Skin Care (33)
We all want beautiful, healthy and glowing skin. Unfortunately some people end up with all sorts of skin problems whether it's acne, scars, stretch marks, eczema, cold sores or cysts. Sometimes these skin problems can be simply cosmetic and other times it can because of an underlying illness. So make sure you learn everything that you can about skin care and if you are unsure you should talk to a dermatologist.
Acne Treatment For People With Black Skin
Written by AprilAcne is a skin condition which affects many people from all around the world. It’s not just white people who can get acne; people with black skin can suffer from it just as much. Luckily there are treatments available to African Americans with acne. If you aren’t sure what to do, you should ideally talk to a dermatologist. Many people are under the illusion that black skin don’t have as many problems with their skin compared to those with light skin. It’s believed that dark skin doesn’t suffer as much from the sun. The problem is, however, that those with dark skin actually have more melanin which in turn makes the skin more sensitive and prone to injury. As a result, scarring is more likely to occur due to acne.
The good news, is that people in the industry now recognize that black skin requires a different skin care regime. A lot of the products on the market for acne are OK for those with light skin but aren’t so suitable for black skin. Luckily you can now find products on the market which have been created for people of different ethnicity. They have been developed to be much gentler and less harsh on the skin.
All too often, darker skinned people end up with dark marks and scarring around the spots. You will find that the reason for this is because of the fact that more melanin is produced. It’s the melanin that gives the skin a dark color. The body produces melanin in order to protect itself from infections. This is called hypopigmentation. Unfortunately, the melanin doesn’t go away after the acne has gone. This results in scarring which can fade but it can take quite a long time to do so.
There are now products that reduce the risk of hypopigmentation and the treatments come in the form of chemical peels which are of a lower-strength. There are also lasers that use longer pulses can be used too. However it’s best to stay away from collagen injections as raised scarring called keloids can occur.
So if you have dark skin and also have acne, be very careful about what products you use. Make sure that they have been developed with your skin type in mind so as to avoid any unnecessary problems. A good dermatologist will also be able to give you more specific advice.
There are not too many people who appreciate wrinkles. Wrinkles are a sign of aging, they make us feel old, so it comes naturally that we wish to delay or get rid of them in any way we can. Options include micro-injections with Botox, skin resurfacing procedures, face lifts or anti aging creams which can help the skin relax, thus stretching those fine wrinkles around the eyes and the mouth.
How Do Anti-Wrinkle Creams Work
The power of rejuvenating face creams is usually in their active ingredient. Billions of dollars are invested in research each year, in order to discover new substances that could help us preserve the young look of our skin for as long as possible. Here are a few of the most known active ingredients in facial cosmetic products:
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is an oil-soluble substance produced by our body, which pays a role in generating the body energy. It also plays the role of an anti-oxidant, by neutralizing free radicals which are responsible for accelerating the aging process and the deterioration of living cells. By adding CoQ10 in face creams, such products would stimulate the collagen production and the regeneration of skin cells. There are not so many clinical studies to support this statement. Actually, there was only one study done in 1999, which demonstrated the long term effect of CoQ10 in reducing crows feet. Still, Coenzyme Q10-based cosmetics are very popular. There’s no wonder, as they are heavily supported by advertising.
Retinol
Retinol is another anti-oxidant that’s largely used in manufacturing anti-wrinkle creams. It has the property of stimulating cell growth, so it has a repairing effect upon the damaged skin. In its active form, which is retinoic acid, retinol is available only in creams and facial treatments that are prescribed by doctors for severe skin conditions. Over the counter creams contain only a small amount of retinol. Tea Extracts Green tea is one of the hottest trends in healthy living. Not only all nutritionists would advise people to drink green tea every day, but green tea extracts have become a common ingredient in shower gels, shampoos, body lotions or wrinkle creams. Like oolong tea, green tea has been proven to have anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thus being a good skin photo aging protection screen. Green tea extracts also help moisturizing the skin and making it softer.
Hyaluronic Acid
This is a natural substance which helps cells retain moisture. It is produced by the body, but as we get older, this production decreases, thus the skin becomes dehydrated and wrinkled. Adding hyaluronic acid in face creams has been proven to help softening the skin, boosting its elasticity and making it look younger.
Most wrinkle cream brands include also UV protection. This is good for the skin, because sun is our biggest enemy when it comes to wrinkles and premature skin aging. It’s obvious that people who spend very much time outside, in the sun, without protection, are prone to looking older than their real age. This is why it's important to use a sun screen each time we are going to spend a longer time outdoors, either laying on the beach or when practicing sports.
Depending on their texture and on their ingredients, wrinkle creams can be for day or for night. Day creams are softer, lighter, they get faster absorption in the deep skin tissues and offer a better UV protection factor than night creams which are rather greasy, oily and tend to stay longer at the skin surface. That could be good for repairing damaged cells, but it surely doesn’t offer a pleasant look to the user. Such wrinkle creams are supposed to be put on just before going to sleep.
Goats Milk Soap
Written by AprilAccording to history, Cleopatra is thought to have been the one to start using goats’ milk because of the benefits it gives to the skin. She is well-known to have bathed in goats’ milk on a regular basis.
You might think that she was simply eccentric however there are some scientific facts to support the use of goats’ milk as a beauty product. First of all, there is a special type of protein in the milk that can be absorbed by our skin. If you suffer from certain skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema and psoriasis you will be pleased to know that the milk can normalize our pH balance. In addition to this it can moisturize the skin and also contains a multitude of vitamins such as A, E, B6 and B12. So don’t assume that goats’ milk in beauty products is simply a fad that will go away soon.
If you have been using regular soap, you might find that it contains surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphatem) which are added so that absorption through the skin increases. They are also used to get rid of oils from your skin. The downside to this is that it can severely dry out the skin which augments the aging process. If you are using soaps with goats’ milk in it then it’s more than likely not going to contain any “nasty” ingredients like this.
Another issue to think about is acne, there are so many people who suffer from acne and it can be really embarrassing. Desperate people who don’t know what else to do will often turn to anti-acne products that are filled with really harsh ingredients. Often they cause inflammation and only serve to make the acne even worse! This is because they are really good at killing the bacteria that causes acne, but in turn irritates the skin causing it to go fiery red and swollen. You don’t have to worry about this happening with goats’ milk soap however because it’s so gentle.
Strange as it may sound, the goat’s milk can also work as an exfoliant to get rid of the dead skin cells that frequently clog up the pores, in turn causing pimples to appear. The alpha-hydroxy acid which is naturally present will take away the dead skin cells reducing the chance of acne appearing whilst also giving you a healthy glow.
So if you are looking at your daily beauty regime and want to change the soap you use, try some goat’s milk soap. There are plenty of places you can buy it now, including the internet. Some popular brands include Sassy, Zum and Canus. Alternatively you might want to look at the possibilities of making your own. That way you know exactly what ingredients have gone into it.
If you have severe acne you should always consult a dermatologist who will prescribe the best treatment but for those with mild or moderate acne you might want to try some natural acne remedies. There is a lot you can do at home to improve the condition of your skin and to help you to become acne free. The following are some helpful tips for looking after your skin and although your acne will not magically disappear overnight, with time they can have a big effect on the condition of your skin.
Looking After Your Skin Properly
- Do not over wash or scrub your face as this can make the acne worse by spreading around the acne causing bacteria and stimulating sebum production. Once or twice a day with a mild soap is sufficient. It would be best to use clean hands for this but if you do use a washcloth boil it every day to kill any bacteria.
- Take care to eat a healthy diet with adequate vitamins and nutrients. A multi vitamin taken daily is a good idea to ensure you are getting enough.
- Use a honey mask weekly. Honey is gentle on the skin and is a powerful bactericide.
- Preferably go without makeup but if you can't use a water based foundation that will not clog up the pores.
- Foods rich in vitamin A should be included in your diet as this vitamin is essential to ensure the health of your skin. It is an antioxidant and helps to control overproduction of sebum.
- Chromium in the form of a supplement can be helpful in preventing breakouts and will help pimples to heal.
- Drink plenty of plain water daily. The recommended amount is eight glasses.
- Refrain from picking or squeezing pimples as this will only break the delicate membrane holding in the bacteria which will then spread out, under the skin, to cause problems elsewhere.
- Try to keep your hair off your face and keep it clean so that it does not transfer grease and dirt to your skin.
Tea Tree Oil for the Treatment of Acne
Many people have had success using tea tree oil to treat mild to moderate acne. This oil is a product derived from the plant Melaleuca alternifolia and has been used for many years as an anti-microbial agent. It is found in a wide range of products including shampoos, cosmetics and skin lotions. It can be used to treat acne as it is effective in killing the bacteria that cause the problem. Unlike benzoyl peroxide it does not have side effects if used properly and is particularly helpful for anyone with more sensitive skin who finds they react badly to other, harsher treatments. It has been found to be affective in a number of studies where it was proved to reduce inflamed lesions significantly over the course of a few weeks.
To use tea tree oil it should be diluted with pure water in the ratio of 5 parts tea tree oil to 95 parts water. You can also buy tea tree oil preparations for acne that are the correct concentration. Although tea tree oil is safe to use no studies have been done to test its affect on pregnant or nursing mothers so it's best not to use it in these circumstances.
Deep Steam Cleaning
A very effective treatment that can supplement the use of tea tree oil or other preparations is to deep clean your face weekly. You can use one of the herbs listed below to make a pleasant steam bath. Boil some water, place in a bowl and add a small amount of your favorite herb. Allow the steam to clean the pores on your face by putting a towel over your head and bending over the bowl.
Some herbs that are particularly good for this are Aloe (anti-inflammatory and healing), Rosemary (stimulates the circulation and tones the skin), Witch Hazel (an antiseptic) and Sage (also anti inflammatory and healing).
Conclusion
Although none of these natural remedies for acne will clear up your acne overnight they should have a significant effect if you persevere with them for a few weeks. If your acne is severe or you do not see any improvement consult a dermatologist for further treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide products for acne are very effective and used by many people who use them successfully to become acne free. Benzoyl peroxide is the main active ingredient in products such as Clearasil, ProActive and the Acne Free range of products. The side effects from using benzoyl peroxide products are usually mild and most people with mild to moderate acne find them to be very useful in treating their acne. How does benzoyl peroxide work and how should it be used to be the most effective? We'll try to answer your questions here.
How do Benzoyl Peroxide Products Work?
Acne is caused by the bacteria Propionibacteria acnes which needs an oxygen free atmosphere to grow. This bacteria thrives in the pores of the skin which become clogged by dust, dirt, dead skin cells which happens when the hormones that increase during puberty produce too much sebum. The sebum attracts the dust and dirt resulting in clogging of the pores and encourages the growth of the acne causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide releases oxygen into the skin's pores and prevents the bacteria from growing. However, once the acne is under control the underlying causes, the excess of sebum clogging the pores, will still be present so treatment should continue or new breakouts and flareups will occur. In addition it is best to use benzoyl peroxide all over the skin, not just in the affected spots, to prevent outbreaks occurring on previously clear skin.
Benzoyl peroxide products are available in a range of different strengths and preparations. We recommend that you start with a 2.5% gel which is very effective and will give you the minimum of side effects. Only if this does not work sufficiently well should you increase the concentration to 10%. Gently wash your face once or twice a day, no more, and then apply the gel all over the areas that are affected, not just the spots, to make sure you prevent the clear skin from breaking out. For those who have acne on the body you can purchase a benzoyl peroxide body wash.
Are There any Side Effects?
Benzoyl peroxide products have been known to cause some side effects but these are generally mild, especially if you start with a low concentration and only increase it when your skin has become accustomed. Some people have experienced redness, irritation and burning sensations as well as some flaking of the skin. These symptoms are generally very mild and will subside in a few days but if you find they are more severe stop using the preparation and talk to a dermatologist who may be able to offer you alternatives.
You should also take care when using a benzoyl peroxide product as the active ingredient is a bleach and can damage your clothes and even your hair! When using a body wash containing benzoyl peroxide you should make sure you are thoroughly dry before putting on your clothes or laying down to sleep or you could bleach your clothes or the bedclothes!
Are Benzoyl Peroxide Products Safe to Use Long Term?
If you have more than the occasional acne breakout you may be using a benzoyl peroxide product for a very long time? Are they safe to use this way? It is known that these products produce free radicals in the skin which have been associated with skin cancer but studies have shown that this is not the case and that long term use is safe. However there have not been any studies to date on the effect of benzoyl peroxide on unborn or nursing babies. Although no one has shown that using these products when you are pregnant or nursing is harmful to your baby it has not been shown to be safe so it is best to avoid their use in these circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion then we can say that benzoyl peroxide products are safe, effective treatments for mild to moderate acne and are freely available to buy. If you use them sensibly and start with a lower concentration product you should not have more than temporary side effects and you should see a big improvement in your acne and achieve a clear skin in a reasonably short time.
