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Six Common Skin Problems and Some Solutions. by Kate Waters
Our skin may just feel like a shield that protects us from the world outside, but the fact is, it's more than just a 'cover' that stops your insides falling out. Skin is a unique and complex organ that reflects our general health. Therefore it is worth protecting from outside and internal threats. So to maintain young, good looking skin, we must provide it with essential nutrients and protect it from external damage.
This article will look at six skin problems that commonly face people of all ages and provide some solutions.
Problem 1: Fine Lines and Wrinkles.
Experts consider that the factor responsible for the development of fine lines and wrinkles is mostly sun exposure. However, repeated use of muscles to squint, frown or pucker is also responsible. So, what is the commonly recommended beauty fix for this?
Several dermatologists recommend exfoliants, they believe that exfoliation softens skin, making the superficial lines less noticeable. In addition one of the most available skin products on the market are creams that contains retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A that encourages collagen production, the fibre the keeps the skin smooth and firm. This is often said to bring dramatic results without a prescription. Two such inexpensive products for lessening fine lines and wrinkles are:
Olay Total Effects Intensive Restoration Treatment with VitaNiacin.
Pond's Dramatic Results Active Face and Neck Moisturizer with glycolic acid.
If you do nothing else you should try to wear sunscreen every day. Many experts note that if you wear sunscreen, your skin will start to repair. Select an SPF 15 or greater formula that will shield your skin against UVA and UVB rays. Also, you could try Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer.
Problem 2: Enlarged Pores.
Experts say that the main cause of enlarged pores is the accumulation of dead cells and sebum, which causes the pore openings to stretch with the buildup of these impurities over time.
One of the possible solutions for preventing enlarged pores is a regular use of retinoid as well as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acidswhich can help purge pores of trapped debris.
Other than that, good skin care habits, such as not leaving your make-up on overnight can help prevent the skin pores from getting plugged by sebum. Plus you need to protect your skin from the sun as UV rays can contribute to pore enlargement.
Problem 3: Brown Spots.
The usual cause of the development of brown spots on the skin is sun exposure. As exposure to the sun causes the cells that produce melanin, the natural pigment of the skin, to shift into overdrive.
To correct brown spots on the skin, you could consider laser therapy and this is the speediest solution to this problem. This treatment focuses a beam of light that erases the splotches on the skin. However as with some other clinical techniques, the treatment's after effects, like redness and scabbing, can take a few weeks to go away, although the energy of the laser doesn't affect the surrounding skin. With a laser therapy, about twenty spots can be zapped in just one 15-minute session. Many clinics offer this treatment for about $300.
There is also a much slower option which involves the use of retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) combined with bleaching agents such as hydroquinone and kojic acid. This treatment is said to inhibit the formation of melanin. However the retinoids or AHAs alone could take up to six months to produce an obvious improvement in the skin. As with all of these treatments you should only consult a qualified skin specialist.
In addition products containing antioxidants such as vitamins E and C as well as green tea are highly recommended. These are said to prevent brown spots on the skin by way of inhibiting the production of free radicals, which are destructive molecules that can contribute to skin discolouration. You should of course also wear a high factor sunscreen everyday.
Problem 4: Blemishes.
Blemishes usually develop on the skin as a result of some kind of stress or hormonal problem, although often one leads to the other. Both of these lead to an over production of sebum which clogs the pores and causes dullness and spots.
So, how to do you fight blemishes?
Note that mild to moderate cases of acne, characterized by less than seven pimples a month, can be treated with over the counter products. This may include those treatments containing glycolic acid or retinol, which are great at unclogging skin pores. Also benzoyl peroxide, which is an antibacterial agent, can be applied.
There is one specific ingredient that is particularly effective in treating blemishes - salicylic acid. This is actually an efficient exfoliator that dissolves skin oil. You can also try Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cream which boasts both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
However, if the skin problem is severe you should contact a dermatologist. The expert will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic, as well as a prescription retinoid such as Retin-A, Avita, Tazorac or Differin and to speed clearing of pimples and pigmentation that remain for about month after a spot heals, a product named Azelex is usually prescribed.
If for instance acne flares around ovulation or during your period, most experts commonly suggest birth control pills. Your gynecologist may prescribe birth control pills that contains skin-friendly hormones. However, it is important that you get enough rest and sleep as fatigue causes stress which in turn effects your skin.
Problem 5: Redness of the Skin.
Rosacea is the most likely cause of redness, it is actually a chronic condition that first appears as a flushing or subtle redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. It then progresses from intermittent mild redness to persistent ruddiness as well as permanent, dilated blood vessels and acne-like bumps.
It is worth noting that rosacea is not curable, but it responds well to treatment. Many experts recommend prescription of oral antibiotics as they assist to prevent pimples and redness from developing. However, in severe cases, a product known as Accutane is commonly prescribed. Some dermatologists also suggest pulsed-eye laser treatments like the Vbeam which costs $500. This treatment treats broken capillaries and lessens the need for medication. There are also gentle and hypoallergenic products these days which may provide solution to skin redness like the B. Kamins, Chemist Booster Blue Rosacea Treatment. This product is capable of neutralizing redness on the skin with its light blue hue that contains soothing ingredients.
Another possible solution for redness could be to determine and then try to avoid what actually triggers your episodes of intense flushing and blushing. The usual triggers for such episodes are spicy or piping-hot foods, caffeine, alcohol, stress, heat, sun, wind, exercise and anything, including massage, hot water and facial steaming that brings blood to the face.
Switch to physical sunblocks as these items are less likely to irritate the skin because they generally contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that reflect UV rays and stop them being taken into the skin. But, to ensure an absolute shield from the UVB rays, experts commonly suggest one with octyl methoxycinnamate which is the most hypoallergenic.
Problem 6: Dullness of the Skin.
Dullness of the skin typically occurs around age 30. During this stage, the natural ability of your skin to slough off dead cells from the surface slows down. When the dry and dead cells build up this is when the skin looks dull.
To freshen your skin, consider a regular exfoliation which brings fresh and translucent cells to the skin surface. You can try lotion or creams that contain alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, which dissolve the glue that keeps the dead cells attached to the skin. Retinoids are also out there that for you to use, as they speed up the renewal of the skin cells. One particular choice is Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Defining Skin Brightener with light-reflective particles for instant radiance.
Also, you can cleanse your skin with facial scrubs formulated with rounded microbeads. These are said to be ideal for gently rinsing away the dead cells loosened by AHAs and retinoids.
Keep your skin moisturized, as moist cells will slough off more easily than hard and dry cells. Select products with ingredients such as petrolatum and dimethicone, which trap water in the skin, as well as the humectants like hyaluronic acid, urea and lactic acid, which bind water to the skin.
Following these tips will help you to obtain healthy, good looking skin. Always remember that our skin, being the largest organ of the body, is vital for our existance ,so it is worth protecting.
About the Author
Kate Waters is a fitness and nutrition expert and writer. For more information and resources see http://health-and-fitness-it-is.com
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