Embarrassed to show your face in public? Tired of trying washes, creams, drugs, and topical gels as treatment for acne that never seem to work? Health and nutrition experts have found that eating a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds – essentially foods that clear acne and acne breakouts – may be the most beneficial natural way to treat and prevent acne breakouts.

When shopping for those fresh fruits and veggies, buy the freshest possible, even organic, if available. Make salads, smoothies, and raw juices to get the most nutrients and enzymes. Cooking often destroys these important components to best digestion and absorption. If you must cook something, stick to the minimum time and try a quick stir fry or light steaming instead of baking, boiling or grilling to retain as many nutrients and possible.

Antioxidants, especially beta-carotene and zinc, also contribute to good skin health. Eating a diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals speeds up your skin’s healing process and helps spots and scarring to fade quicker. Beta carotene rich foods that clear acne include red chili peppers, spinach, and carrots, lettuce and other green leafy vegetables. Foods with high zinc content are generally protein-rich meats and seafood, such as beef, lamb, pork, crabmeat, turkey, chicken, salmon, lobster, and clams. If you’re a vegetarian, other good zinc sources include dairy products, beans, potatoes, pumpkin seeds, and whole-grain breads and cereals.

Finally, the best diet-related choice you can make for your skin is to drink more water. Drink at least two liters of water a day to flush toxins and keep your digestive system working properly and your skin supple and hydrated. With these foods that clear acne and act as treatment for acne, fewer breakouts should be the result.

No one would argue that the sun’s rays are unsafe for sun tanning. Warnings abound in the summertime, and a special suntan lotion is recommended. As a result people are turning to spray tans for their summer tans. However, are spray tans safe?

The FDA has approved tanning sprays for external use only. This means they are not to touch the lips, eyes or any area covered with mucous membranes. While the person is in the tanning booth, the tanning spray is sprayed all over their body, including their face. It’s very difficult to keep the spray from reaching the lips, eyes or nostrils. So once again we ask the question, are spray tans safe?

Dermatologists are doing their best to warn people about the danger of tanning beds. At the same time the tanning salons are doing their best to convince the public that it is just a smear campaign by the dermatologists, and that tanning beds are perfectly safe. The truth about tanning beds is that just 20 minutes in a tanning bed is the same as one whole day spent at the beach. Tanning beds are not a safe option for getting a tan.

Is there a perfect spray tan? Are spray tans safe? These are questions that only time will answer. Down the road, the truth will be known when the results of spray tans begin to show, and the people who used them are either healthy or suffering from their bad side effects.

There are many natural cures for dandruff, and one can easily tap into them by going online. If you are a dandruff or dry itchy skin on the scalp sufferer, then you do not have to settle for a world filled with expensive cures that do not work. Read on to find out what you can do to put an end to the flaky beast.

Turning to over-the-counter medicines and other products can sometimes lead to irritation and further aggravation of the skin. This is why natural cures for dandruff and dry scaly skin on the scalp are so appealing; they come without any additives and irritating components and work well to correct dry scaly skin conditions.

Herbs such as rosemary and nettle are ideal to quell a dandruff condition. By mixing 350ml water, 26g rosemary leaves, 10g nettle root, five drops tea tree oil, 20g soft soap and 100ml denatured alcohol, you can make up a really great dandruff shampoo that is highly effective. Apple cider vinegar is also great to use as a rinse.

Natural cures for dandruff such as soap bark and fenugreek seeds work great as well. Soap bark is a natural anti-inflammatory and can soothe an irritated scalp. Even homemade tinctures that contain lime or beet juice can calm dry itchy skin

You can find many other natural and herbal remedies that can help you get control of dandruff and help get your hair and scalp into its best possible condition. Natural remedies are highly effective and are less expensive than most conventional ways to combat dandruff.

There are many steps to prevent dandruff, as one can easily find. If you can learn the exact cause of your dry itchy skin, you can take the necessary steps to prevent it and be well on your way to finding natural cures for dandruff. This article will detail some leading causes of dandruff and what can be done to assure we will not be plagued by embarrassing flakes.

Some common causes and leading causes of dandruff can be found in many of our hair and styling products or with our own health, well-being or hygiene. Many medical conditions can cause dry itchy skin or aggravate the condition further if you already have it. Only your physician will be able to determine if there is no underlying medical condition responsible and can discuss with you steps to prevent dandruff.

There are many things that we can do on a regular basis to stop dandruff in its tracks. Taking the necessary steps to prevent dandruff from occurring will see you through to great looking skin and hair. You can use hair styling products and tools that are less invasive or use them less often. Also, staying hydrated and improving your nutritional and dietary habits can aid in your body’s ability to combat dandruff and dry skin.

Winter can be especially hard on dandruff suffers, and running a humidifier during cold months can help. If you find that you suffer from the dry, itchy condition and have pinpointed the cause, there are many easy and natural cures for dandruff that will have you on your way to flake free hair.

Over the years, many truths and theories about tanning beds have been discussed. Tanning beds, like most anything else, have their pros and cons. The truth about tanning beds is that they do aid in our body’s production of beneficial vitamin D, though too much use of them can be dangerous to your skin and health.

Sun tanning has always been a very touchy subject for many. Some studies show promising results in ultraviolet light therapy for depression, which is why many claim they feel much better mood wise after a visit to a tanning salon or a trip sun tanning. Others feel that the truth about tanning beds is in the damage they can do to your skin. They can enhance lines and wrinkles and make them more prominent long before their natural time.

Also, many think that tanning beds can cause increased chances of melanoma and other forms of cancer. For this reason, many are widely opposed to them. It is true that tanning beds should be used with good judgment, and regular use should be monitored and limited, especially if you have fair skin that may be prone to skin cancer.

Common sense use of tanning beds makes them no more dangerous than actual sun tanning. The truth about tanning beds is that they can be beneficial to many for a variety of reasons, but can also be dangerous if used in a careless and abusive manner. Individuals who are deficient in vitamin D or suffer from depression can use tanning beds for these and many other medical conditions. Eczema sufferers can benefit from regular use of tanning beds as well.

There can be many causes for the flaky condition known as dandruff. Some are self-induced reasons, some are health and medical related and some can stem from both internal and external situations. Let us take a look at some of the leading causes for dandruff so we can become better acquainted with this dry itchy skin condition.

Over use of blow dryers, frequently washing the hair and using products improperly or more than required can result in dandruff or dry scaly skin on the scalp. Some ingredients in shampoos and other hair products can cause or worsen the condition, as well.

Many times poor nutrition and unhealthy diet habits can result in dandruff and hormonal imbalances. How the body reacts to stress and inadequate rest can be linked to leading causes of dandruff. Staying properly hydrated is also important.

Dandruff can sometimes result from an allergy. The allergy may stem from certain foods an individual eats, or from products being used on the body.

The onset of winter can often be the cause of dry itchy skin since the air is dryer. It can also make many individuals who already suffer from dandruff have to tolerate an increase in the loose flakes.

There are many medical conditions that can also be considered in the many leading causes for dandruff. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, vitamin B6 deficiency and some autoimmune diseases can be the cause for dry scaly skin. Thankfully, there are many natural cures for dandruff out there. One simply has to look to find them.

• Photofacial definition
• Difference between IPL and Photofacial
• Pros and Cons of Photofacial treatment including FDA search results and percentages of success
• Additional problems associated with Photofacial treatment

Millions of patients visit their dermatologist office complaining of skin problems that run the gamut: fine lines and wrinkles, persistent red complexion, sun spots, acne scars, large pores, blemishes and post-pregnancy pregnancy masks. There are various treatments that involve a lot of inconvenience and potential problems: microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing have been used to improve skin conditions. Intense pulsed light is a newer, non-abrasive technique to treat some of these conditions. Also called photo rejuvenation. IPL Photofacial is a gentle treatment. The difference between IPL and Photofacial: Photofacial treatment is a more established method of IPL. The difference is in the equipment. Photofacial equipment is more powerful and seems to have a higher rate of success. The question is always: What are the Photofacial treatment pros & cons?

Photofacial treatment Pros

1. Doesn’t Interfere with Your Life

Each treatment can take from 15 minutes to 30 minutes and you can usually return to your daily activities immediately after. The number of treatments is different for each patient and the particular reason for treatment.

2. Results Are Almost Immediate

Most patients report results after the first treatment: some are immediate; some results take a few days. A typical result shows 75-95% improvement after a set of treatments. Each patient will have their own unique results. Reports of 50% improvement in redness and rosacea, and between 30-40% improvement in pigmentation. Studies indicate 90% of Photofacial Skin Rejuvenation patients have a high degree of overall satisfaction with the results, which are long lasting.

3. No Hospital Visit Required

Convenience is the key to our society. The Photofacial treatments are conveniently done in your doctor’s or clinic office. As a non-invasive procedure, no hospitalization is required. You can set an appointment around your schedule and be back at work or play when done.

4. Changing Your Life

Many people have lived with embarrassing skin problems for years. Others have developed skin problems due to age or other factors. Once they have the Photofacial procedure done, patient esteem reaches new high levels. For many, Photofacial treatments have changed their lives in ways that they never thought. Their confidence level improves and they feel better about themselves. Scientific studies have proven that an elevated sense of self can also affect your overall health.

5. Photofacial Before and After

Take a look at the pictures of patients having completed the process. The doctor’s office usually has a number of Photofacial before and after photographs that you can use to compare your individual condition. Typically, you can see a difference in skin reddening, sun damaged skin, rosacea.

6. No Real FDA Problems

There are only a few reports on the FDA website of any difficulties with the Photofacial process. Most are ambiguous, with little details being reported by the patient.

Now since we already learned about photofacial pros let’s talk about cons.

Photofacial treatment Cons:

1. Doesn’t work on all discolorations

Photofacial rejuvenation treatment might not work on all skin discolorations. Even something as simple sounding as removing freckles, may be expensive with little results. The discoloration may just be too deep in the skin for a positive Photofacial results. Some doctors will recommend that you continue treatment combined with other procedures such as microdermabrasion to get to the lower epidermal layers.

2. Photofacial Cost and Longevity

Since this is considered cosmetic, it will not be covered under your insurance. Costs vary from state to state. The cost to you can be from $720 to $3,000 and is dependent upon how many treatments you will need. Those that have had great results have saved the money and consider it worth the investment. Patients that have had less than favorable results consider it a waste. You must save up your money for the Photofacial cost and anticipate that treatments can take months to complete.

3. Photofacial Side Effects

There have been reports from some patients that their skin has aged after their photofacial treatments. Additional reports have included enlarged pores, broken blood vessels and increased redness. Some patients have reported that the laser treatment actually hurt their teeth that had fillings. The description was like chewing on tin foil.

4. Make Sure You Use Only Service from Accredited Doctors

Make sure that you ask to see the certification credentials from the physician’s office for the Photofacial equipment. This will ensure that they have been trained and did not just buy the machine. This is a very important part of your ‘homework’.

5. More Problems than You Started out with

Patients have reported more serious skin problems after their Photofacial treatment: Some have reported blistering and filling with fluid as one of the Photofacial side effects. Striping of the skin, also called foot-printing is common if the skin being treated in tan or has severe sun damage. Given the Photofacial cost, this can be a double negative by leaving you feeling depleted in both wallet and appearance.

• What is laser birthmark removal
• Four types of birthmarks
• Pros and cons as listed from different credible sources

Anyone born with an unsightly birthmark will attest to the embarrassment it can cause. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors and can appear anywhere on the body. There is hope with the new technology of laser to remove birthmarks.. Typically, the laser passes light through the skin and is absorbed by the vessels. The heating up process causes the vessels to shrink. However, laser removal is not the answer for all birthmarks. So what are the types of birthmarks and the pros and cons of laser birthmark removal?

There are four classifications of birthmarks:

1. Strawberry Birthmark
Develop on infants within a few weeks after birth where tiny blood vessels bunch together and grow rapidly. They are identified through discolorations of the skin and may disappear in a few months but most take years to fade or disappear. The strawberry birthmark is the most common among infants and you should consult with your physician before making any removal decisions.

2. Salmon Patches
These are thin, light pink or salmon colored patches. Usually appear on babies, most commonly on the upper eyelids, which can disappear within the first year. Salmon patches on the back of the next may not disappear.

3. Pigmentation Type
Include various types of birthmarks most coffee-cream spots are not severe and don’t require treatment or removal. Mongolian spots are blue to gray flat patches usually found on children and typically fade within the five years. Moles usually pose no health risk; however they may be a sign of melanoma or skin cancer if they change in size or color.

4. Vascular Malformations
A very common birthmark is the port-wine stain. Can be found anywhere on the body and does not fade away. These are the most common candidates for laser birthmark removal and may require several treatments.

The benefits of laser birthmark removal:

1. Virtually Painless
Laser birthmark removal is nearly painless and usually requires no anesthetic. Only a slight tingling sensation may be felt. Some have described it as the feeling of a rubber band snapping on the skin. Very sensitive patients can request a topical anesthetic.

2. No Hospital required
The procedure to remove birthmarks is usually done at an in-office appointment or in a doctor’s surgical suite, depending on the intensity of the treatment required. No hospital or over night stay is required. You can work your treatment around your busy schedule.

3. Fast recuperation time
There is a very short healing time after you remove birthmarks. In some cases, some bruising or tenderness may occur, but usually fades within a week.

4. Improved appearance
Removal of a birthmark increases self-esteem and self-confidence. This is the best benefit when you remove birthmarks. Studies have shown that an improved feeling of self-worth has the additional overall health healing.

5. No age limitation
There doesn’t seem to be any age limitation. Due to changes in the skin, counseling with a physician is recommended for children under 5.

The risk factors of laser birthmark removal:

1. Skin tone
Uneven skin tone, excessively light or dark areas of skin may occur. There is some risk of patches forming, darker areas surrounded by lighter areas of treated area. Most of these cosmetic risks are corrected by additional laser treatments.

2. Bruises, Scabbing, Scarring
The risk to laser birthmark removal is minimal but in rare cases, some bleeding, scabbing and bruising can occur. Some people have reported scarring of the treated area. The patient will be advised not to take aspirin, Advil® and Vitamin E to keep the potential of bruising down.

3. Unpredictability
Laser treatment is not always successful at removing a birthmark. The pigmentation may be too deep for a laser to penetrate resulting in the darker pigmentation of the birthmark to again rise to the surface and darken further or reappear. In most cases, additional laser treatments can be effective in reducing the pigmentation as the darker pigment raises closer to the skin’s surface.

4. Birthmark removal cost
Laser birthmark removal is considered cosmetic surgery. Insurance usually does not cover it. Check with your insurance provider and work with your physician to so see what the dollar cost will be for you. Average cost varies, but seems to be around $400-$500 per session.

5. 1-12 Treatments
The number of laser treatments to remove birthmarks depends on the severity of the birthmark and how deep it is within the epidermis. Typically set the expectation for pigmented birthmarks (cafe-au-lait etc.) for 3-6 treatments and vascular birthmarks (port wine stains) may take 8-12 treatments. This adds to the above negative factor of the birthmark removal cost.

• Photofacial rejuvenation definition
• Difference between Photofacial and IPL
• Photofacial results: before and after treatment considerations
• Photofacial equipment

We are in a forever young society and growing old gracefully just doesn’t seem to be an option for some. With age, comes a number of skin related problems, from less elasticity to discolorations. One of the most popular and easy methods to address this issue is Photofacial treatment.

PhotoFacial is a form of non-invasive intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment offered by dermatologists for facial rejuvenation. Also referred to as Photorejuventation, Fotofacial or Photofacial rejuvenation, is the most often used to improve damaged skin. Photo Facial is also used for neck redness and flushing. Discoloration and damage to the skin may be difficult to diagnose as to the depth of the problem. Most Photofacial results have been positive and there are a lot of testimonials on-line that you can preview.

There is a difference between standard IPL and Photofacial, in the type of equipment used and the level of power. Photofacial equipment seems to have a much higher rate of permanent success over standard IPL.

Photofacial results have been seen on all types of skin problems: broken capillaries, sun and smoke damage, veins, mild acne scars, enlarged pores, dull complexions, uneven pigmentation, pigmented freckles and age spots, red flushing skin, rosacea and redness, liver spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Here a few of the steps to consider for photofacial before and after:

Steps to take before Photofacial rejuvenation:

Locate an accredited doctor:

Your state should have a list of accredited doctors that perform the Photofacial treatment. Make sure that you ask to see the certification credentials from the physician’s office for the Photofacial equipment. This will ensure that they have been trained and did not just buy the machine.

Confirm that it’s in your budget:

Photofacial rejuvenation is considered cosmetic surgery and the procedure will probably not be covered by your medical insurance. Your first appointment will let you know how many of the 15-30 minute treatments you will need. Typically, it is five. This will also give you an idea of cost. Prices vary depending upon your state: $720 to $3,000; with $850 as an average.

Ask to see the equipment

There are a number of types of Photofacial equipment. Typically, they are small high tech hand-held devices. Seeing the equipment and how it is used will eliminate any fears that you might have.

Ask to see photofacial before and after photographs

Your physician is proud of the Photofacial results and should have your photofacial before and after photos for you to view.

What to do and expect after Photofacial rejuvenation:

Skin sensitivity and color changes

You should expect skin sensitivity and some reddening of the treated area. The skin may also be blotchy and lighten/darken in a non-uniform way. The areas of treatment should begin fading lightly within the first few days to a week. Photofacial before and after photos should help you determine a difference in color.

Normal skin regiment

After any treatment, you should follow your home care instructions, avoid any harsh skin cleansers and always use sunscreen.

Follow up visit:

Your physician will schedule you for follow up visits and any additional treatments that you will need.

Talk to your doctor:

See immediate assistance from your doctor if you have any additional sensitivity, discolorations, blisters or problems.

• Photofacial rejuvenation explanation
• Difference between Photofacial, IPL, Microabrasion & peels
• Top 10 reasons to choose Photofacial procedure, including photofacial results

In our society’s continued search for eternal youth and perfection, we introduce Photofacial rejunenation. Photofacial is a high tech, gentle, non-invasive treatment using intense pulsed light (IPL). Unlike standard IPL, Photofacial procedure involves equipment that reaches deeper into the skin layers to address problem such as: fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, acne scars, persistent red complexion and other skin problems. This is a different technology level than thestandard microabrasive process or peels; as it focuses on a deeper layer therapy. There are an incredible amount of benefits that the Photofacial rejuvenation process addresses. So why are so many people heading to their doctors to make their appointments? Here are the top 10 reasons to choose Photofacial procedure:

1) Almost immediate gratification:
The Photofacial results are seen within the first day or so. In our immediate gratification society, this blends well in with hectic schedules. The best results are within a two week time period, dependant upon the particular skin problem you are addressing.

2} Doctor’s office or Photofacial Clinic
The Photofacial procedure can be easily done in the doctor’s office or clinic office. No need for any hospital visit or overnight stay. Appointments can be scheduled around your available time.

3} Short procedure time
Each Photofacial procedure is from 15-30 minutes. This fits with the busy lifestyle of today. The number of sessions will depend on your individual condition.

4} No need to miss work
The Photofacial procedure is fast and you can return to work or play when the session is complete. There may be a slight reddening of the treated area.

5} Resolves a multitude of problems
Photofacial results can be seen with all types of skin problems: broken capillaries, sun and smoke damage, veins, mild acne scars, enlarged pores, dull complexions, uneven pigmentation, pigmented freckles and age spots, red flushing skin, rosacea and redness, liver spots, fine lines and wrinkles.

6} A whole new you
The Photofacial rejuvenation procedure can address those skin problems that you have been so conscious of. You look better and feel better about yourself. Studies have shown that when your self-esteem rises so does your overall health.

7} No pain – No pain
Only about 10% of the patients express any kind of lightly negative sensation. Light discomfort may be reduced by having a topical anesthetic applied 60 minutes before the procedure.

8} Only a touch up every 2-4 months
Once you have achieved the look that you want, you can maintain the new you glow with a single maintenance session once every 2 to 4 months.

9} Photofacial results anywhere on your skin
Anywhere that you have skin or skin problems is a good candidate for Photofacial rejuvenation. Most start out with any facial problems and when they see the results, they begin on neck and chest.

10} Return to your normal skin regiment
There are no extra creams, ointments or processes involved with the Photofacial procedure. Within a day you should be able to return to the normal skin care that you use.