There are thousands of products and treatments available to help improve the quality of your skin, but only a small percentage of these are natural. Most beauty products contain harsh, damaging chemicals. Treatments, like chemical peels and botox, can be scary. On top of it all, we really have no idea what most of these treatments and chemicals will do to our skin 20 years down the road. If you want to have great looking skin without dangerous chemicals or procedures, there is a way.

Here are some great tips to keep your skin looking fabulous the natural way:

* Drink more water. All cells need water to function properly. If your skin cells aren’t properly hydrated, waste products build up in your cells and keep them from working right and looking their best. Also, if you don’t drink enough water, your cells will retain as much as they can and you’ll end up looking puffy and bloated.
* Change your diet. You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat” a lot. If you think about it, this old saying is 100 percent true. Your body is made up of what you put into it. If you want it to work properly and look its best, you need to feed yourself the nutrients it needs and avoid foods that may damage it. For beautiful skin, you should try to get more fiber and “good fats” in your diet and avoid foods with a lot of sugar.
* Improve your circulation. To function properly, our cells need to get plenty of oxygen. If you spend your days sitting at a desk or remaining mostly immobile, your circulation probably isn’t as good as it could be. Increase your circulation by getting more exercise, stretching, or getting regular massages (they don’t need to be professional). You can also use a brush to exfoliate your skin which improves circulation while removing old, dead cells. Not only will this give your skin a better overall look, it can also reduce the appearance of unsightly cellulite.
* Avoid the sun. A little sun is good for you. It provides vitamin D and can help give you a sunny disposition, but too much sun can do terrible damage. Try to use hats, clothes, or sun block to protect yourself from damaging UV rays.
* Use certified natural skin products. Traditional beauty products contain all sorts of unnatural chemicals. Most are there as preservatives, or to give the product a certain scent, color or texture. These chemicals not only have no value to your skin, some may cause cancer and other dangerous problems. That’s why it’s beneficial to use natural products if you want to look your best and stay healthy. Just be sure to check labels, many products will claim they’re natural or organic and only contain one natural or organic ingredient. Be wary of ingredients you can’t pronounce and look for certification seals to be sure you’re getting what you pay for. Not only will these help normal skin, they’re also less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

With a little time, patience, and work, you can have fabulous looking skin in no time.

_________________

*Recommended: Natural Camouflage Concealer with amazing staying power, that perfectly matches every skin color.

Acne On Black Skin - Pomade Acne, Regular Acne, and Treatment Options

By: Rebecca Prescott

Acne is a common skin disorder that has the same causes and develops in the same way, no matter what color of skin it is affecting. However, there is one type of acne that more commonly afflicts people of color. It has been given the name pomade acne.

WHAT IS POMADE ACNE?

If a hair style involves straightening curly hair or molding the hair into shape, a thick, oily dressing called pomade is applied to facilitate this. Where the pomade comes into contact with the skin, acne can occur. This is commonly on the scalp, forehead and temples. The heavy oil of the pomade can clog pores and start the formation of acne lesions. At the same time, other chemicals in the pomade may irritate the skin and lead to inflammation.

THERE ARE THREE OPTIONS TO TREATING POMADE ACNE:

1. If the pomade is being used to moisturize the scalp, its’ application should begin one inch behind the hairline, in a effort to keep it off the facial skin.

2. If it’s being used to style hair or make it more manageable, it should be applied solely to the ends of the hair, again avoiding the scalp and skin.

3. If all else fails, the use of pomade will have to be discontinued.

Usually, once the pomade is no longer getting onto the skin or its use is stopped, pomade acne should clear on its own. It if doesn’t, it can be treated just like any other acne. The skin should be gently cleansed using a topical preparation such as benzyl peroxide. If the acne still hasn’t cleared after 6-8 weeks, the person should see a dermatologist for advice.

WHAT ACNE TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE SPECIFICALLY FOR BLACK SKIN?

There are none, as acne treatments are generally safe on both dark and light skin. Some forms of treatment for acne scarring may cause dark skin to lighten temporarily, however.

Black skin may not be as well moisturized as lighter skin and for this reason, any treatment that may be very drying (such as benzyl peroxide) should only be used with a doctor’s supervision or advice.

Black people who have severe acne may find that once the inflammation has gone, their skin is left with a darkened spot. This is because dark skin develops something called ‘post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation’. This means increased pigmentation following inflammation. These spots go away in time but if they are distressing a dermatologist can prescribe topical retinoids which can help to fade the discoloration more quickly.

The removal of acne scars from black skin by dermabrasion or any form of chemical peel can cause temporary lightening (or darkening), in the areas that have been treated. This sort of treatment should always be discussed with a dermatologist before it is undertaken. Simply booking into a beauty salon is not recommended and may make the condition worse.

The dark pigment that gives skin its color is called melanin. Alterations in that pigmentation such as vitiligo and melasma can be present at the same time as acne - although the conditions are not related. They require specialist diagnosis and treatment from an experienced dermatologist.

Would you be surprised to learn that spending a small fortune on beauty products is quite unnecessary? All of the ingredients you’ll ever need are in your kitchen or pantry cabinet.
Here are three ways in which you can use natural home beauty remedies in a flash.

Olive Oil: You cook and bake with it; but did you know you can use it in a variety of other ways? Because olive oil is chemical free, it can be used on your skin; as a bath oil, moisturizer, massager, and conditioner. For example: You can apply a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to your skin before bedtime to reduce wrinkles and, at the same time, moisturize your skin. To strengthen your nails, soak them in warm extra virgin olive oil for five minutes. Massage your sore muscles with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and rosemary. Apply olive oil to dry hair as an overall conditioner.  It will leave your hair smooth and shiny.

Oatmeal: Wouldn’t you love a facial? Get out the box of oatmeal from your cabinet and begin. This oatmeal facial will not only exfoliate, but moisturize your skin as well.  Here are the steps: Take out a package of instant oatmeal; add a half a cup of water; two tablespoons yogurt; two tablespoons of honey and one egg white. Mix the water and oatmeal, then add the additional ingredients. Apply a thin layer to your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes or until you feel tightness; then rinse your face with warm water.

Dry Skin Brushing: Here is a technique that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Before taking a shower in the morning, use a brush or sponge and begin the dry skin brushing process to exfoliate dead skin cells, and improve your blood circulation. Here’s how to do it: While standing the shower with the water off, start at your feet and begin brushing in small circles toward the upper part of your body.  Then work your way down the back of your body to complete the process. Do not scrub hard, but apply even and light pressure.  After you have completed this procedure, take a shower.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enhance your beauty.  All of the natural remedies are at home and within your grasp.