Mineral Makeup and Zinc Oxide

I found this great article on mineral makeup from  natural skin care info site.  I hope they don’t mind if I share it. I’ve recently started using mineral makeup and looking into it. I’m pleased with the coverage it provides and the fact that it is chemical-free.  It also contains zinc and zinc oxide as its primary sun protection factor. Below are some basics about mineral make up and the zinc content factor.

The title of this article is “Mineral Makeup”. After learning what mineral makeup is, what products go into it, and what its benefits are, you can decide if this is the right choice for you.

Mineral Makeup- Natural Beauty

By : Lynn Starner

As we become more aware of our environment and more aware of the products that we are putting into and onto our bodies, natural and homeopathic products are taking the cosmetic industry by storm.

It’s likely you’ve noticed new skincare and cosmetic companies popping up with “all natural” and “organic” products. Of course, just because they say they are, doesn’t necessarily make it true. That is where consumer education comes in, and why it is so important.

What is Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup is designed from all naturally occurring products. It is often recommended by dermatologists to women with sensitive skin, rosacea, post operative, laser and other procedures because of its intrinsic skin soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a powder makeup of finely milled minerals. It can provide very sheer or very opaque coverage, depending on the formulation and application. However, it still allows natural skin radiance to show through, so you don’t get the dreaded “mask” look. It is typically free of fragrance and preservatives. Minerals cannot feed bacteria, so there is no danger of spoilage, thus it needs no preservatives. It does not go bad. It is very good for oily skin because it has several oil- absorbing components.

It is usually applied with a brush, and is typically shown to be “buffed” into the skin. This technique forces the makeup into your pores, which is never a good thing. A technique that works with better quality mineral makeup (which we’ll discuss later) is to “dust” the makeup on, instead of “buffing” it. If a brush irritates your skin, you can also use a non-latex or flocked sponge. Application can be done either wet or dry.

What Are The Ingredients?

This is the most important part. Learning what is in your makeup will give you the ability to choose what will meet your needs best. These are the ingredients you will most likely come across.

· Titanium Dioxide- A white natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agent. It is highly reflect, with only a diamond being higher, and thus minimizes fine lines and some skin discolorations.

· Zinc Oxide- A natural sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

· Sericite- A colorless mica that can be used to cut the opacity of Titanium Dioxide and also works as an oil absorber.

· Cornstarch/ Rice Powder- Cosmetic grade- An oil humectant (draws oil out of the pores). Can make acne worse as it is a source of food for bacteria.

· Kaolin Clay- Natural oil-absorption.

· Mica- Natural “glitter”. Provides shimmer and sparkle.

· Iron Oxides- Natural pigment- very opaque. Used for tinting cosmetics.

Ingredients To Avoid

These ingredients are also common, but can cause problems so are best to avoid.

· Talc/ Various Powders- Common fillers- can cause respiratory problems.

· FD&C Dyes- Derived from coal tar.

· Bismuth Oxychloride- Known skin irritant- causes itching, rashes and breakouts. Especially prevalent when the wearer sweats.

· Ferric Ferrocyanide- Controversial because of its suspected toxicity.

· Carmine- Crushed beetles.

What Brand Should I Buy?

Well, if you’re familiar with mineral makeup, it’s likely you’ve seen the infomercials. After further research you’ll find these companies use controversial ingredients, and charge quite a bit for their products.

There are several good mineral makeup companies out there that provide a much better product at a more affordable price, as well as a superior customer experience. They also offer samples, which the larger companies do not. You’ll get to try the makeup (unlike in the drugstore!) for a fraction of the cost before you buy it. They don’t have expensive advertising and packaging to pay for, so the savings are often passed on to you.

Lynn is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics as well as http://www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com

Why Natural Skin Care and Zinc are Best for You

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and protects the rest of our organs from outside elements and harm. We have all been taught to take care of our skin not only to look good, but also to be healthy.

The benefits of eating organic, whole foods have been getting a lot of press in recent years. If you want beautiful skin, a healthy inside will reflect a healthy outside. Today, natural and organic skin care is the fastest growing area in the skin care and beauty industry.

Why organic or natural? Beauty products have been known to contain many chemicals such as parabens, to preserve their shelf life. Parabens are actually harmful to the skin, and overall health. Organic skin care products are all natural and do not contain any chemicals or preservatives. The key ingredients used to make these products contain few if any toxins or chemicals.

You may then ask, “Do natural or organic skin care products expire more quickly than others?” The answer is no. In order to extend the product’s shelf life, manufacturers recommend you use something sanitary–such as a spatula–to remove products from containers and always close containers directly after use. It is widely agreed upon that once skin care products of any kind are opened and exposed to air, they should be used or thrown out after 6 months.

When organic or natural skin care products are used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and acne, they are much less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin. Choosing organic is a beneficial and safe way to take care of your skin and overall health. Today there are many organic and natural skin care lines and products to choose from, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, make-up and even anti-aging serums. Some organic products you may already have at home are: essential oils like ginger and tea tree, natural plant oils such as grape seed and almond oil, and herbs such as lavender and green tea. You can use these in your bath or make fabulous natural, facial treatments. The internet or your local library has hundreds of great recipes to choose

Organic fruits such as papaya, apples, citrus and cucumbers are proven to have a healthy effect on the skin, due to the absence of toxic pesticides. As you can imagine, there are many great organic and natural skin care lines available for retail, if you’re not interested in making your own home remedies. However, “natural” doesn’t always mean organic and labels can be deceiving; do some research on ingredients that seem skeptical.

Zinc Moisturizers

Zinc is a natural mineral that prevent harmful UV rays from entering the skin by naturally blocking them. Zinc is non-toxic when used as a topical treatment and found to be easily used by those with allergies or sensitive skin issues.

Zinc moisturizers and sunblocks with high levels SPF (15 or more) are broad spectrum: strong enough to prevent burning for a reasonable length of time with the power to block UVA radiation — something that many higher SPF products cannot match!

The intent of this article is to help you be aware what you are putting on your skin and what harmful ingredients may be looming in your favorite skin care products. Now that you know more about natural, organic skin care follow the below home recipe for a great glow!

Make sure that your at home ingredients are certified organic.

Moisturizing Avocado Mask:

1 avocado, 1 teaspoon of apple vinegar, 1 egg white, 3 teaspoons of olive oil. Peel and mash avocado. Separate and beat egg white, add to mashed avocado along with other ingredients. Apply to face and wash off after 20 minutes.

Protecting Your Skin with Antioxidants and Zinc

If you want to protect your skin, think antioxidants. These have gained a great deal of attention in recent years, and for good reason. They work to combat the ‘free radical cells’ that damage your skin.

What are free radicals?

Created when oxygen produces by-products during normal cellular metabolism. More accurately, this reactive oxygen ‘steals’ electrons from proteins, DNA and cell membranes, damaging tissue. If left unchecked, free radicals may cause heart damage, cancer, cataracts, and a weak immune system. Free radicals may be involved with aging of tissue; and coupled with sun damage, could promote skin cancers.

While free radicals are produced by normal human metabolism, they can be increased by smoking, alcohol, exposure to heavy metals, and radiation. Antioxidants counteract this process by binding to the free radicals, transforming them into non-damaging compounds, or repairing cellular damage. It would seem logical, then, to include antioxidants in your daily regime.

To the rescue

Antioxidants are the antidote to free radicals. They can be taken orally or applied directly to the skin.

What are antioxidants?

In order for antioxidants to have any benefit they have to be in sufficient quantities in the tissue. Common antioxidants that are taken orally, or eaten, are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium and the carotenoids, (fruits and vegetables having the most deeply or brightly-colored fruits and vegetables, i.e.: spinach, carrots, red bell peppers, tomatoes).

What are topical antioxidants?

Topical antioxidants may reduce UVA damage. UVA is the wavelength that mostly produces visible signs of sun damage and has some carcinogenic effect.
Topical antioxidants that have been studied in creams or ointments are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Glutathione, Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, Soy- isoflavanone. It has been shown that combining some of these have additional benefit.   Others such as selenium, zinc and silymarin have not been studied for their effects, but topical zinc has been proven to block out harmful UVA and UVB rays - the leading cuase of skin aging and skin cancers.

Which are the antioxidants?

Antioxidants can be divided into those that are fat soluble and those that are water soluble.
Fat soluble is:

* Vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and lipoic acid

Water soluble is:

* Glutathione and Vitamin C

Vitamin E:

* The antioxidant effect can be more effective if combined with other antioxidants i.e.: coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin C
* Is found in fresh vegetables, oils, seeds, nuts, cumin, and soy. Animal studies have shown that Vitamin E protects against UVB damage, although this effect has not been proved in humans. (UVB is much more carcinogenic than UVA, and causes sunburns).
* Commonly used to help wound healing. However, studies in human burns did not show Vitamin E helping and about a 1/5 of patients reacted to vitamin E with a contact dermatitis).
* Topical Vitamin E is commonly used by pregnant women in the belief that it prevents stretch marks. There is no evidence for this, and sometimes an acute allergic dermatitis is produced causing an inflamed uncomfortable rash.

Coenzyme Q10 (also known as Ubiquinone)

* Found in fish and shell fish
* It penetrates well into skin, and is claimed to reduce the breakdown of collagen after exposure to UVA light
* It may reduce the depth of wrinkles but this has not been confirmed in studies

Lipoic Acid

* This is well absorbed into the skin, and converted quickly into dihydrolipoic acid in the cells. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. A three per cent application of Lipoid Acid has been shown to reduce redness in the skin after UVB exposure.

Glutathione

* This antioxidant is produced by amino acids, eysteine, glycine and glutamic acid

Vitamin C

* Also known as Ascorbic Acid
* Oral Vitamin C improves wound healing and may enhance the immune system
* The lack of vitamin C produces scurvy, which produces fragile skin and bleeding gums

Topical Vitamin C

* reduces sun damage, fine wrinkles, and may lighten dark skin pigmentation

Green Tea (Tea polyphenols)

When used topically as a cream

* Has shown to reduce the carcinogenic effect of certain chemicals and ultraviolet rays on the skin of animals. We are still awaiting good evidence for benefit in humans
* Produces anti-inflammatory effects
* Reduces the redness caused by UV light

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

* Occurs naturally in our bodies
* When taken orally, DHEA is a powerful antioxidant that may have an anti-aging effect and help thicken skin and reduce pigmentation
* It is not know if there are any long-term negative effects from oral injection

Soy-isoflavones

* When used topically it may increase collagen and decrease redness and damage from ultraviolet rays
* For more information about caring for your skin, visit the rest of this site.

Natural Skin Treatments for Acne

Almost everyone has suffered from an acne breakout (or many more) in their lifetime. Acne occurs when the oil (or sebaceous) glands under hair follicles, usually on your face, neck, chest, or back, get plugged up, inflamed, or infected. Frequently the glands simply secrete too much of a thick waxy lubricant called sebum that keeps your skin healthy. This blocks the pores and creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Follicles then get red and inflamed.

Hormone imbalances can play a role as well. Sebum increases with the overproduction of testosterone and other androgens in teenage boys, for instance, or with women;s hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. In mild cases of acne, whiteheads and blackheads appear, and maybe some raised red blemishes. In more severe cases, pus-filled cysts and deep nodules form around the inflamed follicles, causing unsightly bumps, tenderness, and often pain.

Organic Skin Treatments for Acne

A couple of herbal products are useful for drying up acne. Topically applied tea tree oil is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil is fungicidal, antiseptic, expectorant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, parasiticide, and antiviral. Wipe on a 10% to 15% strength solution twice a day.

The herb chamomile also has long been used for easing skin inflammations. Make a strong chamomile tea, and wipe the cooled liquid over your face each morning. This effective daily rinse tones and cleanses.

The holistic understanding of acne is generally the result of hormonal imbalance or toxicity of the bowel or blood. Use cleansing herbs like burdock root, yellow dock root, or echinacea root to help cleanse your blood and remove toxic waste products from your liver. Use bowel-cleansing herbs like yellow dock root and psyllium seed for a week, and repeat once a month for several months, especially if you have trouble with boils, acne, and other skin problems. Take evening primrose capsules. And apply tea tree oil solution externally.

Zinc Oxide and Zinc Moisturizers

Zinc also helps absorb Vitamin A, and fights the bacteria that causes acne by strengthening the immune system, helps the body heal wounds and contains anti oxidant properties. All these are useful in tackling the secondary causes of acne and will help you greatly reduce the symptoms of acne.

Here’s a helpful tea recipe:

1 tablespoon Oregon grape root

1 tablespoon yellow dock root

1 tablespoon burdock root

1 tablespoon red clover flowers

2 cups water

Put all herbs in water and simmer 30 minutes. Drink one cup of the tea, 2 to 3 times daily.

During a breakout, eat mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, and add a six-ounce glass of cleansing vegetable juice with equal parts of cucumber, carrot, and celery, with a little parsley. Identify and drastically reduce all forms of refined sugar and fried foods in your diet – this includes honey.

Alternate hot and cold compresses over pimples once or twice a day to open the pores, cleanse them, and increase circulation to remove wastes.

Sometimes the skin will show reactions to external factors, such as bacteria, that have led to internal processes, which reflect on the skin instead of manifesting internally. While symptoms on the skin should be attended to, the real problem lies in the weakened defense system, which should be toned and strengthened so that the body will rid itself of infection.

The general guidelines for the treatment of infections also hold true for acne. And if antibiotics have been used recently, at least 1 g of vitamin C should be taken daily.

Zinc Alternatives and Organic Skin Care

As consumers grow weary and suspicious of excessive chemical ingredients in their modern beauty products, herbal constituents and organic skincare continue to be a top alternative.

Current scientific studies have shown natural ingredients like Chamomile to contain healing and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically, rendering old chemical formulations unnecessary. Indeed, analysis of many common herbs reveal that they too are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, enzymes and proteins as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties.

As a result of this rediscovered wealth of herbal healing, spas and skin care salons now focus on using more naturally derived skin care products. Natural products also tend to be safer and less toxic to our bodies as well as the environment.

The best organic skin care products contain carefully designed blends of healing herbs that use the actual plant constituents thus preserving their unrefined and natural characteristics.

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

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

In modern skincare products, formaldehyde and parabens are commonly used preservatives and can provoke allergic reactions. Although the preservatives are needed to maintain product shelf life and only minute amounts are present in any given product, many products contain these same chemicals, including skin care products, makeup, medications, antiperspirants, toothpaste, and foods.

A note for those prone to allergic reactions

If you suffer from sensitive, allergic skin or severe dry skin, you may be among those who will have a problem or reaction to these chemical-laden products.

Vice President Noushin Adhami, stated, “Vivoderm would like all natural skincare consumers to understand - just because a product is labeled “natural,” does not make it any less potent or prone to cause an allergic reaction. Of course chemical substances have a greater chance of causing an allergy or toxic reactions, but you should always be aware of the products you are using and potential reactions you may have.”

A good example of this can be chemical sunscreens vs. natural zinc-based ones. Chemical Sunscreens differ from physical barrier sunscreens as they absorb UV rays before they can do any damage. Usually, single chemical ingredients protect against either UVA or UVB, but not for both. So for broad-spectrum protection, you would need to choose a chemical sunscreen containing more than one active ingredient, most often two or three. Chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the skin, are more likely to cause irritation or allergy, and can degrade over time.

The FDA recommends understanding the ingredient label and says, “There is no list of ingredients that can be guaranteed not to cause allergic reactions, so consumers who are prone to allergies should pay careful attention to what they use on their skin.”

It is your role as an informed consumer to carefully read the labels for all products that come into contact with your skin, whether internally or externally. Assure that they don’t contain the listed ingredients that you must avoid. Your skin barrier does a lot to protect you naturally, repay the favor and feed it nourishing chemical-free products whenever you can.

Treating Blackheads with Zinc Oxide

Eliminate blackheads and whiteheads

Blackheads are tiny, dark spots caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore) on the skin. Blackheads are also called open comedomes. A blackhead is a type of acne vulgaris. It is caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland ’s duct. Blackheads are typically caused by excessive oil and makeup, which can facilitate the multiplication of the bacterium propionibacterium acnes, the predominant anaerobe of the normal skin flora. The substance found in these bumps mostly consists of keratin and modified sebum (an oily secretion of the sebaceous gland ), which darkens (resembling dirt) as it oxidizes.

If you suffer from blackheads or whiteheads and need to know which products are best. Look for non-comedogenic products - they are less likely to cause blackheads (called open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones). Most brands of make-up are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores. If your skin is prone to acne or especially sensitive, try to find products that are non-comedogenic, oil-free (water-based), hypoallergenic (unlikely to cause an allergic reaction) and fragrance free. It may be helpful to remove make-up before exercise, as the products can travel across the face through sweat and clog your pores. However, since no product is non-comedogenic for everybody, it’s a good idea to first test any new product on a small area of your own skin.

Blackheads are the slightly different sibling of pimples, and like pimples, squeezing them can be damaging. Composed of the same oil, or sebum, that contributes to the production of pimples, blackheads result from a building up of this oil in pores. The difference in appearance than that of a pimple is the result of the blackhead’s exposure to the air. The oxidation (or darkening)  of the the oil causes the trademark black color of these blemishes.

While blackheads are more easily obscured by makeup, they can seem less offensive to the sufferer, and as a result, less damaging to squeeze. But squeezing is not good for blackheads. It can leave a permanent scar on skin and also leaves your skin open to infection. Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) are caused by the densely packed skin cells. Comedones, commonly appear on the face and shoulders, but they may also develop on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks. They are most common in teenagers but can occur at any age, even in infants.

Treatment for whiteheads and blackheads depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment may include lotions or gels placed on blemishes or sometimes entire areas of skin, such as the chest or back (topical medications). Oral medications, such as antibiotics, may be prescribed.

Causes of Blackheads

Blackheads are caused when excess skin oil, sebum and congesting toxins are expelled through your skin from the blood and lymph fluid that supplies your skin with nutrients. These congesting toxins combined with skin oil and sebum clogs your pores causing blackheads, whiteheads, and full blown acne. Dirt also plays a big role in developing skin blackheads. The dirt stored on the face or other parts of body help the bacteria to develop.

Symptoms of Blackheads

Blackheads and whiteheads are a combination of oils, sebum and cellular fragments that form firm to hard plugs within hair follicles. Blackheads are open to the skin’s surface and become darkened at the surface by exposure to oxygen (oxidation). They are called open comedones (or comedo, singular). Whiteheads are closed from the skin’s surface by cellular debris at the follicle opening. Because they are closed from oxygen they do not oxidize or turn brown. They form a light or yellow-white lump and are called milia (or milium, singular). When bacteria is added to these plugs, the condition can lead to acne.

Treatment of of Blackheads

Mild cases of acne can be self-treated with over-the-counter topicals (applied to the skin) creams typically with benzoyl peroxide. Zinc Oxide is also a safe natural alternative to reduce infections. There are also a variety of different medications that your family physician might prescribe that come as creams, ointments, and pills. Some of the stronger medications for acne are not to be used if you are pregnant, so make sure you tell your doctor if this is a possibility. Most acne medications work by reducing the next “crop” of acne, so don’t get discouraged if the treatment does not work right away.

Home Remedy for Blackheads
1. In 3-4 cup boiled water, add 2 tsp of soda bicarbonate. Steam a towel with this. Thereafter, place the towel gently on your face. Do it for about 5-6 times. Make a paste by mixing 1 tsp curd and 1 tsp rice flour.  Apply the paste on the affected area. After some time, wash your face with cold water.

2. Take about 1 tsp of juice extracted from fresh coriander leaves and add ½ tsp of turmeric powder in it. Apply this mixture while going to bed. Wash your face the next morning with cold water.

3. Take a pinch of soft portion of glycerin soap and mix with a pinch of table salt. Apply this mixture on the blackheads. Do it for about a week and see the magical results.

4. Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzyl peroxide, etc. can be counter-productive to softening and dissolving blackheads and whiteheads as they can dehydrate dry, normal and combination skin

5. Make a paste by mixing 1 tsp limejuice and 1 tsp of finely powdered cinnamon. Apply it on the affected area before going to bed. Wash it off in the morning.

When looking over other strategies on how to remove blackheads, you want to make sure that you are not using your fingernails to squeeze. Your fingernails could be loaded with all kinds of bacteria, which could cause infections. If you do decide to squeeze, make sure you are properly cleaning and sterilizing your hands or using a tissue, to reduce the risk of infection.

Exercise caution. Squeezing a blackhead too much or too soon may lead to the rupturing of a blood vessel. Even though this is a rare occurrence, it can still happen. If you find this happening to you, do not continue to squeeze the blackhead because you may make it worse.

Guidlines for Zinc Oxide to Treat Acne

There has been a lot of press recently about Zinc and Zinc Oxide in skincare and cosmetic products. Zinc can be found in many natural sunscreens ans well as moisturizing lotions and creams.  Zinc - or Micronized zinc oxide -  is produced by high temperature processing of minerals that contain zinc. Some brands contain micronized zinc oxide, combined with an inert ingredient derived from silica. The result is a naturally protective product to protect you from the sun’s damaging UV and UVB rays.

Zinc is a mineral and it is also believed that it has curative properties on a skin where there are acne growths and can reduce the symptoms of acne. Many alternative studies have indicated that this is not the case. So is there a connection between the two?

According to research carried out in recent years, zinc has the same properties of antibiotics such as tetracycline and it can fight the acne bacteria efficiently without the negative effects of antibiotics. Reportedly, zinc also enhances the immunity of the body when ingested as a supplement. So what is zinc and what is the zinc acne connection all about? How does the zinc acne treatment affect the sufferers and what is the best way to use this treatment?

You will find traces of the zinc mineral in various food items such as mushrooms, soybeans, legumes, fish, sunflower seeds, egg yolks, soy lecithin and also in whole grains. Zinc is also present in many herbs such as dandelion, eyebright, cayenne, chamomile, mullein, nettle, milk thistle, alfalfa and in the burdock root. Zinc forms a part of insulin and can be found in the tissues.

There are many useful properties of zinc like providing the person with energy, prohibiting blindness, aiding the process of digestion by being a part of enzymes, supporting the reaction of more than 30 enzymes, strengthening the immunity, regulation of Vitamin E in the blood, helping the body absorb Vitamin A and B, speeding up the process of healing, regulating insulin, and it also fights bacteria. Zinc is also present in estrogen, testosterone and growth hormones.

So how does zinc help a person suffering from acne?  Zinc moisturizers and sunscreens may be a good first step to taking care of your skin from the outside.

The causes of acne are all internal and they are imbalance in the level of hormones and build up toxic materials within the body. The hormones are responsible for producing oils, and the zinc can regulate the oil glands, and so if you can take them correctly (that is in the right quantity, quality and the correct essential fatty acids) you will be able to have some control over the level of hormones and this will ease the symptoms of your acne greatly.

Zinc also helps absorb Vitamin A, and fights the bacteria that causes acne by strengthening the immune system, helps the body heal wounds and contains anti oxidant properties. All these are useful in tackling the secondary causes of acne and will help you greatly reduce the symptoms of acne.

Another ability of zinc for acne is that it can regulate the production of hormones, which is a main reason one acquires acne. However for this to happen, it needs to be taken in the correct quantity and in combination with essential fatty acids. This mineral needs to be properly absorbed within the body and work together with other nutrients for the hormones to be balanced.

While zinc as an acne treatment may be effective, it is very important however to take care and not mix it with some chemical substances, supplements and food items because they will make the zinc less effective.  You should always consult your doctor or research a supplement before taking any internal treatments.

There are some food items, ( inhibitors) like supplements and physical conditions that can prevent zinc from being properly absorbed in the body. This may significantly reduce the impact of zinc on the acne.

One of these inhibitors is Phytic acid.  Usually found in high levels in grains. The acid can reduce the absorption by about 15%.  And thus, those who are suffering from acne need to reduce their grain consumption to one to two servings a day. Grains may lead to mucus and acidity and taking them with zinc for acne can be a challenge.

Another zinc inhibitor is soy protein. If you are using zinc for an acne treatment, you need to eat less soy as it can bind to minerals and lead to less zinc absorption. Then there are other minerals like copper and inorganic iron. They also come in the way of zinc for acne bio-availability. However this issue can be solved easily, unless of course you are suffering from copper toxicity. Try not to take copper more than 2-3 mg a day and also do not take inorganic iron supplements.

Too much of physical exertion may lead to an increased demand by the body for zinc and thus, when you are exercising, you need to also take more zinc for acne treatments.

Following these tips and zinc guidines should have you well on your way to beautiful skin in no time!

Natural Facial Masks and Home Recipes

End of Summer Skincare and Zinc Sun Protection

By Van Le | Labor Day can be bittersweet since it offers an always-welcomed three-day weekend, but it also marks the unofficial end of summer. In other words, after one last frolic at the beach, it’s time to put away the swimming suits and flip-flops, and wake the winter coats and boots from their hiatus. The seasonal closet makeover is a no-brainer, but there’s another place that needs attention: your makeup and skincare cabinet. Towards the end of the year, your skin needs protection from cold weather and reduced humidity. Switching to winter-friendly products can keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful.

Hot, humid weather during the summer can cause pores to expand because sebum is more fluid in this environment. As a result, deep cleansers and foamy cleansing products are appropriate, since they are able to reach deep into the pores, eliminating dirt and oil buildups. During the winter, however, cold temperatures can lead to dry and cracked skin. Switch to a mild soap, and your skin will feel smooth and soft as opposed to dry and tight after washing. Products that contain natural moisture such as Aloe vera are also excellent, since they are not harsh on dry, winter skin.

Winter air literally sucks moisture from your skin, so moisturizing is a crucial step in winter skin care. Even more important to moisturizing is choosing the right product. Products containing mineral oil, almond oil, or avocado oil work especially well since they keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores. Flaxseed oil is another beneficial ingredient, since it is not only rich in omega-3 fatty acid, but also has the ability to hydrate the skin from the inside out. Moisturizing right after a warm shower will help seal in the water and prevent dry skin. Also consider using a humidifier in your room or office, since it returns the moisture into the air and help the skin stay hydrated.

Just because it is cold outside does not mean you should toss your sunscreen tube. Even when you can’t feel the heat, the sun is still emitting harmful UVA and UVB rays, so it still important to protect your skin. Apply a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15, or use products containing zinc oxide, which acts as a natural barrier between your skin and the sun. Surprisingly, the sun’s reflective power on snow can be as high as 80%, so it is possible to be sunburned after spending a day on the ski slopes without sun protection. Moreover, don’t forget to help your lips battle harsh winter conditions with plenty of lip balm. Packaging is also important when deciding on a lip balm. Little tins and jars can spread germs since you are using your fingers to apply. Tubes can be a healthier and more convenient option. Remember to keep your skincare products readily available in your purse, car or desk so you can reapply throughout the day.

Winter skin care may differ from summer skin care in the type of products used, but the regimen for healthy skin is the same year round: cleanse, moisturize and protect.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU paper the Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare link to http://www.bestnaturalsoap.net

Benefits of Zinc Sunscreen and Moisturizers

Zinc suncare has become a popular alternative for today’s health-conscious consumer.   According to a popular East Coast-based suncare company, the percentage of zinc added to the product determines it’s SPF factor.

For example, 15% Zinc added equals an SPF of 15, and 20.5% of Zinc added equals an SPF of 30. As you can see the scale isn’t linear. Also, they claim that as a natural sunblock Zinc far surpasses any synthetic based product due it’s ability to stay on the skin for a longer time and physically not allow the sun’s rays to penetrate the skin.

Non-Zinc based sunblocks work by “attempting” to “absorb” the sun’s rays, whereas Zinc based sunblocks work by totally (physically) blocking them.

All higher end Zinc based sunblock products contain in addition to Zinc, essential oils like, extra virgin olive oil, Jojoba oil, etc. None of the natural oils will clog pores when used properly as they mimic the skin own oil barrier closest.

Thus, Zinc concentrations in sunscreen and moisturizers match that of the SPF or “Sun Protection Factor.” High SPF formulas are water resistant, safe for children of all ages, block both UVA and UVB rays, and thoroughly moisturize while they protect your skin. These natural, physical barrier sunscreens are made with zinc oxide instead of chemicals.

SPF will remain strong after 40 minutes activity in the water or perspiring. For optimum protection, reapply sunscreen frequently, especially when in and out of the water.

According to the Environmental Working Group’s Safe Cosmetics Database, Zinc-based sunblocks are some the world’s safest and most effective sunscreens.

Benefits of Zinc Sunscreens and Moisturizers:

* Stays on the skin when you sweat or play in the water

* Won’t run and drip into your eyes when you sweat

* Allows your skin to breathe

* Is strong and effective enough to protect you from extreme conditions

* Low to no irritating ingredients.

Some Zinc-based sunscreens use micronized zinc as their sun-screening agent. Zinc Oxide is a mineral that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties and is considered the safest and most protective sunscreening ingredient. While non micronized zinc oxide leaves a strong residue on the skin, like white paint, micronized zinc oxide creates the same barrier in a form that appears far more transparent and less whitening when rubbed in.

Micronized zinc oxide is produced by high temperature processing of minerals that contain zinc. Some brands contain micronized zinc oxide, combined with an inert ingredient derived from silica. The result is a naturally protective product to protect you from the sun’s damaging rays.

Other sunscreens on the market contain chemical agents that do not provide broad spectrum protection, and many even contain chemical ingredients that are known toxins. So, be sure to read your label carefully!

What is the difference between “Physical Barrier” and “Chemical” Sunscreens?

Physical Barrier Sunscreens form a film on top of the skin that reflects or scatters UV light. Most physical barrier sunscreens contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

UV light is divided into three wavelength bands: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA and UVB are the two that reach the earth and Physical Barrier sunscreens are effective at blocking both.

Chemical Sunscreens differ from physical barrier sunscreens as they absorb UV rays before they can do any damage. Usually, single chemical ingredients protect against either UVA or UVB, but not for both. So for broad-spectrum protection, you would need to choose a chemical sunscreen containing more than one active ingredient, most often two or three. Chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the skin, are more likely to cause irritation or allergy, and can degrade over time.

Links to some helpful web sites regarding sun protection.

• The Environmental Working Group’s “Special Investigation on Nanotechnology & Sunscreens”
• The Environmental Protection Agency’s “Sunwise: The Burning Facts.”
• The “Cosmetic Safety Database” – for safety and efficacy of all your personal care products
• Learn more about skincare on the EWG’s Cosmetic Database.

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