There are skin blemishes, broken capillaries and discolorations that can be treated; they can also be prevented if you know the cause. Yellow discoloration of the skin (that is not jaundice caused by a liver problem) can be caused by smoking. Nicotine gives your skin a yellowish cast-which should be an additional incentive not to smoke.

Broken capillaries can be caused by drinking too much alcohol. Ever notice how someone who drinks too much liquor has red splotches on the cheeks and the nose? These are broken capillaries or blood vessels, and they have been linked to alcohol consumption. Do yourself a favor-stick to wine or an occasional Scotch.

Other causes of broken capillaries are eating too much spicy food and living in areas of extreme temperatures. In the latter, where people go from hot heat at home to cold outdoor temperatures, skin with broken capillaries is common. The only thing to do is to protect your skin-clean and moisturize faithfully; try not to go outside with damp skin; al1d cover your face in extremely cold temperatures.

Skin spots have several causes. One is taking birth control pills. Another is sun, which causes “sun spots” on your skin to darken and/or get larger. These spots can be bleached and removed by a dermatologist, but you can avoid them by staying out of the sun, especially without protection and when you are taking any medication, particularly an antibiotic or a sulfa drug. Ask your doctor if the medication you are taking can make your skin sensitive to the sun.

Another reason for sun spots may surprise you-perfume. Putting perfume on your face or neck before going out into the sun may cause a “photosensitive” reaction which results in spots on your skin.

Other skin blemishes can be caused by allergies. I have a friend in her thirties who, three years ago, suddenly developed acne. She went to numerous doctors and no one could discover the cause of the problem. But, smart lady that she is-she discovered it on her own. A couple of months ago she got rid of her pillows and bought new ones, just as a redecorating step. The day she threw out the old pillows, her skin cleared up.

Thus, if you suddenly develop a skin reaction-small, hard pimples that seem to sprout up overnight-see a doctor, but also try to figure out if there is anything you are doing that is different from your routine. Are you wearing a new fabric, using a new detergent, spending more time around animals, using a new cosmetic-all of these can cause reactions on your skin. And what’s more aggravating and puzzling-you can suddenly develop an allergy to something you have been using for a very long time, whether it’s a skin care product or a pillow. So be aware that allergies can show up on your skin. Try to localize the source-and then treat your skin.

Natural skin care has its roots in the 4th millennium BC in Egypt and the Middle East. Natural skin care products are one of the fastest growing product segments in the world. Natural cosmetics should stimulate and support our natural skin functions, rather than supplanting physiological processes. Natural skin care is the care of the skin (the largest organ of the body) using naturally-derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers.  Many people use natural skin care recipes to make remedies to care for their skin at home. Many spas and skin care salons now focus on using more naturally derived skin care products. Over the past ten years, several companies have been started to make available completely natural products to the general public.  One such treatment consists of bullock’s bile, whipped ostrich eggs, olive oil, dough and resin mixed with milk. In the modern age many people with unique skin types and needs (sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin) have turned to natural skin care solutions.
 
Natural cosmetics serve to beautify and care for the human body by means of ingredients from nature.  Natural skin care goes beyond the application of products on one’s skin. It also pertains to a holistic philosophy surrounding the holistic care of one’s body. This includes the belief that what is ingested will affects all aspects of health, including the health of skin. People who use natural skin care products are less concerned with artificial beauty enhancements, as they feel that natural beauty is healthy beauty. Many of these natural ingredient combinations can be tailored specific to the individual’s skin type or skin condition. Jojoba skin care is a natural remedy. Jojoba is a natural moisturizer for the skin. The oil is similar to the natural sebum of whale. Also, it softens the skin. Ayurvedic skin care theory claims that there are seven different types of constitution that govern skin and hair types: Vata, Pitta, Kapha and Vata-Pitta. Natural skin care products made from vegetable or animal extracts may be inherently toxic, and if prepared locally the concentrations of active ingredients cannot be controlled.

Skin care manufacturers are not supposed to claim that their products penetrate the skin. Cosmetic industry uses only ingredients that have established scientific profiles, and then only in legal and known concentrations. Skin care products do not (and should not) last for ever. Just like food, all natural skin care products will eventually deteriorate and go rancid.  Honey’s natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties and ability to absorb and retain moisture have been recognised and used extensively in skin care treatments as they help to protect the skin from the damage of the sun’s rays and rejuvenate depleted skin. Shea butter is derived from the kernel of the “Karite” tree, or Tree of Life. It can be found in a multitude of products at drug stores, high-end beauty boutiques, and e-tailers. Ayurvedic skin care is derived from medicinal practices that began over 2,000 years ago. Ayurvedic medicine and healing practices are based on Indian philosophical, psychological, conventional, and medicinal understandings. Ayurvedic approach to skin care is holistic and considers the mind, body, and spirit together.

Ayurvedas practices the belief that there are three basic principles or humors born out of five basic elements that exist in nature. Aromatherapy ingredients include lavender, which aids sleep, coconut milk, which soothes dry skin, eucalyptus and pine oil which relax the muscles and ylang ylang which is a natural, non chemical based perfume. Fruit oils are often used in shower gels and soaps to nourish, invigorate and hydrate the skin and hair. Citrus fruits are popular natural ingredients as they promote skin development.  Toxins are eliminated through the skin via perspiration and absorbed through the skin into the body’s circulation system, through hair follicles and sebaceous glands, but not through the sweat glands. One square inch of skin contains approximately 65 hairs, 100 sebaceous glands and 650 sweat glands. Every square inch of your skin is like a thousand open mouths, absorbing into the body most of what is put on it. Plant and herb extracts used include tea tree oil, which acts as an antiseptic, aloe Vera, which is a natural moisturiser, hemp for severe dry skin, rose water which is a natural toner and cocoa butter a rich moisturiser.