“Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions, from psoriasis to acne to aging, are the manifestations of your body's internal needs, including its nutritional needs,” says Dr. Georgiana Donadio, founder of the National Institute of Whole Health.

Recent research has shown that the skin reacts particularly well to certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish the skin, making it appear youthful and healthy. The following nutrients are among the very best to consume for healthy, young-looking skin:

Silica:Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the body's connective tissues – muscles, tendons, hair, ligaments, nails, cartilage, and bone – and is vital for healthy skin. Silica deficiency can result in reduced skin elasticity and can hamper the body's ability to heal wounds. Food sources of silica include leeks, green beans, garbanzo beans, strawberries, cucumber, mango, celery, asparagus and rhubarb. In its natural form, silica is found in the horsetail herb. Silica is also available as a concentrated liquid supplement from Eidon Ionic Minerals (www.eidon.com)

Zinc: The mineral zinc is an important component of healthy skin, especially for acne sufferers. In fact, acne itself may be a symptom of zinc deficiency. Zinc acts by controlling the production of oil in the skin, and may also help control some of the hormones that create acne. Zinc is also required for proper immune system function, as well as for the maintenance of vision, taste, and smell. Zinc consumption is also strongly linked to a reduction of prostate cancer.

Foods rich in zinc include fresh oysters, pumpkin seeds, ginger, pecans, Brazil nuts, oats, and eggs. Zinc can be purchased in supplement form, in both liquid concentrates and tablets.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Dry, inflamed skin or skin that suffers from the frequent appearance of whiteheads or blackheads can benefit from supplementing with essential fatty acids (EFAs), especially omega-3s. EFAs are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility, but because the body cannot produce its own EFAs, they must be obtained through the diet.

The typical American diet is overabundant in omega-6 fatty acids found in baked goods and grains, and lacking in omega-3s, found in cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel, as well as flaxseeds and safflower oil. Simply balancing the intake of omega-3s with omega-6s can result in smoother, younger-looking skin. EFAs are also available in supplement form – such as fish oil capsules or evening primrose oil – and are effective at treating a wide range of disorders, from depression and cancer to arthritis and heart disease. Good sources of omega-3 oils include chia seeds, flax seeds and, for non-vegetarians, wild-harvested fish oils. A reputable supplier of fish oils is Nordic Naturals (www.NordicNaturals.com)

Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant mineral responsible for tissue elasticity. It also acts to prevent cell damage by free radicals and is will known to be correlated with a reduction of breast cancer risk. It may play an important role in preventing skin cancer, as it can protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light.

Dietary sources of selenium include wheat germ, seafood such as tuna and salmon, garlic, Brazil nuts, eggs, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread. Brazil nuts are perhaps the best source, and eating just 3-4 Brazil nuts per day provides adequate selenium intake for most people. A good source of raw brazil nuts is www.RawFood.com

Vitamins C, E and A: Vitamin C is highly effective at reducing free radical damage, such as that caused by overexposure to the sun or pollution. Free radicals consume collagen and elastin – the fibers that support skin structure – and can cause wrinkles and other signs of premature aging. Vitamin C is especially effective at protecting the skin from overexposure to the sun when combined with vitamin E. Foods high in vitamin C include acerola (a cherry-like fruit), red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley, collard greens, turnips, and broccoli.

Wherever possible, consumers are advised to get their vitamin C from a whole food source, and not to confuse synthetic vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with the real thing from plants (which is full spectrum vitamin C that goes way beyond ascorbic acid). A good source of whole food vitamins is Botani (http://www.alohabay.com/botani/inde…)

In terms of topical applications of vitamin C for your skin, there's nothing on the market that even comes close to a product called Camu C Serum manufactured by the Amazon Herb Company (http://amazondreams.amazonherb.net/…), which is made from Camu Camu berries — the highest natural source of full-spectrum vitamin C.

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin. When combined with vitamin A, vitamin E is especially effective at preventing certain skin cancers. Vitamin E also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and, when applied topically, soothes dry or rough skin. Food sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, safflower and sunflower oils, almonds, spinach, peaches, prunes, tomatoes, cabbage, asparagus, and avocados.

Avoid synthetic vitamin E supplements, as they have been shown to actually harm health. Only consume natural vitamin E from a reputable source such as the Life Extension Foundation (www.LEF.org)

Vitamin A promotes proper repair and maintenance of the skin, and deficiencies can result in a dry, flaky complexion. Topical vitamin A treatments are often used to treat acne and other skin ailments. Foods high in vitamin A include liver, chili peppers, dandelion, carrots, apricots, collard greens, kale, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cantaloupe.

It's best to consume vitamin A from natural food sources rather than supplementing it, as vitamin A can be harmful if taken in excessive amounts in supplement form (vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin). You may also wish to consider taking beta carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A and has none of the overdose concerns of vitamin A.

Avoid toxic skin care products Proper nutrition is vital for the maintenance of youthful, smooth, healthy skin. Though lotions, washes, and creams can sometimes help treat certain skin ailments, most skin problems stem from an internal nutritional deficiency easily remedied by altering the diet to include specific nutrients. Before you spend a fortune on expensive skin care products, try addressing the problem from the inside out.

Also, beware of the toxic chemicals used in nearly all popular skin care products, including many of the expensive brands sold in department stores. Most products contain liver-damaging and cancer-causing petroleum derivatives that pass right through the skin and enter your bloodstream, causing DNA damage that ultimately compromises the health of your entire body. Use skin care products that are truly natural and contain absolutely no parabens, petroleum products or any ingredient you cannot pronounce.

There are many quality skin care product companies to choose from. I currently recommend Pangea Organics (www.PangeaOrganics.com) and the Lluvia line from the Amazon Herb Company (http://amazondreams.amazonherb.net), which are made from rainforest botanicals and contain no artificial or chemical ingredients whatsoever.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I have no financial connection with any of the companies or products recommended here. I earn nothing from the sales of such products. No fees were paid to myself or NaturalNews for inclusion in this article.

Share About the author: Mike Adams is a holistic nutritionist with a passion for teaching people how to improve their health He is a prolific writer and has published thousands of articles, interviews, reports and consumer guides, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. He is the writer and singer of 'I Want My Bailout Money,' 'Don't Inject Me' and other popular hip-hop songs on socially-conscious topics. He's also a noted technology pioneer and founded a software company in 1993 that developed the HTML email newsletter software currently powering the NaturalNews subscriptions. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and pursues hobbies such as Pilates, Capoeira, nature macrophotography and organic gardening. Known on the 'net as 'the Health Ranger,' Adams shares his ethics, mission statements and personal health statistics at www.HealthRanger.org

a) Crab apple- Make a paste. Apply all over the face and neck. Leave for 20 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water. It is a rich source of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) which tone, soften and moisturize dull oily skin.

b) Sandalwood powder- Add a few drops of water to half a tablespoon of the powder. Apply the paste all over the face, neck (in upward and outward direction) and hands. Avoid eye area. Let dry. Wash with tepid water. This reduces wrinkles and fine lines while fighting acne and blemishes.

c) Lemon juice, flour, turmeric powder- Make a paste. (Use all purpose flour) Plain yogurt can be used in place of lemon juice. Apply all over the face except the eye area. Let dry. Rinse. The acids in the lemon juice treat dark spots on the face clearing the complexion. Turmeric brightens the look. (Lemon juice might cause a tingling sensation). Feel the fresh and oil-free skin afterwards.

d) Wheat germ oil- Massage your face with the oil. Leave it on for 1 hour before washing with tepid water. Natural vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant, in this oil prevents skin damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollution. It is great for softening the skin.

e) Milk- It is particularly necessary for individuals with oily skin to keep their skin clear otherwise it has a tendency to form acne lesions making the skin patchy, discolored and rough. Presence of oil makes the skin sticky thus attracting dirt from the environment clogging the pores. Clogged pores mean increased oil secretion.

Milk is an excellent oil free cleanser and it doesnât dry out the skin. Oily skin has open and enlarged pores. Wash your face several times throughout the day with milk so that the pores are not clogged with sebum/oil. It is very important to wash your face before you go to bed at night. Make-up residues can be the worst enemies of the skin. Mix 2-3 drops of sandalwood or lavender oil with 2 tablespoon of milk and massage gently all over the face cleaning up the dirt, grime and makeup. Pay special attention to the eye area. Do not stretch or over-pull the delicate skin around the eyes while removing eye make-up. Gentle massage improves blood circulation and gives your face a healthy glow. If you have broken skin, avoid stretching in that area to prevent spread of infection.

e) Honey- Moisturizing the skin is essential as we quickly lose the skinâs natural moistures making it rough and irritated. Dry skin needs a lot of moisturizing but oily skin needs moisturizing too. A skin that is regularly moisturized has fewer fine lines, a smooth texture, less surface flaking and radiates a healthy glow.

Honey is an excellent natural moisturizer. Apply a thin layer of honey all over the face. Wash it off with tepid water after 15 minutes.

Avoid moisturizing in humid weather. Judge the amount of oil in your skin and moisturize accordingly.

f) Rice powder and corn flour- It is absolutely necessary to exfoliate with a gentle scrub about 3-4 times per week to balance the skinâs moisture. Rice powder is an excellent natural exfoliating agent. It gives the over-stressed oily skin a new vitality and a healthy radiance.

Make a paste with 1 tablespoon rice powder, 1 tablespoon corn flour and a few drops of lemon juice. Add water if necessary. Apply all over the face and gently massage in upward and outward direction in a circular motion. The rice powder removes the dead cells that accumulate in the upper layer of the skin thus cleaning up the pores. The sharp, citrus smell of the lemon refreshes and stimulates the nerves while the chemicals in the juice has a bleaching property that treats dark spots left by the various outbreaks of the oily skin.

g) Potato and cucumber slices- Close your eyes and put 2 slices on top of the eyelids. The natural juices remove dark circles around the eyes.

h) Almond meal and lemon rind- Make a facial scrub with 2 tablespoon almond meal, 1 tablespoon ground lemon rind and 3-4 tablespoon milk. Gently scrub your face and get rid of the excess oil.

i) Rose petals, chamomile and geranium oils- Throw some rose petals in your tub and add 3-4 drops of chamomile oil and 1 drop of geranium oil. Soak your body in the sweet aroma. The chemicals in the petals and the oils act as a classic toner for oily skin.

j) Multani mitti or fullerâs earth- Take 1 tablespoon mitti. (Found in Indian grocery stores). Make a paste with 3 tablespoon water and a pinch of turmeric powder. Apply to face and neck. Let dry. Wash face after about 20-30 minutes. This is a unique anti-wrinkle pack containing valuable herbs and skin rejuvenating ingredients to give you an oil-free, smooth and clear skin.

k)Clay mask- Mix 2 tablespoons of green clay with 2 drops of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt and 2 drops of lavender oil. Add water sufficient to make a creamy paste. Apply all over the face and neck areas leaving the skin around the eyes. Let dry. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Clay mask is said to give maximum benefit to the oily skin for its deep cleansing properties.

l) Cedar wood and sandalwood oil- Mix 2-3 drops of these two oils and gently massage over the face and neck areas. The classic combination of these two essential oils has a soothing effect and is an excellent skin conditioner for oily skin and treats acne and eczema.

m) Face mask- Separate the yolk from an egg and take the white part. With it, mix 2 tablespoon clay/kaolin, 1 tablespoon oats, 1 tablespoon cornflower and enough rose water to make a smooth paste. Add some essential oils like lavender oil and/or juniper berry oil. Mix well. Apply all over the face and avoid eye area. Let dry. Rinse after 20 minutes. Enjoy your fresh, new, soft, oil-free skin.

Oil production decreases with age. With age, skin starts to wrinkle. Then it becomes necessary to supply the skin with oils or moisture from outside especially during winter to fight wrinkles and check ageing. Oily skin generally ages slowly. So, donât be upset if you have oily skin. Who knows, todayâs curse can become tomorrowâs blessing.

With so many great exfoliating products on the market now, you can have fun choosing. But you want to avoid overdoing it. Great results come when you find a method and schedule that suit your skin.

“The number one benefit is that skin seems smoother and silkier,” confirms Harold Lancer, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills, California. “It also allows products to penetrate better.” That’s because exfoliating removes the surface layer of dead cells that can limit how much of your lotion gets through.

For most women, exfoliating twice a week is enough to ensure silky skin. To some degree, though, the frequency of your scrub-down depends on your age (older skin may be too dry and delicate for lots of scouring) and the climate you live in. Warm weather increases perspiration and oil production, leading to speedier accumulation of dead cells.

As for methods, a clean nubby washcloth will do the job. Don’t use a sponge—they tend to stay damp and trap dead skin, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Exfoliating gloves—available in fun colors—work great; pull them on and lather up with a moisturizing body wash. (Rinse the gloves well afterward, and let them air-dry.)

A scrub solution is another good way to go. We recommend Neutrogena’s Energizing Sugar Body Scrub, $9.99, and Apivita Aromatherapy Energy Body Scrub, $18.

Women with oily skin should exfoliate more often than their dry-skinned sisters. Oily skin makes it hard for complexion-dimming dead cells to make their exit. “Starting in your 30s, your skin can look dull and ashen because skin cells renew themselves more slowly than they did when you were younger,” says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Use grain products (we like Merle Norman’s Luxiva Skin Refining Cleanser or Sonya Dakar’s Triple-Action Organic Scrub). Or smooth skin chemically with items that have glycolic or salicylic acids (try DDF’s Glycolic Exfoliating Wash or Cellex-C’s Betaplex Gentle Cleansing Milk).

More healthy skin tips:

For as long as teenagers have started sprouting spots that make them think they are ugly and less attractive to the opposite sex, scientists, soothsayers and teenagers alike have been attempting to come up with a cure for acne. Pimples, zits, spots, bumps, whatever you want to call them, acne is the scourge of every teenager, and in some less common cases, people on into their adult lives. While there are a whole range of treatments for acne on the market these days, it is unclear whether any of these treatments actually cure or prevent acne, whether they soften acne’s effects until the teen can grow out of the acne phase, or whether they do nothing at all except make the acne sufferer feel like they are taking proactive steps. Holistic medicine practitioners have even gotten in on the acne fix bandwagon. One of the treatments they suggest is called acne light therapy.

Acne light therapy is just what it sounds like – the exposure of acne sufferers to daylight, or lasers, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent lamps, dichroic lamps or very bright lights of certain wavelengths in order to abolish the red bumps known as acne. Acne light therapy, as you can see, has no firm proven method, but proponents have pointed to the success of acne light therapy when using different types of lights. Proponents of acne light therapy also point to the fact that sunlight has long been known in old wives’ tales to be a cure for acne.

Scientists who have studied the effects of acne light therapy have concluded that sunlight does indeed assist with acne. Unfortunately, due to what we now know about the harmfulness of the sun’s rays, it is impractical and even downright irresponsible to expose someone suffering from acne to extreme sunlight. On the other hand, studies have shown that artificial UV light such as that found in sun lamps or tanning beds is not as helpful when it comes to treating acne as the actual sun.

So how does acne light therapy work? Scientists and other proponents of acne light therapy say that one element of visible light – the violet colored rays – present in natural sunlight work to activate a porphyrin, a substance found in the body that subsequently damages and kills the bacteria that started the acne by releasing oxygen. Interestingly, porphyrin is found in people with the disease porphyria, and acne light therapy should never be used on sufferers of the disease because they already have abnormalities with their porphyrin.

What acne light therapy proponents would call “deep penetrating light therapy” has been shown to work as treatment for acne. In this procedure, the acne sufferer, while wearing protective eye wear, is exposed to light for three consecutive days. At the end of the regimen, supposedly the bacteria in the pores have been reduced by 99.9%. The procedure uses artificial lights such as LEDs, dichoric filament bulbs or fluorescent lamps. Other findings say that overall improvements only account for about 76% to 80% of the bacteria disappearing, which is still a large enough number to grab the attention of acne sufferers and scientists everywhere. On the other hand, about 10% of users of acne light therapy see no improvement in their skin conditions whatsoever.

Acne light therapy has also been used to treat other conditions such as seasonal affective disorder, neonatal jaundice and insomnia. Other skin ailments that can be treated using a version of acne light therapy include psoriasis and eczema.

If you are interested in acne light therapy, contact a reputable dermatologist first to find out if the therapy is right for your specific condition.

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Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!!!! I must have used hundreds of acne products and all I needed was Overnight Acne Cures. My acne literally cleared straight away and it hasn't returned! I just wish I had found this years ago. Thank you, thank you!

Ashleigh Dutton – Liverpool (England)

Acne had been a big influence in my life, obviously not a pleasant one, especially my social life. People hate to admit it, but how you look DOES affect the way you're treated, particularly by the opposite sex!

I hated my skin and the way I looked for years. My teen acne problem carried on well into my twenties. I was absolutely miserable, until I started following and experimenting with the natural techniques in your ebook (Overnight Acne Cures). Your treatments work, I was really surprised! The book has transformed the way I look and feel!!

Gabby Watson – Miami , Florida ( USA )

I love this book! Unlike other books, this one is so easy to read, easy to understand, visually attractive with lots of pictures. Overnight Acne Cures not only helped clear my acne fast and naturally, it is a refreshing read. Don't listen to drug companies, natural acne treatments do exist! This book is a must! Simply can't miss it!

Jasse O'Connor- Cape Town ( South Africa )

For 9 years I had really bad acne on my cheeks and forehead. The older I got the worst my acne became which is surprising and dam annoying. I tried Proactiv, Accutane etc etc but nothing worked, however, Overnight Acne Cures stopped my acne. Thank you so much!

Dean Landy – Orlando , Florida ( USA )

Before and After

The whole world needs to know about your book, it's easy to follow and actually works. Gold Gold Gold book.

Mary Nguyen – San Diego , California ( USA )

I can't believe how easy it actually was to stop my acne. My life has turned around, my skin looks great and for the first time in many years I have my confidence back.

Sarah Ferguson – Mackay , Queensland ( Australia )

Overnight Acne Cures Delivers:

• Clear skin within 24 hours “GUARANTEED”
• Instantly smaller skin pores
• Instantly reduced skin oil production
• NO chemicals, only NATURAL techniques performed in the comfort of your own home.
• With a success rate of 96%, you're guaranteed clear skin.
• Proven methods to reduce acne scarring.
• 100% Money Back “Guarantee” NO questions asked.

I've met thousands of acne sufferers who had spent ridiculous amounts of $$$$$ on mainstream acne products that yielded poor results. Please do not make the same mistake, you can have clear, beautiful skin within 24 hours. I GUARANTEE it.

More Real Success Stories ……

Over a 6 year period I've spent approx $3000 dollars on acne products. If I found Overnight Acne Cures at the start I wouldn't have wasted so much $$$. I can't thank you enough!

Sara Duff – Melbourne ( Australia )

My daughter has had a terrible time with acne like my husband who has many scars on his face and shoulders. Well, I bought the book for her and the results were immediate, which was actually very surprising as I only bought it to keep her happy. She followed the instructions and by the next morning there was a huge difference in her skin and now her acne has completely stopped. I will spread the word, it's a sensational book.

Lucy Poh – Houston , Texas ( USA )

For years, I have spent loads and loads of money, not to mention countless hours, searching everywhere for an effective, alternative acne cure.

That's why it was such a delight to find Overnight Acne Cures! The natural cures you've suggested are super effective.

Big kudos to Overnight Acne Cures, you have saved my skin and my self esteem! I am not scared of looking at myself in the mirror anymore.

JLilly Bell – Los Angeles ( USA )

To be honest I was very sceptical at the start, I thought this would be just another scam, but I was totally wrong. I followed the instructions carefully and by the next morning I could hardly see my pimples. Amazing, thank you!

Steve Hudson – Archway, London ( England )

Louise Griffin you're an absolute legend. My skin looks great and I feel so good!

Scott McKinnon – New Jersey ( USA )

Whether you suffer from acne or not, this easy-to-read book is going to give you glowing clear skin in no time.

Hang Tran – Singapore

As a mom, it was painful to watch my son suffering from acne for many years because I could see the psychological pain he was going through and I didn't know what I could do to help. He became very self conscious and sensitive to teasing from peers, his bad acne was doing some real emotional damage. I was very concerned.

Our family dermatologist prescribed him Acutane, it helped a bit, but the side effects were just too much for him. His skin really dried up, plus I read about the severe liver damage it may cause and other serious side effects.

I started researching about natural acne treatments and I came across the Overnight Acne Cures ebook.

To look after his renewed skin I followed the natural acne cures suggested by the ebook which are so easy to prepare! The best part is the preparation, I really enjoyed making them. The ingredients are good enough to eat and are all readily available from my kitchen!

I have been telling other parents and my son's teachers about this ebook ever since.

Thank you Louise, you saved my son!

Kylie Blanche – Sydney ( Australia )

I got your e-book by ordering the SkinB5 tablets and I have to say that it is wonderful!! I tried the rose water and lemon juice mask last night and it left my skin so soft and smooth that I think the last time I felt my skin like this was when I was a baby!, Thank you so much for putting together this wonderful e-book available for everyone. It is already clearing up my skin!

Scarlette Acevedo, Australia

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Please try Overnight Acne Cures for 2 full months. Scrutinize the course closely. Use the program to the max. If you're not thrilled with your results, then I want you to simply write and tell me, and I'll send you a prompt and courteous, no questions asked, 100% refund.

On the other hand, if Overnight Acne Cures helps you get rid of your acne and look and feel greater than ever before, then I want you to e-mail me your success story or testimonial to tell me about the results you achieved

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How does Titan work? Using infra-red light Titan penetrates deep into the dermis, deep-heating the tissue in the targeted area and stimulating long-dormant collagen. As a result, the collagen contracts and tightens, producing visibly firmer-looking skin in the treated area. Results become more dramatic over time as collagen re-builds through a series of treatments. Titan is effective and safe for all skin types.

How long does the typical Titan procedure take? Depending on the size of the area, a typical Titan procedure takes an hour. You will feel a warming sensation. Some clients choose to take a mild pain reliever before the procedure although no anesthetic is required. Afterward, you may experience some mild swelling or redness in the treated area but this should subside in a few hours. With Titan there is no downtime.

What kind of results can I expect from Titan? After just one treatment clients will notice firmer, tauter skin in the treated area. Fine lines and wrinkles fill in. Frown lines soften. For optimal results, we recommend a series of protocol of three treatments spaced four weeks apart. After three-to-six months, clients who have undergone this non-ablative, non-invasive procedure find that they have achieved a result that is similar to and often more natural looking than a face lift.

Who is a good candidate for the Titan procedure? Titan is safe for all skin types and all body types. It is FDA approved. It works best on lax sagging skin around the chin, jaw line and abdomen. Not to be mistaken with endermologie, for cellulite, Titan is a tissue tightening alternative for sagging loose skin.

How can I learn more about Titan? During your consultation, our Clinic Directors will assess those areas that are of concern to you. Afterwards, we will develop an individualized protocol to help you achieve your desired outcome.

At select Laser Cosmetica locations.

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Best Over the Counter Acne Treatment To find out the best over the counter acne treatment products, first of all one has to understand his or her skin, its requirement and the type of acne. The best acne treatment can vary depending on whether the skin is sensitive, dry or oily. Again, the treatment for mild or moderate acne can vary significantly from the treatment for a severe acne breakout. Some acne treatment products contain ingredients that can destroy the acne causing bacteria, while others address the issues like presence of excessive oil or sebum on the skin and clogged skin pores. The first step to find out the best over the counter acne treatment is to know the ingredients of the acne products, and what types of acne these ingredients can cure. The most important ingredients in over the counter acne treatment products are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur and resorcinol.

Active Ingredients in Best Over the Counter Acne Treatment

Benzoyl Peroxide Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most important active ingredients in over the counter acne treatment products, that works well for moderate and severe acne. It basically works by destroying the acne causing bacteria and removing the dead skin cells. The over the counter benzoyl peroxide preparations are usually available in 2.5 to 10% strengths. However, benzoyl peroxide can make the skin dry and more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Apart from these, scaling, redness and minor swelling of the skin can occur, occasionally. Therefore, it is usually not considered suitable for sensitive skin. But benzoyl peroxide can be very effective for oily skin, as it removes excess oil from the skin. Some well known acne treatment products that include this compound are, Proactiv, Benzaderm Gel, Neutrogena On-the-Spot and Clearasil. Know more about acne products with benzoyl peroxide.

Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid is another important ingredient of acne treatment products, that mainly unclogs the skin pores by stimulating exfoliation of the dead skin cells. It can effectively treat mild acne. Acne products containing salicylic acid are considered by many as the best over the counter acne treatment for sensitive skin, as salicylic acid is not harsh on the skin. However, it can cause a mild tingling sensation on the skin. Over the counter acne products are usually available with 0.5 to 2% salicylic acid. Some possible side effects of salicylic acid are, skin dryness, peeling and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Some good quality acne products with salicylic acid are, Noxzema Anti-Acne Gel, Noxzema Anti-Acne Pads, Clearasil Clearstick, Stridex and Neutrogena Acne Rapid Clear Daily Treatment Pads. Read more on acne medication side effects.

Sulfur and Resorcinol Sulfur and resorcinol are usually included together in acne products. They help to remove excess sebum or oil and dead skin cells in order to unclog the skin pores. They can also destroy the bacteria responsible for causing acne and pimples. Sometimes, one can experience peeling, redness and dryness after using sulfur and resorcinol containing acne products. Examples of sulfur and resorcinol containing acne products include, Clearasil Medicated Blemish Cream, Clearasil Medicated Blemish Stick, Glytone Flesh Tinted Acne Treatment Lotion and Rezamid Lotion.

Alcohol and Acetone Alcohol and acetone are mainly found in astringents, toners and cleaners. These are basically used to remove dirt and excess oil from to prevent clogging of skin pores. Hence, they can be very effective for oily skin. However, individuals with dry skin can experience excessive skin dryness after using alcohol and acetone based acne products. Some common alcohol and acetone based acne products are, Tyrosum Liquid Acne Skin Cleanser, Glytone Acne Treatment Toner and Seba-Nil Liquid Cleanser. Read more on:

• Acne Skin Care Products
• Causes of Acne
• Acne Prevention

Apart from these ingredients, some acne products found to contain alpha hydroxy acids, too, can stimulate exfoliation of dead skin cells to treat acne. The best over the counter acne treatment is the one that can treat acne without causing much side effects. It would depend on the type of skin and the severity of acne breakout. For mild acne, salicylic acid based acne products can work satisfactorily, while for moderate to severe outbreak, benzoyl peroxide containing products can be required. However, for sensitive skin, use of benzoyl peroxide is not usually not advisable. But, benzoyl peroxide as well as alcohol and acetone based products are considered by many as the best over the counter acne treatment for oily skin. Usually, it is better to try a mild product initially to treat acne, using the higher strength products only when required. If you experience any kind of reaction like skin irritation, redness and inflammation after using any acne product, then do not forget to inform your dermatologist at the earliest.

Speaking November 8 at the American Academy of Dermatology’s SKIN academy (Academy), dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York, N.Y., and clinical assistant professor of dermatology and associate faculty of the School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa., discussed the importance of eating nutritious foods for optimal skin health and how foods can aggravate common medical skin conditions.

“While there’s no mistaking how our diet affects our overall health, we’re just beginning to understand how certain foods – or lack thereof – can impact our skin’s health,” said Dr. Taylor. “In addition, studies show that some food and beverages can even worsen common skin conditions and cause allergic reactions that manifest on the skin.”

Good Food, Good Skin

Perhaps the simplest way to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and ensure the skin is getting optimal nutrition from the foods we eat is to follow the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Daily Food Guide, commonly referred to as the food pyramid.

These include:

• Choosing and eating at least three ounces of whole grain breads, cereals, rice, crackers or pasta.
• Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including more dark green and orange vegetables.
• Consuming calcium-rich foods, such as fat-free or low-fat milk and other dairy products.
• Opting for a variety of low-fat or lean meats, poultry and fish.

“The foods recommended by the USDA as part of a healthy diet contain valuable vitamins and minerals that have proven health benefits for our bodies,” said Dr. Taylor. “Research has shown that the antioxidants in vitamins C and E can protect the skin from sun damage and help reduce damage in skin cells caused by harmful free radicals, which contribute to aging skin. Similarly, we have long known that the B vitamin biotin is responsible for forming the basis of skin, hair and nail cells, and vitamin A – found in many fruits and vegetables – maintains and repairs skin tissue. Without an adequate supply of these vitamins, you may notice it in the appearance of your skin, hair and nails.”

While the direct link between food consumption and skin damage has not been widely studied, one study comparing the correlation between food and nutrient intake with skin wrinkling found a positive relationship. The study, “Skin Wrinkling: Can Food Make a Difference?”, published in the February 2001 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, determined that Swedish subjects aged 70 and older had the least skin wrinkling in a sun-exposed site among the four ethnic groups studied. This cross-sectional study, which analyzed the pooled data using the major food groups, suggests “that subjects with a higher intake of vegetables, olive oil, and monounsaturated fat and legumes, but a lower intake of milk/dairy products, butter, margarine and sugar products had less skin wrinkling in a sun-exposed site.”

“More studies need to be done to determine the long-term benefits of food on our skin,” said Dr. Taylor. “Eating a variety of healthy foods and drinking plenty of water so the skin stays hydrated should help most people improve the appearance of their skin.”

Foods That Can Worsen Skin Conditions

For the millions of Americans affected by medical skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, eating certain foods or consuming alcohol could aggravate their symptoms or trigger an unexpected flare-up. Dr. Taylor recommended that patients affected by these chronic skin conditions should be aware of certain food interactions in order to better manage their treatment regimen.

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by the foods we eat. Although numerous studies have not found a link between diet and acne, emerging research now suggests there may be a link between a low-glycemic diet and an improvement in acne. The study, “Low-Glycemic-Load Diet May Improve Acne in Young Men,” published in the July 2007 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined whether male acne patients aged 15 to 25 who followed a low-glycemic diet (25 percent of energy from protein and 45 percent from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates) had a reduction in acne lesions vs. a control group that consumed a diet rich in carbohydrates.

“The study found that at 12 weeks, acne lesions had decreased more in the young men in the low-glycemic group than their counterparts in the control group whose diet had no consideration for the glycemic index,” said Dr. Taylor. “This suggests that there could be a relationship between limiting carbohydrate-rich foods in acne patients’ diets and an improvement in their acne, but more studies need to be done to confirm this finding before we consider any future dietary modifications for our patients.”

On the other hand, some acne patients have noticed that certain foods worsen their symptoms – particularly chocolate, greasy foods, soft drinks, peanuts or foods high in fat.

“Patients who notice a cause-effect relationship between eating certain foods and acne flare-ups should avoid those foods,” said Dr. Taylor. “However, following a strict diet will not clear acne either. The best advice is to eat a well-balanced diet and follow the treatment plan recommended by your dermatologist.”

Rosacea, characterized by facial redness and swelling, commonly can be triggered by spicy foods or alcohol. In fact, a survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that the most common rosacea triggers are alcohol (52 percent), spicy foods (45 percent) and heated beverages (36 percent).

“Patients with rosacea should keep a journal to track their food and beverage triggers, so they can record how the experience made them feel and remind themselves to avoid these items in the future,” advised Dr. Taylor. “They also should read the labels at the grocery store and proceed with caution when it comes to spices, such as cayenne, red, black and white pepper, curry, chili powder, and even salsa.”

In addition, foods such as liver, vinegar, soy sauce, dairy products, certain fruits and vegetables, hot chocolate, cider, tea and coffee have been known to cause flare-ups in some rosacea patients.

Another chronic skin condition that can be aggravated by food is eczema, which is commonly characterized by dry, red and itchy patches on the skin. Foods that have been known to worsen eczema symptoms include eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, wheat and fish, while some patients even report that chocolate, coffee, alcohol, tomatoes and sugar can trigger a flare-up. Dr. Taylor added that juices from meats and fruits can irritate already-sensitive skin when they come in contact with the skin, and she suggested that eczema patients also should keep a trigger journal as a reference for what foods or drinks may have caused a flare-up.

Research has shown that psoriasis, a serious medical condition affecting the immune system and characterized by patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scales, can be triggered by heavy drinking and that alcohol consumption may even inhibit the effectiveness of psoriasis treatment.

Dr. Taylor cautioned psoriasis patients who drink to do so in moderation and to avoid alcohol if they suspect it is worsening their symptoms.

“While certain foods also can trigger psoriasis, patients should avoid any radical diets that claim to ‘cure’ psoriasis,” explained Dr. Taylor. “There is not a cure for psoriasis and extreme changes in diet actually can worsen symptoms.”

Dr. Taylor added that individuals who have any questions about how their diet can affect the health and appearance of their skin should discuss their concerns with a dermatologist.

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by American Academy of Dermatology.

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Let's take a look at four popular face cleaning tools and how they affect the skin.

Woven Mesh Sponge The original mesh cleanser was the Buf-Puf. It was made of non-woven polyester fibers designed to unclog pores. The fibers were held together with a glue that didn't dissolve or soften after it was soaked in water. This made the fibers very stiff and harsh.

Now, Buf-Puf sponges are made of a softer woven mesh. They also come in four different “strengths” depending on how soft or firm the fibers are.

Facial Cloths One of the most popular tools for cleaning the face is the facial cloth. Some cloths have soap and moisturizers embedded in them and lather after you get them wet. Others don't have a lathering soap and work more like a moist towelette. Because facial cloths are a good choice for many skin types, get more in-depth information about washing your face with facial cloths. Cleansing Pouch The cleansing pouch is actually a variation of the facial cloth. The pouch is made of two open-weave cloths that have holes of various diameters. A plastic membrane with cleanser embedded is sandwiched in between the cloths, and the size of the holes determines how much of the cleanser gets to the skin. While it does control the amount of cleanser that's released, the cleansing pouch doesn't exfoliate as much as a non-woven cleansing cloth. Face Brush The latest facial cleansing tool is the Clarisonic face brush, made by the same company that developed the Sonicare Toothbrush. And yes, this brush works like an electric toothbrush for the face.

It's a hand-held device that has an oscillating brush head with soft bristles. You use your own cleanser: The brush lathers it and cleanses your face. The level of exfoliation or irritation depends on the type of bristles used, the type of cleanser used, and the amount of pressure applied to the skin.

Is One Of These Tools Right For Me? The makers of all these tools claim their products are gentle enough to use on your face, even if you have dry, sensitive skin. However, studies have shown that using a tool to exfoliate the face causes more dryness and irritation. Some types of facial cloths are an exception because they do little exfoliating. You can find out more about the best facial cleansing routine for your skin. Dr. Brannon's Bottom Line The woven mesh sponge and face brush are the most abrasive facial cleansing tools. If you have very oily skin, you might want to rotate one of these tools into your facial routine every couple of days to help exfoliate and remove sebum. If you don't have very oily skin, stick with a facial cloth designed for your skin sensitivity.

Sources:

Abbas, S et al. “Personal Cleanser Technology and Clinical Performance.” Dermatologic Therapy. 17S (2004): 35-42.

American Academy of Dermatology. “Cutting Through the Clutter: Making the Most of Your Facial Cleansing Routine..” Feb 21, 2005.

Draelos, Zoe. “Concepts in Skin Care Maintenance.” Cutis 76S (2005): 19-25.

Ertel, Keith. “Personal Cleansing Products: Properties and Use.” Cosmetic Formulation of Skin Care Products. Eds. Zoe Draelos and Lauren Thaman. London: Taylor & Francis, 2006. 54-6.

Subramanyan, K. “Role of mild cleansing in the management of patient skin.” Dermatologic Therapy. 17 (2004): 26-34.

Wigger-Alberti, Walter, et al. “Effects of Various Grit-Containing Cleansers on Skin Barrier Function.” Contact Dermatitis. 41.3 (1999): 136-40.

• Rhis (Greek for nose)
• phyyma (Greek for growth)

It is a more severe form of acne rosacea. The cause is not really known. Rhinophyma has been associated with any causes such as the over-consumption of alcohol. No consistent causative factor has been identified to date. Men are 12 times more likely to have this problem than women.

Symptoms include overgrowth of the sebaceous (oil making) skin glands, vessel and tissue growth in the deeper layers of the skin, and a thickening of the outer layer of the skin. This can make for a very obvious and prominent nose.

Nonsurgical treatment is similar to acne care:

• meticulous cleaning
• skin hygiene
• avoidance of foods that seem to worsen the condition
• antibiotics may be useful when small infections are present

Check with your dermatologist for a treatment program best designed for your skin.

Rhinophyma Nasal Reconstruction Before After Before Surgery After Surgery

This patient has a form of acne rosacea called rhinophyma. This deforming condition should never get this large with preventive and intermittent care. Smaller earlier treatments could have kept the condition less deforming. These results come from one operation.

Treatment consisted of dermaplaning and dermabrasion. Laser treatments could also have been used but can be harder to control the depth of injury. The pores of the skin go very deep in this condition. Regrowth of skin comes from these deeper skin elements.

Surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient. The raw skin after surgery can drain and needs careful wound care not to damage the remaining skin elements. The speed of healing depends on many factors such as the depth of surgery and your own healing tendencies.

Rhinophyma is more common than you might think. Here is one of many paintings demonstrating someone with this problem. There are many interesting web sites. Visit Dr. Bermant's Rhinophyma Plastic Surgery Web for more information.

Rhinophyma Frequently asked Questions and Answers