By Jack Bowles

The National Skin Care Institute brings you information and advice on natural skin care from some of the nation’’s leading dermatologists. You will find information about dry skin, other skin types, allergies, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis at their website.

Keep your pH balanced inside and out. A body that is too acidic tries to eliminate toxins through the skin. Skin that is too acidic becomes dry and cracked. Eczema flares can result from both. How do you keep your pH balanced? To handle the problem internally, get a pH testing kit from the drug store and adjust your diet appropriately. You can check the internet for the pH factor of various foods. Externally, avoid skin care products containing perfumes and fragrances. Natural or not, fragrances tend to be acidic and cause dry skin.

Stay dry and hydrated. The moisture that’’s good for the skin is the body’’s natural water content, not water from external sources. So, while you keep the body hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine and other dehydrating substances, you have to keep the skin from getting and staying wet. Wearing silk liners under outdoor gloves will help. Silk dries very quickly so your hands don”t sit in wet gloves - and when you”re handling household chemicals such as dish detergents and cleaning products, rubber gloves are the answer.

Use a shielding lotion. This breakthrough technology in skin care is now recommended by thousands of doctors for dry skin care and eczema treatment. It bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that locks in natural moisture, keeps out drying chemicals and protects your skin from harsh winter weather.

It is important to obtain well-informed information from a medical professional regarding your acne. Acne treatment requires patience as it usually takes between six to eight weeks of management before visible signs of improvement can be seen. One should follow an acne care regime prescribed by a doctor. Misinformation can have you using an ineffective remedy for a long period of time, in a desperate attempt to cure your acne.

Mistakes can waste time, ultimately making your acne last longer. Be persistent and work with the prescribed medications and stick with the instructions given to you by your doctor. Adult acne care is different from adolescent acne care, as the hormones going through ones body are different. Therefore don”t assume what you used to cure your teenage acne problem will cure your adult problems as well.

Natural skin care is the care of the skin (the largest organ of the body) using naturally-derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers (everything from natural soap to oils to pure water).

The classic definition of natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.

As a result of this definition, many people who use natural skin care products, generally make their own products at home from naturally occurring ingredients. While there are many wife’’s tales surrounding the beneifts of certain ingredients, scientific studies have proven that such ingredients as Chamomile have demonstrated healing and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. Many people use natural skin care recipes to make remedies to care for their skin at home.

Many spas and skin care salons now focus on using more naturally derived skin care products. Over the past ten years, several companies have been started to make available completely natural products to the general public.

So if you want to have a healthy skin, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, reduce stress, sleep well and eat healthy. As you age, the production of hormones and oil in the body slows down. Use external applications judiciously and rejuvenate your skin.

Remember organic fruits and vegetables vitalize the body; sour cream and yogurt contain lactic acid (a natural alpha hydroxy acid) which helps in exfoliation. Organic honey is good for any type of skin and fresh aloe Vera gel hydrates, detoxifies and revitalizes. Natural skin care is not as difficult as is often made out to be.

Natural skin care has its roots in the 4th millennium BC in China and the Middle East. It is believed that the Egyptians developed many natural skin care treatments for a variety of skin conditions. One such treatment consists of bullock’’s bile, whipped ostrich eggs, olive oil, dough and resin mixed with milk. In the modern age many people with unique skin types and needs (sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin) have turned to natural skin care solutions.

Some examples of natural skin care ingredients include jojoba, safflower oil, rose hip seed oil, shea butter, beeswax, witch hazel, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and chamomile. Many of these natural ingredient combinations can be tailored specific to the individual’’s skin type or skin condition.

Natural skin care goes beyond the application of products on one’’s skin. It also pertains to a holistic philosophy surrounding the holistic care of one’’s body. This includes the belief that what is ingested will affects all aspects of health, including the health of skin. People who use natural skin care products are less concerned with artificial beauty enhancements, as they feel that natural beauty is healthy beauty.

There is, however, no actual definition of natural according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All ingredients are chemicals by definition. “Derived” ingredients are unnatural both according to the original substance and the method of derivation.

The term natural has considerable market value in promoting skin care cosmetic products to consumers, but dermatologists say it has very little medical meaning and the FDA states the claim has no legal meaning. Despite pressure from advocacy groups such as The Environmental Working Group (EWG) the FDA has not defined what natural is or how to achieve it. Contrary to popular belief the FDA does not regulate the sale of skin care and cosmetic products before they are sold.

Whether you”re a veteran practitioner of holistic skin care or you”re just beginning, it’’s important to make sure you go about alternative skin care safely. Always read the label if you”re planning on applying a new product, and spot-test the product on your hand if possible. Also, don”t take any supplements internally without consulting your doctor to make sure it’’s safe.

About The Author

Jack Bowles is a former communications manager and Junior College Instructor, he is now a full time on line marketer who maintains several websites.
Skin Care Or this one for information on acne
Acne Guide