Five Common Skin-Care Problems, Solved!

Your skin has the ability to heal, renew and protect itself with theproper care. The causes of skin imperfections include hormonal changes,reduction in collagen production, free-radical damage, poor nutrition,solar radiation and pollution. If you have problem skin, chooseproducts that optimize your skin's ability to repair itself.

Problem: Broken capillaries

 

Natural solutions: Dry, delicate or matureskin that is thin and fragile is most susceptible to brokencapillaries. When blood no longer pumps through the tiny capillariesand the capillary walls weaken, they lose their elasticity, collapseand become visible on the surface. Abrasive cleansers and facialscrubs, alcohol, caffeine, certain drugs, harsh cosmetics, forcefulmassage, cold weather, extreme winds, overexposure to the sun and spicyfoods can all be triggers. Protecting your skin in cold or windyweather can help prevent broken capillaries. Bioflavonoid supplementsmay reduce redness and strengthen capillaries. Use gentle products thatcontain aloe and essential oils of lavender and chamomile to helpsoothe capillaries.

Reduce and help repair broken capillaries with Avalon OrganicsLavender Renewal Facial Serum. Organic lavender, arnica and licoriceroot reduce redness and inflammation of reactive complexions.

Problem: Age spotsNatural solutions: Blotches of pigmentationmay result from perfumes, excessive sun exposure or the interaction ofmedications (such as birth control pills) and sun exposure. Inresponses, your skin has tried to protect itself by producing anoverabundance of melanin -- the pigmented cells in your skin. The mostimportant thing you can do to prevent new age spots is to wearsunscreen when exposed to sunlight. "Age spots can also be caused by estrogens from oralcontraceptives, pregnancy and diet," says Kenneth Beer, M.D., acosmetic dermatologist in West Palm Beach, Fla., author of "Palm BenchPerfect Skin" and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Universityof Miami. "Avoid getting sun, which will make them darker, and estrogento the extent possible." You can repair your skin with products containingantioxidants, such as vitamin C, that have been shown to clarify skinand help to reverse dye effects of sun damage. Licorice extract isnature's most subtle and yet effective skin lightener. It hasdepigmenting effects and inhibits melanin synthesis. Reduce the appearance of age spots with Zia BrillianceRestorative Nightcream, which brightens skin tone while it improvesfirmness with antioxidant-rich plant extracts.
Problem: Uneven skinNatural solutions: Discoloration can alsobe the result of inflammation caused by acne, harsh chemicals ortrauma. "Uneven skin is typically from poor skin care and large poresize," says Beer. "Other causes are seborrhea dermatitis, eczema,psoriasis, rosacea and its cousin, perioral dermatitis (characterizedby tiny red bumps around the mouth). For uneven skin, my most populartreatment is self-heating microdermabrasion crystals that are made withmicronized bamboo." Again, vitamin C comes to the rescue with itsability to even out skin tone and boost collagen production, reduceskin damage caused by free radicals and improve skin texture. Erase dry spois snd smooth uneven skin with Ester-C HydratingMasque from Jason. Packed with vitamins A, C and E to fightfree-radical damage and promote collagen, this 15-mjnute treatmentleaves skin feeling like velvet. Problem: RosaceaNatural solutions: Although the cause ofthe disorder is unknown, it is clear that rosacea is aggravated byextremes of temperature, sunlight, alcohol, hot drinks, spicy foods andemotional stress. They cause the already congested and weakened bloodvessels to dilate even further and the skin's sensitive surface tobecome irritated and inflamed. People with naturally thin skin may alsobe more prone to the condition.
"Rosacea is typically found in light-skinned patients and maybe exacerbated by estrogens or changes in hormones," adds Beer. "Tartarcontrol toothpaste can also provoke it. For rosacea-prone skin, Irecommend skin-care products that contain green tea extract, which hasa calming effect. For rosacea and broken capillaries, I suggestavoiding products that contain alcohol, a lot of fragrance or antiagingingredients, such as high concentrations of vitamin C or glycolic acid.I also recommend chemical-free sun protection." Soothe and protect sensitive skin from conditions, includingrosacea, with Dr. Hauschka's Toned Day Cream. Its warm beige tint andnatural mineral pigments provide a smooth, translucent finish. Problem: AcneNatural solutions: Acne is typically causedby the interaction of bacteria, hormones and sebum (oil from the hairfollicle). A conscientious skin-care regime can combat some causes. Usea weekly facial scrub followed by a facial mask. Spot-treatingblemishes with a formulation of bacteria-fighting essential oils suchas tea tree, neroli or lemon oil can help them heal faste."Use cleansers and topical treatments designed for acne-proneskin and avoid anything, including sunscreens, that are not explicitlynon-comedogenic and non-acnegenic," says Beer. Supplementing with Bvitamins and zinc may also help. Green tea and lavender have both beenshown to have antibacterial properties when used topically. Dry up acne and blemishes with Ecco Bella Leave-On InvisibleExfoliant & Blemish Remedy. The base is aloe and antioxidants,so it's gentle on sensitive and mature skin types. Source: Better Nutrition.Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. Powered by YellowBrix.
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