One of these days, do you find yourself glancing worriedly at your own hands, face, shoulder and neck.
Unprotected skin, on being excessively exposed to UV rays- whether from a tanning booth, a sunlamp or years of going without sunscreen,
protects itself by producing an overabundance of melanin-the pigmented cells in your skin- resulting in uneven patches. Age spots known medically as lentigos and seborrhoeic keratoses are brown patches which commonly appear on the back of the hands the face and the back.
There are certain chemical substances called psoralens, present in foods such as parsley, limes and parsnips that may cause age spots. When you handle these foods and then go out in the sun, your skin may be more sensitive and burn more easily where the psoralens touched it. When perfumes or lotions containing musk or bergamot oil are applied to sun-exposed areas, they can produce age spots.
Antibiotics such as tetracycline (Achromycin), some diuretics (water pills) and antipsychotic medicines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) will also cause your skin to produce age spots when it is not protected from the sun
Heredity, to some extent is also responsible for excess melanin production in the skin.
The most important thing you can do to stop new age spots from forming is to wear sunscreen-all the time.
If you have just a few age spots that are not too dark, you can try an over-the-counter remedy. But for a persistent crop of age spots, your dermatologist has several very effective treatments.
Bleaching creams
Prescription bleaching creams containing kojic acid or hydroquinone cause age spots and irregular pigmentation to fade so that they blend with the color of the surrounding skin. Reversa HQ and Neo Strata HQ are examples of over the counter gels containing glycolic acid and bleaching agents which are effective in lightning age spots and other irregular pigmentation in the skin. It is important to protect yourself against the sun with a broad spectrum sunscreen such as Ombrelle 15 otherwise you will defeat the purpose of the bleaching creams. If you develop a burn of any sort, see your doctor immediately.
Try a fade cream
Porcelana and other creams, including Esot้rica and Palmer's Skin Success fade creams, contain hydroquinone, which interferes with your skin's production of melanin. These products work slowly, however. Prescription-strength hydroquinone preparations might work faster.
Medicated creams
Tretinoin in preparations such as Retin –A, Stieva –A, Rejuva –A, Retisol-A, Renova and vitamin A acid when applied to the back of the hands daily over a period of months gradually causes age spots to disappear, evens out irregular pigmentation, and reduces fine wrinkles giving the hands a more youthful appearance.
Chemical peels
Acid containing solutions are also effective in removing age spots. They cause irritation and the spots peel away from the skin. The new underlying skin is pink and fades to a normal hue after a few months.
Comouflage makeup
Opaque makeup can be used daily to camouflage age spots. Given the excellent medical options for removing or lightening these discolorations of the skin, makeup becomes a less desirable alternative.
Surgical treatment options are also available to rid the body of age spots.
Cryotherapy
Until recently the treatment of choice for age spots was cryotherapy. With this technique liquid nitrogen (freezing) is sprayed very gently on the spots to induce a localized frostbite. After two or three weeks the treated age spots peels off as the underlying skin pushes to the surface leaving a residual area of pinkness that might last for only a week but could linger on for months. Scarring may occur.
Laser therapy
With the advent of the pigment removal lasers (Q-switched ruby, Alexandrite and Nd:Yag), cryotherapthy is no longer the treatment of choice because the laser has a lower risk of scarring is less painful and the recovery time is shorter. Due to the cost of laser treatments and because not all physicians have access to a laser nor are they trained in laser surgery many individuals still choose cryotherapy to treat their age spots. The pigments removal laser have also superseded the use of surgical removal or vaporization with the carbon dioxide laser for larger growths provided they are not too thick. If the lesions is suspected to be cancerous then a biopsy is always taken prior to proceeding with laser surgery so it can be analyzed by a pathologist. If it is malignant then surgical removal is used to ensure that the cancer has been completely removed. The carbon dioxide laser in its cutting mode may be used to do the surgical excision.
The pigment removal lasers act in a similar fashion to a guided missile The light from the laser has a selective affinity for brown discoloration in the skin. It passes harmlessly through the top layer of skin and when it hits the brown pigment cells energy is released causing the melanosomes in the cell to break into minuscule particles which are removed by the body immune system.
Each pulse of laser light feels like the snap of an elastic band on the skin. The age spot turns grey initially them within minutes forms a superficial brown curst. Within 2 weeks the crusts will be sloughed and the skin underneath will be pink. This gradually fades to the color of the surrounding skin over the course of 2 to 3 weeks. It takes less time for age spots to turn over on the face than on the back of the hands. The crust must not be picked or rubbed off otherwise a scar will results.
Remember that with all these treatments, it is essential to keep using sunscreen. Otherwise, new age spots are sure to form.
Prevention
Protection from sun damage is the best prevention for age spots.
Use sunscreen (typically SPF 15) on sun exposed areas. If you see the beginnings of age spots or melasma, switch to a higher SPF sunscreen than the one you are currently using
Wear protective clothing and avoid tanning beds.
Reapply sunscreen after swimming or excessive sweating.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling foods that contain psoralens and reapply sunscreen before going outdoors again.
Apply your perfume or lotion to areas of your skin that will not be exposed to sun.
Skin Care Tips Search
Age spots : Treatment options and prevention
Coping With Water Loss
Facial skin needs water more than anything else to flourish and the greatest benefits come from consuming the stuff directly rather than applying it to your face. Unfortunately, modern living conditions encourage too much water to escape. Central heating, air conditioning, sunbathing, flying, smoking, drinking and dieting are all quick routes to wrinkles.
SUNSHINE
Problem - Warm sun dramatically increases the rate of evaporation of water from the skin surface. In addition, its rays spark the production of free radicals; the destructive oxygen molecules that accelerate the ageing process. The sun causes 80 pre cent of the changes associated with ageing.
Solution - If you have dry-to- normal skin, seek out the shade. If you cannot avoid or resist being in the sun, apply creams containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E which have been shown to zap free radicals on contact. Sunscreens, creams, blocks and lotions do shield the skin from damaging chemicals. If you are exposed to moderate sunshine only and do not have very fair or excessively dry skin, apply a natural vegetable oil with screening properties. The most effective are jojoba, which has a sun protection factor of 5-10, beeswax, whose high viscosity means it sticks to the skin; and shear butter, which is 50 per cent fat, including essential fatty acids, so antioxidant protection.
SMOKING
Problem - After the sun, smoking is the biggest wrinkler. It thins the skin by around 40 percent, so that water escapes much more easily. Further damage is caused by the chemicals in cigarettes which accelerate normal ageing. Cigarette smoke destroys vitamin C, needed for collagen manufacture, and smoking also constricts the tiny capillaries that feed the skin, depriving it of nutrients and oxygen. Smoking can add 15 years to your skin‘s age.
Solution - If you can’t give up smoking then cutting back would be a positive step forward.
CENTRAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
Problem - Both steal moisture from the air.
Solution - At home, keep the heating moderate and use a humidifier – a bowl of water on top of a radiator can raise the moisture content of the air to around 80-85 per cent humidity, which is the optimum level for the skin.
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Problem - Alcohol dries out the facial skin and it is diuretic, causing rapid water loss. Red blood cells stick together and capillaries gum up so that they can rupture and result in thread veins. Alcohol also ages the skin by robbing the body of oxygen and vitamin C.
Solution - The recommended maximum amount is 21 units of alcohol per week.
DIETING
Problem - The most common mistake when trying to lose weight is to cut down on all fats, but the skin relies on a regular supply of essential fatty acids to keep it moist and pliable. Crash dieting causes loss of muscle and yo-yo dieting dries out and ages the skin in the long term.
Solution - If you diet, do so at a sensible pace; include nuts, seeds and oily fish. Try to stick near your target weight once you reach it.
FLYING
Problem - Recycling air in an enclosed cabin makes it excessively dry – there can be as little as 2 per cent humidity. Even a shortish flight can dry your skin significantly.
Solution - Drink water before, during and after the flight, and avoid alcohol. On a long flight, spray your face once an hour (see opposite).
Skin Rejuvenation
THE FOREHEAD
(1) DEEP HORIZONTAL LINES ON THE FOREHEAD
Solution
A "forehead lift" (also known as a "brow lift") can be done to pull up and tighten skin in this area to make the lines less prominent.
The surgical cut is made 1 cm behind the hairline, running from ear to ear. The skin of the forehead is then lifted upward and stretched, the excess cut off; the underlying muscles-whose tautness has caused the wrinkles-are cut to weaken them; and the incised skin edges are sutured, the scar going into the new hairline.
The overall effects is to lift both, the forehead as well as the eyebrows.
(2) VERTICAL FROWN LINES
Solution
The muscle in the forehead (whose laxity causes the lines) is cut and tightened. The procedure leaves fine scars in the area between the eyebrows.
Alternatively, "filler" injections of collagen or auto (your own) fat can plump out the lines, making them less noticeable.
EYES
(1) EYE BAGS: A result of the aging process, they are caused by a two-in-one decline: the skin loses its elasticity and stretches; and globules of fat herniated through the weakened layer of tissue. This causes the puffiness in the upper and lower lids that we call ' bags'.
Solution
A cosmetic procedure known as blepharoplasty, in which the surgeon cuts away the excess of loose skin and the protruding fat then sutures the eyelid, making it taut and smooth again.
The scars get hidden in the natural folds of the eyelids.
In the younger patient who does not have too much skin laxity, and whose problem is limited to a protrusion of fat, the surgeon may go through the conjunctiva (membrane) of the eye, pick out the fat and put in a couple of stitches. This procedure (known as conjunctival blepharoplasty) can be done only for the lower lids.
Cautions/Risks
This is surgery that calls for finesse and delicate precision. The lower eyelids are particularly vulnerable to a heavy-handed approach: removing too much skin can result in a tension in this area that makes it difficult for the eye to adjust to the upward gaze.
(2) CROWS' FEET
Solutions
Injections of collagen (a synthetic version of the protein that gives skin its elasticity) can be used as "line fillers" which smoothes and even out the area.
Where the lines are several and deep, the surgeon can cut away a slice of skin and suture the cut margins, which again has a smoothening effect in the area; the scar is hidden in one of the creases of skin around each eye.
(3) HOLLOW UNDER THE EYES
Solutions
A difficult problem to address. Fat has been tried as a filler, but results are not very effective.
(4) DARK CIRCLES
Solutions
They cannot be eliminated, but in older skin that are wrinkled and loose, they can be minimized: The surgeon stretches and cuts off the excess skin. The skin under the eyes becomes smoother and the dark area smaller in size.
(5) DROOPING EYEBROWS
Solutions
There are two possible treatments:
The first is the so-called "eyebrow lift". The surgeon makes a small incision just above the eyebrow, cuts away an ellipse of skin and sutures the cut area, pulling the eyebrow higher up. The scar gets hidden in the eyebrow line.
The second approach is to lift the eyebrows as part of another procedure, the "forehead lift".
EARS
(1) BAT EARS
This is a frequently-seen familial tendency, characterized by a large, deep conchal bowl that pushes the ear out from the head at an exaggerated angle.
Solution
Surgery which places permanent sutures in the back of the ear, literally pinning them back to the head.
The scars are generally hidden behind the ears.
Cautions/Risks
The surgery can sometimes result in an asymmetrical look in the two ears. The distortion may be minimal and evident only on close inspection; but if it is very obvious, repeat surgery may be required to correct it.
The final look can also sometimes be compromised by the collection of blood or fluid between the skin and cartilage. The possibility can be largely minimized by ensuring that the post-operative dressings are carefully maintained.
(2) FLOPPY EARS
This is an inherited deformity in which the hard outer rim of the ear has not properly formed. As a result, the top of the ear flops down like that of a rabbit-hence the alternative name for this aberration: "lop-ear deformity".
Solution
Surgery involves creating a fold in the cartilage of the upper ear which will keep it propped up; this is done by putting in (permanent) stitches in this cartilage and tying them up.
(3) ENLARGED, DROOPING EARLOBES
These are a consequence of the natural aging process.
Solution
The excess can be trimmed, and a stitch or two can pull back lobes that may have jutted outward.
THE NOSE
(1) PROBLEM OF EXCESS IN THE NASAL REGION, INCLUDING:
A hump, caused by an excess of bone
A bulbous nose, caused by and excess of cartilage
Flaring nostrils, caused by very thin cartilage
Rounded nostrils (rather than the ideal: pear-shaped nostrils), caused by an excess of cartilage in the lower, lateral region.
Solution
Nasal surgery (known as rhinoplasty) can trim the excess and then mould the nose into its final shape.
It can take from 1 to 2 hours and is done under local anesthesia combined with sedation, or under general anesthesia in the case of a highly-strung patient.
The surgery is carried out within the nasal cavity and/or the mouth so that scars are not visible.
Cautions/Risks
It is inadvisable to have nasal surgery done (unless the deformity is life-threatening or psychologically traumatizing) until the age of 16 or 17. This is when the nose has grown into its final shape. Carrying out surgery before this age may make it necessary to re-operate later because the shape of the nose will have altered again in the intervening years.
Infrequent complications (of all nasal surgery) include:
----Haemorrhage, which is easily treatable
----Infection, which is rare, occurring only if operating conditions are less than optimal or if the surgeon has not carefully "cleaned up" the area before surgery.
----Poor healing, which generally cannot be predicted in advance. Dark skins are however more prone to scarring; and those with circulatory problems are likely to suffer from temporary or lasting discoloration.
(2) PROBLEM OF DEFICIENCY IN THE NASAL AREA, INCLUDING
A bridge that's too short
A nose tip that's too blunt
Solutions
A short bridge calls for the addition of something that's solid and possesses strength-either bone from a hip or rib or a hard silastic implant.
If the tip (which is composed of cartilage) is small, you need to add something pliable or cartilaginous. This can be either the curved cartilage of the ear or a soft silastic implant.
CAUTIONS/RISKS
It is difficult to predict how much of grafted bone will survive the process. Once surgically detached from its original place, it is no longer connected to the circulation: in its new position, it has to develop its own blood supply to survive. Sometimes 90% of the bone may survive, sometimes only 10%: the amount is unpredictable. So, a surgeon may have added 4 mm of thickness of bone to a nose, but six months down the line only 3 mm. may be still in, or perhaps only 1 mm. Correcting this may mean a second round of surgery, using either bone from the opposite hip or from another rib.
Silastic implants do not get absorbed, but they can get dislocated in case of an injury such as a knock or a blow to the area. Also, you may not like the presence of a foreign body under your skin.
If the cartilage is taken from the ear, the organ looks deformed; this is particularly visible in the case of men who wear their hair short.
(3) ELONGATED/DROOPY NOSE ARISING FROM LAXITY OF THE SKIN AS A RESULT OF AGING.
Solution
A surgical incision is made at the root of the nose (i.e. the place where it joins the forehead), and about 3 mm of skin is excised. Then the remaining skin is lifted upward and sewn into place (a "nose life" as it were). The scar is hidden by glasses which you need after 45 anyway.
CHEEKS AND CHEEKBONES
(1) HOLLOW CHEEKS
Solution
Injections of auto-fat, taken other areas of your body ---- preferably an area like the abdomen which has thick, globuly fat ---- can fill out hollow cheeks.
(2) OVER-CLUBBY CHEEKS
Solution
Minor liposuction can result in a slimmer, more accentuated look. Liposuction involves the use of suction to "suck out" far from different areas of the body with the help of a canula, a miniaturized one in the case of the face.
Caution/Risks
The surgeon has to be very precise and careful in suctioning out fat from the face where the layer lies more thinly than in, say the buttocks or the thighs. Over-correction (vacuuming out too much fat) can leave difficult-to-treat grooves.
(3) FLAT CHEEKBONES
Solution
Inserting a "malar" (cheekbone) implant, made of silicone and custom-shaped to suit the contours of your face, can provide greater definition to cheekbones. Most commonly, it is inserted through the mouth.
Cautions/Risks
The risks of cheekbone augmentation with an implant include:
Poor positioning
Slippage
Infection (rare since antibiotics are administered these days as a matter of routine). But if it does occur, the implant will extrude, in which case it can be replaced at a later date.
(4) NASO-LABIAL LINES (Laugh Lines)
These are lines that set in with age, running from each side of the nose down to the angle of the mouth.
Solution
Filler injections of auto-fat or collagen. If a face-lift is going to be done anyway, such injections may not be required in addition; this is because the pulling-up and tightening of the skin that takes place in a face-lift will itself smooth out laugh lines (though it cannot obliterate them).
Cautions/Risks
A test for a possible reaction to synthetic collagen must be carried out four weeks before it is injected.
LIPS
(1) THIN LIPS
Solution
Collagen is generally used to plump up the outline of lips, redefine this area (which lies at the junction of the skin and the mucous membrane of the lips). It can also create a Cupid`s bow. But collagen is not generally used for the meat of the lips: fat is preferred for this area.
(2) THICK LIPS
Solution
A cut is made on the inside (the mucus membrane area) of the lips, and a sliver of this membrane is cut off. The cut edges are sutured, taking the visible part of the lower lip up and in, thus reducing its thickness.
Cautions/Risks
Over-correction can skew the final look.
(3) UPPER-LIP DROOP AT THE CORNERS
Solution
Collagen injections can firm up this area and provide lift, which obliterates the sag.
Cautions/Risks and Comments
(4) VERTICAL LINES ABOVE THE LIPS
Solutions
Collagen injections, or
Light dermabrasion (sand-papering of the superficial layers of the skin, using a diamond-coated cutter or, sometimes today, a laser beam)
Cautions/Risks
Risks of dermabrasion include:
Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation
Serious scarring if the deeper structures of the dermis (the skin`s lower layer) have been damaged.
Inflammation
JAWLINE AND CHIN
(1) EARLY JOWLS
Very early sags that make it seem as if your jawline is disappearing are caused by gravity taking its toll on the flesh as a result of the weakening of the platysma muscle (which extends from the jaw to the neck), combined with the download shift of fat (which lies just below the skin.)
Solution
The excess of fat can be trimmed with liposuction, re-defining the jaw line. The entry point for the canula is behind the ears, where the scars of surgery then lie hidden.
(2) DOUBLE CHIN
Solution
Liposuction, going in again from behind the ears.
(3) RECEDING CHIN
Solution
A silastic chin implant can restore balance to the facial profile as well as impart a more youthful look.
Some surgeons do a procedure in which they split the mandible (the lower jaw) and slide one portion forward to create a more prominent chin. New bone grows in the gap resulting from the split.
THE AGING FACE & NECK
EXTENSIVE SAGGING, DROOPS AND CREASES ON THE FACE AND NECK
Solution
When the face begins to "fall down", it`s time for a face lift. In this classical procedure, the surgeon makes a cut starting from the hair-bearing area above the ear, continues downward (in front of the ear), turning round to go under the earlobe, and up again behind the ear to end in the delicate, hair-bearing area behind the ear.
He then undermines the skin of the face and neck, lifts it from the under-surface, pulls and stretches it upward and back, and cuts away the excess.
Liposuction may be done to remove any excess of underlying fat; and a couple of stitches are put into the deeper structures to tighten them.
The platysma muscle in the neck is trimmed and tightened to provide firmer support for the surface skin.
The trimmed skin is finally sutured in place.
The scars are largely hidden in hair-bearing skin or behind the ear. The scar in front of the ear is successfully hidden by a suitable hairstyle in women: it is not so easily dealt with in men, though growing sideburns may help.
CAUTIONS/RISKS
A face-lift is major surgery---- around 3 hours or more ----- and you need to be in good health overall health.
Since the face is a highly vascular area, bleeding is a possible complication. Blood clots may form under the skin, and may range from minor to major. The latter causes painful swelling of the face, and very occasionally the sutures may need to be opened up to treat the bleeding points.
The procedure can also cause injury to branches of the facial nerves. If a motor nerve has been cut, it can result in permanent asymmetrical movement of the mouth or forehead. However, if it has been only bruised or stretched, the asymmetry may be temporary; recovery may take from 3 months to a year.
Rather less seriously, damage to a large sensory nerve running up the side of the neck can result in temporary or permanent sensory loss in the lower half of the ear.
The risk of complications is slightly higher in men. Scars are also less easy to disguise, especially in those men with thinning or balding scalps.
FACIAL EXERCISES: A QUICK FRESHENER AND TONER
Tension shows in your face when your features look drawn and your expressions frozen and rather set. A good laugh is the best way to relax a tense face, but this exercise routine will help you to liberate and tone the key muscles quickly: try it when you are sitting in the bath , not at the traffic lights.
1. Scrunch up your whole face for a few seconds so that your is wrinkled, your forehead furrowed, and your eyes and mouth are tightly closed.
2. Do the opposite: open your mouth and eyes as wide as you can (as if you are silently screaming) to release your throat muscles.
3. Close your mouth again, purse your lips, and push your mouth up to the left, then to the right.
4.rin-as if from ear to ear - open your eyes wide again.
5.Hold and repeat the grin, but this time, tuck in your chin to tighten your neck muscles.
DO'S AND DON'T FOR HEALTHY SKIN
Do apply plenty of moisturizer to all exposed areas of skin as regularly as possible, particularly the hands, neck and face. A good moisturizer slows down the rate of dehydration by acting as a barrier to water loss.
Do use mild soaps with a pH level of 5 or less, particularly for your face. Harsh cleansers strip the skin of sebum, a naturally occurring protective oil, allowing moisture to escape more quickly.
Do apply moisturizer all over your body after having a bath. The longer the bath and the hotter the temperature, the more dehydrated your skin is likely to be.
Do wear clothes that are made from natural fibers, such as linen, cotton and silk, that allow your skin to "breathe".
Do eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, pulses, grains and fibre as the basis for a fine healthy diet , for a fine healthy diet that will improve your skin.
Do apply a sunscreen of factor 15 or higher sunscreen to exposed parts of your body when you go out in the sun.
Do drink at least six to eight glasses of water every day to help keep your skin hydrated.
Don't use foamy additives in your bath which, again, remove sebum from the skin. Use bath oils instead.
Common Skin Problems
Freckles Age Spots, White Head, Enlarged Pores, Warts, Skin Tags, Dark Under-Eye Circle, Cellulite, Stretch Marks
COMMON SKIN PROBLEMS
Innumerable internal and external factors may lead to some of the common skin problems, gaining an insight into them will help you to manage as well as protect skin in a better way . Acne and non-cancerous growth such as, moles and warts are some of the most common skin problems.
FRECKLES
Our Skin has its own protective mechanism against sunlight. When it is exposed to the rays of the sun, the pigment in the skin increases in order to protect the inner layer of the skin.
The skin tends to tan due to repeated exposure to the sun especially for long durations. In fair skins, there is an accumulation of pigment in the lower layers, which gets gradually destroyed, as it is transferred to the upper layers. Due to continued exposure, the fair skin acquires freckles, which are accumulation of pigments in areas that have little or no pigment.
Freckles are tiny black spots spread all over the face. They tend to appear more on the areas-like the nose, cheek bones and forehead.
CARE:
(A) Avoid excessive exposure to sun.
(B) Use a Sunscreen whenever you move out in the sun with SPF of 15 or higher.
(C) Consult a Dermatologist
Although they do not need to be treated, but as some women find them unattractive they might choose to have them lightened by bleaching or removed by freezing (cryotherapy) or laser therapy (treatment using high energy beams of light).
In rare cases, they may be early changes that could lead to most serious form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.
WHITEHEADS
These are caused by the accumulation of hardened sebum or oil in the pores of the skin. They tend to appear in form of tiny, pearly, white raised spots. It occurs when a plug of sebum blocks a hair follicle deeper in the skin.
Healthy Skin
Whitehead
CARE:
(A) Regular deep pore cleansing helps to discourages whiteheads: A mixture of beauty grains and skin tonic rubbed on the affected areas, will discourage the formation and also help to dislodge them after a period of time.
(B) They should never be removed forcibly. Forcible extraction will only damage the skin tissue and cause infection.
(C) Consult a doctors. He or she might prescribe a medicated, cream or gel effective for preventing whiteheads.
(D) Aim at consuming adequate amount of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
(E) Drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices. A glass of warm water with the juice of lemon, helps to cleanse the body of toxic residues and help the elimination of wastes.
BLACKHEADS
A blackhead results when dead skin cells and sebum block a hair follicle near the surface of the skin. The mixture of pigment (the protein that gives skin its color) from the dead skin cells and sebum makes a blackhead dark; it is not dirt that can be washed away.
The oily skin tends to attract more grime and dirt from the environment and these pollutants also collect in the pore with the hardened oil. Blackhead causes the pores to be further enlarged and women with oily skin end up with a skin texture that is course and rough.
They are the cause of acne. When a pore is fully blocked, the oil glands can get infected resulting in a pimple.
Healthy Skin
Blackhead
CARE
(A) Wash the face with a medicated soap and lukewarm water to reduce the oiliness of the skin surface, so as to eliminate chances of infection.
(B) Rinsing with plain water as often as possible will keep the skin free of environmental pollutants.
(C) Washing must be followed by a more thorough cleansing to dislodge hardened sebum and keep the pores clean.
(D) Do not use oil-based moisturizers especially on the blemished area.
(E) Blackheads should be treated only by a doctor to avoid infection or scaring. He or she will squeeze out the plug of sebum and dead skin cells from the blocked hair follicle using instruments that will not harm your skin.
ENLARGED PORES
The over activity of the sebaceous glands usually results in skin with enlarged pores. Excessive oil secretion by the glands causes the pores to get clogged. The pores are thus stretched to accommodate the hardened sebum and lose their natural resilience. This excessive secretion of oil, might thicken the pores and mar the porcelain quality of skin, leaving the skin coarse.
CARE
(A) Use a medicated cleanser to reduce the surface oil. Deep pore cleansing with specialized cleanser also helps.
(B) The skin should be toned daily- toning removes greasiness remaining from the skin, closes pores, refines the skin and provides it a smooth clean texture. Skin tonics are generally composed of infusions of herbs, flowers, vinegar, rose-water and witch-hazel.
A skin tonic with a rose base is excellent. Keep some in a bowl in the refrigerator. Soak cotton wool pads and pat the skin briskly with it after a cleansing routine.
WARTS
Warts are small firm flesh colored lumps that can appear anywhere on the skin, but most often they occur on the hands and feet.
They are caused by a virus that infects the skin cells, making them grow rapidly. As they are contagious, you should avoid touching warts on someone else's skin.
If you have warts, keep them from coming in contact with someone else's skin.
Warts may go away on their own within about 2 yrs, or you may be able to dissolve with an over the counter mediation.
Consult you doctor regarding dissolving or removal of wart. If the wart fails to dissolve through strong medication, he or she might remove it by cutting, freezing or burning it or by laser surgery (treatment using high-energy beams of light to destroy tissues).
SKIN TAGS
Skin tags are small, protruding flaps of skin that usually appear on the neck, armpits, upper trunk or in folds of skin, such as those under the breast.
Skin tags are small and may be of the same color as your skin or dark like a mole. They are common and usually appear after the age of 20 yrs, They are harmless, but might be irritated by friction.
Consult your doctor if you feel a need to remove or cutting of skin tags or burning it. People rarely have a scar after either of the treatments.
DARK UNDER-EYE CIRCLE
These are generally caused by lack of sleep, fatigue, stress, dietary deficiency or disease. Proper sleep is vital bright, shining eyes. Eight hours of sleep is a must. Avoid extra strain on the eyes by reading only in good light and by making sure that you can see properly before undertaking work like sewing or writing.
The skin around the eye is very delicate. A medical support will help you in adopting a daily care routine. Before going to be, clean the skin around the eyes with a moist cotton wool. Whichever product you decide to use must be very light in texture.
Almond helps to remove dark circles, and is an excellent "skin food". Remove the cream applied around the eye after 10 min. No cream should be left on the skin around the eyes for long periods.
Avoid the area around the eye, when applying face masks. Below are two simple home recipes to combat dark under eye circles:-
(A) Grate half cucumber, strain it and refrigerate. Dab a mixture of lemon juice, lanolin cream and cucumber juice around the eye for 10 minutes and then wipe off.
(B) Apply crushed mint around the eye. This will take away the darkness around the eye.
CELLULITE
The bumpy, puckered and dimpled irregularities of fat collection which occurs over many women's buttocks, hips and thighs are called cellulite. These areas are often the first to attract fat and the last to lose it.
A mesh of collagen fibers hold the fat under the skin. The bumps, dimples and accompanying shadows of cellulite are simply the fat pushing out of the holes in the mesh.
In order to reduce cellulite,
The amount of fat must be reduced .
The supporting muscles must be toned up.
The surroundings and intertwining protein mesh work needs to be altered.
Although cellulite is difficult to get rid off completely, a proper diet will reduce the fat, exercise will tone the underlying muscles and vigorous massaging will drown the protein mesh work and the fat stores, helping to improve the appearance of this condition.
Unfortunately there is no long term solution to cellulite. From a medical standpoint, topical Aminophylline cream has been helpful for some people. The preparation is applied to the affected area twice a day to reduce cellulite in some people. Aminophylline cream is available only through medical prescription so do not go out searching in the local chemist shops.
The regular use of this cream in combination with the following suggestions should help to improve the look of the thighs and buttocks of women affected with cellulite:
Maintaining lower fat stores, with a well balanced low fat diet.
Avoid foods that encourage deep fluid retention, such as too much salt in the diet, and too many diet drinks.
Regular hormonal balance, check-ups.
Tone the muscles with daily buttocks, thigh and hip exercises, so that the fat cushion is sitting on a firm base. Exercise like vigorous walking, swimming and cycling are particularly helpful.
Vigorous massaging the areas of cellulite for 10 min each day to break down the fibrous mesh and the larger fat globules. Applying hot water bottle or heating pads to the area prior to vigorous manipulating the area by aggressive fudo chops will help, but care must be taken not to overheat and burn the skin. The hot massage must be followed with an icepack.
If this fails to work and you are desperate, a combination of surgical liposuction to remove the fat from the bulges and fat transfer to place the fat in the dimples may even out the irregularities and permanently remove some of the fat stores.
STRETCH MARKS
Known medically as Striae, are the visible evidence that the skin's building blocks (collagen and elastin) could not keep up with its need for growth.
Stretch marks are formed when the skin stretches at a rate that cannot be sustained by its elasticity. They may appear after rapid weight gain ,spurts of growth and pregnancy. The development of breasts in adolescent girls and bulking up of muscles in weight lifters can also cause stretch marks. Infact, anything that increases the body's cortisone levels, as in case of puberty, obesity or weight gain, the infection of cortisone medications or even the application of potent cortisone creams will increase the chances of developing stretch marks.
They initially appear as red or purple lines of varying length or widths. Sometimes they are wrinkled and shiny. Gradually they fade to a shade lighter than the surrounding skin.
Women are more prone to stretch marks appearing on the breasts, lower abdomen, the buttocks and thighs.
Many techniques currently being used to reduce or eliminate stretch marks, are not yet refined and require further research and exploration.
TREATMENT
1. The use of tretinoin has proven to be the most effective treatment to date. Tretinoin in form of Retisol-A, Retin-A, Stieva-A, Rejuva-A, Renova or Vitamin A acid applied to stretch mark in high doses can cause a realignment of the collagen in the skin.
To be effective, tretinoin must be applied in high doses, no less than 0.1% per day for a period of 12 weeks. The area becomes, very irritated dry and itchy. This reaction is important to the success of the treatment and must not be interfered by using moisturizing creams, or mild cortisone creams to ease discomfort.
Stretch marks that have developed recently are more receptive to treatment with tretinoin than stretch marks which have been around for a while.
2. The next best treatment is to resurface the stretch marks with the carbon dioxide laser. This causes a reorganization of the collagen architecture in the skin. Overly aggressive treatment can also result in scaring and irregular pigmentation.
3. In some cases the vascular removal laser may help to improve the look of stretch marks.
4. Another option is the use of injectable collagen. Zyplast collagen can be injected and molded into the depressed and thinned area of the stretch marks. The results are variable and not permanent and the amount of collagen that will be required to fill large areas of stretch marks would be very costly.
5. Linear surgical excision may help to select instances where a fine white scar would be preferable to unsightly stretch marks.
6. Opaque cosmetics, such as cover mark and derma blend may be used to camouflage visible stretch marks if they are particularly troublesome.
All these treatment options need to be discussed by you with a dermatologist before choosing any of the treatment options.
Aging Skin
Growing older does not have to be riddled with physical suffering and emotional alienation. It can usually mean growing better.Scientists unraveling ageing are gaining new insights researching with yeast, fruit flies, mice and monkeys. Among the many theories, the most accepted are :
Error accumulation theory: Biochemical processes in the body break down over time with accumulation of ' free radicals or diminution of growth hormones. Normal repair mechanisms in the cell lose ability to mend all breakdowns, leading to wide - scale tissue damage This results in diseases like cancer and degeneration or ageing. The most notorious are free radical. There molecules are waste product electrons that fail to combine with oxygen on our blood to be safely excreted from the body. Free radicals are highly toxic and cause tremendous damage, including destroying DNA.
How to fight it: If free radicals are destroyed by antioxidants then it's logical that boosting them should arrest cellular degeneration. While studies have shown that a diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetable and legumes contains a battery of beneficial anti-oxidants, there is no evidence whatsoever that mega doses of vitamins slows ageing. " It's one thing to have antioxidants delivered to a cell and another to take a pill and expect it to do the same thing, "says Dr Ambrish Mithal, a top endocrinologist at Delhi's Apollo Hospital." No study has shown that Vitamin E helps diabetics or heart victims -- the answer lies in eating fruits and vegetable. "
Glucose browning: Our bodies normally respond to sugar by releasing insulin which changes the sugar to fat for storage. With age obesity our cells become resistant to insulin. Unconverted glucose molecules are released and combine with blood proteins to wreak havoc. This erratic accumulation of sugar is known as Advanced Glycosylation End ( AGE ), creating complex, unwanted cellular structures in the body.
How to fight it: Since the 1930s, scientists have been aware that a severely restricted diet -- consuming between 30 and 60 per cent less calories than normal -- increases the life span of a variety of species. The theories range from slower metabolism to reduced body fat causing less glycosylation and less oxidation as free- radical production is delayed.
Programmed cell death: Biologists know of ' suicide genes ' which cause degeneration. Massive cell death in embryonic development and that of the immune and nervous systems suggests genetic programming leads to ageing. Scientists have isolated at least there types of suicide genes and the discovery that these are part of our genetic code reveals the biological basis of programmed death. That means there's more to ageing than world of bio - genetic waste.
How to fight it: In the brave new world of bio -genetic engineering, scientists are experimenting with a range of Longevity Assurance Genes that protect against ageing. There, if introduced successfully into an organism, can completely reverse ageing in human skin, brain, blood vessels.
Declining hormones: Sometime in our 40s or early 50s the testes and ovaries stop producing adequate testosterone and estrogen. Menopause has a broad ageing effect on the body ranging from the reproductive, to circulatory muscular - skeletal systems. With age, the hypothalamus in the brain fails to respond to biochemical signals and many glands stop functioning.
How to fight it: While HRT is not new, DHEA, a growth hormone, can stimulate an inactive hypothalamus to start spitting up youthful biochemical's. The incidence of and tumours is reduced and growth hormone levels are restored. However, effects are reversed when treatment stops.
To uncover causes of ageing and antidotes is the next step in the quest for youth. But arriving at our destination will open a whole new set of ethical, demographic, social, economic and other dilemmas that might make us nostalgic about the good old days when humans died by the hand of God or sickness. Who wants to live forever ? Medicine can prolong life, but the quality of those extra years are in our hands.
Skin Foods
Unlike our body ,the skin too requires special nutritional attention to keep looking fresh and healthy . Try to incorporate these foods into your diet pattern for a healthy body and skin.
Clam chowder
Carrot and orange soup
Chilled mint and cucumber soup
Spinach borscht
Pea, mint and lettuce soup
Parsnip and apple soup
Smoked salmon ramekins
Smoked mackerel pate
Chicken liver pate
Guacamole
Tabbouleh
Artichoke and avocado salad
Tomato and tarragon vinaigrette
Brie and porcini tart
Apple, dolcelatte and walnut shrudel
Radicchio and grape salad
Chicken with melon, grapes and asparagus
Pear and walnut salad with watercress
Spinach and watercress roulade
Gado gado
Pasta vongole
Salmon and lemon lasagne
Smoked mackerel and spinach fishcakes
Salmon and asparagus risotto
Salmon and celery ledgeree
Chicken strognoff with tarragon
Somerset steak and cider pie
Minted meatballs with yoghurt sauce
Fruite compate
Mixed fruit with butterscotch sauce
Oranges in caramel
Apple and fig crumble (with oat, topping)
Cinnamon apples and plums
Blackberry and ricotta pancakes
Flapjacks
Tips For a Healthy looking skin
EAT A WELL-BALANCED DIET:
To remain healthy, your skin needs a regular and well-balanced supply of nutrients. You may not need any supplements, provided you look after your skin and you are generally healthy. Try to eat at least five portions of fresh vegetables or fruits every day: this should be quite easy if you have three pieces of fruit as desserts or snacks, plus a salad or vegetable dish with two meals.
Bad skin is not generally caused by any one food, unless it is an allergic reaction, but particular foods can aggravate poor skin.
The myth that chocolate, sweets and other fatty and sugary foods cause spots is not entirely unfounded: an eating pattern high in these foods and low in fresh, vegetables and other constituents of a healthy diet means that your skin is unlikely to be getting all the nutrients it needs. Women who would rather eat a bar of chocolate or a bag of crisps than an orange, for example, may lack vitamin C. This can make your immune system less able to fight infections, including those on the skin-spots. In addition, women often eat more chocolate at times when they are feeling down, whether emotionally, hormonally or physically, which also has a negative effect on the skin. If you already have spots, a diet that is high in sugar or fat may make your system even more susceptible to bacterial infections, which may further aggravate spots and other skin conditions.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER:
In our society, where many of us have central heating and lead active lives, one of the commonest causes of tired-looking skin is dehydration, both on the surface and throughout the body. Aim to re-hydrate your body by drinking two to three litres ( four to five pints) of water a day.
This should ideally be taken as plain or lightly flavoured, unsweetened water and not tea, coffee or other caffeine-containing or sugary drinks.
CUT DOWN ON TEA AND COFFEE
Women who drink a lot of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cola-type drinks are more likely to have tired-looking skin and to suffer from conditions such as greasy skin and spots. This is because these drinks contain caffeine, which prevents your body from making good use of the vitamins and minerals from your food. Try to drink no more than three cups of coffee, tea or other caffeine containing drinks a day.
KEEP YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE LOW
Excessive alcohol intakes may lead to skin problems such as split veins. Try not to drink more than the recommended 21 units a week (a unit is the equivalent of a glass of wine, a standard measure of spirits or half a pint of beer, larger or cider of ordinary strength).
Some women have a skin allergy to some alcoholic drinks, which usually manifests itself as hives. Hives are little itchy red spots that appear under the surface of the skin and make it feel hot and sensitive; they are sometimes known as nettle rash. The most common allergic reaction is to Salicylates, substances that occur naturally in some foods, such as grapes, banana, beans, strawberries and other berry fruits. If you get, a rash after eating some of these foods, beers may affect you in the same way, since they are often high in Salicylates. Instead, choose wine, gin, vodka or whisky.
TRY TO GIVE UP SMOKING
Nicotine does not help you keep a healthy skin. It attacks the blood vessels that feed the skin with nutrients and oxygen, as well as those that drain away the waste products from the skin. Your skin therefore becomes poor at ridding itself of unwanted substances and in severe cases also starts to lack oxygen.
Other substances produced by smoke can age the skin greatly and affect the nail beds and hair follicles, which nestle in the epidermis. If you want to have a youthful, healthy appearance, try to give up smoking.
SPECIFIC NUTRIENTS FOR GOOD SKIN
Vitamins A and C and the mineral zinc are all strongly linked with good skin. They are considered part of a healthy balanced diet, and there is usually no need to take them in supplement form. Both vitamins should be provided from your regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in Vitamin A include carrots, spinach, watercress, broccoli, yellow-fleshed sweet potato and melons such as cantaloupe. Good sources of Vitamin C are peppers, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, kiwi fruit, oranges and grapefruit.
Zinc is excellent for problem skin. It helps reduce the inflammatory processes within the body and aids healing. The body is more efficient at absorbing the zinc from foods such as beans and other pulses, shellfish and fish, wholegrain foods, nuts and dairy foods, rather than from tablets. If you feel your diet does not include some of these foods most days, you may wish to take a daily 15 mg supplement. Do not exceed this dose as high zinc levels make your body more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.
Another nutrient that seems to be perfect "skin food" is biotin, a member of the vitamin B complex (although it is also known as vitamin H). It is mainly synthesized by bacteria in your gut, but is also found in some foods. Women who are on long-term antibiotics, which adversely affect the bacteria within the gut, or who suffer from any sort of gut mal-absorption condition such as Cohn's disease or severe irritable bowel syndrome, could be rather low in biotin. A deficiency of this vitamin causes, dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), loss of hair and, in my experience, brittle nails.
Biotin-rich foods include eggs, peanut butter, wholegrain foods (especially oats) and liver. Note ,that raw eggs bind biotin in the gut and therefore will not help if you are looking to boost your biotin intake.
Warning Although some doctors prescribe Vitamin A based creams for skin complaints such as acne, there is no benefit to be gained from taking additional vitamin A in the form of a supplement . It is potentially dangerous to take a Vitamin A in the form of a supplement without the supervision of your doctor, as it is stored in the liver and an excess can cause severe liver damage. Vitamin A supplements taken while a woman is pregnant may lead to birth defects.
SUPPLEMENT YOUR DIET WITH ACIDOPHILUS AND BIFIDUS
I suggest you eat a small pot of 'live' yogurt containing bifidus and acidophilus bacteria everyday. These will help to rebalance the bacteria in your gut, and will particularly help those of you who take antibiotics to control skin problems. I see many women who have been taking antibiotics for anything from a few weeks to years. In doing so, their bodies suffer from side effects such as thrush and irritable bowels. The antibiotics kill the bacteria that exist within the healthy gut, which under normal circumstances produce anti-inflammatory substances, anti-cancer substances, vitamin K and energy. A good balance of bacteria needs to be re-established in order to protect the skin against inflammation and the body against other problems. The yogurt can be eaten on its own, flavored with chopped or pureed fruit, poured on to fruit or cereal, or swirled into soup or casseroles.
Protecting The Skin From Sun [skin care tips]
Protecting The Skin From Sun
Guideline to Protect your skin from Sun:
You need to understand that excessive sun can be the skin's worst enemy. Therefore it is essential that you adopt following guidelines into your daily routine to protect your skin from the harmful radiation of the sun.
Avoid excessive exposure to the sun between the hours of 10.00 AM to 3.00 PM. When the radiation of the sun is intense.
When you are in the Sun, wear protecting clothes, such as hats, long sleeves and use sunscreen.
Never to use tanning beds as they are increasing source of skin damage and ageing.
Use a sunscreen on exposed areas of your skin everyday. When choosing one, select that protects you from both kinds of UV radiation-UVA & UVB.
Use sunscreen that has Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. An SPF of 15 means that you can stay in the Sun 15 times longer than you normally could before your skin begins to burn.
Apply the sunscreen liberally and half an hour before you go out in the Sun so that the sunscreen is well absorbed into your skin.
You might have to try several before you find one that does not cause any skin reaction.
But above all, you need to remember that the best protection against skin cancer and other damage is to avoid the Sun.
Moisturizing [skin care tips]
Moisturizing
All skin types need some type of moisturizing. Ideally used water based creams or emulsions if your skin breaks out a lot, try a lighter, oil-free moisturizer.The best choice of a moisturizer is that which has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Petrolatum, an ingredient used in many lotions and creams is an excellent moisturizer, because it helps seal in the skin's natural moisture. Because moisturizers contain different ingredients, no particular product is best for everyone. You may have to try several before you find one that is most effective for you. A light moisturizing emulsion is the most suitable type for young skin
Moisturizers work best only if they are applied everyday. Many moisturizing creams contain alpha-hydroxy acid (also present in milk, fruits and sugar) which might help diminish wrinkles.
To sum up begin by practicing these guidelines to keep your skin healthy and prevent it from becoming dry.
Use warm (not hot) water for washing and bathing.
Use mild soaps.
Do not bathe for longer than is necessary to get your skin clean.
Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to prevent water loss from the skin.
In winters, cover your hands and face by wearing gloves and scarf to keep in the moisture and protect against cold.
Toning [skin care tips]
Toning
Always follow the cleansing routine with toning done with a mild skin freshener, rose water or skin tonics. Toning removes the greasiness remaining from cleansing preparations, closes open pores refines the skin giving it a smooth clean texture.
Toning stimulates the blood supply of the skin and give it a fresh look the best toner is in fact cold water, other skin tonics are generally composed of infusions of herbs, flowers, vinegar, rose-water and witch-hazel. Avoid using strong skin tonics or astringents as they might dry the skin. Basically they are suitable for oily-skin type.
Toners improves skin textures
Cleansing [skin care tips]
Cleansing
This is the first step, in caring for your skin depending on your skin type. Throughout the day, sweat, grease, dust, stale make-up, dirt and bacteria tends to collect on your skin and needs to be removed.
Soap and water do tend to remove the impurities but are incapable of removing make up completely, hence proper cleansing is required.
Use water soluble emulsions or gels (with tepid-not hot water) or cleansing wipe pH -balanced soap-free bars.
While cleansing the skin with a cream, lotion or milk, it must be massaged into the skin with a light upward and outward movement, paying particular attention to the grease of the nose, under chin area, neck and ear lobes.
If using a cotton wool for cleansing moist if first or the day cotton wool will absorb the moisture from the skin. You might need to repeat the cleansing process 2-3 times until the cotton wool or tissue is clean.
As we proceed,you will learn about specific cleansing tips according to your individual skin types and also about various cleansing creams and lotions.
(a) Steaming:- Steaming is beneficial for cleansing all types of skin. It helps in cleaning the skin of all surface dirt, stimulates, the circulation and unclogs blocked pores.
To make steaming more beneficial you can add a tablespoon of herbs in the water. Herbs like lavender, thyme and rosemary can be used as stimulants while cleansing.
(b) Massage:- This routine consists of a thorough cleaning. After removing the cleanser completely, the next step that follows is massage. The purpose of the massage is to relax the facial muscles and stimulate blood circulation. The massage should not extend beyond 5-10 min and should be done with clean hands. Take care not to stretch your skin while massaging.
(c) Cold Treatment:- The last step that follows cleansing is application of ice-cold water or masks to draw out the impurities and close the open pores.
This purpose of cleansing varies with various skin types. You will learn about the specific cleansing type and products as we proceed in our beauty section. We will also inform you about easy tips and masks that can be prepared at home without making any extra effort.
Skin Care For Combination Skin [skin care tips]
Skin Care For Combination Skin
Combination skin presents the need for carefully managing both dry and oily skin. Your effort should be towards striking a balance to reduce the oiliness of the greasy parts and lubricating the dry areas.
Individual attention and care is desired for both types of skin. This might sound difficult but once you have chosen the right skin care products, the routine will become quite simple.
Cleaning as a rule comes first. The dry area should be wiped with light re-hydrant gel, using moist cotton wool. Wash the oily area with a medicated soap. Rub a mixture of beauty grains and skin tonic on the area that is prone to blackhead (nose and chin). Wash off. Tone the entire face with skin tonic using a cotton wool pad. Pat the skin dry. This routine should be followed out at least two times a day.
Moisturizing might require, light massaging with a nourishing cream on the dry regions. Choose a skin care product that is not too oily. Wipe off all the cream with a moist cotton wool after 20 min.
You can follow the same routine for moisturizing your complete body. If you observe any spots or eruptions on oily areas, apply an anti-pimple lotion (after consulting a physician on the one suitable for your skin) and leave it on.
Besides you might be able to find skin care products in the market suitable for the both types of skin. A suitable sunscreen will protect the skin from dehydration and environmental pollution.
Use a light liquid moisturizer if you feel dryness on your skin . A skin tonic with rose water base would be suitable for a combination skin. You can even use a medicated mask not more than twice a week to manage a combination skin.
Avoid using strong astringents on your skin, for it might lead to excessive dryness, leaving the skin tight and dehydrated.
Camphor, Sulphur, onion, garlic, curd, yeast, fuller's earth, herbs and vegetable juices are all useful in treating a blemished pimple skin
Skin Care For Dry Skin [skin care tips]
Skin Care For Dry Skin
You were informed earlier about the signs of a dry skin. In this section you will be learning how to take care of your skin. You need to adopt suitable measures, for if you neglect you will be confronted with wrinkles and fine lines.
The first step in your routing should be cleansing. Cleansing should be done with a cream by gently massaging it into the skin with light upward and outward stroke, paying particular attention to the greases of the nose, under the chin, neck and ear lobes.
Always use moist cotton wool to clean your face to prevent absorption of the moisture from the skin.
After a bath, add a tsp of liquid Paraffin in your last bath and pour it down your shoulder. This will help to keep your skin moist all day long and protect the skin against harsh effects of sun.
The second step in your daily routine should be toning, which is an essential follow-up of the cleansing process. Toning removes the last stages of cleanser and dissolves dirt.
It is a advisable to use a skin tonic lotion strong skin tonics or astringents need to be avoided as they are suitable for oily skin. Rose water, is one of the oldest skin freshener that can be used.
The next step is nourishing the skin with a nourishing cream smothered upwarded over the face and downwards from the chin.
The drier your skin, the move lavish you should be with your use of moisturizers either in cream or liquid form. A nourishing cream, with Vitamin E, would work wonders.
The area which needs special care is the area around the eyes, elbows, hands and feets.
Natural ingredients like honey, milk, aloe vera, avocados, younghurt and egg are good for nourishing the skin. camomile oil can be added to nourishing creams to help soften rough, coarse skin.
The main aim is to create a balance between oil and moisture to achieve a healthy skin.
Skin Care For Oily Skin [skin care tips]
Skin Care For Oily Skin
Oily skin requires move cleansing than any other skin. An oily skin tends to pick up dirt and grime from the atmosphere which clogs the pores and produces blackheads.
A proper method of cleansing is the form of preventive care that can be given to an oily skin. There are three steps involved in cleansing
(1) The surface film of oil and dirt must be removed. Wash your skin with a medicated soap using lukewarm water. Special non-alkaline soaps in cream form are available and have been used with success for skins affected by acne.
(2) Free the pores of the accumulated grease so that blackheads are discouraged.
A mixture of beauty grains and skin tonic can be rubbed gently on the skin to clean the skin of dead cells and dislodge hardened oil from the pores. You will need to consult a dermatologist before using any product for your skin types. Besides try the products first on hidden part of the body. A circular motion should be used to rub the grains gently, stimulating the skin to shed dead cells and unclog the pores. If your suffering from any skin disorder, do not, try any product without consulting your physician.
The skin tonic applied after cleansing has a healing action and also helps to tighten the pores and refresh the skin. Rose water would prove to be an excellent skin tonic.
(3) The texture of the skin should improve by following the above mentioned skin care you will be achieve shrinking of pores and improvement in the texture of skin. Through cleansing the problem of acne can be avoided. Deep pore cleansing helps in improving both the texture and colour of the skin, apart from correcting the imbalances.
The last step involved is moisturising to act as barrier between the skin and harmful environmental elements. Hormone creams and lotions, vitamin products, serum ampoules, anti-wrinkle and lotions all come in the category of moisturizing and nourishing creams.
Consult a dermatologist before using any product on your skin especially if you scem to be suffering from any one of skin disorders e.g. acne, cysts and pustules.
Honey is a natural moisturizer best suited for oily skin type.
Skin Care For Normal Skin [skin care tips]
Skin Care For Normal Skin
The first step to skin care is to identify your skin type and then follow the prescribed medication and method to care for it.
If you desire a good skin, you really need to make a concerted effort towards the same. It should become a habit. Besides a healthy diet, composed of cereals, fruits and vegetables along with exercise and adequate sleep is essential for a healthy skin.
Do avoid going out in the sun and if you need to,begin using a sunscreen to protect your skin from getting damaged.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily, to keep your skin hydrated.
As a guideline your skin needs two staples: Cleanser and Moisturizer.
Other products might include-toner, exfoliator and eye cream or gels.
Avoid using more than three or four products daily to protect your skin from breaking out and reacting. Simplify your routine (it should not take more than 10 minutes to do twice a day) and use basic formulas.
The following is the basic skin care which a women can follow
