Tips for Keeping Senior Skin Healthy and Radiant

Our bodies change as we age, and skin is no exception. Skin can become rough, itchy, and dry, leading to discomfort. Most people lose the elastic tissue in their skin, which can cause it to hang loosely. Perhaps most importantly, senior skin is very fragile – it is more easily bruised, more prone to sun damage, and it tears easily.

People may encounter any of the following experiences as they age:

  • Dermatitis, or dry and itchy skin
  • Skin infections, which can cause rashes, swelling, and abnormal warmth
  • Senile purpura, or purple discoloration due to thin skin and blood vessel proximity to the surface
  • Skin growths, which are caused by sun and the ageing process

It is imperative to change skincare strategies and routines as we age. Whether to help prevent and catch skin cancer or to simply mitigate fine lines and wrinkles, there are a few skincare tricks all seniors should know.

First, seniors should choose skincare products without artificial ingredients and fragrance. These chemicals can damage the skin and cause irritation. The more natural the product, the less irritation it will cause. Look for products with coconut oil, tea tree oil, rose water, and apple cider vinegar.

Next, seniors should be aware of their showering and bathing habits. Excessive bathing can cause skin irritation. Hot water and steam can severely dehydrate skin, which can lead to increased strain and damage. When you do wash, try to avoid using very hot water whenever possible. If you have very sensitive skin, use a soft cloth to wash your body.

Seniors should also incorporate moisturizers into their daily skincare routine. Skin hydration is key to preventing age-related damage. Wearing moisturizer on the most delicate skin areas, like the face, can improve longevity and overall appearance. Using natural moisturizers, like those with coconut oil, can also help reduce or treat dermatitis. If you have excessively dry skin, consider buying a humidifier for your home. Keeping indoor humidity between 45 and 60 percent can help maintain skin health.

Seniors should also wear sunscreen every day. Senior skin is more susceptible to sun damage. Because the skin is thin and fragile, damage can occur with even slight exposure. Luckily, many moisturizers now incorporate sun protection into their formulas. Look for broad spectrum and mineral sunscreen, which includes zinc, when setting out to make a purchase. If you spend a lot of time outside, try to stay in the shade, and wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun.

Finally, seniors should see a dermatologist regularly for skin cancer exams. An annual skin cancer screening is typically enough to track the emergence of new growths.

But what happens if you have an unfamiliar skincare experience, like a new mole or a severe sunburn? It can be difficult to know the difference between what is an emergency and what might require a simple visit to the doctor’s office. It’s always best to consult a physician, just in case, and these days there are so many telehealth options that you can likely get an answer quickly right from home.

Acne Tips and Treatments

Do you know anything about inflammatory acne treatments? Acne is a challenging problem for countless people. The reason or cause for this skin problem is related with several factors, like polluted environment, excess sebum production in skin cells, unhealthy food intake, and some other regular human activities. Depending on the infection range on the human’s skin, acne is classified into two different types, such as non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne. Out of these two categories, inflammatory acne is often more severe than the non-inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne often affects deeper skin and causes a break in the follicular walls. This can cause the skin-tone to change from smooth to dry and bumpy. That said, you can avoid all of these problems related to the inflammatory acne simply by following an inflammatory acne treatment.

The best type of treatment for inflammatory acne is to wash your face with mild face wash cream or soaps. Try to wash your face two or three times per day by using mild soap and warm water. After that, clean your face with a fresh towel, which will protect your skin from the infection of harmful factors. Then, apply an astringent-based medication. Just apply the astringent in your skin by using a cotton pad, which will be very helpful to close up the pores in your face. Try to avoid direct sunlight after application. Use acne medications with benzyl peroxide, which kills the bacteria directly so that you no need to search any other complicated inflammatory acne treatments

If you have a single pimple, you may want to consider a spot treatment.  These treatments are often stronger than face washes, but they can have a more immediate effect on the blemish. Look for spot treatments with high concentrations of salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate the skin. Apply a spot treatment at the first sign of a whitehead or blackhead.

Hormones and Adult Acne

Are you experiencing problems with hormones and adult acne? Hormones and adult acne can be an annoyance but there are things you can do to alleviate the situation. 
 
Acne is a hormonal problem. Hormones and adult acne have to do with the maturation of our oil glands. Hormones and adult acne make sense in that way which is why children don’t usually have acne. 
 
Hormones and adult acne occur at different times as we mature and there are things that can make the acne even worse. Often, we experience hormones and adult acne working against us because of puberty or the use of certain birth control pills. Other things that can set off cases of hormones and adult acne are pregnancy or menopause. 
 
Hormones and adult acne problems are not limited to women. Males can also be affected by hormones and adult acne. This is because acne can be caused by the androgens that are male hormones everyone has. 
 
Hormones and adult acne act up together when the oil surplus created by the androgens clog up our hair follicles. This is where the bacteria grow, and we then see acne flourish. 
 
You can work through hormones and adult acne by keeping your skin clean and watching what you eat. Sometimes hormones and adult acne are even worse when we eat things high in fat and sugar. Putting a limit on caffeine may also help deal with the problems caused by hormones and adult acne. 
 
There are many products on the market that may assist you when you are trying to cope with hormones and adult acne. You could also talk to your doctor or dermatologist if hormones and adult acne are problematic for you. 

Facial Acne Treatment 
 
If you suffer from shoulder and back acne, a treatment may help. Acuzine is a non-prescription acne treatment. 
 
Acne is caused from imbalances and impurities within the body, and that’s why we treat the problem an internal cleansing treatment that goes right to the source and fights acne before it even begins. Acuzine provides antioxidants that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. It also fights inflammation, to reduce redness. And it works to heal damaged skin, naturally! 

Natural Acne Remedies

Many people find hard to see their face in mirror because of their Acne problems. This is the most common skin condition and is most often seen in adolescents. The problem is caused by dead cells and oil in the skin pores building up. Acne is often ugly and can reduce the confidence level of the person, sometimes to the extent where it leads to many psychological problems. Whenever possible, acne should be treated in the beginning stage.  

Acne has several variations, so people should decide on a treatment based on the type of acne they have. This skin problem majorly occurs in face, back, and buttocks. Several allopathic and herbal treatments are available for this skin condition, so people should select the best one that suits their skin. Small reddish bumps are its symptoms and this skin condition may get worse with oily makeups, stress, menstrual cycle, greasy hair and pimple squeezing. 

If you want to try treating acne with natural remedies, consider any of the following ingredients. 

  • Apple cider vinegar, which can fight bacteria 
  • Zinc supplements, which can improve cell growth and hormone production 
  • Honey and cinnamon, which are good sources of antioxidants 
  • Tea tree oil, which can fight bacteria and reduce inflammation 
  • Green tea, which is high in antioxidants 
  • Witch hazel, which is a strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory 
  • Aloe vera, which can sooth rashes  
  • Fish oil, which can smooth skin 

What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal might not be something you look forward to, but it can seriously improve the texture and tone of your skin in just a session. It’s not relaxing, and it can even be painful, but if you’re looking for a way to reduce the appearance of body hair, this is the best, most long-term solution available. Laser hair removal is available on most parts of the human body, including the face, arms, underarms, legs, and others. The technique is simple enough. Strong light via lasers enters the hair follicles, destroying both the pigment and the hair completely.  

If you’re considering laser hair removal, here’s what to do before your appointment. 

  • Shave around 24 hours before the appointment, especially if you’re getting body hair removed. This makes the laser appointment less painful.  
  • Don’t tweeze or wax between or before sessions. The laser targets the pigments inside the hair follicle, so if the hair is gone, the laser won’t be as effective.  
  • Do not wear any makeup to the session, especially if you’re getting laser hair removal on our face. The laser can burn makeup, resulting in pain and temporary pigmentation that can become permanent.  
  • Go to a certified dermatologist. Don’t just walk into a salon expecting them to have a great laser hair removal service. Do your research before deciding on a provider.  
  • Take ibuprofen a few hours before the appointment. The laser feels like a hot, sharp zap, almost like small rubber bands hitting the skin. The more sensitive the skin and area, the more pain you will feel. Do what you can to minimize pain. 
  • Expect to be a little swollen afterwards. This is natural and should go away in about a day.  

Body Skincare Tips

The skin on your body might not get acne as much as your face, but it still requires a general level of care and maintenace in order to stay fresh, clean, and clear of marks. Surprisingly, perfume is among the things that can impact the skin’s appearance.  

Perfume is one of the most desirable cosmetic products in all regions. It’s mesmerizing and fragrant aromas draw people in and make you smell good. However, these products are made with the use of ingredients that can impact your skin’s appearance, like plant sources, animal sources, synthetic sources, and some other natural sources with mixed elements. The variety of plant sources that are used to prepare the Perfume include flowers and blossoms, fruits, bark, resins, roots, bulbs woods, leaves, seeds, and more. While these are sometimes natural, they are more often synthetic fragrances, which can cause acne breakouts. 

 Moreover, the “fragrance” ingredient, sometimes written as “parfum,” can wreak havoc on your skin and hormone production. According to several studies, 75 percent or products that list fragrance as an ingredient contain the hormone disrupting chemical phthalates. This chemical is used to make fragrances last longer, but it has been linked to several severe health conditions. This includes reduced sperm count in men, liver and breast cancers, reproductive malformation, and diabetes.  

This toxic ingredient can wreak havoc on your skin and cause additional, more serious health concerns. If you are interested in purchasing a perfume that makes you smell good but does not disrupt your body skin or general health, consider purchasing a product that contains essential oils. This natural fragrance has none of the harmful effects of synthetic fragrance.  

Tips on Keeping Your Skin Young

Proper Skin Care is required to have youthful face for as many years as possible. The skin structure and quality are associated with genetics, but you can control your skin’s beauty by following good nutrition, sun protection and injury protection. The ultimate aim of various Skin Care products is to ensure quality skin, and you can utilize the reliable skin products to improve the skin’s glossiness.  

To keep skin looking young, you need to concentrate on exfoliation of epidermis and in-depth care. Daily skin maintenance is also required for a healthy appearance, and you can take periodic skin treatments to enhance the aesthetic value. Skin constantly grows and changes, so you should take healthy balanced diet to have fresh look. Always avoid direct sunlight over skin and drink plenty of water as much as possible. You may get wrinkles if the skin lacks water, and remember to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Another thing that occurs as skin ages is that acne scars can become more pronounced. There are many types of acne scars, but shallow, boxcar form and ice pick are among the most common. By and large, people worry about any type of acne scar, since it can reduce their skin’s beauty and also their confidence level. Luckily, there are a few ways to remove or diminish the appearance of acne scars.  

When it comes to reducing acne scars as you age, there are two things to combat: the scar’s depth and its color. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels – or anything that exfoliates the skin – can address both types of imperfections. Sometimes, several treatments are necessary to get the desired appearance. That said, just because you have an acne scar doesn’t mean it’s permanent. Talk to your dermatologist about how you can reduce the appearance of your scars.   

Specific Acne Therapies and Treatments

Sometimes, specific acne and skin types call for more refined acne therapies. While these aren’t especially common, they might help reduce or clear your breakouts.  

IPL Acne Therapy is a successful innovative light-involved therapeutic treatment which is currently modernizing acne treatment. The IPL Acne Therapy demolishes the bacteria that cause acne. There is no pain, no downtime, and no drugs needed alongside this treatment. The IPL system was recognized by the FDA. You’ll need to make an appointment with the dermatologist for treatment. Deep, inflammatory acne is cleared with a UV light procedure. A continuous 8 treatments within one month restores the crystal clear, smooth, shiny and acne-free skin. Every treatment requires just 10 minutes.  

Another more specific acne treatment is hyperkeratinization, which is a method that modifies the hormones that dictate sebum production. Using lights, especially red and green, the wavelengths can piece the follicles and destroy P. Acnes bacteria through generating the porphyrin creation. The Green light effects on the molecules of the porphyrin. The red light generates the anti-inflammatory solutions. 

Finally, the Hippocrates Acne Treatment is a great solution for different types of irritating acne problems. This treatment includes the number of active ingredients. This treatment typically includes 12% pure AHA’s, Rosehip seed oil, and 3% pure BHA’s. Out of these ingredients, AHA’s is used to augment the cell renewal process, BHA’s will retexturize the skin, and Rosehip seed oil will reduce the skin pores. These ingredients are used to initiate the mechanism of skin cell repair process. Comparable to this active elements, Hippocrates Acne Treatment also includes ingredients like essential oil, Tea tree, Lavender, Sage, kojic Acid, and extracts of chamomile. These address different types of skin cleansing techniques, like sebum regulation, pore minimization, reduction of inflammation, and improved circulation. 

Affluent Classes More Vulnerable to Skin Cancer

If you are wealthy, this piece is for you. A recent study has revealed that wealthier people are more than twice vulnerable to the deadliest form of skin cancer, than those financially lesser lucky.

The study conducted by Queen’s University Belfast and Royal Victoria Hospital on 23,000 cancer patients in Northern Ireland revealed that those lucky in terms of finances are unlucky when it comes to health. Those who live in affluent areas are two- and-a-half times more likely to develop malignant melanoma compared to the less well offs.

The study places middle classes in the greater risk category next to the higher classes. Rate of the risk of basal cell carcinoma, a more common but easily treatable type of skin cancer, caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, was 41 per cent higher in middle-class males and 29% more likely in middle-class females than in working-class people of a similar age. The researchers put the blame on the middle classes taking more holidays in sunny places and being more likely to develop sun-damaged skin due to excessive exposure to the sun.

The disease is more common in women than men. Malignant melanoma affects more than 8,000 Britons a year and annually claims 1,800 lives.

Research now shows a clear link between wealth and the cancer. However, no link was developed between income and squamous cell carcinoma, another form of skin cancer, which became more common with age.

Dr Hoe, co-author of the study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, believes that although some sections of society face greater risks than others, yet, the ’safe sun’ message to halt rising skin cancer rates is for all and not just for one community.

Researchers also lament the rising number of cancer patients every year and put the blame on youngsters who ignore advice on safe tanning.

Whereas, Rebecca Russell of Cancer Research UK, clarifies that the study clearly answers the number of rising cancer patients in Britain for their habit of holidaying abroad under the sun.

Earlier studies have linked wealth to breast cancer, which is more likely to attack middle class women.

However, as the study propagates safe sun measures, people at large whether rich or less rich should pay heed and try to lessen their exposure to the sun. Most careful must be the most vulnerable section.

Sun Exposure in Childhood May Lead to Skin Cancer Later in Life

All of us are aware of deadly skin cancer. But a new study has urged parents to shade their kids from harmful UV rays. The warning comes as a result of a study that has found strong evidence that overall sun exposure in childhood results in deadly skin cancer.

The news comes as the Food and Drug Administration department is finishing long-awaited rules to improve sunscreens. The department wants sunscreens to be rated for the protection they give against deeper-penetrating ultraviolet-A rays that are linked to cancer and wrinkles.

The department has warned parents to be aware of the weather forecast for the day’s UV index in their town, to learn when to stay indoors or in the shade. In doing this, parents can better shield their children against harmful UV rays of the sun.

Dr. Nancy Thomas, a dermatologist at the University of North Carolina who led the UV research, says that sunscreen is imperfect and skin cancer is on the rise, therefore one should schedule activities outside when UV irradiation is not quite so high because.

Melanoma, the most fatal skin cancer, has already affected almost 60,000 Americans this year, and killed some 8,100. Earlier studies found that it usually strikes in the 40s or 50s, but cases are on the rise among the younger people.

The study is being conducted on Americans and Australians. Scientists are working to find the interaction of genes and UV exposure in skin cancer patients. With the initial results suggesting that overall sun exposure in childhood results in deadly skin cancer. Therefore, staying in the shade in early life. Though, the reason behind isn’t that clear yet, but scientists feel that young skin is more vulnerable to damaging UV rays, especially as moles are developing.

In adults over 50, another melanoma subtype, characterized by alteration in a gene called NRAS, is strongly linked to UV exposure. Scientists say that sunscreens have proved effective for mostly UVB rays that cause sunburns, not UVA rays, therefore adults who depend only on sunscreen to prevent skin cancer are under a false sense of security.

Until now, sunscreens made their way into the markets very easily, but now as per the soon-to-come FDA proposal, the sunscreens would be rate as per their SPF, or sun protection factor. That means sunscreens and lotions having both UVA and UVB protection would be allowed access to markets.

But the best way is to protect sun as much as possible, be it during childhood or adulthood. Sun rays are harmful for both classes.

Low Glycemic Foods Can Help Acne-Ridden Skin

Acne is the word every teen hates but faces at one point or another during their growing years. There are as many numbers of creams and lotions available as the number of teens with acne! But new research suggests that a diet with foods containing low glycemic loads could help people suffering from acne to get rid of their acne.

Scientists from the RMIT university in Melbourne studied the effect of food on about forty-three patients aged between 15 and 25 years. They were randomly assigned a normal diet and a low glycemic load diet for 12 weeks. The diet consisted of 25 percent energy from protein and 45 percent from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates.

It was found that people whose diet consisted of low-glycemic-index carbohydrates had a significant reduction in the total acne when compared to people on a normal diet. What is Glycemic index?

The Glycemic Index (GI) relates to the way your body’s sugar levels respond to certain foods. Foods are given a rating from 0 -100 on the glycemic index with glucose in the highest position. High Glycemic Index foods (such as simple carbohydrates) will increase the body’s sugar levels rapidly whereas low glycemic index foods will increase the body’s sugar levels slowly according to HWF.

The new findings suggest that diets that contain low glycemic loads may not only improve insulin sensitivity and helps reduce weight but clears up acne as well.

So, if you want to get rid of acne and have a blemish free skin, foods that have high glycemic index like white bread, sugar, potatoes are a strict NO. However, you can eat low-glycemic foods like whole grains, vegetables, fish and lean meat as these foods are kinder to your skin and say goodbye to acne forever.

Caffeine-Drinking “Exercise Freaks” Have Reduced Skin Cancer Risks

Prolonged exposure to sunlight, besides other factors, leads to skin cancer. In 2007 alone, 1,000,000 cases of skin (non-melanoma) cancer have been estimated, with nearly 2000 people being killed by the disease.

Though it is not always possible to change one’s job requirements to go out and travel in the sun, change in your ‘lifestyle’ can be an answer to the deadly disease. If you are an exercise freak, just add to it a cup of that refreshing coffee – and you are at the least risk of developing skin cancer!

Yes, by building up this healthy but simple habit, you may actually reduce your risk from the painful and killer disease. This combination of exercise and caffeine may help bringing in a revolutionary remedy to the growing skin cancer cases across the world.

Dr. Allan H. Conney of the laboratory for cancer research at Rutgers said, “With an understanding of these mechanisms we can then take this to the next level, going beyond mice in the lab to human trials. With the stronger levels of UVB radiation evident today and an upward trend in the incidence of skin cancer among Americans, there is a premium on finding novel ways to protect our bodies from sun damage.”

And if you are a ‘caffeine-drinking runner’ and the new finding proves true for humans, then you are just the ideal example of the lifestyle that can effectively reduce skin cancer risks.

But again, that does not mean, you can take the liberty of staying unprotected under the sun for hours!

Vitamin C-Rich Diets and Beauty Products May Slow Skin Wrinkling

Researchers now report that people who eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods have fewer wrinkles than people whose diets contained little of the vitamin.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it can combat the effects of free radicals in your body and on your skin. Free radicals are the unstable molecules in the environment that can cause aging of the skin. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

However, eating a bag of oranges every week is not going to bring about the desired results for your skin. In order to see the benefits of vitamin C on the outside of your body, you will need to find a way to combine a healthy diet that is rich in vitamin C with skin care products that contain this important nutrient. Scientists have now discovered how to use a variety of vitamin C derivatives in skin care products that will bring about the same benefits as natural vitamin C with less of the ingredient required for results.

Apart from intake of vitamin c there are also other ways to protect skin from damage and keep it glowing. Free radicals which damage the skin are accumulated due to excessive sun exposure, cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. Hence, skin must be protected against these. Have plenty of water, when people are dehydrated wrinkles are much more noticeable. Use sunscreen and a good night moisturizer.

Antioxidants are Great for “Wrinkle-Free” Skin

Not for many, those pesky wrinkles signify wisdom. Nowadays, most people would prefer not having those fine lines on the face and body. In a bid to have a wrinkle-free skin, people resort to many products and procedures available in the market.

But unfortunately, most of them land up disappointed with their products’ claims! And for many, plastic surgery seems to be the most safe and effective step towards possessing a wrinkle-free skin, but it does not suit everyone’s pocket!

And, if you are one of them, forget turning to either of the options.

A researcher at the Hebrew University Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences has come up with a new wrinkle-fighting method – an antioxidant. Excessive exposure to sun’s rays or during normal aging, free radicals in the body increase leading to a breakdown of many body tissues including the skin, i.e breakdown of the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers – resulting in wrinkles. When the new antioxidant is applied on such skin, it can protect it for a longer time, compared to the ones prevailing in the market – as is able to withstand high temperatures being soluble in water.

And most importantly, unlike the ones in the market shelves, it does not oxidize easily and thus remains effective over time.

So, it’s time to bid the commercially available antioxidants — claimed to oxidize quickly, declining their efficiency with time – goodbye, as also those plastic surgeries and grab the new product, once the claims proof successful on humans.

80% of Sunscreens are Ineffective

Planning to buy a new sunscreen that you’ve seen in the market? Better think twice before you do that. According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization based in Washington D.C., 4 out of 5 sunscreen lotions do not give adequate protection against the harmful rays of the sun or contain harmful chemicals.

Most of these sunscreens seem to be effective for sunburns, but their efficiency in fighting skin cancer is under question. They seem to be having little effect on the prevalence of melanoma which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The rate of contracting skin cancer remains steady. According to the National Cancer Institute this trend is on a rise. According to Dr. Marianne Berwick, a melanoma specialist, who heads the Division of Epidemiology (University of New Mexico), there is no evidence that sunscreens work against melanoma.

However, the industry experts are ready with their own versions on the effectiveness and safety of sunscreens.

According to John Baily, chief scientist at the Personal Care Products Council (a trade association for the cosmetic and personal care product industry) the materials used in sunscreens are tested in a number of ways in animal studies and clinical studies before being approved for usage by the public. According to him, the EWG is taking the laboratory studies into considerations and not the ones conducted on human beings and drawing conclusions that the products are unsafe and hence to be avoided. However, when asked about the effectiveness of the sunscreens on skin cancer he agreed that scientifically it cannot be said that sunscreens protect against melanoma.

Several scientists believe that people who apply sunscreens remain in the sun for longer periods of time thinking that the sunscreen is protecting them against the sun. It has been observed that FDA (Food and Drug Administration), when checking a new brand of sunscreen, asks for the verification of its effectiveness against sunburn but not against melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.

But are the sunscreen manufacturers at fault? Before contemplating on that we should examine how the sunscreens have been working till now. It has been found that sunscreens are effective against sunburn but not skin cancer. How? The sun emits two types of rays that are harmful to the human skin. They are UVB (ultraviolet B rays) and UVA (ultraviolet A rays) both of which cause sunburn. Repeated sunburn may lead to skin cancer. The sunscreens that have been developed till now protect against sunburn caused by UVB and not UVA. Now UVA is being looked upon as a causal factor for melanoma. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) might be effective in protecting against sunburn caused by UVB and not UVA.

Now, FDA that regulates sunscreens as over-the –counter drugs is rolling out a labeling system in which the manufacturer of the sunscreen must specify its effectiveness against UVA by May. Also, the acronym SPF will be changed to mean Sunburn Protection Factor rather than Sun Protection Factor.

According to Margaret Tucker, Director of Human Genetics Program and Chief of the Genetic Epidemiology Branch (National Cancer Institute), the newer generations of sunscreens might prove to be more effective against skin cancer. She was critical of the view that there is an increased risk of skin cancer in people who stay out in the sun for longer durations after applying a sunscreen. She opines that people do not apply adequate quantities of the sunscreen while exposing themselves to the sun. They do not reapply it during the day. According to her if you sweat, you need to apply it once every twenty minutes or at least after every couple of hours.

Tips for Choosing a Dermatologist

Visiting the dermatologist is an important step in maintaining sustainable and healthy skincare. Whether you want a professional to address your fine lines and wrinkles or you have skin cancer in your family, it is important to see a specialist for whatever skin-related care you need. That said, finding a specialist isn’t always easy. If you’re ready to visit a dermatologist but don’t know what to look for, we’ve curated the below list to start you on your journey. 

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Dermatology visits can be surprisingly expensive, but not all insurance plans cover certain types of visits and treatments. Before selecting a dermatologist, contact your insurance provider to clarify what is and is not covered. Then, find a dermatologist that works within your network. Skincare is very important, but you won’t want to visit the doctor’s office if you get slapped with a $300 fee every time.

Know the Types of Dermatologists

Some dermatology clinics provide a wide range of services, while others are more specific. General or medical dermatology includes services like rash treatment, acne management, and rosacea mitigation. This type of dermatologist will also check your moles and help with other issues, like thinning hair. On the other side, anything that may require a peel, laser, or injection is considered cosmetic dermatology. This is the office to visit for wrinkle, scar, and discoloration treatment.

Read the Doctor Bios

When choosing a dermatologist, it is important to look for board certification from the American Academy of Dermatology. This means they have met the common standards for physicians necessary to maintain board certification. You’ll also want to check this to see what your doctor has a background in. Maybe they began as a medical dermatologist and switched over to cosmetic. Perhaps they worked as a general physician before beginning to specialize. All of this information is important, so soak it up before heading in for a visit.

Get a Consultation

Before agreeing to receive a treatment, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist who fits your criteria. This is a great opportunity to visit the office, meet the staff, and ask other patients about how they like the practice. It sounds crazy, but if you have to wait several weeks to schedule your consultation, that’s a good sign. It means that the doctors are in high demand.

During this consultation, it is important to clearly communicate what you need from the doctor. If you’re interested in regular skin checks and skin cancer monitoring, make that known. If you want to ensure you can get the Botox treatments you want, tell your doctor. If the medical professional does not provide a service you need, or if they think you might receive better specialized treatment elsewhere, they will tell you.

Consider Alternatives

Not everybody has the ability to visit the dermatologist. Between taking time off from work, driving to the office, and postponing other responsibilities, doctor’s visits can be quite a burden. Luckily, dermatology clinics are beginning to find ways to help their busier clients receive treatment.

Some offices offer virtual visits for patients stretched for time. These virtual visits ask patients to provide details about their medical history and skin condition. The patient then uploads photos of their current condition to the clinic’s secure platform. Within three days, the office will respond with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. If you don’t have the time to visit the dermatologist, this is an excellent option.

What is Acne?

Acne is caused by changes in hormones and skin’s substances, such as hair follicles and oil glands. Acne’s cause is still mostly unknown, and there are numerous factors linked to it. That said, one of the biggest known factors for acne is hormones, especially hormonal changes. These changes may occur during pregnancy, while taking birth control pills, stopping birth control pills, and going through puberty. Even though hormonal changes are not able to be controlled, handling your skin with care can keep your complexion clear, boosting your confidence.

Heredity and genetics also play a role in acne development. According the survey of the health care reported that the major teen age boys identified with the acne informed that their parents and forefathers have the acne. If your parents struggled with acne, you probably will, too.

There are also particular drugs can cause acne as a side effect. When treating and assessing your acne, however, remember that there are several myths related to acne’s main causes. Greasy food items and chocolate, for example, don’t necessarily cause acne, even though they’re rumored to do so.

In many cases, there are many factors to acne development. Extreme humidity and pollution can spur acne development, as well as grease that builds up in a work atmosphere. Adult women may experience the acne prior to menstrual periods, or if they use a harsh scrub on their skin or experience extreme stress.

Antibiotics, derivatives of Vitamin A, and others can slow the process of acne development or clear your complexion completely. If you want to get rid of your acne, find a high-quality cleanser that both kills bacteria and exfoliates the top level of skin. This will clear your skin completely.

Everything You Should Know About “Glass Skin”

If you’ve never heard the term “glass skin,” don’t be embarrassed. The idea has only just begun to enter the American beauty scene, having come from Korean skin care products and practices. As k-beauty products continue to pervade American culture, terms and ideals like this star bubbling to the surface of our social media feeds. 

So, what is “glass skin”? It’s an easy term to comprehend. The phrase describes exceptionally smooth, even-toned and lustrous skin so flawless it looks like glass. Remember when everyone was using the terms “honey” and “dewy” to describe faces? It’s the new, hip term for that. Glass skin aims for an intensely moisturized surface that appears to be almost transparent in complexion. Think youthful, glowing, and naturally lit.  

How do I Get Glass Skin? 

Like a lot of k-beauty routines, this one is far from simple. Achieving the sought-after glass-like complexion requires a consistent routine that includes cleanser, toner, serum, an exfoliator, and a moisturizer. Intense, constant hydration is at the core of a glass skin regimen, so you’ll want to opt for watery products with humectants and hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Here’s a brief, step-by-step guide for you to follow. 

  1. Double cleanse. Start with a cleansing oil or micellar water for the first cleanse, then follow up with a foam wash or cream cleanser. 
  2. Exfoliate. Choose between a chemical exfoliator or a physical one, like those with crushed walnut or jojoba beads, but don’t overdo it. Exfoliating two to three times weekly is the sweet spot. 
  3. Tone. Find a k-beauty toner with moisture-enhancing ingredients, like ginseng and floral water. Apply up to seven layers of the toner. 
  4. Use an essence. These less-concentrated types of serums are lightweight and watery, and they’re designed to address pigmentation and redness while delivering a ton of hydration. 
  5. Serum. This concentrated product provides firmness, minimizes pores, and evens out skin ton. Look for one with moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E. 
  6. Moisturize. Look for something with botanical extracts, which can be powerful hydrators.  
  7. Eye cream. The skin covering and surrounding your eyes is among the most delicate on your body. Take care of it by adding an eye cream or serum for added moisture. 
  8. Mask. This is a great way to soothe tired skin and repair damage while locking in and replenishing moisture. 

Repeat this routine each morning and evening. I told you it was intense.  

It’s Not Easy to Achieve 

It’s easy to forget that the images on social media hash-tagged “glass_skin” are often airbrushed or otherwise altered to make the subject appear clearer and cleaner than in real life. There is no shortcut to achieving flawless, ethereal-looking skin. Like most Korean beauty trends, this requires consistency and commitment to the skin care regimen. Plus, adding sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are crucial to improving your skin’s health.  

That said, there is no harm in trying out trends, especially something like this. Sure, it’s probably more intense than you’re used to, but I’m a huge supporter or skin care trends than make us slow down and actually examine our routines and features. If you want to try this, don’t get discouraged after a few weeks. Stick it out and see what happens! 

Why Does Skincare Happen at Dawn and Dusk?

If you’ve read my About page, then you know this site, like me, is named for Thea, the titan goddess of sight and sparkle. If you paid attention, you’ll also know that Theia was often worshiped at dawn and dusk – which is also when most skincare routines happen. That got me thinking: Is there a connection? 

I did some research, and while the connection isn’t necessarily with Theia, it makes quite a lot of sense. A lot of people use dawn and dusk skin care routines as a sort of meditation, and these times of day mark easy reminders to take care of oneself.  

More simply, dawn and dusk are natural occasions for skin care and other self-care routines. We do these things before embarking on the other part of the day, whether it’s living or sleeping. It can be quiet, peaceful, and meditative – just like how I prefer to imagine the Greeks praying to gods and titans. 

We treat our skin when we get ready for the day and when we get ready for bed. But what happens during those routines should be very different – just like how worshipping Theia was different in the morning than it was from the evening. To expand on this idea, I decided to write up a little guide for how your morning and evening skin care routines should look, point out where they should differ. Your skin’s needs change with stress, dirt exposure, oil production, UV rays, and pollutants, and your process should reflect those changes. 

Morning  

The biggest problem with nighttime skin? Oil production. While you sleep, your skin is hard at work expelling the dirt and grime from the previous day. Most of the time, this comes in the form of oil production. Use a sulfate-free wash to get rid of nighttime oil, as well as any lingering nighttime products that may still be on your skin. Then, use a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your face. Ideally, this moisturizer should have a high SPF. The idea of preparing your face in the morning is to do what you can to clean and protect it for the day ahead. 

Evening 

Doesn’t it feel nice to sit down in front of the TV with a glass of wine after a long, hard day of work? Well, you should be doing the same thing for your skin! Deep cleansing and nourishment are essential to any nighttime skin care routine. After washing with your morning cleanser, user a richer moisturizer – the skin equivalent of eating a healthy dinner. If you’re into anti-aging stuff, this is the time to use your reparative serum. Finally, use an eye cream in the evening to provide extra hydration to the extremely sensitive area.  

Why is Skin Care Important?

While some people need to look their best for work and some people want to look their best for social media posts, skin care is important for everyone. Healthy, moisturized skin is the best protection we have against infection. Extremely dry skin can crack on its own without any detectable trauma. When a cut or abrasion is made to dry, neglected skin, the body must work harder to heal itself. If an opportunistic infection does get a foothold, you may have to take a full course of antibiotics and extra precautions to protect the wound. Left untreated or with complications related to the immune system, skin infections can take a very serious, potentially life-threatening turn. Alternatively, you may have a bad reaction to the antibiotics with side effects that have the potential to disrupt your everyday life for weeks or even months.

Sunscreen and Skin Cancer Prevention

Applying sunscreen, covering the skin, and guarding against extensive sunburn and UV radiation is another essential part of most people’s skin care routine. Rates of skin cancer are on the rise and among the fastest growing rates for all cancers, including both general incidence and mortality rates. From the early 1980s to the early 2010s, rates of melanoma in particular have doubled, according to the CDC.

Like so many things, prevention is the best treatment. It’s also worth doing. You may have heard that many sunscreen products contain their own carcinogens. While this is technically true, most dermatologists and skin care professionals will tell you that the evidence suggests the benefits of using sunscreen still greatly outweigh the risks. It is generally believed that heavy and daily use is required to significantly elevate one’s cancer risk from these products. If you want to follow best practices, try to cover more of your skin to protect against the sun. You might also splurge on higher-end products that deliver adequate protection without these carcinogenic ingredients.

Skin Care and Quality of Life

Building personal confidence and improving others’ perception of you shouldn’t be overlooked, either. It’s not all about vanity. Improving your prospects in social and/or professional settings can deliver mental health benefits as well as new financial resources. Healthy skin also feels better. Touch can be a powerful force that connects us to other people and offers a range of preventative health benefits. In this area, the best advice tends to be more personalized and typically starts with moisturizing dry skin or managing excessively oily skin. Moreover, you shouldn’t have to completely upend your daily routine or get a second job to make substantive improvements in the quality of your skin.

There are a lot of preventative measures that are good for your health, but basic skin care is too often something that doesn’t get done or even gets left off the list altogether. Just because you don’t have the resources or the impetus to use the “fancy stuff” is no excuse to ignore a skin care routine altogether. For health and for beauty, it’s certainly true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.