How To Prepare Your Skin For Winter

By Maria Cole

Christmas is the time when we celebrate, see relatives, go
to parties, and knock ourselves out shopping for the ideal
gift! Sadly, it's also the time when we overlook our skin.
This is bad because the climate change can greatly affect
our skin, leading to dryness, cracking and bleeding. To keep
your skin looking great in this cold season and prevent
winter dryness, here's what you should do:

Always carry a hydrating lip balm and hand moisturizer in
your bag or purse. Use them as often as possible even if you
think the weather isn't too cold. This will prevent skin
cracking and bleeding and prevent overall damage to your
skin. Baby oil is another alternative that can be used on
the hands and other problem areas; however, this can be
messy and isn't quickly absorbed by the skin. Avoid hand
sanitizers with alcohol as they can rob the skin of moisture
and make things worse for you in winter. If you can't wash
your hands, use an alcohol-free sanitizer instead.

The icy weather can likewise be rough on your hair and scalp
so take care of it during winter. The dry weather removes
the scalp's natural oils so get regular deep conditioning
treatments at the nearest hair salon. The extra conditioning
keeps your hair shiny and nourished even in harsh weather.

Avoid long hot baths at this time because hot water will
strip oil from your skin and cause dryness. A warm bath or
shower is recommended. When bathing, don't scrub your skin
with a loofah or scrub too often since this will lead to
bruises, especially during winter. Don't use exfoliating
bath scrubs either. Instead, use moisturizing bath gels and
scrubs to add extra moisture to your skin.

To nourish the skin from within, drink plenty of water in
winter to keep your skin well hydrated. Water increases skin
elasticity and prevents premature aging. Fruit juices are
good too since they nourish the skin and supply your body
with vitamins and minerals that are good for your skin. The
weather may be cold but that shouldn't prevent your skin
from looking great, and a lot of damage and discomfort can
be avoided by taking a few simple steps.

3 Natural Remedies To Reduce & Eliminate Eczema For Good

By Angela Owen

How to cure eczema is a common question which many people
around the world will ask as this is a common skin condition
which can be embarrassing. This condition can often times be
unpleasant to experience with symptoms such as dry skin,
itchiness and redness. Here are 3 natural remedies for
eczema that will help you reduce and eliminate this
condition for good.

1. Regularly use creams that contain herbal ingredients

Dry skin will only make the affected areas worse so be sure
to keep your skin regularly moisturized throughout the day
to prevent this from happening. Natural ingredients such as
vitamin E and aloe vera contain healing properties which
will reduce swelling and soothe the irritation. Studies have
shown that creams containing herbal ingredients
significantly reduce redness and itching compared to regular
creams.

2. Stay away from external irritants and allergens

Every individual is different but common triggers of eczema
include allergens or irritants such as dairy products,
shampoo and soap. Avoiding those things that cause allergic
reactions is important so you need to be able to identify
it. Be sure to wear clothes made of 100% cotton as this
reduces itching and to wash and steam clean your clothes and
bed sheets on a regular basis.

3. Eat meals that are healthy and lower stress levels

Lifestyle changes that you will need to implement include
eating healthy meals while doing away with anything that is
processed or unnatural. To control eczema, boosting your
immune system will prove to be beneficial so be sure to get
essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.
Another contributing factor that may trigger eczema is high
levels of stress so it's important to lower these levels as
much as you can.

When it comes to how to cure eczema, it's important to keep
your skin regularly moisturized throughout the day so
moisture does not escape. Be sure to stay away from those
external allergens which may be triggering or worsening the
symptoms and to eat healthy meals.

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How And When To Use Sunblock To Prevent Skin Problems

By Amy Nutt

Some people are under the mistaken assumption that the only
time to use sunscreen is on especially hot and sunny days.
The truth is that anytime that were out in the sun, the suns
rays are having a negative impact on our skin. There is a
constant barrage of ultraviolet light that can cause our
skin to age before its time, and it can lead to more serious
skin problems in the long term. Even on days when its not
all that hot outside, it is a good idea to use sunscreen.

With that said, sunscreen is still most needed when a person
is spending a day out in the sun, especially if they're
trying to tan. This is when there is the biggest risk of
sunburn, which is a direct result of intense sun exposure.
Its important to understand how to choose the right
sunscreen for the job. SPF, or sun protection factor, is the
rating system that is used to determine the strength of a
sunscreen. Usually, a minimum sun protection factor of 15 is
recommended for tanning or prolonged sun exposure. However,
much more powerful levels of protection are available -- up
to a 60 SPF rating or more.

There is another factor to consider, as well. There are
multiple types of ultraviolet light rays that are harmful to
the skin -- UVA and UVB. Many sunscreens are designed to
effectively block only one UVB rays, while UVA are actually
the more dangerous type. It is a good idea to look for a
sunscreen that is designed to block both types of rays.
Sunscreens that contain the ingredients zinc oxide,
ecamsule, or avobenzone are the best choices for
full-spectrum protection.

When it comes to just routine daily sun exposure, a full
application of sunscreen isn't really necessary. If you're
just eating lunch outdoors or walking for a little while
outside, then you should be okay just using other skin-care
products that contain minor sunscreens. For example, there
are many facial moisturizers that include enough sunscreen
to protect your skin from the suns rays on a day-to-day
basis.

One of the negative effects associated with sun exposure to
the skin is wrinkling. The sun is one of the primary factors
when it comes to skin starting to look aged before its time.
For people who are concerned about aging and wrinkled skin,
there are special sunscreen treatments that are design both
to reduce and prevent wrinkles. Many of these have high SPF
ratings for maximum protection from the suns light.

Aside from wrinkles, the other major impact of the sun on
human skin is skin cancer. Heavy exposure to the sun without
the proper protection can lead to a person developing deadly
skin cancers. This is one reason why its especially
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sunscreen that protects against UVA rays. Despite the fact
that UVA doesn't cause any burning sensation or redness, it
is actually the primary cause of skin cancer. So when you're
looking to buy sunscreen, make sure that you make an
educated choice that will truly protect you from skin
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Know The Warning Signs Of Skin Cancer

By Kathy Forcey

It is essential for you to know the warning signs if you
want to detect skin cancer before it grows out of control.
You should look closely at your body, paying particular
attention to any changes that might be happening to any
discolorations or moles on your skin.

If you find a growth on your skin that suddenly appears or
changes in its size you should have it checked out by your
doctor. This is especially true if it is translucent, tan,
pearly, brown, black or has multiple colors. This could be
one of the early signs of skin cancer and you should have it
checked as quickly as possible so that you can get it
treated and dealt with while it is still in the early
stages.

While you are doing your self examination of your skin you
should pay attention to moles and other areas that have been
on your skin for a long time. You should be looking for
changes in the color or shape of existing moles and areas of
pigmentation as one of the skin cancer warning signs.

Keep an eye on wounds or cuts that will not heal. This is
another of the early warning signs of cancer that should be
watched. You most likely will notice if you have a cut on your
skin that is just not healing. Have your doctor take a look
and if they feel there is a reason they will test for skin
cancer.

It is very important to understand the skin cancer warning
signs so that you can monitor your own health. You are your
own best defense in the fight against skin cancer. Not only
must you monitor your skin you should also do everything you
can to protect it. This includes wearing sunscreen every day
and keeping your exposed skin covered.

You should cover as much skin as possible, and apply
sunscreen to all exposed skin. Between 10 AM and 4 PM, when
the sun is brightest, avoid sunlight when possible. Wear a
wide-brimmed hat if you need to venture outside during this
time.

You should learn how to protect your skin from damage, and
to understand early signs of skin cancer so that you can act
to protect yourself before things get too bad. Constant
vigilance is required to keep your skin healthy and to
prevent any problems from becoming too bad to easily treat.

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5 Basic Steps Daily To Look 5 Years Younger

By Charlotte Field

Our skin's primary purpose is to protect us. When we don't
take care of our skin, it can't do its job properly - and it
looks faded and dull. To look years younger, you must take
care of your skin each and every day. However, this does not
mean spending hours each morning in front of the mirror, or
purchasing a closet full of expensive gadgets and products
all promising to make you look 18 again.

By doing 5 basic steps each and every day, your skin will
begin to recover its luster and even its youthful glow.
Let's see what these 5 steps are.

1. Cleanse properly.

Your face needs to be cleansed both in the morning and again
in the evening. Your cleanser should be matched to your
skin type; a gel is often preferred for oily skin; a cream
is better for dry skin types. Your cleanser does not have
to foam to be effective, although if a sudsy face makes you
happy, go ahead and get a cleanser that foams. When you
apply your cleanser, be sure to follow the directions, using
a light touch, and washing gently for at least 30 seconds.
Then rinse well with clean water and pat dry. If you wear
make-up or heavy sunscreen, be sure to wash and rinse twice;
once to remove the make-up and the second time to get down
to business and cleanse your skin.

2. You need a good toner.

In order to fight those damaging "free radicals" we've been
hearing so much about, you'll need a good toner. Your toner
should create an antioxidant shield, balancing the skin's
protective barrier. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic
acid, which holds 1,000 times its weight in water, giving
your skin a real hydration boost. Other ingredients to look
for are vitamin C and white tea, both restorative and
calming. Be sure your toner is ph-balanced, especially if
your cleanser is not.

3. Exfoliate regularly.

A gentle, non-abrasive exfoliation is necessary to clear
dead skin cells from your skin's surface. Exfoliating helps
the skin renewal process and reveals a brighter, clearer
complexion. Exfoliating also allows moisturizers to
penetrate deeper into your skin. Exfoliation is good, but
more is not always better. Be careful not to over-exfoliate
or scrub your skin harshly. If you have oily skin,
over-exfoliating will cause the oil glands to over-produce
oil to compensate for the oil that you have stripped away.
Obviously this can cause more clogging and more shine on an
already oily face. So, exfoliate often, but gently, and your
skin will love you for it.

4. Keep that moisturizer coming.

Hydrate and feed your skin with a good moisturizer. Choose
a quality moisturizer that offers protection from the
elements for your skin , plus offers your skin a good dose
of nutrition along with moisture. Look for vitamins A, C,
and E, yeast, and other ingredients that would "feed" your
face just like you feed your body. Even if your skin is
oily, you still need a good moisturizer to give your face a
healthy dose of nutrition.

5. Sunscreen is for every day.

The daily use of a good sunscreen is your number one defense
against aging skin. About 99% of all the signs of aging can
be directly linked to sun damage. With a little bit of
prevention, you skin can look younger longer. Even simple
day-to-day living exposes you face to the sun, even walking
to your car and, yes, driving in your car. The windshield
is not a sunblock! Check your morning moisturizer to be
sure it contains a sunscreen of 15 SPF. If it does not, be
sure to add a good sunscreen on top of your moisturizer
before you leave the house. If your plans have you outside
for a longer time than normal, be sure to apply one of the
FDA-approved sunscreens. Look for titanium dioxide or zinc
oxide on the label.

What else can you do to look and feel years younger?

Now, just add a bit of regular exercise, healthy food, and
plenty of water to your diet, and you're well on your way to
a glowing complexion. Follow this daily skincare routine
and treat your skin to monthly professional analysis and
treatments with your Skin Care Specialist and that person
smiling back at you in the mirror will look younger and
happier.

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How To Clear Acne With Natural Acne Treatments

By Greg McNaughton

Millions of people buy various acne products each year in
the hopes that they can say goodbye to their acne forever.
Sadly, hardly anything actually works and many people are
left worrying that they will never get rid of pimples.
Fortunately, there are natural acne treatments that will
clear your skin completely - you just need to make sure they
follow the "special rule" of treating acne.

Ever wondered why the acne products you find in the stores
don't work? It's actually quite simple - they are not designed
to treat your acne at the actual root of the problem.

Rather than treating the causes of acne, they try to "zap
zits" that are already on your skin. However, they don't do
anything to prevent new acne breakouts from happening.
What's the point in getting rid of one pimple if you know
another one is just around the corner?

There's only one way to truly cure your acne - you have to
treat all of the causes of acne. It's a simple "secret" that
hardly any of the acne products seem to follow.

It's important to know the major causes of acne breakouts -
let's take a quick look:

1) Specific Acne-Causing Bacteria

2) Excess Oil on your Skin

3) Clogged-Up Skin Pores

4) Skin Inflammation

In order to get rid of pimples for good, you need to make
sure you are treating all of these causes. To do this you
will need to find an acne treatment solution that works as a
system to address each one.

If you have tried acne products in the past that didn't
work, don't let that get you down. Almost everyone who has
had acne has tried something that failed to clear their
skin.

Just make sure that from now on you are using a treatment
that treats all of the causes of acne. It's amazing how
quickly you will see results once you are treating your skin
this way.

It's a great feeling to look in the mirror and see clear
skin when you wake up. By looking for natural acne
treatments that attack acne at the root of the problem, you
will clear your skin quickly and say goodbye to acne once
and for all.

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Skin Cancer - How To Prevent It

By Brian Moor

A cancer diagnosis is still a terrifying event in anyone's
life. It's easy to lose all hope and just give up then and
there, but it is important to keep in mind that the number
of cancer survivors has increased over the last few years,
and with proper treatment, it is possible to be one of them.

There are several types of cancer, and even in a smaller
subset such as skin cancer there's more than one type.

Skin cancer can take either the form of a carcinoma or
melanoma. As the name suggests, the melanoma is a form of
skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes. Melanomas can
metastasise (invade other parts of the body) unlike
carcinomas, but luckily are rarer than the other types of
skin cancer. The most common forms of skin cancer are basal
and squamous cell carcinomas.

So what are basal and squamous cells and melanocytes? The
epidermis (top layer of the skin) is composed of three types
of cells: Squamous cells - An upper layer of thin, flat
cells. Basal cells - Round cells just under the squamous
cells. Melanocytes - The makers of melanin, the pigment that
gives skin its colour.

Factors that increase the risk of skin cancer include having
fair skin, chronic inflammations or ulcers, scars or burns,
having had radiation therapy and being exposed to a lot of
either artificial (as in tanning booths) or natural UV rays.
Remember that just because one of the risk factors applies
to you, it doesn't mean that you will certainly get skin
cancer. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true and people
who don't show any of the risk factors may also get skin
cancer.

One of the best ways of preventing skin cancer is by
minimizing damage to the skin through overexposure to
sunlight, so wearing sunscreen is recommended. Also, the
quicker a cancer is caught and treated, the higher the
chances of success. Skin cancer looks different depending on
which type it is, and a professional opinion can be
invaluable in diagnosing the disease in its early stages.

For those diagnosed with skin cancer, there are several
organizations out there that provide support and
information. An excellent source of information is the
National Cancer Institute, which has a comprehensive and
clear website, and reliable professionals available to
assist by telephone, email, post or chat.

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How To Reduce Dark Circles Under The Eyes Naturally

One of the dreaded overnight surprises is dark under eye
circles. Looking in the mirror and seeing those when you are
in a hurry in the morning can give you a fright. Learn to
combat this pesky problem naturally and save some money.

Why do we have to put up with under eye circles? Many people
don't know the causes. Not getting enough sleep is the first
potential cause that comes to mind. Stress can bring on
sleeplessness and other conditions that can lead to under
eye circles. Dark circles are one sign that the body isn't
getting the time it needs while you sleep to repair itself.

Don't forget the water that flows so freely from our eyes
through a variety of emotional states. Crying, especially at
night, can cause the tissues to retain the fluid leading to
puffiness as well as dark circles.

Here are a few ways to reduce that look without chemicals.

1. Use cucumbers. You don't have to visit a high class spa
to get the benefits. Cool cucumber slices reduce puffiness
and fluid around the eyes. The juices lighten the skin under
the eyes. Apply thin cucumber slices to closed eyes for 10
minutes. Toss them in a salad when you're done.

2. Potato slices are good for under eye circles as well. Who
ever heard of using potatoes? In old fashioned remedies,
potatoes were used to draw out impurities. Here, use thin
raw potato slices (washed first). Apply them to your eyes
for about 20 minutes. The circles will get lighter.

3. Bananas. They are great to eat and now they can work
wonders for the outside as well as the inside. Create a
puree using bananas. When you are ready for bed, apply some
of the puree under your eyes like you would a cream. The
potassium in the banana helps balance the amount of water in
your skin. You'll see those dark circles disappear or at the
least, they will be lightened significantly.

4. Chamomile tea bags. Use chamomile tea to calm your spirit
and your skin. Cold or warm tea bags will do the trick. Cool
them in the fridge for 20 minutes or so or just let them
warm on a plate. Lay back and hold the tea bags on your eyes
for about 10 minutes.

5. Water. Drinking water will never go out of style. Your
body is 90 percent water. Dark circles can evolve from a
poorly watered body. The usual daily dose is at least eight
glasses. Drinking your water (flavored or plain) can stop
dark circles in their tracks.

6. Change your diet. If you are not eating properly, your
body will show it. Lack of vital nutrients and minerals can
manifest itself with dark patches on your skin including
under your eyes.

7. Dark circles and lack of moisture. Keep skin hydrated
from the outside as well. Using a daily moisturizer with
Vitamin E (avocado and nut ingredients) keeps skin supple.
For a more natural application, use avocado puree or almond
oil.

Dark circles are not how we want to put our best face
forward. Get rid of them naturally, without harsh chemicals.

The Causes And Treatment For Greasy Hair

By Jennifer Summers

Greasy hair can look oily and dull, and have a lank and
lifeless appearance. It can look flat and heavy, and it
never seems to stay clean and fresh. It takes on a stringy
appearance within a few hours of shampooing and refuses to
stay full and fluffy. Does this describe your hair? Do you
ask the question, why is my hair greasy? Greasy hair can
cause social embarrassment as others may judge that the
sufferer has poor hygiene and does not wash their hair
frequently enough, even if they actually wash it every day.

The grease found in hair is called sebum and is oil that is
produced natural by the body. Each of the hairs on your head
has a gland called the sebaceous gland immediately under the
skin, this gland produces sebum. Oil in greasy hair protects
each strand from split ends and dryness, and is in fact a
sign of healthy hair. Sebum is made as lubrication for the
skin and hair, providing a protective barrier and preventing
drying. Sebum is the body's own natural moisturizer.

Greasy hair is excess of sebum in the hair and comes as a
result of an over production of sebum (oil) from over active
sebaceous glands, stimulated by hormones called androgens.
Androgens are male hormones that are present in both men and
women, but are higher in men. Androgens do two things:
First, they enlarge the sebaceous glands in the skin.
Second, they cause these glands to increase oil production.

Fluctuating hormones can cause greasiness as hormones play a
part in sebum production. Greasy hair is most common in
women because of either pregnancy or monthly cycle, older
women going through the menopause, and teenagers
experiencing puberty. Stress can be a contributory factor in
greasy hair as it is known to affect hormone levels. People
with fine hair on their head may experience excessive greasy
hair as they have more hair follicles and more sebaceous
glands producing more sebum.

There are several external causes of greasy hair. Washing
your hair too frequently can cause more sebum to be produced
as frequent washing can strip the hair of oils. To combat
this sebaceous glands excrete sebum. Sebaceous glands can be
stimulated through vigorous scrubbing of the hair and scalp
while washing. Touching your hair can also stimulate
sebaceous glands, along with vigorous hair brushing which
carries oil throughout the hair. The over-use of styling
products can cause hair to look greasy as the products can
build-up at the roots. Everyday environmental pollutants can
also cause hair to look greasy.

There are also many internal causes of greasiness too. I have
already mentioned fluctuating hormone levels, but one of the
main culprits when it comes to internal causes of greasy
hair is diet. Western diets that tend to be greasy, high in
fat and sugar, processed and containing additives can
be a major cause of greasy hair as the high fat content
increases oil levels in and on the skin. Hormones can be
found in meat in the western diet, adding to the unbalanced
hormone levels. A diet lacking in vitamin B can also
contribute towards greasy hair.

The best way of avoiding, preventing, treating and getting
rid of greasy hair is to treat it from the outside and the
inside. On the outside: steer clear of brushing your hair
too frequently, and too vigorously. Avoid using a
moisturizing shampoo as this can leave some oil in the hair.
An extra cleansing or clarifying shampoo that has a mild-ph
is the best shampoo to use for greasy hair. When shampooing,
massage you hair and scalp lightly and do not scrub your
hair and scalp.

For the best results, the longer you leave the shampoo in,
the better. If necessary, rinse your hair and shampoo again.
The question of how often to wash your hair is as unique as
the individual. The ideal frequency is 1-2 times per week,
but to find your own balance start with washing everyday,
then reduce that to find a good balance of washing and oil
production. If you use a hairdryer when styling your hair
don't let it get too hot as heat will stimulate more oil
production. When it comes to conditioning your hair, again
use a conditioner designed for greasy hair. Apply
conditioner to the mid and ends of your hair, but not the
roots.

With the inside: do all that you can to reduce and eliminate
any and all stress. In your diet, consider using a vitamin B
supplement. Make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, seeds,
nuts, leafy green vegetables, salads and fresh fish. Reduce
the amount of fatty foods that you eat, avoiding greasy,
fried and fatty foods as much as possible. Reduce the number
of white flour based foods in your diet, foods like
pastries, pasta and bread. Lastly, avoid sugar and sugary
foods like biscuits, cakes and soft drinks.