Hyperpigmentation – Its Causes and Alternatives

Hyper pigmentation refers to skin that has turned darker than normal where the change that has occurred is unrelated to sun exposure. Hyper pigmentation is caused due to excessive production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that is solely responsible for the color of the skin. Hyper pigmentation occurs due to the excessive secretion of melanocyte stimulating hormone that enhances the production of melanocytes. The melanocytes produce the pigment melanin. Hyper pigmentation affects the areas that are not exposed to light like the genital areas, armpits etc.

Hyper pigmentation may be caused by internal and external causes. Internal causes include hormonal imbalances such as pregnancy. An external cause for hyper pigmentation is sun exposure. Sots of brown may appear with sun exposure without the use of a sunblock.

There are a few types of hyperpigmentation that is based on the cause of the excess melanin and its appearance on the skin. These include melasma, age spots or liver spots, freckles, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is also related with a number of diseases such as Addison's disease and other sources of adrenal insufficiency, in which the hormones induce melanin synthesis.


Hyperpigmentation tretment

• Hydroquinone - Hydroquinone is one of the best-established topical agents for reducing skin pigmentation. Its effectiveness, both alone and in combination with other treatments, has been documented in a large number of clinical studies. Hydroquinone treatment usually takes several weeks to produce results because even though the synthesis of new melanin is blocked quickly, the existing melanin takes a relatively long time to migrate out of the skin in the process of natural exfoliation.

• Laser resurfacing – Normal laser skin resurfacing works by evaporating the first few layers of damaged skin to leave behind a fresh, evenly toned skin. Hydroquinone or mild chemical peels are often recommended before laser resurfacing for best results.

• Intense pulsed light – IPL is a type laser that leaves no scares, can sometimes heals freckles or other mild sun spots without using peels or hydroquinone creams beforehand.

• Hydroquinone creams – They bleach the skin by slowing down the production of melanin. Dark spots fade in a few weeks. They are usually used for hyper pigmentation which is not caused by hormonal changes.

• Hydroxy Acid Peels - They increase cell renewal rate and correct hyper pigmentation marks. Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble acids and can help remove hyperpigmentation.

• Physician formula – These are more expensive skin pigmentation treatments but it is very effective.

Skin hyperpigmentation is not a life threatening condition. However, you should consult with your doctor to confirm that it is not melanoma, a form of skin cancer. In addition, you should see your doctor if you experience unexplained darkening or lightening or any skin sore or lesion that changes the color of the skin.

Choosing the Right Makeup Colors for You

What color family is right for you? Does your skin have cool, warm, or neutral undertones? Explore new colors and shades for a fresh, new look.

What color family is right for you? Does your skin have cool, warm, or neutral undertones? Let us explore color together.

You have cool undertones if:

Your skin is: pink, rosy, beige, or brown.
Your hair is: a soft shade of brown or blonde, or dark brown or black.
And your eyes are: blue, gray, or black-brown.

You have warm undertones if:

Your skin is: golden or olive.
Your hair is: golden or red.
And your eyes are: green or brown.

You have neutral undertones if you have a balance between warm and cool undertones. Most women have neutral undertones.

If you have cool undertones, then you should choose your eye shadow, blush, and lip colors from the cool color family. The cool color family is your pinks and roses and also includes fuchsias, violets, lavenders, grapes, cherries and wines. Pinks and roses are good for cool to neutral skin tones.

If you have neutral undertones, then you should choose your eye shadow, blush, and lip colors from one of the neutral color families. Mauves and berries are considered neutral. Mauves and berries also include: mauves, berries, plums, burgundies, lilacs, and cranberries. Mauves and berries are good for cool to neutral skin tones but leans more toward neutral.

Corals and reds are also considered neutral. Corals and reds include: peaches, corals, oranges, brownish reds, tawnies, apricots, and all shades of red except for the bluish reds, which are considered cool. Corals and reds are good for neutral to warm skin tones but leans more toward the neutral.

If you have warm undertones, then you should choose your colors from the warm color family. The beiges and browns are considered warm colors and includes: browns, bronzes, golds, mochas, taupes and spices. Beiges and browns are good for warm to neutral skin tones.

Now that you know more about skin undertones, you now have the knowledge to pick the perfect makeup color for your skin. But by all means, if you have cool undertones but are drawn to the warmer colors don’t think this is written in stone. Have fun and experiment with your new colors. Choose lighter or darker shades of your colors to spice things up a bit.

Acne Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Author: james sameul

Acne is a red, irritating skin rash primarily affecting teenagers and young adults. It can, however, occur at all ages. Typical acne appears in the oil-producing areas of the body—namely, the face, chest, and back. Acne can also occur on the neck and upper arms.

The surface of the skin has lots of small sebaceous glands just below the surface. These glands make an oily substance called serum that keeps the skin smooth and supple. Tiny pores (holes in the skin) allow the serum to come to the skin surface. Hairs also grow through these pores.


Cause Of Acne

Food: All over the world, parents tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse.

Dirt: Some individuals have more "oily" skin than others (as mentioned above, "Blackheads" are oxidized oil, not dirt). Sweat does not cause acne, therefore, it is not necessary to shower instantly after exercise for fear that sweat will clog pores. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, polytheistic ovary syndrome, and other endocrine disorders with excess androgens may trigger the development of acne vulgaris.
Acne vulgaris may also be influenced by genetic factors.

Symptoms Of Acne

The main symptoms are spots that range from tiny, painless whiteheads to large, angry red cysts filled with serum and pus. Scarring may leave discolored pitting of the skin.
With inflammatory acne, the whiteheads become inflamed, and red pimples and pustules develop. In its most severe form, inflammatory acne can cause disfiguring cysts and deep, pitting scars of the face, neck, back, chest and groin. Prescription drugs and sometimes surgery are needed to treat inflammatory acne.

Prevention

Get a nonprescription acne medicine and apply regularly. Over-the-counter drugs containing sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, are all effective for treating mild acne.
Don't over-wash. Since dirt is not causing your acne, excessive scrubbing and washing won't make it go away. Try to limit yourself to two washings per day — anything more than that can leave your healthy skin dry, and your acne-prone areas irritated. Habitual over-washing may also stimulate extra oil production, which could result in more breakouts.

Treatment Of Acne

If you have itchy acne, try taking Kali bromatum 6X three times daily until you notice an improvement.

Herbal Remedies For Acne

Raw potatoes contain potassium, sulfur, phosphorus & protein. The enzymes in raw potato pulp combined with its vitamin c content & natural starch are a natural skin food. The alkaline nature of the juices is an antiseptic. The acid portion of the pulp helps remove decaying or dead skin. Applications of its juicy pulp (grated or shredded) as poultice, clears skin blemishes, melts away wrinkles, banishes age spots, helps prevents boils, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads & gives a glowing & youthful look to the skin.

Radish seeds contain a bleaching agent and its emulsion prepared with water applied over the face will remove blackheads & freckles. Radish leaves crushed & applied as a poultice also help in the process. Grated white radish & its water makes an excellent astringent and bleaching agent for a fairer complexion.

Is Botox Really Right for You?

Although the term Botox is quite common and well-known, surprisingly then is the fact of how very few people actually know much about the details regarding and surrounding it. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration in regards to Botox, such as who can use Botox for example, and so even if you are not considering having a procedure done such as this, it is still important for you to know about this.

What is Botox?
Botox is a substance which is derived from that of botulism toxin, which is the same type that causes food poisoning, however the amount used here is simply a fraction of the amount that is able to cause food poisoning; this works by preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscle, thus causing the muscle to relax.

Who can use Botox?
Basically anyone is able to use Botox – not children of course – but there are certain things that should be taken, and particular issues that may prevent certain people from being able to use Botox. For example, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have a neurological disorder, for example, should not use Botox.

What are the Side Effects?
As with any other type of procedure, there are certain risks, complications, and side effects that can occur, and these all need to be taken fully into consideration. For example, temporary bruising is the most common side effect, as well has headaches, which will usually resolve within the following 24-48 hours after the procedure. There is a small percentage of patients that may complain of eyelid drooping, and some will complain of their expression looking surprised or confused, while some appear as though they have a permanent frown.

Although there have been no allergies associated with Botox to date, there is still the risk of allergic reaction present there. The best idea here is that obviously then, if you are planning or even simply considering to have a Botox procedure done, that you should consult with your doctor, and make sure to take the situation very seriously; just because it is not as serious as some of the other procedures out there, this does not mean that it is completely safe, and so you want to make yourself as informed and knowledgeable as possible.

Take time and consideration in regards to your decision, speak to others about the idea, read books, go to seminars – whatever it takes, it will be worth it in the end.

Skin Care Tips for Oily Skin to Prevent Acne

Maintaining a proper skin care routine is important to keeping your skin clear, free of impurities and oil, and moisturized so it remains healthy, acne-free, and radiant. Your basic skin care regimen should include cleansing of the skin, applying an alcohol-free toner, and finish with a moisturizer + sunscreen.

Face cleansing is the core of skin care regimen. You should wash your skin with a gentle cleanser at least twice a day to remove the oil, dead skin cells, dry skin. These are substances that can clog the pores. It is important for the pores of your skin to remain bacteria free as the presence of bacteria is something which contributes substantially to the growth of pimples. If you have overall cleanliness of the skin, you can lessen the chance of pimples. Before you apply all those cosmetics or medications for your acne, experts always tell you to wash your face. Here are several tips on proper skin care for your oily acne skin and how to properly wash your face.

1. First, remove every trace of make-up/cosmetic on your face. Use cotton ball and moisturizing cream to avoid damaging your skin.

2.Use lukewarm water to wash your face. This will also open the pores for deeper cleansing. Avoid washing your face with water that is too hot or too cold as it can dry out your skin. .

3.Avoid strong or harsh soaps/ cleansers. Strong soaps can dry your skin and strip off natural lipids. Choose soap that are mild if you prefer soap, or you can always choose cleansers that are soap-free, non- comedogenic (won't clog pores), and mild like Cetaphil, Burt Bee's or Neutrogena. Even better, you should use natural skin care products such as Dermalise since they are more gentle to your skin.

4.For people who have acne-prone skin, you should use cleansing products that contain salicylic acid. Salicylic Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid and a gentle, effective exfoliator. It is very effective for acne and oily skin and helps to unclog pores by removing dead skin cells, loosen and remove blackheads and whiteheads, and prevent future outbreaks. Products should contain 1-2% concentration of salicylic acid in order for it to be effective. For sensitive skin types, a 1% concentration would be suitable and for stubborn acne, 2% concentration is recommended.

Note that Salicylic Acid also makes skin sensitive to the sun. Sunscreen should therefore be used while applying Salicylic Acid. Also, sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays of the sun and helps prevent wrinkles.

5.Massage face gently in an upward motion using using your fingers. Do not do hard rubbing as it will actually do more harm than good.

6.Rinse face well to remove all residue of soap or cleanser. Residues left behind can actually clog your pores. Facial cleansers can leave an invisible residue behind which can clog your pores. Rinse three times, then rinse again.

7.Pat dry with soft, non-abrasive towel. Never ever rub your face.

8.Use an alcohol-free toner on your face. Toning your skin restores skin pH back to it's normal range and it closes the pores to your skin and prevent dust and other air borne particles from settling in your pores. Again, it is recommended to use products with natural and organic ingredients. It should make your face feel smooth and refreshed. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids work the best for toning the face. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They are aggressive and have quick results. Remember to look for a product that is not photosensitive (sensitive to light).

9.Finish your routine by using a moisturizer to replenish the natural oils that have been lost. Moisturizing is a necessity step. Again, the product that uses natural ingredients (i.e. Dermalise) and with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing. For an intensive moisture treatment use pure vitamin E, or aloe vera oil. It is available in liquid form, or just break open a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin.

10.Use a sunscreen throughout the day (min SPF15) to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Long term exposure to UV radiation may result in harmful effects such as sunburn, skin cancer, and acceleration of skin aging process.

11.If you have oily hair, you should wash and shampoo your hair daily to prevent the oil from touching and clogging the pores on your forehead.

12.Also, it is also important to not to touch your skin with your fingers. Our hands and fingers normally carry a multitude of various germs. When these germs make contact with the pimples, it can make the pimples worse.

The above 12 essential skin care for your oily acne skin steps would help you keep your face clean, clear and beautiful. However, for some of us unfortunate acne victims, our acne problems are more serious. Therefore, tougher measures must be taken. In addition to following the above recommendations, it is recommended to use an acne curing system that fights acne bacteria both from inside the body as well as outside the body. Most over the counter acne products in the market such as Clearsil, Oxy-10, ProActiv only address acne problems at the skin level and that is not enough to effectively fight acne.

If your acne problem still persists after following the above skin care regimen, you should use an anti-acne system that employs the proven principle of fighting acne both from the outside and the inside the body. The system should include an oil-free, SD Alcohol and Salicylic Acid solutions based facial & body wash and herbal pills. The facial/body wash will help you fight acne on your face, back, chest and arms by unclogging your pores and expelling all the bacteria and oil that cause pimples and other blemishes. The herbal pills effectively fight acne-causing bacteria from the inside. Together, they are very potent in getting rid of acne fast and preventing acne from occurring again. See our website for more information and for recommendation of a proven anti-acne system guaranteed to stop acne fast!

Stress and Your Skin

Most of the time, when a person is not feeling well his/her body will show signs of illness. For instance, when somebody is stricken with a cold, they look tired, feel weak and often feel like staying in bed. Well, almost the same idea goes for people who suffer from stress. Although people who suffer from stress may not necessarily feel weak and nauseated, their bodies might show signs of stress through the appearance of their skin.

A lot of people, during stressful situations, may show an increase in breakouts. When stress related flare-ups occur, most people become agitated and even more stressed. So what can we do in order to protect our skin from stress related breakouts?

First of all, it is important to take care of one’s body. This means eating a healthy diet, getting the right amount of sleep, exercising, and setting time aside for relaxation. When it comes down to a healthy diet, be sure to stay away from greasy and fried foods. As for sleep, try to devote at least eight hours towards sleep. Exercise and relaxation should be comprised of something that you enjoy.

Another thing to remember during a stressful time period is to stick to your skin care routine. Often times, when a person is stressed, he/she does not feel like keeping up with daily tasks. This could mean skipping a morning face wash or skipping the removal of eye makeup at night. Skipping these little skin care routines could double your chances for breakouts the next day.

However, if you feel that you take good care of your skin and you still are affected by breakouts, you can try using certain treatments during a stressful time. Using products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide prior to a stressful situation can reduce your chances of becoming affected by breakouts. So if you feel like you are experiencing more breakouts than usual, make sure that your stress levels are not the reason behind your skin problems.

Beauty and Health Tips

Beauty and health are the two sides of the same coin. You cannot possess either in isolation. Indeed a healthy person is naturally beautiful and the reverse is also true. It is a fact that health and beauty go hand in hand. Health is the metabolic efficiency in all people and beauty brings joy to the beholder. The following are some health and beauty tips that are simple and easy to follow.

Firstly, find ways to move your body. Always make it a point to use the stairs rather than elevators or escalators unless you are pressed for time. If you are overweight, eat less or exercise more to have a youthful body. The daily regime of either calorie restriction or exercise increase has positive effects on the body function. It is important to keep diabetes under control if one is diabetic or even take preventive measures to reduce the onset of diabetes and the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, hyper tension, and cancer or lung disease. Sedentary lifestyle is the greatest bane of health and beauty. It is imperative to exercise 30 minutes a day, 5 or 6 days a week. Indulge in anything that moves your limbs. It is not only a beauty and fitness tool, but a stress reliever as well. You can move around in small time intervals. It will be definitely far more rewarding if you could devote 45 minutes to 1 hour for any physical activity.

The next of the tips is - learn to say no to fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats. Reduce the intake of cheese, butter, nuts, sauces etc. Drinking water is one of the best beauty and health tips we can all follow. Water is essential for virtually every function of the body. The average person needs 1 to 3 liters of water a day. Drink with meals, as well as before, during and after exercise. Remember during your workouts, cold water is more readily absorbed.

The most important of the beauty and health tips is to quit smoking. It is mandatory to be a non smoker in order to improve the overall beauty and health of the individual.

Try to reduce stress filled situations. It is always easier said than done. Devote 30 minutes a day doing something you enjoy. Keep your temper under check and count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Stay away from people whom you find difficult to cope with. It is also important to practice oral hygiene and stay in a pollution free environment to remain healthy.

Recent studies suggest that a glass of wine or one drink a day is good for the heart, but take it easy!Gulping down glasses of wine can cause health problems such as liver and kidney disease as well as cancer.

There are many health and beauty products available in the market right now. They bring in different promises, guarantees and offers. Think for a while before making the purchase. Collect the details of the products you intend to buy. You should ensure that the product will do well for your beauty and health which you are looking for in it. Health and beauty products do help to improve your skin, health and fitness.

The link between genetics and beauty and health is a powerful one. But if one follows these basic beauty and health ,it is possible to live a healthy and beautiful life.Finally, stay positive. There's an ultimate connection between positive outlook and healthy and happy living. We all agree to the fact that a beautiful mind exists in a beautiful body That is the best of all beauty and health tips.