Dark spots on the face is the last thing you would want to see. But we all have our share of the undesirable spots which are usually pimple marks. Cremes and facial lotions that remove dark spots and improve uneven skin tone are available. These products contain ingredients that inhibit tyrosinase, the chemical that enhances the production of melanin. It also contains whitening ingredients like citrus extracts.

To avoid having an uneven skin tone, avoid direct exposure to sunlight, and use sun protection like sun tans, protective clothing and umbrella. Pimple marks can also be avoided by allowing it to heal. Do not prick it, otherwise you might get a spot and a scar.

Anti-aging products were all the buzz this year. But the birth of those serums were the tested methods of keeping skin young and supple through the years.

1. Adhere to the basic steps of cleansing – toning – moisturizing. Let this be your foundation; then you’re off to a good start!

2. Protect your skin from the sun. Wear a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, and re-apply as needed. Remember, ultraviolet rays are at work even during cloudy days.

3. Eat vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. Vitamins help in healing and protecting from harmful oxidants.

4. Get adequate sleep and rest. When we are stressed and tired, our skin reacts too. Suddenly, pimples break out. The skin becomes blotchy or dry.

5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

6. Do not smoke. A heavy smoker is five times more wrinkled than a non-smoker.

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The process of basic skin care is simple: cleanse, tone and moisturize.

Cleansing removes dirt, pollutants and excess oil. This process is important, otherwise, pores will get clogged and will be prone to breakouts. A gentle cleanser does not strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier.

Toning removes remaining dirt or cleanser from the skin. It controls surface oils and hydrates the skin. It naturally closes the pores to prevent dirt from accumulating.

Moisturizing provides protection from the sun and other pollutants. It helps the skin hold moisture for long hours. It is best to use moisturizers with sun screen protection that avoids UVA and UVB from damaging the skin.

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Healthy skin is a result of having a healthy body. Changes in the skin will be seen as a result of stress, improper nutrition and unhealthy lifestyle. Taking care of the body from the inside results to a healthy body as seen from the outside.

The basic practices that will help in maintaining a healthy body – and a healthy skin – are getting enough sleep, exercise, water supply, good nutrition and healthy lifestyle.

It is during sleep that the body repairs and revitalizes itself. Around 8 hours of sleep is recommended to allow the body to recover from the daily stresses it experiences.

Nowadays, it seems that everybody is into skin care due to the effects of the weather that is amplified by the growing concern for global warming. With the idea of make-up of no make-up hitting mainstream, it’s only natural that the skin takes center stage. Gone are the days when women have to literally paint their faces with hues of blue and red just to cope with the make up madness of the colorful eighties. Good skin care has everything to do with water, it has to be noted that the body is mostly made up of liquid so constant re-hydration is actually imperative. Also, it is of obvious importance that other form of moisturizing is observed. For instance, one must be keen in using the right type of toner, not astringent per se but that which is gentle and hydrating on the skin. Sun block is also essential for optimum skin protection so that it does not dry out from the heat.

Healthy skin also results from regular exercise. It improves blood flow to all parts of the body. The blood vessels underneath the skin provides the nutrition for skin health, therefore better blood flow is good for the skin.

The skin becomes dry and brittle because of lack of water in the body. Drinking plenty of fluids everyday – around 8 to 10 glasses of water – helps prevent dry skin.

A balanced diet provides the body with proper nutrition which is vital in the repair and development of cells.

Skin is also affected by unhealthy habits such as smoking. The skin of smokers is seen to wrinkle and age faster. A healthy lifestyle helps maintain a healthy body – and a healthy skin.

In 2004, more than 3 million Americans had their wrinkles smoothed with Botox. More than 1 million had their sagging areas plumped with collagen fillers. Today, more than ever, anti-aging procedures have never been so accessible and convenient.

So what’s the buzz on Botox? How safe are collagen fillers? Who should inject these to you?

Among common adverse reactions of Botox are bruising, pain and swelling around injection sites, and weakness of adjacent muscles, but all these are transient. When an unqualified person, however, administers the injections, you’re at greater risk for adverse reactions due to improper use. And these can last for several months.

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Melasma, like freckles, may be treated by applying creams that contain depigmenting agents such as hydroquinone. These creams do not bleach the skin, rather, it controls the levels of melanin by pigment-producing cells. Facial peels and laser treatments are also available, but have higher risk of irritation. If the melasma is dermal, most treatments will not work since it involves the inner layer of the skin. It lightens with products that have mandelic acid.

Sun exposure should be avoided and use of sunscreen with a high protection factor is a must to avoid melasma.

Pregnant women should consult with a doctor before using over-the-counter creams, cosmetics and other treatments as it may affect the baby’s development.

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Acne is classified into three for treatment purposes: comedonal, inflammatory and nodulocystic.

Comedonal acne is also commonly known as whitehead or blackhead. Whiteheads are closed comedones, or trapped sebum. Blackheads are open comedones, giving it a dark color.

Inflammatory acne occurs when the bacteria present in trapped sebum (Propionibacterium acnes) produces enzymes that stimulate the inflammatory process. The skin ruptures and yellow substance appears as pus, but are actually excess sebum. Topical creams and antibiotics may treat inflammations.

Nodulocystic acne consist of comedones and inflammatory lesions and deeper nodules and cysts. This needs oral antibiotics, since it will no longer be treated by topical creams.

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Prevention is the key. Although acne seems “natural” during puberty, there are ways to avoid its spread, saving you money on treatment, and giving you more confidence to face the world.

Always wash your face with the appropriate cleansing product, especially before going to bed. Also take regular baths and totally rinse your body, as soap residue may block your pores. Acne not only occur in the face, but in other parts of the body as well, like the back and chest.

Detoxify. Drink lots of water, exercise to stimulate sweating, eat nutritious and high-fiber foods. This will minimize the presence of acne-causing bacteria.

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