Skin Care Blog » Skin Conditions

Coping With Acne: Your Care Plan

Christine — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:32:09 +0000

Exercise for Healthy Skin

WebMD Feature

By Peter Jaret

Reviewed By Stephanie S. Gardner, MD

It’s hardly news that exercise is great for your heart, lungs, and mental outlook. Here’s another reason to get moving: Regular exercise is one of the keys to healthy skin.

“We tend to focus on the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity, and those are important. But anything that promotes healthy circulation also helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant,” says dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, author of Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman’s Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous Skin and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

If you have dermatological conditions such as acne, rosacea, or psoriasis, you may need to take special care to keep your skin protected while exercising. But don’t let skin problems prevent you from being active. Here’s why.

By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. “Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body, including the skin,” says Marmur. In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells. Contrary to some claims, exercise doesn’t detoxify the skin. The job of neutralizing toxins belongs mostly to the liver. “But by increasing blood flow, a bout of exercise helps flush cellular debris out of the system,” Marmur tells WebMD. “You can think of it as cleansing your skin from the inside.”

Exercise has also been shown to ease stress. “And by decreasing stress, some conditions that can be exacerbated by stress can show some improvement,” says Brian B. Adams, MD, associate professor and director of the Sports Dermatology Clinic at the University of Cincinnati. Conditions that can improve when stress is reduced include acne and eczema. Although researchers are still investigating the link between stress and skin, studies show that the sebaceous glands, which produce oil in the skin, are influenced by stress hormones.

Regular exercise helps tone muscles, of course. That doesn’t have a direct affect on skin, dermatologists say. But firmer muscles definitely help you look better overall.

The Healthy Skin Workout

For all its many benefits, however, exercise can pose risks to your skin. Fortunately, protecting your skin is easy.

“The main danger if you exercise outdoors is sun exposure,” says April Armstrong, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis. Sunburns increase skin cancer risk and rapidly age the skin, erasing any benefits your skin might get from exercise. The best advice is to avoid exercising outside during peak sun time, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If you have to work out during peak sun time, however, wear sunscreen. “A lot of athletes are reluctant to put on sunscreen because it gets into their eyes when they sweat and stings,” says Marmur. “But new Ph-balanced sunscreens are now available that don’t sting.” If you have naturally oily skin or problems with acne, choose a gel or oil-free product or the latest innovation, powder laced with SPF protection.

The Healthy Skin Workout continued…

Don’t count of sunscreen alone to protect you, however. “Sweating can remove the sunscreen that athletes put on and there is evidence that sweating actually increases the chance of burning,” Adams tells WebMD. “After athletes sweat, it takes 40% less ultraviolet rays to burn than when they are not sweating.” For added protection, wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible and a hat to shade your face, if possible.

Another skin problem that can arise during activity is chafing, which can cause rashes. For people prone to acne, the irritation and increased perspiration caused by tight-fitting workout clothes may lead to a form of acne aptly called acne mechanica. “The two keys to prevention are to wear moisture-wicking clothing, such as bras and hats, to keep skin drier and cooler and to shower immediately after exercising,” says Adams. Wearing loose-fitting workout clothes can also help. Make sure your skin is clean before you work out to prevent clogged pores that lead to acne. Avoid wearing makeup when you exercise. After showering, apply a soothing skin moisturizer or powder to help prevent skin irritation.

Rx for Exercise-Related Skin Problems

Several other skin conditions can be exacerbated by physical activity, including rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. That’s no reason not to exercise, dermatologists say. The benefits of exercise outweigh any temporary problems it can cause. And there are simple strategies to prevent flare-ups when you work out.

For rosacea sufferers, increased body temperature and the skin flushing that accompany exercise can cause flare-ups. The best strategy, dermatologists say, is to exercise in a cool environment. “One of the best choices is swimming, since the water keeps skin cool even when you build up body temperature,” Marmur told WebMD. (Be sure to moisturize your skin afterward, however, since chlorine has a drying effect.) Brisk walking in an air-conditioned mall or waiting until the cool of the evening to jog outside are other good options. “If you do get flushed and overheated while exercising, apply cool compresses to problem areas of the skin immediately after your workout,” says Andrea Cambio, MD, a private practice dermatologist in Cape Coral, Fla.

Eczema or psoriasis sufferers can also experience flare-ups after strenuous activity, usually caused by salt from perspiration. Marmur recommends spreading on a moisturizer before a workout to provide protection from sweat. Be especially careful to moisturize your arms and legs and areas with skin creases, such as underarms and groin. If possible, exercise in a cool environment to reduce perspiration and the need for showering after exercise. Washing too often can cause dryness and exacerbate eczema and psoriasis.

“Physical activity can definitely pose a challenge, but we encourage all our patients with psoriasis and eczema to exercise to improve their overall health,” says Armstrong. Despite the occasionally temporary flare-ups, she adds, many patients see their conditions improve in the long term.

SOURCES:

Ellen Marmur, MD, associate professor of dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Brian B. Adams, MD, MPH, associate professor of dermatology, University of Cincinnati.

American Academy of Dermatology.

April Armstrong, MD, assistant professor of dermatology, University of California, Davis.

Andrea Cambio, MD, medical director, Cambio Dermatology in Cape Coral, Fla.

Zouboulis, C. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, May 2002; vol 99: pp 7148-7153.

Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on April 15, 2011

6 Secrets to Gorgeous Skin

Christine — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:22:42 +0000

Some people have complexions that are radiant. What can we learn from their daily skin care habits?

By Shelley Levitt
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

More than a great wardrobe or a skilled hand with make-up, healthy glowing skin is the key to turning heads.

Just ask Kelly Campbell, a Los Angeles public relations consultant and mom. She regularly gets stopped by strangers complimenting her on her seemingly poreless, lit-from-within complexion.

The key to that gorgeous skin? She was born with it.

“Honestly, I’ve always been lucky to have good skin,” Campbell says. “Except when I was pregnant and I broke out from all the hormones, I’ve never had trouble with my skin.”

Yes, some people win the hereditary lottery when it comes to good skin, just as others are blessed with the kind of metabolism that lets them eat vast amounts of pizza, chocolate, and Chunky Monkey without gaining an ounce.

“Not all skin is created equally,” says Paula Bourelly, MD, a dermatology professor at Georgetown University. “You can’t underestimate the value of genetics.”

But genes are just the starting point. Beautiful skin is also about good skin care habits, practiced day in and day out.

Here are, from top dermatologists and Campbell herself, the secrets to stunning skin.

No. 1 and No. 2: Smoking No, Sunscreen Yes

Imagine two people starting out with the same exact DNA. One smoked and sunbathed, the other avoided both. Would that make a difference in the appearance of their skin?

Researchers have the answer to that, and it’s a resounding yes.

A team of experts led by plastic surgeon Bahman Guyuron, MD, of Case Western Reserve University analyzed photographs of the faces of 186 pairs of identical twins taken at the Twins Day Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio. The twins had also filled out detailed questionnaires about their lives and daily habits.

It turns out that siblings who smoked and spent lots of time outdoors without wearing sunscreen looked years older than the brother or sister who shunned cigarettes and tanning. They had more fine lines, deeper and more plentiful wrinkles, and their skin was more mottled.

Bourelly isn’t surprised. “Many of the things that my patients complain about — dull, rough skin, and uneven skin tone — are related to chronic sun exposure,” she says, “and studies have shown that smoking is associated with premature wrinkling.”

Her straightforward advice: Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two to three hours you’re outdoors.

And, for the sake of your overall health as well as your appearance, don’t smoke.

No. 3: Consider Retinoids

Studies have shown that the vitamin A derivatives known as retinoids unplug pores, help clear up acne, reduce fine lines, boost the production of collagen, lighten brown spots and freckles, and improve skin texture.

The retinoids – which have even been shown to help treat precancerous skin lesions — is sold by prescription only under names that include Renova, Retin-A, and the generic Tretinoin.

“A retinoid should be the foundation of any topical antiaging regimen,” says dermatologist Paul M. Friedman, MD, co-author of Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin.

Friedman, who is a professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Medical School and also at New York’s Weill Cornell Medical College, recommends that men and women make a retinoid part of their evening regimen beginning in their 20s.

The downside is that retinoids can initially cause dryness, flaking, and redness.

Dermatologists say that starting out slowly, applying a pea-sized amount of retinoid every second or third night, can help your skin adjust to the powerful ingredient.

Or consider an over-the-counter cream, gel, or serum containing retinol. This nonprescription version of a retinoid works more gradually and gently but is still effective in rejuvenating your skin.

No. 4: Keep Skincare Simple

Overuse of products is the biggest mistake people make in their skincare regimens, says Jeanie Leddon, MD, PhD, a dermatologist in Boulder, Colo.

“Some patients come in with a grocery bag full of products and wonder why their skin doesn’t look or feel great,” Leddon says.

Bombarding your skin with a host of different ingredients can be irritating, Leddon says. What’s more, used in combination, some ingredients will cancel out each other’s benefits.

For example, the acid in salicylic or glycolic acid breaks down ingredients like retinol, hydroquinone, or Vitamin C. “More,” says Leddon, “is not necessarily better.”

Friedman agrees: “The products necessary for beautiful skin aren’t glamorous, and include a simple cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer, and a retinoid or retinol.”

What’s more, the simpler your skincare regimen, the more likely you are to stick with it.

No. 5: Give Products Time to Work

Just as using a half dozen or more products at any one time can overload your skin with too many ingredients, so can changing the products you’re using every couple of weeks.

Sure, you might want to adjust your beauty regimen seasonally; swapping, say, the oil-free moisturizer you use in the summer for one that’s more emollient during the winter, when frigid temperatures and indoor heating can rob your skin of moisture.

And if your skin is reacting with swelling, redness, or burning to a new product you’ve tried, stop using it immediately.

But in general, Leddon says, finish the entire tube or bottle of a skincare potion before you write it off as ineffective.

No. 6: A Balanced Life Leads to Your Best Skin

Campbell says, “I don’t have a secret” when it comes to her traffic-stopping gorgeous skin.

No. 6: A Balanced Life Leads to Your Best Skin continued…

But then she reveals a host of healthy daily habits: She’s a vegan who starts her day with a mango, blueberry, and spinach smoothie, shuns processed foods and buys organic fruits and vegetables at her local farmers market; teaches yoga part-time; practices a vigorous form of yoga daily, and gets a solid seven or more hours of sleep a night.

All these elements of a healthy lifestyle undoubtedly help keep Campbell’s skin looking its best.

Regular sleep, Friedman says, optimizes the natural secretion of human growth hormone to promote cell turnover and collagen production while exercise increases circulation and the flow of nutrients to your skin.

Activities like yoga and meditation help keep stress in check, which in turn reduces the release of stress hormones that worsen conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea.

Meditating regularly may even make treatment more effective. In one study, people with psoriasis, a condition that causes itchy, scaly skin, listened to meditation tapes while they received ultraviolet light treatments. The results: They healed four times as fast as nonmeditators.

The key to gorgeous skin turns out to be a mix of science, common sense, overall good health habits, and a simple stick-to-it skincare regimen. The spinach smoothie is strictly optional.

Decollete & Bust Contouring Creme

Christine — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:24:11 +0000

We always try out new products that we are thinking of introducing to our line for 6-8 weeks before deciding if we would like to add one. From the first time applying this creme I knew we had a winner! Massaging in a thin layer of this creme in morning and night to the bust, decollette and neck is all you need to do for firmer younger looking skin.

This intensive contouring treatment strengthens the elasticity and firmness of the bust, décolleté and neck. Decollete + Bust Contour Creme is formulated with kigelia africana fruit extract, mag C and locust bean to provide the skin with additional revitalizing and toning effects. These carefully chosen ingredients work together to produce skin with renews elasticity for a more youthful and healthy appearance.

Here is a little history and testing on the Kigelia Africana

In Africa, KIGELIA AFRICANA is a sacred tree of which fruit brings wealth. The
Lebou of Green Cap matrons frequently use the pulp of the ripe fruits as decocte per os
and as friction on the young women breast in order to endow them as a well-developed
bust.

Without muscles, breast is only fixed to the thorax by some ligaments (Cooper’s
ligaments) which are fitted into the pectoral muscles. Its only support is its
cutaneous jacket. Its weight, its volume variation strain the epiderm, from which a
curve and firmness waste which can suddenly appear.

It is the reason why KIGELINE contributes to avoid the relaxing of the tissues, to
favorise their tension and their firmness, and so to improve the esthetic appearance
of the bust.

Properties of KIGELINE have to be associated with the presence of :
FLAVONOIDS kind of hydroxyluteoline7-O-glucoside, Iuteoline-7-O-glucoside,
Iuteoline and quercitine of which vasculoprotector and veinotonic activities
contribute to the improvement of the bust.
STEROIDIC SAPONOSIDES which have a hormone-like effect.
We know that endocrinal factors are involved in cutaneous ageing. Experimental
studies shown that oestrogen increase the activity of dermic fibroblastes, water and
hyaluronic acid content, and collagen rate of the derm, and consequently have a
benefic effect on the cutaneous structure.
Steroids present in KIGELINE, due to their hormone-like properties, also have to
prevent the setting of cutaneous tissues and give curve to the bust again.
Particularly adapted to give tonicity to the bust again, this active is recommended
at various times of the woman’s life, mainly after a childbirth, a slimming care and
at menopause time.

Resume of Results:

BUST FIRMNESS IMPROVEMENT = 50 %
CUTANEOUS FIRMNESS IMPROVEMENT = 55 %
CUTANEOUS ELASTICITY IMPROVEMENT = 70 %

Conclusion:
Due to its exceptional firming properties, KIGELINE helps to :
tonify and harden the bust.
Improve firmness and elasticity of the skin.
It is recommended for :
Bust products
Firming products

Try it, you will be a believer too!

How To Make Sure Your Acne Treatment Works

Christine — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:19:36 +0000

Even people with mild acne need to follow specific steps to make certain the acne they have stays mild, doesn’t scar, and fades away quickly. If you have breakouts, your acne treatment must include more than just appling a topical solution containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
If you want your acne to disappear fast, you must following these tips:

–Don’t pick, squeeze, or pop a pimple. Yes, we know this is easier said than done, especially when you have a particularly noticeable whitehead on your nose. You know it’s best to leave it alone, but you think that maybe, just this once, you’ll get rid of it faster by more forceful means. Resist the urge. It always takes longer for a blemish to fade away completely if you pop, squeeze or pick.

–You can’t scrub away your acne. In fact, the more abrasion you use on your already inflamed skin, the worse you’re acne will become. During a flare-up, your skin needs a gentle touch and mild soap. Screaming hot water is something to avoid, as well.

–Wait to apply your medication. Right after you wash your face, it’s in a recovery phase of sorts. Wait a few minutes before applying your acne medicine for best results.

–If it’s not prescribed for you, don’t use it. Prescription medicines for acne are typically reserved for severe acne, and do come with some side effects. If you have mild acne, you are much better off with less radical treatments. Remember, what works for your best friend may not work for you. If you are concerned about your acne, see a dermatologist.

–Do you wear makeup? If you do, apply your acne solution before putting on your makeup.

–Yippee, you’re acne is gone! Your face clears up so you can stop putting on your acne cream, right? Wrong. Keeping up with your regime will help prevent breakouts.

When dealing with acne, one of the most important rules to follow is to be gentle and use gentle products.

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Peptides–How They Diminish Wrinkles

Christine — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:45:10 +0000

What are peptides? A chain of two or more amino acids joined together that build protein.

What role do peptides play on our skin? They stimulate cell renewal thus building collagen and elastin thus diminishing wrinkles.

How do peptides work? By stimulating cell activity by interacting with molecules that signal cells to produce more collagen. They act as messengers between the epidermis and the dermis. Recent studies show that “lipo-peptides” help attract cells to other sites that need repair and contributes to the reconstruction of the dermis.

Trade name: Inci Name, definition/known benefits

Maxi-lip: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide; helps repair cell communication in the dermal matrix. Clinical Study with 24 volunteers showed that after using this material in a lip/facial product for two months, the volume of the main wrinkle was reduced by 36%. After 29 days of treatment, furrows reduced by up to 30%, moisture increase by as much as 60% and volume increased by 40% on average.

Found in

-Lip Treatment

Dermaxyl C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tribehenin, Ceramide 2, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide; Clinical studies show that dermaxyl helps attract cells to sites that need repair and contributes to the reconstruction of the dermis. Ceramide 2 strengthens and repairs the skins barrier. It improves cell cohesion, enhancing water retention and reducing skin inflammation and dryness. Clinical Study: after once daily application, for 56 days results were dramatic:

-Volume wrinkle reduced on average by 13.7% and reached as much as 36%!

-Depth of wrinkle reduced on average by 10.1% and as much as 27%!

-Surface area of deep wrinkles reduced on average by 40.3% and as much as 98%!

-Medium wrinkles reduced on average by 24.5% and as much as 86%!

Found in

-Botanical Bio-Peptide Cream

Eyeliss: Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Glycerin, Water; shown to reduce under-bag volume by improving the lymphatic circulation and the firmness and elasticity of the surrounding delicate eye tissue. Also reduced inflammation in the eye area. Study with 20 volunteers showed for twice a day application for less than two months, bag volume decrease by 70%.

Found in

-Eye Bright Cream

-Eye Bright Gelee

Matrixyl: Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Water, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4; This peptide helps to reduce surface depth of wrinkles but unlike Retinol is less irritating and faster acting. Clinical test results show that when the proper % is used twice daily for two to six months there is a reduction of deep surface wrinkles by 68 and 90%.

Found in

-Botanical Bio Peptide Cream

-Botanical Bio Peptide Concentrate

Matrixyl 3000: Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Water (Aqua), Carbomer, Polysorbate-20, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl

Tetrapeptide-7; Clinical studies show that Matrixyl 3000 lifts and firms the skin, significantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles. After only 2 months, deep wrinkles were reduced by 45% on average.

Found in

-Amino Lift Complex

Myoxinol LS 9736: Dextrin, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract; Biotransformation of native proteins from the seeds of Hibiscus escelentus (okra). Muscle relaxing, helps reduce muscle cells contractions. Clinical Studies show 26% reduction of wrinkle depth after 3 weeks.

Found in

-Amino Lift Complex

Calmosensine: Butylene Glycol, Water (Aqua), Laureth-3, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester; New Peptide promotes Well- Being by reducing the perception of unpleasant sensations by releasing pro-endorphins; relieves tension and inhibits muscle contractions.

Found in

-Amino Lift Complex

-Line Filler

Argireline: water, Acetyl hexapeptide-3; Inhibits wrinkle formation by preventing transmission of nerve impulses to muscles.

Found in

-Line Filler

Snap-8 Water (Aqua), Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-3; helps inhibit neurotransmitter signal from certain receptors thus reducing muscle contractions.

-Amino Lift Peptide Complex

Line Filler–You can win one!

Christine — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:52:27 +0000

Try our Line Filler! This intensive serum is composed of micro-silica spheres difuse light, causing tiny lines and wrinkles to seemingly blur and vanish. High-tech extracts, peptides and state-of-the-art esters work together to diminish the appearance of the existing wrinkles. Facial wrinkling associated with aging is caused, and exacerbated, bu many factors–including changes in collagen confomation, elastin degradation and problems of the skin’s lipid matrix. Recent studies show that the peptides in our Line Filler can decrease facial wrinkle formation and thereby the appearance of aging. Facial topography was performed and testing was done on the area around the eyes at 0, 15, and 30 days of a twice-a-day regimen. Observations at 15 days showed that the severity of wrinkles around the eyes decreased up to 17% after 15 days of treatment and up to 27% after 30 days of treatment! Use on expression lines on all skin types.
Follow us on Facebook for your chance to win a Line Filler!

Proper Care of Sensitive Skin

Christine — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:43:14 +0000

Those who have sensitive skin must take extra care and carefully choose the products they use on their skin and their bodies. For instance, many people with sensitive skin must launder any clothing they purchase before they can wear it. They also must be careful to choose soaps, cosmetics, hair products and even perfumes that do not contain specific ingredients that cause their skin to react negatively. Sometimes these people must spend years finding products that do not cause their skin to break into rashes or become red when they take a simple shower.

Those who have sensitive skin tend to be less receptive to trying new products and must choose those products that are specifically designed for their skin type. Quite often before they try a new product they will take a sample from a high end store or from a friend or relative in order to find out if they can use it. The problem is not limited to women though women tend to acquire the condition more often than men. However, there are men who must also use specific types of soap or body wash and laundry detergent.

Most people who have sensitive skin developed it in infancy, but that doesn’t mean it cannot happen later in life. There are many different things that could trigger an onset of sensitive skin. For instance, a woman who had perfectly normal skin prior to pregnancy may discover she can no longer use the same beauty products she did before she became pregnant-the condition is likely to continue even after childbirth. It is impossible to know if you will develop sensitivity to certain products you are currently using, but if you find your skin becoming red or breaking out into hives or acne, it is a good sign your skin can no longer tolerate those products.

Some Simple Tips on Teenage Skincare

Christine — Tue, 25 May 2010 19:13:17 +0000

Most teens are likely to have some sort of problem with their skin at some point. Due to the fact that hormones are constantly rushing around their bodies and they are getting involved with loads of different activities that might cause them to get dirty, they are likely to get some sort of skin problem at some point. When this does happen, there are many things that can be done to help any teenager to keep their skin as clear as possible. As such, here are a few tips on teen skin care.

The most obvious point to make is simply that keeping your skin as clean as possible at all times will be the best thing that you can do. By having dirty and greasy skin you are going to enhance your chances of having a breakout massively. As such, it is important that you focus on cleaning your skin every single day, both in the morning and in the evening before you go to bed.

Of course, this routine that needs to be simple in order to make it effective. The more you keep to your routine and the more you are likely to stay with it for a long time, and this will help you to keep your skin as clear as possible.

You also need to be fully aware of the different dirty items that might touch your skin. As such, you should make sure all of your clothing is clean at all times, and that your bedding is clean as well. It is no good cleaning your skin only to wear dirty clothes all sleep in a dirty bed.

When you do get any spot, it is crucial that you focus your attention on leaving it alone as much as possible. It is very tempting to pick at spots but this is simply something that will usually result in a worse situation.

Last of all, make sure you are happy and confident in your own skin. As such, if you do have a breakout, you should realise that this is something that most teenagers will go through, and that you are certainly not alone.

Skincare for Acne

Christine — Sat, 15 May 2010 18:03:07 +0000

Finding the right acne skincare product can be frustrating and expensive, especially considering all of the numerous options that are increasingly becoming more available to consumers. Aside from expensive products and other methods to wade through, the results on may receive are also an ongoing concern for many individuals.

Acne is something that can and likely will affect most individuals at some point in their lifetime. It is brought when the body secretes excess oils to the surface of the skin, blocking pores with that of dead skin cells left at the surface. This is why a routine cleaning regimen is recommended, in order to remove dead skin, as well as to help prevent bacteria from growing. Other factors for breakouts may be one’s diet, daily activity, constrictive articles of clothing, changes in hormone and so forth.

It is important to get a feel for what type of skin combination or type that you have, as every person’s skin type will vary. Skin types can impact one’s general or overall reaction and results to any acne treatments used. For instance, it would be advisable to stay away from drying products if you have naturally dry skin, and to avoid oil-based products should you have oily skin.

Skin types can vary from person to person, but can also vary during hormonal changes, seasonal changes, stress and so on. It is a good idea to get a feel for how your skin type changes, ensuring to have a secondary product on hand for times such as these, since virtually anything can bring on such changes, messing up one’s routine.

With skincare products, there are various quick-fixing treatments when it comes to acne such as pimple removers, and then there are ones that focus on daily routines for skincare maintenance, like cleansers, toners and so forth. Other options out there may be laser or light acne treatments, home remedies, or holistic methods.

Visiting a dermatologist or other form of acne skincare specialist may be advisable for those who are struggling with acne. However, it is also a good rule of thumb to learn what ingredients should be avoided or looked for in any type of skincare product, as some may be truly beneficial to one’s skin or overly harsh and actually can cause damage.

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Skin Care Tips: Keeping Your Hands Soft and Smooth in the Harsh Winter

Christine — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:02:58 +0000

For some people, winter is a time to suffer with red, dry, scaly skin on their hands. Not only is it unattractive, it can be downright painful.

Why does it happen only in the winter months? Wintertime in most places means drier air, and that leads to drier skin, which is particularly noticeable on hands. In addition, people tend to be more aware of sickness, and so may wash their hands more, which strips away the moisture in your skin. It’s made worse by all that hand sanitizer everyone is using these days.

Hand sanitizer, while good at killing germs, may be your skin’s worst enemy. While some do include aloe, this is hardly enough to stop the alcohol they also include as a main ingredient from drying out your skin. If you use hand sanitizer, immediately follow that with a good moisturizer to replenish the oils that the alcohol in the hand sanitizer takes away from your skin.

Sometimes, it can be more than simply unsightly dryness. Some people who suffer from extremely dry skin may actually develop cracks in their skin, which can lead to some pretty serious infections.

One of the biggest culprits in the winter is dry air, in and out. Indoors, with the heat cranked up high, the moisture-sucking air leaves skin vulnerable. One of the best things you can do is keep a humidifier going. This puts moisture back in the air and back on your skin. One night with that humidifier loading moisture into the air, and you’ll see a dramatic difference in your skin.

If you have a wood or pellet stove, your house is going to be even drier, making a humidifier a necessity.

Another key to keeping your hands soft is to slather on a good quality moisturizer several times a day. Look for moisturizers with multi-vitamin and natural ingredients. To keep your hands looking good and healing that dry, rough skin, you must continue to moisturize every time you wash your hands. Otherwise, you are washing away the moisturizer and losing the benefits of the lotion.

While your hands are the first thing you notice when your skin is drying out, don’t forget the rest of your body. Arms and legs can often become irritated because of the dry air, so make certain you moisturize your entire body every day.

Winter can be tough on skin, but if you counter that with some gentle treatment, your hands will survive in style.

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