Thursday 19 February 2009

Love the Skin You're In


When it comes to skin care advice, there is often a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Well, no more. Whether you live in a hot climate or cold, or if you have maturing skin or tattooed, we'll give you the best advice to protect your outermost layer.

Winter Skin Worries
Not only does cold air contain minimal moisture, which can cause drier skin and increased itchiness in normal skin types, it has a greater impact on aging skin, and people with health concerns like psoriasis and eczema, by exacerbating the symptoms.

Dry, Itchy Skin
To prevent dry, itchy skin, avoid taking lengthy or overly hot showers or baths. Try using a less abrasive soap, such as a non-soap cleanser, suggests the AAD, and apply moisturizers with lipids right after bathing. If your dry, scaly skin is a chronic occurrence, you may have eczema or atopic dermatis -- find out more about this skin condition's symptoms.

Stressed? Your Skin Needs TLC Too
When you worry, your body's stress hormone, cortisol, rises, which in turn can cause oily skin and acne outbreaks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Other nasty byproducts of stress can include an increased risk of skin cancer and slower healing wounds.

Pregnant Precautions
Of course you're curious about stretch marks. According to the AAD, odds are stacked against you -- about 90 percent of women get them -- typically during the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy. The good news? Moisturizer can improve the appearance of stretch marks and reduce itchiness. Sunless tanning products can hide them altogether, says the AAD. Prescription treatment creams or laser therapy are other options. Pregnant women may also have issues with itchy palms and soles. The AAD recommends switching to a fragrance-free non-soap cleanser or try using a chilled over-the-counter mentholated or oatmeal-based moisturizer to soothe the itch.

What Are Those Dark Patches?
Melasma, or hyperpigmentation, is the name you're looking for to describe those darker patches of skin on your face. They're typically found on the forehead, cheeks and above the upper lip and occur in women more often than in men, according to Harvard Health Publications. These marks are usually associated with hormonal changes, which is why pregnant women or women taking hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives may develop them. The AAD recommends wearing SPF 15 or higher to prevent the patches from growing darker. The spots can be concealed with makeup or treated with prescriptions.

Beat Breakouts
Adults with acne: the news is grim. According to the AAD, you can keep producing pimples into your 50s. Three factors contribute to adult outbreaks -- overproduction of oil, blockage of the hair follicles that release the oil, and bacteria growth, says the AAD. To prevent scars: do not pop or squeeze your zits. Wash with mild soap and warm water, but avoid vigorous scrubbing -- this can worsen the acne -- and alcohol-based astringents which strip your skin of natural moistures, says the AAD. Look for oil-free cosmetics and sunscreens. Medications are available too.

Fragrance Foul Ups
About two percent of Americans are allergic to fragrance, a component of most beauty products out there -- if you notice a skin reaction, try a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free version of the product.

Mature Skin: What to Watch for
As you age, time takes a toll on both the outer layer (epidermis) and inner layers of skin, meaning your skin is less able to retain moisture and protect against bruising, scarring, dryness and the sun's damaging ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, according to the AAD. You also lose collagen and tissues that keep the skin firm and protect against injury.

Cosmetic Complications
Immediately after getting a tattoo there are several complications you could have, including a skin infection, staph infection, or soft tissue infection. For the first 24 hours after the procedure, your tattoo may be swollen or ooze blood or clear, yellow fluid. However, if the fluid changes to creamy yellow, brown, red, or becomes pus-like, it may be the sign of infection. For piercings, a common problem is an itchy, red skin reaction -- or hypersensitivity to the nickel found in some jewelry. If this occurs, try wearing stainless steel, platinum, or gold jewelry. Hypersensitivity to tattoo pigments also may develop, but this occurrence is rare.

Caution: Hot Temperatures!
Hot and humid temperatures can really give your sweat glands a workout -- which can be a problem. As you age, your sweat glands take longer to produce sweat, meaning it takes you longer to cool off on a hot day. Seniors should pay particular attention to heat advisories. Muggy weather also affects the skin of infants and adults alike in the form of heat rash -- a red or pink rash that develops when sweat ducts are blocked or swollen.

Skin Cancer Prevention
To defend against skin cancer, wear sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. The AAD recommends adults do annual or semi-annual full body skin exams, either through self-examination or with a dermatologist -- checking for any new or unusual moles, marks, bumps or other changes. A recent study published in the May 2008 issue of the 'Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology' found that couples who perform skin self-examinations for each other increase their chances of finding a new melanoma earlier.

Not out of the Clear
"Anyone, regardless of skin color or ethnicity, can develop skin cancer, so it is important to practice sun safety," says the AAD. The difficulty is in diagnosing it, because the typical signs can be found between the toes or on the scalp. Melanoma is often left undiagnosed in people of darker skin tones until after the cancer has already spread. The AAD recommends that people with skin of color practice regular skin self-examinations and learn how to identify unusual moles or other signs of skin cancer.

Toxic Tanning
Yes, if you didn't know already, indoor tanning exposes your skin to what the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has declared a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). A majority of tanning-booth patrons are young women -- which may further their skin cancer risk. According to the AAD, a Swedish study presents strong evidence that indoor tanning, especially at a young age, increases the risk of melanoma. Other complications include skin aging, weakened immunity, and eye damage, including cataracts and ocular melanoma.

No Need to Get Red in the Face
Rosacea, a skin condition characterized by facial redness, affects nearly 14 million Americans and is often confused with adult acne because it affects people between the ages of 30 and 60 and its symptoms can include acne flare ups. Rosacea grows worse over time and is generally cyclic, peaking for weeks to months and then clearing up. Current treatments are often not effective at curing or reversing any skin damage, but medications can help control symptoms and prevent worsening.

Best Care for Psoriasis
People with psoriasis have skin cells whose rapid growth results in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin. Typical skin cells are shed every four weeks, while people with psoriasis produce new skin cells in a matter of days, giving that rash appearance. There is no cure for this skin condition, but medical treatment and medicines are available.



Source: AOL Health

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