Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

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Do Anti Aging Creams Really Work?

Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Saji Nase asked:


Anti-Aging creams have been present for a millennia, and they have in recent years been growing more readily in today’s beauty market. While some of these anti-aging creams have been verified to reduce the appearance of aging, no anti-aging cream will be able to completely eradicate these signs. If you are searching for an anti-aging cream, investigate the item first to prevent buying from fabricators of useless creams. It’s another step, but it will be worth it in the long run.

There are hundreds of anti-aging creams on the market today, and finding the right cream for you may be a daunting task. To make things a little easier, we have provided you with three popular anti aging creams available: Rejuvenate Anti-Aging Cream, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream, SPF 15, and Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream. When searching for the anti aging cream thats right for you, make sure to keep your skin tpe and your budget in mind. So make sure to spend the proper time in making your decision.

The Rejuvenate Anti-Aging Cream has been prove to visibly reduce the common signs of aging. The active ingredients are ceramides that plump up cells by adding moisture to the cells; rice peptides also protect the skin from the ravages of the outside environment. The Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream with SPF 15 is recommended by many dermatologists. This cream contains retinol, and it can reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and age-spots; in addition to smoothing and softening the skin, the Neutrogena anti-wrinkle cream contains SPF to prevent sun damage to your skin. The Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream helps to bring the skin back to a more youthful appearance without resorting to the use of lasers, chemical peels, or cosmetic surgery. The active amino-peptide ingredients help to regenerate damaged skin, and will bring a more youthful look to your skin. All of these creams are produced by quality manufacturers, and these anti-aging creams have all been extensively tested.

Take advantage of all this new information and start your search for the perfect anti aging cream. Use the information we have provided to make a smart, educational choice. Make sure to read the ingredients and look for quality active ingredients that have been tested to perform. By using all these techniques, we are confident that you will be satisfied with the anti aging cream you choose.



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Adult Acne | Treating Adult Acne | Anti Aging Moisturizers

Monday, October 26th, 2009
Alien asked:


Softening the skin and relieving wrinkles with anti aging moisturizers is becoming a welcome and effective method of treating acne. To date there is a large and growing number of people, especially adult women, who have benefited from new techniques that not only reduce acne but also improve aging skin.

There is connection between anti aging and acne. In the 1970s two Dermatologists, Dr. Eugene Van Scott, and Dr. Albert Klingman begin investigating vitamin A as an alternative to benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne. Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in most over-the-counter acne remedies. such as Proactiv, Clearasil and others. Dr Klingman eventually developed Retin A, a derivative of vitamin A, and Dr. Van Scott began working with the structurally similar Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). Neither of these researchers attracted much attention until it was noted that women using these substances for acne were experiencing a reduction in skin wrinkling. Retin A and AHAs quickly became most widely used anti aging skin care ingredients worldwide.

Acne and Wrinkling share the same problematic skin condition: excessive undetached dead skin tissue building up on the skins surface. This stiffens the skin. Wrinkles result because a less flexible outer layer of skin creases the underlying growing tissue. The skin thus increasingly grows into deeper and more pronounced lines. Acne results when this dead skin tissue clogs pores and inhibits the normal passage of oils and moisture, causing whiteheads or blackheads and eventually pimples. Both AHAs and Benzoyl peroxide, however, can relieve this condition by exfoliating this dry outermost layer of the skin.

The problem is that benzoyl peroxide, while it is effective in removing oil, dries out the skin thus increasing the amount of dead skin tissue on the surface of the skin. This in turn clogs pores. For most women however, using moisturizers to relieve this dryness is not an option. The oils and waxes used in moisturizers aggravate acne because they compound pore blockage.

Several companies have worked to solve this problem and have developed moisturizers for acne prone skin. Murad and Olay have developed a number of products. At Niora, we have worked to solve this problem by creating moisturizers formulated with specially emulsified jojoba oil. Jojoba oil, while intensely moisturizing, is a fine oil with a far smaller molecular weight than sebum, or skin oil. Jojoba penetrates these heavier skin oils, unclogging pores and dissolving nascent blackheads and whiteheads. Because of Nioras emulsification process, dissolved sebum and excess oils rinse free leaving the skin soft and clean.

These lighter moisturizers can be blended with alpha hydroxy acids, which in turn exfoliate the skin and work to prevent excessive tissues from building, back up in the pores. Typically these types of exfoliating cleansers must be used daily to be effective, but they replace normal moisturizers and cleansers and fit easily into most skin care regimes.

These new skin care products thus offer the best of both worlds: an effective acne treatment that moisturizes the skin and reduces wrinkling. To date thousands of women have successfully used these new products demonstrating that the best acne treatment might well be anti aging skin care.



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Look Younger! Simple Skin Care Tips for your Face

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
Anand R asked:


Everybody wants to look younger, it doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman; and with the wide variety of skin care products on the market today, there is sure to be something to suit your needs. The first thing you need to do is keep your skin clean, wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once more at night. Do not use harsh soaps, choose a mild aloe vera based soap and pat your skin dry, do not rub because rubbing can cause irritation which can lead to other skin problems. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet and do some exercise because exercise not only stimulates the heart but all the other parts of the body as well.

When you are going outdoors you should always protect your face with a sun block because the sun is responsible for such symptoms as wrinkles, blotchy pigmentation, dryness, texture changes and uneven skin color and makes the skin look older. You might also consider wearing sunglasses as they will protect the eyelids from aging and will cause you to squint less, which is what causes crows feet because of exposure to the sun without eye protection.

One of the simplest ways to looking younger that does not require any sort of creams or lotions is to smile, as your face tends to conform to the expression that you carry most of the time. If you are continually scowling you are most likely to develop wrinkles between the eyes, furrows that come from a frowning ****** expression and lines that seem to turn down at the corners of the mouth. You should try and have a smiling, relaxed, pleasant expression on your face so that your face can take on that happy expression so you won’t look so severe and it will definitely make you look younger.

There are many skin care products that are said to make the skin look younger such as Oil of Olay Age Defying Lotion, Retin-A and Alpha hydroxyl acids. Oil of Olay Age Defying Lotion can be bought at your local drug store or supermarkets and is one of the safest products that can be used without any side effects. Retin-A which is a rather popular age defying product is said to be very effective in the improvement of the appearance of the skin, but there are some side effects such as skin irritation and peeling and unlike Oil of Olay it cannot be bought without a medical prescription. Another favorite is Alpha hydroxyl acids, which has proven to have remarkable results in giving the skin a younger look and it does not have any side effects as the prescription products.



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My Choice of Beauty Product and Why I Like Them

Monday, October 19th, 2009
Tarsem Singh Briar asked:


So many beauty products, which to buy? Each of us is different so our suggestions may not work for all but they are a good place to start. We’ve had 20 staff members test each product and then compiled their opinions to give you our 25 best beauty buys.

1. Sue Devitt Pencil Liner is nice and creamy with a velvety texture and is available in 10 shades

2. Mac Eye Shadow has a wide selection of colors. If the color is available from mother nature than Mac has it. Rich texture and blends easily

3. Revlon Eye Shadow is expensive and has a huge selection of shades. The colors are up todate and apply easily

4. Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara is dependable and affordable. Comes with a nice fine brush that grabs every eyelash and the formula is nice and rich and doesn’t flake

5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Filler has a great color selection and applies easily with a brush

6. Stila Convertible Color Blush creates natural looking rosy cheeks. Creamy formula blends well producing a very natural look.

7. Revlon Skinlights Bronzer is inexpensive. It’s rich and smooth texture is easy to apply and it is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E. Available in 6 shades and has a SPF15.

8. Tarte Cheek Stain is an oil free push up blush available in 5 natural tones.

9. Max Factor Erace Concealer is inexpensive with a sheer texture so it can be used around the eyes, but covers well enough to hide those more prominent imperfections.

10. Mac Pressed Powder is ultra translucent and you can be sure no shine will creep through.

11. Mac Lipstick is available in over 200 shades. They won’t bleed and have a good lasting power.

12. Mario Badescu Lip wax is soothing and not waxy. It is enriched with Vitamins C & E and has a SPF15.

13. Lancome Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss can be worn by itself or layered over your lipstick, resulting in luscious glistening lips

14. Cetaphil ****** Cleanser is highly recommended by dermatologists. No perfumes or irritants, powerful mild cleansing.

15. Kinara Lactic Acid ****** Exfloiator is a light hydrating serum that easily absorbs into the skin. Non abrasive exfoliant that cleans deep

16. Olay Regnerist Anti Wrinkle Cream is enhanced with pentapeptides and amino acids that encourage production of collagen for firmer skin.

17. Lancome Heavy Duty Moisturizer is a nonsticky cream that contains glycerin, wild yam extract, sea algae, and soy restore moisture.

18. Dove ****** Cleanser is mild and easily rinses away makeup and oil leaving skin feeling fresh and clean

19. Aveeno ****** Moisturizer is an excellent emoillience but it is scented. Oil-free lotion enriched with skin softening soy extract

20. Murad Acne Kit consists of 4 steps – cleanser with triclosan and salicylic acid to fight bacteria, pore cleaning gel with glycolic and salicylic acids, exfoliating lotion with retinol, and spot treatment with sulphur

21. Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Pimple Healer Spot Treatement is a fast acting blemish fighting gel. Contains Salicylic acid, and glycolic acid as well as herbal incredients such as cinnamon bark and ginger root

22. Lancome Eye Makeup Remover will even remove waterproof mascara. Very gentle so perfect for sensitive skin

23. L’Oreal Home Microdermabrasion is a two part system. Smooth skin with aluminum oxide crystals and moisturize with vitamin E cream

24. Neutrogena T/Gel Dandruff Shampoo is soothing and calms the scalp eliminating flakes and relieving itchy scalp

25. Pantene Pro V Overall Conditioner is inexpensive and hairstylists say it’s great. Frizz fighting rich nourishing formula rich in vitamins is easily absorbed by the hair.

Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to guides on beauty, do please browse for more information at our websites.



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What Causes Dry Skin And What Ingredients In Skin Moisturizers Work

Sunday, October 11th, 2009
Martha Fitzharris asked:


Dry skin is caused by a reduction in the concentrations of the skin’s water-holding sugars and proteins, the proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan molecules, and by damage to the skin’s protective barrier.

Many skin moisturizers and emollient products sold by the major skin care companies delay the healing of irritated and damaged skin and make the situation worse by inhibiting natural skin repair. New computer instruments have demonstrated that many popular moisturizers increase skin damage in methods similar to skin irritants. Nor are skin barrier creams an answer, such as those containing petrolatum and lanolin.

What we need is to protect the skin surface and to heal the skin from within, by putting the skin in a situation in which normal skin repair can occur.

Most if not all the popular moisturizers and emollients currently sold by the major skin care brands contain high concentrations of detergents and detergent-like chemicals, despite many years of sound evidence that such detergents degrade the skin’s natural protective function and damage the skin. Also, many of the dyes and optical diffusers used to give the appearance of healthy skin are damaging to skin.

Dry skin is caused by two factors: (I) One is the damage to the skin’s protective barrier which yields excessive water loss through the skin, and (II) The other is an important reduction in the concentration of the skin’s water-holding sugar and protein molecules, the complex proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).

Lipids and fats in the skin provide the epidermal barrier to transcutaneous water loss. These lipids in the upper skin area called the stratum corneum are arranged in layers called lamellae. The lower skin layers contain more typical fats such as triglycerides and phospholipids while the upper layers have more ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids.

Waxes and oils seal the skin’s surface and prevent excess water loss. Cosmetic moisturizers loosen the skin’s protective barrier and hydrate (wet) the skin proteins but have the long-term effect of damaging the skin.

A skin-care product is only as good as what it contains and how those ingredients can help your skin function better. In fact, moisturizers (or any skin-care product claiming to have an effect on SKIN REPAIR, wrinkles or sagging skin) should absolutely contain an elegant mix of antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients, and intercellular substances as they help skin keep a normal level of hydration, build collagen and prevent cellular damage.

Not the popular dry skin creams that have been in the market since the 1920’s, when the cosmetic industry begun to promote oil/water/detergent creams for moisturizing instead of the vegetable oils that had been used for thousands of years. This was similar to the fallacious campaigns, we may all remember, that aimed to stop women from ****** feeding their babies and promoted their replacement with synthetic infant formulas sold for profit.

So next time you see a list of ingredients, think twice, and prefer products with biological skin care ingredients and not those with a list like this one: Water, Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Petrolatum, Stearic Acid, Ceresin, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Candelilla Wax, Sorbitan Oleate, Triethanolamine, Laureth-23, Carbomer, Trisodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin.

Those are some of the ingredients in Pond’s Dry Skin Cream. Not an exception though, for companies such as Lancome, Mary Kay, Oil of Olay, Clinique, Este Lauder, Glycel and NU Skin, to mention just a few, include mineral oil and chemical thikners, emulsifiers and detergents in their formulations.

Examples of biological skin care ingredients are: rose hip oil; emul oil, squalene and other olive oil derivatives; hyaluronic acid a glycosaminoglycan present in the intercellular matrix of skin where it has a protective, structure stabilizing and shock-absorbing role and plays an important role in tissue hydration, lubrication and cellular function, and is able to hold more water than any other natural substance; and snail secretion, the same those little creatures use to protect and repair the collagen and elastin in their skin when damaged, a substance packed with glycoconjugates that enhance the skin’s ability to produce collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans.

The latter are molecules present in the dermis and with a large water holding capacity -true moisturizing- which provides support and skin strenght, helping skin that is about to be stretched to withstand tension and compresion forces without tearing, and also help to firm the skin and avoid sagging and wrinkles.



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Using Moisturizer on You Face

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009
Megan asked:


No matter how dry or oily or tan or fair or brown your skin is, you need to use moisturizer. Every day the skin on your face is exposed to wind, dust, sun, cold, pollution, bed sheets – all of which are attempting to tear it apart.

Using a moisturizer to protect your skin will comfort it, and a lotion with uv protection in it will protect your skin from the damage of the sun and the general damage of the elements. Try something like Olay UV ****** moisturizer

The best way for women to use moisturizer is to apply it before applying makeup. It can let makeup (especially foundation) glide on more easily, and it locks in moisture before oil reducing makeups **** the healthy moisture out of the skin.

Using moisturizer in the morning is a great way to really protect the skin. While night formulas rejuvenate the skin, they don’t protect the skin from environmental factors that can keep your skin from looking its best. A good moisturizer acts as a protective layer throughout the day.

Some moisturizers (emoillents) actually fill in the tiny fissures in the skin caused by normal skin-flaking, which keeps the skin young-looking and firm.

Moisturizers are especially important to use for people trying to clear up acne (even if this seems counter intuitive). Cleansers are all harsh on the skin, but acne medicines can be especially harsh, which can dry out the skin and cause even more oil and more breakouts. Using the medicines with moisturizer can keep a healthy balance of clean, non-oily skin and healthy, hydrated skin.



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Do You Know The Best Products For Dry Skin?

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
Ken Black asked:


What Exactly is Dry Skin? It’s actually a very common skin problem. Plenty of factors can exacerbate this problem, including drying soaps, age, sun exposure and low humidity. Dry skin is sometimes only a temporary problem which is caused by dry weather. Showering too often, especially in water which is too hot, can cause dry skin.

Dry skin can look dehydrated, shrunken or flaky. It is common for the skin to appear rough. Redness, itching, flakiness or deep cracks are common in a dry skin sufferer. Some of the more severe dry skin cases might require the help of a dermatologist but a lot of dry skin troubles can be treated at home, using adequate skin care and modifying the diet.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Almost everybody experiences dry skin at some point in their life and finding out more about this common complaint can help you to take measures to prevent it. These are some common risk factors:

Age – Oil production often decreases as you become older and your skin changes over the course of your life. Skin products suitable when you were in your teens might be unsuitable if you are now in your thirties for example.

Bathing – If your showers or baths are too hot or too long, your skin can be stripped of its protective oils. These protective oils are necessary for keeping your skin moisturized. If you wash your hands too often, they might become red, chapped and sore.

Dehydration – If your skin is dry, it means it lacks water. If you fail to drink enough water, your skin will look and feel dry. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is essential for optimum health, not just in your skin but your whole body.

Gender – Both genders can suffer from dry skin problems but the menopause makes dry skin worse in women.

Health – Various health issues can affect the ability of the body to care for the skin, which might result in dry skin. Illnesses such as diabetes can mean you are more likely to experience dry skin.

Exposure to Sunlight – The sun can make existing dry skin problems worse or dry out your skin to create problems.

Sometimes, having dry skin can result in other problems which need the help of a medical professional, such as a dermatologist. Eczema is one example of a dry skin condition. An eczema sufferer will have cracked skin, redness and inflammation.

Cellulites is another dry skin condition, where the skin layers are inflamed due to a bacterial infection. It is best to take care of dry skin as soon as you know you have it, rather than allow more serious complications to develop.

How to Prevent Dry Skin:

One way of preventing dry skin is to spend less time in the bath or shower. Bathe or shower once a day and make sure you are in and out within fifteen minutes. This means your body’s natural oils are not stripped. Use gentle cleansers on your skin, preferably ones which contain added moisturizers.

You can buy soaps with added moisturizers, such as Dove, Olay and Neutrogena. If you prefer not to use soap, you can get dry skin cleansers, such as Aveeno or Cetaphil. Antibacterial soaps and deodorants are known for causing dry skin. When you wash, be gentle with your skin and blot yourself with a towel rather than rubbing.

How Do Moisturizers Work?

A moisturizer is like a barrier between your skin and the elements. The moisturizer holds water in your skin tissue, making it feel and look better. Washing removes the skin’s natural oils and moisturizers replace them. Moisturizers need to be applied after cleansing the skin and throughout the day as you need it. If you apply moisturizers to damp skin, this can reduce dry skin problems too.

Sunscreen and moisturizer combinations are not normally as good together as using a separate cream for each purpose. Use a good moisturizer and also use a good sunscreen.

Selecting the best moisturizer for your dry skin is simpler if you understand how various moisturizers work. You can find cheap moisturizers or very expensive ones. Knowing exactly what is best for your skin is vital.

Aloe is an ingredient commonly found in good moisturizers. It is an emollient which has been extracted from aloe vera plant leaves. This helps to remove dead skin and lock in water, keeping the skin moisturized.

Alpha hydroxy acids help with exfoliation. Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E, help to protect cell membranes and fatty tissues. They repair damage caused by sun rays and air pollutants. Dimethicone is a silicon which lubricates and protects the skin.

Emollients are a mixture of water and oil, meaning they are heavier than other moisturizers. Emollients help to lubricate the skin and replace lipids. Glycerin attracts water to the skin and is a natural by-product of soap production. Humectants attract water and work best in humid places.

Vitamin A (retinoic acid) improves sun damage and helps to keep the pores clean. Rosehip seed oil can decrease imperfections including wrinkles and can repair dry skin.

You might have to try a few different products on your skin until you find one you like the look, feel and smell of, and one that suits your particular skin type. Some people do not like greasy creams or runny lotions. Remember that some products are supposed to be used once a day and others require more frequent application.

You should feel the benefit as soon as you apply your moisturizer. If your skin is very dry it might take a bit longer, perhaps up to a couple of weeks, to notice the results.

It is vital to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, for your overall health. Wash your face once a day and steer clear of harsh cleansers. Do not bathe or shower in very hot water and keep the bathing time under fifteen minutes.

If you have dry skin or your skin is drying out more as you age, apply a good moisturizer every day. These simple measures can have a great effect on maximizing the health and appearance of your skin.



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Are Organic Skin Care Products Really Better?

Saturday, August 29th, 2009
Scott Goodman asked:


Lately we have been hearing more and more about the different organic skin care products that are out there and what they have to offer us. Although we like the sounds of these organic skin care products, most of us really have no idea as to what it is that sets them apart and whether we should actually make the switch.

There are organic skin care products of all sorts, from adult face creams to baby skin care products. The term organic basically means that the ingredients are all natural and that there are no harsh chemicals and byproducts used.

Is it Worth the Switch?

So you have heard about organic skin care products but you are probably just not sure as to whether it is actually worth you making the switch or not. Basically it really all depends on your personal preference. There are different opinions on the organic products, as some people think that they are much better for you whereas others feel that there is no difference at all.

If you really want the inside scoop you should speak to a dermatologist, who has been specially trained in the area of skin and who will be able to set apart the truths and the lies for you.

It also really depends on which products you prefer. For instance if you like the Oil of Olay or Loreal skin care lines, you are not going to get the proper choice of organic products, and instead you would generally have to switch to an entirely new line of skin care products.

This can be hard to deal with, especially if you have been relying on the same skin care line for a while now. Once you find something that you enjoy and that you trust in it can be really difficult to make the change to something new.

The Top Choices

If you do want to start using organic skin care products, there are a few lines in particular that you will want to consider. There is the LaVigne line for one, which is reputable and quality and which you can trust in.

Eminence Organics is another very respectable organics-based company that you may want to consider and which offers a wide selection of the organic products for you to choose from.

Give it a try if you want, and then after a few weeks if you are having problems or not noticing the results that you were planning on, you can always go back to your old favorite skin care products.



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Dry Skin Care | Treating Dry Skin | Causes of Dry Skin | Dry Skin Treatment | Xerosis

Monday, August 24th, 2009
Alien asked:


Climate can be one of the worst enemies for a dry skin, especially during the winter season. Effective dry skin care and treatment are way to keeping your skin younger-looking, supple and full of moisture.

The reason of putting yourself to an efficient dry skin care regime is to minimize the incorrect habits of skin treatment and the factors that injure the skin and causes irreversible damage.

Xerosis

xerosis is the word used to describe dry skin by dermatologists. In more severe cases, skin moisture is nearly not present thereby resulting to characteristic scaling, cracking and itching called pruritus.

Lack of skin moisture is the reason for these conditions. The skin needs a relative amount of moisture to maintain smooth or suppleness, flexibility and protection.

The harmful UV rays get into the skin easily and travel all the way down the delicate subcutaneous tissue and subsequently make you skin vulnerable to damage, if the skin is a not sufficiently moisturized.

Causes Of Dry Skin

It is important to identify the many factors, which results to the unwanted condition, in order to avoid the many activities that jeopardize your skin’s health.

Avoid Using Soaps with Harsh Ingredients

Dry skin is dehydrated wit regular soaps such as anti-bacterial and deodorant soaps, which are non-moisturizing and rob your integument with essential oils, which locks moisture from your body.

Using products containing alcohols also dissolves the skin lipids. This result in evaporation of moisturize, which indeed cause the skin’s moisture to evaporate resulting to skin dryness. Water and oil-based products are perfect for your skin. Use Dove, Olay and other soap substitutes available at your local drugstore.

Weather

One of the factors that are responsible for developing dry skin is winter. In most cases, the problem of the effect of the climate can be solved with the use of humidifier. It balances the insufficient humidity needed for the skin moisture preservation.

Washing with Hot Water

Although one of the efficient moisturizing agents is water, it also strips your skin with valuable oils or lipids, which are responsible for retaining moisture from your skin.

Frequent Washing

limit your bathing time within 15 minutes. Frequent washing and bathing, usually more than once a day depletes your body with moisture and natural oils.

Frequent Bathing

The valuable oils will be removed and your skin will get exposed to infections by destroying your body’s first main line of defense with frequent bathing, especially with hot water.

Once this is lost, your dry skin will become more prone to organic attacks by pathogens and sometimes cause permanent damage to your skin. Replace the hot water with lukewarm water to lessen the effect of skin dryness, if you are used to bathing with hot water and cannot resist the temptation.

Patients under medication

Medication removes water from a patient’s body because the kidney will less likely reabsorb the water filtered through it. In this case, frequent intake of water is needed.

Genetic Disease

Dry skin, is developed by the people who are afflicted with a rare genetic disease called ichthyosis. This genetic disease has no cure and the goal of skin care treatment is to secure the symptoms that manifest along the way.

Dry Skin Treatment

One way to maintain that youthful glow is to subscribe to a skin treatment regimen. This skin treatment regimen will help your dry skin restore moisture when it’s needed.

Bacterial and fungal infections are the most common reasons for dry skin, which do not go away until proper prescription drug treatment is administered. But in reasons not tied up above, products available in the market will help you achieve that goal and maintain a skin that is envied by everyone.

* Balanced-diet and exercise cause your skin to produce more oil and maintain a relative amount of oil that keeps moisture in your skin. Drinking plenty of water is also important.

* Effective moisturizers are dependent on your immediate and long-term needs. If you want to relieve itching caused by dry skin, ordinary moisturizers will serve your purpose.

Humectants such as lotions containing glycerin, propylene glycol promotes moisture retention and allantoin and urea are effective for promoting healing and stripping damaged cells on top of the skin.

* Alpha hydroxyacid lotions are best for dry skin. Oil-based are more effective than water based lotions for they “lock-in” the moisture stored in the skin.

Barrier creams are effective for people who are in a habit of washing their hands frequently. For individuals with advanced dry skin condition (pruritus), anti-pruritic agents such as oatmeal and tar-based pine oil are beneficial.



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Tips for a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy

Saturday, August 8th, 2009
Britt Michaelian asked:


Many of my dear friends are pregnant right now and I often find myself answering questions for them, so I thought I’d share my own experiences and knowledge with you. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, this is your lucky day!

First of all, many of us spend years trying NOT to get pregnant, so when we are finally ready to go for it our bodies aren’t always up for the challenge. Don’t expect to get pregnant the first time you try (although many people do). The statistic that I often hear quoted from fertility specialists is that 80% of couples will conceive within the first year of trying. Those are pretty good odds!

While a couple is trying to conceive, it is important for both partners to take an active role in the process. Talk to your gynecologist and tell him or her that you are trying to get pregnant. Start taking a prenatal vitamin and take care of yourself (eat healthy foods, regular exercise, no drugs, moderate if any alcohol etc). If after one year of trying to get pregnant you find yourself in the 20% of couples who don’t, get a referral to a fertility specialist. Both partners should be tested to check fertility and go from there.

If you do find yourself with two lines on the pregnancy stick (or a plus sign, as some indicate), count your blessings! Now, it is time for a reality check. Pregnancy is not always as glorious as we hope it will be. From the get go your ******* are sore, you are in the bathroom constantly, insomnia can be a problem, you want to crawl in bed at every moment during the day and your skin tends to break out due to hormones. On top of all of these lovely symptoms, you might have rapid mood swings and **** your husband. Sound fun? Just wait until the hemorrhoids set in Laughing On the plus side, your hair and nails will grow like never before and gaining a little weight is a good thing!

All kidding aside, some women have wonderful pregnancies and don’t experience any uncomfortable side affects while others are plagued with morning sickness and insomnia throughout. It is hard to know how your body will react, but if you are one of the lucky ones, who feel better than ever during pregnancy, enjoy it!

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

* Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you find out you are pregnant and then schedule and keep regular appointments throughout your pregnancy.

* Take your prenatal vitamins daily and if they do not have Omegas in them, take an Omega supplement as well (I prefer Nordic Naturals as they are tested for metals like mercury).

* If you feel the symptoms of morning sickness (which by the way happens any time during the day, but mostly in the morning) make sure you have crackers near you at all times. Grab a cracker (or four) before you set your feet on the ground in the morning and usually this helps to ward off the queezies. Ginger helps too.

* If your face is breaking out from the increase in hormones, schedule monthly ******* and wash your face both in the morning and evening with a gentle cleanser (organic is always best). If you can’t wash your face, grab some of those handy face towelettes (Oil of Olay makes great ones!) for a quick wipe down anytime.

* Cramping and some spotting are NORMAL during all stages of pregnancy. However, if you are doubled over in pain from cramping or if bleeding is bright red or more than a pad an hour, call the doctor or go to the ER.

* You will take MANY blood tests and possibly have other more invasive tests such as amnio or CVS tests. Listen carefully to instructions and adhere to them. If the doctor tells you to take it easy, follow their orders (unless you don’t care about complications).

* Listen to and trust your instincts with regard to tests, doctors, symptoms, techniques and problems. This will make sense to anyone who has had a baby and probably sound like a foreign language to anyone who hasn’t, but just trust your gut when it comes to your pregnancy!

* Take care of yourself, have a pregnancy massage once a month if possible. Allow yourself to take naps and eat a piece of chocolate cake if you want to (every once in a while, not all day). Relax and try to enjoy the miracle of life happening inside of your body. **Many women experience depression during and after pregnancy. If you feel sad, confused, angry or otherwise depressed, you are not alone. Seek the care of a good therapist or support group and get help. Partners need to look out for symptoms in pregnant women as well.**

* If you and your partner are having issues (and many times pregnancy will bring them up) find a therapist that both of you feel comfortable with and make a commitment to strengthening your relationship BEFORE baby arrives. You have to be on the same team when you have a baby and the sooner you commit to this, the easier and more enjoyable your experience will be.

For all of you lovely people who are about to become parents or who would like to be parents someday soon, I congratulate you and wish you the best! Read lots of baby books, take baby classes and have fun with the ride. Remember to take good care of yourself and each other along this journey. Being a unified team provides a healthier and happier environment for you and for your family. Just as a map can help you find your way when you are lost, a good therapist can do the same when you hit the rough patches.

Life is worth living and happiness is worth seeking. Building your family on a solid foundation of happiness starts with you and the choices you make now. Acknowledge this responsibility and embrace it. It is a gift that only you can give to yourself and your family. I wish you much patience and humor in this process, as you will need it!



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