SkinFitnessFacts.com News

A readily available mineral, aloe vera can be used both topically and taken internally to achieve surprising results. Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial making it so versatile that any individual with healthy or unhealthy skin can benefit from it.

Taken directly from the aloe vera plant the mineral is 96 percent water with the remaining four percent made up of minerals, essential oils, enzymes, and amino acids, among other things. Apply aloe directly to your skin to achieve the following results:

Disinfect scrapes and cuts Relieve abrasion pain Alleviate sting from any burn, including a sunburn To hydrate and soften the skin Condition your hair Accelerate cell growth Fungal condition treatment

To keep your skin hydrated longer during the day, apply a layer of aloe before you moisturize. In fact, aloe is so hydrating that psoriasis suffers apply aloe to remedy scaly, dry skin. Although it can sting even the most sensitive skin, some sufferers of eczema find aloe vera gentle enough to use on their skin as well.

The purest form of aloe is most beneficial, but there are many skin products like cosmetics and moisturizers that contain a small percentage of aloe such as Kneipp Bath and Shower Gel Aloe Vera. Bottled aloe vera is available at a reasonable price, but aloe plants themselves can also be inexpensive.

It’s not just your skin that aloe vera is good for. One in 100 people suffer from mouth ulcers and a recent study proved that aloe healed them. Aloe vera, additionally, can be consumed in the form of juice to treat colds, nerves, hypertension, and especially digestive problems like gas, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcers. Consuming aloe for more than two weeks at a time will deplete potassium levels.

Aside from conserving water and energy, shorter and cooler showers are better for your skin especially when trying to keep your skin hydrated and soft. According to University of Iowa Health Care taking one shower a day in warm water (not hot) for less than 10 minutes is your best bet.

The reason is that the water, steam, and soap deplete the skin of its natural oils, which are critical in locking the moisture in skin. Other showering techniques that will keep your skin hydrated include:

• Using a mild soap like MD Skincare Moisturizing Body Wash 8oz
• Patting your skin dry with your towel, not rubbing
• Applying a moisturizing lotion within three minutes of your shower
• Using an intense moisturizer several times during the day. If you have chronic dry skin or even just wintertime dry skin, try SkinMedica Ceratopic Replenishing Lotion 6oz
  

If you have a skin ailment, or any physical ailment for that matter, you should evaluate your diet to find a solution. Often times those that suffer from acne or dry/flaky skin also lack vitamin A in their diet, something a quick nutrition evaluation will reveal. In order to rebuild cells, which is necessary in maintaining healthy skin, vitamin A is critical.

It’s necessary to consume enough of the nutrients retinol and beta-carotene, otherwise known as pre-Vitamin A, so that your body can manufacture vitamin A on its own. You can do this by consuming the right vegetables and animal products and by taking a supplement of no more than 25,000 international units a day (any more than this is toxic). Try Murad Youth Builder Collagen Supplement, which includes Vitamin A and other skin healthy nutrients.

Below is a list of vitamin A rich foods:

• Spinach
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Cantaloupe
• Mangoes
• Liver
• Beef
• Egg yolks
• Milk
• Mozzarella cheese

There are many benefits to consuming the right amounts of vitamin A including quickly healed pimples and lesions, hydrated skin with no flaking, and also a reduction in acne itself. Studies show a link between severe acne sufferers and low levels of vitamin A. Acne sufferers should modify their diet, take a supplement and use topical skin care products that advertise vitamin A or retinol like SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5.

In addition to being a good part of your skin fitness and overall fitness, vitamin A is also excellent for your bone strength, immune system, digestive system, eyesight, and last but not least, it’s an antioxidant.