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.

Moisturizing is most important within 2 minutes after the shower. Try petroleum jelly on wet skin or use another moisturizer: the thicker and greasier the better. Avoid fragrances or perfumes which are in these products.

For dry cracked hands or feet: try soaking your hands (or feet) to get them well hydrated (about a minute), then generously smother them with petroleum jelly and wear a pair of white cotton gloves or cotton socks to bed.

For itchy skin there are a few non-prescription products that give immediate, although temporary, relief: Sarna lotion, Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion, Eucerin Calming Cream or spray. Also, colloidal oatmeal can be very soothing. Aveeno has a colloidal oatmeal bath powder that is very soothing.

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.

iGrow Fits Any Lifestyle

You can use the iGrow whenever it is convenient.  Use it at home, in the office or where you want to relax and listen to music.  iGrow sessions are completely automated and easy.  Just use the iGrow two to three times per week for 20-25 minutes.  You should all a day in between sessions to give your scalp some downtime.  The iGrow is perfectly safe and pain free.  You won’t even know the lasers are there – until you start to notice your thicker fuller hair.  All you have to do is wear the iGrow in the [rivacy of your home or office and let the low-level light do its work!

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.

Sometimes a short course of antibiotics can clear up an acne breakup. Remember, the inflammation is caused by bacteria getting trapped in the skin. Oral antibiotics can help kill that bacteria. However, because antibiotics have long been used in dermatology to treat acne, the bacteria are becoming more and more resistant. This means that some cases of acne will not respond to antibiotics. For this reason, your doctor will not prescribe them for the long term.

For severe cases of acne, your dermatologist might prescribe isotretinoin. This prescription medication is quite effective at drying up acne by actually shrinking the oil glands. However, it can cause severe side effects, particularly in unborn babies if a woman gets pregnant while taking the medication. Your doctor will only prescribe this if you are being closely monitored while you take it.

Once your acne has healed, there are other cosmetic treatments you can use to clear up the scars and remnants of your acne. When it comes to treating this embarrassing condition, dermatology is your best choice.

A dermatologist in Indianapolis can help cure your excessive acne. For more information, visit http://www.angieslist.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4827458

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.

Good skin care requires a lot of effort. A regime of cleaning and moisturizing should be followed everyday in order to be effective. Avoiding exposure to the sun and tanning is ideal to prevent the harmful effects of radiation. Application of sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 is helpful as well. Smoking should be avoided. A healthy diet is beneficial in improving the elasticity of the skin. Drinking water is essential to good skin care. Water helps the body function better. It also cleans the pores from the inside. It re-hydrates the skin, which helps the skin stay moist. Keeping good habits in addition to good skin care will help the skin age gracefully and beautifully.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Skin Care

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/636704

Interested participants will be served from 2:30 pm – 4:30 PM on a first come, first serve basis.

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These products and treatment kits are only available through our’ office to ensure proper compliance, clear instruction, and to protect your safety.

Find a sunscreen you like. If something is thick, stinky or sticky, you are less likely to use it frequently. One to two ounces of sunscreen, about the size of a golf ball, covers your body and needs to be reapplied every two to four hours. So, obviously, one tube of sunscreen shouldn’t last much more than a weekend at the beach. Also, overcast days provide plenty of harmful rays so remember your sunscreen when it’s cloudy outdoors.

Protect your lips and ears.

Skin cancers in these areas are often aggressive so wear a hat over your ears and/or use sunscreen on these vulnerable parts.

Seek shade.

Cover up with clothing.  A typical cotton t-shirt only provides protection equal to about an SPF 15 sunscreen and when wet, it can drop to an SPF of 8. Sun-protective clothing is ideal if you dislike lathering up with lotion – especially great for kids who won’t stand still as well as athletes and outdoorsmen.  Some of these fabrics are as light as tissue paper and provide optimal ventilation.

Learn to perform a good skin exam.

Look for anything that appears out of place. Learn the warning signs for melanoma, as well as basal or quamous cell skin cancers;  google or www.aiderm.com – for photos.Visit our Skin Care Basics for more photos.

Schedule checkups.

Get a baseline exam by a dermatologist to ensure your skin stays healthy.  Call Associates in Dermatology at 757-838-8030 to make your appointment today!