VIVODERM SKIN CARE – A NATURAL SKIN CARE LINE

Facial Cleansers Important for Beautiful Skin

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Dirt, dust, oil and grime affect your skin. Hence, it is extremely essential for cleansing the face. A facial cleanser aids in unclogging the skin pores and prevents any breakouts. A good cleanser must get rid of all the impurities without damaging the natural moisture balance of your skin. It should not leave your skin dry as most soap would do to your skin.

Without proper cleansing your skin will become full of germs and microorganisms. This will lead to acne, blemishes and infections. For a clean and healthy skin, you need to incorporate a cleanser that will help to eliminate the toxins and bacteria from your skin. It will exfoliate your dead skin cells and improve the skin texture. The best cleanser for you would be the one which contains natural ingredients and is free from artificial fragrances and preservatives.

Natural Facial Cleanser by Vivoderm
Facial Cleansers Help Prevent Dull, Dry Skin

There is an absolutely mind-boggling range of face cleansers available these days in the market. So, how do you choose? One great way to narrow the choices is to choose a natural product  – like the face cleanser from Vivoderm. It is a gentle cream cleanser, make for all skin types and cleanses your skin thoroughly drawing out impurities from your skin. It is infused with vitamins and botanicals which will leave your skin hydrated. It contains chamomile and rosemary and is free from alcohol and acid. The best part is that you can use it daily followed by the skin toner also available at Vivoderm.

A regular face cleansing routine will ensure that your skin does not become dull. The skin cleanser will help you to stay protected from skin problems like pimples and acne. So, go ahead and get your natural cleanser today and start seeing more beautiful skin!

Herbal Facial Cleanser For Clean And Soft Skin

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Our facial skin has an essential role in our overall appearance. One of the main tasks for you is to maintain the health and beauty of your facial skin. You must have heard that cleansing, toning, and moisturizing is essential part of your daily beauty regimen. However, achieving the benefits from the routine will largely depend on the products you choose for yourself. Moreover, if you have oily or super dry skin, the first line of attack can be an excellent herbal facial cleanser.

Vivoderm Natural Rosemary Facial Cleanser
Vivoderm Natural Facial Cleanser

You do not have to opt for expensive cleansers that contain harsh chemicals. It is always better for you to use natural ingredients. Most women who want to avoid these harsh products choose to go for natural home based ingredients such as milk, honey, lemon and yogurt. Each of these items is an effective facial cleanser for which can be easily created from home. However, using these at home can sometimes be messy and full of hassle. Hence, you can opt for Vivoderm’s face cleanser. It is natural and gentle and cleanses your skin thoroughly and is an excellent eye makeup remover.

Vivoderm’s skin cleanser is infused with vitamins that help to keep your skin hydrated, clean and soft. It contains natural ingredients such as chamomile and rosemary which is extremely beneficial to balance the skin and keep cellular turnover high and provides excellent hydration with powerful antioxidant properties.  Use the cleanser twice daily to get the desired results for yourself. So, take care of your facial skin by using a natural cleanser everyday.

The Advantages of Using Natural Skin Care Products

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VIVODERM Natural Acne Treatment Package

VIVODERM Natural Acne treatment package

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Hence, healthy and beautiful skin can be noticed immediately. There are different ways to take care of your skin to make it soft and clear. However, some methods prove to be more beneficial than the others. Natural skin care products trumps over others every time if compared with over the counter products that contain harsh chemicals.

If you are looking at a skin care product that is infused with chemicals you will find a list of unfamiliar additives. You might not be sure about these chemicals and its long-term effects on skin. Chemicals strip the skin of all its natural oils and hence they do not have the desired effects on your skin. These skin care products have unhealthy irritants and unnecessary additives that cause skin damage. However, if you are choosing natural skin care products then you should know that it is infused with organic compounds that help in replenishing the skin.

You must always buy skin care products that are hypo-allergenic. Since, only organic ingredients are mixed in natural products it is easier for the skin to absorb all the nutrients. Your skin will not have undesirable effects to organic compounds. Hypo-allergenic products are an absolute must for people with highly sensitive skin.

The best part about using natural skin care items is that they are not manufactured at the expense of animal welfare. You can use natural products with a clear conscience and confidence because you will know that they have not been tested on our furry little friends. And, hence if you are in search of natural beauty products then nothing can be better than Vivoderm. It uses completely organic ingredients and is strictly against animal testing.

The Importance of Moisturizing Your Feet

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During winter time dry skin and rough feet are a common condition among most individuals. Our skin naturally dries up because it loses its moisture. Hence, it is very important to moisturize your feet regularly. It is also very important to keep your feet clean before you apply any kind of moisturizer. The Vivoderm Cocoa Butter Foot Creamis  a natural foot lotion and moisturizer that is wonderful for dryness on the feet and around the ankles.

Treating Feet and Moisturizing
Treating Feet and Moisturizing with Vivoderm

When deciding on a good foot cream, always choose for moisturizers that have natural ingredients which help to exfoliate your dry skin and moisturize it from within. You can consider choosing to apply cocoa butter for providing a soothing relief to your cracked and tired feet. The Vivoderm foot moisturizing cream is light yet rich in texture to allow maximum absorbtion and keep feet fresh, smooth and soft. The soothing cocoa butter works effectively on your feet and is also helpful for diabetics who suffer from extreme dryness to give perfect smooth feet.

Before you start using any cream or lotion you must identify your skin condition. This will help you to buy the right cream or moisturizer for yourself. Our foot moisturizer contains natural ingredients such as glycerin, avocado oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, comfrey and rosemary. These are all herbal ingredients that are very effective on your skin unlike those available in the market which usually contain harmful compounds or ingredients. Another benfit to helping keep your feet soft is to go for regular foot spas or pedicures if you want the best looking feet in town. So, what are you waiting for just go ahead and get yourself the best quality moisturizer for your feet!

Natural Facial Toners: An Integral Part of Daily Skincare Routine

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Facial Toners or astringents help to remove the oil from the skin. Most are made from alcohol, water and other ingredients such as witch hazel, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Many women have the wrong conception that it reduces the size of the skin pores. Facial toners actually get rid of the excess oil and take out the impurities that usually lead to breakouts and blemishes. Toners help in rejuvenating the skin by increasing the blood circulation and improving the skin tone. They also reduce the overall oil secretion and help prevent blackheads and whiteheads.

However, many dermatologists say that if you maintain a daily beauty routine and clean your face properly, then you may not need to use a toner. Some facial astringents may contain harsh ingredients such as alcohol, so you must look for products that are made from natural ingredients and more gentle to delicate skin. If your toner contains alcohol then you must know that it can lead to skin drying and possible flaking. So, when possible, choose alcohol-free brands that come with natural ingredients such as green tea extracts and grape seed. You can feel comfortable using these natural facial products daily because they are less abrasive. Toners with natural herbal astringents and minerals also help to purify the skin.

Tips: Do not abrasively rub it into your skin when using. If you have a delicate skin then you might use a toner mixed with rosewater or some other hydrosol. Make sure your face is completely cleansed before use. You can also choose to make your own little mix customized to your skin type. Try this one for normal skin: Blend two tablespoons of watermelon juice, one tablespoon of rosewater or witch hazel and two tablespoons of distilled water together and then dip the cotton ball into the mixture and then apply it on the face. Ahhh, refreshing!

Special Skin Care After 30

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After the age of thirty, chances are that you are searching for the best skin care products in the market that will make your skin look young and fresh again. Don’t panic if you have begun to notice fine lines and small wrinkles developing – you are not the only one.  Unfortunatley, this is just part of the process of aging. With time, your skin will loose its elasticity and that plump collagen cushioning will flaten and sag if you don’t take proper care of your skin.

Many people, in desperation, start trying different products or “miracle cures” to make up for the neglect they gave to their skin in their twenties. If youa re currently in your twenties, it would be wise on your part if you start paying attention to your skin and treating it with care. Some of the natural reasons for your deterioration in skin quality are season change, hormonal change and age.

To treat your skin right, before doing anything you must determine the skin type. You can find great online quizes to determin if you are oliy, dry or combination or look for the Fitzpatrick scale for skin tone and color.

Now that you know your skin type it is time you start taking care of your skin. You must practice some daily skin care routine so that your skin remains smooth and soft. A daily routine should include cleansing, toning and moisturizing. If you have dry skin, then opt for a cream based cleanser. Make sure you practice your skin care routine at least twice daily.

If you see that your skin is showing signs of aging then you should also look for herbal anti-aging products which are best for you during this time. Herbal products may not work as fast as some chemical-based products – like acid peels – but they are usually less abrasive and more effective over time. So, there is nothing to freak out about.

One more thing…also take into consideration excessive sun exposure. Your skin is not that strong that it can resist the harmful rays of the sun. With time and too much sun, your skin will darken and tan – and wrinkle. Always apply a sunscreen every time before you go outdoors.

many women today have also jumped into getting botox as soon as they see the first wrinkle. This will only prevent your skin from healing and balancing itself naturally and will create an older appearance faster than before. Try out a daily skin care routine and some herbal face packs and creams before you take drastic cosmetic measures and you will surely get desired results over time. There are so many great herbal, natural products available in the market from which you can choose today. For detailed analysis you can also consult a dermatologist for your individual needs.

Daily Beauty Regimen for Healthy and Glowing Skin

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Your skin health will depend on a balanced diet, required physical exercise, proper nutrition and hydration and a daily skin care routine. By following a simple guideline that includes 4 easy steps you can enhance your skin health to a great extent.

Cleansing: The first step to your beauty guide should be cleansing your skin on a regular basis. By cleansing you can remove all the dirt from your skin as well as other impurities that clog the pores of the skin. This should be done at least once a day with a non-irritating and mild cleanser that is suited for your skin tone. Be careful when you choose your cleanser as that should not strip your skin of all the natural oils.

 Toning: Use a toner as it is very essential to keep your skin cool and rehydrated. You will be left with refreshing skin throughout the day. Toners help in removing dirt, oil, makeup that the cleanser has not managed to remove. Use a toner that is absolutely free of alcohol as it dries up the skin.

Exfoliation: This process helps in removing dead cells that have accumulated on the skin surface. Ensure that the exfoliant you are using is not granular, as that can damage your skin. If you want to enhance the rejuvenation procedure of your skin, then use exfoliants that have alpha or beta hydroxyl acids. This helps in wrinkle prevention.

Moisturize: The final step that you must do is moisturizing your skin. Your entire body requires nutrients and hydration. Your skin should be daily treated with a moisturizer for daytime use that has SPF properties that would provide you with sun protection. At night use a moisturizer that would be better absorbed by your skin.

These 4 basic steps can help you get back your skin health. Each step is essential as part of your daily beauty guide. You must choose your products well so that it suits your skin type.

Quick Skincare Tips for Fall

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Cool weather and falling leaves signal the time to get your moisturizing skincare routine in place for the upcoming winter.  Yes, autumn is a time of transition and your skin suffers if you do not properly take care of it. Not only do you have to repair skin damage from the effects of the summer sun, you also have to prepare it for the coming winter months. Now that it is officially fall you will have to make changes to your skincare routine.

Although your skin remains covered during this time it is always proper to treat your skin so that it can look absolutely beautiful. The first thing that you need to do is analyze your skin type. If you already suffer from dry skin, for your fall skincare regimen, maybe you need to change your shower gel and select a soap-free one, which is hydrating for your skin. A creamy body wash is absolutely ideal for this time. Using an oil-based scrub is most beneficial because you get the benefits of exfoliation along with hydrating oils. You also need to moisturize daily so that you can keep dry skin at bay. The ideal time to apply your moisturizing lotion would be after you have taken a shower to allow skin the maximun absorbtion benefit.

And don’t forget your sunscreen lotion. It is still a daily essential and you must use a minimum of SPF 15 every time you go out in the sun. Never forget to include feet care in your skincare routine. This will ensure that you can shift back to your sandals when the time comes without any hassle. Indulge yourself by purchasing a new hand cream and moisturize your hands daily so that you can have soft and supple hands throughout fall and into the winter.

Skin Care Tips During Winter

Written by Author on . Posted in Fundamentals, Natural Skincare

Those with dry skin have to be very careful during the winter months. Winter can be harsh on dry and sensitive skin. Due to the sudden change of temperature and lack of humidity, the skin loses its moisture pretty quickly. Hence, the skin needs special care during this time of the year.

Choose products that provide you nourishment and hydration. Keep skin clean and free from pore-clogging sweat and dirt. Use lukewarm water when you are taking shower. This ensures that natural oils in the skin do not get stripped away. Use products during your bath that comes with a neutral pH index. Avoid using soaps that are colored or fragrant as they tend to contain more chemicals than emollients.

Homemade Facial Cleanser Works Best for You

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A natural facial cleanser will nourish your skin and clean it thoroughly. It is a good option for people with sensitive skin. If you are trying to avoid the harsh chemicals of store-bought face masks go natural and choose to opt for herbal cleansers. You can even whip up something at your home if you like.

If your skin pores are clogged no cleanser or moisturizer is going to work on you. AHA is found in different types of food products which you can incorporate in your daily diet. They include milk, pineapple, lemon juice, sugar, tomatoes, and vinegar.

SUPER SKIN IN FOUR SIMPLE STEPS

Written by Vivoderm Admin on . Posted in Fundamentals

While we can all appreciate a good concealer or botox, ignoring the underlying problems by covering them up is no answer. Truly beautiful skin can only come from a good basic skin care routine.Clear, beautiful, healthy skin doesn’t just ‘happen,’ it comes effort and a good skin care routine. Surprisingly, many women today rely on cosmetics and surgical procedures to hide or repair the damage that has occurred from years of improper skin maintenance.

Most dermatologist and skin experts recommend consistently following a daily skin care routine. This does not have to be complicated or time-consuming.  Your daily routine can be performed in as little as five to ten minutes.

Four Simple Steps

* Cleanse
* Tone / Treat
* Moisturize
* Protect

Why Should I Look Out For Parabens and Sulfates? (Pt 2 of 2)

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Many consumers today have spent vast amounts of money to improve their appearance. Cosmetic surgery  and the topical skincare industry are multi-billion dollar businesses.  It’s a simple law of economics that the higher the demand, the more skincare manufacturers will flood onto the marketplace. When demand for cheap, readily available products is high, quality ingredients tend to take a backseat over inferior, more accessible ones.

Unbeatable Natural Skincare!

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banana-mask1Face is undoubtedly the most prominent of all body parts. More than any body part face commands daily and effective skincare. Facial skincare is a three steps easy way. Deep facial cleansing, facial nourishing and facial moisturizing are three steps to a great facial skin.

Herbal Facial Products for All Skin Types

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dead-sea-mud-maskEvery one wants to have blemish-free skin that can catch any one’s eye. You will be overwhelmed to know that it is possible to own such skin type with natural skin care treatments. Yes, it is true that with these treatments anyone can look beautiful and blemished free. Generally, these problems arise due to lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the body. Vital body nutrients like biotin, pantothenic, niacin, riboflavin, etc, are required to have a healthy glowing skin.

Treating Your Skin With Natural Skin Care

Written by Vivoderm Admin on . Posted in Fundamentals

One of the most important parts of our body is skin and each one dreams about having a glowing and beautiful skin. Your skin protects you from all the harmful toxins present in the air. It is also a good source for absorbing essential nutrients for the body. Your skin is a vital organ of the body and that is why it needs maintenance and regular natural skin care regime.

Four Step Natural Facial Skin Care for Men

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Today more than ever, men are concerned with skin care and taking care of their skin. Most skin care lines are geared toward women and concerns that women have with skin health, while few are geared towards men’s skin health. The following are easy and fast tips for men to follow to start taking care of their skin, without the confusion of too many products or steps. Men’s skin care should include a daily face wash, a mild facial scrub, proper shaving techniques, and a moisturizer containing sunscreen.

Daily Skin Regime For A Gorgeous Complexion

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By Van Le | Beauty may only be skin deep, but having a great complexion makes life a lot more pleasant. The key to having great skin is finding a skin care regimen that tailors to your skin’s individual needs, and following this regimen daily. It does not have to be complex and complicated—in fact, simpler is better since you will need to follow the same steps twice a day .

The first step is to do your homework. Determine what your skin type is, and find a product line that works well for you. There are many resources you can use either online or through your local library to help you determine your skin type. Look for published works by dermatologists or skincare experts who have created their own skin typing quizzes or online calculators such as this one: http://www.biobalance4women.com/skin_type.html. There are even sunscreen and UV calculators to help you find the best sun protection for your skin type. A product that works perfectly for your friend or sister may not produce the same results for you. Luckily, most products now specify which skin type it works best for. Also, there are several herbal skin care lines on the market whose products contain all-natural ingredients that work well with most skin types. When experimenting with new products, keep track of those that are effective and more importantly, those that irritate your skin so you can stay away from other products that contain similar ingredients. Ultimately, creating and maintaining a great complexion comes down to three simple steps: cleanse, tone, moisturize.

Cleanse

Finding a cleanser that works well for your skin is the foundation of having great skin. Some prefer to use a heavier cream cleanser during the winter months and a lighter cleanser through the summer, while others use the same product year-round. Wash your face twice a day, massaging the cleanser in a circular motion to remove dirt and excess oil, which can clog your pores. Proper cleansing at night also removes all traces of makeup and allows your skin to breath freely. Remember to change your pillow cover regularly, since the dirt and pollutants can transfer to your face while you are sleeping.

Tone

Even after washing your face with a cleanser, some traces of dirt and stubborn makeup may remain on your skin. A toner will completely remove any leftover dirt or residue left by the cleanser, reducing the chances of infections. Some cleansers may change the skin’s pH, and a toner will help bring the skin back to the proper level. Toners are also excellent in prepping the skin for the next step, moisturizing. Dip a cotton ball into your favorite toner and apply across the surface of the face, being careful not to get too close to the eyes.

Moisturize

Moisturizing daily will help the skin stay hydrated and produce a healthy glow. Lack of moisture can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and can produce premature signs of aging. A moisturizer will restore the skin of all the natural oil stripped throughout the day and during the cleansing and toning process. The right moisturizer depends on your individual skin type, and will help your skin produce a natural glow.

Weekly, bi-weekly and monthly skin care products and processes such as masks, peels and facials are great to help revamp and rejuvenate your skin; however, a great complexion starts and ends with a proper daily skincare regimen.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare you can also link to http://herbalfacialskincare.com

Tone up, Clean up, Get Moisturized!

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mantestcatWith the chilly winds already bidding adieu it’s time to take out those sporty shorts and T-shirts for a stroll on the beach or a run in the park You’ve done the push-ups and the crunches in anticipation for the skin-revealing days ahead. You want to look your best, and taking good care of your skin is a part of that.  So you spent most of the winter indoors, watching too much TV or gaming? Say goodbye to those baggy eye circles and dull skin by treating yourself to a detoxifying skin mask or a facial scrub and gear up for summer!
Men’s skin care products have always been available, but you may not know much about them yourself. Everyone from late night television hosts to media publications bring up skin care topics and recent dermatological advances have made the skincare market even larger and more complicated. Sorry guys, just when you were comfortable with cologne, now you have to exfoliate! With busy lives and building stress, it may be difficult for today’s modern men to retain the facial charm of their younger days.

Keeping that youthful appearance

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and requires special care. As the saying goes, “A healthy mind in a healthy body’” which means paying attention to your skin is essential to overall health. While it’s expected for women to buy skin care products, men are more laid back and seldom pay attention to facial skincare beyond daily shaving or grooming. Factors like pollution, stress, UV- rays and sun burns can cause severe damage to the inner pores which in the long term results in wrinkling, clogging and drying of the skin. As men reach their 30s and 40s, the skin gets dulled due to the daily process of shaving, excessive time outdoors and exposing the skin to different elements that can lead to blotching, which ultimately takes its toll on overall appearance of the face.

If you desire to protect your skin from further damage, right use of skin care products is essential to retain youthfulness. Once you become familiar with the basics; cleansing, toning, moisturizing – it’s not difficult at all, it’s all about setting up a routine.

Facial skin care

Proper skin care depends on the type of skin you have. Our skin can be categorized into many segments such as oily, dry, sun damaged, and sensitive. With the markets offering an ample pool of products to choose from, it’s always a struggle for men to see what suits them best. It’s always good to go organic. Try natural products when possible as the chances of side effects are less and the natural balance of the skin is retained. Before we plunge on to using these products here’s some basic things we can do to keep the aging process delayed.

Regular light exercising, thirty-minute cardio, brisk walks, yoga and other meditation techniques will calm down the adrenaline levels, keeping your skin blemish-free. Eight to ten glasses of water a day aids metabolism and helps your body flush toxins. In a nutshell, an exercise routine is the first step to fight off the signs of aging.

How to Cleanse your Face

I’ve got one thing to say – stop using soap on your face. Many advanced cleansers out there improve your complexion and don’t strip the natural moisture away. Begin with warm water; wash the face with pore refining cleansers that break down the accumulated grits and dirt without drying the skin. Morning is the best time for cleansing, to remove the dead skin and uneven patches that accumulated overnight. Shaving after you shower will reduce rashes, and makes the outer skin layer soft and gives you a smooth finish.

Using Facial Masks

If you have oily or acne prone skin, mud or clay-based masks are great for balancing out your skin. Dry skin will benefit from hydrating masks made from glycerin, honey and oils. Green tea masks are great for soothing skin.

Hydrating and moisturizing

The next most common facial masks are those that either hydrate or moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling silky, smooth and nourished. They will restore the suppleness of your skin by replenishing the water content. Hydrating and moisturizing masks can be used two or three times a week, depending on the dryness of your skin. For those will oilier skin, try a gel based, non-oil mask.

There are no miracle quick-fix homemade solutions. It’s all patience, gracefulness and the right attitude that gets you the results! Reminds me of that comedy ‘The Wedding Crasher’…It all starts with a shave! So, if you want to turn heads with your spiffy new looks this summer – treat your face to the right products.

Ravi Thiagarajan is a freelance writer and intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. He has published numerous articles for the leading newspaper The Times of India, local affiliate Anand Plus.

For more information and latest findings on natural skincare link to http://organicskincareinfo.net or
http://newbeautifulskin.com

Skin Foundations

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Your Skin – is a flexible membranous tissue that forms the external covering of the body, it operates as a complex organ of numerous structures (sometimes called the integumentary system) performing vital protective and metabolic functions. The average skin makes up about 18% of an adult’s weight and approximately a total area of 1,5 – 2 m2


Detailed structure of the skin 1 – melanocyte
2 – sebaceous gland
3 – muscle
4 – hair shaft
5 – fat
6 – Pacinian corpuscle
7 – artery
8 – hair follicle
9 – sweat gland
10 – epidermis
11 – dermis
12 – subcutaneous tissue

The skin contains two main layers of cells: a thin outer layer, the epidermis, and a thicker inner layer immediately below, called the dermis. Along the internal surface of the epidermis, young cells continuously multiply, pushing the older cells outward. At the outer surface the older cells flatten and overlap to form a tough membrane and gradually shed as calluses or collections of dead skin. Hair and nails are evolutionary adaptations of the epidermis.

Although the epidermis has no blood vessels, its deeper strata contain melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. The underlying dermis consists of connective tissue with embedded blood vessels, lymph channels, nerve endings, sweat glands, fat cells, hair follicles, muscles and oil glands that lubricate the skin and hair (glands located in the skin that secrete an oily substance, sebum – called sebaceous glands). The nerve endings, called receptors, perform an important sensory function – responding to various stimuli, including touch, pressure, heat, and cold.

Skin Rashes – Where Do They Come From?

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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 which is where many of the fights occur.

Rashes can appear on your entire body or be limited to a specific area, and what it looks like and how it feels can vary depending on the cause and type of rash. 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 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 SkinCareGuide.ca

Do You Have Sensitive Skin?

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  • Is your skin easily damaged or irritated?
  • Is your skin dry, delicate and prone to irritant or allergic reactions?
  • Does your skin have a reduced tolerance to cold, heat, wind, temperature changes, or pollution?

If you answer yes to any or all of these questions, consider yourself a member of the “sensitive skin” club to which 56 per cent of Canadian women claim to belong. Of this group, more than 46 per cent also have dry skin.

What is sensitive skin?

Generally if you have easily irritated or reactive skin, then you have ‘sensitive skin’. Most of the time sensitive skin relates to the face. Sensitive skin can be caused by a genetic predisposition or environmental factors. It appears as a redness, a swelling, itchy and dry irritation to the face. One of the major jobs of the skin is to waterproof. This is done to the epidermis or surface layer of the skin, producing a fat-protein sandwich that is always being replaced and is vital to prevent too much water loss from the skin.

Symptoms of sensitive skin include:

  • A tingling or tightening of the skin without visible signs
  • “Overreaction” to skin care or cosmetic products
  • Reactions to shaving, or other physical stress to the skin

Sensitive skin can also be a heads-up for other conditions, such as:

  • Altered skin — due to shaving, waxing, medications or heat, cold, wind, and pollution. Also, laser or chemical peels or scar removal
  • Allergic skin – the sudden appearance of redness or swelling and itchiness
  • Atopic skin – dry skin that is itchy and produces eczema. Eczema is related to hayfever and asthma. (see Eczema Guide for more information)
  • Rosacea skin – blood vessels of the face enlarge resulting in a flushed sensation or a redness of the skin

What to do about your skin?

  • Perfume or scented creams can be irritating.
  • Rinse well after using cleansing products, which should be mild and soap-free as they do not remove so much oil from the skin (www.MildCleanser.ca gives you more information about this kind of cleansers)
  • Use a moisturizer and sunscreen that is formulated for sensitive skin
  • Don’t over wash your face. Temperature of the water should be tepid; neither hot or cold
  • Don’t use exfoliants
  • Be aware of seasonal temperatures. The sudden dryness of winter can mean itchy, dry skin until the skin responds by increasing oil production to reduce the water loss
  • For breakouts use a cleanser with salicylic acid to help exfoliate pores. There are also moisturizers that contain salicylic acid

Be sensitive to stress

The causes and effects of stress on the body are not fully known, but for some people stress interferes with the body’s systems that repair and regulate the skin. Stress kills your natural antioxidant defenses, which help to prevent accelerated aging of the skin. Hormones can also trigger a histamine release within the skin causing it to erupt in bumpy redness, or breakout in hives.

Desensitize yourself

When choosing makeup, especially foundation and blush, buy oil-free products. Makeup that is water-based won’t clog pores. Look for oil-absorbing foundations that help keep oil off the face.

As for the rest of your body, check ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals in soaps, shampoos, body cleansers and creams, bath oils, bubble baths, etc.

Put your best face forward

  • Watch your alcohol intake, spicy foods and caffeine
  • Try to avoid excessive temperature changes
  • Use the right cleansers, moisturizers and cosmetics
  • Manage stress as best you can

By Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC

Dry, Sensitive Skin Options

Written by Author on . Posted in Fundamentals

Treatment Options for Dry, Sensitive Skin

If you suffer from dry, cracked or sensitive skin – skin that easily reacts to chemicals and temperature fluctuations – then keeping your skin hydrated is essential. If you live in a humid climate where natural moisture is more prevalent, then you are halfway there to better skin. On the flip side, if you live in a high-altitude or desert climate, artificially creating humidity in your home may be the second best option. Since many of us can’t just pick up and move to a new seaside location, using a humidifier in your home or bedroom while you sleep can do wonders for your dry, cracked skin.

While drinking more water will help hydrate your skin to a degree, it isn’t the cure-all for sensitive skin issues. However, the water you use to bathe is very important. Bathing with hard water (which contains increased amounts of calcium) can contribute to dryness and redness. Reverse osmosis water filters will help convert hard water to soft water, if it fits in your budget, it could be a consideration. Water temperature also matters. Dermatologists warm that very hot water temperatures, such as 104 degrees F, can dry out your skin and lead to redness. Gentle hydrotherapy, meaning moderate temperatures with little fluctuations are best for your skin type.

When choosing a special spa treatment, do so with care. Be wise in selecting spa and beauty treatments like exfoliating massages, loofahs, acid-peel facials, and hot steam rooms, which can all strip oils from sensitive, dry skin. Scalding temperatures, intense treatments, running from hot saunas into wintry snow is good for those with resilient skin – not for you. For those with especially sensitive skin, even perfumed bath oils and massage products can be irritating. Aromatherapy massages may be counterproductive if the oils used cause any form of burning or redness. Even getting a manicure or pedicure can cause hyper-reactions when the acetones in nail polishes and removers are irritating.

If you have had serious reactions to spa treatments in the past and need a gentler alternative, consider thalassotherapy. Thalassotherapy was developed in seaside towns in Brittany, France during the 19th century. Based on the belief that the properties of seawater have beneficial effects upon the pores of the skin, trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and iodide found in seawater are believed to be absorbed through the skin. The therapy is applied in various forms, as either showers of warmed seawater, application of marine mud or of algae paste or the inhalation of sea fog. Spas make hot seawater and provide mud and seaweed wrapping services.

Very popular throughout Europe, thalassotherapy treatments are used for relaxation, stress management, muscle and skin restoration, and to fight cellulite. If you cannot afford the actual spa treatments, home products containing seaweed or algae can also be effective in hydrating dry, sensitive skin.
Another great option to provide more oil distribution to dry skin is massage. Massage is also great for eczema. A recent dermatological study at the University of Miami showed that children with severe dry skin were treated with moisturizer and massage therapy improved more compared to those who were not massaged and were treated with moisturizer alone.

So these are simply guidelines to use when choosing products and treatments to help alleviate your dry skin conditions. As with all hydrotherapy treatments, it is important to limit your immersion in the water to less than one hour so as not to impair the skin barrier. And when purchasing products, always be sure to read the ingredient list for potential irritants.

Your Organic Skin

Written by Author on . Posted in Diet & Health, Fundamentals

Skin is the armor of the body. It is the outside waterproofing, element-fighting surface that protects our internal organs and skeletal structure from the harsh outside elements. Yet skin, overall is ignored most of the time. Healthy skin is important for a glowing completion of course, but if your body is unhealthy – your skin will be also.

The toxic world of industrialization has finally caught up with us. Producing toxic waste disasters, disease and tons of garbage buried so deep it can never breakdown. All these “modern advancements” have left our food supply as little more than a chemical compound in itself. If you can do ONE thing to give your skin and your body a fighting chance, you would be wise to choose as organic a diet as possible. To maintain a healthy skin, organically grown food is must.

In light of recent organic trends in our food, organic skin care products are also gaining popularity. For healthy lifestyle and healthy skin, limiting the amount of toxins and chemicals you put in your body is a must. If the environment or living “green” is important to you, you should also be aware of companies that produce the products you buy and their manufacturing practices.

Organic Skin Care is the most rapidly developing field in the beauty industry. Now what does Organic mean? Organic refers to anything grown or raised naturally. But more specifically, it means plants are grown on certified natural land without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetic modification or irradiation. In many cases, these organic farms are highly regulated by the Federal Food Safety Commission. Organic skin care means protecting your skin from harmful chemicals and using organic products whenever possible.

There are many organic products available on the market today. Most can be found at a local organic specialty stores, food suppliers or a national health food chain like Whole Foods. As organic products become more and more popular, many standard food stores, Like Safeway or Albertsons’ are also providing these products on their shelves. There are also plenty of websites offering organic skin or beauty care products online.

An organic product is preferable for natural skin care balance as it will generally contain far fewer chemical properties then it’s drugstore counterparts and thus have less possibility to cause inflammation or irritation. Of course, even an herbal product can have side effects as they are “chemicals” in their own right, so always be aware of the list if ingredients in the products you buy and the reactions your skin personally has to allergens.

Non-Comedogenic Cosmetics

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Non-comedogenic cosmetics are products which have been tested on the oily skins of human volunteers or inside
rabbit ears. These products are less likely to cause blackheads (open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones) in patients. However, no single product is non-comedogenic for everyone.

For example, a person with very oily skin may still get skin breakouts from products that another person with mildly oily skin may find non-comedogenic. A better term may be non-acnegenic rather than non-comedogenic, but this is not so widely used. It is important to test a new product on your own skin rather than rely on the label, before using it freely.

Moisturizers:
There are moisturizers labeled oil-free which have a very thin consistency. These have been tested in old animal models and have been proven to be oil-free. Most people who are acne-prone or who have oily skin do not even need these products. There are moisturizers labeled non-comedogenic which are usually thicker than the oil-free products, these may
be suitable when the ambient humidity is dry. When the patient is exercising or if the air is hot and humid, these moisturizers may be comedogenic.

Cleansers:

There are some products, which are suitable for oily skin, most liquid cleansers are not as helpful for oily skin as bar soaps or synthetic detergents. Some deodorant soaps or cleansers may be helpful for oily skin. Care must be taken not to over dry the skin with a strong cleanser for fear that the skin will re-bound with extra oil. Often a good gentle face bar soap, or gentle cleansers such as will be more likely to allow for patient satisfaction.

When the patient actually has acne and not just oily skin, many acne cleansers are available and many companies have cleansers made specifically for acne. There are benzoyl peroxide cleansers in the form of 5 and 10 % bar soaps and liquid cleansers, which are very effective in controlling acne breakouts.

Foundations:
Foundations for acne prone skin are often formulated to be like a shake lotion the color contents settle on the bottom while the opaque or clear solution is on the top. The bottle is shaken before the foundation is applied, these are the least elegant oil free cosmetics. Most foundations remain mixed together but are not heavy or thick. It is not necessary to have poor coverage in foundations for oily or acne prone skin. Titanium dioxide is the ingredient which allows for better coverage, and that ingredient is not oily, varying amounts of starch and kaolin will thicken up the products without causing acne.

For those who actually have acne prone skin, the addition of 1-2% salicylic acid may be partially therapeutic. For patients who need a blotter for the excess oil in their skin, extra amounts of starch, kaolin, and polymers which absorb sebum may be added.

Sunscreens:
The active ingredients of sunscreens UVB blockers such as Cinnamates, Octocrylene, Salicylates, and UVA blockers such as Benzophenones, Parsol 1789 (avobenzone), micronized zinc or titanium dioxide, are not themselves comedogenic. These ingredients can be incorporated into foundations, non-comedogenic moisturizers, and oil-free bases. The least comedogenic sunscreens are usually formulated into gel formulations.