As odd as it may seem, a certain degree of inflammation is beneficial to the body. It’s nature’s way of signaling the immune system to begin the repair and rejuvenation process.  But not all inflammation is beneficial – there is good inflammation and bad inflammation.

Bad Inflammation

Bad inflammation is chronic (ongoing) and can lead to skin diseases and disorders like Rosacea, Psoriasis and Eczema to name a few.

Stress, smoking, sun exposure and a diet high in sugar all contribute to free-radicals that cause cell damage in the body (sugar molecules actually break down collagen and elastin in the skin). During the process of fighting against free radicals, your immune system produces histamine, leucotriens and prostaglandins, all natural chemicals that lead to inflammation of the skin and other tissues.

Aggressive skincare is another cause of bad inflammation. Controlled doses of inflammation from products and professional treatments can make you look younger. But over doing it with daily exposure to aggressive skin care and other potentially inflammatory processes keeps your immune system busy with no time to repair or heal and that can have the opposite effect.

There is a fine line between delivering the right amount of ‘injury’ to the skin to induce inflammation and stimulate cell renewal and rejuvenation 

Good Inflammation

Inflammation is good for the skin when it’s delivered in short doses – say a few days at the most. The skin reacts by initiating the healing process. That means collagen and elastin levels are boosted, producing smoother, firmer skin.

Professional treatments like microdermabrasion, laser or chemical peels deliver good results. At home, mild glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid peels, microdermabrasion scrubs or hand held laser devices like PaloVia’s Skin Renewing Laser do not over-stimulate or inflame the skin. They can create the right amount of good inflammation that is beneficial to cellular turnover and the regeneration process.

Slowing Down the Aging Process Begins at the Cellular Level

Cellular inflammation seems to be increasingly part of modern life, with all its stress and environmental toxins. To help protect your cells, not only should you guard against bad inflammation, you should understand which antioxidants and enzymes can most powerfully neutralize the impact of free radicals.

First, a quick lesson on free radicals and antioxidants.

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that are produced in the body naturally as a byproduct of oxidation and exposure to toxins in food and from the environment. They travel around the body in a constant search to bind with another electron - a process that can cause damage to DNA and other parts of human cells.

Antioxidants are the remedy to free radicals. They neutralize free radicals by scavenging them. Some antioxidants actually block inflammation.  The best sources of antioxidants are vegetables, fruits, green tea, grape seed, aloe, ceramides, pomegranate, pycnogenol and wine. It is a good idea to get your antioxidants from a variety of sources. The more colorful your natural foods the better – yellow, orange, green, red, brown and blue-purple plant foods provide a variety of antioxidants, and the more brightly colored, the richer the food is in anti-oxidants.

Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

In addition to consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, it is important to use skincare products that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients to increase your protection against chronic inflammation. The use of topical antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients is crucial in the fight against aging.  There are dozens of effective anti-inflammatory ingredients - we have selected these few powerful examples for their anti-inflammatory and anti-aging qualities:

Mushroom Beta Glucan: Research indicates that mushroom beta glucan has remarkable anti-inflammatory and skin regenerative properties which revitalizes the immune cells in the skin, regenerates collagen-producing cells, strengthens the skins ability heal itself, prevents fine lines and wrinkles, deals with adverse environmental effects and promotes anti-aging. 

Green Tea and EGCG:  For topical use in skin care, green tea and EGCG has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea EGCG has shown exceptional protective and restorative properties against the sun’s damaging rays. EGCG may also treat and prevent keloid scars, and improve skin elasticity.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins: Research has shown Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins to be effective as an antioxidant, an anti-allergenic, and an anti-inflammatory. It also promotes capillary health while increasing skin elasticity and providing sun damage protection/repair. It is also effective in wound healing therapies.

Pumpkin Seed Extract: This active ingredient minimizes the inflammatory process, reduces irritation in stressed cells and stimulates the production of collagen and fibrillin (a glycoprotein, essential for the formation of elastic fibers found in connective tissue). When used at 4%, Pumpkin Seed Extract will smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin vitality and tone. It is especially recommended for anti-aging formulations.

Tumeric: This has anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It neutralizes free radicals and UV damage. It can be used to heal and prevent dry skin and treat skin irritations such as Eczema. It helps to slow down the aging process, diminish brown spots and removes redness from acne scars. 

Pomegranate extract: Pomegranate extract is a super-antioxidant with astringent, anti-bacterial and inflammatory properties. It is known for its ability to fight free-radicals, stimulate collagen production, protect the skin from UV damage, reverse damaged caused by UV exposure, and aids in wound healing.

For the best results, a multi-layered approach to minimize cellular inflammation includes eating antioxidant rich foods, taking targeted nutritional supplements, using managed professional skincare treatments and applying skincare products that contain high amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Related articles:

Resource: Hylunia Skin Care

• Green Tea
• Skincare and Cancer

The post Inflammation and Skincare appeared first on Healthy Skin Solutions.

More recently, topical Vitamin C has been studied for its antioxidant qualities in the form of creams and serums, where it penetrates the stratum corneum and upper cell layers of the epidermis. Once in the skin, studies reveal that L-ascorbic acid:

• Stimulates collagen production
• Provides UV protection
• Protects the skin by reducing free-radials that would destroy healthy skin cells
• Improves tone and texture of the skin
• Reduces brown spots
• Promotes normal cell growth
• Aids in the development and maintenance of connective tissue
• Improves wound healing
• Promotes normal metabolic reactions (necessary for maintaining body and skin health)
• Decreases appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Prevents the formation of fine lines and wrinkles

These studies also reveal that when Vitamin C is used daily, the depth of penetration increases, producing concentrations of L-ascorbic acid that are more than 20 times the normal levels after just three days of use. Moreover, studies show that this concentration of L-ascorbic acid in the skin lasts for three days, even if use is stopped. This lasting effect of L-ascorbic acid in the skin explains the skin rejuvenating benefits we see with daily applications of Vitamin C.

Sources of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

L-ascorbic acid is one of the most important and powerful water soluble antioxidants in the body. Foods rich in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, dark leafy green vegetables, strawberries, tomatoes, green/red peppers, Brussels sprouts and turnips. But oral Vitamin C (food sources) cannot deliver adequate amounts of L-ascorbic acid to the skin. For optimum levels of Vitamin C for maximum skin health, you need both oral and topical sources of Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid).

For topical L-ascorbic acid to be properly absorbed into the skin, the creams or serums must be correctly formulated. Most preparations are not pH balanced for optimal biologic activity and penetration. It’s a complex chemical formula, but suffice it to say, if you want a quality Vitamin C skincare products, look for preparations with the following levels for optimum benefits:

• L-Ascorbic Acid concentration of 20%
• pH of 2.6 to 2.0

Finally look for Vitamin C serums and creams that are properly packaged in light protected, airless containers to avoid oxidation of the product which will render it ineffective.

Homemade Vitamin C Skincare

Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C. They are also rich in alpha-hydroxy acids that help exfoliate the skin. So fresh strawberry masks are great for dull, damaged or acne-prone skin. Here are two strawberry masks that can help cleanse, exfoliate and brighten your skin.

Basic Strawberry Mask

• 8 Fresh strawberries
• 3 Tablespoons of honey

Mash/blend strawberries in a bowl. Add the honey and mix the ingredients together until smooth. Apply the mixture to face, avoiding the eye area. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry and follow with moisturizer.

Creamy Strawberry Mask

• 5 Fresh strawberries
• ½ Tablespoon of plain yogurt or heavy cream (yoghurt for oily skin; cream for dry skin)
• 2 Teaspoon of honey

Mash/blend the strawberries until smooth. Add honey and yoghurt or cream oil and blend well.  Apply the mixture to face, avoiding the eye area. Leave the mask on for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry and follow with moisturizer.

For more natural remedies for skincare (as well as more strawberry recipes) read our article on Natural Remedies.

Related articles

• DIY Vitamin C Serum

The post Vitamin C and Skin Health appeared first on Healthy Skin Solutions.

Hydroquinone is a strong inhibitor of melanin production - a process that involves many chemical reactions in the skin resulting in melasma, dark spots and freckles. The active ingredient in hydroquinone works by interfering with or inhibiting one of these reactions or by killing melanocytes (specialized skin cells that produce melanin).

Kate Sommerville Complexion Correction

While Hydroquinone is considered one of the most effective skin-lightening agents available, its use is strictly regulated in many African and Asian countries, and it is banned in the European Union (EU) and Japan.

That’s because, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, “hydroquinone has cancer-causing potential.”

So what are the alternatives?

While hydroquinone may be one of the most effective skin-lightening treatments, there are other, more natural extracts that are clinically proven to lighten dark patches and spots. Perhaps it’s best to consider one of these skin brightening, skin lightening alternatives or look for these ingredients in your next jar of anti-aging, tone-perfecting cream:

Arbutin – Arbutin is derived from the leaves of bearberry, cranberry, mulberry or blueberry shrubs, and also is present in most types of pears. It can have melanin-inhibiting properties and is often considered an alternative to hydroquinone. In fact, it is simply a milder, naturally occurring variant of synthetic hydroquinone and works in much the same way.  Arbutin is applied topically in a cream formulation at 10-20% concentration or look for products like Kate Somerville’s Complexion Correction.

Ole Henriken Elighten Me

Licorice Extract – Licorice Extract absorbs UVA and UVB rays – this inhibits the process of melanin production from occuring. It also acts as a de-pigmenting agent by inhibiting the production of melanin.Aloe – Aloe has subtle skin lightening properties, such as the absorption of UV light and it also moisturizes aging skin.

Niacinamide – A unique form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound and is also good for dry, flaking, aging skin. It’s usually not used as a skin lightening agent all by itself, but is an additive in many skin lightening formulas.

Origins Brigher by Nature

Kojic acid – This acid is derived from a fungus as a byproduct of grain fermentation. It inhibits melanin production but can be too irritating for regular use and there is some debate as to its safety. Some controversial research has suggested that kojic acid may have carcinogenic properties in large doses, while other studies show that kojic acid is not carcinogenic although it can cause allergic contact dermatitis and skin irritation.

Glycolic Acid – Glycolic Acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) in skin care. It is generally used as a natural skin exfoliant and moisturizer. Glycolic Acid not only evens out skin discoloration, but also helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles. AHA’s such as Glycolic Acid can assist other ingredients in skin lighteners by allowing them to penetrate farther into the skin.

Origins Dr. Weil Mega Bright

Want something more natural than that?

Soy Milk –  There some evidence that washing your face with unpasteurized soy milk every day for 3 months can even out skin tone. The ingredient in soy milk inhibits enzymes that are involved in the production of melanin.

Or try these three home remedies using simple ingedients like Potato – Almond - Lemon 

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According to Dr. Howard Sobel, attending physician in Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, to truly lift a face without surgery takes radio-frequency lasers, fillers and Botox. But, Sobel says, there are ways to keep the skin from sagging in the first place:

Stimulate Collagen – by now we all know that Retinol (derived from Vitamin A) can stimulate collagen, but there is scientific proof that Matrixyl 3000 (one of the most respected and effective peptides being utilized in anti-aging skin care), copper peptides, and glycolic acid (10% strength) also stimulate collage and improve the quality of the skin, helping to decrease fine lines and wrinkles.

Hydrate with Hyaluronic Acid – as we age, our own source of natural hyaluronic acid decreases, leaving the skin thinner and less firm. A moisturizer with niacinamide, ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol, can restore the skin’s barrier and make it thicker and more supple. There are also products with hyaluronic acid serum that are designed to deliver maximum moisture to plump up and smooth skin and lessen the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Take Supplements – you are what you eat, and like it or not, your diet directly affects the quality and condition of your skin. With that said, you can ‘create’ firmer skin by adjusting your diet and taking supplements like Vitamin C – just 500mg twice a day helps the body build collagen. CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) helps cells repair themselves and therefore reverses cell damage, and Omega-3 fatty acids help to strengthen the moisture barrier so skin retains more water and looks firmer.

Read more about how to Feed Your Face for a Younger Look

Neck Creams

Short of undergoing neck lipo – an effective, but invasive procedure to create and firmer, younger looking neck - Dr. Patricia Wexler, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, recommends keeping the neck firm and protected before lipo becomes necessary, and in a recent interview with Allure magazine, offered the following advice:

Exfoliate daily – gentle exfoliation sloughs off dead skin cells that accumulate every day and allows the active ingredients in creams and serums to absorb faster. You can exfoliate with a cleansing brush or buff, or you can use a glycolic acid to do the job. Just remember to start under the chin and continue to treat the entire area all the way down to your chest.

Use Peptides – peptides help make new collagen and elastin, just what the neck and chest needs to stay firm and toned. Tetrapeptides, like those found in StriVectin-TL are very effective for treating the neck area. The niacin in StriVectin will also strengthen the skin barrier and can dramatically improve the texture and tone of neck and chest.

Power up – we tend to ‘forget’ to put sunscreen or SPF makeup on the neck and chest to protect the skin. The result, these areas are often more damaged than the face, so you need more powerful products to do a more powerful job. Neck creams are usually more concentrated and powerful than face creams, although some retinol formulas for the face will work on the neck and chest too.

Prevention is Key

The key to retaining and youthful neck and firmer skin is prevention. Wise young women in their 20s and 30s have already started their anti-aging prevention protocol. For them, the goal of retaining a youthful look as they age is certainly attainable. For those in their 40s and 50s, it’s never too late to start using today’s powerful creams and serums to help boost collagen and elastin for a firmer skin. The key for older women is to develop a multi-layered approach to anti-aging that includes a healthy diet, the use of supplements and antioxidants, and a skincare regimen designed to rejuvenate and restore damaged skin.

Related Articles:

Power Serums for Wrinkles

The Neck

Anti-Aging Ingredients

Resource:

Allure: Brooke Le Poer Trench; April 2013, 148 – 152

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Many teens experience stress, anxiety, and poor self-esteem due to changing hormones, changing body and changes to their skin, however, they lack the basic knowledge and experience to properly care for their skin. Here are just a few issues:

• 8 in 10 teens will develop acne, yet most do not understand how acne is formed or how to treat it
• Teens either over-treat and over-stimulate the skin
• Many teens fail to develop a routine cleansing regime
• Most teens fail to protect their skin from UV rays or understand the damage ultraviolet light can cause
• Teenagers pay little attention to their diet and make no link between the food they eat and the condition of their skin

So what advice can we give teens about skincare and the maintenance of healthy skin. According to Diane Heinz, Licensed Medical Aesthetician, who has been treating teenage skin for more than 25 years, these simple tips can make a world of difference:

Explain How Acne is Formed

In order to treat acne, it helps to know how it is formed. Basically, acne forms when pores become blocked.  Hair follicles, or pores, in the skin contain oil glands, (called sebaceous glands).  These glands make sebum, an oil that lubricates skin and hair. Most of the time, the sebaceous glands make the right amount of sebum. But as teenagers mature and develop, extra hormones stimulate these oil glands to become overactive and they produce more oil. When this happens, pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells (remember, dead skin cells form every day). Bacteria can then get trapped inside the pores and multiply, causing swelling and redness, and before you know it, you have a pimple.

For more information on the formation of Acne and the different types of acne – read our article on Acne.

What Teens Should Know About Coping with Acne

Never pick the skin – this spreads bacteria which will spread the acne.

Don’t over treat the skin. Many teens go to great extremes to get rid of their acne and breakouts by over-treating and stripping the skin of essential oils. This only makes the acne worse – it disturbs the pH balance. When the pH balance is off, the skin stops functioning properly.  Stripping the skin of oils (yes some oils are essential) causes the glands to produce more oil as it tries to correct the problem. So, in short, the worse thing teens can do is over treat acne-prone skin – it only results is more oil.

Don’t use Mom’s skincare products. That’s a mistake since these may be too rich for young skin. Teenagers need a cleanser that is right for their skin type and condition and should cleanse the skin morning and night (or immediately following sports activity to remove oils from the skin). Girls who wear makeup should cleanse before going to bed.

Teens should exfoliate their skin at least once a week with a light exfoliator such as alpha hydroxyl acid to slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, soften the impactions of oil and reduce bacteria from building under the skin.  If possible, teens should get a professional alpha-beta hydroxyl peel from a local Esthetician once every three to four weeks to minimize breakouts and help break down excess oil. Alternate glycolic peels can be performed to help open the pores and assist with extraction, if needed.

Teens should avoid or minimize constant contact with caps, head bands or other equipment on the forehead or face – these trap dirt, oil, grease and bacteria. Even a cell phone can cause breakouts – read more about that by clicking the link.

Teens should understand the direct relationship between diet and skin health. No longer a myth, the link between a healthy diet and healthy skin, is proven. Too much sugar and processed foods affect the skin and other food triggers like dairy and gluten can make skin conditions worse. There are dozens of sources for reading more about diet and acne – check this one out for a quick download – Acne Fighting Foods

Finally, teens need to understand the importance of sun protection and skin health. 80% of damage done to the skin from UV exposure is done before we turn 18! Currently, 8,700 people die every hour from melanoma (sun induced skin cancer). Educating teenagers can help reverse this astonishing trend and protect their skin from other damage cause by UV light.

For more tips on treating Acne-prone skin (especially for teens) visit New Age Skincare

The post Teenage Acne appeared first on Healthy Skin Solutions.

In South Korea

Before & After V-Line Survery

In South Korea, a growing number of women are seeking out a new procedure pioneered by Dr. Jin Young Jung, Dermatologist.  Dr. Jung uses AccuSculpt® lipolysis laser to precisely deliver laser energy through a 1-mm optical fiber tip inserted inside the skin (usually laser is performed on top of the skin).   The procedure results in minimal damage or scarring.  Dr. Jung uses this new method of laser to correct crows’ feet, sagging necks, puffy eyes and wrinkles around the mouth.  She also uses this ground-breaking procedure to sculpt the jawline and chin to create a clean V-shaped jawline – an aesthetic that is highly prized in South Korea.Another trend for younger South Korean women in their 20s and 30s, is a ‘baby face’ affect. This is achieved by adding volume to the cheeks, forehead and chin with injectable fillers to create and youthful ‘baby’ face affect.

Dr. Jung’s success as a state-of-the-art Dermatologist, pioneering anti-aging treatments and modern trends, has made her a celebrity of sorts in her own country.  Look for her to appear in the U.S. soon – she has plans to open a practice in New York City where we believe she will be in high demand.

In Brazil

Women from all over the world, including Italy, Portugal and Angola flock to Dr. Juliana Neiva, Dermatologist in São Paulo, Brazil for her radiofrequency (heat) therapy treatments to create a smooth, firm complexion. Her radiofrequency E-Matrix is more advanced than the U.S. standard Thermage. While it produces results similar to CO2 lasers, E-Matrix does not leave the skin raw for up to 10 days. E-matrix uses fractionated radiofrequency (like tiny perforations) to target lower layers of the skin without damaging the surface. In addition to the fact that this new rejuvenating treatment does not damage the skin, it is also safe for Skin Types III, IV, V and VI. Now you can get E-Matrix fractionated radiofrequency in the United States – use our Directory to find a Dermatologist in your area who is using E-Matrix fractionated radiofrequency.

In the UK and France

In the UK and France, women prefer a more natural result from their anti-aging treatment vs. those in the United States where tight skin with no lines is valued.  Here are some of the latest trends in the UK and France:

Custom-blended antioxidant cocktails are injected into the skin with a medical-grade air gun using micro pricks to brighten and rejuvenate the complexion.

Fraxel lasers are combined with PRP (platelet rich plasma). For this procedures a patient’s own platelets are extracted from the blood and concentrated before being injected back into the body, where they release special growth factors by 600% to improve wrinkles, skin texture, elasticity and firmness.

For deeper lines and wrinkles, women in the UK and France prefer using hyaluronic acid filler like Teosyal Ultra Deep to diminish lines and add volume. Here, this is preferable to a face lift where the skin is pulled tight. There is no down time, no anesthesia and the result is natural.

In the United States

First Lady, Michelle Obama

Thanks to the toned arms of First Lady, Michelle Obama, who is known for her sleeveless gowns and dresses, upper-arm lifts have jumped a staggering 4,378% (no typo here) in the past decade, according to a report released recently by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Upper-arm lift, known as brachioplasty, involves trimming loose skin from the underarm area, and may also incorporate liposuction to remove excess fat. Patients are put to sleep for the procedure, but can go home the same day.While the number of brachioplasties per year is still relatively small, about 15,000 in 2012, it’s clear that toned arms in America are on the rise and have replaced six-pack abs as the most sought-after body part.

Trends and preferences around the world differ from one culture to the next. What binds us is a global shift from invasive surgical face lifts to monthly or bi-monthly ‘maintenance’ to sustain a youthful, toned and supple appearance.  Women (and some men) are starting the process of anti-aging treatments as early as their 20s, developing a long-term relationship with their dermatologist, to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance.

Related Articles:

• Skin Rejuvenation
• Delaying the Signs of Aging
• Neck Creams and More: Keeping Your Skin Firm

The post Anti-Aging Trends Around the World appeared first on Healthy Skin Solutions.

The greatest contributor to melanoma (approximately 65%), is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from natural or artificial sources, such as sunlight and indoor tanning beds, although melanomas can be linked to a combination of family history, genetics and environmental factors. Some can occur in all melanocytes throughout the body, even those that are never exposed to the sun. While UV light is the most common cause of Melanoma, it cannot be solely responsible for a diagnosis.

Most melanoma is curable in its early stages, with an over 90% survival rate. However, if not detected early, those statistics drop drastically once melanoma spreads to other parts of the body.  So while melanoma only accounts for 4% of skin cancers, it accounts for 80% of all skin cancer-related deaths.

Chilling Statistics

In the United States, it is estimated that more than 68,000 Americans were diagnosed with melanoma in 2012 – that’s one diagnosis every eight minutes.  Statistically, approximately 8,700 of those diagnosed will die of melanoma – that’s one every hour!

Even though efforts like National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and articles and blogs like this attempt to educate and inform the population about melanoma, the death rate from melanoma has not changed in 30 years.

Early detection is the best defense. This includes checking your skin regularly, paying attention to any freckle, mole or skin growth at suddenly appears, or changes – and it includes an annual skin exam by a dermatologist.  For many though, that can be a costly expense (even if it is a life-saving one).

So, thanks to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can get a Free Skin Cancer Screening. Each year the Skin Cancer Foundation puts together a Road to Healthy Skin Tour. In 2013 the tour will be making its way across the U.S. for the sixth year in a row. The mobile Tour kicks off in the New York City area in May for Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and will be making its way from the east coast to the south and then the west coast over the next four months.  Check the Tour Schedule to see if they will be visiting a Rite Aid store in your community.

Please review the chart below to help identify melanoma, then log into the Skin Cancer Foundation Road to Healthy Skin Tour site and find a date and location in your state.

Related Articles:

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Sun Poisoning: What Are The Lasting Effects?

Skincare and Cancer

The post Melanoma appeared first on Healthy Skin Solutions.

We know that green tea is good for us – but did you know that it’s particurly good for your skin? Just how good it is will amaze you. According to Dermacope magazine, there are loads of reasons to drink green tea - here are five ways that green tea can improve your skin.

#1 – It Fights Free Radicals

The body absorbs oxygen and turns it into energy through a process called oxidation. It’s a necessary function of a healthy body, but oxidation creates destructive atoms and molecules that we know as free radicals which ultimately damage our organs (remember the skin is our largest organ).

Green tea is packed with strong polyphenols known as catechins, the most powerful of these EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) gives green tea its ability to fight free radicals and prevent the damage they cause.

#2 – It Prevents Skin Cancer

Most of the research on green tea’s ability to prevent skin cancer has been done on mice. Research in that field show that when given green tea extract in their drinking water for 50 days, and then injected with a powerful skin cancer inducing substance, 44% fewer mice developed skin tumors than those that had not been given the extract. Powerful proof and positive research for the future of cancer prevention.

#3 – It Reduces the Effects of Sun Damage

Green tea is known for its impressive results when tested on its ability to reduce the signs of sun damage. When included in a topical sunscreen formula, it has been found to lower the actual amount of sun damage to the skin. By neutralizing damage done through UV exposure, green tea actually demolishes the free radicals created by the rays, thereby reducing the inflammation to the skin.

#4 – It Soothes Sensitive Skin

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, green tea has extremely positive results in soothing sensitive skin, especially in those suffering from Rosacea, Eczema and Psoriasis.  Green tea calms the skin because of its antioxidant properties and ability to fight free radicals.

#5 – It Keeps the Skin Youthful and Toned

Free radical damage eventually leads to sagging skin, brown spots, freckles and wrinkles.  Some studies show that green tea has a positive effect on the skin, helping to keep a youthful appearance. One study, conducted by Dr. Stephen Hsu, Medical College of Georgia Department of Oral Biology, found that green tea can regenerate old skin cells that were at the end of their life cycle.  In his report, Dr. Hsu find that “…for the first time, certain concentrations of green tea, EGCg, or a mixture of major green tea polyphenols, stimulated aging skin cellsed keratinocytes to generate energy and synthesize DNA, possibly for renewed cell division. Therefore, green tea constituents may be useful topically for promoting cell regeneration…”

Now that’s amazing news. If topically applied green tea can stimulate aging skin cells to regenerate themselves, it’s no wonder we have started to see an emergency of green tea skincare products and topical treatments.

So if the pursuit of healthy skin is your goal – then drink up and find a quality green tea topical product to help do the job.

Recource:

Dermascope: April 2012; 111-113

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• Skincare and Cancer
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The post Green Tea appeared first on Healthy Skin Solutions.

The brainchild of Diane Heinz, New Age Skincare products are the culmination of years of product development and research to find the best formulas for each unique line.

• Anti-Aging Skincare
• Acne Products
• Sensitive and Normal Skincare

New Age Skincare Acne products are specially created for acne prone skin, delivering immediate and lasting results. One of the most effective acne products available without a prescription, our Acne Care line helps people of all ages with acne-prone skin maintain clear, healthy skin.

New Age Skincare Anti-Aging products are formulated using revolutionary ingredients to combat and reverse the signs of aging. Based on the latest scientific research and ingredients, these products deliver visible results.

New Age Skincare for All Skin Types features products suitable for most normal skin types but are gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Each product is formulated to achieve maximum results, yet, even those with autoimmune and chronic diseases, like suffers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Lupus can safely use these organic compounds.

All product lines are free of artificial fragrances, dyes, preservatives and mineral oils, allowing the skin to achieve maximum results.

The post New Age Skincare appeared first on Healthy Skin Solutions.

Derived from the seeds of camellias, an evergreen shrub with beautiful rose-like flowers, the oil is extracted by (cold) pressing the seeds, followed by advanced scientific refining processes to purify the oil.

To find out more about this amazing oil we went to camelliaoil.com – here is what we learned:

Why Is Camellia Oil So Effective

It is most like our skin. Oleic acid is the main fatty acid in human skin lipids (ingredients found in skin including fatty acids and fats). As we age, lipid and fatty substances diminish, imparing the skin’s ability to retain moisture and so the skin begins to dry, then wrinkle and sag.

Camellia oil has very high Oleic acid content, making it one of those natural ingredients that is most compatible with the skin. As a result, camellia oil can be easily and effectively absorbed into the skin to work in synergy with the skin’s own natural system to nourish cell membranes, replenish skin lipids and accelerate skin rejuvenation. Camellia oil’s natural ingredients are able to restore and revitalize skin from the inside out.

It is highly penetrative. Studies have demonstrated that Oleic acid has unparalleled penetration power, capable of permeating deeply into the lower layers of the stratum corneum to greatly enhance the beneficial effects of collagen and elastin. This simply means that it is able to rejuvenate cell growth and give the skin support and flexibility, repair the damage caused by dryness, sun exposure and other factors. The result is restoration of the skin’s elasticity, significant improvement in skin texture as well as elimination or remarkable reduction of fine lines and small wrinkles.

Uses for Camellia Oil

As an Anti-Aging Treatment – Because of its ability to affect cell rejuvenation at the deepest layers of the skin, camellia oil is an effective anti-aging treatment. Its natural composition does not cause any irritation or allergic reactions such as stinging, peeling, flaking and rash, associated with Retinol, AHA and chemical acid based anti-aging creams. It’s completely safe and gentle, and can be used for all skin types.

After cleansing, apply 3-4 drops of camellia oil to face and throat every morning and night – it can be used around the eyes to diminish puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. Massage gently and thoroughly until completely absorbed. Use alone or follow with a sunscreen as desired.

Use it as a Sunblock – Camellia oil has strong ultraviolet absorption blocking attributes.  As a sunblock the colorless Camellia oil protects the skin from UVB rays.

There are two types of UV rays that reach the earth – UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays have a long wavelength that penetrates deep into the skin causing damage that results in wrinkles and sagging. UVB rays have a short wavelength that is more powerful, causing reddens and inflammation that you notice immediately (sunburn).  Damage from UVB rays results in dark spots, freckles, and carcinogens that lead to skin cancer – camellia oil can help protect the skin from UVB rays.  Once again, Camellia oil protects the skin from UVB rays, not from UVA rays. For the best sun protection, use a broad spectrum sunscreen containing camellia oil that blocks UVA and UVB rays.

Use it to Treat Acne – Surprisingly, camellia oil is an effective natural remedy for treating and healing acne.  It helps promote wound healing, soothes irritation and moisturizes the skin. Those who have discovered Camellia oil for acne have high praise for it:

“This is my holy grail product to battle acne. I had terrible acne for the past 10 years… I bought this Camellia Oil with literally zero expectations and I’m overjoyed now because my active acne is virtually gone, as is my hyperpigmentation – all within the past 3 months…”

Read more reviews like this from Makeup Alley.

To heal acne, lightly apply the oil to the affected areas twice a day until the blemishes heal and then disappear. Remember to continue to treat acne-prone skin with a daily regimen of cleansing and regular exfoliation to keep pores clean and clear in order to prevent future blockages that lead to acne.

Use it to Diminish Acne Scars and Stretch Marks – Because of the deep penetrating, hydrating and restorative qualities of camellia oil it has the unique ability to prevent acne scarring and stretch marks from forming.

Those who suffer from inflammatory acne are especially prone to developing acne scars. By incorporating camellia oil into your daily routine, you can heal damaged skin and prevent scar from forming.

If you are pregnant, or someone who does weight training or body building (sometimes resulting in stretch marks), massaging camellia oil into your skin daily will prevent the skin from tearing as it stretches.

For those with old scars and stretch marks, camellia oil has demonstrated some ability to minimize their appearance with regular use.

Choosing the Right Camellia Oil

Not all camellia oils are the same. Like many natural extracts, Camellia oil is classified into different grades based on its quality and intended use.  Look for oils that are optimized for cosmetic use for the face and around your eyes. Ultra refined camellia oil is deficient in moisturizing and revitalizing power. Crude or unfiltered camellia oil will leave unpleasant residue and greasiness and will not penetrate or rejuvenate the skin effectively.  Look for 100% pure organic camellia oil similar to the skin produced by Silkia ® which is composed of the Triglyceride of Oleic and Linoleic acid, of which Oleic acid accounts for over 82%.

When it comes to the maintenance of healthy skin, prevention is key. Select a quality product and incorporate it into your daily skincare routine.  Then let us know how you use Camellia oil and what it has done to maintain, heal and restore your skin.

Resource:

Excerpts from www.camelliaoil.com

Related Articles:

Acne Care for Nodules and Cysts

Anti-Aging Treatments

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