How to avoid skin hyper-pigmentation from a Sun-Induced, Photo-Skin-Allergy:

There are a number of well known chemicals that aggravate or cause hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the skin/sun spots) which are known to photo-sensitize and reduce burn time of the skin.

A photo-allergy (or sun allergy-reaction) is a delayed skin cell mediated immune-reaction, resembling, but not identical to, allergic contact dermatitis. 

Photo-allergic reactions caused by using a substance on the skin and exposing the 'substance-covered-skin' to the sun, has become increasingly common over recent time. This is probably due to an increase in sun exposure during every-day leisure time as well as an increase in the use and availability of photo-sensitizing substances.

Protect your skin from possible photo-sensitized, hyper-pigmented skin.. or even loss of pigmentation (hypo-pigmentation-- which appears on skin as white spots) by avoiding the use of known photo-sensitizing substances when exposing your skin to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Here's a list of commonly found substances to avoid while in the sun:

• Substances found in fragrances/perfumes: Benzoyl alcohol, peru balsam, benzoyl salicylate, canga oil, cinnamic alcohol, geraniol, hydroxycitronellal, methoxycitronellal, oak moss, musk, xylol, 6-methyl coumarin, cinnamic aldehyde.

Note: Often a photo-toxic reaction occurs when using cosmetics and toiletries (such as toilet water, aftershave lotions, colognes, sunscreen lotions, moisturizers) when used in the sun. The skin can manifest in a small red itchy patch that often goes unnoticed, but will result in odd shaped pigmented patches on the effected areas of skin.

• Essential oils: Jasmine absolute, lavender oil, red zig, sandalwood oil, ylang ylang, bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, mandarin, juniper, tea tree.

Note: Many essential oils are found in home cleaning supplies like household furniture wipes. It's important to wash your hand, etc., after using such products so you don't inadvertently use the product to clean your house,  then touch your face, neck or other skin areas, and then go outside in the sun.

• Antiseptics/disinfectants: Hexachlorophene, bithionol, 5-bromo-4-chlorsalicyanilide, chlorhexidine, chloro-2phenyphenol, triclocaran.
• Sun screens: Glyceryl-paminobenzoate, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benophenone, isoaml-p-N, N dimethyl aminobenzoate, p-methoxy-isoamyl-cinnamate, 4 isopropyldibenzolmethane. 
• Acne Medications: Benzoyl peroxide, isotretinoin, tretinoin (AKA= vitaminA), resorcinol.
• Systemic drugs: Tiaprofenic acid, carprofen, promethazine, chloropromazine.
• Prescription drugs: Antibiotics, anti-fungal, some blood pressure medication and steroids.

Thanks for reading,

xoLK

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3 Skin Care Ingredients To Use For Adult Acne and Hormonal Mediated Acne:

#1: Pyridoxine (AKA Vitamin B6)

#2: Azelaic Acid

#3: Zinc

We all know that hormones play an important role in skin care and acne. The terms 'Adult Female Hormonal Acne' or 'Hormonal Mediated Acne' can refer to acne that occurs because of hormonal changes or hormonal sensitivity within the body.

There are about fifty different known hormones in the body that control a variety of biological processes including muscle growth, heart rate, menstrual cycles and hunger.

The hormone that is of relevance to skin treatments and adult female hormonal acne is called 5a-reductase, Type 1. This is the family of androgens responsible for masculine qualities: acne, hair loss and hirsutism (excessive facial hair), as well as an increase in both facial and body hair.

All women produce androgen. It's when androgens outweigh estrogen either through total amount or genetic hypersensitivity to the mere presence of androgen that a problem may arise. If you suspect this may be causing you skin problems, please seek the help of a medical specialist trained in healing hormonal issues.

There are topical formulations available that include specific ingredients to help you address or inhibit the enzyme 5a-reductase:

• Pyridoxine (AKA Vitamin B6)
• Zinc
• Azelaic Acid

When these three ingredients are used together in low concentrations hormonal acne improves greatly. 

Additionally, azelaic acid is FDA approved as a topical preparation for the treatment of acne and is effective against a number of skin conditions when applied topically to the skin.

Thanks for reading,

xoLK

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Acne of Toxic Origin: Substances to be Avoided...

Acne is most commonly caused by hormone fluctuations, along with an abundance of oil trapped under a build-up of thick, dead skin which is unable to naturally exfoliate, thus causing pimples, pustules and cystic bumps on and under the skin.

Less common but certainly an important factor to consider is a type of acne called, "Acne of Toxic origin".

This type of acne can occur from both the side effects of medication, (antibiotics, cortisone and tranquilizers), occupational causes and self-infliction.

Simply removing the toxic cause (which may or may not be possible) will guarantee some improvement.

Here's a list of Substances that you may want to avoid if you suspect Acne of Toxic origin:

~ Steroids

~ Testosterone

~ Barbiturates

~ Amphetamines 

~ Chlorine

~ Tar

~ Peto-chemical compounds

~ Synthetic orange or red pigments (some DC reds are comedogenic)

~ Ultraviolet Radiation

~ Harsh dying substances

~ High humidity/humectants

This list is important to consider when treating acne, and should be discussed with your skin therapist.

Thanks for reading,

xoLK

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5 things you can easily do to help your skins collagen production:

Collagen in the skin is primarily responsible for the structural integrity of skin tissue, giving skin shape and density. 

Think of collagen as the main weave of fabric in the skin. 

No skin "fabric" is alike, but you can think of two main types of "skin" weaves; silk and calico fabric. 

A fine translucent skin has the fabric like silk and a denser less translucent skin has the calico fabric. Each skin "fabric-type" will age differently, but both will require the same care to protect the collagen fiber, especially after the age of forty when collagen production declines. 

5 things you can do to help collagen in your skin:

1. Vitamin C: 

* Vitamin C is essential for efficient collagen synthesis. However, supplying extra Vitamin C can accelerate collagen synthesis only when other key ingredients are also in abundance in the body and applied topically in the skin. (Keep reading for more on other key ingredients needed for Vitamin C and collagen synthesis).

* Eat a diet rich in Vitamin C and add Vitamin C supplements. As long as you are drinking enough water, you can't overdose on Vitamin C because it's a water-soluble vitamin-- safe for nursing and pregnant women.

* Apply scientifically formulated skin care with Vitamin C to the skin every morning.

2. Vitamin A:

* Vitamin A is the dominant vitamin of the skin because it has a fundamental role in the control of normal activities of skin cells.


* Vitamin A (retinol) applied topically to the skin is the single most important skin care ingredient for every skin type and condition. It normalized oil and dryness in the skin, exfoliates dead skin cells, helps reduce acne and acne scaring, helps even out skin tone and gives skin an overall healthy look.


3. Key Amino Acids:


* Like other proteins, collagen consists of amino acids. Supplying the skin with key amino acids with help stimulate collagen synthesis.


* Organic, free- range, hormone free eggs are one of the best food-sources of amino acids.


4. Copper Peptides: 


* Copper is essential for collagen production. And thanks to new skin care technology copper peptides (and other important peptides) can be safely applied to the skin to promote collagen synthesis-- adding firmness and better tone to the skin.


5. Growth Factors:


* To maximize collagen synthesis in the skin, growth factors need to be incorporated into an anti-aging program to help supply the cells with all the necessary ingredients to keep collagen production at an optimal level.


* Topically applied growth factor ingredients help repair and heal the skin while enabling the skin to function properly.


Thanks for reading,


xoLK


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Skin Tonic Tip:

Drink 4 oz. of whole leaf filtered Aloe Vera juice every day. 

Here's why:

* Drinking Aloe Vera juice on a regular basis provides your skin health with essential amino acids-- the building blocks of collagen. Amino acids help collagen synthesis which helps the skin look firm and toned.

* Aloe Vera juice is loaded with anti-inflammatory substances which help the skin heal.

* Aloe Vera juice is loaded with all the beneficial skin vitamins like A, C the B vitamins, E, Folic Acid and Niacin. These vitamins help every skin condition including acne skin.

Thanks for reading,

xoLK

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The Top Ten Things You Can Do (In Addition to Facials/Peels/Skin Care) For Beautiful, Healthy Skin:

The basis for beautiful, healthy skin is maintaining a regular bi-monthly or monthly professional facial ritual and using good, quality skin care products at home.

In addition to traditional facials/peels and home skin care, practice the following top ten healthy lifestyle tips:

#1: Maintain healthy living conditions.

#2: Note something good that happens each day.

#3: Take good care of your health.

#4: Eat healthy foods.

#5: Embrace loving relationships.

#6: Get Sufficient sleep.

#7: Get Fresh air and a little sunlight every day.

#8: Practice periodic or daily meditation/prayer.

#9: Create attainable life goals which fit your essence.

#10: Smile, giggle and laugh.

Thanks for reading,


xoLK


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My Sunday Skin Splurge

Manuka honey is not your ordinary honey that you would add to herbal tea or eat with sliced apples. At $35+ a jar this stuff is pure homeopathic indulgence and more. 

Manuka honey has antibacterial properties and nourishes tissue regrowth. It has an osmotic effect that draws a thin film of moisture to the surface creating a barrier on skin for rapid healing and help with scarring.

Skin Benefits and Uses:

1. Eat a tablespoon of this honey several times a day, thirty minutes prior to meals for added internal skin moisture abilities and to build skin immunity from the inside out.

2. Dab a bit on pimples, curling iron burns (any skin tissue cut or burn) to help healing and scarring.

3. Use as a facial mask once a week for hydrating and antibacterial relief.

For more information on how Manuka honey can help to heal skin go here.

Thanks for reading,

xoLK

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3 Natural "Goodies" That Have Been Keeping My Skin Happy This Winter 2012:

I'm loving these three natural skin care remedies from the local Kentland's Whole Foods Market... And I'm finding lots of new and exciting ways to incorporate them into my "traditional" beauty ritual that up until recently has consisted of mostly cosmeceutical skin care (topically applied ingredients that influence the biological function of the skin to improve skin tone, radiance, texture and reducing wrinkles). 

The more I research and test these natural products on my own skin, the more I realize natural ingredients can be just as effective, and complimentary to the "traditional-clinical-skin-care" I've used over the years.

I do think there is a place for both; pure-natural skin care ingredients, herbs, oils, salts, etc., and cosmeceutical products (which are, by the way... also derived from nature, but scientifically formulated to go into the skin to create positive changes in the skin via scientific formulations and advancements in cosmetic chemistry).

Here's my new-naturals-loves that are a must-add to your retinol, and any other "treatment-product" skin care regimen:

1. Himalayan Pink Salt:

There are many uses and benefits for this amazing salt. And the packaging is beautiful... it makes a really nice gift to give to your loved one (I'm already thinking of Valentin's Day). But these beautiful salts will also make a lovely gift to give yourself. 

There are many ways to take advantage of all of the natural nutrients/health benefits/skin moisturizing and detox abilities of this amazing Himalayan salt.


* Night-Time Detox bath: Check out The Glamorganic Goddess Blog for a really good explanation on the benefits of this bath as well as detailed instructions on using Himalayan Salt in your bath for detox, relaxation and skin smoothing/nutrient infusing goodness.


* Morning Detox Drink: Mix a batch of Himalayan salt with fresh squeezed lemons into spring water. Let the salt dissolve in lemon water overnight. Use about 1/4 cup salt water with 8 oz. of spring water in a cup, and drink up. 


Note: This natural clearing-house drink can taste somewhat like natural tears... please dilute this at your discretion, using one or two more lemons freshly squeezed into the salt water.


The rest of the "salt-batch" can be saved to use throughout the week, each morning. Always drink the lemon-salt water on an empty stomach (30 minutes prior to eating breakfast, coffee or tea).


* Acne Skin Compress/soak: Pour a small amount of your pre-mixed detox drink into a small glass bowl or cup. Soak a gauze pad or soft cloth in warm (not hot) salt mixture (lemon is optional). Place and hold compress over blemished areas for a few minutes after cleansing with a face cleanser  appropriate for your individual skin. (You might even want to try using this  salt/lemon mixture as a final rinse after you cleanse).


For more health benefits on Himalayan salt go here.


2. 100% organic, extra virgin (or virgin) raw, cold pressed, unrefined coconut oil:


There are so many benefits and uses for coconut oil. For an in-depth look at the many benefits of adding coconut oil to your diet as well as applying the non-pore-clogging and healing oil to your skin go here.


In a nutshell (pun intended) coconut oil applied to the skin can be used in combination with traditional spa / clinical-type skin care products for the following skin conditions:


* Acne/antiseptic cream, anti-fungal/ anti-dandruff medication, body and face lotion, eczema remedy, hair conditioner/hair styling aid, hand lotion/lip balm/ cuticle softener/callus softener, massage oil, mouthwash, psoriasis cream, antioxidant, healing balm, shaving cream, dry eye remedy and sunburn ointment.


* It has healed my acne after extractions and dramatically improved my chapped lips as well as my dry, eye lids. It even helps moisturize my eyelashes and eyebrow hairs and gives my hair a glossy shine and gets rid of static and hair frizz. 


* I've used it for many of the above listed skin and health conditions and found it to be absolutely A-Maz-Ing.. truly amazing! You've got to try it for yourself to see and believe the results!! Enough said.. TRY it! And thank me later. 


3. Oil of Oregano:


Please see my recent post about this magical antibacterial essential oil for detailed information on this healing oil. As I suspected, it can be used to heal acne blemishes.


* I tested it out on my own skin last week when I had two little disturbing zits pop out on my face out of nowhere.. (doesn't it seem like pimples just pop-out from nowhere?)... anyways, I did a little test with this oil.


* I took a few drops under my tongue for a few days and applied the oil of oregano to my blemishes in the evening-- after cleansing my skin and extracting the pimples. 


* After I applied the oil of oregano, I used the coconut oil to further help in the healing. 


* Day 1 I saw a huge improvement.. as if I used high frequency on my skin. The zits started healing immediately and after two days the blemishes were GONE and left minimal to no scaring.


Please try these natural remedies in combination with your every-day skin care regime and let me know if they work out for you.


Thanks for reading,


xoLK


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