Got Discoloration? The Best Ingredients to Fade Skin

When I was in my late teens I broke out with severe adult on-set acne. The only saving grace was that it happened after high school! I incessantly picked, trying to get it off my face. Turns out, that was a bad idea. I ended up with massive acne scarring and discoloration and a desire to hide from public.Dont worry, there is a silver lining to this story! I spent years researching every possible skin treatment and trying out a good portion of them, from hydroquinone creams to fraxel lasers! After researching various treatments, I decided that natural was the only way to go since many of the top brands use harmful and even carcinogenic ingredients. Several countries have banned hydroquinone, and the FDA has proposed a ban on most prescription and over-the-counter hydroquinone products. And Fraxel is just too expensive. I wanted beautiful skin, but not at the expense of my internal health or my wallet!So I set out the find the best all natural, organic (when possible) and clinically proven ingredients that actually help renew and replenish skin from the inside out. After years of research, here is my list of the top skin fading ingredients:Alpha Arbutin is derived from the bearberry plant. It inhibits tyrosinase and thus prevents the formation of melanin. It promotes skin lightening and an even skin tone on all skin types.



Koji Acid is a depigmenting agent and fights age spots. It induces skin lightening and helps establish an even skin tone on all skin types.
Vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) is a potent anti-oxidant, it reduces hyperpigmentation including age spots, has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and soothing effects.
Licorice Extract lightens skin through inhibition of melanin formation and has strong anti-inflammatory compounds.
Avocado Oil is rich in Vitamins A, D, E and lecithin, as well as potassium, known as the youth mineral. It is high in sterolins, which reduces age spots, heals sun damage and scars and significantly increases the amount of collagen in skin.
Lemon Peel Oil contains citric and plant acids that work to cleanse, lighten and brighten the skin, remove dead skin, and stimulate new skin growth.
Aloe Vera has many benefits for skin, including skin lightening, due to its amino acid content. Aloe is very useful to remove dead skin cells, heal irritation, and brighten the skin.
Vitamins A (retinol palmitate), B3 (Niacinamide), B5 (d-Panthenol) and E all have regenerating properties and improve the appearance of aged, hyperpigmented and photodamaged skin.

Bladderwrack - The Weight Loss Seaweed

What is Bladderwrack?Bladderwrack is a type of kelp, or brown algae, that you can find at the beach when it washes up onto the shore. For centuries coastal peoples have thought of it as a tasty sea vegetable. Scientists have known it since the 18th century by its Latin name, Fucus vesiculosus.This kelp also has an extensive folk medical history. Its traditional use has mostly been for stimulating the thyroid as a treatment for cellulite and obesity. It also has been used for relieving pain from inflamed arthritic joints. More recently bladderwrack has been found to assist with lipid balance and obesity, where obesity is linked to thyroid problems.Bladderwrack provides an abundance of healthful minerals that it takes in from the sea. A partial list includes iodine, calcium, potassium, sulfur, sodium, magnesium, and silicon. It is also rich in an array of carotenes and certain B-complex vitamins.Health benefits from bladderwrack come from either internal or external use. The external use of bladderwrack provides iodine, which is a crucial mineral for every cell in your body. Unfortunately, it is rarely available in herbal skin care products. Iodine is one of the few minerals that absorbs right into the skin. In so doing, gets into the bloodstream quickly, from where it goes directly to the thyroid and many other glands and organs.Iodine DeficiencyDr. David Brownstein, author Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It, has found that nearly 95% of his patients are deficient in iodine. This means that the odds are that you are, too. If you have ever been stuck on a weight loss plateau, or if you have had a hard time even getting your weight loss going in the first place, it may be due to iodine deficiency.


You can test for your own iodine deficiency with a simple experiment at home. Just swab tincture of iodine in a small circle on an inner arm or thigh. (Tincture of iodine is available inexpensively at all drug stores.) Your body needs more iodine if the yellow-orange spot is absorbed quickly, within 1-3 hours.This is where organic skin care products with bladderwrack can help. Indeed, this is why such natural skin products are important for boosting metabolism for weight loss.Bladderwrack BonusA study in 2009 at Kingston University in London discovered the activities of several herb extracts for their ability to slow down two key enzymes that are responsible for skin aging, elastase and collagenase. These enzymes break down elastin and collagen, respectively, which are the key structural components of skin that give it elasticity and strength. Healthy elastin and collagen are key substances for maintaining youthful, wrinkle-free skin.Some of the results of this research were to be expected. Angelica and tea, for example, were two of the top herbs. Bladderwrack fared very well in comparison. In fact, it was ranked second, just after tea, for its combined anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities.

Being Healthy - One of My Favorite Tips for Overall Health (Part 3) - Honey

There are so many wonderful benefits of HONEY! It's not just a sweetener! Before we begin, there are different types of honey, so lets break it down a bit. Processed honey, that you typically buy at the grocery store is quite a bit cheaper than raw honey. Well there is a reason for that!Processed honey has no traces of pollen. Raw honey does have traces of pollen, so in turn, it can help build an immunity to allergens so its wonderful for allergy sufferers. Also, when honey is pasteurized and processed, it loses its beneficial vitamins and enzymes. So when I refer to the benefits of honey I am speaking of raw honey. Processed honey does not have the same benefits! My personal favorites are Manuka honey and local raw honey.So, what other uses does have honey have besides sweetening your tea???Honey is incredibly hydrating! Did you know that honey is natural humectant? That means it draws moisture into the skin. The humectant qualities of honey are incredible!Honey also has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties!The antimicrobial properties make it a super acne fighter! Most of the time, acne is caused by the build-up of oil and dirt on skin. Since honey absorbs impurities from the pores on the skin, it acts as a great cleanser. Honey is also a natural antiseptic, and soothes and heals your skin. Use it all over your face or troubled areas as a spot treatment and it will eat away at the bacteria! The result is clear skin!! Note: If your acne is caused by hormones or a reaction to something honey may not completely clear it.The antioxidants neutralize the free radicals that are responsible for the signs of aging! So start now and use it on a regular basis (three times a week) for beautiful smooth skin for years!


To treat your face with honey.. Simply wash your face then slather a layer of honey on your skin and leave for 15 min or as long as you like... And rinse with warm water.Also refer to the amazing honey scrub, in my post.. DIY Face and Body ScrubHoney can contribute to weight lossAdd honey, lemon and cinnamon to warm water and drink everyday on an empty stomach. This is a great way to cleanse your liver, remove toxins and flush fat! Honeys "sugar" affects the body differently than table sugar. Researchers have found that, in most people, honey helps with weight loss and prevents weight gain. Lemons have compounds called polyphenols that have been found to suppress weight gain and improve blood sugar levels. Cinnamon has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and improves insulin's ability to metabolize blood sugar.The combination makes for a great weight loss drink!This drink is also great for boosting your immune system! Drink everyday on an empty stomach to keep away the flu and common cold. For kids with night time cough or upper respiratory tract infection, take one to two tablespoons of honey before bed.Honey is antibacterial.This makes it wonderful for cuts, scrapes and burns. Applied topically, honey promotes rapid tissue repair. And keeps wounds sterile, preventing further infection.Honey soothes indigestion. The antiseptic properties of honey relieve acidity in the stomach and improve digestion. Honey also neutralizes gas and soothes your stomach! Take one or two tablespoons before a heavy meal to prevent indigestion. Or, add honey and lemon to warm water and drink after a heavy meal to help move food through the digestive tract.

How to Get Rid Of Bags Under Your Eyes Easily At Home

Under eye bags can be caused by many reasons such as allergies, lack of sleep, improper diet, and fluid retention. There are many natural ways to get rid of those eye bags and the resulting dark circles under your eyes. You won't need anything expensive as many common household items can work wonders on those dark under eye circles. Some of the common methods are:Use TeabagsTeabags are most effective for getting rid of droopy eyes quickly. If you are in a hurry, take two teabags, moisten them, and put them in the freezer for a few minutes. Then place these cold teabags under your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash your face gently afterwards. The puffy eyes will be gone and you will feel rejuvenated.You can also use teabags with hot water. Boil some water and put two teabags in it. After 2 minutes, take out the teabags and let them dry. Put the teabags under your eyes once they are cool enough. You can also use flavored teabags with peppermint or cardamom to get the benefit of aromatherapy which also soothes the nerves.Try CucumberThis is the oldest trick in the book. If you do not have anything else, peel a chilled cucumber, cut it into slices, and put the cucumber slices on and under the eyes. Keep the cucumber slices in place for about 30 minutes. The coolness of the chilled cucumber will provide relief.Drink WaterOne cause of under eye bags is consumption of salty food. Excess salt in the body attracts water to the face and it may lead to eye bags. One way to get rid of this condition is to drink water. Excess water in the body will help in flushing down the excess salt. So, keep drinking water and regain your fresh look.Get Allergy Medicine


If the eye bags under the eyes are the result of an allergic reaction, get simple OTC anti-allergy medication and say goodbye to those dark circles.Vitamin E OilIf you have vitamin E oil, use a few drops of the oil in chilled water. Dip cotton balls in the mix and place these under your eyes. Vitamin E provides the soothing effect and chilled water provides the coolness. You should get relief in approximately 20 - 25 minutes.Here are some more products you can use that you probably already have in your kitchen!EggsIf you have eggs in the house, use a pastry brush to paint some egg white under your eyes. Keep it on for about 20 minutes. It will make the skin tighter and reduce the bags.Frozen VegetablesYou can also use frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth to put on your eyes. The coolness will help with the swelling.Crushed Mint LeavesIf you have mint leaves in the house, crush a few mint leaves and put the paste on the dark circles under the eyes. Keep the paste on for 8 to 10 minutes for quick relief.RosewaterAnother remedy is rosewater. Dip some cotton balls in rosewater and place on your eyes for around 10 minutes. You do not need to wash your face afterwards.Almond OilRub a few drops of almond oil under your eyes before going to bed and you will wake up completely fresh and without any eye bags.Frozen TeaspoonsPlace four teaspoons in the refrigerator to chill and then put two of the chilled teaspoons on your eyes. Once their chill is gone, replace them with the pair in the refrigerator. Alternating the chilled teaspoons for around 30 minutes will bring relief.

Common and Effective Natural Ingredients

When it comes down to using natural products there are so many benefits to this, not only they are better for the environment and reduce health problems they also have amazing results for example:Natural oils and butters sink deep into the skin and moisturize, instead of leaving a deceptive, but non-nourishing coating like most synthetic products. The ingredients from the earth are much less likely to irritate your skin, although people with specific allergies should always use caution. Natural oils, such as sweet almond oil are very similar to the natural oil secreted by your skin. Fruit and other natural exfoliates gently remove dead skin, without the painful burning and peeling associated with chemical products. Many plant based formulations are healing and have the ability to reduce the appearance of burns, wounds, and stretch marks. Natural products can help you to gently reduce acne and blemishes.Natural oils and butters are pressed from the pits and seeds of various fruits; the oil is separated from the pulp and minimally processed into a usable moisturizer.Some of the most common and beneficial natural moisturizers are:Olive oil which is pressed from the olive pit and is one of the most versatile and beneficial oils. Not only used for cooking, olive oil is excellent as a skin and hair moisturizer. Olive oil is heavier than some other oils, but is filled with nutrients. Olive oil is very beneficial for those with dry skin, to use in exfoliating scrubs and to soften elbows and feet.Sweet almond oil is one of the most absorbent oils, as it is almost identical in makeup to your body's natural oil (sebum). It is light and has a slightly nutty aroma. This oil is usually well tolerated even for people with oily skin.Apricot kernel oil is a medium density oil that is frequently used in skin care preparations, or as a carrier oil for essentials oils (to dilute them). Apricot kernel oil is also beneficial used on its own, and is similar in scent to sweet almond oil.Avocado oil is a thick and pulpy feeling oil from the moisture-rich avocado pit. It contains many moisturizing agents and plumps up the skin. For this reason, avocado oil is often used in face scrubs and facial moisturizers.Shea butter is one of the most popular natural moisturizers and is a thick yellow or white butter that is solid at room temperature. However, it melts at body temperature when rubbing it between your palms, or on your skin. Shea butter has amazing moisturizing benefits and also helps to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Many people with thick hair also use Shea butter to lock in moisture and shine.Cocoa butter is another solid butter and has long been popular as a moisturizer for the lips and body. The cocoa like aroma is intoxicating, and the butter is often used to help fade dark marks and reduce the appearance of scars. Cocoa butter is often mixed with shea butter and other oils in skin care formulations.


Jojoba oil is a heavier oil and you only need a little to get a lot of moisture. Jojoba is great for soothing an irritated scalp, hair growth and to sooth the itchiness of eczema and psoriasis. Because of its thickness, Jojoba oil is often mixed with a thinner oil for a lighter consistency.Argan oil comes from Morocco and has been used for centuries as a natural beauty aid. The supple oil helps to smooth and prevent wrinkles and to increase collagen and elastin production. Argan is one of the more expensive natural oils, but well worth the price.Coconut oil is a very versatile oil and can be used for cooking, eaten by the spoonful for health, and used as a natural moisturizer. Coconut oil is a staple in Polynesian cultures and is revered for its beauty and anti-aging benefits.
There are also many plants and fruits that can benefit the skin like for example:Aloe Vera is one of the most universally renowned plants for healing burns and wounds, as well as providing moisture to the skin when applied topically. Aloe vera juice and gel can also be ingested to improve bowel function and overall health.Lemons are an excellent source of alpha hydroxy acids, which help to remove dull, dead skin. They are also rich in antioxidants, which combat free-radical damage. Lemons are also great for cleansing the skin and reducing hyper-pigmentation.Oranges contain Vitamin C, which helps to reduce and prevent wrinkles. Being from the citrus family, oranges are also rich in alpha hydroxy acids and are very beneficial for exfoliation.Avocado is a wonder fruit for the skin. Not only does avocado impart moisture and have anti-aging benefits, it also helps to reduce the appearance of sunburn and age spots. An avocado mashed up with honey makes an excellent moisturizing face mask.As far as exfoliates, there are different natural products that can do the work. We need to remember that exfoliating is very important for our skin that regenerates every 29 days. If the dead skin in not removed this will lead to a build up and a dull ashes complexion.As natural exfoliates a person could choose between different ingredients such as white and brown sugar, coffee and salt; these can be mixed with honey, aloe vera, glycerin or natural oils.These items not only gently remove dead skin, they have other benefits as well. Coffee for example has antioxidant properties and also helps to tighten the skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Sugar adds moisture to the skin as it exfoliates, and helps to reduce the appearance of hyper-pigmentation. Also, salt is detoxifying and draws out impurities from the skin. Using natural exfoliates is a gentle and healing addition to any skin care routine.

Finding a Skin Care Cream That Works

A person shopping for a skin care cream wants a cream that is going to deliver results. Wrinkles need ironed out. Deep lines need to be filled in. Maybe, those acne scars require some healing over as well. A cream can cover many factors. Shopping online gives a woman more chances to find that great face cream.What An Vitamin E Oil Cream Can Do?Women and men who feel self-conscious about the signs of aging or effects of the sun on their face can find relief in a great vitamin E oil cream. Companies are designing creams that are helping men and women look better than their age. The sun can take a real toll on the skin and sometimes a refresher is necessary. This means needing a cream can come at any age and should not be overlooked just because a person is considered too young to need a face cream.A vitamin E oil cream is going to rejuvenate the skin. It works as a moisturizer for dry, irritated skin. By giving the skin what it needs, people can decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The best vitamin E cream will include natural ingredients and have proven results.Natural IngredientsOne of the best ingredients is a vitamin E oil cream is the all-natural avocado. Skin care companies like to use avocado oil in their products because the fruit is jam packed with the skin essential vitamin E. The body does not naturally produce vitamin E, so the only way men and women can get this is either through pill form or topical application. When applied topically, vitamin E offers great results. The vitamin helps rebuild collagen, which breaks down over time. This smoothens out the rough patches.


Women and men dealing with acne will want to see something along the lines of grapefruit, orange, or tangerine in their product. All three work as a disinfectant of the skin and help reduce the occurrence of acne. They also help soften any damaged spots.Other ingredients people would like to have in a product include lavender, fennel, and even rose oil. These natural ingredients are gentle on the skin and do not have the same negative side effects as harsh chemicals.Reading Customer ReviewsSometimes, the best way to find what works is to see what other people are using. Reading customer reviews online is one way to see what is working and what is not. Learning from everyone else is going to save a lot of time and money. A customer testimonial can sometimes tell people more about the product than the company does. It all depends on the product and the company.While reading reviews, find out what the company stands for and if they stand by their product. Should something go awry, a woman wouldn't want to be left out high and dry with no customer support. Find a company that supports the goal and find a great vitamin E oil cream that works.

Learn How to Avoid Facial Spots From Mold

Every once in a while, folks breakout after too much sun, as well as dirt and mold in their residence, business or even boat. When a person experiences an inflammatory reaction on his or her facial skin, a rash often develops. Sometimes they take place on just a little area, while other times severe rashes can affect the entire body. It all depends on the underlying cause. They come in a wide variety of colors too, including red, purple and white. Rashes can be flat, and they can also be raised. Anybody can get a rash, regardless of skin color or age.There is no one reason that somebody gets a rash on his or her face. Unattractive face spots may appear because of a disease. Other times, folks get rashes due to skin conditions or disorders. People can have an extremely serious problem, like meningitis or allergic purpura, if the rash is made up of purple spots. Folks who get extremely serious allergies known as anaphylaxis get swelling in their throats, and breathing can become very difficult. It's best to see a health care professional to diagnose the precise reason for getting a facial rash.Unattractive acne on the face may not be life-threatening, but it's certainly undesirable for any man, woman or child. People's faces, necks, chests and groins contain tiny hair follicles that produce an oily substance known as sebum. Too much sebum causes one's sebaceous glands to expand, and as a direct result, pimples form. Symptoms of acne include small whiteheads and big red cysts full of pus. Rather than particular foods making face spots worse, common causes for acne include stressful situations, certain medications, cosmetics, a woman's period and pregnancy.


Every day, a variety of over the counter and prescription acne treatments are used to clear up folks' faces and prevent future breakouts. Regardless of the severity of a person's acne, there are certain tricks to preventing outbreaks. The first suggestion is drinking plenty of water. Downing eight glasses is suggested on a daily basis. Zinc, vitamin A, C and E are also recommended for achieving healthy skin. While some methods of removing ugly spots may work for some, they may not work on everybody. Just make sure you get rid of any mold in your house, business or marine vessel. Deleting face spots and achieving a clear complexion is often trial and error. Good luck!