Natural skin care is the care of the skin (the largest organ of the body) using naturally derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents (everything from natural soap to oils to pure water). Many people with sensitive skin turn to natural skin care solutions. Many people use natural skin care recipes to care for their skin at home. Many spas and skin care salons now focus on using more naturally derived skin care products. There is, however, no actual definition of "natural." All ingredients are chemicals by definition. "Derived" ingredients are "unnatural," according to both their original substance and the method of derivation. The term "natural" has considerable market value when promoting cosmetic products to consumers, but dermatologists say it has very little medical meaning.

Effective Treatment Approaches

Medication and behavioral therapy, especially when combined, are important elements of an overall therapeutic process that often begins with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Easing withdrawal symptoms can be important in the initiation of treatment. Preventing relapse is necessary for maintaining its effects. However, episodes of relapse may require a return to prior treatment components. A continuum of care that includes a customized treatment regimen addressing all aspects of the life of a patient with addition, including medical and mental health services and follow up options like community or family-based recovery support systems, is crucial to the success of a patient in recovery because it helps the patient achieve and maintain a life free of drugs.

Blue and Red Light Acne Treatment

Sunlight can improve skin care in the short-term. However, recent studies have shown that exposure to sunlight worsens acne in the long-term [citation needed]. More recently, visible light treatments (phototherapy) have successfully treated mild acne--in particular intense violet light (405-420nm) generated by purpose-built fluorescent lighting, dichroic bulbs, LEDs or lasers. Used twice weekly, this procedure resulted in a reduction of the number of acne lesions by about 64 percent. Studies show that this treatment is even more effective when applied daily. Scientifically speaking, the method of violet light treatment is effective because porphyrin (Coproporphyrin III), produced within P. acnes, generates free radicals when irradiated by 420nm and shorter wavelengths of light. Over the course of a few days, these free radicals ultimately kill the bacteria they spawned from. Since porphyrins are not otherwise present in skin, and the UV light applied is safe in its spectrum, this treatment is safe and licensed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The ultra violet treatment works even better with red visible light (660nm) resulting in a 76 percent reduction of lesions after three months of daily treatment for 80 percent of patients. The overall skin clearing was similar or better than benzoyl peroxide. Unlike most of the other treatments, there are few if any negative side effects to this treatment and a development of bacterial resistance seems very unlikely. After treatment, a patient can achieve clear skin with topical or oral antibiotic treatments. The equipment or treatment, however, is relatively new and expensive, although the total cost of ownership may outweigh other costs (such as the total cost of benzoyl peroxide, moisturizer, and washes) over a couple of years.

Jock Itch

Tinea cruris is the scientific name for a fungal infection in the groin region. An official alternative name is jock itch. As the common name for this condition implies, it causes itching or a burning sensation in the groin area, thigh skin folds or anus. It may involve the inner thighs and genital areas, as well as extending back to the perineum and perianal areas. Affected areas may appear red, tan and brown, with flaking, rippling, peeling, or cracking skin. The acute infection begins at an area in the groin fold measuring about a half-inch across, and usually presents on both sides. The area may enlarge, and other sores may develop in no particular pattern. The rash appears as raised red plaques (plate-like areas) and scaly patches with sharply defined borders that may blister and ooze. If the rash advances, it usually advances down the inner thigh. The advancing edge is redder and more raised than areas affected for longer. The advancing edge is usually scaly, and very easily distinguished or well demarcated. The skin within the border turns a reddish-brown and loses much of its scale. The border may exhibit tiny pimples or even pustules, with central areas that are reddish and dry with small scales. If infected with candidal organisms, the rash tends to be redder and wetter. Opportunistic infections (infections that are caused by a diminished immune system) are frequent. Fungus from other parts of the body (commonly tinea pedis or "athlete's foot") can contribute to jock itch. A warm, damp environment allowing the fungus to cultivate greatly contributes to the infection, especially with sweaty or tight clothing such as a jockstrap.