Dry Skin Solutions

Use products with oat flour...

Oat flour is known for its emulsifying properties. It is highly absorbent and hypoallergenic. It also helps sooth and alleviate itching due to dry skin.

The edible grains of a widely grown cereal grass, oats (avena sativa) appear in many beauty products. People appreciate their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Come to think of it, that's another childhood memory. When I got the chicken pox my mom popped me into an oatmeal and baking soda bath to relieve the itching. Oats are also highly absorptive, hypoallergenic, and help to soften skin. They have the best amino acid balance of all the cereal grains (amino acids work as water-binding agents in skin care products). Oats have also been clinically shown to help heal dry, itchy skin. Oat grains and straw appear in shampoos, dusting powders, moisturizers, and cleansing bars and that's just the start of a list!

Looking for a new Cold Remedy

Looking for a new Cold Remedy? Try one with Enchinacea...

Echinacea: healing properties
Original Post here: http://www.womens-health-symmetry.com/echinacea.html

Echinacea

We owe Native Americans a debt of gratitude for introducing the rest of the world to the wonders of the purple cone-flower plant.

Indians of the Great Plains first used this herb as a remedy for snakebites and other skin wounds.

They also applied the root of this plant directly to the mouth for toothaches and sore throats.

Word of echinacea's healing properties traveled back to Europe, where it has become one of the most sought after herbs and one of the better researched.

There is renewed interest in echinacea today in the United States because of this herb's demonstrated positive effect on the immune system.

Many studies have shown that echinacea inhibits the enzyme called hyaluronidase, which in turn helps maintain a natural barrier between healthy tissue and unwanted pathogenic organisms.

Thus, echinacea helps the body maintain its line of defense against unwanted invaders, and acids in tissue regeneration.

Echinacea's antimicrobial activities are widely demonstrated.

In 1972, a study appeared in the Journal of the Medical Chemistry showing that an echinacea extract inhibited tumor growth in rats.

Echinacea was shown to increase white blood cell counts..

Several European studies show that echinacea appears to lessen the severity of colds and flu, and helps speed recovery.

Echinacea has also been used successfully to control candida, an annoying and persistent fungal infection.

In fact, patients who used an antifungal cream and echinacea extract were less likely to suffer a recurrence than those treated solely with the antifungal cream.

Other studies show that topical echinacea has been used successfully to control psoriasis and eczema.

Eye Cream Tips

From my favorite source for beauty tips:

Do you really need a separate anti-ageing eye cream? Anti-ageing beauty tips from Cosmopolitan Magazine Beauty Editor Inge van Lotringen and presenter Caryn Franklin.

Fennel Seeds - The Fragrant, Healthy, Body Beautifier

Fennel Seeds
Original Post: http://www.zippy-health.com/fennel-seeds-the-fragrant-healthy-body-beautifier/

Fennel seeds are a common sight in our kitchen cabinets, mainly for enhancing the flavours of dishes. It basically works to season the food. The unassuming fennel seeds have countless uses when consumes internally as well as used externally. Here are a few tips about how fennel can be used to great advantage.

• Fennel is an excellent mouth freshener and helps combat bad breath. Crushed fennel when boiled with water and the strained, cooled mix is an excellent cure of colicky babies.
• Women who face monthly irregularities in their periods felt effective cure to their problem.
• For those who experience stomach upsets due to indigestion, gas and constipation feel great relief when they consumed tea with fennel seeds in it.
• People with regular episodes of cough and cold and respiratory track congestion have experienced instant decongestion of the cough.
• Fennel infused tea is given to women who have delivered to facilitate the flow of breast milk and induce lactation.
• A fennel infusion is ideal to help provide relief to strained eyes.
• Crushed fennel is ideal to get rid of ticks and parasites from pets and other domesticated animals.
• The concoction of fennel roots and leaves are a great healer for those who have been bitten by snakes. Fennel helps to balance poison in vegetables like mushrooms to name a few.
• An excellent fennel based pack which one must try is best bet for natural glow. Mix about three heapfuls of honey with same proportion of crushed oats, fresh natural yoghurt. Now make a concoction of three small spoons of crushed fennel in hot water and let it come to room temperature and strain it. Use about three tablespoons of this strained mixture with the above ingredients and gently apply it over the face. Let the pack remain for about 10 to 15 minutes and then wash off to reveal great glowing skin.
• Fennel oil when used in combination with olive oil, almond oil, aloe vera, lemon juice is an excellent way to reduce hair loss which occurs due to harsh environmental battering and gives soft and conditioned locks.
• The blend of dried, grinded orange peels, sage, crushed fennel, lemon juice is the ideal weekly face pack to maintain a healthy skin.
• For healthy, quick growth of hair, try the potent mix of pureed avocado, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, a few spoons dried onion powder to the crushed mix of two garlic, cloves, cinnamon, spoonful of crushed fennel, dried ginger powder, sage and rosemary.

I have several products that contain fennel: - Arbonne Smart Nutritional Hybrids for Men - Arbonne Smart Nutritional Hybrids for Women - Arbonne Smart Nutritional Hybrids™ Digestive Enzyme Capsule - Figure 8 Vanish Water Relief Treatment Serum - Figure 8® Daily Detox Tea.

Dirty Thirty

Dirty Thirty
The Dirty Thirty is a list of 30 chemical ingredients that may be linked to cancer. Many have been banned by the European Union on suspicion of their toxicity. What you may not know is that many of the biggest manufacturers of these products reformulate without these chemicals for the European market, but continue to manufacture with these potentially dangerous chemicals for the US market. Our hope is that you will use this list to help navigate your new purchases, and use your buying power to protect your right to health and a healthy world.

This list was compiled by Teens for Safe Cosmetics based on a survey of over 500 teens who named the products and brands they were using daily. In collaboration with a chemist, the ubiquitous chemicals were investigated for their potential harm to our health. Click here to download a pdf of the Dirty Thirty.

Original post here: http://www.teensturninggreen.org/get-educated/dirty-thirty.html

Coenzyme Q10: Protective Antioxidant Compound

by Skincare-news.com team
original posting here: http://www.skincare-news.com/a-5927-Coenzyme_Q10_Protective_Antioxidant_Compound.aspx

What is it?
Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10 or ubiquinone, is a natural compound found within every cell. Considered an antioxidant, CoQ10 serves multiple functions. It generates energy within a cell structure called the mitochondria, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. CoQ10 helps produce adenosine triphosophate (ATP), which is needed to fuel cell processes.

It’s believed that CoQ10 is a potent free radical scavenger. As we age, our bodies produce less CoQ10, which may make our skin more susceptible to free radical damage. With lower levels of CoQ10, skin has a tougher time renewing itself. Applying topical products with CoQ10 may help rejuvenate the skin. Currently, CoQ10 is also used in treating many health conditions, including: congestive heart failure, diabetes, gum disease, breast cancer, immune system deficiencies, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

Skin benefits
With continued use, CoQ10 can aid your complexion in various ways. It fights free radicals and improves the look of wrinkles. Be patient, though: You may need six weeks or more to see results, notes G Todorov, Ph.D., of Smart Skin Care. In particular, CoQ10 may:

• Defend against free radicals. These harmful molecules result from UV rays, smoke, pollution and other environmental sources. They cause signs of aging, and “alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA and even cause cell death,” according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Free radicals are also linked to cancer. Because CoQ10 penetrates the skin, it can provide free radical and UV protection, writes physician Judith Reichman, M.D., in Slow Your Clock Down: A Woman’s Complete Guide to a Younger, Healthier You.
• Reduce wrinkles. Researchers have determined that CoQ10 affects collagen and elastin, natural components that keep skin smooth and wrinkle-free. One German study “found that using a topical CoQ10 for 6 weeks daily reduced the wrinkle depth of crow’s feet by 27 percent, and after 10 weeks, by 43 percent,” write Deborah Mitchell and Roberta D. Sengelmann in The Botox Miracle.

You’ll find it in
CoQ10 is found in face and eye creams, anti-aging serums, lip treatments, night creams, as well as body products, like creams, scrubs and shower gels. However, there’s debate over whether CoQ10 concentrations in these products are high enough to be effective. Like other antioxidants, CoQ10 also breaks down and becomes ineffective when exposed to air or light.

Additionally, CoQ10 can be taken orally, and is often found in multi-vitamin, multi-mineral supplements. On Yahoo! Health, dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., advises taking 100 to 200 milligrams in the morning, especially if you’re over age 50.

Who should avoid it
Generally, CoQ10 is considered safe for all skin types. However, if you have a specific sensitivity to this ingredient, avoid products with ubiquinone or its synthetic cousin, idebenone.
Also, if you take certain medications, CoQ10 may not be safe for you. It could interact with chemotherapy treatment, blood pressure medications, cholesterol drugs or blood thinners. Check with your doctor before using any products or supplements with CoQ10.

I personally use products with coenzyme Q10. Ask me more...

Wrinkle Cream Types

Wrinkle Cream Types
Full article here: http://www.healthy-skincare.com/wrinkle-cream.html

If you are looking for a high-quality wrinkle cream that has the ingredients listed below...please contact me or post a comment.

Hydroxy Acids
Hydroxy acids are derived from fruits. Basically, these products are exfoliants. They remove the upper layer of old and dead skin cells and encourage the growth of new smooth and evenly pigmented younger looking skin. Hydroxy acids stimulate the production of the skin protein collagen leading to thicker healthier skin and better moisture retention. Use of a sunscreen is strongly recommended when using these types of anti-wrinkle creams.

Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Mildly damaged skin can be treated with an anti-aging cream with alpha-hydroxy acids. AHAs can be used to smooth out the skin in people of all ages and seem to be very beneficial on people with rough, sun-damaged skin. AHA creams may also contain a bleaching agent to help with blotchy skin pigmentation and a moisturizer to help fight dry skin. Reduction in pore size has also been noted with the use of this wrinkle cream. For some people, noticeable results may appear after only six weeks of using this wrinkle cream.

Alpha-hydroxy acids can be very irritating to the skin. Reported side effects with the use of this product include temporary irritation of the skin, itching, dryness, thinning of the skin, blistering, swelling around the eye areas, and redness. AHAs are also believed to be a frequent cause of irritation and flushing for individuals suffering with rosacea and should not be used by these individuals.

Glycolic acid, which is derived from fruit products (12% strength) is a commonly used AHA for anti-aging treatment.

Beta-hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
A common beta-hydroxy acid used in anti wrinkle creams is salicylic acid. BHAs are also used in facial cleansers, moisturizers, anti-acne products, and makeup. As an anti-aging product BHAs smooth out the skin and reduce facial pore size, but can irritate the skin. Individuals with rosacea should avoid the use of this product.

Topical Anti-Oxidants
Anti-oxidants are compounds that neutralize skin-damaging free radicals. As skin cells age they begin to produce excess amounts of free radicals. Unfortunately, aging leads to a reduction of naturally occurring anti-oxidants in the skin cells. Therefore, the free radicals are present to damage skin cell membranes, proteins (collagen and elastin), and DNA. The end result is skin that is wrinkled.

Vitamin C
This anti-oxidant helps recycle vitamin E and promotes collagen formation. It also repairs skin cell damage that is usually caused by ultraviolet light and activities such as smoking. A wrinkle cream that contains vitamin C can reduce wrinkles, thicken skin, and provide protection from the suns damaging rays. Some noted side effects are minor skin irritation and stinging.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the most significant anti-oxidant found in skin. Without sufficient vitamin E, skin wrinkles become more prevalent. A wrinkle cream with vitamin E acts to neutralize free radicals like other anti-oxidants do and eventually leads to soft and smooth skin and a noticeable reduction in wrinkles, depth of wrinkles, and length of facial lines. The side effects of using vitamin E creams are red and swollen skin and possible contact dermatitis.

In cosmetic products, tocopherols and tocopherol acetate are common forms of vitamin E that may be present.

Alpha-lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring anti-oxidant and mild exfoliant that acts to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Its use results in firm and toned skin giving it a smoother appearance.

The advantage of using this substance in a wrinkle lotion or cream is that it penetrates skin cells rather easily for maximum effectiveness. It has a protective effect on vitamins C and E and therefore boosts anti-oxidant activity within the cell. Inflammation is a common side effect of using this product.

Tea Extracts
A variety of teas such as green tea show anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and therefore are commonly found in wrinkle cream products. The main benefit is the repair of sun-damaged skin. Preliminary indications are that green tea may also lead to wrinkle reduction.

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin (OPCs) Oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes are produced from grape seeds or pine bark and are powerful anti-oxidants. There are indications that such substances protect and strength collagen and elastin and if so, they would be very useful ingredients in anti-aging or anti wrinkle cream products.

Copper Peptides
Copper peptides (a copper protein complex) have been used for wound healing. They are known to be important in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which are structural proteins in the skin matrix that degrade with age. Some tests have shown improvement in sun damaged skin, disappearance of fine wrinkles, a decrease in skin pigmentation problems, thickening of the skin, and increase in skin elasticity and hydration with the use of copper peptides. It is suspected that they may enhance the effectiveness of anti-oxidants as well. Copper peptides are non-irritating and few side effects have been noted.

Soy Isoflavones
Soy isoflavones or phytoestrogens are protein extracts from soybean and soymilk. Use of these substances in a wrinkle product may result in the reduction of wrinkles.

Coenzyme Q-10
Coenzyme Q-10 is a nutrient that helps regulate energy production within the skin cells. Preliminary tests have shown that this anti aging product can significantly reduce fine wrinkles and little to no side effects have been noted.

Why Night Cream?

I abosolutely love my night cream. Did you know that not washing your face at night ages your skin 7 days? Best to wash and feed your skin with a healthy night cream.

Berries – Ingredients in Anti-Aging Skincare

Refer back to my comment about keeping a fridge in your bathroom. Hey, I'm all for completely natural skin care, but if you can buy a product that packages the berries for you, why not?

This article from:
http://greenlivingideas.com/topics/personal-care-and-services/skin-care/berries-ingredients-antiaging-skincare#more-4757

UV Environmental stress and the natural aging process generate free radicals. These are unstable oxygen molecules that are short of an electron. Free radicals can be likened to molecular hammers that hack away at our skin cells until they are neutralized by an electron donor.

Scientists have discovered a compound known as matrix metalloprotease (MMP), it plays a key role in the skin’s response to damage by free radicals. MMP’s set off a biological chain reaction called an enzyme cascade, the reaction speeds up the breakdown and elimination of collagen. Unless the activation of MMP’s can be stopped, collagen is broken down and eliminated faster than your skin can produce it. Wrinkles, fine lines and rough spot follow soon thereafter.

A recent study has found that ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in numerous fruits, vegetables and nuts, (especially raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and omegranates) can protect the skin against UV damage by blocking the production of MMP in damaged skin cells and by reducing inflammation.

Consider toning your face with a homemade preparation of aloe vera and berry juice. You can use an assortment of berries or simply squeeze the juice of one of the berries listed above, and mix with a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Alternatively, look for a readymade product that includes berries in its ingredient list.

Celebrity Skin Care

Want to know how to find affordable products exactly like the ones she's describing? Post a comment...

Natural or organic?

Let's face it - if we really had all natural or organic cosmetic and skin care products, we would all have to have a refridgerator in our bathrooms to keep them safe. The fact of the matter is, most products have to have preservatives. The key is to find products that use the minimum amount of preservatives as possible. Most U.S. products use 25%-35%. I know of products that use less than 1%. Read more below...

Natural and Organic Products
from http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=225

You might expect a product labeled "pure, natural and organic" to be, well … pure, natural and organic. But you might be in for a surprise.

Unlike the food industry, there are no legal standards for organic or natural personal care products sold in the United States. This means that companies can, and often do, use these terms as marketing gimmicks. For example, the top-selling shampoo in the United States is Clairol Herbal Essences, which until recently claimed to offer users an "organic experience." However, there isn't much about this product that is either herbal or organic; it contains more than a dozen synthetic petrochemicals and has a moderate toxicity rating in Skin Deep.

Even top-selling brands in the natural products sector have been found to contain 1,4-dioxane, a synthetic chemical carcinogen.

New industry standards are emerging that may help consumers differentiate between the natural and not-so-natural products, but multiple standards with different meanings may not be helpful for consumers. For example, some require safety substantiation from a certifying body and others don't. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is advocating for a standard that means ingredients are both natural and safe for people.

What You Can Do
Encourage your favorite retailers and manufacturers of natural and organic products to clarify their use of the terms. Most importantly, be a critical consumer and remember that natural is a marketing term, not a legally binding description.