Posted By audrey on February 20, 2010

Top 8 Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Skin

If you are hoping to care for the health of your complexion, it is so important to focus on your diet. Eating foods rich in healthy minerals and vitamins will make a dramatic difference in the tone of your skin, and it will also work to prevent any serious conditions before they start, including breakouts and premature wrinkles. To begin with, we will discuss the top 8 skin vitamins and minerals to give you the best results in a healthy and radiant complexion!

1. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is an important vitamin for the health of your skin, and it prevents against premature aging and environmental damage. Many people only use vitamin A to protect the health of their eyes, but it’s actually important within your diet because it repairs healthy tissue underneath the skin. This will work to prevent damage from outside free radicals, which can often cause deep wrinkles. For the best sources of vitamin A, try sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli as a regular part of your diet.
2. Vitamin B: Vitamin B is important in the diet for clear and radiant skin by preventing breakouts. It will also work to provide a healthy and strong layer to the complexion and reduce the risk of dermatitis. The best sources of this vitamin are meals rich in whole grains and nuts.
3. Vitamin E: This antioxidant will work to protect cells underneath the surface of the complexion from being damaged by sun exposure and pollution. The best sources are nuts and avocados as good fats in your diet.
4. Vitamin C: This is an antioxidant that is highly important to stimulate collagen production underneath the skin. This is responsible for plumping and firming the complexion to reduce existing wrinkles! You can find this vitamin in citrus, strawberries, cabbage, and broccoli within your diet.
5. Bromelain: Bromelain is important because it speeds up healing and reduces swelling in the body. This will work to clear up acne faster and also reduce any unevenness in the skin tone through promoting healing. Bromelain can be found by adding pineapples to your diet!
6. Zinc: Zinc is highly important for the health of the skin because it works to quickly heal wounds. This mineral also boosts collagen production, which will plump the skin below the surface to reduce wrinkles overall. This mineral also works as an astringent, so it will constrict the skin and tighten the pores so that the complexion looks smoother. Zinc can be found in beef, crab, turkey, chicken, salmon, and pork within the diet.
7. Selenium: This mineral is a helpful antioxidant that will reduce free radical damage. It can neutralize wrinkles caused by sun exposure, smoking, and pollution. The best sources of this mineral are found in brown rice, nuts, poultry, and seafood.
8. Iron: This mineral will strengthen the immunity of the skin to reduce breakouts and revitalize the complexion. Iron can best be found in lentils, grains, cereals, and beans in the diet.

When you integrate these 8 vitamins into your regular diet, you will see a dramatically radiant difference in the health of your complexion!

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Posted By audrey on January 21, 2010

Acne

A pimple starts when the pores in the skin become clogged with a type of oil called sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. Acne is common during puberty when hormones go into overdrive, causing the skin to overproduce sebum. Because many oil-producing glands are on the forehead, nose, and chin, this area — the T-zone — is where a person is most prone to pimples.

Here are some tips to help prevent breakouts and clear them up as fast as possible:

• Wash your face twice a day (no more) with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Gently massage your face with circular motions. Don’t scrub. Overwashing and scrubbing can cause skin to become irritated. After cleansing, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying an over-the-counter (no prescription needed) lotion containing benzoyl peroxide. This will decrease oil and bacteria.
• Don’t pop pimples. It’s tempting, but here’s why you shouldn’t: Popping pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. If you notice a pimple coming before a big event, like the prom, a dermatologist can often treat it for you with less risk of scarring or infection.
• Avoid touching your face with your fingers or leaning your face on objects that collect sebum and skin residue like your phone. Touching your face can spread the bacteria that cause pores to become inflamed and irritated. To keep bacteria at bay, wash your hands before applying anything to your face, such as treatment creams or makeup.
• If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.
• If you get acne on your body, try not to wear tight clothes. They don’t allow skin to breathe and may cause irritation. Scarves, headbands, and caps can collect dirt and oil, too.
• Remove your makeup before you go to sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” on the label. Throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.
• Keep hair clean and out of your face to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging your pores.
• Protect your skin from the sun. It may seem like a tan masks acne, but it’s only temporary. A tan can cause the body to produce extra sebum, which may worsen your acne, not improve it. Tanning also causes damage to skin that will eventually lead to wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.

If you’re concerned about acne, talk to a dermatologist. Dermatologists offer a range of treatments that help to prevent and clear up acne and acne scars. A dermatologist can help you find the treatment method that’s best for you and can also give you lots of useful tips for dealing with acne and caring for your skin type. Some salons and spas have trained skin specialists, called estheticians, who can offer advice and skin care treatments.

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Posted By audrey on January 18, 2010

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Posted By audrey on January 12, 2010

What are skin tags?

Skin tags are small, benign growths that are composed of a core of fibers and ducts, nerve cells, fat cells, and a covering or epidermis.

Who gets skin tags?

Both men and women tend to get skin tags as they age. Skin tags are also more common in pregnant women, obese people, and people with type 2 diabetese. About 46% of people develop skin tags at some point in their lives.

Where do skin tags appear?

Skin tags often form in areas where the skin creases, such as the neckline, the groin, the underside of the arms, the area beneath the breasts, and the eyelids. The most common location is the armpit. It is common for skin tags to appear in groups. They often become stuck on jewelry, are shaved in error, and are agitated by clothing. Women who shave their armpits should be careful not to shave or cut skin tags that are located there.

Are skin tags harmful?

Although skin tags are technically tumors, they are benign and normally harmless. They can, however, become damaged and become inflamed and sore. If shaved off or rubbed hard, they may bleed.

What causes skin tags?

Although no one knows the exact cause of skin tags, the following are thought to be associated with their appearance:

• Chaffing and irritation from the skin rubbing together
• Hormones secreted during pregnancy
• Insulin resistance caused by diabetes
• Human papilloma virus
• Illegal steroid use that interferes with the body and muscles, causing the collagen fibers in the skin to bond so that skin tags are formed

How are skin tags removed?

Since skin tags are generally harmless, they are usually removed for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons.

common methods used:

• Cauterizatio – the skin tag is burned off using electrolysis
• Cryosurgery – the skin tag is frozen off using liquid nitrogen
• Ligation – the blood supply to the skin tag is interrupted
• Excision – the skin tag is removed with a scalpel

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Posted By audrey on January 12, 2010

Green peel for a mild exfoliation

A green peel is a natural skin care treatment based on a plant-based topical agent that is used to exfoliate and resurface facial skin and other problem skin areas. In contrast to some chemical peels, a green peel does not use synthetic acids.  The Green Peel contains natural herbal ingredients and micro particles that are derived from plants that are ground into a cream-like material.   According to the Green Peel company literature:

The combination of herbs and method of application are the result of clinical trials by Dr. med. Christine Schrammek at the Institute for Experimental Dermatology, University Witten-Herdecke, Germany.

The green peel is applied to the face like a masque. The micro particles in the application then slightly exfoliate the upper layers of skin; other active ingredients in the herbal preparation penetrate the skin and are absorbed over the next couple of days.

The green peel can be used on any body part to treat fine wrinkling, dry skin, uneven pigmentation, and acne. Green peels may provide a more natural path to getting smoother, brighter-looking skin and with a shorter recovery time than other skin peels.

Why exfoliation is good for your skin

The exfoliation of your top layer of skin triggers new cell production and the shedding of your old skin. The other active ingredients that are absorbed into your skin stimulate blood circulation that induces the regeneration of the skin producing new cells and collagen fibers. After the treatment, your skin will be red and burn-similar to a mild sunburn. Three to four days later, the old skin comes off.  On the 5th day you will have a follow-up facial treatment with extraction.

Green peel safety

While green peels are considered one of the safest and mildest form of facial peel, if applied improperly you could encounter some undesirable effects.  These risks include skin burns, skin pigment change, and skin scarring.

Your skin could feel like it has a mild case of windburn or sunburn following the Green Peel, and you may find that your skin is tight. Your provider should give you recovery tips-such as avoiding excessive or widely-exaggerated facial expressions. They should also warn you to let the skin heal naturally.

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Posted By audrey on January 4, 2010

An FDA advisory panel  recommended approving Latisse in December of 2008, a drug to promote longer, thicker, darker eyelashes.

Latisee is a spin-off of the glaucoma drug Lumigan. The FDA approved Lumigan in 2001 as an eye drop. Eyelash growth is a known side effect of the drug.

Allergan Inc., the drug company that makes Lumigan, studied the drug to see how well it promoted eyelash growth, thickness, and darkness when dabbed like an eyeliner at the roots of the eyelashes on the upper eyelid.

In that study, 137 people used Latisse and 141 people used a placebo solution for 16 weeks. The result: Thicker, longer, darker eyelashes were more common by the end of the study in the Latisse group. And people in the Latisse group reported more satisfaction with their lashes than people who used the placebo.

Side effects, which were generally temporary and mild, included eye redness, which stopped when the use of the drug was discontinued, according to Allergan documents submitted to the FDA.

Lumigan’s prescribing information notes that the drug may darken eyelid skin and gradually increase pigmentation of the iris, making eyes browner. Those iris color changes, which may not be noticeable for several months to years, may be permanent but don’t progress after stopping Lumigan.

The Latisse study, however, doesn’t report any cases of iris color changes. Unlike Lumigan, Latisse isn’t meant to go directly on the eyes, and each Latisse dose uses only 5% of a Lumigan drop.

The FDA panel also recommended further studies to assess Latisse’s use in certain groups of patients, such as young patients and people who lost their eyelashes because of chemotherapy, according to an Allergan news release.

Latisse is  a prescription drug, not an over-the-counter cosmetic.

It is said that even though they contain similar ingredients, the price of Latisse is much higher.

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Posted By audrey on November 7, 2009

What is Exfoliation:

Exfoliation is a skin care therapy in which the outer layers of dead skin cells are gently sloughed off with the use of an abrasive tool or product, such as a loofah sponge or brush, or a skin cleanser containing sea salt or ground nut shells. Any area of the skin can be exfoliated, but it is important to exfoliate your face using products intended for your skin type.

Why Exfoliate:

Exfoliation speeds up the skin’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells and prevents pimples and black heads by keeping pores clear of impurities. If pores and sebaceous glands are blocked by dead skin cells, buildup debris can cause blemishes to develop.

Type of Exfoliation:

There are three ways to exfoliate: 1. using a tool that scrubs, like a loofah or washcloth. 2. using a product that contains abrasive particles, like a walnut facial scrub, or 3. using a product that contains gentle exfoliating acids, like alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy, or salicylic acids. The first two options require rubbing action on the skin. The third does not. Instead, the product removes the outer layers of skin by reacting chemically with dead skin cells.

How to Exfoliate:

Exfoliating can be a great home care tool for maintaining the results you see from skin care center treatments. For instance, if you exfoliate regularly after a waxing session, you will be less likely to experience ingrown hairs and blackheads on the waxed area. You can also schedule skin care appointments for professional exfoliation sessions, which are often more intensive than at home treatments. Some of these include microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Check with your skin care therapist if you feel either of these treatments might be right for you.

Tips:

Only use exfoliation products at home designed for the face on your face. Products intended for the body are usually harsher and more abrasive; using them on your face could cause irritation, rashes, and/or breakouts.

Always moisturize your face if you exfoliate regularly. Exfoliation can tend to dry out the skin, which can cause wrinkles over time.

Why choose an experienced skin care professional:

Your skin care treatments should be provided by a properly trained professional. Don’t hesitate to ask your skin care therapist about her/his background, training, and experience-especially as it relates to the treatment you are considering. Make sure your skin care therapist is a member of ASCP. As an ASCP member, your skin care professional’s state licensing credentials and/or core training have been validated. ASCP member materials emphasize that each client’s skin is as unique as the individual beneath it, and that skin type can change depending on lifestyle, medications, allergies, or diet. ASCP members agree to follow a code of ethics, which ensures that you’re treated responsibly and with the utmost respect. ASCP also provides comprehensive resources that allow members to keep up with the ever-changing trends and treatments the way only a true professional can, making certain you’ll receive the most up-to-date skin care therapies available. You’ll find an ASCP professional in your area at www.ascpskincare.com or call by calling 800-789-0411.

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Posted By audrey on October 8, 2009

1. Cleanse the skin
   You’ll want to wash the face to remove any grime or dirt.  The best time to do it, is after shower while your skin is steamed and cleaned. If you have oily or combination skin, try a cleanser like dermalogica’s Cleansing Gel or all Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash. For dry skin, your best bet is a cream or milky cleanser such as essential cleansing solution.
2. Exfoliate Rub a cotton soaked in fresh squeezed lemon juice & massage it in a circular motion on your face & neck. Concentrate on the areas around your nose and forehead or if you have combo skin, work harder on the areas that tend to be ‘greasy.’ Rinse your face well since citrus tends to be drying..
3. Fill your sink with warm water, dip a washcloth in and gently remove lemon juice from your face. Repeat 2-3 times.
4. The mask
   For oily skin, use a clay-based face mask. For dry skin, go for a hydrating gel or cream mask.
   Apply the mask, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep it on for 10-20 minutes (or, according to the directions on the product). Rinse completely. Want to go all out and make your own natural face masks? Either apply plain yogurt all over your face and neck and leave it for 10 -20 minutes or chop up some cucumber and leave it also for 10-20 minutes.

   Moisturize
   Smooth on a soothing moisturizer such as Power Rich or the less expensive, Skin Smoothing Cream and sit back and enjoy a refreshed, rejuvenated and glowy new you
   Tip: Stay away from strong moisturizers containing retinols or acids. These will over-exfoliate your skin.

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Posted By audrey on August 27, 2009

The color of your skin is determined by the melanin or pigment in the skin, be it yellow, dark brown or black. Melanin is responsible for imparting color to your skin, hair and iris of the eyes. Levels of melanin depend on race and amount of sunlight exposure. Melanin production increases with exposure to the skin so as to protect the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays.

A number of women have skin pigmentation problems relating to hormone changes and sun exposure. Read more on skin pigmentation disorders, be it hyper pigmentation or loss of skin pigmentation.

Skin Pigmentation disorder

Skin pigmentation disorders occur as a result of the body producing either too much or too little melanin. Skin pigmentation creates a darker or lighter skin tone that may be blotchy and uneven. Causes of skin pigmentation can range from auto immune conditions to drug reactions or genetic inheritance. Sun damage is probably the leading cause of skin pigmentation problems. Other factors include drug reactions, hormonal changes, genetic factors and medications.

Hormonal therapy, childbirth or birth control pills can cause skin pigmentation changes. Many people suffer from skin pigmentation problems as a result of locally increased skin pigment production. They appear as age spots, moles, liver spots or hyper pigmentation after local skin damage. Freckles are another variation in pigmentation of the skin. They are caused but by uneven release of the pigment.

Hypo pigmentation or loss of skin pigmentation is a condition where the body does not produce sufficient melanin. Sometimes after an ulcer, blister, burn, or infection heals, the skin loses some of its pigment in that area.

Albinism: This leads to a situation of albinism wherein the person has light skin, white or pale yellow hair and gray eyes. Albinism is usually the result of an inherited recessive trait. There is no cure for albinism, and individuals should use a sunscreen at all times because they are much more likely to get sun damage and skin cancer.

Vitiligo: Vitiligo is another form of hypo pigmentation caused by the loss of pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes). These white patches are very sensitive to the sun. This skin pigmentation disorder affects nearly 2% of the population and is more evident in those with darker skin. Some scientists believe vitiligo may be caused by an autoimmune disorder. It is also linked to hyperthyroidism and Addison’s Disease that affects the adrenal glands.

Treatment for vitiligo involves use of light-sensitive drugs in combination with ultraviolet A treatment. Physicians may prescribe a combination of photosensitive medications like trimethylpsoralen and ultraviolet light therapy to darken the spots affected by vitiligo. Skin grafting and cosmetic concealers can also be resorted to.

Hyper Pigmentation is a condition where the body produces too much melanin thereby causing to become darker than usual. Hyper pigmentation can occur due to excessive sun bathing or drug reactions. Many a time wounds and scars leave a darker patch of skin. Birthmarks, moles, and aging spots are also indications of hyper pigmentation. It is important to keep on the alert for any change in size, color or texture for indications of skin cancer.

Lichen Simplex Chronicus: This skin pigmentation disorder is characterized by dark patches of skin accompanied with severe itching. This can lead to permanent scarring and infection if untreated.

Melasma: This hyper pigmentation condition is a fallout of pregnancy hormones. A dark mask appears over the cheeks, bridge of the nose and the neck. This dark mask usually disappears after the birth of the child. This skin pigmentation condition is also known as chloasma and can be treated with prescription creams and over-the-counter products.

Birthmarks: This type of skin pigmentation appears at birth or in the few weeks following birth. These birthmarks do not generally pose any health risks.

Port-wine Stains: These skin pigmentation spots are caused by abnormal development of capillaries and appear as a red or purple mark on the body.

Skin Pigmentation Remedy

Most often people affected by skin pigmentation disorders use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure. Skin-lightening creams are available for hyper pigmentation disorders.

Hydroquinone is widely used to block formation of new melanin. Retin-A is also prescribed to counter the effects of hyper pigmentation. Topical steroid creams can help alleviate itching associated with some form of skin pigmentation. Procedures like glycolic acid peels & Herbal peels help in improving the effectiveness of the bleaching agents. Skillfully applied makeup can help in covering affected areas of the skin. Hypoallergenic cosmetics can be used to cover uneven and blotchy skin temporarily.

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Posted By audrey on August 25, 2009

skin tags are flesh-colored projections that appear as small pieces of hanging skin growths.
The color of most skin tags is either the same as that of the body flesh (skin) or a little more brown than the surrounding skin.
While skin tags are harmless, many people prefer to remove skin tags for cosmetic reasons, i.e. to show more perfect skin& appear spotless.
skin tags may be removed without applying anesthesia, one way of removing it is by hi frequency electrical current that delivers a precise spark-gap thru micro needle

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