Herbal Facial Masks and Diet Tips for Summer
Summer is just around the corner and for those of us who have been cooped up in cold-weather locations, it is a glory to behold. There are so many ways we can treat our body well this season and counter-act the effects of all that rich, heavy food over the holidays that might have not only added a few inches to our waistline but also added some unwanted skin reactions on our face.
You have only to try one or two of the hundreds of delicious fruits and herbs that summer offers to get your waistline back and shape and clear that skin in no time. If you don’t want to eat them, then try applying them directly to your skin as a facial mask or body scrub!
First lets looks at some of the seasonal fruits that might still be available, depending on what zone you live in. These fruits are chock-full of 
nutrients and lots of phyto-chemicals to help build collagen and re-build acne-scarred skin.
Nearly everything will be in bloom soon, so you have no excuse to not try at least of some of this delicious harvest or at least experiment with a new facial mask. Most fruits and vegetables have great propensity to eliminate toxins and flush your system of all those - pore-clogging bacteria and excess oil that creates acne flare ups and breakouts.
Yellow and orange produce items are typically high in beta carotene, potassium and Vitamin C, and thus reduce the impact of aging, prevent against macular degeneration and prostate cancer; they also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and supportcollagen and bone growth. Enjoy orange and yellow peppers, pumpkins, plus acorn, delicara, spaghetti and butternut squashes to receive these benefits.
BERRIES: berries are the first thing one might think of in the summer - all those delicious colors and fragrances to take in - AND they are excellent for your skin - not only on the inside but on the outside as well. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, any berries you can think of - Naturally blue and purple foods contain additional nutrients including the super anti aging reservatol (famousfor itshigh (concentration in red wine) and other flavonoids that fight inflammation and cancer, plus ones that support immune anddigestive function and mineral absorption. Find can find high concentrations of these age-fighting phytonutrients in grapes or purple bell peppers (found at your local farmers’ markets), purple yams or sweet potatoes and pomegranates also have these amazing phyto-nutrients to protect cellular DNA, slow the aging process and heal acne flare ups and scars.
For a direct treatment, simply crush the berry mix into a pulp and add directly to the face for an instant fruit facial mask and anti-acne fruit acid treatment.
These amazing fruits also slow the aging process by impeding oxidation, combatting dryness and strengthen the barrier for improved elasticity and long-lasting beauty. Taking in large doses, they can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and inhibit the breakdown of elastin that causes sagging. the free-radicals will also help to prevent overall premature aging.
With all these benefits, what have you got to lose?
Herbal Facial Masks for Treating Acne
May 18, 2011 by admin · 2 Comments
Acne is a common skin condition and there are many ways to treat it. However, some treatments should be used with caution. Acne treatments can be varied from chemical-based peroxides, or acids, to herbal facial masks or even hormones and medication.
Many studies have now shown most over the counter acne medication to be harmful to pregnant women - even to the point of causing birth defects! So, use extreme caution when choosing your acne treatment. When in doubt - go for the most natural or herbal method available; treatments like anti-acne herbal facials and clay-based or herbal based anti-acne facial masks can do wonders without all the abrasive chemicals.
HOW ACNE STARTS
Acne is common in young adults, teens and pre-teens and may cause emotional and self-esteem problems. In severe cases, medical treatment may be needed. There are many over-the-counter products that can help treat acne.
Acne is caused by inflammation of the oily glands in the skin - they are called sebaceous glands - that contain a fatty material called sebum. When the duct of the gland becomes blocked either by layers of skin, fatty secretions or dirt, a mini-cyst or pimple forms. The cyst can become infected with acne bacteria.
Treatment of Acne
Just as acne can range from mild to severe, acne treatments also vary, depending on how serious the problem is. The basic treatment is to remove what is plugging the duct of the gland and, if necessary, kill the acne bacteria. This is usually done either by applying a product to the skin topically or by taking medication internally.
Herbal Facial Masks
Topical prescription products may contain antibiotic ingredients such as erythromycin that help control inflammation but they may also be dangerous to delicate systems. These chemical products are designed to clean the area, dry up the oiliness, peel the skin and eliminate the acne bacteria present, but there are many other herbal options you can choose that do the same thing.
Oatmeal - will help relieve redness and itching and inflammation associated with acne
Rosemary - is a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial
Lavender - is a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial and anti-microbial
Yogurt - will lighten and even out dull, patchy skin tones
Chamomile - will soothe redness and inflammation
When in doubt, choose a natural facial mask to help heal acne scars and prevent further breakouts.
Herbal Facial Masks for Acne Treatment
There are many Anti-Acne facial masks on the market today. They can come in all forms and types to help clear current acne breakous and heal old scars from previous acne erruptions.
If you are concerned about sensitive skin issues and want a treatment that is effective yet also gentle, you should check out herbal facial masks. Many drugstore anti-acne facial masks may contain harsh chemicals or parabens that might not be safe for your skin or can actually cause more damage. Harsh chemicals like salycidic acid and benzoil peroxide can actually increase redness and inflammation and increase your chances of breakouts and acne erruptions.
If you use a skincare regime, try to find ingredients that will gently cleanse your skin and allow inflammed tissues to regenerate naturally, without shocking them into submission.
Natural ingredients like Chamomile, Marshmallow, Confrey, Calendula and other herbs are the best way to papmer acne-prone skin and relive redness. Acne erruptions are caused by excess oil and clogged pores, so you want to find an acnti-acne mask that will also help pull the dirt and oil out of the clogged pores - clay based masks work well. if you can, look for an all-natural option or a 100% herbal option to meet both requirements, to heal skin herbally and remove toxins.
Acne scars can also be produced from using treatments that are too harsh or abrasive on the skin. Your skin’s natural lipid barrier is there to protect you from infection and bacteria. Each time you wash it away with harsh scrubs or chemicals, you are changing the PH of your skin and limiting its natural ability to heal.
So, the next time you are thinking about an acne-treatment, go for the herbal facial mask or herbal options and treat your skin with the kindness it deserves.
Popular Facial Masks and How to Use Them
May 6, 2011 by admin · 5 Comments
If you don’t know what a face mask (or facial mask) is and how to use it - this is the article for you. Most face masks come in 3-4 standard brands or types. Among those, there are hundreds of variations meant to target your very specific skin concerns. • Clay or Herbal (Dry Ingredients)
• Moisturizing
• Peel off
• Gel
- Facial Masks
The most common types of facial masks are:
First let’s start with the clay or herbal facial masks. These are typically found in a powder form and you have the opportunity to custom-blend them with water, or facial toner, any ingredient you like. Most clay masks are detoxifying and also very good for all skin types. If you have oily skin, the clay will reduce the amount of oil by absorbing it. If you have dry or wrinkled skin, you can adjust the mask by adding a natural moisturizing agent - like oatmeal or Aloe Vera. Herbal masks are sometimes sold in specialty or “whole food” stores as they tend to be the most natural lines you can buy. Also, since they are dry, they won’t go rancid or spoil the way other natural / organic masks might.
Next we have moisturizing masks. These are typically cream-based and the most common type of facial masks. There are hundreds of varieties anhd price ranges to choose from, just look for the ingredients that suit your skin type the best - whether that is dry, oily or wrinkle-prone. Look for healing agents like, Aloe Vera, Calendula, Comfrey, Marshmallow or Lavender as these are all excellent herbs to heal skin and “plump up” skin cells.
“Peel-off” facial masks. Note: Some believe that “peeling” the mask off the face actually tears or harms the skin tissue, making wrinkles more noticeable. Some like to use them for the “fun” factor. They usually come in gel form that has a fruit-acid base like cucumber or grape seed. The gel transforms into a thin transparent film that picks up dead cells, dirt & impurities. Once dry, you then peel off the film after 15 minutes.
Finally, we have Gel Masks. Gel Facials are a great alternative if you suffer from really oily skin or have acne problems. The gels won’t be as thick as the standard moisturizing agent and will still help remove toxins from your skin without clogging your pores. Look for facial masks with natural acids or enzymes like papaya, pumpkin and fruits to gently loosen and dissolve dead surface cells. These gel masks do NOT dry into a peel-off film, they just help pull impurities and usually act as a mild acid-peel.
It’s really quite simple. Once you get your routine down (usually 1-2 times per week is best) and find the best face mask for you, you will be amazed at the results.
