Monday, April 13, 2009

SKIN SPOTS

White Skin Spots - What Causes Them? Leucoderma/Vitiligo

One reason for white skin spots is due to a rare skin disease known as Leucoderma or Vitiligo. This condition affects about 2% of the population. White spots on the skin often appear in small clusters or patches of white roundish rings – this is where skin the lacks melanin – which was destroyed by the disease.

At this time, there is no known cause of this disease on the skin, but it has been linked to emotional stress, hereditary factors, hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid gland), pernicious anemia (lack of ability to absorb vitamin B12) and adrenocortical insufficiency (adrenal gland failure).

While a treatment course is not available, suffers of Leucoderma are advised to avoid stress, stop using harsh soaps, avoid cosmetics and powders with “triggering” agents, eat more iron rich foods, avoid citrus fruits, and shell fish.
Tinea Versicolor
A less serious and much more common cause for white skin spots is due to a fungal infection called Tinea Versicolor which is a harmless and common. Tinea versicolor is present on most skin and washing regularly to remove excess yeast and dead skin cells works well for most people. Howeve, in some people with a weakened immune system, this condition takes over – especially during the humid summer months – resulting in abnormal pigmentation and unsightly white spots on the skin.

Researchers have found that this condition is more prevalent in teens and young adult and affects those with oily skin more than those with dry skin. It also affects those (regardless of age) who live in humid areas.


How To Treat White Spots on SkinThe typical treatment for tina versicolor involves the use of antifungal creams, soaps and oral prescription medications. Salicylic acid has also been used with some success to rid the skin of yeast. The restoration of normal skin color can anywhere from a several months to a year – this is a slow process – and may require multiple treatments to obtain the best results. Another option is to use a high quality non-toxic whitening cream to keep the skin healthy and even toned. Unlike many non-prescription whitening skin creams, it is important to use one that does not contain mercury or other toxic ingredients. After years of researching I’ve found an all natural effective Skin Brightening Cream that contains:

  1. Pear skin extract
  2. Grapefruit extract
  3. Vitamins A, C, and E


These ingredients help to lighten the skin and protect it from further skin spots and damage. In addition, it also contains shea butter and evening primrose oil to keep the skin healthy and moist.


For best results – regardless of which treatment method you use to eliminate white spots on skin - it is important to avoid tanning and use a sunscreen whenever going outside and keep the skin dry to discourage overgrowth of fungus. Follow this link for more information on an all natural skin brightening cream

TIPS ON ACNE PREVENTION

In many cases acne can be avoided. There are lots of ways to avoid acne. Ways to avoid acne include dietary changes, skin care and home treatments.

This article will have information that explores ways to avoid acne.

Ways to avoid acne #1: Use a cleansing diet to get rid of the impurities in your system.

Ways to avoid acne #2: Clean your skin everyday.

Ways to avoid acne #3: Use a benzoyl peroxide lotion to keep blemishes at bay.

Ways to avoid acne #4: Check your cosmetics, foods and other products to make sure you are not having a problem with allergies that can be mistaken for acne.

Ways to avoid acne #5: If you eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet you are less likely to have problems with acne.
Already kicked your bad diet and threw out aggravating cosmetics? And do you still have acne? Check out Acne Free in 3 Days, a natural how-to book on how to get rid of acne once and for all. -- Editors

Ways to avoid acne #6: Some vitamins will decrease your chances of acne. Check with your doctor to see what she suggests.

Ways to avoid acne #7: Drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Water is important for the health of your skin.

Ways to avoid acne #8: Some people feel that cutting down on sugar, flour and caffeine is one of the ways to avoid acne.

Ways to avoid acne #9: If you have small blackheads or pimples do not pop them. This can lead to even more skin problems.

Ways to avoid acne #10: Don’t use greasy lotions and cosmetics as they contain oils that can promote acne.

Ways to avoid acne #11: Try not to take any medications that contain iodides or bromides.

Source :http://www.chetday.com/acneprevention.htm by Tim Gorman

10 WAYS TO AVOID ACNE

Acne is a problem that affects almost 90% of all adolescents, and many adults as well. The acne treatment industry does billions of dollars of sales annually, but the easiest and cheapest way to treat acne, is to avoid getting it in the first place. This can easily be done in a variety of ways. Here are ten simple ways to avoid acne.

1. Keep your face clean. Make it a habit to wash your face at least three times a day. This is an excellent way to avoid acne. Do not scrub hard, as this will only irritate your skin. Gently wash your face well with a mild cleanser, then pat it dry - don't rub.

2. Keep your hair off your face. Hair has natural oils in it, even if it doesn't appear to be oily. When that oil comes into contact with your skin, it can cause an acne breakout. Keep your hair cut short around your face, or use barrets or other accessories to hold it off your face. Many people don't realize that this is a way to avoid acne.

3. Eat a balanced diet. This is one of the easiest ways to avoid acne breakouts. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid oily foods. If you notice acne breakouts occurring after eating certain foods, avoid those foods, and replace it with something else.

4. Drink plenty of water. Water is a great way to avoid acne, because it helps to detoxify your body, removing all the bacteria and waste that your body does not need. Acne begins on the inside of the body - not on the surface of the skin, and therefore, it should be treated, and prevented, from the inside, out.

5. Exercise is another way to avoid acne. When we exercise our brains produce chemicals that our bodies need. We also sweat, which helps to detoxify the body. Just make sure that you shower after exercising - don't just wipe away the sweat - shower to wash away excess sweat that you cannot wipe away.

6. Use natural cosmetics. The hypo-alergenic cosmetics offer another way to avoid acne. However, if possible, don't use any cosmetics or lotions at all. This serves to keep your skin as clean as possible at all times. If you do use cosmetics, make sure that you completely remove all of the makeup and wash your face well before going to sleep.

7. Don't pop or squeeze the pimples. This will only serve to spread the bacteria that causes acne to other areas of the skin, and it will also leave acne scars. Avoiding popping the pimples is one of the best ways to avoid acne breakouts in the future.

8. Unless you are washing your face, try to avoid touching it. Your fingers contain oil, and our hands are very susceptible to bacteria, which is why we wash them often. Keeping your hands off your face is a great way to avoid acne.

9. If you wear glasses, another way to avoid acne is to remove your glasses, and clean the parts of the glasses that touch your skin daily. Also, when you wash your face, pay extra attention to the area of your face where your glasses touch your skin.

10. Stay out of the sun. Sunshine causes us to produce extra sebum, which is a natural oil that is produced by the skin glands. Excess sebum causes acne, so avoiding the sun is a way to avoid acne. Furthermore, certain acne medications make us more sensitive to the sun, and more susceptible to skin cancers.

Source: http://www.acneteam.com