Acne is by far the most common type of skin condition all over the world. It is most prevalent in adolescents and young adults, but this skin ailment can affect you at any given age (as seen by the fact that many folks are still battling with this condition well into their fifties!). The magnitude of this condition calls for a deeper analysis. What is acne? How does it form? What are its causes? These are just a few questions that need to be addressed if we are going to have a breakthrough in dealing with this condition. Acne (medically referred to as Acne Vulgaris) is a type of skin disease t ..read more

How to get clear skin while your bathroom cabinet may be filled with creams, moisturizers, cleansers, lotions, and other beauty products, his may be hosting only a shaving kit and simple aftershave. In fact, your man may not be thinking about skin care at all! Maybe he is one of those virile men who were brought up thinking that grooming is for the ladies and that spending too much time was feminine. Today, most men are keen about their appearance, and those who care about their skin are performing better, not only in winning the ladies, but also in their jobs and positions in society. In ..read more

Tea is the second-most popular beverage in the world. According to the Tea Enthusiast’s Handbook, its popularity has paved the way for the 20,000 types of tea out there. These products usually come from 6 general categories, namely black, oolong, white, yellow, green, and fermented.  Whatever tea you prefer, know that all types can only be traced back to one source: the leaves of Camellia sinensis. It originates in China, though it can be found in Japan, India, Nepal, and Taiwan as well.  One of the more popular variants out there is green tea, which is a favorite amongst the Chinese ..read more

First developed in the 1970s, grape seed extract (GCE) is a byproduct of the wine-making process. While its discovery is seemingly modern, its parent – the grape or Vitis vinifera – has long been used for medicinal purposes. In fact, the ancient Greeks have made use of the fruit, its sap and leaves to treat fevers and what not.  Today, the modern man continues with the traditional path of using GCE for health. Such is backed up with science that shows that it may be used for wounds, vein problems, and acne.  Grape Seed Oil: What is it Good for?  Of the many herbal supplements i ..read more

Soy isoflavones are polyphenols or micronutrients found in different kinds of foods. They are most commonly found in soy products, such as tofu, tempeh, soy sauce, and fermented bean paste. Other good sources include peanuts, pistachios, fava beans, chickpeas, and other nuts. Soy isoflavones work by mimicking the action of estrogen, a female hormone. As such, these compounds are studied to see the efficacy in lowering breast cancer risk. Given their hormone-like actions, soy isoflavones may hold some promise against acne as well. Soy Isoflavones for Acne  Acne is the most common skin diso ..read more

Thought to promote chastity, the berry of the plant Vitex agnus-castus was given by ancient Romans and Greeks to suppress the ‘desires’ of both men and women. Now, it is widely used for a variety of conditions. It is known to balance the hormones in the body, and as such is used in menses-related conditions. With such an effect, this supplement may hold the promise against acne vulgaris as well.  What is the Vitex or Chaste Tree Berry? The chaste tree, famous for its purple-black berries, is native to Central Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean. A member of the Verbenaceae family, it is k ..read more

Milk thistle, also known as Silymarin, is a flowering herb that thrives in several regions of the world. Also known as holy thistle or Mary thistle, it is famous for its prime component: the Silymarin extract. A popular antioxidant, it is widely used for liver and gallbladder conditions.  As a beneficial flavonoid, silymarin may help protect the heart by lowering cholesterol levels. Given its anti-inflammatory effects, it may help control acne as well. What is Silymarin?  Silymarin has long been used for its medicinal purposes. The Europeans were the first to wield it, branding Milk ..read more

Do you love the hustle and bustle of city living? While the big city may offer a central, convenient location, its polluted surroundings can do some damage to your skin. According to experts, environmental toxins may trigger breakouts, even an untreatable variant called “chloracne”. How Pollution Affects the Skin  As per Aesthetician Bella Schneider, environmental pollution affects the skin in a bad way. “Living in urban areas where there is a lot of pollution - dirt, debris, dust - it's common for it to collect on your face and block your pores, ” she said in her interview with the Daily ..read more

Acne is a skin condition where the hair follicles are blocked with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. This then leads to a variety of manifestations – from minor blackheads to pus-filled pimples and tender red bumps.  Types of Acne Acne can be ‘triggered’ by a lot of things. Non-hormonal acne, for one, can occur due to genetics, cosmetics, lotions, cleansers, even the humidity.  Hormonal acne, on the other hand, arises from changes in the hormone levels. It commonly occurs in women who are menstruating or undergoing menopause. It occurs in ladies who have increased androgen levels, suc ..read more

Antibiotics, which are part of acne treatment, are no doubt effective. However, the most commonly prescribed medications – such as Doxycycline and Erythromycin – have some adverse effects too. They can lead to dizziness, light sensitivity, stomach upset, and skin color changes, among many others. Because of these effects – among many other things – people with acne are now looking for natural supplements. One of the more famous choices is zinc ascorbate, a remedy that may help you achieve acne-free skin. What is Zinc Ascorbate? Zinc Ascorbate is a supplement with antioxidative properties. As s ..read more