As hormonal changes are considered to be a major cause of acne, many people associate break outs with the teen years. However, the millions of adults using medicated skin care products can attest that acne can strike anyone at any age. If you’re tired of battling skin problems you thought you left behind years ago, find out what else may be causing your acne and how natural skin care and a few dietary changes can help.

Statistics show that 25% of men and 50% of woman suffer from acne at some time in their adult life. In fact, according to some experts, adult acne is on the rise. Many dermatologists feel that acne is caused by hormonal deficiencies and imbalances even in adulthood. However, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the real problem is a combination of diet and chemicals.

How does your diet affect acne? Dermatologists recommended cutting out greasy foods, soft drinks, deserts and junk food as a matter of course. However, that’s not really taking things far enough. Basically, the trick is to stick to foods that are low on the glycemic index (GI) – which means they convert to blood sugar over a period of hours rather than minutes.

For example, while oatmeal may not fall into any of the acne-causing categories, old-fashioned oatmeal takes 25% longer to convert to blood sugar than the instant varieties. English muffins convert twice as fast as toast made out of pumpernickel bread. Baked potatoes convert 40% faster than boiled new potatoes. And a snack of pretzels converts five times faster than peanuts.

To find out more, check online for a list of foods that include their GI ratings.

The other major factor often overlooked is chemicals. Although dermatologists may recommend using skin care products for sensitive skin, again, this may not be enough. Skin care treatment designed for sensitive skin generally contains fewer or more gentle chemicals than other products, but they still have ingredients that can dry the skin. The dry skin then develops tiny cracks which can then become infected and cause pimples.

Again, the remedy is to take things a step further: Instead of sensitive skin care products, go for natural products that contain very few chemicals, and only those proven to not cause dry skin. Also, you should always use a shielding lotion under make up and other skin care products. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective layer that keeps out chemicals and keeps in natural moisture. Shielding lotion will also keep out airborne environmental pollutants over which you have little control.

If you’re suffering from pimples, acne and other skin problems, give the low GI diet and natural skin care treatment route a try. Many people have found both to make a big difference in a short period of time. And don’t forget the shielding lotion!

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Millions of people around the world have eczema. In fact, it’s spreading at near epidemic proportions. Unfortunately, most eczema sufferers never find a cure: The skin care products they try either don’t work at all or work only for a short time. A treatment that works today might be useless in just a few weeks or months. The same is true of medications – once the medication is stopped, the condition returns. Thousands of doctors now recommend a shielding lotion as eczema treatment, but you may also have underlying nutritional deficiencies contributing to the problem. Find out what they are, and what you can do about them.

One of the primary nutritional factors behind eczema is vitamin B deficiency. The usual suspects are B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) B7 (biotin).

B3 is necessary for hormone production, detoxification and helping the body process carbohydrates to produce energy and form fat. While forming fat might not sound like a great idea, we’re not talking about weight or weight gain. We’re talking about good fat – the kind that is combined with dead skin cells and oils to form the protective layer of the skin. Without it, the skin loses its natural moisture which, in turn, can lead to skin problems. If you also have problems with insomnia, weakness, mental confusion or aggression, B3 may also help your eczema.

B5, which, like B3, also helps convert carbohydrates to energy and fat, helps the body form healthy red blood cells and antibodies, and helps it make hormones. It may also help detoxify the body. If your skin condition is accompanied by stomach discomfort, headaches, fatigue or difficulty sleeping, you may be deficient in vitamin B5.

B6 helps process amino acids – the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. If you find you’re not as sharp as you’d like to be or your mood is not very pleasant, you could have a B6 deficiency.

PABA, considered by some to be part of the B vitamin family, is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, helps form the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body, enables the body to break down proteins, and maintains intestinal flora. If you have red, itchy and patchy skin or lesions along with depression, fatigue, irritability, nervousness, and constipation, chances are you need PABA.

B7, in addition to many other functions, helps the body produce new cells, maintains proper function of oil glands, and helps control glucose levels. If your blood sugar tends to run high, your eczema might be connected to B7 deficiency.

As you may have noticed, many of the B vitamins have similar functions and they do work together. Sometimes it’s best to take a supplement that includes all the B vitamins but, if you’re already doing that, you may want to increase the dose of one or the other, depending on your symptoms.

Many people take vitamin B supplements on a daily basis. If you have eczema, it’s vital. However, don’t forget the shielding lotion: Vitamin B may help the internal problems but if your skin is continuously exposed to household and environmental chemicals, the nutritional handling you’re working on will be an uphill battle. Your best eczema treatment protocol is a good shielding lotion for the outside, and good nutrition for the inside – starting with vitamin B.

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Step 1: Take a closer look at your skin

Most of us look in the mirror multiple times each day but rarely see beyond the surface of the reflection. Take a moment to really look at your skin — and discover how what you see on the outside reflects the health and condition of your skin on the inside.

Not sure what to look for? Ask yourself the following questions:

How does my skin feel? What words comes to mind when you touch your skin from head to toe? Oily, dry, smooth or rough — or even a combination of these conditions may describe your skin’s condition. Have I been defending my skin from the sun? Whether you include UV protection in your daily routine or embrace the rays, it’s important to keep your eye on sun damage. Check your skin for signs of sun damage including dark freckles, discoloration and wrinkles. Is my lifestyle taking a toll? Look for signs of fatigue including dark circles around your eyes and puffiness that might be caused by bad habits including lack of sleep, smoking or drinking. Do I take time to pamper? Like everything in life, little rewards go a long way when it comes to reinforcing good habits. Whether it’s an at-home pedicure or professional facial, your skin care routine should include occasional treatments that pamper and promote healthy beauty. Chances are, any pampering you do will enhance what you see in your reflection. Is acne an issue? Examine your face and body for unwanted blemishes or redness. Small patches of acne can easily go unnoticed in hard to see places like your back or arms. What is my skin type? If years have passed since you’ve evaluated your skin, chances are you might need to reconsider your skin type — as this can change over time. Classify your skin using one or more of the following skin types: DrySensitiveOilyAcne-proneCombination

When making decisions related to skin care and the products, consider your skin type. Also, keep in mind that your skin type might change as you age or with the season.

Not sure what skin type you have? Reach for The Skin Type Solution by Dr. Baumann Paperback.

What are my skin strengths? Whether your skin is kissably soft or happily hydrated, identify the parts of your current skin care routine that are working well. It’s always important to celebrate your strengths.

Step 2: Make a list

After answering these questions, make a list of strengths and challenges in your skin care routine. Don’t forget to include your skin type.

Step 3: Make goals

Using your list, create some short and long-term goals to tackle during the following year. Short-term goals should be attainable within a few months while long-term goals may include permanent changes in your skin care routine to improve its future health and appearance. Here are some examples:

Incorporate products that address my skin type into my skin care arsenal Increase sun protection in my daily regimen Adopt skin-healthy lifestyle habits including adequate sleep, nutritious diet and exercise Reverse existing signs of aging with age-fighting treatments Prevent future signs of aging with sun screen

Everyone’s list of goals will be different — and may even change over time. Don’t worry — you can always revise your goals later on.

Step 4: Hang up your goals

Next, post your list in a place — like inside your medicine cabinet or next to your bedroom mirror — where it’ll remind you to stick to these new skin care goals. Also — consider recruiting a friend or family member to do the same. When it comes to adopting healthy habits, a partner in crime is helpful when it comes to sticking to goals and finding support.

The resolution of a lifetime

Transforming your skin care routine is a big goal — but we’re here to help. Remember to check back to Skincare-news for monthly installments that feature simple, step-by-step guides for improving your skin care routine. The result? Healthier, more beautiful skin — guaranteed!

See also:

Skincare & Beauty FAQ Handbook – Part 1: Skin Type & Seasonal Skincare

Facial Cleansing for Fabulous Skin

Your Very Own Skin Care Calendar

10 Healthy Skincare Habits You Might Be Forgetting

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By: Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC

As we age, the skin droops and develops wrinkles, lines and furrows. Depending on your skin type, you may find your skin to be pre-disposed to wrinkling. But thanks to diligent research and new advances, there are a number of solutions to combat facial lines.

In addition to aging, facial lines can form because of the following:

Sun damage (Fine lines and wrinkles arise because of irregular thickening of the dermis and because of a decrease in the amount of water held by the epidermis. caused mainly by sun damage.) (Read more at Sun Damaged Skin)SmokingMuscle movement / Dynamic lines (People tend to smile or frown more on one side than the other, or consistently sleep on the right or the left cheek. Crow’s feet around the eyes are due to smiling and activity of the eyelid muscles. Worry lines on the forehead are due to contraction of the muscle when raising the eyebrows)Gravity is responsible for folds in the skin.

See your dermatologist for information about what might work well for you, which could include (Also see treatments for sundamaged skin):

Topical agents which produce collagen in the skin, Vitamin A acids (Tazarotene, Tretinoin, Adapelene) and Vitamin C or alpha Hydroxy acidsMicrodermabrasion has a very modest benefit for very fine linesInjectionable fillers such as Restylane (Hyaluronic acid)Botox for dynamic lines (Check-out www.BotoxFacts.ca)Lasers. Traditionally the CO2 and Erbium lasers (ablative) were used to essentially peel off a layer of skin and then allow a new skin to grow in. Results were impressive but the healing time of many weeks and sometimes months of redness has reduced the use of this approach. Patients with darker skin would often end up with darker skin and those with very fair skin sometimes white skinPlastic surgery is usually used to improve skin folds rather than fine lines and wrinklesThe newer non-ablative laser treatments do not have the down time of the older methods nor do they have the degree of improvement. Repeat treatments with lasers that essentially produce a heating of the dermis, which in turn encourages collagen production, Lasers such as the Nd: Yag, V Beam and Smooth Beam may be used.The Fraxel laser is a modification of an Erbium laser that just treats multiple small pinpoint areas of skin allowing a quick recovery after a treatment. We will be hearing more of this in the futureCosmetic facial surgery.

You can take steps to protect your skin. You’ve heard it before, and it’s worth repeating:

Avoid excessive time in the sun, and always use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higherAvoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke or other pollutants. Smoking increases facial lines and wrinkles and delays skin healing.Exercise. It’s good for the skin as well as for your general health.Aging skin feels and looks better when moisturizers are applied regularly. These improve the water-holding capacity of the skin. Choose one that feels nice to apply, doesn’t sting or burn or provoke acneUse tepid or warm water and a non-soap cleanser to wash your face twice dailyDrink plenty of water to rehydrate internally. Because moisture content is related to water, not oil or grease, oily-skinned women need to rehydrate as conscientiously as their dry-skinned counterpartsEat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetablesGenerally what is healthy for your heart and brain is good for your skin.

See your doctor or dermatologist to determine which solution best suits your experience with facial lines. For more skincare related information visit SkinCareGuide.ca.

About the author:
Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC is Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

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While many sidestep the dermatologist’s office, a short visit can enhance your skin care regimen — so take advantage of professional expertise and make an appointment today. To get the most out of your visit, here are five fundamental skin care questions to ask.

If you’ve never been to a dermatologist, you may be missing out on some vital information that could help your skin.

What skin care products should I be using each day?

Makeup counters and store shelves are overflowing with products. Unless you have a thorough understanding of your skin type and condition — which may change with seasons or age — it’s tough to decide which products are right for your routine.

By examining your skin, a dermatologist can explain what products you should use, skip and combine in your regimen based on your skin’s type (i.e. dry or normal) and condition (i.e. acne-prone or aging). In addition to the face, he or she can address what skin care steps and formulas you can add to maintain youthful, radiant skin elsewhere on the body.

Are the products I’m using at home okay to use along with the products and/or procedures that you gave me?

Some products used at home may not work well with professional procedures or prescriptions. Some acne treatments, for example, may heighten skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making it necessary to increase the SPF and include other measures of sun protection in your routine. Or, if professional microdermabrasion is a regular part of your routine, it’s important to avoid exfoliating face washes and certain harsh ingredients. Always discuss the products you already use with your dermatologist before undergoing a procedure or topical treatment to ensure a safe, effective and cohesive regimen.

How can I reduce my risk of skin cancer?

A dermatologist can offer you information on what sunscreen to use, how to properly use it and what other clothing and products are out there to help shield your skin from harmful rays. In addition, he or she can provide important information about the role of screening in skin cancer prevention.

What are some of the signs of skin cancer, and how often should I have my moles checked?

Typically, when it comes to surviving or minimizing the risks associated with skin cancer, the earlier it’s detected the better. The doctor’s office is the perfect place to learn how to recognize the early signs of cancer and how to incorporate professional and at-home screening into your routine.

Be sure to ask your dermatologist how to do a self-exam for skin cancer. Also, he or she can recommend how often to schedule professional screenings based on your:

Family history of skin cancer Childhood history of sunburns Complexion Number of freckles and moles What’s the most important thing I can do to slow the effects of aging on my face?

Sunscreen is a must in the fight against aging. Beyond that, a dermatologist can recommend a personalized anti-aging plan that includes the prescriptions, procedures, ingredients and products that are appropriate for your skin type. Always be honest about your skin care regimen — including any history of smoking and sun exposure. This is vital information for your dermatologist to create an effective anti-aging skin care routine.

Bottom line: Professional expertise will improve your skin

Kick off your office visit with these five questions. And don’t forget to write down a few of your own, too. By taking advantage of a dermatologist’s expertise, you’ll improve and enhance the quality and appearance of your skin in no time.

See also:

Firsthand Beauty Lessons from Top 10 Skincare Experts

10 Skincare Secrets from Dermatologists Revealed

10 Things You Need to Know About Preventing Skin Cancer

Preventing Melanoma

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By Jerry K. L. Tan, MD FRCP

Acne is universal. At some time or another we all experience this annoying disease. As teenagers we are frustrated with unsightly blemishes, and as adults, we are dismayed that we can still get acne. Acne has a predilection for affecting the face – a primary site for others to gauge our attractiveness. Facial involvement with acne is an ongoing source of embarrassment and concern – especially for those in the formative years of physical growth, self-image development and socialization.

When the pore openings on the face, neck, back, chest, and arms become plugged with skin debris, oil produced by the deeper oil glands becomes trapped – resulting in blackheads and whiteheads. As inflammation develops, we start to see red pimples and even deeper lumps, (cysts or nodules). These inflamed spots can then lead to scarring and staining of the skin. (Read about Acne Basics)

Oil production increases during adolescence when the sex hormones are elevated and the oil glands have increased in size. Acne becomes less frequent in the early and mid -20′s, although some patients can have persistent breakouts into their 40′s and beyond.

While the physical features of acne are readily apparent to us all, the emotional and social impact of acne is often underestimated by non-sufferers. This can be manifested as anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. Previous studies have shown that those with acne are dissatisfied with their appearance, embarrassed, self-conscious and lack self-confidence. Problems with social interactions with the opposite gender, appearances in public, and with strangers have also been observed.

The mental stress of sufferers with acne can be greater than that associated with other chronic diseases such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, back pain, arthritis, and heart disease. Acne patients also have a greater tendency to significant levels of depression and anxiety.

Of particular note is one study in which 18 per cent and 44 per cent of acne patients, respectively, reported serious depression and anxiety. To further illustrate the depth of despair experienced by those living with this condition, six per cent of patients in one study reported thinking about committing suicide.

Acne can also affect one’s ability to earn a livelihood. A previous study has shown that those with acne were more likely to be unemployed than those unaffected. A recent Canadian study also observed that those with more severe acne were more likely to be unemployed than those with lesser involvement. It is uncertain whether these findings are due to the patient’s psychosocial impairment or the negative response by potential employer’s to those affected by acne.

Effective therapy for acne can help reverse both the physical features of acne and the unseen psychological and social impact of this condition. With appropriate treatment, we frequently observe improvement in self-esteem and confidence. From the initial visit where patients may appear withdrawn and sullen, improvement with therapy is typically associated with a more positive outgoing disposition. Studies have demonstrated that effective acne therapy can help reverse feelings of shame, embarrassment, anxiety, and inadequacy.

If over the counter preparations do not control your acne you may need to see a dermatologist and medical prescriptions may be necessary. Available treatments currently available include:

Topical prescriptionsAntibiotic pillsHormone pillsIsotretinoin pillsLight and photodynamic therapyWith targeted treatments individualized to acne severity and specific patient needs, there is every likelihood that acne can be significantly improved – allowing one to regain his or her confidence to lead a better, more productive life.

If you or someone you know is suffering silently, feeling there is no hope, turn to a dermatologist or a doctor to discuss the types of treatments available. You can also learn more at Acne Guide.ca

About the author:
Dr. Jerry K. L. Tan, MD, FRCPC: Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, Windsor, Canada. Director, Acne Research and Treatment Centre, Windsor, Canada. Area of specialty: acne and rosacea.

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By Richard Thomas, MD

Have you been told that you shouldn’t eat chocolate because it causes acne?

Or how about French fries? Pizza?

Wrong! That’s just a myth, and while certain foods can make acne worse for some people, researchers have found that it does not cause it!

There is recent work from Australia that suggests that high carbohydrate foods may, in some people, flare their acne. The theory is that chronic consumption of high carbs stimulates the excessive production of insulin so that eventually more and more insulin is needed to assist glucose into cells. This is called insulin resistance. The higher insulin may drive the ovaries to produce more testosterone which in turn encourages acne. This may be what is happening partly in a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome.

There are a number of myths about the causes of acne and how to treat it. Here are just a few:

When you reach puberty, your body experiences hormonal changes that lead to the development and maturation of your sexual features. These hormonal changes may also cause you to get acne. Acne is associated with these changes, not with sexual activity.

While it is true that many creams, oils and greases can aggravate your acne, there are many cosmetic products you can use that do not, including sunscreens, moisturizers and foundations. Those that do not aggravate acne or lead to development of comedones are labelled “non-acnegenic” and “non-comedogenic” respectively. (See more information about cosmetics and acne)

If you have acne, it does not mean that your skin is dirty. What may look like dirt inside your black heads is actually melanin, the pigment that provides the natural color in your skin. Cleansing and scrubbing your skin excessively will not help your acne. In fact, it may make it worse. Remember that the causes of acne affect oil glands, which are well below the surface of the skin, so you should avoid over washing. This can dry out and irritate your skin, increasing inflammation and aggravating the situation. The best thing to do is to gently wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and then pat dry. (Check out MildCleanser.ca for more hints)

This is not true! While your acne may eventually go away on its own, it can leave permanent scars on your skin that could have been prevented if you had treated your acne. There are many treatment options available. Talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you.

Wrong again! You can get acne at any age. Even babies can get it, and about 25% of all people between the ages 25-44 have acne. Many adult women have acne because of the constant fluctuation of their hormones during each menstrual cycle. Some medications, like birth control pills, as well as being pregnant can also contribute to adult acne.

Squeezing or picking can damage the cells under your skin and cause the pimple to be inflamed or leave a permanent scar. As tempting as it is, you will be better off in the long run to leave them alone and let them heal on their own.

While it is true that sun exposure will dry out your existing pimples, it will not prevent new ones from forming. For some people, the sun can actually make their acne worse, and some of the common acne medications, like tetracycline and the retinoids can make your skin supersensitive to the sun leading to serious sunburns. When you’re in the sun, it is always wise to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect your skin.

While the ordinary stresses from every-day living do not affect acne, some drugs that are used to treat people with severe stress can cause acne as a side-effect. If you think you may have acne because of a drug that has been prescribed for stress or depression, you should talk to your doctor about it.

In large clinical research studies, no clear associations have been made between foods and acne. However, some foods can make acne worse for some people. If you suspect that a certain food type is making your acne worse, you can determine if it affects it by avoiding that product for 2-4 weeks. If your acne improves over that time period, then it’s possible that you were right! After a break of a few weeks, you can try eating the suspect food again to see whether you get another flare of your acne. Just remember that a healthy, well-balanced diet is the best choice, and foods like chocolate and french fries should be eaten in moderation.

So chocolate lovers, you can still enjoy chocolate now and then without worrying about getting more zits!

About the author:
Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC is Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

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By Jerry K. L. Tan, MD, FRCPC

We all aspire to a smooth, clear complexion. When pimples arise, the need to flatten them out and squeeze is understandable. Unfortunately though, this may lead to short and long-term problems such as persistent redness, large brown stains (hyperpigmentation) and scarring (loss of skin substructure). Stains and scars are often confused by patients – stains are pale or brown flat marks whereas scars can be seen as indentations or pock marks in the skin. It’s now recognized that scars can also develop from small as well as large lumpy pimples.

For both scars and stains, the best treatment is avoidance – that is, preventing the acne in the first place or at least treating it early and avoiding picking or squeezing the spots.

To treat acne and prevent new scars from forming, you should remember:

You should get help for your acne as soon as you notice it as early treatment minimizes the severity of acne and the risk of scarringEffective acne treatments are availableYou can control and cover the visible lesions and avoid embarrassmentIt is common to have stains and mild scars from acne. Stains will generally improve with time and can be helped to improve more quickly with skin care treatments such as topical retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids and therapeutic exfoliating facials. For many of those with mild scars, they may not even be aware of it – some of these may improve over time. However, severe scarring may be more difficult to treat.

There are a number of types of scars caused by acne. (Pictures can be found at Types of Acne Scars)

Ice pick scars – Deep pits, that are the most common and a classic sign of acne scarring.Box car scars – Angular scars that usually occur on the temple and cheeks, and can be either superficial or deep, these are similar to chickenpox scars.Rolling scars – Scars that give the skin a wave-like appearance.Hypertrophic scars – Thickened, or keloid scars.Ideally, acne should be quiescent or controlled before treating scarsTreatments for scars depend on the specific scar typeTreatment also depends on your skin type.Embarrassment from is most often due to facial scars – effective treatment can lead to an improvement in self-image and confidenceScars on the chest and back will also respond to treatmentThere are several non-surgical treatment options that may be appropriate for your acne scars:

Skin Camouflage/Cover-up: For patients with active acne, acne staining, and scars – effective camouflage foundation can improve the appearance of the skin rapidly. Choose products that are non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic and have your tones matched by a skin-care expert to achieve that matte, flawless appearance.

Topical Creams: (Tretinoin): Can improve your acne, reduce staining and improve fine scars by causing gentle exfoliation and by encouraging collagen production.

Chemical Peels (AHA peels): Can improve overall skin tone and luster, but do little for scars, it works best if you get a series of at least six peels, having one every 1-2 weeks.

Skin Fillers/injectables: Materials are injected into the depressed area of the scar to elevate it to the level of the normal surrounding skin. This treatment is best for scars with smooth shoulders such as thumbprint or rolling scars. Evaluating whether individual scars will respond to fillers is easily done by placing slight tension at the scar edge – if this improves the appearance of the scars, fillers will help. There are temporary and permanent fillers – examples are: Artecoll?, Zyplast?, Restylane?, and HylaForm?.

Non-ablative collagenosis: New laser and radiofrequency devices are being evaluated for enhancing collagen formation in deeper skin layers without damaging the skin surface. It is possible that these treatments may also prove useful in acne scarring.

1. Microdermabrasion: It uses very fine aluminum crystals to achieve light exfoliation of the skin. This is helpful for staining and very fine scars. It also works best if you get a series of at least 6, having one every 1-2 weeks.

2. Photorejuvenation: Using laser or broadband visible light, 5-6 treatments that are performed every 3-4 weeks. This treatment improves mild acne scarring by causing new collagen formation.

3. Scar Revision: Surgical removal (excision) of acne scars is especially effective for ice pick and boxcar scars. The excision may be in the form of a punch that is closed with sutures that are removed about 7 days later. The end result is replacement of a circular scar with a linear suture scar.

Another technique called subcision uses a sharp instrument to undercut the tethered bases of scars. In this case, the overlying skin is not cut so there is no need for sutures. Further improvement can then be achieved by injecting filler substances into the subcised regions.

4. Resurfacing: a) Ablative Laser Treatments: – Laser resurfacing (CO2 laser, Erbium Yag laser): These resurfacing lasers remove the surface layer of skin and cause a zone of heat injury. The healing process allows for reformation with younger less scarred skin and deeper layer of new collagen formation.

b) Dermabrasion: – This is a mechanical procedure in which a rapidly rotating wire or brush is used to strip off the surface irregularities of skin. Felt by most experts to be the most effective primary treatment for extensive scarring, it can be used in conjunction with fillers and excision.

About the author:
Dr. Jerry K. L. Tan, MD, FRCPC: Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, Windsor, Canada. Director, Acne Research and Treatment Centre, Windsor, Canada. Area of specialty: acne and rosacea.

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By Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC

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.

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 productsReactions to shaving, or other physical stress to the skin.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.Rosacea skin — blood vessels of the face enlarge resulting in a flushed sensation or a redness of the skin.Perfumed or scented creams can be irritating.Rinse well after using cleansing products, which should be mild and soap-free so that they do not remove as much oil from the skin. (http://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.

Watch your alcohol intake, spicy foods and caffeineTry to avoid excessive temperature changesUse the right cleansers, moisturizers and cosmeticsManage stress as best you can.

About the author:
Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC is Clinical Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Division of Dermatology, University of British , Vancouver, Canada.

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Tags: About, Sensitive, Stress
Filed under: Skin Care Articles

By Mariusz J.A. Sapijaszko, MD FRCPC (Dermatology)

Vitamin C ( L-ascorbic acid ) is a nutrient that your body is not able to produce itself and therefore you need to eat those healthy fruits and vegetables that contain it. You’ve heard that vitamin C is used to help treat colds, but did you know that it is also used to prevent and even reverse ageing skin?
Vitamin C has been studied for a few decades to determine its effect on the skin. Although the jury is still out whether or not it is as beneficial as professed, it has shown to be helpful for some people. Learn more about sun damaged skin on www.skincareguide.ca/conditions/sun_damaged_skin.html

It works in two ways:

1. Antioxidant: Ultraviolet radiation can generate oxygen free radicals that cause aging of the skin. Vitamin C can act as a first defense, against some of these radicals (plasma/water-generated radicals). Vitamin E on the other hand, works against another type of radical; the fat-soluble radicals within the plasma membranes. It makes sense that Vitamin C and E are used together to defend against both types.

2. Collagen. Collagen is a key component of most tissues. Vitamin C works as an essential factor for the normal formation,, maintenance and structural stability of collagen.

You might think that eating a bunch of oranges will improve your skin, but unfortunately it’s not that simple. In fact, eating Vitamin C does not appear to increase its levels in your skin to any significant degree. Topical creams and lotions containing Vitamin C however can be absorbed. The difficult part is first, keeping the Vitamin C stable enough in the lotion for it to be beneficial and secondly, for it to be able to penetrate the skin. Both of these factors are difficult to achieve with Vitamin C due to the nature of its composition. In order for it to penetrate the skin, a low pH (acidic environment) and high (>10-15%) concentration of Vitamin C are needed before it is effective. Not all Vitamin C products are alike and not all of them meet these two essential elements.

There have been a number of studies conducted both on animals and humans, many with very encouraging results. Animal studies have shown Vitamin C can protect against UVA and UVB damage such as redness, formation of abnormal cells and immunosuppression. In human studies, topical Vitamin C has resulted in some improvement in collagen production, perhaps leading to better looking skin.

So in summary, Vitamin C has shown positive results as UVA/UVB protection, decreasing pigmentation and increase collagen production, all factors in aging your skin. It is important to note that using one solution alone will not resolve your photo-damage. It starts with protecting your skin, taking care of it, and using the best combination of products for your skin type to fight photo-damaged skin.

For more skin care tips, click on www.skincareguide.ca/365skincaretips.html.

About the author:

Mariusz J. A. Sapijaszko, MD FRCPC is the Director of the Western Canada Dermatology Institute located in Edmonton, Alberta. He is also the Clinical Assistant Professor at the Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, in Edmonton. His areas of expertise include cosmetic and laser surgery. Learn more on his www.youthfulimage.com

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Tags: Helps, Vitamin
Filed under: Skin Care Articles