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.
Hirsutism – What Is It?
January 6, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
There is a wide range of attitude between different women on the amounts of body hair that are thought of excessive. What one woman is comfortable with another could not entertain living with. Hirsutism causes hair to grow in areas that we don’t necessarily expect a woman to have coarse mature hair such as the upper lip or chin.
Hirsutism – is defined as the excess conversion of vellus or very fine baby hair that has no pigment and therefore we can’t easily see to terminal hair that is more pigmented, mature hair that we can see quite easily. An example of where this naturally occurs in us all is the conversion of underarm or pubic vellus hair of an undeveloped child to the terminal visible hairs of a sexually mature of an adult. Therefore it is not seen before puberty.
As women age they are again subject to an increase in Hirsutism as there is an increased production of androgens at menopause as oestrogen decreases. Terminal hairs can be mainly found in areas of the body that have sites dependant on androgen to testosterone such as the beard area, neck, chest, abdomen and the inner thigh area of the upper Excessive hair growth in non androgen dependent areas is called hypertrichosis.
Androgens such as testosterone are produced by the adrenal gland and the ovaries so it is important to investigate what the cause of the hirsutism may be. Some families do have a constitutional tendency for this to happen but it is best to consult a medical practitioner if severe to seek a diagnosis.
How can I treat the unwanted hair?
Shaving
Shaves is another quick and easy answer that shaves off the hair at skin level. Shaving will not last for long and can sometimes leave stubble that can be both seen and felt. Ingrown hairs can be a problem as can razor rash.
Depilatories
Chemical process – a cream is applied that dissolves the hair after a few minutes. Patch test on the wrist first to check for allergies and irritation. Lasts somewhere between waxing and shaving.
Tweezing
Plucking out the hair is a quick, inexpensive convenient solution for small areas and must be performed almost daily as new hair comes through.
Waxing
Removes the hair by literally pulling it out by the roots. Can be done at home but it is wise to seek a professional waxer – at least until you learn the process. The hair will have to grow to a certain length in order for the wax to grip the hair.
Bleaching
Bleaching can lighten the colour of the hair and thus make it less visible. This is usually done with a hydrogen peroxide solution applied to the area you want to bleach. Can be done at home or in a salon.
Electrolysis
Electric current applied through a pair of tweezers. Quick for small areas and lasts well but can be quite painful.
Epilatories
Rubber roller or coiled spring that catches the hair so it can be pulled out from the roots. Not always an easy task to master.
Laser
Must be performed in a salon with an experienced operator in a series of treatment. Laser is painful for some and expensive but is semi permanent with only the occasional follow up treatment sometimes required.
How to reduce redness after waxing
November 23, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Is redness normal after waxing?
Most people suffer from some degree of redness and irritation when they undergo waxing. Waxing at its most basic is literally pulling the hairs out by the roots so the area waxed has undergone some trauma. We all react so individually, the degree of redness, soreness and irritation will vary widely from person to person. If the area waxed remains sore and red and is still causing you discomfort after 24 hours, seek medical advice as you may have an allergy to the waxing products used.
What can I do about it?
• Ensure the wax is not too hot before using.
• Following correct procedure and ensuring the hair is removed in the direction of the hair growth.
• Applying a cold compress, an ice pack or having a cold shower can all help to reduce the redness and swelling.
• Clean the area with a cleanser with calming, soothing ingredients.
• Follow with a moisturiser that is hydrating, calming and soothing to help minimise the redness.
• Refrain from having hot showers afterwards for several hours.
• Avoid sun exposure, even if you use sunscreen.
• Don’t exfoliate for a few days before or after waxing.
What is a bikini wax?
November 17, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Bikini waxing refers to the removal of hair from the top of the leg, below the navel area and in the bikini area. As the name suggests, it is the area of hair that may be outside the area of a bikini that you would not want to be visible. Of course the bikini line will differ from person to person, depending on how brief you like to wear bikinis or swimsuits. Many women choose to have a bikini wax to feel more comfortable in lingerie – as this has become smaller in recent years with the advent of the g-string and other skimpier styles so to has the bikini wax grown in popularity. Changing fashion has meant the bikini wax is popular all year round.
Some people are able to do their own bikini wax but most choose to leave this to a professional as the area often needs two hands to gently keep the skin taut to make the process as quick and painless as possible. Waxing salons have usually seen a few half completed home bikini waxes!
What is a Brazilian wax?
The Brazilian wax did not originate in Brazil but is the method of Brazilian wax brought to the United States by J. Sisters International, seven Brazilian-born sisters who opened a salon in Manhattan in 1987
Bikini waxing can be loosely classified into four different types. There is however, a variation between salons and countries so if you are planning a first wax or using a new salon – make it clear what it is you want and don’t expect a Brazilian to mean the same to different therapists!
Basic Bikini Wax
Also known as the American wax. This is basic hair removal from the outside of the area a bikini would normally cover. Talk to your waxer about how much you would like to remove – take your bikini if you find this hard to work out in the salon.
Brazilian Wax – French waxing
Leaves a vertical strip down the centre of the pubis. Can be waxed into different shapes.
Full Brazilian – XXX wax, Hollywood Wax
All pubic hair is completely removed from front to back. Some salons have xx and xxx Brazilian as different types so once again be clear in what you want rather than use a name.
As this is a very sensitive area there can be discomfort for some time that may be reduced with the use of a moisturiser that has ingredients in it that calm and soothe.
Choose a professional salon with high standards of hygiene and who have experienced Brazilian waxing therapists to make the experience as easy for you as possible. Ask for personal recommendations from friends or visit online forums to see who others recommend. A Brazilian usually lasts between four to six weeks but this depends on the individual’s hair growth rate as well. Keeping a Brazilian up to date will lessen the discomfort of the waxing experience.
Waxing side-effects
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
What are some of the side effects of waxing?
Waxing has been used for hundreds of years and is a relatively quick and safe way to remove unwanted hair as long as a few guidelines are followed. If you find a trained professional who specialises in waxing and has experience and satisfied customers there should be no problems. If you have a severe allergic reaction you will be one of the very few who do, most people only experience mild redness and irritation, though this can be visible for up to 24 hours. If you have very sensitive skin it is advisable to a test patch on your leg or ask to have one done at a salon before waxing a larger area.
Some of the side effects are:
• Temporary redness and irritation
• Allergic reaction to the waxing products
• Slight bleeding, especially with coarse hair.
• Dark pigmentation due to the wax being too hot.
• Can cause wrinkles where the skin is stretched as in the eyebrow area.
• Ingrown hairs – never wax in the opposite direction to the hair follicle.
To ensure that the waxing process is as smooth as possible avoid the following:
• Never wax skin that is irritated, sunburnt or broken.
• Don’t sunbake after waxing or expose the area to the sun for at least 24 hours.
• Do not wear tight clothing to reduce the possibility of ingrown hairs.
• Always check the temperature of the wax on the back of your hand before using.
• Always wax in the direction in which the hair is growing.
• Never wax when taking or using Retin A products or if you are diabetic.
• Choose a professional salon that has high standards of hygiene that uses disposable waxing strips.
• Use a moisturiser to calm and soothe the area you have had waxed to keep the hair soft and help to lessen the chance of ingrown hairs.
• If you have a bad reaction or you are worried, please seek the advice of a health professional.
Can I do my own waxing?
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Yes, you can do your own waxing but some areas are more suited to wax yourself than others. Before you do any waxing it would be a good idea to visit a professional waxer to watch their technique and to know what the process feels like when someone who has experience does it for you. Some areas such as bikini, Brazilian, male genitals need the skin to be held taut and these areas are not recommended to try yourself. Some areas you just can’t reach and need someone else to wax such as the back and backside area. There are some basic safety issues to make sure you put in place but otherwise easier to handle and reach areas like the lip, chin, eyebrows, toes and legs should be less of a problem.
What to expect if I do my own waxing?
- It is normal for the skin to look red and bumpy for up to 24 hours.
- If the hair roots are large and the hair is course, pinpricks of bleeding can occur.
- Pain – it will hurt! Everyone is different though and some people experience discomfort and others pain. Some people find it gets easier the more often they have it done.
- If the redness and bumps don’t disappear or are severe, then have the area checked by a health professional
What do I look out for?
- Make sure the hair is long enough, 6 -10mm or ¼’-1/2inch is best, otherwise the wax will not be able to grip the hair properly.
- Some people take a mild painkiller beforehand to help reduce any swelling and pain through the waxing process.
- Try to relax, the more tense the more it seems to hurt.
- Pregnancy and around the time of menstruation make it much more painful in some people, so try to avoid these times if you can.
- Make sure the temperature of the wax is not too hot – wax burns are unpleasant as it is difficult to remove immediately. Test on the back of your hand.
- Always pull the strips off in the direction of the hair follicle.
- Do not wax before or after heavy exfoliation.
- Do not wax if you have been using Retin A products or are diabetic.
- If you are worried how your skin will react – try a small test patch on your leg first so you can see how you will react.
- Use a moisturiser that will soothe and calm the skin after waxing.
- Consider making an appointment with a professional waxer to see how to wax correctly.
What is an ingrown hair?
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
What is an ingrown hair?
An ingrown hair is either a hair that fails to grow out of the hair follicle and stays embedded under the surface of the skin or a hair that when it starts to grow changes direction and begins to grow back in on itself. Although they can happen naturally, usually it is waxing or shaving that causes them. Usually you first notice one because they itch or feel uncomfortable and if left untreated can be painful and become infected. Ingrown hairs can look a little like a small pimple in the later stages. If the inflammation extends beyond the immediate area of the ingrown hair or after you have treated the ingrown hair it still persists you should consider getting it checked by a do
What do I do?
Ingrown hairs can be simply treated by following the instructions below and you will need to arm yourself with a clean washcloth and some warm water, a mild antiseptic, pointy nosed tweezers and a small needle you have sterilised in boiling water.
- Gently apply a washcloth to the ingrown hair until it grows cool down and repeat again – this often helps bring the hair closer to the surface and softens the top of the skin covering the hair.
- Use a small needle to pierce any pimple that has formed over the ingrown hair and gently try to remove the ingrown hair by teasing it out.
- If a head has formed gently squeeze with a tissue until it has all gone and you can see the ingrown hair.
- Don’t try to pull the hair out – it may form again – you are trying to release the hair to grow normally.
- Apply an antiseptic to the area with a cotton wool ball to minimise the chance of infection.
How do I minimise ingrown hairs?
- Wear looser clothing if you suffer from ingrown hairs, tight clothing is a big cause of causing ingrown hairs to form, especially on the legs.
- Exfoliating regularly will help ingrown hairs. Exfoliating gloves are easy and quick to use and can be thrown in the washing machine to keep them clean of bacteria.
- Don’t use harsh exfoliators that can strip the skin of oils and dry it out making ingrown hairs more likely to form.
- Don’t use loofahs as they can’t be washed very easily and can harbour bacteria.
- Use cleansers and moisturisers that are non comodegenic, that is they won’t block the pores and make ingrown hairs more common.
- Cleansing the skin morning and night will keep the hair follicles and pores clear and remove grime and dead skin cells allowing the hair to grow more freely.
- Do not use products with alcohol that dry the skin.
- Use a long lasting hydrating moisturiser that will keep the hair soft all day and help prevent it in growing.
- Many men suffer ingrown hairs from shaving. Try leaving the hair fractionally longer by not using a multi blade razor as the hair is less likely to become ingrown if it is not shaved too closely.
- Don’t pull the skin too tight as this also makes the shave closer than you need.