Ava

Green Tea Skin Care

Jan 012011

When one hears “green tea”, the first thing that comes to mind is either skin care or weight loss. Green tea is one of the most celebrated weight loss options in the market. After all, it not only promotes weight loss, it also brings about

a lot of other health benefits as it is also a well-known detoxifying agent. Lastly (and there’s a big chance you do not know this yet), it can also help you maintain a beautiful set of teeth. Green tea is high in fluoride and as we all know, fluoride prevents plaque build-up and fights tooth decay.

Green Tea Skin Care

However, among all of green tea’s benefits, its skin care purposes may be the most distinguished. We all want to have beautiful skin; there’s no argument about that. There are a lot of skin care agents on the market and many more skin regimens that we can follow, but there is no better treatment than natural remedies. This is where green tea excels. Here are some of the ways you can use green tea as a skin care product:

Green Tea Skin Care

For Puffy Eyes – A real 21^st century woman not only knows how to work hard and party harder, they have to look fabulous in doing it too. But how can you stay up late with your friends and show up for work looking well-rested? Simple, use green tea. No, I don’t mean drink it (although that is a very good idea too); I mean take two soaked green tea bags and place them on top of your eyes. Believe me; they are more effective than cucumbers.
For Tired-Looking Skin – Do you notice how Paris Hilton and her girl friends spritz their face with Evian spray? Well, you can do that too minus the high costs. Soak green tea in boiling water, let it cool for a few minutes, strain the leaves out, and pour the solution in a bottle/spritzer. Spray on your face whenever you are feeling sticky or looking haggard.
For Acne Prevention – A lot of us battle with acne and it is refreshing to know that such a natural remedy can also help in acne prevention by using a green tea mask. The solution can be achieved by mixing powdered green tea leaves, egg white, and a tablespoon of honey. Spread the solution evenly on the face and let it stay for at least 15 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with warm water.

There are hundreds, if not thousands of skin care products all over the world, but nothing beats home remedies for acne; nothing beats the flexibility of green tea.

Photo Courtesy of GoHomeKiki at Flickr.

Vitamin A for Acne

Vitamins For Acne No Responses »

Dec 052010

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin which means it is best absorbed with the help of some fat cells. We all know that this specific vitamin is extremely helpful for maintaining your vision, especially at night. However, not all of us know

that Vitamin A also helps in the growth of bones, teeth, and skin. Yes, it not only helps us see better at night, it also effectively fights pimples. Vitamin A for acne is not a very common topic among us “acne-busters” but after reading several reviews and studies, I have come to a conclusion that Vitamin A is worth our attention.

Some experts believe that very large doses of Vitamin A are required to treat severe acne. Normal dosage can help you deal with a couple pimples here and there but if your acne breakouts are the worst on the block you might require 300,000 to 500,000 IU per day. Those high amounts of Vitamin A in the body can be extremely toxic unless medication is monitored and supervised by a physician. Remember I told you that Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin? That means it is not excreted as quickly as Vitamin C which is a water soluble vitamin. Therefore, excess Vitamin A will be stored in your liver and kidneys causing possible organ damage.

So does Vitamin A work for acne? Is it possible to use it without causing extreme damage? As always, you should consult with a dermatologist or medical expert first, but some experts believe that non-synthetic Vitamin A can help your acne. What does it mean to be non-synthetic? Non-synthetic sources of Vitamin A are those that are from foods or organic products. Some of which are watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, broccoli, mangoes, apricots, green leafy vegetables, squash, and of course, the famous Vitamin A rich carrots. Try eating more of these foods and see if your skin clears up a bit. Below are some excellent resources including your daily recommended amount of Vitamin A, common foods that contain Vitamin A, and some recipes you can use to help fight your acne.

Vitamin A Content of Foods

Watermelon 1,120 IU for every 100 grams serving

Cantaloupe 6,760 IU for every 100 grams serving

Sweet Potatoes 26,081.90 per medium sized sweet potato

Broccoli 1,240 IU for every 100 grams serving

Mangoes 1,520 IU for every 100 grams serving

Apricots 3,840 IU for every 100 grams serving

Green Leafy Vegetables 32,000 IU for every 100 grams serving

Cheddar Cheese 10,600 IU for every 100 grams serving

Spinach 18,760 IU for every 100 grams serving

Carrots 33,400 IU for every 100 grams serving

Milk 1120 IU per glass

Egg 5,600 IU for every 100 grams serving

Squash 16,000 IU for every 100 grams serving

Papaya 2,200 IU for every 100 grams serving

Liver 260,000 IU for every 100 grams serving

Sample Recipes of Dishes Rich in Vitamin A

Cooking is not one of my strong points (the nearest McDonald’s from our place used to generate half of its daily earnings from our household) but when I found out that eating healthier meant clearer skin, I made an extra effort to eat home-cooked meals; . Anyway, here is a sample recipe that might help your acne because it is high in Vitamin A:

Sweet Potato Butternut Squash Bisque – This dish is a dish that offers Vitamin A in three folds. Its three main ingredients are rich in Vitamin A.

Ingredients:

3 cups of Chopped Butternut Squash
4 cups of Chopped Sweet Potatoes
2 cups of Carrots
Chicken Stock or Broth
4 Cloves of Garlic
1 Medium-sized Onion
2 Tablespoons Butter
2 Teaspoons Whole Allspice
A Shot of Amaretto

How to Cook:

1) Crush the garlic and chop the onion. Sautee in 2 tablespoons of butter until garlic is brown and the onion is clear.

2) Add the chicken stock and all the vegetables. Cook in medium fire and bring to a soft boil (you only see small bubbles – for those who are as wise as a kindergarten in the kitchen).

3) Add the crushed Allspice to the mixture. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

4) Once the vegetables are cooked, use an immersion blender until the mixture becomes smooth.

5) Add a shot of Amaretto and continue to cook in slow fire for at least another 15 minutes.

Voila! In less than 60 minutes and a few dollars, you have prepared a home cooked meal that is good for the tummy and your skin. However, not all of us have enough time for rest, let alone to prepare a home cooked meal (even though it is as uncomplicated as the bisque I described above). Therefore, to cover your daily dose of non-synthetic Vitamin A for acne, I give you this salad recipe you can whip up in a few minutes:

Broccoli and Raisins Salad – This quick-to-prepare salad will not just knocks your socks off with its Vitamin A content, it will also make eating vegetables a lot easier than it used to be. Broccoli, like all other vegetables, is better eaten raw. However, they are better digested if they are blanched.

Ingredients:

1 Large Head Broccoli (break this down in to small flowers)
1 Cup of FAT-FREE Mayonnaise
1 Medium Onion Chopped in to Extremely Small Pieces
2-3 Tablespoons of Vinegar
½ Cup Sugar
½ Cup Raisins
½ Cup Roasted Nuts (not fried because you do not want the extra oil)

How to Cook:

1) Blanche the broccoli by dipping it in boiling water for a few seconds. Strain and set aside.

2) In a salad bowl, mix together sugar, vinegar, mayonnaise, raisins, and nuts. By the way, you can remove the nuts from this recipe if you are allergic to them.

3) Add the blanched broccoli and chopped onions in the mixture. Mix well until the mayonnaise covers all the broccolis.

4) Let it stand in room temperature for at least an hour before serving.

Taking Vitamin A for acne need not be a torture. Continue looking for recipes similar to the ones I have given in this article, include them in your regular diet, and you will not only get acne-free skin, you will also have a bikini-ready body. Note that this post is a part of our overall series on vitamins for acne.

Sources:

Office of Dietary Supplements National Institutes of Health. Vitamin A and Carotenoids [WWW page]. URL http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamina/#h3

Photo Courtesy of ColinDunn at Flickr

Vitamin B5 for Acne

Vitamins For Acne 1 Response »

Dec 042010

Vitamin B5, or scientifically known as the Pantothenic Acid, is a vitamin that is a part of the Vitamin B complex. It is essential in the body’s cellular processes specifically in the maintenance of fat levels. B5 is one of the essential

vitamins and regular doses can be received from our diet; a “healthy diet” of course. Some people use Vitamin B5 for acne. This article will discuss the use of this vitamin and how you can find foods that contain Vitamin B5. It is not recommended that you exceed the recommend dosage for this vitamin (listed below) without the guidance of a medical doctor.

Basically, high doses of Vitamin B5 create equally high amounts of Coenzyme-A. More often than not, people with acne do not burn enough fat daily; and aside from the fact that human beings are generally too lazy to exercise daily, insufficient Coenzyme-A levels in the body may be one of the causes of acne. Without that coenzyme, your fats do not break down properly and they accumulate in your sebaceous glands and are excreted as oil. Put two and two together and you will see how Vitamin B5 affects acne breakouts.

If you have been searching the internet about acne and its treatments you have probably noticed that there is an ongoing debate between people who think high dosages of Vitamin B5 is the million-dollar answer to our problems with acne and those who think it is dangerous. Those who are in favor of Vitamin B5 say that since it is water soluble, it can easily be excreted thus an overdose is almost impossible. On the other hand, those who are against it say that 10gms of Vitamin B5 or twenty 500mg capsules daily are very difficult to swallow (not to mention potentially hazardous for your health)!

If you ask me, there is a perfect way to meet half way – please acne-hating B5 lovers and those who are not very fond of this treatment. How? All you have to do is to eat healthier; eat foods that are rich in Vitamin B5. That way, higher doses of Vitamin B5 will be easier to swallow.

Vitamin B5 Content of Foods

Liver 8.3mg for every 100 grams serving
Bran (Rice and Wheat) 2.2mg for every 100 grams serving
Sunflower Seeds 7.1mg for every 100 grams serving
Whey Powder 8.15 mg for ever cup
Mushrooms 5.2mg for every cup of chopped mushrooms
Caviar 3.5 mg for every 100 grams serving
Cheese 7.6mg for every 8oz package
Sun-dried Tomatoes 1.1mg for every cup
Fish 1.63mg for every 3 ounce serving
Avocados 1.5mg for every 100 gram serving

Like in my previous post on Vitamin A for acne, I will provide you with a recipe for a mouth-watering dish that will cover Vitamin B5 for acne.

Recipe for a Dish Rich in Vitamin B5

Liver and Vegetable Saute’ – This scrumptious main course tastes better with rice (another B5-rich food).

Ingredients:

½ Pound Sliced Beef Liver
3 Tablespoons of Butter
2 Tablespoons of Flour
1 Green Pepper Cut Into Rings
1 Cup of Sliced Mushrooms
1 8oz Can of Stewed Tomatoes
¼ Teaspoon of Chili Powder
¾ Teaspoon of Salt
Pepper
Lemon Juice

How to Cook:

Dip slices of liver in seasoned flour.
Heat butter until it is bubbly and cook the liver slices on both sides until it is brown.
Add all remaining ingredients except the lemon juice and stir.
Continue to cook in slow heat for at least 10 more minutes.
Squeeze lemon juice and serve with rice.

Now, you can say goodbye to eating capsules for B5 supplements (that is just plain crazy!) and acne breakouts. We are running a complete series on Vitamins for acne. Hopefully you will find the information helpful. Remember that you should not exceed your daily recommended amount for these vitamins without the assistance of a doctor/dermatologist.

Photo courtesy of SocialisBetter at Flickr.

Vitamin E for Acne

Vitamins For Acne 1 Response »

Dec 032010

Vitamin E is probably the most popular vitamin associated with acne and skin care in general. In fact, I noticed that Vitamin E is typically marketed as a vitamin for women who want to look young and beautiful even in their 40s.

Actually, there is a very good reason for that marketing move; Vitamin E really is a miracle vitamin when it comes to achieving healthy and glowing skin.

Vitamin E is fat-soluble vitamin and if you have been paying close attention to my previous posts on Vitamins for acne, you will know that fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed by the body with the aid of fat cells. As a food source, or even as a supplement, Vitamin E helps our immune system because it is one of the most potent anti-oxidants; more on anti-oxidants later. Anyway, Vitamin E supplements come in many forms – tablets, capsules, or liquid. They may also be applied topically as a cream or oil. However, according to the U.S. National Institute of Health, the natural form of Vitamin E (taken from food sources) is twice as active as an anti-oxidant as the synthetic vitamin options. For this reason foods rich in Vitamin E are listed below (scroll down or keep reading).

The recommended daily intake of Vitamin E is 30 IU and must not exceed 1,500 IU. Like most fat-soluble vitamins, when Vitamin E is taken in excess, the body stores it in our livers and kidneys causing organ damage.

What Are Anti-Oxidants and How Can They Affect Acne-Formation?

Anti-oxidants are vitamins that bind free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage the skin making you look 20-30 years older. Also, several studies have already proven that an increase in free radicals in the system worsens acne breakouts. As an example, the “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” published a study that shows how Vitamin E can help ease breakouts because of its anti-oxidant properties. In other words Vitamin E is more of a preventive measure for acne rather than a curative one.

Vitamin E for Acne Scars

I think we can all agree that acne scars are even more frustrating than acne itself. Luckily, several researches indicate that Vitamin E can effectively reduce scarring from acne wounds. Aside from taking an average of 1,000 IU of Vitamin E daily, you can also apply the vitamin directly on your acne scars.

Simply take a Vitamin E capsule, puncture it with a needle, and squeeze out the oil into your palm. Dab the Vitamin E oil on the area where there are acne scars and blend on downward strokes. Make sure that your face and hands are clean before you do this procedure.

Foods Rich in Vitamin E

Wheat Germ Oil 60.1 IU for every Tablespoon
Almonds 20.0 IU for every Almond Nut
Sunflower Seeds 34.02 IU for every Sunflower Seed Kernel
Raw Nuts and Seeds 22.30 IU for every Nut
Green Leafy Vegetables 4.4 IU for every 100gms
Sweet Potatoes 1 IU for every 100gms

I know I have mentioned earlier that Vitamin E from food sources are twice as potent as those from synthetic supplements. However, you may have noticed that even the top food sources of Vitamin E have very little Vitamin E content. Therefore, taking daily supplements of Vitamin E might not be a bad idea. As always you’ll want to consult with your doctor or dermatologist on how to best proceed.

Photo Courtesy of SOCIALisBetter at Flickr.

Mederma Acne Scars Review

Acne Scars No Responses »

Nov 082010

Experience is a good teacher and you one thing you learn quickly about acne is that when it heals, it can leave an ugly scar. If you’re lucky, the scars are sometimes unnoticeable (especially with make-up) but when luck is not on your

side, it will take a whole lot of make-up to cover up those ugly scars. There are, however, ways to remove those scars and Mederma claims to be one of them. The following is a Mederma scars review.

Mederma is an over-the-counter cream and it was developed for the sole purpose of treating scars – from acne scars to more severe scars from burns. The owners take pride in its active ingredient which is an extract from onion plants – allium cepa. Decades ago, several researchers had already proven that onion extracts can effectively promote collagen formation which then leads to scar-healing, so that is a good sign for the cream.

Note that Mederma’s manufacturers do not claim that their cream can completely eliminate your acne scars; but they do say that your scars will become unnoticeable if the product is used regularly.

What The Experts Say

Does this inexpensive jelly work just as well as Mederma?

Manufacturers of Mederma insist that the cream is recommended by many doctors to treat acne scars; however, a couple of independent studies say otherwise. Clinical studies have shown that allium cepa does very little to enhance the appearance of acne scars. In fact, the use of plain petroleum jelly for your acne scars has equal results with Mederma (here’s an abstract to a great study that shows all of this).

Despite bad reviews from third-party researchers, there are still a lot of people suffering with acne scars who continue to use Mederma with the hopes of reducing their scars; they have, however, mixed results. On one hand, those with mild acne scars said that Mederma worked effectively in lightening their scars. On the other hand, people with moderate to severe acne scars were generally disappointed.

My Take on Mederma

I must admit that I have not personally tried Mederma as I have always been a huge fan of natural remedies for acne and other natural acne treatments that have been proven their worth over the years. Therefore, I will base my personal review on this product on countless other reviews and comments by others who have used it. After reading what others have to say about Mederma, it is clear to me that it is best used if your acne scars are only minor. Also, if you are a risk-taker and would like to try it out, make sure you use a generous amount of cream and apply it on your acne scars three times a day for six months.

What’s good about Mederma is that, although there are a lot of complaints about its effectiveness as an acne scar treatment, not one user complained that it has side effects. Many synthetic creams that can be bought without prescription induce ugly allergic reactions to the product and thus cause more trouble than help. Luckily, Mederma is not one of those products (you should still check to make sure you are not allergic to Mederma before using it).

Also, Mederma is relatively cheap. Sold at around $25 per 50 gram tube, it is quite a steal. Moreover, one tube can last for about two months, depending on how huge your acne scars are.

One big advantage of using Mederma is that it is not as scary as other acne scar treatments. For example laser resurfacing surgery and dermabrasion seem much more intimidating than a simple cream for most people.

The main disadvantage to Mederma is that it doesn’t work for a lot of people (especially those with severe scars).

Alternative Treatment for Acne Scars

If after months of spending your hard earned dollars on Mederma it is not working for you as well as you would like, I guess it is time to seek other options. The best idea is to speak with a dermatologist. Derma visits are always pricier than simply buying over-the-counter creams like Mederma; but with dermatologists, you have better chances of getting the results you want. Moreover, dermatologists are trained to identify the severity of your acne scars. From there, you can then get valid recommendations of possible treatment options. At the very least, you can rest assured that your acne scars are in good hands.

Acne Scar Prevention

We all know that prevention is better than cure, so the best treatment for acne scars is still avoiding getting them. I have said in my previous articles on acne scars that these scars may be inevitable in some cases and I stand by that statement. However, there are things you can do to make sure that your acne scars are virtually invisible. For example, you can stop pricking your pimples! If done incorrectly, your pimples can grow bigger just by picking them. You know how it is with pimples: the bigger and deeper the wounds are, the greater and uglier the scars you get. In my following articles I will give you more ways of preventing huge and very visible acne scars.

Some say Mederma works, others say it does not. I say, if you have the money and patience to see for yourself, why not? However, I won’t personally use Mederma. First, I am not a very patient person; second, I don’t have money to burn. If studies show that petroleum jelly works just as much as Mederma does, then I will stick with that.

Photo Courtesy of Chidorian at Flickr.

What are Blackheads?

How To Get Rid Of Blackheads 2 Responses »

Nov 012010

Everyone knows a thing or two about blackheads. Who among us was not plagued by acne when we were younger or who among us did not know someone who was haunted by it? Most people think that acne is only a teenage dilemma. On the contrary, there are some individuals who continue to have acne problems even as adults. Unfortunately, acne scars do not stay on the skin surface, they burrow down to our psychie.

The medical term for blackheads is open comedones; termed as such because they are set in open pores. They are a yellowish to blackish plugs or bumps on one’s skin. They are very commonly found on the nose and forehead, but they can grow anywhere. This goes without saying, but they are very unattractive and they can develop in to full grown pimples.

More often than not, people think that blackheads are simply caused by very poor personal hygiene. On the contrary, they are caused by many different factors; mainly because of too much oil production. Excess oil and sloughed off dead skin can accumulate inside your pores and form blackheads. The substances found inside a blackhead are modified sebum and keratin. I know you probably aren’t very interested in this technical mumbo jumbo and just want to get down to what’s really important – what causes blackheads and how can you prevent these ugly bumps from forming on the skin?

As mentioned, blackheads are caused by excess oil production. This excess production is sometimes genetic, but most of the time it is brought about by an onset of puberty. One other cause of excessive oil production is an unhealthy diet. Eating too much oily foods, like fried…anything, can lead to blackhead formation. Since blackheads are also made up of dead skin cells, not properly washing your face can trigger their formation as well.

Ideally, you want a professional to help you get your blackheads removed. However, if you do not have the time or the budget to make an appointment, you can remove them yourself. You have to know though that doing that is very tricky, and sometimes risky. You can follow the tips listed below to do it properly:

Assess your blackheads for infection. Signs of infection are redness, swelling, pain, and heat. If you think they are infected, do not dare touch them! Unless you want to live with a pimple-infested face. Like I said, blackhead removal can be risky; not a matter of national security, but nonetheless risky.
Steam your face to open your skin’s pores. That way, you can gain easy-access to your blackheads.
Use only sterile tools to remove the clogged oil and skin. You really do not want to introduce bacteria to your blackheads.

Here is a lot more information on how to get rid of blackheads.

Prevention is still better than curing; that’s for certain. So make sure to wash your face regularly, exercise, and eat healthy foods. Increasing fluid intake and getting enough rest will also help you avoid those pesky blackheads.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads on Nose

How To Get Rid Of Blackheads 2 Responses »

Nov 012010

Getting rid of blackheads on the nose can be one of the most difficult things to do. One wrong move and you are looking at a week-long dilemma with a gigantic pimple, probably bigger than your nose. Luckily for most of us, we

are not alone in facing this problem and many people have already given their 2 cents regarding this issue that seems to be unresolved for centuries now. I may sound like I am talking about Cancer and you may think I am going nuts but believe me, blackheads and acne have affected more lives than cancer (albeit in a different way).

Basically, blackhead formation begins when your skin produces too much sebum (or in simpler terms, oil). You have to be mindful of the T-area on your face as that is the part that is usually plagued by our friendly sebum visitors. The T-area consists of your forehead and your nose. Have you ever noticed that blackheads, whiteheads, and even pimples are more commonly seen on that specific region?

I understand how difficult it is for you to face the mirror every day seeing only an endless array of blackheads on your nose, so I give you these two smashing tips to have a nose you can be proud of:

This is one way to hide those blackheads on your nose. Credit to Alessandro Valli for the photo.

The most common, yet (I felt the need to warn you) the most risky, way to remove your blackheads would naturally be to squeeze them out. Seeing a dermatologist to perform this tedious task for you is ideal. An expert’s touch is certainly better; but more expensive too. If you are trying to save a few bucks, you can also do this in the comforts of your own bathroom, but always remember to stay as clean and sterile as possible. Wash your face and your hands first with warm water and a mild facial wash. If you have tools to help you squeeze out the blackheads on your nose, make sure they are clean too.
Aside from pinching out your blackheads, exfoliating your skin regularly will also help. You can use over-the-counter products but they may cause an allergic reaction so you might want to go au natural. Take a handful of brown sugar and rub it on your clean, wet face. This will serve as your hypo-allergenic exfoliating cream. Let it dry and then wash it off with warm water. Remember to exfoliate in moderation, (twice a week is probably plenty). Doing it in excess may result in dry and unattractive skin.
One of the easier ways to get rid of these blackheads on your nose is to warm them up and then pluck them out. In other words, take a warm shower. This opens up your pores. Once your pores are open try squeezing out those blackheads (you can use your hands or a blackhead remover tool (they have pinching, stripping, and vacuum tools). Another way to open up your pores is to use a wet towel. Simply boil water and place a small towel in there for a few seconds. Take the boiling water off of the heating source, remove the towel safely, wait for the towel to cool a bit, and then apply it to your nose for 10 minutes (make sure the towel isn’t so hot it will burn you). This will really open up those nose pores and make the blackheads available for extraction. Here is some more information on how to get rid of blackheads.

So there you go! Hopefully these personal tips about how to get rid of blackheads on your nose help you get rid of yours. If there is one thing I learned from acne, it is that it requires patience. Diligently follow these tips and you will have a clear nose eventually.

What Causes Blackheads?

How To Get Rid Of Blackheads No Responses »

Nov 012010

What causes blackheads?
Next to looking for ways to pay the bills, people love to obsess about their skin. Do I have huge pores? Is my skin moisturized enough? Will my skin sag when I grow old? And more importantly, why on Earth do I have blackheads? Yes, those are just a few of the things we ask ourselves every time we look in the mirror; and more often than not, the answers are not what we expected.

I don’t know everything but I do know one thing – people have very twisted (and wrong) ideas of what really causes blackheads. Some say it is genetic, while others say it is because their pores are just too big. Actually, there are only two real reasons why you have blackheads – excessive oil and accumulation of dead skin. Funny how everyone thinks they need to wash their face a gazillion times to make sure they are blackheads-free.

So what causes excessive oil production? Not all men are created equal; and unfortunately for some, their hormones decided to produce enough oil to cover the frying needs of McDonald’s for a year. There are many hormonal changes that cause a shift in our body’s oil production, but the most common of these is an excess in androgen production.

Androgen is a hormone seen in both men and women, more so on men than on the latter. However, during puberty, menstrual irregularities for girls, and pregnancy androgens are produced in great numbers. Androgen normally produces enough sebum to moisten your skin and give it a healthy glow. In excess, however, the sebum gets stuck in the pores (yes, big or small) of our skin and develops in to blackheads, and all other forms of acne.

Aside from too much androgen, there are also other things that can cause excessive oil on our skin. One really good example of this is an unbalanced diet. Eating too much oily foods will naturally (and logically) trigger sebum production too. Examples of these foods are peanuts, fried foods, and other junk foods. Lack of regular exercise may also lead to oily skin.

Blackheads, however, are not just made up of sebum. They are also composed of dead skin cells. Now, you cannot stop your cells from dying. That’s just how they are – they live and they die in a matter of hours. Anyway, since you cannot do anything about your skin cell’s life cycle, what you need to do is to wash your face thoroughly in order to remove them. Please take note that I said “thoroughly”, and not “often”. Washing your face often is different from washing it thoroughly. Do not wash your face, especially with strong facial wash more than what is indicated on the bottle.

Blackheads are an international problem. Now that you know what causes blackheads, you will have the tool to stop them. I’ve got more information on how to get rid of blackheads.

Photo Courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Effective Blackhead Treatment

How To Get Rid Of Blackheads No Responses »

Nov 012010

Blackheads are very common for teenagers and unfortunately, they do not magically disappear as we blow more birthday candles. What’s good about blackheads is that even though they cause a lot of trouble, they can be treated

and controlled effectively. With the growing complaints about blackheads, the drug industries have released blackhead treatment after blackhead treatment. Some of them are very convincing but if you actually take your time and analyze these supposed treatments, they do not really work. That is exactly why I still personally prefer natural treatments or home remedies for blackheads over synthetic ones.

Before I share some of the natural blackhead treatments I know and use, let me discuss the real cause of blackheads. In its simplest sense, blackheads are caused by the blockage of dead skin cells and sebum on your pores. It is then wise to say that if you stop excessive oil production and skin cells from dying, you do not have to worry about blackheads. Unfortunately, it is not as easy as it sounds. Your skin cells have to die and your body has to produce oil. This means you will have to make an extra effort to remove the skin cells as they die; you’ll also have to manage your body’s oil production.

With that in mind here are some of the natural blackhead treatments I have gathered over the years:

blackhead treatment

Black Pepper and Curd – Astonishingly, black pepper and curd are very effective in removing and controlling blackheads. All you have to do is to take a tablespoon of powdered black pepper and mix it with curd just enough to make a paste. Place the mixture on the affected part of your skin and let it stay for 5 minutes or until it is dry. When it is time, wash the mixture off with warm water.
Oatmeal and Yogurt – Another very effective way of removing your blackheads is with the use of oatmeal and yogurt. Take 3 tablespoons of yogurt and 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, mix well and add a tablespoon of lemon juice. Blend all the ingredients together and make sure your hands are clean. Apply the mixture as a mask on your face and leave it on for at least seven minutes. Wash it off with warm water and do this at most twice a week.
Cucumber – Cucumber is a very effective anti-inflammatory product. These anti-inflammatory properties make it useful when dealing with blackheads and other types of pimples. Peel a cucumber and place it inside the blender. Blend until the cucumber achieves a pasty texture. Use the solution as a mask and wash it off after 10 minutes. Your skin will feel fresh and clean and it should help with those pesky blackheads.

Nobody knows the best blackhead treatment, but many people prefer natural treatments over chemical ones. So if you are one of those who suffer from blackheads and acne, head to your kitchen instead of the store.

Photo Courtesy of Paul Garland at Flickr

How to Cover Blackheads with Makeup

How To Get Rid Of Blackheads No Responses »

Nov 012010

Watching your reflection on the mirror every morning, no make-up and all, can be one of the most traumatic things that ever happens to you. No, I am not kidding! People all over the world battle with self-image and having

blackheads on your face only make things worse.

Fortunately for us who were not born with perfect skin, there is make-up. However, blackheads can be a nightmare to cover up. One wrong move with your makeup and you wake up the next day not only with more blackheads, but a full-blown acne attack. The war against blackheads starts here! Just adhere to the following methods, and you are good to go:

Do not over use traditional powders and foundations. Although these things are excellent in covering up your blackheads, using them every day may cause bad breakouts. Also, whenever you use traditional make-up, you have to make certain you wash your face thoroughly beforehand and afterwards.
Use concealer wands made by companies that produce acne-fighting products. Examples of these companies are Cover Girl, Mary Kay, and Clearasil. All of these concealers not only effectively cover up your blackheads; they can also help fight the occurrence of blackheads, whiteheads, and even pimples.
Invest in expensive specialty acne make ups. They may cost a lot, but if you are struggling with acne, they are worth it in the long run. Yes, they won’t cure your condition but they will not worsen it either. You can ask your dermatologist or even your local stores for available brands in this category.
Use baking soda instead of foundation powders. Out of the box, isn’t it? Don’t worry; you won’t be the next gingerbread man. Baking soda can actually give you a more natural cover-up for your blackheads. First, you cleanse your face with warm water and whatever anti-acne facial wash you are using. Then, dab a small amount of baking soda with your make-up pad and use it on the oily areas of your face. Voila, instant cover-up with no risk of acne breakout!
Learn more about how to get rid of blackheads. Remember that knowledge is power.

Remember that before putting any make up on you have to make sure your face is thoroughly cleansed. Also, it is very important to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin. Exfoliation will also help maintain moisture on your skin. Lastly, drink plenty of water while avoiding food with a lot of salt and oil.

Photo Courtesy of Rasmus Thomsen / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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