Sunday, 24 November 2013
Monday, 18 November 2013
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Pimples: What Causes Them and How to Get Rid of Them
Pimples, known as spots, zits or acne, confidence-killers or the buzz-kill of an otherwise happy day, are small lesions or inflammations of the skin. These inflammations are caused by bacterial infection within the hair follicle of the skin. When dead skin cells collect within the hair follicle, the sebum produced (a waxy/oily substance meant to lubricate the skin and hair) within the pore cannot escape. This accumulated and blocked sebum has bacteria, including propionibacterium acnes; it is a slow-growing bacteria which is the source of acne. Acne bacteria generally live harmlessly on our skin - however, when the conditions are right, (clogged pores + hormones, sweating and other factors) it can reproduce rapidly. The bacterium feeds off the sebum and produces a substance that causes an immune response. This leads to inflammation of the skin, eventually revealing itself as a pimple -- an inflammatory lesion of acne that becomes pus-filled to varying degrees. Acne bacterial infection can be growing under your skin for up to 8 weeks before appearing as an acne lesion, which is one of the reasons that it takes 4-8 weeks for most acne treatments to work.
It is a myth that acne is caused by poor hygiene! In fact, excess washing or scrubbing can irritate and over dry the skin, which can further inflame skin and cause increased oil production. Unclean hair, cell phones and pillowcases can transfer unwanted acne bacteria to the skin.
There is little evidence that diet causes acne. However, greasy foods touching your skin can cause breakouts around the lips, due to grease being deposited on the skin and clogging the pore, more than for any dietary reason.
The 5 types of pimples:
1. Pustules - These are pimples full of pus and are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. The base is red and the pus is on the top.
2. Whiteheads - These are very small and remain under the skin, appearing as a small, flesh-colored papules.
3. Blackheads - Appear as a black-filled pore. Some people mistakenly believe they are caused by dirt, because of their color. It is actually oxidized dead skin cells blocking the opening of the pore.
4. Cysts - these are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are filled with pus and are usually painful. Cysts commonly cause scaring.
5. Papules - these are small, rounded bumps on the skin which are often pink.
6. Nodules - these are morphologically similar (similar structure) to papules, but larger. These are often painful and are embedded deep in the skin.
How to get rid of pimples?
Keeping those pores clear is key! Actually - keeping clear pores is the one and only way to control acne breakouts. Since acne bacteria lives naturally on our skin, there is no permanent medical cure for pimples.
The good news?
Clear skin is possible! Pimples can be managed with consistent care and a good acne treatment. What to use? It depends on your level and type of acne. There are many natural remedies that are beneficial to acne-prone skin, but won't go far with persistent acne. There are many prescription medications that can be helpful, especially with chronic and cystic acne. If you are an acne sufferer who does not want to use prescription meds, or experiences mild to moderate acne, it is well worth it to try an over-the-counter acne medication. Salicylic Acid medications work by exfoliating the dead skin cells out of your pores - which is the primary goal. Salicylic Acid is also the best for clearing and prevention of blackheads, too. Find one that includes anti-inflammatory effects for quick, viewable results. Benzyol Peroxide works by drawing out the infection. It can be harsher on your skin, but it is very effective for some people. Some treatments use a mixture of both medicines. The best thing to do is start with the most gentle and natural treatment first. Keep experimenting until you find what works for your individual skin, by giving each treatment a try for 2-4 weeks, unless you experience negative side effects. Most companies will give you your money back if you don't see the results you were looking for.
Important to know:
1. Controlling acne is a lifestyle. Consistency is key! Acne bacteria is extremely adaptable, and will out-wit your acne medication if you allow it! So keep up the good work and you can beat acne!
2. Don't let acne ruin your skin. Picking your skin easily causes scabbing, scarring and dark spots. Be kind to your skin and treat with an acne treatment, trying not to pick at your blemishes. If you already have dark spots and scarring, don't let it get you down. There are products and procedures such as laser to help this - it is not necessarily permanent.
3. If acne is causing you to change your lifestyle or affecting your self-worth and self-esteem, do see a doctor or dermatologist for advice. Often they have low-cost ways to help your skin.
4. Use an oil free, non-comedic (non-pore-clogging) foundation or cover-up until you get the clear skin that you want - it will really boost your confidence, and will let your pores breathe. You are on your way to great skin!
Monday, 11 November 2013
Learn About Aloe Vera
The use of Aloe has been traced back thousands of years to Egyptian civilization. The Egyptions used to call it "plant of immortality". It have even been thought to have been one of the ingredients that Cleopatra used in her beauty regimens. Today aloe is used in commercial cosmetic products around the world and not to mention home remedies too.
Aloe Vera is probably one of the first plant remedies most people today have used. Even without knowing. If you ever had a sunburn and used the sunburn gel with aloe, you have used aloe as a remedy.
Aloe originated on the island of Sacotra in the Indian Ocean. Many years ago immigrants brought and transplanted Aloe into America. Many immigrants weren't sure if America would have the medicinal plants they were used to so they brought them with them.
When you cut the leaves open inside is a bitter tasting juice and a soothing gel. Also inside of each aloe leaf is a clear gel like sap which has an immediate soothing effect on burns and also forms a clear protective seal, allowing healing to take place rapidly. The gel can be placed directly on the affected area.
Description
Aloe is a tender evergreen perennial, which grows up to 24 inches. The leaves are pale green, blade like and are long, very fleshy, tapering, pointed and have spiny teeth along the margins. The plant base is stem-less, but it does eventually produce a stem which will then produce a flower. These are spikes of narrow, trumpet shaped yellow or orange flowers. The stem also provides offshoots for propagation. The root is strong light brown and fibrous.
Growing:
Aloe needs to be grown in full sun or light shade in a frost-free location with a well-drained gritty soil, two parts compost and one part sharp sand should be good. When growing indoors or out maintain a temperature of 41 degrees F minimum. This is an excellent plant to grow indoors if you like to have indoor plants, or don't have space outside and have to have your plants inside. Propagation of this plant is by removing the offshoots in the summer time and then drying them for two days before planting. Plant them in the spring, Make sure that the soil is at least 70 degrees F before you plant them outdoors or the roots may freeze out, or you can also plant them indoors in a pot.
Medicinal:
The components in the aloe leaves contain its medicinal properties that help heal and replenish skin tissue. Aloe has proved useful against acne, dandruff, moisturizes dry, sensitive skin and other dermatological problems, it inhibits inflammation, stops minor bleeding and helps cure eczema, sunburn and other minor burns.
You can take aloe as a laxative; it is commonly used in over the counter laxatives also as it stimulates intestinal activity. Aloe tincture can re-stimulate your appetite if it has waned. Take a few drops in some water or juice.
Aloe is also sometime use orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis.
You can crush sap from leaves or slice them removing the skin and apply as a poultice for chapped skin, dermatitis, osteoarthritis and eczema.
For a minor burn or sunburn break off a leaf and rub the gel from the leaves on to the affected areas.
Sunday, 3 November 2013
How To Eat Out Without Gaining Weight
Photo: Getty
Increasingly busy lifestyles, long working hours and numerous daily commitments mean that eating out has become a routine part of modern life. Unfortunately for those who enjoy a restaurant meal, it is likely to mean many extra kilojoules thanks to the mix of larger portion sizes, the heavy use of oil, butter and sauces as well as numerous courses. So if you do find yourself eating out regularly, here is your fail-safe guide to enjoy it without gaining weight.
Always have a snack before you go
Arriving at a restaurant or function starving is a recipe for disaster when it comes to kilojoule control. Not only are you more likely to order much more than you require, you are also more likely to succumb to extras like bread, entrees and drinks. When we eat out, it also often means we are eating a meal later than we usually would. For this reason, grabbing a protein-rich snack like a nut or protein bar, vege sticks with cottage cheese or hommus, or even a protein shake an hour or two before your meal will help to take the edge of your hunger so that you are able to make better choices off the menu.
Choose your cuisines carefully
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Indian, Chinese and Thai foods in particular tend to be extremely high in fat because they involve high-fat sauces, like those made of coconut milk, as well as batters and large volumes of oil for frying. When high-fat curries and fried foods are then eaten with large amounts of white rice, noodles and breads, it is easy to see how a kilojoule overload can result. Ideally high-fat cuisines need to be consumed sparingly, just once or twice a month, and it is best to choose plain dishes like vegetable stir-fries, curries and salads over deep-fried options.
Focus on lighter options
Japanese, Greek and even Modern Australian cuisines have a wider range of menu options, which can help you to make healthier choices. Any sort of raw fish, grilled meat or seafood will be a great choice, especially when teamed with a large portion of vegetables or salad.
Size is everything
The truth be known, if we simply ate smaller portions of everything, far fewer of us would have a weight problems. Few of us really need an entree as well as a main course and for most of us an entree-sized portion of heavier foods such as pasta or risotto will be more than sufficient. When the meals are brought out to the table, if serves of pasta, rice or meat are far larger than you need, visualise how much you will eat and then take the excess off your plate and share with your fellow diners.
Always share dessert
When it comes to desserts, no one is saying that you have to avoid them completely, but remember that the most pleasure of a dessert is gained in the first few mouthfuls, so keep your portions small. When you consider that the average serve of dessert will contain as many kilojoules as an entire meal, it makes sense to share your favourite dessert with as many people as possible.
Add vegetables
One the biggest issues with meals consumed away from the home is that they rarely contain the amounts of vegetables or salad that we need for good health and to help us feel full and satisfied. Even though they can be expensive when ordered as sides, it is worth ordering extras to help bulk up your meal so you are not tempted by extra chips or bread.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/how-to-eat-out-without-gaining-weight-20131029-2wde1.html
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