Acne
Acne is a skin condition comprising of inflammation due to excess oil or sebum
produced by the glands together with dead skin pores. These two in combination,
clog the pores resulting in inflammation, which may become purulent whiteheads
or blackheads due to bacteria in the area. If the inflamed or clogged pore runs
deep into the skin, this area may form a cyst. The cyst typically is only
painful or colored when it becomes infected. As you can see from the above
description there are many causes of acne, falling into four categories,
namely: bacteria, hereditary, hormonal or dogged pores. The sebaceous glands
secrete oil naturally in response to an increase of testosterone in both men
and women at puberty.
Acne typically affects 80-90 % of adolescents of sexes, boys more than girls.
Acne can adevelop later in adult years. Acne usually affects the face, chest
back and sometimes-upper arm.Acne can also be found in infants due to the
activation of sebaceous glands in utero. Acne can be a chronic problem or
resolve spontaneously after 4-5 years as noted in 70% of acne sufferers. The
incidence of Acne at age 40 years is about 1% for men and 5% for women. Acne is
not caused by dirt, a diet with too much sugar or caffein although these can
aggravate it. Other factors that can affect acne include over exposure to
certain weathers, stress, hormonal changes, oily skin, endocrine conditions,
certain tumors and response to certain medications or drugs.
Back to Top
Acne
Treatment:
Since acne is often hereditary it can not be prevented, but good skin toileting
or cleansing can improve the condition by reducing further lesions. Certain
medicinal ointments, cleansers are recommended when the condition becomes
uncomfortable or unsightly. These include sulfur amongst other chemicals. Since
the Dead Sea Mineral Care & Beauty products have a high sulfur content they are
useful in the cleansing required to purify the skin of acne sufferers. Antibiotics
and hormonal or steroid medications are prescribed in severe cases. However
other management is always advisable first as these medications all have
negative side effects. Acne can have adverse psychological effects, as ones
body image is greatly determined during puberty and adolescence. To assist in
developing a sense of control, self-esteem and good body scheme, it is possible
to assist the body to restore healthy balance with balanced diet, exercise,
plenty of water, rest and a balanced diet as all these assist in enabling the
body to remove toxins and restore natural health necessary to enhance
spontaneous recovery from this condition.
Back to Top
Cellulite:
Cellulite is experienced by 90% of all women over the age of 20 years. Lumpy
deposits of fat below the skin on the thighs, hips and buttocks of women cause
it. Since the fat becomes trapped in compartments of the tissue where there is
poor circulation, cellulite is a condition is difficult to eliminate. The
appearance of cellulite is typically described as dimpled, cottage cheese -
like appearance.
Although exercise is recommended to improve muscle tone and circulation to the
area, and diet to remove toxins and provide the necessary nutrients, these do
not cure cellulite. In addition, the Dead Sea mud can assist in detoxing,
improving circulation and suppleness of the skin while the bath salts can
assist in the general cleansing of the skin, necessary to remove the impurities
that are otherwise trapped within the tissue. Also use Dead Sea Mineral Cellulite Seaweed Soap.
Back to Top
Aging
and skin problems
Up to 20% people over 70 years experiencing three to five skin problems that
would require medical attention. Some may be caused by chronic illness e.g.
diabetes, where poor healing and reduced sensation can adversely affect the
condition of the skin, especially in the legs and feet. Diseases affecting or
involving blood circulation also affect the skin. Certain medications
prescribed for maintenance of chronic conditions e.g. cortisone also affect the
skin leading to thinning and dryness of the skin. Maintaining healthy skin
involves: regular exercise, maintain a trim frame, healthy diet with a low fat
and sugar content, balanced lifestyle and avoiding exposure to the sun.
Back to Top
Dry skin
Dry skin is a common aspect of the aging process and is seen in most people over
the age of 70 years. As skin ages, the physiological changes leading to dryness
result in itching and flaking, especially when the weather is cold and dry.
This is due both to a decrease in secretions from the oil glands and a
reduction in the skin barrier leading to quicker skin irritation.
Other than aging, a severely dry skin can indicate various condition e.g.
psoriasis, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or an overactive thyroid gland,
allergic reaction. Itching can also indicate a reaction to a number of
medication or drugs, including anticancer drugs.
As one ages, our skin also becomes more susceptible to irritation from contact
with various materials, a condition known as contact dermatitis. This could
indicate an allergy has developed to any substance including: wool or lanolin,
the oil in wool, soap, detergent, or bleach used in the wash. Prevention of
Contact Dermatitis includes: wearing loose fitting clothing; changing your
washing detergent; washing new clothes before wearing them. Regularly apply a
moisturizer recommended by your doctor. The moisturizer from the Dead Sea
Mineral Care & Beauty products, together with cleansing mild and bath salts can
also elleviate uncomfortable symptoms. This is due to the high mineral content,
which helps both in cleansing and replacing required electrolytes necessary for
healthy skin.
Back to Top
Wrinkling
Dry skin:
Wrinkling is the result of a number of factors: accumulated exposure to the sun,
heredity, and a weakening of elastin and collagen, which is part of the aging
process. Elastin is responsible for the skin's flexibility. The protein fibers
known as collagen provide physical support for the skin. (Loss of collagen is
more common in women than in men. The skins natural fatty layer also reduces
with age, causing the skin to sink inward. Added to all these factors is the
constant pull of gravity, which increases the sagging of the skin. Research into
the benefits of minerals from the Dead Sea has shown a 40% reduction in the
depth of the wrinkling.
Back to Top
Skin
Allergies:
A range of factors, including, age, stress, illness, chemicals and others,
causes allergies on the skin. The high magnesium and bromine content in the Dead
Sea Mud is beneficial for anti allergic due to its cleansing, detoxing of the
skin together with providing smoothness and relaxation. Using the Mud
Mask is recommended for relief of allergic symptoms affecting the skin.
Back to Top
PSORIASIS:
Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting 3 % of the world population. The
nature of psoriasis is to afflict the sufferer with scaly areas of the scalp,
palms, soles of the feet, knees, elbows and other areas sustaining repeated
trauma. The condition is unpleasant to look at and embarrassing for the
sufferers. Psoriasis is hereditary and there is no known cure for it. If the
onset is sudden, it can be an indicator of HIV in at risk individuals.
Treatments include various ointments usually containing corticosteroids, or
injections into the dermis of the skin. Medications used to control the
condition are not always successful and usually have adverse side effects. Studies
carried out at the Dead Sea have showed positive results in lengthening the
duration of remission and has been recommended as an alternative treatment for
the condition. The studies have included both exposure to the
environment and subdue UV rays at the Dead Sea itself together with application
of Dead Sea mud and soaking in mineral baths. Although it is not
possible to take the Dead Sea into ones home, the mudpack and bath salts do
offer a good home therapy simulating the Balneo and Peloid therapies. In this
way, the skin is assisted in eliminating toxins, regenerating new cells,
increased circulation and general body purification. It is important to note
that contact with ones doctor is still imperative.
Israeli dermatologist Dr. Zvi Even Paz studied the
effect Dead Sea Bath Salts had on 50 Psoriasis patients in 1989. Although it was
long known that bathing in the Dead Sea would bring about temporary relief from
this incurable condition, it was not known whether bathing in the Dead Sea Bath
Salts anywhere would have the same results. For forty-seven of the fifty
patients tested, significant relief was achieved. Maximum improvement was found
when patients soaked in two pounds (one kilo) for three baths per week, for a
period of six weeks.
The high mineral content of these special salts, and the
detoxifying properties of the mud combine to cleanse and detoxify naturally,
pulling the toxins out and away from the body. This is a perfect product for
those unable or unwilling to change their dietary regime.
Back to Top
Arthritic
Disorders :
There are 1000 or more different types of arthritic or rheumatological
conditions known today. Of these some are inflammatory in nature and some are
acquired e.g. osteoarthritis is linked to mechanical overuse of certain joints.
Some of the conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, poly arthritis, psoriatic
arthritis (a combination of psoriasis and arthritis) ankylosing spondylosis,
systemic lupus erathematosis, and more. The cause for these conditions is as
yet unknown and there is no known cure for them using conventional or
allopathic medicine. Various studies have taken place at the Dead Sea using
treatment programs combining the atmosphere of the Dead Sea with the Dead Sea
minerals, baths (balneotherapy) and mudpack treatments (Pelotherapy) with good
results. Of particular interest is that heating the mud and applying to sore or
inflamed joints has proven to eliminate stiffness and pain . This is due to the
minerals improving blood circulation necessary to reduce the inflammatory
response, together with the detoxing agent and general muscle relaxant. When
the mud has been heated, the ability of the elements to penetrate and be
absorbed into the system is increased.
Back to Top
Hair Loss
Hairfall or loss is a common occurrence of daily life with up to 100 hairs a day
being regarded as normal. However, when the quantity increases it becomes an
understandable cause for concern. The incidence of Hair loss is as much as 4
out of 5 people as some stage of their lives. There are many causes listed as
to why hair loss occurs, including: heredity, stress and trauma, local scalp
infection, certain diseases or infections which result in a high fever e.g.
flu, pneumonia or typhoid; certain mediations e.g. antibiotics, contraceptives,
blood thinning drugs, certain antispychotics drugs; thyroid medication or
strong drugs, chemical therapies e.g. those used for cancer treatments; thyroid
problems; emotional or environmental stress; hormonal imbalances; following
child birth as the hormones change; menopause. Iron deficiency anemia and lupus
can also cause hair loss. In the body, a compound called dihydrotestosterone
(dht), made up of water, cholesterol, testosterone and an enzyme can have an
adverse effect on the growth receptors in the hair follicle. It can cause the
tiny blood vessels in the papilla to shrink, restricting food and oxygen to the
matrix that produces hair protein. Dht also blocks certain receptors in the
sebaceous gland, which then can produce a heavy sebum that later hardens in the
follicle to form a hard deposit. The hair restricted in both areas atrophies
and falls out prematurely. The cycle repeats itself until the follicle is only
capable of producing a short hair, that falls out and the follicle itself
atrophies. This is then the sad state, which we term as baldness. It is
important to note the pattern of hair fall and quantity over what time period
to assist in determining if there is an illness causing the hair loss.
Typically hair loss is preceded by an excessive production of sebum from the
glands known as seborrhea. Sebum is secreted naturally by the body from the
ages of 16 or 18, however when the quantities of sebum secreted become
excessive, the hair follicle has difficulty breathing and producing healthy
hair, resulting in hair falling. Baldness in men is noted to be as high as 30
million males in the USA. Female baldness is less common and usually occurs
centrally on the head. Women usually only develop balding after cancer
treatments, when experiencing hormonal changes as in during adrenal or ovarian
growths, menopause or after crash dieting or fasting over an extended period of
time. Using the shampoo, hair masks and the hair conditioner made by Dead Sea
Mineral Care & Beauty products assists in cleansing the scalp, resulting in
improving the hair follicles ability to allow hair growth, strenghtens hair
roots and more.., This in turn reduces hair fall.
Back to Top
GENERAL
STRESS:
Stress has become one of those buzzwords typical of the modern times we live in.
It is typically seen as being a negative conjuring up images of difficulty,
chaos etc. Stress in actual fact is the body's response to any situation that
necessitates change of one form or another, both negative and positive. It is
the trigger or motivator to move forward, act or react to a given set of
circumstances. Without stress our lives would stagnate. So if we need stress in
order to progress in life, why the focus on the negative impact of stress on
our lives? When in a situation requiring change, our body prepares itself for
what is known as a fight or flight response. A common example used in stress
management is that of facing a lion. If one were to see a lion in the jungle,
your immediate reaction would be of impending danger necessitating a decision
to stay and fight or to run for your life. The same is true for any situation
requiring change, you need to decide how to continue or respond to the given
facts presenting themselves to you.
The body reads each new situation as impending danger and thus sets up a
hormonal response to ensure that your body will be in a state ready to react
quickly, to be alert and obtain the result necessary to keep you out of danger.
This includes an outpouring of adrenaline, a stimulant hormone, into the blood
stream. Which begins a chain reaction within your body, together with certain
other stress hormones, which are intended to be protective. the changes include
an increase in heart rate and blood pressure (to get more blood to the muscles,
brain and heart), faster breathing (to take in more oxygen needed by the brain
and muscles for quick reactions), tensing of muscles (preparation for action),
increased mental alertness and sensitivity of sense organs (to assess the
situation and act quickly), increased blood flow to the brain, heart and
muscles (the organs that are most important in dealing with danger) and less
blood to the skin, digestive tract, kidneys and liver (where it is least needed
in times of crisis). In addition, there is an increase in blood sugar, fats and
cholesterol (for extra energy) and a rise in platelets and blood clotting
factors (to prevent hemorrhage in case of injury).
Utilizing these changes within your system at the correct time for the desired
response is positive. For example fleeing from impending danger. More positive
examples include giving a lecture, a presentation, getting married, moving etc.
When looking at the physiological changes that occur in the body in response to
the body's concept of danger or the stress or, it makes sense why repeated
stress will lead to physical changes which if occurring over an extended period
of time results in illness.
The physical changes or symptoms resulting from stress include but are not
limited to: increased heart rate; pounding heart; elevated blood pressure;
sweaty palms; tightness of the chest, neck, jaw and back muscles; headache;
diarrhea; constipation; urinary hesitancy; trembling, twitching; stuttering and
other speech difficulties; nausea; vomiting; sleep disturbances; fatigue;
shallow breathing; dryness of the mouth or throat; susceptibility to minor
illness, cold hands, itching; being easily startled; chronic pain and
dysponesis. Emotional signs and symptoms of stress, including but not limited
to: irritability, angry outbursts, hostility, depression, jealously,
restlessness, withdrawal, anxiousness, diminished initiative, feelings of
unreality or over alertness, reduction of personal involvement with others,
lack of interest, tendency to cry, being critical of others, self-deprecation,
nightmares, impatience, decreased perception of positive experience
opportunities, narrowed focus, obsessive rumination, reduced self-esteem,
insomnia, changes in eating habits and weakened positive emotional response
reflexes
Cognitive/perceptual signs and symptoms of stress, including but not limited to:
forgetfulness, preoccupation, blocking, blurred vision, errors in judging
distance, diminished or exaggerated fantasy life, reduced creativity, lack of
concentration, diminished productivity, lack of attention to detail,
orientation to the past, decreased psychomotor reactivity and coordination,
attention deficit, disorganization of thought, negative self-esteem, diminished
sense of meaning in life, lack of control/need for too much control, negative
self-statements and negative evaluation of experiences
Behavioral signs and symptoms of stress, including but not limited to: increased
smoking, aggressive behaviors (such as driving), increased alcohol or drug use,
carelessness, under-eating, over-eating, withdrawal, listlessness, hostility,
accident-proneness, nervous laughter, compulsive behavior and impatience. From
the above lists doctors have now found a link between continued stress or
stress symptoms and illness or diseases e.g. heart disease, diabetes, asthma,
mental problems, lack of sleep, loss of resistance to illness, and even
allergies, amongst others. For this reason it is important to learn to manage
our stress and to reduce our stress symptoms. Some of the methods or reducing
stress and the effects it has on our health include: relaxation, exercise,
diet, forming a healthy sleep pattern, developing good communication and inter
personal relationships, balanced lifestyle, amongst others.
The bath salts and mud packs offer wonderful relief of the symptoms by
increasing circulation and detoxification necessary to remove the by products
from the stress cycle thereby freeing your cells from these toxins. They also
moisturize the skin and enhance relaxation of the body, which in turn enables
one to obtain adequate sleep, necessary for regeneration of the body.
Back to Top
Dandruff
Shedding of dead skin cells is a natural part of the daily regeneration of the
skin, which is shed every 24 days. An excessive shedding of the skin cells of
the scalp resulting in white flakes, and sometimes itchiness is known as
dandruff.
Dandruff, although a natural growth process of the skin, is caused by excess
oiliness of the scalp and is therefore seasonal. Contrary to common belief that
it would be more severe in summer due to sweating or dryness, dandruff is worse
during the winter months. Dandruff is very common and it is estimated that
Americans spend up to $300 on products to manage the problem. There is no known
cure for Dandruff.
