26 Sep 2007

Got Cellulite ?

Do you have Cellulite ? Are you sure ?  This is an annoying condition that makes you look more overweight. It’s those unsightly bulges in your hips, thighs and legs that look like an orange peel.  Can you get rid of it ? To a large extent yes.

Read more about Cellulite Treamtnets

16 Sep 2007

Acne Treatments

Acne is the term for plugged pores (whiteheads or blackheads), deep lumps (cysts or nodules), or pimples that occur on the face, shoulders, upper arms, chest, back and neck. People who produce more oil in their faces are more likely to suffer from acne. Even though there are cases of acne caused by poor sanitation, overall, acne can be linked with hormones, diet and poor hygiene.

There are several different terms used to describe acne:

  • Lesions - acne is an example of an external lesion. They can manifest themselves in the manner of blackheads and whiteheads, called comedones, or nodules and cysts. A comedo is a sebaceous follicle that is plugged with dead cells, tiny hairs or bacteria. A popular way to deal with these is to pop or pick them open, which is the worst thing you can do for your skin. Blackheads and whiteheads should only be dealt with by a dermatologist and only under sterile conditions. Picking or squeezing the tissue can cause infection.
  • Papule - a small, solid lesion that is elevated above the skin’s surface. These are caused by localized cellular reaction to the process of acne.
  • Pustule - this is considered a fragile lesion. It is usually dome-shaped and it contains pus. The pus is a mixture of dead skin cells, bacteria and white blood cells. Some have hairs in the center. If a pustule heals before progressing to a cystic form, no scarring occurs.
  • Macule - a flat, usually red or red-pink spot left by a healed acne lesion. These spots can be around for days or weeks before they finally disappear.
  • Nodule - a lesion that is solid, dome-shaped or irregularly shaped. It goes into deeper layers of skin and can cause scarring by destroying tissue. Nodules are a severe form of acne and can be extremely painful.
  • Cyst - larger than a pustule, a cyst is a sac-like lesion that contains liquid or semi-liquid material made up of dead cells, bacteria and white blood cells. Like a nodule, a cyst extends into deeper layers of skin, can cause scarring and can be very painful. Sometimes, cysts and nodules occur together, which is considered a severe form of acne.

Acne is a skin condition that affects people of all ages and cultures. It affects teenagers and adults alike all over the world - even to age 40 and up. Pretty much everyone between the ages of twelve and seventeen have some for of acne. Acne begins for some at the tender age of ten, finally disappearing sometime in their early twenties. Most of the adolescents that have acne are able to control it simply with over-the-counter products. However, for some young people, acne has to be treated by a physician with prescription medication. For others, acne can begin in adulthood, as late as age thirty or even beyond.

The percentage of men and women who are affected by acne are about the same, but there are differences between them. Young men may experience acne for longer periods of time and they will likely have more severe cases. However, young women will have acne sporadically over time and the severity of it can be due to their menstrual cycle or the use of certain cosmetics.

Acne is treated in many different ways all over the world. Several over-the-counter choices are available either in a store or online. Products that contain Benzoyl peroxide, Salicyclic acid, sulfur and Resorcinol have been effective in treating some levels of acne.

Prescription medications can include topical applications, gels, creams, Benzoyl peroxide (in higher percentages than what is available over-the-counter), antibiotics (a popular one is tetracycline), ointments, retinoid medications, and oral contraceptives.

For those patients whose acne isn’t responding well to topical or oral medications, dermatologists can now utilize a variety of treatment therapies that can be used both on occurring acne and on the lingering effects of acne, such as scarring. Chemical peels and laser procedures are proving to be viable options for those who suffer with severe acne. One example is a glycolic acid peel, performed every two to four weeks, which exfoliates dead layers of the skin. Salicyclic cid peels are another choice. This type of acid actually penetrates pores plugged with oil. When it is used as a peel, the procedure can done about every two to four weeks.

Laser treatments are another treatment dermatologists offer their patients. Essentially, the laser treatments vaporize thin layers of the skin and also tightens the skins’ collagen fibers.

Natural acne remedies are an option for those who have especially sensitive skin. One method is to increase the garlic in your diet by taking capsules or eating several cloves of garlic a day. Garlic destroys bacteria that is known to cause acne by actually breeding inside of your skins’ pores. It also increases the immune function of your skin.

Kombucha tea is recommended by some for its antibacterial properties. It has been found effective in treating acne.

Our diet can be a key tool for fighting acne as well. Eat raw foods like almonds, beets, Swiss chard, and cashews for the oxalic acid. Make sure to eat foods high in fiber so your body can effectively flush toxins. Drink plenty of water as well to keep your body and skin refreshed. Antioxidants (found in many foods naturally or in whole-food vitamins) fight inflammation, reduce redness and help to rid your body of harmful free radicals that are dangerous to skin.

In Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia, the newest treatment for acne is wide band UVA light. Essentially, it is an ultraviolet therapy. Many major hospitals and clinics in these countries are utilizing this procedure.

It is possible to prevent or to curb outbreaks of acne. An excellent regimen of daily skin care is essential. Make sure you are cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin both in the morning and before going to bed. Women need to be especially sure to remove all makeup before going to bed for the night. Also, keep a clean pillow case on your pillow. Fabrics absorb oils from our skin and can be a potential breeding ground for germs and bacteria which could cause acne. Supplements of Vitamins E, A and B5 may also be effective in controlling skin disorders.

09 Sep 2007

Acne Affects Adults Too

Believe it or not, twenty-five percent of all adult men and fifty percent of all adult women suffer from some form of acne. These are the facts but how many adults have never had at least one acne flare up in their adult life? Adults can develop acne well into adulthood- twenties, thirties and forties and beyond that even. No acne is pleasant but somehow adult acne seems worse as acne is typically thought of as an adolescence problem. In reality adult acne, or any acne for that matter, is very hard to deal with and can lead to depression, a negative self-image and social anxiety may occur as well. The causes of adult blemishes are different for all people and the acne treatments vary as mush as the causes do. Most adult acne can be treated and managed effectively.

The causes of grown up acne are unknown; some people think that it has hormonal roots. The appropriate adult pimple treatment may involve balancing your hormones, which typically requires a trip to your healthcare provider or dermatologist for some testing to conclude that hormones are indeed the problem.

The development of a pimple is quite detailed. While it is known that pores that are clogged can block oil from escaping, it is not known why it happens in one pore and not another. It is also not known why this does not happen in all of the pores. The many causes of adult acne and teen acne include hormone imbalance, diet, genetics, vitamin deficiency, stress, and more. The real explanation may be a complex mix of many of these factors. Since it is not known what causes pimples, it is important to focus on the proper treatment of acne.

Acne is often considered a hormonal disease or condition, meaning hormones are responsible for the maturing of the oil producing glands in our skin. Did you ever wonder why you never see acne on a young child? Young children do not have the hormones needed to mature the skin’s oils. Once a person becomes and adult there are many things that can throw our hormones out of balance and in turn wreak havoc on our skin, among other things. Some things that cause such imbalances are puberty, pregnancy, menopause and many other things that cause hormones to flare up.

Acne may be precipitated by androgens, the male hormones found in men and women. Oil surpluses made by these hormones are the biggest cause of clogged pores and hair follicles, which results in bacteria growth and acne pimples and blemishes. Acne that is caused by hormones is typically more prevalent in women during natural cycles like menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

Treatment for adult acne is very effective and there are many forms of treatment available. The best treatment happens to be the same treatment recommended most for teenage acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne much better than any other acne medication out there on the market today, including all prescription medications. For this product to be effective an acne sufferer must use enough of the product and use it according to the given instructions. If used correctly and in a large enough amount the acne will start to clear up. This method of treatment is also very simple and is not evasive in any way. Benzoyl peroxide does not have a negative effect on the skin first unlike other prescription acne treatments, meaning you will not see a worsening of the skin before you see the improvement. Skin does not build up a tolerance to this treatment so it will be effective for long-term use. If it works on acne the first time, it will always work.

There may be a genetic component involved meaning acne can run in families. Up to fifty percent of women whose acne continues beyond their teens show evidence of increased androgen levels, with raised testosterone and, or lowered sex hormone binding globulin, a protein found in the blood. Correction of these abnormal hormonal imbalances often improves symptoms, so you need to see to it that your doctor is prepared to measure these hormone levels and help you seek a treatment. Several different treatments are available over the counter to help mild to moderate symptoms and your pharmacist can advise on which product would suit you best.

It is important to realize that adult acne is more common than most think and adult sufferers are not alone, there is a large population of adult acne sufferers. If you are troubled by adult onset acne, first consult your doctor.  He or she may have a hormonal adult acne treatment that can help. If you have adult acne and it is severe or causes you pain do not hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider and discuss possible medical treatment of your acne.

05 Sep 2007

Cosmetic Surgery Is Fun !

Cosmetic Surgery, whether it be Botox injections, a Chemical Peel, lazer surgery, or other procedure, may be able to give you the more youthful look you want, of course, there are costs involved.

These operations are performed by a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon, with the goal of making you look years younger.

The following information describes some of the most popular skin care procedures in the world today. This information is not intended to replace a Doctor’s advice or to quote exact costs on specific treatments. Please consult with your Doctor for exact details and costs for your situation.

If you make the decision to pursue one of these skin care treatments, you should consider the following factors and discuss them with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon

25 Aug 2007

How To Buy Skin Care Products

With the wide variety of skin care products available on the market today, it’s no wonder most of us feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of choices we have. But buying skin care products doesn’t have to be a confusing, daunting task, provided you know what to look for, and educate yourself on the subject before you hit the stores or the online shops.

The first step to buying the right skin care products for you is to read and understand the product’s label. It’s important to know what ingredients you’ll be putting on your skin day after day. Study the list of active ingredients and familiarize yourself with those that are commonly used. The most used active ingredient will be listed on the label first, and the least will be last on the list.

Learn to spot ingredients that may possibly do you more harm than good. In addition to the technical, chemical names to watch for like sorbitol, or sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates, it’s best to avoid products that contain any type of alcohol or astringents. Colorants and certain fragrances are other culprits to steer clear of as most can irritate the skin or even cause blemishes and break-outs.

In order to avoid the chemicals and harmful ingredients, more and more people are now discovering the world of natural products for all of their skin care needs. Natural items such as milk, honey, fruits, vegetables, and oils can all be used to create gentle, effective products for a variety of skin conditions and types. Aloe vera and lanolin are also used in products that are designed to soothe, moisturize and be gentle on the skin.

Skin care products can range from simple daily moisturizers to intense acne treatments to anti-aging regimens. Unfortunately, wrinkles are an unavoidable fact of life. But luckily there are numerous products that can help prevent and slow down the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Alpha-hydroxy (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) are two highly effective ingredients to look for in an anti-aging skin care product. These acids are found naturally in certain fruits and plants such as apples and grapes, and work to rid the skin of dead cells and encourage new cell growth.

Two skin care products growing in popularity are Revitol and Royal Gold.

Skin care products that contain tretinoins, an ingredient recently shown to reverse signs of sun damage and reduce wrinkles, are only available by a prescription from your doctor or dermatologist. These powerful chemicals are classified as a drug or medication rather than a cosmetic since they are able to actually change the cell structure of the skin. Tretinoins are chemicals that work by rejuvenating the skin, replacing it with newer, healthier skin, and are effective for treating wrinkles, fine lines, rough patches, and dark spots on the skin.

After you’ve learned which ingredients do what, determine exactly what type of skin you have. If you aren’t sure already, visit a dermatologist who can help, especially if you have frequent allergic reactions such as rashes or break-outs. It may seem like common sense, but many people have no idea what type of skin they have and make the mistake of thinking one-size fits all in the world of skin care. However, with all of the research and recent advances that science has made, we now know that nothing could be further from the truth.

Determine if your skin is dry, oily, a combination of both, or if you are prone to break-outs or acne. Perhaps you have overly sensitive skin that needs special attention, or maybe you are allergic to many different ingredients that are usually found in commercial products. Many women without problem skin are simply looking for healthy, anti-aging products as a proactive approach to the aging process, while others are buying products with all-natural ingredients.

5 quick tips for buying the best skin care products:

1. Know your skin type.

Without knowing the exact type of skin you have, you’ll never be able to buy the correct type of product for your individual needs. Most people fall into one of four categories; oily, dry, combination, or sensitive.

2. Read all of the label.

It’s important to completely read all labels on the skin care products you purchase. A good rule of thumb to follow, particularly when buying moisturizers, is to look for products where the first ingredient is water. This indicates that there is more water than anything else in the product, which as we know is essential for well-hydrated skin.

3. Check the calendar.

At different times during the year, take the time to try out different products to see which is best for you. If your skin is excessively oily in the summer months, take that into consideration when buying moisturizer or products containing sunscreen. If you’re prone to dryness or rough patches of skin in the winter months, be sure to avoid anything with harsh chemicals such as astringents.

4. Compare prices.

Since some skin care products can be rather pricey, it helps to keep in mind the following questions when determining whether or not an item is too expensive to buy.

- How much of the product do you actually need?

- How often will you be using it? Once a day, twice a day, once a week?

- What type of results can you expect from the product?

The highest priced products aren’t necessarily always the best. Additionally, simply because one expensive lotion or moisturizer works well for one person, doesn’t mean it won’t produce mediocre results on another. Alternately, when comparing prices, also take into consideration that many high quality items may not need used as much as their lower priced counterparts, so a lower price might not be the better deal.

5. Use faithfully.

A product can’t work properly if it isn’t used the way it was intended. This is particularly true of anti-aging creams and lotions or those that contain sunscreen. Many people make the mistake of not using sunscreen if they aren’t on the beach or in the pool. Sunscreen is necessary any time you are out of doors, whether it’s a quick trip in the car or a walk down the street. Also, if the product says use twice a day, be sure to incorporate it into both your morning and nighttime skin care routines.

Before buying skin care products, be sure to visit a Review site where you can see information on the Anti Aging Skin Care Product Reviews.