Nature's Answer to Skin Problems

Nature's answer to skin problems

 

By Margaret Hardy, president of Abbey St. Clare

 

Long before there were big corporations mass-producing solutions to common skin problems, nature had the answer. Here's some insight on the natural ingredients that work, and why.

 

Acne - glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. It can help acne and breakouts to subside, clear the skin, and fade scars and redness. To avoid sun sensitivity and irritation, stick with products with a concentration of 10% or less.

 

Rosacea - There is no cure for this chronic skin disorder, which affects 30-50% of the population. Three times more women are affected than men. It can be triggered by spicy foods, exercise, alcohol, and extremes in temperatures. Avoid harsh chemicals. Anti-inflammatory botanical essential oils and extracts can help, including helichrysum, rosewood, German chamomile, lavender, green tea extract, pomegranate extract, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid (all included in our Aniba cleanser). A green-tinted concealer powder can help.

 

Wrinkles - You really don't want to end up looking like one of those actresses whose faces are frozen. A little character is a good thing. But you can turn to Argireline - called the "Botox Alternative," a peptide that relaxes facial tension and reduces wrinkles with regular use. Peptides are small molecules that reach the deeper layers of the skin, tricking it into thinking its collagen was damaged and it needs to make some more. Applying peptides is more effective than trying to firm skin with collagen, as collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin's protective barriers.

 

Age Spots - One of the most distressing signs of age are age spots. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "Age spots are flat, brown marks on the skin called lentigines. They are caused by UV exposure, and usually appear o the face, chest and back, as well as the back of the hands and tops of the feet." The first line of defense is prevention. Wear protective clothing, sunscreens, and sunglasses. It takes time for them to form, and it will take time for them to remove them. The pigments that cause age spots are at the base of the epidermis, so treatments need to penetrate through this layer. Ingredients such as glycolic acid, vitamins C and E, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C ester), licorice, alpha arbutin, and kojic acid are especially helpful for age spots.

 

Inflammation - Sometimes our skin is damaged, from sun, shaving, or breakouts. One of the most soothing solutions are hydrosols. They are 100% natural because they are created by distilling plant material. As steam or boiling water moves through the plant, it nudge open the cellular structures that contain essential oils. The oil is separated from the cooled distillate; the remaining waters are hydrosols. They relieve a variety of skin conditions and provide hormonal balance. Popular hydrosols are German Chamomile, Lemongrass, Everlasting, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Orange Blossom, Rose Geranium, Tea Tree, Rose, Witch Hazel, and Yarrow. 

Source : articlesbase.com