Problem skin is generally nothing more than a reflection of your attitude toward yourself. If you don't take very good care of yourself, then it stands to reason your body will reflect this neglect. Here are the top three things you can do to take better care of yourself and greatly improve the condition of your skin.
1. Decrease fat in your diet. One of the most significant factors affecting skin is diet. Each person is different and respond differently to various foods. It is important to avoid foods that increase facial acne or overall oiliness. Foods high in fat or grease as well as chocolate often negatively affect one's complexion.
It is important that you discern your skin type. There are five main categories; oily, normal, combination, dry, damaged. Each requires different care and maintenance.
2. Believe it or not stress has a dramatic influence on the condition of your skin. It is significant to reduce stress for multiple reasons, especially our skin. It seems that our face takes the burden of our emotions. Feeling down and overwhelmed can often lead to inflammation and sagging. Deep breathing can reduce stress levels by seventy percent. Simple activities such as stretching, or spending time outside have also been known to dramatically reduce stress levels in adults. This will definitely show in the face.
3. Avoid direct sun exposure. Especially these days it is much more harmful than a benefit. Always use sunscreen. There are certain times of the year in which it is especially important as the sun's rays have greater intensity. Activities that involve a reflective surface such as water or snow also require additional sunscreen as well as extra caution and care.
These simple straightforward tips when followed yield dramatic results. Remember we will have the same skin our entire lives so it is important that we properly maintain it. Taking care of it and preventative actions are most effective for creating flawless youthful looking skin.
Many products advertise the ability to make you look younger. Doesn't it make much more sense to maintain your youthful healthy skin. Or create a lifestyle and habits that promote such skin. Then it becomes only a matter of continuing what works and enjoying amazing skin.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Steroids and Eczema IV
At different times in an eczema sufferers' life the thought of using steroid treatments becomes very tempting. Sometimes there are flares of eczema that are so vigorous that a quick course of steroids become the best thing in your mind to treat the problem with. This article speaks of some of the ways how you can use steroids safely. The list is not exhausted. As a matter of fact, at this time I only speak of 6 ways that steroids are safely used. The aim is that if you ever have to use them at one point or another, you will know how to use them safely so that you do not run into difficulties from them.
Long term use
The majority of problems connected to steroid use come after too much steroids have been used for too long a period of time. The problems that come from steroids are usually not permanent, but they can cause nasty flash backs that recur again and again, when the eczema situation is not managed properly.
Not on the face
Steroids are not to be used on the face if it can be tolerated otherwise. If conditions are too uncomfortable only use a low dose steroid. The skin on the face is already thin. Steroids on the face will make the skin thinner, and susceptible to breaking and infection.
Genitals and armpits
The same conditions as for the face apply with putting steroid medications on the genitals and armpits. The skin in these areas is also thin. Not only are they thin, but they are also very sensitive, and will react readily to irritants.
Phasing out use
When you have been using a steroid medication for more than about 7 - 10 days, you should not just put down its use if you get relief from your condition. Before using the medications you should be advised by your doctor about the consequences of just terminating the use of steroid medicines.
When stopping the use, you should use a phased out pattern to stop using the drugs.
Pulse use
When using the steroid consider using the drugs in a pulse pattern. Use a mild topical steroid for 2 days, then use a weaker one for three then use the mild one for 3 days etc. This will help keep the medicines effective. You do not want to let your body adjust, and develop immunities to the drugs.
Missed application
Different steroid drugs have different methods of handling a missed application. Some steroid drugs require that if you miss a dose you have to get instructions about resuming the treatment from your doctor. Other steroid drugs, you will be able to just make the application when you remember that you missed a scheduled application time.
In most cases, you should not try to make up for missed treatments, but again it is best to consult the literature and instructions that come with the medicine you are using.
Long term use
The majority of problems connected to steroid use come after too much steroids have been used for too long a period of time. The problems that come from steroids are usually not permanent, but they can cause nasty flash backs that recur again and again, when the eczema situation is not managed properly.
Not on the face
Steroids are not to be used on the face if it can be tolerated otherwise. If conditions are too uncomfortable only use a low dose steroid. The skin on the face is already thin. Steroids on the face will make the skin thinner, and susceptible to breaking and infection.
Genitals and armpits
The same conditions as for the face apply with putting steroid medications on the genitals and armpits. The skin in these areas is also thin. Not only are they thin, but they are also very sensitive, and will react readily to irritants.
Phasing out use
When you have been using a steroid medication for more than about 7 - 10 days, you should not just put down its use if you get relief from your condition. Before using the medications you should be advised by your doctor about the consequences of just terminating the use of steroid medicines.
When stopping the use, you should use a phased out pattern to stop using the drugs.
Pulse use
When using the steroid consider using the drugs in a pulse pattern. Use a mild topical steroid for 2 days, then use a weaker one for three then use the mild one for 3 days etc. This will help keep the medicines effective. You do not want to let your body adjust, and develop immunities to the drugs.
Missed application
Different steroid drugs have different methods of handling a missed application. Some steroid drugs require that if you miss a dose you have to get instructions about resuming the treatment from your doctor. Other steroid drugs, you will be able to just make the application when you remember that you missed a scheduled application time.
In most cases, you should not try to make up for missed treatments, but again it is best to consult the literature and instructions that come with the medicine you are using.
Baby Eczema - How to Guard Your Baby Against Hyperpigmentation-Skin From Eczema
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is one of the things that you will have to protect your baby against if he has eczema. If you are forewarned about it, you can be forearmed. This article will forewarn, or just alert you to how you should think about PIH.
PIH is a result of the inflammatory process that becomes active during an eczema flare up. PIH can affect the baby in 2 ways. One on hand, if the inflammation is allowed to burn in an area for too long, it can damage the skin cells that produce melanin. When the melanin cells become damaged they produce off colored pigments, and what ever color pigments are produced is what the color of your baby's skin will be.
The other way that PIH is able to affect your baby is when blood stains are left behind that discolors his skin after the inflammation has left. The red blood cells that had pooled in the area can leave behind a reddish brown colored complexion when they get through doing the healing work that they were brought into the area to do.
The best way to protect your baby from the different forms of PIH is to reduce how much inflammation resides latent inside his body. It is when inflammation is strong that it is able to gather the strength to go out and attack an area of your skin with such ferociousness that your skin changes color.
You will want to make sure that he gets his fish oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids. You will also want to get him supplements that contain anti-oxidants that you can feed him with as well.
You should also make sure that you keep his skin moisturized all of the time. While you want to keep his skin moist, you should make sure that you are using a heavy moisturizer. You want to use a heavy moisturizer so that you will not have to be reapplying moisturizers too often. Frequent application of moisturizers will have the effect of thinning out his skin, making it more fragile and leading to infections.
Another thing that you will want to do is take the candy from the baby. You do not want to have your baby eating foods like candy and sweet drinks like fruit juices and sodas. Get him used to eating fresh fruit, and vegetables.
PIH is a result of the inflammatory process that becomes active during an eczema flare up. PIH can affect the baby in 2 ways. One on hand, if the inflammation is allowed to burn in an area for too long, it can damage the skin cells that produce melanin. When the melanin cells become damaged they produce off colored pigments, and what ever color pigments are produced is what the color of your baby's skin will be.
The other way that PIH is able to affect your baby is when blood stains are left behind that discolors his skin after the inflammation has left. The red blood cells that had pooled in the area can leave behind a reddish brown colored complexion when they get through doing the healing work that they were brought into the area to do.
The best way to protect your baby from the different forms of PIH is to reduce how much inflammation resides latent inside his body. It is when inflammation is strong that it is able to gather the strength to go out and attack an area of your skin with such ferociousness that your skin changes color.
You will want to make sure that he gets his fish oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids. You will also want to get him supplements that contain anti-oxidants that you can feed him with as well.
You should also make sure that you keep his skin moisturized all of the time. While you want to keep his skin moist, you should make sure that you are using a heavy moisturizer. You want to use a heavy moisturizer so that you will not have to be reapplying moisturizers too often. Frequent application of moisturizers will have the effect of thinning out his skin, making it more fragile and leading to infections.
Another thing that you will want to do is take the candy from the baby. You do not want to have your baby eating foods like candy and sweet drinks like fruit juices and sodas. Get him used to eating fresh fruit, and vegetables.
A Changing Mole - How Can You Tell If You Have Skin Cancer?
Experts state that the best way to check to see if you have skin cancer is to do a monthly examination, checking moles, birthmarks and skin bumps for any changes. A yearly examination by your doctor is also recommended. Most people have many moles, freckles, and birthmarks on their bodies, but since they are so common, it is easy not to notice any slight changes in them. Since early detection is key to curing skin cancer, it is important to really notice the bumps and spots on your body. A common practice is to have a notebook where you note the position and appearance of any marks on your body so that any changes will be obvious.
All three main kinds of skin cancer are visible to the human eye, including melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most difficult form of skin cancer to stop once it has started to spread though the body, so it is important to watch for it and get early treatment. The true fact is that all skin cancer is treatable if detected early enough.
You should check for a change in a moles size, shape or color, and if the edges change. If a mole starts to grow, and becomes as large as or larger than a pencil eraser, or if it is not a solid brown, but multi colored, you should immediately go to a doctor. This is a potential warning of the onset of skin cancer. If a mole starts to bleed or grows rapidly, or you notice any changes, it is wise to get it checked out by a physician immediately.
If you are in doubt about going to a doctor, thinking that the change is not that apparent, in this case it is always better to be safe than sorry. Go to your family doctor who will advise you to go to a dermatologist if needed. You should be prepared to ask your doctor any questions that you have and you should not be afraid to find out the facts about the treatment and the likelihood for success. If indeed the diagnosis is not good, your doctor may recommend you to a therapist who deals in patient crisis.
To test to confirm or deny the presence of skin cancer, all or part of the questionable area is removed, and examined under a microscope. If it is skin cancer, surgery is often used to remove the cancerous area, a quick and painless procedure in the early stages. There may be a scar left from the removal of all of the cancerous cells, but usually the doctor is able to use a very small incision, so the scar is usually small enough not to be noticeable. If the cancer is large, or has spread to the surrounding area, the doctor may tell you that more surgery is needed, along with a course of radiation or chemotherapy treatments.
The best advice for prevention of skin cancer is to cover up when you go out into the sun, wear sunscreen, cover up, and be smart by paying attention to your skin and any changes.
All three main kinds of skin cancer are visible to the human eye, including melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most difficult form of skin cancer to stop once it has started to spread though the body, so it is important to watch for it and get early treatment. The true fact is that all skin cancer is treatable if detected early enough.
You should check for a change in a moles size, shape or color, and if the edges change. If a mole starts to grow, and becomes as large as or larger than a pencil eraser, or if it is not a solid brown, but multi colored, you should immediately go to a doctor. This is a potential warning of the onset of skin cancer. If a mole starts to bleed or grows rapidly, or you notice any changes, it is wise to get it checked out by a physician immediately.
If you are in doubt about going to a doctor, thinking that the change is not that apparent, in this case it is always better to be safe than sorry. Go to your family doctor who will advise you to go to a dermatologist if needed. You should be prepared to ask your doctor any questions that you have and you should not be afraid to find out the facts about the treatment and the likelihood for success. If indeed the diagnosis is not good, your doctor may recommend you to a therapist who deals in patient crisis.
To test to confirm or deny the presence of skin cancer, all or part of the questionable area is removed, and examined under a microscope. If it is skin cancer, surgery is often used to remove the cancerous area, a quick and painless procedure in the early stages. There may be a scar left from the removal of all of the cancerous cells, but usually the doctor is able to use a very small incision, so the scar is usually small enough not to be noticeable. If the cancer is large, or has spread to the surrounding area, the doctor may tell you that more surgery is needed, along with a course of radiation or chemotherapy treatments.
The best advice for prevention of skin cancer is to cover up when you go out into the sun, wear sunscreen, cover up, and be smart by paying attention to your skin and any changes.
Time For Men To Wake Up To The Signs Of Skin Cancer
One of the most common forms of cancer reported in men is Skin Cancer, and if anyone has more than 5 bad sunburns in their life, the chances of getting skin cancer are doubled. The results are staggering, that one in five Americans will get skin cancer , one of the most preventable cancers The big question is, even though it is widely known how to not get sun cancer, why is it that people still not protect their skin from the effects of the harsh sun?
In particular, men are the worst culprits. A recent study out of the University of Texas states that only 34% of men actually use sunscreen when going outside in the sun. Why do they not concern themselves about protection from the sun? This is even more shocking when a reported 78% of women do wear sunscreen to protect themselves from the midday sun. It would be easy to say that men have more outdoor jobs, where they are in the sun all day as compared with women who in the past have worked indoors, but this is not true today. More women are working and playing outdoors but still they are more likely to wear sun screen and cover up.
One of the major differences in men and women in the problem of getting the males to wear protection, is that women are generally more concerned about their appearance than men are. Women are inundated with the message of younger, softer skin, where as men often think that it is masculine to have tanned weathered faces. Plus their role models are such as Clint Eastwood, with his craggy, handsome but darkly tanned face.
Women also more often wear some type of skin cream that they put on in the morning, and often the manufacturers of this skin cream have included some type of SPF in it, giving them protection that they really don't even have to think about.
Hopefully, men will get smart and realize that putting on a cream in the morning is not only good for their skin, but can also prevent the epidemic of skin cancer that affects them. There are many creams now that are none scented and although the advertisements are generally geared towards woman, these are ideal for men to use. If they can get into the habit of using sunscreen, not just on their faces but their bodies, the number of males that will get skin cancer will decrease dramatically.
There are certain times when it is wise to stay out of the sun, certainly between 11 A.M. to 3P.M. and if they have to go out during these times, they should make sure they are covered with a collared shirt, pants and always a hat. Regular use of a sun block of SPF 30 or more is recommended, and all parts of the skin that are exposed to the sun should have sun block on it. This includes the face, hands, arms and legs, but also the back of the neck, the ears, and especially the top of the head on balding men. Reapplication after swimming or sweating should be second nature.
With a little bit of common sense, Skin Cancer, one of the fastest growing and totally preventable cancers can be avoided and hopefully one day, eliminated.
In particular, men are the worst culprits. A recent study out of the University of Texas states that only 34% of men actually use sunscreen when going outside in the sun. Why do they not concern themselves about protection from the sun? This is even more shocking when a reported 78% of women do wear sunscreen to protect themselves from the midday sun. It would be easy to say that men have more outdoor jobs, where they are in the sun all day as compared with women who in the past have worked indoors, but this is not true today. More women are working and playing outdoors but still they are more likely to wear sun screen and cover up.
One of the major differences in men and women in the problem of getting the males to wear protection, is that women are generally more concerned about their appearance than men are. Women are inundated with the message of younger, softer skin, where as men often think that it is masculine to have tanned weathered faces. Plus their role models are such as Clint Eastwood, with his craggy, handsome but darkly tanned face.
Women also more often wear some type of skin cream that they put on in the morning, and often the manufacturers of this skin cream have included some type of SPF in it, giving them protection that they really don't even have to think about.
Hopefully, men will get smart and realize that putting on a cream in the morning is not only good for their skin, but can also prevent the epidemic of skin cancer that affects them. There are many creams now that are none scented and although the advertisements are generally geared towards woman, these are ideal for men to use. If they can get into the habit of using sunscreen, not just on their faces but their bodies, the number of males that will get skin cancer will decrease dramatically.
There are certain times when it is wise to stay out of the sun, certainly between 11 A.M. to 3P.M. and if they have to go out during these times, they should make sure they are covered with a collared shirt, pants and always a hat. Regular use of a sun block of SPF 30 or more is recommended, and all parts of the skin that are exposed to the sun should have sun block on it. This includes the face, hands, arms and legs, but also the back of the neck, the ears, and especially the top of the head on balding men. Reapplication after swimming or sweating should be second nature.
With a little bit of common sense, Skin Cancer, one of the fastest growing and totally preventable cancers can be avoided and hopefully one day, eliminated.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Natural Skin Cream
Few us would doubt the fact that the beauty industry is a big, almost recession proof business that feeds on our desires to stay looking younger for as long as we can. That's a healthy thing to do as looking after ourselves is a commendable pastime. Chief amongst this is taking care of our skin.
The better skin creams are not always the most expensive and we need to steer clear of that type of mindset. Of course price does play a part and in this case in order to narrow the field a bit I'm going to concentrate solely on the best natural skin care cream.
Choosing something suitable should entail devoting a little time to the study of the overall marketplace, which is easy to do from the comfort of your home PC and the internet. This article will take a brief snapshot of what ingredients these best buy products ought to include, what they should not and the reasons why. My time spent researching this subject has borne fruit.
Foremost amongst the yes group is a substance many of us have probably heard little about, unless you are from Japan. Phytessence Wakame is a type of natural kelp found there, or plain old seaweed when I was at school. But, there's nothing plain about this stuff, it's packed full of minerals that reads like a who's who list of the most desirable nutrients in a single product.
Modern methods of production have enabled some of the best skin creams to include it in their list of ingredients, so take note. So, how does it help us? In quite a few ways actually but principally it helps keep skin moisturized, smoother and improves elasticity.
What about the no camp? Well, it turns out that I've uncovered some startling and worrying facts about what even some of the big brands are including in their products.
It just goes to show to what lengths these large companies will go to shift their latest offerings.
It's difficult to know where to start as the list is so long but one of the chief culprits is fragrances. No harm there you might be thinking but ask yourself why are they included in the first place? To make the items smell nice of course. But, the downside is that they are chemical concoctions. with toxic consequences for our bodies. Additionally for those people with sensitive skin it could also pose problems like an allergic reaction. One last thing is that such tactics are often employed by some to disguise a poorly made product as something far superior in quality.
That's by no means the end of it and these are just pointers. Like for like comparisons are hard for must of us who work long hours and lead busy lives, plus there's more to this subject than I can cover here. At the end of the day the best skin creams will be the ones that work for you as an individual, and leave you happy in the knowledge that they are totally safe.
The better skin creams are not always the most expensive and we need to steer clear of that type of mindset. Of course price does play a part and in this case in order to narrow the field a bit I'm going to concentrate solely on the best natural skin care cream.
Choosing something suitable should entail devoting a little time to the study of the overall marketplace, which is easy to do from the comfort of your home PC and the internet. This article will take a brief snapshot of what ingredients these best buy products ought to include, what they should not and the reasons why. My time spent researching this subject has borne fruit.
Foremost amongst the yes group is a substance many of us have probably heard little about, unless you are from Japan. Phytessence Wakame is a type of natural kelp found there, or plain old seaweed when I was at school. But, there's nothing plain about this stuff, it's packed full of minerals that reads like a who's who list of the most desirable nutrients in a single product.
Modern methods of production have enabled some of the best skin creams to include it in their list of ingredients, so take note. So, how does it help us? In quite a few ways actually but principally it helps keep skin moisturized, smoother and improves elasticity.
What about the no camp? Well, it turns out that I've uncovered some startling and worrying facts about what even some of the big brands are including in their products.
It just goes to show to what lengths these large companies will go to shift their latest offerings.
It's difficult to know where to start as the list is so long but one of the chief culprits is fragrances. No harm there you might be thinking but ask yourself why are they included in the first place? To make the items smell nice of course. But, the downside is that they are chemical concoctions. with toxic consequences for our bodies. Additionally for those people with sensitive skin it could also pose problems like an allergic reaction. One last thing is that such tactics are often employed by some to disguise a poorly made product as something far superior in quality.
That's by no means the end of it and these are just pointers. Like for like comparisons are hard for must of us who work long hours and lead busy lives, plus there's more to this subject than I can cover here. At the end of the day the best skin creams will be the ones that work for you as an individual, and leave you happy in the knowledge that they are totally safe.
The Toxic Skin Care Ingredients You Need to Avoid
You already know that you should be eating healthy food and avoiding the bad stuff, but did you know that your health and beauty products could also be dangerous as well?
Most women (and men) don't pay too much attention to what they put on their faces and bodies. If it gets rid of wrinkles it must be good right? Not necessarily.
Here is a list of ingredients that you should avoid when shopping for your beauty must haves:
Parabens
This chemical preservative has been linked to breast cancer and male reproductive problems. It also has been know to cause allergic reactions in some people. Keep a look out for ingredients with paraben in the name; they often start with butyl-, ethyl- and propyl-.
Petrochemicals
Petroleum based ingredients such as paraffin, mineral oil and isopropyl alcohol can interfere with the skin's natural ability to breathe. They are also known to cause skin irritations and allergies.
DEA, MEA, TEA
Commonly found in body washes, shampoo and soap, diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA) and triethanolmine (TEA) can affect hormone function in both men and women.
SLS and SLES
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) are great at getting ride of dirt but have been know to form carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when mixed with other common ingredients. Both SLS and to a lesser extent SLES can also irritate the skin.
Propylene Glycol
Usually found in moisturizers and body creams this ingredient can damage your kidney and liver. It has also been known to cause rashes in some people.
Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative, it can cause asthma and migraines. Common formaldehyde ingredients include imidazolidinyl and DMDM hydantion.
Most women (and men) don't pay too much attention to what they put on their faces and bodies. If it gets rid of wrinkles it must be good right? Not necessarily.
Here is a list of ingredients that you should avoid when shopping for your beauty must haves:
Parabens
This chemical preservative has been linked to breast cancer and male reproductive problems. It also has been know to cause allergic reactions in some people. Keep a look out for ingredients with paraben in the name; they often start with butyl-, ethyl- and propyl-.
Petrochemicals
Petroleum based ingredients such as paraffin, mineral oil and isopropyl alcohol can interfere with the skin's natural ability to breathe. They are also known to cause skin irritations and allergies.
DEA, MEA, TEA
Commonly found in body washes, shampoo and soap, diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA) and triethanolmine (TEA) can affect hormone function in both men and women.
SLS and SLES
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) are great at getting ride of dirt but have been know to form carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when mixed with other common ingredients. Both SLS and to a lesser extent SLES can also irritate the skin.
Propylene Glycol
Usually found in moisturizers and body creams this ingredient can damage your kidney and liver. It has also been known to cause rashes in some people.
Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative, it can cause asthma and migraines. Common formaldehyde ingredients include imidazolidinyl and DMDM hydantion.
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