I have researched botanicals for over 20 years and have came across much valuable information. I am fascinated by the power of herbs. I found that herbs can naturally improve many skin conditions.

You have Hidden “Assault Intruders” in your body. Herbs can blast them away.

There are so many skin ailments in our society today. There are habits that we engage in that may be causing many of our skin problems.

Many have acne problems who blame these unsightly “Zits” on oil build-up, dirt and clogged pores. These may be the least likely suspects. The major problem of many skin ailments is “Toxin build-up” in the body. Many of these toxins come from the very foods that we eat. There are hidden “Assault intruders” in the very foods we eat. And yes, the industry knows that they are in there and that they are bad for you. Hence, why your body tries to spit them out.

Our bodies are bombarded with 100’s even thousands of these “assault intruders” everyday. Toxins can come from our environment. But, mainly from the foods that we are eating. Take the time to read the ingredient labels on your food purchases before thinking about putting them in your mouth. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, then there is a good chance it is not organic food. It is an un-welcomed chemical additive. Next time you see one of these intruders listed on your ingredient label, Google it. Find out what it is. See what it is used for and the negative chemical reactions that it can have on your body.

When there is an overload of toxins in your body, what your body tries to do is get rid of them. Some may come out by regular everyday elimination. But, many toxins are bombarding your system every day and the regular everyday elimination may not be enough.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. The skin, through it’s pores helps eliminate toxins. The more you sweat, the more your body is ridding itself of these intruders. But, considering the overload of these “assault intruders”, the skin tries to eliminate such huge amounts that skin problems do occur physically on your skin. One large cause of acne is body toxin waste showing up on the surface of your skin.

Herbs to the Rescue.

There are herbs that even when taken topically through the skin can eliminate toxins right out the skin and giving you a healthier look and radiant skin.

Here are some beneficial herbs that can eliminate these toxins, right out of your skin. Acne can be easily cleared up in a matter of a few days, as well as many of your skin ailments.

Dandelion has been given a bad wrap by the media and weed killer industries. Dandelion is a very therapeutic herb for our body. Dandelion is not an unsightly weed with no purpose, but to haunt your lawns. Did you know that dandelion eliminates cancer cells from your body when taken internally ? Topically, it is beneficial in soothing and repairing sun-damaged skin. Dandelion with Sage, which is another therapeutic herb eliminates toxins out of the skin and clears acne.

Wrong.

A moisturizer is like “dessert” to your skin—it feels good, nice and smooth, but does little to nothing for your skin cells that lay beneath the surface—the source of skin aging.  That’s why it’s important to remember the “main course” of skin care—products that activate, stimulate and protect your skin.

During winter, it’s especially important to:

• Exfoliate.  The dull, dry skin cells on the surface of the skin should be exfoliated, and there are a couple of reasons for this.  (1) Exfoliation allows younger, healthier skin cells can emerge, (2) you can enhance the penetration of other skin care products, because they don’t get trapped by the superficial cells.  If anti-aging products (and these are generally the pricey ones!) remain on the surface of your skin, they’re pretty useless. Allow them to work, and work hard!  (3) Exfoliation deep cleans the pores, and helps reduce excess oils. During the summer, I recommend exfoliating twice a week, but during the winter, every day.  Use Exfoliating Polish in the shower; it’s easier to rinse off that way.
• Protect.  During winter the days are shorter, but UVB rays will stay damage your skin, and UVA rays will penetrate through windows and go straight to the dermis—where they can create permanent damage .  If you’re headed to the mountains for skiing (or even if you’re a ski bunny), remember that UV rays are intensified by snow and high altitude.  Taking a vacation from sunscreen during the winter is a big mistake. 
• Avoid the use of hot water.  It may feel good for a few minutes (no showers longer than 10 minutes, please), but will dehydrate your skin, deplete the natural oils and create parched, chapped, dry skin.
• Your face and hands need extra care during the winter, because they have greater exposure.  Be sure to exfoliate and hydrate!
• With shorter days and colder temperatures, most of us spend more time indoors during the winter, where the air is warmer, but also dryer.  Use a humidifer, don’t overuse space heaters (including your car), and drink plenty of water.
• Escape.  These are stressful times.  Find time for yourself.  Take a warm bath, read a good book, do something just for yourself.  I like to study foreign languages, especially French, because it’s a brief respite from the real world and 24-hour news.  Do something that you enjoy for short, daily escapes.

While you take care of everyone else this holiday season, be sure to take care of yourself (and your skin!)

For more information visit us on the web at http://www.zoskinhealth.com

Men have approximately 15% oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women do. Basically, this means you get dirtier. It is very important; no matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy and you looking good.

Cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Deodorant soaps shouldn’t be used on your face. They cleanse with harsh ingredients and leave a detergent film behind. This may irritate your skin and will clog your pores. Go natural.

A good scrub is essential for healthy skin. It will remove dead cells and smooth the surface of your face. The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Stay away from scrubs that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts. They will tear and damage the skin. A good scrub will invigorate you, not hurt you.

Moisturizing is a necessity. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and shaving and don’t forget your neck!

For an intensive moisture treatment use pure vitamin E, or aloe vera oil. It is available in liquid form, or just break open a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin. This is a great under eye treatment. Remember it is very important to moisturize this sensitive area of the face. It is one of the first places to show age because the under eye skin secretes no necessary oils on its own.

#2 Keep it toned.

Because men are outside more than women are, environmental debris and pollutants are more a factor to their skin’s health. Toning helps keep the skin clear and firm.

As skin ages, it needs to work harder to maintain its elasticity. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids work the best for toning the face. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They are aggressive and have quick results. Remember to look for a product that is not photosensitive (sensitive to light).

#3 Treat your skin.

Depending on your skin type (oily, dry or combination) and the time of year, there are different products that treat and enhance your skin. Different treatments will have very different results. It is important to know your skin’s needs.

All types of skin need to be exfoliated. This is the removal of dead skin cells that form daily. This is an essential part of skin treatment.

After shaving, you need to moisturize with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it. Avoid heavy fragrant after-shave products too, as they can irritate the skin.

Skin that is too shiny doesn’t look healthy, just greasy. Blot the excess oils away. Blotting papers or a light powder that will give you a more natural finish are both good options to try.

Don’t forget about your lips. Find a balm that has an SPF of at least 15 in it. Peppermint oil has a nice feel and keeps the lips looking luscious.

#4 Protect your skin.

Healthy skin is young looking skin. There are preventative techniques that can promote the best skin possible and keep it looking its best longer. Remember that your skin is a mirror of your overall body health.

Here are the key techniques:

Avoid over exposure to the sun.
Sun damage leads to hyperpigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use an SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially on your face.

Stay in shape.
Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which keeps skin looking young.

Eat right.
Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet regimen.

Everything in moderation.
Too much of anything is never a good idea. Stay away from excessive alcohol, smoking, fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging; they also decrease facial circulation making you look older.

Michele Probst. “Skin Care Tips for Men.” BestStuff.com. 22 Sep. 2009 [