ACNE strategy: How to ACNE

Non-comedogenic & Non-Acnegenic:
You see these terms on many products these days…but please note that these are not official terms so that means that the FDA has NOT approved them. But, what do they mean?

Basically, it means the potential to form comedones, inflamed spots or pustules (often known as whiteheads & pimples). Non Comedogenic is understood to mean that the product doesn’t include ingredients that produced comedones - based on tests done by the product manufacturer. Non Acnegenic means that the particular product was tested on volunteers for a time (usually a few weeks) and it did not cause any type of acne or pimples.  They are targeted for acne sufferers.

But, if you’ve ever purchased any of these products AND are acne prone or have sensitive skin, you know all too well that these terms don’t mean anything to you!! You still break out!!! Not only that, but you are frustrated that you just spent money on a product that you thought wouldn’t cause ANY acne.

Therefore, you are back to square one in your search for products that won’t irritate you – literally and figuratively. When that happens, stick to the fundamentals:
1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser no more than 2 times a day. Do not use harsh cleansers and try to scrub away acne! You can’t scrub acne away.

2. Exfoliate according to your skin type
How often should you use an exfoliator / exfoliant?
At least 1-2 times a week is recommended for facial exfoliation. You should exfoliate the rest of your body at least 3 times a week.
This also depends on your skin type:
Dry or sensitive skin – once per week
Oily or combination skin – 3-5 times per week
Normal skin – everyday

3. Watch what you eat. While the food you eat isn’t directly connected to acne, it’s still better to arm your body with healthy defenses to heal any infection.
4. Watch what you are touching your face with -hands, phone receivers, hair products, etc. If you are using hair products that contain oils, you will break out!
5. Drink water to help cleanse your system.
6. Experiment slowly to see what works for you and what doesn’t – then, eliminate anything that you have an adverse reaction to.

Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne Products

If you have skin issues considered "inflammatory", benzoyl peroxide is great to use.  It's a great acne preventer.  The reason it works on acne is because oxygen is emitted into the area around the follicle to kill the bacteria.  And, it works very fast - faster than antibiotics would to treat your blemishes.  Plus, benzoyl peroxide won't stop working like antibiotics can because your body can become resistant to antibiotics.  However, don't confuse this with hydrogen peroxide as this won't get down into the follicle.

Please note that this is an acne preventer not a a "spot treatment".  It's best used on a daily basis while working in your regular skin care regimen.  Again, always go back to the fundamentals of skin care - no need to scrub excessively or wash multiple times a day.  See our recommendations in our article:

http://nuttsoruff.com/http:/www.nuttsoruff.com/6-tips-to-finding-true-non-comedogenic-non-acnegenic-products

Most people go wrong when they over do it and then get frustrated - spending more and more money on "acne treatments" that don't work .  Find the lowest concentration product your skin will tolerate and use daily. As a daily user, 2.5% is probably high enough (especially those with sensitive skin)  - others, at the most 5%. The higher concentration products that contain benzoyl peroxide are best for people who have really oily skin.

The biggest drawback, in my opinion, is it can bleach clothes, sheets, hair - so be careful what it touches.  But, always remember to listen to your skin and don't over do it.  If you apply too much or too fast (multiple times a day), your skin will react.  Go slow and be kind to your skin.  You'll notice a difference soon enough.

Hormone supplements (DHEA) and your skin…

DHEA is a hormone supplement that many people are familiar with.  But, what most people don’t know is that it can wreak havoc to your skin.  Your body already has DHEA because your adrenal glands make it.  You turn it into estrogen and testosterone, when required.  But, when your levels start to decrease in your 30′s, you start noticing ads for this supplement and all the supposed benefits it provides.

But, did you know that the health effects are not yet available and it is not yet regulated by the Food and Drug Administration?  Some side effects include gaining extra pounds and increased acne.  Who wants that?

You always need to be mindful of what you are doing to your skin – directly or indirectly.  Don’t always believe the hype you see in advertisements.  Stick to the fundamentals and always check with your doctor before trying any new supplements.

6 tips to finding true Non-Comedogenic & Non-acnegenic products

You see these terms on many products these days…but please note that these are not official terms so that means that the FDA has NOT approved them.  But, what do they mean?

Basically, it means the potential to form comedones, inflamed spots or pustules.  Non-Comedogenic is understood to mean that the product doesn’t include ingredients that produced comedones - based on tests done by the product manufacturer.  Non-Acnegenic means that the particular product was tested on volunteers for a time (usually a few weeks) and it did not cause any type of acne.

But, if you’ve ever purchased any of these products AND are acne prone or have sensitive skin, you know all too well that these terms don’t mean anything to you!!  You still break out!!!  Not only that, but you are frustrated that you just spent money on a product that you thought wouldn’t cause ANY acne.

Therefore, you are back to square one in your search for products that won’t irritate you – literally and figuratively.  When that happens, stick to the fundamentals:

1.  Wash your face with a gentle cleanser no more than 2 times a day.  Do not use harsh cleansers and try to scrub away acne!  You can’t scrub acne away.

2.  Exfoliate according to your skin type (see our information page for how many times a week you should exfoliate)
nuttsoruff.com/info

3. Watch what you eat.  While the food you eat isn’t directly connected to acne, it’s still better to arm your body with healthy defenses to heal any infection.

4. Watch what you are touching your face with -hands, phone receivers, hair products, etc.  If you are using hair products that contain oils, you will break out!

5. Drink water to help cleanse your system.

6. Experiment slowly to see what works for you and what doesn’t – then, eliminate anything that you have an adverse reaction to.

The Role of Cosmetics in Skin Care

Does your skin react negatively when you wear makeup?  Overnight breakouts that you get after applying cosmetics isn’t the same as breakouts from cosmetics.  Acne (the comedone type) doesn’t happen overnight.  Instead, you probably have “chemical folliculitis”.  This is an aggravated follicle brought on by something you put on your skin.  So, it’s not really acne.  And, what’s good is that you know what brought it on so you can stop using the product.  On the other hand, though, it’s very frustrating because anything you try seems to irritate your skin.  But, whatever irritation you do have can clear up within a week or so – if it doesn’t, you should see a doctor to see what they can prescribe to clear it up.

Even though this type of skin condition isn’t “true” acne in the real sense of the word, it can start the acne process in acne prone skin.  And, it can stimulate oil production – which isn’t helpful here.

So, what can irritate your skin?  To name a few:
Alcohol
Anything acidic:  lemon, grapefruit, etc.
Peppermint or menthol

These ingredients are often found in acne treatments.  You may think that they “feel” like they are working, but they are really irritating your skin.

ACNE SCARRING and it's effects on your self-esteem

Inflammatory acne is very damaging to your skin.  Your body’s natural defense against injury is to scar your skin.  (It’s the same reason why you get a blister on your foot when you wear shoes that are too tight or callouses on your heels – it happens to protect you.)  You may have shallow marks or deep pits.  When your skin responds to acne, it can make extra collagen to repair the skin and keep it from getting hurt again.  But, it’s these scars that hurt your self-esteem and make you hide your face.  So, take care of your skin – don’t pick, watch what you put to your skin (i.e. phone receivers) and drink plenty of water.  While many things can adversely affect your skin and it can be hard to pinpoint – especially if you’ve been dealing with acne issues for a long time, it’s best to take care of it to keep it as healthy looking as possible.  Not everyone can have perfect skin – in fact, most people don’t.  But, do what is in your control and you’ll feel much happier about your skin and your self-esteem will show improvement as well!

3 Acne Terms: Papules, Postules, and Cysts

You hear these terms a lot but do you really know what they mean?  Here is further explanation on these 3 acne terms in hopes it will help you understand what is happening with your skin.

A papule is a red swelled bump that does not have a head that you can see.  Follicles “break” and fix themselves over and over.  But, if your body is unable to fix these breaks fast enough so whatever was in that follicle opening- i.e. sebum (oil), hair, bacteria, and dead skin cells – will  go into the tissue around the area.  Your body then works to rid itself of these things.  While it does, it releases enzymes that destroy the area around the follicle.  If this happens near the top, you will soon see a postule (a white or yellow head – this is pus filled).

Eventually, this will “pop” on its own.  This could be the end of that pimple; however, sometimes some of this debris (oil, hair, dead skin) is left behind to start the cycle of another pimple.  So, if you are one of those people that seem to get pimples in the same spot over and over again, this is why.

Cysts, on the other hand, are much larger and are deeper under the surface.  These can take months to heal.  The inflammation can increase under the surface, hurting the tissue underneath.  When it finally pops, there are remnants left behind, starting the cycle over.

Tanning: Sunless, Spray, Airbrush - what is it?

Sunless tanning, spray tanning, airbrush tanning…it’s called many things but basically it’s a tan without exposure to the sun and its harmful rays. The ingredient used in spray tanning is DHA which is FDA approved. It’s basically a plant based sugar and it reacts with the amino acids in the dead layer of your skin.

As you shed your skin, your tan will fade. But, it will be a gradual process.


So, basically, you are sprayed with a solution of this spray tan. You can opt to wear clothes or not. The whole process should only take a couple of minutes. Soon, you’ll see your new tan! You can usually take a shower about 4-5 hours after the treatment. Consult your local spray tanner for more detailed information.

It’s nice because you can get a spray tan whenever you feel like getting one. Plus, they are getting more and more popular so it’s easy to find a place that you can get it done at. You get a more natural looking tan (as opposed to those lotions that you rub on). And, of course, it stays on longer.

Sure, it can get expensive to keep up. However, consider what it would cost you to go to a tanning booth – not just in dollars but in the UV rays that are harmful to us all. There’s nothing wrong with doing something for yourself – especially if it makes you feel good. If it boosts your self esteem and makes you feel good / confident, there’s no harm then.

To get the best spray tan, I always suggest to exfoliate first!!! And, you should also wax and shave prior to your treatment as well. Don’t use anything that has any perfume in it because it could affect your tan. And, another suggestion is to drink lots of water so that your skin doesn’t dry out. The drier your skin, the more it will flake!!

Bacteria

More often than not, the cause of pimples is a bacteria called P.acnes and they do well where there is no oxygen. They love oil (sebum). And, they live in the skin – not on top of it. So, the products you buy that are meant to disinfect acne prone skin won’t work in these cases.

P.acnes grows quickly. As it grows, they expel chemicals that destroys the lining of the hair follicle. White blood cells come to the rescue to help kill the bacteria. This is when you “feel a pimple coming on”. As these blood cells attack, enzymes are released, allowing it to “pop”.

People who suffer from inflammatory acne don’t get the “whiteheads” or “blackheads” that many people do. Everyone is different. If you are one of these people, this is how your immune system responds to your skin problems.

Depending on the size / location of this pimple, the stuff that comes out of it, and how your immune system reacts, different things can happen.

Keep tuning in to gain more knowledge about the largest organ of the body.

Blackheads and Whiteheads aren't created equal - or are they?

Some types of acne never get past the beginning stage. They stay inside the follicle, oil comes out to the top and eventually, the skin removes it. But, some do turn into what we refer to as acne. As dead skin collects and oil increases, you can see and feel the bump. It can turn into a blackhead – where the pore is open at the top and is dark in appearance. Incidentally, this dark appearance isn’t dirt, as some believe. It’s actually skin pigment. Blackheads usually aren’t our biggest problem because they typically don’t turn into the red bothersome acne…and they don’t usually leave scars. They can stay in the pore from days to years! A whitehead on the other hand, is a closed comedo. It gets bigger and there’s usually a tiny white bump on the top of your skin.

This is what is considered noninflammatory acne: blackheads, whiteheads or a combination of these. Inflammatory acne are considered the pimples, papules, pustules and cysts.

Acne and YOU - the POWER of Knowledge

Experts (i.e. Dermatologists) recommend that you take control of your acne by gaining knowledge about acne. Many people that try different acne treatments get poor results because they don’t know what the treatment is supposed to do. If you don’t understand, you will be disappointed.

Helping control your acne takes time and patience. So, learn as much as you can to combat this common problem. You don’t have the same type of skin type or skin problems that your kids have or your neighbors have or even your co-workers have. There isn’t one cure. It’s something you learn about and take action with.

You should be your own skin expert. Listen to your skin and don’t use something that has an adverse effect on you. Your skin changes every day, every season, every year. Your hormones change your skin. So you need to educate yourself and recognize when you need to give your skin a softer or more aggressive treatment. Or, maybe you need something totally different from what was working.

So, learn about your acne and then YOU can make the best decisions about YOUR skin!

Keep reading and let me know what you want to hear more about!

Dry Eye Eye Cream

Try this At Home Dry Eye Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes can become extremely dry. The ingredients in this recipe can help those pesky eye wrinkles.

A couple vitamin E capsules
About a teaspoon of cocoa butter
Mix together and pat around the eye area. Do not rub – it’s always best to gently “pat” the skin around the eyes. Use twice a day!

Moisturize your Oily Skin

Great for oily skin as well as normal skin!
1 squirt of honey
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vegetable oil
Water
Warm the honey in the microwave for just a couple seconds. Stir in the remaining ingredients until well incorporated.
Apply to face in the evening. Rinse with warm water and dry.

7 steps to Smoother Skin

Do you have areas of your body that become really dry and dark, such as elbows and knees? This is due to the build up of keratin. 
So, how do you alleviate these keratin build-ups?
Here are 7 steps to alleviate dry, patchy elbows:

1.  Take a short bath – no longer than 10 minutes – in warm (not hot) water.
2.  Add a small amount of mineral oil.
3.  Rub the rough areas with a wet cloth.
4.  For really rough areas, use your Nutt So Ruff scrub bar.
5.  Take a piece of fresh lemon and rub on these areas after your bath.
6.  Rinse with cool water.
7.  Moisturize.

Viola!

How does YOUR skin AGE?

Your skin ages in a couple different ways – from the inside and the outside.

There’s always the passage of time that makes everyone feel and many times, look old. You might notice this in your mid thirties. The amount of oil glands might lessen and your fat and collagen in your skin begins to diminish. You start to see wrinkles. The top layer of skin will actually start to thin. You may not notice this on the top of your skin but it’s happening and there’s nothing that can change it.

But, then there’s also the exposure to wind, sun, etc. that ages us. Prolonged exposure to sun is a big reason why most people experience skin aging. Your skin may start to look “leather-like”. It is very dry with deep wrinkles. You might also notice an increase in spider veins as well as “sun spots” or skin tone that is not even. The more damaged your skin is, the more sensitive it becomes. And, you increase your chances of getting skin cancer. Here, the top layer of skin can become thin or thick (making your skin look rough).

So, when your doctor tells you to wear sun screen, listen! And, if you want a deep dark tan, you might consider a spray tan instead!!

Deep Dark Spray Tan

Many would agree that a suntan gives a nice, “healthy” glow to your skin. However, more and more people understand the effects of sun damage and are turning to spray tanning to get that healthy glow. So what do you need to do to prepare your skin for a spray tan? Here, you’ll find some spray tan tips for a natural spray tan. This will help give you a dark spray tan and keep it – saving you time and money.
So, here are my tips for spray tanning:
It’s a good idea to exfoliate your skin before you go for your spray tan because the spray tan actually adheres to the dead skin.
If you have an excess of these dead skin cells, your spray tan will come off a lot quicker.
Your tan will last a lot longer and will actually be darker if you exfoliate beforehand.
Also, if you have dry skin, your tan won’t last as long.
If your skin is oily, it actually will last longer because your skin will be more lubricated (and make it harder for the dead skin to come off).
After spray tanning, keep your skin moisturized with your favorite moisturizer (no fragrance).
Only exfoliate again once you start seeing “patches” or your tan is beyond the point of getting touched up.
Exfoliating is a good spray tan removal tool for your custom spray tan. First, soak in a warm tub. Tip: add a little baking soda to help loosen the tan.
Next, exfoliate your skin with your Nutt So Ruff exfoliating scrub bar. You can even use a little bit of lemon juice to help.
Once you learn how to care for your skin and your spray tan, you’ll enjoy your tan for a lot longer – saving you money in the long run! Get that dark spray tan you’re looking for. Finally, the perfect tan!!

Perfect PETICURE Tips…

Foot callouses and cracked heels are embarrassing. Whether it’s summer and you are always in sandals or winter where you’re always in socks, you still need to have proper foot care. Plus, it will make you feel better to know your feet are as perfect as can be.
No one wants rough skin anywhere on their body but it is especially a problem for your feet and heels. You need a good foot scrub and callous remover. Some people use the age old pumice stone. I find that it doesn’t work for me. I much prefer this cracked heel remedy to get smooth feet.
Steps to the perfect pedicure…this will help you remove foot calluses.
1. Soak your feet in warm water about 10 minutes.
2. Pat your feet dry.
3. Clip toenails.
4. Use your Nutt So Ruff Foot bar to remove any rough parts from your feet.*
5. Rub a little oil on your cuticles.
6. Push back your cuticles. Be careful.
7. Apply your favorite lotion (ensure your feet are dry).
8. Massage your feet.
9. Polish toes.

*Note: Do NOT use a stainless steel scraper on your feet to remove tough calluses. These are dangerous and you can cut yourself badly.

Nutty Eye Cream

Try this home recipe for the sensitive skin around your eyes:
1 tsp. almond oil
1.5 Tbsp plain yogurt
Combine both and mix very well. Apply in the AM and PM.
Benefits of almond oil:
Rich in vitamins E and D. It is believed to improve skin complexion.
Well known for treating dark under eye circles.
It’s a natural moisturizer.
Helps to reduce lost moisture.
Helps with inflammation.
Commonly known to delay the aging process.
Regular use conditions the skin and gives it a natural glow.

Body Scrub for Acne for all skin types by Nutt So Ruff

Clear skin seems to be a mere dream for some people. If you have had to deal with teenage acne and now have to deal with adult acne, it can be quite frustrating. It may be hormonal or due to stress but it sometimes doesn’t matter if you have oily skin, dry skin or normal skin. And, body acne (sometimes called “Bacne”) is very embarrassing. If you also have sensitive skin on top of your other “skin type” (i.e. oily, dry, normal), it can be doubly frustrating because the skin products offered may irritate you more than your neighbor who swears by the latest department store acne treatment. So, what do you do?
My suggestion is education. Learn about skin and the best way to care for it. Your skin is the largest and hardest working organ of your body so listen to what your skin is telling you. Everyone’s skin is different and reacts differently. Here is some fundamental information that is helpful to know.
Anywhere there is a hair follicle or a pore, you can get acne. This includes your back, neck, shoulders, chest, face, etc. Oil glands are larger on your face and chest and are more active at producing sebum (oil).
When there is too much sebum, you will get a pimple because the oil or dead skin can’t get out. This is where you can get blackheads, whiteheads, etc.
If you get blackheads, it’s recommended to discontinue using anything that has oil in it. This is because your pores will get clogged and your body will not be able to remove the dead skin naturally. Blackheads often occur in hair follicles and this is why it is recommended to exfoliate. Exfoliate about 3 times per week and do not wash your face more than 2 times per day.
Cool skin facts:
It has 19000 nerve cells, more than 1200 pain receptors, over 600 sweat glands, 19 yards of blood vessels, 60 hairs, 94 subaceous glands and about 19 million cells!!!!!
There are 3 layers to the skin:
Epidermis – the outside layer.
Dermis – the middle layer.
Subcutaneous layer – the inside layer.
The cells will migrate to the top of your epidermis. This can take up to a month to do!! As this happens, the old cells die and come to the outside layer. This dead skin will flake off naturally but sometimes needs help to do so. Every minute, we lose around 35,000 dead cells from the outer surface. In one year, that can total 9 pounds of dead skin cells!!!
Your skin is always making new cells. This process is called “desquamation”. As we get older, this process will take longer and longer to complete – which is why it’s recommended to exfoliate your skin. If your skin is dry, you will start to look dull because the dead skin will settle in the dry, cracked areas. If your skin is oily, it could lead to breakouts because the dead skin has a hard time sloughing off on its own- this is because the oil is sticky and doesn’t allow the dead skin to be removed naturally. Bottom line, you need a good body scrub with a good skin exfoliator!

Get a TAN!!!

Not everyone can afford to take a vacation or don’t have the time to take off of work. So, what do you do?
Take care of yourself, of course!!!

Aside from eating healthy and drinking plenty of water, take a day or two for yourself…and, maybe get a tan. Whether you prefer tanning beds or spray tanning, you should prepare your skin for your tan. And, that means exfoliating! You need to remove those dead skin cells so that your tan will look better. Whatever your skin type (either dry skin or oily skin), you want to exfoliate. Especially if your skin is dry, your tan will look better if you get those dead skin cells off!!


So, get that tan! It’s a lot cheaper than taking a week off to go on vacation and you just might feel a little bit more rejuvenated!!!

Your Skin - REVEALED

You may already know that your skin is the largest organ. And, your skin reveals what’s going on in your life – both internally and externally – emotionally and physically. Your skin regulates your body temperature and it helps keep you warm. It also shields us from injury. And, it produces vitamin D from the sun.
There are a few layers to your skin. Let’s go through them and then we’ll reveal what they mean and what they really do.
1. The Epidermis – this is what you can see on the outside.
2. The Dermis – underneath the epidermis.
The epidermis is also called the “stratum corneum”. It contains cells called Keratinocytes which start at the bottom and constantly move towards the surface. This process takes about a month. These are what some refer to as “dead skin cells” but even thought they are dead, they still do provide a benefit. It helps protect against losing water & attacks from harmful substances.
A portion of the epidermis is referred to as melanocytes, which produce melanin, giving skin its color. This is what is functioning if you tan. The darker your skin, the more vigorous your melanocytes. No matter your race, though, everyone has the same amount of melanocytes.
Cells called Langerhans cells (also in the epidermis layer) help with our immune system. It helps fight viruses and bacteria.
Next, your dermis:
Here, you’ll find blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics. Collagen is also found in this layer, as well as “elastin fibers”. These two help your skin retain it’s appearance – either firm or slack skin, for example.
Also, part of your skin:
Eccrine glands – here is where sweat is made and can be found in many portions of the skin. This is what regulates temperature.
Apocrine glands – only found in certain areas, linked with hair follicles.
Sebaceous glands – found pretty much everywhere except for a couple places and this is where sebum is made. Sebum is oily and this is what you find a lot of on your face. Every 10 years after your late 20′s, sebum production is reduced by about 30%.
I hope that helps to explain your skin and the functions of each layer.
Continue to read our blog to get more information on the skin!!!

Nut So Ruff

For questions and answers to how to care for your skin, go to:

nutsoruff.com

For skin that's truly breathtaking...

Six necessities for winning your battle with skin care

If you’ve tried everything you could to take care of your skin but you still don’t like what you see, you need to figure out why your skin isn’t listening to you and what mistakes you may be making. Find products that help you and stop using products that may irritate or make problems worse. Your skin can look better if you follow 6 simple steps.
1. Be committed to your skin care.
2. Be patient – you need to pay attention to your skin.
3. Be aware of your “self”
4. Eat well.
5. Be realistic.
6. Have a strong desire for healthy skin.

Causes of Acne & some helpful Tips

Diet, hygiene and stress are often blamed for acne.
Concerning diet, if you notice that certain foods make you break out, stop eating those foods. And, drink lots and lots of water – it helps to flush out your system.
For hygiene, don’t overdo it. If you scrub your face constantly, you can actually make your breakouts worse. You can’t scrub acne away!! Washing too much can become drying to your skin. Your skin will compensate by producing more oil to replace any oil that was removed. And, with more oil, you’re likely to get more acne blemishes. Wash your face 2-3 times a day at the most. I recommend 2 times on a normal day – 3 if you’ve been sweating a lot or have more dirt on your skin.
Stop touching your skin where you break out. If you touch, pick, or squeeze, you can make your skin worse. The oil can become deeply embedded in the blemish and can make it last longer. It can also develop into the more severe type of acne cysts.
If you are prone to acne break outs, you may want to stop tanning. Why? Because although it may temporarily help your skin, it won’t make it go away. The sun will dry your skin and which, in turn, leads to more oil. And, did you know that tanning actually thickens your skin – which can lead to clogged pores.
If you tend to sweat, change your clothes more often (for instance, right after school or work, after playing sports or working out). Loose fitting clothes are better than tight fitting. Shower after excessive sweating.
Watch what you put to your skin. If you talk on the phone, try not to let the receiver touch your skin. Bacteria and dirt on different objects that touch our skin make our breakouts worse.
Watch out for the types of cosmetics you are using. If you are using anything oil based and you have acne issues, you may want to switch. Sometimes it’s better to go with a more natural look rather than using foundations or powders that will clog pores. Find products that won’t clog your pores.
Be careful with allowing your hair on your face. The oils in your hair can be transferred to your skin clogging your pores.
Finally, you may also want to change your bedding frequently.

Skin tightener soap

Made with tomato juice and baking soda!!! Weird combination for soap but the tomato soaks up the oil and the baking soda cleans. Great for oily skin…
5 oz. glycerin soap
5 Tbsp tomato juice
10 drops lemon essential oil
1 tsp baking soda
Melt the glycerin soap in a glass measuring cup – 30 seconds at a time in the microwave. Once melted, add the remaining ingredients and stir until completely mixed. Pour into soap molds and let sit for a few hours until set. Remove and enjoy tighter skin!!!

4 Types of Acne Lesions

There are 4 types of acne. They are listed in order of severity:
1. Comedo
2. Papule
3. Pustule
4. Cyst
The first, and the mildest, is called a comedo, which is actually a clogged pore. It forms when oil from your hair follicle sticks to the top of your skin, thus blocking your pore. Types of comedos are whiteheads and blackheads - dependent on if the pore is open or closed. Whiteheads are closed with sebum. Blackheads are open with sebum but the "plug" is open to the air around it, so it turns dark. Many think the dark part of a blackhead is dirt but that is not the case.
The next 2 types of acne are papules and pustules. These are the red bumps that look "infected". These occur when the follicle is totally obstructed and the oil is blocked under the skin. The pore becomes irritated which lets bacteria and dead skin cells under the skin. This is when you see swelling. The small red bump is known as a papule. If it contains a yellowish substance, it is called a pustule. The more pus, the more infected it is. Papules can last up to 10 days; pustules up to 6.
Finally, the most severe type of acne is a cyst. They are painful bumps that have a lot of pus in them. This occurs when the inflammation is buried underneath the skin. If this bursts under the skin, it can lead to scarring. Cysts can last up to several months.
Once any of these types of acne starts to heal, you will either get red spots (called macules) or scars. Macules can last up to a year. Scars will usually only occur when you have very deep cysts but can also form if you pick or "pop" your pimples. Scars are permanent but they will fade and it is helpful to remove dead skin cells by exfoliation.
Keep tuning in to find out the best way to care for your skin. Also, feel free to comment!!!

Ance Bacne - Embarrassing for teens and adults

Did you know acne is the most common skin disease in the USA? Almost 21 million teenagers experience acne or bacne (acne on your back, neck, arms, chest, etc.) While you can't make acne disappear altogether, you can manage it. So what is acne?
It's a skin disease in the pores of your skin. Your sebaceous glands produce an oil called sebum that is deposited on the skin via your hair follicles. You may be producing an excessive amount of sebum. When this happens, the pores become clogged with oil and dead skin that hasn't been able to be sloughed off on it's own. When bacteria is present, the area becomes infected and this is when you get acne. That's why we recommend proper skin care by washing, exfoliating and yes, moisturizing.
The reason most people get these lesions on their face, back, neck, shoulders, and chest is because these parts of your body are more oily than other areas. You will get acne on any part of your body that you consistently touch because your hands carry oil, dirt and bacteria.
So, who is more prone to acne / bacne? Most people will experience it at some point. But, some are more likely to get it and to deal with it longer...depending on your skin type. For example, if you tend to have oily skin, you will be more likely to have to deal with acne / bacne for a lot longer than someone who has very dry skin.
Most people start getting acne when they hit puberty. For girls, this is around age eleven. Boys usually start puberty at age 13. But, boys usually have more severe cases and it can last longer - this is because boys have more hormones.
Stay tuned to our blogs to learn more about this embarrassing condition, why it happens and what you can do to help treat it.

Twelve Foods to Improve Skin

Have you seen this article?  These foods actually may help to improve skin:
1.  Tomatoes – protect against sunburn.
2.  Nuts and 3.  Fish – contain omega 3 fatty acids and can help hydrate skin and may lessen wrinkles  (Don’t eat your Nutt So Ruff scrub bar, though!!!)
4.  Kiwis, 5.  Blueberries,  6.  sweet potatoes – contain antioxidants Vitamin C & E to protect against UV damage
7.  Leafy veggies like spinach – help fight cancer – has Vitamin K
8.  Dark chocolate – helps decrease skin “roughness” and can help circulation
9.  red meat, 10.  white kidney beans, 11.  yogurt – are all high in zinc and are good for collagen.
12.  green tea – an antioxidant to help with inflammation.
The full article is at:
http://www.oprah.com/style/Improve-Your-Skin-with-These-Foods_1
You should check it out!!!!
Personally, I’m partial to the nuts, fish, blueberries, sweet potatoes, yogurt, and of course, chocolate!!!

All Skin Types: Oily, Dry, Normal, Sensitive

Whatever skin type you have, you should exfoliate.  Whether you have sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin or normal skin, exfoliating your skin is essential.

Can you answer "YES" to any of these?

Do you have acne?

Do you have bacne (acne on your back, neck, arms, shoulders)?

Do you have acne scars?

Are your feet calloused?

Do you have dull looking skin?

Do you enjoy tanning, whether outside, in a tanning booth, or spray tanning?

Are you unhappy with your skin?

If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, you would gain benefit from exfoliating your skin.  You'll notice a difference in how your skin looks and feels when you remove the dead skin cells.