Heal your skin

The golden age

2008-10-18T13:30:00.004+08:00

When it comes to ageing, there is more than one weapon to employ in your battle against time. Good skin cares habit can help to prevent and elay the signs of ageing. Wrinkle is the most obvious ageing signs that can shows on your face and neck. Here are few anti-ageing weapons that do the job:

BOTOX (botulinum toxin) - a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyses the muscles in the area where it is injected.It can lessen the appereance of expression lines caused by frowning and furrowing the brows. There will be a slight discomfort and takes few weeks for the full effect to be seen. It is not a long term solution.
Face fillers - Made from a variety of materials like hyaluronic acid, collagen, fat taken from other parts of the body and polymer-based agents, fillets help plump up deeper, more pronounced wrinkles as well as depressions in hard to treat area like the nasolabial folds. However, the result isn't permenant and last for about 6 months to few years.
Retinoids - A collective naame for substances capable of activating retinoid receptors, the most popular like Renova and Retin-A.These substances trigger molecular switches, which in turn affect intracellular processes such as the breakdown of collagen and the lifespan of cell.It is clinically proven to treat age spot and wrinkles. However, over apply can cause thinning, drying and irritation of skin, making skin more susceptible to UV damage.
Peels - Ideal for sloughing off dead skin cells. It come in wide variety, such as PCA peels (a solution of alpha hydroxy acids, kojic acids, salicylic acid and hydroquinone) that lighten and evens out the overall skin tone to a more invasive TCA (trichloro acetic acid) peel that can even remove fine wrinkle and age spots. Result can be seen immediately, but there is a down time involved and skin is initially red and a tell-tale "glistering" rawness.
Radiofrequency and laser devices - these machine penetrate deep into the dermis to re-generate skin. The newest devices on the market is Thermage and Fraxel lasers. Thermage uses radio frequencies to heat the skin's under-layer to boost collagen production, thighten skin laxity and improve skin texture and tone. Fraxel lasers sends tiny microscopic laser spots and wrinkles without affecting the surrounding tissue. These new devices have the added bonus of being able to be used on all skin types and colours. For some people, it gives good result. However, it is expensive and result vary for different patient. In some cases, it might cause burns and can be extremely painful.

Using neem to treat acne, psoriasis and eczema

2008-05-30T23:22:00.003+08:00

THE ancients, as well as modern science, acknowledge neem, also known as nimba or margosa, as a powerful healing herb with diverse applications. Described in Ayurvedic texts as sarva roga nivarini – that which keeps all diseases at bay, or arishtha – reliever of disease – neem has been used in the Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years to maintain health. The roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil are all used in therapeutic preparations for both internal and topical use.

Neem and skin diseases

This remarkable tree has over 135 biological compounds – making it effective for a wide range of ailments. It works as an antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
A neem sapling ... The roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil of neem are all used in therapeutic preparations for both internal and topical use.

Like the leaves, the oil (obtained by crushing neem seeds) is used for skin problems.
Neem preparations are reportedly efficacious against a variety of skin diseases, septic sores, and infected burns. Neem is toxic to several fungi that attack humans, including the causes of athlete’s foot and ringworm. It ca be used against candida, which cause yeast infections and thrush.

According to a report from the National Research Council’s Ad Hoc Panel of the Board on Science and Technology for International Development, neem preparations from the leaves or oils can be used as general antiseptics. Because neem contains antibacterial properties, it is highly effective in treating epidermal conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema and other persistent skin problems.

It is also used for treating septic sores, infected burns, scrofula, indolent ulcers and ringworm - usually rubbed directly on the infected skin.
Stubborn warts can be cleared up when a high-quality neem product is used.

Indians historically bathed in neem leaves steeped in hot water. This is still a common procedure for curing skin ailments or allergic reactions.

Neem oil can help with the symptoms of psoriasis. The oil moisturises and protects the skin while healing the lesions, scaling and irritation.

Experiments have shown that patients with psoriasis who have taken neem leaf orally, combined with trpical treatment with neem extracts and neem seed oil, achieve results at least as positive as those who use coal tar and cortisone, the more traditional treatments.
Coal tar products are messy and smelly and cortisone can thin the skin when used repeatedly. Neem has neither side effect.

It can be used for extended periods of time without any side effects, is easy to apply and is relatively inexpensive.

HEALTHY JUICES

2007-08-22T09:37:00.000+08:00

Below are some healthy juices that are good for health as well as skin.

Carrot + Ginger + Apple - Boost and cleanse our system.

Apple + Cucumber + Celery - Prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, and improve stomach upset and headache.

Tomato + Carrot + Apple – Improve skin complexion and bad breath.

Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk - Avoid bad breath and reduce internal body heat.

Orange + Ginger + Cucumber – Improve Skin texture and moisture and reduce body heat.

Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon – To dispel excess salts, nourishes the bladder and kidney.

Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi – To improve skin complexion.

Pear & Banana - Regulates sugar content.

Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango – Clear body heat, counteracts toxicity, decreased blood pressure and fight oxidization .

Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk – Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2 that increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity.

Papaya + Pineapple + Milk – Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron. Improve skin complexion and metabolism.

Banana + Pineapple + Milk – Rich in vitamin with nutritious and prevent constipation.

Facial mask - Fruit as natural mask

2007-08-12T21:40:00.000+08:00

Here are two useful masks recipe. You will need a juice extractor to get the fruit's pulp.

1) Watermelon mask - helps removes pimples and black heads

Juice one thick slice of watermelon. Combine the pulp with 1 tablespoon fresh milk, 2 tablespoon flour and mix until smooth. Apply to face for 20 minutes.

2) Pineapple & apple mask - provides skin whitening effect and removes dead skin

100g pineapple, 40g apple and 5g oat wheat. Juice the fruits. Combine the fruit pulp with oat wheat and mix till smooth in a blender. Apply to face for 10 minutes.

Fight Skin Pigmentation

2007-08-08T22:09:00.000+08:00

Skin discoloration is a prevalent skin problem that affects millions of women, especially Asians. It is a problem faced by men and women. Discolouration resides deep in the skin layer. It is exacerbated by hectic lifestyles and environmental factors. It takes great patience and discipline to manage this problem.
A combination of internal supplements and external skincare regime can control the overproduction of melanin and speeds up the skin renewal process. The best approach is to go with natural oral therapies and sensible sun protection to combat problem. Visit Sun care for more information.

Causes of Discoloration:

Overexposure to sun's UV ray. UV rays penetrate the inner layers of the skin and cause a reaction that generates free radicals which appear as harmful and unstable chemical molecules
Hormon imbalance during pregnancy.
Use of oral contraceptives, certain type of antibiotics and cosmetic.

Type of therapies for discoloration:

External therapies

topical de-pigmentating agents
chemical peels
micro-dermabrasion
intense Pulse Light IPL

Internal therapies

MSCC complex- special combination of natural plant and seaweed extract that provides a source of potent antioxidants with strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Active oxygen - the root cause of skin troubles

2007-07-12T21:59:00.000+08:00

Acne, roughness, fine lines, spots, freckles, sagging etc, are the various kinds of skin troubles whose root cause is Active Oxygen.

What is Active Oxygen?

It is bad type of oxygen that triggers skin ageing and various lifestyle-related diseases. We cannot stop its generations as long as we take oxygen into our body by breathing. In addition, active oxygen is generated within the skin when it is exposed to UV-rays.

What is Singlet Oxygen?

A type of active oxygen that causes more serious damage to living bodies that other known types of active oxygen. It is generated within the dermis due to UV-A and is highly reactive and toxic. It deforms dermal collagen and elastin and damages fibroblast functions, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of ageing. Worse, it cannot be naturally removed once it had been generated, as there is no known enzyme that can weed it out.

How do you protect your skin and body from active oxygen?

The best solution is to keep your lives orderly and to release stress. Modern day life causes our bodies to produce excessive active oxygen. Under such circumstances, Astaxanthin - nature's most powerful anti-oxidant - is gathering a lot of attention in recent researches. Its anti-oxidant power is said to be about 100 -500 times beyond that of anti-oxidant Vitamin E.

Eye care tips

2007-07-03T21:03:00.000+08:00

Eye is one of the most delicate areas of the face. With proper care, the skin around the eyes can add youthfulness to your face. Here are some quick tips on combating wrinkles and lines around eyes:

Get plenty of sleep. At least 7-8 hours is recommended. That's when your body's skin system is repaired and your skin cells undergo a renewal process.
Always remove make-up with proper make-up remover tools. Left-over makeup will clog the pores.
Use sunscreen before applying moisturizer. Choose one which is non-comedogenic and doesn't irritate skin. This will prevent premature aging.
An eye moisturizer is a must! Keep eyes hydrated at all times and treat wrinkles with anti-wrinkle cream. Apply morning and night

Food as Medicine

2007-06-28T08:26:00.000+08:00

HEADACHE? EAT FISH!
Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches.
So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.

HAY FEVER? EAT YOGURT!
Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season.
Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.

TO PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA!
Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses my appetite and keeps the pounds from invading....Green tea is great for our immune system)!

INSOMNIA (CAN'T SLEEP?) HONEY!
Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.

ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!!!!
Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (when I was young, my mother would make onion packs to place on our chest, helped the respiratory ailments and actually made us breathe better).

ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH, TOO!!
Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system)

UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS - GINGER!!!!!
Bananas will settle an upset stomach.
Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.

BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!!
High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.

BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!!!
Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? EAT CORNFLAKES!!!!
Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.

MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS!
Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.

COLDS? EAT GARLIC!
Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)

COUGHING? USE RED PEPPERS!!
A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy.

BREAST CANCER? EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage
Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.

LUNG CANCER? EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!!!
A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.

ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE ALSO!!!
Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES!
Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment)

CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO!
Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!!!
Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!!!
The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.

FRUITS
Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E &fiber. It's Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants &flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits &protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young.........blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field........they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies)

Orange: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer.

Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients
found in watermelon are Vitamin C &Potassium. (watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn suv rays)

Guava &Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation.

Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (also good for gas and indigestion)

Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measure for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies.

Milk skin care recipe

2007-06-24T17:53:00.000+08:00

Milk is rich of lactic acid and works well to deep-cleanse and slough off dead skincells. It also contains essential proteins, amino acids and vitamin A to soothe and moisture skin, making it feel instantly softer.

Important : Milk is breading ground for bacteria if left at room temperature, so be sure you rinse away all traces from your skin after use.

Below are 2 easy recipes to get milk into your skincare regimen:

Milky cleanser - mix one tablespoon of milk to three teaspoons of aloe vera gel for a skin softening facial cleanser.
Milk scrub - mix one teaspoon full cream milk powder to one teaspoon of honey. Scrub gently on skin and rinse thoroughly with water to reveal more radiant skin.

Live in harmony with the sun

2007-06-23T00:27:00.000+08:00

Here are a few quick tips on living harmony with the sun:

avoid exposure between noon and 4pm
reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming, sports or during prolonged period of exposure.
beware of reflected sun rays. You can get burned even when wearing a hat or staying under an umbrella.
avoid using photosensitizing products (deodorants, perfume and cosmetics containing lemon, bergamot or lavender extract)
remember that at an altitude of 1500 meters, the skin is exposed to 20% more UVBs than at sea level.
Sunburn is dangerous, particularly for children.

Mole watch

2007-06-19T22:33:00.000+08:00

Pigmented moles are common, malignant melanomas are rare.
The danger signs to look out for are:

A mole that gets bigger
A mole that develops little moles around it
A mole that gets darker or lighter in color.
A mole that bleeds, itches or ulcerates.

A male hormone, a woman’s dilemma

2007-06-17T22:44:00.000+08:00

Tips for grown-up zits

One of the best things about being a grown-up is waving goodbye to those awkward years of adolescence. But there’s one thing we may not leave behind once we hit twenty one – acne.

Acne – blackheads, whiteheads and pimples – hits many grown-ups at some point in their lives, plaguing about 40% of women and 25% of men.

“Acne is triggered when the ducts connecting the sebaceous glands in the skin that dispenses oil to keep skin soft and healthy are abnormally overactive,” says Dr. Steven Chow, a consultant dermatologist.

“Excess of oil (sebum) and cells build up in the duct to clog pores with a firm, oil-soaked plug, creating an environment where bacteria and yeasts can thrive. The body’s immune system responds, inflaming the area.”

According to Dr Chow, there are many factors that can aggravate adult acne such as stress, inappropriate cosmetic items, medications and genetics, though it is widely accepted by most experts that hormones play a major role.

“Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by eating too many fast food hamburgers with French fries, consuming soft drinks, gorging on chocolate, thinking about sex or not washing your face.

“In adult acne, it is linked to hormonal imbalance, which is why grown men are less likely to suffer from it compared to women. In females, hormones go through peaks and troughs more frequently, brought on by changes in their cyclical physiology.

“The key to unlock how adult acne affects you is to understand the role of androgenic hormones, a class of masculine steroid hormones, and how it affects the skin.”

A male hormone, a woman’s dilemma

There are various androgenic hormones such as testosterone – developed in the testes in men and ovaries in women as well as the adrenal glands of both sexes – that prompt the production of the oily substance linked to acne.

“Flare-ups” can take place whenever the ratio of male-to-female hormones (androgens vs oestrogen) in the body changes, where there is an androgenic overdrive, ie more androgens than oestrogens.

This often ensues during adolescence, ovulation, menstruation, and childbirth, which also explains why acne is also common in women experiencing menopause.

During a menstrual cycle, the hormonal balanced is tipped off balance when the ovaries release the egg, causing the oestrogen levels to drop, or just before a menstrual flow, where progesterone, which has qualities of androgens, rises.

Progesterone is made in the adrenal glands and is essential for preparing as well as maintaining the uterine lining for a successful pregnancy, which leads to breakouts for many pregnant women during their first trimester.

Besides testosterone and progesterone, Dr Chow says that physical strain such as chronic severe sleep deprivation; binge dieting or gorging on junk food can activate stress related hormones that may also instigate acne.

“Stress exacerbates any disease and acne is no different.

“There is supporting evidence that indicates physical ‘tension’ can stimulate the production of corticotrophin, which sends the sebaceous glands that produce the sebum into a frenzy.”

This is in line with research published in 2002 and highlighted on CNN, which points to stress messing with hormones.

Stress stimulates the production of extra progesterone to help cope with the strain, where its androgen component can trigger acne.

“Men are not immune to stress and do experience ‘flare ups’.

“However, their bodies create high levels of testosterone throughout their lives, keeping their sebaceous glands at maximum stimulation,” commented Dr Chow.

This is why extra surges of hormone production in adult males have less affect on their acne when compared to women, Dr Chow explains.

“However, the good news is that adult acne is easily controllable via a healthy skin regime which can prevent it from becoming severe and disfiguring,” says Dr Chow.

Be gentle to your skin

The first most important thing for an acne-prone skin is hygiene.

It should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or over-production of oil to replace what has been washed off, clogging pores in the process.

Products with gentle exfoliation ingredient should be used so as not to irritate the skin.

Also skip products containing alcohol where possible as these can take off the top layer of the skin and cause the glands to produce more oil, further causing blocking of pores.

“If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do not pick at them.

“This can aggravate the risk of skin infection and acne scars. In terms of make-up, use a light skin moisturiser and oil-free makeup,” advises Dr Chow.

“Should acne suddenly start breaking out after having clear skin for years and over-the-counter acne fighters don’t do the job, seek help from your family doctor or a dermatologist.”

This is because a dermatologist can help tease out the possible cause, and more importantly, find the treatment, or combination of treatments, that works best for your skin type.

The first line of defence

There are a range of treatment solutions for mild to moderate acne, ranging from antibiotics, physical treatments and even birth control medications that a dermatologist may recommend.

Most commonly used and usually form the first line of defence to tackle adult acne are retinoids, which are related chemically to vitamin A and are used in medicine to increase skin cell turnover.

Touted to be the most effective type of medications for unblocking the pores of oil glands, they are generally ideal for non-inflammatory acne – whiteheads and blackheads – before they transform into red angry pimples.

“Established topical retinoids such as adapalene gel form the latest arsenal of prescription acne fighters to help skin cells shed normally and squeeze out plugged material in the follicle, rather than allowing them to accumulate in pores,” says Dr Chow.

“Depending on the patient, the newer range of retinoids can be used in combination with antibiotics and have shown considerably less side effects such as dryness, irritation as well as redness which plagued the older generation of vitamin A creams.”

In more serious cases

Severe acne is characterised by deep cysts, inflammation, extensive damage to the skin and scarring, where systemic treatment by a dermatologist is a necessity.

“If not treated properly, acne can leave angry and ugly scars in its wake, which will mark a person for life.

“Here, patients can turn to acne surgery, oral isotretinoin and hormone-modulating agents like contraceptives,” Dr Chow recommends.

Acne surgery serves to drain and extract large cysts that do not respond to medication. It should be done by medical professionals so as not to cause infection and scarring.

Isotretinoin is a potent drug containing vitamin A derivative that has shown to be effective on cystic acne and is consumed orally.

“Clear skin is possible for even the most acne prone adult. All it takes is getting the right advice, manage your skin prudently and in time it will heal,” said Dr Chow.

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