods and acne. However, some foods can make acne worse for some people. If you suspect that a certain food type is making your acne worse, you can determine if it affects it by avoiding that product for 2-4 weeks. If your acne improves over that time period, then it's possible that you were right! After a break of a few weeks, you can try eating the suspect food again to see whether you get another flare of your acne. Just remember that a healthy, well-balanced diet is the best choice, and foods like chocolate and french fries should be eaten in moderation.

So chocolate lovers, you can still enjoy chocolate now and then without worrying about getting more zits!

Acne Treatment: Pinpoint the Trigger

Acne Treatment: Pinpoint the Trigger

by Jerry K. L. Tan, MD, FRCPC

Acne Treatment: Pinpoint the Trigger

From the occasional pimple during times of stress to the familiar breakouts before menses, acne affects almost all women at some time in their lives.

While acne commonly develops during the preteen and early teen years, it can also arise in young adulthood and persist for years. Studies show women feel more frustrated by acne than men do-adult women even more so than teenage girls. Why? Dealing with a chronic disorder typically associated with puberty can lead to great frustration. But don't despair if you have acne, effective treatment is available.

How acne happens

Your skin is studded with thousands of oil glands that produce sebum to moisturize and enhance the skin's ability to act as a protective barrier. Sebum within each gland is carried to the surface through pores. The highest density of oil glands is found on your face, especially at the nose, forehead and mid-cheek areas. The largest oil glands are found on the back and mid-chest. This explains in part why acne appears mostly on the face, chest and back.

But what actually causes acne is still unknown. Researchers suspect hormones play a role in pore blockage and increased oil production. A blockage creates the build-up of oil within the pore to form blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads. "Zits" appear when acne bacteria multiply within the blocked pore, resulting in inflamed red bumps or pustules. Some of these large sacs of oil may rupture leading to large red lumps (also called nodules).

Unfortunately, you may inherit acne-prone skin-particularly the type susceptible to the more severe, scarring forms of the condition.

Prevention

For some patients acne can be aggravated by:

  • Thick, pore-blocking creams
  • Clothing, hats, helmets or pads that retain sweat or moisture
  • Long hair that brushes the skin on your back, neck, and face
  • Hair gels and sprays where they may touch your skin
  • Sleeping on damp hair

While diet has not been conclusively shown to be an acne trigger, some women may notice certain foods aggravate their skin. Try excluding these foods for two or three weeks and see if your skin improves.

Treatment

Fortunately, therapy can reduce acne, minimize the risk of scars and improve your skin's appearance. Treatment begins with discovering your acne triggers and learning what treatments will help you control the condition. Choosing cosmetics appropriate for your skin is important, too.

Acne treatment ranges from cleansers, topical gels and creams for mild acne to antibiotic or hormonal pills for moderate cases. Accutaneä may be prescribed for severe cases. Acne staining can be treated with exfoliating creams and facials while scarring may require the use of fillers, dermabrasion or laser treatments. Full compliance with a treatment program is the key to success.

Has Your Acne Left Scars?

Has Your Acne Left Scars?

Learn About Acne Scar Treatment Options

By Mariusz J.A. Sapijaszko, MD FRCPC (Dermatology)

Has Your Acne Left Scars? - Learn About Acne Scar Treatment Options

Acne affects an estimated 99% of people - mostly teenagers and young adults - at some point in their lives. Although acne is temporary, lasting from a few months to a few years, early therapy is necessary to prevent scarring and dyspigmentation, which, untreated, can persist for life.

If acne scarring has occurred, several treatments are available to improve the appearance of your skin. These include skin filler substances, laser phototherapy and conventional surgery. These can be used alone or in combination.

Classification of types of scarring

The first step in selecting the appropriate treatment for scarring is for your physician to define the type of acne scars you have. For complete information about scarring, click on www.acneguide.ca/acne_scar_treatments/types_acne_scars.html

The three types of acne scars are:

  1. Ice-pick: Ice-pick scars are 1-2 mm in diameter,
  2. Rolling: Rolling scars are caused by abnormal fibrous bands and are usually wider than 4 to 5 mm. Rolling scars are so-called because of the appearance they give to the overlying skin
  3. Boxcar scars: Boxcar scars measure more than 3 mm in diameter and appear similar to post chicken pox scars.

Increased or decreased skin pigmentation and persistent reddening of the skin also frequently occur following the development of acne.

Treatment options

After your doctor has completed a full examination of your skin, you need to discuss the treatment options. Treatments include subcision surgery, fillers such as Restylane® or Artecoll® and laser skin resurfacing. For complete information about treatments, click on www.acneguide.ca/acne_scar_treatments/surgical_laser.html

Subcision is carried out under local anesthetic to cut the fibrous bands in the deep skin layers. A compression dressing prevents excessive bleeding following the procedure. This is often used for rolling scars.

Shallow boxcar scars can also be treated by subcision or punch grafting and laser skin resurfacing. Treatment for deep boxcar scars includes a combination of punch excision and punch elevation. Following anesthesia, a punch-biopsy surgical instrument is used to remove the scar. In addition, in most cases, punch grafting or punch elevation is also needed for best results. Punch elevation involves lifting the tissue instead of removing the scar. The tissue initially sits slightly higher than the surrounding skin, but retracts as it heals to become level with the remaining skin. Alternatively, skin resurfacing can be achieved with chemical peels or laser techniques.

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing removes, in a controlled way, the epidermal layer of the skin and part of the underlying dermal layer. The healing process results in smoother skin. Laser techniques should only be carried out by experienced physicians.

Combination treatments

Combination treatments using the surgical techniques described above are often carried out with resurfacing therapies. Any surgical or laser treatment should be delayed at least 6 to 12 months if you are taking Accutane ®, otherwise complications with wound healing can occur.

A 30% to 60% improvement in scarring is considered a reasonable result with these treatments. If you are considering treatment for acne, remember that scar improvement takes time and patience.