Diet & Skin Care
There’s a rather worn-out saying, which goes like this: you are what you eat. Not surprisingly, the cheap soundbite appearance serves as a mask for a deeper truth, since any skin care professional would tell you that diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin. Balanced diet is needed for optimal health and well-being; as well as having healthy skin. However, balanced diet is primarily set to prevent malnutrition and vitamin/mineral deficiencies.
“Food also plays an important part in determining the look and feel of your skin. Studies have shown that eating unhealthy and fatty foods may result in oily and pimply skin. If you eat right, you can have the radiant and glowing skin all people seek to achieve.”
Avoid Acne with Vitamins
Choose foods rich in vitamin A. Naturally occurring vitamin A or retinol is commonly found in fish oils, dairy products and liver. Vitamin A found in plants is called beta-carotene and is commonly found in yellow/orange fruits and vegetables like carrot and cantaloupe. This is essential for the maintenance and healing of epithelial tissues, with skin being the largest expanse of epithelial tissues we have. This diet includes plenty of dark orange (carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash) and dark green (broccoli, spinach, kale) vegetables — all of which are high in vitamin A. Many skin conditions are caused by diets that actually starve the body instead of bringing in the much-needed vitamins and minerals. Your skin cannot function properly without the daily supply of vitamins, among which the most important are Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B7, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E.
Vitamin A is one of the building blocks of the body’s immune system. It plays a key role in the formation of intact epithelial tissues, which are the first barrier to infections, and also in keeping white cells healthy to fight bacteria. An insufficient supply of Vitamin A can lead to xerosis, which means “dry skin”. The best sources of Vitamin A are milk, eggs, carrots and spinach.
Choose foods with plenty of B vitamins like B-2 and B-3. These foods convert calories into energy for metabolism and are components of enzymes that maintain normal skin function. The best sources for these are green leafy vegetables, lean meats, eggs, avocados, fish, brewer’s yeast, whole grains and peanuts. Vitamin B2 is involved in the regulation of human growth, including the health of skin, hair and nails. It can be found in milk, cheese, leafy vegetables and almonds. According to studies conducted by Doctor Hung Leung, deficiency of Vitamin B5 can cause acne. Doctor Leung has actually managed to prove through his studies that regular doses of Vitamin B5 have a positive impact on acne, with milder cases being solved in matter of weeks. This vitamin is common in whole grain cereals, legumes, eggs and meat. Vitamin B7 is used by the cosmetics and health industries in many skin and hair care products. It is also recommended by doctors for strengthening hair and nails. Common sources of B7 are liver and kidney, dairy products and some seafood.
Vitamin C for collagen maintenance. Best sources are citrus fruits and juices, slow cantaloupe, strawberries, tomato sweet peppers and green peas. The well-known Vitamin C is not used solely for preventing the loss of teeth, but also to keep skin flexible and strong at the same time. The vitamin is required for the production of collagen in the connective tissues. Collagen is responsible for keeping the connective tissue flexible, yet strong. The best sources of Vitamin C are fruits and vegetables, with the Billygoat Plum (also known as Gubinge or Kakadu Plum) being the undisputed leader of Vitamin C sources (60 times more Vitamin C than oranges).
The body synthesizes large quantities of Vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, which makes this vitamin one of the easiest to get. However, the end of summer means an end to large-scale Vitamin D synthesis and the body has to rely on reserves to get through the autumn and winter. Lack of Vitamin D is one of the causes behind skin cancer. Other sources of Vitamin D are fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) fish and beef liver and eggs.
Vitamin E to protect your cells against free radicals. This is a powerful antioxidant that helps slow the aging of skin cells and promote healthy skin. A powerful antioxidant, it protects your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, broccoli, wheat germ, peanuts and vegetable oils. Vitamin E is used in many skin creams and lotions. It is believed to play a role in promoting skin healing and reducing scarring after certain injuries. It can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, wheat and leafy vegetables.
Zinc is for boosting the immune system and promoting optimum health. Zinc can be found in eggs, seafood, turkey, pork, whole grains, nuts and mushrooms. This trace mineral helps maintain collagen and elastin fibers that give skin its firmness, helping to prevent sagging and wrinkles. It also links together amino acids that are needed for the formation of collagen — essential in wound healing.
Selenium is a mineral antioxidant that will help minimized the damage of ultraviolet lights. Researches show that it might even aid in skin cancer prevention. Good sources of selenium include tuna, wheat germ, sesame seeds, nuts, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mushroom and whole grains.
Lastly, the skin also needs vitamin K. Vitamin K does not do much for the skin, but it has one major benefit. This benefit is manifested by the reduction of dark circles formed under the eyes and the appearance of bruises. It can also be combined with vitamin A to form a potent formula for lightening the circles under the eye.
There are formulated lotions, which include a combination of vitamins C and E to help restore lost vitamins and to make your skin healthier looking. Good sources of vitamin C include broccoli, bell peppers, citrus fruits, cauliflower, and other green leafy vegetables. There are also a lot of vitamin C supplements available as over the counter drugs, of which it is enough to take a 500 to 1,000mg tablet a day. For Vitamin E, nuts, olives, asparagus, vegetable oils, and spinach are good sources. Unfortunately, you cannot make your vitamin E supply depend only on taking these foods. It can be supplemented by creams, lotions, and pills, of which the required amount is up to 400 units a day. An excessive intake of vitamin E may also be harmful.
An Eating Regimen for the Skin
There are a lot of Acne Products in the market that promise to give you a fairer and healthier skin. However, these products are not the only measures that can give you a healthy skin. Food also plays an important part in determining the look and feel of your skin. Studies have shown that eating unhealthy and fatty foods may result in oily and pimply skin. If you eat right, you can have the radiant and glowing skin all people seek to achieve.
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals can also give you the beautiful skin complexion, of which you have always dreamed. You can also get these vitamins and minerals from supplementary acne creams, lotions and other similar products. Having unhealthy skin means that you are probably eating unhealthy foods. When you lack some nutrients in your body, the skin reflects this problem. A possible solution for this is eating foods packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants can be found on various fruits and vegetables.
Aside from the healthier and more radiant complexion, having a healthy diet will also slow down your skin’s aging process. This means that a healthy diet will make you look and feel younger. You can help take care of your skin with the food that you eat. While it is true that there are such Acne Products as the ClearPores pills, which contain herbs that are effective in making the skin look healthy, you can augment these pills by choosing the food that you eat. Aside from these pills, there are suggested foods or diet regimen that not only helps in improving bodily health but also the glow of the skin.
Eating by color is one such dietary measure. Orange foods, specifically dark orange, such as sweet potatoes and carrots and dark green foods like kale, spinach, and broccoli are all rich in Vitamin A. Nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts are a good source of Vitamin E. These vitamins are good supplements for the skin.
Linseeds or ground flaxseeds are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good additions to breakfast cereals in bringing out a healthy skin. The same thing holds true for fish oil, which is an effective way to provide a soft and radiant look to your skin.
Another information resource giving more diet tips for a healthier skin.
Get Radiant Skin with a Healthy Diet
The skin is the body’s largest organ and it covers you from head to toe. Just like the other organs, your skin also needs proper care and nourishment to look and feel healthy and avoid premature aging. There are a lot of Acne Products in the market that all promise to make your skin softer, smoother and more radiant. These expensive products may come in various forms, such as lotions and creams, pills and tablets. People with skin problems usually spend a fortune just to buy these products, but they do not usually get their money’s worth.
The cheapest and most effective way to have healthier skin is not through the Acne Products mentioned in the previous paragraph, but by changing your diet. Not all people know that the food you eat is reflected on your skin. If you eat fatty food, the tendency is that you will have oily and pimply skin. If you learn to eat nutritious food, your skin will have a glowing and radiant look.
When you want to prevent skin problems such as pimples, acne and white and dark spots you should change your eating lifestyle. A great skin can be achieved by eating food that is rich with antioxidants. Studies showed that antioxidants in food can slow down the aging process of people. It was also found out that these can fight heart diseases and slow down cell degeneration. These foods usually have low calories that can help maintain your slim but healthy figure. You can increase your antioxidant intake by eating at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits and leafy vegetables a day. Eating these nutritious foods is much better for the body rather than taking pills.
Does drinking water help cure acne? Water intake plays a big part in your skin’s health. Doctors recommend that you take at least 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. This is to avoid dehydration that will affect your cellular metabolism. Drinking enough water a day can make your skin clearer and healthier.
The substance that makes your hair grow strong and shine under the sun is the protein. Most people do not realize this, so they eat food that are lacking in the protein needed by the body. You must remember to increase your protein intake every day by choosing protein-rich food such as poultry, fish, chicken, and shellfish. As much as possible, lessen your red meat intake so you can avoid clogging your arteries with saturated fat.
Carbohydrates are food components that act as a source of energy. However, too much carbohydrate is not always beneficial to the body. When you eat too much food that is rich in carbohydrates, your pancreas has to increase its insulin production. This results in damaged cells and premature aging. Choose carbohydrates that have low glycaemic index to help the body absorb it.
You must also lessen you sugar intake by eating fruits instead of drinking fruit juices. This practice will prevent age spots and discoloration of the skin.
Herbs that can help clear skin and re-balance hormones
Dandelion (root) - Taraxacum offcinale Dandelion is a common meadow herb of the Asteraceae or sunflower family that has general detoxifying qualities, making it effective in the treatment of skin blemishes. This common yard plant contains much that is beneficial to our bodies: bitter compounds, choline, inulin, minerals such as calcium, sodium, silicic acid, sulfur, and a high concentration of potassium and in the fresh leaves. In skin care and cosmetics, it helps clear up acne, eczema, and other skin eruptions.
Burdock (root) - Arctium lappa Burdock is a thistled plant native to the Northern USA, Europe and Asia. The roots and leaves of this plant have been used for centuries as a remedy against skin cancer, acne, eczema, and other skin ailments and diseases. It is mildly antibiotic and can help restore smoothness to the skin.
Yellow Dock (root) - Rumex crispus Yellow dock, a general systemic toner, when combined with sarsaparilla, provides a treatment for chronic skin disorders. Its active ingredients such as the astringent tannis and the antimicrobial properties of the purgative anthraquinones combine to make decoctions of the plant useful in treating skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as skin rashes.
Sarsaparilla (root) - Smiilax offcinalls Sarsaparilla is a perennial trailing vine with prickly stems indigenous to tropical America and the West Indies. Generally classified as a blood purifier, sarsaparilla is combined with yellow dock to correct chronic skin ailments, especially psoriasis. Individuals suffering from psoriasis have been found to have high levels of endotoxins (cell wall fragments of normal gut bacteria) circulating in the bloodstream. Sarsaponin, one of sarsaparilla’s main steroids was found to bind to these endotoxins and remove them, thus relieving the afflicted person from psoriasis. Other health conditions associated with high endotoxin levels include eczema, arthritis, and ulcerative colitis, and can be alleviated also with the use of sarsaparilla.
Purple Coneflower (powder) - Echinacea Purpurea Echinacea acts as a stimulant to the immune system by increasing the production of specific types of white blood cells and strengthening human cell walls so bacteria and viruses have a harder time getting into cells. Using this herb can protect one against inflammatory conditions of the skin. These wildflowers originally grew wild on the plains of the United States and Canada, but they are now being cultivated in Europe and parts of Asia, as well as in North America. They are taken orally to enhance immune system response and to lessen the duration and symptoms of colds and flu. When applied to the skin, they can relieve conditions such as eczema, insect bites, and psoriasis. Purple Coneflower can also inhibit bacteria and the formation of pus.
Red Clover (blossom) - Trifolium Pratense Traditionally used to expel toxins from the bloodstream, red clover is prized for being an effective treatment of skin problems because of its high dosage of vitamin B-complex. In folk medicine, fresh red clover flowers have been chopped or mashed and applied directly to skin inflammations such as insect bites. More recently, creams, lotions, or ointments containing red clover extract have been under observation for treating psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Licorice (root) - Glycyrrhiza glaba The ingestion of licorice in the proper quantities reduces inflammation and redness of the skin. It has also been used in poultices for treatment of dermatitis and skin infections. Licorice is used in combination with other cleansing and healing herbs as an emollient also used a cosmetic skin lightener.
Atlantic Kelp (powder) - Ascophyllum nodosum Atlantic Kelp is rich in compounds that have specific use in the cosmetic industry, such as polygalactosides, fucose polymers and ursolic acid. These compounds contain abundant non-essential and essential amino acids such as proline, glycine and lycine — all of which are also found in the elastic fibers of the skin — and maintain and improve skin elasticity by improving hydration. This unique seaweed grows exclusively on the North Atlantic coast of North America and Europe and is highly valued as a detoxifier and blood purifier. Its anti-inflammatory properties also benefit blemishes of the skin.
Cayenne (40 HU) - Capsicum Fructescens The hot and spicy taste of cayenne pepper is primarily due to an ingredient known as capsaicin which when applied topically to the skin can relieve pain and itching by acting on sensory nerves. This same dulling property can reduce itching and inflammation associated with psoriasis. Cayenne functions as a carrier agent that can stimulate and assist the movement of the other ingredients to the sebaceous glands and pores of the skin.
Skin care tips for people suffering from acne?
Be Gentle - The first thing to remember is that you have to be gentle with your face and cleanse your skin properly. Don’t wash your face with hot or cold water. Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser twice a day and after your workout at the gym, in case you do work out. Avoid regular soap and other such products that are filled with harsh chemicals. If you are not familiar with skin cleansers, ask a doctor for advice.
Wash you face gently and rinse thoroughly. Pad you face dry and avoid scrubbing. Scrubbing could open a thousand invisible lesions in your skin that are the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria.
Keep Your Hands Away from Your Skin - Although it is against your instincts, you must learn to keep your hands away from pimples and other lesions. Squeezing pimples is a bad idea, unless performed under sterile conditions by a doctor.
For the Guys - If you have to shave, then be very careful about it. Run a test on yourself and see if which type of razor is better for you. I’d say that electric razors are the thing to use if you suffer from acne, but each man knows better what works in his case. Shave gently and avoid opening up existing lesions.
For the Girls - Cosmetics are one of the minor roots of acne. If you’re going through an acne treatment, then choose only oil-free cosmetics or else the good effect is wasted. You should also run tests on yourself and see which cosmetics do not clog your pores. Watch out for side-effects if you use products whose labels say “designed not to clog pores”.
Stay out of the Sun - Yes, a suntan would look lovely on you, but you should learn to do without for a while. The risks of sun exposure are not acceptable when you realize that the sun does not cure acne. UV rays simply dry the outer layers of your skin and cause it to peel away. However, once you are away from the sun, acne will return. Prolonged exposure will also make you a certain candidate for skin cancer.
Another information resource explaining the proper way to cleanse your skin.
Keep your skin clean, simple rules for a clean face
One of the easiest ways to prevent, to a certain extent, the emergence of pimples and the spread of acne is to keep your skin clean. While the hormonal causes of this condition cannot be addressed by simple washing, you can still prevent excess sebum from clogging pores and grime and bacteria from accumulating into them. Thus, at the cost of a couple of minutes every day, you can actually stop acne from running wild and popping up everywhere it feels like. However, there are certain simple rules one must follow in order to make washing an effective tool against acne.
The first rule is to avoid using hot or cold water on your face. Facial skin is one of the most sensitive parts of your skin and should never be washed with anything else than lukewarm water. Hot water will burn the outer layers and cause the pores to open up too much, thereby exposing yourself to even more danger. Cold water, on the other hand will force the pores to contract and you will no longer be able to clean them, thus defeating the purpose of washing. Neither scalding your face nor freezing it is recommended. Lukewarm water is gentle on your skin and more effective at removing sebum and grime than hot or cold water.
The second rule is to avoid the use of soap or other cleansing chemicals. Soap will disrupt the natural balance of facial skin by removing too much sebum and leaving the skin dry and unprotected. It will also leave behind a film of substance that can easily clog the pores and cause the acne you are trying to avoid. Other chemicals, such as creams and ointments, will usually dry out your skin and cause redness and swelling in time. Avoid them like plague. Plain water is enough for keeping your facial skin clean.
After washing, you should pad your face with a soft towel. As you may have noticed, the basic idea is to be gentle to your face skin at all times. A harsh toweling would only serve to open a thousand tiny lesions in your facial skin, all of which can turn into entry points for bacteria and germs. Needless to say that you don’t want this to happen. Be gentle with your skin and you’ll enjoy beautiful and wrinkle-free skin even in your old age.
AcneZine - nothing works better to clear your complexion than the revolutionary Acnezine anti-oxidant. Clearpores - To clear and heal your skin, the best acne recovery system for life.Related acne information:
Acne Home Remedies - home remedies for beautiful and healthy skin using fruits and vegetables.
Treat Acne Naturally - safe natural alternative healing ways to help with facial and body acne.
Syndicated by ClearPores™ skin cleansing system and the ClearPores information center.
