Let me clarify. Nothing feels better to your mind than watching the foam spiral down the drain, dirt in tow, but I can’t say the same for your actual hair and skin. In fact, many things feel better than the damaging and drying effect of Sodium Laurel Sulfates stripping your body of its natural oils.

From the top
Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS) are surfactants–surfactants are the compounds that cause products like soap to foam. Because of their ability to lower the surface tension of a liquid, or between a liquid and a solid, they have become popular in the personal-care industry as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersants, and, of course, foaming agents. SLS are in products ranging from toothpaste to shampoo, as well as having a few unexpected uses, which we will discuss in a later section.

Luckily for most big personal-care companies, but unluckily for your skin and hair, SLS are approved by most government agencies.

Did you know?
Although Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS) are safe to use they often become irritants and are drying to the skin and hair. Some people are more sensitive then others but the results can be felt by anyone.

Test: Wash your face with pure hand soap (which contains a high level of SLS) and do not moisturize. Some believe that the tight feeling your skin gets afterwards is the feeling of clean, when, in reality, it is your skin drying out and losing elasticity as a result of being stripped of its natural oils.

The scary truth
Remember how I mentioned that Sodium Laurel Sulfates (SLS) have a few unexpected uses? These uses are those that you would not want to associate with using the same ingredient as your personal-care products for which you not only put near your body, but also rub in. Looks like I broke the suspense… Here is a short list just to give you an idea.

• Engine degreaser
• Commercial floor cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Dishwasher detergent
• Dish soap
• Car wash products

  I would also like to take this time to point out that environmental activists are also up in arms because of the history of SLS being tested on animals. A product that is used to degrease engines should not be on our faces nor our animals.

The Problem
A+B=C. Sodium Lauryl Sulfates strip natural oils and break down proteins + your skin and hair are made up of proteins = SLS break down your skin and hair.
It is pretty much as simple as that. The protein in our skin and hair keep it healthy and provide it with a natural texture and glow. By using SLS products we break down these proteins and cause dryness that slowly causes damage. There are also many long-term effects of using SLS regularly, which include sensitivity to the environment and other products.

Why we use it
There is a list of reasons why consumers continue to purchase products with Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS) in them and, unfortunately, they are difficult habits to break.

Price: SLS products are cheaper then their SLS-free counterparts.

Experience: People have become accustomed to the feeling and belief that bubbles mean clean. People have the misconception that if the soap doesn’t foam then it is not working.

Feeling: The tightness and feeling of skin after a bubble bath or face-wash is misconceived as cleanliness, when in fact, as mentioned before, it is the stripping of your skin and hair of natural oils.

Mind over matter
There are a great many reasons to switch over to Sodium Lauryl Sulfates-Free products, consumers just have to be able to see past the foam and understand the cost. Ask yourself a few questions:

Do you suffer from unexplained redness or dermatitis?
Have you just become accustomed to having an itchy neck or body after a shower?
Is your child suffering from pediatric eczema? Or vaginitis? Are they (enjoyers) victims of bubble baths?

Do you need the bubble?
It is important to be an educated consumer and know what chemicals are lurking in your products. It is also important to step back and decide if you need the bubble.With so many health concerns rising about the effects of Sodium Lauryl Sulfates it may be time to have faith in the cleaning agents of your products and look past the suds.

ZENMED has been SLS-Free from the beginning and will continue to be SLS-Free for our consumers. Our products are completely naturally based, vegan, and organic, and provide a healthy and safe alternative to the chemical ridden products on your grocery store shelves.

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Here are 6 things you might not already know about sunscreen that will help you keep your skin protected this summer.

There isn’t much of a difference after SPF 30.  Did you know that SPF 30 blocks 97% of the sun’s rays and SPF 50 only blocks 1% more?  The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends anything over SPF 15, but I personally stick with SPF 30. There’s not much need to go any higher than that. Completely pass over the ones that are less than SPF 15.

Going to the pool and think you’re safe to swim for hours with your water resistant sunscreen? Think again. Water resistant only means it continues to protect against the sun for 40 minutes.  You must reapply often when you’re in the water or sweating.

And when you’re just hanging out outside, sunscreen really only lasts about 90 minutes or less. Reapply every hour to hour and a half for the best protection. Don’t forget the tops of your feet and your ears, which are easy to forget and quick to burn.

Vitamin D is no excuse to not wear sunscreen. Sunscreen takes up to 30 minutes to fully activate. Our bodies get enough Vitamin D in only 5-30 minutes.  Applying sunscreen and then going outside will give your body the Vitamin D it needs and will start to protect your skin as it activates.  The best time to do this is in the morning or late afternoon when you’re less likely to get sunburned. continue to reapply as needed.

You’re probably not applying enough sunscreen.  In fact, the typical sunscreen user applies less than half of what’s needed to fully protect skin.  One ounce is the amount needed for your entire body, head-to-toe.  Imagine a shot glass full.  It’s harder to measure now that there are so many spray sunscreens, but chances are good you’re not getting enough.

Your lips need protecting, too! Don’t forget to apply and reapply a lip balm with SPF to your lips daily. Lip cancer is the most common form of oral cancer your risk of getting it is greatly reduced by protecting your lips against the sun on a daily basis. Look for a lip balm with SPF30.

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Sweet almond oil is made from the dried kernels and is a relative of the peach tree. There are two varieties of almond trees. The first variety is the tree that produces pink flowers which is the bitter almond; this is used to make amaretto and cooking oils. The next variety is the tree that produces the white flowers which is the sweet almond; these are used as carrier oils and a base for skin care lotions.

Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins A, D and E. It also contains linoleic and oleic acids. It is widely used in the skin care world because of its emollient qualities, which softens and soothes your skin. Because it has a lower level of omega 6 and 9 it is naturally less greasy and is perfectly absorbed by your skin, which allows your skin to benefit from the nutrients in the oil, which Leave you with beautiful radiant skin. It also contains quercetin and kaempferol that provide anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants that help to protect your skin against sun damage.

As the oil has emollient qualities it is perfect to use to help smooth and reduce scar tissue that is associated with the after effects of acne, stretch marks and dark spots on your skin. The almond oil helps keep the moisture levels in your skin perfectly balanced which promote an overall evenness in the colour of your skin.

Zenmed Complete Skin Eraser Kit will help remove acne scars and darks spots on your skin.

Acne scars can be very stubborn, this extremely effective kit contains an array of natural ingredients which makes it essential in the treatment of acne scars and dark spots. As it is a professional medicated skin lightening agent it will help you to achieve flawless radiant skin.

Sweet almond oil is extremely effective as a massage oil and is used to treat inflammation, rashes and muscular pain.

Sweet almond oil is also beneficial for treating the scalp, preventing hair loss by strengthening the hair follicles. The natural oil can also be used internally as a digestive. Many different cultures use the oil as a pain killer and in the reduction of high cholesterol.

If you suffer from acne scars, stretch marks or black spots then I highly recommend your try sweet almond oil and you too will see a positive change in your skin.

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To understand how best to treat clogged pores you first need to know what they are and how they get clogged.

What are pores?

Pores are hair follicle glands which cover the entire surface of your body. The pores on your skin excrete sweat, salt and oils, and help to regulate your bodies’ temperature as well as keep your skin moisturized.  If you don’t keep your skin clear and take care of your body from within then the oils which are meant to leave your body can become trapped in the pores creating clogging, pimples, black heads spots and if untreated for a long time can develop into acne.

How to Prevent Clogged Pores

Tip #1 – Cleanse Your Skin

Regardless of your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive) everyone needs to cleanse their skin to remove impurities, external elements and sweat. A facial cleanser that contains proven natural ingredients is best, and ideally use one from a trusted brand. Ensure it contains salicylic acid and is specially formulated for your skin type. A daily cleansing gel is ideal to help wash away impurities from your skin that have built up throughout the day.

Tip #2 – Remove Makeup

Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard this all before and it is easier said than done especially when you’re tired or had a night out but this is really important if you want to avoid clogged pores. So, make sure that you remove your makeup using a gentle cream cleanser to remove all traces of makeup. Another tip with makeup is to choose only oil free makeup and use a primer to stop the makeup seeping into your pores.

Tip #3 – Use Natural Ingredient Products

If you choose not to use products that contain natural ingredients then you are welcoming blocked pores into your life. Harsh chemicals used in lots of products on the market can seriously cause you to have problem skin. If your skin becomes too oily in a protective reaction toward harsh ingredients found in your skin care products then it will lead to clogged pores and problem skin. A good skin care product will use as many natural ingredients as they can utilize which will help you to have unclogged pores and glowing, blemish free skin.

Tip #4 – Exfoliate Your Skin

You may have clogged pores on your face or your body and one way to open them up and clean them is exfoliation. You will want to use a gentle exfoliator for your face and possibly a slightly firmer one for your body. Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis will help to remove the dead skin from your body helping to clear your clogged pores and expose new skin. Regular exfoliation helps to prevent acne from forming and improves skin circulation.

Follow these simple skin care tips to help you prevent your pores from becoming clogged.

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While pretty much anyone on the planet can get acne (and most of us do at some point in our lives) there are different types and different ways in which it can affect you.

Here are some factors you’ll want to consider with working out;

Do You Take Medications?

Certain drugs can cause side effects which lead to acne; check your medication leaflet or speak to your doctor if you feel that this is a side effect that you’re not able to persevere with. Any type of prescription steroid can lead to adult acne so it is really important to watch out with those.

Are You Eating the Right Foods?

Poor food choices don’t directly cause acne but the way in which they affect your body can. If you consume a diet high in ‘bad fats’ then you are seriously upping your chances of developing acne (and other skin conditions) by causing increased inflammation in your body which can contribute to increased oil secretion. The same can be said for excessive sugar and salt intake.

Do You Wash too Often?

This may sound crazy, especially when we’re talking about working out but washing your body too often can lead to dry skin, which can lead to increased oil production which can lead to clogged pores. We all know that clogged pores leads to pimples and spots so keep your wash sessions to once a day or as necessary.

Do You Use the Right Products?

So one would hope that in your gym bag or at home you have a few products that you use to keep your body clean and well maintained. Are these products doing more harm than good though? A lot of body and skin care products on the market contain dyes, fragrances, petrochemicals, sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates which can all cause inflammation of the skin, clog your pores and lead to acne. Choose products that don’t contain these ingredients and ones that use natural ingredients which work with your body.

Are You Wearing the Right Clothing?

Wearing the wrong types of clothes during your workout can actually be causing your acne! If your clothes are too fitted, when you workout this will cause friction which leads to acne mechanica. Body builders that wear tight fitting vests often find they suffer from acne mechanica. The solution is firstly to wear looser fitting gym clothes and ideally ones that help to wick away the sweat. Ensure you wash your workout clothes regularly and follow the care instructions on the garments to keep them at their best.

Now you know how to stop workout acne spread the word and help your friends and loved ones stop it too.

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Chemicals are abundant in the cosmetic world and all work towards great outward results for your hair and skin­–but at what cost inwards?

ZENMED has worked hard to formulate only vegetable-based formulations and using only ingredients that are minimally if not at all absorbed by the body. It is a conscious decision we made from day one being concerned individuals about environmental stressors to our well-being.

What if we told you that we have a product that can beat those big name brands in all of these categories and is an all-natural and chemical free alternative to many things sitting on your bathroom shelves?

Meet Argan Oil (INCI: ARGANIA SPINOSA OIL) – probably the most important skincare breakthrough in the last 5 years.

Before this starts to sound too much like a sponsored sales pitch it is important to say that Argan Oil is not new to the beauty industry but had simply gone unnoticed in the clutter of natural, organic, alternative treatments. And now since we have found the most nutrient-enriched, organic version, we want to introduce it to you. This miracle ingredient has people around the globe revering its properties, spanning from wrinkle reduction to de-frizzing and conditioning dry hair.

Why use ZENMED Essential Argan Oil?
You know how we mentioned protecting yourself from products that may be absorbed by the skin? Well, Argan oil is actually edible and nutritionally dense. Not only is Argan oil good for hair and skin, it also has a number of naturopathic and culinary uses as well (If you are choosing to use raw Argan oil as a beauty product, make sure you buy cosmetic grade and not culinary Argan Oil). Ergo, you can rest easy knowing that any amount of Argan Oil absorbed by the skin will not hurt you, in fact, it may help you.

ZENMED recognized the healing properties of this amazing oil and has taken the necessary steps to incorporate it, in its pure form, into their product catalogue. And, to secure more peace of mind for our customers, our Argan oil is Ecocert Certified organic. For more information on Ecocert and what it means for you please visit their website athttp://www.ecocert.com/en.

It is also important to note that when buying Argan oil you should always look for a dark-coloured, UV protected glass bottle. This is not only more environmentally friendly than plastic but it does not react with the oil. It also prevents oxidation and degradation of the antioxidants. ZENMED makes sure to meet of these specifications for all of our Argan oil products.

And with that brief introduction, ZENMED brings you Argan Oil!

What can Argan Oil do for you?
Let me break it down into the 4 main cosmetic uses:

1) Face: Apply Argan oil to your face nightly to treat dry skin. If you need extra hydration it is also a good idea to use the oil in the morning as a base for your makeup. Alternatively you can apply it to dry or wrinkle-prone areas. You may also massage Argan Oil into chapped lips in place of lip balm

2) Nails: Massaging your cuticles with Argan Oil will both soften them and restore a healthy radiance to your nails. Soaking your nails in equal parts Argan Oil and lemon juice is an effective and natural way to strengthen weakened nails. It is also a good idea to rub Argan Oil onto your hands at night in place of a moisturizer.

3) Hair: Unlike chemical treatments where the product coats the hair to give it a healthy look, the natural ingredients in Argan Oil are absorbed into the strands, healing the hair from the inside out. Argan Oil works to mend split ends and return processed or dull hair to its natural shine. Apply 2 drops to hair daily.

Massaging Argan Oil into the scalp can advance hair growth through the absorption of nutrients through the skin.

Argan Oil can also be used as an intense conditioning treatment. Apply a generous amount of Argan Oil to the ends of your hair and work your way up (for dry hair, apply Argan Oil all the way up to your roots). Wrap hair in a warm towel and leave for a minimum of 30 minutes. Wash and style as usual

4) Body: Because our skin is so absorbent it is important to use products that will not harm us internally. Argan Oil is a healthy and effective alternative for body butters or drugstore skin lotions. A couple drops of Argan Oil can also be added to your current natural moisturizer for increased hydration. Massage into targeted areas of the body for the reduced appearance of stretch marks.

Argan Oil is a natural and organic alternative to massage oil and is ideal for after sun exposure (always use a chemical free sunscreen such as the ZENMED SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen)

How much do you need?
We offer an ample-sized 4oz/120ml bottle of 100% pure and organic Argan Oil. That is so you can use is all over the body and face.

While our competitors offer small vials of oil at exorbitant prices (and many times mixed with other oils to dilute the Argan), we only offer the purest and best product for a reasonable price. That is because we have procured pricing directly from the manufacturer and cut all middle-men out.

Why is Argan Oil so amazing?
4 words and a letter: ‘Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)’ and ‘Vitamin E’–the two things that keep our skin smooth and maintaining its strength. Without these two essential parts our skin would be dry, flaky, and wrinkly. With the naturally occurring amounts our body produces we still require an additional injection of both EFA and Vitamin E in most places on earth to counter the dryness of our environment and the damaging effects of the sun. We can get these injections through most beauty products on the market but with the vast majority of these come the chemicals. And if EFA’s and Vitamin E are being absorbed, we can bet that the chemicals are too.

Therefore, the safest, most cost effective way to satisfy our skin and hair’s needs for EFA’s and Vitamin E is through the use of natural, raw, organic Argan Oil.

Argan Oil is also praised for its richness of Carotenes. Carotenes are found naturally in fruits and vegetables and is a precursor for Vitamin A absorption–a highly regarded vitamin in the beauty industry for its success in protecting against skin damage, reversing skin damage, and its large role in anti-aging. Carotenes also play a large part in strengthening and repairing damaged hair.

How is Argan Oil so amazing?
Squalene is naturally occurring in plants and animals and is a popular additive in cosmetics due to its penetrating capabilities and similarity to our body’s own oils. Squalene is readily absorbed into the skin and hair without leaving greasy, irritating residues. Squalene is effective in treating scar tissue and preventing stretch marks as well as reducing hair loss. It is also a fantastic conditioning agent.

When can I buy the ZENMED Argan Oil?
We will be releasing it into your hands in July 2012. Please check our Facebook page and website for new information and links to our Argan Oil then.

Conclusion
Being that Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, Carotenes, Sterols, and Squalene are what make up Argan Oil, it is easy to see why it is the only product needed for your daily beauty routine.

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But don’t diagnose yourself just yet! There are two very different forms of drug-induced photo-sensitivity­–Phototoxic reactions and Photoallergic reactions.

Let me break it down for you.

Phototoxic reactions

These reactions are the result of sunlight activating the drug in your system–damaging your skin. Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is the biggest culprit in contributing to the reaction, but Ultraviolet B (UVB) plays its part.

Looks like: a sunburn.

This reaction is fast acting and symptoms begin to show within 24 hours of exposure. The reaction is usually confined to the exposed area and clears up once the drug has been discontinued and cleared.

Symptoms

• Burning/Stinging sensations
• Redness within 24 hours to exposed area
• Mild redness—Blistering
• Peeling/Sloughing off after several days

Photoallergic reactions

These reactions are the result of sunlight altering the structure of the drug and causing the body to view it as an invader, ergo, initiating an allergic reaction–inflaming the exposed area­–to attack the ‘invader’.

Looks like: Eczema

This reaction may take a few days to reveal symptoms. As well, photoallergic reactions may recur even after the drug has been discontinued and cleared and can spread to unexposed areas of the body.

Symptoms

• Itching sensation
• Redness and possible swelling and eruption
• May be several days before symptoms occur for first reaction
• Subsequent reactions in 1-2 days

Sun-sensitizing drugs (provided by Medscape)

Tests & Treatments

The only test available for photosensitivity is the photo-patch test. This test is administered by a medical professional and involves shining light onto the arm and monitoring the length of time it takes for a reaction to occur. This test is generally not useful for phototoxic reactions.

One way to test photosensitivity yourself is by recognizing and monitoring the symptoms. Make a note of your skin before and after sun-exposure and keep track of any symptoms you may have.

If you believe you do, in fact, have sensitivity to the sun it is important to follow the following steps to protect your skin:

-Discontinue the offending drug immediately (do not discontinue any medically prescribed drugs before consulting your doctor).
-Because you are more sensitive then others to ultraviolet rays it is important that you take extra precautions to protect your skin from damage. Find a chemical-free sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and wear it every day (You can still burn on cloudy days).
-Limit your exposure. Do not spend extended periods of time in the sun and wear protective clothing, like hats. Shade is also your friend.
-If you already have a rash, use a moist cloth to relive the pain. Cream ointments are also helpful for more severe cases.
-If reactions persist, consult your doctor.

Note: Try the ZENMED SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen. It is a chemical free cream and will not aid in irritating the skin further.

Reference:

http://www.medicinenet.com/sunsensitive_drugs_photosensitivity_to_drugs/page5.htm#tocg

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049648-overview

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Rosacea is a common skin disorder affecting about 14 million Americans that is characterized by persistent redness on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead, visible blood vessels, small bumps and pimples. While there is no cure for rosacea, its symptoms can be managed by avoiding certain triggers that can worsen symptoms and cause more frequent flare-ups. According to a self-survey conducted by The National Rosacea Society among thousands of rosacea sufferers, certain foods can act as triggers for rosacea. The foods that can trigger rosacea include:

• Hot peppers
• Alcohol
• Red wine
• Hot beverages such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate
• Processed and marinated beef and pork
• Canned fish products
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne
• Curry powder
• Horseradish
• Tomatoes
• Barbecue sauce
• Red plums
• Lima and navy beans
• Peas
• Salsa
• Vinegar
• Monosodium glutamate
• Vanilla
• Soy sauce
• Sharp cheeses
• Cider

However, the association between diet and rosacea can vary from person to person, so it is important for rosacea patients to identify the specific dietary intakes that can trigger their rosacea episodes and avoid them as much as possible.

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Cucumber extract has been used for many years to treat problem skin including acne and eczema. You can find cucumber extract in many natural skin care products that are specific for your face and body.

Cucumbers are rich in amino acids. They also contain vitamin A, C, E and K. Vitamin E is a vital ingredient as it helps repair your skin if you suffer from acne or any other sensitive skin issues. Vitamin K can help with building bone strength within your body which in turn can help reduce the risk of arthritis and osteoporosis.

Cucumbers and cucumber extract also contain various minerals including magnesium, potassium and silica. Silica can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The cucumber’s nourishing, astringent and hydrating properties provide only positive skin and health promoting benefits to your body, which is something that is extremely important to you on a day to day basis.

As cucumbers contain 96% water they can be extremely beneficial in helping rid your body of toxins reducing under eye swelling and even a relief against sunburn. Leaving your skin with a beautiful radiant glow. The peel of the cucumber is such a good source of fiber that can help if you suffer from constipation and even help protect against colon cancer.

If high blood pressure is a problem then cucumbers can help reduce your blood pressure but only if you follow a healthy natural diet.

Cucumber extract is one of the many skin and health enhancing nutrients found in ZENMED Complete Dermcare Kit. This product is ideal if you suffer from Eczema and works with your skin on a long term basis rather than just providing a quick fix solution.

Cucumber extract is such a vital ingredient that you should be including in your daily skin care routine.

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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROSACEA

Almost everyone goes through bouts of acne while growing up. But while most people will eventually move on to clearer skin as they out-grow their raging teens, a significant few will continue to suffer from acne almost throughout their whole lives. For these individuals, constantly living with acne can have a profound effect on their self-esteem and can even lead to isolation and depression. But surprisingly, what we often consider as acne is actually a skin disease known as rosacea.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common and chronic, relapsing skin disease that is often characterized by transient or persistent redness of the face, the prominence of blood vessels in the skin, and the presence of numerous papules and pustules. The term ‘rosacea’ comes from the Latin word for roses. While acne and rosacea can have similar appearances and can often co-exist, they are actually caused by entirely different processes. It is estimated that around 2-10 percent of the population has rosacea, with women being more commonly afflicted than men. Rosacea also occurs more often among people of Celtic descent with fair skin, blue eyes and red hair, than among Asians and African-Americans.

What causes rosacea?

There is still a lack of clear consensus among the medical community as to the exact causes of rosacea. However, a number of factors have been identified as responsible for triggering the condition. These include: UV light, stress and emotionality, physical exertion, extreme variations in temperature, humidity, strong winds, spicy food, red wine, topical steroids, and skin care products that contain alcohol. Because different people have different triggers, they are encouraged to maintain a rosacea diary for them to monitor and identify potential triggers.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Rosacea can be diagnosed based on the existence of its primary characteristics, which are as follows:

• Transient erythema – the patient has a tendency of excessive blushing or flushing
• Non-transient erythema – the patient often experiences persistent redness in his or her facial skin
• Papules and pustules – there are crops of red and dome-shaped papules and pustules throughout the skin
• Telangiectasia – tiny dilated vessels can be seen on the skin

In addition, rosacea can also exhibit secondary features that can either co-exist with the primary features or occur independently. These secondary characteristics include:

• Burning or stinging sensation, with or without scaling and dermatitis
• Elevated red plaques
• Rough, scaly, dry central facial skin that looks like eczema or dermatitis
• Oedema, often accompanying or following facial erythema or flushing
• Ocular symptoms ranging from burning or itching eyes, bloodshot eyes, eyelid inflammation, and corneal damage
• Occurrence of rosacea at sites other than the face, such as the neck, scalp, ears and back
• Overgrowth of sebaceous glands, open skin pores and skin thickening

Natural treatment of rosacea

Because of the murky causes of rosacea, the therapeutic approach consists largely of skin care management and symptomatic treatment. Proper skin care can help repair and maintain the function of the epidermal barrier and can reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease. On the other hand, treatment is aimed at:

• Alleviating the signs and symptoms of rosacea, such as skin reddening and irritation, and reducing papules and pustules
• Delaying or preventing the progression of rosacea from its milder form to its more severe stages
• Promoting the remission of the condition and avoiding exacerbations
• Maintaining the skin in as good a condition as possible
• Improving the patient’s quality of life

An integral part of rosacea treatment is the adoption of a total skin care regimen that minimizes the skin barrier dysfunction and reduces skin irritation. Among the products recommended by dermatologists are:

• A high-SPF (15) sunscreen product to protect against ultraviolet light-induced epidermal and dermal abnormalities that further worsen rosacea and photo-protectants with at least SPF 5 to prevent chronic photo-damage due to dermal matrix degradation from UV exposure. An ideal sunscreen is the ZENMED® SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen, which is a dual-action sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection from UV rays that induce flare-ups and redness and delivers anti-aging benefits from hyaluronic acid, CoQ10 and antioxidants.

• Gentle foaming face washes, lipid-free cleansers and non-soap-based skin cleansers that have a pH that is more compatible with natural skin acidity, which causes less epidermal damage, irritation and dryness. A good example is the ZENMED® Gentle Cleansing Cream, which has a balanced pH and vegetable-based formulation that removes impurities without drying or stripping the skin of vital oils.
• Moisturizers with humectant and occlusive agents that replenish the depleted lipids within the impaired epidermal barrier and restore its ability to retain moisture. The ZENMED® Oil-Free Day Lotion is a water-based, moisture lotion with micro-mattifying agents to help control oil levels and high concentrations of Vitamins B5 and E to leave the skin feeling and looking supple and nourished. Another ideal product is the ZENMED® Nutrient Boost Spray, which is a soothing spray that contains Vitamins A and E, Willow Bark Extract and Licorice Root Extract to moisten the skin and lessen irritation after exposure to heat, cold, wind and UV rays.
• Cosmetic camouflage to conceal and control erythema and telangiectases and serum base to nourish the skin. A perfect cosmetic camouflage is the ZENMED® Anti-Redness Mask is a nourishing gel mask that contains Willow Bark Extract, a highly effective anti-inflammatory agent; Green Tea and Cucumber for fast control of skin redness; and Licorice Root Extract and Certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel as additional anti-redness agents. Meanwhile, the ZENMED® Support Serum uses Vitamin C to reduce swelling, redness and inflammation associated with rosacea and provides restorative strength to protect healthy skin tissue and promote curative cellular regeneration.

When using cosmetic and skin care products, make sure that they do not contain alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint and eucalyptus oil, all of which can exacerbate rosacea. To check out the dermatologically-certified natural formulations of ZENMED® complete skin support systems for oil and dry skins, visit us here.

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