Cosmetics for Younger Looking Skin is Not the Answer

As we get older, we wish for younger looking skin. Some products will help you achieve this, however you must use the right anti-aging skin creams because not all products are created equal and some are just plain harmful to your skin. The important thing is to know how to find the good products.

If you use effective anti-aging skin creams on a regular basis, you will notice an improvement in your skin's health giving you younger looking skin. Avoid using cosmetics to achieve this. Most of these products do not use the right natural ingredients that will help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.

When applying anti-aging skin creams, do they feel greasy. A good skin product should not leave your skin feeling greasy. It should absorb right into your skin when applied. Cosmetics for younger looking skin will not address the symptoms of aging skin. They will merely cover up the issue for a brief period.

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and suppleness. It begins to form lines, wrinkles and age spots. When this happens, many people look to cosmetics for younger looking skin. Unfortunately, this is not the answer. The reason our skin ages is because that our bodies produce less and less of the vital skin proteins when we age.

When we are younger, our bodies produce an abundance of these proteins, which is why younger looking skin is so moist and supple. In order to restore this look and feel to our skin, you must apply anti-aging skin creams that will stimulate the production of these vital skin proteins.

Therefore, avoid the cosmetics for younger looking skin and focus on anti-aging skin creams that contain natural substances that boost your skins protein production. One of these natural substances is Cynergy TK. This natural ingredient helps to restore the levels of proteins in your skin. It is not available in most brand name products as it is relatively new. It is available online from some small niche skin care companies that have tested it thoroughly on human volunteers.

It is a natural substance, so there are no harmful side effects that you would potentially get with a synthetic product. Choosing to apply cosmetics for younger looking skin is not the answer. Anti-aging skin creams containing natural ingredients are the answer. For more information, please visit my website today. by Tara Mathews

Combating Oily Skin the Inexpensive Way

Do you suffer from over product sebaceous glands, also known as oily skin? Although oily skin will show less signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles versus dry skin, the downside to oily skin is a shiny appearance, large pores, pimples, blackheads or both.

Genetics and hormones play a part in the amount of oil your skin secrets. Environmental factors and free radicals may also play havoc on the skin too. A free radical is pollution. For instance, if you were standing on a corner and a diesel bus passed you by billowing fumes of gas, then chances are you have been exposed to more exhaust pollution in that single minute than your great grandparents may have experienced in a lifetime. These free radicals are placed in the air by smoke, airplanes, and industrial and agriculture processes. The free radicals (dirt and pollution) clog the pores, thus stimulating the skin to produce more oil.

The most important thing you can do to combat oily skin is to keep the face clean and protected. However, combating oily skin with e harsh cleaners is defeating the purpose. The more drying ingredients you place on your face the more your skin will work to replace the oil you are trying to remove.

Oily skin care needs the same skin routine as all skin types, they are: cleanse, tone and moisturize. Additionally, occasional peels and masks can work wonders to absorb excess oil and freshen the skin. Below are a couple of mask recipes especially for oil skin:

Fuller Earth Mask - Commonly called a mud mask 2 teaspoons of Fuller's Earth 4 to 5 rose water to make a paste Vitamin E capsule if desired Mix all ingredients to form a mask and apply to face. Leave on 10 minutes and rinse with warm water. Follow with a toner and an oil-free moisturizer

Cucumber Mask for Oily Skin 1/2 Cucumber 1 Egg white 1 T Lemon juice 1 tsp mint Puree everything together and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm, then cool water. Follow with toner and an oil-free moisturizer.

In addition to the mask recipes above, there are toners, exfoliation treatments, and moisturizers you can make for oily skin. Common kitchen ingredients like oatmeal, cornmeal, and baking soda can also be used to make facial masks and gentle exfoliates. Additionally, herbs and essential oils can offer so many benefits in your skin care program. Herbs used in toners for oily skin should be: Chamomile-especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, and peppermint and sage, which is also good for its antiseptic values. Carrot seed, Jasmine, and Neroli oils are known to help reduce the appearance of scarring. However, herbs and essential oils are potent, so be sure to study the properties of each herb or essential oil. For instance, the essential oil of Rosemary is known to stimulate the uterus, therefore it is not something you would use if pregnant.

For more informative skin care articles, skin care recipes and how to videos visit Complete Skin Care Therapy. by Carol Belanger

Toxins: Are you aware of the many ways you are being poisoned everyday in your own home?

Warning - many of your common household products contain toxic chemicals!

We have been hearing a lot about Toxins; toxins in the home, the work place, the environment, and our food.

Unfortunately, many people think that if something is on the "shelf", it is safe to use. After all the government would not allow a manufacturing company to harm us by marketing a shampoo that has harmful chemicals in it or a baby lotion that causes a rash, or a toothpaste that if swallowed could poison an individual.

Would they?

We must realize the "government" has no control over personal care products. It has no control over the household cleaners, or the chemicals that are used in the furniture or anything we use on a daily basis. Until someone dies, or someone "sues" a company, nothing can really be done.

This is where we as an individual come into the picture. (After all, who IS the government?) WE must take responsibility for what we use, what we eat, what we drink, what we wear, etc, etc.

But, because we are becoming more aware of what we really want to use and the food we really want to put into our bodies, more and more companies are also becoming aware of the consumer market and are marketing "safe" products.

But beware of marketing. Look before you leap and read the labels. The 5 minutes you spend now can pay off in years of better health.

Many people have used certain cleaning products such as "bleach" forever. After all, isn't that what grandma used or mom used? And some people still believe that it is the only thing that will disinfect. So it burns your skin, your eyes, your nose, and can kill you if you happen to mix it with another cleaner, but, gee whiz, habits are hard to change.

I am here to tell you, you need to start changing your habits. Your children are ADD, and you may well be too, people are dying of cancer and wonder why, you can't lose weight because you have so many chemical calories in your system, your system is shutting down. Everything you eat, you drink, you breathe, is filtered by the bodies organs; think, LIVER!!!

I would say this is just my opinion, but if you are aware at all, you know it is not just MY opinion. Have you looked at Mother Nature lately? Do you think she is as happy as she used to be before so many companies started thinking about just money?

There is a solution and you can be part of the solution or part of the problem. If you will just change from one toxic product to a safer, cleaner, personal care product, garden spray or window cleaner. A baby step at a time is what it takes. You can do it.

What follows is a list of toxic household products from the Environmental Protection agency. (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Common household toxins and the products they're found in:)

- Sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) - Lung and eye irritant. If mixed with ammonia or acid-based cleaners (including vinegar), releases toxic chloramine gas. Short-term exposure to chloramine gas may cause mild asthmatic symptoms or more serious respiratory problems.

- Bisphenol A (BPA) - an additive in platics (such as water bottles) - raises the risk of certain cancers, hampers fertility and could contribute to childhood behavioral problems such as hyperactivity. Bisphenol A is especially dangerous to developing children even as they are in the mother's womb.

- Petroleum distillates (metal polishes) - Short-term exposure can cause temporary eye clouding; longer exposure can damage the nervous system, skin, kidneys, and eyes.

- Ammonia (glass cleaner) - Eye irritant, can cause headaches and lung irritation. If mixed with chorine, releases toxic chloramine gas. Short-term exposure to chloramine gas may cause mild asthmatic symptoms or more serious respiratory problems.

- Phenol and cresol (disinfectants) - Corrosive; can cause diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, and kidney and liver damage.

- Nitrobenzene (furniture and floor polishes) - Can cause shallow breathing, vomiting, and death; associated with cancer and birth defects.

- Formaldehyde, (a preservative in many household products) - Suspected human carcinogen; strong irritant to eyes, throat, skin, and lungs.

- Perchloroethylene or 1-1-1 trichloroethane solvents (Spot removers & carpet cleaners) - Can cause liver and kidney damage if ingested; perchloroethylene is an animal carcinogen and suspected human carcinogen.

- Naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (mothballs) - Naphthalene is a suspected human carcinogen that may damage eyes, blood, liver, kidneys, skin, and the central nervous system; paradichlorobenzene can harm the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.

- Hydrochloric acid or sodium acid sulfate (toilet bowl cleaners) - Either can burn the skin or cause vomiting diarrhea and stomach burns if swallowed; also can cause blindness if inadvertently splashed in the eyes.

- Formaldehyde, phenol, and pentachlorophenol (spray starch) - Any aerosolized particle, including cornstarch, may irritate the lungs.

Each year, over 1 million children are accidentally poisoned in their homes. More than 250,000 of these victims are hospitalized. 3,000 children will end up in intensive care. Thousands of children and adults are permanently disfigured through contact with chemicals in the home. The most common poison is a household cleaner even though many are considered safe.

Cancer in smokers is a result of daily exposure to trace amounts of carcinogens in cigarettes. People exposed daily to low levels of carcinogens in cleaning products face similar risks.

Chemicals in household products also put the user at risk for nervous system, kidney & liver damage and asthma.

Children are especially vulnerable to chemical fumes. They are closer to floor, crawl on the floor, put blankets over heads.

There are companies that manufacture safer products for your home which are free from ammonia, phenol, chlorine, petroleum distillates, synthetic solvents, and other dangerous ingredients.

Isn't it time you took the time to discover the poisons in your own home. Think about it! by Michael Tomberlin

How Do You Achieve Effective Skin Tightening?

Young people have no concerns over their skin aging and becoming wrinkled. A young person's skin is soft, smooth and pliable. This is because of an abundance of natural skin proteins. These proteins are collagen and elastin and they give the skin its skin tone and texture. Effective skin tightening is usually never on the minds of the young.

However, as we age and our skin loses its elasticity due to your body producing less and less collagen and elastin we begin to think quite seriously about effective skin tightening. There are some top-notch skin care companies producing some excellent products these days. The trick is to find them. When you use these particular products, you will notice an improvement in your skins texture.

The products I am referring to are effective at skin tightening due to the natural substances that are used as ingredients. These natural substances help boost the production of collagen and elastin in your body. If you can increase the production of these proteins then you will see a difference in the appearance of your skin.

After applying an effective skin tightening cream for a few weeks, you will then begin to notice a difference in your skin. This will help motivate you to continue with the product. Now, let us move on to the natural ingredients that are very effective in some of the best skin care products available on the market.

One of these natural ingredients is called phytessence wakame. This amazing substance is derived from a specific type of Japanese sea kelp. This kelp is also used in the diet of many Japanese people.

This natural substance helps keep the skin looking and feeling youthful and works great at skin tightening. This substance is high in calcium along with other important minerals. It also acts as an antioxidant, which helps fight the effects of free radicals. Overall, you would want in your skin care product this ingredient.

For effective skin tightening, visit my website for more information today. by Tara Mathews

Aging of Skin and Elastin and Collagen Loss - What to Expect As We Age

Aging of skin and elastin and collagen loss go hand in hand. When your body begins decreasing the collagen and elastin production, your skin will begin showing signs of aging. Collagen is the protein in our connective tissues, and I having an abundant supply is what keeps our skin free from wrinkles and fine lines.

Don't get too frustrated if you've already seen some evidence towards aging of skin and elastin and collagen decrease, because of the tell tale signs of fine line and wrinkles. It is bound to happen to all of us as we get into our retirement/senior years or even sooner for some.

There is help to be found. It is in the form of natural ingredients that stimulates the body to increase its collagen and elastin production. This is what the skin needs to help prevent wrinkles and fine lines.

These ingredients are substances called Cynergy TK™, Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10 and Active Manuka Honey. These ingredients are all found in a great line of skin care products from New Zealand. There are only available by ordering them online. You won't find these same ingredients combined in any products you can find at your local drug store or department store.

I can testify that they work on aging of skin and elastin and collagen loss. I'm in my fifties, and I didn't have many wrinkles to speak of, but I had these fine lines on my chin for a few years. After using these products for two weeks the fine lines are just about gone. I have to look real close with the magnifying mirror to see them. My guess is the longer I use these products eventually these fine lines won't even show in the magnifying mirror, because they will be totally gone.

Check out my web site to read more about these great products and where to get them. You will also find information about ingredients to avoid when shopping for skin care products - ingredients that will actually harm your skin and your health if you continue to use them. by Elizabeth Ruby

Salami in Italy: Emilia-Romagna

Parma

The town, rich in attractions for art lovers, from Antelami, to Correggio and Parmigianino, gave its name to an exquisite charcuterie product bearing the PDO recognition, Prosciutto di Parma, which can be marked with the ducal crown with five points, only after 10-12 months of maturation.

It can be found in stores and in all of the best restaurants. We remember "Parizzi," "La Greppia" and "Cocchi" at the hotel Daniel.

Colorno
From Parma you enter the typical area of culatello. On ancient hunting preserves, along the Po, the Palazzo Ducale reminds of the delightful vacations of the Sanseverino, the Farnese and the Bourbons; today it is the enchanting set for antique exhibitions, from the big one in May to the small market held on every last Sunday of the month. In the area black truffle searching and charcuterie production, in particular the cappello del vescovo, an aristocratic version of famous cappello del prete (for both of them pork anterior shin is used, with rind, cut and boned, but the first one, in addition to the meat has the same stuffing used for cotechino).

You go on towards Sissa, charcuterie production centre among which the most renowned is the spalla cruda, seasoned with a brine based on Lambrusco.

San Secondo Parmense
The spalla cotta from the town of San Secondo is even more famous than its celebrated Castle, built by Pier Maria Rossi in mid fifteenth century; it is a local charcuterie speciality which had a prestigious appreciator in Giuseppe Verdi.

Zibello
Passing close to Roccabianca, you reach the absolute capital of culatello, the epicentre of a production which involves seven neighbouring municipalities. The Culatello di Zibello - DPO recognition - the best quality Italian charcuterie product is unmistakable thanks to its almost round and lean slice, which corresponds to the best cut of the most prosperous pork legs. The restaurant "La Buca" , managed by the women of the family for generations, is noteworthy. Country-elegant atmosphere and good food can also be found at the "Antica Taverna San Rocco" in Ardola.

Polesine Parmense
"Al Cavallino Bianco ", located along the banks of the Po river, recalls tradition and history: Massimo Spigaroli is the paladin of the tastes of the "big river" and of culatello.

The distinctive dish of this restaurant (the one of "Buon Ricordo") is pike with Farnese sauce - small snacks are available in the annex. In the area you can shop for charcuterie products: besides culatello, traditional salamis (strolghino di culatello, salame verdiano, crespone) as well as gola, fiocco di culatello and spalla cruda.

Busseto
The charming Teatro Verdi and the monument to the great composer stand nearby the Rocca. The modest birth home can be visited in Roncole; the villa where he lived at the peak of his fame is in Sant'Agata.

In the village, we recommend the "Trattoria Campanini", with its food store dating back generations.

The 'spongata' is the local speciality, a Christmas pastry with short-crust pastry outside and a filling made with honey, candied fruit in a sugary syrup (Italian mostarda), dried fruit and spices which can be kept for a long time. In bakeries you can buy 'miseria,' a naturally risen type of bread, dressed with refined lard. In Collecchio, we recommend the "Buon Ricordo" restaurant in a nineteenth century villa after which the name "Villa Maria Luigia" with antique furnishing and a pleasant terrace.

The Woods of Carrega, once a ducal vacation resort and now a regional park, are the main attraction in Sala Baganza. The area produces exceptional dry-cured hams and charcuterie products in general. Felino is nearby, it is renowned for the homonymous salami, produced with lean pork meat and belly.

Langhirano
It is the most famous centre for maturing Prosciutto di Parma. A few kilometres nearby stand Torrechiara Castle, with its three concentric walls and stores selling splendid Barbera, and Montechiarugolo Castle, almost bordering Reggio. Corniglio, in the northern valley of Parma is famous for chestnuts, cheese and spongata.

Monticelli d'Ongina
Sheltered by the Po river, the Rocca and the Collegiate of Monticelli d'Ongina send one back to the time of the Pallavicino. Rendezvous for antique collectors every end of the month. Tourists with different interests visit the area for the noteworthy charcuterie production. In this area it is possible to taste the characteristic salamis and the typical pancetta and coppa which have been given the PDO recognition by the European Union (Salame Piacentino, Coppa Piacentina, Pancetta Piacentina).

Carpi
Getting on the main Roman road n. 413, the first stop is Soliera, where a place worth of the greatest attention is located, "Lancellotti": three brothers manage a big trattoria, which proposes maybe the best cuisine in Italy as far as organic herbs and vegetables cultivated in the garden (to be visited), besides meat and exceptional charcuterie products.

At a few kilometres Carpi, which welcomes the visitor with its unexpected Renaissance character due to its patron, the humanist prince Albert III of the Pio family, assisted by the great architect Baldassarre Peruzzi. In town it is possible to taste an exquisite Modena cuisine.

Particularly worth mentioning is the mostarda di Carpi, typical sauce for boiled meat, made with fermented black grapes concentrated and cooked with pears, apples and a few quinces. Amongst charcuterie products: coppa, fioretto, cotechino, zampone, cappello del prete.

Sassuolo
The main road n. 486 of Montefiorino, which goes up to the Radici pass, quickly takes you to the threshold of the Apennines: the busy capital of ceramics joins under the same name "sassolino" (pebble) a charcuterie product similar to zampone and a liqueur made with anise. The area offers white truffle with benefit of local gastronomy. The alcoholic Nocino, walnut liqueur, is an absolute must. The itinerary goes on to Castelnuovo Rangone, the important centre for the charcuterie production, Maranello, Ferrari hometown (the company museum should be visited), and Serramazzoni, scenic vacation resort.

Spilamberto
Heart of the production area of traditional balsamic vinegar, offers cherries and charcuterie products as well, amongst which the guancialino, made with the same filling of the zampone but wrapped in the skin of the jowl (it is produced in Russi, Mirandola and Carpi as well).

Throughout the hilly area of Modena Province the homonymous prosciutto, which has been the given the PDO recognition, is to be found as well as the Cotechino Modena and the Zampone Modena, which have been given the European PGI recognition.

Bologna
It is the city of the two towers, of Piazza Maggiore and S. Petronio, of the University and the arcades which take you to the discovery of an historical downtown which is still rich in suggestion and surrounded by nearby hills.

One of the images which impresses the visitors the most is represented by the "pizzicherie" (delicatessen shops), decorated with great care and a richness of products which is the best business card of the good local cuisine. The city offer is under the banner of gastronomic parochialism: it is difficult to find specialities from other cities of Emilia and Romagna since the local tradition is so rich.

The most classical example of typical products is mortadella which bears the name Bologna and since 1600 can pride itself with a production code promulgated by Cardinal Farnese. The Mortadella Bologna has also been given the PGI recognition. by Enrico Massetti

Treating Acne With Light Chemical Peels

What Is a Chemical Peel?

Light chemical peels are extremely popular treatments offered at day spas, salons and dermatology offices. They are the most superficial of all chemical peels, so there is no downtime. In fact, these peels are often called "lunchtime peels" because you can get one done quickly over a lunch hour and return to work directly afterwards.

During a light chemical peel treatment, the skin is exfoliated using an alpha or beta hydroxy acid. Done in a series, these peels can improve mild to moderately severe cases of acne, and can be given over the face or other body area where acne is a problem. Light chemical peels are also used to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin texture and fade discolorations.

The price of your peel is largely determined by the size of the area being treated. The bonus of having a peel done at a day spa or salon is that they are often incorporated into a relaxing facial treatment. Some salons do charge extra for this, so make sure to ask what is included in the price of the treatment.

How it Works:
Chemical peels don't really peel the skin, despite what the name implies. They rapidly exfoliate the skin, allowing dead skin cells to shed more effectively. By keeping dead skin cells and excess oil from clogging the hair follicle, pore blockages (comedones) and pimples can be drastically reduced.

Your clinician will most likely use Glycolic as the peeling agent. Glycolic acid is a well-known AHA derived from sugar cane, and is used most frequently for light chemical peel treatments. But beta hydroxy acid peels are quickly gaining popularity.

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are close cousins to AHAs, and work in much the same way. BHAs are especially helpful at dissolving excess oil buildup within the pores, and they tend to be less irritating than AHAs. Salicylic Acid, a familiar and effective anti-acne ingredient, is the most commonly used BHA for chemical peel treatments.

What to Expect During Your Peel:
During a light chemical peel treatment, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed and dried. Next, the AHA or BHA is applied to the face. The exfoliating agent is generally thin, almost water-like in its consistency, and is applied with a small brush, cotton pad or large cotton swab.

You will feel a warming sensation soon after the exfoliating agent is applied. Some people say they feel just a slight stinging; others describe it as more of a burning. The length of time the peeling agent is left on varies, but the average is about 10 minutes. Many clinicians use small, hand-held fans to gently cool the skin during the peel, which can keep you more comfortable during the treatment.

Next, the peel is removed with cool water and a neutralizing agent. The skin is dried and the peel is complete. If your peel is being incorporated into a full facial treatment, the clinician will follow with a soothing mask application, facial massage (optional), toning and lightly moisturizing.

After your peel, your skin will look like it's sunburned. This redness can fade in just a few hours time or last up to five days, depending on the strength of the peeling agent used and how long it was left on the skin. It's OK to use makeup to conceal the redness.

Many dermatologists and some estheticians will ask you to use a special cleanser and/or moisturizer with sunscreen for two or so weeks before your peel. And depending on your skin's needs, your doctor may also prescribe a retinoid, such as Retin A, for use prior to treatment. These steps help to fully prepare your skin for a chemical peel. Ask the clinician performing your peel what steps you should take before coming in for your treatment. by Skin Laboratory

Fountain of Youth? Here's What YOU Can Do To Look and Feel Younger

The search for the Fountain of Youth goes back thousands of years. Our history and legends are full of tales. In fact, legend says the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon was searching for the Fountain of Youth when he found what is now Florida. Many different cultures have stories about magical waters that can restore the drinker's youth and legends about the elusive elixir of life.

The stories get handed down because we want them to be true. Scientists and researchers have developed institutes that specifically study aging in hopes of better understanding the aging process and slowing it down.

Aging is inevitable. We all know it is happening but even those most accepting of the process, don't want to look and feel the effects of their age. In the effort to live a healthy, anti-aging lifestyle, it is important to reduce stress, get plenty of sleep, eat a good diet, maintain a recommended weight, and exercise regularly. Taking high-quality nutritional supplements will also greatly improve our health and reduce the effects of aging. Vitamins and minerals such as calcium will strengthen bones, vitamin B will promote healthy DNA replication, and vitamins E and C will combat cellular aging.

Now we can add a powerful new weapon to our anti-aging arsenal, resveratrol. The best science comes from nature and produces the healthiest, results. Resveratrol, has potent anti-aging properties and is found in grapes and grape-derived products like red wine. You may have heard that having a glass of red wine daily has beneficial health properties. If you're in tune with the beauty industry, you will have also heard about the "power of the grape." Grape extract is appearing in a host of new anti-aging skin care products and rejuvenating hair care conditioners because of its restorative effects.

Now that I'm "past a certain age," I'm on the lookout for products that may not stop the clock, but at least make the rotation of its hands seem a bit slower. Personally, I want to feel strong and healthy for as long as possible, enjoy a feeling of youth and wellness, and feel as good as possible about my appearance. I've embraced a healthy lifestyle, going to the gym and such, as well as taking nutritional supplements to make up for the flaws in my diet.

What can you do to help your body combat the effects of aging? Here's a list of ideas. Pick a couple and try them out for thirty days. You'll feel better and probably look fresher too.

- Hit the gym regularly, at least twice a week. - Get outside for fresh air for at least 15 minutes a day, weather permitting. - Make a habit of snacking on raw carrots, celery and other fresh and "portable" veggie snacks - Get a solid 8 hours of sleep. Yes, you really can make time and you need to. - Find a good multi-vitamin supplement and take it regularly. - De-stress daily. Find at least 5 minutes of quiet time and just feel your breathing.

If you're already doing all these things - that's great! I bet folks often tell you that you look younger than your age. And if you're not, just add 1 or 2 good habits and stick with them for a month. by Linda Ford, PhD

Shea Butter - For Natural Skin and Hair Care

Shea butter is a natural fatty extract from the kernels of the shea tree found in West and Central Africa. As a skin moisturiser, shea butter penetrates deep into the skin and retains moisture, thus helping to improve elasticity and combat wrinkles. For hair and scalp, shea butter moisturises dry or damaged hair, without blocking hair shafts and helps protect against weather damage and brittleness. With its composition of nonsaponifiable fats, Vitamin F and anti-inflammatory agents, shea butter can help provide relief from dry skin, eczema, dermatitis, sun-damaged skin, burns and other dermatological conditions.

Unique properties
The key components of pure shea butter are:
* Nonsaponifiable fatty acids: help retain moisture, thus helping to improve elasticity and combat wrinkles
* Vitamins A, E and F: help protect the skin and prevent premature wrinkles and facial lines
* Cinnamic acid: a natural sunscreen that provides some degree of protection from UV rays
* Anti-elastase properties: helps prevent and reduce stretch marks during pregnancy and generally improves skin suppleness
* Anti-inflammatory agents: for relieving eczema, dermatitis, sun-damaged skin and burns
* Stigmasterol: useful in relaxing tired muscles and providing relief for swelling and arthritis

Refined and unrefined shea butter
The more shea butter is processed, the higher the chance some of the nutrients are going to be removed. Unrefined shea butter is the least processed. It is manually extracted, thereby retaining its natural colour and smell, and most of its nutritional properties. The shea nuts are cracked, grilled and pounded and then boiled in water until the butter rises to the surface. It is then scooped into gourds and left to cool and set.

Refined shea butter, on the other hand, is put through clay filters, which remove its natural odour. Highly refined shea butter is processed using chemicals such as hexane, losing most of its healing properties in the process and is pure white with no smell. The shea butter that you find in most "shop bought" creams and lotions involves the use of hexane. Cosmetics companies use this form of shea in packaged consumer products because it provides the same colour and consistency batch to batch.

Practical applications and tips
Skin care: After bathing, apply shea butter generously to the entire body, particularly to the neck and shoulders. Use shea butter on your hands as often as possible and massage it into your feet to help reduce stress and tensions in your body. Apply in between your toes to avoid smelly feet.

Hair care: After washing your hair, massage some shea butter into the scalp and hair to soothe irritation and replenish lost moisture. Then wrap with a warm towel for about 30 minutes. Before swimming, apply to your hair to help protect it from chlorine and salt.

Shaving: Apply shea butter before shaving to soften the skin and after shaving to avoid bumps and irritations.

Skin conditions: For treating dry skin conditions such as eczema and chapped skin, apply shea butter directly to the affected area. You can also use it on minor rashes, bruises and burns to soothe irritation, aid healing and reduce scarring. by Eileen Murphy

Find out what are the natural cures for acne.

For years I was suffering from acne and was feeling bad about myself. I wanted to get rid completely of my acne problems. I have tried X, Y, Z products and finally decided to use natural remedies which I was myself very surprised with the rapid amelioration it has brought to my skin condition.

There is nothing more immoral than some people believe a person with acne is somehow dirty! Or others assume that just because someone has acne means he do not take care of his skin. This will make the affected person feel lower self esteem and should not be treated this way. In fact dirty skin is the biggest acne myth ever. A person can wash his skin twenty times a day, and you know what it's going to do? It's going to make their acne worse! Acne is not a hygienic issue let me explain.

Acne is a condition that starts within our bodies, not from the outside. Clogged pores can cause blemishes which are the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria, resulted to red swelling pimples. This process is a malfunction of hormones which release extra oil from the skin glands and blocked the pores of the skin by mixing up with dead skin cells. Temptations to squeeze these pimples are very high. We all know about it, but better not to do such thing. This action can result in worst acne condition and might even cause scars on your skin that will prove hard to clear up.

Positive changes in dieting and lifestyle will result in better skin condition. Below are few examples:

- Eat plenty of nutritious food which contained Vitamin (A, E, B-2 and B-3), Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids and Calcium. - Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day which will keep your body well hydrated. - Use sulfur bases soap for acne twice a day works great if you want to prevent acne. - Honey is a great antibacterial treatment, as you already know acne is generated because of bacteria and oils in your skin. - You may apply garlic directly into the pimple and it will go away. But be careful you can have allergic reactions to it.

The important factor for getting a clear acne free face is to avoid bad foods as much as possible, to add good foods and drink plenty of water. Remember a good health means good skin. It is important for you to know all the possible preventions against acne if you want to have a perfect skin. by Vallerie Vanders

The Secret Facial Cream That Really Works

Facial cream and facial moisturizers can make you look years younger. That is what advertisements keep saying. And maybe you're sick and tired of hearing these promises that don't ever come true. My advice is to stay out of high end department stores with their hollow claims and expensive price tags. Would you like to learn about a facial cream that really truly does what it says? But first, what is a good facial moisturizer? Let's find out.

How Facial Moisturizers Work

A good facial moisturizer or face cream will give back the skin's natural oils that was lost. It will do this by not making your face feel oily. Most skin care products fail to do what should be easily accomplished. But there are skin care products that can moisturize and help your skin health. As a result, less wrinkles. Expensive department store products can't do this. Why?

Store Products Are Mostly Worthless

The reason that store products usually are of very little value is because they put cost and profit as their main considerations. Cost and profit, of course, is important to every company. But when it is paramount then quality and effectiveness is usually sacrificed.

Speaking of quality, that is the biggest problem over the counter manufacturers face. When a company must make a product for a few cents and charge dollars to make a profit, many inferior cheap ingredients are put in the finished product. Their goal, not being quality, is much of the time a sweet smelling product in a fancy looking package that makes your skin feel good. But is ineffective.

Best Skin Care Advice

Remember this one fact even if everything else I say is forgotten: Any chemical ingredient that you put on your skin will most likely find its way into your bloodstream. Knowing that should make you very particular about your next skin care selection.

Follow this advice and your skin and your overall health will benefit: Never put anything on your skin that you wouldn't put in your mouth. What I mean is not that its okay to eat your skin care products. But the ingredients should be the same as those you would feel safe eating otherwise. They should be truly natural and safe. Here's the secret.

Functional keratin is an ingredient that is safe and very effective. It works a lot like the keratin that is in your body. Functional keratin is known by a patented name of Cynergy TK. It comes from a natural source: the wool of New Zealand sheep.

Liquid Skin

Be careful about other companies and their claim to have keratin in their skin care line. Often the keratin that other companies use is a synthetic protein. The skin will not accept it because it is not a living protein. Liquid skin, another name for functional keratin, will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles but will promote new skin cells and the tendency to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed.

Most skin care products are exaggerated as to what they really can do. The best facial moisturizers and skin care products are not found in downtown stores. The best skin care is found Online. The reason is very important. Keep reading please.

Online skin care companies have less overhead than the big department stores have. Department stores have 3 things against them. 1. The cost of running a brick and mortar (physical) store. 2. The shipping costs. 3. Large mark ups to cover the cost and building in a profit from sales.

When marketing straight to the consumer, Internet companies can have the lowest prices and still deliver high quality products that really work. Fortunately, I found a company that controls the manufacturing, shipping and quality of its skin care line. It has all natural safe skin care products that I personally have used long enough to be very happy with the appearance I now have. Finding this company wasn't exactly easy but I did. I'd be happy to share more skin care information with you that this article doesn't have room for. Thanks for reading this article and I hope to share more skin care information with you soon. by Margaret Bell

Extraordinary Skin Foods That Help Prevent Wrinkles

We all eat food for our body's health everyday. But have you ever eaten food especially for your skin's health? In this article, I shall tell you about extraordinary skin foods that shall help prevent wrinkles and give natural healthy vibrant skin.

We are aware of the most important role that our food and diet plays in our overall health. Skin food comprises of those foods that not only help prevent wrinkles and give vibrant glowing skin, but they also boost the overall health.

And it is also important to include anti aging skincare products in your daily skincare regimen. Not only will it help prevent wrinkles, but it will also help you in looking young and vibrant even in the mature years of your life.

To begin with, let us look at a healthy diet for skin that shall help prevent wrinkles.

Foods that are rich in antioxidant properties are very effective to prevent face wrinkles. They are excellent fighters of the free radicals that cause a lot of damage to the skin cells. And it is a well known medical fact that green leafy vegetables are the biggest source of antioxidants. Foods like spinach, brocolli, kale, collard greens are few vegetables which can be truly called skin foods. They can amazingly help prevent wrinkles.

Apart from that, omega 3 fatty acids also help prevent wrinkles. Fatty fish are one of the key sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Fishes like tuna and salmon are very good source of omega 3 fatty acids that help prevent face wrinkles.

Now let us look at what anti aging skincare that we must consider to help prevent wrinkles. This is also a part of skin food as you might be knowing that not only our skin breathes oxygen but it also literally "ingests" whatever cream or solution is applied topically on it.

Thus, if you apply high quality natural ingredient anti aging creams, your body shall benefit highly by those nutrients. And on the contrary, if you apply such skin care products that have harmful chemicals and preservatives in them, then even those harmful toxic elements find their way right to your bloodstream and skin tissues.

I have come across two amazing skin food ingredients that work effectively to enhance skin health and vitality. They are Cynergy TK and Phytessence Wakame. Clinical trials on Cynergy TK on human volunteers have shown that it works incredibly well in stimulating the natural production of collagen and elastin in our body.

Collagen and Elastin are the two vital skin proteins in our body and are responsible in keeping our skin firm, supple, pliant and elastic. As we age, the natural production of collagen and elastin slows down and this leads to wrinkles, saggy skin, age spots and dark uneven skin complexion.

Phytessence Wakame is an extract from a special Japanese sea kelp. The Japanese consider it as one of their skin foods and its medicinal properties are well known - like it helps prevent wrinkles. It is consumed like a food in Japanese households. No wonder Japanese women age so gracefully!

Thanks to modern medical science, after knowing the immense skin anti aging benefits that Phytessence Wakame has to offer, now its extract has been scientifically processed and used in anti aging skincare products. This way it works doubly effective to prevent face wrinkles and give smooth and creamy skin.

You can visit my website for a more comprehensive research on natural ingredients that are working effectively as part of natural anti wrinkle skincare. Your skin would love you for such natural skincare ingredients that are healthy skin foods, help prevent wrinkles and give you a young and vibrant skin. by Vijay Raisinghani