The Best Acne Treatment Alternatives

Acne is probably one of the most common skin and beauty concerns that almost every individual will experience. But its appearance or proliferation will differ from one person to another. Some people are lucky to experience mild or unnoticeable acne concerns but there are also those who are suffering from severe acne problems. The good news is that there are now several acne treatment alternatives that are proven effective in preventing and totally eliminating this skin concern.

When trying to treat acne, the solutions you could choose can be divided into two categories; the use of over-the-counter or prescribed medication, and, the all-natural acne solutions or treatments.

Medical alternatives

• Applying benzoyl peroxide. When it comes to the medical alternatives, benzoyl peroxide is one of the top suggestions of doctors. This chemical compound is both an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It kills the bacteria which causes the growth of acne.
• Salicylic Acid. Included in the conventional acne treatment is the application of salicylic acid. This mild acid solutions helps remove that excess oil as well all the dirt including dead skin cells which clog your pores. This is done by peeling off the outer layer of the skin.
• Sulfur. Because acne is essentially an excess oil concern, the best treatment is to keep your facial skin dry and oil-free. Sulfur is just the right formula to do this job. Aside from absorbing all the excess facial oil created by the sebaceous glands, it also helps in drying and eventually clearing out pimples.
• Oral or topical retinoids. Retinoids are formulated to control that excessive oil production of the sebaceous glands and they also prevent the buildup of dead skin cells on the skin's hair follicles.
• Antibiotics. If all the other acne treatments or solutions are deemed ineffective, the doctor might eventually prescribe the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can help if the severe acne concern already escalates to an infection or bacterial problem.
• Laser therapy or treatment. The cosmetic industry has also its own alternative, the use of laser heat or energy. A laser treatment also aims in controlling the hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands.

Natural alternatives in treating acne

• Tea-tree oil. Tea-tree oil helps treat acne through its antibacterial properties. The oil targets the bacteria that trigger the production of acne and pimples. The efficacy of this natural solution is often compared to that of benzoyl peroxide only that the results last longer.
• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. The main purpose of washing or rubbing your face with these acids or citrus juices is to clean out the dirt lying on your skin pores that contributes to the buildup of acne or pimples.
• Honey. Honey can be considered as an ancient acne treatment alternative. Its antibacterial properties have been widely used to solve several skin concerns since the time of the early Egyptians.
• Clean and dry up your face regularly. Most of the time, the simple regimen of cleaning, washing, and drying up the facial skin is more than enough to clear out acne and maintain that pimple-free skin.
• Exercise and sweating helps. Did you know that sweating greatly helps? When you sweat, you are actually excreting all those oil and dirt which lie and pile up on your pores. So if you're not fond of exercising, it's the best time to start.
• Reduce stress. Lifestyle changes and reducing stress is also one of the best and free acne treatment alternatives. This is because stress and unhealthy lifestyle are among the causes and contributors of acne or pimples.

Live a Longer Life With Little Fat in Your Body

A little fat is essential for our bodies. It is one of the metabolic requirements for the body to function properly. However, having excess fat in the body can cause harm. It is one of the predisposing factors to dangerous health conditions like stroke, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. To avoid these adverse consequences, it is important to reduce the fat content in the body. You can do this by following some of these methods.

· Reduce the fat in your diet

Eating food that adds more fat to your body causes more harm than good. Reduce on the fat content in your food. When cooking, use very little oil and if possible, use vegetable rather than animal oil. When cooking things like meat, you can choose to use no cooking oil at all, because the meat itself has a lot of fat.

· Eat more vegetables and fruits

These contain important metabolic requirements with no calories at all. They also contain substances known as anti-oxidants which destroy some radicals which are found in the body.

· Eat

Just because you want to lose the fat does not mean that you go without food. Starving yourself may actually cause you to gain more weight because you will tend to eat much quantity of foods in one sitting. Eat small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day. Supplement this by taking as much water as you can in one day.

· Shun away cravings

It is natural for humans to crave certain kinds of foods. More often than not, these turn out to be unhealthy foods. Try as much as possible to keep away from ice cream or chocolate you miss for the benefit of your health. Relax and avoid stressful situations that make you crave.

· Eat more proteins

Proteins take long to be metabolized in the body and will keep you full for long. They also provide some amino acids that are important in the functioning of our bodies. If you have to take meat frequently, then go for white meat like chicken and fish, since its fat content is low.

· Hit the gym

Go to the gym and start with some aerobic exercises. These are helpful as they involve every part of the body. Do not just build muscles. Build on your pelvic muscles too as obesity can predispose you to the organ being prolapsed and you may need to undergo hymenoplasty or any other kind of reduction surgery.

· Pills

Many pills have come up to aid in weight loss. They burn up the calories fast and with few or no side effects.

· Surgery

This is the last resort if the other methods fail to work. Go for liposuction from a trusted hospital or professional.

Can Intermittent Fasting Help With Weight Loss?

Intermittent fasting is a new phenomenon in the health and fitness world. By definition, intermittent means stopping and starting at regular intervals and fasting means abstaining from food. When you put the two words together it becomes a diet regimen of eating at scheduled times of the day and then fasting the next.

Fasting does NOT mean starving in a way that is unhealthy. If you practice intermittent fasting properly the health benefits are numerous. An article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reviewing intermittent fasting suggests such benefits as a decrease in fat mass, improvement in glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, lowering of blood pressure and a reduction in damage to lipids, protein and DNA. Other studies suggest muscle and joint pain relief, healthier digestive system and a longer lifespan can be gained by following an intermittent fasting routine.

The science of intermittent fasting is fairly new and there isn't a lot of information available on the subject. Health and fitness experts believe this way of eating is going to become the norm. Whether it has been for the purpose of losing weight or getting ripped, caloric intake is something a lot of people have been dealing with for most of their adult lives without much success.

•How does this type of fasting work?

It is not considered a diet, it's considered to be a healthy lifestyle alternative. By following a pattern of eating at assigned times of the day and then fasting for a set amount of hours your body will use the previous days caloric intake during the fasting period. The fasting process also allows the body to cleanse the cells of accumulated toxins and waste products. This process will keep you full of energy, strong and encourage weight loss at the same time. It is even been known to help keep the skin healthy and clear of acne.

Not only are the hours you spend fasting important to your success but the type of fast as well. There are two types of fasting, water only or water, juice, coffee and tea. Water only is better because your body will concentrate on healing not digesting while still burning calories.

Your food intake should consist of several smaller meals during the day. Breakfast is the only traditional meal eaten. By eating smaller healthier meals throughout the day and not eating after 6 pm you will activate your metabolism into burning calories at a higher rate.

•Is this program safe?

Although intermittent fasting is a little controversial and unconventional right now, the more people who try the program and see its benefits the more positive light will be shed on it. Getting started is the hardest part of this diet regimen but once your body gets used to the routine and you start losing weight and feeling better you'll see how safe it is.

On this type of eating regime you can lose weight and be healthier without working out, without measuring or weighing food, without counting calories, carbs or knowing which fat is good and which is bad. Some say that by following this program you can eat anything you want, within reason. You know you can't eat a whole box of chocolates a tub of ice cream and a couple of fast food meals in one day or even in one week. What you can do is eat many more of the foods you like that are traditionally not suitable to dieters.

Start slow and work your way into a regime of intermittent fasting. It will take time to get used to it. Try fasting just 1 day a week and then maybe two. Eat less quantities of food while eating more often. Before you know it your body will be reaping the benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The information in this article is not a substitute for specific medical advice. It is recommended you seek a physician for medical advice.

Head to the Day Spa for Hair Removal

There are many reasons to visit a day spa. What you may not realize is that many of these facilities have a great deal to offer to you. That includes services like hair removal. The methods available do range significantly from one company to the next, but chances are good you will find exactly the type of service you need from these organizations. If you are ready for the summer months and want to avoid spending hours waxing, this may be exactly what you need to have smooth, hair-less skin that you never have to worry about again.

What Is Available?

It is important to consider the specific day spa you plan to go to when you want hair removal services. Some facilities offer just laser treatments. Others use other methods including electrolysis. Though both of these options may work, you will want to turn to a company that offers the very best product and service for your needs. That means looking for a facility that has ample ability to provide you with long-term results. You want this to be permanent hair removal and for that to happen, the company's procedures need to be effective.

Know the Process

Before making the decision to work with a facility for this need, there are a few things to take into consideration. First, determine if the company charges per session. This is the most common method. Since this process can take five to eight sessions in some cases, you need to know the cost up front. You also want to ensure the company can offer service to you specifically. Some people who have light colored hair may not be able to get service because it is too hard to pick up on the follicles present.

Make the Appointment

A day spa can help you to get the treatment you need quickly and without causing you much discomfort. Most of the time, the procedure feels as though someone is snapping a rubber band against your arm. Some people do not feel it at all. Once the procedure is done, you will be able to go back to doing whatever you were doing. There is no downtime involved here. Most importantly, you can begin to see noticeably less hair right from the start.

Are you hoping to be hair-free? If so, make an appointment at a day spa and get the process started. You can go in for a consultation to learn about the process and to find out if you are right for the procedure. You do not have to go forward with it if you decide it is not right for you.

You Can Conquer Acne With The Right Help

Few people are aware that acne is actually the result of an infection. Some suffer the effects of acne more than others, but the majority of people experience a bit of acne at some point in their lives. That's why the pimple-fighting market is absolutely gigantic. If acne is plaguing your life, try out these amazing tips.

Tea tree oil applied to your face, shoulders or any other area where you are most prone to develop acne can help you to have clear, healthy skin. Tea tree oil can treat blemishes, reduce oil buildup and kill germs without drying out your skin.

Many people are tempted to pop their pimples. If you absolutely have to, make sure your hands and fingernails are freshly washed to avoid contaminating your pore with bacteria. This will only lead to more breakouts. You should first try not to pop a pimple but if you must, do so responsibly.

Resist all temptations to pop your pimples or scratch acne-affected areas. Try a natural acne cream instead. When you pick at your acne, you create a greater risk for infection and scarring. In fact, it can lead to discolorations in your skin that may take years to disappear.

Some teeth whitening products are harsh enough to cause an acne breakout. If you experience acne breakouts in the mouth area, think about any treatments that are being used on your teeth. For example, certain types of toothpastes, mouthwash or whitening strips may cause acne. The skin near your mouth is sensitive and can be easily irritated.

But, you will want to avoid stress in your life at all costs. Stress does not cause one to develop acne, but it can make it worse.

Zinc is a wonderful option to reduce acne due to its ability to lower the amount of toxins under your skin. To reduce bumps caused by cystic acne, try taking zinc supplements once daily to combat the acne from inside.

If you can, go to the swimming pool as often as possible. Swimming is great for your body, as well as helping to reduce your acne, due to the relaxing nature of the activity. The chlorine in pool water can also reduce acne swelling.

Clean your face daily, especially if you sweat a lot due to heat or exercise. Keep facial cleansing wipes with you if you are away from home. The wipes clean and sanitize quickly and easily. You should not replace the cleanser that you use every morning with wipes.

You may be tempted to pick at or scratch your face, but there are oils and dirt on your hands that can wind up on your face if you do that. Trapped dirt can lodge itself within your facial pores and eventually contribute to acne flare-ups.

You might be able to find some acne-treating remedies on your own or through good all-around skincare, but if you want proven methods that will work for any type of acne, the tips in this article are what you're looking for. Make sure you use this advice and implement it thus in order to treat your skin.

Essential Gym Equipment For Every Exerciser

Everyone knows the benefits of exercise but not all of us make the effort or have the time to work out. Having an incentive, thus, is necessary to motivate one to start exercising. Purchasing gym equipment can do this as you're curious and compelled to use it.

Large equipments are expensive and cumbersome to accommodate. Unless there's dedicated space to house everything with immediate access, they'll be relegated to storage and be a waste of money. So before purchasing that state-of-the-art treadmill or space-consuming power rack, take the time to check out these small yet very effective gym tools.

Jump rope: Cheap, superbly effective and portable, the humble jump rope is one of the best tools to burn calories, lose weight and build muscle. It can be used anywhere, can be adjusted and can be used to warm up. You can also revolve your entire exercise routine around it.

Jump ropes are available for $20 and above but can be purchased for as little as $5. Choose an adjustable leather rope as it's weighed to cut through the air better and lasts longer.

Medicine ball: Medicines balls are weighted and like jump ropes, can be used anywhere and anytime. They're great for resistance and strength training when used in crunches or can be integrated into cardio workouts if tossed around.

The balls are available in different weights and if you're a beginner, choose a weight that isn't more than four to six pounds. You should be able to get a ball for as little as $20.

Dumbbell: They add weight to increase strength and build up muscles. As essential as large machines, dumbbells can be purchased at any department or gym equipment store. Like medicine balls, you can choose different weights and integrate them into cardio or muscle-building exercises.

Depending on weight and brand, you can get them for under $5. More expensive and weightier ones will set you back by $50 or more.

Kettlebell: Kettlebells are weights used to build strength and muscles. They aren't needed unless you want to bulk up muscles - especially if you have dumbbells - but for many exercisers, are an essential gym tool.

Expect to pay over $50 for a branded kettlebell and $20 for a low-cost variant.

Exercise ball: Exercise balls (Pilates ball) are inflatable tools frequently used in physical therapy and weight training. The nature of the ball allows for a wide range of exercises. In fitness programs, it's used to help focus on building abdominal and back muscles. Other uses include helping maintain proper posture and increasing range of movement as a part of physical therapy.

A mid-range exercise ball will cost around $20.

Resistance band: A resistance band tones the upper and lower body by forcing users to pull it to increase resistance. It's enables all-round resistance training and is one of the most versatile exercise tools you can find.

A low-cost band is priced at around $15.

Yoga mat: You could make your own but manufactured yoga mats are non-slip, flexible and cushiony. They're used for floor exercises like sit-ups, pushups and stretching aside from yoga. They can also be used as lumbar support when sitting down to relax and can be carried anywhere, even outdoors.

Premium mats can cost over $50 but lower priced ones are pegged at around $20-$30.

Carb Cheats For Women Over 50 That Speed Fat Burning

If you are a woman over 50 you may have noticed that your metabolism has slowed. After 50 muscle mass begins to diminish, which reduces the number of calories burned at rest. This is also the time that most women enter menopause. The hormonal changes that come with menopause change the way your body distributes fat making it easier for fat to deposit in the belly area.

While these changes are inevitable, they do not have to take away your ability to have the slim and shapely body you want.

One of the nutrients you want to pay close attention to is carbohydrates. As you age your body handles carbohydrates differently. When you were in your teens and twenties, carbohydrates were quickly burned for fuel. While carbs are still your main source of energy after the age of 50, your body is less efficient at burning them for fuel, leaving many of the carbs you eat to end up in fat storage.

Here are some ways you can make your carbohydrate intake work for you to speed up fat burning.

Carb cheats for women over 50:

1. Time your carb intake. There are three primary times to eat carbohydrates so your body quickly converts them to energy, not fat. The first is early in the morning. Your body naturally experiences a metabolism boost in the morning so these carbs are more likely to be burned for energy.

Another good time to consume carbs is prior to a workout and the third option is immediately following a workout. By eating carbs around the time you work out your body has a quick energy source. This not only causes the carbs to burn for energy, but also gives you an overall energy boost.

2. Reverse taper carbohydrate intake during the week. By eating carbohydrates you tell your body that all is okay and in return your body keeps your fat burning potential high. If you eat a low carb diet for longer than one week your body gets the signal that you are heading to starvation and sharply reduces your fat burning potential.

To lose weight, but still keep your fat burning potential strong you want to manipulate your carb intake during the week. The best, and most satisfying, approach is to eat a high-carb meal one day a week, follow that by two days of low carbohydrate intake, and then slowly increase your carb intake for the remainder of the week.

This process, called reverse tapering, allows you to enjoy satisfying carbs and at the same time keep fat burning strong.

3. Swap carb calories for protein calories. Because your body is more likely to turn carbs into fat after the age of 50 you can help your body burn fat by swapping out 200 calories of carbohydrates a day and replacing it with 200 calories of protein. Your body is less likely to convert protein to fat and this simple swap works toward your goal of fat burning.