Troubled with these common skin problems

Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The major factors responsible for lines and wrinkles from aging are loss of collagen, elasticity and the fat within the deep layers of the skin decreases. Pre-mature aging can be attributed to over exposure to the sun. UV light breaks down your skin's connective tissue, i.e. collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin. Without the supportive connective tissue, your skin loses its strength and flexibility thus causing sagging and wrinkled skin. In addition, stress, hormones, heredity, and environmental factors also play a significant part.


In order to reduce fine lines and wrinkles from forming and diminishing the ones you have, exfoliation is recommended to stimulate blood flow and slough off dead skin cells. Additionally a rich moisturizing cream is recommended to fully hydrate the skin during the night and a moisturizer with SPF of at least 15 during the day to protect the skin.

Also consider facial masks. They are great for hydrating deep within the skin. Get some clay masks recipes here.

Enlarged or Distended Pores
Enlarged or distended pores (blackheads) are due to trapped debris in the pores. The debris is a combination of dead skin cells and sebum (oil). The debris causes the pore to stretch or buildup and produce blackheads. Facial cleansers that exfoliate are recommended for enlarged or distended pores. The exfoliating ingredient will open the pore and the cleanser will clean out the pore(s). Consider adding a bit of cornmeal to your cleansing cream for a great scrub.

Read my post here on Shine "Blackheads be Gone" and get a simple recipe to make blackhead remover strips.

If large pores are really troublesome for you consider a pore minimizer, there are masks, washes, etc. Check out the pore minimizer products.


Brown Spots aka Age Spots
Brown spots are caused from over exposure to the sun. The sun causes the cells that produce melanin to react and protect the inner layers of the skin. Melanin is the product that the body produces to get a tan. Natural ingredients such as lemon or other fruit juices will lighten brown spots however they will take a few months.

Kitchen recipe to lighten age/brown spots - Lemon juice has a bleaching agent that will lighten sunspots. Dab a cotton ball of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the brown spots in the morning and evening. Note - lemon juice is photo-sensitive so use in the evening.

There are also good bleaching products on the market made with hydroquinone, a key ingredient to reduce the appearance of excess pigment caused by aging, hormonal changes and sun damage. Get brown spot remover here.

Blemishes
Blemishes are usually due in part to the over production of sebum (oil) which can be attributed to stress, hormonal changes and even environmental factors. Mild to moderate breakouts, characterized by less than seven pimples a month, can be treated with over the counter products. There is one specific ingredient that is particularly effective in treating blemishes - salicylic acid. This is actually an efficient exfoliate that dissolves skin oil. In addition to over the counter remedies for blemishes there are a number of natural make at home products that are quite beneficial and not as harsh.

Redness on the Skin
Rosacea is a condition that first appears as a flushing or subtle redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. It then progresses from intermittent mild redness to persistent ruddiness as well as permanent, dilated blood vessels and acne-like bumps. Rosacea is not curable, but it responds well to treatment. Furthermore, there are over-the-counter treatments available and natural home remedies.

For great skin care products to address all skin care issues visit Skin Energizer, and at 15% off they have some pretty good prices!

For wonderful homemade skin care recipes, including body scrubs, toners, facial peels, clay masks, etc., visit Complete Skin Care Therapy