Entries Tagged 'Skin' ↓

Rosacea is a type of acne. It affects women more often than men. People between 30 and 60 will be afflicted with rosacea. It is also known as adult acne. Untreated, it will only get worse. Though the cause is unknown, it is believed that rosacea is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental triggers

Identifying the cause of flare-ups combined with treatment from a health care professional is the most effective way to treat rosacea and maintain beautiful blemish free skin.
Possible causes of flare-ups:

• Exposure to the sun-be sure to wear sunscreen all the time. Moisturizers and makeup with sunscreen make it easy to incorporate it into daily skin care routine.
• Cold weather and wind-during winter months wear a scarf or ski mask to protect the skin from the cold air and wind.
• Minimize touching face with hands, cleanser pads, and washcloths.
• When using topical medication, allow to completely dry before applying make-up, sunscreen, or moisturizer.
• Use noncomedogenic products that won’t clog pores and interfere with oil and sweat gland functions.
• Green or yellow tinted foundations and powders will counter the red appearance of skin.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.

The following may increase the risk of a rosacea flare-up:

• Beverages and foods that are hot in temperature
• Spicy foods
• Temperature extremes in the environment
• Stressful or embarrassing situations
• Feelings of anger
• Anything that dilates blood vessels (medications, alcohol)
• Exercise that is strenuous
• Corticosteroids
• Hot humid environments like saunas and hot baths

Prescription can provide relief from rosacea. The newest medication available is Oracea. The advantage of this medication is that it works effectively with a very low dose of the antibiotic, doxycycline. It also has very few if any side effects.

If summer hasn’t arrived yet where you live, it certainly is on its way! With it comes wonderful sunshiny days and outdoor activities.

Some sun smarts to be aware of to protect your skin and keep in beautiful:

• Use sunscreen. Make it a part of your morning skin care routine.
• Be sure not to underestimate an overcast day, being inside the car, or short exposure to the sun.
• Be educated on the difference between UVA (penetrates into deep layers of the skin) and UVB (penetrates outer layer of the skin) rays.
• Use high SPF sunscreens for the best protection. Choose sunscreens that are labeled with “broad spectrum protection”
• Reapply sunscreen as needed throughout the day. Water, sun, heat, sweat, and other factors can diminish the effectiveness of sunscreen.
• Use clothes, hats, and sunglasses to protect skin.
• For sensitive skin, use sunscreen that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
• Remember lips are exposed to the sun. Use lip balms with SPF of 15 or higher.

Sun damage occurs over time and the effects will become more noticeable with age.

Signs of moderate sun damage:

• Mottled hyperpigmentation, which is light, patchy discoloration that can include brown spots.
• Skin is rough instead of soft and supple.
• Fine line wrinkles and shallow indentations especially around eyes, mouth, and on forehead.

Signs of severe sun damage:

• Skin is loose and may have a sunken appearance.
• Skin color has changed from rosy to sallow or even pale.
• Deep lines and wrinkles with furrows and creases especially around eyes, mouth, nose, and forehead.

With a little extra care, summer sun at the beach, a backyard BBQ, or in the park can be enjoyed without sacrificing beautiful young looking skin.

Vinegar isn’t just for Easter time.There are a wide range of uses for vinegar. It is commonly known it can be used for cleaning (never mix with bleach though!). What is less common is how vinegar can become part of a beauty routine and increase the effectiveness of a diet. Cider vinegar is inexpensive and can be picked up during regular shopping trips to the grocery store-no special ordering needed!
Apple cider vinegar has been reported to do the following:

• Stop dandruff
• Clear skin
• Regulate blood sugar

To stop dandruff-wash hair as usual. Use diluted apple cider vinegar to rinse hair. Try using your usual conditioner before rinsing and then after rinsing to see what works best for you and your hair type.

To clear skin-mix one cup water and 2 tsp cider vinegar on trouble spots. Vinegar has a high pH and can assist in stopping breakouts on skin. With this and any new product, always test it first. Some people choose the skin on inner upper arm to test because if there is a problem it is not noticeable.

To regulate blood sugar-2 Tbs in salad dressing or dissolved in water helps prevent blood sugar from spiking, especially after high-carb meals.

Stable blood sugar levels have the following benefits:

• Decreased hunger
• Reduced cravings
• Less mood swings
• Increased energy

Ways to add cider vinegar to diet:

• Drink a glass of water with cider vinegar mixed in about an hour before meals.
• Splash a little cider vinegar on vegetables.
• Use cider vinegar in salad dressings.

External beauty can be enhanced by incorporating vinegar in beauty and diet routines.

The sun is shining, warm winds blow, and the temperatures rise. Skin can look radiant all summer with a few simple additions to your skin care routine.

Use sunscreen every day, exfoliate the skin, and limit sun exposure.

Wear sunscreen everyday, even if you aren’t planning a trip to the beach. Even overcast days can cause skin damage. Winter weather can be drying to skin, so moisturizing has increased importance to return radiance after winter. To keep the daily routine simple and quick, use moisturizers that have UV protection so there is one less step in your daily routine.

To remove the dry cells that have accumulated over the winter, a good exfoliating will uncover the hidden radiant skin. Removing the dead skin cell layer will allow the new young cells to be exposed. Skin will have an increased glow.

Limit sun exposure, especially to the delicate skin of the face. The sun is a major contributor to aging. There are many sunless tanners. Progress has been made and the tans look more natural. Gone is the orange tint to skin from those products. There are moisturizers that will slowly and gradually add color to skin, giving it a natural look.

With the proper care, everyone can have radiant skin

Identifying the type of acne will make it easier to treat so that clear skin can be attained. Treatments can be over-the-counter medications and washes or prescription treatments.There are two types of acne and each type has different types of pimples.

Acne vulgaris is the most common. It has the following types of pimples:

• Whiteheads (non-inflammatory)
• Blackheads (non-inflammatory)
• Papules (transition from non-inflammatory into inflammatory)
• Pustules (inflammatory)
• Nodules (inflammatory)
• Cysts (inflammatory)

Acne rosacea resembles acne vulgaris. The inflamed bumps look likes blushing.

Severe acne types are rare. Professional medical care is usually needed to get relief from outbreaks

When starting any acne treatment, it takes time for it to be effective. Future outbreaks will be reduced and possibly eliminated. When an acne treatment begins, there is a full-blown outbreak. Current blemishes will need to be allowed to run their course and then the skin will need additional time to heal. It’s best to start out with simple inexpensive home acne treatments and to give it time to work. If after about two to three weeks there is no improvement, try another treatment or product.

Beautiful skin will return after acne outbreaks, it does take patience, though.