'OR Natural' is at the NSW Farmers Markets this coming Sunday morning!

ROSACEA

Rosacea

Rosacea (ro-zay-sha) is a common, acne-like benign inflammatory skin disease of adults, with a worldwide distribution.  Rosacea is estimated to affect approximately 45 million worldwide.

The main symptoms and signs of rosacea include red or pink facial skin, small dilated blood vessels, small red bumps sometimes containing pus, cysts, and pink or irritated eyes.  Many people who have rosacea may just assume they have very sensitive skin that blushes or flushes easily.

Rosacea is considered an incurable auto-inflammatory skin condition.  The symptoms and signs of rosacea tend to come and go.  The skin may be clear for weeks, months, or years and then erupt again.

Rosacea is not contagious or infectious!

Symptoms

Rosacea risk factors include fair skin, English, Irish, or Scottish heredity, easy blushing, and having other family members with rosacea (called "positive family history").  Additional risk factors include female gender, menopause, and being 30-50 years of age.

Typical signs and symptoms of rosacea include:

• facial flushing
• blushing
• skin redness (erythema)
• burning
• red bumps and pustules
• small cysts, and 
• thickening of the facial tissue, especially the nose.

Some of the triggers:

• dairy, including yogurt, sour cream, cheese (except cottage cheese)
• alcohol, including red wine, beer, vodka, gin, bourbon, and champagne
• chocolate
• soy sauce
• yeast extract
• eggplants, avocados, spinach
• some beans and pods, including lima, navy or peas
• citrus fruits, including tomatoes, bananas, red plums, raisins, or figs; and
• spicy and temperature hot foods. 

Treatment

There are many treatment choices for rosacea depending on the severity and extent of symptoms.  Available medical treatments include antibacterial washes, topical creams, antibiotic pills, lasers, pulsed-light therapies and photodynamic therapy.

Mild rosacea may not necessarily require treatment if the individual is not bothered by the condition.  More resistant situations may require a combination approach, using several of the treatments at the same time.  Eg.prescription sulfa facial wash twice a day, applying an antibacterial cream morning and night, and taking an oral antibiotic for flares.

Rosacea skin tends to be fairly sensitive and may easily flare with self-treatment or common acne therapies.  Any home treatment or attempts for natural remedies should be approached with some caution.  As with any rosacea therapy, some people may experience sensitivity or irritation with treatment.  Several possible natural remedies, including dilute vinegar cleansing and green tea applications, may be useful in rosacea.

Gentle daily facial massage may help reduce swelling and inflammation.  Use a circular motion with your fingers starting on the central part of the face and work toward the ears.

Many other alternative therapies — including colloidal silver, emu oil, laurelwood and oregano oil — have been touted as possible ways to treat rosacea.  But at this stage no evidence supports the idea that any of these substances are effective.

When researching natural remedies we recommend you use reputable medical sites.

Natural Remedies

Avoid triggers. Know what tends to cause flare-ups for you and avoid those triggers.  Keep a diary to help track your rosacea.

Protect your face. Apply sunscreen daily. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  Take other steps to protect your skin, such as wearing hats and avoiding midday sun. In cold, windy weather, wear a scarf or ski mask.

Treat your skin gently. Don't rub or touch your face too much.  Use a gentle cleanser and moisturize frequently.  Avoid products that contain alcohol or other skin irritants.

Apply makeup. Some makeup products and techniques may help reduce the appearance of skin redness.  For example, apply green-tinted makeup before a light liquid foundation.  Or try a light dusting of green-tinted facial powder.

Diet

A sensible diet is important.  Foods with polyphenols have been shown to help improve general health and skin health. Polyphenols improve the gut flora and fauna which impact the skin.  Foods with polyphenols can be researched on the web but some for example are:

• Blueberries
• Crab Apple
• Strawberries
• Whole grain rye breads
• Celery seed
• Capers
• Note. Amino acid supplements have been suggested on some other sites.

Reference Sites: Medicine Net,

Mayo Clinic, Nutrition Advance

Disclaimer: OR Natural researches reputable sites to source information on skin conditions. The material is prepared to assist our customers understanding of the condition and we encourage people to seek medical advice where a condition persists and to research for themselves information about their condition. While OR Natural strives to maintain current and relevant information to the best of our ability, this should not be construed as medical advice as the relevance and accuracy of medical information changes significantly over time as new treatments become available.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

Remember … Natural is Best!

BUY HERE: Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

   

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is considered to be genetically linked and is an inflammatory disease.  It is characterised by skin cells that multiply much faster than normal cells.  When these cells reach the surface and die, raised, red plaques often covered with white scales form.

It is also considered an auto-immune condition caused by an overactive immune system that launches an inflammatory response within the body.  Psoriasis is a chronic (long term) condition that comes and goes in severity.  

Hereditary predisposition is necessary before the disease can be triggered by environmental factors.

Psoriasis is definitely not contagious.

Symptoms:

• Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
• Small scaling spots
• Dry, cracked skin
• Itchy, burning or soreness
• Itchy plaques
• Small bleeding points when scale is peeled away
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

Some of the triggers that cause psoriasis to flare up include:

• Sore throat (streptococci)
• Trauma to the skin including a cut, scrape, insect bite, infection or sunburn
• Certain drugs can also have an effect
• HIV
• Stress
• Obesity

Treatment

Psoriasis often requires medical treatment and there are a range of treatments available.  You can also find more about psoriasis on the medical based websites.

There are a number of things you can do to ensure the best management of your psoriasis which will hopefully help to minimise the condition.  While there may be some trial and error to determine what works best for you, some of the actions you can take include:

• Keep the skin moist at all times, avoid allowing your skin to dry out
• Manage your diet, increased body mass is associated with psoriasis, and for these individuals the treatment may be more difficult
• Tar based shampoos may be of assistance
• When bathing add oil, salts or fine ground oatmeal which may be of assistance. Ensure water is warm rather than hot, restrict baths to around 10 minutes and gently pat dry afterwards Moisturise immediately afterwards
• Avoid very cold weather; if possible however during cold weather consider moisturising several times per day
• Use a thick moisturiser 
• Use a humidifier
• Never pick at patches or scales
• Get some sun but not too much; don’t stay in the sun for too long. Use a sunscreen, check with your pharmacist which is best for psoriasis
• Manage stress levels if required through meditation, yoga or light exercise and maintain a healthy diet
• Reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking
• Keep a psoriasis diary to track your triggers; these are often unique to the individual. Understanding your condition will help you to manage it more effectively.

Natural Remedies

Some of the natural remedies that may assist psoriasis symptoms include:

• Aloe Vera gel or cream that is rich in Aloe Vera
• Apple cider vinegar to relieve itch from scalp psoriasis
• Acupuncture or Reiki for stress reduction
• Use of gentle cleansers that do not strip the oils from the skin.

Psoriasis is a frustrating and difficult condition.  It is best managed at home through a disciplined approach in your lifestyle while accepting that medical intervention will be of assistance when required.

For some a gluten-free diet can result in a significant improvement in psoriasis.

Diet

A sensible diet is important. Foods with polyphenols have been shown to help improve general health and skin health. Polyphenols improve the gut flora and fauna which impact the skin. Foods with polyphenols can be researched on the web but some for example are:

• Blueberries
• Crab Apple
• Strawberries
• Whole grain rye breads
• Celery seed
• Capers
• Star Anise & Cloves

Reference Sites: Medicine Net,

Nutrition Advance, Mayo Clinic,

National Psoriasis Foundation.

Disclaimer: OR Natural researches reputable sites to source information on skin conditions. The material is prepared to assist our customers understanding of the condition and we encourage people to seek medical advice where a condition persists and to research for themselves information about their condition. While OR Natural strives to maintain current and relevant information to the best of our ability, this should not be construed as medical advice as the relevance and accuracy of medical information changes significantly over time as new treatments become available.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

BUY HERE: Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

   

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eczema & Dermatitis

Eczema & Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy.  It's common in children but can occur at any age.  Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically.  It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.

No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis.  But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks.

Other forms of dermatitis include:

Contact dermatitis:  This rash occurs on areas of the body that have come into contact with substances that either irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction,

Seborrheic dermatitis:  This condition causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, upper chest and back.  In infants this is known as cradle cap.

Symptoms

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) signs and symptoms vary widely from person to person and include:

Dry Skin

• Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
• Red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp
• Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
• Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
• Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching

Atopic dermatitis most often begins before age 5 and may persist into adolescence and adulthood.

For some people, it flares periodically and then clears up for a time, even for several years.

Some of the causes of eczema or dermatitis include:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). This form of dermatitis is likely related to a mix of factors, including dry skin, a gene variation, an immune system dysfunction, bacteria on the skin and environmental conditions.
• Contact dermatitis. This condition results from direct contact with one of many irritants or allergens — jewellery containing nickel, cleaning products, perfumes, cosmetics, and even the preservatives in many creams and lotions.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition may be caused by a yeast (fungus) that is in the oil secretion on the skin. People with seborrheic dermatitis may notice their condition tends to come and go depending on the season.

Treatment

The treatment for dermatitis varies, depending on the cause and each person's experience of the condition. 

      These can include:

• Applying corticosteroid creams
• Applying certain creams or lotions that affect your immune system (calcineurin inhibitors)
• Exposing the affected area to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light (phototherapy)

      
Home remedies can include:

• Use non-prescription anti-inflammation and anti-itch products 
• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can temporarily relieve inflammation and itching. 
• Oral antihistamines, may be helpful if itching is severe. 
• Apply cool, wet compresses. This helps soothe your skin. 
• Wear cotton clothing. Smooth cotton clothing can help. 
• Take a comfortably warm bath. Sprinkle your bath water with uncooked oatmeal.
• Take a bleach bath. This may help people with severe atopic dermatitis by decreasing the bacteria on the skin. Add 1/2 cup to a bathtub filled with warm water.
• Avoid rubbing and scratching. Cover the itchy area with a dressing if you can't keep from scratching it.
• Choose mild laundry detergent. Choose mild, unscented laundry products.
• Moisturize your skin. For mild forms of the condition, moisturizer may be the main form of treatment. Avoid irritants. For contact dermatitis especially, try to minimize contact with the substance that caused your rash. 
• Use stress management techniques.
• Techniques such as relaxation or biofeedback may help.

Natural Remedies

Many alternative therapies, including those listed below, have helped some people manage their dermatitis. But evidence for their effectiveness isn't conclusive.

• Dietary supplements, such as vitamin D and probiotics, for atopic dermatitis.
• Rice bran broth (applied to the skin) for atopic dermatitis.
• Tea tree oil, either alone or added to your shampoo, for seborrheic dermatitis.
• Fish oil supplements for seborrheic dermatitis.
• Aloe Vera for seborrheic dermatitis.
• Avoid harsh soaps, be sure to gently pat dry your skin after a bath and moisturize your skin regularly.

Diet

A sensible diet is important. Foods with polyphenols have been shown to help improve general health and skin health. Polyphenols improve the gut flora and fauna which impact the skin. Foods with polyphenols can be researched on the web but some for example are:

• Blueberries
• Crab Apple
• Strawberries
• Whole grain rye breads
• Celery seed
• Capers

Reference Sites: Medicine Net,

Mayo Clinic, Nutrition Advance

Disclaimer: OR Natural researches reputable sites to source information on skin conditions. The material is prepared to assist our customers understanding of the condition and we encourage people to seek medical advice where a condition persists and to research for themselves information about their condition. While OR Natural strives to maintain current and relevant information to the best of our ability, this should not be construed as medical advice as the relevance and accuracy of medical information changes significantly over time as new treatments become available.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

   

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sun Damaged Skin & Related Cancers

You can prevent sunburn and related conditions

Intense, repeated sun exposure that results in sunburn increases your risk of other skin damage and certain diseases.   These include dry or wrinkled skin, dark spots, rough spots, and skin cancers, such as:  Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) or Melanoma.

You can prevent sunburn and related conditions by protecting your skin.  This is especially important when you're outdoors, even on cool or cloudy days.  If you are sunburned, home remedies and treatments can help soothe your skin as it heals.  Prevention is better than cure.

Symptoms

Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women.  But it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day — your palms, beneath your fingernails or toenails, and your genital area.

Basil Cell Carcinoma (BCC) usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your neck or face.  Basal cell carcinoma may appear as:

• A pearly or waxy bump
• A flat, flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesion

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may appear as:

• A firm, red nodule
• A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted  surface

Melanoma signs include:

• A large brownish spot with darker speckles
• A mole that changes in colour, size or feel or that bleed
• A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue or blue-black.

Skin cancers develop most commonly on sun-exposed skin including the backs of the hands and arms, upper trunk, face, nose, lips, ears, lower legs, and the hairless scalp.

Sun damaged skin isn’t just about skin cancer. Other effects are:

• Discoloured areas if skin
• Increased incidence of wrinkles
• Irregular pigmentation
• Age spots
• Keratosis (crusty patches)
• Dry cracked lips (long term)
• Cataracts

Aging Skin

Wrinkles come in two categories: fine surface lines and deep furrows that are related to muscular contraction. Some deep furrows are anatomical in nature and have little to do with aging. The secret to anti-aging is good skin care throughout life, but it is never too late to start.

In addition as we age our skin becomes thinner, less elastic, sometimes rougher and certainly dryer. Many of the changes in older skin, though not all, are due to ultra violet light exposure. Although all of our skin ages, sun exposure dramatically enhances the rate at which this occurs.

Treatment

Prevention is better than cure but if the damage is already done then a regular visit to your GP, local skin cancer clinic or Dermatologist for a skin check is essential.

All skin cancers need to be removed. This is often done surgically although some other techniques can be used.

Keratosis which are considered pre– cancerous in nature are usually freeze dried off. Quick easy and best removed at this stage.

Go for that skin check!

Natural Remedies

Treat your skin kindly, use a gentle cleanser and moisturise regularly.

Some research has been carried out in Europe showing Zeolite Clinoptilolite (natural zeolite) reduced tumours and increased health in test animals.  Zeolite can be used as a detox.

Vitamin B3

In trials research found that at 12 months non melanoma cancers were reduced by 23% and precancerous lesions were reduced by 13% when compared with those not taking Vitamin B3.

NOTE:  Natural Remedies should not replace the important skin check with your GP, local skin cancer clinic or Dermatologist.  It isn’t worth the risk.

Reference Sites: Medicine Net,

Nutrition Advance Mayo Clinic,

NSW Cancer Council,

Aussie Zeolite Health Research Studies

Disclaimer: OR Natural researches reputable sites to source information on skin conditions.  The material is prepared to assist our customers understanding of the condition and we encourage people to seek medical advice where a condition persists and to research for themselves information about their condition.  While OR Natural strives to maintain current and relevant information to the best of our ability, this should not be construed as medical advice as the relevance and accuracy of medical information changes significantly over time as new treatments become available.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

   

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why ‘OR Natural’ writes about skin health?

Why ‘OR Natural’ writes about skin health?

‘The Best Natural Skin Care Company’!

At ‘OR Natural’ we are constantly researching issues about the skin.  Our objective has been to increase our own knowledge regarding olive oil soap benefits for sensitive skin conditions, babies’ skin, acne, psoriasis and eczema and more and to find information that may help our customers.  We realised that many people would be interested in our research and we will summarise these results in articles to be published in our 'Newsletters' posted on Facebook, Google+ and 'OR Natural's blog.

We get many inquiries from customers who are dealing with long term skin problems and are eager to find a better way to manage them.  When they come to us they are seeking a natural solution as our products are natural, gentle and kind on the skin, using organic olive oil soaps (‘castile’), for example, helping to create skin well-being that may lead to an improved outcome.

The Best Natural Skin Care Company!

We are always honest and upfront with people about what our products can and can’t do.  We have certainly had extensive anecdotal feedback from customers that they find our products wonderful on their skin and those people kind enough to review our handmade natural skin care and handmade olive oil soap products, have in every case rated us with 5 stars.  You can find out more about our products on www.ornatural.com.au – ‘The Best Natural Skin Care Company’!  ‘OR Natural won the ‘Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’ award in the Hunter Valley, NSW Australia. 

For many, long term skin problems require medical treatment when the problem becomes acute.  It is important that people seek out what is in their best interest and best for their health.

In our research, in addition to getting a better understanding about skin problems, we look for information about things to avoid putting on your skin, i.e. triggers that may make the condition worse, and for natural remedies that may be tried safely at home.  We hope the information we post benefits our readers.

Our best regards to all our readers.

Julie Brown & Stephen Balogh

With special thanks to our friend Stephen Cheetham who works tirelessly to help us with our social media presence.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

Remember … Natural is Best!

To BUY: Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.
   

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Acne!

Acne!

Acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin!

Acne is a skin condition occurring when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.  It usually appears on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders.  Effective treatments are available, but acne can be persistent.

Acne is most common among teenagers, and it is reported that some younger children are getting acne as well.

Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin.  The earlier treatment is commenced, the better the results.

Acne signs and symptoms vary depending on severity:

• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)

• Blackheads (open plugged pores — the oil turns brown when it is exposed to air)

• Small red, tender bumps (papules)

• Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips

• Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)

• Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)

If natural remedies don’t work it is always best to see the doctor or talk to your pharmacist for over the counter products, however there are several approaches you can take.

Firstly understanding the causes of acne is helpful. The four main factors include:

• Oil production

• Dead skin cells

• Clogged pores

• Bacteria

Secondly there are also things that can aggravate acne, these include:

• Hormones - Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. In some cases pregnancy can increase sebum production and for some the contraceptive pill can also worsen acne.

• Certain medications - Drugs containing corticosteroids, androgens or lithium can worsen acne.

• Diet - Studies indicate that certain dietary factors, including dairy products and carbohydrate-rich foods — such as bread, bagels and chips — may trigger acne, as can chocolate.

• Stress - Stress can make acne worse.

• Sun – For some people the sun can worsen acne.

The best home remedies include:

• A healthy diet

• Washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.

• For acne around the hair line, wash the hair every day.

• Avoid scrubs, astringents and masks as these can aggravate acne

• For men, be gentle when shaving affected areas.

• Avoid oily sunscreens, try a non-oily sunscreen.

• For women avoid oily cosmetics.

• Keep your hair off your face and avoid unnecessarily touching your face.

• Sweat and oils can contribute to acne, keep cool and wear loose fitting clothing.

• Don’t pick or squeeze blemishes as this can lead to infection or scarring.

• Zinc in lotions and creams may reduce acne breakouts. (Hemp Seed Oil contains Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc along with vitamin E and other anti-oxidants, along with vitamin D3 and B vitamins).

• Green tea extract has been found to help some acne sufferers. As has aloe Vera and citrus juices, the juices however may also cause some irritation.

Acne can be a complex and distressing problem often requiring medical treatment, however, ensuring the good basic disciplines are in place can go a long way to alleviating acne and hopefully reduce the need for stronger treatments.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’  

Remember … Natural is Best!

BUY - All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

'OR Natural' Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

Find us on G+

  

Find Us On Facebook

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------