Aloe Vera And Acne Is There A Relationship?

Aloe vera has some important medicinal qualities that are very effective in the treatment of acne. Aloe Vera has been used in a wide variety of medicinal ways both historically and in modern time. It is used to treat burns, wounds and infections to regenerate skin and provide the building blocks needed to rebuild scarred or damaged skin areas. In addition it aids in treating acne by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent and an immune booster.

Aloe Vera Solutions

Acne can be treated by either soaps containing aloe vera or aloe vera gel. Soaps should be used at least twice a day and the skin should be patted dry following the wash. A topical gel or cream application of aloe vera can then be applied to the inflamed or infected areas. Acne is not cured by aloe vera but the symptoms of redness, flaky skin, and swelling will be rapidly decreased with consistent use.

Aloe vera, in liquid form, can be applied to the facial area to remove excess oil. The face should then be washed with a soap containing aloe vera and then a commercially prepared aloe vera cream can be applied. This treatment uses all the medicinal components of the aloe vera to help keep skin looking soft and breakout free. The mild astringent qualities of the allow vera will prevent future acne outbreaks and help reduce redness and swelling.

Medical Findings

As far back as 1750 B.C clay tablets were written addressing the medicinal properties of aloe vera. A Greek physician wrote in 74 B.C about using aloe vera to cure infections of the skin, burns and to decrease hair loss.

In 1935 the first medical report was published describing the medical use of aloe vera in burn patients. It has since been the focus of many studies addressing the healing properties of aloe vera for all skin conditions, including acne. As with all herbal and medical treatments individual responses will vary with most users indicating a decrease in the redness and flaky skin around the acne blemishes.

There are no known side effects to using aloe vera externally. If any irritation occurs simply discontinue use.

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.stopping-acne-now.com/ On his website, he provides articles about the best acne medication and fast removal of acne scars.

Face Transplant: Ready for a Truly Extreme Makeover?

As in the 1999 movie ?Faceoff,? face transplants have been the fodder of science fiction. Until now. Dr. Maria Siemionow of the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, is now interviewing five men and seven women to the chance to have the first-ever face transplant. Dr. Siemionow has assembled a team of experts and has performed such surgical procedures on animals and scores of cadavers. For people desperate enough to pay the price, the prospect of changing a face disfigured by burns or other accidents for a better one may soon be realized. Critics point to the possibility that the body will reject the transplanted face, causing it to slough off in a few days, leaving the patient worse off then before the operation.

To one degree or another, we are all concerned with self-image and self-esteem. We all want to look our best, to have an appearance that at least does not prompt shocked stares or looks of disgust. Until now, our choices have been rather limited. Lose some weight. Trim your beard. Comb your hair, at least once in a while. We can easily become obsessed with the way we look, focusing on our perceived imperfections so much that we never climb out of the pit of feeling self-conscious around others.

Fact is, the clich?, ?No one is perfect,? applies to physical appearance just as much as to other aspects of life. Accepting who we are is a big first step in moving toward maturity. It frees us to turn our attention away from ourselves so that we can focus on other people.

Christians find the basis of self-acceptance in verses like this: ?The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me? (Galatians 2:20). To accept me, He set no prerequisites beyond my need for Him. I certainly didn't have to pass a standard of physical beauty.

On the flip side, if we can communicate to others how our acceptance of them is not dependent on their appearance, we can contribute a great deal to their self esteem. Jesus explained the principle in this simple, Golden Rule: ?Treat others the way you want to be treated? (Matthew 7:12). Treat them, in other words, the way He treats you. His acceptance necessarily demands a mirrored response to be accepting of others.

One thing we can easily do that works in both directions--bringing out the best in you, and communicating your acceptance of other people--make a habit of smiling! It?s easy, there?s little risk, and it?s got to be a lot cheaper than the Sieminonow Procedure. But for some of us, it would be a really radical, extreme makeover.

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Copyright ?2006 Steve Singleton

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles. He has been an editor, reporter, and public relations consultant. He has taught college-level Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses and has taught seminars in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore The Shallows, plumb The Depths, or use the well-organized Study Links for original sources in English translation. Check out the DeeperStudy Bookstore for great e-books, free books, and great discounts. Subscribe to his free DeeperStudy Newsletter or DeeperStudy Blog.

Cosmetic Surgery And Reconstructive Surgery What Are The Differences?

Plastic surgery includes two broad fields, namely cosmetic (or aesthetic) and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance the appearance of a person, who finds his/her body parts, though otherwise fully functional, to be unattractive. Thus cosmetic surgery is performed with a purely aesthetic intent. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery focuses on concealing the destructive effects of trauma, disease or accident. That is, it strives to improve function and impart a standard look so the patient may lead a normal life.

Reconstructive surgery is a way of veiling defects by using skin implants and tissue flaps. Either local tissue is used or tissue is transferred from another part to the problem area. Reconstructive tissue flaps comprise of skin, muscle, fat, bone or a combination of these elements. The most common reconstructive surgery is to cover the defects of burn survivors and other accident victims.

Another common reconstructive surgery is breast reconstruction for women who have had mastectomy ? surgical removal of one or both breasts, either partially or completely. Mastectomy is performed to combat breast cancer, or to circumvent the disease if a woman is at a high risk of acquiring it. Rhinoplasty may also be considered as a reconstructive procedure if the extent of damage to the nose cartilage and bone is rather grave. In such a case, tissue is moved from another body part and grafted in the damaged area.

One of the most prevalent uses of reconstructive surgery can be found in the field of professional contact sports. Players are likely to suffer injuries during vigorous contact sports, and such injuries can only be treated by reconstructive surgery. Though rare, sexual reassignment surgery is another example of reconstructive surgery. There is a certain gray area between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and distinguishing one from another can be confusing at times. But in a gist, reconstructive surgery is usually performed to correct an abnormality, and not to enhance an otherwise normal appearance.

Nicola publishes an informational site about eyelid surgery, with articles and news, tips and views to help you make the correct choice about Eyelid Surgery and Blepharoplasty at http://eyelid.plastic-surgery-info.net

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Plastic-Surgery-Info.net

Searching for Permanent Laser Hair Removal

Shaving daily or several times per week can be a tedious and even painful task, and is not a permanent way to get rid of unwanted body hair. Waxing can be more painful, expensive, and though the hair grows back more slowly, is not a long-term solution for hair removal. That is why many people looking for a permanent or long-term way to remove unwanted body hair are looking to laser hair removal. Those who perform this procedure promise to quickly remove your hair at the root, and guarantee that your hair will grow back very slowly, and in some cases, result in permanent hair removal. However, if you are looking to laser hair removal as a permanent solution to your unwanted body hair, it is important that you know all aspects of the procedure, along with knowing how what to look for in a reputable practitioner to carry out the procedure for you.

Laser hair removal works by aiming a series of light beams at the dark pigments in your body hair. Using a handheld machine, the technician or physician presses it onto the areas of the skin where you want hair removed. The device is intended to cause damage to you hair follicles without harming any surrounding tissue. There can be pain involved, despite some claims to the contrary. But respectable laser hair removal practitioners will employ several pain relief methods including cooling with gels, fine mists of water, and cool air.

Of course, there are quite a few plusses to having a laser hair removal procedure. Foremost is the long-term removal of your unwanted body hair. Though laser hair removal is not considered a permanent solution, the permanent reduction in appearance of your hair is entirely possible. Often, your regrowth actually comes back a lighter color and softer texture, which is a much more appealing alternative. Laser hair removal is a safe procedure as long as it is performed correctly and carefully. Laser hair removal is most ideal for those who have a large area on the body with more hair on it than the average person, such as the back, chest, or legs. For these people, laser hair removal might be a preferable option to something even less permanent like waxing. Those people with fairer complexions along with darker body hair usually get the optimum results with this procedure.

Of course, the idea of permanent laser hair removal might be too good to be true. There are several drawbacks to the procedure that you should be aware of before deciding to go through with it. There has been no durable evidence that suggests laser hair removal is completely safe and is completely effective in what it claims to do. And, because every body is different, it is difficult to establish a set standard of regrowth rates. What is known is that the procedure does not work as well on gray, red, or blonde hair, and it must be approached with caution by those people with darker skin tones or on people who tan themselves. There is also a risk of burns, abrasions, or skin discoloration as a result of the procedure. And because it can take several sessions to complete the desired effect, the procedure can be quite expensive. Some people do not react to the process, therefore the decision to receive laser hair removal is one that requires great consideration of the factors involved.

There are many laser hair removal establishments in operation that make untrue and potentially dangerous claims, and they might not be fully qualified to perform the procedure at all. Many of these experts claim that their procedures are totally pain-free, which is absolutely not true. They also make claims that the hair removal is completely permanent, and they might go so far as to guarantee absolutely no hair regrowth. Permanent laser hair removal has not been proven thus far. There is no governmental regulation of who can purchase the laser hair removal machines or requirements for training or any kind of quality control standards, therefore take heed that there is a great risk for physical injury and loss of a substantial amount of your money. There are some who believe that making laser hair removal more widely available by opening the procedure to not just physicians. They feel this will make it more affordable. But, it is not worth the possible health and financial risks to you by doing business with someone who might not know what they are doing. They best thing to do is consult a reputable physician, and ask many questions before you make a commitment. Know that laser hair removal will probably not result in the permanent removal of your unwanted hair. Rather, it will probably help to diminish the hair, and ease any embarrassment you might feel.

Learn the essential information for picking the right beauty clinic for your treatment. Permanent Laser Hair Removal

The Secret To Creating Beauty From The Inside Out

Women wanting to be beautiful is as old as civilization. At different times in history, women have ingested arsenic to improve their complexions, used warm urine from young boys to remove their freckles and took belladonna to produce dreamy eyes. The beauty business is a $160 billion, a year, global industry. The cosmetic surgery business is a $20 billion business. These industries play on the fear of looking ugly as much as the need to look beautiful and for good reason. Attractive people are perceived to be more intelligent, more successful and better in bed. Although the beauty industry has traditionally marketed to women, the male market is increasing.

Part of the challenge which the beauty industry faces is truth in advertising. Increasingly, consumers have tested products which make grandiose claims, only to be disappointed. The current trend is on well being as well as outer beauty. A healthy individual, in good physical shape, is perceived to be an attractive individual. Here are four factors which can help you to achieve beauty from the inside out.

Water. Water is an essential component of the human body. When we fail to replace lost water we can enter a state of dehydration. If you have ever been thirsty, you have experienced the beginnings of dehydration. A rule of thumb is: check your urine. If your urine is clear to light colored you are adequately hydrated. A lack of water in your system can lead to overeating. Sometimes, when we feel that we are hungry we are actually thirsty. When you feel hunger, have a glass or two of water and wait 15 minutes. If you are still hungry, eat something. I keep a 32 ounce bottle of water with me at all times and sip from it throughout the day. I usually finish two bottles a day.

Oxygen. According to Dr. Spencer Way in the Journal of American Association of Physicians, ? Insufficient oxygen means insufficient biological energy that can result in anything from mild fatigue to life threatening disease.? Sufficient oxygen is necessary for a healthy life. We can exist for up to 40 days without food, 4 days without water but no more than 3 minutes without oxygen. Due to pollution and the thinning ozone layer, oxygen levels in our air are believed to be around 21%. Adequate oxygen levels are very important in that hostile organisms cannot live in an oxygen rich environment.

Colostrum and Leptin. Colostrum is a natural food, rich in anti aging and immune factors. Leptin is a small hormone-like protein primarily produced by fat cells. Small fat cells produce more leptin than large fat cells. Leptin is important because it sends out a signal to suppress appetite. Some of the benefits of the colostrum/leptin combination are: inch loss, building of lean muscle, high energy levels, tightening and toning of the skin, better sleep and much more. I believe this to be an essential combination in achieving beauty from the inside out.

Sleep. Adequate sleep is important on more than one level. It is the number one defense against stress. Cortisol, a hormone, is released during stressful events and can, over time, lead to a risk of infection and disease. Sleep is also important in minimizing weight gain. Many Americans that are sleep deprived are also overweight. The amount of sleep suggested for the average person is 8-10 hours. When Sophia Loren, a popular actress and reigning beauty in the sixties and seventies, was asked how she still looked so beautiful at an older age, her answer was that she naps every day.

As a final note: If you are taking vitamin supplements, your urine will be darker for several hours after taking them. There are many companies that advertise products that profess to raise oxygen levels in your system. As always, use due diligence in your choice of products. If you try and follow this guide to beauty, you should see results in the form of looking and feeling younger and healthier.

Constance Weygandt is an author, speaker and balance mentor. For more information on health and beauty or to receive her newsletter, visit her at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com

Constance Weygandt is an author, speaker and balance mentor. For more information on health and beauty or to receive her newsletter, visit her at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com.