Lexington Herald-Leader - Retin-A, a powerful derivative of vitamin A, was a major breakthrough in acne treatment when it became available in the 1970s. Retinoids, the family of vitamin A derivatives, are still used in the front-line defense, but other topical medications
Source: www.kentucky.com
Hints for Turning Back the Clock on Wrinkles
Wrinkles are caused by aging epidermis and the elements that our skin is exposed to day after day. Wrinkles are a normal part of aging as our skin becomes thinner. Sun exposure is another major cause of wrinkles and can cause premature aging not only to the face, but also to other exposed parts of the body. Also, repeated facial expressions such as laughing and squinting cause's lines and wrinkles on the face. Whatever causes your wrinkles, there are measures you can take to prevent and treat wrinkles to turn back the clock and make your appearance younger looking.
Prevention is the key to myriad wrinkles, especially those due to sun exposure. It is gauged that the sun causes at least 90 percent of premature aging and wrinkles. Many of these lines and wrinkles can be avoided. This means that daily use of sunscreen can drastically reduce the amount of wrinkles that appear over time. UV rays can hit your skin year round, even when it is chilly. If you are concerned with wrinkles, you should always employ a good sunscreen daily all year long. You can also help cut down on sun exposure by wearing a hat that shades your face when you are working or spending time outside. If you can cut down on the number of ultraviolet rays hitting your face, you can take a big step in preventing premature aging.
Washing the face everyday will help block wrinkles, too. It is recommended that when you wash your face, you use warm tap water and do not scrub. Also, it is important to thoroughly remove all make up and use a light cleanser with additional moisturizer. When you are ready to dry your face, do not rub the washrag on your face. Instead, use gentle patting motions to dry.
Another course you can take to help prevent wrinkles is to eat right and drink plenty of water often. Your body loses a lot of water each day. When you hydrate your body from the inside, your skin will glean the benefits. Drinking the recommend daily measures of water helps your skin stay smooth and supple. Skin that is moist does not lose its elasticity as fast as sere skin. Also, make sure you eat healthy and eat a wide variety of foods each day.
Whole grains, fruits and vegetables will help keep you healthy and your skin will thrive as well. Adding small amounts of healthy oils such as olive oil to your intake may also help your skin.
In addition to preventing wrinkles, there are steps you can take to help minimize the mesh of wrinkles you may already have. One very common way is to use a daily moisturizer. There are several sorts of moisturizers that actually helps hydrate the skin and leave the epidermis on your face looking smooth. This will help minimize existing wrinkles and may help prevent new wrinkles from forming in the long run. For added effect, use a moisturizer each night before bed and every morning before applying makeup.
Many people with wrinkles opt to use under-the-eye lotions. These creams are specifically made to help reduce the puffiness and dark circles that are common under the eye. Because the skin under the eyes is very translucent and does not produce oils as well as other parts of the face, wrinkles are normal. Also, rubbing the eyes may cause wrinkles to form, so it is always best to apply eye moisturizer with very gentle patting motions.
There are also many kinds of products that claim to help reduce or minimize the appearance of wrinkles. These treatments can be bought over the counter or by prescription through a dermatologist. Many people believe these items work, so if you are looking to reduce the amount of wrinkles, check out some of those products.
Another, more expensive selection to deal with wrinkles is to visit a professional. Plastic surgeons see many patients praying to look younger. Site injections such as Botox are becoming more popular as are face lifts. These solutions are not cheap, though. Be prepared to spend hundreds of dollars for surgical techniques to remove wrinkles. Botox injections are effective, but the results are not permanent.
For more revolutionary skin care products, click Wrinkles.
Click for information on Wrinkles Removel OR at Wrinkles Relief.
Copyright 2007 Win-Win Marketing. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
Acne and the teen years seem to go hand in hand, and everybody has to deal with breakouts from time to time. Whether you have rare flare ups or regular bouts of acne, the ten products listed here will help you take control. These ten picks are (in our opinion) the very best acne fighters on the market. Some of the products are preventative and need to be used regularly, while others are spot treatments that only need to be used when a zit actually appears. No matter what your skin type or acne dilemma, everyone can benefit from these products. Meet your ten best weapons in the war on acne!
1) Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask
This mask promises to help clear up existing acne while preventing future breakouts, and it does just that. The gentle scent of lavender acts as an aromatherapy treatment for stress and the 10-15 minute drying time forces you to take a few minutes to unwind. This facial mask will leave your skin refreshed and your soul rejuvenated.
2) PhytoMe Acne Gel
The non-drying formula soothes the skin without causing further irritation. PhytoMe Acne Gel can handle the most stubborn breakouts and the analgesic properties of the Arnica fight acne related pain. When used regularly, PhytoMe Acne Gel can unclog pores and significantly reduce the instances of breakouts. Effectively deals with pustules, whiteheads and blackheads.
3) Neutrogena Cooling Gel Mask
This mask is not specifically for the treatment of acne, rather it is intended to clear pores, so it shouldn’t be expected to eliminate existing blemishes. However, when used regularly this product will clean out and minimize the appearance of pores with the added benefit of controlling the breakouts related to clogged pores. It feels great on the face and really gets your skin clean.
4) Acne Dry Spot
This night time treatment will noticeably shrink existing blemishes while you sleep. Just dab it on effected areas before bed and wake up to clearer skin. Intended to treat existing blemishes, this product is not a preventative solution and should not be applied to unaffected areas. When you see or feel a zit coming on, just grab this little bottle and dab it on. The zits won’t know what hit them!
5) Biore Blemish Bomb
Another overnight treatment, this product works like a acne patch. It goes on as a liquid but dries to form a protective seal around your breakouts. While sealed up, the active ingredients in the “bomb” go to work shrinking the blemish. In the morning you peel away the patch to reveal a much smaller zit. After only 2 nights all but the most stubborn blemishes will disappear.
6) pHisoderm 4-Way Daily Acne Cleanser
An excellent 4-in-1 cleaner, toner and acne fighter. Used twice daily to cleanse the skin this product will clear up acne prone skin in a matter of weeks, reducing the incidence of breakouts and clogged pores. The gentle formula is good for all skin types and the alcohol free formula won’t cause irritation or dryness.
7) DDF BP Gel 5% with Tea Tree Oil
This superior acne fighting remedy combines nature and medicine to come up with a truly unique and effective product. Tea tree oil acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent while the benzoyl peroxide gets to work destroying blemishes and fighting off new breakouts. The combination of these two highly effective ingredients makes for a product that delivers dramatic results in a matter of days. Can be drying at first, it is important that you follow the instructions on the label to ensure that your skin does not become irritated.
DermaClear
A unique all-in-one skin care product that will clean, clear and rejuvenate your skin’s in less than a week of continued use. When used as directed, this product lives up to its claims. It is an “all you need” daily use product that promotes clearer skin. This product reduces the incidence of breakouts but is not intended as a spot treatment for sudden flare ups.
9) Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Gel Lotion
Dubbed a “medicated troubleshooter” by the maker, this benzoyl peroxide based product helps clear stubborn, recurring blemishes. It also unclogs bacteria-filled pores, controls oil, and reduces redness thus improving the overall appearance of acne prone skin. This is a strong product that can make skin sensitive to sunlight, the use of sunscreen in conjunction with the gel is recommended.
10) DDF Pumice Acne Scrub
A terrific cleanser/exfoliant that not only fights acne flare ups but can help eliminate razor bumps (a real “guy thing”). This product should be used twice weekly in addition to your daily cleanser. The active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, a proven acne remedy. When used regularly this gentle scrub will keep your face clean and clear. Excellent for both guys and girls.
http://teenadvice.about.com/library/weekly/aatp102301a.htm
Clear skin only gets harder to maintain when your immune system is in bad shape, as is often the case when you catch a cold or other illness. Your body uses up many resources trying to combat harmful bacteria and repair itself, and your skin can sometimes take a toll. Supplying yourself with plenty of the right vitamins and minerals can help overcoming these situations easier.
With clear skin or any other ailment, your first goal should always be prevention. A well-balanced daily multivitamin will usually help by providing all the essential vitamins and minerals that your diet may be lacking. However, vitamins alone will not always prevent you from catching a cold. A good supply of antioxidants usually helps, and in this case one of the best vitamins to take is vitamin A. Besides being a very strong antioxidant, vitamin A has antiviral properties that are helpful with combating a cold or flu. Taking an extra vitamin A supplement during the winter is a good idea, but do be careful with your dosage. Vitamin A can become toxic a high levels, so keep your intake to 1-2 extra supplements per day and reduce it if you notice any unwanted side effects. Vitamin A is also very good for your skin, assisting both in eliminating toxins and regulating your oil glands.
Vitamin C’s benefits for cold relief are well known, although sometimes exaggerated. While vitamin C may not necessarily prevent a cold, its use can noticeably speed recovery time from cold symptoms. In order to really see the benefits of supplementation, you will need to take at least 400 mg of vitamin C per day, and often more. Thankfully, since vitamin C is water-soluble, there are no dangerous side effects from high doses. Combined with vitamin B5, vitamin C has been shown to be especially helpful in boosting your immune system and speeding healing. For best results, you should start taking vitamin C at the first sign of any cold symptoms.
The mineral zinc has also been shown to aid in recovery from cold symptoms. The exact method by which zinc prevents the progression of cold symptoms is still unknown, but zinc has long been known as one of the most powerful antibacterial minerals, and research shows a direct correlation between supplementation with zinc lozenges and the length and frequency of colds.
Tags: acne treatment, natural acne treatment, acne
Women are different from men in so many unexpected ways. For example, women wake up sooner from anesthesia but are slower than men to metabolize alcohol.
Source: www.suntimes.com
By: Keith Wolfe
What causes acne?
Worldwide there are about 60 million people who are suffering from acne. Most people develop acne during adolescence. It is most prevalent in those aged 16 to 18 years. The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. One important factor is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.
The most common reasons for acne are:
There are higher levels of sex hormones at puberty than in younger children.
These hormones are converted in the skin to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which stimulates oil glands to enlarge.
The oil glands, called sebaceous glands, produce sebum. The more sebum, the more likely it is that acne will be troublesome.
If sebum and keratin (dead skin cells) block the skin pores, comedones can develop.
The wall of the follicles may rupture.
Bacteria and comedonal debris cause acne pimples or pustules (inflammatory lesions).
Aggravating factors
Some people have particularly severe acne. This may be because of:
Genetic factors (family members have bad acne). Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder.
Hormonal factors (higher levels of androgenic hormones) due to:
Polycystic ovaries (common)
Enzyme deficiency eg sterol hydroxylase deficiency (very rare)
Excessive corticosteroids (eg Cushing’s disease) (rare)
Psychological stress and depression
Environmental factors such as:
High humidity causing swelling of the skin
Cosmetics especially certain moisturisers, foundation and pomades (watch out for lanolin, petrolatum, vegetable oils, butyl stearate, lauryl alcohol and oleic acid)
Petroleum oils.
Pressure from headbands & chin straps (eg: “fiddler’s neck”).
Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms
Stress can also cause the production of hormones, such as cortisol, which can aggravate acne. Stress brings upon different hormone levels. With hormone changes the body prompts the skins oil glands to enlarge, secreting more oil. Which causes white heads, black heads and pimples.
Certain medications. Vitamins are good for your body, But an excess of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can cause acne flare-ups. These vitamins are good for the skin, but avoid overuse.
Picking and squeezing can actually send the infection deeper into the skin and can cause scarring.
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Common-Causes-of-Acne/44501
Tags: acne, acne treatment, skin care
Baltimore Sun - What do you tell patients who come to you for acne treatment? I do tell them most people get it at some time or another. Some get mild forms and others, severe - and it has nothing to do with washing your face. I tell them there is a lot of good
Source: www.baltimoresun.com
Tags: skin care, natural acne treatment, acne
I found out some new information about the link between extra vitamin D (such as you might get from spending time in the sun) and how it can reduce your risk of breast cancer. I thought you might be interested in this as well:
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women with high sun exposure had half the risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with less sun exposure. These findings only held true for women with light skin; not for women with naturally dark skin.
It seems like extra vitamin D can be good for you, as long as you take steps to protect your skin with appropriate sunscreen. You don’t want to reduce your breast cancer risk while increasing your skin cancer one.
breast cancer vitamin dbreast cancer, vitamin dTags: General SunCare
Though the exact cause of acne is unknown, many doctors believe it is a direct result of a variety of factors. One of these factors is the increase in androgens during puberty. Androgens are hormones, and can cause the enlargement and overstimulation of the sebaceous glands in people with acne.
For both males and females, the increase in androgens during puberty can cause these sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which is oil. This oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin and blocks pores. Inside of these blocked pores bacteria multiplies and leads to swelling, which then causes spots and pimples.
Some researchers also believe that acne is hereditary, and that people with parents who had acne are likely to inherit acne.
Though stress has not been found to be a direct cause of acne, it can lead to aggravated cases of acne. This happens because when someone is laden with anxiety, their body produces hormones such as cortisol, which exacerbates acne.
Other possible causes of acne include certain medications, drugs, steroids, have or oily make-up, and harsh skin cleansing.
Greasy foods and dirty skin have often been blamed for acne, but there is little evidence supporting these as direct causes of acne. Acne is also not contagious.
Tags: skin care, acne treatment, acne
When the air gets cold and dry during the winter, may acne sufferers actually find it a bit easier to cope, as your pores naturally contract more in colder temperatures, which inhibits the formation and appearance of smaller acne blemishes. However, the cold winter air can also cause damage to your skin if you’re not careful.
Dry skin is a common problem during the winter months. Acne sufferers are sometimes especially susceptible due to their frequent use of cleansers and other topical treatments.
While excess skin oil may be the chief cause of acne, having some skin oil is actually a good thing. It provides a layer of protection from the elements, which can be especially harsh this time of year. The fact is, your skin is most vulnerable right after it has been stripped of its natural oil layer. This basically happens each time you wash your face with a cleanser.
To avoid skin damage, make sure not to venture out into the cold directly after washing your face, at least not without applying a moisturizer first. Hot water can make you even more vulnerable, as it naturally causes your pores to expand. Mixing hot water immediately with cold air is a bad combination for your skin.
If you wash your face too frequently, just stop. Overwashing doesn’t prevent acne, it promotes it. Constantly stripping away your oil layer irritates your skin and leaves you perpetually vulnerable, which is simply a foolish thing to do. You’re much better off using an internal treatment that regulates your oil metabolism to prevent excess oil without leaving your skin defenseless.
Lastly, drink more water. This may sound like a simple solution, but it can work wonders. If you skin is frequently dry and susceptible to rashes and peeling, or even if you just have problem areas of dry skin (such as the corners of the mouth), simply drinking more water can work wonders. The extra moisture in your cells is very helpful in enabling your skin to effectively handle cold and dry air conditions. Throw less water on your face, and drink more of it.
Tags: acne, natural acne treatment, acne treatment
