Skin Care 101

Lotion is a beauty product made from water and oil mixture that is being applied to skin to keep it soft and younger looking. Lotions available in the market today are being used as antiseptics, antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-acne agents. In addition, they are also being used as protective or soothing agents and commonly use to aid body massage.

Lotions are enriched with essential oils and/or botanicals to care for the skin. They are specially formulated to leave skin feeling soft and silky smooth. In addition, they beautify, improve tone, and hydrate all sensitive and delicate skin types.

When people buy lotion, they must consider their skin type first to get the most appropriate one. Here are some tips when buying skin care lotions:

1.    Normal skin.

People who are lucky enough to have normal skin can use any type of lotion. These people do not have noticeable blemishes or acne. Their skin is soft and supple. Also, their skin has beautiful texture and pigment and does not have oily sheen. These people can get any lotion available in the market today and won’t have problems keeping their skin looking brilliant and attractive. However, dermatologists recommend lotions that contains Vitamin E, A, and C to keep the skin smooth and soft.

2.    Oily skin.

Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous gland. People who have oily skin have wet sheen around the chin, nose, and forehead. They also have visible pimples and blackheads all over the face and sometimes on some other part of the body. These people usually have large pores on the face that have greasy feel. To dry out the oily skin, these people must choose a lotion that is specially formulated to regulate the sebaceous gland. These lotions are often expensive compare to other lotion in the market but they usually work. The good thing about having an oily skin is it is not prone to wrinkles.

3.    Dry Skin.

Dry skin can be a result of cold weather, genetics, excessive bathing, or allergic reaction. It is commonly rough, scaly, and itchy if not remedied. People who have dry skin are sensitive to cold and heat, they also have flakes on the cheeks, although they are unlikely to develop acne. The secret in soothing dry skin is regular use of moisturizers and thicker lotions. Lotions that are specifically designed for dry skin contain Alpha hydroxyl acids that is being used to exfoliate the top layer of the skin to get rid of dryness. Dermatologists recommend regular use of moisturizer and lotions to achieve soft and supple skin.

Skin condition must also be taken into consideration when buying lotion. People who are suffering from Eczema for example must use especially formulated lotion recommended by their dermatologists.

Knowing the skin type is very important when getting a lotion that would match the need of the skin. This is a sure fire way in attaining attractive and soft skin.

Most skin care lotions in the market today are generally safe and do not have side effects. They can be applied directly to the body as directed. However, if irritation, itching, or redness occurs immediately seek medical attention. Also, do not forget to inform the dermatologist right away about allergic reaction to some substances and skin disorder/infections before trying out new lotions.

Acne or commonly known as zits or pimples are skin inflammation affecting 87% of the total US population. They usually appear during puberty because of abnormal response of the body to the male hormone known as testosterone.

Causes

Until now, the causes of acne are still being investigated. However, scientific studies show that it can be hereditary. Other factors linked to zits are the following:

1. Skin irritation.

2. Use of Anabolic steroids. Most body builders are taking these synthetic hormones for faster growth of muscles and bone tissues.

3. Stress that increase hormones from adrenal glands.

4. Exposure to chlorine compounds like chlorinated dioxins.

Treatment

Most people who are suffering from acne on their teens notice decrease or total disappearance of acne when they reach their early twenties without seeking treatment. However, there are some who are suffering from it for decades. The following are proven treatment against acne.

1. Exfoliation.

This can be done through the use of liquid scrub, abrasive cloth, or other exfoliating agents that allow the skin to peel to prevent dead skin cells build-up. This process also unblocks clogged pores.

2. Antibiotics.

There are 2 kinds of antibiotics that are being used to treat acne: These are topical antibiotics and oral antibiotics.

Topical antibiotics are applied directly to the affected area. They are being used to remove bacteria trapped on the follicles. This is more popular compare to oral antibiotics because it eliminates possible side effects like drug interactions or stomach upset.

Oral antibiotics on the other hand regulate cell behaviour and reduce oil secretion to unclog the pores.

3. Hormonal treatments.

This treatment works best for females. Oral contraceptive pills contains progestogen and oestrogen that can help in reducing acne. Some dermatologists administer an injection containing cortisone directly to a large pimple that reduces inflammation and redness almost immediately.

Advanced treatments

Dermatologists are now considering the use of laser surgery not only to reduce acne scars but also to prevent acne formation. This can be done by burning the sebaceous gland and follicle sac to induce oxygen that kills the bacteria causing acne. This is recommended to people who are suffering from severe acne.

Acne scars

Severe acne leaves scars that are very expensive and difficult to treat. Although there are no guarantees that acne scars will be removed completely, there are scar treatments that lessen them. These are the following:

1. Dermabrasions.

This treatment removes the top layer of the skin using high-speed wire brush making the acne scar less visible. People who are suffering from severe acne will need multiple treatments to get desired results. This can only be done by cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists.

2. Microdermabrasion.

The newest technique in dermatology that enhances dermabrasion. This is being done by rubbing tiny crystals on the affected area using suction tool.

3. Chemical peeling.

This treatment uses organic acid like salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid to remove the top layer of the skin so that smoother layer will surface. This is generally painless and does not require anaesthetic.

Prevention

Several books were introduced in the market stating that acne can be prevented by following strict diet and avoiding dairy products. They also suggest that adequate exercise and proper hygiene can save anyone from acne problem.

Acne can be a tough case however, knowing how to keep it away from your face is the strongest weapon you can have to enjoy a beautiful face and life.