Pharmacymix.com, Skin Care Pharmacy and Blog Specializing in Anthelios and Mexoryl Sunscreens

Musings…On Health

Last week, as I waited to pass a kidney stone, I had plenty of time to contemplate the things that really matter in life. If you’ve ever had the misfortune to pass a kidney stone, then you’ll know that it’s no walk in the park. The pain that accompanies a kidney stone is described by sufferers as the most excruciating pain you can imagine. If you’ve ever been in childbirth (I have) by my take it’s a definite close second. One major difference – at least with childbirth, there’s a lovely reward at the end.

I was diagnosed with kidney stones after pain necessitated a visit to our local hospital emergency room. Sent home with anti-inflammatories and heavy duty pain killers, I was advised to drink plenty of water and wait for the stone to pass. Kidney stones less than 9mm in size (mine was confirmed at 4mm by a CAT scan) are usually able to pass on their own. And, as long as there aren’t any complications – infection, bleeding, etc, most stones will pass on their own anywhere from 1 day up to 1 month.

At home, between relatively lucid moments, I experienced episodes of pain that lasted several hours, slightly numbed by my potent medications (thank you modern medicine!). Days spent laying on the couch with my hot water bottle and a strong dose of ‘feeling sorry for myself’, ended at the 5 day mark when my stone finally passed.

During my downtime,I could think of nothing else but being well again. Spring fashions and my favorite foods (yes, even chocolate and red wine) held no appeal. An overflowing laundry hamper, a messy house and unmade beds passed unnoticed. Truly a lesson learned – very little matters when ones’ health is at stake. Here’s to yours.

All About Aloe Vera

Because of its medicinal use in herbal medicine, aloe vera is also known as the medicinal aloe. While there have been many studies conducted with aloe vera, some of the research is conflicting. Can aloe vera benefit skin?

There is some evidence to suggest that aloe vera extracts may be useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing, diabetes and elevated blood lipids in humans. The benefits are thought to be related to various components of aloe vera.

While the species is thought to have originated in Southern Africa, aloe vera is now found all over the world. The leaves are thought to contain two different fluids:

• A yellow/green sap that is exuded wherever the green surface of the leaf is cut is an irritant containing aloin, a latex-like compound. Preparations containing aloin are not generally found due to an FDA ruling that bans its use in over the counter preparations. Most aloe vera products today have minimal amounts of aloin (it is often removed during the manufacturing process)
• A transparent fluid exuded by the inner leaf wherever it is cut or crushed, is soothing and said to promote healing.

Like many cosmetic ingredients, the claims for aloe vera, surpass the evidence available to support it. Despite this, you can find aloe vera in lotions, creams, yogurt, beverages and even some desserts. Aloe vera juice is used to relieve digestive complaints. It may be found in personal care products including make-up, tissues, moisturizers, soaps, etc.

There is evidence to support aloe vera’s use in the healing of first to second degree burns. And, it may be useful in the treatment of genital herpes and psoriasis. Aloe vera extracts have demonstrated antifungal and antibacterial activity making it possibly useful in wound healing where it can help to reduce the chance of infection.

Like most ingredients with hyped benefits, aloe vera can’t possibly live up to its claims. However, it has been shown to be helpful as a water binding agent making it useful when added to moisturizers.

Silicones: Safe In Your Skin Care?

Most of us have already heard about the risks associated with the use of silicone breast implants, but did you know that you can find silicones in your skin care products too?

Inert (inactive), man-made compounds, silicones have a wide range of applications as sealants, lubricants, coatings, etc. They are also used medically (silicone sheets and gels can heal scars, for example, as in a product like Dermatix Ultra) and in a number of personal care products including shampoos, hair conditioners and hair gels.

There are two silicones primarily used in personal care – dimethicone (also known as polydimethylsiloxane) and cyclomethicone. Dimethicone can be found widely in skin moisturizers as a skin protectant – it also imparts a silky feeling to skin. Both silicones sit on top of the skin and create a barrier helping to limit transdermal water loss. In hair care products dimethicone is used to coat the hair’s surface of the hair providing lubrication and helping to improve combing providing detangling, and thus, hair loss and breakage.. Studies have shown that due to their large molecular size that the silicones are not absorbed into the body and that they are safe when used at the levels currently found in cosmetic preparations.

There’s always another side… and critics of the silicones maintain that they accumulate in humans and wildlife according to the Environmental Working Group). While not known as carcinogens, other critics suggest that silicones should be avoided since they ‘trick’ our bodies into thinking that skin or hair is healthy, when it may not be.

I have discussed much more harmful skin care ingredients and given the research available, the silicones seem to sit on the safer vs the more dangerous side. Still, the choice is yours. And if you wish to avoid silicones then read labels carefully. Even some natural and organic skin care companies include them in their formulations.

Treating Sun Damage

Sun damage, also known as photo damage is a result of unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It may be classified as either acute (as in a sunburn) or chronic (more gradual skin changes observed over time due to accumulated sun exposure). Chronic sun damage results in skin changes that may include age spots, hyperpigmented skin, fine lines and wrinkles and loss of skin tone and elasticity. Pre-cancerous lesions and skin cancers may be another result of sun damage.

How Does Sun Damaged Skin Look?

Think of a baby’s smooth, unlined, firm and unblemished skin; this is what healthy and undamaged skin looks like. Sun damage results in many skin changes including:

• Fine and coarse wrinkles
• Skin roughness; sometimes a leathery texture is observed
• Loss of skin tone and elasticity
• Dark patches or increased pigmentation

Avoiding Sun Damage

Your best strategy is to try and avoid (or at the very least, minimize) sun damage by practicing sun avoidance and sun protection with the regular use of sunscreens that block against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Keep in mind that while UVB rays lead to acute sun damage (Burning), that UVA rays lead to chronic sun damage (Aging). Since UVA rays are prevalent year round even on the coldest, cloudiest day, you should aim to apply sunscreen every day, year round if you wish to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Consdier one of these UVA/UVB blocking sunscreens here.

Treating Sun Damage

If your youth was filled with carefree days at the beach or extended tropical holidays, without following smart sun habits, then you may be a candidate for reversing some of the damage caused by the sun. There are a number of products and treatments that can help, all to varying degrees. Here is what to consider:

1. Hydroquinone creams and other skin lighteners can help to even out pigmentation and help with dark spots. View all skin lightening agents here.
2. Retinoids including prescription only products such as Retin A have been shown to reverse sun damage. A good non-prescription alternative is retinol, found in Green Cream, and which many individuals find easier to tolerate than prescription options.
3. Alpha hydroxy acids can help to slough off dead, dry skin minimizing the appearance of fine lines and rough skin. Try Neostrata Skin Renewal Peel Solution
4. Chemical peels. Stronger than at home peels (like Neostrata Skin Renewal Peel Solution above), chemical peels remove the top layer of skin cells and can help to regenerate new skin cell growth. Some peels can work deeper. Always work with a qualified professional to maximize results and minimize side effects. If you have darker skin, you may be at risk for increased pigmentation with a peel so consider one carefully.
5. Resurfacing lasers. Several types are available, depending on the extent and depth of the sun damage. Consult with a qualified professional to determine the one most suitable for your needs.
6. Antioxidants including Vitamin C and green tea can help to ward off further sun damage. Consider layering under your sunscreen daily.