Archive for the ‘Health & Fitness’ Category

Skin Tone and Your Skin Health

Sunday, November 7th, 2010

What is SKIN TONE and why does it matter when choosing skincare products?

Most women know their skin tone matters when choosing clothing or color palettes for makeup, such as foundation, eye shadow or lipstick. But knowing your true skin tone also plays a direct role your skin health and will aid in choosing which skincare products work best for you.

Your skin tone is a direct result of the amount of melanin your skin produces and can be the difference between skin that is sensitive and burns easily or skin that may never burn but can be deeply pigmented or prone to discoloration (hyperpigmentation).

No two dark spots are alike. Dark spots can develop from multiple triggers, including: exposure to UV rays, scarring, infection and skin irritation, or even melasma/chloasma which is triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy and exacerbated by UV exposure. (Freckles, unlike age spots or dark spots, are inborn and do not fall into the category of hyperpigmentation).

Human skin color is determined primarily by the amount and type of melanin (or skin pigment) it contains and can range from almost black/dark brown to very high concentrations of white with a pinkish tinge due to sub-dermal blood vessels. Variations in skin color are mainly genetic in origin.

Despite what you may assume about skin hue and sensitivity, light skin can in fact withstand stress much better than skin of a darker tone. The reason lies below the surface. Pigmented cells in brown skin are larger and more loosely packed, which means the skin is often sensitive and tends to overreact to certain stimuli. For example, darker skin is more likely to scar and get irritated. Long after a blemish or cut heals, a dark mark is likely to linger on the skin. Even doing the right thing, like using a sunscreen, can result in an unforeseen blotchy or reddened response.

Skin color may be the result of genetic adaptations which protect from sunburn, skin infections and skin cancer, vitamin D deficiency, or damage to skin cells. Sunlight intensity is associated with darker skin color while areas with low UV levels lead to skin lightening. This information is important to know when choosing skincare products, especially when it comes to sun damage protection and skin lightening choices.

SKIN TONE and SKIN TYPE

Skin type (or hue) is commonly classified using the Fitzpatrick Classification. It is a useful guideline that was designed as a means to calibrate the skin’s response to sun exposure, with regard to how it might respond to chemical treatments and the risk of hyperpigmentation. Skin type can also be classified as oily, sensitive or dry, etc.

The six categories of the Fitzpatrick Skin Types are:

1. Type I (white) always burns, never tans. Tends to have freckles, red, brown, auburn, chestnut, or blond hair, blue, hazel, green or grey eyes.

2. Type II (white) usually burns, never tans. Tends to have light or dark hair, blue, green, hazel, brown or grey eyes.

3. Type III (light brown) burns occasionally, gradually tans. Usually has brown hair and blue, green, hazel, brown, or, rarely, dark brown eyes.

4. Type IV (moderate brown) minimally burns, always tans. Tends to have black to dark brown hair and blue, green, hazel, brown or dark brown eyes.

5. Type V (dark brown) rarely burns, profusely tans. Black hair and brown or hazel eyes.

6. Type VI (black) never burns, deeply pigmented. Black hair and dark brown eyes, with minor variations.

Don’t be deceived by the airbrushed models on magazine covers, only a rare few have a perfectly even skin tone. Time, sun damage and other factors will generally contribute to freckles, age spots, discolorations, or a “blotchy” complexion for the rest.

PROTECTING YOUR SKIN

The pigment-producing cells of the skin are called melanocytes and they are the major determinant of your hair and skin color. Melanocytes are located at the bottom layer of the epidermis and are the first line of defense against skin cancer. Even subtle environmental changes can affect melanocytes and change skin tone. By using sun protection and caring for your skin, you can avoid unwanted discoloration due to over-active pigmentation.

It can’t be said often enough: People of all skin types need to use sun protection! While those with darker skin tones or skin of color may think they’re naturally protected from sun damage, they are actually more prone to react to exposure with dark marks and splotches. While those with darker skin are less likely to develop skin cancer, when they do, it is more often the deadly melanoma and usually diagnosed late due to a lack of understanding about how it appears on dark skin.

For protection, medical experts recommend using products containing titanium oxide or zinc oxide dimethicone; both are physical rather than chemical barriers, which can irritate the skin and break down after a couple of hours. The recommended daily sun protection factor (SPF) is 30. Because sunscreen loses its effectiveness after two hours, it needs to be reapplied. Another option is to spritz with a sunscreen spray, or dust the face with a loose SPF-fortified foundation powder.

The sun is your skin’s enemy. No matter the original cause of skin discoloration, the sun actively plays a role in exacerbating wrinkles, fine lines and unwanted dark patches and spots. Sunscreen is by far the single most important skincare product you should use, without it, the sun’s UV rays will send your melanocytes into overdrive.

As you age, the overall level of skin pigment also increases, which is why adults often have a deeper baseline skin tone than they did as children. It also contributes to age spots or “liver spots,” those unwelcome blotchy skin discolorations.

These flat brown patches are generally limited to sun exposed skin (like the face, backs of hands and forearms) and show up around age 40. By the age of 70, nearly ninety percent of all Caucasians have at least one age spot. Fortunately, they are benign and do not tend to darken with repeat sun exposure. Freckles, on the other hand, typically develop in childhood. They are much smaller and they do get darker during the sunny summer months and then fade during the winter.

TREATMENT
So what can you do about uneven skin tone? Of course you can use camouflaging make up or concealer to hide dark spots, but there is also a variety of methods and products designed to target and reduce skin discoloration directly including micodermabrasion and topical skin lighteners.

You will see some immediate results with skin bleaching/brightening products, but the best results will be achieved after six to twelve months of continued use. Natural Zinc Oxide moisturizers will also restore hydration and defend against free-radical skin damage, protecting skin from damaging UVB and UVA rays. The effectiveness of any treatment will vary according to one’s skin type, how often the product is applied and in what amount. It is normally advised to use the same treatment for four to six weeks to determine the effectiveness.

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What to Look For in Anti-Aging Eye Creams

Sunday, November 7th, 2010

Many of us have at one time or another suffered from unattractive eyes. Whether you stayed up late cramming for that final, spent too much time in the sun or perhaps cried your eyes out at your favorite tearjerker movie, unsightly bags, wrinkles and dark circles are no picnic.

So what are the most common cosmetic eye problems and what can you do to remedy them?

Dark Circles: The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of dark circles under eyes. Other possible causes may be culprit, so ask your doctor about your symptoms.

1    Persistent eye rubbing
2    Sleep difficulty- (e.g. stress, depression, sleep disorders, etc.).
3    Allergies (hay fever, dust allergy, mold allergy).
4    Eczema – i.e. eczema in the skin under the eyes.
5    Pale skin may accentuate the dark rings.
6    Inherited eye blood vessel condition – dark circles under the eyes can run in families.
7    Aging
8    Dehydration
9    Nasal congestion
10    Black eye due to trauma

Cows Feet and Wrinkles

With age our skin grows thin. It loses its elasticity and natural sheen. The area under the eyes is highly delicate and is the most vulnerable to aging. Under eye wrinkles are the earliest signs of aging. While developing eye wrinkles is pretty natural, the particular age of developing wrinkles can vary greatly based on lifestyle choices. Premature wrinkles will primarily result from excessive sun and UV exposure but can also develop from improper sleeping postures, dehydration, pollution and smoking.

Puffy / Swollen Eyes

Puffy eyes can be caused by many factors. These include fluid retention, stress, allergies, hormone changes, and other factors. When we cry, it is often accompanied by swollen eyes. When we cry, salt-filled tears make direct contact with our eyes. Salt is one of the leading causes of water retention, the salt in our tears cause the affected area (the eyes) to swell, leading to temporary puffiness. Puffy eyes after sleeping can be caused by different factors such as too much sodium in a diet causing water retention, tossing and turning and not getting enough sleep, or excessive drinking of alcohol or medical conditions.

Following are some natural ways to treat puffy eyes:

1    Wash face with ice cold water
2    Limit sodium intake
3    Drink plenty of water to flush toxins from your system
4    Place two slices of cool cucumber on the eyes for several minutes
5    Moisten two tea bags in cold water, chill them in the refrigerator and place them over closed eyelids for several minutes – the tannic acid in the tea draws out impurities.
6    For allergies and puffy eyes, try to find the item causing the allergic reaction and minimize or eliminate use; (you may need medication in the form of shots or prescription drugs).
7    Try a soothing eye cream with Aloe and Vitamin E.

Key Ingredients in a Natural Anti-Aging Eye Creams

Beta Carotene —Dermatologists use beta-carotene for its ability to increase cell turn-over and regeneration in the outer layers of the skin, making it effective for diseases and skin conditions. Topical application of beta-carotene in retailed skin care products can enhance the appearance of the skin by restoring suppleness and adding a “glowing” pigment that seemingly evens out the skin tone. Beta-carotene’s antioxidant attributes, such as sun damage protection, are used to prevent the signs of aging in the skin.

Aloe vera —Stimulates cell renewal, has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, 20 amino acids (the building blocks of cell tissue).  It is beneficial for skin eruptions and for the treatment of bruises and burns. It is a cellular regenerator.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) —Antioxidant, protects skin, helps increase elasticity, nourishes and tightens.

Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate)— protects cells with antioxidants, ultra violet light, pollution, and damaging free radicals. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

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Summer Skin Care Rules

Sunday, November 7th, 2010

Summer is finally here and as the seasons change so should your skin care. Below are skin care rules to follow for your best complexion all summer long.

Revive Your Skin

Winter’s cold, dry air and indoor heating really take a toll on the skin. Revive dry, tired, dull-looking skin with nutrient-rich serums and moisturizers. Look for products that contain Vitamins A, B, C, and E. Vitamin A will repair skin tissue and prevent further dryness. Vitamin B will improve surface blood circulation bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the skin, making the skin look alive and fresh. Vitamin C is essential for healing and fights free radicals that damage the skin; Vitamin E will have a soothing effect on the skin, repairing winter damage. Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant preventing premature aging.

Care for Your Skin Type

Skin tends to become more oily as the temperature rises, this means normal to dry skin types will likely develop into normal to oily during the summer. Choose a moisturizer with a lighter texture during the summer months; the moisturizer should still contain important ingredients that will moisturize the skin effectively. These ingredients include vitamins, humectants and botanicals. As for cleansing, more oil can lead to more clogged pores and break outs, be sure cleanse the skin properly. At bedtime, remove all make up and lightly cleanse in the morning and after any sport or exercise. A cleanser that is effective and not drying is important? try a facial cleanser with natural ingredients like Rosemary or Chamomile for maximum results.

Exfoliation

It is important to exfoliate regularly to avoid clogged pores and keep your complexion looking even. However, intensive peels, dermabrasions and abrasive beauty treatments need be avoided during the summer months. These treatments make skin more susceptible to sun damage, pigmentation and scaring. Avoid invasive treatments and choose an at-home exfoliant to add to your beauty routine a few times a week to keep your skin at its best. Look for a facial scrub with papaya or jojoba beads.

Sun Protection

Sun screen should be worn year round, and it is even more important to apply sunscreen diligently during the summer months. The summer sun is more intense and damaging to the skin thus sun protection is necessary to avoid damage to the skin. Look for a sunscreen that is dual-spectrum, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Zinc and/or Zinc Oxide are powerful sun protectors that naturally reflect the sun’s harmful rays, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays to prevent them from damaging the epidermal layer. Always look for skincare products that contain natural zinc. Vivoderm Natural Skincare makes a great zinc facial repairing cream that serves this requirement.

UVA rays are the rays that cause wrinkles and skin aging, while UVB rays produce tans and burns. Applying sunscreen to not only the face but body is important. Sunscreen should be applied daily and even multiple times during the day depending on your summer activities. Sun protections no lower than SPF 30 should be applied to the face and body.

Shield Your Eyes

The skin around the eyes is the most delicate and tender and should always have extra protection. Sunglasses that block sunrays are a great investment in the protection of your eyes. Squinting as a result of sun glare can cause crows feet or fine lines while the intense summer rays can cause pigmentation to the delicate skin.

Summer Skin

Skin protects your body from the environment, keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The above are simple steps to protect your skin from the harsh summer environment and the damage the skin can obtain while basking in the sun. Following these simple rules will keep your skin healthy and looking great all summer long.

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Stain removal in teeth

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

One of the brighter parts in a parts face that reflects his confidence level in a gathering is none other than the teeth. A warm smile with sparkling white teeth will make you a hero in the gathering, and there is no second thought in it.

Do all people have that confidence in them to smile? The answer, to a great extent, is unfortunately “no”. The primary reason, among other things, is the stains and discoloring of the teeth. Being addicted to habits like smoking cigarettes, excessive drinking of red wine and other beverages such as coffee or tea might cause stains on the teeth.

The dentists in Manchester have been experts in removal of stain in teeth and have been imparting dental courses to solve problems. It takes less than 30 minutes to have the stain removed and revive the smiling face of the person. Please visit dentist manchester for more details in this regard, also you can check this site out too for teeth whitening.

Hip Bone Pain

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

To understand some of the possible causes of hip wound, it is important to understand, like constructing in the hipbones. The thigh (femur) chairs to the consortium and at the very end that the bone is determined like a ball. The basin has an area adjourned (female), who gets the bullock on the thigh.

The ball joint arranging allows for the joint to be conciliatory and is from the break down of a combining of very accented ligaments and brawn layers, which is protected joint.
Hips besiege bone pain, a common belief in other breaks of the body. You could feel the legs higher up the knee or in the groin.

At the first auguries of pain, in that location is sealed things you will be able to do to prevent the deterioration of the situation. Stop doing the activity doing the pain, make a point with a stick or animals in order to relieve blackmail on the joint, and a direction company said in a berth, which doesn’t make you afflict. Once the pain lessens, you will be able to use some gentle stretching does, and to begin to begin slow, go easy on you and your body and hear the pain contents sent