|
| Skin Care and Tips Healthy Skin: The skin is considered the largest organ of the body and has many different functions: regulation of our body temperature, protection from our environment, metabolic functions, and sensation. Without our skin we would die. Fortunately, most of us are born with healthy skin, but from the moment of birth our skin is exposed to a variety of factors that can have harmful effects. Factors that affect the health and endurance of our skin, making it susceptible to illness and premature aging, can be physical, biological, and/or chemical. Our genetic skin type, hormonal status, and immune system’s health are also important factors in the way our skin ages. While many of us focus on topical and cosmetic products to improve our skin, more basic biological determinants play an overwhelming role in determining skin health and appearance. The eight major causes of poor skin condition, premature aging, and disease are: 1. Sun exposure 2. Malnutrition and poor food choices. 3. Smoking 4. Air pollution 5. Infections 6. Food Allergies 7. Contact allergies 8. Contact irritants and toxins The two worst environmental aging factors are sunlight and smoking. The third is nutrition; poor food choices over a lifetime can accelerate skin aging and promote a variety of disease conditions that spoil skin appearance. Excessive exposure to sunlight results in premature aging of the skin, which is often called photo-aging. As people are living longer, adding to cumulative sun exposure, avoiding and decreasing the affects of photo-aging is becoming more important. Smoking increases levels of MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase 1) in the skin, according to a study in 24 March Lancet. MMP-1 is a zinc-dependent metalloproteinase that degrades collagen, which is important in maintaining the mechanical/elastic properties of connective tissue in the skin. Tips for Healthy Skin: Eat three or six small balanced meals a day. Drink plenty of water, to ensure proper hydration in your cells. Try to get eight full hours of sleep a night so that your body has time to regenerate itself. Quit smoking. Drink alcohol only in moderation, as alcohol can dehydrate your cells. Wash your face twice daily with a cleanser that is gentle on your skin. Moisturize your skin, as dryness will cause the skin to produce more oil. Exfoliate skin twice a week; this process helps to remove all of the dead skin cells. Exercise! Do we need another reason to do this? Exercise is very important to healthy skin, because perspiration releases toxins from the cells and releases them from the body. Sex hormones play an important role in maintaining a youthful skin condition. Estrogen deficiencies is a skin-aging factor. Proper nutrition including hormone balancing can improve elasticity and firmness of the skin. It may also help decrease wrinkle depth and pore size. The two most damaging things you can do to your skin are getting direct sunlight on it and breathing tobacco smoke. The ultra-violet radiation of direct sunlight destroys and scars skin cells. It makes them lose their elasticity. Wear a sunscreen! Smoking causes vasoconstriction, which means you starve your skin of nutrient-bearing blood. So, your first step is to stay out of the sun and stay away from smoke. It doesn't matter if the cigarette belongs to someone else--you are breathing the same smoke they are. Steer clear or look like leather. Most people are dehydrated. If your urine isn't clear, you are drinking too little water. This is hard on your kidneys, and can lead to painful stones and/or urinary tract infection. Plus, it causes your skin to be as flexible as leather and look about the same. Drink up! Alcohol dries the skin, so keep it off your skin and out of your diet for maximum skin protection. Sodas don't help. Their caffeine is dehydrating, as is their sodium. The carbonation reduces the amount of calcium in your bones, and that means earlier onset of osteoporosis. The sugar causes insulin problems. There is nothing of value in a soft drink, so always opt for a different beverage or go without. You really need to develop a skin care program. A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and a routine that will most benefit your skin. You first need to consider your diet and type of lifestyle, since these two factors play an important role in the health of your skin. Those fast-food meals mean fast loss of skin health. Don't eat them. Fresh fruits and vegetables have a wider range of flavors than do grease-laden burgers. If you put some thought to it, you can make sure there's time to eat a diet rich in these foods. You need to give some thought and consideration to the type of makeup you sue. And be sure to clean your tools regularly. Things such as cosmetic brushes get dirty and can carry bacteria and germs and may cause skin irritations and breaking out. One of the leading cosmetic authorities suggests you thoroughly clean cosmetic brushes at least twice a month. A good way is to soak brushes for about 10 minutes in a dish of warm, soapy water using mild liquid detergent or baby shampoo. Rinse and blot excess moisture with a towel and stand the brushes, handle end down, in a tall glass until they are thoroughly dry. Prevent your skin from absorbing environmental pollutants, with a good moisturizer that also acts as a skin barrier. Check the labels for those with added Vitamin A, C and E, which help block the penetration of pollutants. A good exercise program, consisting of both weights and aerobics will activate and rejuvenate the skin, while improving blood flow. Also, body sweat triggers production of sebum, which is the skin's own natural moisturizer. Get serious about stress reduction. Skin conditions such as acne appear on many people who are stressed out, and chronic skin conditions tend to worsen. |
 |
| Olive oil soap works wonders for dry skin, I use it daily and have not had chapped hands since. I purchase mine from BenSalem's Naturals. The link is listed further in the site. |
| LYMPHLAND |
| Moisturizers 101: The basics of softer skin
Find out what moisturizers can and can't do for your skin and how to select a moisturizer that suits your needs. Moisturizers prevent and treat dry skin, but that's not all they do. They can protect sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture, and mask imperfections. In fact, you can probably find a moisturizer that claims to address whatever concerns you, from dull skin to clogged pores. But can a simple bottle of moisturizer meet these high expectations? About moisturizer ingredients On the most basic level, moisturizers hold water in the outermost layer of skin. They also act as a temporary barrier, allowing damaged surface cells time to repair themselves. Many moisturizers contain some combination of humectants and emollients, as well as other ingredients. Humectants (urea, glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid, others). These are substances that absorb water from the air and hold the moisture in the skin. Humectants need very high humidity levels to be effective. Humectants are also useful in softening thickened or scaly skin. Emollients (butyl stearate, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, others). These ingredients fill in the spaces between the cells in the skin, helping replace lipids and thus smoothing and lubricating rough skin. Emollients are either oil based, which means that a small amount of water is dissolved in oil, or water based, which means they are primarily water and have a light, nongreasy feel. Oil-based creams leave a slight residue on the skin and have more staying power than water-based creams do. Water-based creams are easier to apply and don't leave much of a residue, but they don't have as much staying power. Most creams and lotions on the market are water based (for example, Vanicream and Cetaphil). Eucerin is an example of an oil-based cream. Fragrances. Most moisturizers include fragrances, which give the product a fresh, pleasing odor and cover up the smell of other ingredients. Fragrances in skin-care products are the most likely cause of skin irritations or contact allergies. Fragrances that tend to cause skin reactions include cinnamic alcohol, hydroxycitronella and isoeugenol. Preservatives. Any product that includes water and oil must contain one or more preservatives to help prevent bacterial contamination after the product is opened. These ingredients can sometimes cause skin reactions. Preservatives that seem to cause problems for many people include quaternium-15 and imidazolidinyl urea. Moisturizers may include other ingredients as well, such as vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, sunscreens and sunless tanners. Some also contain ingredients that claim to boost your body's production of collagen and elastin, diminish stretch marks, smooth out wrinkles, paralyze muscles, unblock pores, and exfoliate dead skin cells. Many of these claims are unproved. Keep in mind that there's no guarantee that any moisturizer will live up to all of its claims or even contain its advertised ingredients. Moisturizers are considered cosmetics, so the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates them in a different manner than it does drugs. This means that products don't need to undergo rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness before going to market. Which moisturizer is best for you? The moisturizer that's best for you depends on many factors, including your skin type, your age and whether you have specific conditions, such as acne. For general guidelines, consider the following: Normal skin. Normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily. To maintain this natural moisture balance, use a water-based moisturizer that has a light, nongreasy feel. These moisturizers often contain lightweight oils, such as cetyl alcohol, or silicone-derived ingredients, such as cyclomethicone. Dry skin. To restore moisture to dry skin, choose a heavier, oil-based moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep your skin moist. For very dry, cracked skin, oils are preferable. They have more staying power than creams do and are more effective at preventing water from evaporating from your skin. Oily skin. Oily skin is prone to acne and breakouts. Though oily, such skin still needs moisture, especially after using skin-care products that remove oils and dry out the skin. In addition, a light moisturizer can help protect your skin after washing. Be sure to pick an oil-free, water-based product and look for products labeled "noncomedogenic," which means it won't clog pores. Sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is susceptible to skin irritations, redness, itching or rashes. Use a moisturizer that doesn't contain potential allergens, such as fragrances or dyes, and is specifically designed for sensitive skin. Mature skin. As you age, your skin tends to become drier because your oil-producing glands become less active. To keep your skin soft and well hydrated, choose an oil-based moisturizer that contains petrolatum as the base, along with lactic acid or alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients help hold in moisture and prevent flaky, scaly skin. Getting the most out of your moisturizer To make the most of your moisturizing routine: Find a moisturizer that fits your skin type and makes your skin look and feel soft. You may need to try several brands with differing ingredients before you find one you like. Keep in mind that cost has no definite relationship to effectiveness. Just because a moisturizer is expensive, doesn't mean it's more effective than a cheaper product. Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing. Pat or blot your skin until it's just barely dry, then apply moisturizer immediately to help trap water in the surface cells. Apply moisturizer to your hands and body as needed. Apply after bathing, showering, before exercising outdoors in cold weather, and every time you wash your hands. Although often ignored, your hands are more exposed to the elements, especially soaps and chemicals, than is any other part of your body. Don't use any heavy creams on your face unless you have excessive dryness. You can use heavy, oil-based creams on your legs, hands and feet because those areas tend to be drier. If a moisturizer doesn't improve the condition of your skin or you notice skin problems after using a moisturizer, see your doctor or dermatologist. He or she can help you create a personalized skin-care plan by assessing your skin type, evaluating your skin's condition and recommending moisturizers likely to be effective. Introduction Ordinary dry skin (xerosis) usually isn't serious, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly, turning plump cells into shriveled ones and creating fine lines and wrinkles. More serious dry skin conditions, such as the inherited group of disorders called ichthyosis, can sometimes be disfiguring enough to cause psychological distress. Fortunately, most dry skin results from environmental factors that can be wholly or partially controlled. These include exposure to hot or cold weather with low humidity levels, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and excessive bathing. Chronic or severe dry skin problems may require a dermatologist's evaluation. But first you can do a lot on your own to improve your skin, including using moisturizers, bathing less and avoiding harsh, drying soaps. Signs and symptoms Dry skin is often just a temporary problem — one you experience only in winter, for example — but it may be a lifelong concern. And although skin is often driest on your arms, lower legs and the sides of your abdomen, this pattern can vary considerably from person to person. What's more, signs and symptoms of dry skin depend on your age, your health status, your locale, the amount of time you spend outdoors, and the cause of the problem. If you have dry skin due to normal aging, you're likely to experience one or more of the following: A feeling of skin tightness, especially after showering, bathing or swimming Skin that appears shrunken or dehydrated Skin that feels and looks rough rather than smooth Itching (pruritus) that sometimes may be intense Slight to severe flaking, scaling or peeling Fine lines or cracks Redness Deep fissures that may bleed Causes Most dry skin is caused by environmental exposures, such as: Weather. In general, your skin is driest in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet. Winter conditions also tend to make many existing skin conditions worse. But the reverse may be true if you live in desert regions, where summer temperatures can top 110 F and humidity levels sink to 10 percent or less. Central heating and air conditioning. Central air and heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces all reduce humidity and dry your skin. Hot baths and showers. Frequent showering or bathing, especially if you like the water hot and your baths long, breaks down the lipid barriers in your skin. So does frequent swimming, particularly in heavily chlorinated pools. Harsh soaps and detergents. Many popular soaps and detergents strip lipids and water from your skin. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps are usually the most damaging, as are many shampoos, which dry out your scalp. Other factors Other factors, including certain diseases, can significantly alter the function and appearance of your skin. These include: Psoriasis. This skin condition is marked by a rapid buildup of rough, dry, dead skin cells that form thick scales. Thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormones, reduces the activity of your sweat and oil glands, leading to rough, dry skin. Alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and caffeine can visibly dry your skin. Prescription drugs such as diuretics, antihistamines and isotretinoin (Accutane) also have a drying effect. Dehydration. Severe diarrhea and vomiting, a high fever, profuse sweating during exercise or simply not drinking enough liquids can cause your body to lose more fluid than you take in. One of the first signs of dehydration is skin that has lost its elasticity. Risk factors Dry skin is a nearly universal problem, but certain factors make you more likely to develop tightness, flakiness and fine lines. These factors include: Your age. As you age, your skin tends to become drier because your oil-producing glands become less active. Your complexion can appear rough and dull. The lack of oil also causes cells to clump together in flakes or scales. Your sex. Although everyone's skin changes with age, a man's skin tends to stay moist longer than a woman's does. Men experience a relatively small decrease in oil production until well into their 80s, whereas women's skin tends to become much drier after menopause. Sun exposure. Like all types of heat, the sun dries your skin. Yet damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates far beyond the top layer of skin (epidermis). The most significant damage occurs deep in the dermis, where collagen and elastin fibers break down much more quickly than they should, leading to deep wrinkles and loose, sagging skin (solar elastosis). Sun-damaged skin may have the appearance of dry skin. When to seek medical advice Most cases of dry skin respond well to self-care measures. See your doctor if: Your skin doesn't improve in spite of your best efforts Dryness and itching interfere with sleeping You have open sores or infections from scratching You have large areas of scaling or peeling skin Complications Dry skin that's not cared for can lead to: Dermatitis (eczema). This condition causes redness, cracking and inflammation. Folliculitis. This is an inflammation of your hair follicles. Cellulitis. This is a potentially serious bacterial infection of the skin's underlying tissues that may enter the lymphatic system and blood vessels. These complications are most likely to occur when your skin's normal protective mechanisms are severely compromised. For example, severely dry skin can cause deep cracks or fissures, which can open up and bleed, opening the way for invading bacteria. |
| Skin care tips from Mayo Clinic |
