Acne And Stress

Stress - Since your skin in your largest organ, how you live can sure influence how healthy your skin is. And stress, not necessarily "bad" stress, but rather certain external and internal stressors, factor into this health equation. So let's take a look at how to handle these stressors with regards to acne prevention.

External Stressors- A goal of acne prevention would be to keep your skin pores clear from clogging and becoming infected and irritated, resulting in blemishes and inflammation. So you need to take a look at your external environment throughout the day for factors that could trigger skin pore clogging. Here are some examples of what to look for: grease, oils and sun, like being around open fryers in kitchen areas, or around machine oil and grease in workshops or factories, or out in the sun all day on a construction jobsite. Too much oil, grease or sun on the skin can clog pores and trigger acne and other skin irritations.

Minimize contact by wearing long sleeves and other protective wear and gear and discussing further options with your dermatologist or healthcare provider. With regards to being out in the sun, note that a small amount of sun each day can be fine and healthy. However, extended periods can trigger the sebaceous glands to create more oil as your skin dries out. At the same time, the dried out skin needs to be cast off or shed at a faster rate than normal. The resulting extra oils and dead skin make a wonderful environment for pore clogging. So here, too, use protective clothing for outdoor activities and apply sunscreen; oil-free products are best for acne-prone people, and those with a minimum protection of SPF 15 and both UVA and UVB protection.
Tip! Fruits and vegetables are your friends. Keeping your body fueled with the nutrients it needs to function at its best is very important when it comes to combatting stress.

Internal Stressors - Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations. What happens is that these emotions can set your adrenal glands to work creating more cortisol, the substance that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil, excessive amounts of which can be blocked in pores. Same old story: extra oil + extra dead skin cells = blocked pores, triggering acne flare-ups. With internal stressors, though, the results are usually "inflamed papules" or small, solid inflammations (or skin elevations that do not contain pus), instead of whiteheads or blackheads.
Tip! Exercise is a powerful stress buster. It lowers overall cancer rates; it increases bone thickness and bone mass.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, here are some suggestions. Get plenty of rest and sleep a recommended average of eight hours per night. Try to maintain regular hours each day, regardless of which shift your work. Some say to focus on reducing SWAT: reduce your stress, worry, anxiety and tension, so journal a little each day mentioning any "SWAT" stressors you've felt. And focus on those that may seem overwhelming or to be taking too long to "end," seeking help from others or other resources as needed for stress management. Check with your dietician or healthcare provider to establish and follow a regular well-balanced dietary and exercise plan of action to keep your body healthy on the inside and outside. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.
Tip! Break the cycle of prolonged stress by spending time each day “de-stressing.” Consider the use of meditation, guided imagery and visualization.

Michael Raetford writes for http://www.acness.com. You will find a lot of very useful acne information together with news, articles and a huge range of resources. Take a look now!

Eleutherococcus or Siberian Ginseng to Fight Fatigue, Stress and Herpes?

The root of the Eleutherococcus senticosus plant, also called Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero, is often used medicinally to combat fatigue, stress and herpes. The plant belongs to the ginseng family, Araliaceae, but is botanically different from true ginseng, Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius. It can grow in colder areas than real ginseng and usually costs less.

The Chinese have used Eleutherococcus for 4000 years for longevity, health, to stimulate appetite and to improve memory. Russians discovered it in late 19th century and studied it in the late 1950s as a ginseng substitute. They studied the plant's adaptogen properties on about 4,300 people. The property "adaptogen" was defined by Lazarev, a Russian scientist, who wished to put a more precise name to the tonic properties of ginseng-like plants. Adaptogen refers to a substance that promotes adaptation to environmental stress of all kinds. It regulates several physiological functions without targeting one organ in particular. Eleutherococcus was introduced as a medicinal plant in Western Europe and North America in 1975.

Today many people use it to increase endurance and resistance to stress. Its effect on fatigue, convalescence and concentration problems were partially proven in a recent double blind study on 20 elderly people . Results indicated that after four weeks of 300 mg of Eleutherococcus per day, it had a positive impact on stress, fatigue and vitality, but results were not sustained after eight weeks.

Preliminary studies also suggest that Eleutherococcus promotes immune functions. It was found to have a pronounced effect on T lymphocytes, cytotoxic and natural killer cells. A German double blind study was conducted monitoring immune functions in 18 individuals taking 1 tablespoon of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract three times daily compared to those of the 18 people taking a placebo for four weeks.
Tip! Fruits and vegetables are your friends. Keeping your body fueled with the nutrients it needs to function at its best is very important when it comes to combatting stress.

After four weeks, they measured immune cell concentration in blood samples. The group taking Eleutherococcus had a higher concentration of all immune cells. Total T-cell numbers increased by 78 percent, T helper/inducer cells by 80 percent, cytotoxic Ts by 67 percent, and NK cells by 30 percent. B Lymphocytes also expanded by 22 percent compared to controls. No side effects were noted, even five months after administration. Researchers concluded that, "Eleutherococcus senticosus exerts a strong immunomodulatory effect in healthy normal subjects."
Tip! Exercise is a powerful stress buster. It lowers overall cancer rates; it increases bone thickness and bone mass.

A double blind study on 93 people suffering from recurrent herpes infections indicates that 2g of Eleutherococcus per day may limit or reduce the frequency of herpes infections. However, these findings concern only herpes virus simplex 2, usually causing genital herpes. A 2001 German in vitro study showed that Eleutherococcus had no impact on herpes virus simplex one (HSV-1) cells. HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes. From personal experience, I can say that Eleutherococcus is a real adaptogen plant. I've used it successfully to cope with stress, build resistance and limit the frequency of genital herpes outbreaks. It helps me to stay focused without straining and provides a sense of overall serenity.

Eleutherococcus is contraindicated for children under 12, pregnant and breastfeeding women and people suffering from hypertension. It may cause palpitations and increase blood sugar after a meal. It has virtually no side effects, except for mild diarrhea and temporary sleep perturbations.

Eleutherococcus can be taken as an herbal tea, dried root extract, tincture, or water extract. I usually take the tincture because it is more convenient, easier to find and usually contains stronger concentrations of active ingredients. Dosage can vary from 10 ml to 20 ml per day in a glass of water. It is also recommended to stop taking Eleutherococcus for one week every six weeks.
Tip! Gentle waking: waking up in the morning can be the most important part of your day. Before you get out of bed, take a couple of minutes to go over your day to come and visualize it as happy and stress free.

You can find more information about Eleutherococcus and other herbal treatments for herpes at my website Best Herpes Treatments Eleutherococcus must be taken for several days to show effects. Nathuropaths usually say 21 days, but I usually feel an improvement after 10 days.

Nathalie Foy is an alternative treatment specialist. She has controlled genital herpes and is now helping others do the same. She has written Herpes Wise, a book which provides her personal plan to control herpes and answers most important questions about genital herpes. Visit her website, Herpes Wise

Herbal Home Remedies for Reducing Stress

CHAMOMILE SPRITZER

Boil 4 c water seep 3 chamomile tea bags for 5 minutes. Cool Put into a spray bottle Keep in Fridge Lasts about 14 days Shake before each use.

Use cold chamomile tea bags on puffy eyes put over eyes for 4-5 minutes

CUTICLE TREATMENT

Use 2 Tblsp of papaya or avocado with a little lemon juice mash, work into cuticles for a couple minutes.

Also you can apply canola or olive oil to cuticles do this 2x's a week

FACE SCRUB

2 tblsp oatmeal 1 tblsp almond meal 1 tsp apple cider vinegar chamomile water

Mix to a thick paste, wet face work into skin leave on for 15-20 minutes oatmeal will fall off. Take off with dry towel, buff…won't scratch or tug skin. Rinse with warm not hot water

FEET

2 tbslp oil 1 tblsp salt Mix and apply to feet

Put oil onto feet then add socks Light oil-saffron or sweet almond Heavy- hazelnut or canola

Astringent for your face:

Rose vinegar:

Steep rose petals in white vinegar for 2 weeks in a warm place out of direct sunlight. Remove rose petals and put into a glass jar and keep in refrigerator when ready to use apply with cotton balls.

Face and Body Crème:

Wash your face everyday with buttermilk or use you would ordinary cold crème avoiding eye area.

Buttermilk contains naturally occurring lactic acid, which is good as a mild exfoliate to remove dead skin buildup.

Peppermint Skin Toner:

1-pint vinegar I pint purified water 1 c mint leaves Place all ingredients in a glass or enamel saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Pour into a glass jar and allow to steep for 4 days strain and bottle. Be sure to label.

Herbal Quick Refreshers:

Tie fresh lavender, thyme, and sage together in a small bundle and hang near your desk or work area. Place dried chamomile, rosemary, lavender, and lemon balm in a small clothe bag. Place bags in the bathroom, under cushions or other places. Pressure and warmth will release the smell.
Tip! Gentle waking: waking up in the morning can be the most important part of your day. Before you get out of bed, take a couple of minutes to go over your day to come and visualize it as happy and stress free.

Cucumber mask:

1 small cucumber Chamomile or green tea brewed 1 cup each 1 packet unflavored gelatin 1 oz aloe Vera gel

Peel cucumber and puree in a blender till smooth. Strain the puree through a sieve or cheesecloth and reserve the juice. Take 2 ounces (1/4 c) each of your teas and place in a pan. (Sip the leftovers) Add unflavored gelatin and aloe Vera gel heating until the gelatin is dissolved. Add cucumber juice to the mixture and set in fridge for 30 minutes or so. Apply to face and let dry.

Peel off skin if normal and rinse off if skin is sunburned or extra sensitive.
Tip! Fruits and vegetables are your friends. Keeping your body fueled with the nutrients it needs to function at its best is very important when it comes to combatting stress.

SILKY SMOOTH SKIN:

Pour cornmeal on a wet washcloth and after you have taken a shower as a finish rub cornmeal all over your body.

CHEAP! Rubs off dead skin.

HEALTHY SOFT SKIN:

1 egg, some lemon juice, olive oil, and water. Mix in a small bowl. Wipe it on face after 10 minutes wipe off and wash face w/cold water and soap.

MAKE-UP REMOVER AND EXFOLIANT:

Equal mixtures of vegetable oil and cornmeal. Rub (softly) on face with a wet washcloth, rinse off.
Tip! Break the cycle of prolonged stress by spending time each day “de-stressing.” Consider the use of meditation, guided imagery and visualization.

ALOE VERA GEL:

Use as a hair gel, brow gel, or body lotion.

I have very dry, frizzy hair in the summer...I used aloe Vera gel on my hair and my SIL asked what I used to get it looking so curly and shiny...boy was she surprised when I told her what I use!!

BRIGHT EYES:

Witch Hazel on a cotton ball, lay down, cover eyes and relax for 5 minutes

SIMPLE BEAUTY MASK:

Mash boiled carrots with honey, put onto a clean face and let sit for 5-10mins. Rinse off with warm water.

SWEET BANANA MASK:

Mash up 1 banana really well add enough sugar to desired consistency (you can add a drop or two of essential oil, like mint, if you want to.) Spread on a clean face...let sit for a few minutes and wipe off gently with a wet washcloth.

CUCUMBER FACIAL:

Smash 1/2 a cucumber add 1 tblsp honey and about 2-tblsp oatmeal. Apply to face and let sit for 30 minutes. Wipe off gently w/clean damp cloth.

FACIAL MASK:

1/2 a banana 1/4 a cucumber 2 tblsp honey 1 strawberry 1 tsp lain yogurt Chop then blend in a blender, spread on face. Let dry...wipe off gently.

BABY SOFT FACIAL MASK

1/4 c baby powder (I like to use the lavender bath powder) with 1 tblsp water. Smooth on face, leave till dry, wash off w/a damp washcloth.

Peppermint Facial Toner:

1-pint vinegar 1 pint purified water 1c mint leaves

Place all ingredients in a glass or enamel saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Pour into a glass jar and allow to steep for 4 days. Strain and bottle. Be sure to label. Use after cleansing face, apply with a cotton ball.

Herbal Facial Toners:

Use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with these ingredients: orange peel, orange mint leaves and calendula petals lavender flowers, lady's mantle flowers, rose petals Rose petals, chamomile flowers, rose water Lavender flowers, mint leaves Calendula petals and witch hazel lavender flowers, rosemary, mint and thyme leaves
Tip! Pick me ups: Instead of reaching for that cup of coffee mid afternoon, why not try a more natural alternative such as green or white tea that has the added benefits of anti-ageing antioxidants. If you have been under stress or fatigued for an extended period of time, your adrenal glands are likely to be weak and you may benefit from licorice tea or ginseng root for an energy boost (take caution with licorice tea if you are prone to hypertension).

Mix together in a bottle and use a cotton ball to apply to face.

Rebecca White is a mother to 3 boys ages 12, 10 and 4. She loves to grow herbs for cooking and medicinal uses. Rebecca owns http://www.medicinalherbguide.com where you can find many more tips and great articles on owning your own medicinal herb garden. Be sure to stop in to see books she recommends using and software that saves you time when recording your plants progress. Gardening is Rebecca's hobby and passion.

Hypnotherapy to Calm & Heal Stress Caused Allergies: Hypnosis to Heal

Allergies and Other Immune System Disorders: Part 3

Doctors have understood for years that chronic stress in our lives can trigger a wide variety of immune system disorders, including asthma, allergies, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. They don't always explain to their patients what processes cause the normal stresses of daily life to turn into disease. Nor do they show us how we can deal more effectively with the stresses in our lives to eliminate these processes and the symptoms that result from them. You'll learn in this article how stress becomes internalized into immune system malfunction and how with hypnosis we can stop this dangerous process and thus heal our immune system reactions.

Among our primitive ancestors, stress usually involved some profound physical threat which required a rapid and energetic physical response. If attacked by a saber tooth tiger, our bodies reacted with a powerful dose of adrenaline from the adrenal glands, which got our heart pumping, increased mental alertness, stopped digestion, and prepared us for fight or flight. With the action of this and other hormones, our bodies were ready for battle. Unfortunately, nowadays the stresses we experience usually do not require aggressive and energetic action.

When the rent is overdue or mother in law pays a visit, you may have noticed that a few rounds of screaming, hitting or running are hardly effective solutions, no matter how good they might feel. So all these stress hormones simply stir up our bodies into a frenzy of cellular reactions for which there is no effective release. The result: our bodies, directed by the subconscious mind, start attacking whatever is at handÖinnocent pollen grains, loose food proteins, or even our own body cells, as in the rheumatoid arthritis which had me crippled in 1978. (Hold the sympathy cards. I used hypnotic techniques to free myself of this disease in 1984 and am now a rock climber and mountaineer.) What can we do?

Hypnotherapy has the answers. And the first of these lies in the very definition of hypnosis. Hypnosis is first and foremost a state of deep relaxation and peace and thus a premier remedy for stress. A competent hypnotherapist will spend time showing their client how to induce the state of self-hypnosis, and will instruct their client both in and out of trance to access this state every day, especially when their symptoms are activated by the stresses of daily living.
Tip! Eating a well-balanced diet with a good source of vegetable proteins like Soy or Wheat, 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables, 3-4 servings of “good fats”( fish oils, sardines, salmon, nuts, legumes) will bolster your body's defenses against stress.

Hypnotherapists know that even the most ordinary stresses can become overwhelming if the subconscious mind clouds these experiences and tasks with negative significance based upon childhood or other traumas. For example, the simple and usually pleasurable act of making love to one's devoted spouse, for most of us a source of pleasure and relaxation, can be a nightmare of stress to a survivor of sexual abuse.

It is critical to gather from our clients their descriptions of the most stressful experiences of their daily lives, so we can go back in hypnotic regression to "the first time you felt this feeling" and rescue the client's earlier self from these terrible memories. We use emotional release therapy to help the client push these tensions out of their body, through sounds, movement, and aggressive emotional expression. Then we implant in the body new memories, memories in which the client's younger self is filled with safety, power, and love. These new memories are accompanied by new beliefs. "I'll never get it right!" is replaced by, "I can do this and enjoy it!" While many of my clients express skepticism at first about the possibility of accomplishing something so farfetched, one session in trance is all they need to feel the enormous power of the work in their own bodies, in their own beliefsÖand in their lives.
Tip! Exercise is a powerful stress buster. It lowers overall cancer rates; it increases bone thickness and bone mass.

Which particular stresses are bringing on an attack of an autoimmune disease can be discovered in hypnosis by entering the affected body part as if it were a room. Then we can see exactly what persons or memories are stored there, and either complete communication with those persons, or rescue the former self from these traumatic memories. Details of these processes can be found at the Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy library. For example, we enter a client's arthritic finger and discover the stresses of trying to type at a job filled with criticism and undermining of the client's achievements by a vicious boss. First I encourage the client to use these fingers and the client's voice to express their anger at the boss.
Tip! Fruits and vegetables are your friends. Keeping your body fueled with the nutrients it needs to function at its best is very important when it comes to combatting stress.

Then I have the client's present self applaud the good work she is doing, while gently stroking and massaging these fingers. The results? We can see and feel an immediate and lasting reduction in pain and swelling. I then encourage the client to continue this healing process on their own if needed. And such conditions, because they have been ingrained by years of daily trauma, often require that clients learn to do these processes every day on their own for a period of time. This combination of self massage and self hypnosis to deal with chronic pain is a very powerful and unique feature of the work I have developed.
Tip! Break the cycle of prolonged stress by spending time each day “de-stressing.” Consider the use of meditation, guided imagery and visualization.

Physical exercise is an important element for recovery from any illness. It is especially difficult for victims of autoimmune conditions because when we are in pain, or sneezing, or suffering from chronic fatigue, we just don't feel like moving. That's why to work effectively in this area, a hypnotherapist must be trained in pain control and helping to motivate clients to get exercise. The client must be encouraged to be patient with their bodies and celebrate the small victories. "I'm too sick to move, so I'll just collapse" can become "I walked all the way to the mailbox today!" Hypnotic suggestion can be used to make movement more appealing as well. "It's so much fun to walk again" is a message that can be repeated in every session, and will be so much more effective when spoken to the subconscious mind of the hypnotized client.

Another helpful approach in hypnosis is to communicate directly in trance to the "soldiers" of the immune system, telling them to "stand down" from their assault on harmless pollen grains or those body cells that are being attacked. For example, for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, such phrases as "The linings of your joints are safe. They are a part of you. They belong to you. Your body is safe and at peace." can be very effective. For pollen allergies: "The flowers are your friends. Their pollen is harmless, a gift from your friends, the flowers. Your mucus membranes (prime sources of histamine production) can relax in the knowledge that these pollens are your friends." I have personally experienced a huge healing of an arthritis attack using these methods. It is often possible to experience a steep reduction in visible redness and swelling within an hour of this procedure.

In another article, I explain how it is possible to rewire a client's biochemical responses to allergens by returning to infancy, the time when our biochemical immune system responses were first programmed into our bodies. We can then change this programming to reduce or eliminate allergic responses.
Tip! Pick me ups: Instead of reaching for that cup of coffee mid afternoon, why not try a more natural alternative such as green or white tea that has the added benefits of anti-ageing antioxidants. If you have been under stress or fatigued for an extended period of time, your adrenal glands are likely to be weak and you may benefit from licorice tea or ginseng root for an energy boost (take caution with licorice tea if you are prone to hypertension).

Copyright © 2006 By David Quigley

Article 4 part series available in full online at: http://alchemyinstitute.com/Allergies-Immune-System/

About Alchemy Institute of Hypnosis: America's oldest spiritually oriented hypnotherapy training program has trained over 2000 hypnotherapists since 1983. The Alchemy Institute is approved by the state of California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPVE) and American Council of Hypnotists Examiners. Our website offers an extensive library on hypnosis. http://alchemyinstitute.com/articles.htm Alchemy Institute Founder David Quigley now offers home hypnotherapy in special hypnosis by phone sessions call the Alchemy office at 1-800-950-4984 to inquire.

Fight Stress with Rocks

Mental health experts have long known the value of developing creative outlets to relieve stress. This particularly applies to people who work in 'burn-out' prone professions like teaching, nursing and social work, but these days nearly everyone is liable to feel some degree of work-related stress. But what if you hate knitting, don't have the resources to take up scrapbooking and are convinced you don't possess a drop of creativity? It might just be time for you get rocking!

Painting on rocks is probably the oldest art form known to man, but according to Lin Wellford, who has been painting rocks for almost thirty years, rock painting is an ideal way to connect with hidden artistic talent.

But why paint rocks? Not only are they free for the taking in many places all over the world, but they have shape and dimension so that even people with very little artistic experience can visualize what the rock could become with just a little effort.

"Rocks are not intimidating the way so many more formal art materials are," Wellford explains. "They are natural and rather humble, and it is simply impossible to ruin a rock."

People seem to have an affinity for rocks and stones that they don't have for other materials. They are solid and real, and they also represent a piece of the place they came from. Add to that the fact that they are both fun and easy to paint.
Tip! Break the cycle of prolonged stress by spending time each day “de-stressing.” Consider the use of meditation, guided imagery and visualization.

"I think there are many people who've longed to find successful ways to express themselves creatively," Wellford explains. "They may have tried drawing or painting before and perhaps were embarrassed by their efforts. Painting a rock is like finding a shortcut to satisfying results. I've gotten tons of letters over the years from people who wanted to tell me how exciting it was to discover a way of making art that they were actually good at."

Another group who have embraced rock painting are people suffering from chronic pain. Engaging in a creative activity allows you to 'zone out' for a time, providing relief and respite. People dealing with loss or grief also report finding immense solace from concentrating on their painting projects.

Creative pastimes are an important component of living a balanced and satisfying life, so if you have not yet discovered your hidden talents, it may just be time to take a closer look at the art material lying right there at your feet!

Lin Wellford is widely considered to be the 'mother of modern rock painting' for her efforts to promote this low cost, assessible form of self-expression. The author of eight books on the art of painting rocks, including her newest book, Rock Painting Fun for Everyone!, Wellford appears regularly on The Carol Duvall Show on HGTV. Articles about her unique art form have been published in such diverse magazines as Birds & Blooms, National Geographic's World, The Artist, Country Decorating Ideas, Michael's Arts & Crafts magazine and Family Circle's Weekend Homecrafts. Her new book is available at her website, http://www.linwellford.com, at Amazon.com or at Hobby Lobby stores throughout the U.S. Along with her books, she has a video on rock painting and also teaches and hosts workshops to introduce new painters to the basics and encourage them to uncover their own hidden talents.

Coping with Stress, its Effects on Your Skin and Health, and Turning Back the Clock

Stress comes in many forms, workplace stress, family stress, grief over loss of a loved one, etc... Some can be avoided, but as we know, many cannot. Some people handle stress better than others, and some even thrive onit.Regardless, stress takes its toll.

Stress has been proven to rid your body of many essential vitamins and minerals. Particularly vitamins C, E, and B. This leads to lethargy, lower focussed mental activities (clinically stress causes more erratic brain activity and a reduction in short term and long term memory), drying out and aging of the skin (in some), and in others a increase in the sebaceous gland activity - which usually brings postules, acne, and rosacea - which all bring more stress as we then become more entangled in how others view our physical appearance.

We cannot stop all stress, but we can take steps to stop or limit its toll on our skin and body. Take a full vitamin suplament every day. Eat a well balanced diet - especially fish meat like salmon (high in omega 3's which is proven to increase brain function and cellular activity, but it also is proven to reduce the aging process of the skin and make cuts and bruises heal faster). Eat more raw fruits and vegetables - atleast 5 servings per day - you will see a notable difference in 4-6 weeks and you will feel better (along with better colon health.

Exercise more often. Aerobic exercise has been proven to release powerful hormones that actually counteract the harmful chemicals and results of stress as it will also improve your bodys abilities to cope with oxidants.

I can't say enough about meditation and prayer. Study after study have proven a reduction in every skin and body malody even cancer symptoms from people that pray and meditate daily. Take 20 minutes every day and do this you will also live longer.

The latest rage is skin peels for a quick fix. Skin peels will slough off the top layers of skin and reveal fresher, cleaner skin. The most effective are TCA peels and phenol peels (phenol peels are dangerous and should only be performed by a licensed plastic surgeon). TCA, trichloroacetic acid, is a medium depth skin peel that works on the most skin ailments - aging skin, sun damage, even has been proven to treat and cure acne. No other skin peel can safely do all that a TCA peel can.
Tip! Eating a well-balanced diet with a good source of vegetable proteins like Soy or Wheat, 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables, 3-4 servings of “good fats”( fish oils, sardines, salmon, nuts, legumes) will bolster your body's defenses against stress.

So there you have it - clear, younger skin in 500 words. Great advice to follow and don't forget to always run anything new by your doctor. They are licensed for a reason and know whats best for you.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com or by visiting or http://www.mdwholesale.com.

Acne and Stress

Believe it or not, stress can actually be your cause for acne. A study at a German university has proven the stress theory. Another study found that acne worsened in students that were under stress from exams. They discovered that when you are under stress, your body releases a chemical called CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone.)

During times of stress, CRH is released from the hypothalamus to create a hormone called cortisol that is responsible for creating enough energy for the brain amongst other things.

The problem with CRH is that it also causes the oil glands in the skin to produce more oil (sembum). When there is excess oil in the skin, the pores are prone to getting clogged.

When the oil is combined with bacteria, dirt, dead skin cells, and cell waste it creates the condition of acne.

Dr Jerome Litt, A German dermatologist, believes stress also increases production of androgens. Androgens are the male growth hormone that regulate skin oil production and is produced in large quantities during puberty which is why the most severe acne sufferers are teenagers.

Any type of stress can cause the above problems. Stress is defined as mental or physical tension that results from physical, emotional, or chemical causes. Things such as worry, anxiety, fear and anger are all different types of stress and should be avoided where possible.

There are many great ways to reduce and relieve stress. One of the easiest and most effective ways is through exercise.
Tip! Fruits and vegetables are your friends. Keeping your body fueled with the nutrients it needs to function at its best is very important when it comes to combatting stress.

When you exercise, your body begins to release chemicals called endorphins. Endorphines make you 'feel good' as they are a natural pain-killer and are very effective in combating stress.

Even simple laughter is known to release endorphins into the body. There have been studies that have shown that the body also releases at least 4 hormones that are all related to stress.

Diet is also important for emotional and psychological well-being which is important for avoiding stress. Stress arises when you are out-of-sorts and depressed. When you are happy you are less likely to be bothered or stressed out by certain happenings.

Vitamins are required by the body when under stress. Vitamin B is essential for mental health and deficiencies can lead to depression, lack of concentration and tiredness, all perfect conditions for stress from normal everyday problems.

Other practices such as meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, massage, use of herbs, incense, aromatherapy and bath salts are also excellent ways to reduce stress and all help you to relax.
Tip! Gentle waking: waking up in the morning can be the most important part of your day. Before you get out of bed, take a couple of minutes to go over your day to come and visualize it as happy and stress free.

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To effectively treat your acne, you need to fix the problems in your body that are causing your acne. Acuzine is a great product that attacks the main, internal causes of acne.

Stress - The Main Cause Of Adult Acne

The latest statistics from the American Dermatological society suggests that adult acne is much more widespread than most of us imagine, more and more adults are getting acne then ever before. In fact almost 50% of women and 25 % of men are affected by adult acne, at some point in their lives.

Like teenage acne the exact cause of adult acne remains largely unknown. However one of the biggest contributing factors to adult acne is increased levels of stress that people now suffer from. For many, adult acne seems to come out of the blue, while others get it in there teens and never seem to get rid of it. Nobody really knows why so many more people are getting adult acne later on in life, but there does appear to be a clear link with stress.

Stress is thought to interfere with the normal hormonal balance. If you've been under a lot of pressure recently and you've started suffering from adult acne, the best thing you can do, is to address the source of the stress. Until the stress is under control you won't see a dramatic improvement in your acne.

The standard treatments for adult acne are similar to those employed for teenage acne using mainly topical products, many of which contain benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is used to kill the P. Acnes located in the clogged pores. The use of topical solutions (creams, gels or lotions) targets the result or symptoms of acne and not the cause. It also often dries not only "pimples" but also the skin around them. In adult acne it is especially important to limit the number of pimples since dermatologists have known for many years that adult acne is more likely to leave permanent physical scars. The increase prevalence of scarring or pox marks is due to the fact that as the skin ages and loses collagen, it's much harder for the skin to repair itself after tissue damage that is caused by inflammation and enlarged pores associated with acne.
Tip! Break the cycle of prolonged stress by spending time each day “de-stressing.” Consider the use of meditation, guided imagery and visualization.

Despite the fact that acne is one of the world's most common medical problems, it is still thought of as being very much a teenage problem. Very little thought is given to the significant psychological effects that the victim may suffer as a result of an outbreak of adult acne. The net result may be in feelings of anxiety and apprehension in leaving the home, and interacting with other adults. These issues must be resolved as part of the long term treatment of the disease.

Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Acne-Treatment-Expert.com He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of adult acne treatments, which you can readily research on his website.

Links Between Acne, Food And Stress

It is a common notion that there is a link between specific foods and acne. However, scientists have not found this to be the case. For example, the popular thought that chocolate causes acne is no more than an urban legend. To date no scientific link between foods that have a lot of sugar or grease and acne has been found. This does not lessen the importance of a healthy diet though. A leading medical journal wrote, "Diet plays no role in acne treatment in most patients". It also found that even large amounts of certain foods thought to cause acne did not cause a measurable problem.

Foods contain many nutrients that are known to help in the overall health of a person. When these nutrients are being supplied to the body, it will be readily apparent in the overall feeling of well being and the person's appearance. The American Academy of Dermatology states, "A healthy diet is important for improving raw materials for healthy skin". The largest organ of a person's body is their skin. Like any other organ, the correct nutrients should be provided to obtain peak health.

The skin and mucous membranes function as a first line of defense in the barrier to stop bacteria and viruses from causing problems such as acne. Vitamin A which is a fat soluble vitamin helps maintain helps keep the skin and mucous membranes healthy and vibrant. Beta-Carotene is the Vitamin A produced by plants. Beta-Carotene is typically found in yellow and orange fruits and in the dark, leafy green vegetables. It is important to always be aware of the fact that high doses of Vitamin A can be toxic. It must be consumed in moderation. Some common orange and yellow fruits and vegetables that contain Vitamin A are carrots, cantaloupe, apricots and yams. Some common dark, leafy green vegetables that contain Vitamin A are kale, spinach and parsley. Not to be forgotten are tomatoes which are a surprisingly good source of Vitamin A.
Tip! Fruits and vegetables are your friends. Keeping your body fueled with the nutrients it needs to function at its best is very important when it comes to combatting stress.

If a person already has acne, stress has been known to cause it to flare up. To keep stress low and keep acne in control, Vitamin B-2 has been found to work very well. Common food sources of Vitamin B-2 are eggs, fish, whole grains, milk, meat and again leafy green vegetables.

Another important factor in maintaining healthy skin is improving the circulation. Vitamin B-3 or Niacin plays an important role in this. Cholesterol levels are also reduced with the use of Vitamin B-3. An additional benefit is it helps to metabolize fat, sugar and protein in the body. Common food sources of Vitamin B-3 are avocado, lean meats, eggs and peanuts. Your mother may have been right in admonishing you to eat liver as it is also a good source of Vitamin B-3.

The most powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from the damage caused by free radicals is Vitamin E. Air radiation, pollution and peroxides produce free radicals which are unstable molecules in the body. The body's natural metabolism process can also produce free radicals that could lead to a variety of problems including acne. Common food sources of Vitamin E are sunflower seeds, wheat germ, almonds, peanuts and vegetable oil. Everybody's favorite, broccoli, is also a good source of Vitamin E!
Tip! Gentle waking: waking up in the morning can be the most important part of your day. Before you get out of bed, take a couple of minutes to go over your day to come and visualize it as happy and stress free.

Maintaining a healthy and vibrant immune system will show in a person's skin as well. This can be done by including foods that contain zinc in your diet. Common food sources of Zinc are nuts, mushrooms, whole grains and eggs.

Finally, everybody is different so acne varies among different people. It is a good idea to keep a food diary. There may be certain foods that help one person maintain healthy skin but do not help somebody else. Keeping a food diary will help you determine which is best for you. Maintain a balanced diet and if you are not getting enough of the nutrients in your diet that promotes healthy skin try using a supplement. Most important is to drink plenty of water each day. Water flushes damaging toxins out of the body's system. The common rule of thumb is six to eight glasses per day.
Tip! Break the cycle of prolonged stress by spending time each day “de-stressing.” Consider the use of meditation, guided imagery and visualization.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Acne

Breast Cancer Tips As Part Of Stress Management Solutions

During recent times, when my life was really full of stress, I had a routine breast scan which showed an abnormality.

I was actually lucky - but that comes later.

At the time, as I've described to you on my website,I was dealing with terminal illness in my Dad, unemployment in my husband, a house move and a rebellious, debt ridden child.

Just the time for a breast cancer scare then!

As I went off for the follow up scan I was quite surprisingly angry. I begrudged the time spent on checking up on my breast, I thought it was a really inappropriate time for this to happen ( like when is there ever an appropriate time!) and I just wanted to get on with sorting out the chaos which was my life at that time.

This strange reaction actually helped me. I wasn't particularly nervous about the scan and when I met the staff they were helpful, kind and supportive.

Instead of this scare being top of my stress list it was actually quite a way down it - and that really helped.

Luckily for me the results came through as negative and all was OK. But it did make me focus on just how important it is to show our breasts some TLC. I've put together some helpful tips which can easily be followed.

* Touch your breasts - do you feel anything even slightly unusual?

* Look for changes - be especially aware of shape and texture

* Check with your doctor if you find anything you are worried about

Tip! Fruits and vegetables are your friends. Keeping your body fueled with the nutrients it needs to function at its best is very important when it comes to combatting stress.

* Ask your friends if you are worried

Here are some more detailed changes you need to look out for.

* Size or shape - one breast may become larger or lower than the other

* Skin texture - is there any dimpling or puckering?

* Nipples - have they changed - does one turn in now? does one look different?

* Discharge - is there a blood stained discharge to one or both nipple? - Go to your doctor immediately

* Rash - is there a rash or crusting around the nipple?

* Lumps - is there a lump in the breast or armpit area? Whatever the size, even tiny, get it checked

* After a period - is there still a thickening or lumpy area of the breast tissue?

* Pain - is there pain in part of the breast or armpit that is unrelated to periods?

Being breast aware is vital to your future health.

Nearly 80% of all breast cancers are detected by women who report changes to their doctor.
Tip! Gentle waking: waking up in the morning can be the most important part of your day. Before you get out of bed, take a couple of minutes to go over your day to come and visualize it as happy and stress free.

Being breast aware is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

GET TO KNOW YOUR BREASTS TODAY

There is lots of helpful information for you to follow up on breast cancer, its causes, treatments etc on my website and there are lots of networks out there to give you loving and kind support.

I've listed a few sites for you to look at and learn more from. I hope they are helpful to you and can really help you to ensure that breast cancer facts and care is always available to you.
Tip! Break the cycle of prolonged stress by spending time each day “de-stressing.” Consider the use of meditation, guided imagery and visualization.

I hope you have found this article helpful if you should be experiencing any concern over your breasts.

There is a lot of valuable help and information out there for you - and great support too.

Make use of my website and learn more about breast cancer - together we can help each other.

My website is http://www.stress-anxieties-solutions.com

It is full of my own personal experiences of stress, and how I deal with it and lots of helpful info for you to follow up on.

Give me a click today and start to manage stress positively in your life.

I look forward to you visiting!