Got Warts? Try Zinc

human papilloma virus HPV warts and zincZinc is an essential mineral needed for the growth and repair of healthy skin. It plays a key role in immune function, is required for a whole host of enzymatic processes, and has even been found to help reduce diaper rash and acne. What’s more, getting enough zinc can help prevent warts! Continue reading

More Causes and Cures for Acne in Winter

hats and acne in winter

Winter Acne – Zits and Make-Up

Winter acne is sometimes related to the use of heavier make-up to mimic the bright, rosy glow of summer, especially in those with pale skin. Unfortunately, this can mean that pores become blocked with creams, powder, blush and bronzers, causing whiteheads and blackheads as sebum, melanin, and make-up all combine to increase the risk of swelling, inflammation and infection. Continue reading

What Causes Acne?

Eat to Beat Acne: how a plant-based diet can help heal your skin
Eat to Beat Acne: how a plant-based diet can help heal your skin

There’s not normally a single specific cause of acne, which means that decreasing acne symptoms and clearing the skin can take a considerable amount of time and concerted effort.

Without resolving underlying issues, acne can persist for years, and for many adults this skin condition is not simply a bad memory from their teenage years. Continue reading

Natural Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

flaxseed oil hyperpigmenation natural treatmentSun exposure, other types of skin damage, and hormonal disruption can all result in hyperpigmentation of the skin, i.e. darker patches of skin caused by excess melanin production and/or build-up.

Hyperpigmentary disorders such as melasma, café au lait spot and solar lentigo are typically treated through the use of topical agents that disrupt the activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the production of melanin (melanogenesis), but natural treatments for hyperpigmentation are also gaining attention. Continue reading

Skin Tags and Other Skin Disorders as an Early Sign of Diabetes

skin tags and diabetes keratosis pilarisSkin tags might appear innocuous, and in many cases they are, but what if these dermatological anomalies could act as an early warning sign for a more serious health issue?

In a paper published earlier this year in the Spanish journal Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas, Gómez and colleagues investigated the association between skin tags and diabetes, asking if acanthosis nigricans, skin tags, keratosis pilaris and even plantar hyperkeratosis could be a useful indicator of underlying metabolic issues in patients as yet undiagnosed with diabetes.
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Five Great Skin-Friendly Plant-Based Foods for Naturally Healthy Skin (Breakfast Muffin Recipe Included!)

skin healthy foods pomegranataThe sun is out, the beach is calling, and bits of skin that may have been hidden for weeks or even months are suddenly being exposed to the world. With ultraviolet radiation, heat, sand, and surf to contend with, your skin might need a little extra protection so consider stocking up on these five great plant foods for naturally healthy skin. Recipe below!
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What Causes Rosacea? Three Common Triggers and How to Combat Them.

rosacea causes red rash across centre of faceNo single cause of rosacea has been identified but recent research does suggest a number of potential triggers for the skin condition that affects around 3% of the population. Without knowing what causes rosacea it can be difficult to treat and this can lead to stress and depression in sufferers who worry over their appearance.

Luckily, many of the possible causes or factors exacerbating rosacea are responsive to treatment so, although there is no ‘cure’ as such for rosacea it is likely that patients can dramatically reduce the impact of the skin disorder by identifying their rosacea trigger(s) and treating it accordingly. Continue reading

Spring-Cleaning Your Skin (part one)

spring cleaning your skin are you ready to emerge from the duvet
Spring cleaning your skin – are you ready to emerge from winter’s duvet?!

“Overnight, very
Whitely, discreetly,
Very quietly

Our toes, our noses
Take hold on the loam,
Acquire the air.”

Mushrooms, Sylvia Plath

A Fresh New Look for Spring Skin

Are you emerging from your winter hibernation and looking at your skin in the cool morning light of spring, only to be faced with a sallow complexion, cracked heels and blotchy red spots that make you want to pull that duvet back up over your head? Don’t worry, follow these top tips and get a head start on spring-cleaning your skin, that way, by the time it’s t-shirt and shorts weather, you’ll be raring to go! Continue reading

Home Remedies for Bags Under the Eyes.

bags under eyes home remediesAccording to a study done by Clinique in 2006, half of all women note dark circles and bags under the eyes as major beauty concerns. These two skin issues may have connected causes or may be due to separate underlying issues but when looking at undereye dark circles and puffiness, men and women, and even children, are all affected.

The causes of bags under the eyes are often different in younger people than in those approaching middle-age or older so knowing the factors underlying that under-eye puffiness and pigmentation is important in order to successfully fix the condition and restore naturally healthy skin. Continue reading