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Phytoceramides

You might only have heard about phytoceramides recently due to the current attention being focused on them after their newly awarded FDA approval and several high profile product launches. This however does not make ceramides a new commodity as they have been used widely prior to their recent rise to stardom. The only thing that has changed is the source-- and name somewhat. Ceramides usually came from animal sources, but now, phytoceramides are being extracted from wheat, rice and sweet potatoes. Ceramides are skin penetrating components that have the ability to penetrate all four layers of your skin and help it to lock in moisture. They have been in use for decades before today as ingredients for skin and hair products. The ability to lock in moisture helps your skin look younger, plumper and healthier. In effect, wrinkles appear less pronounced and the skin rejuvenated giving you an overall younger appeal. With phytoceramides, users are taking in a substance that will lock in moisture from the inside out with the added advantage of not consuming animal products.


Scientists have discovered several ways in which phytoceramides encourage and maintain skin that is healthier and young looking: • Phytoceramides have been found to contain lipids that exhibit the same properties as

those naturally present in our skin. This lipids are therefore able to act as substitutes for your own lipids and thus help plump up our skin. • Phytoceramides have the unique ability of being able to penetrate all the four layers of

the skin and successfully lock in moisture deep in the skin. • Phytoceramides act as a stimulant for collagen production which increases skin elasticity

and plumps up the skin. • They encourage the development of a protective barrier that protects against

inflammations and infections, sun damage and dryness. • They keep your skin hydrated by retaining moisture which in effect reduces wrinkles. • Phytoceramides have also been found to have the ability to slow down the skin's aging

process and even reverse already existing signs like crow's feet from deep within the skin.

Are Phytoceramides a genuine solution to aging skin and do they really work? The answer is yes: If the numerous clinical trials are anything to go by (and they should be since this is how all drugs are tested) and the recent FDA stamp of approval.

Why take phytoceramide tablets when my beauty products already contain ceramides? Applying ceramides from the top will only allow them to penetrate the skin up to the second layer at most. When you swallow a capsule, the contents of this capsule will be assimilated into the body and therefore be able to travel with body fluids to all parts of the body including all the skins layers. In effect, the consumed phytoceramides will not only help the skin you can reach, as is with application products, but will help skin all over your body.


Are they safe to take? Phytoceramides as mentioned earlier are derived from natural sources. This means that they will have few to none side effects. That said, it is important to mention that wheat-based phytoceramides could have the same effects as wheat to those allergic. This does not mean that you can't consume this product, it only limits your selection to sweet potato and rice extracted phytoceramides. Not enough research has been done on its effects on fetal development, I 'd recommend abstinence during pregnancy. What to look for when buying phytoceramides? 1) The product is all natural 2) Is FDA approved 3) Is from a trusted source 4) Is gluten and GMO free


The usual questions people ask: • What are phytoceramides? • How do phytoceramides help us look younger? • Do phytoceramides genuinely help us slow and reverse the aging process? • Why would I take phytoceramide tablets when I have ceramides in my beauty products? • Are phytoceramides safe to take? • Is there anyone that can't use phytoceramides? • What do I look for if I want to buy phytoceramides myself? • So just what are phytoceramides? You 'd be forgiven for not knowing too much about phytoceramides, as they've only recently been launched and cleared by the FDA. Ceramides have been used extensively for many years but usually come from animal sources, whereas phytoceramides are extracted exclusively from sweet potato, wheat or rice. Ceramides are components that penetrate each of the four levels of our skin, from the epidermis or top layer, right down to the basal layer. We've used them for decades in our skin care and hair products as they are known for their abilities to look in moisture and keep our skin looking younger, healthier and plumper. By looking in moisture, wrinkles are less pronounced and the skin looks rejuvenated, thus we look younger! With phytoceramides, we're taking a tablet that targets skin care and locks in water from the inside out, plus we have the added advantage that we're not consuming animal products. How do phytoceramides work? There are several ways in which phytoceramides are known to encourage and maintain healthier, younger-looking skin: • Phytoceramides contain lipids that are the same as those found naturally in our skin;

they mimic their actions to plump out the skin • Phytoceramides penetrate each of the four layers of our skin (known as dermal layers). • Phytoceramides stimulate the production of collagen, which plumps the skin and

increases elasticity. • Phytoceramides encourage a protective barrier against infections and inflammation,

helping with problems such as dry skin, sun damage and patches. • Phytoceramides keep our skin hydrated, retaining moisture and helping stave off

wrinkles. • Phytoceramides slow the aging process and can even reverse existing signs of aging

such as crow's feet, from the inside out.


Do phytoceramides genuinely help us slow and reverse the aging process? There are a LOT of claims out there about various anti-aging products, I mean it's an industry worth nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars! We're obsessed with looking younger than our years, which is why many of us take to extreme procedures to maintain our looks. In a market so catered to making us feel inferior, old and ugly by bombarding us with pictures of stunning, flawless and young models, it's inevitable that some products are pushed on us that are not all that they claim. Is there any cl inical research behind the claims for phytoceramides? Unfortunately just four studies that I could find, focused on phytoceramides and ceramides for skin health and anti-aging: • The first, a study on 51 women, stated categorically that when prescribed a wheat-based

phytoceramide, "skin hydration was significantly increased", skin dryness was reduced and skin hydration was improved. • The second, a study looking at the causes of 'atopic' dry skin, concluded that "an

insufficiency of ceramides in the stratum corneum is an etiologic factor in atopic dry skin”. • The third, by Jung in 2011, linked phytoceramides to improvements in brain function and

even concluded that they could help treat brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. • The fourth and final, by Sekiya in 2011, discovered that certain phytoceramides could

boost our natural immunity to viral infections. If I already have ceramides in my products, why should I take a capsule? It's a valid question, but I believe there is a strong argument for the supplement rather than a cream. When you apply a cream, it sinks in to the top layer of skin and perhaps the second layer. When using fillers, they fill the wrinkles in on the top layer but these mask wrinkles rather than treat them at the source. When you invest in phytoceramides, they work in the body and cause internal improvements that penetrate outward, so that the root cause of wrinkles and signs of aging are reversed and improved inside-out. Taking a capsule is far less hassle than a daily half-hour routine of expensive skin creams, scrubs, rubs, massages and more! Are phytoceramides safe to take? Many ceramides are derived from bovine sources, so it's understandable that many of us would prefer to switch to plant-based versions. And, as phytoceramides are naturally occurring, there are very few and if any, side effects. That said, if you're allergic to wheat or have an intolerance, you could suffer the same issues if you take the wheat-based phytoceramides. Stick to the rice or sweet potato versions if you have any problem with wheat.


Until further research is done on this subject, t’s advisable that anyone trying to conceive, pregnant or nursing avoid this or ANY supplement not recommended by your physician. Not enough is known about how these supplements affect foetal growth or babies, so it's always advisable to avoid them if you are TTC, nursing or currently pregnant. How quickly wil l I see anti-aging results? If it's too much of a step for you to stop using the creams and rely on the supplements, why not carry on with both until you're seeing the results of the phytoceramides? Is there anyone that can't use phytoceramides? As I mentioned above, I would just avoid if it you're pregnant, nursing or TTC, and avoid the wheat-based versions if you're a coeliac or have any kind of negative reaction to wheat. What is a recommended dosage? Whilst there is no specific guidelines on how much to take, nor any directions such as 'take it on an empty stomach', the general consensus is that your supplement needs to contain around 350mg of phytoceramides. What are people saying about phytoceramides? On social media, there are a few video reviews on YouTube but it's mainly sales-focused for companies selling skincare products. And whilst a few YouTube reviewers feel that their results weren't dramatic, the comments from viewers begged to differ, claiming that they can see far more results than the reviewers perhaps felt! On Amazon, there are over a 1000 positive reviews the first page alone! The same goes for other online stores, with phytoceramides rated extremely highly. It's strange that this product is so popular, yet the market is not fully aware of them yet, perhaps people are trying to keep the secrets to themselves? Or perhaps it's because not enough research has been done yet on phytoceramides to truly hit the headlines. Time will tell! There is also a LOT of spam and marketing around this product. Avoid anything that shouts ‘miracle' ! What's good about phytoceramides? There are a whole host of positive things about phytoceramides, and very few negatives. Here is a summary of them: • Inexpensive, especially compared to pricey skin creams. • Plant-based so suitable for those avoiding animal products. • Target skin problems and signs of aging from the inside-out. • Fast, long-lasting results in around four weeks. • Simplify your beauty regime.


• Free up your time by cutting down your beauty processes. • Very good user reviews and product ratings. • Encouraging research on 51 women. • Positive side effects such as hair health and reducing skin dryness. • Ceramides used for decades. • Possible help for neurodegenerative diseases. • Could help us fight off infection. • FDA cleared. • All natural. Anything not so good? • Not enough rigorous clinical research to substantiate claims. • Inferior products pop up because of the 'Dr Oz' effect. • Some users therefore don't see the positive results they 'd hoped for. • Wheat-based versions may aggravate coeliacs or those with adverse reactions to

wheat. • Lots of spam-my, phoney marketing online. Tips For Healthy And Young Looking Skin Skin specialists state that the very best method to keep your skin healthy and looking young is to safeguard it from the sun and not smoke: and after that, taking care with how you clean, hydrate your skin and shave likewise help. According to a British Association of Dermatologists survey carried out in 2008, numerous Britons are unaware that sun defence can keep the skin looking more youthful, thinking instead that applying a day-to-day moisturizer, consuming a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and having facial massages will be adequate. The Sun Awareness campaign officer at the Association, Maria Tabou, told journalism at the time that such measures will have "nowhere near the anti-ageing impact of sun protection”. Not just does direct exposure to UV boost an individual's danger of skin cancer, it also affects the elastin in the skin, which results in wrinkles and sun-induced skin ageing such as leatheriness and blotchy pigmentation. Featured listed below are 5 ideas for healthy skin ... Tip # 1 for healthy skin: Sun protection • Ensure you safeguard your skin from the sun to maintain healthy skin.

• According to the Mayo Center in Rochester, Minnesota, USA, a non-profit organization

with a worldwide reputation, most of the modifications seen in ageing skin are really


"dued to a lifetime of sun direct exposure”. • To secure yourself from the sun, they advise the following 3 approaches (with maximum

defense originating from making use of all three). • Avoid the sun during high strength hours: the sun's rays do the most damage in between

10 am and 4 pm, so limit the time you invest outside during this period. • Use protective clothing: wear long sleeved shirts, long pants or pants and a hat with a

broad brim. Remember that tight woven fabric (eg denim) offers better defense than loosely woven fabrics like knits.

• Usage sunscreen: choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection

factor) higher than 15 and apply generously about 20 minutes prior to you head out and then every two hours. You will need to apply more often if you enter the water or sweat a lot.

Tip # 2 for healthy skin: Do not smoke (and watch the alcohol). Research reveals that cigarette smoking alone ages skin. In a research study released in the Archives of Dermatology in 2007, researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbour, in the United States, described how they examined the upper inner arms of cigarette smokers and non-smokers aged from 22 to 91 and found that after considering age and other variables, the number of packs of cigarettes that the smokers smoked each day was considerably connected to skin ageing. They took a look at the skin on the upper inner arms to decrease the impact of sun exposure. Indy Rihal from the British Skin Foundation told NHS Options that cigarette smoking decreases the skin's natural elasticity by promoting the breakdown of collagen and also reducing the quantity that is produced. Collagen, a protein that assists skin strength, gradually degrades with age, causing wrinkles. Smoking causes this to occur quicker and also causes the small blood vessels in the skin to tighten up, which reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that the skin cells receive, which likewise lowers elasticity and speeds up ageing. The Mayo Center likewise recommend that direct exposure to heat from burning cigarettes damages facial skin and that certain smoking behaviours contribute to wrinkles, because of the recurring facial expressions that cigarette smokers make, such as pursing the lips on inhaling and squinting their eyes to keep the smoke out. Drinking alcohol can make your body and skin dehydrated, leaving the skin looking old and worn out. If you are drinking alcohol beverage plenty of water and stick to practical quantities. Have a non-alcoholic beverage like soda or watery fruit juice in between the alcoholic ones to assist your body rehydrate.


Tip # 3 for healthy skin: Clean your skin regularly and apply moisturizer A British Skin Foundation survey published in January 2008 found that an astonishing 50 per cent of people who wear make up in the UK are damaging their skin by not removing make up before they go to bed. (Source BBC good-living guide). The reasons for not cleansing the skin of make up before going to bed were also revealing in that most people were too tired to take it off, suggesting they were not getting good quality sleep which also affects skin health. A significant proportion also said they had had too much to drink or simply couldn't be bothered. Cleansing is an important part of skin care because it removes dirt and bacteria; and the key is to do it gently. Use warm rather than hot water and limit the time you spend in the bath or shower to 15 minutes or less as too much time in hot water strips oils from your skin . Moisturizing protects the skin from drying and acts as a protective layer for the skin. Use mild rather than strong soaps and avoid irritating additives such as perfumes and dyes, especially if you have sensitive skin. When removing make up take care with the delicate skin around the eyes, and if you use waterproof make up you may need an oil-based product to make sure you get it all off. When you have finished try to pat your skin dry so some moisture stays on it. Moisturizing is important because it protects the skin from the weather and from drying up and looking dull. It helps your skin maintain its natural moisture levels too, say the Mayo Clinic experts, because it seals in the water already in the skin or slowly release water into the skin. You may be surprised to know that according to the British Skin Foundation the price of a moisturizer is not a measure of how good it is: cheaper ones can be just as effective. If you have dry skin avoid alcohol-based products and if you have oily skin avoid oil-based products (use water-based instead). Some people with oily skin don't need moisturizer: if your skin feels tight 20 minutes after bathing, then you probably do Tip # 4 for healthy skin: Get enough quality sleep. Focus on quality sleep to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Sleep is essential for healthy skin. Not enough quality sleep will make your skin look tired and older, especially with bags under your eyes. Poor quality sleep can become a vicious cycle because lack of sleep makes you irritable, anxious and depressed, and that makes it harder to get good sleep.


Make sure you have plenty of physical exercise as this reduces stress and creates a healthy tiredness that helps sleep. Yoga and swimming are also good ways to improve sleep. Aerobic exercise increases the oxygen circulating in your body which helps the skin stay vibrant and healthy. Here are some more tips for getting a good night's sleep: ▪ Try to keep to a regular routine at bedtime. Take a warm bath to relax you. ▪ Learn how to put aside the "worry list" that is in your head: write it down, keep a pencil and pad of paper by your bed. ▪ Get a relaxation tape: don't watch TV late at night or in bed as this can stimulate rather than relax you. ▪ Avoid eating a heavy meal late at night. Try to eat your last food for the day 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. ▪ Drink plenty of water during the day rather than toward bedtime. ▪ If you wake in the night get up and do something distracting until you are sleepy again rather than toss and turn and worry in bed. ▪ Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. It should be a haven of peace and not a den of noise and stimulation. ▪ Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine in the evenings: drink camomile tea rather than cocoa to induce sleep at bedtime (but not too much or you will be up in the night for the toilet). Make Your Skin Natural ly Glow 1. Skip the long, steamy showers and opt for shorter, cooler sprays. Long, hot showers

strip skin of its moisture and wash away protective oils, says Andrea Lynn Cambio, M.D., New York City dermatologist. Limit showers to 10 mins and keep the water cool.

2. Check the dryness of your skin by scratching a small area on your arm or leg with your

fingernail. If it leaves a white mark, your skin is indeed dry and needs both moisture and exfoliation (that is, removal of the outermost layer of dead skin cells).

3. Treat your neck and chest like an extension of your face. Your neck and upper chest area is covered by very sensitive skin, making it a prime spot for telltale signs of aging such as dryness, sun spots, and wrinkles, says Susie Galvez, owner of Face Works Day Spa in Richmond, Virginia, and author of Hello Beautiful: 365 Ways to Be Even More Beautiful. To keep this area youthful, use facial cleansing creams that hydrate and cleanse gently rather than deodorant soaps, which can be drying. Top it all off with a good facial moisturizing cream. If this area is extra dry, use a facial moisturizing mask twice a month.

4. Run a humidifier every night in the winter to moisturize the air in your bedroom. Not only will it ease itchy, dry skin, you'll be able to breathe the moist air more easily.


5. Soy consumption may support skin health by supplying high-quality protein needed for building and maintaining collagen, the material essential to connective tissues, says Aaron Tabor, M.D., CEO and medical research director at Revival Soy in Kernersville, North Carolina. Free radicals can also damage DNA, create age spots and wrinkles, and depress the immune system, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Good sources of soy isoflavones include soy milk (20-35 mg soy isoflavones per serving) and tofu (20-30 mg soy isoflavones per serving).

6. Switch from a deodorant soap to one with added fat, like Dove, Oilatum, or Neutrogena. Deodorant soaps can be drying, whereas added-fat soaps leave an oily, yet beneficial, film on your skin.

7. Keep your beauty products clean and simple, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Stay away from products with color, fragrance, or those that produce bubbles or have "antibacterial" on the label, says Dr. Cambio. These can all irritate skin.

8. Smooth a couple of drops of olive oil over your face, elbows, knees, and the backs of your arms every evening. The oil contains monounsaturated fat, which refreshes and hydrates skin without leaving a greasy residue.

9. For soft, young-looking hands and feet, slather on moisturizing cream and then slip on thin-fabric socks and gloves while you sleep.

10. Tone your skin with a sage, peppermint, and witch hazel combination. Sage helps to control oil, peppermint creates a cool tingle, and witch hazel helps restore the skin's protective layer. Combine 4 ounces of witch hazel with 1 teaspoon each of sage and peppermint leaves and steep for one to three days before applying to your skin.

11. Select a moisturizer that contains skin-repairing humectants. Is that a new word for you? Humectants attract water when applied to your skin and improve its hydration. Good ones include glycerin, propylene glycol, and urea. Look for skin products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), compounds that help reduce wrinkles and improve dry skin, acne, and age spots. AHAs, which naturally occur in grapes, apples, citrus, and sour milk (think buttermilk or yogurt), work by speeding up the turnover of old skin cells, making skin look younger.

12. Use a loofah daily to keep ingrown hairs and scaly skin under control. While in the shower, gently scrub bumpy or scaly skin with a circular motion to remove dead cells. For extra-smooth skin, sprinkle a few drops of an alpha-hydroxy product on the loofah before scrubbing.

13. Take rose hips every morning to help build collagen. Rich in vitamin C, rose hips (available at drugstores) can help keep skin smooth and youthful. Follow label directions.

14. Many nutrients are vital to healthy skin, including vitamins C, A, and B. The most reliable way to get them all every day is to eat well, as well as take a daily supplement.


15. Use unscented baby powder to keep areas where skin meets skin-- like the inner thighs, underarms, beneath large breasts-- clean and dry. This is important to prevent a common skin condition called intertrigo, which occurs when such areas remain moist, fostering the growth of bacteria or fungi.

16. If you're gearing up for a day in the sun, steer clear of scented lotions and perfumes. Scented products can lead to blotchy skin when exposed to the sun, says Galvez.

17. To treat dry, rough, itchy skin, try these bath add-ins: • Half a pound of sea salt and one pound baking soda. Soak until the water is cool to

detoxify your skin and soothe the itch • Two cups Epsom salt. In addition to soaking in it, while your skin is still wet, rub

handfuls of Epsom salt on the rough areas to exfoliate skin. • A few bags of your favorite tea. The tea provides antioxidants as well as a delicious

scent. • One cup uncooked oatmeal tied into an old stocking or muslin bag. Oats are not

only wonderful for your inner health, says Galvez, but provide a healthy glow on the outside as well, leaving a film on your skin that seals in water. • Equal parts of apple cider vinegar, wheat germ, and sesame oil. Apple cider vinegar

is both antibacterial and alkalinizing (meaning it helps maintain the proper acid balance), while sesame oil and wheat germ add moisture. • One cup powdered milk with one tablespoon grape-seed oil. The lactic acid in the

milk will exfoliate your skin, and the grape-seed oil will give your skin a powerful dose of antioxidants. Apply ice wrapped in a towel to dry, itchy skin. A few minutes on, a few minutes off. Allow the moist cold to relieve your skin and draw warming blood to it, but don't let your skin get so cold as to sting or hurt.

18. Smooth aloe vera gel over extra-dry skin. The acids in aloe eat away dead skin cells and speed up the healing process. Cut off an end of an aloe leaf, split open, and spread the gel on the dry area.

19. Plunk your rough, dry elbows into grapefruit halves. Exfoliate your elbows in your bath or shower, then cut a grapefruit in half and rest one elbow on each half, letting them soak for 15 minutes, recommends Galvez.

20. Hang room-darkening shades in your bedroom. They help avoid sleep disturbances or insomnia caused by ambient light. Sleep is critical to your skin's health because most cell repair and regeneration occurs while you're getting your z's; if you're not getting enough rest, your skin can not renew itself.

21. Cook with garlic every day. A 1996 Danish study found that skin cells grown in a culture dish and treated with garlic had seven times the life span of cells grown in a standard culture. They also tended to look healthier and more youthful than untreated cells. Plus, garlic extract dramatically inhibited the growth of cancerous skin cells.

22. Go for a run, ride your bike, work out in the garden on a hot day-- anything that gets you sweating. Sweating is nature's way of eliminating toxic chemicals that can build up


under skin. Plus, regular exercise maintains healthy circulation and blood flow throughout your body, including your skin. If you're exercising outdoors, though, remember to wear a sunscreen on your face that protects against UVA and UVB rays, or a moisturizer with sunscreen protection.

23. Make sure olive oil is the primary source of fat in your cooking each and every day, and try to have salmon twice a week or more.

24. Brew a pot of tea, chill, then store in the fridge and drink throughout the day. Tea, as you probably know, is a great source of antioxidants, molecules that fight the free-radical damage caused by sun exposure and cigarette smoking. One Arizona study, for instance, found that the more tea people drank (particularly tea with lemon) the less likely they were to develop squamous cell skin cancer.

25. Switch moisturizers every time the seasons change. Your skin needs more moisture in the winter than in the summer. So the same day you bring those sweaters down from the attic for the winter, buy a heavier moisturizer. When you trade in the sweaters for shorts, switch to a lighter one.

26. To prevent wrinkles and skin cancer, use a moisturizer containing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 daily. Use a gentle exfoliant weekly and a nighttime moisturizer that contains alpha-hydroxy acids to encourage skin regeneration.

27. Prepare a homemade oat scrub and use on your face every other day. Oats moisturize and exfoliate your skin at the same time. Grind enough rolled oats in a food processor or coffee grinder to fill 1/2 cup. Combine with 1/3 cup ground sunflower seeds, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint leaves, and 4 tablespoons almond meal. Mix 2 teaspoons with a small amount of heavy cream. Scrub your face and neck with the mixture, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

28. For double protection, apply a cream containing vitamin C to your face over your sunblock. The cream helps prevent facial skin damage, dehydration, and wrinkles, says Galvez. Try creams containing vitamin E or beta-carotene.

29. These oils are great for hydrating the skin, says Melinda Minton, spa consultant and

health and beauty expert in Fort Collins, Colorado. To create an herbal spritzer, mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a small spray bottle and spritz on your face whenever your skin. Your skin is more pliable when it's hydrated, so a spray helps stave off frown lines and general movement wrinkles. The hydrator also keeps pollutants out and keeps your skin's natural lubricants in.

30. Make your own cleansing, moisturizing masks. Mix 1 tablespoon plain yogurt with a few dashes of sesame oil.Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse. Mash a banana well and mix with a little honey for an instant dry-skin fix. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse. Mix 1/4 cup whipping cream, 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons ripe mashed avocado, and 1 teaspoon calendula petals. Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse.


A study completed at the Department of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, found avocado oil significantly increased the collagen content in skin, maintaining its youthful look. Not only does the oil in avocado act like an emollient, but the fruit also contains moisturizing vitamin E. Another good avocado mix is 1 tablespoon mashed avocado, 2 egg whites. and 2 tablespoons honey blended until smooth. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse. Eggs are great for tightening wrinkles and smoothing skin. If you have oily skin, apply an egg white only; if you have normal skin, use the whole egg. Apply the mixture to your face, leave for five minutes, then rinse. This works great on oily skin. Mash peeled mango flesh until it turns soft and pulpy. Then massage into skin, leave on for a few minutes, and rinse. This helps clean and tighten pores. Add 1 tablespoon of peppermint, yarrow, sage, or hyssop to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 30 minutes, then strain and cool before dabbing it on your face. This makes a great skin toner for oily skin.

31. Clean your face and neck with a natural cold cream and follow with a rosewater and glycerin rinse twice a day to remove skin-damaging pollutants.

32. Keep your hands off your face! Because your hands touch so many surfaces, they are a magnet for dirt and germs. Rub your eyes, stroke your chin, cup your cheek, and you've transferred everything on your hands to your face. As an extension of this, use headphones or a headset when talking on the phone. This, too, keeps hands and germs away from your face.

33. Stop with one glass of wine or one alcoholic drink. Overdoing it enlarges the blood vessels near the surface of your facial skin.

34. De-shine your face throughout the day by periodically dabbing on loose powder to blot excess oil. Don't use pressed powder, which actually contains oil as an ingredient.

35. Never, ever rub your eyes-- apply compresses instead. The skin on your face is extremely delicate, especially under your eyes. So use a very light touch on your face at all times, says Dianne M. Daniels, image consultant and color analyst at Image & Color Services in Norwich, Connecticut. If your eyes itch, apply a cold compress or washcloth to the area, or try a cotton pad moistened with toner or witch hazel.

36. Use a single family of skin-care products. If you buy and use lots of different skin-care products, there's a good chance some contain the same ingredients, thus making them redundant, says Cara DeCenso, an aesthetician at Ajune in Manhattan. And some brands just aren't very compatible with others, though you 'd have no way of knowing that until you already paid for and opened them. You'll get much better results if you use products that are designed and formulated to work together, such as Clinique, Mary Kay, Albolene, or Neutrogena. You may have to shell out a little more cash, but experts agree you'll get better results.


Eat your way to fabulous skin If you want radiant skin, the old adage 'you are what you eat' has never been truer. Our nutritionist tips will help you nourish your skin from the inside out. Everyone has a favourite face cream or treatment, but beautiful skin starts with nourishment from within. Older cells are constantly shed and replaced by younger ones and a steady supply of micronutrients is essential to support this rapid growth. Eat the correct balance of foods and you'll feed your skin the vital nutrients it needs to help it stay soft, supple and blemish-free. Papaya Fruit and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that help to protect skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are caused by smoking, pollution and sunlight and can cause wrinkling and age spots. Eat a rainbow of colourful fruit and vegetables and aim for at least five portions a day. Betacarotene, found in pumpkin, carrots and sweet potatoes, and lutein, found in kale, papaya and spinach are potent antioxidants, important for normal skin cell development and healthy skin tone. Ingredient focus, Vitamin C Vitamin C is also a super antioxidant. It is needed for a strong immune system, radiant skin and helps blemishes heal properly. The best sources are blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi fruits, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes. They all help to produce collagen that strengthens the capillaries that supply the skin.


Cut out crash diets Repeatedly losing and regaining weight can take its toll on your skin, causing sagging, wrinkles and stretch marks. Crash diets are often short in essential vitamins too. Over long periods of time this type of dieting will reflect on your skin. Stock up on selenium Studies suggest that a selenium-rich diet can help to protect against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots. One way to boost your intake is to eat Brazil nuts. Mix Brazil nuts with other seeds rich in vitamin E as a snack or salad sprinkle. Vitamin E Vitamin E protects skin from oxidative (cell) damage and supports healthy skin growth. Foods high in vitamin E include almonds, avocado, hazelnuts, pine nuts and sunflower and corn oils. Hydration Skin needs moisture to stay flexible. Even mild dehydration will cause your skin to look dry, tired and slightly grey. Try to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, both can age the skin. Fats Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats - the types found in avocados, fish, nuts and seeds - provide essential fatty acids which act as a natural moisturizer for your skin, keeping it supple. These fats also come packaged with a healthy dose of vitamin E (a vitamin many of us lack), which will help protect against free radical damage. Eat more phyto-estrogens Phyto-estrogens are natural chemicals found in plant foods (phyto meaning plant). They have a similar structure to the female sex hormone oestrogen and have been found to help keep our natural hormones in balance. There are different types, some are found in soya bean products (isoflavones), whereas others are found in the fibre of whole-grains, fruit, vegetables and flax seeds (lignans). Include phyto-estrogen rich soya, whole-grains, fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. Omega-3 You will find omega-3s in oily fish and plant sources such as flaxseed oil, linseeds, walnut and rapeseed oil. Omega-3 fats encourage the body to produce anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help skin, particularly inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psorasis. Low-GI carbs Eat plenty of beans, pulses, porridge and other slow-releasing carbohydrates. These release sugar into the blood stream gradually, providing you with a steady supply of energy and leaving you feeling satisfied for longer and therefore less likely to snack. Avoid high GI carbohydrates like biscuits and sugary drinks, as they lead to production of insulin, which may damage collagen and accelerate wrinkles.


Zinc: Zinc is involved in the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands in the skin (which produce oil) and helps to repair skin damage and keep skin soft and supple. Zinc-rich foods include fish, lean red meat, whole grains, poultry, nuts, seeds and shellfish. Common skin problems As much as we try to resist it, our skin does age. Wrinkles and age spots are the result of gradual, accumulated damage from the sun, strong soaps, chemicals and poor nutrition. Make sure you follow the guidelines above and try to include antioxidant rich fruit and vegetables containing beta carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium. Acne is caused by inflammation and infection of the sebaceous glands of the skin. Sebaceous glands are stimulated by hormones (particularly androgens). To avoid acne, cut back on saturated and hydrogenated fats in margarines and processed foods. Also cut down on junk food as well as foods high in sugar, such as cakes and biscuits. Eat more raw vegetables, whole-grains, fresh fruit and fish. Try to include selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, fresh tuna, sunflower seeds, walnuts and whole meal bread. Psoriasis appears as red skin patches with silvery scales, most commonly on the elbows and knees. The patches are caused by rapid growth and proliferation of cells in the outer skin layers. Patches can be itchy and sore and in severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed. Some people find outbreaks occur when they feel rundown. Sunburn, alcohol, smoking, obesity and stress are also implicated and there may be trigger foods which you will have to identify using an exclusion diet, though always check with your GP before cutting out food groups. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) from fish oil or cold-pressed nut and seed oils are important to include in the diet. It should also be low in saturated fat and include anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, red pepper, ginger, cumin, fennel, rosemary and garlic. Eczema is a skin condition that usually begins as patchy redness, often on the hands by can appear anywhere on the skin. There are many triggers, one of the most common is food sensitivity. The most common offending foods are milk, eggs, fish, cheese, nuts and food additives. Omega-3 fats, zinc and vitamin E may help reduce symptoms. Once you make changes to your diet, don't expect an overnight miracle. It takes six weeks for new skin to emerge up to the surface, so the visible benefits from dietary changes will take just as long. For persistent skin conditions, talk to your doctor or consider seeing a dermatologist. This is general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. Wishing you good health! Maurice/Lars, Health Supplements Sweden AB

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