Archive for the ‘summer’ Category

Summer Skin Care Demands Sunscreen

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008

As the warmer months approach and the sun starts to sizzle, health officials warn residents to be wary of sun damage and learn how to best protect their skin.

“I think all of us have underestimated the power of UV rays,” said epidemiologist Kelly Jolliff with the St. Joseph County Health Department.

May happens to be Ultraviolet Awareness and Skin Cancer Prevention Month and a good time to step up sun protection, sun experts say.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control, and is often caused by overexposure to the sun,

In 2007, 16 people died of skin cancer in St. Joseph County, according to health department records.

Spokeswoman Meghan Callaghan with Coppertone says consumers sometimes are confused when it comes to understanding the sun.

“It’s important to prevent unintentional sun exposure often gained by daily activities, including walking, biking or gardening,” Callaghan said in a news release.

Callaghan provides a list of sun care tips based on Dr. Patty Agin, a dermatologist at the Coppertone Solar Research Center:

* Incidental sun exposure is the kind of exposure received unintentionally during everyday activities. For the average person, incidental time spent in the sun is projected to account for up to 80 percent of his or her lifetime exposure.

* Ultraviolet radiation means sun rays that more intense in the summer months, at higher altitudes, and in areas closer to the equator; UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburning, premature aging of the skin, and the development of skin cancer. UVA rays are more constant, year-round and penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers.

* Sun protection factor (SPF) is a ratio between the ultraviolet dose required to produce minimal reaction (redness) to protected skin (skin with sunscreen) compared with unprotected skin. The number indicates how many times longer a person can stay in the sun before beginning to burn. (For example, if it takes 15 minutes for a person to burn, an SPF 15 will allow them to stay in the sun 15 times longer without burning.) SPF numbers usually range from 2 to 50.

* Broad spectrum protection is found in some sunscreen products that contain ingredients to protect against both UVB and UVA rays. For example, some broad spectrum sunscreens contain Avobenzone to provide extra UVA protection.

* Photostability refers to the ability of a sunscreen ingredient to maintain protective power and not break down during exposure to UV rays.

Jolliff points out that people with lighter skin color are more prone to burn than those with darker skin shades, particularly those with blue or green eyes and red hair.

Health officials recommend putting on sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher at least 30 minutes before venturing out into the sun. And don’t overlook those ears, noses and necks.

“All the spots you always forget about,” Jolliff says.

Between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the time where the sun’s rays are the strongest. Jolliff also adds that sunscreen that is not waterproof must be reapplied after going into pools.

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Tips For Transitioning Your Skin Care And Looks from Summer To Fall

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

Fall’s the time to repair the price paid for ‘fun in the sun’ and prepare for cooler, dryer air. Then experiment with the season’s new looks!

As healthy as being outdoors can feel, the ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage skin cells through sunscreens and sun blocks. Chlorine and other chemicals in hot tubs and pools, salt water at the beach, and super-conditioned air can leach away nutrients and cause dryness. What to do? Have some fun … create a ’spa’ environment in your bath area and follow these simple steps.

Step one in reversing the effects of summer is to remove the dead surface skin cells that have built up. For your face, select a mask or microdermabrasion product that’s appropriate for your skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily, blemish-prone). Also pick an exfoliator made specifically for the lips. For your body, choose a scrub or buffing cream. If you have sensitive skin, avoid scents and perfumes since they can be irritants. Then follow the product directions for application and use, massaging gently.

Step two is to moisturize the newer, younger skin you’ve revealed. Liberally apply a facial moisturizer (paying special attention to the neck and décolleté), eye cream, lip balm, and body lotion (or cream), allowing time for the products to be absorbed into your skin. You want to replace the moisture that’s been stripped away during cleansing, restore what’s been lost during the summer and start to protect against cold weather and dry indoor heat.

Now, after each cleansing, apply moisturizers and, if necessary, increase the intensity of the products. At night, use a specially formulated product for your face that works while you sleep. For problem areas such as elbows, knees, hands and feet, put on extra lotion or cream (wear mitts and footies to bed, as needed). During the day, continue to wear sunscreen or sun block to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.

As sun exposure or a tan fades, adjust your foundation and/or powder to a lighter shade. Test the shade along your jaw line to blend with both your face and neck; watch to see if it “disappears” into your skin.

The lighter, sun-kissed colors of summer typically transition to darker, earthier colors in fall. If you’re trying to adapt the season’s shades or find the hues that work best for you, try these “tricks.”

For eyes, eye shadows with a base or elements of color opposite that of your eyes (on the color wheel) will make your eyes stand out the most. Consider a wide spectrum of the colors that are in style. If teal’s fashionable, experiment with different tints of blues and greens and blue-greens. Mix colors or tone them down with neutrals until you find the ones that complement your face and wardrobe.

For cheeks and lips, the most flattering colors are usually the ones that pick up the natural warm tones in your face.

Once you’re ready, enjoy the season!

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Skin Care Essential During Summer

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

With warmer weather and longer days, everyone wants to escape the confines of the indoors.

But with the fun of basking in the sunshine comes the extra need to avoid skin problems.

“When going from cooler to warmer weather you can run into several problems such as hay fever, asthma and eczema,” said Dr. Joe Moyer, an allergist at the Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center in Myrtle Beach.

“As temperatures get warmer, some individuals break out in hives. That probably has something to do with how the skin regulates body heat using the skin as a radiator. The blood vessels in the skin dilate to cool the body and that can worsen the rash we call hives.”

Humidity also can promote allergic reactions, he said.

“If you are prone to having eczema, sweating can cause it to itch and the scratching will result in a rash. We sometimes call eczema ‘the itch that rashes.’ People will typically itch first, then scratch, and then get the red, dry, flaky skin a few hours later.”

Some chemicals used in various commercial products also can cause allergic reactions, a condition called contact dermatitis, to many of the chemicals used in commercial products such as sunscreen.

“Contact dermatitis does not respond to treatments with things such as Benadryl,” Moyer said. “It responds better to steroids. So if you have not been exposed to outside plants like poison ivy, it may be something you are putting on your skin.”

Warmer weather also may cause some people to have breakouts of acne or blackheads because of increased oil production, said Catherine Pelton of Dermavogue Aesthetic Laser Center.

“In summer, people will benefit from cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in it to help control oil production,” she said.

Pelton also stressed the need for protecting skin from the sun.

“It’s important in any season to use sunscreen, especially in summer,” she said. “Make sure it has UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of 30 or more. Then of course, water intake is very important, too. Also, wear lightweight clothes that allow the skin to breathe more.”

Larissa Gedney, clinical nutrition manager at the Conway Medical Center, said staying hydrated during the summer is important.

“It can be very easy to become - and actually very dangerous if you become - dehydrated. So fill up on eight glasses of noncalorie fluids like water, Crystal Light and things like that. Other popular summertime drinks, if they have too much caffeine, can have a counterproductive effect in staying hydrated. Alcohol and caffeine act as a diuretic and do not fill the need.”

Some foods are good for the skin as well, she said.

“Fruits and vegetables are helpful especially now,” she said. “Also try to eat foods that have antioxidants in them and foods with vitamins C and E. Fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 found in walnuts, bananas and almonds are also helpful for the skin.”

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7 Tips On How To Alleviate Eczema

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008

We all want to know how to alleviate eczema and other skin ailments naturally without drugs that can cause us harmful side effects. There are some natural ways to begin taking care of your body; however so few people realize this. The easiest and most powerful way to begin healing your body is to change your diet; this will improve your overall immune system and your body will begin to fight off viruses. This article is geared towards giving you information on how to alleviate eczema with natural steps that you can begin implementing today.

Some people are more prone to acquiring this skin ailment than others. Eczema is caused by overreaction of the skins immune system. The overreactions are usually caused by environmental changes and changes in your bodies emotions. The environmental changes can range from mold and dust to cold temperatures and chemicals such as irritants. During the winter when your bodies extremities are exposed to extreme changes in the temperature; you are most likely prone to acquiring eczema.

Here are some useful tips to begin utilizing to help you keep your skin clear:

1. Vitamin E Cream: The cream will help you alleviate your eczema; and will help reduce any irritation or itching in the skin.

2. In the summer: use your air conditioner to keep your air cool in your home; and use plenty of lotion and moisturize to keep your skin nice and moisturized.

3. In the winter: people are more prone to acquiring eczema because their skin becomes dry and itchy. You can use a humidifier during the winter to help avoid outbreaks of skin ailments.

4. Use Moisturizers: Keep your hands nice and moisturized during the day. Carry a bottle of lotion with you at all times; just by applying lotion on a regular basis throughout the day you can stop the eczema and other skin ailments from occurring.

5. Avoid Irritating Chemicals: such as pesticides, paints and etc..they are harsh on the body and can cause skin ailments.

6. Avoid stress: Yes we all get stressed out in todays society; however it is important to remember that this brings about skin ailments. You can practice alleviating your stress by using yoga, meditation, stress management courses, listening to peaceful music etc.. The more you can practice becoming relaxed and stress free will help any further outbreaks.

7. Read ingredients: How to alleviate your eczema can be as simple as changing your detergent. Certain detergents will contain chemicals that are harsh and irritating to the skin; you must always read the ingredients.

If you follow these steps and begin watching what you are exposing your body to; you will begin to notice a huge change in your skin. The best part is that these are natural tips that can bring about some relief if applied. They will not cause you any harmful side effects and anyone can begin applying them today. If you found these 7 tips on how to alleviate eczema helpful then visit our website below; it is filled with more valuable information that can help you with your skin ailments.

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Skin Care Tips for Glowing Skin and Skin Protection

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

Skin Care: Our skin is affected by factors that can be grouped as intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic factors are those aspects, which relate to our genetic make-up. Our genes to some extent determine the dynamics of ageing which has a direct effect on our skin. Extrinsic factors are those that affect us from the outside. Our habits, lifestyle and exposure to sun are primary factors that affect our skin.

Tips For Glowing Skin.

A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face.

Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser.

Cut the lemon and rub the wedge all over your face. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. This will refresh your face. Avoid doing this if you have dry skin.

Apply the mixture of honey and milk on the face . This will make your skin glow.

Prepare a mask by mixing a slice of pumpkin with egg yolk and milk. Let this mask set on your face for 30 minutes for a glowing skin.

Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin.

For a soothing body pack, prepare a paste of mint leaves and almonds. Mix it with warm water and apply all over your body. Leave it till it dries and rinse with warm water.

For removing facial hair.. Apply a sticky paste of egg white blended with sugar and corn flour. When it dries, gently peel it off. Repeat this three to four times a week.

Thin apple slices rubbed onto oily skin will help in controlling oily shine.

For supple skin, apply a ripe smashed banana on your face for 20 minutes daily.

Cauliflower juice applied on warts regularly will make them fall.

Apply the mixture of raw turmeric and cream of milk on the face and wash it after 20 minutes. It will make your skin fair.

Apply the mixture of honey, basin, cream of milk and olive oil as a face pack.

Skin Protection: Just as cardiac bypass should not be a substitute for the prevention of heart disease, rejuvenating treatments should not and cannot replace prevention of premature skin aging. In fact, protecting your skin from damage remains the single most effective (and cost-effective) thing you can do to retain youthful appearance as you age.

Sun exposure (ultraviolet radiation) is the primary cause of skin damage and skin cancer. Oftentimes it is a greater contributor to skin aging than all other factors combined, including the intrinsic aging of skin cells. Therefore, consistently preventing skin damage from the sun’s UV rays (in not just outdoors in summertime) should be the single most important aspect of your skin care strategy. Meticulous UV protection may not only prevent premature skin aging but also facilitate the reversal of some of the existing signs of aging.

However, getting your sun protection right is not as simple as it might seem unless you plan to live in a windowless cellar. (And even then you need to know about maintaining your vitamin D status.) This section contains the articles and resources you need to optimize your skin protection.

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Good Skin Care Habits in Winter Reduce the Need For a Summer Overhaul

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

While most people pay far more attention to their skin in the spring and summer, our winter skin care habits are among the major reasons why every spring or summer we have to do a general overhaul. In fact, heaters blasting, soaking in wet gloves and socks, and blustery cold winds may take more of a toll on the health and condition of our skin than the summer sun. If you want an easier job of it in spring and summer, start putting a little more focus on winter skin care.

Where do you start?

* Try using a humidifier: heating vents and radiators blasting heat into the room dry the air, and our skin. A humidifier will not only add the needed moisture, it will also allow you to turn the heat down a little – above a certain temperature, moist air feels warmer than dry air.
* Dress in layers of clothing made from natural fibers. The air pockets between the layers keep you warm and enable excess moisture to evaporate more easily so you can stay dry. Natural fibers absorb moisture more efficiently than synthetics and are generally safer to use as they contain fewer harmful chemicals. Silk comes highly recommended as the best fabric for clothing worn right next to the skin.
* Avoid very hot baths and showers. This is an important skin care tip in any season: while it feels wet, and wonderful, the heat actually dehydrates us. A good household water filtering system – or, at least, a shower head filter – will also help. Chlorine and other chemicals in the water dry our skin.
* Drink plenty of water: With all the dry air in our winter environment, it’s important to stay hydrated.
* Avoid internal and external chemicals as much as possible: They tend to dry the skin, and the rest of the body. To reduce internal chemicals, try switching to a diet of natural, organic foods. To handle the external chemical problem, switch to natural skin care products that don’t contain drying, chemical ingredients and use a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to keep out chemicals and lock in much needed moisture.

Good winter skin care habits, along with natural skin care products, reduce the dry, uncomfortable feeling of winter and set you up to look great in the spring and summer without a major overhaul. Try the few simple tips above, and don’t forget the shielding lotion!

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