Herbal Therapy for Acne Treatment

Because prevention is the best way to protect your skin from the scarring associated with severe acne, many dermatologists recommend that controlling problematic acne through diet, regular cleansing procedures, and herbal remedies, is the most effective way to combat the tendencies of skin that is prone to acne and acne-related scarring.

Treatments that accentuate the regulation of daily habits having to do with diet, physical exercise, mood control, and other activities, are known as holistic treatments. Holistic treatments often include herbal therapies.

Herbalists recommend the following herbal remedies for acne and scarring:

? Black currant seed oil taken in 500-milligram capsules three times a day for three months or until acne is diminished.

? Evening primrose oil taken in 500-milligram capsules three times a day for three months or until acne is diminished.

? Teas made from a combination of echinacea, tea tree oil, goldenseal, nettles, or calendula.

? Teas made from lavender or chamomile, to help reduce acne-causing stress.

? Chinese herbs such as cnidium seed and honeysuckle flower.

? Teas made from cumin, coriander, and fennel, steeped for 10 minutes in hot water and consumed three times a day after meals.

Some alternative medicine practitioners recommend using diet as a way to combat acne and acne-related scarring. These practitioners believe that diets high in beta-carotene help to reduce the factors that contribute to severe acne. Orange and yellow foods such as carrots, pumpkin, and cantaloupe are loaded with beta-carotene and should be a regular part of the diet of anyone suffering from acne and scarring.

Another dietary recommendation for acne-sufferers is to consume many bland foods such as oatmeal, rice, brown grains, and applesauce. These foods should be eaten instead of spicy foods and fried foods, which are believed by some practitioners to stimulate the hormones and glands that aggravate acne conditions.

A daily practice of yoga is commonly recommended as a way to increase the flow of blood to the face. This helps to flush acne-causing toxins and to provide your facial skin with natural nutrients that help to decrease the formation of acne and to heal scar tissue.

People who suffer from acne should also take care to perform some simple daily rituals that can help to reduce the occurrence of acne and scarring.

Dermatologists and alternative medicine practitioners suggest that acne-sufferers should wash the area twice daily with mild soap. Washing should be gentle. Scrubbing or grating the skin will only aggravate the condition and lead to scarring.

Hair should be washed thoroughly and regularly and should be kept away from the face and shoulders.

Acne sufferers should also avoid shaving as much as possible. When shaving, take care not to run the blade over blemishes. Always use a new blade so as not to spread infection.

Avoid wearing make-up and facial cosmetics. If you must, take care to use make-up that is hypoallergenic.

In order to prevent scarring, do not pop or squeeze pimples. Popping and squeezing pimples is tempting, but can easily cause infection and the development of unwanted scar tissue.

While many of these holistic therapies can be easily performed at home, it is a good idea to speak with your dermatologist or alternative medicine practitioner about the best holistic measures to take as a way to help with acne and acne-related scarring.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com', 100, 'Herbal Therapy for Acne Treatment, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Herbal Therapy for Acne Treatment plus articles and information on Acne

Lasers - A Modern Cosmetic Treatment For Acne Blemishes

The best way to protect your skin from acne-related scarring is to take preventative measures early on. But it is often true that people who suffer from acne are unable to prevent future scarring sufficiently. In fact, it is estimated that more than 10 million Americans end up with scarring caused by acne.

There are many degrees of acne-related scarring. In some cases, the scarring is very minimal and hard to notice. But in other cases, scarring is severe and can cause long-term emotional damage. Many teenagers who have severe scarring caused by acne suffer from depression and a loss of self-confidence. They may become emotionally withdrawn and isolated, unhappy with their appearance.

There are many different factors that contribute to the level of severity of acne-related scarring. Dermatological studies indicate that genetics may play a large role in determining how mild or severe an individual''s scarring may be. It is also evident that adolescents who suffer from particularly problematic acne may be more likely to have severe scarring in adulthood.

Luckily, many therapies and medical procedures have been developed to help ease acne-related scarring. The earlier someone begins appropriate treatment, the better the chance that scarring will be diminished.

Those who are considering undergoing therapy or medical procedures to combat acne-related scarring should discuss the possibilities with their dermatologists.

Laser treatment is one approach to help with acne-related scarring. There are two major kinds of lasers that are used in acne scar laser therapy. They are ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers.

Ablative lasers work by removing the outermost layers of the skin. These lasers burn scar tissue and cause a tightening in the dermal collagen. This reduces the visibility of the scarring. The yellow light laser, a sort of ablative laser, can help to treat keloidal scars by reducing redness and flattening the surface. Yellow light lasers also reduce itching of raised scars.

Laser treatments performed with ablative lasers actually injure the skin and leave it exposed without its outermost protective layers. Those who receive this sort of laser therapy must take extreme care to help wounds heal and prevent possible infection from occurring. The skin may appear reddened for a several months or even a year after the laser treatment. Non-ablative laser treatments affect the dermis directly and do not injure the outermost layers of skin, or the epidermis. Smoothbeam is a non-ablative laser recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Smoothbeam works by heating the sebum-producing sebaceous gland, which helps to reduce acne formation. Smoothbeam also heats the collagen, which causes a tightening in the dermis, making scarring less apparent,

Before non-ablative laser treatment is performed, a topical cream is applied to the skin. In order to prevent epidermal damage, the skin is cooled. The patient receiving this treatment will experience some stinging and some sensations of heat during the procedure, but the topical cream helps ease these sensations. The procedure lasts for about an hour. Three sessions are usually recommended to achieve noticeable improvement in acne-related scarring.

Because ablative and non-ablative laser treatments for acne-related scarring differ so much in their effects and side effects, those considering laser therapy should discuss the details of these procedures with their dermatologists.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com', 100, 'Lasers - A Modern Cosmetic Treatment For Acne Blemishes, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Lasers - A Modern Cosmetic Treatment For Acne Blemishes plus articles and information on Acne

Cow Juice and Acne

There is growing evidence that suggests that the consumption of cow''s milk can actually cause acne breakouts. There are many hormones, bioactive molecules, and other substances found in milk that have a direct relationship to the development of acne in humans.

One such substance is iodine. For people who have acne-prone skin, iodine can be a problem because it can stimulate pores into producing acne-causing oil. Dermatological studies have shown that 1,000 micrograms (or 1 milligram) of iodine a day can have acne-producing effects.

11% of milk samples gathered from over 150 dairy herds in the state of Wisconsin were found to contain over 1,000 micrograms of iodine per liter of milk. Iodine enters cow''s milk through milking equipment and through some medications given to milk-producing cows.

The hormone 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one hormone that is known to be a direct cause of acne flare-ups. DHT causes stimulation of the oil-making cells of human skin, which can cause acne.

While cow''s milk does not contain DHT, it contains many other hormones that are broken down into DHT. In fact, the volume of these hormones is particularly high in the milk of pregnant cows, which comprises 75% to 90% of the milk and dairy products found in supermarket coolers.

Many of the hormones found in the milk produced by pregnant cows also may break down to create androgen, a hormone that causes an increase in the production of sebum, the waxy material that is secreted by the sebaceous glands. Sebum is known to clog pores and to lead to acne breakouts.

In addition to the hormones found in cow''s milk, the fat, sugar, and animal proteins found in milk may also aggravate acne.

Research has shown that many of the foods commonly thought to be associated with acne, such as greasy french fries, oily pizza, or sugary chocolate, are not actually related to acne at all. Instead, it is milk and dairy products that are more likely to cause an increase in persistent acne breakouts.

Whole milk, reduced fat milk, and skim milk, are all equal in their potential to cause acne when consumed. Those who suffer from acne should also watch out for milk-based dairy products such as cottage cheese and cream cheese. Dairy products also often contain high levels of butterfat and milk sugars, both of which should be avoided by those who suffer from frequent acne breakouts.

Many dermatologists advise their patients to omit all milk and dairy products from their diets in an effort to minimize the appearance of acne. Patients who choose to adopt this method of acne-control, however, should be conscious that their milk and dairy-free diets have appropriate amounts of calcium. These people might consider taking a daily calcium supplement, and should talk with their doctors about how else they might compensate for the omission of milk and dairy products from their diets.

A clinical dermatological study conducted over 10 years concluded that milk contributed significantly to acne problems of a large percentage of the 1,088 teenagers who took part in the study. The study also showed marked improvements in the teens'' acne as they curbed their consumption of all milk and dairy products.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com', 100, 'Cow Juice and Acne, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Cow Juice and Acne plus articles and information on Acne

The Wonders of Green Tea- It can Help With Acne Care

Green tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. The craze for green tea exceeds taste, as this beverage-derived from the white-flowered plant, Camellia Sinensis-is continually proving its health and wellness benefits.

A native to Asia, green tea is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their ability to help fight diseases and maintaining healthy cell structure. Antioxidant research has shown that antioxidants help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, and can even lower blood cholesterol levels.

Researchers are now linking the antioxidants in green tea to acne prevention.

It has been long known that placing a warm tea bag on an acne blemish or similar growth will help to draw the toxins out of the lesion, promoting quicker heal times.

Current research has shown that green tea extracts fight bacteria, reduce redness and inflammation, and can deter hormone activity. All three of these symptoms are present in acne blemishes.

According to the findings reported to the American Academy of Dermatology by dermatologist Dr. Gan-Wong, when compounded into a cream with a content of 3% green tea extract, acne treatment results were comparable to using a topical solution containing 4% benzoyl peroxide, a common treatment for acne.

Dr. Gan-Wong''s findings were based on an independent study of just over 100 acne suffers. The test subjects were randomly split into two groups, with one group receiving the green tea treatment and the other receiving a benzoyl peroxide treatment. Neither group was aware of the treatment they received, nor were the dermatologist who documented their progress.

After a twelve week period, significant improvements in the reduction of acne and redness were noted in the patients using the green tea extract. The results were comparable to the results of the benzoyl peroxide users.

Additionally, dermatologist noted improvements in skin tone on the test subjects who were using green tea extract cream, and green tea users reported fewer cases of dry skin and allergic responses.

Thus, green tea extract cream had proven to offer the same benefits in the treatment of acne as benzoyl peroxide, with fewer side effects.

Benzoyl peroxide is a crystalline powder that is used in tire and plastic production as well as cosmetics. Benzoyl peroxide can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tracts, and is on OSHA''s hazardous substance list as a precaution against prolonged exposure.

What makes using green tea extract appealing as an acne treatment is that green tea is all natural.

Furthermore, it gives the holistic community a welcomed study on something that has been recommended by holistic healing practioneers for years. It is quite probable that green tea has MANY medicinal properties yet to be verified by western science. This seems very likely, considering the vast amount of anecdotal evidence regarding the healing properties of green tea.

So, on a holistic level, there is now one more scientifically backed treatment for acne available to those who want to avoid the harmful side effects of the various chemical acne treatments.

With this in mind, those who want to treat their acne, but hate the redness and irritation caused by using benzoyl peroxide and other chemicals on the skin, there is now a scientifically proven, all natural treatment. Green Tea!

BIO:
Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com', 100, 'The Wonders of Green Tea- It can Help With Acne Care, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'The Wonders of Green Tea- It can Help With Acne Care plus articles and information on Acne

Slash Your Acne Supplement Expenses with Food

Twenty-one year old Lydia Garcia faces an imminent dilemma- poverty or acne. Lydia religiously uses three herbs to keep her skin clear and she''s always on the prowl for supplements to augment her health. Just last week she read that the Chinese herb astragalus enhances the immune system. And now, Lydia ponders, "I think I want to take dandelion root and ginseng to ease my menstrual cramps." Yet Lydia''s salary as a receptionist barely covers her fanatical consumption of supplements.

You don''t have to spend a fortune on supplements when food provides all the nutrients you need to have clear skin. Herbs and supplements that provide support for clean skin typically offer the following benefits:

Boost the immune system

Enhance stress management

Cleanse the blood and liver, and

Aid in skin repair

A well-chosen diet can prove just as advantageous as supplements and herbs.

Foods that boost the immune system

Vitamin C

Oranges, grapefruits, papaya, green peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli

Vitamin E

Almonds, sunflowers seeds

Zinc

Wheat germ, black-eyed peas, lean beef, crab, oysters

Foods that enhance stress management

Vitamin B6

Legumes, whole grains, chicken, pork, bananas

Foods that cleanse the blood and liver

Garlic, onions, turmeric, cayenne pepper, aloe vera juice, watermelon

Bulk-producing foods

Oatmeal, apples, oranges, bran cereals

Foods that aid in skin repair

Protein

Nonfat dairy, beans, meat, poultry, fish, nuts

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Sardines, herring, salmon, tuna, walnuts

Selenium

Onion, garlic

Although herbs and dietary supplements offer a broad spectrum of benefits to the skin, it''s no fun looking fabulous if you can''t afford to go anywhere. So, save some cash and eat you way to clear skin.

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include "Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne" (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work "Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we''re still not getting this dieting thing" (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com', 100, 'Slash Your Acne Supplement Expenses with Food, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Slash Your Acne Supplement Expenses with Food plus articles and information on Acne

Remedying the Silly Ways Women Get Acne When Applying Makeup and Moisturizers

Women spend thousands of dollars to create a flawless face. Yet faulty or uninformed uses of moisturizers and makeup can lead to inexplicable breakouts for women.

The two key symbols to remember when applying makeup and moisturizers are cotton and the feather. Cotton symbolizes the need to use clean applicators when applying makeup. The feather represents light application of makeup and moisturizers.

Here are the four biggest mistakes women make in their beauty regime that can lead to acne and ways to remedy them.

1. Re-using a consealer applicator

You have a zit and you want to hide it. So what do you do? Dip your consealer applicator in the bottle and apply the liquid cover directly to the inflamed zit, right. No. Reapplying consealer to your face with the applicator provided by the manufacturer does one thing only, spread more bacteria. Once you apply the consealer to your face with the applicator wand, you simply return it to the bottle where the bacteria have a whole container in which to flourish. Giving bacteria a breeding ground is what causes acne in the first place, so don''t give them new real estate in which to reproduce.

Solution:
To avoid this, apply your consealer with a cotton swab and never, ever use the applicator stick provided by the consealer manufacturer. This will ensure that your consealer applications are always fresh and free of as much bacteria as possible.

2. Re-using a foundation sponge

The reasons for not re-using a foundation sponge are the same as the reason for not re-using a consearler applicator, you want to limit the spread of bacteria.

Solution:
Never use the foundation sponge provided by the manufacturer of the cosmetic. Instead, use a cotton ball to apply your foundation. This way, each of your foundation applications will be clean.

3. Applying moisturizers and makeup with a heavy hand.

Do you have the habit of piling layers of makeup onto your face? Caking on your makeup clogs your pores. Clogged pores are an ideal breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.

Solution:
Always lightly apply your makeup and moisturizer. One easy trick for assuring that you are applying your makeup and moisturizer lightly is that you feel a tickling sensation as you apply your cosmetics. The added benefit of light facial handling is that you reduce stretching and irritating your skin, a combination that can help limit the onset of wrinkles and acne breakouts.

4. Not evenly applying cosmetics

If you notice a collection of pimples surrounding your temple or hairline, this could be because you start applying the makeup or moisturizer at the bottom of your face and work your way upward. However, if the makeup or moisturizer collects on your temples or at the hairline, the cosmetic excess may clog the pores and cause zits.

Solution:
When applying makeup or a moisturizer, spread it evenly across the entire face. Keep in mind that hair styling agents may have spread to your hairline and this increases the chances of the pores getting congested and zits arising. Also, while cleansing your face, apply a warm cloth onto your hairline area to help remove the waxy build-up that comes from hair styling agents, moisturizers and makeup.

So next time you are applying makeup or your moisturizer, call to mind the feather and cotton, your metaphor for staying "light" and "clean" with your skin.

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include "Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne" (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work "Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we''re still not getting this dieting thing" (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com', 100, 'Remedying the Silly Ways Women Get Acne When Applying Makeup and Moisturizers, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Remedying the Silly Ways Women Get Acne When Applying Makeup and Moisturizers plus articles and information on Acne

Deep Peels for Acne: What it feels like to get burned

There I was. I had paid just under $400 dollars to get a bright, clear, zit and scar-free face. My appointment for a deep herbal skin peel had arrived. As my cognizant and trusted Russian aesthetician, Dana, glided me onto the spa bed, she warned, "This his going to hurt a lot, you must be strong."

Seconds later I am courageously, though mentally moaning to myself, ""Jesus! Uhhh! Iiiiiiiiiii! Help! It feels like she''''s rubbing glass into my face.""

"You''''re doing fine? Just a few more minutes and we''ll be done. Yes, it is tough to be beautiful", coached Dana.

"I am out of my body, I am out of my body. I am free. I feel easy, light? Crap! This is not working, it still hurts like hell", I whimpered to myself.

A satanic eternity later, Dana was done. And all the Heavens rejoiced in my cosmetic liberation. To all appearances, Dana took my face from scarred and acneic to blistered and tamale red in a matter of 7 minutes.

"Here, take these home and use them as I have instructed. You must do as I say or you will damage your skin and it will not look like baby new skin when you return in four days. Be extremely careful with your skin, it is very fragile now, be gentle with it. Do not scrub or wash your skin for the next three days. Use only the materials that I have given you."

Dana''''s words were all I could think about in the coming hours. As I rushed home from the spa looking like a red version of the Blue Men, I congratulated myself for following through on a decision that took over a year to make.

For the next three days I avoided the sun like a bat and hid away from society. If I did have to face the sun, even just for a few seconds, I slathered my skin with a physical sun block that contained titanium oxide that Dana gave me.

Day One After the Deep Peel:

My face is no longer red. It became extremely dry. My face is like a fish out of water, scaly. I use the thick cream Dana gave me as she foretold, "Your skin will become very dry and then begin to peel off in chunks. And then you will have nice, new and beautiful skin like a baby."

Day Two After the Deep Peel:

"It has begun! It has begun!" I scream like a mad scientist. The moment I was waiting for- my skin began peeling off in chunks. I could just lightly rub my face and dry scales of skin would come off. It was amazing all day long this was happening. Scales of dry skin coming off my face. It did not hurt. It was just amazing to witness first hand.

Day Three After the Deep Peel:

More of day-two type activity. My skin is peeling like crazy. I''m a happy because I can already tell that most of my scars are gone.

Day Four After the Deep Peel:

I return to see Dana. She gives me a facial to remove the excess dead skin cells from my face. Afterwards, Dana and I are both amazed at the results. She bemoans, "I wished I had taken a before and after picture, you look completely different now. Your skin is beautiful!"

I agreed with her 150%. I had new clear skin that was as soft and firm as a newborn baby''s face.

This deep peel turned out to be a hasty move on my part, because just a few months later, my skin was just as scarred with zits as it was before I started the deep peel. I realized that I needed to have my acne under control before proceeding with serious, and not to mention expensive, skin treatments. I advise the same to all. Make sure your zit break outs are few and far between before you spend your money on scar removal.

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include "Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne" (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work "Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we''re still not getting this dieting thing" (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com', 100, 'Deep Peels for Acne: What it feels like to get burned, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Deep Peels for Acne: What it feels like to get burned plus articles and information on Acne

Save Money On Acne Cleansers

My first education on how to buy acne skin care products came from Johnson & Johnson and Noxema. They had their models wash their clear complexions with the perfect acne cleanser and then, once the suds vanished, the models were dancing around so happy not having to worry about zits.

Alas, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and most other acne washes do not wash away zits.

One trap to fall into with cleansers is over cleansing, which can aggravate acne. The next trap, which is common, is to expect too much from one product.

For example, benzoyl peroxide works by destroying excess acne provoking bacteria. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and clears the pores, which reduces the chances for waste buildup in the pores and producing a zit.

If you have severe acne like I did, over the counter acne washes cannot provide the amount of bacteria control and exfoliation you need to keep acne at bay.

It''s like trying to empty a bathtub with a teaspoon instead of just unplugging the water clog. Severe acne requires regulating the skin on an internal and external level. You can regulate the growth of excess bacteria on the face and body in a number of ways.

1. Decrease or control your stress response.

Stress sets off a series of hormonal reactions that can ultimately produce excess oil on the face and provide an ideal environment for excess acne-causing bacteria growth on the face.

2. Moderate sugar consumption.

Excess sugar, like stress, moves the hormones to excrete more oil on the face. It''s not the chocolate the causes the acne, just the collective hormonal response of a sugar overload.

3. Take a multi-vitamin.

It may sound silly, or trivial, but taking a multivitamin can provide vital nutrients that boosts the immune system and help you manage stress better. Collectively, strong immunity and stress control help reduce acne breakouts.

I learned these three points the hard way. Trial and error and buying a lot of acne skin care products. If your at a loss about choosing an acne product, I can only say this, high price does not guarantee high quality. When I used Oxy 10 for instance, I found it worked just as well as products that costs 5 times as much. One drawback is that these drying products are not ideal for maturing skin. If you are battling acne and wrinkles, I suggest using essential oils to combat acne flair-ups such as tea tree or eucalyptus oil.

On a final note, if you''ve been using an acne cleanser for months with no noticeable improvement in your skin, I suggest trying to regulate you skin''s condition from the inside, with sound nutrition and relaxation.

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include "Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne" (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work "Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we''re still not getting this dieting thing" (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com', 100, 'Save Money On Acne Cleansers, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Save Money On Acne Cleansers plus articles and information on Acne

Adult Acne Treatment ? Simple Solutions

Are you one of the millions of adults who have acne? Many adults are dealing with acne, the first signs of wrinkles and grey hair all at the same time ? talk about physical and emotional tolls. Life just seems too unfair at times. Fortunately, there are some simple solutions for treating acne. Really. You don''t have to live with it.

To properly treat acne, one must first understand what causes it. When hair follicles and sebaceous glands become inflamed acne follows soon after. Sebum is an oily substance made by the sebaceous glands. Bacterial growth and inflammation result when too much sebum is produced. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the four basic mechanisms contributing to acne are hormones, increased sebum production, changes inside hair follicles, and bacteria.

These simple solutions require persistence and consistency.

First things first, talk to a Dermatologist. A Dermatologist can provide you with the best solutions for you based on your medical history, age, skin type etc. Depending on the severity of your acne and your individual circumstances, your Dermatologist may want to prescribe an antibiotic, a vitamin A derivative like Isotretinoin, or one of the other acne drugs now available.

Use non-comedogenic products. Non-comedogenic basically means - not likely to block the pores of the skin, or cause blackheads or acne. There are many non-comedogenic products available today, including, makeup, foundation, moisturizers, sunscreen, lip stick, etc. If it''s something that you apply to your skin you should be able to find a non-comedogenic version. In fact, you can also find non-comedogenic and medicated makeup with acne fighting ingredients like, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur. These products shouldn''t clog your pores and should help treat acne.

Proper skin care is also very important. Gently washing with a facial cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur will also kill the bacteria that causes acne. Proactiv Solution is one such product that is used my millions of people ? with great results. Whatever product you decide to use, do not scrub your face as this can irritate your skin and make your acne worse.

Even though there is no cure for acne, there are several effective methods available today to treat it. By discussing your acne with a Dermatologist you can determine the best course of action for you. In the mean time, keep your chin up ? there are treatments available that will help you with your acne situation. Imagine waking up one morning and noticing how clear your face is becoming. It really is a great feeling!

Kay Smith is the webmaster of BestAcneSolutions.com which provides information, product reviews and news on acne and acne related products.', 100, 'Adult Acne Treatment ? Simple Solutions, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Adult Acne Treatment ? Simple Solutions plus articles and information on Acne

Dairy Products and the Possible Effects Related to Acne

Continuing research into the causes of acne has brought to the forefront information related to diet and acne. There is new evidence that confirm the old wives tale of dairy and acne breakouts. Recent science now believes it is possible that milk, and dairy products in general, can contribute to acne breakouts

While not a new theory, there is increasing evidence that dairy products may contribute to acne outbreaks in teens and adults. While leading dermatologists disagree over whether or not fats in our diet contribute to acne, and in this case, the fats contained in milk and other dairy products, they all overwhelmingly agree that hormonal imbalance is the main cause of acne. Consuming dairy products means ingesting the hormones produced by the cow during milk production.

Approximately 80% of all acne sufferers in the United States are teenagers. This is because during the pubescent years, an overload of hormones floods the system, particularly the hormone 5 alpha dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

This hormone is known to be the primary trigger, in both males and females, for the release of fatty secretions from the sebaceous glands. These secretions combine with bacteria and other contaminants, clogging the pores and setting the stage for an acne outbreak. This hormonal imbalance is also prevalent in women as part of their menstrual cycle, causing monthly acne breakouts.

The theory of dairy products contribution to acne outbreaks was put to the test in the 1960s by a dermatologist from Pasadena, California, named Dr. Jerome Fisher. Doctor Fisher studied the dietary history of over 1000 acne patients from the Pasadena area and observed that the patients who suffered most from acne outbreaks consumed greater amounts of milk and dairy products than those who did not.

Dr. Fisher then began a ten year study of teen-age acne sufferers, again noting a correlation between milk intake and acne. His findings were reported to the American Dermatological Association (ADA), stating that as milk consumption decreased, so did acne outbreaks.

It is also believed that dairy products may contain excessive levels of iodine. Iodine has the potential to irritate the pores and can enter the blood system through milk supplies containing iodine. While iodine is not naturally present in milk, it is believed that it enters the milk through contaminated milking equipment and some medications that are administered to cows. Research performed at various dairy farms throughout the Midwest confirmed the assumption.

It is also possible that diary has a bigger effect on acne in women, or teens, than on men or adults in general. Though there has been no scientific evidence to confirm this, many of the dairy and acne studies conducted recently involved young women who drank both regular milk and skim milk. So, the jury is still out with regards to just who can contribute an acne breakout to a bowl of cereal in the morning.

The easiest way to determine if dairy products are contributing to your acne outbreaks is to refrain from consuming dairy related products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream. If abstaining from these products reduces the occurrence of acne outbreaks, diet modification should be considered to help control future instances of acne.

BIO:
Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com', 100, 'Dairy Products and the Possible Effects Related to Acne, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Dairy Products and the Possible Effects Related to Acne plus articles and information on Acne

More Ways to Deal With Acne

The "cures" for acne vary dependant on the type and severity of acne. The truth is, there is currently no cure for acne, only treatments. Some people have success treating their acne with over the counter topical medications, and others require a combination of prescription oral and topical treatments. These medications treat the symptoms of acne (the inflammation) and help to prevent future breakouts but do not address the cause of acne.

There are several commonly known contributors to acne outbreaks and most of these conditions can be controlled.

Stress ? When we are under stress, one of the ways our body responds is by releasing hormones such as cortisol and androgen, causing a hormonal imbalance. Additionally, the sebaceous gland releases fatty secretions that can contribute to pore clogging. While stress in our daily lives is unavoidable, stress management techniques to help elevate tension levels and disperse cortisol levels are helpful to the prevention of acne.

Diet ? The myth about greasy foods contributing to acne breakouts is just that, a myth. However, a poor diet that robs our bodies of essential vitamins and minerals can contribute to acne breakouts. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, and Magnesium are important to healthy skin cells, hormonal balance, and maintaining a strong immune system. Taking a multivitamin that contains 100% of the recommended allotment of these vitamins and minerals is helpful to the prevention of acne.

Caffeine ? Coffee, tea, and soft drinks that contain caffeine can contribute to acne breakouts. Caffeine has been shown to contribute to the production of cortisol.

Skin Condition ? People who have unbalanced skin, meaning it is either too dry or too oily are more likely to have acne breakouts. Some people have what is known as combination skin, where some areas are dry, and others are oily. Using a face cleansing regiment that works to establish balanced skin helps to keep acne outbreaks under control.

Genetics ? Genetics quite probably play the biggest role of all in determining who develops acne, how much, and over what period of time in life. Unfortunately, we are just barely beginning to scratch the surface in genetic research, and any solutions or treatments for acne that are developed on a genetic level are probably many years away

It is also wise to note that hygiene does NOT play a big role (if any role at all) in contributing to acne breakouts. Of course, it is a good idea to wash one''s face daily, using an oil-free face wash or moisturizing bar. However, no direct link has been found between acne and poor hygiene. So forget the stereotypes. Face and body washing (or lack there of), contribute very little, if anything at all to acne.

However, in spite of what we don''t know about acne, there are many acne treatments that for most people, can work as an acne "cure". These range from prescription medications like Retin-A and Accutane, to herbal and holistic treatments like green tea cream or tea tree oil.

Remember, always consult a dermatologist before using anything to treat acne, or any other condition. This will not only keep one safe, but a dermatologist can help advise on the best treatment to take the acne away faster, and more effectively!

BIO:
Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com', 100, 'More Ways to Deal With Acne, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'More Ways to Deal With Acne plus articles and information on Acne

Different Ways of Dealing With Acne

Types of Acne

Acne is a general term used to describe the result of plugged pores on the face, back, or chest. Generally characterized by red bumps and whiteheads, acne also includes blackheads and lumps that form beneath the skin.

The following conditions are generally referred to as acne, but each condition has particular traits.

Comedo ? The condition when a sebaceous follicle becomes clogged with a combination of sebum (released from the sebaceous gland under the skin), dead skin cells, tiny hairs, dirt, oil, and bacteria. When the comedo is open and exposed to oxygen from the air, it becomes dark in appearance, forming what is commonly known as a blackhead. A closed comedo forms a small bump beneath the skin, and takes on a skin tone or slightly white appearance, commonly known as a whitehead.

Papule ? A small, solid bump that elevates slightly above the skin surface. Typically the coloring of a papule matches that of the skin. Several papules grouped together are rough to the tough, having an almost sandpaper type feel to them.

Pustule ? A small, fluid filled bump that elevates above the skin surface and is topped by puss. This bump is filled with a mixture of white blood cells, bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells.

Nodule ? Similar to a papule, nodules are solid bumps that elevate slightly above the skin. The main difference is that a nodule also develops deep into skin layers and is one of the leading causes of scaring from acne. This type of acne can be very painful and is more difficult to treat than other forms.

Cyst - Similar to a pustule, a cyst is a fluid filled bump that elevates above the skin and is topped by puss. A cyst is also filled with a mixture of white blood cells, bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells and becomes severely inflamed. A cyst will form deeper into the skin layers and can be quite painful and is the other leading cause of scaring from acne. Like nodule acne, a cyst can be difficult to treat.

Macule ? The red or pinkish spot left after an acne lesion has healed. Depending on the severity of the initial lesion, the discoloration may last for a few days to a few weeks before subsiding.

The problem is, most people lump all these various types of acne into one group, and just call it acne. This wouldn''t be an issue, except that they each react differently to various forms of treatment, and what works for one will not necessarily work for all.

This is further complicated because some people experience more than one form of acne at a time. It is very common to have both a pustule outbreak, and a cystic outbreak simultainously.

Because of these facts about acne, treatment is not always simple and straightforward. Benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil are usually a safe bet when first trying to treat acne. Some people will never need anything more than this. However, for those of you who have tried 1, several, or many treatments without success, it may be helpful to determine the types of acne you suffer from, and treat each type as suggested by a dermatologist.

Again, there is no 100% acne fix. However, knowing the type of acne you suffer from can help you find a treatment that will work best for you.

BIO:

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com', 100, 'Different Ways of Dealing With Acne, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Different Ways of Dealing With Acne plus articles and information on Acne

Prevention and Treatment for Acne Scars

While it may sound elementary, the first place to start with acne scar treatment is prevention.

Most people cannot predict when they will have an acne outbreak or how severe that outbreak will be. If you suffer from acne outbreaks, having a good preventive treatment regiment is a proactive way to keep acne minimized, reducing the risk of scarring in the first place. It is as washing your hands to help prevent spreading germs.

Among all of the factors that can contribute to acne outbreaks, heredity is part of the mix. Additionally, heredity plays a factor in the amount of scarring you will receive from acne, or in other words, your ability to heal.

Almost all acne sufferers will develop some form of scarring, from mild to severe. The earlier in life that acne treatment is initiated, the more likely scarring will be minimized.

Acne scarring is the end result of the body''s healing process. The decrease of elastic fibers in the skin combined with thickened collagen groups that grow excessively contribute to scar tissue.

There are two types of scar:

Hypertropic Scars are the thick and discolored scars that show above the normal surface of the skin.

Keloid scars are discolored scars at the skin level or below and grow outward from the initial injury similar to a stretch mark.

There are several treatment options available to help reduce or eliminate the visible signs of scarring from acne.

Topical Solutions ? Several topical solutions are available. These ointments are applied to the damaged area and are designed to hydrate the skin and remove dead skin cells, which allows for skin cell rejuvenation and replenishment, reducing or eliminating the appearance of scars.

Silicone Sheets ? Modern research has shown that silicone is an effective treatment in scar removal. While the science of how it works is not completely understood, several companies manufacture silicone sheets and silicone based treatments that are designed to minimize or eliminate the appearance of acne scars.

Microdermabrasion ? In microdermabrasion, a dermatologist uses a hand held buffing wheel and a special abrasive cream to remove the surface layer of the skin. When the new skin grows in, it is healthier and has more elasticity than the old skin, reducing or eliminating the visible signs of scarring.

Chemical Peels ? A chemical peel uses a chemical solution of Phenol, Trichloroacetic Acid, and Alphahydroxy acids to remove the outer layers of damaged skin. Similar to microdermabraision and laser resurfacing, new skin cells replace the removed damaged cells, reducing or eliminating the visible signs of scarring.

Laser Resurfacing ? Performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon, a concentrated laser beam is targeted on the treatment area. As the laser energy penetrates the skin, it vaporizes the water and the surface layer of skin, leaving the deeper layers untouched. Laser resurfacing also helps to restore the elasticity of the skin by shortening the collagen fibers that are contained in the skin layers, reducing or eliminating the visible signs of scarring.

Always be sure to consult a dermatologist before undergoing and treatment for scarring. However, all of these treatments have been proven to be effective, so once you find the right one, it is just a matter of time before the scarring is reduced or eliminated!

BIO:
Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com', 100, 'Prevention and Treatment for Acne Scars, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Prevention and Treatment for Acne Scars plus articles and information on Acne

Curing Acne Naturally - Effective Herbal Acne Treatments

Chances are, if you find yourself reading this article, you have suffered the feelings of embarassment, self-consciousness and insecurity an acne breakout can bring on in what seems like the blink of an eye. Suddenly, you find yourself checking the mirror every hour on the hour, hoping the blemishes on your face have spontaneously cleared and you can breathe a sigh of relief. You feel sure that everyone you come in contact with is zooming in on each and every blemish, and why wouldn''t they be? It''s certainly the first thing YOU see when you look in the mirror!

Now, imagine you experience this exact scenario every day of your life, as many men and women do who suffer chronic adult acne, far beyond the "acne prone" years of adolescence. The fact is, acne remains a very real and persistent problem in today''s society for men and women, teenagers and adults, and instead of going away or getting better, it seems to be more prominent and more severe than ever. What this can be attributed to is the subject of much debate in the medical and dermatological community. Higher stress levels? More hormones and synthetic chemicals in our foods? Genes? Changing diets? It''s anyone''s guess, but the fact remains that acne is a very real cause for emotional distress, self-consciousness and insecurity for many, and it shows no signs of getting better.

With the advent of modern dermatology and medical science, there have been some excellent new products that combine modern science and nature to form a hybrid product superior to many of it''s prescription counterparts, and highly effective for many who have found that traditional treatments failed them in the long run. The aim of these products is to facilitate hormonal balance, therefore targeting acne at the source, from the inside, rather than the outside alone.

These herbal acne medicines have proven highly effective in combatting acne by "cleansing" the skin from the inside, getting to the source of the problem by balancing the natural testosterone and estrogen found within the male and female body. Excess testosterone and excess estrogen are the primary causes of acne, hence the most common years for acne breakouts are the teenage years of hormonal turmoil.

Natural acne products can actually clear the skin for good, only requiring occasional follow up treatments, whereas conventional methods can require constant treatment, and the results disappear as soon as the individual weens themselves off the medicine. Also, many acne treatments prescribed by doctors or dermatologists are antibiotic in nature. Continuous antibiotic treatment can actually result in antibiotic resistance in the body, meaning when you really need your body to respond to antibiotic treatment, such as in illness, it may have built a tolerance and need more powerful meds to respond correctly. Some prescribed acne medications can even be dangerous, and are to be taken only for the most severe cases of acne and with the utmost caution (Acutane).

These treatments and systems are designed to target the hormones, balancing them in many cases for good, and requiring little or no follow up treatment or monitoring. They can work for people (myself a case-in-point), who have had every other conventional acne treatment fail them time and time again, or become ineffective over time.

Overall, herbal acne remedies have proven to be a highly effective and cost effective alternative for countless acne sufferers. Why not try it, and join the Clear Skin Club?

Danna Schneider is the webmaster of the beauty review and advice website CosmeticsGalore.com ( http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com ). She is a cosmetics, cosmeceutical and beauty product researcher and enthusiast. Additional acne information and acne product reviews can be found at http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/acuzine-reviews.html .', 100, 'Curing Acne Naturally - Effective Herbal Acne Treatments, Acne, Acne articles, Acne information, about Acne, what is Acne, Acne Information', 'Curing Acne Naturally - Effective Herbal Acne Treatments plus articles and information on Acne

Fashion Marketing 101

In a nutshell, fashion marketing is a profession that takes the latest trends and designs in clothing and communicates them to a target market in such a way that the consumer is not only aware of the product, but wants to and ultimately does buy the product. A target market is a sector of the consumer market to which a company wishes to sell (i.e. market) its clothing. To fully know what fashion marketing is, it is important to understand that marketing does not stop at ads in magazines or commercials on TV. The world of marketing is just as dynamic as the world of fashion. Marketing clothing includes elements such as determining which stores the apparel should be sold in, what price the clothing should be sold for-all the way to how the in-store displays should look. Fashion marketers often are as savvy about business as they are about fashion and popular culture.

Fashion marketers are creative. At the core, the profession is about connecting with the image-the lifestyle-the consumer wants. For example, in the fashion industry, comfort, style, material, color, symmetry, and usability are just the beginning of a list of elements designers must consider when developing a line of clothing. Fashion marketers take the task a step further by determining the best way to promote the characteristics of the clothing to the consumer and to which group of consumers to promote it to. What a 65 year-old female is looking for from a piece of formal eveningwear is completely different from what a 21 year-old male wants from casual everyday wear. Consequently, fashion marketers must stay abreast with the latest fashions as well as know what styles will be successful for a variety of occasions, age groups and demographics.

Fashion marketers play an essential role within the fashion industry because they are the link between designers and the public. The success of a line of clothing does not rest solely on its design. Often, successful marketing is just as crucial, if not more so, to the line as the actual clothing itself. This is because marketing is the tool through which the designer identifies with the public, and the public identifies with the designer. Without this exchange, it would be difficult to establish the consumer base required to have a successful line of clothing.

Ultimately, fashion marketing is a fun profession-changing and reinventing itself just as often as the clothes it promotes. It integrates the artistic nature of fashion with the creative aspects of business-making for a highly rewarding career to the ambitious and innovative.

Amie Pronowski writes about style topics such as fashion marketing.', 148, 'Fashion Marketing 101, Fashion-Style, Fashion-Style articles, Fashion-Style information, about Fashion-Style, what is Fashion-Style, Fashion & Style Information', 'Fashion Marketing 101 plus articles and information on Fashion-Style

Diamonds Are Forever

Diamond jewelry: diamond rings, diamond earrings, diamond pendants and diamond bracelets are some of the most sought after gemstone creations. Your eyes tell you how beautiful a piece of diamond jewelry is, but how do you know you are getting your money''s worth?

A little knowledge can go a long way to help you purchase a beautiful piece of diamond jewelry at a fair price.

Diamond Jewelry 101

A diamond''s value is based on four criteria: color, cut, clarity, and carat. The clarity and color of a diamond usually are graded. However, scales are not uniform: a clarity grade of "slightly included" may represent a different grade on one grading system versus another, depending on the terms used in the scale. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color or clarity of the diamond you''re considering. A diamond can be described as "flawless" only if it has no visible surface or internal imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

As with other gems, diamond weight usually is stated in carats. Diamond weight may be described in decimal or fractional parts of a carat. If the weight is given in decimal parts of a carat, the figure should be accurate to the last decimal place. For example, ".30 carat" could represent a diamond that weighs between .295 - .304 carat. Some retailers describe diamond weight in fractions and use the fraction to represent a range of weights. For example, a diamond described as 1/2 carat could weigh between .47 - .54 carat. If diamond weight is stated as fractional parts of a carat, the retailer should disclose two things: that the weight is not exact, and the reasonable range of weight for each fraction or the weight tolerance being used.

Some diamonds may be treated to improve their appearance in similar ways as other gemstones. Since these treatments improve the clarity of the diamond, some jewelers refer to them as clarity enhancement. One type of treatment - fracture filling - conceals cracks in diamonds by filling them with a foreign substance. This filling may not be permanent and jewelers should tell you if the diamond you''re considering has been fracture-filled.

Another treatment - lasering - involves the use of a laser beam to improve the appearance of diamonds that have black inclusions or spots. A laser beam is aimed at the inclusion. Acid is then forced through a tiny tunnel made by the laser beam to remove the inclusion. Lasering is permanent and a laser-drilled stone does not require special care.

While a laser-drilled diamond may appear as beautiful as a comparable untreated stone, it may not be as valuable. That''s because an untreated stone of the same quality is rarer and therefore more valuable. Jewelers should tell you whether the diamond you''re considering has been laser-drilled.

Imitation diamonds, such as cubic zirconia, resemble diamonds in appearance but are much less costly. Certain laboratory-created gemstones, such as lab-created moissanite, also resemble diamonds and may not be adequately detected by the instruments originally used to identify cubic zirconia. Ask your jeweler if he has the current testing equipment to distinguish between diamonds and other lab-created stones.

When shopping for diamond jewelry online, apply these tips.

1. Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it.

2. Take advantage of information and referrals from an internet company you have come to trust.

3. Get the details about the product, as well as the merchant''s refund and return policies, before you buy.

4. Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com', 148, 'Diamonds Are Forever, Fashion-Style, Fashion-Style articles, Fashion-Style information, about Fashion-Style, what is Fashion-Style, Fashion & Style Information', 'Diamonds Are Forever plus articles and information on Fashion-Style

Women?s Guide: Fashion Trends for Summer 2005

If you are like me and many others the warm weather motivates you to do or try new things. It even inspires you to pay more attention to your overall appearance. But, before you go shopping I suggest you take a look at this list to see what is in style.

? Cropped pants ? If you see pants that are too long to classify in the shorts category and too short to qualify as the regular long pants those are referred as cropped pants. They fit inches below the knee but, are placed above the ankle.

? Natural hair ? Good news for ladies with curly or wavy hair. Curls are in; all you have to do is wash your hairs apply some gel or mousse and blow dry with a diffuser. For define curls utilize hair rollers.

? Color crazy- Bright colors are in for 2005. Some of the most common are kiwi, turquoise, coral, fuchsia, mango, yellow, aqua, melon, violet and many more? Do not ignore some of the regular pastel colors such as light pink. White should always be in your ward robe during the summer season.

? Knee length skirts- They come in all styles from pleated to form fitting.

? Cuffed pants- Many of the cuffed pants are also cropped.

? Tunics- They will not only give you a different look. You will also feel comfortable and cool.

? Prints, patterns and stripes, embroidered etc. are in this summer. So, do not be afraid to buy a blouse with floral print (any type of prints).

? About the fabric- Silk is definitely in style. Do not be surprise to see a lot of lace jewels, beads, rhinestones etc. on clothes.

? Accessorize- You will find anything from drop earrings to beaded and wooded jewelry. Other very popular accessories are brooches, variety of buckle belts, pendants, neck silk scarfs and many more. Just make sure that you do not over accessorize.

? Shoes- Comfort is also chic now. I have never seen such a variety of thong sandals. Mules, flip flops, flats, and moccasins are "a la mode" also. Wedges are good for the ladies that like to wear higher shoes; they are comfortable as long as you are able to sustain balance.

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com "For Every Aspect of Today''s Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics" click here http://www.kpatra.com/keniascolumn.htm to find Kenia''s little piece of heaven her inspirational column', 148, 'Women?s Guide: Fashion Trends for Summer 2005, Fashion-Style, Fashion-Style articles, Fashion-Style information, about Fashion-Style, what is Fashion-Style, Fashion & Style Information', 'Women?s Guide: Fashion Trends for Summer 2005 plus articles and information on Fashion-Style

What is Your Fashion Style?

When it comes to clothing do you usually stick to one particular style or should you be called a fashion scientist due to the tremendous amount of attention you pay to trends. It can also be possible that you are not aware of your personal style. Whether you are aware of your style or not read this guide to learn a little bit more about it and what changes you can make (if desire).

1. Sexy Lexis- Lexis is all about wearing clothes that reveal skin such as cleavage and fit extra tight. She may feel that conservative or unrevealing clothing are only for older people. Lexis might need to learn when to tone down her sexy image. For example: She should avoid walking in to church wearing a blouse with a plunging neckline. Unless, she is ready to receive a few dirty looks.

2. Care-Lesley- She wonders: What is Fashion? Can I eat with cheese? She really does not know what the latest trend is and frankly can care less. Lesley should try something new once in a while just for fun and avoid getting stuck on a specific style.

3. Rebellious Chica-She makes her own rules when it comes to fashion. Avoids to all extends looking like everyone else. Just like sexy lexis some circumstances will require toning down her personal style. On a job interview she should conform to the expected attire standards. At least until she lands the job.

4. Fashion Diva-Her middle name is style. Always on top of her image and hates to be seen more than once wearing an outfit. Keeping up with fashion trends can get quite expensive. She needs to watch her finances closely in order to avoid overspending.

5. Sporty Lady- She loves her jeans and sneakers and will not go anywhere with out them. She should play dress up once in a while. This will help her look and feel better, even if the changes are temporary.

6. Comfy Carmen-Carmen is all about comfort. She chooses her attire based on the way it feels. She should steer away from bulky looking shoes that will make her feet look wider or bigger and clothing that fit too loosely. Clothes that are too big will make anyone look heavier and older.

7. Elegant Elenin- Elenin is always dress to impress. She will not allow anyone to see her dressed down. However, it will be beneficial for her to loosen up or dress comfortably once in a while. People can not look perfect all the time.

8. Stuck in time- This type of person does not remember the last time she bought a piece of clothing. She will not stop wearing her clothes until it has a hole in it. She should avoid using the same clothing for too many years until it comes back in style (20 years later).

9. Balanced Brianna- She probably has one of the other personal styles mentioned in this guide but, understands clearly the certain situations require she dresses up or down. She will not be hesitant to try a new style as long as it does not make her look like a fool.

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com "For Every Aspect of Today''s Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics" click here http://www.kpatra.com/keniascolumn.htm to find Kenia''s little piece of heaven her inspirational column', 148, 'What is Your Fashion Style?, Fashion-Style, Fashion-Style articles, Fashion-Style information, about Fashion-Style, what is Fashion-Style, Fashion & Style Information', 'What is Your Fashion Style? plus articles and information on Fashion-Style

Fads and Fashions

"Following the crowd" is something that we have all been guilty of. But new investors are more likely to "follow the crowd" and fall in love with the latest fad. This is a great risk, and a dangerous one. Newer investors tend to be particularly attracted to fads and fashions in investing. Remember the internet bubble back in the 90s? So many people lost money buying in at the end of the cycle. Of course, those who bought in early made great profits, but these investors often bought in on fundamentals, not hype.

As investors, we look toward the "next big thing." Sometimes this motivation leads us right into a Red Alert zone. The investment mess from the internet bubble is just one example. History is full of stories like the Tulip Craze in Holland back in the 17th century. These crazes cause people to follow each other over an investment cliff without thinking, like lemmings on a Science Channel special.

Think about the clothing industry and its fashions. History shows that the "latest" trend lasts only a short time. So, while investing in trendy clothing stores may bring short-term success, the failure is often even more spectacular?and inevitable. Typically, by the time we learn about a "new" trend, it''s already "so last season".

We can even get hurt in fashion trends that are not immediately visible. Oh sure, athletic shoes are every bit as popular as they''ve ever been. Or are they? Over the past 5 years, hiking shoes have snuck up on the "sneaks" in popularity. That''s right, hiking boots and shoes are in; tennis shoes and sneakers are out. But instead of buying stocks from Timberland, think about Nike as a long-term stable investment instead. Anyhoo, it''s probably too late to buy Timberland now. The fashion trend has already had its day. But because of this experience we can expect new footwear trends to show up. It may be too late to adapt, it''s nearly impossible to keep up, and by the time we figure out where the trend is headed, we''ve probably missed the stock price rise.

So how do we avoid the mistake of buying out of sheer excitement? The answer is simple. Look for companies that are bor-ing. Investing in apparently dull companies can actually be beneficial. Boring companies normally don''t have share prices that are puffed-up by mood swings and emotional buying. We''re simply buying an income stream ? the most affordable way to invest. Also, the company''s future prospects are more secure, because they aren''t at risk of missing a major shift.

Okay let''s face it. Owning a firm in Ohio that makes widgets for industrial fasteners is not as "cool" as discussing your ownership of Tiffany''s, or the latest nanotechnology corporation in Silicon Valley. But guess what? That widget-producing firm in the heartland will be more dependable, and will probably provide a better return on your money. And isn''t that why you''re investing anyway?

Now, we''re not telling you to avoid trends altogether. Trends are important to investing. In fact, if you can get in ahead of the curve, there are great short-term opportunities when you buy in to fads. But here, we''re usually playing the "greater fool theory": we assume that someone else will pay more than we did, even when we know it isn''t worth it. I mean, many of us made money in the internet days playing this game, but if someone else saw the fad first, we could be wasting our money.

There''s no harm in buying stocks that might become "popular" in the future, if you can predict future fads, and then sell them after they become overpriced. But to remain sane and safe, stick to companies with solid fundamentals: earnings, stable growth, strong balance sheet, etc. In other words, only buy companies that are good values with good prospects. If a company carries some attraction for fad-followers, so much the better. But don''t pay extra just because of the "bling-bling" and the "glam" appeal. Fads and fashions are unpredictable ? make no mistake. Don''t buy the stock unless you''d want to own it even if your fashion prediction falls flat. If it still looks good ? even if your guesses about tastes are wrong ? then maybe it''s a worthy holding.

Successful investing is not just finding profit opportunities, but keeping your losses to a minimum. Don''t buy stocks that have no substance. Stay away from the bling!

Scott Pearson is an investment advisor, writer, editor, instructor, and business leader. As President and Chief Investment Officer of Value View Financial Corp., he offers investment management services to a wide variety of clients. His own newsletter, Investor''s Value View, is distributed worldwide and provides general money tips and investment advice to readers both internationally, and in the U.S. http://www.valueview.net

Scott Pearson can be reached for questions and comments directly at scott@valueview.net or by visiting www.valueview.net.', 148, 'Fads and Fashions, Fashion-Style, Fashion-Style articles, Fashion-Style information, about Fashion-Style, what is Fashion-Style, Fashion & Style Information', 'Fads and Fashions plus articles and information on Fashion-Style

Color Contact Lenses - an Easy Way to Change Your Look!

Want to change something about your appearance? How about your eye color? You would be amazed how eye color affects your image. Find out what color contacts can do for your appearance and see how to get the best out of them

Color contact lenses options

Enhancement contact lenses are designed to enhance the color of light eyes. They don''t change your color, but give your eyes a light blue, aqua or green tint. Enhancement color lenses make your eye color brighter and more defined.

The most popular enhancement color contacts are Acuvue 2 Colors Enhancers by Johnson & Johnson and Freshlook Dimensions by Ciba Vision. Freshlook Radiance is also a very interesting design; these lenses create an illuminating effect. Enhancement color contacts only work on light eyes; on dark eyes they will not have any effect at all.

Opaque color contacts completely change the color of your eyes. They work equally well for light and dark eyes. Even if you have a very dark brown eyes, opaque color contacts like Freshlook Colorblends can transform your color into sapphire blue or jade green.

The color of an opaque color lens isn''t solid - it has an imprinted pattern that simulates the natural pattern of a human eye. High quality opaque color contacts like Acuvue 2 Color opaque or Freshlook Colorblends look very realistic. People would be amazed by what beautiful blue, green or amethyst eyes you have.

Costume color contacts are always Halloween favorites. While the contacts mentioned above are designed to give your eyes a different but realistic looking color, costume lenses can give you cat''s eyes or werewolf eyes, while complete whiteouts are perfect for the effect of blind eyes. And who said that you can only wear costume color contacts for a costume party? It can be a real fun to wear them when going to the club, or just at school or work with otherwise ordinary clothes. With a pair of cat''s eyes, you are guaranteed to be noticed.

Most costume contacts only cover the color area of your eye. However, there are also scleral color contacts that cover the visible portion of your eye. Scleral lenses can produce unbelievable effects. The most popular costume contacts are Crazy Lenses by Cooper Vision and Wild Eyes by Ciba Vision.

All brand-name color and costume contact lenses are available with corrective powers as well as in plano (no correction) This means that if your eyesight isn''t perfect and you wear corrective contact lenses anyway, you can get color lenses with corrective powers and kill two birds with one stone.

Color contact lenses wearing advice

You should follow the same rules as for regular contact lenses - wash your hands before putting color lenses in, clean the lenses each time you use them and store them in a contact lens case in a special solution.

Color lenses are like your tooth or hair brash, and should not be shared with other people

You should put your make-up on after the lenses are in. If you use hairspray, do it before you put the lenses in, or shut your eyes very tightly while spraying.

Use only a mild multipurpose solution for cleaning your color contacts; never use

peroxide based solutions. And don''t rub the lenses - it can damage the color

If you don''t wear your lenses often, change the solution they are stored in at least once a week

Don''t wear your color contacts for longer than 8 hours at a time

Your eyes and your hair are probably the two things most people notice first. And with color contacts you can have any eye color you want. Try them, and I am sure you will see many men turning their heads when you pass.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide, which provides you with information about all types of contact lenses including color contact lenses photos and reviews', 111, 'Color Contact Lenses - an Easy Way to Change Your Look!, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Color Contact Lenses - an Easy Way to Change Your Look! plus articles and information on Beauty

Make-up for Color Contact Lenses - Expert Secrets

Color contacts are great, whether you wear enhancement color lenses to brighten your natural color or opaques to change it completely. However, you will also need to apply some eye make-up to get the best effect from your lenses. There are a few eye make-up secrets that will make your new eyes really stand out.

The shadow colors you will need to use depend on your skin color and the color of your colored contact lenses.

For women with fair skin

For green color contacts neutral or pale shadow in green or blue-green varieties are best. If you get blue or turquoise contacts use blue shadow, but a shade lighter than the color of your contacts. For amethyst, violet or gray color contacts, lavender shadows work great.

Use gray or brown eyeliner rather than black - it looks more natural on fair skin. And smooth the line under your eye, so it doesn''t look too sharp. Also, if your color lenses are blue or turquoise, try blue mascara. It will give your eyes a really deep blue color.

For women with medium skin

With warm, medium-dark skin and green, blue or violet contacts, neutral shadows like taupe, browns or plums look best. For amethyst or turquoise color lenses, use dark lavender or plum eye shadow with a hint of silver across the eyelid.

Dark skin make-up suggestions

Amethyst, sapphire blue and green color lenses are magnificent on women with dark skin. If you apply bronze shadow in the crease, green eyes would look very deep. Mauve or deep brown shadows will do a good job emphasizing your blue or amethyst colored contact lenses. With aqua or turquoise lenses, try amber shadows across the top eyelid.

No matter what color contacts you wear, they will make your eyes bright and noticeable. Your eye make-up shouldn''t be too bright though; it shouldn''t overpower the new brilliance of your eye color.

Lipstick is also important in emphasizing your eye color. Neutral color lipsticks won''t do anything for your eyes. Most varieties of pink and bright, but light, red, on the other hand, would make your eyes stand out.

Eye make-up should be applied after your color contacts are already in place. Otherwise tiny particles of your mascara or eye shadow can get under your lenses and irritate your eyes. You should take your lenses off before you start removing make-up.

Use high quality mascara, so it doesn''t brush onto your lenses. Otherwise your eyes will feel very uncomfortable. Water-based mascaras are recommended. Also look carefully at the mascara label; some brands have a "safe for contact lens wearers" mark.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide, which provides you with information about all types of contact lenses including color contact lenses reviews and photos', 111, 'Make-up for Color Contact Lenses - Expert Secrets, Beauty, Beauty articles, Beauty information, about Beauty, what is Beauty, Beauty Information', 'Make-up for Color Contact Lenses - Expert Secrets plus articles and information on Beauty

Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance?

The effectiveness of modern hair loss treatments is clear for all to see, but many people simply prefer not to use strong chemicals or non-natural substances.

If you fall into this category, does this mean you''ll just have to accept an ever-decreasing head of hair? The answer to this is an unequivocal NO!

Many natural hair loss remedies, both traditional and contemporary, have shown their worth in reducing and reversing hair loss. They are also perceived as being free from side effects and even deliver additional health benefits.

Why then, don''t we hear a lot more about these natural hair loss remedies? Simply because claims of cures cannot be made without FDA approval, and obtaining the FDA seal of approval involves lengthy and expensive scientific research that only major companies can afford. Even the biggest companies could not recoup the costs of such a process as no-one can control the rights to common natural substances such as basic foods and vitamins.

The big question however is, do natural hair loss remedies work? Firstly, hair growth at root level is a living part of the body that depends on sound nutrition, just like any other part of the body. The importance of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional elements in maintaining healthy hair cannot be disputed.

Secondly, the role of herbs and plants in treating numerous ailments is receiving increased recognition after years of neglect, and hair loss is no exception. Many herbal remedies for both internal and external use are offering new hope to people suffering from premature hair loss.

Thirdly, traditional hair loss remedies may still have something to offer. Ancient literature and folklore reveal that our ancestors went to great lengths to treat thinning hair. Some of the more acceptable traditional approaches are now being incorporated into many potential treatment regimes.

Other articles in this series tackle each of these areas in much more detail but you can find out more now by visiting the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Natural Hair Loss Remedies to find out more about the issues covered in this article.', 156, 'Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance?, Hair-Loss, Hair-Loss articles, Hair-Loss information, about Hair-Loss, what is Hair-Loss, Hair Loss Information', 'Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance? plus articles and information on Hair-Loss

Treatment Options Available To Hair Loss Sufferers

The hair loss treatments outlined here cannot provide definitive cures for all hair loss conditions, but they do represent regimes that many sufferers have found useful. In other words, they are examples of potential solutions that many patients have chosen after honestly assessing the causes of their hair loss together with their expectations.

This article will focus on four basic approaches:

1. A drugs based approach for those who don''t mind taking strong medications.

2. A commercial product approach for those who prefer a non-drug solution but who still want a treatment that has a track record.

3. A natural remedy approach for those who prefer to follow the natural route.

4. A nutritional approach for those who wish to adopt a more holistic perspective.

It remains a fact that only two hair loss treatments have been approved by the FDA and both can be classed as strong drug-based medications. Propecia (finasteride) is the treatment of choice for many men with good reason - it tends to work! It is a powerful drug that inhibits the formation of DHT in the system, eventually to a level that is sufficiently low to encourage a normal growth cycle. Rogaine (minoxidil) acts differently in that it stimulates hair growth in both men and women by overriding the prevailing hair loss symptoms. These drugs can be used either on their own or in combination. Women should seek professional medical advice before using Propecia.

The world of commercial hair loss products is much less clear cut and it is here that many scamsters ply their trade to rip-off unsuspecting customers. The best advice I can give here is research, research, and more research! Many useful products are available on the market but none have been approved by the FDA. Probably the best, and certainly most popular, commercially available products are those containing natural ingredients that have been shown in field trials to reduce hair loss and encourage regrowth. You can find out more about these products by visiting the site listed at the end of this article.

Increasingly, people are turning to natural hair loss remedies as they seek to combat thinning hair. This has an obvious appeal for many sufferers and there is growing evidence to support the view that some natural remedies may be effective in curtailing hair loss. The most popular ingredients of natural hair loss treatments include ginko biloba, green tea, he shou wu, pygeum, saw palmetto and stinging nettle. Each of these is described in more detail in an supplementary article entitled "Herbal Remedies That Offer Hope".

It is becoming increasingly evident that poor nutrition and modern lifestyles can have a negative impact on health, and hair loss is no exception. At the most basic level, improved nutrition can minimize shedding and support other treatments that encourage regrowth. This can be achieved by:

- eating adequate amounts of protein.

- eating appropriate levels of useful carbohydrates.

- achieving a healthy balance of dietary fats.

Other articles in this series will examine these issues in greater detail but in the meantime you can find out more by visiting the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Hair Loss Treatments to find out more about the issues covered in this article.', 156, 'Treatment Options Available To Hair Loss Sufferers, Hair-Loss, Hair-Loss articles, Hair-Loss information, about Hair-Loss, what is Hair-Loss, Hair Loss Information', 'Treatment Options Available To Hair Loss Sufferers plus articles and information on Hair-Loss