While blackheads might initially give the appearance of dirty skin, they’re actually the result of trapped sebum that has undergone an oxidation process within your pores. Under normal circumstances, your body produces sebum which exits your pores and coats your skin. Its production is controlled by your body’s hormones. Occasionally, those hormones can produce excess amounts of sebum which becomes trapped within the pores. When oxygen makes contact, the sebum can oxidize and darken. While blackheads are common, there are steps you can take to treat and get rid of them.

Exfoliate Your Skin

One of the main reasons why your pores can become clogged with sebum is due to dead skin cells. Your epidermis is comprised of several layers of cells. Skin goes through cycles, whereby dead cells on the uppermost layer are shedded, making room for new, healthier skin cells. If those dead skin cells were to drop away, they wouldn’t pose a problem. Unfortunately, they often cling to the surface of your skin, blocking your pores. By incorporating exfoliants such as Mama Lotion, Effaclar K, Effaclar AI into your routine, you can remove these problematic dead skin cells. Either an alpha or beta hydroxy acid can help by either exfoliating the top layer of skin or unclogging blocked pores. To find out which is more suitable for you, read this article.

Avoid Greasy Moisturizers And Soaps

Heavy emollients can be valuable for those who have dry skin. However, because blackheads often indicate excess sebum production, heavy moisturizers and soaps can actually exacerbate the problem. Besides, if your skin is naturally oily, there’s little need to use a greasy moisturizing or cleansing product. Instead, use a light facial cleanser like Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel that is designed for oily skin types.

Treat With Retinoids

Retinoids such as retinol (Green Cream) and prescription tretinoin are vitamin A derivatives that are effective for treating blackheads. Retinoids accelerate the turnover of dead skin cells and can help prevent clogged pores. Though effective, retinoids should be used cautiously, if at all, in combination with an alpha or beta hydroxy acid. The combination will be highly irritating for most individuals. 

Should You Squeeze?

Tempting as it is, squeezing pimples, whiteheads and blackheads is often discouraged because doing so can damage your skin. However, when it comes to blackheads, gently squeezing them can be an effective way to remove the excess material within the clogged pores. That being said, it’s important that you avoid applying too much pressure while squeezing. Also, use a tissue to block contact between your fingers and your skin. It will reduce the likelihood of scratching the area if you slip.

Blackheads look unattractive but are a common skin condition. Now that you understand how they’re caused, you can take measures to treat them by exfoliating regularly, avoiding heavy emollients and cleansers and using topical agents such as retinoids. You should begin noticing results within several weeks.

Millions of people suffer from psoriasis, a condition that often manifests as red patches across the surface of the skin. It is as prevalent in men as it is in women. While the symptoms can vary for each person, common symptoms include dry and irritated skin that can itch and even bleed. The root cause of psoriasis is unknown, though scientists suspect it’s related to excess production of skin cells, a dysfunction of the body’s immune system, or a combination of the two.

The Effects Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is usually categorized with regards to its level of severity (mild, moderate, or severe). The categories are based upon the percentage of surface area affected, degree of redness and scaling, how receptive the condition is to various treatments and its impact upon the patient.

It can manifest as tiny bumps, thick patches of raised skin, or areas of skin with severe flaking. In nearly a third of cases, psoriasis leads to discomfort and pain within the joints (known as psoriatic arthritis). Occasionally, the pain can even be debilitating.

Different Treatments For Psoriasis

The type of treatment used by doctors and dermatologists varies based upon the severity of each case and the response that each patient has to the treatment. These can include using topical agents, phototherapy, medications and even injections. In mild cases of psoriasis, topical solutions such as emollients and medicated creams are used to moisturize and soothe areas that are irritated. Alternatively, limited exposure to UVB rays can lead to remission. In some cases, hydrocortisone is used in combination with phototherapy to encourage remission or lead to less severe symptoms.

Severe cases of psoriasis, including psoriatic arthritis, usually require medications or injections because topical treatments are ineffective. This can include vitamin A derivatives such as retinoids and immunosuppressive medications such as methotrexate that can inhibit the immune system. The downside to using drugs to treat psoriasis is the possibility of side effects.

Living With Psoriasis

Unfortunately, while psoriasis can go into remission and the symptoms can be managed with a variety of treatments, there is no known cure for the condition. Topical treatments, phototherapy and various medications can be used to provide relief from discomfort and pain, but these treatments cannot eliminate psoriasis. That being said, continuous research is being conducted to uncover treatments that are more effective and longer lasting.

If you’re applying emollients and moisturizers to reduce itching and dryness caused by psoriasis, choose skin care products that really work. Products that contain urea, as in La Roche Posay Iso Urea, can provide some relief. Further, if you’re relying upon direct sunlight for phototherapy, use an effective UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen such as Anthelios to help control the amount of exposure you have to UVA and UVB rays.

You’ve probably heard about hydroxy acids’ benefits to skin. What you may not know is that there are two types of hydroxy acids – alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), often referred to as fruit acids – and beta hydroxy acid (BHA), of which there is only one, salicylic acid. In this article let’s look at both types of hydroxy acids to help you determine whether they will benefit your skin.

About Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids (often referred to as AHAs) are derived from fruit and sugar. They include:

• glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane
• lactic acid, derived from milk
• mandelic acid, derived from bitter almonds
• tartaric acid, derived from grapes
• malic acid, derived from apples and pears

amongst others.

The main function of AHAs is to exfoliate or remove the top layer of skin allowing newer, healthier skin cells to show through. They are particularly useful in enhancing the appearance of sun damaged skin and may help to diminish the appearance of wrinkles. Studies have shown that AHAs may also help to stimulate collagen production. They are often an important component of any skin lightening regimen. 

AHAs are best used in gels, creams or lotions to allow the product to deliver benefits. Washes and cleansers are often removed before the AHA can exert its action. Studies have shown that AHAs work best at concentrations of at least 4% formulated at a pH of around 3 or 4.

About Beta Hydroxy Acid

There is only one beta hydroxy acid – salicylic acid – derived from acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. Like AHAs, beta hydroxy acid (BHA) acts as an exfoliant increasing the shedding of dead skin cells to allow newer, healthier skin cells to show through.

Studies have shown BHA to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin roughness and assist in reducing skin pigmentation disorders. BHA is also extremely useful in the treatment of breakouts and helpful in the management of keratosis pilaris, conditions that involve blocked or clogged pores.

As with AHAs, when choosing a BHA product, you may benefit more by opting for a cream, lotion or gel that stays on your skin. Washes and cleansers are removed from the skin before they have a chance to deliver benefits. Look for products containing at least 1% BHA at a pH of between 3 or 4 in order to derive maximum benefits.

The Difference Between Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acid

AHAs are water soluble so they do not penetrate well beneath the skin’s surface.  They are ideal for use on skin that is not prone to breakouts. BHA, on the other hand, is a lipid (oil) soluble molecule. This characteristic allows BHA to penetrate pores that contain sebum (oil) and help to exfoliate the pore itself. This makes BHA particularly useful in oily, acneic skin prone to breakouts.

Side Effects of Beta Hydroxy Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Because both BHA and AHAs remove the skin’s top layer, they make skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Sensitivity can increase by up to 50%, which makes the use of broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 a must. Both types of acids can cause irritation including redness, burning, pain or itching. Darker skinned individuals may also be at risk for scarring with the use of AHAs or BHA.

Formulations That Work

If the idea of incorporating an AHA or BHA into your skin care regimen appeals, consider the following products which have been shown to demonstrate benefits in many skin types:

• MaMa Lotion - mandelic acid and malic acid to deliver benefits to acneic skin as well as melasma
• LacHydrin - 12% lactic acid to assist in management of dry skin
• La Roche Posay Effaclar K or Effaclar AI - formulated with LHA, a derivative of salicylic acid to help minimize breakouts

Without knowing your skin type, it’s difficult to know which skin care products will provide the most benefit. In fact, you may be using products that can aggravate your skin. For example, if you have naturally oily skin, some moisturizers may clog your pores and cause trapped sebum to oxidize, creating blackheads. On the other hand, many products can cause further dehydration to naturally dry skin. Today, I’ll explain how to accurately determine your skin type so you’ll know which products are most appropriate for your face and body.

Wait After Washing

It’s tempting to look in the mirror immediately after washing your face to note whether your skin is dry or oily. However, doing so can be misleading. Your face may look normal minutes after washing, but look differently hours later. It’s best to wait a few hours after washing your face to allow your skin to present signs of dryness or oiliness.

Checking For Oiliness

As you’re looking at your face in the mirror, try to identify areas that shine more than others. It’s possible that certain areas of your face will manifest signs of oiliness while other areas seem normal or even dry. Use a tissue to dab those areas that are shiny. At this point, it’s still difficult to know for certain whether your skin is oily. Wait a few hours and look at your face in the mirror again. If you notice those same areas are shiny, it’s likely that your skin is at least slightly oily.

Checking For Dryness

Dry skin is usually simple to identify. After washing your face, it may feel mildly tight. Also, while looking in the mirror, you may notice that your face looks dehydrated or lusterless and has a rough feel to it. Several hours after washing, you might experience minor itching, peeling or flaking.

A common cause of dry skin is excess exposure to the sun’s UV rays. The problem is that the effect can go unnoticed because visible signs can take years to fully manifest. This is the reason why it’s important to diligently use sunscreens that are formulated to provide wide spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.

Checking for Sensitivity

In addition to having normal, dry, oily or combination skin, your skin may also be sensitive. If this is the case, you may notice areas of redness. In addition, you may not tolerate skin care products very easily, with some being more problematic than others. If this is the case, pay close attention to ingredients. Avoid those that irritate skin and stick to those that you tolerate well. You will have to diligent in your pursuit of skin care products for your skin, but your research will pay off in the end.

Using The Right Skin Care Products

Once you have accurately identified your skin type, you can begin using the right skin care products with confidence. However, it’s important to understand that your skin type can shift from dry to oily based upon a number of factors, including exposure to the weather as well as physiological influences. As well, different parts of your face may have different skin types. The combination skin type - oily t-zone with dry cheeks - is a case in point. The key is knowing how to identify the needs of your skin so you can apply products that offer the most benefit. Your skin needs will change through the seasons and over the years so don’t be afraid to switch things up if your current skin care products aren’t working for you.

Because the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can cause substantial long-term damage to your skin, you should consider using a protective sunscreen throughout each day year round. For people who have skin that is sun-intolerant (for example, pale skin), a sunscreen needs to offer high, broad spectrum coverage of UVA and UVB rays. Bioderma Lait sunscreens contain Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S to provide high photostability while protecting your skin from UV radiation. Below, I’ll describe how these ingredients work to shield your skin from a wide range of UV rays.

Tinosorb M And Tinosorb S

Tinosorb M (Bisoctrizole) and Tinosorb S (Bemotrizinol) are both UV radiation absorbers. Tinosorb M can absorb both UVA and UVB rays. It’s an efficient UV filter that uses tiny particles to absorb, reflect and scatter ultraviolet rays. Tinosorb S can also absorb UV rays. While it provides effective protection from UVB rays, it’s also one of the most effective ingredients used in sunscreens for protecting the skin from UVA rays. Neither ingredient is fully absorbed into the skin nor do they cause skin irritations. Bioderma Lait sunscreens can offer a smooth texture for sun-sensitive skin by including Tinosorb M And Tinosorb S to provide broad spectrum UV protection.

High Photostability

The photons within ultraviolet radiation can cause photodegradation in molecules. This can lead to molecules breaking into small particles and even irrevocably altering their shape. Both Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S are highly photostable in direct sunlight. This level of photostability offers additional protection to other ingredients within Bioderma Lait sunscreens. Because many of the ingredients commonly used in sunscreens to absorb UV rays are photodegradable (for example, avobenzone and octinoxate), they can lose effectiveness. Tinosorb M And Tinosorb S can help avert this photodegradation. As a result, sunscreens that use these ingredients can offer significant UV protection when directly exposed to sunlight.

Extensive UV Protection

Many sunscreens offer limited protection from both UVA and UVB rays. If they do provide protection, it’s usually limited to a narrow band of UV wavelengths. This is why Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S are important. Together, these ingredients cover UV rays across the full range of UVA and UVB wavelenghts (280-400 nm). This can protect your skin from sunburns caused by UVB rays and the long-term cellular damage caused by UVA rays.

Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S complement each other while protecting other sunscreen ingredients from degrading under direct sun exposure. People who have extremely sensitive skin that is sun-intolerant should consider using Photoderm Max SPF 50+ Lait for face and body or Bioderma Photoderm Max Fluide for face. Both sunscreens include Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S and offer extensive protection from both UVA and UVB rays. For those who spend a significant amount of time in the sun, this product can prevent many of the long-term effects of exposure to UV radiation.

You may already be aware of the role that your hormones play both in the way you look and feel. Many studies have shown that estrogen, an important hormone produced by the ovaries, contributes to thicker, healthier skin. Research however, has also shown that taking estrogen orally may have negative health impacts, including an increased risk for heart disease and breast cancer.

Is Topical Progesterone A Viable Alternative?

In addition to estrogen, the ovaries also produce progesterone. Often referred to as the pregnancy hormone (because it helps to sustain a healthy pregnancy), progesterone helps to balance estrogen’s effects in women.

Though research is sparse, there is some evidence that progesterone has similar effects on the skin as estrogen. That is, it may play a role in thickening the skin and helping it look healthy. A double-blind study was documented in The British Journal of Dermatology in 2005 that showed a strong correlation between progesterone and a reduction in wrinkles. What’s more, the 4-month study failed to uncover any side effects that resulted from the topical progesterone treatment.

While topical estrogen has been linked to several negative health impacts, such risks haven’t yet been discovered in relation to progesterone. And, a number of health practitioners maintain that it is a decline in progesterone and not estrogen that is the cause of many perimenopausal symptoms. These practitioners prescribe topical progesterone to help manage these symptoms.

The number of studies and tests that have been conducted documenting progesterone’s benefits on skin so far is small. Further, the FDA has not yet formally regulated the use of progesterone in cosmetics. Though there seems to be a lack of negative health impacts, this doesn’t mean that none exist.

Using Progesterone For Healthy Skin

If you choose to use a topical progesterone, speak to a qualified health practitioner first. Progesterone has been shown to help reduce perimenopausal symptoms and you may benefit from its use. If the side effect is greater looking skin, then that’s an added bonus. However, while the use of topical progesterone seems safe and effective, it’s still possible that further research will yield evidence to the contrary.  Young and vibrant-looking skin is worth pursuing. But, not at the cost of your overall health.

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Science often borrows from nature to create effective products that work. This is certainly the case in the area of skin care where many naturally derived ingredients including alpha hydroxy acids, essential oils and other botanical (plant) extracts are incorporated into products to deliver results. One such ingredient, used through the ages, is honey. Cleopatra is reported to have taken milk and honey baths to improve the appearance of her skin. 

Honey’s Beneficial Properties

As customers seek more ‘natural’ alternatives in their skin care products, honey is being increasingly used in face creams, hair care products and moisturizers. It’s been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties, which makes it a useful addition to skin care products. Honey is a humectant, which helps it attract moisture to the skin making it useful in the management of dry skin. Lastly, honey possesses anti-irritant properties, helping to soothe irritation in skin that is sensitive.

Due to its potent antibacterial effects, hospitals in Asia and Europe have used honey infused bandages to help heal infected wounds successfully. Many other countries are now following the lead. Though scientists still aren’t sure which ingredients give honey its benefits in wound healing, it’s likely that its use will expand.

Honey in Skin Care

Honey’s ability to retain and attract moisture make it an ideal ingredient for incorporation into moisturizers. Skin will feel hydrated and supple. Its antioxidant properties can help to combat free radical damage associated with exposure to the sun. Honey is also an excellent ingredient in cleansers due to its antibacterial action. This same antibacterial action may be beneficial to some individuals in the treatment of mild acne.

Honey and Soy Moisturizer

Honey tends to be well tolerated by all skin types. And if you’re a do it yourselfer, you’ll find a range of recipes on the internet for at home treatments to treat and pamper your skin.

If you’d like to incorporate honey into your skin care regimen and you’d rather purchase a ready made product, then consider a product like UltimaSkin Honey and Soy Cream. Infused with honey to soothe and moisturize, this skin cream also contains soy to help fight free radicals and boost collagen production in aging skin.

If you’re concerned about keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy, it’s easy to focus on the damaging effects of the sun. UV radiation from the sun can cause long-term cellular damage, accelerate aging in the skin and can even lead to skin cancer and the formation of cataracts. The potential for each of these is a strong motivation to use effective sunscreens to protect your skin from excessive UV exposure. However, it’s important to remember that direct sunlight can be beneficial for the body. Finding the balance between shielding your skin from UV radiation while allowing your body to reap the benefits of direct sunlight begins with understanding these benefits. Below, I’ll explain a few ways in which direct sunlight can have a positive effect.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

The psychological impact of long-term sunlight deprivation are well-documented. Often, people eat more and sleep more in locations that experience little or no sunlight for long periods. This deprivation can even lead to a condition known as seasonal affective disorder. During seasons when the days grow shorter (thereby limiting sunlight), depression can set in. As the season progresses, the depression deepens, leading to apathy, a general feeling of hopelessness and even heightened levels of anxiety. Often, these symptoms will become less intense once the season passes, but will return the following year. Access to sunlight (or artificially simulated sunlight) can reduce the chances of seasonal affective disorder occurring.

Help For Skin Conditions

There are certain skin conditions for which sunlight has proven an effective treatment. For example, psoriasis manifests as a skin inflammation. In mild cases, it can cause itching and minor discomfort. In severe cases, people afflicted with psoriasis can experience intense discomfort and even perpetual pain. Exposure to sunlight has been known to provide relief to those who suffer from this condition. Similarly, sunlight has also shown mild effectiveness in treating eczema (another inflammatory condition of the skin).

Vitamin D Synthesis

Our bodies require vitamin D to maintain calcium levels, provide a boost to our immune system and regulate blood pressure. Because several health conditions are related to these factors, many doctors claim that vitamin D can help prevent a host of different cancers, diabetes and even osteoporosis. 90% of the vitamin D produced within the body is manufactured through direct exposure to the sun’s UVB rays.

Finding The Balance

The positive effects of sunlight don’t invalidate the need for broad spectrum protection against the sun’s UV rays. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your skin and reducing your risk of skin cancer, you should still use a sunscreen like Anthelios that offers broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. That being said, sunlight does have its benefits. The key is to find a healthy balance between UV protection and the sun’s positive effects. Most experts suggest that your body only needs 5-10 minutes of direct sunlight each day to produce a sufficient amount of vitamin D. If you live in more Northern climates, you may want to consider supplementing during the winter months when UVB rays are too weak to aid Vitamin D production. Check with your healthcare provider.

As we grow older, the fine lines and wrinkles on our face deepen and become more pronounced. This is a result of skin losing its elasticity while the collagen fibers begin to break down. Many women have benefited from the use of Botox injections. Botox works by reducing muscle contractions that result in persistent facial lines that develop over time.

You may have come across a topical Botox solution consisting of argireline which distinguishes itself as an alternative to Botox injections. Argireline was created by a company named Lipotech and can be found in a number of serums and creams as a treatment for reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Just how effective is argireline?

Understanding How Argireline Works

According to Lipotech, argireline reduces wrinkles in a manner that is similar to Botox. That is, it relaxes facial muscles to lessen the amount of repetitive movement that causes frowns and lines. The company claims that argireline accomplishes this by preventing the brain’s release of neurotransmitters that cause the facial muscles to contract. Over time, the wrinkles and fine lines begin to diminish because the repetitive motion of the facial muscles has been largely eliminated.

Beneath The Claim’s Surface

Lipotech offers research that proves the efficacy of argireline. What they don’t offer as readily is the fact that Lipotech sponsored the research; there have been few results from long-term studies published from an outside source (independent of Lipotech). Another issue involves the inhibited release of neurotransmitters (specifically, catecholamines) from the brain. Many of these neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine and dopamine, are required by your body to maintain your health. Inhibiting their release could have long-term health impacts.

There is yet another potential problem with Lipotech’s claim of efficacy. One of the reasons why Botox is administered by injection is because the agent must be delivered to the muscles. The needle goes through the epidermis and connective tissue before being delivered into the underlying facial muscles. A topical agent that is applied as a cream is unlikely to penetrate as effectively through the skin and tissue before reaching the muscles underneath.

So, Which Is Better?

A cream that can be easily applied to reduce wrinkles with the level of success claimed by Lipotech would indeed be an impressive formula. Unfortunately, based upon what we know about the skin and the tissue underneath the epidermis, it’s highly unlikely that argireline will have the same effect as Botox. If you are looking for a way to relax and soften facial lines then Botox is the more effective option.

Skin care product manufacturers have discovered a new way to lure the public to buy their solutions. They advertise their products as having the ability to “oxygenate” the skin. These products supposedly contain oxygen molecules that are absorbed into the skin and delivered to those areas that need oxygen the most. By delivering this oxygen through the skin, companies claim that their products can cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. They also claim that the oxygen from their products helps to deliver essential nutrients throughout the body, slowing the skin’s aging process. Tempting as it sounds,  oxygen skin care products probably don’t deliver much benefit to skin.

Your Skin Is An Organ

Like the heart or lungs, the skin is an organ and needs oxygen to function properly. But, oxygen can’t be effectively absorbed through the skin. Instead, the oxygen is carried throughout the body by the circulatory system. The veins under the dermis transport oxygen through the bloodstream. Unfortunately, the topical application of oxygen is not an effective method of delivering oxygen. 

Unsubstantiated Claims

Claims can arise from some truth. In this case, oxygen has been found to be useful in wound healing when individuals with slow healing wounds were placed in hyperbaric chambers to inhale oxygen at an increased pressure. The body uses more oxygen when fighting infection. Oxygen can also be helpful in increasing the production of connective tissue.

Oxygen Can Generate Free Radicals

Though oxygen is essential to life, its topical application can lead to an increase in free radical damage. Rather than it helping to eliminate or ‘cure’ wrinkles, studies have shown that oxygen may be involved in wrinkle formation and the aging of skin. What you’re getting with a product claiming to oxygenate the skin is hype and potentially more harm than good to your skin.

Protection And Moisturization

It’s important to separate fact from fiction. Avoid the hype and stick to a well researched and effective skin care regimen that involves the use of a well formulated sunscreen like Anthelios, antioxidants, effective exfoliants and moisturizers suited to your skin type. With the right blend of active ingredients, the best products can protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays and help to  prevent loss of moisture. By doing so, they can slow down the skin’s aging process, improve its appearance and elasticity while preventing cellular damage from UV radiation.