FIGHT THE SIGNS OF AGING November 16, 2008

We all have concerns about the signs of aging and we welcome any help in slowing down the process. There are ways to fight the signs like taking care of your skin. Without getting too complicated, here are some simple steps to follow.

Careful Cleansing

Be gentle to your skin. Avoid extreme scrubbing and harsh soaps. Some cleansing creams can also be too harsh.

Use Moisturizers

Moisturizers are extremely important for your skin. As you age, your skin slowly loses its youthful replenishment of moisture.

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure causes free radical development. Age spots form. Use UV sun protection.

Slow Down On the Problem Foods

Problem foods harm your skin. They help in premature aging. These targeted foods are fried foods, caffeine drinks, red meat, sugar, processed foods, and foods that contain saturated fat such as butter, fatty meats, and cheese. Eat these foods in moderation or cut some of them out completely.

Eat More Fish

Fish is so good for your skin, body, and brain especially the oily fish. Among these would be Tuna, Salmon, Halibut, Mackerel, and Herring that contain the Omega 3 fatty acids.

Take Vitamin C

Start taking Vitamin C if you don’t already. It helps boost your immunity system and helps tissue repair. Smoking and exposure to sun will strip vitamin C from your body.

Other Vitamins to Consider

Other than Vitamin C, essential nutrients for your skin include beta-carotene, B complex vitamins, and Vitamin E.

Try Herbal Remedies

Find some herbs that are high in antioxidants and cleans the blood stream. One great herb for the skin is Aloe Vera. This herb helps heal skin from sun burns, cuts or scrapes, and helps moisturize skin. Please remember to always consult your doctor before tackling your vitamin and herbal plan to avoid any conflicts with a particular health issue.

Be Tobacco Free

Any type of tobacco is harmful for your digestion and this affects your skin. Do not smoke! In addition to damaging the body internally, especially the lungs, the carbon monoxide bonds to red blood cells making them less able to transport oxygen through the body which is definitely no benefit to your skin. Your skin needs to breath.

How To Combat Oily Skin June 12, 2008

A lot of men have combination or oily skin and don’t know how to look after it. The effects of not looking after oily and combination skin can often lead to serious acne problems from due to excess oil built up pores.

In order to eliminate the oil and get your skin healthy, start taking simple daily steps to get rid of blackheads, blemishes and acne. Here’s how:

Clean up the oil
If you have serious oil production on your face area, the best is to make daily cleansing a habit. Using an oil-free mild cleanser could help to remove all of the dirt and excess oil while leaving your skin fully moisturised. Try to avoid all alcohol-based products, as the alcohol in the product will dry the skin out. Scrubbing your face or body with gentle facial scrub twice a week will help to exfoliate all the dead cells and remove all the clogged pores.

Indulge in regular treatments
Indulge in a weekly facemask regime as it can help to revive oily skin. Try using clay or mud-based type of masks, as these materials will help to draw out and absorb the oil in your skin. Get masks that are made of natural ingredients such as oatmeal, lemon or cucumber, which can help to dry your skin without robbing all the moisture away.

Keeping it healthy
We want to keep the oil out but not remove the skins moisture too! Healthy skin needs to be moisturised so it will look bright and radiant. After cleansing, dab some alcohol free toner and apply a small amount of oil free cream.

Healthy food = Healthy skin
The food you eat can also contribute to the way your skin looks. Avoid deep-fried foods, drink more water, and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
A good dose of fruit and veggies is a source of Vitamin A, which is essential for the growth and development of cells to keeps skin healthy, as well as Vitamin C, which forms collagen, a tissue that helps to hold cells together.