(NewsUSA) - From household cleaning products made with plant-derived formulas to beauty products with natural ingredients, today many shoppers are choosing products that harness the power of nature. Skin care companies are significant contributors to the surge of natural ingredients in consumer products due to the increasing evidence of their skin benefits. But are these products with natural ingredients just a trend, or do they really offer extra benefits?

Dermatologist Dr. Marta Rendon finds that natural, active ingredients are especially beneficial when it comes to skin care for cleansing, toning, moisturizing, anti-aging and sun protection.

So, what types of natural ingredients are being used in skin care lines, and which ones have proven results?

* Shiitake and Mannentake Mushrooms -; "These mushrooms have been used in Asia for thousands of years," said Rendon. "They are well known for improving the appearance of your skin and actually reducing the signs of the aging process." An example of products that have successfully harnessed the power of this natural ingredient is the Aveeno Positively Ageless products, including the newest Aveeno Night Cream. The anti-aging range features a Natural Shiitake Complex, which includes both Shiitake and Mannentake mushrooms. This mushroom complex has been shown to provide beneficial antioxidant activity and help block the production of harmful proteins that can cause collagen breakdown.

* Oatmeal -; A commonly used ingredient in therapeutic products, oatmeal is known for its soothing effect on the skin. In over-the-counter medications, it has been shown to help relieve minor skin irritation and itching. Additionally, its mildness makes it great for sensitive skin products, including baby products, and has been recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians for decades.

* Soy -; A newer trend in skin care is the use of soy in products. After discovering the benefits of soy to the body's overall health, researchers began investigating other uses. Today, this natural wonder is being used to improve the skin's tone, texture and radiance.

"Clinical and scientific studies both show that soy works to reduce blotchiness and discoloration by evening out the appearance of pigments within the skin's surface," said Rendon. "Soy proteins can also work to moisturize skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines."

* Feverfew -; Once known to soothe migraines and stomachaches, feverfew has a broad range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. When used in skin care products, this natural flower helps to soothe irritation and redness associated with dry or sensitive skin.

For more information about natural skin care ingredients, visit www.aveeno.com.

Prepaid Cards: A New Path to Financial Control

(NewsUSA) - Many Americans open their wallets to find a sea of plastic. According to MSN Money, on average, consumers carry five to 10 plastic cards, usually a combination of credit and debit cards. And while most consumers carry cards, the wallets of some 35 million U.S. consumers are plastic-fee, largely because they lack a relationship with a financial institution.

Interestingly, the majority of these 35 million Americans could have a relationship with a financial institution if they chose to. Reasons for remaining "cash-based" vary from concerns about overdrafts to cultural and language barriers. But one thing is clear: "cash-based" consumers face severe limitations in today's sophisticated financial environment.

Day-to-day activities such as reserving airline tickets, shopping online and paying bills present real challenges for consumers who lack plastic payment cards. Their makeshift financial arrangements often include using check cashers, buying money orders to pay bills and asking friends and family members to write checks. These arrangements can be burdensome, expensive and inconvenient.

A new financial product-the reloadable, prepaid card-addresses the financial needs of "cash-based" consumers. It looks like a debit or credit card and carries a major brand logo such as Discover, MasterCard or Visa. Consumers may get one without committing to a checking account and without a credit check-so anyone with proof of identity is eligible.

Reloadable, prepaid cards can be purchased online and at many retail stores and can be used virtually everywhere the card brand is accepted. They can also be used to make purchases and pay recurring and online bills. And, some cards may even be used to withdraw cash from ATMs.

The Network Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA) surveyed 600 low- to moderate-income consumers. The results revealed that 88 percent of consumers who had used a reloadable, prepaid card had a positive experience.

The NBPCA suggests consumers consider reloadable, prepaid cards for these benefits:

* Security: Funds are replaceable if cards are lost or stolen. And, consumers can reduce the amount of cash they carry.

* Convenience: Cards offer the convenience of debit and credit cards and provide money management independence.

* Control: Cards help consumers manage their budgets and avoid overspending.

The NBPCA advises consumers to research and select the card that fits their needs. Consumers should note applicable fees and how to avoid or minimize fees and understand the terms and conditions associated with a card. Then they can make smart decisions about how to use it to handle their day-to-day finances.