Caring for Dry Skin
Dry skin often means itchy skin. Preventing the itch with routine moisturizing of the skin is the best treatment.
In the winter itchy skin is usually more of a problem. Cold air means low humidity, when heaters are turned on the air gets even drier. Your skin dries out too.
The skin has a natural barrier to reduce moisture loss. This barrier or shield is made up of a dead layer of skin cells mixed with lipids or fats. This barrier cannot always withstand the repeat soap and water exposure. Harsh detergent soaps are the worst because they strip the fats away. If you use washcloths and other scrubbing pads you may be doing more harm than good.
Decrease your shower/bath time to about 5 to 10 minutes. Decrease soap use and limit your lather to the pits, groin and face. Soaps that are well known for being gentle include: Dove, Caress, Oil of Olay, Aveeno, and Cetaphil (not Ivory!!).
When you get out of the shower, before drying off, try rubbing a thin film of petroleum jelly into the wet skin, then pat (not rub) dry with a towel. It takes some trial and error but this is a wonderful way to lock moisture back into your skin and the jelly creates a barrier over your skin.
New Product: iGrow Helmet – Thicker, Fuller, Healthier Hair
The Science Behind iGrow
The hair loss process. Hormone related hair loss (DHT for men and hormonal imbalance in women) causes the follicle to produce thinner hair shafts. An additional result of this condition is that the blood supply to the follicle is decreased causing the hair follicle to atrophy.
The iGrow solution. If your follicles have been challenged by hormonoal factors, here’s how the iGrow can help . . .
Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) Stimulates Cells
LLT revitalization isn’t superficial. Cells absorb the low level light and become more active, this is known as photo-biostimulation. It’s like givingyour cells vitamins for a healthy metabolism! Cells then begin to repair and revitalizae themselves, leading to thicker, fuller, healthier hair.
Dermatology Treatments for Acne
Acne is one of the most common reasons teens and young adults turn to the help of a dermatologist. If you are considering dermatology to treat your acne, here are some of the treatments your doctor may recommend.
One of the first things your doctor will likely do is discuss your skin hygiene with you. Contrary to popular belief, poor skin hygiene does not cause acne. Oily skin is not what causes acne, and often overly cleansing the skin and scrubbing it with exfoliants and other products can actually make the acne problem worse. In dermatology, most doctors recommend cleaning with a non-detergent cleansing bar when your face is dirty, and nothing more. Your doctor will also advise you not to pick or squeeze your pimples or nodules.
Your doctor may also instruct you to make some minor dietary changes. You cannot “diet” away your acne, but chocolate, nuts, and colas can make your acne worse. If you commonly consume many of these foods, your doctor may advise you to limit them to help your acne heal.
One of the ways dermatology treats acne is through topical medications. You can get these over the counter or through a prescription. The over the counter options dry up pimples and kill bacteria, while the prescription options promote cell turnover to prevent the hair follicles from plugging, all while killing bacteria. If you have sensitive skin, these may irritate your skin, so talk to your dermatologist about ways to use them without creating irritation.
Importance of Good Skin Care
Good skin care is essential to graceful aging. Babies have smooth, soft skin that is wrinkle free and moist. Over time harsh elements in the environment wear on the skin making is dryer and tougher. With age comes wrinkles and sagging in the skin. Good skin care can slow down the harmful effects of time and the environment.
Before good skin care can be attempted, it is important to have a thorough understanding of how the skin operates. Skin consists of three layers. The inner most layer is the subcutaneous tissue. The tissue in the subcutaneous layer contains fat cells, which insulate the body. The middle layer is the dermis. The dermis contains the connective tissues. The outermost layer of skin is called the epidermis. The purpose of the epidermis is to protect the inner skin from environmental contaminants. Cells in the epidermis continuously travel from the inner most part of the epidermis to the surface, flaking off once they reach the top. The cells in the epidermis become thinner over time. Less collagen is produced causing skin to lose its elasticity. This causes the skin to sag and wrinkle. The number of sweat glands also decrease over time leading to dryer skin. As people age, cells in the subcutaneous layer become smaller also contributing to the sagging and wrinkling. UVA and UVB radiation from sunlight thin the epidermis even more. They also contribute to a faster breakdown of collagen in the dermis.
Good skin care requires cleansing and moisturizing. Cleansing is essential to remove dirt and dead skin cells. It helps to prevent pimples or acne. Cleansing, however, can dry out the skin. Cleansing removes the oil on the skin, which retains moisture. As a result moisturizers are needed to restore water to the skin and protect the skin. Special liquid cleaners are recommended over using traditional bar soap. Liquid cleansers can be made with moisturizer to combat the drying agents in the cleansers. The type of cleaner chosen depends on the skin type of the person using it. Vitamin E is often included in good skin care products as it helps moisturize the skin. It also maintains elasticity. The type of moisturizer used is important as well. A heavier moisturizer should be used at night while a thinner, lighter moisturizer is recommended for daytime use.
Free Skin Cancer Screening
On August 15, 2011, Associates in Dermatology will once again be offering a free skin cancer screenings to the local Hampton Roads community.
Interested participants will be served from 2:30 pm – 4:30 PM on a first come, first serve basis.
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