Skin Care

Knowing More About Moisturizers

Moisturizers are used by millions of people to restore the moisture level that is found naturally in their skin. As people go through life and face a variety of activities, the skin’s natural layer of protective lipids gets worn away. The result is dry skin and it can be uncomfortable or painful depending on which degree a person has it. Moisturizers help the skin maintain and repair when the elements dry out our epidermis. They are often complex mixtures of chemicals that come from a large number of ingredients.
Humectants are mixtures of chemicals such as urea, lactic acid, and sorbitol. Some ingredients such as creatinine, amino acids, ammonia, and glucosamine are considered natural moisturizing factors because of their low molecular weight. Emollients are organic substances extracted from wool called lanolin. It acts as a barrier against water loss and softens the stratum corneum by smoothing it out and lubricating it. Other emoolients include hexyl decanol, oleyl alcohol, decyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, and dioctyl cyclohexane. Preservatives are often added to moisturizers to keep bacterias and fungus from growing on them and fragrance is added to give the product a desirable smell. Many products such as facial cleansers and acne medications also have moisturizers in them such as Proactiv Solution, which contains moisturizing humectants in the gently exfoliating cleanser.
Moisturizers can claim to do a number of things with little or no evidence that prove it is actually effective. Adding vitamins to products has been a fairly common ploy to get consumers to buy their particular brand of moisturizer in the past. This supposedly will restore the skin’s moisture and repair collagen that causes wrinkles and age lines. Of course, it usually adds to the price tag of the product as well. The ingredients that are added are all inexpensive, but manufacturers know that a price tag is often directly related to how effective a consumer thinks a product is.
Although they claim to cure all the skin’s ailments, complex moisturizers can sometimes have the reverse effect. Natural skin lipids are sometimes added to moisturizers that in the correct proportion promote healthy skin repair. If an incorrect proportion is used, it can delay the skin’s natural ability to repair damaged skin. Knowing what is inside a moisturizer can help a knowing consumer which is the best product for their particular skin type.

Understanding What Hypoallergenic Means

Cosmetics advertisers first used the word in the 60’s. It comes from the Greek prefix hypo, which translates to below or less. So the word translates to “less allergens”. Since it’s inception it has been widely adopted and used by advertisers, manufacturers, and marketers to sell products that claim to be gentler on the skin than other products similar to it. But is this really true?
The American Food and Drug Administration has stated, “ Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products. Consumers with hypersensitive skin, and even those with “normal” skin, may be led to believe that these products will be gentler to their skin than non-hypoallergenic cosmetics. There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term “hypoallergenic.” The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean. Manufacturers of cosmetics labeled as hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenicity claims to FDA. The term “hypoallergenic” may have considerable market value in promoting cosmetic products to consumers on a retail basis, but dermatologists say it has very little meaning.”
The FDA attempted to put regulations on products that claimed to be hypoallergenic in 1974. It stated that a product could be labeled hypoallergenic only if studies were conducted on human subjects and it showed a significantly lower reaction to allergies than products not making the claim. It then said the companies had to conduct these tests on their own and (most importantly) at their own expense. This of course caused major problems and companies immediately began lawsuits against the decision, claiming that the tests “would pose an undue economic burden on them.” The two biggest challengers of this attempt at regulation were Almay and Clinique, two manufacturers of “hypoallergenic” cosmetics.
The FDA tried again to regulate the use of the word on June 6, 1975 by still requiring companies to do scientific studies but the procedures for the tests were changed to reduce the cost to the manufacturers. This still didn’t sit well with the companies who apparently wanted no regulations on what they were producing. Cosmetic companies challenged the FDA decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals, which ruled that the regulation was invalid. The court said the FDA’s definition of “hypoallergenic” was unfair because a lack of evidence that consumers perceived the term in the way it is described by the organization. The result? Manufacturers can continue to advertise and label their products “hypoallergenic” without any kind of regulation or standard set forth by the government. Consumers have no assurance that a product labeled “hypoallergenic” is any less reactive than any other product. Theoretically, a company could put out a product that is “hypoallergenic” that is full of toxins and allergens.
The one small victory that the FDA seems to have had is that at least now manufacturers are now required to put the ingredients on the labels of the products so that consumers can avoid substances that they know they are allergic to or have had problems with in the past. There are certainly cleansers and products that are more gentle on our skin than others. Compare something like Proactiv Solution and Oxy-10; the two products are for acne treatment, but where Proactiv has moisturizers and leaves your skin soft and moist, Oxy-10 will often leave your skin dry and irritated. As consumers, we must be aware of ingredients in the products we use because apparently the companies who make them aren’t very concerned about our health over their profit margins. There is no doubt that some products out there that claim to be hypoallergenic actually are, but if you are a smart consumer and concerned for you and your family’s health, you’ll do the research yourself and not rely on these companies claims. Hypoallergenic? More like hypohonest.

Making the Switch to Natural Make-up

Should you make the switch to all-natural make-up? There are plenty of companies, advertisements, and “experts” who could probably give you a very convincing argument either way. Dr. Roberta Palestine, who did her residency at the Mayo Clinic in dermatology stated, “Natural isn’t always better. Synthetic isn’t necessarily worse. Poison Ivy is natural, but that certainly doesn’t make it good…a chemical is a chemical, what matters is your skin type.” There are certainly a lot of skin types out there, and you can bet for every type there’s a number of make-up products for that particular kind.

Women who suffer from allergies and have been limited on their choices in make-up now have more options as more companies come out with products that are gentle on the skin and hypoallergenic. It should be noted that “hypoallergenic” has no medical definition, as it is yet to be determined what ingredients reduce allergens. So are natural make-up products all that they are supposed to be? A quick look at the ingredients list will tell the consumer what the main ingredients are on a product. Often times, the ingredients will be listed on the packaging the make-up came in.

Often women will be allergic to a product and not even realize it. Over the years, women get used to dry, irritated skin that comes from repeated use of the kinds of make-up they wear out in public and to work. Women who wear a foundation make-up to balance out their skin tone on the face will dry out and irritate their skin so each day is worse. Women with delicate skin should avoid products with fragrances, mineral oil, formaldehyde, and alcohol. These chemicals will all dry out the skin and cause irritation. Women who suffer from these types of skin ailments should treat their skin with a gently exfoliating cleanser that will help keep their skin clear as well, such as Proactiv Solution, which cleans and clears without additional irritation.

When switching make-ups often times the skin will have to undergo an adjustment period. So women who are thinking about switching to natural cosmetics should go with it 100%. By doing this, the skin only has to go through the adjustment phase one time. If you are thinking about making the switch, it is important to consider the ingredients in a product that claims to be all natural. Do some research before trying out a new make-up line to see if it is a reputable company that uses quality ingredients and stands behind the products they produce. So should you make the switch? It’s a matter of personal choice but if you think the products you currently use are affecting your skin, at least consider it.

What You Should Know About Your Make-up

The cosmetics industry is a big business all around the world. Most manufacturers strive to make their products safe for as many people as possible, but there are still cases where cosmetics can have some side effects on some people. A recent study found that many cosmetics that are used all over the world had chemicals that contained carcinogens, agents that are known to cause cancer. Others had not done research or studies on the effects their products had on human beings. Because of this, it was concluded that more research on the safety of cosmetics for humans is needed.

When certain fragrances or preservatives are added to different kinds of cosmetics, skin allergies, or allergic dermatitis can appear in some people. This can cause irritation or rashes where the product is applied to the skin. People that are allergic to some substances or try a product that irritates their skin could benefit greatly from a patch test, conducted by a dermatologist or physician. A patch test is when a variety of different chemicals is applied to the skin in small applications and observed for a few days to see the reaction the skin takes. At this point, consumers can avoid the chemicals that cause allergies by reading the ingredients on the product labels. Some people will find that even if they are not allergic to a certain substance they may still get skin irritation because of a condition known as irritant dermatitis where the cosmetic damages the outer layer of skin.

Exfoliating products such as deep cleansers and skin peels can cause damage to the skin if it is exposed to excessive sunlight. This is because they remove the top layer of the skin, which is the protective layer. There are many products that will exfoliate your skin without damaging the outer layer, such as Proactive Acne Solution. Excessive scrubbing or frequent washing can have similar effects by stripping away the oily layer the body provides for protection of the skin.

Some ingredients found in cosmetic products are suspected to contain chemicals that could have serious side effects. A recent study was published that claimed some deodorants may be a factor in causing breast cancer. The study was specifically on parabens, which is a certain kind of chemical commonly used in deodorants and anti-perspirants as preservatives. Parabens are found in breast cancer tissue. The study was not conclusive in linking the two, but caution should still be used when shopping for cosmetic products. It is a good idea to be aware as a consumer that many of the products we use everyday can be complex chemical compounds. Read the label for ingredients and be aware of the properties the products contain. After all, we’re putting these things directly onto us.

Some Facts About Benzoyl Peroxide

One of the most common ingredients found in acne treatment medications is benzoyl peroxide. It is known for its acne fighting properties. It is a chemical found in organic peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is called an active ingredient in products because it causes a chemical change upon contact with the skin. It produces a chemical compound of benzoic acid and oxygen that peels the top layer of dead cells off the skin surface. This peeling effect cleans the pores more deeply than a normal application of soap and water.

Benzoyl peroxide is found in a wide variety of products because it is known for its mildness on the skin. Another of the most common ingredients found with benzoyl peroxide is salicylic acid. A combination of these two active ingredients is found in popular acne treatment brands like Oxy-10 and Clearasil. While both have been tested for their acne fighting properties, they have not been proven to be any more effective combined. Salicylic acid can be harmful for women who are pregnant, causing birth defects. This has been proven in cases where the salicylic acid is ingested orally. It has not been totally proven in cases where the salicylic acid is applied topically, but if you’re a mother, do you really want to run that risk. The best idea is to stay away from the salicylic acid completely.

There are many products out there that are effective that have no salicylic acid in them. One of the most popular acne treatments sold today is Proactiv solution, a product that is endorsed by many high profile celebrities including Jessica Simpson, Puff Daddy, and Lindsay Lohan. Clean, moist skin is one of the most important factors in maintaining and preventing further acne. Proactiv has been tested and proven to be effective using a combination of ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and sulfur. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera that help the skin stay moisturized.

Of course, there are cases where benzoyl peroxide has been reported to irritate and dry out the skin. Dry and irritated skin and hair follicles have the highest susceptibility to new acne, so it is important to have the correct dosage of benzoyl peroxide for your own personal needs. Proactiv has a fairly low level of benzoyl at 2.5%, which helps keep skin irritation to a minimal. There are several products out on the market today, such as NeoBenz Micro that contains higher concentrations of up to 8.5%. Because of this high dose NeoBenz is only available with a prescription.

Treating Yourself for Acne During Pregnancy

Do you ever see all those Clearasil or Oxy 10 commercials with the completely blemish free teenagers smiling broadly and telling you about how their perfect complexions were a result of the use of that product? It doesn’t seem like these over-the-counter and massively available acne solutions could be of any threat to anybody, but if you’re a pregnant woman, you should be aware of a few things. There are many acne treatments that are available and safe to use during pregnancy, many of them natural and available right in the home. On the other hand, many manufactured products should be avoided during pregnancy.

It should be noted first that some acne during pregnancy is fairly common among women. During the first trimester, as the body prepares itself to provide for two, hormone levels increase and cause a rise in the body’s oil production. The result is acne flare-ups. The good news is that this usually clears up by the second trimester as the body begins to plateau in hormone levels. The two most common ingredients found in the majority of most acne treatments are Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. It has been tested and determined that benzoyl peroxide is safe for women to use during pregnancy. However, it has also been determined that salicylic acid that is taken orally, such as a pill, has been known to cause some birth defects and may complicate pregnancy. Women must be careful when selecting a product to use, as a product that contains benzoyl peroxide will often contain salicylic acid as well. So what about a topical application of salicylic acid? It has not been proven that it will cause birth defects or pregnancy complications, but as a pregnant woman that knows now that salicylic acid taken orally is potentially harmful, do you really want to run that risk? Some acne treatment products that doctors have recommended pregnant women should avoid are retinoid, oral retinoid, and Accutane. Retinoid is a form of Vitamin A that can cause birth defects in unborn children. There is no evidence that retinoid taken topically is harmful, but again, why run that risk?

For the desperate new mother that is trying to treat her skin, there are a variety of safe and natural ways to fight off acne. Of course, before women begin any new treatment they should consult their physician or obstetrician. Some products that mothers can safely use topically are Echinacea, lavender essential oil, tea tree oil, and Proactiv Solution. But there are also even easier things one can do to control their outbreaks. Keeping your skin clean by washing with soap and rinsing with warm water to rinse off any remaining soap that may stay and cause block-ups or break-outs is one of the easiest things to do for extra care. After your face is washed and rinsed, avoid picking or popping blemishes to prevent scarring. It should also be mentioned that diet plays an important part in controlling acne. A high fruit and vegetable ratio in a woman’s diet should be maintained throughout pregnancy to not only help keep acne more clear, but also for the baby’s proper growth and development. Apples and blueberries are both rich in antioxidants, making them very good fruits to consume for the prevention of future outbreaks.

There are also a number of “household” treatments available. A mask of warm oatmeal cooked without additional ingredients in it and applied to the face for about 15-20 minutes may begin to clear up blemishes in as little as a few days. A lemon that has been cut in half and put on acne is another possibility. Uncooked natural oatmeal, garlic, olive oil, mashed potatoes, and even warm sugar water are ways to fight blemishes and prevent new ones from forming again. So mothers, if you find yourself going through those frustrating outbreaks during your pregnancy period, have a little patience, try to go natural, eat a healthy diet of low-fat and preservative-free foods, and stay away from all those manufactured products that claim to clear your face up in five days or less.

The Various Kinds of Acne Blemishes

Acne is a skin disorder where the pores and hair follicles become agitated and inflamed, leading to cosmetic imperfections that show on the skin surface. These imperfections can take many forms including pimples, cysts, abscesses, open comedos, and in more severe cases even permanent scarring. Acne most often occurs in both women and men during the teenage stage called as puberty. This is when the human body begins to develop obvious changes in hormone levels as a result of developing into a grown-up, adult body capable of sexual reproduction. Acne often affects teenage boys, but it is not limited to just them. Acne can affect both men and women of all ages; sometimes all the way through their complete adult lives. This is less common but definitely not abnormal.

Non-infalammatory and Inflammatory are the two major kinds of acne. The non-inflammatory category is divided into two categories; closed comedo and open comedo. A closed comedo is otherwise called a whitehead and appears on the skin surface as a tiny whitish or yellowish spot. The open comedo is otherwise known as a blackhead. It can be dark when seen but, despite common belief, is not an excess of dirt. It is in reality a build-up of melanin, a substance that encompasses the color of the skin. Using a gently exfoliating cleanser with anti-inflammatory aspects like Proactiv or another moisturizing product that has aloe vera can minimize blackheads and whiteheads.

Inflammatory pimples are the more apparent of the two kinds regarding skin appearance. Inflammatory acne can most obviously be seen on the face, but can develop on a number of other places on the body like the legs, chest, upper arms, back, shoulders, neck, and scalp. The zit is the most obvious form of acne seen. Closed comedos are a little bit different in that they don’t have an open ended pore. They are marks that seem to be bulging out from beneath the skin. If left alone for a few days whiteheads will turn into pustules. If the zits are squeezed or popped, they will often become more infected and could cause permanent scarring. So it is a great idea to leave the whiteheads alone. Acne sufferers with whiteheads should instead use a gently exfoliating cleanser, such as Proactive solution or Noxema.

Blemishes with a whitish or yellowish hue are known as pustules. They can develop from whiteheads or blackheads. They are round sores that are inflamed because of agitated sebaceous glands. The body has thousands of sebaceous glands that produce an oil-like chemical called sebum. When the skin is exposed to an excess of sebum, the hair follicles and pores become irritated and infected. Cysts are larger pus filled sores that develop on the surface but are in reality embedded within the epidermis. Because of the size and depth of the inflammation, cysts are often very unpleasant and can be as big as an inch across the infected area. They appear as a result of the contents of a comedo moving across the infected area and the bodies defense mechanism of developing pus to minimize these effects. Permanent scars can result from cysts.

Herbal Treatments Vs. Prescribed Treatments for Acne

There is an overabundance of acne medications currently on the market. Some must be prescribed by a doctor, such as retinol. Others treatments are over the counter chemical compounds, such as Proactiv solution and Neutrogena. There are many skin care medications that have been clinically proven to be effective in treating acne, and these are the medications that will stop acne for most people.

The vast majority of acne treatments fall under the heading of “herbal” acne treatments. The reason is because of the lack or regulation for herbal products. This can be very frustrating to the general consumer, because it is impossible to tell which herbal treatment will work to stop acne, and which ones will do very little at all. Of every organic treatment available, there are only 2 that are currently proven to stop acne. Tea tree oil will help get rid of acne, and so will green tea cream.

For centuries a special tea tree oil from Australia was said to be the best cure all, and is still used today on acne, however penicillin has replaced it for most uses. However, tea tree oil has seen a recent come back due in part to study conducted in 1990 that proved it to be as effective in treating acne as 5% benzoyl peroxide. Furthermore, it had none of the side effects that benzoyl peroxide does. The other natural treatment is green tea cream, found useful in 2003 at a dermatology conference. It was proven that green tea is as effective in treating acne as a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution. though it is not 100% proven, it demonstrated that there is another herbal treatment besides tea tree oil.

The best prescribed medication is Accutane. It is a derivative of vitamin A, and is often referred to as the “miracle drug” for acne. People should exercise caution when using this product. It can cause bad side effects that can be worse than the original skin affliction. Retin A and Renova are also prescription medications. These acne treatments are topical derivatives of vitamin A, and are also good at helping fine lines, wrinkles, and slight skin discolorations. Unfortunately doctors ask that you stay away from the sun as much as possible when using these treatments. However, they are proven to reduce acne. Birth control is only prescribed to women to change hormones that cause skin conditions Antibiotics work by attacking the acne causing bacteria as it grows deep in skin pores.

Many acne sufferers will discover that over-the-counter medicines work the best. The favorites for most people are benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide works by penetrating the skin pores, and eliminating the blemish causing bacteria that grows deep in the skin. Benzoyl Peroxide has been made so available to the public in products like Proactive Acne Treatment that it is now the most common acne treatment on the market. Salicylic acid works by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. This helps the skin renew itself quickly, and decreases the chance for pore blockage and a subsequent acne breakout. The most popular product in this OTC category is Proactiv Solution sold by Guthy-Renker. These are some of the acne medicines found to work. For those who have acne, any of the above treatments would be well worth trying.

Female Adult Blemishes

Women who have a skin condition know how hard it can be to go without any good medications. Millions of women worldwide who have long since past their teenage years now continue to go through the trials of adult acne today. It is important to understand that no matter what, you can find an acne cure that will work for you. One route is a prescribed medication called Accutane. It’s a concentrated form of vitamin A. Vitamin A is an effective nutrient that strengthens the protective tissues in the skin. It helps improve and maintain the cells that mucous membranes are made of. It also inhibits the body’s production of sebum, a type of oil that the body produces in the sebaceous glands. When the body produces too much oil, the pores can become clogged. Accutane should be used when other treatments have been tried and failed because it has some side effects such as possible difficulties during pregnancy or birth defects.

For severe or prolonged hormone imbalances, you may consider talking to a physician about hormone treatments. If hormonal imbalance is the cause of your skin condition, a doctor can help diagnose the problems. Hormone treatments can fight off even the worst cases of acne found in females. Hormone Treatments help stop the hair follicles from being clogged with oil by reducing the stimulation from androgens. Normally testing and medication is involved with a hormone treatment, so it must be administered by a dermatologist. They can be very effective treatments, however, even to the point of stopping the acne before it even occurs. Over the counter acne treatments such as Proactiv solution are very common in local drug stores, and can be very effective when treating mild cases of acne. Most of the OTC treatments contain an antibacterial cleaning combination of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Most of OTC treatments tend to be less expensive and very effective with mild skin conditions.

Some turn to the use of birth control pills for acne treatment by way of hormone adjustment. They are not always totally effective in clearing up acne and at times must be used along with other forms of treatment. As always it is important to ask a physician before using any type of skin care medication. Always follow all regulations on treatments to avoid complications. Women go through hormonal changes many times in their lives. If you are suffering from a recent acne outbreak, it may be because of hormone changes going on in your body. When the body has a high androgen amounts, the hormone known as testosterone, can cause acne outbreaks in the female body. Remember, whatever type of skin condition a woman has can be cured and helped. The first step in acne prevention is to talk to a doctor or dermatologist. If you are ready for beautiful skin, it is very attainable with some effort and care.

Various Types of Acne Medication Today

There are many skin care treatments available nowadays for acne sufferers. Some must be prescribed by a doctor, such as accutane. Others treatments are over the counter products, such as Proactiv solution and Neutrogena. There are even natural based acne treatments, such as tea tree oil. However, many do not work as advertised. The number one problem with finding the right acne medication is that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to acne. Different people respond in various ways to some medications. However, there are many acne medications that have been proven in the fight against acne, here are some of the treatments that help prevent acne.

There really are a lot of organic acne treatments out there and it can be difficult to find one that is right for you. Unfortunately, there is no federal or private regulation on organic acne treatments. The best thing you can probably do is to go with over-the-counter products. With all the organic treatments available there are only two that will treat skin conditions: Grean tea or Oil from the tea tree. For centuries a special tea tree oil from Australia was said to be the best cure all, and is still used today on acne, however penicillin has replaced it for most uses. However, tea tree oil has seen a recent come back due in part to study conducted in 1990 that proved it to be as effective in treating acne as 5% benzoyl peroxide. The Best result found was that it has zero side effects unlike benzoyl peroxide. Green tea cream has been validated more recently, at the 2003 American Academy of Dermatology conference. It was proven that green tea is as effective in treating acne as a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution. Though the study has not been corroborated yet, it demonstrated that there is another herbal treatment other than tea tree oil.

For some people over the counter medicines work the best. The favorites for most people are benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide works by working into the skin pores, and eliminating the blemish causing bacteria that grows deep in the skin. Benzoyl Peroxide has been made so available to the public in products like Proactive Acne Treatment that it is now the most common acne medicine on the market. The second Most popular skin care product is Salicylic acid. It is used to remove the dead skin and renew the face quickly, helping to reduce future breakouts. A very popular product Proactiv Solution uses this in their three step program.

Accutane is one prescription treatment that is available. It is a chemical derivative of vitamin A, and is often referred to as the “miracle drug” for acne Accutane is most effective product for terrible cystic acne, and not to be taken lightly. For some people, the many side effects can be worse than the acne itself. Accutane has proven to be one product that works though. There are alternative medicines such as Retin A and Renova that you can get from a doctor. Both of these treatments are used to help fight aging in addition to clearing acne. Sunlight and other topical acne treatments must not be used while using either of them. But the fact remains; both treatments work great. Physicians can also prescribe antibiotics or birth control pills to help acne. These are used to regulate hormones or to stop acne causing bacteria. Birth control can only be used by women, however antibiotics can be used by anyone. All of the treatments listed will work for almost anyone. Just always remember not to get lost in the sea of products, take the time to find the right one.