A lotion is defined as, “a fluid with healing, antiseptic properties that is used on the skin.”

Lotions, in the form of moisturizing agents, are applied to the surface of the skin and go to work on dry skin to hydrate the skin, relieve flaking and itching. Lotions however, contrary to popular belief, cannot slow down the process of aging, prevent wrinkles from forming or penetrate the deepest layers of the skin.

Lotions are broken down into two types- emollients and humectants. Emollients form a barrier of oil on the surface of the skin that serves to seal in moisture and prevent it from quickly evaporating before it is absorbed. Emollients are very much like the natural oils found in the skin. They come in the form of lanolin, mineral oil and petroleum jelly.

Humectants on the other hand both attract and then hold in water that is on the surface of the skin. Humectants come in the form of glycerin, lactic acid, sorbitol and urea. It is not always easy to determine what kind of lotion is best for your skin. A number of factors have to be taken into consideration such as how chapped, dry or sensitive your individual skin is. Do you have any known allergies? This is another thing you must know as you don’t want to have to deal with your skin breaking out. As a rule the simpler a lotion it is, the better it is for the skin. Lotions that are loaded with a lot of perfumes, colors, emulsifiers and thickeners are more likely to cause an allergic reaction to sensitive or delicate skin.

If acne is a problem (as some people are prone to acne on their backs, arms or legs) overuse of lotion or the wrong kind of lotion could cause a terrible break out. This you want to avoid at all costs!

Lotions with alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) are good for skin that needs firming, smoothing and for skin damaged by the sun. AHAs are taken from fruit, sour milk and red wine.
Research has shown that cell turnover is greater when a lotion contains these acids. Both low concentration as well as high concentration AHA lotions can be found on the market today but it always best to make your own lotions at home and by so doing you can avoid many of the chemicals in lotions that can cause a lot of skin problems.

Now, you can learn how to make your own homemade lotions and creams. I show you how in my Homemade Beauty ecourse. Sign up now.
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Your skin is the first thing that people probably notice about you. Did you know that it also plays a vital role as your body’s largest organ? It protects your muscles, bones, blood vessels and internal organs. So, if the skin is so vital, why do some people not take proper care of it? Using harsh products and not drinking enough water and other fluids does not help matters. You have to live with your skin all your life, so why not treat it with the utmost care? There are a countless products on the market and other that you can make at home these days that can help you achieves healthy skin.

No matter what skin type you might have, there are all kinds of natural recipes that you can make at home that will be just right for you. Among the many recipes that you will learn to make in my Homemade Beauty Tips e-course are facials masks, scrubs and exfoliating products to nourish and pamper your skin. Sign up now to start learning how to make your home shampoos, conditioners lotion, creams and more.

There are a variety of facial mask products that you can make for any condition or skin type. If you are plagued by acne or blackheads, there are facial masks that you apply, then let dry. Once dry, you can peel them off and hopefully some dead skin covering those blackheads will become unclogged so you can clear them up. These masks offer a variety of benefits like oil control.

Also, if you want to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and pores, then facial masks are the way to go. You skin afterward will have a healthy glow and not be shiny from oil.
Facial masks remove impurities in your skin’s pores as well as minimize the appearance of those pores. Pimple production is reduced and also blackheads dissolve and wash away once you remove the mask.

For facial masks and scrubs to be truly beneficial to you and your skin, you must follow a beauty routine that encompasses both of these products and more. Use a cleansing cream to remove traces of makeup or dirt daily. Then follow up with an astringent to tone and tighten you pores and end with a moisturizer that suits your skin type.

The facial mask is something that is best suited during a relaxing bath in place of exfoliating. They should be used once all traces of makeup are removed.

Skin care is not complicated once you know all the players involved. What is hard is being diligent about your beauty routine and not skipping a step or two. However, the rewards of younger, vibrant looking skin more than make up for those extra efforts. Imagine looking into the mirror, and seeing absolutely no signs of aging on your face year after year, by just following a very simple set of activities which only involve your face and your 2 hands. Well know you can learn how:
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Did you know that bath salts have powerful healing powers and that a long soak in a bath can do more than cleanse your body? Well, it can. Bath salts also have an effect on your mind and body as well.

Whether you have sore, tired feet from standing all day, or a stiff back from working at your desk, bath salts can help improve the way you feel and ease away the tension.

In fact, not only do bath salts come in a variety of soothing fragrances, they also offer many other benefits including certain healing properties. For example, you might be surprised to learn that adding a little salt to your bath water can actually help improve your circulation.

Bath salts also reduce tenderness. They are recommended for people with back pain, arthritis, muscle tension or spasms, and minor work and sports injuries. They’re great for easing stiff, sore, muscles and aching feet and legs. Bath salts open the pores to purify the skin, cleansing away dirt, sweat, and toxins. They aid in the healing of dry skin, making skin softer and suppler.

Salts can help improve common irritations such as insect bites, minor rashes, and calluses on feet, as well as more serious skin conditions like athlete’s foot, eczema, and psoriasis.

And you want to know what the best part about bath salts is? They are easy and inexpensive to make.

You can learn all about how to make your very own right here.
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Even though acne sufferers know that their friends also suffer from acne, it still sometimes makes them feel isolated and alone. The unsightly zits that pop up when they are least wanted, like just before a hot date, can cause extreme despair and frustration. Worse still is that the lack of self esteem many adolescents suffer from is often made worse by what they see in the mirror during an acne attack.

There may be worse cases of acne, but for the sufferer, theirs is always the worst. If your teen suffers from the moodiness and despair brought on by acne, it might be a good idea to allow them to find an acne support group. These days, this would usually be an online forum where teens can post questions about treatment and the likely duration of their acne and get quick answers from one or more specialists in the field.

It could be a chat room where they could make friends with other suffers and find out for sure that they are not only not the only ones to suffer from acne, but that others also feel the same way about it as they do.

Make sure that you find the right one for your child. It doesn’t pay to be casual about chat rooms because you don’t know who is likely to be lurking there, but if you can get in first and check out that the site is of good reputation, it will ease your mind and keep your child safe.

A quick search on Google will bring up many acne sites and most of them seem to have helpful advice, even if it is aimed at eventually selling their product. But if you choose one with .org after the address, you will know that this means it is a non-profit organization, and so they will not be giving advice simply to sell a product.

www.acne-answers.org/ is one such site. You can join up for free to receive their weekly newsletter on controlling the dreaded zit, or can even do an e-course on acne control.

Acne Support Group typed into Google will bring up a registered charity (No. 1026654) where teens, or anyone can email their question about acne and get a sensible reply, either by a cosmetic or beauty consultant who is trained in acne problems.

When finding acne sites, just make sure they are not in another country, because some acne treatments are not available in all countries.

Also see: #1 Natural Acne Treatment Product with Guaranteed Results!

Have you ever examined the ingredients listed on the labels of your cosmetics or other skin care products? Do you know what those ingredients are?

What you may not realize is that many of the skin care products and cosmetics you are buying contain ingredients that are not only harmful to your skin, but also to your long term health. Many of these ingredients are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and are used by the cosmetic industry simply because they are cheap!

Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found in Skin Care Products and Cosmetics
The following are just some of the synthetic chemicals that have been identified by scientific studies to be harmful to our health.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Often described as being “derived from coconut” to disguise their toxic nature, these chemicals are commonly used in shampoos, toothpaste, foaming facial and body cleansers and bubble bath. SLS and ALS can cause severe skin irritation, and are easily absorbed into the body, building up in the brain, heart, lungs and liver, leading to potential long term health problems. SLS and ALS may also cause cataracts, and prevent children’s eyes from developing properly.

Paraben Preservatives
Parabens are widely used in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care and baby products to prolong their shelf life. They are known to be highly toxic and have caused rashes and allergic reactions. Recent scientific studies in the UK found a strong link between the use of parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women. Researchers found a high concentration of parabens in 90% of breast tumors tested.

Propylene Glycol
Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleansers, Propylene Glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

Isopropyl Alcohol
Alcohol is used as a solvent in many skin care products. It causes skin irritation and strips the skin of its natural acid mantle, promoting the growth of bacteria, moulds and viruses. It may also cause premature ageing of skin.

DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and MEA (Monoethanolamine)
These substances are harsh solvents and detergents that are used in cosmetics and face and body creams as an emollient. They can cause allergic reactions, and long term use of DEA-based products (such as Cocamide DEA) have been linked to an increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

Aluminum
A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mineral Oil
Derived from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is commonly found as a main ingredient of face and body creams and cosmetics. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil! It coats the skin like a plastic film, clogging pores and stopping the skin from eliminating toxins, which can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Other petroleum based ingredients include paraffin wax, paraffin oil and petrolatum.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Used as a thickener in skin care products and cosmetics, PEGs interfere with the skin’s natural moisture balance, causing an increase in ageing and leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria.

Talc
Talc is a soft mineral used in talcum powders and cosmetic powders. Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder to the genital area is linked with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer. Inhaling cosmetic powders containing talc may also be harmful to long term health.

How To Avoid These Toxins
Examine the labels of your cosmetics and skin care products carefully, and learn to recognize ingredients that are harmful to your skin and to your health. Many web sites have lists of potentially harmful ingredients in addition to those shown above (e.g. Environmental Working Group).

Don’t be fooled by the words ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ on the front of the label. Many products contain at least one or two natural or organic ingredients, but they may also contain harmful synthetic chemicals as well.

Whenever possible, choose products with 100% natural ingredients such as essential oils and herbs. Your skin will love you for it!

Cellulite is a recent addition to the English language. In fact, it is not a medical term at all. It’s a term used to describe the way your body appears when adipose tissue forms lobular formations just under the surface of the skin. In plain English the “cottage cheese look” or dimpling that occurs primarily on your thighs, legs and buttocks is a type of fatty tissue.

Because the tissue forms in a “lump” close to the surface of the skin it gives it a very uneven and dimpled appearance. It is not medically harmful and it does not cause health problems. What it does do is cause you to feel less attractive when you wear your bathing suit. One myth about cellulite is that it is only obese people who suffer from it. The truth is that skinny people have cellulite too.

Cellulite is primarily a cultural and cosmetic issue. Society thinks that smooth, unblemished skin is part of what makes people attractive. People with cosmetic blemishes such as acne scars, burn scars, cellulite or even birthmarks are seen as less attractive. The psychological and emotional turmoil that this can cause in a society that demands the appearance of physical perfection can be very damaging.

Can we do anything about cellulite? Exercise and keeping your body toned and in shape have been shown to have a positive impact on the appearance of the skin. A diet that is balanced and wholesome has been shown to have benefits also. Hydration and maintaining a proper fluid balance in your body are also part of the solution.

Staying in shape, eating right and staying hydrated are good for self esteem, decreasing negative energy and promoting a positive body image. Changing your perception about yourself may be one of the best things you can do to help with unwanted cellulite.

A lot of products and devices are on the market that propose to help with eliminating cellulite. Many of them do not have scientific evidence to prove they are effective. Some may even be harmful if you are allergic to the ingredients. The methods used to prove effectiveness are time consuming, expensive at times and often not understood by the marketers trying to get a product to the consumer.

The best way to find effective products and devices when there is a lack scientific proof is to find people who have used the products or devices and ask them if they worked. A good question to ask is “how long did it take to see results?” and “did the cream cause a rash?” In the case of devices the most obvious question would be “did it hurt?”

In summary, that lumpy appearance on your body called cellulite is a normal part of your body just as a mole or a freckle might be. It isn’t medically harmful but may make you feel uncomfortable about your body image. It can be reduced or eliminated but you will have to work for it. Some products or devices might be helpful but many are not.

Skin care is important at any time of life but especially so if you have acne. One of the secrets for keeping acne under control is maintaining the health of the skin as much as possible. This means keeping the skin clean and protecting it from sources of damage like sunshine and harsh cosmetics.

Cleaning the Skin

Use a specialized skin cleaner for washing the face once or twice a day. It is important not to scrub the skin as this will further aggravate the acne. Just use a soft cloth to moisten the face and then apply the cleanser to all areas from the hairline to the neck. Rinse the cleanser with plenty of water and pat your face drive with a soft towel.

Those with especially oily skin may need to use an astringent, but it must be used with care. Only apply it to the parts of the face which are most oily and discontinue use if your skin becomes irritated. It is best to consult with a dermatologist if you feel you need to use an astringent.

Hair care is also an important part of skin care. Shampoo your hair two or three times a week and try to keep it off your face as much as possible. Those with oily hair may need to wash their hair once a day.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

A suntan may dry out the skin and make your acne less noticeable but this is only temporary. As your skin becomes accustomed to sun exposure the acne will flare up once again, and in the meantime you are also risking skin damage that may cause it to age prematurely or even cause skin cancer. Many of the medications used to treat acne cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunshine and more vulnerable to burning. It is always best to wear a sunscreen when outdoors.

Choose Makeup with Care

The best choice for good skin care is to wear no makeup at all, but if you feel you must wear makeup choose some that will not clog the pores. These products are labeled noncomedogenic, but they may still cause acne in some people. Above all, avoid makeup with an oil base. Read the labels carefully and use sparingly.

Shaving

Try both electric razors and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Don’t use safety razors with dull blades — change the blade every two or three shaves. You may have to shave around blemishes to avoid cutting them, and be sure to soften the beard as much as possible with water and shaving cream. If you happen have a lot of breakouts perhaps it is best to skip shaving that day.

Avoid Touching the Skin

As tempting as it may be too squeeze and pop those pimples, don’t do it! You are only inviting more trouble because the bacteria which causes pimples will spread. Popping pimples can also lead to permanent scarring.

Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. Many people do this unconsciously, but the hands are dirty and oily and can spread germs over greater areas of your skin.

Acne can be brought under control. Natural remedies are a great help in clearing up the skin and combating the bacteria which causes acne, but be sure to help it along as much as possible by taking good care of your skin.

Also see: #1 Natural Acne Treatment Product with Guaranteed Results!

Since acne and pimples is such a common condition that many teenagers suffer from, parents of teenage children are sure to have experienced it themselves. As adults, we know that acne will pass, but this is small comfort to teenagers who are suffering from the embarrassment of acne. Parents need to be morally supportive, but also need to be a source of information and advice about how to treat acne.

One of the best ways for parents to help their children is to learn as much as possible about the various types of acne and how it can be treated. Armed with this knowledge you can help your teenager make appropriate decisions about medications or whether or not to consult with the dermatologist.

Just because you had acne when you were a teenager doesn’t make you an expert. New medications and new methods of treatment have been developed so that most common acne conditions can be brought under control. There are a variety of approaches, so knowing what is available will help you decide which is best for your child.

Consulting with a dermatologist is always a good idea for any skin condition. Those spots that appear on your teenager’s skin are most likely to be acne, but there are other skin conditions that resemble it. Consulting with a dermatologist will give you a definite diagnosis and also provide you with as many treatment options as possible.

Talking with your teenager about acne can be touchy because he or she is likely to be embarrassed by their appearance. You know best how to approach your teenager, but in general you need to be supportive and understanding. Never accuse your child of following habits that cause acne — the myths about oily foods, chocolate, or sex causing acne have been proven to be untrue.

Most likely, your teenager is trying everything he or she can to control the acne. Even if they don’t want to talk about it, it most likely is one of their major concerns. After all, acne can affect self image and sociability and in severe cases can lead to depression and withdrawal.

Let your teenager know that you are available and that you are willing to help him or her with their acne. Talking about your own experiences may help and certainly can’t hurt – it may give your teenager a broader perspective on the condition.

Even though it may be small comfort, remind your child that most teenagers suffer from acne — they are not alone. It is estimated that 85% of adolescents have acne, and 40% have acne severe enough to need treatment by a dermatologist. If, after trying a few over-the-counter medications without success, encourage your child to go to a dermatologist. Medical treatments can include oral medicines, physical treatments, and ointments and lotions which are applied directly on the acne. These treatments can help clear up the acne while offering relief from the physical discomfort it causes.

Acne does not last forever. As your child gets older the acne should become less of a problem, and by the time they are in their early 20s should be a thing of the past.

Also see: #1 Natural Acne Treatment Product with Guaranteed Results!

Even though mild acne isn’t a serious condition it is a good idea to see a dermatologist if your skin breaks out in pimples and acne. You can receive valuable information about the cause of acne and pimples as well as learning about the options for treatment. In addition, there is a condition called keratosis pilaris that is sometimes confused with acne, so seeing a dermatologist can determine which condition you actually have so that you are not wasting time with inappropriate treatments.

Mild conditions of acne can be effectively treated with natural remedies and over-the-counter medications but more severe cases may need the attention of a doctor. Acne can cause physical as well as emotional suffering and can lead to permanent scarring if not properly treated. When acne is not responding to natural and over-the-counter medications you should consult with a dermatologist for treatment.

It is a good idea to prepare for your first consultation by writing down as much information about your acne as possible. The doctor will want to know the background — how long you have had acne, what form it takes (blackheads, whiteheads, lesions etc.) and what you have done to treat it. You may also be asked if your parents or siblings had acne and how severe it was for them.

Since the acne treatment may include oral medications you should be prepared to tell the doctor if you are allergic to certain medicines. Girls may be asked to describe their menstrual period and boys may need to say how often they shave.

The dermatologist may offer a choice of treatments so knowing a bit about the various options can help you make an informed decision. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Antibiotics can be given orally or in a lotion that is applied to the skin. Severe cases may require the use of both forms.

Topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide and retinoic acid. These are usually prescribed in gel form and may cause dryness or reddening of the skin.

In severe cases of acne physical treatments may be recommended. These include the removal of blackheads and whiteheads and the drainage of cysts.

No matter which form of treatment you decide on it is important to follow directions given by the doctor. Don’t take more or less of a medication than prescribed. If your acne clears up, continue treatment until advised otherwise, otherwise it may come back.

Always be informed about your condition and get the information you require. Write down questions as you think of them so that you can ask your doctor at your next consultation. Common questions include:

· What kind of treatment is best for me?
· How soon will I start to see results?
· How long will the treatment last?
· Are there any side effects?
· How should I care for my skin?
· Can I use makeup?
· How can I prevent acne scars?

Treatment for severe acne may continue for some time. Each time you see your doctor take the opportunity to clear up any questions or concerns you have about acne or your treatment. Try to become as well-informed as possible so that you can participate fully in your acne treatment.

Also see: #1 Natural Acne Treatment Product with Guaranteed Results!

Acne Treatments Part Two — Prescription Medication

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” After trying almost everything and against my dermatologist’s prediction, I cured myself from severe acne without drugs and without creams. Since then, I have helped thousands of people worldwide to be acne free… let me show you how!”
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Many people try to treat acne conditions on their own without consulting a doctor. However, it is always a good idea to check with a dermatologist when you notice any kind of unusual skin condition. Even if it turns out to be acne, the doctor can give you valuable information and advice about how to treat it.

Mild and moderate conditions of acne can often be treated with over-the-counter medications, but severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist and prescription medicine. Even if the acne is moderate, a prescription medicine may be more effective than what is available over-the-counter.

There are two types of prescription acne medications — oral and topical. Antibiotics are often used to fight acne, and they can be taken orally or as a lotion. Topical prescription medications may include ingredients such as zinc or retinoids.

Antibiotics — The most common antibiotic used for treating acne is tetracycline. It is used to kill the bacteria responsible for acne and also reduces inflammation. Antibiotic treatment may take several weeks or even months to be effective and must continue even after the acne has cleared up. A common side effect associated with tetracycline is increased sensitivity to sun light resulting in bad sunburns if the patient stays in the sun too long. Other side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, and hives.

Women taking tetracycline can suffer from increased incidences of vaginal yeast. Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 cannot take tetracycline because it discolors growing teeth.

Ointments — Antibiotic ointments have fewer complications than oral antibiotics. They are effective in killing bacteria which cause acne, and when used in conjunction with other topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide the bacteria may not develop resistance to the antibiotics.

Retinoids — Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and can be applied directly on the skin in the form of lotions or creams. Topical retinoid medications are useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by helping to open clogged pores. A common side effect of topical retinoids is dry skin.

Oral retinoids can be used for more severe forms of acne which don’t respond to other treatments. Oral retinoids cause the upper layer of the skin to peel thereby opening pores. They also cause the body to produce less sebum – the substance which causes oily skin.

A number of serious side effects are associated with oral retinoids. They can cause birth defects if mothers are taking them when pregnant, so females must use two forms of birth control if they are under retinoid treatment. They can also cause liver damage and depression, so regular medical attention is needed to make sure the patient is not being adversely affected by retinoid treatment.

Other medications – Birth control pills are sometimes effective in treating acne in women. They change hormone levels in the body and can reduce the acne causing effects of testosterone. Zinc is a relatively new treatment that is effective in some cases. Always discuss with your dermatologist for the most effective treatment for your particular case.

Also see: #1 Natural Acne Treatment Product with Guaranteed Results!