Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting people of all ages. What's one of the most popular ingredients used to prevent breakouts, often recommended by dermatologists? It's called benzoyl peroxide, which you'll find in washes, creams and many other skincare products. According to studies, benzoyl peroxide cream, washes and gels…
Unfortunately, most people experience sunburn at some point in their lives, but not everyone has had a case of sun poisoning. Have you? For those of you who haven't, you're probably wondering, "What does sun poisoning look like?" One of the telltale signs is bumps that appear in clusters where the skin was exposed to…
Looking to get rid of dark spots and give your skin a lighter, brighter look? Say hello to kojic acid — a cosmetic ingredient that's getting attention lately for its skin-lightening and antioxidant properties. Kojic acid may serve as an alternative to hydroquinone, the primary ingredient used in many skin-lightening products, and glycolic acid, or…
Ever wonder how to get rid of period cramps? While many women suffer from PMS symptoms each month, period cramps are the most commonly reported menstrual disorder — with over up to 84 percent of young women experiencing some level of menstrual pain at some point during their lives. Forty three percent report that pain…
You're probably well aware of the benefits of vitamin E for skin. Chances are that it's an ingredient in some of your body care products, but did you know that tocopherol, a class of compounds under the umbrella term "vitamin E," is what gives this nutrient so much power? Tocopherol, which is found in a…
Although the topic is still being investigated, the main concerns regarding the use of synthetic chemicals called parabens is that they may disrupt hormone levels in the body. This makes them potential "endocrine disruptors," meaning they can mimic the effects of reproductive hormones (like estrogen) and therefore change how the body produces its own hormones.…
People living in parts of northern Europe have been using cod liver oil for centuries to enhance immunity and protect them from dark, long winters. They have also used cod liver oil as a natural solution for rheumatism, aching joints and stiff muscles. The primary source of cod liver oil was eating the fresh livers of Gadus morhua fish. While…
Keloids — scars that just keep on growing — are typically harmless. However, they can be unsightly and annoying. They affect as many as 1 in every 10 people and most often appear after injury to the skin. Trying to remove keloids surgically is often ineffective. However, both medical and natural treatment methods can help…
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal and health purposes. Because of their antidepressant, stimulating, detoxifying, antibacterial, antiviral and calming properties, they continue to gain popularity as natural, safe and cost-effective therapy for a number of health concerns. There's no wonder why considering the high cost of health…
While bentonite clay has been used for centuries around the world to promote better health and ward off diseases, those living in the U.S. and Europe have, for the most part, only recently become familiar with this product. What is bentonite clay used for? Bentonite clay (BC), also called calcium bentonite clay or Montmorillonite clay, is now taking…
