Avoid Confusion Between Sunblock And Sunscreen!

Worried about protecting your skin from harmful UV rays? Sunblock is very helpful in protecting your skin from UV rays emerging from sun. A sunblock can physically block the absorption of UV rays of your skin. It is usually categorized into two types: one is physical sun block and other is chemical sunblock. The most popular chemical sun block is zinc oxide.



Don’t get confused with sunscreen and sunblock.

Most of the people get confused with sunblock and sunscreen and more often use the words interchangeably. Sunblock is different from sunscreen. Sunscreen protects your skin from the absorption of UV radiations where as sunblock physically blocks the rays of ultra violet, penetrating into your skin.

Sunblocks like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are very effective in protecting your skin from several sunburns and skin cancers. They are often visible and appear white on your skin. On the other hand, sunscreens are invisible and absorb the UV rays of sun falling on your skin.

Sunscreens usually contain benzophenones, which are very helpful in the protection of UVA radiations. Cinnamates and salicytes are very useful for protecting your skin from UVB rays. (Read How Sunscreen Work)

How to choose best sunblock for your skin?

Sunblocks are very helpful in protecting your skin from the absorption of UVA and UVB radiations. Usually these sunblocks are rated with sun protection factor (SPF). This rating indicates how long a sunscreen can be effective for your skin after the application.

Sunblocks usually vary from person to person. A sunblock used for UVA and UVB protection must usually have SPF rating of 30, is normally recommended for every one. It is very useful for daily use. You can determine how long can your sunblock will be effective by multiplying this SPF factor by the time duration for which your skin can resist sun burns.

For example, you normally develop sunburns within 15 minutes after exposure of your skin to sun without wearing any sunscreen. A sunscreen with SPF of 20 can protect your skin for 300 minutes (15 min multiplied with SPF of 20).

The ingredients used in a sunblock also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and can be categorized into chemical and physical. Chemical sunblocks works well by absorbing UV rays before they cause harm to your skin where as physical sunblocks reflects UV rays before they reach to your skin.

Sunblocks are available in the market in many different forms like lotions, creams, sprays, oils and also gels. Water resistant sunblocks are also available for the people, those who are involved in water sports. It is very important for you to check the label of the product before purchasing.

Try different types of sunblocks and choose the one which is suitable for your skin. If any of the sunblock is resulting in rashes or any allergic reactions, then try another brand or form of sunblock and protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

source : skincarebeautyzone.com

Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Blemish-Free Skin

Acne is a common concern among adolescents and adults alike. No one is happy about looking in the mirror and seeing pimples and blackheads on their face glaring back at them. The ideal is to see a reflective smile along with a clear complexion and healthy glow in your cheeks.

In this article we will explore various vitamins and minerals to learn how they affect the health of your skin and hopefully help you break-free from unsightly blemishes and break-out into a beautiful radiant smile.

The Holistic Approach to Acne

From a holistic point of view all illnesses are manifestations of our imbalances. In treating acne outbreaks the holistic practitioner would typically consider all emotional, physical, mental, or even spiritual imbalances. Any treatments offered would address the whole person, not just the physical body.

For example, Louise Hay, author of The New York Times best seller self-help book You Can Heal Your Life, teaches that acne is a manifestation of not loving or accepting yourself. Hays suggests this affirmation for those with acne: I am a Divine expression of life, I love and accept myself where I am right now..

Some holistic practitioners also cite poor diets and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals as factors that upset the natural internal workings of physical organs and disturb optimal blood circulation. In Ayurvedic medicine, acne (known clinically as Yauvan Pidika) is believed to be an internal constitutional disorder of the body and is caused primarily by improper diet, impurities in the blood, and imbalances in Kapha and Vata. However, there is virtually no scientific evidence linking diet to acne, and dermatologists dismiss such claims."

Vitamin Treatments for Acne

Healthy and radiant skin requires proper nutrition. However, according to a 2007 report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 39.5 percent of Americans eat less than the recommended three to five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can affect the body's ability to function optimally. Vitamins and minerals can be taken to supplement our diets when our nutritional needs are lacking through food consumption alone.

However, multivitamins should not be taken as a substitute for eating healthy foods. Taking too much of any vitamin or mineral can be toxic and extremely dangerous. Please consult with a doctor or other trained healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements.

* Vitamin A - Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, are used to treat acne and other skin disorders. Retinoids are prescribed by dermatologists both topically and orally. A common type of retinoid used in the oral treatment of acne is isotretinoin.

* Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, chromium, zinc, and selenium are nutrients that may have both anti-acne and mood regulating properties according to an acne study conducted at the Lasky Skin Clinic in 2008.

* Zinc - The National Library of Science recognizes that zinc may be effective in the treatment of acne based on available science evidence. The Department of Dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York also recognizes zinc, along with vitamin A, and tea tree oil (also ayurvedic therapies) as over-the-counter remedies available for treating acne. However, its position on these remedies is that additional and better studies are needed to clarify the benefits.

Essential Vitamins for Skin Care in General

* Vitamin A - According to Dr. Eugene S. Bereston "the therapeutic use of Vitamin A began almost with the discovery of the vitamin." Bereston also noted that the first property of vitamin A is its ability to stimulate growth. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that vitamin A is vital to the health of both your skin and your eyes. The academy recommends a daily dose of vitamin A. Examples of vitamin A enriched foods include citrus fruits, carrots, tomatoes, yellow squash, and pumpkin. Vitamin A can also be applied to the skin topically with creams to promote cell growth.

* Vitamin B - The Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institute of Health states that inflammation of the skin is one sign of B6 deficiency. Clinical signs of vitamin B6 deficiency are rarely seen in the United States. Alcoholics and aging adults are at the highest risk for B6 deficiencies due to poor dietary habits.

* Vitamins C and E - The American Academy of Dermatology recommends daily oral dosages of vitamins C and E to protect the body and for its antioxidant properties that are important for healthy skin.

* Zinc - A study conducted at Duke University provides evidence that Zinc is an important antioxidant supporting healthy skin. Among the findings: "Zinc protects against UV radiation, enhances wound healing, contributes to immune and neuropsychiatric functions, and decreases the relative risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease." So, in addition to the antioxidant benefits zinc offers to our skin, zinc is also important for the proper functioning of the immune system.

source : healing.about.com

5 Vitamins for Healthy Skin

Some vitamins – in pill form – have been shown to have antioxidant qualities. Several skin care companies have incorporated these vitamins into their product lines in hope of slowing the aging process – or at least the appearance of it.

Buyer beware: The FDA doesn't regulate supplements in skin care products, and dermatologists are only beginning to study the effects of vitamins applied topically. While antioxidants applied to the skin seem like they should reduce free radicals, we’re a long way from knowing for sure.

With that caveat in mind, here are 5 of the most frequently used vitamins for healthy skin.

Vitamin E

Using Vitamin E in skin care is thought to have multiple benefits to your skin. It is a potent antioxidant that is thought to fight off free radicals that cause the signs of aging. Some examples of free radicals are smoke, pollutants and excess sun.

Vitamin E is also a great moisturizing ingredient that is found naturally in our bodies. It is found in many skin care lines, which makes it easy to find, but it is also available as a supplement at any drugstore. It's easy to poke a hole in the capsule and squeeze out the Vitamin E gel and apply right to your skin.

Vitamin A

Are you familiar with the anti-aging (and anti-acne) superstar "retinol"? If so, then you're familiar with Vitamin A and the great things it can do for your skin.

Vitamin A forces your skin cells to turn over faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. It can cause some irritation to your skin, and many people using prescription-strength have to start slow, applying only every couple of days.

Using Vitamin A increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun, so use ample amounts of sunscreen. Results will take time to achieve.

Your best bet is to get your Vitamin A from your dermatologist who can educate you and give you a personalized dose. But a potent (yet expensive) over-the-counter line of products using Vit A is ZO Skin Health.

Vitamin K

If you've been searching for an eye cream that will get rid of the dark circles under your eyes, you've likely come across one with Vitamin K inside.

While dark circles under the eyes can be caused by numerous reasons, they are typically visible because of leaking capillaries under your skin. The skin under your eyes is thin, which makes the leaking capillaries visible as dark circles.

It is often recommended to look at your stress level, sleep schedule and smoking habits when trying to get rid of the circles. And concealers work wonders, but if you still can't banish those dark circles, try an eye cream with Vitamin K, like MD Skincare: Lift and Lighten Eye Cream which is believed to actually constrict the capillaries under your skin.

Vitamin C



Vitamin C is another super-star antioxidant found in citrus fruit. This is another ingredient that you'll have no problems finding in many skin care products, especially those meant for anti-aging. Vitamin C is thought to fight off free radicals, slow down the aging process and even reverse the signs of aging.

It's a great ingredient to look for in skin care lines, because the benefits to your skin are great, but know that Vitamin C has a hard time staying stable in skin care products, especially when introduced to the air. Try looking for serums and moisturizers that come in an airless chamber pumps to keep the air out of the bottle.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is thought to be a great addition to your skin care product, especially if you have dry skin or are looking to decrease age spots. Using products with Vitamin B may also help your skin's appearance by evening out the overall tone as well. In fact, it's showing great acne-fighting properties as well.

You'll may notice the label will read B-3, B-5, B-6 B-12, etc...all which are forms of Vitamin B. And you'll definitely have your choice of product lines and price points with Vitamin B in them.

A good drugstore line with Vitamin B is Olay Total Effects, which contain 7 vitamins, including Vitamin B. They have an entire line from cleansers to serums to moisturizers with Vitamin B in them.

source : skincare.about.com

Is a Massage Worth the Money?

The Main Benefits of Massage

By lessening the tension in your muscles, massage therapy can help you overcome a number of stress-related health issues, including insomnia, fatigue, and lack of focus. Massage also reduces stiffness in your muscles and joints, which could help boost your flexibility and mobility (both essential to healthy aging).

What's more, research shows that massage can decrease stress hormones while increasing levels of feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which could explain the therapy's positive effects on people with depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Treating Health Troubles with Massage

While massage can't cure disease, there is evidence that it can help ease the negative effects of several chronic conditions. For instance, a 2008 study showed that massage therapy may help increase range of motion and decrease pain in people struggling with low back pain and sciatica. Other studies suggest that regular massage can help lower high blood pressure, decrease stiffness and improve functioning in arthritis patients, and reduce pain intensity for people prone to tension headaches.

Research also indicates that massage might benefit those with carpal tunnel syndrome and post-operative pain.

Save Money on Massage

Since regular massage sessions can be costly, consider skipping high-end day spas and trying a massage clinic or chiropractic office. You can also save by going to a local massage school, but keep in mind that the students' skill levels may not be as high as those of experienced professionals. And if you're receiving massage to help with a medical condition, find out if your insurance will cover some or all of the cost.

Practicing self-massage (by using a tennis ball to rub away muscle knots, for example) can also go a long way in releasing tension. But no matter which approach you take, remember that massage only provides short-term relief of stress and stress-related symptoms. For optimal health, make sure to incorporate other natural treatments for stress into your daily routine.

source : altmedicine.about.com