Peptides have been getting a lot of attention for their skin-improving effects lately, but did you know that peptide benefits also promote tissue repair, improve muscle strength and lower blood pressure levels?

Supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen peptides and applying copper peptides topically are popular because of their many health benefits.

Whether you’re looking for healthier skin in winter, want to stimulate hair growth or need relief from joint pain, using peptide formulas may be an effective natural option.

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are fragments of protein that are made up of amino acids. When these amino acids link together, they form an amino peptide, and when peptides link together, they form the basis of proteins.

Peptides are the building blocks of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. One of the most well-known peptide types is the collagen peptide — found in the dermis layer of your skin.

There are hundreds of peptides, which are generally grouped into the following categories:

• dipeptides: made up of two amino acids
• tripeptides: made up of three amino acids
• oligopeptides: made up of two to 2o amino acids
• polypeptides: made up of more than 20 amino acids

Some of the most well-known natural peptide types include:

• Glutathione
• Bradykinin
• Aspartame
• Oxytocin
• Somatostatin
• Endothelin
• Netropsin
• Glucagon
• Insulin
• Growth hormone

You may notice peptides in youth serums or gels, which is because they are known for their ability to improve tissue firmness and elasticity.

Beyond their skin health benefits, peptides play a role in a number of other body functions. They serve as the building blocks of important enzymes and hormones.

They also boost the healing process by promoting tissue repair and stimulating the production of collagen.

Peptides have several important functions, including their ability to:

• serve as precursors of protein
• promote collagen and elastin production
• fight bacterial and fungal infections
• act as hormones
• reduce oxidative stress
• act as constituents to alkaloids

Benefits for Skin (and More)

1. Boost Skin Repair

Peptides boost skin health by improving tissue repair, reducing inflammation and increasing collagen.

According to research published in Clinics in Dermatology, they can be used in the dermatology and skin care industries to improve skin issues, such as inflammation, pigmentation, cell proliferation and migration, and changes in angiogenesis (making new blood vessels).

A review published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology indicates that antimicrobial peptides are used as pharmacological agents to modulate the immune response, promote wound healing and prevent post-surgical adhesions.

2. Reduce Lines and Wrinkles

Peptides increase the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. Using them on your skin may leave it looking firmer and smoother.

Fine lines and crow’s feet may improve with anti-aging serums or gels that include peptides and can improve the texture and clarity of your skin too.

A study published in the International Journal of Tissue Reactions relayed that collagen-like peptides act “deeply and intensely on wrinkles.”

Twenty healthy women volunteers, aged 40–62 years old, applied either a gel formula containing collagen-like peptides or a placebo gel around their eyes twice a day for four weeks. The results showed that applying the peptide gel significantly reduced the total surface of wrinkles and decreased the average depth of winkles.

3. Improve Tissue Repair

According to data published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, a human peptide called GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) has demonstrated the ability to improve tissue repair for the skin, lung connective tissue, boney tissue, liver and stomach lining.

4. Boost Muscle Strength

In a study conducted in Germany, elderly men with degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass added collagen peptide supplementation and resistance training into their regime for 12 weeks.

Researchers found that the participants had improved lean body mass and muscle strength, as well as decreased fat mass when compared to the placebo group.

5. Fight Diabetes

Research indicates that isolated peptides help reduce blood glucose levels and significantly improve glucose uptake.

Research published in Life Sciences suggests that peptides are currently among the most widely investigated potential therapeutic agents for diabetes, and a number of natural and synthetic peptides have proved to cause anti-diabetic effects.

6. Lower Cholesterol

Our bodies need healthy levels of cholesterol for the proper production of vitamin D and steroid hormones. However, we all know that too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to some serious health issues, including the formation of plaque in the arteries and even reduced oxygen flow to the heart.

Studies show that peptides are able to inhibit lipase activity and bind to bile acids, which allows for its ability to lower cholesterol levels.

7. May Reduce Blood Pressure

A meta-analysis published in Nutrients found that peptides from casein may be effective in blood pressure reduction. Researchers found that this was especially true among Japanese studies, compared with European studies.

8. Stimulate Hair Growth

Studies show that GHK peptide works to stimulate hair follicles and accelerate hair growth.

When copper peptide is applied topically, for example, researchers have found that it works to repair cells, reduce inflammation, suppress free radicals, increase hair follicle size and improve hair transplant success.

Copper Peptide vs. Collagen Peptides

Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) are often touted as the best type of peptide for skin health. They are found naturally in our bodies and made up of the element copper with three amino acids.

Copper peptides are known for their ability to promote the production of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans, a family of carbohydrates that support the maintenance of collagen. Formulas containing copper peptides are typically created for topical uses to boost skin health.

Collagen peptides are often found in protein powders or supplements that are meant to be ingested. When collagen undergoes a process called hydrolization, this involves the breakdown of individual hydrolyzed collagen peptides in order to maximize absorption by the body.

Simple put, reducing the size and molecular weight of peptides allows for better absorption so they can be utilized by the body.

Supplements containing collagen peptides also go by other names, including hydrolyzed collagen and collagen hydrolysate.

Really, all of these types of protein powders or supplements are the same. They undergo the same process in order to increase absorption.

How to Use

Bioactive peptides are found naturally in plants, animals, fungi and microbes. They are released from proteins during digestion, with the help of proteolytic enzymes.

Peptides are also released during food processing, when proteins are cooked, fermented or ripened.

One of the best ways to get more is by consuming collagen-rich foods, like bone broth, or adding a collagen protein powder to your daily regime. The collagen peptides you get from these sources help improve skin, plus support the health of your hair, muscles, joints, heart and gut too.

When it comes to using copper peptides topically for skin health, GHK-Cu is often used as an ingredient in youth serums and creams. Peptides for skin work best when applied and left to absorb, like a serum or moisturizer, not a face wash.

The most effective topicals are said to include a combination of peptides, antioxidants and other skin-restoring compounds.

Risks and Side Effects

Using peptides topically to improve skin health is likely safe. When using them for cosmetic purposes, be sure to purchase a product made by a reputable company, and read the ingredients carefully.

If you are consuming collagen peptides, be aware that some types of collagen are made from common food allergens, like shellfish and eggs. If you have food allergies, read the ingredients on collagen products carefully before using them.

Antimicrobial peptides, also called AMPs, are sometimes used to speed up the wound-healing process. There isn’t enough research to determine the efficacy and safety of these types of therapeutic agents.

Be sure to consult your health care professional before using AMPs.

Final Thoughts

• Peptides are fragments of protein that are made up of amino acids. When these amino acids link together, they form an amino peptide, and when peptides link together, they form the basis of proteins.
• They are well-known for their ability to boost skin and hair health. They can also be ingested, usually in the form of collagen powder or supplements, to boost muscle strength and improve tissue repair.
• In addition to cosmetic purposes, research indicates that peptide benefits may including fighting type 2 diabetes, reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels.
• Peptide serums, creams and powders are available online and in many health food or beauty stores. Be sure to purchase a product from a trustworthy company, and read the ingredient list carefully for potential allergens.

The post What Are Peptides? Peptide Benefits for Skin & More appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Jojoba oil (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is the liquid that comes from the seed of the Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) plant, which is a shrub native to Southern Arizona, Southern California and Northwestern Mexico.

Although called an oil, it’s actually a liquid plant wax and has been used in folk medicine for a number of ailments. For instance, Native Americans use jojoba oil for treating sores and bruises.

What is organic jojoba oil best for? Today, it’s commonly used to treat acne, sunburn, psoriasis and chapped skin.

It’s also used by people who are balding since it encourages hair regrowth. Because it’s an emollient, it soothes the surface area and unclogs hair follicles.

Many people know jojoba oil to be a carrier oil for essential oil uses, such as making all-natural skin and hair products, but it’s actually an effective moisturizer and healer on its own too. You’ll be surprised to learn what using just a dab of jojoba oil can do!

What Is Jojoba Oil?

Mature jojoba plants are woody perennial bushes that don’t shed their leaves when the seasons change. When planted from seeds, jojoba plants can take up to three years to produce flowers, and the gender can only be determined by the flowers.

The female plants produce seeds from flowers, and the male plants pollinate. Jojoba seeds look a little like coffee beans, but they’re typically larger and the shape is not always uniform.

The chemical structure of organic jojoba oil is different from that of other vegetable oils because it’s a polyunsaturated wax. As a wax, jojoba oil for the face and body is especially useful because it protects the skin, providing hydration control, and soothes your hair.

At room temperature, jojoba oil is liquid because of its unsaturated fatty acids. Like some natural oils, jojoba oil does not break down or become rancid. It actually has a very long shelf life, which makes it good for cosmetic products and applications.

Jojoba oil contains beneficial ingredients, including vitamin E, vitamin B complex, silicon, chromium, copper and zinc. It has a very high percentage of iodine at 82 percent, which gives jojoba oil its power to heal.

It contains three fatty acids as well: erucic (13.6 percent), gadoleic (71.3 percent) and oleic (11.2 percent).

Related: What Is Double Cleansing and Does It Really Work?

Benefits

1. Moisturizes Skin

Is jojoba oil a good face moisturizer? That’s actually one of the top jojoba oil benefits, which is due to its ability to act just like our natural oils.

Our sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in our skin that secrete an oily or waxy matter called sebum. The texture and use of sebum are very similar to jojoba oil, so as we age our sebaceous glands produce less sebum, which is why we get dry skin and hair — it can even lead to dandruff or itchy scalp.

Jojoba plays the role of sebum and works to moisturize the skin and hair when the body stops doing it naturally. On the other hand, too much sebum, which happens during puberty or when hormone levels are high, can result in oily, acne-prone skin.

Jojoba oil actually removes sticky buildup or excess oil, too, keeping your oil levels balanced. That makes it a strong natural treatment for eczema as well as home remedy for acne, plus well-suited for other dry-skin conditions.

Jojoba oil is an emollient — meaning it moisturizes and prevents irritations or scaly and rough patches. Dryness is caused by a loss of water in the upper layer of the skin.

It works by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps water.

Jojoba works on your face, neck, hands, feet and hair. You can use it anywhere on your body because it’s completely natural and contains no chemicals that lead to an allergic reaction.

According to research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, jojoba has proven anti-inflammatory effects and potential uses in a variety of conditions, including skin infections, aging and wound healing. There’s also evidence displaying jojoba oil for acne, seborrheic dermatitis (dry, scaly skin) and eczema can be effective as well.

2. Removes Makeup Safely

It’s perfectly safe to use jojoba oil on your face. In fact, it’s good for your skin.

What’s not safe is using conventional products that contain a long list of chemicals that may cause irritation.

Instead of using makeup removers that contain chemicals, organic jojoba oil is a natural tool that removes the dirt, makeup and bacteria from your face as you use it. It’s even safe as a natural makeup remover, and it’s hypoallergenic.

3. Prevents Razor Burn

You don’t have to use shaving cream anymore — instead, organic jojoba oil’s waxy texture eliminates the threat of shaving incidents like cuts and razor burn. Plus, unlike some shaving creams that contain chemicals that clog your pores, it’s 100 percent natural and promotes healthy skin.

Try applying jojoba oil before you shave so it creates a smooth surface for shaving, and then apply it after you shave to moisturize and heal cuts quickly.

4. Promotes Skin Health

Jojoba oil is noncomedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores. That makes it a great product for those who are acne-prone.

Although it’s a cold-pressed oil — and we usually think that oil that sits on our skin is what causes breakouts — jojoba works as a protectant and cleanser.

It’s rich in iodine, which fights harmful bacteria growth that leads to breakouts. The antioxidants present in organic jojoba oil soothe fine lines, wrinkles and naturally slow down other signs of aging.

It can also accelerate the wound-healing process, as indicated in a study done at the Department of Environment and Life Sciences in Italy. The results proved that jojoba oil speeds up wound closures and stimulates collagen synthesis.

The study also noted that jojoba oil had extremely low toxic effects when used on the skin.

A 2012 study conducted in Germany examined jojoba oil’s ability to reduce skin lesions and improve overall skin condition for 194 participants, who applied clay masks containing the oil to their faces two to three times per week. Overall, 54 percent of the participants reported that lesions were reduced significantly after six weeks of using jojoba oil.

5. Supports Hair Health

Jojoba oil for hair replenishes the moisture and improves the texture. It also improves split ends, treats dry scalp and gets rid of dandruff.

You can use jojoba oil to add shine and soften your hair — plus it eliminates frizz naturally. This is a much better option than using conditioners or hair products that are full of dangerous chemicals, which only make your hair more dry and limp.

To detangle your hair, add a few drops of jojoba oil to your brush or directly to your hair. Your brush will go through smoothly, eliminating the threat of broken pieces and split ends.

Jojoba oil is getting attention recently for treating alopecia, which is the loss of hair as a result of fungal infection or damage to the hair shaft and follicles. Common oils used for hair growth, such as lavender oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil and cedarwood, have proven to be effective.

Because essential oils can cause irritations for some people, reports suggest that mixing them with jojoba oil is helpful. Adding three to six drops of essential oil to one tablespoon of jojoba oil serves as a hair loss remedy because it treats dry hair follicles.

By restoring hydration, the scalp is in a healthier state, and hair is more likely to grow.

6. Has Vitamin E

Vitamin E plays the role of an antioxidant. It strengthens the capillary walls and improves moisture and elasticity, acting as a natural age-reversing nutrient within your body.

Studies show that vitamin E helps reduce inflammation both within your body and on your skin, helping maintain a healthy and youthful appearance. These antioxidant properties are also helpful when you’re exposed to cigarette smoke or ultraviolet rays from sunlight, helping protect against skin cancer.

When using jojoba oil containing vitamin E, it’s absorbed by the epidermis layer of the skin and can be used to treat sunburn, which is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. Because it speeds up cell regeneration, it can also be used to treat scars, acne and wrinkles.

Another vitamin E benefit is its ability to help thicken hair. This is due to its antioxidant and moisturizing properties.

7. Contains Vitamin B Complex

B vitamins act as antioxidants, and they help the body fight off free radicals and cell damage. They are great for your skin and maintaining hormone balance naturally.

Vitamin B5 (called pantothenic acid), for example, helps in treating skin reactions from radiation therapy and may speed up wound and cut healing. It’s also known to delay the appearance of premature aging, like wrinkles and dark spots.

Data gathered from several studies suggest that pantothenic acid induces an accelerating effect on the normal healing process due to certain mechanisms that it helps control. This vitamin B5 benefit, which you can get from using jojoba oil, keeps your skin free from infection and bacteria as it tries to heal.

8. Fights Fungi and Infections

Jojoba oil has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It can treat toenail fungus and athlete’s foot and helps gets rid of warts.

A 2005 study found that jojoba oil was an effective anti-inflammatory agent that was able to reduce the symptoms of inflammation in rat paws and ears. The study also found that jojoba oil, or the liquid wax, was able to decrease the formation of wounds and speed up the healing process.

A 2013 review of literature indicates that the oil can be used for a variety of skin conditions, including infections and wound healing.

How to Use

If you’re wondering where to buy jojoba oil, you’ll be happy to find out that it’s available in most health food store, and recently it’s been in department stores and supermarkets as well.

When shopping for cold-pressed jojoba oil, stick with the organic brands — you want to make sure it’s 100 percent jojoba oil and there aren’t any additives that may be irritating.

There are so many organic jojoba oil uses, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your body products by adding a few drops of this beneficial ingredient. Here are some recommended uses:

• Face Moisturizer: Apply four to six drops of oil to your face in the morning and at night before bed. Can you leave jojoba oil on your face overnight? Absolutely. In fact, it will nourish your skin as you sleep.
• Hair Moisturizer: Add three to five drops to your conditioner, or apply one to two drops to damp hair after showering. If you have split or dead ends, massage jojoba oil into the ends after showering and before styling your hair.
• Reduce Wrinkles: Use one to three drops of jojoba, and apply it to wrinkled areas. Then rub it into your skin in a circular motion until it’s absorbed. You can do this twice daily.
• Makeup Removal: Add three to five drops of jojoba oil to a cotton ball or pad, and wipe off makeup.
• Lip Balm: Apply one to two drops of jojoba oil to your lips as an all-natural lip balm.
• Fight Infections: Add one to three drops of jojoba oil to the infected or irritated area twice daily.
• Sunburn Soother: Rub a quarter-size drop of jojoba oil into sunburn areas for relief.
• Mosquito Repellant: Research suggests that a combination of jojoba oil, coconut oil, rapeseed oil and vitamin E oil may help repel mosquitos for three to four hours.
• Acne Fighter: Using a clean cotton ball or clean fingers, apply a dime-size portion of jojoba oil to acne-prone areas in the morning and at night. You can also combine it with acne-fighting essential oils, like frankincense and lavender.

The first commercial cultivation of jojoba was in the Negev Desert and Dead Sea areas of Israel. Jojoba oil became very important to the cosmetic industry in the 1970s, when whaling was banned and sperm whale oil was no longer available.

Jojoba oil was deemed a suitable replacement for sperm wale oil, and it was used in cosmetic products throughout the U.S.

By 2000, the International Jojoba Export Council expected the global jojoba production to increase 15 percent over a five-year period, and with the popularity of DIY recipes and body care these days, jojoba oil continues to gain recognition.

It can be used as a natural and safe pesticide. Today, it’s used to control white flies on all crops and powdery mildew that builds up on grapes.

It forms a physical barrier on the surface of the crop, keeping the insect off of it. This is a great substitute for many common commercial pesticides because it’s non-toxic and won’t pose a risk to other organisms in the environment.

Recipes and Products

Jojoba oil is used as a carrier oil in many skin care products. Mix it with your favorite essential oils to create your own unique face wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion or massage oil.

Conventional lotions can be full of chemicals and harmful synthetic fragrances. Instead, try this Homemade Body Butter Lotion. This recipe is made with a powerful combination of antioxidant and moisturizing properties that leaves you looking fresh and youthful.

My Homemade Body Wash recipe is all-natural and chemical-free. It cleanses your skin and kills bacteria while providing nourishment and vitamins to keep it hydrated.

Add 1/4 cup of jojoba oil to my Homemade Vapor Rub, and you’ll be amazed at how it helps open up the respiratory system and improve the ease of breathing. It also smells super refreshing.

Youth-promoting serums can be expensive and contain harmful chemicals. Instead, try this Homemade Anti-Aging Serum recipe. It contains nutrients and antioxidants that will help you look vibrant and youthful while delivering vital nutrients and hydration.

Risks and Side Effects

Using jojoba oil is safe for most people when applied topically, even women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Jojoba oil side effects may include a rash and allergic reactions.

Jojoba oil allergy symptoms may include hives and itching. However, jojoba is considered hypoallergenic, and adverse reactions are rare.

If you are concerned about an allergy, try a patch test before using it on your face or larger surfaces.

It’s not safe to take jojoba by mouth because it contains a chemical called erucic acid, which can cause heart damage and other serious adverse effects. Stick to using jojoba oil for external topical use and not for consumption.

Final Thoughts

• Jojoba oil is a liquid plant wax that’s used in a variety of face and body products.
• Because jojoba is an emollient, it works to protect the skin and prevent irritations. It also has nourishing and moisturizing properties. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and iodine — all nutrients that promote skin and hair health.
• There are several jojoba oil uses. It can be applied directly to the face, neck and other areas improve acne, fight inflammatory skin conditions and protect from infections. Jojoba oil for hair is also very popular because of its moisturizing and strengthening effects.
• Jojoba is considered safe for topical use. To test for an allergy, try a patch test before using the oil on larger surfaces or your face.

The post Jojoba Oil Benefits for Face, Hair, Body and More appeared first on Dr. Axe.

You may be wondering, exactly what is lip scrub? Just like our body needs a body scrub and our face needs the gentle exfoliation of a face scrub, our lips need a little TLC, too!

The lips are a sensitive area. With a little care, they can maintain beautiful color and shape while soaking in the skin-nurturing vitamins of the best natural ingredients. Using a lip scrub not only nurtures, but it helps minimize, and even eliminate, dry, cracked lips. As we head into cooler months, this is a must-have!

Making your own homemade lip scrub for the best lip exfoliation is super-easy. This DIY lip scrub is perfect for the Fall season. It’s a great gift idea, too! With a bit of a grainy texture combined with moisturizing ingredients and vitamin A-filled pumpkin, you can take great care of your lips.

And if you are concerned about some of the lip scrub recipe getting into your mouth, or swallowing it, no need. This homemade lip scrub is made of ingredients that are quite tasty and edible. Don’t get carried away; this isn’t a snack. But it won’t harm you if you ingest a bit.

Lip Scrub Ingredients

Both coffee and sugar provide the perfect exfoliating texture for a lip scrub recipe. Coffee contains antioxidants while the sugar helps provide a more youthful appearance to the lips due to the natural glycolic acid it contains.

Sugar is also a natural humectant, meaning it delivers some moisture to those lips. Pumpkin is pretty amazing for the skin because it helps promote cell regrowth and it’s high in vitamins A and E. Plus it smooths and brightens the skin.

Honey is chock-full of anti-aging antioxidants that can help your lips have a more youthful look. Coconut oil fights bacteria and provides an excellent source of moisture.

Nutmeg is a great option, not only for the aroma — which is perfect for the holiday season. But it exhibits strong antifungal and antibacterial activities. In addition, it’s an astringent and anti-inflammatory, treating skin conditions such as eczema.

Shea butter is the perfect final touch. It repairs skin by delivering much-needed collagen.

How to Make a Lip Scrub

A quality DIY lip scrub offers so many nurturing benefits. To make it, place the brown sugar, coffee grounds and pumpkin in a small bowl. Blend well using either a fork or spoon.

Now, add the remaining ingredients: honey, coconut oil, shea butter and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Stir, pressing down as needed, to make sure all ingredients are well-blended. Now that you have made your lip scrub, transfer it to a small glass jar with a lid. Keeping it in the fridge can help preserve it (for up to a month) — just make sure to label it.

To exfoliate the lips, apply a small amount with a soft toothbrush, washcloth or clean fingertips. Gently massage for about 20 seconds in a circular motion. Rinse and apply lipstick, lip liner, lip gloss or lip balm.

DIY Lip Scrub Recipe

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 25 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Making a DIY lip scrub for the best lip exfoliation is surprisingly easy. This homemade lip scrub with pumpkin and nutmeg is perfect for the Fall season. It’s a great gift idea, too.

---

Ingredients

• ⅛ cup organic brown sugar
• ⅛ cup used or wet organic coffee grounds
• 2 tablespoons organic canned pumpkin (or homemade pumpkin puree)
• 1 teaspoon local honey (ideally raw)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ¼ teaspoon shea butter
• nutmeg (just a sprinkle; optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Place the brown sugar, coffee grounds and pumpkin in a small bowl.
2. Blend well using either a fork or a spoon.
3. Add the remaining ingredients: honey, coconut oil, shea butter and nutmeg.
4. Stir, pressing down as needed, to make sure all ingredients are well-blended.
5. Transfer the finished product to a small glass jar with a lid. Keep it in the fridge to help preserve it. Ideally, it should be used within a month.
6. To use, apply a small amount with a soft toothbrush, washcloth or clean fingertips. Gently massage for about 20 seconds in a circular motion. Rinse and apply lipstick, lip liner, lip gloss or lip balm.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Category: Lip Care
• Method: Blending

Keywords: diy lip scrub, homemade lip scrub

The post DIY Lip Scrub to Exfoliate & Smooth Your Lips appeared first on Dr. Axe.

The chilly season is not your skin’s best friend. One look at dull, flakey skin proves this point, but what would you say if we told you that winter no longer has to be your skin’s enemy?

Would you embrace all the season has to offer and possibly get outdoors more to take in all the fun winter activities? Or would you curl up in front of the fire and no longer worry that the dry air is going to leave your skin less than gorgeous?

Yes, that’s right! By no longer fighting against the season and instead embracing it, skin care woes and all, your skin will be much happier and so will you when you look in the mirror and dewy, glowing skin reflects back!

Here are six of the best secrets and expert tips so you no longer have to dread the icy season.

1. Use the right oils

If you aren’t yet protecting your skin with a nourishing facial and/or body oil, then what are you waiting for? Oils are more concentrated and better for overall hydration when your skin is dry and dehydrated.

A good-quality facial oil, like argan oil, will not only feed your skin with deep down moisture — it will also infuse it with nutrients that will fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, repair dry, damaged skin and improve your skin’s lipid barrier, which in turn will prevent moisture loss through the pores.

Who knew a facial oil could do all that? Be sure to always apply your oil to slightly damp skin for better absorption, and pat — don’t rub — the oil into your skin.

2. Exfoliate weekly

The cool, dry air accelerates water loss from the skin, which can leave it looking rough, dry and dull. Dehydrated skin can show signs of dryness, including flaking, scaling and cracking.

Additionally, the accumulation of dead skin cells can hinder the absorption of moisturizers and other facial products. To combat this, use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to rejuvenate the surface of the skin.

When choosing an exfoliator, stay away from harsh peels, astringents and abrasive scrubs that can remove natural oils from the skin and potentially cause irritation. Instead, try a gentle scrub made from oatmeal, almond flour or honey.

3. Don’t strip your skin

Many people make the mistake of over-cleansing their skin or rinsing with hot water during the cold winter months. These are two of the major causes of dry, dehydrated skin.

No matter how much oil you then apply, these unhealthy skin habits actually impair the lipid barrier, and your skin may need time to recover. A damaged lipid barrier can result in dry, inflamed skin that may even break out as your skin over produces sebum to make up for the lack of oil.

Always rinse with lukewarm water, and use a gentle, oil-based cleanser, preferably just at night in winter. In the morning, spritz a hydrating toner onto a cotton pad, and give your face a wipe before applying your oils and lotions.

As for your body, use an all-natural body wash or soap that does not contain harsh foaming agents and detergents, like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation.

4. Add some humidity to your air

The reason winter is such a harsh season for our skin is due to the lack of humidity in the air. A humidifier in your home can help to add humidity and moisture into the air to help your skin retain moisture.

We also love humidifiers because you can add essential oils for aromatherapy benefits, and they will help transform your mood. Lavender oil will soothe and calm, peppermint oil will energize, and citrus will boost your spirits.

5. SPF is your best friend all year long

Why put the SPF away when the sun disappears and cloudy days become the norm?

Did you know that even on cloudy days your skin is at risk of UV damage? Make it a habit to always apply a generous layer of SPF to all areas of exposed skin after applying your oil or moisturizer and before heading outdoors.

Forget the chemical sunscreens, and opt for a natural mineral-based SPF formula that is not only better for your skin, but won’t put your health at risk either.

6. Manage stress effectively

Stress is the enemy when it comes to good skin. It can do everything from throw off our skin’s natural balance to break down collagen, which then puts our skin at risk for accelerated aging.

This time of year can be a little stressful. After the rush of the holidays we are then thrown straight back into work, and this can definitely increase stress and affect our skin.

Finding ways to effectively manage stress can go a long way in helping keep your skin looking its radiant best this season. Aim to try and work out at least three times a week — a good sweat fest releases endorphins and lowers the stress hormone, cortisol.

You may also try getting into a daily meditation or yoga practice, taking a walk in nature, painting, singing, crafting, anything that keeps your mind busy in a positive, creative way, but most importantly, something that you just love to do!

There you have it! Not only will these tips help to transform your skin, but they will help you to live a happier more positive life, too.

Diane Elizabeth is a beauty expert and founder of Skin Care Ox: a skin care blog focusing on publishing accurate, beautiful and informative skin care research and content, such as the top organic skin care oils. Diane’s skin care advice has been featured in many top publications such as HuffPost, Glamour, Reader’s Digest and Yahoo.

The post 6 Expert Tips for Healthier Skin in Winter appeared first on Dr. Axe.

You know those stones that are commonly used during pedicures to exfoliate your feet? They’re called pumice stones, and they serve as natural skin buffers. The pumice stone is actually an ancient skin care tool for removing dead skin cells and providing an even, more youthful appearance.

Today, you can purchase your own pumice rock and use it during your skin care routine to exfoliate, remove unwanted hairs and keep your complexion looking fresh.

What Is a Pumice Stone?

A pumice stone is a porous, abrasive stone that’s used to remove dry, dead skin. It forms when lava and water mix.

As the lava cools, it creates the unique texture of the pumice stone that makes it an excellent exfoliator with natural pores from air bubbles. In fact, these stones have been used to smooth skin for over 2,000 years.

You can buy a pumice stone online or in some stores containing beauty products. The ideal pumice stone for you will fit into your hand comfortably and have the right-sized pores.

Larger pores are better for callused or very thick, rough skin. Smaller pored stones are ideal for dry but more sensitive areas, like the knees or elbows.

Benefits

1. Exfoliates Skin

The pumice stone has been proven to be helpful in removing hyperkeratotic tissue, which is excess or thickening skin on the outer layer. When used to scrub the skin, while wet and sometimes with soap, it effectively exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin or calluses.

It can also be used for skin corns and plantar warts. It can be used on the face and neck, but opt for a stone with smaller pores that are less abrasive. For thicker areas, like the feet, larger holes may be more effective.

You can also add pumice stone exfoliation to a DIY detox foot soak. (Another excellent way to naturally exfoliate the skin is dry brushing.)

2. Removes Skin Stains

Using pumice stone to cleanse the skin is an excellent way to remove stains without the need for harsh chemicals. If you’re a painter or get skin stains from a hobby or occupation, using a pumice stone to exfoliate the area can help remove the stains naturally.

3. Removes Unwanted Hairs

Pumice stones can be used to remove unwanted or excess hairs. This isn’t ideal for sensitive areas, but it’s effective for removing hairs from forearms, shins and other areas of thicker skin.

Use a stone that has smaller holes, and soak the area in warm water for about five minutes before using the stone.

How to Use

When using a pumice stone to exfoliate, you want to stick to thicker skin areas and calluses. The abrasive texture of the stone can be too harsh on delicate areas, such as the face, and can lead to microabrasions.

Instead, use it on the soles of the feet, hands, knees, elbows and any other area of skin thickness or roughness.

If you’re dealing with dry, thick or callused skin, here’s a step-by-step guide to using a pumice stone for smoother skin:

1. Wet the Area

The pumice stone works well on wet and even soapy skin.

To prep the area, soak it in warm water for three to five minutes. This will make dead skin cells easier to remove and even increase penetration when using the stone.

For really rough areas, add a gentle soap to the area before using the stone. This can also be done while showering or in the bath.

2. Gently Exfoliate

Now that the skin is prepped with some warm water and maybe some soap, it’s time to start exfoliating. Move the stone in circular motions, starting with light pressure and increasing gradually until you see that it’s removing the excess skin.

You’ll notice that the dead skin cells actually build up on the stone as they’re removed from your skin.

Once you’ve achieved your desired smoothness, you can stop exfoliating. This usually takes just a few minutes.

3. Dry the Area

This may seem obvious, but after exfoliating, gently towel dry your skin. Don’t be too rough with the area because it may be sensitive, so pat drying is ideal.

4. Moisturize

This step is really important, so don’t skip it.

After drying your skin, apply a thick layer of moisturizer. This can be a chemical-free lotion or cream or a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba.

This will help seal the fresh skin and heal any microabrasions that may have occurred while exfoliating.

5. Clean the Stone

To avoid the buildup of bacteria and fungus inside your stone, it needs to be cleaned after every use.

Clean it with soap and water, and use a bristled brush. Then let it dry completely.

Store it away in a clean place until the next use.

Aftercare

Taking care of your skin between pumice stone uses is important. Right after exfoliating with a stone, dry the area, and add a gentle moisturizer.

In the days after use, keep moisturizing with a chemical-free cream or hydrating oil, like jojoba, olive or coconut oils. It may also help to use a keratolytic agent in between pumice stone uses, such as creams containing salicylic acid.

Cleaning your stone properly is also very important. If it’s left unclean, it becomes a home to bacteria and can lead to skin infections or irritations.

Simply use soap and water to clean the stone and inside the pores. Then let it dry completely before storing it away.

Risks and Side Effects

Exfoliating with a pumice stone may cause skin irritations, especially to sensitive areas. It may also cause small abrasions if it’s not done gently.

It’s best to start with less sensitive areas, like the heels of your feet.

If you’re using a stone on your face, go for one with smaller holes, and do it very gently. If you experience redness or skin irritation, stop using the stone.

Final Thoughts

• The pumice rock or stone is an age-old remedy for hair removal, removing dead skin cells and getting rid of skin stains.
• The pumice stone for body care is an excellent tool for exfoliating naturally and pairs well with a foot scrub.
• Using the stone is simple, soak the area in warm water, and then rub the stone in a circular motion to reduce excess skin. Afterward, add a gentle moisturizer, and wash your stone thoroughly.

The post How to Use a Pumice Stone for the Feet & Rough Skin appeared first on Dr. Axe.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Occasional breakouts and chronic acne plague tens of millions of Americans of all ages every year.

About 85 percent of teens experience some type of acne, but even adult hormonal acne occurs and can have occasional breakouts, too. About half of teens and young adults suffering from acne will have severe enough symptoms to seek out professional help from a dermatologist.

From mild to severe, acne can cause painful and unsightly outbreaks on the face, back, chest and even arms. Left untreated, acne can also lead to diminished self-esteem and long-term hyperpigmentation or acne scars. Genetics, changing hormone levels, lack of sleep and stress are all contributing factors to acne.

The good news is this: There are many safe treatments for acne scars now available. Learn more below and consider using in combination with acne home remedies.

What Is Acne?

Acne vulgaris is the term for a group of skin conditions that cause most acne pimples. Acne is typically categorized into two main types: non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. Acne is also described as mild, moderate or severe acne, or sometimes given a grade of either grade I, II, III or IV acne.

The main types of acne include:

• Non-inflammatory acne — characterized by whiteheads and blackheads, but not cysts/nodules.
• Inflammatory acne — usually caused by small infections due to P. Acnes bacteria.
• Nodular acne (also called nodulocystic acne) and cystic acne have many things in common, and sometimes the terms are even used interchangeably. Both are severe types of acne that form deep breakouts underneath the surface of the skin, resulting in large, inflamed cysts and nodules that appear on the skin. One difference between the two is that cysts are softer than nodules and more likely to have noticeable pus inside.
• Acne Fulminans — a severe form of inflammatory acne that usually affects adolescent males on jaw, chest and back.
• Acne Mechanica — triggered by excess pressure, heat and friction. Often affects athletes, causing small bumps and some inflamed lesions.

Here is how acne is graded depending on the type of symptoms it causes:

• Grade I — causes mild whiteheads, blackheads and small pimples that are not inflamed.
• Grade II — Moderate acne that causes frequent breakouts of pustules and papules.
• Grade III — large amount of inflammation, numerous papules and pustules, and some nodules.
• Grade IV — the most severe form of acne, causing many nodules, cysts, pustules and papules that often appear on the face, back, chest, neck and buttocks.

Symptoms

Acne symptoms will depend on the specific type of acne someone has and the underlying cause of the skin irritation/inflammation. They include:

• Blackheads, or small black dots on the skin, usually around the nose, forehead or chin. These are also called “comedones” and result from debris getting trapped inside of a follicle.
• Whiteheads, which can form when pus builds under the skin and forms a “head.” These result from follicles getting plugged with sebum and dead skin cells.
• Papules and pustules (the technical name for pimples) which cause small or medium-sized bumps on the skin that are round, red and don’t always have a visible “head.” These are caused by “moderate” types of acne and are not as severe as cysts or nodules.
• Cysts or nodules, which are severe pimples that are infected and painful. They can form within deeper layers of the skin, become very swollen or tender, and take longer to heal then papules and pustules.
• Dark spots on the skin (hyperpigmentation).
• Scars, most often left behind from nodules or cysts, especially if they have been “popped” or picked.
• Increased sensitivity to products, heat, sweat and sunlight.
• Decreased self-esteem, self-consciousness, anxiety and depression.

Causes

The main causes of acne include:

• Clogged pores, caused by things like excess oil production and dead skin cells. Sebum is the type of oil released into hair follicles that can become trapped beneath surface of the skin and clog pores.
• Bacteria
• Hormone imbalances or fluctuations. For example, when androgen hormones increase oil production rises. This often happens in teens and young adults suffering from acne, especially women experiencing PMS, irregular periods, pregnancy, early menopause and other hormonal conditions such as poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
• Poor diet, such as the “Standard American Diet” that includes lots of refined grains, sugar and unhealthy fats.
• High amounts of stress and related problems like psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
• Use of certain medications, including corticosteroids, androgens, birth control pills and lithium.
• Sleep deprivation
• Friction and irritation to the skin, such as from sports equipment and backpacks that can lead to acne breakouts on the chin, forehead, jawline and back.
• Genetic predisposition
• Smoking and other causes of inflammation

Once believed to strike most often during teen years, acne is now affecting millions of adult women, many of which never had a problem with acne in the past. A review published in the Archives of Dermatological Research found evidence that sleep deprivation, stress and other aspects of “modern life” are linked to adult female acne.

Treatments

Dermatologists can prescribe medications to treat acne, including gels, lotions, cleansers and even antibiotics. But sometimes the harsh chemicals used in over-the-counter and prescription acne products can cause further irritation to already-sensitive or inflamed skin. In other words, pay close attention to how each treatment may affect your skin.

Meanwhile, consider some of these more promising treatments for acne in the recent years:

1. Microneedling

One procedure that some dermatologists or aestheticians recommend is microneedling, a minimally invasive skin treatment to boost collagen in the skin and a natural way to improve acne scars as long as the acne isn’t active.

A 2009 study examined the effects of multiple microneedling treatments on 37 patients with acne-related facial scarring. Over 80 percent of the patients evaluated their microneedling treatment as “excellent” on a 10-point scale. There were no significant adverse effects recorded for any of the patients.

2. Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure that uses a solution of various chemicals that are applied to the skin. Chemical peel solutions cause the top layer of skin to peel off in order to hopefully smooth the surface of the skin and provide other benefits like fading fine lines and acne scars. They do this by unclogging pores, skimming the surface of the skin to remove blackheads, and depositing ingredients that help to fade post-pimple marks.

Deep peels can be used to remove pre-cancerous growths, deep scars or wrinkles, serious acne scars and stubborn age spots.

What’s the best type of chemical peel for acne scars? Salicylic acid and lactic acid are often used in peels that are intended to clear acne, while acids like trichloroacetic acid may be applied to fade scars.

Just be aware that peels and other acne treatments can increase photo-sensitivity, so you’ll need to protect your skin from the sun.

3. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical exfoliating treatment. A handheld device is used to “sand away” dead skin cells in order to make way for healthier cells. It’s better suited for light scars rather than deep scars, as it doesn’t work beyond the first layer of skin.

This noninvasive procedure has been shown to promote skin rejuvenation, increase cell thickness and boost collagen synthesis. Benefits also include improving acne scars, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, plus helping to promote even skin tone and minimizing pores.

4. Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning, a form of dermabrasion, is an exfoliating treatment performed by a dermatologist and involves gently scraping the top layer of the skin with a clean surgical scalpel. It can help decrease wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and scars — and it encourages skin cell turnover and regeneration.

Also, by removing dead skin cells from the skin, dermaplaning may reduce clogged pores and pimples that are caused by trapped bacteria. Another benefit of these treatments is a potential decrease in the appearance of post-acne scars and dark spots.

Just be aware that those with cystic acne or active acne should avoid dermaplaning because it can cause irritation and bleeding.

5. Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid called a dicarboxylic acid. It is applied to the skin for its ability to help improve tone and texture — and particularly to treat acne and rosacea. This acid is found in grains like barley, wheat and rye — plus it can also be created in a lab from yeast. Lab-engineered azelaic acid is the type most often found in skin care products.

Salicylic acid and azelaic acid have certain things in common, including that they can both help prevent breakouts, but azelaic acid seems to be even more powerful for reducing hyperpigmentation, rosacea and other issues tied to inflammation of the skin.

Products containing AA can help diminish skin blemishes in several ways, including by killing bacteria (such as Proprionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis) that clog pores and by decreasing inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory effects make it a good option for people dealing with deep, cystic acne or lots of red bumps, since it may help make blemishes less visible, red and painful.

Some people also use azelaic acid to help prevent and fade acne marks and scars. There’s evidence suggesting it can help improve cell turnover and heal skin more quickly, promoting more even tone once blemishes are healed.

6. Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is at the top of many dermatologists’ lists of acne-fighting ingredients. Derived from the willow bark tree, this plant that has a number of skin-soothing effects. It’s also a common active ingredient in certain acne creams that helps remove excess cells that trap sebum and bacteria inside pores.

While some other ingredients may be better at killing bacteria that leads to acne and other skin issues, salicylic acid is one of the best at removing dead skin cells and smoothing skin. As a type of keratolytic medication, it has the ability to improve skin’s texture by exfoliating both the inner and outer layers of the skin, reducing unevenness and encouraging skin cell turnover.

Because it can also cause redness and dryness, especially on sensitive skin, start with a product containing 0.5 percent to 3 percent salicylic acid.

7. Tretinoin

Tretinoin is one of the most potent retinol derivatives/retinoid that’s used topically for skin conditions like persistent acne and sun damage. This form of vitamin A works to stimulate cell turnover, which works to promote pore opening and the removal of bacteria that causes breakouts.

Tretinoin is well-known for its ability to improve persistent acne. Studies suggest that it’s able to reduce visible lesions and inhibit the development of new lesions.

It also blocks several inflammatory pathways that activate acne, promotes skin cell turnover and helps control sebum production.

When analyzing tretinoin before and after images, researchers noticed reduced acne lesions after 12 weeks of treatment.

8. Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is an extract that comes from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant, and it’s commonly used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.

Bakuchiol is known to be a gentler alternative to retinol but has many of the same benefits. While retinol can sometimes cause redness, burning and stinging, studies show that pure bakuchiol is gaining attention for its ability to improve acne, melasma, photoaging and hyperpigmentation without the adverse effects.

One study found that a complex containing bakuchiol, ginkgo biloba and mannitol was able to improve the efficacy of adapalene, a vitamin A derivative, for treating acne.

A pilot study noted that bakuchiol reduced acne by a score of about 57 percent, whereas salicylic acid reduced acne by 48 percent. When the two ingredients were used together, they reduced acne lesions and inflammation up to 70 percent.

9. Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antibacterial treatment that is most often used to treat acne. It’s sold over-the-counter in a range of concentrations, so you don’t need to visit a dermatologist to begin using it.

It’s also available by prescription in more concentrated forms and sometimes combined with other treatments (such as antibiotics or retinoids).

It helps kill bacteria found inside pores, which helps prevent pore clogging. This can reduce infections, redness and inflammation, but sometimes causes negative reactions like dryness, burning and peeling.

Always start with a lower concentration to test your reaction, such as a lotion with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide.

10. Alpha hydroxy acids

Alpha hydroxy acids are a group of acids derived from plants and animals. They are used in skin care products for their anti-aging properties. Research indicates that they are useful for improving acne, scars, hyperpigmentation and melasma.

These alpha hydroxy acids help to exfoliate the skin, boost collagen and also work to remove built-up dirt and debris that may clog your pores. One study concluded that a 4 percent solution of glycolic acid and lactic acid improved whiteheads and blackheads significantly.

11. Antibiotics

Dermatologists sometimes prescribe antibiotics to help reduce the amount of bacteria getting trapped inside pores. Examples of antibiotics prescribed to treat acne include clindamycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Overall, it’s a good idea to not overuse antibiotics, of course.

12. Blue light therapy

Blue light is more commonly used at home from light-emitting devices, especially for the treatment of acne. It’s been found that blue light reaches the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin and can help kill porphyrins, which are compounds inside acne bacteria.

Home Remedies

Everyone’s skin is different, so keep in mind that effectively treating acne scars at home requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Home remedies for acne described below can be used in combination with the treatments above to provide the best results for acne scars.

However, keep in mind that while you overcome acne, it’s also very important to avoid the biggest mistakes that can make skin irritation or scarring worse:

• Picking blemishes
• Over cleansing with harsh chemicals and cleansers
• Believing only topical care of the skin is necessary to fight acne
• Not giving skin the chance to adapt to new care
• Failing to stay properly hydrated
• Failing to start treating acne from the inside, out

It’s also key to keep your skin clean:

• Wash with a gentle cleanser, such as one with probiotics, twice daily.
• Apply a lightweight moisturizer to your skin that’s free of fragrances and chemicals.
• Get some sunlight exposure, but never too much and always avoid getting burned.
• Remove all makeup before going to sleep.
• Consider using toners — such as a homemade apple cider vinegar toner — to restore the skin’s natural pH levels.
• Use clay masks weekly, such as with witch hazel or bentonite clay. You can also try this acne scar removal mask that uses certain essential oils that appear to aid healing of the skin.
• Wash your pillowcases often.
• Make sure you wear clean makeup, and keep it minimal to avoid clogging pores.

The post How to Get Rid of Acne Scars: 12 Treatments appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Even though stretch marks rarely cause any significant medical problems, they can be annoying, distressful and cause embarrassment because it often seems there is no way to get rid of them.

Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are found more often in women than men — and they typically appear in the abdomen area, the breasts, outer thighs, buttocks, thighs and upper arms.

So, how to get rid of stretch marks? While you can’t make them disappear, you can diminish their overall appearance by using certain natural remedies (discussed below).

What Are Stretch Marks?

Our skin consist of a top layer called the epidermis, the middle layer called the dermis and then the base layer. Stretch marks occur because the middle layer of the skin is torn. Essentially, stretch marks are caused by the skin being overstretched, which occurs in certain, but rather common, conditions — such as pregnancy, obesity and growing (during adolescence).

The tissue ultimately gets damaged due to stretching, and this stretching of the skin, or dermis, causes scarring. It has also been suggested that stretch marks can be caused by high serum levels of steroid hormones induced for a local or systemic steroid therapy or Cushing’s disease. High steroid hormone levels can have an effect on the decrease of collagen. Stretch marks have been reported in patients with chronic liver disease, HIV, cachectic states and anorexia nervosa.

3 Stages

Studies have shown that there are three stages of stretch marks. Stage one is the acute stage and is characterized by red and slightly raised stretch marks. Another stage is characterized by a purple or reddish mark, and, third, the chronic stage is noted by flattened areas of skin with a pink-red hue that may be itchy and slightly raised, susceptible to lengthening and acquiring a dark purple hue. Eventually, they can develop a white or silver-like appearance and become flat, shiny and depressed.

Stretch marks are separated from normal skin by a densely packed area of thin, collagen bundles. Numerous studies of mature stretch marks show that stretched collagen fibers aligned parallel to the skin surface, followed by subsequent loss of collagen and increased flattening.

Reduced amounts of fibrillin, a glycoprotein essential for the formation of elastic fibers found in connective tissue, diminished the elastin in the skin and contributes to the atrophied appearance of stretch marks. Studies have also demonstrated that the color variations of stretch marks are similar to the wound-healing process of regular scar formation.

Causes

1. Pregnancy

A study in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care states that “pregnancy is a period in which more than 90 percent women have significant and complex skin changes that may have great impact on the woman’s life.” Ultimately, when the skin is stretched for long periods of time, it can cause stretch marks.

Another study showed that stretch marks can be more severe and occur more often during pregnancy at younger ages. Twenty percent (14 of 71) of teenagers had severe striae, a finding not seen as often in women over 30 years of age.

2. Weight Gain or Weight Loss

It is very common to see stretch marks when experiencing weight gain or weight loss due to the rapid development of stretched skin. This can occur through weight gain by way of obesity as well as from weight lifting. Additionally, weight loss can reveal stretch marks.

When the body increases in size too quickly, the skin can’t stretch far enough and markings may develop due to the stress placed on the skin. However, if muscles are developed at a slower pace, stretch marks are less likely to appear. Adversely, when the body experiences rapid weight loss, stretch marks can become more evident. This is because the excessive fat or increase in muscle stretched the skin for a long period of time.

3. Rapid Growth During Adolescence

A factor that can contribute to the development of stretch marks is the intense hormonal changes causing the increasing level of certain hormones called glucocorticoids, which are produced by human adrenal glands. Steroid hormones that support the body growth during puberty, glucocorticoids flow into the bloodstream, preventing the dermis from producing sufficient levels of collagen and elastin fibers which should support skin elasticity.

Stretch marks during adolescent years usually occur in healthy individuals of normal weight around puberty in association with typical growth spurts. The development of stretch marks coincide with the common adolescent bodily changes such as testicular enlargement, breast development, pubic hair growth and menstruation. The condition is more common in boys, presumably because boys grow faster than girls during puberty.

The Indian Journal of Dermatology reports that onset of stretch marks is usually between 14 and 20 years of age in males and 10 and 16 years of age in females. The case describes a 13-year-old boy with stretch marks, that developed during adolescence, found mainly in the upper back.

4. Increased Cortisone in the Body

We have established that stretch marks are most often the result of skin stretching but it is also caused by an increase of cortisone in the body. Cortisone is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands, yet if there is too much of this hormone, it can make the skin lose its elasticity and cause thinning.

Corticosteroid creams, lotions, pills, and chronic use of oral or systemic steroids can increase the amount of this hormone in the body, which can induce stretch marks because they decrease the skin’s ability to stretch as well as causing drying of the skin making stretch marks more prevalent. Some conditions or diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and other adrenal gland disorders can also cause stretch marks by increasing the amount of cortisone in your body.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

In order to get rid of stretch marks, or at least improve the appearance of them or prevent them from happening in the first place, multiple therapies are under development. The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology conducted a study of the experience of 20 patients with stretch marks of varying circumstances using a topical treatment. Of the 16 patients who completed the study, 15 had significant improvement in their clinical picture.

The treatment of stretch marks varies and includes various creams, topical oil massages and glycolic acid to name a few. While lasers are considered an effective treatment, there are many natural ways to get rid of stretch marks.

1. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is very beneficial in helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. You can find vitamin K is foods such as dandelion greens, mustard greens, Swiss chard, spring onions or scallions, kale, spinach and Brussels sprouts to name a few.

2. Essential Oils (Such as Rosehip, Frankincense and Helichrysum)

Essential oils are found in plants and typically cold pressed from the seeds. Rosehip oil, for example, is a lightweight, non-greasy oil full of essential fatty acids that improve skin strength and elasticity. It’s noted as the best source for trans-retinoic acid, a natural form of vitamin A that encourages skin to regenerate faster.

Because of the regenerative properties of both frankincense and helichrysum, these essential oils also make great choices for helping to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. You can try these oils, blended with olive or coconut oil, with a derma roller to maximize the effect and minimize healing time.

Here is a great DIY stretch mark cream with all of these essential oils, along with other healing properties.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great go-to for helping minimize stretch marks. While it’s a saturated fat, coconut oil sets itself apart from your typical saturated fats because it’s primarily made up of medium chain triglyceride lauric acid.

Coconut oil is known for having a long list of benefits, but in this case, its ability to improve skin elasticity, increase cell regeneration, and fight off infection are most important. Use coconut oil directly over stretch marks by itself or just prior to using a derma roller.

This homemade stretch mark scrub with fractionated coconut oil relies on raw sugar and shea butter, and I consider it one of the best ways to reduce the signs of stretch marks.

4. Gelatin

Because the loss of collagen often results in stretch marks, it would make sense that gelatin, one of the best dietary sources of collagen available, can help decrease the risk of stretch marks as well as minimize those that already exist.

When taken by mouth into the body, this superfood helps to firm skin and promotes growth of new cells in addition to providing joint support, hair and nail health and improving digestion. Collagen protein is a great source as well as bone broth.

5. Aloe Vera

It’s no surprise that aloe vera gel is on this list of helping reduce the scarring that stretch marks can cause. It has been known to make a positive effect on the skin for decades. Aloe vera gel is an excellent source of vitamins, and it an amazing natural moisturizer. Aloe vera is very gentle and can be used as often as you like. Make sure you select pure aloe vera gel.

6. Microneedling

Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive skin treatment in which a dermatologist or aesthetician intentionally creates tiny punctures in the top layer of skin using micro-fine needles. It can help reduce scars and improve the appearance of stretch marks.

7. Dry Brushing

Dry brushing may help stimulate the cells and break down toxins from beneath the skin, and it may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks plus act as a natural remedy for cellulite.

The post How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Can you imagine a daily routine that only takes five minutes, has amazing wellness benefits, is practically free, makes your skin glow and feels really good? Dry brushing has been around for a long time, but this often easy-to-do natural skin care routine is barely practiced today.

Dry brushing helps unclog pores and excrete toxins that get trapped beneath the skin. Did you know that our skin is considered an organ? And as such, it’s the largest organ in the human body. Since one-third of the body’s toxins are excreted through the skin, this super-large organ needs daily attention.

The skin also has the job of producing antibacterial substances to protect you from infection, and when exposed to the sun, the skin helps your body produce the much needed vitamin D.

What Is Dry Brushing?

It seems that dry brushing has been used for centuries by Scandinavians and Russians. More than 30 years ago, a Finnish doctor by the name of Paavo Airola prescribed this technique for his patients to detoxify, exfoliate and stimulate the skin.

It’s considered part of Ayurvedic medicine and works by exfoliating the skin. Those who use the practice rub a brush over their skin in a particular way, and the brush is usually coarse with natural fibers. The natural fibers will help get rid of dead skin and enhance the skin’s ability to detoxify.

Benefits

1. Exfoliates Dead Skin

When in your teens and 20s, dry brushing isn’t really necessary because the skin automatically renews itself. However, as you get older, it is helpful to exfoliate once or twice week to help renew the skin and remove those dead skin cells so that you have a fresher appearance and healthier skin.

It’s important to do this gently so that you do not tear the skin. You don’t want to break down the skin’s protective layer or cause irritation to sensitive skin, which could get infected. Exfoliating too much can also dehydrate the skin, which is that last thing you want to do.

2. Stimulates the Lymphatic System

Because your skin helps to detoxify the body, it’s important to keep it healthy so that it can do its job. However, if your skin has too many toxins or dead skin cells, it may not be able to eliminate waste from your body as efficiently as needed.

Dry brushing your skin can help your lymphatic system, which has the job of removing toxins from the body and ultimately helps prevent you from getting sick. When inflammation builds up in the body, it can cause the body to struggle to fight off that inflammation. If the skin is healthy, it can help release those toxins so that the body is not having to work so hard to rid itself of them.

3. Reduces Cellulite

Everyone hates cellulite, and it seems to be so hard to lose. Cellulite is the appearance of cottage cheese skin predominantly seen on the legs, butt, stomach and back of the arms. It’s often caused by fluid retention, lack of circulation, weak collagen structure and increased body fat in addition to hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, genetics, poor diet and toxicity.

Cellulite is most common in adolescent and adult women, but men can have it, too. While there are many claims to treatments, dry brushing may help stimulate the cells and break down toxins from beneath the skin, which may act as a natural remedy for cellulite and even reduce the appearance of stretch marks. (You can also try this DIY coffee scrub for cellulite.)

4. Unclogs Pores

Dr. Cynthia Thaik, MD, a Harvard-trained cardiologist and author of Your Vibrant Heart tells us that over time, your pores can get clogged with dead skin cells, pollutants and cosmetics. This causes the liver and kidneys to work really hard to get rid of impurities. Dry skin brushing unclogs your skin’s pores and helps your skin absorb more nutrients, which promotes healthy skin and allows those toxins to release a bit easier.

5. Offers Stress Relief

Another benefit of dry brushing is that it’s similar to massage in decreasing stress, which is great for your health by eliminating anxiety. A study reported that whole body massage was effective in reducing anxiety and stabilizing vital signs of patients with acute coronary disorders. Dry brushing is similar to massage in helping you to relax, yet is far cheaper since you can do it yourself.

Much like a hand massage, dry brushing can provide much needed natural stress relief. When you are less stressed, your body heals much faster from any disease-causing inflammation that it may be have.

Did you know that 75 to 90 percent of all doctors office visits are related to conditions caused by stress? When you are stressed, it causes changes in the hormones that can increase inflammation and trigger various other problems. If you experience stress over a long period of time, it can be dangerous and is capable of increasing the risk for heart disease, diabetes, weight gain or obesity, mental disorders, autoimmune diseases, digestive disorders and even cancer.

Therefore, finding ways to help eliminate stress is crucial. Dry brushing is an easy way that you can do this for yourself.

How to Dry Brush

There are a few steps that are needed to dry brush correctly. With a little practice, you can enjoy this wonderful benefit and your skin will thank you. Not only will you feel better, but your skin will being to regain that youthful appearance.

Here’s how to dry brush:

1. Purchase a natural bristle brush with a long handle so that you can reach all areas of your body. Avoid the synthetic brushes.
2. Remove any clothing and stand in a bathtub or shower to catch the falling dry skin.
3. Do not wet the skin. Dry brush your skin while it is dry.
4. Starting at the bottom your feet, move in long sweeping motion toward your heart. Stroking away from your heart can put extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels, causing ruptured vessels and varicose veins.
5. Brush each area several times and overlapping as you go to ensure that you do not miss a spot. Be careful over the more sensitive areas, such as the breasts. You may want to avoid the nipple area. It may feel more sensitive the first few times, but your skin will become less sensitive with consistent dry brushing.
6. Once you’ve brushed your entire body, step into the shower and bathe as you normally would.
7. After you have showered, pat your skin dry and apply a natural oil like rose hip, olive or coconut oil to your entire body. Try this all-over homemade body butter or check out the DIY recipe I have here!

Precautions

1. Sensitive Skin

At first, test a small area to make sure you are not over-sensitive to the activity. Then dry brush the entire body once a week.

Once you feel comfortable with the process and confirm that you do not have any irritation from it, you can dry brush your entire body a couple of times a week. More than that can cause dehydration. And, by removing the outer layer, you are removing the much needed protection that your skin provides, so it is best not to dry brush too frequently.

2. Be Gentle

It is important to be gentle as you dry brush. You do not want to break the skin and cause more inflammation. Also, make sure your brush has soft bristles. It should feel good.

3. Brush Towards the Heart

Brush towards the heart to so that you avoid putting pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels.

4. Relax

Part of the importance is to reduce stress. Relax, don’t be in a hurry and enjoy this time for yourself.

5. Clean Your Brush

Clean your brush with soap and water at least once a week and let it air dry to avoid any mildew accumulation on your brush.

The post Start Dry Brushing for Better Skin appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Adapted from The Collagen Diet: A 28-Day Play for Sustained Weight Loss, Glowing Skin, Great Gut Health and a Younger You by Dr. Josh Axe

Protecting your skin isn’t just a cosmetic issue. This vital tissue is the first layer of defense against invading pathogens as well as the largest organ in your body.

Keeping it youthful and structurally sound has ramifications for your overall health — and promoting collagen is the single best strategy to safeguard your skin — but I don’t want to trivialize the cosmetic impact of collagen. When you look in the mirror and see someone with vibrant hair and skin — which, by the way, can still be luminous (sometimes even more so!) if it has a few wrinkles and laugh lines — you feel better about yourself, which contributes to your happiness and sense of wellbeing. That, in turn, can help you be a better parent, partner, friend and colleague. And there’s nothing superficial about that.

With that being said, essential oils are staples in my and Chelsea’s skin care routines. I honestly don’t know what we’d do without them.

Derived from plants, they contain concentrated amounts of active compounds that naturally support a healthy inflammation response, one of the many ways they boost skin health.

Here’s a look at some of the best essential oils for skin tightening, healthy aging and all around glowing skin. Find out why and how they can protect the collagen in your skin and how to properly use essential oils for skin care.

Top 6 Essential Oils for Skin

1. Frankincense oil

Research has shown that this ancient oil can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, and it seems to have the same effect on wrinkles and fine lines, according to a paper in Dermatologic Therapy. In that study, researchers instructed study subjects to apply frankincense oil to one side of their face for thirty days. The treated side showed significant improvement in sun damage, skin texture and fine lines as well as an increase in skin elasticity.

The secret behind its effectiveness is likely its inflammation-fighting ability. Mix two to three drops of the oil with equal parts coconut or jojoba oil and apply to your skin.

2. Pomegranate seed oil

The oil of the pomegranate seed offers powerful protection from sun damage, according to research, and actually inhibits the devastating UVB-induced damage, thereby protecting collagen. Apply several drops to the skin before and after sun exposure.

3. Lavender oil

Research shows that lavender essential oil triggers the production of three of your body’s most powerful antioxidants: glutathione (known as your body’s master antioxidant), catalase and superoxide dismutase. When cells are under stress, including fibroblasts, it’s glutathione that comes to the rescue.

Lavender oil is also helpful for wound healing, because it triggers protein synthesis, including collagen.

Apply a few drops of lavender oil to the skin before bed; it also promotes sleep and reduces anxiety!

4. Myrrh oil

A powerful anti-inflammatory, myrrh oil contains terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, which control inflammation and also fight free radicals. Myrrh oil is part of my daily skin routine (and my wife, Chelsea’s) because it also protects against the sun’s damaging UV radiation and supports youthful, glowing skin.

Apply a few drops to your skin before bed. (It will relax you, too!)

5. Jojoba oil

This isn’t technically an essential oil, but I’m including it here because it is wonderfully hydrating, probably because it contains a number of helpful ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin B complex, silicon, chromium, copper and zinc. It also can promote collagen, according to a study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, which showed that jojoba liquid wax, which is similar to oil, stimulated fibroblast synthesis of type I collagen in wounds.

Apply two to three drops of jojoba oil to your face.

6. Rosehip oil

There’s a good reason this oil (which isn’t actually an essential oil) has created a name for itself in the wrinkle-fighting realm: It’s packed with vitamin C, which, as you already know, plays a vital role in collagen production. Not only that, it also is a rich source of essential fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic, linoleic and gamma linoleic. It can strengthen nails, too.

Apply a few drops to the areas you’d like to strengthen and support.

Final Thoughts

Before adding essential oils to your daily regimen, be sure to read up on essential oil safety so you know which essential oils can go directly on your skin, which essential oils should be diluted, the ones to avoid during pregnancy and the essential oils that are bad for your skin.

The post 6 Essential Oils with Blockbuster Beauty Benefits appeared first on Dr. Axe.

If you make coffee at home every morning, you may be used to chucking the coffee grounds in the garbage afterwards. Yes, they keep the scent of coffee lingering in your kitchen for hours or days, but research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry points out that used coffee grounds are a massively produced residue that are causing environmental problems.

For that reason, reusing them has become a focus of interest. Did you know that coffee grounds can be used at home and in the garden? They have the perfect texture for exfoliating skin and surfaces, they naturally deodorize the air and they contain compounds that actually fertilize the earth.

Who knew that used coffee grounds could be so versatile?

1. Make a Cleansing Coffee Scrub

A coffee body scrub is an excellent way to exfoliate the skin, reducing the buildup of bacteria, dirt and dead skin cells. Using it daily or throughout the week will reduce old skin cells and allow new cells to emerge.

Plus, massaging a scrub made with grounds into your face and under your eyes will help to boost circulation and improve skin quality. You may notice that it improves skin tone and reduces dark circles under your eyes.

Use this DIY face scrub with coffee to deeply cleanse and refreshen your skin. Not only does it work as a natural exfoliator, but it’s also rich in antioxidants that will promote healthy aging. (See the DIY body scrub below, too.)

Meanwhile, this DIY lip scrub with coffee grounds and pumpkin gently exfoliates the lips and leaves them supple.

(Two other natural ways to exfoliate the skin? The pumice stone and dry brushing, which also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite by the way.)

2. Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite

There’s a lot of curiosity about coffee grounds for cellulite and how it works. The caffeine in the grounds promotes the dilation of blood vessels and works to tighten the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

On top of that, a DIY coffee scrub can also fight cellulite by exfoliating the skin and when it’s massaged into areas of concern. This action decreases tissue edema and stimulates the activity cells that produce collagen. Research suggests that this may reduce the activity of fat cells and reduce cellulite.

3. Make a Natural Hair Dye

Did you know that coffee can be used as a natural hair dye? It doesn’t have the same effects as permanent hair dye, but it can work as a toner that makes your hair a bit darker.

To dye your hair, mix brewed dark-roast coffee and coffee grounds with any leave-in conditioner. Then apply it to clean, damp hair and let it sit for at least an hour. Then wash it out.

You can also try this DIY coffee and cocoa eyebrow dye, which will allow you to tint your eyebrows safely at home.

4. Treat Your Hair and Scalp

Just like coffee grounds uses for skin works as a natural exfoliator, it can be used on your hair and scalp, too. Massaging the grounds into your scalp will remove dead skin cells and buildup, which stimulates hair follicles.

Research indicates that when caffeine is applied to hair follicles, it may even promote hair growth. On top of that, it can leave your hair looking extra shiny too.

To use coffee grounds on your hair, simply fill your palm with the grounds, massage them into your hair and scalp for 1–2 minutes, then rinse and shampoo as usual.

5. Make a Natural Deodorizer

Looking for easy uses for used coffee grounds, just put them in a cup and let it sit in your refrigerator. They work as a natural deodorizer, just like baking soda. The grounds absorb any unwanted odors in the air, so they can also be used in bathrooms, kitchens and more.

6. Clean Grease and Grime

The abrasive texture of coffee grounds helps to remove grease, grime and buildup. Instead of using harsh chemicals or sponges to clean pots, pans and hard-to-clean surfaces, used grounds can do the trick.

On top of that, studies show that roasted coffee possesses antibacterial activity, which is enhanced by the caffeine content.

7. Make Compost

To use coffee grounds in the garden, add them to your compost. The grounds are nitrogen-rich and serve as the perfect addition to your DIY compost.

Nitrogen is one of the four key factors for a thriving compost, along with carbon, oxygen and moisture. Research highlights that this mixture works to enrich the soil, helps it to retain moisture and encourages the production of beneficial bacteria.

Coffee grounds in compost is considered a green material, so if you add it daily or weekly, make sure you’re also adding brown materials to keep the balance of nitrogen and carbon. Some brown materials include dead leaves, branches and twigs.

8. Use As Plant Fertilizer

Coffee grounds as fertilizer are beneficial because of their nitrogen content. Plus, the grounds improve soil drainage, water retention and aeration. They also attract important earthworms and promote the presence of beneficial bacteria in the soil.

To be sure that the grounds don’t lower the pH of the soil and make it too acidic, it helps to rinse them in water first. Then simply mix the grounds in plant soil or sprinkle them directly on top of the soil.

9. Repel Pests

Did you know that used coffee grounds repel insects? Studies conclude that the chemicals found in grounds are highly toxic to mosquitoes and some insects.

Adding them to a cup and leaving it next to outdoor seating will deter mosquitoes and other pests. And sprinkling coffee grounds in the vegetable garden will keep slugs, snails and even cats away. This is an effective use for unbrewed coffee grounds too.

 10. Add Flavor to Baked Goods

Coffee grounds are an excellent addition to chocolatey baked goods because they bring out the flavor. They also work well in recipes that include caramel, butterscotch, vanilla and even mint.

You can add used grounds into batter or filling — the taste works really well in brownies and chocolate cake. Blending the grounds in a food processor will avoid larger pieces in your batter, but using finely ground coffee works too. You can also add ground coffee beans to frostings and fillings to add flavor and texture.

Can You Consume Used Coffee Grounds?

Used coffee grounds is sometimes added to baked goods recipes, meat rubs and sauces, but are they really safe to consume?

A lab study conducted in Spain suggests that used coffee grounds has a prebiotic effect on gut microbiota by stimulating healthy bacteria. But we aren’t sure it they would impact the human gut similarly.

Another lab study, published in Food Chemistry, shows that used coffee grounds are rich in dietary fiber and when fermented in the gut, produce short-chain fatty acids that prevent inflammation.

Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that used grounds had high amounts of hydrophilic antioxidant compounds. In fact, the antioxidant capacity of grounds were higher than what’s found in brewed coffee.

Despite these potential benefits of consuming coffee grounds, there’s evidence that it may also increase cholesterol levels. Studies analyzing the impact of consuming unfiltered coffee show that it can increase LDL cholesterol. This is due to the diterpenes in coffee, which may effect serum lipids. But the impact of consuming coffee or grounds on cholesterol depends on how the coffee is filtered and brewed, and the origin of the beans.

Overall, it’s likely safe to add grounds to baked goods and even use it to tenderize or flavor meats, but keep it minimal to avoid impacts on your cholesterol levels.

Final Thoughts

• If you’re home brewing coffee, you probably throw out plenty of coffee grounds. But guess what? these grounds can be used in several ways around your house and garden.
• Grounds work as excellent exfoliators, they fertilize the soil in your garden and they even repel mosquitoes and other pests.
• It’s likely safe to consume grounds in baked goods, once in a while. Overeating grounds may lead to increased cholesterol levels, so it’s not something you’d do regularly.

DIY Coffee Scrub

---

• Author: Christine Ruggeri
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Coffee grounds contains antioxidants that can help heal the skin, but it also has just the right texture to work as a scrub, helping slough off those dead skin cells. This DIY coffee scrub can be used on the face (be gentle!), it’s great to use on the entire body.

---

Ingredients

• 1 cup coffee grounds (ground fine, which is better for sensitive skin)
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• ½ cup shea butter
• 10 drops orange or peppermint essential oil (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, use a wooden spoon and mix the coffee grounds and coconut sugar.
2. If the shea butter is soft, add to the mixture. If it’s hard, melt it a very low temperature in a small pot on the stove. Add to the mixture when it’s soft. Stir well.
3. When the mixture is cool, stir in the optional essential oil.
4. Scrap all of mixture into a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place.
5. When ready to use, bring into shower and be careful to not let water into the mixture. First wet your body with warm water, then scoop out some of the coffee scrub and rub it over your body. Focus on areas with dry skin, such as the elbows, knees, shoulders, back of arms, etc. You can also use on your face by rubbing gently, in circular motions.
6. Keep the mixture on your body for a couple of minutes before rinsing off.
7. After shower, follow with a body moisturizer.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Category: Body care
• Method: Mixing

Keywords: DIY coffee scrub, coffee body scrub, coffee face scrub, coffee scrub DIY

The post 10 Uses for Coffee Grounds, Including a Body Scrub appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Cellulite removal treatments are growing in popularity as more and more people struggle to maintain a healthy weight and look for ways on how to get rid of cellulite.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2019 over 2.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures were carried out in the U.S. alone — including over 265,000 liposuction procedures, many of which were performed to remove cellulite.

Although they might sound like the perfect quick fixes, liposuction and laser cellulite treatments are not simple means of going from a size 16 to size 6 overnight. The ASPS itself even states, “Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite — the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips, and buttocks — or loose saggy skin.”

How can you get rid of cellulite? Nothing can substitute for eating an anti-inflammatory diet and getting enough exercise. Just as with other signs of aging, if you want to reduce cellulite, first and foremost focus on maintaining a healthy weight throughout your adult life.

Then, certain topical treatments may help dimply skin become less noticeable and improve skin’s overall appearance.

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is the appearance of lumpy or dimpled “cottage cheese skin,” which predominantly develops on the legs (especially the thighs), butt, stomach and the back of the arms. Some also refer to it as “orange peel skin” because it looks like the tiny bumps that form on the outside of citrus fruits.

Basically, cellulite forms when globules of fat develop under the skin and push up against the connective tissue, forming an uneven, “mottled” look to the skin.

There are three types cellulite with different severities, ranging from mild to severe.

Some of the factors that contribute to this condition are a lack of exercise (a sedentary lifestyle), hormone changes and — you guessed it — a poor-quality diet.

It’s possible to develop cellulite at any age, but it tends to get worse as someone gets older due to increased fatty deposits (and often a higher body weight and overall BMI).

This condition is more common in women than men, with about 90% of women having some measure of cellulite, particularly as they age and the skin loses its elasticity. However, even teenagers dealing with weight and hormonal changes can deal with this skin concern.

Cellulite is not serious or harmful, and therefore many choose to just simply leave it alone. Meanwhile, others become very bothered by unsightly cellulite, especially following life circumstances such as weight gain/loss or pregnancy — or in the summer when it’s common to reveal more skin.

Causes

What is the main cause of cellulite? Several primary factors contribute to the development of cellulite, including:

• Weak collagen structure of the skin, which leads to skin thinning and loss of elasticity
• Genetic factors
• Poor diet
• Fluid retention
• Dehydration
• Lack of circulation (blood flow)
• Being overweight
• Hormonal changes, including in estrogen and cortisol
• Lack of physical activity

Some other factors that can cause skin changes, such as cellulite, sagginess, wrinkles and formation of dark spots, include:

• hormonal imbalances
• high amounts of stress
• existing medical conditions, like autoimmune disease or diabetes
• allergies
• smoking
• too much sun exposure
• other causes of toxicity

While the connection between dealing with stress and developing cellulite may seem far-fetched, science has shown that all of the factors above increase inflammation and contribute to signs of aging.

For example, according to a research study published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, cellulite can be caused by increased levels of catecholamines due to high stress and raised cortisol levels.

Things like stress and a poor diet also cause your body to slow down production of collagen, which is crucial to keep skin looking young.

In fact, it’s now believed that collagen (a type of structural protein that forms skin’s layers) plays a big role in regulating cellulite. Dysfunction of collagen-rich fibers called fibrous septae seem to form cellulite dimples, so these are now the target of most professional cellulite treatments.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite

Can you get rid of cellulite once you have it? Unfortunately, it seems that the answer is not completely.

As one 2019 review explains, “Despite multiple therapeutic approaches that attempt to treat cellulite, no procedures have been proven successful long term.”

Considering all the lifestyle factors that affect the appearance and health of your skin, it’s understandable why intensive cellulite treatments — including noninvasive devices, such as massage or radio/acoustic frequency, laser and light-based treatments, liposuction, topical creams, injections, and carboxy therapy — are popular options.

Unfortunately, these are not long-term solutions for keeping skin looking healthy.

In order for some of these cellulite treatments to work — such as submission, vibrational therapy, wave therapy or lasers — ongoing treatments might be needed for many months on end or else results can diminish within six months to one year.

How should you tackle cellulite then? As one study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science puts it, “Reducing adipogenesis (fat storage) and increasing thermogenesis (burning fat through body heat) appear to be primary routes, while also improving the microcirculation and collagen synthesis.”

Here are the top six all-natural ways to help reduce the appearance of cellulite:

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

Can cellulite on your legs go away? Losing weight and then maintaining a healthy body fat percentage may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on your legs or elsewhere.

Some of the top foods for decreasing or preventing cellulite are:

• Flaxseeds — Flax is great for skin health and general health as it modulates estrogen levels and may also increase collagen production. You can sprinkle flaxseed on your breakfast, in your smoothies or simply eat the seeds by themselves.
• Hydrating foods — Because dehydration can lead to bloating and dry skin, try to eat more naturally hydrating foods. These include fresh veggies and fruit, especially melon, berries, cucumber, celery, citrus fruits and fresh herbs. Making Cellulite Slim Down Juice at home is a great way to consume a bunch of these at once.
• High-fiber foods — These include vegetables, nuts, seeds and berries. Fiber helps cleanse the colon, curb hunger, support your metabolism and balance hormones. High-fiber foods containing lots of antioxidants, such as leafy greens or berries, are also beneficial because of their ability to decrease free radical damage (which ages skin).
• Clean protein sources — High-quality protein foods, like grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, pastured eggs, wild-caught fish and organic protein powder, can support a healthy metabolism and aid in cellulite reduction. Ideally, aim to consume at least three to four ounces with every meal.
• Potassium-rich foods — Flushing excess fluids and waste out of cells can help reduce cellulite. Green leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, coconut water and cultured dairy are all high in potassium.
• Healthy fats — Coconut and wild-caught fish contain fatty acids that promote healthy tissue. Consume one tablespoon daily of extra virgin coconut oil and one serving of wild-caught fish (or 1,000 milligrams of fish oil) daily for the best results.
• Kelp — Kelp contains a compound called “fucoxanthin,” which is found in chlorophyll-bearing green plants and supports metabolic and skin health. Try sprinkling a small amount onto your savory meals.
• Water — Wondering if drinking lots of water is really that important for reducing cellulite? Yes! Water keeps skin hydrated and helps flush out toxic compounds. Aim to drink eight to 10 glasses of fresh water daily. Well-hydrated skin looks more even, with less of a lumpy, dry or aged look.

Try to avoid or reduce these foods, which may cause or worsen cellulite:

• Sugar and salt — If you think your diet has no effect on cellulite, think again! Here’s why: Sugar causes fluid retention, inflammation and storage of body fat — all of which can increase the appearance of cellulite. Read labels, and aim to reduce or remove added sugar. Limit your sodium intake as well, because salt is one of the main causes of water retention. Stick to a healing diet for best results, which is low in both sugar and salt.
• Refined flour and refined grain products — These break down quickly into sugar and are high in calories.
• Food allergens —  Foods like gluten, A1 casein found in most dairy, shellfish and peanuts can cause allergies or inflammation in some. These have negative effects on skin health, like potentially decreasing circulation and interfering with normal nutrient absorption.
• Trans and hydrogenated fats — These are generally unhealthy and found in processed foods.

2. Consume More Collagen

Connective tissue – including the layers of the skin – is composed of collagen. When the skin is strong, cellulite appearance is diminished.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and needed for skin’s elasticity, youthful texture and strength. One of the best ways to get more collagen is from consuming bone broth, which also has amino acids like glutamine.

Bone broth contains the amino acids called proline and glycine that make up collagen, along with important trace minerals and even antioxidant compounds. The collagen in bone broth can strengthen skin tissue and help reverse the underlying the causes of cellulite.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that patients taking 2.5 grams of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) experienced “significant decrease in the degree of cellulite and a reduced skin waviness on thighs … regular ingestion of BCP over a period of 6 months led to a clear improvement of the skin appearance in women suffering from moderate cellulite.”

As expected, the results were most impressive in women who were overweight.

3. Take Anti-Cellulite Supplements

Certain supplements and nutrients can help keep your skin in tip-top shape:

• Bromelain and proteolytic enzymes — These systemic enzymes have been used with great success to fight inflammation and dissolve gatherings of cellular tissue. According to findings published in Biotech Research Journal, “studies demonstrate that bromelain exhibits various fibrinolytic, antiedematous, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.” Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, gallstones and cellulite may all be broken down more easily and eliminated with help from enzymes. Enzymes such as bromelain, serrapeptase and nattokwinase all have the ability to dissolve fibrinogen (the tissue that holds these unwanted formations together).
• Kola — This extract has been the subject of many cellulite studies and has shown some positive results. This is a caffeine-free herb that has relaxing properties and can be taken before bedtime. It works by helping improve the elasticity of the skin, while also making it thicker.
• Green coffee extract (which contains caffeine), African mango and fucoxanthin are additional supplements that offer similar benefits as those above. Caffeine has been shown to stimulate circulation and potentially help with fat-burning, so sources of caffeine are found in many cellulite supplements.

4. Exercise Regularly

Can exercises get rid of cellulite? Although long-distance cardio can be of value in boosting your metabolism and helping prevent obesity, doing interval training (also known as burst training) will likely be much more effective. That’s because intervals are more effective at adding muscle to your frame and helping tone you all over.

In 2011, a report published in the Journal of Obesity stated, “Emerging research examining high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) indicates that it may be more effective at reducing subcutaneous and abdominal body fat than other types.”

Here are some quick facts and tips to keep in mind so you get the most benefits from your workouts:

• Look for a program that ideally combines burst cardio and resistance training. Aim for workouts that last between about 20 to 40 minutes a day.
• Interval or burst training is known to increase metabolism and burn calories long after (24–48 hours) your workout is over (known as the afterburn effect).
• Interval training incorporates short, intense exercises, such as sprinting, and then returns you to a cool-down period briefly. (This concept is also called high-intensity interval training, or HIIT.) If you’re targeting cellulite on your thighs and butt, try to incorporate moves like squats, lunges, donkey kicks and step backs.
• Two more effective strategies are weight training and isometric training – such as Barre, BarreAmped and Pilates. BarreAmped is an effective workout based on Pilates, dance, yoga and deep stretching. Together, these are helpful for toning the body. Here’s another perk: These come without the possible risks and only short-term benefits of liposuction.

5. Use Skin-Healing Essential Oils

Commercial or prescription cellulite creams can be ineffective or expensive (or both!) — plus the majority are full of chemicals that can aggravate your skin.

How do you get rid of cellulite on your legs fast? While it’s not a guarantee, try making your own natural homemade Grapefruit Cellulite Cream. The recipe uses fat-reducing grapefruit essential oil along with coconut oil to help hydrate the skin.

How does grapefruit oil help? Studies show that grapefruit essential oil contains large amounts of anti-inflammatory enzymes, such as bromelain, which help break down cellulite and prevent the formation of new fat cells (inhibits adipogenesis) below the skin in mammals.

You can also try this DIY coffee scrub that uses essential oils.

6. Try Dry Brushing and Massage Therapy

By boosting blood flow and lymphatic drainage, dry brushing the skin and massage therapy treatments can potentially help manage cellulite. You may not notice a huge difference, but it can’t hurt and can have other benefits too (such as for stress, exfoliation, etc.).

Along these lines, gua sha is an ancient Chinese therapy that helps circulation below the skin, help with lymphatic drainage and may benefit cellulite reduction.

Many women turn to liposuction (often termed “lipo”) in order to improve areas of dimpled skin (cellulite) around trouble spots like the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. According to the ASPS, “Liposuction is used to rapidly slim and reshape specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and improving body contours or proportion.”

Liposuction (vacuum-assisted or laser liposuction) is a surgical procedure, so it carries the same risks as many other medical or cosmetic treatments. Patients should be aware of the seriousness of undergoing liposuction, including potential consequences should the procedure go wrong.

Potential Side Effects of Liposuction:

While most patients only suffer bruising and swelling after liposuction, which thankfully usually heal over time, there is always the risk of more serious side effects occurring — including those that are mentally and physically painful.

Anyone undergoing anaesthesia during surgery is at risk of heart arrhythmia, adverse reaction to the drugs or even brain damage in extreme cases.

Is It True that Liposuction Fat Comes Back?

Recent research suggests that patients who have undergone liposuction treatment may find that their cellulite or body fat reappears within one year. Even more shocking? This fat reappears in a different place from which it was removed!

Researchers at the University of Colorado studied 32 patients: 14 had liposuction, and 18 did not (acting as the control group). None of the patients changed their lifestyles, and those who had liposuction found that while body fat decreased at first, it returned at a later time — especially around the abdomen and upper body.

It was not subcutaneous fat that returned either (the kind located just under the skin), but rather deeper, dangerous visceral fat, which is associated with many chronic diseases, including heart disease and early death.

How could this be? If you have fat removed from the hip area but continue to eat in a way that puts on extra pounds, the body continues to make and store new fat cells.

As the researchers put it, “We think the brain somehow knows how much fat is on board and responds [to liposuction] in a manner to regulate that weight. That’s why preventing obesity is so important.”

The bottom line on using liposuction as a cellulite treatment is even if you have this procedure, you also have to make permanent changes to your diet and/or physical activity level. Otherwise, more fat cells and cellulite are created and stored elsewhere on the body.

Risks and Side Effects

In some cases, cellulite isn’t overall harmful and is more of a concern for vanity reasons. However, sometimes cellulite may be due to underlying issues, like narrowing blood vessels and forcing water from the skin.

If your cellulite does not respond to the treatments above and suddenly becomes even more noticeable, have a dermatologist review your symptoms and risk factors. She or he can help rule out problems like lack of blood flow, which can be dangerous for people with heart or circulatory problems.

Conclusion

• Cellulite (aka orange peel skin or cottage cheese skin) is the appearance of lumpiness on the skin, usually due to sagging and an accumulation of fat under the skin’s surface.
• Factors that contribute to the development of cellulite include being overweight, eating a poor diet, fluid retention or dehydration, lack of circulation (blood flow), and weak collagen structure of the skin.
• Liposuction and lasers are two popular treatment options, but they don’t necessarily work long term.
• How do you reduce the appearance of cellulite? Maintaining a healthy body composition is important. Eating an unprocessed diet and trying HIIT workouts (interval training) are other good approaches.
• Additional treatment options for how to get rid of cellulite to try include applying grapefruit essential oil to skin, staying hydrated, consuming more collagen and taking natural supplements that support a healthy metabolism.

DIY Scrub for Cellulite

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

While scrubs made with coffee grounds cannot eliminate cellulite altogether, they have been found to visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite. This is thought to be from caffeine causing dilation of blood vessels, which improves blood flow and tightens of the skin.

---

Ingredients

• 1 cup coffee grounds
• ½ cup coconut oil (or sweet almond oil)
• ⅔ cup coarse sugar (I used turbinado sugar for this recipe)
• 4–8 drops cinnamon oil (less if you have very sensitive skin)
• 8 drops vanilla oil, or 1 teaspoon cooking vanilla

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add coffee grounds, coconut (or sweet almond) oil, sugar and essential oils.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Store in a reusable container (dark glass is best so the essential oils don’t degrade). May be stored for up to three months in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 5 min

Keywords: DIY cellulite scrub

The post How to Get Rid of Cellulite — 6 Natural Treatments appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Are you familiar with the exotic African oil whose popularity skyrocketed in the past 15 years with nearly 20 million U.S. dollars spent on it for cosmetic product manufacturing? It’s marula oil … and its demand in the beauty realm is for good reason.

What are the benefits of marula oil? For starters, it’s known for boosting skin health and appearance no matter your age or skin type (with a few precautions we’ll talk about later). 

Is marula oil better than argan oil? It’s hard to say which oil is better than the other, especially since their desirable benefits are similar. It can just be a matter of personal preference, so it’s worth comparing argan facial oil to marula facial oil and seeing which one you prefer (or you just may like them equally)! 

What Is Marula Oil?

Marula oil comes from the Sclerocarya birrea, or marula, tree, which is medium-sized and indigenous to South Africa. The trees are actually dioecious, which means there are male and female trees.

According to a scientific review published in 2012, the marula tree “is widely studied with regard to its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-parasitic, antimicrobial, and antihypertensive activities.”

In Africa, many parts of the marula tree are used as ingredients in food and traditional medicine. The oil comes from the tree’s marula fruit. 

Benefits

1. Is Nutrient-Rich and Anti-Aging

If you’re looking for a new face oil, you may want to try marula. One of the reasons many people love using a marula face oil is the fact that it’s highly absorbent. Can marula oil act as an effective face wrinkle treatment? It’s definitely possible with all of its many beneficial properties.

According to Joshua Zeichner, an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, “It’s rich in essential fatty acids that mimic those that exist naturally in the outer layer of the skin. It also contains the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and flavonoids.” He also points out that it’s a non-oily oil that absorbs quickly without a greasy feeling post-application. 

However, if you breakout easily, rosehip oil may be a better choice for fighting fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re comparing marula oil vs. rosehip oil, rosehip is a less comedogenic (less skin-clogging) oil that is also well-known for its anti-aging properties.

2. Soothes Dry Skin

Another one of the top potential marula oil benefits is its ability to improve dry skin. In fact, marula oil just may be one of the best moisturizers for a dry face (or a dry body).

It contains beneficial oleic, palmitic, linoleic and stearic acids. It’s a top pick by a cosmetic dermatologist for dry skin because it’s excellent for decreasing redness while hydrating dry and/or irritated skin. 

Plus, it’s rich in skin-boosting omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Both omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are key to normal skin function and a healthy skin appearance.

A clinical study published in 2015 took a look at the safety and efficacy of topical application of marula oil. What did the researchers find? Overall, it’s an oil rich in fatty acid that hydrates the skin, decreases transepidermal water loss and is non-irritating. 

3. Boosts Hair Health

You may be interested in the marula oil benefits for hair. Similar to the way marula improves skin dryness, it can also do the same for hair. It’s not hard these days to find marula hair oil or marula oil shampoo and conditioner. 

If you struggle with dry, frizzy or brittle hair, adding marula oil to your natural haircare regimen can help to decrease signs of dryness and damage without leaving you looking greasy (as long as you don’t use too much oil, of course). 

Some people also use marula oil for hair growth. There isn’t any research to confirm this marula oil hair usage, but the oil certainly can nourish the scalp and hair. 

4. Reduces Stretch Marks

Many people struggle with stretch marks, especially pregnant women. With its high content of fatty acids and antioxidants, marula oil can help to increase skin hydration and elasticity, possibly preventing unwanted stretch marks.

Of course, application of this nourishing oil should take place daily to avoid stretch marks or to improve the appearance of ones you already have. 

5. May Decrease Acne (for Some)

You can read a marula oil review or article and find firsthand accounts of people finding marula oil treatment helpful for breakouts. You’ll also find many people warning not to use marula if you’re acne-prone. 

Can you use marula oil for acne? In some cases, it may be a helpful natural addition to your skincare regimen if you’re struggling with breakouts, because adding oil to your skin can actually help to stop overproducing oil. Marula even appears on lists of the best facial oils for acne.

Will marula oil clog pores? Well, it has a comedogenic rating of 3–4 (on a scale of 1–5), which means it has a high likelihood of clogging pores. This doesn’t necessarily mean it will clog everyone’s pores, but if you don’t do well with coconut oil, then you likely won’t do well with this oil either. And it goes the other way too; if you find coconut oil agreeable and helpful, then marula will likely suit you well too. 

6. Helps Scars

Is marula oil good for scars? Similar to the way it helps with stretch marks, this oil can also help to prevent scarring since it’s rich in essential fatty acids as well as skin-boosting vitamins C and E. You can use marula oil for face scars or scars anywhere else on your body. 

Does marula oil lighten skin? Some sources say it may help fade dark spots due to its vitamin E content, but it’s unclear how likely this benefit may be.

7. Improves Nails and Cuticles

Marula oil is also perfect for boosting the health of your nails and cuticles. Applying the oil of marula fruit can help to decrease cracked skin and hangnails while generally improving the appearance of your nails. It’s also a great idea to apply the oil to your hands while you’re at it. 

Related: PHAs for Skin: Polyhydroxy Acids Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

How to Use It

It’s a good idea to look for cold-pressed, organic marula oil that hasn’t been made using heat and solvents that decrease the oil’s inherent benefits. You can find this African oil easily these days online or in stores that sell natural beauty products, such as a health store. 

For your face, you can add a couple of drops of marula oil to cleansers, moisturizers and face masks to boost their hydration power. Looking for your next best night serum? You can also use a couple drops of oil on a clean face before bed and let it work its magic overnight. 

In addition to your face, you can apply a few drops of oil to the neck, chest, hands or anywhere else that you’re struggling with dryness. 

For hair, rub a drop or two between your palms and glide your hands over any areas you want to increase shine and/or reduce dryness. This is a great way to reduce frizz and make split ends less noticeable. Is your scalp dry? You can apply a couple drops of marula oil. You can also use the oil as a pre-shampoo hair mask or apply to damp clean hair before using the blow dryer or other styling tools to protect against heat damage. 

For pregnant women looking to avoid stretch marks, apply three to four drops on the belly daily and rub it in. 

Risks and Side Effects

It’s always a good idea to perform a patch test before using a new product on your skin to check for sensitivities. 

Does marula oil cause breakouts? Everyone’s skin is different, so to one person, marula may be the best facial oil, but to another, it may not agree with them at all. If marula oil causes you to breakout, then you may do better with another option like squalane oil that is lower on the comedogenic scale. But keep in mind, you likely can still use and benefit from marula oil for skin areas other than your face so you don’t have to stop using it entirely.

If you’re wanting pure marula oil, make sure to read ingredient labels carefully. Sometimes marula is mixed with other ingredients. Look for 100 percent unrefined Sclerocraya birrea (marula) kernel oil. When marula oil is kept in a cool, dark place, its shelf life can be between two to three years.

Currently, there are no established common risks associated with the use of the oil of marula fruit. However, if you have a nut allergy, then you could be allergic to marula products. As with any oil, avoid getting marula in your eyes. 

Final Thoughts

• The best marula oil is pure or virgin marula oil, which means it is unrefined and doesn’t contain any other ingredients. You may also choose to buy an oil that combines marula oil with other beneficial natural oils such as argan or rosehip seed oil. 
• Top benefits of marula oil include improved hydration and appearance of your skin. It can benefit most skin types, but be cautious if you are prone to breakouts and already know that you don’t do well with coconut oil, which has a similar comedogenic status. 
• With its high fatty acid and antioxidant content, it may also help to reduce the signs of aging as well as stretch marks and scars. 
• You can use this oil for hair, skin, nails and cuticles. 
• If you’re wondering where to buy marula oil, it’s not hard to find it at health stores, beauty stores and online. Reading marula oil reviews may help you decide which oil is best for you.

The post 7 Marula Oil Benefits for Skin, Hair and Nails appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Adapted from The Collagen Diet: A 28-Day Play for Sustained Weight Loss, Glowing Skin, Great Gut Health and a Younger You by Dr. Josh Axe

The body’s production of collagen naturally slows as we age. We can thank this process for signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin and joint pain.

Clearly, collagen has an impact on appearance. Many people offset this slowdown in production by supplementing with collagen powder, which has a slew of benefits, but here’s a secret: It works best when used in conjunction with a variety of other strategies that support and promote collagen production in the body.

There are dozens of beauty treatments on the market, many of which can improve your skin’s appearance. Because I know how important collagen is for turning around aging skin, these three approaches are my favorites — and are worth a try.

3 Beauty Treatments to Enhance Your Skin’s Collagen

1. Red Light Therapy

Light therapy is actually an ancient healing tradition, with roots in the medical traditions of Egypt, Greece, China and India. In this contemporary version, low-power red light waves are emitted through the skin. Red light can be absorbed by the skin to a depth of about eight to 10 millimeters, allowing it to penetrate into the dermis, the skin layer where most of your collagen resides.

Studies show that light in the spectral range of 600 to 1,300 nanometers — red light is 620 to 700 nanometers — is useful for promoting wound healing, tissue repair and skin rejuvenation. (By the way, red light doesn’t have the more dangerous UVA or UVB rays that are linked to skin cancer and premature aging.)

It pulls off this magic trick by stimulating cell proliferation. Specifically, red light therapy regenerates fibroblasts, the cells that give rise to collagen.

A study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that participants treated with red light therapy experienced reduced wrinkles and fine lines, as well as improved skin tone and increased collagen density. Researchers confirmed this through ultrasonographic measurements.

At the same time, the therapy is considered moderately effective for reversing hair loss and stimulating follicle growth. A literature review of the technique (also known as low-level laser therapy) by Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School researchers concluded that it can stimulate hair growth in both men and women and may work by triggering epidermal stem cells in the hair follicle to shift into production mode.

2. Microneedling

Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment performed by moving a tool with tiny needles over the skin, making minuscule punctures in the top layer. Although you can do it at home if you have a microneedling tool, it’s safest to visit an experienced dermatologist or aesthetician for treatment. The infinitesimal wounds send the skin into repair mode and trigger the body to ramp up collagen and fibroblast production.

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that patients treated one to four times experienced a notable improvement in wrinkles, scarring and stretch marks — and they showed a significant increase in collagen and elastin six months after treatment.

Likewise, a study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery examined how well the treatment worked in patients with deep acne scars. When the study was over, the majority of participants had measurable decreases in the severity of their scarring, and more than 80 percent rated their treatment as excellent on a 10-point scale.

Microneedling might bolster hair growth, as well. Research in mice suggests enhanced expression of hair-related genes and stimulation of hair growth in mice undergoing microneedling. One study in humans showed that when microneedling was used in conjunction with Minoxidil, a prescription hair loss treatment, it was more effective than Minoxidil alone.

3. Exercise

OK, so it’s not a beauty treatment per se, but I had to mention working out here. Getting your sweat on, whether through aerobic exercise or strength training, increases the production of growth hormone, and growth hormone prompts your fibroblasts to churn out more collagen.

Although most forms of exercise seem to trigger growth hormone, the latest research indicates that strength training and interval training (also known as burst training) are the most effective, and putting the two together may offer the biggest bang for the buck.

In a study in PLoS ONE, researchers recruited healthy young and middle-aged volunteers to participate in a 13-week training program that alternated between two types of training. During one session, participants did interval training — including three to five sets of running or cycling at maximum velocity followed by passive recovery for two to three minutes. Two days later, they returned for a resistance training session.

For the resistance training, participants used progressively heavier weights and did five to six exercises that targeted all the major muscle groups. When compared to a control group, who did not participate in the program, those in the exercise group had significantly higher levels of growth hormone at rest and in response to a sprint exercise.

Equally intriguing, before the exercise program, the younger participants’ growth hormone levels were higher. After the 13-week training program, the age difference with regard to growth hormone had disappeared. This suggests that a combination training program can help those in midlife attain a more youthful level of collagen-boosting hormones.

And don’t forget adaptive exercise, like yoga. It, too, can be great for keeping your skin youthful and fresh, because it reduces stress, a collagen killer. The side-bending and downward poses deliver a healthy dose of healing blood and oxygen to your whole body, including your skin.

Moreover, levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, are higher in people who do yoga regularly, while stress hormone levels are lower, making the internal environment of your body more collagen-friendly.

I swear by yoga’s stress-reducing benefits, and so does my wife, Chelsea. If you’re not already a practitioner, I suggest you add it to your usual fitness routine at least one day a week.

The post 3 Beauty Treatments to Enhance Your Skin’s Collagen appeared first on Dr. Axe.

If you consider yourself to be “in the know” on the latest skin care ingredients, one multifunctional facial acid you’re bound to come across is succinic acid.

What does succinic acid do for skin? It’s best known for its acne-fighting abilities, but other reasons to add this powerhouse acid to your routine include because it defends against signs of aging as well as dullness and irritation.

Where will you find succinic acid? Look for it in facial serums intended to prevent wrinkles, acne treatments and some masks or lotions.

What Is Succinic Acid?

Succinic acid (SA) is a type of antimicrobial facial acid that’s used in skin care products to clear and brighten the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects — plus it can help soothe irritated skin.

SA is considered similar to another very popular facial acid: hyaluronic acid. While hyaluronic acid is used most often for its hydrating and plumping effects, SA is used to remove bacteria from the pores and manage breakouts.

What is the other name for succinic acid? It’s sometimes also called butanedioic acid.

Where does SA come from? It’s naturally found in some plants and even in animals tissues, much like acids such as butyric acid (found in some foods containing fat, such as butter and ghee).

When used in skin care products, SA is typically derived from amber or sugar cane. It can be created via the hydrogenation of maleic acid.

Not only is it used in skin care, but it’s also found in some supplements and drugs and used in agricultural and food production.

Benefits

Succinic acid benefits are vast considering it possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. Whether you’re acne-prone or hoping to fight wrinkles and other signs of aging, here are some of the main reasons to use succinic acid on your skin:

1. Can Help Clear Acne

Unlike some other acne treatments and acids, SA helps fight acne and blackheads without causing irritation. It can prevent breakouts due to its ability to kill bacteria and yeast that can be hiding inside pores.

Is succinic acid good for cystic acne? Because it also works as an anti-inflammatory agent, it may be able to help reduce the severity of cystic acne breakouts.

What’s more, it can help balance skin and treat multiple problems — such as redness, tenderness and oiliness — among those with conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis.

2. Soothes Skin and Reduces Inflammation

One cool attribute that SA has is that it’s similar to your skin’s own natural oils. This means it can help hydrate and treat irritated, dry or inflamed skin without contributing to excess sebum (oil) production.

It’s known to support wound healing and even has some pain-dulling effects, meaning it may make skin rashes or pimples less painful.

3. Has Antioxidant and Anti-aging Effects

Due to its antioxidant properties, SA can help slow down signs of aging — such as dark spots, dullness and fine lines— by protecting skin against free radical damage. It also assists in cellular turnover and renewal, which can leave skin looking for refreshed, firm, even and bright.

How to Use

Most people can use SA daily without experiencing irritation. While each type of product containing SA works a bit differently, it should generally be applied to clean and dried skin under thicker moisturizers.

Most often you’ll find this acid in lightweight products, such as serums, which are intended to be applied to the skin first before heavier creams or lotions.

Succinic acid acne treatment tips:

If you’re acne-prone, be sure to wash your skin twice daily with a gentler cleanser before using SA or other products.

You can pair succinic acid with stronger ingredients that fight pimples and clogged pores, such as salicylic acid, retinoids or sulfur. However, these other acne-fighters may need to be used less often than SA, as they’re a bit stronger.

If you have oily skin, consider also using SA with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are acids that have exfoliating effects. AHAs — such as malic acid, lactic acid or glycolic acid — can help brighten dull skin, treat dryness and acne, and allow other ingredients to penetrate the skin more easily.

Use AHAs several times per week while applying SA one to two times daily.

Using succinic acid for antioxidant and anti-aging benefits:

For help hydrating dry or combination skin that is also prone to breakouts, consider pairing SA with hyaluronic acid, another great acid for locking in moisture. Both of these are usually safe and effective when used daily.

It will also work well with products containing vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol, which improve skin’s tone and texture.

Risks and Side Effects

Is succinic acid harmful for sensitive skin? Not usually.

One of the best things about this ingredient is that it doesn’t interact negatively with most other skin care ingredients and poses little risk for side effects.

Overall, it’s considered a calming, hydrating, well-tolerated facial acid, even among those with acne, rosacea, dryness and sensitivities to other skin care products.

That being said, it’s always wise to start with a tiny amount of any new skin care product and then increase gradually once you test your reaction. You can also ask your dermatologist for advice if you’re concerned about using specific facial acids.

Conclusion

• Succinic acid benefits include treating acne, reducing skin dryness, fighting free radical damage and signs of aging, and decreasing irritation and inflammation.
• This specific acid is generally gentle and well-tolerated, so it can be used by people with almost all skin types.
• Apply it to clean skin once or twice daily under thicker moisturizers. Pair it with other acids for even more antimicrobial, hydrating and exfoliating effects.

The post Succinic Acid Benefits for Skin + How to Use It appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Stretch marks can be both frustrating and embarrassing given their scarred appearance — and can develop on both men and women. They are typically found on the thighs, hips, abdomen, breasts, lower back and upper arms.

Stretch marks form in the dermis of the skin, which is the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis. When the dermis gets stretched for long periods of time, it can break down causing stretch marks — which can look like severe scarring — to develop.

Because the skin doesn’t return to its original state due to being stretched for an extended period of time, stretch marks most commonly appear after pregnancy, weight gain or weight loss. Stretch marks can begin with a purplish coloration eventually becoming glossy and developing a streaked look.

What can you do to prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks? While there are surgical methods that are often used, I instead recommend trying natural options right at home, including making your own stretch mark cream.

This DIY stretch mark cream provides incredible moisturizing and can even be used it as a hand cream. It’s composed of several beneficial ingredients, led by coconut oil for the skin. Coconut oil is able to penetrate your skin on a deeper level than your average product because of its low molecular weight and the way it bonds with proteins.

The second key ingredient is raw shea butter, which can help tissue cell regeneration and softening of the skin. A study published in the Journal of Oleo Science reports that it can also help to reduce skin inflammation.

Also, this homemade stretch mark cream taps into the power of essential oils, such as lavender oil that acts as both an antimicrobial and antioxidant for the skin. Make sure to check with your physician before using any new ingredients if you are pregnant.

Homemade Stretch Mark Cream

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 30 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This DIY stretch mark cream provides incredible moisturizing and can even be used it as a hand cream. It’s composed of several beneficial ingredients, led by coconut oil for the skin.

---

Ingredients

• 3 ounces unrefined coconut oil
• ¾ ounce unrefined cocoa butter
• ¾ ounce unrefined shea butter
• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 6 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops grapefruit essential oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Using a small sauce pan, melt the coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter and almond oil on very low heat.
2. Once oils are completely melted, mix in the water until oils and water are combined and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and continue to mix oil and water until mixture cools to room temperature developing a creamy consistency.
4. When the mixture is room temperature stir in the vitamin E oil, lavender and grapefruit essential oils.
5. Store cream in a dark glass container at room temperature. If you use a clear glass container, store in a dark place. Use within two months.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Method: Stovetop

Keywords: homemade stretch mark cream, DIY stretch mark cream

The post DIY Stretch Mark Cream appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Zinc pyrithione has been used topically for inflammatory skin conditions for more than 50 years. It has become one of the most common ingredients for improving issues like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Today, it’s added to a range of skin and hair products, including shampoos, face washes and creams. Look at the ingredient list of any product made to fight fungal or bacterial infections that affect the skin and you’re sure to see this common and impressive ingredient.

What Is Zinc Pyrithione? (Plus Types)

Zinc pyrithione (also called pyrithione zinc or ZPT) is known as a “coordination complex” of zinc and pyrithione. It’s used as an ingredient in skin care and hair products because of its antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

ZPT is found in several skin and hair products, including the following:

• Zinc pyrithione shampoo: Shampoos containing ZPT is used for the ingredient’s anti-dandruff properties. It helps kill fungus or bacteria that causes red, itchy and flaky scalp.
• Zinc pyrithione face wash: Because of its antimicrobial properties, pyrithione zinc face wash helps improve acne and relieve symptoms of skin issues, such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
• Pyrithione zinc soap: Like face washes, body soaps medicated with pyrithione zinc have antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis affect areas of the body beyond the face, like the upper chest, back, neck and groin. For these issues and others caused by inflammation, ZPT soap may be helpful.
• Pyrithione zinc cream: For rough patches on the skin or dry skin caused by conditions like psoriasis, ZPT cream can be used for its moisturizing effects.

Benefits/Uses

Pyrithione zinc can be used daily as an ingredient in an over-the-counter or prescription product. If it causes dryness to the scalp or skin, rotate using the ZPT product with a non-medicated product.

The top benefits and uses of pyrithione zinc include:

1. Has Antibacterial Effects

Research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology indicates that the particles in ZPT interact with surface fungal and bacteria cells to control their population. By fighting the growth of these invaders, ZPT improves conditions that impact the skin and scalp.

2. Works as an Antifungal Agent

ZPT is the most widely used ingredient in medicated shampoos and soaps because of its powerful antifungal effects. Research shows that pyrithione zinc is delivered as a micro-particle into the inner layers of skin, allowing it to inhibit fungal activity and improve inflammatory skin conditions, such as fungal acne and dandruff.

3. Reduces Dandruff

A 2018 study published in Scientific Reports found that ZPT inhibits the growth of M. restricta, a fungus that commonly causes dandruff. Researchers found that pyrithione zinc treatment significantly reduced the expression of enzymes that’s activity contribute to the survival of these fungi on human skin.

ZPT also proved to improve dandruff by increasing cellular zinc levels.

4. May Improve Hair Growth

A controlled trial published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that 1 percent pyrithione zinc shampoo improved hair growth when it was used daily for 26 weeks. Researchers believe that this may be due to ZPT’s antifungal and antibacterial effects.

5. Soothes Skin Irritation and Itchiness

Research indicates that ZPT inhibits the growth of fungus and antimicrobials that cause uncomfortable skin conditions. It helps relive itchiness, redness and irritation that often come with inflammatory conditions, like fungal acne, dandruff, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

6. Regulates Oil Production

Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis can cause skin dryness and oiliness at the same time. By inhibiting the growth of yeast that causes this condition, ZPT helps regulate oil production in the skin and improve the greasiness that can be associated with it.

Risks and Side Effects

Pyrithione zinc is commonly used in over-the-counter products, including shampoos, creams and soaps. It’s considered safe when used topically in normal, recommended amounts.

There are some possible side effects when using ZPT, including redness and a burning sensation, especially in sensitive areas like the eyes and nose. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using the product immediately.

Do not swallow ZPT, and if you do, contact your health care professional.

Pyrithione Zinc vs. Selenium Sulfide

Both pyrithione zinc and selenium sulfide are commonly used in anti-dandruff shampoos because of their antifungal properties. Selenium sulfide inhibits the growth of yeast on the skin, including the scalp. It’s available in shampoos and body products both over the counter and as a prescription.

Compared to ZPT, selenium sulfide is known to be stronger and can be irritating, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Conclusion

• Pyrithione zinc is known as a “coordination complex” of zinc and pyrithione.
• It’s used as an ingredient in skin care and hair products because of its antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
• ZPT is most known for its use as an anti-dandruff agent. It soothes the scalp, inhibits the growth of fungus and improves the overall appearance of your hair. It can also be used on the face and other parts of the body that are affected by inflammatory skin conditions.

The post What Is Zinc Pyrithione? Plus Why It’s Used for Skin and Hair appeared first on Dr. Axe.

As we learn more about the importance of ditching conventional antiperspirants and adopting natural deodorants instead, people are eager to find products that can both help keep body odor away and not pose a threat to their health. Enter the armpit detox.

Natural deodorants — made with products like baking soda and essential oils — are gaining more traction. However, a relatively common complaint is that they don’t work as well as commercial products to keep sweat and smells at bay.

This is where an armpit detox can come into play. It can potentially help naturally reduce body odor, making using gentler body care products a more attractive option.

What Is an Armpit Detox?

An armpit detox involves applying cleansing products, such as charcoals, bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar, to your armpits in order to draw out bacteria and residue that can contribute to odor.

People most often do this when switching to natural deodorants (which don’t block sweat but reduce bacteria growth) in order to help these products work better. When ditching antiperspirants, some people also temporarily experience excessive sweating as their sweat glands adjust, so cleansing the area can be a way to keep B.O. in check while this happens.

How to Do It

How do you detox your armpits naturally? Most often it’s performed by applying a mask to your armpits, letting it dry, and then removing it with soap and water.

This gives the ingredients time to “soak up” unwanted bacteria and other ingredients from your armpits, potentially leaving behind smoother, less odor-producing skin.

The ingredients used in most armpit detoxes include:

• Baking soda — Has the ability to absorb sweat and odors and help exfoliate the skin.
• Bentonite clay — Absorbs bacteria and chemicals from the skin, plus contains minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium that can be absorbed through your pores.
• Apple cider vinegar — Helps contribute to a healthy skin microbiome (aka a healthy ratio of different bacteria that live on the skin), plus is useful for normalizing the skin’s pH.
• Activated charcoal — Soaks up unwanted particles from the skin and has natural detoxifying properties.

Here’s how to detox your armpits using widely available ingredients:

1. Combine the following ingredients to make a paste: 1 tablespoon bentonite clay, 1 to 2 teaspoons water and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.
2. Mix all ingredients together, then apply the mask to your pits generously.
3. Wait 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and soap.
4. You can repeat this process every several days if you’d like, assuming you have no negative reactions.

How long does it take to detox your armpits?

It really depends on the individual. Some people report that they smell and sweat more for several weeks after stopping to use antiperspirants, during which the body’s bacteria levels and pH are likely adjusting. For others, this transition might last only a few days.

Does It Work? (Benefits)

What happens when you detox your armpits? Here are some of the purposes and potential benefits:

1. Balanced Bacteria (Which Can Help Reduce Body Odor)

By applying products to your pits that naturally stick to smell-causing bacteria and then remove it, or kill bacteria on contact, you reduce unwanted odors.

For example, apple cider vinegar can help reduce the presence of smelly bacteria, such as Actinobacteria and Micrococcus sedentarius, and support the skin’s natural pH balance in the process (which is slightly acidic).

This contributes to a healthy “skin microbiome” in your armpit area. Typically a healthier microbiome (including in your mouth) equals less offensive smells.

2. Can Help Improve Skin Health

Antiperspirants can be irritating to the skin in some cases, especially if someone has a fragrance sensitivity or generally sensitive skin, so opting for a detox and more natural products is a good alternative to keep skin happy.

Another downside to using antiperspirants is that they are drying, since they’re intended to reduce sweating. These leaves skin vulnerable to become chaffed, red and inflamed.

If your armpits tend to become irritated easily, the key to a safe detox is using the right gentle ingredients and nothing too harsh or drying.

3. Removes Residue From Antiperspirants

Commercial antiperspirants may leave behind trace amounts of chemicals that can become “stuck” inside the pores in the armpits.

There haven’t actually been studies proving that an armpit detox can do this, but it makes sense that by taking a break from using antiperspirants you give your body time to shed these ingredients (usually over the course of one to three days) and open up your pores for other helpful ones.

Other DIY Recipes for Your Armpits

Aside from the armpit detox mask recipe mentioned above (made with charcoal and ACV), try this DIY recipe for a natural deodorant that helps support a healthy armpit microbiome.

The recipe below uses baking soda, coconut oil (which has antibacterial properties), essential oils that can nourish the skin and fight unwanted microbes, and apple cider vinegar. Natural deodorants also help you avoid chemical fragrances, irritants and other products that your skin can directly absorb.

Apply the natural deodorant recipe found below twice a day for best results:

DIY Armpit Detox Recipe

---

• Author: Jill Levy
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 90 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

The recipe below uses baking soda, coconut oil (which has antibacterial properties), essential oils that can nourish the skin and fight unwanted microbes, and apple cider vinegar.

---

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 20 drops essential oil of your choice (Scent recommendations for females: sage, ylang ylang, jasmine, lemon; for males: cypress, rosemary oil)
• Empty deodorant containers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Put coconut oil in bowl. Mix in baking soda, apple cider vinegar, then add essential oils. Mix well.
2. Store in a deodorant container or a glass jar. Keep in a cool place. (Coconut oil will melt.)
3. To apply, dab with fingers and rub or roll onto underarms. Wait a couple of minutes before contact with fabric.
4. For best results, use twice daily.

Notes

• You can use the essential oils of your choice.
• Try different oils for different scents.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Category: Deodorant
• Method: Mixing

Keywords: armpit detox mask, armpit detox diy, diy armpit detox, armpit detox recipe, underarm detox, how to detox your armpits, detox armpits, how to detox armpits,

As an alternative, also try this Homemade Probiotic Deodorant Recipe or Crystal Deodorant Recipe.

Additionally, these tips can help you get the most benefits from detoxing your armpits and keeping odors and sweat under control:

• Shower daily with an antibacterial agent. This reduces the smelly bacteria count on your skin. Opt for organic products when possible, and consider even taking your own soaps using essential oils, which are natural bacteria-fighters, such as tea tree oil and lemongrass oil.
• After showering, towel off and try to leave your skin as dry as possible. Wear natural fabrics that let your skin breath.
• Damp, sweaty clothes are the most likely to smell, so make sure to wash your clothes thoroughly using antibacterial laundry soap. (Try this Homemade Laundry Soap.)
• Consider if your diet may be contributing to body odor, especially if you consume lots of sugar, meat and refined carbs. Even some healthy foods can contribute to stinkiness if you can’t digest them properly, including the usual culprits like garlic, onions, beans, curry and strong spices, but also lesser known sulfur-suppliers like broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cabbage.

Risks and Side Effects

Some of the ingredients used in the DIY recipes above may dry out your skin or alter your skin’s pH, so use caution when first beginning to apply these products to your skin. It’s a good idea to perform a patch test to make sure you don’t have any negative reactions, such as allergies, redness or irritation.

If you experience signs of an allergic reaction or sensitivity when applying these products, such as redness, itching or hives, discontinue use, and simply avoid applying any products to your skin for a period of time.

Conclusion

• An armpit detox is usually done when someone is transitioning from using traditional antiperspirants to natural deodorants. During the first several days or weeks when quitting antiperspirants, some people find that they smell and sweat more than usual, so a detox might help to fix this problem.
• How do you detox your armpits? You can complete an armpit detox using natural products like baking soda, clay, charcoal, apple cider vinegar and essential oils on your armpits.
• These products work by killing bacteria, absorbing sweat and residue that clog your pores, and balancing your skin’s microbiome and pH.

The post Armpit Detox: How and Why to Do One (& Does It Really Work?) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

There’s more than one emollient out there. In fact, there are several natural emollients that you probably already use for your skin care routine.

Emollients are mainstays for dry, cracked and damaged skin. They are almost always used in moisturizers because they lock water into the skin while providing a protective barrier that keeps irritants out.

So what is an emollient, and why is it used in beauty products?

What Is an Emollient?

An emollient retains skin moisture while providing a barrier that protects it from irritants. Emollients are used in skin care and cosmetic products to soothe and hydrate the skin, make it softer, and improve conditions that cause dryness, itching and redness.

Emollients work by forming a thin hydrophobic film on the surface of the skin that repels water and prevents the loss of moisture. This is a different effect than that of humectants, which attract water vapor to moisturize the skin.

The major ingredients are similar, consisting of petrolatum, paraffin, glycerin, and plant-derived butters and oils. The lipids (or fats) in these ingredients fill the tiny cracks found in dry skin, smoothing out the surface.

Formulators use a combination of these ingredients to create skin care and cosmetic products meant for skin hydration. While people may think of an emollient as a moisturizer, and they use the terms interchangeably, an emollient is actually one ingredient used in a moisturizer in order to lock water into the skin.

Emollient Types/Varieties

Not every emollient affects the skin in exactly the same way. Some contain more fats or oil, while others work better to provide a skin barrier.

You’ll find emollients in many forms, such as creams, serums, lotions and ointments. The thicker and more fat-based the formula, the more it will serve as a barrier.

Some of the top emollients are:

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains fatty acids with soothing properties, antioxidant vitamins A, C and E that neutralize free radicals that contribute to aging, and enzymes with anti-inflammatory effects. It’s often used in skin care products to improve skin irritations and burns, hydrate the scalp, and treat cold sores.

2. Shea Butter

Shea butter is a popular emollient that’s used in creams, balms, body butters and hair masks. It’s rich in oleic acid, a fatty acid that softens skin and reduces wrinkles.

Shea butter can also be used to moisturize the scalp and hair, helping alleviate dandruff and provide a protective layer from irritants.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil for skin contains three fatty acids that possess disinfectant and antimicrobial properties: capric, caprylic and lauric acid. These fats help prevent moisture loss through the skin’s pores, enhancing the skin barrier function.

Coconut oil also contains powerful antioxidants that reduce signs of aging because they fight free radial damage.

4. Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil provides fats, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C and E. It promotes cell turnover and protects the skin from toxins and free radicals.

Rosehip oil is commonly used to reduce the appearance of age spots, help with conditions like eczema and stimulate collagen production.

5. Urea Cream

Urea cream is a go-to for dry, rough and even cracked skin. Urea is actually part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor — it’s a component of the epidermis.

Synthetic urea is manufactured for topical creams to enhance skin integrity, smoothing out cracks and locking in moisture.

6. Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is an extract from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. It has become known as the gentler alternative to retinol, commonly used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s an emollient that has nourishing, anti-inflammatory effects and helps soothe rough, damaged skin.

7. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is an ultra-hydrating emollient that has become a popular ingredient in commercial beauty products. It’s high in fat, like coconut oil, which allows it to prevent skin dryness and peeling.

Cocoa butter also contains polyphenols that help reduce signs of aging and improve skin elasticity.

8. Squalane Oil

Squalane oil is created from an antioxidant that makes up about 12 percent of the skin’s sebum. It’s high in fatty acids that’s able to penetrate and soften the skin.

Squalane oil face serums are used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fight acne and as an eczema treatment.

9. Beeswax

Beeswax is an excellent skin hydrator that’s rich in vitamin A and has anti-inflammatory effects. It has antibacterial effects and can be used to improve conditions like diaper rash, psoriasis and eczema. It may also help clear acne and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

10. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil forms a protective oily layer on the skin’s surface that keeps the moisture in, thereby soothing rough patches and irritations. Jojoba is also considered noncomedogenic, meaning that it doesn’t clog pores.

In addition to being used as a skin hydrator, jojoba serves as an alternative to shaving cream, helps get rid of dandruff and may speed up wound healing.

Benefits

1. Improves Dry, Cracked Skin

Emollients are most commonly used for their moisturizing effects, and studies show that they are indeed beneficial for helping the skin retain moisture.

Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology indicates that emollients help break the dry skin cycle and maintain the smoothness of the skin. People with dry, flaking and cracked skin can benefit from applying an emollient topically to the area of concern.

Another study published in Nursing Older People found that for aging skin, emollient therapy can help reduce both dryness and loss of the skin’s barrier function.

2. Reduces Signs of Aging

Research shows that emollient products are able to improve photodamage and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. One study found that applying fatty acids to the skin improved hydration, barrier function and skin pH. After 28 days of treatment, a lipid-containing moisturizer significantly reduced wrinkles and improved texture.

3. Relieve Skin Irritations

Emollients are commonly used in the treatment of several dermatological conditions and skin irritations.

A 2018 study published in PLoS One concluded that emollients worked as a preventative tool for infants at high risk for developing atopic dermatitis.

Research also indicates that emollients have anti-inflammatory activity, provide relief from irritation and may improve skin disorders, including psoriasis, keratinization and xeroderma.

How to Use

Emollients are available in many forms. You’ll find them in just about every skin moisturizer, including ointments, creams and lotions.

To use an emollient, you simply apply it to clean skin, usually once or twice daily.

You can also use an emollient on your scalp and hair. Simply massage it into your scalp and tips of your hair strands. Depending on the product, it’s rinsed out afterward or serves as a leave-in moisturizer.

Want to make your own moisturizer with an emollient. Try this Homemade Lotion Frankincense, Lavender and Peppermint Oils.

Risks and Side Effects

There are several types of emollients available, and they are often combined with other ingredients in a skin care product. While applying an emollient topically is considered safe for most people, it is possible to experience side effects, such as irritation, redness and stinging. If you notice any of these adverse effects, stop using the product immediately.

Conclusion

• An emollient retains skin moisture while providing a barrier that protects it from irritants. Different types are used in skin care and cosmetic products to hydrate and soothe the skin.
• Emollients are used to moisturize the skin, improve eczema symptoms and other skin disorders, reduce wrinkles, and make the skin softer.
• Looking for an emollient to use at home? Try coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, beeswax or urea cream, just to name a few.

The post What Is an Emollient and How Does It Benefit Your Skin? appeared first on Dr. Axe.

When you think of the bay leaf, you may be thinking of spaghetti and savory soups, but the bay leaf is also used in the iconic bay rum aftershave. In fact, the West Indian bay leaf comes from the leaf of the West Indian bay tree, typically used to produce the cologne called bay rum that became popular with sailors in the 16th century.

Because bay rum is also used as an under-arm deodorant, fragrance for shaving soap, and as a general astringent, it’s quite clear that bay rum can keep you smelling good.

The great news is that you can create your own version of bay rum aftershave in a just a few minutes. Through the combination of pure essential oils and rum, you will have a fantastic bouquet of spicy and sweet scents. So let’s get started making your own bay rum aftershave.

How to Make Bay Rum Aftershave

To get started, you will need an 8-ounce mason jar with a tightly fitting lid. There are attractive ones out there with corks that could make for a nice presentation or gift.

In your half-pint jar, add two tablespoons of the rum and 4–6 ounces of witch hazel. Bay or Jamaican rum is found in different variations, usually with each producing a particular spice, sweet and/or herbal fragrance. Witch hazel is great because of its healing properties as a natural astringent for the skin and prevents the signs of aging.

Next, let’s begin to add the oils. First, for the most important ingredient, let’s add a whopping 20–30 drops of Bay West Indies essential oil. (You’ll see many options there.) While you can use bay leaves, I have found that the oil is easier to work with and will last longer in your cabinet — just make sure it is pure. The traditional pimenta racemosa is the essential oil you want to use.

Now let’s put in 4–5 drops of cinnamon oil. The cinnamon provides a nice sweet and spicy scent while being effective at treating skin conditions such as acne because of its antimicrobial capacity. Blend the mixture well.

It’s time to include 5–10 drops of orange oil. Orange essential oil decreases wrinkles and improves your complexion while provide a sweet, citrus scent.

Next up is 2–3 drops of black pepper essential oil, which contains both antioxidant and antibacterial properties — it can prevent wrinkles and reduce skin irritation.

And for the final ingredient, add 5–6 drops of vanilla oil. Vanilla oil not only provides a sweet, soft scent, but it also promotes healthy skin and reduces anxiety. This makes it the perfect compliment to the spicy scents.

Use as a cologne or splash on your face after shaving. You now have your very own homemade bay rum aftershave! I am sure you, and your significant other, will enjoy this sweet and spicy aroma.

DIY Bay Rum Aftershave Recipe

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 10 min
• Yield: 20 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Because bay rum is also used as an under-arm deodorant, fragrance for shaving soap, and as a general astringent, it’s quite clear that bay rum can keep you smelling good. The great news is that you can create your own version of bay rum aftershave or cologne in a just a few minutes.

---

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Bay or Jamaican Rum
• 4–6 ounces witch hazel
• 20–30 drops Bay West Indies essential oil
• 4–5 drops of pure cinnamon essential oil
• 2–3 drops black pepper essential oil
• 5–10 drops wild orange essential oil
• 5–6 drops vanilla essential oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. You will need a mason jar (8 or 16 ounces) with a tightly fitting lid. In your jar, add both the rum and the witch hazel.
2. Now let’s add the oils, one at a time, blending well each time.
3. Once well blended, place in a clean jar with a tight lid. You can blend all ingredients in this jar from the beginning unless you are using dry ingredients. In that case, you will need to strain the ingredients several times first.
4. Apply after shaving or use as a cologne.

• Category: Facial Skin Care

The post Homemade Bay Rum Aftershave appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Whether you are in your 20s or are a more mature adult, the last thing you want are bags under your eyes. While they typically are not cause for any alarm, dark circles around the eyes simply make you feel and look older — something no one wants.

More common as you age is under-eye puffiness — also referred to as bags under the eyes, puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes. It’s usually not a problem that requires medical attention, but the question is, how to get rid of bags under eyes?

To answer that question, you first have to ask how do we get these unsightly bags in the first place? There are many causes, but generally skin tissues around the eyes and eyelids weaken and sag, causing fluid to accumulate beneath the eyes, which creates puffiness under the eyes and a swollen appearance.

Bags under the eyes are a common development of age and a frequent complaint among patients who no longer feel as youthful as they once did. To describe what happens a bit more, normal fat that helps support the eye sometimes moves into the lower eyelid, which causes the lid to appear puffy. Additionally, fluid may accumulate in the area below your eyes, which adds to the swelling.

Things like seasonal allergies, eczema, water retention and sleeping face down can aggravate the condition, with heredity playing a role as well. And let’s not forget some self-inflicted behaviors like smoking, drugs and alcohol.

Fortunately, by changing certain habits and taking certain lifestyle and dietary steps, you can get rid of those bags under the eyes for good. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Symptoms and Causes

Bags under eyes can include mild swelling, saggy or loose skin and/or dark circles. While you may not like the way these bags look, they are usually harmless and do not require medical attention; however, if you experience severe and persistent bags accompanied by redness, itching or pain, you may want to see your doctor.

Also, if you notice redness, itching or pain on other parts of your body, such as your legs, you could be having an allergic reaction and need medical attention. Your doctor will want to rule out other possible causes that can contribute to the swelling, such as thyroid disease or an infection.

As you age, the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken with the loss of collagen. This weakening of the tissue can cause the skin to begin sagging. The fat that is normally found in the area around the eyes may move into the area below your eyes, accumulating fluid and making the under-eye area appear puffy or swollen.

Some things that can make this happen are fluid retention due to changes in weather, hormone levels, eating salty foods, not getting enough sleep, allergies, dermatitis — especially if puffiness is accompanied by redness and itching — and heredity.

13 Natural Remedies

1. Take Care of Your Allergies

You are probably well aware of when your allergies flame up, as allergy season and watery, puffy eyes are inevitable for many. Try natural remedies, such as essential oils for allergies, to help manage them and catch them before they start. Also, have a small vial of an allergy essential blend handy since for some allergies can sneak up when you least expect it.

2. Take It Easy on the Salt

Salt is most often linked to high blood pressure, but did you know that all that sodium can cause fluid retention and lead to puffiness under the eyes? If you use salt, use pure Himalayan sea salt, but only a little bit. Avoid high salty foods, like pizza and some soups. Opt for fresh vegetables, in particular celery, which can help curb your desire for salt!

3. Exercise Those Bags Away

Exercise is a natural way to reduce the signs of aging and can promote a youthful glow to the skin, but the area around your eyes will benefit from special facial exercises. Licensed aesthetician and author of The Yoga Facelift, Marie-Veronique Nadeau explains that yoga for the face involves slow exercises of the facial muscles to help tone and tighten them. Using light pressure from your fingers as resistance, the exercises involve various facial expressions and pressure.

Let’s not forget “regular” yoga and how it can benefit you as well. The inverted poses, such as shoulder stands and back bends, can help increase circulation to the face, which carries away excess fluid and helps relieve swelling.

4. What Is Your Sleep Position?

Sleeping on your back can prevent gravity from causing fluid buildup around the eyes, so your sleep position may be contributing to the problem. Consider adding an extra pillow under your head as well, but make sure it is a pillow that is effective for good sleep — for if you can’t sleep, that can add to the problem of dark circles under the eyes.

5. Try a Neti Pot

Have you heard of a neti pot? This is an ancient remedy that you can do as part of your daily routine to help combat those puffy eyes. Originating in India in Ayurvedic medicine, a neti pot looks like a small teapot and can be found at most health food stores or online. It can help flush out all that extra moisture in your sinuses from seasonal allergies, colds or infections.

Simply pour salt water into one nostril and let it drain out the other. I usually just do this over the bathroom sink. It feels odd at first, but it is actually very cleansing and refreshing.

6. Remove Your Makeup Before Going to Bed

Leaving your eye makeup on can irritate your eyes, causing them to water and and get puffy. Make sure to gently remove your eye makeup before hitting the hay to help eliminate any added irritation around the eyes.

7. Limit or Eliminate Alcohol

Alcohol dehydrates your body and skin. This dehydration can cause the delicate area around your eyes to appear sunken and dark. Also, alcohol can cause bloodshot, tired eyes. Take it easy on the alcohol by having no more than one glass per day.

I would suggest drinking lots of water instead. You will feel fresher, your eyes will be wide open and the skin around your eyes will glow because it’s more hydrated.

8. Put Down Those Cigarettes for Good!

Did you know that smoking cigarettes dries out and weakens the skin on your face as well as your whole body? It also causes premature aging around the eyes in particular. The chemicals found in cigarettes are toxic and can cause irritation around the eyes, which could result in dark circles or undereye bags in addition to a wrinkled, droopy appearance. If addiction has got you in its grips, you may want to try some natural approaches to quitting smoking.

9. Try a Cold Compress … and Cucumbers

If your eyes are swollen and puffy, try a cold compress. Not only can this help reduce puffy eyes, it can be very relaxing which adds to a youthful appearance. You can achieve this by using chilled spoons on top of your eyes, slices of cucumbers, or even chilled, dampened tea bags with a drop of lavender essential oil added. The cool temperature is what makes this home remedy effective.

Related: What Is Face Rolling? Face Roller Benefits + How to Use

10. Watch Out for That Sunshine

Overdoing it in the sun can make the skin around your eyes sag and wrinkle as well as cause dehydration of the skin. A mineral-based or homemade sunscreen, a good pair of UV-protected sunglasses, and a hat can do wonders to help protect your face from those harmful rays, ultimately keeping the skin around the eyes from wrinkling and darkening due to the effects of the sun.

11. Have Your Cover Up Handy

While you can’t necessarily remove dark circles, you can often hide them by lightening the area with a concealer. There are some mineral-based options available, but you can also make your own right at home.

You can choose options that match your skin tone and then simply apply it by lightly patting it onto the skin around the eyes. Do not rub it into the skin as this may cause further irritation. Also, do not use too much. You want a natural appearance to the skin. Too much can make dark circles, wrinkles and crepey skin more prominent.

12. Use an All-Natural Eye Cream

Since aging typically causes dehydration of the skin due to lack of collagen, moisturizing is essential. There are lots of creams available, but I recommend a homemade eye cream. You can try this at night, in the morning or both.

You can also try my baggy eye solution in the evening right before bed. Containing rosehip oil, lavender and lemon essential oils, and aloe vera, it will help lower inflammation and regenerate your skin.

13. Get More Collagen into Your Diet

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It’s found in our muscles, bones, skin and tendons. It gives our skin strength and elasticity, and helps replace dead skin cells. Our body’s collagen production naturally begins to slow down as we age. You can thank this process for undereye bags.

Increasing collagen levels can help your skin look firmer, increase smoothness, and help your skin cells keep renewing and repairing normally. Try a chicken bone broth or collagen supplements, like collagen protein powder, to increase your collagen intake.

Related: Best Face Yoga Exercises and Their Anti-Aging Benefits

Precautions

The skin around the eyes is very delicate. Make sure to take special care when applying anything around or near your eyes. Most natural methods as described above shouldn’t cause any problems. But if the puffiness worsens or you notice any irritation, see your doctor.

Depending on the cause of your baggy eyelids, “unnatural” or conventional treatment methods might include over-the-counter or prescription creams or procedures such as Botox injections. Allergic reactions might occur, so contact your doctor if you experience any further discoloration or irritation.

A plastic surgery procedure known as blepharoplasty is another conventional treatment option that might be suggested by your dermatologist if other methods don’t seem to help. But keep in mind that any surgery can be risky, and cosmetic surgery might not be covered by your health insurance. Discuss the risks and benefits and any concerns you might have with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Evening Baggy Eyes Solution

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Containing four skin-healing ingredients, this DIY recipe for bags under the eyes will address those puffy eyes in a much more natural fashion than chemical-laden creams.

---

Ingredients

• ½ ounce rosehip seed oil
• ½ ounce pure aloe vera gel
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops lemon essential oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a glass spray bottle, combine all ingredients and shake well.
2. Before bed, gently cleanse the face and remove all make-up.
3. Spray the solution onto the face making sure the eyes are closed.
4. Gently massage the solution under and around your eyes. Allow it to dry.
5. Sleep with your head well supported by quality pillows.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Category: Facial skin care

Keywords: puffy eyes solution, DIY baggy eyes solution

The post How to Get Rid of Bags Under the Eyes: 13 Natural Remedies + 1 DIY appeared first on Dr. Axe.

We’re always looking for the next best natural skin care ingredient that will promote healthy aging and improve the appearance of our skin. It’s common to look to plants and trees used in traditional medicine, and tepezcohuite is a perfect example.

Traditionally used in Mexico and Brazil for its wound- and burn-healing properties, tepezcohuite is recently getting attention for its anti-aging and nourishing effects. Although there are barely any human trials on the ingredient, there are promising anecdotal reports that have people buzzing about tepezcohuite.

What Is Tepezcohuite?

Tepezcohuite (also called Mimosa tenuiflora and tepescohuite) is a perennial tree that’s used in traditional medicine to improve skin health, treat wounds and burns, and alleviate pain. It provides antioxidants, tannins and lipids with healing, moisturizing and anti-aging properties.

Tepezcohuite grows in Mexico and Brazil. It has been used for thousands of years, including by the Mayans, to treat burns. Back then, the bark of the tree was ground by hand into a powder and applied topically to the wound.

Potential Tepezcohuite Benefits for Skin

1. Supports Wound and Ulcer Healing

Tepezcohuite is known for its antibacterial properties, which allows it to support wound and ulcer healing. The tree’s bark has been used for this purpose for thousands of years, and there’s recent research to back it up.

A controlled clinical trial involving patients with venous leg ulcers (sores in the skin that can make months to heal) evaluated the efficacy of tepezcohuite for ulcer healing. The treatment group received an aseptic washing followed by topical application of a hydrogel containing M. tenuiflora extract, and the control group received the washing and a hydrogel with no plant extract.

After 13 weeks, ulcer healing was determined through measurement of the lesion area. In the treatment group, ulcer size was reduced by a mean value of 92 percent, and all patients in the group exhibited improvements. In the control group, only one patient displayed therapeutic effectiveness.

2. Alleviates Burns

Extracts from the bark of Mimosa tenuiflora are widely used for burn and wound healing in middle and South America. An in vitro study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that tepezcohuite extracts promote the reproduction of cells, which does speed up burn and wound healing.

3. Promotes Healthy Aging

Tepescohuite has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a useful tool for promoting healthy aging and improving the appearance and texture of your skin. It’s known to have soothing, nourishing effects, and it works as a natural moisturizer.

Although more research is needed to prove its efficacy, some people use M. tenuiflora to reduce the appearance of scars, too.

4. Helps With Pain Relief

A 2016 study published in PloS One found that Mimosa tenuiflora extract exhibited pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers suggest that the extract has antinociceptive properties, meaning that it’s able to block the detection of a painful stimulus by the sensory neurons.

5. Has Antimicrobial Properties

Tepescohuite is used for wound, burn, lesion and ulcer healing because of its antimicrobial properties and ability to accelerate cell proliferation. An in vitro study indicated that M. tenuiflora extracts inhibited the growth of gram positive and gram negative organisms, yeasts and dermatophytes.

Risks and Side Effects

While the potential benefits of tepezcohuite are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the tree’s safety and proper usage. Most studies on its use were conducted in labs, and while there are anecdotal reports of the bark’s benefits and it’s been used traditionally for thousands of years, its potential risks and side effects are largely unknown.

Like any other new ingredient used topically, start with a small area of the skin when you first use tepezcohuite to rule out a sensitivity or adverse reaction. If you experience redness, burning, itching or any discomfort, discontinue use immediately.

There is not enough evidence to recommend using products containing tepezcohuite while pregnant or nursing.

Using the tree internally is not recommended. There are reports of its psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects when consumed.

How to Use

Face serums, creams and oils containing tepezcohuite powder or extracts are sold online and in some skin care or cosmetic stores. Make sure to purchase from a reputable brand, and follow the directions on the label carefully.

Before using any new product, do your research, and ask your dermatologist or health care professional for a recommendation.

Conclusion

• Tepezcohuite (also called Mimosa tenuiflora root bark and tepescohuite) is a perennial tree that’s used in traditional medicine to improve skin health, treat wounds and burns, and alleviate pain.
• It provides antioxidants, tannins and lipids with healing, moisturizing and anti-aging properties.
• While human evidence is limited, there are anecdotal and lab reports on the bark’s benefits and uses. However, safety is a concern, and more research is needed to make clear recommendations on using the tree extract topically.
• Before using a product containing this ingredient, do a patch test on a small surface area, and avoid using if pregnant or breastfeeding.

The post Tepezcohuite: A South American Tree Used for Skin Healing appeared first on Dr. Axe.

In the world of cosmetics, moisturizers are among the most popular products. The ingredients in them act as humectants that attract water and seal it into the skin. While hyaluronic acid is a well-known hydrating ingredient, polyglutamic acid may be even more effective.

What Is Polyglutamic Acid?

Polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a group of glutamic acid molecules (a type of amino acid) that are linked together. They are produced by various strains of Bacillus, a gram-positive bacteria that’s used for the fermentation of probiotics and some foods, like natt0.

PGA is a powerful hydrator that’s used to moisture the skin. It’s ideal for people with dry or dehydrated skin and may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In fact, it works to replenish cell moisture and has even be touted for hydrating properties that exceed those of hyaluronic acid.

Benefits

1. Works as a Moisturizer

Polyglutamic acid works as a humectant that attracts and holds on to water, keeping the area hydrated. In fact, PGA is known to be more hydrating than other ingredients commonly used in beauty serums because of its larger molecular size.

2. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Because it seals moisture in the skin, polyglutamic acid may improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Signs of aging occur when the skin begins to dry up and shrivel, causing wrinkles, fine lines and noticeable pores. By holding on to water and hydrating skin cells, your face will look and feel smoother, and your foundation and eye makeup will look more natural, too.

3. Promotes Subtle, Youthful Appearance

When your skin is more hydrated, it has a subtle, rejuvenated and more youthful appearance. PGA also inhibits the enzyme that decreases the production of hyaluronic acid, a substance that’s made naturally in the skin and has powerful hydrating properties.

This polyglutamic acid benefit slows down aging by improving the production of natural hydrating substances.

4. Safe for All Skin Types

While the benefits of polyglutamic acid are best for those with dryer skin, its moisturizing properties can be helpful for any skin type. PGA is generally considered safe, and it can be used with other skin care ingredients, which is why you may find it on the labels of moisturizers, serums, toners and more.

5. May Support Wound Healing

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology found that when PGA was applied to wound areas in animals, the wounds decreased significantly after eight and 16 days, compared to those receiving control treatment.

More than 70 percent of the wound area treated with polyglumatic acid was repaired after treatment, and researchers found a greater regeneration of blood vessels and increased collagen pigmentation.

6. Has Uses in Food and Biomedicine Industries

In addition to its uses in cosmetics, PGA is also used in the food industry and has been researched for its ability to improve taste and flavor.

Polyglutamic acid is also considered a potential biomedical material that can be used as a drug carrier/deliverer and contrast agent. Research shows that it’s an environmentally friendly biological material.

Polyglutamic Acid vs. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is produced by the body naturally and has the greatest concentrations in the skin, joints, eye sockets and other tissues. Like PGA, it’s used in beauty serums for its ability to improve skin texture.

While we make it naturally, its production declines with age because it’s broken down by the enzyme hyaluronidase. However, PGA is known to inhibit this enzyme, so the two can be used together and may even complement one another.

PGA is not produced by the body but by a group of amino acids and good bacteria. Polyglutamic acid has a larger molecular size, so it can attract and seal in more water than HA. Cosmetic specialists note that PGA is far more hydrating than HA, even though it’s not as well-known.

PGA is more pricey than HA ,and it’s newer on the skin care market — so you will likely see more hyaluronic acid products for sale.

Risks and Side Effects

Most people tolerate PGA well, and it’s generally considered safe when used appropriately as product instructions advise.

It is possible to develop an allergic reaction or sensitivity to polyglutamic acid, which may cause itchiness, swelling, redness, a burning sensation or blisters. If you experience any of these adverse reactions or any other side effects of polyglutamic acid, discontinue use immediately.

Before applying PGA to your face, start with a patch test to ensure that you’ll tolerate the ingredient well. Simply dab it onto a small area of your skin, and wait 24 hours.

If you pass the patch test, begin using the product in small amounts, every other day, until you’re sure it is well-tolerated.

How to Use (Dosage)

Polyglutamic acid serums are the most popular form of the skin care substance. PGA is effective at low concentrations, with 0.1% the most common.

You may also find PGA as an ingredient in a range of cosmetic formulas, including:

• moisturizers
• toners
• gels
• lotions
• creams

It works well with most water-based cosmetic acids, including glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid. It is also available in supplement form, but more research is needed on its benefits when used internally.

Studies measuring skin health indicate that it’s best when used topically.

Conclusion

• Polyglutamic acid is a group of glutamic acid molecules (a type of amino acid) that are linked together and fermented with good bacteria.
• It’s most known for its moisturizing properties and can be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, promote a more youthful appearance, and support wound healing.
• You can find products containing PGA in cosmetic stores or departments. They are often used in beauty serums, moisturizers, toners and creams.

The post Polyglutamic Acid: A Powerful Moisturizer That Reduces Signs of Aging appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Have you seen commercials or social media posts that show a woman with flawless, wrinkle-free skin using a face roller? This interesting gadget is gaining popularity recently, but believe it or not, it actually has ancient roots.

Precious stones and crystals, like jade, were used in ancient China to give the face life and promote skin health.

Like the ancient practice of gua sha, face rolling is really about taking a moment to focus on self-care and the health of your skin by massaging it gently to increase circulation, fight puffiness and ease tension.

What Is Face Rolling?

A face massage roller is a tool that’s used to massage the skin, especially the face. It’s made with stone balls, usually out of jade or rose quartz, that are attached to a handle.

Some face rollers have two stones, one on each side, and they are often different sizes to get into the smaller surface areas of your face.

If you search for face rollers online or at a local brick and mortar store, you may come across a few options with different colored and sized stones. The most common types of face rollers include:

• Jade: This green stone is known for its cooling properties. You’ll notice that jade stays cool even after massaging the skin for several minutes.
• Rose quartz: Rose quartz is a hard stone that retains its temperature, so you can keep your roller in the refrigerator and you’ll get a nice cooling sensation when using it.
• Amethyst: Amethyst helps oxygenate the skin and is used to remove dead skin cells, making your face brighter and more even toned.
• Obsidian: This black crystal is often used to ward off stress, and when used on the skin, it helps reduce fluid retention and improves skin tone.

Does It Work?

There are plenty of face roller benefits, including its ability to boost blood circulation, cool and smooth the skin, and reduce puffiness. However, face rolling won’t treat skin conditions or even acne, and it won’t slim your face, which is a major misconception.

There are also many “fakes” out there that aren’t made with real, natural stones. Sometimes, stone-like materials are dyed and treated with chemicals to give them the same smooth appearance, but they aren’t stones at all.

In these cases, using a roller on your face can actually be harmful and lead to irritation.

If the stone feels or sounds like plastic when you tap it on a hard surface, it’s probably not real stone. If you can easily scratch at it or it has air bubbles, you’re likely looking at a fake.

Also, keep cost in mind. Very cheap face rollers may not be the real deal.

That doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds on one, but you should pay around $50, give or take.

Face Roller Benefits

Face rolling is simple. This is a less intrusive treatment than microneedling, which is sometimes done with a roller.

Face rolling can be done at home, and it’s an easy process. It can help penetrate skin care products and leave you with a natural glow, but the science behind its efficacy is pretty scarce, so many claims regarding its use are anecdotal.

The top benefits of face rolling include:

1. Reduces Puffiness

Using a face roller helps promote lymphatic drainage and reduce water retention in the skin that leads to puffiness. You can use a roller to improve bags under your eyes and puffiness in your cheeks.

2. Boosts Blood Circulation

Massaging the skin with natural stone boosts blood circulation, which gives your face a brighter, healthier look. A study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that facial massage rollers helped improve blood flow when done for 10 minutes daily for five weeks.

3. Cools the Skin

Stones like jade and rose quartz have cooling properties and help smooth out the skin, while giving you an invigorated, refreshed look. The coolness can also help relieve tension in your jaw and around your temples.

4. May Reduce Signs of Aging

When you improve blood flow and reduce water retention, you’re left with softer, more supple skin. Using a face roller may give you a refreshed look and have anti-aging effects because it evens out your skin tone and reduces bags under the eyes.

Plus, if you’re using an anti-aging product, facial massage has been shown to amplify its benefits by improving absorption.

5. Boosts Mood

Just like massaging your shoulders can have calming, mood-boosting effects, so can gently massaging your face. It relieves tension and can be quite therapeutic, helping reduce stress and giving you a sense of self-care.

6. Relieves Tension

The calming, cooling sensation of face rolling can help improve headache pain, relieve TMJ symptoms and reduce sinus congestion. The gentle face massage promotes lymphatic drainage, boosts blood circulation and relaxes the mind.

How to Use a Face Roller

A facial massage with a roller can be anywhere between five and 10 minutes for the biggest impact. If you only have a minute though, that’s OK too — it will still have a nice cooling, anti-puffy effect.

You can use your face roller every day as part of your skin care routine, but even doing it a few times a week has its benefits over time.

Here’s how to use a face roller:

1. Start by applying a natural cream or oil to your skin. The face roller helps get the product ingredients deep into your skin for the best results.
2. Start rolling upward, sticking to one direction. Do not go up and down.
3. Divide your face into four sections, and roll about five times, upward, in each section until you’ve covered the entire area.
4. First massage your neck and jawline, starting at one side and moving on to the other.
5. Next move up to your cheekbones.
6. Now roll under your eyes and to your eye brows.
7. End by rolling your forehead.

After face rolling, be sure to clean your roller with a gentle soap and hot water. Then lay it on a clean towel to dry.

You can find face rollers online and at many wellness and beauty stores. It’s best to buy one from a reputable company that guarantees the stones are the real deal, and you likely want to avoid the cheaper options, as they’re more likely to be fake.

Companies that specialize in ancient healing, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and other whole-body wellness practices are great places to look.

Risks and Side Effects

Face rolling is safe and beneficial when done properly. Choosing a high-quality, legitimate face roller is very important.

Using a plastic roller that’s made with synthetic dyes and polymers can cause skin irritation and breakouts. Find a reputable company, and purchase a natural stone roller from it.

You also want to be mindful about the type of cream or oil you use on your skin before rolling.

Conclusion

• A face roller is made with a precious stone on a handle that can be used to massage the face gently.
• Face rolling helps boost blood circulation, improve complexion, reduce puffiness and give you a natural glow.
• In addition to its skin benefits, face rolling can also improve your mood and ease tension.
• To massage the face, simply roll upward gently, covering each section of the face. This process should take five to 10 minutes and should be done three to five times per week.

The post What Is Face Rolling? Face Roller Benefits + How to Use appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Do you use natural skin care products and other ingredients — such as serums, exfoliants and oils – but still feel like your skin is relatively dry, dull and/or uneven in texture? Then you might benefit from a skin care trick nicknamed “slugging,” which involves layering thick ointment over thinner ingredients to help “seal” them in.

Does slugging actually work? While there’s been limited studies focused specifically on slugging skin care routines, evidence does exist to suggest that it can have benefits.

The types of ingredients used for slugging — including petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) — are known to be great defenders against dryness — plus they help other skin care products be absorbed better.

What Is Slugging?

Slugging is a skin care practice in which you apply occlusive products to your face over other beneficial ingredients, such as serums and moisturizer. This helps create a protective surface on your skin and can contribute to an overall healthier skin barrier.

To understand how slugging works, it first helps to get clear on what occlusives are.

Occlusives, such as petroleum jelly, are a group of skin care products that create a layer on the surface of your skin that keeps water and skin’s natural oils (aka sebum) sealed in. In other words, they prevent water and oil evaporation from the skin, which is also called transepidermal water loss.

Why is it called “slugging”? As you may have guessed, it earned this name because of how thick occlusive ointments can make your face look and feel.

When you apply Vaseline or similar products to your skin, they tend to make you slick and shiny, much like a slug. Don’t worry, though, slugging doesn’t actually require you to apply any slug-derived ingredients to your face.

Benefits

Why is slugging good for your skin? Here are the main benefits attributed to slugging and why it’s now recommended by more and more dermatologists:

1. Can Help Heal Dry Skin

Slugging can help your skin feel and appear smoother, softer and more even. Occlusives, such as Vaseline, aid in skin moisture by preventing oils and water from leaving the skin, which is the main cause of dryness.

For the most hydrating effects, it’s important to slug with both an occlusive and moisturizer.

Occlusives themselves do not hydrate the skin. Instead, they help moisturizers to do their job more easily — plus they have the benefit of helping repair skin’s barrier.

To slug properly, you first want to apply a moisturizer to clean skin and then layer an occlusive on top in order to achieve dewey skin.

2. Helps Lock in Other Skin Care Products

Slugging is a great way to get the most benefits possible from your skin care routine, especially if you’re spending money on quality serums, toners, etc.

Occlusives allow skin care ingredients — such as vitamin C serum, antioxidants, peptides, niacinamide and others — to work more effectively, which can leave you with brighter and more youthful-looking skin.

If you’re working on preventing signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, or overcoming hyperpigmentation, slugging can help with this too. Just be sure to combine an occlusive (such as Vaseline) with quality products that are aimed at your skin type and goals.

(You may consider first exfoliating the skin to help get rid of toxins and impurities. Two natural exfoliators include the pumice stone and dry brushing.)

3. May Lower Redness or Irritation Among Those With Sensitive Skin

If you’re prone to red, flaky or irritated skin — including if you have eczema or dermatitis — slugging is a good fit for your skin type since it can help heal a compromised skin barrier.

For those with sensitive skin, slugging is a smart way to keep bacteria and other irritants from reaching and damaging the skin, while also boosting how well calming skin care ingredients (such as humectants and emollients) can work.

Slugging is not exclusive to your face either. You can do it on different body parts that may be irritated, chafed, dry, etc.

Try slugging after showering and shaving (you always want to clean the area well first) or before swimming in a chlorinated pool in order to prevent chlorine rashes.

How to Do It

When should you slug?

Most often, slugging is done at night as the last step of your skin care routine.

The main reason to slug before bed is because of how slugging makes your skin look. Occlusives are thick and leave your skin shiny and ”gooey;” therefore most people prefer to avoid slugging during the daytime.

Which products should you apply to your skin first before slugging?

A popular way to go about slugging is to first wash your face (or shower) and then apply serums or thinner lotions.

The best slugging products are those that contain hydrating and soothing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide (vitamin B5).

What’s the correct way to slug?

After you clean, tone and moisturize your skin, you finish with a thicker occlusive to lock everything in. To get the most benefits from different moisturizers, try applying humectants and emollients under occlusives.

Humectants and emollients boost moisture by pulling water into the skin. These include products such as:

• lipids
• silicones
• oatmeal
• shea butter
• glycerin
• hyaluronic acid
• sorbitol
• urea
• aloe vera

Here’s an example of a slugging routine:

1. Wash your skin. and possibly also exfoliate. (This should be done one to three times per week, on average.) It’s important to slug over clean skin to prevent pores from clogging.
2. Apply serums.
3. Apply other moisturizers.
4. Layer on a thin coat of whichever occlusive you choose to use, such as petroleum jelly or mineral oil. You don’t need a super thick amount, just enough to lightly cover your face/the area of your skin you’re targeting.

Does slugging with Vaseline work best? Is another product superior?

Occlusives include products such as:

• Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
• Lanolin
• Beeswax
• Olive oil
• Avocado oil

Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is one of the most loved ingredients, especially because it’s widely available and inexpensive. Vaseline is great at preventing water loss, as it’s been shown to reduce transepidermal water loss by up to 98%.

How often should slugging be done? 

This depends on your skin type, plus possibly the time of year or climate in which you live.

Slugging is especially helpful for the dry, cold, winter months when skin dryness seems to peak. If it’s humid outside and you’re oilier than usual, you can slug less frequently, such as two to three times per week.

If you have dry skin, slugging nightly can really help boost skin’s tone and texture. Ultimately, pay attention to how you respond, and adjust accordingly.

What Not to Do

You want to avoid slugging over uncleaned skin, which can lead to oiliness and breakouts, since this traps dirt and bacteria in your pores. Always wash your skin well first!

Which products should you NOT USE when slugging?

While it depends on your skin type, dermatologists recommend that you don’t slug with comedogenic products, such as coconut oil, which may contribute to acne breakouts.

Retinoids and facial acids — such as AHAs and BHAs, including glycolic acid — may also cause irritation if you apply them before slugging. Some people can get away with slugging over these ingredients, but for those with sensitivities, this may be too much for skin to handle.

Who Shouldn’t Try Slugging?

If you have acne-prone skin, slugging might worsen breakouts. You can still try it one to two times per week if you have combination skin, but be sure to clean and exfoliate skin first.

Slugging itself is not considered acne-causing (it’s non-comedogenic), yet some people claim it can trigger zits.

Keep in mind, if you have combination skin, you can try slugging on areas that are dry.

It can take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. Exfoliating, using facial acids (such as salicylic acid) and then applying a lightweight moisturizer might be all you need to take care of your skin if you’re oily or acne-prone.

Conclusion

• What is slugging, and how do you do it? It’s a skin care practice that involves applying an occlusive product, such as Vaseline/petroleum jelly, over other beneficial ingredients.
• It can help boost hydration, contribute to a glow and dewy skin, and help heal skin’s barrier.
• Depending on your skin type, try doing it two to seven times per week. Oilier types should limit slugging, while dry types can benefit from doing it almost daily.
• For the best results, first apply ingredients that are targeted toward your goals, such as anti-aging, brightness, reducing hyperpigmentation, etc. Be careful about combining slugging with retinols and facial acids.

The post What Is Slugging? Does This Skin Care Routine Benefit Skin? appeared first on Dr. Axe.

There’s no shortage of different yoga styles to choose from, but here’s an emerging type you may have never heard of: face yoga.

In addition to potentially having anti-aging effects, yoga for your face might help you relax and relieve tension, such as in the muscles around your temples and in between your eyes. (This type of tension can contribute to issues like eye strain and tension headaches.)

And that’s not all.

What Is Face Yoga?

“Face yoga” describes facial exercises that are performed to tone and stretch the muscles in the face, usually in an attempt to fight off signs of aging.

Facial exercises actually have a long history of use in the treatment of certain health conditions that affect muscle control, including strokes and Bell’s palsy. As such, it seems to make sense that the same exercises would help slow down the look of aging skin, since studies show that age-related issues like sagginess (deterioration of facial tissue) are due in part to muscle loss.

While there isn’t a good deal of evidence yet proving that the face yoga method reliably works as well as other interventions like creams and botox, proponents of the practice claim that its benefits can include:

• Helping smooth wrinkles and fine lines
• Lifting the skin around the eyes and preventing under eye bags/sagging
• Toning and plumping the cheeks
• Tightening the skin around the neck and jawline
• Decreasing straining, pain and tension in overworked muscles (similarly to how regular yoga benefits people with muscles tension and helps promote overall relaxation)

How It Works

You can think of face yoga as a gentle form of “strength training” for you face and neck muscles. The more you repeat certain face yoga exercises that target different parts of your face, the more you may notice that the muscles and skin start to slightly change for the better.

Based on what we know about facial exercises in general, the face yoga method seems to work in these ways:

• Stimulates facial muscles, helping improve their tone and “tightness.” This can explain why it may help some people experience reduced signs of aging, such as sagging.
• Increases blood flow/circulation to the skin, which can be helpful for clearing skin.
• Reduces strain and tension in the face muscles that are caused by repeated facial expressions throughout the day, such as squinting. Massage and acupressure techniques are also incorporated into the face yoga method, helping relax key points in the face that tend to become tense.

How much does face yoga cost? It’s probably hard to find instructors who specialize in face yoga or regular classes at yoga/fitness studios in your area, which means that practicing online is likely your best bet.

If you are able to attend to a facial exercise yoga class/workshop, expect to pay between $50 and $200, depending on the location and length.

Watching YouTube videos online and reading books/articles are easy and low-cost ways to learn how to perform facial exercises, especially when you compare the cost to botox, professional massages and facials, and inexpensive anti-aging creams.

Face Yoga Exercises

Unlike some types of yoga, such as Bikram or Ashtanga, there isn’t one standard face yoga sequence to follow. Rather there are lots of different exercises you can try, in no particular order, to see if they provide you with any benefits or relief.

In one study, 32 distinct facial exercises were practiced, each one for about a minute. Examples of various exercises included those targeting the lower and upper cheek, space around the eyes, jawline, neck and mid forehead.

The exercises were referred to by names such as:

• Cheek lifter
• Eyebrow lifter
• Happy cheeks sculpting
• Scooping: jaw and neck firmer
• Temple developer
• Upper eyelid firmer

Below are variations of some popular face yoga exercises you can practice at home:

[*Note: Try not to wrinkle your face too much or squint while performing these exercises, which can be counterproductive. Focus of lifting and expanding instead.]

1. Eye-Opener

Use your fingers to form “binocular” shape around your eyebrows, cheeks and across the face. Lift your eyebrows without wrinkling the forehead too much, then squint and then lift them again. Aim to repeat about 50 times.

2. Forehead Lifter

Interlace your fingers over your forehead and apply light pressure while attempting to lift your forehead. Repeat 50 times, and/or hold for up to one minute.

Another way to do this is to place both palms on your temples, push your palms up and back to lift the sides of your face, then hold for five seconds and keep repeating.

3. Cheek Lifter

Open your mouth wide, keep your teeth covering your lips and lift your cheeks. Hold for 10 seconds, then return to normal. Aim to repeat 50 times. (Try not to squint while lifting.)

4. Neck and Jaw Stretch

Tilt your face upward slightly, then lift your chin up and forward at a 45-degree angle and over toward one shoulder, holding there for three seconds. Return back to center, then repeat to the other side. Repeat 20 times on each side, or aim to keep repeating for one or several minutes straight.

Another good way to stretch and strengthen your neck and jaw (only if you have no neck issues) is to tilt your head all the way back and hold, repeating for up to a minute.

5. Pucker Lips

Pucker your lips, loosen them slightly and repeat. Repeat for up to one or several minutes.

6. Smiler

Smile 50 times without wrinkling your eyes, then hold a soft smile for 50 seconds straight.

7. Massage + Face Savasana

Clean your hands and face with a gentle cleanser, then massage your face all over (you may want to use coconut oil to make this easier). Gently press your fingertips into your facial muscles to relieve any strain. Make sure to pay attention to your “third eye” (the space between your brows), massaging for 30 minutes and circling around your eyes. (You may want to try using your fits around your forehead and eyes too.)

Finish with a warm towel laid over your face as you lay down and relax.

Does Face Yoga Work?

While more formal research on this method is warranted, there is some evidence suggesting that these exercises, when practiced consistently, can lead to changes in the facial muscles and potentially skin.

One of the most reliable studies focused on the effects of face yoga to date was conducted by researchers at Northwestern Medicine and published in JAMA Dermatology. The study found that when adult women practiced face yoga exercises consistently for 30 minutes per day over a 20-week (four- to five-month) period, most did experience changes in their facial muscles and skin, including measurably fuller and firmer cheeks and tighter skin.

Researchers involved in the study assessed photos of the participants by using a standardized facial aging scale. They rated 19 features of the participants’ faces at the beginning of the study and again at week eight and at week 20.

The raters found that upper cheek and lower cheek fullness were most significantly enhanced, and overall participants appeared to be about three years younger after completing the 20-week face yoga program.

How long does face yoga take to work?

You may need to practice for at least several weeks, likely more than six in most cases, to see any results. Most face yoga experts recommend ideally practicing up to six days a week for around 30 minutes a day for the practice to really pay off.

If performing facial exercises isn’t really your thing but you’re intrigued by the idea of paying closer attention to the connection between your face and overall health, consider learning more about face mapping.

This ancient practice that has root in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda can help you learn how to treat underlying health concerns that cause symptoms on specific areas of your face. Face mapping is used by some people to help treat issues like redness, rashes due to food allergies, lines, puffiness and wrinkles, and to improve overall mood and energy.

Risks and Side Effects

Does face yoga actually cause wrinkles? In order to avoid worsening lines and wrinkles, face yoga exercises should be performed without scrunching and squinting your face too much.

The idea is to stretch and firm the muscles without wrinkling the skin.

Face yoga does seem to be generally very safe to try, as long as you take it easy at first and don’t yank your neck too much or use too much pressure. Northwestern University concluded from its research that face yoga offers individuals “a low-cost, non-toxic way for looking younger, or to augment other cosmetic or anti-aging treatments they may be seeking.”

Even if you aren’t getting the anti-aging benefits you were hoping for, if face yoga helps you feel calmer (after all, we know yoga can change your brain!) and perhaps decreases eye strain or headaches, consider this a win.

Overall, while face yoga may potentially make you feel less tense and look more refreshed, you still don’t want to give up on other ways of taking care of your skin — such as using sun protection, eating a healthy diet, sleeping enough and drinking plenty of water.

Final Thoughts

• Face yoga involves performing exercises that target the muscles in your face and neck to help improve your appearance, tone and slim your face, and promote relaxation of overworked muscles.
• While research is overall lacking, benefits of face yoga exercises may include filling out the cheeks, reducing skin sagging, decreasing lines, and helping to treat eye strain and headaches.
• You may need to practice for at least several months to see any results. Most face yoga experts recommend ideally practicing up to six days a week for around 30 minutes a day for the practice to really pay off.

The post 7 Face Yoga Exercises and Their Anti-Aging Benefits appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Have you ever wondered if swimming in pools treated with chlorine is bad for you? Chlorine might do a great job of killing bacteria in pools and hot tubs, but unfortunately, it’s pretty harsh toward your skin (and hair) — which is where chlorine rash comes in.

Because chlorine can zap moisture from skin and disrupt normal sebum (oil) production, a risk you take when swimming in some pools is the potential to develop an itchy, red chlorine rash.

What Is a Chlorine Rash?

As the name implies, a chlorine rash is a type of skin reaction caused by exposure to the chemical chlorine.

Most often it develops after someone has been swimming in a pool or soaking in a hot tub that’s been treated with chlorine. It can also occur if someone’s skin touches strong household cleaners, such as bleach products, which contain chlorine.

What is chlorine exactly? It’s a chemical element that’s used as a disinfectant, since it can kill microbes living in water. In fact, it’s one of the mostly highly produced and used chemicals in the United States.

It has a strong odor, which is why you can usually smell it when it’s used in high amounts. Not only can it irritate the skin, but it can also aggravate the eyes and the inside of the body, such as the nasal passageways, when it’s ingested or breathed in.

Chlorine Rash vs. Swimmer’s Itch:

Another type of skin condition that can develop after someone has been swimming outdoors is “swimmer’s itch,” a type of allergic response to pathogens that can live in fresh or salt water.

While a chlorine rash usually occurs after someone has spent time in a pool, swimmer’s itch usually develops after someone has been swimming in outdoor, fresh water.

Swimmer’s itch is usually caused by tiny parasites that make their way into water, such as lakes or ponds, from birds or other animals. The parasites lay larvae that can attach to people’s skin, burrow into the skin and cause an allergic rash.

Symptoms of swimmer’s itch usually include:

• Skin rash that looks like tiny red dots
• Tingling and pain
• Itching
• Sometimes lesions that blister, bleed and scab over

Symptoms

What does chlorine rash look like?

The main symptoms of a chlorine rash are:

• Dryness
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Inflammation
• Itchiness
• Skin lesions, hives, scales or crusts that form on the skin if the rash is severe

Usually a chlorine rash appears as dry, irritated skin, sometimes which is also red. Some people who are especially sensitive to chlorine also develop an itchy rash (hives) when exposed to it.

However, people who develop red or dry skin after being in a swimming pool are not actually allergic to chlorine. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, “What you think is a chlorine allergy might actually be underlying asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) or bronchospasms …

“Chlorine may indirectly contribute to allergies by irritating and sensitizing the respiratory tract.”

How long does a rash from chlorine last?

In most cases the rash will develop within a few hours of the skin coming into contact with chlorine. Depending on how severe someone’s symptoms are, the rash might last one to four days. Normally it will clear up within about three days.

Causes

Dermatologists consider a chlorine rash to be a type of irritant dermatitis. The rash itself is actually caused by a minor chemical burn that dries out skin and causes inflammation.

The main contributor to the rash is hypochlorous acid, which is formed when chlorine and water are combined.

As one dermatologist explained to Prevention magazine, “This acid can open the pores, breaking down the skin’s natural oils and moisture barrier, causing dryness. The longer you stay in the water, the worse it gets.”

Some people who have allergies/asthma are more susceptible to severe chlorine rashes and other reactions, but chlorine is not an allergen itself.

Risk factors for developing a chlorine rash include:

• Having sensitive or already-dry or damaged skin, such as skin prone to eczema or other types of dermatitis.
• Spending lots of time in chlorinated water or being in chlorinated water for long periods. This applies to competitive swimmers, people who exercise in pools regularly and lifeguards.
• Not showering after being exposed to chlorine.
• Having allergies or asthma; chlorine irritates the sinuses, which may trigger the immune system to cause a rash.

How to Treat/Prevent

How do you get rid of chlorine rash? Follow the steps below to protect your skin from irritation and dryness:

1. Avoid Long Periods of Chlorine Exposure

Try not to spend more than about 30 minutes in any water that is treated with chlorine. If possible, avoid pools that have recently been treated with high concentrations of chlorine, such as to kill a potential pathogen found in the pool.

Indoor and public pools tend to be treated in greater concentrations than private pools at people’s homes. If you have a pool at home, consider switching to salt water, which can cut down on the amount of chlorine needed.

2. Apply Protective Balm to Skin Before Swimming

Some skin care products can help create a barrier on the skin that protects chemicals from being absorbed. The best types are Aquaphor or Vaseline (petroleum jelly), which help lower the amount of chlorine that can make its way into your pores.

Before swimming, apply a generous amount of these products to your skin where you’re most sensitive.

If you’re spending time outside in the sun and also want to protect your skin from a sunburn, first apply ointment/moisturizer to dry skin, and then apply sunscreen on top of it.

3. Wash Your Skin Before and After Being Exposed

Ideally, shower before and after you get in a pool that contains chlorine. Showering before will remove bacteria from your skin that can interact with chlorine in a way that makes rashes worse.

Showering after is important for removing the chlorine so it doesn’t sit on your skin for long periods. The longer it comes into contact with your skin, the worse your rash will likely be.

Try to shower off right after getting out of the pool/hot tub. Use a gentle and natural cleanser made for sensitive skin, such as one without any fragrances, exfoliants or acids.

4. Use Plenty of Moisturizer and Vitamin C

Right after showering, apply moisturizer to prevent dryness.

Generally, you want to prevent your skin from becoming too dry and flaky, which makes it more susceptible to rashes. Try exfoliating gently about twice per week, avoid using too many irritating products (such as acne treatments if your skin is already sensitive) and protect your skin from sunburns.

Look for moisturizers with ingredients such as ceramides, colloidal oatmeal and aloe. For the best results, slather it on right after washing your skin, which helps lock in the most moisture.

You can also add vitamin C serum to your skin care routine to further protect it from damage. Look for a thin vitamin C serum or lotion that can be applied under thicker moisturizers and sunscreens.

5. Apply Anti-itch Cream

If your rash is mostly mild and not itchy, then stick to the steps above. If you’ve developed a more severe rash that is red, itchy and pretty inflamed, try applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or a homemade anti-itch cream.

Do this for two to three days to see if the rash improves. If it doesn’t, visit your doctor for help.

When to See a Doctor

If you’ve developed a chlorine rash that doesn’t go away within several days after following the steps above, talk to your dermatologist or health care provider, who may suggest you use stronger anti-inflammatory creams.

Call your doctor right away if you develop a severe rash that is oozing, painful or very hot.

Avoid any further exposure to chlorine, sunlight or harsh skin care products while the rash heals.

Conclusion

• When your skin is exposed to the chemical chlorine you can develop a type of dermatitis that is basically a chemical burn. This is called a chlorine rash, and it usually affects people who swim in treated pools often or who have sensitive skin.
• Will a chlorine rash go away on its own? It probably will within a few days if it’s mild or moderate, but there are steps you can take to speed up the healing process.
• Wash your skin before and after being exposed to chlorine. Apply a protective ointment before swimming (under sunscreen), and then shower right after you get out of the pool/hot tub.
• Apply vitamin C and moisturizer to clean skin right away. Protect your skin from further irritation or burns.
• Visit your doctor if the rash is severe, painful and blistering.

The post Chlorine Rash Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Foundation makeup has many benefits, specifically helping to smooth out the tone of the skin. But most store-bought foundation products are filled with a long list of ingredients that can damage your skin, cause cancer and affect your endocrine system.

It also has a long history with its appeal for stage actors created by the famous Max Factor, but even the ancient Greeks and Romans wore contaminated foundation containing high levels of white lead and mercury that caused lethal poisoning.

Some ingredients, as reported by greenamerica.org, are found to be toxic. Parabens, synthetic scents, nanoparticles, formaldehyde, mercury and lead are just a few that can be found on most labels.

You can search products on the Cosmetic Database website at ewg.org, but perhaps the easiest and healthiest thing to do is make your own right at home. DIY foundation makeup can be a fundamental part of your natural skin care routine.

Keep in mind that DIY makeup, as an all-natural foundation, is not as daunting to make as you may think to prepare. In fact, it is very easy and can be made with just a few ingredients. When choosing your ingredients, use unrefined, raw and organic where possible.

Let’s jump into your personal homemade makeup that is just right for you!

How to Make DIY Foundation

To start making your DIY foundation makeup, measure all of your ingredients and set aside. Now, using a double-boiler or a glass bowl in a pan of water, turn on low heat and place the cupuacu butter, coconut oil and the cocoa butter into the bowl. Using a whisk, stir to blend.

Cupuacu butter is an amazing ingredient because it is the key to this emollient-rich recipe. Made from pulp of the fruit of the cupuacu tree that is native to the Amazon rainforests, cupuacu butter is a great vegan alternative and is more than 150 percent richer in its ability to hydrate the skin than shea butter. Though shea butter is a great option, if soft, supple moisturized skin is what you’re after, try cupuacu butter!

Now add the vitamin E and the rose hip seed oil. Make sure to blend well. Remove from heat.

Vitamin E has long been known for its skin-healing properties. It fights free radical damage while helping reduce inflammation, plus it’s a natural anti-aging nutrient. Chock-full of nourishing vitamins and antioxidants, rosehip seed oil may help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, diminish those dark spots and help hydrate dry skin making it the perfect ingredient to this extra moisturizing foundation.

Next up, add the zinc oxide and stir. Zinc oxide offers some amazing sunscreen benefits. You need to make sure you choose the uncoated, non-nano and non-micronized versions. In addition to being a great sun-blocker and cancer-fighter, zinc oxide lowers skin inflammation, helps prevent acne and locks in moisture all the while helping form healthy collagen in the skin.

Now, let’s add some color to your DIY foundation makeup! It is important to be careful with the amount of cacao and cinnamon you add. The reason is that these ingredients offer the tone of the foundation. If you need it darker, you will want to add more. For a lighter tone, use less. The best thing to do is start with less and test it on your jawline, in sunlight, to get just the right amount.

Make sure to pay attention to how much you use so that you can note it in your personal DIY makeup recipe. To give you an idea, about a ½ tablespoon of cocoa powder will give you a light foundation, add another teaspoon for a medium foundation, and one tablespoon will result in a medium-dark foundation.

Cacao is a pretty amazing ingredient that not only is delicious in some recipes, but it’s great for the skin with its high antioxidant contents. Meanwhile, benefit-rich cinnamon is right up there with cacao in the antioxidant category and has been used medicinally for centuries.

Once you have reached your desired shade, pour the DIY foundation makeup into your container and allow it to cool. You can use a silicon makeup tube or a glass jar. If using a jar, make sure to wash your hands prior to each use to avoid contamination.

DIY Foundation Makeup with Sunscreen

---

• Author: Kyra Oliver
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 20 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Keep in mind that DIY makeup, as an all-natural foundation, is not as daunting to make as you may think to prepare. In fact, it is very easy and can be made with just a few ingredients. When choosing your ingredients, use unrefined, raw and organic where possible.

---

Ingredients

• 1.5 ounces cupuacu butter
• 2 ounces coconut oil
• 0.5 ounce cocoa butter
• 1 ounce rose hip seed oil
• ⅛ teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 0.5 ounces zinc oxide (look for uncoated, non-nano and non-micronized)
• organic cocao powder
• cinnamon or nutmeg (ginger or arrowroot powder can be used to lighten the shade)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Using a double-boiler or a glass bowl in a pan of water, place the cupuacu butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter and stir to blend well.
2. Add the vitamin E oil and rose hip oil. Blend well.
3. Remove from heat and add the zinc oxide. Note: The more you add, the higher the sunscreen levels.
4. Then, add the cacao and cinnamon or nutmeg.
5. Remember the amount of these ingredients that you use will determine the shade of the foundation.
6. Start with less until you reach your desired shade.
7. Test it on your jawline in sunlight to ensure the shade that works best for you.
8. Store in a silicon tube or glass jar. Make sure hands are clean prior to dipping into the jar if you use that type of container, to prevent contamination.

• Prep Time: 15 min

The post DIY Foundation Makeup with Sunscreen appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Although most people don’t realize it, their favorite skin care products can be significant contributors to their expose to harmful ingredients, toxins and chemicals. That’s “the real price of beauty,” but you can avoid the chemical options for natural skin care ingredients instead.

Fact is the majority of store-bought, commercially produced beauty products come packed with artificial colors, fragrances, preservatives and stabilizers. These can easily be absorbed through the skin’s pores, potentially causing a range of negative health effects.

Chemicals found in beauty products can be damaging throughout their entire life cycles, from the way they are produced and used by consumers to the methods of their disposal, plus their negative impact on the environment.

What does this mean for your beauty routine? The good news is that there are plenty “clean beauty” products available for skin, not to mention your hair, teeth and nails. Most natural skin care ingredients are inexpensive and not harmful to your overall health, unlike some commercial products.

Women all over the world have been using natural skin care products for centuries — and many have admirable skin to show for it.

What Is Natural Skin Care?

Natural skin care utilizes ingredients found in nature, such as certain herbs, flowers, roots, fruits and other plants.

There are more natural skin care products available now than ever, and their long list of benefits extend beyond even great-looking skin. When you use natural products like this regularly, not only do you beautify your skin, but you also absorb antioxidants, enhance your skin’s UV resistance and stimulate your immune system, too.

According to one study published in the journal Biogerontology, “Natural anti-aging ingredients, which basically follow hormetic pathways, are potentially useful as moisturizing agents; barrier repair agents; antioxidants, vitamins, hydroxy acids, skin lightening agents, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and sunblock ingredients.”

Research shows that a variety of plants contain phytomolecules, amino acids and fatty acids that are protective of our skin, including compounds like polyphenols, triterpenes and sterols, carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, polyunsaturated fats, and many others.

Applying unprocessed, whole-food ingredients onto your skin — many that you likely even have already and cook with in your own kitchen — will make you love your skin, even if you are someone who has sensitive skin or has struggled in the past with clearing up difficult skin-related problems.

The Hidden Toxicity of Most Beauty Products

Store-bought skin care products typically contain irritating ingredients and chemical fragrances that are linked to all sorts of potential issues − from hormonal problems, irregular periods and infertility to allergies and even cancer.

One of the most significant consequences of built-up toxin exposure from artificial skin care products is hormone imbalance, since many products contain hormone disruptors.

These external, or exogenous, hormones found in commercial products are substances produced outside the body that may act like or affect hormones inside the body. They include synthetic, patentable hormones that negatively affect the endocrine system and can impact a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility and even hormone levels in men.

Often called endocrine disruptors, some of these chemicals’ molecular structures resemble natural estrogen so closely that they fit into the same receptors in the body. They either bind to these receptors — so your own hormones don’t work like they’re supposed to — and turn genes on and off, amplify the negative aspects of estrogen, or travel to the cells’ nucleus, where they exert a negative effect on chromosomes or DNA.

How is all this allowed? To put things into perspective for you, here’s a few noteworthy facts on store-bought beauty products:

• The regulation of cosmetic and personal-care products is slim. Only an easy approval process exists in order for a product to be approved for commercial use.
• Most store-bought skin care ingredient labels can be downright scary! There are thousands of chemicals in your products, and make no mistake about it, they are usually directly absorbed into your body. There is little government review or approval because the skin care industry is highly unregulated, even in the U.S.
• The majority of skin care and beauty products, including cleaners, moisturizers, anti-aging serums and scrubs, use inorganic compounds and petroleum-based gels as their foundation. Mineral oils are not naturally harvested from plants. When an ingredient is made with chemicals, it actually clogs your pores. Your skin loses its natural ability to expel toxins, which leads to increased acne and signs of aging.
• A few harmful chemicals that are used in store-bought products include parabens (used for preservation), synthetic colors (derived from petroleum or coal tar sources), fragrance (which is associated with allergies and respiratory distress), toluene (which is also used to dissolve paint) and sodium lauryl sulfate (which can cause kidney and respiratory damage).
• Putting chemicals on your body limits your skin’s natural healing processes. Your body’s immune system, the health of your eyes and your respiratory system can be damaged by unhealthy chemicals and additives. Also, many of these chemicals are skin irritants, leading to red, dry, flaky skin.
• It is also better for the environment to make your own homemade scrubs and lotions. Petroleum-based oils are made from unsustainable fossil fuel. Also, the plastic packaging is a huge waste. Think of all those plastic jars and bottles that later need to be disposed of, many of which are not recycled by customers.

To be fair, not all skin care ingredients that are somewhat processed or refined are bad. For example, ingredients like hyaluronic acid (found in moisturizers and serums) and salicylic acid (an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent found in acne products) can both support skin health if they are used in products that are free of other irritants.

Related: What Is an Esthetician? Training, Benefits, Treatments & More

Best Skin Care Ingredients

Buying skin care products can be tricky these days, with so many different options available and endless, hard-to-pronounce ingredient lists on every face wash, serum, moisturizer and eye cream.

When looking for skin care products, follow the same rules that you follow for a healthy diet: Hunt for unprocessed ingredients without any harsh chemicals or anything artificial. Basically, the closer to nature the natural skin product is, the more your skin will know what to do with its beneficial ingredients.

Start making over your beauty routine by trying these 13 natural skin care products:

1. Coconut Oil

One of the most versatile skin (and food) ingredients there is, coconut oil’s skin benefits include:

• strengthening underlying epidermal tissue
• removing dead skin cells
• protecting us from sunburns
• containing antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties

Research even shows that it’s strong enough to fight certain chronic skin diseases characterized by defects in the epidermal barrier function and cutaneous inflammation, including atopic dermatitis.

Use coconut oil on both your skin and hair as a natural moisturizer. It works best for dry or or combination skin types, as opposed to oily skin. It also helps cleanse skin and can remove makeup, help heal wounds or scars quicker, and prevents razor burn.

Coconut oil used internally is also beneficial for your looks. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, plus loads of healthy fats that help nourish your gut and increase immune function.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used for hundreds of years in Australia, where this plant is native to, to fight breakouts, redness and inflammation on the skin.

While many people react harshly to typical acne treatment ingredients like acids, tea tree is usually well-tolerated and comes with few, if any, side effects.

Tea tree oil uses include working as a natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal, and its phytochemicals make it one of the most versatile and popular natural skin care products around.

Tea tree’s volatile essential oils come from approximately 230 different plant species, almost all of which are native to Australia. The primary active ingredients responsible for its ability to reduce harmful bacteria include terpene hydrocarbons, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.

If your skin type is prone to breakouts, tea tree can be an effective home remedy for acne.

Researches have observed more than 100 different chemical components and volatile hydrocarbons that are considered aromatic and capable of traveling through air, pores of the skin and mucus membranes to provide healing benefits.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

An extremely versatile and inexpensive natural skin care product, apple cider vinegar benefits include helping kill pathogens (like bacteria), clearing skin problems caused by gut issues, cleansing the skin and helping stop acne — plus providing antifungal properties.

The use of ACV for skin problems dates all the way back to Hippocrates (460–377 BC), considered “the father of modern medicine” and a believer in the use of antifungal ACV and raw honey for cleaning ulcerations and treating skin sores.

It also contains highly beneficial acetic acid and certain vitamins like potassium and magnesium that make it a detoxifying agent when consumed internally, since it boosts liver function and helps balance bacteria in the gut.

4. Raw Honey

Raw honey is one of the best natural sources of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and skin-boosting acids. Benefits of raw honey include:

• reducing breakouts
• providing moisturizing properties
• containing antiseptic qualities
•  encouraging wound healing
• fighting allergies or rashes
• helping reduce scars

Raw honey is unheated, unprocessed and unpasteurized unlike most honeys available in grocery stores. Therefore, it is able to keep all of its nutrients intact, as they’re not destroyed by processing.

As an antimicrobial, honey is particularly suitable as a dressing for wounds and burns. It’s also been included in treatments used to treat bacterial infections, dandruff, diaper dermatitis, psoriasis and more.

Honey also makes a great homemade natural skin care product for acne because it can be used in facial cleansers, even on sensitive or mixed skin types.

5. Sea Salt

Sea salt comes loaded with tons of minerals and nutrients, like magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium, that it absorbs from the seawater where it’s produced. Many of these minerals are the same ones found in our skin cells and within our bodies, which is exactly why real sea salt can help balance, protect and restore the skin.

Use real Himalayan or Celtic sea salts in homemade facial masks, toners and scrubs with other skin-boosting ingredients, like coconut oil, lavender essential oil and raw honey. The salt contains anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin and calm breakouts, remove dead skin cells and irritation, balance oil production, and help the skin retain moisture levels.

6. Avocado

If you have dry skin, avocado is definitely your friend. An ultra-moisturizing fatty fruit, the benefits of avocados include providing healthy fatty acids plus vitamins A, D and E that are able to penetrate the skin.

It helps soothe sunburned skin and can boost collagen production and treat age spots. It also works to reduce inflammation of the skin when applied topically and can do the same internally when eaten.

For anti-aging benefits, try it in homemade face masks followed by hydrating eye cream.

7. Lemon Essential Oil

With its strong antibacterial constituents capable of reducing even fatally dangerous bacteria strains, lemon essential oil can be used to diminish acne breakouts caused by high levels of bacteria stuck in pores. It’s also useful for dull skin types, as it helps with fading scars and age spots, can exfoliate skin, brighten and lighten skin, tone oily skin, and fight wrinkles.

Additionally, lemon oil is one of the most versatile essential oils to have on hand because it can be used as a teeth whitener, laundry freshener, cellulite cream, face wash and household cleaner. Mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil, and massage into troubled areas of the skin. You can also use it on your hair to boost shine and remove residue.

8. Argan Oil

Native to Morocco and used there for generations, argan oil is so healing because it’s rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, various antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. These give it natural anti-aging properties — plus it’s not only great for gently moisturizing skin, but it also boosts the shine and health of your hair.

Apply a small amount of pure argan oil directly to normal or troubled skin twice daily to help treat irritations, such as acne, bug bites, eczema, dryness and psoriasis.

9. Aloe Vera

Most people associate aloe vera benefits with healing sunburns, but did you know that aloe also contains bacteria-fighting, soothing ingredients that fight inflammation, redness and itching? For hundreds of years aloe has been used to treat skin diseases, infections and as a natural treatment for fungal diseases in traditional Chinese medicine.

Aloe vera is considered to be the most biologically active form of the Aloe barbadensis miller species and holds more than 75 potentially active ingredients, including anti-inflammatories, vitamins, minerals, saccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, lignin and salicylic acids. These are what gives aloe its signature antimicrobial and antifungal properties that make it a “photodynamic therapy” for supporting skin — plus it may have anti-aging effects due to its ability to support a healthy skin barrier.

Research results suggest that aloe vera is effective for burns and wound healing, but surprisingly it also detoxifies you from the inside out — so much so that, when taken orally, aloe can even decrease the number and size of tumors and parasites in the liver, spleen and bone marrow.

Aloe vera plants produce two substances used for medicine: the gel found in the cells in the center of the leaf and the latex that’s obtained from the cells just beneath the leaves’ skin. These can be used as a natural skin care remedy for burns, frostbite, psoriasis and cold sores.

10. Jojoba Oil

One of the most widely used carrier oils, jojoba oil is extremely moisturizing and can help treat burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, acne psoriasis and wrinkles. Native to the southern U.S. and Mexico, it’s also used to reduce balding because it encourages hair regrowth, soothes the skin and unclogs hair follicles.

When it comes to the chemical structure of jojoba oil, it’s unique in that it’s a polyunsaturated wax. As a wax, jojoba is especially useful for protecting the skin, acting as a natural moisturizer and soothing the scalp.

11. Almond Oil

You probably already know about the many nutrition benefits of almonds, but maybe you’re new to using almond oil on your skin. Not only does it smell great, but it has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

It makes a great serum ingredient or carrier oil for essential oils that naturally treat skin rashes, acne or dryness. It also blends easily with many different smells, so try in it homemade washes, masks or lotions.

12. Shea Butter

Shea butter has been used as a natural skin care product in Africa for hundreds of years, where it is still largely cultivated and shipped around the world today. It makes an excellent moisturizer for dry skin types and is inexpensive yet effective at reducing flaking, redness or peeling.

It’s safe to use around your eyes and makes a good addition to natural eye creams and overnight, hydrating lotions.

13. Castor Oil

Used to cleanse skin, castor oil is actually a “drying oil,” even though that might seem counterintuitive. For facial cleansing, you only need to use a very small amount to reduce built-up bacteria that can contribute to breakouts and dull skin.

14. Vitamin C Extract

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that acts like an anti-aging antioxidant, helping defend against oxidative stress and free radical damage that can lead to dark spots and fine lines. You’ll find this extract in facial serums and moisturizers that are intended to brighten and tone dull or uneven skin tones.

Vitamin C can also help regulate sebum (oil) production to prevent acne and decrease inflammation.

15. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel comes from the Hamamelis plant and is used to make a toning solution. It’s been a staple of natural skin care and home remedies for various skin issues for centuries, such as blemishes and bug bites.

It helps control oil and normalize skin’s hydration while fighting bacteria. It may also help reduce irritation, swelling and redness associated with acne.

16. Cocoa

Real, unprocessed cocoa powder is full of antioxidants, minerals and healthy fats. It can help replenish skin’s moisture and fight dryness while offering protection against free radical damage that can age skin. Use it in face masks for a boost in your skin’s glow.

17. Beeswax

Pure beeswax is a substance that comes from worker honeybees, which make honeycomb. It’s commonly used for lowering cholesterol and also relieving pain, swelling and inflammation.

It acts as a humectant, meaning it helps create a protective layer on the skin that keeps moisture in and locks out irritants. Studies have found that it can be used with other natural skin care products, such as botanical oils and witch hazel, to treat rosacea as well as some prescriptions, often without any further irritation.

18. Cucumber

Cucumber contains active enzymes and compounds that help decrease puffiness and fight allergies. Sliced cucumbers can be placed under the eyes to soothe delicate skin and help with hydration.

Related: What Is Stearic Acid? Top Uses for Skin & Beyond

Terms to Know

When shopping to find new clean skin care products, it helps to know what different terms mean. For starters, the word “natural” does not really tell you much, since this is a marketing term more than anything. It’s not a regulated term and won’t tell you exactly what’s in a product, so be sure to read ingredient labels.

Here are some natural skin care terms to familiarize yourself with so you can better understand your options:

• Hypoallergenic — Signifies that a product contains fewer ingredients that are known to cause an allergic reaction, but this is not a medical term that’s regulated by the FDA.
• Fragrance-free — Free from added fragrances, which can be irritating. However, products may still have a scent due to the smell of some ingredients, such as essential oils.
• Non-comedogenic — Typically won’t clog pores.
• Non-irritating — Typically paraben-free, fragrance-free, soap-free, non-comedogenic, non-drying.
• 100% pure — Typically made with only one ingredient and free from fillers or additives.
• Vegan — Does not contain any animal products, such as honey, dairy, egg, collagen, etc.
• Cruelty-free — Made without harming animals, which often includes not testing on animals.
• Organic —Products that use ingredients that have been naturally grown and not contaminated with pesticides and chemicals.

Related: Micellar Water: The Do-It-All Skin Care Ingredient

Natural Skin Care Routine

While using these natural ingredients can be very effective for treating skin issues, what you put into your body, of course, also plays an enormous role in your outer appearance. You’ve probably noticed firsthand how a healthy diet, good sleep, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water can help improve someone’s looks.

For the best results, try these strategies for helping improve skin, hair or other beauty issues:

1. Take Probiotics

Healthy skin is just like any other organ in your body: It continuously needs oxygen and nutrients to be brought to the cells, and toxins need to be washed away. Therefore, hormonal balance and healthy digestive function are both crucial for optimal skin health.

Probiotics, the “good bacteria” that help balance the gut environment, are tied to improved immunity, hormonal control, appetite regulation and energy levels. They can help your immune and nervous system deal with toxins like bad bacteria, yeast, viruses, fungi and parasites that can all show up on your skin.

2. Take a Quality Omega-3 Supplement Cod Liver Oil

Omega-3s are loaded with healthy fatty acids that help keep dry skin moisturized and elastic. They also help regulate hormone function, nervous system health and immune function, while also promoting a normal inflammation response.

Cod liver oil is also a great source of skin-loving vitamins A, D and K; omega-3s; and antioxidants.

3. Consider Using Collagen Protein

Collagen protein is growing in popularity as one of the best natural skin care supplements available today. Collagen helps build healthy skin cells and is partially responsible for skin’s youthful elasticity, softness and firmness.

While many topical products add collagen to their formulas to boost their appeal, it’s actually much more effective when taken internally. Collagen is actually too large to absorb through the skin and must be produced internally for the best results.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

There are many reasons you should drink enough water, including it being one of the best things you can do to take care of your skin. Most experts recommend getting at least eight glasses of plain water every single day and probably even more if you suffer from dry, troublesome skin or puffy/swollen eyes.

Water makes up about 70 percent of your body and a very large portion of your skin, too!

Water help flush toxins from the bloodstream and cells, allowing your body to experience a “detox” and remove things like bacteria and waste from affecting your skin. Of course, water plays a big role in keeping skin hydrated, so it has anti-aging effects too.

Without enough of it, we appear aged and dull and can suffer from rough, cracked skin.

5. Exfoliate

To help renew the skin and remove those dead skin cells, it’s important to exfoliate occasionally. The practice will give you a fresher appearance and healthier skin, as it helps to unclog your pores that get clogged with dead skin cells, pollutants and cosmetics.

Two wonderful natural exfoliators are the pumice stone and the practice of dry brushing. In both cases, it’s important to do this gently so that you do not tear the skin. Exfoliating too much can also dehydrate the skin, which is that last thing you want to do, so limit it to once a week (and never before going out into the sun).

6. Get Good Sleep and Lower Stress

Consider if a lack of sleep and high levels of stress might be causing a hormonal imbalance that is leading to breakouts. You should know that “beauty sleep” is more than just a silly saying — a good night’s sleep is truly where the magic happens when it comes to healthy skin.

Getting enough restful sleep is key to good skin because when you’re sleeping, your “happy hormones” are at their highest and your stress hormones are at their lowest. This means your body has the energy to use to devote to things like proper digestion, muscle growth and repairing your skin — so you wake up looking refreshed.

Not getting good sleep has a similar effect on the body that stress does. Both stress and lack of sleep make your body conserve energy — therefore skin health becomes compromised.

Thus, consider implementing natural sleep strategies as well as ways to bust stress.

7. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Emphasize plenty of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet, especially fresh veggies and fruits, plus fatty fish, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices. Lastly, if you still suffer from acne and frequent skin problems, eat lots of leafy greens and consider giving up gluten, sugar and dairy.

Related: Related: 5 Natural Deodorant Remedies, Plus How to Make Your Own!

DIY Recipes

To get you started on your natural skin care routine, try these DIY recipes using some of the ingredients mentioned above:

• Castor Oil Cleanser — Combine about a teaspoon of castor oil mixed into 1/4 cup of another oil like coconut or almond. Rub into your face, and massage. Then rinse with warm water to carry away impurities.
• Homemade Honey Face Wash for Clear Skin — Great for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Sea Salt Scrub — Mix two teaspoons sea salt with four teaspoons raw honey, and then apply the mix evenly to clean skin. Rub it gently, let it stand for 15 minutes and rinse. Sugar scrubs are similar, and both types are gentle enough to use several times per week to prevent clogged pores and help with cell turnover and renewal.
• DIY Vitamin C Serum for the Face or Homemade Anti-Aging Serum
• Homemade Skin Care Butter — Made with shea butter and essential oils like frankincense, eucalyptus or bergamot oil.
• Homemade Avocado Face Mask — Made with fresh avocado combined with essential oils, honey or a carrier oil to replenish hydration and leave skin feeling dewy.
• Acne Scar Removal Face Mask
• DIY Face Moisturizer with Shea Butter & Essential Oils
• Homemade Eye Cream with Frankincense & Shea Butter
• Homemade lip balm — Made with lavender oil and mint to soothe cracked skin and provide a cooling sensation.

Risks and Side Effects

When using any new product on your skin, even natural skin care products, start with a small amount, and gradually increase how much you use. This way you can test your reaction before applying to a large area of your skin. This is especially important with essential oils, which can sometimes be irritating.

If you’re allergic to an ingredient that you’d eat, such as honey or avocado, avoid applying it to your skin. Be careful when purchasing natural products in stores if you have any allergies. Read labels carefully to avoid irritating ingredients.

Related: Succinic Acid Benefits for Skin + How to Use It

Conclusion

• Clean beauty is all about using products that are beneficial and non-irritating. These include things like lotions, serums, toners, masks and scrubs made from plants, roots, flowers, herbs and even fruits and veggies.
• What are the best natural skin care products? Some include coconut, tea tree, almond and jojoba oils; apple cider vinegar; beeswax; vitamin C; witch hazel; honey; avocado; and others.
• These natural skin care ingredients offer benefits such as help reducing age spots, acne, dryness, scarring, eczema, lines and wrinkles.

The post The Best Natural Skin Care Ingredients for Your Beauty Routine appeared first on Dr. Axe.

This homemade sunburn spray will help soothe any sunburn. The ingredients mix perfectly to create a sunburn home remedy that will reduce the inflammation while rehydrating the skin.

Keep this handy in the summer months, as the sooner you apply to your own or a loved one’s sunburn, the better.

Key Sunburn Relief Ingredients

Liquid aloe vera juice: Among the several sunburn relief ingredients, aloe vera is top of the list. Aloe vera juice is made with the leaves of the aloe plant. The whole aloe vera leaf is crushed and ground to produce a juice. It’s high in antioxidants and vitamins that boost the health of your skin. Topical application of the plant’s extract have shown to improve sunburn and skin conditions

Fractionated coconut oil: Fractionated coconut oil, also called “liquid coconut oil,” is just that: a type of coconut oil that remains liquid even at room temperature and cooler temps. This helps with uses such as making this DIY sunburn relief spray. It also contains natural antioxidants that help protect skin from things like free radical damage, environmental effects and UV damage.

Lavender essential oil: Lavender oil is the most used essential oil in the world today and can aid burned skin. In fact, an animal study found that lavender oil promoted wound healing in the early phase by accelerating the formation of granulation tissue (tissue from the healing surface of the skin) and promoting collagen synthesis.

Peppermint essential oil: Peppermint oil exhibits calming, softening, toning and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin when used topically. It also has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, perfect for a sunburn home remedy.

How to Make A Home Remedy for Sunburn

In a sauce pan, add two inches of water. Place over medium-low heat.

In a glass jar, add coconut oil and aloe vera juice. Place the jar in the sauce pan and stir with a small wooden spoon or stick, waiting for the mixture to liquefy and combine.

Once combined, remove from sauce pan and allow the mixture to cool. When cooled, add in the oils, mixing well. Pour into a glass spray bottle and store in cool place.

Sunburn Home Remedy

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 20 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This homemade sunburn remedy will soothe any sunburn. The ingredients mix perfectly to create a sunburn relief home remedy that will reduce the inflammation while rehydrating the skin.

---

Ingredients

• ½ cup liquid aloe vera juice
• ⅛ cup fractionated coconut oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• glass spray bottle

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a sauce pan, add two inches of water. Place over medium-low heat.
2. In a glass jar, add coconut oil and aloe vera juice. Place jar in the sauce pan and stir, waiting for the mixture to liquefy and combine.
3. Once combined, remove from sauce pan and allow the mixture to cool. Next add in the oils, mixing well. Pour into a glass spray bottle and store in cool place.

• Prep Time: 10 min

Keywords: sunburn home remedy, sunburn remedy, sunburn relief remedy

The post Home Remedy for Sunburn, with Aloe and Lavender Oil appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Sometimes it’s easy to get lazy about removing makeup. Research shows that using natural remedies on the face can help slow down the aging process. While it’s best to use herb-based makeup as part of a natural skin care routine, making sure that you remove any makeup you choose to use is important to having healthy, youthful skin due to the free radicals that attach themselves to our exposed skin daily.

Free radicals cause the breakdown of healthy collagen, which is a huge factor in aging. If that’s not enough, makeup can clog the pores while you sleep, which can develop into acne. And acne can be unsightly, annoying and cause scarring. Because of this, it is really critical to make sure the skin is clear of these damaging free radicals before you head off to bed!

Now that I have helped you understand why this important, let’s delve into making a homemade makeup remover that will both save you money and save years off your age!

How to Make Your Own Makeup Remover

This may be one of the easiest recipes you will create since it contains just four ingredients. This can be used before going to bed, followed by a great evening moisturizer for dry skin. This homemade makeup remover helps prevent the signs of aging, too! For this recipe, it’s best to make it right in the container that you want to use, such as small glass bottles and jars.

Let’s start by putting the witch hazel into the container. Look for witch hazel without alcohol since alcohol dries the skin. Witch hazel is very gentle to the skin, operates as a strong antioxidant and prevents cellular damage, and works as an astringent and kills bacteria that lives within the pores of the skin.

Next, add the jojoba oil and olive oil. Jojoba oil is a great oil to use on your face and is great for your skin. Not only can it remove your makeup, it’s hypoallergenic and removes any bacteria from your face as you use it. This powerful little oil also stimulates collagen synthesis, which will naturally slow down the aging process.

Olive oil does way more than make a salad dressing. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and helps keep your skin feeling supple while calming irritation. It eliminates dryness and is really beneficial in removing mascara, dissolving it so that it easily slides right off your eyelashes without irritation. It is a perfect choice as part of your daily beauty routine in this makeup remover.

Now, add the water to the container, place the lid on it and shake it to blend it well. You now have the best homemade makeup remover within your reach!

To use, shake the container each time prior to application. Then, using a cotton ball or pad, wipe the face, gently using the makeup remover until all makeup has been removed. You want to avoid getting it in the eyes. Follow up with my homemade anti-aging serum that will awaken you with a glowing, youthful face the next morning.

This DIY makeup remover should last two to three months on the shelf. Place in the refrigerator to further extend its shelf life.

DIY Makeup Remover Recipe

---

• Author: Kyra Oliver
• Total Time: 3 min
• Yield: 30 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This may be one of the easiest DIY recipes you will create since it contains just four ingredients. You can use it to clean your skin at night before going to bed (followed by a great evening moisturizer).

---

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons witch hazel
• 2 tablespoons of pure jojoba oil
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons purified water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Use a small glass bottle and jar.
2. Let’s start by putting the witch hazel into the container.
3. Next, add the jojoba and olive oil.
4. Now, add the water to the container, place the lid on it and shake it to blend it well.
5. To use, shake the container each time prior to application. Then, using a cotton ball or pad, wipe the face gently using the makeup remover until all makeup has been removed.

Notes

In humid environments, you may not need to follow with a moisturizer. But if your environment is dry and/or your skin is too (!), then use a good moisturizer afterwards. You may want to try our moisturizer for dry skin or moisturizer for oily skin.

• Method: Mixing

Keywords: homemade makeup remover, DIY makeup remover

The post Homemade Makeup Remover appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Environmental Working Group’s 16th annual Guide to Sunscreens is a mix of good and bad news when it comes to the state of sunscreens sold in American and beyond. For instance, oxybenzone — a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical that is readily absorbed into the body — is now present in 30 percent of  the 1,850 products EWG investigated. While that may seem high, consider this: three years ago, about 60 percent of sunscreens contained this concerning chemical.

The National Toxicology Program released findings linking oxybenzone exposure to a higher risk of thyroid tumors in female rats. Even the European Commission, which reviews ingredient safety in Europe, published a final opinion finding oxybenzone unsafe for use at current levels.

“We slather these ingredients on our skin, but many of these chemicals haven’t been adequately tested,” says Carla Burns, EWG senior director for cosmetic science. “Despite the known toxicity concerns, oxybenzone is still widely used as a non-mineral active ingredient in sunscreens. The long-term use of these chemicals, and especially chemicals not adequately tested for safety, could be problematic.”

Sunscreen Chemicals Build Up in Your Blood

The effects of sunscreen may linger longer than expected, too. An FDA-led 2020 study found that “chemical sunscreen ingredients are systemically absorbed after one application, and some ingredients can stay in the blood for at least three weeks.”

The sunscreen chemicals tested in this FDA study included avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate, and all six active ingredients tested readily absorbed into the bloodstream of humans involved the study — and at concentrations that surpass an important FDA safety threshold.

This builds on previous research showing that sunscreen chemicals hit the bloodstream within a day of using them — and at levels high enough to prompt a government investigation on safety.

Some public safety experts say this is just one example of the backward nature of product regulation in the U.S.

Beyond safety issues is another question: Does sunscreen even work? Environmental Working Group’s found that nearly 75 percent of sunscreens don’t work and/or contain concerning ingredients that are readily absorbed by the body.

Things may be slowing moving in the right direction, but for now, the onus is still on the consumer to find sunscreen that’s safer and actually works.  

Related: What Are Parabens? The Truth About This Common Cosmetic Ingredient

Are You Using the Best Sunscreens?

A past EWG report cited research of Brian Diffey, PhD, emeritus professor of photobiology at the Institute of Cellular Medicine at Newcastle University. He’s shown that, on average, U.S. sunscreens allow about three times more UVA rays to transfer through skin compared to European sunscreens. In fact, Americans sunscreen choices are fewer and often offer worse UVA protection compared to those available in the European Union.

This matters because UVA rays are more abundant than UVB rays, and UVA damage is more subtle than the sunburns induced mainly by UVB rays. UVA rays can damage your skin invisibly by suppressing the immune system and aging the skin over time; overexposure of these rays are also linked to the development of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, too.

According to EWG, most sunscreens sold in the U.S. would not be sold in Europe, which sets much more stringent UVA standards.

In the U.S., sunscreen regulations haven’t been updated since 2011, and current regulations promote SPF products that reduce sunburn (which is important), instead of sunscreens that offer better broad-spectrum protection. In a news release, EWG noted that FDA rules ignore the relationship between the labeled SPF and measured UVA protection. 

Excess UVA radiation is tied to aging, immune system damage and a higher risk of certain cancers.

Most of the products we tested reduced UV radiation by only half of what we expect from looking at the SPF on the label,” explains David Andrews, PhD, a senior scientist at EWG and lead author of the report. These would not be legal for sale in Europe.

Sunscreen Is Only One Tool in the Sun Safety Toolbox

Now, it’s important to note that there is no perfect sunscreen. Many contain harmful chemicals, and even mineral-based ones could contain nanoparticles, minute ingredients that can cross the blood-brain barrier and also harm aquatic life. Beyond that, sunscreen is unique compared to many other personal care products because you coat it thickly onto your skin, often multiple times a day. You don’t get that type of hours-long, skin-absorbing exposure with something like, say, shampoo you quickly wash off.

That’s why it’s very important to look for safer sunscreens if you use them and to recognize that you can’t only rely on sunscreens alone to prevent sun overexposure.

No product is going to be fully protective and no product will last on your skin for more than two hours max, EWG has noted in the past. They recommend thickly applying sunscreen coatings, reapplying every time you’re out of the water and choosing a better product to begin with are all key. But other sun smart methods to avoid overexposures are a must. In fact, sunscreen should actually be your last line of defense against the sun after adopting other more effective measures. More on those later.

In the EWG’s 2022 best sunscreens report, the group analyzed the ingredients and labeling claims of more than 1,800 products with SPF. “The sunscreen industry continues to bury its head in the sand,” says Scott Faber, EWG’s senior Vice President for government affairs. “The market is flooded with products that provide poor UVA protection and use concerning ingredients. Sunscreen sales have increased dramatically, so sunscreen companies can certainly afford to conduct the studies needed to ensure their customers are safe.” 

So what are the best sunscreens out there? Let’s take a look.

The Best Sunscreens of 2022: For Recreation 

“Based on the best current science and toxicology data, we continue to recommend sunscreens with the mineral active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, because they are the only two ingredients the FDA recognized as safe or effective in their proposed draft rules,” Burns says.

Here are some of the most highly rated sunscreens that met EWG’s criteria for safety and effectiveness:

• 365 Everyday Value Mineral Sunscreen Sport Lotion, SPF 30
• 3rd Rock Sunblock Sunscreen Lotion, Aromatherapeutic, SPF 35
• ATTITUDE Mineral Sunscreen, Fragrance Free, SPF 30
• All Good Sunstick, Unscented, SPF 30
• All Good Sunscreen Butter, 50+
• Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30
• Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream, SPF 40
• Black Girl Sunscreen Melanin Boosting Mosturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Block Island Organics Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Butterbean Organics Original Healthy Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• C’est Moi GENTLE Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Earth Mama Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 25 & 40
• Eco Logical Skin Care All Natural Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
• Eleven By Venus Williams On-The-Defense Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Erbaviva Organic Skincare Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Erin’s Faces Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Body, SPF 32
• Green Goo Solar Goo Sunscreen, SPF 30
• Just Skin Food Natural & Organic Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
• Kabana Organic Skincare Green Screen Sunscreen Lotion, Original, SPF 32
• Kabana Organic Skincare Green Screen D Sunscreen Lotion, Original, SPF 35
• Ke Ko Organics Ko’a Sun Cream, Tinted, SPF 31
• Laguna Herbals Face & Body Sunscreen Stick, Coconut, SPF 30
• Love Sun Body Sheer Perfection Mineral Body Sunscreen, Fragrance-Free, SPF 30
• Loving Naturals Clear Body Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
• Maui Natural Organics All Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30,
• Nuori Mineral Defence Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Olita Mineral Sunscreen Sunstick, SPF 30
• Pacific Beach Organics Riptide Sunscreen Lotion, Tinted, SPF 32
• Poofy Organics The Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Rocket Pure Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Raw Elements Face + Body Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Sea Kind Alive Reef Safe Sunscreen, SPF 30
• Star Naturals Natural Sunscreen Stick, SPF 25
• Summer Lotion Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• SunBioLogic Kids Natural Zinc Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
• Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Sport, SPF 30
• Suntribe Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Vanilla Yum Yum, SPF 30
• Sunumbra Classic Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Think Sunscreen Lotion, Aloe + Tea Leaves, SPF 30
• thinksport Body & Face Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
• thinksport Kids Body & Face Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
• Thrive Market Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
• Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• UV Natural Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
• Waxhead Sun Defense Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
• Waxhead Sun Defense Skin Nourishing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 32

Also of note, many sunscreen powerhouse brands are now offering safer options, although not all of these brands’ offerings are considered safer EWG picks. (Scores of 0-2 are considered safer, while higher scores indicate poorer safety ratings.) EWG has been analyzing and pushing for safer sunscreens for more than a decade, and positive shifts are occurring even within big brands and store brands. For instance, the following products made EWG’s best sunscreen list with a score of “2:” 

• Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Lotion, Aloe Vera, SPF 30
• Banana Boat Kids Sport Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50+
• Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50+
• Coppertone Oil Free Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Stick, SPF 40
• Equate Kids Mineral Based Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
• Hawaiian Tropic Antioxidant+ Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Neutrogena Clear Body Breakout Free Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Trader Joe’s Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40

EWG rated the following with a score of score “3:”  These may not be as safe as a “1” or a “2,” but they are widely available and are generally considered safer than many sunscreens out there if you find yourself in a pinch, according to EWG:

• Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15
• No-Ad Suncare General Protection Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15
• Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Panama Jack Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Wegmans Sport Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
• Wegmans Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30

Related: Propanediol for Skin: Dangerous Additive or Multipurpose Solvent?

The Best Sunscreens of 2022: Daily-Use/Moisturizers

For its 2022 sunscreen report, EWG rated these products to be among the best:

• AKT Therapy Elemental Sun Balm, SPF 30
• Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Moisturizer, SPF 15
• Andalou Naturals Men Face Guard Daily Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Ao Skincare 6000X Elemental Screen, SPF 30
• Beautycounter Countersun Daily Sheer Defense for Face, SPF 25
• Biossance Squalane + Mineral, SPF 45
• Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
• Block Island Organics Natural Face Moisturizer, SPF 30
• Cyberderm Every Morning Sun Whip, SPF 30
• Earth Harbor Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, Sclipse, SPF 30
• Earth Mama Lady Face Mineral Sunscreen Tinted Face Stick, Light/Medium & Medium/Dark Tints, SPF 40
• Eleven By Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum, SPF 35
• Equate Daily Facial Moisturizer Lotion, SPF 15
• Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer, SPF 30
• Kari Gran Essential SPF Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 28
• Keys Solar Rx Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30+
• Keys KPRO Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30+
• LASPA Naturals Daily Sun Protection Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 20
• Love Sun Body Sheer Power Daily Moisturizing Mineral Face Sunscreen, SPF 30
• Loving Naturals Daily UV Cream, Unscented, SPF 20
• MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme, SPF 30
• Raw Elements Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30
• Solara Suncare Clean Freak Nutrient Boosted Daily Sunscreen, Unscented, SPF 30
• Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen, Unscented, SPF 30
• Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream Lotion, SPF 35
• Suntegrity 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Tinted Face Sunscreen, SPF 30
• Sunumbra Daily Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15+
• Sur Clean Skincare Mineral Defense Tinted Zinc Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Teatrical Pro Aclarant Skin Brightening Day Cream, SPF 15
• thinksport Everyday Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Naturally Tinted, SPF 30+
• White & Elm Everyday, SPF 15

While the products above rated “1” (remember, 0-2 are considered safest and most effective by EWG — the lower the score, the better), it is important to note that large beauty companies are creating safer options, too. For instance, EWG analysts scored Olay’s following products scored “2.”

• Olay Regenerist Mineral Sunscreen Hydrating Moisturizer, Fragrance Free, SPF 15 & 30
• Olay Total Effects Whip Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen, Fragrance-Free, SPF 25
• Olay Total Effects 7-in-One CC Tone Correcting Cream with Sunscreen, Light to Medium, SPF 15

And if you’re looking for lip balm with SPF protection, EWG suggests these picks. 

Top Picks for the Best Baby Sunscreens (and Overall Kid-Friendly Picks)

• 3rd Rock Sunblock Sunscreen Lotion, Infant, SPF 35
• Adorable Baby Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
• All Good Kid’s Sunscreen Butter Stick, SPF 50+
• ATTITUDE Baby & Kids Sunscreen Lotion, Fragrance Free, SPF 30
• Badger Baby Active Sunscreen Cream, Chamomile & Calendula, SPF 40
• California Baby Everyday/Year-Round Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
• California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
• Earth Mama Baby Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 40
• Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40
• Earth Mama Kids Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40
• Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby Sun Stick, Lavender Chamomile, SPF 30
• Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Just Skin Food Baby Beach Bum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 31
• Olita Kids Mineral Sunscreen Sunstick, SPF 30
• Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Lotion Tin, SPF 30
• Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
• Star Naturals Baby Natural Sunscreen Stick, SPF 25
• thinkbaby Body & Face Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
• thinksport Kids Body & Face Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
• TruBaby Water & Play Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
• Trukid Eczema Daily Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Tubby Todd Bath Co Baby Mineral Sunstick, SPF 30
• UV Natural Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
• Waxhead Sun Defense Baby Zinc Oxide Vitamin E + D Enriched Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 35

Most Toxic Sunscreens to Avoid

Here’s a big takeaway that’ll make things somewhat less complicated. EWG recommends avoiding all spray sunscreens. Not only are they very difficult to apply effectiveness and evenly, but there’s some concern the ingredients could potentially cause irreversible lung damage. The truth is, the ingredients just haven’t been tested in the aerosol capacity for long-term impact on human health, like so many other everyday chemicals, unfortunately. 

And last year, spray sunscreens contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen, prompted a sunscreen recall of 14 popular products. Independent tested found that the problem is even widespread.

When it comes to sunscreens, here are some of the other worst overall offenders scoring in the Red Zone (10) for major safety concerns. Overall, these products tested poorly in the EWG analysis and are considered bad choices for sun protection. Just remember, this list is not exhaustive. To check your favorite sunscreen or to peruse the database, click here.)

• Walgreens Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
• Panama Jack Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 100
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 85+
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100+
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100+
• Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 60+
• Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
• Equate Beauty Ultra Light Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
• CVS Health Ultra Sheer Lotion, SPF 100
• COOLA Classic Body Sunscreen Spray, Peach Blossom, SPF 70
• Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
• Banana Boat Ultra Defense Clear Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100
• Banana Boat Kids MAX Clear Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100
• Australian Gold Botanical Natural Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70

This is by no means a complete list. Be sure to check your individual product’s safety assessment at EWG.org. 

Key Findings in EWG’s Sunscreen Report

• About 30 percent of sunscreens in EWG’s 2022 Guide to Sunscreens contain oxybenzone, an ingredient linked to thyroid cancer in female rates; it’s a suspected hormone disruptor.
• Your skin is your body’s largest immune system organ. Excess sun exposure can impair the immune system, but many sunscreen chemicals are readily absorbed into the bloodstream, where they could cause ill effects, too. 
• Stanford University dermatologists concluded that people who relied solely on sunscreens for sun protection got more sunburns than people who reported infrequent sunscreen use but wore hats and clothing to shield themselves from the sun. 
• An EWG analyst warns: “Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection and should not be relied on alone. It’s also important to wear sunglasses, hats and t-shirts, stay in the shade, and avoid the midday sun.”
• The rate of new melanoma cases amongst American adults has tripled since the 1970s.
• Evidence is increasing that UVA exposure causes skin cancer. Despite that, sunscreen rules requiring adequate UVA protection are lacking. 
• The FDA hasn’t updated sunscreen regulations since 2011. 
• About 75 percent of sunscreen products reviewed by EWG either didn’t work adequately to protect from UV rays and/or they contained dangerous ingredients. Some of the most worrisome ingredients include oxybenzone, one of the known endocrine disruptors, and retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that may harm skin and possibly lead to skin tumors.
• Oxybenzone is in widespread use in American chemical-based sunscreens. Lab testing shows skin penetration rates of 1 to 9 percent. That’s concerning, given the fact that it acts like an estrogen in the body and is linked to abnormal sperm function in animal studies and endometriosis in studies of women. Oxybenzone also acts as a skin allergen in a significant number of people. (So does methylisothiazolinone, a common sunscreen preservative found in the majority of products surveyed.) Thankfully, places like Hawaii and Key West have banned oxybenzone in sunscreen due to its ability to bleach and kill coral reefs.
• In a previous EWG review, about 40 percent of sunscreens contained vitamin A ingredients. This type of ingredient can react with UV rays and increase the risk of skin tumors, according to government animal testing data.
• Scientists don’t know for sure if sunscreen helps prevent melanoma. In fact, as EWG notes in its executive summary of the sunscreen guide, “Sun exposure appears to play a role in melanoma, but it is a complex disease for which many questions have not been answered. One puzzling fact: Melanomas do not usually appear on parts of the body that get daily sun exposure.”
• Be wary of ultra high SPF claims. There are more of them today than several years ago. The U.S. hasn’t approved modern sunscreen ingredients that would do a better job of broad-spectrum protection. Because of this, UVA protection is often lacking in SPF 70+ products. In other developed countries, SPF is usually capped at 50.
• Avoid spray sunscreens. It’s very difficult to apply in a thickness that will provide adequate protection, plus, it increases the risk you’re sending potentially damaging sunscreen chemicals directly into your lungs (and the lungs of everyone sitting around you.)
• Nearly 25 percent of sunscreens tested in 2022 were sprays.The FDA is proposing that all sprays and powders undergo additional proposes that all spray products undergo additional safety testing to ensure they can’t be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause irreversible damage. 
• Inactive ingredients often make up 50 to 70 percent of sunscreen formulations, and EWG urges the FEA to investigate the safety of these ingredients, too.
• FDA pilot testing uncovered spray sunscreen products that would not meet proposed standards. 
• EWG recommends that consumers avoid all spray and powder sunscreen products.
• If you’re opting for sunscreen for protection from overexposure to the sun, EWG advises to opt for mineral-based sunscreen products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide active ingredients and avoid products with ingredients like oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate. 
• If you avoid the sun, get your vitamin D levels checked at your healthcare provider. A growing number of the population is deficient, thanks to sunscreens and spending more time indoors.

The good news is you can get enough vitamin D and protect yourself from burns without always turning to sunscreen.

How to Avoid Too Much Sun

Getting some sun exposure is vital for good health because it helps your body create vitamin D. There are multiple ways to get vitamin D, but your best bet is to get it from standing in the sun or eating vitamin D-rich foods. In fact, sitting in the sun unexposed for about 10 minutes helps your body create roughly 10,000 units of natural vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, heart disease depression, osteoporosis and many other ailments, so it’s important to get enough. Like almost anything, though, you can get too much of a good thing and want to make sure you avoid sunburns.

You should consider sunscreen your last resort to prevent sunburns, though. In fact, there’s no clear evidence that using sunscreens actually prevents skin cancer — including in the best sunscreens — and some ingredients may actually fuel skin cancer.

Avoiding overexposure during peak sunlight hours, use sunglasses, and sun-protective hats and clothing (Solumbra is a good brand). These things reduce your risk of burns without sunscreen.

Final Thoughts

• When direct sunlight hits our skin under peak conditions, our bodies manufacture high levels of vitamin D. Not getting enough vitamin D has been linked to all sorts of health problems, including cancer, arthritis, depression and other diseases.
• However, you can get too much of a good thing, which is why it’s important to take steps to prevent overexposure and sunburns.
• There is no perfect sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens generally rate safer, but they often contain nanoparticles that are not tightly regulated or studied for long-term impact on human or aquatic health. Chemical sunscreens often contain hormone-disrupting chemicals or even an ingredient that could trigger skin cancer. Still, EWG’s report helps consumers seeking sunscreen find safer choices while avoiding the most poorly rated brands.
• Sunscreen should be used as a last resort. Sun-protective measures like hats, sunglasses, seeking shade and avoiding peak sunlight for extended periods of time should be used before turning to sunscreen, and when you do choose sunscreen, make sure it’s one of the best sunscreens.

The post Best Sunscreens & Toxic Ones to Avoid appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Although the skin is subject to acne, other skin conditions and aging, as the body’s largest organ, it also has the potential to soak up a lot of healthy vitamins. One of the main vitamins our skin soaks up is vitamin D, which it absorbs from sunlight. The skin can also absorb vitamins from face creams and moisturizers, including retinoids, which contain lots of vitamin A.

Retinoids may be the way to healthier, more youthful skin. Read on to learn more about retinoids, retinol cream and how you can make your own homemade retinol facial serum.

What Is Retinol Cream?

Retinoids and retinol cream products were originally developed in the 1970s as an acne treatment. They also are used as a way to help treat aging skin, psoriasis and warts. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives. Vitamin A has been known to help with eyesight, and it also helps keep the skin healthy.

Retinoids are derived from animal sources and include retinol. Other sources come from carotenoids, originally from plants, and include beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. The major carotenoids are lycopene, lutein, and zeaxantuin, and are filled with antioxidant and photoprotective properties.

Retinol face cream has many uses, such as minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, helping keep the skin thicker, maintaining the elasticity of the skin, slowing the breakdown of collagen, which helps keep the skin firm, and lightening those annoying brown spots caused by sun exposure and age. Retinoids can speed up the cell turnover of the skin. This process helps even out skin discoloration and smooths the skin.

How to Make Homemade Retinol Facial Serum

First, you’ll want to pour some carrot seed oil and rosehip oil into a glass measuring cup (see the full recipe at the end of this article). Carrot seed oil is high in antioxidants and a great natural retinol, and it comes from the seeds of Daucus carota, also known as Queen Anne’s Lace. Rosehip oil is great because it is high in vitamin C and provides anti-aging benefits such as protection from age spots.

Next, place a shallow pan on the stove with about two inches of water in it and heat the water on low. Place the measuring cup in the pan, acting as a double-boiler. Now, add the almond oil and the apricot oil. Almond oil is great because it acts as a moisturizer and does not clog pores. Apricot oil is also a great moisturizer while offering vitamin A. Add these ingredients and stir, keeping the heat on low.

Add the shea butter and green tea extract. Shea butter will add creaminess to the mixture while providing amazing skin healing benefits. Green tea is known as the anti-aging tea. Green tea extract benefits the skin much in the same way due to its numerous polyphenols it contains. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits include helping reduce acne while fighting the signs of aging.

It’s no secret that shea butter is great for the skin. Shea butter is rich in both vitamin A and vitamin E, making it the perfect choice for this anti-aging recipe! Once added, stir until you reach a creamy texture.

Lastly, add the anti-aging essential oils, lavender and frankincense. Lavender essential oil does more than relax you; it gives the skin a boost because of its antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics. Additionally, lavender and frankincense both help reduce age spots. Frankincense also helps eliminate acne, wrinkles and scars.

Lemon essential oil contains a ton of vitamin C and while you don’t want to overdo it because the skin can be very sensitive to the potency of pure vitamin C, one drop added to this mixture can offer some amazing skin-glowing benefits by reducing photoaging. 

Make sure to blend all ingredients well. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Once cooled, place in a glass container. Using a dark glass container will help it to last longer or you can store it in the fridge.

Apply a small amount to the skin at night before bed. Make sure to apply it to clean skin. Use my Homemade Honey Face Wash, then pat dry.

Related: Bakuchiol: A ‘More Natural Retinol’ That’s Equally Effective for Skin

Precautions

When using retinoid or retinol-based products, it is best to start with applying them every third day. Given that retinoids can cause some initial irritation, it helps to allow the skin to get used to it before going to daily use. Using it at night helps because using it while in the sun can cause sensitivity to the skin. Regardless, you will need to wear an all-natural sunscreen anywhere that you may be applying the retinol cream.

If you are pregnant, check with your doctor before using retinol or high doses of vitamin A.

Make sure to clean your skin and pat dry before applying the retinol products. To minimize skin irritation, it is best to avoid using with other skin care products — especially if they contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid.

DIY Retinol Facial Serum Recipe

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 10 min
• Yield: 30 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Retinoids may be the way to healthier, more youthful skin. Learn how you can make your own homemade retinol facial serum.

---

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon rosehip seed oil
• 10 drops carrot seed oil
• 1 tablespoon almond oil
• 1 tablespoon apricot oil
• 1 teaspoon shea butter
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 1 drop lemon essential oil
• small glass measuring cup
• shallow pan
• glass storage container

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pour the rosehip oil and carrot seed oil into a glass measuring cup.
2. Place a shallow pan on the stove with about 2 inches of water in it and heat the water on low.
3. Place the measuring cup in the pan, acting as a double-boiler.
4. Add the almond oil and the apricot oil to the oils in the measuring cup.
5. Next, add the shea butter to the mixture.
6. Add the lavender, frankincense and lemon oils and blend well.
7. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Once cooled, place in a glass container.
8. Apply a small amount to the skin at night before bed. Make sure to apply it to clean, dry skin.

Notes

This facial serum should be stable at room temperature for at least a month. For higher temperatures, consider placing in the refrigerator.

Keywords: DIY retinol facial serum

The post DIY Retinol Facial Serum appeared first on Dr. Axe.

We’re all looking for the secret ingredient that will give us a clearer, brighter and more youthful appearance. There’s no shortage of natural and synthetic ingredients in the cosmetic world, with alpha hydroxy acids like mandelic acid (MA) one of them.

Mandelic acid is an exfoliant that’s used in skin peels to promote cell turnover, improve skin texture and fight acne. Unlike most acids used in skin care, MA is known to be gentler on the skin because of its larger molecular structure, so even those with sensitive skin types can use it with a greater chance of tolerability.

What Is Mandelic Acid?

Mandelic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s used as an exfoliator and tool to promote skin cell turnover. It’s derived from bitter almonds and used in cosmetic products and prescription topicals to improve acne and fight signs of aging.

Like salicylic acid, glycolic acid and azelaic acid, MA is a common ingredient in skin peels, serums and masks. It’s a gentle acid that works to improve complexion, texture and elasticity.

Benefits

The many mandelic acid benefits come from its exfoliating properties and ability to promote skin cell turnover. Here’s a breakdown of the top reasons to use a product containing MA:

1. Exfoliates the Skin

Mandelic acid is known for its ability to exfoliate the skin and promote surface skin cell turnover.

It releases skin cells, while removing buildup on the skin’s surface. This leaves you with a fresher, brighter appearance and supports overall skin health.

Skin cell turnover also improves damaged skin, reduces hyperpigmentation or dark spots, and helps to reduce acne.

2. Increases Collagen Production

Research indicates that exfoliants like mandelic acid work to remove existing epidermal skin structures and promote new collagen production. They also boost or balance sebum production and help keep the skin hydrated when it’s dry or damaged.

3. Improves Complexion and Firmness

Mandelic acid helps clear away old skin cells and promote new cell growth. It also controls sebum levels and improves skin elasticity.

For these reasons, it’s a great tool for better complexion, firmness and texture.

A study done to evaluate the efficacy of a MA topical found that after four weeks of use, it increased skin firms by 23 percent and increased elasticity of the lower eyelid skin by 25 percent. The study authors concluded that mandelic acid is an effective topical treatment option for improving skin quality.

4. Fights Acne

A 2020 study that compared the effects of salicylic acid and MA on improving acne found that both agents were equally effective, with mandelic acid having an upper hand in treating inflammatory lesions. Researchers concluded that a 45 percent mandelic acid peel was equally effective as 30 percent salicylic acid peel in mild to moderate facial acne, but the safety and tolerability of mandelic acid was better.

Related: How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

5. Gentle on Sensitive Skin

Mandelic acid has a larger molecular structure than other AHAs that are commonly used in skin care products, making it less able to penetrate the skin deeply but allowing it to be gentler on sensitive skin. While some acids can cause skin irritation, mandelic acid peels are known to be well-tolerated and just as effective.

How to Use

You will find mandelic acid in skin peels, serums, masks, face washes and other skin care products. For most mandelic acid products, using them two to three times weekly is enough — or less for sensitive skin types.

MA can be used in combination with most other cosmetic ingredients or products, but don’t use it with other peels or retinol to avoid adverse reactions. It’s also important not to use MA on sunburned or irritated skin.

Most often, products containing MA are applied as part of a nighttime skin care routine, used after cleansing the face and before applying moisturizer. Every product is different, so follow the directions on the label, and take it slow to avoid irritation or adverse reactions.

Risks and Side Effects

Mandelic acid is considered to be gentler on the skin than many other AHAs, but it’s still possible that you experience sensitivity to it, so try it on a small surface area first. Some possible side effects of mandelic acid include swelling, redness, itching and irritation.

It is possible to overdo it with skin care products that contain exfoliants like MA, so stick to one to three times per week ,and reduce usage if you experience adverse reactions.

Mandelic vs. Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid (GA) is also an alpha hydroxy acid that’s commonly used in skin care products for its hydrating and acne-fighting effects. Like MA, it works as an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and makes way for new ones. It also helps get rid of excess oils and buildup on the skin.

You’ll find glycolic acid in face washes, toners, creams and peels. Products containing this acid are usually recommended for people with normal, oily or combination skin, but those with dry or sensitive skin may not do well with GA.

Mandelic acid has a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid and other AHAs, so it’s known to be gentler on the skin.

Conclusion

• Mandelic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that’s used as an exfoliator and tool to promote skin cell turnover.
• It’s derived from bitter almonds and used in cosmetic products and prescription topicals to improve acne and fight signs of aging.
• Start by using products containing MA once per week in the evening, after cleansing your face. If your skin reacts well to the ingredient, you can use it two to three times weekly or as indicated on the product label.

The post Mandelic Acid Benefits for Skin Cell Turnover and Acne Reduction appeared first on Dr. Axe.

When you think of mango, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the sweet yellow-orange flesh of the fruit that instantly brings you to the tropics. You may be surprised to learn that there’s more to mango than that. The woody kernel in the center of the fruit is jam-packed with healthy fats and nutrients that are extracted to make creamy mango butter.

Like popular shea butter, mango butter can be used on hair and skin for its moisturizing effects. It has a creamy, buttery consistency at cooler temperatures and becomes a light, odorless oil when rubbed into the skin.

Once you know a little bit more about this body and hair care ingredient, it’ll become one of your favorite DIY recipe ingredients.

What Is Mango Butter?

Mango butter is what you get after cold-pressing the fats from mango’s kernel, which creates a creamy butter that can be used on the skin and hair. It has almost no aroma, so it can easily be used as a base in DIY body care recipes or all by itself.

What really makes mango butter special is its nutrition content. It boasts natural antioxidants, vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids.

It’s known for its light texture that doesn’t leave your skin or hair feeling greasy.

At cooler temperatures, mango oil remains solid, but when it warms or is rubbed into the skin, it becomes a protective oil that’s often used as an alternative to cocoa butter.

Benefits

The benefits of mango butter for skin and hair come from its nutrient profile and nourishing effects. Here’s the rundown:

1. Moisturizes Skin and Hair

Mango butter has a semi-solid consistency, but it quickly melts into a rich oil when it touches the skin. It has a lighter texture than many other vegetable oils or butters, so it won’t leave you feeling greasy.

It does, however, hydrate both skin and hair, soothing dry areas. It provides a protective barrier, keeping bacteria and environmental chemicals from entering your pores.

2. Helps with Skin Repair

The nutrients in mango butter have healing properties, so it can be used to promote skin repair and provide skin protection.

A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that a foot cream made with mango butter was able to completely repair worn and cracked skin in human volunteers. Researchers found that the ingredient works as an effective emollient that provides skin protection.

3. Features Antioxidants

The antioxidants found in mango butter help reduce free radical damage that can lead to early aging. Research indicates that oil extracted from mango kernel has a greater phenolic content than many commercial vegetable oils.

Applying it to your skin helps minimize the impact of environmental stressors, like UV rays and pollution exposure that can cause fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging skin.

4. Doesn’t Clog Pores

Mango butter works as an emollient that provides a protective barrier on the skin, but it won’t clog your pores, so fear not of breakouts. In fact, the butter melts into a light oil that doesn’t leave you feeling too oily.

It’s considered non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t clog pores and can be used on all skin types. It also has a very mild, even non-detected smell, so people who are sensitive to certain aromas may prefer this one over other options.

5. Reduces Hair Breakage

The nourishing fatty acids in mango butter help reduce hair breakage that naturally occurs overtime and when hair becomes dry. The fats in mango oil seal hair strands and protect it from environmental damage.

It protects your hair from the damage caused by blow drying or using a hot iron, too.

You can also massage it into your scalp to prevent dandruff, flaking and irritation.

How to Use

Use mango butter the same way you should shea or cocoa butter. Simply scoop a pea-sized dollop, rub it into your hands and apply it to your skin.

Rub it into dry or damaged areas in circular motions, especially after bathing or using a cleanser. You can apply other skin products, like makeup, after the butter has been absorbed.

When using mango butter for hair, rub a dime size of butter into your hands, and massage it into the ends of your strands. If you have a dry, flaking scalp, rub a small amount into the area.

You can use it for pre-poo treatments, too. Pre-pooing involves applying hydrating oils or butters to your hair and letting it sit for 30 minutes before shampooing. This helps keep your hair healthy and shiny.

Recipes

Mango butter serves as an alternative to shea and cocoa butters and can easily be swapped in to DIY body care recipes. You can use it as a base in body butter or hair mask recipes.

For instance, combining it with jojoba oil and lavender essential oil makes for a nourishing skin moisturizer.

Try using ½ cup of mango butter instead of shea butter in this Homemade Body Butter Lotion recipe.

Wondering what other skin and hair care ingredients mix well with mango butter? You can combine it with:

• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil
• Apricot oil
• Argan oil 
• Olive oil
• Aloe vera gel
• Beeswax
• Vitamin E oil
• Gentle essential oils (like lavender and frankincense)

Risks and Side Effects

Mango butter is generally safe for topical use. Although it is sometimes consumed, the extraction process may be done at high temperatures that alter the oil’s chemical composition, so sticking to topical use only is recommended.

If you experience redness, itchiness, burning or irritation after using mango oil, discontinue use immediately. People who are allergic to mango should not use the butter, as it’s directly extracted from the fruit’s kernel.

Conclusion

• Mango butter is made by cold-pressing oil from the fruit’s kernel. It becomes a hard, creamy consistency at low temperatures and turns into a light oil when heated.
• The butter or oil is used to promote skin repair, moisturize dry areas or nourish hair strands. It can also help reduce scalp flaking and serves as a protective barrier, working to prevent damage to your hair and skin.
• Using mango butter is easy. It can be applied directly to your skin or hair or combined with other nourishing ingredients, like coconut oil and lavender essential oil.

DIY Mango Body Butter Recipe

---

• Author: Ethan Boldt
• Total Time: 2 hrs
• Yield: 20 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

The nutrients in mango butter have healing properties, so it can be used to promote skin repair and provide skin protection.

---

Ingredients

• ½ cup mango butter
• ⅛ cup jojoba oil
• ½ cup coconut oil
• 20 drops essential oil (lavender oil or tea tree oil are good choices)
• medium-sized glass jar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Put mango butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil in glass bowl, then place that bowl in sauce pan that is filled with water. Do not allow any water to get into the bowl.
2. Heat stove to medium and mix oils together. Whisk until completely melted.
3. Remove the glass bowl from the stove and let it cool for 30 minutes. Add the essential oils and whisk again.
4. Once mixed, put in refrigerator for an hour or until solid.
5. Remove from the fridge. With a regular mixer or hand mixer, beat the oils until they are whipped and fluffy.
6. Fill container with body butter mixture and store at room temperature.
7. Apply it after taking a shower or bath, when your skin is still wet. Enjoy!

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 5 min
• Method: Hand mixer

Keywords: mango butter for skin, DIY mango body butter

The post Mango Butter for Skin Repair, Healthier Hair & More appeared first on Dr. Axe.

I love a facial toner that’s both refreshing and gentle enough to use every day, but most commercial toners aren’t good for you. They may help absorb excess oils from the face and even out the complexion, but many are full of harsh chemicals and fragrances and come at a hefty price.

Fortunately, one of my favorite toners can be found in your kitchen! This toner relies on apple cider vinegar, which helps balance and restore skin’s natural pH. You’ll find that this DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Toner will improve overall skin complexion, plus help lighten those stubborn sun spots and even out skin tone.

It can also reduce the appearance of pores and can be added to your home remedies for acne, as it helps prevent acne breakouts and scarring!

Another key ingredient in this Apple Cider Vinegar Toner recipe is witch hazel, which is an extract from the leaves and bark of the North American witch hazel shrub. It’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, and these characteristics make it another great choice because it helps fight off acne, blemishes and other skin irritations. It also helps hydrate the skin by locking in moisture. Because it’s high in tannins, witch hazel tightens the skin and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to use a facial toner: A facial toner refers to a lotion or wash designed to cleanse the skin and shrink the appearance of pores. It’s most commonly applied to the face. Facial toners, also called skin toners, are used to remove lingering traces of dirt, oil and make-up.

Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Toner Recipe

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 min
• Yield: 25 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This toner relies on apple cider vinegar, which helps balance and restore skin’s natural pH. You’ll find that this DIY facial toner will improve overall skin complexion, plus help lighten those stubborn sun spots and even out skin tone.

---

Ingredients

• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• ¼ cup witch hazel extract
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/8 cup aloe vera juice (optional)
• 4 drops frankincense, lavender or tea tree essential oil (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small glass bottle or spray bottle.
2. Shake well to blend all ingredients.
3. Store in refrigerator.
4. Apply using a cotton pad or small piece of organic cotton after washing face.
5. It should be gentle enough to use every day, but start with every other day to make sure.

Keywords: DIY apple cider vinegar facial toner

The post DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Toner appeared first on Dr. Axe.

It’s hard to suggest anything over coconut oil for skin, but rosehip oil — also known as rosehip seed oil — is running a close race with coconut oil when it comes to its benefits for the skin.

Rose hips were a remedy used by the ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Native Americans all because of their amazing healing properties, and they were made into a syrup and rationed in Britain during wartime to ensure children’s resistance to infection.

The syrup was made from the empty seed cases and also helped provide relief from diarrhea, stomach and menstrual cramps, nausea, and indigestion. Today, it’s getting plenty of attention for its ability to boost skin health and promote healthy aging.

As you can see, rosehip oil — which is technically not an essential oil — has many uses that go more than skin deep.

What Is Rosehip Oil?

Rose essential oil is made from rose petals while rosehip oil, also called rosehip seed oil, comes from the seeds of rose hips. Rose hips are the fruit left behind after a plant has flowered and dropped its petals.  

Rosehip oil is harvested from the seeds of rose bushes predominately grown in Chile, and it’s full of vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids that are known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, all while reducing scars and fine lines.

By using an organic cold-press extraction process, the oil is separated from the hips and seeds.

For facial skin care, rosehip oil offers several benefits when applied externally. It protects the skin and increases cell turnover because it contains beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) and vitamins C and E, which are all antioxidants that help fight free radicals.

Rosehip oil’s healing properties are due to its chemical structure. As noted, it’s rich in healthy fats, but more specifically oleic, palmitic, linoleic and gamma linolenic acid.

Rosehip oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (vitamin F), which when absorbed through the skin converts to prostaglandins (PGE). PGEs are excellent for skin care because they are involved in cellular membrane and tissue regeneration.

It is also one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C, which is another reason why rosehip oil is such a great product for fine lines and overall skin care. 

Benefits for Skin & More

1. Anti-Aging Properties

Rosehip oil has significant anti-aging benefits for your face. Super light and non-greasy, this oil’s skin care benefits come from its high antioxidants and ability to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin, where it can improve moisture levels and reduce visible signs of aging.

Collagen production naturally slows down as we age, but thanks to the high levels of vitamin C in rose hips, this is an oil that can actually help stimulate collagen production in the skin. In fact, a clinical study published in 2015 reveals that 60 days of topical vitamin C treatment was “highly efficient as a rejuvenation therapy, inducing significant collagen synthesis in all age groups with minimal side effects.” 

For those who are seeking to avoid chemicals and Botox, rosehip oil may be perfect because of its skin-rejuvenating properties of vitamins C and A and lycopene. This makes adding it into your skin care routine a safer, organic solution to repair the skin’s surface and restore elasticity.

2. Protection from Age Spots

The UV rays of the sun can damage the skin, resulting in age spots and hyperpigmentation on the face. The antioxidants found in rosehip oil, especially the combination of vitamins C and E, can help combat free radicals that cause sun damage.

Research suggests that these antioxidants can actually reduce the overproduction of pigment in skin, which is exactly what leads to uneven tone and age spots in the first place. It also helps get these antioxidants internally by including them in your diet.

Drinking organic rosehip tea, which you can find at health food stores, is a great, easy way to do this.

This oil is also deeply moisturizing and aids in removing redness and irritation. These properties also make rosehip oil a possible treatment for rosacea when used as a cold-pressed oil, cream or rosehip-based skin care product. 

3. Helps with Stretch Marks and Reduces Acne Scarring

The cold-pressed fats found in rosehip oil can help get rid of scars and reduce the appearance of stretch marks by promoting skin regeneration. When applied topically, the fats act as emollients, helping soften the skin while also increasing hydration. 

Studies indicate that this skin care oil may also help with cases of eczema thanks to its emollient status, which means it can provide a protective barrier to the skin while also smoothing out flakiness. The oil can also help reduce dry scalp and itchiness that are often caused by chemicals in most store-bought shampoos.

4. Boosts the Immune System

Rose hips are one of the best plant sources of vitamin C, which helps treat infections and boost immune function. The University of Maryland database points out that rose hips can even be used as a vitamin C supplement.

Fresh rose hips, rose hip tea or a rose hip supplement are all great options for keeping the immune system strong.

Besides being an antioxidant, vitamin C is responsible for collagen production in the body, which is an important element in the structure of bones and muscles. Reports indicate that the important nutrient also aids in the proper absorption of iron that produces red blood cells. 

5. Reduces Inflammation and Helps Arthritis

People suffering from arthritis can benefit from using rose hips internally in addition to externally. The Arthritis Foundation reports that rose hips powder is a rich source of vitamin C, and it seems to reduce arthritis-associated inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory enzymes and proteins. 

What about topical use of rosehip oil for arthritis? There isn’t recent research on this approach, but traditionally, a rose petal infusion was often added to bath water for people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism to relieve symptoms.

You may find that adding a little rosehip oil to your bath water or applying it to areas of inflammation helps with this issue. 

Related: Combination Skin: What It Is, How to Tell If You Have It & Best Skin Care Routine

How to Use

Wondering how to use rosehip oil for your skin care routine and more? Start by purchasing a pure, organic product that’s made by a trusted company. You’ll find rosehip oil products in pure oil, cream, powder, tea and capsule forms.

Keep in mind that rosehip oil is delicate and can easily go rancid, so it’s important to take great care of it. Oftentimes, vitamin E oil is added to improve shelf life. Keeping it in the refrigerator or stored in a cool, dark location can help prevent rancidity.

Though it’s more expensive, cold-pressed rosehip oils are the best products because they haven’t been altered by heat and therefore retain more nutrients. 

Since rosehip oil classifies as a dry oil, it absorbs quickly into the skin. You can apply the oil directly to the face using gentle, massaging motions or use it in numerous skin care recipes.

Here are some easy ways to bring this new oil into your routine:

• Make organic, DIY lotions and serums, such as this Rosehip Oil Eye Serum for Dark Circles + Puffiness.
• Apply the oil twice a day to clean skin. To focus on problematic areas, apply only a few drops of oil to a clean cotton ball and dab onto to areas with fine lines, wrinkles or dark spots. Remember that it does not protect against sunburn, so apply a good quality sunscreen afterwards.
• While it can prevent and reduce acne scars, it should not be applied directly to active acne.
• If you have acne-prone skin, make sure to test an area first to ensure the product won’t clog your pores, causing unwanted flare-ups.
• Rosehip seed oil can be used on the face and neck since it absorbs quickly without leaving an oily residue. Just remember you only need two to three drops.

Risks and Side Effects

Rosehip oil is generally considered safe for topical use. Before using it on larger surface areas, do a small patch test to ensure that you won’t have an adverse reaction.

If you notice redness, stinging, itchiness or any other signs of irritation, wash it off and discontinue use.

Consult your health care provider before using rosehip oil internally. Although allergic reactions are rare, look out for allergy symptoms like rash, trouble breathing, rapid heart rate, chest discomfort and wheezing.

If you are using it internally, keep in mind that it continues high levels of vitamin C, so people with anemia, kidney stones and diabetes should consult their doctors before use.

Conclusion

• Rosehip oil comes from the fruit of the rosebush. These fruits provide important nutrients for skin and more, including healthy fats and vitamin C.
• You can use roseship oil in your skin care routine to improve your complexion. It can also be used to boost immune function and reduce inflammation.
• If you’re new to rosehip oil, start by adding a few drops to your favorite skin serum, simply apply one to two drops to dark spots and fine lines daily, or try the DIY facial oil below.

Rosehip DIY Facial Oil

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 3 min
• Yield: 20 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

You can use roseship oil in your skin care routine to improve your complexion. You can simply apply one to two drops to dark spots and fine lines daily. Or you can use this recipe with two essential oils.

---

Ingredients

• 2 ounces organic rosehip oil
• 15 drops frankincense essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Blend well and place into a small glass jar.
2. Gently massage into the skin of the face at night before going to bed.
3. It is best to make small amounts at a time due to the vulnerability of rosehip oil to rancidity.

Keywords: DIY facial oil with rosehip oil, rosehip oil for face

The post Rosehip Oil Benefits for Skin appeared first on Dr. Axe.

According to dermatologists, people tend to have a predetermined skin type based mostly on genetics but also lifestyle factors. What are the four types of skin? These include normal, dry, oily and combination skin (plus sensitive skin, considered by some to be the fifth type).

Dry and oily skin are pretty obvious, but how do I know if I have combination skin? Signs include having areas of dry skin, plus others that are prone to breakouts and oiliness.

Below we’ll look at the best products for skin that’s in need of both hydration and oil control — including the best moisturizer for combination skin, makeup tips and more.

What Is Combination Skin?

Combination skin is skin that can be both oily and dry, depending on the part of the face/body. Most often it shows up as dryness around the cheeks and hairline but oiliness around the “T-zone,” which comprises the forehead, nose and chin.

 What does combination skin look like? Here are signs that this is likely your skin type:

• If you use the same products on your entire face, some parts feel oilier or drier than others.
• You tend to have areas of your face that are oily within about an hour of washing your face, such as your nose or forehead. They may appear shiny or break out more often.
• You have visible, larger pores on your nose or another area.
• Parts of your skin always seem to require moisturizer, since they are dry or flaky.
• You experience dry, flaky patches on your scalp (aka dandruff).

What’s the underlying cause of combination skin?

Genetics seem to play the biggest role in causing this type of skin. However, the types of products you apply to your face, plus factors like your diet, hygiene, the climate you live in, sun exposure and mediation use can also affect your skin.

If you tend to use harsh, drying products on your skin often, such as acne treatments and some types of clay masks that absorb oil, you may develop dryness. Some people even experience redness, irritation and peeling from certain skin care products if they have sensitive skin — especially those with ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl sulfate, salicylic acid and retinoids (although these last two can be helpful or acne).

On the other hand, not washing your face enough and removing makeup can result in oiliness. Sometimes hormonal imbalances, such as increased androgen levels, can also increase oil production (and hormonal acne) on the face.

Related: Mandelic Acid Benefits for Skin Cell Turnover and Acne Reduction

Skin Care Routine for Combination Skin

Taking care of combination skin requires some thought and effort. For example, you may need to use different products on different parts of your face to keep things in balance.

Best Products:

• Cleanser — Use a gentle cleanser both in the morning and before bed at night. After washing your face, exfoliate your face gently several times per week, especially your T-zone, which tends to be oilier. You can also use a Clarisonic cleansing brush to help remove dead skin cells from your T-zone that can cause clogged pores. Be careful about over-washing your entire face with harsh cleansers, since this can leave your skin tight and dehydrated.
• Toner — Use a facial toner, such as one with witch hazel or rose water, to help even things out. Don’t overdo this step — simply use a bit once daily.
• Moisturizer — The best moisturizer for combination skin is one that combines clarifying and mattifying ingredients (like salicylic acid and silica if you tolerate them well) with hydrating ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin).

Try this moisturizer for oily skin on parts of your face that have larger pores and more shine. You might also have the best results by using two different moisturizers, such as an emollient one on dry skin and lighter, oil-free gel on oilier skin.

You can also experiment with facial oils, such as marula or coconut oil, topped with thicker creams on dry areas.

• Masks – Because your skin is not uniform in terms of its needs, it’s best to apply two different facial masks. Apply a moisturizing mask to dry areas and one that absorbs oil and cleanses pores to oily areas (such as one with bentonite clay). Use facial masks about two to three times per week, but be careful about using drying masks more to avoid irritation.
• Serums and other treatments — As long as you don’t have very sensitive skin, you can benefit from using products containing facial acids, such as alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid. These help exfoliate skin and keep pores clean — plus they allow other ingredients to penetrate your skin more easily.
• Makeup —The best foundation for combination skin is one that is not too oily or thick. Let your moisturizer first settle in to the skin for several minutes, and then apply a lightweight foundation. You may also want to use skin primer if this helps with coverage on dry areas.

Use “leave-on exfoliant” facial acids several times per week in most cases.

If you prefer natural skin care and want to make your own serums or lotions at home, beneficial essential oils for skin to us in DIY recipes include lavender oil on dry/irritated areas and tea tree oil on oily areas. Other beneficial ingredients for combination skin include vitamin C, niacinamide and retinoids (if tolerated well).

Combination Skin Care Routine Tips:

• When applying products, always put them on clean skin. Use the thinnest products first, including serums, and then finish with the thickest.
• When cleaning your skin, first exfoliate and then tone. Dry brushing occasionally is an excellent natural exfoliator and can help draw toxins from your skin’s pores. Then apply your thin serums and/or leave-on exfoliants (such as facial acids). Follow up with moisturizer and eye cream, then sunscreen.

Related: Succinic Acid Benefits for Skin + How to Use It

Potential Side Effects and Things to Avoid

What should combination skin types avoid? The biggest thing to remember is that some products won’t work on your entire face so you probably don’t want to use very thick, hydrating creams on acne-prone areas and only light lotion on dry areas.

Be careful about how acne treatments, masks and other concentrated products, such as retinoids, affect sensitive parts of your skin. Use them about every other day to avoid redness and dryness.

In general, skip any product with skin-aggravating ingredients like fragrances and alcohol.

If you have signs of dermatitis or rosacea, including red patches, peeling and itching, then visit a dermatologist, who may prescribe antifungal, anti-yeast or anti-inflammatory creams depending on your needs.

Conclusion

• Combination skin is the type that has both oily skin areas and dry areas.
• Most often, the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) is more oily and acne-prone, while the sides of the face and cheeks are drier.
• What products are best for combination skin? The best moisturizer for combination skin is one that combines mattifying and hydrating ingredients. You may also need to use more than one type to achieve a balanced skin texture.
• Combination skin should be cleansed gently twice daily and then ideally exfoliated and toned. Helpful products can include facial acids like AHA and BHA, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and emollient creams for very dry areas.

The post Combination Skin: What It Is, How to Tell If You Have It & Best Skin Care Routine appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Although you’re probably not aware of it, many skin care and beauty products contain chemicals that are commonly irritating. One example is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is added to things like cleansers and soaps.

What is sodium lauryl sulfate? In this article we’ll look closely at what this mystery ingredient does, plus products you’ll find it in and how you can avoid it.

What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant ingredient that helps bind together oil and water molecules. It also acts as an emulsifier or thickener.

It sometimes goes by other names, including sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate.

It’s found in skin care and household products, such as washes and detergents, to help them work better once they’re mixed with water. You’ll also find it in tiny amounts in some foods that have a foamy texture.

SLS can be derived from both natural sources, such as coconut and palm kernel oil, and also made in a lab synthetically.

One of the reasons you’ll find it in so many different products is because it’s cheap to produce, abundant, and it works well to create products that foam, lather and bubble.

The downside to applying products containing SLS to your skin is that they can be irritating and allergenic. That’s because SLS can remove protective oils from the surface of the skin, leaving it susceptible to dryness, inflammation and short-term damage.

Where It’s Found

You’ll find sodium lauryl sulfate in foamy, bubbly and soapy products, including:

• Facial cleansers
• Body washes and shower gels
• Shampoos
• Hand soaps
• Detergents
• Toothpastes
• Bubble bath
• Cleaning products for your home

Foods that contain SLS include marshmallows, dried egg products and fruit juices.

While SLS on its own can be drying and problematic, it’s often used in combination with other harmful ingredients, such as perfumes, paragons and synthetic additives, making matters worse.

Is It Safe? Dangers, Risks and Side Effects

Is sodium lauryl sulfate harmful to humans? Certain human and animal studies have found that it can be mildly irritating to the skin when used in high amounts or with long exposure times.

For example, one small study found that SLS exposure over 24 hours caused some participants to experience water loss in the skin, changes in the skin barrier and other signs of inflammation.

It’s widely known that SLS is aggravating to sensitive skin, which is why it’s not included in many natural skin care products. It’s even more likely to aggravate the skin of people with topic dermatitis (eczema), rosacea and psoriasis.

If you use other drying ingredients, such as acne treatments, or you’re prone to dry skin normally, chances are high that this ingredient won’t agree with you.

Among people who are sensitive to SLS, they can potentially develop side effects such as:

• skin dryness
• redness
• itchiness
• peeling and scaling
• sore or swollen skin

What if you swallow it? Is sodium lauryl sulfate safe in toothpaste?

Research suggests that SLS can penetrate the skin and likely the mucous membranes in the mouth, however according to most experts, there’s no solid scientific evidence indicating that use of SLS products can cause cancer.

It’s only used in small amounts in most products, and it’s thought that not enough SLS can penetrate into the body to have long-term harmful effects.

On the other hand, some experts worry that when SLS is made it may potentially become contaminated with known carcinogens, such as 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, which are known to be harmful to human health. However, studies to date don’t back this up.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, SLS is a safe multipurpose additive that can be added to foods like egg replacements and juices in tiny amounts without causing harm.

Why Is It Used? Potential Benefits

What does sodium lauryl sulfate do that makes it such a widespread ingredient? As mentioned above, it helps bind oil and water molecules together in soapy products. This allows products to trap grime, dirt, food and other junk and then wash them away.

Therefore, uses and potential benefits of SLS include:

• Breaking up and soaking up stains, debris and grease from things like carpets, dishes, etc.
• Removing excess oil and makeup from skin
• Removing food particles from teeth
• Thickening/emulsifying ingredients in certain foods

Is sodium lauryl sulfate banned?

No, it’s legal to use in the U.S. in many dermatological and household products, as well as some foods.

It might seem strange that this ingredient is known to be harmful to the skin, yet it’s still allowed to be added to many products. The reason it isn’t totally banned is because it’s added to products that are normally only used on the skin briefly, then rinsed off, such as washes and soaps.

Authorities believe that if it doesn’t make contact with the skin for a long time, then it’s safe to use.

In most countries, when a product is intended to stay on the skin for a long time, such as a lotion, it can legally contain no more than 0.05% to 2.5% SLS in order to limit the risk for negative reactions.

How to Avoid It

Some products containing SLS include a brief warning somewhere stating that there’s a chance the product could cause skin irritation, dryness or redness on sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, always read ingredient labels carefully, and opt for natural skin care products as much as possible, including those that are homemade or store-bought but labeled hypoallergenic and organic.

If you are going to use products containing SLS, try to avoid heating them and mixing them with very warm water, since this can open up the skin’s pores and lead to worsened reactions. One study found that warmer water caused SLS to lead to more skin irritation.

When it comes to avoiding it in foods, your best bet is to limit consumption of processed foods (such as bottled juices, frozen meals and liquid eggs) and read ingredient labels.

Conclusion

• Is sodium laureth sulfate safe for skin? This ingredient is used in many skin and household products and can be irritating, especially to sensitive or dry skin.
• SLS is added to things like cleansers, soaps, washes, detergents, toothpastes and even some processed foods.
• If you’re experiencing red, dry, itchy or peeling skin, read the ingredients in your skin care products (especially ones that are foamy and lather up with lots of suds and bubbles). Avoid those with sodium lauryl sulfate, and opt for natural, moisturizing ingredients instead.

The post What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate? Where It’s Found + Risks appeared first on Dr. Axe.

It’s that time of year when our skin often feels itchy due to the changes in the weather. The cold temperatures outside combined with the low humidity and dry air can create this nagging feeling of dry, itchy skin. There are some amazing natural skin care remedies for solving this problem, including this natural moisturizer for dry skin with lavender oil, coconut oil and shea butter.

Shifting from store-bought products to making our own is one of the best things that my wife, Chelsea, and I have done. I think that it’s easy to forget how what we put onto our bodies — like a moisturizer for dry skin — is just as important as what we put into our bodies.

Steer Clear of Most Beauty Products

The Breast Cancer Fund Organization shared how beauty products affect us beyond skin level. “When it comes to beauty products, the effects of the ingredients they contain can be more than just skin deep. The cosmetics industry uses thousands of synthetic chemicals in its products, in everything from lipstick and lotion to shampoo and shaving cream.”

A lot of the ingredients used for cleaning industrial equipment are the same ingredients used in most skin care products. This should be enough information to help you choose a natural approach to cosmetics! In the U.S., the cosmetics industry is allowed to put thousands of synthetic chemicals into personal care products, regardless of their link to cancer, infertility or birth defects.

Related: Combination Skin: What It Is, How to Tell If You Have It & Best Skin Care Routine

Winter Skin Care Tips

There are some simple things you can do to make winter more comfortable for your skin:

• Avoid frequent showers and baths that are too hot. The hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing it to feel dry and itchy.
• Avoid chemical-laden soaps, such as those containing perfumes, alcohol and synthetics. These can cause lots of irritation by drying out the skin.
• Try moisturizing your skin as soon as you step out of the shower or bath. Simply pat yourself dry with a towel, and while the skin is still damp, apply a great natural moisturizer like the one below. Then, let it air dry.

DIY Moisturizer Ingredients

Here is a great DIY moisturizer for dry skin that you can make right at home with just a few ingredients, including coconut oil and the benefit-rich lavender oil. Coconut oil contains saturated fats that help the skin stay moisturized, with the fat preventing moisture loss through the skin’s pores. These fats give the skin a healthy, smooth and even tone.

Lavender oil, meanwhile, possesses natural antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics that help nourish and protect the skin.

The other ingredients include shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil and aloe. Ultra moisturizing shea butter can encourage tissue cell regeneration and softening of the skin, which can help to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Did you know that jojoba oil helps keep your oil levels balanced? That makes it well suited for dry skin conditions. Vitamin E oil is sometimes called the “skin vitamin,” as it boasts excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties.

DIY Moisturizer for Dry Skin Recipe

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 min
• Yield: 60 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Low humidity and dry air can create dry, itchy skin. There are some amazing natural skin care remedies for solving this problem, including this natural moisturizer for dry skin with lavender oil, coconut oil and shea butter.

---

Ingredients

• 3 ounces cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil
• 15–20 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 ounce shea butter
• 1 ounce jojoba oil
• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Place ingredients into a mixing bowl. Blend all ingredients using a hand mixer until it is whipped to a light and fluffy consistency.
2. Place in glass jar with lid and apply once or twice a day to the skin. If possible, apply to the skin while it is damp to help seal in moisture.

Notes

This homemade moisturizer can be stored at room temperature and safely kept for months.

Keywords: DIY moisturizer for dry skin, homemade moisturizer for dry skin

The post DIY Moisturizer for Dry Skin with Lavender Oil appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Whether we’re talking about benefits for your hair, skin or gut, coconut oil has many more than you’d expect. For example, coconut oil uses for skin include improving moisture and healing chapped lips, while coconut oil for hair can help with fly aways, dandruff and split ends.

If you’ve ever read the ingredient labels on some beauty and personal care products that claim to include coconut oil, you may have come across what’s called “fractionated coconut oil.”

What’s the difference between coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil? It all comes down to the exact methods used to extract oil from coconut “meat”. As explained more below, fractionated coconut oil has some pros and cons because the way it’s created affects the chemical composition of the oil.

What Is Fractionated Coconut Oil?

Fractionated coconut oil, also called “liquid coconut oil,” is just that: a type of coconut oil that remains liquid even at room temperature and cooler temps.

Creating a coconut oil that remains liquid at room temperature is useful because this helps with uses such as making creamy skincare products (including facial serums, moisturizers, etc.).

Another perk of fractionated coconut oil is that it’s odorless (some people don’t enjoy the smell of coconut), clear and does not have a greasy feeling. It absorbs into the skin very easily, even more so than unrefined coconut oil, and it won’t stain clothes and easily washes out of clothing and sheets. Fractioning coconut oil also helps extend the product’s shelf life.

In addition to being used on the skin and hair, fractionated coconut oil can also be taken by mouth, just like MCT oil.

What is the difference between fractionated and unfractionated coconut oil?

What does “fractionated” mean in coconut oil? The definition of fractionated is “divided into fractions or components.”

Compared to regular coconut oil, the fractionated type is different because the oil’s long-chain fatty acids have been removed.

Fats that are solid at room temperature have longer chain of fatty acids. Long-chain fatty acids are the type that have more carbon atoms, which causes the oil to solidify at cooler temps. This is why regular coconut oil needs to be warmed or heated to melt.

How is fractionated coconut oil made?

It’s made by removing long-chain fatty acids, usually through a process known as hydrolysis and via steam distillation.

One way in which long chain fats are removed is help from heating; long chain fats have a higher melting point than medium-chain fatty acids, so they turn from liquid to solid at a quicker rate. The solid portion of the oil can be removed, which leaves behind the liquid oil that contains lots of MCTs.

The best types to buy are those that use clean, solvent-free cold-extraction centrifuge processes. When looking for coconut oil products, check out how the product was made and look for those that are free of solvents or additives.

Is fractionated coconut oil the same as MCT oil?

Because this oil has its long chain triglycerides removed, what’s left is a product that’s high in medium chain triglycerides (or MCTs).

In many cases, MCT oil and fractionated oil are basically the same thing, but with two different names.

Most often the term MCT oil is used on supplements that are intended to be taken by mouth, while fractionated coconut oil is used on products that are intended to be used on the skin. However, you can use both types of products internally and topically.

If you’re unsure which type of product you’re buying, always read the ingredients and description carefully.

Health Benefits

What is fractionated coconut oil good for? Here are some of its main benefits:

1. Good Source of Medium Chain Fatty Acids

Fractionated coconut oil, like MCT oil, is high in healthy medium chain fatty acids. It’s an especially good source of the MCTs called capric acid and caprylic acid. These fats are easily digested and known to have energizing properties, plus they help with moisturizing and protecting the skin.

MCTs have also been found to benefit people with metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and epilepsy — especially if it’s consumed as part of a healthy diet, such as the ketogenic diet.

2. High In Antioxidants

Although this product is refined to remove some of its healthy fats, it still contains natural antioxidants which help protect skin from things like free radical damage, environmental effects and UV damage. Using antioxidant-rich products on your skin can help to maintain a brighter, more even tone and texture.

3. Great At Moisturizing Skin and Hair

This type of coconut oil is considered a great lightweight emollient and carrier oil, meaning it helps to hydrate dry skin, sooth irritated skin, and can be used with essential oil for a variety of purposes, such as cleansing and treating rashes.

It’s also known to have a non-greasy feel but is still capable of increasing smoothness and skin’s texture.

Additionally, fractionated coconut oil helps with healing chapped lips and can be applied to the body and hair too.

4. Has A Long Shelf Life, Plus Odorless and Colorless

Due to the way it’s refined, this product is more stable compared to other types of unrefined coconut oils, so it will last longer and it’s unlikely to become rancid. It also won’t cause a change in smell or color to DIY skincare or haircare recipes, such as homemade serums, conditioners and so on.

No Lauric Acid

While there’s pros associated with fractionated oil being liquid at all temps, one major drawback of this kind of oil is that the beneficial long-chain fatty acids called lauric acid is removed.

Lauric acid is a long-chain saturated fat that is responsible for some of coconut oil’s many health benefits, such as providing antibacterial properties and moisturizing the skin. It’s present in high amounts in coconuts and coconut oil, so removing it changes the properties of this oil quite a bit.

If you’re looking to consume coconut oil by mouth for its benefits, a better option is to purchase virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil that hasn’t been refined and still contains all its healthy fats.

Uses for Skin and Hair

Coconut oil one of the most versatile oils, considering you can consume it and use it on your body, hair and so on.

Here are some of the uses of fractioned coconut oil for your skin and hair:

• Moisturizes dry skin without causing breakouts or greasiness.
• Can be used in homemade tooth pastes and lip balms.
• Can be used to make homemade coconut conditioners and hair masks.
• Key ingredient in natural or homemade deodorants.
• Helps take off makeup gently without stripping skin.
• Makes a great shaving cream and after shave oil to reduce bumps or irritation.
• Can be applied to sunburns to help reduce dryness and peeling.
• Reduces hair frizz and helps with smoothing and protecting hair.
• Can be used to clean makeup brushes.
• Makes a great soluble carrier oil for blending with essential oils, including for skincare, massages and aromatherapy. It helps to form a protective barrier on the skin without clogging pores before essential oils are applied. This can reduce irritation, and also preserves the smell and benefits of essential oils. To use it with essential oils, dilute one part essential oil to five parts or more of fractionated coconut oil.
• It’s light, absorbs quickly and doesn’t stain clothes.

Precautions and Side Effects

Is fractionated coconut oil bad for you in any ways? If you’re allergic to coconut oil and have had bad reactions to it, do not use fractioned coconut oil. Check beauty and skincare products to make sure it’s not included if you have a known allergy.

Some people may experience an upset stomach when taking this product internally, so always start with a small amount (about 1 to 2 teaspoons per day at first) and increase once you’ve tested your reaction.

Overall, however, this product is gentle and often safe for people with sensitive skin. In fact, because it’s free of dyes, fragrances and irritating ingredients, fractionated coconut oil is recommended for those with allergies and other issues. Additionally, it’s a good way to reduce the risk for irritation caused by applying essential oils directly to the skin.

Final Thoughts

• What is fractionated coconut oil? It’s a type of coconut oil that has its long chain fatty acids removed, which allows it to remain liquid at all temperatures.
• It has light moisturizing properties and can help keep skin hydrated, smooth and free from irritation. It typically doesn’t cause greasiness or clogged pores and has no smell or color.
• In addition to being used on the skin and hair, fractionated coconut oil can also be taken by mouth just like MCT oil.
• With its high concentration of MCTs, such as capric acid and caprylic acid, plus antioxidant properties, it’s great for soothing skin rashes, irritations, chapped lips, dry hair and more.
• It also has a longer shelf life and is more stable than other types of coconut oil.

The post What Is Fractionated Coconut Oil? Benefits & Uses appeared first on Dr. Axe.

If you’re “in the know” about the latest skin care products that promise big results, you’re sure to come across alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). They are a group of acids that are intended to help a range of skin issues, such as dullness, acne, wrinkles and dryness. AHAs, sometimes called “fruit acids,” include malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and several others.

You’ll find tartaric acid, as well as other AHAs, in skin care products, including chemical exfoliants and serums. These products are considered powerful yet relatively gentle, making them a good choice for many skin types, including mildly sensitive, aging, dry, combo and acne-prone skin.

With keratolytic and astringent properties, tartaric acid helps promote skin cell turner, fights signs of aging — plus it even keeps skin hydrated and protected from effects of sun damage and pollution.

What Is Tartaric Acid?

Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid. This means it’s an organic compound found in some plants that contains two functional carboxylic acids.

Tartaric acid belongs to the alpha hydroxy acid family, which also contains other acids used in skin care, such as:

• glycolic acid
• lactic acid
• citric acid
• malic acid

What foods contain tartaric acid?

Tartaric acid is found naturally in a variety of plants, especially fruits that are rich in antioxidants. Among the richest sources are:

• tamarinds
• grapes
• apricots
• bananas
• citrus fruits
• dandelions
• sugar beets
• apples

Today it’s typically derived from grapes or as a byproduct from wine-making.

Other than fruits, tartaric acid is also found in wine and in cream of tartar. In fact, this ingredient is what gives wine its signature tart taste.

It’s used in winemaking because it helps prevent spoilage due to growth of bacteria and therefore acts as a preservative. It occurs naturally in wine after fermentation.

Much like with wine, in cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate), tartaric acid develops naturally during the process of fermentation. It’s added to some other foods and even some medications and supplements due to its antioxidant and preservative effects, plus for its sour, tart-tangy flavor. You’ll find it in foods/beverages, such as carbonated beverages, fruit jellies, gelatin, ice cream and baking powder.

It can be used to help improve the taste of oral medications, and some of its derivatives, such as tartar emetic, can be found in cough syrups and expectorants.

What is another name for tartaric acid?

Tartaric acid goes by several names, including dihydroxybutanedioic acid (its chemical name), L-tartaric acid and names that describe its derivatives/salts. It’s sometimes just called cream of tartar, Rochelle salt (potassium sodium tartrate, which is a mild laxative) and tartar emetic (potassium tartrate).

How else is it used?

In addition to being used in skin care and as a food preservative, additive and flavoring agent, and it is also utilized in ceramics, textiles, printing, leather tanning, metal cleaning, photography and pharmaceuticals industries due to its chemical properties.

Skin Care Benefits

What is tartaric acid used for in skin care? Here’s more about how it can make your skin smooth and full of glow:

1. Acts as a Gentle Exfoliator

Like other AHAs, tartaric acid helps naturally exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. This can help improve skin’s texture and appearance — plus it allows for other products to penetrate the skin more easily.

Some find that AHAs help even their skin’s tone, reduce bumps, brighten the skin, decrease “dullness,” and add a more even texture and tone.

Even if you typically react poorly to exfoliants, AHAs like tartaric acid are said to be suitable for almost all skin types due to their gentle effects.

2. Provides Anti-Aging Effects

Tartaric acid has antioxidant properties that offer anti-aging benefits for your skin. Just like the fruits and plants it’s sourced from, such as grapes and citrus fruits, it’s a great source of antioxidants that help protect your skin from free radical damage.

Applying AHAs, including tartaric acid, to your skin consistently can defend against cellular damage caused by factors like sunlight/UV ray damage and environmental pollution. Over time, it can decrease the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, and with help from other anti-aging products wrinkles and fine lines.

3. Works Well With Moisturizers to Boost Hydration

Tartaric acid has the ability to act as a pH adjuster and product stabilizer. It helps maintain the pH range of other skin care products so they can continue to work the way that they’re intended to.

By stabilizing products’ pH levels, tartaric acid defends against irritation that can be caused by skin care acids experiencing changes in their chemical compositions.

Additionally, because it’s an exfoliant, it helps other products, including serums and moisturizers, penetrate the skin more easily to be more effective.

On its own, tartaric acid is also thought to have some moisturizing properties.

It’s broken down into tartramides. These molecules mimic ceramides that are naturally found in the skin and help keep the skin hydrated.

Tartramides are believed to help protect the skin’s lipid matrix and bind moisture to your skin, which can decrease dryness and sensitivity.

Dosage and How to Use

Look for products containing tartaric acid, such as exfoliant pads and masks, serums, and anti-aging moisturizers.

It’s common for skin care products to contain other AHAs in addition to tartaric acid, such as lactic, glycolic, and citric acids. Together these acids have widespread benefits, including smoothing and protecting the skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Each product containing AHAs works a bit differently, so always read directions carefully. Don’t overuse products with AHAs (usually a small application once daily is enough), because otherwise irritation may occur.

If using a product that contains multiple alpha hydroxy acids, begin with a product such as a serum, cream or lotion containing between 5% to 10% AHAs. Apply to cleansed and dried skin once per day or every other day. If you tolerate the product well, you can increase to daily use or use a higher concentration.

You can also discuss with your dermatologist doing a more concentred acid peel. A peel can be done every two to three months to help with conditions such as scarring, acne or hyperpigmentation.

Risks and Side Effects

Is tartaric acid safe? Overall, tartaric acid and other AHAs are considered gentle and safe for most people to use on their skin.

However, some with sensitive skin or allergies may still react poorly to them, especially if they are overused or combined with harsher products. This acid also shouldn’t be applied too close to the eyes because it can be irritating.

To reduce the risk for allergic reactions or skin irritation, check the full ingredient list to avoid anything you may be allergic or sensitive to, such as parabens, fragrances and diethanolamine. Stop using it if you experience redness, peeling, itching and signs of inflammation.

In high doses, tartaric acid can act like a muscle toxin, since it inhibits the production of malic acid. It’s not intended to be ingested by mouth in large amounts, so always use it as directed, and only apply it topically.

Conclusion

• Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring crystalline organic acid found in many plants, including grapes and tamarinds, as well as wine and cream of tartar.
• Tartaric acid has antioxidant properties and is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). AHAs are popular acids in skin care products like serums and masks.
• Due to its antioxidant and exfoliation properties, most often it’s used for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, large pores, and dull/uneven skin tone.
• It acts as a natural exfoliator and refiner because it encourages the shedding of the outer layer of skin cells. It helps promote cell turnover, improve the skins barrier and help other products, including moisturizers, penetrate the skin better.

The post Tartaric Acid Benefits for Skin (Plus How to Use It) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

If you’re using a skin or hair product for its moisturizing properties, it likely contains a humectant. Humectants are water-attracting ingredients that draw moisture to the outer layer of skin, helping relieve dryness and improve complexion. You’ll find them in cleansers, creams, serums and balms.

If you are looking to enhance your natural skin care ritual, learn a little more about humectants and which ones are best for your skin and hair needs.

What Is a Humectant?

A humectant is a moisturizing agent that locks moisture into your skin and hair.

Humectants pull water from the second layer of skin, called the dermis, and bring it to the top layer, called the epidermis. This keeps the outermost layer well-hydrated, improves complexion and smooths out fine lines.

You’ll see a humectant as an agent in:

• cleansers
• lotions
• creams
• face masks
• eye creams
• serums
• lip balms
• frizz serums
• foot balms

Types and How They Work

Humectants work by attracting water and drawing it into the skin or hair in order to maintain healthy hydration. Some humectants for skin work as exfoliators that remove dead skin cells and debris first, leaving you with a smoother complexion and allowing for cell turnover.

There are several types of humectants, and studies show that they all work a little differently, so it’s important to know the differences before using a product on your body. The most commonly used humectants include:

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Alpha hydroxy acids are a group of acids derived from plants and animals. They are used in skin care products for their anti-aging properties, which help smooth the skin, exfoliate dead skin cells and debris, and improve cell renewal and texture. You’ll find AHAs in face washes, toners, creams, lotions, peels and serums.
• Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is part of a group of compounds called salicylates. Its structure allows it to be oil-soluble, which means that it can penetrate through our oily, lipid layers of skin to help unclog pores and remove dead cells. In addition to its uses in skin creams, ointments and serums, salicylic acid is also used in shampoos to exfoliate the scalp and improve dandruff.
• Urea: Urea is a naturally occurring waste product that’s produced on the skin when the body breaks down proteins. It’s part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor because it keeps hydration balanced in the most outer layers. Synthetic urea is used as a humectant in topical creams and cosmetic products. The best known urea cream available in urea 40, which is used for extremely dry and cracked skin.
• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating substance that’s produced naturally by the body. It’s found in the greatest concentrations in the skin and helps retain collagen, increase moisture, and provide elasticity and flexibility. It’s used as a humectant in body care products and available in supplement and eye-drop forms.
• Glycerin: Glycerin is a natural compound that comes from animal fat or vegetable oils, such as palm, coconut or soybean oil. It’s used most in skin products, such as soaps, creams and serums. You will also find glycerin in condiments and commercial baked goods.
• Caprylyl glycol: Caprylyl glycol is an alcohol that’s derived from caprylic acid, which comes from coconut oil, palm oil and cow’s milk. Although glycol occurs naturally, it’s often synthetically produced to be used in body and hair care formulas. It’s often used as a skin hydrator in moisturizers, face masks and other cosmetics.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel is the jelly-like substance that’s found in the inner part of the plant. It has soothing, nourishing and moisturizing effects on the skin and hair. Aloe vera is often used as an ingredient in products made to improve dried scalp, burns, rashes, wounds, dryness and skin irritations.
• Honey: Honey is a natural humectant that has nourishing, soothing and antioxidant properties. It helps fight wrinkles, dandruff, psoriasis, diaper rash and infections. You’ll find honey in cleansing milks and masks, creams, lotions, shampoos, wound-healing ointments, and after-sun balms.

Related: Polyglutamic Acid: A Powerful Moisturizer That Reduces Signs of Aging

Benefits

1. Boosts Hydration

Humectants attract water and help prevent moisture loss, thereby serving as excellent hydrators. Humectants for hair and skin are best known for their moisturizing effects and ability to leave skin softer and smoother.

A study published in Skin Research and Technology found that a humectant-rich formula made with 15 percent AHAs and 15 percent urea effectively relieved xerosis (abnormal dryness) on the feet without weakening the skin barrier function.

2. Serves as Skin Barrier

Humectants help fill in cracks and dry, rough skin with water, which serves as a barrier and won’t allow harmful substances to enter the skin.

A 2017 study involving 20 healthy women concluded that a formula containing 1 percent hyaluronic acid and 5 percent glycerin significantly improved skin hydration and skin barrier function for up to 24 hours after use.

3. Removes Dead Skin Cells

Many humectant ingredients work as exfoliators that reduce dead skin cells, debris and pollutants. These humectants help unclog pores and remove buildup that can leave your skin looking dull.

They can be used on very rough, cracked and dry areas as well, including the heels of your feet.

Research highlights how some humectants, such as AHAs, work to increase cell renewal, while improving skin firmness and elasticity.

4. Boosts Wound Healing

Some humectants help support wound healing because of their soothing properties. Honey, for instance, has been shown to condition the skin, reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress, which is why it’s often used in dressings for wounds and burns.

5. Reduces Fine Lines

Because of their “plumping” effects, humectants smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Consistent use of a gentle product containing a humectant will hydrate the skin and help reduce signs of aging.

Risks and Side Effects

It’s not uncommon for synthetic humectants to be used in skin and hair products because they are cheaper to produce and can prolong the formulas’ shelf lives. Synthetic humectants help hydrate the skin, but they don’t provide the skin with nutrients and may draw so much water from the second layer of skin that it causes dryness.

It’s ideal to choose a product from a trustworthy company that’s made with natural ingredients.

The beauty of humectants is that they attract water from the environment, but if you’re in a very dry area, they’ll use the moisture from within your skin and bring it to the surface. Using a product with an occlusive (like shea butter) can help lock that moisture into the skin so you don’t experience dryness.

Humectants are generally well-tolerated, but if you experience adverse effects from a product that contains a humectant, discontinue use immediately.

Dosage and How to Use

Many times, humectants are not the active ingredient in a product. A humectant is used to provide better consistency and help hydrate the skin and hair, but it probably won’t be at the very top of the ingredient list.

Some humectants, like caprylyl glycol, are used “behind the scenes” in formulas to serve as stabilizers and preservatives, too.

Typically, products containing humectants are used once or twice daily. You don’t want to over-apply these ingredients, especially on dry days, because they can actually cause dryness if there’s little moisture in the air.

Applying a product containing a humectant while your skin is clean and still slightly damp can enhance its effects.

What to Look for in a Product

When you’re looking for a humectant product, the first thing to consider is your specific skin or hair goals. Do you want to promote hydration, rid the skin of dead skin cells, fight fine lines or get rid of dandruff?

There are so many types of humectants, so you’ll want to choose the ingredient that’s perfect for your needs.

• Best for dry skin: Aloe vera, urea, honey, glycerin
• Best for clogged pores: Salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids
• Best for fine lines and wrinkles: Caprylyl glycol, hyaluronic acid
• Best for dandruff and dry hair: Salicylic acid, honey, caprylyl glycol, aloe vera

As always, choose a product that’s made by a reputable company and contains all-natural, gentle ingredients. Avoid products that are made with preservatives or fragrances, as they may cause adverse reactions or make skin issues worse.

Sometimes, humectants are paired with occlusives in skin care formulas. While humectants attract water and draw it from the second layer of skin, occlusives provide an oil or lipid barrier on the outer surface of the skin so hydration isn’t lost. Some commonly used occlusives are shea butter, mineral oil and lanolin.

Conclusion

• A humectant is a moisturizing agent that locks moisture into your skin and hair, using water from within the skin or the environment.
• There are several types of humectants for hair and skin, so choosing a product with the right ingredients for your needs is important. Some of the most commonly used humectants are aloe vera, honey, alpha hydroxy acids, glycerin and urea.
• Formulas containing humectants are typically applied one to two times daily or as indicated on the product label. It’s best to apply humectants when your skin is still slightly damp and there’s moisture in the air.

The post What Is a Humectant? How It Benefits Your Skin & Hair appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Getting rid of dead skin by exfoliating with a face scrub reduces buildup of dirt, bacteria and dead skin in the pores and helps eliminate whiteheads.

Face scrub, or a facial scrub, is a gentle exfoliating cleanser. It typically consists of small granular particles to get rid of old skin cells. This allows new skin cells to emerge, resulting in refreshed skin. In addition, it deeply cleanses the skin. This type of cleansing smooths the skin and also soften it. And where does the glow come from? The exfoliating process encourages blood flow to the surface of the skin, giving you that warm, healthy glow.

So, what are the best DIY face scrub ingredients? This is key. While gently exfoliating is important, what you use to exfoliate is crucial to maintaining healthy skin. Most off-the-shelf facial scrubs contain chemicals that may seem great at first, but over time can cause problems for your skin.

The great news is that it is very easy to make your own face scrub right at home, including using coffee. Let’s dig right into this great DIY exfoliating face scrub!

Face Scrub Ingredients

Coffee grounds contains antioxidants that can help heal the skin, but it also has just the right texture to work as a scrub, helping slough off those dead skin cells. (Coffee grounds also make a useful ingredient for a DIY coffee scrub and a DIY lip scrub.)

Coconut oil is a natural antifungal and antimicrobial ingredient. It also helps moisturize the skin. Raw honey is great for healing skin and helps absorb and retain moisture, which helps keep the skin soft and dewy. This homemade face scrub with honey is just perfect for your weekly skin regimen.

Carrot seed oil is amber in color and is extracted from carrot seeds. It has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties. It can do wonders for dry, sun-damaged skin. Carrot seed oil works well for both dry and oily complexions.

Tea tree oil can really help the skin stay healthy and blemish-free, making it a great part of this homemade face scrub for acne. Like carrot seed oil, tea tree oil contains antibacterial properties known as terpenes.

How to Make Your Own DIY Face Scrub

By blending a few ingredients together, you can make an amazing face scrub, leaving you with soft, supple and glowing skin. This DIY coffee face scrub recipe is sure to be one of your favorites.

Let’s get started! You can make your homemade face scrub right in the jar that you plan to store it in, or you can make it in a small bowl and transfer it to a tight-lidded jar. Pour the coconut oil and honey into the jar or bowl.

Next, add the coffee grounds. You can even use this morning’s coffee grounds — what a great way to repurpose that coffee! If you don’t drink coffee, you can purchase organic ground coffee for this recipe.

Blend the ingredients together. Add the carrot seed oil and tea tree oil next. Blend all of these ingredients together and you are all set to do a facial scrub. You can store the product in the fridge to help preserve it.

Now, let’s try it! Make sure you have clean skin, so wash your face first. You can even try my Homemade Face Wash. Pat your skin dry, then use a spoon or small spatula to scoop out a little facial scrub. Stand over the sink or do this in the shower to minimize any mess.

Gently rub the scrub over your face and neck (you can even put it on the backs of your hands!). Make sure to avoid the eyes. Once you have covered all areas, allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. Then gently rinse with warm water. Pat your skin dry.

Apply a dab of coconut oil or one of my facial moisturizers, such as DIY Facial Moisturizer with Shea Butter or my Lavender and Coconut Oil Moisturizer. Repeat once or twice a week for best results.

Homemade Face Scrub Recipe

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

With some of the best DIY face scrub ingredients, you will be able to exfoliate to maintain healthy skin. Fortunately, it’s very easy to make your own face scrub right at home.

---

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons organic raw honey
• 4 tablespoons organic coffee grounds
• 8 drops carrot seed oil
• 6 drops tea tree essential oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Put the coconut oil and honey into a small bowl or jar.
2. Next, add the coffee grounds.
3. Blend the ingredients.
4. Add the carrot seed oil and tea tree oil.
5. Blend all of the ingredients together.
6. Store product in a small jar in the fridge.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Category: Skin care

Keywords: DIY face scrub, homemade face scrub, coffee face scrub

The post DIY Face Scrub with Coffee appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Because we cannot see inside the body, the skin often provides the first obvious marks of the passing time and aging. It is a known fact that as we age, our skin becomes less resilient, resulting in dry skin and wrinkles. Often, the first place this is visible is not only the face, but around the eyes. Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded crow’s feet.

Now, diet is a huge component in how our skin looks and feels; however, there are ways to positively affect the skin and create a beautiful glow and fewer wrinkles, including less visible crow’s feet, using natural remedies, including this homemade eye cream with four ingredients that help delicate skin.

Why We Develop Dreaded Crow’s Feet

While is seems that the best solution is to simply replace the oils that we lose due to aging and free radicals found in environmental toxins, it simply isn’t that easy. As reported by a medical journal, skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by a combination of factors, such as genetics, cellular metabolism, hormone and metabolic processes as well as chronic light exposure, pollution, ionizing radiation, chemicals and toxins. These factors together lead to the progressive changes in each skin layer as well as changes in the appearance of the skin, especially on the sun-exposed skin areas.

Finely wrinkled and dry aged skin, especially in the eye region, is very common due to years of abuse. This happens because of gradual loss of skin elasticity, which is part of the cause of slower healing in older adults.

What specifically can help reduce wrinkles around the eyes? Reduced collagen type VII, often caused by sun-exposed aged skin, may contribute to wrinkles by weakening the bond between the dermis and epidermis as we get older. And because of a loss of collagen, older skin begins to look irregular and disorganized by increasing the number of wrinkles and less firm areas of the skin, in particular on the face and around the eyes.

The overall collagen content per unit area of the skin surface is known to decline approximately 1 percent per year. Three primary structural components of the dermis — collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) —have been the focus of most anti-aging research pertaining to the skin to include anti-wrinkle creams and various filling agents that you may find at the dermatologist.

Therefore, I strongly advise that you use a collagen supplement (powder or capsule/tablet) to boost your collagen levels, and one of the first places you’ll notice improvement will be your crow’s feet.

In addition, to achieve healthy, smooth, blemish-free, translucent and resilient skin, consider making a homemade eye cream.

4 Ingredients

Because these four ingredients are pure and this eye cream recipe doesn’t contain toxic ingredients, they can be absorbed safely and effectively — helping your skin and the areas around your eyes retain moisture and, therefore, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It works by allowing the nutrients and proteins in these ingredients to encourage cell-regeneration.

First ingredient is shea butter. It’s both moisturizing and very hydrating. When applied to the skin, it provides immediate softness and smoothness. But in addition, one study indicates that shea butter boosts collagen production, demonstrating some major anti-aging potential.

Next is coconut oil, which is great for the skin, including around the eyes. Research reveals that virgin coconut oil improves the symptoms of skin disorders by moisturizing and soothing the skin. It also protects the skin by enhancing skin barrier function.

Vitamin E oil may help improve fine lines and wrinkles by providing an antioxidant boost that protects from sun damage and encourages the healthy growth of new skin cells. When used both internally and externally, antioxidants are known for their ability to fight off free radicals and photo-induced skin aging, including wrinkles and dark spots.

Lastly, several essential oils work well for the skin, but I consider frankincense oil the top choice. Benefits include the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes, and appearance as someone ages. It also may help tone and lift skin.

How to Make DIY Eye Cream

Put shea butter and coconut oil in a glass bowl, then place that bowl in a sauce pan that is filled with water. Make sure to not allow any water to get into the bowl.

Place the saucepan with the bowl carefully on the stovetop. Heat to medium and mix oils together with a whisk. Whisk until completely melted.

Remove the glass bowl from the stove and let it cool for 30 minutes. Add in vitamin E oil and frankincense essential oil and whisk again. Once mixed, put the bowl in the refrigerator for an hour or until solid.

Remove from the fridge. With a regular mixer or hand mixer, beat the oils until they are whipped and fluffy. Fill a glass jar with the eye cream mixture and store at room temperature. Try to use within three months.

Apply it morning and night around the eyes, after taking a shower or bath, or at least washing your face, when your skin is still wet.

Homemade Eye Cream Recipe

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 40 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

To help achieve the best results and to avoid toxic chemicals found in most commercial products, consider making a homemade eye cream. This DIY recipe includes four of the best ingredients for the delicate skin under the eyes.

---

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unrefined shea butter
• 2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon vitamin E
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Put shea butter and coconut oil in a small glass bowl, then place that bowl in a sauce pan that is filled with water. Do not allow any water to get into the bowl.
2. Place pan (and bowl) on a stovetop and heat to medium and mix oils together. Whisk until completely melted.
3. Remove the glass bowl from the stove and let it cool for 30 minutes. Add the vitamin E oil and essential oil and whisk again.
4. Once mixed, put in refrigerator for an hour or until solid.
5. Remove from the fridge. With a regular mixer or hand mixer, beat the oils until they are whipped and fluffy.
6. Fill a glass container with eye cream mixture and store at room temperature.
7. Apply every morning and night around the eyes, after taking a shower or bath or at least washing your face, when your skin is still wet. Enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Category: Skin care

Keywords: DIY eye cream, homemade eye cream

The post Homemade Eye Cream with 4 Healing Ingredients appeared first on Dr. Axe.

If you have dry, dull skin, you may have lower levels of ceramides (or fatty acids in your skin). This can be caused by age, colder weather, sun damage, air pollution and other environmental factors. In an effort to reserve this skin lipid deficiency, phytoceramides are becoming increasingly popular in the cosmetic and skin care industry.

These plant-based fatty acids play the role of fats that are naturally present in the skin and are integral in giving you a smooth, youthful appearance.

What Are Phytoceramides?

Phytoceramides are plant-derived fatty acids that are used on the skin to soothe dryness and irritation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Ceramides are long-chain fatty acids that occur naturally in the outer layer of human skin. In fact, these lipids make up about 50 percent of the epidermis, but with age and environmental factors, ceramide production can decrease over time.

“Phyto” means plant, so phytoceramides are plant-based lipids that are used to mimic those that are produced by humans. Getting the fats from plants is a safer, more natural way to redistribute fats without the need for synthetic substances.

Phytoceramides Benefits

The benefits of phytoceramides come from the replenishment of fatty acids that secure the skin’s protective barrier and lock in moisture. Without enough moisture, your skin becomes dry, cracked and more susceptible to infection.

Here’s a breakdown of the top benefits of phytoceramides:

1. Locks in Moisture

Ceramides keep the skin hydrated, and when levels become low, moisture is able to escape. It’s not that ceramides add moisture to the skin like an oil or lotion, but they work to reinforce the natural skin barrier that holds moisture in beneath the first layer.

Low ceramides, and therefore less moisture within the skin’s layers, make your skin more prone to the absorption of irritants and pollution, which can cause infections, breakouts and more. Plus, a loss of moisture means that you’re left with a dry, rough texture, red patches and even flaking skin.

A study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that natural oil-derived phytoceramides are useful for cosmetic applications in the development of an ideal skin barrier moisturizer. The phytoceramides improved the recovery rate of damaged skin and enhanced hydration better than non-plant derived ceramides.

2. May Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Because they work to lock in moisture and improve dryness, phytoceramides can help to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles that become more noticeable with dry skin. The fatty acids serve as a protective barrier that retains moisture and keeps the skin soft and subtle.

Research published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics suggests that replenishing depleted ceramides has beneficial effects in restoring the skin barrier. For this particular study, oat ceramides were compared to lecithin emulsions and starch-based nanoparticles to measure potential protective effects on the skin.

3. Support Overall Skin Health

In a review published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, researchers describe ceramides as the “backbone of the intercellular lipid membranes” that are responsible for skin barrier function. Research indicates that skin diseases like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and aged skin are characterized by dysfunctional skin barrier and dryness, which is associated with reduced ceramides.

4. Helps With Absorption of Other Skin Products

Phytoceramide cream can be used in combination with other skin care products, like those containing kojic acid, glycerin and hyaluronic acid that are used for their anti-aging, skin-lightening effects. The fatty acids help with the penetration and absorption of these other products, potentially sealing them into the skin and boosting their effects.

How to Use

The most popular (and possibly most useful) form of phytoceramides is as a topical cream. The cream helps replenish fatty acids in the skin, improve hydration and enforce the skin’s protective barrier.

To use phytoceramide cream, apply it to your face, neck and chest to slightly damp skin after bathing, when your pores are open. If you’re not bathing before use, then wash your face with warm water, pat it dry and then apply the cream to help lock in moisture.

If you use other cosmetic products, apply them right after the phytoceramide cream.

Using a cream in addition to phytoceramide supplements has been recommended, but there isn’t any clear evidence that internal use is as effective as topical use.

Supplements and Dosage

The verdict is still out on the efficacy of consuming phytoceramide supplements for skin health. There are some studies out there, but most are done by cream or vitamin manufacturers.

Although the evidence is limited, phytoceramide supplements are used to reduce dryness and hyperpigmentation. The idea is that eating phytoceramides delivers the fatty acids to the skin continuously, which supports fatty acid levels from under the skin’s surface.

There’s no recommended dosage based on research, but most supplement directions suggest 10–70 milligrams per day.

Ceramides are also available in foods, including eggs, rice, sweet potatoes, wheat and millet. However, it’s not clear if consuming ceramides works to improve skin hydration and appearance similarly to a topical product.

Risks and Side Effects

Phytoceramide creams are considered safe and non-irritating. However, people’s sensitivity varies so it’s best to take it slow with any new skin care product.

If you notice any irritation, redness, itching or dryness, stop using the cream immediately. Make sure the product you choose doesn’t have added ingredients that can cause adverse reactions.

Speak to your doctor before taking phytoceramide supplements, especially if you plan to use them daily. They are a type of fatty acids, so people who have to limit fat intake should be mindful.

Conclusion

• Phytoceramides are plant-derived fatty acids that are used on the skin to soothe dryness and irritation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• They are used to replenish our natural ceramides, which are long-chain fatty acids that occur naturally in the outer layer of human skin. Over time, ceramides are reduced and can cause dry skin that’s more susceptible to infection.
• Phytoceramide creams are used to enhance the skin’s protective barrier, lock in moisture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and support the absorption of other cosmetic products.

The post Phytoceramides for Smoother, Healthier, More Hydrated Skin appeared first on Dr. Axe.

For a loving parent or guardian, seeing a rash on their child’s bottom is upsetting simply because of the obvious discomfort it causes. But what is diaper rash? Diaper rash occurs on the skin under the diaper and usually happens at the age of 2 years and younger, or as long as they are wearing diapers. If not treated, the result can become severe and even result in a yeast infection.

Diaper dermatitis is referred to the inflammation in outer layers of the skin in the perineal area, lower abdomen and inner thighs. The lesions are flat, discolored spots on the skin and are usually itchy, which may cause bacterial or candida infection. This can also affect the penis or vaginal area leading to urinary infection and further discomfort, irritability and restlessness for your baby.

While it’s most common in infants, adults that are unable to take care of themselves or that may require wearing adult diapers can also get diaper rash. As annoying as a diaper rash can be, not to mention the discomfort it causes your little one, it can be easily treatable, and even preventable, in most cases.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

A diaper rash or a yeast rash can be caused by infrequent diaper changes, diarrhea and sudden changes in diet, such as solid foods as well as the foods that mom eats, especially if breastfeeding. Antibiotics, an illness, friction caused by a diaper that is too tight or a constant rubbing of some sort often seen when a baby is between sizes, laundry detergents, bacterial or yeast infections, allergies and other sensitivities to disposable diapers are other common causes of diaper rash.

In particular, when urine and fecal matter are pressed against the skin, the bacteria can break down the skin’s protective barrier, which is where the rash often starts. The rash can occur because of a lot of sitting or lying in bed, especially if a diaper is soiled and left unchanged for long periods of time. Diaper rash often occurs due to the acidity changes in bowel movements as infants begin eating solid food. This is around the age 9–12 months and when babies are sitting most of the time.

Another name for diaper rash is diaper (napkin) dermatitis and is one of the most common “dermatologic diseases” in infants and children. In the past, diaper rash and diaper irritations have been thought to be caused by ammonia, but studies now indicate that there are many reasons a diaper rash may occur.

If you leave the diaper rash untreated, it can progress to a yeast infection because yeast loves the warm, moist and dark environment that a diaper easily provides. A study was conducted that showed that the highest incidence of diaper rash, in over 1,200 infants, was found in those that wore cloth diapers. If using cloth diapers, you may need to change the diapers more frequently and make sure to use a very mild detergent.

Related: Baby Powder Asbestos Dangers: Should You Worry?

How to Prevent

1. Change that Diaper More Often

The biggest cause of diaper rash is leaving a dirty diaper, wet or poopy, on the baby for too long! It’s common to have to change a diaper even 8–10 times a day, but no need to count. Just do it as needed by paying attention.

If left untreated, Candida and bacterial infections can make things worse, even causing psoriasis and the other diseases. It’s critical that your baby is kept clean by keeping the diaper area dry through frequent diaper changes.

2. Avoid Most Baby Wipes

While it seems that the baby wipe is the perfect go-to tool for just about anything, baby wipes actually contain some ingredients that can irritate the skin. The typical baby wipe contains ingredients like parabens, which are known as endocrine disruptors, propylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, phthalates for fragrance and other chemicals as well as possible carcinogens, like formaldehyde, that can be obtained through the manufacturing process.

Additionally, our environment is negatively affected by the use of these chemical-laden wipes. Instead, use fragrance-free baby wipes or simply a moist washcloth. If you use soap, make sure its also fragrance-free.

3. Make Sure Your Baby’s Bottom Is Dry

Rather than using a towel, allow your baby’s bottom to air dry before putting another diaper on him or her. This can help prevent bacteria-causing moisture and, therefore, diaper rash.

4. Give Your Baby the Right Sized Diaper

A diaper that’s too tight can prevent air from getting into the diaper region. This can create a moist environment that causes a diaper rash.

5. Do Not Use Baby Powder

Often the recommendation is to sprinkle on some “baby powder” on a baby’s bum before putting on a fresh diaper. But baby powder is a product name for talcum powder, which is made from talc, a clay mineral that contains magnesium, silicon and oxygen.

Talc is mined in proximity to asbestos, another naturally occurring mineral that is known to possess carcinogenic effects.
Many studies in women, infants, children and male miners or millers suggest that inhaling talc or applying products containing talc to the skin can cause health problems.

In fact, a New York Times article published in August, 2017 indicated that a judge ordered baby powder manufacturer Johnson & Johnson to pay $417 million dollars in damages to a 63-year-old woman who developed ovarian cancer after using baby powder on her genital area when she was eleven years old. There have been more than 5,000 baby powder–related cases against Johnson & Johnson, with lawsuits claiming carcinogenic effects. Damages to Johnson & Johnson between 2016 and 2017 exceeded $700 million dollars.

A Reuters special report noted that Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that asbestos lurked in its baby powder.

6. Give Your Baby the Right Foods

Often times, diarrhea is the cause of diaper rash and irritations. If that is the case, you need to stop the diarrhea as soon as possible. Have you heard of the BRAT diet? Bread, rice, applesauce and toast (BRAT) are common foods that can help rid your baby of the uncomfortable diaper-rash causing diarrhea.

Of course, it depends on the age of the infant in terms of what they can eat and you may have to soften the foods accordingly so that it is safe and easy to eat. Toddlers can eat more solid foods such as pasta, chopped up soft-boiled eggs, plain probiotic-containing yogurt and fermented whole grains. Because starch adds bulk to the stool, it is a great choice and easy to digest. Keep in mind that fats and sugars, even those from and fruit juices, can make the problem worse.

Natural Remedies

1. Magnesium Oil

It’s common to apply topical ointments such as steroids but they can cause problems for ultra-sensitive skin. Magnesium oil, known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, may be able to help heal diaper rash quickly.

In a clinical trial study in the Pediatric Ward of Hajar Hospital, 64 children less than two years of age with diaper dermatitis were treated with the combined cream magnesium 2% and calendula or with Calendula cream alone. The study found that the magnesium cream was very effective for treatment of diaper dermatitis.

2. Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay has been well known for clearing the skin from acne because of its ability to remove toxins and impurities, but it can also help heal the baby’s diaper rash. According to a study, a shampoo made of clay was found to heal 93.3 percent of the lesions from diaper rash within the first six hours.

Bentonite clay is a type of rock formed from volcanic ash. It’s highly absorbent, and when it becomes saturated with liquid, it develops a mild electrical charge that helps draw out toxins, heavy metals and other impurities away from skin tissue, ultimately helping to control moisture and fight bacteria that could make the diaper rash worse.

Try mixing a small amount of bentonite clay with water until it forms a paste. Then, spread on the baby’s bottom and allow it to dry. This may be your biggest challenge since babies usually don’t sit still for very long. Perhaps this is a good time for a little storybook reading or a standing activity! It usually dries within about 10–15 minutes. Once dry, remove with warm water.

3. Coconut Oil

It works for almost anything, but coconut oil for diaper rash? You bet. It contains three fatty acids — capric, caprylic and lauric acid — that possess both disinfectant and antimicrobial properties, helping to protect against as well as heal microbial infections. Studies indicate that it’s effective against bacteria-related issues like skin infections.

This is why organic coconut oil for diaper rash is so popular. It keeps bacteria at bay and can help to fight infections that cause rashes in the first place.

4. DIY Diaper Cream

Making your own diaper rash cream is easy and is also really important to the health of your baby! While it’s easy to pick up diaper rash cream products in the drugstore, many of these creams and ointments contain chemical-containing emulsifiers that can enter the body through the skin.

Instead, make up your own DIY diaper cream with shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax and calendula, among other skin-improving ingredients. Shea butter is the perfect ingredient for diaper rash ointment since it’s antifungal and anti-inflammatory, which helps fight off yeast. Natural moisturizing beeswax also includes antibacterial properties and is ideal for a diaper rash ointment.

Witch hazel contains strong antioxidant and astringent properties, helping skin to heal. And calendula contains anti-inflammatory linoleic acid, which helps reduce further irritation from diaper rash as well as possibly preventing it in the first place. See how to make it below.

Precautions

While there are some simple ways to protect your baby and help your baby heal quickly, pay close attention to anything you put on your baby. If it seems to worsen the problem in any way, discontinue use and check with your doctor.

It is common for many parents like to use baby powder in an effort to reduce moisture in the diaper area of the baby, but we advise that you don’t use any powder. It’s important to know that even cornstarch can worsen the problem if it is a yeast diaper rash. And at all costs, avoid talcum because of its potential carcinogenic effects.

DIY Diaper Rash Recipe

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 40 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A DIY diaper rash cream is so simple to make and can provide the highest quality natural skin care ingredients while soothing your baby’s skin.

---

Ingredients

• ¼ cup shea butter
• ½ cup extra virgin coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons beeswax pastilles
• 2 tablespoons zinc oxide powder
• ½ teaspoon witch hazel (alcohol-free)
• 5 drops calendula oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. With a wooden spoon, mix the shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax in a glass bowl. May need to put in a pan of warm water to soften the ingredients.
2. Add the zinc oxide, witch hazel and calendula and mix well.
3. Scrap the mixture into a glass container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. You can store it for 2–3 months and use, as needed.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Category: Skin care
• Method: Mixing

Keywords: DIY diaper rash cream, homemade diaper rash ointment

The post Diaper Rash Remedies, Including A DIY Cream appeared first on Dr. Axe.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of pimples, you are far from alone.

The most common skin condition in America is acne, characterized by frequent zits, pimples and breakouts. Surveys show that acne affects about 85 percent of teenagers and continues into adult life for at least 20 percent of adults (more commonly in woman than in men).

Adult acne seems to be increasing, which could be due to autoimmune disease, leaky gut syndrome or allergies. Genetics and hormonal factors can also play a role in breakouts.

If you’ve tried a number of acne treatments and but still deal with breakouts, the million-dollar question is: How do I stop pimples from forming on my face?

Essentially, just about everyone deals with annoying pimples at one point or another. However, there are all-natural ways for how to get rid of zits, including home remedies for acne that really work.

Here’s what we know about how to get rid of pimples: If you want to get clear skin, washing your face regularly, eating a healthy diet and managing stress are all important. There are also certain topical oils and plant extracts that can help improve the appearance of your skin by fighting the presence of harmful bacteria and decreasing inflammation.

What Are Pimples?

A pimple is a small comedone, pustule or papule that forms a skin lesion. The more technical term is acne vulgaris.

There are numerous causes, but regardless of the cause, pimples develop when the sebaceous glands (oil glands) get clogged and infected from bacteria. This is why pimples swell up and become red, pus-filled lesions on the surface, and just under the surface, of the skin.

Most experience acne on the face area, but the neck, chest, upper back and shoulders are commonly affected as well.

Acne can cause scarring and even psychological distress, especially in teenagers who are already stressed about acceptance with their peers and their schoolwork.

Types of Acne:

Acne is usually classified as mild, moderate or severe. Mild acne includes the comedones, which are considered non-inflammatory lesions or slightly inflammatory lesions called papules (or pustules).

Acne that’s more inflammatory is denoted as moderate acne. This happens when there are occasional nodules and possibly mild scarring.

Severe acne occurs when there are a lot of inflammatory lesions, nodules and possibly scarring. It’s also considered severe if the acne is still present after six months of treatment or if it causes serious psychological issues.

If not treated, acne can cause scarring. Scarring is more likely when the skin is inflamed, swollen, reddish and painful, such as cystic acne and nodules.

This form of acne penetrates deep into the skin, causing damage. Delaying treatment can cause scarring too.

About 30 percent of teenagers have acne that’s considered severe. For some, genetics are the cause and beyond their control.

While it’s best to treat the acne, picking at it makes it worse because it doesn’t get the healing time it requires, which ultimately increases inflammation and, therefore, risks of scarring. Also, waiting to treat acne until it becomes severe can lead to extensive scarring, so it’s best to treat it sooner than later.

Related: How to Get Rid of Nodular Acne

How to Get Rid of Pimples Naturally

The American Academy of Dermatology states that it’s important to treat acne, even though you may often hear that you need to let it “run its course.” The problem with that is dark spots and permanent scars can develop on the skin. Additionally, clear skin can positively affect one’s self-esteem.

In terms of how to get clear skin, there are many natural treatments that can help get rid of pimples, some that even start to resolve unsightly pimples overnight, such as essential oils for acne that are available over-the-counter. If using essential oils, make sure to use pure oils, and take it slow.

Also check with your dermatologist before using anything new on your skin if you have allergies or very sensitive skin.

Here are some of my favorite natural remedies for how to get rid of pimples:

1. Cleanse and Exfoliate

Clean skin is a pretty obvious need for an acne-free face and body. You want to make sure you use the right cleansing methods and exfoliate gently.

Look for pure options, such as Castile soap. Castile soap offers a gentle way to cleanse using plant-based ingredients, such as olive oil.

To mildly exfoliate, consider combining local or Manuka honey, which is highly antibacterial, with a small amount of coffee grounds. Follow it up with one of the other options for how to get rid of pimples listed below.

2. Change Your Diet

Eliminating sugar, drinking plenty of water and eating omega-3 foods can make a difference in skin health. Too much sugar can cause insulin spikes, which can create inflammation in the skin and clog up the pores.

Water, conversely, hydrates, and it seems we cannot get enough of it. Make sure to drink at least half your bodyweight in ounces every day.

Hydrated skin provides the right moisture and balance the skin needs to thrive. Additionally, water helps flush out toxins, something we need on a daily basis.

Those omega-3s are pretty awesome at providing a reduction in inflammation. Wild-caught salmon is one of the best sources, in addition to sardines, walnuts, flaxseed oil and almonds.

3. Manage Stress and Get Enough Sleep

The phrase “get your beauty rest” is actually good advice. Stress is one of the biggest causes of acne, and sleep is one of the best natural stress relievers around.

When we sleep, healing happens. At the same time, it’s a great time to apply a home remedy and let it get it to work on eliminating toxins that can cause acne.

The Psychiatric Clinics of North America reports that stress is a factor affecting all organs. Though it’s easy to forget, the skin is an organ. In fact, it’s your largest organ!

Avoiding sleep deprivation should be a key component of any effective acne treatment.

4. Get Daily Exercise

Exercise not only helps you with fitness, but it can help reduce acne-prone skin irritations. That’s right: Add its use on how to get rid of pimples to the list of exercise benefits.

Exercise offers stress relief while getting the blood circulating. This blood-pumping activity sends oxygen to your skin cells, which helps remove dead cells from the body.

It’s also beneficial for balancing hormones and helping prevent issues such as estrogen dominance and PCOS, which can contribute to breakouts.

5. Tea Tree Oil

How can you get rid of pimples overnight? One way is to dab a tiny amount of tea tree oil on the affected area.

Tea tee, also known as melaleuca, is one of my favorite and most recommended remedies for acne because it has natural microbial properties and helps fight the kind of bacteria that causes acne.

A study published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology revealed that tea tree oil provides positive results for mild acne with no serious adverse effects. The study asked participants to apply tea tree oil to the affected area of the face twice a day for three months with assessments conducted at four, eight and 12 weeks of use.

Results showed that acne was reduced in most participants, suggesting that tea tree oil a great choice for how to get rid of pimples.

By blending it with a little coconut oil and then applying to the face and affected areas, you may be able to reduce and even eliminate acne in a short period of time. Try this honey and tea tree oil face wash recipe to get started with a DIY treatment.

6. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary oil has been around for years and used topically for acne and inflamed skin. A Chinese study concluded that rosemary essential oil helps decrease acne due to its antibacterial effects.

To better understand the effects, the study increased the concentration of the rosemary essential oil, resulting in severely damaged bacterial bodies. Treated bacteria eventually led to bacterial death.

7. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains properties that encourage the elimination of bacteria, which is why there are so many uses of coconut oil for skin. Lauric acid is the main ingredient in coconut oil, and this acid that makes it an effective treatment against acne because it has antibacterial properties.

8. Apricot Seed Oil

Apricot seeds may be a great option for how to get rid of pimples. A recent study published in Phytotherapy Research notes that the phytonutrients and antimicrobial qualities of apricot essential oil obtained from apricot seeds may help provide glowing skin.

Apricot essential oil showed antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria and yeasts that were tested, indicating its possible benefits to prevent and minimize acne.

9. Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense oil is a personal favorite for me and my wife, Chelsea. Containing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s amazing for almost all skin types and perfect for acne-prone skin.

Frankincense invites new cell growth, which can help reduce the appearance of scars. It also helps prevent or eliminate bacteria, part of what can cause acne in the first place.

A study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Freiburg in Germany reports that using frankincense and five other plant extracts for antimicrobial effects on bacteria and yeast relating to the skin proved effective. The study concluded that their antimicrobial effects were powerful enough to be used as a topical treatment of some skin disorders, including acne and eczema.

10. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is another favorite of mine — not only because it can help prevent and keeps acne at bay, but it smells amazing, and provides relaxation qualities when used for aromatherapy— something much needed in today’s world.

Lavender helps regenerate skin cells, minimizes sun spots and even reduces scarring caused by acne. Additionally, it can help reduce swelling and inflammation that may be caused by acne due to the polysaccharides it contains.

11. Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano oil is rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, including monoterpenoid phenols, such as thymol. Studies show these compounds can help kill both P. acnes and S. epidermidis bacteria that lead to pimples.

In one animal study published in the journal Molecules, oregano exhibited the strongest effects against acne-causing microbes and served as a natural and effective alternative for treating acne while helping overcome antibiotic resistance.

12. Castor Oil

Castor oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can speed up healing, making it ideal for breakout-prone skin.

I recommend using it in very small amounts with jojoba oil, hemp seed oil or coconut oil, along with one of the essential oils above. It’s high in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins and minerals, which can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation associated with breakouts.

It can even help treat scars caused by acne.

Castor oil may be a great choice for treating mild acne since it provides moisture to the skin while helping the skin produce less sebum, which can cause acne if in excess. It also helps reduce inflammation that may be caused by acne.

13. Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil is an amazing option because it does not clog pores. Additionally, it helps reduce the size of pores by fighting development of blackheads.

Hemp seed oil protects the skin from free radicals while improving elasticity. Made up of about 80 percent essential fatty acids that allow it to deeply penetrate the skin, hemp seed oil is also known as a great treatment for psoriasis and eczema.

Hemp seed oil is a dry oil and works best when mixed with a thicker oils, such as castor oil.

14. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a natural toning solution that can treat a wide range of skin problems, including acne blemishes, bug bites, and spots of irritation, swelling and redness. It helps control oil production and normalize skin’s hydration while fighting bacteria.

You can use it on your skin like you would a toner — just don’t overdo it, or you may wind up with dry skin. For the best results, combine it with other skin care products, like a good cleanser and moisturizer.

Risks and Side Effects of Conventional Treatments

There are many convention treatments dermatologists turn to regarding how to get rid of pimples, but many of them can cause side effects.

One example is Isotretinoin, a prescription skin care product that you can get from your doctor.

Some case studies have revealed that Accutane can have some pretty serious side effects, such as:

• birth defects
• bone mineral density problems
• depression
• psychosis
• suicide
• aggressive or violent behaviors
• acute pancreatitis
• cardiovascular issues
• deafness
• hepatitis
• bowel disease
• excessive bone growth
• night blindness
• sight loss

An article published by Harvard Law School shared information regarding isotretinoin, noting that even though the drug shows dramatic results in a short period of time, it’s been shown to “destroy lives.” In fact, Harvard reported that about 25 percent of babies who have been exposed to Accutane while in the womb have serious deformities and develop learning disabilities.

Other conventional options for treating acne include antibiotics, such as those taken by mouth and applied topically. Dermatologists sometimes prescribe antibiotics to help reduce the amount of bacteria getting trapped inside pores.

Examples of antibiotics prescribed to treat acne include clindamycin, doxycycline, erythromycin and tetracycline. These are intended to be taken short term, but they can still sometimes cause side effects, such as upset stomach, nausea, sun sensitivity, headaches and yeast infections in women.

Most often, antibiotics are used in combination with topical treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, or retinoid medications, azelaic acid and sulfone agents.

Other Skin Care Treatments With Pros and Cons:

Can toothpaste remove pimples? What about rubbing alcohol?

Both of these products are sometimes used to dry out the skin and remove oil, which can seem to decrease the severity of pimples. However, they can also be irritating and lead to redness and peeling, so using them isn’t recommended, especially on sensitive skin.

Hydrogen peroxide is also damaging to skin and shouldn’t be used on wounds or to control oily skin or acne.

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients found in many skin care products that are geared toward acne-prone skin, such as spot gels, cleansers and lotions. These are generally safer options and better regulated.

These popular acne treatments are not as “natural” as some of the products mentioned above, but they work similarly by killing bacteria that can cause acne. They are “plant derived ingredients” (from the willow bark tree) and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, exfoliant and mild antibacterial effects.

If you have sensitive skin that is prone to dryness or redness, then salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may not be the best ingredients for you, especially when use frequently. Overuse can cause irritation, dryness, itching, peeling and redness, so use in small amounts.

They should also be avoided by women who are pregnant and anyone who takes blood-thinning medications.

Prevention Tips

Here are other tips for reducing breakouts according to dermatologists:

• Don’t over-wash or over-treat skin. Wash with a gentle product each morning and evening and, if needed, after workouts. Refrain from cleansing more often, as this can irritate the skin and cause an overproduction of oil.
• Avoid applying irritating products to your skin. This can include conventional shampoos, conditioner, hair spray, gels and mousses that contain petroleum, parabens, silicone, sulfates, panthenol, fragrances and other chemicals.
• Choose hypoallergenic cosmetics and makeup, and be sure to wash them off thoroughly every night.
• Tone to restore pH balance, such as with apple cider vinegar. This helps remove any residue after cleansing and helps restore the skin’s natural pH levels.
• Exfoliate several times per week to remove dead skin cells. Sea salt, brown sugar and ground oatmeal are good choices.
• Avoid too much sun exposure, which can alter production of sebum.
• Be sure to wash and change your pillow cases and face towels regularly to avoid bacteria building up on them.
• Try not to touch your face too often, including with your hands, phone, etc.
• Take a probiotic supplement daily. Fighting acne requires both external and internal treatment. Live probiotics support healthy digestion and immune system functioning.

Conclusion

• How do I get rid of pimples naturally? Acne is different for everyone, but there may be some simple solutions to having clear skin. From the foods you eat to the stress in your life and the products you use, it may take a little time to find what works for you for how to get rid of pimples.
• Getting enough sleep, changing your diet, getting daily exercise, cleansing and exfoliating the skin, and utilizing essential oils for the skin are all natural ways to clear acne safely.
• It’s always better to seek a natural solution for how to get rid of pimples as opposed to conventional treatments that come with adverse side effects. However, if the products and tips above don’t seem to help, visit your dermatologist to discuss other skin care options.

The post How to Get Rid of Pimples appeared first on Dr. Axe.

This homemade stretch mark scrub relies on raw sugar and shea butter, and I consider it one of the best ways for how to get rid of stretch marks, or at least reduce the signs of stretch marks. It’s easy to make and can be used several times a week for best results.

Now, keep in mind that stretch marks are actually fine scars, so they can never be permanently removed. However, you can reduce their appearance by scrubbing away dead skins cells. The fine grains of sugar work as a natural exfoliant and also promote healthy blood circulation.

Key Ingredients

Why do I consider this the best homemade scrub for stretch marks? Namely because of these outstanding ingredients for stretch mark reduction:

Sugar

While you want to use a softer sugar for a facial homemade sugar scrub, A coarser brown sugar like raw cane sugar, turbinado sugar or natural brown sugar works well for a DIY stretch mark scrub. (It also works well for a DIY lip scrub.)

But what makes sugar good for the skin? It is a natural humectant, meaning that it helps hydrate the skin. Sugar is also a natural source of glycolic acid, which is commonly used to treat dry, sun-damaged and aging skin. You may have seen the ingredient alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). This ingredient helps the skin, encouraging cell turnover and generating fresher, younger-looking skin.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

All coconut oil can work wonders for the skin but a fractionated coconut oil (liquid) can work even better for DIY recipes, as it mixes well with other ingredients, easily penetrates the skin and will moisturize without clogging pores.

Raw Shea Butter

Full of all-natural vitamin A, 100 percent pure, unrefined, raw shea butter can improve numerous skin conditions such as blemishes and wrinkles, stretch mark prevention during pregnancy, muscle fatigue, dermatitis, and radiation treatments for certain medical problems. It’s also been shown in studies to even boost collagen production.

Vitamin E Oil

As both a nutrient and antioxidant with a history of use in dermatology for over 50 years, vitamin E oil can benefit a number of common skin concerns including burns, scars and wounds.

Essential Oils

Using lavender oil topically can help improve a number of skin conditions, including stretch markes, acne and age spots. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help ease skin conditions and help reverse signs of aging.

Lemon essential oil can benefit the skin, including nourishing damaged skin and hydrating the skin. Lab studies show that lemon oil is able to reduce cell and tissue damage in the skin that’s caused by free radicals.

How to Make A Homemade Stretch Mark Scrub

First, mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. Key will be a half-cup of organic raw cane sugar, quarter-cup of coconut oil (or olive oil) along with one tablespoon of shea butter. Also add in a half-teaspoon of vitamin E oil, five drops of lavender essential oil and three drops of lemon essential oil (or one teaspoon of organic lemon juice).

For smoother results, place in a pan on low heat, stirring until smooth. Then place ingredients in a glass jar or container with a lid. If pregnant or nursing children, however, please make sure to check with your doctor before using essential oils or any new ingredients on your body.

Rub this stretch mark scrub on affected areas two to three times per week, such as during a shower. Then after you pat the area dry, apply my stretch mark cream to give your skin the best chance to become blemish-free!

Homemade Stretch Mark Scrub

---

• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 applications

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This homemade stretch mark scrub relies on raw sugar and shea butter, and I consider it one of the ways for how to get rid of stretch marks, or at least reduce the signs of stretch marks. It’s easy to make and can be used several times a week for best results.

---

Ingredients

• ½ cup organic raw cane sugar
• ¼ cup fractionated coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon raw shea butter
• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 teaspoon organic lemon juice or 3 drops of lemon essential oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. For smoother results, place in a pan on very low heat, stirring until smooth.
2. Place ingredients in a glass jar or container with a lid.
3. Rub on affected areas two to three times per week, such as during a shower.

Notes

After showering and patting the area dry, apply a DIY stretch mark cream to give your skin the best chance to become blemish-free!

• Prep Time: 5 min

Keywords: DIY stretch mark scrub, homemade stretch mark scrub

The post Stretch Mark Scrub with Raw Sugar & Shea Butter appeared first on Dr. Axe.

One of the unsung heroes of the oily world, carrot seed oil has some impressive benefits, particularly against dangerous bacteria and fungi. In fact, some studies suggest that it may even fight certain cancer cells.

Among its more popular uses, carrot seed oil can be included in skin care products as a skin-protecting agent. It’s also useful for natural hair moisturizing products. Rich in antioxidants, carrot seed oil deserves more attention than it has received in the past. I believe you’ll agree after reading all of the incredible benefits it can provide.

What Is Carrot Seed Oil?

In ancient medicine, carrot seed oil was known for its carminative properties, according to unconfirmed sources. While that may sound rather fancy, it actually means people used it to relieve flatulence!

Not much is actually known about the origin of carrot seed oil, but it is most often obtained from wild carrots in European countries.

There is a common misconception about carrot seed oil as compared to carrot oil. According to Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals, they are often misquoted or erroneously interchanged. This is an important distinction, because carrot oil (functioning as a base or carrier oil) is rich in vitamin A and does not provide an essential oil.

Similarly, when discussing carrot seed oil, it’s important to know specifically what you’re discussing. Studies are lacking on the benefits of carrot seed essential oil, while several exist that examine the benefits of carrot seed oil, a cold-pressed oil derived from carrot seeds.

Conversely, carrot seed oil and carrot seed essential oil have no vitamin A, although they include incredible antioxidants to help protect against disease.

Carrot seed oil is extracted from the carrot plant, Daucus carota. Extracts vary, since there are so many species of carrot. However, it typically contains three bioflavonoids, all derivatives of luteolin, a cancer-fighting antioxidant found in many fruits.

Health Benefits

1. Helps Kill Fungi and Bacteria

The most thoroughly researched quality of carrot seed oil is its ability to kill certain bacteria and fungi. Indeed, some of the viruses it’s powerful against are concerning for a number of reasons. Many are common in developing nations, and the oil may provide a unique way to fight these illnesses, if developed properly.

Here are the bacteria and fungi that seem to be most affected by it:

• Dermatophytes — Keratin is required for these fungi to grow. Infections from dermatophytes typically affects the hair, skin and nails and result from direct contact with people, animals and soil infected with the fungus. Studies show how carrot seed oil fights these fungi.
• Alternaria alternata — This fungus lives on leaves and can cause rot and blight for crops, a particularly dangerous event for farmers with limited resources. Carrot seed oil helps fight it.
• Escherichia coli — An E. coli infection can cause diarrhea and, in some rare cases, anemia and kidney failure.
  Antimicrobial activity of the oil works against it.
• Acinetobacter — Strains of the gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter cause a number of serious infections. The oil was revealed in studies to help kill it.

Aedes albopictus — OK, this last one isn’t a virus; it’s a mosquito. But it’s significant, because carrot seed oil can kill larvae of this Asian tiger mosquito. Aedes albopictus mosquitoes often spread yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika and a variety of other dangerous viruses.

2. May Fight Cancer Cells

In the fight against cancer, researchers consistently look at substances by beginning in the lab and seeing what impact, if any, they have on different cancer cell lines.

Lab studies confirm carrot seed oil has anticancer properties against acute myeloid leukemia, colon cancer and breast cancer cell lines.

An animal study was conducted to investigate the effect of carrot seed oil on skin cancer (namely, squamous cell carcinoma) in rats and found it to be particularly potent.

3. Included as Part of Natural Sunscreen Option

An oft-cited study about the benefits of carrot seed oil was published in 2009 by an Indian university. Various sources claim that the study found that it has an SPF of around 40, making it a useful UV-blocking agent.

Well, close. But not exactly.

The study was actually investigating how to valuate SPF from natural products with various herbal ingredients. Researchers found that a product containing a number of herbal ingredients, including carrot seed oil, turn out to have an SPF of 40 or so.

Because of the way natural ingredients interact to create the SPF found in the tested product, it’s unlikely that carrot seed oil on its own actually has a significant enough SPF to be used in place of chemical-rich, conventional sunscreens. It does, though, seem to be a part of a natural sunscreen recipe that can be useful.

4. Powerful Antioxidant

Like many oils and essential oils, carrot seed oil contains powerful antioxidants that can help to protect against disease.

Specifically, these polyphenols have been studied in animal tests for their liver-protecting qualities. Carrot seed oil shields the liver from damage and exhibits strong protection against free radicals that cause oxidative stress and cell damage.

5. Supports Skin and Hair Health

Traditionally, carrot seed oil is a popular beauty product for moisturizing skin and hair. While no studies confirm its effectiveness for moisture-rich properties, it is safe for topical use and may help provide these benefits. It’s likely it can protect skin and hair from damage because of its antioxidant load.

How to Use

As with all oil products, be aware of the quality of what you purchase and always buy from reputable, well-sourced companies. Carrot seed oil should always be cold-pressed from organic carrots (if available).

Remember, carrot seed oil, carrot seed essential oil and carrot oil are distinctively different from one another, so pay close attention to what you’re actually purchasing. Carrot seed oil is pressed from wild carrot seeds, while carrot seed essential oil is steam-distilled and may come from either the seeds or the carrot itself.

It has a unique scent, but carrot seed oil can be used in essential oil diffusers and various aromatherapy practices. You can also use it directly on the skin as another  way to take advantage of its many benefits.

Carrot seed oil is one ingredient in my DIY face scrub that can help to remove dead skin and leave your face feeling supple and glowing. Because of the combination of ingredients, this scrub can help to repair dry, damaged skin and potentially aid in wrinkle prevention.

Other Recommended Oils for Skin

• Rosehip oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Vitamin E oil

Precautions and Side Effects

Many sources suggest using carrot seed oil in recipes and internally in a variety of ways. Because no research has been conducted on the efficacy of ingesting it, consult with your primary care or naturopathic physician before ingesting it as a part of recipes.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should especially avoid ingesting it.

If you experience an allergic reaction (externally or otherwise) after using carrot seed oil, discontinue use immediately and consult your physician.

Carrot seed oil has no known medicinal interactions.

Final Thoughts

• Carrot seed oil is a useful cold-pressed oil from wild carrot seeds.
• Carrot seed oil and carrot seed essential oil do not contain vitamin A (although they have several antioxidants), while carrot oil, derived from the actual carrot plant, does contain a large amount of vitamin A.
• The benefits of carrot seed oil include antifungal, antibacterial and anticancer qualities, due to the bioflavonoids it contains.
• Because of its antioxidant content, carrot seed oil is an ingredient in a natural sunscreen product and may offer some sun protection, as well as skin-repairing to dry and damaged skin.
• By using carrot seed oil in aromatherapy, you may reap the benefits of its antioxidants by preventing diseases caused by oxidative stress.
• Try using carrot seed oil as part of a homemade face scrub to exfoliate, moisturize and protect skin.

The post Carrot Seed Oil Benefits for Skin, Hair & More appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Did you know that many of the same oils you cook with can also be applied to your skin, such as to help heal dryness, sun damage and clogged pores? Grapeseed oil is one such oil.

Why is grapeseed oil good for your skin? It’s rich in polyunsaturated fats (also called PUFAs), which can help to fight inflammation and provide hydration, as well as the antioxidant vitamin E.

Studies show that thanks to these nutrients, applying this oil topically — whether using it as a moisturizer, massage oil or carrier oil — may have effects such as reducing acne, hyperpigmentation and more.

What Is Grapeseed Oil?

Grapeseed oil is made by pressing the seeds of grapes (Vitis vinifera), which believe it or not contain fatty acids. These are the same grapes used to make wine and grape juice, which are both high in antioxidants just like grapeseed oil and grapeseed extract are.

Health-promoting compounds found in this oil include not only polyunsaturated fats, but also phytochemicals including proanthocyanidins, pycogeneol, tocopherol, linolenic acid and others, which research shows have powerful antioxidant effects.

Grapeseed oil has a very high content of PUFAs, in the range of 85–90 percent. Linoleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in cold-pressed grapeseed oils and has been found to play a direct role in maintaining the integrity of the water permeability barrier of the skin.

According to a 2010 study investigating the effects of popular natural moisturizers, it the pycogeneol content in grapeseed oil that is responsible for many of its cosmetic uses. This is why you’ll find it in products such as serums, facial masks, toners, makeup and hair treatments.

Benefits for Skin

1. Hydrates Skin and Reduces Dryness

Skin dryness is a common problem among both children and adults due to causes including frequent use of hot water, soaps, detergents, and irritants such as perfumes, dyes, etc. These products can remove natural oils from the skin’s surface and cause a disruption in the skin’s water content, leading to dryness and loss in elasticity, as well as itching and sensitivity.

According to a 2018 article focused on plant oil application, the high concentration of PUFAs, which are essential, unsaturated fatty acids, plus its antioxidants, contribute to grapeseed oil’s hydrating qualities. Applying this oil to your face or body can help to maintain normal skin moisture and have soothing effects.

Grapeseed oil vs. olive oil for skin dryness — which is better? Both are found in many natural/herbal skin moisturizers because they have similar effects and are well-tolerated by people with various skin types.

The study mentioned above found that both grapeseed and olive oil (Oleum olivae/ Olea europaea) products (along with aloe vera, almond, wheatgerm, sandalwood and cucumber products) tend to lead to better viscoelastic and hydration effects as compared to harsher, chemical-containing products.

That being said, some find that grapeseed oil has the same benefits as olive oil but is absorbed better, leaving behind less of a greasy residue. It also has a higher vitamin E content. This means it may be better for those with oily skin or who are acne-prone, since it’s less likely to leave behind a shine or to clog pores.

2. May Help Fight Acne

Some research has shown that grapeseed oil has mild antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help prevent accumulation of bacteria that can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. It’s also rich in phenolic compounds, fatty acids and vitamin E that may help heal scars or marks from previous breakouts.

Because it’s not a heavy oil and is appropriate for sensitive skin, it’s even safe to use grapeseed oil on oily skin in small amounts. For even stronger acne-fighting effects, it can be combined with other herbal products and essential oils such as tea tree oil, rose water and witch hazel.

Related: Top 12 Home Remedies for Acne

3. Can Help Defend Against Sun Damage

Is grape seed oil good for your face if you’ve developed sun damage? Yes; because it contains a number of antioxidants — such as vitamin E, proanthocyanidin, flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, tannins and stilbenes — it may have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Vitamin E, for example, contributes to the beneficial effects of this oil because of its high antioxidant activity and protection of skin cells.

Thanks to its ability to help defend against oxidative stress, applying grapeseed oil can improve your skin’s appearance and reduce minor signs of aging, such as loss of elasticity and dark spots.

While it shouldn’t be used in place of regular sunscreen, there’s some evidence that plant oils like grapeseed oil and coconut oil can offer some protection against UV radiation from the sun.

4. May Help Support Wound Healing

Although most studies researching grapeseed oil’s effects on wound care have been conducted in labs or on animals, there’s some evidence that when topically applied it can help with faster wound healing. One mechanism by which it works is through enhancing synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor which forms connective tissue.

It also has antimicrobial activity against pathogens that can cause infections in wounds.

5. May Help Improve Hyperpigmentation and Symptoms of Melasma

One small study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found evidence that grapeseed extract (GSE) taken in pill form could help treat chloasma/melasma, a condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation and is often difficult to treat. The antioxidant proanthocyanidin is believed to contribute to the oil’s skin lightening effects.

Within 6 months of taking GSE, symptoms improved at least slightly in 10 of the 12 women (83 percent). Researchers involved in the study also noted that GSE may prevent the condition from becoming worse prior to the summer season, when sun exposure can exacerbate symptoms.

6. Can Be Used As a Massage or Carrier Oil

Grapeseed makes a good, inexpensive massage oil for all skin types, plus it can be mixed with various essential oils in order to improve its effectiveness.

For example, combining it with lavender oil can help to reduce skin redness and inflammation, while mixing it with eucalyptus oil and applying to the chest can help reduce congestion.

It’s also possible to use the oil with peppermint, frankincense or lemon oil for purposes including to fight acne, tension headaches and joint pain when massaged into the skin.

How to Use

You can use grapeseed oil for skin health in two ways: either applying it directly to your skin, or taking grapeseed oil extract by mouth, either in liquid or capsule/pill form.

Ideally, purchase cold-pressed, pure, organic grapeseed oil products. When oils are “cold-pressed” or “expeller-pressed,” they require less use of chemical solvents.

Research generally shows that cold-pressed plant oils have better nutritive properties than those that have undergone an intensive refining process. One example of a popular type that’s used for both cooking and on the skin is Pompeian grapeseed oil, which is imported from France and made without impurities.

If you choose to take grapeseed extract capsules to improve the appearance of your skin, keep in mind that it may take several weeks or even months to see results. Some studies have found that most results will be experienced within six months of regular use.

In terms of where to buy grapeseed oil for skin, look in regular supermarkets, health food stores or online. Store your oil in a dim or dark place that is not too hot or humid, which can cause the oil to go bad (“rancid”).

Here’s how to use grapeseed oil for skin moisturizing, tightening and more:

• For moisturizing your face — You can use grapeseed oil alone just like a serum, or mix a few drops into your favorite face lotions/creams. Try combining it with other skin soothers like aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil or rose water. You can also use it to help remove makeup before cleansing your skin and then moisturizing.
• As a body moisturizer — Some people prefer to apply the oil while in the shower or just after, which helps to prevent a mess if you use a lot. However, even two or three drops can be used to hydrate small patches of dry skin.
• To treat acne — Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and then apply a small amount of grapeseed oil (start with several drops), perhaps mixed with acne-fighting essential oils such as frankincense or lavender. You can leave these oils on your skin, or use them to create a thicker mask that you leave on for about 10 minutes to seep in, then wash off.
• For massages — Warm the oil slightly in your hands before using anywhere on your body or scalp that you’d like (note: the oil is also great for hair, such as by de-frizzing and moisturizing your scalp).
• For skin tightening/anti-aging effects — Apply several drops over your whole, cleaned face before bed and again in the morning before heading into the sun. This works best when done daily, especially if you use other anti-aging essential oils and ingredients like jojoba oil, pomegranate seed extract and frankincense oil. You can also gently dab a few drops around any dark circles under your eyes to help reduce puffiness.

Other Recommended Oils for Skin

• Rosehip oil
• Carrot seed oil
• Vitamin E oil

Risks and Side Effects

grapeseed oil is unlikely to cause side effects in most people, however if you have an allergy to grapes, it’s not safe to use.

If you have very sensitive skin, start by using only small amounts of grapeseed oil to test your reaction. It’s best to apply to a part of your body other than your face at first to ensure you don’t experience any irritation. Also be careful about combining it with essential oils that can worsen skin reactions, such as lemon or orange oils.

Final Thoughts

• Grapeseed oil is made by pressing the seeds of grapes (Vitis vinifera). It’s a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants.
• What are the benefits of grapeseed oil for skin care? Applying it topically may be helpful for treating dryness, loss of elasticity, sun damage, inflammation, acne and hyperpigmentation.
• What’s the best grapeseed oil for skin? Ideally use cold-pressed, pure, organic grapeseed oil, especially on your face. Same story for grapeseed oil for hair.

The post How to Use Grapeseed Oil for Your Skin appeared first on Dr. Axe.