Skin redness can have many causes. Treating the problem effectively, however, requires figuring out what is causing the problem. Without that knowledge, your physician will not be able to determine the correct course of treatment for the problem. Below we’ll look at some of the common causes as well as an appropriate red skin treatment for them.

Dermatitis

The most common cause of skin redness is dermatitis which is an umbrella term for any type of skin inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the immune system begins using its chemical weapons to fight off invading germs or perceived threats to your health. In some cases, the immune system overreacts and actually begins attacking your own cells. In other cases, the inflammation is a result of an allergen which can also trigger the immune response.

If you have a red skin patch around your ears or eyes, this is known as seborrheic dermatitis. This condition is usually caused by oily skin combined with a reaction to a type of yeast found on the human body. Although it can cause itching, the condition is not something that should be cause for concern.

To treat other types of dermatitis, you should avoid using any products which might irritate the skin further, including soaps and cosmetics. You should also try applying a topical ointment, calamine lotion, or other produce recommended by your physician or dermatologist.

Eczema

When dermatitis becomes chronic and is accompanied by other changes in skin texture, including the presence of scaling, the cause may be eczema. Eczema is thought to be caused by an overreaction of the immune system to a certain type of allergen. As a result, the skin reddens, becomes itchy, starts scaling, and begins to thicken. The condition is most common in children and, therefore, it can cause a great deal of distress in families.

Although nothing is known to cure eczema, some medications can be used to treat patients. To reduce the inflammation, systemic corticosteroids are often used. Topical immunomodulators can also sometimes be used to help control the problem. In milder cases, calamine lotions and other types of topical creams can be effective in stopping the itch.

Physicians today also advise patients on ways to prevent eczema outbreaks. For example, keeping the skin moist by using moisturizers and running a humidifier can be helpful. Some research is also suggesting that breast feeding may reduce a child’s chances of developing this problem.

Other Possibilities

Most of the time skin redness is not a cause for alarm. You may be reacting to an abundance of stress in your life or may have come in contact with some type of skin irritant. If the skin redness persists, see your physician. Not only can conditions such as eczema be causing the problem, but the rash could be a sign of a more serious ailment, especially in children. Scarlet fever, Kawasaki Disease, and impetigo also cause visible rashes on the skin and can be serious when occurring in young people.

If you have old or new scars you wish would disappear like magic but you don’t have the budget or the pain tolerance for expensive cosmetic procedures, Neosporin Scar Solution could be a possible answer.

What is Neosporin Scar Solution?

The product consists of sheets of a specially designed silicone that is placed on the skin using a self-adhesive strip. Each sheet can be trimmed into shapes to fit the shape of the scars. According to the manufacturers, the silicone is intended to mimic the skin’s own natural barrier which makes it useful in minimizing the appearance of certain types of scars.

Keep in mind that this Neosporin scar care product does not work on all scars. Only hypertrophic and keloid scars are improved by the silicone. Both of these are raised off the skin and are normally related to cuts, burns, and surgical incisions.

How to Use Silicone Scar Treatments

Each of the strips is placed on the scar and should be worn for 12 hours at a time. It can be washed and dried then reapplied. You can reuse each strip for up to four days. Although you’ll see some improvement after only a month, the best results are only visible if you use the strips for a full 12 weeks.

Does the Scar Treatment Work?

Anecdotal reports from users do suggest that the Neosporin Scar Solution does work when used as directed. A reduction in visible new and old scars was reported by many users, even those who were not able to use the product for the entire treatment course. In a number of cases, physicians and surgeons were the ones who made the recommendation to use the product. A medical recommendation is definitely a plus for the product.

Problems with the Product

Although the product seems to work, users do have some complaints about the product. First, many users report difficulty in keeping the strips stuck to their skin. The Neosporin site for the product even addresses this problem in its frequently asked questions section. They suggest using medical tape to help hold down the strips if they do not stay on the skin properly.

The second common problem is the price. At approximately $35 per box, the cost is a bit steep but seems reasonable when compared to other scar-reduction treatments, such as chemical peels. Each box will last for the entire 12 weeks as long as the sheets are reused for the full three to four days. However, if you have longer scars or need to use multiple strips, you may need to purchase more than one box.

A related problem is that the product can be difficult to find. Even some online stores are out of the strips. Some generic brands are also available for about one-third the price. Users have found they work about as well as the Neosporin brand.

Bottom Line

Neosporin Scar Solution seems to work for users but also has some problems, such as price and skin adherence. If price or availability is an option, you could opt for the generic version.

When it comes to face pigmentation, it can be a very embarrassing thing to deal with! After all, in this day and age, no one wants to go outside of their house without looking their very, very best. So, how do you get rid of face pigmentation? Is there an actual way to get rid of birthmarks such as these? Of course! There are many different remedies that will help with getting rid of face pigmentation and birthmarks; you just need to know exactly what to do. So in this article, we will explore the top ten methods to get rid of that face pigmentation and make your flesh look amazing!

1. Fresh Cream

One of the very first methods that we are going to tell you about can actually become part of your facial skin care routine as it was designed to help your skin look and feel younger. Take some fresh cream and add in a few drops of lemon then apply to your face for a few minutes and you have an instant pimple remover/pigmentation duller!

2. Basil Leaves

If you are not exactly into putting fresh cream/lemon on your face, there are quite a few more methods for you to be able to try. For example, wetting holy basil leaves down with lemon juice is a fantastic way to get rid of dark circles as well as those pigmentation marks that have been bothering you forever. Just lay them over your face and you should be seeing your skin lighten right up!

3. Cumin Seeds

Number three on our list is boil some cumin seeds together and wash your face in the cumin seed water. This will enhance your beauty by washing away those marks; no really, try it!

4. Orange Peels

Number four is up next and it is grinding up dried orange peels in a little bit of water and applying that paste onto your face. This will not only clear up the face pigmentation, but you will also notice a decrease in pimples!

5. Guava Banana

Number five is grinding up guava and banana into a paste and placing that all over your face. This is a great way to decrease the look of pigmentation on your face and to improve your skin over all! Only five more to go folks!

6. Cucumber Juice

Applying cucumber juice to your face has also been known to decrease any color marks in your face along with any acne you may have. That is why this one is number six on our list!

7. Rose Water

Rose water along with some lemon juice is number seven on our list and this should be done every day. After about a half hour of adding this concoction, you should wash your face with all-natural soap.

8: Fresh Radishes

Another method is to add in a few fresh radishes into your diet. Radishes have been known to get rid of not only pimples but also get rid of face color.

9 and 10. Healthy Diet and Fresh Air

Finally, the last couple of tips of the day to get rid of face pigmentation are going to be fused together as they are both very important. If you have bad skin, it is very important that you keep up a proper diet and ensure that you enjoy a few minutes of fresh air every day. These are both important points as you need to take care of your body and your body will take care of your skin.

That you have it! The top ten tips and tricks to get rid of face pigmentation! Take these all into consideration when you are attempting to lighten the natural color of your face and you should be fine!

When it comes to finding the right natural eczema remedies, it is definitely difficult! Do you find yourself going through all sorts of different remedies for eczema but nothing seems to work? We all know that most all natural eczema remedies are going to be the best option if you have this terrible skin condition, after all, there are no side effects! Now, if you have eczema, do not think it’s the end of the world! The eczema treatment in this day and age is definitely better than a few years a go and if you go the all natural way, you should have no problems!

Natural Remedy #1: Coconut Oil

Now, the very first all natural eczema remedies on our list of ten is going to be softening up your skin. This can done easily with coconut oil and this is a very important step in getting rid of this terrible skin disorder.

Natural Remedy #2: Nutmeg Paste

Another eczema treatment that is on our list is applying nutmeg paste directly onto any of the effected areas, this is a great all natural eczema treatment that can be used over and over again if the skin disorder keeps coming back.

Natural Remedy #3: Sunbath

Number three on our list of all natural eczema remedies is taking a sunbath! While many reports say that the sun is bad for your skin, when you have eczema, the sun will definitely help fight the bacteria off, so go on; soak up that sun all you want, just use protection!

Natural Remedy #4: Tomato Juice

Number four on our list is add tomato juice to your diet. One sure fire way to get rid of your eczema is by drinking quite a decent amount of tomato juice, at least twice a day and you should see your skin clearing up ever-so-fast!

Natural Remedy #5: Sandalwood Paste

Number five (we’re half way there!) is going to be adding sandalwood paste, one teaspoon mixed with another teaspoon of camphor onto all of the affected areas of your skin. Instantly, you should be seeing quite a bit of difference in how your skin is and you should see your eczema clearing up!

Natural Remedy #6: Cold Compress

Did you know that cold water and cold compresses also can be an all natural eczema remedy? Well, it definitely can be! If place a cold compress on the affected areas of your skin twice a day, you should see quite an improvement and that is why this one is number six on our list of ten natural remedies for eczema!

Natural Remedy #7: Zinc Supplement

If you are the type of person that does not like to take any pills to clear anything up, finding some way to include zinc into your diet will definitely assist with clearing up all of your affected skin and that is why this treatment is number seven!

Natural Remedy #8: Biotin Medication

Biotin pills are also very effective for clearing up and eliminating any eczema you might have on your body, so this treatment makes number eight on our list of ten!

Natural Remedy #9 and #10: Mustard Oil and Margosa Leaves

Finally, number nine and ten are all about oil. You need to be sure that you are keeping your skin properly oiled in order to make sure that eczema goes away. A quick mixture of mustard oil and margosa leaves boiled in an iron pot and applied onto your body four times a day is sure to clear up any eczema you might have.

Next time you get a tan or notice the appearance of freckles on your skin, you should think about their cause: melanin. Understanding the melanin skin coloring connection can help you better understand different skin disorders.

Melanin Structure Explained

To understand melanin and its role in the body, you need to remember that the skin is divided into two layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The dermis is the more interior layer of skin and contains the hair follicles, oil glands, blood vessels, and collagen. The upper layer is the epidermis and is where melanin works its magic.

Several specialized types of cells can be found in the epidermis, but the one of interest to this discussion is the melanocyte. These cells contain melanin pigment which causes darkening of the skin. Sometimes the darkening is caused by the release of hormones by the pituitary gland. These hormones end up stimulating the melanocytes to produce more melanin which creates a darker skin appearance. In other cases, ultraviolet light stimulates other types of skin cells which also stimulate the production of melanin in the skin.

In addition to melanin, these cells also include an enzyme called tyrosinase. When the cells are stimulated, the tyrosinase kicks into action. The enzyme starts turning amino acids into another compound called dopaquinone which then goes through several chemical reactions before finally becoming the melanin released by the skin.

Melanin and Tanning

When you want to get a tan, what you’re really wanting is to boost your cells’ production of melanin. Tans are caused because melanin is used by your skin to protect your body from ultraviolet light. During prolonged sun exposure, your body produces a lot of melanin in response to the light. As a result, your skin looks tan.

Melanin and Skin Pigmentation Problems

Because of the important role melanin plays in the skin, its production or lack of production can also be directly connected to several skin disorders. For example, the rare condition known as albinism is caused when the enzyme tyrosinase’s activity is blocked in the cells. Without this activity, the melanocytes cannot produce melanin. As a result, the skin and other parts of the body have little pigmentation thus causing the very pale skin and eye color associated with the condition.

While albinism usually occurs throughout the body, other skin disorders can cause a loss of pigmentation in certain areas. The condition known as Vitiligo occurs when the cells stop producing melanin in specific parts of the skin causing whitish patches to form. The cause of the disorder usually results from disease or skin trauma.

In other cases, melanin is overproduced. Melasma is one such example. In this condition, which is common during pregnancy, the cells produce too much melanin and end up creating dark patches over parts of the body, including the face, hands, and other regions.

If your skin is not producing enough melanin, you are more vulnerable to the destructive impact of ultraviolet radiation. Sun exposure can also worsening the darkening effects of melasma by over-stimulating melanocytes.

Facial warts are an extremely embarrassing problem. If you have them then you have likely had to deal with the kind of school yard taunts which involve insinuations about kissing frogs. It is seriously a shame that even adults have to deal with this, but people can be – well, let’s not go there right now. How about we talk about possible wart remedies instead? There are far more now than there used to be, of course. We even know that warts on the face are the result of a viral infection – HPV, otherwise known as the Human Papillomavirus, yes - the very same virus that causes cervical cancer, just a different genotype. And there are a few ways how to get rid of these pests on your face:

1. Prescription Anti Wart Medication

One way to get rid of facial warts is by taking special, prescription medication. You will, of course, have to see a doctor or dermatologist first. You can’t get a prescription otherwise! This will not help everyone, of course, and there are certain warts for which such medications should not be used, but it can be beneficial to a lot of people.

2. Over-The-Counter Anti Wart Remedies

By the same token, you can get a lot of wart remedies over the counter. A lot of them contain salicylic acid. It must be said that, while effective, you might want to think about another option for warts located on your face. Of course, that does depend on the location of the wart and the sensitive around the area. Otherwise, something like wart freezing or laser wart treatment done by a doctor might be a better idea. But we will get to those wart remedies in a minute.

3. Home Anti Wart Remedies

First, some people like the homemade approach – and really, you can’t always discount these methods. After all, vanilla works to soothe some toothaches, salt water inexplicably makes sore throats feel better, so who’s to say that certain homemade remedies won’t work? Whether or not they do, people do still apply cider soaked lemon slices to their facial warts.

4. Wart Freezing

Now, let’s get down to wart freezing. This is also known as cryotherapy. When you go with this method, the warts on your face will get frozen with liquid nitrogen. Wart freezing is a popular method because it is not very invasive and the healing time is quite short.

5. Laser Wart Treatment

Last but not least, you could choose to go with laser wart treatment. The lasers are actually used to kill the viral infection. Sometimes it needs to be repeated, but it is generally the best option for getting rid of those facial warts which tend to reappear over and over again. For most people, however, laser wart treatment is the treatment of last resort, simply because it can be expensive.

These are just five of many ways you may be able to get rid of warts on your face. You can rest assured that at least one of them will certainly prove successful. There is no reason you should have to deal with this embarrassing skin problem, especially since there are so many methods for removal at your disposal. Talk to a doctor or dermatologist to see what might be your best option.

Skin burns are a common home accident, but many people do not know how to treat them effectively or when to seek additional medical attention. Before you can determine the proper treatment for skin burns, you need to determine the cause of the burn and its severity. Then you can determine the best way to proceed.

The Cause & Severity of the Burn

The vast majority of burns at home begin in the kitchen or bathroom. Very hot water, splashes of hot oil or cooking sauces, or even direct contact with cooking flames or hot cookware can cause very serious burns. In some cases, burns are the result of small fires, possibly from smoking. However, burns from chemicals or from electricity can also occur. The latter types of burns need to be treated differently than the former as we will discuss later in the article.

After you’ve established the cause, you need to determine how severe the burn is. First degree burns are usually red and swollen. They can be painful, but the skin isn’t showing any signs of blistering. Second degree burns, on the other hand, are going to produce blisters. The skin will show signs of swelling and will be a brighter color. In most cases, the skin will have a wet appearance. Pain associated with second degree burns is usually intense.

The most severe burns are called third degree. They often produce no pain because the burn has destroyed the nerve endings that send pain signals to the brain. The skin is going to be discolored and can appear white to the color of charred meat. Unlike a second degree burn, the skin is dry in appearance.

Skin Burn Treatment

With first degree burns and small second degree burns (smaller than 3 inches in diameter), your first task is to remove any clothing from the burned area. Then run cool water over the area. While you may be tempted to apply ice to the area for the numbing affect, this is not a good idea. For one, the ice can delay healing and can make the pain worse. For another, the ice could cause frostbite on the area. Clean the burned area gently and wrap loosely in gauze. Any over-the-counter pain medication will help take the edge off the pain which may last for a day or two.

You definitely do not want to apply any type of butter (a common old wives’ remedy) to the burn or break the blisters if they do form. Both of these actions can lead to infections.

If you have a more serious burn, you need to contact emergency medical help immediately. Follow the steps for a minor burn in the meantime, although you may want to avoid taking anything for the pain. The medical personnel will provide you with pain relief once you reach the hospital for treatment.

Chemical & Electrical Burns

Both of these types of burns should be treated as severe burns. Both can be washed with large amounts of cool water, but be careful not to touch the person (escpecially if electrical burn) as long as they are near the source of the burn. Also, do not apply any types of chemicals, ointments, or anything else to a chemical burn because of the potential for a serious chemical reaction.

Skin Care for Men Tip #1

So the first thing that you should know about men skin care is that a man usually has bigger pores than a woman. Yes guys, that means that your skin is much oilier than woman’s skin, about twenty percent oilier actually, so that takes some serious aftershave lotion or other men skin care products to cut the grease!

Skin Care for Men Tip #2

The second thing on our list of things you need to know about skin care for men is that you need to know your skin. Skin is definitely the biggest organ we have and many men simply have no idea how to take care of it! Your diet for instance, has a lot to do with what your skin will look like. If you eat a lot of junk, your skin will look like junk, so cut it out and eat some fresh veggies!

Skin Care for Men Tip #3

Number three on our list of ten things you should know about skin care for men is that most skincare creams are made out of harsh and sometimes chemical ingredients. This can irritate your flesh rather than make it better, so be sure that you are looking for something that is all natural and not filled with all of that chemical junk.

Skin Care for Men Tip #4

To go right along with number three, number four on our list is making sure that you get yourself a lotion that includes some sun protection. The sun can be extremely hard on your skin, so you want to make sure that your aftershave lotion includes some UV protection!

Skin Care for Men Tip #5

Number five on our list of ten is going to be finding a skincare cleanser that not only matches your skin type, but also has a good scrub to it. Deodorant soaps are not suitable for your face, but you do want to find something that will clear up all that oil in your pores and make sure it is all natural!

Skin Care for Men Tip #6

Finding the perfect moisturizer is definitely a hard task for woman, but for men? It is ten times harder, but if you are honestly looking to improve your skin, you are going to have to find yourself a moisturizer that will keep your skin from being oily yet keeps it fresh looking. That tip is number six on our list!

Skin Care for Men Tip #7

While you may think that many beauty routines that women perform each and every day to keep their skin fresh and clean are stupid, keeping a toner next to your cleanser is a great idea. Men are usually outside more than women and you are not getting any younger! So number seven on our list is tone it up boys and you will look younger every day!

All of the tips are there, boys, you just need to use them!

For many women and men, body cellulite is one of the most annoying problems they are facing with their appearance. While you can lose weight and exercise to get rid of most unsightly body issues, cellulite thighs (the most common problem) are much more challenging to expunge from your life. Below are some treatment options and cellulite information that might help you solve your own battle.

What Causes Cellulite?

There is no one single cause of cellulite. Some people do seem to be genetically predisposed to developing these lumpy bulges. What is known is that cellulite is caused by deposits of extra fat in the layers under the skin. When the fat cells expand and impact the collagen in the skin around them, they can cause the unsightly appearance associated with cellulite. While some types of cellulite respond well to lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and increased exercise, other types do not. The difference has to do with where the deposits are located and their impact on the collagen fibers in the skin. Making those lifestyle changes is a good idea because they can prevent the future development of cellulite in the body but if it doesn’t help get rid of your problem you’ll find some other options available.

Cosmetic Surgery

When people think about getting rid of cellulite, their first thought is often cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, liposuction is not a good choice even though many people use this method. The problem is that liposuction removes deep fat deposits and cellulite is not deposited at a deep enough level. In fact, liposuction can sometimes worsen the appearance of cellulite. A procedure known as Endermologie has also been used and is more promising because it focuses on the fat deposits closer to the skin.

Mesotherpy Cellulite Treatments

A more recently developed treatment for cellulite is mesotherapy. In this type of treatment, herbs and other chemicals are combined then injected into the affected area. The cocktail of chemicals is designed by your physician to cause the breakdown of the fat deposits so it can be flushed easily out of the system and so the skin will smooth out. Multiple treatment sessions are needed to see complete improvements. Despite some bruising and soreness in the area around the injections, mesotherapy has few risks and side effects.

Other Methods

Besides the above treatments, you’ll find plenty of others being hailed as the ultimate treatment for cellulite. Unfortunately, the research has now always backed up these claims. Some of the top cellulite treatment creams include xanthenes, retinoids, and/or alpha hydroxy acids. While these chemicals do have some benefits for skin care, the studies that have been one have shown no evidence that they reduce cellulite. Retinoids are the most promising of the bunch but large scale studies are lacking.

Body wraps are sometimes considered a treatment for cellulite but they do nothing to get rid of fat deposits. They only help you eliminate fluids and even that is temporary. Some types of massage might be effective, but the results depend on the techniques of the practitioner.

1. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin condition where the cells that make the pigment in your skin, the melanocytes, get destroyed. This causes white patches to appear on your skin, and this disease may affect any area of skin. These patches also show up on yoiur mucous membranes and the retina of your eyes. Symptoms include white or gray hair on the patches, as well as the white patches on your skin, mucous membranes, and eyes.

2. Tungiasis

Tungiasis is a skin disease cause by certain species of fleas, which burrow into the skin and lay eggs. Tungiasis occurs in many countries, and can be imported to others by individuals infected who travel. Symptoms include itching, burning, and pain in the area. Lesions, blisters, and ulcers may appear in the areas where the flea is burrowing. If not treated, this skin disease can cause a loss of toe nails, toes, severe infections, gangrene, tetanus, and other serious complications.

3. Pediculosis

Pediculosis is a skin disease caused by body lice. Body lice can affect all ages, genders, and races, and are found around the world. Symptoms of this disease include itching, a rash, white dots in your body hair which are nits, crawling live lice on your skin, a thickening or discoloration of your skin, and open sores on your body if the infestation is bad and not treated promptly.

4. Nummular Dermatitis

Nummular Dermatitis is a skin disease which has set skin lesion characteristics. These lesions can be oval or round, and they may itch or burn, especially when touched. When the disease starts, you may notice small areas that are red or blistered, and these spots join together to form bigger patches. Over time the skin looks like a ringworm infection, because there is a distinct outer border and a clear center.

5. Shingles

Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the herpes zoster virus in your body. Initially this virus causes the chicken pox, but can be reactivated years later to cause shingles. Symptoms can include headache, fever, general ill feeling, tingling along the nerve, skin pain that is stabbing and severe, blisters on the skin along the nerve path, a rash of small reddish dots, chills, scabs once blisters rupture and crust over, and severe itching.

6. Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic Keratosis is a skin disease which causes your skin to thicken, and is normally caused by age. Symptoms of this disease include small warts which may be raised, and can be yellow or brown, papules, excess skin pigment in some areas, sebum producing warts, growths on the skin which may be raised, itchy, discolored, or thickened, and skin growths which have a greasy feel.

7. Jock Itch

Jock itch is caused by a fungal infection that occurs in the groin area. This skin disease is contagious and can be caused or aggravated by wearing underwear which is damp or tight. If you have jock itch, you will notice a red rash that is scaly which will spread from your groin to the upper area of your thighs and your buttocks. This condition may also cause extreme itching, and can lead to infections if the scratching results in broken skin.

8. Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a skin disease that affects both the skin and the mucous membranes of the body. Symptoms of this disease can include a rash that is raised and shiny, and itches. Bumps may appear that can be pink or purple in color and small in size. You may also see scaly patches, a rash in your mouth, ulcers in your mouth, and blue areas which will appear inside the mouth on your tongue and cheeks. A rash and itching may also occur in the penile or vaginal area.

9. Photoallergy

Photoallergy is a reaction of the skin to the sun, or more specifically the UV rays of the sun. Symptoms of this skin disease include a red rash that may be raised or welted, and it can itch intensely just like other allergies. There are a number of medical conditions and medications that can cause this skin disorder, and the rash that develops is actually a form of contact dermatitis. The skin may also blister or peel, and you can experience nausea.

10. Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a group of bizarre skin diseases combined into one that causes your skin, and other tissues at times, to harden like a shell. Symptoms you will see in the skin if you have this disease include skin that is stiff, shiny, or thickened, swelling in your fingers, and hyper pigmentation. There can be many other symptoms if this disease affects tissues other than skin, and any organ or tissue in your body can show symptoms if affected.

When you or your child is suffering from eczema, you want to know some effective treatments that are going to alleviate the problem. In most cases, physicians are going to prescribe topical medications to reduce the inflammation. If you prefer to look for natural methods of eczema skin care and prevention, you’ll find some ideas below.

Natural Eczema Skin Cream Options

Some studies have been done on natural creams and gels which can be used to treat eczema skin. A topical ointment made with 2% licorice gel, for example, proved to be better at reducing inflammation and itching in patients with eczema compared to the effects of a placebo. Results of studies done on chamomile cream and witch hazel have not showed such positive results, but they may work for some patients. If you have an herbal medicine practitioner in your area, consider discussing these possibilities with them.

Besides questions about the effectiveness of some of these natural creams, some may cause allergic skin reactions in some people. However, if you don’t have that reaction and you do see improvements, you’ll find these products to be much cheaper than prescription topical ointments.

Probiotics

If you have an eczema skin disorder, probiotics might be a possible answer to consider as well. As you may know from all of the hype surrounding these so-called “good” bacteria, probiotics are found naturally within our digestive systems. Some research suggests that increasing the amounts of these bacteria can provide health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing eczema and maybe reducing outbreaks of eczema in children who already have the disorder.

A massive study involving more than 1,200 women found that taking probiotics up to four weeks before delivering their baby and continuing to give the infant probiotics after birth, significantly decreased the rate of eczema in the children when compared to the effects of a placebo. More research still needs to be done on probiotics as a treatment, but it does show promise with young people.

Other Options

Some of the best ways to prevent or reduce discomfort during an eczema outbreak involve home remedies. For example, keeping a humidifier running in your home can prevent your or your child’s skin from becoming too dry. Dryness seems to be one of the causes of outbreaks. Using moisturizers regularly will also help in this area.

You also want to minimize sweating. Research has shown that sweating can cause itching, and that itching can end up causing a full-blown outbreak.

If you are suffering from an outbreak, one of the best treatments to give you some relief is a cool bath. Add oatmeal to the water to soothe your skin, reduce redness, and stop the itching. At night make cool, wet bandages to apply to the inflamed areas. This will reduce discomfort so you can rest but will also stop you from scratching at night. The scratching is only going to make the problem worse so you want to do anything you can to prevent it from happening.

1. What Acne Scar Removal Options are Available?

Acne scars can be removed through a number of different treatment choices. Chemical peels, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, fractional laser and plasma pulse treatments are just a few of the options you might want to consider. Discussing these choices with your dermatologist is the best idea so you can determine which methods would be most appropriate for your type of acne scarring.

2. Can Lotions or Creams for Scar Removal Work for These Scars?

Unfortunately, many of the non-invasive products on the market that promise to improve scarring will not work on acne scars because they are in the skin. Most scars occur on top of the skin from exterior damage, such as a wound or a cut. With acne, the problem comes from within our skin. As a result, these types of scars are notoriously challenging to treat.

3. Should I Consider Acne Scars Treatment?

The decision to consider treatment for your acne scars is something each person must decide on his or her own. That decision should be based on factors including your own feeling about the scars. For example, if you find yourself feeling less confident and avoiding social situations because you are embarrassed by your acne scars, you might want to consider treatment. Again, your dermatologist can help you weigh the pros and cons of seeking this type of treatment.

4. Will Acne Scar Treatment Be Painful?

Most of the treatments available will cause some discomfort. The level of discomfort varies with the chosen treatment, your tolerance for pain, and pain relief methods used by your physician. For example, dermabrasion can be painful so most doctors will use a local anesthetic to minimize the discomfort during the procedure. Chemical peels, on the other hand, cause burning and stinging sensations that can be minimized with ice packs. After the procedure, you may also have some pain or discomfort, but these are usually treated with over-the-counter medications.

5. How Long Will Recovery Take?

Most people are surprised at how fast they can get back to their normal routines. With superficial chemical peels, you can return to normal activities almost immediately. With some laser treatments or anything procedure that involves the use of anesthetic, you should take the day off to recover from the medication. Healing of the area can take a few days to up to two weeks depending on the procedure.

6. How Much Does Acne Scar Removal Cost?

Costs vary greatly depending on the procedure you choose. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels using alpha hydroxyl acids are the cheapest, ranging from $75 to $350. Dermabrasion and CO2 laser resurfacing will cost between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on where you are located and the size of the area requiring treatment. The most expensive options tend to involve lasers and plasma. These often run as high as $4,000 to $6,000.

7. Does Insurance Cover These Procedures?

Most medical insurance does not cover the costs of acne scar removal. However, many physicians do extend credit to patients so they can pay off the procedure over time.

Cancer is a word that no one wants to think about, at least in relation to their own health or to their loved ones’ health. However, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 million people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer every year and another 60,000 patients are diagnosed with melanoma. This skin cancer data clearly indicates that people need to be more aware of the risk factors that might be increasing their chances of developing this disease. Below are the top three skin cancer risk factors.

1. Excessive Exposure to Ultraviolet Light

The most significant skin cancer risk factor that can be controlled through behavior is exposure to sunlight and artificial UV sources. Most people are aware that not using sun protection, getting sunburns, and engaging in artificial tanning are increasing their likelihood of developing skin cancer. However, most of the population continues to engage in these behaviors regularly. According to research conducted by the CDC, young people are the most inclined to ignore warnings about excessive sun exposure. Less than one-fourth of study participants stay in the shade or cover their skin sufficiently when in the sun. Less than one-third of people between 11 and 18 years of age wear sunglasses or apply sunscreen regularly. Most only use sunscreen at the beach. Even then, a stunning 40% do not use any type of protection from the sun. Nearly half of children under the age of 12 had at least one sunburn in the year before the study.

While this early exposure may not lead immediately to skin cancer, exposure to ultraviolet light and the damage it causes is cumulative. That means their risks are going to increase as they age. According to skin cancer statistics, the majority of cases are not diagnosed until after the age of 50 but most of the damage causing the cancer to develop occurred decades earlier.

2. Family History

Another important risk factor is your family history. About 10% of all melanoma patients have had other family members develop the same type of cancer. For this reason, doctors warn that if you’ve had two close family members (parents, siblings, etc.) who have had melanoma, you are at a greater risk of developing this type of cancer as well. Family history also plays a role in the other two forms of cancer, as well.

Unfortunately, you can’t do much to prevent this risk factor. However, if you do have a family history of the disease, work harder to minimize your other risk factors and be more vigilant about looking for signs of potential problems.

3. Skin Condition

Many of the other risk factors for skin cancer deal with you’re the condition of your skin, such as your complexion or the number of moles you have. If you have a light complexion and/or freckle easily, you are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer. Having more than 50 moles on your body also increases your risk of developing melanoma so you need to watch for any signs of the moles changing shape or color which could be a sign of cancer.

People who are not capable of being active, such as patients in nursing homes or recovering from surgeries, are the ones most likely to suffer from a decubitus ulcer, also known as a bedsore or pressure ulcer. Although these skin ulcers may not seem much of a health concern, they can be quite serious and often require surgical treatment.

Decubitus Ulcer Causes

When people are in one position for a long period of time, the pressure from their bodies can be too much for the capillaries in the skin. This causes discomfort that would make healthy and mobile individuals move to reduce that discomfort. For people who do not have this luxury, the continued pressure ends up causing these pressure sores.

Contributing factors to the development of the sores can include a lack of proper nutrition and other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or poor circulation, which might make the sores harder to heal on their own because of reduced blood flow to the area. People with fragile skin are also more vulnerable which is why the elderly run such a high risk of developing them.

Treatment of Pressure Ulcers

The treatment choices for a decubitus ulcer can include both nonsurgical and surgical approaches depending on the severity of the ulcer and the development of complications. When such an ulcer is first discovered, care should be taken to reduce the pressure on that spot. Pillows or cushions, for example, can be used to elevate that part of the body. You should also try to reduce friction with the use of baby powder. The friction can actually open the ulcer and make it more vulnerable to an infection.

If the ulcer is open, you’ll need to keep it very clean so bacteria does not get into the wound and cause greater health problems. Rinsing the ulcer thoroughly with salt water is usually good for cleaning and for removing any dead skin that builds up around the area. When not being cleaned, the ulcer should be covered with gauze. Your physician will specify what type of cause, how frequently to rinse the ulcer, and what other steps to take to promote healing.

For some patients, surgery is the best course of action. Part of the reason is that the skin around the ulcer dies and makes a good area for bacteria to grow which is not healthy, especially in older patients whose immune systems are not functioning as well. Additionally, 75% of all decubitus ulcers form on the buttocks and the majority of other sores form on the lower extremities. Because patients who have mobility problems sometimes urinate or defecate on themselves, this can actually increase the risk of serious infection.

Surgery can take a couple of different forms. Sometimes only the dead skin around the ulcer is removed. Other times the ulcer itself is removed or is reconstructed to prevent further health problems. These choices are determined on the health of the patient, the location of the sore, and the likelihood of further problems.

The Most Common Causes of Puffy Eyes

1. Many people believe that under eye bags are caused by a lack of sleep and there is some truth to that theory. When we’re tired, it’s not just our minds that feel groggy. The lack of sleep affects our muscles, including those that help make our skin look tone. However, sleepiness isn’t the most common cause of those black circles.

2. Genetics is a big factor. Chances are if you have parents who suffer from this same problem then you’re going to stand a good chance of dealing with a similar issue. Some people just have skin coloration that is more likely to darken either in certain conditions or with age. There’s not much you can do to mitigate those causes.

3. Another issue is age. We all know that gravity plays havoc with our bodies, but we may not have imagined it would cause problems to the skin below our eyes, too. The problem is that it does. Plus, there are other affects of aging that cause that puffiness. For one, we normally have deposits of fat around our eyes as a cushion to protect them from damage. As we get older, the fat leaves its areas and starts moving into other parts and that causes puffiness. With age, the skin muscles loosen and the collagen in the skin degrades. These two problems combine and end up leading to bags under eyes.

Dealing with Bags Under Your Eyes

1. Knowing why you have those dark and puffy areas around your eyes may not be much consolation when you look in the mirror. However, there are ways to minimize the problem. For minor problems, make-up can sometimes do wonders. Other temporary options include cold packs that reduce the swelling around the eyes and even the long-touted hemorrhoid cream which reduces puffiness but must be used with caution around the eyes.

2. If you want something that will provide longer lasting improvements, you may need to see a cosmetic surgeon. Injectable products, such as Restalyne, have been effective in improving the sagging. The Restalyne fills up the area. These treatments can last between 6 to 9 months then can be repeated.

3. You can also have a type of surgery known as blepharoplasty which is basically an eyelid lift. The cost of this procedure is a bit pricey at around $6,000, plus you’ll need to have a little time to recuperate and you’ll need to deal with the risks of surgery. However, if you’re fairly young and already having problems with eye drooping, you may want to consider this treatment because it lasts up to two decades. The bottom line is if you already know you have a genetic predisposition to eye bags you might want to start saving up for that eyelid surgery now.

For all we do to take care of our skin, certain little blemishes seem to pop up and hang around no matter what we do: body freckles. When you’re four, they are adorable. Once you start to get into the double digits, however, you start to get really tired of people calling you “freckle face”. This may sound crazy, but these little buggers seem to multiply. It’s like you can go to bed with a smattering of them on your face, but when you wake up, they have spread like an epidemic. Call it sun pigmentation, blame it on sun damaged skin, the point is that freckles are an epidemic if you have them. So let’s talk about the top ten weird spots on your body where you can find them – and, more importantly, what kind of skin care you can implement to finally make them less noticeable.

Just for the sake of fun, let’s start from the feet up – because that just happens to be spot number ten.

Spot #10: Feet

Freckles can show up in a number of areas, such as your toes and the tops of your feet. When we say body freckles, we mean it. Especially if you go barefoot or wear flip flops a lot, you can find these little spots all over your toes. You may try to put it off as a birthmark, but nobody’s buying that. How can you get rid of these spots without giving up the summertime pleasure of bare feet? Some people say lemon juice, others say moisturizer. Your best bet is to make sure you put sun screen on all ten little piggies.

Spot #9: Legs

The number nine spot is devoted to the legs. The calves are common, as are the knees, but the thighs are a breeding ground for body freckles. Because thighs are given to sunburn as well, it is a very common place for sun damaged skin to manifest into freckles.

Spot #8: Tummy

Number eight goes to the tummy. Unless you are genetically given to freckles then the most likely cause is sun damaged skin and your love of bikinis, cut away bathing suits, or crop tops. Again, your best bet is to wear sun screen whether you are out and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Spot #7: Breasts

Next up is number seven, the breast/chest area – depending on your gender, of course. Women who are out in the sun a lot or who smoke, are especially given to freckles and age spots just above the breasts. This can make your skin look old and tired before its time, so moisturize and protect at all costs.

Spot #6: Back

Number six comes as no surprise. It is the back. Just about everyone has a freckle or a mole on their back, it is like a requirement. This is especially true for the guys, especially if they happen to go around shirtless a lot. The girls may like it, but your skin doesn’t – unless it’s protected.

Spot #5: Shoulders

Number five is devoted to the shoulders. This is terribly common. Sun and skin pigmentation problems typically show up in the shape of freckles of all sizes. If you frequently get sunburned, you will get freckles here. What does that tell you? Everybody is free to wear sun screen!

Spot #4: Neck

The number four winner is the neck. If you have a serious case of body freckles, some are bound to show up here. Due to the configuration of the face, they are slightly less common but definitely not unheard of.

Spot #3: Nose

Number three goes to the nose, of course. There is little to say about this spot, since it is the most common location. Just, for goodness sake, remember not to go out in the sun without protection! Otherwise, these things will spread like bunnies!

Spot #2: Eyelids

Number two, believe it or not, is the eyelids. The skin there is sensitive. You get sunburned a lot and it’s going to look like you’ve got a strawberry field growing on your eyes. In fact, some people find it even sexy looking…

And…Spot #1: Earlobes

Last but not least, the weirdest possible place people get body freckles is…their earlobes. Even your humble author has one. If you are good, you can paint it silver and pass it off as an earring, but if you have a bunch, don’t be surprised if someone wants to play connect the dots on those lobes.

One of the most common skin problems is skin hyperpigmentation. When this occurs, parts of your skin darken in contrast to your normal skin color. The patches could be tan or dark brown. For some people, the patches are small. Age spots would be a good example of these smaller areas. For other people, the patches can be very large and noticeable. This is often the case with melasma, a type of skin hyperpigmentation that occurs during pregnancy. Understanding the causes and treatment options is the first step to dealing with this problem.

Causes of Skin Hyperpigmentation

A number of factors can lead to the development of hyperpigmentation. In many cases, the culprit is sun damage. Age spots, for example, are not a result of getting older but of cumulative sun damage showing up in the later years as these discolored areas. Pregnant women suffer from hyperpigmentation thanks to changes in their hormone levels, as a result some women who birth control pills cane sometimes experience melasma as well. Skin injuries and some types of diseases can also lead to this problem.

Regardless of what triggers hyperpigmentation, the result is that too much melanin (the chemical in our skin that gives it color) is produced and it begins to collect in specific areas of our skin. The higher concentration of melanin in those places leads to the discolored appearance.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment Options

The most commonly used form of hyperpigmentation treatment is bleaching. Basically, you would use certain products, such as Hydroquinone, to stop the production of melanin so that your skin will eventually regain its even skin color. These products are available in pharmacies and from dermatologists, but should be used in low concentrations (around 4% is recommended).

Another option is sometimes called a Hydroxy Acid Peel. With this method, chemicals are applied to the discolored areas of your skin. The chemicals, such as salicyclic acid, cause your upper layers of skin to peel away leaving behind fresh pink skin. This type of treatment is often available at local spas in lose strengths and could be useful to treat mild cases or small patches of hyperpigmentation. For more serious cases, you’ll need to see a dermatologist.

Laser resurfacing is also a popular option. This procedure should only be done by a qualified dermatologist or physician, however. Basically, a laser tool is used to point a CO2 laser at the areas of your skin which are discolored. The tool allows for excellent accuracy. The laser destroys the upper layers of skin where the melanin has been pooling so new skin will be able to grow. The procedure can be a bit uncomfortable so many doctors offer a local anesthetic to ease the pain. One advantage of laser resurfacing over similar techniques, such as dermabrasion, is that little bleeding is involved.

Other treatment options include certain types of prescription-strength ointments, microdermabrasion, and pulsed laser treatments. Before you choose any of these methods, be sure you and your physician have determined the underlying cause of the hyperpigmentation so it won’t come back after you complete the treatment.

Skin cancer is one of the fastest growing forms of cancer in much of the world. Although skin cancer is always one of the easiest forms of the disease to treat, the effectiveness of those treatments depends on how early the disease is caught. Skin cancer treatments can be less radical when the cancer is only in its early stages. Below you’ll find information about the different stages of skin cancer.

Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Stages

Three types of skin cancer are possible: squamous, basal, and melanoma. Because melanoma is a more aggressive form of skin cancer, its stages are different from those of squamous and basal skin cancer.

With those two types of cancer, stages are identified as 0 to IV. At Stage 0, the abnormal cells can be found in the epidermis, but they have not yet progressed to full-blown cancer. By Stage I, the cells have found a location in the surrounding tissue and have started mass producing cells which form a small tumor. During this stage, the tumor is about the size of a unshelled peanut or smaller (approx. 2 centimeters). When the tumor grows larger than 2 centimeters, the skin cancer is said to have gone into Stage II.

Beyond Stage II, the cancer is more serious. In Stage III, the abnormal cells have spread into the tissue underneath the skin. The cells may be present in the cartilage, bone, muscle, or even lymph nodes. Treatment at this stage can be difficult. Finally, when the cancer reaches Stage IV that means it has spread into other parts of the body, such as the lungs.

How are Skin Cancer Stages Determined?

If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, your physician will need to do staging – the process of figuring out how advanced the cancer has become in your body. The most common way to conduct staging is by doing a biopsy of the tumor and the surrounding tissue. If the cancer cells are found outside the tumor, the staging will be hired because it shows the cancer is spreading into other parts of the body.

Staging is usually done very early on after diagnosis because it will determine the type of treatment that needs to be done. For example, Stages I and II can usually be treated by removing the tumor. Doctors may recommend some radiation treatments to kill off any rogue cancer cells left behind in the tissue but usually removal is sufficient.

With Stage III cancer, more aggressive treatments, including removal of the tumor, affected tissue, and other parts of the body affected by the cancer, as well as chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments will be ordered. With Stage IV, treatment depends on where the cancer has spread.

Skin Cancer Prevention

While the idea of skin cancer stages can be scary, the best way not to have to worry about them is by taking steps to prevent skin cancer from happening to you. That includes minimizing your exposure to the skin and using sun screens when you are outdoors for long periods of time. Watching for changes in your skin and detecting abnormal growths early is also the best way to stop the disease from progressing into these later and more dangerous stages.

One of the most popular treatments for sun damage, superficial fine lines, and acne scars are glycolic acid peels. The glycolic acid causes the removal of the upper layer of skin causing the growth of new skin and reducing those visible problems. Before you head down for your next chemical peel, here are some top facts you might want to know first.

1. Glycolic Acid Peels are for Superficial Skin Problems Only

Although there are different and deeper types of chemical peels available, glycolic acid is only used for the mildest cases. While you may not see all of your undesirable features disappear in a single treatment for this reason, you can repeat the process to keep improving the results. Deeper peels are done with trichloracetic acid (TCA) in most cases.

2. Dermatologists Do Not Recommend Glycolic Acid Facial Peels for Everyone

While superficial chemical peels are fairly common place, they are not recommended for all skin complexions because of potential risk for hypo or hyperpigmentation. To determine who might be at risk, doctors use the Fitzpatrick’s Scale of Sun-Reactive Skin Types with Type I patients always burning and never tanning and Type VI patients being just the opposite. These peels are not recommended for people with skin types at the upper range of this scale.

3. Pre-treating Improves Results

Your doctor may give you some ointments to use on your skin in the days leading up to your peel, including tretinoin (Retin-A), alpha hydroxyl acid creams (often containing glycolic acid), and/or hydroquinone (a bleaching agent used to treat hyperpigmentation). Use these as directed for improved results from your peel.

4. Glycolic Acid Skin Care Hurts Less Than You Might Imagine

The idea of burning away the top layers of your skin with chemicals sounds horrific and painful, but most patients are not overly bothered by pain during the procedure. For about ten minutes, patients feel a very warm or hot sensation on the area where the chemicals have been applied followed by a stinging sensation. That’s nothing compared to the discomfort reported during laser resurfacing or dermabrasion.

5. Chemical Peels Aren’t Just for the Face

A common misconception is that glycolic acid peels are normally only used on the face. That’s not the case. These treatments are ideal for other areas of the body, including the legs, arms, back, neck, chest, and hands.

6. Down Time is Minimal

Glycolic acid peels are known as lunch time peels for a reason. Once the peel is finished you can head back to the office with no problems. Your face may be a little red and swollen but otherwise you’ll be able to go about your business as if nothing happened. Remember to apply a good sunscreen to your face as directed by your physician if you are going to be in the sunlight.

7. Glycolic Acid Peels is an Affordable Choice

While most cosmetic surgery treatments cost thousands of dollars, these superficial chemical peels can be as cheap as $150. At the high end, you shouldn’t expect to pay more than around $600. That’s a bargain.

While acne can be difficult to live with, the lasting scars that can be left behind by frequently squeezing, scratching, or messing with blemishes are even more challenging. They can be long-term reminders of past outbreaks. The good news is that methods of acne scar removal are available. Below is information about three of the best options for acne scar removal treatment.

1. Laser Resurfacing

One of the newer options is acne scar laser treatment, also known as laser resurfacing. In most cases, a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser is used in this type of acne treatment. The laser tool looks a bit like a wand which is move over the affected part of the skin. The laser destroys the upper layer of tissue to reveal new skin underneath. For deeper scarring, multiple layers may need to be removed.

As you might expect, laser resurfacing does cause some discomfort during the procedure. You may be able to have a local anesthetic or some other type of pain medication to help alleviate that discomfort. Once the procedure is completed, the new skin is going to be very sensitive. For this reason, you’ll need to take some special precautions with it. That includes limiting skin exposure, keeping it covered with bandages, and making sure the skin stays moist.

Although healing is usually complete in a few weeks, your skin may stay a light pink color for as long as a few months.

2. Dermabrasion

Another option for acne scars removal is called dermabrasion. The idea is really the same as with laser resurfacing only with this method a tool called a fraise or a wire brush is used. The tool rotates very quickly against the skin so the top layers are removed. Because of the injury to the skin, new skin is prompted to begin growing. Depending on the severity of the scars, the tool may need to be applied with more pressure or for longer periods of time. While laser resurfacing includes minimal bleeding, dermabrasion usually causes more significant bleeding.

Obviously, this procedure is going to cause some pain. In most cases, a local anesthetic is applied to the area, as well as ice packs, to help make things easier on the patient. If you have a lot of scarring, your doctor may even recommend sedation. After the procedure, the new skin grows back in about a week and from then on you’ll just need to be careful about keeping the area clean to prevent infections and minimally exposed to the sun.

3. Chemical Peels

With a chemical peel, the outer skin epidermis layer is removed in a different way: this time with chemicals that cause blistering and sloughing. An acid, such as salicylic or carbolic acid, is applied to the scarred areas of your skin. The acid causes the skin to be injured and, again, new skin forms in its place. For most chemical peels, no anesthetic is needed. Most patients feel only a warm to hot sensation as the chemical works for about 5 to 10 minutes followed by a stinging sensation that can be easily numbed by ice packs.

Following the procedure, you’ll see the skin blistering and peeling off in 7 to 14 days depending on the depth of the peel required for scar treatment. The new skin will need to be treated carefully and protected from the sun for several weeks to months because of its increased sensitivity.

No one enjoys dry skin. The skin itching is annoying, and the skin redness can be embarrassing. However, dry skin is also more likely to look old and that’s why people who live in the desert or similar arid climate areas need to pay special attention to their skin unless, of course, they want to speed up the skin aging process.

Why Dry Areas Make it Worse

When people say they have dry skin, they mean it literally. That itching and redness are literally caused by a lack of moisture in the skin. And that can be a direct result of living in dry areas. The question is how does climate have any impact on your skin?

The answer is simple: evaporation. We’ve all seen evaporation in action. When you boil water on the stove, the steam rising off is a result of evaporation. Water is changing forms and heading into the atmosphere thanks to the heat. The same thing happens to your skin in some environments. If you live somewhere very hot and dry, for example, the heat is going to speed up evaporation and less moisture will be left for your skin. This is exactly what happens in our homes every winter when we heat them to stay warm.

However, if you live in a hot and humid climate you won’t have to worry as much. Humidity is caused by water vapor in the air so if the air is already very moist you won’t have to worry about as much evaporation from your skin.

Dry Skin and the Skin Aging Process

When your skin is dry, it becomes less pliable and less elastic. As a result, it can’t bounce back as well as it could when it was supple and moist. The result is that untreated dry skin over a prolonged period is going to look older, is going to be more likely to show wrinkles, and may even be more prone to skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

However, you can take active steps to prevent these problems even if you do live in an arid climate.

Tips for Keeping Skin Moist

When you are indoors, you should have a humidifier running during the winter and maybe even during the summer. Both heat and air conditioners can dry out the air so having a device that will add moisture back into the air is a good idea.

You should also steer clear of those very hot showers. Even though the shower itself is moist, the heat is going to dry out your skin. Instead, you should take short warm showers. After leaving the shower, you should apply a good moisturizer liberally to your skin to help hold in that moisturizer. You don’t have to spend a fortune on these lotions either. Almost any of them will do the trick, but the most effective will contain lanolin.

You should also make sure to drink plenty of fluids. During the winter, we may drink less water and that can also lead to drier skin. Remember that eight glasses of water a day is a good goal if you want young, healthy skin.

For decades, people have been looking for ways to fight back against wrinkles: those visually unappealing lines that are a dead giveaway to everyone that you are getting older. Until recently, however, most people had ignored one of the chief culprits that cause wrinkles: unhealthy food. While you might be surprised to find a connection between aging skin and a poor diet, the science seems to support these findings and also offers some advice on how to add some foods to your diet to fight back against those wrinkles.

Wrinkles Caused by Poor Nutrition

The main bad guy in the store seems to be sugar. While sugar is definitely tasty, it’s also part of a process known as glycation. What happens during this process is that sugar that is in your blood actually latches onto passing protein and forms something known as an AGE (advanced glycation end products). AGEs start damaging the proteins in the body, including the fibers known as collagen and elastin which are critical to healthy and young looking skin. As these become damaged and even destroyed by the AGEs, your skin begins to sag more and to become wrinkled.

Plus, research has shown that AGEs will also stop your body’s antioxidant enzymes from functioning properly. Those enzymes are your first line of defense against sun damage so they leave your skin vulnerable not only to the perils of sun exposure but also to a greater risk of skin cancer. And remember the sun is the main enemy of your skin – sugar seems to be an efficient co-conspirator.

If you’re wondering when you need to start worrying about the sugar in your diet and its impact on your skin, most dermatologists say this process kicks into high gear after about 35 but it couldn’t hurt to start cutting back on high sugar foods ahead of time.

Reducing the Damage

While a bad diet can increase your chances of developing wrinkles, some foods can be added to your diet to reduce the risks associated with them. Remember that elastin and collagen are made from protein fibers that means your body needs a good source of protein if it’s going to continue making these necessary ingredients to beautiful skin. That means you should have plenty of lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and eggs in your diet.

Avoiding excess sugar in your bloodstream, especially if you are diabetic, can help reduce the development of AGEs so add plenty of foods that are low on the glycemic index. These foods would include whole grains, most fruits, vegetables, and many types of nuts.

You might also want to chew some sugar-free gum. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used to artificially sweeten many products, including gum and some diet sodas. Research using rats found that when xylitol is added to their diets their collagen production also increased. While that’s not definite proof for people, it could be a good reason to start switching to more sugar-free products. Just remember that for people with sensitive digestive systems too much xylitol can cause diarrhea.

If you’ve always wanted to make your skin look smooth and sexy but never knew how to do it, there are some easy to follow methods that can help you achieve that goal. The best part is you won’t have to buy any special lotions or skin care products to achieve the goal in most cases. You’ll find plenty of natural steps towards beautiful skin. Here are just a few.

Plenty of Vitamins

You may not have made the connection between vitamins and healthy skin but the connection is definitely there. If you want sexy skin, you’ve got to begin by making sure you’re getting all of the vitamins your body needs. Of course, there are a few key nutrients. Vitamin A, for example, has been proven effective against dryness and may even help slow down the aging process. Vitamin B promotes good circulation which helps your skin repair itself from any damage while Vitamin C is necessary for healthy collagen production. Without enough collagen, your skin will lose its elasticity and will start to look old faster than it should.

The good news is you don’t need supplements to benefit from these vitamins. Strawberries, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables are all good sources of these vitamins.

Water

Another important nutrient for smooth and sexy skin is water. Obviously, water is important for your body which is primarily made of fluids anyway. However, water is also important because it keeps your skin moist from the inside out. Most people, unfortunately, do not drink enough fluids. Caffeinated and sugary beverages can actually speed up dehydration instead of fixing the problem. Remember that water is the best choice but low-sugar drink mixes that are blended with water can also be a good choice if you’re not keen on the taste of plain water. Shoot for between six to nine 8 ounce servings per day.

Exercise

Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health; it’s also good for your skin. When you do anti wrinkle exercises, for example, your skin – just like any other organ – gets a workout. Circulation is improved and that’s good for plenty of reasons. Plus, your body will sweat and that’s another way to moisturize your skin, even though we tend to think of sweat in negative terms.

Sleep

Did you know that not getting enough sleep could show in your skin? It’s true. Our skin is being damaged all of the time without our knowledge because it is always coming into contact with harmful things in our environment. All of that damage needs to be healed and that can really only happen while we’re sleeping. If you don’t get enough rest though, your skin can’t heal properly and will begin to show signs of damage, such as those pesky signs of aging most of us want to avoid.

The best advice here is to get your eight hours minimum of sleep a night. If you have trouble getting to bed, try a warm shower and some lavender moisturizer. Lavender is believed to have soothing and relaxing aromatherapy properties that will help you rest.

Having smooth sexy skin is something many of us believe is only possible for celebrities who have oodles of cash to spend on products and lots of advisors telling them how to always look beautiful. Thankfully, that’s not the case. The sexy skin secrets we believe are beyond our grasp are really much closer than you could imagine. Below are a few of the best tips for improving the smoothness and sexiness of your skin.

Healthy Diet

One of the best secrets shouldn’t be a secret at all. Eating healthy is the best way to make sure your skin looks beautiful. That’s because your skin is really just one giant organ and like all of your other organs needs good nutrition to work properly. Plus, having a good supply of vitamins and nutrients will improve the overall look of your skin.

Make sure to add plenty of healthy fatty acids, such as those found in fish and salmon, because they are good for your skin.

Minimize Sun Exposure

While our vision of beauty tends to include tanned skin, you’d be better off getting that tan out of a bottle than from the sun. That’s because those ultraviolet rays are damaging to your skin and can cause premature signs of aging, including increased dryness and discoloration. When you do go in the sun, you should always protect your skin with an adequate sunscreen. An SPF of at least 15 is good. And that sun protection should be done both in the summer and winter. Just because the weather is colder that doesn’t mean the sunshine is any less damaging for your skin.

Choose Good Moisturizers

Moisturizing your skin is another secret to having smooth sexy skin. That’s because these lotions and creams can trap moisture in your skin and can serve as a barrier to the environmental pollutants that can cause further damage. However, you need to know which ingredients to look for and when to apply the moisturizer if it’s going to do any good.

Avoid sodium laureth which can actually increase dryness by removing naturally-produced oils in the skin. Look for lanolin products whenever possible because this ingredient provides a good barrier for your skin without being overly harsh. Remember to apply it while you’re skin is already moist, such as after a shower, because it cannot actually restore moisture to your skin. It can only prevent its evaporation in the first place.

Avoid Bad Habits

Developing a good skin care routine is one of the good habits you should start but there are a few bad habits you need to give up. Smoking is definitely one of them. If you are a smoker, you are damaging your skin with every cigarette thanks to the chemicals in the smoke and in the parts you ingest. Alcohol can also be very destructive to your skin. Think about the last time you looked at an alcoholic and commented on his/her beautiful skin. It just doesn’t happen. Most alcoholics look older than their age thanks to the damaged skin from the drinking combined with the poor nutrition associated with the disease.

If you are one of millions of Americans who need to relax or if you’re just interested in improving the look of your skin, hot stones body massage can be a great opportunity for both. You may not have realized it but this type of massage is becoming increasingly popular and once you’ve experienced its many benefits you’ll easily understand why.

Understanding Hot Stones Body Massage

At first, hot stones body massage may just look like someone placing a few rocks on your back but the process is actually a little more complex. The first important step is using the correct rocks. Massage therapists need rocks made from basalt. Their high iron content means they conduct and retain heat well which is important for this type of work. Second, the rocks need to be placed at special points on your back. These key areas are important to circulation and relaxation. The increased flow of blood to the muscles will help them start healing from the normal wear and tear of the day while the increased relaxation will help you regain a sense of tranquility in your own life.

Additionally, the heat released from the rocks on your back is believed to penetrate your skin and to reach your muscles. The warmth helps them relax as well which makes deeper massages and better results possible.

History of the Practice

Most people agree that hot stones body massage is not a new practice. Ancient people had been practicing similar methods for years. In fact, a Hawaiian version provides some of the best skin care results because after the back is warmed by the basalt rocks, another rock type is used to scrap away dead skin and leave you looking beautiful and fresh.

A woman named Mary Nelson was believed to be behind the resurgence of this type of massage. After practicing it herself with a large number of satisfied customers, she began teaching courses and now spas all over the country are offering this service.

Benefits of Hot Stones Body Massage

The benefits are actually quite numerous. Although not much has been done scientifically to prove any of these benefits, the anecdotal evidence for these massage therapies speaks volumes. Plus, many of the benefits make good medical sense. For example, improve circulation is going to help our skin stay healthier and younger looking that means if the rocks are enhancing blood flow then it is providing a real benefit to our bodies.

Additionally, these massages are wonderful relaxation techniques. The heat is soothing physically and emotionally. Plus, it loosens muscles and increases your sense of serenity. Sometimes the hot rocks are dipped into aromatherapy scents to further enhance these results.

The heat has also been shown to reduce pain, especially back pain, and to stop insomnia by increasing relaxation. If you have either problem, trying one of these massages might be a better first choice than turning to prescription medications and their side effects.

The aging problem is not kind to all of us. As a result, we sometimes wish there was someway we could turn by the clock and at least make our facial skin look younger. After all, you don’t want people to guess your age (or an ever older age) when they first meet you. For this and other skin care problems, men and women seek out some type of facial skin therapy. But which is the best? Below we’ll look at a few of the older methods and some of the newer ones hitting the spas and cosmetic surgery offices around the country.

The Old Reliable Facial Skin Therapy Options

Some of the most common facial skin therapy choices include microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Both of these methods have been used for years. They also work in similar ways. Microdermabrasion treatments use directed crystals to destroy the upper layer of your skin while chemical peels use a burning agent to remove that layer. Both make way for the growth of newer, fresher, younger skin. And both are capable of getting rid of many superficial problems, such as light wrinkles and acne. Although the costs can be a bit high for the average consumer, they are more affordable choices than most of the newer procedures now hitting the market.

New Facial Skin Therapy Options

One of those new methods is known as Thermage. Basically, a specialized instrument is used to heat the collagen below the upper layers of skin using capacitive radiofrequency while also keeping the surface cool with a separate spread. As a result, the collagen immediately tightens up causing the skin to become tighter as well. Although patients do feel the heat, this one type of treatment lasts only 20 minutes or less so most people feel the discomfort is worth the fast results. The price tag is steep at $1,000 to $5,000 but since the improvements from one treatment can continue for up to six months and can then last for years the investment may be worth it.

A second facial skin therapy you might want to consider is called photodynamic therapy. Until recently, this treatment which is referred to as PDT has been used primarily for cancer treatments because it allows physicians to target and destroy certain patches of tissue that may contain cancerous cells. Now dermatologists are using this method for wrinkle reduction and skin conditions treatment, including rosacea, psoriasis, oily skin, skin discoloration, and more.

With PDT, a photosensitive chemical is applied to the skin. That area then reacts to the light source by releasing oxygen molecules which enter the skin and damage the cells so they need to be replaced with non-problematic ones. After the treatment, the skin continues to heal and to improve in appearance. Plus, the method results in less risk of scarring than more invasive techniques and even most other types of cosmetic procedures.

Of course these are only a couple of your options. You might also be interested in photofacials, plasma skin regeneration, or acne blue light therapy. As always, talk over all of these options with your physician or dermatologist to determine which would be best for your skin needs.

According to a 2007 report from CNN, antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed medication in the United States. While designed to treat serious cases of depression, physicians today are writing out the orders for the drugs for patients who have much milder cases. Last year, more than 118 million prescriptions for antidepressants were filled. That’s five million more than for high blood pressure medication. While there are plenty of arguments for reducing this number, one of the least mentioned is the risk of serious skin problems posed by these drugs.

Sun Sensitivity

Tricyclic and heterocyclic are just two of the commonly prescribed antidepressants that can lead to serious skin problems. The cause is increased sun sensitivity. Because your skin is at greater risk for sun damage and burns, you need to be careful when being in the sun. Not only can the skin exposure cause a rash to develop in your skin but it can also lead to discolored or very red patches. And sun burns are considered one of the biggest risk factors associated with skin cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, each time you suffer a burn you are increasing your risk for developing a type of skin cancer and that’s a serious skin problem to have to face.

Preventing these problems requires some serious lifestyle adjustments. You should avoid going out in the sunlight during the mid-part of the day. When you do go into the sun, you should always wear a strong sun block even on your lips. If you don’t want to use sun block, be sure to have a hat, glasses, and other protective wear to prevent your skin from being affected by that direct sunlight. Obviously, tanning beds are going to be a huge no-no.

Other Serious Skin Problems

While antidepressants can be an important part of a healthy life, you should be aware that these prescriptions can lead to chronic skin problems. While sun sensitivity and an increased risk of skin caner or major lifestyle alterations are some of the problems you might have to face, there are others as well.

Prozac, for example, is one of the most popular antidepressants prescribed today. However, this drug can result in intense itching, hives, rashes, acne, and hair loss. Another popular antidepressant, Paxil, can also cause problems with your body’s ability to sweat. This can lead to overheating and sun stroke problems. On the other hand, Zoloft has been shown to increase sweating and to cause hot flashes in both men and women.

Effexor also causes some of the problems listed above, as well as some of its own. Besides the sensitivity to light (sometimes referred to as photosensitivity), the drug can also cause brittle nails, bruising, and dry skin.

Most of the antidepressants on the market combine some or all of these potential skin-related side effects. While many people may not be bothered by the problem, if you already have increased skin sensitivity you may be at greater risk. Always pay attention to the side effects of any medication.

By now, you probably already know that sun burns are going to make you more likely to develop skin cancer later in life. You may also know that the supposedly attractive summer glow of a tan is actually caused by damage being done to your skin even if you don’t burn. While we may still not have abandoned the idea of a bronzed body being beautiful in youth, we certainly don’t embrace the results they have on our skin as we age, including wrinkles and liver spots. However, you don’t have to abandon the outdoors to preserve the beauty and health of your skin. Below are some tips that will help you prevent skin burning.

Avoid Excessive UV Light

UV (Ultraviolet) light is what hits our skins thanks to the sun and does enough damage to cause a temporary change in our skin pigmentation. While getting a little sun exposure can be good for your body thanks to the Vitamin D it produces, you need to know when the UV light is going to be at its strongest so you can stay indoors or take precautions against the dangers.

And that’s where the high UV index comes into the picture. The National Weather Service developed a UV index to measure the intensity of the light that was bombarding the planet. Clouds, humidity, and other conditions can affect the levels of UV rays you’ll be exposed to outdoors so understanding this ranking system can help you know when precautions really are needed. The EPA has the daily ratings posted so you can look for your city. Remember that level 1 is going to stand for no risk while the index can go above 11 for days of very intense UV rays.

Keeping the Skin Safe

If you want to prevent skin burning, there are some precautions you can take besides paying attention to the UV index on a regular basis. First, you should pay attention to when you are going to be outdoors. If possible, spend time outdoors before 10 am and after 4 pm. During the summer, you’ll still quite a bit of sunlight time that way but you won’t have to worry about the impact of direct UV rays as much.

Second, always apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before you are going into the sun. You want to look for an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15 which should be applied liberally all over the exposed parts of your body. If you’re going to be gone for a long time, take some with you because you’ll need to reapply every 3 to 5 hours. You should also have special sunscreen for your lips, nose, and cheeks.

Third, if you’re going to be in the water, take special precautions. Because the sun is attracted to the water and because the coolness of the water is deceptive, you can easily get a severe burn while swimming. Just using sunscreen isn’t going to be enough. Most of the products wash off in water. Even waterproof varieties will only last for 30 minutes in the water. If you’re going to be swimming, make sure to choose the right type of sunscreen, limit your lips to half hour intervals, and definitely avoid swimming in direct UV sunlight.

For a long time, people were told that salt was bad for their skin. However, anecdotal reports of people swimming in the ocean only to emerge with cleaner, clearer, and healthier looking skin kept popping up. Now we know that some salt can do wonders for your skin. Of course, there are still some reasons to avoid salt water in certain situations.

Positive Results

Salt has many healing properties that most of us take for granted. Today, we tend to see it as a flavoring for food or the enemy of our blood pressure readings but it actually can be the base for a useful mouthwash, toothpaste, insect and bee sting treatment, and more. However, salt can also play a role in helping with our beauty regime. For example, if you want to give yourself a facial, you can do so by combining olive oil and salt then rubbing the mixture into your skin. When you wash it off, you’ll find that your face feels tingly and rejuvenated for a lot less than the cost of spa facial.

If you have trouble with dry itchy skin, especially during the winter, call in the salt brigade. When you finish your bath or shower, spend a few minutes rubbing salt into your skin. The rubbing actually helps improve circulation which is always good but the friction from the salt particles will remove dead skin which is often the source of the itchiness.

While not necessarily just a treatment for the skin, salt water baths can deliver fabulous results, including some you may not have considered. These baths can help reduce inflammation and increase circulation to promote the healing of damaged or sore muscles. Adding a few handfuls of salt to your bathwater can also help reduce fatigue.

Some research also suggests that salt water can help to acne treatment, improve eczema outbreaks, and treat psoriasis. That makes sense given that salt has been used for treating skin infections and other problems for centuries. Even the earliest physician – Hippocrates – recognized the benefits of this chemical.

Negative Results

While salt intentionally applied to our skin or obtained via a dip in the ocean may be good for our skin, other encounters may not always be so positive. For example, if you have too much salt in your water, your skin may feel slimy and unclean. In fact, because most soaps do not work well in the presence of salt, your skin probably won’t get very clean and this could cause to future skin problems, including acne.

Salt in your water can sometimes cause over-softening. You don’t want that either. Instead, find ways to reduce the salt content of your water. Adding a salt-free softener might do the trick.

Salt Penetration: Good or Bad

Overall, the deliberate use of salt as part of your beauty or relaxation routine seems to have plenty of benefits. Whether you have oily or dry skin, the salt can help your skin look more beautiful and younger than even spa-quality treatments.

Many people have either had or considering having a aesthetic plastic surgery. They want to look younger, fix perceived flaws in their body, or provide enhancements to make them look more beautiful. While plastic surgery can deliver in these areas, be prepared to follow up the procedure with some careful skin care procedures to maximize the results.

Be Prepared for After Effects

Although you may not have felt the pain during the procedure, you can be sure that your skin has been traumatized by whatever cosmetic procedure you’ve had. The results of that trauma are going to be visible soon after and will include bruising, swelling, redness, and discomfort. When patients are not prepared for these results, they can be alarmed at the condition of their skin and can be concerned about the results of the surgery.

You should remember that these are natural effects of the surgery or procedure. Do not be alarmed by them. They will disappear after a few days, and your skin will return to normal. If things do not improve after a short period, you should consult your surgeon or physician.

Skin Treatments to Improve Condition

The best way to deal with the after effects of plastic surgery is to use proper skin care methods. Your physician may have some aftercare specifics you should follow but in general there are a few basic steps you need to follow.

First, be sure to protect your skin from the sun. In most cases, the skin that is exposed after surgery is going to be very sensitive to the UV rays from the sun. You could end up causing damage to your skin if you go out in the direct sunlight after surgery. Try to minimize exposure to the sun as much as possible but if you do go out you should always use sunscreen lotion with an SPF factor of 30 or 40.

Another strategy is to keep your hands off your healing skin. As you probably already know, the healing process is going to make it very itchy and you’ll have a strong desire to scratch. Scratching, however, is not a good idea. Not only does it further injure your skin and delay healing but it also can introduce bacteria into your skin from your fingernails. If you have trouble resisting the urge, you should cover the area with a clean, dry wrap, make sure your nails are trimmed very short, or apply an anti-itch lotion to the area.

To speed up healing, you should drink plenty of fluids. Drinking up to 8 glasses of water per day will keep your skin moist which will help healing. Plus, you don’t want to risk becoming dehydrated which will slow your immune system’s response.

Finally, pay attention to the products you are using on your skin. Hypoallergenic products without fragrances are one of the best choices. Look for lotions that are for sensitive skin and for skin cleansers which do not contain soap. Soap just dries out your skin and will make healing more difficult.

Liposuction has remained one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery for a long time. However, most people who have never experienced the procedure may be unaware of what needs to be done afterward. Below you’ll find useful information about how to take care of your skin once the procedure is complete so you’ll be happier with the results.

What is Liposuction?

Don’t confuse liposuction surgery with weight loss surgery. That’s a common misconception. In fact, liposuction procedures would be a better post-bariatric surgery treatment because its purpose is to remove fatty deposits in your body and to contour them so they look more visually appealing. The most common targeted areas for the procedure include the thighs, upper arms, under the chin, the hips, and any spot where unwanted fat tends to accumulate.

Although liposuction is intended to be available only for people who’ve reached a stabilized weight, if you do gain weight later on the extra pounds won’t be deposited in the areas you’ve had treated because the fat cells have been removed.

Post-Liposuction Skin Care

Once you’ve had the procedure, you need to be prepared to follow the physician’s aftercare instructions as well. Failing to do so could end up leading to unsatisfactory results and that’s not something you want.

First, you should be prepared to be bound. Once the liposuction surgery is finished, the areas will be tightly bound. This is important because it helps prevent sagging and damage to the area. Your physician will tell you how long to keep the area bound tightly. It can vary from 2 days to several weeks depending on the area and the preference of the surgeon.

Second, you need to have someone assist you on the day of the removal. Most people feel faint when the material is loosened because of the blood rushing into the area. You don’t want to risk passing out and hurting yourself.

Third, your skin care ritual now begins. Because the area is going to be very itchy and dry thanks to the healing process and the tightly bound garment, you should use petroleum jelly to soothe the area and to prevent itching. You do not want to scratch the area because this can damage the skin and cause an infection.

Finally, you will need to massage the treated areas several times a day. Don’t just gently caress your skin either. You need to do a deep massage. Even though the area may still be healing, the massage won’t hurt because the area will still be numb for several weeks after the procedure. Massaging the skin helps slowly bring back sensitivity to the area while also promoting circulation and healing. Massage can also help prevent wrinkling which can sometimes occur in the skin following liposuction.

Although the skin will be numb, you will probably feel some pain after the surgery. In most cases, the pain is quite bearable and can be reduced with over the counter pain medication. If you have a low pain threshold you may need to discuss this with your surgeon beforehand. He may be able to prescribe something stronger for pain relief.

The skin care industry today is flooded with solutions to skin care needs. The market for products that give us healthier and younger looking skin is a multi-billion dollar business. Today our society is also more concerned than ever about using chemicals and manmade products. The market for natural solutions to everyday problems is gaining popularity at an astounding rate.

Vitamins of all sorts are known to help promote healthy skin. One of the most important vitamins for skin care is vitamin C.

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is an essential ingredient in many skin care products. There are many products on the market that boast vitamin C as their main active ingredient, however, there are many forms of vitamin C, and if the product you are buying does not say specifically that it contains L-ascorbic acid, then it is not nearly as effective as a vitamin C skin care product. L-ascorbic acid is the only vitamin C derivative that stimulates the growth of collagen. Our own body’s ability to produce collagen decreases as we age, so a supplement that helps the body produce more is great when trying to combat the effects of aging.

Vitamin C skin products have many benefits. They are thought to play role in wrinkle reduction and reduction of lines that form around the eyes and mouth as we age. Vitamin C for skin helps the skin protect itself against the effects of the sun. This benefit is twofold. First it protects the skin from the sun, and then it helps repair the damage already done throughout your lifetime. However, it is important to note that vitamin C should not be used as a substitute for a good sun block with a high SPF.

The biggest problem with vitamin C when used for skin care is the instability of the vitamin, especially when exposed to air. When purchasing skin care products that contain vitamin C, it is important to take the expiration date seriously. Once the vitamin has oxidized it loses all of its beneficial effects. Not only does it not work once oxidized, it is thought to have detrimental effects on the skin by increasing the number of free radicals present. This is the main reason that you should not immediately buy into the ads for any product just because it says the product contains vitamin C. Some companies only care about their own bottom line and are not concerned with whether the products actually work. These companies are much more likely to sell products with vitamin C that has already oxidized and become ineffective. Buying products over the Internet is also a risky business, but it doesn’t have to be if you take reasonable precautions. Get to know who you are buying the product from and look for others who have tried the product and find out what their experience was with it. It is also important to find testimonials that are not provided to you by the seller.

Vitamin C, when used properly, is one of the best supplements you can use for skin care. As with any product, make sure you are getting a good deal, use the product wisely and with reasonable expectation.

The market for skin care has become a very complicated business. With competition in the market at an all time high, health and beauty manufacturers are looking for every edge in the market that will increase their profits. Because these companies are looking for that edge, considerable research has been conducted into the mechanics of skin care and makeup. The marriage between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals has created a new type of beauty product called cosmeceuticals. Cosmeceuticals take standard makeup or skin conditioners and add natural vitamin compounds to create a dual skin care process.

Retinoids are the most popular cosmeceutical ingredients today. Along with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, retinoids are the most used ingredients in traditional makeup.

Retinoids are a form of vitamin A. They are produced naturally by the body and have extensive skin care applications. When combined with other skin care products they form a powerful anti-aging and moisturizing team that promote healthier and younger looking skin. They are also thought to aid in the production of collagen, which plumps the skin and gives the face a more filled out and less wrinkled appearance. Another effect retinoids seem to have is to increase blood circulation to the face by enlarging blood vessels, and even helping new blood vessels to form.

Retinoids work by penetrating the outer skin epidermis layer and strengthening the skin on a cellular level. Because healthier cells are better able to reduce the effects of free radicals, they help to reduce and even repair wrinkling. They have also been known to smooth rough parts of the skin and reduce the effects of photoaging. Photoaging is the name for the toll your skin takes from a lifetime of exposure to the sun.

Some retinoid forms have long been used to treat persistent acne and have a long track record of being effective. It was through the use of retinoids in treating acne that it was discovered that they also have a beneficial effect on other aspects of skin care.

Cosmeceuticals are becoming more and more popular today and they provide the convenience of combining two previously separate skin care techniques. With the elaborate regimen that many people use today, it is great to have any product that will not only improve your skin’s appearance but help with the overall health of your skin.

Cosmeceutical skin care products that contain retinoids are probably the most effective and beneficial combination available in a skin care product today. There are many up sides to this development with very few down sides. Some minor side effects have been reported, particularly with regard to sensitive skin, but these cases are rare. However, the use of retinoids is known to increase sensitivity to light, therefore it is more important than ever to use a strong sunscreen when using cosmeceuticals that include retinoids for skin care. When you take these common sense steps along with your use of cosmeceuticals you are better equipped than ever to protect and beautify your skin.

When skin care is spoken of, it’s likely that you will hear the words antioxidants and free radicals over and over again. You will hear that antioxidants are good and that free radicals are bad, simply put. While this may be true, several questions might pop into your mind, such as: what are antioxidants and free radicals and what do they do? Why are they important? What do I have to do to get more antioxidants and less free radicals? Will they really help to make my skin look younger and healthier? This article will try to answer some of these important questions.

Antioxidants are chemicals produced naturally that work to protect the skin from the elements. There are many factors that can affect your skin in harmful ways. Elements such as air pollution, cigarette smoke and sunshine are culprits that act against the skin by damaging it. Antioxidants help to repair the skin from these and many other irritating agents.

Free radicals result from the damaging effects of these environmental factors. Emotional distress is one of the biggest contributors to the formation of free radicals. Metabolism also has a lot to do with the formation of these free radicals. It seems like common sense that these things are not good for you. It has only been within the past few decades, however, that we are learning why and how antioxidants and free radicals operate together to damage and also actually heal your skin.

There are many ways to use antioxidants in your daily skin care routine. There are literally thousands of products on the market that contain antioxidants. One of which could be an antioxidant skin cream. Antioxidants are in everything from moisturizers and cleansers to anti-wrinkle and anti-aging creams. As in most cases, the beauty industry has taken various scientific discoveries and studies and turned them to their advantage. This is one of the great things about a free market economic system. One of the disadvantages of our system is that anyone can make any claim they want to try and make money. Most of these companies are reputable and want to give you a good product at a good price. Some, however, just want your money. Telling the difference between the two is the hard part.

There are many sources of antioxidants. They are found in abundance in healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Blueberries, for example, are packed with antioxidants. You can also get antioxidants from vitamin supplements. There are hundreds of different supplements that market their products with the promise of antioxidants. Antioxidants are very important when it comes to skin care products. It is difficult to find any product meant for skin care that doesn’t contain antioxidants.

Products that contain antioxidants for skin care sell well because there is truth and research that prove their claims. The big question is whether you can get these same antioxidants through a healthy diet. Most credible scientists will say that with a good diet you don’t need any supplemental antioxidants. However, in the case of skin care, the immediate effects of using antioxidant skin products could lead to faster and more impactful results.

Topical retinoids, or retinoid treatments, have long been used in effective acne treatment medications. Though effective, they are often associated with skin irritation and are not always tolerated well. With advancements in research, scientists have been able to modify the chemicals used with retinoids to cause less irritation without losing the effectiveness of the retinoids.

Tretinoin is a form of retinoid that is most commonly used in these topical acne treatment products and is by far the retinoid of choice because of its strength. With this strength, however, comes a greater risk of skin irritation. New formulations have added compounds to the retinoid that help give the topical ointment a time released effect. This allows the user to get the dose at a slower rate, which reduces the risk of irritation.

Another topical retinoid used as an acne treatment in many retinoid creams is adapalene. Adapalene is a manmade retinoid designed to be more selective. It targets affected areas of the skin and releases medicine to the areas that need the most attention. This reduces the chance for irritation by focusing on the areas that need help and by not affecting the healthy skin around the trouble areas. Most skin irritation when using retinols involves damage to the surrounding healthy skin.

All of these forms of retinoids are available only by prescription written by your doctor or dermatologist. These medicines have always been expensive; however, tretinoin is now available as a generic drug, so the cost for this treatment has been reduced. Tretinoin is thought to be the most powerful retinoid on the market, but it also has the greater incidence of skin irritation.

All of these retinoids are known to increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. With all the known information about protecting your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, there is no excuse for not using a sunscreen, though it is especially important when using retinoid topical treatments for acne.

For the teenager who is experiencing the sometimes disastrous results of acne, any medication that can help the condition is welcomed. It’s tough enough being a teenager, and anything that separates a person from the norm opens them up to teasing and ridicule. The teenage years are a very precarious time and the effects of acne can be life changing.

There are many products on the market today that help alleviate acne breakouts and flare ups. Many over-the-counter treatments are now effective in treating acne. As a parent, have your child try non-prescription solutions to the problem before taking the step up to the more powerful retinoid based treatments. While these treatment methods are usually effective, they are much more dangerous and must be monitored by your doctor or dermatologist.

Acne need not be the problem that it has been in the past. With all the treatments available on the market today, there is no reason to suffer from acne breakouts. Retinoid acne treatments, coupled with a good daily skin care routine, can minimize the effects of the acne condition.

Coenzyme q10 is not quite as well known an element than some of the other more popular ingredients in many skin care products. It does, however, hold much promise in the ever-developing skin care market. With competition at an all time high in the skin care market today, beauty companies are constantly looking for new ways to provide a better product. These companies have scientists working for them to discover he mechanisms behind aging and the effect the environment has on our skin.

Natural coenzyme q10 is present in the body at sufficient levels for most people under the age of 30 and it’s quite enough for smooth and sexy skin. They work by strengthening the cells of the body and by helping to fight off the damage caused by free radicals. Because the skin is exposed to many elements, it is the most visible area where we can see the damage that free radicals cause. While those with a healthy diet and lifestyle can minimize the effects of free radicals, it is ultimately a losing battle. Free radicals are present everywhere. They are formed as a consequence of sunlight, weather, and our own bad habits. Internal factors like our facial expressions and emotions can also cause free radicals to develop. Stress is perhaps the biggest villain. We think of stress as bad for our hearts and blood pressure, but we don’t really think of stress as affecting our skin like it does.

As we age, our body’s ability to produce coenzyme q10 decreases. Scientists don’t know why this happens. They simply know that the older we get the less coenzyme q10 our body naturally produces. This gap is the one that many skin care companies are tying to fill by putting coenzyme q10 in their products. The question, so far, is whether the beauty companies can put a beneficial concentration of coenzyme q10 into a product. It has not been proven by any major study that skin care products that contain coenzyme q10 actually work. In lab rats it has been shown to work, but in concentrations that are not present in any reasonable dose of a skin care product.

Coenzyme q10 benefits may be maximized when taken with vitamin C supplements rather than used as a face cream. However, most researchers agree that even too much coenzyme q10 is not harmful to the body. So, if it is not harmful and there is a potential that it may work, why not at least try it out?

Money may be a factor. Most skin care products, whether they come in supplement or cream form, are expensive. The more special ingredients they contain, like coenzyme q10, are costly. If your plan is to use their product every day, which is usually required if you’re looking to get results, those dollars can add up very fast indeed. This is why the first step when seeking to provide yourself with better skin is to look at your diet. A healthy diet is a cure to many more conditions than any pill or cream on the market.

Melasma, sometimes referred to as a pregnancy mask, is a skin condition in which parts of the facial skin darken into noticeably darker patches. These patches commonly appear around the nose, forehead, cheeks, and lips. While the condition is not life-threatening, most patients would prefer to have their skin pigmentation return back to its normal state. Thankfully, there are melasma treatment options available to make that happen.

What is Melasma?

As described above, melasma is primarily a condition of facial discoloration. About 90% of people who develop this problem are women, and the condition is most common among people who have darker skin naturally, including people from the Middle East, India, and Asia.

The medical community has no clear idea of what causes the problem, although it does seem to have a genetic component and may be connected to hormonal changes hence the reason it commonly develops during pregnancy. What is known is that the condition is worsened by exposure to ultraviolet light which further prompts the release of melanin (the darkening agent in the skin) in those affected areas.

Melasma Treatment Options

Generally, the first round of treatment for melasma is going to involve a combination of bleaching creams and sunscreen. Because sun exposure worsens the condition, it is imperative to use a strong sun block so the bleaching cream will be able to do its work. Most physicians would recommend a product with a minimum SPF of 30.

There are a wide array of bleaching creams that can be chosen for patients. Many of these contain hydroquinone or tretinoin. Some of the products available today combine both the bleaching agent and the sunscreen which makes it a valuable tool for treatment.

You will usually need to stay on this course of treatment for an extended period. Bleaching agents do not produce results overnight, and your dermatologist will want to ensure that this does not work before moving onto more costly treatment options.

If this melasma treatment does not provide adequate results, a chemical peel or microdermabrasion treatment might be called for instead. With both of these treatment methods, the upper layer of the epidermis is removed so that fresh new skin will grow to replace it. Because this skin has not been exposed to the sun, it will not have the same hyperpigmentation that affected the removed layer. The difference between the treatments is in how they remove that layer. With a chemical peel, acids are applied to the skin which burn away the upper layer. With microdermabrasion, small crystals are used to rub away that layer. Both cause mild discomfort and can be completed in the office of your dermatologist.

Laser treatments intended to reduce the pigmentation in the skin are also sometimes used but generally only as a last resort.

Unfortunately, the results of chemical peels, laser surgery, and microdermabrasion as melasma treatment options are not guaranteed. In some cases, the procedures actually make the hyperpigmentation worse by aggravating the skin. That’s why most dermatologists prefer to give the bleaching creams time to do their work before resorting to these more drastic but faster acting efforts.

If you look in the mirror and are unhappy with your skin, microdermabrasion might be worth considering. The cost is usually less than many of the other popular cosmetic procedures and it’s non-invasive with little to no recovery time. In fact, the skin restoration process has sometimes been labeled an instant facelift because of how effective and fast microdermabrasion is. Here is some additional information you should know before opting for this procedure.

Understanding Microdermabrasion

Before you understand how microdermabrasion works, you first need to understand the structure of your skin. The two main layers of your skin are called the epidermis and the dermis. Skin epidermis is the layer closest to the outside world, and the one protecting your insides from your environment. The very top layer of your epidermis is called the stratum corneum. When you see light wrinkles or acne on your skin, these are problems in that small layer of your skin.

With microdermabrasion, a unit that emits crystals is moved over your skin. The crystals cause abrasion with your skin almost as if you were polishing silver. The purpose is to remove much of the stratum corneum so fresh, new skin will take its place and that new skin won’t have the same problems. You might think of it as a deeper type of exfoliation.

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion can be useful for many skin conditions. If you’re worried about the signs of aging popping on your face, having the procedure done will cause your skin to produce more collagen which will give new life to your skin. You can use the procedure to treat pores that are too large or that are clogged. It can also be used for acne scar treatment. Even oily or dry skin can be improved thanks to microdermabrasion. For those who have had the procedure, it really has been a skin restoration process because afterward your skin will have a fresh, healthy glow.

Of course, there are other benefits that make microdermabrasion more desirable than other types of cosmetic procedures. For example, most patients report mild or no discomfort and almost no side effects. The procedure can be used on any skin type or color which is not the case with all such procedures. There’s no recovery time and no anesthetic so you can get back to your daily routine as soon as the procedure is finished.

Drawbacks of Microdermabrasion

Like almost any skin restoration process, microdermabrasion does require multiple sessions. Depending on the treated area, you could need up to 12 treatments with each being spread apart by a couple of weeks so the new layer of skin can heal properly. Since the treatments only last 30 to 60 minutes, this is not a huge amount of time when compared to similar procedures.

You do need to make sure the technique is performed by a professional in a sterile environment. Infections can occur from unsterile equipment. You could also be injured by the crystals if they are hitting your skin too hard or if your eyes are not protected from them during the procedure. Carefully selecting someone to perform this skin restoration process is the best way to reduce these rare risks even further.

While many skin diseases are not life-threatening and do not require immediate treatment, cellulitis is not one of those conditions. This skin infection has the potential to be fatal if allowed to spread without treatment. That’s why you should seek medical attention at the first sign of the condition.

Understanding Cellulitis

If you are wondering “What is cellulitis?” the simple answer is that it’s a bacterial skin infection. What happens is the bacteria creeps into your body via some type of open sore, a cut, ant bites, or similar injury on your skin. However, if you do not have a strong immune system, the bacteria may be able to slip by even if you do not have any open wounds on your skin. In most cases, the infection begins in the lower legs and moves upward. However, it can appear on the face, the arms, or even the buttocks.

Once inside, the bacteria works its way down deeper into your tissue. As it continues to spread, so does the infection. If the bacteria reach your lymph nodes and get into your lymphatic system, you could face a life-threatening infection.

Cellulitis Symptoms

The first signs of the infection will be noticeable inflammation around the area. The skin will be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. You may notice that the redness and other symptoms begin spreading as well. As this happens, red streaks will also begin appearing in the affected areas and the level of discomfort will also increase.

As the infection progresses, you’ll have other symptoms as well including a fever and chills. This is a sign that you need to see your physician immediately.

Who is at Risk for Cellulitis

Although anyone can acquire cellulitis, some people are more vulnerable to the condition than others. For example, if your immune system is compromised because of diseases such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes you could be at higher risk. Illnesses such as chicken pox can also increase your risk because all of those bumps can be used as openings for the bacterial infection to enter your body. Frequent fungal infections and swelling of your skin can cause damage to parts of your skin that can make it easier for bacteria to enter.

Fighting Cellulitis

Because cellulitis is a bacterial infection, your physician will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. If you have caught the problem at an early enough stage, you can complete the course of cellulitis treatment. In some cases, your physician may want to give you a shot of antibiotics, as well as a prescription, so the drugs can start acting quickly to stop the infection in its tracks.

If the infection has spread and become more severe, you may be required to stay in the hospital so your antibiotics can be delivered via IV and so your condition can be closely monitored. Your physician must watch for signs of sepsis which occurs when the infection enters your bloodstream or other complications. If the infection began on your face, he or she may be concerned about damage to your vision or the development of meningitis if the bacteria reaches your brain.

With the winter months approaching quickly, most of us are more worried about our heating bills than about our skin. However, cold weather can do more damage than you might think. In fact, while most people think summer is the worse season for skin damage because of the intense ultraviolet light and the increase in sun exposure the truth is that cold weather can definitely damage your skin.

Winter Care for Skin

Even if you don’t spend a long time in the cold weather, there’s a good chance your skin is being affected by the drop in temperature. One of the main ways is that the combination of the cold weather and the heater in your home work together to drain your skin of all its healthy moisture. That means you will have cracked, irritated, and dry itchy skin.

To combat that dryness, you should replace the moisture by using oil-based lotions and run a humidifier at home to return some moisture to the air. You should also avoid very hot, very long showers and too much bathing which further dry out your skin. Staying well hydrated is also important. We tend not to drink as much fluids in the winter but they are just as important as in the summer.

Also, just because the temperature is cold that doesn’t mean the UV light is cutting your skin any breaks. If you’re going outdoors for some fun in the snow even for a short time, you should use sunscreen. Don’t skimp on the SPF factors either. An SPF of 15 or more is recommended.

Serious Cold Weather Damage

Of course, the type of skin damage described above is mild compared to more extreme cases, such as frostnip and frostbite. Both conditions are caused by extended exposure to cold weather and both primarily affect the parts of the body with the least blood flow, such as the fingers, toes, cheeks, and ears.

Frostnip is the least severe condition. Only the upper layers of the epidermis are affected, and the damage is easy to reverse. You should immediately move into a warmer area if parts of you body begin feeling numb, feeling rubbery, or becoming very waxy looking. If you suspect you are suffering from frostnip, do not rub the affected areas because the friction could cause further damage. Instead, just go into a warm shelter and let the heat work its magic.

Frostbite is a much more serious condition. Instead of affecting the upper layers of the skin like frostnip, frostbite involves the formation of ice crystals within your skin. That means your skin is literally freezing. These crystals destroy the tissue inside of the skin and can eventually cause that part of the body to die meaning amputation will be required. The same areas of the body, such as hands and feet, are normally affected by frostbite, too.

The signs of frostbite include a wooden sensation in your skin, a change in skin color to a very white shade, and numbness. The affected body part needs to be warmed as soon as possible by placing in warm water until color returns. Then the area must be dried and wrapped in gauze while also being kept in a warm environment. Within 30 minutes, the numbness should begin to fade. If not, a doctor should be contacted.

Almost everyone has at least one mole somewhere on their skin. On average, a person will have between 10 and 40 different moles. You may even develop new moles as time passes. The good news is that the majority of moles on your skin are not going to be harmful or cancerous. However, understanding more about the types of moles and about recognizing when they may be causing you a problem can help you take quick action when necessary.

Causes of Moles

Moles (called nevi in doctor terminology) are actually skin growths caused by clusters of melanocytes. Melanocytes are the types of skin cells which produce melanin – the chemical responsible for giving your skin color. Higher concentrations of melanin result in a darker color. When these cells cluster together, they release larger amount of melanin in that area which causes the skin color changes.

Two Types of Moles

Moles are classified in different ways but two types run an especially high risk of leading to melanoma skin cancer later in life. The first type are the congenital nevi. These moles are present on the skin from birth. About 1% of the population are born with congenital moles. If you’re one of them, keep a close eye on those moles because they are more likely to become cancerous.

The second type of potentially dangerous moles are the dysplastic nevi. Also sometimes referred to as atypical, these moles are recognized by their large size. Keep in mind that the average mole should be smaller than a pencil’s eraser. Anything larger would fall into this category. Dysplastic nevi also lack the even borders which characterize normal moles. In general, people who have this type of mole have many moles – sometimes as many as 100. They are often see in families and should be watched carefully because of their higher risk for becoming cancerous.

Signs of Cancerous Moles

If you have either congenital or dysplastic nevi, you should definitely learn the five signs of a potentially cancerous mole. The acronym ABCDE is used to describe these signs: asymmetry, irregular border, color changes, larger diameter, and evolving appearance. You should make a point of checking all of your moles at least once a month so you can catch these signs as early as possible.

Although skin cancer does have the lowest fatality rate of any type of cancer, cancerous moles lead to melanoma which is the most dangerous of the three types of skin cancers. Early treatment can prevent the cancer from spreading and can reduce your risk of further complications.

Even if you don’t have either of the high-risk types of moles, you should still regularly check them and their appearance to ensure skin cancer doesn’t creep up on you.

Treating Moles

Normally, non-cancerous moles are not treated. They don’t pose any type of health threat and are usually so small they are not visually problematic. However, if you do have a mole that could be cancer-related your physician will refer you to a dermatologist who will remove some or all of the mole to check for cancer growth. If the mole is found to be cancerous, your dermatologist may check the surrounding tissue for signs it has spread and/or may recommend a round of cancer treatment, such as radiation, to kill any further cancer cells in the area.

It seems like everyone in the world today is looking for ways to look younger. Our generation is not about to age gracefully; instead, it is going to be a bitter fight. We know we will eventually lose our battle with age, but we are going to do everything in our power to look young and healthy for as long as possible. For these reasons, the market for skin care and anti-aging products has boomed. It is now a multi-billion dollar industry. Some of the most popular ingredients in both skin care and anti-aging products are alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids.

Beta hydroxy acid is primarily used to exfoliate the skin. It works by penetrating the outer layer of skin and removing dead skin cells, allowing a fresh layer of skin to show through. Beta hydroxy acid is an oil-based liquid that helps rejuvenate skin. It has been shown to help in wrinkle reduction, in tightening of skin, and in giving the skin an overall healthier and younger look and feel. When used in combination with a skin moisturizer, beta hydroxy acid works best. This acid works through its ability to penetrate the skin, therefore, it may not be as effective if used with a cleanser. If you wash the skin right away, the acid is washed off before it has the chance to penetrate the skin and work its magic.

Beta hydroxy acid is made from the same acid as aspirin. There are some worrisome side effects with both alpha and beta hydroxy acids. They are both thought to make the skin very sensitive to the sun. If you are using either of these substances, it is more important than usual to make sure that your skin is protected from the sun. If you are using alpha or beta hydroxy acid, make sure to use a strong sun block that guards against both UVA and UVB rays. Some people also suffer from skin irritation because of the acidic quality of these products.

Alpha hydroxy acid also helps to exfoliate the skin. In effect, the acid burns off the dead skin cells in order to allow a healthier skin layer to develop. Alpha hydroxy acid is water soluble and made of acids found in many natural acid sources. The most common is from dairy products like milk, though they are also found from many citrus sources. As with beta hydroxy acid, alpha hydroxy acid products cause sensitivity to sunlight and can irritate the face. If you develop any rashes or irritation, discontinue use immediately.

These hydroxy acids have been used throughout the course of history. Many historical beauties are said to have bathed in milk, though they only knew that it worked, not why. One of the major benefits of these acids is that they are known to be effective in acne treatment. The penetrating quality combined with the exfoliating factor work to cleanse and renew healthy skin. Essentially, this is hydroxy acid skin care.

If you, like many in the world today, are looking for products to help in your battle with age, using products with both alpha and beta hydroxy acids can be a good choice, as long as you are not over sensitive to them.

Cellulitis is a serious skin infection with the potential to develop into a much more serious, life-threatening condition. While the traditional method of cellulitis treatment involves a course of antibiotics, there are also natural methods for coping with the problem.

An Overview of Cellulitis

Although the name may suggest a connection to cellulite, cellulitis is an infection caused by a bacteria that either gets into your body through an open wound or by breaking through your weakened immune system. People who have diseases such as diabetes, who are older, and who have recently had illnesses such as chicken pox are at greater risk. That is also the case for people with frequent fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot. When cellulitis is not treated, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and can sometimes reach the brain.

Other Cellulitis Treatments

Because of the potential for serious complications involved with cellulitis, you should always consult your physician and take a course of antibiotics to treat the condition. However, you can use some natural methods to boost the effectiveness of those medications. Some of the most effective herbs for this purpose include garlic, goldenseal, and Echinacea.

The garlic is known to have antibacterial properties which is why it can help destroy the infection. Most herbalists would recommend a dosage of three cloves or three capsules of garlic oil per day until the infection disappears. Goldenseal is believed to help with inflammation. While it can be taken internally, you can also add the powered form of the herb to water, form a paste, and apply it to the infected area overnight. Echinacea, of course, is well-known as an herb that enhances the immune response. While taking this herb can help your body fight back against the infection now, it can also help you prevent cellulitis from occurring in the first place if taken regularly.

Preventing Cellulitis

If you are adamant about not wanting to use antibiotics, you should take plenty of steps now to prevent the occurrence of cellulitis in your body. That includes taking precautions to protect your skin. For example, if you develop any type of fungal infection (these are most common the hands and feet) seek treatment as soon as possible. When left untreated, the infected site makes an easy access point for the bacteria.

You can also boost your immune response with other types of herbs. As mentioned above, a daily dose of Echinacea can help ward off the bacteria. However, there are other options as well, including ginseng, licorice, and Vitamin C. Although the effectiveness of Vitamin C as an anti-bacterial agent has been called into question, it can help you maintain overall good health and is important for the health of your immune system.

Pay attention to skin injuries. Even a mild cut should be cleaned with soap and water then covered with a bandage to prevent possible infection. If children have insect bites or a rash, they should be encouraged not to scratch because this can cause damage to the skin and can give the bacteria a road into your body.

While many types of warts are challenging to get rid of, the plantar warts are one of the most difficult varieties. Thankfully, these stubborn plantar warts cannot usually stand up against all of the different methods of treatment options currently available.

What is a Plantar Wart?

A plantar war is a growth that normally appears on your feet, usually on the soles. They are most common on the heels or balls of your feet because these are the areas which receive the most pressure from the rest of your body. They aren’t caused by the pressure, however. Like most warts, plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) which is the same virus that causes some types of cervical cancer and genital warts. The virus usually enters your body through small cuts or tears in your skin and then causes the wart to form.

The good news is plantar warts are not cause for medical concern. Even without treatment, the virus won’t spread nor will the wart be a source of cancer in the future. The bad news is most plantar warts can be painful and can interfere with comfortable mobility which is why trying to get rid of plantar warts is so important for most patients.

Home Remedies for Warts

If you don’t want to see a dermatologist or your physician about your plantar wart, you can find some types of over-the-counter removal products available. Look for products that contain salicylic acid because this is the most effective in removing the wart. You’ll need to follow the instructions carefully to avoid irritating other areas of your skin with the salicylic acid. Be prepared to wait for results though. This OTC treatment can take up to a month to produce results. You can also combine this method with the more unconventional treatment of using duct tape. Basically, your wart must be wrapped tightly in duct tape for six days. Remove the wrap, soak the affected area in water, then run the wart with an emery board or similar tool. Rewrap the wart and repeat for the next two months. A 2002 study found this unusual treatment to be more effective than freezing plantar warts.

Freezing plantar warts is also an option. You can find OTC applications or you can go to your doctor for the treatments which involve the application of liquid nitrogen to the wart. You’ll need repeated treatments in order for the dead skin tissue to die and be removed along with the wart. This type of treatment can be painful so be warned.

When plantar warts don’t respond to the treatments above, your physician may suggest more drastic treatments, including laser surgery or immunotherapy. Traditional surgery can also be used to physically remove the wart or to destroy it.

With immunotherapy, your physician attempts to get your immune system to attack the wart in an effort to destroy it from the inside. Certain medications, such as interferon, can be injected into the wart or antigens, such as the mumps antigen, can be used instead.

If you’re looking for an improved method of making your facial skin look younger and fresher, an intense pulsed light (IPL) facial might be the best choice. This newer treatment can be a great option for many people, especially a number of people whose skin tone may make it difficult for them to have other types of procedures completed.

Intense Pulsed Light Facial Basics

Five years ago, the FDA approved the pulsed light facial procedure for use as a hair removal method. Since then, the usage for the procedure has expanded to include improving the texture of the skin and eliminating some superficial problems, including wrinkles, birthmarks, freckles, age spots, and more.

Unlike laser treatments, the light used in this process is not monochromatic and heavily concentrated. However, the pulses are high-intensity. Different pulses are used to reach deeper into the skin for different skin problems. Different wavelengths are used to treat different types of skin problems, too. For example, if you have a port wine stain that needs treatment, the dermatologist may use wavelengths which are absorbed by red because this will allow the light to do its work in that area of the skin without affecting the rest of the surrounding skin.

One dermatologist who began using pulsed-light facial technology with some of his patients conducted a study of 57 of them and found that 89% were very satisfied with the results. Plus, the procedure not only helps eliminate problems with your skin but also can give it a plumper look by stimulating collagen production.

Candidates for IPL Facial Treatments

Almost any skin tone can be treated using this procedure. However, some darker-skinned ethnicities may have less success than people with lighter skin. Also, anyone who is prone to changes in skin pigmentation might want to avoid the procedure because it could change their skin color in the affected area. These are concerns to discuss with your dermatologist before choosing to have the procedure completed.

If you are diabetic, chances are you will not be able to have an intense pulsed light facial. That’s because the light does wound your skin and since diabetics have problems healing effectively this would not be a recommended course of action. However, you may be able to discuss the option with your dermatologist and physician.

The Process Itself

The first step will be a consultation. Generally, the physician will do a spot test on your skin using the pulsed light to make sure you won’t have a negative skin reaction and to give you an idea of what it will feel like. The consultation and the test do cost so be prepared for the expense.

The procedure itself will be performed in the doctor’s office. He or she may apply some type of numbing agent to your skin to minimize your discomfort during the procedure then the area will be covered by a gel and glass prism. The light is sent through the prism to treat the problem.

Generally, one treatment is not going to be sufficient to deal with the problem. You’ll usually need to come back every three to four weeks for a couple of treatments. Each time the pulsed light facial will become a bit more intense. The intensity is slowly increased to prevent damage to your skin and to make sure you can tolerate the treatment.

After each treatment, you may see some redness and puffiness in the treated area but you can go right back to doing whatever you want, as long as you keep the area away from ultraviolet light because it is more sensitive.

In recent years, cosmetic surgery has become increasingly popular. More options are becoming available, and many are affordable enough for the average consumer. The question remains though: is getting cosmetic surgery a good idea? Before you make that choice, there are some facts and information you should know.

Don’t Jump on the Bandwagon

You may be considering cosmetic surgery or procedures because you believe lots of people are having work done to improve their appearance and to reduce the signs of aging. In 2005, the numbers of people having these procedures done actually dropped by 4%. Of course, that was still about 11.5 million procedures but you have to remember that people receiving Botox or similar treatments need multiple procedures done through the course of a year so the number of people involved in cosmetic surgery is not as large as you might think.

While the number of procedures may not be that huge, the price tag is quite high. The total cost for cosmetic surgery in 2005 was $12.4 billion. That averages out to nearly $1,100 per procedure.

Know Your Options

Although cosmetic surgery is sometimes confused with plastic surgery, the two are very different so be aware of this when looking at the options available to you. Plastic surgery is usually done for medical reasons, such as reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is completely elective and is done purely for aesthetic reasons.

With these procedures, you can actually choose between surgical and non-surgical procedures. The former are the least popular and include procedures such as liposuction surgery, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty (nose jobs). With non-surgical procedures, the most popular are botox injections, Restylane treatment, laser hair removal, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion treatment.

Before you have any procedure done, you need to make sure you understand the pros and cons so you can set up a realistic expectation of what the results will be and so you can decide whether the potential risks are worth the effort. Many of these procedures are quite safe, especially when done by highly experienced professionals.

Making the Right Choices

First, be sure you want cosmetic surgery for good reasons. If you’re just looking for a confidence boost or if you’re trying to save a relationship, these are never good reasons to undergo any type of procedure. However, if you are genuinely unhappy with some part of your appearance then that could be a good reason.

Second, you want to pick the right physician for the procedure as well. Today, cosmetic procedures are being done by a wide range of people with little or no experience in the area. You must be careful to choose a physician who knows what he or she is doing and has experience in cosmetic surgery matters.

One of the best examples of why this is important is Botox injections. When these injections are done incorrectly and too frequently, you could literally lose the ability to move the muscles in your face responsible for making expressions. A knowledgeable physician knows how to use the chemicals appropriately so this does not occur.

Whether you’re a teenager facing outbreaks or you’re an adult trying to deal with bouts of acne, understanding the causes of these annoying blemishes can help you understand how best to fight back. Sadly, there are many myths about acne and this misinformation can sometimes prevent people from choosing the best treatments and preventative measures.

Understand the Structure of Acne

To understand your acne outbreak, you should first become familiar with the anatomy of acne and the different types of blemishes you might encounter. First, you need to understand a little bit about the geography of your skin. Each strand of hair on your body comes from a follicle. These follicles are what we sometimes refer to as pores. Inside each of these pores are glands known as the sebaceous glands which produce oil called sebum. The oil moves out of the follicle and onto the skin.

In some cases, the pore can get blocked. This can happen because of dirt, debris, cosmetics, dead skin cells, and even excessive oil. When this happens, the oil can’t reach the surface of the skin and builds up within the follicle. This is a good breeding ground for bacteria which begins to grow in the blocked pore.

Next Stages of Acne Formation

As the bacteria and the oil build up under the surface, they will start to bulge and become visible. When all of the build-up stays below the skin, you have a whitehead which is small and hard to see. If the sebum begins to push out to the surface, the melanin it contains will darken and will give the appearance characteristic of a blackhead.

Sometimes the acne becomes inflamed because of damage within the follicle. This causes the area to become red (papule) or to redden and fill with white blood cells (pustule). If the follicle breaks completely, a hard and sore nodule can form in the area. This nodule can sometimes grow larger and can fill with pus to form a cyst.

Causes of Acne

While understanding the anatomy of acne is a good first step, you should also know something about the causes. Contrary to many popular myths, acne is not a result of not cleaning your face enough or eating greasy foods or chocolate. Part of the reason why acne becomes so prevalent during adolescence is that hormones and acne are closely connected. Testosterone increases in both males and females at this time, and this hormone makes the sebaceous glands work overtime. After hormone levels mellow out, acne can be caused any time your pores or follicles are blocked.

Treating Acne

After you’ve learned the anatomy of acne, you’ve probably realized that an important part of getting rid of breakouts is drying up the excess oil within the follicle. Most people can use natural acne treatments and over the counter treatments that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to dry up the oil and speed up the disappearance of the acne. You can also prevent breakouts by cleaning your fast with a mild soap daily. Don’t over wash, however, or you could irritate your skin and make breakouts more likely.

Panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, is becoming more widely known as one of the most beneficial sensitive skin care supplements and cosmetic ingredients available on the market today. It is a highly soluble compound that has many wonderful effects on the skin and hair. It has been used for years in shampoos and conditioners, but has recently been found to have many uses for skin care.

Panthenol, works by being absorbed into the skin. The key with panthenol is keeping that moisture underneath the surface of the skin. This moisture absorption has the effect of “filling out” the area to which it is applied, naturally stretching the skin, erasing fine lines around the eyes and mouth and reducing severity of wrinkles. When used as part of a daily skin care maintenance system, panthenol can make a big difference in the overall look of your skin.

Besides the wrinkle reducing effects that panthenol provides, it has been proven in numerous studies that panthenol can be used for acne treatment and acne prevention acne prevention. We all know how devastating acne can be for a teenager, and if you get it when you are an adult, a time when you’re supposed to be past that stage of life, acne can be even more disastrous. When you are a teenager, there’s the comfort in knowing that acne is just a phase, something you will eventually grow out of. As an adult, acne can cause much emotional pain and a loss of self-esteem. There are many products available that can help with adult acne, but some have worrisome side effects. Even if you are taking a prescription medicine for acne, a supplement or topical application rich in panthenol, such as a panthenol cream, can help minimize the side effects of these medicines.

Panthenol has also shown to help in the treatment of many skin disorders and afflictions. Medicines that contain panthenol have been used to treat everything from minor skin irritations to major scar damage. Panthenol has many uses and is beneficial in all these ways without having any negative side effects whatsoever. Any over abundance of vitamin B5 that the body doesn’t use is released as waste from the body.

With all the chemicals on the market today that promise perfect and ageless skin through the miracle of modern science, it is good to know that most everything that a chemical can do, a good diet with supplements of natural substances can do even better. The best part is that they usually do this at a much lower cost. Before spending hundreds of dollars on expensive chemical supplements, it may be a smart choice to look to Mother Nature to help with your battle against the aging process.

Be aware especially of the Internet and all its broken promises. While there are good and reputable suppliers to be found online, it is still filled with many pitfalls, such as the fact that many companies aren’t so concerned with the results their products provide as they are with profits.

Panthenol is one of those great substances available naturally that can and will help you find that wonderful natural looking skin that everyone is seeking.

Just about any skin care product on the market today contains vitamin E. It is now widely known and accepted that topical vitamin E – vitamin E for skin – has numerous skin care benefits as well as many other health and beauty benefits.

Vitamin E is found in most healthy foods, especially green, leafy vegetables and fruits. It is an essential vitamin for proper body health. Its internal benefits are too many to count; however, when applied topically, vitamin E creams and vitamin e skin products can work wonders and are gaining more positive research reviews each day.

When used as a skin care product, vitamin E creams are known for their strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants work by ridding the skin of free radicals. Free radicals are formed from exposure to various environmental conditions such as weather, air pollution, and other irritants. As these free radicals build up in our skin, they lead to premature aging as well as an increased risk for developing skin cancer. Free radicals are the enemy and the best weapon against them is strong antioxidants like the ones provided by topical vitamin E lotions and creams.

Vitamin E has strong anti-aging properties. There is not an effective anti-aging product on the market that does not contain vitamin E. Premature aging is one of the biggest concerns for our generation as we reach middle age. We are aware that taking care of our skin today will delay the signs of aging. Using an anti-aging vitamin E cream can help us in our struggle against the aging process.

Another benefit of a vitamin E cream or vitamin E for the skin is that it has been shown to help protect the skin from sun exposure. While not a substitute for a strong sun block, it helps, and in some cases has been used to treat sunburn.

There is also some anecdotal evidence that vitamin E skin care creams can help reduce the visibility of scars. The jury is out on this benefit since some scientists say that it doesn’t have an effect, or if it does, it is minimal. Still, there are thousands of people who have used the product that claim great results from using a vitamin E skin cream for scar treatment.

Because of its antioxidant capabilities, vitamin E creams are also thought to help prevent skin cancer. While there is still much research to be done, it is widely accepted that free radicals are a leading cause of skin cancer, second only to hereditary factors.

A unique characteristic of vitamin E creams is that they have been shown to help reduce deep scars better than any other vitamin supplements, which may be effective against smaller wrinkles. Vitamin E skin care creams work to reduce both. Vitamin E is also thought to increase blood circulation in the face, which gives the appearance of softer, younger looking skin.

Vitamin E creams for skin care are probably the most essential ingredient available on the market today. If your skin care regimen does not include vitamin E, check it out and try it for yourself.

When you look at your reflection in the mirror, are you constantly focusing in on those lines around your mouth, your eyes, and on your forehead? Do you worry that those wrinkles are going to make you look older than you really are or that how you feel? If so, there are options available for wrinkle reduction that might help you be happier next time you take a peek in the mirror.

Botox Injections

Currently, Botox is probably the most well known treatment for wrinkle reduction on the market. This “in-office” procedure involves injections of a chemical known as Botulinum toxin A (similar to jellyfish poison) into the muscles of your face near the wrinkles. The idea is the toxin paralyzes the muscle which stops the wrinkling, at least for a couple of months. Botox injections must be repeated indefinitely to maintain the wrinkle-free appearance but overuse of the injections can result in the loss of facial muscle control.

Fillers

Another hot procedure for wrinkle reduction are injectable fillers. These materials are injected right into the wrinkles and fills up the line to return the skin’s smooth texture. A wide assortment of fillers are on the market today. Two of the most popular name brands are Restylane and Juvederm but cosmetic surgeons use animal collagen, hyaluronic acid, human collagen, and ePTFE which is type of polymer.

Chemical Peels

Just the name alone may sound painful to some, but to others these are one of the top wrinkle reduction methods available. Basically, chemicals are applied to the skin which burn off the upper layer and force the body to produce a new top layer of skin that is younger looking and more elastic.

Dermabrasion

Not to be confused with microdermabrasion treatment, dermabrasion is a slightly more intense way of removing that outer layer of skin. The same type of crystal emitter is used with both procedures but dermabrasion also used a vacuum device with it. After the procedure, the results are similar to those following chemical peels. You can also use microdermabrasion for wrinkle reduction but only for small lines.

Resurfacing

As you may have suspected from some of the earlier mentioned procedures, one of the most common ways to reduce wrinkles is by damaging the skin and forcing the re-growth of newer layers. The same is true with resurfacing. In this case, a pulsed diode light or a laser are used to injure the skin and cause it to be removed. The newer skin has more collagen so it is smoother, fresher, and younger in appearance.

Prevention

While wrinkle reduction is a good choice if you’re already seeing those fine lines on your face, the best way to deal with the problem is through prevention. One of the main culprits in wrinkling is sun damaged skin, and this is easy to prevent. For one, you should use sunscreen whenever you are in the sun for long periods of time. Wearing a brimmed hat to keep the sun away from your face can also help.

Of course, some wrinkling is going to be a natural part of the aging process as your skin just becomes less elastic. And that’s where the wrinkle reduction treatments above can come in handy.

All of us want perfect looking skin. After all, its our skin that helps create people’s first impressions of us and that helps us feel confident about ourselves. For many people, however, their birth marks have interfered with that dream. These marks on the skin which appear at birth are usually not harmful but many people are desperate to get rid of birth marks they believe makes them look less attractive. The good news is removal treatments are available in many cases.

Types of Birth Marks

Before you decide to get rid of birth marks on your body, you first need to identify what types you have because treatments can vary. One of the most common are port-wine stains which are called this because of their coloring (begins a light red and darkens to an almost purple shade). These can vary greatly in size. Some are small patches while others can cover large areas of the body.

Another common type of birth marks are hemangiomas. Unlike most birth marks which are flat, these are actually raised off the skin. The marks come in darker colors such as blue, red, and purple and can grow anywhere on the body. Some hemangiomas even grow inside the body.

Other types of birth marks include café-au-lait spots named for their light to chocolate brown coloration. Most of these marks are found on the legs or other parts of the body that are normally covered. Salmon patches are small, light-colored birth marks which appear on the upper face or the neck most frequently.

Be careful not to confuse birth marks with moles which are usually small, round, and dark in color. While birth marks rarely cause any health problems, moles do have a potential risk of developing into skin cancer so they should always be monitored closely.

Removing Birth Marks

Now that you understand some of the different types of birthmarks, you can learn how to eliminate them from your skin. Hemangiomas are probably the most serious form of birth marks and the ones which are most likely to require some type of treatment. That’s because they are caused by a cluster of blood vessels which do not grow normally. If multiple hermangiomas are present or if they are growing quickly, health problems can develop.

To get of birth marks like these, most physicians would recommend the use of pulsed dye laser or sometimes surgery for the removal of hemangiomas. For smaller examples of these birth marks, you may be able to take steroids that would stop the blood vessels from growing.

Port wine stain birthmarks are also commonly removed from the body, especially when they are rather large. The most common way to get of rid of birth marks such as these is through a laser treatment which stops its growth and attempts to return the skin to its normal color.

With the exception of surgery, most of these procedures cause discomfort to the patient but no severe pain. Obviously, if surgery is required to get rid of birth marks, anesthesia will be given so you don’t feel anything during the procedure.

Although our skin could be considered one of the most amazing organs in our bodies because of its ability to protect us from the environment so well, one thing is can’t do effectively is bounce back. Stretching your skin too quickly can leave unappealing marks on parts of your body. Although there are a number of causes for these marks, most people just want to know how to get rid of stretch marks.

The Causes of Stretch Marks

As mentioned above, stretch marks occur whenever the skin is forced to expand or contract relatively quickly. For example, if you become pregnant your body changes a great deal in a short nine month period. Your skin simply isn’t elastic enough to cope with that change without leaving behind some reminders. During puberty, stretch marks are common as adolescents’ bodies grow and change quickly. Body builders also sometimes must deal with these unsightly marks. And, of course, losing or gain weight can also leave behind these unpleasant reminders.

In most cases, the reddish or pinkish marks appear where stretching is most likely to occur: the abdomen, the breasts, the arms, and other key areas.

Treatment Options: Non-Surgical

If you want to get rid of stretch marks, your first line of treatment is probably going to be one of the lotions or creams available for this purpose on the market. While most of the over-the-counter creams won’t do much to improve the appearance of these lines, some studies have shown that tretinoin creams, such as Retin-A, can reduce the appearance of stretch marks that are less than six weeks old. The catch is you can’t use these products during your pregnancy so new mothers may not have this option.

Treatment Options: Surgical

If you are very concerned about how to get rid of stretch marks, there are some other types of procedures to consider. Although classified as surgical, all of the procedures are non-invasive. For example, you could choose between pulsed dye laser therapy and fractional photothermolysis which are both intended to stimulate your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. These compounds make the skin more elastic and can help both new and old stretch marks.

Another option is an excimer laser. This process works by increasing melanin production in the area of the stretch marks so they are not as visible against the rest of your skin. If you want to get rid of stretch marks that are older, this is a good option.

Finally, microdermabrasion and chemical peels can also be useful because they remove the uppermost layer of skin and allow newer skin to replace it. This new skin is more elastic and less likely to show signs of stretching. Again, these methods are great choices for older marks.

Preventing Stretch Marks

While you may not be able to prevent the development of all stretch marks, there are some ways to minimize the risk of their appearance. For one, avoid caffeine. Research has shown that too much caffeine increases the appearance of stretch marks. Additionally, always stay well hydrated because this keeps your skin softer and more elastic.

Having a child can be the most joyous blessing of your life. Pregnancy, though, is a mixed bag of joy and discomfort. Weight gain, morning sickness, and having to go to the bathroom several times a day can be trying. However, the pay off at the end is truly one of the most miraculous events of your life. Sometimes there are difficulties, difficulties that can range from serious to simply annoying. Getting acne during pregnancy is often one of these bothersome difficulties, and usually there’s not a whole lot that can be done about it; however, there are some things that you can do to minimize the effects. Since acne and pregnancy usually go together, it’s important to understand the science behind the breakouts. Understanding more about the problem can help you in finding a solution.

Hormones called androgens are released during pregnancy. Androgens affect the skin by making the sebaceous glands swell, causing the body to release an oily substance known as sebum. Sebum ends up blocking pores, which leads to acne. As stated above, there are some steps you can take to lessen the frequency and severity of these outbreaks.

During your daily skin care routine, wash your face with a gentle cleanser applied directly to the face with your hands, and don’t use a washcloth. Scrubbing your skin will only make the problem worse. When drying your face, dab at the wetness with a soft towel.

Make sure to use moisturizers that are water soluble and contain little chemicals, and look for products that are hypoallergenic to minimize the risk of allergies exacerbating the breakouts. Use makeup that is not oil-based because adding any oil to your face will cause a buildup of oil, and since your skin is already releasing more than enough oil, this will only worsen the potential for breaking out.

If your breakouts are severe, you can consult a dermatologist to see if there are any medicines or lotions that may help. Something very important to know is to never use the drug accutane. Accutane is a prescription medicine used to treat severe cases of acne and is normally a safe drug; however, it has been found that it may cause serious birth defects. Again, never use accutane. It can turn the miracle of birth in to a heartbreaking experience.

Natural remedies are all the rage lately, and there are many herbal supplements on the market that promise to clear up acne breakouts. Be aware that some of these supplements can be harmful, even if they are natural. Always consult your doctor or medical care giver before using any lotion or pill. Natural simply does not always mean safe. Don’t be fooled by the hype published on the Internet about so-called miracle cures. A healthy diet will usually give you the best chance of alleviating any skin condition. While most of these herbal remedies are harmless, it is wise to be careful. As with any medicine or supplement, always talk to your doctor first. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

Have you ever woken up in the morning and wished you didn’t have to spend so much time applying makeup? Did you ever have one of those days when your makeup looked awful and you wished you could afford to have a professional apply it for you every morning for the rest of your life? Millions of people have had these or similar thoughts and that explains why some are seeking out a procedure known as permanent makeup.

Permanent Makeup Explained

Basically, permanent makeup (also called micropigmentation) is a form of tattooing. However, instead of having a big heart or dragon on your arm, you’re having ink injected into parts of your face so it looks like traditional makeup. For example, you can have eyeliner, lipstick, or even beauty marks permanently etched into your dermis.

The ink remains in the skin forever but will fade over time so most people need periodic touch-ups to keep the make-up looking fresh and vibrant.

Why Choose Permanent Makeup

There are a number of reasons why people might choose this option. Some have a medical basis. For example, after breast reconstruction surgery, women sometimes have areola repigmentation done so their breasts have a more natural appearance. This procedure is a form of permanent makeup. The procedure can also be done to hide scars and to replace eyebrows lost through injury.

A growing number of people are seeking out permanent makeup for purely cosmetic and convenience purposes. They can look as if they are always wearing makeup but don’t have to deal with the hassles of application, clogged pores, or other problems.

Who Performs the Procedure?

Generally, you would not go to a tattooist for permanent makeup, although some are experienced in performing the technique. Instead, you want to look for a technician who specializes in permanent cosmetics. For some procedures, such as lipstick and lip liner, you’ll want to work with someone with a great deal of experience because these areas can be difficult to do.

Make sure you look at the technician’s portfolio of past work before making a choice. Remember this is a permanent decision and the ink is going to be on your face. If something goes wrong, there’s not a lot that can be done to correct the problem.

What are the Risks Involved?

The risks associated with permanent makeup are similar to those for other types of tattoos. At a purely aesthetic level is the risk that you won’t be happy with the results. Making a careful decision about what you want and choosing an experienced technician are keys to ensuring that will not happen.

One of the main risks, however, is of infection. The majority of cities do regulate facilities that perform any type of tattooing to ensure that safe, sterile practices are being used at all times but you have to be vigilant as well. Never use a technician or a facility that does not use fresh needles for each customer, that does not require technicians to wear plastic gloves, or that does not open fresh ink for each new project. When these procedures are not followed, you run the risk of contracting hepatitis or HIV/AIDS.

Normally, however, permanent makeup – like getting a tattoo – is safe.

The beauty industry has boomed in the last several decades. With society’s obsession with looking younger there have been a plethora of new products to hit the market. Many of these products are not new; however, they have simply been reformulated to be used as skin care products. With the discovery of the chemical situations that contribute to aging, there are many products that have been developed to counteract these damaging conditions. Alpha lipoic acid skin care plays an important role in the search for everlasting youth.

Alpha lipoic acid is a naturally occurring agent and an antioxidant. Antioxidants help with skin care by freeing the skin of free radicals. Free radicals work to deteriorate cells in the body. If left unchecked, these free radicals not only cause wrinkles and generally older-looking skin, they can have negative effects on all the cells of the body. The benefits of antioxidants are not just important for skin care but for our overall health.

As a skin care product, alpha lipoic acid can be purchased in either pill or cream form, such as with alpha lipoic acid skin cream. Most of those who buy the product for skin care use it in combination with a moisturizer. They apply the cream to the face to get its beneficial effects. While this method has been shown to be effective and convenient, alpha lipoic acid may have better effect when taken in supplement form as a pill. When taken orally, the supplement can be used to get the anti-aging benefits – such as those received from various anti-aging skin care products – and it can also be used by the body on the whole to increase health.

Alpha lipoic acid as used by the body has been proven to help control blood sugar levels. For those with diabetes this is very important. The less insulin diabetics have to use, the better their quality of life. It is also believed by some researchers that alpha lipoic acid actually benefits the heart with its powerful antioxidant properties. The heart may be made “younger,” essentially, with the help of alpha lipoic acid.

With much of the concentration of our generation on appearance, it is sometimes missed that there are many natural products out there that cannot only help use to look better, but improve our overall health. The Internet is jam packed with products and supplements that are designed to help us win the battle against the effects of aging. It seems like every combination of chemicals these products are made from are miracle supplements. However, the most beneficial and safest products are those made by nature. In most cases, in a battle between Mother Nature and chemists, Mother Nature wins.

Using skin care products with alpha lipoic acid has been shown to reduce signs of aging. When used properly, it works to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and mouth. It also benefits skin care with its powerful antioxidant properties to remove those dangerous free radicals from our facial skin.

It is important that you use every weapon in your arsenal to look the best you can for as long as you can.

How to Stop Itching from Ant Bites

Ants might be small, but they can pack quite a punch. If you’ve been wondering how to stop itching caused by those pesky and sometimes dangerous ant bites, the answers are below.

Basics of Ant Bites

There are a wide range of ant species in the world. Most ants are normally just a nuisance; however, a few varieties are capable of biting people. Red imported fire ants can both sting and bite. Carpenter ants and acrobat ants, which make their nests inside homes, are also capable of biting.

The latter two types of ants will bite and inject venom into their victims but this is rarely dangerous, though some of these ant bites will leave you desperate to find out how to stop itching from them. While some insect stings may be even useful and applied in treatment like bee stings treatment, the bite and sting of some ants can be very serious and dangerous.

Treatment for Basic Ant Bites

As mentioned above, most ant bites cause itching. In the bite area, you’ll probably notice either one or a series of small red marks on the skin. Before applying any type of medication to the area, you should wash it thoroughly with cool water and soap to lessen the risk of an infection. This is also why you should refrain from scratching as much as possible.

Once the area is clean you can apply topical medications. You can use calamine lotion, Benadryl cream, or a number of other over-the-counter products that are available for itching. If you have a large number of ant bites, you may want to go to your doctor for a prescription strength antihistamine or topical ointment.

Fire Ant Treatment

While how to stop itching is going to be your primary concern when you’re dealing with normal ant bites, if you’ve had an encounter with fire ants, the story can be very different. That’s because fire ants are more aggressive than other ants. A single fire ant that feels threatened can attack up to eight times and each bite will involve a new injection of venom into the skin.

Immediately after being bitten you’ll experience a reaction to these bites: pain and itching. People who have accidentally stepped into a fire ant mound, for example, and have been stung/bitten multiple times, sometimes report a sensation as if their entire body was on fire. This is where the insect gets its name. Most people see this feeling fade after about 60 minutes. The bite/sting sites then become red bumps with white pustules. Redness, itching, and swelling in the area can continue for a few days.

Next to the treatments mentioned above, you could also try a combination of one part water mixed with one part bleach and apply to the affected area. This has been shown as an effective home treatment against the venom that causes itching and burning.

For some people, fire ant bites can be more serious. About 1 percent of people are allergic to the venom and can face a serious reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Be sure to watch for symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain or swelling in other parts of the body, and faintness. See a physician immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

Sweating is, of course, a normal function of the body. We may not enjoy sweating, but without it our bodies would overheat and cause us serious health problems. However, sweating can sometimes cause problems on its own, including skin irritation.

Skin Irritation & Sweating Problems

The basic idea of sweating is that as the moisture evaporates from our skin our bodies are cooled down. However, sometimes evaporation cannot occur or too much moisture is being produced in the first place. These types of problems can lead to skin irritation.

Friction is one of the main causes of skin irritation. For example, if you wear latex gloves for long periods of time while working, eventually that material will have rubbed so much against your skin it will actually begin to rub away skin cells. This causes skin irritation. If you begin to sweat during this time it becomes easy for sweat to get trapped on your skin because evaporation is inhibited by the latex glove. The sweat will only build up and worsen the skin irritation.

A condition called hyperhidrosis can also lead to skin irritation. The condition is more commonly referred to as excessive sweating. This occurs when the body begins producing more sweat than what is needed to effectively cool down the body. If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, for example, you’d be sweating even if you were in a comfortable room doing no physical activity. Once you did begin to sweat, wet patches would be left in the armpit areas of your clothing and you could even begin to drip with sweat.

When the condition becomes severe, the excessive sweating can cause a dermatological condition known as maceration, which occurs when the skin is thick with sweat for so long that it begins to whiten and soften. Because of this process, the skin becomes more vulnerable and can be injured easily. The skin is also at greater risk of developing eczema and of getting irritated.

An Even More Common Type of Skin Irritation

Although the above examples of sweating leading to skin irritation, the most common example of this connection is known as a heat rash. When you are in a hot environment for a long period of time and begin to sweat a lot, that extra sweat can damage the top layer of your skin. At that point, the sweat gets trapped under the skin and forms a tiny raised bump on the flesh. Sometimes the bumps are so small that they are more noticeable by touch than by sight. Eventually, the bumps burst and release the sweat.

Treatments for Skin Irritation Caused by Sweating

The good news is that most of these conditions are easily treatable. Using powder to control wetness and taking breaks to let your skin breathe can be good ways to release excess sweat and to prevent skin irritation. For patients suffering from excessive sweating, prescription strength products are available to help control the wetness. If things do not improve, doctors can perform surgery to reduce your ability to sweat.

With a heat rash, cooling down the skin and applying anti-itch ointments will do the most good and will help improve the effects of skin irritation quickly.

As winter rolls into full swing, more people will be turning on their heaters to shut out the cold. That simple mixture of actions seems to increase complaints about dry skin. Although dry skin is usually not a serious condition, it can make you feel uncomfortable and can lead to skin itching. To help combat this problem, it’s helpful to understand the causes of dry skin and to know about effective treatment methods.

Basic Dry Skin Causes

If you’ve ever wondered why your skin gets dry in the winter, there’s a simple reason. Basically, the moisture gets sucked away in the dry air. Here’s how it works, simply put. When your body heats up you sweat in order keep your body cooled. During the humid months of summer that sweat can’t go anywhere because the air contains a lot of water vapor, making it difficult for the moisture on your skin to evaporate. That un-evaporated sweat makes you feel sticky and sweaty, and definitely not dry. Thus we experience much sweating problem. The opposite problem occurs in the winter; the air itself is usually so dry it absorbs most of the moisture on your skin, which leaves it dried out.

How Itching Works

One of the most annoying consequences of dry skin is itching. What is interesting about this is that the reason for itching is not entirely known. What research has found is that the chemical messengers that travel between our skin and our brain that tell us we are itchy use a different path than our signals for pain. Science also shows that stress and strong negative emotions make us need to scratch more often. Because the winter months are often a time for worries about money, stress over dealing with crowds, and even depression, this might also help explain why dry skin causes itching, especially in the winter months.

Treating Dry Skin

Regardless of what dry skin causes, you need to know how to treat the problem. The most affordable option is to use moisturizers. You can purchase these products anywhere. Just remember to use them at least three times a day, especially after you bathe. Taking a bath depletes the moisture in your skin, so replenishing it with moisturizer can help your skin feel better. However, taking too much bath may result in dry itchy skin.

Another way is to add more moisture into the air in your home. Invest in a humidifier and have it run during the day. The moist air will be good for your skin.

Other Concerns

Of course just because dry skin causes itching, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your need to scratch is caused by a lack of moisture in your skin. Chronic dry skin can also be a symptom of other problems, including allergic reactions to certain products, some types of internal diseases (anemia, kidney failure, and others), or skin ailments including scabies or dermatitis. Sometimes being overly itchy can be a sign of pregnancy, too. The bottom line is that if your itchy skin continues to get worse, or if you need more than a moisturizer to improve the problem, you should talk to your physician.

Every spring and summer, bee bites, or stings, increase as the pollination process begins for another season. Although bee bites are not normally harmful, having a good way to treat them is important, especially if you have children. One treatment answer some have wondered about is bee products, such as honey and royal jelly.

Do Bee Products Treat Bee Bites?

Actually, most medical experts do not recommend using bee products to treat stings from any type of bee. Although these products may be helpful for other problems, the best course of action is to follow some sound medical advice.

Most physicians suggest removing the stinger as quickly as possible, and you want to remove the entire stinger. If a dark dot remains under the skin, you have not done this. Apply meat tenderizer combined with four parts water to the affected area. Meat tenderizer includes an enzyme that can break down the protein found in the venom. Wash away the combination before 30 minutes has passed. Following that, it’s a good idea to apply cold to the area, such as an ice pack, for up to 30 minutes.

There are a number of over-the-counter medications you can use to help relieve the discomfort. Antihistamines, calamine lotion, hydrocortisone, and acetaminophen can all be used or taken to deal with bee bites or stings.

The Use of Bee Products

While bee products may not be useful in treating bee bites, they do have other uses in the health community. The process is sometimes referred to as apitherapy, which involves the use of bee products including honey, royal jelly, pollen, and venom, for medicinal healing purposes. Most people recognize that honey is a good way to ease the pain of a sore throat, but practitioners of apitherapy go even further. For example, some suggest that bee venom can be used to treat multiple sclerosis. With this treatment method, venom is injected into the sufferer either by actual bees or through syringes.

Part of the reason for the belief that this treatment is effective comes from a study published in 2005. Only nine people participated in the study and a few of them did seem to benefit when bee venom was injected into their skin. However, future studies have not shown conclusive evidence that this is the case. Most medical professionals would not recommend this type of treatment nor do insurance companies cover it.

One area in which bee products may have real health benefits is the prevention of seasonal allergies. Some allergists will recommend taking a couple of tablespoons of honey, daily, a few months before the allergy season. The reason is that the honey contains pollen, and by adding pollen to your system you’ll build up your immune response so you can reduce or even avoid an allergic reaction when allergy season hits full swing.

The use of bee products to treat cholesterol and arthritis, however, may not be as effective. Studies haven’t shown conclusively that there is a connection between their use and any benefit to these sufferers.

Over time, elevated blood sugar levels because of diabetes can pose some serious complications to your health. You’ve probably heard about some of these complications, including blindness and higher risks of heart disease. However, one of the most common problems is the increase in time required for wound healing. Unfortunately, this problem, one that may seem so minor, can have long term, major complications.

Why is Wound Healing Reduced Because of Diabetes?

When you have elevated blood sugar, one of the primary problems associated with these levels is that you have a reduced ability to heal properly. There are a number of reasons for this connection. One is poor circulation. When you have elevated blood sugar, fatty deposits can end up building up on artery walls. The extra sugars can end up damaging proteins along the lining of the arteries as well. When the blood can’t circulate efficiently, especially to extremities like the feet, healing is minimized.

Another problem can be nerve damage. Neuropathy is a complication of elevated blood sugar. When this occurs, you may not notice right away when you have an injury. This means that the injury could become more severe and more difficult to heal. This also means that the chances for infection are higher.

Even more importantly is that the immune system simply doesn’t work well in the presence of elevated blood sugar. As a result, wound healing is slower. Infections are also common because of the slowed healing, making the infection harder to get rid of once it develops.

Problems Associated with Slow Wound Healing

If you have a small cut on your arm that seems to heal too slowly, you might not think anything of it. However, elevated blood sugar does not always cause minor complications like this. Let’s say you develop a blister on your foot. For most people, this is not a serious problem. For people with elevated blood sugar levels, however, that blister can continue to worsen without proper healing. If it becomes infected, a person could literally lose a foot if that infection spreads.

In the United Kingdom, one in six people who have diabetes develop foot ulcers because of the combination of nerve damage and slow wound healing. Even if these ulcers do heal eventually, they come back and require frequent medical treatment because of complications with elevated blood sugar levels. About 10 percent of these foot ulcers end up leading to amputations, which means this can be a real risk if you don’t have your diabetes managed well.

Related Complications

Although the increased risk of amputation is greater when you have extremely elevated blood sugar levels, there are other problems you should be concerned about. With reduced wound healing capabilities, you may have problems with surgical procedures. Remember that fast healing is important in surgery. When that ability is compromised as a result of poor diabetic management, you could end up at greater risk for complications and infections following a surgery. That’s definitely not something to take for granted.

Most of us have seen hands covered in age spots, also known as liver spots, before. These dark splotches on the aging skin seem more prevalent in people over the age of 50 and are usually considered visually undesirable. However, there are many misconceptions about these age spots, including what causes them to develop.

The Cause of Age Spots

One of the most common misconceptions about age spots is how they form. The story tends to be that as we get older our body can no longer metabolize fat correctly, which leads to a buildup of toxins in our bodies. These toxins, in turn, cause the development of age spots. Because the liver is the organ responsible for metabolizing fat, the spots became known as liver spots.

Now it is known that the ability to metabolize fat has nothing to do with the development of age spots. The real cause is ultraviolet light. When your skin is exposed a great deal to UV light, it produces more melanin (the pigment in your skin that gives it color). When more melanin is present, your skin darkens, which is why you see tanning effects on skin.

What happens with age spots is that excess melanin starts clumping together in certain areas of the skin over time. Eventually, this buildup causes splotches to develop. Of course aging can play a role, too. Not only does it take years for the spots to show up, which means that they are more likely to appear on the skin of older people, but sometimes as we age the production of melanin in our bodies increases anyway.

Another False Belief that Can Be Dangerous

While attributing age spots to a problem with our body’s ability to metabolize fat is not a life-threatening mistake, the belief that all liver spots are harmless can be. Most people just assume that any age spot is a benign change in skin color, but sometimes these spots can be signs of skin cancer.

In most cases, those age spots are harmless. However, if you see a spot on your skin that is very dark, changes in size quickly, does not have a regular-shaped border, or has a strange color pattern, you should have the spot examined by a physician or dermatologist. Although skin cancer is rarely fatal, you want to catch it in its earliest stages to prevent spreading, complications, and excessive scarring after its removal.

Treating Age Spots

Because liver spots are unsightly and are associated with old age, many people want to get rid of them. The good news is there are several methods of age spots treatment. One is to use over-the-counter bleaching products that are intended to lighten the impact of the visible pigment. The downside to these treatments is they can be slow to work (results can sometimes take up to two months) and some of the products can cause skin irritation. Other cosmetic procedures, such as dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser therapy can work as well.

The best idea is prevention. By minimizing your unprotected exposure to UV light and by avoiding tanning beds altogether, you can decrease your chances of developing age spots.

Our skin is not only our largest organ but it’s also our most visible organ. That may be why problems with skin pigmentation can be so stressful even though they don’t necessarily cause any serious complications to our health most of the time. Understanding different problems and causes with skin pigmentation and how to treat them can be the first step to improving how you feel about your skin.

The Cause of Skin Pigmentation

If you’ve ever held your arm up to someone else’s from the same race and noticed the differences in coloration, you may have wondered why two people with the same racial background would have different skin tones. The answer comes down to skin pigmentation. In the epidermis, the upper layer of the skin, are the cells which produce melanin. Melanin is the chemical which changes our skin’s tone. Generally, our genetics tells those cells how much melanin to release and that determines our skin color. When we tan, the UV from the sun tells the cells to release more melanin in those areas of our bodies exposed to the sun.

Reasons for Skin Pigmentation Alterations

Just as how melanin levels can be increased by UV exposure, other environmental factors can influence the production. Heat, injury, and medications are some of the most common reasons for changes and unevenness in skin pigmentation. Emotional stress is also believed to result in skin color changes, too.

Changes in skin pigmentation may not be any cause for serious concern, although it can be visually undesirable. However, you should consult your physician because some of these changes can increase your vulnerability to types of skin cancer. That’s especially true when the pigmentation is reduced. Lighter skinner people, in general, are more affected by UV radiation and are, therefore, more likely to have their cells damaged by that radiation.

Two Problems with Skin Pigmentation

Although there are a number of skin pigmentation disorders, all of them can be classified in one of two categories. One of the categories is known as hyperpigmentation. This occurs when the cells begin producing too much melanin. When the opposite occurs and melanin production is reduced is hypopigmentation.

Melasma is one of the most common problems associated with hyperpigmentation. This often occurs during pregnancy to women and is marked by brown or tan splotches. While it does tend to go away after the birth of the baby, people with this skin pigmentation problem can also use prescription creams to help lighten the patches and sunscreen to stop the problem from worsening. Although melasma is most commonly associated with pregnancy, it can occur in men and non-pregnant women as well.

A common type of hypopigmentation problem is vitiligo. This type of skin pigmentation problem involves the formation of white patches on the skin. Normally it is caused when the immune system begins attacking the melanin-producing cells in the epidermis. As a result, the cells become so damaged they cannot produce the proper pigmentation. Creams and phototherapy can be used in the treatment of these patches. Sufferers also have to be care

Skin cancer may cause fewer fatalities than other types of cancer. However, skin cancer is also the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Every year, more than one million cases are diagnosed. About 20% of all people will develop skin cancer at some time in their life. Treating this disease effectively requires early detection and that means paying attention to the signs of a cancerous mole.

Understanding Moles

Many people have moles but each is not necessarily a cancerous mole. Moles are actually a collection of cells that are heavily pigmented. As a result, they form darker colored areas often on the face and limbs. The average person has between ten and forty moles on their bodies but they can be a variety of sizes, shapes, and in locations. Having a mole does not mean you are going to have cancer.

When you do have a cancerous mole, however, you are going to be facing the most dangerous form of it: melanoma skin cancer. The reason is that moles are created thanks to the melanocyte cells in your body, and these are the cells which are distorted by the cancer. Unfortunately, melanoma is responsible for the most skin cancer-related fatalities but early detection is critical to effectively fighting the cancer.

Checking for a Cancerous Mole

If you are serious about detecting a possibly cancerous mole, you need to establish a screening schedule. Each month, look at the moles on your body. First, take note of any moles that were not on your body before. Even though new moles can develop, these should get a great deal of attention from you.

A cancerous mole may sometimes itch or bleed. It could also ooze or be painful. Normally, a mole should not do any of these things. Additionally, you should acquaint yourself with the ABCDEs of locating a cancerous mole.

These letters stand for asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and elevation which are all aspects to pay attention to in order to spot a potentially cancerous mole. For example, moles should be equal in shape. Both sides need to be symmetrical. When they are not, this can be a sign of cancer. The mole’s border should normally be round and smooth and its diameter needs to be no bigger than the eraser on the end of the pencil. One red flag of a cancerous mole is a mole that increases in size.

Also, pay attention to the color of the mole. Cancerous moles begin to change color or have a number of different visible colors. Plus, the mole should be flat against the skin. Elevation could signal a cancerous mole.

Removing the Cancerous Mole

Once you have found a suspicious mole you need to speak to your physician. If it is a cancerous mole, you will need to have it removed along with some of the tissue around it. This can be done in a couple of different ways, including a punch biopsy, shave excision, or excisional surgery. The good news is that these procedures can be done right in the physician’s office and that once the cancerous mole is removed the mole won’t return. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you won’t develop a cancerous mole elsewhere on your body so vigilance and monthly screening will still be required.

You probably remember being asked in a science class, “What is the largest organ in the body?” Most of the students think hard; some venture to answer with answers like the lungs, the brain, even the intestines. Few students ever get the answer right the first time. But, of course, the answer is the skin. Understanding this major organ, including the epidermis layer, is important if we want healthy skin and to avoid skin problems, including cancer.

The Skin 101

As mentioned above, the skin is the largest organ in the body. If you could remove your skin and weigh it separately, it would tip the scales at about six pounds. That may not sound like much but compared to most organs it’s impressive.

The skin is also very important for a number of physiological reasons. For one, it protects everything inside us from everything outside us, including bacteria and heat. Also, our skin helps us keep our body temperature normal thanks to the production and evaporation of sweat. Our skin is also the source of both pleasurable and painful sensations thanks to billions of nerve cells which translate what our skin feels into mental thoughts almost immediately.

Like most organs, the skin has its own separate parts. In this case, three: the epidermis, dermis, and fat layer (also called the subcutis). The subcutis is basically the layer in our skin that offers the most protection from the elements and from serious injury. The dermis layer is responsible for most of the functions above, including housing the nerve endings. And that leaves us with the all-important epidermis.

The Epidermis Revealed

When you look at your skin, you are seeing the epidermis. It’s a thin layer really but it actually is responsible for keeping us water-proof and for giving our skin color. That’s because the epidermis is home to melanin, the pigment which determines our skin shade.

Within the epidermis are three sub-layers which contribute to the success of the epidermis. The stratum corneum is the uppermost layer and is where dead skin cells (known as keratinocytes) are shed. Those dead cells also form keratin, an important protein that allows the epidermis to protect the body from substances trying to get inside. Undernearth is a layer of living keratinocytes (also called squamous cells) which help protect the body from other types of environmental stress. Finally, the basal layer is home to the cells which are constantly dividing in order to produce new squamous cells to keep the skin fresh and uninjured.

Everything that happens in these sub-layers (and in the rest of the body, as well) is determined by your DNA. Unfortunately, when that DNA is damaged because of exposure to UV light it can cause the process to stop functioning normally and that leads to skin cancer. All of the different cells present in the epidermis can be affected by cancer hence the different types: basal affects the cells in the lowest sub-layer, squamous affects the living keratinocytes, and melanoma hits the cells known as melanocytes which normally produce melanin.

During puberty the body undergoes many changes and one of the consequences of this period is a greater risk of developing acne. For some people, problems with acute acne continue periodically throughout their lives. Below is some useful information about how to treat acute acne breakouts.

What Causes Acne?

Acute acne occurs when your oil glands begin overproducing oil. The hormones released in your body when you hit puberty instigate this overproduction. When that extra oil combines with dead skin cells and bacteria, they clog pores and cause inflammation to the area. Even when your hormones quiet down after puberty, if you have oily skin or do not practice an effective pore cleansing routine, you can continue to have acute acne outbreaks.

Preventing Acute Acne

Before you start thinking about treatments, you may want to think about how to prevent these outbreaks. First, it’s important to keep your skin as clean as possible. Regular cleaning will help remove excess oil and dead skin cells so they don’t have a chance to clog your pores. Be careful about washing your face too often or of using harsh chemicals that could dry out your face. Anything that might cause irritation to your skin can actually increase the risk of inflammation and outbreaks.

You also want to avoid applying certain products to your skin that might also cause your pores to clog. When you buy skin lotions or cosmetic products, you want to find ones labeled noncomedogenic, since these have been shown to reduce the occurrence of blemishes. Washing off cosmetics at the end of the day is a good idea, too.

Treating Acute Acne

Even if you do everything mentioned above, you may not be able to prevent all acute acne outbreaks. For these mild cases, your best bet is use topical treatments. Active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid have been shown to be effective treatments for acne. You should also continue washing your skin with a mild soap, possibly a product designed specifically for oily or acne-prone skin.

When your acne outbreaks don’t respond to these types of topical treatments, you can visit your physician or a dermatologist for prescription topical antibiotics. Antibiotics can help fight the bacteria that lead to inflammation in the pores. There are also some other acne treatment medications that can be applied to the affected area(s) as part of treatment, but these need to be prescribed by a physician. Some include tretinoin and adapalene. These products prevent the follicles from getting plugged in the first place.

One way that should be avoided in trying to treat or help acute acne is by squeezing the blemishes. This actually increases the irritation to the area and sometimes makes infection more likely to occur in the follicle. Plus, if you repeatedly engage in this activity, you could end up causing permanent acne scarring in the area. When you have an outbreak, you should avoid touching your face too much because the oils and bacteria found on your hands can actually make the situation worse.

For people suffering from the chronic skin condition known as psoriasis, finding means to alleviate symptoms is important. Some people are claiming that a special psoriasis diet can help improve the condition. This claim is explored below.

What is a Psoriasis?

Before delving into the claims regarding the psoriasis diet, the disease itself needs to be explored and understood. According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriasis is a condition in which the body’s immune system overreacts to triggers and causes skin cell life cycles to speed up dramatically. Instead of the cycle taking about a month, the cycle is completed in just two days. This rapid growth of skin cells leads to a build-up of cells. These excess cells give the skin a scaly appearance. Sometimes the skin becomes dry and itchy. In some cases, reddish, painful patches crop up on the skin as well.

Although the skin condition can improve, it can flare up again and become worse. Unfortunately, it cannot be cured. There are accepted treatments to help relieve discomfort, such as cortisone creams and prescription drugs. Sometimes ultraviolet light therapy is recommended by dermatologists but patients are still looking for other alternatives. Of course this brings us to the issue of the psoriasis diet.

The Psoriasis Diet Claims

The National Psoriasis Foundation has tried to tackle this issue. On the foundation’s Web site, it’s explained that some physicians have found some patients’ skin improved while on a weight loss diet. There is also anecdotal evidence that eating less sugar, caffeine, and white flour have contributed to an improvement in psoriasis conditions.

As the foundation points out, however, these claims are difficult to evaluate. Because the nature of the condition is cyclic, the skin clears and worsens on its own over time. While one person may reduce sugar intake and see an improvement, the person may really just be noticing a coincidence in timing.

WebMD.com explains that no scientific studies conducted so far have found a clear connection between diet and improvement in the psoriasis skin condition, though that doesn’t mean physicians and dermatologists will tell patients not to give it a try. Dr. Jeffrey M. Weinberg, director of the Clinical Research Center at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, only warns patients to avoid any of the so-called miracle psoriasis diets that can sometimes be dangerous.

No physician is going to steer a patient away from diets that encourage overall well-being. For example, a diet that is lower in junk food, alcohol, and sugar may not necessarily do much for the long-term treatment of psoriasis but it can provide other health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, reducing weight, and reducing risk for heart disease.

Supplements & the Psoriasis Diet

Another factor in the psoriasis diet is the suggestion of using supplements including herbs meant to help improve the condition. Because there is always a risk of side effects from these supplements, the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends that psoriasis sufferers discuss such decisions with their physician before adding these alternative treatments to their overall wellness plans.

If you watch television you have probably seen at least one commercial for prescription drugs designated for the control of herpes. What you may not know is what causes herpes or what happens if you contract it. You may not even have a clear idea of how it is spread or that not all examples of the herpes virus cause the same affliction. Below is some information about this disease that could help you better understand it.

What is Herpes?

Basically, herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, otherwise referred to as an STD. The disease itself is caused by the herpes virus, which comes in two forms. These are known as herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1 and Type 2.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Type 1 causes the growth of small, fluid-filled blisters (sometimes referred to as cold sores) on the face. About one-tenth of the people who come in contact with this form of the virus develop any blisters at all. When blisters do develop, however, they last about 7 to 10 days. Infections can reoccur and are normally brought about by stress, hormones, or similar factors.

Although Type 1 can sometimes affect the genital area, when we discuss the STD version of herpes we are normally going to be focusing on the second type of the virus.

Understanding Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 45 million people in the United States who are over the age of 12 have HSV Type 2 that does affect the genitals. That number represents about 20 percent of the sexually active population. The majority of cases occur in women – 25 percent of women have herpes – because transmission of the virus is more likely from male to female than from female to male. Although the CDC points out that the number of cases has begun to decrease during the last ten years, contracting the virus is still a very real possibility for people practicing unprotected sex.

The virus is spread when an uninfected person touches the infected area of another person then touches a part of their own body. As you can imagine, sexual activity provides plenty of chances for this to occur between an infected and an uninfected partner. When a person contracts HSV Type 2 through sexual activity, he or she can expect the cold sores to appear in the genital area. Sores frequently show up on the penis, cervix, or vagina.

As with Type 1, you will not see the appearance of these sores immediately after contact. The incubation period for the virus runs between two and 20 days. In many cases, the first bout of sores won’t be noticeable, so people may not even realize that they have been infected until much later. As a result, they may pinpoint an incorrect source for the virus.

Unfortunately, no cure is available for the herpes virus, though treatment is available in the form of prescription medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, these drugs can help the sores heal faster and can prevent both the recurrent outbreaks and transmission of the virus to others.

Three-fourths of all skin cancer deaths are the result of melanoma, according to the British Association of Dermatologists, making it the most dangerous type of skin cancer. If you want to protect yourself from this risk, early treatment is essential, but getting that treatment means you need to know what symptoms to watch for.

The ABCD Method

So, what does skin cancer look like? According to Medline, a source run by the U. S. National Institutes of Health, the first symptom to watch for when looking for possible melanoma is any kind of skin abnormality. Check moles, lumps, sores, etc. If any of those spots meets the following guidelines, have it checked out by a physician. These guidelines are sometimes referred to as the ABCD system, so that they can be more easily remembered.

“A” stands for asymmetry. In most of these skin lesions, the spot is going to be symmetrical, meaning that if you cut it directly in half, the two sides will mirror each other. With a cancerous growth, however, part of it may look different from the rest.

“B” stands for borders. A spot or area that could be melanoma sometimes has edges that are irregular instead of smooth, so look for border irregularity.

“C” represents color changes. Any time you have a mark on your skin that changes color or is a mix of different colors, have it examined.

“D” is for diameter. Most spots found to be malignant are not very large. They are usually about the size of a standard pencil eraser.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a fifth letter, “E,” is now also being added to this acronym. “E” stands for evolving because the skin spot may change its appearance over time. If it does, this should raise another red flag.

Of course knowing this system won’t do you much good if you don’t look for the signs. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends checking your skin for moles, lumps, etc. regularly. If you see anything that you find suspicious, have it examined by a physician.

Not all Cases are Easy to Spot

While the ABCD - and now E - system of spotting potential signs of melanoma works in many cases, sometimes melanoma appears on unusual and less visible parts of the body. In fact, some of these areas are unlikely to have been exposed to great quantities of sunlight, so researchers are unsure of their exact cause. These cases are often referred to as hidden melanoma. People who have dark skin are more likely to have hidden melanoma, which also means that complication risks are likely to be higher since recognizing and treating this condition is more difficult when the cancerous area is not easy to spot.

Hidden melanomas, according to the Mayo Clinic, sometimes develop under a toenail or fingernail. To spot possible hidden melanomas like this, look for bruise-like marks that would be visible through the nail. If a spot like this doesn’t go away after a month or two, have it examined. Melanoma can also occur in the eye. With this form no outward symptoms will be present, which is why it is a good idea to have your eyes examined periodically. Melanoma in these cases is believed to be caused by excess exposure to ultraviolet light.

We all know that first impressions are important, and our facial appearance is a key part of that initial impression we give others. Unfortunately, skin problems such as rosacea can interfere with our confidence about how we look to others. The good news is that treatment for rosacea is available and can help patients improve not only their appearance but also their confidence. Below is some important information on this condition and some available treatment options.

What is Rosacea?

Simply put, rosacea is a skin disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, when skin becomes inflamed the face can become red and pustules (small, pus-filled, red bumps) may also crop up. Because of the appearance of these pustules, rosacea is sometimes referred to as acne rosacea, but the condition is in no way connected with the breakouts that are most common during adolescence. Rosacea is more common in adults.

Most cases of rosacea affect fair skinned individuals over the age of 30. About 14 million people in the United States have rosacea currently. Unfortunately, many of these people think their skin condition has gone away after a while, only to have it reappear. This is because the disease is cyclic. It will keep returning if it is left untreated. Thankfully, several treatment options are available.

First Round of Acne Rosacea Treatment

The American Academy of Dermatology explains that anyone suspecting they have rosacea should see a specialist as soon as possible so that a treatment plan can be created. Although many patients rely on over-the-counter products to improve the condition, these can actually do more damage.

A dermatologist, on the other hand, is likely to create a multi-prong plan for treating the problem. Topical antibiotics and other products may be prescribed for daily use. These are sometimes used separately or along with oral antibiotics. The latter normally provides faster results.

While you are waiting for treatments to begin taking effect, you might try using makeup to reduce the appearance of the redness. Green-tinted cosmetics can do wonders. Your dermatologist may be able to recommend brands or specific products that can be used and that will not further aggravate the condition.

Second Round of Acne Rosacea Treatment

If the combination of treatments discussed above does not produce significant improvement in about two months, a dermatologist may recommend a more aggressive treatment. According to the Patient’s Guide to Rosacea, laser treatments can be used on the spider veins in the face. This form of treatment can reduce redness, although multiple treatments are sometimes needed. Unfortunately, many patients cannot afford this type of treatment. Depending on the laser used, costs generally run from $300 to $2,500. Most insurance plans will not cover laser treatment because it is not considered medically necessary.

Laser treatment is often mildly uncomfortable at most; however, swelling will occur and can last up to four days. Some discoloration and bruising may also occur and will usually disappear by the seventh day after treatment.

Although there is no permanent cure for rosacea, treatments for the disease are very effective at relieving the symptoms, so you won’t have to spend any extra time worrying about your appearance.

Having sensitive skin can make your beauty routine more difficult, however, if you know what steps to take to deal with the situation, you can make the problem a little easier. Dealing with sensitive skin first requires knowing if you have the condition, then, understanding what to do about it.

Diagnosing Sensitive Skin

According to WebMD.com, dermatologists look for specific criteria when diagnosing someone with sensitive skin. If you have very dry skin, this can be a sign of skin sensitivity because the natural oil does not provide enough protection from the nerve endings on the skin. Blushing or flushing of the skin can also indicate a sign recognized by skin experts. A dermatologist may also look for reactions on the skin, including the formation of bumps or pustules.

Caring for Sensitive Skin

Individuals who have sensitive skin must be more careful about the products they use for beauty and skin care. Some products, such as astringents, should be avoided at all costs. An astringent is designed to remove excessive oil from the skin thanks to the inclusion of chemicals such as witch hazel or salicylic acid. Because sensitive skin needs more oil instead of less, and because these chemicals are quite strong, they will lead to burning and discomfort on sensitive skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

If you use makeup cosmetics, you must also be careful about your cosmetic choices. Because these products are typically used for long periods of time, the AAD recommends being selective. When you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to look for specific qualities in the product(s). For example, you will want to choose products labeled as hypoallergenic, meaning the product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, and non-acnegenic, meaning the product will not clog your pores. Looking for lipstick or moisturizing lip balms are also a good choice because sensitive skin can always benefit from additional moisture.

Another important aspect of caring for sensitive skin is applying moisturizer regularly. Because sensitive skin is frequently the result of having too little protective oil on the skin, adding a layer of moisture is a good idea. Again, you need to be careful about your choice of product(s). According to the Mayo Clinic, you want to choose moisturizers that do not contain fragrances or dyes that could lead to skin irritation. The AAD warns not to assume that unscented products are fragrance-free. They may actually include some type of fragrance that overshadows the other smells in the product. Instead, look for products labeled specifically as fragrance-free. You may want to talk to your dermatologist about what products would be the best choice for your sensitive skin needs.

You can also add moisture to your skin by applying baby oil, according to the Mayo Clinic. After showering, rub on some baby oil while your skin is still damp. The oil will prevent moisture from evaporating from your skin.

Overall, the best tips for dealing with sensitive skin are avoiding irritating products and moisturizing your skin regularly.

If you’ve ever read the ingredients list on your mascara or lipstick, you may be shocked to see such a wide range of items; most of which you might not be able to pronounce or identify. Many people are now becoming concerned about the health risks associated with applying some of these items to their skin. Instead, they are turning to natural cosmetics, which typically cost more than other cosmetic items but promise healthier looking skin and less health risks. So what exactly does it mean for a product to be natural, and does making the switch to natural cosmetics make sense for you?

The Technical Definition of Natural

When you think of the term natural, you probably have a very clear definition come to mind. Unfortunately, there is no technical definition for the term. According to publications from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the government regulatory body overseeing cosmetics and personal care products, the term can literally mean anything to anyone. One major cosmetic company, for example, claims to offer a natural line of cosmetics; however, an analysis of the products’ ingredients, according to the FDA, contains many ingredients that are no different than what are used in their other cosmetic lines, lines that are not labeled “natural.” This line also includes some items not added to their hypoallergenic products. This means you can’t simply assume a product labeled as “natural” is going to be an improvement over other cosmetics.

Not Everything Natural is Better for Your Skin

Think about the last time you went hiking in the woods and accidentally came into contact with some poison ivy. Was that a pleasant experience? Poison ivy is natural, but you would not want to rub it all over your skin. That means you can’t assume everything labeled “natural” is going to be good for you and that everything made in a lab is going to be dangerous. WebMD.com, for example, cites the findings of a study published by the British Journal of Dermatology, which found that people had allergic skin reactions to many natural products including lavender, jasmine, and tea tree oil. Lanolin, a natural product made from wool, is a well-known allergen.

Of course, if you are concerned about more than allergic reactions to your products, you would be better off learning more about the ingredients. Don’t just look for the word “natural.” Instead, look at the label to find natural products. According to WebMD.com, if you are concerned about the potential health risks of some common cosmetic ingredients, be sure to choose products that do not include any of the following: paraben, mercury, lead, dioxane, phthalates, or petrochemicals.

A dermatologist from the Mayo Clinic, quoted in an article in Discovery Health, suggested consumers realize that many “natural” products are padding their ingredient lists with exotic items that sound appealing and warrant a higher price tag but do the same thing as ingredients found in lower costing cosmetics. For example, glycerin is one of the humectants that help keep moisture from evaporating from your skin. Numerous “natural” cosmetics use fancier ingredients that do the same thing. The bottom line is, carefully read the labels and get information about what you’re buying before you apply it to your skin.

Safety is a concern we all share, however, understanding what constitutes a risk and what does not can be a real challenge in today’s world of myths and hyped news stories. Choosing safe cosmetics can be one of the most challenging areas. Below is some information that can help you decide what makeup to use on your skin.

Cosmetics and Regulations

Before you begin evaluating safe cosmetics, you should learn a few things about these products. WebMD.com, for example, has compiled myths and facts about the industry that might be valuable for any makeup consumer.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the industry is non-regulated. The truth is, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees these products and has done so for the last several decades. If any cosmetic item or ingredient contained in that cosmetic item is deemed harmful or dangerous, the FDA has the power to pull it off the shelf. The FDA, however, points out that cosmetic items are not like prescription drugs. These products can be released to the public without being first evaluated by the FDA. There are a few ingredients that cosmetic companies cannot use in their products, such as some types of color additives, but overall, the cosmetic industry has the power to use whatever is necessary. Do keep in mind that ingredients in these products are checked by the industry’s own independent panel, which is known as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR). In the past, the CIR has banned or restricted some ingredients from being used.

Cancer and Safe Cosmetics

One of the biggest reasons people are looking for safe cosmetics is the fear that some ingredients in makeup sold today could increase the risk of developing cancer. A group called Pure Prevention, which is trying to get the FDA to take a stronger hand with the cosmetic industry, includes all of the following ingredients that should be avoided in cosmetic products: any types of fragrance, parabens, triclosan, triethanolamine, oxybenzone, and hydroquinone.

Are these chemicals really going to cause cancer? According to WebMD.com, no scientific evidence considered credible in the field has shown a link between any cosmetic product and an increased risk for cancer. In fact, no known human carcinogens are included in any of the cosmetics used in the United States.

Other Risks with Makeup

Even if you don’t worry about the cancer risk, you may be worried that the chemicals in cosmetics may have other effects, and this might be why you’re searching for safe cosmetics. One example is phthalates. Some studies have linked these chemicals to delayed sexual development and other problems; however, research has not been conclusive as to such risks, according to the Mayo Clinic, though you may not want to risk using products that contain these chemicals, which is why you need to read the labels on everything you purchase.

You should also be wary of using any products that have a warning stating that the safety of the product is still undetermined. Both WebMD.com and the FDA explain this warning means the product contains ingredients that the FDA has not yet evaluated.

For all the talk we hear about different types of cancer, you may be surprised to learn that skin cancer is actually the most common. In the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually. Thankfully, skin cancer is also one of the least fatal and most treatable forms of cancer, especially when caught early. However, in order to catch this disease early on, you need an answer to the question: what does skin cancer look like? Before we answer that question, let’s talk a little bit more about skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Basics

While skin cancer is normally discussed as a single disease, it comes in three major types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The latter is the most serious of the three. Another false idea about skin cancer is that it is only caused by exposure to ultraviolent radiation. Actually, this type of cancer can even develop on parts of your body with limited sun exposure. Heredity, radiation treatments, and exposure to certain chemicals can also cause skin cancer.

Do not assume you will not develop skin cancer because you do not spend much time in the sun or because you always use sunscreen. While these steps do minimize your risk, they do not eliminate it completely.

Signs of Skin Cancer

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, you should check your skin at least once a month. Look for marks that show any of the following symptoms: continued growth, bleeding, appearance changes, or failure to heal completely. Also, be on the lookout for actinic keratoses. These are rough pink or red spots that appear on parts of the body most frequently exposed to the sun. These spots can indicate a pre-cancerous stage. Treatment at this point can sometimes prevent the development of full-blown skin cancer.

You also need to know the answer to what does skin cancer looks like if you are going to properly check your skin for problem signs. The Mayo Clinic offers good definitions for each of the three major types of skin cancer and also provides photographs on their Web site.

With basal cell carcinoma, you’ll notice pearly bumps on your head and neck or flat, scar-like lesions on your upper body. This is the most common type of skin cancer and treatment is very effective.

With squamous cell carcinoma, you’ll usually notice red nodules or flat, scaly lesions on parts of your body such as your face, ears, neck, arms, or hands. You want to catch this type early because it can spread to other parts of your body if not treated early.

Melanoma is the most dangerous and deadly form of skin cancer. Unfortunately, it can take on many appearances on your body and it can crop up almost anywhere on your skin. Look for moles that change in appearance or bleed. Lesions with irregular borders, brownish, speckled spots, and shiny dome-shaped bumps on any part of your body should be investigated by a physician.

The bottom line is that if you see any spot on your body that makes you suspicious, don’t take a chance. Have it checked out by a physician.

Being pregnant can be one of the best times of your life and at the same time, one of the most difficult. You may face morning sickness, bloating, constipation, moodiness, and tiredness. With all of those issues, you may think skin care would be one of the least important things on your mind, though, actually, it can be very important throughout pregnancy.

Before Pregnancy Skin Care

Prior to getting pregnant, you should establish a healthy skin care routine that can be continued throughout the nine months you will be expecting. Discovery Health and American Baby provide a number of tips that can help you do exactly that. When it comes to cleansing your skin, you should typically steer clear of anything glycerin-based. Look for more natural products. Remember to keep using moisturizers and a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. If you don’t use sunscreen, the increased female hormone levels could cause skin discoloration during pregnancy. Start looking for makeup that will be easy to use and that will also contribute positively to the overall health of your skin. Now would be a good time to avoid any chemicals that could have questionable affects on your health.

During Pregnancy Skin Care

Many moms-to-be who already have oily skin will find that this problem gets worse during pregnancy. To prevent acne during pregnancy and the overall oily skin feeling without over-drying, you might want to look for products that contain witch hazel or alpha hydroxy acids. According to WebMD.com, you should avoid using certain chemical ingredients to treat your skin, including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.

Another issue that can appear during pregnancy is known as polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP). The first sign is an itchy rash on the abdomen around the third trimester of pregnancy. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, the cause for PEP is not known, but physicians do know that the itching is followed by the development of rashes, raised lumps, inflamed areas, and hive-like marks. Unfortunately, this condition can spread over your body. Thankfully, the condition normally disappears when you are near the end of the pregnancy or after delivery. Topical steroid creams are commonly prescribed for the treatment of mild cases.

The American Academy of Dermatology also explains another skin condition common during pregnancy: melasma. What happens with this condition is that too much melanin ends up being produced by the body and causes dark spots to appear, primarily on the face. To prevent this from occurring or worsening, apply a sunscreen of at least an SPF 15 when you spend any time in the sun.

After Pregnancy Skin Care

The biggest skin care issue for women after the birth of a baby is stretch marks prevention. Only 10 percent of women escape these unsightly reminders of their pregnancy. If you want to keep the marks from being too visible, the best idea is to keep the areas moisturized. This actually keeps them looking full and prevents them from itching. If you apply sunless tanning products to the areas, you can also reduce their appearance. You might also want to consider prescription creams, such as tretinoin, or laser treatments to reduce or remove the stretch marks permanently.

Most people do not even realize it, but many people have already incurred damage to their skin from the sun that can lead to wrinkles, liver spots, and even skin cancer; however, there are some natural treatments available that you might want to consider that can help repair damage and improve the overall look of your skin.

Vitamins & Light

One of the most common natural treatments for sun-damaged skin involves vitamin A. According to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, research has been published in the journal for Clinical Cancer Research that supports the idea that vitamin A can be used to repair skin damage resulting from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Additionally, studies suggest the vitamin can even prevent the development of skin cancer. Taking 25,000 IU of vitamin A daily for five years was shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer by almost one-third. When it comes to sun-damaged skin, however, a more recent study found that taking the same amount of vitamin A for just one year resulted in reduced damage in 65 percent of participants. A double-dose daily improved the number of participants seeing positive results by as much as 81 percent. The Bastyr Center does warn that too much vitamin A can cause health problems, so using the vitamin as treatment while being monitored by a physician is important.

Another natural treatment for sun damage, and one that is rather ironic, is called photodynamic therapy. The treatment involves the application of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to the sun-damaged skin then light energy is focused on the spots for a period of 30 to 60 minutes. This is known as ALA-PDT treatment, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has found the method effective in reducing sun spots, redness, and improving the overall quality of the skin’s appearance. ALA-PDT treatments have also been effective in treating skin cancer growths.

Wrinkles & Sun Damaged Skin

One of the consequences of sun damage is the increased risk of developing wrinkles. When this happens, one method of treatment is a collagen injection. Although these injections often use synthetic materials, they can be more natural and can use excess fat extracted from your body, instead, for the process. The benefit of choosing to use your own body fat is a reduction in risk factors associated with an allergic reaction.

Other materials used for these collagen injections could also be considered natural because they are derived from animals. The most popular, according to the Mayo Clinic, is bovine collagen obtained from cow skin. Another option is hyaluronic acid, which is taken from rooster combs.

Non-Natural Treatments

While natural treatments for sun-damaged skin are available, some people want to also consider non-natural options as well. WebMD.com lists and explains many of these options, including chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion. These treatments can either be performed by your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. You should always have a physician’s opinion before engaging in any of these treatments because they can have a risk of more serious side effects than many of the natural treatments.

If you have minimal or no sun-damaged skin currently, do what you can to prevent the damage. Always use a sunscreen when spending extended periods outdoors and use moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated.

The ultimate dream for most of us is to age gracefully, naturally, thus avoiding the possibility of turning to Botox injections or aesthetic plastic surgery just to make us look young. Unfortunately, most of us will never achieve that dream, at least not without some type of help. One of the newest ideas out there now for keeping our skin looking vibrant, young, and beautiful is the concept of anti-wrinkle exercises. The question is, do they work, and if so, which ones can you start doing today?

The Bottom Line on Anti-Wrinkle Exercises

According to St. John Health, one of the largest medical facilities in Michigan, the idea that some anti-wrinkle exercises exist, which can tighten and tone facial muscles in order to prevent the development of wrinkles, is largely untrue. Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons why this is the case.

For one, most of our wrinkles are caused by sun damage, not by poor muscle tone. Some dermatologists now believe that almost three-fourths of all skin damage caused by the sun is caused prior to the time we turn 18. Another cause of wrinkles is repeated facial gestures and movements, according to St. John Health. WebMD.com and the American Academy of Dermatology both recommend sleeping on your back so you don’t run the risk of sleep lines that can occur and won’t vanish when you wake up in the morning.

St. John Health further explains that most of our facial muscles are used so frequently in our day to day activities that further exercise won’t do anything to tone them any more.

Other Anti-Wrinkle Advice

If anti-wrinkle exercises won’t do anything, the question becomes, what will work for wrinkle reduction? St. John Health suggests doing full-body exercises. These exercises will help improve blood and oxygen flow throughout the body, which will keep facial skin looking younger and healthier.

Even more important to preventing wrinkles is to understand the serious risks associated with sun damage. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, more than 50 percent of people living in England think a tan is attractive, and about the same number of people have been using tanning beds since their mid-teens to early 20s. Learning how to appropriately apply sunscreen and changing our perception of tanning as a symbol of beauty is important if we want real anti-wrinkle assistance.

You may also be tempted to use various anti-wrinkle products on your skin. Cosmeceuticals are examples of some of these products that are becoming popular. They contain ingredients such as retinal, hydroxy acid and copper peptides. These ingredients, when present in large enough concentrations, can change overall skin quality, according to the Mayo Clinic. They may be able to reduce the risk of further sun damaged skin consequences, but they are no substitute for taking sun damage precautions.

Finally, WebMD.com offers other anti-wrinkle recommendations, including not smoking and using moisturizers on your skin. Eating more soy, using topical vitamin C on your skin, and eating more fish can all help impact the overall appearance of your skin.

Having beautiful, healthy skin is important, after all, our skin is one of the first things people notice about us. In previous decades, people would slather on almost any product that promised to make them look younger, healthier, less wrinkled, or more attractive. Today, more people are becoming concerned about the chemicals these products contain, as well as how some are tested. All of this is shaping up, forming a trend towards natural-based skincare products, but is this the right choice for you? The information below can help you decide.

Understanding Important Terms

When you start thinking about natural skincare, you’ll first need to understand the different terms associated with cosmetics. Because of this trend, many skincare companies have added new lines of makeup intended to attract consumers. They are not all created equal, however.

According to the FDA, most of the terms used for cosmetics do not have any official meaning. The FDA has attempted to enforce certain definitions for these terms but most of its efforts have been ruled against by the courts. For example, the term hypoallergenic only means that the products are considered less likely to cause allergies. Natural is intended to mean that the products come from ingredients made from plant or animal products and are not created synthetically. Another popular term is alcohol-free, which only means that certain types of alcohol, primarily ethyl (or grain), are not included. Other alcohols, such as cetyl, can be included in the list of ingredients.

Even the term cruelty-free can be misleading. Almost everything included in these products, according to the FDA, has been tested on animals at some point, even if the cosmetics company in question was not responsible for the testing.

The Benefits of Natural Skincare

Many people choose natural skincare options because they believe these are better for their skin. Unfortunately, as the FDA points out, this has not been scientifically proven. One example illustrated at the government operated site, Teen Consumer, is that many vitamins are being added to cosmetics now. While vitamins taken in through food or as oral supplements can help skin look better and are important for overall health, the skin may not be able to absorb them when applied in cosmetics. Therefore, they may have no benefits whatsoever.

The same site explains that not all natural products are allergy-free either. That means if you want to make the switch because you have sensitive skin, you may not have any better luck. Lanolin, for example, is completely natural but is a common allergen.

Other Ideas for Natural Skincare

A self-taught chemist and creator of a natural healthcare line explains in a Discovery Health article that many of the best examples of natural skincare won’t be found on the shelves of drug or retail stores. Instead, look in your own kitchen. Lemon juice is good for age spots while oatmeal blended with powdered milk can be used in the shower to exfoliate your skin.

If you do choose natural skincare products, always be sure to read the label carefully. Don’t just assume a product labeled “natural” is going to be the right choice for your skincare needs.

Although they can be distressing, facial warts are rarely a serious health issue; however, most people who have them want to know where they come from so they can prevent them from ever returning. The good news is that there are a number of treatments for facial warts so they do not have to be part of your appearance permanently.

The Causes of Facial Warts

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), facial warts are most commonly caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). You may have heard of HPV recently because it is the same virus believed to cause some types of cervical cancer in young women. Don’t let this worry you though. Having facial warts does not mean you have cancer. There are over 100 types of these viruses and some are responsible for skin warts. While we’re focusing on facial warts here, HPV also cause warts on other parts of the body as well, including the mouth, hands, and genital warts.

As with any type of virus, HPV can be passed from person to person. If you touch one person’s wart or use a towel that touched a person’s wart, you can contract HPV yourself and develop warts on that part of your body. Treatment is believed to help minimize the spread of the warts on your body and to other people, according to the AAFP.

Possible Treatments

Facial warts can be treated in a number of ways. In some cases, you might not even need treatment because the warts will go away on their own. According to drug manufacturer Merck, however, flat warts (one of the most common types to appear on the face) are often resistant and do not go away on their own. Even if they do go away, the time table can be long. Research shows that 20 percent of warts disappear in six months, while two-thirds vanish within 24 months. Of course that can be a long time to live with unsightly facial warts.

Treatment usually happens in stages. You should first try some over-the-counter (OTC) remedies that have been proven effective. These should be useful for many patients but should not be used by patients who have diabetes or who have compressed immune systems. The majority of OTC remedies contain salicylic acid, which can gradually dissolve the warts.

When those methods do not work, your physician will have other options available, including freezing warts with liquid nitrogen, burning with a laser, removing via surgery, or prescribing medications to boost the immune system’s response to the facial warts. When facial warts are severe or resistant, your physician can also inject an anti-viral medication known as bleomycin, directly into the warts. Unfortunately, many of these methods will leave a surgical scar.

Repeat Appearance of Facial Warts

Even after successful treatment, facial warts do sometimes reappear; however, the risk of that occurring seems to depend on your immune system’s strength. As long as you follow preventative measures, like washing your hands after potential contact with HPV, you can reduce your overall chances of developing or re-developing facial warts.

Although genital warts is not a pleasant topic for most discussions, it can be more serious than you might imagine and should not be ignored. Besides the associated risk of pregnancy complications, the cause of genital warts has also been linked to cancer. For these reasons, learning more genital warts treatment options is a good idea.

What are Genital Warts?

Before we can discuss genital warts treatment, understanding the nature of the condition and its causes are important. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), genital warts are bumps (sometimes flat or cauliflower-like in appearance) that appear in the genital areas of both men and women. They can appear on the penis, the scrotum, the vulva, the vagina, the cervix, and near the anus. The sizes of the warts vary. Some are barely visible while others are larger.

The cause of genital warts is the human papilloma virus (HPV). Some parts of the skin exposed to the virus can allow you to contract genital warts, though the virus is usually contracted through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. Unfortunately, you cannot determine whether or not your partner has genital warts simply by looking at them. There is a lengthy incubation period associated with genital warts and also because of the location of some warts, a person could be affected without visible signs. Condoms can offer some protection, but they cannot completely eliminate risks.

In women, genital warts can be particularly dangerous. During pregnancy, the warts can cause complications with the delivery. Sometimes the warts can be transmitted to the baby and can grow in the child’s throat leading to an obstruction of the airway that requires surgery.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the virus responsible for genital warts has also been linked to cancer, including cervical and anal cancers. Cancer caused by HPV can also affect the penis and the vulva.

Genital Warts Treatments

One method of treating genital warts is via topical medications. These are applied directly to the affected area. The medications serve different functions. For example, imiquimod is used to increase the body’s immune response to the warts. Podofilox, on the other hand, actually works to destroy the tissue of the warts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend complete removal of the genital warts as part of an aggressive treatment program. There are several methods that this can be done. One is with TCA (trichloroacetic acid). When applied to the affected area, the warts will burn away.

There are also other methods for dealing with genital warts, including cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart in liquid nitrogen, and electrocautery, which uses electricity to burn off the warts. Laser and surgical removal are other options.

While the removal of genital warts can usually prevent the spread of the HPV virus, the CDC cautions patients that it does not mean they are free of the virus. If you have genital warts, you may want to continue careful screenings for cervical and other types of cancer most frequently associated with HPV. As with any type of cancer, early detection will increase the chances of successful treatment.

The term “organic” has become one of the hottest marketing buzz words in recent years. From organic vegetables and fruits to organic cleaning products for the home, these items are jumping onto retail shelves in droves and are raking in a tidy profit for companies. Organic makeup is one example, but is it worth the extra cost?

Basics of Organic Makeup

To be labeled as organic, any product in the United States must consist of at least 70 percent organic materials. The term organic simply refers to anything that comes from a living system. Plant and animal products would both be considered organic under this definition. According to an article from Discovery Health, makers of organic cosmetics are committed to treating the skin in a holistic manner. Holistic simply means it pertains to the whole. In fact, many people who swear by organic makeup are also committed to using other organic and whole food products as part of their overall wellness routine.

Is Organic Makeup Better?

WebMD.com recently examined one example of organic makeup: mineral cosmetics. These products claim to be better for your skin because they are all-natural and organic; however, this may not be total fact. Some are convinced that mineral makeup is nothing but a marketing gimmick, selling consumers ingredients that are frequently included in cosmetics anyway. In fact, that has proven to be the case with some mineral cosmetics because they do actually contain artificial and synthetic additives, such as fragrances.

Other mineral makeup examples are better. A number of dermatologists told WebMD.com that they would recommend these products to consumers because they do contain fewer artificial chemicals than other makeup and are less likely to clog pores. They also tend to be better for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Of course, to reap these benefits you need to use the purest forms of organic makeup available, and that means closely reading the labels.

Researching Ingredients

The bottom line with organic makeup, as with almost all organic products, is that you need to get in the habit of reading and understanding the ingredients listed. An article on organic beauty products published in The New York Times discussed one of the concerns some dermatologists have about these new organic makeup products.

The problem is that in order to differentiate themselves from competition, many companies are seeking out more and more exotic ingredients. While these ingredients could be considered all-natural, many have not been widely used in U. S. cosmetics before, so their safety and effectiveness records are not known.

As the article points out, many consumers falsely believe that any product that is organic or natural would be good and safe for them to use. This, of course, is not necessarily the case. The head of the Environmental Working Group points out that poison ivy and tobacco are both natural and organic but most people would not consider them good or safe. Hemlock would be another good example of something dangerous but organic.

Instead of simply relying on labels that read “organic,” you should look at the label and choose products that contain few or no artificial fragrances or other unwanted items. If you need to do research on the ingredients in your cosmetics to make sure you are making a wise decision, the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association provides a database that can help you.

Every industry is competing these days to place their product in the ultimate position in the market. They focus primarily on the market share; its rise and fall. With so many companies claiming to be the best in the business, it is very difficult for consumers to choose the best product.

Skin care has been a huge rage for quite some time now, and both males and females are extensively taking up a skin care routine. Skin care involves different products and different processes as well. But while choosing a product, one needs to be very careful about the ingredients. Every skincare product is not meant for every skin type. The marketing strategies of many of these product oriented companies are very influential, and that can often misleads consumers.

The consumer base isn’t always predictable, and in some cases, many users are quite knowledgable of the ingredients in these skin care products. However, some consumers might not be as knowledgeable of the many, varied ingredients and terms like acids, alpha, beta, and derivatives, to name a few. These technical terms might sound alien, or they have read these terms on a label, but never really knew what they meant. Therefore, for the education of all consumers, we have tried to explain the details of some well used ingredients and terms.

AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids)

This is one ingredient that has been prominent on the market for a considerable period of time now. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) products are sold over-the-counter and are very helpful in treating fine lines, pigmentation, age spots and enlarged pores. AHAs include 4 acids – lactic, citric, glycotic and tartaric acids. There are more than 200 manufacturers’ of skin care products in the USA alone, who have been dealing with products containing AHAs. Because these products are reported to occasionally cause mild side effects, like skin irritation and sensitivity, you need to use a sunscreen regularly, to avoid irritations caused due to sun rays after using AHA products.

Beta-hydroxy Acid / Salicylic Acid

Beta-hydroxy Acid is also known to be a competent ingredient of skin care products. This ingredient has also been known in the past as salicylic acid, and it helps in exfoliating the skin and further promotes the color and texture of the skin. Beta-hydroxy acid is an aid in treating acne and pimples as it penetrates the oil-laden hair follicles and openings. Skin care products that are Beta-hydroxy Acid based are highly available in the market today and are often sold over-the-counter. Studies reveal that skin care products containing Beta-hydroxy Acids are less irritating as compared to products containing AHAs, but provide almost the same improvements in the color and texture of the skin. However, a sunscreen should also become an essential application and should be used every morning.

Please be aware that pregnant women must consult a doctor before using products containing beta-hydroxy acid / salicylic acid. In addition, some people are allergic to the salicylate contents and should avoid using products containing salicylic acid as this can lead to dermatitis as well.

Hydroquinone

Some skin care products contain hydroquinone and these act as bleaching or lightening agents. Products containing hydroquinone are used to lighten and treat hyper pigmentation like dark spots due to hormone therapy, pregnancy “mask” or chloasma, and age spots. It is better to seek a doctor’s advice before using hydroquinone products andif one is allergic to this compound, you must avoid it and look for other skin lightening options. Please note, the FDA wants to ban OTC sales of hydroquinone due to the risk factors asscociated with this ingredient when used in high concentrations and for long periods of usage.

Kojic Acid

In 1989, researchers came up with Kojic acid, a remedy for skin pigmentation and age spots. Its effects are quite similar to hydroquinone and have been derived from a fungus that is very effective and acts as a lightening agent and also inhibits melanin production.

Retinol

Retinol is a derivate of vitamin A and it is contained in a lot of skin care products sold over-the-counter (OTC). Tretinion is a counterpart of Retinol and is very strong. Itcontains ingredients like Renova and Retin-A. These can be obtained with a doctor’s prescription only. Retinol is very effective in treating mottled pigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, skin tone and texture. Retinol also allows for skin re-hydration which is vital to healthy skin. A commonly heard term, Retinyl palmitate, belongs to the retinol family, but is less efficient as compared to retinol because you have to use more of this to get near the same effects.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps in stimulating collagen synthesis, which becomes very essential for the production of collagen. With age, the natural process of collagen production decreases and that leads to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C has been proven to be one of the best treatments for wrinkles and scars. However, vitamin C products are problematic in that when it comes in contact with oxygen this vitamin becomes useless.

Copper Peptide

Copper peptides help in regenerating the skin and are mostly used for that purpose. Studies have revealed that copper peptides promote the production of elastin and collagen, two basics to keeping your skin healthy. Additionally, copper peptide is an antioxidant that helps fight against free radical damage to the skin.

In addition to all these over-the-counter products, natural remedies have also been ruling the market for the past few years revolutionizingthe whole idea of skin care. “Naturopathy” is the term that is used for natural medicines. It actually combines the values of science, philosophy and the healing arts. The concept of Naturopathy is based on natural and herbal medicines, obtained from plant extracts and herbs, and therefore more likely to have minimal side effects. It primarily focuses on the nutritional values of earthly foods and factors in conjunction with the body’s own ability to heal itself.

With so many varied products and methods of skin care and treatment, it is very difficult to rely on just one product to do fulfill all desired results. Combining pharmacuetical and over the counter beauty products with natural remedies is a steady and growing industry called cosmeceuticals. Cosmeceuticals combine using drug like ingredients and naturally occuringingredients together in beauty products and the results are focused on giving the best overall skin benefits known today in the “beauty” market. It is smart to be careful while purchasing new products and if you are not sure about new or unknown ingredients, consult a dermatologist or ask the manufacturer to send you literature on that product.

Wounds are breaks in our skin that usually affects the outer most skin layer know as the epidermis. Wounds can be caused due to various reasons, but the most ordinary ones are scrapes, burn, lacerations, punctures and cuts. There are different treatments for different wounds and the depending on the type of wound, how it occurred, and the severity of the wound.

All our tissues heal after a certain period of time, some leaving behind scars. A wound needs proper care preventing infection or scarring. The healing process is very important and it becomes essential to take good care of any injured area.

The healing process involves 4 different phases:

The Inflammatory Phase: This phase starts with the injury itself. During this phase you will find that the wound stars bleeding, and the blood vessels are narrowing right away. At the same time the formation of clots and chemical substances being released right into the injury for the healing process to begin. The wound is then cleared of debris by the specialized cells and this may take many days to complete.

The Proliferative Phase: This is the second phase of wound healing where the formation of cell latticework or matrix accumulate. New blood vessels and skin cells will be formed on the matrix formation. The wound will appear red or pinkish in color due to newly formed blood vessels; better known as capillaries. These blood vessels further supply nutrients and oxygen to the rebuilding cells in order to continue the growth of new cells and also support proteins mainly collagen. The collagen functions like that of a support where new tissue builds. Collagen is the foremost substance in the scar that will form at the end of the healing.

The Remodeling Phase: This phase begins after 2 to 3 weeks after the injury. By this time, the collagen is better organized, strengthening the tissues. The density of the blood vessels lessens and the wound loses its pink color. The injured area will strengthen and over this course of time, about 6 months, and the wound can heal up to 70% of the original skin.

Epithelialization: This process involves the laying down of epithelial cells, the new skin. During this phase, the skin, between the body and its outer environment, forms a protective barrier. Protection is the main purpose of this barrier keeping the wound from bacteria and excessive loss of water. This layer needs reconstruction that begins within a few hours from the injury and the whole process takes about 24 to 48 hours for completion. In the end, you can see a clean and well-structured or stitched wound. An open wound can take more time to heal (7 to 10 days) as the inflammatory phase is extended and that leads to scarring. Scarring occurs only when the injury goes deep into the skin layers and reaches the dermis layer of the skin.

Types of Wounds:

• Cuts and scrapes are mostly superficial and occur on the skin’s surface. The deeper layers of the skin are least affected in this case and there is minimum bleeding. There may be a very slow oozing instead of blood. Such wounds are caused due to friction or if the injured area has been rubbed against a coarse surface.
• Lacerations or cuts pass though different skin layers and enters right into the deep and fat tissues. The bleeding is much more profuse or brisk. The common causes of laceration include falling against any hard surface, blows by a blunt object, or contact with any sharp object.
• Puncture wounds are usually caused when any sharp and pointed object makes hard contact and enters the skin. Some of the common causes of puncture wounds are needle sticks on fingers, stepping on nails, and knife cuts. Often with these, there is minimal bleeding and the wound is small.
• Animal bites and human bites can be considered a laceration, a puncture or a blending of both. Contaminated saliva is always present in these wounds and this can cause infection. In such cases, these wounds would need special care.

Wound Care At Home

Wash abrasions and cuts properly at home at least 4 times a day for 48 hours and then the wound needs to be covered by a proper sterile bandage. If the wound is severe, you may want to call for medical attention.

- Stop the bleeding and use a clean bandage on the affected area.

- The wound should be cleaned with water you may need to apply pressure. Be sure to remove all the debris and dirt. Do not scrub the wound as this can irritate and cause more bleeding.

- Apply the proper antiseptic and sterile application to prevent infection.

- If the injured person is not up to day on tetanus shots, one may be needed. Consult you physician to schedule an appointment to get a shot and to determine if antibiotics may be necessary.

- If the wound is serious and deep, stitches may be necessary and a doctor or emergency room technician can take care of this.

- If the injured person loses consciousness, call the 911 emergency phone number and stay with the injured person.

Preventions

One should be very careful while handling sharp objects or working near dangerous areas. Though injuries need not necessarily be associated with sharp objects or working conditions, it is better to be careful and aware of your surroundings at all times. Most wounds can be prevented when caution and care are used.

• Pay attention while you are cleaning sharp objects like scissors, knives, cooking utensils, etc as these can sometimes cause severe injury.
• Wear shoes or slippers when you are indoors to prevent anything from pricking into your feet or prevent slipping on areas that are wet or smooth.
• Use helmets while you ride a motorcycle or a bicycle.
• Be careful while handling tools of any kind.
• Use caution when approaching animals that are not familiar to you.

Cosmeceuticals are a very acceptable treatment for skin care these days and its consumer base is diverse. Once a woman oriented market, now draws people of different age groups, including men and young adults. However, these products continue to draw image-focused women who prefer using cosmeceutical products to prevent skin aging and promote skin health. The spectrum of use includes a wide variety of people who are keen on trying such natural products for skin care.

It is important to point out that the FDA does not have an official definition of the term “cosmeceutical” and the term “cosmeceutical” has no meaning under the law. However, the common definition of a cosmeceutical is: a cosmetic product offering a claim of therapeutic benefits and is usually derived from natural sources. These products can either be ingested as pills or applied topically.

Cosmeceutical products are very appealing to the consumers because of the convenient ways of treating the skin. By avoiding medicines and painful surgeries as well as short-term injection treatments like Botox, cosmeceuticals provide a healthy alternative. It is also believed that the effects of cosmeceuticals are long lasting. By gleaning from natural sources, cosmeceuticals also promote direct nourishment to our skin and consumers have indicated they consider this a solution to improving the integral condition of their skin and believe the effects will be long term. The concept of our bodies reflecting what we eat has been accepted globally and consumers also believe that the influence of diet is essential to the appearance and condition of the skin.

While buying cosmeceutical, consumers must be well aware of the active and inactive ingredients that make up the products. It is very difficult to decide on the best-suited product and the indications for use. Listed below are some of the most popular and essential cosmeceutical ingredients that go beyond the conception ”beauty is only skin deep” .

Pycnogenol

This is a multi functional dietary supplement and may be considered on of the highest beneficial cosmeceutical ingredient. Obtained from barks of pine trees named French maritime (Pinus pinaster), it contains antioxidant compounds in high concentrations. One such antioxidant compound is procyanidin that improves circulation of minute skin capillaries, gives protection to the collagen of skin, and hinders the effects of the suns UVB rays on the skin.

Pycnogenol also neutralizes the damaging effects of the free radicals that aggressively breaks down and causes damage to the skin cells. Studies have shown that it also has anti-inflammatory properties and prevents the immune cells from activation by constricting the release of proinflammatory mediators, thereby protecting the skin against photo aging and also enhancing the resistance power of the skin against sunburns.

Bioasteri

Borage oil or Borago officinalis is an important cosmeceutical ingredient possessing potent anti-inflammatory properties. Borage oil is allegedly the richest and the most natural form of GLA or gamma linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acids and contributes to the proper and healthy functioning of the cellular membranes. Preserving the natural barrier of the skin against water-loss and maintaining the fluidity and stability of the dermal cells accomplish this function. By preventing water-loss, GLA can actually prevent dryness of the skin. If the barrier function of the skin can be well maintained, it is actually possible to prevent the occurrence of irritation and skin infections. Borage oil also has moisturizing properties and when topically applied, enhances the smoothness of the skin and also improves the complexion.

Opextan

Opextan is derived from the olive fruit. In extract form it is standardized to consist of polyphenol verbascoside and is the result of a joint collaboration that took place between Kanebo Cosmetics Inc and Indena. Their research revealed that polyphenol verbascoside content of the product could actually help in prevent the skin’s dehydration and thinning. It is also promoted to be a great aid against wrinkles and fine lines.

Opextan also prevents the underlying tissues from weakening and also decelerates the loss of skin moisture, giving a healthier appearance to the skin. The antioxidant property of Opextan is very helpful in maintaining the skin’s cellular structure and also acts as prevention against the UVB radiation. It also reduces the epidermal penetration and by helping to maintain the proper levels of blood sugar, the skin’s moisture content is safeguarded.

Aloe Vera

The Aloe Vera plant is a well known and well used succulent with fleshy leaves. The juicy extract of these leaves has a sticky property and is actually used for direct application for treatment of rashes, burns, and chronic skin irritations. It is also been used in the past as a laxative. Aloe can be used both orally and topically giving it properties for a wide variety of usage in cosmeceutical products. Although it is common for Aloe Vera to be used for various skin problems, the newer approach by consumers is that it may be considered an ingredient that helps to promote “beauty from within” when ingested. This concept is still being considered by the scientific researchers and is not a proven theory. However, Aloe Vera can also be found in foods and beverages as a dietary supplemental ingredient.

Ester-C

Vitamin C undoubtedly has potent qualities including being an antioxidant, improving the skin’s texture and smoothness. However, cosmeceutical manufacturers are often faced with the problem of this particular ingredient’s instability and acidic nature. The instability can affect the effectiveness of the product and the acidic nature might be a cause of concern for different skin types. Because vitamin C needs to have oil base, people prone to skin breakouts and acne might have a problem using a product with vitamin C as an ingredient.

A better alternative to vitamin C is Ester-C. This is a patented product by Zila, with a neutral-pH and combines ascorbate calcium with several other ingredients. The potency of this product can last for about two years. The application of Ester C can be a topical serum, Ester C gold that is highly concentrated and has been used in spas and by dermatologists.

Ursole

Most common beauty and skin products have a fragrance as an essential part of the allure of the product. However, it can have a negative effect on the skin. But with cosmeceuticals, this can be prevented. Cosmeceuticals products also include fragrances, but are usually restricted to plant and herbal extracts only. This actually adds some more benefits to the products because of the antioxidant properties of the herbs or plants used. Labiatae plants such as basil or Ocimum Basilicum, rosemary or Rosamarinus Officinalis and also sage or Salvia Officinalis contain antioxidant compounds like oleanoic acid and ursolic acid that can be very advantageous for the skin.

Nutrilayer

When you think of bran, you think of food. Bran is the coating of various grains, which is highly nutritious and is usually thrown away when processing the food. This is actually a nutritious and potent source of antioxidant and moisturizing benefits used in cosmeceuticals. Nutrilayer was introduced by Eastman Chemical Co. as topical ingredient that can be obtained from rice bran.

Nutrilayer also contains wax of rice bran, squalene and also phytosterols that helps in creating a skin barrier that helps in retaining the moisture in the skin. This ingredient also supplies the skin with antioxidants like tocotreinols and tocopherols that fight against the free radicals that assault the skin. It further protects the skin against damaging photoaging effects from UV caused stress and oxidation.

Herpes a form of viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV. There are two subtypes of the herpes virus named HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus-1) or HSV-2 (herpes simple virus-2). HSV-1 is responsible for blisters and cold sores occurring in or on the mouth while HSV-2 is associated with the genital infections or sores caused in and around the genital regions of both males and females. Genital herpes occurs right below our waist region and it also causes discomfort. Improper functioning of the immune system is also responsible for the occurrence of herpes.

The HSV can only be transmitted from human to human. The herpes simplex virus is transmitted through close contact of the linings of our mouth, or the genital skin with mucous-covered linings. This virus penetrates the inner linings of the skin through certain microscopic tears. As the virus reaches inside, it travels to the roots of the nerves close to the spinal cord and settles down permanently. The first time an individual is infected is referred to as the primary infection and may or may not be presented with clinical symptoms or even know they are infected. However, the primary infection can present clinical symptoms, which can be the appearance of blisters, ulcers, or red inflamed areas (lesions), occurring in various body sites such as the eyes, inside and outside of the mouth and the genital regions. All the blisters and lesions are contagious and can be spread easily.

After a herpes outbreak, the virus goes down to the fibers of the nerves and settles down at the site of the infected area. As it reaches our skin, it causes blisters and reddening. After the preliminary outbreak of herpes, you can expect subsequent intermittent occurrences, weekly, monthly or yearly. HSV is not gender specific and often occurs when the body’s immune system is stressed, has another infection, or has experienced minor trauma. In women, menstruation can bring about an outbreak.

Diagnosing Herpes

Genital herpes can be suspected with the occurrence of several painful blisters appearing on the mouth, near or in the eyes and the sexually exposed regions. As you notice any such symptom appearing you need to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. Several tests are conducted to determine herpes. Only then one can proceed to herpes treatment.

Initial Examination

The initial examination involves your doctor discussing what your reason for the office visit is. Asking several questions regarding your sexual history and although this may seem quite personal; it is necessary to be accurate in diagnosing. After the discussion aspect the doctor will need to examine you visually and physically to analyze of any affected areas.

For men, the initial examination involves the checking for blisters or lesions on the penis, scortum, and rectum. Urethral discharge is another symptom and will also be checked by swabbing the urethra and the anus for a lab test.

For women, the initial examination involves the examination of the pelvic region with speculum to investigate the vagina and the cervix. Also the labia and regions between the anus and the vulva need to be investigated for similar signs of viral infections. Swabs are taken for lab test from the anus and the cervix regions.

It is necessary to check the lymph nodes for both the sexes to see if there’s any abnormality, such as sores or blisters.

Available Tests

Several tests can be conducted for determining herpes, but the most widely used tests are of 3 types:

• Viral Culture
• Serologic Tests
• Antigen Tests

Laboratory tests for determining herpes are based on 2 major categories:

• Sensitivity
• Specificity

Sensitivity determines the accuracy of the test in diagnosing herpes and Specificity refers to the probability of accurately saying that a person isn’t suffering from herpes. The cost and the speed are also important factors and one should take these into account.

Viral Culture:

Viral culture is the process of determining the location and also the presence of the herpes virus in the skin lesion. The location where the virus grows is called the culture medium. Viral culture is specific and it doesn’t give an accurate or positive result if something else can likely be the cause of the problem.

If adequate specimen is provided, it can be quite sensitive.

It also helps in determining the virus that has caused the infection, whether it is HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Improper samples can mark a drop in the sensitivity. The presence of herpes lesions might even not help in producing the accurate results.

Serologic Tests:

Serologic tests have a different approach in looking into the cause of the complication. The antibodies are detected in this case. Antibodies are typical substances generated to fight against infection, by our immune system.

Serologic tests involve blood tests in determining herpes. This helps in determining the presence of antibodies in the blood or the serum to detect herpes. Blood tests can be conducted in the absence of herpes signs and symptoms. If the presence of antibodies can be determined, the presence of herpes simplex virus is dormant in one’s body. Blood tests do not involve lesion swabbing and can even be done after the symptoms fade.

People having a history of typical genital herpes symptoms but have never been through a confirmatory blood test should go for type-specific tests. In case of blood tests, the sensitivity and the specificity are much better than antigen tests or culture, but there are 2 vital factors that need to be taken into consideration:

First: If a person is experiencing herpes for the first time, it might take several weeks for the antibodies to develop. So timing is an important factor.

Second: There are certain blood tests that cannot differentiate between the virus types – HSV-1 and HSV-2. So, while you are undergoing a serological test, you need to ask for “type-specific” tests in order to determine the virus type.

Antigen Detection Tests

This is the third test and helps in identifying the components of the viruses. This method is less frequently use and it looks for virus in the lesions. It helps in identifying the herpes by determining the presence of the virus fragments, antigens that helps in stimulating our immune system.

Antigen detection tests also involve swabbing, like the viral culture. But antigen tests are less sensitive than the viral culture and are conducted in laboratories.

Antigen test produce quicker results and are less expensive as compared to other methods of diagnosis.

Cosmeceuticals are the link between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, uniting properties from both. The FDA does not recognize Cosmeceuticals and the term “cosmeceutical” has no meaning under the law. However, many pharmacuetical companies are manufacturing cosmetic products that have the benefits of standard cosmetics and the properties of some drugs. By doing so, the business of cosmeceuticals has been widely accepted and is growing rapidly.

Several products are being manufactured today with the use of cosmeceutical ingredients, such as moisturizers and anti-aging treatments. Cosmeceuticals are likely to contain active ingredients like vitamins, enzymes, phytochemicals, essential oils and antioxidants. In addition to the pharmacuetical ingredients, these products are also composed of certain ingredients that help in influencing the biological functions of our skin. These ingredients are a great aid in improving the appearance and delivery of essential nutrients to the skin that help maintain the skin’s vitality.

Cosmeceuticals are now one of the leading segments of natural skin care and the customer base is expanding. This could be that people have realized the difference between standard cosmetic products and cosmeceuticals, which offer many benefits.

Some of the widely used cosmeceutical ingredients are as follows:

Retinoids

Retinoids are widely prevalent in the skin care business. Found in most living organisms as carotenoids or preformed vitamin A, retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. Retinol (another form of vitamin A) is an essential ingredient and is the prototype of all existing retinoids. The effects of retinol are that it helps in proper growth, bone development. Retinol also helps strengthen and maintain the integrity of the epithelial surfaces and the mucosal surfaces.

Hydroxy Acids

Hydroxy acids are second to retinoids in being the most sought-after cosmeceutical products. Hydroxy acids are normally formulated in lower concentrations and are widely available in the mass market of cosmesceuticals. Hydroxy acids are organic forms of carboxylic acids and can be classified into two acid categories - AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxyl acids). This classification is based on the molecular structure of the compounds.

Alpha Hydroxy acids can vary between simple aliphatic compounds to more complex molecules. Commonly known to be fruit acids, they can be derived from natural resources. There are various AHAs including: lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and malic acid.

AHAs are often used for anti-aging treatments. By helping the skin appear more uniform and also maintain smoothness, AHAs have been shows to help the signs of aging to decrease. With such healing properties, the AHAs not only cause the decrease signs of aging, they also enhance epidermal shedding. It has been claimed that AHAs promotes the synthesis of GAGs, while also promoting elastic fiber’s quality and increasing collagen density. However, this supportive evidence reached by scientists is still incomplete and debateable.

Beta Hydroxy acids are aromatic compounds. A reference of beta hydrocyl acid is salicylic acid, having dermolytic properties and aids in several ichthyotic and xerotic disorders. Some other types of BHAs are: B-LHA or beta-lipohydroxyacid, tropic acid and 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid.

Though these are very popular products available in the market, their accurate mechanisms and actions of these hydroxyl acids are not yet known and controversies prevail. Yet, there is one facet of biological activity that attributes to the inherent acids and the compounds’ strength. Studies have revealed that AHAs are likely to promote sensitivity towards UV rays of the sun and a sunscreen application is highly recommended when using these products.

Antioxidants

Our skin is vulnerable and is exposed to continuous attacks caused by exogenous and endogenous agents. These assault forces are the UV rays of the sun, air pollutants, drugs, extreme temperatures of hot and cold to name of few. Not only are there external agents to factor in but also endogenous (internal) agents or mitogens such as free radicals and ROS or reactive oxygen species. Such species are being generated continuously during the physiological metabolism of the cells. In order to prevent such damaging effects of ROS, the skin is endowed with a system of antioxidants that helps in the equilibrium maintenance between the damage causing agents, or pro-oxidants and the protective agents or antioxidants. During the protective process, the antioxidants will intervene at various levels. Many of the antioxidants used in the cosmeceutical formulations on the market today include:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a known antioxidant and is a very necessary element for life. Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, was discovered in the early 1930s and it has numerous roles. Vitamin C is essential for the hydroxylation of procollagen, lysine and praline. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause keratotic follicles, bleeding gums and purpura. As an antioxidant that is water soluble, Vitamin C helps in capturing the free radicals and also regenerates vitamin E. It also regulates the stimulation and promotion of collagen synthesis. A depletion of vitamin C on the skin has been shown through studies to be caused by the irradiation of UV rays. Additionally, the cells altered by photodamage are normalized and improved with vitamin C. By incorporating vitamin C, the results show a reduced effect of photoaging on the skin and can also be used to stimulate collagen repair.

Vitamin E

The major lipophilic anti-oxidant in plasma, tissues and membranes is Vitamin E or alpha- tocopherol. Vitamin E is compiled of 8 naturally occurring molecules consisting of 4 tocotrienols and 4 tocopherols. These each exhibit vitamin E activities. Vitamin E should be topically applied before the skin is exposed to UV rays in order to diminish edema, erythema, sun burn cells, DNA adduct formation and immunosuppression from sunlight.

Panthenol

Panthenol is a water soluble humectant often used in the commercially made products such as skin creams, lotions, lipsticks and hair care preparations. Panthenol is the alcohol analog of vitamin B5.

Lipoic acid is fat and water soluble and uniquely protects against free radicals. Once this acid goes beyond the membrane of the cell, it breaks down into dihydrofolic acid, also an antioxidant. Vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione are other anti-oxidants that are recycled by lipoic acid.

Ubiquinone / CoenzymeQ

This is a derivative of quinone and is lipid-soluble. It can be found in the mitochondria and used for adenosine triphosphate or ATP generation, which boosts energy.

There are several other helpful antioxidants that enhance the skin quality. These include: Niacinamide, Dimethylaminoethanol, Spin traps, Melatonin, Catalase, and Glutathione, Superoxide dismutase, Peroxidase, Glucopyranosides, Polyphenols, Cysteine, Allantoin, Furfuryladenine, Uric acid and Carnosine.

Our skin is the largest organ of our body and it acts as a protective shield against heat, cold, injury and infection. Storing vitamin D, water and fat in addtion to helping regulate body temperature, the skin’s functions are vital to the body’s health. However, the skin is also at risk to the exposure of outside elements, especially the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Affecting over 1 million people in the United States annually, skin cancer is recognized as the most common cancer today. Skin cancer is the occurrence of a malignant growth on the skin that may result from several causes. Our skin is divided into two primary layers, the epidermis and dermis. Skin cancer develops usually in the outermost layer of our skin, the epidermis.

Causes

The most prevalent skin cancer cause is the Ultra Violet (UV) rays of the sun. The UV rays are categorized as UVA and UVB. The effects of UVA rays on the skin are the production of vitamin D, sunburns and sun tanning. But scientists are stating that the UVB rays are the main cause of skin cancer. Be aware of the UV rays also used in tanning salons as these have also been linked to causing skin cancer. Therefore, it is very important to use products that have a high skin protection factor or SPF, that help protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays.

There are other causes of skin cancer including exposure to chemicals, genetics, and age. It is important to be informed and aware of your risk factors for skin cancer.

Types:

Skin cancer can be divided into two different groups: melanoma and non-melanoma.

Melanoma skin cancer is a less common but more dangerous form of skin cancer because it is more likely to attack nearby tissues in the skin and spread to other parts of the body. When the melanocytes (cells that make melanin, the pigment that colors the skin) become cancerous they start growing and dividing. It can occur anywhere on the body usually in adults but can be found in adolescents and children. In men it is usually on the trunk (shoulders to hips), head and neck area. In women it usually develops on the arms and legs. Malignant melanoma gets worst with exposure to the UV rays and it is the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Non-melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer and is further divided into 2 types called basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent form of skin cancer. Although this type of cancer is malignant, it usually does not spread to other parts of the body, but it may be disfiguring to the affected area if not detected early and treated. BCC is caused due to genetic factors or hereditary causes, it also occurs due to over exposure to the UV rays of the sun. Age can be a factor contributing to non-melanoma skin cancer, as people over the age of 40 are commonly affected. This form of skin cancer is mostly seen in people having fair complexion, light hair and eyes. Almost two-thirds of BCC occurs on the body parts that are most exposed to the sun. The remaining one-third occurs on body parts that are usually covered and that actually emphasizes on genetic susceptibility of the patients.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer that can affect the skin most exposed to the sun like the face, hands, back of the neck, scalp and ears. It can also be on the lips, inside the mouth and on the genitalia. The appearance can be crusted or scaly patches with a red inflammed base with a tumor growing or unhealed ulcer. It is possible for SCC to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early and treated. People most commonly affected are the elderly, persons with fair complexions, and those who have had multiple sun burns and long exposures to the sun.

Symptoms:

The common symptoms of BCC and SCC include:

• A new growth on the surface of the skin that gets larger and is multi-colored, black, brown, tan, pearly or translucent.
• A noticeable change in an existing mole, birthmark or any brown spot with abnormal borders and texture changes.
• A stubborn sore that cannot be healed, usually within three weeks.
• A sore that persistently bleeds, itches, scabs, hurts, or crusts over.

Treating Sking Cancer:

The treatment of skin cancer is highly dependent on the type of skin cancer, location and size. The doctor will take into consideration the age and overall health of the patient.

The treatment procedure also depends on the process of diagnosis. Sometimes a minor biopsy can remove skin cancer. There are 3 main kinds of skin cancer treatments:

Surgery: This treatment involves cutting the cancer out of the skin and may include removing healthy surrounding tissues for precautionary purposes. Other surgical procedures or treatments include Cryo surgery, Curettage & electrodessication, Mohs (micrographic) surgery and Laser surgery. Mohs surgery is very advantageous as it causes minimum scarring by removing one thin layer at a time and is then evaluated immediately to determine continuation of procedure. Also, the cure rates are quite successful.

Chemotherapy: This treatment involves administering chemical drugs to stop the cancer growing cells. Topical chemotherapy and Systemic chemotherapy are the two essential parts of treatment. The former is meant for tumors that are usually superficial and have not exceeded the top layers of the skin. This treatment has minimum side effects but may cause skin reddening and inflammation. The systemic methods are usually administered by injecting medicines into the veins, body cavities or orally through pills.

Radiation therapy: This form of treatment uses powerful energy known as ionizing radiation to kill the cells causing cancer and to shrink the tumors. The cancer cells in the targeted tissue area is destroyed and by damaging their genetic makeup, these cells are unable to grow and divide. Radiation can also destroy some good tissue however, this tissue can heal and return to normal. Different types of radiation in addition to different delivery methods are based on depth, size and location of the cancer.

Prevention: Prevention of skin cancer is important and the most prevalent way is by avoiding the harmful UV rays. Avoiding multiple sunburns, especially in adolescent years, is very important. The clothing you wear is also very important. Wear clothes that cover the majority of your skin and head. Hats and scarves should be worn when outside and be mindful of wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes as well. If you cannot cover all skin areas, always use sunscreen protection with a high SPF.

Self examination as a means of prevention is a very important way of knowing your skin’s status. Using a mirror or with the help of a family member, look over your complete body and note the skin spots, moles and other markings that are normal. Do this regularly so that if and when there is an abnormality in your skin, you can identify it and see how it changes. If noted, consult a dermatologist or your physician for further help. Try not to panic, it may not be skin cancer, but prevention is always better than cure.

Today more and more people are very conscious about their health and it includes proper skin care. In the past, people were less informed about the products they used and the ingredients contained in those products. Now with internet access and a healthy quest for knowledge, many of these people are aware and they even try to learn more and more about the products before actually purchasing any. The information highway allows the common mass to also learn about their skin and the best forms of treatment as well. Treatment doesn’t necessarily mean that the skin is problematic. It means giving proper nourishment to the skin and promoting good health simultaneously.

Cosmeceuticals, is an unofficial but accepted term which combines the introduction of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals into a single product. However, the law does not recognize it and it is also not recognized by the FDA. Even so, the product manufacturers have brought about a revolution in the world of skin care and these products are found in most stores. The cosmeceutical industry is also trying to incorporate pharmaceutical properties and stay close to the methods of “natural” skin treatment. With this in mind, these cosmeceutical products have followed certain standards of incorporating these combination ingredients but the average consumer may not know what these ingredients actually are and what they do.

The following is a list of the most common names and activities of the different ingredients used in cosmeceutical products:

Antioxidants: Antioxidants fight against free radicals that cause damage. Antioxidants should be present in our skin abundantly in order to prevent the harmful effects of free radicals. Our skin is vulnerable to the many factors of the environment which promotes free radical damage to skin cells by causing oxidation, similiar to rust on metal.

Binding Agent: These are substances that help keep the product ingredients bound together to prevent the lipids and water from separating.

Emollients: These are substances that promote the smoothness and the softness of our skin. There are hundreds of different emollients with different properties that give a texture that is unique to the skin.

Emulsions: A mixture or blending of water and oil producing a smooth product.

Humectants: Substances that attract water usually from the air. Humectants are also defined as moisturizers.

Lubricants: Substances that reduce friction and promote the smoothness of the skin.

Preservatives: Substances that are deemed bad in foods, but help in killing the harmful bacteria and yeast or molds, in cosmetics. They also prevent spoilage of the product.

Solvents: Substances like water and alcohol that are used to dissolve other ingredients.

Surfactants: Blends that allow the to spread or glide across the skin easily when used topically.

Vehicle: The base that carry the different active ingredients.

Some of the commonly used cosmeceutical ingredients are as follows:

Part I

Acetone: A solvent commonly used for making skin toners and nail polish removers. Can be drying or an irritanat to the skin when used in strong concentrations.

Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol: Makes the skin soft and also has anti-allergenic properties. This can escalate the production of whiteheads and blackheads.

Acrylates Copolymer: An active ingredient used in a gel form that absorbs oil.

Algae/Seaweed Extract: An emollient and restores the moisture content of the skin; it stated to have antioxidant properties.

Allantoin: A botanical way of thinking and has calming properties to the skin to calm irritation.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids: These are active ingredients and can be obtained from certain fruit acids. It helps in exfoliating the skin epidermis (outermost layer) and also promotes the restoration of moisture. It further helps other ingredients to penetrate right into the skin. These compounds are widely used in the making of anti-aging creams. These can also be used as bleaching agents. These acids may irritate the skin but do not promote aging of the skin. The various AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) include: citric acid from citrus fruits, glycolic acid from sugar cane and lactic acid from milk. Some AHAs are less common as compared to the ones mentioned above: malic acids found in apples and tartaric acid found in wine. AHAs are likely to increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun as it has exfoliating properties.

Alpha Lipoic Adic: An antioxidant which is soluble in water and fat and can reach different areas of the cell.

Alum: Most commonly found in powder or crystal form and has astringent properties. Often used by men for minor cuts from shaving

Ascorbic Acid: This is vitamin C, in the L-ascorbic acid form it also acts as an antioxidant. When used in some products it promotes skin lightening. Helps in maintaining and rebuilding the collagen fibers.

Benzyol Peroxide: An antibacterial agent that helps in killing the germs that cause pimples and acne. Comes in different strengths from 2 1/2 to 10% in OTC products and is available in precription strength.

Beta Hydroxy Acid: Now called salicylic acid and is used as an exfoliating agent for dryer skin and for certain therapies for acne.

Boric Acid: A preservative that prevents the overgrowth of yeast. It also has antiseptic properties and is often avoided in skin care products as it might cause skin irritation.

Caffeine: Commonly used to diminishe puffiness occuring under the eyes.

Camphor: Helps relieve itching and skin irritation. Used in medicinal products for its’cooling properties.

Collagen: It is not really possible to replace dimished skin collagen. Collagen cannot penetrate into the skin, but when topically applied it can moisturize as well as hydrate the skin. Collagen is the important supporting fiber, located in the dermis layers of the skin and provides structure and strength.

Elastin: Also a fiber in the dermis and similar to the collagen. It maintains the elasticity of the skin. In cannot penetrate into the skin but acts as a great protection against loss of moisture or dry skin.

Glycerin: It hydrates the skin and also gives a skin barrier. But it can have adverse effects when used in higher concentrations; it can result in clogged pores.

Glycine: An amino acid and vital for the production and composition of collagen.

Gycolic acid: A form of AHA and is an aid for skin types prone to acne and pimples. It also alleviates problems with dry skin and is also used in certain chemical peels in order to reduce the emergence of wrinkles and pores. It also exfoliates crusty and flaking skin.

Tanning is a natural process of human skin and the response when exposed to sunlight. Tanning is known to be the natural defense mechanism of the body that protects against overexposure to the UVA and UVB rays. Sun tanning can be achieved safely with proper protection that being the usage of sunscreen. Because the UVA and UVB rays of the sun are so intense, when you are outdoors, there is often a major possibility of sunburn even if the sky is not completely clear. By using suncreen with adequate sun protection factor, or SPF, the risk of overexposure to the sun diminishes and maximizes the benefits of safe and effective tanning.

Understanding the Ultraviolet Light

Natural light is composed of waves of energy transmitted across 93 million miles from the Sun to the Earth. Each of these energy waves or light rays occur in different parts of a complex spectrum of lights based on the length measured in nanometers (nm). A nanometer is measured as one-billionth of one meter. This means that no two light types can be identical and this also concludes that two different light waves will not have similar effects on the human body. An example of this is the difference between the light used in x-ray machines and the ultraviolet light that is used in a tanning bed. Because the length of the energy wave for both of these types of light is different, the affect it has on the human body will be completely different.Light can be divided into 3 categories, infrared light, visible light and ultraviolet light. However, all these light waves do not reach the earth. Many of these lights are filtered out of the atmosphere and this in turn protects us from the harmful rays. The light waves that cause us to tan are totally invisible.

Comparing the 3 types of lights:

Infrared Light: These waves are usually above 700 nm and include radio waves, electric waves, infrared and also shortwave infrared. Of all these types, only the shortwave infrared can reach the earth’s surface. This is a source of heat to earth and contributes to almost 49% of solar radiation the Earth receives.

Visible Light:These rays are ranged from 400 nm to 700 nm and produce illumination that we visulize as the different colors including red, green, yellow, violet and blue. These contribute to about 46% of the solar radiation the Earth receives.

Ultra Violet Light: These range from 200 nm to 400 nm and makes up the remaining 5% of radiation that reaches the Earth. There are different types of invisible rays such as cosmic rays, x-rays, gamma rays and three different forms of UV light rays. Of all these, only two forms of ultraviolet rays can enter the atmosphere of the Earth. These two light rays (invisible) are identical to the ones used in specialized tanning equipments.

Ultraviolet rays of light are also waves of energy, but are of shorter length as compared to the visible lights and that’s why these cannot be seen. However, the effects of these UV rays are visible to us in the appearance of skin tanning.

The Effects On Our Skin

Our skin is the largest organ of the human body. An average adult’s skin weighs approximately 9 pounds and protects the human body from detrimental pollutants that can be found in the air or water and other sources. There are numerous functions of the skin but tanning can, at times, have an adverse effect on the skin.

Our skin isdivided into 3 different layers. The outermost layer is the epidermis, where tans are produced. The middle or second layer, the dermis, contains collagen and elastin that helps in maintaining the firmness of the skin. It also helps in fighting against infections. Several other structures including nerve fibers and blood vessels are also embedded in the dermis. The innermost or the bottom layer of the skin is the subcutaneous tissue. This layer is primarily composed of fats and helps in binding the skin to our body. These tissues have multiple purposes such as serving as the food reserve of the body, insulation and a shock absorber.

The outermost layer of the skin is composed of different cells, of which the three main types are: Basal cells, Keratinocytes and Melanocytes. Melanocytes are the pigment cells and this contributes to the skin pigmentation.

Melanin, a form of protein pigment, is produced by the melanocytes and this protects the skin from overexposure to the ultraviolet light. The melanin content of the skin actually colors and protects it. These melanocytes are pressed to produce added melanin when exposed to UVB ultraviolet lights. UVA rays oxidize the melanin making the skin darker in order to protect our body from over exposure. This actually causes the skin to brown in the true sense of the word. The pigment color is also dependent on several factors, such as heredity, type of skin and also past occasions of exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays.

Too much ultraviolet lights have an adverse affect on the skin causing sunburn characterized by skin reddening, swelling and bursting of the blood vessels. If this happens repeatedly, it can be a serious cause of concern and has been thought to being a precusor in the development and promotion of skin cancers, especially melanoma skin cancer. Stay protected by using sunscreen with a SPF 25 or more. It is very important to limit the duration of exposure to the sun which will help you tan naturally and effectively.

Rapid weight gain or weight loss has a major impact on our skin. This is easy to see due to the fact that the skin is the largest organ of the human body. Our dietary habits directly affect our internal system as well as the external organs and our skin is no exception. After a rapid weight loss, our skin tends to sag and hang.

Sagging skin can be caused by several occurrences, but rapid weight loss is a primary reason. The skin sags because the areas of the body that were once filled with fat have a significantly reduced amount of fat stored under the skin. This often leads to stretxh marks and wrinkles.

Our skin is exceptionally elastic, which becomes more obvious during pregnancy. The skin has exceptional powers of expansion and contraction. When a woman is pregnant, she obviously gains weight. But, as she delivers the child and the region shrinks, the skin tends to loosen up. This leads to sagging and stretch marks. That is why pregnancy skin care is so important.

Skin sagging is a common problem with people who were obese and then succeeded in losing oodles of pounds. Obesity is a disease that’s been ruling the nation for years now. Heredity plays a small role, but improper dietary habits dominate this issue. Some people face several complications while attempting to lose weight.

Weight loss surgeries are a very common practice these days. Though they provide relief, they can have adverse effects on the skin. Weight loss surgeries can also cause rashes, hernias, infections and psychological problems. The change in body size associated with rapid weight loss can also affect self-esteem.

Slow weight loss is a better process as it allows you to take care of the side effects. It can also be achieved almost naturally, with the help of exercise and diet. You can start muscle training and wrinkle reduction procedures whenever you feel your body needs it. But in case of rapid weight loss, it isn’t really possible to focus on the after effects till it has already occurred. Rapid weight loss usually involves surgical procedures, lifestyle changes, weight loss pills, medicines and crash diets.

Skin can be tightened even after weight loss by following some basic rules:

• Exercise daily to tighten your skin and tone the problem areas.

• Introduce proper diet plan and follow it regularly.

• Resistance trainings if done three times a week helps in building new muscles.

• Count your calories.

• Don’t restrict your diet too much; it can have adverse effects on your body.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Follow a slow weight loss routine.

• Consult a doctor for healthy ways of losing weight.

You can also tighten your loose skin after rapid weight loss. Try to:

• Exercise regularly.

• Indulge in strength training exercise.

• Eat proteins and lean poultry.

• Use over-the-counter massage creams for tightening your skin.

• Go for surgical procedures to remove sagging skin.

Obviously, skin cancer is life threatening. But, if diagnosed early, there are certainly ways of reducing the disease’s impact. If you examine yourself regularly and properly, you can ensure early detection. Skin changes to look for include blemishes, discoloration, different types of moles or sores. Freckles and moles can often lead to skin cancer and preventative measures should be taken. Self examination is the best way.

The early signs of skin cancer include:

• A sudden and unusual growth on the skin’s surface which appears to be translucent, pearly, brown or black, tan or multicolored. The growth might increase over time in shape and size.

• A noticeable change in pigmented areas or moles. One should note the color changes, size, consistency and texture. You also need to pay attention to any irregularities in the border and shape of the mole. A growth or lesion that continuously hurts, itches, scabs, crusts, ulcerates, bleeds or erodes requires attention.

• An open wound or sore that is stubborn and doesn’t heal.

• Skin pigmentation can also be one of the earlier signs of skin cancer. Examine well to find any brown or red spots on your body that are scaly or rough in texture.

• Some scars might appear on the skin’s surface and can be cancerous. Try to understand the cause of the scar; if you feel it’s a mystery scar, you should see a doctor immediately.

• Any change in the texture of the skin can be cancerous. Look for lumps or bumps on the skin and see if there’s any discoloration.

Skin cancer isn’t always associated with UV rays or genetic factors. So, checking the skin’s surface on a monthly basis is absolutely necessary. .

The “ABCD GUIDE” helps in understanding the basic signs and symptoms of skin cancer. This is one of the most effective means of understanding skin cancer and is well recognized all over the world.

• A–Asymmetry Malignant moles are usually of irregular shape unlike the symmetrical and round benign moles. ‘Asymmetry’ means that the mole’s surface is not uniform and the different parts of the mole might differ in texture and color.

• B-Border It indicates the irregular and jagged border of a mole. Any mark or mole that can lead to cancer has an irregular border.

• C-Color A cancerous mole is usually of different visible colors. Some moles might be black or brown while others might be reddish or bluish in color.

• D-Diameter. Moles should not exceed 6mm. That’s the normal diameter of a mole. Anything larger should be looked at. You also need to be cautious if you have a mole for years and you suddenly notice a change in its diameter.

Fair skinned people are prone to skin cancer and are at a higher risk of having Melanoma than dark skinned people. Some other skin disorders like dysplastic naevi (large moles having irregular borders, patterns and colors), solar keratoses / sunspots and sebarrhoeic keratoses can also be regarded as warning signs for skin cancer.

In addition to these monthly check-ups, less exposure to the sun, cotton garments and proper sunscreen lotions can help prevent skin cancer.

Deciding on a treatment method for herpes usually depends on what type a person has. It also depends on if the infection has occurred for the first time or if it’s recurring.

The preliminary infection

In most cases, the preliminary occurrence of herpes or the primary infection develops only after a person has been exposed to HSV or the herpes simplex virus. It may take months or in some cases, years to develop, after exposure. However, one can also develop herpes within 4 to 7 days of exposure to HSV.

If a person has genital herpes for the very first time, he/she would need to go to a specialist known as a GUM or genitor-urinary medicine specialist.

A specialist in this field will conduct certain tests and screenings in order to establish the cause of the herpes or any other STIs (sexually-transmitted infections) present in the system. The specialist would then proceed with the treatment procedures, followed by various forms of counseling.

Antiviral drugs for genital herpes are often used for its treatment . These drugs are by no means a cure for the virus. They simply help to reduce the length and severity of outbreaks.

The commonly used drugs for herpes treatment include:

Acyclovir

Acyclovir, along with related compounds such as valacyclovir, penciclovir and famciclovir, are usually prescribed. Acyclovir can be taken orally, topically or intravenously. Regrettably, only 10 to 20 percent of acyclovir can be absorbed when taken orally. However, 80 percent of valacyclovir is absorbed by the body and is then further converted into acyclovir in our liver. Famciclovir and valacylovir are only available in oral form and have yet to get approval in the state of Canada for children to use.

Acyclovir is referred to as “nucleoside analogue”, which means that it has the capacity to insert itself directly into the virus’ DNA at the time of replication. This drug, in particular, targets the cells that have been infected by the herpes simplex virus. It strongly prevents the further production of any new virus by actually stopping the formation of the viral DNA. For the most part, Valacyclovir and famciclovir work the same way.

Vidarabine

Vidarabine was probably the first antiviral drug available for the treatment of HSV. On the other hand, this drug is not as safe as acyclovir. It is used only about 3% of the time in North America in the form of an ointment. This drug is used for treating herpes infections appearing around the eyes.

Foscarnet

Foscarnet is an early anti-herpes drug and was used in treating life threatening infections caused by the herpes simplex virus because of toxicity. This drug is now used for the treatment of severe HSV infections and in cases where acyclovir fails to work.

Besides medicinal treatments, you can also try some of these tips:

• Use cool or lukewarm clothes on the place where the sore has occurred. This is great pain relief.
• Lukewarm baths can be very helpful, especially for women. If a woman experiences pain while urinating, she is likely to urinate in the bathtub as she finishes bathing – this allows the urine to dilute and in turn prevents the sores from burning.
• The affected area should be kept clean and dry.
• Preferably use cotton undergarments.
• Loose-fitting clothes are airy and comfortable.

Genital herpes treatment with antiviral drugs is quite common and it is indeed helpful for people who have frequent outbreaks. These antiviral drugs are effective and can decrease the duration and severity of flare up symptoms. However, keep in mind that this “drug therapy” only soothes the outbreak of herpes and that the symptoms are likely to reoccur.

Common treatments include: acyclovir (brand: Zovirax), famciclovir (brand: Famvir) and valacyclovir (brand: Valtrex). These are ingested in pill form. Critical cases can be treated with the help of intravenous or IV acyclovir. Topical treatment formulas aren’t really helpful and the doctors seldom recommend such formulas.

The first stage covers the Initial Treatment. During this stage, the sore or the infected area of the body is identified and then, diagnosed. The doctor proceeds to recommend a concise course of certain antiviral therapies that last for 7-10 days. These therapies actually prevent the sore from spreading all across the body and getting worse. If the sore is stubborn, the patient may be kept on these drugs for a longer duration.

After the Initial treatment, you need to work with your doctor in order to determine the best suited anti-viral therapy. Two possible options are stated below:

• Intermittent Treatment: Your doctor will always recommend certain drugs that you need to keep with you. These will definitely be antiviral and will be of great aid when there is a sudden outbreak of herpes. The recommended pills can be taken for 2 to 5 days after noticing the sore or when you are expecting a flare up. These sores usually heal themselves and disappear after a few days, but treatment can help with symptoms.

• Suppressive Treatment: If you tend to have frequent herpes outbreaks, you might have to take antiviral drugs on a regular basis. Doctors call this suppressive therapy. For people having six outbreaks or more in a year, suppressive therapy can reduce the problem by 70 to 80 percent.

Suppressive therapy reduces the risk of virus transmission between sex partners. The antiviral drugs lessen the viral shedding. This is when these viruses replicates themselves on the surface of the skin. Recent studies show that regular doses of antiviral drugs such as valacyclovir can help in protecting sex partners against infections. Nevertheless, condoms are a must.

These drugs are said to have mild after effects, but most health experts agree that these drugs are safe for long term use. Acyclovir is probably the oldest and the safest of all the herpes drugs.

People who are undergoing suppressive therapy for extended periods should see their doctor once a year to decide on a future course of action.

Our skin is one of most prominent features of the body and it is also the largest organ we have. Our skin gives us protection against all the environmental pollutants and also contributes to our appearance. This organ needs proper care on a regular basis in order to remain healthy. Our skin, when healthy and kept in good condition, will look attractive and this may be the first impression you make when presenting yourself to other people. In order to maintain healthy skin, it must be cleaned regularly. Many people think showering or bathing every day is the proper maintenance schedule for our bodies. However, it is now stated that everyday bathing may be unhealthy or even detrimental to the skin.

Bathing is defined as immersing all or part of the body in water or some other liquid, for cleansing, refreshment, etc. Bathing is regularly practiced in order to maintain hygiene and it has therapeutic and religious values as well. For some people bathing is a form and means of recreation. Bathing is a very essential part of skin cleansing, and it promotes hygiene. But bathing also removes the natural oils present in our skin and that can cause dryness and irritation as well. So it is better to bathe just once a day. There may be exceptions to this rule, taking into consideration personal activity levels and job environments.

Bathing can have harsh effects on the skin if proper soaps are not used. In addition to the use of good cleansing products while bathing, too much scrubbing can also cause dryness. When skin is overly dry, it can cause severe skin itching and irritation.

In order to prevent the after effects of bathing, you can try the following tips:

• Bathe just once everyday: Bathing just once in a day is enough to maintain proper hygiene. If your skin type is oily, or you are located in a humid and warm environment, bathing twice in one day can be effective. Other factors may be that your physical level of activity requires you to bath more than once a day. However, if your skin falls under the category of being abnormally dry, once a day may be too severe and you may want to consider bathing on alternate days which would be less traumatic for your skin.

• Use warm salt water baths and reduce the bath time: Using hot and salt water for both baths and showers in addition to spending a long time under the water can actually remove the oil from the skin, thus making the skin too dry. You should not bathe for more than 15 minutes and also use warm water, instead of very hot water.

• Use proper soaps: You should always choose a soap that is mild and gentle on the skin and has fat and oils as part of its ingredients. Some soaps can be called super fatted products because they actually do contain fats and oils added to the soaps right after the process of soap manufacturing. These help in retaining the delicate oil balance of the skin. You can also use bath oils while bathing, as these act as moisturizing agents. You may want to consider an alternative that can be a substitute for soaps. There are various products available in the market that can be used as a substitute for soaps, but these may also include synthetic detergents, though mild. Other than that, these oils might also contain surfactants or wetting agents. If you have a sensitive skin, you should use a mild soap and limit the use to only your hands, feet, face, underarms and genital areas. Many soaps that are made with natural ingredients can be purchased at a health food or natural food store.

• Pat dry: After bathing, pat your skin very gently with a soft towel instead of harsh rubbing. This will help to keep some moisture on your skin. It is best to immediately use moisturizer or an oil product on your skin after you have bathed to prevent dryness.

Surgical procedures are a part of many medical treatments both for certain severe conditions as well as non-severe such as cosmetic enhancements. Surgery is definitely an essential healing process for complicated disorders based on proper diagnosis. Regardless of the type of surgery or the related disease, scarring over the surgical region becomes evident in most cases.

Scars are quite natural and are part of the process of wound healing. Wounds are caused due to scrapes and cuts on the outer most skin epidermis layer. These wounds can leave scars behind which may appear ugly and patchy especially if proper care is not taken for treatment. These scars are very tough in nature and may be quite difficult to eliminate. Scars caused by certain injuries might actually get worse as time goes on. Certain injuries need to be treated with surgeries. The severity of scars forming from surgeries can be dictated by the type and proficiency of the suturing techniques. Post surgical care is essential for minimizing scar formation.

Wound treatment is likely to be followed by a scar, but there are certain techniques to avoid these surgical scars as well. Some medications can help heal the wounds of a surgery and the resultant scars as well. The two most typical topical medications used are either onion extract, or silicone. Neither is 100% efficient, and surgeons generally rely on the silicone products even thought many scars don’t respond well to this treatment.

Proper care and avoidance of scars is important for two reasons. First, abnormal scarring can cause discomfort or pain. Second, any level of scarring can be unsightly and cause an individual to become self-conscious.

Cosmetic surgery and laser treatments have been known as the best possible methods of reducing every scar type including keloids, acne scars, surgical scars, injury scars, hypertronic scars, contractures and others. Absolute removal of scars is not something that medical practitioners can provide, but it is definitely possible to reduce scars. Two methods of surgical scar removal have been identified:

• Pulse-Dye Laser
• Imiquimod, an IRM (Immune Response Modifier).

Pulse-Dye Laser, as the name suggests, is a laser treatment for scar removal, and this is done with the use of a high-energy yellow light. This light effect helps in reducing the redness of the scars and also flattens certain scar types like hypertrophic and keloids. This method is also helpful in improving the burning and itching sensations caused by different scars.

IRMs are very helpful in enhancing the ability of the skin to recognize, control or even destroy typical viral infections occurring in our skin by triggering the production of cytokines in our skin. Cytokines are the natural proteins occurring in our body and is used by the immune system for communication. When cytokines are stimulated by the IRMs, the immunity of these cells are enhanced and that allows the body to control or eradicate the cells which have been infected by viruses. When immune system response is improved, scarring tends to be diminished.

Surgical scars can also be reduced by certain scar reducing creams, gels and sheets stores. Some other effective treatment for reducing surgical scars also include scar reducing creams, healing creams, vitamin based scar gels, homoeopathic scar gels, ointments, silicone sheets and also hydrogel or water-based sheets. These cannot be called the ultimate scar healing techniques, but these are definitely very helpful in minimizing the scars and making it less visible.

In case of patients having fresh scars after the surgery, the laser thermal action can be of great help. This not only helps in minimizing the appearance of the scar but also improves the process of healing the wound.

Surgical scars can also be effectively reduced with the help of plastic surgery. The treatment can be very expensive but it does produce good results. Plastic surgery helps in reducing the size and thickness of the scar. After this one can also get laser treatment done to enhance the effects of plastic surgery.

There are certain precautionary steps that can be taken in order to promote proper wound healing. Let us have a look:

Quit smoking if you do so. Nicotine contents of the cigarettes can prove fatal for the wound. It is better to avoid such products as it might delay the wound healing process and result in complications.

Cleaning the wounds. It is very important to keep the wounded area clean and it should be well shielded from the sun’s rays. Any bacteria can cause infection and the sun’s rays can worsen the wounds and leave thick and dark scars.

Use proper wound healing methods. You can use silicon tapes to prevent your wound from any viral infection. It also helps in reducing wound tension.

Every teen wants flawless skin, a clear complexion and a glowing appearance. But at times, it is indeed very difficult to maintain healthy, flawless skin. There might be many factors contributing to the unhealthy and unappealing appearance of the skin: nutrition, genetics, stress, anxiety, and lifestyle to name a few. It is very important to maintain a proper skin care regimen for every teenager in order to prevent various skin problems.

From acne breakouts and scars to an oily skin draws negative attention, adolescence can be filled with numerous skin problems. It is a problem with many teenagers, so don’t think you are alone with this problem.

Being a teenager can be one of the best phases of one’s life, it is a time for great growth and learning. But skin problems often put a huge damper on this part of our life. There are several skin problems that occurs to virtually every teen at some point in their life:

Problem 1: Acne

Adolescence is all about hormone fluctuations. There are many changes in our internal system during this stage of life and that leads to skin problems and eruptions. Skin reacts quickly to these hormonal changes, be it a rise or a fall in the levels. Some teens experience hormone induced skin pimples and blemishes occasionally, while others might get it on a regular basis. Girls usually get pimples or acne just before their menstrual cycle.

Pimples are quite common, but when it is chronic, it is called acne. Acne is characterized by blackheads, whiteheads and pimples that are infected. These infected pimples are what can lead to scarring if not properly treated.

Acne occurs mainly due to a rise in the production of sebum (oil) from the sebaceous glands. This can happen due to many factors like, improper dietary habits, inadequate water consumption, stress, and anxiety. Again, hormone metabolism directly affects oil levels on the skin.

If acne is stubborn and becomes chronic, it needs to be treated accordingly. A dermatologist can be consulted to suggest the best method of treatment. Over-the-counter medications are also helpful. You can try acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These are both FDA approved treatments specific for acne.

Problem 2: Oily Skin

Oily skin often contributes to the appearance of acne, but alone it can be a cause of concern as well. Oily skin is undoubtedly something that is considered unattractive.

When you experience excess oil on your skin, you can well try to manage it through your diet. Ironically, a deficiency of unprocessed fatty acids, both mono- and polyunsaturated can be the causitive factor in oily skin and even in acne. Natural vegetable oils that are unprocessed can be helpful when added into the diet.

Oily skin is often an internal problem and the root cause needs to be understood before treating it. In order to “mop up” the excess oil, one can use topical retinoid acne treatment medication like different “drying solutions”. Many contain alcohol. This helps in soaking excess oil from the skin’s surface, but too much can be overly drying. Always keep blotting tissues in your bag while you go out. When you feel oily, you can use it to pat away excess oil. Another excellent topical aid is Witch Hazel. It helps close pores and decrease oil secretion..

Problem 3: Excessive Sweating

Perspiration is another major problem with every teenager. Teens tend to sweat a lot and it might happen on any part of your body, be it your palms, feet, under arms, scalp or even the face. Excessive sweating can happen due to stress and also due to excess heat. One can prevent excess perspiration by wearing cotton outfits and light colors. Foods that might trigger sweat should be avoided. If anti-perspirants are used, they should be the natural kind from the health food store. Improving digestion by eating a better diet and even using digestive enzymes can go a long way in reducing body odor that often accompanies perspiration.

Problem 4: Warts

Warts can also be a major problem among teenagers. These are fleshy bumps and lumps that are often colored or dark. They usually grow fingers, under fingernails, at the back of the hands or even on the feet and soles. Warts are usually caused by a typical virus and tend to appear with more frequency with teens. Warts can be contaigous.

Warts need proper treatment and care. Warts are treated with the use of salicylic acid, iquid nitrogen (for freezing) or else by laser treatment. There are many over the counter products that can help, but it is very important to be consistent and patient with any warts treatment as it can take many weeks for warts to disappear.

Problem 5: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema

Eczema is common among children, but doctors say that is also happens to teenagers and adults. Eczema is usually characterized by dry patches, followed by skin reddening and scaling.

Eczema needs to be treated with topical ointments and moisturizers. Some oral medicines can also be helpful in treating these skin problems. Proper nutrition including healthy oils are a must.

Adolescent skin needs strong care and proper nutrition is a must. Some simple steps, if followed regularly, can help in preventing all the above mentioned skin problems. Noted below are some of the healthy habits for skin care:

Proper Cleansing

Cleansing is an integral part of skin care. Clean your skin regularly in order to maintain its health. Use proper cleansers and also make sure you are using oil balanced cosmetics. Read the labels before purchasing a product and choose one that suits your skin tone.

Gentle Cleaning

Your skin is very sensitive, so don’t be overly abrasive. Wash gently and use mild cleansers. Exfoliation can help unclog pores and prevent future problems. However, don’t scrub or exfoliate if you have pimples or acne. Again, Witch Hazel is excellent in virtually all condtitions after cleansing.

Protect Your Skin

Oily skin needs to be protected from the excess sun and UV rays. However, the skin also needs adequate exposure to sunlight to produce Vitamin D. Try to get 10-15 minutes of exposure to natural unfiltered sunlight a day to keep skin healthy. Just don’t overdue.

Do Not Pick at Pimples

Picking or squeezing can lead to scars and blemishes. Instead treat with topical anti-acne lotions and allow the pimples to “dry up” and heal on their own.

Check Your Diet

Eat a balanced diet in order to prevent skin problems. Indulge in fruits and veggies for healthy digestive system. Foods high in fiber are helpful as are unsweetened yogurts to keep a healthy level of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Probiotic supplements can also help deter acne.

Adequate Water

Drink ample Amount of water. This helps in releasing toxins and impurities, thus cleaning your system. This is a simple but often overlooked point

Flax Oil

Use flax oil regularly to keep your system healthy. Flax is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that help balance hormone levels.

Avoid Allergens

Skin disorders are often caused due to allergens (substances causing allergy). It is important to learn if you are allergic to something, and when found, to avoid it. Many teenagers have food allergies which can act as the root cause of skin outbreaks.

Treat Your Skin

There are several treatments for improving your skin condition. You should first consider natural therapies and maintain a good diet. If more help is needed, then you can consult a dermatologist for further treatment. They can offer several methods of treating acne and pimples. Even with a dermatologist’s help, it is still advisable to follow the suggestions above to take advantage of as many helpful therapies as possible.

Antioxidants, hydroxyacids (fruit acids) and retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) are known to be very effective in treating wrinkles and other skin problems. With the addition of peptides to the list, it is now very convenient to treat wrinkles and premature aging of skin. Peptides have a proven strong efficacy in treating and preventing premature aging of our skin.

Peptides are tiny protein fragments made up of amino acids. Protein peptides are very essential for skin care as they act as primary building blocks of all living tissue. Peptides can also act as messengers within our skin that allow smooth and efficient communication between the dermis and the epidermis layers of the skin.

There are different peptides in our skin and these produce different biological effects. One such effect works by directing cells to carry out various functions by triggering various receptors that can be found in the surface of the skin cells.

Peptides have varied functions in skin care and the major ones include:

• Stimulating collagen
• Promoting synthesis of glycosaminoglycan
• Stimulating the formation of capillaries as well as their repair
• Enhancing the defense mechanism by acting as natural antioxidants and detoxifiers.

Peptides act like keys on the surface of the cell of your skin, which is the lock. A peptide appropriate for a specific function will deliver positive results working on the cell’s lock (receptor), if a peptide is not needed it will not affect the receptor.

Wrinkle reduction by almost 50 % is possible with the help of peptides in high-concentration, revealed a study at the World Congress of Dermatology, Paris. The study further revealed that it was possible to get rid of these wrinkles with the help of peptides, much faster than with that of retinol. Though the end results were similar, the peptide results occurred faster.

Peptides are being widely used these days because of their natural property of producing and enhancing very specific and desirable results with no known side effects, especially in improving collagen synthesis and health.

Collagen is the main ingredient of our skin and it happens to be the foundation of skin. Collagen allows the skin to be firm and supple and is the main supportive structure. Collagen content is usually high when a person is young, but with age it declines, and so does its effect. Aging skin with collagen degradation has problems like wrinkles, age spots and dark circles.

Collagen is also a form of protein and is composed of amino acid chains. These chains break down to 3 to 5 different forms of peptides.

With age, our skin tends to loose collagen and it is difficult to replace it. But with specific peptides, this problem can be avoided or reduced. Peptides are the best treatment to date for skin repair. Aging skin as a general problem and is only made worse with exposure to pollution, sun damage and other environmental concerns. These also hasten the breakdown of the skin. UV rays of the sun can also cause dryness in our skin and this can be treated as well with peptide based lotions for dry skin repair.

One particular chain of peptides effective for skin repair is Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, it has been proved in clinical research to diminish roughness of the skin by almost 13% and reduce the depth of wrinkles by almost 27% after 16 weeks of application.

Peptides also help in delivering copper into the skin. Certain peptides are very small and can more easily penetrate into the skin. If copper is attached to these, theycan help the copper particles penetrate down in the skin’s living layers. Copper happens to be a very effective skin healing agent and is referred as a treatment for certain wounds and skin problems. Copper peptides also promote the production of collagen and also function as an antioxidant.

Peptides are now being used by many of the leading cosmetic companies and is a major ingredient of different skin repair products. Peptides are usually very expensive and if you are looking for cheap peptides, buyer beware as these often won’t be of much help. Peptides are probably the most exclusive active ingredients being used in the cosmeceutical skincare business. Several high-end and well known manufacturers offer peptide based skin repair creams, skin repair lotions and anti-aging creams.

Because there are so many to choose from, take time and research the various options to determine what best fits your needs.

Treating a wound properly helps repair the breaks that occur in the skin or the mucous membrane. Cuts, burns, scrapes, punctures and lacerations all need proper treatment so healing can occur without complication. Complications usually refer to severe wounds with extensive blood loss, affected blood vessels, nerves, tendons or infections. If any foreign particles are left in the wound, the risk of complication increases.

Some wounds tend to last longer or become chronic due to some illness or surgery. These wounds heal very slowly or not at all. Chronic wounds are difficult to treat and require special treatment.

Chronic wounds are very common in elderly patients and bedridden people. They are characterized by the loss of underlying tissues. Conventional healing treatments are not so effective on chronic wounds. The edges of a chronic wound are not well approximated and they are accompanied by tissue deficit. The medical term for a chronic wound is “pressure ulcer”.

There are different types of chronic wounds. They are listed below:

• Diabetic wounds: Diabetes is a severe disease and patients suffering from this disease might often experience wounds or cuts that don’t heal over time. Diabetic patients often suffer from severe complications like foot lesions. In some cases, amputation of the foot may be in order.

• Bed Sores (Pressure sores / Pressure ulcers): Sustained pressure often causes damage to the skin and tissue. This happens due to prolonged pressure on certain parts of the body like the buttocks, heels and hips. Proper care is important as these sores are prone to infection.

• Surgical wounds: Surgical wounds are also very common. Prior to a surgical procedure, patient might develop severe complications like bleeding, blood clotting, bruising, tissue necrosis, infection, or dehiscence (opening of the wound). These wounds are either left open or may be closed with sutures, stitches, healing strips or staples.

Chronic wounds require treatment and you must immediately contact a doctor. If you notice any signs of chronic wounds, take immediate action. The signs of chronic wounds include:

• The presence of foreign particles in the wound.

• A wound that does not heal or heals very slowly.

• The occurrence of infection. It can be characterized by swelling, redness, tenderness, warmth, increased pain and pus formation. An infection can also lead to a rise in body temperature.

• The wounded area seems numb and frozen.

Chronic wounds, if ignored, can lead to severe compilations like:

• Infection: Infections can be fatal and might lead to complications like cellulites, osteomyelitis (bone inflammation), septic arthritis (bacterial infection effecting the joints), and sepsis (life threatening infection in blood).

• Endocarditis: Inflammation caused in the lining of heart.

• Heterotopic bone formation: The abnormal growth of bones in unusual parts of the body.

• Maggot infestation: Self-explanatory and disgusting.

• Meningitis: A typical problem with the membrane that covers the brain and the spinal cord that causes an inflammation.

• Amyloidosis: This is a rare disease caused by amyloid accumulation. Amyloid is a form of starch and protein that accumulates in the tissues and organs thus impairing their functions.

Wounds can be treated with medicines and other treatments. Sometimes, nutritional factors can also be responsible for slow recovery. Some medicines might also slow down the healing process. A lack of proteins, vitamins and zinc contributes to a slower recovery process.

Skin problems are very common these days for adults as much as pubescent teens. Bad skin refers to a complexion with eruptions and blemishes. Some of the most common skin problems are acne, pimples, dandruff and blackheads. In today’s aesthetically obsessed society, these kinds of things can embarrass anyone.

Recently, studies revealed that skin problems are a major source of modern insecurity. A series of social implications is associated with the symptoms mentioned above. They include:

• Social withdrawal.
• Lack of self-confidence.
• Lack of self-esteem.
• Embarrassment.
• Depression.
• Anger.
• Preoccupation.
• Frustration.
• Unemployment.

These issues may seem irrelevant, or even melodramatic, when compared with the cause, but it’s true in most of the cases.

A person with bad skin tends to withdraw him/her self from the social world so as to hide the supposed ugliness of their appearance. First time introductions and other social situations can be awkward enough without so much emphasis put on the look of the face. It’s a shame that blemishes can affect a person’s confidence so intensely. In turn, a drop in confidence can easily bleed over to a setback at work or school.

Teenagers can be brutal to kids with acne. They tease and humiliate based on a set of conditioned aesthetic principles. This breeds anger and depression, which can be very dangerous in a school environment. Depression can further lead to lethargy, loss of appetite, moodswings, behavioral problems, wakefulness and even violence.

As for adults, it often becomes difficult for a person with skin problems to get a job. This may seem like an exaggeration, but it truly plays some role. Many organizations are concerned about the looks of their employees. This puts so much pressure on people with noticable acne or dandruff. It also makes them feel insecure about their position in the company.

Bad skin problems can be treated with proper care. There’s nothing to feel weary about it. Check your diet and go to a dermatologist if needed. It can be a gradual process. Don’t let your skin ruin your social life.

Everyone knows that smoking greatly increases the risk of getting lung cancer, but did you know that it harms your skin as well? It’s true. Smoking and alcohol are two major threats to the skin besides the sun’s infamous UV rays. Tobacco and other related chemicals are regarded as skin aging accelerators and one of the main causes of aging skin. The skin can show signs of smoking in less than 10 years. This may sound like a long time, but people usually start smoking at age 15 or 16. So, by your mid-20s your skin could be permanently affected.

Smoking leads to the narrowing of our blood vessels throughout our body, including all those that supply nutrients and oxygen to the skin’s outermost layers. Thus, smoking leads to the starvation of Vitamin A and other skin nutrients that act as immunity boosters and vital sources of oxygen.

Alcohol has very similar effects. Excessive drinking also harms the body and deteriorates the Vitamin A supply. Alcohol also makes the skin more vulnerable to bacteria and infections as it destroys the human defense system.

Vitamin A helps in generating new skin cells and replacing the dead cells. This vitamin also boosts the collagen production temporarily and can contribute to the youthful appearance of the skin.

A deficiency in oxygen and other essential nutrients allows the development of free radicals which are very harmful for the skin. These free radicals can slowly cause damage to the collagen and elastin contents which are the primary components of healthy and firm skin. This results in the appearance of fine lines and premature wrinkles.

While inhaling smoke, one has to repeatedly purse the lips. This can lead to wrinkles around the mouth as well. The heat of a burning cigarette or cigar is also very harmful for the skin.

Smoking has adverse effects on our nerve endings which can cause sensitivity and dryness. This results in dehydration. Eventually, this can be one of the most common wrinkle causes.

Alcohol, on the other hand, dehydrates the skin. It will slowly lose firmness, plumpness and its dewy appearance. Alcohol is a diuretic and a vasodilator. Alcohol consumption leads to the opening of our blood vessels which makes the face puffier and causes dark circles under the eyes. Too much drinking can cause diversion of the blood flow. This results in the outflow of oxygen and essential nutrients from our skin into our fundamental organs causing improper blood circulation.

Drinking has an adverse effect on the liver as well, which causes sallowness in the face. The liver is overstressed and fails to perform its duties of detoxification. Alcohol also encourages the development of scar tissues or “bad collagen” in the skin and liver.

There are better ways of taking care of your skin and the first step would be to avoid smoking and alcohol. Here are a few tips to keep your skin healthy:

• Diet and Nourishment: Proper diet is very important for healthy skin. Eat a balanced diet containing all the basic ingredients. Have adequate seed foods such as fruits and green vegetables. Organic food is also a good option as these foods are rich in additional nutrients.

• Adequate water: Water is very essential for the human body as it helps in releasing toxins. It also maintains the suppleness and elasticity of the skin.

• Quit smoking and alcohol: The faster you do that, the better for you. Obviously.

• Cleansing: Clean your skin regularly. This is important for both males and females. You also need to tone your skin and then moisturize it well.

• SPF: Use sunscreen with proper Sun Protection Factor. Try to use at least a SPF 15 when going out in the sun. You can opt for higher numbers as well.

• Proper Rest: Your body and your skin need rest. Remember, your skin is the largest organ of your body and it also needs to relax. Ample rest can give you fresh and glowing skin. Too much stress and anxiety puts everything at risk. Try to exercise and meditate in order to prevent unwanted stress.

Antioxidant is a common term used in lots of health and skin related writing. Fads involving antioxidants have been ruling several industries for years now. However, antioxidants have proved to be a potent and effective skin care treatment and there are a lot of benefits of antioxidants for skin. In addition to be holistic and completely natural, using plant extracts and oils for skin care is proven to increase health and beautify one’s appearance. This form of treatment is also the only method completely free of side effects.

Antioxidants are molecules that can prevent, or at least, reduce the oxidation of other molecules. They help in protecting the cells by neutralizing external factors like sun damage, wind, temperature and pollution. They also neutralize internal factors like metabolism, emotion and the prescense of excess oxygen. Some of the most common antioxidants are: Vitamins A, C and E, beta carotene, coenzyme Q10, flavonoids, lycopene, selenium, lutein and green tea. These special chemicals assist in strengthening the blood vessels and repair the skin.

When addressing issues of aging skin, you can’t just rely on foods containing antioxidants. There are several antioxidant products available in the market for topical application. They keep the skin healthy and destroy free radicals.

Free radicals are the main culprits in unhealthy skin. They are triggered by sunlight, pollution, improper diet, smoking, alchohol, etc. They lead to the occurrence of age spots, wrinkles, blemishes and the loss of elasticity. Free radicals also play a large role in contributing to skin cancer.

Antioxidants are absolutely necessary for our body as they fight against these free radicals. Let us have a look at some of the widespread antioxidants and their natural sources:

• Vitamin B / Beta Carotene: Beta carotene helps in protecting dark green, orange and yellow fruits/vegetables from sun damage and solar radiation. It affects the human body in a similar fashion. Rich sources of beta carotene include squash, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, cantaloupe, collards, apricots and peaches.

• Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid: Vitamin C is easily soluble in water and acts as an antioxidant. Citrus fruits like sweet lime and oranges, broccoli, green peppers, green vegetables, raw cabbage, tomatoes and strawberries are rich sources of vitamin C.

• Vitamin E: One of the antioxidants which is fat-soluble and present in our body. By acting as a sheild of sorts, Vitamin E protects the cellular membranes, the oily structures and the lipoproteins. Our skin contains unsaturated fats and fatty acids that are susceptible to damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin E, taken orally or applied topically, can combat these free radicals. Rich sources of Vitamin E include nuts, wheat germ, whole grains, seeds, green vegetables, fish-liver oil and vegetable oil.

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids are diverse plant pigments and have antioxidant properties. They contain polyphenols and proanthocyanins, which are very good for our skin. Flavonoids are the source of color in our vegetables, fruits and flowers. They also have anti allergic, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.

• Coenzyme Q10, cysteine, methionine and lipoic acid have potent antioxidant properties.

The antioxidants mentioned above are known by many and available in stores. But, what about zinc? Zinc is contained in all our body tissues, but it’s five times more concentrated in the dermis and epidermis skin layers. It is a great protection against the sun’s UV rays and it enhances the healing of wounds and injuries. It also contributes a lot to the immune system, the neuropsychiatric functions and reduces the risk of getting cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Antioxidants are mostly found in our regular food. And, if we take care of what we eat, we can actually fight against free radicals. Topical application is a viable option for preventing skin damage, but natural means are always preferred.