Sunday, August 4, 2013

Vitiligo Natural Treatment

If you've got white spots on your skin caused by vitiligo and are looking for natural or herbal treatments, then this blog post will outline some possibilities and resources for you.

Ashwagandha is an herb which WebMD cites as being used to treat a condition called leukoderma, which is another name for vitilgo.  Ashwagndha can be used to alleviate a number of different ailments as well, and is known to help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and benefit the skin.  Typically, Ashwaganda is sold as an herbal tincture in alcohol, such as the example product below by Herb Pharm. Ashwagnda is also sold as a liquid capsule like the one below by Gaia Herbs, and it is also available as a tablet like the ones below by Life Extension. It is also sometimes sold as a powder. Regardless of the form, Ashwagandha is taken orally.



Ginger Root has also been know to have an effect on hypopigmentation.  Perhaps you've seen this blog called The use of ginger to treat skin hypopigmentation where the author tells her personal story of how using ginger root juice cured her hypopigmentation.  The specific instructions of how to use ginger root are detailed in this post from her blog, but it's basically a topical application.

There are also a number of other people who tried ginger for hypopigmentation who commented on the site Medhelp.org. If you haven't come across that page on your own, you may find some of the comments about how the ginger helps to blend their skin tones to be encouraging. Though there are many more comments from people who have hypopigmentation problems and want to know if it works than there are people who have tried it and are reporting back.

More herbs for Vitiligo are mentioned in the Herbcyclopedia. The great thing about this website is that each of the herbs mentioned includes a reference to a medical or pharmacological research article about the herb's effectiveness in diminishing the white patches on skin. Many of the herbal treatments mentioned are part of the Ayurveda tradition.
To learn more about Ayurveda, see this book recommendation for more info: The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System
These Ayurvedic herbs may be difficult to find as ready-made tinctures or concoctions. Some involve herbs that are more readily available for sale, such as Ginko Biloba and Guggul Resin. Examples of these herbal remedies are also included below.



Remember, herbal remedies are not regulated by the FDA so concentrations and dosages may vary widely depending on the product.  If you go to your local health food store, you'll likely find the people that work there are very knowledgeable and passionate about what they do.  And if they don't know the details you need, they have the resources to find out, either through product literature or by contacting their sales reps.

Naturalpathic Treatment of Vitilgo is also available. If you're really interested in exploring natural treatment for vitilgo, then you may even be want to look into seeing a naturopathic doctor near you who could give you more personalized recommendations as well. (You can click on the link to search their database of naturopathic doctors in the US).

To learn more about natural ways of treating vitiligo, the book Wanakee' s Nutritional Approach to Vitiligo & Other Autoimmune Diseases: A Naturopath's Personal Journey Toward Healing Naturallymay be helpful. The author, Wanakee Hill, is a naturalpathic doctor who suffered from vitiligo herself, and she tells her personal story as well as what methods she uses to successfully treat herself and others.




Thursday, July 18, 2013

Why you shouldn't buy Skin Whitening Forever (or any other treatment, for that matter)

Why shouldn't you buy the online product Skin Whitening Forever, or The Scar Solution, or The Skin Lightening Report, or any other treatment or solution for hyperpigmentation?  The answer is simple:  You are beautiful, just the way you are.

You see, no matter what the cause is of your hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, none of the cures or remedies you can use actually address the root cause - which is believing that you're somehow not good enough.  And changing your appearance doesn't change what you believe about yourself deep down inside.

Does that mean that I don't recommend any of the hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation treatments I mention in this blog?  No, of course not.  If something is going to make you feel better, then it can be worthwhile.  But know that the only truly effective way to feel better about yourself, is to love yourself just as you are.

Now, if you're still reading this, you may think I'm crazy.  After all, this is a blog dedicated to hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation treatments.  And in the spirit of full disclosure, I do make a commission from the ads and products linked here, and I am very grateful for that income.  So why on earth would I tell you NOT to buy something that might treat hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation for you?

I'm not saying not to seek treatment.  I'm suggesting that doing some emotional work will grant you even better, long-term results.

Now if you're on board with the Dove campaign for real beauty, or if you're a student of the Law of Attraction, maybe this is something you're ready to hear and accept.  But if you're not, then that's OK, too.

Is accepting yourself as you are an easy thing to do?  OF COURSE NOT!  If it were easy, everybody would be doing it.  That's why there are counselors and seminars and self-help books and plenty of other avenues to help you figure out what you forgot you knew.

If this is something you want to explore, then I am going to recommend two books.  The first is You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero.  I'll admit, it doesn't tell you anything new or revolutionary, but to give you an idea of the tone of the book, the first line in the introduction after the opening quote is this:  "I used to think quotes like this were a bunch of crap."   Sincero will challenge you to call yourself out on your own BS, get over yourself and embrace the amazing, unique person that is you.

The other book I recommend is You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay.  It's actually included in the back of You are a Badass where Sincero makes recommendations for further reading.  And when I'm writing this blog post, I'm only about 30% through the Kindle edition.  I will admit, that even 6 months ago, I would not have been ready to accept what this book is offering.  But now I'm gobbling it up.  So if this one isn't for you right now, then don't beat yourself up about it.  But be open to the possibility that it may hold the key to you're letting go of your self loathing.  It may just have the exact formula for you to start loving yourself as you are and transforming not only your appearance, but your relationships and your finances and your entire life.  That's what I'm looking forward to... but only because I'm ready and willing to make the changes now.

Remember:  You are the only YOU there is.  Love yourself and the world will open up to you.



Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Hypopigmentation Creams and Other Treatments

There are several different options to treat hypopigmentation.  Not all causes of hypopigmentation are curable, but all are treatable.  Below are a few options to treat hypopigmentation whether the condition is permanent or temporary.

Topical creams
There are a number of creams that can be utilized as treatment for hypopigmentation. Over-the-counter ointments and creams are readily available in drugstores and online. You may also be able to get a prescription cream from your doctor to treat your hypopigmentation.  Creams are for external use only and many they work fairly well. Some of these creams are used to bleach the bordering skin so that it can be equally toned with the hypopigmented skin.

A few hypopigmentation creams are available for sale on Amazon.  You may get more search results if you search for "vitiligo creams."  Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that attacks melanin cells so they stop producing skin pigments.  Below are some options for hypopigmentation creams for sale online.









Medical Make-up
Unlike creams that may have some active ingredients with side effects, hypopigmentation makeup simply covers up the damaged skin.  Using make-up is extremely an effective way to even out the skin color without needing to make use of medical creams.

When looking for make-up for hypopigmentation, look for "medical makeup".  Medical grade make-up covers hypopigmented skin so well because it has significantly more pigments in their formulas.   It is more expensive than something you can get at a drug store, but a little bit goes a long way.  Search for "concealer" or even "self tanner" products.  Coverblend or Dermablend are brands of medical make-up and they have a number of different products available on Amazon such as the ones listed below.






Note, if your hypopigmentation is minor, you may be able to save some money and use theatrical makeup instead.  If you get a product that's advertised to cover tattoos, for instance, it should have enough color and coverage to conceal your hypopigmentation.  Examples of stage makeup that can be effective include: Mehron Cream Stick or Ben Nye Foundation. (Both of those links are to Amazon, but you can also get stage makeup at any theatrical supply store or costume shop in your area, too).  Just be sure to check which shade you're buying.  Since it's theatrical make-up, it comes in a wide range of colors, some of which are more suitable for Halloween monsters or circus clowns.  But they do all have varieties available in more natural skin tones as well.


Healing Vitiligo Naturally



A naturopathic doctor who suffered from vitiligo herself has written a book, Wanakee' s Nutritional Approach to Vitiligo & Other Autoimmune Diseases: A Naturopath's Personal Journey Toward Healing Naturally It tells of her personal journey and how she has been able to develop formulas for topical products to help treat vitiligo.

Also included below are some other book recommendations about treating vitiligo. They include personal stories to inspire you, as well as suggestions to help manage the disease.











If you have skin hypopigmentation, it can be very harmful to your self-confidence. Nevertheless, hypopigmentation therapy techniques can often effectively treat the condition in a matter of time.  Incurable cases like albinism or vitiligo, as well as temporary lightening of the skin, can likewise be handled really quickly and you can go on to can lead a regular life.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Rice Germ Cream Moisturizer for Melasma

Need to know why rice germ cream can firm your face and make it appear to glow? It is due to the fact that the rice germ is rich in minerals, unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins, especially naturally taking place vitamin E. The vitamin E in rice germ cream appears as Tocols (Tocopherol and Tocotrienol), Gamma-Qryzanol and Ceramide.

These compounds are beneficial and useful to human skin cells because they help protect the skin from being harmed by UVA and UVB which can cause melasma, freckles and skin cancer. They likewise help reduce discomfort from a sunburn, nurture the skin with moisturizers, revitalize the skin and reduce creases, fine lines and dryness.

Tocols
The natural vitamin E in Tocopherol and Tocotrienol is great for healthy skin because they serve as anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants reduce the action of free radicals, which when left unattended can lead to among the major causes of skin cancer.

Gamma-Qryzanol
This can be found as the active ingredient in weight loss plan supplements as well as cosmetics. There are many benefits of Gamma-Oryzanol. It can decrease cholesterol level, decrease constriction of blood vessels, enhance blood flow, treat some symptoms of menopause in ladies, lower stress, function as an anti-oxidant substance, shield the skin from unsafe UV rays and nurture the skin as a moisturizer.

Qryza Ceramide
This is a Sphingo lipid. These lipids are typically found in the subcutaneous layer of skin making the skin flexible. The skin will become dry and wrinkled if the quantity of Ceramide decreases. It acts as a crucial hydrating agent in rice germ cream.

The product pictured in this post, Reszanol Gel Facial and Neck Cream Plus Resveratrol Rice Germ Oil Fragrance Free 45g.is available from Amazon by clicking this link.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Things you should know about buying skin whitening creams

Unfortunately, when researching skin care products, it’s difficult to tell which ones will work for you or not.  And the trial and error experience can be frustrating (and expensive).
The basic things to consider when searching for skin whitening products are your skin type and your skin color.

Skin Types

There are three different skin types.  They are dry skin, oily skin and normal skin. Often people can also have what is called “combination skin.”    Just like any other kind of skin care product, skin whitening creams are formulated to work well with particular skin types.  Make sure you get a skin whitening cream that will work with your skin type.

Skin Tones

Skin whitening products are created for different skin tones, too, ranging from dark skin to light or even yellowish skin.  In order to find the right product for you, make sure the formula is designed for your skin color as well.

Once you’ve found some skin whitening products that is suitable for your skin type and your skin color, then consider the ingredients.  Some creams may contain irritant substances.  Do any of the creams you’re looking at have something in them that you’re allergic to?  Then don’t buy that one.  Having a reaction to the product might make your skin appear even worse!

If you have sensitive skin or are pregnant, then be careful for ingredients that might have serious side effects, too.  For example, hydroquinone has been reported to cause malformations in developing fetuses.  Take the time to read the labels and figure out if the ingredients may cause you more harm than good.

Not all the skin whitening products have side effects and cost lots of money. Try the recipes gathered in this e-book and you will see how you can get rid of brown spots in a matter of weeks, in a simple, cheap and safe way. You will never need anything else for your skin!
Skin Whitening Forever

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Hyperpigmentation Home Remedies

Do you suffer from hyperpigmentation scars?  Have you had acne, only to have noticeable discoloration on your face after it's cleared up?  Are you tired of being embarrassed to go out in public because you're worried about other people's reactions to your hyperpigmentation on your face or other skin discoloration spots on your body?

Dealing with hyperpigmentation scars can take an emotional toll, particularly if you've tried a lot of different treatments such as creams and peels.  But the sad truth is, not any one product can be formulated to treat all types of hyperpigmentation scars.  So once you understand the type of hyperpigmentation you have, then you can more easily pick the most effective treatments.

And most cases of hyperpigmentation can be treated with home remedies.  No need to waste a lot of money on expensive skin lightening products and serums only to discover that they aren't effective.

One of the best resources for hyperpigmentation home remedies is The Scar Solution.  The information in The Scar Solution will teach you how to naturally and permanently eliminate your hyperpigmentation scars, all using items you can purchase in the grocery store.  There's no expensive creams to buy, no products that promise the world and deliver barely noticeable results.   The Scar Solution works!  The before and after pictures on their website speak for themselves.

But you don't have to take my word for it.  Try it for yourself with the no-risk money-back guarantee.  You've got nothing to lose -- except your scars!

So if you're sick and tired of hiding your hyperpigmentation, are ready to get back out there and enjoy life scar-free, then you owe it to yourself to get The Scar Solution.  Your only regret will be that you didn't find it sooner.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Causes and Treatments of Hyperpigmentation

Introduction

Hyperpigmentation, according to the Olay website, is a condition marked by an increase in melanin due to aging, overexposure to the sun, and other causes as well. It causes the skin to become discolored, and can cause much embarrassment. However, there are several methods that have been developed to treat hyperpigmentation of the skin. The correct treatment for you may not be effective for the next person. So the key is to visit your dermatologist, and work out a treatment plan that is specific to you. There are a number of factors that cause this condition. A number of them, along with the available methods to treat hyperpigmentation, are discussed below.

Dryness

One of the causes of hyperpigmentation is dryness. In order to remain healthy, your skin needs sufficient moisture. Unfortunately, such factors as the weather, and even some soaps you use, can cause a deprivation of the moisture the skin needs to protect it from the elements. In the presence of dryness, the surface skin cells flatten, and they may even curl up. According to the Olay website, this leads to an unevenness of microtexture.

One of the factors of hyperpigmentation due to the weather is the sun. If you're given to spending hours soaking in the sun's rays, your skin may become hyperpigmented due to sunspots. One preventative measure to take is to wear sunscreen if you know you are going to spend hours outside on a sunny day. It doesn't matter what your complexion color, or race, happens to be, the wearing of sunscreen is always a best practice, any time of year.

Another factor that can lead to the dryness that can, in turn, cause hyperpigmentation is the winds of winter. During wintertime, the skin can become dry. A good lotion or petroleum jelly can work wonders when the temperature plummets during this time of year.

Inadequate Exfoliation

Another factor that causes hyperpigmentation is inadequate exfoliation. In order to keep your skin healthy, you need to exfoliate it on occasion. Exfoliation involves gently scrubbing away dead skin cells, so that newer, healthier skin can be revealed. To accomplish this task, you can use a number of soaps. According to HowStuffWorks.com,you should only use those with natural ingredients, and avoid those with abrasive chemicals, such as alpha hydroxy and salicylic acids. These are too harsh for the skin, and although they are effective, their side effects are irritation, along with the dryness that led to the problem in the first place. Instead, use soaps with ingredients such as oatmeal, salt, finely ground seeds and sugar. These also serve to remove dead skin cells, and, since they are natural, treat your skin more gently.

Surface Damage from Aging

Another key cause of hyperpigmentation is the free radicals involved in the natural aging process. Overtime, free radicals invade the skin, oxidizing the lipids, or fats, that are in the skin. According to the Olay website, as a result, parts of the skin darken or begin to turn yellow.

Treatments

There are several options to treat hyperpigmentation. These vary, depending on what causes hyperpigmentation for you, the severity and other patient-specific factors.

According to skin expert Jacqueline Jase, the creator of the Jacqueline Jace Face and Body Center, bleaching creams are an option to treat hyperpigmentation. One such cream, hydroquinone, can be applied to the affected area daily for several months, in cycles. As Jase warns, however, do not use any bleach on your skin for too long. It could prove damaging to your skin, rather than helpful.

If you're looking for a product containing hydroquinone to treat your hyperpigmentation, Procelain Skin Whitening Serum Hydroquinone Kojic Acid Glycolic Acid Vitamin C Licorice Mulberry Extract for Melasma, Hyperpigmentation 2oz may be right for you. It's formulated to minimize skin discoloration, including hyperpigmentation and melasma, as well as freckles, sun spots and age spots.



Another method used to treat hyperpigmentation may be laser therapy. In this treatment, a dermatologist will direct a pulse light specifically at a certain area of your skin affected by hyperpigmentation. However, Jase warns that these treatments can prove quite expensive, and several of them may be required to successfully treat your condition.

There is another type of laser used to treat hyperpigmentation: a resurfacing laser. What this type of treatment does is to resurface the skin. It seeks to remove the skin with the discoloration on it, revealing the healthier, younger skin underneath. This can be quite damaging to the skin at least temporarily, and may mean an extended recovery time as well.

Yet another method used to treat hyperpigmentation is microderma-
brasion. The goal of this treatment is to remove the spots that hyperpigmentation has produced, by resurfacing the skin. According to Plasticsurgery.org, it uses a diamond-tipped want to remove the epidermis,or outer layer of the skin, and to promote new skin growth. It helps thicken your collagen, which is a vital protein in the skin that keeps it looking younger by keeping the skin tight and smooth. As a child, you had a lot of this protein. Its production diminishes as you age.

Conclusion

Before attempting to treat yourself by any of the methods discussed above, it's best to consult a dermatologist. Your condition could be due to an underlying melanoma, or skin cancer, which could claim your life if left to grow and spread unchecked. Your doctor will run thorough tests to ensure that the hyperpigmentation is not due to a malignancy and is treatable by one of the methods I have mentioned.


Sources:

Facial Plastic Surgery.net: Hyperpigmentation
http://www.facialplasticsurgery.net/hyperpigmentation.htm

Jase, Jacqueline. "Hyper Pigmentation, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments." Posted May 4, 2011.
http://jacquelinejase.com/2011/05/hyper-pigmentation-causes-symptoms-and-treatments/

Olay.myskinanalysis.com: What is Hyperpigmentation and What Makes Skin Susceptible To It?" In "Skin Care Articles About Sunspots."
http://olay.myskinanalysis.com/What-Causes-Hyperpigmentation.php

Palamon, Jamie. "How to Exfoliate Skin." In "HowStuff Works.com
http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/cleansing/tips/how-to-exfoliate-skin.htm

Plasticsurgery.org: Microdermabrasion Treatments
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/microdermabrasion.html