by James Redder
It is quite normal to expect people to want to look attractive and this might explain why anti-aging skin care products are so successful; when most of us can expect to live longer and have fuller, more active lives, this is hardly surprising. This group of beauty products generally works by enabling the synthesis of collagen, the main protein of connective tissue in animals and the most abundant in our body; collagen makes up approximately 25 percent of the total protein in the skin. Most anti-aging products (collagen included) fall into a category of natural everyday products we all use; this group is called antioxidants which are natural chemicals found in many foods and our body.
Although the benefits of vitamin C (an anti-oxidant) are well documented, it is still debated as to what our daily amount should be. Skin care treatments that are based on vitamin C, pose the problem of becoming oxidized themselves as they come into contact with air during their usage.
Other skin care treatments which mimic the effects of vitamin C are being tried all the time which are hoped to be more stable in the atmosphere and also cheaper to produce. Unfortunately the anti-oxidant products used to replace vitamin C are not as effective but as vitamin E and lipoic acid can both have the same effect; this is not too much of a problem.
The body uses vitamin E as an antioxidant and is also used to increase the natural defense we have against disease, including many types of cancer, it is a fat soluble vitamin in people’s blood. Lipoic acid is also an energy making component of the body, found in every cell, it can also help reduce the aging process which affects the skin.
The use of plants has not been overlooked either with many able to provide essences called phytochemicals which have proved successful in anti-aging skin care products. A further benefit of these phytochemicals is their ability to prevent the onset of breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer all of which are on the increase globally.
It has also been discovered that there are anti-aging benefits to vitamins B5, B6 and B12. Although the area of anti-aging skin care products is huge, more is being learned about the whole aging process and about natural products that can reduce the effects it has on our bodies as well as our skin.
In time new discoveries will be made advancing our understanding of the aging process and products that can reduce or reverse the effects more successfully. Hopefully, these challenges will get resolved in due course and better and cheaper anti-aging skin care products will be produced.
Fortunately there is a number of natural anti-aging regimes that can be carried out that do not rely on science. You know all these things but how many do you practice? Regular exercise, restful sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet and keeping your stress levels low are all necessary.
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Let’s not sugarcoat it. Acne is a nightmare. For any long-term sufferer of chronic acne, frequent breakouts can impact your appearance, social, and professional life. Acne can also cause the self-esteem to take a nosedive. Acne causes are as individual as acne sufferers themselves and, though acne is the most common skin disorder, there is no cure. This fact is a gloomy reality for those with ongoing, resistant acne. What are common acne causes? Are there any consistently effective treatments? And is there a cure on the horizon? All these questions will be briefly answered in this article.
Managing Acne
Acne vulgaris is a skin disorder caused by overactive oil glands which trap bacteria and result in clogged pores. These clogged pores may become pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, lesions, or nodules. All acne is different though there are at least four recognized acne causes. These are: heredity, hormonal changes, diet, and stress. Some acne causes can be managed. Heredity is the only cause that simply exists and cannot be changed. Hormones, particularly in women, can be regulated by birth control pills. In teenagers and young adults, avoiding foods that contain white flour or sugar can help reduce insulin levels which can affect hormones. Other dietary changes include, avoiding caffeine, processed foods, carbonated beverages, pasta, and fatty foods. Adding plenty of water, fresh fruits and vegetables, and natural, unprocessed foods to your diet can dramatically impact the skin. Stress can be managed too. Rather than allow your boss, work, relationships, time commitments, or health worries to cause stress, it is beneficial to add relaxation techniques and exercise to manage life stressors. Yoga, exercise, visualization, aromatherapy, and even hypnotherapy can all reduce stress and incidence of acne breakouts.
If natural treatments like maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, getting plenty of rest, avoiding the sun, and maintaining a strict skin care regimen all fail to clear up acne, other avenues may need to be tried. A dermatologist can recommend prescription medications in oral or topical form. Antibiotics and retinoids are the most successful treatments for acne. Cosmetic treatments such as facials, dermabrasion, and laser treatments are also effective for reducing acne and minimizing acne. Acne causes can change over time, so a treatment that works for teen- hormone-related acne may not work for stress-related adult acne. Unfortunately, acne treatment can be a study in trial and error to find what works for you.
If all else fails, Accutane can be prescribed. Accutane is currently the only quasi-”cure” for acne. This much coveted (and despised) medication has potentially life-threatening side effects but it clears up acne for good in over 60% of acne cases. Accutane’s side effects are severe depression and birth defects. Ask your doctor if you are eligible for this controversial prescription medicine.