Anti-Aging and Eating Foods High in Anti-Oxidants
March 7, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
Healthy, anti-oxidant rich, anti-aging foods can enhance your health, energy, mental fitness and slow many of the signs and changes of aging.
Many consumers have been taught that low-fats foods, such as lean meat, dairy products, yogurt and vegetables are the best foods to keep you healthy and prevent aging and skin wrinkles. But scientist now tell us that simply eating some salad or vegetables every now and then won’t do much. To understand which foods are the best and why, you need to understand how free radicals affect your skin health and increase the aging process.
Most longevity experts say that free radicals are the main cause of aging. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that have an ‘extra’ or free electron. This free electron makes the molecule unstable. It seeks another molecule so they can become stable. When the free radical bonds to another molecule it causes proteins and other essential molecules to not function as they should. This reactive process sets up a chain reaction of which damages the body’s cells.
Recently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the USDA created a new food classification system that rates the antioxidant content of various food. This list is called ORAC, or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity.
A quote from the ORAC report reads, “The development of various chronic and degenerative diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and neuronal degeneration such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease may be attributed, in part, to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has also been implicated in the process of aging. Although the human body has developed a number of systems to eliminate free radicals such as reactive oxygen species from the body, it is not 100% efficient.”
It is believed that the anti-oxidants found in certain foods can protect the body from the damage caused by these free radicals. High ORAC ratings means the food has high anti-oxidant potential and thus rates as a good Anti-aging food.
Here are some highlights from the USDA ORAC list:
Release 1 – November 2007. Values were reported for 277 food items. Release 2 – May 2010. Values were added for 49 food items, including maple syrup, acai, and goji berries, for a total of 326 food items.
Cinnamon: 100 grams of ground cinnamon has a rating of 267,536, making it extremely high on the anti-aging and free-radical-blocking scale. This is why many longevity experts suggest sprinkling some cinnamon on your food or hot drinks.
BEANS: A half cup (dried beans) of small Red Beans has a score of 13727 , Red kidney beans 13259 , Pinto beans11864 and Black beans 4181.
FRUITS: Each ORAC number is for 1 cup. Wild blueberry1 13427; Cultivated blueberry 9019; Cranberry 8983,Blackberry 7701, Prunes (½ cup )7291 ; Raspberry 6058; Strawberry 5938; Red Delicious apple I whole) 5900 ; Granny Smith apple 5381 ; Sweet cherries (1 cup) 4873; Black plum 1 plum 4844 ; other plums have 4118 each and a Gala apple has a rating of 3903.
Artichoke hearts 1 cup, cooked ranked in at 7904. An ounce of Pecans scored 5095 and a single Russet potato cooked came in at 4649.
This list presupposes that the fruits and vegetables are fresh and that they pesticide free. Naturally organic foods and skincare choices like anti-aging masks are best since organic foods and natural skin treatments have no toxic chemicals.
So, if you are concerned with aging skin and are interested in longevity, ensure that the food you put in your body does not have toxic chemicals and are high on the anti-oxidant list.
You can obtain the FDA complete ORAC listing at The FDA ORAC scale here:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=15866
Get a Wrinkle-free Skin Using Anti-aging Masks
February 20, 2011 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
Are you often worried about those lines, creases and furrows under your eyes? Well, this is primarily due to the natural and inevitable process of aging. Sure, you cannot do much about the skin aging but you can definitely take some preventive measures in order to delay the signs of aging. Besides the natural phenomenon, there are various other causes as well that are apparently responsible for the premature aging of the skin. These may include increased exposure to harmful UV radiations of sun, mounting stress levels and environmental pollution.
There is however no need for you to panic. In order to cater to these skin aging problems, the market provides various anti-aging skin care solutions that are quite effective in ensuring the suppleness and thickness of your skin. Homemade anti-aging masks are extremely beneficial for natural invigorating nourishment of your skin. Different fruits and milk-based anti-aging masks can be prepared using the natural ingredients that are quite effective in making your skin healthy and beautiful. Lemon juice, honey, yogurt, rose water, orange juice, peach extracts, almond oil, milk and lavender oil can be used to prepare you own anti-aging mask treatment.
Herbal anti-aging masks are also great that tend to be suitable for all skin types. These facial masks are prepared using plant-based ingredients that tend to ensure natural skin care. Anti-aging clay masks are quite effective that renders oil-free skin and unclog the pores. These natural anti-aging masks help you to get rid of your blackheads and provide various minerals and vitamins thereby ensuring complete rejuvenation of your skin. Moreover these facial masks ensure to get back the lost luster thereby providing you a beautiful and glowing skin.
Anti-aging facial masks are a great way to get of wrinkles and other skin-related problems that tend to bother you. However, regular cleansing followed by toning and moisturizing of the skin would ensure your skin to be healthy and well nourished.
TAKING PROPER CARE OF YOUR SKIN
January 15, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
How many of you have woken up in the morning only to see a stranger in the mirror looking back at you? Years of good or bad choices can contribute to the quality of not only your body, but your largest organ - your skin. The epidermis - or outer layer of skin- can be the first sign of how well you take care of yourself. As the evidence of our lifestyle choices will eventually show up in far more than our skin, it behooves us all to take the best care of our body and skin that we can.
If your motivation for good skin care is to look more youthful, than taking proper care of your skin will have the added bonus of creating a healthier body. If you wish to reduce acne breakouts, then a slight modification of diet might be necessary as well. Whatever your desired skin result, your overall health will be much improved by following a few easy steps.
Your everyday decisions shape how healthy you and your skin will be - it is that simple.
Here are some simple tips for basic skin care and a healthier body:
- Keep your skin clean so that it can breathe
- Give your skin plenty of moisture to keep it looking young and healthy
- Feed the skin key nutrients that it requires to rejuvenate and repair itself repeatedly
- Rid only the top layer of dead cells to promote rapid birth of new cells
- Protect against outside elements to prevent deterioration and/or damage
- Live a healthy life style
Skin is a living, breathing organ that regularly moves thousands of layers of skin cells each day. The skin is comprised of three layers - the subcutaneous layer - where fat cells are produced; the dermis - where you can find sweat glands, nerve endings and hair follicles, and the epidermis - the final outer layer of skin where pores and oil glands reside.
When new skin cells are ready, they start moving toward the epidermis. This trip takes about 2 weeks to a month. As newer cells continue to move up, older cells near the top die and rise to the surface of your skin. So what you really see on the surface of your skin are dead skin cells.
Keeping your skin properly cleansed and moisturized is vital to healthy, glowing skin. It is the basic of all skincare routines. Be sure to choose a cleanser and moisturizer best suited for your skin type. If you aren’t sure what that is, ask your friendly pharmacist or dermatologist for help. You skin can be acne-prone, oily, dry or a combination of the two. There are hundreds of specialized products out there to suite every skin type.
Feeding the skin means feeding the body. A good skin care regime will always include a healthy diet full of nutrients and vitamins. Whole, organic foods are best if you can get them. Leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains will keep your skin in top shape. Try to avoid junk foods or processed foods as much as possible. These foods rarely contain any real nutrition and can actually overload your skin with sugars and toxins to process.
A weekly light-exfoliation or facial scrub will do much to slough off the top layer of dead skin cells and reveal newer, healthier skin underneath. You can use a soft facial brush found in cosmetic counters, a rough washcloth or a light scrubbing pad as well as pre-packaged facial scrubs or facial masks.
Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure: While some sun exposure is necessary to produce vital Vitamin D, excessive sun exposure is very harmful to the skin. Without protection from the sun’s rays, more than 10 minutes of exposure each day can cause freckles, age spots, and spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, loose skin, a blotchy complexion and even skin cancer. If you must go outside, be sure to wear a good UV-blocking sunscreen like Zinc Oxide or wear protective clothing such as hats and long sleeves.
LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE STYLE
Although you have no control over intrinsic factors of aging, such as genetics, you are largely in control of the extrinsic factors. This is where you can make life-altering choices.
Don’t Smoke. You cannot have truly vital skin if you smoke, period. Smoking depletes your body of essential vitamins, which means you can’t have a healthy body either. If you do smoke, try your best to quit. Plenty has been reported and verified on the dangers of smoking and there are now numerous programs, patches and nicotine replacement therapies that can help you quit.
Exercise: Exercise gives you vitality. If you want fresh and youthful skin, physical activity is a must. It not only tones your muscles, but it increases blood flow to all areas of your body, especially your skin. Regular exercise reduces your stress levels, increases levels of oxygen circulating throughout the body, promoting rejuvenation and repair.
Avoid or Moderate Alcohol: Overindulgence of alcohol causes a decrease in the body’s level of vitamin A. This is a very important antioxidant vitamin that supports body and skin health. Alcohol also dilates small blood vessels in the skin’s surface, creating blemishes and red blotches. Drinking too much alcohol can exacerbate acne-rosacea. Due to the dehydrating effects of alcohol, skin wrinkles can occur after an extended period of alcohol abuse because the water in the body and skin is continually evaporated.
Reduce Stress: A good skin care routine and way of life can include meditation, yoga, relaxation, saunas, regular steams, exercise and most importantly, self love.
Get Plenty of Rest: Lack of sleep shows up on the face in forms of dark circles, baggy eyes, and saggy skin. Research has shown that most adults function best with eight to nine hours of sleep each night. While we sleep, our skin gets a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Your skin truly does need its “beauty sleep.”
You’ve only got ONE body. Healthy choices that you CAN make every day will have tremendous effect on the quality of your life and health. The body has amazing repair capabilities, and once you stop or reduce toxic behaviors, it will be better able to heal itself. Taking good care of yourself is the most important step in your skincare routine.
Author: Rachelle Dupree
Vivoderm Natural Skincare
Why Should I Look Out For Parabens and Sulfates? (Pt 2 of 2)
December 7, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Many skincare products are unfortunately rushed to market to meet this demand without any real consideration to research and development. Most of the budget may go into the marketing of the product. On the surface everything looks great. The bottles and jars that the creams come in look appealing. The magazine advertisements are glossy, complete with a youthful looking model or a well known celebrity who may not even use the products themselves. But underneath the jar lid, one can typically find un-pronounceable ingredients chemically formulated to “imitate” their natural predecessor.
WHAT ABOUT SULFATES?
Sulfates is another name for a common skincare ingredient called “Surfactants” which are designed to dissolve oils and hold dirt in suspension so it can be rinsed away with water. Mostly used in skin cleansers and shampoos.
Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading, and lowering of the interfacial tension between two liquids, or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as: detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants.
What all this means is sulfates are used to make the product lather or foam. However, that rich “lather” you get from sulfates may not really be good for your hair and skin as they can strip away natural oils. Despite what many been led to believe, the lather or foam does not actually help you get cleaner.
Natural Surfactants.
As is usually the case there are natural alternatives that do the job much better and safer than synthetics. Natural Saponins (foaming agents) gently cleanse the hair and scalp without stripping away the natural oils. These natural surfactants are a core component of any organic skin care regime. Some recommended organic skin care surfactants include, castile soap, yucca extract, soapwort and quillaja bark extract.
According to Skin Deep – the cosmetic ingredient database, www.cosmeticsdatabase.com , Synthetic Surfactants To Avoid Include: Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl/Cocoyl Sacrosinate, Cocomidopropyl Betaine and Quanternium -7,15,31,60 or Disodium Oleamide which can be a potent carcinogen when mixed with Nitrosamines.
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate are the most commonly used in shampoos and lathering types of skincare. They rate around 4 on the scale of 1 to 10. Studies and results are conflicting for potential toxicity, so most err on the side of caution.
Time Saving Tip: This class of toxins is quite easy to pinpoint. They are listed on labels as either ending in -eth (Laureth) or contain the phrase PEG (Poly Ethylene Glycol) or PPG (Poly Propylene Glycol).
According to some sources, while many of these particles are too large to penetrate the skin, they can result in allergies and health problems. Increasing use of Sodium Laural sulfate (SLS) in skin care can cause major skin irritations and even organ system toxicity. Other studies show that chemicals like this clog the skin pores and don’t have any benefit to the skin.
Unfortunately, cosmetics are the lowest priority for the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Their priority, naturally, has to be the foods and drugs we are consuming. They do not have the funds, staff, or authority to monitor what cosmetics companies are putting in their products. In addition, no ingredient has to be approved for use in products, and according to the FDA website.
There are two major classes of surfactants used in synthetic skin care products:
1) Ethoxylated Surfactants: The chemical reaction required to mix Ethylene and Propylene Oxide together has a serious side effect, that is they can be contaminated with Dioxane‒a potent carcinogen.
2) Amides: These are listed on labels containing the term TEA (Tri Ethanol Amine), DEA (Di Ethanol Amine) and MEA (Mono Ethanol Amine).
Why are these chemicals hazardous? Well, all compounds containing TEA, DEA and MEA undergo nitrosation with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
So again, it is up to you to be the educated consumer. Understanding what you purchase and how it can potentially affect you and your family.
When in doubt, it is best to choose naturally-based products or wholly organic ones than to use skin care products that contain potentially dangerous preservatives and chemicals, especially ones that are applied directly and/or massaged into the skin.
By Rachelle Dupree
Arrest Aging By Using An Anti Aging Facial Mask
August 28, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
Aging is a constant and a natural process and it cannot be stopped it can only be slowed down. Fine lines on and around the eyes and the corners of the mouth is the manifestation aging. As soon as these lines are visible people start to panic and look for solutions. There are many answers to the issue. One of them is anti aging facial mask which gives wondrous results. The stores are flooded with product related to anti aging amongst which anti aging facial mask is the most popular. Call by any name clay mask, exfoliating mask or by any other name, the basic work that they do is to tighten the skin.
Some are born with genes which keep them looking young for a longer period of time where as there are people who look very old early in their life. They can blame it all on the genes however; there are various other reasons which can be held responsible for aging. Some of the culprits are the sun, pollution, heat and dust, lifestyle and some habits. Most of these can be controlled to arrest further deterioration of the skin. Skin care has to be there right from the beginning. Before applying any anti aging facial mask cleansing of the face and neck has to be done. It would be good if one could sit in a steam bath. There are tones of organic anti aging facial masks that can be made at home. Once a mask is applied it is good to sit back and relax for a while. Remove the mask and follow the daily regime of toning and moisturizing.
Before any beauty product is bought it is good to recognize the skin type, tone and texture so that the correct mask is bought to achieve the desired results.
Anti Aging Masks - Who Needs Them?
August 21, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
The advancing of age is something that is natural and unavoidable. You cannot run away from the fact that you have to look like your grand mother one day, when the effects of age are visible on your skin. There are methods that can lessen the severity of these effects and slow down the process for a little while.
There are a variety of anti aging facial masks available in the markets that help in reducing the ill effects of growing age. One must choose wisely from the wide range and opt for the one that suits your skin type. Unlike creams, these masks penetrate deep inside the skin and work more effectively. There are certain masks that help to keep the facial skin taut and plump. Products that contain elements like honey and egg white are very useful for the rejuvenation of the skin. Papaya is another good element that can be used for the purpose of anti aging masks. The enzymes present in papaya are very useful as they eat away the dead skin cells and help in the generation of new cells. Phytessence Wakame is a natural ingredient that you should look for when choosing the right anti aging facial mask for yourself. It helps in protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun and from other harsh weather conditions like cold weather and winds. Thus it helps in safeguarding your skin from further damage.
You can not deny the fact that pollution around us is on an all time high. This has very harmful effects on the health on the entire body, most importantly the facial skin. So it is extremely important for you to take time off from your busy schedule and pamper your skin. Way to go!
Herbal Anti Aging Products with Skin Vitamins
August 14, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
Natural anti aging products are gaining importance due to amazing benefits delivered by them.
These products are enriche
d with all essential skin nutrients. For this reason, they are increasingly being used for curing all skin issues. They are so gentle that even if you apply them a number of times, your skin will not be damaged. This is because herbal aging resources are incorporated with all natural herbs and agents that work effectively on any skin type.
The herbal facial masks can be used for curing all kinds of aging issues like wrinkles, aging spots, dullness, fine lines and breakouts. They are instilled with best natural vitamins, minerals and natural ingredients. Each facial mask is made up of varied components and so they must be used according to diverse skin types. There are specific products for oily skin, dry skin and normal skin. Formulators have made these products by doing a thorough study of all ingredients that can be used to cure aging issues. That is why they treat all such problems gradually without causing any harm to the skin.
You can go for herbal aging treatments as well for making it look younger and healthier. There is nothing in the world that can stop occurrence of wrinkles as this is a natural phenomenon. However, herbal products can be used to smooth away these aging lines. Such products make skin soft and smooth by hydrating its texture. A good facial product boosts up blood circulation in skin which is vital for enhancing its glow. They even tighten up a loosened skin along with reducing premature signs of aging.
The anti aging products obtainable from market are made with all essential skin nutrients like Vitamin A, C, B6, B5 and H which are imperative for maintaining its elasticity. Research an anti aging product according to your skin type and give these vitamin rich masks a try.
Aging Treatments with Goodness of Nature
August 7, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
Premature aging is one such skin challenge which is faced by individuals at certain point of time. Individuals, especially women take a number of anti aging treatments to make their skin look young and glowing. So, special herbal treatments have been developed to resolve issue of aging. This process gains momentum over time because with increased age, the skin tends to loose its moisture and becomes inelastic.
One of the main factors that cause aging is dryness. A dry skin is more prone to aging process than a normal skin as the skin is not able to adapt to different climatic changes in its dried form. Other reason is too much exposure to sun. Although, sun provides essential nutrients that are important for building skin cells but prolong exposure in mid noon causes skin to be tanned and inelastic. This is because at this time harshness of ultra violet rays is the most that leads to open pores, black spots, blemishes, wrinkles and lines.
This skin condition can be rectified by using numerous herbal anti aging products available in market. Such treatments make use of natural facial masks and cleansers to get rid of tanning and other toxic substances from skin. Such products are totally safe as they have been made with natural ingredients and herbs. They are completely safe to use as they do not involve any kind of side effects. Varied products are available according to diverse skin types. You can even prepare herbal facial cleansers and masks at home to attain desired results.
All such products are prepared with the goodness of natural herbs. They provide wonderful anti aging benefits that are difficult to attain otherwise. You can make a selection among wide assortments of such products to select a product according to your skin type to have a sparkling and glowing skin forever.
Total Freedom from Aging Problems with Natural Products
July 29, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
Aging brings lot of unwanted elements like blemishes, lines, black spots and wrinkles. These things appear prominently on face which can be quite upsetting at times. However, a permanent solution to all such problems has emerged in the form of herbal facial masks. These herbal masks are inclusive of various kinds of natural herbs and organic ingredients. All these natural products are very effective and so there usage has increased tremendously.
A number of anti aging masks is obtainable from market that may contain varied ingredients. They have been specifically designed for all skin types. So, it is vital to select one according to your skin type to ensure desired results. Skin types are normally classified in three different categories such as dry skin, oily skin and normal skin. Although, aging problems are similar to all but there treatment is different due to varied skin textures. An oily skin needs herbal anti-aging treatments composed of herbs with astringent properties, drying and anti bacterial properties.
This is not same for dry skin. Herbal anti aging products for dry skin must be moisture based so that the lost skin elasticity can be regained. Usually, anti acne herbs with moisture based ingredients are used for curing aging problems of all kinds. Last skin type is the combination of oily and dry skin which requires great care. Such individuals face more severe problems which can be treated only with natural herbs. So, if you have a combination skin type, you must choose wisely in order to gain long lasting skin related benefits.
Herbal Anti-Aging products are free from all kinds of chemicals and so are safe to use. They are prepared with essential herbs derived from nature for effective skin care. So, if you are looking for a perfect and natural way to get rid of all kinds of aging problems then the best way is to go for natural aging facial masks and treatments.
Anti Aging Facial Masks - Experiment with Rose
July 16, 2010 by vivowriter · Leave a Comment
People always associate rose with beauty. The flower has been used as a beauty enhancer since times immemorial. Remember Cleopatra’s famous rose milk bath?
The retinoic acid found in rose helps to regenerate dead skin cells. The healing and harmonizing properties of rose have no equal. Rose works miraculously especially on dull, dreary and aging skin. It helps to lend a unique pink glow on your face. Furthermore the flower gives off a very delightful scent. It is this combination of inherent beauty qualities and enchanting smell that makes Rose the king of all flowers.
The beauty secrets of rose are accepted unanimously across different cultures and countries. Almost every beauty concoction makes use of rose in one form or the other. Anti aging products especially contain substantial amounts of rose oils. Rose extracts help to make skin taut and healthy. As such, people who are dealing with the problem of drooping facial skin must use such products that essentially contain rose extracts.
Readymade anti-aging rose facial masks are readily available. Rose contains such essential constituents that help to tighten the skin and make it look baby-soft. The wondrous flower is also equipped with strong moisturizing and exfoliating agents. It adds a zest of freshness and sparkle on the face.
After peeling off the mask, you may choose to splash some rosewater on your face. It will enhance the effect of the facial mask.
Anti aging rose facials, rose tonics and rose petal creams are easily obtainable. If you indulge in treating your skin regularly with rose water, you can delay aging signs considerably. Daily usage of rose makes the skin soft and velvety. Rose can be used alone or it may also be used in combination with other beauty enhancing constituents. You will be amazed by the instant results!
