By Rachel Ray
Before you buy natural skincare products, take a moment to read this article. Most consumers think that a product advertised in this way contains all-natural ingredients. But, that may not be the case.
In most countries, cosmetic companies are allowed to use phrases like “natural”, “hypo-allergenic” and even “doctor recommended” without meeting any requirements. The terms are unregulated and used primarily for promotional purposes. Your only source of accurate information is the ingredients label and sometimes, even that isn’t that helpful. Warning labels are often a better indication of what’s really in that product.
If you are advised to discontinue use if redness, itching or a rash appears, then the product contains known allergens, irritants or both. If there is a warning to contact a poison control center, in the event of accidental ingestion, then, obviously, the product contains a known poison. If you’re like me, you want natural skincare products because you want something safer that is better for your skin’s health, but that’s not always what the companies are providing.
Even when there are no warning labels, there may be contaminants, of which the company is unaware. Testing for contamination of raw ingredients and individual batches is not a requirement. I know of only one company that actually performs that kind of testing, but I think that it is very important.
Unless the plants used in a product come from an organic farm, then there are likely to be residues of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals. If extracts from roots are included, there could be lead, mercury, cadmium and other naturally occurring elements that build up in the body’s tissues and organs. If added fragrances are included in the product, even ones like lavender oil and rosewater, they are likely to cause irritation and/or allergic reactions.
There are many natural skincare products on the market that contain organic sun-screening compounds. The daily use of sunscreen is a controversial issue, since it can lead to vitamin D deficiencies and there is no clear proof that it reduces our risk of skin cancer. But, the daily use of creams containing oxybenzone or benzophenone is likely to increase our risk of skin cancer.
Scientific studies have shown that these organic compounds damage DNA strands within the cells, but only when exposed to UV rays from the sun. Hmmm…isn’t that what they were supposed to be protecting us from. The DNA damage predisposes the cells to cancer, making them “probable” human carcinogens.
The bottom line is that all natural skincare products are not safe. Look for a company that has signed the “Compact for Safe Cosmetics”, a voluntary group created to help protect customers.
Buy only creams and lotions that are free of artificial preservatives, but make sure that the company includes natural vitamin E or the oils in the product will become rancid, very quickly. Look for other nutrients like coenzyme Q10, protein and essential fatty acids. Natural skincare products like that can improve your appearance and delay the signs of aging. Who could ask for more!
Visit my website today to learn more about the natural substances that are excellent for keeping your skin young looking and healthy.
By Rachel Ray
Often, water intake is the first thing people with Problem Skin can change and see a difference. By drinking eight glasses a day, your skin will be plumper, firmer, and more youthful-looking. Types of skin are as follows:
Oily skin tends to shiny with enlarged pores, and is prone to blackheads and blemishes. You might experience some tightness.
Combination/normal This skin type has medium pores, a smooth and even texture, good circulation, healthy color, may tend toward dryness on the cheeks while being oily in the t-zone.
Sensitive skin tends to be thin, delicate with fine pores. It flushes easily, is prone to broken capillaries, is frequently allergic and can be rashy.
Dry skin feels tight, especially after cleansing. You have a tendency towards fine wrinkles, flaking and red patches. In women of color, skin may appear ashy or dull from dead skin buildup.
Aging or sun-damaged – This skin also feels tight with visible wrinkles, slack skin tone — especially around the cheeks and jawline — with leathery texture and broken capillaries.
Department store cosmetics counters and beauty supply shops used to be geared almost exclusively toward women. However since the metro physical revolution took our cultural ideals by storm, many skincare companies have been creating products specially designed for males. Today, skin care for men is rivaling in both sales and demand, giving couples a chance to pamper each other instead of the former one-way street.
While it is true men’s skin produces more oil, shaving daily can rob their face of this natural moisturize. If you or someone you know is the clean-shaven type, consider purchasing a hydrating lotion from a line of skin care for men products you have found to be ideal. Natural Skin Care products tend to be more guy-friendly than the majority of drug store finds, so keep it simple and productive when shopping.
Everyone loves spring and summertime with its blue skies and perfect picnic weather. However, those warm days can also bring a new host of skincare issues you need to know how to deal with. From UVA rays to pool chlorine, it’s important that you are ready and prepared to keep your skin healthy and protected from the elements of summer.
While this all may seem depressing and dire, the truth of the matter is summer is a great time to give your body positive benefits as well. Exercise that comes with being outside is ideal for a healthy glow and proper circulation, which can help your skin look fresh and vibrant. Summer also brings a chance to try new cosmetics such as shimmers and pinks that are usually too light for the winter months. Take the time to do some research on your own and discover all of the great alternatives to typical summer skin care that are available for purchase. You will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to maintain great skin health and still have fun during the summer months.
By Rachel Ray
The skin is susceptible to many diseases, discolorations, and growths. It may also be damaged by excessive exposure to the sun and the effects of aging. In most cases, skin problems requiring dermatologic surgery can be addressed in the dermatologist’s office or in an outpatient setting, usually under local anesthesia, with minimal pain, and low risk of complications. There are different types of skin surgeries enumerated below.
Types of Skin Surgery
Skin biopsy – Skin biopsies are performed to help with the diagnosis of your skin condition. Sometimes, different skin conditions can look similar to the naked eye so additional information is required. This is obtained by looking at the structure of the skin under the microscope after the cells have been stained with special coloured dyes.
Excision of skin lesions – A common reason why skin lesions are excised, is to fully remove skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. If the cancer is not cut out it may spread to the surrounding skin and to other parts of the body (metastasise).
Curettage & cautery – Curettage and cautery or electrosurgery is a procedure in which your dermatologist scrapes off a skin lesion and applies heat to the skin surface.
Skin grafting – A skin graft consists of skin taken from another part of the body and applied to the site where skin is missing. This might follow surgical removal of a skin cancer or a burn. A skin graft is thus a skin transplant. Skin grafts are performed by surgeons (including plastic surgeons) and by some dermatologists.
Mohs microscopically controlled excision – Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an advanced treatment procedure for skin cancer, offers the highest potential for recovery—even if the skin cancer has been previously treated. This procedure is state-of-the-art treatment in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist and reconstructive surgeon.
Laser Skin Resurfacing – A laser is a high-energy beam of light that can selectively transfer its energy into tissue to treat the skin. The laser makes it possible to change tissue without making an incision. So a surgeon can treat birthmarks or damaged blood vessels, remove port wine stains, and shrink facial “spider veins” without major surgery.
Photodynamic therapy – Applying a chemical called aminolevulinic acid to the skin and exposing the skin to a special light source.
Topical chemotherapy – Applying a chemical such as 5-fluorouracil, diclofenac sodium, or imiquimod to destroy pre-cancerous growths and some cancerous lesions.
Radiation therapy – Using x-rays to destroy tissue in certain types of skin cancer, as well as in selected individuals for whom surgery is not possible.
Dermabrasion – Removing the outer layers of skin and softening irregular edges. After the skin is frozen with a spray medication, a high-speed, rotary abrasive wheel is used.
Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) Applying or spraying liquid nitrogen onto the skin to freeze and destroy the tissue.
Precautions and care for Skin Surgery
Your skin growth will be removed surgically in the office and sent for microscopic examination to be certain it has been completely removed. Unless otherwise instructed, please eat normally and take all regularly prescribed medications.
After surgery, most patients may resume their usual activities; sometimes, there are temporary restrictions on sports, dancing, or other physical activity.
Aspirin makes people bleed more easily, and we prefer that patients not take it for seven days before surgery and for two days after surgery.
If you are taking aspirin, or a medicine containing aspirin, on your own, please stop it for seven days before surgery.
Antibiotics – People who have had hip replacements, have artificial heart valves, or who have mitral valve prolapse often have to take antibiotics before dental procedures.
In the medical literature, most studies show antibiotics are not needed before and after skin surgery. The best thing to do is to check with the doctor who has implanted one of the above devices or the doctor who sees you for this problem.
Stitches (sutures) are used to close the wound after surgery. The type of stitch we use depends on the surgery and your skin. Stitches that need removal are usually taken out 7 to 14 days after surgery. Stitch removal and takes only a few minutes.
