Skin Treatments – Chemical Peels
March 17, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Chemical peeling is a procedure that is carried out to improve the appearance of the skin and can be performed in a clinic or as an outpatient. A chemical solution is applied to the face which causes the skin to blister and peel – a little like peeling heavily after being sunburnt. The new skin that is underneath and revealed by the peel, is usually smoother and fine lines can be erased.
Chemical peels can be done on the face, the neck and the hands. Some sun damaged areas will be improved and surface lesions may be removed altogether. Chemical peels will not help deep wrinkles or tighten the skin but will give a younger fresher look to the skin.
What happens during a peel?
The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove all traces of oil. A chemical solution, commonly glycolic, salicylic or lactic acid is brushed on to the skin. There will be a feeling of heat from the area treated and a stinging sensation as the peel does its work. Cold compresses are typically applied to alleviate discomfort. If you have a deeper peel you may need to have pain killing drugs as well and some doctors will prescribe an antibiotic to minimise the risk of any infection.
What to expect after a peel
There will be a range of reactions depending on the individual and on the depth of the peel. You will experience a reaction that is very similar to a bad case of sunburn. The skin will be red initially and then begin to peel, usually taking between three to seven days to complete the process.
If you have a deeper chemical peel you may experience swelling as well and as in a severe case of sunburn – blisters may form. Depending on the individual the area treated with the peel will form a crust and peel off in a period of one to two weeks. You will need to give yourself enough time to heal depending on how comfortable you are being back in the public eye.
Tips:
- Make sure a in depth consultation is given by the doctor you choose. Be clear about what you are trying to achieve and what will be involved in the treatment and the healing process.
- Choose a doctor that has had considerable experience in the process – don’t be afraid to ask for a referral.
- Let your doctor know if there is any history of pigmentation in you or your family.
- Inform your doctor of any history of unusual scarring or scar tissue formation as this can affect the results.
- Let your doctor know if you are subject to herpes outbreaks as medication can be taken to lessen the chance of an outbreak.
- New skin is very susceptible to sunburn – great care must be taken to use sun block every time you go outdoors.
- Use a skincare regime that is formulated for sensitive skins with no ingredients that could irritate the new skin that will be revealed.
- XXX Skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser is ideal after treatment as it will help to calm and soothe and support the healing process.
Rosacea – Treat Me Gently
March 3, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
What is rosacea?
Rosacea (which can be pronounced as ro-zay-sha) is a skin disease that causes redness and pimples on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Rosacea can come and go with people suffering from flare-ups. Tiny red veins can form on the face that look like a cobweb of red veins – these are permanent. People sometimes call rosacea “adult acne” because it can cause outbreaks that look like acne and often happens to us as we get older. Sometimes there can be an associated soreness of the eyes and the eyelids. Although rosacea should not affect your vision, it can cause eye problems and a doctor should be consulted if you experience any symptoms. Rosacea can cause a lot of embarrassment and discomfort for sufferers but there are things we can do to minimise flare-ups.
What causes rosacea?
There is some evidence that people with fair skin and who have a tendency to blush are more prone and that a family history can also predispose you to developing rosacea. In an attack of rosacea the blood vessels in the face expand, filling with blood and causing the face to redden. While there is no one cause for all people there are certain common triggers it would be best to avoid. Some attacks may last minutes or in severe cases can last for days. If you can work out your own personal triggers it will help you manage your rosacea and some people find keeping a trigger diary helpful.
Some triggers include:
Exercise or heavy exertion
Exposure to the sun and wind
Alcohol
Spicy foods
Hot food and drink
Stress or anxiety
Emotional changes such as embarrassment or laughing
Hot baths and showers
Menopause
Some medications – ask your doctor
Medical help should be sought and exposure to triggers reduced as rosacea can worsen and turn into advanced rosacea where bumps on the nose and cheek area can form, giving the area a swollen, lumpy look. While there is no cure medical treatment includes antibiotic creams and drugs. Laser treatment can also help to reduce the size and number of the veins.
Prevention by avoiding triggers is an important part of learning to manage and lessen rosacea attacks.
- Cut down on food and drink that causes symptoms
- Try shorter work outs more frequently when exercising
- Have lukewarm showers and baths and keep them short
- Drink plenty of water in hot conditions
- Cool the face with a damp, cold washcloth if you become overheated.
- Keep alcohol to a minimum – it doesn’t cause rosacea but it can make it worse.
- Always hear sunscreen and a hat when outdoors
- Use a skin care regime that has products with no perfumes, colourings or fragrances that will help soothe and not irritate the skin such as skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser.
- XXX Skinsaviour Cream and Cleanser are specially formulated for skin that is sensitive and easily irritated.
Razor bumps and razor burns
February 17, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Razor burn is irritation of the skin usually caused by not using a sharp enough blade so the skin is dragged and chafed or by not using the correct technique. Razor burn usually presents itself as a mild rash and some redness of the skin may occur usually 2-4 days after shaving. It can be short lived and disappear in a few days or can last for days if severe enough. If you experience a rash at the time of shaving it is usually more to do with the skin being too dry during the shaving process, applying too much pressure, going against the natural growth direction or shaving too closely.
Razor bumps can occur on the face after shaving but also in areas where the hair removed is coarse and the area sensitive such as genital area shaving. Curly hair also tends to curl inwards as it grows and can curl back into the skin causing inflammation and can also cause pimple like bumps. These papules or pustules that form can be red and sore especially if the area becomes infected.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is the medical term for ingrown hairs and these can be two gifferent types - transfollicular and extrafollicular. The transfollicular hair never leaves the hair follicle and the extrafollicular hair is a hair that has exited the follicle and reentered the skin.
Tips for Prevention:
- Keep the face or area being shaved well lubricated.
- Shave in the direction of the hair growth.
- Use a sharp blade and avoid dull blades.
- Cleanse the face first to soften the hair growth.
- Shave lightly –don’t apply too much pressure.
- Use an aftershave that has no irritating ingredients and is an effective moisturiser. XXX Skinsaviour Cream was formulated for sensitive skins and is ideal for use after shaving.
- Avoid colognes and aftershaves on the affected area.
- Gentle exfoliation – lightly rub over with a washcloth the area after shaving to help prevent razor bumps forming. Ingrown hairs may be gently squeezed to release the hair.
- Severe chronic cases may need to let beards grow or investigate other forms of hair removal such as laser or electrolysis.
- Seek medical advice if the rash or bumps do not heal.
Skin Treatments – Microdermabrasion
February 3, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Dermabrasion is as the name suggests – derma meaning skin and abrasion, a process by which the surface of the skin is planed surgically and could be likened to a very mild sandblasting. This improves the surface appearance of the skin as a new layer of skin then replaces the layer taken away by the microdermabrasion process.
The actual process involves tiny crystals that are sprayed on the skin at very high pressure and must be performed by an experienced operator fully trained in the process. Dermabrasion is most effective at treating conditions that are on the surface of the skin such as acne scars, fine lines, age spots and other skin lesions but at the least leaves the skin feeling softer and smoother.
Microdermabrasion is suitable for all skin types and produces no scarring or pigmentation with minimal risk involved. There are degrees of microdermabrasion and the mildest form leaves only a mild redness that quickly disappears. It can be done in the lunch hour and will leave the skin looking and feeling softer and smoother.
There are forms of dermabrading the skin which can have more dramatic results but will involve more discomfort and leave the skin having to go through a healing process – typically taking 7 to 10 days. The newly formed skin will take several weeks to lose the pinkness and return to normal. Sunlight must be avoided and sunscreen used at all times for at least 3-6 months otherwise darkening of the skin may occur.
During and after the healing process XXX Skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser is ideal to use as it is formulated for sensitive skins and contains calming and soothing plant ingredients with a mild antibacterial action. Avoid aspirin, alcohol and smoking for several days after the procedure has been done.
Make sure when you talk to a dermatologist or the person who is doing the procedure what your expectations are and what the healing process involves. A milder form is advisable before having a more intensive treatment to experience the process and see how our skin reacts. Done professionally microdermabrasion can have very pleasing results.
Top 10 Tips For Shaving
January 20, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
#1 – Wash the skin in lukewarm water – this will soften the skin and open the pores making it easier to shave and avoid tugging on the hair follicle that can cause irritation. A cleanser with ingredients that help to soothe and calm will help minimise irritation.
#2 – Use a sharp razor. A dull razor will only drag at and irritate the skin and can be the cause of razor burn and ingrown hairs.
#3 – Don’t rub at your face to dry it – it will dry just as well patted gently with a whole lot less irritation to your skin.
#4 – When you have finished shaving rinse the area thoroughly in lukewarm water. Residue of shaving soaps can cause the skin to be irritated and itchy.
#5 – Avoid the use of alcohol based and harsh astringent type aftershave lotions. These can often dry out the skin causing dry skin and itching in the area shaven. They are not really necessary – if you want to close pores, cold water is just as effective and less drying.
#6 – If your hair is coarse or thick avoid disposable razors. They are seldom up to the job and may pull and drag at the hairs and the skin.
#7 – Multiple blades give a very clean shave and the less irritation there is to hair follicles the less chance of ingrown hairs, razor bumps and razor burn occurring.
#8 – Shaving twice against the grain or across the grain can give tougher hair growth a very close shave but may irritate the skin for some people.
#9 – Razor burn can be reduced by keeping the face moist during shaving and not creating too much drag on the skin. The less drag the less irritation there will be.
#10 – Shaving is hard on the skin and is both drying and damaging It is important to use a moisturiser after shaving that has no irritating ingredients such as perfumes and colours. XXX Skinsaviour Cream is ideal as it has ingredients that are calming and soothing and has a mild antibacterial action to help with shaving nicks and cuts.