Discolored Patches On Face - Why Do They Form?

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Discolored patches of color on the face that cover the upper lip, cheeks or forehead can make you look bad. What are they and how do they form? Let us find out more about these colored patches or melasma as it is called. This is a problem both for men and women, and not only for women, as it is wrongly believed. Let us find out more so you can stop them.

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Skin- Why Do Colored Patches Form?

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The color of our skin is because of melanin that is produced by cells called-melanocytes. These melanocytes sometimes get hyper active and produce much more melanin than needed. This activity can be triggered by some phototoxic allergies, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy etc. If you use a product that is photo toxic there are very good possibilities that you will develop melasma. Photo toxic means that the product is safe for use if no sun is present, but will produce allergy as soon as sunrays strike it. Hair dyes are a good example of this. In women during pregnancy and while taking birth control pills, hormones activate the melanocytes in the skin and produce more of melanin-the skin color. You will therefore get the colored patches on the facial skin.

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Skin And Sun protection-

Protect your skin from sun as much as possible. The sun is activating factor for melanin. If you protect your skin from sun, you will save lot of damage to skin including keeping these colored patches away.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Discolored Patches On Face - Why Do They Form?

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Fashion and Teenagers

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The Teenage Years represent the transition period into adulthood. Teens start to develop their independence and unique opinions about life's issues. The fashion trend has changed quite a bit from the days when Indians set up tents in the United States of America. When it comes to shopping, teens like to choose their own clothes and fashions at this time of their life. Sometimes teens and parents agree which clothes to purchase, sometimes they disagree.

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Teenage years may be called "Acne Years". These years can turn into nightmares which many times continue into adulthood. Many products are available without bringing the desired results. We have the products that will eliminate these nightmares.

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Helpful in developing identity

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Some teen fashion statements are going to be crazy but they might be bearable. If you come upon something that actually covers them, make sure you give them a good eye roll. That might encourage them to wear that style. You might think it looks funny, but at least they are covered. That should be your main concern. You can lay down the law when you see teen fashion that seems to be too revealing, but you may be encouraging them in that direction.

Though teen fashion comes and goes and you can expect the main purpose of these fashions is to make sure they dress nothing like their parents. Teens have a strong need to set their own style, and figure out what their own identity is aside from their parents. That's a perfectly normal part of growing up, and if a parent does not roll their eyes just a little when the see teen fashions, those teens are going to be confused and they may try something else. That might be a good thing to keep in mind.

Teens have a greater selection of clothes than ever. From running pants and bottoms and outerwear, juniors styles, and jeans, teen clothing and active wear is a great way to live your youth.

Fashion and Teenagers

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How to Give an Erotic Massage: Massage Oils

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Why massage oil?

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A lot of people think grabbing some hand cream or body lotion would do just fine for a massage, or worse (shudder) doing a "dry" massage. If you want this erotic massage to actually reach the erotic point, you need real massage oil; something that will absorb a bit into the skin, soften it, but also allow you to keep smooth, steady movements with your massage.

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You also want your massage oil to be something that you use only for erotic massage. You want to get to the point where you can take a whiff of the oil and have your body ready to rumble. You want to walk into the room the next day, catch the merest leftover scent of the massage oil, and smile at the memory of what you did in that room the night before. You want to put one small drop of that massage oil behind your ear, so that when you and your partner are out on the town, at a party or a business meeting, maybe in a restaurant, he'll catch the scent as it wafts past him, and drive him insane until he can get you alone. Lubriderm cream is not going to do that for you!

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But let's back up a bit here, take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

A Brief History

Oils and aromatherapy have been around for a long time. Just look in the Bible. Remember when Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus' feet? Not only was she applying essential oils, but was doing so through massage. Mary knew the power of massage. It's a way to relax, relieve stress, show interest, and "rev the motor", so to speak.

Oils have been around a lot longer than Biblical times, though. About 2700 years before the birth of Christ, the Chinese were using herbs and burning oils.

The Egyptians used oils in the mummification process, then eventually applied the same herbs and oils to everyday life. In fact, Cleopatra used the exotic and erotic Jasmine oil to distract Marc Antony during business meetings (Ladies, take note!).

In India, practitioners of ayurveda, a form of medical therapy, employed the use of aromatherapy and massage. Greeks used oils for aromatherapy, cosmetics, and medicine. Romans utilized the oils after baths, and the Aztec had a vast array of herbs and plants. In 980 AD, in the Far East, the art of distilling alcohol led to the development of more modern-day perfumes.

I believe it wouldn't be too far-reaching to say that nearly every culture at one time or another took advantage of nature's resources and used oils and massage.

How Do They Work?

Essential oils work in at several ways. First, and probably most obvious, is scent. The nose is an incredible organ. Ever notice how a fleeting aroma wafting across the street can take you back in time 20 years, to when you first encountered that smell? You can recall that instant in time in vivid detail; much more detail, in fact, than a photograph could bring back. Have you ever encountered a scent that reminded you of a particular person? Have you ever found yourself attracted to someone and not known why, only to find out later it was the scent he or she was wearing that aroused your interest? There are good reasons for that. The nose is directly hardwired to the brain.

When a scent is inhaled, the particles of the aroma are picked up by nerve endings at the back of the nose. The signal is then passed up to the brain, specifically to the limbic system.

The limbic system is home of the hypothalamus, which in turn houses the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, among other things, is responsible for hormone release. See where I'm going with this?

Nose - to - limbic system - to - hypothalamus - to - pituitary gland - to - hormone release

There are different neurochemicals that are triggered by smell and cause mood changes. The first one is familiar to just about everyone- endorphine. Endorphin is the body's natural high. Endorphines are most commonly associated with pain control. Everyone has heard of the person who is shot and doesn't know it, or the person who has broken a limb and feels no pain. Thank the great hormone endorphine for that! Endorphines are actually stronger than morphine, which is probably why the word breaks down as "endo", which means "within", and "phin", which means "morphine"; literally the word means "the morphine within."

But pain control isn't the only job of endorphines. Elevated levels of this hormone is seen after exercise and sex, as well. It's associated with feelings of invicibility, satisfaction, calmness, and attunement with the body.

The other neurochemical triggered by smell is serotonin. Serotonin is a calming hormone. It is associated with sleep, mood, locomotion, feeding, and anxiety.

Is it any wonder that aromatherapy is a great way to relax, calm, and entice?

So, now the nose has picked up on the scents of the oil and has triggered a mad rush of hormones through the body. That, you may say, is a temporary state. One could get used to the scent of the oil and it will have less impact, or over the course of an evening the effects of the hormones will dissipate. But there's more. The oils are also absorbed in the fat cells, and when essential oils are used in massage, whether erotic or not, the medicinal components of the herbs are also availed. Combine that with the effects of the massage itself -stimulation of circulation and heat production, not to mention relaxation of tense muscles - and you have an excellent vehicle through which to completely spoil your partner with luxury.

Introduction to Essential Oils

I personally believe that massage using essential oils is one of the most erotic feelings in life. As I said before, the massage itself, along with the scents, is magical enough, but what I think really makes massage with essential oils so special is the care that is being shown by the masseuse.

When you partner takes the time to select, mix, and then apply oils to your body, he or she is telling you that you are worth the time. Your partner is telling you that you're worth spoiling, worth pampering, and that he or she thinks you're beautiful.

Psychologically, essential oils and massage do as much for the soul as the actually physical benefits, which are no small things.

The main focus of this composition is information on essential oils used for massage. Keep in mind that all these oils are used for other medicinal reasons and in other ways than massage. For our purposes, though, I will try to keep the information on massage oils, erotic and otherwise.

At the end of this report you'll find a small guide to different oils, their basic scents, and their attributes in regards to massage, as well as good base oils to use in your mixture.

A Word of Caution

My favorite base oil is almond oil, but there are a surprisingly large number of people allergic to nuts. DO NOT USE ALMOND OIL WITH ANYONE WHO HAS A NUT ALLERGY! You want to send your partner into throes of passion, not the emergency room with anaphylactic shock.

When choosing the essential oils for your massage oil:

• Pick just a few; you don't want a mishmash of aromas.

• Make sure the essential oils, as well as the base oil, are not only edible, but tastes good and are not harmful to mucous membrane.

• Be aware of the properties of the essential oils you use. Some may heat up, which can be a lot of fun, but might be a little intense for some people. Some are astringent, some can raise blood pressure, and some just taste horrible.

• This may sound like a "duh" statement, but find out what your partner likes. If your partner absolutely hates mints, then massage oil made with peppermint is not going to put him in the mood for love.

Blends

There are a few things to keep in mind when blending oils. First and foremost is many essential oils have medicinal properties and should be used with caution, especially during pregnancy.

After the list of oils and their attributes at the end of this narrative, there will be a list of oils to avoid during pregnancy, some of which may not be listed in the list of oil attributes.

The second thing to keep in mind is that oils should never be applied directly to the skin, unless you have been instructed to do so by an experienced aromatherapist. Base oil must always be used. You want to use about 5 to 6 drops of essential oil for every 10 mL of base oil you use. That comes out to about 15 or so drops of essential oil per liter of base oil.

Oils should be stored in a dark glass bottle - never plastic. You will usually find oils stored in amber-colored bottles or blue ones. Avoid rubber stoppers for your oil bottles. The oils can eat through the rubber.

And speaking of oils eating through rubber, latex condoms will degrade in the presence of oil. Again, your Jimmy hat will not be of any use if you use oils as a sexual lubricant, which is bound to happen during an erotic massage. There are condoms made from plastics that can withstand the presence of oil, so read labels before you buy! Okay, I'm going to reiterate, since I don't want anyone blaming me if Junior is born 9 months from now: DO NOT USE LATEX CONDOMS WITH OIL LUBRICANTS, AS THE OIL CAN CAUSE THE CONDOM TO BREAK!

Moving on.....

Store the oils in a cool dry place. If stored correctly, the oils should last a year or so.

After mixing your oils, let your mixture sit for a day or so, or at least a few hours, and then go back and smell it again. You might find that the finished product smells a little different from when you first put it up. You can adjust your mixture accordingly. Play around with the oils, find a mixture that smells good to you and experiment with it. If you added 3 drops of sandalwood and 1 drop of chamomile one time, the next time you might want to try 2 drops of each, instead.

By the way, the combination of sandalwood and chamomile is an excellent relaxing oil mixture.

In general, men tend to enjoy spicy, woody smells, while women are known for favoring floral scents. A blend of both, then, would be an ideal massage oil that would please both partners in a heterosexual relationship. This, however, is a general statement. I'm a woman, and I prefer the spicy aromas over the floral ones, and I know some men who love the scent of some flowers. Regardless, for him/her relationships try a mixture of jasmine and sandalwood (both very erotic oils), or rose and frankincense.

Men like scents such as cinnamon, ginger, clove, nutmeg, and coriander. Women seem to lean towards aromas such as rose, jasmine, nerolis, and ylang-ylang. But, like I said before, this is a generality and the real fun comes from finding what you and your partner enjoy.

My all-time favorite massage oil is a combination of lavender oil, clove oil, cinnamon, peppermint, and rosemary oil, in a base of sweet almond oil. This blend not only smells awesome, but also produces just a touch of heat that can really drive you wild. It also tastes great!

You might want to try these other combinations:

- For relaxation try clary sage, lavender, and lemon. Chamomile is excellent for sleep, so try a mixture of chamomile and sandalwood, or chamomile and lavender to help you relax.

- Ginger and, believe it or not, black pepper, are great for sore, achy muscles.

- For an uplifting massage, try a blend of lemon, mint, and geranium. How about bergamot, peppermint, and lemon? Lavender, orange, and peppermint is a very cooling combination, as well, and gives a nice floral scent.

- For romance there are several mixtures you can try. Bergamot, sandalwood, and jasmine for one. The Kama Sutra recommends jasmine and grapefruit. Ylang-ylang, lavender, grapefruit, lemon, and neroli are also great together. If you're really ambitious, go for a combination of rosewood, neroli, lavender, thyme, and cinnamon or clove.

- Trouble sleeping? Try lemon, marjoram, and vetiver.

Essential Oils

Please keep in mind that all these oils have many attributes, and this is by no means a complete list of essential oils. I've picked these oils for their relaxing, sensual, or refreshing qualities. An asterisk after an entry means that that particular essential oil is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

In general, it is a good idea to always consult with an herbalist, doctor, midwife, aromatherapist, or other healthcare practitioner before using any essential oil medicinally. There will be a more complete list of oils to avoid after this entry.

Essential oils that are underlined are particularly known for their sensual attributes. If you notice, most of the "aphrodisiac" essential oils have euphoric and calming effects. This makes sense, as a calm and content state of mind is essential for a good sensual encounter. Combine these erotic oils with those promoting muscle relaxation, and you have a massage partner that is calm, relaxed, and ready for more action.

- Bergamot - Citrus bergamia - This oil has the aroma of bergamot orange that is slightly floral. A very refreshing scent. It is also known as Oswego tea and bee balm. This oil is good for depression, tension, and stress.

- Bos-de-Rose - Aniba rosaeodora - A sweet, floral, woody scent that relieves stress, headache, and depression.

- Cedarwood* - Cedrus atlantica - You will find this a scent that is dry, woody, and sweet. It soothes and calms. Great for arthritis and stress.

- Chamomile* - Matricana chamomila - This oil has a fruity, herbal essence with a myriad of uses. Not only is it great for your hair, it is also wonderful for insomnia, anxiety, neuralgia, burns, pain of rheumatism, gout, sores, sprains, inflamed skin, strains, stress, and nerves, and gives a sense of peace and calm.

- Cinnamon* - Cinnamonum zelanicum - I'm sure everyone has smelled the comforting aroma of cinnamon in apple pie, but I bet you didn't know it is a wonderful essential oil for exhaustion, stress, and rheumatism. Cinnamon may be a mucus membrane irritant, as are the other spices, so keep that in mind when making oils intended for erotic massage. You might want to use just a small amount in you blend.

- Citronella* - Cymbopogon nardus - This oil has a lovely citrus odor. I'm sure everyone is familiar with its insect-repellent attributes, but it's also a great tonic for headache and fatigue.

- Clary Sage* - Salvia sclarea - This oil with a nutty fragrance helps fortify a debilitated nervous system. It is also a euphoric and has sensual properties. Some sources site clary sage as being a uterine stimulant, so this must be kept in mind in the case of pregnancy.

- Clove* - Eugenia caryophyllata - Clove is a wonderful analgesic; just ask anyone who's used it for a toothache. It also has antiseptic properties and is excellent for arthritis pains, as well as sprains and strains. This oil may cause mucus membranes irritation, so again, be wary. In my own personal use of this essential oil, I've not found it to be irritating to mucus membranes, but everyone is different and perceives sensations differently.

- Cypress - Cupressus sempervirens - A woody aroma that helps with mental and emotional resolve, as well as rheumatism and varicose veins.

- Frankincense - Buswellia thurifera - This gift from the magi has a heady, spicy aroma. It encourages feelings of peace and wellbeing, calms, deepens breathing, and eases nerves and tension. I liked to use this oil or the resin itself when my children are fearful of boogey men and monsters. When I burn frankincense, I can feel it in my spine. The aroma evokes feelings of safety, and may even chase away evil spirits!

- Geranium* - Pelargonium graveolens - An essential oil with a floral scent. It's good for depression and nerves; helps to relax. It also benefits the nervous system and women who suffer from PMS.

- Ginger - Zingiber officinale - Ginger has a spicy aroma that for me calms and soothes. My midwife uses ginger in boiling water during births to soothe the laboring mother. She also uses the ginger water to relax the skin. Ginger improves circulation; it's great for cold hands and feet, so try it in a tub or footbath. It helps with muscle aches and pains, as well as arthritis.

- Grapefruit - Citrus paradisi - This oil, with an obvious citrus aroma, is used for depression and migraine, and as a tonic aid in drug withdrawal. It is a good choice if you're looking for a refreshing scent.

- Hops - Humulus lupus - Hops is the ingredient in beer that acts as a sedative. Marijuana, which also causes sedation, is a relative of hops. Hops is an analgesic and helps neuralgia, nervous tension, bruising, and insomnia. It's also a skin softener.

- Jasmine - Jasminum officinale - This oil has an erotic floral scent. This night-blooming flower eases anxiety and lethargy, while relaxing and calming.

- Juniper* - Juniperus communis - With an earthy, woody scent, juniper clears the emotions and relaxes. It's also good for cellulitis and rheumatism.

- Lavender - Lavendula augustiform - This oil has a warm floral aroma. It is a relaxant, easing nervous tension, headaches, neuralgia, and muscle aches and pains from rheumatism, and gives a sense of tranquility. It also works wonders on burns, though I do not recommend using the undiluted oil on damaged skin, and before using any oil medicinally, it's a good idea to check with an aromatherapist, herbalist, midwife, or naturopath.

- Lemon - Citrus limonum - A lemony aroma, of course, that refreshes and cools. It's great for nerves, varicose veins, and high blood pressure. Anyone who has had a tall glass of ice water with a twist of lemon on a hot summer's day or while feverish can attest to the cooling, soothing qualities of lemon.

- Lemongrass - Cymbopogon citratus - Citrus. Wonderful for muscle aches, headaches, and stress.

- Lime - Citrus aurantifolia - Another oil with a sweet citrus odor. Great for high blood pressure, rheumatism, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and varicose veins. It revitalizes, too.

- Mandarin - Citrus noblis - An oil with a fruity citrus essence that relieves stress and nervousness, as well as eases insomnia with its tranquilizing effects.

- Marjoram* - Origanum marjorana - This essential oil has a spicy, woody aroma that is helpful with bruises, PMS, anxiety, insomnia, muscle aches, circulation, neuralgia, rheumatism, sprains, and strains.

- Melissa - Melissa officinalis - Also known as lemon balm, it calms nerves and lifts spirits. Its sedative affect helps with depression and insomnia. It's also good for eczema.

- Myrrh* - Commiphora myrrha - This aroma is woody and earthy, and has wonderful calming affects. It is also used as gargles and mouth rinses for those suffering from gingival problems, but this should be done only under the direction of any herbalist, and the oil never applied directly to the mucus membranes.

- Neroli - Citrus bigaradia - This oil has the essence of blossom of bitter orange. It eases depression, anxiety, and hysteria, as well as nervous tension. It promotes peace and encourages sleep, but is also known for its seductive qualities.

- Nutmeg* - Myristica fragrans - This woody, spicy oil works wonders for arthritis, aching muscles, neuralgia, rheumatism, and poor circulation.

- Orange - Citrus aurantium - Bitter orange, with its citrus aroma, is good for depression, anxiety, stress, dull skin, and muscle spasms.

- Palmarosa - Cymbopogon martini - This refreshing, floral aroma helps with exhaustion, skin infections, and dull skin.

- Patchouli - Pogostemon patchouli - With its musky odor, it lends itself as a sensual essential oil. It is also useful for skin inflammation, fatigue, mature skin, stress, and hair care.

- Peppermint - Mentha piperata - A cooling, refreshing minty aroma is the characteristic of this oil. It is also known for its benefits for inflammation, and migraine, and where it is applied it has an anesthetic affect that increases blood flow. Like the other mints, though, it may cause mucus membrane irritation.

- Rose - Rosa gallica officinalis - A light floral aroma helps to ease tension, depression, and anxiety. It is a "love oil" that is also an excellent tonic for the reproductive organs. Rose also aids in the treatment of eczema and mature skin.

- Rosemary* - Rosmarinus officinalis - This oil has an herbal, woody aroma. It, too, is a "love oil", but also helps with headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, sprains, nerves, and rheumatism. This is one of the best oils for your hair.

- Rosewood - Aniba Rosaeodora - This floral scent promotes comfort and eases depression. It relaxes sore muscles. It is also known as lemongrass.

- Sandalwood - Santalum album - This wood-scented oil is known as a sexual stimulant. It helps the user to focus on the here and now, enjoying the moment rather than worrying about what could have been; enabling the user to fully enjoy his or her present situation and partner. It is also a sedative that helps with depression and PMS.

- Thyme* - Thymus vulgaris (as well as T. serpyllum and T. pulegioides) - This plant possesses a fresh, herbal aroma. It strengthens nerves, eases exhaustion and rheumatic pains, and soothes muscle aches and arthritis. - Ylang-ylang - Canagna odorata - This oil has an exotic, floral odor that eases stress, anxiety, and high blood pressure. It's a general tonic that is also well known for its sensual properties.

Base oils

- Sweet Almond - This oil can be used 100%. This is my favorite oil to use as a base. It's light in texture and color, and has the added benefit of helping with itching, dryness, soreness, and inflammation.

- Apricot Kernel - This oil, too, can be used undiluted. It's good for sensitive skin and dry skin.

- Avocado - This oil should be used at only 10% (90% should be another oil, such as sweet almond). This base oil is rather heavy and leaves a waxy feel on the skin.

- Avocado Pear - Again, though this oil is good for dry skin, it should be used at 10% and mixed with another base oil.

- Borage Seed - Another 10% oil that should be mixed. It's good for premature aging, stimulation and regeneration of skin, multiple sclerosis, menopause, heart disease, and eczema.

- Cocoa Butter - This needs to be warmed, as it is solid at room temperature, but it is excellent for dry skin.

- Corn Oil - This oil can be used 100% and is good for all skin types. It's rather heavy, but also soothing.

- Hazelnut - This oil can be used undiluted and on all skin types. It is also an astringent.

- Jojoba - This base should be diluted to 10%. It's a wonderful help in psoriasis, acne, and inflamed skin, but can be used on all skin types. It's also good for the hair.

- Peanut Oil - Edgar Casey sang the wonders of this oil. He recommended it for all types of ailments. Peanut oil can be used undiluted and on all skin types, but be aware that it has a very strong aroma of peanuts and can feel quite heavy on the skin.

- Safflower - This can be used undiluted and for all skin types.

- Sesame Oil - This should be diluted to 10%, but is wonderful on all skin types. It is especially useful for psoriasis, eczema, and arthritis. It also has a strong aroma, though, so smell it before trying it. - Soya Bean - Another oil that can be used undiluted and on all skin types. - Sunflower oil - Again, another oil that can be used undiluted and on all skin types.

- Wheat germ - While good for psoriasis, prematurely aging skin, and eczema, as well as all skin types, it should be used at 10%.

Remember, use only 5 to 6 drops of essential oil per 10 mL of base oil. This is the total amount. You can combine oils, of course, but in total your essential oils should not exceed the 5 to 6 drops mentioned above.

Pregnancy and Essential Oils

Some essential oils may be uterine stimulants or have other effects that are contraindicated in pregnancy. While this list is pretty close to complete, there's no way I can be sure I got everything down. In any case, when pregnant, it is always good to check with a midwife, herbalist, or aromatherapist before using any particular essential oil. While some oils are not advised during early pregnancy, some may actually be beneficial in the last trimester or during labor.

• Angelica

• Aniseed

• Basil

• Camphor

• Cedarwood

• Chamomile

• Cinnamon

• Citronella

• Clary sage

• Clove

• Cypress

• Fennel

• Geranium

• Hyssop

• Juniper

• Marjoram

• Myrrh

• Nutmeg

• Oregano

• Parsley

• Peppermint

• Rosemary*

• Sage

• Thyme

*Some sources site rosemary as being contraindicated in pregnancy, while others claim there is no reason it can't be used. All I can say is to research the herb yourself, talk to some herbalists, and make your own decision.

Other Precautions

If allergic to nuts, avoid base oils that contain nuts, such as sweet almond oil, hazelnut oil, and peanut oil. This may seem an obvious thing to do, but there are some people that will assume because the oil is not being ingested, that it is safe. Unless you've had an anaphylactic reaction to nuts, you couldn't possible understand the need to be extremely careful with these oils.

If you suffer from high blood pressure, avoid hyssop, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Licorice is also known to elevate the blood pressure, but it's not often used as a massage oil!

Diabetics should avoid angelica.

For those of you who enjoy tanning beds or outdoor tanning, you should avoid bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, ginger, lime, orange, and the other citruses. These can make you hypersensitive to ultraviolet waves.

Oils to be avoided in general are:

• Bitter almond

• Boldo leaf

• Calamus

• Deadly nightshade

• Horseradish

• Jaborandi leaf

• Mugwort

• Mustard

• Pennyroyal

• Rue

• Sassafras

• Savin

• Southern wood

• Stinging nettle

• Tansy

• Thuja

• Wintergreen

• Wormwood

• Yellow camphor

Conclusion

In closing, I want to encourage you all to experiment with essential oils and erotic massage. The skin is the largest human organ; take full advantage of it!

As you experiment with more and more combinations, finding the ones that are right for you in each particular circumstance, you will not only find that you are pleasing you partner in much deeper ways, but you are also learning something about yourself. To honestly enjoying giving pleasure to your partner is what will make you a good lover, and a memorable one. When I think about my lover, it's his hands that come to mind before anything else. Even as I type I can feel his hands on my neck, massaging the stress of computer work away!

Slow down, enjoy your senses, and enjoy each other.

"And in the end, the love you make is equal to the love you take."

The Beatles

How to Give an Erotic Massage: Massage Oils

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Bismuth Oxychloride in Mineral Makeup

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Does this scenario sound familiar? You've worn traditional makeup for years with little to no irritation. Upon hearing about the benefits of mineral makeup, you decide to give it a try. After all, it claims to be better for your skin and healthier overall, so what have you got to lose? And if you've never been able to wear traditional makeup without irritation, mineral makeup sounds like the answer you've been looking for. You buy your first jar and begin wearing it immediately.

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Except... you're having a reaction you've never had before to makeup. Your skin may be red, irritated, itching, having small bumps or pustules, burning or looking swollen. What is this? How can mineral makeup cause such an extreme reaction?

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That reaction is likely caused by the ingredient bismuth oxychloride. While bismuth oxychloride is a common ingredient in traditional makeup, as well as mineral makeup, it is used in much higher concentrations in mineral makeup. There are no fillers in mineral makeup like there are in traditional cosmetics (talc, mineral oil, aluminum powder, alcohols and parabens), so the few ingredients left, including bismuth oxychloride, make up more of the recipe.

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Why Is Bismuth Oxychloride Used In Makeup?

Is it used in makeup because it gives the makeup a silky feel, good slip (this means it applies well to the skin and doesn't drag or grab on the skin) and good adhesion, which helps it stay on your skin. It feels smooth and silky when rubbed between the fingers. It is often described as a lustrous crystalline powder.

It is not the most expensive ingredient, nor is it the least expensive. It is, however, an industry standard and very common. It also gives a visible sheen to the makeup, so it's good at refracting light and that helps draw attention away from, and camouflage, fine lines, wrinkles and minor discolorations. That's a great selling point for makeup.

What Is Bismuth Oxychloride?

Bismuth oxychloride is an inorganic white pigment, and usually comes in two forms: diamond and pearl finishes. The diamond is shimmery and the pearl is more matte. It's formula is BiOCl.

If you look on the periodic table of elements, you'll notice plain old bismuth at atomic number 83, with the symbol Bi. It is the least toxic of it's periodic table neighbors like lead, tin, antimony and polonium. Bismuth in itself is not safe for use in cosmetics, and must be refined and combined with other elements to produce bismuth oxychloride.

Bismuth occurs naturally, but in very small amounts. Most of the bismuth produced in the USA is as a by-product from refining lead, tin, copper, silver and gold ores.

Once the bismuth has been harvested, it is further refined through several processes to remove dangerous elements like lead. Then it is chlorinated, which gives us bismuth chloride (BiCl3). It still poses a severe risk at this point, smelling of hydrochloric acid. When bismuth chloride is combined with water, it starts to decompose and part of the chlorine is replaced by oxygen from the water. This process is called hydrolysis. The remaining compound is bismuth, chlorine and oxygen; Bismuth oxychloride.

Is It Safe To Use?

Bismuth oxychloride is a product that is FDA approved for use in products for the face, eyes, lips and nails. It is a very common and popular ingredient in both traditional and mineral makeup.

However, skin irritation from bismuth oxychloride is not unusual. According the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for bismuth oxychloride, there is a risk of it being a potential irritant to humans when it comes in contact with the skin or eyes.

It is also imperative that bismuth oxychloride be free from toxins when it hits the market. The FDA does have standards outlining this, and in their Electronic Code of Federal Regulations they dictate the composition must be free of impurities except lead, arsenic, volatile matter and mercury in specific amounts and must be 98% bismuth oxychloride.

Buying bismuth oxychloride from countries with less stringent laws may result in increased health risks, so it is wise for companies to buy from highly regulated countries, like the US and Canada.

Should I Use It?

This is a very personal question to answer. Are you are happy with your current makeup and are suffering no ill effects? Would you feel more comfortable using makeup without it? Do you find that you have to buff minerals with bismuth oxychloride into your pores or they are more obvious, and this is irritating your skin? Have you found using mineral makeup without it causes your skin relief and the reaction clears up?

These are all questions to ask yourself when deciding to purchase a brand with bismuth oxychloride as an ingredient. There are many good products available, offering the same benefits as products with bismuth oxychloride, but without the ingredient itself.

Bismuth Oxychloride in Mineral Makeup

Acne Makeup

How to Use an Astringent Skin Toner in Your Skin Care Routine

Acne Makeup

We are all taught that to have attractive skin we need to first determine what type of skin we have and to properly wash and moisturize our faces accordingly. However, another very important step in maintaining clean, toned skin is to use an astringent skin toner between washing and moisturizing your face.

Acne Makeup

Astringents are commonly referred to as toners and are basically used to remove oils and tighten the skin. Natural ingredients, such as green tea, witch hazel, calendula, chamomile, yarrow, nettles, sage oil and avocado oil, are the basis for a great number of the most gentle and effective astringents. Sometimes alcohol-based astringents are used to cleanse oily skin, but these can prove to be excessively drying and strip the skin of essential oils it needs for maximum health.

Acne Makeup

A truly effective astringent skin toner should improve the circulation to skin tissues and cause them to tighten, control surface oil and lower the skin's pH after cleansing. The toner also prepares your skin by removing all traces of leftover makeup and opening the pores prior to applying moisturizer. You can determine what type of astringent to choose based upon your skin type and needs. An astringent can be used to calm and soothe irritated skin, promote healing and remove excess oils to prevent potential blackheads and blemishes, as well as to firm the skin to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, prevent sagging tissues and improve the appearance of the skin overall,

Acne Makeup

First, your should wash your face with a gentle cleanser that is suitable for your skin type, whether dry, normal, combination, oily or sensitive. Avoid harsh cleaners or soaps which could strip the skin, especially since you will get that extra cleansing step from applying an astringent. Dry your face with a soft, clean towel, preferably made from natural materials. Use a cotton ball or soft tissue to apply toner to your face with gentle strokes, first on your t-zone and then lightly on your cheeks. Let the astringent dry on the surface of your skin and then apply moisturizer. You will find that your skin seems more receptive to the moisturizer and absorbs it more quickly. Also, using a toner inhibits surface skin oil and prevents breakouts. This three step cleansing process should be done twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Daily use of an astringent skin toner helps to make your skin more clean, clear and healthy. By tightening your skin and removing surface oils and bacteria, you can dramatically improve your complexion.

How to Use an Astringent Skin Toner in Your Skin Care Routine

Acne Makeup

Remove Pigmentation on Face Naturally

Acne Makeup

Facial pigmentation is the most stressful skin condition as it is a cosmetic and beauty problem and causes a lot of psychological tension. But how do you remove pigmentation from face? To find the answer to this situation you must find out what caused the skin blemishes. This skin condition may be caused by several factors. Pigmentation on the face may be due to melasma, excessive sun tanning, age spots, uneven healing of pimple or acne marks, freckles or even as reaction to certain medicines or cosmetic products. Once you pin point the factor responsible for these marks, treatment becomes easier.

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How To Treat Facial Pigmentation

Acne Makeup

The first step is as you must be aware to use a good quality sun screen lotion. A good sunscreen lotion not only protects you from the harmful effects of the ultra violet ray of the skin, it contains ingredients that lighten and moisturize your skin. So look for one that contains natural or herbal ingredients and free from harsh chemicals.

Acne Makeup

The second step is to follow a regular skin care routine to repair the damage caused and help healthy cell grow back. For this you need to do regular exfoliation to remove outer skin layer that has pigmentation. Many good quality face scrubs are available for immediate use. Or you can try home made ones if you have the time.

The third step is to take care of your diet. A diet rich in anti oxidants will help in speeding up new skin regeneration. And you must take care to keep your skin hydrated by drinking sufficient water.

The fourth step is the most important step. You may need some skin whitening product if the extent of pigmentation is extensive. You may try over the counter skin bleaches or cosmetic bleaches. There are many creams and cosmetics for facial pigmentation removal. You can try some home made skin bleaches or face masks for skin whitening and pigmentation removal.

Home remedies For Facial Pigmentation Removal

There are many home remedies for this skin condition. Here are a few that give immediate result.
Take a pinch of turmeric powder and mix with fresh cream. Apply it evenly on the affected skin area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Splash cold water to clean it up. Mix one tea spoon lemon juice with equal amount of honey and organic yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face and wash off with cold water after 15 minutes or so. Apply almond oil with the tip of your finger with a light hand to the affected skin at night and leave it on overnight.

Remove Pigmentation on Face Naturally

Acne Makeup

Skin Crawling Sensations and Menopause

Acne Makeup

One of the creepiest feelings associated with menopause, without a doubt, is skin crawling. In fact, during menopause, a number of skin/nerve related conditions might be experienced, including itchy or dry skin, tingling feelings, and skin sensitivity. These conditions are all normal, but there are also a number of treatments available for menopausal women who are experiencing pain or problems with their skin.

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Flashback for a moment--probably around the time you were in middle school. Whether you were a member of the cheerleading squad or you spent most of your time in the library matters not; most girls this age battle a common problem: acne. It is no coincidences that this trouble starts to occur around the time girls first start menstruating. When this begins, the hormones in a young girl's body are rapidly changing, and the skin reacts in a somewhat negative way.

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Hormone levels in an adult woman's body are no different. As menopause begins, your skin reacts to the changing levels in your body, and the results can be sometimes unpleasant.

Acne Makeup

The prickly crawling feeling that many women experience is called formication. Women usually experience this one to two years after their last period and during the end of perimenopause and the beginning of menopause. While doctors are still largely unsure of its cause, formication goes away on its own in a relatively short period of time for most women. Many speculate that the cause of this is an overworked, hot liver, which happens when your hormones are changing rapidly, as they are at the onset of menopause.

However, itchy, dry, sensitive skin can last much longer and become painful if it goes untreated. For treatment, see a dermatologist. Often times, the same remedies that worked when you were a teenager also work now--moisturizing your skin, washing sensitive areas like your face very gently and with special washes, using prescription acne medications, washing your pillowcases often, and using less oily makeup.

Unlike formication and sensitive skin, tingling in the extremities might be a cause to worry. Although many menopausal women experience tingling in their feet, hands, legs, and arms, they can also be signs of more serious problems, like diabetes, vitamin deficiency, depletion of calcium, depletion of potassium, or blood vessel/circulation problems. Be safe--always see a doctor if you experience the tingling for an expended period of time.

Seeing a doctor is simply your best bet in the end for any type of menopausal problem, skin related or not. He or she can suggest a number of treatment options, including medication, natural remedies, therapy, diet change, exercise programs, and alternative treatment options.

Testing for menopause is difficult--your hormones during this time period change rapidly from day to day--but what doctors can do is rule out any other medical reasons for the skin problems you are experiencing.

Sometimes menopause can be confused with the onset of a serious disease or disorder, so if you have any doubts in your mind, talk to a health care professional about your crawling, dry, itchy, or tingling skin sensations.

Skin Crawling Sensations and Menopause

Acne Makeup

Get Rid of Acne Scars

Acne Makeup

If you want to know how to get rid of acne scars then it is a good thing that you have clicked on this article and decided to read it. This article will tell you all that you need to know about how to deal with these unsightly scars that are the nasty aftermath of suffering from acne.

Acne Makeup

Knowing how to get rid of your acne scars is important. Having these scars can be very embarrassing. They are something that can really affect the self-esteem of a person. This is the reason why people with acne scars are often aloof and shy and are not really comfortable about facing other people. What's worse is that these scars usually appear in the most noticeable parts of the face like the cheeks or the nose area.

Acne Makeup

Eliminating acne scarring is not easy. Anyone who has these scars will tell you the same thing. These scars can be more difficult to get rid of than acne. And the problem with these scars is that they cannot be concealed easily using makeup or whatever kind of concealer.

Acne Makeup

Getting rid of acne scarring though is not impossible. There are many individuals who have successfully done so. If they were able to do it then so can you. Read this article in its entirety to know of a very effective method of eliminating these ugly marks from your skin. In fact, you will not only learn of one, but two ways to remove acne scars.

One of the best ways to get rid of acne scars is to rub olive oil in the affected area for at least four times a day until the scar disappears or at least diminishes in appearance. Olive oil has special properties that can help even out skin and that is why it is very effective in dealing with acne scars. Olive oil has many beneficial properties and the best part is that it is all-natural so you can be sure that it is safe.

Another thing that you can do to get rid of acne scar is to rub Vitamin E oil on the affected area. Vitamin E is known as an effective skin moisturizers. It is also responsible for keeping the skin looking young. If you can't find any Vitamin E oil anywhere, then simply buy a Vitamin E supplement, open it up and rub the oil on your the scar.

A third way to get rid of acne scar is to use lemon juice. Just cut up some lemon, squeeze the juice on a piece of cotton, then gently dab on your skin.

Choose one way to clear acne blemishes or try them all. All of these methods are safe for the skin and body.

Get Rid of Acne Scars

Acne Makeup

Makeup Tips For Pale Skin

Acne Makeup

Pale skin can be very translucent so finding the right foundation is one of your most important tasks. You may find that being so fair that you are a little more prone to aging especially if you live in a sunny climate. I would recommend that if your foundation doesn't contain a good amount of SPF that you always apply sunscreen on a daily basis as part of your beauty routine and, before your foundation to aid you in slowing the aging process.

Acne Makeup

A yellow or beige tint to your base should be enough to minimize the slight redness from your skin if you are prone to acne or if you've been exposed to the elements for too long. It will give you a little warmth to your skin tone. Make sure the color match is perfect, because if your base is too dark, you will look like you are wearing a mask. Use your foundation to even out your skin tone preparing it for the artwork to come next.

Acne Makeup

Go easy using bright colors on your eyes, as on pale skin they tend to be a bit too much. Try soft pastels, sheer shimmers and natural hues with warm undertones. A little mascara is good too. If your iris is pale then you may need to wear a taupe liner to frame your eyes. Groom your eyebrows and line with a blonde brow powder or smudged pencil. Cheek color is where you can bring a little more than the usual natural glow into your coloring. You need richer tones like sheer plum cheek tints and go for a deeper shade of lipstick. This will contrast nicely with brown or red hair. Experiment with brown-reds or berry shades and for a more dramatic evening look a go for true reds.

Acne Makeup

Coral shades are emerging. I love using a gingery sheer eye gloss, lashings of dark brown mascara, lots of warm cheek tint on the apples of my cheeks. I add a hint of shimmer across the top to bring the eyes out. I might use nude glossy lips for something a little funkier and it looks divine on translucent fair skin. I'm a redhead myself but you may have to alternate tones depending on your coloring and hair color.

Makeup Tips For Pale Skin

Acne Makeup

Get Rid of Acne Quickly - Have Clear Skin Permanently

Acne Makeup

Have you tired almost everything to get rid of acne but only to suffer from
recurring pimples outbreak at random periods?

Acne Makeup

Most so-called remedies out there that promise fast results are not
permanent, because of that, you need to understand what it takes to help you get
rid of acne once and for all.

Acne Makeup

Many acne sufferers have horrible pimple outbreaks for years without knowing
that it can be gotten rid of for life, this is especially true during the early
stages of such occurrences where corrective actions should be taken.

Acne Makeup

If you believe in the conspiracy theory, you may even think the acne
treatment industry has been keeping it as a secret so that over-the-counter
products will continue to sell. What if there is not one, but several natural
ways to permanently eliminate acne and pimples for life?

First of all, the title of this article may be unbelievable at first glance.
Not only are there ways to get rid of acne in as little as three days, they are
natural procedures and can be proven scientifically. Forget what you know or
have been told about your acne problem because some of these facts are what
dermatologist won't even tell you!

However, a little education on how acne comes about and how our skin,
especially those around the face, response to chemicals and the environment
changes is essential. This is the key to unlock the secret to permanent acne
control forever.

Here are some of the biggest myths that you may have been told:

Acne can be treated easily with creams, but recurrences several days or weeks later are inevitable. Everyone has acne problem at some stages of their life, there is no way to prevent acne from appearing one morning over your sleep. It's "OK" to mask the symptoms of an acne outbreak with cosmetics and powder.

...and perhaps much more that may mislead you into thinking that acne problems
can either be solved easily given some old-folk's recipe and simple
instructions.

The fact is that getting rid of acne is an issue much more than "skin deep".
For true permanent solution to acne problem, you need to address it from three
facets: Inner nutrition, Outer protection and last but not least, physiological
well-being.

Yes, it may sound more difficult than applying creams and lotions! The
question to ask yourself then is whether you're looking for the only proven,
holistic way to heal, restore and have beautiful clear skin permanently, all
without any side effects.

Get Rid of Acne Quickly - Have Clear Skin Permanently

Acne Makeup

Makeup Tips and Tricks For Cystic Acne Sufferers

Acne Makeup

Unfortunately, acne is hereditary in my family. What's worse is that cystic acne is the primary acne my family members struggle with. So from the age of about 13, I also struggled with the pain and embarrassment of cystic acne. Often I would only have one or two problem spots or blemishes, but as you probably know, cystic acne is deeply painful and can be very noticeable.

Acne Makeup

I am lucky to be artistic and interested in all things artistic like makeup. So as I approached my teen years I experimented with makeup more and more. I learned ways to conceal my acne. I was so good with cystic acne concealing, that if you ask my friends, they probably wouldn't even remember that I suffered from acne at all. I feel blessed that I learned the proper way to conceal my acne. I saved myself so much embarrassment, once I learned the keys to proper acne concealing.

Acne Makeup

I do remember a few days, before I learned the best tricks, that I stayed home from school because I was so humiliated with my blemish. I don't want anyone to have that experience. I sincerely know what it feels like to be embarrassed of your skin. You avoid eye contact at all costs, you avoid basketball games and school dances, because your face is just "out of control".

Acne Makeup

I want to share with you a few of my time-tested tricks.

The first trick, is not a trick at all. And you've probably heard it before: Don't pick. I'll be candid - most acne sufferers tend to pick their acne. It's gross and difficult to talk about but I want to point it out. Once I stopped touching, prodding and squeezing at my skin, my blemishes cleared up incredibly fast. Especially with cystic acne, picking a cyst does not help. The only way for a cyst to go away is for the swelling to go down. So the better fix would be:

Take an ibuprofen. This one really works. Ibuprofen helps to reduce swelling all over the body and really truly will make a difference with an acne cyst.

Place a hot wash cloth or heat pack on the cyst. In the same way ibuprofen helps to reduce swelling, heat really helps a cyst to calm.

Get a Zeno. The Zeno Acne clearing device is a targeted heat device that is medically safe and effective especially for cystic acne. I know it's expensive. I really do, but I absolutely recommend it. It's going to save you scarring and embarrassment. It makes your acne cyst disappear in half the time any other method would. I would not recommend this if it did not work. I've been duped into so many quick fix acne treatments because I was vulnerable and wanted help. This is something I truly stand behind - I personally own one. I've also heard from so many young women I work with as a makeup artist that it works.

Now here's the top makeup products for concealing acne cysts.

Stick Concealer, the concealer that looks like a lipstick. It has the perfect consistency because it's a little thicker than most concealers. It will last longer which is key for cystic acne sufferers. The concealer needs to really bind to the inflamed skin, otherwise it will slide off and you will be red and noticeable. CoverGirl and Almay have good brands of lipstick-shaped concealer. Try those.

Powder foundation - not translucent or mineral makeup. Powder foundation like Lancome's Dual Finish powder or Clinique's Double Face matte makeup are great. The reason a powder foundation is necessary is to seal in the concealer on top of your acne spot. Put the concealer on and then pat powder foundation over the top with a sponge. I don't recommend using a brush to apply the powder. The patting motion will help bind the texture of the concealer to the powder. This means your makeup will stay put and you know you will be concealed for the whole day. Knowing that your face is smooth and your acne is invisible is such a confidence boost! The best powder foundation, in my opinion is Nars Powder Foundation. Nars wins many of the annual Allure awards and is one of my personal favorite brands.

A simple combo of thick concealer stick and powder foundation will really save you from a red, swollen acne cyst. Make sure you get a concealer brush. I am not one of those people who thinks you have to have a makeup brush. But when you're working with acne, you want to be as hygienic as possible. Instead of using your bacteria-laden fingers, use a clean makeup brush. Your acne will heal much faster if you don't flare it with dirt, oil and bacteria. My favorite is the Afterglow Vegan Concealer brush. But I'm honestly not here to push products or make you buy expensive makeup. You can very easily buy a concealer brush from Target, from Sonia Kashuk.

I hope that this is helpful. Trust me, I know what you're going through, and I hope that you understand that you don't have to live in embarrassment. Little tricks and learning to take care of your skin can go a long way to managing your acne.

Makeup Tips and Tricks For Cystic Acne Sufferers

Acne Makeup

Choosing the Best Acne Scar Removal Products

Acne Makeup

Acne is one of the most difficult skin problems which people have to endure. Sometimes there are scars left on the skin even after the problem of acne has been taken care of. There are many teenagers as well as adults who have acne scars on their skin and this lowers their self confidence and also gives them a feeling of degradation. If you are one such person, don't worry there are many acne scar removal products to completely remove your scar.

Acne Makeup

There are many different methods and acne scar removal products, which have been devised for the removal of acne scars but not all these methods have proven to be completely effective in the process of acne scars removal.

Acne Makeup

The process of removal of acne scars on the skin can prove to be very challenging mainly because the scars will come in the deepest layers of the skin. There are many people who are afflicted with very severe cases of acne and this will affect the innermost layers of the skin and also create an impact on the skin tissue and cause lesions. There are many people who are suffering from acne who have only very mild scars while there are some people suffering from acne who have very severe lesions which have ruined their appearance and complexion. These types of scars can easily be removed with acne scar removal products.

Acne Makeup

Many people suffering from acne resort to the usage of acne scar removal products like makeup and concealer, which help them in hiding their scars. But they should also understand that this is only a temporary solution and this will not take care of the problem in all respects. Laser treatment, chemical peels, Dermabrasion, acne scar removal creams and lotions and application of Vitamin E to the skin are some of the most common methods of the removal of acne scars. This is also known to help in the healing of the skin tissues.

A high-powered laser is another acne scar removal product to treat acne scar. Laser treatment is used to remove the layer of the skin, which has been damaged. The middle layer is made tighter so that the skin can heal. Special chemicals and tools are used in the process of chemical peeling and Dermabrasion in order to remove the outermost layer of the skin. This will also pave the way for new and fresh skin cells, which will also help in reducing the appearance of acne scars.

Vitamin E as well as acne scar removal creams and lotions are some of the other acne scar removal products which are applied on the skin in order to make the acne scars on the skin fade away.

But not all these methods are effective at all points in time. All these methods and acne scar removal products may not help in the removal of acne scars.  Laser treatments, chemical peels and Dermabrasion are only providing a temporary solution and the acne scars can become visible once again. The products, which are meant for the removal of acne scars, are given a lot of publicity and they are not as effective as they promise.

People who want acne scar removal products, which are not very complicated, should realize that there are very few products, which contain the right ingredients that will actually treat the acne scars and also help in providing a glowing complexion. There are many products which contain fruit and vegetable extracts like blueberry, pomegranate, Goji, grape seed extract, hydrolyzed elastin, and soluble collagen which will give your skin a whole new life.

Choosing the Best Acne Scar Removal Products

Acne Makeup

Acne - 5 Things You Shouldn't Do If You Have Acne

Acne Makeup

Acne is a very widespread skin condition, which is particularly prevalent in teenagers. There is a lot of information available about treatment options, for example topical and oral antibiotics, but less about what you shouldn't do if you suffer from the condition. Below you will find 5 things which you may be tempted to try, but which can actually make your acne worse.

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1. Trying Miracle Cures

Acne Makeup

As with most things in life, if it sounds too good to be true, then it almost certainly is. There is currently no miracle cure guaranteed to treat all forms of acne. There is however, a tried and tested treatment regime, which your doctor or dermatologist will tailor to your specific requirements, and which will provide the best chance of improving your condition. Alternative treatments and herbal remedies may do more harm than good -- if in doubt, always consult your physician first.

Acne Makeup

2. Squeezing Spots

However tempting it may be, resist the urge to squeeze your spots. This can push bacteria deeper into your skin and make your condition worse, it may even lead to permanent scarring.

3. Being Hard on Your Skin

Chemical peeling and dermabrasion can also cause scarring. Wash your skin with gentle soaps and avoid scrubbing too hard. Try not to use oil-based cosmetics or suntan lotions.

4. Taking High-Strength Vitamin A Supplements

Vitamin A can indeed help to cure your acne, but too much can be bad for you. Rather than taking supplements, it's much better to eat a healthy, balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables. Vitamin A is abundant in vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes and kale.

5. Giving up Treatment Too Soon

Acne medicines take time to work. For example, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics if your acne doesn't respond well to topical treatments; and in this case it can take six weeks or more before your skin shows marked improvement. People are sometimes disappointed that their condition doesn't improve in a couple weeks and they stop taking the medication, thinking that it isn't working. You should always take the complete course as advised by your doctor.

If you avoid doing the above and follow your doctor's recommended treatment advice, you will stand the greatest chance of curing your acne.

Acne - 5 Things You Shouldn't Do If You Have Acne

Acne Makeup

Tips to Get a Clear Face - How to Clean the Face to Get Rid of Acne, Pimples and Blemishes

Acne Makeup

Due to constant exposure to sunlight and pollution, our skin collects dirt. In order to maintain a healthy and clear face, cleaning our face becomes a necessity. Acne, pimple and blemish are regular problems faced by our skin. They can be a huge source of embarrassment if not treated in proper time.

Acne Makeup

Generally teenagers face this problem due to fluctuations in hormonal levels and lack of primary hygiene. We mostly see people with an oily skin encounter these problems at a higher rate. Oily membrane easily collects more dust and makes our skin dirty. In order to obtain a clear features , we should have proper diet and drink lots of water . It plays a vital role to clean the face effectively and by removing all the marks and dirt from the appearance.

Acne Makeup

How To Clean The Face To Get Rid Of Acne, Pimple And Blemish

Acne Makeup

Cleaning: Washing your skin with gentle, oil and fragrance free cleaner, preferably non-detergent will clean your skin properly. It will remove the entire dust particles from your face . Cleanser that contains benzoil peroxide or salicylic acid can be applied onto an oily skin in order to get the best results. Oil free facials washes can provide you with clear skin and remove acne and pimples.

Treating: You can apply topical acne treatment using creams containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid over your entire face, not just where blemishes have already erupted. You can also use a drying spot treatment during night in order to clean the face. You can dab oil free moisturizer in your dry areas to clear face

Concealing: After completely cleaning your features , you can conceal your blemishes by using foundation with a small make up brush in your clear face.

Tips to Get a Clear Face - How to Clean the Face to Get Rid of Acne, Pimples and Blemishes

Acne Makeup

Acne Cleaning - 7 Vegetables You Must Eat

Acne Makeup

Eating vegetables is a strong way to clean up your acne. And indeed why should you spend hundreds of dollars on products why you can do it on a natural way, of course you have to pay for the vegetables as well but they don't cost more then a few dollars and I'm sure you eat already vegetables. Vegetables contain a lot of vitamins and in the next paragraphs I will describe seven vegetables that help you to clean up your acne plus their health benefits.

Acne Makeup

Carrots or carrot juice

Acne Makeup

Give carrot juice a try it's very healthy and it's not only good for acne but it can give you a good colour of your skin as well. A carrot contains a lot of vitamins such as a,b,c and k but also minerals and magnesium. You can eat them raw, stewed (excellent with mustard), in a pudding or as a salad.

Acne Makeup

Cucumber

A Cucumber is an effective way to prevent pimples. I'm sure you have saw this already in movies a woman with a cucumber mask on her face. Cucumbers contains vitamin a and c.
This may surprise you but they belong to the same family as watermelons. Personally I prefer to eat my cucumber cut in circles with pepper, salt, oil and vinegar.

Salad

Salad contains almost no calories and contains a high water volume. Salad contains a lot of vitamin A and but even more vitamin K and vitamin c. I like to serve my salads with a dressing of course you can try mayonnaise but also very nice is an Italian dressing or a French dressing.

Spinach

Popeye eats spinach and he becomes strong in a few moment of course this is only a cartoon. But spinach is good to clean up acne it contains a lot of Vitamin K, A and Iron. Spinach is also a good resource to prevent you from cancer, hart disease and arthritis.

Peppers

Peppers or paprika's are one of my favourite are one of my favourite vegetables you have them in red, orange, yellow, green ,white and even purple. Did you know that you can find paprika's in cosmetic aisle such as blush eye shadow. Red and yellow paprika's contain much more vitamin c than green paprika's. In fact green paprika's are immature.

Broccoli

Broccoli is an interesting vegetable to add on the list. Have you read the article written by a CNN journalist in 200: "Broccoli beats most other veggies in health benefits". Broccoli contains a lot of vitamin c and calcium it's also a good resource to prevent cataracts.

Garlic

Garlic is not really a vegetable you should eat if you want to kiss somebody. Garlic is an important ingredient when it comes to herbal medicines. There are even people who are putting a garlic juice on their pimples.

As you can see vegetables are very effective not only for a perfect skin or to clean up your acne but also for other things as well. There are a lot of people who don't like vegetables but I hope you will try them out.

Acne Cleaning - 7 Vegetables You Must Eat

Acne Makeup

When Is Too Young To Start Wearing Makeup?

Acne Makeup

There have been questions raised about how young or old you should be before you start thinking about wearing makeup. Each person is different. Some never wear makeup, some start wearing makeup as young as twelve.

Acne Makeup

Is twelve too young? In today's world children are being pushed to start acting older than they really are, dress older, just be older and never get to be the child they need to be. Wearing makeup is part of the grownup's world and one step for a young girl to take as she finds her way into the adults world. At twelve some girls have already started their periods setting them apart for their classmates.

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If you as her mother feel your daughter should start looking into wearing makeup then you too should go along and help her with her decisions on the right types of brands that are best to wear.

Acne Makeup

Helping her pick a mascara and a eyelash curler for starters, natural eye shadows and lip gloss. By helping her make these decisions could bring you closer.

Take her to a major department store and have them show her how to apply the makeup could be a very helpful idea specially for those mother's who don't wear makeup at all.

Some may feel that wearing makeup will boosted their child's self confidence and that is a good idea as well. You never know what your child goes through in the day.

Have her start by checking into teen magazines for ideas of what other girls are wearing. Maybe find someone who's face is alike and see how she is wearing her makeup might be of help. Why not have a sleepover and have a trusted female teenager watch over the girls and help them with their makeup questions. Someone closer to their age maybe of help as well.

There is a great book out there written by Bobbie Brown "Teenage Beauty" that was written just for teenagers includes those as young as twelve. It covers the basics of color selection, makeup techniques and also skincare issues.

Those who daughters are already having problems with acne the best bet would to take her to the dermatologist and get started on a skincare routine. You are never too young to start a simple skincare routine such as washing your face with a mild facial soap, a simple moisturizer and sunscreen. It's a habit that all young girls should start anyway. Could help with those mild breakouts she is starting to have.

Once you have decided that she is old enough to wear makeup you could start by attaching permission for when she could wear makeup such as school dances and class parties at school, maybe lip gloss for everyday and mascara and light eye shadow on those special days.

Help her pick out her best feature (eyes, lips) and help enhance them.

Over all most young ladies of twelve are too young for all types of makeup but for lip gloss. By the time they are thirteen with your help it could stop their faces from breaking out, from them wearing makeup all wrong and fake, and help her boost her confidence and your friendship with her. She may not like you stopping her at twelve but by the time she is sixteen she may even thank you.

When Is Too Young To Start Wearing Makeup?

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Adult Acne in Women - What You Can Do About It

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It's a sad fact that past the age of twenty, more women suffer from adult acne than men. Adult acne affects about half of women in their twenties and about a third of females in their thirties. Although adult acne is usually less severe than teenage breakouts, it is still a troublesome condition. What can women do to get rid of adult acne?

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The Truth About Adult Female Acne

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Most adult acne in women is hormonal. It is caused by fluctuating hormone levels that is the signature of every menstruating female. Interestingly, it is the male hormone testosterone that causes hormonal acne. Yes, women also produce testosterone - it regulates female hormones, increases libido, and helps maintain muscle and bone mass. When testosterone levels rise, it also triggers the skin's sebaceous glands to produce more oil than usual. These accumulate with dead skin cells and dirt and clog the pore, which leads to acne.

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Pimples have become a normal part of PMS for many women. This happens a few days after testosterone levels peak during ovulation. Many pregnant women also get telltale pimple breakouts on the first or second trimester. At this time extra testosterone is produced for the extra person growing in the womb. Even menopausal women can get acne - especially if they're using hormone replacement therapy with testosterone.

Stress also causes testosterone levels in the body to increase. That is why acne gets worse for many students and working women during exams or before deadlines. Femme fatales on the night prowl should also watch out - lack of sleep is one of the body's greatest stressors and can cause pimple breakouts. Some studies have also hypothesized that extra fat from sugary or oily foods can be converted into extra testosterone, which causes acne flare-ups.

Other causes of acne in women include cosmetics, certain drugs, and chemical irritants in the environment. Some cosmetic products are comedogenic - meaning they block the pores and cause acne. Certain drugs can also trigger acne flare-ups. These include some anti-epileptics, antituberculous drugs, antidepressants, phenytoin (Dilantin), isoniazid, lithium, Cyclosporin, cyanocobalamin, corticosteroids, and some birth control pills. Women working in chemical plants, laboratories, waste handling facilities, coal mines, construction, roofing, and auto shops may also be exposed to halogens, coal tar oils, and crude oil that can cause severe acne.

How to Treat Adult Female Acne

Back in high school, dabbing some benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoid on pimples may do the trick. This basic acne treatment may work for most women, but for those suffering from more severe or stubborn acne these are not enough. For best results, an all-around approach against acne is key. This means treating acne both from inside and outside the body, combining topical treatments with good nutrition and exercise. Incorporating lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet is an effective natural acne treatment that boosts your natural supply of skin vitamins. Exercise is also a good way to promote skin circulation, reduce stress, and normalize hormone levels in the body. Sometimes lifestyle changes can also go a long way in fighting acne. Just remember - there is no single blanket solution against acne. Feel free to experiment with different products and regimens until you find one that suits you.

Adult Acne in Women - What You Can Do About It

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Acne at 40 - Can You Finally Clear Up Acne at 40 With a Natural Acne Treatment?

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Getting acne at 40 is absolutely no fun. Especially if you lived with it when you were a pre-teen or teenager. Some people struggle with acne their whole lives, and others got rid of it when they were heading off to college, only to have it visit them again at 40. What gives?

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It seems that primarily, sufferers of acne at 40 tend to be women. It seems to make perfect sense then that hormones would be playing a big part in making the skin break out at this age. I personally know many women who, at this age, complain about acne or pimples around their chin area and neck. Some even complain about cyst-like acne that is painful to touch.

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I can relate to these stories because this happened to me too. My breakouts seemed to get worse at 40, and increased with the skin care items I was using. I found that creamy face washes, serums, and masks all made my acne worse. It was embarrassing! I would just make it look worse by trying to cover it up with makeup and concealers.

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What did I do? It took me a little while to figure out that the skin care items, as expensive as they were, had to go. I went back to some more natural, chemical-free soaps, and started eating better. Our skin shows on the outside what is going on in the inside of our bodies. I know it sounds cliche, but we are what we eat. My body was changing because of my age.

I added probiotics to my diet. This helped. I also took the advice of a nutritionist, medical researcher, health consultant, and former acne sufferer who had cured hundreds of acne sufferers with a natural acne treatment--both young and over the age of 40!

Wouldn't you listen to someone who cured themselves of acne and hundreds of other people? Someone who spent thousands of research hours developing a system that can cure acne in as little as seven days? I did, and so should you. What do you have to lose?

Acne at 40 - Can You Finally Clear Up Acne at 40 With a Natural Acne Treatment?

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Don't Let Acne Get In The Way Of Your Life

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Acne is a medical condition where the skin produced excess oils and clogged pore become inflamed and red. It can be a mild irritation or it can be extreme to the point where socialization and self esteem suffers. Serious cases should confer with a doctor to get proper treatment. This article hen help you manage the effects of acne.

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If you are having trouble with frequent acne breakouts, try applying shaving cream to the affected areas. Let it soak in while you sleep. In the morning, rinse your face off with soap and water. You should see a noticeable difference in the quality of your skin almost immediately.

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One major contributor to acne is clogged pores. To avoid this, make sure you wash all make-up off at night with a warm wash cloth or make-up remover. This will help ensure that your pores are able to breathe during the night and refresh themselves instead of being clogged with dirt from your busy day.

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It may seem and impossible dream to be able to cover up acne and make it look acceptable. But did you know that green concealer can help cover up blemishes because it is the negative color to the redness of acne! When you dot it on pimples or acne blemishes, the green cancels out the red, making the blemish seem to disappear!

If you have long hair or bangs that cover your forehead, it's a good idea to keep them off your face. Hair oils can contribute to the formation of pimples and acne. Headbands and ponytails can be your best friends in keeping your forehead free of annoying breakouts!

To prevent pimples and acne breakouts, drink a glass of coconut water each day. Coconut water contains all natural ingredients that are not only good for getting smooth skin, but it is also good for your pores. It keeps them open so that acne and pimples cannot form on your ace.

You may want to change laundry detergents if you find that you are getting more acne. Sometimes, the chemicals in these detergents can make acne worse or cause new breakouts. Also, you may want to stay away from bleach as this could irritate your skin and cause new acne breakouts.

To avoid acne breakouts, be sure to avoid using detergents on your skin or to wash your clothes. These harsh chemical and petroleum based products can wreak havoc on your skin. Instead, visit your local health food store to find castile and plant based liquid soaps that can be used as face and body wash, as well as to launder your clothes and linens.

What you put into your body must come out, and that can happen through your pores. If you don't want oily, acne-riddled skin, then don't eat foods with oil! If it goes in, it will come out, and oil is the enemy of an acne sufferer. Stick to healthy, natural foods like fruit and vegetables instead.

If you have acne, read the labels on everything you buy! From laundry soap to makeup remover to shampoo, it's important to keep anything unnatural from sitting next to your skin for any length of time. Choose products with no chemicals, dyes, or perfumes, which call themselves "natural" to ensure you're not going to cause yourself a break out.

Tea tree oil is an excellent exfoliant for anyone who is plagued by acne. It is a powerful antibacterial agent which can help you cleanse your skin while zapping the zit-causing germs in your pores. It also smells quite nice, although somewhat overpowering in it's essential form. Mix with rosewater to both tone and clean your skin.

Water plays a large role in the presence of acne. If you are able to drink at least two liters of water on a daily basis, you are allowing your skin to be fully hydrated and this will shed the dead skin cells from your body in a more effective manner which lessens the amount of blocked pores that may exist.

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Diet plays a significant role in the control of acne. Try to included foods that are high in selenium and zinc. Brazil nuts are a good source of selenium, and pumpkin seeds contain zinc. Fresh fruits and vegetables, either whole or in smoothies, also contribute to a healthy diet and clear skin.

If you're currently battling acne, stop applying makeup. Until you have your pimples under control it is best to just leave your skin to breathe. Throw out all your old makeup and use a new applicator when you get rid of your zits or you'll just end up spreading old bacteria over your new clear skin.

Make sure that you get enough Vitamin D. Get out in the sun and get fresh air. It is free and will help you get healthier skin. This will help stimulate the growth of Vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D helps clear skin up and makes skin healthier.

Use a daily multi-vitamin to help control your acne. Good nutrition and proper vitamin and mineral levels help lead to clean and clear skin and if you are not receiving these, you could be dealing with severe acne. Taking vitamins also helps your body fend off bacteria, another contributor to acne.

Drinking plenty of water is important to maintaining clear skin. Acne breakouts will clear more quickly if you keep your body well-hydrated. Your skin tissue is composed mostly of water and consuming plenty of water throughout the day helps your systems, including your skin, to repair itself. Adequate water intake is imperative to a healthy skin system.

Washing your hair and keeping it clean is an effective way to treat and prevent acne. This is because hair is very good at accumulating oil, dirt and bacteria, and is also capable of transferring them to your skin. Keeping your hair clean is therefore a very important part of maintaining clear skin. Remember to shampoo regularly, and also rinse thoroughly afterwards as the chemicals in the shampoo can also cause acne.

Apply an ice cube to your acne blemishes. Doing this can help to temporarily reduce redness and swelling. Just wrap the ice cube in a towel and apply it directly to your blemish right before heading out. The result will be clear skin for your entire evening out.

Make a paste out of baking soda and water to help unclog the pores of your skin. The mixture will aid in drying up excess moisture and drawing impurities to the surface, thereby creating clear skin that is free from acne. Spread the paste over affected areas and leave on for up to ten minutes. Rinse with clear, warm water.

For clear skin, it is very important that you go to sleep with a clean face. Girls who fall asleep in make-up are very likely to experience an acne break-out not long afterwards. The make-up traps oils within the pores, which later turn into pimples. If you wash your face before going to bed, the oils in your skin will be able to leave naturally, and you will be less prone to break-outs.

If you want to get clear skin and feel your best during the day, try to get eight hours of sleep at the minimum. Sleep is essential for healthy skin, as it helps to replenish your body with the nutrients that it lost during the day, while reducing stress and anxiety.

As explained earlier, acne presents itself with the occurrence of inflamed red bumps and excess oil in and on the skin. Severe cases require a doctor's help to clear up and prescription medications are available. By adopting the strategies of this article, you can improve acne symptoms and severity immensely.

Don't Let Acne Get In The Way Of Your Life

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Easy Tips For Curing Acne Fast

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If you are looking for easy tips to cure acne, you may find that you probably need to change a few things in your life. I am not talking about major life changes by the way. Just small simple changes so that you can cut down on the time spent dealing with your acne.

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Basically acne is a bacterium that has gotten trapped inside a pore. This is not just a problem on the surface of your skin. It comes from within your body. Here are some easy tips for curing acne:

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One of the best things you can do for your skin is drink Water. Just a couple of glasses will help. Wash your face, using hands, water, and soap two times a day. Don't irritate your skin by using a washcloth.

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If you feel that you need to use a product other than your basic antibacterial bar soap, these are some of the different active ingredients you will find in them.

1. Benzoyl peroxide - an anti-bacterial that can be found in most over the counter acne treatments. Whether it is used in a wash, toner, or cream form of treatment, it will kill the bacteria that causes acne.

2. Salicylic acid - breaks down the pimples and also helps to prevent future breakouts because it slows down your skin cells from shedding too fast and clogging your pores. This is normally found in an astringent/toner type product.

It is not advised to combine these two ingredients in your skin care regimen. I hope these easy tips for curing acne will help you out.

Easy Tips For Curing Acne Fast

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Remove Acne Blackheads - Simple Steps

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Blackheads are also referred to as open comdomes. These blackheads are different than the whitehead type pimples that fill up with pus but are composed of the same oils that work up into the skin's pores, causing the whitehead pimples.

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Some acne sufferers will not experience very many blackheads while others will be plagued by them. They are easier to hid with makeup but they will still be there when the makeup is removed later.

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The problem with not treating blackheads is the same with other types of pimples. Left untreated, the blackheads will multiply and spread, claiming new territory on your skin. You must take measures to remove acne blackheads before they gain more ground.

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As much fun (in a perverse sort of way) as squeezing blackheads can be, this is not the right approach to remove acne blackheads. By squeezing them out, you are still at risk of infecting surrounding areas. There is nothing more painful than an infected blackhead that you tried squeezing out but became infected instead.

Blackheads are just another variety of pimples. Acne is still acne no matter what appearance the condition takes on. Treating this type of acne starts at the source, the underlying skin problem. It is the over production of bacteria in the oil glands that causes the improper shedding of old skin, clogging the pores.

The best method to remove acne blackheads is to develop a good thorough cleansing routine, using a mild cleanser. This will helps to remove the excess oil and dead skin from the effect area. When used with a good exfoliant, this will be the best approach to remove acne blackheads that are present.

An easy home remedy to remove acne blackheads that seems to work for many is mixing a tablespoon of lime juice with a tablespoon of powder cinnamon. Put this mixture onto the area at night. In the morning, wash this off with a clean wash cloth. After a few treatments, the blackheads will clear out.

There are several home remedies for treating acne that are available to try that are safe to use. Every one is different. What works well for one person does not necessarily work well for every one. Like most acne treatments available, it is by trial and error to find what works the best for you.

There are blackhead removers on the market that you can use, but use with caution so as not to cause more harm. Before using a blackhead remover to remove acne blackheads, open up your skin's pores first by taking a hot shower, or applying a hot wash cloth to the area. This will make the blackheads easier to remove. Remember to be gentle when using a blackhead remover. If a stubborn blackhead is not ready to come out yet, leave it alone. This can sometimes force the blackhead deeper into the pore, infecting the area.

Remove Acne Blackheads - Simple Steps

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Healthy Skin Tips: How To Deal With Acne

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Acne is one of the most embarrassing problems teenagers have to face. Unfortunately the claims of some acne products are wrong: there is not really one way to combat the condition. There are however some healthy skin tips to help reduce spots and even in some cases solve the problem.

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In the teenage years of course the body is growing and developing and acne is a by-product of this stage. The problem is made worse in girls when they start to experiment with cosmetics. Understandably they usually begin with cheap makeup, which tends not to be sympathetic to the skin. Frequently these cosmetics will cover the surface of the skin and block the pores. This creates a build-up of oils and it is this that promotes the growth of more spots.

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It is one of the most important healthy skin tips for teenagers therefore that they should be encouraged to use all natural makeup. Such cosmetics are created from natural minerals and these will compliment the skin and will provide much-needed nutrients.

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Of course many women discover all natural makeup when they are older and have more experience of skin care and cosmetics but adopting the more healthy products earlier on will be most effective and indeed lay the foundations for healthier skin later in life.

Adolescents of course tend to have busy lives and so girls tend to wear their makeup for much longer; they may even sleep in it. This highlights another benefit of all natural makeup as it allows the skin to breathe and so can be safely worn for much longer.

The area of specialized acne treatment products is a minefield. Some can be acidic and this may harm the skin. If you are to use anything then again natural ingredients are best but usually no treatment is needed at all.

In health and beauty circles the adage 'you are what you eat' is frequently over used but in this case it is quite relevant. Diet and nutrition are very influential on the way teenagers look and feel. A good healthy diet will prevent many skin conditions including acne. Fatty foods will create a greasy skin and promote acne.

No matter what your age, the way you live and what you eat affects the health of your skin. Put simply, your food is the source of all the vitamins and minerals a healthy body, especially the skin, needs to function properly. Another of the healthy skin tips frequently lost on adolescents is the need to drink lots of water and get lots of sleep. This helps the teenage body function effectively as all the physical changes take place. Inevitably the teenage years also involve rebellion so such common sense is often ignored!

Sufferers of acne would be wise to take more care over hygiene. Washing the face regularly with moderately hot water is advisable, particularly as cold water simply moves the infection to other areas. Too hot water will damage the skin in any case. Another tip would be to resist the temptation to touch the affected areas and, if you do come in to contact with them, wash your hands immediately.

Skin conditions such as acne can be very embarrassing to young adults at an age when looks can be very important but following a few simply healthy skin tips can improve things considerably.

Healthy Skin Tips: How To Deal With Acne

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