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Sunday, August 27, 2006

Using natural treatments to treat acne



Acne Treatment Using Aromatherapy

By Sharon Hopkins

Acne is something that every one of us has probably faced during the onset of puberty. However, in the case of an unlucky few, this condition persists well into adulthood. Left untreated, severe acne can lead to disfiguring scarring; this can then lead to decreased self-esteem, social withdrawal and even depression.

What causes acne?
Acne is caused primarily due to the blockages of pores on the skin. These blockages stop the oil (sebum) from draining to the surface of the skin. Bacteria grow in these blockages, which lead to an infectious inflammation of that area; this is known as acne. Several factors contribute to the development of acne. These may include hormones, diet, evolutionary biology, vitamin deficiency, and stress, among others.

What can I do to cure my acne?
There are a number of remedies for acne available in the market. However, since the causes of acne are so myriad, not every type of treatment works for every individual. It is usually through a system of trial and error that the appropriate remedy is found, especially in the more severe cases of acne. The problem with some of the new systems of treatment is that if they don’t work, they may actually exacerbate the symptoms of this infection. This is why people are looking more and more towards more natural and organic remedies for acne as a starting point.

Aromatherapy treatment for acne
Aromatherapy has had a reputation as a natural treatment for acne for many years. Of the aromatherapy oils, tea tree is probably the best-known as an acne remedy, though other oils such as lavender have been anecdotally reported effective. The advantantage with using essential oils such as tea tree for treatment is that these oils are a natural organic cosmetic. Thus, there are no side effects to this kind of treatment.

What is tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained from the Melaleuca tree of Australia. Tea tree has anti-septic and anti-fungal properties. Before the advent of modern medicine, this oil was an essential part of the First-Aid kits of the Australian army.

How do I use it?
Tea tree oil should be applied on the skin and never taken internally. For treating acne, mix tea tree oil with aloe vera gel in the ratio of five per cent tea tree oil to ninety five percent aloe vera gel. Apply this solution to clean skin.

What are other aromatherapy treatments for acne?
Several other aromatherapy remedies have been shown to inhibit the growth of acne causing bacteria. Some of the popular essential oils used for acne treatment are Jasmine, Lavender, Myrrh, Palma Rosa, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.

What are natural, organic cosmetics?
A further contributor to the increase of acne and skin diseases among our generation is the increased proliferation and usage of skin care products. Many of these products contain harmful chemicals that adversely affect the skin and result in irritation of the skin and acne. Natural, organic cosmetics contain fully natural ingredients including essential aromatherapy oils such as tea tree. The use of these cosmetics helps our skin retain its balance and stay healthy. Healthy skin is better able to combat and withstand skin infections, such as acne and eczema.

About the Author: Sharon Hopkins manages sites related to Aromatherapy. and natural healing therapies in alternative medicine such as Massage Therapy, Yoga and many other health sites.
Source: www.isnare.com

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Diet and Acne. Are they related?

Have Acne? Choose A Diet To Suit You

By Luke Cameron

Is your skin healthy lately? Or are you being plagued by thathorrible skin affliction called acne? If you answer “yes” tothe latter question, then you have a serious problem. Chancesare you have already tried several different methods to treatyour acne. You go to dermatologists to get prescriptions, ask friends what products they use, go to the drugstore to get the latest over-the-counter medication advertised on television, call the hotline number for the newest breakthrough featured in the infomercial you saw last night.

But then none of them only seem to produce less than satisfactory results or none at all! Here’s another question for you. What have you been eating lately? Has the idea of acne diets ever crossed your mind?

Are you eating healthy? A proper diet greatly contributes to having healthier skin. Even better, acne diets will help lessen breakouts and keep your skin soft, smooth and supple. Can you recall a simple concept called “garbage in, garbage out”?

This is how acne diets operate. Always remember that what you eat has an effect not just on your body’s physical strength, but your appearance as well. The very simple habit of drinking eight glasses of water a day helps a lot in flushing out toxins from your body. People who do not make a habit of drinking enough water every day suffer from skin dryness, pimple and other forms of skin ailments.

Vegetables are high sources of fiber. Fiber-enriched acne diets also help in cleaning the body on the inside. Fruits are also sources of fiber. Apart from that they are rich in vitamins. What the skin needs most are vitamins A, C and E. These are highly present in citrus fruits. Fruits secrete enzymes that help fight acne. The vitamins present in fruits keep the skin soft and radiant looking.

Acne diets are very easy to follow. Water, vegetables and fruits are the keys to keeping an acne-free skin. Keeping tabs on the contents or ingredients of every meal is a step closer to having beautiful skin. Here are a few more tips – adequate rest, regular exercise and an overall healthy lifestyle can transform you in ways you never imagined possible. You are healthy, you look good and you have your confidence back.Remember, what’s inside can be reflected outside.

About the Author: Luke Cameron is owner of Beauty Care Inc. -an online magazine offering news, tips and articles on beautyrelated topics. His website can be found at:http://www.beautycareinc.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com