Are we doing enough for acne sufferers?

Raising awareness amongst healthcare professionals?

You may have heard some debates recently in the news about the impact of acne and acne scarring on a person’s confidence. The debates centre around if we are doing enough for acne sufferers to help regain confidence and get their skin back on track. There have been complaints that the NHS doesn’t offer enough successful treatment options for teenage acne, or adult acne. There have also been reports of more severe side effects (although these are rare) from the use of Isotretinoin, commonly prescribed for acne treatment.

SkinBase can help

We want to help educate people on the accessible (and affordable) treatment options available. With the help of a qualified therapist, SkinBase IPL and MD treatments offer fantastic results on acne and acne scarring. These treatments can transform your life and your looks. Each person’s skin is assessed on a case by case basis but changes to both lifestyle and skincare routine as well as a course of treatments can see vast improvements to the condition of your skin, dealing with any scarring and pigmentation issues too.

Let us clarify, however, for some people Isotretinoin is absolutely the right treatment, but for others, a less drastic non-invasive treatment could resolve your skin issues and help to rebalance the skin without the need for further treatment.

 SkinBase MD

Not a lot of people know about the positive results that a course of SkinBase Microdermabrasion (MD) treatments can bring for acne and acne scarring. This is not just an anti-ageing facial. Many clients that have suffered from acne and acne scarring have had their lives turned around for the better after completing a course of MD facials. This 30-minute facial is fast, effective and pleasant to receive. The treatment is performed every 7-10 days and an improvement can be seen after each visit. Acne is improved and acne scarring fades, skin tone is more even and surface pigmentation diminished. A course of 6-20 treatments may be required depending on the extent of the acne/acne scarring.

SkinBase IPL

During an IPL treatment, yellow, green and red light is emitted in a series of short pulses. This destroys the bacteria that live in the skin and cause inflammation. The red light directly targets the overactive sebaceous glands that block pores and cause outbreaks of pustules. Collagen production is stimulated in the area, helping to improve the appearance of acne scarring. We have seen some staggering results with SkinBase IPL treating acne and this treatment is revolutionising acne treatment. Results are long-lasting. A course of 3-4 treatments is recommended at 2-3 week intervals to achieve the best results. You can find your nearest SkinBase Therapist here.

Should I use Retinol? DIY Vit A Mask

Retinol  is Vitamin A contained in carrots, oranges, peaches and apricots.

Retinol works by speeding the turnaround of skin-cell  renewal stimulating collagen and elastin which over time makes the skin become thicker and more fuller.

This magical skincare ingredient will reduce fine lines and wrinkles, lightens pigmentation, tightens the skin and is used to treat acne and breakouts.

There are two type’s  retinols high strength prescription tretinoin used for acne and wrinkle smoothing and other retinols medium to low strength supplied from professional skin care ranges and over the counter products

Retinol ideally should be introduced gradually into your skincare routine, try every other night to start until your skin has become accustomed and always at night. Some skins can be irritated by retinol and higher strengths can get worse before they get beter causing dryness and flaking.  

I like to use a retinol serum combined with the powerful antioxidant Vit C  two ingredients make a powerful combination in fighting ageing and free radical damage.

This product is from Juliette Armand a clinical professional range so needs to be gradually introduced into your skincare routine and use under your night cream  do not use during the day as retinol can be sensitive to the sun and always wear a high sun screen during the day of SPF 30 or 50.  

Apricots are rich in Vit A so why not try this home DIY mask makes the perfect professional home spa experience a little messy you may want to reciprocate with a friend.

1/2 cup dried apricots

1/2 cup of warm water

1 tablespoon of honey

Blend all the ingredients together in a blender until pureed and smooth apply and leave for 20 mins remove with tissue and warm flannel.

If your skin is sensitive you may want to do a patch test first.

This mask will leave your skin feeling smoother, softer and looking brighter.  

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Everything You Need Know About Microneedling

Microneedling may sound like an intimidating procedure, no thanks to the word "needle" in its name, but the treatment can be considered a more effective way to do a facial—aside from the numbing cream involved. "You're really building collagen and thickening the skin, so instead of looking good for a few days after your traditional facial, your skin is smooth and radiant for much longer," explains Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian. "It's such a safe procedure, and is great for filling in acne scars." Of course, the idea of getting needles inserted into your face for the sake of skincare can seem intimidating, but if you've seen the before and after shots, there's no questioning the treatment's effectiveness, and instead of using injectable fillers to repair an indented area, the process kick-starts your body's own natural collagen production to heal the skin on its own. We asked Dr. Nazarian for a crash course on the treatment, so you can determine whether or not it's right for you.

WHAT IS IT?

Also referred to as Dermapen and Rejuvapen, microneedling is a treatment that involves using a tool with 11 super-tiny needles in the very tip, which can be adjusted by your professional between 0.5 and 2.5 millimeters. "0.5 millimeters is the smallest amount, which penetrates the stratum cornea, or the superficial layer of skin," Nazarian tells us. "You can think of microneedling as collagen induction—or collagen induction therapy, which is another name for it—and the treatment creates micro-punctures from the needles inyour skin. Your body treats a small wound the same way as a large wound, and sends fibroblasts to create more collagen in the affected area. We are basically tricking your skin into thinking it has been wounded, but as a result, we're thickening the skin and improving the texture with this procedure." At Nazarian's practice, the treatment begins by first cleansing the face, then a growth factor serum by Tensage is then applied all over. Your doctor will then needle the serum in, apply another layer, then use a mask over the top to seal everything in. Keep in mind, this is not the same procedure as a "vampire facial," which uses growth factor from your own blood, and is recommended for very advanced signs of aging.

WHO SHOULD DO IT?

If you need to grow a thicker skin—not necessarily in terms of your friends roasting you in the group chat—you're probably a good candidate. "It's great for acne scarring, and because it doesn't use heat and is totally mechanical, it's safe for all skin colors and types," Nazarian says. "The treatment is wonderful for smoothing out the skin and filling in acne scars, but if you have those small bumps from clogged pores, it can help to clear all of that up as well." Just make sure there aren't any inflamed or infected areas on your skin, and if you have a cystic breakout, wait until it clears up before going in for your appointment.

DOES IT HURT?

It shouldn't, provided that your practitioner numbs the area first. "We use a cream to numb the skin really well, so we can go as deep as we need to," she says. Afterwards you can expect the skin to be a little pink, and at the very worst, a few tiny punctate scabs that fade in a few days.

WHICH AREAS ON THE BODY CAN BE TREATED?

Microneedling isn't exclusive to just the face area. The treatment can be done anywhere the skin on the body needs to be thickened, particularly those that have stretch marks, like the legs, chest, or butt, and 4 to 6 sessions on average usually do the trick.

HOW OFTEN CAN I GET IT DONE?

Depends on the severity of the issue. "If your skin is generally fine and you take care of it, you can microneedle every 3 to 6 months, but someone with dramatic acne scarring should plan to do one session per month for 4 to 6 months," Nazarian explains. "After that, you can come in once a year for a touch-up whenever you feel like you need to give your skin a reboot."

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTERWARDS?

Ideally, you'll want to avoid putting on makeup for the rest of the day, but if you have prior commitments, it's totally safe to wear later in the night. "We advise people not to use retinol or anything too active for a few days, and we send them home with a box of the growth factor serum to put on before bed, and then again in the morning," Nazarian says. "You can apply more in the morning, and you can go back to your regular makeup routne then, and the vials of growth factor serum should be used every night until you run out."

HOW DO THE AT-HOME DERMAROLLERS COMPARE?

"When you come in for a microneedling treatment, I'd compare that to working out with a trainer, whereas a dermaroller is like working out at the gym by yourself," Nazarian explains. "Working out by yourself is definitely good, but you'll have more dramatic results and a better workout with a trainer." If you choose to incorporate a dermaroller like GloPRO's into your home routine, Nazarian advises doing it on completely cleansed skin before bed, then applying a serum over the top. "Microneedling at home is pretty safe since the at-home dermarollers are about 0.5 mm and I can't imagine you'd be able to go much deeper, but you want to make sure you're under the right circumstances," she adds.

HOW CAN I FIND A PROFESSIONAL?

Just like with any procedure, do your research to find a licensed practitioner, and ask your fair share of questions. "A lot of places won't do a mask or serum, or even numb the patient, so that's why I think price ranges can vary," Nazarian says. "You should ask if they numb, if they use a growth factor serum, if they use a mask, and if aftercare is provided. These all help to get the best result."

http://www.instyle.com/news/everything-you-need-know-about-microneedling

EPTEMBER 2, 2016 @ 3:00 PM

BY: MARIANNE MYCHASKIW

10 Best Oils to Fight Oily Skin and Breakouts - Yes Really.

Counter-intuitive as it sounds, oils can be your saviour when you suffer from breakouts or acne.   Like traditional anti-acne products, many oils contain anti-infammatory, anti-bacterial and soothing compounds.

But unlike some popular spot-fighters, oils are also packed with vitamins, amino acids and anti-oxidants to heal, protect and hydrate sore, put-upon skin. And no, they won't clog your pores and make you go even oilier. On the contrary, says Sian Jones, co-founder of Balance Me:

"Many people try and combat congested skin by using harsh, stripping products that remove all oils from the skin. This causes the skin to over-compensate for the reduction of oils by producing even more, which in turn worsens the congestion."

But don't run off and douse your face in olive oil; some oils are better for spot-prone skin than others.

We asked top skincare and aromatherapy experts to pick their faves.

 

Jojoba oil

"Jojoba Oil is extremely light, and the nearest in molecular structure to our own natural sebum," says cosmetic doctor and GP Rabia Malik." Nikki Lewin, head trainer at AromaWorks, adds "it is the perfect carrier oil for oily skins, as it tricks the skin into stopping the overproduction of its own oils. Active essential oils cannot penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin so should always be contained in a carrier oil like jojoba."

Aloe vera essential oil

Healing and calming, aloe vera oil reduces redness and inflammation and cools the skin," says What Skin Needs skincare expert Sonja Dymalovski. "It's packed with Vitamin C, E, B, allantoin, minerals, proteins, amino acids and beta-carotene, so it to actively repairs skin."

Geranium essential oil

"Geranium helps regulate sebum production so is great for oily, congested skin types," says Sian. "It also tightens skin and promotes blood circulation, helping to heal acne scars – and it smells gorgeous," says Sonja.

Tea tree, eucalyptus and lavender essential oil

All have powerful anti-bacterial properties that will soothe and treat pimples. Dr Rabia recommends a drop of organic lavender in a base of jojoba oil to calm breakouts, while Sonja points out that tea tree "penetrates the blockage between your skin and glands, clearing clogged pores."

Ylang ylang essential oil

"This helps skin retain moisture while fighting acne," says Sonja. It balances sebum production and calms blemishes, but also softens fine lines and improves skin elasticity. Perfect for those with combination skin or adult acne."

Myrrh Essential Oil

If you're battling breakouts as well as signs of ageing, try this," says Sonja. "Myrrh is intensely anti-inflammatory and healing and is used to treat blemishes as well as wrinkles and lack of firmness, along with sunburn and even eczema."

Patchouli essential oil

'It's anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent," says Nikki. So it will help tighten open pores, zap acne-causing bacteria, and calm inflamed, angry spots.

Roman chamomile essential oil

"It's fantastic for calming breakouts by easing inflammation and redness, and it restores and rejuvenates skin," says Sian.

http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/beauty-hair/news/a36363/best-oils-to-fight-oily-skin-and-breakouts-yes-really/

Juice Recipe For Radiant Skin

The beauty expert Liz Earle is an enthusiastic juicer, and her glowing complexion attests to the benefits that micronutrients in freshly pressed fruit and vegetables can bring. "Good skin is created from within," she says, "and it needs a steady stream of highly absorbable nutrients to keep it supple, strong and clear. Juices are the ideal skin food for this and can also be easily adapted to suit varying skin conditions."

Juicing has never been more fashionable. Rival New York juicing companies offer daily deliveries, direct to your desk, for hundreds of dollars per week. Models and actresses gloat about their regimes: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley attributes her lithe figure to juicing; Salma Hayek and Jessica Alba are aficionados too. And this new thirst surely owes something to Joe Cross's film Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, the story of how Cross, an obese fast-food fan, lost 6st in 60 days through juicing.

Liz Earle was there long before any of them. "I've been a fan since I started writing about beauty and wellbeing 30 years ago," she says. "I have been on various juice fasts, the longest being 10 days of pure juices, combined with a spoonful of powdered bentonite clay, which contains magnesium and traces of many other minerals and which has the ability to bind with toxins, such as heavy metals, to draw out internal gunk that can clog the colon. Obviously, it is really important only to undertake a fast like that under the daily supervision of a naturopath or doctor," she adds.

The gadgets have got fancier since the early days of juicing, and Earle welcomes the advent of the slow juicer. "I'm a big fan. It's like cold-pressing a plant oil; it produces less heat and friction, so it preserves more of the fruit and vegetables' nutritional value."

A juice fast can, she says, "relieve constipation, clear the digestive system, and rehydrate, and so help with dark circles under the eyes. But you need to chew the juice thoroughly, mixing it with saliva to help pre-digest it before you swallowing – don't just glug gallons of pure juice."

She is not advocating a Joe Cross-style bonanza, just a weekend, say. "After all, a fast is central to many religions and cultures, so it is not such an alien idea. It is just that we're doing it for health and beauty reasons rather than spiritual."

All ingredients should be raw, organic and unpeeled. If you can't get organic, lightly scrub the skins in mildly soapy water, then rinse and dry to remove traces of herbicides and fungicides.

You can personalise these recipes, adding, for example, the powdered contents of a Lactobacillus acidophilus capsule to encourage beneficial gut flora. This is especially useful after a course of antibiotics, or if you are taking acne medication.

Beety energiser: the perfect pick-me-up

Beetroot juice is the emperor of all energisers, shown to increase stamina, boost brain power and even lower blood pressure. Combine it with the sweetness of apples, with an antioxidant shot of carrots and the rejuvenating tang of fresh, zingy ginger to really get you back on your feet – fast!
This juice is dark, sweet and tangy. Serve garnished with a sprig of mint and perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Makes one large glass

1 large apple
2 medium carrots
3cm (1¼in) cube ginger, unpeeled
1 medium beetroot
sprig of fresh mint, leaves only
slice of lemon, to serve (optional)

Juice together all the ingredients. When juicing herbs or leaves, sandwich them between chunks of apple, carrot or beetroot to help flush them through the juicer. Serve with a slice of lemon.

Smoothie skin soother: a juice to help eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea

Calming and soothing ingredients such as cucumber and fennel can help to combat skin inflammation. Skin-calming antioxidants and anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids also work well here, so try piercing an evening-primrose- or borage-seed-oil capsule to enrich the juice.
This is one of my all-time favourites: a velvety green, smoothie-style juice.

Makes one large glass

1 large apple
1 large carrot
½ bulb fennel
¼ medium-sized cucumber
½ ripe avocado
1 borage-seed-oil capsule or evening-primrose-oil capsule

Juice the apple, carrot, fennel and cucumber, in their entirety, in a juicer before transferring the combined juices to a blender. Add the avocado flesh and the contents of your chosen oil capsule, then whizz until smooth.

Greenie genie: a juice to help acne or problem skin

Alkalising green juices are especially beneficial for improving acne. Go for ingredients such as asparagus, celery, parsley and watercress, and don't overload on high-fructose fruits. Carrot juice, rich in beta-carotene, is also a useful addition, but try to keep the juices mostly green.
This is a deliciously light juice with a refreshing ginger tang. The grassiness of the green ingredients is slightly sweetened by the apples.

Makes one large glass

2 medium apples
2 medium carrots
2cm (1in) cube ginger, unpeeled
4 small asparagus spears
small handful parsley
small handful freshly cut wheatgrass, or 1 level tsp of powdered greens, such as wheatgrass, chlorella or spirulina

Juice together all the ingredients, in their entirety, stirring in your chosen powdered greens (if using) just before serving.

Plumper skin perfecter: a juice for dry and mature skin

To tackle wrinkles, choose blueberries, blackberries, black grapes and dark cherries, all of which are rich in anthocyanidins. (The vitamin C in the fruit is also useful, supporting collagen and elastin fibres.) Blend these, though, as juicing removes their skins, which contain polyphenols and resveratrol (these phytonutrients have been linked to longevity because of their ability to slow down cell oxidisation). You can add essential fatty acids to the mix by piercing an evening-primrose-oil and a natural-source vitamin-E capsule and add the liquid to the juice. Or simply add a dash of cold-pressed flaxseed, rapeseed or olive oil.
This is a fabulously pretty, subtly flavoured juice, and one that you can make if you don't have a juicer, as you can use freshly pressed apple juice from a carton.

Makes one large glass

2 large apples, or 200ml (7fl oz) fresh apple juice
generous handful seedless black grapes, approx 30
generous handful blueberries, blackberries or pitted dark cherries, approx 30
½ tbsp cold-pressed flaxseed, rapeseed, walnut or olive oil

Juice the apples then transfer to a blender with the grapes and your choice of blueberries, blackberries or cherries. Blitz until smooth. Stir in your chosen plant oil before serving.

lizearlewellbeing.com

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/10338759/Liz-Earles-juice-recipes-for-radiant-skin.html

What are chemical peels and are they safe?

                      Question: What are chemical peels and are they safe?

Answer: Say "chemical peel" and many of us imagine Samantha's horribly botched one on Sex and the City, but things have changed at the derm's office since the '90s. Now, you can get a peel on your lunch break and go right back to work looking better and brighter, bypassing the red, flaky, irritated stage altogether. So what gives? According to Dr. Carlos A. Charles, founder and medical director of Derma di Colore in New York City, it's not that the chemical peels themselves have changed so much as doctors' approach. "Most dermatologists tend to avoid performing the deeper peels to minimize the associated high risk of complications," he says. The alternative is superficial peels—the kind you get on your lunch break that leave no tell-tale evidence behind. They are in fact true chemical peels, says Charles, but they take longer to show results—about five monthly treatments along with the use of a strong topical retinoid in between sessions. Here's what you need to know:

                  What defines a chemical peel?

Chemical peels are substances used for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions including but not limited to sun damage or photo-aging, fine lines and wrinkles, superficial scarring, acne, and some pre-cancerous lesions. Additionally, they can help to minimize discoloration resulting from any skin insult commonly known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or from melasma and they work by producing limited and controlled injury to the skin, thereby promoting the growth of new skin with an improved appearance.

  What's the difference between the superficial peel and the                      deeper ones we associate with extreme redness & shedding?

Superficial peels, which primarily target the very top layers of the epidermis of the skin, are most commonly composed of glycoloic or salicylic acids in various concentrations.

Medium depth peels are most commonly made up of Trichloracetic acid or TCA at varying concentrations, usually 20 to 35%. Medium depth peels also can consist of combination agents such as the Jessner's solution, which consists of 70% glycolic acid, and solid carbon dioxide with 35% TCA. The advantages of this combination medium depth peel is that one can achieve greater penetration with modest concentrations of the TCA, thereby avoiding potentially adverse reactions. Medium depth peels target the deeper layer of the epidermis and the superficial dermis of the skin. With this increased penetration, these peels can result in an impressive improvement in skin texture with a reduction in pigmentation, freckling and some pre-skin cancers known as actinic keratosis. Although fine wrinkles and some acne scars may become less obvious with medium strength peels, they do not improve upon deep wrinkles and furrows.

Deep peels are typically made up of an ingredient known as phenol. Phenols produce injury within the deeper layers of the skin or the dermis. These stronger peels can treat moderate to severe photo-aging and wrinkles. While deep peels can potentially offer the greatest level of improvement, they also require long recovery times and carry the greatest risk of complication such as scarring and hyperpigmentation. 

                  Are they safe?

Yes. However, as with all things in medicine, they must be performed by a trained and experienced professional. There are many factors that have to be taken into consideration when performing chemical peels, including but not limited to: baseline skin pigmentation, the concomitant use of topical agents, potential for skin irritation, active skin conditions, and the propensity for scarring. Those with more darkly pigmented skin generally should only receive superficial peels or very mild medium strength peels with proper supervision and preparation.

                  What's the difference between in-office peels                                                 and at-home versions?

The main difference lies in the concentrations of each. Since in-office peels are performed in a controlled setting under the guidance of a medical professional, they can be performed at stronger concentrations for better results. Additionally, in-office peels can be performed in tandem with prescription strength topical agents for added efficacy of the peel.

                  Who should get peels and how often?

Anyone that is looking for modest correction of hyperpigmentation, sun damage, fine lines and for diminution of the appearance of pores. Additionally, peels containing salicylic acid can offer improvement to those with acne prone skin, particularly when used along with topical agents. Generally, peels are performed every 3-4 weeks with an average of about 5 treatments.

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skincare/advice/a4393/what-is-a-chemical-peel/

Holistic Acne Treatment

Many health conscious acne sufferers are now realizing the downfalls and side effects of pharmacological and chemically based acne ‘solutions’ – and are turning to holistic acne treatments to rid themselves of their unsightly blemishes. Yet there is such a plethora of information available, it’s sometimes difficult to weed out the ‘snake oil’ remedies and find those holistic acne protocols that really work.
In reference to healing, the term ‘holistic’ generally refers to a philosophy of medicine that looks at the entire body as the sum of its parts – each delicate system interdependent. An imbalance of one system can disrupt the body functions as a whole. Therefore, a holistic approach will investigate well beyond symptoms and look ‘upstream’ to discover what imbalance is actually causing your symptoms. In terms of curing acne a holistic protocol will incorporate an entire spectrum of methods and modalities which include several different categories. All of these modalities work synergistically to prevent and cure acne without chemical intervention.  And the best part is that they are, for the most part, initiated and controlled by you. When using a holistic acne treatment, you are taking a pro-active approach to your own healing that will eventually result in beautiful clear skin. So, the next time a pimple even ‘thinks’ about breaking out on your skin, try nipping it in the bud with the proven, natural solutions listed below.

1.) Homemade Holistic Acne Treatments – ‘Oldies’ Thought To Be Acne Cures

Many people believe that homemade remedies for acne can’t possibly be acne cures. Among many of the so-called medical skin care experts, homemade treatments for acne are thought to be merely old wives’ tales and not scientifically proven. Perhaps this is so – the scientifically proven part, that is. Nonetheless – the reason why those old wives were talking so much and passing along information for generations about how to cure acne, is because they conducted their own ‘scientific’ studies – they experimented, observed the results, and experimented again until they had their own proven methods for curing acne. These holistic acne treatments are still viable today, and can stand up against even the most ‘scientifically advanced’ drug based acne treatments
When utilizing natural cures for acne, you are literally tapping into the wisdom that previous generations painstakingly earned. Please consider this – the only reason there is no scientific data to validate the efficacy of natural acne cures is that is no funding for any such studies. Merely because medical science won’t invest money in official research studies to prove their efficacy, doesn’t mean that these holistic acne remedies don’t work. Therefore, by incorporating your own natural remedies for acne into your skin care regime, you will not only become acne-free and save tons of money; you will also play a pro-active role in shifting the paradigm belief that the only way to prevent and cure acne is with harmful drugs.
Listed below are our top 5 choices (in no particular order) for holistic homemade acne treatments. Though there are literally hundreds of effective acne treatments that can be found in your kitchen cupboard, the options we’ve listed below are our top rated choices for safety and efficacy. Used alone, or in combination, these time-tested holistic acne solutions will quickly put you on the path to blemish-free skin.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar – tried and tested for generations, Apple Cider Vinegar is known to have powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Used externally, dabbing blemishes with an ACV saturated Q-tip several times a day will help stave off bacteria and soothe skin eruptions. Used internally, 1 tablespoon of AVC in purified water will help to alkalize and detox your body and ease the internal inflammation that can contribute to acne breakouts.

Lemon and Honey Mask – though a bit messy and sticky, this mask is, nonetheless highly effective in treating acne-prone skin. Used 2-3 times/week, the anti-bacterial and moisturizing benefits of honey, combined with the alkalizing and anti-bacterial properties in lemon provide a 3 pronged approach to maintaining a flawless complexion.

Tea Tree Oil – also known as Melaleuca oil is a potent and powerful essential oil native to Australia. It has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and anti-fungal remedy and, as such, is an extremely effective acne treatment – especially for those acne sufferers prone to oily skin.

Tea Tree Oil is to be used only externally – 5 percent Tea Tree Oil as a spot treatment will help dry up existing blemishes and ward off new infections. It can also be added to your favorite natural moisturizer for more lasting oil and blemish control benefits throughout the day.

Colloidal Silver – a colloid consisting of silver particles suspended in liquid, colloidal silver was commonly used by physicians in the early 20^th century as an anti-bacterial agent incorporated into wound dressings and creams. Though its use in the medical arena was phased out in the 1940’s with the advent of modern anti-biotic drugs, it has made a comeback in recent years throughout the holistic medical community. As an all natural acne treatment, colloidal silver can be used topically to effectively kill the bacteria associated with acne breakouts. Though a bit more controversial, some holistic health care professionals also recommend the internal use of Colloidal Silver as part of a complete holistic acne solution.
  We recommend that you consult your alternative health care practitioner in this regard

Bentonite Clay – also known as Montmorillonite, this miraculous healing clay is by far our favorite holistic acne treatment. Derived from volcanic ash, bentonite clay has the unique characteristic of producing an electrical charge upon hydration. When mixed with liquid, the clay swells – and through its electrical attraction, draws and binds toxins and impurities from the body. When used as a clay poultice, bentonite is incomparable for detoxifying the skin making it an ideal acne treatment. It is also safe to use internally as an acne preventative to eliminate toxins, chemicals and heavy metals while alkalizing the body simultaneously.

2.) Cure Acne from the Inside Out With Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments

Everyone has heard the old saying – ‘you are what you eat’. We will take that even a step further to include ‘you are how you live’. This holds especially true if you suffer from acne. No amount of creams, lotions or prescription drugs will compensate for years of poor dietary and lifestyle habits. Truly, the most effective holistic treatment for curing acne from the inside-out is making the commitment to your overall health by reducing inflammation and eliminating toxins. Listed below are our top ten ‘To Do’s’ for a lasting, beautiful and blemish-free skin

.Adequate and Appropriate Hydration – About 2 liters (8-9 cups) of purified water per day is optimum – more if you consume caffeine or alcohol, as both these substances are dehydrating. Also, please be mindful that the more alkaline the water, the better as acidic water is not absorbed well by your cells and can contribute to inflammation. Without the proper amount and type of water, acne promoting toxins cannot be properly eliminated from your body.

Avoid Sugar – Undoubtedly one of the most challenging lifestyle habits to change, but also one of the most critical. Sugar consumption (even in small amounts) can wreak havoc on your insulin levels and cause acidosis in the body, which in turn results in inflammation and acne breakouts. Stick with low-glycemic natural sweeteners such as Stevia and Xylitol (derived from Birch).

Consume More Greens – Organic, green, leafy vegetables contain the antioxidants necessary to fight acne and maintain healthy, glowing skin. Additionally, they help promote alkalinity in the body (especially when eaten raw). Drinking a dehydrated organic green drink or preparing organic green smoothies in a blender is a fantastic way to get the recommended amount of these vegetables into your daily diet to alkalize, detoxify and promote clear skin.

Increase Healthy Fats – Contrary to popular belief the consumption of fats is necessary for fighting acne. Healthy fats such as fish oil, krill oil, olive oil, avocados, and coconut oil do wonders for reducing inflammation and keeping your hormones balanced, which is also a critical component for acne–free skin.

Reduce Coffee Intake – Coffee can be one of the biggest contributing causes of acne in some people. Yet, it is also one of the most difficult habits to break. On the surface, it’s hard to make the connection between coffee consumption and acne. Coffee, itself is extremely acidic – leading to inflammation. It can also contribute to a B vitamin deficiency, which affects stress management (see below). Unbridled stress causes inflammation and hormone disruption. All of this adds up to the perfect storm for acne to rear its ugly head.

Take Care of Your Gut – A disruption of your intestinal flora (good bacteria) can certainly manifest in acne breakouts. The wide spread use of anti-biotics and the prevalence of processed food consumption has left a good portion of people with an imbalanced inner eco system. Without the appropriate amounts of good bacteria in our gut, food cannot be properly digested and toxins cannot be eliminated. This can lead to a host of health problems, not the least of which is skin disorders such as acne. It is critical for blemish-free skin that good bacteria be replaced through the use of probiotics and fermented foods.

Go Organic (as much as possible) – The pesticides that are rampant in non-organic produce can cause some pretty severe allergic reactions in many people resulting in acne and other skin disorders. These are toxic substances that the body cannot eliminate easily, so often they wreak havoc on the skin. Pesticides are also estrogenic and can disrupt hormone balance big time, another leading cause of acne breakouts. It’s vital that you choose as much organic food as your budget will allow.

Minimize Stress – As indicated earlier, stress can be a major factor in acne breakouts. If left unchecked, excess stress hormones (Cortisol, Adrenaline and Epinephrine) can make fighting acne a losing battle. Effective stress management via exercise, meditation and yoga combined with some of the dietary guidelines listed here will do wonders for your skin, as well as your overall health.

Optimize Your Sleep – As part of your acne preventative protocol a good night’s sleep is not an option. A minimum of 7-8 hours of quality sleep is an essential part of any health regimen. In reference specifically to acne – it may also be necessary to adjust your sleep position in order to maintain blemish free skin. Often times, the natural oils on your scalp collect on your pillow and can contribute to clogged pores and the resulting acne blemishes. Therefore – one of the simplest holistic acne treatments can be to switch your sleep position and utilize a face pillow to prevent blemish breakouts and maintain a clear complexion.

Switch to All Natural Skin Care Products – The discussion of lifestyle adjustments as a holistic acne treatment would not be complete without mentioning the use of all natural skin products as a critical component of this protocol. The amount of chemical toxins contained in most commercial skin care products and cosmetics is staggering. According to the campaign for safe cosmetics it is estimated that the average woman applies (between skin care, hair care and cosmetic products) over 500 chemicals to her face every day. Many of these harsh chemicals cause skin sensitivities and for people suffering from acne, these substances can exasperate the condition. For this reason, it is imperative that a proper holistic acne treatment regimen include only the most pure and natural skin care products.

3.) Look ‘Upstream’ – Seek the Help of Alternative Health Practitioners

Though the above guidelines are extremely effective in ridding most peoples’ acne breakouts, there may be some cases that require the assistance of an alternative health care professional. Sometimes, your body’s imbalances can be a bit complicated and the intervention of a qualified holistic health practitioner is needed to sort everything out and get you on your path to healing.
It is important to note – that it is critical to choose a holistic health care professional that is highly skilled in looking at the body as the sum of its parts rather than just treating symptoms. Our inner eco system is extremely delicate and if one part is not functioning as it should, it can throw off the entire balance. A properly trained holistic health practitioner will be able to diagnose these imbalances through appropriate testing and thus, treat what is really at the root core of your acne affliction.
Luckily for us, holistic medicine has taken a strong hold in recent years. As such, it is much easier to find qualified health care practitioners. There are now numerous highly skilled Acupuncturists, Naturopaths, Homeopaths and Functional M.D.s in most communities.


 http://naturalskincarelove.com/holistic-acne-treatments-the-top-3-protocols-that-will-banish-your-blemishes-forever

Insiders Beauty Secret - Facial Oils

As a beauty therapist I can tell you the biggest beauty secret is good facial oil. 

Depending on your skin type you will need a specific blend, not only will this improve the texture of your skin but will give you an instant youthful and dewy glow.   

The right facial oil has many benefits from treating dry/mature to acne/oily as the correct aromatherapy blends will re-balance and deeply moisturize your skin. The blend of botanical ingredients offer free-radical protection and can be massaged into the skin before applying sunscreen or foundation. If you apply oil before your anti-ageing cream the oil molecules behave like tiny Trojan horses, tricking the skin into letting active ingredients deeper in to the skins layer.

During the ageing process the skin’s natural oils decrease, the moisture barrier breaks down and the skin dries out.  Most creams contain a little oil, but not enough to make a big difference. Because oils are lipophilic, or fat loving they pass through the lipid layer of the skin faster, preventing water loss and plumping the skin with moisture more effectively.

A good facial oil comes at a high price tag due to the quality and sourcing of ingredients but don’t let this put you off, you can use it sparingly and the aromatic smells are a sheer delight and mood lifting. 

I personally recommend Aromaworks due to the pure quality, luxurious feel and uplifting aromatic smells. The purity of the skincare can be safely used on most problematic skins like psoriasis, eczema, acne and rosacea and is safe to use to during pregnancy and breast feeding. 

Aromaworks is used in many leading spas and is truly a high-end beauty product suitable for home use.