Archive for January, 2010

Natural Skin Care and Dermatitis

Dermatitis causes redness, itchy skin and is prone to irregular flare ups with unknown causes. One good way to help dermatitis is natural skin care. Dermatitis can be genetic or unrelated to family history.

The causes of dermatitis are not fully understood and still the subject of active research, much of which is started by natural skin care companies. Modern research is showing that it develops as a result of interaction between our immune system, the environment, and genetics. The immune systems of the people with this condition are very sensitive and they are more prone to react to irritants and allergens. Using regular natural skin care products can help keep the skin balanced.

A genetic predisposition may be aggravated by factors such as infections, food allergies, temperature, irritating chemicals, stress and humidity. Keeping the skin healthy and using natural skin care ingredients helps reduce flare ups while sweating and psychological stress can lead to further complications.

Since the causes of dermatitis are still unknown, several theories attempt to explain its pathogenesis. Causes of dermatitis probably represent more than one condition. The underlying metabolical or biochemical conditions suggests that this skin disorder is genetically linked to elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels while defective T-cell function is another theory. Both conditions can be aided by the use an anti-inflammatory natural skincare product.

Working in the wet is one of the main causes of dermatitis. Natural skincare products like organic body lotion, natural sunscreen will help the skin from getting dried out in these damp conditions which can strip moisture away from the skin. Direct contact with one of many irritants or allergens results to contact dermatitis.

Other conditions like sun burn can lead to dermatitis. Its important to use a good product to prevent further development of dermatitis. When you have burns and sunburn, be sure to use the right natural skin care product for regeneration like calendula.

As modern science continues in its research, sufferers can avail of the various medications currently available both over the counter and through prescriptions. Natural skin care products have come a long way and use natural ingredients to balance the skin without introducing other chemicals which could cause further outbreak. Be sure to try and understand dermatitis, what causes flare ups, when you break out, and try to incorporate as much preventative natural skincare action as you can to stay healthy.

Posted by on January 26th, 2010 No Comments

What is Collagen

The word collagene is really a French made up word from the Greek for glue and birth. It came into the English language in 1865 and entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 1893 to describe “that part of connective tissue that yields gelatin no boiling. In the 1920′s, a French scientist called Nageotte discovered collagen could exist in fibrils. After using X-Ray’s it was discovered that this molecule was actually a triple-helix. In the 1960′s, another type of collagen was discovered in cartilage. It was slightly different than skin collagen and was called collagen II. Then we discovered another type in fetal skin and this was called Collagen III.

The only way we can restore the younger collagen is to provide a dermal insult to ‘kick-start’ the dormant fibroblasts or slow down the destructive process of UV light. Dermal insults include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, dermal rolling or radiofrequency devices. However, we should be aware that skin over forty years does not always respond to collagen synthesis boosters and trying to stop the degradation of collagen may prove to be a more sensible approach. I really saw this with the introduction of Isolagen® fibroblast transplanting some years ago. It was then apparent that the people who got the best results were the patients with acne scarring because they were all in their twenties and thirties. The only topical application that I feel that may slow the destructive process of UV light is the of photoprotectant vitamin C. This molecule has been shown in many studies to protect the skin from damage caused by prolonged UV exposure by reducing the amount of free radical formation and/or sunburn cells. Many companies try to sell products that will cause MMP inhibition but as yet none of them have satisfactory scientific results. There is some benefit in using retinoids also as they can act on inflammatory pathways and reduce the amount of MMP’s that are synthesised.

We wear sun protection to slow down wrinkle development; can we not slow down this laxity in the skin?

This is a good question and involves a little science. Sunlight contains both UVA and UVB radiation, which causes collagen fibres to break down and cause wrinkles but it also causes abnormal elastin to accumulate. Many dermatologists feel exposure to sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. There is little doubt that UV radiation can cause skin damage including wrinkles, aging skin disorders, and cancer. If we look more closely at the laxity problem, we have to admit that we still do not fully understand the process. Sun exposure causes an accumulation of denatured elastin and enzymes called metalloproteinases, which normally remodel sun-injured skin by manufacturing and reforming collagen. However, something happens during sun exposure, which causes some of these matrix metalloproteinases (MMP’s) to actually break down collagen into disorganized fibres known as solar scars. The ratio of organised collagen to disorganised collagen determines the age of our skin. In younger years collagen is freshly deposited by young healthy fibroblasts and it has a definite orderly structure under the microscope. It is interesting to watch how it changes its structure after exposure to sun, free radicals, smoking and underlying metabolic conditions to lead to diminished skin texture and wrinkles.

Posted by on January 19th, 2010 No Comments

Psoriasis Sufferers and Treatment – All the Facts

Information about psoriasis sufferers and treatment can be easily found on the internet, which can help you deal with the condition more effectively. Keep in mind that to be able to acquire the right kind of treatment, it is important to determine the symptoms of your condition. These treatments can help reduce the itching, scaly skin, the redness and other signs.

The most common symptoms of psoriasis are burning and itching sensations that are usually connected with some skin problems such as rashes. Other symptoms also include scaly skin and lesions, which cause the skin to flake and crack due to dryness. Red spots are also usual especial on the scalp, the elbows, knees and the genital areas.

After familiarizing yourself with psoriasis symptoms, it is best to consult your dermatologist or doctor to help you find the right treatment and get rid of the problem. Treatments for psoriasis differ depending on the type and degree of the condition. The places of the scales and flare-ups should also be considered. Scalp psoriasis is the easiest type to treat. This condition involves the same symptoms – scaly skin and lesions that can be found on the knees and elbows. Scalp psoriasis can be treated with the use of topical creams and ointments. Anti-dandruff shampoos can also be used to get rid of the flakes while you can apply lotions and creams in order to lessen the itchiness and redness.

It is important to be aware of the condition of psoriasis sufferers and treatment so that you can find the right psoriasis treatment easily. Another type of psoriasis is the guttate psoriasis, which can be treated with home remedies. It is important to keep the skin moist all the time to lessen irritation due to dryness. After taking a bath, make sure to apply lotion onto your skin to trap the water and the moisture inside your skin.

Pustular psoriasis is usually seen in adults and is characterized by blisters or white pustules that has white blood cells. It is usually located in certain parts of the body such as the feet and hands.

Psoriasis can be very unattractive and can cover a great area of the body that can cause stress and discomfort. In general, there are five types of psoriasis – guttate, plaque, pustular, erythrodermic and inverse types. The condition is not contagious but it is important to get the right treatment for psoriasis. Apart from being hereditary, there are external influences that cause psoriasis such as the atmosphere, allergic reaction to certain foods, stress, drinking and smoking.

Once a person has psoriasis, there is a high possibility that he or she will have the condition forever. Though it may disappear, it can still return so it is important to prevent the condition from occurring in the first place. Studies show that stress is a major cause of psoriasis so it is essential to avoid everyday stress or learn how to reduce stress-related situations. Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can help you reduce stress and be more relaxed.

Posted by on January 12th, 2010 No Comments

Your Four Basic Skin Needs

Our skin is the largest organ of the body, as well as receiving the most general ware and tare. Our skin is exposed to the elements, time, accidents, sun damage, and any other curve ball life can throw. The best way to keep you skin healthy outside and in, is to first off, know what kind of skin you have, whether it be oily, combination, sensitive, or dry. Knowing your skin type will make it a lot easier to prevent and treat any damage done to your skin.

Once you know what kind of skin you have, you can then begin to have an idea of what you’re going to have to do to keep it lustrous. The skin has four basic needs, and if you meet them, not only will your skin thank you, but everyone else will notice how much more vibrant you skin has become.

1. Use a cleanser

Cleansing the face in the morning and at night before bed helps to clean and kill any dirt or bacteria that may have been accumulated throughout the day or during the night. Avoid using bars of soap as they tend to dry and irritate the skin, as well as any chemically based cleansers. Look for cleansers made with all natural ingredients like Tangerine Oil, a natural astringent that not only cleanse pores but also allows for essential nutrients to be more easily absorbed

2. Moisturize

Using an all natural moisturizer every day after a shower or bath helps keep the skin hydrated and luscious. Be sure not to use any moisturizers with any artificial fragrances that can cause allergic reactions or synthesized chemicals that have a tendency to suffocate the skin. Moisturizing every day also helps to fight the signs of aging and assists in preventing skin damage.

3. H2O

Proper water intake is probably one of the most overlooked factors in any realm of health. Drinking the recommended amount of water every day (between 8-10 glasses) flushes out toxins and bacteria in the skin and with time can even start to clear up acne working as an acne treatments remedy for you.

4. Sun block

Living in Florida, I am very well aware of the sun’s dangers. With prolonged and unprotected sun exposure being the main causes of wrinkles, wearing a quality sun block with an SPF of 40 or higher is an absolute must. The sun’s harmful UV rays also cause sunburn, sun poisoning, and skin cancer. Sun block should be worn only when in the sun and in overcast and reapplied every one to two hours even if waterproof.

Take the basic measures needed to keep your skin healthy now in order to save yourself the frustration in the later years. Cleansing regularly but not too much, moisturizing, drinking plenty of water, and wearing sun block is the first line of defense when it comes to keeping your skin the healthiest and youngest it can be.

Posted by on January 5th, 2010 No Comments