Folliculitis and Skin Infections

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle that is most commonly bacterial, but can occasionally be caused by a fungus. It can be either superficial in the follicle or deep in the skin.

There are also forms of folliculitis which are non-infectious such as those caused by tars, oils and greases that come into contact with the skin.

When, Where, And Who Gets Folliculitis?

Superficial staphylococcal folliculitis is quite common and is seen in people of all ages. It is probably more common in those who have eczema and diabetes. You might see it on your face, scalp, upper trunk, buttocks, or as a sty on your eyelids.

Deeper staphylococcal folliculitis is uncommon and may be seen as boil-like lesions in diabetics. There is also a condition called sycosis, which is a pustular folliculitis, particularly in the bearded area of men.

Gram-negative folliculitis is only rarely seen, usually on the face of those who have been taking antibiotics on a long-term basis for acne. Gram-negative folliculitis is most often seen in people who have been in a hot tub or whirlpool that has been contaminated by the bacteria pseudomonas.

Fungal Folliculitis:

Trichophyton folliculitis is mostly seen in women who shave their legs, presumably spreading this from their athlete’s foot fungal infection.

Pityrosporum folliculitis is usually located on the upper back and shoulder of young people. It is more common in individuals who are immunosuppressed.

Candida folliculitis can be seen on the scalp and in occluded moist areas, such as under the breasts and in the groin areas of people who are obese.

Lab Tests:

Swabbing the skin, then sending it to a laboratory for bacterial and yeast cultures will confirm the infection.

A skin biopsy may be required to confirm deep fungal of yeast folliculitis.

Blood sugar tests and/or HIV testing should be done for those who have repeated infections or an infection that does not have the typical symptoms

What Can I Do About My Folliculitis?

Self help:

Good hygiene with regular hand washing is a must to minimize the risk of staph infections. Keeping your skin healthy and avoiding factors that can over-dry your skin, causing it to crack should be avoided. Picking and squeezing the skin causes minor damage, which in turn makes it easier for infection to set in. A skin that is clean and intact with no abrasions or sites of friction or irritation is less likely to become infected. In some circumstances, there may be a role for antibacterial cleansers. Hot tubs need to be checked regularly for pH and antiseptic levels.

Medical treatment:

If you think you have folliculitis, the most important thing for you to do is to see your doctor in order to confirm the diagnosis, so that you can seek folliculitis treatment. Ideally, the organism causing the infection should be identified and its sensitivity to antibiotics should be established.

Sometimes, your doctor will treat an infection based on his or her clinical suspicion, especially if the appearance is typical.

Bacterial folliculitis can be caused by the following bacteria

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Gram-negative bacteria

Pseudomonas (hot tub folliculitis)

• E. coli
• Klebsiella
• Fungal /yeast folliculitis
• Candida albicans
• Pityrosporum ovale
• Trichophyton rubrum

Topical treatments:

Topical antibiotics and antifungal creams to treat staphylococcal folliculitis:

The choice of folliculitis treatment will depend on the cause of the infection as well as how deep and extensive it is. Topical antibiotics should be used in the short term to minimize the risks of bacterial resistance.

Topical antibiotics can clear superficial localized infections. The affected area should be treated with the appropriate cream or ointment two or three times a day. Chronic staph can be carried inside the nose, and can be a factor if the infection recurs. In such a case, nightly application of the ointment inside the nose will clear the reservoir of the bacteria. Oral antibiotics will be required if there is an inadequate response.

1) Fusidic acid:

Fusidic acid is an antimicrobial that was isolated by Godtfredsen, et al, in Europe from the fermentation of Fusidium Coccineum. It was introduced into clinical practice in 1926, as an oral drug. About twenty years later, it was introduced in Canada as a topical drug.

How do I use this medication?

Fusidic acid is available both as a cream and as an ointment. You should apply it thinly on to the infected area 3-4 times daily.

How does it work?

Fusidic acid inhibits protein synthesis in the bacteria and without that capacity, the bacteria will die. The topical formulation penetrates a damaged, infected horny layer better than intact skin. It is related to the cephalosporin, an antibiotic produced by Cephalosporium, a genus of fungi.

Will there be side effects?

Side effects from the topical preparations are very uncommon. There have been no human tests done during pregnancy and lactation, but there have been no adverse reports.

Can I take other medications?

There are no interactions from the topical formulation of fusidic acid.

Which brands are available?

• Fucidin® 2% cream and ointment available as well as Fucidin HCl®, which is combined with 1% hydrocortisone acetate
• Fucidin Intertulle® - impregnated into a gauze
• IV, tablets and oral suspension (250mg/5ml) are available, IM and subcutaneous administrations are too irritating

2) Mupirocin:

A natural product of Pseudomonas fluorescens that has antibacterial actions against gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptoccus. It has some activity against gram-negative organisms. It is inactive against anaerobic bacteria chlamydia and fungi.

How do I use this medication?

Mupirocin is available both as a cream and an ointment. You should apply it thinly on the affected area 3 times a day for up to 10 days. It may be used on all ages except for in the USA where the Bactroban nasal ointment is not recommended for children under the age of 12.

How well does it work?

Mupirocin is easy to apply and is very effective against the common skin pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. It works well for impetigo as well as bacterial folliculitis. The incidence of resistance remains low. For localized impetigo it works as well as oral antibiotics in 90% of cases. It is not effective against Pseudomonas or fungi. It is useful in the treatment of chronic Staph carriage in the anterior nares (nose).

How does it work?

It is unlike other antibiotics in that it inhibits bacterial isoleucyl transfer-RNA synthetase blocking protein synthesis. It is bacteriostatic at low concentrations and bacteriocidal at high concentration. There is virtually no systemic absorption via intact skin and anything that is becomes metabolized to monic acid and quickly removed by the kidneys.

Will there be side effects?

Local:

Dry skin, swelling, burning pain itch and rash. The effects are usually mild. Allergic reactions are rare. Polyethylene glycol will be irritating if the ointment is used around the eyes.

Systemic:

Renal toxicity from absorption of the polyethylene glycol vehicle (ointment only) if large amounts are used in open wounds or burns.

Which brands are available?

• Bactroban ointment 2% mupirocin (polyethylene glycol base)
• Bactroban cream 2% mupirocin (oil-water based emulsion)
• Bactroban Nasal - for the nose and is in a white paraffin/glycerin base (not available in Canada)

What conditions are treated by this medication?

• Skin staphyococcal infections including impetigo, folliculitis, burns, and wounds
• It is also used to treat streptococcal infections

Self-Examination For Skin Cancer

Most people have freckles, birthmarks, or moles, but any irregularities or a change in the shape, edge, colour or size can be warning signs of skin cancer.

Skin cancer can take 20 years or more to develop. Many forms grow slowly, but some melanomas may grow quickly. If found in the early stages it’s very treatable, and the way to find it early is by doing a self-exam every three to six months. This should take no more than 5 or 10 minutes, 10 minutes that could save your life. You can also view a brief video on early detection at Skin Cancer Self-Examination.

Self-Examination: Where to look

1. Examine your head and face using one or two mirrors. Moving your hair aside, to examine your scalp.
2. Examine your hands, including your nails.
3. Check your elbows, arms and underarms.
4. Look closely on your neck, chest and torso – check under your breasts if you are a woman.
5. Using a second mirror examine the back of your neck and shoulders, as well as your upper arms, legs, back, and behind.
6. Sit down and examine your lower legs and feet, including nails, heels, and soles.
7. Use a small mirror to check your genitals.

Self-Examination: What to look for

• Note changes on your skin, such as a growth or a sore that won’t heal
• Look for small lumps that are smooth, shiny and waxy, or red or reddish brown
• Be alert to flat red spots that are rough or scaly

For melanoma, the changes have been classified as the ABCD’s of melanoma:

You should also be aware of other changes to your moles and seek medical advise if any of these changes occur:

• The mole suddenly or continuously gets larger.
• The skin around a mole becomes red or develops coloured blemishes or swellings.
• A mole that was flat or slightly elevated increases in height rapidly.
• A smooth mole develops scaliness, erosion or oozing. Crusting, ulceration or bleeding are signs of more advanced disease.
• Itching is the most common early symptom - there may also be feelings of tenderness or pain. Skin cancers however are usually painless.

Early detection of skin cancer is critical as it reduces the risk for spread to other areas of the body. Have your moles checked regularly by a dermatologist or your family doctor.

By: Dr. Jason K Rivers, BSc, FRCPC

Preventing Melasma Damage with Sun Protection

Melasma is a common increase of pigmentation that occurs exclusively in sun-exposed areas, in particular on the face. (Read Sun Damage for more information.)

• It is much more common in women between the ages of 20-40
• Melasma is less common in older women, and is seldom seen in women taking estrogen replacement therapy.
• Melasma rarely affects men.
• Melasma is more of a problem in people who have relatively dark skin to begin with, and because melasma is made worse by sun exposure it tends to be more of a problem in the spring and summer.
• Melasma can be a particular problem for people in the service industry, where personal appearance can affect the amount of tips earned and can also affect gross sales by servers.

Melasma usually causes three different patterns of symmetrical pigmentation on the face, affecting most commonly the central face (cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, and chin); or less commonly the cheeks and nose, or the cheeks and jaw line. Melasma also can cause patches of pigmentation on the forearms, but this is rare.

There is no special diet, health food, vitamin, “magic lotion” which is useful for the treatment of melasma or other forms of facial pigmentation, and time and money should not be wasted on those things.

Melasma usually improves - sometimes to a great extent - in response to the faithful use a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen- SPF60 every morning and a good fading cream at night. Sun protection needs to be continued long-term in order to reduce the risk of relapse of melasma. Severe cases can be treated with a prescription for the mixture of 4 parts Anthelios® SPF60 sunscreen with 1 part Tazorac® 0.05% cream every morning, and Lustra® cream at night.

In some cases, improvement in melasma and other forms of facial pigmentation can be speeded up with intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, in particular by the Cutera 600 IPL which is optimized for the reduction in unwanted facial pigment. Sun avoidance and using a sunscreen every day are essential steps to preventing melasma.

The Benefits of Anti Aging Facial Masks

Skin wrinkles are caused by two main factors: heredity and the environment. There is little you can do about heredity and the natural aging process, but there is something you can do about the other causes. Pollution in the environment, sun exposure and stress can all lead to premature aging of the skin. Using anti aging creams is beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The creams are even more effective when combined with regular facials.

Facials counteract the effects of pollutants and sun exposure on your skin. Having regular facials will also help your skin absorb your anti aging creams better. Monthly facials improve elasticity, give your skin a smoother texture and improve the hydration of your skin. In addition, a facial will help remove dead skin which aids in the absorption of other creams or lotions used to combat wrinkles.

The products used for your facial will depend on your skin type. If you have dry skin, a moisturizing mask will be used to help add moisture to the skin. A rich moisturizer will also be used at the end of the treatment. Oil free products will be used for people with oily skin.

Facials can be done at home or by a professional in a salon or spa. Facial massage is very beneficial for wrinkles. The massage increases the blood circulation to the muscles of the face, which helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are over one hundred muscles in the face and massage helps to relax these muscles. This is particularly effective for wrinkles that result from muscle contractions, such as laugh lines and worry lines.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of facial massage, visit a salon for your facial. Facial massage is best done by a professional who is knowledgeable in massage techniques. An inexperienced person may actually cause more harm than good. When the muscles are not massaged properly, they sag which can cause wrinkles to be more prominent. The massage is also very relaxing. At some salons and spas, the arms, neck and shoulders are massaged as well. This is great for stress relief.

The basic facial procedure starts by examining the skin. This will help the professional assess the skin and determine the products that will be of the greatest benefit. Steam is then used to open the pores and remove impurities from the skin. A gentle cleanser is then used to clean the skin. This step is followed by a toner that is appropriate for your skin type. A facial mask is used to soothe and refresh the skin as well as to add moisture. At the end of the massage, a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type will be applied.

Once you have had your facial, you will want to keep your skin in good condition at home. Use a gentle cleanser that is not drying in the morning and at night. Invest in good quality anti aging creams to minimize wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. It’s important to choose creams that are good for your skin type and the condition of your skin. Read reviews to help you choose the best products for your skin.

A Closer Look At Facial Masks

Facial masks are more than just silly tricks that women try to get their “beauty rest.” They are an important part of skin care. It is recommended that you use a facial mask at least once a week. While it is not necessary to go overboard and wear one every night, a weekly facial mask session cannot only help your skin receive moisture, but it can also ease skin disorders. Facial masks can be soothing or energizing, and the actions and rituals often involved with applying a facial mask can be an effective stress reliever.

A facial mask is generally defined as a substance that is applied to the face, much like smearing on cream. It is thick, and often resembles clay. Many masks make use of clay or gel as a base, as these will stay in place when applied, and they are generally harmless to most skin types (although gel is used most for sensitive skin, as heavy clay irritate it). Masks are meant to cover the entire face and then remain in place for a few minutes before washing off. The materials in most masks are safe to be washed down the sink.

Most facial masks include both deep cleaning and moisturizing agents in the mask. This allows the pores in the face to be cleansed deeply, getting rid of oily build up and trapped dirt. This can help reduce or even prevent acne. Additionally, many masks help slough off dead skin. The dead top skin is dull and lusterless. When it is gently removed, the mask brings the top layer of dead skin cells off with it. This leaves younger, healthier cells exposed as the face’s surface. This means tighter skin and a more brilliant complexion. It can also reduce the look of fine lines and small wrinkles to carry out a regular facial mask.

Another reason that facial masks are so popular involves the soothing and relaxing motions associated with applying a facial mask. If you decide to have one applied in for relaxation as well as the benefits it has for the skin on the face, then you can have a very enjoyable experience. In spas, these masks are applied with special techniques and often include a massage. You can give your own face a gentle massage just prior to applying the mask, and if you are systematic about it, you can apply the mask in a way that is singularly soothing. All masks should be applied to a freshly cleaned face, rinsed with warm water. This opens the pores and allows the mask to do its thing. Warm water is very calming and soothing, and many people find this part of the application to be one of the more enjoyable stages.

Apply the mask in a circular motion until it covers the face. This is calming and stimulating at the same time. Let the mask sit on your face for 15 to 20 minutes (although some are meant to be worn all night). Many women like to lie down and relax. The effect can be enhanced by the addition of candles or incense and some soothing music. Finally, when it is time to rinse the mask, do so in cold water. This will help close the pores, protecting them against dirt and oil, and also energize your face.

Many people enjoy making their own facial masks from common household products like bananas (for wrinkles), avocados, and honey (antibacterial). Butter can also be used as a remedy for dry skin. Other masks can be created using different types of clays, and different essential oils can be used for different skin types. Fruit purees also have different effects and yogurt and milk can soften the skin. Oatmeal is extremely soothing, and most sensitive skin types can use masks of this sort. Adding rose petal powder can enhance your fragrance without the need for perfume, while citrus fruit peel powder acts as an astringent.

When you decide to make use of facial masks, you are certain to feel the good effects of it later down the road. And if you apply them once a week, you can help keep your face healthy-looking and your complexion brilliant with a healthy glow.

Understanding Skin Care

Skin Care is the first step towards achieving a healthy body. Skin care is an essential part of most people’s daily routine. Skin care specialists say any imbalance in the protective barrier that envelops the human body provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in many types of skin irritations and accelerating the aging process.

Natural skin care is the care of the skin (the largest organ of the body) using naturally-derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers (everything from natural soap to oils to pure water).

Skin care treatment is going green, but you still have to make sure you read the labels. Skin care treatment may be the least of your problems if you’re a middle-aged male, but many dry skin remedies will also raise testosterone levels. So read your labels carefully.

The latest craze in skin care is also the oldest: herbal products.Natural skin care has its roots in the 4th millennium BC in China and the Middle East. Natural body lotions, for example, have become a big business in recent years as more and more consumers seek a gentler, healthier alternative for their skin care needs.

The best skin care beauty tips are not only the right products but also healthy diet. People who use natural skin care products are less concerned with artificial beauty enhancements, as they feel that natural beauty is healthy beauty. Healthy skin care for skin problems is part of overall good health. Healthy Skincare store sells skin care products that are effective anti-aging treatments for aging skin.

Acne is a common skin care problem for many individuals of all ages and all skin types. Acne Skin Care, no matter what kind of acne treatment you select, an outbreak can still emerge even after all blemishes have vanished.

The skin on your face needs more attention than the rest of your body because it has more oil glands. It is important to not just put sunscreen on your face, but also on your body as well. Most skin is a combination of skin types, with different areas of the face having different conditions that fluctuate with factors such as weather, diet, stress, health, and travel.

Organic and natural ingredients are healthier and more effective then the harmful chemically based products on the market today. Skin care is becoming increasingly more high tech but at the same time there is growing popularity in natural and organic products.

The single most important breakthrough in skin care is understanding that the only way to truly moisturize your skin is to get water into it. Proper skin care is important to maintaining health, and is an integral part of overall wound management. While skin care products in the 1990s were almost exclusively focused on wellness and simple body care lotions, today, skin care is one of the most dynamic and technologically advanced segments of the beauty market.

How Facial Masks Work

Even though they may make you look scary for a little while, masks are a great way to treat your skin to a once a week spa type of treatment. You can find masks for any skin type with a variety of different ingredients. There are mud masks to help to smooth your skin as well as some that are specifically designed to help with acne problems. All masks are good for your skin and help to tone and sooth your skin.

A mask for your face should be applied once or twice weekly. You don’t want to use them too frequently as they can upset the natural balance of your skin. The way that most facial masks work is that you put them on your face and wait for a specified period of time until you feel it dry and your skins starts feeling a little tight. Don’t worry, this is a normal part of the process and it is not causing damage to your face. After this you usually will give it another few minutes and then rinse your skin. Some people choose to use water by itself and others like to remove the mask with a wash cloth, it’s entirely up to you. Afterward, you should dry your face totally and moisturize it because masks remove some moisture from your skin.

There are also full body masks available that can treat all of your skin at the same time. These work in exactly the same way as the ones for your face and they can help renew the look of your skin all over. It is not possible to do this properly at home so you will have to have one of these applied by a professional. Thankfully, there are many full service salons that offer this service and it is a real treat to have done. When you schedule yourself for one of these be sure to drink lots of water before and after to help remove toxins, help replace lost moisture, and re-hydrate you body. Water is crucial because just as with a facial mask these also remove moisture but on a much larger scale.

Educating yourself about different types of lotions and masks will help you keep your skin clear and give you the healthy glow you want. Water is a beauty secret that many women overlook. The key to beautiful clear skin is adequate hydration and water is crucial in this process as it not only helps your skin hydrate itself but also helps to remove toxins. Utilize what you have learned here and you will have beautiful and radiant skin that others will envy.

Acne Treatments

TREATMENT

Acne treatment consists of reducing sebum production, removing dead skin cells, and killing bacteria. Treatment methods differ depending on how serious the acne is.

Topical Drugs

Topical drugs are applied directly to the affected areas of the skin. They are available in the form of creams, gels, lotions, or pads. They are used primarily to treat mild forms of acne in which there is little or no inflammation.

One group of topical drugs used for acne includes antibiotics. These drugs kill the bacteria that contribute to the disease. Another group of drugs is called comedolytics (pronounced KO-mee-do-LIE-tiks). These drugs loosen hard plugs and open pores. Still another group of drugs works by increasing the rate at which new skin cells form. These drugs prevent the formation of new comedos.

Topical drugs are applied once or twice a day after washing with mild soap. Treatment may have to continue anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to a few years. Side effects such as mild redness, peeling, irritation, dryness, and an increased sensitivity to sunlight may occur.

Oral Drugs

Oral drugs are taken by mouth. Doctors sometimes prescribe oral antibiotics for moderate cases of acne. These antibiotics prevent the formation of new comedos and reduce inflammation. They are usually taken once a day
for two to four months. Side effects may include allergic reactions, stomach upset, vaginal yeast infections, dizziness, and tooth discoloration.

A drug that is used for severe cases of acne is isotretinoin (pronounced i-so-TRET-uh-no-un, trade name Accutane). This drug reduces the production of sebum and the stickiness of skin cells. It is used when cysts and nodules are present. The drug may be used alone or with other topical or oral antibiotics.
Isotretinoin treatment usually lasts for four or five months. It is effective in about 60 percent of all patients. If the acne reappears, another course of treatments may be necessary. Some side effects that may accompany the use of isotretinoin include nosebleeds, dry skin, a temporary worsening of the acne, vision disorders, and increased production of liver enzymes, blood fats, and cholesterol. It may also cause birth defects and cannot, therefore, be used by pregnant women.

Women who do not respond to any of these treatments may be given another type of oral drug, an anti-androgen. Anti-androgens reduce the production of androgen and therefore reduce the formation of comedos. Certain types of oral contraceptives are also effective as anti-androgens.

The most serious forms of acne require other types of drugs, including oral corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs are often used for the treatment of a form of acne known as acne fulminans, which occurs mostly among adolescent males. They are also used with acne that produces numerous deep, inflamed nodules that heal with scarring.

Skin Problems & Ayurvedic Toxic Skin

When our internal body chemistry is normal, so is our skin. When that chemistry changes because of improper diet, improper exercise or stress, toxins form in the body and the skin throws them out as acne, boils, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, or other kinds of eruptions.

Vibrant healthy skin has a youthful glow, good coloring, and a smooth, unblemished look. However, unhealthy skin can look shallow, tired, wrinkled, and older than its actual age. No one wants unhealthy skin, but since so many people fail to understand its causes far too many people are suffering from it.

According to a leading Ayurvedic practitioner, the type of toxic skin manifestations will depend upon each person’s constitution. In general, skin disorders fall into six categories:

Disorders of the sebaceous glands  - which include seborrhea, which is a Vata or Pitta imbalance, and blackheads, whiteheads, cystic acne, sebaceous cysts and excessive oiliness, which are Kapha imbalances.

Disorders of the sweat glands include excessive sweat, prickly heat, and red rash, which are Pitta problems; lack of sweat, which is a Vata problem; and abnormal foul-smelling perspiration, which is an imbalance of all three doshas.

Pigmentation problems include blackish discolorations (Vata); brown or reddish discolorations (Pitta); and whitish pigmentation (Kapha).

Skin allergies include psoriasis (Vata), dermatitis (Pitta), and eczema (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha).

Infections (fungal, bacterial, or viral) are due to low immunity (depleted ojas) and occur in all skin types.

Changes in tissue growth, which include dandruff (Vata or Pitta); moles, acne rosacea, and birthmarks (all Pitta imbalances); and cysts and tumors, which are Kapha imbalances.

As you can see, there are numerous explanations for unhealthy skin but the main causes tend to be an unhealthy diet, an ineffectual cleansing routine, and poor lifestyle choices.

Poor Diet
Your skin is a living, breathing organ of the body and it needs proper nourishment and hydration to look and feel its best. When your skin is deprived of the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that it needs it is unable to functional at optimal levels and the structure slowly begins to break down. This breakdown results in dry skin, blemishes, discoloration, wrinkles, and premature ageing.

In order to avoid this breakdown you need to feed your skin a varied mix of important nutrients each day. Ingesting sufficient amounts of vitamin A, a nutrient that can be found in citrus fruits and orange vegetables, can help you avoid dry skin and blemishes. Eating foods rich in the vitamin B group like brewer’s yeast or breads, or taking a vitamin B group supplement, can help you ward of skin discoloration, dry skin, dermatitis, shallow skin, and premature ageing.

To help discourage wrinkles, pale skin, sun damage, blemishes, and other unhealthy skin symptoms, nutrients like calcium, protein, iodine, niacin, folic acid, iron, and copper are very important to a healthy diet. Get these effective skin helpers by enjoying foods like mild, eggs, cheese, chicken, fish, leafy vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Poor Hygiene
Another common cause of unhealthy skin is poor hygiene. Whether this involves the failure to clean your skin often enough or the use of an ineffective cleansing routine, built-up dirt and grime can lead to blemishes, premature ageing, shallowness, dry skin, and wrinkles.

When your skin is not properly cleaned on a regular basis, dirt, pollution and other harmful substances are allowed to build up on your skin and clog the pores. Clogged pores result in breakouts, dry skin, and the reduction of cell renewal.

To get the most out of your cleansing routine make sure that you wash your skin twice a day, everyday. Also, make sure that you are using an effective cleanser like a soap that is specially formulated for deep cleansing. Make sure that you use gentle pressure when cleaning the skin, do not scrub or pull on the skin since this can result in tiny tears that are susceptible to irritation and infection. Finally, always follow your cleansing routine with a hydrating moisturizer that also contains a sunscreen in order to hydrate your skin and protect it from sun damage.

Bad Lifestyle Habits
Even if you enjoy a healthy diet and pay special attention to your skin care regime you can still be sabotaging the health of your skin by indulging in unhealthy habits. Habits like sun tanning, smoking, choosing fizzy drinks or sodas over water, and wearing heavy makeup can lead to the development of unhealthy skin. Avoid excessive sun exposure, always wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, stop smoking and avoid those who smoke, drink plenty of water, and choose light cosmetics if you want your skin to stay young and healthy looking for years to come.

Ayurvedic overview for Acne and Rosacea – part II

The word Ayurveda translates to “the science of life” (Ayru – life and Veda – science). Ayurveda has brought true health and wellness to millions of individuals throughout the ages with simple changes in daily living practices. Incorporating just a few of these proven methods into your lifestyle can bring about radical changes in your life.

It is currently considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the United States of America, but this ancient art of healing has been practiced continuously for over 5,000 years.

That said, there are some specific treatments that many recognize as effective treatments for skin conditions. For starters, regardless of the skin condition, Ayurvedic practitioners suggest staying hydrated. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that water helps to naturally stabilize dry or oily skin. Drinking enough water also helps prevent the loss of moisture through the skin, which helps to promote overall wellness.

Ayurveda also recommends adhering to a daily regimen for proper skin care, including the use of a natural soap and the use of natural skin moisturizers. This is true whether a person has naturally dry skin or suffers from a more serious condition such as psoriasis. The key is to make sure that the moisturizer is, in fact, natural, containing only substances such as aloe vera—a natural antibiotic that many believe is particularly helpful in the treatment of many skin conditions. Unfortunately, many commercially available moisturizers contain preservatives and other chemicals, and do not fully absorb into the skin, instead remaining on the surface and sometimes clogging pores as a result.

In addition to proper hydration and skin care, Ayurvedic medicine has identified three natural supplements that appear to help treat a wide range of skin conditions—neem, haemafine syrup and khadir. All three of these are widely prescribed to treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema, although many believe they can be used to treat any skin condition. The tree stem, root, and bark of neem, a large evergreen tree, have antibacterial properties. It is used in supplement form to treat skin conditions. In addition, many Ayurvedic soaps contain neem extract. Haemafine syrup is a natural solution made up of more than a dozen herbs. It is used as a remedy for all types of skin diseases through its natural blood purification properties. Khadir, also known as the acacia catechu herb, is another natural blood purifier used to treat skin conditions.

Besides supplements, some Ayurvedic sources also suggest that a person with a skin condition receive an abhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic massage that uses herbalized oils to draw toxins out through the skin.

Is Ayurveda Safe?

Ayurvedic practitioners argue that their treatments have fewer side effects than prescription drugs and other traditional medical therapies, since Ayurveda is a completely natural approach. However, certain treatments, such as herbal supplements, should be taken with caution, since they can interact with other medications or even produce side effects such as rises in blood pressure. So as with any new medical treatment, consult your doctor prior to beginning any Ayurvedic therapies. This is especially true for people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, or for women who are pregnant.

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