Green tea is a great source of antioxidants and has demonstrated a range of benefits for metabolism. Now, researchers have found evidence to support the use of green tea extract for acne relief. Continue reading
nutrition
Got Warts? Try Zinc
Zinc 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
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
Acne in Winter
If you suffer from winter acne, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people find that when the cold weather hits, so do outbreaks of spots, pustules, blemishes, and painful acne.
So, what causes acne in winter, and what can you do about it? Continue reading
Natural Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
Sun 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
Prebiotics and Probiotics Protect Against Childhood Eczema
Infant eczema is a common skin condition, affecting around 1 in 5 young children. Eczema is linked to childhood asthma and food allergies and many theories have been proposed to explain the development of atopic eczema.
One of these theories suggests that the microflora in the gastrointestinal system of infants influences immune system activity, thereby triggering or contributing to skin reactions and allergy symptoms. A significant amount of research backs up this theory, including a recent review that adds weight to the idea that prebiotic supplementation of infant formula or breast milk can help in preventing eczema in infants up to 2 years old. Continue reading
Five Great Skin-Friendly Plant-Based Foods for Naturally Healthy Skin (Breakfast Muffin Recipe Included!)
The 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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Vitamin D and Psoriasis – What’s the Connection?
Earlier this year a study was published that verified, for the first time, an upper, safe limit for vitamin D, but what if, like many in the northern hemisphere, you are deficient in this hormone-like vitamin? Could a vitamin D deficiency be a trigger for your psoriasis? Several studies published in the last year make the connection between a vitamin D deficiency and psoriasis severity so should you be supplementing, sunbathing, or is there a reason to avoid vitamin D for naturally healthy skin?
In this extended post we will be taking a look at:
- Optimal vitamin D levels
- The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency across the world
- Who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency
- How vitamin D might affect the skin
- Can vitamin D supplements help reduce psoriasis symptoms?
- The different vitamin D supplements available
- Should you take vitamin D for psoriasis?
What Causes Rosacea? Three Common Triggers and How to Combat Them.
No 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)
“Overnight, very
Whitely, discreetly,
Very quietlyOur 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