Did you know that the manufacturing of aloe vera extracts is one of the largest botanical industries in the world? In the U.S., it has found widespread use in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. If you walk down the health and beauty isles of your local grocery store, you'll likely see multiple products made with aloe vera.…
Glycolic acid is a natural and highly effective way to exfoliate or refine the skin. Maybe you've heard of a glycolic peel or even experienced one before. When used topically, this natural acid helps remove dead skin cells, which can benefit many common skin concerns — from acne to wrinkles, comedones and many others. Glycolic…
If you have dry, itchy, scaly, painful, red patches of skin that crop up, there's a chance you're suffering psoriasis symptoms. Psoriasis is a persistent autoimmune condition that causes red, raised plaque to form on the surface on skin, which can be both irritating and embarrassing. Considered to have no definitive cure, it usually comes…
Today, we have hundreds of different beauty products available to us — acne washes, toners, scrubs, etc. — but what did people use thousands of years ago before commercial chemicals existed to help heal their skin? When it comes to natural skin care, one time-honored medicinal plant is witch hazel, which Native Americans relied on for…
Our skin is a reflection of our overall health, which is why glowing, beautiful skin often results from proper care, hydration and eating a nutrient-dense diet. On the other hand, skin ridden with whiteheads, blackheads, nodular acne and other types of pimples can indicate oxidative damage, poor nutrition and hormonal imbalances — making it all the…
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, in the U.S. alone, osteoporosis and low bone mass affect approximately 54 million women and men over the age of 50. Believe it or not, that is the majority of all people aged 50 and older living in the U.S., which is why problems associated with low bone mass…
When an irritant or something we have a sensitivity to touches our skin, an itchy, blistery rash can be the result. In fact, virtually everyone will develop contact dermatitis at some point during their lives. Generally, it resolves without medical intervention, but if it persists for a month — or reoccurs and you don’t know…
Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects between 0.5 percent to 10 percent of the population, leaving people searching for rosacea treatment options. It commonly develops during teenage years or someone's 20s and then can become worse into the 30s or 40s. The cause of rosacea is still not entirely understood, though there are…
Cascara sagrada was once available as an over-the-counter herbal laxative, but due to a lack of supportive research and subsequent withdrawal of FDA approval, it can now be found as a dietary supplement, but not as a drug. If it is taken orally for laxative purposes, it's commonly recommended for no longer than a week…
Titanium dioxide is a common food additive that is used as a white pigment that enhances brightness and opacity. It’s also used in plastics, papers, ceramics and paints. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers it safe for consumption, other organizations question its potential adverse effects. For that reason, it’s best to avoid…
