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The skin’s functions are many, as we have discussed in other, previous articles, and it’s health is not just dependant upon good quality natural skin care products, although they do help considerably.

This article on natural skin care looks at the various foods, vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients that positively affect your skin. In addition we’ll look at specific nutrients for specific skin types, as it stands to reason, that oily skin would benefit from some foods, while dry, irritated and sensitive skin would suite other foods.

Before looking at individual food, lets consider some overall factors, which we should consider in our diet.

First and foremost, water. It is essential that we consume 8-10 glasses (250ml) of water per day, more if we exercise or are physically active. Secondly, regardless of what foods we eat, we should have a minimum of 15 different vegetables, fruits and nuts in our diet (in total that is). Thirdly, we should eat our biggest meal early in the day and the smallest meal late. Most people do not do this and actually have it the other way around. Think of it from this point of view – at what stage of the day do you have most of your activity in front of you – well, that’s the time to eat the biggest meal.

If you want your skin to look attractive and healthy there are several rules you must follow. The most important is cleansing with natural and reviving substances, because a clean skin is bound to look healthier. Since constant washing removes most natural oils and moisture, and even the acid mantel covering, you must consciously replace these oils, moisture and acids to re-establish the skin’s protective covering.

Your diet should be high in proteins, which can be found in lean meat, fish, and poultry as well as in nuts, beans, milk and eggs. Raw vegetables and fruit of all kinds are essential. Several glasses of water (this is much underestimated in it’s importance) each day are essential to flush the system clear of toxins. Below is a list of important nutrients, their benefits to the skin and the foods in which they are found. This list is by no means exhaustive, however it does provide a good starting point for utilising food as part of your skin care regime.

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Of all the products for skin care out there have you ever wondered if there are effective medicinal herbs for skin conditions?  Let’s look at the ingredients in some of the herbal skin care products on the market and see what they are really good for.

Balm of Gilead

This is included in products designed to treat eczema and repair damage.  It was not one of the traditional medicinal herbs for skin.  Although it has a long history as fragrant cologne, there are no known benefits for the skin’s health.

Gardenia

This is included in herbal skin care products designed to moisturize, although the oil is not known for its moisturizing abilities.  Once again, it is prized for its sweet scent.  Unfortunately, the scent is known to cause headaches, trigger asthma attacks and cause other adverse reactions.  No benefits for this one either.

Citric Acid

This is not one of the traditional skin care medicinal herbs.  Yet, it is found in numerous creams, some of which claim to be “extra gentle.”  It is a weak acid, but it is still an acid.  It is known to damage the skin, as well as the hair.  There are extracts from citrus fruits that are non-acidic and provide the antioxidant benefits that products containing citric acid claim to provide.

Manuka Honey

This is often listed alongside other medicinal herbs for skin conditions.  It is not, of course, an herb, but bees gather their pollen from plants and to many of us,traditional remedies do not necessarily have to be herbaceous.

Honey has longed been valued for its benefits to the skin’s health and the overall health of the body.  Scientific evaluation has proven that all varieties of honey have some antibacterial and antioxidant activity.  Manuka is simply the most active variety.

Benefits have been seen when it is used to heal blemishes, acne, eczema and psoriasis.  It has been recommended recently for treating the antibiotic resistant staph infections and for treating diabetes related skin ulcers.  Many herbal skin care products contain some type of honey.  Manuka is the one to look for.

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Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirty pores or eating chocolate. Acne is actually caused by overactive sebaceous glands. Hormones in you body cause acne to appear. Acne is extremely common in people ages 12-24, when our hormones are very active due to puberty, but many people continue to have acne outbreaks throughout their lives. Acne can show up on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. While it is not life threatening, acne can cause scarring and emotional distress to those that suffer from it. This is why acne skin care is so important.

Many things can cause outbreaks of pimples and zits. Allergies, heredity, stress, weather, menstruation and even over washing can cause acne. There are lots of ways to treat acne. For mild to moderate cases, experts recommend washing your face twice daily and after any exercise. They also recommend over the counter acne products that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. These products can have some side effects of burning, redness and irritation, but often decrease or even disappear with continual use. The acne treatment industry is a multi-million dollar industry, and scientists come up with new ways to treat pimples regularly.

For moderate to sever acne, it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist. A dermatologist can diagnose the problem and has many treatment options for acne to choose from. Some treatments include used prescribed topical medications for the treatment of your acne, and even oral antibiotics, which help reduce acne outbreaks. Not everyone will receive the same kind of acne treatments, and your dermatologist can tailor the treatments to your specific needs.

Taking care of your skin is the best way to reduce pimples. Choose cleansing products that are not overly harsh and are oil-free. Wash your face after sweating heavily. For young women, the use of makeup can exacerbate acne problems, so it is a good idea to pick cosmetics that are non-comedogenic, because they do not clog pores. Never go to sleep at night without washing your face. It is also imperative that you do not squeeze or pinch zits. You may be tempted to do it, but it can lead to scarring. Don’t spend a lot of time scrubbing your face,  read more

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