Skin Care Myths Explained

By Lee Peterson

There are so many myths about proper skin care, that it's
scary. From old wife's tales about preventing stretch marks
during pregnancy to what's mandatory for proper cleansing,
the falsehoods that are taken for granted have most
dermatologists shaking their heads in discord. According to
many skin care specialists, some of these myths can actually
lead to skin damage. Here we dispel five of the common fishy
tales regarding skin care.

1. Prepare your skin for summer sun on a tanning bed.
Tanning beds are dangerous because of the concentrated UVA
rays they emit. These are the same rays you get from the sun
that cause premature aging and skin cancer. Getting a light
tan on the sun bed does not protect your skin from further
damage, it just means you have already exposed it to harmful
rays. Tanning does not produce more melanin in the skin, it
just brings it to the surface.

2. Application of olive oil can prevent pregnancy stretch
marks. Stretch marks are caused when the sub-surfaces of the
dermis split, usually due to expansion of the skin beyond
its elasticity ability. This can occur during pregnancy or
because of excessive weight gain. There are no topical
preparations that will prevent this scarring from occurring.
A healthy diet, hydration and regular exercise are the best
ways to ensure your dermis remains healthy and retains its
elasticity.

3. Increasing the SPF means you can stay out in the sunshine
much longer. This is truly an unsafe belief. A sunscreen
with an SPF of 15 will block approximately 94% of UV rays.
Increasing to an SPF of 40 will only block 97% of UV rays.
Increasing the SPF does not significantly increase the
protection. What's more important is to ensure the sun block
you purchase protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Another
must is to apply the protection before you venture out in
the sun and then reapply sun screen every couple of hours,
regardless of whether you got wet or not.

4. You don't need sunscreen if you have dark skin. A darker
skin tone, whether a Mediterranean olive-toned complexion or
the skin tone of a person of color, does not give the person
extra protection from the sun. It only means that they have
an increased level of melanin. Although this does decrease
the risk of skin cancer from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of
the sun, it is only a slight decrease, and people with
darker skin tones must use sunscreen and take the same
precautions as those with a fairer complexion.

5. Eating chocolate will give you acne. Acne is not caused
by anything you eat. Acne occurs when the dead cells that
your skin sheds stick together and block gland openings.
This causes a back up of the oils that naturally occur in
your skin. Bacteria on the skin react to this and make the
condition worse. One type of food is not going to cause
acne, but a healthy diet will promote a healthier skin and
body.

Fast Weight Loss is Bad Weight Loss

By Morgan Vernelli

You've seen the advertisements and you've heard the miracle
claims:

Lose twenty pounds in one week!

Drop four dress sizes in fourteen days!

Lose fat and build muscle without doing any exercise!

Most fat diets and diet supplements make the same outrageous
claim: You'll lose weight fast. And in today's society of
quick-fixes, most of us are willing to jump at a chance to
get rid of our flab in a mere 48 hours - especially if it
doesn't require any work! In fact, most of us wish we had
lost the weight yesterday!

But most health experts agree that fast weight loss is bad
weight loss. Instead, they recommend that people lose weight
at about a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week. And though this
may not seem like a speedy rate of weight loss especially
when compared to some of the outrageous claims made by diet
companies, a 2-pound-per-week loss of fat would mean you'd be
24 pounds lighter in just twelve weeks!

Sure, it would be great to lose those 24 pounds in just one
week. But it's not a good idea. Here's why:

It's impossible to sustain that rate for the long haul.
No matter why you're losing weight so quickly whether it's
diet, exercise or a supplement it's impossible to sustain
that kind of major weight loss rate for the long haul.
Eventually, you'll only lose a few pounds a week. And your
weight loss may even stall or plateau. For many folks,
especially people who have achieved big successes initially,
this can cause a rebound of returning to old habits.

The weight won't stay off anyway. Studies have found that
people who lose weight quickly almost always gain it back
again. There are exceptions, of course. But in general,
losing weight fast is a pretty good indicator that you'll
one day be wearing those pounds again. On the other hand,
folks who have managed to successfully lose weight and keep
it off are likely to have lost the pounds gradually over
time.

It's bad for your health. Dramatic and fast weight changes
like losing lots of weight very quickly stresses your body,
your heart and your immune system. And, since you're likely
to put that weight back on again, you could start a cycle of
yo-yo dieting that will negatively affect your overall
health. Losing weight slowly, however, allows your body to
adjust to the changes gradually, which lessens the stress it
endures when you're dieting and following an exercise
program.

It may be tempting to try a fad diet or extreme exercise
program in order to lose weight quickly. But the healthiest
method which is also likely to be more successful in the
long haul is to take off the pounds gradually and slowly.

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weight loss and the best and worst ways to go about shedding
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Weight Loss - A Few Success Tips

By Marilyn Roberts

Not every diet or exercise plan will suit everyone. So you
need to find the one that works for you. You will likely
have to try different diets and programs before you find the
one that pays off for you.

The downfall for a lot of dieters is when their high weight
loss expectations are not met and they give up. Choose a
realistic goal and separate it into easily reachable
increments. As an example: if you want to lose 20 pounds,
then set up a schedule of losing one pound a week for 5
months. This isn't fast weight loss but a pound a week is
pretty easy to do so you have less chance of being
disappointed and giving up.

Some people like to exercise when they are dieting and this
certainly helps. Even if you do not like to exercise, you
could at least try walking.

If you don't want to go outside you can buy walking tapes
where you just walk in place in front of your TV screen.
Even 15 minutes of walking every day can make a significant
difference in your weight loss efforts.

If you know that you are going to be eating out on a certain
date and you know you will not be sticking to your diet,
plan for it. One easy way to do this is to have an all fruit
day on the day before you eat out or on the day after you
eat out.

Give yourself permission to eat as much fruit as you want,
but don't eat anything else. If it is going to really be a
diet buster meal, you could eat only fruit the day before
and the day after your meal out. This way you won't feel
guilty while you are enjoying your meal out. If you plan it
right you can have your cake and eat it too!

Reward yourself when you have reached a certain goal, such
as your pound a week, but don't go overboard. Just pick
something to eat that normally you cannot have while on a
diet. This will help you keep going. If you give up
everything you like, chances are you will not stay on your
diet. If you can look forward to that little treat, such as
your favorite candy bar, your dieting will be much more
tolerable and easier to maintain.

These were just a few tips to help you stay on your diet and
have weight loss success. You need to individualize your
dieting methods as only you know what is tolerable for you
and what you will actually stick to.

5 Basic Steps Daily To Look 5 Years Younger

By Charlotte Field

Our skin's primary purpose is to protect us. When we don't
take care of our skin, it can't do its job properly - and it
looks faded and dull. To look years younger, you must take
care of your skin each and every day. However, this does not
mean spending hours each morning in front of the mirror, or
purchasing a closet full of expensive gadgets and products
all promising to make you look 18 again.

By doing 5 basic steps each and every day, your skin will
begin to recover its luster and even its youthful glow.
Let's see what these 5 steps are.

1. Cleanse properly.

Your face needs to be cleansed both in the morning and again
in the evening. Your cleanser should be matched to your
skin type; a gel is often preferred for oily skin; a cream
is better for dry skin types. Your cleanser does not have
to foam to be effective, although if a sudsy face makes you
happy, go ahead and get a cleanser that foams. When you
apply your cleanser, be sure to follow the directions, using
a light touch, and washing gently for at least 30 seconds.
Then rinse well with clean water and pat dry. If you wear
make-up or heavy sunscreen, be sure to wash and rinse twice;
once to remove the make-up and the second time to get down
to business and cleanse your skin.

2. You need a good toner.

In order to fight those damaging "free radicals" we've been
hearing so much about, you'll need a good toner. Your toner
should create an antioxidant shield, balancing the skin's
protective barrier. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic
acid, which holds 1,000 times its weight in water, giving
your skin a real hydration boost. Other ingredients to look
for are vitamin C and white tea, both restorative and
calming. Be sure your toner is ph-balanced, especially if
your cleanser is not.

3. Exfoliate regularly.

A gentle, non-abrasive exfoliation is necessary to clear
dead skin cells from your skin's surface. Exfoliating helps
the skin renewal process and reveals a brighter, clearer
complexion. Exfoliating also allows moisturizers to
penetrate deeper into your skin. Exfoliation is good, but
more is not always better. Be careful not to over-exfoliate
or scrub your skin harshly. If you have oily skin,
over-exfoliating will cause the oil glands to over-produce
oil to compensate for the oil that you have stripped away.
Obviously this can cause more clogging and more shine on an
already oily face. So, exfoliate often, but gently, and your
skin will love you for it.

4. Keep that moisturizer coming.

Hydrate and feed your skin with a good moisturizer. Choose
a quality moisturizer that offers protection from the
elements for your skin , plus offers your skin a good dose
of nutrition along with moisture. Look for vitamins A, C,
and E, yeast, and other ingredients that would "feed" your
face just like you feed your body. Even if your skin is
oily, you still need a good moisturizer to give your face a
healthy dose of nutrition.

5. Sunscreen is for every day.

The daily use of a good sunscreen is your number one defense
against aging skin. About 99% of all the signs of aging can
be directly linked to sun damage. With a little bit of
prevention, you skin can look younger longer. Even simple
day-to-day living exposes you face to the sun, even walking
to your car and, yes, driving in your car. The windshield
is not a sunblock! Check your morning moisturizer to be
sure it contains a sunscreen of 15 SPF. If it does not, be
sure to add a good sunscreen on top of your moisturizer
before you leave the house. If your plans have you outside
for a longer time than normal, be sure to apply one of the
FDA-approved sunscreens. Look for titanium dioxide or zinc
oxide on the label.

What else can you do to look and feel years younger?

Now, just add a bit of regular exercise, healthy food, and
plenty of water to your diet, and you're well on your way to
a glowing complexion. Follow this daily skincare routine
and treat your skin to monthly professional analysis and
treatments with your Skin Care Specialist and that person
smiling back at you in the mirror will look younger and
happier.

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How To Clear Acne With Natural Acne Treatments

By Greg McNaughton

Millions of people buy various acne products each year in
the hopes that they can say goodbye to their acne forever.
Sadly, hardly anything actually works and many people are
left worrying that they will never get rid of pimples.
Fortunately, there are natural acne treatments that will
clear your skin completely - you just need to make sure they
follow the "special rule" of treating acne.

Ever wondered why the acne products you find in the stores
don't work? It's actually quite simple - they are not designed
to treat your acne at the actual root of the problem.

Rather than treating the causes of acne, they try to "zap
zits" that are already on your skin. However, they don't do
anything to prevent new acne breakouts from happening.
What's the point in getting rid of one pimple if you know
another one is just around the corner?

There's only one way to truly cure your acne - you have to
treat all of the causes of acne. It's a simple "secret" that
hardly any of the acne products seem to follow.

It's important to know the major causes of acne breakouts -
let's take a quick look:

1) Specific Acne-Causing Bacteria

2) Excess Oil on your Skin

3) Clogged-Up Skin Pores

4) Skin Inflammation

In order to get rid of pimples for good, you need to make
sure you are treating all of these causes. To do this you
will need to find an acne treatment solution that works as a
system to address each one.

If you have tried acne products in the past that didn't
work, don't let that get you down. Almost everyone who has
had acne has tried something that failed to clear their
skin.

Just make sure that from now on you are using a treatment
that treats all of the causes of acne. It's amazing how
quickly you will see results once you are treating your skin
this way.

It's a great feeling to look in the mirror and see clear
skin when you wake up. By looking for natural acne
treatments that attack acne at the root of the problem, you
will clear your skin quickly and say goodbye to acne once
and for all.

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How To Reduce Dark Circles Under The Eyes Naturally

One of the dreaded overnight surprises is dark under eye
circles. Looking in the mirror and seeing those when you are
in a hurry in the morning can give you a fright. Learn to
combat this pesky problem naturally and save some money.

Why do we have to put up with under eye circles? Many people
don't know the causes. Not getting enough sleep is the first
potential cause that comes to mind. Stress can bring on
sleeplessness and other conditions that can lead to under
eye circles. Dark circles are one sign that the body isn't
getting the time it needs while you sleep to repair itself.

Don't forget the water that flows so freely from our eyes
through a variety of emotional states. Crying, especially at
night, can cause the tissues to retain the fluid leading to
puffiness as well as dark circles.

Here are a few ways to reduce that look without chemicals.

1. Use cucumbers. You don't have to visit a high class spa
to get the benefits. Cool cucumber slices reduce puffiness
and fluid around the eyes. The juices lighten the skin under
the eyes. Apply thin cucumber slices to closed eyes for 10
minutes. Toss them in a salad when you're done.

2. Potato slices are good for under eye circles as well. Who
ever heard of using potatoes? In old fashioned remedies,
potatoes were used to draw out impurities. Here, use thin
raw potato slices (washed first). Apply them to your eyes
for about 20 minutes. The circles will get lighter.

3. Bananas. They are great to eat and now they can work
wonders for the outside as well as the inside. Create a
puree using bananas. When you are ready for bed, apply some
of the puree under your eyes like you would a cream. The
potassium in the banana helps balance the amount of water in
your skin. You'll see those dark circles disappear or at the
least, they will be lightened significantly.

4. Chamomile tea bags. Use chamomile tea to calm your spirit
and your skin. Cold or warm tea bags will do the trick. Cool
them in the fridge for 20 minutes or so or just let them
warm on a plate. Lay back and hold the tea bags on your eyes
for about 10 minutes.

5. Water. Drinking water will never go out of style. Your
body is 90 percent water. Dark circles can evolve from a
poorly watered body. The usual daily dose is at least eight
glasses. Drinking your water (flavored or plain) can stop
dark circles in their tracks.

6. Change your diet. If you are not eating properly, your
body will show it. Lack of vital nutrients and minerals can
manifest itself with dark patches on your skin including
under your eyes.

7. Dark circles and lack of moisture. Keep skin hydrated
from the outside as well. Using a daily moisturizer with
Vitamin E (avocado and nut ingredients) keeps skin supple.
For a more natural application, use avocado puree or almond
oil.

Dark circles are not how we want to put our best face
forward. Get rid of them naturally, without harsh chemicals.

These 5 Chemicals Are A Danger To Your Skin

Skincare products boast a lot of claims these days. Some of
these products however, contain substances that may not
agree with your skin and could cause problems. Before
purchasing one of the many beauty products on the market,
check to see if they contain any chemicals from the list
below.

1. Alcohols: Alcohol is a drying agent. If you have dry skin,
alcohol will make your skin feel even drier. Alcohols go by
many names so look closely at the label for words ending in
-ol. Drying agents will further strip your skin and hair of
necessary moisture.

2. Parabens: What are these products? It is a chemical that
inhibits the growth of bacterial in products like lotions
and creams. When we pour or pump lotion from the bottle, our
skin may come in contact with the top. It is a potential
source of contamination to the product especially if several
people use it. Parabens work to stop that, but can cause
skin irritations in many users.

3. Perfumes: Companies work hard to produce a new scent that
people will like. Even though you may like the smell, it can
cause skin irritations or allergies if the right chemicals
are mixed together. A rule of thumb is to avoid skincare
products that are scented. Look for words like
hypoallergenic when buying skincare products.

4. Phthalate: Look at the ingredient list on your lotions
and soaps the next time you are in the store. If you see the
word phthalate (pronounced thal-ate), put it back. These
chemicals have a poor reputation and they are harmful to
animals.

5. Dyes: Ever wonder where the color comes from in your
skincare products? It adds flare to the packaging to entice
the consumer but it does more than that. Read your labels.
Dyes can dry out your skin or cause rashes and other nasty
skin irritations for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Reading labels is important. The more that you know about
what you are buying, the less likely you are to purchase a
skincare product containing one of these chemicals. Since
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate
skincare products, it is up to us to police them.

We hope that manufacturers wouldn't sell us a bad bill of
goods but it happens more often than you think. The only
thing that these manufacturers are required to do is list
ingredients on the label according to how much is included.
Even with skincare products claiming to be all-natural,
check the label to validate their claim.