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Blemish Mousse for acne prone skin from Green Beaver
Purifying lemon extracts (limonoids and bioflavonoids) and witch hazel (astringent) work synergistically to tone and normalize skin imbalances that can create break outs.
Witch Hazel for Acne
Native to eastern North America, Witch Hazel's (or Hamamelis Virginiana) insect like yellow flowers bloom well into the winter months ...
Witch hazel is a small shrub/tree with twisting stems and long forking branches. It has nothing to do with witches, but rather comes from the word 'wych', meaning a pliable branch - as it was used centuries ago to locate underground water and precious metals.
Witch hazel has well-known astringent properties, and therefore commonly used as a topical solution to treat skin irritations, to decrease bleeding, for bites, burns , poison ivy, inflamed eyes, headaches, muscle pains, back pain, sprains, bruises and arthritic joints. It can also be gargled to relieve mouth irritations or sore throat. Given its strong astringent properties, it is also widely used as a remedy for varicose veins and hemorrhoids, when applied topically to these areas. Studies have confirmed that extracts of witch hazel do act to constrict veins. As astringents can act as topical anti-inflammatories, witch hazel is basically indicated wherever and whenever there is inflammation due to irritation, injury, over use and more. It has also been shown to exhibit anti-viral activity against the herpes simplex virus.
Witch hazel contains a large amount of tannins, which give it its astringent, antiseptic and hemostatic properties, but also what can make it somewhat dangerous when taken internally, if not under the direct supervision of a healthcare practitioner. It is also high in flavonoids and essential oils. It has also been shown to have significant antioxidant effects.
Witch hazel can be found on its own as an un-distilled or distilled witch hazel water extract, or it is often combined in natural skin products, to help refine skin and tighten pores, or as a hemorrhoid treatment. Although witch hazel is generally recommended for external application, it has been used internally to treat bleeding, diarrhea and dysentery. Please consult a health care practitioner before using it for these purposes. As a topical remedy, witch hazel can be applied to affected areas twice daily or as needed.
Understanding Acne & Breakouts
You don't need to be a teenager to suffer from acne; adult acne is common. But your Mom was right, junk food is a big no-no...
This common skin complaint is characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It affects most of our society at some point in their life (usually just in time for that big date or photo opportunity!). Although the problem is not life threatening, it can be disheartening. It can lead to lower self-esteem & a negative body image.
Nutritional deficiencies, exposure to environmental toxins, stress, genetics, hormonal imbalances and some pharmaceutical drugs can cause acne. It is rarely caused by uncleanliness.
Hormonal changes including increased male hormones or increased progesterone, cause acne in adolescence and premenstrually. The extra hormones lead to increased production of oil that clogs the skin's pores. Bacteria get stuck in the oil and the resulting immune reaction causes inflammation. Acne can also be due to toxin excretion through the skin. When the body's organs (liver, kidneys, lungs) are overwhelmed by toxins the skin can sweat them out. Toxins in sweat can irritate the tissues leading to inflammation and susceptibility to acne. Scarring of the skin is the only long-term consequence of acne and is usually due to picking at the skin.
Conventional treatment with Accutane does reduce oil production and acne. However this drug had many side effects including nosebleeds, headaches, joint pain and it may cause bone loss and depression. The most dangerous side effect is birth defects from women taking Accutane during pregnancy. Topical treatment with Retin-A increases skin shedding to avoid oil build-up. Side effects include sun sensitivity. Oral antibiotics or creams can be prescribed to kill bacteria. Side effects, like yeast infections, are quite common. Topical treatment with benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial but can cause excessive skin dryness and allergic reactions.
Dietary changes and stress reduction are the main stays of acne prevention. All foods that promote detoxification of the body are essential. They include high-fiber foods and lots of water. Avoid any foods that you are sensitive to especially, sugary foods, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, fried foods, processed foods and iodized salt. Eat foods high in zinc such as whole grains, sunflower seeds and raw nuts. Eat lots of fruit for its water content and alpha-hydroxy acids. Eat raw foods that contain oxalic acid like almonds, beets, cashews and chard.
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