Saturday, November 12, 2011

Acne Program - Step 4: Adding Essential Fatty Acids To Your Diet

Getting sufficient essential fatty acids is importance in clearing acne. It's these fatty acids that help control the production of androgens - the hormones that surge during the teen-age times, which causes excess sebum oil to clog your hair follicle and contribute to creating your acne. The three fatty acids you need daily are omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. You need more omega 6, olive oil, than omega 3. When you are deficient in the essential fatty acids, you will have, § A weaken immune system § Inflammatory disorders § Poor skin § Skin eruptions that won't heal § Increase sebum production causing acne § Sebaceous glands size increase Eating essential oils is necessary to provide the right oils that are used in the sebaceous glands. These oils can come from straight vegetable oils or from oils in specific foods such as nuts and seeds. Use flax seed oil (omega-3 oil) and olive oil (omega-6 oil) in your salad. These are the best oils to eat and are called polyunsaturated fatty acids. The other oil that is even better for you is called monounsaturated fatty acid, omega-9. This oil is found in avocados. Most diets people have contain an excess of omega-6 oils, so mostly likely you need to concentrate on getting more omega-3 oils into your diet. You can get omega-3 oil from, § avocados § sesame seeds § pumpkin seeds § walnuts § dark leafy green vegetables (spinach, mustard greens, kale) § wheat germ oil § salmon § sardines § albacore tuna Or, you can take one to 4 tablespoon of flax seed oil, omega-3 oil, each day. This will give you the amount of omega-3 oil that your body needs to reduce or eliminate acne blemishes. You can add this oil to your morning cereal, soups, smoothies, salads and other liquid foods. Each tablespoon of flax seed oil contains about 100 calories. You can get omega-6 oil from, § Flaxseed oil § Flaxseeds § grape seed oil § pistachio nuts § olives § olive oil § sunflower seeds § evening primrose oil § pumpkin seeds Taking 2-3 tablespoons of omega-6 oil a day will give you the amount of this oil that you body needs. You can add olive oil and other oils into your salad with the flax seed oil. You can get omega-9 oil from, § Olive oil § Avocados § Cashews § Almonds § Olives § sesame oil § pecans § pistachio nuts Taking around 1 ½ tablespoon of olive oil per day will give you the omega-9 oil that your body needs. Fish Oils In addition to supplying your diet with omega-3 and omega-6 oils, you need to supplement your diet with fish oils. Fish oil contains EPA and DHA fatty acids. Normally, enzymes in your body break down omega-6 into EPA and DHA fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) These two fatty acids eventually change into prostaglandins. What are prostaglandins? Prostaglandins are chemical hormones that come from omega-3 and omega-6 oils and that help, regulate every function in your cells and organs. Postaglandins also keep androgen hormones in control so that excess sebum is not produce in the hair follicle, which results in acne. However, eating plenty essential fatty acids may not insure that you produce enough EPA and DHA, which produce the essential prostaglandins. It is critical for acne and more importantly for your health that you get enough EPA and DHA in your cells and organs so they can produce the required prostaglandins. To increase the prostaglandins in your cell walls, it is necessary for you to take a fish supplement, which contains both the EPA and DHA. Of course eating salmon, halibut, and mackerel twice a week will be a plus in providing your body with more EPA and DHA. Include at least 20% of your diet calories as good fats - omega oils and fish oil. This is essential for controlling the excess activity of your hormones and reducing the inflammation of your acne.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Acne Program - Step 2: Using Acne Face Cream

After you have washed your face with a chemical free soap, use an applicator to dip into Scotty's face cream or you favorite face cream. Place the cream on your face and spread it all around. Massage the cream into your face gently so the skin absorbs the oils in this cream. These oils will seal the pores and hold the natural moisture of the skin and enhance the curing effects of the cream You can use the cream 2-3 times a day. It is best to use it after you have cleaned your face in the morning and right before you go to bed. You can also use it during noontime. You can use Scotty's' cream under your makeup or over your makeup. It will work either way. However, it will work better on a clean face. You will notice that when you apply the cream it will tingle in areas without sores and may sting in areas of open sores. This will pass and as it does it should reduce the itchiness of any sores. Scotty's cream has allantoin, which will help to clear acne sores. The oils, vitamin A and E, and minerals in Scotty's will help to feed, rebuild, and rejuvenate your skin. The minerals also help to neutralize the toxic acids that have contaminated and inflamed pores on your face. During cleansing and fasting, more acid waste may come out of your pores. This is why Scotty's cream will help you to reduce the inflammation and spread your acne. Tree Tea Oil To make Scotty's cream or your own cream even more powerful, you can add 5-10 drops of pure tree tea oil to a two-ounce container. You can experiment with the amount to add. You may want to add more drops to provide more tea tree oil for your face. But, do not use more than 15 drops. Tree tea oil has been found to be effective in various skin disorders. It acts as an antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial. This oil helps to bring oxygen to the skin cell, which kills bacteria and fungus and helps to repair damaged skin caused by acne. Borage Oil There is one more thing that you can add to Scotty's face cream or your favorite acne cream that will boost its acne clearing power. This is borage oil. Borage oil contains EPA and DHA, which helps to control excessive hormones that cause the over production of sebum. It is the adrenal glands that produce streams of androgens during puberty. These large quantities of androgens help to activate bone growth and assist in bringing forth sexual maturity. A side effect of these androgens is the release of excess oil from the oil glands near the hair follicle. This excess gives rise to § black heads § white heads § pimples § cysts So here's what you can do to make your face cream even more effective, § Mix one or two capsules of Borage oil into your cream § Do this by cutting the tip off of the Borage oil softgel and squeeze the oil into the cream There is a new form of EPA and DHA that is available in a product called Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) NKO is the new EPA and DHA product, which maybe better to use than Borage Oil. NKO has the omega-3, EPA and DHA in the phospholipid form, which is easier for your cells to absorb compared with Borage oil. Borage oil contains the omega-3, EPA, and DHA in triglyceride form, which is more difficult for cells to absorb. One other good property of NKO is that is does not have to be refrigerated like Borage. It can be kept in a cool place in your cabinets. However, it does cost more than Borage oil. Word of Caution: As with all creams and oils, if you get any rash or skin reactions when using them, discontinue their use. Use a good face cream to help clear your acne. You can boost the power of this cream by adding tree tea oil and borage or NKO oil.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Acne Program – Step 7 Fruits You Should Eat

* Apples – eat 3 – 4 apples a day while working to clearing your acne. Apples are good for skin health. Eat at least 2 a day. Eat organic apples because you can eat the skins and most pectin is in the skin, which helps with constipation. Apples contain ascorbic acid, bioflavonoids, fiber, pectin, quercetin, minerals, and vitamins

* Apricots – eat as many as you like. Apricots are a high source of minerals, fiber, and beta-carotene and will help control acne. (A precursor to vitamin A) They help to relieve or prevent constipation.

* Bananas – eat only one banana a day. Bananas have the phytochemcial fructoOligosaccharides, which feeds the good bacterial in your colon. By feeding the good bacteria, you prevent the bad bacteria from overtaking the colon and producing toxic acids that get to the skin and create acne.

* Blackberries – help cleanse the blood and are good for constipation. They help a weak kidney and are good for creating good skin on your face.

* Blueberries are a good blood cleanser. They are also good for constipation and various skin disorders – eczema, acne, psoraisis

* Cantaloupes – are high in vitamin A, C, and have many other minerals. This makes them good for any type of skin problems

* Cherries – are good blood cleansers and help the liver and kidney. They promote regular bowel movements.

* Figs – are high in fiber and help to reduce constipation.

* Grapefruits – helps to dissolve and eliminate poisons from drugs thus improving the liver function

* Grapes – help cleanse the body, build blood, and build the body. It is good for constipation, skin, and liver disorders.

* Mango – is good for kidney inflammation. It contains a lot of minerals, which helps to neutralize acid waste.

* Strawberries – have been shown to have strong anti-acne activity. They are high in pectin content, which helps to keep your bowels moving.

* Pineapples – contains many vitamins and minerals. It contains Papain, which helps to digest protein. They are useful in of excess mucus, digestive problems, intestinal worms, and constipation.

These fruits below are useful for acne since they have an antibiotic effect,

* Grapes

* Plums

* Figs

* Raspberries

* Blueberries

* Honey

* Apple juice

* Grape juice

Use as many of these fruits in your diet. If you do, you will start to see improvement in your skin and your acne will start to clear up.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Acne Products That Work

Acne products that work include a wide range of natural and chemical treatments. Acne products can actually help individuals to find a way to get through their acne trouble. For those that are looking for a solution, for the solution that will finally help you, there are several things that you can do to find it. Acne products range from the all natural products to the laser treatments and even to chemical treatments. Which one will work for you? That may be the hardest question of all because these acne products may work better for you then they will work for someone else. Natural Products First The best thing that you can do for your acne is to treat it with natural acne treatments first. These are one of the best ways to go simply because your body knows how to handle and digest natural products much more so then chemical ones. And, there are fewer side effects when you are working with natural acne medications as well. There is a wide range of choice here including products that contain a wide amount of vitamins and minerals. This may include such things as zinc and chromium. Acne Medications Sometimes it is necessary to deal with the acne medications on the market too. You may want to seek the advice of your dermatologist before spending a fortune on acne medications though. For example, you may want to take the time to find out what exactly is causing your acne. Once this is done, you will find out that which way to go. You may need antibiotics to treat the infections on your skin but you may also need supplements to help turn off the over producing oil glands in your skin as well. Acne medications can be purchased through the web with great ease. You will find a wide range of products that work well at acne control. For many, acne products that are geared towards their specific needs provide them with the best acne medication available. The good news is that there are many more option for you to rely on.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Acne Prevention Tips and Home Remedies

Any skin disorder that is very apparent can prove extremely embarrassing and a trying experience for the sufferer. Everyone who is prone to develop acne would love to know a dozen effective ways to prevent it in the first place. Who wouldn’t want to save face and another month or longer worth of painful self-consciousness? I have listed a number of practical ways to prevent another acne breakout from embarrassing you, and if despite your honest efforts acne still rears its ugly head, I also suggested a few effective steps for treating acne, naturally. Acne Prevention Tips Use a honey mask on a weekly basis. Honey is considered as a disinfectant and a great way for healing pimples. It can also kill bacteria found in your skin. Cut your hair short if it’s long. Hair has oil. When you are moving, dust particles often culminate in your hair, and as your hair touches your face, neck, or forehead, it can provoke acne or worsen an affected area. Take a powerful multi-vitamin twice every day; the biggest organ—your skin —requires proper nutrients to stay healthy. Take vitamin A daily. It both protects your skin and prevents acne. Plus, vitamin A reduces sebum production. Avoid over washing and rubbing or scrubbing your skin excessively. Acne is not caused by not washing or by having dirty skin. Some people, especially students, have claimed that their acne grows worse when experiencing stressful situations. Advise: if it’s in your power, cut down on stress. Drink 8 glasses of water everyday. Water helps to clean and hydrate the skin. Avoid alcohol-based creams and lotions. Either change or wash your pillowcase everyday. Eat food rich in zinc. A deficiency in zinc may cause acne breakouts. Add a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. When you are undergoing much stress, breathe deeply. It has been discovered that there exists a direct connection between acne and stress. Exercise regularly, for it helps your blood to circulate and to remove toxins. Eat a well-balanced diet to reduce the reoccurrence of acne. Choose your cosmetics very carefully. Sometimes what you wear to disguise acne can actually turn out to be the root cause of a skin disorder. Acne Home Remedy Tips Put ripe tomato pulp on your pimples, and keep them there for as long as one hour. Next, wash the treated areas. Apply the juice of raw papaya on your swelling pimples. On and around your pimples apply fresh garlic. Pimples will fade away when this treatment is used regularly, not leaving a mark. Drink wheatgrass juice; it can remove acne. Create a paste from orange peel by grinding the peel in water. Then, apply this paste on and around your pimples.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Acne Prevention- Natural Cures

There are several natural cures for acne that you may want ot try before spending money on treatments. Many of these are cures that have been passed down from generation to generation. They are broken down into 2 categories. The blackheads category is more for prevention than curing an outbreak of pimples. This is the category you should use most because, the most important factor in acne control is early prevention. The second category, acne cures is used if an outbreak has already occurred. Before starting any of these treatments, you must first be sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients that are used. All of these treatments are intended to be used along with your normal skin cleansing. You should wash your face twice daily with a mild soap and water. When wshing your face you should be gentle, as harsh scrubbing can cause severe outbreaks of acne. Blackheads Mix lime juice and milk in a 1 to 1 ratio. The milk should be allowed to come to room temperature before mixing. Once mixed this is used as a cleanser in problem areas, where the skin may be oily. Use every other day under normal circumstances. Mix neem leaves and tumeric powder into a very thin paste this can be used to gently wash the face. Use every other day. Boil 2 teaspoons of Funigreek in a gallon of water, allow to cool to room temperature. This can be used every other day as a facial wash. Acne cures Make salt and vinegar paste. Apply directly to pimples wait 30 minutes and wash face. This can be done nightly if needed. This works because the salt and vinegar have natural abilities to draw liquids out of the skin, thus it draws the trapped oils out of the pimple. Make a paste out of roasted and ground pomegranite seeds with fresh lime juice. Apply directly to pimples. Apply a paste of 1 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1 teaspoon of room temperature milk directly to pimples allow to stay for 1-2 hours and rinse. All of these natural are general acne prevention and cure techniques and may not work for specific skin conditions. Using these natural cures for acne can help you control it, if for some reason these do not help you should look in to over the counter remedies. Many of the medications today are targeted to specific types of acne breakouts.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Acne Prevention - Lifestyle and Diets

Lifestyle Is your lifestyle causing your acne? Certainly not. But the way you live affects your whole body, including its largest organ: the skin. The place you work, the hours you keep, the ways you play — all of these can take a toll on the epidermis, especially in those who are prone to acne. Following are a few everyday acne triggers you might not be aware of, and a few things you can do to avoid them. Comedones on the job. Since some part of your skin is always in contact with your environment, it’s important to pay attention to the substances with which you come into contact on a regular basis. You may be exposing yourself to comedogenic (pore-clogging) substances on the job without even knowing it; while these substances are not the cause of your acne, they can aggravate it. For example: the airborne grease in a fast-food restaurant can create an invisible film on your skin, clogging your pores. Most industrial oils — the kinds used in cars, in factories, on bicycles — are comedogenic as well. Acne & Sleep - Sleep and your skin. The simplest good deed you can do for your skin may surprise you: sleep! Scientists and mothers around the world agree that a good night’s sleep — at least eight hours — can do wonders for your complexion. How? A healthy, well-rested body has the resources to build a strong immune system. While a robust immune system won’t prevent acne altogether, it can help fight infection so your lesions clear up more quickly. Luckily, your body isn’t picky; uninterrupted sleep in the daytime is just as beneficial. So if you work late, sleep late — and try to maintain a regular schedule. Acne & Sun - Savvy sun worshipping. While it’s true that small amounts of sun exposure may initially improve acne, don’t be fooled; the benefit is temporary. Consistent sun bathing will dry your skin, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Also, skin that has been exposed to the sun has to slough old cells more frequently; when you combine the extra oil and extra dead cells, you create the ideal environment for comedones, or blocked pores. So if you work (or play) in the sun, it’s important to protect your skin with sunscreen. Look for oil-free products that provide at least an SPF 15 protection level from UVA and UVB rays. Acne & Stress - The stress connection. Not surprisingly, stress often has a starring role in the ongoing acne drama. “Ninety percent of my patients complain about what stress does to their skin. It has a huge impact, and it’s becoming a bigger problem every day,” says Katie Rodan, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Stanford University. How can stress — emotional anxiety caused by any number of factors in your life — show up on your face? The connection is purely chemical. When you become tense, your adrenal glands go work, flooding your bloodstream with the hormone cortisol. This triggers the sweat glands in your face to produce more oil. When your sebaceous glands go into high gear, there’s a higher probability that this excess oil will mix with dead skin cells and clog your pores, trapping bacteria inside. The result? More acne, primarily inflamed papules rather than blackheads or whiteheads. What can you do? Of course, you can't eliminate stress from your life — it's part of being human. But you can minimize its damage by leading a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet and at least seven hours of sleep every night will help you build a stronger physical foundation; if you're well fed and well rested, you're less likely to feel irritated by the events of your day. Try to get some exercise every day, even if it's just a walk around the block at lunchtime. It's also important to take time out of every day to relax — read a book, take a bath, practice yoga, or do whatever makes you feel happy and calm. It's an important step towards overall good health, and therefore the health of your skin. Diets Don’t eat that — you’ll get zits! We’ve all heard it; from parents, friends or even the family doctor. But the fact is, even after extensive study, scientists have not found a connection between diet and acne. Not chocolate. Not french fries. Not pizza. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “A healthy diet is important for improving raw materials for healthy skin,” but they also note that greasy or sugary foods do not cause acne.1 Likewise, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concurred, “Diet plays no role in acne treatment in most patients…even large amounts of certain foods have not clinically exacerbated acne.”1 Of course, that doesn’t mean you should make a habit of eating foods high in sugar or fat. The skin is the body’s largest organ, so what’s good for the rest of you will be good for your skin, too. Acne Prevention & Diet - Nutrients for healthy skin. There are a number of nutrients found in everyday foods that are known to promote a healthy body — and therefore healthy skin. Get wise to these substances, and you’ll increase your chances of conquering your acne. Acne Prevention & Diet - Vitamin A. Naturally occurring Vitamin A, or retinol, is found in fish oils, liver and dairy products. The Vitamin A produced by plants is known as Beta-carotene, and is found in yellow/orange fruits and vegetable such as carrots, yams, apricots and cantaloupe, as well as green vegetables like parsley, kale and spinach. Extremely high doses of Vitamin A are toxic, so don't overdo it. Acne Prevention & Diet - Vitamin B-2. Stress has been known to aggravate existing cases of acne, and Vitamin B-2 is often helpful alleviating stress. Foods with a high concentration of B-2 include whole grains, fish, milk, eggs, meat and leafy green vegetables. Acne Prevention & Diet - Vitamin B-3. Found in peanuts, eggs, avocados, liver and lean meats, Vitamin B-3 improves circulation, promoting healthy skin. It also reduces the cholesterol level in the blood and helps you metabolize protein, sugar & fat — increasing your energy through proper utilization of food. Acne Prevention & Diet - Vitamin E. Vitamin E is found in almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, broccoli, wheat germ and vegetable oils. A powerful antioxidant, it protects your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Acne Prevention & Diet - Zinc. Even in trace amounts, the antioxidant zinc is known to boost the immune system, improving overall health — which of course is reflected in the skin. Zinc can be found in eggs, whole grains, nuts and mushrooms. Acne Prevention & Diet - Know your own triggers. Since acne is different for everyone, there may be certain foods that cause flare-ups in your skin. Clearly, these foods should be avoided. You may also want to check your vitamin supplements for their iodine content; while normal amounts of iodine have not been shown to affect skin, amounts greater than the RDA of 150 mcg may aggravate your acne. Overall, use your common sense. Drink lots of water and eat a healthy, balanced diet — but don’t be afraid to indulge your cravings every now and then.