We’ve all seen the huge growth in crime and detection related entertainment programmes on the television lately. I guess that has a lot to do with the fact that we like to try and understand the criminal’s mind as much as seeing the “good guys” bring them down.
However, much of what you see on your television screen is dumbed down, sometimes by necessity to fit the content into the allotted timescale, sometimes purely to make it seem more interesting.
In reality though, crime fighting is a hugely diverse field. Take a popular show like CSI for example – this focuses mainly on forensics, but did you know that this field can be further broken down into many specialized areas?
Forensic science covers the obvious, such as DNA testing and anthropology, yet also goes much wider into the realms of accounting, computing, ballistics, psychology and many other areas.
There is a huge amount to be learned in each of these areas, from the theory behind them to the scientific techniques and also the types of crimes they have been used to solve. Forensics FAQ is a resource site that aims to find out everything there is to learn about this fascinating subject, presenting the findings in quick overview format and detailed analysis.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Saturday, November 18, 2006
blackheads and blocked pores
how to get rid of blackheads
Blackheads are caused by partially blocked pores. The "black" appearance of them is not caused by dirt, but by the oxidising effect of air on the sebum (oil) in a blocked pore and the melanin pigment from the dead skin cells.
The best way to get rid of blackheads is to remove the cause of them — excessive sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. Use only products made with natural ingredients that are not too astringent. Harsh products can strip the skin of oil, causing it to produce more sebum which leads to more blocked pores. Don't be afraid of using cleansing products containing natural oils, such as jojoba or coconut oil to cleanse the skin. These oils are close to our natural oils, so they don't block the pores. Use a gentle exfoliator every day to remove dead skin cells so they don't block pores. Just remember to be very gentle, over exfoliation can exacerbate the problem. Avoid products containing the following: alcohol, isopropyl mystate, lanolin, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, propylene glycol, mineral oil and parabens.
Do not to try and extract them forcibly, either using your fingers, fingernails or a comedone (blackhead) remover. This can cause permanent damage to the pores and stop them working properly for ever. You may squeeze some of the blackhead out, but you could also force some of it even deeper into the skin, which may lead to infection (large spots, pimples or even cysts) or permanent damage. Touching your skin should generally be avoided to prevent cross infection.
diet
You can help reduce the occurrence of blackheads by eating the right kinds of foods -- this will reduce sebum production, increase good moisture in the skin and help the production of new skin cells. Avoid cooked carbohydrates and fats, replace these with fresh fruits, vegetables and raw fats (avocadoes, olives, olive oil etc). Read our article of the scientific link between diet and acne for more information.
make up
If you do wear make up, make sure any foundations and concealers are non-comedogenic and oil free so they won't block pores. Try not to apply make up if your face is sweating. Always remove your make up with a cleanser at the end of the day. Keep all your make up brushes and sponges clean. Wash them in mild shampoo once a month and let dry completely before using.
reducing the appearance of blackheads, blocked pores and open pores
The best way to reduce the appearance of blackheads is to do the following, twice a week:
- Wash the skin using a gentle, natural exfoliating product and pat the skin dry
- Fill a bowl/basin with boiling water, and a few drops of tea tree oil
- Steam your face for about 5 minutes to open the pores and soften the skin
- Apply a clay mask, such as bentonite clay or seaweed clay mask
- These masks will attract and absorb the oil in the blocked pore.
- Let the mask work for the allocated time (10 minutes to an hour)
- Rinse off with warm water and pat the skin dry
- If you have scars or red marks from previous acne, this is a good time to apply a good scar treatment
our products
We have a range of natural skin care products for acne and blackheads.
treating scars
A scar is the red, purple or even brown mark left by a previous infection (spot, blemish, pimple etc).
treating acne scars on the outside
- Scars can be helped to fade faster by applying rosehip seed oil directly to them. Rosehip seed oil is great for reducing scar tissue because it is high in essential fatty acids. Apply straight on to the skin or add a few drops to moisturiser. Neem oil also has moisturising properties from its high fatty acid content that are great at reducing acne scars.
- Aloe vera juice and gels are also good both to apply topically and to drink for healing scars
- Lavender essential oil is also known for treating scars.
- Use a moisturiser that will help clear scars, but won't block pores causing more blemishes - such as Manuka Face Cream
treating acne scars from the inside
The following supplements can help reduce scarring and help the skin heal more quickly:
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