Jan 13

Preventing Scarring And Healing Your Skin With Aromatherapy Oils

Health & Fitness No Comments »

Author: Misty Rae Cech, ND -
Source: articledashboard.com

Pure essential oils have a long history of use in natural skin care. These wonderful phytochemicals provide a great breadth of natural, medicinal components well-known for healing damaged skin, as well as reducing the appearance of old scars from wounds, acne and other incidents. Essential oil blends for these applications are gentle, safe for regular use, and have a wonderful aroma to boot!

There are a few primary oils used in skin repair; additional oils may be added to your liking (to improve aroma, or add further skin-supportive properties), but here, we’ll concentrate just on the commonly used oils for skin damage. First, and possibly most important, is Helichrysum Italicum, also known as Everlasting. This oil with a lovely earthy aroma is distilled from the brightly-colored, daisy-like flowers of a strongly aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean region. Helichrysum is one of the most highly regarded oils in aromatherapy for it’s broad range of healing properties for body tissues. It is strongly anti-inflammatory, and has a high concentration of regenerative diketones found only in this oil. It is a bit more expensive due to it’s low yield in processing, but produces it’s wonderful effects in very small doses.

Helichrysum is the foundation of many blends for healing the skin, and can be used by itself in a synergistic carrier oil such as Rosehip seed. This combination may be all that is needed to speed the healing of recent wounds – though often a little Lavender oil is added as well. Kurt Schnaubelt, one of America’s leading aromatherapists notes in his quintessential guide “Advanced Aromatherapy” that Helichrysum essential oil and Rosehip seed can “heal wounds with minimal or no scarring”.

As mentioned above, Lavender is often included in skin care blends – it has gentle anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerative properties, along with very soothing, anti-anxiety aroma. Lavender essential oil itself began the modern aromatherapy revolution when a scientist burned his hand in a laboratory accident, and after cooling the wound in a beaker of Lavender found the wound to heal remarkably quickly. It is also thought to ’synergize’ or improve the efficacy of other essential oils in combination.

Next up is the essential oil distilled from the leaves of common Sage, or Salvia officinalis. Sage is used in low concentrations in very specific conditions – where the scars are old and require a little extra phytochemical power to heal. Sage oil can bring circulation to the area, and can assist the scarred area of the skin to regenerate, particularly in concert with other oils. Sage can be used in stretch mark formulas, but should only be employed post-partum because of the high thujone content of the oil.

Rosemary is an essential oil with a wonderful aroma that is used in many skin care blends. The Verbenone chemotype is called for here as, like Helichrysum and Lavender, contains regenerating ketones (the Cineol type does not). Rosemary will also stimulate cellular metabolism, improving the nutrition and waste cycling of skin cells.

Finally, these essential oils need to be diluted carrier oils, which are seed or nut oils made up of fatty acids. These oils help the skin absorb the essential oils, and provide important nutritive oils to help the skin heal and look its best. The most important is Rosehip Seed oil, cold-pressed from Rosehip Seeds native to mountainous regions of South America. In addition to its unsaturated fatty acids, this oil contains natural vitamin A compounds similar in effect to the pharmaceutical preparation Retin-A but without the over drying or redness that often accompanies its use. Hazelnut oil is also a wonderful carrier well tolerated by all skin types; its gentle astringent qualites prevent the skin from feeling oil upon application.

Now for the recipes. For effective wound healing of recent cuts and scrapes (and has been used successfully on surgical incisions), to 1 ounce Hazelnut oil and 1 ounce Rosehip seed oil add 1 milliliter of Helichrysum essential oil and 1 milliliter of Lavender essential oil – apply twice a day for 7 to 10 days. For older scars from wounds or acne, including keloid scars, replace the Lavender in the previous recipe with Sage essential oil. Apply regularly for 3 to 6 months. For the healing of stretch marks, post partum, use 1 ounce Rosehip seed and 1 ounce Hazelnut oil with 1 milliliter Sage essential oil and 2 milliliters with Rosemary Verbenone essential oil; again use for 3 to 6 months.

So these are just a few skin care formulas commonly used in aromatherapy. Many more exist for a great variety of skin conditions – there is much information available on the internet or in bookstores. Remember, when creating your own blends, be conservative with the amounts of essential oils – they do work in small amounts. Also, it’s always fun to add to these recipes one or more of your favorite aromatic oils – Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose or other oils can add a lovely complex aroma to the blend; one that you’ll enjoy wearing. Be creative, be safe and have fun!

Tagged with: • • • •
Dec 10

Using Essential Oils To Effectively Heal Wounds And Smooth Scars And Stretch Marks

Uncategorized No Comments »

Author: br
Source: articledashboard.combr
br
Trends in health and beauty are placing more trust in the efficacy of natural and organic ingredients. Skin care is no exception, with more women coming to realize the purity of what they put on their skin is as important as that of what they eat. The skin is the largest organ, and is generally permeable to substances placed on it. This is particularly important in healing wounds, for the skin may be broken and more sensitive. Enter essential oils; these powerful plant derived medicines have been used for many years for treating skin conditions, enhancing beauty and promoting wellness. Oils have been found particularly useful for regenerating skin that has suffered from accidents or surgery, or has their remaining signs in the form of keloid, acne, or other scars. Certain essential oil blends can speed healing time, reduce or eliminate scars from recent wounds and even greatly diminish the appearance of old ones.

There are a few primary oils used in skin repair. Additional oils may be added to your liking (to improve aroma, or add further skin-supportive properties), but here, well concentrate just on the commonly used oils for skin damage. First, and likely most important, is Helichrysum Italicum, also known as Everlasting. This oil with a lovely earthy and floral aroma is distilled from the brightly-colored, daisy-like flowers native to the Mediterranean region. Helichrysum is highly regarded in medical aromatherapy for its range of healing properties. It is strongly anti-inflammatory, and has a high concentration of regenerative diketones found only in this oil. It is a bit more expensive due to its low yield in processing, but produces its wonderful effects in very small doses.

Helichrysum essential oil is the cornerstone for many blends for healing the skin, and is the only one necessary for supporting currently healing skin damage – it should be used at appropriate concentrations with Rosehip Seed and Hazelnut oils, as mentioned later in this article. As noted by well-known aromatherapist Kurt Schnaubelt, The triple unsaturated fatty acids (of Rosehip Seed oil) strengthen the cell membranes and, combined with the regenerative qualities of Everlasting oil (Helichrysum), heal wounds with minimal or no scarring.

Lavender essential oil is another very commonly used aromatic with a pleasant, soothing aroma and well-known healing effects. The specific type of lavender oil is distilled from the flowers of the Lavendula angustifolia species. It is included in many skin care blends as it also contains ketone molecules which stimulate tissue regeneration. Lavender, also like Helichrysum, is an anti-inflammatory, and is generally thought to bring synergy (enhancing the overal effect) to essential oil blends.

The essential oil distilled from common Sage is included for skin damage that is old – where the healing happened some time ago and has left some unsightly scars. Thie oil can be effective on keloid scars, acne scars, etc, though application need be regular and should continue for 3 to 6 months. Sage oil is used to break up the scar tissue and to stimulate regeneration with its powerful components. Sage oil should be used with great care and in small amounts. Sage is included for post-partum stretch mark treatment; it should not be used during pregnancy.

Rosemary is the final essential oil well cover here for skin healing and scar treatment. Rosemary of the Verbenone chemotype (rather than Cineol, which does not have the same properties) contains regenerative ketones like Lavender and Helichrysum, plus has the added benefit of stimulating the skins metabolic process. Rosemary will improve the nutrient flow into skin cells, and speed the elimintation of metabolic wastes as well.

All these essential oils should be diluted in carrier oils, different than essential oils in that they are made up of fatty acids, rather than volatile aromatic compounds. Carrier oils help the skin absorb the essential oils, and provide important nutrients to help the skin heal and look its best. The most important is Rosehip seed, pressed from the seeds (suprise!) of Rosehips grown in the mountains of Chile. In addition to healthy unsaturated fatty acids, the oil contains natural vitamin A compounds similar to the pharmaceutical preparation Retin-A but without the over drying or redness that often accompanies its use. Hazelnut oil is also a wonderful carrier well tolerated by all skin types; its gentle astringent qualities prevent the skin from feeling oily upon application.

Now for the recipes. For effective wound healing of recent cuts and scrapes (and for surgical incisions), in 1 ounce Hazelnut oil and 1 ounce Rosehip seed oil add 1 milliliter (25 drops) of Helichrysum essential oil and 1 milliliter of Lavender essential oil – apply twice a day for 7 to 10 days. For acne and keloid scarring, Sage is used in place of Lavender in the previous formula. Apply regularly for 3 to 6 months. For the healing of stretch marks post partum, use 1 ounce Rosehip seed and 1 ounce Hazelnut oil with 1 milliliter Sage essential oil and 2 milliliters with Rosemary Verbenone essential oil; again use for 3 to 6 months.

These effective recipes are derived from the French medical aromatherapy liturature specifically for wound healing applications. With some research, you will find wonderful recipes using essential oils for a broad range of skin care applications – they work, and theyre heavenly to use! As with all aromatherapy use, go slowly, watch for any (rare) skin reactions, and remember that less is more with essential oils – almost all have been noted to work in very low, well tolerated concentrations./pbr
br
br
br

Tagged with: • • • •
Dec 06

Did You Know That This Caused Acne!

Uncategorized No Comments »

Author: Jameson Brandonbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
br
Causes of Acne

Acne develops as a result of blockages in follicles, usually on the face or occasionally on the torso. The formation of a plug of keratin and sebum (a microcomedo) is the earliest change seen at the outbreak of acne. Enlargement of sebaceous glands and an increase in sebum production occurs with increased androgen (DHEA-S) production at adrenarche. The microcomedo may enlarge to form an open comedo (blackhead) or closed comedo (whitehead). In these conditions the naturally occurring largely commensual bacteria Propionibacterium acnes can cause inflammation, leading to inflammatory lesions (papules, infected pustules, or nodules) in the dermis around the microcomedo or comedo, which results in redness and may result in scarring or hyperpigmentation.

Exactly why some people get acne and some do not is not fully understood. It is known to be partly hereditary. What we do know is:

Family/Genetic history

The tendency to develop acne apparently runs in families. For example, school-age children with acne tend to have other members of their family with acne. A family history of acne is associated with an earlier occurrence of acne and an increased number of retentional acne lesions (visible acne symptoms).

Hormonal activity

Puberty causes an increase in male sex hormones called androgens causing the glands to get larger and make more sebum. Several other hormones have been linked to acne: the androgens testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), as well as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). In addition, acne-prone skin has been shown to be insulin resistant.

Bacteria in the pores

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the anaerobic bacterium that causes acne.

Use of anabolic steroids

Any medication containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates, or androgens can cause acne symptoms to worsen.

Exposure to certain chemical compounds

Acne is particularly linked to toxic exposure to dioxins, namely Chlorinated dioxins.

br
br
pFor information on a cutting edge acne product visit a target=_new href=http://www.acne-free-today.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.acne-free-today.com/a/pbr
br

Tagged with: • • • •
Dec 02

Understanding Acne Vulgaris

Uncategorized No Comments »

Author: Jason Rickard -br
Source: articledashboard.combr
br
There are several types of acne and all of them are not a sight to behold for some. Acne can be a real nuisance, especially if covers your face. Aside from what you know as pimples it would also be a good idea acquaint yourself with acne lesions so that you can take proper action once you they start to appear. Acne vulgaris is a certain type of pimple much like whiteheads, blackheads, papules, nodules, pustules and cysts.

Whiteheads are white bumps that start to appear on your face whenever oil, dead skin cells and bacteria are trapped in your pores. These are the ones that you would be tempted to pop. Popping a whitehead is sometimes unnecessary since they disappear quickly and have short life spans. They are also referred to as closed comedones.

If you see reddish and inflamed bumps, they are papules, another kind of acne vulagris. This acne has no head so you cannot just pop them out. Squeezing papules is not an option. Doing so can cause scarring and can lead to infection.

Acne that is similar to the characteristics of a whitehead is a pustule. You would notice a circular and reddish flesh that surrounds the head. The head would usually have a yellowish or whitish center. Pustules can be squeezed out, just be sure to have professionals do that for you.

A more severe case of acne vulgaris is the appearance of cysts and nodules. Nodules one acne types that is thought of as the most difficult to treat. It can take up to one to three months before it could completely disappear. These are large bumps that can lead to scarring. This kind of lesion should not be popped out at any cost because they can cause serious skin damage. If it gets infected it would take longer for it to heal.

The gruesome version of a nodule is a cyst. Aside from the reddish flesh that surrounds its head, it also contains pus. Cysts are large acne that have a diameter of around 5mm. These are the painful type of acne and can cause serious infection when squeezed out by a non-professional. At the first appearance of cysts or nodules, it would be best to consult your dermatologist so that swelling and scarring can be prevented./pbr
br
br
br

Tagged with: • • • •
Nov 27

The Latest Laser Acne Treatments

Uncategorized No Comments »

Author: A Nuttbr
Source: isnare.combr
br
It may sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but in the world of modern medicine laser surgery is becoming a popular and powerful choice for dealing with a number of different medical conditions. Some of the most cutting edge uses of lasers and focused light are for the treatment of acne. Lasers can be used to burn off the outer layers of skin where acne is, or they can penetrate below the surface of the skin and deal with the underlying causes of acne.

The only real disadvantage to laser acne treatments is that they can be difficult to get and difficult to afford. Theyre often only used for people with severe acne problems -youll have to ask a doctor or dermatologist if laser acne treatment would be a good option for you. Also, laser acne treatments are generally considered to be cosmetic procedures, so many insurance companies wont cover them. This can make it difficult for most people to afford having it done.

For those who do have access to laser acne treatments, there are a few different options to choose from. Some laser treatments target glands under the skin called the sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for secreting the oil that can cause acne. The laser targets them and actually damages them, which makes them produce less oil.

Other types of laser treatments target the bacteria that cause acne inflammation, referred to in the medical community as Propionibacterium acens, or P. acnes. This type of laser treatment can also help to smooth out the skins overall texture and repair acne scars. It is a powerful combined approach that can really change the way a person looks.

To get more specific, there are different types of lasers that are used in these different procedures. Each laser uses a different approach to do its job. The first type of laser is called the blue light laser. One of the advantages of this treatment is that its painless, but it must be done over the course of multiple sessions. Unfortunately, acne tends to spread rapidly so these treatments must be undergone regularly to keep it at bay. There is a new version of blue light therapy on the horizon that combines blue and red lights, and it may be even more effective than blue light alone.

The second type of laser treatment works through pulsed green-yellow lights combined with heat energy. The combination of these two factors help shrink the sebaceous glands, thus making them produce less oil. This type of treatment can be used to treat moderate acne outbreaks, but more severe outbreaks may be out of its reach. The only known side effect of this treatment is that it causes the affected areas to be reddened for a brief time.

The last type of laser used in acne laser treatments is the diode laser. These lasers pierce the outer layer of skin and destroy sebaceous glands without damaging the outermost skin layers. This treatment, unlike the others, can be quite painful. However, doctors generally provide some sort of painkiller to dull the pain during treatment. Like the pulsed light treatment, the diode laser can cause redness and also swelling. However, it provides some of the best acne reduction after a couple of treatments.br
br
Professional and experienced plastic surgery doctors to help you with your needs. Visit us and find out more about a href=http://www.cosmeticscanada.com rel=nofollowCosmetic Surgery in Toronto/a, Liposuction Surgery, rhinoplastic and nose surgery, Microdermabrasion,Laser Skin Resurfacing, a href=http://www.cosmeticscanada.com/laser-skin-resurfacing.html rel=nofollowLaser Acne Treatment/a, Laser hair removal, fillers, Botox, breast lift augmentation and chin augmentation.br
br

Tagged with: • • • •
preload preload preload