Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s)
In the following article we will attempt to shed some light into these questions and give you all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Do they belong in natural skin care products?
What are they?
How are they useful to our skin?
Are they a natural ingredient in skin care?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) are Fruit acids, which are weak organic acids derived from various sources such as, grapes, apples, sugar cane, maple, pineapple, papaya, willow bark, lemon, lime, sour milk, blackberries, yoghurt and cider, and play an important role in skin care.
Fruit acids are natural exfoliants that perform a number of functions at the level of the stratum corneum on the skin’s surface:
Loosen and dissolve dead cells from the skin’s surface
Help to regenerate new skin cells,
Aid in the control of acne, smooth rough dry skin, improve the texture of sun-damaged and aging skin and
Retain moisture, which leaves your skin healthy and vibrant.
Naturally contained AHA’s are basically a good thing, unfortunately, many companies are using concentrated extracts, or worse still, synthetically manufactured AHA’s or BHA’s (beta hydroxy acids), and that is not a good thing.
When scientists comes across a ‘new substance’, so to speak, they have a tendency to want to make it better than nature’s version… more concentrated for quicker results… and so on. Unfortunately, this usually brings with it side effects and sometimes actual physical damage.
A natural ingredient – just what exactly does that mean?
Does it mean it is a substance that nature created and it has been added to a product in order to make that product natural? No, a natural ingredient is an ingredient that is, where ever possible, present in it’s natural form, for example AHA’s can be extracted and then added to a product, thereby the maker of that product can claim it contains ‘Natural ingredients’. Or the AHA’s can be use in a product in the form of an extract of Papaya with all the other ingredients present in Papaya fruit. This is a more balanced set of ingredients that work together (synergistically) to achieve a desired effect, thus it is a truly natural ingredient.
Let me give you an example: Aspirin (a very commonly used pain killer) is derived from the bark of the white Willow tree. The substance or the active ingredient is called Salicylic acid, a BHA. This is the stuff that reduces pain. It is also the stuff that can cause Stomach ulcers….
Now, the herbal extract of the white Willow bark does not (or is much less likely to) cause Stomach ulcers. Why? Because the herbal extract contains many other ingredients that are contained in the bark, which the extraction process brings out. Some of these substances are mucilaginous (Porridge is mucilaginous) which means they are slippery and when taken internally, they cover the membrane of the Stomach (the lining) and prevent the salicylic acid from causing irritation or ulceration – clever, isn’t she, that Mother Nature woman?
Sometimes you will hear these additional ingredients referred to as “phyto-chemicals”. This is very current topic today with respect to Vitamins and other ‘natural’ supplements.
What does all this have to do with natural skin care? Well, as I have written before. Natural skin care is not necessarily natural and one could debate back and forth what ‘natural’ is, or what it should be. One thing is certain, natural skin care products should not contain any ‘un-natural’ ingredients, be they synthetically produced or in ‘purified / isolated form’. Natural should be as close as possible to the way it is found in nature.
That is not to say one should not use Vitamin E as a principal ingredient in a cream, but it should not be of a synthetically derived form. Wheat germ oil, for example, is very high in Vitamin E and contains many other phyto-chemicals, which are nourishing to the skin.
At Wildcrafted Herbal Products we choose to define natural as ‘the way nature created it’, so we prefer not to use isolated natural ingredients. Instead, we choose to use ingredients from plant extracts, essential oils, carrier oils and other extraction processes according to Naturopathic principles, which preserve the integrity of the plant or relevant plant parts.
I hope this clarifies some of the confusion that is propagated in the media about AHA’s and provides you with information you can use when next looking at ingredients on natural skincare products.
Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you Join our Natural Skin Care Newsletter – it’s fun, free and Informative and you receive a free eBook on natural skin care © Wildcrafted Herbal Products Pty Ltd., 2009 Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/alpha-hydroxy-acids-ahas-839202.html
Cure Eczema Without The Use Of Useless Medication
My name is Susan Clark and I suffered from eczema, just like you, for my entire life until I found a cure.
My eczema started at an early age. By the age of 5, I could barely sleep at night because of the intense itching. My mother took me to my pediatrician who said that I had dry skin and instructed her to use lotion on me 3 times a day.
Would You Like To Check Out the Eczema Cure Right Away?
Click Here To Find Out The Exact System I Used To Eliminate My Eczema Forever
At 7 it had worsened. I would scratch so hard during the night that I would wake up with blood on various parts of my body. My mother again took me to the doctor. This time the doctor told my mom to give me Benadryl. Needless to say that this didn’t work. My mom came up with her own solution and had me wear mitts at night so I couldn’t scratch.
A new doctor finally diagnosed me with eczema when I was 9. He said it would be easy to cure. I was given some medicines and some cream. My mom and I was amazed that the eczema began to clear up. Within a few weeks it was gone but so was the medicine.
Slowly but surely the eczema began to return. When we saw the doctor again, he said that I would have to continue to switch medicines because they would become ineffective as my body became accustomed to them.
You see, what we quickly found out was that the so called specialists just treat the symptoms and not the root cause. Some even suggested that I would “grow out of it”.
The next 17 years were plagued with eczema. I would have times when I could hide it with long sleeve clothing and pants. I would also have times when I could not hide it. Without any doubt, I did not grow out of it. Steroids became a popular cure and it worked a little but the side effects of taking steroids long term is worse than eczema.
Here is what you will learn in the Beat Eczema guide
How to Eliminate eczema without the use of medication
How to treat your infant’s or your child’s eczema (special section with special treatments just for your child)
How to stop the itching
How to eliminate dry skin forever
Focus on the root cause of eczema - rather than the symptoms
How to be totally free from pain and sleep soundly at night
How to stop using dangerous steroids
Learn the causes of eczema and how to eliminate them
How to slow down your skin aging process.
How to create younger, toned, firm skin - guaranteed
How to unleash your body’s natural ability to heal itself from all skin complaints.
Much, Much More
The system is all natural and easy to use. You are just minutes away from taking your first steps to having beautiful skin.
In less than 2 weeks, you will be totally free from eczema, living without the constant scratching, feeling free to expose your arms and legs. All you need do is follow the plan.
Click Below For The Complete Guide To Clearing Up Your Eczema For Good
Get Rid Of Your Eczema -Without Using The Medication That Has Failed You Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/cure-eczema-without-the-use-of-useless-medication-839452.html
Advice for Baby Sun Protection This Summer
The summer season will soon be upon and as you plan fun outdoor activities with your young children concerne parents will want to be sure they take adequate steps to protect their child’s skin form over exposure to the sun. The skin of an infant child is much more sensitive than our own adult skin and it’s especially important for young children to have sun protection when they are growing, not just from possible sun burn but also to help guard against sun poisoning too.
There’s a wide variety of UV sun protection products and accessories available. Perhaps one of the most important items is a pair of baby sunglasses. A baby’s eyes are even more sensitive to the sun than ours, yet babies can spend time facing up towards the sky when in car seats, prams and strollers where the bright sun may be shining directly in their eyes. Specially designed baby sunglasses are now available from specialist brands such as Baby Banz.
Other baby sun protection items you may wish to consider include UV sunproof swimwear. This special sunproof swimwear comes as either one piece sunsuits or matching top and shorts two piece sets. UV sunproof clothes are essential for every child at the beach or poolside. What makes the sunsuit so terrific for summer is that it provides 97.5% protection from Ultraviolet radiation. Look too for sunproof swimwear sets with matching hats for all round cover. Combine this suit with a good sun protection cream and your little angel is all set for a fun day out in the sun!
Not only can a print sunhat be an adorable fashion accessory for your little love, it can also help to provide optimum sun damage protection from UV rays. A sunhat helps to keep the sun from beating down onto the baby’s face. It is also a great accessory for keeping the sun out of baby’s eyes.
Don’t forget the stroller either. Every parent needs a good stroller to take their child from place to place on a hot summer day, and strollers made with special UV sunproof canopies are now available. If you already have a favorite strollers then consider buying a sunproof shade that can be bought as an accessory an is designed to fit to your usual stroller when the sun’s out. Take the right precautions this year and invest a little time in some sun protection for your little one.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/advice-for-baby-sun-protection-this-summer-838286.html
Foot tattoos Trendy designs on your feet
Foot tattoos are just another name of fashion. You accept new styles and trends for looking more stunning. Foot tattoo gives your foot a unique look. It decorates the feet and brings beauty on them. After you get a tattoo, your foot dances with joy. It just changes the overall appearance of your feet which no makeup can do.
Worldwide women have great fascination about foot tattoos. Sometimes they decorate their foot with stars, sometimes with flowers. The fantastic designs of foot tattoos make women mad, even they draw letters on their feet with an artistic way too.
Some of the latest fashionable designs in foot tattoos are–
1.Butterflies
2.Zodiac signs
3.Stars
4.Flowers
5.Heart
6.Letters
7.Designs of beautiful flower vines
Generally foot tattoos are more painful than getting tattoo on other parts of your body. That is the reason why this foot art is done so less in quantity. When a tattoo is given just over your bone it hurts more, while if a tattoo is administered over the flesh it will bring no difficulty.
Decorating your feet with foot tattoo
1.The first step before you get a tattoo on your feet is to select the specific area of your feet where it will be done. You have to remember that there is not much space on your feet to enjoy a large design.
2.Always try to use a deep color on your foot. If you select a lighter shed to tattoo, it will fade within a short time period.
3.Be careful during the time when your tattoos are recovering. Usually it will take 2 weeks. This is the time when you have to take special care of your foot. Apart from keeping the place fully clean, use socks and shoes to protect your tattoo.
4.After getting a tattoo you may feel swelling in your feet. Before deciding to get tattoo, manage some leave from your job, so that you can enjoy a safe foot tattoo.
5.Though you are deciding your foot tattoo design, do not avoid the advices of your tattoo artist. Your artist may suggest you to alter the shapes and sizes of the tattoo. In color choice also you need to follow the instructions of your artist. You must call an expert as well experienced artist for this job. He is well-known about the conditions and his advice will be fruitful for you.
Author is beauty consultant for beautytipshub. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/foot-tattoos-trendy-designs-on-your-feet-837109.html
Explore the amazing world of inner beauty and happiness.
Beauty Tips
New Ways to Fight Wrinkles: Discover Healthier and More Radiant Skin
The fine lines and wrinkles that occur in the skin with aging are often a concern for women and men who appear a lot older than they actually are. Sun exposure, acne and stress are all factors that contribute to unhealthy skin that can appear blemished, wrinkled and unsightly. While topical mediations and treatments are often recommended for people who are concerned about their facial problems, there is some permanent damage that cannot be restored through topical means.
It is common for people who have tried topical anti-aging or scar reducing crèmes without success to resort laser treatment. Sophisticated laser technology has enabled treatments such as fraxel that can help improve the detrimental effects of age, stress or acne on the skin.
Laser therapy is often used today in treatments for liposuction, spider-vein removal and even tattoo removal. The advantages of the laser technology circumvent any surgical means that are invasive and require extensive recovery periods. The light energy of the laser penetrates the inner layer of skin without an incision. In treatments such as fraxel, the laser works much like a vaccine by minimally wounding the inner layer of your skin to then stimulate new collagen growth. This process induces rapid healing, so the skin appears tighter, smoother and younger. Patients generally notice results within 2 days.
While the treatment generally only takes a little under 30 minutes, patients are usually required to wait up to an hour and a half prior to treatment before the effects of the topical anesthetic can take place. Patients often experience a slight burning after, and this can be accompanied by redness and swelling. There are also several fraxel products that can be used after the treatment to enhance the treatment, though these are not necessary to obtain results. Doctors do recommend, however, that patients apply ample sunscreen post treatment to avoid sun exposure.
It is typically recommended to undergo several sessions of fraxel treatment. Typically, 3-5 treatments are advised to begin noticing results. While some patients notice results immediately after, a complete picture will not be noticeable until the healing process has subsided, and can take from 1-3 months. Despite this, women are able to use make-up immediately after the procedure. The procedure will also not affect men’s ability to shave afterward. The total downtime is minimal, and most people will return to their lives as normal, albeit some minor tenderness or redness in the face that tends to subside quickly.
More information on Fraxel clinics, Radiesse procedures, and a San Luis Obispo Med Spa in your area is just a click away. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/new-ways-to-fight-wrinkles-discover-healthier-and-more-radiant-skin-836516.html
Categories Of Skin Care
There are range of categories of skin care and these are generally based on the skin type that a individual has. It has been observedthat there are range of skin types, which are as well responsible for the different- different kinds of skin problems that one suffers from. Still though there are various kinds of skin care ways existing these nowdays it should be kept in mind that skin care is necessary if you want to keep away from skin problems such as wrinkles, acne, surplus oil secretion, etc.
Mainly there are 3 major skin types which are the dry, oily, and normal skins, but there are as well additional segregations of these types with several people having sensitive skin and several people having oily T-zones, where only the forehead and nose are the oily regions. Depending on the kind of skin that a individual has the regime for the skin care schedule are suggested and these techniques of skin care include exterior and interior skin care process, which are based on mature remedies and solutions.
On the whole there are 2 main categories of skin care techniques and these include skin home remedies and the products which are existing in the market. As the name suggests the home remedies are the ones, which are made from ingredients establish at home and mostly make use of whatever is existing in your kitchen. This can be the use of herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables and other natural ingredients start in most homes for treating various kinds of toners.
These home care remedies include the use of natural scrubs, toners and moisturizers that are completed from the natural plant and vegetable or fruit extracts. All of these natural ingredients are helpful in toning and moisturizing the skin because these techniques are generally secure and they include a many products that are perfect for the health of the skin. However the main problem with these remedies are to take out plenty time to apply these products as they require to be left on your skin for minimum half an hour to get outcome.
However the products offered readily in the marketplace can be applied as you wish and you can step out wearing a day cream without upsetting about the sun or tan. Hence these products give out multiple purposes and as well make sure that they are simple to use and required less time in application as well. Most of these products are as well made from different kinds of natural extracts and these are called as the smart skin care methods, which fundamentally involve the usage of the skin care products offered in the marketplace with care.
Since most of these products are readily existing in the marketplace and are simple to use and apply, there is no need to spend hours in preparing them and they give similarly good outcome for skin care. But no matter what kind of product you choose you should make sure that they meet your skin requirements and help you to remove the problems of the skin. There are some side effects of harsh chemical products so confirm that you examination these products earlier than applying them on your skin.
Read more on how to get rid of wrinkles. Know more about Pimples Herbal Remedies and Breast Enlargement Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/categories-of-skin-care-835287.html
Best Skin Firming Face Creams And Lotions- The Truth About The Healthiest And Most Effective Choice You Can Make
Your face is what people see first and judge you by. I know that you want to look your best and of course the youngest you possibly can. I want to show you what the best skin firming face creams and lotions must consist of so that you can reach your beauty goals. You must be provided with a natural skin firming product that will allow your skin’s defense mechanisms to work efficiently and fight the aging process. This isn’t a process that can’t be defeated or at least suspended for a long time. The best skin firming face creams will contain essential oils that are organic and herbal. They will moisturize your face without clogging the pores and resulting in red, blotchy and sore skin. Some of these oils have a nice natural odor that is much better for your skin than a synthetic fragrance. Fragrances that are added to a cream or lotion are very hard on the facial skin and can be toxic. Vitamin E is an important addition to any skin firming lotion. It is a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants counter the free radicals that can damage your skin. They also allow for the buildup of collagen. Collagen is what the skin needs to retain its youthful elasticity and tone. As we age much of the collagen is lost and the natural creams and lotions will promote the production of collagen naturally by your body. Many of the ingredients in these natural products also promote the smoothing of wrinkles, lines and other signs of aging. Painful injections and surgery are not the only way of dealing with these unwanted age lines. The best skin firming face products are effective for your face not only for the different ingredients but also for what they don’t contain. Many of the well known skin products have preservatives and are petroleum based. Preservatives have been shown to often be toxic and even carcinogenic. Remember that whatever you apply to your skin will work its way into the bloodstream. The goal here is for you to find and use the best skin firming product that is on the market. Expense is a minor factor when we’re trying to heal, protect and rejuvenate your facial skin. The organic products may be a little more costly but they are safe and much more effective than the common synthetic chemical products.
Have you heard that youth is wasted on the young? Let’s not waste a minute. Check out the exciting look and feel young info. at….www.access-natural-health.com
How to Remove::Deep Eye Wrinkles and Deep Forehead Wrinkles
How to remove deep eye and deep forehead wrinkles is very possible. It can be difficult to completely remove them. But don’t give up there is help that will either remove or reduce eye and forehead wrinkles. This article will tell you how.
Why Do Wrinkles Appear?
In simple terms, the reason wrinkles appear on the forehead, face, neck or around the eyes is skin oxidation. Its a lot like what occurs in food. Bacteria invades and causes spoilage, thus obviously changing its shape. Skin is invaded by free radicals and the skin shape changes. Let me explain what free radicals do.
Free Radicals – Skin Enemies
Free radicals are cells that have “broken loose’ and are on a wild rampage. They “bump” into other cells starting a chain reaction that causes damage. This oxidation needs an antidote which is antioxidants. This superior source is found in the plant world. Plants put up their own protection against UV sun rays and oxidation. When these plant antioxidants are used on the skin amazing things happen. How and what happens?
Plant Antioxidants
Hesperidin (vitamin P) is an excellent plant-derived antioxidant. It is a citrus bioflavonoid. What vitamin P does is very important in helping the body remove wrinkles. It gives the blood vessels much needed integrity and strength.
Chrysin is also known as a plant antioxidant. Its main role is that it has anti-inflammation properties. Chrysin comes from the blue passion flower which is a plant we ordinarily don’t have with our meals..
Deep Forehead Wrinkles
A common “thread” or problem runs through wrinkles, both eye and forehead. Fortunately, the solution is also similar: Grow New Skin. How can that be done?
Anti-wrinkle creams that contain amino acids greatly reduce wrinkles, especially deep wrinkles on the forehead. The amino acids that effectively do this are: Tryptophan, valine, tetra-peptide 7 and especially keratin. When applied to the skin it has been demonstrated dramatically to develop new skin cells. A contributing element that helps is the increase of collagen and elastin which makes the skin firmer and smoother.
One theory says wrinkles appear from repeated frowning and making faces, especially bad ones. True or false, wrinkles appear and need to be reduced. Using natural ingredients that are real and not synthetic work much better and are safer to use. But be careful of the word “natural”. Some are not.
Deep Wrinkles
Regardless of the wrinkle, deep eye, deep forehead, face, neck, wherever, the answer is to get new skin growing. The body can do this because it always has. But what happens as we grow older that new skin growth process slows down. So how do we speed it up again?
As mentioned, protein peptides, amino acids and anti-oxidants will renew the process or keep it going. To learn more about removing wrinkles of any type see my website listed below. -Margaret Bell
Please visit http://www.AHealthyRadiantSkin.com for Margaret’s recommended source of Anti-Wrinkle Skin Care and Nutritional Supplements that are guaranteed to be safe and effective. A FREE Health Newsletter is available. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/how-to-removedeep-eye-wrinkles-and-deep-forehead-wrinkles-832155.html
Getting to know Yourself and your Skin
It is essential that you take the time to know your skin before you undergo any type of medical skin procedure, such as hair removal. Medical specialists that administer any type of medical procedure go through training. For example, if you decided to get a juverderm treatment you would go to a dermatologist or medical professional who had undergone juvederm training. Take the time to train yourself at home so that you know your skin and how it will react to the many treatments you may decide to undergo.
Generally speaking there are four different types of skin. They include dry skin, oily skin, normal skin and combination skin. Which are you?
Dry skin: Generally your skin feels dehydrated or lacks oil. It can be sensitive to extreme sun, wind or cold.
Oily skin: Shine is evident if you have oily skin. You may also find yourself more prone to pimples, blackheads and clogged pores.
Normal skin: You may change with the seasons; have oily T zones but a dry-taut check skin area.
Sensitive skin: You may have sensitive skin that is also oily or dry. However, if you are sensitive you may be especially prone to beauty products and extreme temperatures. The way the skin reacts can be a variety of ways. Basically, having sensitive skin is a bonus to the type of skin you already have.
Combination skin: If you are a combination person you may have two extreme types of skin. You may have acne and oil in one area but the rest of the skin is not producing much oil or is dry.
Everyone has a different type of skin and it is important to use the correct cleansers, toners and/or moisturizes based on the skin type you have. Keep in mind that you should be extra careful when choosing makeup and other skin products if you have sensitive skin. Especially consider this when you are considering undergoing any type of medical procedure such as a juvederm or restylane treatment or any type of laser hair removal. If your body and skin tend to react sensitively to the simple makeup or other products you may purchase, you are going to need to be careful. The last thing you want is an extreme reaction to what might already be a painful treatment or at least a treatment requiring a healing period.
Taking the proper precautions when you are about to undergo a medical treatment is essential. When you have a consultation and meet with the medical specialist I’m sure they will ask you many questions regarding your medical history, current and past medications as well as any allergies you may have. Know your skin and your body so that you can explain how you have reacted to any treatments, makeup or chemicals in the past. You’ll not only feel happier with the results of the treatment but you’ll probably impress the doctor with your knowledge as well. Take the time, make the effort and do your research so that you can make sure you get the right treatments and the results that you are most desiring.
About the Author: Rebecca Beckett is a freelance writer for Innuity. If you would like more information about hair removal or juvederm traininggo to Canyon State Laser Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/getting-to-know-yourself-and-your-skin-830696.html
Discover Truly Paraben Free Lotions and Creams
Ever wondered why there is such a clamor over paraben free lotions and creams? The major cosmetics companies will tell you that there is absolutely nothing to worry about when it comes to these chemical preservatives being in your skin care products. Despite what these companies tell you, there is a lot of evidence to the contrary.
Scientists have for years been trying to figure out whether or not the chemicals that are commonly used in skin care products are safe. For many years people never even considered the notion of safety in cosmetics, because people really didn’t understand how much of an effect these products could have on the body. Now though, we realize that what absorbs into our skin also gets into our bloodstream, and internal tissue.
This has drawn attention to the fact that paraben free lotions and creams may be necessary if people are to maintain good health. The many studies that have been conducted on both these preservative agents and many other chemicals that are widely used have shown that they are actually toxic to the body. Several of them also contain carcinogenic properties.
Parabens have been the most widely used preservative agents in the cosmetics industry. They have also been found to be present in the tumors of breast cancer victims. This is why the European Union moved to ban all such chemical ingredients from use in skin care products. The U.S. has sought to do the same, but for some reason the courts keep ruling against them.
When you look at the results of the studies that have been conducted it is easy to see the need for paraben free lotions and creams. The major cosmetics corporations want to be able to keep on using these chemical agents however. The reason for this is despite the damage that they can do, these chemical agents are simply cheaper to use as ingredients.
What you need to do if you want to ensure that you keep your health is avoid the products that these companies are manufacturing. There are companies that are producing paraben free lotions and creams despite the fact that natural ingredients cost more to use. These are the companies that you should be getting your skin care products from, because they care about the repercussions that can come through using cosmetics products.
These companies use only the finest natural ingredients that are collected from locations all over the world. These ingredients are selected because they have been clinically tested, and proven to be the healthiest compounds for your skin that can be found. You do not have to be a victim of the popular cosmetics corporations anymore, because there are honest companies out there.
Make no mistake about it. They understand that paraben free lotions and creams are the only way to effectively treat your skin, and some of the all natural products that are being created will do things for you that no chemical based formula could possibly hope to do. These are the products that you need in order to safely change the way that you look.
To learn more about other incredible natural and safe substances for healthy skin care, visit my website today.
Laurel is a long time user and passionate advocate of natural skin care products. Visit her site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products she recommends after extensive research: http://www.beautiful-skin-site.com. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/discover-truly-paraben-free-lotions-and-creams-829158.html