Weddings are planned to the very last detail: the dress, flowers, colors, tableware, food, lightning, you name it! Even though this can be a very stressful period, it’s about having the best day of you and your future husband’s life. To make things even better, know what you can do to achieve that bright and youthful complexion for your special day.

Wiping away that tired look doesn’t have to be that difficult, you only need to start thinking ahead so that you don’t wake up on your wedding day with dry, dull looking skin. Starting a skin care routine that will benefit your skin will not only brighten up that complexion, but it will also prevent the formation of other imperfections, like for example, the signs of premature aging.

Bridal Skin Care Tips

Cleanse: Purchase a cleanser according to your skin type for best results. You should only cleanse your skin twice daily, once in the morning and once before you go to bed to get rid of impurities that have gathered during the day. A cleanser will help to remove dirt and unclog pores to prevent breakouts.

Microdermabrasion: Using a home microdermabrasion cream is a really good way to notice an almost immediate difference. A microdermabrasion cream works by scrubbing off the very top layer of skin to remove dead skin cells. These dead skin cells are what usually makes dry skin look dull and aged. There are several microdermabrasion creams available and the procedure should be done twice a week, but you can do it more often depending on how your skin feels.

Moisturize: There are tons if not millions of moisturizers out there and some are a lot better than others. The good thing about having so many to choose from is that each and everyone can serve as a multipurpose treatment. For example, if you want something do get rid of age spots, you can simply look for products that contain Rumex Extract, Hyaluronic Acid for wrinkles and Rose Hip Oil for dry skin. The key here is to find a product that is meant for your skin type. Moisturize twice a day after cleansing and exfoliating.

Sun Protection: Applying a sun screen is the best way to prevent premature aging because the sun is the skin’s primary enemy. Apply above SPF 15 and keep using the sun screen year around because the sun can be equally damaging during winter.

There you have it, the four step system of cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and protecting your skin is all you need to have a flawless complexion. Implement this 4 step system as your skin care routine and start looking forward to a brighter and more youthful-looking complexion on your wedding day.

Severe and persistent acne breakouts can cause decreased self-esteem and even depression. Since acne is so damaging mentally, people often turn to some type of retinoid to clear the signs of acne. As with most synthetic solutions, one must contend with the side effects that come along with them – chemicals are not always the most effective way to fight acne breakouts.

The Dry Skin Side Effect of Retinoids

Retiniods are derived from vitamin A and come in two different forms; topical retinoids and oral retinoids that come in pill form. Because their main goal is to limit the amount of sebum produced by the oil glands, the #1 complaint of retinoid use is excessive dry skin. Most well-known externally applied retinoids are Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac, while the orally taken retinoids list is headed by the arguably popular Accutane.

The purpose of sebum is to make the skin waterproof and protect it from drying out. Fundamentally by cutting off oil production, the important nourishing aspects of sebum will also be lost. This is more severe than normal dry skin experienced during the winter months. We’re talking dry skin that is not only uncomfortable but can be unsightly with constant scaling, pealing and flaking.

Even though the amount of oil production is reduced, it doesn’t necessarily stop bacterial growth. When skin is dry, it’s fragile and weak allowing pathogens to find their way into affected areas and make the condition worse.

Best Natural Skin Creams

Natural skin care treatments have been making a lot of news lately. There are new acne treatments that use all natural ingredients that target existing acne scars while also helping to clear pores in order to prevent future problems. Products that use the serum from the Helix Aspera Muller snail have the biological components to gently clean out clogged pores, prevent bacterial growth and inflammation, heal damaged cells and follicles, hydrate the lipid barrier and stimulate the natural remodeling processes of your own skin.

Still think using retinoid products is the only solution to eliminate your acne problems? Then you’ll need a good moisturizer to supplement your treatment.

Natural moisturizers that include this unique snail serum penetrate deep within the skin with the help of powerful enzymes that trigger the development of water holding molecules like glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. These important elements work with the lipid barrier of your skin and maintain moisture, helping to avoid scaling and peeling. These types of moisturizers can be used in conjunction with Accutane or other retinoid drugs and are endorsed by doctors to help alleviate the painful, dry skin side effects.

Natural skin care products can clear acne skin and decrease dry skin that is associated with retinoid products. Best of all, there are no painful side effects associated with its application.

Age, liver, brown or dark spots are all consequences of sun damage and these imperfections usually appear in your late 40s, although they can also appear at a younger age. The sun is in fact the number one cause of premature aging and wrinkles, and although we love it, we must take precautions. Hydroquinone is a well known treatment for age spots and hyperpigmentation problems, but this topical treatment isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Find out why you should think twice about using Hydroquinone as an age spot removal treatment.

Hydroquinone is one of the most well known skin whitening and bleaching treatments for the skin. Fair skin tones are more benefited from such treatment than darker skin tones; however, there are multiple factors about this treatment that might make you think twice about using it.

The Draw Backs of Hydroquinone

There are several restrictions when applying Hydroquinone, these are just a few:

*Don’t apply the product in skin that is sunburned, wind-burned, dry, chapped, irritated or on a wound. Applying the product on areas with these symptoms can make the problem even worse, so you should always wait until the problems or conditions have healed properly.

*Don’t use with products that can cause skin irritations like hard soaps, shampoos, skin cleansers, hair coloring, hair removers or waxes, skin products with alcohol, spices or lime.

*Don’t expose your skin to the sun. Direct sunlight or artificial UV light (tanning beds) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight which may result in sunburn. If you need to be out in the sun, use a sunscreen with a high SPF and protective clothing.

Side Effects

Treatments with Hydroquinone also come with a bunch of side effects that you should seek medical attention if you suffer from any of the following depicted below:

*Hives

*Difficulty Breathing

*Burning or Stinging

*Swelling of your Face, Lips or/and Tongue

Best to Prevent

The sun is very damaging to our skin, especially if you don’t use any protection. A sun block above SPF 15 is the best way to go. Apply abundantly, focusing on the areas that you expose the most; face, neck, shoulders, arms and back of the hands, and remember that you need to apply sunscreens year around. If you have a job where you need to be outdoors, apply the sun block frequently and use hats, sunglasses and clothing that can protect you from UV rays. By doing something as simple as applying a sun block, you’ll be able to prevent the formation of age spots.

It is safe to say that Hydroquinone is probably not the best age spot treatment out there because of the many factors that can make your skin react by using this treatment.  The best way to go is to use a sun block year around, and if you want a treatment for age spots, try natural skin care creams with Rumex extract (melanin inhibitor) to treat your skin gently and effectively without side effects.

If you are one of those people that suffer from acne, the best way to get rid of it is to of course control the problem. Acne is unfortunately a non curable condition that doesn’t only affect your appearance, but it also affects your self esteem. Taking control over the condition is a must because acne can lead to far more difficult to treat imperfections like acne scars.

Go Famous

There is a treatment out there called Proactive. I believe that it is the first treatment that comes to mind just because all the advertisement with all those celebrities that claim Proactive is great for acne. I want to believe it and it’s probably a really good treatment too, but I also know that Benzoyl Peroxide, one of its ingredients, causes side effects.

Benzoyl peroxide is used in most acne treatments out there, just check the back of your current acne treatment. The hype about this ingredient is that it has been proven to be very effective in clearing acne in just about 2 to 3 weeks of using the product. It can also be used in combination with other treatments which is why these products are popular.

The problem with Benzoyl Peroxide is that, even though effective, it causes some unwanted side effects, such as allergic reactions, rashes, excessive drying of the skin, itchiness, peeling of the skin, redness, swelling, burning and tenderness of the skin. I don’t know about you, but if I’m trying to get rid of an imperfection, why would I use a treatment that can cause more?

The “Alternative” Path

Controlling acne can be simpler than you think. Products that contain the secretion of the snail Helix Aspersa Muller is one of the most effective treatments for acne because the secretion has anti-inflammatory properties, can regulate sebum output, control bacteria, trigger scar repair and regeneration of damaged skin cells, increase antioxidants to fight off free radicals and support the overall recovery capabilities of the skin. By using a cream with this incredible serum, you won’t just get rid of acne, but you’ll also prevent blemishes related to acne and of course acne scars.

Something else that is good to know… if you have pimples, let them be! Squeezing or picking at a pimple is never the answer no matter how many times you have read it on the internet. Squeezing and picking will only make the problem worse. In fact, it will only cause more inflammation which can lead to infection. Picking on pimples is the number one cause of acne scarring, which you definitely want to avoid. Imagine that inflamed breakout on your almost perfect skin… It doesn’t sound appealing, does it? Just keep to the things that work, a cream with snail section is what can do the trick and best of all, it doesn’t cause any nasty side effects.

To sum this up, I would say that acne is a really annoying condition that we all want to get rid of. There are tons of acne products out there, but I think it’s safe to say that natural treatments are the best way to go. Even though it might take a little more time to clear your acne, you will see results and what’s best is that natural acne treatments don’t come with unwanted side effects. The choice is yours!

If you are like many, you’ve had or have a bout with acne and know how depressing it is to wake up each morning to find yet another pimple surface overnight. Acne, especially cystic or nodular acne, can really take its toll on a person’s self esteem and many times social activities. For decades, doctors and patients have searched for the ideal acne medication to heal acne lesions and prevent scarring. Unfortunately, many acne treatment products come with a long list of side effects and can further alter your life.

Accutane to the Rescue or Not

According to data from SDI Health LLC and IMS Health Inc., 17 million prescriptions were filled last year to fight acne. One of those drugs prescribed was Isotertinoin, commonly known as Accutane. Even though the makers of Accuntane have quit manufacturing this potent drug, there are still many generic brands available for purchase. When Accutane was first introduced, it seemed to be the perfect acne treatment, but it wasn’t long before that claim became disputed due to its many side effects.

Accutane has the power to treat nodular acne, cystic acne and prevent acne scars; however, the adverse effects can range from mild to severe, seriously outweighing the benefits. For this reason, Accutane is only prescibed to severe acne sufferers where conventional options have run out. In addition, close medical monitoring is done through out the treatment for the safety of the patient.

The most common side effects can involve extreme skin dryness including lips, eyes and nose along with severe itching, fragile skin, peeling skin and photo-sensitivity. If the drug is used during pregnancy, it has been known to cause brain damage to fetuses. While on an Accutane treatment, pregnancy tests will be given monthly, the use of two different types of birth control are required and a waiver needs to be signed before treatment begins.

Researchers at the University of Baths and the University of Texas in Austin elude that Accutane can also interfere with the body’s production of serotonin, a mood hormone, and can lead to depression.

Accutane – The Depression Link

There is a lot of controversy of whether Accutane can cause depression or not. People who have severe cases of acne usually have some degree of depression and low self-esteem, but the extraordinary numbers of people who have been diagnosed with depression, suicide and suicide attempts while using or after an Accutane treatment seem to raise some questions. According to the FDA, between 1982 and 2000, there were 394 reported cases of depression and 37 suicides of people who were taking, or had taken, isotretinoin. Thirteen of these suicides occurred within three months after the patient had stopped using Accutane.

Although the link of depression and Accutane has never been proven, scientists have gathered evidence that mice experience depressive behavior after it’s use. Roche Laboratories, the manufacturer of Accutane, even advises physicians that “Accutane may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal idealization, suicide attempts and suicide. Discontinuation of Accutane therapy may be insufficient, further evaluation may be necessary.”

What’s the Solution?

Believe it or not, there are natural skin care products that can eliminate severe acne with the help of special ingredients from Mother Nature. These biological ingredients provide enzymes that are able to restore the skin’s balance and molecules that act to enhance cellular communication. These natural acne treatments supply fatty acids, leaving the skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. The best reason to go natural is the lack of side effects. Because the ingredients work with the immune system and your body’s natural process, your won’t encounter the typical side effects of dryness, redness, sensitivity, pain or, most importantly, depression.

Have you noticed that some people look a lot younger than their actual age? The first thing that comes to mind is Botox or maybe just good genes but have you ever thought that diet or foods can be a significant factor? Aging skin care can be achieved by consuming age defying foods. Find out the top 5 foods that can slow down the aging process of your skin.

Eating the right foods can make a huge difference in how well your body responds to aging. Not only is a healthy diet good for your body and skin, but it can also keep away more serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Find out what foods you should be stocking your fridge with to reduce the signs of aging.

Anti-Aging Foods

Spinach

Spinach is a great veggie to have around because this leafy vegetable keeps our skin rejuvenated. In fact, spinach, among other leafy greens, supports skin cell turnover: a process that keeps cell growth and development flawlessly. It contains vitamin A and if you lack vitamin A in your diet, your skin can become dry, tough and scaly.

Salmon

Fish in general is known to calm inflammation of the skin and fatty fishes such as salmon are at the top list of foods because they are high in fatty acids. Fatty acids are essential and key to achieve healthy skin. Omega-3 keeps the cell membranes healthy and helps nutrients to enter the cells and exit toxins. Basically, if you add salmon to your diet ,you’ll soon appreciate a more supple and youthful complexion.

Tomatoes

As we know, the sun is one of the main factors that contribute to premature aging. Don’t throw away your sunscreen, but stock your fridge with tomatoes. Tomatoes are known to protect your aging-skin from excessive sun exposure because it contains Lycopene. Lycopene is something you want to have in your diet because it protects the skin from oxidation caused by sun damage which can turn into wrinkles. Raw is better than cooked, so add tomatoes to all your salads with a little bit of olive oil to help the body absorb the Lycopene better.

Blueberries

All berries are nutritious and very good for skin care, but blueberries are the best of all of them. These dark berries are packed with antioxidants which targets free radicals that can otherwise weaken and damage skin cells. When added to your diet, these potent, yet tiny berries, protect your skin cells from damage making your skin look and feel younger for longer.

Chocolate

Yes, you read right, Chocolate! Chocolate is feared by many because there are many myths out there that claim that this delicious food can trigger breakouts or make you gain weight. Regular consumption of dark chocolate increases the skin’s fight against UV light, reduces roughness in skin texture and increases blood flow to the skin and subcutaneous tissues promoting skin plumpness. Since chocolate does contain a lot of sugar and fat, it’s of course recommended to consume this yummy food in small amounts.

What are you waiting for? Run to your nearest store and stock up your fridge with spinach, salmon, blueberries, tomatoes and chocolate for skin renewal and to turn back the clock. These healthy foods will not only make you feel better, but you will also notice a significant improvement in your skin. Anti aging skin care doesn’t need to be difficult and brings a whole new meaning to aging gracefully!

Early news reports are saying that 37-year old, Florida mother of three Rohie Kah went to a local spa that she visited regularly for the carboxytherapy to reduce stretch marks and cellulite. During the procedure, something went wrong and she became unresponsive. Kah was rushed to the emergency room where she was later declared legally brain dead and is waiting on life support for her family to make a decision. It has not been announced the actual cause, but one thing is for sure her family will never be the same.

Carboxytherapy injects small amounts of carbon dioxide gas just below the surface of the skin to cause increased blood circulation to that area and the body begins to heal itself. It’s said that it can improve the elasticity of the overlying skin and is used to smooth out skin irregularities and tighten the skin. This procedure doesn’t require anesthesia and is considered to be a safe and simple procedure when performed by a trained and knowledgeable doctor.

The Cost of Beauty

Even though the amount of cosmetic procedures performed each year doesn’t show signs of a recession, people are always looking for a deal. Many times this becomes a grave mistake. When it comes to your body and health, it is so important to find a licensed, experienced doctor that knows all the ramifications of the procedure and how it will affect your specific situation.

Being or becoming beautiful doesn’t have to be expensive and should not cost one’s life. Many people look to chemical and surgical procedures for different reasons; one being to receive faster results. There are several natural products available that can give the same results without the high risks or price tags.

Back Yard Solution

Let’s take a look at nature. The snail for example produces a liquid to bath himself after a long day, but this isn’t just any old bubble bath. This formula was especially created to renew and heal any wounds without a scar. It even can restore his shell and injured tentacles.

Because human skin has the same skin matrix as the snail, we can experience all the same benefits. Researchers have proven that the serum from the Helix Apersa Müller snail has powerful enzymes to smooth out cellulite, stretch marks and other scars. The serum’s natural components work with one’s body to help it prevent and heal many of the common skin concerns that hinder so many people today. The body welcomes the assistance and doesn’t react with swelling, redness, pain or other life changing side effects.

Taking the natural route might take a little bit longer, but we have time, unlike Rohie Kah, to make informed decisions to be safe and gentle to our body and skin.