7 Ekim 2012 Pazar

Blueberries for Healthy Skin.

To contact us Click HERE

Blueberries are wonderful small fruits with an amazing collection of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These nutrients are essential for maintaining  healthy skin.


Blueberries are one of the best antioxidant foods that contain large amount of antioxidants. Blueberries mainly contain anthocyanin; the blue colored pigment. Antioxidants are substances that protect our body from oxidative damage  by oxygen free radicals. These free radicals damage the skin and other tissues. Eating blueberries will increase the antioxidant level in your body. This will give you a smooth, wrinkle free, and healthy skin.

In addition, blueberry is a rich source of vitamin C which is also an antioxidant. Moreover, vitamin C plays an essential role in the production of collagen. It is a main structural component of the skin.

Finally, blueberries contain significant amount of manganese; an essential mineral. Manganese is a co-factor in many metabolic processes including collagen synthesis. In addition, manganese is a well known antioxidant.

So, eat blueberries and get healthy skin.

You may like to read the following articles.

Eat banana to have good skin.

Free Vitamin D: Get it Safely.

To contact us Click HERE

Vitamin D is essential for healthy life. You can get it for free, from the sun. Most people are able to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D from exposure to sunlight. It is responsible for up to 90 percent of vitamin D requirements. However, some people may find it difficult to balance healthy vitamin D levels against the well known risk of skin cancer.

I will tell you the safe way of getting free vitamin D from the sun. The only needed thing is safe sun exposure.

Only a small amount of sunlight is needed to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. For most people, being outdoors for 5-10 minutes three times a week in sunny days is sufficient.

People with dark skin need more sun exposure to produce enough vitamin D. Similarly, elderly people also require more sun exposure to achieve adequate levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is produced in ideal quantities when the skin is exposed to low levels of sunlight. Over exposure does not increase the production, instead it will cause harmful effects on the skin.

Once adequate vitamin D has been produced, it is stored in the body tissue. Our kidneys activate the vitamin into usable form.

Safe ways to get vitamin D from the sun.

  • Expose to sunlight for 5-10 minutes at least three times a week.
  • Prolonged sunlight exposure does not increase vitamin D levels. Instead, it will increase the risk of long term skin damage.
  • If you have dark skin, you need more time in the sun to produce adequate levels. One good news is; prolong exposure would not affect your skin much.
  • Sunscreen creams block useful sunlight from penetrating the skin, thus prevent vitamin D synthesis.
  • The UVB rays of natural sunlight cannot penetrate glass. So you cannot produce vitamin D when sitting in your car or inside your home.
  • Only few foods have vitamin D in considerable amounts. You cannot get enough from foods alone. Exposure to sun is the only reliable way.
  • If you cannot go out in the sun, you should take a vitamin D supplement, specially in the winter months.
  • Exposure to sun between 11am and 3pm should be avoided.
Vitamin D is the only nutrient that is available free of charge. So get it from the nature. At the same time remember to practice "safe sun exposure."

Easy Ways To Prevent Hair Loss.

To contact us Click HERE

Are you worrying about losing your hair? Do you see strands of hair at the bottom of your shower?
Here are some easy ways to prevent hair loss.

  • The main structural component of hair is protein. So it is sensible to eat enough quantities of protein rich foods to maintain healthy hair. Good protein sources are; lean meat, fish, egg white, and soy products.
  • You need more iron to prevent premature falling of hair. Eat iron containing foods such as meat, liver and green leafy vegetables.
  • Zinc plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of your hair. Inadequate intake of zinc can be a cause of hair loss. Therefore, eat zinc rich foods such as oysters, beef, crabs, and pumpkin seeds.
  • You need adequate amounts of vitamin A, which regulates the production of keratin. It is a protein found in hair, nail, and skin. Eat plenty of vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins, and spinach. They contain beta carotene. Your body will turn it into vitamin A. Fish oils and liver contain large quantities of pre-formed vitamin A. However, too much vitamin A can worsen the hair loss.
  • Too much dandruff is one of the main causes of hair loss. If you have excessive dandruff, get it treated. You may use an over the counter dandruff shampoo twice a week.
  • Fungal infections on the scalp such as tinea capitis can be the culprit. consult your doctor to get anti-fungal treatment.
  • Handle your hair carefully. Excessive traction, pulling, and rigorous brushing of the hair should be avoided. Do not use tight hats.
  • Do not use hair dryers for longer periods of time. Let them dry in natural air.
  • Use lukewarm water to wash your hair. Avoid using hot or cold water.
  • Stress is one of the main factor for hair loss. So, manage your stress properly. Here are some easy tips to reduce stress. Go for a walk, listen to music, talk to a good friend, play with your pet, and work in your garden.
  • Keep the use of shampoos and hair dyes to a minimum. Excessive washing may damage your hair.
  • Systemic illnesses such as diabetes, lupus, and hypothyroidism can cause loss of hair. Ask your doctor to check your blood to find out or exclude these diseases.
  • Taking zinc, biotin, and vitamin E supplements may help prevent hair loss in some people.

Amazing Benefits Of Vitamin D.

To contact us Click HERE

Benefits of vitamin D are enormous. Before going into detail, I would like to tell you some basic facts about vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. Unlike other vitamins, it can be produced by our body. The skin synthesizes it with the help of ultra violet radiation from the sun. This is the main source of vitamin D for our body. Only few foods have vitamin D in considerable amounts. Our body has the ability to store this vitamin for longer periods of  time.

Benefits of vitamin D.

Gives strong bones and teeth: The main benefit of vitamin D is maintaining calcium balance in the body. calcium is a mineral mainly found in bones and teeth. It gives strength. vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium from the digestive system. In addition, it helps deposit calcium and phosphate into the bones and teeth. Adequate levels of vitamin D help prevent rickets in children and osteomalacia  in adults. Furthermore, it  help reduce the incidence of osteoporosis. So one of the main benefits is strengthening our bones and teeth.

Boosting immunity: Vitamin D help increase the efficiency of immune system, which protects our body from harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Low levels of vitamin D is associated with increased incidence of infections.

Prevents cancer: Vitamin D may help reduce the risk of developing cancer. Scientific studies of the association between vitamin D and the risk of cancer have provided some indications that high levels of intake are associated with reduced risk of colo-rectal cancer.

Regulates blood pressure: Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating our blood pressure. This is achieved through inhibition of renin angiotensin mechanism. Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be a risk factor for developing hypertension in many studies.

Other benefits of vitamin D:

  • It regulates the metabolism of insulin. By this mechanism, vitamin D lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • It reduces the risk of multiple sclerosis, which is rare in tropical countries where there is much more sunlight.
  • It protects from low levels of ionizing radiation.
  • It stabilizes our mood, and boost our memory later in life.
  • Helps prevent muscle pain and muscle weakness.
  • Reduces chronic fatigue.
  • Lowers inflammation in the body.
  • It may help reduce overweight and obesity.
  • It helps maintain healthy skin and healthy hair.
  • It has been shown to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and other auto immune diseases.
Note: Some of the benefits from vitamin D are yet to be proven by scientific research. However, taking adequate amounts of vitamin D does not cause any harm.

What causes acne?

To contact us Click HERE

Acne is a common condition occurring mainly in adolescence. The causes are multifactorial; but blockage of the sebaceous duct with surrounding inflammation is the main pathological process of acne.


The skin consist of four distinct layers; the epidermis, the basement membrane, the dermis, and the subcutaneous fat layer. Sebaceous glands are found in the dermis. These are inactive until puberty. These glands are responsible for the production of sebum; a greasy substance on the skin surface via hair follicles. Sebaceous glands are found in high number on the face and scalp.

Secretion of androgen hormone in adolescence leads to increased production of sebum. Growth of bacteria called propionibacterium acnes causes inflammation and blockage of pilo-sebaceous duct. This results in closed comedones (whiteheads) and open comedones (blackheads). Pustule formation also occurs. These are the three cardinal features of acne.

Face, back and chest are the areas commonly affected by acne.

Some other causes of acne.

Facial acne is occasionally found in infants. It is thought to be due to the influence of maternal androgen.

Acne may occur secondary to corticosteroid therapy or Cushing's syndrome.

Oil acne is an industrial disease seen in workers who have prolonged contact with oil or diesel and is common on the legs and other exposed sites.


6 Ekim 2012 Cumartesi

Acne Treatment Options: Creams and Lotions.

To contact us Click HERE

Acne is one of the most common skin condition that mainly affects teenagers. There are many options available for the treatment of acne. Understanding the methods of treatments will help choose the best option for you. In this post I will tell you about topical preparations that are available.

General skin care techniques can be effective in mild cases of acne. Washing your skin twice daily with mild moisturizing soap may help for the majority of people. It is found that exposure to sunlight help reduce the severity of  breakouts. However, too much exposure should be avoided.


You can find more general tips in my article on acne questions and answers.

Acne creams:

Mild to moderate acne can be treated by applying skin cream preparations. There are many varieties available. Most of them can be purchased over the counter, some need prescription by a doctor.

Benzoyl peroxide: This is a commonly used topical agent for the management of mild form of acne. It kills bacteria, dissolve keratin, and has anti-inflammatory effect. It should be applied after cleaning the skin. It may cause dryness of the skin.

Examples of brand names; PanOxyl Acne Gel, Brevoxyl Cream, Oxy-10, Clearasil Ultra Acne Cream, and Benzac AC Gel.

Salicylic acid: It is a keratolytic, that means it can dissolve excessive keratin on the skin. Topical preparations of salicylic acid, either alone or in combination with other ingredients, can be used to treat mild acne.

Example; Neutrogena.

Azelaic acid: It has antibacterial, keretolytic, and antioxidant actions. Azeaic acid is used as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It takes more than a month to see the beneficial effects.

Examples; Acnederm Lotion, Skinoren, and Azclear Action Medicated Lotion.

Antibiotics: Mild breakouts can be treated with antibiotic creams. Clindamycin and Erythromycin are commonly used antibiotics.

Example; Topical, Eryacne, and Stiemycin.

Retinoids: Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. They reduce keratinization of the skin. Topical retinoid preparations are used in the treatment of moderate to severe pimples.

Examples; Retin-A, Retinova, Isotrex Gel, and ReTrive cream.

Acne Treatment: Oral Medications.

To contact us Click HERE

Acne is inflammation of sebaceous glands of the skin. It mainly affects younger individuals. There are many treatment options available for the treatment of pimples. Topical preparations (creams and lotions) are popular and easy ones. However,moderate to severe forms of acne need treatment with oral medications.




The commonly used oral medications are:

  • Antibiotics.
  • Oral Retinoids.
  • Hormonal pills.
Antibiotics: They are used in the management of moderate to severe forms of acne. Antibiotics acts by reducing the number of bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) that are present in the sebaceous glands. Oral antibiotics are usually given for a period of six months.
Commonly used antibiotics are:
  • Doxycycline.
  • Tetracycline.
  • Minocycline.
  • Erythromycin.
Isotretinoin: It is a derivative of vitamin A used in the management of severe cystic acne. It acts by reducing the production of keratin on the skin. Keratin plug is responsible for the blockage of sebaceous ducts, and resultant blackheads and whiteheads.
Isotretinoin is a teratogen and can cause birth defects in babies. So, it should never be taken by pregnant women.Popular brand name of Isotrenoin is Roaccutane.
Birth control pills: Combined oral contraceptive pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone are used in the treatment of acne in women who are not responding to first line agents.
Most of these oral medication have potential adverse effects. You may need prescription by a doctor to get them.
People also like to read:
Acne treatment creams.Acne questions and answers.What causes pimples?