Purchasing Skin Care Products

What to Consider When Buying Skin Care Products

Avoid skin care products that contain fragrances or other chemical ingredients. These can actually cause more harm than good as they absorb into your body. Foreign chemicals do not belong in the body. It is counter productive to use chemicals on the skin for an anti aging treatment.

Use perfumes and body sprays to add a nice scent to your skin instead. The difference between sprays and lotions is that with a lotion, you are rubbing the chemicals into your skin. Sprays are less concentrated and left on the surface.

Products that contain collagen are a complete waste of time. The claims made by skin care manufacturers who put collagen into their anti aging skin care products are completely false. The only true way to put collagen into the skin is to use something that stimulates natural collagen production.

The Results are in the Ingredients, Not the Advertising

The majority of those in the skincare industry are out to make money and that is their primary goal. They will spend millions of dollars on advertising just to get people to buy their product. Most of the time, the product is not as good as they claim it to be because it is not made with the best ingredients. It seems they would rather spend good money on advertising than on quality lotions that are effective.

Using Celebrities to Endorse Anti Aging Skin Care Products & Treatments

Celebrities are often used to promote products. A good example of this is Proactive Solutions. Vanessa Williams and Jessica Simpson both promote this anti-acne skin care line. The painful truth is that they are highly paid for their endorsements. That is not to say the product does not work, but rather it reveals a different sort of motivation behind their advertising.

Smaller companies that put money into their products are the best bet for your money. When it comes to anti aging skin care products, it is far better to buy from smaller companies that put their money into the ingredients rather than in the pockets of celebrities.

Laser Treatments for Acne

Your skin has an amazing natural ability to regenerate itself and with proper nutrition and a regular cleansing routine, a new layer of skin growth will generally cover any scarring. But in the rare cases where this regeneration does not occur, then a more advanced scar treatment is in order. Always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any facial treatments to be sure you are not causing further damage.

Historically, adolescents have always faced the majority of acne eruptions and the scaring that they can produce. Hormonal changes present during the adolescent stage, stimulates the oil glands to produce more sebum (oil produced by the adrenal glands to keep our skin moist) which then gets trapped in the pores. With the added presence of bacteria it creates the familiar swelling known as blackhead, whitehead or pimple. For most cases, the acne disappears with age. For others, it is an ongoing painful and sometimes embarrassing battle.

Those of us who have ever experienced a bad case of acne know how it can demolish one’s self-esteem. If you had a particularly bad case then chances are you have scarring, including hard elevated areas on the skin’s surface or pits of different depths.

One of the latest techniques to help people recover from the scarring is acne laser treatments. When over the counter treatments aren’t working, laser scar removal can be a wonderful alternative to return one’s confidence to face the world afresh.

How Does It Work?

One of the recent FDA approved laser system s called “Aura” targets an organic compound produced by the acne bacteria called Porphyrin. This is done by delivering laser light impulses through the infected skin’s surface. These Porphyrins generate oxygen when targeted by the light pulses; this kills the acne bacteria causing the infection.

The number of treatments needed will vary depending on the severity of the infection but it usually starts with a twice a week session for two weeks. Future sessions will then be determined by your physician depending on the outcome of the initial treatment.

Most patients will see noticeable results after two weeks of treatment and rarely will undergo another session. Again, some may need repeated treatments depending on the amount of scaring. A recent clinical study showed the patient’s acne was 81 percent less severe following the laser treatments.

Laser acne treatment usually starts out with a review of your medical history and any medication that you are currently taking (this is important to determine if it is safe for you to undergo the treatment without reactions). The scarred area will then be cleansed and a topical gel will be applied. The physician will then glide the laser hand piece over the areas needing treatment. Depending on the size of the area that needs attention, each session could take up to 20 minutes.

Are Laser Treatments Painful?

Most patients say they feel no more than a sensation like a rubber band snapping against your skin. Again, the reaction can be a bit more uncomfortable for severe conditions. A topical anesthetic may be used to make the patient more comfortable. A slight swelling and redness on the treated areas will be noticeable after every session but will eventually fade after a few days.

Costs associated with the procedure will vary depending on the physician or treatment centers that are offering the service. However, the costs are usually outweighed by the benefits of undergoing a laser treatment. It provides a quick and noticeable result in as little as two weeks. If you follow your doctor’s advice in preventing future infections, you should not see any reason for you undergoing another treatment.

Shaving 101

Your legs must be wet for at least two to three minutes before applying your cleanser or scrub. That way the hair is soft and pliable, easier to cut. Don’t use soap, it just dries out your legs and makes for a poor shave.

Make sure you have the right tool. There are various styles of shavers, but not all legs or hair growth are the same. Triple blades work well, but no matter the blade type you use, change it frequently – but be careful with sharp edges – if not done carefully, shaving can irritate the skin, the hair follicle, and the oil gland, which causes a rash. Ingrown hairs also pose a chance of infection. See a dermatologist for the right solution.

Choose a shaving cream or gel that contains emollients for a hydrating effect, and one that is fragrance free to avoid irritation to your skin. So steer away from products that contain irritants including alcohol, menthol and peppermint. Find yourself out of shaving cream? Hair conditioner or body cleanser works just fine.

Apply even pressure and shave against the growth of hair. Follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin moist and supple. (Read about Skin Moisturizers), but avoid creams with AHAs because the glycolic acid can irritate freshly-shaven skin.

Are there shaving alternatives?

Indeed there are. While temporary hair removal can be done by shaving, waxing or by epilation (electrolysis and thermolysis) another method is removing hair with a laser.

What is laser hair removal?

Light energy produced by a laser is targeted at the pigment in hair. This causes destruction of hair follicles while sparing surrounding structures (i.e., the skin). Total temporary hair removal, which lasts for several months, can be done in almost all patients. However, total permanent laser hair removal is not commonly done. Stable permanent hair removal may be possible in some cases and usually requires multiple treatment sessions. You can read about Laser Hair Removal frequently asked questions

Who benefits from laser hair removal?

Almost anybody, however, this process works well for light-skinned, dark-haired individuals. There is no laser treatment yet that is effective for white, blond or red hair.

Be aware of some cautions if you go this route; such as dealing with existing bacterial or viral infections, psoriasis, or if you are on certain medications such as Accutane®. See your dermatologist for more details if you are considering laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal facts

• The process can be mild to moderately uncomfortable.
• Most patients require three to six treatments. Long-lasting results depend on hair color, type of laser, and location treated.
• Complications are rare if performed by an experienced physician.
• Expect some pain, swelling and redness around the hair follicle after each treatment session.
• Check with your dermatologist about pre-operative care concerns.

Folliculitis alert

Shaving can also cause a condition called folliculitis, which is an inflammation or infection of hair follicles. It most often appears in areas that become irritated by shaving, the rubbing of clothes, or where follicles and pores are blocked by oils and dirt. Ask our dermatologist about solutions such as Bactroban© ointment to help heal these irritations. (Read more about Bacterial Skin Infections)

What to watch for:

• a reddened rash
• raised, red, often pus-filled lesions around hair follicles (pimples)
• itching at the site of the rash and pimples

How to prevent it:

• shave with an electric razor instead of a blade razor
• keep skin clean
• avoid clothing that rubs against the skin, damaging hair follicles

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AYURVEDA AND SKIN CARE

An occasional attack of dry skin, rash or pimples – although frustrating – is a normal part of the flux of life. As the temperatures change, so does our skin’s constitution. As hormone levels rise and fall in the course of a month and as our diet and activity vary from day to day, the subtle balance of the body chemistry naturally shifts as well, creating shifts in our mood and even changes in our physical appearance.

Ayurveda recognizes these subtle imbalances and gives us the tools to correct them before they are out of control or turn into a full-blown disease. To be sure, imbalance does not necessarily mean disease, we can be quite healthy and still experience symptoms of imbalance. However, perpetual imbalance can lead to disease if it is not corrected in its early stages.

Ayurveda supports the belief that skin and health problems are affected or caused by our behavior. “Undigested” emotions, tension, and stress, can create hormonal imbalance and weaken the immune system. We now know common stressors are leading factors of body toxins and of skin disease. For example, psoriasis is exacerbated by worry and anxiety; acne/ rosacea, by anger and frustration; eczema, by a variety of stresses, depending upon the person’s constitution; and cystic acne, by depression, “holding on” to upsets, and emotional attachments in general. Other significant factors in skin disorders include the overconsumption of refined, canned, and processed foods like sugar, sweets, chocolate, fatty and fried foods, salt, seafood, and red meat. Consuming too many processed foods can result in digestive disorders and poor elimination (constipation). Lack of exercise and rest; and improper external cleansing and skin care will further create skin and health problems.

Of course, we all seek external remedies for the most common skin problems as soon as they develop. But please be aware, even a topical ointment or detoxification treatment is only a temporary remedy. If you continue with unhealthy lifestyle choices, new toxins will soon appear.

One of Ayurveda’s fundamental concepts is that health and disease are holistic-that is, whatever happens in one part of the body happens to the whole body. There are no isolated health problems. Any physical or psychological symptom of imbalance indicates an imbalance in the body-mind unit. Keep this holistic picture in mind as you look to remedy common skin problems with ointments and expensive treatments and try to treat the whole person you are – your emotions, your diet, your lifestyle choices – not just your face.

Proactive Acne Treatment

Despite the thousands of products available for acne treatment today, the most proactive thing you can do is take good care of your skin – first.

Acne control is a goal for every adolescent or adult that has suffered from the ravages of this unsightly, stressful and physically painful condition. When the first signs of acne appear, take action to fight the malady right from the beginning. Early and proactive treatment stands a better chance of being successful. Often, early action means the difference between scarring and additional mental distress and a successful alleviation of the acne symptoms with no sign of scarring.

Understand the cause

Successful acne control is a matter of working with known causes of the condition and changing the dynamics to reduce the negative impact of the acne. Beginning the process early is more likely to be successful in reducing the breakouts. For example, it is now known that acne symptoms appear when there is a malfunction of the oil-producing glands at the base of the hair follicles. The cause is probably related to hormonal production, so treatment that begins early can focus on these two aspects. Hormone treatment takes time to work so early treatment is better than delaying.

Reduce physical scarring

Extensive scarring can be the result of acne pimples or inflammation coupled with the high chance of infection from the break in the skin surface. Obviously, acne control that actively fights the conditions that lead to physical scarring has a better chance of preventing such scars. The successful key is early intervention, before there is time to build up pockets of infection under the skin. Since it is now known that acne is not the result of unclean skin, depending upon cleansing for prevention of scarring may not be enough.

Prevent emotional turmoil

The impact of disfiguring and painful outbreaks of acne symptoms on the precarious emotional outlook of an adolescent is easy to remember even if you are long out of your teens. There can be almost irreparable damage done to the self esteem of the teenager. Early and emphatic acne control recognizes that dealing with the symptoms early provides less opportunity for the negative personal view to take hold in the mind of the individual with acne. Being told simply that he or she will outgrow acne symptoms does not solve the immediate drain on confidence.

Reduce the outbreaks

Early and active treatment of the acne symptoms is more likely to be successful in reducing the permanent impact of the condition. Acne control consists of treating the physical and emotional symptoms effectively so that they do not continue. This can consist of basic maintenance; getting proper rest, drinking lots of water, eating healthy clean food and cleansing your face each night and morning.

Acne Scar Prevention

It’s estimated that nearly 80% of people under the age of 30 deal with acne. It may appear in different forms with varying levels of severity, but nearly everyone experiences it. Some people are fortunate; the acne goes away without leaving the slightest mark or blemish. Others are less fortunate. For them, acne can be severe, often persisting and leaving unsightly scars in its wake. Read more

Oil Production in the skin

The skin has many oil (sebaceous) glands, which secrete oil that contains wax esters, triglycerides, and squalene – a hydrocarbon that is an intermediate in the formation of cholesterol. These fats (or lipids) form a film that helps keep moisture in the skin. While increased sebum production results in oily skin, the opposite is not always the case, as dry skin can also arise from an impaired skin barrier. Oil production can be affected by diet, stress, and hormones-as well as genetics. In a study of twenty pairs each of identical and nonidentical same-sex twins, identical twins had virtually identical amounts of oil production, while the nonidentical twins had significantly different amounts.

No amount of blotting and scrubbing will “remove” the skin’s oil production, and many of us unknowingly destroy the natural beauty of the skin in pursuit of clarity. The skin’s own sebum mechanism is there to regulate own moisture. Drying your skin profusely with oil-stripping, foaming cleansers, detergents and de-greasers like soap and sulfates, or alcohol-based toners that leave the skin feeling tight (always a sign it’s been stripped), will only cause the skin to “rebound” with excess oiliness and destroy its protective and anti-bacterial “matrix,” leaving it sensitized. By stripping the natural acid mantle of the skin, these deep cleaning products actually make skin more vulnerable to bacteria and inflammation. Dabbing benzoyl peroxide often destroys the beauty of the skin by causing flaking, while more aggressive treatments, such as antibiotics or Accutane can cause a cascade of side-effects.