The Regimen

Sometimes the best way to deal with a difficult problem, is to apply a simple solution. We all know acne is a two-headed monster that, no matter how many times we beat it, it keeps coming back. Well, over at Acne.org they have a 3 step process known as Daniel Kern's Regimen. It's worth checking out. Promotes a simple and cost effective way of clearing your skin, using simple over-the-counter products. He explains everything in a step by step manner. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to get rid of your acne, I would give it a look.

And The Oscar Goes To.....

I absolutely love Oscar night! What can I say, I love celebrities! Being the admirer of beautiful skin that I am, watching some of my favorite actors and actresses walk and pose for pictures on the red carpet, is indeed a great thrill for me. I have to say though, this year wasn't as good as previous years. Some of my favorites, like Nicole Kiddman, Renee Zellweger, even Penelope Cruz(who has incredibly smooth looking skin) didn't do it for me this year. Maybe I'm being too critical, but they didn't appear to put as much effort into it this year, as in previous years. My night was saved by Diane Lane. I am amazed at the shape her skin is in, even as she is maturing in age. Look at her face, and you see a smooth and radiant complexion. She has fewer age lines than many of the younger actresses out today. Like a fine wine, she is definitely getting better with age. Though she was not a nominee for any awards Sunday night, she wins my award for the night's best skin!

Remove Dark Spots From Your Skin

I am always amazed at the fight that takes place between me and my skin. After winning a battle with acne, then it's on to win the war against the dark spots that form on my skin. Having a clear and even complexion, along with beautiful skin, is eveyone's desire. Unfortunately, after battling acne pimples or skin bumps, unsightly dark spots are left in their place. These pockets of discolored skin often occur after your skin has been inflamed or irritated. Too much exposure to the sun is known to produce them also.
If you develop dark spots, the first thing I would advise is a visit to your dermatologist. Just to make sure they are harmless and don't require any special treatment. I always believe it's better to be safe than sorry when dealing with abnormalities on the skin. Once you have been checked out, there are some remedies available that can effectively remove dark spots. Sun block, facial creams, and even skin peels are methods, based on your skin type, that work.
Here are some simple tips for removing dark spots: First, use a sunscreen with an SPF-15. Protection from the sun is always a key element in any skin care treatment or regimen. For as much as we love the sun, it can be our biggest advesary in our quest for beautiful skin. So remember to block those harmful UV rays anytime you want to spend anytime outdoors. Second, Stop Touching Your Face! Resist the urge to squeeze or pop your zits. The germs and bacteria from your hands and fingers may irritate the affected area, and may lead to scarring. Third: Try a skin bleaching product. Choose a product that contains a mild amount of hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is the main ingrediant in most skin brightners. Though effective, skin bleaching is not instantaneous. Depending on your skin type, it may take three to twelve months to fade out dark spots.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that prevention is the key. Follow a daily skin care regimen. Make sure you properly cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and protect your skin. Because in your fight for clear and beautiful skin with no dark spots, prevention is always better than the cure.

You Are What You Eat

You are what you eat.
Does this sound familiar? You probably have heard it. And yes, it is true. What you eat affects how well you are and how you look - today and for the years to come.
A balanced diet is needed for optimal health and well being, as well as having healthy skin. However, a balanced diet is primarily set to prevent malnutrition and vitamin / mineral deficiencies. Here are a few suggestions:

Choose foods rich in vitamin A. Naturally occurring vitamin A or retinol is commonly found in fish oils, dairy products and liver. Vitamin A found in plants is called beta-carotene and is commonly found in yellow / orange fruits and vegetables like carrots and cantaloupe. This is essential for the maintenance and healing of epithelial tissues, with skin being the largest expanse of epithelial tissues we have. This diet includes plenty of dark orange (carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash) and dark green (broccoli, spinach, kale) vegetables -- all of which are high in vitamin A.

Choose foods with plenty of B vitamins like B-2 and B-3. These foods convert calories into energy for metabolism and are components of enzymes that maintain normal skin function. The best sources for these are green leafy vegetables, lean meats, eggs, avocados, fish, brewer’s yeast, whole grains and peanuts.

Vitamin E to protect your cells against free radicals. This is a powerful antioxidant that helps slow the aging of skin cells and promote healthy skin. A powerful antioxidant, it protects your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, broccoli, wheat germ, peanuts and vegetable oils.