The start of summer means the return of long days of sunshine and all the activities we enjoy to take advantage of the extra rays of the day.  Although the vitamin D from the sun is a necessary ingredient for our bodies to stay in good physical and mental health, too much sun can lead to burns, wrinkles, and with constant abuse, the increased possibility of skin cancer.

But, with all the different choices of sunscreens and sunblocks, it’s difficult to decide on what you really need to protect yourself.  Here is your quick and easy guide to picking out the best skin protecting lotion, so you can go out and enjoy your summer days!

First there is the debate between sunblock and sunscreen.  What exactly is the difference?

Sunscreen is the one with the SPF rating.  The Mayo clinic recommends that you always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.  The fairer your skin, the higher the SPF you should buy.  Also, if you plan to be in the sun for a long period of time, a higher SPF is also recommended, even if your natural skin tone tends to be a bit darker.  Since sunscreen absorbs the ultraviolet radiation from the sun instead of blocking it, you might get a little tan while wearing sunscreen, but it should protect you from getting burned.

Sunblock, also known as “Physical Sunscreen,” doesn’t have an SPF rating and is usually more creamy and visible on your skin when you apply it.  Since sunblock literally blocks the UVB and UVA light, you’re not going to get a tan using this product.  Sunblock is recommended for people who are very sensitive to ultra violet radiation.

Going to the beach or the pool?  You might want to get a sunscreen that is “waterproof” or “water resistant.”  What’s the difference?  Don’t worry, both will wash off eventually, but, according to the Melanoma Foundation, whereas those lotions labeled “water resistant” are usually good for about 40 minutes worth of swimming, “waterproof” can give you about 80 minutes before you have to reapply.  Remember, sweat can also wash away your sunscreen or sunblock, so using either of these options before exercising or doing strenuous activities outside can save your skin from some painful burns!

No matter which products you chose, make sure you always read the label for accurate instructions on how often to reapply and other important information pertaining to that particular product.

Now that you know how to protect yourself, have fun in the sun this summer and keep your skin looking great!

Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.

By Kevin C. Smith MD FACP FRCPC

Melasma is a common increase of pigmentation that occurs exclusively in sun-exposed areas, in particular on the face.

SOME FACTS ABOUT MELASMA:

• It is much more common in women between the ages of 20-40
• Melasma is less common in older women, and is seldom seen in women taking estrogen replacement therapy
• Melasma rarely affects men
• Melasma is more of a problem in people who have relatively dark skin to begin with, and because melasma is made worse by sun exposure it tends to be more of a problem in the spring and summer
• Melasma can be a particular problem for people in the service industry, where personal appearance can affect the amount of tips earned and can also affect gross sales by servers.

Melasma usually causes three different patterns of symmetrical pigmentation on the face, affecting most commonly the central face (cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, and chin); or less commonly the cheeks and nose, or the cheeks and jaw line. Melasma also can cause patches of pigmentation on the forearms, but this is rare.

There is no special diet, health food, vitamin, “magic lotion” which is useful for the treatment of melasma or other forms of facial pigmentation, and time and money should not be wasted on those things.

Melasma usually improves – sometimes to a great extent – in response to the faithful use a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen like Anthelios® SPF60 every morning and Lustra® at night. Sun protection needs to be continued long-term in order to reduce the risk of relapse of melasma. Severe cases can be treated with a prescription for the mixture of 4 parts Anthelios® SPF60 sunscreen with 1 part Tazorac® 0.05% cream every morning, and Lustra® cream at night.

In some cases, improvement in melasma and other forms of facial pigmentation can be speeded up with intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, in particular by the Cutera 600 IPL which is optimized for the reduction in unwanted facial pigment. Sun avoidance and using a sunscreen every day are essential steps to preventing melasma.

Click on sunscreens to learn more, or for general skin care, visit Skin Care Guide.ca

By: Layla Fayyad

Acne is a common skin disorder affecting both genders and all ethnic groups. In fact, the condition affects at least 80% of adolescents and young adults to some degree. Research also shows that a large number of women over 25 have acne, and the prevalence of acne remains constant until approximately 44, at which time there is a decrease in its incidence.¹ It is important to understand the epidemiology and causes of acne and oily skin to truly appreciate the science and benefit behind today’s acne treatment products.

Acne can substantially impact a client’s quality of life. Clients with moderate or severe acne generally have higher levels of behavioral and emotional difficulties than those with clearer skin. The most prominent psychological impact acne has on clients is lower self-confidence, embarrassment, and reduced self-esteem and self-image. The psychosocial impact of this skin condition should never be underestimated.

Clinical Features and Etiology

Acne is a self-limiting disease that involves the hair follicle (pilosebaceous) unit. A pilosebaceous unit is comprised of a follicle or pore and an oil gland (sebaceous gland). Characteristic skin lesions are created by pathology in the pilosebaceous unit and include blackheads (comedones), red papules, pustules, red nodules and cysts.

The cause of acne is multifactorial. The female and male hormones that impact the pilosebaceous gland are in higher concentrations after puberty. Stress can also influence hormone levels, related in part to increased adrenal gland secretion, causing and aggravating acne. Altered keratinization and abnormal skin cell growth in the pore create a dead skin cell/protein/lipid complex that plugs the pilosebaceous gland (microcomedone). Abnormal sebum production and swollen sebaceous glands are present in acne-prone individuals. Also, the composition of free fatty acids secreted by acne-prone individuals differs from those in acne-free individuals. Abnormal bacterial colonization in the pilosebaceous unit occurs in acne-prone individuals. Lastly, an exaggerated immune and inflammatory response to microcomedones, sebum and follicular bacteria produce papules, pustules, nodules and cysts in acne-prone individuals.

The initial lesion in acne caused by a combination of etiologies is the comedone. A comedone starts in the upper portion of the pilosebaceous gland as an expanding mass of cellular debris, keratin protein and lipid material. Bacteria (Proprionebacterium acnes) populate the blocked pilosebaceous gland. Bacteria produce an inflammatory response by the chemical breakdown of lipids within the plugged pilosebaceous unit. This starts the development of small, red papules. As they grow in size, the follicle wall thins, and the follicle itself stretches and swells. Comedones become inflamed when the follicle wall is ruptured, which releases small amounts of cellular and lipid material into the dermis—papules and pustules. Release of all the bacteria, cellular and lipid material in a single comedone produces a full inflammatory response—nodules and cysts.

Acne is recognized as a multifactorial disease requiring a multifaceted approach to therapy. Establishing an accurate assessment is essential for developing a treatment strategy for acne and evaluating treatment success. Treatment of acne is directed at reversing the pathologic process. The mechanism of action of each treatment, and its ability to address one or more of the causes of acne needs to be evaluated when creating an acne treatment program.

Therefore, treatment must contain products that:

• Prevent abnormal epidermal cell growth;
• Normalize and enhance skin exfoliation at the opening of the pore;
• Kill the bacteria in the pore;
• Reduce the exaggerated inflammatory response; and
• Control abnormal and excessive sebum production.

Treatment is designed to heal active lesions and prevent their formation. True scarring must be distinguished from erythematous or hyperpigmented spots that can result from inflammatory acne. The latter generally resolve throughout a few months without visible marks. Acne should be treated aggressively to prevent permanent scarring.

Most acne treatment programs contain a single active ingredient, such as benzoyl peroxide. Results of clinical trials indicate treatment programs that contain multiple active ingredients working together may produce better results.² It is important to remember that many acne clients have additional skin problems, especially women 30–50 years old. Rough skin texture, brown skin discoloration, skin dryness and fine lines can complicate the treatment of acne. A customized, multifaceted treatment regimen is needed to treat individual clients. Initially, determine the client’s skin type—sensitive vs. normal or dry-normal vs. normal-oily. This will guide the selection of a cleanser; acne solution gel, cream or lotion topical treatment; and spot treatment.

Following are some common acne-fighting ingredients.

Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is an organic beta hydroxy acid that is a natural plant-derived ingredient. It causes cells of the stratum corneum to shed more rapidly to prevent pores from clogging and allow space for new cell growth, helping reduce and prevent blackheads. Salicylic acid is found in acne cleansers and topical acne treatments, and is designed to cleanse, exfoliate and prepare the skin to make other anti-acne ingredients more effective. Although it reduces bacteria and excess oil from the skin, its main role is correcting abnormal keratinization.

Benzoyl peroxide. The benefit of benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne is its ability to kill the bacteria that cause acne and oxidize the oils on the surface of the skin produced by the sebaceous glands. Benzoyl peroxide increases the pH of the skin, causing some clients to develop redness, itching, stinging and sometimes swelling of the skin. Its strong oxidative properties can bleach hair and clothing, as well as create sun sensitivity in some clients.

Glycolic acid and alpha lipoic acid. Combining these two ingredients can help correct the abnormal keratinization and the abnormal sebum secretion in acne-prone individuals. The major corrective effects are a reduction in abnormal sebum secretion and the elimination of abnormal keratinization.

Azelaic acid. This is a natural plant-derived dicarboxylic acid, and is a prescription product used in the treatment of acne. In lower concentrations, it can be obtained without a prescription, and when combined with other anti-acne products, it can help eliminate acne and hyperpigmentation. It has antibacterial and keratolytic effects on the stratum corneum. The keratolytic effect reduces the formation of blackheads and increases the penetration of the azelaic acid into the pilosebaceous gland. This enhances the antibacterial effect of the azelaic acid and decreases the P. acnes that cause inflammatory acne lesions.

Vitamin A. Retinoic acid, retinol and other retinoids are vitamin A-derived ingredients that have significant keratolytic effects on the stratum corneum. Retinoic acid, adapalene and other retinoids are only available with a prescription; however, retinol is available without a prescription.

Sulfur. Micronized, elemental sulfur—or sodium sulfacetamide—has antibacterial properties that are responsible for its ability to eliminate active acne lesions. A worry for some is that an allergy to sulfa drugs may cause them to have problems with products that contain natural, elemental sulfur; however, no one is allergic to natural, elemental sulfur. The sulfur atom is not an allergenic agent. However, sulfa drugs are more appropriately labeled sulfonamides. Sulfonamides are not allergenic, but they have the ability to form sulfonamide-protein complexes that can be allergenic in some individuals.

Allantoin. Allantoin is a diureide of glyoxylic acid and is a natural botanical extract of the comfrey plant. Its keratolytic effect enhances the desquamation of dead skin cells, and it forms complexes with irritating sebum and sensitizing bacteria that cause excess oil production and acne lesions. Controlling skin surface oil and reducing skin bacteria promotes skin healing. Allantoin reduces abnormal keratinization and reduces bacterial colonization in the pilosebaceous unit, but its major corrective effect is eliminating abnormal sebum production.

Treatment

Client expectations are a critical step in initiating therapy for acne. Realistic expectations and time lines for improvement will encourage client compliance. Typically, mild acne will improve 30–50% in 12 weeks and 60% or better by 26 weeks with appropriate treatment.³Moderate acne or acne rosacea will improve 20–40% in 12 weeks and 50% or better by 26 weeks.³ The treatment of acne vulgaris is a long-term process that must be individualized for each client. The two most important factors for the initial treatment of acne are based on skin type, and the severity of the acne. In addition, benzoyl peroxides can oxidize other acne medications, rendering them ineffective.³ Studies indicate that there is a synergistic effect in improving acne when benzoyl peroxides are combined with other compatible anti-acne ingredients, but these are only available by prescription.³ These studies indicate that using several active ingredients that are compatible and work together to address the various causes of acne produce better and faster results than a treatment program with a single active ingredient.³ Effective cleansers can contain ingredients such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid; effective acne treatment products can contain azelaic acid, benozyl peroxide or salicylic acid; and effective acne spot treatments can contain precipitated sulfur, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Acne treatment requires the ability to make treatment modifications for each client based on the individual acne lesions and skin type. In clients with oily skin, reducing skin oiliness increases the effectiveness of other acne medications. Clients with significant comedones will benefit from keratolytic ingredients and certain skin peels. Acne clients are not immune to sun damage and should use a hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic sunscreen on a daily basis.

Acne is recognized as a multifactorial disease that requires clinical finesse and a multifaceted approach to therapy, and the treatment of acne requires the use of scientifically advanced skin care products, as well as clinical experience.

When: Saturday, February 18, 2012

Time: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Location: Ackerman Union – Grand Ballroom (2400)
Cost: $30

UCLA students will be dancing away and stay on their feet for 26 hours for the annual dance-a-thon. The event acknowledges the battle of children suffering from AIDS, and will benefit the following organizations: Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Project Kindle, One Heartland, UCLA AIDS Institute, and Multiple locations.

For more information visit the following websites: http://support.pedaids.org, http://www.bruindancemarathon.org/, and ucladm@ucla.edu.

Skin care professionals and consumers alike are bombarded daily with a myriad of information about skin care, skin science and skin health from the media, manufacturers and an ever-increasing number of physicians, all attempting to justify that what they profess and advocate is the truth and nothing but the truth. Sometimes claims are accurate and sometimes they aren’t. More often than not, the truth may lie somewhere in between.

Everyone from late-night television host David Letterman to mass-market publications proudly announce their top 10 lists. Well, this is no different except that it focuses on 30 skin care myths. The following list offers up a variety of skin care facts—not in priority order—that may well call into question some common beliefs and long-held traditions. See how many you agree with as you review the list.

This list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but hopefully it will inspire thinking about what is real and how you know it is real and also inspire you to question those making a variety of claims about products, ingredients and the science behind them. Your role as a skin care professional has a large educational component that mandates remaining current in the field, as well as providing education on skin health to clients and patients. Sharing these myths with clients will help to strengthen your credibility as a skin care expert. Remember, you are not selling hope in a jar, but rather providing realistic and truthful solutions to help deal with extrinsic and intrinsic aging.

1. Facial exercises tone facial muscles and make a person appear younger.
The face is the only part of the body where muscles are attached directly to the skin; there are no facial ligaments and tissue. Constant facial exercise and tugging contribute to additional lines. Actually, wrinkles often form along expression lines caused by facial movements.

2. Vitamin E minimizes scarring.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and helps build skin, but there is no evidence that it does anything to help with scarring. There is even some research that suggests it may have a negative effect on scarring.1

3. Cucumbers help reduce puffiness around the eyes.

The principle ingredient in cucumbers is 90% water with the balance being inert fiber. They can be soothing and, with moisture, hydrate skin temporarily. The same results can be obtained from a cold compress.

4. Skin pores open and close.

Pores are openings in the skin that allow oils (sebum) to reach the surface. If pores are larger, this can be due to dead cells, genetics or scarring from squeezing blemishes.

5. The higher the skin protection factor (SPF) rating, the better.

SPF ratings, soon to be revised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only refer to protection from UVB rays. A person needs sun protection that has chemical and physical blockers, plus antioxidants. A higher SPF also gives a false sense of security and introduces more potentially harmful chemicals to the body. Plus, an SPF of 50 is only marginally more protective than an SPF of 15; an SPF of 30 has only 2% more protection than an SPF of 15, and a 40 has only 1% more than a 30. Sunscreens need to be reapplied every 90–120 minutes.

6. Layering several products with SPF ratings increases protection.

You are only protected to the extent of the higher rating of one product. A foundation with an SPF of 10, moisturizer with an SPF of 15 and a sunscreen with an SPF of 20 does not yield an SPF rating of 45.

7. Topical creams containing collagen can replace collagen.

There is a lack of impartial, empirical evidence that the topical application of collagen or elastin can penetrate the dermis, even when using nanotechnology. They can provide moisturization to the epidermis, but only injections are conclusively effective.

8. Mineral oil is bad for your skin.

Today’s cosmeceutical mineral oil is a far cry from the industrial type that was previously used on skin. It is a very effective ingredient in helping remove excess oil from the skin. Oil attracts oil, and the modern mineral oil formulated for use in skin care has a different molecular weight and will not harm skin or clog pores. Mixed with kaolin—fine clay—it makes a potent cocktail to assist in controlling oil production in problematic skin. Vitamin A is the best ingredient to normalize skin.

9. Mineral oil is comedogenic.

Cosmeceutical-grade mineral oil is not comedogenic. The myth is that industrial-grade mineral oil and lubricants are the same as those used in cosmetic ingredients. So-called medicinal white mineral oil has met with stringent safety standards. To remove sebum plugs in the follicles, an oil-based substance is needed. Water-based products cannot melt or remove sebum plugs.

10. Preservatives in skin care products are bad.

Preservatives help prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and other organisms that can not only deteriorate a product’s effectiveness and spoil the product itself, but also allow harmful bacteria to get on or in the skin. Although there is concern about the use of parabens, the research is not definitive that topical application leads to harmful accumulations. Parabens are found throughout nature; for example, many fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, are naturally full of parabens. But further study is needed.

11. Packaging is not important.

Packaging in skin care is vitally important—not for aesthetic reasons—but to protect the efficacy of the ingredients. Wide-mouth jars, transparent containers and pumps that are not airless all pose problems in keeping ingredients safe and potent.

12. Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.

Eating chocolate does not cause acne. Hormonal factors, bacteria and skin cells are at the root of problematic skin, and stress can exacerbate flareups. Some individuals may have allergic reactions to foods that can cause inflammation, as well.

13. Natural and organic products are always better.

Buyer, beware! Many natural and organic products are not as they claim. Plus, many times, active ingredients have to be synthesized to be bioavailable and efficacious. Synthetic compounds can actually be identical to those found in nature and be more effective. Natural vs. laboratory-processed should not lead to an up or down decision about whether a product is good or bad. Not all chemicals are bad, and not all natural or organic ingredients are good.

14. Using larger quantities of a product will yield better results.

Less is more. Normally, a pea-sized amount of facial product will do the trick. Excessive amounts can cause skin problems and waste money.

15. Blackheads are a caused by improperly cleansed skin.

Blackheads or comedones are caused by clogged pores, and excessive scrubbing can irritate and further inflame skin. Blackheads often contain dirt, oil, and dry and dead skin cells that need to be removed. Products that help dissolve sebum are the most effective.

16. Drying problematic or oily skin clears up acne.

The opposite is true. When skin becomes overly dry, an environment is created in which the skin is signaled that is too dry and produces more oil. Use drying products sparingly, and look to lightly moisture oily skin. The goal is to keep skin balanced.

17. Get a base tan to prevent burning before going on vacation.

Any tan is a scar, and there is no such thing as a healthy, safe tan. Self-tanners are the safest way to obtain tanned skin.

18. All sun damage to skin occurs before 18 years of age.

Sun damage continues to occur throughout life, although recent information suggests less than 50% of sun damage happens before a person is 18.2 It is never too late to protect your skin.

19. Indoor tanning is safe.

The argument that tanning beds and booths do not cause skin mutations that may cause cancerous lesions to develop is patently false. UVA rays found in indoor tanning lead to deeper, more harmful skin damage. You do not have to have a sunburn to create damage to skin cells.

20. Antioxidants reverse wrinkles.

Antioxidants are essential in fighting free radical formation and are important in helping prevent skin damage, but they cannot make wrinkles go away.

21. Skin damage and signs of aging can be cleared up quickly.

If a product sounds too good to be true, you can bet its claims are false. The damage did not happen overnight, and it cannot be magically repaired. Expect at least three skin cycles—a cycle can be between 21–40 days, depending on age—to begin to see measurable results.

22. All alcohol in skin products is bad.

Some compounds that contain alcohol can act as emollients, which can decrease the skin’s water loss. Cetyl, benzyl and oleyl alcohol are examples of good alcohols. It is important to know what comes before the OH in chemical compounds.

23. Sun exposure will improve acne.

Yes, sun exposure can hide the appearance of acne for awhile, but will lead to skin damage, pigmentation and drying that signals the skin to produce more oil.

24. Alcohol abuse can cause your nose to become red and bulbous.

The intake of alcohol can temporarily dilate blood vessels and make skin appear flushed, but in most cases, a large, inflamed, red and bulbous nose is a result of rosacea.

25. Skin repair only happens at night.

A good night’s sleep is certainly helpful to skin health; however, skin repair is ongoing. Inadequate sleep can cause stress, skin puffiness and can slow the natural development of collagen.

26. Skin care products can last three or more years.

Despite a number of claims to the contrary, most skin care products lose a great deal of their potency within 12 months. It is best to use the entire contents within one year because preservatives do not last forever and ingredients can get contaminated with bacteria, or they can evaporate.

27. Strong scrubs, soaps and abrasives are good for your skin.

Be careful how you wash your face. Too much scrubbing or too many abrasive products can remove protective oils, create tiny micro tears and contribute to aging, irritated skin. Less is more, and a gentle cleanser and light moisturizer work well for most people.

28. Vitamin A thins the skin.

Actually, the reverse is true. Skin can become thin due to the lack of vitamin A because it helps to create new, healthy and normal skin cells. Vitamin A is arguably the most important skin care ingredient, bar none. It is one of the few—if not the only—ingredient that is backed by more than 50 years of objective, scientific research supporting its efficacy.

29. The only form of vitamin C that works is L-ascorbic acid.

L-ascorbic acid only remains in its most potent state for a limited time. A new era in vitamin C formulations, one of the best antioxidants for your skin, has arrived. There are several forms that have been developed that are not water-based, which means they can better penetrate the skin and remain more potent for longer periods of time.

30. There is one antioxidant ingredient that is the best.

Every year, there is a hot, newly discovered antioxidant that is touted as the best, but this is not true. A cocktail of antioxidants provides better results than just one. Seek products containing a plethora of antioxidants.

By SkinCareGuide.ca

A skin rash shows up as an area of inflammation or change in the texture, and/ or color of your skin. It can be caused by a number of different things including irritation, disease, or allergic/ non-allergic reactions to foods, chemicals, plants, animals, insects or other environmental factors.

So many rashes appear because the skin is an active player in the immune system. Antigens are things, like viruses or proteins, that we react to. These antigens need to be presented to our immune system in a very controlled way; otherwise we would react to too many things. The skin is the site at which antigen presenting cells introduce the antigens to lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are, in a sense, the paratroopers of our body. A complicated process of making sure that we are not overreacting takes place. All of this occurs in the skin. Once these lymphocytes have been activated they produce many chemicals that cause inflammation. When we become allergic to an antibiotic or other drug, the action takes place mainly in the skin as well as in the lymph glands. Viral infections also frequently produce rashes as viral particles are presented to our immune system in the epidermis. In a sense the skin is like the schoolyard where many of the fights occur.

Rashes can appear on your entire body or be limited to a specific area. What a rash looks like and how it feels can vary depending on the cause and type. Some common types of rashes include:

• eczema (also called atopic dermatitis), which is commonly seen in children. It can cause dry, chapped, bumpy areas around your elbows and knees, and can be very itchy. It can sometimes become very serious causing red, scaly and swollen skin all over your body. (Visit Eczema Guide.ca for more information)
• irritant contact dermatitis, which is caused by your skin coming into contact with something that irritates it, such as a chemical, soap or detergent. This type of rash can be red, swollen and itchy.
• allergic contact dermatitis is caused by your skin coming into contact with something you’re allergic to, such as rubber, hair dye or nickel (which is a metal that is found in some jewelry). A nickel allergy can show up as a red, scaly, crusty rash wherever the jewelry touched your skin. Urushiol, which is an oil or resin that’s found in poison ivy, oak and sumac, can also cause this kind of rash.

If you develop a rash, don’t scratch it! If you do, the rash can take longer to heal and you might develop an infection or scar. There are a wide range of over-the-counter products available to treat rashes, but it’s important to see your doctor first and determine what’s causing the rash and the most effective treatment.

• If the rash is caused by an allergy, then treatment will focus on identifying and avoiding the allergen.
• It it’s caused by eczema, your doctor may suggest special moisturizers (emollients) to help retain the water in your skin; not only will this help to keep your skin soft and smooth, it will help reduce the itching. Short, cool showers are also a good idea because hot showers and baths can dry out your skin more. Also use a mild soap (read more on Mild Cleanser.ca ) and be sure to apply more emollients after you’ve showered.
• For poison ivy, cool showers and calamine lotion often help and if the rash is severe, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to reduce the itching and redness.

It’s important to try to find out what’s causing the rash because the best way to prevent it is to avoid the problem food, substance, medicine or insect. If a poison plant is your problem, learn what it looks like and avoid it. It may also help to wear long sleeves and pants when you go camping or hiking. If insect bites are causing your rash, then consider applying insect repellant before going outside. For eczema, stay away from harsh soaps that may dry out your skin, and make an effort to moisturize with creams or lotions.

By Kevin C. Smith MD FACP FRCPC

As time goes on, we all acquire tiny bits of extra skin called skin tags. These can range in size from 1-10 mm, and are flesh colored or brown. Skin tags can be found on any part of the body, but are most common on the eyelids and neck, and in the armpits and groin, and under the breasts.While skin tags are benign they can be annoying if they become irritating or rub on sporting equipment, and skin tags can interfere with shaving and can detract from one’s appearance and self-image.

Fortunately, we don’t have to put up with skin tags. These little annoyances can be easily removed in an office visit with little or no discomfort. Skin tags can almost always be removed without needing stitches, and the treated areas usually have healed completely in a week or two. The cost of removing skin tags is quite reasonable – ranging from about $80 for a few tiny ones to about $200 for a larger number scattered over several areas.

Seborrheic keratoses are firm flat or raised, sometimes scaly or crusty flesh-colored, brown or black “barnacles” which accumulate (usually on the face and trunk) as time goes on. Some people start to develop seborrheic keratoses in their thirties, and most people have at least a few by the time they are sixty. To look at pictures of different types of moles, click on www.SkinCancerGuide.ca .

Seborrheic keratoses are usually just a nuisance, but – like skin tags — they can rub on clothing and equipment, and their appearance can sometimes be so distressing that they interfere with choice of clothing, sports like swimming, and intimacy.

Because seborrheic keratoses grow above the skin (but not down into the skin) they can be easily scraped off, and the treated areas heal up nicely within a few weeks. Sometimes the healed area remains pink for a few months after the seborrheic keratosis is removed. The cost of removing seborrheic keratoses is similar to that for removal of skin tags: about $80 for one or two, with the cost gradually increasing depending on the number and size of seborrheic keratoses to be removed.

The cost of removing skin tags and seborrheic keratoses is a tax-deductible medical expense, just like things like dental bills. So, if you are annoyed by skin tags or seborrheic keratoses you can be confident that it is simple and inexpensive to rid yourself of these nuisances.

By SkinCareGuide.ca

Keep Your Skin from Becoming Ghoulish

With Halloween upon us, adults and children alike are planning costumes for parties, school events and trick or treating. For some adults, it is the one time of year that “the inner child” comes out to play. Costumes, make-up and funny shoes are all fun to put on, but there are some things to consider so that your skin and your health are not affected.
Here are some Halloween Skin Health Precautions:

1. PREVENT CUTS AND SCRAPES:

The pumpkin is on the table, your kids are asking for spooky eyes and a silly mouth to be carved and oops, the knife slips and cuts your hand. Just one Halloween scenario which can result in an injury or even a trip to emergency. Don’t forget tripping on your costume and scraping your knee. Click on http://www.skincareguide.ca/conditions/bacterial_infections/cuts_and_scrapes.html to learn more about treating cuts and scrapes.

2. LATEX ALLERGIES:

Wearing a scary mask to your party? Be careful of reactions to latex. If you have latex allergies or sensitive skin, your face may react to the latex rubber. Try hypo-allergenic face make-up instead. Read more about latex allergies athttp://www.eczemaguide.ca/basics/eczema_like/allergic_dermatitis.html

3. YOUR SKIN AND GLUE:

Do you really think gluing that beard on is a good idea? Think again. Reactions to the “special” glue (even though it says it is safe to use on your face) can results in blemishes, rashes and even damage to your skin. And definitely, never put glue near your delicate eye area!

4. REACTIONS TO MAKE-UP:

Using make-up is often an integral part of your Halloween costume, but it can often cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. So try these hints:

a. Try the product BEFORE Halloween, to ensure that you don’t react to it.
b. Make sure you only use products intended for your face
c. Be extra careful using products around your eyes and avoid getting it in your eyes.

5. DON’T SPREAD THE GERMS:

Make-up can get contaminated and cause infection, especially around the eyes. Here are some precautions: a. Make sure your hands are clean when applying eye make-up to yourself or your children to avoid spreading bacteria. b. It is important not to borrow your friend’s eye make-up, or try the make-up sample at the store, as germs can be spread this way. If you are testing a shade, use a disposable applicator to decrease the risk of contamination. c. Throw out your old cosmetics. Bacteria can breed on your old cosmetics and then infect your eyes. Throw away mascara after three months and any old cosmetics that have become dusty or dirty or have sat in the sun, like that orange eye shadow from last Halloween.

6. DON’T SHARE YOUR SHOES:

Fungal infections, specifically athletes foot and nail fungal infections, can be spread by wearing other people’s shoes. The fungi can remain in shoes that have not been cleaned with the proper anti-fungal product. See Fungal Guide.ca for more about this topic.

7. AVOID BURNS:

Flammable costumes, and long, dangly sleeves should be avoided, especially for children. Halloween brings fire crackers, lit pumpkins and spooky candles; all items that can catch your clothes on fire.

8. CLEAN YOUR SKIN WHEN THE PARTIES OVER:

All of us are guilty of it; going to bed with make-up on; but, waking up with your “Halloween face” is definitely not a good idea. Before you hit the sheets make sure that you remove all of your make-up to avoid break-outs and allergic reactions in the morning. Read about mild cleansers by clicking here Mild Cleanser.ca
Remember, use common sense this Halloween. If you have a reaction to your costume or make-up, that doesn’t go away, see your family physician. For general skin care advice, go to www.SkinCareGuide.ca

Learn to look after your skin

By SkinCareGuide.ca

Although there are different kinds of treatments, procedures and surgery that can assist in improving the look of your skin, it is important that you look after your skin to start with. If you are unhappy with how gravity, the sun and everything else seems to be changing your skin’s appearance, here are some tips and facts from DermatologyCare .CA that will assist you:

• EXERCISE: Although exercise is vital to your health and great skin, it won’t change the structure of your skin as it gets older. The look of your skin is determined mostly by genetics and sun exposure.
• COSMETICS: As you age you need to use both lighter colored cosmetics and lighter hair colors. These are more flattering to your skin tone and can keep you looking and feeling younger.
• MENOPAUSE: As you go through menopause, it’s very common to find that the skincare products you once relied on are no longer as effective. For example, the hormonal changes associated with menopause often leave skin feeling drier than before. Try a richer moisturizer to see if it makes a difference.
• SUNBEDS: Contrary to popular belief, sunbeds are not a safer way to tan. Sunbeds emit UVA rays and causing tanning and aging of the skin .They may also be important in the development of melanoma. If you’re using a sunbed, you’re accelerating the aging of your skin and increasing your risk of skin cancer. Read more on www.SkinCancerGuide.ca
• LIPSTICK: Did you know that your lipstick helps your lips look younger and protects them? It’s true. Using lipstick, helps protect your lips from harmful rays. It’s one of the reasons men are more apt to get lip cancer – so men slap on the lip protection!
• YOUR EYES: Don’t forget your eyes! Long-term sun exposure can lead to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. So as you head out the door, be sure to grab your sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, or both!
• WATER: Drinking water is not enough! While many people believe that drinking a lot of water will help keep their skin smooth and supple, in truth, water consumption has only a small effect. A better approach to keeping your skin at its best is to drink plenty of water and use a moisturizer daily.
• SLEEP: Get your beauty rest! It’s actually true – a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to keep your skin looking its best. For a healthy and glowing complexion, get plenty of sleep, maintain a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly.
• CELLULITTE: Hate your cellulite? You are not alone. Drinking water and exercising unfortunately doesn’t make it go away although having a less body fat does help. There are creams and procedures available that can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Talk to your dermatologist if it really bugs you.