Ultraviolet light causes skin to become darker through the production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that is produced by cells in the skin called melanocytes. As the American Academy of Dermatology explains, the purpose of melanin is to protect...
Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, are a common condition in which an excess of melanin causes a darkening of specific areas of the skin. The most common cause of dark spots is an overexposure to the sun over a number of years. Fenugreek, licorice...
With an aging population of baby boomers and a culture that equates youth with beauty, gray hair has become an increasingly important issue in recent years. As with most appearance-related issues, the color of your hair can be affected by your...
"Osmanthus" refers to a genus of more than 30 flowering trees, most of which are native to the temperate areas of Asia. The flowers grow in small bunches and emit a sweet, pungent odor. Traditionally, dried osmanthus flowers are infused in a black...
Clear complexions are desired by many people. Because of the different skin problems people have, a variety of skin creams are available on the market. Skin care products are part of a multi-billion dollar industry. Considering this, the number of...
A 2005 article in Mutation Research ("Melanogenesis: a photoprotective response to DNA damage?") explains that the body darkens the skin in response to UV light in order to protect the skin cells from becoming damaged. Ultraviolet light (UV light)...
To practitioners of ayurvedic medicine, a 5,000-year-old system of healing that developed in India, the lotus flower has physical healing properties and great spiritual symbolism. In fact, the lotus flower commonly is represented in Hindu art,...
Rose hips are the fruits produced by nearly 3,000 species of ornamentals that comprise the Rosaceae family, including the common rose. Traditionally, rose hips are valued for their scent and flavor, which is somewhat similar in taste to...
A flawless complexion symbolizes youth and beauty. When patches of darkened skin such as birthmarks, hormonal pigmentation or age spots appear, women typically try to conceal them. Today, several options exist to overcome the frustration and...
Azadirachta indica, or neem, is a flowering evergreen and a member of the mahogany family of trees. It is native to India, where the tree is known by several common names that suggest confidence in its medicinal benefits such as “Heal...
Neem oil is cold pressed or solvent-extracted from the seeds and fruit of Azadirachta indica, an evergreen species of tree native to India and South Asia. Unlike many other vegetable oils, neem oil is reserved for cosmetic use and is not used for...
Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice, is a low-growing herbaceous perennial native to southern Europe and Asia. The plant produces a long primary root, which is the basis for medicinal extracts, powders and other preparations. Licorice has been...
OPC-3 is a supplement that promises to provide benefits derived from powerful antioxidants. It contains oligomeric poanthocyanidins, or OPCs, from pine bark, grape seed and red wine extracts. While OPCs are touted as powerful antioxidants with the...
Melatonin plays an important role in many processes throughout your body. This hormone, released nightly by the pineal gland, regulates biological rhythms and improves sleep quality. It also contributes to the immune system by preventing a broad...
