Health and Beauty Articles for Women

“Sciatica and low back pain are the most prevalent conditions I treat,” reported Colleen Blacklock, an acupuncturist and expert on Chinese herbal formulas. At her acupuncture clinic, she inserts needles into acupuncture points in the arms and legs to provide instant relief for chronic sciatica sufferers.

To aid recovery and healing, she prescribes a Chinese herbal formula that naturally increases blood circulation and address the pain, rather than masking the pain with traditional medications like painkillers. “They can give a false sense of relief and create more problems,” she said, emphasizing why a more natural approach is necessary.

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by Skincare-news.com team
Though the cause of acne is largely unknown, stress and diet – infamous greasy foods and sneaky sugary sweets – have been implicated in wrecking blemish havoc on our clear skin. Though research has yet to confirm these theories, many proponents of yoga and alternative skin treatments recommend a change in diet and a reduction in stress for beautiful glowing skin. Others have also suggested tea tree oil and homeopathic remedies.

The inside matters for the outside.

Tara Skye Goldin, N.D., a naturopathic physician in Boulder, Colorado, tells Yoga Journal the skin is essentially a window into your internal health. It’s the largest organ of the body and reflects what is happening internally. So, whatever you put into your body is definitely going to show. Processed foods are one such example: Unclear skin – plagued by pimples, rashes, or a dull look – can occur from eating processed foods, which overburden the liver, Goldin explains. As a result, the liver, intestines, and kidneys need the skin’s help in elimination and hence the condition of your not-so-clear face. Consequently, it’s crucial to cut out processed foods!
Sweat out toxins.

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by Skincare-news.com team

What is it? Kinetin, also known as N6-Furfuryladenine, is used in anti-aging skincare products because of its ability to improve the appearance of mature and photodamaged skin. A cytokinin, kinetin is an essential growth factor found in green leafy plants that prevents leaves from aging, keeping them plump and firm.

As a powerful antioxidant, kinetin is believed to help in preventing free radical damage. Studies have suggested kinetin is effective in improving hyperpigmentation, promoting an even skin tone, smoothing the skin’s texture and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. By helping the skin retain up to 25 percent more moisture, kinetin also promotes a healthy and hydrated complexion.

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by Skincare-news.com team

What is it? Almonds are tree nuts, along with cashews and walnuts. When used in beauty products, almonds are blended, ground or chopped into a very fine consistency.

What about almond oil? According to Notebook magazine, pure essential oils come from plant leaves, bark or fruit — in this case, from the almond. Specifically, these oils have very small molecules, so they’re easily absorbed into skin’s pores.

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by Skincare-news.com team

What is it? Derivatives of vitamin A, retinoids are found in a bevy of products and treat many skincare concerns and conditions, including acne, wrinkles, sun spots, warts, wounds, psoriasis, cancers such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, follicular disorders, lichen planus and disorders of keratinization, according to iVillage. But despite their popularity, retinoids are potent ingredients and should be taken with utmost care.

Specifically, as an effective acne treatment, retinoids slow the growth of cells inside the hair follicles, preventing these cells from clogging pores, which can contribute to acne. Retinoids also boast anti-inflammatory effects.

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by Skincare-news.com team

What is it? A precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, DMAE, short for dimethylaminoethanol, is an organic compound found to improve fine lines and wrinkles, dull or sallow skin and most impressively, sagging skin. In fact, DMAE may be the only compound to improve facial sagging.

Research shows it might also “improve facial contour and wrinkles,” writes Caroline Helwick in a 2003 article for Dermatology Times. Specifically, a Johnson & Johnson study explored DMAE’s efficacy among 156 participants with moderate photodamaged skin. The adults applied 3 percent DMAE gel to their faces for 16 weeks. Subtle improvements were noticed on the forehead. Skin around the eyes, lips and cheeks also appeared tighter. In a Cleveland Clinic article, DMAE is even described as showing “remarkable effects when applied topically to skin, resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.”

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You’ve probably heard about the recent controversy over Botox and its potential complications. Citing 658 complications and 16 fatalities, the advocacy group, Public Citizen, is petitioning for a “black box” label to appear on Botox to warn consumers and doctors. So naturally, you might be concerned. Our skin care and cosmetic dermatology expert Dr. Nelson Lee Novick clears up the controversy and concludes, “Botox has proven itself over the decades to be a safe and highly effective treatment for a variety of conditions, and I predict that its use and indications will continue to grow well into the future. For details, make sure to read “Dr. Nelson Lee Novick Responds to Botox Controversy,” http://skincare-news.com/experts.php?ExpID=5. But even if Botox is safe, you might look to other options to provide you with effective anti-aging results. Find effective treatments below.

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by Skincare-news.com team
Acne treatments come in all shapes and sizes, but often, sufferers find little relief. If you’ve tried them all, and need some new options, let essential oils be your guide!

With dozens of acne products on supermarket and beauty store shelves, the quest to rid your skin of acne can seem frustrating and confusing at best. And if you have acne, chances are you have probably tried many of these cures and more, but have you ever considered the natural healing power of essential oils?

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What is it? Hydroquinone is a chemical lightener used in many topical skin lightning products throughout the world to lighten skin discolorations such as age spots, freckles and melasma. Hydroquinone works by suppressing the formation of melanin, the pigment that causes a darkening of the skin.

You’ll find it in: Hydroquinone is available over the counter in 2% topical solutions, such as a cream or gel, or prescribed from a doctor in a 4% solution. To use, apply hydroquinone with a cotton swab to avoid getting the product on surrounding skin and allow to dry completely before applying moisturizer or foundation. For larger spots, such as on hands or legs, massage the product into the skin to ensure even delivery, and wash hands immediately afterward to avoid lightening the palms. Take care not to get this medication on the lips, nose or mouth, as numbness may occur. For most people, hydroquinone should only be used twice a day. Most important, use only as directed, and never use more frequently or in larger amounts than recommended.

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What is it? Lactic acid is part of the alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA) family, which includes ingredients derived from sugar cane, fruit and milk. Specifically, lactic acid comes from milk; after it undergoes fermentation, it’s a powerful exfoliating ingredient that regularly appears in skincare products.

Similar to the widely popular AHA glycolic acid, lactic acid reduces fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and hyperpigmentation while improving the skin’s texture and promoting collagen production. But unlike glycolic acid, lactic acid typically doesn’t cause allergic reactions or irritation.

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