Are you still trying to lighten your skin? You may want to heed the FDA’s warning regarding skin lightening cream and skin whitening products containing hydroquinone. Not only linked to cancer, this skin bleaching chemical has been known to cause the skin disease ochronosis.

This skin disease causes adverse pigmentation or irreversible bluish black discoloration of skin.

According to eMedicine from WebMD, it is reported that 35% of African blacks exhibit ochronotic skin changes when using a 6-8% hydroquinone preparation over a prolonged period. The prevalence among users of these skin lightening creams has been stated to be 69% in a South African study.

In addition, by decreasing the the production of melatonin pigments in the skin, hydroquinone increases exposure to UVA and UVB rays deep in the skin. This increases skin cancer risks due to UV exposure.

Not convinced you should avoid skin lightening treatments and skin whitening products with hydroquinone? It has already been banned for sale in the European Union, Australia, and Japan for a reason. Or just head on over to my skin whitening products article to see some nasty pics.

Here are just some of the many lightening creams containing hydroquinone along with several other irritants such as fragrance and methylparaben:

Vita-K Solution (Skin Lightening System)
Palmers Skin Success Fade Milk Lotion
Skin Success Eventone Fade Cream, for Oily Skin (all Skin Success Fade Creams)
Esoterica Daytime Fade Cream with Moisturizers
Ambi Skin Discoloration Fade Cream, Oily skin
philosophy when lightening strikes, skin lightener
Reviva Skin Lightening Day Cream
PORCELANA DAYTIME TREATMENT SKIN LIGHTENING CREAM
Actifade Age-Defying Skin Lightening System

There are other options to consider. If you do your research (after all, the very skin you are trying to enhance could well be ruined for life), you will find natual skin lighteners and natural skin whitening products without hydroquinone, steroids, mercury or other harmful ingredients. I know of two right off the bat….

Meladerm Cream: contains 10 natural active ingredients clinically proven to promote fast skin lightening safely and

Xtend-Life Natural Whitening Day Cream: 100% natural skin whitening cream contains a special extract of Extapone Nutgrass which naturally inhibits melanin to whiten your skin gently. In addition Xtend-Life products fight aging and wrinkles.

Elle Beauty SPOTLIGHT | ARGAN OIL
By Nicole Catanese
Published: May, 2008

For a young celeb, sudden stardom can lead to obsessive paparazzi attention and a stint in rehab. For natural ingredients, popularity can be just as dangerous. The success of palm oil led farmers to burn parts of the Indonesian and Malaysian rain forests to plant palm orchards; illegal trading of caviar caused a drop in the rare egg-producing sturgeon; and the overuse of sandalwood had depleted the sweet-smelling Indian tree. Fortunately, the latest botanical phenomenon, the antioxidant argan oil, not only rivals all other free-radical fighters to date, but its high demand will actually help the environment as well.

Pressed from the nut of the argan tree’s fruit (a favorite snack of local goats), argan oil has protected the hair and skin of Morocco’s Berber women for centuries. Recent research has proven the oil is packed with skin-beneficial compounds: hydrating essential fatty acids, potent antioxidant polyphenols, and nearly three times the amount of vitamin E in olive oil. Read the rest of this entry…

Are you looking for eczema relief from an over the counter eczema treatment? One without chemicals, petroleum or steroids? One that doesn’t smell nasty? One that has been proven to stop the redness and itching? I don’t blame you.

There is absolutely no doubt when you are suffering from eczema dermatitis. It usually shows up first as a rash. Then come the lesions and terrible itching. Most annoying, it is red, obvious and unattractive. Although it can affect any area of the skin, it is most common on the legs, hands and face.

Eczema on the hands can be the most frustrating as the lesions and itching affect the palms making it difficult to perform common everyday essential tasks such as doing dishes or laundry. Contact can be extremely painful.

The same rash, itching and lesions can also appear on the legs.  While it can appear anywhere on the legs, it is particularly prevalent in the creases. In addition to being very uncomfortable it can also be embarrassing especially in the summer months. Be cautious of clothing material and stick to 100% cotton which will not cause allergic reactions.

It’s bad enough having eczema on the hands and legs, throw in the potential for developing it on your face, the stakes are higher. It is simply more obvious and therefore more embarrassing. Nobody wants to suffer with blotchy, irritated, red skin and most do not like foregoing makeup.

Most eczema treatments and medications are both expensive and frustrating and simply do not work. Consider Skin Original, an all natural over the counter eczema treatment with no added chemicals that cause more irritation. Skin Original is effective at treating eczema dermatitis and psoriasis. Approved by dermatologists to bring immediate relief, it contains no steroids, chemicals, or offensive odors and most of all, it is 100% guaranteed.

Pretty packaging? No. Effective ingredients? Definitely. Many customers report improvement with Skin Original within 2-3 days: no more embarrassment. Skin Original is guaranteed to work for you or your money back. What do you have to lose?

Do you have very sensitive skin? Does it seem like your face is sensitive to all skin care products? Does it seem like the products that you use on your skin are causing more problems for you? Buying expensive treatments for sensitive skin doesn’t seem to help.

Skin care products purchased at your local pharmacy store are most likely the culprit. The truth is that if you turn to all natural skin products, you may find most of your skin sensitivities will disappear.

If you have had adverse reactions to your skin care products, it might be time to investigate just which ingredients in your skin care line are causing you problems. Most skin care products, even those treatments for sensitive skin are made with synthetic ingredients and chemicals. You may think that you have sensitive skin however these synthetic ingredients and chemicals can cause many terrible reactions even in people that have normal skin.

So instead of looking for treatments for sensitive skin exclusively, look for all natural skin products and avoid products that contain petroleum, methylparabens, sodium lauryl sulfate and fragrances.

Petroleum products are often found in everyday cosmetics and makeup removers. If you use a makeup remover on a daily basis, chances are it contains petroleum and it can wreak havoc on your skin not to mention burning in your eyes. Petroleum is known to cause acne and dry skin. It usually blocks pores and may contain some very dangerous carcinogens.

People may suddenly get a rash from a new skin product containing methyl even for those who do not have very sensitive skin and have never had a reaction to any other product. Methyl is something you want to avoid not only in your skin care products, but all of your personal care items including body lotions, shampoos, and soaps.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a supposed carcinogen that is found in many products that you use everyday. Many soaps, shampoos and even toothpastes contain this as an ingredient. Not only is it being possibly linked to cancer, it is positively known to cause damage to the outer layer of your skin.

Oftentimes, skin sensitivities are caused by lab created fragrances…many people don’t realize that they are allergic to them. Avoid all synthetic fragrances found in skin care products and instead choose products containing natural botanical oils.

Chemicals in skin care products could possibly be the root cause of many skin sensitivities and purchasing treatments for sensitive skin that contain them are not the answer.

Study: Chemicals, pollutants found in newborns

by Peter Fimrite, San Francisco Chronicle
December 3rd, 2009

Chemicals from cosmetics, perfumes and other fragrances were detected along with dozens of other industrial compounds in the umbilical cords of African American, Asian and Latino infants in the United States, according to a national study released Wednesday.

Laboratory tests paid for by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group and Rachel’s Network found 232 chemicals and pollutants in the umbilical cords of the 10 babies tested in five states between December 2007 and June 2008.
‘Not a surprise’ Read the rest of this entry…

Many of us are constantly searching for the next new psoriasis treatment when relief may have been right there under our noses all along. Unfortunately, the best natural skin care products are not advertised. They are not endorsed by famous people or models on television commercials. They don’t have fancy, expensive packaging. And they work.

Of the more than six million people who suffer from psoriasis, many are seeking a new psoriasis treatment and many are turning to alternatives. We know that psoriasis can be a very painful and we know that there really is no cure. Most people will eventually find a way to manage the worst of the disease, whether it be from the help of a doctor or with entirely non-prescription treatments.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition marked by inflamed areas of skin that become scaly. While normal skin cells are naturally sloughed from the body in just under a month, those with psoriasis do not shed these cells normally and instead, form thick scales that can build up almost anywhere on the body. For some people the problem is primarily aesthetic, but for others there is inflammation, itching or even severe and disabling pain.

Most lotions that you find in your local store are not powerful enough to treat psoriasis, while still others contain oils that do not allow the skin to breathe and cause blemishes on the skin they you thought they were going to treat.

You should not use a moisturizer with fragrance, color or other unnecessary ingredients. These can irritate the skin and can even lead to infections if you scratch to the point of breaking the skin.

Skin-E-Dip medicated ointment, is an alternative to prescription treatments. While Skin-E-Dip is not a new psoriasis treatment, most will never have the good fortune of hearing about it. It is all-natural, safe for anyone and can be used in conjunction with any other treatment that you may be trying. Skin-E-Dip was created specifically as a powerful dry skin treatment, however many customers wrote in to tell about their results in treating psoriasis. It’s not just for psoriasis sufferers….anyone with dry, itchy skin will benefit. Here are some Skin-E-Dip reviews and testimonials.

Skin-E-Dip does NOT contain Lanolin,Cortisone, Preservatives, Tar, Steroids or Antibiotics that can be harmful or cause allergic reactions.

What Skin-E-Dip can do for your chronic skin problems:

• Eases itching immediately upon application and provides immediate comfort.
• Soothes Scaly Dry and Cracked Skin
• Moisturizes dry scaly skin leaving skin with a vibrant, healthy appearance.
• Flaking, scaling and cracked skin is virtually eliminated with ongoing use of Skin-E-Dip. Skin becomes smooth and supple, regaining elasticity.
• Reduces Redness and Inflammation Amazingly effective in reducing redness and inflammation common in eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, rashes and chronic dry skin.

So while this is not a new psoriasis treatment, (customers have been purchasing online for over 10 years) it is certainly one that deserves recognition for giving relief to countless eczema, psoriasis and dry skin sufferers.

Here are some Skin-E-Dip reviews:

oh yea, and it will leave your skin smooth, soft and supple with a vibrant, healthy appearance that is 100% guaranteed to produce results or your money back. End your pain and suffering and try this not so new psoriasis treatment.

Individual results will vary depending upon the condition of your skin at the time of initial use. In the testimonials received by patients with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, rashes and chronic dry skin noticed improvement in redness, inflammation, scaling and dryness as early as 24 hours and continued improvement over three weeks of use.