Why you have oily skin and how you can help it

Skin care professionals have been witnessing an epidemic lately--an epidemic of oily skin. Clients are experiencing breakthrough shine, excess oil and midday makeup meltdown in increasing numbers. And it’s not just those with true oily skin types. Clients may be indirectly causing their own surge in oil production! I'd like to pass this information along to you, or if someone you know suffers from oily skin.

So what’s the cause for this upswing in oil production? Let’s take a closer look at some of the oily skin causes.

1. Genetics. When oily skin runs in the family, chances are that every member will have larger sebaceous glands that produce excess oil. Any skin that’s genetically oily is more likely to include clogged pores and breakouts.

2. Overuse use of skin care products. In the quest for younger-looking, smoother, clearer skin, clients may over-cleanse, over-exfoliate, scrub with too much pressure or apply too much product. The Tenacious Champion 2 In 1 Exfoliating Cleanser only needs to be used 2-3 times a week for noticeable results. Not daily.

3. Seasonal changes. A rise in heat and humidity during spring and summer can cause skin’s oil production levels to increase. In contrast, when the air becomes dry in winter, skin can get dehydrated, and excess oil may occur when it overcompensates for what’s missing. Use a product with Neem oil that has been used for centuries for adequate moisturizer. In the 21st century, Neem oil gained status when celebrities use this exotic oil in their skin care products, mostly moisturizers; for healthy radiant skin.

4. Medications. Hormonal birth control and hormone replacement medications can cause an increase of oil production. Likewise, virtually any medication can cause dehydration and lead to a production of excess oil when skin overcompensates for the lack of oil. Another reason to drink a lot of water.

5. Use of incorrect products. For example, if a client uses a cleanser for oily skin when she has combination skin, her skin will become over-stripped of the oil it needs. It will then produce even more oil in response to compensate. Use the Unwavering Determination Astringent Daily Cleanser for combination/normal skin type.

6. Hormonal changes. In women, fluctuations of hormone androgens throughout life (i.e., pregnancy, pre-menopause) can kick sebaceous glands into high gear. The 94% organic Botanical Acne Cleanser includes a key ingredient Clary Sage extract, which has been proven to help with hormonal acne.

7. Stress. In response to stress, the body produces more androgen hormones, which leads to more oil production. Try to control stress as best as you can. Exercise is one of the biggest stress busters that can do the mind and body good.

8. Use of unnecessary skin care tools is a big error. Scrubbing with a wash cloth, or using a rotating cleansing brush, hand mitts, buff puffs and strips can not only irritate skin, but can dry out skin, causing it to overproduce oil to compensate. I can't repeat this enough. Gadgets that are marketed to help with oily and acne prone skin actually may irritate skin!

9. Sun tanning. Tanning is BAD for reducing oil. In fact, although it may temporarily dry out the skin, it actually triggers an injury response, which causes the sebaceous glands to surge production of oil in order to protect the skin’s surface. Tanning is one of the elements that can affect your skin's natural protective barrier.

The oil-blotting paper myth:
For years, consumers have been relying on sheets of paper to “blot” away excess oil and breakthrough shine. The truth is, blotting papers may do more harm than good. Throughout the day, skin is bombarded with oil, makeup, dust, pollution and free radicals. Pressing a piece of paper to absorb oil might remove some shine, but it’s pressing all that invisible dirt and unseen oil back down deep into pores, smothering it and giving P. acnes bacteria the kind of oxygen-free environment it loves. This causes inflammation, breakouts and clogged pores!

Be sure your skin care regimen includes cleansing your skin twice daily and always follow with Tough Competition Daily Moisturizer that contains citrus extracts to control oil. Oily skin needs adequate moisture or your oil producing glands will go into over drive and produce more oil.

Never go to sleep without washing your face for the night. Be sure to change your pillow case often. Your skin lays against the pillow case that has oil from your scalp, hair products and dust. This can also trigger extra oil.

By following the tips of what not to do, and what to do, should help your oily situation tremendously.

Written by Sandy Alcide. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No portion of this article can be reproduced without author's permission. You may use this article, or portions but in order to do so you must include this paragraph and a link to www.MotionMedica.com. Sandy Alcide is a BioChemist and Founder of Motion Medica Botanical skin care. Sandy is a published author and Esthetician specializing in skin disorders.
Her products are made in the USA and sold global. She can be reached via her website www.MotionMedica.com

Face Cleanser After Gym and why you need one

If you are breaking out with pimples after a good workout from the gym-then you need a post workout cleanser formulated for after working out.

A long time rumor that a "good sweat" from working out will actually clean your pores. But scientists say that's not the case. Not only does your oil producing sebacious glands go into over drive but sweat may actually clog your pores. For one, sweat contains acne causing bacteria. Also, acne irritants like dust and dirt are more likely to adhere to moist skin. Mix the bacteria and oil in sweat with clogged pores and the result is often pimples.

Combine sweat with friction from sports bras, tight fitting clothing, head bands and baseball caps makes the perfect breeding ground for acne. This is called acne mechanica.

You can prevent breakouts by taking time with a proper skin care regimen after your workout from the gym.

After exercise, cleanse with the dermatologist recommended Stellar Performance Post Workout Cleanser. This is the only cleanser that is not formulated for masses of people, but specifically for cleansing the skin after a workout. This cleanser will not only thoroughly deep cleanse all debris from sweat, but it won't dry out the skin. Your skin should still have adequate moisture to prevent future breakouts after acne is gone. If you use a cleanser that drys out your skin, your sebacious glands go into a rebound mode by producing more oil, thus leading to breakouts.

The Stellar Performance Post Workout Cleanser does not have any chemical or synthetic ingredients. Your pores open naturally to expel sweat. Doctors agree, what you apply on your skin can work its way into the blood stream. This cleanser is perfect for those who want to eliminate as many chemicals from their skin care products as possible. Also, artificial fragrances, colors and chemicals can actually irritate acne.

Think of your skin care regimen as important as your workout regimen and you are certain to have clear, healthy skin.

What is your skin care regimen after the gym?

By Sandy Alcide copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Sandy is president of Motion Medica skin care. Pioneers of fitness skin care products since 2005. She can be reached via the website. www.motionmedica.com

Pear Shaped Gal: April Favorite: Motion Medica Skin Care

Pear Shaped Gal: April Favorite: Motion Medica Skin Care: My current workout routine consists of yoga, weights, and running on a treadmill which I chatted about in my Exercise Plan post.  It seems ...

Skin Care Wonders from the Sea

As a dietary supplement, marine ingredients are beneficial to maintain healthy skin and healthy digestion. They are rich in protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Marine ingredients are also provided in topical skin care products, and they seem to be making a big splash!

Algae, known to have excellent anti-aging properties, has actually been used for beauty since ancient times. There are over two hundred kinds of algae used in skin care products. The most commonly used algaes in skin care are blue green marine algae and red marine algae. These are known to produce exceptional results for healthy skin. They are widely found in products for mature, dry or sensitive skin type.

In addition to algae, the deep seas offer marine collagen. This is a material derived from the substance found on fish scales. It was first used by the Japanese for skin care products and it’s known to provide support for skin with anti-aging benefits to prevent skin from pre-mature wrinkles and sagging.

Sea water features minerals and trace elements that claim to be good for healthy skin cell functioning. The Dead Sea in particular has the common name “Salt Sea of the World”. Being at below sea level scientists have taken an interest in this sea since 1837. Water from the Dead Sea has been used to treat psoriasis. The Dead Sea’s unique composition of natural minerals derives from dissolving the salt created in the natural evaporation process of the lake’s water. Dead Sea Mud has been used in skin care for its benefits in maintaining healthy skin and detoxifying affects. It’s also known to help dryness, inflammation, psoriasis and eczema.

This synergy from the sea when used in natural skin care products can lead to healthy balanced skin. Ingredients from the sea are also found in products for toning, moisturizing, detoxifying and revitalizing. No matter what your skin type is, your skin may be pleased with the benefits from the natural wonders of the sea.

For an internal boost, I take Krill & Fish oil from the clean and cold waters of the Antartic. Rich in Omega-3 and antioxidants, Nordic Light fish oil is beneficial for healthy skin.

Use natural wonders from the sea, both topically and internally, and you'll discover a great difference in the texture and appearance of your skin.

Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.
By Sandy Alcide, Founder of Motion Medica skin care. Sandy is a published author and guest writer for notable websites and publications. She can be contacted at: Motion Medica skin care

How to cure acne by knowing what type you have

NOT ALL ACNE IS THE SAME Whether you are 13 or 40, the key to fighting acne is knowing the type of acne you have. No acne is alike. There are many types of acne and the best way to cure acne is with knowledge. Each type of acne is caused by different elements and each type may need different care. Types of Acne Whiteheads/Blackheads Papules Pustules Acne Conglobata Nodules & Cystic Acne Back Acne Whiteheads/Blackheads: When the pores of skin accumulate sebum (a natural oil our body produces), you will get a whitehead. When the sebum plugs your skin’s follicle it creates a lesion. This turns into a whitehead because the clogged sebum is not exposed to air. When air causes oxidation, the oxidation darkens the tips of the clogged pores and causes a blackhead. To prevent white/blackheads you need to keep the skin cleansed with a mild cleanser for oily skin without drying the skin. Apply a moisturizer formulated for oily skin types and use an exfoliating cleanser 2-3 times a week to rid dead skin cells that trap debris in pores. Papules: These are small pink bumps. What they actually are is inflamed whiteheads. Unlike whiteheads, they do not contain pus. You should never attempt to pop or squeeze them as you will aggravate the papules and can possibly lead to permanent marks on the skin. Avoid papules by having whiteheads properly extracted and practice the cleansing regimen to prevent whiteheads. Pustules: Similar to Papules these are small red bumps. In some cases they may have red, yellowish or whitish centers. Pustules don’t have a lot of bacteria and they are a result of chemical irritation from free fatty acids that circulate in the bloodstream and quite common in many persons’ skin. Pustules and Papules need to be extracted by a skin care professional to avoid marks and scarring. Nodules & Cystic Acne: Nodules are hard bumps lodged deep in the skin. Cysts are softer, pus filled lesions under the skin. The pus hardens and forms a cyst. Both develop when the contents from a whitehead can’t break through the pores to be extracted. Cystic acne and nodules are known to exist for weeks, even months because the contents in the pore hardened into stubborn cysts deep into the skin. When left untreated it causes scarring best known as “potholes” in the skin and need professional microdermabrasion to remove the scars. Most cases of cystic acne is genetic. The best way to avoid cystic acne is preventive techniques with better care of your skin. Getting deep cleansing facials with steam once every 4-6 weeks is beneficial. Back Acne: Another popular place for acne is the back area because it’s a large area of the skin with a large area of oil secretions. Back acne is often triggered from heat, friction and sweat from certain fabrics. These elements make it a perfect breeding ground for acne. This area needs to be thoroughly cleansed on a daily basis and avoid “body crèmes” used for a moisturizer as these may cause clogged pores. Use an oil free moisturizer if the skin feels dry. In the hot, humid summer months try to wear clothing with breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid polyester that tends to trap moisture on the body. If you currently suffer from any of these types of acne it’s best to use the suggested techniques so your acne condition won’t become worse, or lead to scarring. Acne can also have an emotional effect on persons no matter what the age of the person is. With any type of acne, avoid chemical based products with parabens and sulfates

as this will actually aggravate the acne more. There are several acne products that contain these ingredients and many persons don’t realize the effect of certain ingredients. By Sandy Alcide. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Sandy Alcide is the founder of Motion Medica skin care. A unique botanical line for general skin care and beauty products for the fitness lifestyle. Sandy is a published author with several articles published in notable magazines and websites. Her product line is highly reviewed by beauty editors and dermatologists.

What exactly is the definition of Beautiful Skin?

The basic essentials of what is termed “beautiful skin” are quite basic. What actually constitutes the societal holy grail (ultimate goal) of beautiful skin is as follows:

-Smooth, firm and elastic tone
-Free of creases or deep lines
-Has some healthy reddish tint (regardless of skin color) from profuse blood circulation
-Ample water holding capability (no dehydration)
-Uses little or no cosmetics-(elle’ naturelle)
-Usually is somewhat bronzed or suntanned
-Has no skin cracks
– Clear, blemish free skin is the number one factor in attraction based on psychological studies in 170 different human cultures.

Biologically, such skin has the following characteristics:

-A strong well formed blood microcirculation (exercise helps this)
-Strong collagen and elastin fibers (prevents skin sagging)
-Ample water -holding capabilities (don’t deprive your body of inadequate water consumption)
-Has high antioxidant levels (internal and external vitamins are a must to nourish skin)
-Has adequate, but not excessive natural oils

The key to beautiful skin is maintaining the skin’s acid mantle which is commonly known as PH balance, (P)otential of (H)ydrogen.and a rapid turnover of skin cells, which an avid exerciser has the edge on. These cells rebuild damaged collagen and elastin to maintain skin’s strength, elasticity, and resiliency, but must be removed by exfoliation to reveal new skin cells. This rapid turnover also contributes to ample water holding capabilities.

Biocirculation of capillaries and small blood vessels must constantly be renewed. Any damage to this circulation impairs proper nutrient flow to the skin, thus leading to aging and dullness. Even with proper skin care, damaging skin rays can contribute to aging and cheap cosmetics and skin care products, or lack of proper skin products in one's skin care regimen can dull or clog skin’s pores.

Using a sunless tanning lotion or cosmetic bronzer is safer than a tanning bed, which draws the water from the skin. No harsh soaps should be used or are necessary, even for removing sweat after a workout. Harsh soaps will strip skin of essential natural oils. Proper cleansers should be used for certain skin types. One who is acne prone should use a cleanser with natural salicylic acid derived from willow bark rather than cheap synthetic ingredients or alcohol based products.

Most people think it costs a fortune to have celebrity looking skin. A common misconception as most celebrities use lines that are marked up for "status quo", but a person who does not have the same budget as a celebrity can use products just as good in quality and dedicate a little extra time to their skin if really dedicated for having beautiful skin.

By Sandy Alcide. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
Sandy Alcide is the Founder of Motion Medica skin care. A certified all natural skin care line and innovators of beauty products for persons with a fitness lifestyle and general skin care.

Mass-Produced skin care compared to hand crafted skin care

Mass Produced Skin Care Line vs. Atypical Hand Made Skin Care Therapies

Big brand skin care lines aren't all they are cracked up to be.

A large skin care company/corporation uses their massive amounts of cash to produce fancy packaging design and television/magazines campaigns often featuring movie stars. Place the high product prices with slick advertising and big name actresses and the consumer can discover their products are of low quality and their effectiveness, according to consumers, is often dissapointing. The products are often costly and, as many consumers discover, these much vaunted products often contain low quality ingredients. And worse, some of these chemicals have been identified as carcinogens, yes, they can cause cancer.

Some time ago, I experienced sticker shock when I saw the prices visiting my local chain drug store. A 1.7 oz jar of moisturizer was on sale for $54.00. Testers were provided and when I placed some of this creme on top of my hand I immediately determined it would never touch my face. Naturally, the next step was reading the ingredients. The big name high price skin care contained cheap synthetic substances and miniscule quantities of quality ingredients.

After having extensively researched the constituents of mass produced skin care products, it has become apparent that they can lead to skin irritation, cause problematic skin (acne), and premature aging.

We all love something for free. The consumer is lured to department stores for the ambience of the store and the visual appeal of the bottling and corrugated boxes provided with the products. Here's the trick: the consumer really pays for the marketing ploys, the cardboard, the cellophane, the nice music and the parfumed atmosphere.

Lots of people are animal lovers and won't use products tested on animals, and that's great. Ironically, they unknowingly use household name products, that are tested on animals. PETA has the list of these companies. Some people ask, how bad can it be to test a cleanser on an animal? One example, the product is sprayed into the animals eyes. If the animal's eyes burn a lot it's an indication the product may not be good for sensitive human skin. The first person to test Motion Medica is me. If or when it passes my skin standards I then ask clients to test the new product with their feedback. Most companies consider this a big risk and have their employees test and not the consumers-the ultimate decision maker of a product.

So how can small ethical skin care companies manufacturers afford to make a good product with high concentration of expensive ingredients that actually works for positive results? We use a tiny advertising budget, unadorned plastic bottles/jars and labels; and purchase ingredients from local farmers (botanicals and herbs) and suppliers rather than China, while using these resources to make a truly good product that won't dissapoint the consumer or hurt their budget. Grow a company from nothing with no big advertising and word of mouth by clients gives credibility to the product line.

Use a skin care line that is botanical based and chemical free. However, there are skin care lines popping up that claim "all natural" and organic when they are not. Mainstream vs. Atypical. I'll let you decide who is the winner.

By Sandy Alcide
Founder of Motion Medica skin careCo-Author Dr. John Daniels Redfern, Australia
Copyright 2011 Sandy Alcide