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Photo by Sarah Comeau on Unsplash No matter your age, your skin is an important factor in your life. Whether you can’t seem to rid your skin of acne or are wondering when those fine lines and wrinkles popped up, we’ve got the all of …
Photo by Vladislav Muslakov on Unsplash According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one third of Americans do not get enough sleep. It has officially become a public health problem, as it leads to numerous health concerns and risks. But …
Witch hazel is commonly used to soothe skin irritation or help with cuts or burns. But it is now becoming an important ingredient in your skin care products. Here’s why.
Witch hazel comes from the plant Hamamelis virginia that grows throughout the Northeast and Southeast of North America. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the genus name (Hamamelis) is Latin from the Greek meaning “service tree”.
Throughout history, Native Americans have been using witch hazel for medicinal purposes, “to reduce swelling, clear skin problems, relieve muscle and joint soreness and sooth digestive irritations,” as the plant contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
Different parts of the witch hazel tree are rich in polyphenols and tannins, like its bark, twigs and leaves. Tannins are basically astringents that tighten pores and draw out liquids (like oils), making it largely beneficial in skin care. Polyphenols are micronutrients obtained from plants, that are packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
Inflammation specifically is caused by free radicals in skin cells. Because of this, scientists at Japan’s Shiga Central Laboratory studies 65 plant extracts for their potential anti-inflammatory applications as an anti-aging treatment for skin. Only two of the extracts – one being witch hazel – exhibited oxygen-scavenging effects and protective activity against cell damage.
Simply, witch hazel was found to be protective against free radicals (like pollution) and protect against damage.
Antimicrobial Activity
Published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine in 2002, German researchers investigated the antimicrobial activity of a witch hazel distillate on bacteria and fungi. The results showed a significant antimicrobial activity for the witch hazel extract, leading researchers to conclude that it can be helpful in preventing the bacterial colonization that has a central role in the development of acne and other skin conditions.
Simply, Witch hazel was found to keep your face clean and clear of bacteria.
Astringent
Many beauty products sell witch hazel as an astringent, or a water-based solution that is wiped over the skin after cleansing, usually formulated with solvent alcohols. The tannins found in the extract help to tighten skin proteins (or pores) and form a protective covering to help promote healthy skin. Witch hazel is commonly found in facial toners. When used with other ingredients like Green tea and grape seed extract, a facial toner with witch hazel can help to improve the skin’s tone and moisturize the skin.
Simply, a facial toner with witch hazel extract and other extract ingredients provides the best benefit for your skin.
Photo by Hean Prinsloo on Unsplash It is no secret that Probiotics are a necessity when it comes to keeping your gut (and skin and overall wellness) as optimized as possible. This is because the harmful bacteria in your body can lead to a number …
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Ouch! You stub your toe on your bedpost for the hundredth time. Almost instantly, the redness, pain, swelling and heat wash over your toe. These four symptoms are the classic and predictable signs of acute inflammation, and they serve a very important purpose. When you stub your toe, cut your finger, or overwork yourself at the gym, the body responds with acute inflammation. This type of inflammation is a healthy, normal part of the healing process; it is how the body heals itself and it is essential to maintain your health.
But there is another type of inflammation that does not go away after the pain subsides. Chronic inflammatory diseases can take years to finally show its symptoms as, in many cases, it starts to impact your body at a microscopic level and it isn’t an isolated problem. Chronic inflammation goes hand in hand with other issues like oxidative damage, making it hard to forecast.
Need more information about Chronic Vs. Acute Inflammation? Click here! >>
There are a few things that can cause inflammation to flare up –
Signs and symptoms of chronic inflammation can sometimes be obvious (like with fatigue and pain). Other times, it can take symptoms years before they manifest.
Make an appointment with your primary doctor for a physical exam and speak with him/her about your risk of obesity and high blood pressure, especially if you are noticing dark circles around the eyes, skin rashes and increased waist circumference, according to Vincent M. Pedre, M.D.
“Your blood work can also provide your doctor with insight into hidden inflammation. Be sure to test for C-reactive protein (CRP), which are able to predict issues with your heart. CRP is a protein your liver makes. When levels are elevated, your body is harboring inflammation.”
One of the most common culprits of chronic inflammation is actually what you eat. But this is good news! You have the powder to change your diet immediately and start fueling your body with what it needs to get back on track.
Two new studies report that dark chocolate reduces stress and inflammation. Click here >>
When searching for healthy food options, be sure to watch out for “friendly” labels! Foods including vegetable oils, grain-fed meats, hydrogenated fats, trans fat, gluten, diet, sugar, genetically-modified crops, processed foods may look healthy and appealing, but are actually inflammatory foods.
An anti-inflammatory diet includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids – wild-caught dish, walnuts, avocado, and flax seeds. “These foods limit inflammation, while supporting a healthy gut. Other great sources include extra-virgin coconut and olive oils, grass-fed beef, and sprouted nuts and seeds,” reports Dr. Pedre.