Dry Skin Itching

Dry skin is characterized by the appearance of fine lines and skin looks flaky. Dry skin is called xerosis by dermatologists. In this article we will deal with the problems of dry skin and steps taken to avoid dry skin.

Dry skin results in itching. This can create problems in your daily activities. Scratching can induce rough skin which is thickened and can crack.

Skin has an outermost layer which forms a sort of wrap this is called corneum. This layer has dead cells embedded in them with a mixture of lipids which are formed by the underlying cells. The oils help in preventing the water from going out of the body. It also prevents harmful germs from entering the body. This layer keeps the skin soft and smooth.

Causes for dry skin can be many. But one of the most important causes is that little amount of water present in the stratum corneum. This can be because of the absence of the oils in this layer. With the lack of oil the skin loses the water readily on exposure, making the skin dry.

Dry skin can occur on face, legs and arms. It is one of the most common skin problems faced by millions today.

However, there are simple steps which can be followed to avoid dry skin condition or to revert back the dry skin to healthy skin. These steps are as follows

Moisturization for dry skin

When you apply a moisturizer, it seals the water content in your body and prevents the moisture from escaping. Baby oil should be used for extremely dry skin conditions. Rubbing your skin may prove harmful and increase the dryness so it is always advised to pat your skin while applying. The air of your surrounding must also be kept as moist as possible to avoid dry skin.

Bathing for dry skin

It is advised not to have bath in hot water during winter seasons. Hot water bathing can remove the oils from the skin’s outermost layer making the underlying skin lose its moisture thus making it dry. Warm water should be preferably used and your bathing time shouldn’t exceed 15 minutes as the longer you take bath the longer is the chance that oils are removed from your skin.


Soap for dry skin

The soap which you apply on your skin should contain moisturizers. This helps in combating against dry skin conditions. It is advised to try a series of soaps until you find a soap that perfectly suits your skin. Soaps that are antibacterial and those containing deodorants are said to be more harmful on the skin than compared to those which do not contain these ingredients.


Clothes for dry skin

The clothes you wear also play an important role. If you wear pants that are too tight, it may cause irritation. So it is advised to wear loose fitting clothes and which are made of natural materials like cotton or silk.

Evening primrose oil for dry skin

This oil can be applied on the skin. It is found to be very effective in fighting against many skin disorders. This treatment of evening primrose oil will definitely have a great effect on dry skin.

By following these simple day to day steps, dry skin condition can be combated easily.

Skin Treatment for Acne

Acne is a condition that causes spots on the surface of the skin of the face, back, neck, chest and arms. It is an embarrassing problem which is affecting 85 percent of the teenagers 5 percent of women and 1 percent of men between the ages 25-40.


Symptoms of acne

Greasy skin
Whiteheads
Blackheads
Scars
There are a number of causes of acne. It can be caused by over activity of the sebaceous glands on your skin. In some cases of inflammatory acne, cysts develop beneath the skin’s surface and if this breakout the infection can spread resulting in scars. It is important to remember that acne is not wholly caused by diet and it is not infectious. Acne can also be hereditary.

It is important to note that there are a few things which can make your acne worse. These are the following

Do not pick or squeeze the spots
Contraceptive pills can increase acne.
Few moisturizes which are greasy can make acne worse
Acne can be a side-effect to certain medication

Acne cannot be cured but it can be treated effectively by reducing the following symptoms

Avoiding new spots
Improving the spots already formed
Preventing scars

Acne can be managed by following these simple steps

• Honey face mask-Apply honey face mask at least twice a week. Honey is antibacterial therefore it helps in disinfecting the skin surface.
• Wash face with acne soap
• Wash your face twice a day with a sulphur based soap which is made for acne treatment
• Do not scrub your skin roughly after washing
• Avoid keeping your hair on your face
• Pull your hair off your face as hair contains oil and will increase the chance of forming acne on your face Also it is advisable to wash your hair daily and after workouts
• Take multivitamins: You need nutrition even for your skin. Insufficient nutrition intake also leads to acne
• Intake of chromium-Chromium is great for healing skin infections. Thus including chromium supplement can prevent future acne.
• Eat carrots-Carrots are a great source of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to prevent acne. It is also a very powerful anti-oxidant. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the causes of acne.
• Do not leave make-up on skin for a long time-This results in clogging your skin pores causing more breakouts.
• Water based make up products are more suitable for acne prone skin.

Remember to wash your pillowcase regularly. Your pillowcase absorbs the oils from the face of your skin and reapplies it back the next time you sleep. This causes more breakouts. Thus a simple way to avoid this is by washing your pillowcase everyday.

Zinc is also an antibacterial agent that helps in preventing acne. Also, a low zinc diet may lead to acne breakouts.

By following these simple steps on day to day basis anybody can control acne.

Acai Skin Care

A large number of people use these bath salts for the purpose of reducing stress. These salts not only boost one’s energy levels but they also lead to an improvement in one’s mood. There are a number of available scents that each serves a different purpose. These are usually created by those are interested in arts and crafts and like to channel their creative energy into something constructive. These are great to give out as gifts and since they are pretty to look at, one may show them off in their guest bathrooms. However, if one is not interested in making them, they are easily available in the market.

If one wishes to make these bath salts, it is extremely easy and cheap to do so. The ingredients required are salt, baking soda and the fragrance. Epsom Salt, Rock Salt and Sea Salt are used most commonly when one is making aromatic bath salts. However, one must opt for that salt which has large grains and is extremely course. Opting for table salt is not wise as it contains additives. However, non-iodized salt of the same kind is easily available and can therefore, be used.

The fragrance can be created with the help of scented oils as well as herbs. This must be carried out with great caution. If you opt for scented or essential oils, it is mandatory that you make sure that the chosen oil can be used during a bath. One must be aware of those oils that are created just for the purpose of creative projects but are not to be used for the purpose of creating bath salts.

If one opts for herbs, you must mix the herb and the above mentioned salts in a glass container and covered the top with a tight plastic lid. One can also use plastic to cover the lid and then put a metal cover over it. This concoction must be left alone for about 3 weeks so that the salts are able to extract the scent from the herbs. After 3 weeks, the herbs must be taken out so that the aromatic bath salts can be used. This herbal bath will provide you with great comfort and extreme relaxation due to its natural benefits.

A large number of recipes are available online that list out the exact steps necessary for the purpose of creating aromatic bath salts. Most of these recipes suggest adding baking soda to the above mentioned salts so that the water can be made softer. According to the instructions, you must add the baking soda as well the salt into the tub when it is still filling up and then in the end, add the chosen oil just before you begin to soak in the tub. This allows you to have an extremely relaxing bath but one cannot show these aromatic bath salts off because they are directly mixed into the bath water and are not displayed in a glass bottle like other aromatic bath salts. It is also not possible to give these away as gifts. However, one must be careful while making such bath salts as the baking soda may have an undesired reaction with your skin. Therefore, this must be taken care of.

Even though these aromatic bath salts may be easy to create, one must be overtly cautious while preparing them. Even though the recipe may work for one person, it is not necessary that it will work for you. Therefore, it is essential that you carry out experiments if you wish to give it away to someone as a gift. One must also make sure that the ingredients one uses are complimentary to each other and do not lead to safety problems. One must always buy the required ingredients from trusted stores or from those who are happy with the results.

Using these aromatic bath salts allows you to relax without going to a spa and spending money. One must be very careful when adding oils into the bath water as only a few drops are needed for a large tub full of water. Adding too much can lead to skin irritancy problems and rashes. Therefore, this must be kept in mind

Secret of Kate Middleton Flawless Complexion

With the royal wedding just around the corner, media interest in Kate Middleton is assuming mammoth proportions as she is the commoner who is all set to become the Royal Princess. It is only natural that every action of hers is being discussed threadbare by the media. Details about Kate, her wedding dress, hair do and the arrangements for “the wedding of the year” are being avidly discussed across the world.

Kate Middleton is 28 and the image she projects is that of a contemporary, confident lady who knows her mind. Her natural good looks with a flawless glowing complexion and unfussy yet chic hairdo and clothes have made her an icon for young ladies across the globe. Kate’s porcelain complexion and glossy auburn tresses have been envied and her beauty secrets much sought after.

Diet and Fitness Regimen

Kate is a healthy young woman and her complexion radiates good health. She, on the advice of her fashion consultants, has been following a diet rich in fresh fruits, cereals and vegetables. This has cleared up her complexion and her skin looks luminous. She has lost weight in the past few weeks and looks all set to wear her wedding dress with grace.


Skin Care Regimen

As regards her complexion, Kate is partial to skin care products made by Karin Herzog.
The skin care creams made by this Australian cosmetic giant are specially formulated with oxygen releasing ingredients which infuse skin with oxygen rich compounds .The oxygen face creams are very effective in killing bacteria in the skin and in giving a youthful glow to the skin. This range of creams refines and hydrates the skin. It also softens the sebum to help clean out those clogged pores.

Kate Middleton also uses the Vita-A-Kombi, a cream which contains liquid oxygen and Vitamin A. According to Karin Herzog, Kate uses the Professional Cleanser Vita-A-Kombi-, Vita-A-Kombi-3 Spot Zapper and also the Oxygen Face Cream. This cream increases the oxygen levels in the skin cells and increases blood circulation. There is a perceptible improvement in the skin tone. Kate has combination skin and the Vita Kombi cream balances out the oily and dry areas in the skin. Due to the addition of Vitamin A, healing and cell regeneration is hastened. This cream is designed for use twice a day and is a very light emulsion. It does not clog the pores and allows the skin to breathe freely. These are the beauty aid secrets of Kate Middleton’s flawlesscomplexion she radiates with as the new princess.

Skin Care Tips for Acne

Acne is a skin problem that is more prevalent in teenagers. It is believed that the problem is caused because of a reaction to testosterone. Once a person reaches the age of twenty or so, the acne no longer bothers him/her.

Though the skin problem is not permanent, it is important to know how to prevent and manage it.


Top 10 tips to manage acne

Modify your diet to include nutrients in the right combination; a smart way to do this is to replace those fat filled snacks with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables

• Drink plenty of water and fluids to get rid of toxins from your body; intake of sufficient fluids will keep your skin soft and supple
• Exercising is known to bring down stress levels and increase oxygen for the skin; include at least a twenty minute exercise plan 4 times a week, in your daily schedule. After the exercise have a wash to prevent sweat from interacting with the skin oils to aggravate acne
• Sleep well; lack of sleep and high stress levels are known to aggravate acne
• Studies show a direct link between smoking and eruption of acne; avoid smoking to prevent acne
• Wash your hair more often with a mild shampoo to get rid of the acne evident at the hairline
• Maintain a regular skin cleansing regime; this will discourage acne; use an anti-bacterial facial cleanser to wash your face at least two times a day
• The skin care regimen should compulsorily include the process of cleansing the face before turning in for the night. Sleeping with the make-up on leads to accumulation of dirt and dust on the skin
• Do not rush to buy and use an acne product; consult a dermatologist/health care giver for choosing the right kind of cosmetics for your skin; once you buy the products, use them sparingly at first to ascertain that you are not allergic to them
• Coffee is believed to aggravate symptoms of acne and zits; avoid the beverage as a safety measure

What you should NOT do for acne

• Do not exfoliate too hard; this may lead to skin eruptions and unsightly scars on the face
• Do not go for a crash diet to reduce weight; eating a well balanced diet in the right quantity is a more sensible way to maintain body weight and simultaneously fight and/or prevent acne
• Avoid touching the acne affected area as this may increase the infection
• Do not use the powder compact without cleansing and drying the face. If you apply powder on face when it is dirty, it will only hide blemishes for a short time, and encourages growth of bacteria in the compact
• Avoid using too much astringent to manage an oily skin. Cleanse your face with a mild soap instead

Dry Skin Problems

Dry skin is the common problem with majority of the population, due to the exposure to dust and pollution in the environment. Inactiveness of oil producing glands in the skin makes the skin to lose its softness which is also another cause for dry skin.

Dry skin occurs because of various reasons which include

Harsh soaps or detergents. Frequent swimming in chlorinated water may trigger allergy for some people. This causes rashes on your skin.
Cosmetics, moisturizing creams which you use may contain very harsh chemicals that might not suit your skin leading to dry skin.
Not drinking enough quantity of water.
Seasonal changes especially during winters the dry skin problems aggravate.
Nutritional deficiencies because of poor diet.
Excess smoking, caffeine intake, alcohol intake and drugs. All these change the elasticity of the skin.
Thyroid disorders cause dry skin as it reduces the activity of sweat and oil glands.
Very rarely due to your medications taken for some other problems may induce dry skin
.
Some of the problems faced by dry skin are

The skin becomes rough or looks cracked. Sometimes it may even bleed which are signs of extremely dry skin.
Skin is dull in appearance. Also wrinkles appear at a very early age.
Very itchy feeling sometimes disturbing your daily routine also.
Severe redness, inflamed or tenderness in the skin.
Other severe problems you may face are Psoriasis, fungal infection or eczema.

Dry skin can be prevented by

Avoiding hot water and using only warm water for taking bath.
Apply good moisturizer immediately after your shower while the skin is wet because moisturizers work better on moist skin.
Drinking at least 8-9 glasses of water per day. Eating a proper healthy diet.
Applying a good moisturizer during winters and using sunscreen creams during summer. You should try avoiding scented moisturizers.
Selecting proper soaps and make up things that suits your skin and also which has less chemical contents.
Avoid smoking and alcohol and also limit your caffeine intake.
Seek your dermatologist when your problems are smaller as it is better to be safe than sorry.
Use skin friendly and non irritating fabrics like cotton materials. Washing your clothes with unscented detergents may reduce your skin irritation.
Using humidifier especially in winter helps to reduce the amount of moisture lost from the skin through evaporation. Sleep for at least 8 hours a day.

Home Remedies for dry skin

Gentle massage of almond oil mixed with olive oil applied before going to bed can relieve from dry skin
Applying Aloe Vera gel is very helpful for dry skin problems

Natural Skin Care Tips

The sheer number of skin care products available today is mind boggling. Which suits my skin? How effective is that lotion? How soon will I be cured of acne if I use this cream? All these questions tend to make you try one product after another, sometimes harming your skin in the process.

A smart way to tide over this problem is to stick to natural skin care and spend almost nothing in the process of making your skin look lovely and keeping it healthy.

Important basic ingredients for natural skin care are

Shea Butter: Shea butter is found in the nut inside the kernel of the fruit of a Karite tree. It is a slightly yellow-greenish or ivory colored natural fat that is rich in vitamin A. This butter is a natural moisturizer that can do wonders to the skin

Algae: Algae has the remarkable ability to emulsify oil. Because of this it is included in products that help fight acne and pimples

Jojoba: Simmondsia chinensis is the botanical name of Jojoba plant. American researchers found Jojoba an apt replacement for the banned whale oil. The beans in the pod of Jojoba are heated to release a kind of liquid wax (termed as oil). This liquid wax solidifies at subnormal temperatures and has excellent cosmetic properties for rejuvenating skin and maintaining the skin’s pH balance. It is included as an ingredient in hundreds of cosmetics. Jojoba oil softens the skin and is effective against certain skin problems like psoriasis.

Honey: Honey has both anti-microbial strength and is a natural antioxidant. Honey can also absorb moisture and hold on to it. These three properties makes it an indispensable beauty aid

The three crucial factors that help maintain a healthy skin naturally are


A well planned balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, besides fiber, whole grains and
Lots of fluid intake that includes freshly squeezed fruit juices sans sugar
Exercising at least for twenty minutes four times a week

Natural skin care regimen

Cleansing: use a mild soap or better still a facial cleanser formulated for your skin type to wash your face at least twice a day.
Remove all traces of make-up with cleansing before settling down for the night; this ensures that all dirt particles and clogged remnants of make-up are removed from the skin
Toning is recommended after cleansing because it completes the cleaning, and freshens the skin
Weekly exfoliation done without rubbing too hard gives you a glowing complexion and removes dead cells from the skin
Moisturizing the skin keeps it well hydrated. If you have an oily skin opt for water based moisturizer.
Occasional face masks rejuvenate the skin and keep it taut.

Some home made face masks

Carrot based: Mix a grated carrot with a spoon of honey and apply on face and neck mixture for 10 minutes before washing it off
Tomato based: To a well beaten egg (frozen for 15 minutes in the deep freezer) add grated tomato and squeeze one half of a lemon into it. Mix well and apply on face for 10 minutes before washing off
Yogurt based: Add yogurt to course rice flour and mix to form a smooth paste. Add the juice of half a lemon and mix again. Apply on face for 20 minutes before washing off. This mask is especially good for those with oily skin
To a teaspoon of hot milk add lemon juice drop by drop until the milk curdles. Apply this milk on face for 15 minutes every day before washing it off. Within a fortnight your skin attains a natural glow, no matter what type it is – oily, dry or combination type
Add a teaspoon of rosewater to sandal paste and apply on face and neck if you have oily skin. Regular application prevents pimples and acne