Use Tea Tree Oil instead of Benzoyl Peroxide on Acne

It's just as powerful against pimples as Benzoyl Peroxide but without the nasty peeling!

How to extract a blemish:

PREP
Wash hands thoroughly before you start and only work with pimples where the white puss is showing.

EXTRACT
1. Apply an exfoliating enzyme peel such as Philosophy Microdelivery Purifying Peel (Sephora) to the pimple.
2. Cover it with hot, wet towel and wait 3 minutes.
3. Clean off the peel in a messaging motion.
4. Place index finger on one side of the blemish. Place the other index finger on the other side of the blemish and push against the first. Keep pressing until all the white puss comes out and only clear fluid is left.

AFTERWARDS
Cover the area with a lotion made with Zinc Oxide such as Ling's Drying Lotion from Lingskincare or the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion.

source: Ling Chan of Ling Skin Care (Health magazine)

Acne & Me

I had cystic acne for almost 15 years. Sometimes it was mild, sometimes moderate and sometimes pretty severe. I tried everything from over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide creams to prescription antibiotics but nothing got rid of the pimples completely. Finally, I revisited a dermatologist whom I saw once many years ago and this is what she prescribed I do:

MEDICATION
Solodyne (45mg) twice daily for 3 months (I took an additional 3 files for once-a-day dosage)

FOOD
1. Avoid dairy products
note: Milk contains growth hormones that trigger male hormone (Androgen) receptors to open that can activate oil glands and clog pores
2. Avoid sugary products and other high glycemic index foods such as white bread
note: High glycemic index foods spike insulin level in the blood that triggers inflammation resulting in big, red pimples

CLEANSING 
Wash face twice daily with a 2% Salicylic Acid wash (I used Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash - nothing unclogs pores better than this drugstore classic!)

SUN PROTECTION
Apply an oil free sunblock in the morning (I like Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion, Sensitive Skin, SPF 15 - a broad spectrum sunscreen with Zinc Oxide that won't clog pores and is hydrating)

I followed her advice and within 6 months my acne was gone for good! And it has stayed that way ever since!


BELOW IS A LIST OF NUTRIENTS THAT DERMS BELIEVE MAY HELP WITH ACNE: 
Zinc controls oil production. Less oil means less sebum and fewer pimples
8milligrams
Food Sources - Total breakfast cereal (15mg per serving) / turkey (4mg per cup) / beef sirloin (4mg per 3ounces) / part skim ricotta (3mg per cup)

Vitamin A dries up sebum that mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores
5000IU
Food Sources - Sweet potatoes (28000IU each) / cooked spinach (23000IU per cup) / cooked carrots (27000IU per cup) / cooked kale (19000IU per cup) / cantaloupe (5400IU per cup) / red bell peppers (4700IU per cup) / asparagus (600IU per 4 spears)

Omega-3 fatty acids helps maintain the body'es essential oils that keep skin cells from flaking and congesting pores. They are also anti-inflammatory that help with healing as acne really is like a mini wound.
600milligrams
Food Sources - Flaxseed (1600mg per 1 tablespoon) / canola oil (1300mg per 1 tbsp) / soybean oil (900mg per 1 tbsp)

Hair Thinning Dilemma

Hair thinning can occur due to..
1) Sudden shock such as an accident or job loss.
2) Hypothyroidism a blood test should be done to make sure thyroid levels are normal. If not, medication should be prescribed. My endocrinologist gave me Synthroid to deal with my hypothyroidism.
3) Excessive testosterone a blood test should be done to make sure testosterone and estrogen levels are normal. Either a gynecologist or a knowledgeable Primary Care Physician can prescribe medication if the hormone levels are not normal.
4) Anemia a blood test should be done to make sure iron levels are normal. I take Ferrex 150 Forte Plus Capsules which were prescribed by my endocrinologist as well (he is also a PCP).

If fixing the above issues doesn't stop hair thinning, then a dermatologist specializing in hair and scalp treatment should be consulted.
Courtesy: DermTV.com

Perfect At-Home Facial

CLEANSE

1. Wash face with cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Pat dry.

STEAM & EXFOLIATE

2. Drop 4 chamomile tea bags into a large saucepan of water and bring the water to a boil.
3. In the meantime, apply an exfoliating scrub with fruit enzymes such as Alba Hawaiian Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat once the water comes to a boil.
5. Hold your face one foot above the pan and place a towel over your head so the steam doesn't escape. Close your eyes.
6. Steam your face for 3-5 minutes.
7. Rinse off the enzyme mask with warm water. Blot skin dry.

MASK
8. Apply a face mask that's suited to your complexion:
*Dry skin - use one with hyaluronic acid
*Acne-prone skin - use one with sulphur
*Oily skin - use one with clay
*Normal or combination skin - use one with antioxidants 
9. Wait until the mask is ready to be removed (follow directions on packaging), then rinse with warm water and blot dry.

MOISTURIZE
10. While skin is still damp, apply a thin layer of your everyday moisturizer.

Courtesy: Allure Confessions Of A Beauty Editor