Age Spots - Not just an age problem.
September 18th, 2009
One of the first signs of aging is hyper-pigmentation, manifested through dark spots on your skin. Also known as liver spots, they have nothing to do with the liver, as almost in all cases they are caused by long-term sun exposure. At first, one may notice dark brown spots and patches on the hands or on the face, the areas that are almost all the time exposed to the sun. That’s why the spots will appear darker in these areas, more than they appear in other areas of the body. There can also be a genetic predisposition to developing age spots in a lifetime.
The first spots can appear in the early twenties and can go away in time through the skin’s natural regeneration process, if skin is protected when exposed to sun. Most of the dark spots appear with the aging process because that’s when skin loses its ability to regenerate fast. The dark color is caused by the melanocyte cells which produce an excess of melanin – the skin pigment, and this is gets deposited in the top layers of the skin.
These unpleasant spots can occasionally appear as a result of the use of birth control pills, hormonal imbalance, insufficient vitamin B in your body or skin reactions to perfumes and creams after sun exposure. Make sure you have a diet rich in Vitamin B and don’t apply perfumes (or products containing fragrance) directly on your skin prior to sun exposure. It is important to protect these spots from UVs even if they’re not sun related, because more sun can worsen the appearance
Treating hyper-pigmentation is best done with a melanin suppressant, its action leading to the slow recovery of the area and the lightening of the spot. Hydroquinone is the best known solution for dark spots but there are other useful alternatives like antioxidants, Azelaic Acid or Kojic Acid. It is important to avoid sun exposure – any direct UV exposure will darken the spots even more. Wear sunscreen or cover the area with clothes as much as possible; some of the melanin suppressants usually sensitize the skin and the reaction to UVs can darken the age spots even more.
A few steps towards prevention of aging skin
September 16th, 2009 1. Good skincare.
It is important to find the best skincare regimen that works for your skin and maintain your daily routine all the time. Depending on your skin type, make sure you are using good quality products and maintain your skin hydrated and supple 24/7. Hydration is essential even for oily skin. Make sure you use efficient moisturizers that help your skin hold the water it needs to maintain a healthy tissue. Exfoliate once a week to help the natural renewal process and maintain a clear complexion. Remove all makeup before going to bed and avoid harsh ingredients that irritate your skin or cause allergies.
2. Hydration
Hydrated skin is not just about using potent moisturizers. A proper internal hydration will give your skin the suppleness and the glow of youth. Make sure you drink plenty of water, but also “eat your water” and include certain nutrients in your diet to help you maintain hydration at cellular level. Water is essential to life and to your beauty as well - your body works best when it’s well hydrated and cells function correctly to maintain healthy skin. Be careful, cellular water retention is not the same with tissue water retention – which is actually a result of cell malfunction.
With aging, water levels in our body decrease and it’s very important to maintain healthy cells by providing extra “water-loving” nutrients: essential fatty acids and vitamins are key to optimal cellular hydration.
3. Diet and exercise
These two are related and they are mentioned in any life guide you can think of. You don’t have to maintain strict diets, this is more about maintaining balanced eating habits. Do not make excesses frequently and make sure your diet includes fish, cereal, fruit and veggies as often as possible. For your skin’s youthfulness, it is also important to maintain a constant weight – frequent changes in body weight lead to stretch-marks and a saggy appearance. Don’t run from fats, there are many good fats like Omega Fatty Acids which are a healthy body’s best ally and also help maintain skin’s elasticity.
4. Antioxidants
Their main role is to protect your body and cells from free radical damage, reducing the signs of aging. Used internally and topically, antioxidants are the key to a young body and a youthful skin. Vitamin C and E, grape-seed and green tea extracts along with other antioxidant-rich fruits should be included in your daily diet.
5. Sun protection
One of the skin’s biggest enemies is the sun and its harmful UV rays. While it is necessary, in small amounts, for the natural synthesis of Vitamin D by our skin, it’s very harmful in larger amounts. Skin cancer and premature aging are just long term effects, usually a result of occasional damage like burns and prolonged sun exposure. Make sure you wear sunscreen every time you go out, even in winter days when the UVs can be as powerful as in summer (especially if there is snow around). Clouds also allow some UVs to pass through and reach the ground so make sure you are “covered” by a minimum SPF 15 lotion and adequate clothing every time you are outside.
6. Sleep
It’s your skin’s best friend. While you sleep, skin regenerates and tissue heals faster. This is the most important time of the day in a skincare routine so make sure you don’t deprive your skin of at least 7 hours of sleep every night. Not getting enough sleep shows instantly on your skin, as it gets puffy, dark circles show around your eyes, wrinkles form. Premature aging can be a result of a tired body.
Tip: Lying on your back and sleeping face-up could help smooth your skin and even some wrinkles – as a result of the gravitational force, the face skin is pulled on the sides and evenly stretched.
7. Healthy mind
Avoid stress and put on your most optimist attitude. Stress is a major factor for premature aging and a negative mental state can take its toll on your body’s health. While some people resort to spas or yoga classes, others simply take the time to do something they like, as often as possible; a walk in your favorite park or generally spending time outdoors can help you manage stress better and stay stronger and healthier. And inner beauty always shows on the outside ….
Inclusive Health®
September 14th, 2009
Along with innovations in product ingredients, Dr. Howard Murad has developed theories and principles that function as fundamentals for his formulas designed for healthy skin: the Inclusive Health® philosophy is a comprehensive inside and out approach to optimal skin health and total wellness. One of the basic principles of the Inclusive Health® philosophy is the Cellular Water Principle which emphasizes the important role of the hydration at cellular level.
So what is Inclusive Health®? It is a principle incorporated in most of the Murad treatments: it combines internal with external care along with emotional care. These are the three pillars of Inclusive Health® and they represent the main support of a healthy body, inside and out. Internal care targets the overall health of the body as a whole and aims at providing the necessary nutrients. Topical care refers to the way you care for your skin from the outside: providing nourishment and hydration is essential for the skin, our body’s largest organ which needs to stay strong and healthy.
The Emotional care approach refers to the psychological balance a person needs; healing and staying healthy depends on having a healthy mind and having a positive thinking; as the old latin saying goes, everybody should wish for a “mens sana in corpore sano” – a healthy mind in a healthy body ; there is an interdependency here that is essential for the body’s optimal functions and for not ultimately, for beautiful skin.
By optimizing your internal, external and emotional environments, Inclusive Health® gives your body and spirit the best opportunity to thrive. Studies at the Murad Inclusive Health Center have demonstrated that when these three environments are optimized, people don’t merely report a perceived increase health and happiness – wellness is objectively reflected in an increase in intracellular water, just as predicted by The Science of Cellular Water.
The Science of Cellular Water situates water loss at the heart of all health problems and aging, and looks for the most efficient methods to keep vital water at cellular level. Cells need proper hydration and most importantly, need to retain the optimal hydration all the time. As long as this balance is maintained within the cells, the body is young and resilient. These theories point out that it is possible to improve the appearance by improving our healthy, from the cellular level up.
Sunscreen - the yearlong companion
September 9th, 2009Now that cold weather and rainy days have taken summer’s spot, the sun danger isn’t totally gone. Even during winter days, the UV rays can be powerful and the UV index quite high. This means you’ll need extra sun protection all the time. It’s not something seasonal, ultra-violets happen every day even through the clouds.
TIP: Your local weather forecast usually includes the UV index for the day. Wearing sunscreen is a must for anybody if the index is above 2.
Sunscreens are ingredients designed to protect skin from the ultraviolet radiations. Among other ingredients meant to facilitate absorption or reflection of the UVs, sunscreens contain a main filter ingredient -usually zinc oxide or titanium dioxide- and
, once applied on the skin, it blocks the UV rays from penetrating the skin layer
So don’t throw away your sunscreen lotion after summer. Use is throughout the year and save your skin! Sunscreen has multiple benefits:
• It blocks harmful UVs , minimizes their effects on the DNA, and protects against skin cancer
• It shields and preserves a youthful complexion
• It protects against sunburns and other types of tissue damage that can leave scars and spots
Do you know how to make the best of it? Here are the DO’s of sunscreen:
DO wear sunscreen all the time if you have sensitive or fair skin; apply generous amounts of sunscreen on your skin
DO use broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun-block to protect against both types of UV rays
DO put the sunscreen on 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply another layer after 15-30 minutes of sun exposure.
DO use protective clothing and hats even when you’re wearing sunscreen on high UV index days
DO use sunglasses to protect your eyes from UVs
DO reapply sunscreen every two-three hours, no sunscreen lasts all day on your skin. Even the water resistant formulas won’t last all day after bathing or swimming.
DO learn more about the effects of sun radiation: for example, you know there are two types of harmful UV rays but do you know they’re not the same? UVBs cause sunburns and UVAs damage the skin and have no immediate visible effects, but harm in the long run, i.e. skin aging.
SPF100?
The latest news draw our attention to the new release on the market of a sunblock lotion with SPF 100. This made scientists and doctors wonder if this is really needed or if this simply a numbers game. Basically, the difference in the protection level would not be huge, they say: SPF 50 would protect us from 98% of the UVs, while SPF 100 would offer 99% protection- which is not much more. Therefore the amount of protection offered by SPF 100 is not double in intensity, but rather in permitted exposure time.
Fragrances in cosmetics
August 25th, 2009
Natural fragrances, the essential oils derived from plants, are largely used in the “natural” products but because of the perishable nature of such products, more preservatives are required to extend the expiry date and the shelf life. However, a high concentration of preservatives will cause other unpleasant cosmetic reactions and allergies especially to those with sensitive skin. It is important to remember that a natural perfume is not totally harmless either; the essential oil, though natural, can create the same sensitizing reactions an artificial ingredient causes to your skin.
This explains why most of the products designed for sensitive skin are “fragrance-free” first and foremost, and then free of harmful ingredients of other type (preservatives, color etc). Fragrance proves to be a difficult ingredient in a skin care formula.
How can you know if a product is good for you? First check the label for any ingredients that you are allergic to. Finding other allergies that you don’t know of would require any product to be tested on a small portion of the skin before applying it on extended areas. Make sure you apply the formula in a less visible area and allow up to one day to see the potential effects.
Some fragrances, especially in smaller quantities, can be well tolerated by almost any skin type but if this isn’t your case, then the “fragrance-free” products are the suitable alternative.
The Science Behind Cellulite
August 11th, 2009There is probably no acute beauty problem like cellulite. It’s become a universal skincare issue as it is approximated that ninety percent of women suffer from cellulite and quite the same amount is trying to undo its effects with just about any method available.
Cosmetology brings various treatments but science comes to the rescue for a deeper understanding and a more effective cure. Cellulite is a skin problem and not necessarily a fat problem. Bumps and the so called “orange peel” looks of the skin are the visible marks of cellulite. From special body creams to various massage accessories, many solutions are meant to improve cellulite and the lumpy looks of body areas like thighs or arms but the truth is none is proven to be 100% successful and no short-time treatment will ever be able to erase cellulite forever. So it’s time to consider a little change of life style, diet and skincare regimen. Little changes made every day can lead to spectacular long term results. But don’t think you can conquer cellulite solely by dealing with the damaged tissue from the outside….
Dr. Howard Murad ‘s groundbreaking Water Principle can be applied successfully for treating cellulite as well as other skin problems. Yet again, the inside out approach proves to be the most suitable for long-term results. This principle outlines the importance of the cellular water in your body and the ability of your cell membranes to hold water. The entire body and overall health can benefit thus helping diminish all skin problems, including the unpleasant one of cellulite.
Howard Murad, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad Inc. explains these principles and offers a scientific solution to reduce cellulite in his best seller book “The Cellulite Solution”. To repair tissue and prevent cellulite from forming, we need hydrated cells and strengthened connective tissue. Giving your body the proper nutrients that maintain healthy skin, we contribute to an improvement in the skin quality and looks. By following Dr. Murad’s program which combines the little lifestyle changes, founded on his Inclusive Health philosophy, with efficient skincare treatments, you can visibly reduce dimpling and improve stretch-marks.
Read more about Dr Murad’s best-selling books here.
To learn more about cellulite solutions, go to our previous article>
TIP: get the most of skincare publications and give yourself the chance to learn more about your skin’s anatomy and how to improve your health. By figuring out the key elements for your skin, you can enjoy healthy, beautiful and youthful looking skin for a long time. And also, you can save a lot of money on complicated procedures and lengthy treatments!
Beauty’s number one enemy: cellulite
August 4th, 2009This is the skin problem of the century, some might say. It develops throughout the years, it appears mostly on women bodies and it’s caused by hormones, sedentary lifestyle and deficient circulation, toxins from the food we eat, and also because of the highly caloric food intake. These are all main factors of the growth of adipose tissue and its expansion under the skin layers when connective tissue is not strong enough. Why do thin people have it too? Because there’s always a genetic makeup that makes us prone to having cellulite and the sedentary life doesn’t do any good to anyone.
There are advanced theories that prove that cellulite is mainly a skin problem and not a fat problem. Fighting cellulite requires a good knowledge of the mechanisms that lead to its development and then dealing with each factor, inside and out!
DID YOU KNOW?
Cellulite is caused by decreased circulation which deprives the skin’s dermal layer of the nutrients it needs to stay strong, and weakened connective tissue, which allows fat to migrate up from the sub dermal layer.
Taking care of such a troublesome skin issue requires some patience and a few minimal simple changes in lifestyle. Being physically active and fresh food should be part of your new and improved life. Eat less fatty or processed foods and reduce sweets and salt. And because water is the essence of life, make sure you have plenty of it! This way you can provide your body with the necessary nutrients that will also help your skin! Last but not least, maintain and nourish your skin from the outside: massage, body wraps, anti-cellulite creams. Best body wraps are the ones with active substances and botanicals, like marine algae, which help detoxify your body and revitalize the skin.
So which are the natural ingredients that make the best cellulite enemies?
Caffeine – an active ingredient that helps “melt” some of the fat trapped under the skin.
Green Tea – its antioxidant power is helpful as always, this is very good ally in fighting fat and losing weight, from the inside out.
Pineapple – great natural help in fighting fat deposits and water (hydro-saline) retention
Peppers – hot and quick to melt the unwanted “patches”; also, trust another “hot” ally, the black pepper
Clay –great for skin appearance and tissue regeneration, it smoothes skin and cleans away toxins
Vitamin C – potent antioxidant to fight toxins and a great nutritional value for your body
Lavender – stimulates circulation under the skin and tones to maintain a stronger tissue
Guarana - its toning effects help improve the appearance of skin affected by cellulite
Ivy – great in anti-cellulite creams, oils and baths, it’s a very efficient plant to fight fat deposits and repair unaesthetic skin
Grapefruit seed – essential oils of grapefruit seed are efficient in anti-cellulite massage
Other plants and herbs : Cat’s Claw, Horse Chestnut , Dandelion etc.
Straight from the doctor: The Chemistry of Ingredients – Natural and Synthetic
July 14th, 2009A review of Natural vs. Synthetic ingredients in Skincare products by Dr. Howard Murad
Working in my dermatology practice, I’ve been asked many times, “Is it better for me to use an all natural product? My skin is so sensitive and I’m looking for one without chemicals, what do you suggest?” I do my best to educate my patients on the truth – there is no such cosmetic product made of 100% all natural, chemical-free ingredients. All products are made of chemicals.
The reaction of these chemicals working together happens all the time in nature, in laboratories to create new compounds and in the human body to assist cellular function, produce energy and ultimately sustain life.
Consumers are often confused and frustrated about what is healthy for their skin, and there has been a misconception about chemical-free, synthetic-free and 100% natural products. However, all products and materials on earth are made up of chemicals. Everything from the chair you’re sitting on, the paper that makes up this page and the ink used to print the words to the water you drink everyday is composed of chemicals. Life is chemistry and everything, natural or synthetic is composed of chemicals.
There is a lot of misunderstanding right now in the skincare and spa industry over which ingredients are healthy for skin. Regardless of origin, each ingredient can be safe while also having the potential for adverse effects.
Both naturally derived and synthetic products are tested to assure safety regardless of their origin.
What is natural?
“Natural” can be defined as arising from a state produced by nature without interference of humankind. Consumers often believe that using products with natural ingredients are better for their skin. However, in reality, it is often the synthetically derived ingredients that increase the efficacy of natural ingredients. Products containing “natural” ingredients often occur in a small extract of the source, which is usually not enough to deliver results on its own. Other times, some natural ingredients only require small amounts to be functional, depending on the formula.
A common myth about natural ingredients is that they are better for the skin, however they are just as beneficial for the skin as their synthetic counterparts. For example, a product with vitamin C will contain ascorbic acid, the technical name for vitamin C. The molecular structure of ascorbic acid is the same as its natural counterpart, regardless of it being naturally derived or produced synthetically in a laboratory. A formulator might choose to use synthetic vitamin C over the natural version because it is more readily available, more pure and potentially more functional.
“Naturally derived” refers to a substance with a natural origin that is chemically or physically modified to make it more functional. This category may include extracts from herbs and flowers by concentration, which would aid solubility or proteins broken down to create smaller peptide molecules. However, natural ingredients do not guarantee any kind of efficacy. As with all ingredients, their efficacy must be tested and validated.
Why synthetic?
“Synthetic” ingredients are human-made substances. Synthesis is the formation of a compound from elements or similar compounds. In fact, synthetic ingredients are often more functional than their natural counterpart. Since they are created in a lab, these ingredients will deliver consistent results and high quality every time, assuring control over the reliability of the ingredient.
Oftentimes, complex ingredient names with several letters and starting with prefixes like acetyl- and propyl- will make the user worry about what they are putting on her face. For many people the word synthetic gives rise to negative images. Natural, on the other hand makes people think of products that are “pure” or “free of chemicals.”
While it is true that many natural ingredients are used in cosmetic products, all natural products must undergo chemical processing to be purified, modified, concentrated and preserved to make them more functional and viable over time. For example, an orange extract cannot exist in skincare products without being treated first, but a chemically synthesized extract of an orange can. All cosmetics must contain a preservative system to protect the formula from oxidation or spoilage despite the manufacturers claims to the contrary.
And while some products may contain antioxidants such as vitamins C or E, these vitamins are often synthetically derived, as well. Studies that evaluate the functionality of ingredients, regardless of origin, show that natural ingredients are not necessarily better than their synthetic counterpart. For example, glycolic acid is produced synthetically to yield higher concentrations that are more available than found in nature. The same applied to salicylic acid – its synthesized version is purer, more bioavailable than its natural source from willow bark.
Many people also do not realize that synthetic and natural ingredients must co-exist to make the other effective. For example, a sunscreen may use Titanium Dioxide, which is natural, as its key over the counter therapeutic (OTC) sunscreen ingredient. The formula may also utilize sodium hyaluronate, which is synthetic, for hydration and silicone for spread ability on the skin. Additionally, using both types of ingredients are essential to create a working formula.
Walk into any health food store and you will see multiple skincare products claiming to be “all natural” and” free of chemicals”, but in reality, these products do in fact contain chemicals. Common “all natural” ingredients such as water, vitamins, pomegranate and plant extracts are actually chemicals because all matter is composed of chemicals. When it comes to organic, it is important to know that the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not regulate the use of the term “organic” or “natural” on products, therefore any formula can call itself “organic” or “natural” without penalty or proof. It’s likely that many products claiming to be “organic” or “natural” are using it as a marketing tool, and not based on scientific fact.
Where do you go from here?
Utilizing both forms of ingredients will yield the best overall results for optimal skin health. Below are few of my favorite synthetic and natural ingredients.
Top Synthetic Ingredients:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) / Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid: Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid are often used in skin care products because of their ability to penetrate the skin, and to help stimulate collagen and elastin production. These ingredients can also be naturally occurring in sugar cane or milk.
Salicylic Acid: This chemical compound causes skin cells to slough off quickly to help prevent pores from clogging. Because of its properties, it is often used in acne products. This ingredient is naturally occurring in willow bark.
Silicones: Silicones are often used as emollients, such as lubricants, and thickeners to help smooth the skin.
Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A, Retinol helps reduce hyper-pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin texture and restoring hydration levels.
Synthesized Peptides: Formulated to work like naturally occurring peptides, the synthesized version stimulate collagen production and promotes elasticity.
Hydroquinone: This bleaching and lightening agent is a popular ingredient in skin care products and often used to treat hyperpigmentation.
Avobenzone: Most often found in sunscreen, Avobenzone absorbs UVA and UVB rays.
Glycerin: Glycerin is often used as an emollient, humectant, and solvent, in personal care products.
Sodium Hyaluronate: Also known as Hyaluronic Acid, this ingredient has moisturizing properties and helps retain water in skin cells.
Ceramides: Ceramides (synthesized sphingolipids) are used to smooth skin and interact with the top layer to protect water loss.
Top Natural Ingredients:
Water: Water is the most common ingredient in skin care products, and is included to hydrate skin and to help other ingredients penetrate the skin. While water is natural, it is not taken directly from the tap and mixed into a skincare formula, it first must be sterilized, a form of synthetic processing.
Titanium Dioxide: This mineral ingredient acts as an invisible light reflector and is used as a sunscreen.
Zinc Oxide: Zinc Oxide, another mineral reflects both UVA and UVB rays and is also used to to protect against sunburn and other damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet light.
Goji Berry Extract: A small berry loaded with antioxidants, trace minerals and amino acids, it is included in anti-aging, anti-redness and firming products.
Pomegranate Extract: This fruit extract is a powerful antioxidant and has been scientifically proven to be effective in boosting sun protection.
Polysaccharides (yeast extract): Polysaccharides help form a water-binding film on the skin to protect the skin from water loss and may assist in boosting immune function.
Petrolatum: A mineral oil jelly, this common ingredient is often found in skin lotions and cosmetics to improve skin barrier function and prevent transepidermal water loss.
Colloidal Oatmeal: This oat ingredient helps soothe, moisturize and relieve dry skin.
Sulfur: Used for problem and acne-prone skin, sulfur
Evening Primrose Oil: This essential fatty-acid hydrates the skin to helps restore the moisture and lipid balance to dry skin conditions. Regardless of the ingredient origin, natural or synthetic, what’s more important is the final product safety profile and proven effectiveness. People should understand that all ingredients, natural or synthetic are chemicals.
Moreover, just because an ingredient might be harvested from the ground, and “natural,” it might not necessarily be good for the skin, and vice-versa – just because an ingredient is synthetically produced might not be harmful to skin.
Key Nutrients for Healthy Eyes
July 9th, 2009
An essential part of eye care is eating the right foods that contain the proper vitamins to maintain eye health. There are many eye problems and diseases that can be avoided through the intake of nutritious foods. My favorite saying is “before there was medicine, there was food.” With this in mind, I’ve outlined the most common eye concerns and the top foods and nutrients I recommend for healthy eyes.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a very common syndrome with varying degrees of severity. This condition affects more women than men with research showing 6 million women and 3 million men in the United States having severe cases, up to 30 million people having mild cases.
While it is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing severe dryness, there foods you can incorporate into your diet to ensure you are lubricating the eye internally. A diet high in Essential Fatty Acids and Lecithin will keep and attract water in the cells, providing hydration. Add Olive Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Borage Seed Oil to your diet. Eat cold water fish, eggs, soybeans, tomatoes and peanuts to benefit from the lecithin they contain. Small red veins within the eye are common, yet they can sometimes they can appear overnight. They can occur from coughing, sneezing, eye strain, or rubbing the eye. They are more common in people that take blood thinners or aspirin regularly.
Since the skin around the eye is one of the thinnest on the body, broken blood vessels can show through, causing the look of a dark circle.
Foods high in Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids such as berries, oranges, grapefruit, and apricots help to reduce broken blood vessels and promote new blood vessel growth. In addition to colorful fruits and vegetables, one of my favorite foods is the Goji Berry. Grown in the Himalayas, Goji Berries are considered to be one the of the world’s most nutritious foods. Ounce per ounce, Goji Berries contains more Vitamin C than an orange and over 21 trace minerals and amino acids. They are available in dried form and are also found within nutritional dietary supplements.
Glucosamine is another vessel support nutrient. This amino acid strengthens collagen and elastin tissue, which is what the blood vessel is comprised of. It is not commonly found in foods; therefore taking dietary supplements are recommended.
Dark Circles
Due to the thin and delicate anatomy of the skin around the eye area, dark circles and even dark eyelids are very common. The darkness is often due to the blood vessels that are found beneath the skin’s surface.
Dark circles, like varicose veins are usually an inherited trait. In darker skinned people, exposure to sunlight can cause a melanin surge, causing the skin to become even darker. Allergies, asthma and the common cold may also contribute to dark circles under the eyes, as people are more likely to rub the area.
Fatigue plays a role in dark circles. A lack of sleep or excessive tiredness can cause paleness of the skin, which again allows the blood underneath to become more visible and appear darker.
Age can also take its toll on the under eye area. As the skin becomes thinner with age, dark circles and appear more prominent. Excess folds of skin under the eyes will also make dark circles more pronounced.
In addition to getting proper rest, key nutrients are necessary to maintain blood vessel strength. Attracting water to the skin and encouraging healthy collagen and elastin formation can be done through ingestion of foods rich in Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids. (see foods listed under broken blood vessels above)
Puffiness
Swollen, puffy eye lids and under eye puffiness are a result of extracellular water, also known as wasted water, which leaked from our cells, and has accumulated in the area. Whether it’s swollen ankles or swollen eyelids, my theory called The Cellular Water Principle™; is the answer to turning this wasted, unused water, back into the valuable water that should reside inside our cells, not outside our cells.
Over time, our cells and other areas of our bodies that need hydration break down and become unable to hold onto the water, leaving them weakened and less effective. When our cells are not fully hydrated they cannot function at their optimal level, and side effects, such as puffiness can occur.
By adding key, cell-strengthening nutrients to your diet, you can reduce the puffiness caused from wasted water accumulation. Eat foods rich in the polyphenols, these are super antioxidants. One of my favorites is pomegranate extract. Pomegranate extract can be taken as juice, fruit or seeds, or as a standardized extract in supplement form. The supplement form is ideal as it is easily accessible year round.
Foods rich in Lecithin a key cell strengthener are important. In addition to eggs, eat a variety of soy products including tofu, edemame, and soy milk. Lecithin granules can be added to smoothies or sprinkled on cereal. Tomatoes, spinach, cauliflower and peanut butter are additional sources. Essential Fatty Acids absorb water into the cell and will also help to reduce puffiness. Eat Olive Oil instead of butter and add raw, unsalted walnuts, almonds and cashews to your diet.
How to repair loose skin and stretch marks
July 2nd, 2009
Every time your body changes or your weight fluctuates, your skin can suffer. Stretch marks appear as a result of your skin being forced to stretch quickly during weight-gain. Both stretch marks, from gaining weight, and loose skin, from losing weight, are skin issues that are hard to undo without surgery but not impossible - with a little will power.If prevention is not an alternative anymore, skin needs time to tighten up and it needs special, constant help when strict diets affect the quality of the elastic tissue. Don’t be impatient. Hydration and workout are essential and have great results in the longer run.
It is recommended to start with building new muscle under the skin, to support the tissues which fat used to support before. This is not that difficult but it requires certain types of exercises that strengthen your muscles and eating food that supports the muscle grow (carbohydrates -moderately, proteins). Provide your skin with nutrients to rebuild the skin cell elasticity, both topically and internally. This will improve the skin cells elasticity and the tissue suppleness.
The best vitamins for skin regeneration are Vitamin E, Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) and various hydrating botanical oils. For stretch marks, it is crucial to apply treatments twice a day in order to get results. Opt for products which incorporate these ingredients or use the pure vitamin oils (like vitamin E) you can get from the drug stores.