Five Common Skin-Care Problems, Solved!

Your skin has the ability to heal, renew and protect itself with the
proper care. The causes of skin imperfections include hormonal changes,
reduction in collagen production, free-radical damage, poor nutrition,
solar radiation and pollution. If you have problem skin, choose
products that optimize your skin's ability to repair itself.

Problem: Broken capillaries

Natural solutions: Dry, delicate or mature
skin that is thin and fragile is most susceptible to broken
capillaries. When blood no longer pumps through the tiny capillaries
and the capillary walls weaken, they lose their elasticity, collapse
and become visible on the surface. Abrasive cleansers and facial
scrubs, alcohol, caffeine, certain drugs, harsh cosmetics, forceful
massage, cold weather, extreme winds, overexposure to the sun and spicy
foods can all be triggers. Protecting your skin in cold or windy
weather can help prevent broken capillaries. Bioflavonoid supplements
may reduce redness and strengthen capillaries. Use gentle products that
contain aloe and essential oils of lavender and chamomile to help
soothe capillaries.

Reduce and help repair broken capillaries with Avalon Organics
Lavender Renewal Facial Serum. Organic lavender, arnica and licorice
root reduce redness and inflammation of reactive complexions.

Problem: Age spots

Natural solutions: Blotches of pigmentation
may result from perfumes, excessive sun exposure or the interaction of
medications (such as birth control pills) and sun exposure. In
responses, your skin has tried to protect itself by producing an
overabundance of melanin -- the pigmented cells in your skin. The most
important thing you can do to prevent new age spots is to wear
sunscreen when exposed to sunlight.

"Age spots can also be caused by estrogens from oral
contraceptives, pregnancy and diet," says Kenneth Beer, M.D., a
cosmetic dermatologist in West Palm Beach, Fla., author of "Palm Bench
Perfect Skin" and clinical instructor of dermatology at the University
of Miami. "Avoid getting sun, which will make them darker, and estrogen
to the extent possible."

You can repair your skin with products containing
antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that have been shown to clarify skin
and help to reverse dye effects of sun damage. Licorice extract is
nature's most subtle and yet effective skin lightener. It has
depigmenting effects and inhibits melanin synthesis.

Reduce the appearance of age spots with Zia Brilliance
Restorative Nightcream, which brightens skin tone while it improves
firmness with antioxidant-rich plant extracts.

Problem: Uneven skin

Natural solutions: Discoloration can also
be the result of inflammation caused by acne, harsh chemicals or
trauma. "Uneven skin is typically from poor skin care and large pore
size," says Beer. "Other causes are seborrhea dermatitis, eczema,
psoriasis, rosacea and its cousin, perioral dermatitis (characterized
by tiny red bumps around the mouth). For uneven skin, my most popular
treatment is self-heating microdermabrasion crystals that are made with
micronized bamboo." Again, vitamin C comes to the rescue with its
ability to even out skin tone and boost collagen production, reduce
skin damage caused by free radicals and improve skin texture.

Erase dry spois snd smooth uneven skin with Ester-C Hydrating
Masque from Jason. Packed with vitamins A, C and E to fight
free-radical damage and promote collagen, this 15-mjnute treatment
leaves skin feeling like velvet.

Problem: Rosacea

Natural solutions: Although the cause of
the disorder is unknown, it is clear that rosacea is aggravated by
extremes of temperature, sunlight, alcohol, hot drinks, spicy foods and
emotional stress. They cause the already congested and weakened blood
vessels to dilate even further and the skin's sensitive surface to
become irritated and inflamed. People with naturally thin skin may also
be more prone to the condition.

"Rosacea is typically found in light-skinned patients and may
be exacerbated by estrogens or changes in hormones," adds Beer. "Tartar
control toothpaste can also provoke it. For rosacea-prone skin, I
recommend skin-care products that contain green tea extract, which has
a calming effect. For rosacea and broken capillaries, I suggest
avoiding products that contain alcohol, a lot of fragrance or antiaging
ingredients, such as high concentrations of vitamin C or glycolic acid.
I also recommend chemical-free sun protection."

Soothe and protect sensitive skin from conditions, including
rosacea, with Dr. Hauschka's Toned Day Cream. Its warm beige tint and
natural mineral pigments provide a smooth, translucent finish.

Problem: Acne

Natural solutions: Acne is typically caused
by the interaction of bacteria, hormones and sebum (oil from the hair
follicle). A conscientious skin-care regime can combat some causes. Use
a weekly facial scrub followed by a facial mask. Spot-treating
blemishes with a formulation of bacteria-fighting essential oils such
as tea tree, neroli or lemon oil can help them heal faste.

"Use cleansers and topical treatments designed for acne-prone
skin and avoid anything, including sunscreens, that are not explicitly
non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic," says Beer. Supplementing with B
vitamins and zinc may also help. Green tea and lavender have both been
shown to have antibacterial properties when used topically.

Dry up acne and blemishes with Ecco Bella Leave-On Invisible
Exfoliant & Blemish Remedy. The base is aloe and antioxidants,
so it's gentle on sensitive and mature skin types.

Source: Better Nutrition.
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