Treatments For Your SkinTreatments for Your Skin - Honest Skin Care Product Reviews

Keloid Scar Treatment

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:20:00 +0000

Keloids are scars that become firm and raised. Keloid scars are usually itchy and painful throughout the healing process as opposed to staying soft and flat like other scars. Keloid formation begins to occur between 4 to 8 weeks after any type of skin injury or if reacting to skin diseases such as acne where much inflammation of the skin takes place.

Keloids can appear anywhere on your body but are more prominent in the chest area, the upper back and over the shoulders. Keloids are affected by age, the risk of developing keloids increases around the age of 12 to 13 and continues to rise through the teens and into your twenties. The risk of developing keloids begin to decrease again in your thirties. But there are some unlucky few who will be prone to keloids all their lives.

It is important to note that keloids scar treatment is more effective when keloids are caught earlier as opposed to ones that have been present for a long time.

Keloid Scar Treatments:

Reexcising and then trying to prevent recurrence
Injections of potent anti-inflammatory drugs into the scar
Laser Treatments
Using tape or silicone gel on the scar

We need your help!

We can all help each other out by detailing the type of keloid scars we have and what treatments we have used on them. What has worked for you what hasn't. Please leave your experience with keloids scar treatment in the comments section below. Your help is appreciated.

Keloid Scar Treatment is a post from: Treatments For Your Skin

Fraxel Laser Treatment and Stretch Marks

Laser Acne Treatments

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:20:41 +0000

The field of laser surgery has changed the horizon for many skin disorders especially acne. Scientist are constantly working on new laser acne treatments to deal with all types of acne prone skin from mild to severe.

Here is the summary of a study conducted by the Unit of Dermatology in the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London. Which trials different color laser lights in the treatment of acne.

Summary of Laser Acne Treatments:

In this study we have evaluated the use of blue light (peak at 415 nm) and a mixed blue and red
light (peaks at 415 and 660 nm) in the treatment of acne vulgaris. One hundred and seven patients
with mild to moderate acne vulgaris were randomized into four treatment groups: blue light, mixed
blue and red light, cool white light and 5% benzoyl peroxide cream. Subjects in the phototherapy
groups used portable light sources and irradiation was carried out daily for 15 min. Comparative
assessment between the three light sources was made in an observer-blinded fashion, but this could
not be achieved for the use of benzoyl peroxide. Assessments were performed every 4 weeks. After
12 weeks of active treatment a mean improvement of 76% (95% confidence interval 66±87) in
inflammatory lesions was achieved by the combined blue±red light phototherapy; this was
significantly superior to that achieved by blue light (at weeks 4 and 8 but not week 12), benzoyl
peroxide (at weeks 8 and 12) or white light (at each assessment). The final mean improvement in
comedones by using blue±red light was 58% (95% confidence interval 45±71), again better than
that achieved by the other active treatments used, although the differences did not reach significant
levels. We have found that phototherapy with mixed blue±red light, probably by combining
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, is an effective means of treating acne vulgaris of mild to
moderate severity, with no significant short-term adverse effects.

To read more indepth about this laser acne treatment click here: link

Laser Acne Treatments is a post from: Treatments For Your Skin

Wear Sunscreen

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:13:23 +0000

The first thing to know is that all skin types need sunscreen as all skin can burn, even the darkest. The best course of action you can take against sun damage to skin, premature aging and skin cancers is to apply sunscreen to your skin (read more about sun damage on skin).

Skin Types:

The American Academy of Dermatology recognize 6 different skin types:

Type I: This includes people of Caucasian descent (Welsh, Scottish, Irish). This is skin that never tans and burns very easily. People with this skin type are extremely sun sensitive. (If you have red hair and freckles then this is definitely you).
Type II: This skin type includes Caucasians with fair skin, light hair and blue eyes. You have very sun sensitive skin, burn easily and tan minimally.
Type III: This includes dark haired Caucasians and the average Asian skin. This skin type is sun sensitive however it can gradually tan to a light brown and sometimes burns.
Type IV: Those who are of Mediterranean or Caucasian descent, Indian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Asian and light skinned African American. This skin type always tans to a moderate brown with minimal burning and has minimal sun sensitivity.
Type V: This includes people of Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, African American and Indian descent who tan well, rarely burn and have sun insensitive skin.
Type VI: This describes deeply pigmented Africans and African Americans. This skin type is sun insensitive and never burns.

Examples of different skin types

Applying Sunscreen

Use you sunscreen daily, apply it under your makeup or alternatively you can use foundation or moisturizers that already have SPF protection in them. Protecting your skin from the sun is the main means of protecting your skin for skin cancers and premature aging. Sunscreen is the best anti-aging cream!

Apply sunscreen to your skin 30 minutes before going out. Make sure to pay specific attention to the face, shoulder, arms and hands (which are regularly exposed). Your lips can get sunburned too so make sure you add lip balm which contains SPF 15 protection or higher.

Apply sunscreen liberally every 1 to 2 hours and apply immediately after swimming.

What Does SPF Mean?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) relates to the skin's natural protection time. For example, if you can normally stay out in the sun for 10 minutes before burning, then an SPF 15 will maintain the skin protected for 15 times longer, hence 15 x 10 = 2 1/2 hours. The higher the SPF factor the more defense against UVB rays. SPF is a system that only categorizes UVB rays, not UVA rays. As yet there is no universally recognized UVA rating system. When buying a sunscreen be sure to look for a product that says "broad spectrum" on it, although even this is not very accurate. In the meantime use zinc! Sunscreens containing 4 to 7 % zinc are the best at blocking UVA rays. Also look for Avonbenzone (absorbs UVA rays) and octyl-methoxycinnimate (absorbs UVB).

What is the Difference between Sunblock and Sunscreen?

The difference between sunscreen and sunblock is namely that sunscreen absorbs UV rays and Sunblock physically deflects them. These days sunblock formulations offer substantive protection from UVB and UVA through the use of titanium dioxide or micronized zinc (both natural ingredients which do not irritate the skin) which are absorbed well into the skin and are not visible like old zinc is. You still can purchase the old think and it is great for surfer, mountain climbers, children and anyone else who spends much time in the sun. It comes in cool colors too.

Is Sunscreen / Sunblock Enough?

NO! especially if you have a family history of skin cancers. The current sunscreens on the market will not protect you from the sun 100% make sure you use protective clothing, wide brimmed hats and stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 am and 3 pm.

Always wear wide brimmed hats when outdoors

Choosing a Sunscreen

Firstly for the best protection choose and SPF 15 or higher and make sure that the sunscreen contains zinc or avonbenzone/Parasol 1789 to block UVA radiation.

Daily Use Sunscreen For Your Face:

Apply every morning after you have washed your face.

SkinCeuticals Sun Defense SPF 20 Or 30
Olay Complete UV-Protection Moisture Lotion
M.D. Forte Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30
Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer
Clinique City Block SPF 15

For Your Body:

Invest in a really good sunscreen for your face neck and chest that is waterproof and has zinc and SPF 30 or more.

SkinCeuticals Sport SPF 45
Copperstone Sport SPF 45
Skin Care Invisible Zinc Environmental Protector SPF30

For Acne Prone Skin:

Gel based sunscreens are best for acne prone skin, look for ones that say "noncomedogenic" (meaning it will not make acne worse). Normal creams and lotions should be fine as long as they don't cause breakouts. Some sunscreen products to consider for acne prone skin:

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55
Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-free Daily Face Protector SPF 25
Presun Ultra Gel Sunscreen SPF30
Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15, Sensitive Skin

We Want To Hear From You!

What sunscreen or sunblock do you use? What type of skin do you have?
..and let us know any other details about your skin so we can all help each other out!

Add your comment at the bottom of the page.

Be Sun Smart! Download Your Free Summer Skin Care Guide

We've put together a free PDF to help you get proper sunscreen for your skin and stay sun protected. You can download it, email it to your friends, print it out, whatever you like!
View the Guide (or right-click to download)
You can also view it online here

You can find high quality sunscreens below:

Click for more details

Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer w Vitamin E 4oz
US $3.99

CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK SHEER 15 SPF FACE PROTECTOR NEW
US $1.04

Olay Complete All Day Moisture Cream SPF 15
US $25.00

NEW OLAY COMPLETE ALL DAY UV MOISTURIZER UV SKIN SHIELD
US $6.99

Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 lg sm travel sizes
US $.99

SHISEIDO Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 PA
US $.99

New SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45 w samples
US $29.99

Clinique City Block Sheer Shimmer Golden SPF15 Rare HTF
US $1.29

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Face Cream SPF 55 NIB
US $2.79

SHISEIDO Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 PA
US $.99

CLINIQUE City Block Sheer Shimmer Golden SPF 15 New
US $3.00

Clinique City Block Sheer Oil Free Face Protector SPF25
US $9.50

Clinique City Block Sheer CityBlock SPF25 Protector New
US $16.50

5 Olay Complete All Day Moisture Cream Lotion Normal
US $9.99

SHISEIDO ULTIMATE SUN PROTECTION CREAM SPF55 FOR FACE
US $23.99

Shiseido ULTIMATE SUN PROTECTION SFF 60 Sunscreen NEW
US $2.99

Wear Sunscreen is a post from: Treatments For Your Skin

Your Skin – Teen Years

admin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:44:57 +0000

Through your teenage years, looking after your skin is quite simple; the main rule is to avoid the sun. You may think it's cool to have a tan but get used to the idea of getting one out of a bottle. Read about the adverse effect of the sun on skin here: Sun Damage. Avoid fad dieting as it causes skin to be overly sensitive and also dehydrates skin. Always avoid soap as it dries skin out and causes over production of oil.

Your skincare routine should consist of cleansing, toning and moisturizing twice daily. Make sure you use a toner and cleansing gel that is very mild and has no alcohol in it.

If you have acne or pimples make sure to never pick or prod your pimples and acne because you can make it the acne worse by spreading the bacteria causing more inflammation and acne (if you must pop a zit read on how to pop pimples without spreading bacteria). Avoid scrubbing your skin and using harsh cleansers that cause dryness, irritation and help to aggravate acne.

Skin has a pH of about 7, under that is too acidic and over that is too alkaline. The higher the acidic proportions in the skin products preparation the higher its exfoliating properties. Use a gel cleanser and a beta hydroxy serum (BHA) or an alpha hydroxy serum (AHA) with a ph of about 4.5 which completes the job without being too harsh on your skin. Make sure to not overuse AHA's as they will cause your skin to become overly sensitive.

The biggest difference between alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids is the oil (lipid) solubility. Beta hydroxy acid is oil soluble which means it can penetrate well into the pores containing oil and exfoliate dead skin cells, this acid is called salicylic acid. Alpha hydroxy acids are only water soluble. Alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliates made from fruit and milk sugars for example lactic acid is produced by milk and glycolic acid produced from sugar cane.

Taking into consideration the main differences between AHA and BHA, Alpha Hydroxy acid is a better acid to use on sun damaged skin where acne and breakouts are not a problem. Beta Hydroxy acid is better for use on oily skin that experiences whiteheads and blackheads. BHA's can increase sun sensitivity by 50% so be sure to stay out of the sun if you use this acid.

If you have oily skin or acne prone skin make sure you avoid oily moisturizers always use a water-soluble moisturizer.

Some simple hygiene habits can help you avoid breakouts things like not touching your face too often, keeping hair out of your face and changing you pillowcase regularly can help to keep your skin clear.

Do not exercise with your makeup on! Makeup, oil and sweat are not a good combination. After exercise splash some water on your face to remove the sweat.

If you must wear makeup during the day make sure to use a true mineral makeup that does not contain binders oil and fillers. This makeup allows the skin to breathe as it does not block the pores.

Here are some products that contain alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids

AHA BHA Acne Clearing Gel by Peter Thomas Roth 2 oz
US $27.50

PETER THOMAS ROTH AHA BHA Acne Clearing Gel
US $7.99

MURAD AHA BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
US $9.99

SkinMedica 15 AHA BHA Face Cream 2 oz New In Box
US $21.99

2010 UPPER DECK JOE DIMAGGIO LOOK WOW BHA JD
US $.99

Murad AHA BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 10 oz Travel Size
US $1.99

BHA KU KIDS SANDALS SIZE 13NEW ORANGE AND GRAY CUTE
US $6.95

SkinMedica 15 AHA BHA Face Cream 2oz 57g NEW SEALED
US $32.20

For More Age Related Skin Care Read:

Your Skin – Teen Years is a post from: Treatments For Your Skin