It appears in ninety percent of post-adolescent women and is rarely seen in men. Common areas where cellulite is found, are the thighs, buttocks, and the abdomen. Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not related to obesity, since it occurs in overweight, normal, and thin women. Cellulite causes many image problems and many women avoid wearing short skirts or shorts because of it.

Some of the contributing factors for developing cellulite are:

Heredity. However, you can still do a lot to fight cellulite.

Not drinking enough water. Water helps flush toxins and waste from your body. Drink seven to eight glasses of water a day.

Diet. Poor eating habits (alcohol, caffeine, spicy or fatty foods) contribute to the formation of cellulite because the toxins they produce get trapped in the fatty tissue. Saturated fats block the arteries and get trapped in the tissue as well, preventing sufficient waste and toxin elimination.

Smoking is not only bad for the skin and lungs, but it weakens the skin by causing constriction of capillaries. It also damages the connective tissue and can increase the dimpling effect of cellulite.

Tension and stress can cause a muscle to seize up in pain; they can also cause the connective tissue that covers that muscle to seize up. Tension can also block the tissue, preventing proper waste elimination and purification.

Medication can disturb the body’s natural processes, disturbing the purification system that is naturally in place. Diet pills, sleeping pills and diuretics can all lead to cellulite; oral contraceptives, which increase the body’s oestrogen, cause fat cells to enlarge, leading to water retention. Retaining water inhibits the body from flushing the system of toxins, leading to the formation of cellulite.

Lack of exercise contributes to the formation of cellulite. Exercise decreases many health risks and also helps fight cellulite. It improves muscle tone, circulation and overall well-being, helping to break blocked tissue and purify the body.

Cellulite Treatments

There are three main treatments for cellulite; namely, endermologie, cosmetic surgery, and topical creams or lotions.

Endermologie

The Endermologie machine, developed in France over a decade ago, has been found to have an effect in fighting cellulite. It uses rollers and gentle suctioning to deeply massage the affected areas, increasing circulation. Toxins and abnormal water buildup are expelled as connective fibres are stretched. Endermologie also exfoliates the skin, leaving it soft and silky. The increased circulation may give you a natural energy boost. Many sessions are normally needed. This can add up to several hundred dollars.

Cosmetic Surgery

Treatments like liposuction (surgery to remove fat) and mesotherapy (injection of drugs into cellulite) are either expensive or may produce only temporary improvement. Many doctors advise against liposuction to reduce cellulite because it is designed to remove deep fat instead of cellulite, which is close to the skin. This is performed by a plastic surgeon and can be expensive compared to other methods. Consult with your doctor if you want to explore this further.

Cellulite Creams or Lotions

This is the safest and most popular way to reduce the problem. Because cellulite is actually little pockets of fat under your skin, your blood circulation does not easily reach these areas. Specially formulated creams can help.

Some of the ingredients used in these products include :

Algae extract – which can help break down fat and increase your metabolism.

Green tea extracts – will back up the algae extract and increase the rate at which your fat is broken down to form smooth tissue.

Retinol A – a compound that is a derivative of Vitamin A and targets your skin and connective tissues directly to condition and strengthen. Retinol A has a rejuvenating effect on your skin, and will decrease your cellulite while preventing it from becoming worse over time. It can improve your skin’s texture, so your skin will become smoother and firmer and this helps your cellulite vanish even faster.

Creams or lotions are the most economical of the three treatments, however like the others, it may take a couple of months to see measurable results.

Varicose veins and telangiectasia (spider veins) are the visible signs of an underlying venous insufficiency problem, where venous blood escapes from the normal flow of blood into an already congested leg.

Spider Veins are a mild form of venous insufficiency, which are cosmetically unappealing, but generally not dangerous or health threatening.

Varicose Veins are a more serious form of venous insufficiency that can accompany other symptoms, including pain, soreness, burning, aching, throbbing, cramping, muscle fatigue, and restless legs. Over time, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to skin and soft tissue breakdown.

Venous insufficiency is caused by valves in the veins that have broken down.  These valves prevent blood flow back to the arteries.   If their integrity is compromiseD, blood can accumulate and collect.  This condition in aggravated in people who are sedentary or obese and likewise aggravated by hormonal imbalances found in pregnancy or with the use of HRT and chemical birth control.

TREATING VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY

There are several extra steps you can take for the treatment of spider veins and varicose veins.

Nutrition:  Several changes in diet can help with the appearance of spider and varicose veins.  There are several herbs, listed below, that will keep blood thin and flowing smoothly.  Also consider the nutrients required to keep veins and capillaries strong.  Increasing your intake of monounsaturated and saturated fats can help.  All cells replace themselves on a regular basis, including the cells in your circulatory system.  A diet heavy in polyunsaturated fats is inadequate for tissue repair and can often excerbate the problem with an increase of free radicals.  Your body requires cholesterol and saturated fats for the building of strong cell walls.  If you have been eating mostly seed oils, your body is not getting the right kind of fats.  Consider switching to olive oil for salad dressings and coconut oil and butter for cooking.  Also, the dietary enzyme bromelain can improve overall circulation by reducing the build up of fibrin along the walls of the blood vessels.  It is very inexpensive, and good for circulation disorders of all kinds.

Cleansing:  When cleaning your skin, use your wash cloth or loufah to massage the area around the broken veins first in a circular motion and then in a brushing motion upwards towards the bowels.  This will improve circulation.

Other Treatments:

Dry Skin Brushing:  Learn to dry brush your skin at least once per day.  Skin brushing provides several benefits.  First of all, it’s “exercise” for you skin and the underlying veins and capillaries.  It stimulates the growth and repair of the tissues by increasing blood flow to the area.  It also helps remove the blood that has leaked out from the capillaries by diffusing it into the interstitial fluids for removal.  Dry brushing is good for you skin all over, but if you are suffering from spider or varicose veins, brushing these areas very gently in a circular motion and then upwards towards the colon, several times per day, can improve their appearance.

Hormones:  Spider veins are often associated with the use of HRT and birth control pills.  High levels of estrogen from these medications seem to aggravate venous insufficiency.  If you are using birth control pills for contraception, you may want to ask your doctor for a lower-estrogen dose formula.  If you are on HRT, you may want to consider switching to a lower dose, adding progesterone, or using a weaker formula, such as an estrone cream.

Do try to elevate your legs to hip level for a few minutes several times a day.  Frequency is more important than the amount of time in this case.  Get out of the habit of crossing your legs, knees and ankles as well.  If you have a desk job, try to spend a few minutes walking every hour.  If you have a job that requires standing, try to sit and elevate your feet to hip level once every hour.

Many of the nutrients and supplements listed below may be within your budget and available to add to your skin care regimen.  Note that some are best used internally (like vitamins and minerals) and others are for topical application only.

Table  – Natural Internal Treatments for Venous Insufficiency

Brewer’s yeast
Bromelain
Broom, Butcher’s (Ruscus aculeatus)
Chestnut, Horse (Æsculus hippocastanum)
Co-Q10
Ginkgo Biloba
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Grape seed extract
Green Tea
Hawthorn Berry
Horsetails (Equisetum arvense)
Lecithin
MSM
Vitamin A
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Zinc

Table  – Natural External Treatments for Venous Insufficiency

Broom, Butcher’s (Ruscus aculeatus)
Chestnut, Horse (Æsculus hippocastanum)
Dead Sea Salts
Ginkgo Biloba
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Grape seed extract
Green Tea
Hawthorn Berry
Horsetails (Equisetum arvense)
Kelp
MSM
Senkyu (Cnidii Rhizoma)
Vitamin K
White Willow (bark)
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Painful varicose veins should always be evaluated by your physician as they may require surgery.  If you have asymptomatic varicose veins, it’s a good idea to tell your doctor during your regularly scheduled check up so she can be aware of any possible vascular disease or disorder.

Many new commercial cosmetic procedures are available for the reduction of spider veins and varicose veins, however many of them are simply not justifiable affordable for the average person. Even if such procedures are used, natural, inexpensive at-home treatments can increase the success of expensive procedures and prevent a future repeat of symptoms.

What you may not realize is that many of the skin care products and cosmetics you are buying contain ingredients that are not only harmful to your skin, but also to your long term health. Many of these ingredients are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and are used by the cosmetic industry simply because they are cheap!

Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found in Skin Care Products and Cosmetics
The following are just some of the synthetic chemicals that have been identified by scientific studies to be harmful to our health.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Often described as being “derived from coconut” to disguise their toxic nature, these chemicals are commonly used in shampoos, toothpaste, foaming facial and body cleansers and bubble bath. SLS and ALS can cause severe skin irritation, and are easily absorbed into the body, building up in the brain, heart, lungs and liver, leading to potential long term health problems. SLS and ALS may also cause cataracts, and prevent children’s eyes from developing properly.

Paraben Preservatives
Parabens are widely used in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care and baby products to prolong their shelf life. They are known to be highly toxic and have caused rashes and allergic reactions. Recent scientific studies in the UK found a strong link between the use of parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women. Researchers found a high concentration of parabens in 90% of breast tumors tested.

Propylene Glycol
Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleansers, Propylene Glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

Isopropyl Alcohol
Alcohol is used as a solvent in many skin care products. It causes skin irritation and strips the skin of its natural acid mantle, promoting the growth of bacteria, moulds and viruses. It may also cause premature ageing of skin.

DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and MEA (Monoethanolamine)
These substances are harsh solvents and detergents that are used in cosmetics and face and body creams as an emollient. They can cause allergic reactions, and long term use of DEA-based products (such as Cocamide DEA) have been linked to an increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

Aluminum
A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mineral Oil
Derived from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is commonly found as a main ingredient of face and body creams and cosmetics. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil! It coats the skin like a plastic film, clogging pores and stopping the skin from eliminating toxins, which can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Other petroleum based ingredients include paraffin wax, paraffin oil and petrolatum.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Used as a thickener in skin care products and cosmetics, PEGs interfere with the skin’s natural moisture balance, causing an increase in ageing and leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria.

Talc
Talc is a soft mineral used in talcum powders and cosmetic powders. Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder to the genital area is linked with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer. Inhaling cosmetic powders containing talc may also be harmful to long term health.

How To Avoid These Toxins
Examine the labels of your cosmetics and skin care products carefully, and learn to recognize ingredients that are harmful to your skin and to your health. Many web sites have lists of potentially harmful ingredients in addition to those shown above (e.g. Environmental Working Group).

Don’t be fooled by the words ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ on the front of the label. Many products contain at least one or two natural or organic ingredients, but they may also contain harmful synthetic chemicals as well.

Whenever possible, choose products with 100% natural ingredients such as essential oils and herbs. Your skin will love you for it!

Aside from expensive acne scars treatment method which are found to be effective but not in the financial reach of most of the population, it is important to know that there are also some natural and much cheaper remedies in getting rid of acne scars. These are acne scars treatment methods that you can use to treat your acne scars right at the convenience of your home.

Natural acne scar treatment is the best solution method especially for those who possess a sensitive skin because natural treatment doesn’t create side effects or rashes that may further destroy your sensitive skin.

1. One of the leading methods of clearing acne scars is the use of oatmeal cleanser. It helps eliminate other skin defect like blackheads and also help in the effective removal of acne scars. The oatmeal method consists of a mixture of rose water and an oatmeal powder; together they will form a paste that you can apply over the areas of your skin affected by the acne scars.

After applying it allow for about fifteen minutes to pass then afterwards rinse it with cold water, this process allows the oatmeal to close all existing skin pores and helps clear up a lot of your existing acne scars. To see the best kind of results you should do this everyday.

2. Another leading acne scar treatment option is the use of honey. Considered as one of the best natural remedy for acne scars, honey plays a great role in defeating bacteria that actually causes acnes. After cleaning your skin, you can then apply honey to the affected part of your skin. Wait after ten minutes before rinsing it with clean water.

3. Others include applying lotions and gels that are available at leading pharmacies and are highly recommended by professionals. The most important thing to remember when dealing with acne scars is that you should be patient with one kind of treatment and use it until the remnants of acne scars are completely taken care of.

4. Other well known acne scar treatment is the use of the process called laser resurfacing. It’s a process that involves a laser being applied to the affected skin and with that it will kill the bacteria that forms the acne scars. This can take from a number of minutes until an hour or so and usually takes between 2 to 10 days before the skin to heal completely.

Remember there are now a lot of ways to clear acne scars. Just be patient in looking for a method that can fit your needs.

A healthy lifestyle and great skin-care habits produce glowing, youthful-looking skin. So what you put in your body is equally as important as what you put on it.

Here are some tips for naturally gorgeous skin.

* Maintain a balanced diet. Consuming too much refined food, such as sugar, can drain the body of essential vitamins and minerals. This, in turn, encourages wrinkles and premature aging. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, such as fruits, vegetables and fish. Also, drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

* Exercise. Working out brings more oxygen to your skin cells, leaving you with skin that’s nourished and more firm. Exercise also helps reduce stress. Studies show that too much stress can potentially aggravate skin conditions, such as acne and hives.

* Find natural skin care products. The most revolutionary skin-care products today merge nature with science. For example, the new Nature’s Gate Organics Advanced Skin Care line takes the best that Mother Nature has to offer and combines those ingredients with formulations that are scientifically proven to benefit the skin.

Nature’s Gate Organics’ Oh What a Night, a cream that hydrates skin overnight using walnut seed extract and European beech tree buds, shields against early visible signs of aging. Have a Vine Day, a day cream that contains chardonnay grape seed extract, helps tired-looking skin look visibly lifted and smoother. And Forget Your Lines, a wrinkle diffuser serum that works like natural Botox, helps to de-stress skin.

* Protect your skin from harsh rays. Exposure to the sun can cause premature aging and skin discoloration, increasing your risk of skin cancer. Apply sunscreen daily and wear a brimmed hat whenever possible.

Do’s of perfect skin
Do exercise. Physically fit people look good and feel good. Exercise improves internal circulation to bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This makes skin firmer and better nourished, as well as slows down aging. Regular exercise also helps improve your appearance, prolong your life, build self-confidence and reshape your figure. Your improved circulation will help to calm the nerves and promote a more revitalizing sleep. Move more, feel younger, and look better!

Do use products. Cleanse your face everyday with cleanser, toner and moisturizer. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of different brands and makes to choose from, but always use products suitable for your skim type, whether it is oily or dry. Have a good consultation from the skincare expert to determine the best suitable type of product for your skin.

Do drink water. A major cause of skim winkles is water loss from the skim. Water hydrates skin, keeping it moist, soft and supple. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. If you are like me, bring a small bottle of water in your briefcase so you can always have water to drink whenever you go.

Do rest. Lack of sleep makes your skin look dry and dull, and your eyes will become puffy. When we don’t have enough sleep or rest, we feel tired and listless. We need an average of 8 hours of sleep every night, but many of us have only 5 to 6 hours. The effects of inadequate sleep will start to show as you age.

Do eat properly. Keep your vitamin up by eating at least 5 portions of fruits or vegetables daily. If you are not getting enough vitamins from good, take multivitamin supplements. Stay away from fatty foods, as they will make your skin greasy.

The Don’ts
Don’t smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow to and from the skin, and adds to toxin levels. It also robs the skin of its vitality and potential for being smooth and attractive. People who smoke tend to have pallid complexion and skin that wrinkles prematurely.

Don’t drink too much alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and impede circulation. This depletes the skin’s moisture content and interrupts the flow of vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy complexion.

Don’t stress out. Stress is bad for your physical and mental health, and also bad for your skin. It can cause your face to suffer breakouts of pimples, inflammation and make it look sensitive and dull. Relax!

Don’t fry in the sun. Use a high factor sunscreen with SP15 or higher rating when the sun’s rays are strongest. It’s best to avoid the sun’s rays whenever possible. Don’t overdo sun beds as they can also damage your skin, cause dryness and increase the risk of skin cancer. The safest sun tan is to get a fake one.

If you are female, always remove makeup before going to bed, because makeup left on overnight is a major cause of clogged pores that lead to blackhead formation and pimple breakouts. Cleanse twice after removing makeup – once for removing surface impurities, another time for deep pore cleansing.

Never use soap because its harshness upsets the PH balance and removes the natural moisture barrier of your skin. Use a soap-free, acid-balanced cleanser instead. If you like the lathering effect of soap, search for a foaming, lathering cleanser.

Lukewarm water is best for cleansing. Water that is too cold or too hot can cause dehydration, irritation and may increase breakouts. Apply a non-astringent toner after cleansing to rehydrate your skin and to reestablish the PH balance.

1) Blisters, corns and bunions, Oh My! Those pointy toe shoes are cute and in-style but your feet suffer greatly. A lot of foot ailments are due to neglect and abuse. According to the APMA all three foot ailments can be helped or prevented by wearing the proper foot wear, which is what my grandmother would tell me over and over again…needless to say, I didn’t listen. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) suggest using over the counter creams (avoiding acid preparations) and exfoliating products on corns. Blister shouldn’t be broken, but if broken wash with soap and water; apply an anitseptic ointment and cover to prevent infection. Bunions can be helped by wearing shoes that have a wide toe box and consulting your podiatrist. If you suffer from diabetes consult your medical doctor or podiatrist to determine the best way to care for your feet.

2) Make sure your feet stay clean by washing and drying between your toes and making sure you dry them well to prevent bacteria and fungi from forming, which thrives in moist areas. Always give your shoes time to air out and dry between wearings and using a little foot powder can help to keep your feet dry.

3) If you have athlete’s foot or any other fungal conditions, Dr. Scholls Foot Center suggest that you DO NOT REUSE your towel during treatmeant as bacteria can lay dormant for up to 4 weeks. Athletes foots can be contracted in swimming pool areas, gyms and anywhere a persons bare foot will come in contact with such as a dressing room.

4) If you give yourself a home pedicure, try soaking your feet for about 10 minutes in 1 cup of Epsom Salt or sea salt to 2 gallons of water in a foot tub. Great method for softening skin,eliminating odor and soothing tired sore feet. You can also soak your whole body in epsom salt and take care of your feet at the same time.

5) Use exfoliating products to prevent or remove hard skin from your feet. There are various types of foot exfoliating treatments, pumice stones and files on the market to choose from. while you’re in the bath tub scrub your feet and heels with your favorite body scrub to keep them soft and smooth.

6) Take your own personal pedicure tools as some lower scale salons use the same tools on everyone. For your in-home pedicure, make sure you wash your tools with an antibacterial soap to get rid of any bacteria that may form before using again.

7) Sometimes polish will crack or peel before the next pedicure and you can remedy that by using your own polish so you can touch up a toe or two in between visits. I started using my own polish because the polish rubs off my baby toe when I wear closed in shoes and touching up one toe is easier than taking the polish off and repainting all ten when changing into open shoes.

If you have very dry skin use an ultra moisturizing lotion or cream on your feet. Apply after a bath or shower and then place socks on your feet, which will make them extra smooth and moisturized in the morning and ready for those open toe sandals.

9) When wearing open sandals, flip-flops or going barefoot at the beach, use sunscreen on the top of your feet. Don’t forget to reapply after coming out of the water.

10) Treat your feet to a massage, in-home or at a professional salon. Our feet carry us many miles on a daily basis and deserve special treatment.

Remember your feet can look great year round with a little care and proper foot wear. Your feet are the key to your mobility and taking care of your feet today will prevent future problems.

Most articles about nutrition focus on the role of your diet in maintaining optimum internal health and warding off disease. For example, many articles talk about how the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can fight free radical damage to your immune cells, your organs and your DNA.

Well guess what? The same phytochemicals, vitamins, nutrients and minerals that keep your insides in the pink are equally essential for clear skin, bright smiles, strong nails and clear eyes. If you want to look your absolute gorgeous best, keep these diet guidelines in mind:

* Antioxidants: Found in abundance in colorful fruits and vegetables, these nutrients help combat signs of aging caused by the oxidation – the rust, if you will, of our cells. Beauty foods that are potent sources of antioxidants include: pomegranates, prunes, concord grape juice, blueberries, blackberries, purple cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, dried plums, kiwis, raspberries, strawberries, raw spinach, oranges, apples and watercress.

* Essential fatty acids: Certain polyunsaturated oils are called “essential” because they must be included in our diet. EFAs, like omega-3 and omega-6, may reduce inflammation that can clog skin and lead to wrinkles. Sources include seafood – such as salmon, sardines, trout and flounder – as well as almonds, walnuts and flaxseed.

* Avoid simple carbs: Some research suggests the insulin spike caused by simple carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta and sweets, may trigger a series of metabolic reactions that can lead to breakouts.

* Maximize water, moderate alcohol: Water, and lots of it, will help keep your skin hydrated, while alcohol in excess of one 4-ounce drink a day can dry it out. Also, some dermatologists say alcohol’s dilation of fragile facial capillaries can cause and exacerbate rosacea.

* Healthy fat: While it’s always important to minimize artery-clogging saturated fat, don’t shy away from healthy monounsaturated fats, like olive oil and other liquid, plant-based oils that keep skin emulsified.

* Vitamin C: Make sure to also feed your face with vitamin C to help maintain collagen, the most important component of connective tissue contributing to the underlying foundation of your skin. The best sources of vitamin C includes citrus fruits and juices, broccoli, cauliflower, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, red peppers and green peas.

* Weight-loss bonus: Pound for pound, fruits and vegetables have fewer calories than other food groups. Plus, they have plenty of fiber, so they’ll help you feel full. Such a fruit-and-vegetable-rich diet helps ward off cravings by ensuring the body gets the full spectrum of nutrients, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals it needs to function.

Data from the National Weight Control Registry, which maintains records on more than 3,000 individuals who have had success keeping off a minimum of 30 pounds, suggests that the winning diet for long-term weight loss is a low-fat, complex-carb diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

This data was recently reinforced by an international study, conducted by Northwestern University, assessing the diets of more than 4,000 people in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and China. The study found that, without exception, a diet high in complex carbohydrates, fiber and vegetable protein was associated with low body-mass index.

The bottom line is that there’s nothing more beautiful than vibrant good health, and there’s nothing healthier than a regime that includes plenty of exercise, rest, water, lean proteins, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables.

Jennifer Grossman is the director of the Dole Nutrition Institute.

Pollution, dirt, and other chemical agents in the air make the skin lose its ability to retain water, making it look dry, wrinkled and aging the person bit earlier. The natural hydrating and antioxidant properties of honey trap and seal the moisture, rejuvenate the skin, cleanse the complexion leaving it soft and supple.

Honey in its purest form is suitable for all skin types’ even sensitive skin. Beauticians suggest using honey abundantly for radiant complexion. Skin care products like baths, shower gels, face creams, skin lotions, moisturizers, body scrubs and even newborns products contain pure honey.

Treat your self to some simple natural skin care remedies with honey at your home –

- ¼ cup of honey to your bath keeps your skin soft and supple.
- Dry skin = 1 tsp honey, vegetable oil each and ¼ tsp of lemon juice. Pat it on dry areas of your skin, leave for 10 mins and rinse with water.
- Make a moisturizing mask with 1 tsp of honey, 1 egg yolk, ½ tsp almond oil and 1 tsp yoghurt. Apply on your face, neck and other parts of your body. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off with water. You skin will feel moisturized and polished with tightened pores.
- For the silky-smooth skin, mix ¼ cup of honey and 3 tsp of rosewater. Apply to face, neck avoiding sensitive areas around the eye. Massage well and rinse with lukewarm water and enjoy the sensation of an all different skin.
- Open the pores on your face by place a cloth dipped in warm water. Smear honey on your face for 20-30 minutes. Rinse first with warm water and then cold water to close the pores.
- Indulge your skin with the paste of 1 tsp of honey, 1 egg white, 1 tsp glycerin and flour. Smooth it over your face, throat, leaving it on for 10 minutes and then washing it off with warm water. Your skin will feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
- 4 tbsp of whole milk powder and 2 tbsp of honey make an excellent baby bath.

1. Keeping your skin clean is your first priority! You must cleanse your face morning and night with a gentle, natural cleanser that not only rids the skin of dirt and grime but then treats it with an antibacterial ingredient like tea tree oil.

2. After cleansing the skin pat dry and then spray a fine toning mist over the face to cool and help close the pores while they are clean. Let this mist dry on the face.

3. When the toner has dried apply a very small amount of moisturizer over the entire face and neck. Look for a moisturizer that is made for problem skin types and contains antibacterial ingredients like tea tree oil and lavender essential oil. These ingredients are gentle but very effective at clearing the skin from blemishes and pimples.

4. Getting the right amount of restful sleep your body needs nightly will reflect in the state of your skin. Seven hours is generally adequate. Not enough sleep over a period of time will result in problems that are hard to cure such as loose skin under the eyes and dark circles.

5. The food you eat is of the utmost importance for healthy, clear skin! Make sure you are getting a good amount of fresh fruits and vegetables and limit your red meat intake to three or four times a week. Foods that are easily digested will help your system keep your skin nourished and promote fresh, new cell growth. Drink lots and lots of water too!

6. Cleanse the skin on your body and face with a weekly scrub. When using a body scrub start at your feet and work towards the heart, this helps eliminate toxins. Doing it the opposite direction will push the toxins back into your system. Use a very gentle facial scrub on your face and neck as these areas can be easily damaged.

7. Try an Aspirin face mask! This mask is having fantastic results on those people with open pores, pimples and acne. Crush about 15 aspirin tablets to a powder mix to a paste with a little water, less than 1 teaspoon and then apply to a cleansed face. Leave for twenty minutes to work its way into the skin and then rinse off and apply a light moisturizer. Try this weekly, after a face scrub.

8. Once a month use a home steam treatment to thoroughly draw out impurities from the face. Add boiling water to a basin or bowl and add two drops of tea tree oil. Place your face over this with a towel covering and gently let the steam open and cleanse the pores. Be careful not to let the steam burn your face. Finish with a tepid face wash.

9. Get out into the fresh air and take a walk, swim in the sea, ride a bike and have fun! The exercise will boost your system and your skin will love it.

10. Take a fish oil supplement daily. Cultures that eat a lot of fish have clearer skin and the fish oil helps eliminate toxins from the body and by now you know that is fantastic for your skin!

These ten easy tips will help you get that clear skin you so desperately want, remember to make the lifestyle changes you need to and enjoy the benefits that will come with it! A fresher, clearer more youthful looking complexion.