MSM TO Extend Anagen Growth Phase

MSM is an abbreviation of methylsulfonylmethane, an organic form of sulfur. The chemical formula of MSM® is CH3SO2CH3. It is the form in which sulfur appears in nature in all living organisms, and in which it is biologically active. MSM is an odorless, white, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in hot water and in a wide range of organic solvents (1). Biologically active sulfur has unbelievable preventive and therapeutic properties. The medicinal activities of biological sulfur are so all-encompassing, and are based on such obvious principles, that its discovery is generally considered one of the biggest advances in orthomolecular medicine in the second half of this century.

The natural level of MSM in the circulatory system of an adult human male is about 0.2 mg/kg. Normal adults excrete 4 to 11 mg MSM per day in their urine. Several studies suggest, that the systemic concentration of Low concentrations of MSM in our bodies have been linked with unspecified complaints of fatigue, depression, high sensitivity to physical and psychological stress, and with a large number of degenerative diseases (5, 6). MSM is an important source of sulfur, but also has unique properties related to its chemical structure and biological activities. To understand the preventive and therapeutic properties of MSM, a distinction needs to be made between "why humans need sulfur" vs. "why humans need MSM".

My experience with MSM is that I really think it increased my hair growth rate.  There are some women who have experienced the same effect.  It's not scientifically proven.  Another experience is that MSM made my skin tight.  I look like I had a face lift.  I guess because MSM is a powerful antioxidant.


Perhaps the most remarkable discovery regarding MSM is, that MSM is an effective pain killer which works with many types of chronic pain.  May help to reduce pain associated with arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  MSM is a strong antioxidant, capable of binding and inactivating free radicals.

Skin


Sulfur is called nature's "beauty mineral," because it keeps the skin smooth and youthful, and the hair glossy. Sulfur is necessary for production of collagen and keratin, protein necessary for health and maintenance of skin, nails and hair (6). Several experiments have shown, that all kinds of dermatological disorders which are often allergy-related, respond favorably to a diet supplemented by MSM. Oral dosages of MSM have shown to be effective against acne, Rosaceae and dry, scaly or itching skin(3). When used topically in the form of an ointment or lotion, MSM is helpful in treating skin disorders including acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, dandruff, scabies, diaper rash and certain fungal infections (1, 6). Scars resulting from operations and from burns also respond well to topical application. New scars can heal so perfectly, that they are almost invisible. Old scars, too, can improve markedly.

Hair

MSM has been reported to reverse graying of hair.  It has also been reported that MSM increased the anagen phase/growth phase of the hair growth cycle.  It will not speed up growth but keep your hair in a growth cycle for a longer period of time so that you can eventually have longer lengths.  Anagen phase can last from 2 years to 6 years.  If your hair anagen phase  is 2 years, MSM may add another year or two to your growth phase.  

Detoxification
What is detox?

MSM enables your cells and tissues to release toxins that have built up over the years. Apparently sulfur is a vital part of our waste management system, and if we have not had enough of it our bodies were not able to release some of the waste substances. If you take too much MSM, your body will release too much waste at one time for your kidneys and liver to handle. This waste in your blood stream can cause all kinds of problems ranging from flu-like symptoms to re-experiencing the effects of drugs that you have taken in the past. For example, heavy caffiene users may feel extra-jittery. The key to reducing or eliminating detox symptoms is to start on MSM slowly so that the waste in your tissues is released slowly and to drink lots of water so that the released toxins will be flushed out of your body quickly.

What do I do if detox symptoms happen anyway?

If the symptoms are not bad, you may just want to tough it out. They should go away in a few days. Be sure to increase your water intake--for most people this would be double the amount of water that they normally drink. If the symptoms are severe, cut back on the MSM and take baths with water hot enough to make you sweat, but not so hot that you might pass out. Limit the baths to 20 minutes in length. You may find it helpful to add ONE of the following to the bath water and perhaps alternating between these items for different baths: a cup of vinegar, a cup of baking soda, a cup of epsom salts, a half cup of chlorine bleach. These substances each help leach out diffent toxins through your skin.

How much MSM should I take and in what form?


You should take whatever form is convenient for you. You should always take the least possible amount of msm that gives you the relief you desire. Drink lots of water with msm. For first time users of MSM, it is better to take with meals to help prevent heartburn. First time users start at a low level and build up. Try 500-1000 mg (eighth to a quarter teaspoon) per day. Take it for that way for one week then increase it another a little more. Once you have taken it a long time you will be able to take it without food. The recommended dosage is 2,000 to 6,000 mg. per day.

I read in a few articles that you should make sure your MSM is made with OptiMSM.  My vitaminshoppe brand is made with OptiMSM.

L.A.D.Y Store

Article Resources:
http://www.msm-info.com/
http://falconblanco.com/health/msm/faq.html

My Vitamin/Supplement Regimen

My detox is over and I am incorporating my vitamins back into my daily regimen.  I currently take:
Carlson Norwegian Salmon Oil: 2000 mg a day. 1 soft gel in the morning and 1 soft gel at night
Nature's Bounty Stress B Complex with C & Zinc: 1 tablet at night
The Vitamin Shoppe MSM 1000(OptiMSM):  2000 mg a day.  1 capsule in the morning and 1 capsule at  night.
The Vitamin Shoppe Super Chlorella 1000mg: 2000 mg a day. 2 tablets in the morning.
The Vitamin Shoppe California Grown Spirulina 500mg: 4 tablets in the morning.
Finest Biotin 5000 mcg:  1 tablet at night
Iron supplement: 1 tablet at night. I dont know the dosage but it provides 150% RDA
Last but not least 64 oz of water daily.

Now the above dosages I am working my way back up to.  Especially for MSM, Super Chlorella and Spirulina.  These supplements have detoxifying abilities and its best to ease your way to the optimal dosage you would like to take. 

As of right now I am not taking Chlorella and Spirulina.  I am still increasing my MSM Dosage.

This is my plan: Take 1 (1000 mg) capsule of MSM a day for a week while making sure I take  B Comlex tablet, Salmon Oil, Biotin and Iron.  Then after a week will increase MSM dosage to 2 (1000 mg) capsules of MSM a day for a weeks.  The next week I will add 1 tablet of Chlorella. Next week will be 2 tablets of chlorella. Then 2 tablets of spirulina for one week. The last two tablets of spirulina the next week. This will go one until I can take my above full dosages every day.

The above Vitamins/Supplement have been chosen by me after I have conducted my own research.  These dosages are what I am comfortable with to achieve my optimal health.  Make sure you do your own full research and talk to a physician before you start popping any pills.

I will be discussing in my next few articles about these supplement and how they effect my hair and skin of coursce; but also my total health.

Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash Review

In October, I bought Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash.  I heard continuous positive opinions about the face wash.  The face is organic and eco-friendly.  It's not expensive.  Lastly, It does a very good job at cleansing.  Yes, I am surprised.  I would always use facial washes with salicylic acid to control acne.  I use to use Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub.  I have nothing against this facial wash.  It worked wonderful for me.  It exfoliated and kept away pimples.  But I wanted to know if I could use a facial wash that would clear up my skin without using salicylic acid and still have the same benefits. 

So, I tried the Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash and my face was squeaky clean but not dry.  I had two pimples on my left cheek from random breakouts and this facial wash completely cleared up my skin.  Yup,without any Salicylic Acid or other harsh chemicals.  Tea Tree oil is an ingredient in the facial wash and the antibacterial properties of Tea Trea oil maybe keeping pimples at bay.

Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash Ingredients:
Castile Soap, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Organic Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extract, Hedychium Coronarium (Awapuhi) Root Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) Extract, Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Petitgrain) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil.

I am very pleased with this facial wash and will be continuing with it.  Well at least until something even better in price and quality comes along.

Buy Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash at L.A.D.Y STORE

Look at the Organic Skin Care Products I Bought Today

I bought some new skin care products.  I'm making some changes to my skin care regimen.  I told you a product haul was coming. Look at my other post about my skin care producs, here. I bought all organic products.  I am now having more trouble with my skin than my hair.  My hair is behaving quite well these days.  It seem that I am trying to go organic for my skin.  To be honest, not on purpose.  It's just some products that I am constantly hearing good things about.  Anywho, here we go....

I have been asking around and looking on the internet for info about skin health.  A lady at church was talking coincidentally commenting about her dry skin and said that she is now using Desert Essence Organics Body Lotions at the VitaminShoppe.  She advised me that her dry skin problems are over. So I found Vanilla Chai Hand Body Lotion and Coconut Hand and Body Lotion.  They smell yummy.  I tried the Coconut Body Lotion today.  My skin felt like butter.  Butter I tell you.  So I am switching lotions.  Laying Aveeno Body Lotion to rest.  I still like Aveeno but I think I found my staple body lotion.  These lotions claim to be Organic.   I found other Organic Lotions at the Vitamin Shoppe but they smell yucky. 

Some Ingredients for Coconut Body Lotion: Aqueous Infusion of Certified Organic Extracts :Passiflora Edulis(Passionflower) Fruit 1, and Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Hibiscus Flower) 1, Certified Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil2, Certified Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil2, Glycerin*, Certified Organic Cocos Nucifera(Coconut ) Oil2, Proprietary Blend of Essential Oils, Glyceryl Stearate*, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Emulsifying Wax*, Stearic Acid*, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Po

I also found a Gentle Face Polish.  I was using Clearasil Ultra Deep Pore Cleansing Pads.  Remember how I complained that the pads irritated my skin.  So I am switching to GIGI Organics Gentle Face Polish.  I'm suppose to use this 2 times a week after my facial wash to cleanse my skin.  This will gently exfoliate my skin.  Skin exfoliation is needed to slough off dead skin cells, diminish wrinkles and revitalize complexion.   This product claims to be organic.  It has a host of ingredien that I do not feel like typing.  Sorry.

Lastly, Desert Essence Thoroughly Thoroughly Clean Face.  Love this face wash.  It did not dry my skin. Also it has tea tree oil  in it.  Tea tree oil is an excellent antiseptic.  So no more Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub.  I love my Clean & Clear.  Will always love it but want to try this and finish the bottle.  I bought 32oz so it's gonna be a while before I try another facial wash.  I read a few reviews that this product clears up acne and doesn't leave your face dry.





For a body wash I am going to use the Dr. Bronner's Mixture.  I was reading an account that a women's husband used it by accident as a body wash.  He loved it.  Now the whole family uses it.   It's cleansing, it been done before with no side effects and it's ecofriendly.  Why not!

If you tried any of the above products, advise me of your experience with them.

Go to L.A.D.Y STORE to Purchase.

My Skin Care Regimen So Far

My skin care has been a never ending battle that I am determined to win.  I took some pictures to let you see the condition of my skin but the camera ran out of battery power and I did not feel like going to the store. 

So, I will describe my skin.  I do not have many blemishes but they are there.  You know the blemishes we may get here and there for whatever reason. But my real issue is skin dryness from head to toe. I get dry as toast at times.  Dry toast with no jelly!  Blurb from My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  But anywho, that's not cute.  I am just starting on my journey for healthier skin today.  I have no clue what to do.  So here is my current skin care regimen and a mini product review.  

My skincare regimen for my face is as follows.  For my face I use Clean and Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub. I dont have blackheads but I like how it exfoliates my skin.  I follow up with Clearasil Ultra Deep Pore Cleansing Pads.  The pore cleansing pads help with any breakout but it causes my skin to be dry.  So my only solution is to use the pads.  I let the solution stay on my face for 2 minutes; then i do a quick rinse.  If i keep it on my face I will have a burning sensation.  Last, I moisturize.  I use Avalon Organics Cellular Renewing CoQ10 Enzyme Skin Care. This is my winter daytime moisturizer.  In the summer, I use Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF15.  I have two nighttime moisturizers. The first is Reviva Labs Collagen Night Cream.  The second is Elastin & DMAE Night Cream.  I alternate these two every two weeks.  The only product that I am completely pleased with for my face is the Avalon Organics CoQ10 Enzyme Skin Care.  The others...... I'm not too sure about the ingredients and if they benefit the health of my skin. 

I have a simple skin care regimen for my body.  I am using Aveeno for moisturizing after showers.  I am not completely satisfied with Aveeno but so far it has been better than any other brand I have tried.  By the way Aveeno works very well for my daughter.  This year I learned a technique to get my hair in shape by moisturizing then sealing.  Maybe moisturizing and sealing will work for my skin too.  (Moisturizing is using a water based product. Sealing is putting an oil on top of moisturizer to seal in moisture.  We'll get into that later.)  But Aha, it may work!

At this point, I am on a search for the right products and a new regimen.  Just another area that I am going to have to change my thinking.  I'm thinking about visiting a dermatologist.  We'll see.  What ever happened to the days when yo mama would slap vaseline on your face and body and you would go to school shining like a lightbulb.  Tune is soon.  I'll get those skin pictures and let you know what products I have found.

I am not an expert.  Im just on a mission to get my skin in order.