Shingles (herpes zoster) can only occur in people that have previously had Chickenpox. Chickenpox is never completed eradicated from the body and lies dormant. It can be reactivated at any time by a number of causes, one of which could be excessive stress. The result is normally a localised rash which could be painful or itchy. Other things that may cause shingles are being run down, old age or weakened immune systems.

Stress can cause shingles because chronic stress will affect the immune system. Normally, during a stressful event the body will change the way the immune system will work. This is done by passing adrenaline and cortisol through the bloodstream. In terms of the immune system this will increase the consistency of the blood to make it thicker or sticky. This is in case of injuries that require clotting to seal the injury. This will increase the amount of plasma in the blood. Should the body become injured it will have to fight off potential bacteria and disease. The immune system responds by producing more white blood cells which fight against foreign bodies that may harm the body.

This is fine for sudden stress but if the stress is prolonged and becomes chronic then the immune system is constantly on high alert. This will mean the blood will be thicker than normal which can have further health complications. There will be too many white blood cells in the bloodstream than is needed. An over stimulated immune system has two consequences for the body. It works too well and starts to attack parts of the body or bacteria that live in the body that work in synergy with the body to attack disease. Or, it becomes so conditioned to working at a heightened level that it does not respond to mild diseases or ailments that enter the body. This is why people that are under stress often complain about catching colds easily. This generally leads to a feeling of being run-down and tired.

In the case of shingles, it is believed that the immune system is weakened and the body is run-down. This contributes to the reactivating of the chicken pox virus, as the body cannot suppress the virus. This leads to rashes occurring on the body that can be painful or itchy. The rashes can last for days weeks or months. In some cases they can last for years. For temporary relief you can apply a soothing agent like aloe vera, for example. If the rash persists it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Stress can cause outbreaks of shingles and many other illnesses. To find out how stress affects health and how to develop a stress management program visit http://stressmanagementreview.com Adrian Whittle writes on many stress related issues including common symptoms of stress and ways to relieve stress.

The skin is the largest organ of our body. Like the lungs, the skin “breathes” in and out, taking in nutrients and releasing toxins. You may have noticed a trend in the pharmaceutical industry in which more and more prescriptions are being offered in a “patch” or gel form. That is because research shows that introducing substances through the skin is an effective and steady way to get needed medicines directly into the bloodstream. That’s great news when it comes to medicine, but what does that mean to us regarding skin care? It means that we have to ask two important questions about the products we choose to use to enhance our skin: What’s in it? and Is it helpful or harmful?

Over 10,000 chemicals are used as ingredients in skin care products throughout the industry. The National Institute of Occupational Safety has determined that 900 of those are unsafe and others have yet to be tested for safety. In Europe, more than 400 have been banned for use but many of those can still be found in products on our grocery, drug and health food store shelves. While some skin care companies claim products are “all natural”, or “anti-aging”, they may still contain ingredients that are potentially harmful and promote breakdown of the skin, like some natural and synthetic preservatives, suspected carcinogens, drying alcohols, synthetic fragrances and dyes.

While beauty may not be “skin deep”, keep in mind that your skin care products penetrate deep beyond the skin and can affect your long-term health and appearance. Being an educated skin care shopper will ensure you get the best possible products to enhance your skin and protect your health.

They Put That In My Skin Care?

According to the Breast Cancer Fund (http://www.breastcancerfund.org), parabens are chemicals used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds. Parabens are known to disrupt endocrine (hormone) function. More than 12 recent research studies showed parabens to have estrogenic activity when applied to the skin - they raise estrogen levels which increase risk of certain cancers.

Recent research detected five types of intact parabens in human breast tumors, an indication that parabens penetrate skin and remain in breast tissue.

Animal studies indicate that parabens may also affect pre-natal development of the male reproductive system. Parabens are not only in skin care. They are found in many personal care products such as deodorants, shampoos, etc. Therefore, researchers show concern for “daily, chronic exposure” and the cumulative effect of this exposure.

Here’s a list of 7 reasons why “The Dirty Dozen” (or so) chemicals found in many of our “daily use” products should be avoided.

1. Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA, Petrolatum
- May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown that can lead to cancer

2. Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Petrolatum (vaseline), Mineral Oil, Coal Tar, Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA, Petrolatum, Talc, Toluene, Triethanolamine, Formaldehyde
- Potential breast cancer risk

3. Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben
- Endocrine (hormonal) disrupter and potential breast cancer risk

4. Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Butyl Acetate, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Ethylacetate, Petrolatum, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Butylacetate
- Skin sensitizer (causes rashes, immune system reactions, hives, burning, scaling, blistering)

5. Propylene Glycol, Phythalates
- Gastrointestinal and liver toxicity

6. Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth
- Penetration enhancer (alters skin structure to allow chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin and bloodstream)

7.Phthalates, Talc, Toluene, Formaldehyde
- Reproductive or developmental harm

Ira Goodman, Ph.D. is a Social Psychologist/Nutritional Coach. who has a passion for serving others. He and his wife, Roz, a massage therapist have a nutrition practice and are building a health and wellness center in the Ozark Mountains. Learn more about their facility at
http://www.freewebs.com/stargatesanctuary and learn more about Ira at http://www.freewebs.com/whoisiragoodman

Myrrh ( Commiphora myrrha ) - PROPERTIES & ACTIONS INCLUDE:

Anti-inflammatory - controls, alleviates inflammation resulting from injury or infection

Antifungal - destroys or inhibits growth of fungus

Antiseptic - prevents, halts infection

Astringent - causes contraction of organic tissues

Expectorant - helps promote the removal of mucus from respiratory system

Immune stimulant - an agent that quickens the physiological functions of the body’s immune system, temporarily increases immune function, good for convalescence, poor circulation, listlessness, physical fatigue

Restorative - an agent that helps to strengthen and revive the body systems

Sedative - agent that exerts a soothing, tranquilizing, calming effect on the body, ood for nervous tension, stress, insomnia, anxiety and palpitations

Skin tonic - strengthens and enlivens skin cells

Strong, sweet and woody Myrrh’s enduring aroma anchors other oils in a blend.

An ancient and sacred oil Myrrh’s soothing and astringent action make it excellent for relieving a wide variety of skin conditions, including: acne, sensitive, oily or dry, wrinkled, chapped, or cracked skin.

Traditionally Myrrh has been used for enhancing spiritual and emotional well-being. Myrrh is an excellent aid to healthy functioning of the limbic, emotional center of your brain.

Myrrh wakes up cell tissues and enhances the physical energetic centers of the body. Its vibrant and resonant effect on cell tissues makes it a wonderful tonic for body, mind, spirit and emotions.
Myrrh promotes healthy immune function.

It good for treating respiratory conditions and has a decongesting and drying effect on excess mucous and wet conditions like: asthma, bronchitis, phlegm and respiratory congestion.

Myrrh oil has an especial affinity for the endrocrine (hormonal) glands and is useful for promoting circulation within the endocrine glands and associated chakra centers.

May be helpful for dispelling congestion and promoting healthy function of the thyroid, prostate and pituitary glands.

Blend Myrrh with Helichrysum for softening lines, scars and other adhesions.

Myrrh’s antiseptic action make it a helpful aid for treating: sinusitis, flu, colds and coughs.

Its strongly anti-fungal properties are good for relieving athlete’s foot and ringworm.

Myrrh has been used to heal cold sores, canker sores and gum disease.

CAUTION: Due to its stimulating properties please avoid Myrrh during pregnancy.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit and a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG has developed massage training and holistic health programs for the spa industry, health clubs and clinics, schools, resorts, as well as for individual clients. She is a MindBody Therapist and Health Educator with advanced certification and training in Bowen Therapy, BodyTalk and Aromatherapy. She is the owner of Springhill Wellness Center and the founder & director of PurePlant Essentials aromatherapy products.

Click to order http://www.kgstiles.com/moreinfo/myrrh.htm MYRRH PURE ESSENTIAL OIL

Click to find out about KG’s other fine aromatherapy products http://www.kgstiles.com/pureplantessentials.html PUREPLANT ESSENTIALS

Click to learn about http://www.kgstiles.com/presentations.htm KG’s Presentations and Workshops

More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!

Don’t you deserve to have the best skin possible? Of course you do. I frequently have clients tell me…Barb, I have spent many hours in the sun, is there anything the product line you distribute do for me? My answer is…yes, there is a lot it will do for your skin….but unfortunately, there is no product out there that can completely erase the countless hours soaking in the sun without the SPF. But, with this said…there are excellent preventative measures that you can take that will help you slow down the aging process.

Below are some skin care and rejuvenation tips to ensure that your skin remains healthy, vibrant, and wrinkle-free for longer that will, without a doubt, slow down skin aging.

Our skin starts showing the signs of aging even as early as our 20s. One can expect to start seeing fine lines, uneven skin texture, and dullness. So truly, one needs to start taking care of their skin from early on. You see, what is happening is our body’s skin cellular renewal process is beginning to slow down and what this means is that the dead skin cells are as not as easily discarded, plus there are external factors are starting to have a greater impact, leaving our skin slightly duller.

Skin Care Tips For Your 20s

1. Avoid sunlight or Cover-Up

Up to 80 percent of skin aging is directly related to sun exposure. Penetrating UVA rays damage collagen fibers and elastin coils in your skin.

2. If you are a Smoker - Quit- Quit Now

Smoking inhibits oxygen from getting to the outer layer of your skin, which causes premature aging. Additionally, the motion of smoking over a long period of time can cause fine lines around your mouth. This is not an appealing look!

3. Start a daily skin care program

You should cleanse, moisturize and use SPF or SPF equivalent on a daily basis. It is also important to exfoliate 2-3 times a week to promote skin cellular renewal on a regular basis.

Skin Care Tips For Your 30 - And Beyond

By the time you reach your 30s, skin cell turnover has slowed down even more. Environmental factors pollution, smoke, and sunlight are at this point causing damage so that in the dermis, collagen fibers are beginning to loosen. This causes the skin to start losing its tone and develop fine lines and wrinkles. When we smile, subcutaneous fat forms ridges and refuse to bounce back as readily as it once did. Our first wrinkles may start to appear. Here are some additional skin care tips for keeping your skin healthy and slowing the aging process early:

1. Have a Daily Skin Care Routine

At this stage in life, you should have a daily skin care routine for your skin.

2. Skin Rejuvenation is Essential

Incorporate a cosmeceutical skin rejuvenation program into your daily skin care routine. What is key here is that you need to use products that will help you skin increase it’s cellular renewal process, thereby getting rid of dead skin cells and promoting skin rejuvenation.

3. A balanced Diet is Key

Your diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and fish, as they are high in antioxidants and Vitamins A, B, C, and E. These vitamins counteract free radicals which help the skin repair itself and produce enzymes which stabilize collagen production and retain the skin’s moisture content. I know, I know..these are things our Mothers told tool and she was right!

4. Acohol Intake should be in Moderation

Alcohol actually deprives your skin of essential nutrients and may cause your facial blood vessels to become dilated. This can lead to permanent red “spider veins” on women’s cheeks and across the nose on men. Not a pretty site.

5. Remember to …. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

I can’t emphasis this enough. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. This is the best way to retain the skin’s water, thus keeping skin feeling soft and looking supple.

Barbara Harrington is an award winning chemist and skin care/make up expert with over 20 years experience. For more information, telephone (302-507-3927, 877-771-5296), email (FaceSensation@comcast.net) or visit her websites (http://www.healthyskinreport.com or http://www.facesensation.com).

You may think that the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over cosmetics and skin care products. Unfortunately that’s a myth. While there is a law that requires a warning label be put on products that have not been approved for safety, the FDA has no power to enforce this law.

Many of the most popular brands of skin care products contain chemicals that are known toxins and carcinogens. Examine the label of your favorite shampoo and you’ll almost surely find it contains parabens which are linked to breast cancer.

If you look at the label of your antiperspirant, it most likely contains the chemical aluminum chlorohydrate. Aluminum is widely recognized as a toxin that is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, organ dysfunction, and learning disabilities.

While you’re in the medicine cabinet you might as well look for sodium lauryl sulfate. That’s another common chemical in personal care products. It’s also used to clean grease and oil from engines.

Consumers are very savvy and realize that their skin, the largest bodily organ, is too precious to abuse with toxic chemicals. This realization has started a new trend–buying personal care products at the health food store.

What sounds better to you–methylparaben or tea tree oil? Consumers are all too aware of the incomprehensible list of chemicals on the labels of their personal care products. They are opting to go for organic products found in their local health food stores. The products there are made from ingredients found in nature and are, at least, understandable. It’s much easier to understand shea butter than it is to wrap your mind around aluminum chlorohydrate.

Among the brands that have become popular are–

• Zia - one of a few merchants that make a micro dermabrasion kit without aluminum oxide
• Dr Hanuschka - all natural products
• Jason Natural Cosmetics - makes a great buttery line of skin care products and a wonderful makeup remover.

Give the organic brands a try. They’re becoming popular enough that they may start appearing in the mainstream stores.

© 2007, Clara Myers. Visit Great-Face.com for a large selection of spa quality skin care products and cosmetics.

For establishing the role of metals as allergens research has been conducted on people in contact with cobalt, nickel and gold in the form of jewelery or as an occupational requirement. There have been growing incidents of people having hypersensitive reactions on skin and mucous membranes in people who come in regular contact with such heavy metals. People come into contact with heavy metals for a variety of reasons, wearing jewelry and plumbers who come into contact with lead pipes are two prime examples.

In a survey 13% schoolgirls were found to be allergic to ear piercing against 1% which contacted eczema from other sources. Children seem to be highly susceptible to atopic eczema of metallic origin. In a study undertaken in Norway, 88% of those children (aged 7-12 years) who got their ears pierced caught atopic eczema. The highest occurrence of atopic eczema is seen in infant population with about 65% infants developing symptoms and 90% babies between 1-2 years of age showing some form of skin complaint caused by allergens.

In a small percentage of children allergies could be hereditary. Family history is one of the prime factors taken into consideration by doctors for diagnosis of potential allergens.

Most of the children overcome these symptoms on their own accord and outgrow the symptoms of atopic eczema after some years. Only a very tiny percentage of children will keep this eczema into their teenage years, and even fewer still will keep it into adulthood.

2.3% of United Kingdom’s population suffers from atopic eczema. From health insurance records’ analysis in the USA approximately 2.5 percent population is found to have atopic eczema. This amounted to about $1 billion in expenditure by US insurance companies for eczema and related cases way back in 1970s. It has grown to be about 85-98% of total expenditure on dermatologists. Rate of growth is also not constant. It has increased in recent decade. While 5% children were reported to get eczema back in 1946, the figure had doubled to 10% by 1970. This might be because of lifestyle changes possibly now we are using more synthetic products, or because of the changes in the climate.

You can also find more information at baking soda baths and natural healing creams. EczemaCureTreatment.com is a comprehensive resource to inform individuals suffering from ezcema about symptoms, prevention and treatment options.

Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) - PROPERTIES & ACTIONS INCLUDE:

Antidepressant - alleviates or prevents depression, lifts mood, counters melancholia

Anti-inflammatory - controls, alleviates inflammation resulting from injury or infection

Antimicrobial - an agent that resists or destroys pathogenic microbes

Aphrodisiac - increases capacity for sexual arousal

Antiseptic - prevents, halts infection

Bactericidal - an agent that destroys bacteria

Nervine - strengthening and toning to the nerves and nervous system

Skin tonic - strengthens and enlivens skin cells

Patchouli’s unmistakable heady aroma sings its warm hypnotic hum to your senses with remarkable results.

Inhalation of this oil can leave you feeling breathless and overstimulate your senses, so take care and use it sparingly as a little goes a long way!

One of THE most relaxing and earthy aromatic oils.

An excellent skin tonic Patchouli is often used in skin care. Its regulating properties act to tone and strengthen skin cell tissue, as well as regulate oily and combination skin conditions.

Patchouli’s action is similar to Sandalwood for rejuvenating chapped, cracked, or mature and sensitive skin.

As Patchouli has antiseptic properties it is also useful for controlling acne outbreaks.

Patchouli is used in many synergistic skin formulas.

Use along with Pink Grapefruit as an appetite suppressant, and in treating cellulite.

Patchouli’s tonifying action stimulates the digestion and increases metabolism.

Patchouli is an aphrodisiac and a mild sedative.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit and a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care often produces satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG has developed massage training and holistic health programs for the spa industry, health clubs and clinics, schools, resorts, as well as for individual clients. She is a MindBody Therapist and Health Educator with advanced certification and training in Bowen Therapy, BodyTalk and Aromatherapy. She is the owner of Springhill Wellness Center and the founder & director of PurePlant Essentials aromatherapy products.

Click to order http://www.kgstiles.com/moreinfo/patchouli.htm PATCHOULI PURE ESSENTIAL OIL

Click to find out about KG’s other fine aromatherapy products http://www.kgstiles.com/pureplantessentials.html PUREPLANT ESSENTIALS

Click to learn about http://www.kgstiles.com/presentations.htm KG’s Presentations and Workshops

More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!

Rather than soaping up your body with harsh chemicals why not take time to learn why organic bath soaps is becoming the number one choice for American’s. These organic bath soaps come from natural resources. The soaps and bath products will offer you protection for your skin.

Visit the Internet where you will find a nice variety of organic bath soaps. Some of the soaps are hand carved and cold processed. These soaps are great for those people that battle sensitive skin. You can find liquid soaps, organic gel soaps, and non-toxic cleaners by shopping online.

Shopping on the Internet is smart since you have a wider selection of organic soaps to consider. You will find natural blends, traditional blends, processed soaps, and so on. Even if you have extremely sensitive skin, you will find organic soaps that will not stress your skin.

Organic soaps are healthier than some of the shampoos, soaps, etc fabricated by man. Some of these soaps have harsh chemicals that link to certain types of cancers. Check the ingredients on your shampoo or soap package and do a random research on the Internet to learn more about chemicals in non-organic soaps, shampoos and so on. This will help you appreciate how valuable organic soaps could be for you.

More and more people these days are going back to natural living. This is because they are discovering that fabricated products in most instances are not so great after all. People are finding that organic living is encouraging healthy skin, healthy hair, and longer life.

So be sure to check out the wide variety of organic soaps online. You will find a variety of soaps, Shea butter, primo incense, pet shampoo, skincare solutions, organic wash, organic horse shampoo and more.

See even your pet can get the benefits of living healthy and natural. Primo incense is something new. This incense differs from other products on the market. Rather than using scents that produce unhealthy fragrances that can cause skin irritation, etc you have an organic solution that protects you will fragrance your room. Some of the incense is compared to many of the aromatherapy incense.

The organic soaps give you a mixture of water, alkali and oils. Some soap also has glycerin mixed into the bar so that you have a moisturizing solution.

All ingredients are natural, coming from some of the finest plants, tree life and so on. Some of the best organic soaps include the Aloe-Vera based soaps. Aloe Vera is a great natural source that will moisturize your skin. You will find a nice variety of these organic soaps online also.

Martin Lukac, represents http://www.1naturalbeauty.com which specializes in organic products offering http://www.1naturalbeauty.com/organic-soap.html and http://www.1naturalbeauty.com/organic-oil.html . #1 Natural Beauty organic products are prepared from the best available organic oils and herbs and introduce Wagashi Japanese concept to our organic products.

Lanolin softens and protects. It’s harvested without harming animals. It’s quickly absorbed by the skin without clogging pores. So why are people avoiding it?

What Is Lanolin?

A pure, natural product, lanolin is simply the wax taken from sheep’s wool, after the sheep has been shorn. The sheep is not hurt. He probably does not enjoy having his fur cut off, but the people who do this are highly trained, they do it quickly, and the sheep joins his herd again in a matter of minutes.

The clipped wool is naturally covered with a pale-yellow, water repellent wax. Also known as wool fat, it’s purpose is to keep the sheep healthy and dry. It’s extracted from the wool by a boiling process. This is crude lanolin.

Refining - the Key to Safety

The next step is to refine this wax, and remove impurities. PBS recently made a documentary on lanolin, and they purified it by mixing it with olive oil and water. The impurities dissolved into the water and oil, leaving the lanolin as an off-white wax which could be gathered up.

In commercial lanolin processing, refining is done in sterile environments and through many stages. This refining process is the key to the safety of the lanolin. Depending on the needs of the manufacturer, the lanolin can be refined crudely, in which case it may still contain impurities. Or it can be refined to medical grade - safe enough for nursing mothers to use on cracked nipples.

So Why the Bad Press?

There are two potential problems with lanolin.

1. It can be refined to acceptable cosmetic grade and still contain impurities, some of which can be allergens. People who are allergic to lanolin are probably allergic to unrelated ingredients that were not removed in the refining process. Also, some manufacturers use a chemical bleach to whiten the color. And the finished product may have been mixed with vegetable oils or soft paraffin that comes from other sources. There could be impurities in these additives.

2. Some lanolin can be tainted with DDT, dieldrin, lindane, or other toxic pesticides. It’s possible for these carcinogens to make their way into our skincare products. This is because the sheep may be eating food that has been treated with these or other insecticides.

How to Make Sure Your Lanolin Is Safe

Both problems are solved by buying your lanolin-based products from a reputable company; a company you know and trust; a company with visibility - a website with contact information; a detailed label on their product. Make sure the lanolin in your lotion is labeled as pure grade, fine grade, highly refined, or medical grade. If you’re unsure about the grade, email the company through their website. The well-refined lanolins will be free of pesticides and impurities.

When purchasing a finished skincare product, make sure, too, that it has not been tested on animals. The website My Makeup Mirror has a list of companies that do not use animal testing, and this list is constantly being updated.

Lanolin itself is not likely to cause allergic reactions, although each individual must check with their doctor before using anything that is absorbed into the body.

Pure lanolin is obtained without harming the sheep - as opposed to emu oil, which is gathered by killing the bird. Lanolin is a near-perfect skin softener and emollient. Many lanolin-based products are non-animal tested. And by making sure the soap, lip balm, skin cream, moisturizer, or hair product you use contains only high grade or medically graded lanolin, you can breathe easy, and enjoy lanolin’s benefits.

Suzann writes for the website My Makeup Mirror [http://www.MyMakeupMirror.com] - a potpourri of articles, product reviews, and how-to’s on hair, cosmetics, and well-being.

Steam rooms are known for their skin care benefits. People who use them regularly probably realize that there aren’t many things better for your skin than a good ole’ heavy sweat.

To understand how a steam room benefits your skin, it helps to have an idea what happens to your body during a steam bath…

Boy, It Sure Is Hot In Here!

From the moment you step inside a steam room, your built-in cooling system starts to kick into overdrive. Two of the many reactions that occur are an increase in…

1. blood circulation and
2. sweat production

Your body maintains a certain temperature commonly referred to as its basal body temperature (normally 98.6 F).

When you start taking a steam bath, your body increases sweat production to regulate its temperature.

At first, your body is able to fight off the heat by increasing circulation and sweating, but…

When your body is no longer able to dissipate the heat, your body temperature starts to rise. Blood is then forcefully shunted toward the surface of your skin and sweating increases.

This is where the skin care benefits kick in…

Clean out those pores!

While a shower rinses dirt off your body’s surface, the heavy sweating in a steam room rinses out your pores. This removes dead skin and impurities and leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean and silky smooth!

A plain old shower or bath just doesn’t compare.

More blood, please!

The increase in blood circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to your skin surface. One way this benefits your skin is by enhancing collagen reproduction.

Collagen is partly responsible for your skin’s strength and elasticity.

In summary…

You can see how taking steam baths regularly will most likely improve your skin complexion and the way it feels. Heavy sweating combined with the increase in blood circulation is why steam rooms are good for skin care.

Terrence Banks is a fitness and wellness enthusiast. He is the author of http://www.steam-sauna-benefits.com At his site you’ll learn more about steam room benefits and home steam room options.